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.

58. ACT IV Chapter TWENTY-ONE

Authors Note: Woooooo this took a minute XD. I think I am in competition with myself to see if I can beat the word count for my chapters. I ALMOST split this…but I didn't. Lol. This is the last chapter in this ACT, so I hope you enjoy it.

Chapter Twenty-One

"Ki…?"

Kili hummed as he straightened the painting a bit more and stood back…then stepped forward and adjusted it again.

"Ki? You in here?"

Kili rolled his eyes as he could barely make out the sound of his brother over Karra's cries. The same cries that woke his two sleeping sons and had Finli scrunching his nose as he played with Kaw.

A bit annoyed, Kili picked Naufi up as he began to fuss and opened the door to the room that held the large family tree. On the other side, Fili walked in looking the picture of ease…despite his daughter being rather obviously unhappy. "Here you are! I have been looking all over for you." Fili plopped on the sofa and readjusted his daughter in his arms as she continued to wail.

"Fi, you need to…never mind, give her here." Kili rolled his eyes again and reached for his niece, but Fili glared at his brother and leaned away.

"Hey! You have your own! I can handle this just fine, thank you." Fili used his free hand to lay his daughters blanket out on the sofa, then proceeded to swaddle her and lift her to his chest holding her close. It took a few minutes, but eventually, Karra's cries died down and she fell asleep. "See?"

"I see." Kili nodded impressed. It had been two months since the infants were born, and since then, summer has slowly turned to autumn. In that time, the mountain has been filled with quite the energy. First, Dryok is still in a cell. He has not made a single attempt at escaping, but he does make all the guards a bit miserable with his insults and demands. Since Nori is rather fond of arguing, however, he enjoys the challenge and shoots the insults right back.

Secondly, Viltarra and Fili have learned the struggles of what it is to have an infant. Where Kili and Tauriel's children…all three of them…are rather quiet beings, Orin and Naufi even sleeping through the night from day one; Fili and Viltarra's daughter is…well…more on the vocal side.

It should also be noted that when Karra gets really worked up, she only calmed for three people…Fili, Viltarra, and oddly enough...Bilbo. Kili quite remembers a worried Fili asking him if he thought he should be worried, but Kili just shrugged and shook his head. "She's a baby Fi, she will cry."

"This coming from someone who's infants rarely even fuss, let alone cry." Fili lifted a brow at Orin who sat in Kili's lap awake, but quiet and perfectly content.

At that point, Tauriel had walked in with Finli in one arm, and Naufi in the other. "It is how she communicates, muindor. Because of Kili and my bond, Finli, Naufi, and Orin along with any other children we will have, are each connected to us. Therefore the need for crying to gain attention, though does happen on occasion, is not as prominent as it is in other children." She sat beside Kili on the sitting room sofa, letting Finli climb to the ground to play. "But Karra does not have that connection, so in order to let others know she is in need of something, she communicates it through the only way she knows how."

Still, Fili was worried…and more than a bit sleep deprived…so he took his concern to Oin who pretty much said the same thing. Viltarra though, was incredibly patient and he often found her walking their suite, humming softly to Karra, at all hours of the night. If it was not food she needed, though, Fili would take over and let his wife get some rest.

At this very moment, sitting in the room with Kili and his sons weeks later, Karra had a full belly and was just fighting sleep. Fili looked at Kili who was placing a now settled Naufi back down on the blanket, and followed his brother with his eyes back to the wall with portraits of all their ancestors and their wives. "What are you doing anyway, Ki?"

Kili climbed the ladder and went back to work readjusting the portraits. "Remember Anorlóth? Thorin the firsts wife?"

"His ELVEN wife you mean?" Fili lifted a brow but nodded. "Doubt I could forget something like that."

"Well…" Kili flipped over a painting for his brother to see. "…mam found a drawing of her in the archives in one of Thorin the firsts journals. She asked me to recreate it in a painting. It was pretty detailed, but unfortunately, it was not in color." Kili sighed. "But lucky for me, he was quite thorough in describing her…often. In fact, the entire book is dedicated to his life with her. He really loved her."

Fili sat back, a soft smile on his lips as he held his daughter. "I think, Ki, you might feel a connection to this ancestor."

Kili nodded. "How can I not? His love for Anorlóth, the way he describes her, I feel as if I am understood, Fi. For the first time, I am understood. And even more, my love for Tauriel, is understood by at least, someone. Even if that someone lived nearly a thousand years before me."

Fili hummed and smiled knowingly; he knew better than most the ups and downs Kili has gone through in marrying outside their race. Tauriel too, both knew and accepted whatever she received from the dwarves around her.

Though recently, however, that was a whole different story. Whenever the beloved family eleth walks the halls now, almost a silent hush fills the air. It is as if the dwarves of Erebor are seeing both Mahal and Tauriel as she passes, and they pay their respects by bowing their head and greeting her. Some bring her little gifts for either her or the twins, some bring her flowers from the garden room, and others invite her for tea. Tauriel has had more invites in the last two months, than she has had in that many years living in Erebor.

"It will die down, darling." Dis would promise when Tauriel hid having had to politely turn down seven invites for afternoon tea within the first hour of her leaving her room. Even her team treats her with a bit more respect…but a different kind of respect. The moment Tauriel went back to training…they worked twice as hard and often stayed longer for additional lessons and exercises.

Finli too was treated a bit differently. Kili's eldest son was well loved by the dwarves of Erebor, but some, did not quite believe that with his elven blood…he should not have a place in the royal family. Some had even asked Thorin to give him the title of prince as more of an 'honorary' title, rather than a true title.

Thorin would turn livid, and exile them immediately from his office after declaring with absolute certainty, that Finli was a royal prince, a son of Durin, and at this very moment, in line to become king after Fili. He would also say if they had an issue with that…Dale is just a short walk away…they can go live there.

However, that was BEFORE the birth of the newest royalty. First off, Karra being a female, meant she was not in the running to rule Erebor. It was not because they thought females as lesser, it was just, not their way. It is also important to understand how loved and honored Karra was as the newest lady of Erebor. Her name was whispered through the halls every day.

But Finli, for the first time in his life, was looked at as the prince he was. Even though Fili was young, and he and Viltarra were well within their ability to bare more children…it was not uncommon for dwarves to ponder vocally of what Finli's reign may be like as opposed to Fili's or Thorin's. No longer was the speculations and debates solely about Fili and his possible sons, but now, Finli's name was spoken quite regularly. It brough a great warmth to Thorin's heart who spent quite a bit of time with the toddler who loved his pop.

As for Fili…the young prince looked down at his daughter and smiled softly. He would not trade her for the reincarnation of Durin himself. He loved having a daughter, and would more than happily leave the rearing of future kings, to Tauriel and Kili. Viltarra had said as such, on a quiet night not a few weeks earlier.

"Is it terrible, that I am relieved our child is a girl?" Viltarra had said as they lay together in bed, with Karra nestled safely between them with a full stomach. She was awake, and just, watching them. "I feel as if a weight has been lifted…and I feel a bit, guilty, for it."

"Whatever do you mean, nunguame?" Fili asked, tickling Karra's little toes.

"Well…" Viltarra took a few moments to gather her thoughts. "…Dis, Dis is an amazing dam."

"As are you. Do not even think of discrediting yourself, Viltarra. Mam is amazing, but do not put her on a pedestal."

Viltarra sighed, then glared at Fili. "Do you want me to finish or not?" Her husband chuckled then signaled with his hand to continue. "Thank you. What I meant was, she knew what to do and how to raise sons meant for ruling. She was born into the role. I would have no idea how to raise a future king." She laughed, shaking her head. "I am still learning how to live in one place without feeling like we need to pack up and figure out what city to go to next."

Beside her, Fili hummed and brushed her cheek. "You, do not give yourself enough credit. You would be a wonderful mother of a king."

"Even so Fili, I think I am just as happy with Tauriel and Kili doing it. Tauriel is like Dis, she just exhumes a royal bearing. She spent centuries under Thranduil…who is a bit…well, you know." Viltarra smiled wide. "You know, I would love to see him with a toddler. I do wonder what he was like raising Legolas."

Fili smirked, nodding his head as he chuckled. "I believe Legolas is a few thousand years older than Tauriel, so we can't even ask her, but if anyone has stories…she does. Remind me to get a few good ones out of her." He paused, then looked his wife directly in the eyes a bit more seriously. "Viltarra, I am not in any way discrediting your worries, but if we do have a son, you will not be alone in rearing him as the next king. Mam, uncle, Tauriel, Kili, and even your parents will be there…Mahal, even Naurfaer will be there to help raise them. As it is, let us just, enjoy having Karra, hmm?"

That was the end of that discussion, but Fili saw the lightness in her steps as well as in her moods from that moment forward, and he wondered sadly just how long she had been carrying her worries. He shook his head and focused back on his baby brother, who was staring at the painting he held in his hands, then carefully, placed it on the wall above Anorlóth's name.

"I love my Tauriel, with everything I am Fili." Kili continued ignorant of his brothers personal musings that had taken his mind away from his brother for a few moments. "I thought I was alone, that something was wrong with me for not finding a connection among our race…for my soul to choose hers, the soul of an elf, as it's perfect mate." Kili sighed and took a step back then descended the ladder.

"Fili, I have never felt so…" Kili wiped a tear from his eye and Fili realized how much this meant to his brother. Has he missed something else? Not only has he missed Viltarra's worries over possibly raising a son, but has he missed his own brothers worries about having chosen Tauriel? Mahal, has he failed those he loves.

With his daughter in one arm, Fili stood and pulled his baby brother close. "Hey now Ki. What's all this about? Nobody in the family has ever even once judged you for choosing Tauriel…we love her as much as you do little brother."

"She's an elf Fi." Kili mumbled into his brothers shoulder.

"Aye…and?" Fili lifted a brow as Kili pulled away from him. "Ki, listen, we always knew you were a bit…odd. Answer me this…despite those stupid baby names you came up with, which were awful…did you ever once have any feelings or even attraction to Kaulithah?"

"Ew! No!" Kili huffed, annoyed Fili even brought that dam up.

Fili rolled his eyes. "Kili, I meant BEFORE we knew she was psychotically attached to you. You always spent time with her when we visited, even I thought that maybe you might have liked her a bit more than a friend. Then again…you always had dams as friends." He chuckled.

"Friends, Fi. Just friends. And no." Kili folded his arms, his eyes flicking to his son and raven. "FINLI! No, don't eat that!" Kili ran to grab Finli before he could eat one of the wax molded grapes added as decoration in the bowl on the small table that Kaw was picking at and pulling apart. He picked his son up and gently pushed Kaw off the table before walking back to his brother who was trying not to laugh. "Just wait until she is older, than you can laugh…and I stand by my answer Fi, I never had any inclination for any of the dams I knew."

"Exactly." Fili said, rocking on the balls of his feet. "Because Ki, something in you knew you were waiting for something better, something more. You and Tauri, are meant for each other, whether she was a dam, human, or elf…doesn't matter. She is your one, and something inside you knew that. But more than anything, my heart is happy that you found someone you can feel a connection with, Ki. Truly. Tauriel, Tauriel is one of us, a dam in an elf's body, and one even our maker adores. We know that as fact, because, well, we where there, and more and more, the people are seeing that too."

Fili pulled his brother closer as he looked up at the portrait and smiled. The eleth Kili depicted in the painting was, to Fili, like any other female elf. The one thing he did think was intriguing, was her dark ebony hair, and vibrant blue eyes. "Do you think…she might have passed those down? Her hair and eyes?" Fili looked to the other portraits where most of the descendants of Durin up until Thorin the first and Anorlóth, were either fair haired, or had ginger hair not unlike Dain's or Tauriel's, and eyes varying in shades of browns and greens.

"I think so." Kili smiled. "So what were you looking for me for?"

"OH! Uncle wanted you to come to the hall outside his office. Bilbo is leaving tomorrow and he has something he wants to show him, and everyone who was in the company."

Kili nodded, placing Finli down so he could gather his youngest sons. "How's uncle doing with Bilbo leaving?"

"Oh, you know uncle." Fili smirked. "Yelling at everyone and pretending like it's just a normal day while pushing down his actual feelings because, emotion bad." He shook his head. "You know, I think he secretly hopes that our hobbit would choose to stay here, like Tauriel."

"He won't." Kili said sadly. "He's been homesick for the last month, and even so, he put off his return to the shire for several weeks."

"Perhaps, so he could see the glory of the trees in the changing season." A smooth voice echoed through the room, and both Kili and Fili turned to see the smirking elven prince looking around the large chamber with clear intrigue.

"We have trees here too, you know. In fact, our forest around the mountain is growing rather lush since Tauriel has been working her elven wonders on it. It is quite large, thank you." Fili snickered.

"Large?" Legolas asked in surprise. "Are you referring to that little grove of trees on the side of the mountain?"

"What are you calling little? Besides...we have a mountain...what do you have? A small forest glen?" Fili growled.

"Do you really want to debate size with me?" Legolas lifted a brow, his eyes filled with teasing mirth as he looked Fili up and down.

"Alright, that will do...the both of you." Tauriel stepped in just behind Legolas and moved right to her infants, taking Naufi from Kili, who had just picked his sons up, and walking back to Legolas and placing the infant in his arms as Kili walked over still holding Orin.

Legolas smiled softly at the infant in his arms. "You know, my father mentioned he thought you may be carrying twins, Tauriel."

Fili snorted in disbelief, but Kili shot him a look that silenced him and Legolas elaborated. "He knew Celebrian, the wife of Elrond, when she carried her two sons. He said you were both of similar size and mused that he would find it fitting that an eleth who's soul is attached to a dwarf, had been in fact been granted proof that she, herself, had been accepted by the father of the dwarves."

"You believe that as well?" Kili asked surprised, in fact, even Fili looked a bit shocked as Legolas nodded.

"Of course."

"We better go before uncle comes storming through the mountain to find us." Fili sighed as a comfortable silence filled the chamber. The group agreed and left the room, Fili and Kili listening to Tauriel as she spoke to Legolas about her children while they walked. Not one of them saw a shadow pass through the solid stone wall, look up at the portraits, then quickly fade away.

"I assure you Thorin, they are coming." Kili could hear Dis promise when they stepped into the wing just as their surly uncle was about to step out. "See? Now let it be."

Thorin had been in a right mood all morning. Not only was his favorite little hobbit leaving the mountain by mid-day with Legolas, but the five other lords were also due to arrive at any time today. He was on a strict schedule and was not in the mood to deal with his nephews dragging their feet when they had places to be.

"Fili...Kili..." Thorin growled until the hall door opened and Nyaunni came in with a smile. In her arms, was Uri who by now was a bit larger than Kaw.

"Sorry I am a bit late." She kissed Thorin on the cheek and set Uri down next to Kaw. The pair were at odds for a bit as Uri has grown...but they get along. The only issue is...Kaw keeps trying to get Uri to fly and Nyaunni has had to step in several times to stop the ravens well meaning attempts. Uri is way too young and would only end up tearing his muscles and possibly stunting his growth. Shaking her head, Nyaunni ignored the raven and aelúg in favor of eyeing her clearly exasperated husband. "I have not missed anything yet, have I?"

Instantly, Thorin's mood changed, and a small smile graced his lips. "Nearly." He lifted a brow and turned, offering her his arm as they moved through the group gathered in the hall. Nyaunni looked back at the brothers still beside the door and smirked, mouthing, "You're welcome."

Legolas, still holding Naufi, chuckled and followed Kili, Fili, and Tauriel to where the group was standing. The entire company was there, including Naurfaer and Bilbo. The only one missing, was Gandalf who had left just a few days after they had the official presentation of Karra, Orin, and Naufi. That was quite the event, and even though that was a month ago, the dwarves of Erebor were still lifting glasses to their newest princess and the two sons of Durin gifted to them by Mahal himself.

The wizard did offer to take Bilbo home at that time as well. But Bilbo opted to remain behind saying he decided to stay in Erebor until the new season, as he had quite the desire to spend a small bit of time in Mirkwood among the elves before returning home. A missive to Thranduil even having the elven king offering to suspend the group going to Rivendell, so Bilbo will be safely delivered to the shire by a pair of Mirkwood guards who would continue to accompany the solo hobbit after they arrived at Rivendell.

Of course, Bilbo said though he was more than ready to be home, he might tarry at Rivendell to visit with Elrond as long as it did not inconvenience the guards from Mirkwood who were very kind in offering to travel home with him.

"Any idea what this is about?" Kili whispered to Tauriel, who nodded and smiled. If anyone were to know about plans Thorin had, it was either his mam, Nyaunni, and Tauriel. The three beings who knew how to work about anything out of Thorin without losing a limb in the process. "Well…care to share?" Kili asked, handing her Orin who was currently asleep so he could pick Finli up and put him on his shoulders; the toddler had had his thumb in his mouth as he tugged on Kili's pants looking up at him with his wide, brown eyes, and Kili in no way could ever deny that face.

Finli loved his brothers, but he still was having a difficult time adjusting to sharing the family he was used to having all to himself. But he never threw fits, or cried about it...although his thumb was in his mouth far more often than usual which did concern Kili and Tauriel a bit. It was decided that both Kili and Tauriel each spend alone time with their eldest son, and even Fili, Thorin, Dis, and Naurfaer took Finli with them to their duties throughout the day. Nyaunni too spent time with him, teaching him about the animals she knew in the stable which was one of Finli's favorite places to go.

They knew it would be a process for the nearly three-year-old son of Durin, but, he is loved, and knows it. Besides, Tauriel has no problem coddling any of her children, especially Finli who has been through so much in his short life. She looked down to Orin and brushed his cheek as he slept in her arms. She loves being a mother.

"This winter will be the fourth anniversary of the battle of five armies." Thorin called out to the group in the hall. "Because of twelve dwarves, two elves, a hobbit, and a wizard...we have our home back, and with it, the tightest alliances Erebor has seen in all the time she has been inhabited by our people." Thorin looked to Legolas who nodded.

"It is time..." Thorin continued. "...that we honor those who risked their lives for our cause."

As Thorin finished speaking, Nyaunni released his arm and moved to retrieve one of the covered objects, removing the cloth to show a portrait of Balin, with his name inscribed on the bottom. The scholar smiled softly then moved to help Nyaunni put it up on the wall. Next came Dwalin, then Gloin and Oin, Ori, Nori, and Dori, and finally, Bofur, Bifur, and Bombur. Once the dwarves of the company had their portraits on the wall, Thorin presented portraits for Fili and Kili, Fili handing his infant to his wife, Viltarra having snuck in after finishing up with a few dwarves who had questions about the new royal garden.

Since she was not in the original company, Viltarra was really only here to support the family. Dis had said it was also her responsibility as future queen to make appearances on all important events that include the family, as well as any large gatherings in Erebor. Viltarra shuddered. Now that she was feeling better, Dis had her back in lessons to teach her about the ins and outs of running a civilization. That is not to say she did not appreciate or enjoy MOST of the lessons…she just…would rather not deal with the ones involving large groups of dwarves staring at her.

But this was just a small gathering of the company and the family, so Viltarra felt perfectly at ease…and even more so with Karra in her arms. She rocked her daughter a bit and watched quietly as Fili and Kili placed their own portraits up on the wall. They also helped place Thorin's who went directly between them.

"Tauriel, nâtha. You as well." Thorin uncovered a portrait of their very own eleth, and she smiled and put it up beside Kili's. Next came Naurfaer…who had no idea he had even received a portrait.

"But I did not join you until Erebor." The taller elf said softly, unprepared for the rush of emotions that filled him in seeing his image on canvas.

"But, you did join us." Thorin said resolutely. "And you fought with us. You are more than deserving of this honor, Naurfaer." He handed the touched elf his portrait which Kili helped him put up just beside Tauriel, who was smiling.

There was also a painting of Gandalf, and Finally, Thorin uncovered the last portrait of their hobbit. "Bilbo, we could not have done this without you." Thorin placed a hand on Bilbo's shoulder. "I know the journey was not easy, and I was not the best traveling companion, but know this…you will always be one of us, master hobbit, and anytime you wish to come to Erebor, the door will always be open and you may stay as long as you wish…a day, a week, forever. For you, and for your family." Thorin drew Bilbo into a hug, tears falling down the hobbit's red cheeks.

"I…I am so honored, Thorin. Please feel the same about my home in the shire. My door is open to any travelers from Erebor, and any of you. Don't bother knocking, just, come in." Bilbo's grin was catching, and soon the entire group was walking forward to embrace the hobbit.

Once Bilbo's portrait was up, proudly among the others, Thorin unveiled one last painting, and it was one of the entire company he would be putting up in his office.

As the chattering about the portraits died down, Legolas handed Naufi back to Kili as he walked up to the hobbit who was laughing with Fili and Viltarra as he held Karra. "I do not mean for this to sound rude, but if you are ready, we really must get on the road to Mirkwood. My father has planned a feast for you tonight and readied a room."

Bilbo nodded, a bit of sadness in his expression as he handed Karra to Fili. "Oh, right. Yes. Of course. We cannot miss that."

"I would not say that." Thorin grumbled, his foul mood returning as he glared at Legolas who had his back turned to the dwarven king, so he missed it. "Let's get you on your way then." He sighed and the company, including Bilbo, made their way to the entrance hall where Bilbo's things were already waiting.

A few guards held Legolas's horse and a pony Nyaunni suggested he take as far as he needed. Legolas already promised the Mirkwood guards will return it when they come back from their trip to Rivendell and the Shire.

There was another round of tearful goodbyes, neither the hobbit nor the company knowing how long it would be before Bilbo was able to visit again. Of course, the company was always welcome to come to the shire, but with Fili and Kili having such young children and Thorin needed to run the mountain…it was easier for Bilbo to come to Erebor, than the royal family to come to the shire. But both Kili and Fili already swore they would be taking their children on the path they took one day when they were older, so they would have a true understanding of the adventure that won them their mountain…the second time around. Not that anyone but the royal family needed to know that though.

"Please send word when you return home." Dis said, pulling away from Bilbo. "I have already secured a raven to follow your journey and alert us if there are any dangers. Please send her home with word when you get to the Shire."

"Of course, and thank you." Bilbo smiled, looking up to see said raven donned with Ereborian armor, soaring overhead for several minutes, before perching on one of the large dwarven statues and waiting.

"No, thank you." Thorin said softly, his arm around Nyaunni. "Thank you for once again being a wise and kind friend."

Not trusting himself to speak, Bilbo gave each of the group one final embrace then with a bit of a grumble, pulled himself up on his pony. "I will miss you all. Do write often, and Kili…send a message when your next one is born."

Kili laughed. "It will be a good few years, mister Boggins."

"So we shall see." Bilbo chuckled as he pushed his pony to follow Legolas. They watched him for a bit, then piled back into the hall.

"Uncle, where is Dain?" Fili asked, noticing he had been missing all morning.

"He decided to take a few guards and meet up with Tollikur of the Ironfists. According to a raven, he is not far from Erebor. And just this morning I was informed of another group of lords meeting and traveling together through Mirkwood Forest; Thranduil already knows a couple of the lords and their guards may be taking the forest path to make haste…so he is prepared." Thorin rubbed his beard in thought and turned to Dwalin. "Gather a few more guards and ready the throne room. With hopes, all lords will arrive tonight and we can be done with Dryok. I tire of him being in my dungeons."

With nothing much to do but wait, the family and company went about their responsibilities…but with a bit of melancholy in their step as each one already missed the lightness the hobbit brought to the mountain. Dis had taken Nyaunni, Viltarra, and Tauriel to the ladies wing, where she gushed over the portrait of Anorlóth, praising Kili's talents.

Tauriel too smiled. She had sat in while Kili was working on it, often with her twins in her arms and Finli on the floor with wax sticks…trying to mimic his father's work. Somehow, the portrait made this room feel…almost warmer…yet colder. But Tauriel could not kick the feeling that there was another presence in this room other than Dis, Viltarra, and Nyaunni. "I think, something is here, among us."

Dis hummed as she straightened Thorin's portrait after making a spot to put the one she had commissioned for Nyaunni. It should be complete soon, but was put a bit behind with Thorin requesting the same dwarf to do the companies portraits which became the priority as Thorin wanted them ready before Bilbo left. Dis would have asked Kili, but with him working so hard on the portrait of Anorlóth…and being a father of three including two newborns…she decided to get it done with Ulfryk, an elder dwarf who was well known among their people for his artistic craft.

"Whatever do you mean, another presence, my darling?" Dis asked her elven daughter gently.

Tauriel could not quite place it, but she felt something in this room. Something familiar. A deep love, and a deep sadness; neither of which was coming from her bond. Kili was, in fact, a bit absent as he was headed with Fili and Thorin to speak to Nori in the dungeon. This was not a familiar presence, but neither did it feel wrong. She shivered when she heard the whisper of her language in the air. "Anorlóth…I…I think she is here."

Dis blinked and lifted a brow in concern. "Are you feeling well, Tauriel?" It was not in jest, but true concern for her daughter that had Dis stepping down and placing her palm on the eleths forehead. "You seem a bit pale. More so than normal."

"Or maybe, she is sensing something we do not." Nyaunni suggested looking around. She thought back to her time in Minam, when the elder dwarves would tell her stories of the afterlife, and how many looked forward to freedom from that place…freedom that came from death and finally entering their ancestors' halls. Some would swear, though, that they saw the lingering spirits of some long past beings walking the halls of Minam. Sometimes it was a familiar dwarf or human who were killed by the orcs or fellbeasts, other times it was a tall ethereal being who floated through walls as if it were a doorway.

But whether or not that was true…dwarves do not have texts on spirits. Their belief is that a body dies, and the spirits go to Mahal for final judgment before entering their halls. That is the end of it. But there must be more to it than that, as each one in the room has had different experiences with the dead.

Dis was so close to death, she saw her Vili come to her, and even felt the press of his lips to her head. She even got a chance to see her granddaughters namesake, Karra, who admitted she was always with Viltarra. Dis could not help but believe that meant Karra, was some sort of guardian over her sister. If that was true…that meant others could watch over family or friends as well.

Tauriel's experience with the afterlife is rather unique as is Thorin, Kili and Fili's, as they have all been dead once before. In her time in her peoples afterlife, Tauriel has met her long past parents and Mahal himself.

What's more is, when Tauriel was returned to this mortal plain, she has since felt her mother with her in times of great need...like when she saved Fili nearly losing her own life in the process, or in the little moments when her Kili was taken from her, she felt an otherworldly comfort that gave her courage to endure the pain and hardship of being separated from her mate, as well as the physical pains she felt echoing from Kili. It is a feeling of motherly comfort she does not recall having before her first death, but neither could she deny was there in some way. Tauriel has no doubts whatsoever that Ithildin has been with her her entire life, in both timelines. Yet somehow, having been among the dead, Tauriel can feel or sense her mother like she never had before.

As for Viltarra, though she has never had experiences like Tauriel and Dis, she did believe Fili when he told her about how their daughter and sister helped him get back to his family, and kept him turned away from the halls of the dead. And Nyaunni, Nyaunni swears with all she is, that she felt her father with her on her wedding day, that she felt his comforting and loving presence as if he was just beside her.

So, each one in the room has had enough experience to believe Tauriel...they just did not know what to make of it. Dis looked about the room, not seeing or feeling anything...but she sat beside her daughter on the large sofa. "Well...it is my belief that we make lasting memories of the places that meant the most to us." She pierced her lips and looked up at the wall. "Perhaps, Erebor was where she felt the greatest connections."

"Would she had even been here?" Nyaunni asked, eyeing the wall. "I do not quite recall the age Erebor was founded, but I do know it was after the fall of Moria."

"Aye. It was." Dis nodded looking thoughtfully at the wall of portraits. "In fact, Thorin the first father, Thrain the first, was the one to find and inhabit Erebor. Thorin, though, did move to Ered Mithrin for quite sometime...where I believe he married and remained until Thrain's passing and he became king. Only then, did he return to Erebor. But that is the end of what we know of his life. The only other records are that of his son, Gloin, who was also born in Ered Mithrin, and the dates of his death."

"Do you think, he moved because he fell in love with an elf?" Viltarra asked, cringing a bit after realizing she sounded a bit rude. But Tauriel smiled none the less and said nothing.

Dis, however, frowned. Her fingers tapped her chin in thought, and finally, she nodded. "I suppose, that could have been a good reason to leave your family for another mountain. Though, if Kili ever did the same...not a presence in middle earth would have stopped me from following my son or begging for him to stay here."

"Fili would have gone too if Kili left." Viltarra nodded in agreement. "He and Kili are far too close for the pair to separate. And Fili loves Tauriel too, so wherever Kili and Tauriel went, we too would follow."

Tauriel sighed and looked at her sons. One was asleep, and the other was gripping her vest. What would their life have been like on the move had Thorin not accepted them? Even more, if Kili had survived the first battle of five armies, would she have been accepted into the family as she was now...having not made the sacrifice she did? Suddenly a cold chill ran up her spine at the thought. Is her close relationship with her family contingent on the choice she made in Valinor? Would Thorin and Dis had loved her like they do?

Tauriel lifted her eyes when she felt a finger brush a tear away that Tauriel had not felt leave her eye. "Now what is this, my darling daughter? Why do you cry?" Dis asked softly. Even more, she felt concern leak through her connection with Kili, despite him being deep in the mountain, he was trying to comfort her, and she met that comfort with love.

"It is nothing, truly." Tauriel sighed again. But Dis lifted a brow and pierced her lips; she would not be taking such an answer for fact...not when Tauriel seemed so withdrawn. So Tauriel stood and placed her sleeping son on the blanket beside Karra, who was also sleeping. She then passed the still awake Orin to Nyaunni before retaking her seat and taking Dis's hands in hers. "Amad, I wonder...if Anorlóth was not accepted as I am, at least not in the beginning of her life with her Thorin. It made me also wonder, if in another life, I too would have gone through what she did. If the outcome of the first battle had gone differently, and my sacrifice was not needed...I am drawn now to wonder just how different our relationships would be."

"Hogwash." Dis tutted and pulled Tauriel into her arms. "Complete hogwash. First and foremost, what is done, is done, my child." She pulled away. "This silly notion of 'what if', does nobody any good. So put that aside right now. Further more..." Dis released one of Tauriel's hands to cup her cheek tenderly. "I do admit, that when I first met you, much of my affection was linked to gratitude for your sacrifice...but it was not long after that, my daughter, that I grew to love you for who you are...and not for what you did. Love built on a single action is short lived, darling, but love built through shared experiences, daily interactions, and getting to know who the other person is inside and out, is a love filled with trust and a firm and steady foundation. I believe I can quite confidently say that both Thorin and I love you, Tauriel, not because of your sacrifice, but because of who you are and the joy you bring to this family." She brushed another tear away from Tauriel's cheek. "I know this may be hard to believe too, but though it may have taken a bit longer, I am also quite confident that we would have loved you in any timeline...even that first one."

Dis pulled Tauriel's face forward and pressed their brows together. "You are my daughter, my Tauriel. Never forget that." Tauriel nodded and Dis pulled her close again. "Now about this Anorlóth..." She looked back up at the portrait. "...do you think she has a message?"

Tauriel pulled away from Dis and closed her eyes. She poured all her senses into her surroundings...which was a bit more difficult with Kili barraging her with all of his love, and Orin wanting more food. She gently pushed Kili away, making sure he knew she was alright, but Orin will just have to wait a moment.

Viltarra, Dis, and Nyaunni remained quietly watching the eleth...Dis even grabbing Finli who was about to tug on Tauriel's tunic to get up in her lap once he realized his brothers were elsewhere. "Just give your mama a moment, my little love." Dis whispered into Finli's hair and he settled in her lap.

After a few moments, Tauriel's pierced lips lifted into a soft smile, and her emerald eyes opened.

"Well?" Nyaunni asked, rocking Orin who was getting frustrated his needs were being ignored.

Tauriel stood and retrieved her son and sat back down, accepting the privacy blanket from Dis so she could feed him. "She is here...but not here. It is difficult to explain. She speaks in broken whispers, as if the connection is not quite true...but from what I understand, she has been waiting for centuries to be allowed to be reunited with Thorin in the halls of Mandos. She claims I softened Mahal's heart...I...I am the reason she can enter to see him again. She is here, to give her thanks before she leaves."

It really was broken, but Tauriel was able to fill in what she felt she might have been missing, and smiled. "She also is grateful her portrait is up."

With nobody touching a thing, the room suddenly brightened...filling with both light and warmth. Tauriel knew she was not seeing things when even Dis, Viltarra, and Nyaunni squinted with the lights while Finli covered his eyes. But just as quickly as it brightened, the lights dimmed once more. Everyone in the room stared at the each other in shock, as a very soft, "Thank you." Spoken first in sindarin, then khuzdul, and finally common all with the same soft-spoken voice which was just audible enough for all in the room to hear.

"Was that..." Viltarra asked, blinking in surprise.

Tauriel nodded. "She is gone. I cannot feel it is bittersweet...as she has waited far too long to be with her family."

Dis hugged Finli close, never wanting to see her daughter go through that pain...but according to her...Mahal has already accepted her so she will have no problems coming to their halls at the end of her or Kili's life so Tauriel should be fine. Besides, that is very far off...and not something Dis really wants to even think about. Especially with her very young grandson in her lap.

"Thorin said this family would never be boring." Nyaunni huffed out a laugh. "And I see he is rather correct. Never a dull moment here, is there?"

"Not one." Viltarra sighed shaking her head. "Not a single one."

"Good. Dull is boring anyway." Nyaunni accepted Karra and tickled her tiny feet, the littlest dam in the room giving her a toothless grin.

Dis smiled softly at the scene, then her eyes moved to her twin grandsons before they landed on her eldest grandson who still sat in her lap…each one was brimming with the newness of life. It was time to put talks of death away when there was so much life left to be lived…and live, they shall. "Since we are all here…" Dis readjusted Finli and looked to the others in the room. "Why don't we discuss how to entertain visiting dignitaries properly. There are many steps and rules of propriety to follow whether it is just the lords, or it is the lords and their wives coming to Erebor."

"A lesson now?" Viltarra groaned as Dis nodded.

"No time like the present." The elder daughter of Durin hummed.

Nyaunni looked to Tauriel who smirked but said nothing, so the elder dam shrugged and sat back as Dis went into a full lecture on how to prepare, greet, and entertain from just before the visitors arrived, to the day they leave.

It was two hours before Fili came in, which was for the best, as even Nyaunni was looking a bit glassy eyed having been listening to Dis go on and on about place settings for a long half hour. She may have been royally trained before Erebor fell, but she spent far too long in Minam among orcs to care one bit about which comes first, a wine goblet, or an ale mug, and how to both set and use each piece of silverware…in nearly unnecessary detail.

While a relieved sigh filled the room, Fili informed them that Dain was back with Lord Tollakur, and both Lord Lofar of the Blackblocks and Lord Leivur of the Broodbeams were already here having just arrived an hour ago.

Viltarra snickered when Nyaunni leaned over while Fili spoke to Dis, and asked if she thought Dis was channeling Balin, or if Balin channeled Dis when he lectured.

"What about the others?" Dis asked, moving to stand while keenly ignoring the two snickering dams across from her. At least Tauriel seemed interested…or perhaps…Tauriel is just accustomed to being forced to listen to things she cared less about. The elven king did seem like the sort to have long drawn out conversations and Tauriel was his captain, so she more likely than not had to sit in on meetings and listen to things she had no interest in while appearing as if she did. Dis shook her head and watched as her eldest son move to his wife.

Fili took his daughter from Viltarra, kissing her brow as she slept before responding to his mother. "Well, according to a few ravens, both Lord Vifspori and Krygo are coming through the forest now so really by evening bell, everyone should be present."

"And their wives?" Nyaunni asked intrigued?

But Fili shook his head. "So far, only the lords and their guards will be present. But I will let you know if that has changed. Uncle also wanted me to relay that after speaking to Dain and our newly arrived guests…he thinks it would be best to have the meeting tomorrow morning first thing."

Dis nodded. "They deserve food and a chance to rest. Thank you Fili."

"There's more." Fili said. "Tauri…the lords wish to address you, and your sons."

"What!" Dis stood straight, somewhat standing before her daughter who looked a bit stunned. "Why?!"

Fili sighed. "They would not say. Even uncle has been trying to convince them to tell him what their need to address Tauriel is all about. But they seem to remain tight lipped on the subject outside the request itself. They even refused to elaborate when uncle threatened them with a nights stay with Dryok rather than a comfortable room, he even reminded them that he was their king. But, they still refuse to tell him what they wanted an audience with Tauriel for. Apparently…the lords have been conversing via raven back and forth and Tauriel…was the topic of interest."

"He was planning on speaking to them about her, and the children…Finli, Orin, and Naufi." Nyaunni looked around the room as the small group watched her with surprise and not a little wariness. "Thorin." She added. "He has mentioned it several times in fact, over the last few months as we have waited for their arrival. But I do not think he wanted Tauriel involved." Nyaunni gave the eleth an apologetic look.

Fili nodded. "He is right furious that they have gone behind his back rather than petitioning for a formal audience as they should have done. He tried to turn it into a meeting between just them, and even addressed his concerns, but still, they won't budge."

Dis took Tauriel's free hand and looked her daughter in the eyes. "You do not have to do anything, my darling. We will figure this out."

"No." Tauriel said with confidence. "I am not afraid. I will face whatever they have to say to me. Does Kili know?" The eleth was less worried about herself, and more worried that her husband may do something to defend her if he thinks she is being threatened.

Fili's fidgeting was all the answer she needed. "Uncle thought it best…you told Ki…so he doesn't overreact."

Tauriel sighed and nodded. She looked down at her son who had his eyes wide open. They still had not changed yet from his baby blues, neither of her boys have…but Karra's were a brilliant shade of blue which could still change…but more likely will stay which means she inherited her fathers eyes. Viltarra had no issue with that, and Fili was more than proud.

But Naufi and Orin's color remained unchanged, which neither Kili nor Tauriel minded in the least. They looked forward to the day when their true color was revealed but were in no rush to speed up their growth. Speaking of Kili. "Where is Kili? If he is not with you and Thorin."

"With Aeodhen and Naurfaer." Fili replied, handing Karra back to Viltarra. "Uncle sent them to see to assigning guards to the visiting lords and making sure there is a team to handle the meeting tomorrow. He wants enough there to mitigate any possible backlash if the lords side with Dryok."

"Goodness. Do you think they will?" Dis asked in shock.

Fili shrugged. "Doubtful going off what they have said so far. But we have yet to speak to Vifspori and Krygo so it may come down to them. The lords could just be telling uncle what he wants to hear until the others arrive and they could unite together."

"Or…" Nyaunni offered, folding her arms. "…they knew and were withholding information from their high king and are now trying to right their wrongs while making sure they all tell the same story."

"We cannot make any assumptions until we know for certain." Dis offered, but Nyaunni may be more right…than wrong. "Well, we will find out in due time. For the moment, however, I suppose we have lords to see to. Tauriel, Viltarra, why don't you take the children up to the room and I will send Kili to speak to you Tauriel."

"Are you sure, amad? We can help." Tauriel offered…Viltarra nodding in agreement which warmed Dis's heart to see her eager to take initiative.

But Dis shook her head. "For the children's safety, they should stay in your rooms for the time being. Go ahead."

Tauriel nodded and gathered her sons, Viltarra helping her by taking Finli by the hand since Tauriel had two infants to carry, and she only had one.

Throughout the rest of the day, Viltarra and Tauriel remained up in their rooms. Since the rest of the family was busy, nobody came up once…even as the sky began to dim as the sun set over the forest and Dale. Tauriel sighed as she looked down at Orin and Naufi, both laying asleep in her lap. She brushed her fingers over their tiny features, smiling at the dark, copper, mass of hair on their heads. It was not true red, but neither was it brown. Just somewhere in-between…until the sun caught it and it shined a brilliant shade of deep auburn. It was both interesting and unique…and Tauriel loved it.

"Mama?" Tauriel lifted her eyes to her eldest who had just pulled his thumb from his mouth. "Eat."

"Are you hungry my darling?" Tauriel felt a rush of hunger coming from her connection to Finli just as he nodded with his thumb back in his mouth.

However, before she could leave the balcony she was sitting on with her sons, there was a bit of commotion that came up from below and Tauriel heard the unmistakable sound of scraping metal against stone paired with muffled yelling as the gates far below them were opened.

Moving to the balcony, Tauriel peered over just in time to see two ponies and several dozen rams with guards on them, trotting towards Erebor.

"Are they here?" Viltarra stepped out on the balcony, having been just inside where Karra was sleeping on Tauriel and Kili's bed.

"Seems so." Tauriel nodded, her eyes not leaving the group of dwarves heading towards their mountain. It unsettled her a bit, since for some reason…these lords wanted an audience with her but refused to say why. She had yet to speak to Kili about it…and truthfully was not looking forward to telling him. He will not react well…that she already knew.

Even after the lords appeared, they did not see their husbands until well past evening bell. Vin and Tarrah had come up after they closed the bakery at the end of their business day, and they all enjoyed a quiet dinner together that Bombur brought up.

Of course Viltarra and Tauriel said it was not necessary for him to go out of his way to bring them the evening meal, but Bombur had come with apologies from Naurfaer, Kili, and Fili saying they would be eating on the go as they helped Aeodhen and Dwalin circulate the guards. Nyaunni and Dis had also sent Kaw up with a message that they would be joining in a private meal with Thorin and the lords in one of the smaller kitchens, but they were welcome to join if they wished.

However, since the twins and Karra were just too young to join, Tauriel and Viltarra knew they would be staying up. It turned out to be for the best, as Finli had spent most of the evening crying after he tripped and bumped his head on the sofa and despite having no mark to speak of…he sent both his parents heavy grievances and refused to be parted from Tauriel even when she needed a private moment in the toilet.

"It is because he still feels as if we will be replacing him with Naufi and Orin." Tauriel sighed, running her hands through her distraught toddler's hair as he clung desperately to her neck while Viltarra gave the pair a worried look. "We have good days and bad, don't we, my star?" She kissed his head as Viltarra fed Karra across from her.

Bless the valar that Naufi and Orin were milk drunk and lay facing each other, just quietly communicating…which is what Kili called it. They did that often, just lay looking at the other before falling asleep. They rarely cried, opting to let their needs be known silently through the bond they shared with their parents. The only time they do fuss…is when they have to wait to be attended to, for example, when Tauriel is in the shower, or Kili is trying to change them when they want food or their mother instead.

They also tended to be at odds with each other in schedules…which makes much more sense of their personalities in the womb. When Naufi wants to sleep, Orin wants to eat. Orin also is more likely to lay awake and spend time with Kili…enjoying his father speak and tell stories…while Naufi prefers to be in his mother's arms listening to her sing.

It worked out well, since it helped divide the attention needed evenly among all three of their children. Except for nights like this when Tauriel was bidding Viltarra goodnight and now taking care of two infants and a toddler who is refusing to let her go.

"My star, can you play with Kaw for just a moment?"

"No!" Finli cried and clung tightly to Tauriel's tunic.

Perhaps it was luck, or more likely, through their bond Kili realized she needed assistance, as her beloved other half chose that exact moment to…rather tiredly…enter their chambers with a tray of what looked like three slices of buttercake.

"Mam made this for their dinner, and wanted me to make sure I brought some up for you and Viltarra." Kili set the tray down and folded his arms. "Now, what…is going on here? Hmm?" Kili lifted a brow, then squatted low before charging at Finli who shrieked before he tried to hide behind Tauriel. Unfortunately, he was too slow and Kili ripped him from the sofa and held him upside down. The entire time, Finli was shrieking with his little infectious giggles.

"Help, mama!" He tried to get out as Kili slung him on his back.

"Your mother is helpless against me." Kili grumbled as he marched the still laughing Finli through the doors to their room and to the washroom where Tauriel heard the taps to the bath start and her boys laughing together. It brought so much love and joy to her heart.

However, looking over at her twins, she realized Finli's shrieks also woke them and they were both watching her with scrunched faces. "Alright, come now. You must learn to get used to your brother." She picked her babies up one at a time, and carried them to the nursery for one last feeding before she rocked them to sleep.

It was maybe an hour later, Kili carried Finli in, the toddler passed completely out in his arms. "Want to put them down and join me for dessert? Finli had his already, but I wanted to wait for you."

Tauriel nodded and placed Naufi and Orin down in their crib which had only been in the nursery for about a week. Since the twins sleep through the night, Kili said there really was no point in them sleeping in their larger bed chamber. Tauriel herself had reservations at first, she was not quite ready for her infants to be more than a few feet away from her.

But eventually, Kili was able to convince her in his very own charming way, and Tauriel relented. The first night, she did end up sleeping in the rocking chair in the nursery…just to make certain Orin and Naufi were alright. Of course, they were just fine, and the next night, she allowed Kili to pull her into the bed.

It was not just her though, Viltarra and Fili had yet to move Karra's crib from the room and often slept with their daughter nestled safely between them according to Viltarra. It also meant she was right there to feed her daughter when she woke for food…which she did nearly every hour of the night. Karra…was an avid feeder.

Then again…so were Ori and Naufi during the waking hours of the day, which meant Tauriel had to constantly eat herself to keep up with the energy she needed to feed them. It had Fili laughing every morning at breakfast when Tauriel ate twice as much as he and Kili.

"What's this? Eating for more? Got a few more in there already do ya Tauri?" Fili would tease until Viltarra kicked him under the table and Kili punched him in the arm.

"Welll…" Tauriel would respond, unashamedly taking a third berry scone. "…when you have to give every ounce of your energy nursing two living beings…two living beings who are more dwarf than elf…than YOU can make remarks. Until then…say one more thing and I will remove your tongue with my blade." Without even a bat of her lashes, Tauriel would then go right back to eating as the table would erupt with laughter.

Even Dain shook his head as he pushed the platter of pancakes towards her and she would take several with a nod of gratitude.

She loved it though, Tauriel loved every part of being a mother. The only thing she wished, was that they would remain her babies forever. But that was the wish of almost every mother.

As she looked down at her twins, Kili slipped his arms around her and rested his chin on her shoulder. "They are perfect." He smiled at Orin and Naufi who were clasping hands then his gaze moved to Finli who had his but up in the air and his head pushed into the pillow while his thumb was wedged in his half open mouth.

"We need to do something about that thumb." Tauriel sighed and leaned back into Kili. She felt the hot breath from his chuckles as he turned his nose into her neck.

"Let him be. He will grow out of it when he is ready. Now…about dessert." Kili then proceeded to press his lips to her neck, and leave a trail of heat down to her shoulder and Tauriel was quite content to allow him to continue his path until she remembered she needed to speak to him.

"Kili…" Tauriel tried but he kept going, tightening his arms around her waist and pulling her flush against him. "Kili…" Tauriel sighed but it sounded more like a groan, and she felt his lips curl into a smile as he scooped her up into his arms and carried her to their room where he deposited her on the bed and climbed overtop her…smiling brilliantly. Not wanting to wake her sleeping children, Tauriel just rolled her eyes and let him do as he pleased.

"Is there something you wish to say, amralime?" Kili purred in her ear as he continued to attack her neck with vigor.

It took all of her inner strength to gently push him until he sat back on his haunches and looked at her curiously. "Kili, the lords wish to have an audience with me…and our sons."

At first, Kili smiled and nodded, brushing her braids behind her ear and leaning in to press his lips to her pulse point…but then he froze as if it just registered what she said, and he pulled back so fast, Tauriel gasped when the cool air hit where his lips had just left. "Wait…the lords want to see you? Is that what you just said?"

"It is. Fili did not know why, neither would they say when Thorin asked."

In a split second, Kili's demeaner changed and his eyes darkened to almost black. "No." He said, his tone broaching no argument. "Absolutely not. They have NO right to even request an audience with you without going through the proper channels, and that includes having an audience with ME first."

Gone was playful Kili, and in it's place…overprotective Kili who was a force to be reckoned with. When Kili was in this mood, Tauriel doubts even Thranduil would best him. He was the stone in the tempest that will not be moved…that is…unless that tempest was Tauriel.

She watched her husband as he growled and got off the bed only to stomp about the room, tear his tunic off, and begin ripping through the cabinet to find something to sleep in. Given the late hour, even this Kili would not bother storming through the mountain, instead he will likely pace the room all night…but Tauriel was certainly not going to allow that.

But she also knew he needed a moment to collect himself, so she took the piece of buttercake off the bedside table, crossed her legs on the bed, and began to eat her dessert. She felt no fear for these lords, she felt no apprehension, and she definitely was not worried about them harming her. They would be stupid to try with her family right there. And she knows for a fact, that they would not harm her children or even consider it without Thorin, Fili, and Kili killing every single one of them.

So really, what did she have to worry about? Being kicked out of Erebor? Unlikely. Thorin would never allow it. Besides, they had no say who was and was not allowed to live in Erebor…Thorin was the king, they were simply lords. Besides, Erebor is outside their jurisdiction.

"How are you so calm?" Tauriel lifted her emerald eyes from her half eaten cake to her shirtless husband who looked as if he was going to war.

Sighing and placing her dessert back on the table, Tauriel unfolded her legs and slipped off the bed. She went straight to her husband and slid her arms around his waist, pressing her forehead to his. "Well, I suppose you can say I have many reasons to be calm. One, I have three beautiful sons sleeping just a room down. Two, I have a family who I know has my best interests in mind and will protect me and my children at all costs. Three, and this one is very important, I have you, my Kili, who no matter what happens, I know will never leave my side. Whatever do I have to be worried about, meleth nin? They cannot harm me, for they would have to move a mountain to even try."

Just like that, Tauriel felt the tension leave Kili, though not completely. He did wrap his arms around her and pull her close. Now Tauriel loved creating life, she loved carrying a living being within her, but she missed being able to be fully engulfed in Kili's arms as she was now. However, before she could pull his lips to hers, there was a crash followed by a curse that sounded just outside the door to their sitting room.

Not caring about his manner of dress, Kili grabbed his sword and ran for their chamber's main door. He barely registered Tauriel just behind him as he pulled the door open and jumped out…only to end up with a face full of feathers. Kili lowered his sword and used his free hand to push the creature's feathers away from his face just enough to see Nyaunni tugging on a lead attached to the clearly unhappy aelúg.

"Stop being stubborn, you have gone through smaller doors in Minam." Nyaunni huffed and tugged again. But Dajnel was full on sitting against Kili and Tauriel's doorframe, refusing to budge.

"What in the Valar…" Tauriel blinked as Kili too tried to make hammer and nails of the situation.

"No idea. Lets find out." Kili hummed and leaned on his toes to get a good grip on Dajnel before pulling himself up on her back since he couldn't go around her in the position she was in. "Hey, aunt Nya…does…uh…uncle, by any chance, know you are bringing Dajnel up for a visit?"

"NO!" Nyaunni huffed as she tugged and pulled to no avail with Dis just behind her, laughing of all things; which surprised Kili…he honestly would have thought his mother would be rather vocally protesting Nyaunni's current actions. However, instead she seemed amused. Giving up for a moment, Nyaunni tossed the lead to the ground and put her hands on her hips in frustration.

"I overheard several of our guests guards talking about sneaking into the stables to 'deal with the dragon' and I don't trust anyone to not harm her. She means too much to me." Nyaunni took Dajnel's face in her hands and lovingly stroked the feathers along her jaw. "She's just being stubborn and unhelpful."

"I did offer to put extra guards in the stables." Dis chuckled.

"And I said that was not necessary. It is late and Aeodhen would have had to wake them up just to sit in the stables all evening." Nyaunni rebutted. "She will be fine up here with Uri for a few nights."

Dajnel purred, then proceeded to tuck her head under her wing as if she was going to go to sleep, which caused Nyaunni to sigh again, and Kili to laugh as he leaned forward and patted her feathered back before he slid off. "Need a hand?"

"Probably." Nyaunni hummed than lifted a brow. "Forget something?" She gestured to Kili who looked down then grinned cheekily. "I was in a bit of a hurry. Amralime? Love? Can you toss me…" Before he could even finish, his shirt was thrown overtop Dajnel and Kili caught it and pulled it over his head.

Down the hall, Kili saw his brother leaning against the wall, his daughter in his arms, as he laughed. "You are officially my favorite aunt." He shook his head as Viltarra pushed past him to walk up to the group.

"I am your only aunt, Fili." Nyaunni lifted a brow at Fili who smirked back at her.

"I take it you want her in your room? So how should we do this?" Viltarra stroked the aelúg's feathered wing as she waited for Nyaunni's instruction.

Honestly, Nyaunni was still constantly taken aback by this family she just joined two months ago. When she thought they would do one thing, like tell her she was being a bit ridiculous…which was a fair argument because she kind of was…instead they would come together and work through the situation as a group. Of course they would laugh…or give input…but they never were truly unkind; rather, they were supportive and accepting.

Though Nyaunni doubts Thorin will be so…thrilled…when he returns. He was still trying to get out of the lords what they wanted with Tauriel. But, if you ask Nyaunni, she doubts the lords will be doing much but talking nonsense, as they were currently a bit too deep into the ales and wines Dain insisted Thorin bring out to… 'honor the visitin' lords an toast the clans their maker continuously blesses.'…which Nyaunni had to hold her tongue from arguing that the maker certainly did not bless her clan when Dryok led it.

But she did as her father always told her… "My Nyaunni, sometimes, we share our opinions in the moment…openly and unashamedly. Our voices can be like the great bell of Erebor, heralding a message through walls of stone and into hearts of the dwarven people who are waiting for her song. But other times…other times we must keep silent and still. We must be like the gems deep in the stone who hold their song until they are discovered, cut, and shined. When you find yourself in the heart of opposition…you must take a moment and decide…should I be a bell…or should I be a gem? Is what you have to say ready to be spoken…or do you need time to polish and present your argument? Be wise with your words, my daughter, for they can be sharper than a blade and at times…far more powerful."

Draupnir was a dwarf of powerful intellect and he taught Nyaunni every moment of every day. Which is why…despite having spent more than a lifetime in captivity…Nyaunni was no simple dwarrow. She was always told she was well beyond her years having inherited Draupnir's thirst for knowledge and ability to listen and take in the world around her. It had been such a gift to her as she was forced to acclimate to a world that could not be more opposite to Erebor.

So…despite the remark made by Dain with nothing but good intentions…Nyaunni kept silent and simply opted to hold her mug of ale in her hand and nod instead of drink. They were all distracted by their toast and heavy drinking to notice anyway. Though Thorin did lift a brow at her actions, she just waived him off. If he remembers and asks, she will tell him. Besides, it was nothing he didn't already know.

And did those lords drink! Drink. Then drink some more. Both she and Dis excused themselves even before they were done. In fact, Dain was ordering up yet another barrel of Thorin's vintage sweet ale, to chase down the bitterness of the brandy they had been sipping after finishing three full barrels of wine. Even so, Nyaunni seriously doubts Thorin will get much out of them besides demands for more food and spirits.

Which also means he may be in a foul temper coming back up. Or maybe, the drinks will mellow him and he won't even notice Dajnel in their room…if she can get her into the chamber that is.

"Maybe…if Tauriel can give her a good push from the other side…and you, Dis, and I pull her, we can get her inside." Nyaunni hummed in thought.

"I will get back over and help push." Kili suggested. When Nyaunni nodded, he hopped back up on Dajnel's back…the aelúg barely lifting her head as he did…and then Kili slid back down on the other side, smiling at his wife who pecked him on the side of the head.

Together, Kili and Tauriel placed their hands on Dajnel and on Nyaunni's word, began to push. It took a bit of strength to get her to move, but eventually, with a bit of a growl, the aelúg rose to her feet and shook her feathers out.

"Alright…in you get." Nyaunni went right to pulling with Viltarra and Dis. Fili still had Karra in his arms, but moved into Nyaunni, Dis's and Thorin's chamber to keep the door open as wide as possible.

There was a brief moment when Dajnel let out a indigent chirplike howl, flapping her wings and refusing to move again…but with Nyaunni's soft calls of encouragement and likely a bit of help from her gift…they were able to get Dajnel inside the sitting room.

"Now what?" Viltarra asked eyeing the hall to Thorin and Nyaunni's room. "Do you want to keep her in here? Or…"

Nyaunni shook her head. "There is plenty of space in my room…" With that she tugged the lead again and this time, Dajnel followed, her tail knocking over a vase that fell to the floor and shattered, then a ceramic bowl which Dis caught before it hit the ground.

Fili once again stepped ahead of his aunt and opened the large door and the group let out a sigh of relief when Dajnel disappeared inside.

As a surprise for their wedding, Dis had their parents room redone for Thorin and Nyaunni. It was at the end of the hall and included their own private sitting room, which was something Kili and Tauriel did not have, but the attached bed chamber was easily about as large as Kili and Tauriel's…just without the balcony. It even had its own washroom.

Dis had approached Thorin about a week after the twins and Karra were born, asking if he would prefer that she took another chamber so he and Nyaunni could have their own space. But Thorin leaned forward and kissed her brow saying no. His reasons were that he had no desire to push his baby sister out of her room, there was plenty of space in these large chambers for all of them…and they were large. Secondly, Nyaunni enjoyed Dis living with them so she had someone to talk to when Thorin could not be there. She was still learning to live a life of freedom and Dis was someone who helped ground her when she needs something familiar to cling on to.

Finally, he said that they were not young like Fili and Kili, and neither of them have the desire to tear their clothes off and attack each other on every surface of Erebor. He had tugged on her braid and smiled saying as long as she was up for dealing with her stubborn brother, he would love nothing more for her to remain where she was.

Dis of course nodded, smiling, and already plotting a redesign of her parent's room for Thorin and Nyaunni to give them the space they deserved and some added privacy as well. It took an entire month of going behind their backs to get the room to be more Thorin and Nyaunni's style rather than their parents…though she kept a few nods to them for nostalgia and respect. She even transferred some things from Nyaunni's childhood room and left space for them to add as they pleased.

In the early year of Erebor being stabilized and reinhabited, somehow word quickly got out that the high king of the dwarves, was not living in the high kings quarters. That in fact, it was not even given to the crowned prince…and instead given to the younger prince and his elven wife. Now this was before the dwarves of Erebor got to know Tauriel…though even those who knew and loved her from Ered Luin where a bit…surprised if you will…that Thorin was not in his grandfather's chambers.

For the most part, the family simply let those rumors be…it was not the peoples business who stayed in what room or why. Although…Dis did ask about it once, even suggesting instead of taking his childhood chambers, if he was not going to be in Thror's room then he should take their fathers which was nearly as grand as Thror's on account Thrain was to be king and in the case Thror chooses to pass his crown to his son before he died, Thrain would be king under the mountain and should have a room befitting his station despite Thror still inhabiting his own.

However, Thorin had not so much as even hinted he was going to take the room and instead kept their doors shut and rather happily took his own chamber…which confused Dis at first. "Brother…I do not fault you for wanting to make Tauriel happy and comfortable here…I know you love her and Kili. And with them already expecting their first child…they certainly will do more with the space than anyone. But, I would be lying if I did not say that I am not surprised by what you did or that you even refuse to take mother and fathers room."

Dis doesn't think she would ever forget the deep sadness and self-hatred that engulfed Thorin's expression as he was seeming to collect his thoughts…not even looking at her as he finally gave the reason he gave up the high kings chamber, which finally, painted a true picture of his motivation behind his decision. "Dis, you did not see me when I was at my worst…but I remember every moment, every disturbing thought. Some were not clear at first, but in my dreams, I relive it Dis. In my dreams, I have relived both times I was infected by the Arkenstone. Gold, jewels, robes of fine furs and silks was all I wanted. Proof that I was the most powerful being in the room was all I craved. I cared not for my nephews, or what they were going through. In two lives, I left Kili, the dwarf I love as my son, my son Dis, I left him to die. In two lives, I saw the disappointment in those who risked everything to follow me. In two lives, I forced Fili, into a position where he had to choose to follow his king, or his brother. And in two lives, I watched as he lost some respect for me and remained with his brother knowing full well, the risk he was taking and what he was possibly giving up in doing so."

Thorin did not blink, he did not move, it was as if he was a statue staring into nothingness as he spoke. "Because of my need to keep my gold, to keep my mountain, I refused Bard the gold I personally promised him. I alone set twelve dwarves…including my sons, on the path of suicide by riling Thranduil up instead of giving him a single necklace. Even more, I forbade the company from joining the battle forcing Dain and his army to fight on our behalf so no one could take Erebor from me. That, was my first life Dis. That is the life I failed. It is the life I see when I close my eyes, and the life I forced Kili into telling me about when I could not remember the finer details."

"But you overcame it, Thorin. You said yourself." Dis tried reassuring him, but Thorin shook his head.

"I may have, and I suppose I did, Dis; in both lives. But in this life, it nearly cost Tauriel's child, my grandchild. Things may have turned out differently, but, I was still corrupted. I cannot take that room, Dis, not the room Thror last inhabited when he was under the curse, and not our parents room as extravagant as it is. I do not need the space, I do not need the reminder of the Thorin who coveted a rock more than his family, his friends, and his people."

Thorin took a deep breath. "What's more is, I knew Tauriel, as an elf, would need open air to escape to; that she would be happiest where she could see the sun and stars. I do love her, but my motive was far more selfish than giving her the largest rooms in the mountain because I think of her as a daughter, and just so she can see the sky. Her happiness, means Kili's happiness. After what I did to him, in two timelines, I need Kili to be happy, Dis, I needed to show him that he means more to me than some mere dwarf I would leave behind on deaths doors. My room has space, a bed, a desk, and everything I need. I want for nothing more. I have a penance to pay our family, and our maker for my actions, and I will pay it."

Once he was done, Thorin still refused to look at her as he walked out of their room. Besides, what could Dis say? After that, she understood why Thorin gave up the kings rooms, and why he refused to even consider taking Thrain's rooms. However, things had changed just a bit since that discussion long before Finli was born, and long before Karra and the twins were born. And in Dis's honest opinion, her brother has more than proven that he was NOT a dwarf that thirsted for gold or power…instead he thirsted for the betterment of their family, and their people.

Even more, this was no longer just about Thorin. Nyaunni deserved space too. Dwarves did not quite believe in the existence of a hell like some of the humans believed, it was more complicated than that. They had a deep connection to their maker, and even the most wayward dwarf would never deny Mahal as their creator, or where they went in their afterlife...as they had a deep and true belief in what would become of them. BUT IF they had a true hell, Nyaunni would have been living in it when she was taken to Minam.

So did Dis believe her new sister more than earned a lush chamber? Yes. Did she believe Thorin has paid his penance? Absolutely. If the mother of the dwarf who was left behind to die twice, is ready to move on, then Thorin should as well. That is not to say if she was able to turn the clock back and kill her brother for leaving Kili…again, twice…among strangers when he was walking the line of this world and the next…she would do so in a heartbeat. But that Thorin, and this Thorin, were two different beings.

Thus, Dis had no reservations in doing what she did and preparing Thrain's rooms for her brother who has more than earned them. She also has plans to see to making Fili and Viltarra's room a bit more befitting of a crown prince, and she will be doing that sooner rather than later. But for now, she focused on Thorin and Nyaunni's new chambers.

When it was completed a month after Thorin and Nyaunni's wedding, Tauriel, Kili, Viltarra, and Fili all helped her refurnish and move two new desks in so both Nyaunni and Thorin had a place to work in their own room if needed. Then they presented it to Thorin who was quite surprised and more than a bit touched by what his family did.

Though he was more than happy to make a life with Nyaunni in the room he had since he was a dwarfling, he was moved that Dis and the family had gone through such lengths to give him something which would suit both him and his new queen for the many years they had ahead of them. What he likely did not anticipate…was his new queen pulling her horse sized fellbeast through the chamber's double doors.

"There." Nyaunni smiled and moved to pick Uri up off the bed. She had left him in here while she went to dinner…more for HIS safety than anything. She did not know these dwarves, and she did not trust them quite yet. So she decided it was best to leave Uri in their room where he was safe.

Dajnel had her head low to the ground as she looked about the room. Slowly and cautiously, she stepped in as Nyaunni removed her lead and the leather harness Tauriel had helped her make. Tauriel may not be the best at sewing clothes, or knitting anything really, but leathers was something she felt confident in working with having opted to patch and even remake bits of her own armor in Mirkwood for no other reason than wanting to learn to be proficient in it.

"She will be fine from here. Thank you for all of your help. But, it is late, you should all get some rest. I feel these next few days, may be a bit taxing for all of us." Nyaunni scratched Dajnel on the head as the family silently filed out of the room, each going back to their own chambers and settling for the night. Tomorrow…will come soon enough.

Before the toll of the first bell the following morning, Thorin grunted as he opened his eyes to a mass of red curls. He rubbed his palms over his face to try and wipe the sleep away…but it did little good. He looked up at the canopy of the bed and sighed after he saw it was still too early, even for him, to get up. The fact he was still exhausted too had him wondering exactly WHY he was even awake.

Then a soft purr and some rather unusual rustling had him groaning. The sound came from Nyaunni's side of the bed, and it took Thorin just a moment to realize it could not have been Uri. For one thing, said fellbeast infant was currently curled up…still featherless…sandwiched between the pair somewhat under the blanket. Nyaunni either had not put him in his own bed, or had retrieved him sometime in the night as she did nearly every night. For another thing, the sound was deeper and clearly came from a larger creature…which only meant one thing.

Carefully lifting his head to look over his wife, Thorin groaned again. There, on the floor, was none other than Nyaunni's precious feathered dragon. Said beasts head, was on the bed in Nyaunni's arms. Falling back onto his pillow, Thorin huffed. Not only was she NOT supposed to be inside their room, if not for Thorin's previous grievances that she looked far too much like a dragon for Thorin's comfort…but also for the fact that she was now even larger than Galaddal and still growing.

Yet here she was. Thorin grumbled to himself when he, not for the first time, wondered if it ever came down to choosing him or the aelúg…if Nyaunni would even hesitate before riding off into the sunset on her feathered creature.

After trying and failing to fall back to sleep…and getting even more annoyed when Uri crawled onto his chest, circled, then went back to sleep…Thorin huffed again and looked over at his seemingly sleeping wife. "Nya…"

At first, Nyaunni ignored him, but slowly she turned and smiled. "Good morning."

Thorin grunted and lifted a brow as he pointed at the creature, growling. "Nya…why…in the name of Mahal, is your animal in our room?"

Nyaunni did not even bat an eye, she just smirked as she sat up in bed, pulling Dajnel's head into her lap and giving him a look laced with challenge; Mahal he loved this dam and her strong spirit…even when she was exasperating at best. "I see no problem with her being in here. She fits, and is not in the way. Besides…" Nyaunni leaned over and pressed her lips to his, "…I don't see you doing anything about it."

Thorin rolled his eyes and sat up, Uri yawning and giving a very unhappy chirp for being woken. He was even more unhappy when Thorin gently pushed him off onto the bed and stood.

"Where are you going? It is far too early to be up." Nyaunni continued to stroke the feathers on Dajnel's head even as Thorin brought the lights up and began searching through the wardrobe.

"The hour is well enough to get this day started." Thorin grunted as he stepped into the washroom. She happened to catch a low, 'the earlier it is started, the quicker it will be over.' being grumbled as he shut the door.

"He is not wrong." Nyaunni sighed to herself as she ran her fingers through Dajnel's feathers while she sat, simply enjoying the peace the early morning brought. She paused, however, when she felt a distinct bump on top of her aelúg's head. "What is this?" Looking closely, Nyaunni saw what appeared to be something forming beneath the skin…on further inspection, she noticed an identical bump on the opposite side. "Interesting, it seems you may be growing a pair of horns…are you sure you are what they say? Perhaps, you are a feathered ram." She chuckled as Dajnel grunted which made her laugh again. "Now you sound like Thorin."

"I will try NOT to be offended." Thorin came out, dressed and ready for the day as he stopped and looked at her. "I take it she is staying here?"

Nyaunni nodded as she slid off the bed. "I heard whispers and murmurs that I did not like from the guards visiting us. It was far easier to have her come up here…than to risk anything happening to her or waking possibly unnecessary guards for the stables. Besides…" Nyaunni looked back at Dajnel who was preening her feathers as Uri seemed ready to pounce on her.

Shaking her head, Nyaunni snatched Uri before he could do anything and cradled him in her arms. "…Dajnel has been through enough. I will not argue her presence here either, Thorin."

"Of course you wouldn't." Thorin chuckled. "Fine. But as soon as they are gone…"

"Then what? You will drag her out?" Nyaunni challenged again before she leaned into him and kissed his cheek. "I think she brightens the room, don't you agree?" Thorin scowled as Nyaunni laughed as she sauntered into the washroom. "Give me ten minutes, and I will join you."

Across the hall, Kili was also awake and pacing the room. Finli had already made his way into the bed hours ago and was nestled in Tauriel's arms…both still fast asleep. What would those lords want with Tauriel? What will they be doing?

Unable to sleep, Kili stepped out in the hall. He could hear cries coming from his brothers room, so he decided to go over and peek in. The sitting room was dim, and his brother awake just singing softly to Karra who was just settling.

Shutting the door gently, Kili took the chair across from where Fili sat, now eyeing his brother curiously. "What is it Ki? Orin and Naufi alright?"

"Sleeping. Actually." Kili replied, eyeing Karra. "Can I?"

"Course." Fili stood and passed his daughter to her uncle who smiled as he took his niece.

"She really is beautiful." Kili's eyes softened as he gazed at the small bundle in his arms. "I think if I were you, I would be worried about the suiters."

"Suiters…?" Fili blinked then glared darkly at his brother. "There will be NO suiters."

Kili's chest rumbled with a barely constrained laugh as he sat back in the chair watching Karra let out a small sigh before gripping one of the strings that fell from the untied top of his sleeping tunic.

"What's the matter Ki?"

Kili looked up at his brother, who lifted a brow. "What makes you think something is wrong?"

Fili gave him another look and folded his arms. "I have known you your entire life…I know that look. What is it?"

Before Kili could answer, however, the door opened again and this time, Thorin stepped in. "I thought I heard voices." He sat beside Kili and gestured to the infant…which Kili reluctantly passed over. He rarely got to hold Karra as it seems like the moment he does, someone like Naurfaer, Thorin, Vin, Tarrah, or Dis all come in the room as soon as he handed the little dam and immediately takes her from him.

Fili chuckled at Kili's sour face but chose not to comment on it, though he did comment on Kili being there. "Ki was just about to tell me why he was here so early?"

Thorin nodded. He had time anyway since he was up early, and Nyaunni was feeding her creatures. Dis was surprisingly up too and already in the kitchen putting something together to eat. "Go on, Kili." Thorin urged as he held his granddaughter who slept soundly, though she did turn her head into his chest.

Kili leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees as he looked to the empty space on the sofa Fili was sitting on. "Why do the lords want to see my wife and my sons?"

Ah. Thorin should have known. Unfortunately, he had no answer. "We will find out soon enough." Thorin tightened his hold on Karra as he looked to his youngest nephew. "Kili, we cannot lose ourselves to worry. If you do, you will find yourself a slave to it whenever the unknown comes up. Perhaps, they just want an audience with her so they may see your sons."

"Then why not ask for an audience with Viltarra?" Kili growled, glaring darkly at nothing at all. "Why not have her come with Karra? It's something else, uncle. I feel it. What if they want her out of the mountain."

"They have no power to do such things." Thorin said with an edge to his voice. "They have no authority to even consider it. Whoever lives in Erebor is under my jurisdiction alone, Kili. Even Thranduil could live here and they could do nothing about it. Besides, if that was it, they would have requested Naurfaer to come as well."

"Did I hear my name?"

"Speak, and it appears." Thorin growled as Naurfaer came walking in and took the space beside Kili.

"Aeodhen is with Dwalin in the guards kitchen. Had I known you were all up, I would have brought something to eat. They are finishing breakfast for the guards just getting off evening post, and the ones about to begin." He put his feet up on the table and sat back. "And before you ask, we had no issues last night other than four drunken guards falling asleep in the stables. They were with the visitors and passed out in Dajnel's pen."

"Where are the stable hands?" Thorin asked, semi-happy Nyaunni had the foresight to pull the aelúg from the stables as they could have been there to cause mischief.

"Oklan had been there all evening and said they were too far gone to do anything with them…so he just shut them in her pen and let them be. Seems as if they were looking for a certain large creature who Oklan relayed was brought up into the mountain…for good reason it seems."

"So it may seem." Thorin grumbled. "Anything else?"

"No." Naurfaer shook his head. "It was a pretty quiet night. Lords all stayed in their suites, though Dryok was pacing his cell quite a bit. He didn't try anything though, and refused to speak to Nori when he inquired about his sudden quiet and nervous nature." Naurfaer sighed then leaned forward and looked at Thorin and Kili. "Now, what's this I heard about Tauriel being called forward with Orin, Naufi, and Finli?"

"Nobody seems to know." Fili sighed from beside him.

"And nobody will know until it is too late to do something to stop them." Kili sat back and ran his hands through his hair in frustration.

Nobody could say anything that would make the situation better, so Thorin stood, handing Karra back to Kili who accepted his niece. Before stepping away, however, Thorin paused, looking at Kili and placing a hand on his shoulder. "I cannot tell you what they want, Kili, but I can give you my word that I would never allow them to bring harm to Tauriel or your sons." Kili nodded and Thorin patted his shoulder fondly, moved to the door, and left the chamber.

Despite the tension clearly evident in the family, the rest of the morning was quiet and laid back. Kili left Fili's to go see to his wife who was just rising as he walked in. She smiled and pulled him in for a morning kiss in passing. He would have more than eagerly joined her in the washroom if Finli had not leapt into his arms that same moment. So Kili went to get him ready and was happy to see his twins awake as well. Of course, they were also ready for breakfast which only Tauriel could provide. But it was not long before the beautiful mother of his children, and love of his existence, walked into the room with a bright smile…ready to truly begin her day with all of her boys.

Next door, Viltarra was laughing unreservedly at Fili who was grinning as he told her of his plans to keep Karra from courting until she was Nyaunni's age. Viltarra just pulled him in for a kiss, humming as she pulled away. "I look forward to seeing you try." She kissed his head then began getting herself ready for the packed day. Since Fili was needed for the situation with Dryok, Viltarra will be with Dis, Nyaunni, and Tauriel until they call Dryok forward…at which Thorin made a point that they should all be there.

Thorin had also told Fili that he wanted all of the army who came with Dryok to be present and will be calling a few forward to bear testimony of their situation at their home mountain. Fili agreed that there was no better testimony than from those who had lived in the situation themselves. Viltarra and Dis being there was also important when Tauriel was called forward. The entire family will be there to support her and Kili.

As the morning bell rang, Thorin…flanked by his two nephews each wearing their crown and circlets, the symbol of their royalty, on their brows…made their way down to the throne room. Naurfaer had gone after they ate to help gather the Firebeards and Aeodhen and Dwalin were bringing Dryok up with nearly two dozen guards as support.

Dain, was tasked with bringing the lords in; the lord of the Iron Hills walked into the throne room with the five other clan leaders who were all business. Not one of them showed any signs of spending an entire night drinking. These lords were here to conduct affairs, there was no doubt about that.

"My lord." Krygo bowed as he entered, taking his seat. Each of the lords followed suit, bowing to Thorin and to the two princes on either side. They stood again and bowed as Nyaunni, Dis, Viltarra, and Tauriel came down the stairs, not taking their own seats until the wives and sister of their king sat.

Kili was slightly relieved to note they even remained standing for Tauriel, who took an extra minute to sit with Naufi and Orin in her arms. Dis helped though, placing Finli in the open chair between her and Tauriel. She then took Orin so Tauriel could handle the fussy Naufi who was not pleased his father was not in his field of vision. But Tauriel was able to settle him rather quickly. To Kili, if the lords continued to stand, it meant they had SOME semblance of respect for her if for nothing more than the fact she was his wife.

Once the lords and ladies were all seated, Thorin nodded and allowed for the Firebeard guards to file in, led by Naurfaer and the company, who moved to the front to take their own seats. They filled the entire bottom floor of the throne room which seemed like a lot of guards to the inexperienced eye…but certainly was not enough to take a mountain who had an army as large as Thorin's.

The room buzzed with dwarves and a few dams murmuring to one another until Thorin called for silence then gave a brief nod of his head to the guard at the door. "Bring him in."

Not one dwarven guard stood for Dryok as he entered, though all of the lords but Dain did likely out of old respects…at least Thorin hopes it was old respects, and nothing more. Naurfaer, however, was still standing, as he focused all of his attention on the dwarven lord being brought in…if only to ensure he would not be needed to secure the prisoner.

But, it seemed as if Naurfaer's assistance was not going to be necessary; Dryok was not dragged in, nor was he kicking or screaming as he came. In fact, he walked down the aisle towards Thorin as if it was any other day and he was simply coming for a visit. Though he did have a solemn expression on his face. The issue did come, however, when Dryok stopped before Thorin…not so much as bowing his head in respect.

"You will bow to yer king!" Aeodhen growled. When Dryok did not move, Aeodhen forced him to his knees and Naurfaer pulled one of his blades in warning, though he remained silent and several meters away. "I said…yeh will bow to yer king." Aeodhen growled. "Be yeh lord or no'."

Dryok grumbled as he stood once Thorin gave his permission for Aeodhen to back off. "Dryok…you find yourself before me today, for crimes against Erebor, and your people. We are here to decide your fate. You came to Erebor on your own free will to take this mountain and challenge me for the crown…you failed. Upon your failure, I have come across yet another heinous act of yours, the vile treatment of your own clan."

Dryok remained silent which was perfectly fine with Thorin. He will be squirming soon. "I give the floor to any of the guards of the Firebeards clan…to share your story for the lords to hear." Thorin looked to the dwarf before him, addressing him once more. "Have you anything to say to this?"

Again, Dryok remained silent, and for the next three hours, one after another guard came forward…not one being sympathetic to Dryok at all. In fact, each story only incriminated Dryok more. The few times Thorin looked to the lords, even they seemed disgusted by what they heard. Dams and dwarflings dying, forced contracts, deep debts to Mahal knows who or what.

With each passing testimony, Dryok grew more nervous. He was a bit curious, however, when Fili took a step forward and looked Dryok in the eyes. "There is another conviction I wish to add. Your daughter, in your name, attacked me and my wife."

"Daughter?" Dryok lifted a brow. "I have no daughters."

Fili growled. "Do not play stupid with me, Dryok. Not today. Drya, who even bears a name from yours, along with several guards held Viltarra at knifepoint, pushing her into early labor and risking not just my wife's life, but my child's as well. I do not think you want to continue chiseling…you have gone too far, and your rocks are about to cave."

"I am no' speaking falsities. I have no daughters. In all due respect, you are mistaken, prince Fili." Dryok not once broke eye contact with Fili as he spoke. "I do recall a dam in the guard by tha' name. A bit shadowed in the head, always coming to me to be in my personal guard. Seems I should have let her, if she was the only one to remain loyal."

Fili snarled. "Are you saying you back what they did?" At this, Dryok's facade broke, and he suddenly looked nervous…eyeing the lords who were giving him looks that easily read he had made a mistake. Fili folded his arms. "Drya claimed to be the daughter of your mistress, Dryok. A dam who she called a fierce warrior. Any recollections on who that could be?"

Dryok ground his jaw, but still remained silent. Though a brief flash of recognition flew across his eyes that had all three sons of Durin believing he knew exactly who they spoke of. "I don' have any claims on any children tha' are not born from Abria."

That answer made Thorin's stomach roll with disgust. "How many children outside those you claim, do you have?" The dwarven king growled.

Again, Dryok remained silent, so Thorin continued. "Claim or not, in your name, Drya attacked my heir, and the future queen of Erebor and indirectly, my granddaughter. Posterity may mean nothing to you, Dryok, but it is everything to me."

Dryok just stared forward, unblinking, and Thorin shook his head in disappointment. That dam, gave her life for misjudged loyalty and a desire to be seen by her father. Make no mistake, Thorin believed her tale, and Dryok's silence only made it that much more true. The one thing Thorin could not do, was convict him of something another chose to do on their own free will. He did believe Dryok that he did not order her to do what she did. But Dryok was in enough trouble with his clan for this not to be an issue in sentencing him.

There was one final hammer blow to make, and Thorin once again nodded to the guard who opened the door. In came five dwarves who walked to the front and bowed their respects to Thorin, three of which were guards Aeodhen specifically chose for their merits and their experiences in traveling clan to clan.

"Kyff. What report do you have?" Thorin called to the white-haired guard who often led the trade caravans to and from Dale and Mirkwood, as well as having accompanied more than one caravan to Ered Luin and several other clans. He was a well traveled dwarf, and well educated.

"My lord. I regret to inform you, the situation in the Firebeards is as dire as reported...if no' more. We were able to administer aid to several ailing dwarflin's, and deliver fresh food to many. But as the majority of the clan lives on spoiled food, I'm afraid wha' we brought was simply no' enough. Their lands are bare, an' their stores no' but rot. On your command, we go' the ledger." Kyff shook his head. "It isn't good."

"Go on." Thorin nodded, wanting Kyff to elaborate. He already knew all of this as Kyff wrote up reports that where as detailed as Tauriel's always were. He was meticulous in his details and reported everything both he and his small team observed. Thorin already had a second larger caravan of food going to the Firebeards and plans to keep a steady stream of food and supply going until they come up with a more sustainable plan.

Thorin too has had a chance to go through the ledger with Balin and Nyaunni...who despite her inexperience in anything regarding expenditures, seemed to have her father's aptitude in numbers. She spent HOURS poring over numbers and going over each entry. It was a mess, to put it lightly. Kyff also found a box of notes of debt from several human towns, and more than they could count that came from questionable sources. The clan, was in massive debt...more than Thorin had anticipated. But he will be negotiating a pay off with each debt owed.

Kyff bowed again in acknowledgment to continue. "We believe Dryok has been squanderin' funds for more than a decade at least. Debt for gambelin', procurin' of substances, and...female companionships within' both human…an dwarven cities...are all there with written proof."

The room filled with murmurs of contempt, causing Thorin to once again have to get control of the dwarves sitting in on the trial. However, it was Ingvor of the Ironfists who stood and spoke. "Is this true, Dryok?"

The once proud dwarf, was looking everywhere but at Thorin or the lords. He had two choices, tell the truth and face the consequences, or lie and possibly lose his head as there is far more evidence to convict him...then to vindicate him. Dryok ground his jaw, then, finally, nodded.

"Great Mahal, our blessed maker; what have you done?" Ingvor blanched and sat hard on the stone chair, not believing what is going on before him.

Thorin stood from his throne, and walked before Dryok, looking down at the dwarf several steps below him. Then he looked up at the lords. "You have heard the testimonies of his people, and reports of the evidence found. This dwarf, is unfit to lead a clan...and from this moment forward, I henceforth and forever strip Dryok of the Firebeard clan of his title, his lands, and all his families right to lead. Furthermore, all of his assets, and those of his family, will be sold to recover some of his debts. None in his direct line will be allowed to head a clan among our people again."

"You are letting him keep his life when he challenged you?" Ingvor asked, somewhat surprised.

"I am. Ending his life and sending him to our maker, would be a way to pay for what he has done to the Firebeards." Thorin declared. "But, making him live with the consequences of his actions, and enduring years of spite and hardships under the same or similar circumstances on those who called him their leader will be far better of a punishment then sending him to our halls. He will confront our maker, and he will answer for his crimes against the dwarven kingdom in time, make no mistake about that...but he will do so hopefully being humbled by years of penance."

"And Abria?" Leivur of the Broodbeams asked. "What of his wife?"

Thorin stood in thought for a moment before giving his answer. "A marriage is one of unity. If she is innocent, I would be surprised. Perhaps she does not know all, and I would be willing to hear her plight, but as of this moment her and her sons, who if I am not mistaken are of age, are far from innocent. I do not see how you could be ignorant of a situation you live in. She sees her people, her sons see their people, yet nobody has spoken up or taken action. That is not innocence in my book."

"Aye. I see your point." Leivur nodded. "You are wise in your judgments, king Thorin. If you but give us a moment, the lords wish to discuss your decision."

Thorin wanted to roll his eyes, but he nodded. It was not as if they could force him to take his judgement back or change it...but their agreement meant they backed him and accepted any ramifications of Thorin's judgments equally...should there be any.

The Lords were on the second tier in a special area designated for them, and them alone. It gave them the ability to oversee everything happening with nothing to block their field of vision. Thorin watched patiently as they huddled together to talk. Dain was smiling, so it could not be bad...and they were not speaking for long before Dain stood and stepped forward.

Dain cleared his throat then nodded. "The lords 'ave spoken. As I call yer name, rise and speak yer agreement with the judgment of removing Dryok's title, 'is lands, and 'is families right to rule. I shall go firs' and my answer is aye. Krygo..."

"Aye." Krygo stood and nodded. One by one, Dain called the lords, and every single one did not hesitate to rise and yell out, "Aye."

Dain nodded again when all five lords gave their agreement. "All 'ave spoken, and all back yer decision, King Thorin. We move to make the judgement immediate."

Thorin gave a nod of his head and turned to Dryok. "As much as I want to banish you, I think you should face what you have done. Aeodhen, put a team of guards together, and take Dryok back to his clan to move his family from their hold. Have you got anything further to say, Dryok?"

The lord stared hard at the floor and shook his head. He was fully exposed now, his deeds and his actions, and it showed in his demeaner. Something akin to proudful shame emanated from him, but he did not beg for mercy or for his judgment to change. In fact, he refused to meet anyone's eyes, so Thorin waived his hand. "Take him from my hall, and give him a small guarded room until a team is ready to depart. If he gives anyone trouble...it will be his life."

At that, Dryok did look up as fear crossed his eyes for the first time, and Thorin knew...knew this was an act. Dryok was terrified, as he should be for what he did.

As Aeodhen walked Dryok out with a dozen guards surrounding him, Krygo looked to Thorin, and Nyaunni who sat with an infant in her arms. "If I am not mistaken, we have also been informed of a request to merge the Firebeards and the Longbeards under one clan…is this true?"

Passing Orin to Naurfaer, who moved from where he stood with the company to add another set of hands to help with the children, Nyaunni stepped up to Thorin and looked at the lords.

"You may not know me by face, but I stand before you, the only child of Draupnir, who was once a great and respected leader of the Firebeard clan. I am a first daughter of Uri, and I bear his favor. At a very young age, I was brought to Erebor with the understanding that I would be paired with the eldest son of Thrain, son of Thror, a first son of Durin. In doing so, our forefathers would bring our clans together as one. Then Smaug came, I was captured and taken to an orc run city underground, where I believed I would be until my last days in this world. But fates and our maker had other plans, and I and the people with me in servitude were freed. Even more, I was reunited with my one. Now, Thorin and I are wed, we completed the understanding our fathers had, and now, we wish to honor their desires. What better or more significant time than now."

"It is my understandin' tha' Dryok feared yeh wanted his land an' power. Is tha' not what several of his guard had said in their own testimony? Is tha' what this is? An how do we know it will stop with the Firebeards?" Tollakur folded his arm and lifted a brow. "How do we know, you won' be seeking to merge all of the clans?"

Thorin's frustration spiked, but he held it in. Now was not the time to lose his temper. "I have no desire to do what is unnecessary. I don't need to have a firm grip on the clans which are run as they should. I have more than enough to do here in Erebor, not to be dealing with the burden of child-sitting your clans. What I do ask, is you ensure my people, are well taken care of, and your titles will remain sure. The Firebeards were denied this, and Dryok cleared of his title. But what do we do with his clan? I could call another, but perhaps, our maker had this happen for a reason. I stand with my queen, who currently ranks as highest blood relative to Uri. She cannot lead the clan, but together, we can. As I did in Ered Luin, I will put someone in charge of the mountain and gather a team to lead it. But my family, will be the official leaders of the clan."

Krygo twisted his beard in thought, looking to the others, who nodded. "We believe you to be fair, King Thorin, and we do not believe you seek to take all the power from the remaining lords. So we agree. Merge the Firebeards and the Longbeards. We will all help with whatever you need to get the Firebeards mountain back to good order. I believe my mountain is closest, and as you well know, trading is something we do well. I will have carts brought in excess with all of the food we can spare."

"An' we will send clothes and supplies." Tollakur added. "We are also no' far." The lords all seemed in perfect agreement, and Thorin gave a sigh of relief.

Nyaunni too looked like a weight was lifted off her shoulders as she bowed her head respectfully to the lords. "We thank you, for your support."

"Of course, my queen." Krygo bowed deeper, along with the rest of the lords before they once again took their seats. Nyaunni too retook her seat beside Naurfaer, who still held Orin. Though when she moved to retake her grandson, Naurfaer moved away causing Nyaunni to scowl.

"You are perfectly matched to Thorin, aren't you?" Naurfaer chuckled as he sat back and lifted Orin to his shoulder, the infant scrunching his nose up at the shift, but stilling almost instantly and falling back to sleep with a sigh. Orin was the heavier sleeper of the pair.

With no other need for the Firebeards, Thorin dismissed them though the company did remain behind…waiting for any possible instructions or assignments from the royal family. But it did not appear things were quite done yet as up above where the lords all sat…Dain remained standing and cleared his throat. His eyes were apologetic which Thorin did not like, but he spoke clearly. "The lords...would now like teh call Tauriel, wife of Kili, an Finli, Orin, and Naufi, the sons of Kili, forward."

"Naufi and Orin? But they are infants?" Fili asked surprised, opting to ask before his brother could say something he very well may regret.

Dain seemed as if he completely understood...and did not agree with the summons in any way...but he nodded. "I...I know lad."

Tauriel stood setting Finli, who she just woke, down so she could accept Naufi and Orin back from Dis and Naurfaer. As she stood, Kili broke decorum and walked to his wife, picking Finli up who was unsure of what was happening since he was asleep in Tauriel's arms not moments before Tauriel was called forward.

"Hungry." Finli said unhappily as Kili held him. He stuck his thumb in his mouth and Kili kissed his head tenderly.

"We will have lunch soon, my star." Kili smiled, trying to keep his heart from bursting out of his chest with worry.

Kili moved to stand beside his wife, who cradled their two-month-olds in her arms. Since Thorin had no idea what was going on, he took Tauriel's other side for support if nothing else, as Fili took his place beside his brother.

Krygo was the first to stand and move forward. "It has become a very real possibility, that one with elven blood may descend to the throne of the dwarven kingdom. Word, has moved through the lands that Fili, son of Dis, has been gifted a new lady of Durin...a great and mighty honor and one we do not fault. But with no sons yet born, we could very well see the future of our people becoming sure in the son of Kili."

"Aye..." Tollakur of the Ironfists agreed. "It is troublesome, tha' not one, but two pure elves are livin' in Erebor. One might think they are lookin' to take our people from inside."

"Now tha' is not fair!" Dain bellowed. "I personally can vouch fer both Tauriel and Naurfaer an' their love fer our people AND our traditions. No' one has forced their way on us, rather, they accept our customs an' our language."

"Wha' about the archery, eh?" Tollakur hollered back. "They 'ave a team of archers! How is tha' no' a sign of elves taken over."

"Oh for the love of our maker, Tollakur. Several clans in our past 'ave had archers. It is a weapon...why no' master it? I am thinkin' about startin' a team meself." Dain huffed. "Besides, Erebor's new archers are a team of wha'...two dozen?"

"A bit less, actually." Naurfaer said from where he now stood with his arms folded...not at all happy with what they are implying of him and his granddaughter. "And for the record, they do not only work with bows. They are learning skills in blades, axes, hammers, and hand to hand combat. We are teaching them to survive a battle. Archery is only one skill. If they show an aptitude or enjoyment for it, we INVITE them to practice more to grow their skill. Besides, since when is it wrong to teach a weapon which can protect from a greater and safer distance and not just up close? If we can teach them to hunt with it, why not how to protect their lands with it?"

"Said just like an elf!" Tollakur snarled.

"BECAUSE I AM AN ELF!" Naurfaer yelled back, anger filling his normally jovial expression. This entire argument was beyond absurd, and he had had enough of it. Stubborn pride and prejudice is all it was.

"ENOUGH!" Thorin bellowed causing Finli to jump in Kili's arms and both Naufi and Orin to wail loudly, filling the room with the cries of not one, but two unhappy infants. Even Karra whimpered in Viltarra's hold...the dam having to stand and pace to get her to settle again.

Naurfaer came over to take Orin so Tauriel could focus on Naufi, and soon the cries died down and Thorin continued. "You may say your peace, but I will not have you making erroneous accusations that could not be further from the truth. This is MY land, and MY mountain. How it is run, what we train our guards in, and who lives here is my jurisdiction, not yours."

Tollakur swallowed hard, folding his arms. He took a deep breath, and nodded. "Forgive me, my lord." It was not that he disliked either elf, they were of a good sort, he just was not comfortable with an elf in a leadership position among his people. In other words, Tollakur, like many dwarves, did not like change.

Next Vifspori stood, nodding to the royal family below him. "We call an emergency meeting of this mountain, to give their voice to the situation. It is our request, tha' the dwarves of Erebor, who are a mix of every clan, can act as representatives of their people."

"And..." Lofar finished. "...we call a vote. If in whole, the mountain agrees, and if Prince Fili does no' have sons, then we accept Finli's right to rule. But..." Lofar said, staring hard at the family below. "If they don' with good reason, then the future ruling of both Erebor an' our people goes to Dain's line."

Dain was furious. "I don' agree to tha' at all! This is absurd."

Thorin too was furious, and a peek at his nephews told him they were very near pulling their blades.

"YOU CAN'T DO THAT!" Fili roared stepping forward. "You don't have neither the power, nor the authority. It is MY right to name my heir when I rule. Not yours!"

"Aye, Fili is absolutely right, an' besides, who don' have mixed blood in our age?" Dain huffed. "The way yer all actin'...I wonder if yeh share blood with my boar. This, is shameful."

The five other lords looked at one another, but would not step down. "Do you believe Finli will be accepted? That the son of this elf, will be accepted."

"We accept her." Bofur called out, standing and glaring at the lords.

"Aye. An' Erebor loves 'er." Bombur agreed. "Finli too. The little laddie has the mountain wrapped around his wee finger."

"Then there should no' be an issue with gettin a vote." Lofar lifted a brow, clasping his hands over the beard that fell to his waist.

"Uncle?" Kili asked quietly, looking past his wife to the head of their family.

Thorin looked down at Naufi, who was clasping his leather vest and blinking up at him. If he refused them, they would fight hammer and fist against Finli and all of Tauriel's children should they come into power...but if he allowed the vote and Erebor spoke against his daughter and her sons...in essence they would lose their titles. Tauriel MORE than earned her place in the family, he hated that she had to go through yet another trial all because she had pointed ears and a slender figure.

Turning to his daughter in all but blood, Thorin decided the decision, should be hers. "Nâtha...I cannot make this choice for you or for your children. I leave the decision to you and Kili." He sighed and looked at Orin with Naurfaer, who was once again asleep unlike his twin brother.

Finli was still in Kili's arms, but looking up curiously at the lords. He did not realize or understand why they were essentially judging him just for his mere existence. He did not know that he had blood some would call muddied or mixed. To Finli, Erebor was home, and the dwarves were his people. He knew nothing else. Perhaps, that is what upset Thorin more than anything. That Finli has had no other upbringing, no other life, except for his life in Erebor.

For her part, Tauriel was unsure how she felt. She was angry, and rightfully so. She finally found a family, and a people she loved. Yet once again, she was being reminded she did not belong. Was it not enough to go through that in Mirkwood for six-hundred years? Was it not enough that the elf who raised her, made sure she knew she was nothing but his ward? That she was too wild and emotional to possibly belong to their realm or even deserving of a true place among her own race? Not if you asked Thranduil and his court before Kili came into her life.

Although things were different after the battle of five armies with Thranduil, it brought little healing after all she went through in her youth. What healed her most was joining a family of dwarves and being invited to live in their mountain…only then did she finally feel complete and accepted for who she was, not what she was.

But now she was being told she was too elf to belong to the dwarven people. That her son…who looked like any other dwarfling save for the VERY slightly rounded point in his ears…ears that were otherwise no different than the others his age in the mountain…was too elf to even be considered to, one day, possibly, rule a people. He can't even put proper sentences together and they are already telling him he must prove his place in the family line by having a mountain decide his fate for him. He's not even three and they are questioning his blood! It felt wrong.

Tauriel could honestly care less about having a title for herself; as long as she has Kili and her sons, she could survive whatever they threw at her. But she never, NEVER, wants any of her children to go through the horrors she did in Mirkwood. To be alienated by the people who were their own, and told that they never truly belonged.

The hurt Tauriel felt, must have leaked through their connection as she felt Kili's hand…the one not holding his eldest son…began a comforting path up and down her spine. Their eyes met, and she could see and feel his own frustration and anger.

Their choices were limited…refuse the lords and Finli would…in essence…lose his title as prince and current heir of Fili, or, let them go on with the vote and still Finli could lose his title. It was well on the path to being a lose, lose, situation.

"What should we do, Kili?" Tauriel asked quietly to her husband, as she looked at Finli who still had his thumb firmly stuck in his mouth. Tauriel readjusted her grip on Orin so she could press her palm to her Finli's precious cheek. All she wanted, was for him, and all her children, to have everything she did not…but that was already looking like it may never happen.

Kili took his wife's hand, twining their fingers together. Tauriel may have some reservations, but Kili, Kili trusts his people. "Let them vote." He said softly at first, then his voice filled the hall. "I TRUST my people. I know they love my family. Send anyone in this mountain in here to speak. Send them in, and let them choose. But…" Kili's eyes darkened. "If they do accept my wife and my children…I want it recorded that they will NEVER again be questioned; not their blood, not their line, and not by anyone in our kingdom."

Dain smiled and the five other lords nodded their agreement. "Done." Lofar said. "Gather the people; an hour before evening bell…we call the vote."

Thorin sighed but nodded. He then dismissed the room ordering the company to work with the guard to inform the people of the mandatory meeting tonight. It would need to be done in several phases…as there was no true place the entirety of the mountain can all fit at once. There are just too many living in the mountain now.

With the lords stepping away, likely for food which Bombur had organized to be brought to them…the family stood in stunned silence. Dain was the only lord to come down, shaking his head and not half angry.

"Can yeh believe it cousins! Complete hogwash. Ach. I canno' even stop my head from spinnin' in righteous anger right now." The lord of the Iron Hills stomped towards the steps that led up to the royal suites, but paused when the family simply watched him go. "Yeh commin'? I need a bit of somethin' strong from Dis's cabinet before I remove a head."

Without waiting, Dain stormed past the guards and up the steps. They had a few hours to prepare, and Finli did need to eat...so the family silently made their way to the kitchen.

Tauriel went right to work, pulling food out and slicing apples and fruits she placed in a bowl with some cheese and bread. She said nothing as she worked and floated around the kitchen while Thorin and Naurfaer held the twins, and Finli stood on a chair laughing at Fili who was making faces at him while Viltarra fed Karra.

When Tauriel paused and braced her hands on the counter, Kili had enough. He went over and pulled her into his arms, holding her tight as he pressed his lips to her temple. "It will be alright, amralime." He felt her secure her arms around him...taking the comfort she needed as the family watched the scene with mixed feelings of rage, sadness, and worry.

"Why is it, wherever I go, I am reminded how much I do not belong." Her words were just above a whisper, but they pierced Kili's very soul.

"Oh, starlight." Naurfaer sighed forlornly, passing Orin to Dain who happily accepted the infant. "Please do not believe that. I know there is no erasing what you went through in Mirkwood...but Erebor loves you. The people here, love you. Ignore what those lords say, we know where you belong, and that is with this family."

"Maybe we should leave." Kili said so quietly nearly nobody heard, but Tauriel stood straight nearly leaving his grasp. "You, me, and the children. Leave right now. I stand by what I said down there, I do trust our people, my star, I trust them to accept you. But I am starting to realize that putting you through this, is causing you pain, and I will NOT tolerate that, and I won't put my sons through it. We can go to the shire, we can go to a human city, Mahal above, we can go to Rivendell. But I…I won't stay here and watch you suffer, nor will I watch your light dim."

Dis let out a sob, and Thorin was stunned into silence. Fili, however, was furious. "Then we are going too. Viltarra, tell your parents. Ki, I am not letting you go alone."

"ENOUGH! NOBODY is going ANYWHERE!" Thorin got to his feet and stared hard at the family, handing Naufi to Nyaunni. "First of all, you both have infants who were only born two months ago. They are far too young to travel, especially as the weather is about to turn. Secondly…" Thorin pressed his forehead to Kili's as his son turned towards his uncle, who was truly his father, as he approached. "What are we, Kili?"

An echo of a memory from Kili's first life filled his mind. He felt tears come to his eyes as he spoke. "We are sons of Durin."

"Aye. And Durin's folk do not flee from a fight." Thorin pressed their brows together affectionately. "This may not be a battle of swords and axes my son, but it is a battle none the less. We will get through this, and we will thrive in spite of it. It is what we do. Ask your wife, ask her if she wants to leave Erebor."

Slowly pulling away, Thorin waited patiently as Kili turned to Tauriel who was watching silently. "Amralime…"

"We stay." Before Kili could finish the question, Tauriel resolutely answered. "Erebor is my home, Kili. It is our home. It is our children's home. Whatever happens down there, we will remain here. I will not show them weakness, I will not show them fear. I will show them, that I belong among them by going with my head held high and confidence in who I am. I am an elf Kili, I cannot change that, but that does not mean I do not have a place among this people."

Nyaunni was nodding her agreement, her free hand around Dis's who was trying to get a handle on her emotions. She would not be deserted by her family again. "Tauriel is right. I remember how reclusive our people could be when I was young, but living among humans in Minam for nearly two hundred years, made me realize what other races are capable of. We do not need to open the gates of Erebor to just anyone…but why fight it when one truly desires to live here; even more, when they truly desire to accept our ways and thrive here."

Dis stood and placed Finli on the chair; he had crawled in her lap after seeing her upset. She walked towards her sons, and pulled them both into her arms. "If either of you think, for even a second, that you can leave me behind again…then you could not be any more wrong!" She buried her face in Fili's shoulder while keeping a firm grip on Kili. "My boys, my precious babies. I will never let you go again. Never."

"Can you maybe let go just a little bit though, mam?" Kili cringed as Dis's ironclad grip was forcing him into the hilt of one of Fili's blades. "Either that, or Fi needs to move that blade."

"Not going to happen baby brother." Fili laughed as he arranged his arms so they went around both his mam, and his baby brother…then he pulled them in tighter.

"OW!" Kili huffed. "Seriously Fi!" He tried to pull away, but Fili held on secure while Dis laughed at her boys.

Thorin just shook his head and sat beside his wife, who was so distracted by the scene, she barely registered Thorin taking Naufi from her. She folded her arms and glared at him but he ignored her in favor of pressing Naufi to his shoulder as he watched Dis kiss both Kili and Fili on the foreheads.

"You won't be left behind mam. Never again." Fili smiled and took Dis's hand. "Karra needs her nan, and we need you too."

"Fi is right." Kili walked to the table and picked Finli up, passing him to Dis. "We could not go anywhere without you. Forgive my hastiness, mam, I lose my head when my Tauriel is in pain. But I rather take her from here, than watch her diminish again. I would have found a way." He looked to his wife who folded her arms stubbornly. He knew that look, she was not going to budge, and he loved her all the more for it. This, was his warrior, his soulmate, his equal, and her body language and the feelings she was projecting through there bond screamed one thing…she was not going anywhere without a good fight.

"Kili, I do not wish to leave. The greatest happiness I have ever felt, has been among the dwarves. With this people, is where I gained a family, where I found true love, and true friendships. Let us face this and show them we accept whatever they throw at us, and be stronger for it." Tauriel then turned to Dis, who still held Finli. She cupped her sons cheek lovingly then took Dis's hand. "Amad, I did not know what it was to have a mother, until you took me in, muddy, wet, and bleeding. Being without you on our journey to Erebor was difficult enough, your place is with us. Whatever happens."

"Always, my daughter." Dis leaned up and Tauriel down just a bit so the dam could press her lips to her daughter's brow. "I never in my life imagined I would feel so much love in my heart for an elf, but I truly feel as if you are my own child."

"Wait until they find out about Anorlóth." Nyaunni chuckled as she leaned forward attempting to retake Naufi from Thorin, who leaned away and scowled at her...at least until she lifted a brow and cocked her head to which he grumbled and quite grudgingly relinquished the sleeping infant to his wife. "They will be losing their minds."

"Wha' is this then? Who is Anorlóth an' why do tha' name sound familiar?" Dain looked around at the family, then back down at Orin in his arms, smiling as he let out the tiniest of yawns. "I think his hair's gettin' redder."

"It's just reflecting the light." Dis said softly putting Finli back down in his chair then moved to place the bowl of food Tauriel prepared in front of him before he started making a fuss. Finli was quite literally the best little dwarfling Dis had ever seen...unless he was hungry. His inner son of Durin came out if he did not get food when he needed it. "Though it is a lighter color than Finli's." She kissed her eldest grandson on the head before continuing to answer Dain's question. "And Anorlóth was the wife of Thorin the first, Dain."

"AH! YES. Tha' is where I remember tha' name from. Seen it a time or two in records." Dain loudly exclaimed then froze as Orin began to squirm and whimper having been woken and Tauriel pulled away from Kili, who had pulled her back into his arms, to gather her son from the apologetic dwarven lord. "Sorry lass."

"It's fine Dain, they need to eat." Sitting beside Viltarra, Tauriel accepted the blanket from Kili so she could feed her son. She lifted the blanket and smiled softly as he began to fill his little tummy. He was so beautiful, with his tiny button nose that looked as if it may be more hers than Kili's, and the whisps of hair on his cheeks showing that once again, she bore a child...or children...who favored their dwarven parentage. Naufi too had the same exact nose and soft hairs on his cheeks...it was most endearing. Bofur joked it was proof Aule loved her by trusting her with dwarven children…though he also said she got a deal...buy one dwarfling, get one free. So she was unsure how serious he was being as he was also quite drunk at the time.

Tauriel replaced the blanket and let herself get comfortable in the chair as she waited for someone to drop the proverbial hammer, in dwarven terms, and tell Dain about the elven blood that even now ran through the royal family's veins.

Thorin looked to his sister who nodded, and decided he should be the one to inform their cousin of what they have learned about Anorlóth. "Dain...it appears...well...I have just learned...that Anorlóth was not of our people."

"Yeh don' say?" Dain said surprised. "Are yeh sayin' she was not of the seven clans in middle earth?"

Thorin nodded. "Yes. She was an elf, Dain. The reason Thorin left Erebor to Ered Mithrin, apart from rumors of great riches in the grey mountains, was because he fell in love with an elf."

The dwarf lord's face was frozen in shock, then it began to redden. Thorin eyed his cousin warily, ready for fury, but it never came. Instead of yelling, Dain began to laugh. So hard, in fact, Finli dropped the piece of cheese he was chewing on, and began to laugh as well, which caused the room to break into chuckles.

Even Tauriel joined in, softly laughing along with the family. Kili pulled up a chair beside his wife, placed an arm around her, and leaned into her. If she can smile, then everything will be alright.

Dain shook his head, accepting another cup of brandy from Dis and swallowing it in one gulp. He placed the cup on the table, fingering it as he continued to shake his head. "I go' elven blood then too eh? Think I am related to that grea' forest fairy, Thranduil? Perhaps I should arrange a family gatherin' with 'im." He chuckled again and sat forward, resting his large arms on the table. "I can' no' say it isn't a wee bit suprisin'...an' before the battle, I am sorry teh say my opinion would have been different abou' it. Bu' fightin' alongside elves, and getten' to know you both, Tauriel and Naurfaer, I can see tha' elves...are no' all a bad sort."

"Why thank you Dain." Naurfaer snorted a laugh. "I think."

"So, you're not upset you have elven blood?" Tauriel asked softly...mostly due to the fact Orin was once again asleep. She carefully handed him to Kili then accepted Naufi from Nyaunni who brought him over so he could eat as well.

"Upset? Mahal no. Tha' was how many generations ago lass? I am no' healer, bu' in my experience, if yeh keep addin' water to a cup of whiskey...soon enough the whiskey will be all bu' water. If yeh get my meanin'. One elven lass...won' destroy an entire race...nor will two." He looked meaningfully at Tauriel. "Look at yer little lads, they are all dwarf lassie, our genes are strong, yeh jus' gotta look at little Fin teh see it. I even tried tellin' those lords before they left tha' yer twins should be proof enough you have a place here blessed by Mahal 'imself...bu' they insist on doin' tha' vote. Would be lyin' through me teeth if I did no' hope Mahal comes for a visit to put them in their place. Nothin' wrong with Finli, nor you, Tauriel. An' I will back yeh till my dyin' day."

"Thank you, Dain. You do not know how much that means to me." Tauriel was more than touched, and a peek at her husband giving Dain a grateful smile, showed she was not the only one who felt a small weight lift from their shoulders.

"Uncle, how is it they can even require such things, if we are the ruling family?" Kili asked. He has had lessons with Balin, and is still learning about what it is to rule a nation...but there are some things...or a lot of things...Kili still has yet to learn.

"I wish it was easy to explain, Kili." Thorin hummed. "We rule our people, it is true, and there are many, many things we have absolute power over. But I cannot control everything. Not only is it simply unfeasible...I am just one dwarf, Kili...but our kingdom is scattered among the land. The lords were created by the seven fathers to allow for our race to grow, to prosper, and to expand. Durin led, but the six others managed and reported to him. We need checks and balances, Kili, it not only helps maintain the peace...but it also mitigates the risk of corruption leaking into the people as a whole. Imagine a world, where Dryok was the high king and there were no lords to keep his errors from destroying our entire race?"

Kili's eyes widened in horror and Fili sat forward on the chair he took beside his wife. His elbows were resting on his knees as Viltarra ran her hand up and down his back; his features fixed in contemplation as he too thought about what his uncle asked.

"See?" Thorin continued. "To answer your question, I can step in and forbid them from interfering, and by our laws and my orders, they would be forced to cease these actions. But the issue will haunt us unceasingly if we do not put an end to it today. I trust our maker, and I trust he will guide the people to the fate most beneficial to Erebor and our races future. I feel, in my heart, Finli has a role in that future, and I know he has Mahal on his side. Finli would not be here otherwise." Thorin looked to Tauriel who met his gaze. "Mahal, guards you nâtha. He protects you, and he ensured the people knew that by giving you Orin and Naufi, and by giving you Finli. All we can do, is trust him."

The room lapsed into silence, the only sound was Hiril's tail making a soft whoosh on the stone floor as she lazily waited for Finli to drop bits of his lunch. It was not long after Kaw flew in, adding his lively steps to the silence as he danced around Hiril before flying onto Nyaunni's shoulder, preening her hair like Uri so often did.

And still, they waited in silence, at least until the kitchen door burst open and a storm of golden ringlets blew into the kitchen. "HOW DARE THEY!"

Instantly all three infants were startled awake, making their frustration known through their cries that filled the kitchen.

"Ohhh. Sorry Viltarra, Tauri. I am just SO angry! What in the bloody war axe makes them think they have the authority to make us vote to accept you?!" Leotti plopped down unhappily in the seat beside Fili, who was glaring at her as he took Karra from Viltarra and stood to walk the room.

Tauriel sighed, as she used her bond with her sons to sooth them as best she could. With Kili's help, they were quickly able to settle Naufi and Orin while across from them Nyaunni passed Finli to Thorin who held him and patted his back as the toddler buried his face in Thorin's shoulder.

Even Kaw ruffled his feathers and hissed as Hiril growled at the dam who did look apologetic for disturbing the previous peace. It took another minute before Karra too settled, and Fili sat, rolling his eyes at Leotti. "Just know, when you have an infant, I will PURPOSLY wait to visit until they are asleep…then I will come in just as you did and watch YOU deal with the aftermath."

"Says the one who has done it to us on more than one occasion, Fi." Kili snickered. "You're fine Leotti. What seems to be the consensus of the mountain?"

"Well, most in the market are a bit thrown as to what is happening. A few have already closed their shops and from what I hear…most seem to be of the same opinion as me. Good solid business hours wasted for something completely unnecessary." Leotti turned to Fili and held out her arms expectantly. At first, Fili just stared at her, then he rolled his eyes and handed Karra over. Leotti smiled and sat back, cradling the tiny dam as she continued. "Vin and Tarrah are cleaning up early. They said they will be up soon. But I don't think you should worry, Tauri. We all love you."

"Not all." Fili huffed and sat back. "There are still plenty in the mountain who would rather Tauriel and Naurfaer not be here…and that Finli has zero chance on the throne. Is it terrible I want to declare him my heir right now…if for no other reason but to spite them."

"You cannot declare your heir, Fili, until you know you will not produce one. You and Viltarra still have some time to decide or try for another. I wish I could disagree with you though." Dis sighed. "Even among the dwarflings in my class, we have had a few mentions of Finli's elven blood. One in particular nearly divided my class in two…though there were a few who adamantly defended him, and you, my daughter. Toki, is a rather outspoken youngling, it is good he loves Finli so much."

"Both Toki and Regar have very large hearts. But I fear there are enough against my son, to sway the mountain to remove him from the line." Tauriel lamented, looking at Finli who now sat calmly on Thorin's lap, his wide brown eyes looking curiously around the room.

"Don' fret lass. You don' need then entire mountain on yer side, jus' the majority." Dain gave her a reassuring smile.

"Actually, didn't they say if even ONE has a good reason why a child of Tauriel should not be an heir, they will rule to have him removed?" Naurfaer sat back in his chair, his arms folded and a sour expression on his usually calm face. "You know in all my years, I never once enjoyed politics…and I am now recalling why."

The family once again lapsed into silence as Dis put a bit more food out…though nobody had the stomach to eat. It was another hour and after the family had moved to the shared sitting room, that Vin and Tarrah entered the royal suites, both looking stunned and a little floored about what was happening. They were just as frustrated as Leotti, though both shared that frustration without waking the infants.

Another hour went by and Balin came up, entering the room. "We are ready to begin." He waited for the family to rise and move to the door, but before Tauriel could pass by him, he took her hand. "Whatever happens, Tauriel, know there are more than you realize tha' would choose you. Even over their own."

Tauriel smiled and leaned down to press her lips to Balin's head. "And I would forever choose this people over my own. I am ready for whatever they decide. Though I must say, that I am immensely grateful my Finli is too young to understand what this is truly about, and what may be said about him."

Balin's returning expression was filled with compassion, but he could not disagree. However, he did choose to keep his response to himself. There was no need to share unhelpful opinions in situations like this...where hurt is imminent.

As expected, the throne room was filled beyond capacity. The double, massive, floor to ceiling doors were wide open and even more of Erebor's dwarves were piled outside, waiting for their chance to get in. The sound of the chatting dwarves was thunderous and echoed through the hall like a storm.

At the front, was the company, minus Dwalin who was in charge of handling Dryok. But he had given his vote directly to the lords, and in only so many words, told them where exactly they could stick their opinions of the elves who lived in Erebor, and how he, under no uncertain terms, would get behind Tauriel and any of her children over them any day. So suffice it to say, he was excused.

Thorin called for quiet, wanting to get this over with, and turned his attention to the lords who were all back up in their designated seats, including Dain…who seemed once again, annoyed to be among them. Though he did stand, addressing the people.

"Dwarves of Erebor, since yeh are many, and represent each clan of our people…the Longbeards, the Firebeards, Stiffbeards, Blackblocks, Ironfists, Stonefoots, and the Broodbeams." As he called their names, Dain would have to wait for the cheers that erupted from each clan…which was testament how diverse Erebor was. Though the Longbeards made up of well over half of the mountain…there was still representation of each clan among them.

"Yeh are here…" Dain continued. "…to cast yer vote. The head of every household has been given a stone, an' before yeh, are two barrels. The question, is simple. Tauriel, wife of Kili, has bore not one, but three sons of Durin. Finli, her eldest, currently lays teh claim Erebor after Fili if he don' have his own sons. Wha' we are askin, is fer your opinion on you an yer posterity followin' prince Finli should he take the throne. If yeh vote yes, yeh are votin' to let the young prince keep 'is title and 'is place in the line to the throne. If yeh vote no, we will remove the title from Tauriel, an' her children, completely removin' any she bares from inheritin' the dwarven throne forever. Jus' place yer stone in the appropriately marked barrel. If yeh have somethin' to say or share as teh why yeh chose no, state yer peace to the lords with no fear of retribution on either side. All households, single and otherwise, mus' cast a vote."

A round of chatter filled the room as the dwarves spoke among themselves. It took Thorin to call them to silence, as neither Dain nor any of the lords could get them. "I have something to say, before we begin." Thorin stepped forward. The lords nodded and the dwarven king continued. "We dwarves were the first people to be placed in Arda. Our maker, behind the backs of Illuvatar, shaped us, and gave us life…but Illuvatar wanted us destroyed. It was compassion, understanding, and true love that warmed Illuvatar's heart when he saw the love our Maker had for us, his creations."

Thorin looked around the room of dwarves. "We were placed in the great sleep, and only allowed to be awoken when the first elves were placed in our world. We know who we are, we know our Maker is guiding our great path, we know Mahal, even now, has a hand in our life. Do you believe this?"

The room filled a collective, "AYE!"

"I stand before you, as your king. Do you believe this?"

Again, the room filled with another "AYE!" Followed by "LONG LIVE KING THORIN!"

Thorin took a moment, and waited for the calls to die down. "There is something we only recently found evidence of. Seven generations ago, Erebor was founded for a time, then abandoned by an heir to the throne in his prime, who chose to leave his family, and the mountain of his inheritance. But why? The answer, lies with one by the name of Anorlóth. You may have seen that name, as she was the wife of Thorin the first. She begat a son, who was my sixth great grandfather." The room was silent as Thorin spoke. "She was an elf."

The silence immediately changed into chatter as the people spoke amongst themselves, but it soon died down as Thorin continued. "Anorlóth, continued the line, she bore a son of Durin, who was accepted as king. So if you came here, to vote no SIMPLY on the grounds Finli has elven blood, SIMPLY because Tauriel is of the eldar, than you are also saying that every descendent of Anorlóth and Thorin, is not of our people. So I ask you again… AM I YOUR KING?"

Every dwarf in the room looked at the other, then stood, calling out their 'AYE' so loud, the mountain itself vibrated with the sound. Thorin smirked up at the stunned lords who sat with expression of pure shock on their faces, all, that is, but Dain, who was laughing. Thorin then stepped back up with his family. "You may continue with the proceedings." Thorin said, nodding to the lords.

"I WILL LIKE TEH GO FIRST!" One dwarf yelled out before the lords could say anything. The old dwarf limped to the front, his hair long and grey, his beard dragging on the burgundy carpet that span the entire distance of the aisle from the doors to the front, and his one wooden leg making a thumping noise that echoed through the hall with each step he took. Some say he lost it to a dragon, but Dwalin said he got on the wrong side of a battle between several humans, and a very young elf who was just passing and trying to help…who accidently shot him in the knee with an arrow causing him to lose his limb after it became infected. The lords all nodded their agreement, and let him continue to the front.

Kili sighed as he watched the disaster about to unfold. This, was Bjordyk, who was the leader of the dwarves against elves, clan. Bjordyk would go out of his way to taunt and torment Tauriel, to the point both Kili and Thorin had to step in and threaten him with time in a cell if he approached their elf again. Even Naurfaer, who could take anything anyone said with an easy smile and unbroken stride, avoided Bjordyk as if he was the manifestation of every dark memory the very old elf had.

So as he approached, Tauriel tightened her grip on Kili's shoulder, sensing her husband stiffen and feeling his righteous anger filtering to her through their bond. He was already ready to fight for her and his children, and the vote only just started.

Bjordyk stopped before the large barrel labeled no, and stared hard at Tauriel. "An elf, has no place among the dwarves. I would say tha' any day." He held the stone fisted in his grip over the barrel. He scanned the family, his eyes resting first on Finli, then the twins before continuing.

"I spent me time in Erebor, ready to do all I could teh make certain those two elves know their place, and tha' their place was no' among the dwarves." His dark expression turned to Tauriel and Naurfaer. "Even had quite the followin'. I did no' for a minute believe Mahal wanted her here, or him. Elven magic, is how the young one was born, she stole tha' babe from one of our dams wombs, made a blood pact. Gave 'er soul to gain his. Wha' other reason is there tha' Finli don' look like 'e has elf blood? Cause he ain't hers. Or, I believed tha'. Blood magic."

As he spoke, several dwarves yelled out in agreement, but even more were telling them to shut it, and how stupid they were being. Bjordyk chuckled darkly and shook his head. "Tha' is, until recently, I see I may have been mistaken. I don' believe any being has more than one soul, so to 'ave another babe, means it could no' have been magic tha' produced Finli. Then…she bore twins…no' one…bu' two babes. Now, I am conflicted, I am doubtin' my convictions. So before I drop this stone, I ask yeh, lass, do yeh have the mark of Mahal on yer flesh or do you no'?"

"Mark?" Tauriel asked Kili in wonder, he looked to his uncle who was narrowing his eyes at the dwarf. The mark of Mahal was sacred, and had only been documented twice in all of their history. The first, was on Durin himself. It marked him as king over the dwarves. The second, was on the one and only dam to ever lead a group of dwarves. Dissah. For whom Dis was named after. She was celebrated for her efforts in destroying dragons of old.

Dissah was born with the mark of Mahal, but not of a line of leaders. Her family was poor, and were hardly notable among the dwarves. They hid her mark, in fear she would be taken from them, but as she grew, they realized how special she was. At a young age, she mastered every weapon handed to her with unnatural speed. She was the first to find her way to the dragon shores, and spent a century studying the beasts. She then led a company to destroy five of them who were terrorizing her home clan.

The clan leader had been killed by one of the dragons, and the people wanted Dissah to lead when she returned victorious…her company hauling their prize of dragon scaled leather to the clan who gave her the title, Dragon queen.

But the dwarven laws are absolute about female clan leaders, so Dissah left…but not alone. 10,000 dwarves, nearly half, of the dwarves in the clan, followed her. It was only then that the lords and king Durin allowed it, only then that she was accepted as a leader of her clan. But Dissah never married, she never bore any children, as her first love was her people, and her desire to serve their maker. So, the fears of splitting the clan were unfounded. She was, however, a well-respected leader and warrior.

However, that was still in the first age, thousands, upon thousands of years ago. Mark's of Mahal, were not but a legend. So how was Tauriel, an elf, supposed to have something only seen twice in a nations history…twice in their worlds history. Kili fought not to roll his eyes at the absurdity. He knew every inch of his wife, she had no such marks.

Tauriel shifted from one foot to the next as she looked to the dwarf who held his hand over the barrel marked no. She was about to shake her head no, when a warm voice filled her mind.

"Show your wrist, child of Illuvatar, and I shall show my mark." Tauriel recalls that voice, it was the voice who begged Manwe to send Kili, Fili, and Thorin back to middle earth, it was the voice that saved her mind from Sauron's attack, it was the voice of Aule. "Did I not say, you were protected?" He chimed softly at her surprise.

Beside Tauriel, Kili went rigid. Through their bond, he too heard the voice, and he stared profoundly at his wife. He was the one who took her hand, and pushed up the long sleeve of the tunic she wore. He brushed his thumb over the golden lines that manifested on her fair skin.

In their runes, it gave Mahal's promise of protection and bore his seal…the seal only the dwarves knew, and was done in a fashion that even the most powerful magician, could not recreate. Even more, it glowed gold wherever Kili touched it, then settled to glimmering golden lines after a brief moment. "The mark of Mahal." He breathed so quietly, only Tauriel could hear.

"Ki…Finli…" Fili said quietly, staring at his nephew who Thorin now held. Both Tauriel and Kili looked at their eldest son, who was staring at his hand. Even Thorin was looking in shock as the same mark on Tauriel, also appeared on Finli's wrist.

Again, the voice of Mahal filled both her and Kili's mind. "The first born of a love so rare and beautiful, ought to have the same protection. I honor you, blessed daughter of the forest, your place is among the dwarves, now, and forever."

Thorin's eyes met Tauriel's, and he smiled as he pulled Finli close and embraced him. He looked to his daughter's wrist and nodded…nothing would surprise him anymore. Nothing. Instead of saying anything, he nodded his head in the direction of the dwarf with his hand over the barrel. "Show him, nâtha."

It was Kili, who held her wrist so gently and tenderly, it brought more tears to Tauriel's eyes, who showed the mark to Bjordyk…who nearly lost his balance and dropped the stone on ceremony into the barrel. But he gripped it hard and removed his hand as he walked up to Tauriel. "May I?" He asked softly.

At first, Kili glared at the dwarf who needed PROOF from their MAKER to accept his wife. Her merits gaining and protecting Erebor meant nothing to him, her work among their people meant nothing, Mahal, not even the fact she bore twins meant anything. No, he needed tangible proof she was allowed to be here straight from their maker himself.

However, Tauriel nodded to her husband, and Kili relented…showing the dwarf her mark. "Could be a trick…" Bjordyk grumbled, eyeing the mark with speculation. However, he shook his head and sighed. "…bu'…none bu' our own race would know this mark." He looked to Finli who gripped Thorin's vest…his own mark just visible to the dwarf.

Bjordyk then turned his eyes to Thorin. "Elven blood. Yet, I followed yeh. Elven blood. Yet Mahal favors yeh, and yer family."

Finally, finally, Bjordyk nodded, and stepped back, then silently, without another word placed his hand over the barrel, and let the stone fall…hitting the bottom with an echoing thud. He nodded to the lords, then bowed low before Thorin and Finli, then limped out of the room.

That was when the voting really begun. One by one, the dwarves came up and dropped their stones in the barrel marked yes. Some would stop to gaze at the mark on Tauriel and Finli's wrists, others would simply smile and bow before the entire royal family.

One dwarf, who was another who loudly protested Tauriel and Naurfaer…as well as made sure his sons knew Finli should not be on the throne solely because he had mixed blood, knelt on his knees before Thorin. "I follow ya, because I believe there is none among our people who was more dwarf than you are. I see the error in my beliefs. If one elf, won' bring our downfall…than neither will one more. I will follow ya, and me sons will follow Finli if he were to take the throne. Mark…or no." He then dropped his stone in the yes barrel and bowed again on his way past.

This went on for hours. Halfway through, Toki ran up, tugging Gronti. "Heya Fin!" Thorin gave his grandson a small nudge and Finli looked at his friend, then ran to Toki who embraced the toddler."

"Guess we get a vote too." Toki loudly and excitedly exclaimed. "Da said I get to put it in though. But he made certain ta talk to us about what it is all about. Sounds like it came from some dirty ramsbutt, if ya ask me. Rubbish talk."

"Toki…language." Gronti rolled his eyes and stared hard at his youngest. Beside him, Regar smiled and laughed, but then blushed scarlet when Hillanna came to stand beside him.

"I think he was using the right language. This is Tauri's home, isn't it da?" Hillanna looked up at Aeodhen who lifted a brow as he placed his stone in the yes barrel.

"It is." He agreed as Shaada smiled at Riffi who ran up to Tauriel begging to see Orin and Naufi. Both twins were now in their grandmother's arms, so Tauriel bid Dis and Nyaunni over to show the dwarfling. Even Tauren was with his brother, tugging on Kili's pants so he could see. He was a little over a year older than Finli, and even a bit taller…but the two were close to the same place as far as speaking goes.

It made Tauriel breathe a sigh of relief when Shaada had visited and explained to her that Finli was not behind at all. Tauren too was having difficulties with speaking properly and in full sentences and he was nearly five. They were completely fine and will speak when they are ready.

"Thank you." Tauriel said as they cast their vote, but both Gronti and Aeodhen waved her away.

"Yeh should not have to thank us, because this should never have been necessary." Aeodhen growled as he glared up at the lords who were trying to signal them to move on so others could vote. Shaking his head and cursing quietly at the lords, Aeodhen moved on, but paused before Thorin.

"Dryok is in a room, and Dwalin is in with him. He said he will be there until he leaves. I also have half a dozen guards at the door."

Thorin nodded to Aeodhen. "Good work. Inform me of any issues that arise."

"Aye. He did make a request…" Aeodhen huffed and shook his head. His eyes moved to Hillanna who was laughing with Regar, then to Tauren and Riffi who were both looking at the infant twins. "…he wanted teh ensure, tha' nowhere in his record, it declares Drya as his blood. Sickening." He sneered, his expression illustrating how disgusted he is even having to relay the request.

"Well, technically, we don' have proof." Balin said, overhearing the request as he stood of to the side with Naurfaer. Both Balin and Naurfaer had immediately moved to look at the new mark on the toddler's wrist, doing so in a way that did not draw too much attention to them. In Thorin's ear, Balin declared it to be authentic…which Thorin already knew it was. But then Balin was declaring it loudly to passing dwarves. As a respected scholar, Balin was one who was never questioned.

The white bearded dwarf looked apologetically at the scowling Aeodhen. "We 'ave nothin' to go on, bu' her own admittance. I fear, at this time, tha' is jus' not enough. He will have to be granted his request…for no other reason bu' we canno' prove it. Even with 'er mother's testimony…it would be difficult to do at best."

Thorin grumbled but nodded. "I think the best way to handle that request, is to just ignore it. Balin is right, we cannot make record of her, but he doesn't need to know that. Let him squirm."

"Well said uncle." Fili nodded in agreement.

Aeodhen chuckled, nodded, then called his family to go. "For the love of Mahal." He rolled his eyes when Tauren began to cry and Riffi tried to hide behind Tauriel's legs. "You see her all the time lads. Yeh were just at lunch with 'em last week!"

Shaada laughed as she picked Tauren up, and Aeodhen had to lunge for Riffi who giggled as he attempted to run from his father. Throwing his son over his shoulder, Aeodhen bowed and left, but paused when he realized his daughter was not with him. "Hillanna…" He eyed Regar dangerously as Hillanna kissed the young dwarf on the cheek and ran to her family. It was Shaada who had to push her husband from the room before he drew his axe and attacked the very young dwarf. Her words of, '…they are seventeen, they are still just children, let them be…' wafting behind her.

Gronti looked at his eldest son a bit stunned and shook his head. "Lad, we are goin' ta have ta talk aren't we." He placed a hand on Regar's shoulder and guided him out. "Toki, come lad. You will see Fin fer your playdate."

"Commin' da." Toki called then looked to Finli, getting on his knees and bowing his head to the toddler. "I don' know what the future holds, bu' I wan' ya to know…I will always follow ya."

Finli wrapped his arms around Toki's neck and held him tight. "Thank you." Was all he said in his tiny voice. As he stood, Toki ruffled Finli's hair and joined his father just as Thorin bent to pick Finli up.

It was well into the night, as the last group of dwarves came in to cast their stones. The yes barrel was so full, that halfway through the voting, a second barrel had to be brought in by the company.

Nyaunni smiled as she saw her friends from Minam all come in and cast their stones into the barrel, each waving and bowing to her then Thorin. Dryok's former guards were also allowed to vote, and threw there stones onto the pile that was, even after two barrels, stacked so high they were falling to the floor.

The company was last to vote, each taking their stones and placing it on the very top. Bofur curtsied to the lords as he passed underneath them, rolling his eyes as he waited for the rest of the company to vote. He laughed as Tarrah placed their family stone at the very top of the pile, shooting daggers with her eyes to the lords who were all now more than a bit frustrated with the evening's proceedings…which had not exactly gone to their liking.

A single stone fell from the barrel and Finli wriggled out of Thorin's grasp to chase after it. Since there was nobody really left in the hall save for a few lingering dwarves who wanted to watch the end, one rather elderly dam who was snoring on the bench, the company, and the lords…Thorin just let him be. That is, until he picked up the stone, then ran to the barrels. Looking at the large barrels which were more than twice his size, Finli made a quick decision, and got to his tippy-toes before throwing the stone into the barrel marked no.

"Fin!" Fili laughed out as he scooped his nephew up. "Doesn't count!" He yelled to the lords who were all rolling their eyes. "He isn't head of the family."

"Alrigh'….enough is enough." Dain chuckled. "Is tha' everyone?" He looked around the nearly empty hall.

"Seems so." Balin nodded.

"An' the count?" Dain asked…knowing full well the outcome without even needing to look.

Balin leaned over the barrel, then pulled it down so he could reach in and pull one single stone from the barrel marked 'no'. "Looks like we go' a no…from the lad 'imself. Bu' as Fili is rather correct about him no' being a head of his house…I regret to say it canno' be counted. Sorry lad." Balin looked to Finli who was laughing as Fili swung him upside down and did not look affected by the denial in the least.

"Jus' one no! An it is from the toddler? How is tha' correct!" Lofar grumbled as he sat back. They were all tired and hungry…and regretting their decision to even do this vote after seeing the aftermath.

"It is, as you see it. Erebor has spoken." Kili yelled up to the lords. "They chose Tauriel, and they chose Finli." He took his wife's hands, looking at her directly in her shining emerald eyes. "They chose you…WE choose you…my Tauriel. Your place here, can and will never be questioned." He pressed his lips to the golden mark on her wrist, where his lips touched, it glowed, before dimming back to the flat metallic gold color again. It glimmered and reflected the lights not unlike the golden floor of the hall.

Tears cascaded unceasingly down Tauriel's cheeks. Her people had chosen, and they chose her. They chose her son. Her children will not have to endure what she did in Mirkwood….they were accepted…elven blood and all. She felt an arm fall around her, and she looked up to Naurfaer, who too had tears in his eyes.

"My heart is full." He lifted her wrist and smiled. "It looks like I owe Aule a visit when I return to the undying lands." At Tauriel's surprise, Naurfaer backstepped and pressed a hand to her cheek. "Which won't be for a very long time, starlight. I am just making a mental note to share my heartfelt gratitude for what he has done. Are you happy?"

"How can I not be?" Tauriel said, her hand twining with Kili's…at least until an incredibly unhappy Naufi made sure BOTH of his parents knew he was hungry and tired of waiting for food.

Kili laughed and accepted his son from his mother. Orin was currently asleep…as usual. Nyaunni chuckled softly. "I can watch him while you feed Naufi."

Viltarra was already sitting in Thorin's throne, the dwarven king pushing her down in it so she could feed her daughter. She didn't want to leave and miss anything, but Karra needed to eat. Fili and Thorin simply stood in front of her to give her even more privacy…though she had the blanket covering her.

"I think we can call it a night." Thorin said up to the lords as the rest of the throne room emptied since the proceedings were clearly over. "Do you have all you need?"

"Aye." Krygo nodded, stepping out the door and down the winding steps to the throne floor and standing before Thorin. He beckoned Tauriel over who was trying to settle Naufi as he was on the precipice of wailing for food. "It is done, and we stand behind the peoples choice. You will hear no arguments from our clans here forward. Should Finli take the throne, he will do so with the complete backing of our clans…be it now…or in the far future." Krygo bowed low then smiled. "But let us hope, it will be many years before such thing may come to pass." He looked from Thorin to Fili, both nodding in agreement. They both had many, many years ahead of them.

Besides, Fili may yet have a son. Though…the crowned prince looked at his nephew's wrist….perhaps, that is not in the cards for him. He was more than happy to have a daughter. And if that is all he was blessed with…Fili will feel complete. His daughter, and his wife, were his world. Of course, so were his brother, and the rest of his family.

Tickling Finli, Fili could not help but smile broadly as his nephew's laughs engulfed the hall. The now lone dam snoring grunted awake and looked around, then quickly scurried out of the room, and the company all joined in the toddler's laughter.

"I think, it is time we dismissed this gathering." Thorin waited as Dain and the other four lords joined them on the main floor. "Is there any other business you wish to discuss while you are here?"

"Nay, my lord." Tollakur shook his head. "Though I would not say no teh a shared drink. I do want teh apologize. Our intentions were no' to divide us, bu' to bring us together. It appears, we misjudged. Lady Tauriel, if you are good enough fer our maker, yeh are more than good enough fer us. Do forgive our motions."

"Aye." Vifspori said with a small smile. "I may no' understand Mahal's reasonin' for making an elf the mother of royal blood…bu' tha' is his mark, and he chose you. So, far be it for me ta go against our maker. I also would no' say no to a drink."

Thorin nodded, and handed Finli to Dis. "Bombur…" The dwarven king looked to the large dwarf who rocked on his toes as he waited for instruction. "…will you please have someone bring up two barrels of the best I have in my stores, and three bottles of my finest brandy along with a few trays of cold meats and cheeses?"

"Aye Thorin. I will have food sent up." Bombur left, followed by the company, and Thorin invited the lords up to where they spent the rest of the evening drinking and toasting the future of Erebor and Durin's house. They would not be leaving for another week, to accommodate one final ceremony, and at Vifspori's personal request to remain in Erebor for a personal reason.

The personal reason being the leader of the Stiffbeard clan having a great desire to get to know his sister…or half-sister that is. Leotti had known he was in the mountain, but with all the business with Dryok needing attention, she had not had a chance to meet with Vifspori.

Now that everything was over, the lord of the Stiffbeards, was more than eager to have a true conversation with the dam who was the first female born in their house for generations. They spoke in writing rather often, and he was already more than a little fond of her and her spirit. But he was looking forward to having a true conversation with her…and she him.

Their first conversation, would be the first time Leotti felt true healing after what she went through with her mother. Vifspori was very much like Leotti in many ways. Both were well spoken, had the same blonde hair and olive eyes, and had a knack for business and economics. He had said she reminded him of his mother, who was Leotti's mother's sister. He had also said his mother spoke of her and regretted not doing more to take custody of her.

But Leotti would smile, and say she, for one, would not have changed a thing in her life, as it brought her not only to meet Tauriel and build a real life for herself in Erebor, but it also put her on the path to her Ori…her husband she loved with all that she was. He was everything she was not, and they complimented each other perfectly.

Vifspori would also ask her to come to their mountain, to see their clan, but again, Leotti would politely decline. "My home, is here." She would say with a smile. Once, not so very long ago, she would have jumped at the opportunity to go visit other clans. But she had a thriving business that brought her great joy, a dear friend who's family was very much like her own, and a husband who was needed here. No. Leotti wanted to stay. Besides, after seeing Tauriel and Viltarra so happy, she thinks, that maybe, she too would like to know what it was to be a mother. So, Ori and her were trying for a baby.

That is not to say Leotti would never go visit the Stiffbeard clan, maybe, one day. But right now, she was more than content to remain in Erebor and not go anywhere. She had enough of an adventure finding herself underneath Dale, then in an orc run city…perhaps that is why she is so content to remain.

Answer given, Vifspori left the following week…but not before promising to write his sister regularly and tell her he expected to hear when she is expecting her own child.

Leotti had told both Viltarra and Tauriel all of this over tea in her shop one morning while Nyaunni and Dis were looking over fabric for a gown for Nyaunni's official coronation. They had put it off for obvious reasons…wanting Tauriel and Viltarra to be both healed, then for the situation with Dryok to be over.

All of the lords were more than eager to be in attendance, and even made promises of gifts to both Thorin and Nyaunni that would be sent immediately on their return to their clans…in show of support for the royal family.

Of course Fili simply scoffed when Thorin had told them. "They are just trying to make up for trying to remove Kili and Tauriel from the throne." He sat back, folding his arms. "They should be sending gifts to Tauri…"

"I do not need gifts, thank you." Tauriel hummed in response. She needed for nothing. Every wish she ever had, was fulfilled just by being in this room. A family, true love, and being fully accepted by those around her. It is all she ever asked the stars for in her loneliest nights in Mirkwood.

Not to mention she also had three beautiful children, a team to lead and teach, as well as close friends she would never give up. No, Tauriel needed for nothing except for that which she already had. And what is more, she felt a deep sense of healing in the knowledge that she had a true place to call home.

Even the Firebeard guards were settling into day to day life in Erebor. With almost limitless food, the thin dwarves were finally looking healthy. They, along with the dwarves of Minam, learned what it was to thrive…though the experiences they both endured would haunt them for the rest of their lives.

One dwarf, however, was able to receive a bit more than food. Just a few days after the trial, the first group of dwarves arrived to Erebor from the Firebeards mountain. Kudri waited at the front gates of Erebor in anticipation as he watched a group of emaciated dwarves slowly make their way past the stones lining the path to the mountain. Sobs fell from his lips as he rushed forward the same moment a soft "Papa?" sounded from the group. "PAPA!"

A dam, who was far too small even for her age, rushed forward and Kudri fell to his knees as he gathered her up, holding her tight. "I am here my treasure, an' we are never goin' to be parted again."

From the gates, Thorin and his nephews watched the tearful reunion. The family patriarch placed his arms around his own sons, and held them close. This, was a bittersweet moment, because it is a moment that never should have had to be. Never again, under his rule, would he allow such suffering, and the splitting of families. Never again.

The final few days the lords were in Erebor were quiet. Even as the mountain prepared to coronate their queen, business went on as usual. The coronation was not a long ceremony, so it was set before the evening bell so they could have a feast in Nyaunni's honor.

Since he was now fully embraced by their mountain in a vote where not one household denied him his bloodline, Finli even got to carry out Nyaunni's crown. "Gama…look!" He proudly declared as he lifted the pillow with the tied crown to it. It was the same crown Kili had made for her wedding, but Kili did add just a few more features to make it match Thorin's just a bit more. It also made it a little more regal for her. Of course, Nyaunni loved it, and even more, she loved that Finli brought it out to her.

Kili lifted his son, pillow and all, so that Thorin could place the crown on Nyaunni's head and Dain could swear her in as Erebor's queen. She still had much to learn about the people she led, the things that have happened while she was a servant to orcs, and about being a queen…but she had a family who would be there to help her through it.

The feast following, was the feast she and Thorin deserved on their wedding night. It was all dancing, laughter, food, drinks, and pure joy. The mountain, was bursting with light and happiness which lasted for weeks.

Their future, was true, their maker was on their side, and their people prospering. Life in Erebor, could not get better than this. It was a time of true peace, and that peace never left.

Even more, Kili was finally able to get the firsts he missed with Finli. At just under one year of age, Naufi and Orin took their first steps straight to their father. Kili sobbed for joy, engulfing his sons in his arms. Though their first words, were mama. Which Kili could not fault, since Finli said 'da' first.

Karra's first word was 'da' too, and Fili cried every time she said it for nearly a month. Karra was also very attached to Naufi and Orin. So much so, it got to the point where she refused to nap if they were not in the room. It was fine with both Tauriel and Viltarra, as they spent so much time together, it never was an issue.

Fili set his daughter down, smiling as she ran circles around his feet before plopping on the ground. Her thick golden waves fell around her face as she lifted her blue eyes up at her father and smiled. "Da." She giggled then turned and crawled across the floor to try and get up on Nyaunni's lap.

It was Durin's day, a day of family togetherness. They had just returned from the feast, and the mountain was quietly retiring. It was one of the few holidays where Erebor was still and quiet…with only the most essential workers and guards walking the halls.

The markets were all closed and still, the forges silenced, and even the animals in the stables were unnaturally quiet. Though they were minus one, as Nyaunni insisted Dajnel be allowed to be up in the sitting room with the family. She had not grown much in a year, unlike Uri who was just larger than Hiril therefore, still allowed to remain inside the mountain.

When Thorin argued, Nyaunni simply declared… "She is family, Thorin." And walked away ending the argument.

However, Tauriel had to completely put her foot down when Kili wanted to bring up their new foal. Maryn gave birth in early summer to a small foal who appeared to have the same black coloring as her mother. However, as she grew, her coat shed to reveal the lovely dapple grey color her father had, though she was a tad bit darker than Galaddal.

For his part, Galaddal seemed to have some semblance of an understanding that this tiny horse was part of him, as he was nearly as protective of her as Maryn was. Neither parent would let anyone near with the exception of Kili, Tauriel, and Nyaunni. For the most part though, they let them be. Maryn was a good mother, a natural, which made Kili happy.

When Thorin asked what he was planning on doing with the foal, Kili declared he was keeping her and training her. They named her Elenath. It was one of many of the Sindarin words for stars, as the little foal had markings that looked like stars all over her dark coat. It was Tauriel's suggestion, and Kili loved it, so he went with it.

Kili was there when she came into the world, and he adored her. Tauriel did too, but the sitting room on a holiday was no place for a baby horse. "No Kili, let her be." She said to her husband who rolled his eyes as he caught Naufi who was running past him.

Tauriel was not kidding about Finli running before getting a handle on really walking. He was constantly catching his sons before they toppled into something…or someone. He threw his giggling son over his shoulder, the green eyes he shared with his mother and twin brother wide and staring at Tauriel who was trying to brush the tangles out of Orin's unruly hair.

Though their eyes were hers, their hair, was once again, more their fathers. Though it was more red, then brown which was most evident in the light. Otherwise, it looked more like dark copper.

Finli was sitting in his new bed, watching his parents tiredly. He had not had a nap that day, and was clearly ready for bed rather than more celebrating. His hair was in complete disarray from the celebration and even more so from the pillow as he lay back down and put his thumb in his mouth. Tauriel and Kili decided it was time he got a larger bed, and they pushed his crib to the otherside of the room so both Orin and Naufi could have their own beds.

It backfired spectacularly, as Finli rebelled and nearly every night, he crawled back in to his crib and usually fell asleep with Orin, who now slept in Finli's old crib. Though on many nights, the twins just slept together. It was a process, and Kili told Tauriel that if Finli wanted to sleep in his crib, he could. They would still keep the bed for him for when he was ready.

Finli was getting better though, and often took naps in his new bed. They even found him still sleeping in it the week before, meaning he was getting accustomed to the change and slowly accepting it. Though they did still wake with him in their room more often than not.

"Come on Fin, up you get." Kili handed Naufi to Tauriel who held her twins in each arm as Kili helped Finli straighten up before he took his hand. "Alright, the family is waiting."

Kili and Fili suggested they get their dwarflings into their bedclothes before they partake in the family portion of Durin's day. That way, if they fell asleep…or when they fell a sleep more like…it was just a matter of putting them in their beds.

So once Kili and Tauriel had the twins and Finli in their bed clothes, they joined the rest of the family…and Dajnel…in the main sitting room.

Thorin looked around and smiled. Never, in all his years, could he imagine this would be his life. Not one, but three grandsons, and a granddaughter. "Pop." His smile widened as Karra stood in Nyaunni's lap and tugged on his braid. "Pop." She said again and Thorin pulled her into his lap, bouncing her on his knee.

Finli wasted no time crawling up into Nyaunni's lap, and laying his head on her shoulder then promptly falling asleep. She chuckled and kissed his head, smiling at the golden mark on his wrist, then secured her arms around him as he slept.

"Sorry, aunt Nya. I think he is going through a growth spurt." Kili sighed as he placed Naufi on the ground, watching as his son went straight for Thorin and try to pull himself up on his grandfather's lap. The head of the family laughed and pulled him up as he giggled and started playing with Karra.

Thorin had to get creative when Orin realized he was missing out on the fun, and wriggled out of Tauriel's arms so he could run to his grandfather who pulled him up as well. This, was the epitome of joy.

The entire family was here, Fili was sitting beside Viltarra, her head resting on his shoulder as his arm wrapped firmly around her. Kili sat on the floor, with Tauriel sitting between his legs, leaning back against him. Despite their small height difference, they still fit perfectly together. Naurfaer was chatting with Dis who was laughing and shaking her head when he gave suggestions for decorating the outside of the mountain for Yule. Even Vin and Tarrah were adding to the conversation, giving ideas they had seen in the towns they visited on their travels.

Durin's day, was here, but nobody had gifts to give…because there was no greater gift than what was present in this very room.

Kili placed an arm around his wife as he watched Nyaunni hold his eldest son, and Thorin play with the twins and Karra. This last year, had been the best year of his life. Was he waiting for the darkness to come? Absolutely. One thing Kili has learned in his life, especially in recent years, is that you must enjoy moments like this as often as you can…because before you know it, they are ripped from you.

Sighing into Tauriel's hair, Kili closed his eyes. Through his wife, he could feel her connection to the earth, to her forest and her stars, and he too could feel the darkness that lingered just at the break of light. It was far off, but oh so near, waiting, like a patient predator looking for the right moment to pounce.

Kili shook the darkness away, and turned all his focus back onto his family. Stay in the moments, find joy in what you have now, and let the light keep the darkness at bay.

Tauriel readjusted herself so she could look up at Kili as Dis began telling a story, grabbing the family's attention. But the eleth, was lost in her mate's dark eyes. She brushed her fingers through the short hairs on his chin then cupped his jaw as he continued to watch her. "Whatever the future holds…" She said softly, "…we will get through it."

"Together." Kili softly responded, kissing her palm.

"Together." Tauriel agreed.

It was more than a word, more than a declaration, and more like a promise made. It was simple, yet powerful. But it was true. Whatever was coming their way, whatever the fates had designed for their path, whatever trials they were to meet…the family would overcome each one, together.

Authors note: TA DAAAAA! Sorry it was so long. I definitely made up lore for this, I mean, I do do A LOT of research, but some things are just not clearly written, or are not a thing...so I fill in gaps. I also tend to find some contradicting things like the history of Erebor for example. So I am sorry if there are a lot of things that are not cannon...then again...I did bring Thorin, Kili, and Fili back...and Tauriel too...so I guess we sunk the cannon boat a LONG time ago. Whatever. It is what it is. But, there is more is to come after a short break. It is time to begin my own re-read of the Reforged story, and get a few other projects done…like Christmas presents lol. DocNikki, you are a star. I am so, so glad this can bring some relief from the chaos of life, and I cannot wait to share more of this world with all of you. I just need to decide how far into the future I want to have the next ACT begin…hmmmm…anyway. If I don't post anything before, have a great thanksgiving for all my USA peeps, and a very merry Christmas to all who observe it. Also, happy Hannukah and Kwanza. OHH, I just realized it is Guy Fawkes day today…so happy bonfire night! Which sounds super fun, bonfires toffee apples, and fireworks. I definitely need to visit England sometime in my life.

That will be all for now, see you guys in a bit…if not before. 😊

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