Updated January 17th, 2022

Original Authors Note: Yesss….fishy Imagine….(opens a can of tuna and laughs).

Alrighty Kmile, two in one day it is. This one is for you, since you asked. :)

That is all…read on. ;)

Chapter Five

"So, is it by venture or by pure happenstance you come across such things?" Sudri had been telling Kili and Tauriel of a few of the exotic finds they have sold in their time including a dagger of what appeared to be glass but was made from the purest of crystals, sharp and completely unbreakable. It had been sold to a visiting elf who claimed to have been purchasing it for the Lady Lothlorien herself, Galadriel. Sudri bragged that for this reason alone, he doubled the price, and the elf did not even hesitate to pay.

"I think I could have gotten triple." He lamented before sighing forlornly. "That one purchase fed our clan for nearly a year and a half. To answer your question Lady elf, most we acquire come from pure coincidence. We are in the right markets or ruins at the right time. Some we find, others we purchase or trade for. It is also not uncommon for us to acquire broken pieces, fix them, and resell them at a good profit or craft them altogether on our own. One must understand, all things have value to someone, it is finding the right someone that is the key." He chuckled and nodded to Thorin and Dis as they approached.

Thorin gave Kili a look that had him straightening immediately. "Sudri, I think we need to have a word, in private. Kili, if you would accompany me. Tauriel, go with Dis. I will see you at the evening bell."

That was all he said and Tauriel was looking puzzled at Dis before Kili's hand slipped from hers. He gave her a shrug and followed his uncle. Neither were going to get answers until they did as they were instructed, so with a sigh, Tauriel turned to follow Dis while quietly asking, "Is everything well?"

Dis shook her head, remaining silent as they exited the cavern hall and began the climb up several of Erebor's vast stairwells. Tauriel was even more confused when they bypassed the hallway which would have led them to the throne room and subsequently, the stairs to the royal chamber. Instead, Dis climbed the steps that led to the healer's hall where Oin resided. "Dis?"

"Let us get up and I will explain everything." Tauriel nodded and they cleared the distance in silence. Dis did not even knock on Oin's door, she just stepped inside the empty room and looked around. It was only a moment before the old healer came out of his office, having seen the door open and greeted the pair with a smile.

"Wha' honor do I have for such a visit? Kili did not do somthin' stupid again did 'e? I told 'im to take it slow." Oin began grumbling as he went towards a cabinet for wraps and herbs but Dis stopped him.

"Actually, I need you to look Tauriel over."

"What!? Whatever for Dis? What is going on?" Tauriel was looking straight at Dis, who let out a deep breath and gestured for her to sit on one of the beds.

Giving Oin a look, she turned her attention back to Tauriel. "I have just been told some…upsetting news that could affect you." Taking a seat, knowing she won't get any answers until she does, Tauriel placed her hands on her lap, waiting for Dis to continue.

"I have been told by one of the Ukdam that not one babe has been born alive among their company in nearing half a years time. All have been either born lifeless, or have passed within hours of their birth."

Tauriel gasped and placed her hand on her still flat abdomen. "Oh, Dis. Those poor families. Do we know how many or if they are related incidents?"

Dis shook her head. "We know of at least five. Apparently, there was quite a few dams come of age and coupled, as that many in such a short period of time is rather rare especially for our people. But there is more. In four of the five cases we are aware of, the mother has fallen ill as well, passing not long after losing their child." She sat in a chair beside the bed Tauriel was perched on. "We know nothing more right now, because the Ukdam refuse to give any more information. What I can tell you, is there is at least one ill dam among them who survived the birth but lost her babe just two weeks ago."

Tauriel's heart broke. She could not imagine losing her child, losing Finli or this little prince she now carried, one that very few knew about. "Oin, can you check Tauriel over? I know she has not really had exposure to the Ukdam, but Thorin wants you to see to her regardless." Oin was among the few who knew of her pregnancy, Tauriel having already spoken with him about being her healer just a few weeks ago.

"Of course, though, I do no' see how anythin' would show this early, an yeh know tha' if anythin' were wrong with 'er babe, she would know better than I."

Oin gave Tauriel a look, requesting her permission which she immediately gave. It did not take long to come to the conclusion that at this moment in time, Tauriel was in optimal condition. No fever, heartbeat normal, no ill signs whatsoever. "And the babe?" Dis asked, looking directly at her daughter.

"Is completely fine, strong and growing." Tauriel answered. "What are we going to do about the Ukdam, Dis? I am not the only one expecting in this mountain."

Dis pinched the bridge of her nose in the perfect imitation of her brother when he was wary. "That was the other reason for meeting together. Do either of you know of any illnesses that have the ability to kill a babe in the womb and potentially, it's mother as well?"

"Several, bu' none tha' would be passin' to others. Tauriel? Lass?"

Tauriel shook her head. She had helped in aiding a birth or two, but pregnancy care and research was not in her studies with Ivethin before she became a captain in the guard for Thranduil. "I could send a missive to Ivethin, but without having seen a patient I have no way of forwarding signs and symptoms. I would need more to go on as I am sure, so would she."

Dis nodded. "Then let us hope Thorin and Kili can make headway with Sudri. Oin, can you give me the names of the expecting mothers in Erebor? Just as a precaution, I want to make sure they keep their distance until we know this is contained. Tauriel? I would advise you to do the same, and I am sure Kili will have more than enough to say on the matter."

"Dis I know the risks and I will speak to Kili. I want to help, if I can but I assure you, I will do all I am capable of to not put myself or my child in harm's way."

Dis took her hand. "I know. But know that we will also do what we can to protect you."

With a sigh, Tauriel conceded. Once Kili got wind of the situation, it is likely he will find a way to guilt her into staying in their rooms, even if it meant he stayed as her personal guard. She huffed silently and slumped against the chair. She was so looking forward to the Ukdam's visit.

They remained with Oin for the better part of an hour trying to come up with any virus, illness, or disease that matched the situation, but nothing seemed to fit. Finally tired, hungry, and not a little frustrated, Tauriel stood and followed Dis out of the perplexed healer's office. Their only hope is that Kili and Thorin made headway with Sudri.

Tauriel sighed as she opened the door to her rooms. All she wanted right now was a cuddle with her baby, something to eat, and a bed. Why did pregnancy have to take so much out of her and why was she getting a headache? So much for an enchanting visit from the Ukdam. Tauriel hated all the unknown variables clawing through her mind right now. It did not help she was getting some rather...volatile...vibes from her bonded soulmate. Whatever was going on with him, it was likely the cause of her pounding head.

"Welcome back, Fin's out, by the way. Instantly fell asleep once Naurfaer started telling him one of his ancient stories…almost put me to sleep as well." Fili gave Tauriel a once over. "You look awful? Sit, before you collapse little sister. Where's Ki?"

Tauriel rubbed her temples as she all but collapsed beside Fili, lifting her legs onto his lap and laying out the length of the chaise. She ignored his question and looked around the room. "Where's Viltarra and Naurfaer?"

"Right here." The blonde dam came in carrying some tea beside Naurfaer and Dis. Viltarra could not stop the small chuckle that escaped her lips at seeing the pair on the chaise. One thing she realized after marrying Fili, was she was not just marrying Fili. With Fili came the packaged pair of Kili and Tauriel. The trio had been beyond close…which she knew to an extent, but she had not noticed just how close until after her wedding. They were always together in one way or another...ALWAYS.

She really did not mind though and sat on the floor between Fili's legs; her husband humming and running his hand through her hair before taking a cup from Dis, who took one look at Tauriel and rolled her eyes. The elf was fast asleep. So much for the proclaimed elven fortitude. Naurfaer just watched from his own chair with a spark of amusement and fondness in his green eyes.

Unfortunately, their little moment of peace was interrupted as the door slammed open and a furious Kili stalked in with an equally enraged Thorin. "NO! It was a simple request, and his answer is NO! YOU are the king, and this is OUR mountain uncle, and he told you NO!"

Tauriel startled awake before Dis could turn to calm her son and brother. She sat up, lifting her legs off Fili and went to stand but Kili was quicker and slumped beside her, taking her hand in his and pulling her against him.

"Hush! Finli is asleep." Dis first admonished. Then she sighed out "I take it, it did not go well." Dis leveled Thorin with a look and he grumbled, shaking his head and taking the free chair that sat beside Kaw's perch. Said raven snapping his beak at Thorin in irritation, having been woken himself so abruptly from his own slumber.

Naurfaer's eyes wondered from Tauriel to Dis, then landed on Kili. "What did not go well?"

Thorin looked around at the frustrated look gracing Dis and Tauriel's face and the look of confusion on Naurfaer, Fili and Viltarra's before grumbling and rubbing his temples. "Fill them in while I take a moment to think this through, so I do not start a war." Dis shook her head and forced a cup of tea in Thorin's hands.

Fili furrowed his brows, trying to piece things together with the evidence before him, but nothing seemed to be solidifying. "What is going on? Mam?" Sighing, Dis retook her seat and folded her hands in her lap, addressing Naurfaer, Fili and Viltarra.

"It appears we are either magnets for trouble or just have the worst luck in all of Arda." Kili sniped before Dis could say a word, Tauriel watching him warily. She was unsure if she was happy or not that she had not been there when Thorin told him of what he had learned. The fact that his arm now sat protectively around her waist, hand splayed on their child as if it alone would keep their babe from harm coupled with her pounding head, she did not think it went well. At least he has not dragged her into the bedchamber and barricaded the door…yet.

"Let me guess…" Fili hummed. "…lives are at stake, and our elf and the Ukdam have something to do with it? Which…we can probably aid in some way or another, but they refuse to cooperate."

Kili placed a finger on his nose indicating the accuracy of his brother's assumption. Fili hummed knowingly and Tauriel folded her arms and glared at them both. "Why do you assume I am involved?"

Fili shrugged. "Am I wrong?"

"YES….and no. Not directly." Tauriel was tired and not in the mood right now to be coddled or teased. Fili and Kili were the epitome of coddlers and teasers when it came to her. Unfortunately, Naurfaer, was no better.

"I quite have to agree with Fili, starlight. You do tend to be at the center of most of the trouble in the last few years." At her glare, Naurfaer gave Tauriel a lopsided grin and sipped his tea, his attention turned back to Dis who had cleared her throat, demanding everyone to focus back on her.

When Dis finally explained the situation, both Naurfaer and Fili immediately teamed up with Kili in agreeing Tauriel had no business putting herself at risk by going down. "Tauri, I am telling you, you need to let others handle this one and just…"

"What Fili? Stay here?!" Tauriel's temper flared. "In these rooms? Sitting like a weak, hapless, female?! I certainly will not! I will be helping figure this out or I will have no rest. Mothers are LOSING their children Fili, and dams are dying. I am among the few in the mountain who have a knowledge of medicine and could understand AS WELL AS help."

"We don't know that, amralime. What if this is worse than we think and it passes to you, or him?" Kili looked meaningfully at her stomach. He was not playing fair, and he knew it.

Tauriel sighed, trying not to give into her husband's not so subtle pleas. "Kili, I am a healer. Maybe not as skilled as Ivethin, or Oin, but I can hold my own and do a good amount of preliminary research."

Kili looked pleadingly to Thorin, his large brown eyes begging his uncle for his help and support. If she will listen to anyone in the family over Kili, Tauriel will listen to Thorin.

Thorin's blue eyes melted at Kili's desperate look. The kingly uncle and surrogate father could no more deny Finli when he looked at him like that than he could Kili. Thorin turned to Tauriel. "Nâtha, we know you want to help, but, please let us have Oin do the legwork. I really don't want you or Viltarra down there. I don't even want Dis down there until we figure out what is going on and know for sure it is safe."

Naurfaer quickly adding, "I second that starlight. We have many others who can see to this with minimal risk, none of you three should be down there. It is an unnecessary risk for yourselves and the family."

There was a round of arguments coming from each female in the room and Thorin stood lifting his hand demanding silence instantly. "I have made my mind. There is too much at risk and plenty of others in this mountain who can aid in all of your stead."

"Thorin, you know as well as I, a dam will not talk to a dwarf she does not know the same way she would talk to another dam!" Dis stood narrowing her eyes at her brother, ready to match and possibly exceed Thorin's stubbornness.

"I do not see why I have to keep away, I am not with child, I can help as well as any!" Viltarra argued. Normally Fili would be quite proud of her for standing up to Thorin, but…he was with his uncle and brother on this, though he did remain quiet.

Tauriel had her own argument, leaning forward, pulling away from Kili and setting her brow stubbornly. "I am an elf, I am not even certain I can contract whatever they have. We need access to the sick, we need to know what is going on and unless someone knows what to look for or ask, this could take much longer and potentially cause twice as much damage."

However, Thorin was not budging. "Work with Oin in his office then Tauriel. I will be speaking to Sudri again tomorrow. He will have a choice, leave this mountain, or cooperate. If we can contain whatever this is, then perhaps, this can have a positive outcome on all sides."

This was a situation nobody was winning and there was a clear battle line between the males and females in the room. At least it was not just Tauriel being ordered away. Tired of arguing, Tauriel stood abruptly. "With your permission, my Lord, I will write a missive to Ivethin to see if she may have any insight, then I will be in Oin's office, unless there are any OTHER objections." She glared at the males, but waited for 'permission' to leave.

Even Thorin gaped at her but nodded subtly. She had never spoken to him in such a way.

"Tauriel…" Kili tried to grasp her hand, but she yanked it away and stalked out of the chamber, calling Kaw to follow her. She completely missed the hurt look which crossed Kili's face as he stood to follow, hurt and frustration swimming across their connection on both sides, yet both too stubborn to acknowledge the other.

Naurfaer intervened, however, placing a hand on Kili's shoulder to stop him. "Let her go, I will make sure she gets to Oin's safely. You are needed here to figure out a way to get Sudri to listen and comply."

"I need to speak to her." Kili shook his head and looked to the door Tauriel had just shut behind her. She might as well had slammed it in his face.

"Let her cool off then. Lest you have changed your mind about her meeting directly with the Ukdam, I do not think she is quite ready to speak or listen." Kili deflated, looking to the ground before setting his jaw and nodding once. He shrugged off Naurfaer's hand and sat hard on the couch, staring out the massive window into the setting sun. The elf giving him a sigh before moving to go after Tauriel.

Fili gave his brother a concerned look. Everything had been going so well these last few months. He should have known that would not last. Not in their family. He turned his attention back to his wife who was glaring at him, and his mam who was glaring at Thorin.

"You all are being old, thick headed rams." Dis lashed out as she stood and stormed out of the room.

Viltarra gave Fili a hard look. "I cannot fathom why we can't help with something we are not even sure exists? Oh, wait, but you can help? That is rich. Might I remind all three of you that you are flesh and blood and just as susceptible to sickness, injury, and death as we mere females." She threw them each another spiteful look then too left the room. Even Hiril, who had been sleeping stood and followed, leaving only the males to sit and contemplate the situation.

"Well, that went….well it went." Fili muttered, rubbing his hand up his cheek and sitting back against the chaise completely at a loss of what to do with three angry females. "What are we going to do, uncle?"

Thorin shook his head at Fili. "Hope that we are as intimidating as we are rumored to be. We have to get Sudri to agree to let us intervene. It is the only thing we can do right now." Thorin caught even Kili's attention as he pulled the chair forward to sit closer to his nephews. "We need a plan."

The young princes both nodded, and the three royals set to work putting together a way to get the leader of the Ukdam on their side.

Just down the corridor, Naurfaer easily caught up with his fiery tempered granddaughter who was pointedly ignoring his calls even as she snatched a piece of parchment from a common desk in the main sitting room and began furiously writing a note before thrusting it at Kaw who took it without preamble and flew back down the hall and out a window designed for private ravens.

"Tauriel…" With a huff, the eleth continued out the main door of the royal chamber and marched down the stairs, eliciting curious looks from the double guard at the top and bottom of the staircase. Naurfaer, even with his longer legs, had to put effort into keeping up.

"This has nothing to do with your skills Tauriel, it is for your safety." He argued…continuously. Her back still to him.

Tauriel whipped around and slammed a finger into his chest. "600 years I took care of myself. SIX HUNDRED!" Her voice echoed through the corridors. She was seething, and cared less about the looks passing dwarves were giving her. "I joined the guard at just 100 years of age. The youngest in all of Mirkwood. They thought me a child, a babe, but I showed them! I worked and trained my way up the guard, surpassing my elders with ease. I was focused and determined. I had nothing in the way of distraction. Training was my life, and with all my work and sacrifice, was given the honor of being one of the youngest captains in the history of our people. I was even assigned to Thranduil himself!"

Naurfaer could not get a word in, he just watched her release her frustration even as she continued. "I spent years putting myself in far more dangerous situations then sick dwarves yet…I am being treated as if I have not seen a battle in my life! Like I am incapable of caring for or protecting myself. I protected a KING Naurfaer… A KING!"

Instead of feeling better, Tauriel could feel herself be fueled and enraged further. She did, however, have to bat away angry tears that were beginning to fall down her cheeks. Why was it pregnancy made her so emotional! "I love Kili with everything that I am, and I accept him for all that he is. But, I can not and will not allow them to turn me into something I am not, nor have ever asked to be. I am a fighter, Naurfaer, a warrior. I am a far reach from a courtier. If I wanted to be smothered I would have stayed in MIRKWOOD! I will not sit idly by when others are in need of aid, and you will have to thrust me into a cell in the dungeons before I can be stopped."

Taking a few measured breaths, Naurfaer placed both his hands on Tauriel's shoulders in what he hoped was a placating manner when the eleth seemed to have said her peace. Although Tauriel was a lot like Ithildin in many ways, it was always apparent that Tauriel had a harder set of armor covering her heart and spirit. Something that was a result of having to prove herself to all she came into contact with growing up. Something she was forced to develop because she had no family to protect her and to love her unconditionally. She had nobody who would praise her in her triumphs or enfold her in their arms when she failed to meet expectations. That is, until now.

"Starlight, they are not trying to smother your flame." He thought for a moment of what to say to curve her anger and sighed deeply. "I know it is difficult to make changes in our hearts we have had a part of ourselves for our entire life, but you are no longer in Mirkwood trying to care for and prove yourself. You have a family now, one who loves you deeply and unconditionally. I know this is not an excuse you want to hear, but this is what it is to have people care for you and love you. We are not trying to make you feel weak or incapable, rather, we are trying to do what any family does, protect each other."

Tauriel did not know what to say or how to respond. She just stared wide eyed at Naurfaer, but it seemed like he was not finished. "I want you to consider something, Tauriel. Imagine the situation in reverse. Imagine there was a chance, even a small one, Kili's life could be at risk. Imagine an illness only naugrim males could contract but would have lethal effects on their life. You know Kili and his big heart. Say it was something he could help with, but at the risk of contracting an illness and forfeiting his life while there were others who could help without any risk whatsoever. How would you feel about him wanting to march, head into danger?"

Now Tauriel was opening and closing her mouth. She had not considered this. Her entire life had been her own life and just now, four years after being catapulted into a family, she was realizing she was different even to most elves. She had been reveling in the good and warmth of having a family not exactly realizing the clash her independent childhood would have on a group who always had some sort of love and support to fall back on in the best and worst of times. She had had none of that.

It was not that the elves of Mirkwood were cold, per say. Thranduil was the one to take her in, but Thranduil was not exactly the most…affectionate or loving of beings when it came to her. For her greatest achievements, all she received was a subtle nod of the head from the only father figure she had ever known at the time. In her failings, even the smallest of them, he looked on her like she was the greatest of disappointments. What's more is Tauriel was always reminded she was a silvan elf, and not of Mirkwood birth. She already had her larger ears, shorter stature, and brilliant red hair to remind her of that fact, but Thranduil and many of the sindar elves had no issue with constantly reminding her of it. That does not put into play the backlash she got for rising through the ranks as quickly and as young as she did. Many would scorn her under their breaths, claiming favoritism, nepotism, or even worse, that Thranduil was forcing a match with prince Legolas and that by giving her a title, it would at least make her somewhat acceptable for their prince.

None of it was true however, it was Tauriel's pure talent in battle with her raw desire to prove herself that got her the title she was so proud of. Well, until a certain dark haired naugrim prince found his way into her dungeons then into her heart. The same prince who was only trying to protect her. Her most beloved Kili. Releasing a deep breath, Tauriel nodded slowly.

"I do understand. I would be no happier with Kili than Kili is with me this moment." Tauriel lifted her emerald eyes up to Naurfaer. "I cannot change how I feel Naurfaer, I want to help and I know I can make a difference." Tauriel looked back over her shoulder at the hall leading to the throne room which led to their chambers. "But…" She turned back to Naurfaer. "I will do so cautiously and will not go down to the Ukdam until we know it is safe for me, Dis, and Viltarra to do so. I do not like it, however, I think I understand well enough now."

Naurfaer grabbed her hand and squeezed it then leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her brow. "I cannot tell you how much I wish I had been the one to raise you. I should have taken you to that settlement myself. It should have been me to train you and guide you when we lost your mother and father." He looked at her, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear, Tauriel allowing the affection he showed her.

"Still, I am proud of the strong eleth you have become, starlight. Perhaps, it was in the fates, as horrid as that sounds, that things happened as they did. For, if you had not been there in Mirkwood, you may not have met a certain naugrim prince who is as good at finding trouble as his mate." At this, Tauriel laughed joyously.

"I fully agree. I would take every moment of pain and sorrow in my youth knowing it led me to this moment. I cannot say what it would have been like growing up with family to guide me. What I can say, is I feel blessed by the valar I have it now." Tauriel linked her arm with Naurfaer. "How about we go speak with Oin, I have some suggestions I just thought of and I want to let him know I sent a message to Ivethin. Then, we can come back and assure my Kili I will behave well enough."

The pair made their way up to Oin's office, the healer inviting them in and showing off the research he had done in the last hour Tauriel had been away. It would be of no help without seeing the affected and all in the room knew it. With a firm set of her shoulders, Tauriel grabbed a medical tome from the shelf along with Naurfaer, and the three set to work trying to find something, anything, that could help.

Original Authors Note: See, domestics. :D. Don't worry, they will be fine. Sometimes it is best to take a moment away to cool off. I figured it might be a bit of clashing for Tauriel and Kili just in the way that she spent so much of her life independent and learning how to survive alone. Yet, now, she has a family. The dynamics I think would be different and something of a learning curve she will have to navigate for years to come. Plus, overprotective dwarves. Nothing more stubborn than that especially since they seem to generally be protective of their females anyway.

Still ahead…what is going on? What is happening to the Ukdam? Is it only affecting the women or is something worse blooming in Erebor?

I KNOW! Because it's already been written. But you will find out…whenever I post things. XD Probably see you tomorrow.