Updated January 17th, 2022
Original Authors Note: Alighty, here you guys go.
Chapter Nine
Tauriel paced her chamber back and forth, waiting for Kili, or even Fili to come up and tell her what was going on. She had passed Dis and Viltarra just as they were about to leave in their own search, each one breathing a sigh of relief upon seeing Finli in his mother's arms, despite the little ones still obvious terror. It has not been an hour and Finli is still trembling and had not allowed her to put him down once. He even screamed as she tried to change him, as if he was afraid she would disappear if he was not being held by her.
So, Tauriel began her trek pacing the sitting room while Dis watched sadly on, and Viltarra gave both worried glances as she pat Hiril on the head beside her. Tarrah and Vin were off at their stand, getting an early start on the day since Finli was found safe and relatively sound, after seeing they would be of little help just sitting around. Dwalin had opted to stay, taking a place against the wall where he stood a silent guard until Thorin returned, as promised. His eyes constantly roved from the chamber door to the elf walking the room whispering soothing words to the terror filled dwelfling prince.
"It has been over an hour, you would think one of them would come up to let us know what was going on by now." Viltarra pulled at her tunic impatiently, Hiril whining a bit and resting her head on the young dam's lap.
"I quite agree. I hope it was an isolated incident. But we have to prepare for it being larger than we think. Finli is in line for the throne just after Fili. For all we know it could be an act against our family line." Dis contemplated, hoping it was not a rebellion in the making. Was it because Finli was part elf despite his very VERY few elven features? Or was it an act against the line of Durin itself? Maybe it was the Ukdam just searching for babes to take, but how would they even know about Finli in the first place? Dis sighed and massaged her temples, unsure what to think at this moment. Until someone came back, they had no idea what they were up against.
As it was, neither Fili nor Kili came, instead, Aeodhen was the first to walk through the door. "I…I got bad news lasses."
"Do we need to leave? Is Finli's life in danger?" Dis jumped up, her frantic eyes going from Aeodhen to Finli.
Tauriel froze. Leave the mountain? She had not personally thought on that but if it came to it, and it was Finli, she and Kili would go to protect their sons. The one in her arms, and her unborn one. She would not even bother packing, they would saddle Galaddal and Maryn and ride to Mirkwood immediately. Her thoughts on the possible impending journey ceased when Aeodhen shook his head.
"Tha' is just it, lass. Ain' nobody leavin' Erebor fer the time bein'." Dis looked at him confused, waiting for him to continue. "I was with Thorin and Naurfaer jus' now an' will explain it all to ya. But firs' let me settle one thing."
Aeodhen turned to Tauriel. "I will let Kili tell yeh the full details lass, bu' Fin is in no danger. Believe it or no' it was just a misunderstandin' and will no' happen again. I spoke with the Ukdam involved and the wee lad is adamant 'e won' be taken another babe."
"Is he not in a cell Aeodhen? Why is he not in the dungeons? He stole an heir to the throne?!" Dis seethed and began storming to the door, ready to march down and handle the situation her way, herself.
Aeodhen turned to an irate Dis and stepped in front of her, causing her to stop abruptly and turn her glare towards him. "The lad is ten meh Lady."
Dis blanched and Viltarra exclaimed loudly. "TEN!? A ten-year-old was able to get past the guards, come into their chambers, and take him? Is that what I am hearing?"
"Aye." Aeodhen nodded at the younger dam and continued. "His mam is sick, they claim it happened after she had a lifeless babe. The lad thought havin' a babe would save her. His father is beside 'imself with tryin' to figure a way to punish the lad and be supportive at the same time, I do no' envy tha'."
"Nor I." Dis muttered finally turning from the door and back towards her two daughters. "Can we know for certain it won't happen again?"
Aeodhen thought for a moment, but nodded. "I thin' we have a better chance of Smaug returnin'. Even Thorin believes it to be an isolated incident bu'…" He paused and looked around the room. "…it is related to a greater issue."
"Greater than stealing a child?" Tauriel rushed, her hand sliding through Finli's thick hair as he still had his head buried in her neck.
"Believe it or no', aye lass. Greater even then tha'." Aeodhen shifted as if he was trying to figure out how to break the news, deciding to just come and say it. "Erebor has been exposed to a plague. An accordin' teh Naurfaer, one tha' took out near an entire mountain clan once of 15,000 dwarves."
Dis gasped, collapsing into the seat behind her as Viltarra's hand flew over her mouth in shock. "How?" The blonde dam was the first to ask.
"The Ukdam lass. We though' only the dams were affected by their illness bu' that's no' the truth of it. It would seem a grea'er number than we thought is affected, bu' we don' know how much until Oin see's ta the ill. We should know more by tonight."
"What does Thorin want us teh do then?" Dwalin pushed from the wall as if he was ready for battle orders and they suppose in a way, they were going into battle, a battle for their lives.
"Kili and Fili are sendin' ravens teh Bard an Thranduil. Bard in hopes teh keep the menfolk away. They are of weaker constitution then us so Naurfaer and Thorin though' it bes' they don' come near. Thranduil in hopes to 'ave healers come or at leas' look into it and send instruction." Aeodhen looked to Tauriel. "Tauri, mos' elves are no' susceptible ta contractin' the plague. Bu' yeh, Naurfaer said, may still ge' it. Finli too lass." Tauriel's eyes widened, but she nodded before burying her nose in Fin's thick locks, kissing his head as she continued to listen to the conversation around her.
Dis looked at Aeodhen thoughtfully. "Well, it appears we are already infected indirectly if not directly. In fact, the Ukdam have been here for a few days and most of the mountain, if not all, have been down to at least see the group for just a visit or to drink and dine with them during their evening celebration last night. Though they have not opened their markets just yet, it is likely in either direct, or non-direct contact, we have all been exposed." Dis turned her eyes back to Tauriel. "Darling, have you heard of such a thing as this…illness? You trained with Ivethin. Is this something you can help with?"
Tauriel thought as she swayed left and right in a soothing manner. "It was before I joined the guard in my first century. I recall lessons but most my skills were honed towards healing wounds and injuries where I learned to use my gift on physical injuries and ailments, rather than illnesses. I had not progressed to such in my time under Ivethin. I am sorry. I do not have enough knowledge to make judgments. I can only hope Thranduil will allow her to come or send advice. I may, however, be able to make some teas and ointments that could ease some symptoms if I am allowed to know what they are."
"As soon as Oin's done with puttin' together a lis' of them, he's already plannin' on coming up. Thorin has given' 'im strict orders teh check the family, especially the lil' one." Aeodhen watched Finli fondly. Poor thing has already had a traumatic year, last thing he needed was to be separated from his parents as he was. Thank the maker it was not for long. He turned back to Dis. "Tha' is all I know at this momen'. I am ta meet with a group of my guards to prepare, but Thorin wanted to see tha' ya were all informed of wha' was happenin'. I have also been tol' to tell Dwalin teh stay until they return." The larger dwarf nodded his head in understanding and took his place leaning back against the wall. Settling once again in a comfortable position.
Dis nodded and smiled. "Thank you, Aeodhen." The captain nodded his head in return, gave them all a bow, and left the room after reminding them to wait for Oin who will be back up soon.
True to his word, Oin entered the chamber not two hours later as the sun began to crest the horizon and fill the room. With him he brought his bag and a book he sat on the table as he entered. "Mornin'." He gruffed out, not even bothering to look around the room or put his trumpet up to hear any replies. He was all business and clearly had things to attend to.
"I am 'ere to check ya all an' I have a lo' to do so please don' argue with me about it. It is a direct order from Thorin." He leveled a look at Dis who rolled her eyes and folded her arms but said nothing. Viltarra nodded her agreement, getting a grateful smile from the older healer who was lifting a brow at Dis who was grumbling. None of these accursed Durin's were ever helpful when it came to being tended to.
Seeing he was not getting too many objections, Oin went straight to work, first checking Dis and Viltarra who both seemed fine for the moment, then attempting to get to Fin who was not having it.
"Come, little star, it is only Oin. You love Oin." Tauriel tried, soothingly. But Finli only began to cry in earnest, clutching at her top as she tried to pull him away so Oin could attend to him. Instead, he began to cry harder, hiccupping, "NONONONONONONO!" as he did all he could to evade Oin and burrow himself deeper into Tauriel's vest and tunic she had changed into when she returned. Even as she had changed, Finli had screamed in Dis's grasp. His tiny arms both extended towards Tauriel and away from Dis who was doing all she could to keep him from falling out of her arms and onto the floor in his fit to get to his mother.
Oin sighed, trying not to get exasperated with the little prince. "Like 'is father through and through." He gave Finli a look but it had no ire to it. He could not fault the wee laddie too much, he did have a right cave in of a morning. He lifted his trumpet back to his ear, wincing at the volume coming from the young prince but turning it towards Tauriel as he saw her attempting to speak to him over the screams of her son.
"Oin, what are we to look for and perhaps he will allow me to check."
With a sigh, Oin conceded. "From wha' I found, the main physical symptoms are a high fever, redness of the eyes, swellin' in the throat nodes, an a rash tha' blisters up the arm. Those are wha' we can see. Many of the sick were also caughin', had blisters in their throat, an the worse ones were no' wakin' from their sleep. Tossin' and mumbling, some were, others, still as death but alive yet, if only jus'."
There was silence in the room when Finli finally ceased his cries once he was no longer being forced away from his mother. Tauriel nodded and began by checking Finli's forehead. He was quite warm, but he had a fever the other day as well and had off and on for the last week. It was a result of her precious one cutting new teeth. So, though she was slightly worried, it was not a surprise he had one now. Finli at first fought her when she pulled him away to check his hands and arms, but Tauriel sat on the chaise and arranged him sideways on her lap so she could still pull him against her while looking him over.
Both hands and arms were presently clear of any redness, his eyes were red and puffy, but she attributed that to his none stop crying, and speaking of which, given Finli's loud clear cry when she tried to settle him on the seat beside her, he could not have that sore of a throat. In fact, he sobbed the entire time she checked for swelling in his neck, and only stopped when she picked him back up, pulling him to her chest and embracing him with a soothing hum. There was no way he would let even her check his mouth right now, he was far too upset.
Tauriel took a deep, calming, breath, but pulled Finli closer. "Apart from the teething fever we knew about, he seems alright…" Tauriel paused, rethinking her stance, "Or, well, at least healthy enough."
"Let us pray he stays that way." Dis breathed a sigh of relief.
Oin then checked Tauriel last. She too seemed perfectly fine albeit a bit tired which was likely from interrupted sleep then the emotional and physical drainage which was a result of adrenalin forging the body and mind in haste to get to her child then swiftly leaving once everything settled. So he wrote that off and gave her a clean bill of health as long as she promised to get some rest that afternoon. "I will as soon as Kili returns." She agreed easily.
"I am goin' teh leave some of Finli's teethin' remedy fer him. Even if he is no' hurtin, which I expect 'e is, it will help the lad be at peace for a time and bring down tha' temp. His poor lil' system is already workin' overdrive to push those teeth out an I don' doubt 'is wee gums are inflamed. Poor lad. It will be no good teh have 'im ferverish when there's illness runnin' rampant in the mountain." Oin pulled out a small bottle and left it on the table.
Finli peeked out at the old healer, the hair framing his small face sticking out in all directions. Oin gave him a grin and bopped him on the nose, causing Fin to squint his eyes and scrunch his reddened nose. But, he gave Oin a very small smile before turning his face into Tauriel's shoulder and back out of sight.
"Thank you, Oin." Tauriel nodded in gratitude and Oin gave her a smile.
"I spect we will 'ave our work cut out fer us. This is no simple bug. Let us 'ope the elves can at least send a remedy fer us to follow. A few years ago, I would 'ave believed hope ta be lost, but, now...I think it is goin' ta be alright...I hope. I will be in me office if ya need me. If I am not, just send fer me. I am at yer service first and foremost." He then packed up his equipment and left the chamber after giving each a small bow and throwing Dwalin a quick nod in acknowledgment.
Tauriel stood, readjusted Finli, and grabbed the tincture off the table. She looked around the room searching and zeroed in on the water she had gotten earlier for Finli. "Dis, do you mind?" Tauriel motioned to the small goblet and held out the tincture.
"Not at all dear." Dis grabbed the cup and reached for the medicine, mixing it carefully with the water until it completely dissolved and passed the cup back to Tauriel before sitting beside Viltarra who was just watching the proceedings silently. The young dam was leaning against her hand, her eyes constantly going from Tauriel, to Finli, then to the door as if looking at it would will Fili or even Kili back. She did turn back to Dis and gave her a smile when the family matriarch placed an arm around her shoulders, though she said nothing as the pair watched Tauriel quietly.
Taking a seat, Tauriel sat Finli on her lap and pressed the cup to his dry lips. At first he resisted; leaning away from the proffered drink, but being thirsty from all the crying and screaming he has been doing, he soon gave in and took a few gulps before pulling away and resting his head against Tauriel's collarbone. It was not all of it, but it would be enough. Tauriel placed the cup back on the table and stood when Finli started to get fussy again just moments later. She walked the room for a good half hour before her son gave into his exhaustion and fell into a peaceful, restful sleep. She did not relinquish her hold on him, however, instead she took a seat beside Dis.
"What are we to do?" Tauriel asked nobody in particular.
"The only think we can do is wait and see what happens." Viltarra sighed, scratching Hiril behind the ears. "What else can we do? We can't leave. We have no known cure on hand. And from what it sounds like, Thorin will probably have the entire mountain in shut down before anyone could say." She thought about her parents who were likely just finishing up the days breads and packing them. Normally she would be down there as well, but the family needed her here, so she stayed.
"She is no' wrong." Came the deep rumble from across the room. Dwalin pushed himself up from the bench near the door and sat hard on one of the tall-backed chairs Dis had vacated earlier. "It would be wise to close up everthin'. Slow the spread until we know more abou' what we are exposed to."
Nobody said anything. What could they say? Viltarra was right and even Dwalin agreed. Tauriel looked towards the door, hoping Kili would come home soon. Likely Thorin had him and Fili running the mountain to send the message. She should be down there too. She was, after all, a healer in some right. Shouldn't she be using her skills to help as best she can? A small whimper pierced her thoughts and the eleth looked down at her son. No. She was needed here for the time being. When Kili came back, she would go to Oin and put her skills to use. Until then, all they could do was sit and wait as she comforted her child.
Across the mountain, Thorin called together his original company which these days was better known as his counsel. He trusted them more than any and knew they would pull through whenever he needed them. So, four weeks after Kili, Dis, and Viltarra's return he thought he would give them a title to make it official.
First, he spoke to Balin, Dwalin, and Aeodhen who were at that present moment his closest counselors apart from his family. All agreed wholeheartedly of his decision, as did Kili, Fili, Dis and Tauriel. With everyone on board, Thorin called each one of the dwarves who had risked their lives for him, his family, and their mountain time and time again to his office: Gloin, Oin, Ori, Dori, Nori, Bombur, Bifur, and Bofur and individually asked them to be a part of his personal counsel. He explained what it meant and gave them each the opportunity to back out. They have, after all, given more than he had ever expected and should have the opportunity to live in peace. However, each one jumped at the chance enthusiastically, bowing, and in Bofur's case removing his hat, in gratitude for such an honor.
Thorin would smile and nod, telling them the honor was his for having such devoted friends. He gave each one a position on his personal counsel and they affectionately dubbed themselves 'Thorin's Company'. It was not original, but it seemed most fitting. Balin was his first adviser with Aeodhen, Naurfaer, and Dwalin just behind him. They really were all a team and Thorin found whatever the obstacle, whenever they all came together, they came out triumphant. What better counsel could he ask for?
Therefore, the king under the mountain now sat in a chamber created just for the counsel team themselves. It was bigger than the war room in the guards wing and boasted a large, round shaped, stone table surrounded by chairs for each one of the company, his nephews, Naurfaer, and for Tauriel, Viltarra, and Dis. Thorin's office was connected to the room which made it easier to call a meeting then get back to his responsibilities with little time in-between.
At this precise moment, Thorin was watching Balin write out names of the affected Ukdam, him and Oin having spent the last hour visiting among the traveling group and speaking to their healers. "How many Balin?" Thorin drawled out, his mind getting more worried with every name Balin scribbled down. The white-haired records keeper kept writing, having to pull a clean sheet of parchment when he had filled the one before. At the moment, Thorin and Balin were alone. They were waiting for everyone to return from assignments he had already passed out, even his nephews were gone. Once Kili and Fili were finished sending ravens, Thorin had them join Aeodhen and Naurfaer in closing down the markets. They were also to gather the company for an emergency meeting before returning and reporting.
It took Balin several more minutes to answer, he sat back and reviewed his notes then turned sad eyes to Thorin. "There are approximately 547 members in the Ukdam Clan. From what Oin has seen, 57 are currently in severe condition, 45 are going from decent to worse, and a further 89 are displaying mild to moderate symptoms." Thorin sat forward and rubbed his hand up to his temple, closing his eyes. "That is not including the remaining clan members who have had close contact with the infected or those who are refusing to answer questions or cooperate with any healers at all, theirs or ours. I fear the numbers are much worse in reality."
Thorin nodded. He suspected it would be bad, but this is getting worse by the gem. "There is more Thorin." Snapping his eyes open, Thorin gave his head a nod to allow Balin to continue. "Oin has had four dwarves of Erebor come to his office…" He paused, watching Thorin. "With the same symptoms as the Ukdam, in rather advanced stages for such limited exposure."
"Mahal. It is spreading already." Thorin and Balin's conversation ceased as Bombur came in followed by his brothers Bofur and Bifur.
"Fili told us wha' is goin' on." Bombur started. He took a seat after Thorin gestured to a chair. One by one, within the next few minutes, the company piled in. Naurfaer and Aeodhen being the last to take their chairs.
"Merchant's were no' 'appy, but we shut down the markets. I 'ave the guards already goin' teh chambers and keepin' Erebor's inhabitants in their homes. A few were worried abou' meals, bu' I told 'em it would be taken care of."
"Thank you Aeodhen." He turned to the rest of the company. "It sounds as if we all at least know what is happening on some level. Bombur…" He turned to his head of the kitchen. "I know it is last minute, but can you sustain sending foods directly to chambers?" He decided to address the food issue first.
"Oh aye, easily. Jus' need teh do some tweakin' and it will have teh be in shifts. We will jus' divide the mountain up in halls and create a schedule. It can be done though, easy enough."
"Good, thank you Bombur." Thorin turned back to the captain of his guard. "Aeodhen, inform me if anyone gives you trouble about staying in their chambers. It is for their own good and I will not tolerate the added difficulty. We are all affected here, staying in their homes is going to be the least of their troubles if they are infected."
"Aye, Thorin. I will let yeh know when I receive the reports. When can we expect teh hear from the elves?"
There was silence in the room. "I sent word as you asked. It should not take but a day for the raven to reach Mirkwood. Hopefully it or Kaw will return with news soon." Fili declared.
"Kaw was already there with a note to Ivethin from Tauriel, it is likely even before Fili's raven gets received by Thranduil, they will know something is going on. Let us hope it is sooner rather than later." Thorin nodded to Kili who sat back with his arms folded. He knew his nephew was eager to get back up and check on Finli, so he was proud of the young prince for staying focused on the task at hand. Kili has truly grown in the last few years into his title both as a prince and as a father. He could not be prouder.
Thorin then turned the time over to Oin who drilled everyone in on what to look for and expect, the signs of the illness, and reminded all that they too were not immune and should be well aware they are putting themselves at risk the more time they spend outside their chambers. He even looked at Bombur, the only dwarrow in the room to have children, and counseled him in keeping distance from his family until they know more. Bombur immediately agreed and it was decided he would be staying with Bofur and Bifur for the time being to protect his large family. The mountain did not want to lose any of their dwarflings, not when there are already so few.
Then Balin took over. He had found some text backing up Naurfaer's story of a clan in the southern mountains beyond Moria who perished under a dark illness. The text read there were few survivors but did not mention the elves involvement at all. Honestly, Thorin was unsurprised. His people were a stubborn and proud people with a deep and very long dislike for the eldar. He too fell into that lot until Tauriel came into his life and made him realize, his stubbornness and prejudice were keeping him from growing into a better king. One who put his people before his pride.
Sudri was blinded by his pride and has proved these last few days that he valued their traditions and reclusiveness over his people's lives. Really, Thorin could not fault the leader in this too greatly, as he had done the same thing before given a chance to come back from the dead to fix his mistakes. He does not care if he has to go visit Thranduil himself and personally ask for information to help his mountain, he will never put his pride before his people again.
"Do you want me to ride to Mirkwood?" Thorin lifted his blue eyes to Naurfaer and shook his head with a sigh. "No. Let's give them a few days. Can I put you in charge of seeing to the Ukdam? You are the only one I can know for certain who cannot contract…whatever this is. I need you to tell me how it is progressing and if any have passed and how soon between contracting and passing. A grim job, Naurfaer, I apologize, but an important one none the less."
Naurfaer instantly agreed, catching Oin's eye who nodded his own agreement. "However I can be of service I am happy to help." Thorin smiled gratefully and gave out a few more assignments, Bombur to put his team together to begin distributing food with Bofur, Bifur and Ori each agreeing to join him in helping with the momentous task of keeping the dwarves of Erebor and the Ukdam fed. Dori, Nori, and Gloin were with Aeodhen and taking teams of guards to help maintain order during this trying time. Naurfaer, Balin and Oin were meeting together to see to the ill.
Thorin was grateful he had help he could trust and rely on. He eyed Kili and Fili, not giving them tasks at the moment other than going up and relaying what they know to Dis, Tauriel, and Viltarra who were likely beginning to bite at the bit for information. Dwalin too would be waiting on news, so he allowed the boys to see to the family. Kili, no doubt, would not last much longer without checking on his son.
With all given assignments Thorin dismissed the group, with a, "Please, be careful and see Oin if you begin showing signs yourselves." They all nodded and left the king to himself.
Now alone in the silent room, Thorin looked down at the table and leaned forward, braced his arms against the smooth stone surface and sent a prayer up to Mahal for his guidance. He will be needing it.
Not wanting to wait any longer, once excused, Kili and Fili ran down the many halls before sliding across the golden floored throne room, past the guard, barely giving them a nod in acknowledgement, and up the stairs to their chambers. Naurfaer was with Oin and Balin already to see what he can bring with him to help ease the discomfort of the ill he was tasked to oversee, so the brothers were alone when they finally stepped into Kili and Tauriel's sitting room where the females of the family were now gathered. Both also greeting Dwalin who had his arms folded as he stood looking out the window.
The dark-haired prince turned right to Tauriel and watched his wife's shoulders visibly relax when their eyes met after he walked in. Her arms were still full of their son as she sat between Dis and Viltarra.
As Kili made his way towards her, Tauriel stood with Finli, Kili closing the distance and pulled them both into his arms. "How is he?" Kili whispered pulling away and looking down at his son, just realizing Fin was asleep.
"Terrified to even be sat down." Tauriel sighed. The exhaustion was clear in her voice, but not as strong as the determination every mother has when their child is ailing. "He has barely tolerated even changings. I was able to get him to eat and drink a little this morning then Oin suggested a tincture to help with his fever and his pain. He fell right to sleep and has been ever since. That was about two hours ago."
Kili kissed Finli's head and stepped away. He opened his arms and Tauriel instantly placed their sleeping son into his father's awaiting embrace. The door to the chamber opened revealing Vin and Tarrah stepping in having finished closing their stand barely an hour after spending the entire morning opening it. Vin held some warm bread in his arms and Tarrah a basket covered with a cloth. Likely muffins, scones, cookies or some similar treat hidden within.
Tauriel's stomach grumbled at the enticing smell wafting into the room and to her great embarrassment, Tarrah had heard. The dam lifted the cloth, and pulled out a cheese bun, passing it to the elf who melted at the sight of one of her favorite treats while she was expecting, next to butter cake. Without a moments hesitation, the red-headed eleth began devouring it to everyone's amusement. She should be mortified, but she was pregnant and starving. Anyone who laughs at her will have to answer to her daggers, she thought to herself as she accepted a second bun.
"So, I guess were up here then, until further notice?" Vin sat the bread down on the sitting table, Tarrah doing the same after giving Finli a sad look. She did make sure the basket she had brought up was within reach of Tauriel who needed food more than anyone, and who on a more probable than not basis, has not eaten yet.
Fili nodded at Vin's question nobody had answered and sat hard on the chaise, taking the seat Tauriel had just vacated and leant into Viltarra while watching his sister eat. It was only just noon now, the mid-day bell filling the air with its deep and resonating chimes, yet he was already exhausted and ready for the day to be over. His wife shifted to make him more comfortable as he leaned into her, and Fili closed his eyes and rested his head against the back of the chair.
"Well?"
Fili opened one eye and peered into his wife's light brown eyes as she looked over at him. She had one brow lifted as she waited…somewhat patiently. "Well what nunguame?" He replied, lifting a hand and tugging at one of her family braids.
"We have been waiting up here for half the day to get an update and the only one who has been here is Oin to check on everyone, then Aeodhen, and he did not go into any elaborate details. So….." She gave him another look filled with expectation and Fili sighed, reclosing his eyes, and leaning back.
For a moment it seemed like he was not going to speak, but then, with eyes still closed, Fili told them everything he witnessed, while Kili, who was now sitting between his wife's legs on the floor as she sat in one of the high back chairs, filled in the blind spots.
"You go' ta be kidden me." Dwalin grumbled when Fili finished. He turned to Kili who nodded his head at the truth of his brother's statement. "Fire and forges of the great Mahal above, tha' is no' what I expected."
"I know I am finding it difficult to believe that a ten-year-old dwarfling was able to get past all five of our guards, as well as the ones at the Ukdam's hall entrance." Dis said as Kili finished explaining who Toki was, what he had done, and for what reason. "He could have gotten both himself and Finli killed! That foolish child." Dis had a mind to go down and give the small dwarven child one of her infamous tongue lashings. The ones that make Fili and Kili cringe just thinking about, the ones even Thorin squirms at the thought of.
Tauriel was torn between wanting to join Dis's tirade, go to war over what happened to her son, or wanting to gather that little dwarfling child up and holding him tight for all he has been through and still is going through.
However, she settled on letting go of her anger and feeling a deep sorrow for a child who was more a babe than anything. How can she hold such anger for a being who's intentions was, in a way, quite pure? He only wished to save his mother. It could have been anyone's babe; he could have taken Tauren from Shaada and Aeohden if he had wandered into that part of the mountain. Or Breyu's, new infant she just birthed a fortnight ago. Breyu was one of the newer dams to Erebor, having only moved into their halls last year with her husband, Okanh, of 10 years.
No. Instead, he came across her little Finli first. It had nothing to do with his lineage, inheritance, or parentage and everything to do with the fact he was a babe that Toki had found first. All this, however, did not mean she did not want to stick an arrow into someone at the moment. Maybe Sudri would make a good alternative target for her ire. Fool that he is. Bringing an illness, they know nothing about, into any settlement is a sure way to destroy life and peace, even if by accident.
The family stayed together for a bit discussing what happened in the meeting and what was going to happen in the next few days. Eventually, one by one they left for their own chambers, Dwalin being first to go having had stayed the entire day making sure Finli was guarded. Kili pulled him aside before he left, Finli still asleep in his arms, and thanked the dwarf he had known nearly his entire life. "It was nothin' lad. No need to thank me." He patted Kili on the shoulder and left the room.
Tauriel watched them all go as the sun began to show signs of setting and her eyes followed her prince as he made his way back to the chaise and sat quietly. "Kili?" Her husband hummed and turned, looking up at her from where he sat. Finli was just waking and had his thumb back in his mouth. Tauriel worried it will be a difficult habit to break as he gets older, but considering what he went through, she will continue to allow the comfort for the time being. "We have fought battles with orcs, spiders, and even dark elves. I lost you for nearly a year, got you back, and this morning my child was stolen. Now, I am being told our home is once again at war, but the foe is not one we can take up arms against in the usual sense. Tell me we can get through this, Kili? Tell me we are going to be okay."
Kili said nothing as he looked at her. He pushed himself to his feet with Finli in his arms and pulled her up to follow him. Kili then guided her to the bedroom, pushed her down to sit on the bed, and passed her their son. He then knelt down and removed her boots, toed off his own, and climbed into bed, shifting around her to lay behind where she sat, patting the bed in invitation. Tauriel gave him a small smile, and with Finli in her arms, lay down face to face with Kili. Finli took a moment to settle but chose to do so facing Kili, his fingers grasping at Kili's shirt collar ties.
"Amralime." Kili finally purred, his breath ghosting across her face. "We will get through this. It will be a trial, no doubt, but, I believe with all that I am Mahal and the Valar are on our side. Why would they take the energy to send us back if they were just going to kill us off with a cold? We just need to be strong and have a bit of faith and trust."
Tauriel nodded and pushed herself closer to her Kili, breathing him in as he wrapped her and Finli up in his arms. Finli slept with them for the mid-day nap, then again that night, refusing to part from them for even a moment and truthfully, his parents felt the same way.
Original Authors Note: Sorry I didn't post yesterday, I really wasn't feeling it…I am not really feeling it today either, BUT I didn't want you to have to wait too long, so I figured I should post today. I do want to say thank you for all your wonderful and supportive reviews. They really do make me want to continue this story. I suppose as long as I have at least one person interested…might as well keep on going for the time being.
I really need to buckle down and finish the last few chapters in this ACT. I'm also trying to decide if I want to go back and do some heavy story cleanup (Mostly spelling stuff) from both Reforged and Reforged and Strengthened because whenever I go back and re-read it I HATE seeing those stupid spelling/grammatical errors. Drives me barmy and I am the one who wrote it, I also think I might fix that Durin's Day date so I can incorporate it into a later story without someone yelling at me for it (I hate being yelled at, there is enough contention in the world to deal with as it is only to have to open up and read some directed at me. Sigh.). BUT I also have a good idea on the next ACT which will be pretty much ALL fluffernutters and only mild drama. OH AND more DWARFLINGS!
Anyway, rambling put to an end. I think I should spend my lunch hour working on chapter 13. I think this ACT will be around 14 chapters, so almost done. See you soon!