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.

7. ACT I Chapter SEVEN

Updated October 5th, 2021

Original Authors Note: Ya…sorry again for the last chapter. I am EXPERIMENTING with posting less then 24 hours apart so I could get this one to you a bit faster. Not sure if will allow this or not but I finished it early and I don't feel like waiting 7 hours to hit that 24 hour period.

Thank you again for the reviews. I am SO amazed that you love this Reforged Universe as much as I love writing it. Even I go back and reread it XD. Thank you for sticking with me. Here is another chapter. I really am busting these out. Really I am completely done with ACT I so I should be starting ACT II soon. Anyway. Enjoy. :)

Chapter Seven

If Fili thought the next day would be better, he was wrong. Kili begged Tauriel to come out, but she told him to go to his meetings. Every day, Kili begged, and every day, Tauriel sent him away.

Slowly, as the week progressed, Kili stopped trying. He threw himself into his meetings and work. Fili tried too, he even told Tauriel what he walked in on when he came back with the ale, but Tauriel only sent him away too.

It did not help that they were reaching the end of negotiations, which meant more time locked away in rooms. Kaulithah seemed to either ignore what happened or was so drunk that night she did not remember, as she still laughed her way through the halls as if nothing were wrong in her world.

Tauriel did not leave her room and Kili stopped going back during the day. Fili would even occasionally find his brother sleeping on his own sofa looking paler every time he saw him. The young prince, however, was always gone when Fili woke.

This went on for over a week. Maybe it was time to tell mam and Thorin and get them involved; especially considering he has yet to see his mother or uncle in the same timeframe. Well, that was not exactly true, he did see them at the evening meals, but they were both so engrossed in the Lords and ladies around them, neither paid any never mind to the absent elf or clearly ailing Kili.

With an hour for lunch, Fili walked into his mother's chamber only to stop at the laughing dams filling her sitting room. Since when did his mam bring anyone into the royal wing?

All eyes looked to Fili and Dis gave her son a smile. "Fili, come join us love. I thought I would change things up a bit today and show them the view from my sitting room." She indicated to a chair beside Kaulithah, but the thought of sitting beside, her, made him want to be ill.

Oooh, no. A lunch with Leotti sounds more tempting then even remaining in this room, and that was saying something. Not that he would say that out loud, he was raised better than that. So, for the sake of his mam, and Kaulithah…since Fili honestly wanted to personally cut every curl from her head, the blonde prince declined. "No, mam. I will speak to you later." He gave them all a bow, Dis looking at him in concern, but shrugged it off and began talking to Kaulithah once more.

Fili walked out and stared at the room across from where he stood, where he knew Tauriel to be. Was mam trying to supplement Kaulithah for Tauriel? Had Tauriel lost her novelty in his mother's eyes? Does she favor Kaulithah because she was a dam rather than an elf?

Fili knew the answer to all of those questions was the same, no, his mother was just caught up in the Lord's daughter and the regal dams around her. She loved Tauriel, as did they all. He himself had barely any free time to take a breath, let alone sit down for tea with anyone…except for that cringeworthy 'date' with Kaulithah a few weeks ago.

Fire and forge, he has not even seen his uncle since their last dinner together. Fili wandered out of the chambers and down the stairs. He decided to forgo lunch and just let his feet do the walking until he had to be at his next meeting in a half hour.

That is how he found himself in the market. At first, he tried to make up a reason he ended up here, his mind making excuses like stating he needed a few things. His quill was blunted, a new one would not be bad. Maybe he could get the ingredients to make Tauriel some butter cake…Gildridd would never allow that. An ale in the marketplace pub? Best not to drink before a final negotiation.

Not one of those reasons were why he was truly here, though. The reality of it was, he was here because his entire being needed to see the one person who could make his tilting world feel somewhat steadied.

As luck would have it, Fili caught Viltarra's eyes, and she immediately lifted the counter, opened the gate, and ushered him back after seeing the pained look he gave her. She hopes it has nothing to do with Tauriel, Mahal, please don't let it be her friend. "Hey Fili, what's happened? What's wrong?"

Fili did not answer, instead he did the first thing his instincts told him to do. He wrapped his arms around her waist, and buried his nose in her hair as he tried to ground himself.

What he was doing he had no idea, all he knew was this dam was the only thing right and calm in his chaotic world. Why did he wait so long to end up at this bakery? Why had he let her leave the night of the banquet? Where was all this even coming from? A few weeks ago he was unable to even approach the bakery, and now, he was not just standing inside, but had this dam enfolded in his arms. Mahal, he could care less right now. If she was willing, he was going to seek out her comfort.

"Everything." Fili finally answered.

Viltarra did not know what to do with her arms at first, but relaxed and slid them around Fili. She gave him a moment then lifted her hands up to his chest and gave a gentle push.

Not fighting, Fili extracted himself from her and sat back against the counter. "Kaulithah kissed Kili."

"She did WHAT! Why that Kakhuf inbarathrag!" I will pull every hair she has out of her pretty head and then turn her over to Leotti!" The dam was now pacing the small area at the back of her families stand, furious.

"Tauriel saw it." Fili quietly added in.

Viltarra went silent and stilled her pacing. "Fili, she didn't think Kili kissed her back? Did he kiss her back?"

"WHAT!? NO! I mean, I did not see, but when I came back what I saw was a Kili who was ready to kill someone, and Kaulithah on the floor. I doubt he hit her, but he definitely shoved her off if the look she was giving was any indication. But, I don't think Tauriel saw any of that."

Viltarra sighed and leaned back against the counter beside Fili. "Poor Tauriel."

'Poor Kili' Fili thought silently.

Viltarra gave Fili a side eye, then stared straight ahead. "Does that mean you won't be courting her anymore? Kaulithah?"

Fili looked at Viltarra curiously and shook his head. "Courting Kaulithah? We had one picnic; I hardly consider that courting. Besides, I had no desire to in the first place, despite my mother's obvious favor of her. I did not even want to go on that picnic."

Viltarra let out the breath she did not realize she was holding, then looked at Fili. "Does your mother know what she did?"

Shaking his head, Fili answered, "No. I went to speak to her today but, her sitting room was filled with the visiting wives of the Lords, and Kaulithah."

Viltarra looked up at him puzzled. "Tauriel has got to be rather upset. Isn't Dis the only mother she has? Shouldn't she be with Tauriel especially with how she has been doing lately?"

Fili sighed. "Things have been…tense with all the delegations and negotiations. Yes, mam usually hovers over Tauriel, or…she did. I think she is trying to spare Tauriel being subjected to uncomfortable experiences. Some of the ladies are ill-fond of elves and my only guess would be mam is keeping Tauriel's stress levels down by taking on all the responsibilities of handling the dams herself."

"That and she can have one on one time with the dam she is hoping to become another daughter." Viltarra smirked but it turned to a frown at Fili's intense gaze.

Fili watched Viltarra, then he closed in on her. "I don't want to court a dam who would force herself on another when he is clearly attached, and I certainly won't marry one. I can't see myself with someone who smells of strong oils and perfumes and spends most of her morning doing her hair and putting on elaborate gowns. It is superficial and ornamental. What good is a dam like that but to be a pretty bauble to show off, and I have no need for pretty baubles, I have a treasure room full of those."

Fili placed his hands on either side of Viltarra and leaned in close. "Funny how life works. I never understood my brother until now. How he fell in love with an elf of all things. I thought it was just…fascination and attraction to something both exotic and rebellious. Kili has always been rebellious. But now I can see it and I finally understand him. I do not want to court and marry a bauble. I do not want to be forced into a relationship where I am uncomfortable and unhappy. I do not want to wake every morning wondering why I allowed my choices to thrust me into a loveless match."

Viltarra watched mesmerized by Fili's words. How is it the first time he actually made it to the stall by himself, he was pouring his heart out to her? She lifted her eyes to his when he finished with, "Viltarra, I don't want to court a dam that is not you." Her eyes widened as Fili ducked his head to close the distance between their lips, but fingers stopped them from touching. "No."

Fili narrowed his eyes in question. "No?"

Viltarra gently pushed Fili away once again. She hated the tears that were filling her eyes. "No, Fili. I said no." She would not give in to the hurt look Fili was giving her. This was not the cocky self-assured prince Leotti always described him as, in fact, Viltarra rarely saw that side of Fili. He always seemed so…nervous, until today…and judging by the look on his face, this was the reason why. He feared rejection but she could not stop herself from delivering just that.

"But, why?" Fili's eyes were begging for an answer.

Viltarra sighed, where should she start. "First off, you are a crowned prince, which means whomever you marry will be the next queen under the mountain. I am a baker Fili! Mostly invisible in every city I arrive in. What dwarrow would bow down to someone who has flour constantly coming from her head and beard. Secondly, your mother does not even know I exist. She will never allow it, especially if she is team Kaulithah. Finally, I cannot put myself through your family."

This caught Fili by surprise. What was that supposed to mean. "My family?"

Viltarra looked towards the front where her mother was helping, obviously trying to give them some privacy. "I only have my mother and father Fili, but, we are close. Very close. If something were to happen to one of us, the bakery would be shut down and we would stop at NOTHING to help them. Family. Comes. First. I cannot be part of something or with anyone who does not believe that."

Fili stepped towards her, his eyes narrowed at the accusation in her tone. "What is that supposed to mean!? My family is everything to me. I would die for each of them, I nearly did for Kili, more than once. I would do anything for my mam, or my uncle. Tauriel is my sister through and through. I care not what kind of blood runs through her veins..."

Viltarra gave him a look of disbelief, interrupting him instantly. "Fili, your sister is dying!"

Fili was taken aback. "No. She is just experiencing a difficult pregnancy. The healer…"

"The healer is wrong! I am telling you. Look at her, she is wasting away! She came to my stand the other day, mumbling something incoherent. My mother pulled her in to sit and placed some food in front of her. Tauriel ate nearly 12 buns Fili. TWELVE. She has been here nearly every day."

Fili looked unsure of what to do or say. He had not even seen Tauriel leave her room let alone make it down to the market, and what does she mean Tauriel was mumbling incoherently? "I am sorry Fili, really. But I cannot be part of that. I cannot be connected to a family who watches one of its members die from the sidelines, especially someone I care about, like Tauriel, who is my friend." Not waiting for a reply, Viltarra stormed away, leaving Fili alone, gaping and lost in the back of the bakery, until Vin approached him shaking his head and ushered him out.

Tauriel could not do it anymore. She just released her breakfast again in the toilet and sat back. She knew she needed to talk to Kili, but she had not seen him in a week. She had heard where he was though, constantly behind closed doors, working well into the night. Some evenings, he would stalk in, stopping at her door, but thinking better of it, he would go into a different room to sleep.

Every morning though, she would find a small note telling her what she meant to him, and to 'please stay'. Sometimes, it would be a picture he had drawn, and once it was a bouquet of her favorite flowers.

Truthfully, she was not really angry with him. She missed him more than anything. She did have a talk with Thorin a few days ago though, which helped clear a few things up for her.

On her way back up from the market, she froze in place when her ears picked up a dam snickering about Kili accepting a mistress into his bed. Thorin, having just exited the adjacent room, overheard. The king under the mountain had pulled a numb Tauriel into his office and sat her down.

Tauriel's wide, innocent, eyes stared at Thorin. It was one of the first times he realized just how young she was, as the look she was giving him was not from a being who was into her 6th century of living, but rather, one who was begging their father to tell them it was all going to be alright. "Is it true Thorin, is that…is that done? I mean, I have heard...whisperings…even in Thranduil's halls, that mortals have needs and will stray when they are not met and it was not...uncommon…for royalty to accept a mistress…especially when…their wives are expecting."

"Enough. Tauriel. No. I do not care how old Kili and Fili are, I would never allow it! If Kili or Fili want to go whore around, they will have to get through Dis and I first. We did not raise them to be the kind of dwarrow to find warmth and comfort in another's bed. Put that far from your mind. It will never happen. Furthermore, Tauriel, I know for certain Kili would never even consider it."

Tauriel let a tear fall from her eyes and curled into herself as she let the flood of hurt fill her. Thorin jumped to his feet and pulled the eleth into his arms. "Hush, nâtha, it will be alright."

It took Thorin nearly an hour to calm Tauriel down, and once she was stable, he let her remain in his office for the remainder of the day, the elf sleeping peacefully in one of the large chairs. He only woke her when the great bell chimed it was time to eat, which only caused the elf to grimace at the thought, but she still followed him out. Who knew eating would become a type of torture?

Eyeing the note Kili had left the next morning, Tauriel sighed. What happened to simpler times? She rested her head on her folded arms as she sat on the warm veranda leaning against the banister and let herself drift in and out of sleep.

A light knocking at the door caused Tauriel to stretch and yawn. She looked around at the light and airy room and pushed herself out of bed, which felt odd, because she does not remember getting into bed in the first place. A second knock came before she could think on it anymore, and Tauriel walked barefoot through the room to pull the door open. "Legolas?"

The elven prince gave Tauriel a smile and looked her up and down. "Did you sleep in again mellon? You are due in father's hall in ten minutes. Better hurry, you know how he can get."

Tauriel looked around at her room and nodded. Something felt off. She dressed quickly then looked into the tall mirror in her quarters, and she could not stop herself from placing her hands on her flat belly. Why did she feel like something was wrong? Like something was missing?

Shaking her head, Tauriel left her room, sped through the stairwells, and past the other elven guards, each acknowledging her as she stepped into the hall…of dwarves.

"Forgive me my Lady, are you going in?"

Tauriel looked around her, confusion filling her eyes, but she shook her head and moved to allow others to pass. She swears she was just in Mirkwood. No, she is in Erebor. That was a lifetime ago! Was it a dream?

Tauriel laid a hand on her sleeping unborn, eyes going wide. She flipped around and stormed up some steps, down a hallway, and up another corridor before rapping softly at a door.

"Come in!"

Tauriel opened the door and stepped into the large room to see Oin stitching up a young dwarrow. "Hello lass! Go ahead an' 'ave a seat. Be only a mo."

The older healer gave the young dwarf one last look after he tied off the string and set his tools down. "Next time, point the knife away from yeh when fighten' lad, the pointy end, is not yer friend." The dwarf rolled his eyes as he scurried out, and Oin wiped his hands and turned to Tauriel. "An ta wha' do I owe this grand pleasure?"

Without thought or hesitation, Tauriel unleashed everything to the old healer she trusted. "Oin, I don't know what to do anymore. I…I can't hold anything down. Nothing. I feel as if I have not eaten in weeks, months maybe. Gildridd has me on this, this nutritious diet but I cannot keep it down." She was clearly distressed and borderline frantic.

Oin walked up to her and waited for her to settle her breathing. "Aye, I 'ave seen her notes. In theory it makes sense. If yeh can no hold anything down, at least yer body is gettin' the nutrients. Bu' lass, yeh have teh know, I don' think I agree." He took in the diminishing elf before him, his eyes filled with worry. She really did not look good.

"What would you have me do?" Tauriel's eyes were wide and pleading, for anything.

"Eat. Anythin' yeh can get her little elvish fingers on lass. Eat six cakes in one sittin', eat eggs, tripe, cookies, biscuits, rolls. Mahal, eat a stick of butter if that is all yeh can hold in."

"Oin, I went to sleep and woke up in Mirkwood, then woke up again in the great hall. I don't know what is happening to me." Tauriel let the tears fall and Oin leaned over to her and patted her arm comfortingly.

"Yeh need food lassie. Hallucinations can be triggered with lack o' food. I wan' yeh to go down to the market an eat. Whatever yeh fancy. Don' even think about Gildridd or yer diet." Tauriel nodded and left the room to head to her favorite place in the market.

"Tauriel, father is waiting for you. He said you never made it to your shift." Tauriel blinked and the light brown halls of Mirkwood filled her vision. She closed her eyes and shook her head, opening them again to the darker halls of Erebor. Eat. Oin said to eat. She can eat.

With her hand on the stone wall for balance, she made her way down the corridor and carefully walked down the steps, descending further into the mountain until she heard the lively sounds of the marketplace. She followed her nose taking her to the place she knew well, and stopped before the bakery, swaying where she stood, as she tried to remain standing while Viltarra and Tarrah worked through the long line ahead of her.

Before they even finished with the person at the front, however, Viltarra immediately homed in on her friend, and cried out. "Tauriel! Come here! You need to sit down."

It was true, Tauriel looked as if she was about to fall over. The bakery was opened, and Tauriel felt herself be pulled passed murmuring elves…no they were dwarves…murmuring dwarves, and into the back of the bakery.

Tauriel's eyes tried to focus in on a vase of flowers on a shelf attached to the bakery. Purple and blue hues filled her vision before they began spinning before her eyes.

A plate was placed before her along with a cup of cool water, forcing her eyes to blink to try and clear away the fog as she turned her attention to the now swirling colors of what seemed to be an entire plate of cheese buns, scones, and fruit tarts. Tauriel did not wait for the colors to solidify, she grasped onto a bun and forced it into her mouth. One after another, barely taking a sip of water between, Tauriel forced everything before her down.

Viltarra watched her friend with worry as she ate fourteen buns, two scones, and three fruit tarts without a break, before she finally zeroed in on the blonde baker. "I am sorry Viltarra. Let me pay you for these, I was just, they are all I can hold down."

"Never you mind that, Tauriel. Eat all you need." Viltarra placed another plate down, and sat beside her friend, her light brown eyes going from the eleth to her mother, then father. Each one had expressions filled with concern as they helped the line of customers, but occasionally looked back at their daughter, and Tauriel.

Tauriel ate a few more buns and sat back staring off into the market.

"Are you alright now? Let me take you back to your room." Tauriel looked at Viltarra as if she had seen her for the first time, but with just a shake of her head, the elf was rising steadily to her feet.

"I really need to get back to my duties Ivethin. Legolas and the king are waiting. I must not keep them waiting any longer."

Viltarra's mother stood beside her daughter and watched Tauriel go. "What did she just say?"

Viltarra shook her head. "I do not know, it was in elvish, but I think she mentioned Legolas." She watched her friend leave with worry, she needed to speak to Fili, right away.

"Tauriel! My father is losing his temper. I do not wish to see him turn it on you. He waits for you up in his throne room. I will meet you there shortly."

Tauriel sighed and followed the path up through the corridors of Mirkwood and opened the door to the stairs that led towards the throne where Thranduil waited. The hallway and stairs however, dissolved into black birds all croaking at her. "The raven room?" She looked out over the expansive opening and stepped into the room, the throne room reappearing.

"Why are you lurking in the shadows? Come forward Tauriel."

Naurfaer gave Galaddal a pat on the neck. That was such a waste of time. They had followed the orc trail and discovered the small pack, easily taking them out, all except one who laughed and asked how the king under the mountain was fairing. If he had lost his mind yet.

Thinking this orc knew something about the Arkenstone, Naurfaer interrogated him until it dissolved into laughter at every question. He only got a few things from him, but it was enough to give him a lead to follow. He dismissed the party of dwarves, telling them he had something important to look into, and sent them back to the mountain with a message for Tauriel. He knew she was safe. As long as she stayed in that mountain, she was just fine.

Naurfaer found himself in a seedy town where even the shadows had shadows. Pulling the hood over his head, he entered the building he was told of. He found a dwarf, covered in scars, one eye missing along with several fingers, nursing a mug of ale.

"Wha' are yeh gawking at elf."

Naurfaer stared hard at the dwarf. "Are you Vyken?"

"Pends on how much ya got on yeh. Fer the righ' price I can be the bloody elf Elrond."

Naurfaer threw a bag of gold on the table. "I am not looking for Elrond, I am looking for information."

The dwarf sniffed and used his tankard to look into the bag and pulled it into his pocket as he stood and walked towards the back. "Yeh commin?"

Naurfaer adjusted his hood once again and followed the dwarf into the back, his hand on his hilt just in case. The dwarf led him up a flight of stairs and into a room and told him to sit. Gesturing to a small, solitary, table in the middle. "Wha' information yeh lookin for?"

Naurfaer looked at the dwarf who sat across from him. "Erebor. What do you know of the madness that plagued the line of Durin."

The dwarf smiled wide, gaps in his teethe giving him a more menacing look. "Only sum." He took a draw of his pipe and leaned forward. "All I know is wha' I 'eard. There is a cult who seeks teh end the line. Sever it…or was it they wanted tha' mountain…canno remember…brains a bit foggy lately. Besides, haven't 'eard much of em in the last, oh, hundred years though. Either dead, or jus' gone quiet." Naurfaer sat back, folding his arms as he thought of what he was told.

Vyken took another long draw of his pipe and cleared his throat. "Though, there was a rumor a Gundabad 'ad it out for em. 'Eard 'e is dead though. Really, tha's all I know."

Naurfaer put another pile of gold down. "You hear anything else, anything at all, you tell me." The dwarf pulled the second bag into his pocket and nodded, watching the elf leave without another word.

"Tell em 'e is on his way back." A raven croaked, catching a gold piece in its jagged beak and flew out the window as Vyken placed his pipe back in his mouth and smiled.

Galaddal trotted along the road through the forest to Mirkwood. It was a faster path and Naurfaer would not mind stopping in for a visit. Blessed Valar above what was he turning into? Him, Naurfaer, sworn enemy of Thranduil, the princess of ponce, thinking about stopping in for a visit…voluntarily. He huffed a laugh and pushed the grey horse on ahead and through the gates of the elven city.

Legolas was running into the stables when Naurfaer was just about to take the saddle from Galaddal's back. "Naurfaer! Do not remove that saddle, you must come with me, quickly."

Naurfaer paused but the elven prince looked flustered, so he jumped on Galaddal and waited for Legolas to join him. "What is it?"

From his white mare, Legolas threw a small wrapped bundle to Naurfaer, the elf catching it easily and opening it up. He smirked at the contents and turned to the young elven prince…well, young to him at least. "Aww, Legolas, you got me flowers. I did not know you knew it was our anniversary!" He turned a lifted brow to the elf who rolled his eyes.

Naurfaer scrutinized the plant once more. "Morning glories though? Maybe we should reconsider our relationship. If you wished to kill me, I would suggest a more caring, quicker way like a bow or a sword, something much more dignified and a bit…faster…than the slow, agonizing, death, by toxic plant."

The elf prince glared at Naurfaer who wrapped the flower back up and tossed it back to Legolas. "I take it there is a story with why you have a bundle of morning glories you are showing me?"

Legolas nodded. "These are not native to our forest, yet a trade caravan came back from Erebor and discovered a patch just near Dale on the rim of the greenwood. At first, I thought nothing of it, then one told me it was being tended to by a dwarf who appeared to be harvesting seeds from the flowers."

Naurfaer furrowed his brows. "Why would a dwarf want morning glory seeds? They have no value apart from their colors, and most consider them to be more like a weed then a flower."

Legolas eyed Naurfaer. "I don't know for certain, but then I heard a rumor I did not like. One of our own traders got a glimpse of Tauriel, and she had enough concern about what she saw, to alert my father, who sent for me."

Naurfaer whipped his eyes to the prince. "Tell me you are not insinuating what I think you are?"

Legolas nodded. "Naurfaer, you know morning glory seeds are poisonous to elves and humans. Dwarves have a constitution to just let it pass, but, it will kill us, slowly, but surely."

So much for Tauriel being safe in the mountain. Naurfaer cursed in every language he knew, then kicked Galaddal into a gallop and flew towards the mountain.

"Well, are you going to come forward or not?" Tauriel stood in place. She felt dizzy and nauseous. Her mind wanted her to move and get whatever Thranduil wanted to tell her over and done with, but her feet refused to budge. Slowly, she forced them forward towards the elven king.

Fili was walking out of a meeting, exhausted. Finally, the Blacklocks came to terms. He was finished. Deciding he deserved a mug of ale for his success, he walked down to the markets to the small tavern nestled among the stalls.

Before he could enter though, Viltarra grabbed his arm. She looked borderline frantic. "Fili I have been looking all over for you! Have you seen Tauriel today?"

This was the first he has seen of Viltarra since she walked away from him, and her father pushed him out of their bakery. She seemed to be very talented at avoiding him, which was not a talent he was particularly impressed with. "No. Not today. I just got out of my final meeting. I had planned on checking on her later this afternoon."

Viltarra pulled his arm, directing him away from the tavern entrance. "She came to my stall today, looking…oh Fili she looked worse than I have ever seen her. I let her eat, and she ate almost two dozen buns before standing. She said something in elvish and left. I, I cannot repeat it I do not know what it was she said but it was the look in her eyes. She wasn't here Fili. It was as if she was far away. You need to go find her. Now. GO!"

Fili looked at Viltarra then nodded and walked swiftly from the markets. He was about to follow the halls to the royal wing when a black, feathered, mass flew straight into Fili's chest, then landed on the floor. Looking down, he knelt low just as the bird righted itself. "Kaw?"

Shaking its feathered head, it began nipping at Fili's legs and hopping away. He followed the bird, but decided it was too slow, so he scooped it up and ran until it nipped at him, and then he would change direction. He stopped at the door to the raven room and pulled it open.

At first it seemed empty, but Kaw nipped at him again and took flight. Fili watched as the bird circled a figure near the edge of the mountain, just about to take a step off the high cliff wall. "Oh Mahal." Fili ran.

Too close to the edge, she was too close. The cavernous room felt three times as large as Fili pumped his legs to get to the eleth who was only a step from plummeting from the mountain.

Kaw croaked and cried trying to get her attention, but Tauriel ignored everything. She lifted her foot to take the final step just as Fili barreled into her, securing his arms around her, and pushing himself back to fall flat on his back, cushioning Tauriel's fall with his own body. The elf was completely still so Fili gently rolled her off of him and lifted himself over her.

"Come on little sister. Come back to me." He moved a lock of her hair from her pale cheeks and Tauriel looked up at him.

"Fili? I do not feel well." She let out a small cough into her hand and closed her eyes. Fili saw the red drops of blood all over her palm as she pulled it away, and he was done. He scooped the eleth up into his arms and flew from the room, running as fast as he could down several flights of stairs and through the halls trying to get to the healer's office.

Fili stopped only when Thorin called his name. "What in Mahal's name Fili! What is going on?"

Dwalin had stepped out of the room beside Thorin and took in the elf in Fili's arms. "Fire and forge Thorin, when yeh said she don' look good, I was not expectin' this."

Fili ignored Dwalin and looked to his uncle. "Something is wrong Thorin, very wrong. I am taking her to Oin."

Thorin stepped up and indicated to Tauriel, opening his arms. "I will take her to Oin, go get your brother." With no argument needed, Fili placed Tauriel in Thorin's arms and the king with Dwalin ran her up the corridor and into Oin's office.

"OIN! OIN! Dwalin, go find him!" Thorin placed Tauriel on one of the beds, placing his furs over the shivering elf. How had it gotten this bad right under their noses?

"Mahal, what has happened?" Oin filed into the room behind Dwalin to see Tauriel nearly lifeless on the bed. He looked her over and turned to Thorin. "Has she no' gotten nuthin teh eat?"

"What do you mean?" Thorin asked from beside Tauriel.

"She came in here no' several hours ago. Said she could not keep anythin' down. I told her to go and eat, anythin' she could get. She looks worse now. I don' know what teh do." Oin checked her over again, taking in her pulse, her temperature, and sighing. Her heart was racing, her skin cold, and she was shivering something awful even under several furs.

Dwalin furrowed his brows. "Thorin, don't she have a healer? Should we get her?"

"No. At this moment, the only ones I want near her are those I trust." The king turned back to the old dwarven healer. "Oin, find out what you can."

Kili was getting frustrated. Weeks of his life were thrown into this, game. The Lord considered him at the table for a moment, then pointed to the parchment he had passed to Kili. "I said we would give a percentage of raw mithril ore, for the price I wrote down."

It took everything in Kili to not roll his eyes. "Yes, I know, but you and I both know that is highly exaggerated even for mithril ore, and we have mithril veins her in Erebor, we just have not begun mining it yet. I will tell you what, if you can agree to drop it by half, I will see that you get first pick on the sapphires of Erebor. You and I both know what they are worth, and the clarity makes all the difference."

Before the Lord at the table could say more, Fili burst through the door. "Kili, you need to come, now."

Kili was already at his feet but his arm was roughly grabbed by the dwarf at the table, staring coldly at him as he kept the young prince in place. "This better not be some sort of negotiation tactic. Sit down, we are in the middle of a deal. You don't want to throw this away do you?"

However, it was Fili who answered. "This is an urgent family matter Lord Dryok. You can defer all further negotiations to Balin tomorrow, he will be taking over. Kili, we need to go."

The dwarven Lord refused to relent, tightening his hand on Kilis arm. "I bet it is that elf. Pregnant isn't she? Let her nurse handle it. Your job is to be in this room."

Finally, Kili yanked his arm from the sneering Lord. "My duty is to my WIFE first and foremost. That is been my biggest failing these last few months." He moved to follow Fili but paused when Dryok called out to him.

"Leave this room boy, and everything we discussed is gone."

The young prince turned a dark glare to the dwarven Lord. "Goodbye, Dryok." Kili allowed the door to slam shut, satisfaction of the action thrilling him until he realized what is going on. "Is he right, is it Tauriel?"

Fili nodded and the pair raced through the halls, not even caring who they barreled down in their haste. They did not slow until they got to Oin's office and flew through the door.

Kili all but ran to his wife who looked nearly lifeless on the bed, though she seemed to be murmuring something he could not make out. It did not sound like elven, common, or Khuzdul but rather a mix of all three.

Kili turned to Oin who was frantically checking her out from the other side of the bed. "What is happening to her?"

"I don' know lad! It is no' like any illness I have ever seen!"

"Because it isn't an illness!" Naurfaer and Legolas entered the office, Naurfaer looking over to his granddaughter with trepidation.

Legolas cleared the room in just a few smooth steps, and shoved a large vail in Oin's hand. "She's been poisoned. Mix that in with some warm water. It is highly concentrated so not much is necessary for it to fulfill its purpose. She will need several doses of it, but it will do nothing if we cannot find the source."

Oin did as he was told and passed the cup to Kili who scooped Tauriel up by the neck and placed the cup to her still moving lips. "Amralime, I know you can hear me. I need you to drink this love. Please." A few drops fell down the sides of her lips onto her chin, but slowly, Tauriel began to drink down the liquid.

There seemed to be a collective sigh of relief as Legolas looked around the room. "The serum is not perfect, it will take some time, but slowly it will work."

The door opened again, Dwalin leading a frantic Dis into the room, she looked at Tauriel and went immediately to the bed. "What has happened!?"

"Someone in the mountain is poisoning her." Thorin growled.

Dis gave a look laced with disbelief as her eyes scanned the room. "In Erebor? Are you certain?"

Thorin turned to the elves for clarification. Legolas pulled the bundle of plants he had shown to Naurfaer, and passed them to Thorin who looked down at the plant in his large hand. "Morning glories? I did not think that was poisonous."

Legolas folded his arms. "Not to a dwarf, but to an elf or human…given enough time in regularity, the seeds will cause nausea, dizziness, weakness, then hallucinations, before it kills. Ivethin prepared a serum to counteract it, she will be here within a day if you allow it." Dis's eyes widened in alarm, but she remained silent.

"Whatever it takes, bring whoever you need." Thorin then turned to Dwalin. "Go get Aeodhen!" Dwalin nodded leaving without a second glance backwards.

"How did we let this happen." Thorin watched as Dis lifted one of Tauriel's limp hands and held it in her own slightly larger ones. It always marveled him that the faintly taller being always seemed so small, especially now. Dis had tears falling down her cheeks as she stroked Tauriel's hand gently, Thorin felt no different than his sister, but he knew he had to be strong for his family.

The king sighed as he turned his eyes to Oin, who was put a moist compress on her head, then to Kili who had his face buried in her shoulder, and Fili who looked a mix between wanting to go on a killing spree, and wanting to go to his brother…or perhaps his sister.

Thorin then looked to Naurfaer, Tauriel's own blood, and could see the cracks forming in his own conscience. Finally, the elven prince, Legolas, stared at his friend and former captain of his father's guard. Thorin found the elf often difficult to read, but, if he would hazard a guess it would be concern leaking through his calm demeaner.

Naurfaer walked closer and placed a comforting hand on Dis who was becoming more and more upset with each moment. "Given the preliminary symptoms match pregnancy ailments, it was easy to push her sufferings off as temporary inconveniences. This would have been discovered before it progressed were it not for her pregnancy. I am afraid her condition masked the true cause of her symptoms far too well."

Lifting himself up from Tauriel's shoulder, Kili wiped his eyes on his sleeve and stared down at Tauriel. He failed her, and he knew it. "I should have noticed. I should have done something, had someone check her. Sent her to Oin or, called an elven healer. Instead I did nothing but leave her alone every day, slowly dying. What kind of husband and father does that make me?"

The old healer shook his head. "You could no' 'ave known Kili, lad, nor could 'er 'ealer. It was Naurfaer and Prince Legolas who told even me. Tauriel was jus' here this mornin' an' I thought it was 'er lack of food intake. Gildridd is jus' usin' 'er experiences in 'er diagnosis and treatment. She may no be teh blame fer thinkin it may jus' be the pregnancy."

Nobody in the room seemed comforted by this, however, as they quietly watched the sleeping elf.

"What about the baby?" It was barely audible and Dis almost did not want to ask, but she could not stop the words from coming out of her mouth. Her heart broke a second time when Kili lifted his head, his wide brown eyes turning to his mother as if pleading with her to tell him it will all be okay.

Sighing deeply, Oin looked sadly from Dis to Kili. "I dinna know lass. I am afraid we will 'ave teh wait for 'er to wake ta know for certain."

Kili lowered his brows and turned to the swell in Tauriel's stomach. He slowly lifted his hand and let it hover over their child, afraid to put it down and feel nothing but stillness. After a moment, he allowed his large hand to lay on the swell and closed his eyes, begging any Valar or maker listening to just feel his son move. But, his hand only met the stillness he feared. Panicking, Kili leaned forward, his lips inches from his hand and Tauriel's stomach. "Come on my precious son. Give me a kick, give me anything."

He waited another few minutes but still, nothing happened. Kili began moving his hand away until something pushed gently against his palm in the last second. Eyes widening, Kili gave a small smile and kissed where his child had kicked. "I think he is okay, at least, he is moving."

The moment was broken when Dwalin came through the door, Aeodhen hot on his heals. "Great mahal above!" He muttered under his breath as he took in the room.

"Aeodhen. We have someone in this mountain who is poisoning Tauriel. I want names of anyone who has had access to her food immediately. Guards are to be informed, but only those you trust explicitly are to be put on duty at the main gates. I want Dori, Nori, and Gloin to be stationed intermittently at Oin's door. If you can, I also want to meet with Bifur, Bofur, Balin, Ori, and Bombur. Until this is under control, no one is to know what is going on. If anyone asks, Tauriel is experiencing pregnancy related complications. Understood?"

The captain of the guard nodded and bowed. "Aye. It will be done. I will join in guardin' this room meself. Do yeh want the boys up 'ere or meetin' in yer office?"

"Thank you Aeodhen, and yes, bring them here. Oh, one more thing. Anyone seen with this plant, apprehend them." Thorin passed the flower to Aeodhen, who gave Thorin a bow, and turned a concerned eye to Tauriel before leaving out the way he came.

"I will watch the door." Dwalin's deep voice croaked. Thorin gave him a nod in dismissal and the large dwarrow stepped out of the door to take first watch.

Oin went about his tasks around his large office, while Fili settled on the side of Tauriel Dis and Kili were not on, and Thorin pulled a chair over near the bed to sit and wait. Not a single one of them wanted to leave the room, and each one felt they have let her down.

It was only maybe an hour later when the original dwarrows of the company of Thorin Oakenshield piled into the room, one bye one, Balin included; his blue eyes looking sadly at the elf. The only one missing was a hobbit each of them missed dearly, and the wandering wizard.

"Is Tauri haven' the baby?" Ori asked hopefully but his smile was wiped from his face when he looked around.

"No lad. I don' think she is." Balin looked to Thorin, question in his eyes, but held his tongue. He knew they would find out soon enough what was happening, but whatever it was, it certainly was nothing good.

Thorin silently waited for everyone to come in. Aeodhen, walking beside Bombur, was the last to join the group, the large dwarf going directly to Thorin. "Aeodhen said yeh needed a list of who prepared Tauri's food. I am afraid it is rather short."

The round dwarrow passed the piece of parchment to Thorin, who looked over the names and passed them to Aeodhen. "Question them. Tonight. The longer we wait, the more likely whomever is doing this will get wind and run."

"Uh, Thorin. No' teh sound a wee bit ignorant here. But, many of the lads an' I, that is, were jus' wonderin' if yeh can tell us what is happenin'." Bofur had his hat in his hands as he looked from Dis to Tauriel then back at Thorin. The lass did not look good.

Thorin sighed for what felt like the hundredth time and nodded. "Tauriel has been poisoned. I called you here because, quite frankly you are the only ones I can trust with her safety. I know you all have lives you are rebuilding, but, can I ask you one last time to stand by me?"

"I think I can speak for all the lads when I say we love Tauri. She is one of us through an through. Yeh don' need teh ask Thorin. Whatever it is. We are here." Thorin smiled at Bofur and the group, at his closest friends.

Over the next hour, they all discussed plans for guard duty, each taking turns in front of Oin's office, then the royal wing when Tauriel was released. Further discussion on Tauriel's safety will be put off until the elf awakens. Ivethin and any she brings will be given full access to their elf, but none other. No Lords, ladies, or even friends will be allowed in or near this room until whomever is at fault is apprehended.

Thorin's blue eyes looked around the group when everything was planned out. "Any questions?"

"Aye, what about food? For Tauri tha' is. She'll be hungry certainly when she wakes." Thorin nodded in thought, Bombur waiting patiently for a response.

"I will be making her food." All eyes turned to the eldest prince, Fili, whose eyes had not left his sister.

"Fili, you have responsibilities. I will take care of it." Dis argued, but Fili shook his head and turned his blue eyes filled with resolution to his mother.

"My responsibilities are all in this room. I will be happy to resume whatever uncle would have need of me for, once Tauriel is completely cleared. In the meantime, I will take care of her alongside Kili." Fili walked over to his mother and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Mam, you will need to keep up appearances, it is vital that…if…any of the Lords or Ladies are responsible, they don't think we are on to them. Uncle too. You both are the more prominent faces of Erebor. Kili and I are just princes to them, and young ones too. It is easier to write us off, then you."

Dis was not happy but finally gave in. Thorin agreed as well clapping Fili on the shoulder, he was proud of him…and not just for his insight, but for the love he has for his family. Fili will truly make a fine king one day.

Bombur rocked on his toes as he looked at Fili. "Do yeh need a kitchen, lad?"

Naurfaer stroked his chin, and lowered his brows as he looked from Dis to Thorin. "Is not there a kitchen in the royal wing? I do not see why we can't utilize it."

Dis nodded her head at Naurfaer, her hands still locked around Tauriel's. "There is, but we have yet to prepare it, it is in quite the disarray. Resources have been placed on more necessary projects in the mountain, so it was never high on the priority list."

"Well. I think this can be moved up on that list to be deemed necessary now." Naurfaer walked over and placed a kiss on Tauriel's head, then moved straight towards the door and stopped. "Bofur, Bifur, Gloin, if Thorin is alright with it, I need you with me. You too, prince of the leaves. I can show you a room to use in the family's wing, since I assume you're staying. Come on. We have a kitchen to clear out." With a nod from Thorin, the three dwarves in the company smiled, and happily followed the elf who already walked out the door, clearly assuming they would all come along; Legolas rolled his eyes but followed as well.

"I guess I don't need a kitchen then Bombur." Fili smirked as the room filled with chuckles.

"I will begin getting' teh work questionin'. I will report wha' I found." Aeodhen gave a small bow to Thorin and left the room.

Balin was not far behind, turning to the king under the mountain. "I will go too. I'll make sure the Lords and their families are as ignorant as they can be, at least until we are ready to tell them." Thorin gave his thanks to Balin, as the white bearded dwarf walked out.

"I'll join Mr. Dwalin with first watch." Dori was next to step out the door, and they could see him standing beside Dwalin as he closed the door shut behind him.

Thorin looked to the remaining three dwarves in the company still standing in the room. "Why don't the rest of you go get some sleep, it is getting late."

At first nobody moved, then Ori stepped up. "If it is all the same, I am goin' ta go help Naurfaer."

"I don't think I could sleep knowin' a member of our company is bein' attacked. Two if yeh count the wee one." Nori sighed, Bombur nodding his agreement as he turned a sad look to someone he admired, and who his wife considered a dear friend. Tauriel has sure burrowed her way into their hearts.

Thorin nodded his approval dismissing the younger dwarrow to go help with clearing and getting the kitchen in working order, however, he did stop the last two dwarves in the room from his company, apart from Oin, Fili, and Kili, that is. "Nori, Bombur, if you two are really not in need of rest, I want you to go help Aeodhen. You know the kitchens better than anyone Bombur, find where this was coming from, please." The two bowed and left.

With only Oin and the royal family remaining, the room fell silent. Since it was obvious none of them were leaving the room that night, Oin found comfortable chairs for Thorin, Dis, and Fili while Kili made himself a place beside Tauriel on the bed, leaning up against where the mattress abutted the wall as his hand worked at pulling her pins from her hair to make her more comfortable. Each one was lost in their own thoughts as they did the only thing they could do now, wait.

"If yeh tell me what yeh are lookin' for captain, I may be able teh help." Aeodhen stood as his three most trusted guards who had followed him from Ered Luin and knew Tauriel well, searched the larger of the three kitchens currently in use in the mountain, and the one where most of Tauriel's food came from.

Aeodhen smiled charmingly, shaking his head and giving her a warm look. No need to get anyone up in arms just yet. "Jus' an inspection lass. No need teh worry."

The dam walked away and sat as Nori and the three guards searched every crate, shelf, and barrel. "Looks like all is in order captain. Ready teh move on sir?"

"Aye Nori." Aeodhen nodded to Nori, then turned to the team of cooks in the kitchen, finishing up their responsibilities from dinner before the breakfast team came in a few hours. They were all watching the guards curiously as Aeodhen looked at each of them. "Good work everyone, an the king thanks yeh fer your hard work an' dedication durin' these momentous days of the visitin' Lords. Ya all are doin' a fine job." He turned to step out of the kitchen and released a deep sigh. Nothing. Hours of work through the entire night and they found not one petal, stem, or seed.

"Bombur did yeh get together those who regularly prepped Tauri's food?" The round dwarf nodded at the captain.

"Aye. They are waitin' in the small kitchen." Without a response, Aeodhen turned towards the smaller of the three kitchens, Bombur and Nori following close behind alongside the three other guards.

Aeodhen met with each one, but that too ended up being fruitless. There seemed to be nothing nefarious going on in Bombur's team. Several of them knew Tauriel well and the ones who did not, seemed just as innocent.

"I always questioned wha' the poor elf ate. Always looked half un-appetizen. But, tha' is wha' her nurse wanted and she always came in teh inspect and be sure it was cooked proper."

Aeodhen put his quill down as he spoke to a dwarf by the name of Gloar, who had come from the Iron Hills to live in Erebor. He was a younger dwarf, but a kind one. Aeodhen looked down at his notes, going back over what others had said, then he realized nobody had mentioned Gildridd coming to the kitchens. That was new information, which could be important. "Just teh clarify lad, she came into the kitchen? Fer every meal?"

"Every time captain. Never go' in the way though, so we allowed it. Was fer the princess, don't doubt she wanted teh make sure it was all in order ta her specifications."

"Thank yeh Gloar, yer dismissed." Aeodhen sat back watching the young dwarrow leave. He was the first to mention Gildridd checking on the food.

"Bombur!" The captain waited as the head of the kitchens came in. "Wha' do yeh know of Tauri's healer?"

"Gildridd? Stern lass but not unkind. Helped Taada with a cold tha' was passin through the dwarflings not a month ago. Never seen some of me little-lings take to someone so fast. Some even call 'er gran-gil. She visits often and dotes on the wee ones a bit too much. Yeh don' think it were her do yeh?"

Placing his hands on the desk, Aeodhen looked off, thinking. "Bring 'er in. She ought the be questioned."

Before Bombur could respond, however, the door flew open. "Sir, forgive the interruption, bu' one of the kitchen workers doubles in the tavern in the market. He is sayin' 'e has seen Tauri at the bakers cart often, eaten. Said 'e only brough' it up as 'e was concerned about the lass. Said she did no' look well after 'er las' visit."

Aeodhen jumped to his feet and pointed at the guard who had come in. "You, with me. Bombur, go find Gildridd and meet me 'ere in an hour. I will return shortly."

Calling another guard, Aeodhen marched down towards the large market. By now, it was early in the morning, and many of the merchants were just setting up their stores, stalls, and carts. He followed the clear paths towards the bakery where Vin was placing steaming buns, warm rolls, and wrapped loaves on the display counter.

The baker looked up when he noticed a shadow and smiled. "Aeodhen, welcome. I don't usually see ya here this early." He looked from the captain's stern face to the guards just behind him. "Is something wrong?"

Aeodhen stood silent but gestured to the back of the cart. "This may no' be anythin' bu' do yeh have a moment? We jus' 'ave a few questions."

Vin set down the loaf he was holding and invited the three in, showing them to the back of the stall and gesturing to the small table, each taking a seat. "What is this about?"

The captain sighed and took out a parchment. "We 'ave been told Tauriel, comes 'ere regularly. Is tha' true?"

Vin lowered his brow and nodded. "Aye. The lass is good friends with my Viltarra, the two are quite close and Tauriel often comes by while Viltarra is having lunch."

"Viltarra, yer daughter?" Aeodhen asked for clarification. The baker nodded again and Aeodhen continued. "Does Tauriel eat when she is 'ere?"

"Oh aye." Vin laughed but stopped when the captain and his two guards gave him a look. "Er, the poor lass always had an appetite for the cheese custard buns. Most do though, Viltarra took the old family recipe and perfected it. My lass, a true gem in the kitchen she is."

Vin watched as the captain wrote something down and looked back up, then his eyes caught something bright in the background. A certain flower stood out in a vase on a shelf, with its vibrant blues and purples, was a stark contrast to the grey stone and brown woods of the bakery.

"Where is your daughter now?" Aeodhen asked, lifting a brow.

Vin shifted uncomfortably. "She left this morning with me wife. We get much of the herbs we use from Erebor's green rooms, but some we prefer from the wilds when they are in season. Tastes better when it is natural rather than forced grown."

This did not bode well with the captain. Too many factors fit and that flower in the vase was identical to the one the elf prince had shown him. Has she somehow gotten word they were looking for someone who poisoned Tauri? Did the lass skip out?

"What is this really about Aeodhen? My daughter wouldn't cause any trouble. She's a good lass." The captain was about to answer Vin, when as if summoned, Tarrah and her daughter stepped into the back of the bakery. "Ah, see? Here she is Aeodhen."

"What is going on da? Has something happened?" Aeodhen looked to the young blonde dam. She held a basket in both her hands and stood beside a near copy of herself, the other dam just being older with a fuller beard on her cheeks then Viltarra.

Tarrah smiled in greeting to the captain of the guard. "I did not know we would be expecting you Aeodhen. Is everything well?"

The captain did not answer, instead he stood and reached for the basket, Viltarra passing it to him without hesitation. "It is only herbs." She scrutinized the older, stoic, dwarf and turned to her father, asking again, "'Adad, has something happened?" Vin only shrugged and watched as Aeodhen pulled out the contents of the basket.

Most was as they said, rosemary, some mushrooms, basil, sage. Then he pulled out a bunch of blue and purple flowers and lifted them for Viltarra to see. "For the vase. I already had to toss some of the others that had died. I wanted to replenish them while they still grew."

Aeodhen narrowed his eyes at the three dwarves who own the bakery. "Do yeh know wha' this is?"

Both Vin and Tarrah shook their heads. "I am not one for flowers, I just know me herbs." Vin supplied.

"I am afraid I am of the same mind, it is Viltarra who is the master of the plants in the family. She always brightens up the place with them." Tarrah smiled brightly to her daughter.

Aeodhen once again turned his piercing eyes to the younger dam. "Lass? Do you know wha' these are?"

"Of course. Morning glories." She answered without a second thought.

Aeodhen shook his head and turned to his guard. "Bind 'er."

"WHAT! What have I done!" The guards stepped forward and pulled Viltarra's hands closed, wrapping a leather cord around them.

Vin stood. "Now wait a minute! What is going on!"

"VILTARRA! LET MY CHILD GO!" Tarrah moved to step between the guards and her daughter but Aeodhen was too fast, blocking her path. Vin grabbed his wife by the shoulders before she did something, like strike the captain of the guard…which she looked very close to doing.

Aeodhen must have seen it too, because he pointed a finger at the pair and narrowed his eyes at them. "Ya move, and I will have yeh taken too, the both of yeh." Vin watched as the two guards escorted Viltarra out of the market, other merchants peering over counters and murmuring as she passed.

The baker was red in the face angry, nobody touches his child without a reason. Still holding his wife tight, keeping her from making things worse, Vin glared at Aeodhen. "We have a right to know! Why have you taken my daughter Aeodhen!"

Aeodhen moved to leave the cart, the bakers following close behind him until he spun on his foot to face them. "Yeh leave this stall before yeh are told, and we will consider yeh accomplices. A guard will be down 'ere in short to escort yeh to yer chambers. I trust I can tell yeh to no sell yer wares until further notice." Not waiting for a response, or elaborating any more, the captain of the guard marched away to meet Bombur in his office.

"In ya go lass." Viltarra was pushed into a large cell, well, the only cell it appeared, in the dilapidated lower dungeon. The door slammed hard behind her and she heard the heavy footsteps of the guards retreating back up the stairs as she stood in shock, rubbing her wrists they had just freed.

When the shock finally wore off, Viltarra clasped at the bars and called for someone until her throat went sore, then she rested her head against the bars and looked around.

Even the cell she was in had stones resting on the ground, having fallen from the ceiling above. The other's cells were worse though. Some had broken doors or bars, the rest seemed to be completely caved in.

The only light in the area came from a torch on the wall, casting shadows in the already earie cell-block. What had she done? As far as she knew they were allowed to bring in anything they wanted. Nobody told her otherwise as she came and left with her baskets.

Furthermore, why was only she taken in and not her parents? Not that she was complaining too much about that. She would rather them not be in here.

Viltarra hugged herself and backed into a shadowed corner and sat on a large stone, pulling her legs to her chest as she rested her chin on her knees. Obviously, nobody was going to say anything to her, so she was stuck here, waiting.

"IF YEH DON'T LET ME GO I WILL CALL THE KING!" Erebor's now exhausted captain sighed as he got closer to his office. He may not have known Gildridd well, but that was unmistakably her.

Aeodhen opened the door to see the short, stern, dam glairing daggers at Nori who just smiled and folded his arms and looked to the entering captain. "She was doin' a runner."

"I certainly was not! I 'ave patients in Dale. I'm a healer, an one o' the best thank yeh. I come and go as I please. I was jus' goin the see a lass due any day. If the babe comes without me there, it could be lost. Yeh are wastin' my time and skills holdin' me here."

The captain looked to Nori who was watching the dam skeptically. "Didn't look it. She was heading teh the outskirts of the forestine."

"To get my herbs yeh ignorant ram." Gildridd shot back.

Not skipping a beat, Nori took a step closer to the dam. "I would hold yer tongue lass. This ain't yer healin' hall. Yeh have no power here."

"Alrigh' Nori." Nori gave the dam one last look and stepped back allowing Aeodhen to take over, but the dam went completely silent and refused to answer any questions, she only opened her mouth to demand to be let go.

Aeodhen rubbed his temples. This was certainly becoming old and fast. "I'll ask yeh once more lass. Why did yeh no' do anythin' when the princess only seemed teh worsen with her diet yeh chose?"

Silence. Aeodhen let out an exasperated sigh. He was getting nowhere, so there was only one thing to do about it. "Nori, tell the boys teh take her to the cells. If she is no' talkin' here, perhaps she can think o' somthin' to say there."

Gildridd growled. "I have PATIENTS!"

"Give us their names an' we will send another healer." The dam snapped her jaw shut and glared at the captain as her hands were bound by Nori, who escorted her out of the room with another guard.

Two suspects. That was all he had. There was a knock at the door, and Aeodhen called for whomever it was to enter. It was one of the guards from the front gates. "Sir, the elven healer is here. Where should I take her?"

That was faster than anticipated. Aeodhen stood and stepped around the desk. "I will take 'er to Tauri. Go back to the gates." The guard gave a nod and Aeodhen left his office to greet Ivethin.

"Welcome to Erebor lass, and Thank yeh fer commin' so quick. Let me show yeh to where yeh are needed." The two began walking towards Oin's rooms.

"Of course. When I found out it was Tauriel, I came as fast as I could. I would have come with Legolas, but he had said it was poisoning of the ipomoea seeds. All I had was the serum I try to always keep on hand. I wanted to make a few more things both to help aid her recovery and just in case the serum was not enough. I did know the serum would keep her from succumbing fully so I trusted Legolas to get it into the right hands while I made what I could. Forgive me for not being here sooner." The captain gave her a nod and they entered the room.

Thorin greeted the elven healer first, thanking her for coming as did Dis. They were all sitting beside a very pale, and still Tauriel.

"She has not woken Ivethin." The eleth looked at Kili. She did not know the young prince well, but the little time she had spent with him, he was always quite full of life and energy. This dwarf was depleted in nearly all ways. If she had not known better, she would suspect him to be poisoned as well with his pale cheeks and large, bruise like circles under his sad brown eyes.

Not saying a word, Ivethin walked up to Tauriel and placed a hand on her brow. It was warm, but not in any unexpected way. She checked the expecting eleth's pulse, which was relatively normal, if not slightly elevated. Nothing too alarming there either, but she will be watching it. "Has she stirred at all?" Kili shook his head.

The eleth paused in thought for a moment, her eyes studying Kili carefully, then she walked to the counter and pulled out her herbs. Seeing a few already out, she put together a small tincture of mixed herbs and went to the kettle by the fire and waited.

All eyes in the room watched her as she took a towel from the counter, took the now boiling kettle off the fire, poured the hot liquid into a mug with the herbs, gave it a stir, and walked back over to the silent group.

Kili watched as Ivethin placed the warm mug in his shaking hands and looked at him expectantly. He followed her eyes to the brown liquid then looked back up to her confused. "Am I to give this to Tauriel?"

The eleth smiled and shook her head. "You, Prince Kili, should drink that. You look like death, and it will do little good for you or her to let your life pass while she is recovering." Placing a cool hand on his head, she tutted. "Did you know you have a fever?"

"A fever? Kili? You did not tell me you were ill?" Dis walked over and placed her hand on her son's head and pushed him to the chair, pointing at the tea Ivethin had given him.

"I…well, I did not notice. I have been busy!" Kili sputtered and gaped at his mam, then his uncle who was sighing.

Fili shook his head, but felt slightly embarrassed for not noticing his own brothers declining health in the wake of Tauriel. One look at his mother and he could see another crack of self-loathing settling in her demeaner. She probably is now adding Kili's illness to her list of things she has missed.

"Worry not, the young prince here will be fine. It is not uncommon for bonded pairs such as them to fall ill when their mate is away or in pain…or quarreling." Ivethin lifted a brow when Kili looked down in shame. "You two are quite closer than I have ever witnessed in any pair before, your minds bonded as they are, it is as if you are as one, which may be why some of her sufferings, are leaking into you. Extraordinary. That, dear prince, is a great, and powerful gift. Honor it."

Kili nodded, having no idea what she was talking about. Bonded minds…he looked to his wife and furrowed his brows; he had heard that before…where had he heard that before? OH, Elrond. He had said their minds were bonded, what exactly did that mean though? He did not feel as if his mind was merged with hers in any way. He still had not spoken to his wife about that, but once again, now was not the time.

Ivethin placed a small hand on his shoulder, and gave him a comforting smile. "Fret not prince Kili, all will be well. You should not worry so. But, you do need to care for yourself though. Tauriel will be quite cross if you do not." She pointed once more to the tea and waited until he lifted it to his lips, wincing at the taste.

"Love is not all sweet, little prince, there is much bitterness within it. You must learn to take the bad, in with the good, and work through it." Dis and Thorin gave Kili a questioning look and he hid behind the cup, forcing the bitter, sour, tea down.

Rising from his chair, Fili stepped close to the tall healer. "What about Tauriel, is she going to be okay?"

Ivethin smiled warmly, her blue eyes kind and open unlike Thranduil's ice-cold blue. "Tauriel will be alright. She is merely resting while her system does its job to remove the toxins. She should be waking soon."

"What about the baby?" Dis rung her hands from her place beside Kili, she really did not want to bring it up again, but, she had to know what she needed to be prepared for.

Ivethin thought for a moment and looked sadly at Tauriel. "I am afraid only she can answer that. I want you all to be prepared for the worst though. The child in her womb has elven blood, so the toxins from the seeds may have very well taken its life. Elflings are most susceptible to the poison of the ipomoea plant. Consumption of even a small portion of the flower or seed, and their life is forfeit without the serum within an hour. It's dwarven parentage may have given it strength and some resilience, but I do not believe it to be wise to hope." The silence was unbearable as they all realized what she was saying.

"Wait. You said it would kill an elfling instantly, and Kili and Tauri's babe may only live slightly longer being part dwarrow." Fili turned to Kili. "Ki, you felt it move last night."

"And this morning." Kili said in awe, looking to the healer.

Ivethin studied him. "Can you show me?"

Kili passed his mug to Dis, then turned to make his way back towards Tauriel, Ivethin following the tall dwarf to the bed. She went to the other side and waited for his invitation patiently. Kili looked up at her, then turned all his attention to Tauriel and his child. Placing a hand on her belly, he leaned in close. "Good morning, my little star. How about a story?" There was an immediate kick and Kili lifted his eyes, grabbing Ivethin's hand and placing it where his son was kicking away. The more Kili spoke as he wove a story of a brave elf who saved a dwarven prince, the more the child within would happily move against his hand.

"Kili, tell him to stop for just a moment or I am going to be sick."

Kili whipped his eyes up just as Tauriel turned her head to the side and tried to re-adjust herself. "Amralime?"

Brown met green as Tauriel slowly opened her eyes. "Kili?" She was lifting her hand, Kili grabbing it to press it to the side of his face as tears fell from his eyes. She traced the black and blue circles above his pale cheeks and lowered her eyebrows in concern when she let her hand slide up to his forehead. "You look terrible meleth nin, and you are even warmer than usual. You have not been taking care of yourself."

Fili burst out laughing, Dis watched quietly, and Ivethin gave Kili a knowing look. The elf version of 'I told you so'.

"What has happened Kili?" Tauriel wiped a tear from his cheek and looked around the room. It took a moment for everyone to come into focus and she realized they were all staring at her, and she felt a bit embarrassed with the attention, so she tried to sit up. Kili attempted to stop her with a gentle push, but Tauriel refused to lay back down; instead of fighting her, he helped her into a comfortable position.

"You should drink this." A cup appeared in front of Tauriel, Kili taking it and passing it to his elven wife who eyed it then lifted her green eyes to her friend and mentor.

"Ivethin? What are you doing here? Has something happened?" Her mind in its still weakened state grasped at what would bring the elven healer to Erebor. Her hand went to the swell of her son, and she closed her eyes to check on him. His bright energy swirled happily, bouncing and flashing warmth in her mind. He was fine…so what was it?

The elven healer shook her head, and pointed to the cup in Tauriel's hand. "Drink, we will tell you once you do."

Eyeing the cup once again, Tauriel lifted it to her lips and drank down the overly sweet liquid. She smacked her lips and swallowed trying to get the taste to pass. "That is very, sweet, Ivethin. Perhaps, less sugar or honey next time."

"How come she gets the sweet stuff and mine taste like I was force-fed sour bitters?" Kili grumbled good naturedly.

Ivethin clasped her hands in front of her and gave Kili a pointed look. "Alright. When you are poisoned, you may have the sweet liquid."

Tauriel dropped the cup and turned wide eyes on Ivethin, then to her husband. "POISONED?! Kili what does she mean!" She looked around the room again, and finally the fog in her brain cleared enough to realize, she was in Oin's office, and she was the one in bed. Ivethin WAS here for her. Something DID happen to her.

Oin was the one to answer. "Someone's been poisoning yer food lass. It's why yeh 'ave been so ill. It was no' the pregnancy yeh were sufferin' from."

"I, how did I not know? I should have known." Tauriel was shocked and not half panicking. Her system practically shut down less than 24 hours ago, and she had little control of her emotions thanks to pregnancy.

So, when she began to have difficulty catching her breath, Kili placed his forehead against hers and in a very calming manner, helped her get her breathing back under control. "Don't worry amralime. I will find out who did it and then I will…"

"Sit in bed and recover while we do this properly." Kili cringed and looked towards his uncle who was giving him a stern narrow-eyed look as he folded his arms.

Tauriel looked between Kili and Thorin then to Dis and Fili, both looking down at their feet. She sighed and sat back and placed her hands in her lap. "Explain."

"I think I might be able to answer how you did not know you were being poisoned, if you can answer one question for me." Tauriel turned to Ivethin and nodded. "Does your child feel well?"

Tauriel looked around the room of hopeful faces, Kili's eyes widest. She took in his tense shoulders and clenched jaw, her hand reaching out on its own accord to smooth the lines between his eyes and cup his rigid jawline, taking a moment to enjoy the short, rough, hairs of the beard that was trying to grow. "Relax meleth nin, he is fine. I checked not a moment ago. He is still dancing away as he had been since the moment you woke him." Kili closed his eyes, his entire being melting at her touch. She gave him a concerned look then smirked.

"I do not remember much of late, but, I do remember I am angry with you." Kili's eyes snapped open and he went to withdraw, but she lifted her other hand and held his face firmly between her palms. "I also remember the notes I received every day, how you always came to ask me to come out, and the look of fear and despair you gave me the night of the celebration. I am not going anywhere my Kili, I know my place in your heart, but, I have missed you. We will get through this, let us leave the past where it belongs."

Kili leaned his forehead against hers. He had a lot of making up to do, but he will start here and now. "I love you, Tauriel, only you."

Tauriel wiped another tear from his eyes. "As I love you, my Kili." She easily responded.

Tauriel smiled at the look of pure joy on Kili's face, the action brightening her own pale features tenfold. She then realized her friend was trying to explain something to her and she once again got so caught up in her husband, she forgot about her surroundings.

So with a sheepish smile, Tauriel turned to Ivethin, who stood with her hands clasped waiting patiently, as always. She felt the bed move slightly as Kili positioned himself directly beside her and pulled her against him.

"If I may now?" Ivethin asked with a raised brow. Tauriel nodded with pink tinged cheeks, and Kili grinned wide, while Fili just rolled his eyes at the pair. Everyone else just watched quietly, half amused, half waiting. "If your child is indeed strong, I fear you were very…very lucky."

"Lucky?" Ivethin nodded at Fili, the blonde prince sitting at the edge of his chair.

"Truly." She answered before continuing. "I do not say this to concern you all or cause upset, it is only truth. That child should not be living considering what Tauriel has ingested. Dwarvish parentage or no, its system would not be able to take the poison for as long as I suspect Tauriel has been ingesting it. It is simply impossible, unless, Tauriel's own body was protecting it by instinctively taking all of the poison for itself."

"It would make sense why yeh got so bad lass but never suspected yer bein' poisoned. Yeh body knew, but yeh brain jus' saw yer babe was fine so yeh jus' though' it was the pregnancy." Ivethin nodded at Oin.

"My thoughts precisely." Oin beamed at the elven praise, his ears going a bit red, though nobody mentioned it.

"Is Tauriel going to be alright then?" Ivethin turned her blue eyes to Dis.

"She will be fine. I suggest bed rest and continuing to take the serum until it runs out completely. If there are any complications, simply send for me and I will be here." Tauriel made a face at having to take more of that overly sweet mixture but nodded.

"Are yeh no' stayin lass?" Oin shifted, looking at the elven healer. He had assumed she would be sticking around for a bit, but it appears he may be wrong about that.

Ivethin turned to Tauriel, giving her a smile. "I will stay as long as Tauriel wishes."

Still leaning against Kili, Tauriel sighed to her old mentor and friend. "Ivethin, you have work and patients to attend to in Mirkwood. If you think I am well, I trust your judgment."

The elven healer came over to take Tauriel's hand, and gave it a squeeze. "I think you are well cared for." She could see Dis flinching in the background and turned her head slightly to give the dam a look of concern, but decided it was not her business.

"I will leave you in master Oin's wise hands. I think him to be an excellent healer. Call for me without hesitation though, should you need me, I do not mind, and you truly are not far." She released Tauriel's hand and smiled at the older dwarven healer whose cheeks were flaming red. She placed her bag around her shoulder and allowed Dori who had been standing guard to escort her from the room.

Before anyone could say anything, there was a knock at the door and Bombur stepped into the room pushing a trolley laden with food, the smell filling the room in a deeply intoxicating way.

Thorin eyed the cart warily, then turned probing eyes to the large dwarf pushing it. "I cleaned, prepped, and cooked this all meself in one of the smaller kitchens. Door was barred shut and I did not leave the kitchen or let the food from meh sight once. It is safe." Thorin looked at the trays and nodded his permission to proceed, and Bombur began dishing it out.

Tauriel tentatively took the covered tray from the round dwarf who gave her a warm smile, and Kili helped her settle it on her lap before he removed the cover. It smelled divine. She let her eyes fall on the creamed chicken over mashed potatoes. The gravy with its smattering of carrots and peas was nearly falling off the plate, and her mouth watered at the steaming roll covered in honeyed butter on the side of the dish.

Oin gazed at her, lifting an eyebrow as he gestured to the food in her lap. "What are ye waitin fer lass. Eat up!"

Tauriel hesitated, her fork hovering over the meal. "This isn't on my diet?" She went to lower the fork but Kili stopped her hand from releasing it completely, enveloping her small hand as it rested on the utensil. "Eat, amralime."

"Aye. I am takin' over for now and givin' yeh a new diet. Yeh look too thin and yeh have no' put on enough weight fer how far yeh are along. So listen close to yer knew dietary restraints." Tauriel eyed Oin warily, and Fili pulled a piece of parchment from the nearby table to write Oin's directions. He was going to take her dietary needs very seriously.

Sniffing, the old healer made certain the eleth was listening before he continued very slowly, and clearly. "If it is in front of yeh, an smells good…eat it. Yeh crave it, eat it. Still hungry after yeh ate, eat more. Any questions?" Tauriel shook her head. "Good. Eat."

Not needing any further encouragement, Tauriel tucked in with relish. Fili looked at Oin, then threw the now wadded up parchment behind him and grabbed a plate for himself as he watched his sister eat. She finished her entire plate, then half of Kili's while Aeodhen filled them in on his investigation into the kitchens, informing them that they had found nothing on that end.

"We only 'ave two suspects in the cells. I have my thoughts on who may be at fault, bu' Gildridd is no' speakin', and the lass…" Aeodhen sighed. There was so much evidence to convict her but something about it seemed…wrong.

Kili's eyes widened as he passed his roll to his wife, who kissed him on the cheek before eating it. "Lass? What lass?"

Aeodhen looked at Kili, then to Thorin. "One of the kitchen workers mentioned Tauri goin' down teh the bakers often." The captain turned his eyes to Tauriel, almost as if he was seeking validation for the claims. "Tauri, she said you 'ave been eaten there nearly every day."

Tauriel nodded with a smile. "Oh, Viltarra and her family. I visit with them quite often. Viltarra's cheese buns were the only thing I was able to keep down these last few months."

Aeodhen gave her a pitying look, not quite sure he wanted to tell her, but knowing he had to. "She 'ad the flowers lass. In a vase, and in 'er basket I witnessed 'er bringin' in. By her own admission, she picked them 'erself."

Fili shot up storming across the room. "You imprisoned Viltarra?"

Seeing the potential for the situation to speed out of control, Thorin's hand shot out and he grabbed his nephew before he could reach the captain of his guard. "Fili, sit!"

Tauriel's voice lifted quietly above the contention. "Viltarra is my friend, Aeodhen, and for a while, she felt like the only one I had. I do not think she would do such a thing."

Everyone fell silent at Tauriel's quiet confession. Fili looked to his sister and went and sat on the bed beside her, opposite of Kili. He lifted his hand and pulled the braid he had placed in her hair, fingering the bead. "I gave you this braid as a promise, Tauri. A promise that you would always have the love and protection of an older brother, yet I have failed you. So miserably."

Tauriel gaped at him, shaking her head slightly. "What? No Fili!"

"I have as well. How can I call you my daughter when I have failed at being your mother? I have been so wrapped up in visiting Lords and hopeful futures, I neglected the present and my own family, my own child." The dam allowed a tear to fall down her cheek as she sat beside Fili, leaning forward to once again take Tauriel's hand in her own.

Tauriel looked around the room, then back to the only mother she knew. "Dis I understand, you all have been busy. The mountain needed you, the people needed you."

Dis sighed, shaking her head. "No Tauriel, YOU needed us, but we were not there. For two months we watched your health decline from the sidelines, we saw you suffering, and yet, we did nothing. What kind of family does that make us? I am sure, even Thranduil is considering us ill fit to care for you, and judging by the situation, he would be right. "

Tauriel squeezed Dis's hand. "Dis, not even I knew what was going on, or I would have sought help so much sooner. You cannot blame yourselves…and Thranduil has no say in where I live, or whom I choose to make my family. Stop taking the blame on yourselves, this, is none of your fault."

"Oh, but in many ways, it is, amralime. I should have never left your side. I should have realized you needed me. Even I abandoned you." Kili looked into her eyes; his face filled with shame.

Tauriel cupped his cheek with her free hand, stroking it gently with her thumb. "Kili, you were just doing your duties."

"My duties?" Kili gave her a dark, mirthless, laugh. "Tauriel, my duties are first and foremost to you and our child. Everything else, EVERYTHING, comes second." Kili leaned forward to take Tauriel's face in his large hands. "Tauriel, amralime, you are not just my wife. You are my best friend. I should have been the first to notice something was wrong, but I foolishly listened to Gildridd and threw myself into trying to make Thorin proud. I pushed you away to make room for some stupid, cold, and single minded dwarven Lords who covet nothing so much as power and prosperity. I will not make that mistake again. I am afraid, my beautiful star, you are going to be sick of me as I will not be leaving your side for quite some time."

Tauriel had tears sliding down her face as her eyes bore into Kili's. "Sick of you, my Kili? Never." Kili smiled as he pulled her lips to his.

As the pair leaned into each other, Fili leaned back, falling into his mam who was forced to scoot back when her son all but landed on her. Fili, however, ignored his mother's exasperated sigh, and turned his frustrated expression onto his brother and sister. "Ahhh, come on! I am literally right next to you, and aren't you ill Kili? Do you want her to get whatever you have just after nearly dying?"

Kili immediately withdrew his lips from his wife's, and jumped off the bed, eyes wide with panic. Tauriel's hands were still reaching for him, and she whipped her head around to glare at Fili once she realized what had happened. "Hey, don't look at me like that. I am only concerned for your welfare. Kili is right though, about ignoring the signs. A sound and knowledgeable healer, Gildridd may be, but she is not impervious to mistakes. We should have stepped in. It will never happen again little sister. I am afraid you may have to put up with some rather severe coddling over the next, undetermined, amount of time."

The deep and rumbling voice of Thorin then filled the air. His blue eyes falling on the elf whom he loved like a daughter. "We swore we would do this together, nâtha. It was together we fought the dragon, together we beat the sickness, together we defeated the orc army, and together we got this mountain back. Yet in only a short time within its walls, we are already beginning to pick up old habits, and working separately. Kili…"

Kili turned himself to Thorin. He had forgotten his uncle was in the room and his shoulders dropped in embarrassment. He had never meant for him to hear what he had confessed to Tauriel.

Thorin walked over to Kili and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Kili, I AM proud of you, my son. I am proud of both you and your brother. Never forget that. I gave you both responsibilities, yes, but I had done it not expecting you to handle them alone. Did I not ask for help in reclaiming this mountain? Do I not have others who assist me in running it? If I did it all on my own, I would fall ill and burn out much like you are doing now. We have dwarrow we trust to counsel with for a reason, son. I not once expected you to do it all alone, I knew you had Tauriel." He sighed finally realizing his own mistakes.

The patriarch of the family shook his head. "Tauriel I am at fault in this as well. Here I am, berating Kili when I have done no differently. I think it is time for a change once again. It is time to do this as one. I errored in not explaining that to Kili and Fili when I charged them with negotiating, I errored when I sent all the wives to Dis, but I will not sit back and allow all of those errors, to not teach me a lesson."

Thorin looked to each member of his family, addressing them all. "From here on out, we work as a family unit. An individual stone does not make a mountain, but rather, countless stones working together, molded and shaped by the elements. It is what creates the strong and enduring foundation of the mountains that protect us. Let us be like the mountain, strong and sure, combining our strengths, talents, and skills to run this mountain together as one. What do you all say? Together?"

Kili smiled and nodded as did Fili and Tauriel. Dis watched the group with tears still streaming down her face before murmuring, "Together." along with her children.

"Now, about Viltarra and Gildridd." Thorin lowered his brows in thought, glancing at Aeodhen, who had only been a quiet observer during their family discussion moments ago. They needed to come up with a plan on how to deal with the current situation, before tackling the others.

Fili, however, immediately stood and turned to Thorin. "Viltarra is innocent uncle. I know it."

"Thorin, I too think Viltarra is not at fault. There must be another reason for the flowers in the bakery. She would never do what she is being accused of, not to me, not to anyone. I am with Fili on this, wholeheartedly." Thorin looked at Fili, then his eyes fell on Tauriel.

But, it was Fili who walked closer to his uncle, giving him that earnest look that Thorin was never able to deny. "Let me speak to her uncle. Please."

The king sighed and turned to Aeodhen. "What do you think?"

The captain quietly thought for a moment and nodded. "If I were listenin' to me gut, the lass is innocent. But, unless we get a stronger lead or Gildridd talks, we 'ave nothin else, and she 'ad the flowers. On paper, it don' look good fer her lad."

"I am telling you; it is not her." Fili continued to protest.

Thorin rubbed his chin in thought, then lifted his eyes to Fili and nodded. "Go then, Fili. See what you can find out from her." He then turned to his sister, who would not like what he was about to say. "Dis, I need you to keep up appearances. So you will need to leave this room."

"But…" The king shook his head, stopping the arguments from leaving her lips.

Tauriel reached for Dis's hand, the dam instantly taking it in her own. "Amad, it is fine, go. I will be here when you have time."

"Oh Tauriel. I really have done you wrong haven't I? My greatest mistake, is that you think I need to make time for you, when it should be, in fact, the complete opposite. I am so sorry, my daughter. I really do not wish to leave you." She looked back up at Thorin, but he was shaking his head sternly.

Thorin sighed, he knew this would be a small battle, but it must be done this way. "Dis, we have been in here too long already. Rumors are spreading through the mountain like flood waters, I am certain of it. If Aeodhen has the wrong leads in the cells, the one at fault could be long gone by now. We have to hope either they have not yet heard or even better, we have them in a cell. But until we know for certain, we need you to make it look as if all is well and under control."

Thorin folded his arms and turned his blue eyes to the captain of his guard. "Aeodhen, I want you and Balin to question the Lords. They are next in the line of outsiders that have come to our mountain, and the timeline fits. Find out what you can without causing suspicion."

Aeodhen nodded. "Aye, and Gildridd and the lass?"

"Fili, go see what you can get out of them." With permission finally given in full, and an obvious dismissal, Fili immediately made for the door, but Thorin stopped him by grasping his arm in passing. "Do not let your friendship blind your judgment. If it was her, you have to be prepared for what follows." Fili nodded and walked out, though he sent his sister a smile before finally disappearing out the door.

Thorin extended his hand to the dam, who looked reluctant to take it. "Dis, come sister. Tauriel will be alright. Kili is here, and Dwalin and Dori won't let anyone in. Besides, I am sure Oin plans on staying as well to oversee her care. She has protectors."

Dis hesitated for a second before getting up, though she did lean down and placed a kiss on her daughters forehead before following Thorin out the door, leaving Tauriel alone with just Oin and Kili.

Tauriel scooted a bit on the bed, and patted the mattress beside her invitingly. "Kili, come sit with me. It has been much too long, and I miss you dearly, meleth nin."

Kili shook his head, not budging from his spot. "Amralime, Fili is right. I do not wish to get you ill."

"She will be fine lad. She's got enough antibodies goin' through 'er system, tha' a little contact from ya will not do 'er harm. Maybe she can get you teh sit long enough so you don't kill yerself." Kili rolled his eyes at Oin who narrowed his own eyes, then pointed at the young prince, shaking his finger in warning. "Oi, watch it. I saw tha' lad." Oin glared a moment more, before going to work dimming some of the lanterns, and cleaning up the office for the evening.

The dark-haired prince hesitated only a moment more before moving towards the bed. He scooped Tauriel up in his arms and pulled her away from the mattress, Tauriel gasping in surprise before protesting, loudly. "KILI! Put me down!"

Kili smiled and used a foot to push the blanket back, then slid her underneath the warm comforter, before joining her and pulling her into his arms, where she settled on his chest in her favorite position.

Tauriel sighed contently, snuggling and burrowing into Kili's broad chest. "I feel like it has been months since I have fallen asleep like this. Listening to your heart and enfolded in your warmth."

Kili buried his head in her hair, nuzzling her scalp with his nose as he breathed her in. "I am sorry Tauriel."

Tauriel wrinkled her nose and looked up at him through half lidded lashes. "Enough of the sorrows, Kili. Let us all just…move on." Kili kissed her head and wrapped his arms firmly around her; his hand securely held over the mound of their son, who was so still, he must be asleep. Between the dim lights and the warm room, the two drifted into a peaceful sleep; Oin keeping a watchful eye as he worked quietly around his office.

Original Authors Note: Alright. Happier ending then last one…but who done it? A Lord? A Lady? A Nurse? A supposed friend? Kaw? Just kidding. It wasn't Kaw…or was it?! Duh Duh DUHHHHHHHHHHHH. You will find out soon though so. On to the next…soon…Don't worry, its all written so I won't cut you off. Might even post the next one tomorrow or Thursday at the latest. ;)