Chapter IV.

Ivanneth 13th 2942 T.A

Deep in the halls of Erebor, was the rowdiness and shenanigans of dwarves. The loud music and the yelling were nothing but tradition, finally celebrating the restoration of the Lonely Mountain. The extended tables were lined with everything that could be imagined, whole roasted cow, pigs and goats turning on spits. Countless cheeses, breads, sweets and lets not forgot the waterfalls of wine and ale that were getting devoured by the flaming spirit of the dwarves.

Boisterous laughter from both the men and women echoed through the populated halls. Thorin's heavy voice broke the wild conversations that were among his family and the families of the company "Listen up lads and lasses" he added that last bit after receiving a glare from his younger sister Dis. "I would like to give thanks to everyone who made this feast possible and helped with the renewal of our beautiful home. I give a welcome to the Lord of Dale and his family" A united cheer was given.

"Also we kindly give our best wishes to the courting of Fili and the lovely Sigrid. We hope our families and races can come together as one" An even bigger cheer erupted after the announcement of the upcoming ceremony between the human and the dwarf prince. Thorin had eased up to the idea of mixed-race loves, the unfortunate thing was that all it took was his youngest nephew losing his beloved. He realized that it was not who one loves but love itself and how treacherous it can be.

Thorin finished his speech with more words of thanks and gratitude, while Fili was certain that his back was now bruised from the congratulatory whacks he received. The feast continued all through the night slowly dwarves bid goodnight to their loved ones and trying to get some sleep before it was dawn in a couple of hours. Kili had somehow found a leftover bottle of Gloins rum, well at least he thought it was ale and started to roam the halls. He was trying to avoid sleep no doubt about it. Every time he slept his dreams would take him to a forest clearing where she would be already waiting for him. Sitting on a rock with her long red hair touching the soft grass and the large fire moon above her surrounded by tiny bright specks.

Every night it started the same she would be looking down and singing to whoever was listening.

'Moonlight, above us

Show me

A shining star

My child will be born

And I need someone to care for my'

She would stop and look at Kili "Where have you been tonight?" Tauriel usually asked with the biggest smile on her face obviously pleased that he had arrived. Kili would always sit next to her and tell him of his day and what had happened. The beauty would get up walked towards the dark trees and whisper those words he always dreaded "Return to me." And then she would disappear in the nightfall.

"Tauriel, I miss you like stars miss the sun in the morning sky"

Fili found his brother walking up and down the golden floor and decided to join him. Kili noticed his brother walking towards him and immediately felt guilty that he had worried his brother enough for him to leave his betrothed in the middle of the night. "Fili, what are you doing here?"

"I should be asking you the same thing Kili? You should get some sleep." Fili retorted stealing the so called ale and taking a swig, clearly being too strong for his standard of alcohol. "How the bloody hell does Gloin and Dwalin drink this straight?" amusing his brother.

"I'm asking myself the same question" Kili laughed back pulling the exact same face his brother did. "Sorry for getting you out of bed, I just cannot sleep knowing she is there waiting for me then waking up to realize it's just a dream" Fili was certain that it was the rum that was making him speak up about the she-elf, he hardly spoke about it at all.

Fili understood completely, his brother was the first one he told about Sigrid. Kili was the happiest for his brother out of everyone, he did not harvest any negative feelings towards those who found love. Just angry with himself that he could not have that life with Tauriel.

"As much as you wanted a new life with her, I believe that Tauriel would have wanted you to feel content with your new life here surrounded by your family." Fili tried to think of the most comforting words but somehow didn't quite find the words his brother was looking for. Kili gave him a reassuring smile "Thank you Fili. You know I'm quite looking forward to your wedding, drinks all around, except this god awful stuff." He kidded, completely changing the mood and the subject.

"I totally agree" Fili said decisively before taking another swig and winced. Kili sniggered at his reaction. "You think this is funny" he grinned back finally hearing a laugh he had not heard in quite some time.

"I'm sorry that you drink like a woman, brother" Kili was still somehow laughing which surprised him a lot. Fili joined in and the brothers continued down the golden path joking about the mischiefs at dinner and wondering how tolerable everyone will be tomorrow after the big night that had just passed.

After some silence as they made their way back towards their rooms, Kili broke it with words that deeply sadden Fili. "I feel like I am waiting for something that will never happen. For the short amount of time I knew her, I did feel something for her." He smiled downheartedly and hugged Fili "Thanks again brother" Fili hugged him back but was completely lost as to why his younger brother thanked him. With that both brothers said goodnight and went to bed.