Chp13

The next morning the sun rose slowly over the forest. Frost lay lightly in the trees, reminding all who saw it that winter was soon to be over the land. Blue skies above and crisp frost below greeted Tauriel as she stepped out of the house that morning. The world was at peace. Finally. She could feel the forest breathe a sigh of relief, now it had been returned to balance.

Today was the day that the dwarf travelers would continue on their journey to the Lonely Mountain. As everyone filed out of the house the children were excited and the adults were happy.

Tauriel and Kili stood side by side in the doorway to the little house. Tauriel remained silent as the two dwarf elders said their farewells.

"So you won't be coming with us?" Dwaylin asked Kili, motioned behind him toward the Lonely Mountain.

"No," Kili shook his head, "My place is here."

"Are you sure?" Unway asked, "We could use your help."

"You should be safe from here out," Kili answered, rocking back on his crutches, his one leg in a cast aZ already beginning to ache from standing this long, "You won't be needing me."

"So you'll be staying here then?" Dwaylin glanced from Kili to Tauriel and then back to Kili again. A deep frown turned his lips downward into his beard, "You're a good warrior lad," he said, "But I have to admit I don't agree with what you're doing with your life."

Tauriel stiffened, wondering what Kili was going to say in reply to this.

To Tauriel's surprise, Kili simply smiled. "That's fine, Dwaylin. I'm not asking you to approve."

Dwaylin nodded, "Alright. I'm not going to tell you how to live-"

"Thank you," Kili said, interrupting him mid-sentence, "You don't tell me how to live and I won't tell you how to think," Kili held out his hand, "Safe journey."

Dwaylin, was obviously taken aback paused for a minute. It was obvious he was trying to figure out if he should start a fight over Kili's statement or to let it slide. He gave Kili a hard look and then smiled despite himself, "Alright, Lad. Until we meet again." He took Kili's outstretched hand and shook it in friendship. A friendship despite difference.

Unway, the quieter of the two dwarves smiled as well, "Farewell," He paused for a minute, scanning Kili's features carefully, "I haven't had the chance to ask, but are you related to Thorin of Thrane?"

Kili glanced away, a smile still pulling at his lips, "Not that I've been told."

Unway, surprised that he had been wrong, shook his head, "Are you sure? I traveled with him when he was young."

Kili shook his head, "No. Sorry."

Unway raised his eyebrow, "Alright then. Thank you for your help and hospitality," He paused, glancing at Tauriel for the first time, "Thank you both for your hospitality."

Tauriel was pleasantly surprised and she nodded to the dwarf, "Anytime."

Together the two leaders walked to the edge of the trees. The rest of the group followed them silently, and before very long the entire company had disappeared into the woods. Tauriel listened as their footsteps faded into silence. They disappeared as quickly as they had come.

Kili sat down heavily on the cold ground and groaned, "Well that took effort."

Tauriel looked down at him, "Just a little. I was afraid that old dwarf Dwaylin was going to punch you in the face."

Kili looked up at her, "Yeah he was thinking about it."

Tauriel sat down beside him, "But he didn't."

Kili's smile widened, "No. He didn't."

"How did you know he wouldn't?"

"I didn't."

"Do you think he'll ever change his mind about us?" Tauriel looked at the forest where the dwarves had disappeared.

"Them? No. Or at least they'll never admit it."

"Then what was the point?" Tauriel was surprised.

"Because I still have my pride." Kili flashed her another grin.

Tauriel rolled her eyes, "Stubborn dwarf."

"Yes," Kili nodded, "Yes I am."

Tauriel felt a chill wind blow by them, and she hugged herself. "It's going to be a cold winter."

"Yes."

"I need to get us some more firewood," Tauriel tried to get up but Kili grabbed her arm, holding her back.

"Why hurry?"

Tauriel leaned back on the front step on the house, "It will get cold if I don't get us some firewood."

Kili grabbed Tauriel's hand, "Or..."

She looked at him, feeling confused, "Or what? We'll get cold tonight."

Kili cupped her chin in his hand, "I know of another way we could keep warm."

"Thicker blankets?"

Kili smiled, kissing her softly, "You silly elf."

Tauriel laughed, wrapping her arms around him and pulling him closer. "Yes. Yes I am." She kissed him long and hard. This would be her life now. And she had to admit she was looking forward to it.

The end

epilogue coming soon

a.n thanks for the feedback everyone