Authors Note: Here…comes…another one XD. I got nothing to say except…hello and goodbye. Enjoy.
Chapter Four
"Kili, it matters not WHAT I wear, I will look like a pregnant female even in dwarven work clothes." Tauriel sighed and folded her arms as Kili pushed one of his tunics and a vest at her.
However, the stubborn son of Durin only narrowed his eyes and indicated to the clothes he had picked out. "As true as that may be, my star, I would still feel much better if you wear these…and maybe a cloak."
Tauriel rolled her eyes and huffed as she began pulling the soft tunic over her shift. At least it smelled like Kili, which made her smile…despite being annoyed with her husband and his often-needless overprotective nature. She honestly believes he forgets sometimes…that she is an elf…and not a bearded dam which meant, no matter what he puts her in…she will still look like an eleth…unlike Viltarra and the other dams who can blend in a bit more with their male counterparts.
Kili, though, seemed rather pleased with himself seeing his wife in his clothes as he put on the last few pieces of his own attire, at least until she had attempted to pull up the trousers…which did not fit. "What now?" Tauriel asked, annoyed both by her husband's insistence she dress in male fashions, and because even his pants did not fit her.
Sensing her annoyance, Kili walked over and placed both his hands on her face, pulling her lips to his. Tauriel wanted to resist, but honestly, she would never be able to, so she melted just a bit as Kili pulled her close. After a moment he pulled away with a soft smile. "You will have to wear your own trousers, I suppose." Kili grinned and stepped to their wardrobe to shift through her drawers. It took him a moment, but he eventually found something loose and suitable, then grabbed her boots and brought them over.
It paid to have a close friend who was a master tailor, and Leotti had been nothing short of a miracle to Tauriel's wardrobe. When she was pregnant with Finli, at this point, Tauriel was only able to wear dresses and smocks, but Leotti has been able to take several pairs of her pants out just enough to fit over Tauriel's rather sizable belly.
Tauriel shook her head and carefully pulled on her cotton, very loose, trousers, securing the tie around her waist. She then finished the look off with a small belt just under her chest, and carefully sheathed her daggers forgoing her twin blades altogether. She then looked at the boots and wool socks Kili had placed on the bed and sighed. That, was her least favorite thing to do; put shoes and socks on.
Kili, however, was, as always, her precious prince. He lovingly pushed her to sit on the edge of the bed, and kneeled before her. "Allow me, my lady." He winked and kissed the palm of her foot before putting her sock on, then buckled her boots. He repeated the same action on the other foot before rising and pulling her off the bed. "Ready my star?"
Tauriel hummed and moved to the door before Kili cleared his throat, loudly, and Tauriel turned back to him. "Forgetting something?"
Tauriel groaned and huffed as she snatched the cloak from his waiting hand and wrapped it around herself. "Happy?"
"Not remotely, but you will have to do." Kili snickered but leaned up and pecked her on the lips. Then grabbing her hand and lacing their fingers together, the pair walked out of the room and out of their chambers together.
The plan was, to meet up with Fili and Viltarra and go to town together, or it was, at least, until yelling could be heard from the chambers next door. "Oh my." Tauriel paused and looked at Kili who lifted a brow. From the sound of it, Viltarra was not happy with Fili and knowing he was just as overprotective as her own husband, Tauriel had a general idea why.
"Maybe, we should give them a moment." Tauriel added and pushed her husband towards the kitchen. Kili kept looking at the door, but sighed and nodded, allowing his beloved to guide him where she wished.
"FILI! We have gone through this time and time again. I am not some…frail…being who will fall apart with a mere glance!" Viltarra had reached her limit. She was already dressed in her usual market attire, which was a baggy tunic, overcoat, and breeches with her knee high boots that sagged down her calves finishing off her customary look. Now, Fili also wanted her to wear a hat, cloak, AND armor?! Absolutely NOT.
Fili, however, was refusing to back down, though he spoke in a calm, easy tone…which seemed only to annoy Viltarra further. "I am not saying you are anything remotely frail, Nunguame. I am simply trying to protect you and our child." He did not for a moment believe he was being unreasonable. He will not risk losing her, or their child, so she can yell and argue all she wants, he thinks it was best she wear the armor on top of all the other protective attire to keep her safe.
Viltarra glared at him, but Fili was a son of Durin, and easily matched her glare with one of his own, before he forced his face to soften and walked up to her, placing the breastplate he was holding down on the chaise. He specifically made it to fit her growing figure, and knew it may not be the most comfortable thing to wear, but it will protect her better than anything.
The young prince said nothing as he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her to him, seeing some of the anger leave Viltarra's face as he held her close. "I do not think you are weak, frail, delicate, or fragile in any right, Viltarra, and pity the fool who thinks otherwise; you are one of the strongest dams I know. But I can't lose you, or our son."
"Or daughter." Viltarra added with a smirk. Lately, Fili had taken to simply referring to their child as he and him, so she has been easily correcting him each time he does.
"One could only hope." Fili beamed. He would love a daughter. A precious little dam just like his fiery wife. But the likelihood of that was slim at best. No. His wife was carrying a boy if their people's propensity to generate males was anything to go by. Even his brother had a son, and another son on the way.
So, because he knew she was not only carrying his son, but the heir to the mountain, he would do everything he could to protect them both. To be honest, if he knew she was carrying a girl, he would forbid her from leaving the mountain at all. Damn whatever backlash she gave him, he would never, ever, risk his daughter's life. In fact, he would be staying right beside her even if he had to barricade the door and keep her inside himself.
Viltarra leaned her head against Fili, then nodded with a deep sigh. "Fine. You win. I will wear the cloak, and the hat. But I will not be putting on that uncomfortable breastplate."
Fili rolled his eyes and stepped back. "But I made it just for you, nunguame." Fili pouted, giving her the best wide, blue-eyed, look, he could muster.
Stunned, Viltarra just staired at him for a moment. Even after a year of courting and nearly a year of marriage, Fili still had the ability to stop her heart with a look. She shook her head to clear it and narrowed her eyes once more. "No. But if you have some of that, light, chain mail still, I will wear it under my top. But I refuse to wear that breastplate. It is heavy and hot, and I am already carrying an extra thirty pounds, on top of the sword I will have. So, it is either the chain mail, or I go as I am." She gave Fili a challenging stare, and finally, her precious husband relented and walked back into the room to get the mail shirt he had also made her.
It was not mithril because they still have not opened the mines to start building their mithril stores, but the mail was both light and offered protection; granted not as much as the breastplate would, but it would just have to do for now. He heard more than saw his wife stalk into the room and begin removing her coat and tunic, then stood with her arm out to accept the chain shirt.
Fili, however, smiled and walked to her rather than passing it to her. He then pushed it over her head and helped her situate it over her undershirt. Just as she thought, the chain mail did add some extra weight, but not enough to make her uncomfortable, so she pecked Fili on the cheek as he helped her back into her tunic, and pushed her overcoat back on. Fili then grabbed her sword and holster, securing it over her shoulders. He finished it all off by placing a hat over her head causing Viltarra to scrunch her nose up in distaste, though she said nothing. She never liked wearing hats.
Sighing, Fili stepped back and looked her over while she did a little turn for him, ending with a wink and a smirk. "Well? Do I look as you remember me when we met? Male enough for you?"
Fili rolled his eyes and snickered. "I was blind and stupid, Viltarra. You look beautiful my flower. I cannot believe I did not see it before."
"I don't feel beautiful." Viltarra hummed, as she looked into the large mirror near the door. Though larger than Viltarra, Tauriel carried herself with an almost unmatched grace and beauty, not to mention she seemed to have a glow about her no matter what time of day it was.
Viltarra, however, felt frumpy more often than not, she was tired all the time, hot all the time, and hungry, ALL OF THE TIME. Not to mention, she cried when she was happy…sad…mad…in fact…it did not matter WHAT emotion she was displaying…it just came with stupid tears. Plus she was annoyed and irritable…all the time, and her feet and low back hurt…all…of…the…time! She had to stop telling Fili, because he would get all…perfect and kind and loving, which would only make her cry more. Plus, if she said anything, he would likely go all overprotective and keep her from going to the market.
Which was why for the last few days, she has been keeping her discomfort to herself…and maybe Tauriel. Her sister was an amazing source to go to when she needed someone to confide in since she had both gone through it before, and was going through it now. It also helped Tauriel knew a few tricks and some ointments that helped relieve SOME of her discomfort. Her perfect sister. Viltarra sighed. Tauriel was like pregnancy perfection. She swears the eleth had to be a high being or something. Then again, she was an elf, so maybe all elves acted like that.
Viltarra sighed as she felt a pair of lips on her head, and she lifted her brown eyes to look at Fili. "Welcome back, nunguame, thought I lost you there for a moment." He teased, seeing she had been clearly lost in her thoughts for several minutes.
"Be nice." Viltarra huffed and poked Fili in the chest. "Or YOU will be needing that armor, not me." She added in warning.
Fili, however, laughed and wrapped his arm around her waist, guiding her out of their chambers as he looked around for his sister and brother. "I thought Ki and Tauri were meeting us in our room? They are late."
The pair was just about to go to the next room over, but sounds from the kitchen had them going there instead. Which is exactly where they found the other couple. Kili, was laughing as he tried to get Hiril to do a trick for some extra bacon while Kaw was hanging upside-down from the rafter begging for the snack with indignant croaks. "Stop over feeding my warg." Fili huffed.
"YOUR warg?" Viltarra challenged as Hiril came bounding towards the pair. Naurfaer had volunteered to bathe her last evening, so she spent the night with him so he could brush her out and take her for a walk this morning.
Fili shrugged but did not say anything as he watched Tauriel feed Kaw some scraps and fruit when he flew down to her after Kili tossed the bacon to Hiril who caught it mid-air. The raven had reached full size now, and was one of the largest ravens he had ever seen in Erebor. He easily had a five-foot wingspan and looked comically enormous when he perched himself on Tauriel's thin shoulder.
"Are we leaving or not?" Fili asked, taking as seat and grabbing a muffin from the bowl his mam had left out from breakfast earlier. He stuffed it in his mouth and moved to grab another until Viltarra smacked his hand away.
"You had eight of those at breakfast…how can you even eat any more?" Viltarra lifted a brow at her bottomless pit of a husband. Although Kili was also downing another muffin, with Tauriel shaking her head at him.
Fili smirked. "I am eating for two." He laughed but started coughing when Viltarra slugged him in the arm.
"That, is neither funny nor fair." Tauriel glared at her brother.
"You would not last a DAY pregnant." Viltarra growled. She keenly remembered how Fili was when he was sick, she doubted he would even get out of bed if he felt like she did. Such a baby when he was ill. Her baby, but still, a baby.
"Right. Let's get going. They should have Maryn and Galaddal hooked to the wagon and ready for us by now." Kili stood, grabbing yet another muffin for the road despite his wife's disapproving look.
"Not the WAGON?!" Viltarra groaned while Tauriel grumbled her own annoyances. "We are perfectly capable of walking."
"It will be much faster to go on the wagon...and safer." Fili answered, pushing his chair in and wondering if he could risk grabbing a muffin as well, but with the look his wife was giving him...probably not. Though he did feel one entering his hand as his brother passed by and he stuffed it in his large pocket while Viltarra wasn't looking.
"Look, you two wanted to go to the market, fine. But we will go with as minimal risks as possible. So yes, we are taking the wagon." Kili added before his wife could give her bit, which by the glare she was giving him, was about to happen. However, to both of the princes' surprise, their princesses instead grumbled only a bit more to themselves as they made for the door.
Fili and Kili looked at each other in surprise for only a second, before following their wives...who were already several meters ahead of them…out of the kitchen. They quickened their paces and caught up, Kili taking Tauriel's hand in his, and Fili draping his arm around Viltarra's waist as they made their way to the stables with Hiril trotting just behind them and Kaw balancing on the warg's back.
All of Tauriel's earlier irritation fled her as she walked up to her beloved dapple-grey horse. Galaddal's ears instantly perked up and he pushed his large head into her shoulder as she walked up to him, running her fingers through his long main that fell over his eyes. "Mae g'ovannen, mellon nin." Tauriel greeted, kissing Galaddal on the head as she stood back. She could not wait to take him on a nice, very long, run in a few months. Kili can come with her, it will be nice to get out with him and spend some time together.
Speaking of Kili, he gave her a wide smile and held his hand out to her to help her up. She did not necessarily need it, but she could appreciate his love for her and allowed him to help her into the wagon. He then jumped up himself and settled into the seat at the reins just beside her.
They looked back, to make sure Fili and Viltarra were inside along with Hiril, whose tail was thumping against the floor. "Ready?" Everyone nodded to Kili, and with a flick of the reins, the wagon was off to Dale, with Kaw flying high overhead.
Thorin had insisted they take him with them, just incase something were to happen and they needed to get word back to the mountain fast. No quicker way to send a message, then a well-trained Ereborian raven. Besides, Tauriel was all too happy to have her feathered darling along for the trip. All she was missing was her precious little Finli. But he was much safer in the mountain, so that is where he will remain until he is old enough to defend himself.
The youngest son of Durin was spending the day with his great grandfather who insisted on taking him so they could enjoy the market before it closed. Naurfaer had taken him right after breakfast and talked about visiting the green room to pick some berries to make a pie for dessert for when they got back. He had also made sure to lecture all of them about the importance of staying alert and not leaving the human city.
But it was Thorin who had wanted them to wait until the last day of the bazaar to attend, his reasoning was to ensure their safety. None of them knew why, since they were the ones to attract trouble and if there was to be any, it would happen on the ONE day they visited whether it be the first, middle, or last day of the Bazaar. Still, they appeased the patriarch of the family and went on the last day Dale would be hosting the merchants.
Nearly an hour later, Tauriel was smiling wide as she listened to the sounds of the outdoor market around her while walking the crowded streets with Kili. She could smell all manner of foods being sold, including the sweet breads, rolls, and buns from Vin and Tarrah's cart which was where Viltarra had gone to see after perusing a few booths first, Fili of course trailing behind her.
The echoes of laughter, haggling, and music filled the air as the warm, early summer breeze brushed her cheek. Something about this market filled her with joy. Maybe it was the sun beaming on her face, or the energy around her, or maybe just the fact she was outside, but whatever it was, Tauriel felt...revitalized.
"Are you happy, amralime?" Kili asked, feeling the pure joy radiating from his wife through their connection.
"I am always happy with you, meleth nin." Tauriel answered almost automatically.
Kili smiled and tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear. "I know, Tauriel. But, I think you needed this. I am sorry if I keep you tucked away. After this one is born, you and I will spend some more time outside the mountain, I give you my word."
Grazing her finger down Kili's jaw, Tauriel could not stop the errant tear that slipped down her cheek not only at how far he has come since his return, but also at well Kili knew her. Sometimes, she thinks he knows her better, then she knows herself. "I truly am happy Kili, but, that sounds wonderful. Thank you."
Brushing the tear away, Kili gave her a soft smile and leaned in to kiss her brow. "There is no need to thank me." He said, his lips brushing her head as he spoke. "I love you Tauriel, your happiness, is my happiness. Besides. Maryn is in need of some exercise, as is Galaddal. They could both use a good work out."
Tauriel loved how his thoughts echoed her own so perfectly. So, she nuzzled his nose with her own before she stepped back, then placed her arm in his, and the pair was off to begin looking at the many booths the people of Dale, and the dwarves of Erebor had set up.
Of course, they were not completely alone. Trailing behind them Tauriel could see a few guards, though they kept their distance, and above them, Kaw flew, weaving among the buildings and occasionally dipping down to land on a stand they were browsing.
In truth, Tauriel did not really come here to buy much. She had all she needed in the mountain, but more than anything, she came to enjoy the ambiance, and the fresh, start of summer, air; they only just celebrated the new season not a day ago. "I heard next year, they are going to try and see if Thranduil would partake and join in."
Tauriel lifted her eyes from the intricately carved candle she held, and looked to Kili. "There are many talented craftsmen in Mirkwood. Some of which have been perfecting their skills for several thousand years. They would do very well here, though I do believe many would not wish to participate."
"Why?" Kili asked after Tauriel sighed and put the candle down before walking out of the booth.
"Kili…" Tauriel began, taking his warm hand in her own as she pulled him towards a booth with some toys while she tried to figure out how to word her thoughts. Though, she did pause to look at her husband, who seemed genuinely curious. "I think, it is because there are some who believe themselves to be above others." She finally answered.
"Ah." Kili scowled as Tauriel smiled at the woman from Dale who had created some beautiful, hand sewn dolls. Kili looked at the goods for sale, but everything seemed either too complicated for a two-year old, or something a little dam would appreciate more. A little girl, Kili sighed thoughtfully. He would love to have a daughter. He fingered the delicate gown of a clay doll and smiled.
"And what are you thinking about, my Kili?" Tauriel turned and watched her husband, clearly in deep thought.
Kili started and turned to her with a wide grin. "Just, our daughter."
"Daughter?" Tauriel lifted a perfectly sculpted brow. "Kili, we do not HAVE a daughter."
"Nope." Kili laughed, then winked. "Not yet. But, one day."
"Let us get through this one first and then we will talk. A two-year-old AND an infant will keep us quite busy for some time, Kili." Tauriel chuckled and pressed a hand to her unborn son while Kili nodded, a wide smile still on his face as the pair continued to browse the booth filled with children's toys.
"KI!" Kili placed some coins in the hand of the cart owner who counted and nodded. He had found a small carved raven that had posable wings among the toys, and he knew Finli would love it. With just a bit of white paint added, it will look just like a miniature Kaw. His son was very attached to his feathered best friend, so he could not resist the purchase.
Passing Tauriel the little toy, Kili searched for his brother, who was walking up to him, Viltarra at his side and Hiril trailing just behind them. The warg attracted quite the attention, but since she was really only a bit larger than a wolf and Bard knew her to be well trained and no danger to anyone, she was allowed to come to Dale. The lord of Dale doubted she would elicit panic from the townspeople, who were still understandably wary of anything that reminded them of the battle that happened nearly three years before.
"Hey Fi. Found anything good yet?" Kili grinned at his brother, who had a rather large box in his arms as he approached them. In fact, he could almost not see his brothers face at all, with how large the box was. Viltarra was of course, carrying nothing but an amused expression at her excited husband.
Fili placed the box on the ground and smiled. "Ya. Found some really well done leathers for you Tauri from one of the local hunters. Thought they would work quite nicely for some hilts and grips, so I bought the lot."
"All of them?" Tauriel looked shocked, but took a peek at the box where she could see several scraps of perfectly treated hides just visible. "They will certainly be used, but why are you carrying them around? We have a cart, Fili."
"Yes, well, I was getting there. I was about to have them sent down when I spotted you guys. I see you have not bought much." Fili looked at the pair, who only had the one little toy raven Kili had just purchased.
Kili shrugged. To be honest, he was just enjoying spending the day with his wife. Whether they buy anything or not, was not really on his mind. "We still have a fair few merchant booths to visit. We were about to go see how Leotti and Ori are fairing before we head up the last street on the other side of the tower. She is just a few carts down at the end of the street, and we can stop by on our way since the street curves around at her cart to wind back up."
Kili looked at the tall, rundown, tower as he gestured at Leotti's stand in the distance. He could even see Vin and Tarrah's own stand across the large square. The Bazaar had merchants placed on either side of two main streets of Bards city, but the majority of the stalls and free-standing merchants were in Dale's main town square. The two streets converged at the old tower which stands higher than any of the buildings around it and shadowed part of the square that was placed before it. It was likely once a great centerpiece of Dale, and could have easily been a church, or place of power, but now is nothing but a still standing ruin with its doors and windows clearly blocked up to keep people out, likely for their own safety.
Fili nodded and picked the box back up once more, his wife rolling her eyes. "Fili, give that to a guard to take." Viltarra suggested, looking around at the guard who was already walking up to them and offering to take the crate.
"Thanks Annik. Can you just put that in the wagon? It should be fine until we get back." Annik, who was also on Tauriel's team, nodded, eager to help, and without a word, spun around and headed to where the cart was parked, just inside the gate at the end of Dale, nearest Erebor.
"A dwarf of few words." Fili chuckled as he watched the younger guard walk away with the large crate.
"Unless those words are 'how many more?' or 'Was that the bell?'. Then he is rather heavy lipped." Tauriel smirked. Annik was always happy to begin their training, but was also always the first to want to be done with it...next to Klinkus that is. Although the rather large dwarf, was exemplary at throwing axes. Annik was progressing, however, and had excellent agility for a dwarf. She could not wait to get the bows completed to see how well they do with them. Tauriel always loved training, and archery, was one of her favorite skills to teach.
With Fili being relieved of his crate, the two couples slowly made their way through several more shops before stopping at Leotti's stand. The dam looked nothing like her usual self. Her curls seemed to be brushed out causing her hair and beard to look much fuller and thicker than usual, and her baggy clothes and thick cloak hid any and all indications that she was female. If a strange dwarf would pass, they would absolutely know Leotti was female, but to any human or elf, Leotti passed well enough as a male to keep her safe.
Of course, all she had to do was open her mouth, and her naturally cheerful disposition was a dead giveaway that she could be nothing other than a female. Though she did try and tone it down. "Kili!" Seeing the group walk up to her, Leotti immediately moved to meet them at the entrance to her stand, Ori standing just behind her with a smile. "All of your pieces were snatched up within the first HOUR of the bazaar on opening day! In fact, I sold three of your necklaces, that beautiful bracelet, ten hair pins, three broaches, and seven rings long before I even made a sale of my own."
Kili simply smiled. "I am sure having you sell them helped. Thank you, Leotti."
"What? Kili you are probably the most skilled jeweler I have ever seen. Your pieces would have sold if a troll was heading the stand." Leotti rolled her eyes.
Smiling, Tauriel turned to her husband. "She is right, meleth nin. I have never seen the equal to your craftsmanship, your work is quite stunning."
"Well then, amralime, I shall make you some more pieces, since you love them so much." Kili smirked, already knowing what her response would be. Tauriel hated being embellished with baubles. She did not need them though, in his opinion. Her natural beauty outshined any jewel or gem he or any other could craft.
But just as he suspected, the smile fell from Tauriel's face, and she huffed in clear irritation. "Kili, I have three small chests of jewels, and most of them were from you. There is nothing more I love, then things you make me…but perhaps…a drawing next time? You know I seldom wear such things as adornments."
It was true. Apart from her wedding ring, the bracelet Hillana gave her, and the necklace Kili had made for her to wear at her marriage ceremony…all of which she wore every day…Tauriel rarely wore jewels of any variety. Whenever they had to dress the part of royalty in a ceremony or holiday, which seemed to come up more than a few times a year, Dis always had to come in and make sure the pair was wearing their finest…often adding all kinds of gems and jewels to Tauriel's attire and hair, to Kili's delight and Tauriel's frustration.
Viltarra shook her head in amusement, fully understanding Tauriel's lackluster opinion on gems, since she feels the same way, though she was curious on how things have been going for Leotti's own wares. "Have you been able to make any good sales, Leotti? My parents have nearly sold out every day they have been here. Da is debating on whether or not he wants to go back to Erebor and bake more since it is the last day…but likely they will just close up early. They are both exhausted, being out of practice selling in open markets, and mama wants to do a bit of shopping anyway."
Viltarra chuckled at the rare moment of indecision with her father…to make more and sell…or allow his wife to drag him around to buy trinkets they had never been able to afford previously. She had never seen them so content and happy as they were in Erebor. They had a home, extra gold in their pockets, and no longer had to decide where they would stay each season or if they would have to sleep on cots in the stand they rented…not having enough gold or coin to rent both a chamber and the space needed for baking…or if they could spare the coin for at least a room to escape harsher weather. As a business, they were quite successful in Erebor, and their bakery, one of the most visited in either of their mountains markets.
"Does tha' mean they don' have any of those rolls left? The ones with the raspberry jam and sweet cream in the center?" Ori, who had just been helping a customer, gave Viltarra a pleading look, but the dam shook her head, giving him an apologetic smile.
"Sorry, Ori. They were gone before Erebor's breakfast bell rang according to mama; apparently there has been a line every morning for them." Speaking of breakfast bell, Viltarra was getting hungry again, and the life inside her was reminding her acutely…that it is lunch time already. Lucky for her, she had a doting mother who had had the foresight to pack a large lunch for not only Viltarra and Fili, but Tauriel and Kili as well. "But if they have any extras hidden away, I will make sure to bring you one."
"Those do not sound familiar…jam filled rolls. Are they new?" Tauriel too was getting hungry, but something in the distant shade of the tall, still damaged, tower, had caught her by surprise. It looked as if there was a stand selling elven wares. She hardly heard Viltarra's response and had to ask her to repeat herself when she realized she had not been paying attention.
"It is fine Tauriel. I was just saying it was a recipe I had tried last week in the bakery at Erebor, and our people loved it so much, I put it in my parent's book and they have been making them ever since. I will happily make you some tonight if you like." Viltarra smiled at her sister and friend, who seemed to have a craving for anything sweet.
More than a few times, she had come into the kitchen in the early morning, to find her elven sister digging away at an entire butter cake…which Dis always kept available for her. And then there were the cheese buns Tauriel came to get almost daily at the bakery. It was a good thing she was an elf…or she would well be on her way to being Bombur's size with all the sweets she ate.
Tauriel hummed appreciatively at the thought of a new pastry to try. "I will most definitely like to try those." She then indicated to the stand a few spaces down. "Leotti, are they selling elven goods here? I was not aware anyone from Mirkwood was participating."
"Oh! Yes! I wanted to tell you, but I don't get back to Erebor until late in the evening, and I am gone before first bell." Leotti nodded and smiled wide. "Do not quote me on this, but what I have heard through the quartz vein, is Thranduil was going to send over one or two merchants with some goods to sell in a stand to show his support to Erebor and Dale. I believe at first, they were not going to come; something about a holiday or festival going on in the forest if I heard correctly...you would know better than I, Tauri...but a few did show up last minute just this morning."
Nodding, the eleth clasped her hands over her stomach. "It is the celebration of life, a four-day long feast that begins on summer solstice each year. Mereth o'cuil, it is called. It is to honor new life in Mirkwood, specifically, the mothers who granted such gifts. It is when they welcome the babes born to the city that year, as well as announce upcoming births and grant blessings to any unborn children. Mereth o'cuil is a time-honored tradition, for the wood elves of Mirkwood. I do not believe it is celebrated in any other elven city in all of arda."
Tauriel had never wished to be a part of the celebration when she lived under Thranduil, she often chose to volunteer for guard watch in the forest rather than partaking herself. However, being a mother now, made a small part of her desire to go to Mirkwood to give her son the blessing of her people. Yet, he was blessed already, because he had a people who would love him and fill his life with meaning. So, she was just as at peace with remembering the holiday fondly from the comfort of Erebor and her husband's arms.
"That sounds similar to what we do when we announce a birth in the family." Viltarra shuddered. That…was not her favorite ceremony. Was she proud to be carrying Fili's child? Absolutely. Did she enjoy being thrust forward like some prized livestock to be cheered at? Absolutely not. It was far too much ceremony for her, but she is learning to get used to all the pomp and circumstance as she has settled into her role among the royal family. Fili is worth every discomfort she may go through one hundred times over.
"Similar, but not quite." Tauriel gave her a small smile. "There is much more singing, and they drape any mothers to be in silk robes and place a crown of flowers on their heads. It is a representation of Eru Lluvatar who is our creator. He alone made the eldar, and to honor his ability to create life, the eleth's in both early and late stages of pregnancy, are brought forward and covered in Mirkwood's finest. Many consider it to be the highest of praises. The celebration lasts four days, and expecting eleths', as well as the younglings born that previous year, are the center of the entire holiday."
Kili looked at his wife, and took her hand. "Tauriel, we are not far from Mirkwood. Do you wish to go? You grew up there. You have the right to be honored and celebrated." He placed a large hand on his son, who moved just as he set his palm on Tauriel's belly.
However, Tauriel shook her head. "I feel quite alright with not going, Kili. I in no way am lacking in any sort of honor or attention, so no. But I would like to see what was being sold and who has come."
"Of course, Amralime." Kili grinned, deciding to think more on this elven festival another time as he took her hand…kissing it before twining their fingers together. "Anyone else want to come? We are hitting the last street before getting something to eat."
"No thank you, Kili, I still have some things I want to sell though I have been doing very well and have many commissions not just from dwarves and dams in Erebor, but several from Dale as well." Leotti chimed in as she adjusted her hood. It was rather warm out, but it mattered not to any of them. "Though it is nearly time for lunch." She added as an afterthought.
"I will get somethin' for us to eat, Leo." Ori sweetly volunteered, pecking her on the cheek and nodding a farewell to everyone else as he stepped away to one of several food related booths. There were not many, but there was a fair few to choose from, including Viltarra's parents stand.
Viltarra too shook her head no as well. "To be honest, I personally am ready for something to eat now, and there is lunch at the cart."
"Why don't you two go ahead, Ki." Fili suggested. "You both can meet us at the cart when you are done."
The elder prince moved to leave, then paused, and whipped back around. "If you see any good blades though…"
"NO!" Viltarra snapped. "You have well enough as it is! Blades in the wardrobe, blades in the couches, blades in the bed, blades in the bleeding bathroom. I have already had a time trying to figure out how to baby proof the chambers with all your swords and daggers always within reach, Fili. Enough is enough."
Fili, however, huffed and folded his arms. "I will make sure they are not anywhere a baby can reach, Nunguame. AND I believe several of them, you brought up for yourself from the armory. One of which is still embedded in the ceiling."
"The ceiling?" Leotti asked, lifting a brow.
Viltarra rolled her eyes. "That…was your fault and you know it!"
"My fault?" Fili laughed. "YOU...were the one who threw it." He bopped her on the nose with his finger; Viltarra immediately swatting him away.
Tauriel looked between the pair, lifting an amused brow. "Do we want to know?"
Snorting, Viltarra pointed to Fili. "That one, had essentially told me I was gaining too much weight to fit in my clothes by 'insisting' I start wearing dresses and gowns…for my own comfort…of course." She rolled her eyes skyward.
"I thought they would be less restricting." Fili argued.
"Oh Fi." Kili shook his head. He knew, quite well, there are things to say to your wife…and things not to say. Pregnant or not, sometimes it is best to keep…certain opinions…to yourself…or at least to not outright say them. It is one thing to pass his precious Tauriel one of his own tunics to wear, and completely another to suggest she choose loose fitting frocks, whether it was for her own comfort or not. Kili shuttered, an angry wife…makes for an unhappy life. No thank you.
Leotti, however, was bouncing with joy. "You threw the knife at him…didn't you?! Please tell me you through the knife at him! Because if you didn't…I'd like a go."
Fili rolled his eyes as Viltarra lifted a daring brow at him…though she remained silent. So instead, he answered. "Oh…she threw it alright. So hard, it bounced off the shield just a foot away from me and landed right in the high beam in the ceiling. It is in so deep, I have still not been able to pull it out."
The small seamstress clapped with glee. "Well done, Vil."
Viltarra glared at Leotti. "Call me Vil again, LEO, and I might throw a knife at you as well."
Leotti snorted and rolled her eyes, not repentant at all. "Well, I have work to do and goods to sell so I can eat when Ori gets back. You guys go ahead and I will see you later." With that, the small dam turned to greet a group approaching her stand.
Since Viltarra was hungry…and so was Fili…the pair split up once again from Tauriel and Kili to go have lunch. So, hand in hand, Kili and his beloved eleth meandered towards the one elven cart.
"Mae govannen, I thought I may see the both of you at some point." A light voice called out to the pair, and Tauriel smiled. It was Nelithi, the guard who had met them at the gate when they were returning to Erebor with the caravan from Ered Luin.
"Mae govannen to you as well, Nelithi. I am quite surprised to see you here." Tauriel smiled wide. She had helped train Nelithi, though the eleth was her senior by a thousand years…or so. Nelithi had chosen to join the guard later in life, after showing quite a bit of natural skill for combat, and an aptitude for leading. "I was not aware anyone from Mirkwood would be participating."
Nelithi bowed her head. "A few are here, not many though. Most are celebrating Mereth o'cuil. I have no children, nor a mate, so I chose to come. My brother, however, has been wanting to come see Dale for many centuries, but has never been able to leave the city. So he was quite excited to volunteer to bring some of his things down and sell them in the human city."
The tall, dark-haired eleth indicated to the stand where her near exact copy was passing an intricately carved, glass and wooden goblet to a Dalish man. Tauriel released Kili's hand and stepped further inside, picking up another cup, just like it and admiring the craftsmanship. The entire neck of the piece was carved to look like vines, complete with heavy roots to act as a base to the cup, on the opposite end of the cup the carved vines stretched up to cradle the glass portion of the goblet. It was incredibly intricate and quite detailed.
"Can I interest you in something? A mug or goblet? Maybe a bowl?" The question came in Sindarin, and took Tauriel quite by surprise with how close the voice was to her ear. She lifted her eyes to peer into a set of startling moss green orbs attached to an elf she did not know, despite being related to Nelithi. She had never met her brother in Mirkwood, there were over 40,000 wood elves living under Thranduil's rule, she could not possibly know them all. "Or perhaps..." He continued with a grin, "...you would prefer something more substantial, like lunch?"
Tauriel cocked her head and lifted a perfect brow at the suggestiveness in his tone. He clearly did not know who she was, nor had seen her condition. If he had, he would never had made such a request. "I believe my husband and I will be getting something to eat shortly." A low growl came from just beside her and Tauriel sighed. She dared a peek at Kili, and he was giving the elf a dark, menacing, glare, clearly having heard the conversation. If looks could kill, Kili would never need a blade again.
"Nagar. What are you up to now? Do you not know it is rather unwise to anger royalty?" Nelithi shook her head and stared at her brother.
"Royalty?" Nagar gave Kili and Tauriel a puzzled look.
"Pregnant royalty." Kili growled, wrapping his arm around Tauriel's waist, and pulling her tightly to him.
Nagar cocked his head to the side, still seemingly confused…until Tauriel moved just a bit out of the way of a table showcasing his craft, and the taller elf hummed as he got full view of her figure. "Ah. Of course. You, would be Captain Tauriel, and this, your naugrim prince. I have heard much about you from whisperings in the forest. Forgive me. I could not hold my tongue, for you, are a true beauty."
Kili was unappeased, and continued to glare at the other elf, so Tauriel slipped her hand inside his coat, and ran her fingers lazily up and down his spine over his tunic. He relaxed, only a bit, but did soften his glare…if only a little. However, he immediately tensed right back up when the elf leaned into Tauriel and to her alone, introduced himself…and then some. "I am Nagar, my beautiful starlit lady. Perhaps I can give you a turn about my wares."
"PRINCE KILI! Sigrid look! It's Prince Kili...and Tauriel! They came! Just as you said!"
"I see them Til, now slow down." Sigrid laughed, though it had some exasperation in the tone as she chased after her much younger sister. "Da said you are not to stray, Tilda."
Tauriel may have sighed in relief to hear her two favorite humans approaching, especially since Kili was very near choosing violence with the smirking elf across from them. As the eleth moved to greet the two princesses heading straight for her, Kili had a chance to step towards the elf who was well over a head taller than he was. "If I may make a suggestion…stay away from my wife."
The frustrating elf, however, only smiled and looked down at Kili, lifting a brow. He was clearly not intimidated in the least. "Nagar! Enough. I am sorry Prince Kili. He does not mean any ill will."
"On the contrary." Nagar sniffed. "Someone as…exotic…as that enchanting forest rose should know she would be fought for."
"She is carrying MY child!" Kili growled and stepped forward, his fists clenched as he did all he could to not pull his sword.
Nagar simply shrugged then wiped a bit of debris from the counter his glass and wood pieces were displayed on. "Relax, little prince. I am not in the market to steal your glorious flower." He lifted a brow when Kili took another step forward, his hand clearly on a weapon.
Tauriel, however, had about had it and stepped away from Tilda and Sigrid and back into the shop to stop whatever was happening from turning into a bloodbath. "Kili, stop it. I am not going anywhere. Nagar, say one more word, and it will be my blades you will be facing. I am in no way interested in your flattery. Understood?"
The tall elf lifted his hands in surrender and his smile widened. "She's got thorns." He gave Kili a very un-elflike wink, but froze and stared over the young, still very annoyed, prince, his moss-colored eyes fixed on the distance as all amusement left his face, replaced by an almost peaceful looking severity only an elf could have.
At the sudden change in demeaner, Kili could not help but peak around his shoulder to see what the elf was staring at, but he saw nothing but a bunch of rogue animals skittering about. Although both Tauriel, and Nelithi were looking in the same direction as Nagar, and he could feel the apprehension coming from his wife. So Kili cleared the few paces to stand beside her, placing a warm hand on her shoulder. "Amralime? What is it?"
Tauriel remained quiet and still for a moment, until a soft voice broke her from her state. "Tauriel? Is something wrong?" Dale's youngest princess was fisting Tauriel's cloak as she gave the taller being a concerned look. It was sad even a child so young, could be so perceptive that something was not right in the world around her.
The eleth looked down into Tilda's eyes then back over at Kili, who had a worried expression frozen on his youthful face. But Tauriel could not describe what she was hearing, which was a sound barely perceptible to the sensitive ears of the present elves just heard above the sounds of the bazaar. It was something deep, and ground into her very soul. She placed her hands on the little girl's shoulder and glanced at Sigrid who was talking to a merchant a few stalls down from Nagar's. She must have been a friend of the elder princess as they seemed close to the same age and Sigrid was laughing merrily at something the other young woman was saying in her ear.
"What is that sound? I do not recognize it" Nagar said as he stepped out of his stall and stood beside his sister who just looked at him, shaking her head.
"I have never heard the like. Perhaps it is simply the mountain settling?" Nelithi looked for verification from Tauriel, but she shook her head no.
"The mountain is in the opposite direction then you are looking." Kili added, having no idea what they are talking about. Dwarves had naturally better hearing than humans, but elves, they could hear things even dwarves could not. At the moment, something was hitting their ears and he just hoped it wasn't anything more than some natural phenomenon.
Deciding he had zero desire to end up in a situation where he or his wife and unborn son were in danger, Kili grabbed Tauriel's hand. "Come on, I think it is best we go back to Erebor. I don't know what you are hearing, but we are not taking any chances. We will stop and grab Viltarra and Fili, then go back." He looked at the little girl, then at the young woman laughing with the human she was speaking with. "We will take Tilda and Sigrid to Bard on the way." He quickly added.
Tauriel sighed. There was still so much to see, but maybe, Kili was right. However, before she could do anything, a large flock of birds flew manically into the sky, Kaw began crying out in alarm above them, and several of the dogs smattering the street began whining and howling. It was only a second later, that the ground began to shake…violently.
"EARTHSHAKE!" Nagar yelled out. "FIND COVER!"
Tauriel felt herself being pulled by Kili in the direction of a nearby wagon that sat directly across the elves stand, likely one they brought from Mirkwood to transport their wares. Having been holding tightly to Tilda, the little girl was forced to come with, and the pair was unceremoniously brought to their knees from the shaking. "We need to get underneath!" Kili yelled. Screams were filling the air as the people of Dale ran to find cover from falling stones coming off sections of the city around them.
With a bit of help, Kili was able to guide Tauriel under the wagon along with Tilda. Nelithi and Negar were just across the way, the tall elf having had grabbed, and pushed Sigrid and her friend under another wagon along with a few humans and some dwarves. He along with his sister were working to get people away from the crumbling walls which had not been quite secured or restored yet. Between a dragon, and a recent battle, though Dale was well on its way to being the city it once was, it still had quite a way to go before the infrastructure was fully restored.
"Make it stop! I want Da! Where is Da?" Tilda cried.
Tauriel pulled her to her as best she could. "Shh. It will be alright. We are safe. Nothing will happen. You will be alright." She said the words over and over as the little girl continued to cry out, and Kili, was beginning to wonder if it was for Tilda's sake, or her own. She seemed calm, but bursts of fear and worry that was not his own were hitting him, and he knew it was coming from his wife. So, as she pulled Tilda to her, he pressed her to him, trying to protect all of them as best he could.
The roaring in the city was almost deafening, and even over all that, Kili could hear the tinkling of shaking glass in Nagar's stall until several lost the battle to remain upright, and fell to the ground…shattering across the rolling cobblestone.
"SIGRID!" Tilda cried, when a cloud of dust rose and filled the surrounding area, and visualization of the two elves protecting Dale's heir were out of sight.
Tauriel's ears were filled with the surrounding chaos of yells, cries, and Arda groaning below them as its lands shook and rolled. However, she felt more than heard the ground beneath them begin to give. "KILI! WE NEED TO…"
Before she could finish, the road they were kneeling on crumbled completely and Tauriel felt herself be pulled into the opening with Kili, Tilda, the wagon, and a few other humans and dwarves who had taken refuge in the surrounding proximity.
Acting fast, Kili threw himself over Tauriel and Tilda as the ground continued to shake relentlessly. A sound almost like an explosion filled the air, and suddenly everything around them went black. It was only then, that the shaking slowed and finally…stopped completely.
Kili, however, waited a moment before he slid from under the wagon still miraculously protecting them and stood, trying to force his eyes to adjust to the near blackness around him. "Kili? Kili are you alright? Kili!"
Dropping back to his knees, Kili searched with his hands to find Tauriel. "I am fine amralime. Are you alright?"
"I believe so. Tilda? Sweetheart, can you stand?" With her own eyes still not acclimated to the extreme darkness around her, Tauriel had to reach her hand out to Tilda who was less than a few inches from her. It was more her body heat and heaving sobs that gave the little girls position away.
However, Tilda's fear was keeping her from being able to speak, so Tauriel took a calming breath and pulled the little girl to her chest when she found her. She closed her eyes and reached for the link to her own son to check on him. She could feel Finli's fear pulsing across her mind, but apart from that, he seemed alright. Fear, and desire for her and Kili was all that seemed wrong that she could read from their current distance away.
Coughing from the dust in the air, Kili once again stood from where he crouched in front of the wagon. "Is everyone alright?"
Grumbles and cries were becoming more prominent as the small handful of dwarves and Dalish people recovered from the shock and began to try and get a handle of their surroundings. "Wha' was tha'?"
It was Dynni, of that Tauriel was certain. "Kakhf, tha' hurt." And that, was Naglur. They must have been watching the area. At least she had a few of her team here.
"Anybody got a light?" Tauriel did not recognize that voice, nor was it an accent of the dwarves in Erebor, so it had to have been one of the men.
"I got nuthin' but an axe on me." Dynni answered the human.
Suddenly, the area filled with light and Tauriel looked to the source to see Naurfaer lifting a brow at her. "What, you think I would let you two stray far given your record? Figures this would happen on the day you were here."
"I thought you were watching Finli!" Kili glared.
"Relax, he is with Thorin. I was coming to check in on you with Dynni and Naglur when the ground started to shake. It was only moments ago I realized you two were not far from where I was, considering we are all of us down here now." Naurfaer held up what looked like a glass bottle to look around. "It seems as if we fell into the depths of Dale."
Tauriel sighed and tried to slide out from under the thankfully tall, and well-constructed, elven wagon; only to realize a rather sizable stone had fallen on her foot. It happened to be the same moment Kili had seen it too. "AMRALIME!" He immediately moved the stone away causing Tauriel to wince as she felt the weight she had not noticed moments ago leave her foot.
Naurfaer leaned down, moving the light to see after Kili had removed her boot…to Tauriel's immediate annoyance. "It isn't broken. You should be fine starlight. It will probably be quite sore though, as it already looks swollen."
Tauriel rolled her eyes. "I believe I could have told you the same." She accepted the hand Kili had stretched forward, to help her slide out from underneath the wagon and pulled her to stand while Naurfaer did the same for Tilda.
The moment she put her weight on her foot, however, she regretted her action, since pain rippled up her ankle to her calf, and the joint throbbed. Seeing her, Naurfaer lifted a brow and leveled her with a knowing look which had her scowling. "What? I did say it would be sore."
But before she could make a biting remark, Tauriel's attention was quickly diverted to her husband who was staring wide eyed at his own ankle. He was pressing his foot to the ground gingerly and seemed to be testing his weight on it. "Are you injured Kili?"
Kili looked up at her then back at his ankle. "I don't believe so. My ankle just gave out on me. I must have done something to it as well."
"No, it is fine, you're just feeling an echo of her pain." Naurfaer added, nonchalantly, having had seen him move around just fine moments before Tauriel stood. When Kili gave him a confused look, he sighed. "From your bond? Pain seems to transfer in addition to feelings in your case. I always thought that to be odd and unique about you two. It is not something that is considered typical, but, nothing between you ever is, is it?"
"Pain transfers?" Kili reiterated quietly staring between his wife…and his ankle.
"Only severe pain your minds cannot hold back. I doubt anything like a parchment cut or a stubbed toe would make it through the link." Naurfaer shrugged. "But of course, you should already know because you talked about all of this…right?" He gave Tauriel a challenging look, and she bit her lip in response. A cry in the distance had Naurfaer shaking his head and sighing as he moved away from them to help a female human who had just woken up.
"Prince Kili, are you hurt?" Kili, whose eyes were now boring into Tauriel, looked quickly at Tilda as she now had her hands clenching his tunic tightly.
Shaking his head, Kili knelt down and checked the little girl over. She was covered head to toe in dirt and dust, and she was still trembling, but otherwise, she seemed alright. "No. I am completely fine. Are you alright?"
Tilda nodded slowly. "I think so. What happened? Is the dragon back?"
Kili looked up at Tauriel then back at the little girl. "Honestly, I don't know what that was. But, I can promise one thing, that dragon will never be coming back. Your da killed it, he is gone for good." Tilda nodded once more and stood quietly looking between Tauriel and Kili.
With nothing else to do, Tauriel tried once more to put a bit of her weight on her foot and shuddered at the sharp pain that again filled her being. It was certainly sprained, but as quickly as the pain came, it dulled, which was a good sign. What was not a good sign, however, was the scowl on her husband's face directed straight at her.
"So, when were we going to talk about this?" Kili growled quietly. He really did not want to get into this right now, because it certainly was not the time and place for it, but something inside him was both frustrated and not a bit hurt that she had not told him of this part of their bond.
"Perhaps when we are not stuck in a hole underneath Dale." Tauriel huffed, then sighed. "I had actually meant to discuss this with you before this one was born, because…"
"I will be feeling what you do." Kili finished. He was unsure how he felt about this.
"Now that you have bonded to me…yes." Tauriel added, turning from Kili to go see how she could aid others, and perhaps get a plan together on how to get out of here.
Kili watched her step away. Now that he was bonded to her, he would feel the deep pains she would go through to bring their children into this world. It seemed fair enough to him, though now he felt a bit more apprehensive of the event, but still excited.
Moving to follow his wife, Kili smiled at the thought of his growing family. Finli seemed alright, so he was not too worried about his son in Erebor. If Finli was in pain or something worse had happened to him, he would be calling out to both he and Tauriel, but other than the sporadic bouts of fear Kili met with love and comfort, their son seemed well enough. Hopefully Thorin and mam were alright…and Fili and Viltarra too.
It only took a moment, however, for Kili to freeze, and for his heart to stop in his chest. She had said now that he was bonded to HER, he could feel her pain…but she had been bonded to him for far longer than that. Long enough to… "No…"
Kili had to calm his breathing he just realized was picking up speed and looked to his wife, who was wiping dust from Tilda's face since clearly nobody down here needed much aid. Naurfaer was helping the few others and doing most of the care himself, since everyone was more shocked than injured.
Slowly, Kili walked up to his wife who was just about to move to the few members of her team that were down here. As he got to her, he grabbed her wrist gently, but spoke to Tilda. "Hey Tilda, I need you to sit right here for a moment, okay?"
The little girl nodded, and took a seat on a small rock, but kept her eyes on the pair as Kili guided Tauriel just a few feet away. "Tell me…when did you first realize we could feel each other's pain?" He needed to know, he had to know. Over and over in his head, he heard her words, now that HE was bonded to her.
Tauriel shifted uncomfortably, and looked at Kili. Her eyes screamed what she did not say. "No…" Kili shook his head, pain filling his heart. "You felt…when I was gone…you felt it." Fury burned into his heart. It was one thing to live through torture, but completely another to find out the other half to your soul…went through it as well when you thought she was safe and protected. "Tauriel…why?! Why have you NEVER told me!?"
"I, it was over Kili." Tears began to fall from her eyes. "I cared not what I felt or went through, I was just so overjoyed you were home, and finally remembered me, that I did not even think on it."
"We promised we would be open with each other." Kili seethed. "This is not being open with each other, Tauriel."
Tauriel batted away her tears, trying not to be frustrated with her emotional state that she blames on her hormones. "Truly Kili, I do not mean to cause you pain or harm. I was going to speak to you about it before I went into labor, I am so sorry. I wish I could keep the pain from you."
"Keep pain from ME!? Tauriel!" Kili ran his hands up and down his face trying to calm the raging frustration bleeding from him. "I can handle that, what I cannot handle, is the being I love with EVERYTHING that I am, having endured TORTURE as if she had been there beside me going through it as well. What, in the name of Mahal, Tauriel?!"
"It is not completely like that." Tauriel tried to argue. "I…well…"
Then Kili went completely pail. "Finli." He stood straight. "Finli was connected to me. You said yourself. He is connected to me. My son, he felt it too."
"NO!" Tauriel cried, stepping forward and ignoring the pain in her foot. Kili immediately looked down then lifted his eyes to her, leveling her with a skeptical look.
"What I mean is, I put special blocks in place to stop the pain that was actually coming from me. And for him, it was not so much pain, as it was he felt your loss. He does not have the same bond we do, so for him, it would have only been a slight echo if anything of shock rather than the physical sensation associated with injury or hurt. As he has grown, however, he is no longer linked to us in that way. He is still linked to us, as you can feel him now, but not ever will he be woven to our minds like he was at birth. This one will be the same, he will be intricately bonded to our minds for the first year of his life, then slowly find his own mind." She tried to reach out to Kili, but he backed away, and hurt filled her heart. The last time Kili backed away from her, was when he did not remember who she was.
Seeing, and feeling the pain fill her, Kili sighed. "Did you put the block on yourself? Please say you did."
Tauriel, however, looked to the ground as more tears fell from her eyes. "I could not." Her voice was quiet and barely above a whisper, but Kili heard it all the same.
"Why?" Kili choked out, her despair mixed with his own was becoming too overwhelming for him. He needed to get out of here, to walk away and think, but they were currently stuck in a pit of sorts and escape was not an option. What was more, is he also did not want to escape, he wanted to take his eleth into his arms, and erase all the pain she felt now, and then. He also wanted to go back and kill Elbereth himself for not just causing him pain, but his beloved as well.
Elbereth. That was not someone he thought on much anymore. Kili had spoken in lengths to Naurfaer and Tauriel about the being who led his torture. It took months for him to learn how to separate his dreams at night, from the reality of being back in Erebor.
Elbereth. The red-headed elf who was in many ways, being tortured herself by a parasitic ring. Naurfaer had confided that he had encountered her in Valinor. He did not know what to think about that, the she-demon should have been sent right to whatever hell awaits elves who are evil and insidious. Yet, the same Manwe who gave them all a second chance and linked him to his Tauriel, deeply, also gave Elbereth a second chance.
Kili sighed, he was not ready to see her in any good light, but he was trying to accept the elf who was Tauriel's grandmother, and the being who tortured him, were in many ways, two different people. He hoped he had many, many more years before he would have to encounter her, because even a year later, he was having difficulty even accepting that, and will have an even harder time now that he found out Tauriel was privy to his pain in a way nobody should ever be.
With Tauriel's continued silence, Kili…despite still being furious…placed his palm on her cheek, his thumb brushing a tear away as it fell. "Why Tauriel, didn't you block it out?"
"I could not." Was her whispered response once more, but this time, with Kili's hand gently cradling her face, she had the strength to continue. "It was the only way I knew you were out there, if I blocked you out, it meant I was detaching myself from you and I would never do that. Ever. So I endured it, Kili, because, I love you so, so deeply, that I…I needed to feel you in whatever way I could. Pain be dammed, if it means I could still have you be a part of me."
"Tauriel." Kili sighed her name. "That is never something I would ever want you to go through."
"AND YOU THINK I'D WANT YOU TO GO THROUGH THAT!" Tauriel yelled, her voice echoing through the cavern causing everyone to turn and look at the couple. Naurfaer stood and folded his arms, he had been trying not to eavesdrop, but it is difficult when you have perfect hearing and the pair is arguing barely three yards away. He gave them a look, then shook his head and pulled Tilda up from her rock and moved her a bit away to give them a little more privacy. They really needed to talk this out. He would give them a few more minutes, because they also needed to come up with a plan to get out, and fast.
Tauriel looked only slightly embarrassed by her outburst, but turned back to Kili. "Just as you would not want me to be in pain, I would not wish you to be either. The reason I have not spoken to you, is because it hurts me to know you will suffer when I am in labor. Your pain and suffering, is my own. In every way, my most beloved Kili, my rock, my precious other half. I endured that pain, because we are one. We chose to come back, and walk this life together, and if I must endure hardships and pain through you, I will take it, because it means I am alive, with you."
Kili stared into her eyes, the light from Naurfaer's vile gave her an almost ethereal glow, and finally, Kili sighed and shook his head. Of all the places to be having this discussion, this was probably the worst of them. "Is there anything more you have kept from me about this bond?"
Tauriel narrowed her eyes and leaned away. "I did not keep it from you Kili, I just did not think about it until recently…and no. If there is more, I do not know of it."
Humming, Kili folded his arms and simply watched her directly across from him for several heartbeats, until finally, he nodded. "We will be discussing this a bit more, but right now, we need to find a way out of here. And, you will not argue with me when I have Oin look you over." Tauriel huffed, but did not say anything. "Don't think I am not angry with you either, Tauriel. But, I think, I may understand, at least to some degree."
Grinding her teeth, Tauriel spun around and moved away from him. She ignored the pain in her ankle, and stalked towards the others. It was not fair of him to be angry with her, when all she had done, was forget to tell him of the one thing she had missed with their bond. So if he wants to be stubborn and angry, he can be. All Tauriel wants right now, is to get out of this Valar forsaken hole, get back to Erebor, scoop up her Finli, and make sure her son is as alright as he feels. Perhaps a nap as well…and some food…would also be in order. She quite regrets not joining Fili and Viltarra for lunch now.
"Any idea what we can do?" Tauriel dusted off debris from her cloak and pants as she spoke to Naurfaer, Dynni, and Naglur.
Naurfaer looked his granddaughter over. He hated that her and Kili were not completely in balance right now, and he felt it keenly. But they needed to work this through themselves. He was confident they will be fine; they were both stubborn and hardheaded, however, they loved each other in a way he has rarely, if ever, seen before. So, he is sure with time, they could get through anything.
"I am still tryna work out what that was." Came the confused voice of the Dalish man who had happened to have been the same man to purchase the cup from Nagar before the quake hit.
"An earthshake, or earthquake depending on where you dwell in Arda." Naurfaer supplied, accepting the glowing vile back from the human woman who had been looking around the room, making sure no others fell in that they had not seen.
The man sighed as he kicked a stone across the ground beside where the street caved and they fell in, then placed his hands on his hips, scratching his head as he looked at the wagon and piled up debris. "Well, there is no going back up. It looks as if that old tower building collapsed. At least there was nobody livin' in it."
"What is your name?" Naurfaer asked.
"Bannick and that there is my wife Rosyn." The man…Bannick, indicated to the woman beside him. "And you?"
"I am Tauriel." Tauriel immediately began. "This is my husband, Prince Kili of Erebor, and my grandfather, Naurfaer." Kili and Naurfaer both nodded as their names were spoken. "And these, are Dynni and Naglur." All in all, there seemed to be a total of eight who had fallen. At least it was not a large group.
Kili looked around now that the dust had all settled. "Let me see that Naurfaer." He indicated to the light, and Naurfaer immediately passed the tiny, but brightly lit jar over to him. Kili then went to look where Bannick was standing and true to his statement, it was completely caved in. So Kili walked the parameter of the vast space. "Unless we are in some sort of basement, there has to be another way out."
Shining the light and walking in the opposite direction of the cave in, Kili explored the other half of the space. He could feel a breeze which meant the tunnel continued. It only took a few moments of searching before Kili spotted a doorway and pushed it open, coughing when a bunch of dust and debris fell on him.
"KILI! Be careful! We do not know what the stability of this place is." Tauriel warned, rushing over to her husband's side, once again ignoring the pain in her ankle as she did. She may be slightly hurt and frustrated by his attitude towards her, but she loves him and cannot lose him.
"It is fine Tauriel. Nobody knows stability and cave ins like a dwarf." Kili reminded her, and turned his dark eyes back to the revealed corridor. "Well…do we follow it? I don't see how we will ever get out any other way and it is far better than sitting here and doing nothing."
Naurfaer looked into the dark hallway, then back at the group. "I don't see why not. We can always come back here. Come on. Everyone stay together."
"What if there is another dragon down here?" Tilda asked, peeking into the darkness.
Kili bent down to her level and gave her a soft smile. "Why don't you stay with me Tilda. I will protect you from anything we encounter. Okay?"
"And Tauriel too?" Tilda asked, wide eyed and looking at Tauriel. "Will you protect Tauriel? Even though you are angry with her?"
Kili looked taken aback. "Of course. Tauriel means everything to me, Tilda. I will always protect her, no matter what." He peaked an eye up at his wife. "Even…when I am angry with her." He added, and stood, taking Tilda's hand.
Tauriel sighed. "Are you alright starlight?" Naurfaer placed a hand on her shoulder as she stood near the back of the group, watching as Kili led them out with the light.
"I should have told him." Tauriel looked to the ground. "But he had gone through so much, I did not wish to add to the heavy burden he already carried. I am unharmed, and bare no scars from what I experienced, yet I feel as if I have added to his."
Naurfaer hummed. "When somebody loves you, Tauriel, your pain, is their own. In Kili's case, the only consolation he has for what he went through, was he spared you and Finli the same fate. Yet, now he finds out, that was not necessarily true."
Tauriel's emerald eyes followed the path back up to Kili, who had paused the group as if sensing Tauriel was now too far behind, and he looked back. "Tauriel?"
"Come on starlight. It will only be a matter of time before you both give into each other. No sense in remaining angry for long." Naurfaer placed an arm around Tauriel's shoulders and guided her ahead. Seeing that they were coming, Kili turned back around to lead the group once more.
"I am not angry at Kili." Tauriel quietly whispered. "I am angry at myself."
Naurfaer squeezed her arm in comfort, and the group fell into silence as they disappeared into the dark corridors beneath Dale.
Authors Note: I still got no idea if anyone is getting alert emails for these update…because I am not getting anything from . Anyway. Hope to have another chapter out sometime this weekend. It is finals, but, I am super burnt out and this is the only thing that brings me some sense of happiness in my life right now soooo there's that. See you soon.