Reforged and Strengthened

by jezzibee83

A sequel to Reforged. Reforged and Strengthened follows the Reforged Universe and the lives of our favorite Sons of Durin and their elf, Tauriel. Watch as they fill their lives with adventure, love, and family in a world they earned through hardship and battle. Read Reforged first.

5. ACT I Chapter FIVE

Updated September 28th, 2021

Original Authors Note: Enjoy. That is all. Seriously. Go ahead.

Chapter Five

Over the next several weeks, the mountain was bursting with activities. Once everyone was settled in their chambers with their belongings, Thorin and Balin began assigning marketplace spaces to get the merchants up and running as soon as possible. With trade open between Mirkwood and Dale, materials were already pouring into the mountain and gold pouring out.

Leotti herself was given a beautiful shop. Tauriel watched with amusement when the little blonde jumped at Balin when he showed her the space and presented her the key.

The older dwarf went slightly pink when the small dam latched onto him, but he chuckled when Leotti pulled away and practically bounced over to Tauriel with excitement. "TAURI! Look! I have my own shoppe. It's even bigger AND better than the one in Ered Luin! Look at all this space!"

"I see Leotti. It is well earned and given to the most deserving." Leotti gave Tauriel a hug of her own and the pair spent the remainder of the day getting the shop set up. Leotti was the one to push her closest friend out the door when it began to get too late.

Despite the hour, Tauriel could not stop herself from visiting Vin and Tarrah on her way out of the market. They were setting up their own space with Viltarra just in the back.

Like Leotti's shoppe, the bakery was large and spacious. Gone was the small cart or stall they used to work from, and in its place Vin and his family now had both a decent sized kitchen interior for the baking and preparation of their wares, a beautiful open area upfront facing the market path which came complete with counterspace that spanned the entire width of their shop to display their goods, and even more space that wrapped around the side of the kitchen for a private seating area, extra prep space, or whatever they choose.

To keep the entire bakery closed off from unwanted visitors, a section of the counter lifted, working as the entrance to the space outside the kitchen. The kitchen itself had a large functioning window facing the display counter and the path, and a door that could be locked to keep the place secure.

The bakery was not far from Leotti's shop, just a few doors down. Both shops, along with several others along the same wall, were nestled into a space directly underneath the second floor, so it was as if they were carved out of the mountain wall itself. Tauriel could even see a few support columns throughout the open space in the bakery. The other shops were like Leotti's and were completely enclosed with display windows and doors.

This was the largest of the markets in the mountain, and was considered to be the main marketplace of Erebor. Most of the merchants have been assigned spaces here, unless otherwise requested.

Tauriel could see many of the shops and stalls had already been opened for business in their time away, Balin had certainly been busy. Though, at this hour, the merchants in these stalls and shops were currently putting their goods away for the evening.

It is likely that within the next several months, this entire marketplace will be booming, from the front entrance all the way to the large doors to the forging room. This particular area of the market that Vin's family and Leotti had been assigned, was near the end of the path between the shops and stalls, where it began to loop around past the forge then back up towards the front once more. If she turned around, she knows she would be able to see the forge nestled against the far wall. She did not know why, but that was a comforting thought.

Maybe Fili will start to work it when his responsibilities allow him too, then she can help as well. It does not look as if that particular forge has been assigned to anyone yet, maybe Thorin wants to keep it in the family. The mountain housed a giant forging room, the massive doors to the room being directly beside the forge itself, so the small forge was not necessary to keep the mountain running. So, it really would not surprise her in the least if her uncle preferred to keep it for himself and his family.

Turning her attention back to the bakery, Tauriel waited until Viltarra saw her and the dam walked up to greet the elf. "Are you settling in well?" Tauriel asked with a small smile.

"Yes. This is probably the nicest marketplace we have been to. We even have our own chambers. It is very…overwhelming I must say." Viltarra bend down and pulled up a box before placing it on the counter. She began slowly unpacking labels, display sheets, and several odds and ends Tauriel assumed were necessary for this area of the stand.

Tauriel scrutinized the blonde for a moment as she watched her pull item after item from the box. "Have you never had chambers before?"

Viltarra shrugged, spending more time than necessary looking over a small book she had just pulled from the box, then sighed. "My family typically sleeps in the stalls we work in. The fire from the stoves keep it warm and we are accustomed to hard ground beds. It has never been a problem, just our way of life. It feels, odd, to be thrust into a life such as this."

Having spent four months on the road looking for Kili several years ago, then all those months with the company going on their quest for Erebor, Tauriel could understand a life spent among the land and stars. Still, she did prefer a bed if she was honest with herself.

"I do love being under the stars." Tauriel began. "But I am most grateful, especially in this condition, to have a soft mattress to come home to."

Viltarra nodded in agreement, her eyes falling to Tauriel's obvious pregnancy. She would miss being outside, but these halls have their comforts and…she looked at Tauriel's easy smile…maybe even friends.

Tauriel smiled and was about to leave, when she remembered she had made plans with Leotti for the next day, and she had told her friend she would be sure to invite Viltarra as well. "Viltarra, the weather is to be rather delightful tomorrow, so Leotti and I are going for a walk and bringing some lunch for a picnic, would you join us?"

Viltarra looked around at the mess of their stand then back at her parents who were setting up the inside kitchen space. "I really shouldn't. We have a lot of work to do here."

Seeing the boxes, crates, and chests littering the counter spaces and floor, Tauriel did agree there was a lot of work to be done. "Perhaps I can come down to help in the morning, and then we can go together?"

Viltarra sighed and looked back again at her parents, her mother was hanging out the wide-open window of the kitchen, nodding emphatically at her.

Viltarra rolled her eyes and Tauriel chuckled. "I will be here at first light."

Viltarra watched the elf leave and shook her head as her mother berated her for nearly saying no to royalty, again.

As promised, the following day, Tauriel in all her pregnant elven glory walked into the stand. Her normal dwarven style furs were replaced by a soft cotton top belted at the waste, and trousers tucked into leather boots. She looked less like a royal elf, and more like a dwarf ready to spend a day laboring.

Viltarra looked her up and down then lifted an amused brow. "Exactly what, and how much, do you think we will be doing today? You look as if you are about to go work a mineshaft."

Tauriel grumbled in response. "I cannot find anything that fits properly. I just dropped off a few things with Leotti. She promised to attempt to take them out while we set things up here. This is Kili's top and belt, they are all that will fit comfortably. I feel…large." She ended with a frustrated huff.

"It will only get worse as that one grows. Best get used to needing new things." Tarrah laughed as she came around with a plate of warm buns, placing it on the table. Tauriel grumbled a bit more but grabbed a bun and happily joined the small family in getting things set up.

By lunch, Leotti had joined them with a bundle of Tauriel's things under one arm, and a basket of food in the other. With a quick goodbye, Tarrah shooed them all out of the bakery after passing Viltarra a bag of fresh buns. Soon, two dams, and one elf were making their way outside into the warm, late spring weather. Summer, was truly on its way.

The warmer seasons were always Tauriel's favorites, and she sighed happily as she leaned back on the small blanket, closing her eyes and turning her head towards the sun.

"What happens now? Since everyone seems finally settled, that is." Leotti's voice pulled the eleth from her sunbathing, and Tauriel opened her eyes to a set of brown and olive looking right at her. Oh. Right. She would be the only one to know.

Tauriel hummed and sat up, tucking her legs into her side as she leaned against her hand and looked at the dams watching her. "A few things. First, there will be of course the coronation at the end of the week. I believe Fili and Kili are meeting with Bard today to help with the last few details on a vault to keep the cities gold, but I am sure more trade negotiations are at hand between both Dale and Mirkwood. The only other thing I know of, is I have also been told six dwarven lords will be coming to visit in the next several weeks. I am not entirely sure what for, but, Dis had mentioned it being necessary to reattach old ties and reaffirm allegiances."

"Six lords? That will be quite the visit. I am sure everyone will be in an uproar while they are here." Leotti reached for some cheese and bread, while Viltarra passed a bun to Tauriel.

Looking at Leotti, then to Tauriel, Viltarra considered the pending news. "I suppose with Erebor being central to the dwarven people, it is important to make certain the other dwarven kingdoms realize the mountain is strong. Though I do not envy you having to deal with dwarven lords, Tauriel. My da has had to more than once as we have to get cleared to enter and sell wares in other settlements. They can be right difficult to work with." Though Viltarra had never had to speak to them herself, she had heard enough horror stories from her father to know how hard they can be to handle.

Tauriel sighed. "Well, they certainly cannot be worse than Thranduil. I spent most of my life working with him directly, and more than one arrogant guard captain or elven emissary, so I will just wait and see who comes. Perhaps it will not be so bad." She bit into her bun, ignoring the skeptical looks the other to girls were giving her.

Tauriel looked at the green all around her. They had found a perfect spot on a small hill covered in fresh grass on the side of Erebor just off the path but near the gate. They were not completely alone, the eleth doubts neither Thorin, Dis, or Naurfaer would even allow that with her being pregnant. Two guards were standing in the distance near the mountain where they can see the three of them and interfere if needed. It was the condition she was given to be able to leave Erebor.

Not just her though, Tauriel had to remind herself, but for the two other dams with her as well. It was not as if Thranduil did not care if something happened to her when she lived among the elves of Mirkwood, but this level of protection and concern for her wellbeing was not something the eleth was accustomed to. Leotti and Viltarra, however, did not bat an eye or even grumble at the stipulation, as they were used to being all but hidden away by their people. Tauriel sighed and grabbed another bun before peering at the path leading to the city and smiling wide, the annoyance leaving her instantly.

"You see something…what is it? It is Kili, isn't it? That is your Kili smile." Tauriel rolled her eyes as a pink blush warmed her cheeks. She was certainly pinned by her closest friend. Nothing, gets past Leotti.

Sure enough, when both Viltarra and Leotti looked at the path, they both saw five figures coming towards them. Two of them they instantly recognized, one of course being Kili, who led the group closely followed by Fili, and just behind the two princes were three humans, the lord of Dale, and his two daughters.

Neither Viltarra nor Leotti had met Bard or his family, so Tauriel could understand the confusion and questioning looks on both dams faces as they approached. She rose from her place on the ground as the group got closer, and walked the small distance to greet them. Leotti and Viltarra did the same, but remained somewhat behind the eleth.

It was uncommon for dwarrowdams to be outside their dwellings without anyone with them, but neither was afraid, just slightly unsure. Even when Leotti visited markets, it was always within the protection of the dwarrow with her, and she was required by her mother to wear a cloak at all times.

On the same note, despite Viltarra residing in mixed cities as well as dwarven settlements her entire life, her father was never far, and hovered protectively over her and her mother wherever they went. It was Viltarra's mother who put her foot down when she noticed friendship blooming between her daughter, and the eleth. Vin was hesitant to allow his daughter to leave the markets, let alone the mountain, but Tarrah said she was of age, and Viltarra was old enough to make decisions for herself, which included leaving the mountain. So, Viltarra was, reluctantly by her father, given free range to go wherever she pleases on her own…though preferably with her new elven and seamstress friends.

Although, technically, they were not completely alone, Kili and Fili were here, and they had two guards watching the interaction in the distance. Both guards had even taken a few steps closer to the group, getting into position to lend their assistance…if necessary. It was not, however, since Bard was welcomed to Erebor whenever he needed to visit.

With a beaming smile, Kili finally reached the group. "Amralime!" Tauriel leaned in to receive a peck on the lips from Kili, rubbing his nose with hers as she pulled away.

Stepping around his brother, Fili smiled at his sister in greeting, then turned to the two behind her and cocked his head. He had yet to speak to Viltarra since arriving and finding out she was…well…a she. He shuffled nervously, afraid to open his mouth and say something ridiculous. Instead, he remained uncharacteristically silent causing even Bard to eye him with interest.

Tauriel, who was giving Fili a curious look of her own, shook her head and turned back to Kili. "We were just having a picnic. Care to join us?"

Kili, however sighed. "As much as I would love nothing more, we are to meet with Thorin and Balin. But, Sigrid and Tilda wanted to come and see you, so we thought we would bring them along for a visit."

Tauriel smiled widely at the two daughters of man. "Hello again. It is very good to see you both well."

"You are getting so big!"

"TILDA! That is not what we say!" Sigrid chastised.

Bard's eyes grew wide at his youngest. "Tilda! Forgive her Tauriel, you are quite glowing." He then looked down at his daughter, placing a hand on her shoulder. "We will be having a talk about how to speak politely to others later, young lady."

Tauriel laughed and squatted down to eye level with the young girl who was looking up at her sheepishly. "Worry not. I am unharmed in every way. But, you are quite right. I am soon going to outgrow even that great mountain behind me." Kili rolled his eyes and tutted while the others laughed.

Truthfully, though Tauriel was showing, she really was not as large as one would think someone to be at eight months pregnant. Still, Tauriel sighed forlornly. "I am afraid only Kili's clothes fit me presently. My friend Leotti here was kind enough to mend my things so perhaps I might wear something of my own once again."

Just realizing she had not yet made introductions, Tauriel stood and indicated to the two dams just behind her. "Before you go, allow me to introduce my friends. This is Leotti, daughter of Estea and a very talented seamstress. She is my closest and dearest of friends here at Erebor apart from Kili and Fili."

Leotti giggled and gave a small bow; Bard and his daughters giving her a nod back.

Tauriel then gestured to Viltarra. "This is my newest friend, Viltarra, daughter of Vin. She and her family own the bakery in the market. Her sweet cream cheese buns are most delightful."

Mirroring Leotti, having never been formally introduced before, Viltarra gave a small bow of her own before Tauriel continued. "Leotti, Viltarra, this is Bard of Dale and his two daughters Sigrid and Tilda."

"It is an honor to meet you both." Bard then turned to Tauriel. "Perhaps I can trust my daughters with you Lady Tauriel, as we really must be getting to our meeting."

Tauriel nodded and Bard smiled gratefully. "Girls, please return home when you are finished."

"I will personally see they get there safe." Bard gave Tauriel another grateful bow and joined Fili and Kili back to the mountain.

Tauriel stood next to Tilda who was tugging at Sigrid's skirts, the young woman leaning down to her sister who whispered…rather loudly. "Is Tauriel sure they are ladies? They have beards Sigrid, girls don't have beards, only boys do."

"Hush Tilda." Sigrid grew red with embarrassment and began stammering out apologies, but Viltarra and Leotti both smiled and laughed.

"For you, that may be odd. But for us, your bare face is quite a sight to see." Leotti laughed out, easing the tension.

Tauriel had grown so accustomed to being around dwarves, that she rarely noticed the differences anymore. She would not even say what Leotti and Viltarra had were even beards in the traditional sense, as both dams had their facial hair end just below their cheeks, and their chins remained bare much like Dis's. Though Viltarra's was rather wild and unkept, so it looked a bit…bushier…than the other dams. Leotti's beard, however, was as immaculate as the dam herself, and was always curled into ringlets along with all the hair that was not in the braids crowning her head.

The eleth gestured to the blanket a few feet away. "Come. Have a seat. We have some treats still remaining if you are hungry. How goes life in Dale?" With that, all five females settled down on the ground, two human, two dwarrow, and one elf; communing together and laughing under the warm golden sun.

The proceeding week went by quickly. Fili had told Kili and Tauriel, as they sat together at breakfast in the main hall, that all the ravens sent out have now returned from the distant clan lords both to set up trade and to announce their arrival, to convene the council to solidify Thorin as king, and to give fealty; meaning Erebor would have their support in the future should they need it.

"There would need to be meetings with the lords and quite a bit of negotiating." Tauriel looked in disgust as more food was falling out of Fili's mouth as he spoke, then making it in.

Dis smacked Fili on the shoulder in disappointment. "Manners Fili. Really. I raised you better. Close your mouth when there is food in it. We do not wish to see that." Fili shrugged and smiled as he continued shoveling food both in his mouth and on Tauriel's plate. Some things just never change.

"I am quite looking forward to that! I have been practicing my negotiating skills." Fili dropped his fork, food fell from Kili's gaping mouth, and Tauriel stared at Naurfaer who looked excited for the upcoming events to occur.

"Absolutely not." Thorin's voice rang out.

Nonplussed, Naurfaer continued eating.

"That would be wise, after the incident with Dain, Bard, and the elves a few months ago." Balin muffled out.

Fili looked to his cousin, who was currently laughing at something one of his men had said. The burly red-headed dwarf seemed the picture of calm. He then looked at Thorin and Balin. "What did we miss?"

"Well laddie, it happened shy a week of you three headin' to Erid Luin…" Balin began.

Naurfaer smiled as he walked through the warm halls of Erebor. He hoped Tauriel was doing well on her trek back to the blue mountains. It would be two months before he would see her again and as much as he wanted to go, he knew he could be of more help here.

Though nobody seemed to be wanting to ask for help. He even tried divvying out the gold for all the members who were in Thorin's company as contractually promised…"that did not end well." The elf thought as he recalled Thorin dragging him from the gold chamber mid-count. He would have to begin all over again.

Naurfaer stopped as he came across a rather frustrated looking Lord Dain Ironfoot. "Lord Dain, what a pleasant surprise. Might I be of service?"

Dain eyed the elf skeptically "No' unless yeh 'ave a few extra 'ams. We lost quite a bit in the battle, and the boys be needin' em."

The elf looked puzzled for a moment, then brightened. "I happen to know how to get you some if you would like. Worry not. I will get right on it."

Dain was impressed, clasping the elf on the shoulder before walking towards the large kitchen where his men were gathering. Though he did call back, "Great. I will leave yeh to it. Thanks lad."

Naurfaer smiled and turned to head to Dale to speak with Bard. He happened to know the city had quite a few pigs, obtaining ham should be easy. He quickly found the master of the town winching up some stone carved bricks to complete a wall. Everything was coming along quite quickly, and the city now looked less like a ruin and more like a livable town, now that the snows had slowed.

"A little to the left Ayden…perfect. Now bring her down!" Bard was calling out instructions to a young, teenage, boy who was guiding the brick into place.

Naurfaer watched patiently until the ladder holding the young man gave a crack. The elf's quick reflexes caught Ayden before he hit the ground, saving him from serious injury.

Bard jumped down from the platform containing the winch, and ran up to them just as Naurfaer let the young man, barely older than a boy, go. "Well done, Naurfaer." Bard praised before turning to the young man. "Are you alright Ayden?" The boy nodded, then offered his gratitude to Naurfaer, before going to inspect the ladder he had just fallen from.

"You have my thanks for that. To what do I owe the honor of such a visit?" Bard gestured Naurfaer to follow him as he went back to reload and lock the winch.

Naurfaer rocked on his toes. "It appears I am in want of some pigs. Perhaps we can work out a trade for a few?"

Bard stood straight and rubbed his chin in thought. "I think we might have some, but I am afraid they may come at a cost unless you think you might be able to procure some wine. I would happily speak to Lawrence about letting several go for a few barrels. We are supposed to have a small celebration tomorrow evening, but spirits are non-existent at the moment."

Wine. Wine. Wine. All he knew they had in the mountain was ale, and a few drinks that would certainly be too strong for a human to handle. They had yet to even get any wine for themselves. An idea popped into his head, though it was not one the ginger elf was overly fond of, but if it could get him the pigs for Dain's ham, then it was worth it.

"I think I can get you some. I shall have it to you by tomorrow." He looked around the still ruined city and up at the dark grey skies. A storm was coming, he would bet his blade on it. "Perhaps you can move the celebration to Erebor? It looks as if it is going to rain, and I know for certain Thorin would want to solidify your people's friendship. Such a gesture would surely do so."

Bard looked uncertain. "Are you sure? The mountain king seems less then…hospitable…when it comes to his home and uninvited guests."

Naurfaer nodded jovially. "Of course, you know you have an open invitation to the mountain whenever you want to come. But, I will speak to him about it. Plan on being at the mountain tomorrow evening with anyone who wishes to celebrate. I will personally speak with Thorin, if he is against it, I will let you know."

Bard clasped Naurfaer's hand in gratitude. "That would be wonderful. Thank you. I will inform the others."

Naurfaer smiled and nodded. He went to turn away but paused. "Might I borrow a horse?" Bard signaled for him to follow and Naurfaer was passed the reins of a tall brown mare. He had a bit of a ride if he was to reach Mirkwood by tonight.

The rains came just as Naurfaer crossed the border to the woodland realm. He nodded at the guards at the gates and jumped off his horse so he could enter the city. It took only some convincing for the guards to allow him a meeting with Thranduil even this late in the evening.

When the tall elf entered the throne room with a flourish of robes and grace, Naurfaer just lifted his eyebrow, unimpressed in every way possible. There was no way he was bowing to that peacock display. He did, however, force a smile on his face. He needed to be civil if this negotiation was going to go well.

"Naurfaer. I had not expected to see you in these halls…voluntarily. Why have you come?"

If Naurfaer was in any way intimidated by the elven king, he showed no sign of it. "I come to see if I might procure a few barrels of your finest wine. I am willing to make a trade, of course."

"Of course." Thranduil droned as he sat in his high throne staring down at Naurfaer. "I was unaware the king under the mountain had a desire for such a thing. He has not written it in his recent missives."

"Oh, no no. I am here on my own. I am afraid it is pigs we need in the mountain, to get the pigs, Dale is in need of wine. I am simply working as a go between." Naurfaer clasped his hands behind his back and rocked on the balls of his feet.

Thranduil seemed to consider this. "Verry well. I had neglected to request some iron ore in my last message to Erebor. Perhaps some ore for the wine."

"That we have. I am sure it will be yours." Thranduil nodded dismissively. Naurfaer turned to leave but stopped when Thranduil called his name.

"Dale does not normally request such things. For what is their need of wine?" The king lifted his own wine goblet to his lips, clearly not ready for this little…meeting…to be finished.

Naurfaer rolled his eyes before he turned back to the throne and shrugged. "He said they were celebrating. The weather does not seem fitting, so I suggested they come to Erebor to do so. I will be speaking to Thorin on my return."

Thranduil thought for a moment then hummed. "Ah, that would be the celebration of the changing season. We too have a festival of such an event here in Mirkwood. Welcoming in new life."

Naurfaer never was part of any such celebrations, being part of a clan outside the woodland realm. Well technically, he only lived with that clan, they were in no way his own unless you counted by marriage. It was the clan of his daughter's husband, Findyyr. That was neither here nor there, however.

Thinking to himself, Naurfaer's mind lit up with an idea for the years to come. If Dale and Mirkwood would be allies, why not align similar celebrations. "You should combine your festivities with those of Dale. The more, the merrier and it would do well to strengthen your relationship if I might be so bold to say so."

The elven king lowered his goblet and looked thoughtfully down at Naurfaer, then nodded. "A wise suggestion. I will take you up on your offer. I will make arrangements to be at Erebor with the wine barrels tomorrow. Tell Thorin we will be bringing the food for all who attend, and extra wine for the festivities, of course."

Excellent, he got the wine. Wait…did the king of condescending just say he was coming to Erebor? Valar above. He meant future celebrations. He better go speak to Thorin. They did have a much better relationship now, the dwarven king and the elven lord, maybe this was for the best. Naurfaer turned to leave without much ado and rode for the entire evening through rain to get to Erebor by mid-afternoon the next day.

Not having much time, Naurfaer marched through the halls in search for the king under the mountain. It took him nearly an hour, but he finally found Thorin covered in soot and debris, hollering orders to similarly covered dwarrows.

"Fill that hole and let's try to relight." The dwarven king called out as he pushed a large iron door into place on what looked to be some sort of giant furnace.

Naurfaer watched curiously as they followed Thorin's instructions, grabbing a torch, lighting the fire, then stepping back quickly as the furnace blazed to life. It looked as if nothing untoward was going to happen, until suddenly there was a great cracking sound and the mountain groaned, before Thorin bellowed for water. "ITS NOT GOING TO HOLD! SMOTHER THAT FLAME BEFORE IT FRACTURES THE ENTIRE UNIT!"

The flame was quickly extinguished and Thorin sighed in frustration. Seeing he had a chance Naurfaer approached the king who was assessing the furnace beside Balin and Dwalin. "If I might have a moment Thorin. I need to request permission for some guests to visit."

"Try adding some more filler onto the entire surface and let it set." Thorin, only half listening to Naurfaer, instructed Dwalin who nodded and went to work.

Naurfaer stepped closer to the dwarven king who was running a finger through a large crack on the surface of the furnace, and huffing. Nonplussed, the elf continued, assuming Thorin was listening. "It would be for the benefit of the people of all three cities, and give shelter for some much needed festivities."

The elf then went into detail about the trading for the pig, the wine, and the elven king needing ore, which he will be picking up tonight as he will be coming to the celebration with some of his people. He would also be providing food and wine for all.

Thorin nodded distractedly, still not even looking at Naurfaer. "Mhm. Balin how long do you think it should set before we get it lit again. I want this furnace operating before they get back."

Assessing the crack, the amount of filler, and time to get it stabilized…Balin looked to the dwarven king. "Shouldn't be but an hour Thorin."

Naurfaer watched and waited. "Well, do you approve?"

Thorin gave him barely a glance then sighed, he really did not have time for interruptions, especially Naurfaer sized interruptions. "Whatever you need is fine, go ahead and handle it as you see fit."

Thorin turned back when there was a crash as a piece from the top of the furnace fell to the ground. "Nori! Get that section supported! Quickly! If we lose any more, this furnace will be useless."

"It's already useless." Dwalin muttered, kicking a piece of rubble across the ground.

Seeing he seemed to be dismissed as all the dwarves ignored his presence, Naurfaer left the room to go speak to the master of Dale, and to return the horse. He smiled to himself as the animal he borrowed trotted along the path to the human city. Bard will be very glad to have the celebration tonight inside the mountain, he just hoped he would not be upset about the elves joining in.

As it was, Bard met him near the gates, taking the reins of the horse as Naurfaer jumped down. "Well?"

"Thorin gives his permission. Thranduil will be bringing the wine, and if you do not mind, himself with several of his own people as well. They too are having a celebration, and I may have suggested combining such things would make the evening much more merry."

Bard's eyebrows rose in surprise, but he nodded all the same. "You are quite the ambassador, Naurfaer. I will give my suggestion for such a title when I see the dwarven king tonight. I will make sure to have your pigs as well."

Smiling brightly, Naurfaer made his way back to the mountain to get ready.

Thorin was well past exhausted as he crested the stairs to the main floor of the mountain. It took another three hours, but they were able to stabilize the final furnace and get it lit. At present, it is still holding so it looked as if they were in the clear.

"My lord, where do yeh want the guests, they are assembling in at the gates."

Guests? What is this all about now, he internally groaned. "What guests, Dukhal?"

The dwarven guard shifted. "The men from Dale and the elves of Mirkwood, meh lord."

Thorin's brows lowered, and he quickly pushed past the guard and made his way up to the overhang as men and elves laughing together, funneled into the main entrance hall. "Does somebody want to report to me what is going on?!"

"Aye. Naurfaer said yeh agreed to a celebration tonight. Tha' is all I know my lord." The guard at the gates, one of Dain's men, Ovi, supplied as he too looked across at the guests entering the mountain.

Celebration? Fire and forge what is that elf up to. He knew he should have insisted he go with Tauriel. Thorin ran down the stairs and nearly collided with Bard.

"King Thorin! Well met. I wanted to thank you for opening your halls for my people. I never doubted our alliance, but I must say, this was a surprise of the greatest sort. Please accept this barrel of wine as a personal gift. You have quite the ambassador in Naurfaer."

Thorin gaped and slammed his mouth shut before he said something he would regret and gave Bard a nod before turning around. Thorin instantly regretted it, however, as he came face to face with the elven king himself, who was looking him up and down appraisingly. "Well, if it is not the king under the mountain. I did not expect you to be wearing the mountain to the celebration. We have sent the food to the kitchens. Join us when you are ready."

Thorin was losing it, and quickly. He gave the elven king a small nod as Thranduil passed by, though the elf let his cold, narrowed, eyes follow Thorin's retreating back.

Many of the dwarves were just standing and watching the parade of men and elves with bewilderment and slight annoyance until they heard tale of food and wine, then they began to mix in with the current of guests moving towards the great hall.

"Naurfaer, I have your pigs." Bard indicated to a cage of fine swine just as Dain walked in.

"Well, by Mahal above. What is all this about? Cousin?!" Dain looked at Thorin then at the few men, elves, and pigs still in the entrance hall.

Naurfaer lifted his head at Dain's voice then frowned when he saw a dirt coated Thorin glaring darkly at him. Bard watched with interest as Naurfaer walked up to the seething mountain king.

Thorin attempted to cool his temper and took a breath before forcing his voice to calm. "Would you like to tell me what is the meaning of all this, Naurfaer? Because I feel like this has something to do with you."

Confused, Naurfaer looked at Thorin. "It is the celebration I told you about earlier today, the one you agreed to."

Thorin tried to think back to any conversation he had with Naurfaer, and his mind clicked on those few minutes inside the furnace room. He had known Naurfaer was asking for something, but he was so distracted he just essentially waved the elf away.

Thorin sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. He had thought with his nephews gone any…shenanigans…would have been eliminated. Clearly, he had been mistaken.

Seeing as Thorin was not raging and he had not kicked anyone out…yet…Naurfaer smiled brightly and turned to Dain. "I got the pigs you requested, by the way. Had a right time getting them. Had to trade from Bard who wanted wine from Thranduil, who wants some iron ore from Erebor, by the way. Said he will be taking it home with him."

It was Dain's turn to look confused. "What are yeh on about laddie. Why would I wan' some pigs?"

Naurfaer huffed. "You were upset yesterday; said you were in need of some ham."

There was a moment of silence before Dain's laughter burst through the entrance hall. "Yeh great loon, I said RAMS." He accentuated the R's this time. "We were in need of some rams. They help the boys with heavy liftin'. Whatever would I do with ham? Wait, yeh spent all day between Dale and Mirkwood to get me some ham? Thorin, this lad is worth 'is salt in entertainment." Dain leaned heavily on Thorin who had his arms folded and was still glaring at the elf.

"Ah. Come now Thorin. Lad's already got the party here. May as well go an' enjoy it…after yeh clean up cousin." Dain lifted an arm and dusted off the dirt which had transferred to his own sleeve. "Come on lad. Looks like we got a party teh get to." There was already music, and from the sound of it singing and dancing as well.

Thorin was left standing alone, still wondering what in the name of Mahal was going on. A rumble followed by a small explosion shook through the room loud enough for him to hear, but too quiet for all in the hall to have heard over the music and cheers.

"And that would be the furnace." Thorin growled, running a hand up to massage his temples before sighing and lifting his eyes skyward. Well, nothing he could do about that furnace tonight. Giving up, Thorin turned to go up to his chambers to change so he can make an entrance to the party in HIS mountain. He will be partaking of wine…lots and lots of wine.

Fili and Kili roared with laughter as Balin and Dain finished the story. "Can't say tha' party was half bad. Good wine at least."

Naurfaer folded his arms at Thorin's glare. "I traded and negotiated very well thank you, and I believe I was the one to actually fix the furnace. If you had simply asked for my help from the beginning…"

"There would not be such an entertaining story!" Tauriel smacked Fili who was now on the receiving end of Thorin's Durin glare of death.

The dwarven king huffed then took a sip of water from his goblet. "The answer is still no. Who knows what you will turn over or agree to."

Dis patted the elf on the arm from her place beside him. "More than that Naurfaer, I do not think the lords will work with an elf. I am afraid even our Tauriel will more than likely not be allowed inside the negotiation rooms." Tauriel looked at Dis surprised, she had not known that.

Seeing Tauriel's look, Dis elaborated. "Not just because you're an elf dear, but, the lords do not feel it is a place for females. We will be hard at work trying to win the wives over, however. A much more…delicate job."

Tauriel sighed. She had been part of Thranduil's court and been in on nearly every negotiation as his guard. It was not new to her to be part of such things, but she nodded knowing she will at least be helping somewhere. She took a sip from her cup and continued her meal.

The few remaining days in the week progressed with little incident and Tauriel spent much of her time between Leotti's shop and Viltarra's family bakery. She was growing to like the blonde baker quite a bit, and those sweet cheese rolls were unbelievably good.

However, she would not be doing any visiting today. The coronation will be taking place that evening, which is why Tauriel was pacing back and forth in the chamber rooms.

It was several days before that Thorin had called her to his study on a day Kili was helping Fili in Dale. The two princes were working to solidify plans on what repairs the dwarrow could help with and supplies needed to complete them. As such, they were gone seemingly more and more over the last week, but Tauriel was happy to remain behind and help anywhere she could. Though she had not yet been personally needed by Thorin.

When Tauriel finally entered the warm office, Thorin gave her a welcoming nod but turned his eyes back to the scroll he was currently going over. Seeing he was a bit preoccupied, the eleth took a seat and waited patiently, though she was a bit apprehensive as to what Thorin wished to see her for.

They sat for several minutes in near silence, the only sound being the occasional scratching of the quill on parchment from Thorin's desk, until the chamber door opened and Dis came in carrying a wooden box.

"Fret not dear, you are white as a ghost. There is no trouble to be had. Thorin and I just wanted to prepare you for what is to happen in a few days time." Tauriel visibly relaxed the tension she had not realized she had been showing and gave a small smile to Dis who set the box on Thorin's desk and turned to Tauriel.

In the weeks they had been back in Erebor, Dis looked almost like a completely different dam. She still wore her braids, though several more intricate ones had begun to make their way into her dark hair that fell down her back. She also wore more regal clothing, rich furs, jeweled belts, and a circlet of beads over her brow. In no way was she over adorned, it all suited her. However, it is far different then the simplistic styles she wore in Ered Luin.

There was no mistaken this dam's station in Erebor; she was royalty, and her entire being radiated it. Tauriel could not help but compare the style to her own simple frock. She was running out of things to fit in and for the first time, she felt lacking in her appearance compared to these two regal beings before her. She brushed the nagging thought away and focused on Dis as she waited for Tauriel to acknowledge her.

Tauriel's cheeks reddened when she realized Dis had been staring at her for several minutes trying to get the elf's attention. "Forgive me, Dis. My mind has been…muddled as of late. I often feel my thoughts are not my own."

Dis waived Tauriel's apology away. "It is fine dear. I had two children of my own. As much as I do not wish to worry you, I feel I should warn you…it will only get worse. But, the end is very much worth it." Tauriel placed her hand on her belly and nodded in agreement.

Dis smiled and looked to Thorin who signaled for her to continue. "We need to discuss a few things about the coronation with you, Tauriel."

The dwarven coronation. Tauriel did not quite know what to feel on it. Balin had always hinted that Tauriel would be coronated alongside her dwarven family as a princess of Erebor, due to her marriage to Kili. He had even said once she would be, but she never really thought it would be a reality.

Being accepted by a small settlement? Sure. This was no small settlement though, but a dwarven kingdom. In her time here, she has already been the subject of petty gossip, had things thrown at her, and been told on more than one occasion to go back to her own home.

Each instance was always when she was alone, and they never threw anything that would harm her, mostly food. As for the gossip, apparently it has not circulated to all the dwarrow not from Ered Luin, that she was fluent in Khuzdul. If they did, they would probably think twice of the things they said, which made Hydann's comments sound kind.

Dis and Thorin were always so busy with their new roles, Tauriel never told them. As for Fili and Kili, Tauriel had no desire to create a scene, which undoubtably Fili and Kili would have immediately done, so she kept all these instances to herself. She did not want to cause any tension in their new home, so she let it go in hopes that the others who did not know her, would eventually get used to her.

Tauriel did ask Naurfaer once if he was boding well, but he just looked confused and said a quick of course, that he had never known the dwarrow to be so hospitable. His confusion turned to concern as he began questioning Tauriel, but she deflected his concerns stating she was just making sure he was being treated with kindness. She quickly had excused herself before he could ask more and went on her way.

So, with all that in consideration, Tauriel did not even want to ask about the coronation everyone was eagerly preparing for. Since nobody seemed to approach her for preparations, she assumed she would be standing in the front row or off to the side somewhere. Tauriel was not prepared for hearing what Dis said next.

"I know things have been, bustling, this last week but we wanted to make sure you were prepared for what is to happen." Dis sat down in the chair beside Tauriel as Thorin leaned forward with his hands clasped on the desk, listening.

"Tauriel, first and foremost, I do not want you to put too much stress in what I have to tell you. What is to happen is all just a formality; Thorin is king under the mountain with or without the coronation, Fili is crowned prince, Kili is second in line to Fili, and you and I are ladies of Erebor, princesses if you will." Tauriel nodded, some more of the tension leaving her shoulders.

"There is not really anything you need to say or do, which is why there is no real need for preparation or rehearsal. Dain will run the ceremony, as closest living descendant of Durin outside our family. He will announce Thorin as King, Fili and Kili as his heirs, and you as an official princess."

Tauriel sat up straight, pausing Dis right there. "Is that necessary? Won't that upset some of the dwarrow who do not know me?"

Thorin lifted his head in puzzlement. "Nâtha, has something happened we do not know of?"

Nâtha, the Khuzdul word for daughter. Thorin had recently began calling her that, almost as a pet name more than anything. Though she suspects it is also to help dwarves from other settlements know she is a protected member of the family.

Tauriel looked between Dis and Thorin both eyeing her with identical looks of concern. "Nothing I did not expect or have not already gone through, I assure you both I am unharmed. Though I do not wish to add to any…tension…in the mountain."

Thorin sighed and sat back as Dis shook her head. "Daughter, you must let us know if you are experiencing any troubles from the people. We cannot help if you do not tell us." Tauriel gave Dis a nod. She knew Dis meant well and would do what she could, but it really was futile.

It would take time for the dwarrow, outside those from Ered Luin and the few who got to know her in Dain's army, grow to accept her. Force would only cause animosity and resentment. Tauriel would stick to her earlier convictions. She did not wish to bring any more trouble to the mountain. Especially not before the coronation. Still, she gave a nod of understanding to Dis, but said nothing more.

Sensing she was not going to elaborate or add anything, Thorin stood and came around the front of his stone desk. "Ered Luin accepted you, Tauriel, give them time and the new clans coming will as well. This, will help."

Thorin picked up the wooden box Dis had brought in, and passed it to Tauriel who sat it in her lap. It was not a large box, and curiosity got the better of her as she lifted the lid to look inside. She reached in and carefully pulled out an elaborate circlet.

"Kili helped design it. As you can see, it has elements of wood and stone. A merging of elven and dwarven styles. You are both elf, and dwarrow, so we wanted you to have a symbol befitting that." Tauriel looked up at Thorin, her eyes misting before she looked back at the delicate and intricate piece in her hands.

True to Thorin's description, it had the elements common in the halls of Erebor. Harsh lines pointed up in an ascending then descending manner with each housing a brilliant emerald that sparkled in the firelight as she tilted it this way and that in her hands. The designs peaked on a large, round, moonstone that almost glowed directly in the center where it would sit on her brow. Woven between Erebor's bronze elemental designs, were delicate silver vines complete with tiny leaves. It was unmistakably a combination of the two races perfectly intertwined together as if it was always meant to be.

"I cannot say how beautiful this is, it defies all words and praises." Tauriel's eyes fixed on the circlet as she took in every detail.

Dis hummed in agreement with the praise. "We all have new circlets, and Thorin a new crown, designed by one of the master crafters who came with Dain's caravan. It is only yours Kili wanted to help with, though, he did have his set to match yours in a few ways. You will see when the time comes."

Tauriel placed the circlet back into the box and Dis stood to remove it from her lap, placing it back on the desk, then moved to stand beside Thorin as she continued her instruction. "We will arrive together once everyone has been seated. Dain will say a few things, Thorin will be crowned first, then Fili and Kili, then you." Tauriel nodded, that was simple to remember.

Placing her hand on Tauriel's curved belly, Dis smiled. "We should also announce the impending arrival of this one here too. Usually there is a separate ceremony, but it was supposed to happen much sooner into the pregnancy, so unless you have any objections, we will make the announcement that evening. It is, after all, a bit obvious by now, so it should not be new news."

There was a round of chuckles as Tauriel nodded in agreement, placing her own hand beside Dis's on her son. "I quite agree, but, I do not feel comfortable with others outside our family knowing that I am in fact, carrying a boy."

Thorin nodded understandingly. "Kili thought the same. I had asked him and he vehemently refused to allow that to be common knowledge. He fears it would make you too much of a target, knowingly carrying an heir to the throne. Although, it is most likely presumed to be male given our races propensity to generate males over females."

Looking at Tauriel's belly, Thorin smiled. "Female births are, in fact, much more revered and honored than males, even among the crown. It is not males queens are trying for, but females. There are so few among our people, and without them, we cannot exist. I remember when my mother gave birth to Dis. Forget that there were two male heirs, she had the greatest celebrations, the most elaborate gifts, and her birth was announced far and wide among the dwarven settlements. Males are nothing to females. We, are old hash."

Thorin finished as Dis snorted, bumping her brother in the shoulder. "You are only upset, brother, because I got a better receiving than even you did, as the first born and heir to the great throne of Durin."

Thorin smirked and turned his blue eyes back to Tauriel, getting back to the matter at hand."I agree with Kili, nonetheless, it is best knowledge kept from those who may have a target ready for that type of news. Our family will know, none other."

Tauriel nodded, smiling softly as she rubbed where her son kicked. "Thank you, both of you. I have discussed the same concerns with Kili. I am fully on the same line as he."

With nothing left to talk about, Thorin clapped his hands together, walking back to his desk to resume his work as Dis walked towards the door, Tauriel rising to follow. "I have a meeting with someone I want to introduce you to. Do you have the time?"

Tauriel gave Dis a small smile. "Of course Dis, lead the way."

They walked in silence through the halls and up to the medical wing. Tauriel threw Dis a questioning look, but the dam gave nothing away as she pushed open the door. It was one of the offices next to Oin's, the dwarven healer himself standing beside another older dam. He had his horn secure to his ear as she was speaking quietly to him, but both stopped when Tauriel and Dis entered.

"My lady, it is a honor to have you here." Dis nodded to the elder dam and gestured to Tauriel.

"This is my daughter, Tauriel. Tauriel, I would like to introduce you to Gildridd. Gildridd is a healer who has knowledge in both the dwarven and elven races. She is also said to be trained as a birthing nurse. I thought she would be a good fit for you in your final months."

Tauriel took in the elder dam. She had a long, very full, beard nearly matching Balin's in length and thickness. Her grey hair was pulled back in a tight bun with simple braids and beads woven into the hair atop her head. Her face looked stern, but she had it set in a kind, relaxed, smile. Though her grey eyes had no spark or twinkle, they still shone bright.

The elder dam inclined her head in greeting. "It is an honor, mistress Tauriel."

"Tha' would be lady Tauriel Gildridd. She is no mistress, lass." Oin quickly corrected. The dam gave a small nod of the head with her mistake.

"It is fine." Tauriel broke in, but the dam shook her head and rectified her error. "No, he is right. Forgive me, my lady."

Tauriel only nodded as Gildridd indicated to the chairs and offered everyone a seat. Crates sat in the corners and a few chests looked opened as if she had been working on unpacking just before they arrived.

Tauriel sat and clasped her hands in her lap, unsure of this new dam. She was perfectly content with having Oin lead her care, but Dis kept insisting getting a dam in as a birthing nurse for the expecting elf. She had suggested sending for a healer of Mirkwood, but the only one Tauriel trusted was Ivethin, and she was Mirkwood's head healer and necessary for the elven city and people. Tauriel was not about to pull her friend and mentor away from her responsibilities, if there was another who could help her in these halls.

The expecting eleth listened as Gildridd went into detail of her times spent among the elves in Rivendell, all of the experiences she had delivering babes of all races, and her desire to be the one to have the honor to bring the first babe into Erebor's re-awoken halls.

Every question Tauriel had, the dam answered, even the ones she used to test the older dam's knowledge. Correct, each time. The eleth looked between Gildridd and Oin, still unsure.

Sensing her apprehension, Oin added, "It may be fer the best lass. She is quite knowledgeable, bu' I will be here if yeh need me. I am no' goin' anywhere."

Tauriel felt Dis place a hand over hers in her lap. "I wouldn't suggest it if I did not think she would be good for you."

"Of course. I thank you Dis for seeing to this. Gildridd, I would be happy to have you." The dam gave a bow of her own and they all watched as Oin left the room.

Then, the questions began. "How far along are you with child?"

"Just over eight months by now. Should be only another five before this one is due to enter the world." The dam nodded and picked up a piece of parchment and a quill, then began scratching away. She asked about Tauriel's diet, tutting at the list of foods she was eating, then inquired of her sleeping schedule, and even her intimacy with her husband…which Tauriel flat out refused to even answer.

"I do not see that as relevant or necessary information." Tauriel stuttered, going red. Her and Kili had an extremely healthy, and loving relationship. But that was for her and him only, she was not going to tell someone she just met that even this far into her pregnancy, and after more than a year of marriage, the two could hardly keep their hands off of each other anytime they are alone together.

"It is nothing to be embarrassed of. You will find with age these things matter less and less." Gildridd scribbled another note down with a frown.

Tauriel narrowed her eyes. "Age? I am 602-years-old. I do not think myself a young pup."

The dam, however, chuckled lowly. "So young for an elf to be expecting. Is it not until you reach the age of 1000 years that you are considered a fully mature adult? Seems you still got a ways to go my lady."

Even Dis laughed at Tauriel's indignant face, but the healer dam ignored her, scratching away at the paper. She finally put the quill down and looked at Tauriel.

"Now, there are some things I want you to prepare for. One, your moods will be getting worse. It is simply a fact of pregnancy I have found in every race. Suspicion, irritation, and paranoia are all normal things to feel as you progress. There will also be an increase of sickness I have witnessed in nearly every cross-race pregnancy. It is simply your body adjusting to the growing child in its final stage with such mixed parentage. An elf and a dwarf should not be too different than the few elf/hobbit births and elf/human births I have taken part in. Both exhibited severe illness to the point of bed rest. Just continue to eat foods on this list and hydrate and you both will be fine. Finally, rest will be your best ally. You will most likely find yourself sleeping more and longer. Allow your body to do so without fighting it. Do you have any questions?"

Tauriel looked at the list, all very lean meats and vegetables which she was quite happy for, but no breads, sugars, or sweets to be heard of. "Gildridd, Tauriel is small as it is. Would it not be wise to have more, substantial meals, for her?"

The healer raised an eyebrow at Dis but politely shook her head. "Not so my lady. If she eats these on regular schedules she will gain and be fine. It is likely she will be severely ill, so eating these nutrient rich foods will give her body the chance to pull the things it needs before it expels it. Fatty foods will offer nothing but fulfilling unnecessary cravings, since it will likely come up anyway, best give her something she can get nutrients from."

Tauriel had already had experience with being sick more and more the further into pregnancy she got, her bounding baby boy being no help as he kicked constantly when he was awake. Still, despite the sickness it causes, she loved him for it. His energy reminded her of her Kili.

Having no other questions, the two left the office. Dis was quickly able to read the look of apprehension on her daughter's face, before the eleth covered it up. "I can keep looking Tauriel, if you wish me too."

However, Tauriel just shook her head. "No, she is…I mean…she will be fine. If Oin and you trust her, I will as well."

Having gone their separate ways, with Dis going to her own chamber, Tauriel entered into her room and walked out to the veranda, looking over the city as the sun began to set. Kili should be getting home soon, in fact. She looked down to see two familiar shapes just walking up towards the gates.

Tauriel leaned far over the balcony to watch both Fili and Kili as they disappeared further into the mountain. She knew neither of them could see her, as the veranda had the ability to see out, but was hidden enough for the royal family's protection for them not to be seen from the ground. With a smile, and a sigh, she walked into the room to await her husband's return.

The day of the coronation came which brings Tauriel back to the present, as she continued to pace the room looking through her options of things to wear. Her precious other half had disappeared somewhere, so it left her alone to try and figure something out that would be appropriate for a dwarven coronation.

A sound came from the sitting room, which had Tauriel leaving her bedchamber to see who had come in. Of course, it was her wayward husband who stood beside a large box currently placed on one of the chairs in their sitting room. Kili beamed proudly as he watched her eye the box, and then him. "And what is this, meleth nin?"

"Well, I may have kindly asked Leotti to help with making you a new dress for the ceremony tonight. She just finished it. She wanted to stay, but had to get herself ready so she said she will see you later at the feast."

Tauriel eyed the box then slowly walked towards it. "Kili, Leotti is overwhelmed with setting up her shop. I would have made do with what I have." She felt Kili come up behind her and wrap his arms around her waist, lifting himself enough to place his head on her shoulder and watch as she fingered the ribbon neatly tied around the box.

"Yes, but, this is a coronation. Even Fili and I have something new to wear. If you had arrived in one of your regular things, mam would have had a fit. You deserve all the finest my star." Tauriel's spine tingled with the caress of his breath near her ear, and she hummed as she relished being in his arms. He pulled away, indicating for her to open the box, then stood back and watched as Tauriel finally pulled the ribbon and lifted the lid.

Inside, was clearly a new gown. The dress was deep blue, lined with bronzes and silvers. The colors for the house of Durin. She smiled at the touches of deep green on some of the hemming. This gown would match perfectly with her new circlet, and she knew she had Kili to thank for that. "Thank you, meleth nin. I love it. It is truly breathtaking."

"It was Leotti who made it, I just had some suggestions." He leaned up and gave Tauriel a kiss before turning towards the bedchambers to dress himself. He made sure to help Tauriel lace up her own gown, which fit perfectly, even the length was perfect for her height.

A benefit of Leotti making all of Tauriel's clothes is the little dam knew her measurements almost to the T. It had a princess cut waistline, which allowed for her belly under its yards of layered fabrics, accentuating her condition in an extremely flattering way. Leotti was a marvel, that is to be sure.

"Beautiful." Kili's eyes shined as he took Tauriel in. Her gown was a perfect match to even his own tunic and coat. Combined with their circlets, they will be a complete pair. Tauriel placed her forehead to his and closed her eyes. She was happy. Extremely happy.

Kili ran his fingers through her long curls Dis and a few dams had helped her put through her hair. Apart from her four family braids, her hair had been half secured in an elaborately braided bun at the back of her head, with the remainder falling down her back in loose curls.

"I do prefer your hair down my Tauriel, but this will do." Tauriel giggled and drew back but not before nuzzling his nose with her own. "Ready?" Kili nodded and took her hand in his. "With you beside me? Always."

Tauriel watched as everyone piled in through the entryway and into the massive, three storied, golden floored, throne room. The four being coronated, along with Dis and Dain were already standing tall on the raised platform directly in front of the throne. With the hall filling quickly, it was easy to tell that more and more dwarrow were arriving every day.

The mountain was so large, Tauriel found that she rarely bumped into her Ered Luin friends. Apart from helping Leotti with opening her shop, Tauriel had not had a chance to even see her, as combined with getting things organized, the small dam has already been receiving a multitude of new orders these last few days.

Viltarra, Tauriel only saw whenever she went to visit the market. The dam rarely made it up for meals or away from her bakery, which was getting busier with each passing day. One thing Tauriel did notice, however, was the young blonde baker seemed to be avoiding Fili like he was the plague. What he did, Tauriel did not know, and it seemed neither did he. Honestly. Males were males, regardless of the race.

The eleth did smile, however, when she finally spotted her short, blonde, friend who was walking in next to Viltarra and her parents. They all did come, good. They took their seats and Tauriel caught Leotti's attention, gesturing to her gown and mouthing "Thank you." Leotti beamed and nodded from her place beside Viltarra.

Once everyone was seated, or standing on the upper levels, Dain called attention in his booming voice, causing the room to silence instantly, and the ceremony to begin in Khuzdul.

"Today is a day teh be remembered fer generations to come. The day we crown the rightful king under the mountain. Step forward, Thorin, son of Thrain, grandson of Thror. Step forward, son of Durin."

Thorin stepped before Dain, who gave his cousin a proud smile. "Thorin, do yeh swear teh honor yer people, yer ancestors, and yer homeland. Do yeh put the good of your kingdom before the good of yourself. Do yeh promise teh raise yer axe for Erebor and its sister kingdoms for as long as yeh reign?"

"I swear it." Thorin bellowed.

Dis, who had the honor of placing the crowns and circlets on their heads, pulled a crown from one of the four boxes. She had opted out of being coronated, saying it was unnecessary since she already went through it as a child.

The daughter of Thrain rose the crown high for all to see and called out, "Here stands Thorin Oakenshield. Now and forever, King, under the mountain. Long may he reign!" She placed the crown high on his brow and stepped back. The moment she did, the room erupted with cheers and cries.

After a few moments, Thorin rose his hands to silence the room once again. "My people, I declare my heirs to my crown, my nephews. Princes Fili and Kili, sons of Dis."

Dain stepped forward again to address the two princes who now stood beside Thorin. "Fili, First son of Dis, Daughter of Thrain. Do yeh also swear to stand by our king. Teh protect 'im and our people. When the great king falls, do yeh accept the mantle of his succession and take yer place as King under the mountain?"

"I swear it." Fili immediately answered.

Dis placed a crown on Fili's golden head and followed it with a kiss to his brow. She then turned to Kili, who Dain began to speak to next.

"Kili, second son of Dis, Daughter of Thrain. Do yeh also swear to stand by our king. Teh protect 'im and yer kin before yeh. When the great king falls, do yeh give yer axe and yer counsel to yer brother and stand beside 'im until the day 'e too falls? Do yeh give yerself to the protection of these great people, and your counsel to those who need it most?"

"I swear it." Kili called, allowing his voice to ring through the halls proudly.

Dain whispered quietly, "Good lad." as Dis placed the circlet on his head and repeated her action of placing a kiss on his brow before stepping back, the room once again filled with cries and cheers until Thorin raised his hand for silence.

"I now call forward Tauriel, Daughter of Findyrr, Granddaughter of Naurfaer, and Daughter of Dis by marriage to prince Kili." Tauriel could feel her heart pounding as she stepped forward to stand beside Kili. Dain once more stood beside the elf, he gave her a reassuring smile and mouthed, "It'll be fine." He then called to Tauriel in a loud voice.

"Tauriel, wife of Kili. Do yeh swear to wear the mantle of yer husband, but more…do yeh accept these dwarrow of Erebor as yer own people? Do yeh raise yer swords and yer bow in protection of this mountain and all who dwell inside? Do yeh stand by this king as yer own and accept 'is word as law? Do yeh swear the give yer counsil as needed, and teh teach and guide yer children, the heirs of this very kingdom in the ways of the people that they may rule wisely under the watchful eye of mahal?"

"I swear it!" Tauriel yelled out without hesitation.

There was a brief moment of silence before the room filled with loud, echoing, cheers. Leotti jumped up to clap with many of Ered Luin's dwarrow and all of the original company. Vin, Tarrah, and Viltarra too rose to their feet to add their approval to the crowd. Maybe she will be fine. Maybe the dwarrow coming to Erebor will grow to love her too.

Dis placed the circlet on her brow, and followed it with a kiss as she had done for Kili an Fili, and Thorin gave each of them a proud smile as he waited for the cheers to die down before making the final announcement.

"Finally, I ask that Prince Kili and his wife, Princess Tauriel step forward." Kili took Tauriel's hand and the two took a step forward to stand beside Thorin.

"It is a time honored tradition to announce the upcoming birth of a child of the royal family. It is usually done much earlier, but giving the circumstances, it has been delayed. It falls to us now to uphold this tradition as I proudly announce the pending heir, the son or daughter of Kili and Tauriel. May they arrive healthy, happy, and know of the love it will have surrounding it."

Cries followed the announcement with many hearty congratulations. It was common knowledge, so Tauriel and Kili both knew it was more a formality than an actual announcement. There was really no hiding Tauriel's condition any longer anyway, she was obviously with child.

The double doors opened wide in the back when things began to settle down once more. Balin stepped through beside Naurfaer who was carrying the "Arkenstone" in a glass case. The gem glowed and shined bright for all to see.

The silence that filled the room was ripe with awe as the dwarves of Erebor took in the stone, the symbol of their strength and power.

On his way by, Naurfaer turned sparkling eyes onto Tauriel, smiling proudly at her before following the path up to the king and kneeling low on the ground and presenting the stone. Balin lifted the glass and Naurfaer waited as Thorin stepped forward to pull the stone from its soft bed of velvet. He looked at the gem, then thrust it high in the air.

There was scraping of seats as the dwarrow stood and chanted. "Long live the king! Long live the sons of Durin."

Thorin's smile spread wide and one by one, the rows of dwarrow silenced as they bowed low to the ground to the family standing before them. They were excused row by row, exiting out the front to be given the chance to both give their respects to the family and see the stone up close.

When the masses had all but left, Naurfaer pulled Tauriel into a tight hug and whispered how proud he was of her and her choices that led her to a family and love she deserved but was robbed of.

Thorin too pulled each of them, Dis included, into a tight embrace. This time, he only slightly flinched when Naurfaer joined a second later. He was slowly coming to see him as family which is why he had personally asked the elf to bring the stone in at the end of the ceremony.

There was a feast that was to follow that evening, but with several contracts for Thorin to sign, a resting period of a few hours was called for those cooks in attendance to continue preparations, and give the king time to sign the many documents placed before him.

Kili, Fili, and Tauriel had some to sign as well, but they were much fewer in number, so the three of them were released to take a break. Spotting Leotti beside Viltarra, Tauriel looked down at her husband. "Kili, do you mind if I sneak away for a time. I wish to speak to Leotti and Viltarra."

"Of course, amralime, I will see you soon." Her husband gave her a final smile before he joined his brother who was chatting with one of the newer dwarves. Tauriel turned away, weaving through the masses to get to her blonde friends.

"My lady." Leotti bowed with a twinkle in her eye when Tauriel had finally reached them.

Tauriel rolled her eyes. "Stop it. You are my friends. There is no need for that and you know it." Leotti giggled, and Viltarra gave her a smile.

"Tauri, I need your help." Tauriel looked down at Leotti who was practically vibrating with excitement and nudging her head in Viltarra's direction.

Tauriel lifted a curious brow as she nodded. "Anything Leotti, what can I do to help?"

"Hold this." She thrust a bag in Tauriel's arms and immediately grabbed Viltarra who yelped in surprise as the smaller dam began dragging her towards the corridor leading to Leotti's room.

Tauriel stood blinking for a second before Leotti called back still dragging Viltarra. "Come on Tauri, are you going to help or not?" Tauriel jumped into action and began to follow Leotti who was fast, even with her short legs.

Tauriel followed the dam into her room and stood unsure of what to do. "Sit!" Leotti ordered, so the eleth sat on the bench beside the door before Leotti rolled her eyes giving Tauriel a look of frustration. "Not you, Tauri! Her." She pointed at Viltarra who was glaring at Leotti. Tauriel smothered a laugh and rose from her place to join her friends in the middle of the room.

"What are you doing Leotti?" Viltarra groaned when Leotti began gathering brushes, hair pins, sheers, and scissors then placed it all on a small table as Tauriel caught on and dragged a chair for Leotti to sit in.

Viltarra turned a look of betrayal onto the eleth, who she thought was her friend. "Are you in on this too?"

Tauriel smiled but shook her head. "I am afraid you have been in the know as much as I. I have learned, however, when Leotti gets like this it is best to let her be. Fighting will only cause pin pricks."

Leotti huffed, placing a hand on her hip. "I am not sewing anything Tauriel, and I do not prick you unless YOU move. Who knew elves fidget so much? Aren't you supposed to be living statues?"

"You dwarves are the statues, you're the ones that come from stone…and I do not fidget." Leotti threw Tauriel a 'right' look and continued gathering things before stepping towards the bag she had at the coronation. She pulled out a dress with a fitted bodice and long, layered skirts. She then pulled a short vest coat, belt, and ribbons to sinch it with.

Viltarra eyed the dress nervously. "Leotti, what is that?"

Hands back on her hips, Leotti narrowed her eyes at the other dam. Tauriel thought it looked amusing since Leotti had a brush firmly in one hand and scissors in another. "I think, Vil, you know what a dress is when you see one."

"First off, don't call me Vil. I have told you time and time again. My name is Vil-TARRA. If my parents wanted me to be called Vil, they would have named me Vil. Second, I know what a dress is LEO I just don't know why you have it out."

Unphased, Leotti pushed the dam into the chair and began attacking her wild mane. "We are getting you ready for the feast, which will include dancing. Don't you want to attract a nice dwarrow? I happen to know one in particular who seems to keep staring at you."

Leotti sent Tauriel a wink and Tauriel smiled knowingly. She too caught the eyes of a certain golden-haired prince who kept turning his eyes to the vicinity the baker family sat the entire coronation, it did not take her much effort to realize he was staring at a certain dam, who was avidly not making eye contact with him.

Viltarra jumped up, the brush ripping from Leotti's hand and sticking in the thick waves of her hair as she turned and pointed a finger accusingly at the shorter dam. "No! I know who you are hinting at, and you and I both know that is futile. He and I will never be."

Tauriel looked sadly at the blonde and stepped forward, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Viltarra, do you like Fili?"

The dam turned narrowed eyes at Tauriel then sighed. "No…yes." She sat on the chair, hard. "But it is not meant to happen. I am nothing. A baker's daughter, not the daughter of a lord or a known dwarven family. He is the next in line to be king. It can never be and will never work."

Tauriel knelt down to her friend. "Viltarra, I am just a silvan elf, if I can be with Kili, why not you with Fili if he returns your attachment."

Viltarra looked questioningly at Tauriel. "Silvan? What is a Silvan?"

The eleth rose and gently untangled the brush from Viltarra's waves and stepped back, asking for silent permission to continue working on her hair. Viltarra eyed her warily, then huffed and sat back in her seat, gesturing her permission for Tauriel to continue.

Leotti looked slightly astonished, but went to get the dress ready as Tauriel began attacking the nest of waves on the dams head. At least it was cleaned of flour. "Silvan is a class. It is the elven equivalent of the working class, common folk. We are no lords or ladies. I just happened to not have a family that I knew of at the time. When my parents were killed, Naurfaer found me and handed me to the Mirkwood prince. I was raised in Thranduil's court among the higher Sindar elves, a ward of the kingdom, but still, naut but a lowly Silvan elf. Yet, when it came to it with these royal dwarves, I was accepted. Perhaps there are different circumstances, but they knew what Kili felt for me and what I felt for him. He is my one."

Tauriel smiled softly, her hand pausing in the tangles as she thought of Kili. She looked down at Viltarra who was staring blankly at the wall beyond. "Maybe Fili is your one." Tauriel finally said quietly.

The dam snorted, "Doubtful."

Tauriel only shrugged and continued brushing. "Still, would it not be worth it to see?"

"I don't even know him!" Viltarra argued, folding her arms in the picture of petulance.

Leotti rolled her eyes. "Then get to know him! Be friends first and see what happens. Even I can see he stares at you like a lost puppy. Which is why, we are here. No better way to catch a male then with a little make-over." Tauriel giggled and Viltarra squirmed in the chair.

"I have never had a make-over...or owned a dress." She looked at the gown as if it were a foreign being.

"Then this shall be your first of many. Now, about that nest of a beard..." Viltarra's eyes went wide as Leotti approached menacingly with freshly sharpened shears.

Tauriel finally joined the family at the high table as the feasting was about to begin. Kili gave her a smirking side-eye just as Dis let out a breath of relief. "There you are! I was about to send Aeodhen after you child. Where have you been?"

Tauriel looked at Kili who shrugged and took a sip of ale. He leaned in and whispered, "I tried to tell her you were with Leotti, but mam's been frantic regardless. She seems to think something is meant to go off wrong tonight."

Tauriel nodded in understanding and turned back to Dis. "I was helping Leotti with a small favor. I apologize for nearly being late, it turned out to be a bit more then we both thought."

Dis gave Tauriel a questioning look but the elf grabbed her own goblet of water and began to drink, trying to ignore the look. Her husband, who was shaking his head beside her, knew she would give nothing away until she was ready.

The food was brought out and everyone started dishing up. Tauriel had grown to love the hearty and comforting foods of the dwarrows, and she was looking forward to the feast tonight like any other in the mountain. At the moment, she was starving, so without hesitation, she reached in to scoop up some potatoes…that is until someone behind her cleared their throat and Tauriel paused mid scoop.

The eleth turned her eyes to a young dwarf who was standing behind her, shifting from foot to foot. "I am sorry, my lady, to interrupt. But I was told to deliver this directly to you. It is from Gildridd, your healer. She said you were on a modified diet."

Tauriel's shoulders sunk as the silver platter was placed before her. Kili and Dis watched beside her, as Fili leaned around his brother, mouth already full of potatoes, to see Tauriel lift the lid to reveal a small helping of lean meat, and a healthy dose of greens she had never before seen. She looked at the plate in front of her then at the foods on the table and sighed. It in no way looked appetizing but her son was hungry, and this is what was best for him…so she tucked in.

The meat was chewy, and it took her several minutes to get through one bite, and the greens had an odd taste, but they weren't too bad. She did like greens. Fili scrunched up his nose at the meal and Kili eyed it warily. "Love, are you sure that is all you want?"

Tauriel used her fork to absently poke at the tough piece of meat. "The healer suggested I be on a diet."

Fili dropped his fork to the table in shock. "Whatever for!? You are already too small. Tauri, give me five minutes with this healer. I need to straighten him out! You should be eating something to fatten you up, not cause you to lose more weight."

"Yes, but SHE said it will help with the sickness which will be getting worse. It will be fine Fili, you can go back to trying to turn me plump when this one comes out. His health is much more important than my tastebuds."

Fili grumbled not agreeing in the least, but he picked up his fork, sat back, and continued eating. He would have asked Naurfaer, but he was on the opposite side of Thorin and caught in what looked like a riveting discussion with Dain who was laughing heartedly.

Tauriel took another bite and smiled at Kili, who was refusing to dish anything up on his plate. After a few minutes of chewing, she swallowed and looked at her husband who was watching her with narrowed eyes, so, Tauriel indicated to the food on the table, then to his empty plate. "One of us should at least enjoy the meal. I was raised on foods like this meleth nin. Please eat with no concern for me. I am content with what I have."

Kili for one minute did not believe her, but he did go on to fill his plate, spending the remainder of dinner shooting her worried looks. Tauriel just happily munched her greens, though she did leave a few bites of the tough meat. Chewing it was starting to cause her jaw to ache.

When the plates and food had all been cleared, more ale was distributed, and the dancing began. Tauriel was not surprised to see Bofur, Bifur, and Bombur up on the risen platform in a corner acting as a stage. The brothers, and a few dwarrow she could not name, filled the air with toe tapping music none could resist.

"My lady, shall we dance?" Tauriel looked to Kili, who had stood and was bowing to her in the most endearing way.

Nodding, the eleth easily responded, "It would be my greatest pleasure, my prince." Then Tauriel allowed Kili to pull her to join the group of already dancing couples.

Fili sat back and watched, his eyes constantly scanning the crowd. He saw a few dams looking up at him with hopeful eyes when he met their gaze, so he shrunk back a bit. Thinking it safer to watch the dancers, he decided to turn his eyes towards the lively group.

"You should go dance, Fili. I am sure there is more than one who would like to take a turn with you, my son." Fili grumbled unintelligibly at his mother as he continued to watch Kili swing a nimble Tauriel around. How someone who was eight months pregnant could dance like that is a wonder.

Scanning the growing crowd of dancers a bit more, the blonde prince caught a glimpse of Leotti's golden braids, and he watched curiously as Ori shyly gave her a spin. They would make an interesting pair, that was for certain. Then another blonde had him doing a double take as he sat forward and stared, open mouthed and wide eyed, at the familiar dam on the dance floor.

This dam had thick, golden, hair, that fell in waves down her back, held by two braids pulling it away from her face. The beard on her cheeks had been trimmed and curled just at her chin. Gone was the flour, gone were the knots, and in place of baggy, unflattering clothes was a tight fitted bodice and layers of skirts spinning about her ankles as Naurfaer spun her around. Was that really Viltarra?

Feeling his feet moving before he realized what he was doing, Fili found himself unconsciously stepping towards the dance floor. A few dams looked up with wide, eager, eyes, only to slump back in disappointment as he passed them by.

"Brother, you came to join!" Kili was in the middle of a promenade with Tauriel as he called out to Fili who gave a short nod. The blonde prince stopped in front of Naurfaer and Viltarra and cleared his throat, indicating to the dam watching him curiously. "Might I take over?"

Naurfaer smiled widely. "Of course! I have been wanting to get Dis out here, and I think now is my chance."

Fili chuckled and watched as the red-headed elf marched purposely towards the table and bowed in front of Dis who looked at first, flustered, then gave a bright smile and took his hand. Thorin rolled his eyes beside her as the king watched the pair make their way to the dancing crowd.

"Well, are you going to dance with me or stare at your mother?" Whipping his head around, he looked at Viltarra before grabbing her hand and joining Kili and Tauriel in a lively group dance.

"Wait! I do not know this one!" Viltarra cried out when they took their places, and she heard the music.

Fili threw her a comforting smile. "No problem just, follow me…and watch Tauriel! She picks these up quick."

With a sigh, the blonde dam nodded, and the dance began. Viltarra did stumble a few times, but the dance was quite repetitive, so a few steps in and she began to pick up the pattern. She did trip and nearly fall when she caught Fili throwing her a wide grin, but he caught her easily, helping her back into the pace.

They danced another set, then another. Then the group watched in amusement as Naurfaer led a laughing Dis in an old number from Dis's childhood, earning a round of applause.

"Want to have something to drink? I think I could use a break." Viltarra nodded to Fili and followed him towards an open table where Tauriel was leaning casually against Kili, as Kili downed a cup of ale.

Seeing his brother, the dark-haired prince grabbed two fresh mugs and passed them over as they sat down. "This reminds me of the festivals in Ered Luin." Fili took a sip and nodded in agreement with his brother. It was very much the same in many ways, if not a bit bigger and the surroundings of Erebor making it much grander.

"So, anyone want to fill me in on that?" Fili indicated to Leotti and Ori, still dancing close on the floor.

Tauriel followed his eyes and smiled. "To be honest, I have no idea myself, and she is my closest friend."

"He has come down several times to the market." Viltarra mentioned as she took a sip of her ale. The amber liquid warming her belly.

Tauriel hummed and let her eyes fall on her friend, laughing as Ori spun her somewhat clumsily. "She has said nothing to me of it. Though, I will certainly be speaking to her about it when I go down. She just adjusted some things for me but I may need more. This one is causing me to burst from more of my clothes every day. I am certainly in great need of her."

Tauriel pointed to her belly and then turned back to watch the couple dance, wondering if there would be another wedding sooner rather than later. She had never seen Leotti give any male attention apart from giving them a tongue lashing. Then again, Ori was one of the sweetest dwarrow she knew, maybe his calm sweet demeaner will offset Leotti's exuberant energy. She could not wait to see the outcome.

"What happens next, now that you have all been officially coronated." Fili drained his cup and called for another as Kili filled Viltarra in.

"That would be the arrival of the six lords and their families. There is to be a great calling of the clans which will include each of the lords re-affirming fealty to Thorin and Erabor. They may be lords but Thorin is the king. Many of them will likely be bringing caravans with them to either stay, or just come to see the splendor of Erebor re-risen. Dain will be leaving though, he had only planned on staying for the coronation. He already said his goodbyes as he is eager to get back home, but he did mention he will be coming back when the baby is born."

The blonde dam rested her chin on her palm and looked at the two princes and her elven friend. "Sounds like there will be some interesting weeks ahead."

Fili turned his blue eyes to Viltarra and raised his mug. "I will certainly drink to that."

The group stayed and chatted for another hour. Eventually, Viltarra bid them a good evening, Fili watching her go as she joined Leotti who had just bid Ori a goodnight and was making for the door.

Tauriel was already asleep against Fili, so Kili gathered his wife in his arms and began to head towards the throne room, then up the stairs to their suites; Fili following close behind.

Just as they reached his brothers chamber, the dark-haired prince turned mischievous eyes to the blonde beside him. "Viltarra huh?" Kili nudged Fili carefully, Tauriel was still asleep in his hold.

"Is a friend Ki." Fili rolled his eyes as his brother continued down the hallway, stopping at his own door.

"Is indeed." Kili teased back, as he threw his brother a knowing look and entered his room, leaving Fili in the hallway, staring at the spot Kili just vacated. Just a friend. He shook his head and disappeared into his room. Just a friend.

Original Authors Endnote: Okay, coronation officially over. I really don't have much to say…you know what. I am exhausted. So I will just leave it here. If I think of something I missed, I will add it to the next chapter's note. See you in a bit. :)