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.

48. ACT IV Chapter ELEVEN

Authors Note: Alright! I have spent the last twelve hours working on this to post it asap. I did take a dinner break though, lol. It is now 12:20 am for me and I am exhausted…and my computer is now at 5% battery life…livin' on the edge. Anyway…go ahead and read on.

Chapter Eleven

"TAURIEL!" Kili cried out as he caught his wife, laying her gently to the ground as Fili began to regain color to his pale cheeks.

"Come on, amralime. Don't do this to me." Kili pressed his mind to hers, but felt very little coming from her, it was as if she was fading away from him. "NO! Come back…please don't go."

"MOVE LAD!" Oin pushed Kili out of the way, and began pressing hard on her chest in rhythm. "TALK TO HER! KEEP HER HERE!" Oin called as he continued compressions.

Kili stared wide eyed at Oin then crawled back to his wife. "You can't leave, we have so much still left to live for. I want to see you hold our new son, I want to dance with you on Finli's wedding day, I want to watch as you teach our grandchildren Sindarin. We made a promise to each other, Tauriel, that we leave this world together. Do not break that promise, not now, not ever." Kili was sobbing as he spoke, his nose running and his eyes weeping, but he didn't care.

Viltarra stared at Kili and Tauriel. She looked down at Fili who turned his head in her direction, whispering her name. It was a far cry different then the deathly pale skin and shallow breathing moments ago. It was almost as if he was only sleeping now, and she wanted to weep for joy, because she believes he will be alright. But…at what cost?

Viltarra's golden brown eyes landed once again on Kili, and the sight made her break into a new round of sobs. Kili was falling apart right there as Oin worked hard to keep Tauriel's heart beating. She was going to lose another sister. She felt her father tighten his arm around her as she lifted a hand to her mouth to hold in her cries.

Thorin was on Tauriel's opposite side, staring down at the eleth who wedged herself so deeply into his heart, he fully believed her to be his daughter. As Kili stopped speaking, to wipe his eyes, Thorin leaned down to her long, pointed, ear. "Nâtha…you, are the heart of this family. It is not that we want you here…but rather…we NEED you here. Be strong, and come back."

From Tauriel's head, Dis leaned over and placed her brow on Tauriel's, tears falling on the eleth's cheeks that were not her own. "My daughter, innikh de, you made a promise to me as well, do not forget. You promised to return to me, so come back. You are our star, remember? We need your guiding light."

"Finli needs you, starlight, Kili needs you, Dis, Thorin, Viltarra, Fili." Naurfaer grasped her hand beside Oin who never stopped. "I need you. Please."

Kili gripped Tauriel's vest tightly, he could feel his son crying out, almost in double. He was afraid and Kili forced some peace across their bond. No. He was not going to let this happen. He was not going to let her leave him.

In a fit of desperation, Kili grasped Tauriel's face tightly, and slammed is forehead to hers…then as best he knew how, wrapped his mind tightly around the little spark that remained of his wife. It was as if she was a flickering candle going out amongst hurricane strength winds, and Kili did the best he could to protect the small flicker. "Come back, amralime." Kili cried.

After a few moments, Oin slowed and stopped. "Lad…I…" Just when he was about to say there was nothing more he could do, suddenly, the light in Tauriel's mind flared to a blinding blaze, and she took a gasping breath.

"YES…YES, that is it, amralime. That is it. Breathe my love, breathe." Kili grasped her hand and put it over his chest. "Remember…in and out. Follow me, listen to me."

Kili tried to send soothing and calming feelings to both his panicking wife, and his son. Both of which were in equal frenzies, but very much alive. The rest of the group just watched as the miracle that was Tauriel, unfold.

Even Legolas was almost gaping at what he just witnessed. He has seen his own people come back from all but dead thanks to the healers who have gifts such as Tauriel does, but to see dwarves rally around and take part in an elven gift…lending their own strength? Then to see Tauriel's light go out only to come back? This…this was something new altogether. Maybe, they were wrong about dwarves, maybe, Tauriel finding love among this unique race, should not have been as offsetting as many in Mirkwood believed. The elven prince turned his blue eyes back to his friend. At just shy of 3000 years, it appears, he still has a lot to learn about the world around him.

"By Mahal, she has a guardian, she does." Oin, the dwarven healer sighed. Legolas nodded his agreement. If he was certain of anything, he was certain Tauriel, is being watched over and protected.

As it was, both the dwarven healer and the elven prince were quite correct. What neither of their eyes could see, was the faded outline of Ithildin smiling as she placed a transparent hand on Naurfaer's shoulder. Still looking down at his granddaughter, the elf lifted his own hand, and placed it where Ithildin's was, as if he knew she was there…because he did.

From the other side of the portal, Karra smiled. "Is da going to be okay?" a small voice asked. "And mama?" another echoed in a dual tone.

Karra chuckled. "Yes, little ones. Both will be fine. Now, you know where you are to be, and here is not the place. Go on, off with you now, back to the light. It is not your time yet." There was a soft tinkling of chimes and Karra felt the three little spirits leave the darkened tunnel to await their own arrival.

"They will be a handful." Findyyr chuckled.

"It will be good for them." Karra laughed. "A real blessing."

"New life always is." Findyyr nodded, watching as his daughter slowly regained control. "Come on, I believe some joyous times are ahead of us. There is much to celebrate, as many lives were saved this day."

"The orcs were able to smuggle some of the eggs out. Arda, is not rid of those dark creatures as we hoped." Karra shook her head. "There will be much darkness in the years to come."

"And much light. We must not lose sight of that." Findyyr smiled, and Karra nodded in agreement. There was light indeed. With a wave of her hand, Karra closed the portal, and the pair faded along with it.

Ithildin looked back, knowing it was her time to go as well. She leaned through her father, and brushed her lips across Tauriel's brow. "Be strong, my daughter." She pulled away then let herself fade as well.

Tauriel opened her eyes just in time to see her mother. "Nana." She said in a whisper, and as Ithildin was just out of sight, she smiled and nodded to her daughter and was gone. Tauriel slowly turned her head to Kili and lifted a shaking hand to his cheek. "Kili." She said next, and the young prince smiled, grasping her hand and placing it on his cheek as tears slid unending from his eyes.

"You keep worrying I would leave you, but you're the one who keeps leaving me." Kili sobbed. "Please, never do that again. I can't lose you, Tauriel. I won't."

"Okay." Was Tauriel's simple but profound response. Her chest burned and she was beyond exhausted, but before she could even consider rest, she let her eyes fall on Fili then looked questioningly to her husband. "Fili?"

Kili turned to his brother. "I don't know. I think he is alright."

Nyaunni was the one to nod. "He is only resting. He has no signs the venom is in his system any longer, which is, not something I can explain. Whatever you did…as reckless as it was in your condition…it worked as good as any antidote."

"Aye lass. Yeh are a wonder, but stupid." Oin huffed. "Here I though' elves were supposed ta be some…wise creatures. Bu' yeh did no' seem to get the message."

Tauriel blinked, then chuckled as she closed her eyes. Dis looked at her worriedly and was about to call out to her, but Kili shook his head. "She is okay, mam, only resting. I need to get her home."

Thorin rubbed his hand through his hair. This, has been almost too much for him. He nearly lost the nephew he considered a son, and his adopted elven daughter, within moments of each other. But now that they seemed alright, it was time to get them all out of here. With a sigh, he leaned forward and brushed Tauriel's head with a kiss, pressed his brow to Kili, then stood and extended his hand to his sister. "We need a wagon Dis, there is no way we can get Fili on a horse, and Tauriel really is in no state to be riding either. Is Kaw still here?"

"If not, we have another raven. I will get a message to Balin at Erebor to have a wagon sent. It should only be a few hours now that we know precisely where this place is." Dis turned to Bard who was standing at the back of the group with several humans. "Do you have any injured or…" She paused, not really liking this part of battle, finding who fell. "Should I send for more carts?"

"You won't believe this…" Bard said looking around. "We lost nobody, not from Dale, not from Erebor, and not a single inhabitant here, was killed. Out numbered for a bit, yes, but all seem to be accounted for in all cities."

Thorin looked to Bofur and Dwalin for validation and they both nodded. "It is true, Thorin. Not a single fall. Though we go' a fair few injured, nothin' life threatenin', jus' need some stiches an' rest." Dwalin leaned against his large battle-axe. "Do ya want me to start getting' people out?"

"Aye. Start going level by level to make sure this place is cleared. Once we know it's clean, we can talk to the people and let them decide what to do. It is, after all, their city." Dwalin nodded but Nyaunni stood and called him to stop.

"Wait…" The dam moved to stand and patted Dajnel on her way over to Dwalin. "I am coming with you. I want to make certain all those creatures are destroyed, in the nursery as well. No eggs should be allowed to remain."

"Some got out, Nyaunni. We saw a few dozen orcs carrying several crates, I think they may have been smuggling the eggs out, or the hatchlings. The crates looked just like the ones from the nursery." Viltarra said from where she now cradled Fili's head in her lap.

Nyaunni rubbed her forehead and sighed. "I had hoped those creatures would not get out. All we can do now is hope nothing comes of it. Those fellbeasts are a plague and will destroy all they come across."

"Or, maybe, more like Dajnel will come about." Naurfaer smiled from where he still sat beside his resting granddaughter. "She is something new, and pure, that came from something dark and twisted. Perhaps it is proof that there is always hope." He gave her a smile. "Afterall, is that not what her name means?"

Nyaunni thought for a moment, then slowly, nodded her head. "It is. Thank you."

"Oh, don't thank me." The elf grinned. "Now, about that dinner…"

Thorin groaned and pushed Nyaunni towards Dwalin. "Go, before he says something I might have to kill him for."

The red-headed dam lifted a brow then shook her head and chuckled. She half wanted to stay and find out what Thorin was talking about, but she had work to do and people to evacuate so she followed Dwalin to head deeper into Minam.

Thorin turned to glare at Naurfaer but it was Dis who smacked the oldest being in arda upside the head like he was one of her sons. "What did I tell you about meddling? Don't."

"I think we ought to get out of here. Oin, can you help me with Fili?" Thorin stepped over to his eldest nephew and squatted down to look at Viltarra. "We need to get him up."

Viltarra nodded and placed Fili's head gently on the floor and slid back. Her father stood before she did, and he helped her to her feet as she watched as both Thorin, and Oin, each took one of Fili's arms and heaved him up to get him out. Since they could not use any pullies or ladders, they were forced to walk the perimeter that wound around the subterranean city. Luckily, they were only a few levels down.

Kili was next to stand, leaning down to lift his wife into his arms. "You sure you got her dear?" Dis asked as she watched her son readjust the round eleth.

"Mam, she weighs next to nothing. I swear, her bones are as hollow as a ravens." Kili chuckled.

"Perhaps, they are." Naurfaer grinned as he grabbed a hold of the rope around Dajnel's neck and began guiding her as he followed his family, and the line of people out. He looked down at the pit as some of the guards were ordering the Minam inhabitants to evacuate. "What are we going to do with everyone who we liberated?"

Dis followed his gaze to see a particularly elderly dwarf arguing with Naglur about a wheelbarrow he seemed to insist on taking with him…up a ladder. "I suppose, if it is safe to do so, some will wish to stay. Although, the dwarves are always welcome to either remain with us in Erebor, or if they have a clan, return home. The humans, Bard will see to I am sure. It is likely they will have the same choice."

"And what about this place?" Kili asked. He felt Tauriel slightly shift as she sighed his name. He kissed her head and tightened his grip on her while not slowing his pace once. "We cannot leave it to be retaken."

"My father will help with that." Legolas said, eyeing Tauriel with some concern. "This should be a free city and with a bit of work, can be linked to Dale. The corridors are already there."

"Nyaunni mentioned there was more to the city below the water. Do you think there is a way to clear it out?" Kili stepped around several fallen orcs, then a dead fellbeast. He wrinkled his nose at the smell and quickened his steps to get away. A glance back had him realizing his family was doing the same.

Thorin looked quickly down the edge of the path they were walking while still focusing on keeping Fili upright. "It looks like a lot of water down there, and more is being added to it. My greatest concern would be how long this city truly has until it is lost to the depths below."

"Perhaps then…" Naurfaer said. "…it is best to bring this city to an end?"

Dis nodded in agreement. "Thorin, there hardly looks to be more then a few hundred here. That cannot possibly be enough to both protect, and run this city. They would be overthrown for sure. And who is to say those orcs and goblins cannot come back? We would be setting them up for failure."

Something small fell on Thorin as they moved and he wiped it away with the hand not grasping Fili, then moved to grasp his nephew securely once more. He looked up, then furrowed his brows in concern. "Perhaps it is just me…but does it seem to anyone else that there is more water falling from the stone cover then there had been when we arrived?"

Kili followed his uncles gaze just in time to see a small stone fall down the middle of the pit. "I do not know about the water, but that was just a stone that fell. Maybe…we should hurry up."

"It would be our luck to be stuck in here as the ceiling comes down…" Naurfaer grumbled but sped up, tugging Dajnel who was becoming displeased being told where to go by somebody other than Nyaunni now that they had found her again.

Legolas too looked to the stone and moss-covered ceiling where water fell through small gaps and followed carefully carved guides to what he could see led to the many waterfalls and fountains this city held. He paused as he stood before a stone elf. "It is unreal, and unlike the images I have seen in manuscripts and scrolls in Mirkwood." He stared at the elf with ears longer than Tauriel and Naurfaer, who both had what their people would consider, quite long ears. He also took in the facial hair not customary for the elven race to have.

"All this time…this lost city has been right here…just miles from Mirkwood. I do not know if my heart cries for what was, or breaks knowing we have allowed orcs and goblins to dwell hours from our homes." An echoing crack sounded from up above, and all eyes turned to look up. "I fear, this city is soon to be fully exposed. That does not appear to be sound."

"But why now? It has been sound for what seems like thousands of years…why is it only just crumbling down?" Dis had to step away as a rock fell below, bouncing off the paths as it went.

The group was silent, watching the pebbles and bits of stone fall to the waters deep below the city. That is, until Naurfaer's eyes widened. "The earthshake…" He looked up then down below and studied the water. "I cannot be certain, because we were only here for a small time…but it looks as if the water levels below…may have risen."

Kili looked over the edge but shook his head. "I cannot tell, but I would very much like to get out of here before something happens. It would be a good idea for somebody to warn those below us, just in case."

"Mmm." Thorin grumbled in thought. "Naurfaer, can I ask you to get word down below that evacuation is to happen expediently?" Just as he said this, one of the larger stones broke free from the ceiling and fell, hitting the waters below with a loud splash. "I think…we need to go…now."

Before Naurfaer could respond, however, an echoing explosion shook overhead causing the entire family to hug the wall as rocks and stones were projected through the city from above. Screams filled the air as dwarves and humans ran for cover, and Dajnel pulled at her rope and let out a cry in alarm.

"IT'S THE ORCS!" Aeodhen yelled from where he and Ryas had been guiding people out. "THEY ARE TRYNA BURY THE CITY!" He was looking down at Thorin from two levels up, which was one beneath the surface.

"We don't have time for this." Thorin growled. "ARE THEY IN THE CITY?"

"NAY THORIN!" Aeodhen yelled as he blinked as the bright light filled the once covered city once the dust and dirt began to settle. "THEY TRIGGERED SOMTHIN' AND I SAW THEM RUNNIN! OUR MEN ARE PERSUIN!"

"It was not the earthshake…" Naurfaer said shaking his head. "It is the orcs trying to get in a final attack."

"I think it is more like they are trying to make certain their work is covered and lost. They knew they would not be returning." Legolas looked up, not seeing anything with exception of falling water, and the blue sky from their current position.

"I better go, we don't have time to waste." Naurfaer passed the rope that held Dajnel to Dis, and turned to leave.

"Wait…I will come as well." Legolas stepped around Kili, giving Tauriel a long look, before joining the elder elf and running directly down to the lower levels, instructing people to hastily make their way up.

Freezing in place causing Oin to stop as well, Thorin whipped his head behind him. "NAURFAER!" The elf paused and turned back. "Please…"

"I will get Nyaunni out, Thorin." Naurfaer interrupted, knowing what the dwarven king was going to ask. He watched Thorin nod, and turn back away. The elf smiled to himself, he will be getting those to together, if he has to lock them in a room in Erebor. "Come on prince of the leaves, we have work to do." Legolas rolled his eyes and once again, continued to follow Naurfaer.

Dis looked up at Dajnel and sighed as she tugged the rope, the fellbeast resisting for a moment, but eventually allowed herself to be guided by the dam. Dis smiled at Dajnel then followed Vin's worried gaze as he looked to where now a steady and thick stream of water was falling through the center of the city. "The river…" Dis said, Vin nodding at her assessment.

Rocks and stones were still falling as they picked up the pace and hurried themselves along the rail-free pathway; some of which were wagon sized stones, cascading down to the pits below. "THORIN!" Dis yelled out as one hit the path beside them.

"I KNOW DIS." Thorin cried, his eyes peaking down below as those in the lower levels continued to scream and run as water and rocks fell in earnest, causing the levels in the depths of the city to begin to rise. Nyaunni was down there, but he could not possibly go to her and get Fili out of the city. He just had to hope that Naurfaer and Legolas would get to her and get her out safely. "Hurry!"

Kili tightened his grip on his wife and Vin pushed both Dis and Viltarra forward as they followed the stream of guards and inhabitants out of the city, Dajnel making pitiful calls behind her as Dis all but dragged her along.

Further down, Nyaunni eyed the water levels now rising as she did the best she could to placate the few aggravated individuals who were confused as to what is happening. "Just follow everyone up, Sivel, you are free now, and this city, is not safe." She can see the rocks falling, and heard the explosion that happened not seconds ago. Peaking over the young dwarrow, Nyaunni spotted Dwalin, who was currently helping a guard from Erebor push a large stone away from a doorway before running back over to her.

The younger, dark-haired, dwarf just blinked at Nyaunni confused, his expression filled with apprehension and fear. "Bu' I got ta do me rounds Barzâ."

"There are no rounds to do, Sivel. Look around you, the orcs are gone, we won, and I don't think this city is safe any longer." Nyaunni sighed as the young dwarf shook his head and tried to pick his buckets back up to refill. He was born here, and this life is all he knows. He, along with many others, will have the hardest time adjusting to the outside world, but Sivel is still very young, younger than she was when she got here.

So Nyaunni gently took the buckets from Sivel and placed them on the ground. "Sivel, do you remember all the stories I told you about Erebor?" The dwarf nodded and Sivel gestured to Dwalin. "Sivel, this is Mister Dwalin, he was barely out changing rags when I last saw him in Erebor."

Dwalin glared at Nyaunni who laughed. "Thank you, Nyaunni." He then eyed the young dwarf. "An how old are you eh? An where are ya from?"

"I am twenty-one." Sivel said puffing his chest out. "I have never been anywhere bu' Minam. Me ma and da are a level down, tryin' ta help with some elders."

The large dwarf felt an immense sadness fill him. Not only was he young, but he was still a dwarfling in their peoples terms. "Well lad, it is time yeh learned what it is ta be free. Why don' ya go and get yer folks. There is nothin' left down here bu' death. A new life is startin' fer everyone, one where yer free ta choose, lad."

At the young dwarfs wide-eyed stare, Nyaunni nodded. "Go on Sivel, you have nothing to fear, go get Silva and Gunthik, it is time to get out of this place." She turned the young dwarf around gently by the shoulders, and gave him a small push. "Go, quickly." She repeated and he was off, jogging down the declining path to the next level. She peaked over and eyed the water warily, it had already reached the lowest part of the city, but luckily it appeared the guards were doing their due diligence and getting people up.

"Come on, the nursery is this way." Nyaunni gestured to the moss and stone archway she had brought the first group from Erebor that had begun this entire affair. She moved to the nursery itself, bypassing the entrance room completely, there was nothing to see there. As she entered, she paused and looked around where she spent most of her life. It was torn to shreds, likely by a mix of the large fellbeasts the orcs released, and by the orcs themselves. She righted a chair in her path and began making sure all of the eggs were either destroyed, or gone. She did not want any left behind if they were overlooked.

"Yeh want any help?" Dwalin looked around the disheveled room then back at Nyaunni who was peaking inside a crate and mumbling to herself. Curious, he walked over and looked inside to see several tiny versions of those dragon…things. All of them were missing limbs or heads.

Nyaunni looked at Dwalin who was eyeing the dead hatchlings with a severe look. "Partially eaten. Likely by a larger hatchling who was taken…since they are not here." Dwalin grimaced and helped her replace the lid. "It is their life, and their nature." Nyaunni said moments later, after finding another nest of mostly consumed bits of fellbeasts. "Survival of the fittest at its darkest, they will eat any who are smaller than them until only one remains. Some will even begin eating the unhatched eggs around them if they are first to hatch and large enough."

Dwalin hummed in disgust, happy whatever these creatures were, are mostly gone now. They were brutal in battle, and he nearly got bit himself several times by one of the large ones who Bofur helped him disembowel. "Is there anythin' back here?" He pointed to the corridor that led to the cages.

"Just the pens, I doubt they have anything in them. The orcs must have released the fellbeasts thinking they would give them more of an advantage." Nyaunni kicked an empty bucket away as she hefted another crate likely full of more hatchlings onto the one she had just been looking in. "I don't think there is much to see but ruin and shell fragments, but call me if you find anything, just…keep a watch out for hideaways. These creatures do not hesitate to attack first, and they are born venomous and lethal."

The large dwarf grumbled to himself about stepping on anything that moves in his direction, then began walking down the dim corridor. The cages were large, which make sense because the fellbeasts he fought were easily the size of three or four horses put together. Nowhere near the size of Smaug, but still quite large. Like two troll's stacked on top of each other…with wings.

The smell though, was intolerable. Dwalin forced his breathing to be shallow so he would not have to breathe in the putrid stench of the fellbeast nursery anymore then he had to.

With his eyes on the shadows, Dwalin followed passed all of the empty cages and down a set of steps to what appeared to be a storage room. There seemed to be nothing here, just a door through which he could hear orders being called out instructing the dwarves and humans of Minam where to go.

Dwalin was a bit worried, however, to see water seeping slowly through the crack of the door. He stepped through the growing puddle; opening the door and peeking out to see Dynni and Klinkus helping a dam guide some dwarflings and human children away from a dead fellbeast as the water began to flow over the path. They were running out of time.

Not bothering to shut the door, Dwalin turned back and headed up the steps. It was clear enough for him down there, there was nothing to report. If Nyaunni was done, they ought to get themselves out before they ended up having to swim…and Dwalin hates swimming. He paused as he passed the empty cages, however, when a chirping sound could be heard from one of the larger pens. Pulling his axe, and sighing, Dwalin stepped inside and began sifting through the piles of yellowing moss; searching for whatever made that noise. "NYA, I THINK WE GOT ONE LASS?"

Nyaunni lifted her head from a box and scrunched her nose at the nickname she had not heard since she was a child. She sighed and stepped down the hall to the pen Dwalin was standing just inside. "Did you see something?"

"Heard it, actually. Something chirpin, but no' a bird." Dwalin poked at the hay once again and a small chirp could be heard in response before a tiny grey head popped out. "AHA!"

Dwalin lunged to attack but Nyaunni leaped forward and gripped his arm tightly. "NO WAIT!"

"Ya got to be kiddin." Dwalin growled as the tiny creature immediately ducked its head back under the moss where Nyaunni could see several unhatched eggs peaking out. "I though' ya said we needed ta destroy everythin?"

"I did, but not this one." She got to her hands and knees and began sifting through the soiled hay. "Come on, little one. You are safe." She closed her eyes to try and sense the creature and felt a small tendril of fear coming from a pile of moss not far from her hand. Carefully, Nyaunni reached over and gently removed some of the dry plant to see a vibrantly green eye staring up at her.

Nyaunni brushed the little creature tenderly on the nose and it chirped quietly at her, fear causing it to tremble. "I cannot believe it!" Nyaunni's eyes were wide as she coaxed the hatchling that had to be less then an hour old, if that, out of its mossy hideout. "This, this is a purified fellbeast, like Dajnel. See here?" Nyaunni lifted the now loudly chirping creature to Dwalin who did not look impressed in any right.

"Its nose is slim, tail long, and each of these little points will be feathers. I do not understand? I know of all the eggs, I would have seen the difference in the coloring of the shells. None have been laid, yet this clutch of eggs, I have never seen." She pulled the loud little hatchling to her chest to give it warmth as she looked over the eggs.

Despite Dwalin seeming to neither care, nor want to know, Nyaunni continued to speak as she removed moss from the hidden nest of eggs. "There were subtle differences between the clean fellbeast eggs like Dajnel and this little one, and the regular fellbeasts. It is all in the coloring. See these?" She reached for one of the eggs and held it up. It was a mesh of green, yellow, and grey in color with speckling all around it. "These are the ones we do not want to hatch."

All of the eggs were the exact same color, Nyaunni uncovered a total of seven, two were crushed, one cracked open with a creature clearly unmoving, and four seemed intact. "We will need to destroy these." She looked sadly down at the eggs as the little hatchling nuzzled her hand. She picked up a piece of a shell that had no speckling, but the same coloring as the others. "This is how I was able to tell Dajnel was different. Her egg had no spots or speckles to speak of, just like this. I think it is the only difference we can see until they are free from their egg, then the differences are startling and evident."

The small hatchling latched onto her finger and Nyaunni laughed. "Hungry?"

"Ain't it venomous?" Dwalin eyed the creature, lifting his axe and ready to kill.

Nyaunni stood and shook her head as she continued to coo at the tiny creature gnawing on her finger. "Nope, not this one. The others…incredibly so…but for whatever reason, Dajnel and this one were both born without teeth, or glands. Dajnel did not have a tooth to speak of until she was several weeks old." Lifting the palm sized fellbeast to eye level, Nyaunni looked it over. After scanning it's features as it continued to gum her thumb, she easily picked out a few subtle differences Dajnel never had, because Dajnel, was female…and this one….was male. "How about we get you something real to eat, I am a bit tough for you until you grow some teeth."

Dwalin rolled his eyes as he watched the dam older than him use baby talk with a creature he was not so sure was safe. His eyes followed Nyaunni as she continued to coo at the miniature dragon-bird-hatchling while walking out of the pen, though she stopped at the door and looked back at him. "Do you mind handling those?" She signaled to the four eggs and waited for Dwalin to nod before walking away.

The dam searched through the shelves until she found a small jar of pickled larva Dajnel loved as a hatchling. She unscrewed the lid and with her free hand, removed one and held it out to the tiny creature. "Come on little one? This is much tastier than me."

At first the creature seemed confused. It sniffed the larva and looked back at Nyaunni. "It is for eating…see?" Nyaunni popped it in her mouth and chewed. Down here, if it was not poisonous, it was edible. Taste, was not a liberty they had here. She pulled another larva out and tried again, this time, the little creature opened its mouth and accepted the food without hesitation. It swallowed the larva in one go, then chirped signaling it both wanted and was ready for more.

Nyaunni laughed and complied, feeling the contentment of the little hatchling as it filled its belly. She was not surprised at all when it imprinted her into its mind as its mother. Dajnel had done the same as a hatchling. The others…well…they never tried to outright bite her…which meant in a way, they imprinted on her as well. She was the only one in Minam, including the orcs, who could work hand to hand with the fellbeasts and not be killed instantly.

Of course, accidents happened. Nyaunni sighed and looked over her shoulder into a pale of water, seeing the reflection of a deep gash running up the side of her face. That, was her mistake. She had not been paying attention to a fellbeast who was trying to protect her eggs. It took one swipe of her clawed wing and Nyaunni had nearly lost her head. Luckily, she moved in time for the razor sharp talon to only graze her cheek. She could have easily lost her life.

But now…look at her. Nyaunni ran her fingers up the deep scar and sighed. It never bothered her before, so why does it now? Maybe it had something to do with regaining an identity she thought was long gone. For 173 years she has been Barzâ. A captive of orcs who made the best of the life she was forced into. Some could call her a leader, because she was one of the few the others in this place looked up to. Though mostly, she was the one to survive in a hostile world were everything reeked of death, despair, and hopelessness.

Nyaunni was not a normal dam. She was a daughter of a clan lord and a direct descendant of Uri the Scarred; one of the seven great dwarven lords and kings. Underneath Durin the deathless, the lords built the dwarven kingdom, each with gifts bestowed to them by their maker. She was raised with tutors, maids, attendants, and lived among royalty because, truthfully, she was royalty. Or, her mind corrected, is royalty. She cannot change her family line or ancestry simply because she had been in captivity. She is, and will always be a daughter of Uri, as Thorin is a son of Durin.

Nyaunni sighed. Ironic how she was a direct descendant of Uri the scarred, when she herself was quite scarred. Not just on her face either. Her entire body held stories of her time in Minam, some from fellbeasts, others, the orcs, and a few…were self-inflicted for her own protection. She may have escaped death sentences, but punishment, was severe and frequent…often times for no reason at all…just the orcs and goblins pure enjoyment. Mahal she was glad to be leaving this place.

"It's taken care of, Nya. Anythin' else ya want to do? We really ought ta move on, the water will be hittin' this level soon." Dwalin was wiping his axe using a discarded rag he found on an adjacent table as he walked up to her.

"No." Nyaunni said, carefully placing the now sleeping hatchling inside her tunic to keep him warm and grabbing a bag and shoving some jars of pickled larva inside to feed him when he woke. "There is nothing more here."

"Do ya, wan' teh stop at yer quarters if it is on the way? Get any belongin's?" Dwalin asked already heading to the door.

"This is my quarters. I have nowhere else." Nyaunni looked around. She really had nothing, so she kept going as Dwalin eyed her, then nodded and followed.

The pair left the nursery and looked around. They were now one of the last few on this level, and all the levels below them were now seemingly underwater. "Don' think there is anything left to do, but go. Unless yeh have anywhere else ta check."

"NYAUNNI! DWALIN!" Naurfaer looked over the path above, then jumped over the side, landing gracefully in front of the two dwarrow. "There you are. Thorin wanted me to make sure you get out safely. The orcs blew the top and the river is filling the city, I doubt we have long before this place is completely submerged."

"Aye lad, we see that." Dwalin rolled his eyes and folded his arms.

"Orcs? Are they back?" Nyaunni looked up half expecting to see her vile captors running in for another attack.

Naurfaer, however, shook his head no. "As far as I know, they never reentered the city. They are just trying to bury it. We need to move though. Legolas made sure the bottom levels were clear and is making his way back up. Come on."

Nyaunni nodded. "Alright, there is nothing left to do anyway. Whatever is left down here, will be gone soon." She warily looked around as they made their way to a ladder leading to the next level. "To be honest, I thought there would be more backlash from some who would refuse to evacuate the city, but, perhaps I misjudged. I was sure we would have a small battle on our hands to get a fair few to leave."

"Well lass. In my experience, yeh often got ta make most out of the life yeh are given. Maybe, they sided with the orcs, out of survival instincts. Folks do strange things ta survive an convince themselves everythin' is alright. Followin' orcs…well it is the strangest way ta cope if you want my opinion…but it is all they knew." Dwalin gave her a rare smile. "Jus' about all yeh knew too, Nya. Glad the see yer alive."

"Me too, Dwalin. Now, let's go, so we can stay alive. I think I have had enough memories of this place." Gripping the ladder, Nyaunni began making the long climb up and out of Minam for the last time, Dwalin and Naurfaer following closely behind.

It took them some time to travers the dead orcs, fellbeasts, goblins, and fallen stones to get out of the city. By now, the levels were clear and Nyaunni gaped at the sun streaming inside. "I always wondered what it would be like to see the sky from the city." She stared at the clear sky for several minutes until Naurfaer pushed her forward.

"You have many years to come to see the sky, but right now, we need to go." Naurfaer gave her another gentle push and Nyaunni nodded, but looked down at the city once more. It was well over halfway filled by now. She wonders if it was a stone falling from the explosion, or the earthshake, that had blocked up whatever had allowed water levels to remain at the level they had been for centuries deep in the depths below. She will never know, neither does she care at this moment. She watched the water rise up over the head of an elf wearing a crown, before she turned and stepped up the steps leading out of Minam.

Outside the compound, seemed to be something akin to organized chaos. Nobody apart from the guards of Erebor, and of Dale, quite knew where to go or what to do. Thorin sighed as he watched Oin check on Fili once more. He has still yet to awaken, which is keeping Viltarra in a constant state of worry. To make matters worse, Tauriel, apart from the minute of consciousness she had gained when she was first revived, has also yet to reawaken. Kili, however, is less worried, saying she was only sleeping now, and she needed rest. Though he refuses to leave her side, and Thorin does not blame him even a bit for it.

"Aeodhen, do we have everyone out?" But Thorin completely missed Aeodhen's response as he watched Nyaunni come around the falls and immediately go straight to her dragon…not looking at him for even a moment. Stupid, lizard, bird, beast. He turned, now in a much fowler mood, and began instructing his guards when he nearly collided with Naurfaer who was grinning…widely. "Shouldn't you be doing something helpful?" Thorin growled, ignoring the look his sister was giving him that clearly said he was being unnecessarily rude. "…like, maybe instructing your team to start organizing the people of Minam?"

Thorin shifted from foot to foot as Naurfaer simply continued to stare at him. "Naurfaer, I have neither the time nor the patience to deal with your oddities today. Have you something to say or not?"

"Of course." Naurfaer lifted a brow, then he gestured his head to Nyaunni. "Are you going to go talk to her?"

"Naurfaer…" Thorin rubbed his temples. "I don't know what Tauriel told you, but now is certainly not the time. I have dwarves to get back to Erebor, some of which have never seen the light of day, let alone been free, and others who have been displaced so long, I have to figure out how to connect them with old clans. Then I have a family to take care of. Both of which are of equal importance and will require my time." He glared at the elf. "I neither have the freedom or the time to do whatever you are implying."

The elf folded his arms. "Tauriel has told me nothing, so I have no idea what you are referring to there. As for time…it takes very little, to make a lasting moment. Believe me, I have been around for millennia, and some of my greatest memories…were only seconds long." He eyed the dwarven king. "And do not even mention freedom. You, are the king of an entire race. You make your own freedom to follow your heart."

Naurfaer turned and walked away before Thorin could figure out how to respond to that. Why was that meddling elf so infuriating? He thought to himself with a huff.

"BECAUSE YOU KNOW I AM RIGHT!" Naurfaer suddenly called back over his shoulder with a smirk. Thorin tried to force down the shock at the elf who quite literally answered his thoughts. He shook his head and turned to get everyone rounded up. Bard was already speaking to many of the humans of Minam, offering them some comfort and introducing them to the guards.

Just a few hundred meters away, was Dwalin and Aeodhen doing the same thing with the dwarves of Minam. There were far less dwarves than there were humans, less than a third of the near three hundred captives were dwarrow.

Thorin looked between Dwalin and Aeodhen, his family, and Nyaunni. He needed to see to all three of them, but he was stuck trying to decide where to go first. "Thorin, go talk to Nyaunni." Dis smiled when she realized she had startled her brother.

"Not now Dis." Thorin grumbled as he began walking towards Aeodhen.

"Oh? Then when?" The daughter of Durin folded her arms and glared at her brother. "How many times must you be taught that this life is fleeting, Thorin? You can go and make arrangements with Aeodhen and Dwalin, but they have things well at hand. Go talk to Nyaunni."

Thorin stared his sister down, growled deep in his throat, then spun on his heals and stomped away. She watched him go and shook her head sadly when he turned towards Aeodhen and Dwalin, rather than Nyaunni. "Stubborn old fool." Dis sighed and decided she would go speak to the dam.

With purpose, Dis made her way through the crowd of mostly humans, and stopped in front of Dajnel, who turned her head to the approaching dam and cooed. "Are you certain she is not a bird?"

Nyaunni looked up from adjusting her boots and smiled. "She is something, but until I do more research, and try and pick apart what they used to create a fellbeast, I do not know what exactly she is…and I may never know with the city now gone. Parentage wise, though, she is and will always be a fellbeast, just a rather unique one."

Dis smiled as Dajnel leaned her head into her hand, and purred as the dam began stroking her snout. "Whatever she is, she is rather special."

The red-headed dam nodded in agreement and they fell into silence, so Dis decided to be the one to ask. "Will you be coming back to Erebor?"

"Mmm." Nyaunni hummed in thought then slowly nodded her head yes. "I suppose it is a good place to begin anew, as good as any at least."

Dis smiled softly. "You know, we can see about you getting back to the Firebeards if you like? I am sure Lord Dryok would not know what to do with himself to have you returned, alive. He is currently head of your clan as the closest living descendant of Uri. I believe…he is your second cousin."

"Oh no. Thank you Dis. But, I was brought to Erebor so early in my life, I have no memories to speak of in regards to the Firebeards. Erebor is the only place I know, beside Minam." Nyaunni looked at the waterfalling down to the city below. "I wonder what will become of this land."

Dis followed Nyaunni's gaze. "The water will continue to flow, and likely, create a lake here. The city, will be buried in the depths of the waters that pool here from the river. Perhaps, that is for the best. This way, no dark creatures could ever again take that city or darken these lands."

"I agree." Nyaunni nodded. "Everyone who was down there deserves a second chance at life, a life of freedom, and one where they can thrive without fear."

Dis looked at Nyaunni and placed a hand on her shoulder. "You know, that includes yourself."

Nyaunni sighed and looked over at Thorin who had his hand on Selvin's shoulder as he spoke to him. "I am not who I once was, Dis."

"We all change, Nyaunni." Dis took Nyaunni's hand and squeezed it tightly. "Change is part of life, as is growth. If you do not want to go to the Firebeards, then don't. Erebor, is your home as long as you wish it to be."

"And them?" The red-headed dam gestured to the dwarves and humans who appeared to be displaying varying levels of shock and uncertainty.

"All dwarves are welcome in Erebor, and Dale has more than enough room for the men. We are neighbors, Nyaunni, we are no more than a walk or a short ride away for anyone who wishes to keep ties." Dis began walking towards her brother who was rounding everyone up. "I can also think of a certain someone who may want you close by. Though, he may not be saying it outright because he is a stubborn old fool, and quite possibly…a bit out of his element with this kind of thing." Nyaunni blanched as Dis gave her a knowing look, then rolled her eyes when Dis chuckled as they joined in helping get everyone organized.

Within three hours, several wagons were pulled to a stop where many of the dwarves and humans were resting and talking amongst themselves. It was getting late in the day, and they had to decide to remain here for the night, or take the short journey home. After a quick talk with Bard, Thorin made the decision to move on. It was still quite light outside, and if they move out within the hour, the sun will only be setting as they reach their respective cities gates.

Ori jumped down from one of the wagons with Gimli, who was allowed to come since the battle was now quite over. "Mahal, this is no' what I expected." Gimli looked around the area and spotted Thorin and his father.

"Gimli, me wee lad, go and talk teh Oin, see who be needin' a seat, and let's get em in." Gloin clapped his son on the back and pushed him towards the old healer, knowing they had work to do in order to stay ahead of the sun. Thorin wanted them back to their cities before nightfall just in case there were more orcs in the surrounding area.

"Aye, da." The young dwarf jogged over to the old healer and began helping him load some of the more severe cases up, including Fili who had said a few words in his sleep, but still remained lost to the land of dreams.

"Mind his head, lad." Oin instructed as they set the still unconscious prince in one of the carts.

Kili lifted his head from where he sat against a tree, Tauriel too still lost to the waking world. Naurfaer had said she will probably not wake until tomorrow with how much energy she lost. It will take at least that long for her to recover both from healing Fili, and from nearly dying…again. "I would say we will be discussing this, amralime." Kili said to his sleeping wife. "But I am beginning to wonder if that is just a waste of breath."

"Kili, I want you with the family on the first cart leading home." Thorin squatted down and brushed some hair away from Tauriel's face. "How is she doing?"

"No change, still sleeping. But getting stronger. I think she will be up and around tomorrow…despite being told to remain in bed." Kili sighed.

Chuckling, Thorin rose to his feet. "And you are better?" He lifted a brow and watched as Kili extracted himself from behind his wife, then bent down to pick her up. The young prince rolled his eyes and snickered as he walked past his uncle to the wagon Vin was helping Viltarra into.

On his way by, Kili stopped Gimli. "Hey Gim, do you mind getting the horses? They are by the tree."

Gimli looked from Kili, to the four horses grazing in a small grove. Thorin had thought it best to move the group a bit away from the entrance to the underground city, just in case the lands around were unstable and gave way. He had no way of knowing how deep or far that city actually went so for all he knew, this entire area can cave in. Kili thought with their luck…it was bound to happen.

"Las' time I tried ta get yer horse, Kili, it bit me, an I still have the scar ta prove it." The young dwarf grumbled and folded his arms as he stood glaring at Kili who was trying to remember when that happened. "Don' recall do ya, cousin? Probably because yeh were spittin drunk and hangin' off tha' horse by yer foot."

"I have not heard this story yet." Viltarra lifted a brow as Kili was standing just a few meters from the wagon.

Dis narrowed her eyes at her son and leveled him with a menacing glare. "Underage, and completely intoxicated. I still do not know where you got that ale from." She shook her head and climbed up, watching with a soft smile as Viltarra tucked some furs around Fili which Ori had in the wagon.

Vin was the one to lean down and help Kili lift Tauriel up and into the family cart, Dis helping situate her daughter so she was comfortably laying with her head in her lap. She looked expectantly at her son, but Kili did not get in quite yet. "I better go get help Gimli get the horses, can you…"

"No need to even ask, Kili." Dis smiled softly and watched her son before peering down at her daughter and running her hand through her hair as she began to hum softly. Nyaunni had been right behind her, but after a small scuffle broke out with some humans from Minam, the other dam felt it was her duty to try and calm some tempers. So she waived Dis off and went to take charge, moving to the other side of the mass of dwarves and humans where Dis could just make out the blonde head of the elven prince, Legolas, being yelled at by an old man in fraying clothes.

Sighing, Dis shook her head knowing others will handle that, and turned her attention back to her resting children. Kili was gone only a few moments but came back tugging Maryn behind him; Dis eyeing her son, then the horse. "Where are the rest of the horses Kili?"

Kili scratched Maryn behind the ear, and gestured to where Dis could see the three missing horses in the distance. "Uncle has Rhya, Naurfaer took Galaddal, and I gave Kit to Nyaunni. The wagons are filling, and I would have given Maryn to someone to ride…"

"But ain' anyone go' a death wish." Gimli grumbled, hauling himself up beside his chuckling father who was guiding their wagon back to Erebor. "Tha' horse is a she-demon."

Maryn stamped her foot and knickered angerly, as if she understood the insult being thrown at her. "I think you should apologize, Gim. Maybe…she just doesn't like your attitude." Kili smirked as he pulled himself up onto his horse, patting her neck fondly as he did.

Dis was surprised. She had expected her son to be riding with them, especially with Tauriel in the condition she was in. "Aren't you getting in dear?"

"Uncle suggested I ride free, incase we are attacked by some of the rogue orcs that got out of the compound. I will be right here though. I am not letting her out of my field of vision." Kili looked at his wife and sighed. He felt like he just aged ten years in the last several hours. At the worried glances in the wagon, Kili smile reassuringly. "He said he doubts they will. I am just doing this as a precaution. Is she alright?"

Viltarra stood and grabbed the fur she was sitting on and passed it over to Dis, who with Vin's help, wrapped it around Tauriel. Dis pulled the eleth close and looked over at Kili who was just about at their level while he sat on Maryn. "I am sure she would prefer you near, but she is fine dear." Kili nodded, though his eyes never left his wife as he did.

With an order from Thorin and Bard, they were moving. Nyaunni knew the people of Minam needed to see strength from those they looked up to. Which is why she walked among the people she knew most of her life, rather than joining Erebor's royal family in a wagon. It also gave her a chance to walk with Dajnel, and make certain the new little hatchling remains safe and warm against her chest. He was still sleeping, and will for a bit longer. She sighed as she held the reins to the cream-colored horse which belonged to the golden-haired prince, opting not to ride while others had to walk.

"Where are we goin' Barzâ?"

The dam turned to the young human child who was peering up at her and Dajnel. Children were regulated in Minam, and only allowed under the orcs explicit orders. It ensured the workers never grew to outnumber them…ever…but it was also a way to get more workers without having to raid cities or caravans. Human children were always much preferred to dwarven. It took too long for dwarflings to mature, so only a few dams were allowed to do so.

Placing a hand on her stomach, Nyaunni sighed. She would never give anyone children, she couldn't. At least, not anymore. Looking back down at the young boy, Nyaunni ruffled his hair. "On an adventure, you up for it Tryll? Something new to look forward to?"

"I guess so." Tryll looked around the slowly dimming sky. "They won't come after us…will they?"

"No." The dam said immediately. "We are safe now, and going to cities with guards to protect us. You won't have to worry any longer."

Nyaunni had been answering question after question by men, women, children, dams, and dwarrow since they began walking. Most of it, she could not answer. She spent all of one night in Erebor, and less in Dale, and most of that was spent arguing with Thorin. She now wishes she had learned a bit more about how they got the mountain back, and Dale, so she can at least answer the barrage of questions being directed at her.

"Barzâ?" The dam sighed and turned to an elderly man who was one of the few who did not want to leave and had been yelling at the elven prince until she told him to stop. "Many of us are talkin' about splitting and going back. Would you come? There are a lot who look up to you, especially among the dwarvenkind. We can start our own settlement, rebuild a home."

"Speak for yerself, Westyn." A dam named Gretta sneered. "Ain't no way I am goin' back when we jus' got freed." She looked to Nyaunni. "No offense Barzâ, yeh would make a fine leader I would follow anyday, jus' not there. Besides, the city is gone…or did ya already forget?"

"Her name ain't Barzâ!" A dwarf huffed out, standing tall. "They keep callin' her Nyaunni among the upsiders." He turned to stare hard at the red-headed dam. "Are yeh even a dam? Or are yeh an orc in disguise?"

"Clinton, you senile fool, everyone know's her name ain't Barzâ. Haven't yeh heard of a nickname?" Gretta rolled her eyes, having none of it from the ancient looking dwarf who was captured and brought in when he was a guard working as an escort for a merchant caravan. When they were attacked by the orcs, most were brought down to Minam, though some were killed and consumed by the goblins and orcish raiders.

Clinton had to be one of the oldest dwarves in Minam. He was nearly 290 years old. The only reason he was still alive and not killed by the orcs, was because he fed them information. Everyone knew it, and whether he did it knowingly, or in his insane rambles he was known for, nobody really can tell. Though it was a rumor, that he was the one to tip off their failed mutiny two decades ago.

"You say nickname…I say orc spy." The balding, white-bearded, and very crooked dwarf glared up at Nyaunni through clouded blue eyes.

The red-headed dam huffed, wondering if Clinton can even see a few inches in front of him…maybe to him…everyone looks like an orc. "Is that why you fed the orcs information, Clinton? Because you were too blind to tell they were orcs?" As if sensing her frustration, Dajnel lowered her head and let out a warning growl deep within her chest, the menacing sound causing several to turn and look at the feathered creature with worry.

"SEE PROOF!" Clinton yelled out, causing many of the others to pause and look at her before shaking their heads when they realized who was raising their voices. "Only the orcs can order about them dark creatures! BACK BEAST! SSS…SSS…SSSSSS!"

Dajnel shook her head as droplets of spit landed on her from the hissing noises the ancient dwarrow was making at her.

Gretta was the one to grab the dwarf and push him forward. "Yer goin' to get yerself killed, Clinton. Keep walkin' before yeh put yerself in a grave by upsettin' the wrong folks."

Westyn waited for things to quiet down then looked back at Nyaunni. "Well, Barzâ, what do you say? We can easily turn back now, we are not far."

"No, Westyn." Nyaunni said shaking her head. "We can never go back, there is nothing in that place for us…and it is filling with water. Besides, if those orcs do decide to come back…how are we going to defend it?" She stared at the man then forced her focus forward, still pulling Kit behind her. "We have an opportunity to create something new, and better for us. That place, will be buried soon, and with it, the horrors we suffered. Let's just, leave it behind us."

They walked in silence for several minutes before Westyn sighed and nodded, though he did turn and offer another suggestion. "What about starting our own settlement then?"

"Westyn…" Nyaunni looked up at the taller man and sighed.

The man shook his head and smiled. "Please, Barzâ, I can think of no one better to lead us, then you, and now is the time to do it, before we get to the city. Let's just…stop…and talk about it. You, were the face of our resistance, so it should be you who leads us from here out."

"Come on, Westyn. You know that is not true." Nyaunni smirked. "Nobody listens to me, and most still blame me for what happened twenty years ago."

"Barzâ…" Westyn said, stopping. "Nyaunni…" He corrected… "We never stopped following you."

"Was a bit hard teh follow someone who hid away in the nursery after the orcs slaughtered the raid." Gretta added, giving Nyaunni a loaded look. "But yeh stayed strong, Barzâ, despite it all, and still protected who yeh could. Nobody blames yeh for it, yeh got to let it go." She leaned in and gestured to Clinton who was now yelling at a young dwarf from Erebor. "Between us, I am sure it were him."

Gretta glared at the back of Clinton's crooked form as she continued to walk, but Westyn stopped Nyaunni, the dam dropping the reins of the horse as the human all but pulled her to the side of the group away from everyone, though Dajnel followed close. Along with him, were several men and women who crowded around them in support. "Bar…Nyaunni, just…give me a moment…"

Nyaunni folded her arms and nodded, but what came next, was something she should have seen coming. A small blade was suddenly in Westyn's hand and before she could react, he plunged it into her, but caught her before she could fall. "Gretta is wrong, I blame you. My wife was killed, my WIFE. Every night, I swear to her that I would kill you when I got the chance. Those orcs protected you down there for whatever reason, but not anymore." He began to twist the knife but before he could he, and it, were both ripped from Nyaunni as Dajnel gave a gut wrenching cry and charged Westyn.

The dam could hear yells in the distance, but she was too focused on trying to sit up and put pressure on the freely bleeding wound as her fellbeast began fending off attackers. A small chirp and a hiss came from her chest, and the tiny hatchling peeked out, but the bright light had it going back into hiding.

Nyaunni pulled her own blade, and with one hand on her stomach, tried to stand and protect herself. She should have known this would happen, she knew there were many who wished and believed she should have been the first to be killed for the resistance she helped plan. It seems now, they feel as if they can set that right. It was perfect, because not only were they no longer held back by orcs, but now they had weapons handed to them during battle.

The thing is though, they chose a foolish moment to do it. For one thing, they were not far from the large group, and two…Dajnel was right beside her. The fellbeast used her tail and claws attached to her wings to swipe at anyone coming near Nyaunni, but what she did not do, was use her teeth or aim to kill. She was attacking in defense only.

Just before she fell to the ground once more, unable to stay upright, something blurry came riding towards her, and the sound of an arrow flying had her trying to focus on the oncoming shape.

Kili was readying another arrow as Naurfaer, Thorin, and several guards came running over after they heard some yells from the middle of the group. One of the dams had alerted Kili she saw Nyaunni fall. As it was, Thorin and Naurfaer had also been nearby and heard, all three kicking their horses into a run. Legolas too had leapt off his own white mare and was pulling his own bow as he walked over to help.

"KILI, SHOOT IT, NOW!" Thorin was glaring at the fellbeast as it seemed to be the one attacking from his point of view.

"NO!" Naurfaer called. "Not the fellbeast, it's the group of humans, they have weapons! It is an attack on Nyaunni!"

Still riding, Kili moved his aim from Dajnel, to the man who was raising his small sword, about to stab it into Nyaunni's back and let his arrow fly, taking the man out. Kili jumped down from Maryn just as another arrow flew over his shoulder and embedded itself into a man's chest who was turning to attack Thorin as he attempted to get to Nyaunni, the human falling backwards towards the river. Kili nodded to Legolas who quickly loaded another arrow and shot it into the leg of a women with an axe attacking the fellbeast.

Guards were not far and within minutes, the raid was overtaken by Erebor's finest. A few were killed, others were getting their hands tied as the yelled out and snarled. Most of what they said were slurs aimed at dwarves. It appeared this group blamed the race for being the leaders of the opposition two decades ago, with Nyaunni, being at the head of the entire operation. Though one dam said it was quite untrue, that though Nyaunni was instrumental in planning, no one individual oversaw the failed attempt turned massacre. Yet…this group seemed to make Nyaunni their target…which was a big mistake.

The thing was, the only experience they had with weapons and battle, was in the one fought that same morning. Thus overtaking them, was both quick, and easily done. "You should have LEFT US BE! This is our business, not yours." The only dwarf to be part of the group was Clinton, who was not actually part of the attack, but had meandered over slowly, yelling to the sky as he waived his arms about.

"DWALIN! GET HIM OUT OF MY SIGHT!" The large dwarf nodded and with Klinkus and Dynni's help, wrestled the old, senile, dwarf over to the group who was tied.

Thorin then joined Kili who was currently pulling the burlap sash off from around his waist and pushing it into the bleeding wound. "No." Thorin said quietly then turned to his younger nephew. "Kili….go get Oin…NOW!"

Jumping to his feet, Kili raced off as Thorin took over putting pressure on the wound as Nyaunni lay on the ground. "We will get you help, Nya. You have nothing to worry about."

"Thorin, I am not a dwarfling anymore." Nyaunni breathed out, cringing in pain. She felt a nudge on her shoulder and looked up through pain-filled eyes to see Dajnel, whimpering over her. "There's my girl." She lifted a blood-soaked hand up to stroke the fellbeast just as the hatchling peaked out once more.

Nyaunni was so busy focusing on Dajnel, she missed the baby crawl over her to climb up Thorin's arm. The dwarven king stared at the creature who was trying to climb into his hair, which was the same moment, Nyaunni realized what was happening and huffed out a painfilled laugh as she watched.

"Nya…what…is this?" Thorin used his free hand to try and pick the tiny creature up, but it swiftly crawled behind his head and buried himself in his mane of ebony and silver waves.

He heard the dam laughing, and leveled her with a glare, so she tried to give him an innocent face. "He likes you." She said and closed her eyes as a wave of pain hit her. "Thorin, I know we have not had the greatest reunion, but, can you promise me something?"

Thorin ignored the tiny chirps in his ears and turned his full attention to his childhood friend. "Don't, Nya." He growled. "I won't make you any promises right now. Hold on, and when you are feeling better, then we will talk. But know this…" Thorin grasped her hand tightly. "…I am sorry, Nyaunni. I should not have treated you as I did in that meeting, you had valid points, and…" He looked to the fellbeast who had her narrow snout in Nyaunni's thick tight curls. "…I was wrong, Nya. About a lot of things."

Nyaunni just stared at him with her deep azure eyes, but before she could say anything, Oin was pushing Thorin away. "Jus' a walk back ta Erebor…easy…bu' it never is easy with you lot is it?" The old healer ripped away more of Nyaunni's tunic and wiped away the blood to inspect the wound. He ignored the long, thick, scar across her lower belly, instead, he focused solely on the weeping wound.

"Oin?" Thorin questioned, eyeing the hole as he pushed Dajnel's head away from him. "Well?!"

"Jus' hold yer rams!" The old healer hollered prying the horn off his ear to be able to work without being interrupted. After several minutes, he placed it back on his ear and looked at Thorin with a worried expression. "If she were human…she'd be dead. Lucky for us…an her…those attackers don' no squat abou' dwarven anatomy." He turned back to the wound and used Kili's sash to once again put pressure on it to slow the bleeding. "It still is no' good fer her though Thorin, I don' have the tools I need teh clean and close it. We need teh get back to Erebor."

"We are still a ways away. Do you think she can make it?" Thorin looked at Nyaunni who had her eyes closed as she focused on her breathing.

"Yes, she can make it." The red-headed dam answered through gritted teeth. "But only if you stop talking as if I am unable to hear. Mahal, you are worse than Korren, remember him? Our tutor?"

Thorin chuckled. "I remember you used to taunt him with his fear of bees by releasing them in the room." He lifted a brow as she smiled.

"He deserved it. I always got blamed for things Frerin did." Nyaunni's teeth were clenched as she spoke, and her skin beginning to pale.

Thorin glanced at Kili, who was giving the dam a concerned look. "Kili, help me get her up." Kili nodded and together, they carefully got Nyaunni to her feet and slowly guided her to the cart where Vin jumped out to make room for the newly injured dam.

It took a few tries, but they were finally able to get her up and inside. Nyaunni laughed humorously as she looked down at Fili, then over at Tauriel. Both of which were still lost to the waking world. "I guess I don't have to worry about trying to fit in."

Dis rolled her eyes and Kili chuckled, but Oin huffed in annoyance. "This ain't the way lass. Please don' make my job any harder than it is with them already."

"No promises." Nyaunni said, adjusting herself and cringing at the wave of pain that hit her as she moved.

"Are you alright, Nya?" Thorin was standing on the back of the wagon just beside Kili. He knew they needed to move, and likely pick up speed, so they can get to Erebor before she bled out or developed an infection.

"Believe it or not, I have had worse." Nyaunni said, patting Dajnel limply with the hand not putting continuous pressure on her wound, the fellbeast was currently leaning her head into the wagon and nuzzling Nyaunni's shoulder. She lifted one of her closed eyes and looked at Thorin, trying for a soft smile. "I will be fine, let's just go."

Thorin sighed. "Oin, stay here." The healer nodded and Dis was forced to move Tauriel just a bit to make room for the old healer. It was a tight fit, but they would manage.

The dwarven king jumped down but froze when he felt movement across his back and reached behind him to grasp the now loudly chirping creature. He huffed and tried to hand it back to Nyaunni who was now watching him with an amused smirk. However, the tiny fellbeast was having none of it, and crawled right back up his arm and tried to hide away in his hair once more. "Really Nya?" He growled as he tried again, to only have the same thing happen.

"He likes you, consider it a compliment." Nyaunni grimaced as she held in her laughter. Thorin saw her pain filled face and gave up, it was not worth upsetting her about it when she was in this state so he ignored the tiny creature and let it remain where it was. "Don't kill him, please." Nyaunni called back and Thorin lifted a brow and climbed on his horse, shaking his head in annoyance as he watched Legolas guide Kit to the wagon.

Kili took his brother's horse and tied him to the cart, knowing it was probably best he just walk rider-free. He then jumped back onto Maryn just as Thorin and Bard ordered them forward once more. Naurfaer, Aeodhen, and Ryas were currently working to keep the bound captives under control towards the back of the group, and Kili watched as Legolas joined them.

The group moved slower than Thorin would have liked, but they did get to Erebor before sundown and without further incident. Bard had agreed to take the humans who attacked Nyaunni to Dale where they would be put in a cell until they can decide what to do together. They would have to wait though, as Thorin had his family, and friend, to see to.

The rest of the humans would be offered accommodations in Dale and given the freedom to stay in Dale, or go wherever they wished when they were able. Similarly, the dwarves from Minam were invited to Erebor to remain until they chose otherwise. Never again would they be forced to live somewhere against their will…with exception of those who tried to kill Nyaunni of course.

Balin met Thorin at the gate. Rather than having them go into the wagon entrance, the dwarven king ordered the wagon carrying the royal family, and Nyaunni, directly into the main entrance of Erebor. "Balin, get these dwarves some food, and a place to rest."

"Aye, Thorin, and the family?" Balin walked to the wagon inside Erebor as Dwalin was helping Vin get Fili out.

Before he could answer, however, Thorin was distracted as the larger fellbeast came walking straight into his mountain. Not once did it leave Nyaunni's side during their walk back. He will have to speak to her about that thing…and the other one…he looked down into his inner pocket where he could just see a light-grey nose peeking out. He was not decidedly happy it was still there, but the last thing Nyaunni needed right now was any ire pointed at her…or these things she is attached to.

"Tauriel and Fili will be taken to their rooms." Thorin eyed Oin who was carefully helping Dwalin and Vin, then moving to Tauriel who had stirred a few times on the trip, but just did not have the energy to remain awake.

Kili jumped in to help get his brother out, before lifting Tauriel into his arms and began leading them up to the royal room. Oin had said there was no use in taking them to the medical hall, since they were simply resting, and he would be just as able to tend them there…as anywhere.

Fili's wounds were not severe enough to need anything but cleaning and bandaging anyway, which he can do in his room where he would be more comfortable. Tauriel had no wounds to speak of, so Oin said to let her be and she should fully wake soon; Naurfaer said likely sometime tonight, if not tomorrow morning. Thorin watched his family go, Dis running ahead to get the doors as they went.

Speaking of the elf, Naurfaer was now squatting in the wagon, and passing Oin some supplies. He had raced Galaddal ahead of them to not only inform Balin of the situation, but to get everything they needed to get her cleaned and stitched right here. It would be better for Nyaunni, since Oin's office was up several flights of stairs and down a long corridor, if she could just be tended right here.

"Ow." Thorin heard as he climbed into the wagon to see Nyaunni clenching her teeth while Oin poured some alcohol over her wound.

"Hand me tha' needle, lad." Oin said to Thorin as he crouched down beside the open bag. The dwarven king picked up the requested item and held it out, though Oin did not take it right away. He was wiping the area clean and looking at the wound just a bit more. "Yeh know, you are quite a lucky lassie."

"Oh, this is what luck looks like? I think I prefer to live without it then." Nyaunni huffed as Thorin rolled his eyes and Oin chuckled.

The old healer finally took the needle and expertly threaded it before beginning the sutures. "Wha' I meant was, tha' was barely a knife they go' ya with. This should heal up quite nice, if ya give it a chance." He paused giving the dam a look. "An I tha' means rest. Will yeh actually rest like I say…or are yeh going to be like him an his family?"

Nyaunni gave Thorin a curious look then hissed as Oin tugged the wound closed completely. Oin gave her another look and she tried for a smile. "I think a rest sounds quite nice. I shall comply with your suggestion."

"Mercy me and Mahal be praised, someone with an ounce o' self-preservation." Oin lifted his hands high as Thorin grumbled under his breath and Nyaunni blinked in surprise, then began to laugh. At least, until her wound burned from the movement.

A goblet made its way into her hands, and Nyaunni looked up at a smiling Naurfaer. "It is my granddaughters draught. It will help relax you, dim the pain, and allow your body to rest."

"So it will put me to sleep?" Nyaunni asked, sipping the sweet liquid.

The elf nodded. "But not right away, and it won't be a deep sleep, so don't worry." He watched her finish the goblet as Oin put everything away and climb down from the wagon. Naurfaer got off next and waited.

"Can you move Nya?" Thorin shifted back a bit to give her space when she nodded, slowly sliding to the edge then looking at the drop. "Wait, let me help…."

Before Thorin could finish his sentence, Nyaunni had took a deep breath and carefully slid down to the ground only wincing a bit with the slight jostle, then turned and gave Thorin a smile. "You were saying something, Thorin?"

Thorin pierced his lips and glared at her but Nyaunni only glared back, giving what she got…that is…until Naurfaer's voice had them both turning to him as he stood folding his arms and gesturing to the throne room. "Maybe…Thorin…you can suggest a place for our guest to stay that is more comfortable than the entranceway?"

Nyaunni gave Naurfaer a warm smile in gratitude. "I can just use the room I stayed in the night before last."

"NO!" Thorin shouted, the sound echoing in the large hall. He cleared his throat, then repeated himself in a more reasonable tone. "No. You are to stay in the royal wing, as my guest. We have plenty of open rooms and since Oin will be up there seeing to Tauriel and Fili, it gives him easy access to you as well."

Nyaunni looked past Thorin to the entrance of the throne room she could just make out, then nodded. "Okay, lead the way."

"Are you sure you don't need any assistance?" Thorin asked, watching her slowly walk.

The dam, however, shook her head. "It is just a knife wound, Thorin. Nothing I have not had before, or worse." She watched as his eyes flickered to the scar on the side of her face, and hated the self-conscious feeling that fell over her as he stared at her. So she turned away and kept walking.

The sound of claws scraping on stone had Thorin shaking his head in surprise as Dajnel attempted to follow Nyaunni. "OH NO! Not inside MY mountain." Thorin placed himself directly in front of the fellbeast who paused and looked at the dwarven king curiously before trying to get around him, cooing forlornly at Nyaunni.

Naurfaer was holding in a laugh beside Oin, who was doing the same. Unfortunately, time was not on their side, as high overhead, the massive bell of Erebor began to chime, signaling the evening meal was about to start. The group could already smell the belly warming aromas of whatever Bombur had his team preparing, wafting in the entrance hall.

Dajnel, however, went into a frenzy, backing up and looking around as she ducked low to the ground in fear. Nyaunni, both seeing it and sensing it, moved as quickly as she could to calm her animal. "Shhh, Dajnel. Shhh. It is alright."

"It needs to go in the stables, Nyaunni." Thorin huffed. "Erebor's halls is no place for it."

"THORIN…it is a SHE and she is frightened. Stop being cruel, she does not understand what is going on." Nyaunni growled through her teeth as she tenderly ran her hands through Dajnel's feathers behind her eyes. She ignored both the grumbles from Thorin, and the stares of dwarves as they walked past her and the unique creature.

There was some yelling around her, and Nyaunni believes she heard Thorin ordering the wagon to be put away and the animals stalled. But most of her focus was on her fellbeast, who was slowly calming with the dam's comforting ministrations. "See? It's not so bad, is it?"

"Nyaunni…" Thorin tried again, this time, a bit more gently. "She would be taken care of in the stables. She is too large to walk these halls." That was not entirely true, and Thorin knew it. The halls and corridors in Erebor were wide and tall enough to cater to a creature three or even four times Dajnel's size. "She will be alright."

Nyaunni placed her brow against the side of the fellbeasts head and just listened to her breathing for a moment, then nodded. "Alright." Her voice was low and soft. Partially from the sadness she felt which was all her own at the thought of being separated once again from Dajnel, and partially from the effects of the draught no doubt beginning to work through her system.

"I will make sure she is settled, Nyaunni. She can go right next to Galaddal, he will look after her." Naurfaer placed a hand on the dam's shoulder and she nodded as she watched the elf lead Dajnel away. At first she resisted, but Naurfaer was quickly able to entice her to follow him.

"I will see tha' some food gets up to yeh and the family." Oin said as Thorin guided a quiet Nyaunni towards the throne room to the royal suites. Thorin smiled and thanked the healer as he turned away with his bag clutched under his arm.

When they entered the throne room, Nyaunni froze at the sight before her. She certainly did not remember this. "Well…this is a new look…when did you do this?" She stared into the golden floor, then back up at Thorin who shifted uncomfortably. He was not ready to have to reveal his darkest moments to her, so he tugged her arm gently.

"It is a long story, for perhaps a time when you are not about to fall asleep." He smiled at the guards at the staircase and very slowly, one step at a time, they walked up to the suites.

Nobody was in the sitting room when they walked in, which was not surprising, since Viltarra and Vin were likely getting Fili settled, while Kili was seeing to Tauriel and probably already had Finli back from Tarrah, knowing his nephew.

Thorin continued to lead Nyaunni to the first room in the hall directly across the kitchen, knowing it was free, and close to the family. He pushed the door open and gently guided her inside one of the smaller suites in this particular hall. It was just a one bedroom, one bath, guest suite. Each of the hallways in the royal wing had one.

Thankfully, with her spare time, Dis had been slowly getting the rooms cleaned out, remodeled, and refurnished. This one even had bedding ready as if a guest was anticipated. He would have to praise his sister in forethought.

Thorin watched as Nyaunni stepped in the room, then went right to the oversized, four postered bed and lay down with a deep sigh. He chuckled and set to work making her a fire, placing several stones in then stood just in time to hear the washroom door shut as a nock sounded on the chamber door.

Before he could open it, however, Dis let herself in and gave Thorin a smile. "I saw you come in here, and thought I would bring something to eat. They had this brought up for us. I also brought something for Nyaunni to wear, I am sure she would like to get out of those blood-stained clothes." She placed a tray down as well as the basket she held, and kissed her brother on the cheek. "Don't forget to apologize again…you know what for." She whispered and stepped out knowing full well if she stayed, Thorin would make all kinds of justifications for his actions that she neither cared, nor wanted, to hear.

The dwarven king huffed, then folded his arms when a soft laugh came from behind him. "Dis brought dinner, and clothes for you." Thorin grabbed the tray before Nyaunni could ask what he was grumbling about.

"I AM hungry…." Nyaunni began as she glanced at the tray. "…but I think I would like to change and get cleaned up first if you don't mind. Stay though, there are a few things I want to discuss."

Thorin sat down on the settee and nodded. "Go ahead, Nya. I will wait." He watched her grab the basket of clothes, and slowly make her way back to the washroom. He really should leave and check on his family…but something had him rooted to this room and he wanted to know why. There were also several apologies to be had.

Sighing, Thorin stood and began pacing the space between the settee and the fire. He poked the stones a few times, brought the tray of food closer to where they would be seated, and began pacing again. Maybe he should go and make sure Fili is situated…and Tauriel is comfortable…then he can come back. He was about to head to the door when he heard soft footsteps behind him.

"Oh, are you going?" Nyaunni looked at him with an expression he could not read as she carefully lowered herself onto the settee. "It is alright if you must go, we can talk tomorrow."

Thorin eyed the door, she was giving him an out, but did he want one? Shaking his head, Thorin returned to the long seat and sat beside her. "No…well…I was going to go check on my family, but they are all well cared for by their ones, and I am most certain Dis and Naurfaer will get them whatever they may need."

Nyaunni hummed and they quickly fell into silence. Thorin lifted the cover off the trey and handed Nyaunni a plate of mashed potatoes covered in lamb, peas, and carrots with a dark gravy overtop. He also handed her two of the buttered rolls before filling a goblet with water. "I can get you some ale, if you like. But I do not know if it would pair well with the draught."

"It's fine Thorin, thank you." Nyaunni stared at the food, then eyed the fork and knife beside it. She thought back to two nights ago, when she was handed her first real meal since her childhood in Erebor. They had no such luxuries as what most would consider real food, or even normal kitchen products in Minam. Orcs did not use plates, or dining utensils, so they were never provided. She and the others were forced to make due with creating their own versions with what supplies they had.

They were not savages though, and many chose to try to live as normal as a life as they could; mimicking the upside with what they had available to them. Nyaunni herself, however, often chose to simply eat out of the jars she was provided. No point in prettying up grubs, larva, and all manner of other insects. "Would you prefer something different to eat, Nya?"

Nyaunni lifted her azure eyes to Thorin who was giving her a concerned look, and she realized she had been staring at her food for several minutes without touching it. "No, this will be fine. It has just been a long time since I have had something other than…well…what was provided by orcs and goblins. If it is even half as good as those cold meats and cheeses the other night, then I am sure it will be perfect."

Taking her fork, she spooned it into her mouth, and groaned in satisfaction. "I forgot food can be this good." Thorin gave her a sad smile, and they ate their meal in relative silence, at least until he felt movement from his pocket and he looked down to see the tiny, dragon, thing, trying to escape where it had once again made its home as he had prepared the fire earlier.

"Nyaunni…I believe this belongs to you?" The dwarven king scooped the tiny creature out of his pocket, causing it to immediately cry out in alarm as he placed it in Nyaunni's waiting hands. The sound only stopped when Nyaunni shushed it by offering the creature some peas and a small but fatty bit of lamb. Thorin huffed as she cooed while it ate out of her hand. "You are going to keep that here Nya, aren't you?"

"HE is a baby, Thorin, of course I am going to keep him here. He needs looking after, warmth, and food. Like any infant." Nyaunni rolled her eyes and stroked the hatchling as he stole another pea from her plate. She lifted him to her eyes and smiled as he chirped at her. "You need a name, we will have to think of something good for you, how about…Thorin?"

The dwarven king coughed and had to take a sip of water to calm the shocked spasms that ripped up from his throat. "Really, Nya? I would rather you not."

The dam laughed, but instantly stopped when a sharp pain radiated out from her wound and rippled across her body. "Are you alright?" Thorin leaned into her but Nyaunni lifted a hand stopping him.

"I just need a moment." Nyaunni took a few shallow, but calming breaths with her eyes closed. About a minute later, she sighed in relief as the pain slowly dissipated, and she opened her eyes and gave Thorin a smile. "Well, laughing is out for a night or two. Shame. I was looking forward to reminiscing with you about old times."

"We will have plenty of time for that, Nya. Are you done?" Thorin gestured to her dish and she nodded, so he placed his empty plate on the tray, stacking hers on top before moving it to the small entrance table by the door. She followed him with her eyes, and lifted a brow when he seemed to be calculating his words carefully as he sat back down. "Nyaunni…"

"You don't have to say anything, Thorin." Nyaunni carefully sat the content hatchling in her lap, and brushed some of her hair from her face, tucking an unruly curl behind her ear. She knew what he was going to say, or had a general idea, and she was simply too tired for anything serious tonight, she only wanted to see that he was real…and not just a dream. "I have spent over 170 years now, wondering what happened to you Thorin; wondering if you were alive, what your life was like, where you had gone…that I really…I am just…" She sighed and laughed nervously. "You know…I don't actually know what to say. I thought I would sit here, and discuss what is happening, what we are to do with the people from Minam, and maybe fall asleep over stories from a time so long ago…it feels as if it was a dream. Yet my mind is blank and sluggish; I feel as though I am getting old, Thorin, and senile." She chuckled and straightened her loose-fitting cotton shift Dis had given her.

Thorin cleared his throat and nodded. "I understand, and very much feel the same. It is the draught affecting you Nya, we need not discuss anything tonight. But, I do want to say one thing…" He clasped his hands in his lap and sighed. "…how I treated you, was inexcusable. I am sorry, Nya. I cannot promise I won't do it again…" He shook his head and laughed mirthlessly. "I have been told on more than one occasion by my nephews, and daughter, that I can be…difficult…at the best of times. I believe my sister would echo the same sentiment."

"Daughter…" Nyaunni paused, looking at Thorin with a mixed expression of hurt and uncertainty. Then realization hit and she smiled. "Tauriel? You called her nâtha in Minam, and I believe your nephews mentioned your attachment to her. Unless…"

"No, you are right." Thorin chuckled. "I do not have any true children, Nyaunni. I have never…there has never been anyone but….well…" He cleared his throat again and shifted in his seat and Nyaunni realized he was nervous.

"Me neither, Thorin." She placed a hand on his and gave him a smile. "But neither of us is dead yet, right? There is still plenty of time to find someone."

"Find someone?" Thorin gave Nyaunni a look that she neither wanted to decipher, nor knew how to; but it was gone in a flash, replaced by what she was becoming accustomed to as his resting, severe, face. "Yes, I mean, you are right." Thorin stood, but gave the dam a small smile. "You should get some rest, Nya. If you are up to breakfast, Dis or Vin usually will have something warm in the kitchen before first bell, or I can have someone bring something in to you, if you do not feel up to it. Goodnight."

Thorin grabbed the tray before she could answer or figure out why he was leaving so soon, and left the room; shutting the door gently behind him. She looked down at the hatchling in her lap, who was half-asleep, then back at the door. "Did I say something wrong?"

Only silence answered her back, so she decided she would figure it out tomorrow. All she wanted to do right now, was rest. Slowly getting to her feet, Nyaunni moved to the bed after turning down all the lights in the room. It was so nice not to have to worry about candles or wicks, Erebor's unique lantern system was something she always missed.

With the only light in the room coming from the still roaring fire, Nyaunni scooted herself onto the bed, and placed the hatchling on the pillow before laying her own head down. She traced her hand along his spine and smiled softly when he yawned, triggering a yawn of her own. "I think…" She sighed and pulled the covers over her. "I will call you…Uri…after my first father. It was rumored that he could speak to the beasts, and control them. It is where my mother believed my gift came from." She yawned again and closed her eyes, sensing the hatchling falling to asleep. "Yes…I think Uri will be a good name." Nyaunni hummed in contentment, then, gave fully into the sleeping draught.

Kili placed Tauriel in the bed and sighed. He heard a knock at the door, followed by a soft click indicating whoever it was, just let themselves in. He already had an idea though, as a soft, but rapid, pattering of tiny feet flew across the sitting room floor and Kili had to act fast to catch his little miniature as he raced in. "DA!"

"I am sorry Kili, I tried to hold onto him, but he wriggled free." Tarrah peaked into the room and shook her head. "He missed you both. Is everything alright? He was a bit inconsolable this morning. I have not been able to see my daughter to get details, as I wanted to make sure Finli got to you before going to her."

Kili pushed his brow to his sons, smiling when Finli instantly pressed back. Kili then pulled away only to leave a kiss on Finli's brow before placing him on the bed beside his mother as he turned to Tarrah. "Fili was bit by a fellbeast."

"Oh my! Is he…"

"He is fine, just resting, like Tauriel." Kili looked to his sleeping wife, and his heart almost burst as he watched his son crawl to her, and pull her arm over him as he tucked himself into her sleeping form. He needs to get his wife into something clean, and more comfortable, but now he just doesn't think he has it in himself to move either of them.

Kili turned back to Tarrah knowing they were fine for the moment. "Fellbeasts are venomous, and we almost lost Fi. But Tauriel…my amazing Tauriel…saved him again." His eyes fell to the floor. "It very nearly cost her life, in fact, in a way it did. Oin was only just able to bring her back to me."

"Kili…" Tarrah placed a hand on the clearly upset dwarven prince. "Is she going to be alright?"

"Ya. She will be fine." Kili smiled. "Her and Fili. They just need to sleep so their energy is restored. Should be tonight, or tomorrow. Tauriel already woke up a few times on our way back, she just can't seem to stay awake."

Tarrah nodded as she looked at the resting eleth. It made sense why Finli had gone nearly into hysterics earlier that day. He was the same way when his father had been taken. "He will probably sleep for a bit, Finli, as he did not get a nap today." Tarra said as she walked to the door. "I am going to go see my daughter, and Fili. I passed your mother in the hall, she wanted me to tell you she will be bringing food here and not to go to the kitchen."

"Thank you Tarrah." Kili gave her a farewell wave, and turned back to his wife, and sleeping son. He sat on the edge of the bed, running his hand through her hair, then resting it on their unborn child. Asleep as well, which meant, he could go get himself cleaned up and changed, while they all rested. Not that his unborn son could do anything anyway.

After taking a quick shower, happy to be rid of those uncomfortable, burlap, rags the people of Minam were forced to wear…Kili sighed in relief as he stepped back into the room then went about doing what he could to make his sleeping wife more comfortable. That included starting a fire to keep the chill away overnight, and pulling out one of his own long tunics which were her favorite things to sleep in…especially at this point in her pregnancy.

He even smiled at the tray on the small table between the chairs that sat before the fire. His mam was here, no doubt. She probably dropped this by when he was in the shower, then went to check on Fili and Viltarra. She will be back before breakfast.

"Kili?"

Kili looked up from the tray he had been inspecting and towards his wife who was slowly trying to sit up, being careful not to jostle the sleeping toddler beside her. Kili immediately went to his wife and sat once more on the edge of the bed and could not stop his heart from skipping a beat when her beautiful green eyes met his. "Hey, there you are."

Tauriel hummed and smiled, closing her eyes and leaning into Kili's hand as it cupped her jaw. "I never went anywhere." She said softly.

Kili gave her a stern look. "You nearly went out of bounds, Tauriel." He shook his head. "Never go, where I cannot follow, Tauriel, please." He felt a tear slip down his cheek then her fingers softly brush it away.

"I won't." Was all she said, so Kili let it go for now. She clearly was not in a well enough state for anything more.

Instead, Kili stood and gently lifted their son and placed him on his side of the bed, then grabbed the tray of food and brought it over to her. "Are you up for something to eat? It seems mam made one of your favorites."

With a bit more effort than she expected, Tauriel tried to sit up, but ended up having to accept help from her husband to get to a fully seated position. "How long has he been asleep?" Tauriel ran a hand through Finli's wild hair, he was so much his father. "Should we wake him?"

"He had a hard morning, according to Tarrah." Kili placed his own tray on the bed, then slid himself up to sit so Finli was tucked between him, and Tauriel. "She said he was in hysterics for quite a bit, and would not go down for a nap."

Tauriel lowered her brow in concern, then the realization hit. She once again, forgot her life was intricately connected to not just Kili, but to her son, sons actually. The life inside her was currently resting and she felt a deep and heavy guilt fill her. In trying to save Fili, she very well could have sacrificed herself, and her unborn child. She has no doubt in her mind that Kili is furious with her, though he is doing a good job at keeping his feelings at bay.

"Oh, no, you are right, amralime. I am a few rams past furious with you." Kili pulled his food towards him, giving her a look as she opened and closed her mouth trying not to gape at him. "Your thoughts are all over your face, love." Kili added with a chuckle. "You don't need to share them, I can read them loud and clear. Eat."

He gestured to the tray in her lap and Tauriel picked up the fork and poked at her food. To be honest, she felt both dizzy, and nauseous, but neither had anything to do with her pregnancy, nor her lack of energy. Rather, it was a direct result of the immense shame she felt for upsetting not just Kili, but Finli as well with her actions. Does she regret saving Fili? Absolutely not. But she does feel the powerful emotions she elicited as a direct result of what she had chosen to do.

Kili, her sweet, gentle, loving, Kili, will soon have enough of her if she keeps doing things like this. He promised he won't leave her, and she believes him. But how long until he resents her so much, he would barely tolerate her presence?

"What are you thinking about? Because it is surely not food, since you have not touched your dinner. You love mams lamb. Are you alright?" Tauriel lifted her green eyes to look at her husband, and she shook her head, choosing honesty over hiding her feelings away. "Okay." Kili placed his tray down and sat up straight, turning fully to her while pulling his son into his lap. Finli hummed, sighed, and fell right back to sleep. "Tell me. How can I help you, Tauriel? What can I do?"

"Forgive me?" Her words were faint, and quiet, but filled with a deep pain.

Kili looked taken aback. "Forgive you? Tauriel…whyever would you think I blamed you for anything? Nothing happened that cannot be fixed, amralime. You and the baby are…thank the maker…alright. Fi is fine, Fin is okay, even Nyaunni will heal. We had a scare, you made a choice, and now we must all accept it and heal. Just…next time…can you maybe not die trying to save somebody else's life? I love you, and I am not ready to lose you. I will never be ready."

With Finli in Kili's lap, Tauriel was able to carefully maneuver herself, tray and all, just the few inches between them and situate herself so she can lean into Kili. Kili of course placed his arm around her and pulled her into his side as he kissed her temple. He knew she would not agree to make any such promises, because if she ever had to, Kili knew Tauriel would do exactly as she had done again, to save Fili's life, his own, mams, Thorin, even Viltarra.

Mahal, he would have done it too, if he had the ability his wife did. Which is why, as angry as he wanted to be, Kili was even more happy to be home with his family. All of which are alive. "I will always forgive you, my star." Kili smiled as he breathed her in.

Tauriel gave him a look and poked at her food a bit more. "Tauriel…I would have done exactly as you did." Kili smiled softly as his wife's vibrant eyes shot up at him. "Stop beating yourself up. Mam used to say, we were doing ourselves no good by acting like a ram who was headbutting a stone sided mountain."

Kili used his thumb to guide her chin so their lips could meet in a gentle kiss. He felt her sigh as she pulled away. "No more stress, amralime. I am not going anywhere, I love you, and just know you are on restriction for the next month." The young prince grinned and reached around his wife to shove a roll into his mouth.

"Restriction?" Tauriel echoed, blinking in confusion.

"Mhm." Kili said still chewing. He was quite expertly balancing his plate on his thigh as he used the hand not playing with his wife's hair, to wield his fork and scoop his dinner into his mouth. He swallowed and used his fork to point at her plate meaningfully, this time, Tauriel actually began eating rather than picking at her food.

"Yes. Restriction." Kili was finally able to say. "That means, no leaving the mountain, no horseback riding, and…you're stuck spending extra time with me."

"Kili…" Tauriel sighed, but Kili shook his head. "No…leaving…the….mountain. Our son is due in just two months or so, and I have had my fill of adventure in the last few days."

Not wanting to argue about this anymore, Kili began eating in earnest, causing Tauriel to follow suit and finish off her entire plate. She sat it on the bedside table and turned back to Kili, who was currently sitting against the pillows with his head resting against the headboard, and his eyes closed.

For several moments, she just watched him, deciding against following their bond to figure out how he is really feeling. Instead, she took in the hard line of his clenched jaw, the wrinkles in his furrowed brow, and the slight circles under his eyes from recent restless nights. Perhaps, this one time, she can not fight him and spend a few weeks inside, resting.

Tauriel slid her arms tightly around Kili's chest, and rested her head on his shoulder, having to push her self slightly down on the bed to make up for the few inches in height difference they had. "Okay." She said it softly and closed her eyes as she snuggled into her dwarven prince. "But only until the baby comes, then, we go riding and visit Dale. I want to see that Tilda is alright, and the people of Minam as well."

Kili hummed in acceptance, but Tauriel was not finished. She lifted her green eyes as she began tracing her finger across his cheek. "As for spending extra time with you, my Kili, that is no punishment, it is a reward. I shall always wish to spend every moment I have with you, you are as necessary to my day, as my heart."

Tauriel felt Kili brush her head with a kiss. "I feel the same, amralime. So please remember that the next time you decide to risk your life. I can no more live without you, then I can live without the beats that sustain my life."

They sat together like that, just the two of them and their sleeping son until Tauriel decided she had had enough of sitting, and decided to get herself cleaned up. However, it took more energy than she expected and she soon found herself being guided by her dutiful dwarven prince, back to bed after nearly collapsing at the washroom door. "Amralime…." Kili huffed as he placed her on the mattress having barely caught her before she hit the floor. Always overdoing it.

"As if your any different." Tauriel sighed as she positioned herself as best she could to be comfortable and pulled her still sleeping son to her chest. She followed Kili with her eyes as he climbed into bed and pulled them both close.

It had truly been a trying few days, first an earthquake, falling into the ground, finding a subterranean orc-ran city that was once a lost elven civilization, liberating said city, and almost losing Fili. Truthfully, after thinking about it, Tauriel feels as if a bit of restricted living may be exactly what she needs. Especially, if it entails more time with Kili. Maybe she can talk him into teaching her how to do some of his own trade.

That would have to wait for tomorrow, when she can finally stay out of bed long enough to check on Fili, see Nyaunni, and help the family with introducing the dwarves who had been captured or bred by orcs, to find normalcy and a freedom they may never had had before. "I want to see Fili." Tauriel whispered against Kili's neck, already half asleep.

"He should be awake tomorrow, amralime. Sleep. We will see him first thing after you wake up." Kili looked down at his wife, but she was already lost to the waking world. He chuckled, pulled the blanket up over all three of them, and closed his eyes to join her.

In the next room over, Viltarra was pressing her lips to Fili's head as she hummed softly. It was somehow a comforting sound to her, likely because Fili always hummed whenever he was happy, or engrossed in something. She often wondered if he realized he was even doing it, or if it was some unconscious thing he had always done.

"Is there anything else you may need dear?" Dis placed her empty plate on the tray Vin was taking to the kitchen. Most of the family was in here, including Naurfaer who had gone into check on Tauriel and Kili once he finally got back to the wing. But they were both fast asleep by the time he got there, so he opted to come in here and join them for a late dinner.

As Naurfaer ate the meal Dis had passed to him, Oin checked on Fili and spent quite a bit of time looking him over. He checked out though, not needing so much as one stitch. So Viltarra, with Dis's help, got him cleaned up and changed into something more comfortable than burlap. Once Fili was situated, Oin insisted on checking Viltarra as well who argued that she was fine.

But Oin refused to let down, and a rather displeased Viltarra was checked over, and though she was in desperate need of rest and liquids, she was completely fine. With nobody else to see too in this room, Oin excused himself saying he would be back in the morning to see how Fili was progressing, and to check on Nyaunni and Tauriel.

"I am fine Dis, thank you." Viltarra finally answered as she sat back, full and content as she practiced braids in Fili's golden hair.

"Would you like us to stay gem?" Tarrah asked, as she noticed her daughter falling to sleep as she sat with Fili's head in her lap, and Hiril already asleep at her side.

"No mama." The younger dam hummed causing Tarrah to smile as she stood to leave, pushing her husband from the room. "Goodnight then, love. We will be back before first bell."

Dis and Naurfaer followed them out knowing there was no reason for them to stay if Oin felt Fili was fine. They would only be crowding the resting pair, and it would do nothing good for any of them. So Dis bid everyone a goodnight, knowing Thorin would be likely talking to Nyaunni for a bit, and walked to her suite.

But was the dam beyond surprised to see her brother pacing around his room with the door wide open as he grumbled to himself. What could possibly have him so upset? Of course the answer to that could only be Nyaunni, considering that is where she assumed him to be. What was he up to now?

Knocking on the open door, Dis followed her brother with her eyes until he stopped and looked at her. "How is Fili? I just checked in on Tauriel and both her and Kili are resting."

"Fili is still asleep, but Oin believes he will wake in the morning." Dis folded her arms and lifted a brow. "What happened?"

"What do you mean, what happened?" Thorin turned from his sister and went to move to his desk to get some late-night work done, but Dis stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.

"Thorin, you know what I mean." Dis sighed. "What happened with Nyaunni? Is she alright?"

Thorin turned away and began shuffling through parchment on his desk with his back to her. "Nyaunni is fine. She is probably sleeping."

"Probably?" Dis lifted a brow and folded her arms. "Thorin, do you mean to tell me, that the dam you spent nearly every waking moment with for the first thirty years of your life…then countless years searching for….is just down the hall as we speak…and you are what? In your room, working?"

"Dis…" Thorin growled, turning his narrowed blue eyes to his sister. "We just had a group of dwarves who I have no idea what clans they came from, or if they had spent their entire lives in that place, enter this mountain with no real knowledge of how long or even if they are staying. Not to mention the fact we have to prepare ourselves for, and possibly try and get ahead, of the ramifications which may come from a people who has lived under persecution, terror, and whatever other horrors that befell them in that city…and you think I should be elsewhere?"

"I think you can spend ONE night thinking about yourself, Thorin, and about what Nyaunni wants." Dis took the piece of parchment out of Thorin's hand and placed it back on the desk. "Why are you here, Thorin? What happened?"

"NOTHING?! Just, let it be Dis." Thorin yelled as he pushed past his sister and stormed to the opposite side of the room where he began stoking his fire, though it did not need anything as it was roaring already.

Should she go? Probably. But one thing Dis knows about her brother, is he will put everything before himself. He had to nearly his entire life. Thorin was the oldest, and with that, he was molded and formed through pressure and high expectations. Though he loved his family, there was only two people in all of Dis's life that Thorin seemed to be able to relax around, two beings who can get the salty, surly, dwarven king to open up.

One was Tauriel. That eleth captured Thorin's heart through deep personal sacrifice, and an open need for familial love. She came to Ered Luin humble, open, and willing to adopt any and all of their traditions just for a chance to be with Kili. Of course they accepted the eleth, and Dis thinks Thorin got to know her and her heart as he did what was considered the fathers responsibility, teach the young Khuzdul, passing on their ancestors language and the importance of it.

Thorin went beyond teaching her Khuzdul though, and spent time working with Tauriel in the forge, further getting to know her and instruct her. Though Balin was her tutor for that first year, Thorin, was her parental guide. Of course, Tauriel is over 600 years old, making her just over 400 years Thorin's senior, yet…her mindset and heart is much closer to Kili's age. Which makes sense for a people who live to immortality.

Dis expected her brother to harbor resentment, separation, and coldness to an elf, but instead, he calls her his daughter more often than not. She even believes Thorin talks to Tauriel far more than he talks to anyone else, herself included. Tauriel can also quite easily cool Thorin's temper and make him see things he may otherwise had not. It truly was a wonder.

The only other being in all of Dis's life that she can remember having a similar affect on her brother, was Nyaunni. As long as Dis could remember, Thorin has always had a severeness about him. Now Frerin, Frerin was the jokester and troublemaker of the family. He was allowed to be though, because no matter what, all of the responsibility given by their grandfather, fell on Thorin's shoulders.

Yet, though Dis was very, very young, she remembers several instances where she came into the family sitting room to find Thorin in the throes of laughter with Nyaunni by his side. She also recalls quite vividly that Thorin always seemed more relaxed, and open around Nyaunni, far more then he had ever been with any of the family or his other friends. Then she remembers the pain and loss he felt when he believed his closest friend was lost to him.

For years, decades even, Thorin searched for Nyaunni. Every clan he visited, every city with dwarves in it, every settlement, Thorin would search for the dam. Dis knew Thorin felt something for Nyaunni, but they were so very young, even then. Thorin never outright told her, but she had a good impression that her mother and father were expecting Thorin to marry Nyaunni.

It would make sense, considering Thorin was a direct descendant of Durin, and Nyaunni, was a direct descendant of Uri. Both were first fathers of the dwarven people, and their union would bring clans together in a way that had not been done in generations. However, Smaug not only took their mountain, but with it, Thorin's future.

At least until three years ago, when a group of thirteen dwarves, one hobbit, a wizard, and an elf marched to Erebor to take it back. Now the mountain was theirs once more and Thorin, on the throne he deserved. As if that miracle was not enough, the one dam who Thorin was attached to was mysteriously found alive, and is down the hall right now.

Well, now they have their mountain, it was time, for Thorin to get his chance with Nyaunni. The only trick is, getting her brother to see past his stubbornness. Tauriel may have a way with Thorin, but Dis does as well, and she will not let her brother throw this chance away. Not when she could help it.

Which was why, Dis moved and sat herself directly on Thorin's bed, folded her arms, and stared at her brother. Eventually, the dwarven king and head of the family, finished his unnecessary poking of the fire, and looked exasperatedly at his sister. "What do you want, Dis?"

Dis placed her hands in her lap and simply stared at Thorin for several seconds as she decided on the best route to take to get her ram-headed brother to listen. She could get Naurfaer…no…no. That was too hasty, and cause Thorin to close up even more. No. Naurfaer will be a last resort. Maybe, something Nyaunni said has Thorin closing up already though. "Did Nyaunni say something, Thorin? I know how you feel about her." Dis gave Thorin a small smile. "I know about the small portrait, Thorin."

"Dis, we were dwarflings, both of us, you can't possibly believe I had any feelings but friendship and fondness towards her." Thorin stared into the fire, really not wanting to be talking about this. "Not to mention, she has spent the majority of her life in captivity. The last thing she needs is to be hunted by males."

"First off, Thorin Oakenshield, you have never been one for lying, so do not start now. We get one chance in this life to find the one soul who completes us. Many fail, but some are fortunate enough to have taken a risk and opened their heart to let another see them for who they really are." Dis cocked her head to the side and looked at Thorin who had turned his head just enough to look sideways at her. "Nyaunni knew you, Thorin, in a way most did not. Sure, we were all young back them, me most of all, but still, I remember how you were with her. She, was your match, Thorin."

"That was nearly 200 years ago, Dis." Thorin sighed. "We have all changed, Nyaunni, me, you. All of us. We are not the same as we were."

"And we will continue to change until our time on this world is up, Thorin." Dis huffed. "It is called, living, and we are not done with it yet. We still have plenty of time left in us, we must make the best of it while we can."

Thorin huffed and rubbed his temples, then looked to the ground. "Nyaunni said something similar."

"What did she say, Thorin?" Dis asked, sliding off the bed and walking towards her brother.

Thorin stared at her, then sat on one of the tall-backed chairs by the fire. "I had told her I had never found anyone, and she had said she hadn't either. But then said that we had plenty of time yet to find someone since we were, as you just said, still living."

"That is it?" Dis asked, clearly exasperated. "That, is why you are in here pouting?"

"POUTING? Dis…I am NOT pouting." Thorin growled, folding his arms and glaring at her. "I have work to do, so I came here, to do it."

"Came here, instead of spending time with the dam who you have been pining over since birth, Thorin." Dis shot back, matching his glare perfectly.

"Ohhh, now this makes much more sense." Matching blue eyes stared into the still open door where Naurfaer was leaning casually against the frame while sipping what was likely tea and watching with his amused, light-green, eyes.

"Not a good time, Naurfaer." Dis shook her head as Thorin threw his hands up in frustration and marched over to his desk, sitting hard in the chair and astutely ignoring them both.

The taller elf looked a bit taken aback, though he did eye Thorin curiously before gesturing to his cup. "I brought tea, but I fear something stronger may be necessary." He chuckled and lifted a brow. "Anything I can help with?"

"NO!" Thorin yelled out, staring hard at the elf. "There is nothing to discuss…" He leveled a glare at his sister, "…and NOTHING to help with. Now, if you two do not mind, I have work to do, please shut the door on your way out."

"Come on, Naurfaer. Thorin clearly is in a trollish mood. I think I will pass on the tea, and take you up on something stronger." Dis shook her head at her brother, grabbed Naurfaer by the elbow, and dragged the elf from the volatile dwarven king's room. She made sure, however, to give his door an extra loud slam as she left. Stupid, idiotic, brother.

As she entered the kitchen, Dis began hunting through cabinets, slamming them shut as she searched for something stronger than ale, and maybe something sweet to go with it. Finally finding what she was looking for, she grabbed two glasses, and put them, the bottle, and some of Vin's leftover cookies on the table before sitting in one of the chairs beside Naurfaer who was already pouring them a drink.

"Care to unload?" Naurfaer asked, sitting back and sipping the sweet dwarven brandy. This race was a marvel to him sometimes, because never in all his years, has he come across a brandy as sweet and smooth as dwarven brandy. In fact, most of their self-made alcoholic beverages, were sweet, and often it was deceivingly mild until a few glasses in and one realized they were already far too gone. Not that he got that way, it took much more than a few glasses of even this, to bring him down.

Dis sighed as she nibbled on a cookie. "Maybe, I should just let it be. Thorin is old enough to make decisions for himself."

Naurfaer hummed in agreement. "That he is, but where would the fun be in that." He took a sip of brandy then sat the glass on the table, running the tip of his finger around the rim as he thought about Thorin and Nyaunni. "If I caught on right, there may have been something between the two, Nyaunni and Thorin."

"There was something. But Thorin was right, it was very long ago, and even my memories are scattered and few of those days." She placed her chin on her palm as she watched Naurfaer pour her another glass.

"And now?" He asked as he slid the glass back to Dis.

The dam shrugged and knocked the drink back, swallowing it down in just a few gulps. "I really have no idea how she feels about my brother, but, I believe he cares deeply for her, in his own way."

"Maybe they just need time then, Dis." Naurfaer gave her a smile, and the dam looked a bit taken aback. "Then if that doesn't work, we force them." He wagged his brows and finished his entire glass in one go.

"There it is." Dis smirked. "For a moment, I thought something had come over you, Naurfaer." She stood and put the now mostly empty bottle back in the cabinet before turning back to the elf, already feeling the calming effects the booze was having on her system. "I think I will retire. It has been a long day, and we have a lot to do tomorrow."

Naurfaer hummed and nodded. "Good night then, Dis." He watched her go as he grabbed another cookie, studying it for a moment. He will have to get to know Nyaunni, and see for himself, if there is a connection. This will certainly be fun.

With something to look forward to, Naurfaer placed his glass in the sink, and made for his room to continue working on the dual gifts he was making his granddaughter, and Viltarra. New love, and new life. He could not wait to see what the next day brings.

Authors Note: I am really too tired to make any serous comments. Also…the next chapter may take me a bit. I don't think it is finished and I believe I have reached the end of what I have written. Sigh. I hate doing that. Anyway. Hang in there, more to come. Goodnight! XOXOXO