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.

15. ACT II Chapter 3

Updated November 3rd, 2021

Original Authors Note: Hey guys! Got another chapter for ya! Enjoy! :D

Chapter Three

"Bard, well met and welcome back to Erebor." Kili grinned and clasped hands with the Lord of Dale who was the first to walk through the gates and into the entrance hall to greet the royal family. "And do not tell me these two lovely ladies are your daughters? It has been a mere few months since I last saw you both and yet you two have only grown in beauty." Sigrid blushed and Tilda beamed at the young handsome prince paying them attention.

Bard nodded and smiled. "Prince Kili, thank you for your welcome. I must offer my own hearty congratulations to you and your Lady wife. I have heard you yourself have a little one of your own now." At this Kili's grin only brightened further.

"Indeed, my nephew's smile rarely leaves his face these days. Lord Bard, may I have the honor of introducing the newest member to the family. Finli, son of Kili, crowned prince of Erebor." Thorin gestured to the squirming babe in Tauriel's arms, the eleth stepping forward far enough to give Bard a chance to see Finli.

So far, Viltarra has happily stood quietly beside Fili, content in simply watching things unfold around her. She could see many of the men and women of Dale waiting patiently for their Lord to be greeted by Erebor's own royal family; they would be allowed in once Bard was shown to the large feasting hall where ale and warm cider was already being served.

To be truthful, Viltarra was not as nervous to greet this visitor as she was to meet the elven king. After all, she has already met his daughters at least once before when they had that picnic during the summer, and although she has never spoken to Bard himself, she has seen him with Fili and Kili on more than one occasion including at the same picnic where he delivered his daughters himself. He seemed to be a rather stern individual, but not unkind.

Viltarra watched as Bard smiled down at Kili and Tauriel's infant, then rolled his eyes and chuckled as he was pushed away by his two daughters, both eager to get a peak. His eyes then fell on Fili, and he gave a curious look at the dam beside the young prince, recognition lighting his eyes when he remembered where he had seen her before.

Seeing where Bard's eyes had landed, Thorin decided formal introductions were in order. "Might I also introduce Viltarra, daughter of Vin. She is formally courting Fili."

"A great pleasure, though I do believe we have met once before, just not introduced." Bard bowed his head. Viltarra smiled and gave a small bow in return but before she could respond, Thorin was already moving on. She turned her questioning brown eyes up to Fili who shrugged and placed a quick kiss on the side of her head, pulling away just as quickly.

Not wanting the gateway to be congested any longer, Thorin indicated to the entrance to the dining hall. "The hall is open and waiting. Balin will see you to your family's seats. We will join shortly."

Bard nodded and turned to his children. Bain was already walking over to Balin, but Tilda did not even acknowledge her father as she was currently fawning over Finli who was now held firmly in Sigrid's arms. "Sigrid, Tilda, come along."

"Awww, but da, I haven't got a chance to hold him yet. Sigrid won't let me." Bard sighed at his youngest daughter before giving Thorin an apologetic look.

Kili chuckled and squatted to Tilda's level. "I am sure there will be plenty of opportunities to hold him, but it would be best to follow your da's request."

Tauriel accepted her son back from Sigrid and turned to Tilda who looked as if she was nearly about to drop a few tears. "Kili is right Tilda. I will personally make sure you get a chance to hold him tonight before I take him up to bed. You have my promise. I also know there might be someone I can introduce you too. You are about the same age and have quite a bit in common."

This seemed to appease the young girl who smiled excitedly at the prospect of a new friend. She quickly grabbed her father's hand and pulled him into the feasting hall, Sigrid and Bain walking just ahead of them with Balin.

Once Bard was allowed in, many of the people of Dale began piling through the hall one after another. Thorin had instructed Dain along with Balin to make sure everyone got a seat and even had Bombur begin handing out drinks to get the festivities going.

Once all the humans who were in attendance were inside, the family waited quietly for the approaching elves. A familiar elf upon and equally known dapple-gray horse cantered alongside Thranduil, who appeared to be astride a new great elk. It was only slightly smaller than its predecessor but no less majestic. Both climbed down from their mounts as did Legolas who was beside his father, once they reached the gates, passing the reins to several dwarves to take to the stables.

Thorin approached the regal elf and gave him a welcoming incline of the head. Whatever Dis said can be tossed into a goblin pit, he was not bowing to the elven king in his own halls, allies or no. "King Thranduil. I hope your travels fared well and the recent snows did not hinder you too greatly."

The great elven king looked down at the king under the mountain and bowed his head respectfully in greeting. "It was well, thank you. It is much better that it is over though." His blue eyes scanned the group, landing on Viltarra and giving her a quick look up and down before ending on Tauriel. Viltarra thought she saw the elven king smile when he took in the red-head, though his lips barely changed from their hardened line.

"You look well Tauriel. Much better then how I heard last you were, chasing after deaths door seems to be a habit you are forming." Viltarra watched in awe as Tauriel squared her shoulders and held herself as tall as she could muster. Which, considering was not that much taller than the dwarves and more than a head shorter than the elven king, still for some reason gave her an air of both confidence and pride.

Like Thorin, Tauriel gave a small bow of her head…more out of habit then respect. "Lord Thranduil, Mae g'ovannen. I thank you for your kindness and concern. I also must give my thanks for allowing Ivethin to come to my aid. I would not be here without her and prince Legolas discovering the flower."

The elven king nodded knowingly. "Ah, yes. The morning glory. They have been quite removed from the forest altogether. I presume all at fault have been discovered and properly handled?"

Viltarra straightened when she saw both Thorin and Dis give her a quick look. They may have said nothing, but she felt keenly a slight sense of acute distrust still held over her. She could not stop the feeling of frustration and slight anger at their accusing looks, even if they said nothing directly to her. Fili tightened his hold on her arm, and she met his blue eyes, full of apologies he could not say out loud. She sighed and turned back to the elven king who was once again watching her with a raised brow.

Thorin grunted in response but sighed. He was not keen on the insinuation Thranduil was giving that he was incapable of resolving issues in his mountain. However, before he opened his mouth to speak, Dis subtly stepped on his foot and he huffed internally and reconsidered his words. "It is true. Everyone involved was found and taken care of. I must give my own thanks for sending Ivethin. We cannot repay the debt that saved Tauriel's life."

The elven king gave another small bow. "Naurfaer has filled me in with quite the tale on our way over. It seems your family is continually growing?" Viltarra's heart was pounding in her chest once more. She recited again the elven greeting; remembering she should add a small bow along with it. "Is it true you have a warg-ling living in the mountain king Thorin? Naurfaer said Tauriel and Kili's child was not the only babe you recently welcomed. I must say, you are becoming quite the collector of uniquities in your family Thorin Oakenshield."

Viltarra blanched. The warg. Not her, he was talking about that orc-dog-thing Naurfaer doted on in the stables. The warg comes before her? Obviously Dis was not wrong when she said Viltarra had a lot to learn about royalty and visiting dignitaries…or maybe it was she had a lot to learn about elven kings?

Thorin let out a breath of frustration, Dis squeezing his arm in warning to not lose his temper. "Once more you are not wrong, though the creature in question is not in the mountain, but penned outside…where it will stay." Thorin turned menacing eyes to Naurfaer who was smiling widely, not bothered at all to have the dwarven kings ire directed right at him. In fact, he seemed like he was perfectly at home with the look many before him had run from.

Worried any more, idle chat, may inevitably cause a dispute…likely started by her brother…Dis stepped forward and looked up at the tall elven Lord. "King Thranduil, might I tempt you with some wine in the dining hall? I am sure your people would like to get out of the cold."

"Hot or cold makes no difference to them Lady Dis, I will accept your invitation for wine, however." Thranduil walked past the family heading into the hall Dis had indicated closely followed by Legolas who gave Tauriel and Kili a small nod.

Now that he was back, Naurfaer remained beside Tauriel, taking Finli in his arms as the elves of Mirkwood filed in quietly behind their king. As they passed, some of the visiting elves from Mirkwood gave subtle smiles and bows of their heads, while others either outright ignored the dwarven family…and their two resident elves…or Tauriel's least favorite, gave her, Kili, and her son who was being rocked by Naurfaer, looks of utter disgust.

"Are they always like that?" Tauriel looked down at Viltarra who ended up beside her at some point, her hand still held tightly by Fili who was visibly trying hard to not glare at the elves gawking at his nephew as if he was some sort of…freak exhibit. Finli was his heir, and he would in no way allow anyone to disrespect a single member of his family, least of all his beloved nephew who could not even stand up for himself. He calmed, however, when Tauriel placed a soothing hand on his shoulder before turning her green eyes back to Viltarra.

The eleth let out a sigh and nodded her head. "I am afraid I followed a rare, and most unaccepted path. I fear many have come to bring only contention and ill-feelings towards my family and my son. In short they came to gawk. Let us hope the wine will bring out their more…jolly…sides rather than an aptitude of confrontation."

Viltarra watched as Kili slid his hand into Tauriel's and the eleth's shoulders visibly relaxed. Maybe being ignored was not so bad.

"See little gem? All your worrying for not. You did just fine." At this Viltarra rolled her eyes at her mother who was grinning just behind her. She wasn't wrong, since she was never given an opportunity to speak, she never had the opportunity to botch the greeting. Hours of practice and anxiety for no reason whatsoever. It was both maddening and disheartening.

Without so much of a response, the young blonde baker allowed herself to be pulled in the room by Fili just behind Kili and Tauriel. They took their seats at the head table where Dain was already more than three sheets gone, his arm draped heavily over Bard who was giving the large dwarf a look of amusement.

Tauriel watched quietly munching on her food as her son was passed from Naurfaer down to Legolas, who looked both uncomfortable and fidgety when he held the one-month-old infant. Finli was equally unimpressed by the elven prince it seemed, as he began to wrinkle his brow and fuss.

"He can smell yer fear lad." Dain laughed out and made to grab across the table for the quickly angering Finli, but the Lord of the Iron Hills was easily bypassed by Thorin, who was sitting between Legolas and Dis. The dwarven king took the infant with expert hands and shifted him to lay against his shoulder, hushing Fin's cries almost instantly as he continued to speak to Thranduil, the elven king sitting directly across from Thorin.

Legolas looked either relieved or annoyed; Tauriel could not quite tell which, so she leaned into her friend who sat beside her. "Never fear mellon nin." She smiled at the elven prince reassuringly. "He is just getting hungry."

"I do not think it is hunger, I think he does not like me." Legolas sighed irritably as he watched the king under the mountain shift Fin. She gave her friend another smile and turned her attention to Bard's children, his daughters who were both laughing across from her, and son who was currently speaking to Vin at the end of the table.

Normally the high table only sat on one side to give the royal family a view of all in the room, but with so many guests, not only had the table been turned long ways, but three of the four sides of the table had to be seated to make room for the Lords and their families, as well as Viltarra's parents.

"How goes Dale, Sigrid?" Tauriel asked, taking a sip of her sweet elvish wine. "Has your family settled into your new role?"

True to Kili's words, Sigrid has only grown in beauty. Tauriel sometimes forgets that men only live for a short time, as such, they age much faster than elven and dwarven children, and are, more often than not, gone long before they have a chance to make their mark on the world.

To an elf, a human's life is nothing but a fleeting blink of the eye, even to a common dwarrow they are rather short lived. Tauriel did not really like to consider mortality, especially her own. She had many years in front of her with her prince, and once her years are spent, she will happily accept her fate of departing this world at his side. She will never be forced to live without him, and that warms her heart and brings a deep sense of peace to her mind and spirit.

"It has been a sure challenge Tauriel. Da is doing very well, and Bain has been training with our own guard. As for me, I have been working with the healers in Dale. I am afraid even with a year under us we still have not had time to sit and consider our titles. There is just too much work to be done. Though Prince Kili and Fili were a great help to us and Da when they were able to come to Dale."

The two princes lifted their heads from their meals and looked across the table, smiling at Sigrid. It was true. Fili and Kili were often in and out of Dale before Finli was born. Only in the last few months had they been more prone to staying in the mountain.

Tauriel felt only slightly guilty as she was the reason they had both stopped leaving Erebor. Kili for obvious reasons of his temporary immobility, and Fili with not wanting to be far away while she and Kili both rehabbed back to health and strength. Then of course, Finli came which brought even less desire for her family to wander far from each other.

Viltarra watched the proceeding with quiet curiosity. For the most part, everyone at the table knew everyone else. They all met under the extreme conditions of the battle for the mountain just over a year ago. She and her parents were the outsiders at the table. Even Thranduil made regular conversation with Dis and Thorin.

Viltarra watched with amusement when the elven king reached out across the table for the now sleeping infant on Thorin's shoulder. The dwarven king stiffened and he turned his blue eyes down towards her end of the table, where Tauriel and Kili sat. Both nodded their approved permission to the unhappy dwarven king who even she could hear grumbling out instructions on how to handle the tiny being to the centuries old elven Lord.

"Mind his head!" Thorin shot out as he stood and carefully leaned over the table to give the precious bundle to the elf who was his enemy just over a year ago.

It was Thranduil who now glared at Thorin as the dwarf growled at the elf. "I think I can manage handling an infant, I raised two if I might remind you of my son, and your, what have I heard you called her, oh yes, "daughter"… Tauriel…who came to me just days old."

Thorin folded his arms and sat back, his eyes not once leaving Thranduil who was studying Finli in his arms. "It is quite curious, such a mixture of blood. Many other races who have bonded to an elf and bore children, the child favored their elven nature. Even being granted our immortal life. This child, however, seems to have favored his father's parentage. Unusual. He is quite connected to his parents, more so than I have ever before seen. That aside, he lacks the immortality and traits common of our elven blood."

The table fell quiet, Kili and Tauriel leaning in to listen. Even Gandalf ceased his conversation with Bilbo to watch the elven king 'assess' Finli.

The old wizard nodded in agreement as he placed his goblet down on the table and looked over Bilbo's head to take in the infant. "Quite correct. Why even the great Elrond has human blood in his veins. Lord Thranduil is quite right. I too find the mix in this one indeed, rather curious. It will be a wonder to see the child grow. As it is, I am sure he will be quite the copy of our dear Kili."

Tauriel laced her fingers with Kili's and leaned against him as she spoke. "To which I am most grateful. I cannot ask for anything greater than my son mirroring his father in looks and in personality. A perfect miniature of all that I love."

Tauriel turned her head to Kili who gave her a loving smile. She nuzzled his nose and dropped a kiss to his lips just as Finli let out an ear-piercing wail. She pulled back in time to see Thranduil looking down at the infant with a furrowed brow. Fin had woken up in his arms, looked up at the elven king, and began crying earnestly.

"Good judge of character." Thorin beamed across the table at Thranduil, before Dis kicked him hard under the table and his smile turned to a scowl at his sister who was giving him her own Durin death glare.

Tauriel stood from the table and approached the elven king to relieve him of her son who seemed to only be increasing in volume. "I do not believe it is you, it is his feeding time. Please excuse me." The family watched as the eleth followed by Kili, left to go placate the weeping being. His cries were heard even down the hall and only ceased when they entered the royal wing.

"Poor Fin." Tilda proclaimed. "I was going to hold him. Now I will never get to."

"Oh, they will be back. It usually only takes about a small bit of time for him to eat his fill and be content enough to join in the fun once again. They will return soon." Dis smiled down the table at the young girl who still looked slightly upset.

"Did Prince Kili have to go too?" Tilda pouted.

"Tilda! That is not your concern darling." Bard admonished.

Dis waived him off though and addressed the little girl. "Prince Kili is exactly where he should be, with his wife and son. Little Finli tends to calm quicker when both his parents are in the room. I promise, with patience, you will see all three very soon."

When this didn't quite get the reaction she was hoping for, but Fili chimed in quickly, "What am I, a dirty orc? I am here too you know." The little girl giggled and Dis smiled at her son before turning her attention to Naurfaer beside her.

Fili pulled his dams hand into his lap under the table as he spoke to Bard's girls directly across from them. "Tilda and Sigrid, you have met Viltarra right?"

Sigrid and Tilda both nodded and smiled at the dam beside Fili. They had met her once or twice when they visited Tauriel, though they only had limited conversation with the quieter dwarrowdam. Usually, it was Leotti who was gushing over the girls, even offering to make them dresses which she did once in a while.

Viltarra shifted in her seat while her mother and father were in a conversation with Bard, Gandalf who was seated next to them and beside Bilbo, and the small hobbit himself. There were so many conversations going on, she was not quite certain who to join in on, as it was though, she had been quietly enjoying the wizard, hobbit, and her parents talking about their travels.

The dam did add in to the conversation with the hobbit when he had began telling them of the many breads and pastries offered in the shire. Although she did lift her eyes when her name was mentioned, and she turned her attention to Fili and the girls. "It is good to see you both again. I believe the last time we spoke was back in the summer months."

Both girls nodded again but remained quiet. Viltarra honestly had no idea what to say so she grabbed her goblet and took a drink of her ale just as Kili and Tauriel walked in with a now silent Finli who was resting contently against his father's brood chest.

"The baby!" Tilda exclaimed before Sigrid shushed her.

"Hush Tilda, you will wake him! You must use quiet tones." Tilda scrunched up her nose at her sister but lifted herself on her chair to see over the table and get a peak of Finli's own little nose and dark tufts of hair escaping the blankets swaddling him. Kili chuckled and pulled the blanket back just enough to allow the little girl to get a better look at his son, but not enough to startle him awake.

"He is so adorable." Tilda gushed.

"Sigrid, when are we going to have a baby in our family?" The older sibling choked on her goblet and turned bright red just as her father's chin all but hit the table. "Da. Can we get a baby too?" Tilda asked innocently.

Dain guffawed, nearly falling off his chair next to the human Lord, who seemed temporarily at a loss of words. "Oi Bard, yeh need us teh teach yer lass about…"

"NO!" Bard all but shouted before calming his voice somewhat and continuing. "No, thank you Lord Dain, it is much appreciated but I will be discussing that with my daughter at…another time. Thank you. Tilda, why don't you tell them about the cat you found."

"Mangy, evil, thing." Bain muttered into his cup.

"No he is not Bain! He is just afraid of you because you tried to kick him away." Tilda snapped at her brother ,who just rolled his eyes at her in response as she turned to everyone now looking her way at the table. "I found him wondering the city. Da let me keep him after he kept coming back to our house."

"That's because you kept feeding it, and I did not kick him, I was trying to move him away with my foot while he stood there, hissing and spitting." Bain huffed.

Viltarra smiled at the banter. It had been years since she had such of her own, thinking about the arguments her and…nope. Not tonight. She turned away from darker memories and tried to stay in the present. "What did you name him?" Viltarra asked.

"Prince." Tilda beamed. "He reminds me of both prince Fili and Kili. His hair is long and yellow like prince Fili, but has got tangles in it like prince Kili. I could not decide of who I wanted to name him after so I just called him Prince."

Fili guffawed as Kili leveled him with a glare, unable to do more with Finli in his arms. Even Tauriel was hiding an amused smile behind her hand. Kili's hair had always been a tangled mess and an easy target for jest. Although, in the last year, Tauriel has taken to helping him tame his wild locks, even braiding it back for him.

There is also the fact that Kili likes it when Tauriel plays with his hair. He always happily sits and allows her ministrations without a single word to the contrary, often closing his eyes and humming his appreciation which even more often turned to other…more pleasant activities.

"A fitting name." Fili laughed.

Suddenly, the hall began to fill with the unmistakable sound of Bofur's small ensemble. "Oh look, they have started the music! Prince Fili, will you dance with me? Da said I was allowed to ask but I had to listen if you said no." Tilda beamed at the older dwarven prince before loudly whispering, "I would ask Prince Kili, but he has the baby and I don't want him to cry again."

Fili gave Viltarra a questioning look, but the young dam simply smiled and pushed him out of the chair, shoeing him away. Could anyone resist such a sincere request? Even if she wanted to be his first dance of the evening.

Fili made his way over to Tilda and gave the little girl a bow. "Oh, Prince Fili, really, you don't have to. Tilda, you shouldn't bother the prince, I am sure he has another partner he wishes to share his evening with." Bard looked to Viltarra who blushed.

"It would be my honor, with your permission Lord Bard of course, to have the first dance with your lovely daughter." Tilda beamed and accepted Fili's hand as they made their way to the cleared space for dancing. Some of the men, women, and children had already began joining in with the dancing dwarrows. A few elves even looked as if they were fighting the urge to head to the floor themselves.

Tauriel watched Fili place Tilda on his boots and danced the laughing little girl around in circles. He will be such a good father one day. She looked to Viltarra who was also watching Fili as he twirled Tilda around. The eleth sat up when she remembered her promise and hoping to both make a new connection and give Viltarra a chance to dance with her one, Tauriel leaned in to whisper something to Kili who gave her a broad grin, a kiss on the cheek, and a nod. She loved her beloved prince.

Standing, Tauriel made her way down to the tables where Aeodhen and Shaada were still goading Riffi into eating something other than deserts.

"Tauri! Tell momma I can eat cake." The small dwarfling begged.

Tauriel gave Riffi her best stern look. "Cake is a treat for after you eat your fill of your proper dinner. You will only be risking a stomachache if you go dancing only having feasted on cake."

The little dwarfling pouted but picked up his fork and took a spoon of mashed potatoes and shoveled it into his mouth. Shaada smiled and rubbed his back in praise, but frowned when Riffi gave her a wide grin, shoved his plate aside, and begin once more devouring his cake having "eaten his fill" of his normal food.

Shaada rolled her eyes and shook her head, Aeodhen only chuckling at his growing son while he held Tauren who had a fist full of potatoes in one hand, while his other held a roll he was currently gnawing. He was growing so fast but was still so small. At a year and a half, Tauren was already eating some regular foods, speaking several words, and more often than not these days, on the run.

Shaada was constantly chasing after him while he laughed at her chase. He looked over at Tauriel and gave her a toothy grin, his face adorably covered in the remnants of his dinner. "Taur" he repeated over and over as crumbs from the crushed-up roll flew through the air.

Aeodhen chuckled and turned to the elf. "What brings yeh over here Tauriel? Nothin' troublin' is it?"

Tauriel smiled at Aeodhen. "No, everything is fine. You have nothing to worry on. I was actually hoping to borrow Hillanna. Lord Bard of Dale has a daughter about her age and I thought the two would get on quite well. With your permission, I wanted to introduce them."

By nature, dwarves rarely allowed their children out of the mountain with the exception of bringing them to Erebor to settle. Nobody had to tell Tauriel how fiercely protective they are of their women and children; she sees it and feels it every day.

It does make sense the dwarrodam's rarely are seen, given they only make up a very small percentage of the race, less than one third of the entire dwarven people were dwarrowdams. Protecting them is pivotal to the dwarves' continuation. So Tauriel would understand if either Shaada or Aeodhen wished Hillanna to keep to her family, however, as usual the eleth was surprised and excited to have both parents agree as long as they did not stray from sight and came back to join either Tauriel at the high table, or came to sit with Shaada and Aeodhen at the family table.

"Really amad? I can go!?" Hillanna asked eagerly, already rising from her seat.

Shaada nodded. "You may, but remember, she is a princess, so behave. I want you on your best behavior. Also remember..."

"Do not speak Khuzdul or tell her anything of our people that is not already known. I know mam, you don't need to remind me. It has been part of my studies since I was ten. I am sixteen." Hillanna sighed.

The first time Tauriel had heard how old Hillanna actually was…which was rather recently…it honestly stunned her. When she saved the small dam, she assumed Hillanna had to be somewhere around the age of six…maybe seven at the most, and Riffi she thought was about two if not just under. Imagine the eleth's shock when she found out the young dwarfling was in fact just turning fifteen that fateful day in Ered Luin, and Riffi was nearly seven at the time.

It really should not have surprised her, even elves take their time to grow. As an elf, the infant and baby stage lasts until they are seven or eight, childhood goes into their forties, adolescence lasts until their hundredth year when their body reaches full maturity, and it is on their thousandth year they are fully accepted as adults in their society; despite technically maturing much earlier. Adulthood has nothing to do with physical maturity in the elvish culture, and more to do with mental acuity, training, and study.

In many ways, dwarves are much the same. They do age just a bit quicker though, as they have limited lifespans in arda, unlike the immortal elves.

During this last year in Erebor, Tauriel could see how both Riffi and Hillanna have grown, though they were still very young. Even at sixteen, Hillanna is no mentally or physically older than Tilda, though in some ways like languages and certain studies, she will be quite ahead.

Since dwarrows take longer to reach adulthood, it will likely be that Tilda will eventually surpass Hillanna in mindset, but for a time, they could be friends, and that is well worth it.

Tauriel held out her hand and Hillanna took it excitedly as she pulled the small dam to the dance floor. She waited for the song to end and catching Fili's attention, made her way to where they had just finished dancing, Tilda stepping off the prince's feet and curiously watching Tauriel approach with the small dwarfling.

Tauriel smiled at the little girl. "Lady Tilda, I want you to meet Hillanna, daughter of Aeodhen. Hillanna, this is Tilda, daughter of Lord Bard of Dale. You both have much in common and I wanted to introduce you two."

Hillanna looked up at Tauriel as if asking permission and the eleth released her hand and pushed her forward. She watched as the two greeted the other shyly before Tilda noticed Hillanna's beaded bracelet the little dam was never without and motioned to it, gasping at how intricate and beautiful she thought it was.

"I made it!" The young dam excitedly proclaimed.

"Hillanna is a natural in the bracelet department, I can see her being quite the talented jeweler one day, if I may say so myself." Tauriel almost jumped when she felt two strong arms come around her waist, her mind instantly knowing who it was as he filled it with a warmth only Kili could bring.

Tauriel smiled as she allowed Kili's heat to envelope her both in mind and body as she leaned her head to the side against his, the two little girls giggling at Kili who had to lean up just a bit to rest his chin on her shoulder.

Hillanna turned to Tilda, excitedly bouncing on her toes. "Would you like me to show you how I made it? Maybe we can make one for you if you can visit again."

Tilda's eyes sparkled with the idea. "Really? I have never had a bracelet before."

Hillanna beamed back and giggled. "Of course, it's easy and I have a lot of beads, you can have some of mine if you want. Come on, let's go ask mam and da."

Hillanna grabbed Tilda's hand and they were off to Shaada and Aeodhen where they sat already leaning into each other.

Kili rested his lips on the skin just below Tauriel's ear, murmuring softly as he left a lingering kiss. "You are quite the person Amralime. I do not believe they would have met until much later in life, if at all, had you not intervened. Unless a dwarfling grows outside a settlement, it is uncommon for them to mix with others. A rare sight to be sure in any case."

Tauriel smiled as she continued to watch the pair at the table laugh and talk animatedly to each other. "Rare, but beautiful."

Kili hummed in agreement before he stepped back from her and gave Tauriel a bow. "If it pleases you my Lady, may I ask your first dance?"

Tauriel smiled brightly but lifted her brow in question. "And where is our little gift?"

Kili nodded his head to the table where Thorin was once again holding Finli while Naurfaer looked on with envious eyes. "I tried passing him to Naurfaer subtly, but uncle would not have it and swooped in like an old jealous raven. I believe your grandfather must learn to be faster if he wants to ever hold our son again."

"Oh Valar. I thought it was going to be Dis who I would have to fend off. I never imagined it would be Thorin, I am sure it will pass as Finli gets older." Tauriel sighed.

Kili gave his wife a look. "I think you are underestimating uncle and his attachments my star. Now, before our little treasure wakes demanding food, I believe I asked you for a dance?"

Tauriel laughed as she held her hand out for Kili to take, allowing him to pull her towards the other dancers. She settled in his arms, their small difference in height not even an issue with them. She looked off towards the table just in time to see Fili walk towards Viltarra to likely ask her to dance, she knew Viltarra wanted to.

But Tauriel did not see any more as Kili gave her a twirl and pulled her against him once more. The eleth's laughter filled the floor and all her thoughts were once again on her husband and his bright, ensnaring smile.

"I fear I have been neglecting one of the most beautiful dwarrodam's in the room. Might I be lucky enough to ensnare her in a dance?" Viltarra had watched Fili make his way back to her and swoop down to grab her hand and pull her up. She gave him a smile but nearly stumbled into Fili when he stopped in front of Bard's daughter who stood watching him nervously, wringing her hands.

"Prince Fili, I apologize. I was hoping to have a dance with you before you became too occupied. It is only fair since Tilda has had her turn, that I get one as well." Sigrid's cheeks were pink and she gave him a radiant smile.

Fili looked from her to Viltarra, thinking of how he could decline without being rude or insulting their guests. Sigrid's cheeks grew warmer and she looked down at her feet, clearly embarrassed. "That is of course, if you would like. I never wish to pressure you. Your mother said I should ask before you became otherwise engaged."

Fili internally sighed, he should have expected this. His mother said he was required to dance with their guests weeks ago when they began preparing for the event, and Fili had completely forgotten he had agreed to her wishes. Afterall, he was not married like Kili…who could use his status as both husband and father to excuse himself from dancing with others. He felt himself nod even as his entire being recoiled as Viltarra released his hand and stepped away. He hated this. Truly, hated this.

All Fili wanted was to take Viltarra into his arms and whisk her out of the room for some time alone with just the two of them. He looked at Viltarra who was taking a note from Tauriel's book and was looking at him with no clear emotion on her face. He felt a shudder run down his spine, he never wanted to see that look on her again.

More and more Fili was now beginning to understand Kili's desperate need to constantly be within touching distance of Tauriel. His fingers flexed to try and get even a touch, but Viltarra was already too far from him, having stepped away. He looked at her sadly.

"Go Fili." Viltarra whispered. "She is a guest, and you gave your mother your word." Fili gave his one a look filled with apology and lifted his arm for Sigrid to take.

The young woman glanced between Fili and the blonde dam as they walked to the dance floor. "I did not mean to cause any upset Fili. Please do not feel obligated."

Fili gave her a side look and let out a frustrated, albeit quiet, breath. He saw Tauriel give him a questioning glance then say something to Kili who turned his head away from his elf to his brother who stepped right into a dance with Sigrid. Fili could not allow his eyes to trail back to where he knew Viltarra waited for him. He just wanted to get this dance done so he could be beside her. Fili looked up at Sigrid, for some reason, she looked nervous, so he gave her a reassuring smile.

"Fili…Prince Fili…" Sigrid corrected.

Fili sighed. "Sigrid, just Fili is fine. I think we can forgo all the titles at this point unless the situation or ceremony demands it."

The young woman nodded and tried again. "Fili. I, I don't know how it is done among dwarves, but I heard it is your females who take the first step in, in courting. I was hoping, if, if you would be free to go for a walk, or a ride, or anything."

So that was why she was looking so nervous. He turned his full attention to her. Poor lass. She was so young and he did not really want to break her heart. Fili was warned, Tauriel had told him even as they road in that wagon to Dale to make Sigrid aware there was no attachment on his side. In truth, he had honestly forgotten about that. Between the battle, rebuilding Erebor, helping with Dale, the months leading to Finli's birth, and finally being able to build something with Viltarra, he never once gave a thought to the daughter of Bard. As cruel as that sounded, he never did it in harm, just, it was not a top priority.

Measuring his words Fili took both of Sigrid's hands. "You are actually slightly incorrect. It is more of something decided by both." He sighed, hating having to do this. "Sigrid, you are, beautiful and very young." Sigrid dropped her eyes, the hope leaving them quickly. "I in no way want to hurt you, but…well…" Fili eyed her carefully, then pushed on, "Okay. So, I do not know how it is with mannish folk, but we dwarrow, if we are so lucky, have a match gifted to us by our creator, Mahal. They are, in every way, the other half of our soul. They are our one Sigrid. Meaning, they complete us."

"And you have found yours? Is it the dam with the golden hair?" Sigrid gave Fili a small smile, and he nodded excitedly.

"Oh aye, in every way she is my one." Fili beamed. "She fell into my world and I have been diving after her ever since. I have felt more, complete, in these last months, then I have in my entire life. Sigrid, I will live for, according to you, a very long time. Another 400 years, maybe more. Our worlds are very different. Too different."

Sigrid blanched. "400 years! How old are you now?"

Fili laughed. "Would you believe 84?"

"84!? Your older then Da?" Sigrid stumbled slightly in shock, but Fili helped her correct her footing and get back into the dance.

The air filled with Fili's guffaws. "Aye. Kili is 79. We age differently Sigrid. We are comparably near your age though, if not a little older."

'That would be a gap I suppose." Sigrid added thoughtfully.

"If you think that is an age gap, you should know that Tauriel is over 600." Fili added in with an amused twinkle in his eyes. But he would not tell her that his brother and sister were bonded in a way that she now aged with Kili, that was between his family only.

Sigrid was quiet for a few seconds, as if considering her words, then looked at Fili with a soft smile. "Tell me about her then? Until the song finishes, and you go back to her."

Nobody had to ask Fili twice to speak about Viltarra, so he beamed as he spent the remainder of the long dance telling Sigrid all about his dam and how they met. In fact, he was so into the story, he even gave her one more turn about the floor, knowing he would be spending the remainder of the evening with his golden-haired beauty.

"You alright?" Kili sat beside Viltarra who was trying to keep the smile on her face but apparently was doing a poor job of it.

Once their dance was finished, the couple headed back to the table not wanting to be away from their son for too long. Kili laughed as he watched Tauriel practically having to threaten Thorin to release Finli. The surly king giving her his best Durin glare even as she settled beside Kili with a now awake Finli in her arms. Her precious bundle was currently reaching an arm out of the blanket, his fingers attempting to grasp at Kili's tunic but with little success. Kili smiled at his son and turned back in time to see Viltarra sigh at a laughing Fili across the room.

Kili leaned into the dam and smiled reassuringly. "You don't have anything to worry about with Fili, Viltarra. He loves you."

Viltarra's eyes widened for a moment, then she closed them and nodded, taking a deep breath to calm herself. "He has never said it, not yet, but I know he does."

Her response startled the young prince and Kili gaped at her. "Wait, Fi has never told you? Seriously?"

"Kili! Leave her alone about it meleth nin." Tauriel gave Kili a disapproving look when he went to open his mouth once again, so he shut it wisely.

Viltarra, however, had more to say. "The thing is, there is so much you have all gone through together. Everyone knows everyone at this table tonight, and I feel, almost like I am intruding." The moment the statement left her mouth, Viltarra instantly began berating herself, she did not mean to say that out loud.

Tauriel gave her a look laced with pity causing Viltarra to blanch at her accidentally released thought and sat up straight. Her parents, unlike her, were smiling on the dance floor. Even Dis was out there with Legolas of all beings who elegantly was hitting every step perfectly as if he knew the dance and had been practicing for generations.

Naurfaer was failing miserably at dancing, but smiling brightly at Tauriel's elven healer and friend, Ivethin, whom he had coerced into a dance although the look on her face clearly read, she regrated it. Not even the elvish mask of indifference can cover that look.

Everyone was having a good time except her, and maybe king Thorin who kept moving his blue eyes to Finli in Tauriel's arms while Bilbo talked…or attempted to talk…to him and king Thranduil on the hobbits other side. Gandalf had moved to a lower table, speaking to a group of elves who were sipping at their wine and nodding at whatever the wizard was saying.

Viltarra's eyes kept going back to the crowned prince. "Tauriel, I…did I interrupt anything with them? With Sigrid and Fili?" She watched Fili who now seemed happy to be dancing with the young woman as he let out an uproarious laugh at something she said. Had she been within listening distance, she would have known they were speaking about her, but from her place at the table, all she saw was a bright and happy Fili.

"WHAT?!" Kili blanched, slamming his mug of ale onto the table and ignoring the amber liquid that splattered all around. "Viltarra, no! I mean, maybe on her side but not Fi's. I did always think Sigrid had a bit of a…crush…on Fili though. Don't know why. OUCH!"

Tauriel had shoved the heel of her boot into Kili's foot to shut him up as she glared at her husband. "That is most unhelpful information Kili." She turned her attention to the dam who was looking down at her hands. "Viltarra, Fili feels nothing for Sigrid but a kind of friendly fondness. He said as much to me just a year ago. Please do not think there is anything more beyond that. I have never seen Fili as happy and content as he is when he is with you."

The blonde baker tried to bat away the doubts plaguing her mind, but they would not cease their attack. Maybe Fili was better off with a Lady of Dale, they certainly looked happy together. She shook her head and physically tried to shake off the thought and gave Tauriel a smile.

Viltarra did not, in any way, doubt Fili's loyalty to her. He is much too honorable to have led her on only to toss her aside for another, even if the other was royalty. What she doubts is her choice in coming back to Erebor to begin with, had she stayed away he would be partnered with someone far more worthy of a crowned prince. Perhaps even someone who would be much more acceptable for Dis as the next queen under the mountain, someone who was more than a mere baker.

Instead, Viltarra followed her heart rather than listening to rational thought. Fire and forge above, why was that dwarrow so difficult to resist. She did not like this new, clingy female side of her. Damn Tauriel and Leotti and their hair and dresses. They were turning her into some hapless female. She allowed her glare to beam to Tauriel who gave her a look right back.

"Here you are. Let me see that little jewel." As if called by her thoughts, Leotti sat down beside Tauriel and leaned in to retrieve the infant who made a small whimper of protest drawing Thorin's attention, but the infant settled quickly and quietly in the small dam's arms. The king sighed and went back to his conversation with the hobbit and the elven king who gave him a raised brow and passed a full goblet of wine to Thorin.

"He's awake! Seems like every time I see 'im he's sleepin'." Tauriel smiled at Ori who was looking over Leotti's shoulder at Finli. At the moment, Fin's eyes were trying to focus on Tauriel, though he had one of his small hands firmly gripping Leotti's finger.

Since the dancing and ale were both in full swing, it was a bit more appropriate for close family friends to visit at the royal table. Finli let out a small huff. He was beginning to get fussy, it was almost time for more food then to be put down for the night. Her child could eat for all of Erebor and sleep as much too. She blames Kili. Finli will likely only last a bit longer before she would be required to retire as once Finli eats his next meal, he will sleep for the rest of the evening. Her little love never woke once down. She may be biased, but her son, her carbon copy of Kili, is perfect.

"He will be asleep within the hour, but he is quite alert throughout the day when he is awake." Tauriel finally responded.

Leotti smiled down at Finli before she lifted her olive eyes and looked over at Viltarra. "How come your not out dancing with Fili? What did he do!?" Her last sentence came out as a low growl.

Eyes widening at Leotti's threatening tones, Viltarra motioned with her head over to Fili who was giving Sigrid a bow then tried to leave, but was quickly pulled into a dance with Dis. Now that she could never fault. Her own father told her to be expecting a dance with him after he had a few with her mother, which should be quite soon.

"Dis requested he dance with visitors before he occupies his time with personal interests." All eyes turned to Naurfaer who smiled apologetically as he sat across the table. "It was the one thing she requested from him tonight, and knowing how fond he was of Bard's children, she thought it was a small request. I believe he plans on sidestepping anyone further in his path in order to get to you."

Viltarra was not sure if she was relieved or not. In truth it was a reasonable request but before she could process anymore a shadow fell over her. "I believe I was promised a dance by one of the loveliest dams in these halls." Viltarra smiled and was pulled from her chair. Without a word she followed, going to the dance floor and stepping right into the next dance on the opposite side of where Fili was spinning Dis as the song ended and went into another.

No more than five minutes had elapsed when Fili finally made it back to the table, his eyes searching for the one member he wanted most. They all watched as a look of disappointment filled his face. "Viltarra didn't leave did she?"

"Actually, she was just snatched up." Naurfaer pointed towards the floor where Viltarra was smiling at Vin who was trying to keep up with the fast-paced dance Bofur had the group playing. Fili sighed and fell down into his chair frustrated. He looked over at Leotti who was holding his nephew and lifted his arms to retrieve the infant. If he can't hold his one, maybe he can at least hold his nephew.

Leotti almost hissed at Fili but with a look from Tauriel, relinquished the babe to his uncle who sat back with Finli lying stomach down on his chest. Tauriel smiled at the sight, even if Fili's face was set in firm frustration. Although, his features did soften when the golden-headed uncle placed a large hand on Fin's back as the infant began to squirm, his little hands grasping onto Fili's outer vest just before he finally settled.

"You better not have any daggers within reach." Fili turned his blue eyes from Fin to Tauriel who was giving him a knowing look.

Fili rolled his eyes. "None that he can get to Tauri, don't worry. I won't accidently skewer my one-month-old nephew." He leveled Tauriel with his own look before his eyes fell on the dance floor once more on their own accord.

Given his families propensity to their overprotective nature, it should not surprise him that his sister would adopt herself so well into their family's core values that she would become an overprotective, fussy, mother. That was not fair though, Fili quickly berated himself. Tauri has never made him feel like she did not trust him with Finli. Mahal, he was not having a good night.

Fili's luck once again ran out when Fin went from content, to screaming, only minutes later; causing Fili to sit up in a panic. Kili chuckled at his brother's frantic eyes. "Peace brother. He is hungry, no need to get worked up." Kili took the infant who continued to wail even in his arms.

"I suppose it is my turn to retire." Tauriel reached for her son, but Kili rose with her.

"I am half the parent too amralime. I will have little fun without you so don't even try to get me to stay. The last time I stayed at a party without you, I ended up with another's lips forcing themselves onto mine and me not being able to hold my wife for much too long for my liking." Kili shuddered at the memory. It was still far too fresh in his mind.

"Why don't you two go and feed then put our littlest gem to sleep, and I will watch him for the remainder of the evening so you may return to the party. I think I have had my fill and was about to go up anyway." Tauriel looked to Dis who had just returned from a dance with Bard, the Lord of Dale now taking a turn with his eldest daughter while his youngest remained invested with Hillanna.

"I will join you Dis. I think I have had enough of the festivities this evening as well." Dis smiled gratefully at Naurfaer.

Tauriel looked to Kili then back to Dis. "If you are both sure. We do not mind retiring."

Dis smiled at Tauriel. "A quiet evening watching over my grandbaby? I could not think of anything I am more sure of. Now go my darlings. I will be up shortly so you can come back."

As the group watched Tauriel and Kili disappear out the door, a deep rumbled laughter filled the air and curious eyes turned to see a vibrant Thorin who was obviously several goblets deep into both wine and ale. Thorin was currently passing another filled goblet to the elven king who was giving what they could only assume was a look of distaste at the amber liquid presented to him. Thranduil clearly preferred his wine to the heady but sweet dwarvish ale.

Fili brightened when Viltarra and Vin trailed by Tarrah came back to the table. Without so much as a word, he immediately jumped from his seat, grabbed Viltarra's hand, and all but dragged her to the dance floor. This time nobody was going to stop them.

The young prince wound them through dancing dwarves both on the floor, in the aisles, and on the tables….several, in fact, on the tables. Some were joined by the people of Dale but only a few of the elves had made it to the designated dancing area. Fili caught some silver white hair and watched Legolas dancing Ivethin around and Bilbo dancing with another dam who seemed to be getting handsy with the hobbit. It was an amusing sight, considering he had thought Bilbo had gone to bed, clearly not. Pushing all thoughts of elven princes and hobbits aside, he twisted in place, pulled Viltarra close, and jumped into the dance.

Both were silent as they followed the steps automatically. Viltarra kept looking away and by the third time, Fili had enough. "Is something wrong?"

Brown eyes turned to blue and Viltarra lifted a brow. "No. Why would you say that?"

Fili gave her a look. They may have only known each other for maybe half a year, but he thinks in the last few months he has gotten to know the dam well enough to be able to figure out her moods. She was clearly upset about something. "You aren't speaking, and you won't even look at me." Fili finally replied.

The dam pierced her lips. She was trying to decide if she wanted to say something or just, let it go. This entire evening has been, well, nothing like she had expected. She knew Fili had obligations, but she had hoped she would at least have been one of them. Instead, she was well into the evenings celebrations and only just now had he been able to pay her any mind. She pushed that thought away, however, feeling it was a bit too selfish and not really her. Although, can anyone blame her for wanting to spend time with the dwarven prince she loves?

Viltarra would never say it, ever, but sometimes a very, very, small part of her wishes Fili was just Fili, not crowned prince Fili, future ruler of Erebor, but just, her Fili. It was part of who he was though, and she would never want him to be any different, she quickly amended. Maybe it was more she wishes she could have at least a day with Fili without being interrupted. "I was thinking tonight would be different, that is all."

Fili looked thoughtful and a bit lost. "Different…how?"

Viltarra huffed, he was such a male, so completely clueless. "Fili, it is late in the evening, many have retired, and the only one's remaining are so far gone they are making jokes with the elves." She twerked her head to a group of laughing dwarves who were passing goblets to equally merry elves. She then gestured to the head table and narrowed her eyes. "Even Lord Dain is passed out at the head table. So late in the evening, and you are just now getting to me."

Understanding filled Fili's eyes. "I am sorry Viltarra. I had to. Mam requested and they are visiting…"

Viltarra placed a hand over his mouth to stop his ramblings. It is in moments like these it was easy to see how related Fili was to Kili, who tended to ramble on unceasingly when he knew he was in trouble with Tauriel, just as Fili was doing to her now. She shook her head at him. "Naurfaer said as such. Fili…" She paused, unsure how to approach what she wanted to say. She decided to just, let her mind speak for her and lifted her eyes to Fili. "You and Sigrid…you looked so happy together."

Fili's eyes widened and he grasped his dam's hands tightly. "We are friends Viltarra, that is all. I was only happy because I was telling her about you. Please do not doubt my feelings for you. I love you."

Viltarra froze in place, her hands sliding from his grasp and falling to her sides. The pair was no longer even trying to pretend to dance anymore as they stood still in the middle of the crowd. The young baker's mouth opened and closed several times before she let out a strangled, "What?!"

Fili cocked his head to the side and gave her a frustrated look. "Did you not know! Mahal Viltarra! Why do you look so surprised? I was sure you already knew that."

Viltarra folded her arms and glared at the prince in front of her. For as intelligent as Fili is, he was such a stupid, STUPID dwarrow sometimes. "You have never said it to me! Not ONCE! I mean, I assumed, and it was implied, but you never…not out loud."

Fili stepped back up to her, unfolded her arms, and took both her hands tightly in his once again; making sure to look directly into her eyes as he spoke slowly and evenly. "Viltarra, I love you."

Viltarra's reaction, however, was not what he had expected, as she scrunched up her face and narrowed her eyes at the somewhat lost prince. "Then why are we not allowed to spend one celebration together? Kili and Tauriel have been inseparable this entire evening, but you are required to dance with anyone who had asked, except for me?" The young baker looked down at the floor. "She hates me, doesn't she? Your mother? It is her way of trying to make you see reason, that we do not belong together. I am sure she approves of Sigrid much more then she approves of me."

"WHAT!?" Fili all but yelled. "It's not like that at all, Viltarra. First of all, mam does not dislike you. I told you she would need time to get used to us, but if it is favoritism for Sigrid you think is happening, I must tell you that mam has never once, in any way, mentioned or given any indication she wants me to form a connection to the human girl. She is seventeen Viltarra, that is…unfathomable…despite our aging differences. I have no interest in her in any way but as a friend, and mam knows that. I do not think she has even spoken to the girl apart from a few words tonight."

Viltarra said nothing, just continued to look at the floor and Fili sighed. "Viltarra, I already spoke to mam about us, and she, believe it or not, is on board as long as we follow a few rules. Trust me. She does not hate you."

The young dam did not know what to say. She does not quite believe Fili about his mother disliking her, though she knows he would not lie to her. But, she will let the Sigrid thing go. He seemed so earnest about it, she knows he was telling her the truth. He really does not have any feelings for the young girl.

For some reason, however, it did not help much. Maybe it was because she wholeheartedly believes Fili is misreading his mother, and the dam would be more than happy if Viltarra suddenly…disappeared completely from their lives altogether. Not that she would ever say that out loud.

"Now, as for my brother and sister," Fili continued when Viltarra remained silent. "Kili and Tauriel are married and have a brand-new infant, Viltarra. Mam would never make them feel obligated to dance or entertain apart, certainly not with Finli needing them both. If we were married, it would be the same for us."

Finally, Viltarra lifted her eyes to his once more, her brow raised in question. "So, you're saying IF we ever got married, your mother would not expect you to fill your evening with playing the dutiful and hospitable future king of Erebor? I entirely doubt that. She hopes you would realize your foolish choice and turn your eyes to a more suitable companion."

Fili folded his arms in frustration. "What do you mean 'if'?"

The young baker glared at him in disbelief, was he even listening to her at all? "That…is what you keyed in on Fili? So are you saying I am right then?"

Fili recoiled. "WHAT! No! I told you mam is fine with us. Now, what do you mean 'IF we ever got married?' You don't want to get married?"

Viltarra raised her hands in the air and rolled her eyes. "What are you talking about? I never said I didn't want to get married! Of course I want to get married! Obviously, your head is too thick to understand why I am angry with you right now. Did you even think about me or how my evening was going? Oh no of course not! You did not even take a moment to ask me before you just…dragged me off to the dancefloor…like I was some, some, OBJECT you control."

This had Fili completely confused. "Dragged you off? I finally, FINALLY had a free moment to come and dance with the ONE person I wanted to dance with this entire evening, and so, yes, fine, alright, I took my opportunity when it was presented to me. I did not realize it would turn into an issue." He folded his arms and huffed.

"Oh you TOOK it huh? Ah, right, forgive me, oh magnanimous King Fili, great ruler who has the royal right to do as he pleases, with who he pleases, and when he pleases." Viltarra placed her hands on her hips and scowled. "I am not something you can push away and pull back at your whim Fili. This may come to you as a surprise, your royal highness, but having spent the entirety of the evening watching you with others in your arms has only made me want nothing more than to be ANYWHERE but here!"

Couples around the group were filtering away at the raised voices, some giving the pair curious looks before turning away after receiving matching glares from the duo whose tempers seem to be rising at an alarming rate. Tension from not being able to spend time together at the festival, paired with constantly getting interrupted when they do get time together, was melting into a chaotic and volatile mix of frustration, misunderstanding, and just plain irritability.

"Right. Let me see if I have this all straight…" Fili lifted his hand and began ticking off points as he spoke. "I am a tyrant king, a barbarian, and you would rather be anywhere but here, with me. Did I get everything or am I missing something?!"

Viltarra fisted her hands and put them on her hips, her seething anger filling her almost entirely. This stupid, frustrating, male! "BAH! You are so….me dubal ma samnirmi kasab du zantulbasn bintablagi! Males! You are ALL stubborn, thick headed, ORCS!"

Fili scrunched up his face. "OH, I am simple too? No wonder you don't want to get married. We males being, what did you say? We are 'stubborn, thick-headed, orcs'? That is certainly not a desirable partnership."

"I DIDN'T SAY I DID NOT WANT TO GET MARRIED!" Viltarra yelled out, not giving a single care in arda that the guests were currently giving her disapproving looks. It was a good thing her mother and father retired after their last dance, or they would more than likely be stepping in.

"So, let me see if I understand this correctly, you want to get married, just not to me." Fili growled, already more than over this conversation…but also really, really trying to reign in his own temper before he completely destroyed what they had.

Not having his accusations, because they were completely ridiculous, Viltarra narrowed her eyes and closed the distance, ramming her finger into his chest in raw frustration. "I certainly NEVER said that. You are being absurd and twisting my words."

Fili took a breath, his heart hammering in his chest as he replayed her words over and over in his head. Suddenly, it clicked, and his eyes widened in surprise. "So…you do want to get married?"

The smaller dam pierced her lips. "OF COURSE I DO!"

"To me?" Fili asked quietly.

"YES!" Viltarra bellowed, her voice sounding even over the loud music.

The prince stood silently watching her. "Oh." He finally said.

Viltarra growled and glared at him for another minute. When Fili didn't say any more, she let out a breath in annoyance and marched off, leaving Fili gaping on the dance floor watching her retreating form.

Startled out of his trance by a hand on his shoulder, Fili looked to the hatted dwarf beside him who was shaking his head in a clear disapproving fashion. "Lad, I said it once and I'll say it again. Yeh…"

"Did you hear her Bofur! This is great!" Fili interrupted with a laugh, beaming at his friend before bounding off the dance floor. Bofur looked confused as he watched the young prince sprint through the room and back up to the royal table.

Bofur sighed and scratched his head, mumbling to himself. "That boy's really got a lot teh learn." He gave the prince one last shake of the head and went back to his task, procuring more ale for the dwarves in the band.

Fili searched the crowd from the high table and spotted who he wanted to speak to. The white bearded dwarrow was just about to leave the hall. He ignored Leotti and Ori who were asking where Viltarra went, and made for the door where the old scholar was just about to pass through. "Balin! Wait!"

"Oh, laddie. I was just retiring, think I will let yeh younger ones finish the evening off." Balin gave Fili a warm smile. Many of the older dwarves, men from Dale, and even a few of the elves have chosen to retire for the evening. All guests would be staying in Erebor overnight before making their way back home the next day. Except for Bilbo and Gandalf who will be staying until spring. Though the wizard will likely be sharing his time between Dale, Mirkwood, and Erebor.

Fili nodded dismissively and rushed into speaking. "Yes, yes. Of course. Before you go, can I request your help with a contract?"

Balin looked taken aback. "A contract? Tonight lad? Is it tha' important?"

Fili nodded, a grin stretching across his face. "The most important thing I will ever do, or one of them at least."

Balin gave the prince a once over taking in his wide smile and twinkling eyes. He looked so much like his brother when he smiled like that, and there was no way he could deny him, so he nodded in agreement. "Alrigh', come with me laddie."

So, with a bounce in his step and a plan in mind, Fili left the party with Balin.

Tauriel just got Finli down in his cradle and kissed his brow, running her fingers gently along the side of his face and through the soft, thick, hair, on the top of his head.

"Are you ready Amralime?"

Tauriel turned away from her sleeping son and smiled at Kili. He held a hand out for her and Tauriel happily grasped it, lacing her fingers with his. She always loved, despite their obvious differences, how perfectly they fit together. The pair stepped out of their room and into their personal sitting room where Naurfaer was feeding Kaw some remnants he brought up from dinner, and Dis was watching quietly.

"Thank you again amad." Tauriel leaned down and kissed Dis on the forehead. "We will be back in a few hours, but please send for us if he wakes up and becomes too fussy. He just filled his stomach so he should be settled for most of the night."

"I think we both can handle an infant Tauriel, you and Kili go have fun." Naurfaer wiped the crumbs from his coat and made a shoeing motion with his hands. Without another word, Tauriel and Kili were out the door and headed back to the party.

Dis watched Naurfaer for a moment and sighed.

"What is it?" The elf asked kindly.

The dam looked at the bird who hopped over to her and nuzzled her hand before beginning to pick at the beading on her sleeve. "Alright, enough with you." She gave the black bird a scratch as he settled between her and Naurfaer on the large chaise.

Finally, after a moment of silence, Dis released a breath. "I am worried about Fili."

Naurfaer cocked his head to the side, giving her a questioning look. "Fili? How so? He seems to be the easier one of the two. Kili…well…he has an aptitude for taking the path less traveled…and reveling in it."

Dis chuckled, he was certainly not wrong about that, but shook her head and sighed again. "I keep finding Fili…and Viltarra…together alone."

The older elf thought carefully on his words, then looked at Dis. "You know, I nearly forbade Ithildin to form any kind of attachments to Findyyr." He sighed and sat back, gazing into the fire. "He was from another clan and I couldn't trust outsiders…especially one who was a part of the woodland realm even if his clan was not quite within Mirkwood. My daughter was not going to marry anyone who was in any way affiliated with Thranduil. I spent years keeping my family out of Mirkwood and away from the nearsightedness that permeates anyone who lives within his borders for a reason. I was not going to let some, pretty, elf come along and pull my only child into a world I worked so hard to stay away from." He looked over at Dis then smiled down at Kaw who was now pulling at a string on Naurfaer's coat.

Not liking his hands empty, Naurfaer scooped up the large raven who allowed him to cradle it in his arms as he scratched its head. The pile of feathers released a purr like croak in appreciation of the elf's ministrations. "He was persistent though, that young elf, and my daughter was adamant she would have no other. I very quickly found I had two choices placed before me. Accept him into the family, or risk losing my daughter."

Dis listened as the room grew quiet. The only sounds coming from the crackling of the fire Kili had made up while Tauriel put Finli to bed, and Kaw's purrs and coos as Naurfaer continued to stroke his head.

The flames in the ornate fireplace were casting dancing shadows on the walls around them, and she watched as they flitted and flickered about. Was Naurfaer right? Was she down to a choice of accepting Viltarra or losing Fili? Watching them closely she could not deny they both cared deeply for one another, maybe even loved one another.

It was no longer a question of if they would be wed, but when. Dis knew it, Thorin knew it, and there was no use in fighting it. Not that she was trying to. Her asking Fili to dance with Bard's daughters had nothing to do with her keeping Viltarra away, or that is what she told herself when the guilt settled in when she saw the young dam looking forlornly at her son as he danced with another.

The dam sighed. "I know what you are trying to say, and I believe you to be right. There is no fight or choice to be had. Viltarra will be joining this family, sooner rather than later if the way they look at each other is any indication."

"I am sensing a but…" Naurfaer drawled.

Dis sighed again. "But…this constant 'rendezvous' in the shadows is most inappropriate. I have told Fili he needed a chaperone, which he was quite displeased with, let me tell you. I don't know what to do Naurfaer. I want only his happiness, but, I don't want to subject either of them to the reality of gossiping dwarves and their judgments should Viltarra fall with child before they are joined."

"Is that done? My experience has shown the dwellers of Erebor to be rather, open, to all manner of things. Including elves among them…for the most part." Naurfaer was not ignorant to some of the prejudices still shot at him…and his granddaughter. But, all in all, they were limited to a select few…usually older…dwarrow. He was rather surprised at how…accepting…the dwarven people were, given the rumors of the opposite.

"It is if you are the crowned prince." Dis hummed in response. "There are expectations and responsibilities that come with the role. Fili knows this. Even Kili and Tauriel, though it was unsaid, were carefully chaperoned throughout their courtship, despite sharing a bed before marriage. I never had to worry about my youngest. He and Tauriel were quite adamant about not advancing their relationship until marriage. Despite this, Fili was always with them, or Leotti. There were only a handful of times in which they were truly alone, but certainly not for long, and usually with someone distantly watching. I personally made sure of that."

Naurfaer nodded then looked down at Dis and smiled wide. "I can be their chaperone if you would like."

The regal dam looked thoughtful for a moment. "How will you know if they are even meeting? I don't even know when they are. Fili has always been more, private in his whereabouts, than Kili."

Naurfaer placed the hand not holding Kaw on Dis's shoulder, and smiled brightly. "Don't worry, I have an idea."

The dam let out a relieved breath, then nodded her head yes. "Thank you Naurfaer. I would most appreciate it. Now, tell me about this idea?" Naurfaer laughed and spent the remainder of the night giving the rudimentary details of his plan.

It was very late into the evening and Tauriel was giving her other half a questioning brow. "Are you sure about this meleth nin."

"More sure of it than anything. If princey here is not afraid of a challenge that is." Kili gave Legolas a smirk.

"You're on dwarf." The elven prince shot back calmly.

Honestly, it was as if Legolas was her age rather than well over 2000 years old. She was not too surprised though, her Kili had the gift of bringing out the youth in anyone he interacts with. Tauriel sighed beside Leotti who was leaning against Ori, half asleep.

The dwarf looked down at the small dam and smiled softly before turning to the eleth. "I think I am going to take her home Tauri."

Leotti opened her eyes and sat up. "Awww, but I want to see Kili lose fantastically." Kili gave Leotti a playful glare, and stuck his tongue out at her, but the dam was yawning so widely, she missed the childish response.

Tauriel smiled down at her friend whose eyes were closed once more. "I doubt you will be awake to do so. Go on, before you fall asleep."

Without another word, Ori stood, forcing Leotti to rise with him, and both bid their goodnights.

By now, most of the guests had left the hall, even Thorin had taken Bard and Thranduil down to one of the cellars to show off some of their famous halwabrâsh-shalk. A dwarven brandy infused with apples, cherries, and lots of sugar. It is sweet and the drinker often thinks it weak, mistakenly consuming more than they should.

However, the name halwabrâsh-shalk literally translates to 'sweet-pain-drink for a reason. All three of them will be regretting it come morning. As will Kili, Tauriel thoughtfully adds as she watches her husband who was currently four mugs into a drinking battle with Legolas. How many times has she told her husband that elves hold their ale differently than mortals. This will not end well.

As her husband and friend downed mug after mug of dwarven ale, she watched as the hall slowly emptied even further. Only a few of the men of Dale remained…though most seemed to be sleeping on the tables, there were still several dwarves drinking and chatting, as well as some elves. It took Dwalin, Bofur, and Bifur to get Lord Dain out of his chair and the hall. He was still currently completely out, having consumed more than his weight in ale, wine, and whiskey.

The music was down to a fiddle and piano both played by visiting elves who took over for Bofur and his group. Even the dance floor was now mostly clear, with the exception of a few elven couples who finally took to dancing once the overzealous dwarves had vacated. They seemed happier with the softer, less intense, music from the remaining instrumentalists.

Tauriel smiled as she sat back in her chair. Kili had danced her around for more than an hour before being drawn into…whatever this competition was. She eyed the pair disapprovingly, both of them had ale dripping from their mouths and onto their formal attire. Foolish males. She refused to pick a side knowing how it will all end.

Valar above, was Tauriel surprised when Legolas pushed a half-drunk mug away looking rather green. "I concede. I don't think I could take another."

Kili laughed as he swallowed the rest of his mug in one gulp before slamming it down and jumping onto the table for a victory yell. Rolling her eyes, Tauriel pulled at the leg of her dwarf's pants trying to get the slightly wobbling dwarven prince down before he fell. Of course, Kili happily gave into her request and jumped down only to give her a very wet and sloppy kiss before he staggered a bit, and settled in the chair beside her, swaying slightly as he leaned into the table.

The elven prince lifted a brow and smirked at Tauriel's disapproving expression which was currently pointed at Kili, who was smiling, but looking as if he could collapse at any moment. "Perhaps you should get your dwarf to bed, he looks as if he is about to fall over sitting."

Tauriel chuckled at Legolas but looked to Kili who was now scowling. He reached for another ale and gave Legolas a smirk as he began to down the mug entirely. The elven prince watched, clearly appalled. "How can you drink more?"

"Surju hikhthuzul katamkhihi khama, zalal galikh rakassab khulum." Kili purred as he leaned into Tauriel, who wrinkled her nose at the heavy smell of ale coming from her dwarf. She slapped his hand as he reached for yet another mug of the amber liquid, stopping him from partaking even more.

"Kili, I think you have had quite enough, and you are not supposed to be speaking such things." The eleth whispered into his ear in warning, but Kili only rolled his eyes and waived her off, obviously too far gone to care about using the secret language. Not that what he said was wrong in any way, he could have used the common language as all he said was, 'There is always room for fine ales, and rich pies'.

"I never said what it meant, so it is fine amoranay." Amoranay? Lovely. Seeing as how he can't even pronounce his special name for her, Tauriel stood deciding it was time to end their evening before he drank himself to death.

"Alright. Enough is enough. Come to bed my precious prince. Before you begin spouting sonnets in a language you are not supposed to use, and Balin comes in to kill you." When Kili began to protest Tauriel gave him a forlorn look. "Whatever shall I do without you? I must get you to bed, it is the only way to keep you safe from ire and harm."

"Kuthu zall tamdini ib-bund rarak zataznishin tu." Kili slurred automatically.

Legolas raised a brow but did not ask. He had no idea Kili had essentially said 'ale loosens the tongue', well, a closer translation would be, 'when ale enters the mouth, secrets fly out.' Same difference.

"Clearly." Tauriel deadpanned as she all but carried her dwarf out of the hall, Legolas's laughter ringing behind her.

Kili was heavy. She had learned in her time with dwarrows to never underestimate their weight. Just because they seemed smaller in stature, did not mean they did not make up for it tenfold in heft and denseness.

Looking at her husband, Tauriel amended that he was not much smaller than her in height, but certainly larger than her in thickness, which is probably why she was having so much difficulty hauling him up. She tried not to grunt as she supported all of Kili's dead weight dragging him down the hall.

Luckily for her, one of the two guards at the stairs helped her get him up to the wing, but had to go back to his station so he left them once they were inside. Unfortunately, Kili had passed out in the main sitting room on a chair as she attempted to lean him against it to get a better purchase of her beloved.

"Kili!" Her dwarf only let out a small grumble but remained completely gone to the waking world. So, Tauriel had two choices; either leave him here…or accept her fate and continue to heft her dense husband down to their room.

"Need a hand little sister? Looks like you let Ki overdo it again. I told you, once he reaches his limit, he can't hold his ale." Fili beamed at Tauriel as he sauntered into the room.

Saved. Tauriel could kiss Fili…and shoot him for not being in the hall to help her stop it to begin with. "Yes yes, I know. He challenged Legolas and I could do nothing to stop it." She sighed and eyed her beloved dwarf. "Kili won and this, I am afraid, is what victory looks like."

Fili laughed as he took in his younger brother who looked even younger asleep. Mahal, he did not even look old enough to drink let alone be a father. "Alright, you get one side, and I will get the other. Ki's heavy as a stone bed, so it will take both of us to get him to your chambers with his dead weight."

Tauriel did as Fili suggested and between the pair, they hauled the passed out prince down the hall and finally stepped into the room. The moment they entered, Dis rose from the lounge chair, Naurfaer nowhere in sight. At first she gasped thinking something was wrong, but Tauriel quickly corrected her. "He is fine, he simply participated in a drinking contest, that is all."

Dis tutted at her son's lack of maturity that shown through on rare occasions. "Honestly. Who did he lose to?"

"Oh no mam, apparently, Ki won." Fili smirked.

"That does not look like winning to me." Dis eyed Kili warily. "Did you make sure the losing half was escorted to their chambers safely?"

Tauriel adjusted Kili's shoulder to help with bearing his weight. "The 'losing' party is still down there as far as I know. He was the one who sent us away. Legolas conceded rather than drinking himself into a drunken stupor." She let disapproving green eyes settle on her husband once again.

Fili, no longer wanting to support his brother's dead weight, grumbled. "Do you want to leave him in here, or shall we take him to the bed?"

Tauriel shook her head. "The bed. He will not be comfortable here."

Fili gave her a look but helped her drag Kili to the bedroom, making sure to be as quiet as possible so they would not wake the still sleeping infant. The only light in the room was coming from the fireplace in the corner of the bedchamber. Kili had started it when they returned to put Finli down, which was hours ago, so at the moment it was burning low.

To keep the room warm for both his brother and his nephew, once Kili was settled in the bed, Fili threw a log on the smoldering flames. He then lingered long enough to see Tauriel brush the hair back from Kili's forehead and place a lingering kiss on his brother's brow.

Tauriel then turned away and pushed Fili out the door and into the sitting room before pushing him down in a chair where Dis was sitting once more as she gathered some of her things. She had been working on some needle point while she was waiting. Apparently, Naurfaer had to run to help Aeodhen deal with a group of young, naked, and very drunk dwarves messing about the stables.

Not wanting to hear any further details of that, Tauriel turned her attention to her brother and began her interrogation. "Where were you? I heard you and Viltarra had a fight. Are you alright? You may want to lie low if you did, because Leotti was talking about skinning you alive then using her tools to make a blanket out of you. It was rather…macabre…but I do not think her to be incapable of such a thing."

At this Dis dropped the basket with her sewing things and looked to Fili, who was visibly shuttering at the threat. Nobody, in any way, underestimated Leotti, though Dis honestly believes the young dam was more bark than bite, but...just in case…she should talk to her about not making threats on the royal family in the future. However, apart from that, Fili seemed much too happy to have had a fight with Viltarra. She decided to take a seat as she warily watched her son, who was now waving Tauriel's concerns off.

"It was nothing, but I do need to speak with you, mam. Well, you and Thorin. Balin said he was drinking with Thranduil and Bard though, so I will have to wait until the morning to talk to him, but, since you are here..." Fili pulled out a roll of parchment and passed it to Dis who slowly took it from Fili's expecting hand.

Tauriel looked unsure if she should stay or go tend to Kili, but her thoughts were answered by Fili who must have seen the uncertainty in her eyes. "Please stay, little sister." His blue eyes were pleading, so she sat beside Dis watching her features change from surprise, to forming a tearful smile.

"Are you sure about this dear? This is what you want?" Dis passed the parchment to Tauriel who scanned the document. A marriage contract? Fili was going to ask Viltarra for her hand. Their family was indeed growing.

Fili nodded slowly. "More sure then I have ever been about anything in my life mam. Will you consent? I left room for you to make any additions, adjustments, or changes. Balin helped me, so it should have everything properly outlined."

Dis rose from her spot and settled on the side of Fili opposite Tauriel. He sat between the two of them but watched his mother. She placed a hand on his cheek and pulled his head to press their foreheads together.

"My precious, precious son. My first-born baby. You are so like your father. So, calm, collected, but when you know what you want, you go after it with everything you are. If this is what you want, I stand by what I said, you have my blessing." Dis pulled away to kiss the space between his brows as tears slipped from her eyes. Both her boys, married and settled. When had they reached this stage in life? How had they grown so fast before her eyes? Was it not just yesterday Fili was saying his first words? Taking his first steps? Now he is going after his own heart to begin his own family, but she still sees the little dwarfling at her feet when she looks at him.

Fili pulled Dis into his arms and cradled her to him. His mam who had lost so much. "I love you amad. I will always be here for you. You aren't losing me. You are gaining another daughter." He paused and pulled back, leaning in to conspiratorially whisper, "At least she's a dam…and not an elf."

Tauriel hit him, hard, while Dis gave a hearty laugh. Her children. Another daughter. Of course, she knew even as she slowly began to accept Viltarra, she doubts there would be the same closeness with her as she had with Tauriel. Viltarra had a family, a mother and a father. Tauriel did not. Thorin, Fili, Kili, and Dis were her only family…and Naurfaer. The poor elf tried so hard to get Tauriel to accept him as family. She was still not as close with him as she was with Dis and her family though, maybe in time.

Thinking about Viltarra, Dis can certainly learn to accept another daughter into her life, and will try harder to be more…patient…with the dam. "I believe I can do that dear. We will speak to your uncle in the morning. In the meantime, I will retire." Dis stood and cupped Fili's cheek one last time before bending and giving Tauriel a kiss on the forehead as well. She bid them goodnight and left the room.

"When are you going to ask her." Tauriel gave Fili a look as he leaned back against the chaise. "Fili?"

A small snore met her ears, and she rolled her eyes. These dwarrows. Useless. Tauriel stood and gently guided Fili to lay fully on the seat. She then tucked one of the decorative pillows under his head and pulled the knitted blanket draped against the back of the chair over Fili's sleeping form. She should go and get some herbs put together for her husband and brother, both will need them in the morning.

Tauriel left the rooms and traveled down the darkened hallway. The chill from the night air was bleeding through the thick mountain walls and she rubbed her arms to keep it away.

A peak out the window at the far end of the hall showed quite the white out happening across the plains. It was a good thing Thorin had insisted Bard and Thranduil along with their guests stay in the mountain for the evening. They will be both departing in the morning so Erebor and Dale can begin their celebration of the day of Yule itself. Mirkwood does not celebrate the Yule season, but they are not far from another winter celebration the wood elves partake in within a few weeks, so they will be planning for their own holiday.

The eleth heard some shuffling in the kitchen and stopped. Was Thorin back? Maybe it was Naurfaer. It smelled…foul. She slowly inched the door open, her hand on her dagger, as she stepped in and froze. A large, cream colored, beast was head deep into a crate of cured meats. A tufted tail wagged side to side happily as it partook. Though she had not spent a lot of time with the creature, Tauriel knew exactly what she was currently faced with…and Thorin will not be happy.

"NAURFAER!" Tauriel hollered. The beast immediately ceased its feasting and turned to the eleth, the creature's large grey eyes looking up as Tauriel pulled her weapon. A small growl emanated from the warg as it took in the eleth's stance and threatening blade. The creature looked more afraid than hostile, so Tauriel began to lower her dagger, thinking maybe a more calming tactic would be in order.

However, before Tauriel could try and sooth the beast, the door burst open and Dis came running in, a sword at the ready in her hand. She had never seen Dis with a sword before, but the dam pulled it off, she looked as dangerous as any son of Durin.

"Oh my!" Dis lifted the sword and put herself in a fighting stance beside Tauriel before Naurfaer ran in.

"WAIT!" Naurfaer yelled. At seeing the other elf, Hiril's ears, which moments ago were plastered to the back of her head, instantly lifted and she immediately sat down, cocking her head to the side while her tongue hung from her jaws and her small tail waived excitedly once more.

"What in the name of Mahal! Naurfaer! Thorin said you could not bring that inside!" Dis bellowed.

"Valar above! He is going to slaughter you!" Tauriel added, her annoyance clear in her tone.

Naurfaer went directly to his warg pup and patted her fondly on the head. "She's not going to harm anyone! It is blizzarding outside and she was shivering when I brought her dinner. I could not just leave her in the stable, so I brought her up after helping Aeodhen. I would never have brought her in, if I was not fully confident in her ability to not be aggressive."

"Thorin is not going to like this." Dis warned as she eyed the warg who's tail was once again wagging. Her heart melted when it leant forward and rubbed its furry head against her limp hand, giving her a guttural whine.

Dis raised her eyes to the ceiling knowing she already had lost to the animal and to Naurfaer. "Fire and forge. Fine. But you will need to speak to Thorin about this."

Naurfaer smiled brightly as Tauriel rolled her eyes at Dis for giving in so easily. She pointed at Naurfaer and glared at her mother's father. "Keep her away from Kaw. If I find one feather out of place, I will put an arrow through that things heart."

What Tauriel did not say, however, was she would have likely done the same thing. Edging around the warg who was still being pet by Dis, Tauriel gathered her herbs and stepped out of the room. The less she knew and agreed with, the less she would be included when Thorin gets wind of this.

Tauriel stepped back into her chambers, placing the herbs she would need in the morning on the side entrance table and looking over Fili's sleeping form. He would have a stiff neck and back in the morning, but in no way is she waking him, he was dangerous when woken before he was ready.

Tauriel kept the fire going by adding a few logs to help keep him warm. A quick glance had her noticing the rolled parchment on the floor having fallen from his hand, so Tauriel picked it up off the ground and sat the contract on the small table in-front of Fili before stepping into her room and assessing her beloved.

Kili had not moved in her absence, not one muscle. She closed the door behind her and stepped towards the small fireplace, making sure to add a few more logs to keep it going through the night. The wood fueled the flames, causing the dim room to light up once more. Apart from the crackles of the flame, however, the only noises were the identical breaths of her son and husband.

On her way to the bed, Tauriel stopped at the cradle, looking in on her son. She smiled and caressed his warm cheek while she gazed at her little Finli, he really was perfect. Tauriel pulled the blanket up just a bit more over her sleeping babe, then turned her focus to her other precious being. She was exhausted herself, but she knew she would not get any sleep if Kili remained as he was…dressed and on top of the covers.

With the glow of the fire paired with her advanced senses, Tauriel was able to see well enough to get Kili more comfortable. She removed his boots, belt, and shifted him enough to take off his overcoat, waistcoat, tunic, and undershirt…as well as pulling the comforter out from under him. Now down to his trousers, Tauriel gathered his things and placed them in a pile to deal with in the morning. She then stripped herself down to her shift and crawled into bed, tucking herself into Kili's warmth after pulling the blankets over them both.

Kaw was watching her the entire time from where he had settled, perched on the headboard. He did not make a sound, but hopped down to nest in the unused pillows just above her and Kili's heads, then tucked his head under his wing to sleep.

Tauriel smiled and closed her eyes, listening to the cadence of her husband's heart along with his breathing as she began to drift off. The eleth's eyes shot open, and she lifted her head when her son gave a cooing sigh, but he settled instantly and Tauriel draped her arm across Kili's chest and finally allowed his warmth to lull her to sleep.

Original Authors Note: Alright. Yule is over and a contract has been written. Let's find out what happens next…as soon as I proofread it. XD. I am sure I have more to say here, but, I had my COVID shot yesterday and my arm hurts. I'm old…and a baby, double win. :D :D :D. See you soon!