Updated January 19th, 2022
Original Authors Note: Alright, this is it. The last chapter of ACT III. I cannot believe I already have three acts. Anyway, her you go. Hugs.
Chapter Fourteen
Tauriel sighed happily as she secured another bead to a braid in Kili's hair, while her husband idly chatted away about what the day held for them. The Ukdam were leaving this afternoon and were currently gathering all their belongings and getting ready to go. Fili was already down with Viltarra. The pair came by to tell them where they would be and let them know Dis was in the kitchen making griddle cakes for breakfast. She really was mostly doing it for the little ones, but Kili was equally excited. Tauriel sighed again in perfect contentment, how she loved her husband so completely. He was the essence of her spirit.
Tauriel released the braid back into Kili's wild hair and leaned forward, grasping his face and pulling him in for a lingering kiss. "I suppose we should get the day started then hmm?"
"Or…we can let them wait a bit longer." Kili wagged his eyebrows and moved to pull her back to him but Tauriel laughed and jumped off the bed and out of reach.
"Kili, we have THREE dwarflings to get up and ready. Besides, I thought you were excited to have amad's griddle cakes?" She lifted a brow and Kili sighed dramatically. Although, Tauriel did lean in and take his lips once more. "We can, however, see where tonight takes us?" She teased and just like that, Kili was already eager to get the day over with. Still, he grabbed her hand and pulled her from their room.
The entire chamber was silent so Tauriel made for Finli's nursery. She smiled when she opened the door, Kili just behind her, and looked in. Of course, Finli was not in his crib. Instead, he was huddled between Toki and Regar, all three of the littllings dwarfed by the large mattress Kili had pulled in from one of the spare bedrooms the night before. Unsurprisingly, Kaw too was among them, perched on a pillow just above all three dwarfling's heads. She sighed and leaned against Kili, not wanting to wake them, but knowing she had to.
It had to have been the early hours in the morning they had finally given up and fallen asleep. More than once Kili had to go in and tell them to settle down lest they wake the entire floor. Although, Fili did come running in with blades blazing when Regar let out a rather high-pitched scream after Toki placed a spider Kaw had been carrying around, into his brother's hair.
Fili was quite furious for being woken up…his brother will never change. Kili just laughed it off telling his brother he had better learn to get used to being woken at all times of the night. His undisturbed evenings were numbered with a son or daughter on the way. Fili had just beamed. "It is well worth it." He had said and Kili quite agreed, though he did have a talk with the boys about keeping their voices down. Fili he could easily handle, but a grumpy Thorin was something he would like to avoid if at all possible.
"I will miss those two." Tauriel mumbled quietly, pulling Kili from his thoughts. Kili nodded in agreement. He will too, and it looks as if Finli will miss them as well if the hand holding Regar's sleep shirt was any indication. But the Ukdam do not linger, and they do not leave their clan for anything short of death. If one were to marry outside the company, their spouse would have to join the clan, or the marriage would not be approved. Leaving is not something they do. Ever.
Tauriel stepped into the room and leaned down, pulling Finli from the middle of the two with ease. He mumbled in his sleep then opened his eyes. "Mama."
"Good morning my little star. Did you have fun last night."
Finli nodded and lay his head against her shoulder, closing his eyes once again. Kili watched and chuckled. "Someone had a late night. Come on, da will get you dressed and ready." Kili pulled a tired Finli from Tauriel and left the room to get him changed while Tauriel grabbed some clothes from his wardrobe and went and set them beside Kili in their bedchamber. She then woke the other two. Regar grumbling, but Toki jumping up excitedly when Tauriel mentioned griddle cakes for breakfast.
All in all, it took them three quarters of an hour to get everyone ready and out the door which was just in time for breakfast.
"Has uncle left already?"
"What was that? It is difficult to understand your words when you speak with your mouth full like an uncivilized orc, dear." Dis lifted a brow and gave Kili a stern look. "I taught you better than that I like to think. Close your mouth, chew, then you may make inquiries."
Kili glowered but swallowed his bite. However, Dis answered before he repeated his question. "He left about an hour ago. He was headed down to speak to Sudri and talk to Fili and Viltarra."
"Are we goin' to 'ave to leave soon?"
All eyes turned to Toki who had finished an astonishing eight griddle cakes and several pieces of bacon, sausage, AND some hash. Dis had certainly gone all out.
"Yes darling. We have to get you down to your father as soon as Regar and Finli finish eating. Your company is set to get back on the road. Are you not excited? It must be quite the life to be able to see the world with your family."
Tauriel sighed in wonder. To see the world. As wonderful as that would be, she is just as happy with the idea of remaining here, in Erebor, with her Kili by her side, where her children will grow, her niece or nephew will be born, and where Fili, Viltarra, Naurfaer, Dis and Thorin were. What sights could compare to the feeling of love, warmth, and joy that is her family? None. Besides, she not only had family here, but close friends who meant the world to her. No, Erebor is where Tauriel found her life, and where she will happily remain. She lifted her eyes from Toki and turned to Regar who was now pushing the remnants of his breakfast around his plate while Kili fought to clean Finli's face who was doing all he can to evade his father.
Leaning over, Tauriel placed a hand on Regar's shoulder…who was just sitting beside her. "Is everything alright?"
Regar lifted his stormy grey eyes to the eleth. They were clearly troubled, but he nodded slowly regardless. "Can we go now?" Was all he said, his tone sad and low. "We are sayin' goodbye to mama today. I don' wan' da to be alone for tha'." He pushed from his seat and gave Toki a meaningful look which was well beyond his years and broke Tauriel's heart just a bit. She nodded though and stood while Kili watched for a moment then turned to Finli. "Alright little star, why don't you say goodbye to Toki and Regar."
Kili lifted Finli from the chair and placed him on the ground where the littlest of the dwarflings in the room looked wide eyed from his parents to Regar and Toki.
"Bya Fin!" Toki started pulling Finli in for a hug that lifted the small prince from the ground. "Don' forget us, okay?"
He placed Finli back down and Regar got to his knees and did the same. "You be good to your mama and da. Ya never know how long ya have 'em for." He cleared his throat and released Finli and stood but stopped when Finli grabbed his hand.
"Bye, Reg." Was all Finli said. His voice quiet and soft as he watched the taller and older of the two brothers stand. He really did understand more than he should at his age.
Seeing the tell tale signs of Finli becoming upset, Dis leaned down and pulled her precious granddwelfling up and into her arms. "I think we are in need of a bath." She turned to Tauriel and Kili. "I will keep him for as long as you need."
Tauriel kissed her cheek, followed by Kili. "Thank you mam." He grinned and they took the dwarflings by the hand and left the room, Finli waiving his small arm goodbye as they disappeared from his sight.
"They weren't no trouble were they?" Gronti pulled his boys close when they arrived to the Ukdam gathering hall.
Tauriel immediately shook her head. "Not at all, they were most welcome and Finli enjoyed having playmates quite thoroughly. I believe he will miss them, as will we." Kili nodded his agreement.
Gronti smiled and stood, looking at his boys who spent the better part of a quarter hour excitedly telling his father about their evening and showing him the gifts from the king himself. Even though they were still not allowed in the treasure room, they were quite content with the small, yet valuable, trinkets. It had been the first time Gronti had seen Regar smile and laugh since before Tooka got ill. He was worried about his boys.
"Come on boys, it is time ta say goodbye to yer ma. Regar, would you like to sing for her? Or would ya prefer I do it little bird?"
"Can I, da?" Regar and Gronti looked down at Toki who was looking up, his eyes filled with more pain and loss than any ten year old of any race should have.
Gronti lowered himself to Toki's level and nodded, a tear sliding down his cheek. "Of course, Toki. My good lad. Of course."
Toki reached up and wiped the tear from his father's cheek in a very touching gesture of affection. "Don' cry da. Mama is here. She will always be here."
Unable to contain himself, Gronti pulled his littles son into his arms and silently sobbed. "Aye, she is. Aye...she is." He breathed out. "Come on lads, let us go and finish preparations for the funeral." He stood and took each by the hand. "I thank ya again. I will see ya at the memorial." Tauriel and Kili nodded and watched them turn away before going and looking for the rest of their family.
The Ukdam lost a lot of their people, nearly a fifth of their entire company which was a devastating blow for any dwarven community. Regardless, it was still nowhere near as many as they could have lost had they not been in Erebor and were able to get a cure in the time they did. But this fact does not bring back those whose lives were taken to their father's halls way before their time.
There was a lot of concern that the disease was alive among the dwarven people, but with a bit of investigation, Balin and Thorin got out of several Ukdam that they had traveled through the lands of where the illness originated. Apparently, several had branched off and were able to get into the mountain where the disease had killed nearly an entire clan, and procured some of the left over artifacts entombed within. It is believed, despite the number of years that had gone by, the plague remained alive likely in the creatures that still lived in the mountain's dark halls.
Thorin had sat Sudri down and ordered them to never go near that land again. He then sent ravens to all the six dwarven Lords, including his cousin, Dain, and forbade ANY under no circumstances, to ever enter those halls. It was now officially a condemned mine.
Dain, being much closer to the mountain in question, had already sent a raven back saying he was sending a group to label the mountain as un-accessible to all and would seal it up for good. Thorin sent a missive out in response telling Dain to be careful and to keep the team in quarantine when they return for a time to make sure no ill effects would come from contact with that mountain. Since they had the means to eradicate the plague, everything will be fine. But precautions should still be made.
However, all this meant nothing to the dwarves who had already lost some of their family members or friends. Sudri, with the help of Thorin and many of the Ereborian dwarves, had put together a memorial service to give the Ukdam a chance to mourn their dead. Thorin had even agreed to let them lay their kin to rest in Erebor's tombs deep in the mountain. Although, only a small few had decided to it, as most preferred to take them to be buried in the open air where they normally dwelled. It was very...un-dwarven like ideal since their people preferred their cold, dark, mountains to the open air or sea, but the Ukdam were not a normal dwarven clan, so it was accepted.
Still, there were about ten among the families who agreed to have their lost members put to rest inside the mountain, including Gronti. They would have a traditional dwarven memorial and move into mourning as was customary which they would start upon leaving the mountain. Well, as much mourning one can do while on the road.
Kili had told Tauriel everything about what to expect when one among their people dies after a rather spirited dam passed of natural causes way back in Ered Luin. It felt like a lifetime ago, when her and Kili were courting. They had been laying together on the long seat in the sitting room about a month after she had come to stay. Although she had already been in lessons with Balin and Thorin, she was still learning a lot about the people she was adopting herself into and it was only a matter of time before this came up.
In the elven culture, death was beyond tragic. They were meant to live forever so every life lost was deeply heartbreaking to all of the eldar. So, when Tauriel asked about the dwarven tradition of mourning, Kili pulled her close and explained the long process.
"First, you should know that mourning among the dwarven people, is normally a timely right but not one completely filled with sorrow." He began, as he ran his fingers through her hair. He went on to explain that the dwarven people do not mourn the fact one has died, rather they mourn the separation from those they love most. A dwarf does not fear death either. He knows where he is going, and what is waiting for him. Death is only a passage to their next great task. No. They do not mourn the dead for they are not truly lost.
"Much like the eldar traveling to the gray havens," Tauriel chimed in. "Valinor, the undying lands." She added when Kili gave her a questioning look. "When we cannot find peace here, and we feel our time is complete and are ready to move on, though our bodies are not, this is the way we go. It is nothing to fear, just another voyage to take."
"Exactly, amralime. We are not afraid of what awaits us, because we have a deep knowledge and understanding of what happens after we pass. You, me, uncle, and Fili most of all, considering...well we actually went through it and even spoke with Mahal. Probably one of the only ones who have met our maker and returned to arda apart from Durin the deathless…which is a lesson for another time." He smirked at her confused look then continued with his earlier thought. "This, however, does not mean there is no sadness or despair with death. In fact, we mourn quite extensively."
Kili looked off into the fire in the large fireplace, the flames reflecting in his eyes as he spoke softly. "When someone passes, the body is first guarded by the amradshomak, or the guardian of the dead."
"Is that a volunteer, or a position held?" Tauriel asked.
"Yes, and no. It is typically a member of their family and kin who volunteers to care for and watch over the body until it is laid to rest as the family prays to Mahal that the spirit of their loved one is guided directly to the halls."
"What if they were to be cremated?" Tauriel aske curiously, her hand playing with the button on Kili's shirt as she spoke.
"Cremated? Oh no, amralime. We do not do that. Never, ever, is a dwarf cremated, defaced, or autopsied. We believe that our body is our vessel to the spirit world and not to be tampered with or destroyed upon our death." He ran his hand up and down her spine as he spoke, Tauriel wrapping her arms tightly around his chest. She loved listening to the soft, deep, yet comfortable timbre of Kilis voice that rumbled through his chest as he continued to speak.
"The family is also given the chance to go into atkât, a time of silence where they are given the respect and opportunity to fully express their grief. This is followed by hadud, which is only observed by the spouse and children of the lost and begins on the day of burial and proceeds for seven days. At this time, these mourners will not leave their halls, nor will they participate in anything which brings comfort or pleasure."
Tauriel nodded in understanding, burrowing her nose in Kilis tunic and sighing. "That makes sense. This is something the eldar do as well. It is also a time where any members of the family, specifically a bonded mate, will be specially watched and guarded for signs of fading. If there is a bonded mate involved, the family and close friends do what they can to give them reason to resist the fade and stay in middle earth, but most of the time it is futile, and the mourning period extended to add yet another lost life in connection to the dead."
"Is it so painful? Losing a bonded mate?" Kili asked softly.
Tauriel lifted her head and looked down at her Kili. "The pain would be severe. Like..." She thought for a moment, "Like your mind ripping apart leaving raw, and un-healing wounds that burn and fester mentally. I have been told once by one of my tutors that it is beyond unbearable in in some cases will only worsen with time depending on the depth of the bond, which is why very few will remain and not fade when they are so deeply bonded and their mate is lost. We are taught to try and cling to life, but not all can. As terrible as this sounds, I am grateful I will never have to endure that." She lay her head back down, listening to Kili's heartbeat away in his chest.
Kili listened but was unable to ask or say anything more about fading. What could he say? He would do everything he could to keep her from giving up her life...but that ship has sailed. She has already done just that back in Valinor when she agreed to gift them her immortal years and tie her life to his own. So instead, he simply listened and nodded until she looked up at him through her lashes. "I supposed we are not so very different in the respect we set time aside to mourn in undisturbed peace. Please continue. What comes next?"
Kili nodded, submitting fully to her wishes. "Finally, there was trem, a thirty-day period where the mourners may leave their halls, but will not attend any parties, listen to music, or join any celebrations. Although," He grinned, "If there happens to be a festival that pops up...it is not unheard of for the family to come out of mourning early. A dwarf, after all, can never pass up a good festival." Tauriel had laughed then, and both decided they had had enough of forlorn talks of mourning, they were both alive and healthy so with a simple light tug, Kili had pulled his Tauriel's lips to his...at least until Fili had come home, interrupting their rare, alone time.
Since then, Tauriel has become well acquainted with the mourning process. It was part of their tasks as the royal family to instigate atkât for the grieving family as well as give their condolences. In fact, they were often first to do so. Though it was not a requirement, Dis told Tauriel that she had made it a personal responsibility to arrange meals for those in hadud. It was not long before Tauriel picked up the task as well and often accompanied Dis to delivering baskets to mourning families both in her time in Ered Luin, and now in Erebor.
That all being said, the Ukdam seemed to grieve altogether differently than any dwarven clan. Even Thorin had stated as such when Tauriel inquired if the process was different depending on the clan and Lords. The eldest son of Durin shook his head as he watched what seemed to be more of a celebration of life taking place, rather than the quiet, somber, mourning of severed relationships.
In fact, the dwarves of Erebor all seemed to be at a loss at what to do with all the dancing, laughing, and hearty storytelling going on around them. Even if they were attempting to participate in what felt more like a festival then a funeral. Not all of the Ukdam were behaving as such though. Tauriel turned her head to a small family huddled together near a platform displaying Tooka. She had been cleaned and dressed, her hair and beard done in all kinds of braids and beads. In her hands she held an elegant wooden carved bird that looked as if it could be some sort of flute or whistle.
Given the fact he has been down, and most knew about him, Tauriel had gone up and retrieved Finli so that her family could all attend the service together. He was happily encircled in his father's arms as they made their way over to the grieving family. "So much loss over a mistake any traveling group could have made." Tauriel looked up at Naurfaer who was shaking his head sadly.
"I imagine our connection to the elves was a great blessing as we are the only clan to have such. The plague would have destroyed many more if it had been in any other mountain than Erebor." Kili added in. It was a sobering thought and nobody said anything more as they stepped up to Gronti and his sons.
"Lothron i elena tegi- hain na sídh." Naurfaer bowed his head low, Tauriel following suit, repeating the phrase herself in a quiet, mournful tone.
"I thank ya, but, I am afraid I do not no wha' that means." Gronti answered, though he did bow his head in acceptance.
"It means, may the stars lead them to peace." Tauriel answered. "It is a common saying among mourning wood elves."
"It be a beautiful sentiment. Tooka loved the stars. She would be out for hours on clear nights, mappin' em out and singin' to em. It would no' surprise me if she lingered a bit to walk among them before enterin' the halls." He let the tear fall down his cheek, tired of wiping them from his eyes and no longer caring who saw.
Tauriel felt more than heard Fili and Viltarra come up to stand with them. "We thought we would come over and offer our own condolences." Viltarra's softly spoke.
"We also are here to tell you your clan will be leaving in an hours' time." Fili added, an apologetic expression clear on his face. The memorial had already gone on for nearly two hours, and the majority of the Ukdam were burying their dead on the road. They were eager to make way to send of their dead in the lands beyond Erebor and the greenwood.
Kili's heart tore for this dwarf, he can only imagine the pain he must be in. Scratch that, he knew in a way. When he thought Tauriel to be lost to him back on their trek to Erebor, the grief was…was blinding and…Mahal, it was unbearable. He tightened his arms around Finli, but his little star had other ideas. Usually, Fin was happy to be in Kili's arms, but the tot was struggling and Kili soon just set him down on the ground, curious more than anything of what he was trying to get to.
Another string pulled in his heart when Finli toddled over to stand between Toki and Regar and took their hands in each of his. Kili felt Tauriel's fingers slide through his own as they watched their son do the best he could to give comfort to his friends.
Regar looked down and smiled at Finli who smiled back, then a soft voice filled the air. It was light and somber, filled with pain and grief. It was Toki. The song was in Khuzdul and rather short…just a verse, but the words were heart wrenching:
"The song in my hearts gone silent, the beat of my souls not there,
The dance has lost its cadence, the pains too hard to bear.
But in my mind, a song is whispered, one sung just for me,
Singing do not cry, for I am nye, just not where you can see."
Tauriel watched her son release Regar's hand and wrap his small arms around the now shaking Toki, who broke and began sobbing. Her son was so young, but already had a large heart just like his father.
Gronti dropped to his knees and wrapped his large arms around Toki, Regar, and by default, Finli as well. They sat wrapped up together for some time, until he pulled away. "That was beautiful Toki. Yer mama, she is smiling. She loved ya so much, but you are not alone my little one. Ya got me here son, and Regar. You are right though, yer mama's always there, just out of sight, watchin' over ya."
Toki wiped his eyes and fell back into his father's embrace, Finli just watching with his large brown eyes before he turned and ran back to Tauriel, lifting his arms in silent request. Tauriel never hesitated to reach down and pull him into her arms. "Love you, mama." She may have been able to contain her tears before now, but that one phrase had drops cascading down her cheeks. "As I love you my precious Finli, forever my little star." She whispered into his hair.
Even Viltarra was wiping her eyes as Fili held her close. They separated, however, when Gronti came up to Fili, Toki and Regar's hands held tightly in his own. "I suppose we should say goodbye."
Fili nodded and extended his hand, Gronti releasing Toki's to clasp the golden hair princes tightly. "It means a lot, yer family treatin' us with kindness despite wha' we brought to your home, and what happened with Finli."
"It was all sorted, and I believe friendships made. Do not dwell on that any longer." Gronti looked over at Tauriel who was smiling kindly at him. She placed Finli on the ground who looked up at her then over at Toki and Regar walking up to him.
"You be good ya? But not too good. Make sure to cause plenty o' trouble fer yer folks." Toki giggled out then whispered, "Keeps them on their toes."
"And remember not all advice, is good advice." Regar amended, rolling his eyes at his brother. "You're a good soul, Finli. I am gonna miss ya, and your mama." He got to his knees. "Make sure to give yer mama a hug every day. That is important and the best advice I can leave ya, okay?"
"Kay." Finli nodded, not really able to articulate much more. He did find himself engulfed one final hug from Toki and Regar, one he happily reciprocated.
The group then walked out together, the Ukdam slowly streaming out of the mountain where their animals were already waiting. Toki and Regar were telling Tauriel about where they may go, and Gronti was trailing behind, constantly looking back at where he knew his wife lay, now alone, on a platform. It was not until a hand landed on his shoulder that he even realized he had stopped walking altogether.
"I know this is a loaded question, but is everything alright?" Gronti lifted his eyes to Naurfaer who was giving him a look wrought with sadness and understanding.
"Ah, Gronti. Is your family ready to go? You are one of the last out of the hall and there are many eager to be on the road."
Before Gronti could answer Naurfaer, Sudri had come up to them, Thorin just behind him with Dis at his side. The halls were slimming down, with the majority of the Ukdam now out in the warm, late summer afternoon. Sudri was looking expectantly at Gronti, his eyes wandering to the few Ukdam leaving the halls and joining the group until it was only Gronti and his sons left.
The blond dwarf let his eyes linger on his sons who were watching him silently. His mind and heart were racing with the impulsive thought that kept flashing in his mind. Before he even realized he was speaking, he heard the, "No.", leave his mouth.
Sudri seemed a bit taken back. "No? Do you need a bit more time? I think I might be able to hold the group for a few minutes, but we really must be on our way. We have imposed on King Thorin's generosity long enough. We must not linger much longer."
Gronti took a deep breath and turned to Sudri and Thorin. "I mean, no. I…I wish to stay."
"For how long?" Sudri asked, not quite catching on, but Thorin seemed to be.
"In Erebor?" Thorin asked gently.
Gronti nodded and Sudri, finally getting the picture, was shocked. "That…that is not done Gronti. We are your people, your family. You are grieving. Come, we will sing a mighty song for your Tooka tonight and celebrate her life and her great deeds."
"No Sudri. I can' go. I wont. My Tooka is here, and my sons…I have not seen them happier than they have been in these halls these las' few days. They have no' laughed or smiled in weeks, even before we came. I know it ain' done. Bu' I jus'…I cannot go with ya." He looked to Thorin. "I don' know how ta ask this, but, do ya think you might have a place for me and me boys in your great mountain?"
"All dwarves are welcome in Erebor." Thorin nodded. "You are most welcome, Gronti, to stay if that be your desire."
Gronti looked back to his sons, both watching with eager eyes, he squatted low and gestured for them to come. "Me boys, I…I wan' this ta be your choice as well. It will be a change that will effect our entire life. Be hones' with me too. Do ya wish to go with the clan? Or…would you like to stay, and live in Erebor."
"Mama is here." Toki softly whispered.
Regar looked back at the Ukdam, the only dwarves he knew. Then he looked at Tauriel who held Finli in her arms. He knew it was not an easy decision, but, there was something about this mountain that seemed to call him to want to stay as well. "I wish to stay here, da."
Sudri sighed in frustration. Nobody left the Ukdam, ever, period. Only in death did their spirits separate from their clan. This was unheard of. "I want to make this clear, if you leave, you may never again join our numbers, not you, not any of your descendants. Ever. Is this truly what you want?"
"It is." Gronti spoke clearly. "I am sorry Sudri, but, my mind is made."
"Why!? We are your people." Sudri just could not GRASP why anyone would want to leave them.
"Yet as a leader, you chose to let us suffer over gettin' outside help when ya knew we needed it. Six months, we lost our children, we los' our elders, we los' our babes and we los' our mates…" His voice broke, but he was done with holding it in. "If we had gotten help, not only would me wife be alive, but me little infan' son would be too. I los' too much because ya were too stubborn to give up our damned traditions! Yet here…" Gronti furiously pointed to Thorin. "Is a king and leader who put's his people firs' not his traditions. HE even was humble enough to work with elves…ELVES, if tha' meant he could save more lives sooner." He bowed his head, the fire leaving his veins. "I am sorry Sudri, bu' tha' is a leader. I choose ta follow King Thorin, and make Erebor as me home."
"We can stay?" Toki asked.
"Yes darling, you may stay if you wish." Dis agreed from her place beside Thorin.
Both Regar and Toki nodded, Gronti giving them a smile. "Then, we are stayin'." The two dwarflings beamed and jumped with excitement, which only solidified Gronti's choice. A warm feeling filled his chest, and it was as if he could hear his Tooka whispering in his mind that she supported him, always, and that he was making the right decision.
Sudri looked as if he was about to continue arguing, but he knew he had lost this battle. He could stand here and fight some more, but this dwarf had made up his mind, he and his sons were leaving the Ukdam life behind…for good.
"If that is your final decision, I will respect it." Sudri finally spoke. He lifted his hand and extended it to Gronti, who clasped it in his own. "Farewell, Gronti, son of Gorho. May you find peace in your choice." Sudri gave him one last lingering look, and turned to Thorin.
"Again, I thank you for all you have done for my people. We have been invited to open a market in Dale, but my clan is in dire need of recuperating and has a strong desire to head to Edoras near Helms Deep. It is where we will regather our spirits. Should we meet again in this life, may it be a merrier visit than this."
"It ended well, but maybe refrain from bringing any more…plagues…to places you visit." Thorin sighed.
Sudri chuckled and nodded in agreement, before giving him another small bow and turning towards his people. He did, however, look back over his shoulder at Gronti and his dwarflings at his side. "Are you sure this is what you want?"
"More sure than I have ever been about anythin'." Gronti answered with confidence. Sudri just gave him a single nod and headed to his people.
When the Ukdam came to Erebor, it was in a parade of music, and dance. A theatrical filled with life and moving art. Their leaving could not be any more the opposite. With so many in mourning, the spectacle was dulled to a soft song of farewell that continued to echo through the valley long after the last Ukdam could be seen on the path bordering Dales great walls. It was a song that could have been a sung in parting for the living, but more than likely, it was just as much for Erebor, as it was for those lost to an illness that darkened their numbers by complete happenstance.
"What do we do now da?" Regar asked, looking up at his father.
It was Thorin, however, who answered. "I think it is time to bring some life back into this mountain."
All eyes, except for Dis's turned to Thorin, their expressions questioning.
"Ikrêt kordu, brother?" Dis's eyes widened as did her smile.
"Aye, Dis, that exactly."
"Ikrêt kordu? The beating heart?" Naurfaer asked. Thorin side eyed him and hummed in affirmation. It still astounded him that Naurfaer knew their language, though it seemed the elder elf knows every language, even the ancient ones. The one time he approached the elf about it, asking him where he learned after being tired of Naurfaer's astute ability to understand what everyone was saying around the mountain in Khuzdul, the elf had laughed. He had said in the first age, Khuzdul was not so much as a secret as it is now and he had studied it thoroughly. He was rusty, but he still could understand and speak the language quite well. He could even decipher some of the ancient texts Balin could not translate…which Balin loved.
"I have only been part of it once, but it is a simple ceremony. It was done after a hard battle with several other clans trying to cleanse Gundabad. They had failed, and many were lost though some did return back to Erebor. There was a rumor, however, that Erebor had suffered such a defeat in numbers, she would fall with a simple attack. To prove her halls were alive and well, Thror had the people come together for a ceremony called Ikrêt kordu, the beating heart. Through song and beats, the mountain fills with the sound which mimics that of a pulsing heart. When done together, it can be heard from miles away." Thorin looked to his family. "It is a magical thing. Even the beasts of Erebor will join the throng."
"I think that is a perfect way to get the people out of the grey and morale back up, uncle. What do you need us to do?" Fili asked, Kili nodding emphatically in agreement.
"We must act quickly, I want this done tonight." Thorin answered. "Fili, Viltarra, go and inform Balin what we are going to do. Tauriel, Kili, you go speak to Aeodhen. Naurfaer, Dis, I could use you to help prepare. We will make the announcement at the meal and the ceremony will follow directly. We will need the entire mountain, every dam, dwarf, and youngling so make sure word gets out as much as you can before the evening bell chimes."
Thorin then spent several minutes giving them each details of where everyone is to stand, what supplies were necessary, and how the ceremony was indeed, going to work. It really was simple, just a song sung together in harmony and each dwarf, dam, and dwarfling capable of holding an object, would be given an axe, staff, or hammer to use during the event. "Do you understand what must be done?" Thorin finally asked when he finished.
Everyone nodded and split up after receiving a dismissal from Thorin. Kili and Tauriel along with little Finli went straight to Aeodhen who had never heard of the ceremony, but was happy to help in any way he could. "I will send out a team teh inform all they come into contact with teh pass the message along. Anythin' else?"
Tauriel nodded and grabbed a parchment from the table. "There is a specific pattern we must all stand in." She grabbed a quill and began drawing and labeling the golden floored throne room, the main entrance, and the bridges that make up the entire main floor of the mountain.
Kili then took over, shifting Finli into one arm and pointing at the drawing. "The entire mountain is to be standing in these areas. We are leaving Balin to organize exactly where, but only this level is necessary for the ceremony. Might as well temporarily block the rest off. Thorin also said to keep the main door open, it is pivotal for Ikrêt kordu to work."
Aeodhen nodded. "Well, then let us get those halls blocked." Aeodhen called a team, and gave them orders. "This will be a mighty amazin' sight." Aeodhen uttered softly. Tauriel and Kili could not agree more.
"Balin?" Further down in the mountain, Fili placed a hand on the old dwarfs shaking shoulder after he and Viltarra had informed the older dwarf of what was to happen that evening.
"Oh, don' mind me laddie." Balin sniffed. "It's just that, I remember the las' time that was done when I was a wee lad. It was a mighty bracing experience even in my tender year." He used a pocket handkerchief to wipe his eyes and cleared his throat, ready for business. "Now. Let's see what we need ta do, eh?" Balin gave Fili and Viltarra a wide grin and turned to his shelf of tomes, records, and scrolls. "I believe I have something for jus' this ceremony…right….aha! Here it is." He pulled a scroll and untied the ribbon.
There was not much written among the runes on the page. But, Thorin did say it was a rather simple ceremony. "Seems easy enough." Viltarra commented, "So what do we need to do?"
"Not much." Balin answered, stroking his beard as he perused the scroll. "Just get this to Thorin and see if he needs any assistance."
"Well then." Fili clapped his hands together. "Let's go."
As promised, it really did not take long to make preparations for the event with the entire royal family working together. They were quick to enlist the company who were as excited and eager as Balin to be a part of preparing for such a spiritual ceremony.
The dinner bell chimed with the mountain already whispering about what would proceed the evening meal, and the hush that fell over the dwarves of Erebor was instant the moment Thorin rose to stand, addressing his people. "I want to invite the entirety of this mountain, every dam, dwarf, and dwarfling to help clear up after this meal, then proceed to the exit where you will be given an axe, staff, or hammer if you do not already have one. Then you will be directed to a place to stand." He went into detail of what they were to do which did not take long at all, and with a waive of his hands, a mountain of nearly 10,000 dwarves…and two elves, and one half of each, rose to work together to get the evening meal cleared.
One by one, the dwarves were soon leaving the meal hall and filling the throne room on all three levels, one dwarf standing beside the other in a singular row per tier. The dwarves on the ground level wound around the golden hall on the main level, out the door, and into the entrance hall. Dwarves lined the corridors and the bridges before rounding back to the throne hall in a giant, oblong, circle. Heading the group was Thorin and his family standing tall before the throne. His company along with Leotti, Vin, and Tarrah being the closest to the family were on either side of Fili, Kili, Viltarra, Tauriel, Dis, Naurfaer, and Thorin. Even little Finli stood between his parents, his hand grasping at the tall staff Tauriel held.
The great king under the mountain's voice was so booming, it echoed through the halls for most to hear without needing aid. Though some further away, simply were passed the message in hushed whispers.
"My beloved people. We survived a war. We survived a dragon. We survived famines, and exile. We LIVE, and it is time we remind those around us that this mountain is strong, and alive. We are Id Ikrêt Kordu, the beating heart of Erebor." He lifted the long handled axe in his hand and stamped it hard on the ground, the sound filling the room with an echoing 'boom'. "Join me, my beloved people, join me in filling these halls with the beating heart that fills our souls. Let those around us hear how alive we truly are."
He slammed his axe again on the ground, his family following suit on the next beat, then his people, all ten thousand, in unison, pounded their hammers, staffs, and axes on the ground. Every dwarf, every dam, and every dwarfling. Hirril thumped her tail from her place beside Viltarra, and Kaw bobbed his head from his perch on Kili's long handled hammer. Then, Thorin's voice sung low through the air:
"Ammâ ma idkordu u id'urdil. Ammâ ma id aklâhu kuylel. Diya murb atmub mahadruini mâ, diya 'admel naikjkimi mâ duannu'. Ammâ ma ikdoru u id'urdil, diya fals busûn ni amâ hurkâ. Mukhu sullu ku' inkhî dulag fini, aklut Erebor kordu ikrêt gagin. Ammâ ma idkordu u id'urdil."
It was Khuzdul, and Tauriel's mind easily translated it to "We are the heart of the mountain. We are the source of life. Her spirit dwells within us. Her breath gives strength to fight. We are the heart of the mountain, her pulse runs in our veins. May all who come both far and wide, hear Erebor's heart, beat again. We are the heart of the mountain."
When Thorin finished singing, he looked to his family, who joined in repeating the song, then his people. The halls rang with the low harmonies of the dwarves' voices as the pulse of their beats vibrated through the ground and their song pierced the air.
"My Lord, you have to come hear this."
Bard looked up from the book he was reading to Tilda and lowered his brow. "Is everything alright Ryun?"
"Yes sir, I think. There are…noises coming from Erebor."
Bard placed his book down and rose to leave, before he could stop them, his children were all following close behind. They ran through the city and up to the wall facing Erebor where already hundreds of his people were gathering to look over at the gates of the great dwarven city. The site itself was nothing new, but the sound…
"It is singing…" Bard whispered and he closed his eyes.
"It sounds like a heart beat da." Tilda said, lifting herself to her toes to try and see over the ledge of the wall. Her eyes were wide as she watched. "DA! Look! The rams, and the ravens! The horses too!"
Bard followed her line of sight and sure enough, the paster of rams, and several horses in the field adjacent were all standing in a line, stamping their feet in the exact beat of the pulse echoing from Erebor. Looking up, he saw a few ravens from Erebor on the parapets of his walls, all had small stones in their beaks and rapping them against the closest surface in time with the great beats coming from the dwarves mountain.
"It's as if they are under a spell." Bard heard one of the guards mutter.
"I don't think so Francis. I think…they are paying respects. We may not understand a lot of the abilities other races like dwarves and elves have, but that does not mean it is all spells, mystical yes, spells…I think not." He looked back to the mountain, listening to the heartbeat pounding through the air. "They are reminding us they are alive."
Bard then, grabbed a walking staff perched against the wall, lifted it, and with a quick thrust down, joined in with the dwarves. His people gave him a questioning look at first, until his children found some tools and too, joined in keeping time. Soon, Dale was beating in perfect sync with Erebor.
This was not the end though, in Mirkwood, the elves quickly figured out what was going on as many of them were alive and had heard this exact thing not even 200 years before. But they had little in the way of alliances back then, if one would even call it that. Things are much different now, and it was time to prove it. Thranduil called his people together, the elves, would be adding their own song to the beats which made it all the way to his halls.
With mighty drums, and percussion instruments, the elves filled the forest with their own beats, even humming an ancient song which even if Erebor could not hear, went harmoniously with their own song. Never before, had these three races, come together in a way to create one heartbeat, one pulse, uniting them to one purpose. To live and to thrive.
Sudri walked out of a tent of a dam who lost her mate and wrung his hat. They had made good progress that day and found an empty, rocky, glen to bury their dead. Many were in mourning so the normally musical clan was a bit more subdued and just watching and speaking quietly among themselves. However, the once silent evening air was broken when a great thrumming filled the night.
"Wha' is tha?"
The leader of the Ukdam turned to one of his clan members who stood from a fallen log on the ground and staired of into the direction they had just come. It took a few moments, before Sudri realized the strange sound was coming from the direction of Erebor. "I cannot believe it…the stories are true!" Sudri soon was surrounded by his people all standing and curiously looking in the distance. "When I was a wee lad, my da said every mountain had a heartbeat, and every dwarf could hear her pulse. Ikrêt Kordu, and how very mighty it is." He bowed his head low in respect. There were many in his company who followed suit, the eldest of them knowing exactly what it was they were hearing.
Even when the beating stopped, Sudri could feel the buzz and pulse that hung and sparked silently in the once again still evening air. The maker filled their breasts with warmth and life. Sudri now knew that Erebor was blessed, and there was something about it's great king, that filled Sudri with an understanding that Thorin, had Mahal at his side through and through. He will never doubt their great king again, and will from this moment forward, endeavor to learn from his mistakes, and be like a wise king who put his people first. Always.
Thorin's voice repeated the song one last time before he held his axe still. Finli looked up with eyes wide with wonder as the pounding stopped in Erebor and the halls silenced. None spoke, to filled with life and spirit they could not find words to leave their tongues. However, when they still heard the sound of pulsing whispering in the air, they all turned and gathered at the entrance and stood stock still, watching in wonder as Dale's mighty beats continued, and in the distance, where Mirkwood's drums could be heard.
"Well, by my beard." Balin whispered, a tear falling from his cheeks. "Never, have I ever…" Lost for words, he could not finish, and Thorin placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Tha' was beyond anythin' I have ever experienced." Tauriel looked over and smiled at Gronti, whose large hands were on each of his boys shoulders. "You will always remember this lads."
"This is were we are meant ta be da." Regar smiled.
"It feels…warm." Toki looked up at his father. "Like mama's hugs." He finished and burrowed into Gronti's multicolored coat. "Aye my lad, it does. Means we chose right, me boys. Means this is where we were called ta be."
Thorin watched on, smiling at the small family before placing an arm around Dis who leaned into her brother. They had created a legacy, but not just one of Erebor. Erebor no longer was the lonely mountain. For she was not only filled with life inside her halls, but she was surrounded by it through bonds they had created and friendships made to last.
Soon, the air hummed with silence. Dale ceasing their beats, which caused Mirkwood to still their drums in the distance. However, even in the silence, all could still hear the heartbeat of the land still pounding away in perfect synchronization.
A true legacy has been created, a true kinship, filled with true allies. Thorin pulled away from Dis, grabbed a torch off the wall, and stood at the head of his people, at the gates of Erebor. He lifted his arm in recognition holding a torch to Dale, touched for what they had done. A single waiving light on the wall flickered back, came as a response from Bard. Though it was doubtful the human Lord could see it, Thorin gave a low bow in respect and honor for their addition, and sent Bombur up to blow Erebor's mighty horn in appreciation not just to Dale, but so that Mirkwood could hear. Dale quickly responded in kind with their own horn, and it only took a moment for the same tone to be heard from the elves of Mirkwood.
Tauriel wrapped her arms around Kili, pressing her forehead to his temple. He was holding Finli who was wide awake and pointing at the city beyond his words a mix of common and babble bringing a smile to both of his parents faces. Fili had his arm tight around Viltarra, his hand splayed across her belly as he leaned down and kissed her head. Dis smiled as Naurfaer placed an arm over her shoulders, pulling her in close.
Finally, Thorin turned to smile at his family. "We are alive, and our story is not yet complete. Every day is a gift, and every moment a blessing. Let us always remember this. Now, come. Let us to rest. Tomorrow, is a new day."
Thorin dismissed his people, and his family, the mountain quietly and reverently making their way into the halls and to their chambers. The summer was coming to an end, Durin's day approaching in several weeks, and Finli's birthday just under three months away. They had so much to live for, and he, for one, could not wait to see what tomorrow brings.
Authors Note: Ta da! Get ready for more fun with Toki and Regar in the future! I just had to let them stay. It just felt right.
I am gearing up to start the next chapter, but it may be a few days before I start and weeks before I get it published on the site so stay tuned…unless I get hyper fixated and just start today. It could be two weeks…or it could be three months…who knows lol, but I will try to get into it sooner rather than later. You know by now I don't like to post anything I am not mostly done with. But then you literally get almost a books length of reading in what…a week? XD Post post post…that is me.
Next ACT will be essentially just fluffy fun with how Fili deals with a pregnant Viltarra, whose baby comes first bets, and answering the question of why doesn't Thorin have a queen. He has Dis though, but absolutely NOT in the Jaime and Cersei Lannister sort of way. Sibling love and companionship between those two….that is it…period. You will see when I put it all together and figure it out.
ALSO, what is going on with Leotti and her mam? That will be answered too. Stay tuned for the next season of Reforged and Strengthened. I really do love you guys and thank you with my entire heart for being part of this adventure. Your support is what keeps me wanting to write and share more. You guys are the reforged universe. Love you guys and stay amazing. XOXOXO