Reforged and Strengthened

by jezzibee83

A sequel to Reforged. Reforged and Strengthened follows the Reforged Universe and the lives of our favorite Sons of Durin and their elf, Tauriel. Watch as they fill their lives with adventure, love, and family in a world they earned through hardship and battle. Read Reforged first.

53. ACT IV Chapter SIXTEEN

Authors Note: I'm so TIRED! Lol. I wanted to get this done though so instead of passing out, I decided to push through the exhaustion and get this to you…because I love you! Anyway, I have nothing really to say here because…my brain is mush. So go ahead. It's all fluffy mush in this chapter.

Chapter Sixteen

"Bilbo, this is wonderful!" Viltarra very uncharacteristically gushed as she stepped into the sitting room. There were flowers everywhere. So many so, she even watched a fluffy bumble bee go from plant to plant as if it were still outside.

Bilbo beamed. "Well, I cannot take all the credit. Naurfaer rather willingly helped. But it is tradition to have flowers at a baby celebration in the Shire." He handed a basket to Viltarra who lifted it to show Tauriel beside her. "Those, are for your hair, if you would like them."

Since Viltarra was the one to begin the tradition, it was no surprise to her they were having a party. So she was included in the planning. But it was Naurfaer's idea to let the hobbit take the lead and have a Shire themed celebration. Said elf was currently on a ladder, draping foliage across high ceiling beams in the sitting room, humming to the tune Fili was nonchalantly plucking on the fiddle he was lazily playing as he sat on the sofa just watching the sitting room bloom.

The playing stopped though, as the door flew open and Leotti came streaking in speaking a mile a minute. "Little Otti, breathe."

Leotti rolled her eyes and glared at the crowned prince. "Shouldn't you be helping, instead of sitting on your rump like a spoiled princess?"

"I have been helping, thank you!" Fili huffed. "I even received several stings from some angry wasps while collecting flowers." Fili held up his wrist where an angry welt was forming under some sort of goop someone had placed over it. Likely Tauriel who was trying to stop Finli from catching a stray wasp buzzing around a rose. The bumble bee was harmless, but the wasp, would do some damage.

She didn't have to worry much though, because Hiril spotted the black and yellow insect, and with a rather quick lunge, had placed her massive paw on the flying menace…then ate it. "Oh my!" Tauriel quickly moved to the warg. "You are not supposed to eat those!"

With Viltarra's help, she checked the wargs mouth to Hiril's utter displeasure, though she somewhat allowed it. "Do you see anything?"

Tauriel shook her head. "I think she is alright. Miraculously."

"It probably was dead when she ate it." Naurfaer called down. "She will be fine, but hand me that ivy, will you starlight?"

Tauriel rolled her eyes and lifted the requested plant to her grandfather. "Did you leave any for the forest, or did you collect all the greenery the land has to offer?"

"Fear not, starlight, your beloved forest remains as green as ever." Naurfaer looked down at her, a grin plastered on his face. "These are mostly from the green room, and the rest just outside the mountain. Thorin forbade us from going too far beyond the gates and we most willingly complied."

"Believe it or not, Tauri…" Fili added, "We just went to the side of the mountain not far from the stable entrance. I can't even tell you how many blooms there are there, and the ivy is growing like mad. I was kind of surprised at how abundant it all was."

Naurfaer slid down the ground then looked up at his work, cocking his head to the side, then going back up and making adjustments. "I was not. I planted all of that last year."

"YOU planted that?" Viltarra gaped at the elf who pulled several large buds from the basket attached to his ladder as he nodded.

"I did. In fact, I did it a few days after I returned from Valinor. It was so if you wanted some flowers not available in the green room, you could get them." Naurfaer peeked down at Viltarra who looked stunned. "I am also playing with growing several herbs, some of which we do not have in Erebor, and even some wild mushrooms including truffles. I have not had much luck with those yet, but I am staying positive about it."

Viltarra did not know what to say. "You did it, so I would have flowers?"

"Mhm. I know you love them. I also happen to know, Tauriel loves them as well. I need you both safe, so, this way you are free to walk among the flowers, while still being well within the safety of the mountain and her guards." Naurfaer stepped down once more and smiled at Tauriel, then Viltarra, who he loved like a granddaughter as well. "Thorin has looked into walling the area up with glass windows. Making it sort of like a second green room."

"A second green room just for flowers and herbs, nunguame." Fili said, pulling her close. "Private access of course, and somewhere you and Tauri can plant whatever you wish, with no worries whatsoever. It was supposed to be a surprise." He glared half-heartedly at Naurfaer who just shrugged as he handed Bilbo the last bit of ivy. "But somebody, doesn't know how to keep his mouth closed."

"You said you were going to tell her last night. Do not blame me for your procrastination. I had wanted to show Tauriel last week, but you begged me to delay." Naurfaer folded his arms. "I delayed, as you wished."

"Not long enough." Fili grumbled.

"All the same." Viltarra turned in Fili's arms and hugged him as tight as she could. In the last week, she had grown quite a bit and there was no hiding her condition any longer. She now showed through even Fili's baggy clothes…which pleased Fili immensely…though Viltarra simply felt large. "I am both surprised and grateful. Thank you." She leaned up and captured Fili's lips for a long, drawn out, kiss which Fili eagerly reciprocated.

"Alright, alright. Enough is enough. Take these and go change." Fili was forced away from his wife by an annoyed Leotti who shoved some clothes at him and pointed to the door. "And you will be changing separately or neither of you will make it to the party."

"Change? What is wrong with what I am wearing?" Fili looked down at the pile of clothes then at Leotti who was grinning as Tauriel finished pulling tiny suspenders up over Finli's shoulders. "What are you making us wear? Why does my nephew look like a hobbit?"

"Because, it is a hobbit themed party. Are you sure you should be king? I am worried about your ability to handle the job if you cannot even comprehend a themed party." Leotti snickered and handed an outfit to both Viltarra and Tauriel.

Leveling the small dam with a glare, Fili growled. "Can you comprehend a cell?"

"FILI! Don't be rude." Viltarra huffed and pushed him towards their chambers. "We will be out quick, Leotti, I promise."

"Oh, I can be quick." Fili leered, now moving on his own accord.

"Ya, too quick." Leotti snickered in response, receiving another glare from Fili as he disappeared down the hall and out of sight.

"I think I will go change as well, is that for Kili? He should be returning any minute now." Tauriel gestured to the pile of clothes and Leotti nodded, passing it to her.

"You go ahead starlight, I will keep an eye on Finli while you change, and as soon as Kili get's here, I will send him back." Naurfaer plucked Finli off the ground where he was pushing a ball towards Hiril who pushed it back.

Tauriel sighed and nodded. "Thank you." She headed back to her room and to her bedchamber where she began pulling off her gown and froze before the mirror. "For Valor's sake, how much larger can I get?"

"Personally, I am rather a fan of the look." Tauriel narrowed her eyes at her husband who was leaning against the door, ogling her. "A very, enticing, view from my perspective."

Both knowing, and sensing, the feelings behind his look, Tauriel rolled her eyes and shook her head. "We have not the time, meleth nin. That pile is for you, by the way." She went to the bed and pulled the skirt Leotti made her over her head, which was the easiest way to get it on. It felt odd, to wear something that did not brush the floor. Hobbit women, it seems, did not favor long dresses or gowns that dragged across the floor which is what Tauriel was used to especially at this point in her pregnancy. This skirt stopped just above her ankles, swaying back and forth as she moved.

What had her laughing, however, was the same length pants on her husband. "What?" Kili wrinkled his nose as he looked down. "Oh, I see. I think Leotti got my measurements wrong. That's not like her."

Tauriel shook her head, giggling to herself as she walked up to Kili. He may be a dwarf, but he still preferred his pants to hit the floor despite stuffing them in boots. Now, he was making a rather adorable face as he sat on the bed, pulling his socks on until Tauriel came to stop him.

"We are to be hobbits today, my love. I believe the dress code calls for bared toes." She lifted her own dainty foot and wiggled her toes before giggling again. "To be honest, I am rather alright with that, getting shoes on is most unpleasant."

"Bare feet?" Kili once again scrunched his nose up in clear distaste. He hated bare feet. Only to sleep, and in the shower, did Kili ever go barefoot. Otherwise, he always had something on his feet.

"Mhm." Tauriel hummed and pulled the vest over the white blouse she wore. It stopped just below her chest which in all honesty, in her opinion, only made her appear larger. Moving to stand before the mirror, Tauriel once again sighed. "I do not understand how I can be so much larger than I was with Finli."

A pair of arms wrapped around her, and Tauriel allowed herself to be pulled back as Kili placed his chin on her shoulder. "Stop worrying, amralime. If Oin was at all concerned with any part of your health, he would say so. Instead, he seems rather pleased with himself. He even said you…what was it…glowed with motherly health."

Tauriel rolled her eyes to the ceiling. "Well, I do not feel as if I glow."

Chuckling, Kili nodded. "Oh, believe me, I know. I have full on decided morning sickness, is something I could full on live without. Did you know, by the way, until last week, I quite enjoyed a good cup of licorice tea. Thought I would have some when my stomach did not settle while I was in a meeting. So I called for it to be brought in. I do not think I have run from a meeting to a bathroom so quickly. I suppose, I now have YOUR aversion to the flavor."

Tauriel turned in his arms and pressed her head to his. It was beyond useless to try and let him hold her, there was just no way to fit in his arms unless they were laying down. "I am sorry Kili, for your discomfort, but I do not apologize for you disliking that plant now though." She shuddered. "If you ever come home smelling like that, you can sleep in with Finli."

Kili chuckled. "Well, you have no worries about that ever happening. I think I am swearing off licorice completely now." He closed the distance between them and the pair lost themselves for several minutes in each other.

At least, until Tauriel pulled away and ran her thumb over Kili's cheek. "I love you, Kili. Thank you for being so accepting of, well, everything. The bond, my race, all of me."

A soft smile grew across Kili's handsome face and he lifted both of his hands to cup Tauriel's cheeks. "You never, ever, have to thank me for something I am beyond eager to be part of in every way I can. Thank you, for choosing me." He pecked her on the lips and finally, stepped away. "Suspenders though?"

"And the vest as well." Tauriel beamed and waited, her smile growing as Kili buttoned the last button on his vest then held his arms out for her and doing a spin.

"Well, do I look hobbitish enough? Why is it we are dressed like hobbits anyway?"

Tauriel chuckled. "It was Naurfaer's idea, I believe. I do wonder if Nyaunni and Thorin will be participating fully though. I cannot see adad going shoeless, let alone dressing up like Bilbo. Though I do believe Leotti made everyone, including the company, something to wear. She has been rather excited about it and has spent the entire week working extra hours to get it all done."

"Well, I did hear Ori has been rather busy." Kili stepped in front of the mirror, tugging at the vest which was a bit tighter than he was used to. "He has been doing training in the library this entire week."

"Oh, I did hear it was opening soon." Tauriel pushed her husband away from the mirror and towards the door. "Stop fussing with it, you look perfect, but if you keep tugging, you will wrinkle."

Kili grumbled, looking down at his feet which were much larger than Tauriel's, but certainly smaller than Bilbo's. "I would prefer to wear shoes."

"Me too brother." Fili stepped out of his room the same time as Kili and Viltarra. Both looked at the other up and down, then burst into laughter. "Alright, I feel less stupid." Fili wiped a tear from his eyes as Viltarra smirked. She said nothing though, and they went in to join Naurfaer getting the room finished.

Even the smells of food filled the entire royal suites as Vin and Tarrah set to work in the kitchen having closed their stand for the afternoon. They too were dressed as hobbits, though they seemed rather alright with it as they bustled around the kitchen barefoot. Their contribution was not so much decorative, as it was delicious. They were baking some dessert which even Finli was helping with. The toddler had run into the kitchen, happily climbing up on a chair Tarrah pulled over to help. Everyone, it seemed, was in the mood for the celebration.

"Are you still in here?" Nyaunni opened the door to Thorin's office where he sat glaring at a pile of clothes on his desk with a note attached. "And what, is that for?"

"The party, apparently."

"And does it deserve such ire from you?" Nyaunni huffed out a laugh as she sat on the corner of Thorin's desk, lifting the tweed vest and brown trousers underneath. "With the look you are giving it, I would have assumed it insulted you somehow."

"I…am not wearing that." Thorin growled and pushed the pile towards the far side of the desk.

"Okay, then don't." Nyaunni lifted a brow.

"Those are supposed to be for you, by the way." Thorin gestured to another pile sitting on the chair in front of his desk.

Intrigued, Nyaunni stood and lifted the layered skirt that matched his tweed vest. "Interesting choice in fabric, but I do not hate it. Far better than anything I wore in Minam, and a bit different then our designs. What, exactly is this for?"

Thorin sat forward, his elbows on his desk as he ran his hands down his face in annoyance. "Somehow, the party for Viltarra and Tauriel, turned into a hobbit themed party. All in attendance are…encouraged…to dress accordingly."

"Even the elven king?" Nyaunni smirked then laughed as Thorin peaked up at her.

"I had not thought to relay the development because I quite seriously doubt Thranduil would accept such a notion." Thorin watched as Nyaunni nodded then went back to the pile of clothes. Her vest perfectly matched Thorin's trousers, they would be a matching pair if he chose to wear them.

"Are there no shoes?" Nyaunni looked to the floor then around the chair to see if she missed something.

"Hobbits…" Thorin grumbled. "…do not wear shoes."

"Oh, and are we to do the same?" Nyaunni held the skirt up to her waist, pulling it against her and smiling.

"I would assume as such." Thorin stood as Nyaunni refolded the skirt. "Is it time to go?"

Gathering her outfit, Nyaunni paused and stared at Thorin who was already at the door, waiting for her. "Aren't you forgetting something?" She gestured to the pile of clothes still on the desk and Thorin huffed.

"I am not wearing that."

"Well, you can at least take it with you. Besides..." Nyaunni sauntered up...or at least...she hoped it was sauntering...how does one saunter? Regardless...she stepped before Thorin and lifted her azure eyes. "...I think you would look rather fetching in those." She grabbed onto his cotton vest and pulled him down to her. "And, it is just for tonight."

Thorin blinked, so lost in her eyes he had to physically shake his head and clear his throat. He looked over her at the pile on his desk before muttering a deep and rumbling, "Fine!"

Nyaunni kissed him on the cheek as she pulled away, grinning while watching Thorin stomp towards the desk, grab the clothes from his desk, then stomp right back to the door. The entire time, Nyaunni just followed him with her eyes, an amused expression on her face.

Shaking her head, Nyaunni fell in step with her betrothed and slipped her arm through his, smiling wide. "Come now, no need to go all orc on me. It is just an outfit. I have seen you forced into far worse than trousers, a cream shirt, and a vest. Remember that dress your grandfather made you wear for formal ceremonies? The one with the gold trimming and the puffy sleeves?"

"That...was a tunic and the gold, was chain male...with gems attached. Thank you. And the sleeves were not puffy. But..." Thorin pulled up the image and shuddered. "I see your point."

"The necklace, though, was lovely." Nyaunni smiled, but her eyes were teasing.

"I am sure there was some symbolic need for the attire, Nyaunni. I just cannot remember it at this moment, but you win. I will wear this...costume...but only if you wear yours."

"Deal." Nyaunni grinned but paused before Balin...a barefoot Balin...who was already in his outfit. "Oh, hello Balin."

"I need you both to follow me. There is somethin' I want to show you that I think...will make you very happy. Come, come."

Thorin nodded and followed his barefooted records keeper down the steps to his office, trying not to cringe at Balin's lack of footwear. He did not even acknowledge Litin who as usual, just stared at Thorin as he entered.

"Is there something you need?" Nyaunni lifted a brow and stared at Litin as he turned his magnified eyes on her. "Perhaps, you have a task to undertake?"

"Litin, I told you to take the nigh' off. Go on. Go spend some time with yer da. He's been askin' about you." When Lintin just stood staring, Balin again shewed him. "Go on now." Litin finally nodded and silently left the room.

"Balin, you really need to work with him and his staring." Nyaunni shook her head and stared hard a Balin. "If he is to be your apprentice, he needs to maybe, not annoy the king."

"I am not annoyed..." At her disbelieving look, Thorin grumbled. "Not just at Litin. Balin, get that dwarf some lessons in propriety. I can't have him taking report in meetings with lords from other clans, staring like he does."

"Aye, Thorin, I had already made plans for such lessons. Now, give me a moment..." Balin disappeared behind a shelf, both Thorin and Nyaunni hearing the telltale sounds of an old drawer opening and the ruffling of parchment for several minutes, before the drawer slammed shut and Balin, barefoot and all, came walking back up to them, an old scroll in his hands.

"I don' know why he did it, cause it is no' normally done lassie." Balin said handing her the scroll. "But your father, had all of yer records transferred to Erebor. Dryok don' have records of you in his possession, they are all here. Every one. Birth, citizenship, everythin'."

Nyaunni stared at Balin, then, accepted the records. True to his word, Nyaunni unfolded her birth record, and her clan records which showed her home clan as... "Erebor? I don't understand, Balin. Shouldn't my records show the firebeards as my home clan?"

"Yes, an no. Correct me if I am wrong, bu' there was some, understandin', between yer fathers about the both of you?" Balin looked between Thorin and Nyaunni, both nodding as they looked down at the record. "I canno' say for sure, bu', if I were to guess, yer father, had the records moved…fer your protection."

As Nyaunni looked through the records at awe, she paused on a sealed envelope, addressed to her. "Balin?"

"I did no' want to open that, since it is yours." The old dwarf smiled as he watched Nyaunni hand Thorin the stack of parchment and fingered the letter.

"It is in my fathers hand." The dam felt a lump in her throat and swallowed it away as she took a breath, and broke the seal. Inside, were two pieces of parchment, a contract of sorts, and, a letter from her father. Nyaunni's hand flew to her mouth to smother a sob as she read:

My dearest most beloved daughter,

If you are reading this, then I have entered our ancestors halls before you became of age. Every memory we have, is more precious to me than any stone, jewel, or hall of gold. You are more precious to me than any position I may have in this world, or the next. I would give it all up, for just one more memory with you, my daughter. Your happiness, your joy, is of the greatest importance to me. Which is why, I made the decision, to formally relinquish your clan rights to Erebor. A daughter of Uri, you will always be, but you will never have to worry about being forced into a position where you must choose between your clan, and your hearts desire.

It also means, none in our family, can force a match to continue our line and grow the firebeards, if it is not your true desire. You have a gift, my daughter, one blessed to you from our first father, but it is also a great and powerful curse. Be mindful of who knows of it, and always be aware of their true motives in wanting to benefit from it. You are not a brood mare, my daughter. I will not have it. If Uri wants this gift to remain alive, he will will it in another. It took well over one hundred generations for it to come about again, and perhaps, another hundred more before we see it in another. Whether they be your descendant, or not.

From this moment forward, in my absence, I give full custody of you to Thrain, son of Thror. Your home, is now Erebor. All of your records have been transferred to these halls, so on the day when you choose to tie yourself to one who truly holds your heart, you will have no barriers.

I love you, Nyaunni. I love you. Let this be my gift to you; find and keep your happiness, wherever it be, and be free to live the life you choose for yourself. I will always be proud of you, always, my daughter, and I will always be with you.

With all my love,

Your father.

Tears fell on the letter as Nyaunni was pulled into an embrace, crushing both her, and the words of her father against a solid chest. "What is it Nya? What does it say?"

Unable to speak, Nyaunni just broke down into Thorin's chest. Her father was always putting her first. Even before he knew his fate, he made certain she would be free to choose her own destiny. Not many daughters of great lords have that ability. If Draupnir had died before she became of age, and Thror dropped their agreement, Nyaunni would have been forced to return to the clan where her records resided, her home clan.

But, her father, made certain that would never happen. He made certain she would not be forced into a loveless match to further their line. He made certain, she was free.

Pulling away from Thorin, Nyaunni wiped her eyes and handed Thorin the note. "I am free."

Giving her an odd expression, Thorin read the letter from Draupnir in complete silence. He then opened the contract, signed by both his father, Thrain, and Draupnir. A contract that gave Thrain complete control over Nyaunni's fate until she became of age. Then, Nyaunni was released to live a life she chose. It was explicitly outlined in the contract, a very tight contract.

"We don't need Dryok, Thorin." Nyaunni finally said softly. "We don't need him to reverse any records, because if there was true legal record of my death…"

"It would have to be here." Thorin finished. "Any other record would be invalid, because death records are only seen as valid if they are done by the home clan, and your father, transferred your clan to Erebor." Nyaunni nodded with a watery smile and finally, Thorin beamed. "We do not have to wait to get married."

"No." Nyaunni shook her head wrapping her arms around Thorin. "No we do not."

Balin watched, a silent observer of their beautiful moment, wiping a stray tear from his own eyes. "A hearty and true congratulations."

Pulling away, Nyaunni looked to Balin. "May I keep this?" She accepted the letter back from Thorin, but Balin shook his head sadly.

"Not right away lassie. I am sorry. I need to create copies for its safety. This is no little document. But as soon as I do, I will give you a copy."

"Not the original?" Nyaunni ran her hand over her fathers signature.

"No lass, again, I am deeply sorry. Bu', the original, must remain here in the official records room. However, I happen to pride meself in my ability to recreate, I assure you, it will be indistinguishable from the original."

"Balin." Thorin sighed. "Let her keep the original. You know as well as I, true copies are fine as long as the original does not leave the mountain, and Nya is not going anywhere. We will keep it safe."

Balin shook his head but gave in. "Alrigh' Thorin. Give me a few days, and I will hand deliver it to you." He then walked up to Nyaunni, placing a hand on her shoulder. "He loved you lass, an' he put you first. No better father, than tha'."

It took a minute before Nyaunni was able to hand the letter from her father, to Balin. "I swear lassie, you will have it back soon." She watched as he went back to where he retrieved it, taking all of the documents with him, and put them back in the drawer. She then heard the telltale sound of a lock activating as Balin stepped back into view, holding up the key and handing it to her. "How about this lass, you can join me in copying, and you alone, have the key to yer records. I put them in a free drawer that locks so it is protected, and accessible to you until it is back in yer hands. Okay?"

Nyaunni wrapped her arms around the slightly shorter dwarf and nodded. "Thank you, Balin." The records keeper chuckled and patted her fondly on the back before she drew away and wiped the excess tears from her eyes. "Alright, that is enough tears for now, we have a party to get to and your family to celebrate."

Thorin stared at Nyaunni for several heartbeats, then brushed some of her hair out of her eyes, his thumb brushing the pink scar on her cheek. "Our family, Nya. Contract or not, they are your family too now." Nodding, she turned away from Thorin, already too overcome with emotions to take on any more.

Balin handed Nyaunni the pile of clothes she had set on the desk which included Thorin's, before the three made their way up through the halls towards the royal wing. This, was her home. Somehow, the new development gave Nyaunni a sense of peace she had been missing. She was a firebeard, but she was also Ereborian. Erebor, was her true and legal home.

A weight fell on her shoulder, and Nyaunni looked up at Thorin who was not looking at her, but ahead. However, his presence was enough, and Nyaunni pushed all her thoughts away and just focused on tonight, on her new…and old…family.

"Evenin' Thorin, Balin, Nyaunni." The group paused as Bofur, with his hands pull of boxes, came walking out of the market.

"Oh lad, let me help you." Balin took a few boxes.

"Why thank you, Balin. Are yeh all headed up? Bifur is helpin' Kili get the crib up from his office with Bombur and Ori. This here is his other gift I promised I would bring up." Bofur gestured to the largest box in his arms. "Could use some extra eyes to see though."

"What is that?" Thorin lifted a brow, then remembered Kili going on about a music box he was making, and realized this must be it. He was looking forward to seeing it in person, Kili had shown him the drawings and designs and he was quite in wonder at just those, and Kili's talent to create. If the gift itself was anything like the drawings, it will be magnificent.

"A gift from the lad." Bofur supplied before Thorin could answer his own question. "Why aren' ya dressed? Didn't Leotti give yeh somethin' to wear? I swear that dam is frightenin' when she is on a mission. Could singlehandedly win a war, Leotti could."

"I do not doubt that." Thorin chuckled as he looked Bofur up and down. Like Balin, he was in breeches too short for him, a cream button up top, and a corduroy vest. Though he did seem to add a few personal touches. For one, Bofur had a rather fitting pocket watch in his vest pocket with a gold chain trailing to the buttonhole, and a rather fancy straw hat in place of his usual fur hat he wore year around. He also, like Balin, was barefoot. "You know, you could have worn shoes and taken them off rather than traversing the mountain in bared feet."

"An wha' am I goin' to step on? A sharp stone?" Bofur laughed. "Floors smooth enough to go without shoes. Come on, I want to get these delivered, before Tauri and Viltarra deliver."

Rolling his eyes, Thorin allowed Bofur and Balin to lead the way as he and Nyaunni trailed them all the way up to the royal wing, though they all froze and stared at the guards at the bottom of the steps.

"Andar…are those…flowers?" Thorin smirked at the colorful buds designed into a crown and placed on both the guards' heads. They equally looked unamused, but wore them none the less.

"Aye. The lassie, Leotti, brough 'em down. Said it was part of the festivities." Andar lifted his eyes as if he could see the abomination, and sighed, but did not move to remove it.

"You really do not have to wear that." Thorin sighed. "I will talk to her."

Andar, however, just waved him off. "It is jus' for tonight." He smiled and watched the group go up, though Thorin did pause and turn.

"Andar, the elven king should be here shortly, make sure he and his son are shown up the moment they arrive. Aeodhen is aware of their visit."

"Aye." Andar said once more. "Captain is already waitin' for em. He an Shaada are plannin' on walkin' them up when they arrive."

"Very good." Thorin turned back around and finally entered the sitting room. "Mahal above, what am I seeing."

All around him were flowers and greenery, food and party favors. It was as if he was transported out of his mountain, and into a land of merry making fairies. Or perhaps, just saying he was back in the shire was another way of putting it. Before he could say anything, though, Leotti was folding her arms and staring. "Did you not receive my package?"

Nyaunni rolled her eyes and pushed Thorin towards his chamber before his temper had him saying something to ruin the evening. "Come on, you can keep me company while I change if you insist on not joining in."

Thorin huffed but allowed himself to be guided by Nyaunni to his chambers. Ever since they decided to come together, neither Nyaunni nor Thorin thought it was worth having separate chambers. She already moved her things from her guest room to his room the week before, though she did still have her childhood chambers available to her if she needed some space.

But in truth, she has been finding comfort in not only Thorin, but Dis as well. They spend a good part of the evening just sitting together on the sitting room couch, Dis talking about Ered Luin, her boys, and Vili. While Nyaunni told her about Minam and those she got close to.

Dis never once judged her, neither did she hover over her and Thorin. They were adults, and nobody came into their private chambers except the company and the family so they would not be subject to petty gossip. Nyaunni already said she could care less either way though, if a dwarf wanted to waste their breath on such conversation, there was no stopping them whether it be true or not.

As for Dis, she was just happy her brother finally had the chance to find his own true happiness in his life. He deserved it after all he went through and all he achieved. It did sadden her that he would never get the chance to truly father children, but Thorin, who had spoken to her about it privately said he could care less. He had sons, and a daughter, and was perfectly content with Fili being his direct heir.

It had come up when Dis had asked during a private lunch in his office, if she should speak to Fili about possibly losing his place in line. She knew Fili, and his large heart, he would never feel anything but love for his uncle, even if Thorin produced his own heir. It was just a fact of life. But Thorin immediately dispelled such notions. "Nyaunni cannot bear children Dis. Fili will never lose his place."

That had Dis taken aback. She almost did not ask, but Thorin told her everything knowing Nyaunni would not mind. It broke her heart hearing the reason. Nobody, should ever have to make such a choice…but…she could understand why Nyaunni did as she did and would certainly never hold it against her. Nyaunni also had spoken to Dis about it, on a night when Thorin had some late meetings, and it was just the two of them sitting together and talking about the upcoming births of Dis's new grandchildren. By this time, Dis had already known, but she listened as Nyaunni opened up to her.

It was a difficult conversation for Nyaunni, but she wanted Dis to know. But Dis had just held her hand tightly, and reminded her it was not her fault. Remembering that night, Nyaunni smiled. Dis was an extraordinary dam, that was for sure, and she looked forward to calling her sister soon.

Shaking her head, Nyaunni continued to tug Thorin into his…their…bedchamber, then immediately began undressing. Now that, took a bit of getting used to for Thorin. Nyaunni could care less, but Thorin at first, seemed a bit taken aback and uncomfortable. He still tended to look away, such a gentledwarf. "It is nothing you have not seen before, Thorin. We have shared a bed for nearly two weeks now, and ourselves with each other as well. I think we should be past the embarrassment of seeing the other in full flesh."

Grumbling, Thorin stood and picked up the vest on the top of the pile as Nyaunni pulled her skirt up over the white shift and began buttoning the vest overtop, eyeing Thorin curiously. "You don't have to wear those if you don't really want to, Thorin."

Thorin sighed and shrugged his tunics and leathers off, then pulled the button up over his shoulders with the vest he kept unbuttoned. He stared at the pants then rolled his eyes as he changed out of his customary trousers, and into the hobbit style before sitting on the bed and beginning to pull his boots on.

Nyaunni just watched, her feet completely bare and toes wiggling as she giggled. "Feels freeing, just a bit." Uri, who had just been asleep in her pocket, climbed from the pile of discarded clothes and looked up at her. "Sorry little one, I forgot you were in there. Come on up." She kneeled and pulled him up, putting him into her large skirt pocket where she felt him shifting before going still once more, likely having fallen back to sleep.

For his part, Thorin stared at her bare feet for a moment, then threw the boot he had half on across the room. "Fine! Bare feet. Happy?"

"I would be happier, if I knew you were happy as well." Nyaunni sat on the bed and took his hand. "Are you happy, Thorin?"

All of the annoyance fled the dwarven king and he gave her a smile that lit up his face. "I don't have to wait to marry you, and that makes me beyond happy. But I will wait for however long you need, Nya. However long."

"How about, next week?"

"Next week?" Thorin asked looking surprised. "Are you sure Nya? We can wait if you need more time to acclimate."

"One day, three, seven, a month, two, a year. It doesn't matter how long we wait, my feelings for you and your family will not but grow. I don't see any reason to put it off if we have what we need to proceed." Nyaunni fingered the open vest, buttoning a button Thorin had missed likely in his haste to get ready.

"Next week." Thorin rubbed his chin then nodded. "It is a week before Viltarra is due, and about three before Tauriel is due, so the timing should be fine." He twisted to look at her, giving her a smile as he ran his fingers through the patches of hair on her jaw. "Next weeks end?"

"Then we can spend the weekend just the two of us. I see no reason for any extravagant time away from the family, not with two births coming." Nyaunni took Thorin's free hand and held it tightly. "Kili and Fili will likely be needing to spend less time helping to run things and more time with their wives, who will be getting more and more uncomfortable as their due dates approach."

Nodding, Thorin sighed. "You are not wrong. Are you sure you don't want to wait? We could take more time off and be just the two of us if we get married next month."

"But that is the thing, Thorin. I do not want to wait. I waited almost two-hundred years, I do not want to wait any more." Nyaunni leaned forward, her brow brushing Thorin's. "We can take a small respite in a month, when Kili and Fili are settled with their newborns. But the wedding, I want next week." She felt Thorin nod and she closed the distance, sighing as Thorin purred when their lips met.

He did groan, however, as she pulled away and stood. "Come, let's see if they need any more help getting the festivities going, and we can let them know about our plans next week." Thorin grinned and stood, accepting her hand as they joined the family.

Kili sat on the chaise, smiling at his son who was trying to ride Hiril as she lay on the ground. The warg, just turned and licked Finli's leg and thumped her tail as the toddler tugged and pulled on her fur to get atop of her. "Be careful, Finli. Don't hurt her."

"She's fine." Fili hollered from where he was arranging gifts as they were delivered. Though this was a celebration for family and close friends only, the inhabitants of Erebor were not so out of the loop that word of the party had not gotten out to the public, so all morning and even last evening, gifts from the dwarves of Erebor have been arriving for both Tauriel and Viltarra. So many so, they were stacked quite high in the sitting room. From the looks of it, they will be there all night just opening gifts.

Thorin had also invited Bard and his children, but he respectfully declined. It happened to be little Tilda's birthday, and Bard had gotten her a pony...well...said pony actually came from Erebor. It was one of the elder, gentler, ponies that was too old to do any heavy lifting, but still had a good few decades of life left to eat, and carry the tiny Tilda around until she outgrows him.

Bard was both thankful, and excited to surprise his youngest with the gift...which Thorin outright refused payment for. "He's taking up space and food, you are doing me a favor, he is yours." The dwarven king said as he passed the reigns to Bard yesterday. Bard too had a few gifts to add to the pile, one from him, and several from his children for both infants.

One such gift Fili held in his hand, currently trying to find a place for. "I might need that ladder, Naurfaer." Said elf looked down at Fili and chuckled as he watched the blonde prince shrug and place it on the table by the door. "If we get any more, we may need to re-think furniture arrangements."

"You mean more o' these?" Dori asked, stepping in with an arm full of gifts, Nori, Gloin, and Gimli behind him pushing a cart they likely had to carry up the stairs. "We were stopped more than a dozen times, asked ta bring these up fer yeh both. Where do yeh want em?"

Fili blinked at the gifts just brought in, then at the pile, and shrugged. "At this point, just find a free space and remember where you put them. Kili, what is Tauri doing to your hair?"

Kili looked up from his son to his brother and smiled, but did not answer. He did feel is wife press her lips to the back of his head and pull away, then continue her work. She was braiding flowers into his wild mane, pulling blooms from the basket beside her. He had just finished her hair, plaiting in crown of flowers around her head, then weaving them into her long, red, locks all the way down her back. She looked, to Kili, enchanting.

Before Fili could laugh, he felt something fall over his eyes followed by a set of warm lips on his cheeks. "A crown, for the crowned prince." The husky whisper breathed into his ear, causing Fili to shiver. He was so stunned, he did not even move to rip the flower crown from his head, instead, he just smiled at his wife whose eyes sparkled in delight. His own special flower.

The party had not even begun, and the room was already filled with laughter and joy. Bilbo was in the corner with Bofur, Bifur, and Bombur, casually talking about music together. Thorin was sitting beside Tauriel on the sofa, adding flowers to Nyaunni's hair as she sat between his legs. He did not even make a sound as Finli stood on the seat beside him and put a flower crown over his own head, not wanting to upset the toddler who seemed pleased with his contribution to his grandfather's attire.

There were several dwarves not in the company of the family who came and went, bringing platters and trays from the large kitchens. Dis had offered to cook the meal, but Thorin had forbade it. He wanted the family to enjoy the evening. Though Vin and Tarrah refused to back down about several menu items, such as cheese buns Viltarra helped bake as it was her specialty, a cake decorated half for Viltarra, and half for Tauriel, and some cookies Finli had been helping bake for his auntie and his mama. Otherwise, the meal was made by Bombur's team, and delivered to the royal suite.

There was, however, quite a sudden silence that fell through the room as the door opened and the tall, slender, figure of Thranduil floated in, looking around rather curiously. Never, in all his thousands of years, had he even once been into these chambers. His son, though, had been in here quite a few times...even taking a room when he needed to stay longer. Though Legolas's eyes did sparkle with barely hidden amusement as he took the party in.

"This is rather a festive room, Thorin. I am quite in surprise you decorated as such. I never took you for one enjoying greenery." Thranduil lifted a brow, his expression gaining even greater surprise when a toddler ran up to him, pointing at his feet, yelling. "No shoes!"

"Finli!" Kili jumped up, a flower falling to the ground that had been loose in his hair as he scooped up his son. "You will have to forgive my son; he is still learning manners. Please do not feel obligated to remove anything, we are honored nonetheless by your attendance."

Tauriel, though stood in stunned silence. Not because of her son, but because she had never thought the great Thranduil would ever even consider entering her family's private halls. Her surprise grew when Thranduil bowed low to Finli. "Do forgive me, little prince, for my attire. I shall comply as best as I can." To everyone in the rooms surprise, Thranduil made quick work of his boots, pulling them, and the socks underneath off, then smiled softly at the toddler. "Do I have your approval to enter, little lord?"

Finli nodded, squirming out of his father's arms and running to the basket beside the door, which was tall, but since it was on the floor...he was able to reach inside, grasping a colorful flower circlet, and thrust it up at the now barefooted elven king, and prince...who had also taken his shoes off.

Thranduil knelt on the ground and lowered his towering head to the smallest prince and waited. Finli at first just looked at his father, who nodded his approval, so he placed the crown on the elven king's head, then ran to Kili, lifting his arms to be picked up. He was doing so much better with strangers these days, but still tended to be a bit skittish when he was feeling overwhelmed. Both Tauriel and Kili were beyond proud, however, of his growth and improvement.

"Do I not get one?" Legolas lifted a brow then rolled his eyes as Fili placed one of the flowered circlets on his head, smirking.

"Anything else?" The blonde heir of Erebor laughed at Legolas's glower, though it brightened into a smile as Tauriel walked towards him.

She was first to officially greet the elven king, bowing her head. "I was not aware you would be attending, I do hope your journey here was not too uncomfortable."

"Of course not." Thranduil responded, handing his summer cloak off to one of the four elven guards who stood in attendance in the room. They would not participate in any way, but be there for whatever needs Thranduil may have of him.

Legolas had thought it to be a bit much as he personally never had guards come into the suites with him when he was here, and he was able to talk his father down from a half dozen, to just four. Though two would be stepping out to join the dwarven guards at the door.

"We were in fact, just in Dale studying the remains Bard so graciously gave us access to. Though we do not believe we will ever be able to reach the city. The lake, is now rather sizable and several leagues deep." Thranduil nodded to a pair of his guard, watching as they stepped out of the suites before he turned back to the eleth he raised. "Unfortunately for us, it does not yet seem to be stopping anytime soon either. That lake, will be rather large when it reaches its limit. Four times that of the one Esgaroth was built upon, and more than thrice that deep. Unless it recedes, which I do not see happening, Minam, and the history there, is lost."

"I wish I could say I am sorry for that." Nyaunni said, still sitting between Thorin's legs, though Finli had moved to join her after Kili put him down to stand beside his wife.

There was something not necessarily in Tauriel's demeaner, but rather deeper, that had him on edge. She was…uncomfortable. Yet, not completely displeased. It was as if her feelings were at war between wanting to be happy and wanting to run from the room. If he were to guess, it had little to do with Legolas, and everything to do with Thranduil. His wife loved the elven prince like another brother, but said princes father? There was little doubt in Kili's mind that she respected him…but that respect was built with fear and an intense need to make him proud. A need, he never once made her feel she achieved.

Though, Kili does believe since the battle, Thranduil has tried to somewhat mitigate the distance between them…he also firmly believes the distance between Erebor and Mirkwood was a much better balm than any gifts, gestures, or surprise visits. Even if he apologizes to her…which he will never do…for all he had put her through, those scars she bares from her upbringing, those memories of cold indifference, of absolutely no fatherly affection, and the constant barrage of disappointment he through at her, will never go away and will likely never heal.

But that does not mean Tauriel has not found solace. No. Her balm is Erebor, it is her family who cherishes her and dotes on her, it is her grandfather who tells her stories of her parents and tells her how proud he is of her…how proud they are of her, and it is the respect of the people she has that she earned. They are as loyal to her, as she is to them.

Now, thinking back to that day in the healing halls of Mirkwood, when Thranduil offered Tauriel and Finli a place to stay, Kili almost growls in righteous anger. There was no way in middle earth, Kili would EVER allow his son to be subjected to the same mental abuse his wife had been through her entire life there. Neither would he allow his wife, his world, to be put back into that toxic environment.

That is not to say Mirkwood does not have its peace and joyful living. He is sure beyond a doubt the majority of elven inhabitants are more than happy not just for their life there, but with their king as well. But they were born within the city's walls, and they are of believable elven blood. Tauriel was not born in Mirkwood and has many physical attributes to prove that such as longer ears, her shorter stature, and her vibrant red hair. Not to mention, she certainly has a personality that screams exotic in terms of the Mirkwood people. And his son, his Finli, would certainly never pass as an elfling. Kili glanced at Finli who had crawled up to sit snuggly beside his grandfather, likely sensing the safety there in.

Despite half of his genetic make-up coming from an elf, Finli, looked like any dwarfling his age, indistinguishable from the other two-year-old's in the mountain save for the slight…very very slight…point in his ears. In fact, one would even have to look closely at him to see it, and more often than not, even that was hidden behind his dark mane. Knowing what Kili did of the elven city and its people, Finli, would never have been accepted in Mirkwood. He would have undergone the same, if not worse, treatment than Tauriel did growing up despite whatever defenses Thranduil set up for him.

Kili thanks Mahal in his prayers every day for giving Tauriel the courage and the fortitude to not give up on him, and to want to come back to Erebor. But you better believe it, that if Kili came to himself and found out his wife chose to stay in the elven city, that he would not waste a single second jumping on Maryn, and going to retrieve them. They belonged here, in the mountain, with his family…with their family.

"Were you able to find anything of interest?" Taking Tauriel's hand, Kili decided to draw the elven king into conversation. He sensed a relief overcome him and squeezed his wife's small hand, knowing it came from her.

"Perhaps, you can share whatever it is over dinner." Dis interrupted before Thranduil could answer. "Dinner is served and since everyone is here, let us eat."

The gathering wasted no time entering the formal dining room where foods were piled high on trays and in tiered platters. Bilbo had personally helped put the menu together, and much of the food was hobbit inspired. Though there was also a good portion that were simply Tauriel and Viltarra's favorite foods.

Pulling out the chair for his wife, Kili sat beside her. He peered around her though, to make sure his son was not causing problems, but Naurfaer had him in his lap and Nyaunni was currently making faces at him causing the toddler to giggle and laugh.

That was another thing he was grateful for. Nyaunni. For many reasons. The first and most obvious was the happiness she brought his uncle. Thorin deserved the same joy Kili felt whenever he looked upon Tauriel, or when she drew him in for a kiss, or pulled him to their chamber. The unbridled happiness when she just sat beside him reading, or ran her fingers through his hair as she hummed, or even when they sat working together. It was a deep sense of completion, Tauriel brought to his life, and for everything Thorin went through and all he did for he and his brother, his surrogate father deserved that same happiness.

The other thing was how quickly Finli took to Nyaunni. He was a bit standoffish with her at first…and she with him, but it did not take long for the dam to win his favor and he hers. Of course, it helped that Thorin more than doted on Finli. In fact, Thorin, dotes on Finli far more than even Dis does. So it is for the likely reason that Thorin and Nyaunni have rarely been apart since they became an official couple, that Finli realized Nyaunni's place in the family and formed an attachment with her.

Though, it could also be how good she is with him. She would even take him to the stables with her on mornings when the rest of the family was either in important meetings, or training that was too dangerous for little tots to be running amuck. That, is where the battle really began. The first time Nyaunni offered to take Fin, he through the first tantrum Kili and Tauriel had ever seen him throw.

Tears, screaming, and kicking all played a part as the clearly angry toddler was not going to go without a fight. Not to mention, the added bonus of a child who was for all intents and purposes, telepathically linked to his parents…which he also used when his physical tantrum was not working. He sent rather displeased waves causing both Kili and Tauriel to wince and groan as their minds filled with the mental side of Finli's tantrum.

For what felt like the first time in Finli's life, Kili had to intervene with stern words and a tone Finli had never heard come from his beloved father before. But Mahal above, now Kili was both nauseous and had a forgeman pounding away in his head, so his customary patience just was not there.

The tantrum quickly turned to real tears as Finli went from angry, to distraught. Of course, Kili felt guilty and pulled his son close right when Tauriel nearly pushed Kili from the room. He then sat his son down and explained as best he could, that Nyaunni was like nana now, and he was going to have fun with her seeing the horses.

"Just go." Nyaunni had said. "It will be easier with time, but I think, he will just have to cry it out."

"Ya, but he doesn't just do it for you to hear." Kili grumbled. He loves his son with all he was, but between the changes his body was going through as the birth approaches and his sons mental attacks, he was already in a foul mood. "He can let us know just using his mind."

"For now." Tauriel added. "It will pass eventually."

"And you will miss it when it is gone." Naurfaer added, having been waiting for Tauriel and silently watching the mess unfold. It was a good thing Dis was gone, or maybe not. Finli never threw a fit when Dis was in the room. But the matriarch of the family had taken Bilbo with her to school that morning, since the children all wanted to meet the hobbit who helped win over the mountain. He was quite the celebrity among the dwarflings.

Miss it or not, Kili was currently trying to rub the pain away with the hand not secured around his son who was clinging tightly to him. "Maybe your right, Nyaunni." He stood and passed his soon to be aunt his son, who began crying once more, reaching for his father and calling out to him…even as Kili walked to the door, though he did give one last forlorn look to the distraught toddler as he stepped out.

Tauriel told him later that day that when she had retrieved Fin, he didn't want to leave Nyaunni, so somehow, she had won him over and the next day…Finli more than eagerly went with her to the stable. In fact, when Kili had a free morning, Finli insisted on them going with Nyaunni, tugging on his hand and berating him in his own way, for being too slow.

Mahal, Kili hopes that tantrum was a one time thing, because that, was incredibly unpleasant. Fortunately, so far, it had not happened again. Now looking at him thrusting up a piece of cheese to Nyaunni, who ate it right from his hand, Kili felt a sense of warmth fill him. She, was the piece their family was missing, she completed them, just as she completed Thorin.

"Are you alright Kili?" Kili turned to Viltarra who was on his opposite side, giving him a look of concern.

"Of course. Never better." With that, conversation picked up on casual topics while food was being passed and plated. Mostly on the soon to be new additions to the family, though Thranduil was rather surprised when the topic turned to the wedding which Thorin just waived off. He had no problem with the elven king knowing of his attachment…which was rather obvious…to Nyaunni. But dwarven weddings were very personal, and kept to the dwarven people. Tauriel was allowed because she married into the family, and Naurfaer too as he was directly related to Tauriel.

In fact, Bilbo will be the first Thorin could recall, who will likely be in attendance to his wedding who is neither family, nor of dwarven blood. Though Bofur and the company had dubbed him an honorary dwarf…so perhaps it won't be so odd. It likely won't make a lick of sense to the hobbit though, since it is completely in Khuzdul.

Thorin did not even touch on when the wedding would be. That was a very personal announcement, and one he wanted to make first to the family exclusively…perhaps tonight when their guests had left…then to the company on their next weekly meeting three days from today. So instead, he had asked Thranduil, "Now that we are settled, were you able to find anything in the depths of Dale?"

Thranduil sat quietly, sipping his wine, as if thinking on what to share. "Indeed, it was rather, enlightening. Though the artifacts were in quite a state, we were able to find sealed rooms underneath Dale with manuscripts and records, as well as more than enough engravings in the wall to substantiate the claim that those tunnels at least led, to the Búlë kal nórë, the people of Tata."

"Forgive me for not being in the circle, but who or what, is Tata?" Bilbo dished himself up another helping of lamb as he looked to the elven king. "What is Búlë kal nórë?"

Thranduil lifted a brow as he filled his wine goblet. "Do hobbits have first fathers?"

"Perhaps in the sense of ancestors." Bilbo chuckled. "We are a merry group, lord Thranduil, we keep record of families, of course, but our day to day practices do not answer to any type of higher being…as most do. We simply, live each day to the fullest."

"Interesting." Thranduil hummed.

"But I assure you." Bilbo stuttered. "I am quite capable of understanding theological practices, and find them quite fascinating in fact. For example, Mahal, or as Tauriel calls him, Aulle, is the father of dwarves, and one they keep in rather high esteem. And if I recall correctly, Eru Illuvatar is the father of the elves…or rather, creator."

"Very good, you are very well informed, master hobbit." Thranduil praised.

Bilbo went pink. "Yes, well, thank you. I do pride myself in my curiosity, and both Tauriel and Naurfaer have been rather kind to sit and answer my barrage of questions whenever I visit."

"How can we not be, when you are so open and kind." Tauriel sent Bilbo a smile who returned it."

"Yes. Well, Tata, is among the first to come to Arda, with Imen and Enel." Thranduil began.

"And my favorite of the three." Naurfaer chuckled. "Imen could be a right stick in the rams behind when he wanted to be, and Enel…well…Enel was almost kind to a fault. Living perfection embodied into one being. Though if you ever needed something, all three of them would be there for you in an instant." It has been a very long time since Naurfaer had seen the three elves he followed directly to middle earth. He suddenly feels a deep sorrow for being so resistant to seeing them when he had gone to Valinor for Kili's memories. As much as he likes to admit they drive him to insanity with their innate need for everything to be strictly by the book, he does in fact, miss them. Especially Tata.

Thranduil did not look impressed, however, giving the elf a look laced with annoyance at being interrupted. "Anything further you wish to add?"

"Oh, I am always willing to add at my own leisure." Naurfaer pulled Finli close as he passed him a roll filled with finely ground meet, a recipe from Bilbo.

"He's no' lying." Bofur laughed but stopped when the cold eyes of Thranduil turned to him and he chose to stuff an entire meat pie into his mouth and turned conversation instead, to Nori beside him.

"Do continue." Naurfaer hedged after a moment of silence from the elven king. "I am most on my toes to find out what you came across."

"Then perhaps, letting me finish would be a wise way to hear the tale." Thranduil berated. "As I was saying, Tata was among the first to come to middle earth, and the only one who's end is laced with much mystery among my people. However, it seems, he led a group of his followers to live beneath the earth… Búlë kal nórë…"

"People of the deep light." Legolas said when it seemed Bilbo was about to interject. "They were his followers, and documents from beneath Dale back that up."

"So, did the orcs destroy them then?" Fili asked.

"Orcs destroy everythin' they touch." Aeodhen huffed. He and Dwalin were the only ones in the group who refused to dress in anything but their customary attire. Neither would they remove their shoes to Finli's utter frustration. Though Shaada did place a single lily in Aeodhen's hair, and Dwalin somehow got a ring of flowers on his head. "They are a blight on the earth, all of em."

"A blight they may be…" Thranduil interrupted. "…but it seems, they came long after the Búlë kal nórë left."

"Then…why did they leave?" Tauriel asked, her hand rubbing the place her son was pushing, at least, until Kili noticed and took over causing the movement to stop and the unborn infant to rest.

"Now that, is a bit unclear." Thranduil pushed his plate away, steepling his fingers and looking to the few listening in. The others in the dining room either were not interested, or could not hear since they were at the opposite end of the table. It was really just the family on this side, all keyed in on what the elven king was saying. Even Dis, who was cutting up meat and sprouts for Finli and passing the small plate to Naurfaer who held him, listened quietly.

"From what we can ascertain, they had a deep connection to a mythical creature, one linked to those foul fellbeasts that came about during the age of Sauron."

Nyaunni froze and stared at Thranduil, uncomfortable with this point of the conversation. She had helped in bringing them back, though she did all she could to stop it…it was still her hand that brought them some success…and that success that could have some fellbeast still walking the earth thanks to the orcs that escaped. "Do you know those creatures, not the fellbeasts, but, the ones they came from?"

"You mean, the Quesse Lúg?" Thranduil lifted a brow as he looked at the dam across from him.

Nyaunni could only guess he was referring to the same creature she was asking about. "Is that what they were called? The ones depicted in statues and engravings on the wall? A Quesse Lúg?"

Thranduil nodded, but it was Fili who broke into laughter, his wife patting him on the back as he all but choked on the bite he had just taken. "What is the matter with you?" She asked in whisper as Fili fought to get a hold of his breathing.

"Indeed, the Quesse Lúg were once thought to be just a myth, but…then they were rumored to turn into something dark when they were linked to the fellbeasts of old. None have been seen since…that is…until now. Imagine my surprise…" Thranduil turned his ice blue eyes to Thorin who met his gaze head on. "When the very creature we thought gone…is casually dining on apples in your very stables."

Nyaunni looked to Thorin as she placed her hand over Uri, who was asleep in her pocket. "What do you know of these… Quesse Lúg?"

Thranduil sat straight, trying to stare the dam down. She was not intimidated in the least, so she just stared back, lifting a brow when he remained silent, that is, until Nyaunni realized too late that by putting her hand over Uri, it had woken him up and he had already popped his head up onto the table. She tried to pull him back, but it was too late, Thranduil had already seen. "Is that another?"

"I will answer, when you do. Do you know anything about these creatures…apart from their name? If that is their name. I take it that it means something in your language?" Nyaunni let Uri go when he chirped indignantly, keeping an eye on him as he began to eat some fruit in a bowl between her and Thorin.

"Oh, uncle will love this." Fili chuckled. "But if my understanding is correct, Lúg, is dragon, but I cannot make out Quesse…"

"Feathered." Tauriel supplied.

"Oh, well that makes sense. Not very original though."

Thorin glared at Nyaunni. "I TOLD you it was a dragon!" The dam huffed and glared right back, then lifted the tiny creature up.

"Fine, you were right to a point, but you like Uri so I don't want to hear it from you." Nyaunni placed the little being on Thorin's shoulder and watched in amusement as Thorin rolled his eyes and fed it a piece of strawberry.

"We in fact, found another name. They seemed to also be called Aelúg, or, bird dragon." Legolas said. "After reading some of the scrolls that seemed dedicated to the creature, it is neither a true bird, nor a dragon, but something all it's own. It is also neither a creature of the air, nor the water, but both. The only clue as to what happened to the Búlë kal nórë, was after an earthquake far more severe than the one we experienced damaged the city, they were forced to leave when the flooding became too great to stop."

Thranduil nodded, then continued. "We believe they took the sea to another mass of land, and made their home there. I would not doubt, somewhere many thousands of miles away, there could very well be many Aelúg, and descendants of the Búlë kal nórë still living."

"You don't believe them to be gone?" Nyaunni asked, looking from Thorin to Thranduil.

"Your Aelúg is proof they are not. If there are two here, there must logically be others. As for the Búlë kal nórë, we may never truly know." Thranduil emptied his cup. "But a people as resilient as they once were, I would not doubt they are still among the living."

"I would love to see them." Fili said sitting with his elbows on the table after eating his fill. "What they created, was incredible. Believe me, as a dwarf, I can appreciate their craftsmanship."

Legolas shifted in his seat, looking to his father, and Tauriel caught on. "What is it? What are you not saying?"

"There is another theory." Legolas began but Thranduil waived his hand cutting him off.

"Nothing but a theory, and an absurd one at best."

"But, one that might be appreciated at this table." Legolas argued, earning him an indifferent look from his father who was pouring, and draining, yet another goblet of wine, remaining tight lipped.

"Go on, now I am rather curious." Thorin said, eyeing the elven king with amusement.

Legolas again looked at his father, but answered still. "One of our researchers, a well respected historian of our records, found writings and engravings suggesting that the people of Tata, merged, with the people of Uri. At first, we had nothing in our history to point to such a name, but Uri is inscribed so many times in the ancient text, it had to be of some historical value. After coming up with nothing in our texts, we looked elsewhere…and Uri seems to be a father of your people."

Now Thorin spit his drink across the table, gaining a tut from his sister who passed him a napkin.

"Now that is interesting…and kind of makes a lot of sense. First and foremost, it would explain the beards." Naurfaer hummed in thought as Finli began squirming in his lap, leaning towards his mother who happily took her son into her arms, though she was forced to pass him to Kili when Finli could not get comfortable on her lap.

"Beards?" Bilbo asked.

Naurfaer nodded. "Many of the statues of elves, had facial hair incorporated. Elves do not normally have any body or facial hair."

"Really…none at all?" It was not Bilbo who asked this time, but Bofur who looked Tauriel up and down until Kili threw a minced pie at him.

"Keep your eyes to yourself, Bofur." Kili huffed, though he had to stop Finli from throwing his peas.

"That, is why you don't throw food, Kili." Dis berated as Finli threw a roll that hit Thranduil. "That is enough Finli."

The toddler giggled as he hit Bofur with a sprout. "FINLI!" Dis said again, they youngest prince freezing and turning his wide brown eyes to his nan. He plopped back down in Kili's lap, and instead placed the small tart in his mouth, earning a smile from his nan.

"Okay, let me see if I understand what I am being told…" Nyaunni, who was startled by this development, took a moment to gather her thoughts. "…if what you are saying is true…somewhere in the past, a line of Uri and a line of this…Tata…formed their own people?"

Legolas nodded. "I think they eventually became something more, a dwarven-elf, not unlike Finli here." The elven prince smiled at the dwarfling who had food all over his face. "But rather than favor their dwarven parentage, they favored their elven…but retained many of the features customary to dwarves. It is said, they also had a deep connection to their Aelúg."

"Uri." Nyaunni gasped. "The gift, of Uri." When both Legolas and Thranduil just stared at her, Nyaunni sighed. "It is said, that Uri, who was a first father of one of the seven dwarven clans, was able to communicate with the beasts of arda in a way none other could. He passed his gift to those he felt would honor the gift, most being direct descendants…but it was not unheard of for someone from a broken line to obtain the gift. I wonder…I wonder if Uri watched over these people…honoring them with his gift to a scale I never thought possible."

"And you, are a descendant of this, Uri." Thranduil gave Nyaunni a look. It was not a question, but a statement. "Tell me…you came from this underground city? A city, I have been told by many of the humans in Dale, whose primary focus was to create fellbeasts. What, was your task there?"

"Nya, you don't have to answer that…" Thorin took her hand. "I think we can…"

"I bred them." Nyaunni said, sitting up stiffly and staring off at the space between Thranduil and Dis…unable to look directly at them. "I bred those terrible creatures."

"Under the orders of beasts who would sooner remove your head and devour you, than allow you to disobey them." Thranduil rested his hands on the table, his voice almost kind. "Do not cause your emotions to fester, when you had little choice in your fate. I have heard others do far worse under less pressure, and from what I have been told, it was either comply, or die in that city. You did what you had to do to survive, and now, you are here. What is to happen, is not in your hands, but the fates."

Nyaunni finally let her eyes move to the elven king as she nodded. "I spent all my life, trying to make sure they fail, but gave them as much progress as I could to keep my life as we tried to make plans to overthrow them. And somehow, from those fellbeasts, came purity in the form of two creatures nothing like their predecessors."

"That is not quite true, is it now?" Thranduil asked. "One might say fellbeasts look nothing like their predecessors, and your…what do you call it?"

Nyaunni shifted…now a bit embarrassed by the name choice that in all honesty, feels a bit too fitting after hearing this development. "I named him Uri…after my first father."

Thranduil, as it was, did not seem in the least bit surprised. "I believe I have changed my opinion. This, theory, just may be the true history. These creatures, must have sensed your roots, and your connection to them. Or, at least, your bloods connection to them. I do not doubt many more would have been born in time had you remained exposed to them. You have been chosen as their guardian it seems, guard them well. For they are very rare in these parts now."

Nyaunni nodded as Thorin sighed. "Anything else?"

"Not that we can ascertain at this time in regards to Dale." Thranduil eyed Finli. "Though there is something I am rather…interested in in relation to that youngling…and that is whether he will be instructed separate from the others. Your people do not naturally take to elves…am I wrong? Is his blood going to be a problem?"

Thorin bristled, but chose to force down the insinuation he was getting from Thranduil, that they would purposely segregate Finli from others because he shares blood with Tauriel and Naurfaer. "Absolutely not." Thorin growled then took a deep breath when Thranduil looked at him curiously. "What I mean to say is, Finli, along with his siblings, will be treated no differently than any other in this mountain. We do not predict issues, and if there are to be any, those involved will answer to me."

"And me." Kili said glaring at the elf across from him.

"And me." Fili added.

"Finli is well loved, I believe any who brings him harm or foul will have not only the entire royal family at their necks, but many of the people of Erebor as well." Leotti, who sat beside Ori, chimed in having heard the last bit of the conversation.

"Aye. I second tha." Aeodhen folded his arms and sat back. "Tha' little lad has this mountain wrapped around his wee finger. Can only think o' a handful who 'ave somthin' to say about 'im, an they happen to be of the type tha' have somthin' to say about everythin'."

"You will never please everyone." Shaada smiled politely. "But Finli is very well loved."

"It helps, I think, that he looks like a full on dwarf. Sorry lass…" Bombur chuckled. "But he don' even look a lick like an elf."

"I am sure as the lad grows, his elven features might come out." Balin passed a platter of cheese buns towards Tauriel who huffed but took the treat as it came to her.

"Or, he will just keep growing into Kili." Fili smiled and reached over his wife to muss with Finli's wild mane. "He already has your nest of hair Ki."

"But his personality…is much more like Tauriel's." Viltarra smiled, her mother nodding from a bit further down now that their previous conversations had ended.

"How about, we move this to the sitting room." Naurfaer stood. "It seems as if everyone is done, and I happen to know, there is a massive pile of gifts we might finish before Yule, if we start now." There was a shuffling of chairs, and soon, everyone was leaving to the sitting room…though Nyaunni lingered behind a bit…lost in thought.

"Are you alright, Nya?"

Nyaunni looked up at Thorin and nodded, reaching her hand to scratch Uri under his chin. "I will be fine. It is just…almost freeing to get answers I never once thought possible. Aelúg. Much better than fellbeast."

"I can't believe I let you bring dragons into my mountain." Thorin huffed. "And before you argue or say anything…" Thorin snapped, "…I won't be kicking them out. Dragon or not, they are allowed to remain in Erebor."

Nyaunni rolled her eyes but leaned up to leave a soft, brief, kiss on his lips. "Thank you."

"No, Nya." Thorin sighed. "Thank you. Now come on, before Dis sends a search party."

"I think you are too late for that." Nyaunni laughed as Finli came running in tugging on Thorin's hand and yelling, "Pop! Presents pop!"

Thorin chuckled and snatched his grandson up eliciting a vibrant giggle as he pulled him close, rubbing his nose against Finli's and smiling wide at the many hairs along the toddler's lower cheeks and jaw. He was so proud. "Shall we go then?"

"Yes!" Finli yelled out as he leaned away as they made their way from the formal dining room to the present laden sitting room where Tauriel and Viltarra were placed in flower covered throne like chairs Fili and Kili had found in an old chamber and brought up for their spouses just for tonight. Though Fili thinks he can find a way to make them work up here since they were both large, and rather comfortable.

Finding a seat in the chaos took a bit of time, but eventually both Thorin and Nyaunni settled on the floor beside Vin and Tarrah, who nodded in greeting. Of course, several offered their seats, even insisting, but Thorin waived them off. Most of the actual chairs were piled with gifts, and the rest were given to the few dams in attendance, Thranduil, and a few members of the company.

Neither Thorin nor Nyaunni minded much though, and were just eager to get the unwrapping started, which as soon as they sat, Bofur and Naurfaer began passing gifts to both Tauriel and Viltarra.

Each received piles of linens, knitted blankets, hats, socks, and so on. Kili and Fili were helping to open gifts as well just to expedite the process, and Finli who was sitting between his fathers legs on the floor, helped as well. If he thought the gifts were for him, so be it, he is two, so Tauriel simply giggled and let him play with the hand carved raddles and toys he came across.

Viltarra was already overwhelmed with gifts, but sobbed with joy when Fili unveiled the crib he made...with Kili's help. Thorin had also worked with both of his nephews to make Viltarra her own rocking chair, since they had made one for Tauriel before Finli was born. A rocking chair Fili quickly sat in as he was passed even more gifts.

It was Tauriel's turn to gasp when she opened the large music box that barely fit in her lap. "You just wind that key there..." Kili indicated to the brass piece towards the back, and helped Tauriel situate the box on a table since it was just too large to hold.

All eyes were on them as Tauriel wound the key to completion and sat back. There was a click, and a pause, before the room filled with tinkling music and the top opened to reveal miniatures of Kili and Tauriel dancing under a fire moon. The song...was what had Tauriel wiping tears away. "Mereth nuin gillath...the feast of starlight."

"The night we began to talk." Kili whispered, smiling softly as he wiped Tauriel's tears away while she watched the song play to completion. "I sent Kaw to Mirkwood and was grateful when he returned with the score for the melody. If you press here..." Kili pushed another button and one of the sides burst open and the tune changed. The room burst into laughter as the tune to That's What Bilbo Bagins Hates began to play and a ring of miniatures of the company each holding piles of dishes in their hands, circled a clearly disgruntled miniature of Bilbo.

It happened to be the same disgruntled expression the real Bilbo was giving at this moment, clearly not amused. "Yes, thank you for that. Glad that moment can be immortalized."

Kili chuckled then took her hand. "There is more. Press here." He pointed to yet another button and Tauriel pressed it, the opposite side opening to show Fili, Viltarra, Dis, Naurfaer, and Thorin. This time, the song was one Dis often sang as a lullaby. She raised her sons with it, sang it to Tauriel more times than she could count, and even rocked Finli to it whenever she put him to sleep. Even Kili took over, singing the lullaby to their son and Tauriel as well. It became the family song. Tauriel would not doubt Fili will be singing it soon, and Viltarra as well.

"This is...Kili..." Tauriel began, but Kili stopped her.

"There is one more, amralime." Taking her hand in his, Kili guided it to a hidden catch and together, they pressed it. There was a series of clicks as the previous music stopped and a compartment in the front slid down, and out came two more figures, wrapped up in each other with their head lifted as if to look at Kili and Tauriel dancing above them. It was Ithildin, and Findyyr.

The song, the hauntingly sweet melody, Tauriel did not recognize, but a shadow fell over her and the box causing Tauriel to look up at Naurfaer who was watching the figures spin, his eyes misting with tears. "That was your mother's favorite song. They danced to it on their wedding day. Kili asked for something to represent Ithildin and Findyyr, and I could think of no better. I will write the lyrics for you, if you like."

Tauriel nodded. "I would very much like that." She smiled when Naurfaer placed a hand on her shoulder, before they both looked back at the music box still playing the haunting tune. "It's beautiful, this entire gift, is beyond words, beautiful. Did you do this all yourself Kili?" Tauriel inspected the miniature of her mother in perfect detail, as well as the company, the family, and herself in Kili's arms.

Kili shrugged. "I designed it, and Bofur helped. I wanted to catch everything. If you look, it tells our story." Tauriel did in fact look and all around the box was intricately carved images of dragons, maps of where they had gone, even details of their wedding. Even the individual segments were incredibly detailed. The company danced in a perfect replica of Bilbo's kitchen, her family circled their current sitting room; which was a toss up for Kili. He had originally wanted to put them in Ered Luin since that is where they spent their first year together and where Tauriel was officially made a member of the family. But after talking to Thorin and Fili, he chose to put them in Erebor, their forever home.

Even the place they danced, was reminiscent of the halls of Mirkwood...minus the prison cells. Kili felt obliged to keep that detail out of the esthetic. "It is not just for the baby, Tauriel, but for your birthday as well. Considering it is tomorrow. But I also thought it would be a wonderful addition to the nursery. Do you like it?"

"Like it?" Tauriel gaped at her husband, then slammed her lips onto his in a bruising kiss. It was several moments later she was pulling back, gasping out. "I love it, as I love you. Thank you Kili."

Kili smiled and watched as Finli pointed at the miniatures. "Kaw, mama!" Tauriel, who had leant her brow against Kili's temple, nodded to her son. "I see." She missed it at first, but in the far corner of the top, was both Kaw, and Finli sitting and watching Kili and Tauriel dance. Beside him were several empty spaces.

At her confused expression, Kili chuckled. "I made sure to incorporate space for growth. That's why Fin doesn't move. I couldn't figure out how to make it work since I don't know how many more we might need to add, but there is plenty of room for more. Galaddal and Maryn are here too...but I will let you find them. I made sure to house a few surprises throughout you can search for at your leisure."

"There is MORE!" Tauriel blinked and looked at the box as Kili nodded.

"Makes it fun when you find new surprises." Kili chuckled as Tauriel ran her fingers over the music box.

Kissing him on the nose, Tauriel grasped his face tightly. "I love you, Kili. Thank you."

Pulling her back to her chair, Kili nodded. "As I love you, amralime."

"Are you two done yet? You know this is not all about you." Fili huffed and placed a slightly smaller box on Viltarra's lap.

She was, of course, glaring at him, wiping tears from her eyes having been moved by Tauriel's reaction to the gifts…call it shared hormonal emotions. She was incapable of refraining from crying if anyone near her had even a tear in their eyes. "That was rude. Do you have somewhere else to be?" Fili rolled his eyes in response and gestured to the gift, which Viltarra opened to find a similar box.

"And no, I did not make that, Ki did. So it is actually from Kili. At first, I was going to give him some ideas, but he went to town all on his own and just consulted with me for certain details. I did get to see it before he wrapped it up though, so I do know what it all looks like." Fili kissed her brow. "Go ahead."

Viltarra wasted no time rising to put it on the table beside Tauriel's. Hers was a bit smaller but no less spectacular. Kili certainly spared no talent on this gift. As she opened it, she smiled at the miniatures of her and Fili dancing in their wedding attire with Hiril at their feet. There were also several open areas for additions to their own family, but since they currently had none, the spaces sat empty.

As for the rest of the box, Viltarra too had the dancing company on one side though they were not in Bilbo's house since Viltarra was not a part of that...they were just dancing a jig, and on the other side, her parents were added to Dis, Thorin, and Naurfaer. Kili had asked Fili if he thought she would want Naurfaer in the mix on her box, and Fili firmly said yes. Not only is Naurfaer a member of the family, but Viltarra loves the elf and he her. Kili and Tauriel took the place of Viltarra and Fili on this music box, even little Finli was between them as they spun with the rest of the family to Dis's lullaby once again.

That was another element Kili had sought Fili's approval for. But upon some thought, and speaking to Vin and Tarrah, it just seemed there was no other song to put in that section. Neither Vin nor Tarrah were musicians in any right, and were never really in the habit to sing lullabies to Viltarra, instead they told her stories. However, since the box was in part for Fili, Kili decided, he would just keep the family lullaby in that portion of the box. Even Vin and Tarrah agreed saying it was much more special than any silly stories they told, and something easily passed down from generation to generation.

"Now, there is another compartment, like Tauri's, but I want you to know, you don't have to view it here. It is yours to see whenever you are ready." Fili whispered in her ear.

"Who?...Oh." Viltarra quickly realized who it might be. Her sister. If Tauriel's compartment had her parents watching them, then it would mean, hers must have Karra. Placing her hand on her husband's cheek, Viltarra smiled. "I want to see."

Fili nodded and showed her the catch, and Viltarra pressed it. Tears immediately came to her eyes as an enchanting tune played as a perfect depiction of her sister twirled, her head looking up as if watching over Viltarra and Fili. "Perfect. It is so, so very perfect. Thank you Kili. I will cherish this, always."

Kili walked up and pulled her into his arms. "And we will always cherish you, sis." This brought a fresh round of tears to the normally emotionally strong dam, but they were happy tears and Kili just held her and swayed until she pulled away, laughing as Kili kissed her on the cheek.

It took well into the evening for them to get through the companies and close friend's gifts. Leotti being one of the last to dance up with two sizable baskets. One was all boys clothes, since she already knew what Tauriel was having though it was not common knowledge to even the company. However, one had the advantage of being a very close friend not only to Tauriel, but to the royal family as well.

Viltarra had been trickier, so Leotti just made half the basket boys, and half girls with a promise to make more of whatever she needs when the baby comes.

Even Thranduil gave both Tauriel, and Viltarra gifts. Granting both an elvish infant blessing, and handing each a basket filled with the finest elven baby clothes and even some vials filled with healing herbs. "From Ivethin." Thranduil had said when Tauriel looked at the balms and herbs. She smiled at the small, hand sewn, doll with a beard, but pointed ears. This caused the elven king's cheeks to tinge a bit pink, though he refused to outright say who had made the doll in her basket.

Finally, another, more warn blanket was laid in the bottom of Tauriel's basket and she looked at it confused. "That was yours. I thought...you should have it back."

Tauriel's eyes wipped from the blanket to Thranduil. "Mine?"

The elven king nodded. "It was one of the few things I made certain to keep, in case, you would like to have it for your own children one day. I am glad I did."

Tauriel was lost for words, but nodded and smiled. "I thank you, most graciously. This means a great deal to me."

Tauriel's final gift was the crib Kili had made for their second child. It was larger than Finli's since the idea was to move Finli to the larger bed, and keep the slightly smaller one for the new arrival. "Have you thought about a career in carpentry, Kili, you have a lot of talent and skill in creating."

Kili chuckled. "I keep busy enough with you and Finli, helping run Erebor, and finding time in my already established craft, I don't think I can conquer another craft on top of that. I think I will just keep it as a hobby for special occasions." He winked and pulled her close as she looked over the crib.

Viltarra was beyond touched by all the kindness and love in the room. Never, in all her life, did she even dare to dream that she could end up living a life like this; surrounded by happiness, joy, and family. She looked at all her gifts, the opened ones, and sighed in perfect contentment. She could not wait to meet the life inside her, to know the kind of dwarf she carried. Were they going to be a fierce dam with Fili's blue eyes and her spirit? Or a dwarven prince with a kind and loyal heart like her father? Truly, she did not care as long as they are healthy. Whoever they are, they will be loved deeply.

The end of the evening was the company spending nearly an hour hauling the gifts from the sitting room, to the specified chambers. Naurfaer had helped Fili and Viltarra create a beautiful nursery filled with flowers and greenery. It was not overly feminine, and Viltarra promised Fili she will redecorate when their little one gets older. But she was so thrilled by the design, Fili had not had the heart to veto it, so he let it be.

For Viltarra's own happiness, Fili happily endured the small chuckles and jabs from the company as they pulled in the crib and piled in the gifts into the colorful nursery room.

In Finli's nursery, Tauriel placed the music box on the dresser and watched as Kili and Thorin pushed the larger crib against the wall opposite Finli's, then stepped back out to get more of the gifts still in the sitting room. Tauriel smiled at the new addition to the room, running her hands over Kili's work. When she gave birth, they would move the smaller crib into her bedchamber until their youngest son was a bit older and it was safe to let him sleep in another room, but for now, it would remain here. Tauriel couldn't wait.

Right when she thought everything was done and she was about to make sure Kili didn't need any help bringing things in, Viltarra stood in the doorway, shuffling her feet. "I did not want to give this to you in front of everyone because...to be honest...I really don't want everyone to know I can do this." She held out her arms and passed what looked to be a folded quilt to Tauriel who accepted the gift. "And, it did not come out as good as I wanted it...I might have messed up a time or two as I am a bit out of practice. Also, Hiril might have chewed on the corner a bit...I tried to cover it up but there is only so much I can do."

Carefully, Tauriel unfolded the gift. It was a simple, thin, quilt with several embroidered ravens, bows, and some of Tauriel's favorite flowers. Tauriel did not know what Viltarra was talking about, the embroidery was lovely. Whatever mistakes she was referring to, must be ones only Viltarra could see. Though she did chuckle at the corner that did have a patch over where the warg chewed.

"You are quite mistaken, you are tremendously talented, muinthel. I did not know you embroidered…or sewed. I see no error here, in fact, I see not but beautiful work. You should be proud." Tauriel pulled her sister close. "I love it, very very much. Thank you." She pulled away then bit her lip as her cheeks flamed red. "I have something for you as well. Just wait here."

Viltarra looked confused but nodded as Tauriel stepped out of the room, only to return moments later. If possible, her cheeks were even redder than they were a moment ago. "I...I was not going to give this to you because in truth, I am rather embarrassed by it. Even Dis tried to help me, she has the talent I lack for sure...and the patience."

Tauriel held the gift in her hands for several moments, as if contemplating if she was making the right decision, but finally, she passed it to Viltarra and looked away, shifting uncomfortably. It was an odd sight to see on the normally very confident elf. "But my Kili, said flaws in our craft, are what make it our own. Or something along those lines. I think it was nonsense to make me feel better…he sometimes forgets we are connected and I can tell when he is being dishonest." She chuckled softly, then went silent as Viltarra inspected the item in her hand.

Looking down at the gift, Viltarra could not hold back her own chuckle. It was a knitted stuffed animal…or at least she thinks that's what it is. "It was supposed to be a warg." Tauriel sighed, wringing her hands. "But it looks more like...a deformed rabbit. As I said, Dis tried to help me fix it, but I think by that point I had errored so much, it was a hopeless case."

"NO! No, Tauriel. I love it. You should have seen my first attempt at embroidery." Viltarra laughed and shook her head. "It was such a mess, I refused to attempt it again for nearly a year. My father is rather persistent and patient though, and I eventually gave in." She looked at the rabbit/warg and smiled. "You know, I really do love this. But I have to say I am a bit relieved you are not perfect at everything."

Tauriel huffed. "There are many things I lack accomplishment in, Viltarra. Knitting is only one among them. I also have little talent in the kitchen…so I am told."

Viltarra had never tasted Tauriel's cooking yet, and according to Fili, she should be thankful for that. But for the life of her, Viltarra could not fathom why one who is considered exceptional at making potions, cannot follow a recipe. "Do you, maybe, want me to show you how to bake a few things? To be honest, it should not be too different than what you do in the healing halls and we can shove the words of whoever said you cannot do it, back down their throats. What do you say?"

"I say you have been spending too much time with Leotti." Tauriel laughed, then nodded. "I would very much enjoy that."

"Tauriel, amralime. Thranduil and Legolas are going back to Dale. Do you want to say goodbye?" Kili stepped into the room, placing yet another basket of clothes on the floor beside the new crib.

Tauriel nodded, and followed Viltarra out of the room. Viltarra thought it odd that the moment she entered the sitting room, Tauriel stiffened, and her entire demeanor changed. Kili did not seem worried or surprised at the obvious changes that occurred in his wife, so Viltarra tried not to let it bother her. But Tauriel was not just her friend, but her sister, and though it may not outwardly bother Kili, it bothered her. She remained tight lipped about it though, for now, since they had no time to speak on it. Instead, she held the little rabbit/warg close, only giving Fili a worried look as he joined her just before the sitting room.

"Everything alright?" Fili whispered. Nodding, Viltarra gave him a small smile but remained silent as she watched her sister.

"Annon allen, Lord Thranduil, many thanks. I am most grateful for your presence, and gifts." Tauriel bowed her head low. "Are you certain you do not want a room? It is quite late."

"No." Thranduil responded, half looking at the eleth before him, and half at the two guards that just entered. "We are expected to return to Dale as soon as we are finished."

"Of course. I shall not keep you then." Tauriel bowed again, and turned to Legolas. "I cannot relay my joy that you were able to attend as well mellon nin." She easily smiled, which was returned by the elven prince who kept looking over Tauriel's shoulder to Finli who was dancing with Bilbo, his feet stepped up on the hobbits as Bilbo guided him.

"I would not have missed it. It certainly was nothing I could ever have imagined. A hobbit festival for an elf and a dwarf." Legolas quirked a brow. "I shall forever be taken by surprise by your life, Tauriel." His words were filled with light and teasing, so Tauriel was not offended in the least.

Instead, she laughed in agreement. "As will I. Every day is one I cherish." Tauriel turned to her son. "Finli, come say goodbye my star."

The toddler wasted no time running up to Tauriel, nearly colliding with her legs as he came to a somewhat clumsy stop. "Bye!" He moved to run back to Bilbo but Kili intervened and snatched him right back up.

"What kind of goodbye was that?" Finli was laughing uproariously as Kili held him upside down, his little bare feet kicking the air. "You know how to say a proper goodbye to uncle Legolas."

"Navaer, toreno lego." Finli said breathlessly once Kili put him down. It was not, in any way, pronounced correctly, his goodbye was said so fast, Tauriel barely even caught it, and uncle, toreno, sounded closer to toe-reo. But what could one expect from a two year old who could barely speak common, let alone sindarin or khuzdul? The fact he knew any at all was astonishing and quite the achievement for one his age.

Nonetheless, Legolas knelt to the ground and ruffled Finli's hair even as the toddler looked up at Thranduil who was watching the interaction with a bored expression. He clearly was ready to go, and the toddler seemed to interpret the look in a negative way because he immediately ran and hid behind Tauriel's skirts; peeking out only a bit when Tauriel reached behind her, bending just a bit to run her fingers through his wild hair.

"I am sorry, he still tends to be wary of those he is not regularly around." Tauriel looked to Legolas who stood and smiled.

"At his age, that is not a bad thing." Legolas gave the youngest prince a smile, but Finli seemed to have had enough with interactions today and crawled completely beneath Tauriel's skirts. Only his little feet were visible in the gap between where her hem ended, and the floor began. Shaking his head, Legolas moved to the door. "Please send an announcement when you give birth."

"Of course." Kili said, grasping Legolas's wrist in a firm farewell grip. "You are most welcome to come see the baby, both of you." Kili looked to Thranduil who nodded.

"Come, Legolas." Thranduil gave the group one final nod and moved to leave.

"I will show you out." All eyes turned to Thorin, who stepped out of the hall where he had been helping Vin carry the last few gifts into Fili and Viltarra's nursery.

Thorin, who now had his boots back on, looked to the family. "The rest of you stay here. Ready?" Thranduil nodded again and waited as Thorin passed him, following him out the door.

"What was that about? Since when does uncle show Thranduil out on his own?" Fili placed an arm around Viltarra who shrugged, so instead they all turned to Nyaunni who was trying to coax Finli out of hiding with a cookie...which worked...the toddler crawling from underneath his mother's skirts and going straight to Nyaunni who picked him up, handing him the treat.

"Well don't look at me." Nyaunni chuckled to the family who all were giving her imploring looks. "I am sure he is just bidding his own farewell. If it were something more important, you know as well as I that Thorin will share when he is good and ready."

Fili lifted a brow. "A personal farewell? To Thranduil? Hey, Aeodhen! How often does uncle personally see the elven king out when he visits?"

The head of the guard folded his arms. "Ain't never seen 'im do it alone before today. Usually when he sees someone out, Dis does it with 'im. Or someone else in the family."

"Should we go anyway?" Kili asked, smiling softly as Finli lay his head down on Nyaunni's shoulder. He is very much on the verge of passing out after the evening festivities.

"No." Nyaunni said quietly, as she watched the second half of the cookie Finli held, fall to the ground when the dwarfling lost the fight to remain awake. Not skipping a beat, Hiril was right there, snatching the cookie up and licking the crumbs off the carpet. Nyaunni lifted a brow at the warg who looked up at her, clearly begging for more. "I have nothing for you." She laughed as she looked to the group. "Just let Thorin do what he is going to do. I doubt he will be long."

The group stood looking between the door and Nyaunni, then one by one, just decided to sit and wait, listening to Bilbo hum as he stoked the fire, and Dis who was singing along since it was a tune she knew as she passed him a few logs. It had been a warm day, but this late in the evening, the mountain chill began to leak in, so it was not uncommon for the fireplaces to be lit to ward off the cold. At this time of night, most of the company were bidding their goodbyes and going to their own chambers, and the family waited together for Thorin to return.

That is, until Tauriel, who kept staring at the door, stood. Nobody said anything neither did they stop her as she moved to the door, and stepped out. Though she felt more than heard Kili following, taking her hand as he did. She did not go far anyway, just stopped at a point on the steps where she could oversee the throne room, the elven king who raised her, and the father who adopted her. "What is it?"

Tauriel hushed Kili and nodded to the group ahead. "I am not certain." She turned from her husband, to just watch what would unfold.

Easily keeping in step with Thranduil, Thorin brooded about what he was about to do. It certainly went against his ancestral grains, but amends must be made if he were to ever say he was an honest and noble king. Honest and noble…Thorin huffed to himself. His nephews childhood stories of hero's and conquerors with pure hearts filled his head, he certainly was not one of those. Not when he hurt so many of those he loved while under the influence of that damned stone, and not when he put so many in danger to get this mountain. He didn't think himself to be any kind of noble or pure, he just wanted to do right by the two young dwarves he raised, the daughter he adopted, and the grandson he adored. Even more, he wanted to be an example for his entire family, one they would be proud to follow.

Which was why, he stopped the elven king in the throne room despite his desire to go back up to Nyaunni and his family while sweeping this firmly under a rug. Nobody needs to know the truth, and it was not his fault his grandfather was under some sort of blood spell and went mad. He certainly had nothing to do with Thror taking the payment for Thranduil's jewels, lying about it, then destroying all record of it existing. So why does HE have to be the one to apologize?

"Because it is the right thing to do." Came the voice of his sister. "And we make right our wrongs." It was a lesson she taught her sons over and over, and one he must become the example for.

Maybe one day, his actions, will benefit his kingdom be it during his own reign, Fili's, Fili's possible son, or even Finli. Especially Finli. Thorin sighed. "Thranduil, there is something I recently discovered, I wanted to discuss with you, if I might have a private word. The guards may stand in the hall, but your son is welcome to remain."

Thranduil lifted a brow than uttered a few words in Sindarin. Thorin momentarily wondered if he should have had one of his nephews, or Tauriel, come with him to translate…but seconds later the guards marched from the room to the entrance hall. "What is it you wish to relay."

Thorin looked from Thranduil, to Legolas, then back again. "It is in relation to the gems of Lasgalen."

At this, Thranduil did seem taken aback, but nodded, so Thorin continued. "I have been made aware, that things were not as they were made to appear by my grandfather, and I wish to make a wrong, right. It would seem, events did not play out as my grandfather, as Thror, had said they did. Nyaunni's father, Draupnir, was head of many deals, and so, Nyaunni accompanied him. It was on one of those such deals, that a representative of your court came and made full payment for those jewels. Payment Draupnir recorded, but Thror, denied. I believe, in my grandfather's madness, he took the payment, and for whatever reason his madness made him believe, decided to purge all records of the transaction and punished any who mentioned you or your court."

Thorin stared at Thranduil, who had no emotion on his face, no telltale sign he was even affected. "Thranduil, I foolishly believed my grandfather without looking into it myself. Those gems, were always yours, and from what Nyaunni relays…which I believe to be true…you paid more than what they were worth. I cannot undo what Thror did, but I do hope as we continue our alliance, we do so with no ill will of the past."

"Thorin, king under the mountain, I was quite wrong about you." Thranduil clasped his hands before him and stared hard at the dwarven king. "You are not a thief, but a dwarf of most refreshing honor. I must confess, I wondered if the day would come that you would come to be Thror in all ways, but again, I seem to have errored." Unclasping his hands, Thranduil held one out to Thorin. "Perhaps, we may begin afresh, with nothing but a firm friendship between our kingdoms, and no ill will whatsoever."

Without hesitation, Thorin clasped the elven king's hand, securing his own firmly around his wrist. "I think that to be a wise suggestion, and I fully accept. Erebor, is at your defense should you need her."

"And Mirkwood at yours." Thranduil proclaimed.

Legolas just watched in awe, his eyes rising up to the stairs where he could see Tauriel watching, a hand over her mouth as she stood not quite in the shadows, but clearly an observer to what just happened. He knew she heard, and he realized she was not alone as she leaned over and whispered something to Kili, who stood ever stalwart at her side. Maybe, one day, he could help her heal the scars she received from her time in Mirkwood…but then again…Legolas looked back up at Tauriel who was smiling wider. Wider than he was accustomed to seeing on her face. Maybe, Erebor is healing her.

As their eyes met, Legolas sent her a small smile…knowing she could see it…and she returned it easily. She is happy here, and that, is all Legolas could ever want for her; true happiness, and a life filled with love and purpose. He firmly believes, she has all she needs in her life among the dwarves. It should annoy him, but in reality, it does not. Maybe he should reconsider his own preconceived prejudices of this race, they have true honor.

"We must go." Thranduil declared. "I will await your word on Tauriel's birth."

"Of course." Thorin's voice rumbled as he walked them the rest of the way to the gate, nodding to the guards as he passed, and bid Thranduil, Legolas, and the elven guards farewell.

What felt like moments later, Thorin had returned to the throne room and began ascending the steps but froze to see a teary eyed Tauriel clasping hands with Kili. "I take it you heard that."

Tauriel nodded. "That was one of the most honorable and noble things I have ever seen, adad. You did not need to do that. Your grandfather's actions are not on you, nor should they be reflected as such."

Thorin smirked. "Ah, Nâtha, that is not completely true. As king, we are often judged based on those that came before us. I wanted to give Fili a clean slate, so when I pass the crown to him, it is given without a shadow hanging over it. Now come, I have an announcement to make."

Bypassing Tauriel and Kili, Thorin stepped up to the room and opened the door, holding it for Tauriel and Kili as they passed through.

"What did we miss? I told you we should have followed them." Fili huffed and sat beside Viltarra who was rolling her eyes.

"It was just some unfinished business. Nothing to worry about, Fili." Thorin shut the door and walked to Nyaunni who had passed the still sleeping toddler to Kili.

Though he wanted to argue, Fili remained quiet. Thorin's tone suggested he was not going to give anything away, so Fili would just have to go to his brother for the answers. Kili never kept anything from him, therefore Fili knew he would find out eventually…a thought that appeased him at present.

Thorin looked around the room. All that remained of the party guests were the family, Tarrah and Vin, and of course, Bilbo. The latter looked as if he was about to doze off before the fire, but he sat up when Thorin cleared his throat. "Balin, had found some rather interesting information. It would appear, Nyaunni's records all reside in Erebor."

"Erebor? But how is that possible? She is a firebeard, and a direct descendant at that." Dis said, standing as she stared at her brother and Nyaunni. "We have firm rules on such records. It is taking quite the argument to even get Fili and Kili's records from Ered Luin, as well as Tauriel's, transferred to Erebor! And that is within our own clan."

"You're moving our records here mam?" Kili looked to his brother, than back to his mother as she nodded.

"They should have always been here darling, just as Finli's are here. Balin will be going personally to retrieve them, it was the terms set and one I agree on. He will be taking Ori and several guards to complete the transfer." Dis rubbed her chin in thought. "I just cannot fathom as to why Nyaunni's would be here though."

"Well, if you are ready to stop asking questions and speculating, I can tell you." Thorin grumbled, Nyaunni giving him a look. He cleared his throat and continued. "Draupnir, Nyaunni's father, had made our father her sole caretaker under contract should he pass before she became of age. In doing so, it required Draupnir to move her records to Erebor, and make Nya a member of this clan…rather than the firebeards."

"Can they do that?" Dis asked.

"Well, it is signed by both my father, Thrain, and even Thror…so…I think the answer is yes." Nyaunni readjusted her vest then smiled softly. "I only just found out, to be honest, I am in a bit of shock about it."

Dis hummed thoughtfully, then her eyes went wide. "You don't have to wait!"

"Wait for what?" Kili asked, confused.

"For the wedding, Ki." Fili lifted a brow as if it was obvious. "Uncle and Nya were waiting for Dryok to reverse her death records…or did you forget already. Should we be worried about foggy brain Ki? OUCH!" Fili turned to his wife who glared at him.

"What are you insinuating?"

Fili blinked, then looked to Kili who gave him a smug smile. "Go on, answer her, Fili. What exactly WERE you insinuating?"

"Alright, enough is enough." Dis huffed.

Naurfaer chuckled as he sat forward. "Does this mean you two will be opting to have your wedding sooner rather than later?"

Thorin looked to Nyaunni, it was a silent exchange of 'what do you think' and 'are you sure this is what you want?'

The matching smiles were all the answer they needed from each other, and both turned back to the family and nodded. "We were thinking, next week. That way, it is before both of your due dates."

"Only just." Dis chuckled, looking at her two daughters. Viltarra, though smaller than Tauriel, definitely looked ready to be done…and poor Tauriel…could not possibly get any larger. "You might be cutting it a bit close, dear brother, if that is your incentive."

Thorin sighed and nodded. "Aye, probably. But, I would very much like the entire company to be a part of the wedding, which includes you, Bilbo." Thorin smiled at his dear hobbit friend, who never once gave up on him. Even when he was cruel and harsh, throwing accusations at the innocent hobbit who only wished to follow his heart and return home safely.

There was also the fact, that he had already lost over 170 years with Nyaunni, he was just tired of time wasted. He loved her, he knew she loved him, so what's the point in waiting? They could very easily do a year of courting, give her a chance to get to know the family, and for the people to get to know her. But in reality, Nyaunni has already earned the trust of the family when she saved them and protected them in Minam.

As for the people…the company already likes her, and the rest of Erebor will in time. Furthermore, Oin had counseled that she would find better healing being a part of something with a firm foundation she can grasp onto. What better foundation than his family?

If there were any doubts in his mind that this was not something Nyaunni, nor he, was ready for…he would push it out to give them time…give her time.

"And I am a bit embarrassed to say, I have wanted this for as long as I can remember. From the moment I realized the true feelings that I had for Thorin were deeper than a friendship, kinship, or anything, I wanted no other." Nyaunni took Thorin's large hand, giving it a squeeze. "I know you would wait, if I asked you to, but we already are sharing a room, you already opened your family to me, and I already look forward to every day I have by your side. Why not make it official sooner rather than later?"

"Well there you have it." Bilbo laughed. "A wedding. Most lovely. I certainly did come at quite the opportune time, didn't I? How can I be of service? I should most like to help plan if I can."

"We all will help uncle." Kili said, smiling wide. "A week should be more than enough time to give you both the wedding you deserve."

"The mountain will be in full on celebration once they hear the announcement." Dis chuckled. "It is not as if either of you have been hiding your relationship this last week, so it should not be a huge shock. What I do want to ask though, is if you want some of your own traditions in the ceremony, Nyaunni? This is not a normal circumstance, you are a direct descendant, marrying a direct descendant."

Nyaunni looked away in thought. Did she want her own clan's traditions combined with Thorin's? "Truthfully, I am not sure. I want to think about it for a day or two, if that is alright. But I will let you know as soon as I decide."

Thorin brushed some hair from her eyes and smiled softly. "Take all the time you need, Nya. I mean it. A day, a week, a month, a year. We will do this right."

"I don't need a week, a month, or a year, Thorin. To be honest, it is not a matter of personal feelings towards the ceremony, more it is a matter of research." Nyaunni chuckled. "I have no idea what a wedding in my clan looks like, I have never been to one. So I want to see if Balin has some information, and if I like it, I will more than happily implement it. I am most eager to marry you, Thorin Oakenshield." She paused, then backtracked. "I am most eager to marry you, Thorin, the dwarf my heart always belonged to. Not the hero who regained the mountain, not the king of the dwarves, not the slayer of Azog, or even the eldest descendant of Durin the Deathless. But you, Thorin. I would take you with nothing, as nothing, because you are all I want. Whatever we choose for the ceremony, yours, mine, a bit of both, will be perfect, as long as it is you there with me."

Thorin smile glowed as he pressed his forehead against hers. "I feel the same, Nya." He ran his hands down her hair, then up her cheek; his thumb caressing the scar she was still so self-conscious about…but was getting better at allowing him to caress it without jumping away.

But that was not the only scar she had, she had many others both physical, and mental scars. Some of which she told Thorin about as they lay in bed together, some from the fellbeasts she had let too close…and some from the orcs she had angered for this reason or that. Then there was the one she hated to speak of, and since Thorin already knew about it, she was comforted in the knowledge it needn't be addressed.

It never bothered her before, not at all, because it was her choice and one she made to ensure both her body and her gift were not taken advantage of. But a few nights ago, as she lay with her heart pounding in the afterglow of lovemaking, Nyaunni had to force the tears away.

Thorin was already asleep, but she lay awake enfolded in his arms facing him. How she wishes she could give him a child. She knew he didn't want one…and she was mostly past the age of bearing children anyway being over two-hundred herself…but how she can imagine a small version of herself or Thorin, running between her feet. Her teaching them about animals, and he about the Forge.

It was most unfair that Thorin got the chance to be a parent without her. He got to raise Fili and Kili as his own along with Dis, he got to teach them and guide them as they grew. Nyaunni had none of that.

"What is it?" Jumping from her thoughts, Nyaunni remembers blinking in surprise as a pair of Durin blue eyes stared into her soul while his thumbs brushed her tears away.

"I am sorry, Thorin."

"Sorry about what?"

Not saying a word, Nyaunni placed his hand on her empty womb. "For sacrificing what we could have had, what we could have created. Something that could have been from you, and I."

Thorin sighed. "Nya, stop. I told you, I don't care about that, and I don't want it. I have wonderful sons and a daughter…maybe not in the conventional sense…" He chuckled and pulled Nyaunni close. "…but they are mine all the same. I also must tell you I find great joy in the look that crosses Thranduil's face when Tauriel calls me her father."

Nyaunni gave him a look, then sighed. "But, I have not had the chance, and I fear I never will. Fili and Kili are grown, and have a mother. Not only that, but they barely know me. I am just…a stranger to the family."

Burying his face in her curls, Thorin hummed softly, knowing the sound would comfort her and give him an opportunity to think of what to say. "Nya, we cannot go back and change what has already been done, and I won't sit here and say if Mahal had wished it and you and I grew up together as we should have and been wed…that I would not love more than anything to have you bear my children. But that life is not our life Nya." He lifted her chin to look at him, thumbing away the fresh tears. "Instead, we were forced on different paths. I don't blame you for what you did, you did it to protect yourself. But, that in no way means your ability to guide and nurture is gone. We are a family, Nyaunni, we all work together to raise the future generations. I have Finli with me almost as much as anyone…including his parents. If you are comfortable with it, I am sure you will have a hand in raising him as well…along with his future siblings and Fili's children."

Eventually the tears stopped, and Nyaunni nodded subtly, so Thorin lay back and pulled her head to lay on his chest. "There is no going back, Nya, only forward, and if my predictions are correct about Kili and Tauriel…they may be creating far more lives than they can handle on their own. I am quite happy with that." He smiled wide. "And Fili too will likely have more than a few. Lets not mourn the past any longer, and embrace what blessings we have coming our way in the future."

Burying her face in his chest, Nyaunni sighed. "Embrace the future." She slid her arms around him and tightened her grip on him. "There may be some backlash, with me being unable to produce an heir. What other reason is there to merge yourself with a hapless female than to fill her with your seed and turn her into an incubator to ensure solidity of your line and genes."

"First of all, that was not half crude." Thorin huffed in distaste. "Incubator? Seed? You make me sound like a raging ram ready to attack anything in heat. If I really wanted to wed to bear children…I would have. We may be a male dominated people, but we do have dams who I am sure would, if nothing more, love the title of queen."

"And it does help the king is rather fit too." Nyaunni snickered, tightening her hold on him.

Thorin chuckled. "You think so?"

"I do." Nyaunni sighed happily.

Humming in his own contentment, Thorin continued, though a bit more severely. "As for the comments, I want you to come to me if anyone says anything…"

"Thorin…" Nyaunni began, but Thorin shook his head.

"No, I want you to come to me. It is none of their business, nor is it any of their concern. We already have a line going, and heirs. Not only do I have Fili and Kili, but Finli as well as the child Tauriel is carrying. Yes, she knows it is male, and no, we don't want it common knowledge and I trust you to keep that among the family only. Not even the company can know…though Leotti…I think she does know. What I am saying, is we are not lacking in heirs. So here is what I want…" Thorin looked down at Nyaunni who was peering up at him. "I want you, to let this go."

"Thorin…"

"Let it go, Nyaunni. It cannot be changed or undone, and I love you regardless. Children, or no children, I want you by my side. I want your counsel, your intake, and your support however long we have left in this life. Trust me, we will be key players in raising more than a few dwarflings, you will be missing out on nothing. Understood?"

"Is that an order?" Nyaunni lifted a brow.

"Should it be?" Thorin easily replied.

It was the first time, in Nyaunni's new life, that she felt the scar hurt a bit less, and a bit more weight leave her shoulders. She had Thorin's support, and his love. Plus in the days to follow, she realized just how true Thorin's words about helping to raise Finli was when she would take him for Tauriel and Kili when the others could not. She already loved the little dwarfling deeply.

So yes, Nyaunni had scars, some deeper than others, but she is learning that even scars…can heal. She watched Thorin pull away and kiss her forehead. "It is getting late." He looked around the room at his family. "I will make the official announcement tomorrow at first bell. I want all of you there for it, including you, Bilbo. So neither of you better be in the kitchen making breakfast."

Bilbo smiled wide and nodded, though his smile was quickly overtaken by a rather wide yawn. "Forgive me. If that is all you need of me, I think I may retire."

"Of course." Thorin agreed easily. "Why don't the rest of you go ahead and get some sleep. Nâtha, do you have training tomorrow?"

Tauriel hummed as she lifted her head from Kili's shoulder. She already looked half asleep herself which made Thorin feel a bit guilty, but she smiled nonetheless. "No, we do not meet at the weeks end. I give them the time off to recuperate and refresh."

"They need it after your conditioning, starlight." Naurfaer laughed. Tauriel was tough on those poor dwarves, and worked them hard. They were doing well though.

"I am making sure they are ready to WIN a battle and SURVIVE, Naurfaer. I refuse to fail in doing all I can to give them every tool they need to be true warriors." Tauriel rubbed the swell of her stomach, trying to ease the discomfort her son was in. He was sending waives of displeasure so strong, she swore it was in double. She must be really exhausted.

"I spoke with Aeodhen before he left the party about the team, you are doing very well with them Nâtha. You and Naurfaer are a wonderful addition to the training of the guards." Thorin gave her a rare grin that softened into a smile. "Go to bed, Tauriel, you too Kili. You both look about to drop, and Finli ought to be put in his own crib."

Nodding, both couples rose and Thorin turned to Fili, only to chuckle. Both he and Viltarra were already passed out on the sofa, Tarrah tsking as she placed a blanket over them. "They should be fine here." She whispered. "If they wake, they will just go to their room. We will retire as well."

With that, the rest of the family parted ways, going to their own chambers and the sitting room was silent except for the soft and slow breaths from the two sleeping royals still on the sofa.

"Are you alright?" Kili pushed the covers away as he pulled himself into bed beside Tauriel. He just could not shake the feeling something had been bothering her and he let it go earlier, because he sensed she did not want to talk about it, but now that they were alone, he would not let her off so easy. "You seemed upset just before the party began, was it Thranduil?"

Tauriel stared wide eyed at her husband; she should no longer be surprised when he figures her out so fast...but their bond was incredibly strong...and getting stronger. Something in her wondered how much longer it would be before she completely loses her self-identity, her individuality, to something she seemingly has no control over. But another part of her was eager to give up every bit of who she was to fully become one with Kili. It was a small battle, but not one she overly worried about. She loved Kili, he loved her, they already were so in sync they rarely did not see eye to eye...so was it really a bad thing?

Shaking her head, Tauriel lay with her back to Kili, not because she was avoiding him or the subject, but it was the only way she was comfortable in bed. Of course, Kili did not hesitate to get into position, easing behind her back, pulling her flush against him, and slipping his leg between hers. It helped ease the pressure, which he felt her sigh of relief immediately as she completely relaxed in his hold. "Well?" He purred in her ear, seeing the smile that graced her face from his position.

"I am not upset, or, was not upset per say. I was just taken by surprise that Thranduil was here. That is all." Tauriel closed her eyes, choosing to clear her mind of everything, but she could sense it was not enough for Kili, so she looked over her shoulder at him. "Truly, meleth nin, it was more surprise than anything. I supposed it is one thing to see Thranduil in the great hall for a feast, and another to see him among the family in our own rooms. I just...it was a bit much. I may have been a little uncomfortable. But it eased as the night progressed. Frankly, I am at awe that so much has changed in even him."

"Not to mention Thorin apologizing. That was not something I ever thought I would witness."

Tauriel hummed in agreement, but paused. "Actually, adad is honorable, more so than most."

"I do not disagree." Kili sighed into her hair. "And I think what he did, will only solidify our alliance, and bring a great peace to the land."

"Healing old wounds." Tauriel was half asleep causing Kili to smile. He felt her drift off even from deep inside him as her mind settled into sleep.

"Healing old wounds." Kili repeated in thought as he tightened his grip on Tauriel. His eyes drifted to a table in the corner where he kept an illustrated diary of sorts of everything he has gone through...the bad...and the good. It was Oin's idea that he do it to help him let go of the past and move forward.

Some things in that book, Kili won't even show Tauriel, they were just too dark, and others were so horrifying, he tore them out once they were complete and threw them into the fire. But slowly, one by one, the drawings became less dark. Finli would crop up more often than not, and Tauriel. What surprised him most, was his most recent drawing. It was Elbereth. Now, he has several of her in the book, but all of them were dark, twisted, and cruel.

But this one...this last one...was based on a recent dream. It showed him sleeping in a chair with Finli held against his chest. That was not so surprising, he drew things like that all the time. What did surprise him, however, was how he seemed to automatically draw Elbereth, not as an imposing villain, but rather like a guardian over him and his son. She did not sneer at the scene before her, there was no twisting darkness that radiated about her, but rather, there was a look of deep sadness and regret. Above her were the words, 'I will always protect you, little princes.'

Why did he write that? Because he heard it quite frequently in his dreams. It was whispered softly in his ear sometimes when his dreams became too much and he was lost in a nightmare that felt just too real. Of course, Tauriel was there each time, pulling him from the horrors his mind forced him to relive, but as he has found some peace in his past, the soft voice of another would remind him he was protected.

At first, he thought it was maybe Ithildin, or another member of his own family, but then the voice came with a vision of Elbereth, begging his forgiveness one night, tears falling down her pale, translucent, cheeks. Her voice, and the voice that promised to protect him, were the same. He knew then that she was there, somewhere, trying to pay for actions that, well, from what Kili can understand of it, she truly had no control over.

Taking comfort in his wife's solid form, Kili buried his face in her hair. He was still not ready to offer Elbereth what she may be looking for. Although, maybe she isn't looking for anything from him. Or, maybe it's just his mind making things up to rationalize the entire situation considering she was Tauriel's grandmother, and he knew if Tauriel ever asked, he would fall on her knees to obey her request; even if it meant forgiving Elbereth.

Then again…Tauriel was the one to kill her, so Kili highly doubts his precious elf would make any such requests of him. For her, he would do anything though. Anything. With that final thought, Kili closed his eyes and allowed the world to fade.

Hundreds of miles away under the light of the full moon, a raven was making haste getting home, and just behind him an army was marching steadily towards the lonely mountain, ready for battle.

Authors Note: WEDDING NEXT CHAPTER! Whose ready? Yaa, lets go! When I write it lol.

Thanks for the amazing suggestions Ken! I love those. I will definitely put them into consideration! And DocNikki! I love you. Thank you so much for the birthday wish. You will just have to wait and see, but I have left a few hints as to what may come if you catch my drift (as in le babies). I can't promise a problem free wedding….lol. But I will think about it for a few days. Does Thorin deserve a problem free wedding…absolutely…yes. 100000%. But that would be quite uncharacteristic of me considering I like to destroy the peace quite regularly for my own personal joy. Okay…not joy…I do feel bad. You know what, I think I'm the villain. XD. But I am a good villain because I do give people their happily ever after…eventually.