Authors Note: I really don't have anything to say because I am too tired to think. So enjoy. Oh, and happy summer!
Chapter Four
Nyaunni smiled as she watched Dajnel fly low and land before her. "Well done." She patted her aelug on the nose and laughed joyously when her animal pushed her to the snow-covered ground in excitement. "Alright, let me up." She huffed as Dajnel nuzzled her affectionately, keeping her pinned to the ground as Nyaunni continued laughing. Her guards rolled their eyes but didn't interfere; by now they were more than used to their queen's eccentricities.
Nyaunni rolled away and stood, running her hands over Dajnel's soft feathers on her neck. Over the years, both Dajnel and Uri's coloring has significantly changed from the mirky grey pallor of the fellbeasts, to a soft white. Though they kept their iridescent sheen that caught the light as they moved. It was also the only reason Nyaunni felt comfortable teaching Dajnel to fly, since she blended into the snows around them and the clouds above them making it safer for both her and her animal.
"Can I ride her, gam?"
Orin shoved his brother causing Naufi to roll his eyes. "I mean, can WE ride her?" He looked to his twin brother. "You HAVE a mouth you know." Orin in turn, used his mouth to stick his tongue out at his brother who snickered.
Nyaunni turned and huffed. "Are you two supposed to be outside the mountain?" She eyed the guards who were running out of the stables, but it was another voice who had a bit more authority who spoke.
"I believe, I already gave an answer to that particular request." Both Naufi and Orin looked to the flame-haired eleth who stood stroking her dapple grey horses nose. "And I know I recall the answer, but do you?"
"But mama! We promised we wouldn't go into the mines again." Naufi sighed.
"I should hope you keep that promise my love, but my previous answer in regards to riding Dajnel and Uri stands as it is." Tauriel shook her head, a small smile on her face as she watched the disappointment bloom on their faces and her heart melted. Though not quite enough to allow them to ride Dajnel...who was still more than a bit rough with landings.
"And I quite recall telling you no as well." Nyaunni grabbed at Dajnel's lead but it was unnecessary; the aelug, as soon as the dam moved, was following her. "Come on you two, it is not safe to be outside the walls of the mountain."
It was not as if the dwarflings were far from their mother, their appointed guards, or even the door really, but with the growing danger in Mirkwood, Thorin had Erebor mostly sealed up. The animals and those who worked the stables were still allowed to come and go from the mountain as needed, and both Dale and Erebor still had active trade routes coming and going from the cities. However, both cities had extra guards at every entrance just as a precaution.
Thorin also had implemented a sort of check out system where anyone who leaves the gate, must do so by signing out then back in again when they return. It was a simple system, and really to ensure any who leave with intention of returning, do in fact return. So far, there have been no complaints, and no missing dwarves...thank Mahal for that.
For their part, the dwarflings did not quite understand the new boundaries set before them, and were more often than not, far too eager to push them; as any child would. Both Kili and Fili were incredibly overprotective, and all but forbade any of the children to even set a toe outside the mountain unless it was absolutely necessary or for special occasions like Karra's riding lessons or attending events such as the bazaar in Dale.
On the flip side, both Tauriel and Viltarra were more apt to give their younglings a bit more freedom and felt as long as they were nearby, allowing their children to in the very least, spend some time just outside the safe harbor of the stables was perfectly fine. For one thing, there were always guards, and plenty of them, to protect any coming and going from the stables; for another thing, both Tauriel and Viltarra grew up on the outside, and felt their children would learn best if they were not completely sheltered inside Erebor all the time.
Since neither Kili nor Fili could completely argue against their wives' logic...especially considering their own mother allowed similar freedoms and they turned out alright; the two sons of Durin allowed their wives to make the final judgment. Thorin, after all, wisely counseled it was for the best to keep the she-folk happy...especially when one slept unprotected beside them each night.
So as Nyaunni herded the twins inside, Tauriel simply watched with only a half-guarded eye. The moment they reached her, however, she grabbed each one and placed them on Galaddal's back. As she did, both Orin and Naufi laughed brightly as the dapple grey turned and nuzzled Orin's knee and let out a light whinny directed at the dwarflings he carried.
"You cannot fly my darlings, so how about we go for a short ride to the pasture?" Tauriel effortlessly flung herself behind her sons, and wrapped her arms around them as she took hold of Galaddal's mane.
The answer came in the form of a cheer from her twins, and Tauriel smiled wide and turned her horse from the entrance before letting out a loud whistle. As she did, both Maryn and Elenath trotted out of their open stalls and followed closely behind. The three horses were always let out together and Tauriel had gotten them fed and ready while Nyaunni was finishing her training session. Both Thorin's and Fili's horses were already out in the far pasture, curtesy of Nyaunni who often tended to them when she saw to Dajnel and Uri.
"Mama, will we ever go see the elven city?"
Tauriel sighed as she pulled Naufi down from Galaddal and set him beside Orin who was laughing at a very familiar white and ebony raven who landed in the snow and was rolling around on the ground like a pup. He was such an odd raven, Tauriel thought as she shook her head at Kaw's antics.
In the distance, she nodded to the three guards who followed them, watching the area intently as she opened the paddock and allowed the horses to enter. The eleth then looked to the forest, not quite sure how to answer Naufi, who was staring up at her with the same emerald-green eyes she saw every time she looked into a mirror.
Thinking for several more moments, Tauriel knelt low to her son's level and brushed some of his dark, bronze, hair from his eyes. "One day, I will take you to the forest and show you the trees that led me to the stars, and the fountains that reflect the light of night and day. But, now is not that time. Our world is shadowed, my Naufi, and we must wait for the light to chase the darkness away before it is safe to enter the woods."
"Shadows, like that mama?"
Tauriel's head whipped to Orin who was pointing to the outlines of the forest, and she stared hard into the depths. Behind her, the guards who were listening stepped up beside her and peered in the same direction.
"Do yeh see somethin?" It was Dynni, who stood beside her with his axe in his hand, and Naglur who held a hammer at the ready.
Not speaking a word, Tauriel pushed Orin slightly behind her as she forced her vision to see as far as she could. Movement, just at the forest's end, had her on edge. The shape itself had no form from what she could tell, but still it stared back at her. Tauriel shivered not from the winter winds, but rather, from the cold, dark, chill that filled her entire being in the shadows gaze. She felt its unseen eyes boring into her and it had her frozen in place as her mind tried to focus on the shadow attempting to find a shape to it, any shape she could recognize...but it was just too far away.
"My lady?" Dynni asked causing Tauriel to shake her head and take several steps back.
"We need to get the children inside Erebor." Her voice was soft but firm. Whatever it was in her forest, was not something she recognized...and that alone had her on edge. "Quickly."
"Mama?" Both Naufi and Orin's voices were a bit timid which had Tauriel lifting both into her arms, despite them being a bit large for her, and swiftly began making her way back to the mountain. Kaw immediately took to flight, heading for the mountains, but Tauriel let the horses be in the pasture; they will be fine.
"Mama?" Naufi repeated but Tauriel was focused on her steps through the snow and the guards now surrounding her, one each on either side, and one just behind. What was a five minute ride, ended up taking thrice that to get back to the safety of the stables, which was when Tauriel finally placed her boys back on the ground before turning back to look at the forest.
Whatever it was, whatever dark shape that had been out there, was gone now. However, her forest still held the darkness that was leaking into her very soul. "Dynni, go tell Aeodhen to have more guards assigned to the stable entrance. I cannot say what I saw...for I do not know myself, but precautions should be made for the safety of the workers. Please make haste."
Without question, the guard she trained bowed his head and turned on his toes...all but running to complete his task.
Closing Uri's pen, Nyaunni moved towards Tauriel and followed her gaze to where she was staring far off into the forest. "Has something happened?"
The eleth sighed and shook her head. "No, but I fear the dangers from the forest, may be closer than we believe." She looked to the empty forest once more, then back at her sons who were watching her quietly. She squatted down and brushed her thumb over Orin's cheek, then ran her fingers through Naufi's hair. "I must speak to adad, my grandfather, Fili, and Kili." Tauriel said looking up at Nyaunni who nodded.
"Thorin is in a meeting, but should be out soon. How about you go get Kili, and I will go see if Thorin is finished. I know Fili and Naurfaer are with Karra and Finli in training, so I can stop there on the way."
With a worried heart, Tauriel nodded as she took her sons by the hand and pulled them into the safe harbor of their mountain. She did not stop until she opened the door to her husband's workshop where she finally released Naufi and Orin and instructed them to go draw at the table set up for the children in the far corner where Kilion currently sat sketching away using his gift from Finli.
"Has something happened, Amralime?" Kili was instantly at his feet and walking towards her, feeling her fears over the last hour across their bond, but understanding they were not severe enough for him to interfere. Beside his desk, was a small cradle where Ithtiri slept soundly; her father having been just rocking her with his foot as he worked.
Tauriel looked to her sleeping daughter in the cradle, before turning to her sons who were both watching her from the table they sat at, even Kilion looking up from his sketch book to listen curiously. Tauriel sighed. She should not have expected her twins to simply ignore what just happened, especially since Orin saw what she did...and she suspected Naufi did as well. Kilion too has a curious mind, so it was no use trying to divert their attention, they are far too focused on her at the moment.
Taking a breath, Tauriel leaned into Kili who seemingly was waiting patiently for her to speak; likely knowing she will tell him everything once she collects her thoughts.
"I...I feel a darkness is covering our land. Just now, as we set Galaddal to pasture, there was something in the forest...a shadow."
Kili lifted a brow. "A shadow...in a place shaded by trees?"
Tauriel glared at her husband and folded her arms. "This was no mere shadow, Kili. This shadow had eyes, it stared into me."
"I saw it too adad." Orin relayed softly.
"Me too, da. It felt...it felt as if it was both far away, and right in front of me." Naufi shuttered. "What was that, mama?"
Kilion's eyes widened, looking between his parents and his brothers. "A shadow...like in Finli's story about the creature in the dark? The shadow with big ears that will stomp anyone who unknowingly finds his carrot patch?" His chin wobbled and he looked up at his mother with tears gathering in his eyes. But Kili chuckled and shook his head, causing Tauriel to smack him on the shoulder for laughing.
Kili cleared his throat and tried to wipe the amusement from his face. "No, little lion. Finli was just telling a scary story, there is no such thing as a rabbit shadow."
"And I will be talking to your brother again about telling such stories." Tauriel clucked her tongue. That story had Kilion sleeping with them for two weeks after Finli and Toki took Kilion to an overgrown section of the green room and thought it was funny to point out the carrots growing wild right where the sun hit the wall and cast a shadow that if looked at in the right angle, appeared to be a giant rabbit's head. Kilion had ran straight into Kili's office and hid under his desk. It took Kili two hours to coax his son out and when he did, he cried for another hour.
Tauriel had spoken to Finli rather harshly after Kilion screamed through night terrors for two weeks. He was ten. He reminded a chagrined Finli that though his younger brother has an old soul and seems older than his age, he was still very, very young and impressionable. Finli had apologized to Kilion and made an effort to try and make it up to his younger brother. In no way was Finli a bad brother, but he was young himself, Tauriel couldn't blame him for thinking he was just teasing Kilion. That, was Kili's personality shining through their eldest son. Besides, Finli rarely made trouble, so when he did, she never had to be too harsh on him, he knew when he did something wrong and typically made efforts to correct or make up for his errors. Typically.
"I don't think this is the same thing, little lion." Naufi said, shuttering. His brother told HIM that story too, and he still couldn't go to that part of the garden. Though Orin thought the story was stupid and told Finli so, Naufi was not convinced there WASN'T a shadow rabbit hopping around the halls of Erebor. He swears he has seen it with his own eyes. Besides...Finli never lies. So it must be true. But what he saw in the forest, was not a rabbit. "This shadow just felt...different."
"Can it get in the mountain?" Orin's eyes widened looking from one parent to the other. He may not believe in that stupid rabbit Fin loves scaring them with, but this shadow, he saw with his own eyes. "The shadow from the forest?"
Tauriel was right on her knees before her children shaking her head. "No my dears. This mountain is safe...far safer than many places in our world. As long as you stay inside her walls, Erebor will protect you."
Kili knelt to the floor beside his wife and smiled softly. "We won't ever knowingly let anything in here that could bring harm to any of you. Your grandfather works very hard to make sure we are all safe inside Erebor." Kili pressed his hands to each of his sons' faces before turning back to his wife. "Do you think this is related to Mirkwood in some way? Should we send notice to Thranduil?"
Tauriel sat quietly for several seconds, contemplating her husband's thoughts. Above them, Kaw flew into the high open window installed specifically for the raven or any other whom may be sent to Kili or Tauriel as they worked together in the space. The family raven let out a few soft croaks then settled on his perch Kili had fashioned him. Between setting up space for his wife, his children, and their raven...Kili's once large workspace now felt just a bit tighter.
However, after speaking with his uncle, it was decided the empty room beside Kili's will be reserved, and designs are already in the works to remove the wall between the two rooms to double the size of Kili's workspace. Kili does, after all, need enough space to not only work, but to teach his craft to others wishing to learn. He has already worked with a few promising individuals, but it was always a bit difficult with the shrinking space to hone that craft.
Not once, however, will Kili ever complain about his wife or any one of his children being nearby. He preferred it, in fact. Pulling both his twins, and Kilion into his lap as he sat in one of the smaller chairs made for the dwarflings, Kili watched his wife rise to her feet and begin pacing the room. Not far from her, Kaw too watched quietly...ruffling his feathers as his dark eyes never once left her figure. All the while, Ithtiri slept soundlessly in her cradle, unaware of the tension in the room.
"Amralime?" Kili asked after Tauriel had not said a word in nearly ten minutes. If she kept going, she would either wear a hole in the stone floor, or in her boots. Either was a real possibility with the current state of her pacing.
Finally, the eleth stopped and looked to her husband and three sons who were uncharacteristically silent...almost as if they understood the situation far too well. She should not be surprised; they did have elven blood somewhere inside them...though it was difficult to see upon looking at them. All of her children had a side of them that tended to be a bit more...thoughtful...as if the small bit of elven blood in their make up gave them pause to reflect on the world around them.
With both Finli and Kilion it was most apparent, as they constantly thought things through and reflected on decisions long before making them. But, with the twins...it seemed to not be the case more often than not as they acted first...then only considered the consequences if they were cornered by them. However, there were times, like this, when Tauriel felt she was not the only elf in the room as her clearly dwarven sons quietly took pause to evaluate what was being done and said by others in the room. She will never cease to be surprised with her precious gifts from the Valar, not a single one of them.
Tauriel's eyes then once more turned to her daughter, who was finally awake and watching her with wide, infant blue, eyes. She took a moment to wonder what color Ithtiri's eyes will end up being; blue like Kilion, Dis, Fili, and Thorin's? Emerald like Naufi, Orin, and her own? Or deep brown like Finli and Kili's? With so many possibilities, they would all just have to wait and see for the beautiful mystery to be revealed in time.
Sighing, and needing to hold something, Tauriel moved to the cradle and picked her daughter up before grabbing the blanket that had been underneath her and taking the seat at Kili's worktable. She then proceeded to nurse her daughter as she thought more about what to do about Mirkwood. "I feel..." Tauriel finally said thoughtfully, "...it would be foolish to think that Thranduil is unaware of the dangers in his forest. Though, I do not believe he knows what it is or at least, cannot put a name to it as of yet. If he could, I would hope he would have said as such in the last sealed report to Thorin."
"Maybe it's Swarron." Naufi said darkly.
"You mean Sauron?" Orin corrected rolling his eyes, though Naufi just shrugged, not at all worried about getting the name wrong.
Both Kili and Tauriel narrowed their eyes. "And just how came you by that name?" Tauriel finally asked, unsure she wanted to know.
Naufi and Orin looked at each other then back at Tauriel unsure why she was using the same tone she used when they were in trouble. "Fin. He said Balin had been covering the second age with him, and told him all about a dark lord who nearly took all the land."
"And how he was defeated by a great battle. Fin said he was a real werewolf!" Naufi added excitedly before pausing in thought. "If he was a dark lord, mama, maybe, I mean...wouldn't he live in the shadows?"
Tauriel looked to Kili who had a grim expression on his face. Did they decide never to hide anything from their children? Yes, of course. But that did not mean they enjoyed hearing such dark stories coming from the lips of their sixteen-year-old sons. Still, they refused to smother the past by not sharing the songs of both failure, and triumph.
Besides, for nearly the last decade, there have been dark rumors going around shared by visitors to both Dale and Erebor, that Sauron was back. Since nobody of Thorin's trusting has corroborated that story, however, most in Erebor are hoping it is nothing but a dark rumor or tall tale being spread much like Finli's story of the shadow rabbit. That being said, of all the beings from middle earth to return, Sauron, was not one anyone wanted seeking power again.
Kili sighed and pulled his sons close. "Listen closely, all three of you, whatever it is, whoever it is, I think I can promise you what you saw on the outskirts of Mirkwood was far from any dark lord. If I were to hazard a guess, I would say it was more likely an orc, or the like." He looked at his sons who were giving him a questioning look so he kissed each of their heads and chuckled. "I am not giving you rubbish answers, so stop giving me that look. You have known several lords in your time, how many of them would lurk in the trees?"
Both twins and Kilion looked at each other, thinking about Bard, the lord of Dale, their cousin Dain, and even their own grandfather...all of them where honorable, and they doubted even one of them would do such a thing. They then considered Thranduil, but again, thought against it. No, their father was correct, they don't think a lord would do such a thing.
Tauriel was about to speak, when the lunch bell chimed through Erebor causing her to pause her thought and listen to the resonating sound for a moment. She then shook her head and stood. "I for one, cannot say if it was a lord, an orc, a man, or something more...I fear at this time, nobody can. What I can say, is the only way darkness is defeated...is with great light. We must stay positive, my loves, and not let the shadows overcome even our thoughts. Please put thoughts of Sauron away, for thinking such things are as powerful as manifestations. Let us not manifest such darkness in our home. Alright?"
"Yes mama. Can we still learn about it though? From Balin and Fin?" Naufi asked, wanting to know more about the happenings of the second age after his brother excitedly told him the story two nights ago.
"Knowledge, is a very powerful tool as long as it is done objectively. I shall never ban you from studies of histories past. But do so, with care and preferably, with Balin or your great grandfather nearby. Will that be alright?" Tauriel gave each of her sons a smile when they nodded, even Kilion looking curious about the subject. "Very good my darlings. Now, your father and I have to meet with your grandfather." Kili gave her a questioning look then nodded not even bothering to ask why...it likely had everything to do with what she and his sons saw.
"Can we go to the bakery?" Orin asked before Tauriel could invite them to come along to the meeting, or go somewhere they would prefer.
"Ya, can we go see gran and granda Vin and Tarrah?" Naufi looked excitedly between his parents.
"Well, we really should see if Viltarra is there anyway...she should be invited to the meeting as well." Tauriel hummed in thought, so I suppose we can ask. But if they are busy, we will have to check with your nan, or have you come with us...alright?"
"Okay." Both answered in unison as they hopped off Kili's lap. Kilion stayed for a moment, looking up at his father who chuckled and nodded before he slid down to join his brothers.
"Do you think auntie Viltarra will be there?" Naufi whispered to Orin. "She makes the best peanut butter and honey cookies."
"Well I am hoping granda Vin made his winterberry tarts." Orin licked his lips as he pulled his two brothers to the door, their parents shaking their heads behind them.
Viltarra smiled as she threw down another handful of flour on the board. This, this was the epitome of peace to her. Time in her parent's bakery, away from politics, meetings, and royal duties…just…her parents, her customers, and her daughter Dissah who was standing on a chair and looking at her questioningly.
"But, why didn't mine rise ma?"
The dwarfling eyed the sticky mound of dough in front of her that had been set in a warm area for nearly two hours…and had not risen even a bit. She then looked to her mother who was expertly punching her dough down before turning it on to the floured surface and kneading it with well practiced hands.
Dissah had asked her mother that morning if she could come to the bakery with her, and insisted she could make a loaf of bread herself…with no help whatsoever. Of course her granda TRIED to slip in some advice now and again, but the dwarfling shut him down each time, so Vin chuckled, lifted his hands in surrender, and let her be.
Viltarra was more than happy to allow her daughter to get her hands dirty and make mistakes. Baking was more than simply looking at a page and throwing ingredients into a bowl. It required understanding of how certain ingredients interact with others; it was a precise art where too much of one thing, or two little of another, or even factors like humidity and temperature, can have vastly different end results; changing anything from textures, density, and whether or not a dough rises when yeasts are included.
In her daughter's case, Dissah, who was incredibly intelligent for her age, seemed to think she could walk in, add the listed ingredients into a bowl, set it aside, bake it, and have the perfect loaf of bread just a few hours later. Well…Viltarra thought to herself…her daughter learned a rather valuable lesson today. Like proper proofing…some things just need time.
Viltarra continued to knead, a wide smile on her lips as she side-eyed her disappointed daughter who turned her disk of yellow dough on to the counter. The harsh sound of the dough hitting the board was indication enough that not even with the help of all of the experienced bakers in the stand, could that mess be fixed into anything edible.
Taking a scraper, Viltarra evenly split her dough in two equal pieces and stepped back, clapping her hands together to get rid of any excess flour. She then folded her arms and stared at her pouting child.
"I did offer to help, Dissah, as did your granda. Let me take a look." The dwarfling nodded as Viltarra eyed the dough then picked it up. It was not just hard, but lacked any elasticity it should have…definitely not salvageable.
"I don't understand, I followed the recipe. I added all the ingredients together in a bowl, mixed it, put it in the proofer, and waited. I just don't understand why mine doesn't look like yours ma?"
From several paces away, Tarrah clucked her tongue and shook her head as she eyed the recipe book opened on the table that now had far more flour on it than the family recipe book should. With a clear look of exasperation, Tarrah lifted the book to show Viltarra not just the mess covering the cherished pages, but the recipe that the page was opened to. Viltarra sighed as she turned to her daughter.
"Dissah, you chose a very difficult bread to make for your first time on your own. Not only that, but there are no instructions in that recipe to follow…so how did you know what to put in first, and what to gradually add in?" Viltarra set the disk down as she accepted the recipe book from her mother who said nothing as she went about her own tasks.
"Come, let's try again. But this time, can I help?" Viltarra asked, waiting for her daughter to nod her head.
"Alright. First off…lets do something about that hair." She laughed and brushed her fingers through her daughters thick, golden, curls. "Wouldn't it be easier if you were not pushing your hair out of your eyes?" Moving to stand behind her daughter, Viltarra pulled her hair up into a high ponytail on the top of her head, then secured it with a tie she had in her apron pocket. "Better?"
"Much. Now what?" Dissah asked.
Viltarra laughed merrily. She was more than thrilled her daughter seemed interested in baking. Karra was not one for the kitchen, and Vilia was just too young. The dam looked to her youngest who sat in a corner playing with Hiril. Definitely still too young. But Dissah was at the age when Viltarra began to find great joys in baking, so the dam was deeply happy to have the opportunity to share her love with her beautiful, and very clever daughter.
"First off, just because you see all the ingredients listed, does not necessarily mean that is the order in which you put them in. They must not all go in at once. The yeast must bloom like a flower in spring in this recipe." Viltarra gratefully accepted the jar of yeast from her father and set it down. "Do you know how yeast works?"
Dissah looked at the dark jar, then at her mother. "It is…living…right?"
"Very good." Viltarra pressed a kiss to her daughter's wild hair. "It is in essence, living, and requires a certain environment to activate. In this recipe's case, warm milk, and some honey. But it cannot be too warm, or you kill the yeast…nor can it be too cold in which case, the yeast will not properly activate. Do you understand?"
Dissah nodded as she watched her mother pour some milk into a small pan and take it to the fire where she placed it on the outer most edge for a moment or two…checked the temperature with her finger…waited another moment…then pulled it off.
"How do you know when it is warm enough?" Dissah asked confused as to why there were no instruments to measure the appropriate heat.
Viltarra laughed. "I suppose much of it is trial and error my Dissah. But here, let me see your hand." Viltarra took her daughter's hand and put her finger in the milk. "See how it is warm, but not hot?" The dwarfling nodded with a smile. "Then, it is perfect. Any warmer than this, and it will be too hot for the yeast. Go ahead, and put the yeast in. I trust your measuring abilities."
Once the yeast was added, Viltarra handed her the honey and again, guided her to add the appropriate amount in. "Now, we wait just about five minutes for it to come alive." She nuzzled her daughter's hair before pulling the remaining ingredients together. "We can get the dry ingredients ready while that sits."
Side by side, the two dams worked adding ingredient after ingredient in before kneading it together, and placing it in the proofer. "This one is much more springy than mine!" Dissah chimed with a brilliant smile.
"This one is yours, Dissah." Viltarra gently reminded her. "I only aided in part, but you put everything together. The difference is, sometimes, we need to remember a little instruction from those with greater experience, does not mean we are incapable. Rather, it is a sign of great wisdom knowing we may not know everything."
Dissah scowled causing Viltarra to match her expression before laughing. "What I mean is, books can only get us so far. Experience, is just as profound."
Rolling her eyes, Dissah nodded.
"She is all your daughter." Vin laughed merrily, happy to see his daughter get a little payback from all the times she was too stubborn to ask for help when she was young.
Before Viltarra could respond, however, two running dwarflings entered the bakery nearly at breakneck speed and ran headlong into Vin. "Granda, did you make tarts?" One asked while the other was begging to be allowed to stay in the bakery for the afternoon.
"Woo now little lads." Vin asked while Tarrah watched laughing. She was already plating some food and setting it down on the table as she lifted Vilia into her arms.
"Now boys…" Tarrah shook her head, placing her youngest granddaughter in a chair and pushing the plate forward. "…have you had lunch?"
The twins paused their assault on Vin and blinked at her with matching emerald eyes. "No."
"Well then, you know the rules, no treats, until real eats." Tarrah pulled two more plates, added some lunch, and placed it at the table expectantly. "Go on now."
"Yes gran." The boys sighed. Both Vin and Tarrah were more than touched Kili and Tauriel's children considered them to be yet another set of grandparents to them. Though it should not have been a surprise, since the dwarflings were all raised together and correcting a toddler about who was really related and who was not, just did not sit right with any of the family.
So they just let the children grow up to call them whatever they wished…besides…like Viltarra, Vin and Tarrah quickly realized that when they added Fili to their little family…they were also adding Tauriel and Kili in as well. The four were nearly inseparable anyway, making it easy to feel as if Tauriel and Kili's children were just as much their grandchildren as Fili and Viltarra's children were. Besides, who could say no to any one of Kili's children? Every one of them inherited their father's wide eyes and eager expression…despite the differences in their eye color.
"I am so sorry Vin, Tarrah." Tauriel stepped in behind Kili who had lifted the counter for her as she still had Ithtiri in her arms. "They were so excited to come. I do hope they have not been rude."
The boys paused mid chew having been stuffing their faces moments ago…both giving her wide, food filled, grins, before continuing to devour their entire meal.
"Ew." Dissah huffed before eyeing the empty space behind her uncle. "Uncle Kili, is Kilion coming?"
Kili chuckled as he pushed his youngest son in, Kilion having been just behind Tauriel. Kilion looked up at his parents as if asking permission to which they nodded, and he ran inside going right to Dissah who jumped down from her chair and began excitedly telling her cousin all about her bread she was making. Kilion listened raptly and let himself be pulled to where the bread was covered and rising. Vin had to step in and remind his granddaughter not to touch it or it may not rise, and she nodded and instead pulled Kilion to the table where Vin was putting two more plates down for Dissah and Kilion.
"The children are always welcome." Tarrah hummed, placing a plate of cookies in the middle of the table and swatting Naufi's hand away as he reached for them. "Real food first, then you may have a sweet." The dwarfling scowled but continued to eat his lunch without a word.
Viltarra smirked at her nephew as she wiped her hands with a moist cloth then leaned against the counter, holding her arms out to take Ithtiri. "Shall I guess what brings you BOTH here? Or are you going to tell me." The blonde dam lifted a brow as she naturally swayed the infant in her arms.
Kili sighed. "We are going to meet with Thorin. It would probably be a good idea for you to be there as well if you can spare the time."
That, was the last thing Viltarra wanted to do on the first meeting free day she has had in months...but she knew Kili would not have invited her if he didn't feel she should be in attendance. Mahal, she hopes this isn't anything serious. They were all a bit on edge with what was happening to the guards in Mirkwood...which really was not too far from them.
Nodding, Viltarra removed her apron and set it aside. "Mama, da, do you mind watching the little ones for a bit?"
"Of course not gem." Vin was the one who answered, giving the twins several tarts, Kilion an extra large cookie, and Dissah one of the muffins she helped him make earlier that morning. Tarrah glared at him as he did it, since the children went right to eating the treats BEFORE they finished their real food. Vin just gave her a lobsided grin and shrugged.
Rolling her eyes, Tarrah turned back to the couple who watched in amusement. "Do you want to leave Ithtiri as well?" She asked.
Tauriel, however, shook her head. "No. I am quite sure you will have your hands full as it is. Thank you, for minding them."
"It is never a problem." Tarrah smiled wide, loving all of her granddwarflings...whether they be from Fili and Viltarra, or from Tauriel and Kili; it mattered not to her. She loved them equally.
Kili smiled his own gratitude and lifted the counter once again for his wife and Viltarra, who was still holding his infant daughter. Hiril stood to follow, as she always did, but Viltarra gave a soft command to remain with the children and she plopped back down on the stone floor, waiting for crumbs and scraps from the dwarflings. She will get them too, as Vilia loved nothing more than to send half her meal to the ground for her favorite warg.
With just a wave goodbye, the small group made their way up the many stairways and corridors to the royal offices. They stopped right before Thorin's door where they came across Fili, who was speaking to Aeodhen and Naurfaer with Karra standing beside her father listening intently and Finli attempting to re-tie his hair back up into its customary style matching his father, but seeming to fail miserably.
It was the little dam who noticed them first. "Ma!" She turned and ran to Viltarra who lifted her not so little daughter into her arms. "I thought you were working at the bakery all day today with Dissah and Vilia?"
Viltarra hummed. "I was, but it looks like I might be needed more elsewhere."
Fili gave his wife an apologetic smile. He knew she really wanted some time with her parents in the bakery today and had not even expected her to come when Nyaunni came to get him and Naurfaer. In fact, he was both surprised and proud to see her. She really has been bogged down lately working with Dis, Tauriel, and Nyaunni in restructuring both the education and the market system to make it easier for new citizens to merge into Erebor's existing constructs.
Over the last decade, there have been issues with the older merchants wishing to bar newer merchants from selling wares similar to their own. Thorin even had to break up several fights resulting in a suspension of more than a half-dozen businesses when tempers rose as the people flocked in curiosity to see the wares of the new merchants over the old. Thorin could not blame them, new is always a novelty. He had to assure the established business owners that if they sold good and reliable products, they shouldn't worry. There was nothing wrong with some healthy competition. Unfortunately, the established merchants were not pleased with his advice and it was still an ongoing issue.
Since Viltarra had experience helping her family run a business, Thorin decided to put the matter in her hands and all but ordered her to work with Nyaunni, Dis, and Tauriel to find a way to put a stop to the mess, and they have been able to create some boundaries that have mitigated much of the contention. So far, the animosity has died down...but it will be a while yet before the bitterness between old and new inhabitants completely dissolves, and even more time before they have all the moving parts well greased and working perfectly.
It was, a lot of work though. And what is more, it also required more than a bit of contention and confrontation the dam was not really accustomed to, as Viltarra and the other ladies of the royal family had to, more than once, face off with angry merchants. Which was why, Viltarra wanted a day to step back and bake. That day, apparently, was not meant to be today.
Fili pressed his lips to his wife's, pulling away only to whisper an apology, but she waived it off. "Believe me, after twenty years, I am used to it. What is this all about?" She glanced at Tauriel who was behind Finli, helping him right his hair while Naurfaer told her all about how Finli was very near being able to fight with sharpened swords, if she was ready to allow it, while Tauriel hummed in acknowledgement saying they will discuss it later.
The eleth turned to her sister and was about to answer when a deep voice rumbled behind her. "I would very much like to know the same thing, Viltarra." Thorin sighed at the group gathered at his office door as he held it open, nodding his goodbye to a dam by the name of Ykla and her mate, Borrack. The pair were healers from the Firebeards clan, though they left the clan to travel middle earth not long after they wed, which was now over forty years ago. Oin requested Thorin meet with them to get his opinion of the pair joining his team.
Borrack, was incredibly learned and traveled; he knew much about many races in middle earth...including hobbits, elves, humans, and even had dealings with several of the wizards in his travels. Ykla aided her husband in work with the many races they came into contact with and was a very talented healer herself, though she was much more at home in the care of animals. Thorin had smiled softly thinking the dam would get on well with Nyaunni.
Still, it did not seem so long ago when Oin had praised a dam he respected, only for her to nearly kill Tauriel and the unborn Finli. Despite the time passed, Thorin was still a bit apprehensive in giving his trust to someone who had nearly the same credentials as Gildridd. However, Borrack was much younger than Gildridd had been, plus the pair had two sons, both following in their parent's footsteps and wishing to become healers as well. Though one of their sons was in their late twenties, and the other, their mid thirties...which meant they had a long way to go before they could truly be healers themselves.
Thorin decided to contain his opinion on the pair until he spoke with them...and after doing so, he was quite impressed. Both, at first, seemed soft spoken for dwarves, but incredibly pleasant. It was not until halfway through their meeting, did Borrack let out his more jolly side, and Ykla seemed both confident, and well spoken.
They discussed many things from the scattered clans the small family had visited, the cities of elves and man they lived in for many years, and the few wizards they came across such as Gandalf, Saruman, and Radagast. In fact, Ykla spent nearly a decade being mentored by the brown wizard; he had taught her many things about the art of healing the many species of animals in arda including a way of understanding their pain that no other has ever been able to teach her before. She quite treasured the brown wizard, and was still in regular contact with him. It did not take long for Thorin to relax with the pair as they conversed over tea.
Still, Thorin was quite taken aback when the couple requested a permanent residence in Erebor, as Ykla was to bear another child...a surprise child...in just a months time. "She thought she was done." Borrack laughed heartily. "Bu' the maker had other plans, you see."
Ykla rolled her eyes and rubbed the swell of her child. "I feel too old to start over, but I am thrilled by the opportunity. Our sons, are quite excited as well."
"You are welcome to stay, and if I am not mistaken, Oin is rather excited for you to work with him in the healing halls if you wish." Thorin had smiled and would have said more had his door not been opened as his wife stepped into his office. "Ah, Nyaunni. May I introduce Master Borrack, and his good wife, Ykla. They are new to our halls but once claimed clanship with the Firebeards." The dwarven king then gestured to his wife. "Borrack, Ykla, this is my wife, Nyaunni."
"Oh?" Nyaunni smiled wide. "It is a pleasure. You by chance would not be THE Ykla? Daughter of Ykronne?"
"He was actually my grandfather." The dam smiled softly. "My father, was his son, Ykarik."
"Do you know of them?" Thorin asked with some surprise, though his words were spoken evenly.
Nyaunni knew Thorin almost better than she knew herself...so easily she picked up on his surprise, though it was doubtful the couple did.
"Not personally, but Ykronne was of my house. His uncle, was second cousin to my father. So I supposed very distantly, we were related...or are." Nyaunni's azure eyes sparkled as she looked a Ykla with her red curls not unlike her own. It was a family trait apparently. She may be the last direct and true daughter of Uri, but that did not mean she didn't have distant cousins scattered throughout the clans. Ykla, was apparently one of those cousins.
"Ykla works with animals..." Thorin hinted lifting a brow. It had Nyaunni looking at the dam with wonder.
"Do you now?" Nyaunni asked. It really was not incredibly surprising that a Firebeard tended to the creatures of middle earth. Their clan was known to be, one, with the animals of arda. "Is it a fancy...or...are you gifted?"
Ykla's eyes widened and Borrack sat up straight. The prior lightness in the room dissipated immediately as the pair went tight lipped and quiet for the first time since entering.
Nyaunni cocked her head, then closed her eyes. She sought for any animal connections near her, and found one and willed it to her. Within seconds, fluttering could be heard before a large armored raven flew through the raven window above Thorin's door and landed on Nyaunni's shoulder. It then proceeded to preen her hair and rub his dark head against hers.
The dam laughed and scratched his head, allowing it to remain where it was on her shoulder as she leaned back against Thorin's desk. Her husband just rolled his eyes as he sat back in his chair...more than used to her tricks by now.
The couple looked unsure at first, then Ykla stood and approached the dam with the raven. "Duk." Was all she said at first which had Thorin raising his brow so she elaborated. "His name, is Duk."
"So it is." Nyaunni smiled.
"And he is favoring his left wing. May I, Duk?" Ykla lifted her hand to the raven who shimmied down Nyaunni's arm to Ykla then allowed the dam to inspect him. "I believe, he is healing from a recent strain."
"He is indeed." Nyaunni smiled wide. "How do you know?"
"Well, he told me his name." Ykla smiled. "And I believe any healer who is familiar with ravens could see his flying pattern seemed...stiff."
The queen under the mountain nodded with a smile as she reached over and scratched Duk on the head. "He only just started to rehabilitate. Tauriel has been working with him. Duk here, is sired from her beloved raven, Kaw. He had an unfortunate incident on his last return from the Ironfists, and has been unable to fly until recently. Tauriel is having him wear his armor for the first time to see how he does." Nyaunni relayed.
"My daughter, is rather fond of the ravens and often cares for the injured birds." Thorin hummed and watched as Ykla allowed Duk to hop onto the desk. The dwarven king grunted as the raven began picking at some leftover bread on the tea tray he had brought in for he and their guests. Though he ignored the raven for the time being.
"Do you have the clan's gift then? The one of our first father?" Nyaunni asked, a bit hopefully. She never wanted to be the last or the only one to bear the burden of Uri...but she would if she had to.
However, it did not seem she had to as Ykla seemed to be in thought for several moments, then looked to her husband who nodded before she herself nodded. "It has helped me care for many ailing creatures as it helped Uri. My younger son, too shows signs of the gift."
Nyaunni beamed brightly. "I am very pleased." She knew her first father would never let his blessing die out. She instantly felt a heavy weight lift from her shoulders. She feared her inability to bear children meant Uri's gift would die with her. But, now, she had proof that was not the case. Uri's gift lives, and who knows just how many have it. If this distant cousin can, then perhaps, many others do as well. It also brought her comfort to be reminded again that she was not alone.
"I have never met another who was gifted." Ykla had a tear fall from her eyes as she excitedly pulled Nyaunni into a hug. The dwarven queen was taken aback at first, but melted into the embrace. "A cousin, and a gift-sister...I never thought our first week in Erebor would be so...blessed."
Pulling away Nyaunni chuckled. "Distant cousin." She grasped the dam's hands. "Welcome, to Erebor. I would love to have you come to the stables when you are settled. I spend much of my time there, and I am sure, you would wish to see our animals."
"I would love nothing more." Ykla beamed and looked to her husband who was smiling, more than happy to see his wife so happy.
"Well then." Thorin stood and moved to the front of his desk. "I look forward to seeing you both settle in. My nephew's wife and her parents were once travelers; not unlike yourselves they went from town to town. They only just settled here before their daughter married my eldest nephew. I am certain you may find things in common."
"Thank you. We too look forward to being introduced, and creating roots here." Borrack stood and clasped Thorin's hand tightly. "We will not keep you longer. Thank you, again, for your kindness."
Opening the door, Thorin allowed them to pass quite surprised to see his family at his doorstep. When he heard Viltarra ask what this was all about, he heard himself ponder the same question out loud.
The couple who was still beside his doorframe chuckled but passed the royal family hand in hand with a respectful bow of their heads. Thorin watched them go before turning back to the group before him. "Well?"
"Didn't auntie Nya tell you?" Kili asked a bit surprised.
"She would have, if she had more time." Nyaunni peaked out of the door, opening it wide. "Why don't we take this inside, yes?"
The group filed in, Tauriel smiling as Duk croaked and flapped his wings when he saw her enter. She was glad he was doing well. Taking one of the chairs, Tauriel scooted a bit to make room for her husband...she was so small, they easily fit together in the oversized seat.
Kili was more than happy to be as close as possible to his other half, and even happier to take his daughter who was grasping for him both with her tiny hands, and with her mind. He lifted her to press his lips to her brow before letting her rest on his shoulder where she sighed contently in his ear and fell almost instantly to sleep.
Once everyone was settled, Thorin looked expectantly at his family...waiting for anyone to let him in on what in Mahal's name had them gathering.
"I feel as if Tauriel would be the best to relay the situation." Nyaunni finally sighed when nobody else began. "From what I understand, she was taking the horses to pasture, when she saw something concerning."
Naurfaer gave Tauriel a look. "Didn't I suggest you take someone with you when you take Galaddal, Maryn, and Elenath out?"
"I believe I have said the same thing." Thorin grunted.
"Believe me, me too." Kili growled, rolling his eyes as his wife huffed beside him.
"I was far from alone." Tauriel refused to allow these males to tell her what she can and cannot do. "I had guards...thank you." She glared at nobody in particular before continuing. "I am afraid, I have little in the way of describing what I saw, only that there was a shadow in the wood that felt as if it was watching me. I would not have said anything if I did not think this was something to brush off. With the ongoing situation in Mirkwood...I feel as if anything out of the ordinary should not only be noted, but be taken quite seriously."
"Who else was with you, Nâtha?" Thorin asked.
Tauriel shuffled. "Dynni and Naglur were the two senior guards I brought along with one of the junior officers. I also had the twins."
"Orin and Naufi?" Thorin asked surprised but seeing Tauriel's pierced lips, he decided to let it go. He trusted his daughter and her decisions. She would never knowingly put her children in danger, and he fully believed that. Does he wish she and his grandchildren would remain in the mountain at ALL times? Definitely. But he also fully believes she is more than capable of keeping them as safe as possible.
Though with Naufi and Orin...that tends to be a bit more of a challenge than it should be. Thorin loved them though, with everything he was, and prayed they never changed. Besides, they remind him of Kili and Fili's antics in their early years. Troublemakers to the core...but deeply kind and protective of those they love. That was Orin and Naufi, just as it was Kili and Fili. Nobody made him laugh like those twins can. All his grandchildren brought him so much joy.
"Did they see anything?" Fili asked when nobody else seemed to be talking.
Tauriel nodded. "They both saw the shadow...and it saw us."
Thorin steepled his fingers in thought as he leaned forward and tried to imagine what Tauriel and his grandsons saw. If it was any other, he would write it off; a shadow, could have been nothing more than its name. But this was Tauriel, who he knew would not have done more than mention it if she did not wholeheartedly believe this was important and possibly dangerous not just to the family, but to Erebor.
"I will send word to Thranduil." Thorin hummed after a moment of silence. "We should be cautious. If this shadow did not wish to be seen, I doubt it would. Whatever is coming, is gaining confidence and if it is gaining confidence it could only mean it is gaining power...which is not good for us. At this time, observe and pray is all we can do unless it reaches our borders, or Thranduil requests aid...which he has yet to do. The forest may seem far, but it really is not."
"Should we tell Bard?" Fili asked.
Thorin nodded. "I know Bain's wife is still ailing, but Bard should know considering his city is much closer to the forest than Erebor. Tauriel, send Kaw to Thranduil, and Umyra to Bard." The eleth nodded. "Naurfaer, Aeodhen, I want the guards to be informed and to report anything out of the ordinary right away." Thorin then thought for a moment, before turning to Fili and Viltarra. "I want you two to go to Balin and go through the archives…see if there is ANYTHING in our records that match Tauriel's description. Nya, if you can catch Dis up to speed please when she is finished with her classes."
"Of course." Nyaunni nodded knowing full well the family matriarch would be tanning hides if she was kept out of such news. "Anything else?"
Thorin stood and walked around his desk to lean back against it. For several minutes, the room was silent and still. The ticks from the clock on the stone wall were deafening as nobody said a word and waited for the king and patriarch of the family to speak.
What was coming to Erebor? What was plaguing their lands after nearly sixteen years of peace? There have been small battles of course. Stray orcs have prowled their lands at night, requiring teams from both Erebor and Dale to remove them; Bard had needed some backup from Thorin's guards when a group of humans from an unknown land attacked Dale out of the blue…which Thranduil helped having received an urgent missive from none other than Naurfaer to aid the human city.
then there was the fire that ravaged the forest during a severe summer drought that turned the normally raging forest river, into a small stream. Both Dale and Erebor had sent supplies, water, and aid to Mirkwood who suffered greatly from the fire that nearly made it to the elven city's doors. Thorin had even hosted the pregnant elves and their elflings for over a month when the smoke was at its worst. So for the first time in history, apart from Tauriel and Naurfaer, Erebor was home to both dwarves and nearly a hundred elves from the greenwood. They only went home when the lands were safe once more.
Fortunately, with each challenge their cities faced…it only tightened their alliances as they all worked…elf, dwarf, and human…to find resolutions together. It was amazing how well they worked together despite their cultural and racial differences.
But now, now there was something plaguing Mirkwood that seemed to have Thranduil both tightlipped, and afraid for his people. If he was not, he would not have refused all travel to and from Mirkwood save it be for necessities only. It was a surprise that Nagar had been able to come sell his wares in Dale for the winter bazaar…though whether he got true permission, or went against his kings wishes…nobody knew.
Thorin thought long and hard on what he could do to keep his family, and his people safe…but how in the name of Mahal do you protect someone against something you knew nothing about? And what can kill a shadow? Light? They just did not have enough information. So all the dwarven king could do as of now, is observe and wait. He hated it…but what other choices did he have?
"Find out what you can, all of you…but do so from the mountain. Understood? I don't want any one of you or any of our guards to go to the forest at this time. I want each of your word on that."
"Yes uncle." Kili and Fili agreed.
Tauriel remained tightlipped until Thorin bore into her with an expression only a worried father could give, and she relented. "Until we find out more, I have no plans on leaving Erebor, adad. I give you my word."
Thorin sighed. That will have to do.
Viltarra, however, shifted. "One cannot put a fire out from miles away." She looked around the room and Thorin gaped at her. Of all his family, Thorin had not expected her to be the one to fight. Though she did amend her statement at his severe expression. "I am not saying we should go to the forest, Thorin. I am simply saying if this grows…"
"It may require more than just research to stop it or slow it down." Nyaunni agreed and Thorin groaned.
"Not you too, Nya." He huffed.
"They have a point." Naurfaer hummed. "I don't like it any more than you, Thorin…but the longer we wait, the stronger this thing could get until we lose far more than we win."
"Aye." Aeodhen nodded though his expression was grim. "Bu' we should at least wait until we 'ave some idea of wha' is happenin'."
Again, the room lapsed in silence. Kili looked around at the dark expressions on everyone's face. It was foolish to think their perfect world would remain that way for the entirety of their lives. No. Something was happening in Middle earth, and Kili knew it would only be a matter of time before that darkness reached their corner of Arda.
"I agree with Aeodhen. I am never opposed to fighting for our lands, but there is something about this that is not sitting right with me." The dwarven king grunted as he stared thoughtfully at the clock on the wall as the room lapsed once more into silence. He then looked to his family and captain of his guard when it appeared nobody was going to add anything or move. "Well…get to it then. You have assignments now…do them." Thorin's deep voice had the room up and moving in seconds. The room emptied and left Thorin sitting against his desk alone. He looked at the dying fire and sighed, moving to bend before the large fireplace as he poked the embers and added several pieces of wood.
Within seconds, the fire roared to life and Thorin was lost in the flames. In them, he saw burning lands he could not recognize, he saw his people in battle against innumerable foes, he saw his family falling at his feet, and he felt the intense gaze of an unseeing eye staring right back at him. Startled, Thorin grabbed the water bucket and doused the flames, not even waving away the smoke and steam as it filled his office.
Water that escaped the flames trickled to his boot, and Thorin looked down at the ash-colored stream. He could not shake the feeling he was being observed, though he knew nothing could possibly be watching him apart from Duk, who still was perched on his desk. Shaking his head in an attempt to clear it, Thorin turned to the raven. "Duk, go get Dwalin."
The raven croaked in response then flew from the room and again, Thorin was left to his own thoughts. He forwent making another fire, not ready to see the flames again. So instead, he sat at his desk, and threw himself into his work.
Authors Note: Again, nothing to say here. Way more to come. This is only the beginning. See you in a bit! 😊