Chapter 14

Of elves and dwarves

The sun came creeping over the hills into my bedroom. The light hit my face and slowly I was drawn out of my comfortable sleep. Every day was now a joy to me. Tauriel lived in Imladris now. Ada, Nana, brothers, and sister cared for her. The valley seemed to accept us. Even if Tauriel was not used to the way she was now treated she did start to get to know many of the elves and care for them as her own people.

The days before Ada had spoken to me about a trip to Khazad dum. To see if the dwarves were willing to still trade with us as our contact had diminished after the wars against Sauron and the last alliance. He thought this a good idea for me and Tauriel to get more experience in politics and dealing with other races. As well as leading our people.

Estelwen was ever as ready for the day and had packed several pieces of clothing, but Father had made it clear that we would wear armor just in case. We would travel quickly towards the halls of the dwarves as southern Eriador and Hollin were quite wild and Ruffians were known to travel there and many servants of darkness still lingered or had traveled here in the later years.

Breakfast was a simple ordeal alone in my room since our departure would be very early to get as much out of the light as we could. I felt like I was eating while Estelwen was dressing me and it was the case more or less.

"Estelwen can I not enjoy some of my food without you forcing my clothes on me?" I asked pleadingly.

"I am sorry my lady, but lord Elrond was clear. Have her ready as soon after sunrise as possible and you overslept. Maybe if Lady Tauriel would sleep in your bed…" I gave her a look I think she misread at first.

"I am sorry my lady I did not mean to force it…" she said and kept dressing me.

"Ohh no… I have thought the same many times… if only" I said quietly.

Hearing Estelwen hum something along the lines of "Yes… Why don't you give it a try and ask her?"

"What did you say?" I looked at her and smiled. "Ohh nothing, my lady…" with a cheeky grin on her face.

Soon after my underclothes and armor were on as well as my circlet, quiver, knives, and sword. I never was a spear elf. But I could use one if need be.

Estelwen was already dressed for the trip as the very good elf she wore lighter armor she wore and a blade at her hip as well she too was a warrior before going back to a calmer life after the war. She had told her family about it and would miss them, but we wouldn't be gone too long and had already sent a few cases with clothes and other things I might need on the trip so as the last part of my food was swallowed and the last drop of fruit juice swallowed we set out towards the door and as I opened it I saw her. In full Noldorin armor. Not like mine, but still of the fancy kind. Her long red hair flowed down each side of her front and back down over her blue cloak. She stood there like she was worried about coming in or making too much out of herself. Clearly, she was not all used to her new life and I just couldn't do anything but smile.

"Tauriel," I said with my smile just getting bigger and bigger. "My lady Tauriel" I heard from beside me.

"Elwen," she said and her unsure face turned into a smile as well. "Estelwen good morning," She said to my handmaiden.

"You look good in a Noldor armor, but it seems Meachon wasn't able to finish your own armor before the trip?" I said with a curious look on her.

"No my lady…" she started before I gave her a look that cut her off "No Elwen… he did not. The armory was too kind to find me one that still fit me and is too much for a simple elf like me to wear" She said with wariness in her voice, like she did not deserve it.

"It is not too much for you to wear my love…" I said, simply moving to her and putting my arms around her waist. Pulling her to me as our armor clicked off each other. She then looked up at me and tried to smile as I slowly reached out towards her and kissed her in the middle of the hallway and I didn't care who saw. I love her and I wanted to show it. Even if our courting was fresh. Slowly we kissed before we heard Estelwen cough. "My ladies. I do not wish to disturb, but we must go. Lord Elrond is surly waiting" she said with a hurried expression on her face.

If nothing else Tauriel smiled after our kisses and we followed Estelwen out of the house holding hands and toward the stables. There we saw Ada, Nana the twins, and 40 elven warriors along with some horses packed with goods for trade and a few elves that were clearly vendors of some sort.

"Elwen, Tauriel" he cried out seeing us. "Finally you are here. I had hoped to get out of the valley by first light, but seems something occupied you both.

"Ada, Nana, little monsters," I said smiling and Tauriel went full "My lord Elrond, my lady Celebrian, Little lord Elrohir, and Elladan" and as we were to answer Estelwen jumped in.

"It is my fault my lord" Estelwen shot out from the side. "I took some time when saying goodbye to my family this morning and therefore Elwen did not get ready as you asked my lord." She said with a bow. To that, he smiled and looked at my handmaiden. At that Nana and the twins smiled with Ada respond

"I am grateful for your loyalty to my daughter Estelwen" Ada replied with a smile as she bowed her head too. Ada then looked at Tauriel who immediately bowed her head.

Elves around us hurried up to ready for departure and get the last few things in order.

"Tauriel… my apologies for your armor not being ready," He said with a frown and looked her over as did Nana and the twins seemed disappointed. It was clearly an armor of rank, but not like mine or Ada's.

"No need my lord" She responded quickly. "This armor is more than well enough for me and I do not need anything else," She said as she was still uncomfortable.

"It will take time for you to feel comfortable with your new station. It did Elwen" Ada said with a smile as he lifted her chin. "But you are fully worthy. My daughter's smile says so." Tauriel's face went from unsure to smiling as he said so and looked over at me her smile growing even more.

And he was right. I couldn't stop smiling around Tauriel. Here she stood. Finally, After so long. Our journey together was starting and my family and the elves of the valley accepted her. For me, nothing could be better than this.

At that, Tauriel let go of my hand and we mounted up to our horses.

We said our goodbyes to the family and as it was a teaching journey the twins did not seem so sad to be left behind. Nana on the other end a sad smile. But she waved ever so much as she knew we would return to her.

Ada led our company across the bridge and up the hill of the beautiful valley that is Imladris with me and Tauriel behind him and the rest of the elves behind us. We did not rush, but kept a good speed and we just enjoyed the day. The sun was warm, the wood was full of life and trollshaws seemed quiet except for a few patrols of our realm. Ada spoke to us both about general politics as we rode down the road and that of the Dunedain that we had some connection to, but not as much as before the war. Tauriel bombarded him with questions of the men of Numenor as to the wood elves they were a mysterious kin and she had mostly heard of them from those very few surviving the war against the nameless one. Ada was happy to answer all her questions and I was just happy seeing her getting comfortable talking with my dear Ada like so.

With so time passed rather quickly and our pace quickened some. Our horses were eager to get off the more open land of Hollin and still we elves loved the wood as it spoke and sang to us.

At noon Ada called for a halt and we stopped. It was about time for a rest and meal and we had no need to push the horses so we all dismounted and Lindir was already on his way to organize the food and get some fires going. Estelwen was not far behind and got some of the warriors to aid her in setting it all up for me and Tauriel. I on the other hand had very little clue on what to do and whenever I tried to do something Estelwen only shot me a look that could say. "My lady I appreciate your wish to help, but back off" So we did and we walked over to Ada who stood some way from camp looking south.

"This was once a great realm of our people. The stones, trees, and birds speak of it even if it is long gone." He said in a very sad tone.

"It must have been a beautiful sight before the nameless came to destroy it," Tauriel said as we came up beside him.

"It was. I wish you both could have seen it. The smiths of this realm were most skilled in craft as you both know. Meachon came to Lindon before the war and their skill lives on in him" He said with a sad smile.

For a moment we all stood there watching. As the grass, trees, and stones spoke to us. Whispering in the air. Telling us how happy they were to see elves in the land again. But that died down when a cloud covered the sun and the wind died down.

"It is my greatest failure" Ada then said and turned towards camp. Not letting us speak.

"What did he mean?" Tauriel said whispering to me.

"Ada was sent with a force from Lindon, to aid Eregion…." I responded and put my arm around her. "But his force was too small and was pushed back. If not for the dwarves he would have been whipped out by the nameless one as the city had already fallen. Ada and those who lived the onslaught of the enemy retreated thanks to the dwarven distraction and fled to what is now Imladris. But Eregion…. Hollin was lost forever. None of our kin has lived here since" At that Tauriel's face got sad and she put her arm around me too. "I remember now he told me the story. A sad day it was, but he lives and I am so very thankful for it" she said. We stood there for a time until we got called for and we too went back to camp. There we saw two elves standing and staring at each other. Both with food in their hands and drink as well. Ada only smiled at them and us.

"No Lindir it is my duty to care for the ladies and I will not have you take my duty away from me!" I could hear the frustrations in her voice, but Ada asked me not to step in.

"Why can't you see I am here to help? To care for the lord and his family. There is no need to feel threatened by my presence" Lindir said ever so stoic and cold.

At that Estelwen really got fired up.

"As if I need aid? I have cared for the lady Celebrian for longer than you have been with us and the lady Elwen after so. I think I can care for both my ladies at once during this trip!"

"But I am the right hand of the lord!" Lindir responded in a high-toned voice.

"And so? You are not an elleth and should not care for the ladies!" Estelwen cried out back. Both are so very stubborn. They did not see they amused us with their banter about who was to serve us food or care for us. But everyone enjoyed the break and the fun of it. Well, fun for us.

At that, Ada stepped in and calmed them both down. Both grinned when they saw they were the spectacle of camp as their bickering had made everyone drop their task and come over to see it happen. Ada Tauriel and I then sat down and Lindir served Ada and Estelwen me and Tauriel. For us, it was not a great deal who did it. We were happy to get it ourselves. But Estelwen would have none of it. She really took pride in her task and in all honesty. Both Tauriel and I loved her. A gratitude we would both show her with a gift from the dwarven realm or back in Imladris if we couldn't find something fitting.

The trip to the gate was full with much small talk between all of us. The elves that came with us were somewhat shocked we put so little into titles and roles and we talked with all. The warriors were curious about the wood elves' tactics and weapons and Tauriel was more than happy to tell them. The traders were curious if I knew something that could give them an edge in trading with the dwarves. But sadly I knew ever so little of the subject and dwarves in general as it is with most elves.

At Midday on the third day since we left the valley and many stunning views and also sad views of a realm long gone we came up the steps towards the gate of Khazad Dum. It was locked and none stood guard outside it as there was little need of it. Our vendors sat their wagons and goods at the bottom of the stairs as it was too hard to get them up there. I, Tauriel, and Ada walked up with 4 Guards and took in the anonymous view that was the gate of a great dwarven kingdom. Slowly we moved around and got between the two large trees. I slowly moved forward and brushed the dirt off. Speaking lowly to myself and smiled.

"The door is shut," Tauriel said. "Of what password did the elves of Eregion use to gain entrance?"

"It is very simple, dear Tauriel," Ada said. "For between elves of Eregion and dwarves of Khazad Dum, there was only friendship, and thus the word friend in our tongue is all that is needed to open it"

As he spoke the doors swung open and a fire red light came from the chamber within. Quickly we got swarmed by heavily armed dwarves and one of them a larger dwarf came forth. He looked us over as the dwarven guard seemed to relax some at the sight of elves. But on the other hand not taking any chances.

"Pointy ears. It's been long since any of yous have come to the great realm under the misty mountain…" He said and looked us over. "Who of yous are leading this group?" He said with a smirk we guessed under that full beard.

"I am" Ada then said and came forth.

"Ahh and who are yous then pointy ear" What we guessed was what the captain said to Ada.

"I am Elrond Half elven of Imladris." At that, the dwarves calmed down and their weapons were lowered and they bowed and we returned said bow.

"Wait here, lord. I will send for our leader of the western halls." It was more a statement than anything else and we waited for a long while. I knew what we had done today was not what I had read all those years ago. But my curiosity got the better of me. Tauriel on the other hand was restless and even uncomfortable. But then she and the wood elves of Mirkwood had a very different view of the dwarven kin than those of the Noldor. We waited outside the gate and several dwarves kept their eye on us. Somewhat distrustful maybe, somewhat curious. Whatever the case was so did our warriors and guards. Why I knew not.

As time went on I took Tauriel's hand and we walked over to the tree line and rested there as we waited. Two elven guards came with us as Ada was not okay with us being alone. After all, we all had a dark feeling in our fea's coming up on the mountain and we could not explain it.

"You know of this place… have you been here before?" she then said quietly for only me to hear. I looked at her.

"Yes, I do. But of what we think is foresight and only that I've read it and know the story…" Stopping myself before saying too much. But Tauriel gave me a look she knew I was hiding something but did not push it and instead changed the subject some.

"I know Lord Elrond wants us to know politics and other kin that we might have to deal with in trade, aid, and so on. But I do not like the company of them" She said. Holding my hand firm.

"Why do you wood elves have such distrust and disregard for them? It is not me accusing you, my love. I am just curious" I said even though I was not a huge fan myself, Tauriel was on another level of distrust and disgust.

She looked at me with a wondering face.

"How can we not feel that way? Of their greed and all the suffering, they have inflicted on our elven kin. Mostly you Noldor elves my love Elwen. But also at those where I am from, they attacked us at night by stealth. That is how we even became aware of them or so I have been told for the elder of the woods. They hated us as they hated orcs and we hunted them down as they would kill us if they had the chance. How can you not feel as I do about them?"

At her passionate argument, I looked at the love of my life. Her Sindar nature came out and she was clearly not happy about us being close to dwarves.

"You are speaking of the petty dwarves are you not?" She nodded at me. "These dwarves are nothing like them and would not harm us unless we harmed them."

Tauriel took a deep breath and turned away from me for a moment.

"I do not trust their kin. They are not made by our creator and are not to be trusted. Their nature of destruction, greedy as they are. No my love I do not trust them, but I will take in Lord Elrond's teaching. But I will not leave my weapons even for a moment."

We then got interrupted by our guards.

"My ladies. Lord Elrond asks you to return" The guard said.

We knew the guards would not say anything, but I would keep my eye on Tauriel to be safe and not risk a diplomatic situation.

As we walked up to the gate several more dwarves had arrived. All dressed in fine clothing in clear dwarven fashion.

"And here comes my daughter Elwen and her mate Tauriel of the woodland realm," Ada said proudly. After all, Ada was all about connecting our good races against evil. Not keep us all separated as we had been.

"My ladies," The dwarven leader said.

"Elwen, Tauriel. Let me introduce Lord Durin the Fifth. Lord and king of Khazad dum."

"It is an honor, my lord," I said with a bow and Tauriel copied me yet said little. For now, I guess that was the best. After all the dwarves seemed unhappy with her being a wood elf. The bow was returned and Ada started speaking again.

"I hope we can continue our trade and sharing of information as we did in the previous age. Too long have we been out of contact and I hope we can rekindle our alliance."

Durin huffed and looked at Tauriel.

"Would that be an alliance of Dwarves and Noldor elves or is the Silvan elves included too? Lord of the high elves."

At that Tauriel was taken aback. She still cared for her kin… Then Ada stepped in before she could speak.

"This will be between the elves of the Noldor and the dwarves of Khazad dum. My daughter's mate is of the Sindar. But she is a Noldor now just as much as my daughter."

Now that broke Tauriels stare at Durin and looked at Ada. Her face was shocked and she felt warm in her heart. But still, she disliked how the dwarf made sure her kin would not be included.

"If that is so she is welcome," Durin said dry yet like he meant it.

"My merchants will come and talk with yours shortly. But I want to speak to you and yours alone on some trading matters Lord Elrond." Durin said before inviting us on a tour of the mountain. Witch Ada accepted and we followed the dwarves with a few of the guards. He praised Tauriel for her restraint in our elven language so the dwarves would not understand and we then started to get the story of all of Khazad dum. From seeing gems to mining methods to getting food at every second place we arrived. One clear difference between elves and dwarves was the need for food and the amount of it. Holly Hanna, they ate.

Then on our way towards the exit one of the King's advisors asked Ada of me and Tauriel.

"If you don't mind me askin Lord. Elven women is it normal for them to be mates with each other?"

Even Durin was taken aback by his advisor's straightforwardness, but he was also curious about this so he let it pass.

"It is not common, but it is not that it doesn't happen either. I know of only a handful of situations it has happened"

"And what about young? Do they get that by some mystical elven spell?" Durin asked after the door was open.

At this Tauriel and I shook our heads. Not that kids were even an option for us maybe we could adopt as we could not make each other pregnant after all. Tauriel then opened her mouth.

"If I may ask of dwarven women. How do you separate them from the men? I have heard that they have equally grand beards as you. Now is that true?"

At this, the group stopped.

Durin looked at her and for a moment nobody spoke. Before he laughed. "Point taken lassie. My apology to my advisors and my question"

With apologies accepted, we kept walking to the entrance of the mountain and there the dwarves and elves who remained there had set up chairs and tables for our discussions as we could hear our traders busy down the hill.

Refreshments were brought yet again from both sides as we sat down and simple policies of aid on travels, and information sharing on the enemy. Ada then asked for mutual aid in war if need be, but the fact was the dwarves were dwindling as is. Their people were reduced greatly in number during the last war and birth rates were very low. They would think of it and say no more for now.

Then in the light of the moon and stars the dwarves pulled out a small bag of silver metal that they poured out on the table.

"I am sure y'all know what this is… but we have found another ore of it and as it is our most precious metal we do not lightly offer it to outsiders. But you are of the kin of Celebrimbor who aided us in building this very gate and was a great friend to us. Why we will offer it to you for food, wine of great quality. As well as aid of travel to our kin in the blue mountain."

Tauriel and I could not stop staring at the metal on the table. Ada had seen it several times before and even in its raw state it was so ever beautiful.

"It seems she elves loves the metal," Durin said with a smile, and still neither of us responded.

"Mithril" I whispered and Ada nodded. "It is a generous offer. At what quantities do you feel it's fair trade for what you need?"

Tauriel and I listened and followed how Ada and Durin spoke and tried to come out on top. But in the end, they landed on a deal that was agreeable to both. For all we would give, we would also get a decent amount of the Mithril ore. Which we could use in armor and weapons for times to come.

When all the deals had been done and traders had done all their deals we had a final meal with the dwarves and at first light we set out for home. Our dear smith would have to make something for our dear handmaiden after all. Out of Mithril.

We could not wait to see the face of our dear handmaiden when she would receive the gift.