Kiliana eventually adjusted to the death of her mother. It wasn't a common occurrence among elves and it wasn't something that Kiliana had considered would happen, but together the city healed. After finally leaving her room, Kiliana still spent the first month after Tauriel's death sticking close to Legolas. Of course Legolas didn't mind. In fact he welcomed it. Kiliana was the last thing of Tauriel that he had and he was determined to keep her happy and safe.

After about a month Kiliana began to branch out again, becoming more like the little girl that she was before the tragedy. Legolas was happy to see her smiling again and spending time with others, but he was never far away. And Kiliana didn't mind. Legolas was her new lifeline, her rock. She knew she was safe in Rivendell but she always felt safest around the Mirkwood Prince. And they were satisfied with the way things were.

It wasn't until a few nights later though that Legolas realized that Kiliana needed more. He was putting the girl to bed when she asked, "Legolas, did you know my father?"

He paused before nodding some. "I didn't know him well," he admitted. "I met him when we arrested him and his party in Mirkwood, but I didn't spend any time with him."

"Oh, that's what Mama was talking about!" Kiliana exclaimed recalling the memory.

"She told you about that did she?"

"Not a lot." Kiliana grew sad. "She didn't talk about my father much."

Legolas studied the little girl. While she had many of Tauriel's features, she was clearly Kili's daughter. He made a decision. "Why don't we travel to visit your relatives?"

Kiliana looked up from her bedspread in surprise. "Relatives? Where?"

"Many of your kin live in The Lonely Mountains, just outside of Dale," Legolas said. "It might help to meet them. You can ask about your father and his family."

Kiliana bit her lip. "But what if they don't like me because I'm half-elf?"

Legolas had considered this. He wasn't absolutely sure how strict dwarves were about blood purity but he knew that they valued females highly since few were born to them, and Kiliana was the daughter of a prince, the last of the Durin line. "I'm sure they'll love you, and if they don't, it's they who will be missing out."

Kiliana thought about it. She really wanted to learn more about her dwarvish heritage, but she was afraid of being rejected by the only blood family that she had left. At the same time, she wanted to learn more about her father. "Will you come with me?" she asked quietly.

Legolas blinked in surprise. "Of course! As if I would let you go alone."

Kiliana gave him a small smile. "I guess we can go then."

Legolas smiled back at her. "I'll let Lord Elrond know and we can leave in a few days."

Kiliana nodded and settled into her bed for the night. "Good night Legolas."

"Good night starlight."

Elrond agreed that visiting Kili's kin would be good for Kiliana, but he did warn Legolas to be prepared that they reject her for her mixed heritage. It wasn't necessarily the mixed heritage that they would reject, but that she was part elf. Elrond also warned Legolas to be alert for potential assassination attempts. At Legolas's surprise Elrond explained that with the presence of one of Durin's direct lines, the throne would be thrown into chaos. As a female Kiliana couldn't inherit the throne herself, but if she were to have any sons, they would be the rightful heirs, no matter what their heritage. That was enough for someone to attempt a coup, and it had only been 21 years since the dwarves had reclaimed their home. Legolas ignored the painful clench of his heart at the thought of Kiliana leaving him and starting a family of her own, but agreed to stay by her side at all times.

Kiliana was packing the next day when Arwen came to her room. Legolas was off preparing the food and their horses. Arwen smiled as the young elf tried to decide between two different dresses. "Wear this one," Arwen suggested, picking up a dark green fitted dress with gold hems and a brown sash. "This one brings out your eyes."

"Thank you," Kiliana said in a small voice.

Arwen looked at her with soft eyes and sat on the bed. "Are you nervous about meeting your kin?"

Kiliana nodded. "Elves and dwarves don't really get along," she explained her worries.

Arwen nodded her understanding. "But dwarves are also very loyal to their kin. Once they find out who you are they'll love you."

Kiliana didn't say anything. Everybody had been saying the same thing but it did nothing to chase her worries away. It was easy for the elves of Rivendell to say that everything would be fine. From what she had heard of dwarves, they were a lot less patient than elves, and a lot less forgiving.

Kiliana finished packing her bag and set it to the side. Arwen sighed softly and stood up. "Let's go to supper. This will be the last time we get to eat together for a while."

Kiliana's eyes widened as she realized that it was true. She hadn't thought about the fact that she would be leaving Arwen, and the twins, and Elrond behind. Without warning she embraced the elleth around her middle. Arwen smiled gently and kissed the top of the girl's dark red hair before leading her to the great hall.

The next morning was quiet as many of the residents of Rivendell stood at the gates to see Kiliana and Legolas off. Elrond grasped Kiliana's hand as she mounted her horse. "Be safe little one. We look forward to your return."

Kiliana leaned down to hug the older elf. "We will see you soon."

With a wave at her family and friends, Kiliana left her home for the first time in eleven years.