HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO my peeps. I got a few things to say so hang tight. One, I am sorry this ACT is literally taking FOREVER, but it is coming along. I was honestly stuck between two outcomes and it took HOURS of staring at the screen, typing, erasing, retyping, and slamming my laptop shut and walking away before I came to a final decision. So like it or hate it, I chose a path and I am sticking with it.

Number two…I do want to address Tauriel. I know I made her a lot more vulnerable and emotional then she is in other fics because I wanted to make her like she was as she held Kili that last time in the movie. Is she perfect? Hecks to the no. She is a figment of my fractured mind, lol. I have read a lot of stories where she is strong, fierce, and almost untouchable, but I wanted something different. So in the Reforged Universe, my Tauriel is a bit more touchable and mortal then her counterparts in other realms, but that is okay. I love her all the more for it and writing her, give me courage. It is weird, but it does, because it means we can be strong and sure, while being open to our emotions and vulnerable. Anyway, that is my excuse, lol.

Finally, there has been A LOT of talk on the Tolkien society and many authors are worried about their work and being targeted, but not me so worry not. I literally have nothing, lol. So I will be continuing my story with these amazing characters, for as long as I can be inspired to write. The Reforged Universe here to stay and if at any point the archives begin to take things down, I will happily send copies of this story to anyone who needs it in their life like me.

That's all for now, go ahead and read on and I will try and get this ACT wrapped up as quickly as possible, but the next chapter will be up no later than Sunday evening. 😊

Love you guys, and thank you, with everything that I am, for all your love and support, this story and you keep me writing.

Chapter Two

"How are you doing that?" Viltarra huffed and groaned as she attempted once more to lean over and buckle her boots. Tauriel chuckled from where she sat, one leg up as she re-strapped her own boots over her pants that Leotti had taken out for her.

Viltarra gave up and folded her arms in irritation. "It is not fair. You show more than I, yet you can bend over and touch your toes. What exactly are you?"

"An elf." Kili laughed, as he and Fili stepped into Leotti's storefront. "And she can't really bend over, but she can do that." He smiled widely at Viltarra who only rolled her eyes and snickered before attempting to buckle her boots again. Fili tried to help, but the young dam shot him a warning look and he backed off and was forced to watch his wife turn red with the exertion it took to reach her boots and secure them. After several minutes Viltarra threw her hands up in frustration and sat back, boots still undone.

Fili shook his head and kneeled down once more. When Viltarra sat up and began batting him away, Fili caught her hand. "Let me help, nunguame. I know you can do it, but, just this once let me take over. Okay?"

Not saying a word, Viltarra finally gave in, and Fili expertly fastened her boots while Tauriel stood and retrieved her son from Kili. "And how is my little star this morning? Not causing trouble are we?"

Finli shook his head and smiled, lifting a half-eaten cookie for Tauriel to see. "Pop."

"Did pop give you a cookie?" Tauriel lifted a brow and looked to Kili. "Does he have to fill him with sugar so early?"

Kili hummed in agreement. "That is not the first one he has had today. I believe uncle had given him two more before it. Your grandfather made them though. So, which one is truly to blame, I am not completely certain."

Tauriel sighed. Lovely. She turned to watch Fili help Viltarra to her feet as Leotti dragged a crate out from the back room. "Do you need any help Leotti?"

The small blonde wiped her hands on her skirt and shook her head. "No thank you Tauri. I got it. This is the last one anyway, and Ori should be here in an hour or two to help load them. I believe they are sending a cart down to retrieve all the goods we are planning on setting up in Dale. I just have to add Kili's chest, and I will be all ready to go."

"Thanks again Leotti. Are you sure you don't want me to help run your stall? It is only fair." Kili smiled and moved to help Leotti pick the chest up he had brought over the day before, and place it on the crate she had just brought in.

Leotti, however, shook her head. "I think I can manage, and Ori will be there to help. Don't worry Kili. Thank you for the offer, but I think you would enjoy visiting the market far more than working it. I, on the other hand, find great joy in what I do, and I think your pieces don't need any help. They are exquisite Kili, they will sell themselves."

Kili smiled. "Thank you Leotti. The offer is an open one though, if you want to peruse the market with Ori, just say the word and I will manage your stand for you."

"And I will happily help." Tauriel added in, linking her hand with Kili's while Finli happily continued to munch on the cookie in his hand.

Leotti, however, folded her arms and smirked. "Do EITHER of you have ANY experience running a stall in a market?"

"I ran the forge when Thorin was gone in Ered Luin." Tauriel proclaimed indignantly. "It cannot be that complicated."

"And I helped on occasion." Kili scowled. "I also help uncle run a mountain. I really cannot imagine haggling and selling could be more difficult than that."

Leotti lifted a brow then shook her head. "Alright. But, I am also under strict orders from Balin to not tarry far from my shop." The young dam sighed and sat beside Viltarra on the chaise in her storefront. "He was down here last evening to see how many crates I would be needing hauled to Dale, and gave me a lecture far more extensive then my mother ever gave me. I am to not have my hair in curls, I have to dress in male clothing, and remember to keep my energy, on a lower level."

"It is for the best." Fili nodded from his place at Viltarra's feet. He was lounging on the floor playing with a buckle on his wife's boots he had just fastened. "It is for your protection, Leotti."

The smaller dam sighed and nodded. "That is what he said. Before I leave the mountain, I am to check in to make sure I am following the guidelines for dams. He also said guards will be in close proximity just in case. I have to constantly be reporting my safety. I think it is a bit…overboard if you ask me. It is only Dale."

"As for dressing the part of a male, my ma does the same Leotti, and so will I. I am sure any dams who leaves Erebor to visit will be instructed to do so, and be under the watchful eyes of the guards. It is how it is; I have learned." Viltarra smiled and began playing with Fili's hair as he leaned back, though she stilled her hand and looked up at her friend. "Leotti…I have been meaning to ask, have you heard back from your mother yet?"

The small dam wilted immediately. "No. I am beginning to get worried. The last letter I sent, I told her if I do not receive a response, I will come to check on her in July. Balin mentioned a small caravan going to Ered Luin around the same time, and invited me to come along if I wished. He had received a missive stating there were a few more dwarves interested in coming to Erebor. I am hoping my mam is one of them."

Tauriel looked to Kili who met her worried gaze. They both knew Estae well enough to not believe for a moment that she would leave her shop in Ered Luin and come to Erebor. Even if she changed her mind about Leotti going, her pride would certainly not allow her to admit to it in any way.

"Perhaps we can go with you." Tauriel smiled, then frowned when everyone in the room, including Leotti, gave her a look. "What?"

Kili rolled his eyes. "Amralime, you are due in July, you AND Viltarra. I highly doubt you will be up for a six-week trip and I certainly will not be delivering a child on the road."

Tauriel's eyes widened as she placed her hand on her son. This pregnancy was so much different than Finli. He was very difficult to read and decipher for one thing, and he was much less of a mover. She often forgot she was even pregnant until late in the night, when she became uncomfortable…or when she constantly had to run to the washroom. Tauriel sighed and nodded. "I do not know what has come over me. I seem to have had a momentary lapse in judgement."

"It's fine Tauri." Leotti laughed as Kili and Fili shook their heads and Viltarra smirked.

"I do not know how you could forget. This one constantly reminds me I am not alone." Viltarra rubbed the small swell just visible under her tunic. "I understand why you were always so nauseous on the way to Erebor, all the moving." Her child moved so frequently, she swore it was part elf with all the somersaulting it did day and night.

"I guess between Finli and helping the family run the mountain, my mind has been elsewhere. That, and this one does not move so much as Finli did." Tauriel smiled and kissed her son on the head. "My little mover." Finli pressed his lips to Tauriel's cheek and lay his head down on her shoulder. It was nearly nap time for him and he was getting tired.

Leotti hummed, not having any experience herself with pregnancy, she had nothing to add. "Well, I hardly think Thorin will allow you to go anywhere. I am surprised he agreed to let you come to the market, either of you. Are you planning on taking Finli?"

"Absolutely not." Kili instantly answered, his face set in a hard line. Tauriel sighed at the immediate change in Kili's demeanor, though she completely agreed. Her son was much too young to leave the mountain. "I do not honestly agree with Tauriel or Viltarra leaving the mountain myself, but, I cannot force them to remain. Though uncle…is relentless in trying to convince both to stay in the mountain for their own safety. Mam has mixed feelings, but decided to let them choose. Which reminds me, mam told me we are to be up in the kitchen for dinner tonight. Naurfaer is bringing a guest."

"Oh? How curious." Leotti chimed, intrigued.

"Not really." Fili sighed. "He has been inviting guests quite regularly recently. All dams too."

Tauriel shook her head. "He is up to something, but I cannot put my finger on what it is. But it is a different dam each meal."

"He's trying to set uncle up." Fili answered in a bored tone. At the incredulous looks being shot at him, the golden-haired prince raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Don't tell me you didn't notice?!" Fili began to laugh and shake his head in disbelief.

Viltarra huffed and teasingly tugged at his hair. "And just how did you come up with that realization, and why are you just now sharing it?"

Fili looked up at Viltarra and smiled. "It seemed obvious enough to me. He always sits her next to uncle, and is constantly trying to force conversation between them. He clearly is not looking for himself, so I came to the conclusion that he was trying to find uncle a companion."

"There is more…" Fili added after a moment of silence.

"How much more?" Tauriel asked, not really sure she wanted to know.

Fili rubbed his chin and sat back. "Well…a few weeks ago Thorin and I were leaving a meeting, when Naurfaer came out of nowhere with a dam named Marna who is apparently second cousins with Nori, Dori, and Ori. He then proceeded to try and excuse himself due to some emergency. I ended up having to walk Marna back to her halls after uncle abandoned me for Balin and a meeting…and let me just say…she was not a little handsy. I had to remind her I was very happily married, and my wife's family had a rather large oven she was not afraid to shove anyone who crosses her into."

"You better believe it." Viltarra growled. Nobody touches her Fili without threats or harm or in the very least, serious maiming.

Fili chuckled then continued. "Naurfaer then brought Lusia and Magga, one on each arm, to a training session I was having with Thorin. Apparently, they both were well trained in weaponry, and were all too happy to join in. I was rather impressed myself, Magga was quite skilled in throwing axes, and Lusia hefted a great-sword better than some of the men on the guard. Even Thorin looked as if he was enjoying the challenge, that is until Magga pinned him to the wall and then tried to kiss him." Fili shuddered.

"She didn't!" Leotti bellowed.

Fili, however, smirked. "She did. I cannot unsee that by the way. But Thorin rather gracefully evaded her and stalked off. Then came Loa…."

"There are more? Valor above he knows more dams than I do." Tauriel huffed, as she rocked Finli who was fighting a losing battle to stay awake.

Fili nodded. "Actually, I am certain there are more than I know of, these are just the ones I personally witnessed. But Loa…well. Let us just say she was a dam who had a lot of…experience…in some seedy brothels in another clan. She somehow had made her way into uncles office and was perched up on his desk wearing nothing but some precariously placed chain mail….that did little to cover anything up."

Viltarra growled again and Leotti snorted while Kili made a face laced with revulsion. "I am glad I did not walk in on that. Although…maybe I can get some of that chain mail…"

"Ew Ki, I don't want to picture Tauriel in that same position. It is difficult enough to unsee that display. Keep your thoughts to yourself." Fili grumbled, trying to mentally swat the picture of his sister only in chain mail from his mind.

Kili seemed unrepentant, however, and continued to leer at his wife who rolled her eyes. "Later meleth nin, then we will discuss it."

"Awe, come ON!" Fili groaned and covered his ears. "Seriously you two? Your son is right there."

Kili rolled his eyes at his brother. "And he has no idea what we are talking about."

Deciding to move the subject back to the matter at hand, Tauriel turned back to Fili. "Had you spoken to Naurfaer at all about it?"

Fili, however, shook his head. "I hadn't had the chance. He either left before I could say something, or uncle was around and I did not want to make something out of nothing if I was wrong. It was only when he began bringing a different dam to dinner these last few weeks that it all came together."

"This will not turn out well." Tauriel sighed.

"Why not?" Kili chimed in. "I am siding with Naurfaer, though I think he could maybe be a little more subtle about it. Uncle has been alone his entire life, he deserves a chance to find his own happiness after raising us, building a home in Ered Luin, then taking the mountain. Besides, I highly doubt he would ever take the time to find love for himself."

Leotti nodded along with Kili. "Everyone deserves a chance at finding love and partnership. I think Thorin is just as deserving as any other, if not more. Besides, at least Naurfaer is trying to find someone who at least matches his interests. Apart from that last one, of course." She shuddered. "But it sounded to me as if those two warrior dams may have been a good fit if one of them had not forced herself on Thorin."

Tauriel, however, disagreed. "I do not see Thorin as the type to be forcefully paired. I fear this could cause more harm than good."

"I agree with Tauriel." Viltarra quietly added after thinking about it for a moment. "Things like love and trust must come naturally. Thorin seems like he would resist anything forced on him, so it would all be for naut in the end, regardless on how well they could be matched."

The group sat quietly, half agreeing with Kili, and half agreeing with Tauriel. The eleth had hoped Fili was wrong in his assessment, but she found out that night, how very right he was.

As expected, Tauriel walked into the kitchen in their family's hall holding Finli in her arms. Thorin was already there, as was Kili and Dis. All three were being introduced to a dark-haired dam who was smiling and bowing to Thorin.

"Tauriel! Come, I would like to introduce you to Elspa from the Iron Hills." Naurfaer then turned to the blushing dam. "Elspa, this is my granddaughter Tauriel, and her son, Finli."

"Pleasure, me lady." The dam bowed deeply once again.

Tauriel gave her a warm smile. "Just Tauriel is fine, thank you. I am glad you could join us tonight."

"Aye, the pleasure is mine." Elspa returned Tauriel's smile just as Fili and Viltarra walked in with her parents.

"Elspa. I did not know you would be joining us." Tarrah greeted the dam.

Naurfaer's smile brightened. "You know each other! Fantastic. Come, since we are all here, and dinner is ready, let's eat."

The taller elf then unceremoniously pushed the dam to the table and guided her into the chair right next to where Thorin sat at the head of the family, just as Fili had said. Tauriel eyed her grandfather and shook her head. This, was going to be interesting.

With Finli in her lap, Tauriel met Viltarra's gaze across the table, who lifted a brow before she turned to look at Naurfaer who was praising Elspa…for what seemed like the tenth time in just a few minutes of being sat. "Thorin, did you know, Elspa here, is a master at making armor? Brilliant she is. Showed me a few of her pieces this morning she had brought over from her previous employment. I have never seen the like."

Elspa blushed once more. "I am proficient at the craft, I would no' say I was a master. Me father taught me well though. "

"Oh?" Thorin asked, actually seeming to be intrigued. "Who was your father?"

"Eikdspori, son of Eikvari in the Iron Hills. He passed not ten years ago. Would have loved ta see Erebor." Elspi sighed.

"I have heard of him." Thorin nodded. "Good forgeman. Dain mentioned him once or twice. Heard he had quite the talent. Sorry for your loss."

Elspa nodded and conversation lulled into rare silence as everyone began to eat. Sensing the mood, Dis immediately passed around the ale to help lighten things up.

"Elspa, are you going to the markets in Dale?" Tauriel asked, both uncomfortable, and no longer accustomed to the silence at the family table.

The dam immediate shook her head. "Oh no! I prefer to stay in the mountain, thank ya. I will leave the adventurin' to the males."

To both Tauriel's and Viltarra's annoyance, Thorin nodded in agreement. "Much safer place to be. I think you should spend more time with my daughter and niece. Both insist on attending despite our attempts to get them to remain here."

Elspa sat up. "Ya have a daughter? Forgive me, I did no' know you were paired." She looked at Naurfaer then back at Thorin. "Is she passed? Yer wife? An is yer daughter joinin' us?" The dam looked around at the gaping faces, confused.

Thorin sat his fork down and folded his arms. "I am not paired, thank you. Tauriel is like a daughter to me, I have no other." He sent the eleth a smile who returned it instantly.

"Oh, of course. I have heard the rumor, but havin' arrived just a month ago, I did not know for sure." Elspa took a long swig of her ale. "I have also heard tell tha' there are to be more little feet runnin' these halls."

"Indeed." Thorin nodded, but said no more as he once again tucked into his dinner.

Elspa looked around the table seeking more validation in which Dis and Tarrah were all to happy to give. "My Viltarra is not a few months away from having her first." The blonde elder dam leaned over to grab Viltarra's hand and smiled.

"Aye, and our Tauriel is due about the same time. We are most excited." Dis beamed, and plucked Finli off Tauriel's lap to give him a squeeze. "Grandchildren are such blessings from the maker." Finli lifted his head and smiled at his nan as he began eating her food.

"I have no little ones meself." Elspa sighed, then looked at Thorin with eager eyes. "But, I hope to bare someone mighty sons someday soon."

Fili spit his ale out and coughed, his wife giving him a disapproving look as she passed him her napkin. For his part, Kili just gaped wide mouthed at the dam, his fork frozen in place just before his open lips. Even Dis looked a bit shocked as she sat completely still, Finli breaking her from her shocked state with a tug on her braids. "Nan?"

Dis shook her head and handed Finli a role and turned to the table. "Well, that is a beautiful aspiration for any dam." Dis tried to regain reins on the conversation as she passed Finli back to Tauriel. "There is little calling more rewarding than motherhood. Now, how are you liking it here in Erebor, Elspa?"

Just like that, conversation twisted to the mountain, though Tauriel peeked up at Thorin and he seemed to be about ready to make a hasty retreat. However, Naurfaer did not seem ready to give up on setting Elspa up with the surly dwarven king.

"Elspa, I know you do not want to see the market in Dale, but I must insist you give it a visit. Perhaps if someone were to show you around? Would that make you feel more comfortable?" The red headed elf gave her a wide, hopeful grin.

"I, well…" Elspa spluttered.

Seeing her hesitation, Naurfaer continued to push. "Thorin, perhaps you can show Elspa to the market!" He then turned to the dam beside him. "Elspa, would you feel alright with that? Nobody safer and more protective then the great Thorin Oakenshield. It will be a lovely visit."

Before Elspa could even say a word, Thorin stood and glared darkly at Naurfaer, then stomped out of the kitchen, slamming the door behind him.

"I think that is a no, Naurfaer." Fili sighed, Viltarra shaking her head beside him.

Naurfaer looked taken aback, and not a little guilty. He never meant to upset the dwarven king, he just wanted to help him find happiness. With the mountain now almost back to its full glory, it was needing less and less of Thorin's time to run. Now would be an opportune time for the head of the family to find his other half. Everyone deserves a chance at happiness, and Thorin never seemed eager to seek his one out. So, naturally, Naurfaer wanted to help.

Which was why, over the last month, he has been inviting available dams to dinner who he knew would suit Thorin well. He had hoped the dwarven king would take to at least one, but that does not seem to be in the fates. In hindsight, the elf should have realized maybe this was not the best way to go about helping. Perhaps, this was something best left to time.

"I better go talk to him." Dis moved to stand but Tauriel placed a hand on her shoulder and stood after passing Finli to Kili.

"May I?" Dis nodded at Tauriel and the eleth was through the door before anyone had a chance to say any more.

Elspa looked around the table. "I think I will jus' go."

"This is my fault, I am sorry Elspa, can I show you out?" Naurfaer sighed deeply.

"Naw, I can find me way. It was a lovely meal…all the same. I thank you." The dam stood from her chair, and left the room.

"NAURFAER!" Dis roared as soon as the dam was gone. "WHAT were you THINKING! Please, for the love of Mahal above, tell me you have NOT been trying to set my brother up with someone this last month?"

Finli immediately looked up from his chair at his nan and leaned back into his father, while Vin and Tarrah stood. "Perhaps we should go." The pair only received a nod from Kili, and quickly exited the dining room, but Viltarra, Fili, and Kili remained behind. Even Hiril who was laying in the corner, whimpered and tucked into herself at Dis's anger.

"I honestly meant no harm. I was just trying to bring some happiness into his life." Naurfaer sighed.

Dis shook her head and folded her arms. "I think that will be enough helping from you in this particular matter, thank you." She grumbled as she rubbed her temples.

"Mam. Why did uncle never choose to settle down?" Fili looked to his mother, then to the door his uncle and sister had left out of.

Looking around at her children, Dis sighed. "I am sorry my dears, but, that is your uncles story. Not mine."

Tauriel swiftly walked down the hall to the chamber directly across from hers and Kili's. She had heard the door shut hard, so she assumed Thorin had gone into his rooms to get a way.

Pushing the door open, Tauriel slipped inside the quiet sitting room. No Thorin. But his bedchamber door was shut, and her sensitive ears picked up Thorin's signature steps, so she walked over and rapped gently on the tall, wooden, door. "Thorin? May I come in?"

There was silence for half a heartbeat, then the door opened, but Thorin turned and walked back to a chest across the room he had been obviously rummaging through. Tauriel sighed and clasped her hands in front of her son, who was giving her mixed signals of wanting to rest, and wanting more food. He will be a unique spirit, that is for certain. "Thorin, I wanted to apologize for Naurfaer. He…well I can only hope, he was not thinking. I do not know what is going through his head, except, he in some twisted way, is trying to do something he believes is for the better good."

Thorin lifted his head from the crate and gave her a narrowed eyed look, then stood and folded his arms, clearly annoyed. Rather than saying something, however, he just grumbled and went back to rummaging through his chest, now muttering curses in Khuzdul Tauriel was quite sure were directed at Naurfaer.

"You know he really does mean well." Tauriel sighed. "I am sorry Thorin."

"Don't be." Thorin finally muttered lowly. He took a deep breath as he dusted off what looked like a small frame he had had pulled from his things and sat on the end of his large, four postered bed. Not lifting his eyes from what he held, Thorin continued quietly. "You did nothing wrong Tauriel. Therefore, you have nothing to be sorry for."

Tauriel, however, felt somewhat responsible for…really anything Naurfaer did in the mountain. Especially since he was in Erebor because of her, so she could not help but feel she deserves to take some blame for her somewhat wayward grandfather. "Even still, Naurfaer had no business doing what he did."

Thorin did not say anything in response, only continued to stare at the object he held for several more heartbeats, before wordlessly passing it to Tauriel who was only a few feet away from him. More curious than anything, Tauriel took it and studied what was exactly as she thought it to be, a small photo frame. Behind the glass, was a very old personal portrait of a young dam.

"Her name was Nyaunni." Thorin quietly relayed. Lifting her eyes from the photo, Tauriel looked to Thorin who was gesturing to the small, palm sized, painting. "She was five years older than I, and was the daughter of Lord Draupnir of the Firebeard clan."

"She is beautiful." Tauriel could not help but mean it. To say the dam in the picture was young, would be an understatement. She did not even look as if she was much beyond childhood. She had no beard to speak of yet, but wide childlike eyes that seemed to shine even in the painting, and though it was faded quite a bit, it was easy to tell the hair was some rich auburn color, a bit more vibrantly red than her own, but not too dissimilar. What was striking, however, was the wide smile on her youthful face. It was one that would pull anyone in, both inviting and disarming. She seemed like the kind of being anyone would like to get to know. "Who was she, Thorin?"

Taking the photo back in his hands, Thorin ran his finger along the picture almost reverently. "There are seven fathers of the dwarven people, Tauriel. Do you remember who they are from your studies?"

A bit confused at the evasion, Tauriel nodded slowly. "Yes, of course. Balin made certain to cover them extensively. They were Bavor the Cold who fathered the Stonefoot clan, Thar the Proud of the Blackblocks, Thulin the Swift of the Stiffbeards." She ticked off one by one, Thorin nodding as she went. "Sindri the Rich, father of the Ironfists." Tauriel continued, "Dwalin the Wise of the Broadbeams, Uri the Scarred of the Firebeards, and of course, Durin the Deathless, father of the Longbeards, yours, Dis, Fili, and Kili's clan, and your direct ancestor."

"Very good, Nâtha, and do not forget, Finli's ancestor as well. Your son has Durin's blood in his veins, and that one will too." Thorin praised, and smiled. "Now, what do you know of the fathers themselves?"

Tauriel thought back to her lessons. "Well, if I recall, they each had magical talents, or, that is what Balin had said. Much like the elves of old. I also remember reading that they were each of them, long lived. It is why the family has a longer lifespan than any other, because you are directly descended from Durin himself. I am assuming the direct descendants of the other fathers have such abilities?"

Thorin hummed again. "They did. I am afraid none remain anymore. We, are the only remaining direct descendants of any of the dwarven fathers. Their blood is alive in their clans, but, the family lines are broken and scattered." Turning his blue eyes to the elf still standing, Thorin patted the bed in invitation for her to sit, which she did. "You must be wondering what that had to do with her?" He gestured to the small painting.

"I do not wish to push anything you do not want to say, Thorin. But, yes. I am quite curious." Tauriel smiled, then added. "However, please do not feel as if you need to explain or tell me anything."

"Fili and Kili do not even know who this is." Thorin sighed. "Nyaunni, and her father, were the last two remaining direct descendants of Uri. They were here at Erebor, living in our halls, nearly my entire life."

The dwarven king set the picture down and stood, moving to the fireplace so he could busy himself with the task of lighting a fire for the evening while he spoke. "I have never come across another like her in my life, she was as kind as she was beautiful." Thorin shook his head. "Many of our tutors and elders used to say she was rather soft spoken for a dam, but never to be underestimated. Yet for anyone who she was close to, Nyaunni was anything but soft spoken and happily shared her thoughts and opinions as she saw fit." Thorin chuckled as he stacked kindling in a small pile and lit a match, the parchment he had placed immediately catching and filling the room with a bright light, before it died down just a bit. "I should amend that statement, I do know another who is somewhat similar in nature, in fact, she was actually quite a bit like you, Tauriel. Thoughtful, passionate, kind-hearted, yet, bold and courageous."

For a few moments, the room fell into silence, Thorin adding some larger pieces of wood on the fire along with some special stones the dwarves called 'ursabrazul'aban. It was a mouthful, and essentially translated to fire heating stone. They were found nowhere but in dwarven settlements, and were specially crafted to generate heat far longer than wood or coal, and will continue to warm a room well into the night and morning. Tauriel loved them, especially on very cold nights. She fully believes dwarves have more magic than they let on, because nobody could replicate such a thing. Nor can they achieve the ability to create and masterfully build from materials of the earth like dwarves do. However, whenever she said such things out loud, Thorin and Balin would just laugh it off as skills acquired over time, but Tauriel knew better; those stones were straight up magical and nobody could convince her otherwise.

Once the stones were in place, Thorin stood and gave her a small smile. "She was quite the creature, Nyaunni. She had a way with beasts I have never seen the equal too in all my years. It was almost as if she could communicate with them directly." Thorin shook his head and sat beside Tauriel. "I remember…" He chuckled. "She used to keep all manner of creatures in her rooms; from rodents, to spiders and even a few of your woodland animals. I don't recall how she got them in the mountain undetected, but, she seemed to always have some sort of animal around her. Scared the tutor a fare few times too." Thorin laughed. "He used to find nice sized spiders in his drawers when he gave her bad marks."

Tauriel could not help but stare at Thorin as he spoke. Something had instantly changed in his demeaner. Gone was the heaviness he carried, gone was the darkness in his eyes. For a moment, she even forgot she was speaking to Thorin, rather, it felt as if she was reminiscing with her Kili, or Fili. She knew, in that moment, there was something far more special about Nyaunni than her ability to draw animals to her. "You loved her." Was all she said when Thorin stopped speaking. It was not a question, because, Tauriel could already see it in how he spoke of her.

"Not at first..." Thorin sighed, after a beat. "…and not in a way I fully understood until many years later when I tried to find her. I was only twenty-four, Nâtha. I do not think anyone understands love outside friendship and family until much later."

Nodding, Tauriel found she did agree. Afterall, twenty-four for a dwarf, is still very young. Hillanna is barely sixteen, and matches a human ten or eleven year old. Toki, is only ten, he is not much taller than her Finli, though he is able to get into much more mischief and communicate fully. Thorin, was only eight years older than Hillanna, which was difficult to believe. So, yes, Tauriel could fully understand why someone so young, could not comprehend deep, romantic, affection. "Was she here…when Smaug came?" Tauriel finally asked, not really sure she wanted to know the answer.

The dark look that had dissipated moments ago, instantly came back as Thorin nodded his head. "I was the one to see the dragon coming towards Erebor. I was up on the outside loft over the mountain door when Smaug attacked Dale. My grandfather was so lost to his sickness, I knew I had to find my father to rally the troops. It did not take long for that fire wyrm to take the mountain and we had very little time to get out." Thorin looked into the fire, the flames reflecting in his eyes as he was lost in the inferno of his memories. "I found Dis crying as Frerin carried her out of the family wing just before that beam collapsed. I remember seeing my father was clutching my mother to him, she had been in the path of the dragon when he broke through the gate, and she did not survive. Knowing my fathers grief would hold him to her for a spell, I ran looking for survivors, yelling to all I came across to get out of the mountain. Not far from the great hall, I found Nyaunni crying over her father. Like my mother, he was lost."

Taking a deep breath, Thorin stood and moved to the window where he could see Dale in the distance. He did not have the sheer amount of windows as she and Kili had in their chamber, just one floor to ceiling pane, but it was enough for him. "I grabbed her hand and pushed her towards the gate with many others, hoping she would find my brother Frerin who was gathering our people a safe distance from the mountain, and that she would remain with them…a foolish thought on my part." He shook his head. "But I knew I needed to get my father out, as well as find my grandfather, and I did not want her to be privy to the horrors of Thror's madness if he refused to leave the mountain, so I did not see if she made it out the gate. Instead, I turned to the throne room where I knew Thror would be, as that is where the Arkenstone was kept."

"Did she make it then? Out of Erebor?" Maybe she was alive after all, at least, Tauriel could hope.

"Once I got my father and grandfather out of the mountain, I searched for her among the crowd. She had gone through the gate, I saw her, so she should be there. But, when I inquired of others, nobody had known where she was." Thorin turned to a portrait hanging on the wall of his family. "My mother was gone, as was my grandmother, and Dis was clutching Frerin inconsolably after learning our mother was lost. As for my grandfather, well, he was…" He ran his fingers through his hair. "…you saw how I was, imagine that but much worse. The absence of the stone, made him even more mad than he had been inside Erebor, and he was running through the crowds spewing curses at dragons and elves. All the while my father was grieving the loss of his wife, his mother, his father in a way, and the mountain, so I was left as the head of the family to see to my brother and baby sister. Dis was barely ten, she needed me."

"You were very young to take on such responsibilities." Tauriel quietly spoke. "Too young."

"We do what we need to do to survive and move on Tauriel, you understand that better than most." He smiled and moved to stand beside her. "Family first, always." He dropped his eyes to the ground, staring hard at the wood floors. "It was three nights after we lost our home, everything really, as we made our way past the greenwood forest, that someone finally had some news on Nyaunni. Apparently, she had run back in the mountain to retrieve one of her animals. She was lost. Smaug killed all who were left inside Erebor, and devoured them. The Firebeards have never quite forgiven our clan for Draupnir's death, or Nyaunni's."

"Why were they in Erebor? If they were head of their clan…should they have not been living much further away?" Tauriel was confused as to the reason a leader, especially one as significant as a direct descendant from one of the dwarven fathers…the last direct descendant…would be anywhere but his own home.

"You have to remember…" Thorin answered. "Erebor was considered untouchable. Nobody believed she could ever be attacked let alone defeated. There was no safer place than these walls for anyone. It was once said, Mahal himself protected Erebor from all harm. That proved, unfortunately, quite wrong."

Thorin sat down once more. "She was here, I had learned many years after we lost Erebor, for me. It seemed, even at my birth, my father and grandfather were negotiating a match between us to unite the clans. She was brought to Erebor at just six years of age and raised alongside me, and my father and grandfather were thrilled by our fast and steady friendship. We were quite close, Nyaunni and I. My mother, however, was much like Dis and felt we were too young to even consider courting, but she would be alright if we grew up together and things progressed naturally. She was wholly against unnatural love." Thorin chuckled. "My mother once said she would rather us end up alone, then in a match where we were unhappy. She loved my father, and she wanted that same love for her children."

"She does sound like an amazing dam, your mother." Tauriel said, looking at the painting of the blonde dam with striking blue eyes.

"Oh, make no mistake, she was formidable. It was far more pleasant to be punished by my father, than my mother." Thorin laughed. "She loved us, that was to be sure, but she was never to be crossed."

Tauriel nodded. "She was to be queen under the mountain, I believe it takes a certain type to be able to shoulder such a mantle."

Thorin hummed in agreement. "Very true, not many could do it justice. I do, however, believe Fili has a good dam for just the job. Viltarra will make a fine queen one day, she will certainly keep Fili in line."

"Could she had made it out? Nyaunni?" Tauriel asked when Thorin had gone quiet, seeming to contemplate something to himself.

Letting out a deep breath, Thorin shook his head. "No. I searched for her for many, many years. The Firebeards had mourned their loss for decades after Smaug, and it is one of the many reasons, I still believe they give us trouble. Lord Dryok may have given his fealty to our family, Tauriel, but he did not make it easy, nor did he fully wish to. I believe he only did it, because the others pressured him to. If any clan was to leave our kingdom, it would likely be the Firebeards."

"Is that possible?! For clans to secede?" Tauriel asked, completely surprised that was an option.

"Not easily no, and not usually without a small civil war. No clan has fully left, but the Stiffbeards had their own civil battle among their clan and lost a third of their people who chose to leave the kingdom completely and sail to other shores." Thorin rubbed his chin in thought. "That was before I was born, and since then, nothing similar has happened. But that does not mean it is impossible. Unlikely, but, still something that could happen in our lifetime."

Thorin looked to the small painting now sitting on a stand. "I searched every clan, but I never found any indication she survived. After 170 years, I think it is safe to say, she walks our ancestors halls. Like thousands of our people, she was taken from this world too early because of greed and darkness."

Tauriel took Thorin's hand in hers. "You have always carried this adad, this deep sorrow. I remember losing Kili." She whispered as a tear fell from her eye. "When Kili regained his memories, because we were bonded as we were, I received mine as well. I remember everything from our first life together, as brief as it was. Even more, I remember the unbearable pain of seeing the light leave his eyes right in front of me." Tauriel squeezed Thorin's hand tightly. "I know what it is to lose your one, and I did not survive it." She finally admitted.

"You were likely wounded, Tauriel, the battle was hard and you barely survived the second time around." Thorin replied, trying to ease her mind.

However, Tauriel shook her head. "My wounds were extensive, yes. But, I likely would have survived them if I held on. No. Losing Kili, cracked my soul, and broke me in a way I was unable to recover, even in the small amount of time that had passed. Some dark whispers often berate me that I died, because I had no desire to live. Foolish." Tauriel hummed darkly. "Foolish and naive I was thinking such things. Those we love are always with us, I know that now." She looked at Thorin, giving him a small smile. "Thorin, I had nobody. No family, very few friends, and Thranduil had exiled me and banished me from the only home I had known, all for following Kili to Lake Town. I had nobody and nothing, until I had realized I had Kili. Then, even he was taken from me. But now, now I have so much. I have a family, you and Dis, Fili and Viltarra, and of course my Kili. I even have something I never thought I would ever have, a blood related member of my family, Naurfaer, who is going to have a right talking to about meddling, but I have grown to love him deeply. I have a beautiful son who is the brightest light of my day, and a home I cannot imagine being away from. I even have the respect of her people, a people who are strong, stubborn, but deeply loyal to those who earn their trust."

Tauriel wiped the tears from her eyes. "What I am trying to say, is I lacked the strength you and Dis possess to have continued, strength I now have because of you and her. I cannot lose my Kili, without being lost myself, but…I think…if it were possible…I could now find the ability to keep going and live as he would wish me to live. All because you and Dis taught me, that we can find reasons to go on, every day. Dis lost Vili, yet, she raised two beautiful sons who are strong and kind, compassionate and honest. You lost Nyaunni, and though you did not know it at the time, I believe, she meant to you what Kili means to me. Yet, you, like Dis, find the strength to lead your family, and your people every day. You helped raise the dwarf I love with all that I am, and in many ways, he is very much like you. Thorin, I cannot find the words to tell you what you and the family mean to me, because you are everything."

Thorin thumbed away her tears that were still falling from her eyes. "Nâtha, I have the strength to go on, because I have you, and Kili, and Fili, and Dis. Because I have Finli and yes, even Naurfaer. I have also become rather fond of Viltarra." He chuckled, remembering his thoughts of the fiery baker when Fili first brought her back to the mountain what felt like a lifetime ago. How his world has changed in so few years. "I am not afraid of being alone, Tauriel, because I am not alone." He finally added after a few moments of silence between them.

Tauriel lifted her green eyes to Thorin. He had read her own fears. Tauriel had been alone her entire life in so many respects, that when she found a family, a mate, friends, and a home, she attached herself so fully to them, she does not think she would recognize the elf she once was compared to the elf she was now. Her greatest fear in her life, is not a dragon coming, not Thranduil, not orcs or Sauron, nor is it even the hushed whisper of war coming on the horizon or the darkening of the forests. Her greatest fear…is being alone once again. However, the warmth in her mind, which filled her soul, was evidence of that never happening again. Even now, Kili was sending her waves of love. He must have sensed her dampening spirits, because she feels as if he is embracing her fully, even though he is not even in the room.

"Besides…" Thorin hummed, interrupting Tauriels thoughts. "I will see her again. I am rather certain she has broken from her halls to find one of your Valar who is in charge of the beasts of Arda. I can see her trying to have a hand in creating a creature herself." He chuckled. "Stop worrying about me Nâtha. But…" He huffed. "I would appreciate it if your grandfather would cease and desist with his supposed match making. I am no fool, I knew what he was up to. You can relay to him, if he brings one more dam to my table, I may be forced to kill him."

Tauriel laughed joyously. She knew Thorin would never do that, and he was only teasing, but, she better make certain her grandfather fully understood that under no circumstances, was he ever to do such a thing again. "Do not worry, I will be having a talk with him. You can be sure of that."

Thorin nodded and stood, but he did stop. "Before you leave, there is one thing I do wish to share with you, since we are alone. I received word from Ered Luin about Leotti."

"Oh! She has been eagerly waiting to hear from her mother. Is Estae alright? No harm has come to her has it?" Tauriel stood even as Thorin shook his head.

"As far as I know, Estae is fine. She did, however, forward this to the mountain. Balin had received it just this afternoon and gave it to me." Thorin moved to his personal desk and grabbed a large stack and held it, before passing it to Tauriel.

The eleth stepped and received the sizable parcel and stared at it, then her features darkened when she realized what it was. Tied together with twine, were hundreds of letters, each one unopened, and each one addressed to Estae. "Are these Leotti's letters to her mother?"

Thorin hummed in acknowledgment. "At first, I thought they were never received. But then, I realized there was a small note attached." He gave Tauriel the final letter. It was just a folded, small bit of parchment with a broken seal. The writing was scribbled as if the words were an afterthought. They broke Tauriels heart, however as she read them.

"Balin,

I am returning these to you as directed from Estae. She claims she has no such daughter. Please give my sympathies to Leotti, I know her to be a good lass.

- Gudfinnur"

Tauriel read the note over and over. She wishes she could say she could not believe it, but she unfortunately knew Estae. "I would question if this was true, but I know it is. Poor Leotti."

Thorin agreed. The dam meant a lot to the family. "I think you and Dis should be the ones to tell her. If you are up for it, Nâtha."

"Of course, she is my closest friend in Erebor, outside the family." Tauriel agreed immediately. "We will make sure she is alright."

"I know you will." Thorin smiled, and squeezed her arm affectionately. "I think I will retire tonight. I will leave these to you."

Tauriel nodded and made for the door. "For what it is worth adad, Nyaunni, I am certain, is watching over you, just as Vili watches over Dis, Kili, and Fili, and like my mother and father watch over me."

"We are very lucky to have such protectors." Thorin smiled and watched Tauriel leave. He sighed to himself and looked over at the small painting once more. "I know you were not so foolish to come back into Erebor for something as frivolous as an animal, Nyaunni. So why did you run back in?"

Of course, his question will never be answered in this life; the silence in his room was evidence of that. So Thorin shook his head, pushed down his sorrows, and went about preparing for bed.

Tauriel looked down at the parcel in her hands. To be dismissed by your mother, would be a pain not many could bare. "Darling? Is everything alright?"

Speaking of mother, Tauriel lifted her eyes to the closest thing she ever had to one. Of course she had a real mother…Ithildin…who was killed before she had a chance to be the mother she so wished to be. Having met her before, Tauriel had no doubt in her mind the eleth loved her daughter fiercely, despite not being able to raise her herself. But Estae, what she has done to Leotti, is unforgivable.

Lifting her eyes to Dis, Tauriel shook her head and wordlessly passed the note to the family matriarch, who must have been on her way to check on her and Thorin as Kili nor Finli was with her.

Dis gave a confused look to the pile of letters tied with twine, then her face twisted into horror when she read Gudfinnur's note. "Why that ibsên barathgalt bundu DARHÛNA!" She all but yelled, seething. "She shames Mahal, throwing one of his treasures away like that."

"Everything alright mam? Did I just hear you call someone a walking, pig headed she'troll?" Kili however, did not wait for an answer as he lifted a hand and grazed Tauriel's cheek tenderly. "Amralime. You are upset my star. What is going on?" Kili had just stepped out of the kitchen, Finli walking right beside him along with the rest of the family.

Tauriel sighed. They ought to know as well. So, with a waive of her hand, Tauriel gestured to her chamber door. "Let us all sit down a moment, I know I must or I would be making a trip to Ered Luin tonight."

With an elven curse on her lips, Tauriel turned from the group and stomped…well as much as a very light, and equally pregnant eleth could stomp…into her room; likely expecting the others to follow…which they did.

"What is it starlight?" Naurfaer finally asked after Tauriel had been pacing the sitting room for several minutes while Kili put Finli to bed.

"Don't think you are not in trouble for what you did!" Tauriel quickly shot at Naurfaer, narrowing her eyes dangerously at her grandfather who had the decency to look at least a little chagrined. "We will be having a talk about your meddling. But right now, I have other news to share."

Kili shut the door to his son's room softly and stepped up to Tauriel, gently tugging her hand to sit beside him on the chaise. "What has happened?" He asked, having no idea what has her all worked up.

Unable to say it out loud, Tauriel turned pleading eyes to Dis who shook her head sadly. "It appears, we received news of Leotti's mother."

"Oh!" Viltarra was the first to speak. "She has been eagerly waiting for letters from Estae for months now. She is always checking for post, and speaking to Balin about mail arrivals."

"Actually, Ori and I were also discussing it." Fili added in, his arm around Viltarra while his hand played with her hair. "He has been worried something has happened, but from what I found out, everything seems to be fine."

Dis shook her head. "I would certainly say things are far from fine." She then lifted the small piece of parchment and somberly read the words written, and the room went silent as she finished.

"What kind of mother would ever do such a thing!" Viltarra spat, her hand instantly going to her stomach. "Why?! I do not understand! Leotti is courageous, successful, brilliant, and kind. She may be energetic, but everything she does, she does it with the best intent in mind for all around her. Estae does not deserve such a gift as Leotti!"

"I am of the same mind." Tauriel growled. "That dam has hated me since I had walked into her shop that first day in Ered Luin. She never even tried to hide her disgust of Leotti and my friendship. But other than befriending me, Leotti did everything her mother asked of her. Everything. I cannot fathom how a mother could walk away from their greatest blessing." The eleth wrapped her arms about herself, as if she could protect her unborn son from even the idea of such a thing.

None of her children, born or otherwise, could EVER do anything that could lose her love for them. No matter their choices in life, they will always have the love of their mother. What is more, Tauriel could easily say Kili would say the same thing.

"I know it is difficult when your children choose a path you were not prepared for them to take." Dis sighed, Naurfaer nodding his head in agreement. "But I cannot think of anything any one of you could do, to make me turn you away. Your choices, my darlings, have done nothing but strengthen our family. But even if they did not, Kili and Fili, you would always be my babies. Tauriel, my life felt complete when you entered it, as you filled my heart. You too Viltarra. You gave me strength when I could not go on. My most beloved daughters. The more this family grows, the fuller my heart becomes. What Estae is doing, is unthinkable. My children are my world, there is no me, without all of you. You, are the treasure I can have in this life, and the next."

Kili leaned forward and kissed his mother on the forehead. "We are who we are, because of you, mam."

Tauriel took Kili's hand in hers, but stared at Dis as she spoke. "I never had a mother, until you came into my life Dis. I knew nothing about motherhood, about unconditional love, until you took me in your arms that first night in Ered Luin. You are the mother I aspire to be, because you are the only one I have ever known. When this life is over, I can get to know my birth mother, but until then, I am part of a wonderful family right here."

"I second that." Naurfaer added. "I love my daughter, and I know without a doubt, she would have made a wonderful mother. Make no mistake of it starlight…" Naurfaer looked directly at Tauriel. "Your mother loved you so completely. She could not wait for you to come into this world. She spoke of little else as she carried you. You, were to be her greatest blessing. When I spoke to her in Valinor, she was filled with gratitude and love for Dis, and how she put her peoples prejudice aside to give her love to an eleth who had never known it. I see the same love when I see you, my starlight, with Finli. I also see the love you have, Viltarra, for your own little gift. When he or she comes to this world, I know they will be loved. You are loyal, kind, patient, and vibrant. You will make a wonderful mother. But this…Estae….you said?"

Looking around the room, Naurfaer looked for confirmation, and they all nodded. "Alright, Estae. What she is doing, is unthinkable and unforgivable. Leotti is one of the brightest and most talented dams I have had the privilege to meet. Her mother should be nothing but proud of who she has become, and the courage she had to go to a new place and build a successful business from nothing. That, is the marks of an amazing person, of any race. Leotti is a gift to this mountain."

"And this family." Everyone gaped at Fili who lifted an eyebrow. "What? She has been a part of our lives…nearly my entire life. Nobody deserves what is being done to her, least of all Leotti."

"Softie." Viltarra grinned and leaned up to kiss his cheek. "I knew you liked her."

"I think tolerate would be a better word." Fili huffed.

"I don't even know if you can use the word tolerate, Fili. You were just yelling at each other yesterday. Or have you forgotten?" Tauriel pierced her lips then shook her head. "I will never fully understand your relationship with Leotti, but, I do know you care for her, and she for you. Even if neither of you want to admit it."

"So, what are we going to do?" Viltarra asked before Fili could deny anything Tauriel had said.

"I will speak to her." Dis said, her voice pained with the knowledge of what she had to do.

"As will I." Tauriel immediately agreed.

"May I join? She is my friend, and I want to be there for her. She needs to know, she is not alone in any respect. She has family right here." Viltarra added.

"Of course, darling, thank you." Dis nodded, giving Viltarra a warm smile. "You are quite right. Leotti is a part of this family. Though she also has Ori. I do not think he is going anywhere. I am quite certain a betrothal is coming soon. He will help her get through this as well."

Dis stood and gave each of her children, Tauriel and Viltarra included, a kiss on the brow. "Tomorrow though. Tonight, get some rest. I love you, my greatest treasures. Goodnight."

Naurfaer too stood, kissing Tauriel on the forehead just as Dis had done, and even Viltarra, then he followed Dis out the door without another word.

"This is unthinkable." Viltarra huffed and folded her arms, then she sunk into herself. "Poor Leotti."

Everyone nodded in agreement before Fili and Viltarra too left for their own chamber. Tomorrow will be a hard day, especially for the bubbly little dam who brightens every room she enters. "Are you going to be alright?"

Tauriel startled and looked at Kili who was just inches from her face. "I just don't understand Kili. That is all. I will be fine though, it is Leotti I am most worried for."

Kili hummed in acknowledgement as he stood, and took her hand in his, pulling her to their bedchamber and shutting the door before releasing her hand and beginning to ready himself for bed. Tauriel stood, staring at him for a moment, before she followed his lead and began her own evening routine, then crawled into bed and right into Kili's waiting arms.

That, is when he spoke again. "Estae, is the one who is losing, amralime, but that is really all she knows."

Settling her ear over Kili's heart, Tauriel could not help but agree. Though, she knew little of the other dam who judged her harshly from the moment she met her. "If she knows loss, then why is she so willing to invite it into her life?"

Kili sighed and entangled his fingers in her hair, massaging her scalp as he quietly thought. Tauriel purred at the action and turned her nose into Kili's bare chest, pressing her face into him and allowing him to comfort her.

"I do not know all the details of Estae, but I do remember them coming to Ered Luin. I was ten, and Fili, fifteen when they first arrived. Leotti is Fili's age, or just about. I believe she is only a few months younger than Fi." Kili nuzzled her hair and kissed the temple peeking out before he continued. "Whenever anyone new came to the settlement, they always met with mam and Thorin, so we were usually there as well."

"Causing trouble?" Tauriel teased, giving Kili a wry smile and looking up at him through her lashes.

Kili rolled his eyes. She was not necessarily wrong, proof how well she knew him. But he would not openly admit it. "Do you want me to tell you the story, or shall we move on to other activities?"

The smile on his wife's face turned wicked and Kili groaned. He should know well enough by now, never to tease her in such a way. She bites back tenfold. But her smile turned soft. "We will get there, but I wish to know."

Kili nodded and Tauriel resettled herself on his chest, tracing patterns as he spoke. "Balin and Dwalin had been the ones to announce their arrival, and for one reason or another, I remember most of what Balin had said of why Estae was arriving. Mam knows more than I, but from what I remember, and the rumors that followed, Estae had chosen a mate in a wedded dwarven lord. The details are skewed by mutterings and likely inaccuracies from gossiping dams and dwarves, but the one constant is Leotti is the daughter of Lord Virfspori's father, in the Stiffbeard clan."

"So, he is not dead? Leotti's father?" Tauriel asked, slightly sitting up to look Kili in the eye. "I had assumed he had passed. Leotti never spoke of him, and I certainly was not going to ask Estae. But I just thought, he had been lost in battle or something of that sort."

"Well, he is passed now, but not by anything but age. So in a manner, you are right." Kili scrunched his nose in thought, which made Tauriel warm with affection. Finli did the exact same thing, and it was beyond endearing. Finally, Kili shook his head and fell back onto the pillow, staring up at the ceiling as he spoke. "It is likely, Estae was given some understanding that he would cut ties with his wife, and choose her instead. So she gave herself to him, and Leotti was a product of that. I cannot be sure how it all went down, but I can assume he was not pleased Estae fell with child, and either banished her, or paid her to leave. I only assume this, because Estae came to Ered Luin with quite a sack of gold and gems. I remember that keenly."

"Adultery..." Tauriel bit out. "…is never done among the eldar. Least not as far as I know. Is it common, for leaders to take lovers? Thorin had said no, but…I had been told stories of mortals having many pleasure partners, even when they are wed."

Kili lowered his brows and looked at her. "I do not like to judge when I do not know the entire situation, but I was raised to cherish all those in my life, and I for one do not condone such an act. You give vows on your wedding day, before Mahal, and you sign a contract. If you do not wish to keep such sacred promises, then do not make them." He pulled Tauriel tightly against him. "I swear to you Tauriel, with everything that I am, and upon my place in the ancestors blessed halls, I will never, and could never, give myself to anyone but you. Ever."

Tauriel lifted herself onto her elbows, and looked directly down at Kili. Her Kili. She traced a finger down his cheek and grazed his lips before replacing her finger, with her own lips, kissing Kili fully and deeply. Naturally, he returned the gesture, opening his mouth to her as she devoured him to the point they were both breathless and had to pull away, but instead of going back to her place on his chest, she pressed her brow to his and sent him all the love she had for him, Kili groaning as he was hit full on with her emotions. "I know Kili. When Kaulithah…when she kissed you…I thought you no longer desired me."

"Tauriel!" Kili began, but Tauriel placed a finger on his lips then nuzzled his nose tenderly.

"Shh. I know. But I was hurting, and alone, and you had not touched me in weeks at that point. What is more, is I had heard other say in passing you may have chosen a mistress."

"WHAT!" Kili roared, sitting up forcing Tauriel to do the same. "NEVER!" Kili was becoming upset, and the pulsing in her head was evidence of just how much.

So, Tauriel grabbed his head tightly in both her hands and gave him a look. "I know that now Kili, you silly dwarrow. But it was all that was on my mind until Thorin told me otherwise."

"Uncle? You went to uncle?" Kili asked, his face still held tightly in her grip.

Tauriel hummed and nodded, situating herself in his lap as she straddled his hips; their growing son stopping them from getting as close as she truly desired, so Tauriel released her hold on him, and turned herself to her side in his lap; allowing Kili to once again pull her flush against him as Tauriel lay her head in the crook of his neck. "He found me rather upset, actually, and I asked him directly if it was done in dwarven clans. He essentially said you would never do it, neither would he or Dis allow you or Fili to ever do such a thing."

"And he is absolutely right. I love you Tauriel, the brightest star in my world. I am completely yours. Only yours. I desire, only you." Kili pressed his lips into her hair. "This may not need to be said, but I want to say it." Desperately needing to look her in the eyes, Kili used his finger to guide her chin to look directly at him. "I never had an inkling to be anything more than a friend to Kaulithah before she kissed me. Not even a thought came to my mind. I had no desire for her, because I had everything I wanted in you. Tauriel, I missed you when we were doing negotiations. I wanted you by my side every moment of it, and believe me, I ardently needed you and desired you deeply. I knew you were ill, and I…was an idiot." He finished, giving her a small smile.

"You were not an idiot." Tauriel huffed, but paused. "Well…maybe you were, just a bit. But I believe you and that was two years ago Kili. You have nothing to explain to me, I have you, and I trust you with all that I am. After all, we are fully bonded, and we have a growing family. I was just saying, I knew such things were done. But thank you." She kissed his brow. "I echo your words though, my Kili. I too would never consider such a thing. I am yours, as you are mine. There is no one among any race who walks this earth, that is better suited to me than you. My world is full because you are in it, Kili. I can only assume, this lord, had a marriage where love, was not as true."

Kili nodded. He had everything he could ever want in his arms. But it was naive to think others, even dwarven leaders, would not be tempted by carnal pleasure. "Likely a marriage of convenience rather than love. It is not uncommon among the higher clan leaders. Or they fell out of love." Kili added as an afterthought.

Tauriel's face twisted in horror. "Fall out of love? I do not understand."

Kili twisted his head to the side and looked at his wife fully. "As in they were in love when they met and married, but grew apart over the years. It can happen."

Tauriel, however, folded her arms and clenched her jaw. "Then they were never in love to begin with. Nobody falls out of love, you are either in love and that grows, or you were not in love at all. Love is not a candle to be blown out or a fire that dies down. Love is a seedling, that a mighty tree grows from. I do not believe in falling out of love."

Chuckling, Kili pulled her back against him. "I completely agree, amralime. But most mortals would beg to differ."

"Another thing I still do not understand, is how a mother could turn her back on her child." Tauriel whispered softly, hurt clear in her voice.

Laying back carefully, so he could keep his wife fully in his arms, Kili once again, had to agree. "I can only assume there is just too much hurt and hardness in Estae's heart. I am in no way siding with her…" Kili quickly added when Tauriel stiffened against him. "What I am saying, is Leotti likely reminds her of her past mistakes and losses. She raised her, and taught her all she knew. So I think, to Estae at least, she did love Leotti in her own way…or the only way she knew how. But when Leotti chose to come to Erebor, perhaps, Estae once again felt abandoned. She is protecting her heart, in the worst of ways."

As a mother, Tauriel had nothing but sorrow for Leotti. She wished for nothing more than to gather up her friend, and keep her from the knowledge of what Estae has chosen to do. But one way or another, Leotti will find out. All she can do now, is be there for her friend. A tear fell from her eye and she quickly wiped it away, but Kili was already pulling her closer to him, hushing her softly and kissing her tears away.

Tomorrow, will be filled with sorrow. But perhaps, with the support of her family, Leotti will be able to heal her broken heart. With that thought in mind, Tauriel allowed her precious Kili to distract her from what was to come on the next day. She sighed in pleasure and allowed her husband to erase her thoughts completely as she gave fully into him and his love for her.

Authors Note: Hello again. I am still working on this ACT, so it will probably be a few days before I post another chapter so they won't be posted as fast as I usually post them, but I have…eleven? I think eleven done and they are all pretty long. I think at nine chapters, I was already over 100,000 words for this ACT. I have a problem, I know. Lol. Anyway. Hang on to those axes, got some drama, action, and of course some trouble coming, as always. See ya soon XD.