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.

17. ACT II Chapter 5

Updated November 11th, 2021

Original Authors Note: Alright. Here you go…Just…ya go ahead I will meet you at the end.

Chapter Five

Within a week, the announcement for the upcoming wedding was made, and anyone who did not know who Viltarra or her family was before, were now giving the dam curious looks and even stopping by their bakery in the market to get a chance to see who will one day be queen under the mountain. Most she was happy to help, but one in particular was becoming a nuisance.

"Please Viltarra? You know I would never do you wrong. I promise to keep it whatever you want…ask Tauriel…wait…don't ask Tauriel. Whatever she has said, it turned out perfect in the end." Viltarra rolled her eyes at Leotti who was looking earnestly at her friend as the baker placed a bun in a bag passing it to the now annoyed looking dwarf who was less than interested in the female banter. He paid and left grumbling about she-talk in the workplace.

Placing her hands on her hips, Viltarra narrowed her eyes at the small dam who was clutching what had to be her design book in her hands. "Leotti, I told you once and I will tell you again. I have a dress, it is my mothers, and it is the dress I want to be wed in."

Leotti cringed. She was with Tauriel and Viltarra when Tarrah brought out the supposed 'gown'…if one could even call it that…that Tarrah had been married to Vin in. Viltarra looked it over, and instantly deemed it perfect.

Even Tarrah questioned her daughters decision…and judgment. She argued with Viltarra for nearly an hour saying it was not just a small ceremony but a large royal wedding. However, Viltarra, as it seems, was a perfect match for the well-known Durin stubbornness and refused to let up. The only one who seemed happy about it, apart from Viltarra, was Vin who had tears in his eyes and pulled his daughter into his arms saying she looked just like her mother.

"You know what, I will go ahead and just make you one. If you hate it, you can pretend it was not even created." Not giving Viltarra chance to respond, Leotti bounced down the market-path and back into her shop Ori had been minding for her.

"Mahal bless Ori and his patience." Viltarra shook her head and went back to work.

As the months went by and the winters began to warm to spring, a second and even greater hinderance began to make itself known. It was trying to get even a moment with Fili…alone. It seemed no matter where they ended up, someone or something found them. Mostly, it was Naurfaer who seemed to have been enlisted as their personal chaperone. If Kili and Tauriel was not with them, Naurfaer found them, and it was Viltarra who discovered the pattern.

First, it was in the corridor before dinner. Fili had made his way down to the marketplace to bring her up to the hall and they were…waylaid. She pulled Fili closer as he deepened the kiss and pushed her further against the wall.

"Bell ring. Pretty bird. Pretty bird alone."

Fili pulled away panting and glared at Kaw, trying to shoe him away but Kaw was soon joined by Hiril. Fili had not thought this to be a huge hinderance, until it became evident that Viltarra LOVED Hiril. The wargs arrival always put an end to their…personal time…as Viltarra usually released Fili and went right for the warg pup who was getting larger every passing week.

A second instance happened the time they had opted for a picnic. The weather was perfect, and the sun was shining. They discussed their upcoming wedding and everything that still needed to be done. Eventually though, at some point one or the other became severely distracted. One thing led to another and Fili was hovering over Viltarra, his head buried in her neck as she had her arms secured around him, holding him close.

"Bell ring. Pretty bird."

"Kakhf." Fili swore and rolled away just in time to see a streak of cream come bounding towards them and Naurfaer not far behind with Dis on his arm and a basket of goods held in the dam's free hand. "Why does Mahal hate me." Fili had grumbled as he sat up and pouted. Viltarra just laughed it off and leaned her head against Fili's shoulder while she pet the warg and waited for Dis and Naurfaer to join them.

The third and most recent example was when Fili came down to try and find Viltarra when she missed breakfast. He was met at the bakery by Vin, who smiled at the young prince. "She was up late last evening with Lady Dis. She's still sleeping lad. Best come back in a few hours. I will let her know you came by."

Fili scrunched his nose. "It's fine, I can just go wake her. She did miss breakfast so I'll bring her something to eat." Fili moved to leave but was stopped in his tracks by Vin and Tarrah who now stood directly in his path as he began to leave the family shop.

"NO!" Both Vin and Tarrah shouted then, wide eyed, Tarrah added in. "Best let her sleep dear." She guided Fili out the bakery gate and pushed him towards the market entrance with barely a word goodbye before turning around and going back to work.

That was odd. He looked back at the two dwarrow who were trying not to look like they were watching him go. Shrugging, Fili began to head back to the barracks to speak with Aeodhen, but paused at the hallway leading to Viltarra's family chambers. He contemplated his choices and weighed the outcomes, coming to a decision. The prince felt himself amble towards the baker's family chamber door which he pushed open quietly.

Looking around the empty sitting room, Fili softly called for his one. "Viltarra?" Nothing but silence met his ears, so he made for the hallway and toward her bedroom before giving the door a soft knock. "Viltarra?" But still, silence was the only response. Fili pushed the door open and peaked inside. The room was completely dark; to give himself some light, Fili lit a lantern and moved towards the bed where he could see the outline of his dam.

Fili sat on the edge of the mattress and looked down at her. The lantern cast shadows on her face and Fili could not stop his fingers from running through the soft hair at the base of her cheeks. She sighed in her sleep and turned further towards him. Feeling confident, Fili leaned in and placed his lips over hers.

Suddenly, everything turned on its head when instead of a returned kiss, Fili found himself flat on his back, on the floor, nursing a bump on the head; Viltarra glaring at him from the bed. The book she used to deal the damage lay upside-down on the ground, the words reading 'Durin's folk: Ceremonies, Traditions, and Values' in gold lettering taunted him as they picked up the glow of the lantern.

"If you think I am sorry for that, you have another thing coming!" Viltarra growled, sticking her nose up at him.

"Did you have to hit me so hard?!" Fili groaned, rubbing his head.

"Did you have to wake me up!" She replied without missing a beat.

Fili sat up straight and gaped at her. "You don't like being woken up?"

"Does anyone?" Viltarra flicked her hair out of her face and folded her arms. She was perfect. Completely, mesmerizingly, maddeningly perfect.

"I love you." Fili declared in awe. Viltarra lifted a brow whether in question or concern for his well-being was unapparent. Fili jumped up on the bed and beamed. He leaned forward and began peppering her face with kisses. "I thought I was the only one! You, you are my match, in every way!"

Finally, Viltarra began to laugh as his beard and braids tickled her skin. "What, don't tell me you become violent when woken before you're ready too? My parents draw straws on who has to wake me if I have not risen before them, which usually I do. Mostly, they leave me be. They say it is not worth risking bodily injury."

Fili nodded, smiling wide. "So does my family. They leave me alone until I wake up. Well, except for Kili who finds joy in it for some reason. Strange dwarf, my brother is."

Viltarra laughed but was silenced by the heated look Fili leveled her with. Before she could react, he jumped at her, pushing her back against the bed and kissing her breathless. Unfortunately, his moment of pure passion was interrupted by what has now become the bane of his existence.

"Bell ring. Pretty bird. Alone." Then the bed shifted as a now nearing 70-pound Hiril jumped onto the mattress.

"NO! Bad warg! Get off!" Fili waived an arm, trying to shoe the animal that just stared at him.

Viltarra grabbed his arm before he could start physically pushing the warg-dog creature. "FILI! Stop it. She just wants some love."

"But she interrupted my love!" Fili whined. "I am going to have to speak to Naurfaer. He has got to control his animal."

"Perhaps you should try controlling yours before you go after others." Viltarra teased while scratching Hiril behind the ears. Fili grimaced when a drip of drool fell on to the comforter. He sighed, pecked Viltarra on the lips, and rose to leave. "Where are you going?" Viltarra asked, watching him move to turn up the lights in the room and make for the door."

"Aeodhen is expecting me. I really just wanted to check on you, but now that I see you are alright, and I know a certain elf is not far behind these little moment ruiners, I think it's time I get going." Viltarra nodded and Fili turned to the soon to be carpet and feather duster. "Well, come on you two." He called after the animals, but Kaw was the only one to listen as Hiril was now on her back getting a belly rub. He gave Viltarra a look that very clearly read 'you're kidding me'.

Maybe he should tell Aeodhen the next time they got attacked by wargs, to just, give the creatures a scratch and they become giant puppies. Or perhaps not, one could lose a hand trying, so maybe it was not worth the risk.

Fili glared down at Kaw who was hopping happily at his feet, looking up at him singing, "Pretty bird", before he flew up to Fili's shoulder and started preening the prince's golden hair. "Yes, you are a pretty bird…a pretty ANNOYING bird that is." Fili declared as he made for the barracks and his daily responsibilities and Kaw flew off back towards the royal wing. Not only was he going to speak to Naurfaer about that fur ball, but he will also be speaking to his brother and sister about their menacing feathered terror.

"Da. You got it. Say da."

"Ada" Came a croaked reply and Kili laughed as he turned to look down at the raven at his feet. "Not you Kaw. I am trying to get Finli to say 'da' before he says 'mam'."

"Ada. Nana. Pretty Bird." Kaw responded, bobbing his head as if he was quite pleased with himself.

Rolling his eyes, Kili turned back to his son who was looking up at him giving Kili a wide, toothless, smile. "Da….you can do it my little star."

"Kili, he won't be able to speak for a few months yet." Tauriel swept into the room and gave her two boys a smile.

"Nana." Make that three boys. Tauriel chuckled and bent to greet her feathered love before sitting at Kili's feet and resting her head against his knee. It had been a long day with helping Dis with wedding plans, Thorin with a meeting, then being stopped by Aeodhen who was wanting to train some of the guards in archery and requested her and Kili's assistance in teaching the art. This would also require some help from both Bofur and Fili who would tag-team and make the bows necessary to train and equip a group of interested guards, while Tauriel and Kili helped with the design process. It would take time, but in the end, the added skillset would only benefit the mountain.

"You look tired amralime. Why don't you get some sleep." Before she could answer, however, their chamber door opened and Fili came in, stopping to glare at Kaw who had jumped into Tauriel's lap.

"Your raven is a menace to this mountain and I demand as crowned prince you lock that thing up…at least for a week." The couple in the room gave Fili a curious look before bursting into nearly identical peals of laughter. Hearing them, Finli too began to giggle. His tiny laugh caused even Fili's heart to melt as he rolled his eyes and sat down hard beside Kili. The uncle gestured for the babe and Fin even leaned in towards Fili happily letting his uncle bounce him on his lap.

"Did Kaw interrupt you again brother?" Kili asked innocently. Fili's answering mutter was enough of a confirmation.

"Where was it this time?" Tauriel asked curiously.

Fili shifted in his seat and blatantly ignored them in favor of Finli who was babbling while trying to get his hands on Fili's braids. "I think he just said uncle?" Fili grinned, trying to deflect the question, which worked as Kili lunged forward, glaring at his brother.

"He did not! Tauriel tell him he cannot even speak yet." Kili looked from Finli to his wife, begging her to side with him.

Said elf sighed. "Fili AND Kili, he will not be able to say anything proper for several months. Do not get either of your hopes up…despite the bet you have with Bofur." Both princes winced, and Tauriel folded her arms. "Yes. I know about the bet."

Kaw jumped up on Kili's now free leg and picked at the end of his tunic. "Ada." He then leaned into Finli who giggled at the black bird. "Baby." Kaw croaked before pecking at Fili, and grumbling, "Pretty Bird."

Fili stopped and glared at the bird. Wait….no…..did he just…oh mahal he was going to KILL his family. "Kili…..? Brother….? When Kaw says, 'Pretty Bird'…is he referring to me?"

Kili's face burned red with laughter he was trying and failing to contain but gave up the battle and fell to the floor, clutching his stomach as he laughed heartily beside Tauriel, who was also looking much too amused.

"You both knew he called me that?! I CAN'T believe you KNEW!" Fili paused and looked at his brother and sister…no, scratch that…he can.

Kili wiped the tears from his eyes and sat up. "It was Tauriel who taught him."

Fili looked betrayed at his sister who shook her head in protest. "All I said was you were pretty. Kaw was the one who took over from there."

To emphasize the situation, Kaw hopped on the couch and poked at Fili. "Pretty Bird. Pretty Bird and Baby."

The chamber door opened once again and Dis walked in looking none too pleased, Naurfaer and Hiril trailing behind her.

"FILI! I just heard some rather disturbing news." Fili looked from Tauriel to Kili then back to his mam. "Is it true you were in Viltarra's room?" Uh oh. He was in trouble.

The next hour of his life was spent with Fili getting a tongue lashing from Dis who said he should know better than to enter an unmarried dam's chambers alone.

About halfway through the lecture, Tauriel stood and grabbed Kili and Finli, pulling them out of the room and into the warm spring afternoon. She felt bad for Fili but had little desire to listen anymore to him trying to dig himself out of a hole by burying himself further. Honestly. Before Dis and Thorin, she had never had anything resembling parents unless one would count Thranduil…definitely not. Even so, even she knew that no parent wants to hear, "If it happens, it happens!", as an argument.

Kili was not helping either, so Tauriel thought it best to remove themselves from the situation…which Dis seemed to approve of, as she made no move or notion to stop them.

Now, she sat out in the warm spring sun, with Kili's head resting in her lap as Finli napped on Kili's broad chest. Kili lifted his large hand and brushed Tauriel's temple then looked at her thoughtfully. "Tauriel…what's it like?"

The eleth, whose eyes were closed looking up into the sun filled sky, turned her now open green eyes to her Kili. "Hmmm? What is what like meleth nin?"

Kili stroked her cheek for a moment then sighed. "You said you were linked to me. I keep meaning to ask what it is like?"

Tauriel considered his question and closed her eyes to home in on his presence in her mind. Ever since Finli's birth, her connection to her husband seemed to just keep getting stronger. Whenever she filled her mind with Kili, his presence and strength would fill her more and more, tying tighter and deeper than she ever felt possible, and Tauriel could not get enough. She was addicted to her Kili in so many ways. Should she speak to someone about it, like Ithildin? Or Thranduil? Probably. But, even among the eldar, the connecting of minds was intimate and sacred. Nobody spoke of it outside their own partnerships.

"It is…indescribable." Tauriel finally answered. "The feeling is warm and soothing. It is like…being embraced by love itself."

"Can you hear my thoughts?" Kili genuinely asked but Tauriel rested her eyes on him and shook her head.

"There are some eldar who have the ability to project their thoughts and speak mind to mind. But, I am afraid I am not among such gifted with the skill. However, all elves have the ability to connect themselves with their deepest loves. It can only happen once and…" She was unsure she wanted to finish. This was not a conversation she anticipated for this afternoon as it was not exactly a pleasant one. But Kili was looking so, sincere, his warm brown eyes staring right into her soul. He truly wanted to know, so she relented.

"It is said much of the reason an elf fades when their heart is broken is they cannot cope with the wound left in their mind from their missing mate. Imagine being so close to someone, they become a piece of you. They become as necessary as your lungs and heart. Then, they are torn from you, ripped from your very mind. It is not a wound that can be healed, though there are some who have learned to survive, and even block out the pain…to a degree. Most only choose to remain here among the living if they have young children, or heavy responsibility, they are those who are not ready to pass on. But the pain will remain until they enter the undying lands. Only then will they be reunited with their mates, and their minds healed." Tauriel could not stop her hand from splaying onto where Kili's heart beat steadily in his chest right beside the place her son was resting.

The couple sat in silence, listening to the birds and wildlife around them as life proved their existence with the melody and cacophony of music in the form of buzzing and fluttering. A vibrantly green butterfly landed on Finli's cheek and Tauriel smiled as her son's features twitched at the disturbance which only caused the insect to flutter away.

Placing her hand on Finli's cheek, Tauriel could feel his own contentment. "I can still feel Finli as well, but only with touch, or when he is in dire need of something like food or comfort. The older he gets, the more independent his mind will become and the less it will seek a connection with a parent. It is the way of life." Kili caught a tear as if fell from Tauriel's cheek.

"Do not cry amralime. I will forever endeavor to be here for you. I am yours, my Tauriel; mind, body, and soul." Kili sighed as he slowly drifted to sleep in the warm sun.

Tauriel leaned in and placed her lips on Kili's brow, letting them rest there as her mind wrapped itself firmly around his. "As I am yours." She supplied in barely a whisper before she sat up and kept vigil over her precious, napping, boys.

In another part of the mountain just above the gate, Naurfaer sat looking out on the grounds. His eyes falling on Tauriel's signature red hair that cascaded down her spine. She along with Kili and Finli were out enjoying the day's sun as they should.

"Are you alright?" Naurfaer nodded but did not move as Viltarra came into view. "Sorry to disturb you, I was just looking for Fili, but I saw you up here and thought you could use some company."

Naurfaer turned from the window and from his family and smiled brightly at Viltarra, who raised a brow at him. Still, the elf said nothing and Viltarra sighed. "If you do not wish to speak about it, you don't have to, but I will be a willing ear if you need."

The smile fell from Naurfaer's lips as he took her in. She was giving him such a sincere look Naurfaer could not stop a sadness from creeping over his face. However, as quick as the expression was there, it was gone again, though Naurfaer did replace it with a small smile. "Would you like some tea?"

Viltarra nodded and followed Naurfaer into the royal wing, to their personal kitchen, and began the process of making a tray for them. Setting some biscuits and crackers on the table, Viltarra turned and watched the elf boiling water, trying to figure out how to ask, but decided a direct question may be the best route. "Naurfaer, you don't have to answer this if you do not want to…I am just…trying to get to know the family better. But…what was your family like? Did you have any siblings?"

The older elf paused in his preparations and re-adjusted the kettle over the heat as he thought of what to say. "No." Naurfaer sighed as the pot bubbled and he filled the tray with some jars of cream and sugar. He sat it on the table and poured the dam a cup before sitting and taking one for himself.

"I know it seems odd, but I never had a family, not in the traditional sense." Before she could interrupt, he lifted a hand to stop her. "It is difficult to understand and even more to explain to anyone who has little to no understanding of the first ages of Arda. Believe me, it is not an easy subject to live let alone study." He gave her a teasing smile and Viltarra issued her own in return. She took a sip of the scolding tea and waited for him to continue.

Sensing Viltarra's curiosity, Naurfaer sighed and sat back. "I am afraid I do not have much to tell. I was alone by choice for, many a millennia." He watched as the dam pierced her lips, as if she was wondering how to ask something, but unsure how to word it. "Go on, you can ask me anything. When you reach my age, you about have heard it all." Naurfaer laughed.

"What happened to Tauriel's grandmother?" Viltarra paused before pondering, "She did have a grandmother…didn't she?"

Naurfaer looked down at his tea and nodded. "She was lost." He finally supplied solemnly before smiling. "Brilliant eleth she was though. She had the potential to be both severe and lighthearted at precisely the same time. In fact, I remember first meeting her."

Curious, Viltarra sat forward. She did not know why she was so interested. Fili seemed more than happy to brush off Naurfaer, Tauriel did spend time with him, but rarely and she mostly looked…uncomfortable when he was around, and Thorin….well Thorin tended to avoid the elf altogether if he could help it. Kili she had never really seen interact with him, though she is sure he does occasionally.

All in all, not once has Viltarra witnessed a true closeness between Naurfaer, and anyone in the royal family. She is unsure why, she thinks the elf to be rather interesting company.

"Was it long ago?" Viltarra asked, taking a sip of her tea and grabbing one of the warm biscuits.

At this Naurfaer filled the room with peels of laughter. "I supposed that depends on your concept of time." He finally answered. "I supposed to many, yes. More than two thousand years ago if my memory serves correct."

Viltarra nodded. "How did you meet?"

Naurfaer hummed thoughtfully, a warm smile filling his face. "I was on a scouting party searching for a group who were rumored to have been loyal to Sauron. Of course, he had fallen or been destroyed by then. But, as always with dark power, there are those who will forever be loyal to the ideals many deem dark and malevolent. Power…has a cost, Viltarra, and those who choose to side with it often lose themselves to it." He turned his cup in his palms and sighed. "I still remember the first time I saw her. I thought she was a great bird. The hood and cloak she wore hung on her like feathers, and she moved with the grace of a great dragon in the sky."

Viltarra watched him as he lost himself in memory. "I felt something the moment I saw her, but I fought it. My life was never safe for others who were in it. I was nomadic, I preferred solitude and filled my days with my purpose, the mission I gave myself; to make Arda better and never let darkness seep in as it had with Sauron. But, I am afraid life had other plans for me. She bled her way into every piece of my mind and heart and before I knew it, I was begging her to be mine."

As if he was unable to stop once started, Naurfaer pushed on. "We were bonded, married, and we spent the next hundred years traveling and purging the world of blights in every corner we ended up. She grew weary however, after another hundred years, and I soon discovered how greatly she wanted a child. I had never given fatherhood a thought. Honestly, I never truly wanted it, and I thought she felt the same. We had our mission and each other and for me, that was enough. But it was not so with her." Naurfaer's light green eyes turned to Viltarra. "I could also never deny her anything. So, after all my time on the move, I finally agreed to settle, and we set out to begin a family."

Naurfaer rested his arms on the table and looked down, his eyes lost in the grains etched into Dis's most beloved possession. "It took four hundred years before she fell with child…only to lose him, and the one after." He paused. "She began to become distant, and I could see the cracks beginning to form in her mind and heart. She was fading right before my eyes and there was little I could do to stop it. I remember she would leave and be gone for days at first, then weeks. If it meant she was finding some meaning in remaining here and not giving in to fading, I cared not where she was or what she did. As long as she came back to me, and she would when she was ready."

Afraid to ask any questions and stop the elf from speaking, Viltarra remained silently invested in what was becoming a deeply troubling memory for Naurfaer. How long has he held this in? Has he ever told anyone? Has anyone even asked him?

"The last time she left was for two months." Naurfaer continued. "When she came back, it was like I was seeing her anew. Her vibrance for life had returned in full. She smiled again, laughed, and brightened my life. She stayed after that and within a year, she was once again with child. A daughter we named Ithildin, for she was our starlight."

Naurfaer cleared his throat and a look of darkness flittered over the sweet smile he had only a moment ago. "I should have known happiness was fleeting. I rarely slept, but having been awake for over a month watching over my wife and new daughter, I needed to get some rest. I don't think I was in my full rest cycle when a piercing cry that could have only been my Ithildin pulled me from my sleep. I ran into the room only to find my wife hovering over our child, a dagger in her hands and tears in her eyes."

"Naurfaer, I…" Viltarra tried but he was too lost.

"I begged her to put it down. But she refused. Said it had to be done. I saw a small cut of blood on my baby girl and I lost it. Always having a blade on me by habit, I threw the small dagger and didn't even wait to see where it struck as I grabbed my daughter, my blades I kept by the door, and ran. My wife was furious, and I could hear her cries for miles as she took chase." Naurfaer rubbed his hands up and down his face, taking a moment to collect himself; his expression was haunting in every possible way.

"She tried to kill me." He then said in all seriousness, and Viltarra started when he looked straight at her. "Arrows flew by me as I did everything I could to get us away. A mile later, I heard a scuffle and my name being cried, not in fury, but in fear. I hid my daughter away in a tree and ran back to where I last heard my wife in time to see her take a blade to the side and fall. The creatures around her were hooded but were easily felled by my blades. When all were down, I pulled her into my arms and begged her to tell me why, but there was not much life left in her by that time. I heard my daughter crying through the trees, so I knew I had to go to her quickly or risk her being found. The last thing I heard my wife say was to take care of Ithildin."

Silence filled the kitchen for several minutes before Viltarra quietly asked, "You raised your daughter alone?"

Naurfaer nodded. "I didn't trust anyone. I had no way of knowing what had come to my wife, and why she was going to kill our child. From that day forward, we never stayed still. We moved, and I would settle for long enough to support her before moving again. We did not settle fully until Ithildin met Findyyr and she begged me to remain. I had never been able to resist her."

The smile was back on his face, and he jumped in place, looking at Viltarra as if seeing her for the first time. Panic flashed in his eyes before he buried it quickly, and began to chuckle. "Look at me, you're getting married in what, four months? Yet here I am basically telling you a marriage horror story. I think that is enough about my family for now."

Naurfaer rose from his chair and began clearing the table, but Viltarra grabbed his hand to stop him. "Naurfaer, I am not afraid of Fili, nor am I worried about children. If we are blessed with them by Mahal, I will cherish all I can have, if not, the love I have for Fili and the love I feel he has for me will be enough. Besides, have you seen Tauriel and Kili? You will be having a brood of little ones with those two, mark my words." Viltarra snorted, and Naurfaer chuckled in response.

"She isn't wrong. My brother and Tauriel are quite happy to be the baby makers." Fili walked in and dropped a kiss on Viltarra's head and lifted a brow at her hand which was still clutching Naurfaer's. "Should I be worried?"

Naurfaer laughed and pulled away as Viltarra rolled her eyes. That was the first of many conversations with Naurfaer she had. She often found herself with him as she waited for Dis or Fili, usually when she waited for Fili since Naurfaer, as it turns out, really was their chaperone. He had trained Hiril to come find them along with Kaw. This may have angered Fili, but Viltarra found it amusing, which also angered Fili.

Apart from finding Naurfaer wildly interesting, Viltarra enjoyed the fact he knew a lot about the many places she, herself, had visited. Her family being nomadic her entire life meant they had seen many of the same cities and were able to chat about some of the towns they both had been to. In addition to that, Naurfaer was, a part of Kili and Tauriel, the only other ones who made her feel welcome.

Thorin was just, Thorin. Viltarra had learned not to take personally his surly nature; and Dis was coming around and being kind if not still a bit…distant…with her. She was never unkind or cruel though, so it would not be fair to say the dam disliked her or anything, but, seeing Dis interact with Tauriel showed a distinct difference in their relationships.

Fili said it will come with time. Viltarra also factored in what Tauriel had done for the family and Tauriel's lack of her own mother, Dis stepping in to fill the hole Tauriel never knew she had. Viltarra had both her parents, she could not imagine what it would be like to grow up with only one or neither.

So, whenever given the chance, instead of waiting silently, Viltarra would pull Naurfaer into conversation. He was now a regular at dinners with her parents along with Fili, who was coming around to slowly accept that the elf…and the warg…were always going to be around.

Tauriel adjusted Finli in her arms as she made her way down the steps to Leotti's shop for tea. Praise be to Viltarra for standing her ground with the wedding dress as Leotti has been relentless in her pursuit to get Viltarra to agree to let her make the gown. They were only a few weeks away from the ceremony and Leotti has all but given up and accepted the bride's choices.

Tauriel wishes she had her soon to be sister in her life during her own wedding. It would have been much less…dramatic. It turned out to be everything she wanted and more though, so she was happy.

"Da. Da. Da da da da da da da da da da." Tauriel sighed and rolled her eyes. Kili won. Kili won, and truthfully, she could not be happier. They were sitting in bed with Finli between them on the first warm night of summer, when Finli grabbed at Kili's sleepshirt and said, "DA", clear as crystal.

Instantly, Kili had scooped up their son and with tears in his eyes, held his baby close. Fin, who was all his father, grabbed at Kili's hair and tugged repeating 'da' for the next hour until he fell asleep against Kili's chest where he stayed for the remainder of the night, snuggled with his parents.

Whenever Kili was not in the room, Finli searched for him and yelled for his "da". Sometimes, he would cry when Kili left for the day. It would take nearly an hour for Tauriel or Dis to get him to calm and settle. Fin was always happiest when he was with Kili, though Tauriel was a close second and Thorin, as it would seem, third. Apart from da, at just over 10 months he has added mam, nan, and pap. Fili has been trying to get him to say uncle, but Finli isn't quite ready for the complicated 'c' and 'k' vowels. Still, his favorite word remains as "DA!"

"No Finli, we are seeing Leotti and Viltarra. Da is busy with training." There was a fleeting sensation of contempt that filled her mind before Finli settled and quieted, opting instead to place one of her long braids in his still toothless mouth.

Tauriel greeted Leotti who cooed at Finli even as he tucked his head away into her vest. Viltarra was not here yet, so Tauriel took a seat and settled Finli on the floor at her feet. He first looked up at her with the same exact look Kili gives when he feels betrayed, but Tauriel leaned forward and passed him the cloth chewing rag Shaada had suggested to help with the beginning stages of teething. Her and Kili had recently discovered the joys of an infant breaking his first teeth and the many sleepless nights they induced. It also explained Finli's new propensity for shyness, it was because he simply did not feel well…according to an unconcerned Oin.

"Any teeth yet?" Leotti asked, settling down beside the eleth as they waited for Viltarra to arrive.

Tauriel shook her head. "No, he is having a difficult time with it though. Yesterday he cried from the moment Kili left the chambers until he came back in the late afternoon. I got him down for some rest, but he woke less than an hour later."

"DA! DA!" Finli looked around and turned sad brown eyes up at Tauriel, his lower lip trembling.

"No, my little star, Da is not here." Tauriel sighed.

"Mahal above, how can you ever resist that face!" Leotti gushed.

"That's the issue I think, Leotti, I cannot." Tauriel chuckled and scooped Finli up before the tears began. He settled a bit more contently in her arms and within a few minutes, was asleep against her chest.

The door creaked open and a disheveled looking Viltarra came slumping into a seat, Tauriel giving her a concerned look. "Oh my, are you alright?"

Viltarra mumbled something quietly from where she sat in the chair beside Tauriel, passing her the small stack of parchment in her hands. "How did you remember all this? Tell me it was some elven gift or power." Tauriel looked down at the Khuzdul written on the page. "How to stand, where to stand, when to move…and you!" She pointed at Tauriel and glared daggers at her soon to be sister. "YOU said there was not a lot I had to say, but Dis is insisting I have traditional lines….and a speech to give! I can't give a speech!"

Tauriel gave an 'oh' sound and looked down at the writing once again. "Oh, but in my wedding, there really was only a few things I had to say until the elvish vows, Viltarra. I was telling you the truth. Most of the talking was done by Kili, Dis, Thorin, Balin, and Fili."

Viltarra looked unconvinced and huffed. "Yes, well, according to Dis, since I am marrying the next in line for the throne, it is customary to give a speech AND say some lines in the ceremony. I could not even remember Tandril's name when he came to visit."

Leotti bit her lip and Tauriel shifted in place. "Thranduil." She finally corrected, unable to hold it in any longer. Tauriel flinched a bit when Viltarra glared at her, but the eleth squared her shoulders and ignored the cold look. "You worry for naught. You have a week to memorize what you need to say and do. I am sure when it comes to the day, it will…"

"TAURIEL! Stop. Please." Viltarra interrupted. "I am grateful for your confidence in me, but, obviously you forget I spent well over a month learning Thandil's name, and one greeting which…I can't even begin to remember…and was gone from my mind the minute I actually needed it!"

Leotti lifted a brow and looked pointedly at the blonde baker. "Say it with me Vil, THRANDUIL."

"STOP CALLING ME VIL!" The blonde was reaching her breaking point, or perhaps, she has already reached it.

The room erupted in wails when Finli was startled awake by Viltarra's yell, the dam quickly apologizing to a now frustrated Tauriel. She just could not get anything right. Before she could flee the room however, a hand came out and grabbed her wrist, stopping her movement towards the door.

Tauriel passed a crying Finli to Leotti, who looked slightly panicked at being handed a screaming baby…a screaming baby who kept turning and trying to reach out towards his mother, that is.

However, the eleth had something to do first before she could sooth her miniature Kili. Tauriel tried to ignore the ache in her skull that began to flare increasingly, proof Finli was not going to be happy until he was soothed by his mother, and the eleth attempted to send calming sensations to her infant even as she turned to Viltarra.

"Five days before my wedding, I reached my breaking point." Tauriel began. "I was bombarded with traditions and expectations I had no knowledge of, Dis kept changing the menu to foods I did not like, and please do not expect elaboration on the suggestive comments, advice, and gifts the dams kept throwing at me. More overwhelmed than I could handle, I ran into the night."

"I remember that." Leotti chimed in over Finli's cries. "Thorin came to me seething mad. It was the first time I was truly frightened of him honestly. Said it was not my wedding, but Tauriel's and if Tauriel wanted to wear her riding cloak and breeches to the ceremony, she could for all he cared. I was to come up and apologize and help make things right."

Tauriel gaped at Leotti, she knew Leotti was in the chambers when Kili brought her back, but who made her come up she had never known. She had just assumed it was in passing or her friend had stopped by on a whim…which was not unusual…and was forced to stay. It made her feel a sense of warmth and love for Thorin, the father she never had.

"What made you come back?" Viltarra asked.

Tauriel smiled. "Kili. He found me in a tree and climbed up. We spoke, and after a few moments, I realized something." Tauriel sat and pulled Viltarra into the chair beside her.

Finli's cries were still filling the room…and her mind, but Tauriel needed just one more moment. "Everything that happens that day, is important to other people, Viltarra. All I needed to focus on is what was important to me and that was marrying my Kili. If I missed a step, or entered wrong, there were others around me who loved me enough to correct me. You have love and support around you, Viltarra, you are not alone, and I know how much Fili loves you. He will never let you fail, neither will Kili, or I. Believe it or not, Dis is not set out to see you fail either, or she would not be working so hard to help you and give you the tools you need to succeed. Just think, one week, and this will be something we will be laughing about."

Tauriel squeezed her hand and unable to handle the throbbing in her head or the sound of her son's cries any longer, she stood and retrieved the wailing bundle. Finli, who was leaning away from Leotti, almost fell into Tauriel's arms as he reached out for her. Leotti almost seemed just as happy to be relieved of the upset son of Durin, as Finli was to be back in his mother's arms.

Tauriel walked the room, patting him on the back and offering words of comfort in common, Sindarin, and Khuzdul. It took a quarter of an hour, but eventually Finli had calmed, well, more like cried himself back to sleep. Tauriel sat once again and joined in the conversation which had moved on to the wedding night attire.

"I did do as you suggested, it's all in the box." Leotti beamed, giving the dam a wink.

Tauriel cocked her head as Viltarra grinned in response and thanked Leotti. Curious, Tauriel gave the duo a questioning look. "What is in the box?"

Viltarra smiled. "Well. I thought since Leotti isn't making me a wedding dress, I would see if she could make me some…special sleeping clothes."

Tauriel's jaw dropped and Viltarra looked at her elven friend's expression, confused. "What? You don't have anything like this?"

Leotti laughed and pointed at Finli. "I have no doubt in my mind that she has no need, if the little being resting in her lap is any consideration."

Tauriel sniffed. "My relations with my husband are of no concern to either of you."

"Unless you are the one walking in on it…constantly…" All eyes in the room turned to Fili who was leaning against the door, smiling.

Kili stepped in beside him and rolled his eyes at his brother. "You don't have to keep walking in on it. You can…oh…I don't know…knock? Or maybe just leave us alone."

"Ki, if I left you alone whenever you two started to…you know…I don't think I would ever see you again." Tauriel's ears were burning and her cheeks bright as she refused to give any credence to any of what was being said. "Ah, little sister. Still ever more the prude."

"Is there a reason you are here?" Tauriel sniffed indignantly as Kili leaned in to retrieve the sleeping Finli.

Fili smirked then pushed off the doorframe and stepped into the shop. "We just finished a bit early, and mam wanted me to come down to remind you the rehearsal is two…"

"…days before the wedding." Viltarra interrupted with a low groan. "I know. She said it three times this morning. It's the only thing that seems to stick."

"Hey. It's going to be alright, okay?" Viltarra nodded and let Fili pull her close. It is all going to be okay.

How very wrong they both will be.

"No dear, you need to wait until AFTER we come in. Then you and your parents come in together." Dis sighed, again.

Right. Wait then enter. Viltarra silently groaned and repositioned herself back in place. In her hand she held the parchment with all her notes; re-reading the instructions about entering…again.

Tauriel watched from across the room. This time around, her place was with her family and beside her husband. She even had lines to say since she would be the one, with Kili, who would bond them with the bars of gold for their wedding rings. It was a few simple phrases in Khuzdul so she was not worried. Viltarra, however, looked ready to bolt.

Balin stood at the front center, and shook his head as Dis yelled orders. Thorin chuckled beside her as Finli babbled and chewed on his vest collar. "THORIN! Give Kili his child and pay attention!"

There were not many in all middle earth who were un-afraid to challenge the great king under the mountain, and even less who Thorin was intimidated by. His sister was likely the only being in all of Arda who could order Thorin around without getting killed. Rolling his eyes skyward, Thorin passed Finli to Kili, turning his full attention to his beloved sister and growling out, "Happy?"

Dis lifted a challenging brow. "Not at the cheek! Now, everyone back to your places. We have got to get this right."

Three hours later, Dis had yelled at nearly everyone. "Why is it the only one who can get any of this right is the elf!? No offence dear, you know I love you as my own." Tauriel sighed but nodded. She was not offended, she was tired.

An hour ago, they had a perfect run…until Dis noticed Viltarra reading lines off a piece of parchment. The dam swept in and told her she needed to put the parchment down. "Viltarra, I see you do it without even looking at the parchment. You know this dear, so let's try to do it hands free."

Fili was mouthing apologies, Vin was patting Viltarra soothingly on the back, and Tarrah was glaring daggers at Dis for upsetting her little girl.

Viltarra rarely cried. In fact, Tarrah can count on one hand the number of times she had held her weeping daughter, and at the moment, Viltarra looked dangerously close to breaking. The younger dam held her shoulders proudly though, and stepped forward, sans paper, to say her lines only to come up completely blank. Without the paper, even if it was just in her hands, she could not remember a single word of what she was to say.

The hour passed and Dis looked around the room at all the exhausted faces. Thorin looked ready for battle, Balin looked more than exasperated, Kili and Tauriel both looked ready to fall over, and she could see the wariness in both their eyes as Finli began to fuss and refuse to be calmed even by his beloved father. Fili was glaring at her, and Viltarra stood between her parents, white faced and ready to pass out. Fire and forge, she is glad she only has two sons. Another wedding, and she would be as white haired as Balin.

Giving up, Dis sighed and sat hard beside Naurfaer who had come in nearly an hour ago to watch. "Alright. Let's call it a night. We can go over this again tomorrow one last time before the wedding on the day after."

Defeated...the entire room looked completely defeated. One by one, they all piled out and Fili watched as Viltarra followed her parents out of the hall and down the corridors. He knew she was nervous, more than nervous actually. Would she say anything to him? No. She had only told Naurfaer who had become a sort of confidant for her. "It's the mix of the expectations of the ceremony with the nervousness of getting everything right so she can be married to you."

Fili looked up at Naurfaer, then back at the door. "Even if she misses every line, the moment we sign the marriage contract we will be wed."

Naurfaer lifted his brow at the young prince. "Yes, but, to her, the ceremony is the wedding. She is having a difficult time disconnecting the act with the formality."

Fili hummed thoughtfully, an idea coming to his mind. Without a word to the elf, Fili ran up the stairs to speak to Dis who stood silently, thinking over her son's unusual request. "I don't know Fili. That isn't our way."

Fili narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms to his chest. In these moments, Fili tended to look more like Thorin and less like the son she raised. "It was allowed in Kili's wedding, so why not mine?"

Dis let out an exasperated breath. "After they were wed in our ways Fili. This is…unusual. Thorin?"

Thorin sighed and looked at Fili who was giving him eyes filled with hope. "Will you still have the traditional ceremony?"

"Yes!" Fili answered immediately and honestly. "I am hoping by doing this, it will ease Viltarra's nerves, and she will be able to relax enough to remember what she has to do. Please mam, uncle."

Dis looked at him for a moment, then sighed in defeat. "On one condition. The wedding night happens after the traditional wedding. This is only to help Viltarra."

"Deal!" Fili beamed and kissed Dis on the forehead before turning and running out the door. It was no matter, the wedding was only the next day, so if he works hard, he can do this for Viltarra, then only have to wait one night to be fully hers.

Fili burst into Kili's chambers, causing Finli to startle and once again, begin to cry. Luckily, Tauriel was not in the room and he only had to put up with Kili's dark glare. He was used to that. "Sorry Ki. Listen. I need your help again. We have only tonight to prepare so you may not be getting much sleep."

Kili groaned at the thought of another sleepless night, this time not related to his son.

Another voice filled the room and both princes turned to the door as Tauriel stepped inside the room, looking questioningly at her husband and brother. "Prepare for what, exactly?"

"Just in time little sister. I need you too." Fili beamed and Tauriel gave him a curious look as she took Finli from Kili. However, she shook her head and began walking towards her bedchamber door. "You may go over it with Kili, but this little one needs his bath and some food."

"But TAURIEL! We have limited time!" Fili whined, hoping the pleading note in his voice made it through.

"Unless someone is dying, it can wait long enough to give my son his bath and nurse him. Take Kaw wherever it is you are headed and send him back with the location. I will join you when Finli is bathed, fed, and down. Hopefully Dis does not mind watching him."

Fili nodded and grabbed Kili's arm and made for the room's exit. His next stop was Naurfaer who sat in the kitchen, feeding Hiril biscuits. "Naurfaer, you're needed."

That is all it took, and the elf was up and beaming. "Anyone else Fi?" Kili asked curiously as Naurfaer joined the two princes in the hall.

Fili looked thoughtfully at his brother. "I will need to talk to Vin and Tarrah. Vin mentioned running to the bakery tonight to make sure everything is locked up since they won't be open for the remainder of the week for the wedding, so let's go there first and head him off."

Kili and Naurfaer eyed each other, still confused at what was going on, but nodded and followed the blond prince out of the royal wing and down the steps past the guards. At least, until Fili suddenly stopped in place and groaned loudly.

"What?" Both Naurfaer and Kili asked simultaneously.

Fili gulped "I think I need Leotti too."

"Ma, it is not a dress rehearsal, why am I wearing my dress now?" Tarrah ran a brush through her daughter's hair which was hanging freely, and brushed a loch away from her face when she turned Viltarra around to face her.

"One thing I have learned in the little time I have been here, is you can question those... Durin's folk...all you want, but they will still do as they please in the end, and only tell you the bare minimum of what you need to know unless otherwise necessary." Tarrah smirked and set back to work on making sure the braid Fili had added into her daughter's hair was showing.

Viltarra rolled her eyes as Vin walked in. "Beautiful." He smiled and kissed her on the brow. Her parents, so calm and kind. Not once have they judged her choice or made large of who she was marrying. They only wanted her happiness.

"Are my two ladies ready? We really don't want to keep those royals waiting. Lady Dis was scaring me out of my breeches yesterday." Vin gave a mock shudder and Viltarra playfully bumped his shoulder.

"Ya, let's go." The youngest baker made to grab her parchment, but remembering Dis's look of pure aggravation, decided it would be best to leave it behind. She gave her parents a confused look as they bypassed the hall and made their way out a side entrance to the mountain and into the warm, autumn, sun.

Still confused, Viltarra finally saw where they were headed. On the opposite side of the mountain entrance, near one of the many waterfalls, was a small opening where Fili stood beside Naurfaer who was at the center.

Viltarra looked at her mother and father, confused. "What is going on?"

However, neither of her parents answered as they walked her up to Fili who greeted them both and took her hands. Behind Fili, stood his family. Dis smiled at her, Thorin, who stood beside Dis, gave her a nod in greeting, and of course Kili and Tauriel were beaming beside Thorin with a currently smiling Finli in his father's arms.

Viltarra looked back at Fili, the young prince finally stepping up to her. "Fili?"

Fili smiled, and grasped her hand in his. "I know you were nervous and I had an idea. I thought, if you approve, we could have a handfasting similar to what the elves do and what Kili and Tauriel did in their wedding…just in a different order. It would mean, when we go to the ceremony tomorrow morning, we would already be wed so…"

"I would be less nervous and be able to focus?" Viltarra answered.

"Something like that." Fili laughed, then turned a set of serious blue eyes down at her. "Well. What do you say? Will you marry me…right now?"

Viltarra sobbed out a yes and lunged into Fili's arms. "Thank you." She whispered against his chest and pulled back. They turned and looked to Naurfaer who had agreed to oversee the ceremony. He was unable to be part of his granddaughters, so he was touched beyond measure to have Fili come and ask him to lead their handfasting.

It was actually Thorin's idea to have the elf head the small, family, ceremony. Fili had originally wanted Thorin to do it, but, since it was technically an elvish tradition, Thorin felt it was more fitting to have the elder elf take the honor. That, and they were all beginning to see a closeness between Naurfaer and Viltarra; Fili too agreed she would find it a touch more special to have him at the head.

"Take hands and come forward." Naurfaer smiled and stood tall. He pulled a thick, decorative, sash from a basket beside him. It was embroidered with what appeared to be their names on either end. Fili looked at the sash and then lifted a brow at Naurfaer.

"What? I thought it would add a good touch. Leotti helped so it did not take long." Fili turned to the only non-member of the family allowed. The smallest of the group whose braids were fitted with flowers for the ceremony. She currently stood on Dis's other side and gave the pair a smile, even if she stuck her tongue out at Fili when she noticed he was staring. Never, ever, will he admit this out-loud, but, in many ways, Leotti was like a sister to him. An annoying, frustrating, exasperating, troll of a sister, but a sister none-the-less. He was actually glad she was here, and appreciated her spending the evening helping him set everything up. She must never know that.

Fili's attention was captured once again by Viltarra, who entwined their fingers together as Naurfaer began wrapping the sash around their hands and wrists in an intricate knot. The two ends with their names came together perfectly.

Fili looked into his dam's eyes and was lost. He had never, in all his life, imagined that not only did he have a one, but he would be marrying her first in the elven way. Once again, his life was touched by the warm glow of Tauriel's love for them. Without his sister, none of this would be possible. He would have been killed in battle, he would never had been given the chance to find and marry his one, and elves would still be separated from the dwarves for who knows how long.

But of course, here he was standing across from his other half, because Tauriel fell in love so deeply with a dwarven prince, she gave her everything to give them all this second chance.

"Typically, this entails the traditional elvish blessing in Sindarin…" Naurfaer drawled, beginning the small ceremony.

Kili smiled at Tauriel, pulling her close with Finli between them. At the time, before he had learned Sindarin, that was a difficult thing to memorize. He now cringed at his pronunciation of several key words, but Tauriel never once corrected him. No doubt Fili would have gotten it right, Sindarin had come easy to him even in the beginning. It took Kili a bit longer, but with practice, and personal lessons from his very own elf, he reached the same level of fluency as Fili who sounded like a natural born elf, to Thorin's great horror when he first heard him speak. Might Kili add it was a good thing Thorin had come so far, or just learning they spoke the language would have likely gotten them disowned…if not disemboweled. Kili felt Tauriel rest her head against his own as she watched the ceremony.

Viltarra's eyes went wide when she heard she would need to speak Sindarin. It was WORSE than having to memorize lines in Khuzdul…which is a language she was fluent in! Her heart began to pound at the implications but one look from Fili, whose eyes were begging her to trust him, and her heart began to slow as she tried to focus once again on Naurfaer. He must have sensed her apprehension because he paused and waited until he knew she was paying attention.

"As I said, typically it is in Sindarin, but, typically it also includes at least one elf in the couple." He sent Tauriel and Kili a smirk, his heart warming at the couple currently leaning into each other, their son nestled perfectly between their two chests and happily chewing on Kili's lapels.

"I think we can get to the same place speaking common. I also may have changed it up a bit to fit into a more, dwarvish, ceremony. Fili, repeat as I say. 'I call to Mahal so he may witness my proclamation of love for the one before me. I give all that I am to her. She is my one, and my life is not complete without her. May all my days be filled with her as my heart already does. May Mahal hear that she is my heart and my breath. From this moment on, we are bound in heart and life so that when our spirits meet at the Halls of Mandos, we will walk in, hand in hand, forever as one.'"

Fili turned towards Viltarra and repeated, word for word, the modified blessing. It was better than any he could have come up with and tears fell from his eyes as he hit every point with every bit of feeling he had. Mahal, he loved her.

"Well done, Fili." Naurfaer praised, then turned towards the dam. "Now Viltarra, 'I call to Mahal so he may witness my proclamation of love for the one before me. I give all that I am to him. He is my one, and my life is not complete without him. May all my days be filled with him as my heart already does. May Mahal hear that he is my heart and my breath. From this moment on, we are bound in heart and life so that when our spirits meet at the Halls of Mandos, we will walk in, hand in hand, forever as one.'"

Viltarra took a deep breath; her heart pounded in her chest, and she sensed her palms go moist. Then, she felt Fili lift their entwined hands and graze her cheek tenderly. "Hey. Focus on me, okay? It is just us two here." The blonde dam nodded and took another deep breath before she began.

Viltarra had to look to Naurfaer twice for clarification, but otherwise delivered the blessing perfectly, letting out a relieved breath when she was finished.

Naurfaer smiled at the pair. "Mahal has witnessed this pairing, as have the eyes in this group. Will all in attendance support this merge?" He first looked to Vin and Tarrah who nodded, then to Dis and Thorin each giving their approval as well. Leotti smiled, and Kili and Tauriel finished with a "definitely" in perfect unison. "Well, I guess all that's left is to seal your pairing with a kiss."

Nobody had to tell Fili twice as he took the free hand not tied to Viltarra's and pulled her flush against him and slammed his lips to hers in a long, passionate, kiss.

Dis rolled her eyes, but evidence of tears falling down her cheeks made the gesture meaningless. Thorin smiled, Leotti laughed, and Kili and Tauriel each placed their lips on either side of Finli's head, the babe laughing joyously between his parents.

It took Naurfaer and Dis a few moments to help the new couple get their wrists untied before Viltarra placed the cloth sash in her dress pocket and they each took turns embracing the family.

"Welcome to the family Fili. I cannot say how much of a joy it is to finally have you." Vin pulled the prince into a tight embrace. He could see Dis giving Viltarra a hug and the moment Dis stepped back, Kili had grabbed the dam by the waste and lifted her into a spinning hug. Tauriel laughed beside Leotti who was now holding Finli.

Fili's heart was filled with joy as Viltarra smiled and came towards him. "So, does this mean I can call you husband now?"

The prince laughed. "That ceremony was real enough to me, my darling wife." He leaned in to press his lips to hers but was promptly pulled back and watched in horror as the distance between him and his new wife was widening. He tried to fight, but in the position he was grabbed, it made it impossible to get any type of leverage, so he huffed in frustration.

"Turn-about is fair play brother. You know the rules." Fili was able to turn around enough to glare at Kili.

"But WE just got married so they should not apply." Fili tried to argue.

"Aye, but only WE know that." Kili answered with a smirk. "So really, they do apply dear brother. You will see her again in the morning for ceremony number two, stop moping."

Unable to do anything about it, Fili sighed and shook Kili off enough to be able to walk on his own.

"KILI!" Kili turned to his wife who was watching the pair leave beside a chuckling Viltarra. "No rams!"

Kili groaned. "AMRALIME! You are taking all the fun away."

"No rams Kili!" Tauriel repeated, her arms crossed over her chest.

"Fine." Kili finally gave in and pulled a now laughing Fili into the hall so they could find some food and ale.

Thorin too bid the dams and Tauriel farewell as did Naurfaer and they invited Vin to come join the boys in a day of pre-celebration involving mostly drinking.

"What do we do now?" Viltarra looked between Dis and the remainder of the group.

"I guess that depends on what you wish to do. Dams usually spend the day together making last minute preparations, enjoying some ale, and giving the married dams a chance to pass on words of advice and wisdom." Dis answered.

"Or they shoot arrows for three hours straight." Leotti chimed in, looking at Tauriel who snickered.

"I am hardly a dam Leotti." Tauriel rolled her eyes as she took her son away from her friend, who lifted a brow but relinquished Finli, who was happy to be returned to his mother.

"My daughter, you are more dam than you think." Dis countered causing another round of laughter as the girls walked into the mountain.

The first order of business was more work and less play. It was Dis wanting to make sure the hall was all in order for the morning. It was now past the mid-day meal and the kitchens have already begun preparations for tomorrows feast. Bombur met with the group of ladies and went over what he and his kitchen was working on tonight so they would all be available to attend the wedding in the morning. Viltarra, Tarrah, and Dis all looked over the menu, the younger baker adding in a few tips and suggestions for desserts before the large, red-bearded dwarf gave a small bow and disappeared into his domain.

Next came the great, golden-floored, hall where the ceremony would be. Everything seemed right. There was not much in the way of decorations as it was a traditional ceremony in a sacred hall. The seating was roped off just as Tauriel's wedding was but there was a bit less green for her liking. It seemed Viltarra thought so too by the looks of it, but she remained silent.

"Anything else?" Dis looked around and shook her head at the dwarf before her. Krig, Tauriel thinks his name is. He was overseeing the great hall and making sure it remained undisturbed. The eleth re-adjusted a sleeping Finli in her arms and watched Dis shake her head and dismiss the younger dwarf.

"Alright, I think that is all we need to do. Shall we go up?" Dis looked at Tarrah, Leotti, Viltarra, and Tauriel who all nodded in agreement.

The group would be staying in Tauriel and Kili's rooms for the evening, with exception of Leotti who had decided to return to her chambers having had stayed up the entire night before helping Fili set up for the handfasting. "I do not wish to fall asleep during your ceremony, Vil. I hope you do not mind."

"As long as you stop calling me Vil, I do not think it will be a problem." Viltarra rolled her eyes and folded her arms. No matter how many times she has corrected the slightly shorter dam, Leotti never gets it in her head that Viltarra hated nicknames.

However, the little seamstress only grinned in response, gave Viltarra a tight hug, and danced down the hall to her chambers without another word.

"Exasperating seamstress." Viltarra murmured, causing a round of chuckles from her mother, Dis, and Tauriel.

"I think she may have an ulterior motive, she did not look very tired to me." Tauriel sighed.

Viltarra shook her head and lifted a brow. "She's probably adding last minute touches to a second dress…just in case I change my mind." Viltarra was no ignorant dam. She has seen Leotti hidden away with her sketching journal. She even would occasionally air measure her when Viltarra was walking past Leotti's shop. Viltarra knew her friend was up to something, but so far, Leotti has not once approached her about it since the young baker shut her down months ago.

"I would not doubt that, but she has said nothing about it to me." Tauriel hummed.

"Nor would I." Dis chuckled, knowing Leotti rather well. Tarrah just watched amused. To be honest, she would love to see what the very talented seamstress came up with…if in fact she was designing a dress.

With everything in order, the small group began to make their way up the stairs to the royal wing to prepare for some of their own kind of fun in.

For the most part, they were set for a quiet evening as Viltarra specifically requested nothing over the top. She was just wishing for some time to relax and reflect with her mother, and new family around her.

Using Tauriel's second washroom just off the sitting room, Viltarra slipped out of her dress and back into her regular blouse and breeches she had brought with her, although she did pull the embroidered sash from her dress pocket and ran it through her fingers before rolling it up and placing it in her trouser pockets. She was married now, and tomorrow morning she will be twice married.

Viltarra smiled in the mirror then turned from the washroom and joined Tauriel, her mother, and Dis for a round of ale and what she would find to be some rather amusing stories.

"I wish I were speaking falsely." Tauriel giggled, the sound filling the room like a tinkling bell. They had been swapping tales and drinking for nearly an hour, though Tauriel had been the only one to not partake of any alcohol since she was still nursing. "If you do not believe me, ask Thorin or Dwalin. Both were there."

Tarrah and Viltarra laughed while Dis just shook her head. "Let me guess, two of my children had something to do with this?"

Tauriel only shrugged. "To this day, neither owns up to it. Both vehemently deny knowing the mushrooms were poisonous. I have my doubts though. I find it difficult to believe with all the time they have spent out hunting and on the road, they were unable to classify a commonly toxic mushroom."

"Da." Tauriel smiled down at Finli who sat at her feet, his little hands grasping his chewing rag in one hand and a plush Leotti had made him in another.

"He sure loves his father." Tarrah cooed at Finli who stopped his chanting of 'da' and stared wide eyed at the dam who was leaning towards him. He physically leaned back, bumping into Tauriel's legs as tears began to form in his eyes. "Ahhh, no need for that precious thing. I remember when Viltarra cried every time Vin would step out of eyesight. Used to make me feel like I was nothing but a food source."

Tauriel chuckled but shook her head. "I cannot judge him on his attachment to Kili, when I feel much the same way as he."

"I would like to say it is young love, but, I think it is just the pair of you." Dis supplied with a smirk as Tauriel's cheeks reddened.

There was no arguing how, overly attached, Tauriel was to Kili, and Kili to her. Neither feels whole when the other is not within touching range. If that sounds codependent and offsetting for some, they can go throw themselves at a Balrog for all she cares. She and Kili are happy with their life, and their place with each other. It feels…warm and safe, and certainly not smothering in any way.

Dis finished off her mug of ale and looked out the large windows. The sky was just beginning to dim, and the evening bell will be chiming soon. The food hall was closed tonight for all of Erebor, so meals are to be delivered to chambers which consists of dinner, and something for breakfast for the following morning.

Everything was set for the wedding in the morning, except one thing. Dis turned to the young dam beside her, placing her empty mug down on the table in front of the chaise. "Viltarra, I have something for you but I have left it in my room. Would you mind if I borrow you?"

"Of course not Dis." Viltarra rose then eyed her mother.

"Well, go on! I will remain here with Tauriel and this gorgeous little one." Tarrah leaned in enough to tap Finli's nose, who finally gave her a smile and tried to hand her the very wet rag.

"Oh Finli, darling, I do not think she wants that." Tauriel chastened.

Tarrah to her credit took it however, and Finli let out a peal of joy before scrunching his tiny nose and reaching out for it back not seconds later. Tauriel sighed, she needs to teach him some better manners.

Leaving one chamber and entering another, Dis gestured to the younger dam. "Come in Viltarra. I will be right back." Viltarra waited patiently as Dis disappeared into her personal room, only to reappear seconds later carrying a box.

"When Tauriel married Kili, I had one of these made for her to symbolize her place among the royal family. It is only fitting I do the same for you." The elder dam sat on the couch and patted the seat beside her, and Viltarra eyed the object as she sat down.

Smiling, Dis opened the box and showed Viltarra a simple circlet sitting in velvet lining inside. "Fili suggested I make it not overly embellished." Dis began. "Just, a simple, rose-gold, circlet was his suggestion, so I followed his request. Kili actually was the one to make it, rather than the customary mountain jeweler. Between you and I, my son's talent for such things is not matched in this mountain which is why he requested to take on the task for you and Fili."

Viltarra's heart stopped at the piece placed in her hands. It was perfectly suited for her and matched her pendant perfectly. Mahal, she could kiss Kili for not creating something gaudy and overembellished. She backstepped instantly at the thought, maybe not kiss. Tauriel would likely put an arrow through her heart for even considering it. No matter, she prefers to keep her lips reserved for her own prince, one with blonde hair…not black.

"Thank you Dis, it is…perfect." Viltarra whispered in awe. "I am honored to accept such a gift. I hope I can do it justice and not embarrass the family tomorrow."

Dis sighed as she watched Viltarra place the circlet back in the box and set it on the open seat on her other side. When Viltarra moved to stand, Dis grabbed her hand to stop her. "My Vili was a mess on our wedding day." She began, Viltarra ceasing her movements and settling back on the sofa, watching the dam curiously.

Dis thought back to her own special one as she spoke. His golden hair done up in braids on their wedding day, and his hands had been shaking as he fumbled his words. "My brother was not, at first, thrilled with my choice." She gave Viltarra a sideways glance and a crooked smile that was all Kili. "I was a bit of a rebel in my youth when we were in exile. I fear many of my brothers silver hairs are my doing…the rest came from my sons, I am sure." She laughed, the corners of her eyes crinkling.

"Thorin was also incredibly overprotective…or is…I should say." Dis chuckled to herself, then sighed. "It probably goes without saying though, since we had lost our mother in the mountain, followed by our father and grandfather in a battle he had fought alongside them, and then my brother in another battle. After we lost Frerin, he came home and refused to allow me to even leave the chamber for nearly a half year. Course, I snuck out because, honestly, I was not about to let him dictate how I could live."

Well, here was Fili and Kili in their mother. For the longest time, Viltarra had no idea how someone so…regal…and who could embody Thorin down to the somber and severe looks, could be the parent of the two biggest jokesters in the mountain. Fili and Kili may take their responsibilities seriously, but everything else was usually done with an air of mischievousness. Never for harm though. Both were incredibly kindhearted. They just wanted to bring laughter to whatever they did. The only times they did not was when they were fulfilling their roles as princes, or if someone they loved was in danger.

"I take it you met Fili's father on one of these 'outings'?" Viltarra asked.

Dis laughed. "Oh, no. Thorin brought him home. He was joining their group to storm an orcish encampment. He had come with Dwalin from another settlement at Thorin's bidding, as they needed more numbers for the raid. What my brother did not realize, was he would be staying from that moment on. We spoke all night, Vili and I. I remember falling asleep on his knee...oh my...Thorin was more than furious to find us the next morning." Dis snickered.

"I can only imagine." Viltarra chuckled in response, easily picturing the irate dwarven king finding his baby sister curled up with a strange dwarf.

"He came back from the raid, successful, and we were wed within the year." Dis smiled warmly, then turned a knowing look to Viltarra. "You know, my Vili was not one to remember great speeches or lines. He had to ask Thorin for his next words nearly seven times on our wedding day. The ceremony was three-times it's length because my precious Vili was too nervous to focus. Vili was no son of a Lord or even respectable family who had grown up in politics. He was just a lowly guard, not even overly experienced, albeit talented with an axe and throwing knives he was. With words and memorization…not at all."

Viltarra listened and nodded thoughtfully, she was beginning to see why Dis was sharing such a personal experience.

Dis took her hand. "Truly, there is nothing to worry about tomorrow. If you miss a word or forget what to say or do, there are plenty around to guide you back into place. I apologize if I ever made you feel otherwise." A weight Viltarra had been holding on her shoulders felt half its size as she let out a relieved breath. Mortifying the family with her nerves was one of the biggest stresses she had about the day.

Dis smiled, seeing the young dam look more than a little relieved. "Is there anything further you wish to do, for tomorrow that is?" Viltarra slowly nodded. "Go on, I will do all I can to make this day, yours."

The dam sighed. "I remember a wedding in one of the human villages as a small child. I am afraid I do not remember much except, the woman held the most beautiful bundle of wildflowers on her way to meet her other half. It had been a tradition in this city of men to have flowers as part of the ceremony, whether for beauty or for some sort of symbolization, I don't know but I always loved it. I understand that is not our way, but…"

"You wish to have flowers for yourself. I do not think that an unreasonable request." Dis eyed the door. She knew it was getting late and the shops had closed early giving the dwarves a chance to return to their chambers for food deliveries tonight. "It is unlikely that the markets are open, and I think the green room's buds have all been harvested since it is the end of the season." Dis looked at the window. "But, there is yet still some light out, if we go quickly. It may not be extravagant but…I think we can find something that would make do outside."

Viltarra's smile brightened. "I know just the place." She replied and stood. "Should we get Tauriel and my mother?"

"We could…or…we could sneak out." Dis gave the young dam a playful grin and Viltarra laughed but nodded. They would not be gone long anyway, and it was beginning to get colder as the evening progressed, much too cold for Finli to be out of the warm mountain. Speaking of cold… "Do you have a cloak? It has been getting chillier in the late afternoons."

Viltarra nodded at her fur lined vest…well it was actually Fili's; she had stolen it from him weeks ago. Dis hummed in approval and snatched one of Thorin's greatcoats from the hook by the door, at which Viltarra lifted a curious brow. Dis shrugged and gave her a lopsided grin. "Its warmer…and I left my own in Tauriel's chambers. This will have to do."

Being as quiet as possible, as not to alert elven ears, the pair made it to the main door of the royal wing, which opened before they could reach it. "Oh. Sorry mam." Kili smiled then looked at the pair. "Where are you two going?"

"Caught." Dis grumbled as Viltarra chuckled.

"Dis agreed to help me get some wildflowers." Viltarra was the one to answer, choosing honesty. She peered around Kili hoping to get a view of another prince along with him. "Is Fili with you?"

Kili shook his head slowly. "No, he's with Naurfaer, Vin, and Thorin. When I left them, they were in the middle of an axe throwing competition. I thought it would be a good time to slip away for a moment to tuck my little one in and see Tauriel before she retires. I will be sleeping in Fili's chambers tonight, so I wanted to wish them a goodnight."

"Before the drinking competition began and you couldn't decipher the floor from the ceiling you mean?" Dis deadpanned. Kili chuckled, neither confirming nor denying the accusation. "Just, make sure you four don't overdo it. We have a wedding in the morning. At least I know Naurfaer won't be affected too bad. I am counting on him to make sure you stay out of trouble."

"Mam…" Kili whined. "I think I am responsible enough to make sure Fili is in top shape for Viltarra tomorrow. I would not want my new sister to start married life upset at me, and Tauriel would probably gut me for it." He gave Viltarra his most charming grin. Mahal these sons of Durin can lay it on thick.

Kili stood and looked at them for a moment then, seeming to come to a decision held the door open and turned to leave the royal wing. The two dams looked at him questioningly. "What? Do you really think I am going to let you two go out alone? Mam, I think you raised me better than that. It is getting late. Besides, both Fili and uncle will have my head if something were to happen to either of you, especially before the wedding."

Dis looked at Kili then back down the hall where Tauriel was. "Don't you want to go say goodnight?"

Kili waived his mother off, although he did give the hallway a longing look. "I think they can wait, we will not be long will we?"

Viltarra shook her head. "Oh no, it is just down the path near the forest line. There are wild roses and peony's growing. Maybe a ten-minute walk, so under a half-hour and we will be back." Kili nodded and put his arm around each of the dam's shoulders, escorting them down the stairs, past the guards, and out the mountain.

The sun was already setting as a set of eyes peered up at the mountain from the forest's edge. "What is the plan commander?"

"The same as it was before we left." Cold blue eyes glared icily. "At dark, we search for any kind of weakness in the fortification. No stronghold is without weak points of entry. Then I and Syrene will get in and take the child." There was some shuffling around. "I want it to be understood. We do not advance unless we are absolutely sure. Alarming the guard will only cause them to reinforce the mountain to a point we will never be able to penetrate. This is a mission of the upmost stealth. Understood?"

"My commander?" The leader of the group looked up at a lower ranking guard who sat in a tree above.

"Yes Horyk." Came a somewhat annoyed response.

The guard gestured towards the mountain path. "We have visualization. Three dwarves are coming right this way….they look like the sons of Durin."

"Impossible." The commander looked to the paths ahead to see three unmistakably dwarven figures appearing to be coming directly towards them. Maybe this would be better. He sat rethinking his strategy.

"Orders sir?"

A babe would require time and effort as well as offering no guarantees, but, the sons of Durin are known to already be mind-sick. Especially the king. It would not take much to get their plan into action sooner with one of the older ones verses an infant. This would have been an impossible plan to execute any other way, but, they had the element of surprise. He always thought the idea of collecting a babe to be…fruitless. Their Lord would be much more pleased to know they had a way to get the sons of Durin. He would much prefer them over the half-breed child they were unsure could even be influenced.

The commanding officer looked about the group of his subordinates. "Get the group into position. The attack may be unexpected, but these are dwarven warriors. Now silence. On my signal, we take them. If they become too much, use the morgul blade, but do not hit them all. We need at least one to survive."

Kili gave the mountain a quick backwards look as he kept pace with his mam and sister. That was an odd thought, he had a sister. Fili always called Tauriel his sister, but Tauriel was Kili's wife. Kili never had a sister before, but he was looking forward to having her in the family and one day becoming an uncle.

The young, dark-haired prince watched as Viltarra pointed to a spot along the brush. He could see smatterings of color among green. This must be where Viltarra had suggested. Maybe he can grab some flowers for Tauriel as well. She did love them, and he loved to see her smile. With the idea in place, Kili had a bit more bounce to his step as they reached the brush.

Something stopped him though. A chill and deep seeded warrior instincts had his hackles begin to rise. "Mam, Viltarra. Stop." He tried to grab for them, but they were in heavy conversation. Kili gripped the axe he still had from the competition and pulled the small sword he always kept with him out of habit. The sound of the weapon being pulled from its sheath finally resonating with the two dams ahead.

"Kili, darling? What is it?" Dis turned to her son, giving him and his weapons a concerned look.

However, before Kili could respond, the world turned on its side as a group of beings surrounded them. Orcs and what appeared to be several elves made up the group. Just looking at them, Kili could tell these were certainly not Mirkwood elves, at least not in dress or appearance. Their ears were longer, only just, their hair shorter, and their dress more of a rogue warrior then a woodland guard.

For protection, Kili closed the distance between himself and the dams, adopting a threatening yet defensive pose. There were too many of them. He needed to get help, but their path had weaved away from the entrance, and they were out of sight from the mountain gates where the guards stood, despite not being far. He would have to fight his way out of this.

One of the tall elves smirked down at Kili, his blue eyes more amused then threatened by the youngest son of Durin. "You will not win. It would be wiser to stand down."

Kili subtly passed the axe to Dis who held it tightly in her grip. He wished he had a weapon to give to Viltarra, but it was only by chance that he had the second weapon. The trio stood back-to-back as they were circled by the advancing party.

Finally, a dark order drawled out, "Take them." Before Kili could make a plan to get out, they were in the throes of battle.

Kili tried keeping tabs on his mother and sister, but he was overwhelmed with five elves and seven orcs constantly at attack. He was able to take three of the orcs out and watched as his mother took a further two. Dis may rarely get out into battle, but, Thorin made sure to train her well. Viltarra, however, was struggling. With no weapon, she was forced to utilize a thick branch which was only good at warding attackers off, not taking them out.

"Go get help!" Kili tried to yell to her, but he was pushed hard to his back, causing the air to be forced from his lungs and his sword to fall feet away. The elf above him sneered but a black mass dived from the sky and began attacking him, ramming its long beak into the elf's eye. He yelled and grabbed at the bird, forcing it from his face and slamming it onto the ground.

Kili saw as streak of white as Kaw immediately righted himself, hopping back up and hissing at the elf before opening his wings to leap into the air once more. But the elf was faster. He lifted his foot and slammed it down hard onto the young raven.

"NO! STOP!" Kili bellowed.

The bird let out a squeal and went limp. "Kaw!" Kili had to force the pain away. His wife's most beloved raven, the raven who burrowed his way into both their hearts, was lying much too still in the tall grass.

There was another yelp of pain and Kili turned in time to see Dis fall to the ground, Viltarra being quick enough to grab the axe that had been embedded into an orc and ramming it into another who was making its way over.

Kili rose from the ground and went for his sword but it was gone. One of the tall elves held it, swinging it in his hand in a taunting manner. "I think you lost this little one." He teased. Kili went to lunge for it but something struck him on the back and he fell to the ground, unconscious.

"What have you done!" Viltarra yelled from where she was clutching Dis, the older dam sliding to the ground, Viltarra going with her to make sure she didn't do any further harm to herself. The axe she once had was now long gone, still imbedded in an orc lying face down too far away. She could do nothing.

"Silence!" What seemed to be the leader, yelled to the group as he held his hand tightly over his bleeding eye. "Gag them, bind them, and let's get them out of here before the mountain discovers their king and two princes have been taken."

Viltarra furrowed her brows. King? Thorin? Taken? She looked down at Dis who was bleeding from a small cut and had a sizable bruise beginning to form on the side of her face, but seemed otherwise unharmed. Unconscious, but unharmed. Tears filled her eyes when she could see the still form of Kaw feet away. His wing was set at an unnatural angle and his beak was wide open, as it had been when he gave his last cry of pain. Oh, poor Kaw.

Forced to her feet, Viltarra was pushed into the woods. She tried to fight, but doing so would likely cause them to knock her out as well. At least awake she could watch over the two who were being dragged and then thrown over the shoulders of a few larger orcs who stood in waiting. Mahal, there were more.

"MOVE!" With another shove, Viltarra stumbled forward. Away from the opening in the trees. Away from the mountain. Away from Fili.

Original Authors note: Right. Ya. Sorry? Kakhf is about to get REAL. I have good news and bad news. The good news is…I am finished with ACT II! YAY! The bad news is…I still need to proofread but what I WILL promise you is you won't be left hanging for more than 24 hours, unless you know, I die or something. Then, I am REALLY sorry. I will try and put something in my will to have my sister put up my chapters for you XD.

I did warn you things were coming, but I am also asking for you to trust me. Keep an eye open, I might even be able to post a second chapter tonight once I get off work and finish my homework, but it depends on how much I have to do. It's finals next week. Anyway, see you soon! OH, watch the warnings too, there is a pretty dark chapter ahead and I don't want to upset anyone. I will keep it T though.

Love you guys and thank you for all your support on this journey.