Reforged and Strengthened

by jezzibee83

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

4. ACT I Chapter FOUR

Updated September 25th, 2021

Original Authors Note: This one is a little longer. Road trip anyone? :D

Chapter Four

Chapter Four

Fili passed out blankets as he went through the resting camp. They had been out on the road for just over a week, and apart from a few days of clear skies, most of the journey has been spring making itself known with constant and never-ending showers.

"Thank you, Fili." Fili nodded at Shaada who placed the dry blanket over a shivering Hillanna and Riffi, who both looked miserable. The dwarflings, all of them, were huddled together to try and keep warm with Shaada, and her sister Taada doing all they can to keep them comfortable. They were all excited to be on this adventure in the beginning, but that quickly wore off within hours of being on the road. Still, they were doing well for their ages and rarely complained.

Fili nodded and gave the dwarflings a smile. They were all trying so hard. He then turned his attention to the dams. There were only a few of among the group that chose to leave in the first caravan. Most of the dams chose to stay back in Ered Luin either due to attachments, age, or lack of desire to make the trek. He did not blame them in the least.

Thank the maker that it was easy for them to blend into the crowd of dwarves around them. All of the dams, including his mother, were dressed nearly identically to the males. This was both for comfort of travel as well as protection. There were so few females among their kind, it was best they stayed hidden from plane sight as much as possible, especially when out in the open as they were now.

"Can I get you anything else Shaada?" Fili gave her his last blanket and she passed to her sister, who placed it around a few of her own huddled younglings, then shook her head.

"Prince Fili, do we have much longer before we are at the mountain?" It was one of Taada's children, Ingi. Fili thinks he is somewhere around eighteen. An adult in human years, but for their kind, he looked little more than ten years old at most.

Fili knelt down to the ground and gave Ingi a smile, then ruffled his ginger hair. "I believe it will take another week yet, maybe two." Pausing for a moment, Fili reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a folded piece of parchment and opened it for all the dwarflings to see.

"This, is a map of our journey. See this spot?" He lifted his blue eyes and pointed to the place on the map between a mountain, and a rough sketch of a patch of trees. The children's heads all nodded and Fili realized he not only had the attention of Ingi and his brothers and sister, but Shaada's two children as well. "This is where we are now, and this…" He slid his finger further up the map to a point where a singular mountain was drawn. "…is where we are going."

The dwarflings stared at the map. "Where is this?" It was Rokur, who was just a few years older than Ingi.

"That is Mirkwood Forest. It is where the elves live." Fili indicated.

"You mean where Tauri is from?" Hillanna asked.

"The very same. Well done my little lady." Fili praised and the young dam's cheeks brightened.

Looking around the group, Fili looked back at Ingi. "Why don't you keep that, aye? It could use some filling in." Fili reached into his other pocket and pulled out a graphite stick wrapped in cloth and some sharpening paper. "I think if you work together, you are all clever enough to follow the map, and if it is missing something important, make sure to draw it in. Perhaps, it will be used by others making the trek in the future. What do you say, are you all up for it?"

All twelve dwarflings nodded their heads, and just like that, they were huddled over the map and trying to mark their path so far.

Shaada smiled gratefully, and Taada chuckled. "Well done, Fili. I believe you just brightened their spirits."

Fili bowed to the two dams and rose to his feet. He still had some rounds to make as he checked to be sure everyone in the caravan was safe, uninjured, or see if anyone had any immediate needs that needed to be addressed or met.

As he meandered through the crowds, the prince stopped to greet Vin, the baker, who had been kindly making breads for as many as he could on the journey. They were not the customary loaves that one would stop by his stall to buy, instead, they were more like flat breads, made on the rocks around the fire or in cast iron pots. Quick, easy, used little resources, and could feed many. He had laughed when Tauriel said they reminded her of a better tasting lembas bread.

Fili stepped up to the baker who lifted his eyes as Fili's shadow fell over him. "Master Vin. Can I bring you anything?"

The dwarrow shook his blonde head and gave Fili a large, bearded, smile. "No lad, all is fine. Just taking a moment to rest." Vin had been driving the cart filled with not only his family's things, but several others as well. He was happy to have a much needed break from all that jostling on the cart.

The young prince nodded. "Take all the time you need Vin, we won't be leaving until daybreak."

Seeing Viltarra just across the fire, Fili made his way to the young dwarrow. He nodded his head in greeting as he decided a break was a good idea for himself as well. So as he sat, he turned his attention to the dwarf beside him. Fili believed he was Vin's son, or they were related somehow. He had not asked yet, though wherever Viltarra was, Vin was not far.

"Viltarra, how is the journey going?" The blonde had their hair hidden behind a hood and Fili could see a cringe forming on his face. Fili has had very few chances to speak with the young dwarf, who often just quietly sat and listened to the prince speak without saying much. What Fili did not understand was why every time he got close to the lad, Vin would come and plant himself nearby as if he was chaperoning them, causing Viltarra to glare at his father and roll his eyes.

"It is not much different from all the other journeys I have taken with my family, only with significantly more dwarves." Viltarra looked up in surprise after realizing just how close he was, but said nothing more.

"Could do with less rain though, right?" Fili nudged the dwarf as he took out a knife along with a block of wood and began carving chunks away.

Viltarra watched intrigued as piece by piece fell to the dirt below. "What are you making?"

Fili lifted his blue eyes to the dwarf before looking back at his piece of work. "I wanted to carve something for my brothers upcoming child. I think it will end up being a wolf. My brother reminds me of a wolf, so it is fitting."

"You have a brother?" Viltarra asked, surprise evident in his features.

Fili stilled his hand and looked curiously at the hooded blonde. "Aye."

Either this dwarf is playing dumb, or he had no idea who Fili even is. Well, that was new. Even among their people's other settlements, Fili, Kili, Dis, and Thorin were all very well-known and recognized. They are descendants of Durin the Deathless and bore his marks in their features and lifespans.

Not many outside their people knew, but a descendant of Durin lives a longer life than a normal dwarrow, adding upwards of 200 to 250 years longer than any other. Neither would many be able to guess that Thorin was actually 17-years older than Balin. He only looked much younger because of his ancestry and blood, the same blood that made the 195-year-old dwarven king, just in his prime.

"Did he come with the caravan? Or did him and your family choose to stay behind?" The blond prince lifted an eyebrow, now really intrigued by this little game the other dwarf seemed to be playing.

Fili placed his work down and leant forward closer to the hooded figure. "They are all here."

Viltarra nodded and looked around, as if Fili's family will materialize directly before him, the look on his face causing Fili to smirk as he picked up his knife and wood and continued chipping away at it. "Is your family close? I mean, not close in proximity but, close."

Fili chuckled at the small ramble but eventually nodded his head. "Very. My brother and I have never been parted, and my sister is but an extension of my brother. Both mean everything to me, as do my mother and uncle."

"You have a sister too?" Fili nodded as Viltarra plucked idly at the grass near his fingers. "She is an extension to your brother…are they twins?"

Fili could not stop the loud guffaws from ripping out of his throat. He looked at Viltarra who did not seem amused at his mocking laughter, causing Fili to silence himself and look at the dwarrow with teasing eyes. "Don't let my brother hear you say that."

When Viltarra still narrowed his eyes at Fili, the blonde prince lifted his hands in submission. "Don't look so serious, I think I understand the mistake. My sister is my brother's wife. Though, she means as much to me as if she was my own blood. I would protect her with my life as I would any other member of my family."

Appeased, Viltarra softened his eyes and looked at the fire Vin had just added another log to. Vin poked at the flames until they rose higher, then peered over at the pair with a raised brow. Viltarra shook his head at the elder baker, then turned back to Fili. "You said your brother was expecting a child…"

"I would say my sister is the one expecting." His blue eyes met the once again narrowed brown eyes of Viltarra, and Fili shut his mouth.

Vin was quietly laughing from across the way as he shook his head and muttered, "Very smooth, lad. Very smooth." to a now confused Fili.

"You also said your family is with you." Not trusting his words, Fili simply nodded in confirmation. "I only know of one who is expecting in this caravan, and that is the lady Tauriel, the elven wife of Kili, son of lady Dis."

Fili nodded again as Viltarra made the connection. "You are a prince?"

"He's the crowned prince actually. Firs' born son o' Dis and eldest nephew o' Thorin Oakenshield, soon to be coronated king under the mountin'." Bofur plopped down beside Fili, grabbing the wood from the prince's hand to inspect it. "Yeh need to go with the grain lad. No' against it." Fili shrugged and snatched the block back, but did as Bofur said and angled his knife to go with the natural grains in the wood.

The prince looked up again at Viltarra who was staring wide eyed at him. "Don't give me that look. I am not an anomaly." Bofur snorted and Fili glared at him. "Just treat me like any other here. I think we can save all the bowing and groveling for the six other lords of the 7 dwarven kingdoms. They are the ones that prefer all that pomp and circumstance."

"Fili, yer the next in line as king under the mountain lad, ain't no escapin' the aptly named 'pomp and circumstance'. Yer days of bein' free teh do as yeh please are numbered." Bofur pulled his pipe and gave it a good tap before lighting it up.

Fili paused his hands and looked up at Bofur then to Viltarra who was watching him with a more subdued look. A look almost pitying. Fili self-consciously wiped the wood shavings off his trousers and sniffed indignantly. "I do not fear my responsibilities Bofur, and I know what is waiting for me when I return."

The hatted dwarf nodded in understanding. "Tha' is because yer a good lad. Lass's will be linen up teh court yeh."

The block of wood fell to the ground and Fili let out a soft hiss, his eyes widening at the blood streaming from the clean cut, to the dirt below.

Viltarra acted fast, grabbing his bleeding hand and putting a clean handkerchief over the wound, applying pressure to stop the blood from flowing to the ground. Fili looked up at him gratefully, then turned to Bofur and stuttered, "Lasses? What lasses?"

Seeing he was fine, Bofur continued to puff at his pipe. "Come now lad, yer of age and yer brother is happily…almost too happily…wed. Yeh got teh know yer time for pickin' a wife is comin'."

"But, really!? Thorin did not marry. Why should I have to? And soon? Kili is already ahead on continuing the Durin line. There is really no rush. Dams are madness and trouble, Bofur, even you haven't settled down because you know I am right. OW!" Blue eyes turned to Viltarra who was glaring at the prince who had snatched his hand back after the dwarves rough handling.

Viltarra stood without another word, scowled at the prince, then stomped away. "What's his problem."

Both Vin and Bofur stared wide eyed at Fili, before Bofur shook his head. "Oh lad. You are in trouble."

She should have known he would be a prince. Stupid, arrogant, dwarrow prince. "Viltarra! Oh! What happened?" Viltarra looked at Leotti who was sitting alone, mending the hem of some garments by the light of another fire.

"I just found out who Fili was. I mean, I had met him before, but I had not realized he was the crowned prince." The baker did not expect the loud snort that came from the pretty blonde dam.

"Ya. Real princely that one." She sniffed and concentrated on her work. When Viltarra remained silent, Leotti looked up at her. "Listen. I have known Fili almost my entire life. He is…difficult to explain."

"Fili is a very kind soul, Leotti, do not let your little war taint another's opinion." Leotti scoffed but said no more as Shaada came and sat with a fussing Tauren in her lap.

"Did I hear my brother's name?" Viltarra sighed as another joined their fire, well two others. Fili's description of Tauriel being an extension of Kili made sense when you looked at the two of them together. It was if gravity pulled them into each other. When one moved, so would the other. Her parents were similar, they were true soulmates, each-others one.

"It seems Viltarra just came to the knowledge that Fili is royalty. Though the only royal he seems to be to me is a royal pain in the…"

"Alright Leotti, small ears and big words." Shaada chastised softly. Kili leaned over to take the fussy one year old and began rocking him, soft hums rumbling from his chest had the baby falling to sleep almost instantly, to his mother's great relief. "He has not been happy about the traveling. Thank you Kili."

The dark-haired prince gave the dam a smile then turned to Viltarra. "I hope you don't judge my brother on what Leotti has said." He gave Leotti a look stopping her before she could argue. "They have always been at each-others' throats for as long as I can remember. They are friends, and rather fond of each-other. Do not let either of them fool you." Leotti neither confirmed nor denied Kili's statement, instead she threw herself into her work and ignored Kili completely.

Viltarra still did not know what to make of the elder dwarven prince. "Viltarra, if he has said something to you to upset you, please know that my brother is good at many, many things. Speaking to dams, or even interacting with them, however, is not one of his strong suits."

"It is true Viltarra. I have never seen Fili even approach a dam apart from Leotti who…well…" Tauriel gave Leotti an apologetic look as the blonde dam's olive eyes looked up at her as if daring her to continue. "Just, give him a chance. He really is one of the best dwarrows I know, and I love him most dearly." Viltarra looked at Tauriel, then at Kili who was still rocking the infant in his arms. She thought for a moment then gave them both a subtle nod.

Viltarra did not see Fili again for a few days, not that she was looking for him. Walking beside the cart her father was steering, Viltarra was all but lost in thought when a cream-colored horse pulled up beside her and Fili jumped to the ground, grabbing the horses reins and joining her.

"I wanted to apologize for the other night. I did not realize I said anything to upset you." Viltarra gave the prince a wry look but kept walking.

"You have nothing to apologize to me for, though you may have a line of dams who wish to hear your apology and another you must console when they find out you have no desire to court." Viltarra's eyes widened at her own words. Where did that come from?

Fili, however, chuckled. "Ya. That is one thing I am not looking forward to when we arrive. I was hoping mam would be so busy with Tauriel and Kili's upcoming child, she would maybe forget about finding me a wife."

"The future king? Not likely. You may have better luck spinning diamonds from steal than evading that fate." Fili laughed, causing a pleasant tingle to run down Viltarra's spine. What was she doing!? He was the crowned prince! This would never do and could never be.

"I envy you." Fili finally said after a long break in conversation.

Cocking her head to the side at the slightly taller blonde, she gave him a questioning look. "Whatever for?"

Fili thought about it for a moment then sighed. "You can choose whatever dam you want, or not marry at all. My brother and I were always meant to marry for either political reasons or continuing our line. Kili, he, well, he found his best half. His one. I could not ask for any better for him. Tauriel may be an elf, but she truly completes Kili in a way I never knew was possible until I personally witnessed it. If she had not come along, Kili will no doubt have been married off to the daughter of a lord, as will I, I am sure. Although Kili would have been most miserable about it, he would have done it to please mam and uncle. I do not in any way make little of my responsibilities to my title or my family, but I do wish I could choose this one thing for myself."

Viltarra nodded, then homed in on one phrase…'you can choose whatever dam you want…' what did he mean by that? She looked down at her baggy top and loose-fitting trousers caked in flour and mud. Her boots covered up to her knees and the vest she wore over the loose blouse was belted at her waist, the thickness covering any curves she had. Over all of that, she wore a thick fur lined coat. The combination together with her very messy, unruly blonde waves, and the unkept beard covering her cheeks, made her realize that Fili must not have grasped that she was a dam.

Well, that explains what he had easily said in front of her at the fire the other night, about maddening dams. He had no clue he was even speaking to one. That was probably for the best, it would not do well for her to develop a crush on the crowned prince of the dwarves, which her mind quickly argued that she already had.

If Viltarra had thought Fili would tire of her presence eventually and move on, she was quite wrong. The prince walked nearly the entire day with her, the two chatting idly the whole time about seemingly nothing at all. Fili was…how can she describe him? Funny, smart, and kind. She could see the kindness in him especially as he passed his fur coat to an elderly dwarrow who was trying to shield himself from the rain with nothing but a thin hood. He really was not what she had expected in a prince.

Another week on the road went by and she was even able to watch in amusement how Fili interacted with Leotti. True to all the rumors, offered by themselves included, Fili and Leotti were at constant odds with each other. However, one incident showed the other side of their friendship.

Viltarra was so new to the settlement, not many knew who she was. Her parents kept her close for her protection, as do most dwarven parents who have a daughter. They had no chambers, and since she had no friends, she simply remained in the stall unless otherwise necessary. As such, not many had gotten a chance to speak to her outside ordering from her family's cart. She figured many of them must have the same opinion as Fili, and thought her to just be another dwarrow.

Leotti, however, was not only a very pretty dam, but all the young dwarrows know her to be a dam despite her travel clothes and hood to camouflage the fact. It was not uncommon for them to figuratively chase after her to try and win her favor. However, Leotti was a force to be reckoned with that was for sure, and Viltarra watched as many would approach her only to be, usually politely, let down.

Now, dwarves rarely got violent with dams, but a few nights ago a group of young dwarrow had too much ale they had somehow smuggled in with their belongings. It seemed as if one particular dwarf got a little too confident, and sidled up to Leotti who had been sitting on her own working on some mending for some of the others. She had kindly been fixing holes in socks, trousers, and even cloaks for any who needed it as they made their arduous journey, and the piles seemed never ending.

On this night, Leotti barely had the chance to say a word when the dwarf pulled her to her feet and forced her into a music-less dance. Leotti was incensed, and tried to pull away, but the other dwarrow was stronger and muted her yells with a very obnoxious song before he tried to lean in for a kiss, an obviously unwanted kiss.

Viltarra was about to march over and help when the dwarf was ripped from Leotti and thrown roughly to the ground by a seething Fili. "Jeryk! I believe she was saying no! Where I was taught, no does not mean yes. I suggest you go back to your mother, as you obviously are still in need of elementary lessons in manners."

The other dwarf stumbled to his feet and stalked away as Fili helped Leotti gather her things which had been strewn around the area. Fili then sat down across from her. Neither said a word to the other, but Fili had refused to leave her again until Kili and Tauriel joined them a bit later.

Viltarra watched from a far as Fili pulled the pair aside to obviously tell them what had happened, and Tauriel instantly went to her friend and pulled her close. The usually unshakable Leotti had seemed to be affected and let the elf console her and pull her away into the masses. Probably back to where her family was staying if Viltarra could hazard a guess.

Tauriel had been right, Fili did not hate Leotti as it seemed, it was just their way of showing affection for the other…a very odd way. Fili was quite the enigma, and Viltarra found herself having to force thoughts of him from her mind as she turned back to join her father at the fire.

"How long do you think we have left?" Tauriel looked over at Leotti who had not strayed far since the incident with Jeryk two nights before. Leotti was strong, the strongest young dam Tauriel had ever met. But, that did not mean she was infallible in dealing with males. She was quickly realizing the protection she had in Ered Luin was gone, and as one of the few, unattached, dams in a vast caravan of males, she needed to be more aware of where she was and who was around her. All things Fili drilled into her as she sat beside Tauriel, with tears streaming down her cheeks, later that night.

"About a week if we are lucky. Our progress has been slower than we thought, but we should be hitting the forests outside Mirkwood in five or six days-time and it is about another day, or two, from there IF we can take the forest path. However, an additional week will be added to our journey should we need to go around the greenwood and past the lake shores of Esgaroth." Tauriel shifted in her seat. She was sitting between Dis and Leotti on a cart while Galaddal trotted riderless behind.

Tauriel had been visibly uncomfortable on the horse after days of riding, so Dis suggested she take a break and join them on the cart. Aeodhen had requested Dis take the reins so he could use her pony, despite Tauriel offering Galaddal to which Aeodhen looked up at the tall horse and gave her a flat no. He much preferred the shorter, stockier, animals over the tall one. The soon to be captain of Erebor's guard was currently at the back of the caravan along with a few other appointed guards.

Now that Tauriel was on the cart, she was no longer sore, but she was battling a constant bout of nausea from the rocking wheels. She just could not win. To make it all worse, her son has decided he enjoyed dancing jigs, and was kicking up a storm making her stomach roll even more unpleasantly.

Tauriel let out a deep breath and looked around. Kili was nowhere in sight, most unhelpful. In the most endearing sort of way, their son seemed to love it when Kili was close by. How did she know? Kili was the only one the unborn babe would stop his constant kicking to listen to.

When Tauriel felt as if she could handle it no more, she would place her hand on her belly and try and sooth the being inside, but he would just joyously keep on kicking. Then Kili would come, bend down, and speak to his son reverently, "Come now my precious little one. Let's give amad a break." He would place the sweetest of kisses right on her growing belly and by some miracle, the kicking would stop long enough for Tauriel to get some rest, or at least get the nausea to pass.

However, Kili was likely helping Aeodhen with guarding the caravan, so she found herself having to try and sooth the rambunctious unborn infant herself. She rubbed her hand over the taut belly and tried humming softly, but nothing stopped or appeased her son. Nope. She could not do it anymore. "Dis. Please stop."

"What is it dear?" The question came even as Dis pulled the cart to a slow standstill, some of the dwarrow just behind them grumbling as they were forced to move, giving Dis a look of either annoyance or confusion as to why the large cart had decided to cease moving in the middle of the caravan, as they passed by.

Tauriel neither answered nor cared what looks she was getting as she jumped over the surprised looking dam, ignored Leotti's concerned calls completely, ran straight to some tall grass, and became violently ill.

The miserable eleth felt a hand pull her long hair back as Dis offered hushed words of encouragement. Some stopped to ask if they were okay, but Dis waived them off. Leotti brought some water just as Shaada found them. "Oh, I remember this. I will get some of that bread from Vin. It will help." The dam disappeared in the crowd as Tauriel continued to give all she had, to the earth below. When her stomach was finally empty, she sat back on her haunches and closed her eyes. That is always most unpleasant.

"Here, drink this." Dis placed the skin of water before her and Tauriel took a sip, spitting it out then drank down a few more. At first her stomach rebelled at being filled and she doubled over thinking she was to be sick again, but after a moment, the spasming calmed and she slowly sat up trying to catch her breath before taking in some of the fresh, cool, water.

Shaada returned just a moment later with some flatbread, breaking off a piece and passing it to Tauriel. "It will help, trust me. Tauren was a terror with sickness, it is why you found me faint on the floor in the kitchen that day. I could scarcely hold anything down my entire first quarter of his pregnancy."

Tauriel nibbled on the bread which did help, and she eventually allowed Dis and Leotti to pull her to her shaky feet. "I think I will walk for a bit, I do not believe I can handle the horse, or the cart."

Dis was not so sure of the elf's choice but giving the fact she was just sick from the cart, and the pained look she had while riding, maybe walking would be a good break for her. Giving in, Dis climbed back onto the cart while Leotti stayed with Tauriel, the duo spending the remainder of the miles they were to go that day on foot.

True to form, her son continued to kick away even past their stopping point and into the night. Tauriel lay on her side near the fire with her eyes closed tight as she silently begged her child to let her get some rest. Suddenly, a hand slid gently over the kicking mound and Kili's soft hums filled the air. He leaned over her and whispered, "Hush, my little one. It is time to sleep." Their son gave one last good kick and stopped. Kili's hums vibrated continuously through his chest as he pulled the exhausted elf towards him, holding her close from behind. She fell to sleep instantly.

"Where should we go now?"

"Ought we no' enter tha' forest?"

"That is where elves dwell!"

"Tauriel is an elf, she ain't bad. I say we go."

Fili pushed Kit to the front where the caravan had stopped where a group of young dwarves were debating on what to do. Fili told everyone to hold on while they waited for Dis, Kili, and Tauriel to make their way to the front. There were ongoing debates in hushed voices before they were silenced when a tall, blonde being emerged from the dense trees.

"Prince Fili."

Fili jumped from Kit and gave a short bow, he then offered the elf before him a greeting that would make Tauriel proud. "Mae g'ovannen, prince Legolas."

The two clasped hands as Legolas looked over the crowd of seemingly endless dwarves. "Is Tauriel here?"

Fili nodded and smiled. "She is somewhere in the middle, she should be here shortly."

It was only a few moments later that the red-headed expecting elf emerged through the crowd of dwarves. Kili was by her side, Dis too was with them, the dam looking up at the elf apprehensively from her place beside Kili.

"Legolas! Mae g'ovannen mellon-nin." Tauriel gave the taller elf a short hug, the elf greeting Kili as well before turning to Dis.

"Legolas, this is Dis, daughter of Thrain, sister of Thorin, and mother of Fili and Kili." Tauriel then turned to Dis, "Dis, this is my oldest friend, Legolas. Son of Thranduil, king of Mirkwood."

Dis looked at the elf a bit warily. "I have you to thank for saving my daughter?"

Legolas looked confused before Fili helpfully indicated to Tauriel from behind Dis's back, and Legolas gave a nod in understanding. "Tauriel is most dear to me, I would not find joy in seeing her harmed. I fear I had no other choice but to help her, as I always will when she is in need." Dis gave the elf another look and nodded slowly, but made no move to say anything further.

Turning his attention to the mass of dwarves before him, Legolas continued, "My father has sent me to see you all through the forest safely. He has sent food and water and is ready to offer any aid in the final leg of your journey. You should be at your mountain by the end of the day." There was a round of cheers then murmuring as the group began passing the message from the front of the caravan to the back.

Before he could get the message, Aeodhen rode up from the back with ten other dwarves who have been volunteering as guards. He gave the elven prince a hard look as he jumped from a ram, the others sliding from rams and ponies to see what was stopping the group.

The captain stomped forward, but Kili stepped in front of him and halted his progress. "Aeodhen, this is prince Legolas of the woodland realm. He and several of his people will be seeing that we get through the forest unharmed." Kili introduced, stopping whatever Aeodhen was clearly about to do or say.

"I'll bet 'e will." Aeodhen grumbled. He may like Tauriel, but that was the end of his tolerance for elven folk. He supposes he will have to learn to get used to seeing elves on a more regular basis though, considering the alliance with Mirkwood, Tauriel and the princes had informed him of. So he swallowed his annoyance, then added, "We thank yeh, fer yer kindness." Tauriel gave him a quick look which he returned one of his own which clearly read 'what? I am trying here.'

The eleth shook her head and snorted, causing the elven prince to throw her his own bemused look. Tauriel gave her friend a smile as she indicated to Aeodhen who still stood beside Kili. "Legolas, this is Aeodhen. He is to be appointed the captain of all the guard in Erebor, and currently is overseeing the caravan's safety."

Legolas gave a small bow to Aeodhen just as several other elves emerged from behind him. "I have words of caution to share. The forests are not safe which is why we are here to see you through. Heed these three warnings well, and share them as groups enter. Do not touch or drink of the water in the stream, it is enchanted and best avoided, stay your weapons and do not hunt or kill anything you come across, as the beasts here are either sacred or dangerous, and stray not from the path we follow, or you may never be seen again."

Aeodhen looked unsure as did Dis. "Perhaps goin' round might be a better plan." The dark-haired captain of the guard suggested, looking to the seemingly safer path outside the forest.

Dis sighed, looking at the dark forest path, then the brighter path skirting the trees. The sun was just coming up over the horizon, making the still dark forest seem even more uninviting. She shook her head and turned to Aeodhen. "Going around the forest will add another week Aeodhen, the people are tired and hungry. Follow the elves counsel and we will all be safe and in our mountain by tonight."

Aeodhen bowed before Dis. "As yeh wish my lady." He then mounted back on his ram but stayed put, ordering the dwarrow in his guard to scatter the message among the masses.

Tauriel greeted the other elves and joined the first group to head into the trees she grew up in. Aeodhen was staying with Fili behind at the entrance of the paths to Mirkwood to warn any and all who entered of the three warnings left by Legolas.

"You know, it feels easier and easier to enter these forests. The first time was…well…not a good memory, but now it feels less like doomed fate and more like a morning stroll." Tauriel chuckled and looked down at Kili. The first time he entered the forest in this life he had believed her to be dead. She slipped her arm through his, warming at the beaming smile he gave her. "Though I think that may have something to do with the beautiful creature at my side." Kili hummed before he gave her a wink and a wide grin.

Tauriel laughed and leaned down to nuzzle the hair at his temple, placing a soft kiss in the same spot before pulling back. "Flirt." She teased, tightening her hold on his arm as she looked among the trees. "I remember climbing through these very trees when I was an elfling."

"I remember chasing you through these trees when you ran away from lessons as an elfling. An elfling? More like a tree sprite." Kili let out a laugh as Tauriel rolled her eyes at her friend, Legolas. He was giving her a smirk as he kept pace with the pair.

Tauriel sniffed and lifted a brow when the amusement did not leave Legolas's face. "I would not have run if the meetings did not go on for the length they did, or they did not treat me as such an outsider."

Legolas chuckled and shook his head. "Mellon, you were the only elfling in the group to think as such, and I recall being called on more than one occasion to have to hunt you down or sooth the throws of battle when you decided to turn that fiery temper of yours on one of the others in your group…or your instructor."

Tauriel shoved Kili when he quipped, "It is good to see she has not changed." Kili stumbled and laughed harder at Tauriel's glare. "Tell me I am wrong amralime."

"I will tell you that YOU can now deal with my fiery temper..." That stopped the young dwarfs smile and Tauriel could not stop herself from laughing at Kili's impossibly wide eyes and deep, inset, frown. She gave in and leaned to kiss the line away from his brow. "Watch it my love, those who choose to walk on thin branches often find themselves plummeting to the depths below."

"Heard and understood." Kili lifted his arm in invitation and Tauriel did not hesitate to slip hers back through it as they continued on through the forests, but not before Kili loudly whispered up to Legolas walking beside him, "We need to share stories." Legolas smirked and Tauriel huffed but continued to allow Kili to guide her through her very own trees.

Looking over the final group, Fili and Aeodhen gave rules one last time. Fili's scan found the blonde baker he had befriended who was walking up in the final group beside the cart Vin was steering. Deciding to join him, Fili jumped down from Kit, where he had been perched on for some added height, and made his way over to his new friend. "Viltarra, are you ready to enter the elven realm?" The prince muttered eerily.

The blonde shot him a sideways look. "Elves are not so bad as you think. I have met quite a few apart from Tauriel who were rather personable in my times in other cities." The aloof answer had Fili pausing in place, before jogging to catch up.

"I did not mean it the way you think. I like elves, they have grown on me I guess you can say." One of the elven guards gave him a quick look from his place at the side of the group and mumbled something under his breath.

"I naw nin law ven na gin." Fili directed perfectly back at the elf whose eyes widened and he stared forward, marching on wordlessly to Fili's great amusement.

The blonde prince looked at the shocked Viltarra, who was gaping at him. "You speak elvish?"

"It's Sindarin actually, a form of elvish though. Tauriel taught Kili and I." The younger baker looked thoughtfully at Fili, and he could not help but wonder if Viltarra was measuring him up or something.

"I suppose it is for good reason. It would be beneficial to have a grasp on the languages of those realms you are aligned with." Viltarra finally said, watching the prince who had lifted his eyes to the canopy of leaves and branches above them.

Fili nodded, half listening, as he looked up in the trees overhead. For some reason, he could not shake the feeling that something, or someone, was watching them, and the warrior in him became alert. Fili paused when something in the trees caught the prince's eyes, and the silhouette of an eight-legged creature slinking through the branches above made his heart stop.

"Lasto nin!" (Listen!) He hushed out to the guard who turned to Fili. Fili pointed to the massive spider above. It seemed to be alone, so he called to the elven guard a few steps away, "No guin I phing dhin." (Get ready to shoot). Even if the elf was unhappy about the order coming from a dwarf, he still pulled his bow as Fili pushed the dwarves forward at a faster pace.

Viltarra looked at the elf who was knocking an arrow, then at Fili who was grasping Kits reins and ordering everyone to pick up the pace. "What is going on Fili, what was that all about?"

"Hopefully, nothing you will need to worry about." Fili rushed out but a scream from ahead, and Kit's nervous whinnies meant he was wrong. His horse lifted his head, ears searching, before he pawed the ground anxiously.

When a dark mass overhead fell to the ground just behind them, Kit yanked his reins from Fili and ran forward, the blond prince letting him go. He was about to take charge of the situation when chaos broke out.

"NORO!" An elf yelled from behind.

"What is he saying?" Tarrah breathlessly asked from beside Vin on the cart.

"Run…he said to run!" Fili pulled his knives just as another spider fell from the trees. He watched Viltarra look around, brown eyes wide as the spiders surrounded their small group cutting them off from the rest of the caravan. It was only Vin, Tarrah, Viltarra, and the elven guard.

Unable to get away, Fili threw a knife into a spider who hissed at the prince, but was soon taken out by an arrow to the skull by the Mirkwood guard. With a grateful nod, the prince pulled his sword and went to work killing the smaller spiders as they attempted to attack the cart, working in tandem with the elf.

"They are picking off the ends. We have not seen a single spider in weeks, if not months, and all of a sudden, they are here as if you summoned them." Fili glared at the elf who had switched to common so all would understand.

"I thought ya said to not kill anything!" Vin yelled from beside Tarrah. Clearly wanting to fight, but unsure about breaking the rules given to them not minutes ago.

"THESE YOU CAN KILL!" Fili hollered, the guard agreeing.

Now that he knew he could help, Vin rose from the cart but froze when he got a look at a sight he wished he never had to see. "VILTARRA!"

Fili turned swiftly and watched his friend become the prey for one of the larger spiders.

Vin jumped from his seat on the cart and handed the reigns to Tarrah. "Go Tarrah, do not argue and to not look back. I will save her." He pulled an axe and ran up to Fili who was forced into battle with a spider who jumped down from above. A blade through the head paired with an arrow of the guard had the spider curling on its back.

Vin grabbed the prince by the shoulder before he could go to attack another spider. "Fili, help me save my daughter! Please!"

Fili looked confused as without an answer, Vin ran towards a spider attacking Viltarra. "Daughter?" He shook it off and pulled a blade and threw it hard, embedding it between the creature's eyes. The surprise attack forced the spider to release Viltarra as it let out an inhuman screech. It also gave Vin a chance to reach it, as he started swinging his axe at the creature's massive legs.

This spider was enormous, the largest one Fili had yet seen, and despite the knife in its skull and the dwarf slicing at its legs, it fought on relentlessly.

Ignoring the attacking dwarves, the beast went in to try and embed its fangs into Viltarra, who was now backed weaponless against a large tree. Seeing a chance, the young blonde baker grabbed at the knife in the creature's head just as it lunged forward at her. With a bit of luck, her hands wrapped around Fili's blade, and she pulled it free from the spider's head, causing another shriek to fill the air.

With the spider somewhat distracted, Viltarra pushed herself into a slide, landing just underneath the spider as she thrust Fili's dagger up into its abdomen, and twisted. The spider let out a final scream and rolled over, lifeless.

Viltarra gave the massive, curled up creature a look, then collapsed backwards onto the ground, breathing hard.

"Viltarra! My little gem! Daughter, are you alright?" Vin fell to his knees pulling Viltarra into his arms, the young baker going willingly.

Fili watched the scene unfold after seeing that the spiders which had attacked had all been taken down. Viltarra was a dam? How had he not seen that?! Fili stood, shifting from foot to foot as the dam rose from the ground with the help of her father, and walked to the large spider.

Vin tried to pull her back, but Viltarra side-stepped him and leaned between the creature's hairy legs, yanking the dagger from its corpse. She then walked over to Fili and passed the dagger back to him. "I believe this is yours."

Not waiting for an answer, she walked back to her father and allowed herself to be ushered away quickly by the newly arrived elven guards, who had all shown up towards the end of their attack.

Fili looked down at the blood-soaked knife then back at the retreating form of Vin and Viltarra, at least until he heard the guard he had been speaking to yell back at him. "Tolo, naug caun!" (Come, dwarf prince). Fili nodded and followed the group. His thoughts lost on a blonde baker in the crowds ahead.

Tauriel ignored Kili's calls as she forced her way through the group of speeding dwarves towards the back, blades at the ready. Spiders. More horrible spiders. She knew she must be getting closer to the end as her peoples faces were getting more terrified the further back she went.

When the crowd of dwarves got too thick, Tauriel pulled herself up into a tree and started running across the branches…to her husband's horror, who was trying to keep up on the ground below.

Finally seeing the end, and spotting Fili walking slowly, Tauriel dropped from the tree to land directly in front of the now startled blonde prince, which caused the elven guard beside him to snicker.

"No dhinen, Cirith!" (Silence yourself, Cirith!) The guard immediately went into attention, nodded, then turned ahead and walked away.

Tauriel moved her focus to Fili, checking him over and looking behind him but not seeing anything. "Are you alright Fili! I heard one of the guards say there were spiders! Then I saw Kit running, riderless and I began to think the worst! Tell me you are not harmed?"

Fili looked behind him then back at Tauriel. "Viltarra is a dam."

Tauriel blinked. Then blinked again. Then she very slowly leaned in to look him directly in the eyes as she spoke, "Fili. Where are we? Do you know where we are going? How many fingers am I holding up?"

Fili pushed the hand Tauriel held in front of him showing three slender elven fingers out of his face. "I am fine Tauriel. We are in the greenwood. We are going to Erebor, and…I don't remember how many fingers but that is not important. Viltarra. Is. A. Dam Tauriel. A female dwarf. Wait, were you climbing trees? Kili is going to have a fit."

The elf ignored the last part of Fili's statement as she leveled a look at her blonde brother. "I know what a dam is Fili and I knew Viltarra was one. What I am confused about is why you did not."

"TAURIEL!" The elf rolled her eyes as Fili muttered, "Told you!" under his breath. "Amralime. You left me behind! AND you climbed, THEN RAN, through the trees!? You can barely keep food down but you can take a run through the tree branches without a problem?"

"I am a wood elf Kili. I climb trees. Let it go meleth nin. Fili did not know Viltarra was a dam."

Fili glared at Tauriel for changing the topic off herself. Which seemed to work this time. "What? Fi? You really did not know?"

"Don't patronized me. She wears those, baggy clothes and her hair was…a mess, worse than yours Kili!" Fili gestured wildly to his brother's wild mane, "Plus the beard and…well…how was I supposed to know!?"

"Mannerism's brother. Mannerisms. The way she carried herself, interacted, and even spoke was all dam." Kili rolled his eyes and shook his head. He looked up to his brother in nearly every way…except when it came to romance and dealing with the opposite sex.

Fili huffed and folded his arms. "You were the one with all the girlfriends Kili. I was too busy learning how to be a future ruler."

"Girlfriends?" Tauriel turned fiery eyes to Kili who crossed his arms meeting her temper head on.

"Not in the courting sense Tauriel, just dams who were friends. Not the point." The dark-haired prince turned from his agitated wife and pointed a finger at Fili. "You can't keep running away from females. You have to learn how to talk to them and for Mahal sake, how to even pick one out. Thorin got out of being wed because of what happened in Erebor, I doubt mam will give you the same option."

"Not you too Ki, I already have enough to think about to not add some…flighty female…who is only after a crown and a title but wants nothing to do with me, into my life!" Both Kili and Tauriel paused and looked at Fili who had been growing more agitated by the moment.

Kili stepped up and placed a comforting hand on Fili's shoulder. "You can't know that Fi. Maybe you will find your one."

Fili sighed and turned looking at the group slowly disappearing into the distance ahead. He pushed Kili's hand off his shoulder and began walking away, his words soft and pained when he stopped a few feet ahead of them, standing with his shoulders slumped and his back to the pair. "No Ki. That path was for you. Mine comes with negotiations, contracts, and separate bed chambers. Love. That is not a liberty or a freedom a crown prince has."

Tauriel and Kili watched him walk ahead without looking back, lost in his own thoughts and fates. "Is that true Kili? Will he be forced to marry for gain?"

Kili looked to the ground and sighed. "We were both supposed to. We even had dams who had been promised a chance of courtship when we, and they, became of age. That is until a few years ago when one of the lords insisted on forcing a marriage, I do not know to whom it was, me or Fili. Mam would not have it though, she insisted on allowing a courting period. Everything was put on a standstill, all talks on courting that is, when they still insisted on at least a betrothal. I truly don't know what happened beyond that as mam once again shot them down. Then we went on an adventure and got killed only to come back. I do not think you can get a higher authority to bless a relationship than Mahal himself, so you and I were allowed by mam."

Kili turned to start heading towards the group, Tauriel hesitating before she followed. "It did help mam liked you, but I think at first allowing us to be together was her way of paying a debt. She quite grew to love you though." Tauriel felt, uncomfortable, with this idea of forced marriages. Seeing her look Kili could not help but ask. "Is it so different in the elven culture?"

Turning her green eyes to Kili, Tauriel nodded. "We do not force marriage, not for any reason. Even among royalty. An elf will marry only when they find one, they cannot part with. For no other reason. We are long lived Kili, it would be a form of torture to be eternally tied with a being you do not share attachments with."

Kili stopped, causing Tauriel to pause her own steps to turn towards him, questions filling her eyes as she waited patiently for him to figure out what he needed to say or ask.

When he said nothing, she stepped closer to him, standing only a breath apart and let her finger brush through his wild curls. "Tell me of your hurts my love, so that I may sooth them." Her husband lifted his brown eyes to hers, sadness clear in his expression.

Kili let a slow breath out, as he began to explain. "Love, Tauriel. I took that opportunity away from him. If I did not marry for love, maybe Fili would have had the chance to find it for himself."

"Or neither of you would have. You said yourself negotiations were already underway to procure attachments for each of you. There is no reason to believe that if I had not come along, and you both survived the battle, that Dis would not have secured partnerships for both you, and Fili." Kili nodded and wrapped his arms around her tightly, Tauriel returning the embrace as she buried her head in his hair.

"I cannot imagine any other in my life but you, amralime, Tauriel, my precious elf. It is almost too painful to consider such a life. Waking up to another dam, or in a bed alone as we would have separate chambers, having to pretend day in and day out that I am happy, when in reality, I was trapped in a loveless marriage and partnership." Kili cleared his throat as his voice began to break, and he let his hand slide down to the swell of their son. "Not having this special miracle. Really, just having a child with any other is…inconceivable. I could not do it Tauriel, and I don't want Fili to have to do it either."

Tauriel tightened her hold on Kili. Truthfully, the idea of him with another was just as painful as the thought of him not being in her life at all. "If you never happened upon me Kili, you would not have known any differently. Your one I may be, but it was an odd brush with fate that had us meeting which I can only assume was in the Mirkwood our first time around. Only you would find yourself captured by elves…in two lifetimes."

"What can I say, I am a sucker for pointy eared maidens." He felt Tauriel chuckle and pull back to rub her nose against his.

"There better only be ONE pointy eared maiden." The eleth gave him a pointed look, as she lifted one challenging brow.

Kili made a glutaral noise from his throat that caused Tauriel to warm from deep inside. "I don't think I would call her a maid anymore." He wagged his brows and leered at his wife.

Tauriel rolled her eyes and smirked. "You are terrible."

"I am terribly yours." The young prince shot back.

Kili pulled Tauriel close and claimed her lips in a thorough kiss, her hands entangling themselves in his thick, dark, locks as she hummed in contentment. He leaned back to place another kiss on her forehead before murmuring, "Now about climbing trees…"

Tauriel snorted and stepped back, grabbing his hand and dragging him towards the group far out of sight by now. "My dearest prince. Has Thorin not taught you that some battles are best not fought?" Kili rolled his eyes and let himself be pulled by his elf through the paths of the thick, dense, forest.

The pair caught up with a few members of a lingering group, listening as the dwarves all muttered about dark forest creatures as they constantly watched the trees above.

The dwarven race were natural warriors and in no way afraid of a fight, but with the rules and warnings from the elves, the normally battle ready dwarrow were hesitant in shedding any blood within these trees lest they fall under some, unnatural curse. They were much too close to home to risk that fate once again, so though axes were at the ready to defend, none seemed willing to pull them without true necessity.

The caravan had a mind to get out of these forest as speedily as possible, which was apparent in the quickened pace the large collection of dwarrow set through their remaining time spent before coming upon the gates of Mirkwood.

"Captain, Mae g'ovannen, and prince Kili. Welcome. We were told to wait for you before closing the gates. I am to show you to the meal halls directly. Our lord, Thranduil, has set up a breakfast feast for the traveling numbers."

The female guard gave each a bow and turned to lead them to the middle of the city where the largest of the dining halls resided. "I am no longer your captain Nelithi, you may just call me Tauriel." The elf only gave a quick nod but continued on her way.

"I much prefer this welcome than the first one we got." Kili mumbled.

The elven guard heard none the less and gave a small laugh. "Seemed you attracted the spiders again."

Kili sighed. "That would be my brother. I think he attracts trouble."

"Just your brother?" Tauriel taunted, causing Kili to give her a pointed look. The elven guard gave the pair a curious, sideways glance.

"You, my elven beauty, attract trouble just as well." Kili shot back but laced his fingers with Tauriel's long thin ones.

Tauriel smiled down at her handsome prince who threw her a lopsided grin. "Are you calling yourself trouble?" She laughed out.

"Oh amralime. To the highest degree." The pair fell silent as Kili looked around at the kingdom built among the trees. It really was a wonder, nothing like Erebor's grand stone halls and pillars.

Where the Lonely Mountain was stone, marble, precious metals, and glimmering jewels, Mirkwood was wood, vines, and tall windows of glass to reflect and bring in the light of the sun or the stars. On their way to Ered Luin, Tauriel had time to show Kili and Fili around the city she was raised in. She even took Kili up to where she most loved to watch the stars; where she could walk among them.

It had been the first time Tauriel had been back in the elven city since her short imprisonment and escape. She had thought coming back would re-open old wounds or bring a sort of bitter sadness on what she had left behind, the realm she had known for 600 years.

Instead, she felt nothing but a sort of peaceful nostalgia. Tauriel realized then and there that it was not the trees and paths she grew up in that was home. It was not a small mountain settlement with a large forge combined with a small family chamber. It was not even the sizable and majestic halls of Erebor they were heading for. Home was Kili, and Kili was home. Wherever he went, she would follow and as long as he dwelled in one place, wherever that place may be, it would be her home.

The guard stopped just at the head of the path leading to the dining hall and turned to Kili and Tauriel. "King Thranduil is expecting you both at the high table. I suspect you can find it on your own as I must get back to the gates."

"Of course. Le athae Nelithi." (Your help is appreciated). The elf gave a short bow to both Kili and Tauriel and turned to go back the way they had come.

Hand in hand, Tauriel entered the great hall with Kili at her side. By now, all of Mirkwood forest knew of her marriage to the dwarven prince and their expected child. Though she suspects, as she looked down at the obvious curve of her belly, anyone who did not know, certainly knows now.

Tauriel rested her hand on her still child, he seemed to be asleep at the moment, which meant he will be awake all night. She will no doubt need Kili's magical abilities to calm their child if she was going to get any rest later this evening.

"Ah. Tauriel, and Kili. I was nearly about to send a few more guards to find you."

Tauriel bowed to Thranduil out of habit more than necessity, but the elven king seemed to appreciate the gesture, even if it was no longer needed with her station as royalty. The grand elf turned his blue eyes down on the pair before continuing in a bored tone. "Your mother is quite worried. I suggest you calm her before she tears apart my halls trying to get to you."

Tauriel's eyes widened and Kili peaked around the tall elf to see Dis being held back by Fili and Aeodhen, and only just. With her sensitive hearing, Tauriel can barely make out the words "pregnant" and "my children" being growled out by the volatile dam.

With a sigh, the eleth gave Thranduil a nod and pulled Kili along to stop Dis from storming back out into the trees. "Amad, we are here. Do not worry yourself." Tauriel watched as Dis's blue eyes searched for hers, having heard her elven daughter's voice.

The royal dam visibly relaxed when she saw they were both alive and well, and she was finally released from Fili's hold to run up and pull both into a tight embrace. "What were you two thinking? I turned around and you were both gone! Then I hear Aeodhen yelling something about giant spiders attacking!"

"Ow, mam. Not so tight. We are fine." Kili tried to pull back, but Dis had latched on and refused to move until Tauriel gave a cringe the dam noticed, and immediately let go.

The surprise release forced Kili to grab hold of his wife before she fell to the ground. "Oh, Tauriel. I am sorry dear."

Dis placed a hand on her arm, but Tauriel shook her head and gave her a smile. "We are fine 'amad. No injuries to worry about. We did not even get to the battle as Fili, Vin, and Cilith had the spiders all taken care of by the time we made it to the back."

Fili folded his arms and shifted. "There was a second attack near the middle. Once our people realized it was okay to kill THESE creatures, the spiders were dispatched of by khuzad axes and strength within minutes. A third attack never happened which I assume was because the creatures realized what they were up against."

Dis sighed. She was certainly glad the worst was now behind them. Looking up at the table, she noticed the elven king watching them curiously. "I believe they are waiting for us, come, we should eat so we can move on. Thranduil said if we leave these halls after everyone has had their meal, we will be in Erebor by late in the evening tonight. He also gave the option to stay for the day, but I believe our people are eager to be in a solid home."

They walked to the head of the table where Thranduil already was seated. The elven king gestured to the open chairs, and each took a seat down the long table.

As they sat, Tauriel looked around the massive hall. She was used to seeing it filled with elves, quietly eating before beginning their daily duties. Now, it was filled with her dwarrow people, each looking around nervously at the elves in the room as if they were going to change their minds and attack the traveling company any moment.

A blonde head of braids and curls caught Tauriel's attention, and she watched as Leotti sat beside Viltarra, patting the young baker on the back while Viltarra stared out a window and ignored both Leotti, and the world around her.

Curiously, Tauriel looked over at Fili, who was watching the messy haired blond dam with a type of distant longing she had never seen on her brother before. He had been the one with them when the spiders attacked, she hopes nothing untoward happened.

Before she could ask about it, however, Thranduil signaled for food and the elves placed trays and platters on the tables filled with breads, meats, and poached eggs. A bit more elaborate of a breakfast than normally served, but one she knew the dwarrow would accept more than oats and fruits that typically filled the tables.

"We thank you most kindly for your hospitality, Lord Thranduil. It has been many a week since they have had a true meal." The elven king gave Dis a bow of the head but remained silent.

Elves do not make a point of conversing during meals much, so it was not out of discourtesy he did not converse, more out of habit. Tauriel had once explained this to Dis and the family, so, nobody took offence. Instead, they simply enjoyed their meal in relative silence.

Once all had eaten their fill, Dis began working with Aeodhen to get the groups re-organized for the final leg of their journey. Tauriel had already spent some time helping Shaada and Taada get the dwarfling's in the cart, herself holding a squirming Tauren who was trying to get at the beads in Tauriel's braids. She would grab his chubby little hand and whisper a soft no, but this did little to deter the infant who would immediately begin to start grabbing at her hair once he was freed.

"Tauriel before you leave do you wish to see a healer about your…" Thranduil let his eyes fall to her belly, trying not to cringe at the fact one of the elflings he helped raise decided a better mate would be a dwarf, rather than one from her own race. He was trying, but old animosities die hard. Especially a dislike and distrust as old as theirs was.

"No, my lord. I am most well." Tauriel saw Kili about to argue but she leveled him with a look, and he snapped his mouth shut. The elven king gave a small bow and disappeared into his vast halls, leaving behind his guards and handlers to manage the caravan's departure. It was a start, thought Tauriel. She figured it will take some time for a true softening to happen between their people…if it happens at all, her mind added in.

Kili waived at an elf he recognized who stood in the distance, Galloron, one of the elven captains who had stayed in Erebor and fought at the battle. Kili had gotten to know the elf a bit over his stay and although the tall, dark haired, captain was rather aloof and standoffish, he was not completely unpleasant.

Naurfaer did not seem to hate him, the two fighting much of the battle together. Galloron returned Kili's greeting, the pair talking about plans for the final portion of their journey. Thranduil is sending several guards with them, not just to protect, but with supplies for the mountain as well.

Apparently, in their absence, some trade agreements have already been made. Several of the elves and their own carts of goods were planning on making the trip to the mountain along with the caravan of dwarves, then staying the night before returning with gold and their own promised goods as payment.

Tauriel watched Kili from a distance, his eyes sparkled as he animatedly spoke to Galloron, who was surprisingly listening quite raptly to the shorter dwarven prince. Kili was difficult to ignore. "Avof nathlad 'werth min daur vîn."

Tauriel's eyes shot over to a fair-haired elf who stood nearly a head over her. He emerged from the shadows of Thranduil's outer halls and looked darkly at the red-headed she-elf. "Law thraston, Hydann. Your words are useless here. Thranduil welcomed me and the dwarrow people himself. You have no say. Besides, I am no traitor."

"That thing…" he indicated harshly to the swell in her belly, "…speaks otherwise. To think, an eleth of these woods and her upbringing would choose a dwarf as a bed mate. Tell me, Tauriel, if you sink to that level, what can I do to get you between my sheets for a night?"

A streak of black came out of nowhere, and the blonde elf let out an 'ooph' as a solid mass of dwarf tackled him to the ground. He lifted a fist high above the startled elves face and growled darkly. "What did you say about my wife?"

"KILI! No, he is not worth it meleth nin. Still your hand." Tauriel ran up and grabbed Kili's raised fist before he could throw the first punch.

Kili's blood was boiling, his normally warm brown eyes had darkened to nearly black, and he was ready to kill this elf. He felt the soft hand grab his, and he could feel the tendrils of calm trying to fill him. He grasped the collar of the elf with the hand Tauriel did not hold and pulled the elf to his face, teeth and jaw clenched in fury. "Penig'ur ci'law baer annin il tul nev nin bereth ad, a im belth-cin. Personallui." (You, are heartless and I don't like you. Come near my wife again, and I will kill you. Personally.)

Kili allowed Tauriel and Galloron to pull him off the glaring elf after he gave him one last good shove, forcing the elf back to the ground hard. He yanked his arms from the dark-haired elf and spat at Hydann on the ground. "Hi, Ego! Thostag orch 'waur." (Now, F&*# off! You smell like a dirty orc.)

The elf jumped from the ground, now that the element of surprised shock had passed, he surged towards Kili. Big mistake, as red hair and elven blades blocked his path. "Touch him, and I will kill you."

"Letting your elven whore shield you, dwarf?" The sound of a fist connecting with flesh filled the air as Hydann fell hard to the ground once more.

"NOBODY, calls my sister a whore." Tauriel turned towards Fili who was shaking out his fist.

"What is going on here! FILI! Tell me I did not just see you strike an elf when we are trying to create an alliance!" Dis and Legolas stepped over just in time to see the tall, blonde, elf fall to the ground. Fili told them of what he saw and heard as Tauriel filled in the blanks.

"Galloron, take him away. A night in a cell for attacking royalty should be in order. Report it to my father on your return. If we have already gone, take a horse to catch up."

"As you wish my prince." The captain called another guard and the two lifted the unconscious elf and carried him away towards the dungeons.

Legolas gave her an apologetic look. "I am sorry mellon nin, I meant to warn you Hydann had returned to Mirkwood, but by my father's request, I was with a team of guards making sure the spiders were truly no longer a problem. We had thought them all but gone until early this morning when your caravan arrived. It does not bode well to have such creatures be able to grow in numbers."

Tauriel nodded her understanding and turned her attention back to Kili, who was still silently seething. "Calm, my love. He offered not but words meant to harm. They are a coward's battle choice. Words can only harm as much as we allow them."

Kili lifted his dark eyes up to hers and slowly seemed to calm. Tauriel kissed his brow but knew it would be a while yet before he got a handle on his burning temper. So, she turned her attention to her brother. "Are you alright Fili?"

"Me? Are YOU alright, little sister?" Tauriel blinked, then nodded, but he pointed down to her hands. "Then why are your blades still out?"

Following Fili's eyes, Tauriel just realized she had both of her long, dangerous, daggers clenched tightly in her fists. She quickly shoved them back into their sheaths and stood silently, slightly leaning against Kili. She was fine, really. Completely well. She did not lie, the words did not harm her, but they did cause her some unrest. Hydann did not let things lie well, and she was sure she would be seeing him again one day.

Dis shook her head and looked to the blonde prince. "I hope this does not cause any tension between us and your father." She gave her sons and daughter a look, torn between wanting to be furious at the other elf, and wanting to hold her temper to keep the peace.

"Worry not, lady Dis. He had it coming. Prince Fili just beat me to it." Tauriel turned wide eyes to the elven prince who just shrugged a shoulder, but otherwise looked around calmly before he continued. "I believe, however, it is best we move on. The sooner we leave, the sooner we will reach the mountain. Come. Let us go."

Seeing Kili still frozen in place, dark eyes turned angerly towards where Galloron had escorted Hydann away, Tauriel softly tugged at Kili's sleeve. "Come on Kili. He is not worth your time, meleth nin. Let it be."

It only took one more tug for her stone statue of a husband to melt back into life, and follow her silently as they joined the group to leave the forests behind them.

Dis was ten years old when Smaug came and took the mountain. Her memories of that day were fuzzy and frantic. She remembers Thorin carrying her as they were forced from their home and past the still burning ruins of the human city just outside their gates. Dis used to love spending her evening looking over at the once glorias city of Dale, whose lights often danced in the night like fireflies from where she watched on her grandfather's terrace outside Erebor.

But on that day, the air was filled with ravishing dragon fires and smoke. What she remembers most, however, were the screams. Screams of dwarrow, screams of the people of Dale, cries of death and pain. They alone would haunt her dreams for years to come.

Her mother was lost that day. Her grandfather she had still feared, was driven ever madder with the loss of both his stone and his gold, and her father was losing touch with his own mind. All she had was her two brothers.

When she succumbed to tears on that first night under the stars, she will never forget the gentle touch of her eldest brother, who knelt down to the huddled dwarfling. "Dis, do not cry for the dead. They are at peace now with Mahal."

"It is not them. I am afraid." She looked up to her brother who now sat cross-legged across from her.

Thorin smiled and brushed some of her dark hair out of her face. "What do you fear anai?" (sister)

Dis sniffed and wiped her nose on the sleeve of the large tunic Frerin had placed over her when he saw her shivering. "I am afraid I will be left alone. Adad is not well, grandfather is frightening, and you and Frerin are helping all of our people. Thorin what happens to me when you leave? Who will I have?"

Thorin pulled Dis into his arms and rocked the little dam. "I will always be here Dis. Always. Never you fear being left alone."

"Do you promise?" She turned her blue eyes up to meet his, identical in color to her own.

"You know I cannot promise that anai, only Mahal above knows our fates. But, I will do all I can to stay as long as you need me." Dis does not recall much else that night, except falling asleep in Thorin's large arms after whispering, "I will always need you, Thorin."

Now, over 170 years later, Dis was turning her blue eyes upon the city of Dale once again. "It is as I remember it, those many, many years ago."

Tauriel, Kili, and Fili looked at the city whose fires were lit, dancing in the cool spring air. It was very late in the evening, but they can make out their mountain home just past the human city. Home. It is so close.

"Come on mam, we will be meeting with Bard, Lord of Dale soon. Let's get these dwarrows home." Dis turned tear filled eyes to Fili and nodded, pushing her pony into a canter beside Tauriel, and her two boys.

As they finally made their way to Erabor, going around the city, they jumped from their mounts and paused at the beginning of the final path to the mountain. Fili jumped up on the cart nearest him, climbing high onto its crates to address the dwarrow who gathered as close as they could to hear.

"This is the final leg of the journey home to our kingdom, but before we take these final steps, look on either side of the path. Those large stones hold the names of the fallen. Them that gave their lives for our lands. Take a moment, even in your great exhaustion I know you are all feeling, to honor their sacrifice. We are walking this path to Erebor because they chose to pick up a weapon, and run into battle. These are the hero's most deserving of our victory."

For those who did not hear, the message was passed back and one by one, the path was filled with dwarves who gave their gratitude to each being who was lost. Some cried when they came across a name they knew. For those they did not, equal respect and appreciation was given be them dwarrow, elf, or human.

At the end of the great walk, stood a large crowd. Before they reached it, however, Tauriel watched as Dis gave every, single, stone, she came into contact with a moment of her time…at least until she reached the paths end and her eyes lifted, filling with tears.

There, standing tall, was her eldest brother, who held his arms open wide for his baby sister. She walked into them easily, without hesitation, and Thorin held her tight. "Welcome home, aini." He rumbled before pulling back. "We have much to talk about and even more I am sure you would like to yell at me about, but I do think it would be better to feed the hungry and give rooms to our weary people."

Dis chuckled and pulled back, only to be grabbed into another, taller, hug. "Blessed maker above, I have been waiting months to finally meet you." Unsure of what was going on, and glaring at Balin who was smothering a laugh with his hands, Dis pushed herself back to meet the green eyes and red hair of another elf. This must be the infamous Naurfaer.

Jumping in to help mediate, after seeing Dis's shock fanning the flames of the well-known Durin temper, Tauriel grabbed Dis's hand quickly.

"Amad, I would be honored to introduce you to Naurfaer. My mother's father." She looked at the other elf, "Naurfaer, this is Dis, Sister of Thorin, Daughter of Thrain, Mother of Fili and Kili, and my mother."

Dis looked between the two elves, Tauriel was still much shorter than this elf, though he was not quite as tall as Thranduil. He had nearly the same eye color and hair color as her daughter, though the shades of both were just a bit different. The biggest difference, however, was he acted like no elf she had ever met in her life. This was most apparent in his bright smile and easy way he grabbed her into a hug.

Naurfaer was smiling wide, both happy to meet Dis, and glad to have his granddaughter back safely. "I have heard much about you Lady Dis. I also have much to thank you for in accepting Tauriel into your family. I will forever be thankful for caring for her as you have."

Dis returned his smile, and gave her daughters hand a squeeze. "Tauriel is quite easy to love. I would ask for no better daughter." She looked to Tauriel who was smiling. "And it is Dis only, please. I believe you being Tauriel's grandfather makes us family."

There was a rumbled groan and a murmured, "Did you have to say that, Dis?" from her brother behind her as Naurfaer's eyes got wide and his smile looked as if it would crack his face.

The tall elf pulled Dis into another hug forcing her to drop Tauriel's hand. This one, however, she was a bit more prepared for and patted the taller elf on the back until he let go.

Dis then went and pulled her friends Dwalin and Balin into tight embraces and greeted the rest of the company responsible for their success.

While Dis was surrounded by the original company, Tauriel turned to greet Thorin, who pulled her into a hug having already done so with Fili and Kili. The moment he released her, he knelt down and laid a hand on her belly, also welcoming the little one home as well.

Before Tauriel could move to Balin and Dwalin, she found herself in yet another tight embrace from the Iron Hill's dwarven lord and their cousin, Dain. "Oh lassie, look at the size of yeh! Growin' more each day. Though yeh still look a bit small. OI, Darkyn! Let's get the expectin' mother some food!"

Tauriel turned to mouth 'help' to Kili who was laughing hard in the background beside Thorin who looked equally amused. Useless dwarrows.

To her relief, Tauriel was not the only one ushered into the massive hall. She watched from a table high up as group by group was directed in and shown a place to sit. It appeared the official welcome will be happening here.

Dain had made sure she was given a plate of breads, cheeses, and some water before going and helping the others into the hall. It took nearly a half hour, but eventually all the dwarrow of Ered Luin were now seated below, and her family joined her at the upper royal table. She was happy to see Naurfaer join them as well, she had actually missed the quirky elf that she was slowly starting to see as her true family.

The entire hall stood when Thorin stepped up, including Tauriel. "Welcome! Welcome my people to Erebor. It is very late in the evening, much too late for a true and deserving celebration. But that time will come. For tonight, let us dine in peace and comfort. When you have eaten your fill, see Balin at the front table to receive your chamber assignments. He will answer any questions you may have. The only warning I offer, is to be wary of which halls you go down. We have cleared and fortified much of the damage, but certain areas are yet still closed off. Going down these will cause serious injury and possibly death. Now, eat and allow me to say good night on your first evening home."

Thorin then sat, indicating it was okay for all to follow. Many of the dwarrow who had either arrived in their time away, or came with Dain, were passing platters and plates around as the hall erupted in the sound of laughter, scraping dishes, and clunking mugs of ale.

Now full with food, Tauriel thought to excuse herself from the hall surprisingly still filled with many of the younger dwarrow too excited to retire, all celebrating their first meal in the majesty around them.

Tauriel, did stay as long as her family had, though she soon found herself leaning heavily on Fili, who looked up at his sister from the rim of his own mug. The young prince carefully leaned to Thorin and indicated that it may be time to retire themselves.

The king looked at Tauriel who was already half asleep on Fili's shoulder, then to Kili laughing completely unaware with Naurfaer, who was telling him a story of how he had won a bet with Nori that he could not get Dwalin to blush. The merry elf going into detail of all the things he tried before being successful.

"Kili, do you want me to take her up?" Kili stopped mid laugh to turn to Thorin, then looked at Tauriel, his precious wife practically asleep on his brother's shoulder.

Kili gave her a soft smile and traced the curve of her cheek with his fingers. Amralime? Are you ready to retire my love?"

Green eyes blinked open as Tauriel lifted her head from Fili to look at Kili. "Stay and enjoy the evening Kili, I will go up." But Kili shook his head and was already rising. To his surprise, Thorin, Fili, and Dis stood as well.

Kili turned back to Naurfaer who just waived them off. "I am going to help get the others to their chambers. Some of them look a bit…too far gone."

Kili glanced over to where Naurfaer was indicating to see some of the younger dwarrow, who obviously could not hold their ale, completely missing their mouths, pouring the amber liquid down their tunics, and laughing.

Eyes roaming the hall, Kili then saw Leotti standing in Balin's line as she looked around curiously, if not a bit warily. The young prince suddenly had an idea and called out to her. "Leotti!"

The blonde dam turned her head from her place just behind another dwarf in line to smile and wave to Kili. She was to get her chambers next. "I will be right back amralime. Stay here for a sec." He then turned to his…what…grandfather by marriage…naw, just Naurfaer. "Naurfaer, can I borrow you?" The elf nodded and jumped up, following Kili towards the dam who just stepped up to Balin.

Looking up from his list, Balin gave the young dam a welcoming smile. "Ah, Leotti. Welcome to Erebor lass. Is your mother here?"

Kili saw some of the happiness leave her olive eyes as she shook her head. "Amad was, unhappy with the thought. But I wanted a chance to build something of my own."

Balin smiled kindly and handed her a key and a piece of parchment. "I'll put you in the hall of the dams in the opposite halls of the lads. There are already quite a few here. There will also be a shop for you in the market of your choice when you are ready lassie. It is an honor to have such a talented seamstress here." Leotti blushed and stepped back towards Kili, allowing for the next dwarf in line to step up to Balin.

Kili pulled the little dam over to an elf watching them curiously. An elf, who may not have been Tauriel, yet she knew instantly who he was even without Kili's introduction. "Leotti, this is Tauriel's grandfather, Naurfaer."

Kili gestured to the tall elf as Leotti gave a small bow in greeting. "I have heard much about you, Naurfaer." The taller elf seemed surprised and gave her a wide smile.

Knowing it was her first time in these vast halls, Kili wanted to make certain his wife's closest friend made it to her new chamber without getting lost. "Naurfaer, would you mind showing Leotti to her room? I want to make sure she gets there safely."

"Thank you Kili." Leotti kissed her friend on the cheek and took Naurfaer's offered arm.

Kili watched them leave as Naurfaer leaned down, curiously asking, "You heard a lot about me? Do tell!" Kili chuckled and turned to join his family.

When he stepped up to her, Tauriel pulled her husband close and leaned down, pressing her forehead to his before placing a soft kiss to his lips. "Thank you Kili. You have a beautiful heart, my prince."

Kili smiled back up at her and took her hand as they walked together out of the halls towards the royal wing.

Despite her exhaustion, Dis looked everywhere she could on their way to their halls. It was all just how she remembered it to be…except for the solid gold floor of the throne room. Dis gave Thorin a questioning look, but he just muttered, "Tomorrow." and pulled her past, giving the guards a nod before guiding her up the large staircase to the royal wing above.

The entire way up, Dis had tears in her eyes as she looked at the halls and rooms she grew up in. Thorin had decided to shift out of the larger suite he had given to Kili and Tauriel, and join Dis in their old family chamber which happened to be directly across the hall. Fili too took one of the smaller single suites just a few doors down, and Naurfaer had been gifted another across from Fili.

The kitchen was also found which happened to be next to Naurfaer's new chamber. It was in the same hall as the family suites, but as it was still completely out of use and had some smoke damage likely from a small fire that broke out during the original attack, they kept it closed and locked.

Bidding Dis and Thorin goodnight, the couple walked into their rooms. Tauriel took a moment to look around at the large, empty, suite. She was used to this room having Fili lounging in one of the high-backed chairs, Naurfaer humming as he cleaned his blade on the chaise, or Thorin reading before the fire.

But now, it seemed too devoid of life, at least until Kili's arms wrapped around her tightly. Then, her son gave a nudge, reminding her that he too was still there, and she placed her hand where he pushed. She had her world wrapped around and within her and she could not be happier.

Wordlessly, Kili guided Tauriel to their bedchambers, and she looked back into the empty sitting room through the open door. She was currently seven months along, which meant that in just six months, another being will be in these rooms with them. It seemed so far away, yet almost too close.

Pushing her to the bed, Kili began helping her out of her layers, removing her boots and peeling away her fur lined travel cloak Thorin had gifted her before they left for Ered Luin. She then stood, allowing for her cloak and vests to fall to the ground.

Tauriel kicked the pile of clothes and shoes away knowing she will get to them tomorrow. Right now, she had a different idea of how she wanted to spend her first night back. With a gentle tug, she pulled Kili towards her, sealing their lips as they fell together towards the bed, finally together in their home.

Original Authors Note: Okay. Hear me out. So I did make up the whole…Durin's extended lifespan thing. Here is why I went that route, really it is a mix between the ages of Thorin in the book which is 195 when they began their quest to Erebor where as Balin is only 178. That my friends is a 17 year gap BOOK wise. Yet, looking at them in the movie, Thorin not only looks younger than Balin, but closer to that of someone just past middle aged, nowhere near senior. So I thought, huh, sons of Durin are revered, they already look slightly different, why not give them an extended lifespan too. All me peeps, not Tolkien lore in any way. Plus it helps explain why Kili still doesn't have a beard, him and Fili would age even slower then regular dwarrow. Fili has a beard because he is Fili. Epic Fili. :D

Poor Fili who thought Viltarra was a boy HAHAHA. Doofus. He figured it out though eventually didn't he. He's just a bit slow on the female uptake. He will learn.

We still have SO much coming up. A coronation, some dwarven lords, a baby, and so SOOOOO much more. See you soon. :)