Authors Note: I PROMISE I AM NOT DEAD! Lol. Hi loves, sorry this has taken so long and honestly, at this point it is not even quite done…but I only have a few more chapters to write in this ACT so I guess it is close enough to being done, at least the bare bones of it. I do need to fix some stuff, add things, take a few things out, and expand on things since I tend to free write. I usually write a main plot out, what I want to happen, then just type type type away and let my imagination write out the story for me. BUT I hate plot holes, so I do try to make them as minimal as possible but, they still happen.
Also you know me and how much I like to be long winded so there is that too.
OH! I FINALLY read the books, and I am extremely embarrassed to say…when I named Elbereth, I had NO FREAKING IDEA THERE WAS AN ELBERETH IN TOLKEINS WORK! Nice job Ginger. I just was like, what is an elven sounding name to Elizabeth, then played around with it until I got Elbereth who in Tolkein Legendarium, is kind of like this guardian diety. Frodo always is like, 'Elbereth be with us' or something like that. And her I made her a villain of sorts. I mean, she was redeemed cause it technically was not her fault as she was corrupted…but still.
Also I want to say I really am sorry this took so long. I just started my masters degree in early childhood ed, so free time between work and school is incredibly limited.
Hmmm….anything else…oh the story. This one is another long one because apparently, that is all I know how to do anymore. There will be one shots…I think. Eventually. Maybe.
Anyway, this is long enough. I will see you at the end. Love you!
"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us."
J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
ACT V
Chapter One
"How do you steer this thing again?"
"What do you mean, steer? Do you see a wheel, mush for brains?"
"Oi, I resent that, thank you."
"I was not talking to you, now was I?"
"No, but you said it to my brother, who is my perfect copy…so the insult…therefore…applies to me as well."
"You both are infuriating."
"But you love us."
"Will you shut up before we end up dead."
"Stop it guys. I think that stick is a brake, if you pull it, it should stop us…in theory."
Naufi nodded in agreement then grasped the small stick Orin had indicated to which was hanging over the top of the mining cart they were currently racing across the tracks in. Far below them, the dwarves of Erebor were yelling curses up at the runaway cart as it sparked and squealed over them the moment the brake was pulled.
"Um…I do not wish to alert anyone…"
"Just say it Naufi!"
"Well…you may wish to brace yourselves, because we are about to crash."
"Kakhf." Orin cursed, using the word he had heard his uncle and grandfather use on more than one occasion in his presence.
Just as Naufi spoke, the cart slammed into what appeared to be several bales of hay; the momentum causing all three dwarflings to slam into the side of the cart as a sizable plume of debris rose from the hay to fill the room.
"Are we dead?"
"No lad, bu' you'll wish yeh were when yer grandfather hears about this." Two sets of emerald eyes and a pair of Durin blue peeked up over the side of the cart, each one cringing when they saw the unmistakable outline of Mister Dwalin, who was folding his arms and glaring at the group.
"Uh oh." Karra ducked down between Orin and Naufi who were giving each other worried looks.
"We're in trouble." Naufi's eyes widened as the large dwarf, with an attitude that rivaled their grandfather on a bad day, stepped towards the cart.
"Aye, that you are." Dwalin shook his head as he helped the dwarflings out, then pushed them away from the crashed cart, which several of the guards and a few workers were already inspecting for damage; more than a few giving the three royal dwarflings disappointed looks.
"I knew we should not have listened to you." Naufi huffed to Karra who was rolling her eyes as she flicked her thick, golden, waves over her shoulder...keenly choosing to ignore him as she walked away from the younger of the two twins who was still complaining as he trailed behind her. "Mama said if we do something reckless again, she won't let us go to the winter bazaar in Dale with da and Fin. The elves are going to be there."
"Oh, stop whining." Orin grumbled. "Technically this is YOUR fault Nauf." He scrunched his nose, a perfect imitation of his father when he was not pleased with something as he looked between his twin brother, and his cousin. "Karra only suggested we go check the cart out, if I recall, YOU told us to get in."
"Well, I didn't know it would move, did I?" Naufi groaned. It was somewhat true. He knew it did move, but he had assumed the brake would be set. He had to admit though, the first several minutes were a rush of fun…speeding across the rails going up and down through passageways far overhead of the bustling forges and mills below them. He wondered, for a moment, if it was anything like running through the trees in the forest beyond Dale his mother often sings about...it was exhilarating. That is, until he realized they were gaining speed with no indication of slowing down.
Fortunately, several of the dwarves below realized there were three dwarflings in the racing cart above them, and alerted the guards who immediately took chase. It was no shock when some were even able to recognize just who was in the cart, and Dwalin grumpily made plans to stop the cart by placing several stacks of hay bales before it hit the point in the tracks where the cart was emptied into one of the forges massive smelters. Lucky for the children, those hay bales where in that room...or Dwalin doesn't know what he would have to do to save them.
"You can save the talkin' fer yer grandfather, now march." Dwalin narrowed his eyes at the three small beings he herded forward towards Thorin's office. A solemn air permeating around them once they realized just where they were being directed.
Just a few doors down from Thorin's office, Kili sat in the office his uncle insisted both he and Fili each have since they were taking on more responsibilities with ruling Erebor. Kili preferred his personal office in his home, or his workshop; but Thorin got tired of either traversing Erebor to find his nephew, or sending a raven or someone with a missive of corrections and instructions to Kili as they worked through issues together. So Thorin had Dis get two of the spare rooms which had been used for storage, cleaned and remodeled into offices for his nephews. Kili still spent more time in his personal office in his chambers though...to Thorin's great annoyance...but he was a father first and foremost and he simply preferred to be close to his family; Thorin could not argue that.
However, today, Kili felt like appeasing his uncle, so he sat at his desk, resting his chin on the palm of his hand as he read through the document detailing Erebor's trade of jewels and precious metals. Since he was the expert in it, his uncle had put him in charge of managing both the imports and exports of all of their gold, silver, and bronze ore. He was also tasked with pricing out both the raw, and refined mithril ore they just began building stores of. Thorin has a heavy hand in who is allowed to purchase the rare mineral, as it is a limited resource. That did not mean they would run out quickly…there was more than enough mithril to use and sell sparingly, however, mine too much, and you deplete the veins completely; therefore each gram of raw mithril is collected, documented, and set aside for either special projects, or for top buyers approved by Thorin himself.
So far, the only being Thorin has approved a purchase of mithril ore has been surprisingly, Thranduil…who wished to make a small dagger made from the precious metal for his son, Legolas. It was already paid for, and the king of Mirkwood plans on retrieving the rendered ore when he visits for their annual feast commemorating the battle.
Kili sighed and put the parchment down on his desk, rubbing his eyes. The battle of five armies. He looked up at the wall in thought. This year marks the twentieth anniversary of their survival of the battle. It still amazed Kili how fast time has flown, and how much his life has changed since a fiery red-headed she-elf slid into his world on a tree; her hair flowing behind her like the flames of a red-hot forge, her eyes glowing green, and her lush lips set in concentration as she took out the spiders surrounding him. Mahal, she was beautiful. Even after twenty years, she still was the most beautiful creature Kili has ever beheld, his Tauriel, and he loves her more, and more with each breath he takes.
Shifting in his chair a bit uncomfortably, Kili lifted his eyes to an image depicting the exact memory of his first encounter with his elf. In fact, several drawings and paintings lined his walls of memories he had of the life before his death. Some were of Tauriel, some of his uncle and brother, and some of what he recalled of the halls of Manwe. Twenty years ago. It seemed like a long time when he thought about it.
Kili then let his eyes roam on the other illustrations on his wall. He smiled at the few from Finli and the twins, then another from his youngest son, Kilion, who was turning ten this spring. Tauriel had specifically requested his name even before he was born, saying she wanted at least one of their children to carry their father's name. Kili had wanted their next child to bare a name from his mother, but before Kilion was born, Fili had yet another daughter whom he named Dissah, so that was taken. Therefore, when his fourth son was born, Kili blessed him with the name of Kilion.
Who was he to deny his beloved wife anything anyway? His beloved wife, who was currently in bed and resting, having just given birth to their newborn the day before. It took twenty years, and four boys, before finally, Mahal blessed him with his very own daughter. Fili had three…which was not fair if you asked Kili.
How his brother got three girls, was beyond Kili; but Fili reveled in his three daughters and always had at least one of them with him at all times of the day. Usually, it was his youngest, Vilia, who was barely three years old and was the sweetheart of the mountain...and she may very well be the last of Fili's children. After the hardships Viltarra had gone through with her last delivery, which was traumatic at best for the entire family and nearly cost both Viltarra and Vilia's life with one complication after another...Oin said he doubts she will be able to conceive, let alone bare another child without it being a life-threatening experience; she just had too much damage to her system.
Fili was horrified, and according to Tauriel, who never left Viltarra's side for nearly a month after Vilia was born, he was too afraid to even touch his wife. It was also Tauriel who sat Fili down and explained to him that now was when Viltarra needed him most. She needed to know he still loved her, despite the fact she could not bare him a son; she need to know that when he looked at her, he didn't see her as damaged. Fili was thrown, he never, ever, meant to add more burden to Viltarra's already difficult condition. He was just too afraid to lose her, and he told his sister as such.
"Then be there for her." Was all Tauriel said. She then gave him a list of herbs and supplements Viltarra can take to help her. As he took the list, she held his hand tightly. "She needs you." Was the last thing she said as she stood and left Fili to himself.
According to Tauriel and Fili himself who had told Kili everything as he usually did, Fili then went to Oin, needing to know what to do, and how to keep his wife safe. Oin sat the crowned prince down in his office, and told him everything he knew of what happened to Viltarra during the birth that went wrong. "Yeh are extremely lucky lad, extremely so. Yer Vilia, is a miracle to have survived. A miracle indeed. Viltarra too." Fili was silent for several seconds, taking in what the healer had said. He not only could have lost his wife, he could have lost his youngest daughter. It was humbling to know someone was always watching over them.
Before standing to leave, Fili had one last inquiry to make…though he was somewhat afraid to ask. However, after Oin gestured him to continue, Fili finally just blurted out his concerns with…being…with his wife. Oin had laughed and patted Fili on the shoulder. "Don' worry about that so much Fili. She may need a bit longer teh heal, bu' when she is ready, yeh can continue whatever…relations…yeh want."
"What if she gets pregnant again?" Fili asked, eyes full of worry.
Oin sighed. "I am sorry laddie, bu' I do not see that happenin'. I 'ave had a few dams go through this, an' the ones who survived, they lived long full lives with only minor health issues despite losing their babes. I think yer lass will be fine physically, an' I don' see why yeh canno' be intimate WHEN she is ready. Bu' yeh will have to help her heal emotionally laddie, which may take far longer." If Fili was not already feeling bad, Oin then repeated the exact words Tauriel had said to him. "She needs you."
Oin, patted Fili on the shoulder one last time, then stood to see to a dam who had received a rather deep cut in the kitchens and was currently holding a blood-soaked dish towel over the wound. Fili let him be, and left the healing halls as he rushed to get to his wife. It still hurt to know he would never again get to hold her as she carried life inside her, but it hurt him even more to know she needed him…and he was not there for her.
Viltarra herself went through weeks of despair which she did her best to keep to herself because she didn't want to burden the family, but eventually, between Tarrah, Vin, Tauriel, and Fili, they were able to help her work through it. Kili cannot think of a braver soul than his sister, who after all she has been through, still finds gratitude in everyday moments. Though, she has been rather subdued lately, as Hiril's had a bit of an accident after getting a bit too close to a wasp's nest while Fili had taken her out when he was exercising Kit.
They nearly lost the beloved family warg, but between Nyaunni's quick work and one of the human healers from Dale who specializes in animal care...Hiril's life was saved. It was a deep reminder of just how frail life could be. Hiril still has many years ahead of her, but Viltarra has already begun to dwell on the idea of losing the warg who has helped her as much as the family.
Kili smiled softly to himself; he knew a small secret even his wife did not know. Nyaunni has been working with Naurfaer, the pair reaching out to city's far and wide to seek out breeders of domesticated wild wargs. They wanted to get Viltarra a pup for her next birthday…with Thorin's blessing of course. He may not favor the warg, but he appreciates her place with Viltarra. Nyaunni may or may not have quietly relayed to Kili that Thorin was a little excited to have a pup...which Thorin heard and vehemently denied.
It also meant, more new life in the mountain…which Kili was all for. He loved nothing more than to help bring life to Erebor's halls and his children were proof of that. It was bittersweet, and a bit painful for both Fili and Viltarra, however, when Tauriel announced she was pregnant again last year. But not once did they hold it against her or Kili. In fact, they were there to help with the boys more often than not when Tauriel was sick or not feeling well...which was more common in this pregnancy than it had been in any of her earlier ones apart from Finli. Kili had nearly panicked more times than he could count and insisted she only eat foods prepared by him alone. Now Kili, is not the worst of cooks in the family, he just lacked the patience for following recipes to their fullest.
Eventually, after nearly four months of burnt eggs and underdone potatoes, all the while still getting sick…Tauriel put her foot down and told Kili it had nothing to do with what she ate, it was just eating in general that upset their daughter. After that, Kili backed off though he still made her some meals; Tauriel absolutely delighted in Kili's cream and corn chowder. She ate it nearly every other day along with buttercake Dis made in large batches for her.
Kili sighed again. He wished he was upstairs with his Tauriel and their little girl right now. A daughter, he finally had a daughter, and she was a beacon of light in his life. They had named her Ithtiri for two reasons, one, it honored Tauriel's mother in a way. Though she never had the opportunity to raise Tauriel, the young eleth now knew her mother was there with her, watching over her always. So she felt the desire to somehow honor her mother like Kili had honored both their fathers when he named Finli.
The second reason, was Ithtiri was one of the many words for star in the khuzdul language...which was fitting with Tauriel's love for the heavens above. It had ironically also been what Kili had called his baby girl as he spoke to her when she was still in the womb. So between the word giving some nod to her mothers name, and how much Tauriel adored the nickname Kili had given their unborn daughter, she insisted they make it permanent.
When Fili had found out, however, he laughed for nearly an hour, saying not only had they named the horse after the stars, but they also affectionately called all four of their children, their 'little stars', and then there was Naurfaer who still called Tauriel 'starlight'. Fili shook his head at his annoyed baby brother and wondered exactly how many children and animals do they plan on naming "star".
For his part, Kili just glared at Fili before declaring he can name his children, and animals, whatever he wanted. If he wanted to name every one of them star, he will. Kili sighed, then explained the deeper, more meaningful reason Tauriel loved the name. Ithildin, after all, did deserve to be honored, like Findyyr, Dis, Thorin, Vili, and Naurfaer already were. He also added that he would grant Tauriel whatever her hearts desire, whether that be a name she loved for her children, or the clearest diamond in all arda, Kili will forever do all he can to grant her wish.
Since Fili could not argue that, considering he would do anything for his own wife, once he stopped laughing, he smiled and patted Kili on the shoulder stating Ithtiri, was beautiful. That, Kili could not disagree with.
With her vibrant red hair and fair features, even hours old, Ithtiri was already looking to be all her mother...with exception of the ears. None of their children inherited true elven ears. Naurfaer thought it odd, expecting at least one of Tauriel's children to favor their elven genetics...but it seemed as if it was not to be. Even Kilion, who had thick black hair, was, well, all dwarf. It should also be noted that Kilion had also somehow landed with Durin blue eyes...though Naurfaer reminded both Kili and Tauriel that both Ithildin and Elbereth had blue eyes as well, so the color was on both sides of the family. Yet, still, no elven ears. Instead, their large ears had just a hint of a rounded point so subtle, one had to really look to see it when their thick hair was pulled back.
The only explanation Naurfaer was able to come up with, was whatever Manwe did to send Tauriel back to Arda as a mortal, somehow diluted her elven genetics so much, Kili's genes had to make up for the gaps, meaning their children...would be, more than anything, dwarven...with a sprinkling of elven blood. Naurfaer had no problems having predominantly dwarven great grandchildren, though he secretly hoped at least one would be blessed with the opportunity to have immortality, but that too was never to be. All of Kili and Tauriel's children, were in fact, mortal. Tauriel was not surprised in the least though, and reminded Naurfaer that she gave up her immortality, spreading it out among the line of Durin. It would make no sense for her to be able to bare an immortal child…it would make her sacrifice moot point if one could just…create another immortal.
Naurfaer was a bit saddened by this, but accepted it and the logic behind it. For his part, Kili could care less if they were mortal, immortal, mostly dwarven, or mostly elven; he just wants them to be healthy and happy. He loved his children, unconditionally; they filled his life with more joy than Kili could contain...most of the time.
A knock on the door interrupted Kili's musings as he set the parchment down...not that he was paying much attention to it anyway...and ran a hand through his still wild hair. He really hoped it was not his uncle with MORE work, he just wanted to finish this and go back up to his wife. "Come in." Kili called as he pushed the pile of parchment away.
Instead of Thorin, however, Braundee walked in with a sour expression on her face. Before she could talk, however, Kili groaned and rubbed the sudden headache away from his temples. "Which one?"
"Both." Braundee snickered. "And you better go before your uncle skins them alive."
Mahal above. He loved his children, he loved them deeply. Finli was, in short, perfect. Almost too perfect. When he was not in his studies, he was more often than not with Kili or Thorin wanting to help in any way he can with simple responsibilities of running Erebor which ranged from writing missives to Dale, to running messages to different people in the mountain for Thorin.
That being said, Kili would not call Finli overly serious; he laughed and joked like any other dwarfling...especially when he was with his closest friend...Toki. Toki was still as outspoken as he always was and more often than not, on the bad side of his mentors and educators who disliked being proven wrong by a young dwarf who seemed to have a brilliant mind.
Balin even took interest in him, but Toki wanted nothing to do with records and libraries; no, he was more interested in Aeodhen's job...and tended to spend a good portion of his time with Finli in the guard's wing. Aeodhen never minded, and even put together a program catering specifically to dwarflings interested in mastering weapons and fighting. It has been a success since its development.
In fact, of all his children, the only serous one was Kilion. Kili never knew a nine-year-old could have a stern look, but Kilion more often than not, could give Thorin's severe expression some good competition. The young dwarfling rarely spoke, but when he did, it was simple requests. Instead, Kilion, was a listener who took in the world around him as if he was considering every word, noise, and action. He also preferred to be with Tauriel more than anyone, which Kili thinks is due to her calmer demeaner. Kilion never liked chaos, and was more apt to get upset when others were being loud and obnoxious around him. Kilion was Kili's gentle, sensitive, little soul who was so very much like his beloved Tauriel in nature; quiet and nurturing.
Kilion was so much his mother, in fact, that he even befriended a raven...a very RARE raven by the name of Umyra. Umyra, was a pure white raven; she was not albino...no...but every part of her from beak, to talon, was the color of snow. She had been flying about the mountain for quite some time two winters ago when a fierce blizzard raged the lands; even Mirkwood saw inches of snow in their city usually shielded by the thick, forest, trees.
Somehow, the white raven found its way to Erebor and tried to seek safety from the high winds within the raven room, but the ravens of Erebor refused her entry for obvious reasons…so the exhausted bird unable to fly any longer, landed on probably the safest place for her in all of Erebor...Tauriel and Kili's veranda.
It was Kilion who found the exhausted raven, gasping for air and nearly starved. He was seven at the time, and had been looking at the fresh snow while Tauriel and Kili readied for the day. The dwarfling noticed her right away, and dropped to his knees to look her over. "Hello." His voice was soft but the raven wanted nothing to do with him and hissed with what little energy she had.
"What have you got, little lion?" Finli stepped out, Kaw hopping behind him. Upon seeing the other raven, however, Kaw flew to the balcony and croaked; though he did nothing more than stare down in curiosity.
"Is that a raven?" Finli got to his knees beside his brother who nodded.
Kili quite recalls the entire conversation, having been standing just at the door and watching his sons look at what seemed to be a pile of snow…with feathers. "And what have you two got there, hm?" Kili remembers asking as he looked at the clearly frightened bird.
"Give him space, da!" Kilion chastised as the animal seemingly got more upset with the towering dwarf staring down at her.
Kili laughed and stepped back just to nearly collide with his wife who stepped out to see why two of her sons and her husband were standing in the freezing cold morning light. "What have you got my darling?" Tauriel's soft voice had Kilion looking up at her.
"A raven, I think. But he is white, mama…and I believe…he is hurt. Can you help him mama?" Tauriel stepped beside her son, Finli moving to make room for her as she knelt to the snow-covered floor of their stone balcony.
Kili watched his, at the time, youngest son stair up at Tauriel with his wide, blue, eyes…and who could deny the dwarfling anything with such an expression. Not that Tauriel was going to even consider denying the request in any way.
A great warmth filled Kili's heart when as Kilion spoke, the white raven seemed to calm and had inched towards Kilion's dwarven heat…likely lured not only by the warmth, but also by the dwarflings soft-spoken voice. It should not have surprised him when the raven tucked itself into Kilion's fur-lined vest as best it could…it was a large raven and Kilion was still very small.
Tauriel chuckled at Kilion's surprised expression as he looked down, unsure if he was allowed to touch the bird or not. He finally gained some courage though after Kaw flew to the ground and cooed; the white raven cooing back as she nestled further into Kilion.
"Kili, meleth nin, can you go get a box and a blanket? Finli, perhaps you can gather some warm water and some scraps as well." Kili nodded and had run into the suite, his eldest son following just behind them. They were back on the balcony within minutes with the requested items, though Finli just held the bowl and plate several steps back.
"Da! Mama said Umyra is a girl!" Kilion was smiling at his father as he stroked the white ravens head…who had its eyes closed as it rested in his lap. As SHE rested in his lap apparently.
"Is that so?" Kili lifted a brow. "Umyra?" He asked curiously.
"Kilion just came up with it." Tauriel nodded, pressing a kiss to her son's head.
The days following were filled with hissing, raven bites, and dealing with a wild bird gone rampant in the suite. She was in fact quite injured, and Tauriel ended up having to have Nyaunni come in and use her gift to figure out what was causing the raven so much discomfort….and it was quite the list.
For one, Nyaunni confirmed she was a she, and very malnourished. She also was missing a toe, had a broken leg, and had exhausted herself into illness. Kilion was the only one who was able to feed her without getting bit; even Tauriel had several bandaged fingers.
Though surprisingly enough, the white raven also allowed Naufi and Orin close. She seemed to be alright with the dwarflings…but the bigger people she hissed, bit, and scratched at for nearly an entire month.
Then there was Kaw…who did not like anything attacking his nana. He growled and hissed right back at the white raven and for a while…Tauriel was worried they may have to rehome Umyra possibly to Mirkwood where she could find peace in the forest city. They had many unique animals in the forest…including many animals considered sacred. Being a stark white raven, Tauriel had wondered if Umyra was more of one of Mirkwood's enchanted animal spirits...but considering how much turmoil she has brought...likely not.
As the weeks progressed, and Umyra healed…she began to show signs of calming and even allowed Tauriel to hold her as she read in bed in the mornings. She still favored the dwarflings, but had eventually become comfortable with both Kili and Tauriel.
Fili…she seemed to despise with a deep contempt that held even today. Kili chuckled at his brother who always found ways to get on the wrong side of ravens. In this case, he may have accidently sat on her having not seen her bundled up in a white blanket on the sofa. Technically…it could have been anyone's error…but of course it had to have been Fili who did it. Umyra, had yet to forgive him for it…though it has been a bit before she went out of her way to attack the crowned prince of Erebor.
Kaw though, well…Kili thought on the black and white raven…he ended up bonding to Umyra and the two ravens eventually became a mated pair. It took well over a year for their raven to warm up to Umyra, but once he did, they were nearly inseparable. They had their first clutch of eggs, three, last season. It was fascinating to see that only one of the three inherited white feathers…she was also the most ornery of the three. The other two were fully black like any raven of Erebor.
To this day, Umyra prefers the company of Kilion. She follows him around when she is not in training with Nyaunni and Tauriel in socialization. Kilion is helping of course, and learning quite a bit about taking care of the feathered creatures of Erebor. Kilion is, after all, Tauriel's shadow and rarely leaves her side whether she was training, working with the ravens, or in the forge with Fili. He will begin school in a year…though he has been tutored by his mother for years and is already considered ahead of some of the dwarflings who are several years into their classes.
Coming back to himself, Kili eyed Braundee who was giving him a look…and he sighed deeply.
So of all his children who could be involved in the situation, Kili knew without a doubt his youngest son, who again was nine, had nothing to do with it as he was tucked up in bed beside Tauriel and the not even 24-hour old Ithtiri. Kili had left him there to help Tauriel…not that he would leave her anyway. Kili also knew both Umyra and Kaw were keeping vigil and would be sent directly to him if Tauriel needed any additional help...thus he was firm in the belief that both Finli and Kilion were fine and accounted for.
That left the twins. Oh, those boys. Kili rubbed the side of his face and grunted as he stood. His mam thought it fitting that Kili has not one, but two children who will give him what he gave her growing up...constant worries and silver-streaked hair. Fortunately, both Kili's thick mane of hair and his beard, which he let grow a bit thicker and longer these days, were still as dark as it always was for the time being. But if they keep at it...Kili will have a head full of silver and white before he even gets a single wrinkle. "Do I want to ask what they did this time?"
Braundee lifted a brow and smirked. "I mean, you could, bu' it would be more fun fer you teh find out." She waited for Kili who gave her an unamused expression and she laughed. "Fine, they nicked a mine cart and nearly ended up in the smelter...if it weren't fer mister Dwalin, who luckily fer them...stopped the cart in the room before the drop with a bi' of fast thinkin' and some conveniently placed hay."
Kili's eyes widened in horror as he rushed to the door and sprinted down the hall to his uncles office...where he could hear his uncle already tearing into his sons.
"YOU COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED! You WOULD have been killed! What was going through your thick heads...getting into a mine cart! Huh? All THREE of you! I cannot relay my disappointment! What were you even DOING not in classes? And in the mining caves?"
"Well we..."
"You see..."
"Ummmm..."
Kili shut the door behind him to see not two, but three dwarflings looking at their feet. Karra. Of course she was with them. The three of them were thick as tar. Before Kili could say anything, the door opened again and Fili came in looking between his baby brother, and the three dwarflings refusing to meet anyone's eyes.
Fili set the three-year-old Vilia down on the ground where she sat, her golden eyes looking around the room before they landed on Thorin and she squealed with delight as she crawled to her grandfather, whose furious expression softened as he picked her up. However, he did look unhappy after he placed Vilia on his lap and turned his focus back on the three older dwarflings in the room. "I think, you ought to inform your fathers what you deliberately chose to do."
"What am I missing?" Fili folded his arms as he stared down at his daughter. "All I was told, was I needed to come sort a situation involving my daughter...and my nephews." Fili had been just about to go get Dissah from the library where she was with Ori doing some extra studying...by her personal choice. Fili doesn't know how one of HIS children ended up favoring books over anything else, but Dissah, was an avid reader and learner, despite only being eleven years old. Wherever she was, Dissah had a book in her hands quietly studying the words on the page.
She would often ask Fili questions that were well beyond Fili's own understanding, and he would look into her intelligent eyes and wonder just where she came from. He spent more time than he was accustomed to in the library with Dissah, trying to find the answer to her questions...or on the rare occasion he would have to send her to Balin or Naurfaer...but he hated doing that. Now Fili was no simpleton, and could hold his own in many debates, but some of the things she asked, made Fili wonder if she was part elf. Dissah did enjoy Tauriel's company over most, stating her aunt was a calming presence. Her and Kili's youngest Kilion were almost as close as Karra was to the twins.
Now Karra...oh Karra was definitely Fili's daughter. Something his wife constantly laughed at him about, or at least, laughed whenever Karra caused trouble in the mountain. His little warrior. Was Fili proud of her? Absolutely. At just over sixteen, his daughter could take down even some of the new guards in the training ring. But she uses the same energy in battle, as she does coming up with schemes that, more often than not, land her and the twins in Thorin's office.
Fili should amend that Kili's twins are just as prone to come up with schemes themselves, and it was a battle to figure out exactly who came up with the idea, and who simply followed along. "Aren't you three supposed to meet Finli in training directly following classes?"
Thorin hummed. "They were. But I believe it was the both of you, who said they were responsible enough to walk from the school, to the training hall without an escort." The kingly uncle looked at both Fili and Kili as he shook his head. "I think they should be the ones to tell you what they did, children?"
Orin, Naufi, and Karra all three turned to their fathers, but remained tight lipped for several minutes before Orin sighed and walked to Kili, lifting his emerald eyes to his father who watched him almost warily...an odd look on Kili.
Before his son even said a word, Kili was kneeling to the ground so he was more on level with the shorter dwarfling. "What happened, Orin?" Of course, Kili already was told, but he wanted to hear it directly from his sons. Kili ignored the door opening again, and the worried look his eldest son gave his brothers as he stepped in. "Go on Orin." Kili urged gently.
Orin's eyes flicked to his elder brother, then his twin who was still beside Karra, before looking back at his father. "When we got out of class, we were on our way to meet Fin at the training hall, but the path was a bit blocked by some merchants trying to move a cart filled with all kinds of junk."
"It wasn't junk, Orin, it was leathers and furs." Karra corrected. Fili rolled his eyes to the ceiling; always the one for details, his Karra.
"And you didn't think to wait until it cleared?" Fili hummed giving his daughter a look that caused her to shift from foot to foot even as she shook her head.
"We didn't want to be late." She tried but Fili didn't buy it for a second, neither did Kili, it seemed, who urged Orin to continue.
"Okay, so you went around. What happened then?"
Orin bit his lip...a trait he picked up from Tauriel, Kili was sure. "We went through the mining caves."
"THE MINING CAVES!" Fili roared. It stunned Vilia, who stared at her father from Thorin's lap, then began laughing and clapping her hands while Finli flinched...unaccustomed to seeing his levelheaded uncle so angry.
Fili took a deep, calming, breath and tried again. "The mining caves are nowhere near where you are supposed to be. Why, exactly, where you in a part of the mountain completely off limits to anyone underage?"
"The doors were open...and, we were curious." Orin continued.
Thorin narrowed his eyes then made a note to talk to Aeodhen and find out just WHO was supposed to be watching the entranceway to the mining caverns. There was SUPPPOSED to be guards on detail at all times to prevent unauthorized guests from entering. Those mines were secure, but they were still probably the most dangerous part of the mountain next to the main forging room...which coincidently the mining chambers end up connecting to.
"You know those halls are out of bounds, Orin, Naufi. We had this talk before when I took you, Finli, and Toki in for a tour. What did I say about going to the mining halls?" Kili asked sternly.
Orin looked to his brother who finally stepped up to stand beside his brother as Karra inched towards her father. It was Naufi who spoke quietly. "You told us it was dangerous."
"And it is, extremely so." Kili shook his head.
"It was my fault." Karra admitted after a moment of silence.
"Karra?" Fili asked, squatting low to look at his daughter.
Karra sighed, then took a deep breath and stared her father straight into the eye. "I was upset Finli, Orin, and Naufi got to see the mines and I didn't, so I begged them to take me to see them since the doors were open. They were just doing what I asked."
"But you weren't the one who's idea it was to get in the mine cart." Orin reminded her as he looked back to his feet.
"Neither was it yours." Naufi mumbled, not wanting to see the look of pain that flashed in his fathers eyes, knowing full well what he did, was highest on the list of things he should not have done.
"The mine cart...you didn't...what...where you thinking?" Fili asked, lost for words.
That, was when tears began to fall from all three dwarflings eyes. "We...we..." Naufi wiped his eyes. "I don't know." He finally admitted.
Kili pinched the bridge of his nose, torn between wanting to yell until his voice was gone, and wanting to pull his children into his arms. "What do you think, it would do to me and your mother if we lost even one of you? What do you think it would do to your brothers? Your mother just had a baby Orin, Naufi, you both promised me, that you would go straight to the training wing after school. You broke that promise, Naufi, Orin. And in doing so, you nearly got yourselves, and your cousin killed."
When Karra began to protest, Kili lifted a hand. "Your idea it may have been, but they knew they were not supposed to be there, Karra." The little dam pierced her lips but remained silent.
Kili had every desire to skip his work and return to his family, but this, is not how he wanted to go about accomplishing that. Shaking his head, he sighed. "No bazaar."
"BUT DA!" Both twins cried, however Kili held his ground.
"No bazaar. What did you expect? If I do nothing, you will never learn there are consequences to your actions. The more severe the action, the greater the consequences." Kili hated, HATED having to be the punisher. He wanted to laugh with his boys, play, and spend time with them...but they could have died today, and they need to understand how wrong what they did was. Kili looked to his sons as he stood. "Uncle, I am going to take them home, do you mind if I get you that report tomorrow?"
Thorin shook his head as he bounced Vilia on his knee. "Go ahead Kili. I don't need them until the end of the week, so take the time you need." Thorin then turned to Finli who had not said a word since he arrived, which was a bit unusual as Finli...though was nowhere near as talkative as his twin brothers...was rather prone to chatter much like his father. "You should go with them Finli, help your mother and father; I will send word to Aeodhen and tell them you won't be in training today, and I believe your parents need you more than I do at the moment."
Finli nodded and smiled, though he did look sympathetically at his brothers. "Sure pop." Though he wanted to get some training in today with Toki and the others, he knew where he was most needed, was helping his family. Besides, he wanted to see his new sister again.
With the dismissal from his uncle, Kili eyed his brother warily before grasping both his sons by the shoulder, and pushed them from the room with Finli following close behind. As he left, Fili placed a hand on Karra's cheek and wiped a tear as it fell. "Are you alright?"
Karra's blue eyes met Fili's and she shook her head as she fell into his arms. "I am sorry da!" Fili looked to his uncle who was watching with a severe expression on his face. They both knew what very well could have happened, and Kili was right; if the dwarflings do not understand the severity of what they did, they will just do it again.
That being said, Fili still pulled his eldest daughter close and stood with her still in his arms. She was so small, yet, growing so fast. Where was his baby girl who refused to let him leave the room? He sighed into her waves and let her cry for several minutes. Karra always was a bit more emotional than his other girls, having clearly been gifted the passionate Durin temperament.
Before Fili could say a word, however, the door opened once again as Naurfaer stepped into the office, a dark expression on his face. At first, Fili thought the look was because he found out what happened, but then he looked at Fili and his daughter questioningly. "Did I miss something? And how is my granddaughter? Did she have the baby?"
"Tauriel and Ithtiri are both well. She had the baby last evening. Everything went perfectly." Thorin said. "She is up in bed and resting as we speak." He then eyed his granddaughter in Fili's arms. "And, we had a little incident with the twins and Karra deciding to go on a joy ride in the mine carts." Thorin grumbled as Vilia stood on her feet on his knees, using his hair as leverage. He winced when she tugged so hard one of his beads fell to the ground and rolled to a stop just in front of Naurfaer, who chuckled as he picked it up and placed it on the desk.
Naurfaer then turned his green eyes to Karra who still had tears streaking down her face. "That, was a foolish endeavor." Naurfaer lifted a brow. "And just where are your coconspirators?"
"Kili took them up to Tauriel." Thorin sighed as he grasped Vilia before she fell to the ground after leaning too far off his lap...one of his braids still tight in her grasp. She laughed merrily as he repositioned her, which was difficult to not join in with as her little laughter was so contagious.
Thorin's severe expression did soften, however, as Vilia smiled wide at him and stood again, pressing her wet lips onto his face. "Pop." She sang and patted his cheek with the hand not still grasping his hair.
At this, Thorin was incapable of keeping a soft smile away as he kissed her hair and gently pulled his braid from her grip as he sat her back down on his lap and turned his attention back to his nephew and Naurfaer. "You should probably take Karra up as well, Fili." Thorin hummed. "I can watch Vilia if you need." He offered.
Naurfaer, however, was the one to shake his head. "I have news we need to discuss, you both should be here for this." He eyed Fili whose brows furrowed in concern.
"From Thranduil?" Fili asked, still holding Karra in his arms. Naurfaer had been in the woodland realm for the last two weeks on Thorin's request. It had been planned the year before for both Kili and Tauriel to spend a month in Mirkwood as a kind of an emissary of Erebor…though Thorin had never officially given them any such titles. Dis, Nyaunni, and Thorin were going to take Finli, Orin, Naufi, and Kilion while they were gone, of course with both Viltarra and Fili helping as well. Since Naurfaer had planned on going with Kili and Tauriel, he would be leaving the mountain along with them.
At least, that HAD been the plan before Tauriel announced she was expecting again. She was rather perplexed too about the whole thing since she had not intended to fall with child. Tauriel had told Naurfaer that though her and Kili were ready to once again add to their growing family, she wanted to wait so she could spend the month in Mirkwood.
Well, Ithtiri had other plans for her mother, as not more than a day later, Tauriel sheepishly came to Naurfaer telling him she was pregnant and guessed her due date to land directly in the middle of their planned time in Mirkwood.
Kili was more than excited...as he always was when he found out they were expecting. He was also a bit apologetic, knowing how important it is to maintain their alliances in both Dale and Mirkwood; he even offered to go with Naurfaer anyway, since he had been the one to make the plans to begin with.
But both Naurfaer and Thorin completely disagreed, though it was Nyaunni who gently reminded Kili that Tauriel needed him to get through the end of her pregnancy. Their bond has grown stronger and stronger every year, which meant Kili's connection to her grew as well. So with each pregnancy, Kili felt Tauriel's pains and discomforts more and more. Yet he never once complained, not even a bit. He took every pain, every craving, every sleepless night, every bout of nausea, and every labor pain on almost eagerly. "If it helps my Tauriel, then I will take everything I can for her." He would say whenever anyone would ask.
It was an eye opener for Kili though, when he realized how right Nyaunni and Thorin were. There was no way he could leave his wife for any length of time, not when she was so near her delivery. Besides, he had been there for every one of his children's births, he was not missing the birth of his daughter.
That was when Naurfaer offered to go on his own, and Thorin agreed it was for the best. Besides, after twenty years of living with the elf, Thorin trusted he would handle things in Mirkwood far better than anyone else. Balin, however, did go with Naurfaer along with Ori.
"What is it?" Thorin asked, his brow furrowed, and the severe expression back on his face.
"Thranduil has reason to believe that Dol Guldur is filling again." Naurfaer eyed both Thorin and Fili as he spoke. "There is more; I was privy to a meeting with Galloron, who relayed some disturbing news..."
"And Dol Guldur is not disturbing?" Fili grumbled.
"What's Dolgidur?" Karra asked, her head up and eyes wide with curiosity.
However, not one in the room answered her, instead Naurfaer nodded his head to Fili. "It is, but what is more disturbing, is three teams of Mirkwood guards have disappeared completely."
At this, Thorin stood, setting Vilia down on the floor as he did. "What do you mean, disappeared?"
"No bodies, no blood, nothing. According to Galloron, they were on patrol in the southwest part of the forest, not far from Mirkwood's southern gate, and they simply did not return. Search parties have scouted the area, and they seemed to have just vanished. This happened three times, before Thranduil ordered the southern gate sealed until further notice." Naurfaer sighed looking Thorin directly in the eye. "These were not juvenile elves, Thorin, these guards have had centuries, if not over a thousand years of training and experience. To have them just, vanish, is inconceivable."
Thorin rubbed his hands up his face in thought, ignoring the tugging on his pants from Vilia who was trying to get his attention. "Pop, pop, pop. Uppie. Pop."
Thorin sighed and picked her up. "And Thranduil is requesting help?"
Naurfaer shook his head. "No, rather he is sending a warning. They are still working on a plan, and he is rather wary about allowing guards outside the cities gates until he can find some sign or solution for the situation. I am to also inform Bard before his next trade caravan moves out to Mirkwood."
"I thought Dol Guldur was cleansed." Fili eyed the map on Thorin's wall, tracing it with his eyes down to the small drawing of a ruined fortress on the southern most border of Mirkwood. He cocked his head to the side, and furrowed his brows as he walked towards the map. "Naurfaer...is that another elven city?"
Naurfaer hummed as he looked at the map. "It is. That, would be the realm of Lady Galadriel, of Lothlorien. It is her city."
"Quite close to Dol Guldur...did Thranduil check to see if any of her people have gone missing?" Fili set his daughter down. "Karra, will you go sit with your sister please?"
Not wanting to disappoint her father further, Karra immediately went to Thorin who put Vilia on the ground once again. She took her sister's hand and pulled her to the far corner then pulled some small bobbles from her pocket to entertain the toddling dam.
Once Thorin and Fili's attention was back on Naurfaer, the taller elf nodded. "Before I left, Thranduil had been putting an army together to march to the fortress when he came to the conclusion whatever was happening had to be stemming from the ruin, but a missive from Galadriel of Lothlorien had him holding back. Apparently, there was a similar situation in her city with her people being taken, so she had a team march on the fortress only to be overtaken by a force they knew nothing about. According to Legolas, both Galadriel and Thranduil are working together to find information before proceeding. They have mutually decided caution was at the moment, their best ally to protect their people." He sighed. "I think Thranduil was hoping this was an isolated situation, but it clearly is becoming bigger than even the woodland realm. His people, are worried and have every right to be." Naurfaer rubbed his chin, shaking his head. "Honestly, I fear it is only the beginning of great, and terrible things to come."
"And what of us?" Fili asked, his uncle seemingly lost in silent thought.
Naurfaer eyed the two dwarflings in the corner, Karra gesturing vibrantly with her hands and Vilia laughing at her elder sister's antics. Hedging closer to Thorin and Fili, Naurfaer gave them each a dark look as he whispered, "War is coming to these lands, and try as we might to hide in our stone halls, we are just as susceptible to the horrors of the darkness abroad, as any other kingdom. We must prepare ourselves, the peace we felt these sixteen years, is now, I fear, nearly over."
Authors Note 2.0: Bum Bum BUUUMMMM. Anyway, what did you think? Some shenanigans with the kiddos, a bit of what has happened over the last sixteen years, some parenting, and of course, a little look of what drama is ahead. Here is what to expect from this long ACT that is currently in itself, over 500 Microsoft word pages, over 260,000 words, and twenty something chapters with another few to go: You will see more of the kids, but they are not the spotlight of the story. More drama ahead, new characters, some battles, and maybe, a bit more of middle earth…the parts we don't get to see or read about.
Also, I avoided TWO papers to get this to you, so the next few days and possibly week may be a bit crazy with school stuff so I am sorry if the next chapter is delayed, but I will TRY to get it to you ASAP.
I also need your help. I have done some research, and in the great last battle of the ring, there was a battle in Dale, Mirkwood, and Erebor that rivaled the one in Minas Tirith. This was a bit different as it was the easterlings that attacked the cities. Anyway, Dain Ironfoot died in the battle, standing over and protecting Bards grandson, Brand who as the son of Bain who in doing some research, was the only noted child of Bard and at the time of the LOTR timeline, was the king of Dale. Now, we who are the movie lovers, know he had two daughters as well and here is where my problem lies. Bain, not Sigrid is supposed to rule Dale, and his son, after him. BUT I have Sigrid ruling which changes things up a bit because one…I think there needs to be a few more lady rulers outside the dwarven race. I do want the lineage to fall into the male line for the dwarves because I said so…and it makes sense so sorry, Karra will not be ruling Erebor. BUT I am conflicted on what I want to do with Dale and Sigrid vs Bain ruling. So I am leaving it to you…for this one part at least. Remember the story is written but I do TRY and add things in as they are requested…if they fall in line with the plot or are just a fun side detail you need to read.
SO….I can either one, keep things as they are and just have a new ruling line in Dale. Honestly, it shouldn't change things much because this is a story about the line of Durin and Tauriel. Their kids will be a part of it, but this won't be one of those stories where the kids become the main characters. Reforged will aways be mostly follow and be about Tauriel and Kili, with very large heaping scoops of Fili, Viltarra, and Thorin thrown in since the family is incredibly close. But still, Dale is there and present occasionally, so these little details do matter. I digress though. I can follow my own new line like I did with Thorin, Kili, and Fili who were supposed to die.
OR! I can Kill Sigrid off. LOLLLLSSS. I mean…not lollllsss…because that would be mean to laugh at. But it would restore Bain as ruler. If nobody cares, I will just go with whatever I feel like when I get to that point…keep her or kill her. I am leaning towards jut keeping her though but like I said, I just want your thoughts. Honestly, Dale isn't really big in this story, but I think it might be in next main act which will likely be parallel to the original LOTR trilogy but I very much doubt I will do what I did for the hobbit and literally write it all out. I think the books and movies were great, and the only one I think deserved better was Haldir who did not die in the books, and should not have died in the movies. I said it.
So Sigrid ruling, or not. It is up to you. It doesn't bother me either way.
If you made it to this point, know you are amazing. :D
BE BACK SOON! Ish. Now I have to go to work though. Ug. Adulting.