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.

19. ACT II Chapter 7

Updated November 12th, 2021

Original Authors Note: I KNEW I was not going to be able to sleep until I got this chapter done. Should I be doing my final paper…probably…but I like you guys more than my international business teacher, so here you go.

This is also a VERY intense chapter but…we have to get through them right? PS. Remember those tissues I said to buy…bring them out. You will need them.

Chapter Seven

Two weeks. It has been two weeks and the pain in Tauriel's head was unbearable. After searching none-stop for any sign of Kili, Viltarra, or Dis, they were called back to the mountain. Upon their return, Thorin personally sent ravens to Bard, Thranduil, and Dain who was the closest dwarven Lord for assistance.

That first day without Kili was burned in Tauriel's mind as she all but collapsed in pain again, and Finli's cries could be heard throughout the corridors. Unable to leave him, Tauriel paced, trying to ignore her own pain as she did all she could to try and calm Finli. She was never alone though, Thorin had detail on her and Fili constantly.

Each was required to have at least two armed guards with them at all times. Thus, Bofur sat quietly looking over maps of the area. and her grandfather, who refused to leave her side, stood against the wall trying not to get in the way of the pacing mother. Unable to stand it any longer, Naurfaer gave up and stepped towards Tauriel.

Tauriel felt a hand on her shoulder, and she looked into the concerned green eyes of Naurfaer. "How did you know something was initially wrong? Was it gut instinct, or, something more?"

Tauriel watched him carefully, then sighed. "More. Something more."

"You are connected to Kili." It was not a question, but a statement of fact. Naurfaer finally understood as Tauriel nodded slowly. "And him? Is he connected to Kili as well?"

Tauriel nodded again. "He is connected to us both."

Naurfaer swore under his breath. He should have known this would be a possibility. It was common among the eldar that the children are connected to one of their parents, but to have a HALF elven child connected to both of his parents, especially with a non-elven parent, was near unheard of. Ithildin had been connected to him, but had never had a connection with her mother, and Tauriel….Mahal, he had been forced to break the connection she had with Ithildin when she was days old to save her life. This, was a mess.

"I need you to listen closely to me." Naurfaer stepped up to Tauriel, looking her in the eyes as he spoke. "You have to separate Finli's mind from Kili's."

"WHAT!?" Tauriel froze, glaring at Naurfaer as she clutched her son to her breast. "Absolutely not! That is dangerous and you know it. He must separate only when he is ready, or risk…"

"NOT DOING SO IS RISKING HIS LIFE ALREADY TAURIEL!" Time was precious, he did not mean to yell, but unless he did something soon, Finli will be in greater danger being connected. "Tauriel, if it is nothing, I can show you how to reconnect them. But right now, he is going to work himself up into a grave."

"Babies cry, tha' seems a bit extreme, Naurfaer. Especially when they are so attached to a parent as the lad is." Bofur was only trying to help, but instead of easing the tension, he made it worse.

Naurfaer was growing more furious by the minute. "You know NOTHING of elven children!" He yelled at Bofur who had the sense to back away, having never seen the normal jolly elf so…irate.

Naurfaer took a calming breath and looked to Bofur. "I am sorry. It is just, in elven families, we are connected to our mates and children. Not all, but many eleth's will be able to communicate with their unborn child during pregnancy. However, when that infant is born, the connection to its mother is instantly severed, and it will merge its mind to one of its parents until it becomes more self-sufficient, at which point it will slowly begin to pull its mind away. It is a natural process. No parent expects a child to go to Valinor before them, and they rarely do, so normally, this connection is safe. If a parent dies, and the babe remains connected, the babe begins to fade. Half its mind in this world, and half in the next. The only way to save it is to disconnect their mind before it is too late."

"KILI is not DEAD!" Tauriel growled, still clutching Finli.

"NOT YET!" Naurfaer growled back with equal bite. "But do you want to take that risk, Tauriel?"

Tauriel sobbed and buried her face in Finli's dark hair, then she shook her head, with her nose still nestling her baby's thick locks. With her voice barely above a whisper, Tauriel finally agreed. "Tell me what to do."

Naurfaer could see her pain and it broke him inside, but if he was going to save Finli from the possible same fate as his father, it had to be done. "Find your connection with him and follow it."

Tauriel closed her eyes and sought the connection, Valar above, even Finli's mind was screaming. She forced her mind to focus on Naurfaer's gentle guidance. "Do you see another connection? One possibly flaring or pulsing?"

Tauriel senses scoured her son's connections and found the one so familiar to her own. No wonder Finli was so close to his father, their connection was deep…very deep…too deep. Her eyes flew open instantly and she looked at Naurfaer, fear evident in her expression. "I cannot sever it. It is knotted with his own mind in ways I did not even know were possible. Dissolving this connection prematurely would cause irreparable damage to his mind, and could possibly kill him. I cannot do it and I doubt any could."

Naurfaer cursed again. Severing it would have been the best idea and the safest thing for Fin, but if Tauriel was correct, which just by looking at her he knew her to be telling the truth, then there was nothing they could do…except... "Tauriel…you said you are connected to him… do you think you are skilled enough to put a block in his mind through your connection? I warn you though, if something happens and Kili is gone…there is nothing that can be done."

Tauriel hissed. "Kili is not GONE!" Fin's cries rose and Tauriel tried soothing him again. She glared at Naurfaer who only glared back.

Bofur watched quietly before clearing his throat. "I know yer tryin' teh help laddie, but, perhaps it's best teh assume Kili's alive. I would no' doubt Tauri in her belief the lad lives. If anyone were teh know, it would be her."

Taking a deep breath, Naurfaer tried again. "I am sorry Tauriel. Believe me, I know how difficult this is. Please, let me help." He waited as Tauriel contemplated his request, then finally gave in once again.

"I will listen…" Tauriel began, "…but, if you say Kili is dead one more time, I will ask you to leave."

Naurfaer threw his hands up into his hair in frustration. He wanted to believe her. He wanted to have the same faith. But he also did not want his granddaughter to believe in something that may end up being untrue. It would be best for her safety to be open to the idea Kili may not be found alive.

Before he could say anything, however, Tauriel staired sadly into Naurfaer's eyes. "I know he is not dead...because I still live."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Naurfaer snapped angerly. "Are you telling me the moment you find out Kili is gone, you are forfeiting your life? That you will instantly choose to fade? That you will choose to leave Finli behind? You are stronger than that Tauriel, and I will not allow it to happen. Do you think, for even a MOMENT, that is what Kili would want? For you to give up?"

"No." Tauriel said evenly. "I am saying my life has already been forfeit. My lifespan is directly tied to Kili's. He dies, I die instantly."

"Oh, sweet Mahal. Does Thorin know this?" Bofur was ringing his hat in his hands, his thick dark hair matted to his head as he looked at his elven friend, wide-eyed and worried.

Tauriel closed her eyes and nodded. "He was there and that is all I will say. Can you tell me how to help my son or not?"

"Manwe." Naurfaer gasped. He remembered when she first woke from nearly being crushed. He had never met an elf or any being who felt the way she felt. She had the scent of recent death. He never got the full story, but he knew she somehow returned from the dead. This has the king of Valinor written all over it. Filing that information away for another time, Naurfaer came closer to Tauriel.

"You will need to access his mind again." Tauriel did as he said and waited. "Now carefully wrap your own mind around the section Kili's resides. It will not be permanent but will act as a balm for a short time. Finli may fight it, which means you will likely need to do this often. He is, obviously, very close to Kili in mind and heart."

"As am I." Tauriel solemnly replied as she pulled herself from Finli's mind. It was nearly an instant difference as Finli's cries died down and he fell into an exhausted, but restless sleep against Tauriel's shoulder.

Naurfaer looked uncomfortable, then squared his shoulders and looked directly at Tauriel. "I can see the pain and discomfort in your eyes Tauriel, which leads me to believe your mind…is just as connected to Kili's as Finli's. As a member of the family, I can do the same for you as you just did for him...if you will allow it."

"NO!" Tauriel yelled then flinched as Finli stirred. She said a few hushed words of comfort then repeated herself to Naurfaer in a quieter tone. "No. I thank you for your concern but…if this is all I have of my Kili, I will endure. His pains are my own. Wherever he is, he is suffering. I will not allow him to do so alone. Even if he cannot feel my presence."

Naurfaer gave her a look. "What do you mean he cannot feel your presence? Are you not bonded?"

"Naurfaer, Kili is not of the eldar." Tauriel sighed. He knew this, so why was he so surprised.

Naurfaer lifted a brow. "Neither is your Finli, fully. Yet his mind still seeks out for his parents with a strength I have never before seen, proving mental talent from both parents. Have you not…tried?"

The eleth shook her head. "I never thought it possible."

Groaning, Naurfaer ran a hand through his wild, auburn, hair. Curse Thranduil and his singlemindedness. He has gotten better, but the damage has been done in this case.

Tauriel, should have been instructed on mental connections. How they work, who they can connect with, and cognitive exercises to help build control. This is strictly taught in families, but Naurfaer had hoped since it was the elven king who raised her, he would have been the one to teach her. Clearly, he was wrong. "Any eleth who shares a connection such as you and Kili, a deep connection of love and admiration, can have the sharing of minds on both sides. Of course, it takes an elf to initiate it, but once a door is open…"

"It can be entered both ways." Tauriel lamented. All this time, all those conversations when Kili had wished he could feel Tauriel as she felt him. She had assumed poorly it was impossible without even trying. She was a fool. The first time she sees Kili, she will give him all of herself. No more will they have this wall between them, this one-way communication. Their minds will be open to each other, fully.

Now, two weeks later and after several days trekking through the woods only to be forced to come home was taking a mental toll on the eleth. Everyday was filled with pain, some moments had her falling to her knees in excruciating mental agony, and some days she was better able to hide it by pushing it away and distracting herself with trying to find her husband or sooth her son. Even now, Tauriel could feel the perspiration dripping down her back as she tried to push the pain away, yet it attacked her relentlessly.

Fili gave her a concerned look from where he sat at the table in the war-room, as Aeodhen affectionately called it, but Tauriel shook her head and turned her focus back on Thorin.

"DO NOT TELL ME OF RESTLESSNESS Dain. Your men are tired, my men are tired, the only ones who aren't are Thranduil's bloody elves!" Tauriel flinched at Thorin's tone and sent Legolas who sat across from her a mouthed apology, but otherwise remained silent. Dain sat back silently seething but listened. The entire royal family sported heavy circles under their eyes from sleeping only when absolutely necessary, and taking turns in search parties as often as they could.

"I don't care WHAT it takes. If we have to go to war we will. If I have to give our fortune for them, I will. It is Dis, Kili, and Viltarra. Her and Fili were married by handfasting the day she was taken. She is a member of this family. I want all three found and I want them found now!"

The room was silent. Fili stared at the flickering lantern; his eyes unseeing as he traced Viltarra's pendant with his fingers under the table. Tauriel watched him sadly, keenly feeling his pain as her own. They were both missing their mates.

"King Thorin." Legolas was the first to speak over the tense silence. "My father has agreed to allow me and captain Galloron to join a party. We are at your service for however long it takes."

Tauriel watched Thorin contemplate this. All parties who have left, lost the trail and had returned.

"Legolas is an excellent tracker, you will find no better." Tauriel supplied.

"I will join as well." Tauriel looked over at Naurfaer, who gave her a smile.

Dwalin's deep voice filled the room and Tauriel looked at him in surprise. "Ye have me too. I love the lad as my own and Dis is family. If yeh will allow it Thorin, I would like teh go." Thorin gave Dwalin an approving nod.

Fili sat forward, placing the flower pendant back in his pocket. "When do we leave?"

Thorin gave Fili a dark look. "You are not going Fili."

Fili pushed back and stood, glaring at Thorin. "You will not be stopping me." Before he was dismissed or anyone could say anything to the contrary, Fili stormed from the room.

Thorin watched his nephew disappear out the door and sighed before turning to the three volunteers still at the table. "Dwalin, Naurfaer, join prince Legolas and put a small company together. Be ready to leave today."

"Aye Thorin, it will be done." Dwalin rose and left the room, followed closely by the three elves.

It was then that Thorin turned to Tauriel, watching her carefully. "Will I need to strap you to a chair as well? Or just Fili."

Tauriel took a deep, calming, breath. It was difficult to concentrate on much these days with her mind in a perpetual state of pain and chaos. Naurfaer kept asking to help her, but she refused each time. "It is difficult to stay when everything you are, everything you embody, is out there, somewhere, in grave peril. I am sorry adad, but I feel as one with Fili in this. My place is out there, finding my husband, my mother, and my sister. Not sitting here, trapped in a cell, waiting for others. I was not built to sit. I am a warrior Thorin. It is not in my blood, as it is not in Fili's. If it was I in Kili's place, I have no doubt he would already be out there searching for me. I am failing him."

"And Finli?" Thorin asked. "Others can look for Kili, but only one can properly care for his son. How is he, nâtha?"

Tauriel looked down at the table. "Not well. He has been refusing to eat, and only sleeps when he exhausts himself enough to do so." She paused and tensed. "And only with me near." It was a heartbreaking situation that has torn a physical hole in Tauriel that only Kili will be able to stitch back together. She knows she cannot leave her son. She knows doing so will only cause more damage to his already fragile mind. She also knows there is a great possibility, stay or go, any day could very well be her last. Tauriel is sitting on borrowed time and Fili and Thorin know that as well.

Thorin hummed. He knew, that she knew, that her place was with her son, here, in Erebor. Thorin too wishes he could be on the search party, but, he felt his place was also here, watching over his remaining family and coordinating the search. "I will have Naurfaer take a raven, we will have regular communication. The moment they find where they are, we will advance…you, me, and Fili. Gloin, Bofur, and Aeodhen have yet to return from the most recent search. Perhaps they have found something in the north to report."

"And Fili?" Tauriel asked quietly.

Thorin sighed heavily. To send the heir of the mountain would be foolish, but, denying him would be even more so. "He may go with Legolas and Naurfaer. I do not like it, but, I cannot think of anyone better to send. He will never stop until he finds them. I cannot ask for more."

Tauriel nodded, stood, and left the room so Thorin could continue his meeting with Dain, who had sat silently while Tauriel and Thorin spoke. She needed to relieve Shaada of Finli after she speaks to Naurfaer and Legolas. But first, she needed to find Fili. It was not hard to do so. He was just standing on the terrace above the main gate, looking over the forest. "Thorin agreed to let you go."

"I never asked for permission." Fili grunted before pressing, "But you must stay, Tauri." Tauriel glared at him and Fili sighed. "Finli needs you, Kili knows that. You and Finli are his world Tauriel. I know you want to come, I know it is KILLING you inside as much as just sitting here is killing me. I know you want blood as I do, but your priorities are as a mother first and foremost. We need you here, Thorin needs you here, Finli needs you here."

Tauriel nodded and watched the breeze brush the trees in the forest beyond. "Fili…"

"I will find them Tauriel…" Fili firmly stated, looking into the distant forests beyond the mountain path. "…and I will not step back into this mountain until I do. I will kill whoever took them, and I will find all three of them. Alive. I swear to you, however long it takes."

Tauriel pulled Fili into a tight embrace. He was right. It was killing her not being able to go. Before Finli came, nobody would be able to stop her, but he is too young to be left alone and too fragile to be without her. Damn who ever has done this.

Tauriel went with Fili to go up to the royal wing to prepare, having first stopped by Shaada's to get Finli so Fili could say goodbye. Finli barely said anything these days. Gone was the baby babble and laughter. His words either were calling for Kili, which was more frequent than any, and occasionally a member of the family. If it was not Kili, mostly it was Tauriel or Thorin he called for and Fili just after that. He said nothing more.

Sitting on the bed with Fin in her lap, Tauriel watched as Fili grabbed several blades, large and small, and began filling hidden sheaths with them. She would add input and suggestions and Fili would nod and grab for it. He opted out of taking a sack. He wanted to go light and not be weighed down. It was doubtful Naurfaer or Legolas would have one, so he would just have to live off the land for however long it takes.

Since he was going so light, it did not take long to prepare, and he turned to his sister and nephew. "I think I am ready. Now let me see this wee beastie before I go." Finli allowed Fili to pick him up and Fili held him close. "You be good for your mam and don't forget your uncle Fili loves you so very much." He placed a kiss in Finli's thick, dark, hair and looked up at Tauriel.

"Bring them home Fili, and you better be with them. I need Kili like I need air to breathe, but I need you as well." Tauriel smiled. She placed an elvish braid in Fili's hair and kissed his brow before taking Finli back. Her brother. Her mother. Her husband. Her sister. All gone from her. These will be among the most challenging times she will ever face, all because she is able to do so little.

"Watch over Finli, and uncle. You are one of the only ones, apart from mam, who has the talent to keep Thorin grounded." Tauriel nodded and side by side, the pair went to find Naurfaer and Legolas.

Tauriel and Fili found them at the gate, alongside Thorin, Galloron, and Dwalin. They had decided the smaller the party, the better, and true to Fili's instincts, none had sizable packs. Hiril even sat at Naurfaer's side, her large head reaching his waist as she sat, ready and waiting. None looked surprised to see Fili in travel wear, more, resolved.

"Yeh sure about this lad?" Dwalin asked one last time.

Fili nodded, fastening Viltarra's pendant around his neck. "I have said it once, and I will say it again. I belong with my brother. He would have done no different for me, and my dam is out there. Nothing will stop me."

Thorin nodded and pulled Fili close, pressing his forehead to his nephews. "Go, and bring them back." Fili nodded against his head and they drew away from each other.

"I'm coming as well." All in the party turned to a blonde dwarf, who stood by his wife. He had a large axe strapped to his back, and a small satchel at his side.

"Vin?" Fili walked towards Viltarra's father.

The blonde dwarf nodded at Fili. "I'll not sit here and do nothing. I will be there and I will help find my daughter. I have traveled many of these roads. My skills will be beneficial to the party in more ways than one. It is not a request either. I will be joining."

Fili smiled and Naurfaer agreed. "You are most welcome."

Thorin gave his own approval and looked to each of them. "The moment you find anything, send word. Understood? I will have a steady stream of ravens available. Thranduil and Bard have scouts in the specified areas on your map. They will be your closest contact, but I expect word as well. If battle is imminent, do not engage. We have guards on stand to march, and Dain has his army prepped at a moment's notice." Thorin looked to his cousin who stood by a large, saddled, boar.

"Aye." Dain added solemnly. "Yeh say the word and they will be there. I will be joinin' them within the day."

No more words needed to be said and Tauriel stood with Finli in her arms, beside Thorin, and watched all of them disappear down the path. Thorin looked at his daughter, and placed an arm on her shoulder. "They will find them, nâtha."

Tauriel nodded. She knew they would, she just hoped it was soon. "Da." Finli quietly muttered. Tauriel placed her lips on his brow and nodded. "Yes darling. Da."

Walking back up to her rooms, Tauriel stopped by Tarrah who was still standing at the door staring out at the empty path ahead. Now there were three left in the mountain who felt keenly the tragedy unfolding. "Tarrah, come with me." The blonde dam looked up at Tauriel and followed silently.

They reached the royal wing and Tauriel guided the dam into her own quarters and stopped. "I would very much wish for you to remain here. We are family now, and if there is one thing I have learned being married to Kili, is we take care of family."

Tarrah looked taken aback and glanced around, unsure of what to say as she let her eyes trail the room. "I also do not wish to be alone." Tauriel added in.

"I don't want to be alone either. I cannot remember the last time I was alone, honestly." Tarrah cried. She wiped the tears from her eyes and nodded. "Alright Tauriel, I would love to stay."

Tauriel smiled and showed her to a free room before excusing herself to take Finli into her own bedchamber. Her son had drifted to sleep on her shoulder, and she wanted to put him down while he rested peacefully.

Before leaving the room, Tauriel stopped at a pillowed crate by the bed. Kneeling to the floor, Tauriel checked on Kaw. He had his wing well splinted and was currently resting. She scratched his head and replaced his water, then turned back to the main room to speak to Tarrah.

Viltarra sat the rock down after making another mark on the wall. She did not do it to pass the day, but rather to know when to change Dis's wrappings. The kingsfoil was keeping the infection down, but, in no way was it healing her. Unfortunately, Viltarra was no elf, and as such, had no gifts or special talents to be able to perform whatever healing ceremony Tauriel had done on Kili.

Kili. Poor Kili. Viltarra looked at the wall filled with lines. By her count, they had been in captivity for four months. Four freezing months.

"Finli would be a year old by now." Dis breathed in gasps. Her system was fighting the poison, but it was taking its toll. "He will be walking soon. Kili was an early walker. I think it was because he was always trying to get to Fili or Thorin." Dis started chuckling but it turned into a dry cough.

Viltarra stood and ran to gather some water. She had found a small portion of the floor that bowed and held enough water to keep them alive. There must have been some underground stream, because it was always full. Whomever their captors were, also tended to throw down some stale bread about once a week. It was minimal, but with rationing, kept them alive.

"My Kili, my baby." With tears in her eyes not associated with her pain or discomfort, Dis accepted the water and looked up at the dark sky.

Kili was still alive. How did Viltarra know? His screams were nearly daily, and were etched in her head. Viltarra remembered a day when all she heard was silence. She was unsure if she felt relieved that Kili may have finally found peace, or desperate to have any sign he lived.

Dis too had been panicked that day, crying out that she had not lost one, but two of her children. It took a moment for Viltarra to comprehend what Dis was saying until she remembered what Tauriel had told her. That her lifeline was directly connected to Kili's. Neither said anything of the painful relief they felt when Kili's cries once again filled the air the next day.

"Why isn't it working? How is he resisting!? I have never seen this before. None have lasted more than a month, it has been four times that." Elbereth paced the floor, her blue eyes trailed onto Kili's slumped, bleeding, form.

The tall commander stood leaning against the wall, watching the eleth pace in front of him as he wiped his knife clean of blood and began the process of sharpening it once more. "Remember the Arkenstone? When we planted that it had taken to Thror nearly instantly, though the sickness took time to solidify. This should be no different."

"This should have been faster, Tharyt!" Elbereth shot back. The commander lifted a brow and continued sharpening his knife, but both stopped when a chuckling could be heard from the huddled figure.

"Tharyt. Sounds like carrot with a lisp. Should have known you would have a ridiculous name. Goes well with the eye patch…commander carrot." Kili spit on the ground as his dark eyes lifted to the two elves in the room.

Tharyt yelled and lunged at Kili, but Elbereth stopped him. "DON'T. You cannot kill him or Herdir will kill you." Tharyt glared at Kili then stomped out of the room.

"He really needs to learn to control his temper." Kili tsked.

"How are you doing it?" Ignoring the dwarf's cheek, Elbereth stepped towards the naked, bleeding, dwarf. He had lines down his back from the multiple, almost daily, flogging, his feet were beyond scored, and he had blood coming from his nose, lips, and ears. Yet, he continued to be cognitive and strong. "The power should have taken you by now, yet your mind fights it. How dwarf? How are you resisting?"

Kili remained silent. At first, he felt nothing. Apart from the pain, the constant pain, that is. But as the weeks progressed, he began to feel something fuzzing up his mind. He was forgetting things. Nothing huge in the beginning, just the name of someone he had known as a child, the first time he shot a bow, little things.

However, recently, he had to think about how he proposed to Tauriel, what her smile looked like, and her laugh. Once, he had forgotten his son's name. Finli. He supplied over and over when his mind fought to remember it. His little Fin. He also felt something warm in his mind. Something protecting it. But even that was beginning to wane. If no one came soon, Kili fears he would not be able to fight the battle much longer.

"I see fear in your eyes, though I do not believe it is fear of pain. It is working, isn't it?" Elbereth's eyes went wide and she smiled. "Take the day. You earned it." She gave Kili a teasing smile and left out the door.

The eleth practically ran around the corner to the larger hall to speak to Herdir. "My Lord."

"Elbereth. Do you have news." Elbereth kneeled before Herdir and placed her hand on her chest in respect before he signaled her to rise.

"Yes, my Lord. I believe we are making adequate progress. I can see in his eyes he is beginning to lose himself to the ring. It has taken time, but, I believe with a bit more…we will have a son of Durin in our ranks. It is said the sons of Durin are close to each other. With him, I believe we can lure in the other two and either turn them, or kill them. Regardless, with an heir of Durin, the mountain will be ours."

Herdir nodded. He hated dealing with dwarves, but Sauron wanted that mountain, and they had already failed both in a war, and trying to take it from the inside. This was the next best plan, to get the sons of Durin on their side. That was the initial idea, taking the half breed heir and either luring the others in or using it to get to the mountain. This turned out better than they could have imagined.

"You have done well Elbereth." Herdir smiled. "Continue and keep me informed. Go put a bit more time in with him, and try to break him. The sooner we have him, the better."

Elbereth bowed her head in understanding. "Of course my Lord."

Herdir waived her away and sat in the large chair. He looked over at the chest containing 7 other rings he had in his charge. If they succeeded, they would be highly favored of their dark master. If they failed, it would be death to them all. Herdir may not have had anything to do with Azog, but, he was behind the planting of the Arkenstone. Saruman had warned him, this would be his final chance. Fail again, and lose everything.

Sauron had little faith in anyone, but Herdir was eager to please as he has dedicated his life to serving him, even after his fall. As such, he had been gifted the nine rings of power to use as he needed, along with the command of an army of orcs. Sauron wanted Erebor, and Herdir will get it for him.

Grabbing his wine goblet, Herdir smiled as Kili's screams filled the air once more. Music. Sweet music.

Fili knelt down and checked the area. Nothing. Four months of trekking and searching, and they have found nothing for their time.

"Bell ring. Pretty bird."

Fili sighed, but smiled. Two months ago, they all had a surprise. Kaw had flown low and settled on Naurfaer's shoulder and plucked at his hair. His wing was completely healed, and he had brought a message from Tauriel in Khuzdul.

"F, Kaw is now at your service. He is well enough to travel distances. We received your last note. All are in agreement and suggest you keep moving forward. Send word with what you found. Love T."

The plan was to head towards the grey mountains. It was a longshot, but, worth a look. Given the danger and propensity for dragons and orcs in that area, it was likely a place they think none would go near, even for a rescue mission. Because it was opposite from where they were, however, it would take a further two months to even breach the borders. They would be backtracking the entire way. The grey mountains were really not far from Erebor, if that is where they took them, it would be one of the last places they would look…and that is what had Fili's interest.

A slight bite of the hand had Fili look down at Kaw who was hopping around his feet. Pulled back to reality, Fili stared down at the bird and chuckled. "Alright, enough of that. I see, you caught us a rabbit. You're a raven, not a hawk. Stop trying to show off."

Fili grabbed the dead rabbit and passed it to Vin who smirked at Fili and began prepping their dinner. They were an odd group, three elves and two dwarves, and they often got looks whenever they came into a town, but none cared. The months had taken a toll on all of them, but they were not giving up until they found Fili's family. The young prince looked over at Vin then up at the sky. Silently promising 'I will find you Viltarra. I am coming Kili, mam. Hang on.'

Another two months had gone judging by the marks on the wall. Viltarra sat with her knees pulled up to her chest beside a shaking Dis. It had been silent for an hour now, and the bright moon shone down illuminating the small room. Six months it had been now, nearly seven, she amended to herself. Viltarra sighed and looked down at Dis with worry.

Dis gasped as she tried to adjust herself and pain shot through her abdomen. She was getting worse and they had nearly run out of kingsfoil. The little remaining was used sparingly and only when the infection began to show signs of worsening. The sounds of Kili were ringing through her mind, but she could do nothing. More times than they could count, they had tried to escape. But with every try, they failed. These walls were not meant for getting out, only getting in.

Closing her eyes, Dis let her mind fall into a deep sleep, but she felt something that caused her to wake. Without opening her eyes, Dis hummed. "What is it dear? Did Fili come?"

"No, my greatest treasure. But I have." Dis's blue eyes flew open to see soft brown eyes watching her, eyes that matched her son and grandchild perfectly.

"Vili?" He nodded, the metal beads at the ends of his blonde braids framing his face tinkled together.

Dis let out a sob of joy and tried to get to him but he shook his head. "I am here only in spirit my love. You have suffered greatly. It is time to return to me."

"Innikh de, amralime." Dis repeated softly.

Viltarra furrowed her brows at Dis. "Dis? Dis what is happening?" But the dam ignored her. Her eyes were frighteningly focused on something Viltarra could not see. At first, she thought it was nothing, then she heard Dis clearly mention, Vili. "Dis, Vili, he is gone Dis. But, Fili is coming. Hang on, please."

Finally, Dis's blue eyes turned towards Viltarra. "I know you did not think it, but I was growing excited to have you as a daughter." She let out a heavy cough, then wiping her mouth, she looked back at Viltarra who was looking more than concerned. "I am being called home darling, and I do not think I can resist it any longer."

Home? What was she…oh no. Viltarra fell to her knees beside Dis, and began to beg. "WHAT!? NO DIS, you MUSTN'T LISTEN! Don't do this. Don't leave me here alone. Please."

Dis coughed again and looked over at Vili. He was smiling warmly at her. It had been nearly 80 years since she has seen that smile and her entire body wished nothing more than to go towards it. "I am sorry Viltarra. I have lost so much in my life, and I do not think I am strong enough to keep going as I am. You are young, and grief has not yet knocked on your door, darling, and I pray it won't for many more years yet. More than anything, I pray you will be found, that my Kili will be found. That you both will go on with your lives, raise children, and be loved. But you must do it without me."

Viltarra fell hard onto her backside, and stared at Dis, pulling her knees up to her chest as she spoke. "I know grief. I know it and I have kept going. I know it and I accept it." She wiped the tears spilling down her cheeks. "I had a sister Dis. I was not an only child."

Dis stared at her, question and concern evident in her eyes. "Karra was ten years my senior. She had the heart of an adventurer." Viltarra smiled at the memory of her fair-haired sister. She was the beauty between them. Her eyes sparkled like crystals, the color of the teal waters of a spring, and her smile could light up a room. "It was a warm day and, we had ran out of sight of our parents. It was little matter, Karra was in her twenties and old enough to venture out, I was barely into my teens though, and ma had given strict instructions to not allow me out of her sight."

Viltarra could feel the tears she rarely shed begin to trail down the sides of her face. "I had been running and had not heard the sound of hunters in the distance, warning others they were on the hunt. Humans. Karra had been trying to catch me when I ran into the trees and hid in the brush. It was all a game to me. My smile fell when I heard a young boy begin to yell he had gotten something. He was not much older than I in years. I saw him run by me, and I quietly began to follow, curious to see what he was stalking."

Viltarra let out a small sob and used her dirty, fringed sleave to wipe her face, leaving trails of muck in their wake. "I remember first the look on the boys face. He was mortified, and frightened. He screamed." As if to punctuate her story, Kili's cries filled the air once again and Viltarra had to force her hands over her ears to block the sound out. Through her sobs she continued. "The first thing I saw was her long, golden-red, curls. They were splayed out on the ground around her. I pushed my way through the men and saw the rest of her. An arrow had pierced her heart. I am afraid I do not remember much from that moment. I remember only my mother's screams and my father's cries when they had finally caught up with us. Then, I got sick."

Pulling her hands from her ears, Viltarra listened to Kili's voice. "I had no desire to live Dis. My sister was my closest friend. My everything. We were hardly apart. Not unlike Fili and…" She could not say his name, not with his loud howls of pain. But the point was there, even unsaid. "My parents never knew how close they were to losing both their daughters." She looked at Dis, tears still cascading down her dirt lined cheeks. "Karra came to me. When I could not grasp onto life any longer, my sister came. She said she was there to help my passing and ease my pain. But, she did not think it was my time to go. She said I held strength and will inside me. She said that it was not my fault. That it was her time, and one day, we will be together once more. But I needed to hold on, for greater things are instore for me. The greatest."

Viltarra let her hand finger the end of a sash just visible from around Dis's torso, the ends dirty and frayed but the lettering still visible. "I held on. I pushed through my illness, and I came back to my family. But I never forgot her. I also never believed her. What greatness comes to someone who killed her sister? Had I not gone into those woods, had I paid attention to the warnings of the hunters, my sister would not have paid the price. It may not have been my arrow, but my actions were just as piercing."

Dis looked from Viltarra to Vili. He had tears in his eyes and she could see his shoulders shaking with pain and grief. Then, beside him, a beautiful dam stood, young and vibrant. Her hair fell in ringlets down her back, nearly to her knees and she stood with a bright, proud, smile. Though she said nothing, the love in her eyes was all for Viltarra.

"I am not telling you this for pity or for comfort," Viltarra continued. "I am telling you this because I want you to hold on. There is strength in you that I admire greatly. You are the mother who raised my Fili. The more I get to know you, the more I see him in you, and I love you for that. When Fili and I have children, I do not want to tell them stories of their grandmother, I want you to tell them yourself. This is not only about me either. Tauriel has lost, mahal, Tauriel has lost nearly her entire family. She never had a mother, or father. She needs you Dis, Finli needs you. And what about Thorin?"

Dis flinched at the thought of her brother, but she remained silent as Viltarra spoke. "He has lost both his father, his grandfather, his mother, and his brother. How do you think he will handle also losing his sister? Dis, he will never be the same."

Viltarra steeled her eyes and straightened her shoulders, preparing for her final argument. "What's more is you, Dis, are a daughter of Durin. That means something. I may not have grown up in your clan, but even us wandering folk know the significance of Durin's folk. Where is this proud, vicious, strength you boast? Sons and daughters of Durin fight until they fall, Dis. So fight!"

Dis let out a hiccupping sob and looked back at Vili. "You have a strength greater than any I have known, my treasure. She is right. I have waited nearly 80 years, I can wait more. Find your strength my love. Grasp it and make your choice. I will be here when your time is truly up. Do not lie down in battle, but rather, rise to the occasion."

Dis nodded and pushed herself up and against the wall. Seeing her resolve, Vili looked away seeming to request something, then, he leaned into her. She felt the hair on her cheeks move with his breath. "Tell my sons I love them, and tell Thorin…tell him thank you for being the father I was unable to be." He then kissed her temple. She was surprised when she felt his lips, the warmth spreading through her as he pulled away. He pressed his brow to hers and smiled. "I love you, my treasure. When the time comes, return to me."

"As I love you." Dis replied as he pulled away.

"May I ask a request my Lady?" Dis turned to the tinkling, sweet voice of the other figure and nodded.

"Will you tell my sister, I am so very proud of her, and I have never, not once, left her side. Tell her she is stronger than she thinks, in mind and heart. I will always be with her. Always." Dis nodded and watched as the figure walked over to Viltarra who was watching Dis warily.

The figure knelt down beside her sister and trailed her hand through her hair, unable to truly touch it but the gesture was there regardless. "I am with you Viltarra." She whispered just before she faded into the dark room.

Dis's resolve must have shown in her eyes, because Vili leaned back and gave her a proud, tearful smile. "This is the right choice, Dis. Goodbye my love, for now." Vili whispered, his fading hand tracing her cheeks until she saw him no more.

Viltarra, unsure what to say more, was surprised when Dis pulled her into her arms. "I will stay as long as I can. You are not alone love. I am here. We will get through this. Together." Viltarra, unable to contain it any longer, dissolved in relieved sobs as Dis stroked her hair. "You have never been alone. Your sister was here, just now." Holding the shaking dam, Dis relayed the special message. She will fight the poison in her veins. She will do what she can to remain strong. She was a daughter of Durin, and her family needed her.

"Are you alright my Lady?" At least that is what Tauriel assumed the guard had asked as he bent down to look at her. She still had around the clock detail assigned by Thorin. Not so much because he believed her to be in danger in the mountain, but because Tauriel was not well.

Thorin stopped allowing her on scout parties when she had collapsed in three of them, which only frustrated Tauriel even more. Seven months of this. Seven months of being without her lifeblood, her partner, her best friend. Seven months of agony every, single, day.

Respite came. Oh it came. But when it did, Tauriel knew wherever Kili was, he had either given into his pain or, something worse had happened. Sometimes, when the pain became too severe, and her mind completely shut down, Tauriel wondered if that was the end for her and her Kili.

Thorin begged Oin to look at her but the old healer had said there was nothing he could do. Thorin then called for Ivethin who mirrored the dwarven healer. "It is her connection to Prince Kili. She feels what he does and their pain is leaking into Finli. I am afraid there is nothing that can be done, they are all too intricately connected. I am sorry."

Today, was a bad day. Taking a steadying breath, Tauriel gave the guard a nod. "I only need a moment." The guard helped her to her feet and guided her back to her chamber.

"Mahal above." Tarrah stood, quietly walking to help bring Tauriel into the room. When the eleth had just left not moments ago, she seemed stable. This, was not a stable being.

"Where's Finli? Where is my son?" Tarrah looked at Tauriel and at the guard.

"In your room, sleeping on the bed Tauri just where you left him, remember? Come, let us go check on him, okay?" With the guard's help, Tarrah guided her into her own bedchamber and sat her on the bed. Finli was asleep with pillows piled all around him to keep him safely on the bed. He was currently curled around one of the pillows Kili had used every night, which was the same one Tauriel now used as well.

Seeing her son was alright, Tauriel sighed. She heard the door open and close, followed by heavy steps just before Thorin came into her room. "Forges Tauriel. Kili would have never wanted this." It was not meant for her, but said under his breath.

Thorin came in, dismissing the guard and sat beside her on the bed. He sighed and picked up one of the family braids that was unraveling in Tauriel's hair, pulling the bead away and carefully re-braiding it for her, doing the same with the one on the opposite side of her head, then once more for Fili's braid. Kili's was a mess, but he learned from a past mistake to not touch that one. He released her long red locks and guided her to lay down on the bed, pulling the blanket over her and leaving the room only when she fell asleep.

In Tauriel's sitting room, Thorin pulled open the long map of the surrounding areas and crossed off another possible location. So many x's. Wiping his hands down his face, Thorin sat hard on the chaise. He would be leaving once again in the morning for another week on the road while Balin watched the mountain, and the few left in his company who were not constantly on the road, watched over Tauriel and Finli.

Thorin peered into the bedroom once more, Tauriel's long red hair was falling over the side of the bed as she slept fitfully. His hope was waning. How many more of those he loved was he cursed to lose?

Red hair. Red hair meant pain. Kili was grasping at another vision. A vision where red hair meant love, warmth, and comfort, but that was quickly slipping from his mind with each passing, pain filled, day. "Fili. Thorin. Mam. T..Ta…Damnit." He cried, his arms chained high above him. His mind grew in agitation as he tried again. "Fili. Thorin. Mam. Tauriel."

Kili saw the door open and smiled. "Can't resist me, can you?" The cheeky prince called weakly, even as his hands were released and he fell hard to the ground, his head pushed into the hard, cold, stone, by a large boot. He let his eyes wander up the leg to the long red hair that cascaded down on either side of the eleth's face.

Elbereth lifted a brow at the dwarf beneath her foot. "I cannot fathom why you won't give in. Do you enjoy pain, dwarf?"

"Nah." Kili gasped. "I just enjoy seeing the look of frustration on your face when you come in and see me. Brings joy to my heart."

With that, Kili's world was filled with another day of pain. It was getting harder and harder to return to himself. He was losing the battle in his head. Something was trying to take his mind, something dark. He knew it was the ring. He knew it was distilled with something powerful. Yet, his mind had pushed it away. It had been months. Months he had tried to keep things at bay. Now he lay panting on the ground, going over names in his head. Fili. Thorin. Tauriel. Finli. Mam. Viltarra. Finli. Tauriel. Finli. Fin.

Another month went by, and Kili could no longer recall his son. Another month after that, he cried when all he could remember of his wife was one word, 'amralime'. Another month and even that was gone. He knew he was married, but all he saw in his mind was a shadowy figure beckoning for him to stay strong. He could not do it anymore. It was too much for even him. Everything he had grown to be in the last few years was fractured then ripped from his mind as it tried to reckon with the pain.

"I am so sorry." Kili cried to the figure who yelled for him deep in his broken mind. "I am so so sorry." Soon, even she was gone, and he felt only pain.

Viltarra marked the wall up again. Nine months it had been now. Dis was still week, but, whatever happened several months ago seemed to help her immensely. The poison was spreading, that much was true, and the blackening of her wound was proof of that. But Dis worked hard to remain in the moment and forced herself to survive.

Breaking off a bit of bread, Viltarra passed the molded, stale, piece to Dis who thanked her. "I must say, I do not think I will be able to look at bread the same again for some time." Dis lamented while Viltarra chuckled. They sat in silence until a shadow fell across the warm summer moon. There was something up there, and then Viltarra groaned.

"What is it?" Dis followed Viltarra's eyes up to the hole above them, but she could not see anything from where she sat.

"The damn birds are back. They always seem to know when we get food." Viltarra groaned, scowling as she gathered the little food they were just tossed. "I wish we had a way to make a fire." She growled. "I would catch one and cook it."

Just as Viltarra finished speaking, one of the large birds flew into the hole, landing on the ground paces away from the dam then began hissing at Viltarra who pulled their only sustenance away. "NO!" She waived her hands even as three more flew in.

These stupid birds were a menace. The birds inched closer, surrounding them, but were stopped when a black bird flew in and began attacking the larger feathered menaces. Startled, the offensive birds took to flight, hitting the walls in their haste to retreat.

The large black bird hissed up at the escaping birds and then turned to the pair.

"Bell ring. V."

Viltarra sobbed with joy. "KAW!" She fell to the ground and scooped up the black bird who went willingly into her arms and began to nuzzle her matted hair. He spotted Dis and once released, hopped over to her.

The elder dam smiled down and stroked his black head. "Good boy." Kaw preened then took to flight, soaring out of the entrance and away from them.

Viltarra laughed. "They found us. Dis, they found us. We are going to be okay." She looked back up at the hole, her mind calling 'Come on Fili, Please.'

Naurfaer sat in a tree watching Legolas look at tracks on the ground just below him. "Something came this way."

Naurfaer was about to respond when Kaw landed just beside him on the branch. The now quite large raven was dancing excitedly and croaking. "Lady. Lady. V."

"By the Valar, I think he found them!" Naurfaer laughed out.

Fili, who was standing beside Hiril and Vin lifted his eyes to the branch and the black and white raven. "Where Kaw? Where are they?"

Instantly, Kaw flew off and they ran, following the raven as best they could. With the sky clear and the moon bright, it was easy to make headway. At one point, they almost lost him, but found him sitting on a gate to what looked like an old, very old, ruin which was so overgrown, it was easy to miss. In fact, if the gate had not been there, it would have just looked like any other part of the forest.

Dwalin observed the gate, took his axe, and was about to swing when Fili stopped him. "WAIT! If someone is here, we need the element of surprise."

Dwalin grumbled. "Can yeh open it then?"

Fili sighed. Kili was the lockpicker between them, he lacked the talent. "I can do it." Fili looked gratefully at Naurfaer, who searched his pockets for a pin. He looked over at Fili, giving the prince a questioning look. "You don't have a pin or clip by chance, do you?"

Fili nodded and pulled one from his hair, passing it to Naurfaer who had the lock picked in less than a minute. The gate creaked open, and the group filed in slowly. Each had their weapons drawn as they let Kaw lead the way through a winding path, then watched curiously as he landed on what looked like a clearing of stones.

There was evidence of activity so Fili scoured the area. Kaw croaked and lifted his wings once more, flying several yards only to land on what appeared to be a hole, and the young prince ran. Heart pounding with wild hope, Fili placed his blade down and got on his hands and knees, looking over the opening.

At first it seemed empty, then, he saw a pair of feet just out of sight. "Mam?! Viltarra?"

"FILI?! Oh Fili!" Viltarra jumped to her feet and looked up to see the silhouette of the one she wanted most. He was a beautiful sight, and he was finally here.

"Is mam here? And Kili?" Fili asked as he tried to get a better view of his dam.

Viltarra nodded, but realized he probably could not see her all that well. "Dis is here, but she is not well. Fili, you need to go find Kili. I…I do not know what they have been doing to him but…it is nothing good."

As if he did not hear her, she could see Fili look around him from above. "Hang on, I am getting you out." He yelled down to her.

"NO!" Viltarra called back up resolutely.

Fili was taken aback, gaping at her from 30 feet up. "No?...you don't want out?"

"Don't be stupid." Viltarra rolled her eyes. "Of course we want out. Go find Kili first. Oh Fili, I…I fear the worst for him. He needs you. We obviously are not going anywhere, but Kili…find him Fili. Then come back. We will only slow you down and you need to get to him, quickly."

Fili looked torn, but if they are correct, he needed to get to his brother as soon as possible. "Alright. I will be back for you. Stay here."

"Seriously?" Viltarra deadpanned, her hands on her waist. "Where else can we go?"

"I want to kiss you so badly right now." Fili groaned. "I love you, and I will be back."

"I love you too Fili, and you better be back!" Viltarra called up as Fili gave her one last look and turned away.

The young prince stood and moved to Viltarra's father and Gal. "Vin, Galloron, can you work on a way to get them out?"

"Aye." Vin answered as Galloron nodded.

"Adad?" Viltarra cried in joy when her father's silhouette appeared in the high entrance.

"I am here my little gem. You hang on my darling girl. I am getting you out." Vin looked into the hole, followed by Hiril who was panting and excitedly yelping. Viltarra had never been so happy to have several drops of drool splatter across her face.

Fili, Dwalin, Legolas, and Naurfaer began slowly moving towards what looked to be an entrance. Two orcs stood in the shadows, and were easily taken out by swift, elvish, arrows. Fili lifted a brow at Legolas who shrugged and mumbled, "Vermin."

Fili rolled his eyes, and they entered the darkened halls. From what he could tell, the small fortress seemed to be built partially into the ground, as the cracks in the halls were filled with roots and fungus. They came across a room, large and ominous, where an elf sat listening to another before him.

"He is breaking more quickly my Lord. She believes only a few weeks and he will be completely ours. His mind has been fractured, all that is left is to break it just enough more to allow the darkness to seep in."

There was a pause before the shadowed being in the large stone chair questioned, "Is he turned at all?"

The figure before him shifted. "No, my Lord. His memories are gone but, he remains mostly himself. We just need a bit more time."

The lord sat back in his seat, silently considering the being before him for a moment then nodding his agreement. "One more month, then I want him ready."

"Yes, my Lord."

Fili was about to turn to Legolas when a cry filled the halls. Kili…a deep, protective, instinct filled with fury, surged through Fili and he suddenly cared not one lick if he was seen. The young dwarven prince's stormy look was all the warning the others got before he grabbed the figure coming towards him and threw him to the wall.

"Well well well, another son of Durin." What Fili now recognized was an elf, taunted as he sneered at the dwarf who held him against the wall.

"What have you done to my brother." Fili seethed, a blade at the elf's throat.

"I do not think it wise to provoke him…Tharyt." As much as he could, the elf turned his face towards the elven prince, his one eye going wide in recognition.

"Legolas Greenleaf. Of the woodland realm. I heard your lot was going with dwarves, that even one of you married one. Disgusting." Tharyt sneered.

Fili pushed the knife into his neck, causing a trickle of blood to come from a cut the pressure of the blade against the flesh was creating. "I suggest you keep your filthy comments to yourself. Elf. Now, where, is my brother?"

Another cry filled the air and Fili growled. He pushed away from the elf and ran towards the sound, he could care less who was behind him. He found himself before a large door, and gave it a hard kick, the wood splintering open with his fury. What he found would haunt his memory for the rest of his days.

Kili was chained to a wall, bare. He had gashes, over scars. His hair was matted with blood and sweat and…Mahal…he had a beard. It was thick and dripping with blood from the cuts littering his cheeks.

A streak of red was all Fili saw before he was pushed hard to the floor. He rolled and grabbed his twin-blades in time to see a red-headed elf smirking at him. "You are too late. He is mine now."

"Oh, you are wrong. I happen to know he quite belongs to another, fully. Though I might add, it is difficult to possess something when you are DEAD!" Fili lunged, his blade hitting the staff she held. He was not long into battle when Dwalin came running in and the pair got the better of the she-elf. Dwalin's axe swung and easily broke her staff in half; the bladed end slid to the far side of the room, Fili moving to grab it and stick it in his belt.

"Mahal. Fili, I got this elf covered. Go get Kili down!" Dwalin growled from where he stood beside the she-elf.

Not needing to be told twice, Fili went to his brother. "Ki. Mahal. I am so sorry Ki, but this may hurt."

Fili assessed the chains and then began to gently try and release them, Kili lifting his head and looking at his brother. "F…Fili?"

Fili sobbed and nodded. "I am here baby brother. I am here, and we are getting you home to Tauriel."

Kili lifted his brown, bloodshot eyes. "Who?" Fili paused, his heart sinking. They had said he was lost. Trauma. That is all it was. "Fili, the ring. Get it off. Please."

Fili pulled his hands back and looked at Kili's hand. His wedding ring was gone. He had no idea where that was. Instead, on a different finger, he saw another golden ring, one with a kind of dark gem he could not place, though it may have just been all the blood coating it making it indistinguishable.

Fili sighed as he eyed the broken finger, the one the ring sat on. "I don't know if I can remove it without causing you further pain Ki."

Kili laughed humorously. "Pain and I are old friends now. I want if off, if you have to remove the finger, do it. Just, get it off me!"

Fili nodded and Kili braced for the pain. To his credit, he did not utter a sound as Fili forced the ring off the swollen finger. Once freed, Kili cried out and began to sob in relief. "Let's get you free, little brother."

Fili released the clasps for one of Kili's arms, then ran to do the same for the next. Once freed, Kili instantly fell to the ground, Fili, not wanting to harm him with an embrace, instead framed his face with his hands and pulled Kili's head towards him; the brothers pressing their foreheads together.

"Ki, you have a beard…and you smell awful." Kili snorted. "It is you though, right Kili?"

Kili tensed and sat back, his eyes falling to the floor. "I…Fili I…"

"You know what, you are alive." Fili placed a hand on Kili's tense shoulder, looking his brother in the eyes. "That is all that matters. Let's get Viltarra and mam, and go home."

"Viltarra?" Fili eyed Kili but said nothing. He pulled his vest off and passed it to Kili before he found his soiled trousers in the corner. He helped Kili dress, trying to go quickly while simultaneously attempting to not further harm his battered brother.

Once covered, they stepped over the red-headed elf that had been knocked out by Dwalin who still stood over her, and the three dwarves were out the door.

"It's good teh see ya back lad." Dwalin called over his shoulder to Kili. However, the young prince was too focused on not collapsing to respond.

They made it to the entrance to the large hall when they were stopped by a figure hastily approaching them. Kili growled and grabbed a knife from one of Fili's pockets. He began to lunge when Fili pulled him back. "Ki, stop. What are you doing? That's Naurfaer!" Kili looked from Fili to the elf.

"His mind is clouded. We must go." Kili spun his head around to another elf who was watching him warily. Legolas looked Kili up and down, then turned to go back the way they originally came.

"You will not go anywhere." The group froze and stared at the dark figure as he came out from the shadows. His armor reflected the light of the candles, and the orcs surrounding him roared, ready for battle. "Kill them, but spare the princes. It would be nice to have a backup, since this one is proving most difficult to break."

Naurfaer pulled his blades, and they were back into battle. The orcs were easiest to take down. Dwalin's axe and Naurfaer's mithril blades took them out in minutes. Fili placed Kili against a pillar and stood guard over him. The one-eyed elf ran into the room, and Fili hissed as the elf pulled his blade.

"He should be easy Fi. No depth perception, eh commander carrot?" Kili snickered.

Fili groaned. Yep, his brother had not changed. Still taunting at the WORST times. Fili simply stepped to the side as the elf howled and dived at the golden haired prince. Tharyt had missed by a landslide, and Fili turned back just in time to see Kili shove a dagger into his back, the elf falling against the wall and going still.

Looking around, Fili could tell that they were winning, as it seemed not many of their attackers were left…Thorin…was going to kill him for doing exactly what he told them not to do….go into battle. A few more orcs ran through the door, as did several more elves and Fili was forced back into battle. Yet, as each creature entered the hall, they were swiftly taken out by a sword, arrow, or axe.

One particular elf, however, was a more difficult adversary. The one who seemed to be the leader and was currently circling Naurfaer.

Naurfaer growled and leapt at the elf who sidestepped him and spun, his long sword dragging on the ground as he walked and studied Naurfaer. "You seem familiar to me."

"I should hope so." Naurfaer responded. "You…YOU killed my wife! I have been searching for you for over a thousand years, Herdir. Yet, every clue I get, every tip, every trail, led to nothing…until I heard you were dead. I was most angry to find out, as I wanted to be the one to kill you myself. It looks like I get my chance though, as you seem very much alive….but not for much longer."

Naurfaer's menacing blades flashed with the light of the moon streaming through the broken window. He spun taking the energy of Herdir's large sword and using the momentum against him, his blades cutting through the steel sword like it was nothing but parchment. Herdir looked in horror at his shattered blade then gasped, when he felt Naurfaer's weapon pierce his armer and enter his chest.

"That, is for killing my wife…and my daughter." Naurfaer growled as Herdir choked on the blood falling from his lips. "Yes, I know you sent that orc raid after her." He laughed mirthlessly. "Funny, I thought I would feel more fulfilled, yet all I feel is anger. Goodbye Herdir. Have fun in Udun." He twisted the blade and Herdir fell to the ground, lifeless.

Naurfaer looked around, Dwalin's axe going into the last of the orcs as Legolas's blades finished off an elf about to run Fili through. "We need to get out of here. I don't know how many there are, but I also do not want to find out."

Dwalin helped Fili gather Kili and they all stormed through the halls. They met several orcs on their way out and killed every, single, one. Moments later, they made it back to the hole where Dis had just been pulled out. "MAM!"

Fili helped Kili forward and soon they were embracing Dis. "My babies. Oh! My babies." She kissed them both across their faces pulling back to let out a sob of pain when she looked at Kili. His cheeks were gaunt, and his hair long and matted. She fingered his beard, growing inches long, but tears fell from her eyes from the scars, bruises, and cuts that crisscrossed everywhere she looked. "Oh Kili." She breathed in horror. "My precious baby boy."

"I am alive mam. That is what counts." Kili sighed. "Have you been here this entire time? They took you too?"

Dis nodded. "We tried to get away, but they found us. We have been in here ever since."

Fili hung his head but jumped up to his feet as they pulled Viltarra from the hole next. Nothing could stop him as he cleared the distance between them and pulled her into his arms as he began to weep into her hair.

"Viltarra." Fili chanted her name like a prayer, pulling away to look into her eyes, his fingers grazing her dirt covered cheeks. He could care less though, right now she was the most beautiful dam he had ever beheld. "I love you. I love you so much." He did not wait for a reply, just pulled her lips to his own and kissed her breathless as he wrapped his arms securely around her and pressed her tightly to him, their bodies practically fused top to bottom.

They pulled away only when they needed to breathe, and Fili buried his nose once more into her matted, dirty, hair.

Viltarra closed her eyes and just breathed Fili in. After a few moments, however, she opened them again only to spot a heartbreaking sight. A dwarf sat on the ground, his cheek being stroked by Dis. He looked, horrific, yet familiar. "Is that, Mahal, is that Kili?"

Fili looked around to where she was seeing and nodded sadly. "It is, but, they did something to him. Viltarra, I do not think his memory is intact. He knew me instantly, and Dwalin. But he tried to kill Naurfaer, and asked who Tauriel was when I mentioned her."

Viltarra gasped and shook her head, not wanting to believe it. She pulled back from Fili and felt him grab her hand, entwining their fingers as he pulled her over to Kili and Dis. "Ki. Do you know who this is?"

Kili squinted his eyes, and looked over at Viltarra. He looked to his mam who was watching with concern, then shook his head. "I do not. Although, you seem to know her quite well, brother." He added with a suggestive wag of his brows.

Kili startled when a black raven landed just beside him. "ADA. Ada. Ada." It jumped around and started climbing up his legs, but Kili cried out in pain when the raven's clawed feet hit a particularly sensitive spot causing him to instinctually hit the bird away.

Kaw fumbled a bit on his back before righting himself, and running behind Dis, hiding his beak in her hair and filling the air with his soft, mournful, twilling's.

The dwarven prince stared after the bird as Dis took his hand. "Kili, darling,…you don't recognize Kaw? He is you and your wife's. You both raised him from a baby, trained him, even taught him to speak."

"My wife?" Kili looked lost. He looked down at his ringless hand. "I do not have a wife." Kili finally stated, his jaw set stubbornly. Dis was at a loss of what to do.

Naurfaer sighed. Though it was dark out, they needed to go before any others still inside the compound came out to meet them. "We need to go. Fili, can you send word back to the mountain. We are just under half-a-days walk from Mirkwood. They can meet us there."

Fili nodded and leaned down to lift the frightened bird from his hiding place. It took a few moments of soothing, before Fili was able to get Kaw to accept a message and he flew off.

Kili was silent the entire time. Too silent. Fili kept looking over at his brother who was in obvious pain, but kept pushing forward through the dark forest. Dis needed to stop constantly and Fili guessed at this rate, it would take several days to walk the normal half day's distance. It looked as though they were either doomed, or saved, however, when the sound of a wagon could be heard coming towards them.

Legolas climbed a tree having everyone else hide in the bushes and he looked ahead to see who was coming. "It is alright. It is Ivethin and my father. Kaw must have reached them first."

Seconds later, the wagon stopped and Legolas stepped forward to greet his father and the healer. "Do you have wounded?" Thranduil looked around, then looked at Kili who was glaring at him. He lifted a brow in curiosity and smirked which only seemed to anger the dwarf more, though he remained quiet. Mostly due to his brother who was whispering 'Kili, stop killing the king of Mirkwood with your eyes. He is not an enemy, but our ally.' Thranduil did not miss the 'that remains to be seen' response Kili gave and he began to wonder at the dwarrow in-front of him.

Thranduil's focus was, however, turned to Dis who was lifting her soiled tunic and pushing the sash aside to show the morgul wound to Ivethin, who was assessing the damage. "It is only by a miracle you have survived this long. I believe we can help. We need to get back to Mirkwood so I can access my stores of athelas. You will be well yet my Lady." Dis smiled and thanked Ivethin then pointed towards Kili.

The elven healer came towards the younger prince, but paused when he adopted a defensive stance, a knife clasped firmly in his fist. "Come near me elf, and you won't live to see the next age."

"KILI! Enough! I am sorry Ivethin, he is not himself." Dis tried.

Ivethin looked sadly at the prince. "As I see." She lowered herself to the ground, as one would with a wild animal, and leaned forward, her hands in a placating manner. "I know you have been through great pains Prince Kili, but I only wish to help. May I have your permission to ease your pain?"

The entire group sat quietly, waiting, as Kili growled and leapt forward only to drop to the ground, unconscious. The group gaped at Dwalin, who was holding the blunt side of his axe. He looked around and shrugged. "It is fer the best."

Fili groaned and helped them put Kili in the cart before helping his mam and Viltarra climb up as well. He then hopped up and sat between his mam, and his dam, Vin taking his daughter's other side. Viltarra held both her fathers and Fili's hands as she sat quietly, sadly watching Kili. "Nearly every day, for 9 months we heard his screams. What are we going to tell Tauriel?" She turned to Fili who looked to his feet. His sister.

"The truth. Would be best." Vin stated.

Tauriel sighed. She brushed her hair back from her face and watched the skies. Her mind was calm, and pain-free for the first time in nine months. A sign? Perhaps. But she had given up on believing in hope months ago. Tauriel heard the patter of feet and looked around just in time to see Finli stumble out onto the terrace, blanket in hand and rubbing his eyes. "Da, mama?"

Nine months, even after nine months her baby asked for Kili every. Single. Day. Every night Tauriel had to place a block on his mind, as Finli's mind was filled with pain. Yet, the young dwelf refused to separate from Kili's. She does not blame him. On good days, Tauriel could sustain enough focus to help Thorin map out raids and search groups. On the worst days, she found herself huddled in the shower, in her clothes, sobbing as the water cascaded down her hair. It was the only thing that brought relief.

At Thorin's request, on days when she was more stable, Tauriel and several guards would ride to Mirkwood to meet with Thranduil, but she always made sure to be back by nightfall. The one time she was not, when she returned, Finli was…nearly catatonic. It took three days for him to eat and not cry himself to sleep. Her baby was suffering, her husband was likely being tortured…wherever he was…and she was stuck with tasks that would not take her far from the mountain, from Finli.

Speaking of Finli, Tauriel scooped her little star up. "No, my darling." He lay his head on her shoulder and looked out. Tauriel turned her green eyes back to the horizon in time to see a black dot coming closer. She felt her heart accelerate but forced it to try and remain calm. It could be any of the ravens. Most that came these days were messages from sources with information on her missing family.

However, this was not just any raven. She was able to spot the white chest of her beloved Kaw long before he landed on the banister, folding in his long wings, and bobbing his head excitedly.

"Ada! Mirkwood. Pretty Bird." Kaw then relayed the quick message from Fili in Khuzdul that had Tauriel racing into the sitting room where Tarrah sat knitting. "Tarrah, quick. Come with me."

"Do you have news?" Tarrah threw her knitting aside and ran after Tauriel.

"Yes. The best. Come!" Tauriel responded over her shoulder as she held Finli tightly in her arms.

"Da?" Tauriel sobbed down at her son. "Yes, my darling. Da."

Bursting into the meeting room, Tauriel did not even wait for permission to speak. "I just got a message from Kaw. Fili found them. They are all alive and want us to meet them in Mirkwood. We must go now."

Thorin barked out orders, Aeodhen getting a group of guards together and Tauriel flew from the room to place Finli in Shaada's care. If they did in fact find Kili, the torment on her beloved dwarf would be over which must be why her mind felt so clear. Finli's mind should be safe to leave for at least a night or two.

Kneeling to the ground, Tauriel handed Finli his blanket and wolf that Fili had carved him. "Mama must go help Da. I need you to be good. I won't be long. Okay?"

"Da, mama."

Tauriel sighed. He was only coming on two years, so she really did not expect him to understand much of what she had said. Tauriel pulled him in for a kiss, and pressed her nose to his. She then ran her hands through his hair and stood. Finli allowed Shaada to pick him up and he gave Tauriel a wave as Shaada turned back into the room.

With no time to waste, Tauriel ran back up to her chambers. She threw some of Kili's clothes in a bag, he will likely need those, then she grabbed her bow and blades just in case, and sprinted out the door, down the stairs, and to the stables where Thorin was already mounting Rhya. She thanked the hands who had Galaddal saddled and without waiting for anyone more, the pair kicked into a gallop.

It was several hours later that Galaddal raced into the elven city, Thorin not far behind, and she jumped off the grey horse even before he came to a full stop. Guessing they must all be in the healers halls, if they were there already, Tauriel immediately turned in that direction. However, her progress was stopped by the hand of none other than Fili who stood beside Thranduil.

"FILI!" The dwarrow opened his arms and Tauriel flew into them, bending just enough to allow herself to be engulfed by her brother. She pulled away only to begin her inquisition. "Where is Kili? Is he with Ivethin? I brought some of his things."

A hand over her mouth caused the words to cease and Fili cleared his throat. ""Kili is here. We arrived early this morning." He paused and gave Tauriel a sad look. "But there is something you should know."

"Whatever it is, can we say it on the way?" Fili shook his head and Tauriel's heart froze.

The eleth searched her brother's eyes, fear filling her with his silent response. "What is it Fili? What has happened to my Kili?"

Thorin finally met up with her and looked around, his eyes searching. He gave Thranduil a nod in greeting and furrowed his brows. "What is going on? What do you mean 'what happened to Kili'?"

"He was quite injured." Thranduil responded first. "Ivethin and myself saw fit to heal him. I know the dwarven people take pride in their scars, however, after speaking to the dwarf's mother and brother, we thought it best to remove his scarring in its entirety. It is rarely done and a most difficult procedure, he is quite fortunate myself and Ivethin were able to do it. He is now mostly healed on the outside, with exception of a few deeper wounds still needing time, however, there are some scars that even we cannot help with."

Thorin growled and Tauriel stood in shock, her mind trying to grasp at the implication. "What? I do not understand. Fili?"

Fili sighed, looking up at his paling sister. "We found him, and mam and Viltarra less than a day's walk from here, before the forest ends at the grey mountains. Viltarra was fine, but mam was suffering a morgul wound. They were left in a pit, a hole in the ground to rot. Although, in comparison, they received the better treatment. Kili…he did not come out so fortunate. Kili was tortured Tauriel. Extensively. I do not think there was a piece of skin that did not bare marks. Kili also had a ring of power clearly forced on his finger. One he begged me to remove."

Thranduil looked off into the forest towards where Erebor sat. "Those rings are filled with dark powers. It would seem they planned on using it to turn, your Kili, against the mountain in hopes of solidifying a foothold on Erebor. With a prince and heir, they had a chance."

Tauriel was having a difficult time processing what was being said. Her Kili, her bright smiling husband with laughter in his eyes and who is her rock in so many ways, was tortured for nine months. "Are you saying Kili is gone? That he has been altered into…into some…dark being?"

Fili shook his head and placed a hand on Tauriel's shoulder. "No Tauri, he is still Kili. His mind, however, has been…fractured." He was not looking forward to this. He took a breath, steeling himself for her pain. "Tauriel, he does not remember you, or any of the elves for that matter."

Thorin had to catch Tauriel as her knees gave out. "No." She took a breath and pushed herself up. "I want to see him."

"I do not think that wise." Thranduil cautioned. "He tried to kill Ivethin." Tauriel lifted her head stubbornly and she glared at her former king as he continued nonplussed by her dark expression turned his way. "Orcs and a party of elves were the ones who did this to him, I think it would be dangerous to have him wake with you beside him Tauriel." Thranduil stared down at Tauriel.

"He also threatened Naurfaer." Fili added.

"I am not Ivethin, nor am I Naurfaer. I am his wife. Our hearts are one and our souls bonded." Tauriel stared hard at Fili, Thranduil, then Thorin.

Thorin hummed thoughtfully, his fingers running through his beard as he spoke. "There have been cases, I have heard, when one had been injured in battle so severely, they lose their memory. It is not uncommon when this happens, that a loved one can trigger that memory to return."

Thranduil looked over Tauriel, seeing the stubborn set of her jaw and shoulders. "I do not think she will listen to reason. I would counsel you to not get your hopes up, Tauriel. You may go."

Tauriel did not wait for anyone, but instead ran straight to the healing halls and stopped at the door. Taking a breath, the eleth twisted the handle and stepped inside the room. She could feel Thorin just at her back beside Fili as she walked in to see Dis first, pale but alive as she rested in one of the beds with her eyes closed.

"TAURIEL!" The eleth turned just as Viltarra came jogging over to her. The dam's hair was damp from a recent wash and she had some elvish clothing on, but it was her. Tauriel was happy to pull her friend, and sister into her arms and the two embraced for several minutes.

"Your mother is on her way with some others. I believe she packed some things for you. Forgive me, I did not wish to wait." Viltarra smiled and nodded then indicated with her head to another bed, all the breath from Tauriel leaving her as she took in her husband for the first time in almost a year.

Taking slow, deliberate, steps towards the bed, Tauriel looked Kili over. He was a little pale and there was a smattering of bruising as well as several wounds which looked well on their way to healing on his arms and exposed chest. He also had dark circles under his eyes, and his cheeks looked gaunt and much too thin.

Tauriel let her eyes rest on his dark locks, still slightly damp from being cleaned and recently trimmed, most likely by Fili. The biggest change she could see, however, was the beard that had grown along his jaw and chin. She ran her fingers through the thick hair on his face, testing it when her eyes lifted enough to meet the brown orbs she longed for so much, looking right at her.

Tauriel had no time to react as she was pushed hard into a nearby table. "GET AWAY FROM ME!" Kili was on his feet, grasping for a weapon as Tauriel was pulled back by Fili and Thorin and shoved behind them.

"KILI STOP!" Fili yelled.

"Get her out of here!" Thorin ordered as Dwalin grabbed Tauriel by the arm and pulled her from the room. The door closed in her face, the last thing she saw being Fili and Thorin trying to placate Kili.

"Sorry lass. Did Fili no warn yeh?" Dwalin tried, watching her sadly.

But Tauriel's wide eyes were only on the door. "He doesn't know who I am." Her voice was just above a whisper, and a sudden, blind, fury filled her. Before Dwalin could stop her, Tauriel ran. Her legs pumped in time with her erratic heart as she flew through the gates of Mirkwood, ignoring the calls of the guard, past the deserted wagon, and into the forests beyond.

Original Authors Note: NOOOOO! Just hang with me. The next chapter is FREAKISHLY long. This ACT has eleven chapters total and this is what…seven? So, a bit more. I will try to have the next chapter to you tomorrow…or…later today. I just realized it's after midnight. See you soon.