Updated January 9th, 2022
Original Authors Note: I'MMM BACK! Sorry this was taking so long. Honestly, I am not quite finished even with this act, but I am far enough along to start posting it. I still have quite a few chapters to finish so it may not be as swiftly to post as my usual.
OH, as a special treat, I finally did post that recipe for butter cake on my profile. It is my own recipe so if you make it, let me know what you think. My family loves it. :)
Anyway. This is definitely not as dark as the last ACT but it is not COMPLETE fluff. Enjoy!
ACT III
"If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world."
The Hobbit- J. R. R. Tolkein
Chapter One
Jumping back, Kili was just able to dodge the menacing blade being thrust at him. His side hurt, his heart hammered in his chest, and he was out of breath. Beads of perspiration fell down the side of his face as he sidestepped yet another blow. Unfortunately, in doing so, he missed his step and stumbled backwards which gave his adversary just enough of an edge to tackle him to the ground. He felt the sharp edge of a blade against his throat and gulped as he stared up at his attacker. Kili saw the spark in their eyes brighten, matching their wide grin. "Give up dwarf! It is over."
Kili groaned and closed his eyes as his head fell back to the hard, dirt, floor; his chest heaving with the exertion of the battle. "Then do it." He growled from his place on the ground, obviously no longer caring of his fate.
There was a brief pause and Kili felt the pressure of the blade increase before it pulled away and was replaced by the softest set of lips, which attacked his neck with vigor. Kili moved his head to the side to give more access only to give a frustrated mumble when they were replaced by cold air. Opening his eyes, Kili was surrounded by a curtain of red hair as a set of very amused emerald-green eyes peered into his. "I believe that is 1 in 5. Care to be beat yet again by your expecting wife, meleth nin?"
Kili huffed and narrowed his eyes at her in a mock glare. "I was going easy on you. Can't risk hurting either you or the baby."
The fact that he was saying this while completely out of breath caused Tauriel's eyebrow to raise. Her face twisted into concern, however, when Kili tensed and flinched when he tried to shift. The eleth began silently searching her husband for evidence of injuries causing Kili to look up at her curiously. "Did I harm you? Oh Kili, I am so sorry." She immediately slid off him.
Kili, however, vocally objected the move, attempting to grab her by her hips to keep her in place but was too slow to catch the eleth who now sat beside him. "No! No. Tauriel I am fine. I just am sore that is all. I forgot how difficult training can be when you are out of shape." Kili sighed and pushed himself up to a sitting position, wincing once more as his muscles protested the action.
Tauriel lifted her hand and ran it along Kili's cheek, simultaneously enjoying the feel of his thick whiskers and guiding his warm, brown, eyes back to hers. "Kili, be patient with yourself. You went through something not many would have survived, and your body needs time to be restored back to where it was. Unfortunately, it is also an uncomfortable and laborious journey. One I do not envy. You are doing wonderful my love." She leaned in to brush the tip of her nose along his jaw, humming contently while Kili pulled her close.
"I think," Tauriel continued, her voice low and sensual, "enough is enough for today. I will claim my prize for being the victor, however."
Kili leaned back, surprise clear in his features. "Oh? And what spoils do you desire for such a feat?"
Tauriel chuckled lowly. "Only you."
"Well, me you already have...but I supposed such a monumental reward can be claimed twice." Kili smiled wide, leaning in to claim her lips once more, but Tauriel inched back a bit more, just out of reach causing Kili to huff and grumble under his breath.
"I do agree..." Tauriel gave him a contemplating look, "although," She teased at Kili's frustrated scowl, "I would certainly not say no to a warm bath and maybe you washing my hair?" Tauriel closed her eyes and shivered at the idea of Kili's fingers working their way across her scalp and down her long red strands. It sounded like a perfect victory.
Kili thought on it, then hummed in acquiesce as he once again leaned into her. However, he stilled when a fluttering of wings pulled his attention from his beloved elf. Both turned their heads to watch Kaw fold in his long wings, jumping over to bump his head into Tauriel just after dropping a note to the ground.
Sighing, Kili picked up the missive, unfolding it with not a little annoyance. Whatever was inside, likely was about to ruin his alone time with Tauriel. Quickly reading the message, Kili moaned and threw himself back onto the ground, a perfect imitation of Finli when he was throwing a rare tantrum; Tauriel watching with amusement clear in her features. "Something you wish to share, my Kili?"
Not wanting to speak, Kili thrust his hand with the note up to Tauriel who took it with a chuckle. She scanned the note which was more of a summons than anything. "Amad is requesting our presence immediately? Whatever for I wonder?" Kili mumbled something unintelligible before pushing himself off the ground and holding his hand out for Tauriel to take, which she did without hesitation. Kili pulled her to her feet and dusted himself off.
"I would have preferred a shower at least, but mam will have to take me as is." Tauriel gave him a heated look, her lips forming a leer as she moved to close the distance between them.
"Personally, I would take you any way I can get you." She purred and leaned in to pull his lips to hers.
"There you two are! Did you not get Dis's note! Come on, you can do that later." Kili fought the urge to pull his sword again as Naurfaer's wide grin only filled the young dwarf with a different kind of frustration already ailing him.
"Come on meleth nin. Let's get this done with and then we can finish where we left off." Her look was filled with promise and was easily returned with Kili's own crooked smile. He laced his fingers with hers and they followed Naurfaer out of the training room, Kaw flying through a window, likely to get back to Finli who was spending time with his pop. Thorin had insisted taking him today to give the pair some time together. Kili rolled his eyes. Right, that is time together UNTIL they were interrupted.
Tauriel looked down at Kili then back up at the other elf. "Do you know why it is so urgent? Nothing is wrong, is it?"
Naurfaer shook his head. "Not to my knowledge. I honestly have no idea. Dis requested I come find you incase Kaw got distracted. You know how he can get." Tauriel nodded. The raven was still young but getting better at being prompt in getting messages out. Though he was known to be sidetracked or distracted, sometimes the messages not getting to their intended for several hours after they had been sent.
The trio walked in silence the remainder of the way and both were surprised to be guided to the meeting room in the guard's wing. "Da!" Kili perked up when he walked in only to have his arms full of his little treasure. Tauriel smiled brightly, then chuckled when the silhouette of her black raven could be seen perched just behind where Thorin sat on the back of an unused chair.
Tauriel warmed from deep inside as she watched Kili greet their son before looking around the room. Thorin and Dis were both already inside along with Dwalin and Aeodhen. A hand from behind caused Tauriel to jump and turn to look into a pair of laughing blue eyes. "Well, are you going to go in little sister? Or just stand in the doorway blocking traffic." Without answering, Tauriel felt herself be pushed into a chair just as Viltarra came through the door, taking the seat beside the eleth.
The young dam leaned in, "Any idea what this is about?" Tauriel shook her head and leaned back. Kili came to take the seat on her other side as Fili took the one beside Viltarra.
It had been nearly two months since Fili and Viltarra's wedding. The couple was quite sparse for their first month of marriage, not even coming out of their room for the first two weeks. Tauriel did not fault them though, if she had it her way, she would be locked in her room with Kili right now instead of growing steadily more apprehensive.
Once it seemed everyone was seated, Thorin ceased his side conversation with Aeodhen and Dwalin. He looked around the room and leaned forward, planting his elbows on the stone table. "I have just received a request of a unique nature. It would seem the Ukdam are nearby and wish to enter the mountain for business and entertainment."
Tauriel looked around the room, Kili and Fili both looking equally excited as did Viltarra who grinned widely. She knew what the word meant in Khuzdul, travelers, but to what context? "Who or what exactly are the Ukdam?"
All eyes turned to Tauriel, but it was Naurfaer who surprisingly answered. "They are a dwarven traveling band of a sizable nature who go from city to city telling stories through song and dance as well as selling wares, from trinkets to unique antiquities, they either make or acquire from their journeys. It is quite a group!"
"Have you traveled with them Naurfaer?" Dis asked, amazement clear in her voice.
Naurfaer shook his head. "Visited with, yes, traveled, no. They do not allow outsiders to join them. One must be born into the group or adopted in as a youngling. Secretive lot too, and thrice as untrusting. Much more so than normal dwarrow on both accounts in my experience. I had to pay triple for what I thought was a wrist guard of Gondor only to find it to be a cheap knockoff." Naurfaer leaned back with a huff. "Should have known I was being swindled."
Thorin rose a brow at the pouting elf. "He is not wrong. The Ukdam can be trusted, but they will try to get the upper hand in any transaction. I would advise not to throw gold into anything you are not absolutely certain it is what it seems to be. Once a transaction is made, it cannot be undone. This is their way." He stopped for a moment, taking in the silent room and turned to Aeodhen and Dwalin. "Nobody is allowed in the treasury while they are here except for those in this room. Lock and key with double the guard on all entrances and openings." Aeodhen scribbled a note on some parchment with Dwalin leaning in and making a few comments where all that filled the air until Thorin turned to Tauriel.
"You may not like this Nâtha, but I also do not want you visiting with them unless you are with at least two others in the family. Dis, Leotti, Naurfaer, and Viltarra are all fine as well, but I would feel much more comforted if it was alongside Kili, Fili, or I as the second. As Naurfaer has come to find out, they have little love or trust for any race outside our own and I am concerned with what they would make of you. Your safety is of the upmost importance."
Tauriel sighed but nodded. She hated it but understood. Nobody wanted her to go through what she had at the end of Finli's pregnancy. "I understand. I will make sure I am with others. When are they due to arrive?"
Dis stood and began passing out rolled parchment to everyone at the table. "By morning, which is why we called this meeting. We need word to get out down to the markets, Viltarra and Fili, if you two do not mind taking that on?" The newly wed pair nodded and opened their scrolls which gave a list of who to meet with and what to address.
"Tauriel and Kili, I would like you to speak with Bombur, let him in on what is going on and see that there is enough food in stores to sustain the mountain and the group. We may need to acquire more food should they stay long. Figure out how much and if we need to reach out to Dale or Mirkwood to trade for extra resources."
"Of course, mam." Kili pulled the parchment from Finli's grasp who was trying to pull it into his mouth.
Dis smiled and continued, now looking to the second elf in the family. "Naurfaer, can you speak with the stable hands and see if we have enough space to house their animals? If we do not, we may need to get creative. At least it is still the warm season, as they may need to be placed in one of our lesser used pastures."
"I think we can come up with something Dis, worry not, it will be handled."
Giving Naurfaer a grateful smile, Dis once again addressed the entire group. "Balin is looking into a place for them to camp in one of the unused halls or caverns, they prefer to stay together, and he believes he knows just the place. That is all, unless you have something to add Thorin?"
At first it looked as if Thorin was going to dismiss them, but he zeroed his eyes on little Finli. "I do. Kili, Tauriel, I would advise you to refrain from bringing Finli out and visiting the group. In fact, it would be best if he was to stay in the family's hall their entire stay and to keep our guests blissfully unaware of his existence. I will add it wise to also not give them any indication you are expecting Tauriel. As we have yet to make the announcement, it is not currently common knowledge."
Kili cocked his head in confusion. "Do you think they would do something uncle?"
Thorin sighed and leaned forward. "The Ukdam will likely not cause harm or foul, but, there are stories...rumors if you will...of dwarflings disappearing near the timeframe of their visits to other mountains, though never has anything been proven. Could just be coincidences, but I do not want to take any chances with my grandchildren. Please heed my council and for his safety and protection, keep him away. They should not be staying long, a week, two at most. I am certain they will come again when he is of age, he will have his chance to partake when he is old enough to defend himself."
Kili hugged Finli close to his chest. "Of course, uncle. Thank you." He would not risk losing his son, nor would he put Tauriel through anything of the like. She has been through enough these last two years, he just wants a quiet, peaceful year for his family and a completely uneventful pregnancy for Tauriel.
"I will be warning Taada, Shaada, and the other dams with little ones of such as well. All dwarflings under 20 years of age are to be kept in their families' halls. Absolutely no exceptions." Dis added.
"Don' worry 'bout Shaada. I'll make sure my little one's don' leave. I will speak teh her tonight." Dis nodded at Aeodhen. With nothing more to say, the room was dismissed, and everyone sent out to fulfill their tasks presented to them.
Kili and Tauriel worked with Bombur, the large head of the kitchen agreed that with the plentiful harvest from their green room, and Naurfaer and a team he had put together having had a returned with a highly successful hunt, they had more than enough to sustain extra mouths for at least three weeks. Any more than that, however, they would need to consider doing some extra trades and purchases with their neighboring cities. Winter was coming and it would not do well for the mountain to run low on resources with the constant increase of dwarves choosing to settle permanently within Erebor's halls.
"How many Ukdam are there?" Tauriel asked as Bombur gave a final look over their food stores.
"To be truthful, I am not sure. Las' time I saw em, they had maybe 500 in number? Tha' is wha' they usually travel with I think, more or less." Bombur looked up at her with a smile. "I can' wait. Taada will be exited too, bu' she won' be wantin' the wee ones down so I am no' sure how desirein' she is of visitin." Bombur gave her a small smile and turned back to his list.
Kili, who was leaning against a barrel of grain, nodded his understanding. "I remember the last time I saw them. It was nothing but wonderful memories. But with having a babe of our own, I must say I think I would like it better if they would not come for a time." Kili lent down and picked up the lid to the barrel and replaced it, seeing Bombur was finished with this area of the massive storeroom.
The young prince chuckled when he looked down at the large barrel only to realize it was one of the 12 they had ridden down the river as they attempted to escape Mirkwood and the orcs. The barrels had somehow survived the dragon fire and had been scavenged by bard and presented to Thorin as a gift, of sorts. Kili was not sure if the king enjoyed the humor behind it or not, but they were put to use none the less.
"Well, I think tha' will do. Give this to Thorin." Bombur passed Tauriel a note. "An try not to worry on the Ukdam. I don' think they would be foolish enough to do any harm." Kili nodded and stepped away from the barrel, securing Tauriel's free hand in his own.
"Let us hope not, I am not in the mood to be merciful." Kili growled out. Tauriel eyed her husband. He had a smile on his lips, but the serious look in his eyes showed he meant what he said.
"Thank you Bombur. Please give my love to Taada and the children." The round dwarf gave Tauriel a bow and returned to his work, looking up as the pair disappeared through the door. He missed Kili's easy going, worry free, trusting nature deeply. He can't blame the lad though, with what he went through, it is a miracle from Mahal he is as well-adjusted as he is now. Shaking his head, Bombur turned to go back to the kitchens to inform his team.
A few levels below, Fili was rolling his eyes at yet another of Erebor's merchants who was complaining about the coming visitors. "I can assure you Okyn, you will not be losing sales. I find it hard to believe a band of traveling entertainers would be a danger to the furniture business."
"Aye, yeh say tha' now, but when my profits fall, it will be on you!" The ancient dwarrow lifted a crooked finger and pointed it at the young, crowned prince. He gave Fili another glare, then hobbled back into the maze of wares he sold. Well, sold would be a loose term.
"Has he even made ONE sale since opening?" A cluck of the tongue was the only response Fili received. He turned to Viltarra who was lifting a brow at him. "Well, has he? He is within viewing distance of your parent's stall. Has anyone once come and bought something from him? Anything at all? I mean...look at it...I would not call that soundly made."
Viltarra followed his gaze to a rickety chair that looked as if it was held together by the grace of the maker. Then she glanced at the table with three legs, all of varying lengths which caused the table to tilt, losing its effectiveness. Add those to the shelf...missing shelves, the rocking chair that did not rock, and the desk with no place to place a chair. Fili did have a point. "Well, my father purchased a stool from him just last week...so yes?" Fili huffed out a laugh. He had a feeling it was more because the kind baker felt sorry for the very old, slightly senile and very lofty dwarf, rather than a real need for the purchase.
"And how is that stool holding up?" Fili lifted a brow, but Viltarra just shrugged and looked down at the list of merchants in her hand, checking Okyn off and sighing as she thought about who to go to next. Probably Leotti as she can use a break from grumbling and frustrated dwarves…that weren't her husband. She would have thought the merchants of Erebor would be excited at the prospect of possible outside sales, but instead the majority were of the same opinion as Okyn.
The Ukdam were not coming to spend gold, but to make it. They rarely made purchases except for pure necessity or IF they felt they could turn and resell an item at a greater profit. When they actually DID make a purchase, they NEVER paid full value and bargained until the merchant either gave in out of frustration or flat out refused to sell. It gave Erebor's business owners a sour taste knowing they were expected to give out their gold, but were likely to not make any in return. To top it off, they were also at risk losing profits during the Ukdam's stay as their normal visitors would be enraptured by the guests "unusual" wares and opt to spend their gold among the visitors instead of Erebor's own stores and stalls.
At least Leotti was a close friend and will likely not throw too much of a fit. Leotti was always happy to have something to look forward too. Hopefully, she will be excited over the visitors coming to the mountain rather than soured. "Well?" Lifting her light brown eyes up to her beloved prince, Viltarra shuffled in place remembering he was waiting to hear back about the precarious purchase her father had made, likely against his better judgment and certainly against her mothers.
"As far as I know, it his holding up just fine. Now, let's go to see Leotti next. We have about five more to visit then mum wants us to come by. Da has food waiting." Fili scowled at having to see his least but secretly most favorite dam outside the family. "Stop it, you love her, and you know it."
"I know I love you." Fili grinned, leaning down and kissing her cheek causing a matching smile to bloom across the dam's lips before she grabbed his arm and pulled him towards Leotti's shop.
At this hour, the small dam was winding down her day and greeted the couple with a smile. That is to say, she greeted Viltarra with a smile. Fili she pointedly ignored. The crowned prince was not sure if that annoyed him or not. The dam turned her back to them both as she stacked away some sewing notions, but Fili decided he was not in the mood to be ignored. "Isn't there some, law, that requires all citizens to, oh I don't know, at least acknowledge the royalty in the room?"
There was several tuts and some chuckles from the dams as they made their way out the door. A few giving over exaggerated tilts and bows of the head at the prince and his new wife.
For her part, Leotti stopped what she was doing and turned back to Fili, leveling him with a look he could not quite read, despite knowing the dam his entire life. "Oh!" In seconds, she re-arranged her expression to one of clear mocking surprise. "Is that so? Well, how...insubordinate of me to not give my respects." Leotti walked towards Fili then bowed so low Fili swore she would topple right over. "Do forgive me your great Lordliness. Sovereign of majesty. Prince of pompous self-righteousness." She said the last lifting her head just enough to give him a smirk, her eyes bright with humor.
Fili narrowed his eyes at her and folded his arms. "Was the last name called for?"
"You did kind of ask for it." Viltarra snickered then joined in Leotti's laughter when Fili scrunched his nose and pouted. Taking pity on him though, Viltarra lifted herself on her toes and pulled his lips to her own, Fili going all too willing down to seal their mouths together in a slow, sweet, kiss.
"Ew." Leotti breathed but let them be, and waited patiently for them to finish.
When they finally pulled apart, Viltarra let her lips graze his cheek and nuzzled the braids near his ear. "Do not worry, you have my deepest respects, my Lord."
"Alright, alright. Are you here for a reason or to use my lobby as a snogging zone? I see enough of that with Kili and Tauriel, I can survive without seeing it with you two as well." She lifted a brow and folded her arms, waiting.
Fili shrugged but wound an arm around Viltarra's waist, pulling her against him. "No, we are here for a reason. We thought it best to let the merchants know we will be receiving visitors tomorrow who will be staying at least a fortnight. As it will affect the merchants, we wanted to get word out as soon as we found out ourselves."
The bell over the door chimed and Ori walked in, carrying some wildflowers in one hand and a basket filled but covered with a cloth to hide its treasures in the other. "Oh, hello. I did not know you were receivin' Leo." He passed her the flowers and leaned down enough for Leotti to place a kiss on his cheek.
"We aren't staying." Viltarra smiled.
"They were just saying we are having visitors to the mountain!" Leotti sung, clearly excited for the prospects they brought.
"Right. The Ukdam. I was just speakin' teh Dori an' Bombur. Word's spreadin' roun' the mountain now. Most are lookin' forward to the visit." Ori placed the basket on the far counter and grabbed a vase of dying flowers, tipping it into a waste bin and replacing them with the new ones he just brought.
"The Ukdam? Really? So soon?" Leotti looked from Fili to Viltarra who both nodded and waited. "Okay. I could use some stock in a few things I have heard only they have. I will lose sales, but I am just fine with that. It won't be permanent." She gave everyone in the room a bright, vibrant, smile. "Although I am sure you have had your fair share of grumblings from around the market." She gave them a knowing look and went back to putting her things away, disappearing into the back room.
Ori watched her go and leaned in. "Can I ask yeh somthin'?"
"If it is us joining you, no. No offence but..ooofff. OW!" Fili turned to Viltarra who was shaking her head no and giving him a look that would make his mother proud.
"Maybe let him finish?" She admonished.
"OH, no no no. I mean, I can' tell you no, but I want to, that is, just…it is a private meal. But that is not wha' I was goin' to say at all." Ori stuttered and blushed.
Fili shifted and gave him a smile. "Sorry Ori. Of course. How can we help?"
Ori nodded and waived away the apology. "You see, Leo has been waitin' fer a message from her mum. I know post goes directly to the recipient here for the mos' part, bu' have ya seen anythin' come through that may have been missed? She has been waitin' for months."
Viltarra looked up at Fili who gave Ori a concerned expression. "No Ori, you are right. The ravens always go directly to whom they are being sent to. It is their way and they won't give a message for one to any other and risk non-payment. When was she expecting it and I can check with Balin?"
"I have already talked to Balin las' week. He said as you did." He sighed and kicked the ground. "She was waitin' for an answer about coming for a visit. She's been wantin' to take me to meet her mam. We were hopin' to go before the winter season." Ori gave the back room another pointed look and leaned in. "I don' suspect foul play Fili. More like I hav' a feelin' it is more…foul tempers." Fili nodded, letting his own eyes graze the room he could just make Leotti out in.
Viltarra looked up to her husband then over to Ori. "Foul tempers? How so?"
Fili frowned then looked down at Viltarra. "You might remember her mam was not exactly happy Leotti chose to leave and come to Erebor."
"But she's her mother! I don't understand." Viltarra was perplexed. She did remember there was some...resistance...from Leotti's mother those last days. She did not know Leotti, or Tauriel for that matter, enough to pry so she thought nothing of it. However, thinking back, she can remember how sad Leotti looked and how she came to stay with Fili and Dis those final nights.
Ori sighed. "I can' be sure, cause Leo don' like to talk about it, but they had a bit of a tiff on her choice to leave. Tha' is all I know. Otherwise she speaks fondly about her mam and sends her letters weekly."
"Has she stopped receiving messages back? Should we get into contact with Ered Luin?" Fili stood straight and began forming a list of contacts to make. Could Leotti's mam be sick? Injured? Has something happened to communication to Ered Luin they need to look into?
Ori, however, vehemently shook his head. "No' what I was thinkin'. It is no' that she has no' received recent messages. It is tha' she has received no messages at all from her mam." He gave them a sad look. "She won' tell me tha' though. I jus' noticed myself. I found 'er cryin' the other day when she saw Klikta receive a missive from her daughter in the Iron Hills. The dam immediately excused herself teh write back, in the middle of a fittin'. I jus' happened to be in the store tha' day or I am sure she would 'ave no' told me. Leo had teh excuse herself for an hour but refused to speak on it." Ori sighed. "Tha' is when I made the connection tha' maybe she had no' received anythin' back from her mam."
That ruffled Fili's temper. Estae had always been openly opinionated, and he remembered Leotti having to stay with their family on their final night at Tauriel's behest. His sister had found the young dam to be sleeping in her mother's shop after the dam had all but kicked her daughter out for her decision to create a new life for herself. Something Fili knew for a fact his mother would NEVER do. Even if he or his brother chose to step down from their responsibilities and wandered middle earth, Dis would find any means to be able to remain in contact and give her love...or follow along with them. She may not support the decision, but she supported her children and that was what mattered most to her.
Not that either Fili nor Kili would ever give up their responsibilities or their roles. Both were born princes and accepted their life fully. Course, they were young and enjoyed seeing how many silver hairs they could give their uncle, but, both Dis and Thorin knew when it came down to it, both would be there to take things seriously when the occasion called for it. Although recently, Kili has been much too serious. He still had his humor, that was for certain, but those nine months had aged his brother out of his normal carefree antics. He is slowly coming to himself though.
Proof of which was when the youngest prince stole Balin's schedule book from his office two weeks ago when he found out the elder dwarf was planning a day of meetings about the importance of manuscript copying, and not only taking time to teach them how to do it, but spending the remainder of the day with Fili and Kili doing just that. An entire day of Balin's lectures, then the slow process of manuscript copying.
Kili had heard about such a meeting and immediately ran down to Balin's office, took his planning book, and with his expert drawing skills, recreated that entire week, sans meeting. Although he did add in a few 'maintenance' necessities to keep Balin busy so he would forget about his plans with the princes.
To Kili's great horror, however, Balin had called them into a meeting the very next day, which was originally scheduled, and did just as he had planned to do. He had given both princes a look after spending an hour lecturing about the importance of document longevity before telling them with not a little amusement, that if they wanted to get out of meetings so bad, the responsible thing would be to respectfully decline. He also said if he was going to have a meeting discussing the importance of copied records, they should have the common sense to realize he keeps multiple copies of his planning book. Kili had groaned and slammed his head against the table. Fili was not upset at all, sure he would have rather been with his new wife, but the fact that Kili was acting so much like Kili, made his heart warm and he smiled his way through reprinting the entire line of Durin...twice.
Shaking his head, Fili pulled himself from his musings and back into his current surroundings. "I will see if there have been any missed posts and let you know. I'll also check with my uncle to see if Ered Luin has had any issues with messages coming through. Maybe they are just being held up."
Ori nodded but said nothing more on the subject as Leotti came back into the main storefront, her key in her hand and her messenger bag slung over her shoulders. "Ready Leo?" Ori gave her a warm look as the dam nodded her head.
"Thank you for the heads up about the Ukdam. It will certainly be an interesting few weeks."
Viltarra smiled. "I personally cannot wait! I love the vibrance they bring to wherever they go." Viltarra linked her arm with Fili who gave her a look filled with adoration.
They said their goodbyes after Leotti all but kicked them out, eager to get on with whatever Ori had planned for them. "How many more do we have?" Viltarra wondered aloud as she pulled out the parchment. She rescanned the page and sighed. "Alright, five more." She answered for herself. "Let's get this done, have something to eat, then I have my own plans for you this evening."
Fili looked down at her as they made their way to Urah, who was one of the most well known stone carvers in the mountain. He will probably be one of the few merchants who will make coin during the Ukdam's stay, with his unique sculptures and designs, though he will likely raise his prices knowing the Ukdam's habit of reselling and bargaining. "Oh? Plans you say? And they involve?"
"You will see." Viltarra lifted a brow and forged ahead of Fili, who had stopped in place with a crooked smile gracing his lips. He had to run to catch up with her and linked their hands together, the pair heading off to finish their assignment. Fili now ever more eager to complete the task, swiftly.
As it was, even with only a day of foreknowledge, the mountain was buzzing at the supper hall with talk of the soon to arrive Ukdam. Some did not quite believe the rumors, others brightly shared stories of past encounters with the traveling dwarven entertainers, and the rest…mostly the merchants that is…grumbled at the thought. All rumors were brought to rest however, when Thorin rose calling for silence and made the official announcement himself.
"I would like to inform you all we will be welcoming the Ukdam clan to Erebor, we are honored to house such a dwarven clan in our halls. We should all prepare for such a visit the best we can with the little time we have before they arrive. If you have been given a task, we thank you for your time and effort in helping us get ready. As a precaution and a reminder, only those who have reached their 20th year are permitted to visit." There were a few groans from some of the youngest. Tauriel could see Hillanna folding her arms and Riffi arguing with his mother who was shushing both and listening to Thorin.
Tauriel turned her attention back to Thorin, but smiled when Finli tugged at the bead in her hair from where he was leaning over from Kili's lap. He was trying to get her attention and she chuckled and looked over to him, opening her arms to receive him from his father. "Come here my darling." She nuzzled his nose and melted completely when he placed a kiss on her cheek then rested his forehead against hers, giving it a press. It was the cutest and most precious thing he has been doing lately.
The eleth lost all focus on Thorin, which did not concern her in the least. She is sure he is not saying anything different than what they spoke of in their meeting earlier in the day and if he did, Kili will let her know. At the moment, all her attention was diverted to her little Finli, who was now clapping in her lap and humming a song she could not help but join in on until the hall was dismissed, and dwarves began to pile out.
The following morning, Kili smiled down at his wife who was still lost to the waking world. At two months pregnant, she had very few symptoms except for the slight change in her appetite and the fact she sleeps a bit more than she normally would. All Kili wants, is for this pregnancy to be as boring as dwarrowly possible. No kidnappings, health crisis, poison, wars, nothing. Just, regular visits to the kitchens at midnight for her cravings and following Oin's orders and recommendations.
Watching his wife, Kili sighed. He was not even sure he wanted to wake her. Tauriel would want to see the Ukdam though and would be the first to skewer him if he went without her. The Ukdam. Kili's first memories of the travelling entertainers and merchants was in his early life. They had come to Ered Luin when he was in his thirties, still a child really. It was like a carnival for the entire week with their unique foods, music, and mesmerizing wares filling the hall they resided in. He had visited them every day they were there, coming away with pockets full of exotic sweets and trinkets.
However, after hearing about the possible dangers to his wife and son, he was less then excited about the traveling band. In fact, he was in the mind to lock his beloved and their little star in their chambers for the entire duration of the Ukdam's stay. Mahal, he will happily, scratch that, more than happily, remain with them the entire time.
"You are scowling Kili, and it is much too early for that face. What is the matter?"
So lost in thought Kili had been, he had missed the signs of his elf rising. Kili was not sure if he should tell her his thoughts, worried she would take his desires the wrong way. Tauriel only smiled though, and ran her hand through his wild mane. "Kili, you cannot just keep me under lock and key whenever something could be possibly threatening." Kili gaped at his wife and her ability to read his thoughts. Then again, they are bonded in the minds, maybe she could.
"And no, I cannot read your thoughts. I just know my husband." Tauriel added, causing Kili's eyes to widen even more.
"Are you certain, because I feel as though you ripped my fears right from my head, amralime." Kili could not stop the smile spreading across his face before it transformed into a look of worry. "We have been through so much these last few years, I feel like just another tragedy is waiting for us around the corner. Can you blame me for wanting to keep you and Finli hidden completely away?"
Tauriel contemplated his thoughts then pulled him down to rest his head against where her heart thudded in her chest. "I understand. But, we cannot forgo living just at the thought of possible danger. How about this, if you keep yourself under lock and key, I shall too."
Kili rolled his eyes and grunted, despite his earlier musings, both knew the impossibility of such a request. Both had responsibilities to fulfill and truthfully, he wanted to take her to see the Ukdam. Tauriel always had this look of pure, wonder, when seeing something new. She had been so closed off to the world in Mirkwood that it did not take much to enchant her. He knew she would love the visitors; he just hoped the paranoia he felt rippling through him was just that, and not a sign or omen of what was to come.
"Are you two still sleeping? Wake up! If I have to get up, so do you!"
Tauriel chuckled, but Kili groaned. "FILI! How many times do I have to tell you to knock! I don't walk in on you and Viltarra!"
Fili, however, seemed nonplussed as he held Finli in his arms, leaning against the open doorframe. The toddler had his head on Fili's shoulder and his thumb in his mouth, but he was awake and alert as his eyes scanned the room from where his head rested. "What do you want to do with the little troll? Mam said we need to prepare for the welcoming as the Ukdam are set to arrive anytime. Aeodhen's scouting party sent word that they are just over the hill."
Kili rolled away from Tauriel and lifted his arms, a silent request for his son. Fili passed the still drowsy toddler over. Finli has not been sleeping well, his teething has been keeping him up again. Kili looked down in concern when Finli said nothing, only laid his head against Kili's chest and closed his eyes, still sucking away at his thumb.
Tauriel leaned forward and placed a hand on his head, but he felt fine. "I think I will just stay up here and watch the arrival from the balcony. Thorin said he should not leave the wing so I can't take him to Shaada or Taada and I really don't want to leave him with Leotti while he is like this."
Kili looked from Finli in his arms to his wife. The young prince wanted his wife with him when the group arrived. He furrowed his brows in contemplation then turned a pleading look to Fili, who sighed. "Fine, fine. Stop giving me puppy eyes Ki. I will tell mam you two will be watching from here and give her your excuses. The little troll does look as if he needs you two. Get dressed though. Mam will want to introduce you two at lunch."
Tauriel was about to argue but Fili lifted a brow. "Viltarra and I will take over babysitting duty so you can go. We can take turns. And, I am sure Thorin will come up with something as to why you weren't there if they ask. It is unlikely they will even care as their primary goal, according to Aeodhen, is to fill their coin bags with Erebor's stores as quickly as possible, so their attention will be on getting their market set up so they can open their stalls."
"Thank you Fili." Kili smiled, as he buried his nose in Finli's hair. Fili ruffled Kili's own messy hair and kissed Tauriel on the forehead before heading out of the room.
The crowned prince was looking forward to the halls filling with music, it really has not been an easy few years and it was time for some happy memories not linked to pain and misery. "Are they coming?"
Fili stepped into the main sitting room where Dis was re-braiding one of Viltarra's braids for her. The two had gotten close and it warmed his heart to see them interacting so well together. "No. Tauriel didn't want to leave Fin alone so Kili decided they would remain behind. They will probably just watch from the veranda."
"Poor little dear, Kili had the hardest time with teething. More than once I had to get Oin to make a tincture of something to get him to sleep when he cried for days on end. Looks like Finli inherited his father's difficulty." Dis sighed. She wanted the family together, but with nobody in the immediate family able to remain behind and watch Finli, she is not surprised the parents decided to sit this one out. She could have someone come up and watch him, and would have insisted, if Fin was not going through such a difficult time cutting teeth.
"Well, he seemed to inherit everything else of Kili, so it is no wonder he got this too." Naurfaer walked in the room smiling. Hiril, who was loyally by Viltarra's side, thumped her bushy tail on the ground in greeting but otherwise remained where she was. "Aeodhen said they are walking the path up to the mountain, it is time to gather. Thorin is already down. With your permission, I think I will stay up here with Tauriel and Kili. I will join in the introductions with them later on." Dis nodded as she beaded the final braid in Viltarra's hair and patted her cheek before the young dam turned and took her place by Fili's side.
"Are we all set then?" Fili nodded to Dis as did Viltarra and they watched Naurfaer disappear down the hall. "Alright, let's go."
Fili gave the hall one last look hoping and praying for a peaceful, easy, visit then took Viltarra's hand and followed Dis out the door.
Viltarra looked up as they hit the bottom to see Fili's beaming smile directed at her. "What?"
"You don't look like your about to bolt. It's the first time you are a true member of the family having to join the greeting line, and you look as if you're going to breakfast. I am proud of you. That is all." Fili leaned in and pulled her lips to his in a quick kiss.
Viltarra leaned back and smiled, releasing his hand to wind her arm around his. "Well, we are married now, which does help. I no longer fear you will come to your senses and tell me to join the commoners. You are stuck with me now, so I am unworried of the ramifications if I forget a name or some etiquette protocol. I also learned that it tends to be more about Dis and Thorin and less about us, so I am happy to take a back seat."
Fili chuckled but said nothing as they entered the hall still following Dis who was also laughing quietly, privy to their conversation but having no need to say anything. Although she did add in, "Your time will come dears, just you wait."
Life finally felt…right…to the young dam. She was all too happy to spend her entire day in her chambers with her new husband having a new understanding of why she always walked in on Tauriel and Kili in compromising positions. She squeezed Fili's arm as she thought on how he woke her up this morning. That was very…pleasurable. He could do that anytime.
Fili stopped, pulling her from her thoughts as she looked up at his knowing look. Caught. He gave her a leer but said nothing, only turned his now perfectly neutral face to Thorin. Damn him and his ability to keep it together. Probably years of practice. Mahal knows Kili lacked the talent. It didn't take long to know Kili well enough to at least know that.
"Where is Kili and Tauriel?" Thorin looked around the group when they approached him, the family patriarch instantly seeing the missing members of his family. "Naurfaer is missing too." He added in. "Is everything alright Dis?"
The dam smiled and nodded. "They are watching from their terrace brother. They wanted to stay together. We can introduce them this afternoon. Let them be."
Thorin clenched his jaw but nodded. He did not blame them for wanting to be together, especially with the warning he gave them. The entire family was still a bit on overprotective mode. His advice likely only added fuel to the fire. He does not regret his words of warning, however. It is better to be over cautious.
Giving one last glance at their small family, Thorin led the group to the front of the mountain and out into the warm sun.
Original Authors Note: Still a lot of healing to go through with this story. One does not simply get over torture and imprisonment in one act so you will still see some adverse effects to Kili, Viltarra, and Dis probably throughout the acts to come. Anyway. More to come. The Ukdam! See you in probable a few days or so. Depending on my motivation to either proof chapters, crochet a Kili, or finish this ACT. With no classes for 6 weeks and only work, I am sure I can find some focus in my life. :D