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.

22. ACT II Chapter 10

Updated November 18th, 2021

Original Authors Note: YAY, another chapter proofed and sent to you, just before the weekend. I am SO grateful for all the reviews! Thank you for sticking with me through those really intense chapters. Believe me when I say they were REALLY difficult to write, I even avoided them for a bit until my sister started yelling at me XD. "I don't see your fingers tapping on that keyboard." She would say as she passed my room.

I did always want Kili and Tauriel to get their memories back DocNikki. I loved how they met, though I do feel bad what I put Kili through to get them. But they have them now and I think it makes their connection a bit more complete for it.

Anyway, thank you guys and I love you! Now, read on!

Chapter Ten

"Strap his hands tighter Tharyt! I don't want him to be able to do that again!" Kili looked around, his hands up in chains and that voice…not again. Maybe he never actually escaped to begin with. Maybe, he has been here this entire time and getting home was nothing more than a pain filled hallucination.

Kili even felt the warm breath when the elf hissed in his ear. "You will regret that dwarf!"

Before he could respond, however, there was a scuffle just behind him and he heard the unmistakable sound of someone being shoved hard against the wall. That was new… "You touch him, and I will kill you again, and again, and again. I was once told my mind is protected! I think you should know his is as well. Leave this place or be destroyed."

There was silence then the sound of footsteps coming towards him. Kili braced but then the voice of his soul filled him. "Do not be afraid, meleth nin. I am here. I will always be here for you. You need not fear any longer. I will protect you. Always. Now. Wake from this place and be free of its pains."

Kili leaned his forehead against the cold, hard, stone, wall, his voice barely above a whisper as he spoke. "What if I come back? What if every time I close my eyes, I end up here, with her?"

Warmth filled his mind and soul as Kili felt the ghosting of lips in his hair. "Then know I will be here to save you every time. But right now, it is time to go. Your spirit is one of light and joy, this is no place for my Kili."

Kili shot up and groaned. He scrubbed his fingers through the foreign beard along his jaw, then the long hair that was in need of more trimming, finally, he sat forward with his hands framing his face. What was that? That was unlike any dream or nightmare he had ever had.

With a quick glance at the glass terrace door outside, Kili could see the sun was still bright in the sky. He then eyed the room to make sure they did not have any surprise guests, but the door remained shut and the chamber silent apart from Tauriel's slow, even, breaths.

Taking a steady breath to calm his heart and relax his mind, Kili decided to test this 'connection' he has with Tauriel. She had said the more they work on it, the stronger it would become. He had never had anyone in his mind before and wondered if he would have to filter her thoughts out with his, but, if he was to be honest, he felt little different then how he normally felt in his head.

Tauriel said to focus on her if he really wished to access it. She said he would need to relax and really drown out all of the distractions around him, especially as he learns to use this new skill.

"Okay Kili. You can do this. Focus. Tauriel." Keeping his voice down to a hushed whisper, the young prince mentally prepared himself to turn his mind completely to Tauriel.

At first, more than anything, Kili felt a heady heat pool his belly, forcing him to realize he was going to need to NOT focus on certain aspects of his elven beauty, or he would either have to wake his sleeping wife, or…go take a really cold shower. Right. Focus again, on safer aspects of his elf.

After a few moments, Kili was able to feel a deep warmth in his mind. It felt as if he was being embraced. It was safe. Protective. It filled him with love. Ah. Here was his beloved.

"Amralime." Kili sighed happily as he lay back against the pillows and kept his mind on hers. He had no doubt now that she was there, watching over him in his sleep just as she was there when he was awake.

A small whimper escaped her mouth, and Tauriel was physically curling into herself. Kili sat up once again and looked over at his wife whose back was to him as she lay facing the terrace windows.

Maybe she was having a nightmare. Knowing how tired Tauriel was and not wanting to wake her, Kili leaned into her sleeping form, placed his hand on her hip, and closed his eyes. He found the direct connection again, it was quicker now that he knew what he was looking for, and tried to figure out how to access it deeper. Deciding he would imagine reaching out and grasping it would be an idea worth trying, Kili mentally reached for their connection. She was there for him in his nightmare, so he wanted to do the same for her.

The moment he touched their bond, however, Kili thought he had done something wrong when his mind filled with a blinding light which came with an uncomfortable sensation that could only be described as his entire being splitting and separating into pieces. It was dizzying for several seconds, then it all suddenly faded, the light dimmed, and Kili was able to focus once again. "Woah."

Taking a moment, Kili just sat, his mind still focused on Tauriel. Except, Tauriel's place in his mind was suddenly different. Mahal, he hoped he did not do something he should not have. Maybe he should wake her. He was about to say her name when something stopped him. Something was there, in his mind. Another presence but it was weak. Kili shifted and pulled his hand from Tauriel to run it through his hair. He really needed to have a chat with her, and maybe ask if there was a list of things he should not do…along with what he could now do.

When another whimper left her lips, Kili looked at his wife then tried focusing again. He was searching for the other presence, but only found Tauriel's. Fire's heat, he hoped it was not anything to do with that blasted ring. Just what he needed was to get his memories back only to find that…thing….left a piece of itself in his head, then was transferred to his wife during their connection.

Needing more comfort than the warmth she brough to his mind, Kili lifted a hand to trace patterns on Tauriel's spine, hoping it would sooth her as much as it did him. Of course, it worked, as his wife let out a deep sigh then settled once again and was sleeping soundly.

Kili closed his eyes and thought joining his one in sleep for just a bit longer sounded like the perfect plan. That is, until he felt the presence once again and his eyes shot open. He lifted himself into sitting position and looked around, but just like before, it was gone. That's it…he…was losing his mind, there was no other explanation.

Huffing out in frustration, Kili fell backwards onto the mattress before turning onto his side towards Tauriel hoping to block whatever it was out, and go back to sleep. Yup, he was going to just let it go and ignore whatever it was that was plaguing him, as it is presently the best option for his sanity…until he can speak to his wife about it that is. With his mind made up, Kili wrapped his arms around Tauriel's waist and pulled her to him, trying to force his mind to rest.

Immediately the presence was there once again, and slightly stronger. Kili began to see a pattern. Touch his wife, feel the odd presence. To test this theory, Kili removed his arm from her waist, and his mind was filled with none other but his Tauriel. With only a small hesitation, Kili then flexed his hand before once more placing it gently around her waist where it rested on her abdomen. Just like that, the presence filled his mind once again…even stronger this time.

Kili's eyes went wide. It cannot be. Kili lifted himself to look to where his hand currently splayed, and a tear fell from his eyes. Tauriel had said she knew the moment she conceived. That she was connected to the child within her. Maybe he was wrong, but he for one did not think so.

Kili leaned down around his slumbering wife and placed a kiss on her flat belly. "Hello little one. Your ma is asleep so she does not know yet, but I am your da, and I am here. Do not be afraid. You are already so loved." The presence in his mind flared slightly and Kili instinctively met it with love and a sense of safety.

There was a soft hum, then Tauriel's quiet voice filled the room. "Kili? Are you alright meleth nin? Did something happen?"

Kili laughed and wiped the tears from his eyes as he looked at his wife who was looking up at him with concern from where she still lay on her side. "I am perfect amralime. I am perfect and you, my beloved wife, were wrong."

Tauriel turned onto her back and traced the tears on his cheek. She padded them away with her thumb and smiled. "Wrong about what, my Kili?"

"I, was the first this time." Kili grinned wide, but said nothing more.

With no evident elaboration, Tauriel gave him a look laced with confusion. "First for what?"

"First to know. You said I will be second, that you will always be first. But, I was first on this one…so you were quite mistaken." Kili's grin spanned from ear to ear. He watched and waited, not giving any further detail on purpose as he was quite enjoying her confused expression.

Tauriel pushed away the grogginess from sleep and tried to focus on what Kili had said. He was first, but she had told him he would always be second. Second for what? Her mind connected with the only memory she had that seemed relevant, but she pushed it away. That was impossible. But it circled back as quickly as it was waived away. Tauriel's eyes widened and she placed a hand on her belly as she felt the presence solidify in her mind. Oh, Valar above. "Kili. I think I am with child."

"I know, amralime." Kili choked out.

Tauriel smiled. "Does this please you?" She traced her fingers over his forehead and cupped his face in her hand.

Kili nodded and drew her into a slow, passionate kiss. "Very, very much. Wow. In just over a year, we will have two little ones. That is the greatest of gifts."

"Two." Tauriel repeated in agreement. She then looked to the door then at the light streaming in from outside. "I think we are now on borrowed time. Finli should be waking soon if he has not already. I am in most want of a shower, and maybe a back scrub?"

Kili launched himself over her and out of the bed, then turned to look expectantly at her. "Well? You coming?"

"I most certainly hope so." Tauriel chuckled and Kili wagged his eyebrows as he held the door open for his already unclothed wife, and trailed after her into the bathing room.

One, very pleasant, shower and back scrub later, Kili stood staring into the mirror while Tauriel was dressing. He looked at the hair on his face. It felt, off. He always considered himself something of an oddity among his people for having not been able to grow a beard, but now that he has, he was not sure what to make of it. Maybe if he had gradually seen the growth instead of feeling like it had come out of nowhere, he would be more comfortable with it, but as of now it is only a reminder of what he went through.

"Kili, is everything alright?" Tauriel knocked and stepped in to see Kili staring intently at himself in the mirror. He nodded first, then shook his head.

"Different. I feel so...different." Kili met Tauriel's eyes in the glass. He looked so lost; it broke her heart. "Amralime, do you...I mean...would you be opposed if I trim this down closer to what it was?"

Tauriel walked up to him and draped her arms around his waist and pulled him flush to her. She leaned her head onto his shoulder and nuzzled the growing whiskers. "I must say, it takes adjusting, but I do enjoy the sensation." She chuckled then turned her eyes back to his in the mirror. "It was something you have always spoke of wanting my love. Are you certain trimming it is what you want? If so Kili, you do not need to ask me. I love you, all of you. I will take you however I can get you. Beard or no."

Turning his head, Kili kissed her then pulled away. "I want it to grow, just..." He sat for a moment, trying to put his thoughts to words. But he should of known he did not need to. Tauriel, as always, knew exactly what he was feeling.

"I understand." She smiled, easily picking up where he seemed to not be able to articulate. "You want it but at this time it reminds you too much of your time away. It after all is physical proof of how long you were gone." Kili nodded, happy she understood. "When it does grow back though, I will love you just the same. Although…I do have one request."

Kili cocked his head, curious as to what she would request when it came to his facial hair. "Anything."

Tauriel eased back and turned Kili to face her, she then pulled his lips to hers in a deep, devouring, kiss. Leaning away, Tauriel smiled. "No braids like Fili's. If you must have them, maybe placed here." She kissed his chin. "Or, here." She moved her lips from one side of his jaw to the other."

"Whatever you wish amralime." Tauriel watched for a moment as Kili picked up his shaving kit and went to work trimming both his hair, and his beard.

As he groomed, Tauriel went back into the bedchamber and sat on Kili's side of the bed, laying her hand on her abdomen, and checking on the presence within. It would take a week or two for it to strengthen, but at the moment, it was there, warm, and glowing so she was happy.

A half hour later, Kili came back into the chamber looking more like himself. He kept his beard thicker than it had been when he was taken, but had taken several inches off and cleaned up the edges. His hair, he had cut back to where it hung just beyond his shoulders.

Fili had already helped him trim it down in Mirkwood, but Kili wanted nothing more than to look in a mirror, and actually recognize his reflection. Though he could do nothing about the weight and muscle loss right now, having his hair and beard back to what it was, is oddly, comforting. "Well?" He waived with a flourish.

Tauriel looked him up and down, then hummed. "You are beautiful Kili."

"Is that not my line?" Kili smiled and sat beside her, closing his eyes as Tauriel set herself to work placing his family braids into his dark curls, before placing her commitment braid in. Kili, in turn, twisted around and did the same for her, taking extra time to carefully work his own braid into her thick, red, hair. He smiled to himself as he slipped the bead he had given her when he asked her to be his, happy to have the precious memory fill his mind.

Braids complete, Tauriel sighed contently and pulled Kili down onto the bed, laying back herself, and gently nudged his head to rest on her chest as he placed his hand on her belly. They sat in silence until there was an unmistakable sound at the door. Both parents looked up and waited until the handle turned and the door was pushed open. They smiled when their little star entered the room going right for Kili's side of the bed.

"Da! Mama! Up!"

Kili laughed and Tauriel giggled as Finli was hauled up on the bed by his father. "Now I know that door's handle is higher than you can reach. What magical abilities does my son have hmmm?"

Tauriel lifted her head and smirked. "The raven kind." Kili followed her eyes as Kaw ruffled his feathers and croaked as he pushed the door further open and waddled inside before he spread his wings and flew to the bed, hopping up to Tauriel who scratched his head. "Nana." He greeted and Tauriel hummed.

"Kili, my beloved…." Tauriel lifted a brow and looked to her husband who was currently nuzzling Finli's nose with his own, though he did turn to her when she called. "…we will have three children in a year. You forgot our little feathered one."

After a moment of confusion, Kili gave her an 'oh' look. "How could I have forgotten? I am a terrible father, forgetting one of my little ones. How are you Kaw?" The raven tilted its head and leaned into Kili's hand. "I am sorry if I scared you. Please don't hate me for it."

Kaw quirked his head at Kili then nuzzled his hand and croaked a deep, "Ada."

Kili beamed then looked at his wife. "I am glad he doesn't hold grudges." Tauriel snorted and Finli reached for Kaw who jumped onto Kili's chest where Fin sat. "Friends for life and apparently, partners in crime. I think the answer to how our little Finli escapes is in a black feathered package."

Chuckling, Kili had to agree as he pulled Tauriel towards him to tuck her into his side. He was back, his memory was back, and he had his family back. Since Kili had already made it well known he was wishing for a day to himself, and the family knew Tauriel was spending the day with Finli, they were not bothered and spent the entire day just being together.

Walking down the hallway just before the evening bell was to toll, Kili played with the box in his hand. Tauriel was giving Fin a bath and had said if he stayed, their son would likely only soak them both, so he had a good quarter hour to do this. He knocked on Fili's door and opened it, slowly peaking his head inside.

Viltarra looked up from a book she was reading, her mother and father on the obviously re-upholstered chaise beside the chair she occupied. "Kili. I was not expecting to see you today. Are you staying here tonight?"

Kili smiled softly and shook his head. "No."

"Oh. Alright. Fili is still out, would you like to wait for him or would you prefer that I tell him you were here?"

"Actually." Kili started. "I was hoping to speak to you."

Viltarra looked taken aback. Kili has not really spoken to her since their return apart from a few words in passing. Mostly, Kili would talk to Fili or go to a room for some solitude. "Of course. What can I do?"

Kili looked at Vin and Tarrah before letting his eyes fall back on Viltarra. "I wanted to first thank you, for all you did for mam. You saved her life, Viltarra. I don't think I ever said it, but thank you, truly."

"She is Fili's mother, and I know what she means to your family." Viltarra easily responded. "But I would hope I am the kind of dam who would do the same for anyone. I am just glad I remembered Tauriel's use of kingsfoil and was quick enough to find some or I fear the worst was imminent."

Kili nodded. "It was. There is little more painful than a morgul wound. I should know, I've gone through it twice. Definitely would not recommend it." He chuckled and smiled as Viltarra's eyes went wide and her hand flew to her mouth.

The young baker ignored her parent's questioning look as she stood and stepped in front of Kili, taking him in. "Kili?"

The dark-haired prince gave her a nod. "Hello Viltarra."

"You remember?" Viltarra asked, trying not to have the hope, though it filled her before she could tap it down.

"Everything..." Kili began, "and a bit more. I will explain later. Right now, I wanted to give you something if you will allow."

Viltarra smiled wide, tears filling her eyes as joy filled her soul. Kili went through physical hell for nine months, only to come out of it with no knowledge of those he loved most, his wife, and son. If anyone deserved a miracle, it was Kili. Forcing her tears away, Viltarra signaled him to continue and Kili handed her the box in his hand. "Before I even married my Tauriel, Fili accepted her as his sister. He gave her a braid to signify his status with her and to remind her of her place with him. I was hoping to do the same for you."

Opening the box, Viltarra pulled out a silver and rose-gold bead. Etched throughout were flowers and an opal ring shone lining the hole both the top and bottom. "I made it the same time I made your circlet; I had been wanting to give it to you just before your wedding in fact but..." Kili trailed off.

Looking at the bead in her hand, Viltarra felt pain rip through her. Her wedding. Had she not wanted those ridiculous flowers, none of this would have transpired. "It was my fault Kili."

Kili gaped at Viltarra and the dam stiffened when he pulled her into his arms. "Never say that Viltarra. None of what happened had anything to do with you. Truthfully, that is another thing I should be thanking you for."

Viltarra pushed Kili away and gave him a surprised look. "Whyever would you say that!? If I had not childishly wanted flowers, we would have never been taken, Dis would not have almost died, and you would never have been...been, tortured, Kili."

"No. Instead my son would have been taken. You saved my child from my fate. I could not thank you enough for that. It would have destroyed Tauriel even more then my being gone did if Finli was taken from her. She would have never recovered." Kili shuttered at the thought of his wife fading before his eyes, losing both her and his son at the same time.

Shaking away the images that will never be, Kili sighed. "I know these last two years have been, enough to make even the strongest of beings run from our family. But the fact you are still here, means you are here for the long haul…if I am not mistaken. Oh, and just so you know, we do go through quiet uneventful times too...even IF Tauriel does not believe me when I told her we do." He smirked.

Viltarra looked at the bead in her hand once again, then back up at Kili and smiled. "At least I can say my life won't be boring. It was not a choice Kili. I love Fili. He is my Tauriel." She teased and Kili laughed.

Even Vin and Tarrah were chuckling from where they sat, though Vin also shook his head and rebuked his daughter, a grin wide on his face as he did, meaning it was all in jest. "Don't let him find out you compared him to a lass gem. It's usually unpopular among males."

Viltarra rolled her eyes at her father and Kili scoffed then snickered. "I personally think he would be honored. Now...what do you say? Can I give you a braid, sister?"

A quick look of confusion flit across Viltarra's face then she gave him a small smile. "Of course Kili, I would be honored. It would mean a great deal to me if you would." She looked around then back at Kili. "Where do you want me?"

"Actually, just turn a bit. I can reach from here just fine. I am freakishly tall, after all." Kili gave her a teasing smile and grabbed a piece of her hair exactly where Fili's braid was located in Tauriel's hair. He weaved in the intricate braid and held his hand out for the bead Viltarra was still studying. She placed it in his palm and Kili secured the braid and held it up for her to see.

The braid was beautiful, but looked challenging. How was she supposed to do that herself? "Will I need to be able to re-create it? Because this seems like a pattern I have never learned."

Viltarra looked worriedly at Kili, so he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I can show you how it is done when you are ready. These normally hold for quite awhile, but, Fili will be the one to re-do them as needed. It is the way it's done in our clan, family doing each other's braids, so try not to worry. I do Tauriel's and her, mine, though mam and uncle step in sometimes and do them as well. Both uncle and Fili are amazing braiders. I am afraid I have gotten more accustomed to elven hair." Kili beamed and hummed out a laugh.

Viltarra loved how his eyes sparkled when he spoke about his family. He looked so much younger and more vibrant than he has been since his return. It just showed how difficult these last two weeks have been with his loss of memory. She pulled Kili into another hug. "Thank you, Kili. I love it."

Kili tightened his hold on her for a moment then pulled away. By his marks, he had a few minutes still before he had to go back. "What I also wanted to come in here for was to ask how you are doing. I feel like I need to apologize for not asking you sooner."

Viltarra, however vehemently shook her head. "Oh no Kili. Please do not apologize, I completely understand. Really, I have been doing fine."

Kili lifted a brow, then looked at her parents who were pointedly looking anywhere but him until he caught Vin's eye and the baker shook his head behind Viltarra's back, Tarrah hitting him before he could speak. Shaking his head Kili looked back at Viltarra. "You know, there are people that care about you here, you do not always need to be alright."

Viltarra squared her shoulders and sniffed indignantly. "I know Kili, and I thank you. But really. I am fine."

Sighing, Kili leveled her with a look. "I am telling you this as a brother, but you are not. Viltarra, do not think I have not noticed, even in my state these last few weeks, that I can count on a raven's foot, how many times you left this chamber."

"Twice." Vin added in before Tarrah stamped on his foot, and he yelped out in pain.

Kili smirked and folded his arms and Viltarra immediately saw where he took after his uncle. "Furthermore, I believe both of those times was with Fili for dinner in the hall." Kili watched as Viltarra's cheeks flamed red and she folded her arms and glared at Kili, who just glared right back.

"Woah. What am I walking into here? Because what I am seeing is my lovely half-wife and my just as lovely brother about to kill each other with glares that would make Thorin as proud as Thranduil is of his own reflection. Everything alright?" Vin and Tarrah turned to Fili as he entered, and both shook their head causing Viltarra to turn her glare onto them.

Kili shrugged and looked at his brother. "That depends on who you ask, Fi. I was just beginning to practice mam's recipe for tough love. Now. Butt out…or leave."

Fili threw his arms out in frustration. "THIS IS MY CHAMBER and THAT is my wife…according to elvish law. So, I will certainly not be leaving."

"Then butt out." Kili snickered and turned to Viltarra. "Well?"

"Well, what?" The young dam huffed.

"Do you want me to repeat it or…" Kili hedged, lifting a brow in challenge.

"NO!...and no." Viltarra finished quietly. She looked around the room and lowered her eyes in shame. "I…you're right Kili. I do not like leaving this room." She closed her eyes feeling shame fill her for her lack of strength. "It is safe in here." A tear fell from her eye and slipped down her cheek as she whispered, "Fili is here."

Kili watched sadly as Fili pulled her into his arms, tucking her safely away. Kili walked up to them and placed a hand on her shaking shoulder. "Nobody blames you Viltarra for wanting to feel safe. Least of all me."

"I heard your screams Kili. Every day. It got to the point where Dis and I feared you were dead those rare moments where you went silent." Viltarra sniffed into Fili's vest, his arms tightening around her. "Then I realized, I was beginning to feel relieved when the air filled with your voice once more, because it meant you were alive. What kind of monster feels relief to hear another's scream?!" She released a dry sob and forced herself to continue, or was it she could not stop once she began?

Whatever it was, Viltarra finally began the first step of healing, speaking about her fears and pains. "Then Dis got worse, and she began seeing your father, I had to all but beg her to stay strong and live. I told her of my…of my sister." By this point Viltarra was losing a grip on her carefully controlled emotions as she pushed her face into Fili's chest.

"Karra? Oh gem." Vin sighed sadly.

"You have a sister?" Kili looked to Fili who nodded. Viltarra had told him about her once. The poor dam held an unhealing scar much too deep when it came to her sister Karra.

"Karra was ten years Viltarra's senior and was killed in a hunting accident over 70 years ago." Tarrah supplied. "Darling, you need to stop holding that inside and letting it fester. It was not your fault."

Viltarra pushed away from Fili and twisted to her parents, anger evident in her features. "Don't you see?! It was my fault. Completely. I ran into that patch of forest, I hid in that brush. Had I not, she would be here right now."

Tarrah stood and moved towards Viltarra who tried turning away but the knowing mother placed a hand on her cheek and turned her daughters head back towards her. "Viltarra. It was never your fault. It was an accident. A terrible one! But an accident no less. You were ten, darling. How could you have known." She brushed the hair from Viltarra's face. "Your sister loved you my darling, loves you still. Don't you feel her around? She is and will always be your guardian. I am quite sure she is berating you at this moment for being so stubborn."

Tarrah pulled the shaking dam into her arms. "Enough is enough, Viltarra. Do not carry this your entire life. You will see her again in the great halls one day. Now, however, is a time for healing and new beginnings. You have a wonderful family you are about to enter, trouble magnets, but, protective and loving which is all I could ever ask for. You went through and survived something that would have broken the strongest of beings, but here you stand, alive. Start with that. If you need to stay in this room for a bit longer, do it. But do it with the goal of entering the main sitting room alone tomorrow. Do it with the goal to go to the market next week. Do it with the goal of picking wildflowers outside in a month. Do not give into fear my child. Fear is a sickness that grows as you feed it."

Viltarra listened then slowly stepped away and wiped her eyes. "You are all right. Thank you."

Kili smiled. "It is not about being right or wrong sis. It is about finding a reason to step out the door." Fili gaped at Kili who was grinning at him. "Now." Kili stepped towards Viltarra. "If you need me, I am just down the hall, ya? Open door policy. You are most welcome any time." He pulled her into an embrace one last time and as he pulled away, he left a kiss on her brow. Kili then clapped his hands together and looked around the room. "Right, if you don't mind, I have a wife and a son to get back to." He gave Fili a wink and left the room, laughing at Fili's incredulous look as the door shut behind him.

Viltarra walked over and used her hand to shut his mouth which was hanging open. "He said wife right? You heard it? And he called you sis? Am I missing something?"

Viltarra leaned into him and looked at the closed door fondly. "He got his memories back today, Fili. He did not tell me how, but he did."

Darkness is all Naurfaer saw as he came to. He groaned and tried opening his eyes, but hissed and shut them immediately. The sun was shining bright above him…too bright. He slung his arm over his eyes to block out the light that was leaking through his lids. His ears caught movement and a shadow fell over the elf, then something began tugging at his hair and Naurfaer peaked through his arm, opening his eyes just enough to see a mass of grey standing above him. "I thought I told you to scram? Now I see it is good I came back since you lack the understanding of 'go home'."

Galaddal nickered and bumped the elf's head with his large nose until Naurfaer sat up and gaged his surroundings. He sat in the middle of the small patch of forest but the structure housing the gate he had once made was completely gone. Nothing but a single, solitary stone stood in its place.

Naurfaer stood slowly and cocked his head when something glistened beside him. His blades? That's impossible! They should have been unretrievable. The keys to the gate, lost when it was destroyed. He picked them up and a small bit of parchment floated to the ground. Curiously, Naurfaer retrieved the piece and looked at the words on the paper.

"Naufi, thought you may yet need these. Forever, Elbereth."

A final gift from his wife. He knew there was a reason he fell in love with her…before she went all…evil ringwraith-ish. Spinning his precious blades in his hands, Naurfaer re-sheathed them and turned to the horse. "Well? Do you think you are ready to go home now? I believe I have a granddaughter to return you to and if everything worked as well as we hope, maybe even another great-grandchild on the way." He jumped up on Galaddal and with one final look at where the gate once stood, pushed the horse into a run back towards his home, his family, and his life in the lonely mountain.

"Are you telling me, you have all your memories back?" Kili nodded at Thorin who had stood beside where Dis sat holding Finli, and Thorin sighed. "So, he did it then?"

Thorin looked at Tauriel who bit her lip as Kili turned his questioning eyes to her. "Who did what?"

When Kili got back into their chambers after speaking to Tauriel, they decided they wanted to tell the family of Kili's returned memories that day. It has been a darkness plaguing the mountain and they were tired of its presence. So, after getting his bath, Tauriel dressed Finli and with Kili at her side, went across the hallway to see Dis who was finishing up her supper with Thorin.

Of course, Dis too was having…difficulties…with adjusting being both out of that pit and into the safety of the mountain so Thorin was, much of the time, with her. She did leave her chambers, but it was more often than not to attend a meeting with Thorin, see one of her children, or to go eat in the halls with the family.

In truth, they could all use a bit of good news and joy right now. "Naurfaer." Tauriel answered Kili quietly. Kili looked around the room and was embarrassed to say he had completely forgotten about the other elf in the mountain. Kili looked around as if to expect the elf to show up until he remembered he had not seen Naurfaer since they left Mirkwood. Tauriel had said she had wanted to speak with him before they got distracted, Kili wonders if this was why.

"Where is he? When can we expect him to return?" Kili carefully watched his wife who looked at him with eyes filled with grief. Oh, his precious Tauriel. They will both be in need of healing before the monsters of this last year clear their eyes.

Tauriel looked at her Kili, then down at her hands in her lap and sighing. "Naurfaer went to seek out Manwe and request your memories be returned. Given how you have them now, I believe he has succeeded. What I do not believe, was he was expecting to be able to return. Naurfaer was prepared for a one-way trip to Valinor."

Kili gaped at Tauriel then turned to everyone else in the room. "He's gone? For me?"

"I don't think it was just for you dear." Dis looked at Tauriel sadly. "Tauriel is his only living blood remaining. I do not think I only speak for myself when I say there is nothing I would not do for my children or grandchildren, even if it means giving up my life."

Tauriel looked to her feet until she felt a hand slide around her pulling her close. How she had missed this. Comfort from the only one who could truly take her pain away. Tauriel took a breath. "I do not believe he wished to return, after what I did."

"What did you do amralime?" She said nothing so Kili hedged again, turning her head towards him to look into her eyes. "Amralime, whatever it was, tell me. You do not need to fear."

Tauriel searched Kili's eyes and only saw love, she then looked to Thorin, who was the only other one who knew unless he had told Dis before turning back to Kili. "I went back to the place they took you."

"YOU WHAT!? Tauriel WHAT were you thinking?!" Kili turned to Fili and Thorin. "Nobody stopped her? I know we did not get everyone when we left!" He grasped Tauriel's hand tightly, giving her a severe look. "That was dangerous! And foolish. What would I have done if I came back to myself and found you were taken, or killed! And our son…Tauriel, why?" Without waiting for an answer, Kili glared at his family. "...and why didn't any of you stop her!?"

Fili huffed. "We were kind of busy with you little brother. She ran from the room and out the gates after someone lost their composer when she entered the room."

Viltarra glared at Fili, her finger pointing hard into his chest in Kili's defense. "FILI! He had just woken from being in captivity for nine months, and had no memory of who she was! Think before you speak."

Dis nodded in agreement, glaring at Fili before looking at her youngest son over Finli's head. "And Kili, I told you about that dear. Don't you remember? Last week?"

It took a moment, but Kili finally remembered his mam mentioning something about Tauriel and going back…but to be honest…he was not in a good place and certainly could not recall what she had said in any detail. He did, however, remember what he had done in the bathroom to Tauriel, and that brought another round of guilt and pain for nearly killing his wife. Not to mention, pushing her away from him when he first woke after being healed. He can't imagine what she had felt. Kili pulled Tauriel's face to his own and rested their foreheads together. "I am sorry amralime."

Tauriel shook her head as she pulled away. "Do not apologize."

"Ya," Fili broke in. "…she has not yet told you what she did to those spid…ouch! Mam!"

This time it was Dis who reached over and whacked Fili upside the head. "Stop…making… it…worse, Fili!"

Kili sighed and Tauriel's cheeks and ears flamed red. "Amralime?"

"I did not handle your memory loss well meleth nin. When I was pulled from the room and told I could not see you, all I could think or focus on was, getting out. So I ran, into the forests and through the trees. I found a large hive of spiders and…and destroyed every one." Tauriel pulled her hand from Kilis and stood, unable to be close enough to see the disgust he will have on his face. "I killed them all, but it was not enough. I needed to kill those who took you from me. My blood sang with the need for battle, and I ran towards the grey mountains which is the direction I was told they had taken you. I found the compound, and slaughtered every being I came into contact with."

Tauriel kept her eyes trained on the flame dancing in one of the lamps as she spoke, her voice echoing with pain with each word that spilled from her lips. "I found the room they kept you in. I found your wedding ring." Tauriel absently rubbed the golden ring on her bracelet, she had forgotten she had it. She will give it back if he wanted it after this. "I then lit it on fire, the room, the compound, and everyone inside all before leaving that blood filled chamber. Through the sound of the blaze I heard someone fighting not far from where I was, and with little care for myself, I walked towards it." She sighed at the memory. "I saw Naurfaer fighting a red-haired female elf. At first she was just another captor, then I heard her words. She laughed and taunted with pleasure about the pain she brought my Kili. I could not see more, I could not hear more. I picked up a bow and quiver from a felled elf, then fired one arrow, and it pierced her from behind. It was not enough though."

Tauriel felt a sob rip from her chest. "It will NEVER be enough." She shouted. "So, I released a second arrow even as she began to fall to the ground, and quickly drew back a third. I wanted to unleash every single arrow I had even as she lay dead on the ground." Tauriel clenched her jaw. "Thorin stopped me as the creature fell at Naurfaer's feet, helped down by him. He said…" She dropped her gaze to look at Kili's feet, unable to meet his disappointed eyes. "He said you would never want that of me, and it was time to go."

Unable to take it any longer, Kili grabbed Tauriel by the shoulders, forcing her to look at him. "Now, listen to me closely Tauriel, for I shall only say this once. I. Love. You. You did nothing I would not have done in your place. Stop letting it torment you so."

But Tauriel pulled herself from Kili's arms and backed away, shaking her head at him. The words she spoke were forced out of her clenched jaw. "You don't understand Kili! It is in my blood to be a monster." Kili scoffed but Tauriel continued. "She was my grandmother."

The room fell silent and still. Tauriel could not look at anyone, but she felt two large hands slide up either side of her cheek and gently lift her head. "What have I said about hiding from me? Please don't. I have gone nearly a year without seeing your face, do not make me go any longer."

"But Kili." Tauriel tried, tears falling down her cheeks.

"No Tauriel. Stop." Kili shook his head, looking at her earnestly. "I know you. You are no monster. We all have bad blood somewhere in us. Do you know this for certain though?"

Tauriel nodded. "Her name was Elbereth. She left Naurfaer just after my mother was born. He had known she was lost, he had said he now knew that it was the ring that truly killed her. It was my arrows though that took her from this world. What I fear makes me like her is that feeling I have that I would do it again, and again, and again." Tauriel lifted a hand to Kili's cheek. "I would kill anyone who brings you or my family harm without a thought, my Kili."

Kili smiled and covered her hand with his own larger one. "Do not think I would ever do differently my Tauriel. They were not initially after me. Their original plan was to take Finli, and I can and will never allow that."

"WHAT!?" Thorin roared causing the 18-month-old to startle in Dis's lap as his lower lip began to quiver and his eyes filled with tears. Thorin instantly scooped the child up and hushed him as he turned to Tauriel and Kili.

Tauriel too looked at Kili with something akin to disbelief. "Is this true, Kili? They were going to take our baby?"

Kili nodded. "They said as such. When they took us, they thought they were getting Thorin, Fili, and myself. Idiots can't tell a dam from a dwarrow. Such fools." Kili folded his arms. "Even the she-demon said as much, saying she was glad she had me to play with over a weak babe. I wanted to grab the hair that fell down her back and strangler her with it."

Tauriel flinched and Kili paused and looked at her hair that was falling on either side of her face and closed his eyes in realization. "The hair. Tauriel…my beloved Tauriel. I do not see her when I look at you."

Tauriel's eyes widened and her hand flew to her mouth to smother the sob that was trying to once again erupt from her lips. This was all just too much right now. But, once again, he caught her. He read her like a book and understood the core of her fears and pain. That whenever he looked upon her, it was Elbereth he always saw before he saw Tauriel, but Kili's eyes were clear and sincere as he spoke. "Apart from the hair color, I did not even make the connection she was related to you Tauriel. You favor your mother my love. Your features are much softer, warmer, and gentler than hers. You are definitely shorter and your hair much thicker than her fine, stringy strands. The eyes are wrong as well, hers were cold and blue, yours a deep emerald green. Her lips harsh and thin, yours…" Kili drew her into a kiss and pulled away, giving her a warm smile as he continued, "Full and soft. I know the difference, and I will never forgive myself for nearly killing you with such a foolish mistake."

"I will forgive myself, if you forgive yourself." Tauriel tried with a small smile.

"Deal." Kili murmured against her lips.

"Viltarra, you owe me 5 gold coins. I told you they would be devouring each other at this meeting, and in front of their offspring too. Don't you two have any self-control?" Fili called out to the pair as Viltarra huffed and crossed her arms beside him.

Kili chuckled and pulled Tauriel to sit. He looked at the warg that was currently curled at Viltarra's feet and wondered aloud the thought now running through everyone's minds. "You don't think they will come back? For one of you, or Fin?"

Fili leaned forward in thought. "Between your rescue, Ki, and Tauriel going back, I do not think anyone is left. I know Naurfaer got their leader."

"You mean Herdir?" Kili asked, his hand snaking around Tauriel's shoulder and pulling her flush into his side.

Fili rolled his eyes and leveled Kili with a glare. "Really Ki? You will have to excuse me for not getting his name while we were trying to battle our way out." He then thought about what Kili had said, and burst out laughing, hard. "Herdir though? Really? Was that his name? Should have known the leader would be called 'master' in the elvish tongue."

Tauriel clasped her hands and sighed. "I have heard that name whispered in Thranduil's courts. He was an exiled clan prince with some rather extremist views on middle earth. Some believed his fathers before him served Sauron. It appears they were correct if he had access to those rings." She rubbed the ring on her bracelet softly until Kili caught her eye before looking longingly at the ring.

Unclasping the bracelet, Tauriel carefully removed the golden ring and held it tightly in her hand, before passing it over to Kili who shook his head and lifted his ring finger for her. "Will you?"

Tauriel smiled and slid the ring onto his finger before pulling his hand to her lips for a soft and gentle kiss. She then laced their fingers together and leant into him as she looked around at her family who were all watching the tender moment with quiet understanding.

"The difficulty with extremists…" Tauriel continued. "…is there are always more, but I believe we might have finished off this small group. Herdir is known to trust few and allow fewer into his company. A hermit who likely rarely left those ruins. He was obviously mad if he wished to try and turn a child."

Kili hummed then shook his head. "That was not all amralime, he also was the one to plant the Arkenstone. It appears all this time, just miles away, someone was willing to waste years to try and get this mountain only to fail each time."

Thorin sighed and sat, passing Finli back to Dis who pulled the toddler in for a cuddle. "I must say I am relieved to hear that. The idea that there could be someone out there who could do something like that again was unsettling. Now, we can fully move on. I do think it wise to extend guard boundaries beyond Erebor so something like this does not happen again."

Everyone hummed in agreement before Viltarra spoke quietly. "What of Naurfaer? Are we certain he is not coming back?"

The room was silent as nobody could answer truthfully, Viltarra perked up and squared her shoulders. She for one was not giving up on him. "He has been gone for what, two weeks? Kili got his memory back today, so I say we wait a few more weeks and we will have our answer. Let's assume he is coming back and not dwell until we know."

Fili smiled and pulled his dam into his arms. "Exactly right my bun."

"Don't call me that." Viltarra growled and the room filled with laughter.

"Cheese buns." Tauriel sighed as her stomach gave an embarrassing grumble, she had been so excited to tell the family Kili's memory was back, she had hardly touched anything on her dinner tray. She was regretting that now. "Those sound wonderful, or butter cake."

"Here we go again." Kili chuckled.

Dis froze Finli who she had been bouncing on her lap and looked over at Kili and Tauriel, having caught what they said. "Again? Kili darling, you said again."

Kili's beaming smile lit up the room. "So, I did."

Thorin stood straight. "Are you implying what I think you are?"

"Baby." Finli squealed and pointed to Tauriel.

Dis shrieked and Thorin pulled Kili and Tauriel into tight hugs before Fili and Viltarra stood to do the same. "I can't say I am surprised Ki but could you have at least waited, oh I don't know…a day?" Kili laughed and shook his head no.

Tauriel beamed at the joy that now filled the room which was a huge improvement over the somber air moments ago, but her smile faltered at the thought that one particular elf was not here to join in on the precious news she knew he would without a doubt, be overjoyed to hear. "If it is alright with everyone, I want to wait to make any further announcements until we know whether Naurfaer is returning…or not."

Thorin nodded. "I fully agree. It is…early still, so we can make an announcement in a few months."

"Perhaps we can schedule the wedding for then as well? For when Naurfaer returns…I mean." Everyone turned to Viltarra as she spoke, and Dis handed Finli to Thorin so she can stand before the dam. One does not spend nine months with another and not form a connection.

Dis beamed at Viltarra, taking her hand in her own. "We will have it whenever you are ready dear. A day, a week, a month you name it, and we will make it happen."

Viltarra smiled. "I just want to give Naurfaer a chance to be home. As soon as he is, we can have it the next day."

Fili's eyes widened. "Truly?"

Viltarra nodded and Fili whooped and picked her up, spinning her around as Viltarra's yells filled the room. "FILI! PUT ME DOWN RIGHT NOW!" The fact she was yelling and laughing at the same time, however, took the bite away from her words.

A month or less, and she will be fully his. Looking at her speaking to Tauriel moments later, Fili could not stop the smile that fell across his face as he placed his arm around his baby brother. "It is good to have you back Ki."

"It is good to be back…and feel like myself." Kili looked to the girls then back to his brother. "I am just happy we all can move on and fully heal from this. It will be awhile yet before all of the nightmares from our experience leave us fully though, I am afraid."

Fili agreed, pulling his brother close, then looking at the one dwarf he would do anything for, the one who has been by his side his entire life, the one he would follow anywhere. His baby brother, who despite being younger, he looked up to in many ways. "Ki…I wanted to say thank you, for Viltarra today. I do not know how you did it, but she is determined to get through this, and I think what you did, had everything to do with that."

Kili watched as Tauriel lifted the braid Kili had given Viltarra, studying the bead and braid with an approving nod. "It will be a long path Fili…for all of us, but, it is not one we have to travel alone."

Fili pulled Kili close and kissed his head, humming his agreement. "Never, ever, alone, baby brother. "

The following days were all about getting back into normal patterns of life. Tauriel found her world much brighter now that Kili was fully back to himself. She burst into tears one morning when she had come into the room to hear Finli's bubbling laughter piercing the silence as Kili hovered over him tickling every part he could reach. That was the first time she had heard her Fin truly laugh in almost a year. Kili had looked up at her with worry and she had run to her boys and pulled them both into her arms.

Not wanting her to be alone, Tauriel had also spent much of her time with her soon to be sister. Viltarra, though determined to be better, still suffered with the deep seeded anxiety of leaving the chamber. "I…I just needed to get these things finished today Tauriel. I believe I am free tomorrow. Perhaps then?"

"Not tomorrow, today. Come." Tauriel lifted her hand, Kili standing beside her with Fin in his arms. Kili was having his own anxieties with being away from her, but since Kili was okay with leaving the wing…she was more tolerant of her husband's need to be beside her. Viltarra, however, was still having difficulty getting out of the room let alone the wing regardless of who was beside her.

"Tauriel…." Viltarra tried, but the elf just shook her head and took the dams hand in hers.

"We will not let anything happen to you Viltarra." Tauriel promised. "I give you my word. I have something I wish you to see, please join us?"

Viltarra looked to Kili and Tauriel before nodding her head slowly and following them out the door, patting her leg gently to call Hiril to come. Nobody argued since the warg clearly helped her feel comfortable.

Tauriel kept her hand in Viltarra's as they made their way through the mountain and down to the markets, Hiril and her wagging tail taking up the place beside Viltarra who brushed her fur every so often as if to make sure the cream and tan colored warg was still there.

After being closed for now just over nine months, Vin and Tarrah had finally decided to open the bakery once again. They had hopes that if Viltarra maybe had a place to lose herself, like she did when she baked, maybe she will find peace quicker. It would be another few days to fully open so they can get the supplies they needed which Thorin happily ordered for them, so in the meantime, the couple had been spending the little time they were not with their daughter, cleaning and reorganizing their bakery.

So at first, Viltarra had thought the eleth and her husband were taking her down to see first hand how the bakery was doing. That was actually a comforting thought, she did love the bakery. However, she grew confused when instead of continuing to where her parents were currently working, the eleth guided Viltarra through the busy market and into Leotti's equally busy shop. "Tauriel, what are we…"

"TAURI! There you are. I thought I said to be here BEFORE the markets opened? AND is that the warg...in my shop?" Leotti stood with a measuring strip draped across her shoulders, her hands on her hips, and her lips set in a stern, hard, line.

"Now Leotti, I did tell you they were coming a bit late, and Hiril is well trained, you know that. She will be fine." Dis stepped away from another dam she was speaking to who happened to be Tarrah, and smiled broadly at the group before promptly turning to her grandson and planting kisses all over his face while he sat in his father's arms.

Seeing her daughter not budging, the elder blonde dam came forward and pulled Viltarra further into the crowded shop, then sat her down on the sofa Leotti had brought in to give her patrons a place to sit while waiting. Once she sat down beside her mother, Hiril plopped unceremoniously at her feet, rested her head on her paws, and only moved when the young dam leaned down and stroked her just behind the ears.

As they waited, Viltarra could not help but keep looking from her mother…who was supposed to be helping her father at the bakery…to Tauriel, Dis, and Kili, who were all three talking to Leotti as they continuously glanced back at Tarrah and herself. What in the great halls of Mandos was going on?

From across the room, Viltarra could see Leotti nodding in agreement to something Tauriel had said, then turn to the group of dams still perusing her wares, fabrics, and designs she had pinned up on the walls. "Alright ladies. I apologize, but as I said when I let you in, I am closing early today. If you would like to make an order, please see Ori at the counter. He can ring anyone up or write-up requests." Leotti shuffled the dams in the shop to her counter where Ori stood with a quill and parchment to begin helping as best he could.

Taking a seat at Kili's feet, Tauriel smiled at the young dwarf at the counter, he seemed so happy to be here with Leotti, and her closest friend seemed just as happy to have him. She was glad they found each other. As different as their personalities were, they quite complimented the other, Ori was the calm to Leotti's stormy nature, and Leotti pushed Ori to break from his shell. They just…worked.

After a few minutes of seeming chaos, the room was emptied of everyone except one final dam leaving her order with Ori. Besides her, all that were left in the shop was her mother and Dis on either side of her, Ori of course, Leotti who was still in the back, Tauriel between Dis and Kili's feet, and Finli in his father's lap, who was clapping at something Kili was singing to him.

Viltarra looked at everyone still around her. She was glad Leotti had shooed everyone out, as the crowd was beginning to cause her hands to clam up, and her heart to hammer away in her chest. She hated that she felt this way.

However, a quick glance at Kili and Dis, and Viltarra realized it was not just her, as even they were affected by the crowd…which was hard to tell since Kili was fully focused on his son, and Dis who was sitting beside Kili, spoke in hushed tones to Tauriel before smiling softly at a giggling Finli. But despite it all, Viltarra could see both of their pallor's were somewhat pale. At least Kili was hyper focused on Finli…which was helping him, but Dis kept looking from the group of dams, to her family in the room. It was not until Tauriel had taken her hand from where she sat on the ground, that Dis herself, seemed to calm.

Sighing, Viltarra could not fathom why she…or any of them…was currently here, or why Leotti would want to close her shop so early; it was barely past the noon day bell. So when the last dam stepped away from the counter and left the shop, Viltarra turned to everyone left in the room and lifted a brow. "Can somebody now explain to me, what exactly is going on?"

Tauriel and Dis thought this would be better handled by Tarrah, who grimaced, but twisted in her seat to face Viltarra, then took her daughters hands in her own. "My darling little gem. I know you wanted to marry in my old dress, but, I just do not see how it will fit even if your wedding was a few months from now."

Viltarra looked taken aback, then glanced down at herself and sighed. Of course, what her mother was saying was not wrong. Nine months on nothing but moldy, stale, bread maybe once a week had wreaked havoc on her physique.

Dwarves are well known to be heavy eaters. Despite being a people of smaller stature, they required more food and a higher calorie intake than any other race in middle earth, including hobbits, so she and Dis were not just stuck in a pit, but being slowly starved to death. She did not know how they had even survived truthfully. It must have been by some miracle from Mahal.

Still, Viltarra shook her head in denial. "Ma, I do not wish to get married in anything else."

"I know gem…" Tarrah squeezed her hand tightly, and smiled. "…but, technically, you were already married in that dress, so we thought, maybe you would be open to having something new for this ceremony."

Viltarra sighed and looked around. It was true, there is no way that other dress would fit her at the moment. She was gaining weight back, thanks to Fili, her parents, and his family's cooking, but not enough to be able to fill into her mother's dress. It would need extensive work. With a defeated grumble, Viltarra nodded. "Fine. But…"

"YAY! Remember how I told you I was making you one despite you not wanting it? Well it was finished but I took the liberty of making adjustments to your…current condition. Mind you it won't be spot on without proper measurements, but I am confident it will fit with only minor adjustments." Leotti came barreling into the room with something draped in her arms and Viltarra tensed. Apparently, she did not even get to choose what it would look like.

"Leo, love, I think she may have wanted to pick a design herself." Leotti glared at Ori who sat back beside Kili, going completely quiet.

At the motion, the young prince looked from his son, to his friend, and snickered. "Ori, you need to learn when to speak and when to keep your mouth shut, my friend."

"And you have learned such things meleth nin?" Kili smiled at Tauriel as she sat at his feet on the carpet just beside Hiril, her chin resting on Kili's knee. Kili only shrugged and turned his attention back to Finli.

Leotti sniffed and placed the garment in Viltarra's arms and pointed to the back room. Huffing and grumbling under her breath, they all watched as Viltarra rose to her feet, and headed to the back room with Hiril trailing behind her.

The warg, however, stopped when the small seamstress stepped in front of her. Leotti first looked at Tarrah who had rose to stand as well, then glared at Hiril, who cocked her head to the side and wagged her tail looking more like a dog than a warg. "Tarrah, you can come too, but not YOU. STAY. No hairy mutts of any species in my workroom." The small dam narrowed her eyes then gave in to the beast as she nuzzled her hand and whined. "FINE. You mess the carpet...you become the carpet. Come on."

Leotti swore under her breath in Khuzdul as she pushed Viltarra towards the back to change; Hiril eagerly trotting behind along with Tarrah leaving Dis, Kili, Ori, Tauriel, and little Finli alone to wait.

"Ya think she will like it?" Ori asked quietly. Kili shrugged again and looked to Dis and Tauriel.

Thoughtfully, Tauriel responded. "I do think so. Leotti showed me the drawing. It is quite perfect."

They waited for a few minutes, until the back door opened and Tarrah peaked out smiling. "Leotti is right, it does need a little work, just a bit really, but, here it is."

Tarrah stepped all the way out and they were able to get the first look at the dress. Apart from hanging loose in some areas, it did wonders in accentuating Viltarra's natural curves even in her current state.

Tauriel was the first to speak, looking the dress up and down from her place on the floor. "It is stunning, Leotti, you are a marvel as usual. What do you think Viltarra?"

The dam glared at Tauriel, then Leotti. "I do not know WHAT to think. I have not been allowed to look in a mirror." Leotti only giggled and pulled Viltarra to the large mirror on her shop floor where Viltarra got her first look at the dress designed for her, and her eyes stared at the reflection blinking back in stunned surprise.

The dress had to have been inspired by her mothers, as many of the design elements mimicked the simple dress, but took it further with additions and a change of color that took simple and made it royal. Where the first dresses skirts had shrunk over time and barely hit the floor, this dress kissed the carpet then trailed behind her in a small, but elegant train.

The sleaves looked as if they came directly from her mother's gown, except they were made with satin and gently widened from the elbow to where it ended just beyond her wrists, the bow of the sleeve lined with gold lace, a perfect accent to the cream-colored gown.

The bodice was simple with some ties and a standing collar that circled the wide brim of the dress that sat on the tips of her shoulders. The collar itself was cream and lined with golden flowers embroidered along the edge that began short at her shoulders but stood taller at her back. The embroidering did not stop there, Viltarra could see the subtle golden flowers edging her waist and flowing down both edges of her open overskirt which parted to show off a gold, ruffled, underskirt just like her mother's dress.

Viltarra could not believe what she saw. "Leotti...I...how did you..." She had no words. Nothing would come. It was more than perfect.

"Oh darling. You look beyond beautiful in that gown. Well done Leotti. You are a true master of your craft. I cannot imagine a more stunning dress for her." Dis gushed pulling Leotti into her arms who just giggled.

"I tried to show you drawings, but you wouldn't oooff..." Viltarra turned and pulled Leotti into a tight embrace. The little dam going pink, then carefully returning the hug as to not mess the dress.

"I am sorry Leotti…" Viltarra murmured into her friend's hair as they embraced. "…it is beyond anything I could have even imagined."

Leotti pulled away and wagged her finger at Viltarra. "Next time, trust the seamstress. I would not ever make something you hate." Viltarra nodded and looked back at the mirror.

Tarrah wiped tears away, accepting the handkerchief from Ori with a grateful smile before turning back to her daughter. "Gorgeous. You shine beyond any jewel Thorin has in the treasury, my little gem."

"Alright. Enough tears everyone. I have to get this taken-in in a few spots so you..." Leotti pointed to Viltarra, "…stand over there. Everyone else needs to take a seat."

Dis and Tarrah did as they were told while Tauriel called Hiril to lay beside her. Seeing the pup, Finli leaned over his father's lap to try and grab at the warg, who put her ears back to keep from getting tugged on by the curious toddler.

Tauriel immediately tried to intervene, however, and gently placed her hands over her son's. "No no my darling. You know Hiril does not like her ears pulled."

"No! No no no no no no no." Finli mimicked shaking his head. Tauriel arched a brow and looked up at Kili who smiled while Dis and Tarrah laughed at the scene before them.

It was amazing how being out did wonders on Viltarra. The following day, the dam was seen walking beside Hiril down to the markets again, her parents greeting her with tearful and proud smiles and welcomed her to help them prepare to open the bakery. It was a learning curve with the warg who tended to get in the way, but nobody once complained as the creature somehow brought ease and comfort to the young dam when Fili was unable to do so.

Dis still rarely was seen without Thorin or a family member within range. Nobody brought it up though, Thorin least of all. He was just as apt to have her near as she was to have him near. When Fili asked Thorin how she was doing, his uncle confided that she still could not sleep with her door shut and had requested the fires always be lit, even in the warm summer, as the light helped cast away the dark shadows.

Kili was a more, complicated, situation, but one Tauriel took on with her whole heart. He had had it far worse than any and though he no longer bore the physical scars, the ones in his mind and heart will likely haunt him for the rest of his life. Tauriel was his balm, however, and he clung to her desperately.

Even so, it took him nearly a week to even speak to her about what had happened. Not only did Kili have little desire to re-live it, even in his head, but he also did not want to expose his beloved to the horrors of what he endured. Not having it though, Tauriel took his hands in hers, and told him to stop sparing her and trying to protect her, but, she will be there and ready to listen to whatever he wishes to share. Tauriel would never, ever, force anything from him he was not willing to freely give.

"We are married, Kili." Tauriel had said when she had to wake Kili from a particularly vivid nightmare. "More than that, we are bonded in every way possible. I am here to help you carry your burdens in this life we have together, just as I am to share your joys. You are not exposing me, you are gifting me the opportunity to help relieve you of your heavy load, my precious prince."

Rather than responding, however, Kili had simply rested his head on her chest, and allowed his mind to be filled with hers. He was lulled back to sleep by the sound of her heart just minutes later.

It only took another day before Kili broke while Finli was napping, unable to keep it inside him any longer. Tauriel held him and listened, soothed when she could, and combed her hand through his dark, thick, hair while he wept.

But speaking about our demons does not always stay them and Tauriel quickly found that there were good days, and bad. On the worst days, she would walk in on her prince staring off into the unseen distance. "Kili?"

Often, when he was like this, she would call and receive no reply. Kili would just, continue to stare until she sat beside him and took his hand gently, as to not startle him. He would usually come back to himself and give her a small smile then pull her close.

There were also times when she woke him in the throes of a nightmare and had to dodge a fist or random object from his bedside. She learned quickly to not keep any knives within reach of the bed, at least not yet.

On one exceptionally bad nightmare, Tauriel was too slow to move…having been woken herself from a deep sleep…and his elbow connected with her cheek. Of course, he came to himself only to have his guilt overwhelm him as he watched the black and blue bruise form just under her right eye. "Amralime!? What…oh…what have I done?" He reached out his hand towards her, but froze mid-air, and pulled it back as if he was afraid he would only make it worse if he touched her.

However, the eleth shook her head and tried to give him a smile. "It is nothing Kili. Worry yourself not." But Kili stood from the bed, backing away, and left the room.

At least he did not go far, nor did Kili even leave the chamber. Thanks to Kaw pecking on the outside door, Tauriel found that he had gone into one of the spare rooms and locked himself inside. She tried to call out to him, to get him to open the door and come out, but Kili would refuse to leave, or let her in. "I will only hurt you." He called. So, with no other options, she picked the lock and stepped inside, seeing her other half sitting against the wall by the door.

Tauriel tutted and knelt beside him on the floor where he sat, his knees drawn up to his chin. "My Kili. Have you not forgotten our first night sharing a bed? I do believe I gave you a good elbow to the ribs in which you had a rather sizable bruise for several days. Turnabout is fair play my love. It is only a bruise. It will mend. As you ask of me, I will ask the same of you. Please, do not hide from me."

Kili looked at his hands, knowing their strength and fearing the damage that could be done to his wife, their unborn child, and possibly his little son. "Maybe, it would be better if we slept in separate beds. At least until my nightmares subside. I cannot live with the idea I could harm you or Fin or worse, somehow cause you to lose our newest gift."

Tauriel just stared at him then to his surprise, pinched him. Hard. "OW! Tauriel, what in Mahal's name was that for?"

"Because you are being stupid. Fili said if you are acting as such, to pinch you so you would wake up and see it for yourself." Tauriel huffed and lifted a brow before moving to sit beside him against the wall and giving him a pointed look. "Nightmares are part of healing Kili. Let us say I was the one to go through what you did. I was the one who had nightmares every evening. Would you wish for me to be in another bed even at my behest? Even if I woke and caused you some…minor…harm….because that is all this is Kili, just a bruise. I am no clay figure, I can handle myself quite well. EVEN against my husband. My questions stands though, would you have me separate us?"

Kili scrubbed his hands down his face. She was right, of course she was right. If it was her who had been going through this, he would laugh at such a suggestion and tell her in no reality, would he even allow it. Seeing she won, Tauriel stood and pulled him to his feet then into her arms. "We will get through this together Kili. Not apart." She felt Kili nod against her, then she guided her beloved back to bed.

Not all was bad in their world though. Finli was finally bouncing back to the happy, cheerful baby he had been before Kili, Dis, and Viltarra were taken, with easy smiles and joyous laughter. His smiles, brought Kili's smiles, and that made Tauriel weep with happiness.

Tauriel also soon discovered how accurate Kili was about Finli's ability to escape his cradle. Every night without fail, he climbed into their bed, which was a learning curve at first as Kili and Tauriel often had to remind themselves clothes were needed for sleep now, where before, they preferred to sleep skin to skin. Neither had any real idea just HOW he got out, Kili kept saying it was his elven ability, but Tauriel was more apt to blame a certain raven who was Finli's constant shadow.

However, despite all the hardships and tribulations, there were still many moments of peace to be had. One of which was right now. Tauriel sighed contently from where she sat cross-legged on the bed, watching her little world sleeping soundly. Finli lay spread across Kili's chest while Kili slept in the exact same manner beneath him on the bed. It was impossible to resist staring at them in wonder. Her boys. She placed a hand on her stomach…all three of her boys. She had not told Kili yet though, she will when he wakes. Yet another son of Durin on the way. Thorin will be ecstatic.

The sun was peaking into the room and Tauriel smiled at its warmth. It was just approaching mid-summer and the heat could even be felt in the morning hours. It would certainly be a hot day today. Maybe she can get Kili to come out for a picnic. Doubtful. He still got apprehensive about the idea of prolonged visits out of the gate, but he would sit with her on the veranda and that was a start. She won't push him.

Tauriel unfolded her legs and stood. Before the heat truly set in, it would be nice to get a good breeze in their room. Kissing her boys on the brow, Tauriel stepped to the veranda doors and opened them wide. She walked out towards the banister and closed her eyes, her face angled towards the bright early sun.

It was only seconds she sat in silence when her sensitive ears picked up something in the distance coming full speed towards the mountain. Peaking her eyes open, Tauriel leaned towards the banister and scanned the path ahead. Something was definitely coming, and it was only a moment before she was able to make out the figure.

Tauriel laughed out a sob, and ran. She ran past her sleeping princes. She ran past the questioning guards, one of which ran after her. She ran past the guards at the entrance, several now trailing and calling after her. Tauriel ran even as the being skid to a stop and jumped off the back of his mount with barely enough time to brace before an eleth launched herself at him.

"Auduadarya! Le Melin. N'uir I thiad lin 'ell." Nuarfaer smiled as Tauriel buried her head into his shoulder, her entire being shaking as he held her closed. His most beloved granddaughter. Wait…she called him grandfather! In Sindarin, but still!

Switching to common, Tauriel muttered through her tears and into his shoulder. "You're here. You're really back."

Naurfaer rocked her like he had done Ithildin so many times. Tauriel was shorter so her feet swung back and forth as he swayed, making the scene even more touching to the guards who witnessed it. Even Aeodhen wiped a tear from his own eye as he watched and guarded the pair until they pulled away from each other.

Naurfaer brushed some hair back from her face after setting her down. "Did it work? Is he…"

Tauriel nodded. "He's back. Fully. How can I ever thank you for what you did."

However, Naurfaer shook his head then kissed her brow. "G'siel, it is what family does."

There was a commotion at the gate and Tauriel turned to see Kili with his bow, Thorin with his sword, and Fili holding his dual blades all in battle ready stance until they saw who it was who was standing at the mountain gates.

"Naurfaer? HA! NAURFAER!" Kili dropped his beloved bow to the ground and ran over to the elf who had his arms open and ready to receive his favorite dwarvish prince…next to his great-grandson. "The most heartiest of welcomes home sigin'adad." Naurfaer beamed through tears, touched at the use of grandfather in khuzdul. A true honor to be granted and one he did not take lightly.

"Aye. I second that. Welcome home dear friend. You have been greatly missed." Thorin clasped Naurfaer's hand who drew the startled king into a quick hug.

Fili came next, wrapping his arms around the elf in a tight embrace. "The mountain has not been the same without you. Welcome home." They all meant it too. Naurfaer's absence was felt by all who he had interacted with, and even those he did not.

"Dugin!?" Aeodhen called.

"Aye sir." A young dark-haired, long bearded dwarf came forward from the assembled guards.

"See teh Tauri's horse. Make sure the lads get 'im fed, watered, and brushed." Aeodhen ordered quickly.

"Aye, I will see to it." The guard took Galaddal, who nudged Tauriel on his way past, to the stalls to be cared for as the family made their way into the much cooler mountain.

Dis, who was holding a squirming Finli, stood beside Viltarra just inside the sitting room. Naurfaer walked in only to be pushed hard onto his back and receive some rather, wet, kisses from his precious warg. "Hiril! Alright. I missed you too." He gave her a pat and had to physically push her off. He wiped his face and swooped in to scoop up his great-grandson. "Well look at you! You hardly look any different at all! What are you coming up on? Two years? Not going to be a baby much longer are you, little star?"

Finli grinned showing off the teeth he had scattered throughout his mouth. He then turned and pointed to Tauriel. "Baby!"

Naurfaer stared at Tauriel then it hit him, the new life she radiated. How had he missed that? It was strong too, and vibrant. He must have been so caught up in the wonderous welcome that he missed his granddaughter glowing with the gift she held within.

"We certainly won't be able to keep it a secret much longer with Finli telling everyone." Dis chuckled when she saw the realization evident on Naurfaer's face.

"Another boy." Tauriel beamed, placing her hand on her flat stomach.

"OI! When were you going to share that with me?" Kili grumbled.

"You were first to know about his conception meleth nin." Tauriel chuckled, leaning down and kissing Kili's pouting lips. "This, I just discovered as I woke, but you were still sleeping. I had planned to tell you first thing but, since everyone is here I thought now was a good time to share it."

"You knew she was pregnant before she did?" Naurfaer was impressed and not a half bit perplexed. How was that…OH…."You did it didn't you? You completed the connection to each other."

Kili smiled and placed his hand around Tauriel, pulling her close. "It was how I got all my memories back. What you did, gave me the ones from our first time meeting…I thank you for that by the way, it feels more complete knowing how we met…but still, it was only those initial memories, as precious and treasured as they are. When Tauriel connected us, all that I had lost came flooding back." He smiled at Tauriel who kissed his head.

Naurfaer gave a thoughtful hum as he took them in. The strength of their connection when he took a moment to focus on it, was beyond what should be possible with the difference in species…Valar….it was beyond what was possible for even elven pairs.

Perhaps, it was simply another gift from Manwe or Mahal? Or, maybe it was just them. A true testament of how they were meant for each other, inside and out. "It could not have been easy." Naurfaer finally laughed. "Elves are born with that connection to their parents, raised knowing their minds could one day be paired with others. Even then, some have difficulties accepting they are not alone in their minds and will choose not to connect with their partner, or opt for a solitary life. Are you faring well?"

Kili chuckled and tightened his hold on Tauriel. "It is not what I thought, the connection. I was waiting for a bombardment of her thoughts and feelings, my own mind feeling as if I am never alone. But…it is not that at all. Instead, the knowledge she is always there is more than comforting. It is not overwhelming in any way. What's more, I had always envied the connection she had to Finli, now I have that, and it is the greatest of gifts I could ever be given."

The rest in the room listened silently and curiously, Kili mouthing 'I will explain later' to them. Placing a hand on Kili's shoulder, Naurfaer smiled softly. "It is a true gift and one that can bring great joy and sense of completion. Honor it." Kili nodded, his own grin set on his lips.

Naurfaer looked around the room, taking everyone else in. "What else did I miss? Did you two get a chance to have your ceremony yet?" He turned his eyes to Fili and Viltarra who stood hand in hand beside Hiril.

Fili snorted. "Of course we haven't. Couldn't do it until the entire family was here." Naurfaer lowered his brows then his eyes went wide in realization.

Viltarra placed a hand on Naurfaer's arm. "We decided to give you enough time to return, then when you did, set it for the next day. It would not feel right without having you hear Naurfaer."

Naurfaer pulled her into a hug. He had missed them all. Pulling back, he beamed. "Well then. I am back so that means we have a wedding to get ready for, if I have heard correctly."

The room erupted with laughter then the seriousness settled in and Dis looked at Fili and Viltarra. "Well? Ceremony tomorrow? Are you both up for it?"

Viltarra looked to Fili. He turned to face her and pulled her hands into his. "What do you say? You think you might have a few minutes free to marry me tomorrow?"

The dam cocked her head to the side in thought. "I was going to give Hiril a bath…"

Fili rolled his eyes and Viltarra chuckled. "Of course! I do not want to wait another day to be your FULL wife Fili. Though Hiril does need a bath. I want her in the ceremony."

"No wargs in the ceremony." Thorin grumbled.

Dis whacked him on the head causing the king to glare at her. "It is their ceremony brother, if they want her in it, she can be in it."

Thorin, however, continued to glare at his sister. "I am king, if I say no…"

"If you say no, I will put her in your bedroom during the ceremony." Dis threatened. "I happen to know she is still in a bit of a chewing phase. Would be a pity if your favorite boots got warg teeth marks in them."

Thorin narrowed his eyes at Dis, but she just glared right back at him and he finally relented. It was a losing battle anyway, he knew that. Viltarra loved that creature, and he was happy to see his future niece finally finding peace, even if it meant him having to see that damn warg all the time now.

"So, wedding tomorrow?" Kili asked, once again holding his son who was resting his head against Kili's shoulder.

Fili looked to Viltarra and nodded, the smile on his face causing his blue eyes to sparkle with happiness. "Wedding tomorrow."

Original Authors note: Okay, first, what Tauriel said to Naurfaer is essentially, "Grandfather, I love you, ever your presence is a joy." Or something like that. I think the literal translation is 'For eternity is your presence a joy." Then of course, Kili calls Naurfaer grandfather in Khuzdul.

I also REALLY REALLY wanted Kili to be the first to know about at least one of their kids and their connection was a perfect way to accomplish my greatest desire. I think he deserved it. AND Don't think I have forgotten about the fact Tauriel felt everything Kili did in captivity. That will come up eventually, just not in this ACT.

OH! BTW I have ONE more chapter in ACT II to proofread then I am going to start ACT III. I have a good idea what I want to do with that ACT and it is mostly fluff, so a break from tragedy and pain. I think we could all use the break. See you in a bit, I am gonna eat me some cake. :D