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.

38. ACT IV Chapter ONE

Authors Note: Okay. I feel kind of bad. I have been spending the last several months fixing everything up chapter by chapter in Reforged and Reforged and Strengthened. I also had taken some (a lot…cough cough) of cold medicine last night because I am sick…uggg….and I MAY have accidently deleted ACT III Chapter ONE completely in the story section INSTEAD of the document section when I was updating it, so when I added the chapter back in…it notified everyone.

SOOOOOOOO as a means to say sorry. I am posting this a bit early. It is the first chapter of ACT IV and the only chapter I am currently done. But I know where it is going so there is that. Consider it a teaser of sorts. Because I won't be adding more until it get this act more complete. I just feel REALLY bad. Sorry guys. 😊

I also need to finish fixing ACT III so like I said, there may not be regular posts like your used to with me, but they will come.

DISCLAIMER….I haven't really proof read this chapter….but it can't be THAT bad lol. If you see a spelling or grammatical error….I will fix it…eventually. Enjoy!

"That house was a perfect house…whether you like food or sleep, or story-telling or singing, or just sitting and thinking best, or a pleasant mixture of them all. Merely to be there was a cure for weariness, fear, and sadness."

J.R.R. Tolkien. The Fellowship of the Ring

ACT IV

Chapter One

Viltarra sighed and tried again. She steadied her arm, kept BOTH eyes open, and released. "That was better, muinthel, and you hit the target. Well done." Viltarra grumbled while looking at her arrow barely hanging off the furthest edge of the target. She thinks she prefers blades to bows, like her husband.

There was a spurt of laughter and Viltarra glowered thinking it was directed at her, but a look at the adjacent target had her spying Kili laughing so hard, he fell clean off the fence he was perched on moments before and was now on the ground clutching his stomach as he tried get a control over his composure with little success.

"I'll get you in the fencing arena." Fili growled with a huff. Viltarra looked at the target he had been shooting at and spied the lack of arrows…or holes within the parchment attached. She looked back to her own target to see four out of eight arrows lodged in the posts which held the target, three on the ground, and one on the most outer ring barely hanging on. That was her most recent one. Fili, however, seemed to not be doing well at all.

"I have always hated the bow." Fili grumbled as he walked to go retrieve his arrows in varying distances from the target. It seemed he was able to get an arrow in every direction…except for the one the target sat.

"I have told you time and time again brother, archery is not for everybody and takes time, practice, and discipline." Kili was brushing some hay off his trousers, and turned a teasing eye onto Fili, who was now glaring at him.

Fili huffed. "It also takes a good teacher too…I want to trade with Viltarra…my instructor is clearly impaired."

Annoyed, and not a half bit offended, Kili now scrunched his nose glowered at his brother. Tauriel had to hold her hand over her mouth hold in her laughter at her husband, who looked exactly like Finli when he was not getting what he wanted. Her precious boys.

"Or maybe the student is thick headed and unable to listen!" Kili shot back. "How about you try once more and this time…stop being a stubborn know it all, and do exactly what I say to do?" He lifted a brow in challenge. "Or is that too much for you to take on?"

Fili eyed him, then shrugged. "Alright. I will do EXACTLY what you say, and we will see what happens. If I miss though, we call it a day for archery and spend the remaining hour with swords."

Tauriel walked up to stand beside Viltarra, folding her arms and sighing. "This can go two ways. Bad..."

"Or worse." Viltarra finished. Though, as terrible as it may sound, she was kind of hoping he would miss so she could take up practicing with her sword. She looked up at Tauriel who pierced her lips and was watching Fili and Kili with wary eyes.

Kili eyed his brother, then accepted the condition, but added his own. "Alright, sounds fair. If you make it though, we go another hour in the archery range. But you cannot miss on purpose, you have to do to do it just as I say. I will know if you aren't."

"I won't cheat little brother, go ahead, and show me what I am supposed to do." Kili stepped forward and began his instruction once again. He corrected Fili's stance, his footing, his arm placement, and bow height. "Remember, both eyes open, like Tauriel told Viltarra. You may instinctively want to close one, but it will cause your aim to be off. You don't throw daggers with one eye closed, neither can you shoot a bow and expect it to hit dead on. Both eyes brother." Fili rolled his eyes but agreed to keep both open. Kili seemed in approval of Fili's posture, so gave him the okay to move on. "Alright, everything is good, go ahead and draw."

Kili waited for Fili to draw the arrow taut and then coached him a bit more. "Loosen your finger, it is just a guide for the arrow, not a lock for it, and elbow higher…like that." Kili eyed his brother's stance, looked to the target, then nodded to himself. "Alright Fi, let it fly."

Viltarra and Tauriel watched with bated breath as Fili let a breath out as he released the arrow. It glided through the air and for the first time since they came out to the range an hour ago, hit the target with a satisfying 'thunk'. Fili gaped at what he had done while Kili beamed with pride. Not so much for his brother hitting the target, but because his brother was wrong and he, Kili, was right.

Kili clapped his brother on the shoulder. "See. I am a good instructor. You just weren't listening."

Fili could not stop staring at the arrow. Not only had he hit the target, but he hit the target dead center. Okay, Kili was a good instructor then, and now he was stuck in archery for another hour.

There was some clapping that brought him back to himself and he turned to Tauriel and Viltarra, both smiling and quietly cheering him on. "Very, very good Fili. You have more skill than you think muindor!"

Viltarra walked to his side, leaned up, and kissed him on the cheek, but did whisper into his ear "Did you have to do that? Now were stuck out here for another hour." There was zero mirth behind her statement however, and the chuckle that proceeded was evidence of that.

Fili bent a bit to take her lips with his and pulled back with a smile. "In the future, I will endeavor to do worse, if that pleases you." Viltarra only laughed and stepped away, going back to her place to continue training.

Despite the evidence that Kili was in fact a good instructor, they did switch and Tauriel spent the last hour coaching Fili while Kili went to instruct Viltarra. To Fili's annoyance and surprise, Kili, was able to help Viltarra hit the center of the target not once, but three times. Viltarra had beamed at her progress and had given Kili a hug. Maybe the bow was not so bad…once you got the hang of it.

The season was changing yet again, and winter was fading to spring. The autumn and winter seasons were filled with all kinds of celebrations. There was the great feast with Dale and Mirkwood in which they honored the fallen in the battle of five armies as well as their alliance. Then there was Finli's second birthday which was a day in itself. The smallest prince had gifts not just from his family, but from countless dwarves in Erebor. He is well on his way to be over spoiled.

Finli had even received his first bow, made specially by Bofur. It was just a toy, as he was much too young for a real bow which he will not receive until his eighth year. Kili started learning when he was ten which was custom for dwarflings to begin seeking a skill. As an elf, Tauriel had officially begun her training with a bow on her fifth birthday like all elflings of her age, although she had a head start as Legolas often took her with him to training long before her fifth year. Since Finli was half elf and half dwarf, his parents decided that if he was ready, he can begin when he turned eight, but they will take it a year at a time. Neither were too eager for their little star to grow too fast, nor did they wish to hold him back if he was ready earlier.

The feast and Finli's birthday were followed by Yule and the announcement of both Kili and Fili's newest impending arrivals. That celebration lasted two full weeks after Yule and Viltarra is still getting stopped and congratulated. The dwarves of Erebor were sure eager to bestow their thoughts and 'wisdoms' on her and her upcoming child. Even months later, after she was wiping sweat from her grow after two hours of training, she was still stopped.

With each enquiry, Viltarra tried to be pleasant, she really did, but the constant badgering was eating at her nerves. She felt a soft nudge and folded her hands over her small belly. Dwarves, unlike elves, tended to be wider in the mid-section, even females. This gave much more room for a babe to grow without much to show for it. In fact, even in their late months, it is sometimes difficult to tell if a dwarrowdam was even expecting if they tended to be on the slightly larger, albeit healthy side. Nothing like Bombur, but larger than Viltarra tended to be. She was on the…thinner…side of the dams. Much of it had to do with her year spent in an underground pit which she escaped from just barely eight months before.

Now, at seven months along, she looked like any healthy dam. She did see it when she was dressing though, the slight curve of her stomach. Oin, who was thrilled to be overseeing both her and Tauriel's care, said she was perfect. Although, he did advise her to make sure to be eating extra, above the already extra calories she had been eating to make up for being starved. It was a long and difficult road, but one she is happy to be on.

Although, being asked whether or not she was having a boy or a girl…when they all knew she was like any other dam and had no ability to tell what her child would be…was testing her nerves. She had just spent the last three hours in physical training, and was in no mood to have anyone stop her, let alone ask absurd questions about her child's sex.

The dwarf before her, however, either did not seem to notice the dams glare, or just did not care. "But surely ya be wantin' ta know if yer goin' ta have the next ruler or no' wouldn' ya? I have no' been wrong before, jus' a quick readin'?"

Viltarra sighed. She just wanted to grab one of her ma's fruit tarts and get a cheese bun for Tauriel then be on her way home. Hiril shifted beside her and nudged in the leg showing she was present which always calmed the blonde dam. "Really. I appreciate your curiosity, but boy or girl, matters not to me. I am not a production mine for male heirs, I only wish for a healthy child. If I have a boy, then that is the fate Mahal has for me and this mountain. But, right now, Finli is the next heir beyond my husband and both Fili I could not be happier for that. Now if you will excuse me."

Pushing past the dwarf, with a little help from Hiril who growled at the dwarf when he began to argue again causing him to duck back into his shop, Viltarra finally made it to her family's bakery.

"Ah, my little gem." Viltarra smiled and allowed herself to be pulled into a hug from her father. "To what do I owe this extraordinary visit?" Vin pulled away and smiled at his daughter.

"Da, can I get one of ma's tarts? Oh, and Tauriel wants some cheese buns. She's been asking for them all morning." Not even waiting for her father, Viltarra was already adding her desired treats to a small basket, her father chuckling and giving her free reign to take whatever she pleased.

"How is Tauriel? Is everything progressing well for her? I know it was a nightmare her last pregnancy, and I have barely had a chance to visit with her with all the training her and Kili have been doing." Tarrah stepped up to the front, a tray of warm cheese buns in her hands.

Viltarra nodded. "She has been a bit ill, but she said it was nothing compared to her first time around. Although, she did say this one does move around much more than Finli did." She smiled even as her own little one gave a nudge. It was such an odd feeling, but she was getting used to it. The sickness…that could go. She hated that bit.

Tarrah hummed and smiled. "There is nothing like creating life. Now, what are you doing today? You look a bit flushed, little gem. Are you alright?"

"I am fine ma, we were just doing some training. Nothing too strenuous, so don't give me that look." Viltarra lifted a brow to her mother who was looking as if she was about to go into lecture mode. "I am just fine. Oin said activity is good at this point, so until he says otherwise, I will keep doing my normal activities."

Viltarra grabbed one of the tarts and bit into it, savoring the taste and swiping away the crumbs that landed in the whiskers on her cheeks. "I do have a message from Thorin though. He received word from Lord Bard that Dale will be hosting a spring fair next week. We have been invited to attend, and Bard wanted to see if any of the shop owners wished to sell their wares. Leotti is already putting designs and pieces together to sell, but Thorin wanted to see if you would like to have a stand as well? What do you think?"

Vin looked to Tarrah who shrugged. They were plenty busy in the mountain, and they certainly were not lacking for any necessities in their spacious suite in the royal wing, but, there was nothing like the diversity of selling among other races. So, after a moment, Vin nodded, seeing the excitement lighting his wife's features at the prospect. "Alright. Tell Thorin we will be happy to take a space. How long will the market be running."

"Just the week. Thorin has already made it clear he did not want Tauriel nor I going." Viltarra sighed. "But we made it clear we will be." Tarrah rolled her eyes and Vin chuckled. Dwarves did not like their females out of their dwellings, especially when they are expecting. But, Vin and Tarrah raised Viltarra to make her own choices, and Tauriel…well….Tauriel was an elf. Try telling her what to do and not get an arrow in the foot or dagger for that matter. Poor Fili and Kili, Vin thought. They chose mates with strong personalities, who would always choose to follow their minds and hearts…rather than their people's views and traditions.

Vin shook his head, glad Viltarra was doing so much better these last several months. "I supposed I can make no argument for you staying. Though, I do think you should be cautious."

Viltarra rolled her eyes. "Da, I will be. Don't worry. I will make certain I blend in with all the other Dwarrow. Even Leotti was told she needed to give up her dresses for breeches, boots, and vests. She was fine with it though, she said it was how she used to go to markets outside Ered Luin anyway." Both Vin and Tarrah nodded and Viltarra pushed off the counter and grabbed the basket. "I am sorry I cannot stay, but I promised I would bring these up. I will be down in the morning to help out though, I don't have anything else to do, and I miss being down here."

"We miss you to little gem. You are always welcome whenever you wish." Tarra smiled and kissed her daughter's brow, followed by Vin who repeated the gestured. They then waived their daughter away and went back to work before the late afternoon rush.

There were many sides of Tauriel. The mother, the sister, the daughter, the wife, the dwarven side, the elven side, and one side not many of the dwarves of Erebor had yet to see…until now. This, imposing creature, was all business and quite lethal. She stood ramrod straight, her brow set in a stern line, and her eyes calculating as she looked at the line of dwarven guards before her. This, was captain Tauriel. The elf who superseded rank after rank at a remarkable rate, and at very young age…relatively speaking...to take a place as one of Thranduil's captains of his guard.

Many of the younger guards had learned quite quickly that this Tauriel, was no nonsense. She trained hard, and strict. "You do not get breaks in battle, you must learn to adapt, find your inner strength, and be resourceful. You will not always have your axe, sword, or hammer. So I am here to train you in as many weapons as possible so you may have the greatest advantage should we be called to war."

"Aye lass, tha' is all good an well, but, an I mean no offence, but, aren' ya expectin'? An even so, ya look as if Klinkus over there can break yeh in half…just' by lookin' at ya. Perhaps…Prince Kili would be better the train us?" Quick as an arrow, Tauriel's emerald-green eyes bore down on the dwarf who spoke. He was about Kili's age, maybe a bit younger, but was shorter and stouter than her prince. His hair and beard was a mirky brown, and his eyes much the same.

"Mhm." Tauriel hummed, lifting a brow. "You think so Naglur?" The dwarf, nodded, seeming a bit relieved, as if he was uncomfortable with the fact she was his instructor.

Tauriel clasped her hands behind her back and stood straight, assessing the line of dwarves before her. "Alright. Here is what we will do. If you can beat me in that ring, I will step aside and have Kili take over your training. Fair enough?"

"Oh, no lass. We cannot. Not in yer condition." Naglur immediately began to argue,

Tauriel, however, was not having it, and had already pulled her two menacing daggers from her hips. "If you think my, 'condition', is something that causes me to be weak or limited, then this should be an easy win for you. I can assure you, though, Naglur, son of Aigurr, I am quite capable."

There was a rumbling of mummers as Naglur leveled his eyes at her and stubbornly stepped forward further into the training ring while the others grumbled to each other about whether or not they would face the eleth.

Lifting his axe and faced down the eleth, who simply watched his approach, Naglur began to circle the former elven captain. One would think he was coming up with a battle strategy, but really he was simply finding the easiest and fastest way to of taking her down without harming her or the babe she carried. One nick, bruise, or black eye and he will have three volatile sons of Durin and two dams taking pleasure in killing him slowly. Not to mention the other elf.

Growling, Naglur nodded his ready and lunged at Tauriel, going for her legs hoping to drop her to her back. What he did not anticipate was the pregnant elf using his momentum to flip over him and easily kick him to the ground, flat on his face.

"Blunt force is good an well with a bunch of orcs, but not all beings will be so brutish in battle. You must learn to rely on finesse, and have a better understanding of the skills of the being you oppose." Tauriel reached out a hand and helped Naglur to his feet, who grunted his thanks as Tauriel continued to instruct. "Elves, for example, will often chose a more dexterous tactic in battle, you dwarves, often prefer to rely on your strength and large weapons, while men are somewhere in between." She lifted a brow. "Care to try again?"

Wiping his brow, Naglur nodded and planted his feet as he tightened his grip on his axe and faced Tauriel once again. This time, when he lunged at her, he expected her reaction and ducked then swung the long handle of his axe at her feet hoping to knock her down before she could make move. However, it would seem that once again, his logic on elven fighting was flawed as rather than leaping over him, Tauriel instead spun around him and he was once again, flat on his face on the ground, spitting out dirt from the ground as he stood.

A third battle had him learning his lesson, if only a bit more. Mimicking her move, the young dwarf spun from Tauriel and lifted his axe when her daggers came down on him. A clang filled the cavernous training room and the guards cheered their comrade on for getting a move in. The small victory, however, was short lived when Tauriel was able to somehow kick the hammer clear from Naglur's hands, then drop low to the ground to kick his legs out from under him causing the surprised dwarf to fall flat on his back, heaving.

"That was much better, but, you still have much to learn." Once again, Tauriel helped him to his feet, shaking her head when he pushed her off of him and glared at her as he picked up his axe to face her again. Three more tries followed, with each on ending the same way…Naglur on the ground.

This, is how Kili found his wife nearly a half hour later. The young prince rolled his eyes as he stood, leaning against the wall, just watching. He had been there long enough to see his warrior mate obliterate the younger guard three…ouch…Kili cringed when after a cry of frustration from the guard, he was flipped onto his back by the pregnant she-elf who simply smiled sweetly at the swearing dwarf…make that four times.

Pushing himself off the wall Kili walked forward to the line of dwarves and stood at the end of the line with his arms folded. He turned to the dwarf beside him, Kurrie was his name, and gestured to the very clearly one-sided battle going on. "I do believe you were to be instructed in throwing knives today, any idea how that turned into a dual?"

The ginger-bearded guard chuckled. "Aye. The lad's were requestin' yeh to be instructin' us…since she is expectin' and all. Bu' the ladie Tauriel weren' havin' it and said if Naglur beat her in a fight, she will step aside. Been goin' at it for quite some time, they have."

Kili hummed. "That is clearly an unfair fight." He lifted a brow. Many of the guards who had realized he was there were now watching him warily, wondering what he would do seeing his expecting wife in the fighting ring. Kili, however, smile wide. "Well…what are you staring at me for? You better go help Naglur before she puts him in the healing wing." The guards all looked at each other, then, one by one, they ran into the ring and took to battle.

There was many side of Tauriel, and Kili loved them all. But, there was something so…raw and attractive…seeing his wife in her element in battle. Oh, he knew she was in no danger of being harmed. For one thing, none of the guards would willingly do her any harm…despite their frustration and wanting to win, and for another, Tauriel was a natural in that ring. Her daggers…which she used as a means to repel the swords and axes only…were but an extension of her. She did not sidestep, or lung, no, she danced and spun her way to victory. It was beyond erotic to watch.

It did not take long, despite there being a group of twenty, for the young guards to realize their numbers did them no favors with the former captain. Minutes was all it took to have half of them on the ground, and the other half bowing out having lost their weapons. Not one was able to get close enough to the eleth to make a good move, it was as if she had eyes everywhere. No approach was met without obstacle or resistance, Tauriel, was the clear victor.

"I fear I have my work cut out for me. Had a single one of you listened to anything I said earlier?" Tauriel folded her arms and narrowed her eyes at the groaning dwarves as the got to their feet, helped up by the ones still standing. "Since you had it in you to waste energy on trying to fight me, you must have the energy for conditioning exercises. I want ten laps around this room for every failed battle this last half hour."

"TEN!" Klinkus groaned. He was the largest of the guards in the room…well…he was the largest of the guards in general. Not nearly as large as Bombur, but, given a few years, he may be contending with the head of the kitchen.

Tauriel nodded. "Yes, mister Klinkus, ten. For each one lost. I do believe I counted seven failed battles…including this last one. So, you better get going or you will miss the dinner bell."

For a moment, nobody moved, but one final stern look from Tauriel, and the group began to jog…until Tauriel called them to stop. "Wait…with your weapons. One must always train with what they master in. Your weapon is to be a part of you, therefore, it must always be with you." Another round of grumbling filled the room as the guards picked up their discarded weapons and began to jog the perimeter of the large room.

Kili huffed out a quiet laugh as he stepped up to his wife…only to receive one of her patented elven glares in response. "Master Kili, if you insist on finding amusement in others' torments…you can join them."

The smile fell from Kili's face faster than a hammers blow, his amused expression immediately changing to one of surprise and not a bit of apprehension as he looked at his wife. A moment later, however, she was chuckling and kissing his brow. "I am joking Kili, calm yourself Meleth Nin."

Kili glared at her, then shook his head and smiled. "I thought you were going to teach them how to properly throw knives today? I see there was a change in plans."

"Well, they saw fit to question my ability to instruct…so I taught them a lesson. They should never measure another by their appearance, there are many lethal things in this world that appear to be weak or delicate." Tauriel sighed and placed a hand on her son. She felt much larger this pregnancy then she did her last, but Oin and Dis had both said to expect that, being her second pregnancy. "I am tired of being considered weak because I am growing life."

"Only an idiot would consider you weak, amralime. Are you really going go make them do all seventy laps?" Kili watched as poor Klinkus fell so far behind, he was about to be lapped by the faster guards in the group.

"I should make them do more." Tauriel lifted a brow and huffed. "They need the training. We may not be expecting a battle, but Kili, I feel it in my bones the world is becoming shadowed. In our lifetime, we may yet see another great battle, perhaps even several. It may not be tomorrow, or next week, or even a decade from now, but, it is coming. We must be diligent in preparing for that day. The Mirkwood is still sick, vile creatures still fill the forest, and beyond, and we now know there are forces still loyal to Sauron." She sighed and watched the guards begin to slow having only completed a third of the laps.

Tauriel looked at Kili. "It is better to be prepared, then to grow weak and slothful, overly content in our mountain. As long as I am living, I will do all I can to prepare those around me to not just fight the battle, but to survive it as well."

For several moments, the only sound filling the training room was the sound of the running dwarves, so Tauriel hazard a look at her husband, who was looking off into the distance, clearly in thought. It only took another minute for him to turn his warm, dark, eyes up to her. "I wish you were wrong, Tauriel, but I cannot help but believe you." He sighed and shook his head. "If I learned anything from those nine months in that compound, it was there is still great darkness in this world, and not far away. I believe you amralime; something far more powerful than any of us can comprehend is coming, and being prepared is the only thing we can do."

Stepping towards her husband, Tauriel took his hand. "Kili, I fear more for our children, then I do for you and I. But, let us hope, the light will keep the darkness at bay for many years to come."

Kili nodded and smiled, then gestured to the running dwarves. "I think they may mutiny if you keep them running like that."

Tauriel sniffed and lifted a brow. "If they question my authority, they will be taught a lesson. I proved my worth, now they must prove theirs." She sighed. "I may have been a bit tough on them, but if I recall my word now, they will only walk all over me the next time. Perhaps this will teach them something, so in the future, lessons can be a tad more…enjoyable."

Snorting, Kili folded his arms. "Aye, but they are not elves my love. Conditioning as a punishment will only go so far. Maybe next time…threaten a greens only diet."

Tauriel rolled her eyes. "Is Finli still with Thorin? He really did not need to take him to his meetings today, both Dis and Naurfaer offered to watch him, but Thorin insisted when Finli started crying and reaching for him. He is spoiling our son, Kili, by catering to him."

Kili's laughter filled the room. "I will let you have that discussion with uncle. If it becomes a big problem, we will put an end to it, but, it seems to make uncle as happy as it does Fin, so I don't think we should intervene quite yet. Now." He looked at the guards beginning to drop on the ground one by one, panting. "I think I will leave you to your team…they seem to not be doing well. I just came to see how things were going on my way to my workroom. Fili is opening the forge this week and said I can use the far counter to display some of the pieces I make, so I wanted to have some done. I also thought I would contribute a few items to the market in Dale."

"That is wonderful meleth nin!" Tauriel leaned in and kissed his brow. "I am excited to have the forge open as well. I already offered my services in sharpening once again, and Fili invited me on. I will be adding it to my training….and don't give me that look. I promise I won't over do it." She placed her hands on her hips and poked Kili firmly in the chest when his expression immediately changed from easy going, to overprotective instantly.

Narrowing his eyes, Kili poked her right back. "I will be the judge of that. We will not be going through what happened with Finli…and I still don't like the idea of going to the markets next week, contributing is one thing, but, making an appearance? I really don't want to go, nor do I want you to go." Kili finally sighed, and fell back against the wall behind him, staring at the two dwarves still running. The rest had given up and were now walking their laps.

Tauriel took in her other half. He had truly come a long way these last several months. She had even gotten him to come out with her for some riding and even a picnic. The first few times out of the mountain, Kili had been quiet and obviously anxious, but he pushed through it and tried to focus on enjoying his outing with his wife. They weren't alone, of course. Thorin had made it a rule that if any of the royal family left the mountain, they were to have no less than three guards with them at all times. Two to fight if necessary, and one to ride back and alert the mountain.

At first, it was frustrating to Tauriel to not have the alone time she wanted with Kili, but, she did understand. As Kili had just said, there was darkness still around them, and she was once again carrying yet another son of Durin. That combined with Kili's trauma he was still healing from, had Tauriel holding back her arguments about the supervised outdoor activities. At least they were free to move about the mountain without being trailed.

Sighing, Tauriel shook her head. "Kili, we have been through this…"

"I know, Tauriel. I also know regardless of my wishes, you will do as you please." Kili huffed and ran his fingers through his hair.

"You will be there, and it is only Dale. What could possibly…" Tauriel's thoughts were instantly stopped when a large hand covered her mouth.

"You were not just about to say 'what could possibly happen?' were you?" Kili lifted a brow and removed his hand. "I think, considering our history, it would be safest to never say that phrase…ever."

Tauriel chuckled mirthlessly, and kissed Kili's scowling brow before pulling his lips to hers; opting to lose herself and her senses in her prince. When she pulled away, she ran a finger through his hair soothingly. "Alright. I shan't say it. But, I am going." She smirked as she pulled away, but rubbed his nose with hers just before stepping back.

Kili hummed and nodded. He was not really in the mood to argue with her anyway. Besides, Fili was having just as much trouble with Viltarra, who surprised everyone by vehemently proclaiming she will be visiting the market. It was something she was familiar with, lively markets, so she told Kili, Fili, and Tauriel that she was both planning and looking forward to going. Hiril will likely be tagging along as well.

It would seem both Kili and his brother were on the losing side, much like the group of dwarves panting in the distance. "I will leave you to your team, amralime. Are you coming to dinner in the hall tonight?"

"Of course. But I am having tea with Viltarra and Leotti first so I will meet you in the hall." Tauriel leaned forward for a final peck on the lips from Kili and turned back to the dwarves she was training, huffing at their clear lack of stamina. "KLINKUS! Valor above you are ten laps behind, Bombur is nearly twice your size and could run circles around you and with a pack and hammer strapped to him."

Kili chuckled and shook his head, still feeling slightly sorry for the dwarves under his wife's watch. She is relentless in her pursuit to train, but, extremely talented. He gave the groaning dwarves one last look and left the training room. Maybe he could come up with some pieces to sell in the market in Dale.

With ideas and designs running through his mind, Kili made his way to his workroom where he stayed until the evening bell chimed.

As a whole, the mountain was brimming with life. The heir of Durin was once again on the throne, and Erebor was flourishing; well on its way to being the mountain it once was before the Arkenstone damned them all.

Smiling to himself, Kili looked about the mountain he called home, and could not help but feel pride filling him, but a small part of him held on to a burning ember of fear. Whenever they found peace, there was always something not far to destroy it. There were countless reasons he did not want to visit the festive market in Dale. One, he felt it was tempting the fates. They had quite the credentials for bad luck, why put themselves in situations asking for even more?

There was also Tauriel expecting…again. Now that brought a smile to Kili's face. He had a sneaking suspicion that will be a rather regular condition for his wife. They both wanted a large family, and a large family they shall have. Pregnant dams rarely left the dûm, and Kili was raised knowing this, so nobody can fault him for not wanting his wife to go. But, Kili knew Tauriel was a free spirit when he chose to bind himself to her, and he will never force her to do something she does not wish, neither will he withhold from her hopes and aspirations. Will he argue with her? Of course. But in the end, he knows although she will heed his warnings and worries, she will do as she pleases.

Running his hands through his hair as he entered his shop, Kili sighed. "Problem, baby brother?"

Jumping, Kili lifted his eyes to see Fili sitting at his workbench, smirking at Kili. They younger prince rolled his eyes and huffed. "No problem different then the one you have. How did we end up with such headstrong wives?"

Fili laughed brightly. "What…are you complaining? As if either of us would find any satisfaction in subdued and agreeable partners Ki. Is Tauriel still insisting on going to Dale?"

"How did you know." Kili lamented, and plopped on the bench by the smelter not far from his work table where Fili still sat.

"Just a guess." Fili smirked. "Viltarra wants to go too. I am torn from being proud of her for her courage in leaving the mountain, and mortified something will happen. But, it is what it is. Whether I want her to go or not, she wants to visit and I can't find it in myself to argue with her about it. Not when we have spent so much time helping her overcome her trauma, and yours too Ki."

Fili stood and sat beside his brother on the bench. "It will be fine Ki. We have guards already assigned to all us, and protocols in place. I know I can't insist you stop worrying, but, I think you want to go as much as Tauriel. Don't forget, baby brother, I know you."

Lifting his deep brown eyes, Kili eyed his brother for a moment, then smiled softly. "Ya, I do want to see it. I have been thinking about adding some pieces to sell." Kili stood and sorted through a few boxes and crates and pulled out some nearly finished jewelry consisting of several elegant buttons, watch chains, broaches, a few rings, and half a dozen necklace and bracelet sets.

Fili stood to look over the pieces. Of course, the craftsmanship was suburb. Kili was, incredible, to say it lightly. He wove and braded steal, gold, and precious metals like they were string rather than metal. He does not think he or anyone has ever seen the like. To say dwarves are without magical abilities, would be a complete falsity. Kili certainly had some kind of magic to be able to create these works of art with his own hands.

"Wow Ki, you really outdid yourself." Fili fingered a jeweled necklace, the gems catching the light in the room causing it to glow and flicker.

Kili hummed and placed the finished pieces in a chest. "Leotti said she will be happy to place them in her stall, and handle all the selling. I am sure many will go well with her gowns, cloaks, and tops she is planning on selling." He placed the unfinished jewels on his work bench and turned to his brother, leaning against his table. "What about you Fi? Going to add anything?"

Fili shook his head. "Naw. I won't be opening the forge for another few days yet so I don't think I will have time to get things made. Next year perhaps." He smiled then continued. "I came down here for a reason though."

"Oh? Is everything alright?" Kili looked his brother over, who suddenly seemed to be a bit…nervous.

Fili sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as he let out a deep breath. "I just, well…I wanted to make sure you and Tauri were alright if Viltarra and I had a son. I know Finli has been said to be next in line, but…"

"Fi, stop." Kili smiled and moved to stand beside his brother. "I would be honored if my son took the throne…but also terrified. I think I can speak for my wife when I say we are thrilled to have a niece or a nephew. It is bound to happen, you having your own heir, so think nothing of it brother. Finli has no understanding of his place in line for the throne, and I am perfectly happy raising him to live a normal life."

Kili placed a hand on Fili's shoulder. "Don't worry, and enjoy this time you have before he comes along. You will be a wonderful father Fi."

Fili lifted his eyes to Kili's. "How do you know that?"

"Because." Kili smiled wide. "You are already the best older brother, and uncle. Finli loves you, Tauriel loves you, and I love you. It will all be alright Fi."

Nodding Fili pushed away and pulled Kili into his arms. "Thanks Ki. I could never ask for a better brother than you."

"We are still on for that wager Fi, and I not backing down. My son will be born before yours." Fili laughed heartedly at Kili as he pulled away, ruffling his hair as he turned from the room, leaving Kili alone in his office.

The younger prince eyed the door and smiled. Only Mahal knows what the future had in store for his family, and the throne of Erebor. Giving the wild ride it has been so far, he knows only more trials, adventures, and miracles are on their way. He looked across the room where a cradle sat nearly complete. Whatever Mahal had in store….he, was ready.

Kili shook his head and went back to work. He wanted to get the last few pieces done so he could get them to Leotti. Humming to himself, Kili spent the rest of the day in his office, daydreaming about his growing family, and the future ahead of him.