Authors Note: Just a short chapter for ya, so it was easy to edit and post. :D
Chapter Eight
Kili wiped his hands as he stood, making sure to add several spoonfuls of salts and healing herbs to the steaming water. Since Kili has been working hard to get his strength back, he more often than not came back from training in need of something to help ease the pain of his sore muscles, so Tauriel always made sure to keep them in a jar above the large, spacious, dwarven tub.
Kili replaced the jar and stood, eyeing the oversized bath. For a smaller people, they sure liked things to be large and roomy. It worked out for the two elves living in Erebor, because they never needed any height accommodations. Though Naurfaer did have to duck now and again through a doorway or two, Tauriel never had any issues.
Staring into the water, the dwarven prince thought about what was to come. A battle ahead is inevitable, and he cannot help but wonder what would come of it; would the people want to leave? Would Thranduil claim access to the lost elven city? What about Nyaunni? Kili saw the look on his uncles face when the dam approached him, there was something in his expression Kili had never seen before. Maybe Tauriel will tell him what he didn't know.
One thing was for sure though, the days ahead will certainly be taxing. For now though, Kili was ordered to mind his family and it was an order he will take seriously. Speaking of family, where was his wife? She said she was simply putting Finli down for a nap and that was over a half hour ago.
Removing his boots and the compound issued tunic he still wore, Kili made to leave the bathroom but stopped in front of the mirror and cringed. He looked like a mess, with his braids having all but fallen out, his hair going all manner of directions, and his beard needing a slight trim, having grown rather unevenly in the last few days. Since he returned a year ago, his beard needed daily maintenance. It was something new to him having grown so slowly the years before. He still was not ready to let it grow out, and he wonders…if he ever will be.
Shaking his head before his thoughts turned dark, Kili decided to find Tauriel before tending to himself. That would take too long, and they had things to talk about he did not wish to put off any longer.
Kili walked from the washroom into his empty bedchamber, then out to the equally empty sitting room. Sighing, he turned and stepped into Finli's nursery room to finally find his family. Tauriel was sitting in the rocker with Finli snug in her lap, as she read him a story she herself, had written and sketched. It was a youngling friendly version of their adventures fully illustrated in vibrant inked colors; Finli requested it every night.
Kili entered the room and smiled, his son was clearly completely out. So much so, a small stream of drool was creating a growing wet mark on Tauriel's tunic as she continued to read.
"Amralime, he is no longer with us." Kili whispered, indicating to their son who was long lost to the dream world.
Tauriel sighed. "I know." She said, closing the book. "I was just not ready to let him go." She allowed Kili to pull their son from her lap, and place him in the bed Kili had made for him. He is nearly finished with the second crib and really needed to get it up here. Tauriel still had several weeks to go though, so he had plenty of time.
Looking over his wife, who also had not changed since they returned, Kili held out his hand to her. "I drew you a bath."
Tauriel lifted a brow, then sighed once more. "We do have things to discuss, don't we."
"Mmm." Kili hummed. "But not just that, I know you love them and your sore…it will help relieve some of your pain." He watched Tauriel nod and together they made their way to their personal washroom.
With a little help from her husband, Tauriel stripped from the rough clothing and stepped into the steaming tub, groaning as her tight muscles instantly relaxed from the heat. She gave Kili and endearing smile as he situated himself on the ledge directly behind her and began taking all of the pins and beads from her hair.
"You put my herbs in." Tauriel said, mindlessly swirling some of the petals and leaves around the water.
"I did." Kili responded before dipping his legs into the water on either side of her, with his pants still on, and began pouring water over her thick, long, red, locks.
Tauriel leaned her head back almost involuntarily and closed her eyes, though she did peak one eye open and curiously looked at the pant clad leg just beside her, getting soaked through. "Kili…your trousers are getting soggy."
Kili, however, just shrugged and continued his task of wetting her hair, then began massaging Tauriel's cleansing soaps into his wife's scalp, feeling acutely the pleasure she was getting from it. "You know, I feel as if I should have figured out sooner that it is not just the good feelings we can share, but the bad ones as well." He poured water once again over the exposed portions of Tauriel's hair, making sure to get all the suds out before massaging in some oil to her luscious locks then sliding in, pants and all, behind her.
"How much did you feel, Tauriel?" Kili finally asked as he pulled his wife against his unclothed chest.
Tauriel was quiet for several moments, trying to not only collect her thoughts, but to remember those dark days she pushed down deep, when Kili was taken from her. "I cannot truly say, Kili, because I do not know. Some days, were unbearable." Tauriel said softly, as she played with Kili's hand that rested on their quite content child. "So bad, I could not function, or think. I would come in here, turn on the shower, and give in fully to the pain. Tarrah would be kind enough to watch Finli on the worst days."
"On other days…" Tauriel continued, "It was minor enough that I could go about my normal tasks, then there were the days I felt nothing, and I knew you got some reprieve. I would weep for you on those days." She felt a tear fall down her cheek. "Because I knew you were alive, I knew you were out there, but I could not find you. I would question why we were given such a gift, if when I needed it the most, I could not use it to find you."
"Tauriel, you were all working hard to find us. You never gave up, not once. I know that. But part of the reason I was able to endure was because I knew, it was not you, or Finli, in my place." Kili tightened his grip around Tauriel, pulling her flush against him. "I wish you would have talked to me."
"I never meant to keep it from you Kili." Tauriel sighed as she turned her head to press her brow to Kili's jaw after sliding down just a bit. "You had forgotten who I was, Kili. I am afraid I had other thoughts on my mind…and worries…beside pain that no longer plagued me once you were found. I am sorry Kili, I never meant to hurt or upset you."
"Hurt me? Tauriel, I am not upset because you hurt me, I am upset because you did not tell me so that I could be there for you." Kili traced some patterns, runes, on Tauriel's large stomach. "I don't want to force you, but, we have been married now for three years, and we even talked about being open with each other. That does not just mean the things we are currently going through, but those things that still hurt us from the past too."
Tauriel nodded. There were a lot of things from her past, that she has never told Kili. Though no singular event was overly traumatic, apart from losing her parents when she had just barely entered this world, but there was a lot that pilled on over time. "I have six hundred years worth of memories, Kili. It will take awhile to go through them."
"Six hundred and seven, love, to be exact…and some change." Kili chuckled and kissed her temple when Tauriel scowled. She hated being reminded of how old she was now, as it meant something different to her with her newfound mortality. It was no longer a mark of wisdom and experience, but rather, a countdown to her end. This, Kili already knew so he would not bring it up. "There is one thing I really want to know, besides us going over exactly what I might feel when this one enters our world." Kili lifted his head and looked meaningfully at the mound peeking over the surface of the water.
"I will tell you whatever you wish, Kili." Tauriel said softly. Whatever it cost her in pain to share, she will do anything to make Kili happy, and bring him peace.
The question, however, had tears already cascading down her cheek even before Tauriel could answer. "Why do you think I would leave you?" Kili embraced her from behind. "You believed it with Kaulithah, and just now. Tauriel, I am never going to leave you, I will say it as often as you need to hear it, but I want to know where this ridiculous notion is even stemming from."
"Because, people leaving, and being told to go, is all I grew up knowing." Tauriel answered after a moment of collecting her thoughts. She squirmed and shifted, turning slightly on her side so she can bury her face in Kili's chest, then opened herself up fully to him. Tauriel told Kili everything she recalled, her hardest memories as an elfling, the disappointment constantly gracing Thranduil's face when she did not meet his impossible standards, the ways the others treated her, the lack of desire the people of Mirkwood had to adopting her, the suitors she never wanted rejecting her, she told him everything.
When Tauriel became so emotionally drained, even Kili could feel it, he decided to put a stop to it. The water was long gone cold, and Tauriel was shaking with sobs, so Kili just could not take seeing her in pain any longer. Though Tauriel did add, "I know you said you would not go, but, Kili, I cannot help but feel the day is coming, when my usefulness and place in this family will expire."
Kili was furious. More than anything, he wanted to pay Thranduil a visit. The elf had no business taking Tauriel in and raising her to feel like more of a burden, then a member of his realm, or even family. He momentarily wondered if all elven societies were like that, but he sadly thought all races had the possibility, it was up to individuals to make their clans good, or bad.
When Tauriel's sobs died down, Kili slid out from behind her and stood, causing the eleth to look at him with an expression of deep hurt. He had said nothing since she bore herself to him, but Kili gave her a reassuring smile, and kissed her damp hair before reaching out to help her stand. Her center of balance was currently way off, so getting out of the tub alone, just was not a possibility.
Once out, Kili removed his own wet trousers and kicked them to the side, and turned to wrap his wife in the cotton towel, then himself before lifting her off her feet and carrying her to the bedroom. "KILI!" She protested the entire way. "I am much too heavy!"
Kili, however, scoffed and rolled his eyes. "You weigh nothing, Tauriel. You should eat more."
"I am larger than a troll, and I eat more than Fili already." Tauriel whined as Kili deposited her, still wrapped in a towel, onto their bed.
"You are hardly the size of a troll's arm, amralime, let alone an entire troll." Kili snickered then his entire countenance changed and he looked at Tauriel seriously as he sat beside her and cupped her jaw. "What you went through, when you were young, was heartbreaking, my Tauriel. I wish I could take it from you, but it is a part of who you are." Kili softly ran his thumb over the swell of his wife's cheek as she leaned into his palms. "That core strength that you possess, your skills as a warrior, and even your kindness, was all from your experiences. But you need to know, that life is gone, amralime, my greatest love. You have a family, and that is not something we dwarves take lightly. This family, is for life, there is no expirations, no conditions, and no exceptions. When things go wrong or not as expected, nobody gets abandoned or made to feel like they are lesser for it. We support each other, pull each other through the hard times, and embrace each other through the good…and the bad. We are not going anywhere, and neither are you. I love you, so, so deeply, my star, the beacon in my night."
Kili stared into her eyes, so she had no choice but to listen. "Nothing, nothing you can say, can make me leave you. Nothing you can do, could cause me to walk away. I know you, Tauriel. I feel you inside me. We are one, in so many ways. We are not perfect…" Kili chuckled… "But we are perfect for each other. That voice, that is telling you otherwise, the one who is saying me, mam, Thorin, and Fili are going to leave you? Kill it like the orc it is, because it is nothing but falsity in its purest form."
"And do not forget that Naurfaer, he loves you too, my star. He is your blood." Kili continued, pulling her into his arms where she settled with her head buried in his shoulder. "You know he would have raised you as his own; he said he never meant for you to end up in Mirkwood as you were supposed to go to another settlement. He searched for you, and when he realized you did not end up where he wanted you to go, he went to Mirkwood and was told you were dead. He never wanted to leave you. Mam and Thorin…they love you too, I mean, truly love you. You are as much family to them, as Kili and I, and Fili, you know Fili loves you just as much as I do…but in a different way."
Tauriel nodded as she tightened her arms around his neck. "We are going to get past this Tauriel. I know life has not been easy with me, this last year, as I recovered. But I want you to know, that like you were here for me, I am here for you."
Tauriel pulled away and pressed her head to Kili. "This last year, has been a gift Kili, nothing else. I would take you however I can get you." She stared into his eyes, urging him to believe her, and finally, Kili nodded and smiled. It was enough for now, not only was Tauriel now emotionally spent, but she was physically as well. They had many years ahead of them to sort through her centuries of memories, and he will be there for every moment of it. But today, he felt she had had enough.
Still, unable to resist temptation, Kili pulled her lips to his and tugged her until she was fully sitting in his lap. Things were never easy with their unborn son coming soon, but they always made do and right now, Tauriel needed him. So, Kili sighed into the kiss and let his wife take the lead.
As they lay together, their limbs tangled and chests heaving, Kili tangled his hands into her hair, causing Tauriel to purr as he combed through the damp strands. "Now, we need to talk about this shared pain. What exactly, is going to happen in two months."
"I really do not know, Kili. I am sure it will be quite…uncomfortable…for you. But I can put a block on your mind. I do not want you to be in pain, meleth nin." Tauriel kissed his chest and nuzzled her nose where her lips just grazed as she sighed in perfect content.
"Well, that is not happening. If you have to go through pain to bear our children, then it is only fair I do to. Why should I only get to do the fun part?" Kili wagged his brows and Tauriel laughed at his tone, as she was unable to see his expression with her head still buried in his chest.
Thinking about what she experienced when he was gone, Tauriel thought about how to explain the odd pain she felt. "It will not be as if you are going through exactly what I am, it is an allover pain that radiates through your mind and body. I doubt you will feel as if you are birthing a child from your…" She looked down Kili's unclothed body, but Kili got the gist without her continuing.
"That, I can be grateful for." He laughed. "So will it be your complete pain then?"
"No. But a good portion of it will leak to you." Her voice was barely above a whisper and Kili looked down at her to see her eyes closed as her breathing slowed. She was falling asleep.
Truthfully, she needed the sleep, so Kili kissed her head and leaned around her to pull the blankets over them. He will make sure they are awake for dinner tonight, mam was making the lamb Kili requested, and Tauriel needs to eat.
Kili too was exhausted, having not once truly rested in the last few days. Before he closed his own eyes, however, Kili did lean into her ear, and quietly whisper, "I will never leave you, Tauriel, and if I ever have to, know this…I will always, always return to you." He kissed her temple and pulled her closer as he joined her in her dreams.
Fili smiled as he watched Viltarra hum to herself while she continued to embroider in his lap. Imagine his surprise, when his wife revealed the secret talent, she has not even shared with Tauriel…let alone Leotti. She said it was something she could do in the back of her family's cart as they traveled. Her father…apparently…was the one who taught her.
"Stop staring at me like that, you're making me nervous." Viltarra looked over her shoulder at Fili who only gave her a crooked grin in response, so she placed her work beside her on the bed and twisted in Fili's grasp to be able to talk to him. "Is there something you wish to say?"
"Me?" Fili said, his grin growing. "Oh no, nunguame. I was quite content with watching you." He pushed a piece of hair out of her eyes. "But now that I have your full attention, I just thought I would ask how long the warg gets to sleep on the bed?"
Viltarra followed Fili's gaze to Hiril, who was taking up nearly half the bed as she sprawled out on Fili's side of the mattress. What was most comical, was the fact her head was directly on Fili's pillow, and she was drooling something awful…as in streams of drool flowing from her mouth. "We are trading pillows, just so you know." Fili said with narrowing eyes.
"Her paw is injured." Viltarra reached over and ran her fingers over Hiril's back, her tail thumping on the bed lazily. "She needs to be comfortable so she can heal, Fili."
Fili huffed and rolled his eyes. "She has a bed of her own, over in the corner. A nice, fluffy, bed, I had made just for her for the sole purpose of making sure this…" he gestured to the warg on their bed, "…does not happen."
Viltarra did not need to respond, oh no, she just needed to peer up at him through her lashes, and Fili knew he lost before the argument even begun. He would be sharing his bed, with that warg AND his wife. Just wait until they add a dwarfling to that. Fili wonders if he will ever get sleep again.
Seeing him giving up, Viltarra chuckled and leaned up to kiss Fili's jaw. "You love her, and you know it, you big softie."
"I love YOU, which is why I am allowing it." Fili's eyes softened. "She helps and protects you, and for that, I tolerate her."
Viltarra rolled her eyes, but lay her head on Fili's shoulder. "Are you going to go?"
The question was soft, and barely above a whisper. But since it was spoken in his ear, Fili heard it all the same…and the pain that came with it. "I have to." He replied. "But I am coming back, Viltarra. You did not see what we did, that place…should not exist…and those people deserve a chance to be free."
"I know." Viltarra huffed. "But I just lost you, and now, I am going to lose you again."
Fili smiled and brushed some hair from her face as she still had her head on his shoulder. "You will never lose me, nunguame. I will always be here for you."
Viltarra sat up and folded her arms, scowling at her husband. "If you say some stupid thing like… 'I am here…in your heart'…I swear to our maker I will smack you. Of course you are in my heart, always, but I prefer a Fili that is by my side. There is no equal to that, and no comparison."
Fili blinked, then laughed. "Fine, fine. But you know I have to go."
"I know." Viltarra murmured and lay her head back down. "But I still wish you did not."
Kissing her brow, Fili hummed in agreement. "Me too." He lay back on the bed, pulling her with him, and the two just stayed together, beside a now snoring warg. Fili eyed the creature who moved her nose to be closer to him, and he grumbled in distaste as a stream of saliva began to make its way into his hair.
Viltarra laughed and leaned over Fili to gently push Hiril's muzzle away, then giggled as she tried to wipe some of the drool out of his hair while Fili made the most adorable face. "If our child is anything like you, Fili, I will have double trouble on my hands." Her smile was wide and both mocking, and hopeful. "I hope he is…exactly like you that is." She added after a moment of thought, sighing almost wistfully as she kissed Fili on the nose.
"Maybe, we should hope he is more like you, Viltarra." Fili chuckled.
Viltarra, however, shook her head and leaned over her Fili. "No, you are courageous, kind, optimistic, and have a thirst to better yourself and those around you. You accept with a full heart, and do not make judgements on anyone until you know their character. You are funny, a bit childish at time, but, most importantly, you are all mine. I want our son to be what you are, Fili, because the world needs more souls like you."
Fili was touched, and pulled her head down to his to press his lips to hers in a soft, but passionate kiss. He would have been all too happy to progress that along, but he suddenly had a whining warg in his ears.
"I think she needs to go out." Viltarra chuckled and moved off Fili. A very, VERY unhappy Fili. "Stay here, I will take her."
Viltarra moved to stand but Fili stopped her. "No, I will do it. Don't' move a muscle. But she is being locked in the sitting room when I get back, for at least an hour." At Viltarra's look, Fili narrowed his eyes and pointed at her. "She will be FINE for an hour."
"But her paw…" Viltarra pouted. She was pulling up all the stops with this, because Viltarra NEVER pouted.
But Fili was not budging. "One hour, will not make her paw worse."
"Twenty minutes." Viltarra folded her arms and stared hard at Fili.
Both held the unblinking gaze for what felt like an hour before Hiril pawed at Fili and whined again, causing the prince to growl and throw his hands up in the air. "FINE! Twenty minutes."
Viltarra laughed and stood, pulling Fili's face down for a brief kiss. "Never change Fili, I want you just as you are, every day of our life together."
"Whatever you wish." Fili smiled and pecked her on the lips then patted his leg, Hiril limping behind him. "Come on, lady furball."
Picking up her embroidery, Viltarra watched Fili go. "I wish you never had to leave." She said to herself. She shook her head, placed the embroidery on the end table, and moved to the wardrobe to pick out something she knew would make Fili happy.
While his nephews were seeing to their wives, and in Kili's case, son as well, Thorin had a far less…pleasurable…afternoon. After a lunch in the council room, Thorin had to go and greet Bard at the gates, who had several of his own council with him.
With rooms in Erebor ready for their guests, Dis was, at the moment, escorting the group to somewhere they can rest, having come from the city of orcs, or as it has been called among the dwarves who dwelled there, Minamu-alzân, or the pit of loss in their tongue. Though apparently the humans adopted this name, having heard it said so often. Minam…the pit. Thorin will have to talk to his nephews and Tauriel to get a good picture of what they are truly up against. He did not have to ask why it had to be called as it was though, as that was quite apparent.
"We lose ourselves when we ge' there, a piece we can no' ever get back." Taughin had said as he explained. He had been the only one to remain behind with Nyaunni, both declining a room for rest until they could adequately come up with a plan.
Thorin sent up a prayer of gratitude his nephews and Tauriel were only in that place for a short time. Kili had been through enough the year before, and Fili would end up getting himself killed trying to get out and back to Viltarra. Not one of them sit well and let things happen around them.
"This plan I keep hearing about, is it sound, Thorin?" Bard was looking over the map before peering up at the dwarven king.
"You need to have more men to surround the front and attack the guards who are at the entrance." Nyaunni stood with her hands braced on the table as she pointed to the area they presumed Minam was. "Having only a few won't be good enough, we have to have a strong first attack."
"I do not agree." Thorin looked up at Nyaunni from where he was bent over the table. "We would only end up alarming whatever system they have; it would end up causing more harm than good to us, and to those who live there under the orcs hand."
The dam, however, once again disagreed. "Once we have enough inside, if you do not strike first and hard, they will overtake us before we can even liberate a fly, Thorin."
Thorin sighed and stared at Nyaunni, shaking his head. "As much as I would love to go in and take out every orcish scum I encounter, this particular mission requires some tact. Nyaunni, this is something we are well versed with, though your suggestion is noted, we must find another way."
"Noted?" Nyaunni stared wide eyed at Thorin. "With all due respect, Thorin, you know nothing about this compound. We have lived there practically our entire lives. We know it far better than anyone in this room."
"True that may be, but it also means you know nothing about war and battles." Thorin shot right back. "As I said, your suggestion is noted, but we are looking for a quieter way to get in, and not create a bloodbath from the start. You yourself requested it earlier if you have not forgotten, Nyaunni. Though it goes against our battle instincts to not go raging into a fight…in order to preserve as many lives a possible, going in quietly is the best way to go. Nyaunni, this is not your area of expertise, let those who have experience leading battles, do the planning."
Narrowing her eyes, Nyaunni folded her arms, she was feeling pushed aside and she did not like it one bit. "What…do you think we sat around like obedient workers and did nothing to try and organize a group to get out? We had a resistance Thorin, and we fashioned weapons. Twenty years ago, we could have been able to free ourselves. Do not be so quick to judge when you know very little of us."
"Seeing as you are in this situation, I assume things did not go as well as you planned." Thorin lifted a brow.
Everyone else in the room was silent as the pair seemed to be locked into an argument nobody felt like joining. It was as if they were watching two iron hammers striking each other, it was a useless argument and one they did not have time for.
Leaning against the table, Thorin looked at her. "You lacked the training and skill set to overtake those orcs."
"WE HAD weapons, and it does not take a simpleton to figure out where the pointy end goes, Thorin! What we did not expect, was one of our numbers to get cold feet and give us away to the orcs." She stared at Thorin, not really wanting to finish that story, as she realized…he may be right.
"How many did you lose?" Thorin asked. He knew from experience that orcs were not like any race on Arda, they did not feel kindness, compassion, or empathy. Their purpose, was to eat, fight, kill, and follow orders. In a place like the one they were to go to, a resistance would only be dealt with one way…making them an example by a public massacre.
Nyaunni shut her mouth with an audible click, refusing to answer so Thorin looked to Taughin who was staring at his hands which cradled a goblet of water. "Two-hundred." The dwarf finally said, peeking up at Nyaunni who was trying to keep the look of devastation from crossing her features. The lass took a lot of the guilt from that bloodbath, because she was spared.
Thorin watched her for several minutes, there was something deep inside him that wanted to reach out to her, but this was neither the time, nor the place, so instead, he cleared his throat and looked back to the map. "We will go in quietly, with a small group, as we just discussed."
Nyaunni stared hard at him, but said nothing until fellbeasts were brought up after Thorin asked about what took place in the orc city. Looking at Nyaunni, Taughin answered when she remained silent. "The main purpose of Minam is, to breed fellbeasts to maturity. They are tyrin' ta build an army of those ruthless beasts. The only one I ever saw who was no' a monster, was Dajnel. Good soul, an a pure creature." He smiled at Nyaunni who gave him a grateful nod. Taughin had always been supportive to Nyaunni, and a dear friend. "She is an asset teh any group."
"I will not have dragons of any kind on this mission." Thorin immediately shot down.
"SHE IS NOT A DRAGON!" Nyaunni shouted. "She is a fellbeast like nothing I have ever seen. She is intelligent, empathetic, and follows commands far better than most DWARVES do. Yes, she is just a baby in her species, but she is strong and loyal."
"But she IS a liability!" Thorin growled back, his frustration growing once again. "You yourself just said she is a babe, how do you know what she is fully capable of."
"Because I RAISED her." Nyaunni fisted her hands as she tried to calm her seething mind. All this arguing was getting her nowhere, but Thorin was infuriating her.
Nyaunni was desperately trying to keep it together, not in a thousand ages would she have considered this is what it would be like to find Thorin again. Yet, she was still trying to come to terms and accept the fact she was momentarily free from that place.
Between getting out of Minam, and finding out her closest childhood friend was not only alive, but doing quite well as king of all the dwarven people, Nyaunni has been in a state of constant numbness about the entire situation. In many ways, everything felt surreal, like a dream she would wake from at any moment. Her childhood memories with Thorin were what kept her from completely losing herself; they shared everything with each other as dwarflings, all their hopes and fears, their adventures, and even their mutual desire to keep Frerin out of trouble…which was beyond possible.
When her days became unbearable, it was those precious few memories that got her through it. But now, she is realizing the reality of it all. Neither of them were the same child that they once were. She had grown hard and no longer held her thoughts in as she once did, and Thorin…she did not know this dwarf. He was no less a stranger to her, than the red-headed she-elf, Tauriel or the young dwarves who were Thorin's supposed nephews.
Taking a calming breath, Nyaunni tried again. "Dajnel will not be a liability, Thorin, she could very well be an asset."
"Nyaunni, I will not risk it." Shut down again, Nyaunni clenched her jaw and just staired at Thorin. "She will remain here, if you truly believe she will not cause harm to anyone. Now Bard, where are you at with numbers of your guards who are available to join us." Thorin turned from her to the leader of Dale, having nothing more to say on the matter.
And just like that, Nyaunni's input was completely pushed aside. She felt like a dwarfling again, whose ideas and thoughts were not relevant enough to consider. She had more respect in Minam from the orcs, than she does in this room.
Seeing how nothing she would say would even be considered, Nyaunni gave up trying. She will do what she can to help her people, then, she will begin plotting out her own life…away from Erebor and its stubborn sons of Durin. So for the remainder of the meeting, the dam in the room remained silent, Taughin answering any questions about the inner workings for her. Nyaunni could not wait for this to be over.
The following morning, Naurfaer was patting Galaddal on the nose. "Are you sure you want me to take him, starlight?"
"He has not been able to get much exercise in lately, and I think he misses being out and going on adventures." Tauriel continued her work, brushing out Galaddal's dapple grey coat as Naurfaer waited with the saddle and some provisions a few feet away.
"This is hardly an adventure, starlight. I doubt we will be gone longer than a day. In fact, we may be back before dinner tomorrow evening. If the map is correct and everything goes to plan that is. Minam is only a few hours ride away, if that, and we should be able to get in by morning, defeat the orcs, and be out by afternoon tea." He walked over and placed the saddle on the horses back, and began adjusting the straps.
Tauriel nodded and smiled. "I know, but since when does anything we do go to plan?" She shook her head and sighed. "If anything, I would feel better knowing you had him with you." Galaddal snorted and stamped his foot, but nuzzled Tauriel's shoulder as she brushed the hair from his eyes, causing the eleth to smile. "I cannot go this time, my friend. But I know you love Naurfaer." She pressed a kiss to his nose and gave him some cubes of sugar she had in her pocket, having taken them from the kitchen after breakfast.
Kili smiled at the scene as he adjusted Maryn's reins. They had spoken to Thorin that morning, and it was decided both he and Fili would be leaving as well…there was no point in putting off the inevitable especially considering it was quite likely orcs would be showing up sooner rather than later. Even Aeodhen had been able to get the guard prepped and ready overnight. Kili had always known there was nobody better suited to be the captain of all of Erebor's guard, than Aeodhen. He was able to rally them in seemingly no time at all. Bard too had spent the night gathering his guard, and Legolas would be joining as well.
Finli was currently sitting in the saddle, bouncing, and giggling to himself while his father kept one eye on him as he prepped his mare. She was always unusually gentle with Finli, as if she knew he could get hurt if she pranced around like she normally did. Kili patted her on the neck and stood beside her so his son could continue his fun…for the moment.
While the young prince played, Dajnel kept peaking her head out of her stall, watching almost curiously as the group before her prepared to leave. Her large front claw was resting on the door, but she stayed put, simply being an observer to what she saw. She did glance around several times though, as if she was searching for Nyaunni, but not seeing her, the fellbeast let out an almost mournful whimper and rested her head on the wall of the stall just beside the door where her claw still gripped. Tauriel could not help but go over and pat her on the nose, Dajnel nuzzling her hand as she did.
Viltarra watched her sister stroke the fellbeast, then turned to her husband and sighed as she handed Fili his saddle bags. "Nunguame, I won't be too long." Fili said once more; he had been saying it all morning but she was still apprehensive to see him go after just getting him back…again. Especially considering Thorin had originally planned on them staying in Erebor for at least a few days. She understood though, she may not like it, but she understood.
"I know." The dam huffed. "I also know that nothing you guys ever do is without danger, you attract it like a bee to a flower."
"I must be a bee then, because I am uncontrollably attracted to you, my flower." Fili nuzzled her nose even while Viltarra leveled him with a look.
"That was awful, Fili." She scrunched her nose when he pulled away. "Never, say that again….ever."
"I thought it was funny." Kili was wiping tears away as he was all but choking on his laughter. Tauriel even looked amused as she passed the reins to Naurfaer who was smirking.
Thorin was the last of the family to step in with Dis. She had another pack she handed to Fili. "Some extra food, and Oin wanted me to give this to you, Kili." She walked over to her youngest and handed him a satchel. "Medical supplies for when you hurt yourself dear."
"WHEN?!" Kili huffed and glared at the bag.
"Yes, when. Because you tend to be prone to it, my reckless little uzbad-dashat." She kissed his brow and Kili turned scarlet.
"MAM!" He batted her away as everyone around him broke into laughter, even Thorin was chuckling.
Once the horses were all packed and ready, Fili pulled Kit out of the stables to join the group of twenty going, which apart from him, Naurfaer, Legolas, and Kili, also included Nyaunni, the three dwarves, Ygatt, Taughin, and Pyloh, along with Aeodhen, Dwalin, Bofur, Dori, and Nori. What surprised Fili and Kili, however, was Thorin pulling a saddled Rhya out of her stall.
"Uncle, you are not coming as well, are you?" Kili looked to Dis who looked equally unhappy.
"I am, as is Bard. This is on our people's land, it needs to be delt with." Thorin patted Kili on the shoulder ignoring Tauriel's worried look as she pulled Finli down from Maryn. It was one thing for Fili and Kili to go, but another to see all three of them going, and Naurfaer as well.
Dis gave Tauriel and Viltarra both a look as the three of them followed the group out of the now mostly empty stable. The dwarves were not a naturally wandering people, so very few of them had animals with exception of the royal family. Though this particular section of the large structure was specifically for the reigning family, there were a few rams and stout ponies housed there as well…and Dajnel who Nyaunni was keeping in the mountain. After a long debate with Thorin, it would seem…according to Fili who had heard it from Bofur, who got his information from Balin who had spoken with Taughin and Thorin…that there was some contention about whether or not the dragon…or not dragon…was allowed on the journey.
It was Taughin, after the meeting, who placed a hand on Nyaunni's shoulder, and explained calmly, that he too believed Dajnel may end up being more of a liability, then a help in this case mostly due to her young age. Not because he thought she would cause anyone harm…he had explained when she began arguing…but because she herself could be harmed or worse…killed. Eventually, and rather reluctantly, Nyaunni agreed it would be best for Dajnel to remain behind. So, Nyaunni was given one of the larger ponies to ride, and subsequently, had not spoken a word to Thorin since the meeting.
It was also decided in the meeting, that both of the guard of Dale and of Erebor would be leaving at the same time, since they would be on foot. Both cities would be contributing a good portion of their guards to the cause, which should be more than enough to overcome the orcs from inside. The plan seemed foolproof, but did hinge on them being able to not only find the entrance, but be able to fit in as well.
Luckily for them, that was not an issue all thanks to an extremely talented Leotti, who despite having very little sleep over the last several days, spent one more sleepless night putting together a massive amount of clothes identical to that of what was worn in the compound.
Of course, she did not do it alone. That, would be impossible even with Leotti's skill. Rather, the large food hall was cleared after dinner, and hundreds of dwarrow, including the royal family, worked laboriously cutting, pinning, and sewing enough for all the guard in both cities. With the exception of Thorin of course, who was meeting with Bard, Aeodhen, Dwalin, and Balin to solidify plans.
The loose-fitting burlap like clothes were incredibly simple, used little resources, and took hardly any skill to make, so they were easily able to accomplish the numbers they needed in less than half a nights worth of work. Which was good, since Kili, Fili, and apparently Thorin, needed to be able to get some sleep before once again, putting their lives at risk.
Just outside Erebor's gate, was a mass of guards from both cities. It caused a physical chill to fall down Tauriel's back as she instantly froze at the sight. "Tauriel?" The eleth stared at the dwarven guards speaking to the humans, and her eyes instantly fell on the hills beyond the valley. They were growing green with life after these last several years, just as the valley was sprouting trees and flowers.
"Amralime?" Tauriel turned to Kili, her face filled with so much sorrow, it caused the young prince to drop Maryn's reins and walk over to her.
"This feels too much like the battle we fought, Kili, just over two years ago. Far too much." She sighed and tightened her grip on Finli. "I am worried, meleth nin, something feels off. We should be planning more, and scoping the area out before even going in like this. I thought Thorin was going to send a small group first? Why are you and Fili going now? For that matter, why is Thorin going? I do not like this, it feels wrong."
"Hey now, it is nothing like that battle." Kili tried to reassure…again. "We may not outnumber the orcs, but we know well enough how to handle them. I will be back before you know it. If Thorin was not sure we can win this, we would not be leaving so soon, Tauriel. We spoke about all of this at breakfast this morning, how it would be far better if we all just go and be done with it. We cannot waste time, not when those orcs could very well rally and attack the cities around us…taking more of our friends and kin. I know you hate orcs as much as I, and I know your heart, amralime, you want those people free. This is our chance to do something right, we should not waste it."
From her other side, Fili gave Tauriel his own smile. "No need to worry, little sister, we have a party to plan for both you and Viltarra, we would never miss that." He was already set to show Viltarra the crib Kili had helped him build, as well as the small blade he designed and fashioned for his unborn son; which of course he would not be able to use for several years, like the one he made Finli, but, Fili wanted him to have something special he could keep all his life. He also knew the blanket Viltarra was currently embroidering was for Tauriel, and Kili had been both designing, and creating a toylike music box for their nursery. Fili loved the idea so much, he asked his brother to design one for himself as well and Kili was happy to do it.
Tauriel still had a look of trepidation on her face, though she nodded at her brother and with the hand not cradling her son, laced her fingers with Kili who once again grabbed Maryn's reins as they walked towards the large group. The feeling that this could go grievously wrong was still filling her heart, and her desire to join them, and help, was without measure. "It will be fine, amralime." Kili tried to assure once more, feeling her fears leak into his mind.
"I wish I could believe that, Kili. I do not like knowing I cannot be there to fight and back you up. Not in a situation like this." She looked to her husband who was sighing, but considering the argument would be futile and leave neither of them consoled, he decided a wiser course of action would be to keep his words to himself. See...he can learn.
Thorin was already on Rhya speaking to both Legolas and Bard, who where also mounted on their horses, when the rest of his family caught up with him. "We will ride ahead." Thorin said, Bard and Legolas nodding in agreement. "Aeodhen and Ryas, the captain of Dales guards, will be leading the troops behind us. As soon as we know something, we will send Kaw over to you Aeodhen, and begin the infiltration." He looked to Nyaunni who was sitting on a chestnut pony with her arms tightly crossed. "Nyaunni, anything to add?"
"Oh now you want my opinion? After silencing me all night last evening in the meeting?" There were a few snickers from the humans which were immediately silenced by Bard who gave them a harsh look. "Do whatever you have planned, Thorin, because obviously my opinion means nothing."
"Silenced you?" Thorin shot back, his face set in an unreadable mask. Unreadable to most, that is, his family was cringing at the cold, frustrated, look. "I never once silenced you. Forgive me, but you have been living underground for nearly 200 years. You have limited experience in these kind of matters, and simply making guesses and suggestions of how to organize a battle like this, will only beget disaster. This is something that takes a fair amount of experience to plan right. Hope is fine and well, Nyaunni, but it has a price if you are ill prepared. All I did, was redirect us to a plan that won't get my family, or our people, killed."
"Uncle, is furious." Fili whispered. He himself, has only been on the opposite side of that expression one time which was more than enough for him. It had happened when he had put Kili's life in danger by taking his brother out for a walk on the frozen lake when Kili was only five years old. Missing the signs that the ice was too thin while they were playing, Kili had fallen through, and Fili of course, had jumped in to save his sinking baby brother. They both got tremendously ill, but Kili almost drowned on top of getting sick.
Thorin, was almost in hysterics as he ushered the dwarflings into their chambers and took Kili's lifeless body from his brother's arms. They were able to save Kili, of course, but Fili got the brunt of his uncles, and his mothers, fury. It could have easily been a mistake, but Fili was told that very morning, under no circumstances, was he to take his brother on the ice. But Fili thought he knew better, he thought he had a deep understanding of the ice, yet, he was wrong and his brother nearly paid the price.
Fili vowed two things that day, one, he would listen when those with more experience warned him of dangers he may not consider, and two, he would never knowingly put Kili's life in danger again. Although, he came to find out Kili was perfectly capable of doing just that all on his own.
But all in all, it was the one and only time to date his uncle gave him THAT look, the disappointed, frustrated, and cold expression he held now.
"Perhaps, he has a right to be upset." Tauriel whispered as Kili nodded in agreement. "He is not wrong. Depending on guesses and luck in battle, is a good way to get oneself and your troop killed. In a situation like this, knowledge and skill must reign over passion and desire. Hope can only go so far to win a fight against a foe who has trained all their life."
"I thought hope was our greatest ally in a battle?" Viltarra said looking at all of them curiously. She was still learning but she had a natural talent for the sword and bow that would prove her to be a great warrior if she continued to practice.
Tauriel hummed and nodded, kissing Finli on the brow as he leaned his head into her. "Indeed, you are not wrong, but it must be paired with skill, you must learn to have both, to be a true enigma in battle."
"I do not disagree, my darlings." Dis said. "But I also believe that your uncle must learn how to say such things in a more…pleasing…and perhaps less direct way. He clearly upset Nyaunni last evening, and made her feel as if her opinion matters not. She has been doing the best she can with the life which was thrust on her and the knowledge she had to acquire on her own. Thorin, should have been more apt to listen and not put her thoughts and suggestions to the side."
"Kili! Fili! Why are you not mounted up?" Thorin hollered at his nephews who looked at each other and their wives before pulling themselves up on their horses.
They all had said their goodbyes, but Kili reached down and pulled Finli up one last time. "You guard your mama for me, my little one. I will be home soon, okay?"
"Kay, da." Finli said, leaning forward so Kili could kiss his forehead. He passed him down to his wife but grasped Tauriel's hand before she could pull away.
"I will be back, Tauriel." Kili smiled and tightened his grip for a moment.
"You better be." Was the response he got and Tauriel backed away, placing her free arm around Viltarra as she did. They would be getting through this together.
"LET'S MOVE OUT!" Thorin bellowed and with a shuffling of feet, the mass of human and dwarven guards were on the move.
Authors Note 2.0: Thorin…may be in some hot water so to speak, lol. He will figure it out, he's just hard headed and set in his ways XD. I was going to wait to post this, but since it is done, here ya go. I don't remember how long the next chapter is, so if it is a longer one, it may be sometime next week when I post it. I also have to finish this act eventually too.
OH! And thank you for the reviews! I am glad you like Dajnel. I pictured her as a beautiful creature as well. 😊
Stay tuned for moooorrrreeeee!