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.

50. ACT IV Chapter THIRTEEN

AUTHORS NOTE!: So apparently, it was brought to my attention this morning, that somehow, chapter 8 of ACT II was COMPLETELY erased from the story and replaced with ACT III chapter eight. Which is a MASSIVE annoyance because ACT II Chapter 8 is HUGE. In fact, I think it is one of the LONGEST chapters in this entire story to day…or was at one point. Plus it is an important chapter. It is all fixed up now, but I am sorry for any confusion that caused…because it really would make things super confusing considering suddenly Kili has memories, and Toki just suddenly appears out of nowhere than disappears, only to reappear again, lol. Hopefully that won't happen again.

ANYWAY! Here is another chapter for you guys. This ACT is kind of a long one, because I like to make things difficult and drawn out. :D

That's just how I rollllll. See you at the end!

Chapter Thirteen

Thorin stared at the parchment he had been trying to read for the better part of two hours. It had something to do with food stores in Erebor and a report of how much they can produce and what their capacity currently is verses what it had potential to be. Bombur had written it up at Thorin's request, but Thorin was having a difficult time focusing on it. Truthfully, he was having a difficult time focusing on anything recently.

Sitting back in his chair, Thorin gave up on trying to read the report and just let it fall to the desk. Between coming to a decision about the attacked on Nyaunni with Bard, planning the craft fair which was happening at this very moment deep in his mountain, and making plans with Balin and expert builder, Gilbyk, to reinforce parts of Erebor to withstand any possible earthshakes in the future, Thorin has been going from one meeting, to the next, with little time in-between.

In fact, he had even fallen asleep in his office two nights in a row having been trying to catch up with everything he fell behind in when he was searching for his nephews and Tauriel. It had nothing to do with Nyaunni…nothing at all. Thorin rubbed the bridge of his nose, feeling a tension headache coming on. Nyaunni, was currently not speaking to him. Again.

Movement on the desk caught his eye, and Thorin eyed the tiny dragon…fellbeast…curled up on a teacup saucer on his desk. Though he spent most of his days with Nyaunni, it never failed that at some point in the day, the tiny creature found Thorin and spent a bit of time with him. At first, it annoyed the surly king who had enough on his plate not to have to deal with a creature he knew nothing about. But the more time he had it, the more he realized it really did not need much looking after. For the most part, it just stayed either on his shoulder, or on the desk as he worked.

It only made sounds when it wanted food, and ate eagerly at whatever Thorin gave it; usually fruits and vegetables from his plate. Otherwise, it slept a lot, like any infant Thorin supposed. He sighed deeply and leaned forward, bracing his arms on his desk as he thought about his current, rather complicated, predicament. He should not have lost his temper with Nya last week, but she just would not listen. He rubbed his eyes tiredly, recalling the heated discussion, and wonders if their once beautiful friendship has become as brittle as corroded iron. Where did he go wrong?

Thorin quite remembers the morning after dinner, he was rather eager to not only see her, but to give back her tiny creature who had been hiding in his hair since he dressed that morning.

With a small smile, Thorin gave his sister a kiss on the cheek in passing; she was headed to a meeting with Henningur and Tórhethin to begin preparation for re-opening the school. Most of the debris had been cleared and they had worked hard on restructuring the area with additional supports for safety. Both masters Henninger and Tórhethin had also requested a few updates and addition to the clean-up, which Thorin thought were well within their abilities to accommodate, so he had a team get to work on the approved request.

He even received an eager hug from his grandson, Finli, who was regaling Thorin with a tale in his own toddler language. Neither Thorin, nor Kili or Tauriel could make hammers or nails of what the tot was saying so instead they all nodded and smiled along with his clear excitement. "And where are you two off to?" Thorin asked when Finli seemed to finish his story.

"We're taking Fin to see Maryn and Galaddal." Kili accepted his son back from his uncle who was giving them both a look so Kili added, "Don't worry, Tauriel will not be leaving the mountain. But Oin said she can visit the stables, as long as she does not get on a horse, or tend to them. I believe he said, observing only."

Tauriel grumbled and rolled her eyes but otherwise made no argument about her inability to do anything, which Thorin thought was for the best, which he said a such eliciting a glare from the eleth he loved like a daughter. "It is only for a brief time, Nâtha." He gave her a smile then looked at the pair. "I will be in and out, I have several meetings today, as will your mother. So I will have meals brought up as we will likely not be eating together until I can catch up with some work. If you need anything, please send for me."

"Of course uncle. Let me know if I can help at all." Kili tightened his arms around Finli who had his thumb once again, in his mouth. Thorin wonders if it will be a habit that will be difficult to break, but since he was so young, he didn't say anything. When Kili and Tauriel were ready to help him get past the comforting gesture, they will.

Thorin smiled as he clapped Kili on the shoulder. "Thank you Kili, but I want your focus to be on your family for the time being. The mountain should be fine for a week or so. We are mostly just doing some restructuring work anyway. I do have some bad news for you though, the mines may take some more time to re-open. I know you were looking forward to beginning to work them, but until we know they are safe and sound, we will not be allowing access to them. I will let you know what I find out."

Tauriel looked from Kili to Thorin. "Are they in such disrepair?"

"Aye." Thorin nodded. "Smaug's attack had many shafts completely caved, and others purely inaccessible due to piles of rubble at the entranceway. We had hopes for those shafts, but when we finely cleared the stone away, we found fractures in the supports. It would not take much for those to completely fail, so until we get them refitted with new supports and assess the damage further in, I will not allow anyone down there. It would be nothing short of a death sentence."

"Oh." Tauriel looked to Kili with worry. Her husband was rather excited to begin pulling gems and jewels from the mountain, but she had no desire to see Kili in any form of danger. Not now, not ever. "It is of course, for the best."

Kili nodded his agreement with his wife, adding, "I trust your judgment uncle, thoroughly. I am eager to see what treasures Erebor's walls hold, but I absolutely am not eager to put my life or any others at risk. When it is safe, we will begin mining. If I may ask though…" Kili began, Thorin nodding for him to continue. "May I be put on the planning team? I am not asking to go into the mine myself before it is deemed sound, I know I am no structural expert, but I would like to be on the team to help with planning and preparing the reopening as strictly a surveyor."

Thorin nodded with a smile. "Consider it done. I will speak to Gilbyk, he has given me some names of a few dwarves who have experience in reopening collapsed mines. I will keep you informed and have him contact you."

"Thank you, uncle." Kili gave Thorin a grateful nod, then sent his wife a reassuring smile. He read her well enough to see the worry in her emerald eyes, so he adjusted Finli so he was holding him with one arm, and took Tauriel's hand. "Do not worry amralime, I will be there on a consulting basis only. I won't be going into any mines for quite some time."

"You are absolutely correct on that." Thorin spoke before Tauriel could say anything. "Worry not Nâtha, I have no plans on allowing Kili near anything dangerous. Now, I want to speak to Nyaunni before I have to go to a meeting which I am already going to be late for. Please call if you need me." The pair and the toddler nodded and continued on their way as Thorin walked up to Nyaunni's door and knocked softly.

"Nya?" He waited several minutes until the door opened and Nyaunni peeked out, then stepped aside and let Thorin through when she realized who it was.

"I thought you were going to be Naurfaer. He seems rather eager to have breakfast and tea quite often." Nyaunni turned from Thorin and went back to her mirror where she continued to attempt to tame her wild curls. "How I wish I had a third hand, if I was forced to have this hair, I should be compensated properly with the adequate limbs to manage it now that I am in civilized society again."

Thorin chuckled and stepped up beside her, taking the comb and gesturing to the mess of hair on her head. "May I?"

"Please." Nyaunni sighed as Thorin moved to stand behind her, and assessed the red curls.

Slowly, the dwarven king began working to tame the mess, opting to use his fingers over the comb which seemed to have been doing nothing but making things worse. "How have you managed this before you came to Erebor?"

"With a hat." Nyaunni said with a huff. "There is no managing this hair, so I wet it, and stuffed it in a hat as often as I could."

Thorin chuckled as he easily got the curls separated and under control, then braided it back out of her face for her. It did not take long before Thorin was stepping back and Nyaunni was gaping at his quick work. "How did you do that?"

Thorin smirked. "My mother was killed when Smaug came, and my father and grandfather were certainly not present. So taking care of my brother and sister became my responsibility. Though Frerin could manage himself, Dis could not, and it fell on me to help her with her hair. Then there is Kili. He has never been good at managing that mess on his head, so I helped Dis as much as I can with teaching Kili how to look the part of a prince." Thorin sighed and shook his head. "Unfortunately, my lessons in that particular area never took, as Kili still has a rather wild look to him. Though his wife does aid in keeping him presentable when necessary."

Nyaunni nodded as she looked at herself in the mirror, suddenly a bit…uncomfortable with the fact that with her hair back, her scar sat much more prominently on her face. Nothing she could do about that though, so she stepped back with a smile only to come face to face with Uri who was being held in front of her by Thorin. "This…is yours."

Chuckling, Nyaunni accepted her fellbeast and rolled her eyes as Uri turned and cried out in protest when Thorin stepped away. "Hey now no need to be testy, am I nothing?" She grabbed the now nearly empty jar of grubs from the table, which got Uri's attention, quieting him instantly as she began to feed him. As she did, she looked to Thorin. "Thank you for watching him last night. I went nearly into a frenzy when I realized I was missing something, and that something was not in my pocket; then I saw your note." She indicated to the open bit of parchment on the table. "I appreciate that you returned him quite alive."

Thorin rolled his eyes. "When he woke me up several hours before dawn, I nearly broke my promise. Who knew such a creature acted little different than an infant."

"He is an infant Thorin." Nyaunni huffed, but smiled softly none the less. "But, thank you. It was quite kind of you."

Thorin nodded and watched as Nyaunni fed the tiny beast until its stomach was full and it fell to sleep in her hands. "What are your plans today?"

Before she could answer, there was a knock on the door. At first, Thorin was annoyed, considering it was likely Naurfaer on the other side, but instead, it was Oin who made his way in with his bag and a good morning. "Sorry teh intrude, bu' I wanted teh check yer stitches."

Nyaunni shifted uncomfortably then nodded. She hated being tended to like she has been now that she is back in Erebor, it was not something she was used to. "If you must."

"He most certainly does." Thorin said pushing Nyaunni in a chair and stepping back as Oin patiently waited for the clearly annoyed Nyaunni to lift her tunic and show the injury, a very red, angry looking injury. "NYA!" Thorin growled just as Oin shook his head.

"Lass, this is well on its way to an infection if it no' already there. Yeh have no' been restin' as ya should." Oin poked at the wound causing Nyaunni to hiss. She had not noticed it getting bad, but she was used to pains and injuries…they came with the territory of her work in the nursery. Infection…however…was something she rarely had. "I will 'ave teh remove yer stitches and clean this again lass."

Nyaunni grumbled but nodded her head. This is really the last thing she wanted to happen. But she sat as still as she could as the healer went to work, removing sutures, cleaning, then re-suturing the wound. "I would advise yeh to not be movin' around so much. If this is teh heal, yeh got to rest. Understood?"

Nyaunni gave a short and rather curt nod of her head as the healer left with little more instructions. He was rather used to dealing with stubborn folk by now, and was not in the mood to preach to someone who will likely do as they please anyway.

Pulling her tunic back down, Nyaunni rose, wincing at the fresh soreness, and moved to grab her vest. "Nya…I want you to stay here. Stay and rest." Thorin folded his arms, his words a stern warning rather than a warm suggestion.

Nyaunni though, was not having it. "I have things I wish to see to today Thorin. I will be fine."

"You have an infection Nyaunni. You are not fine." Thorin huffed out in frustration.

"So what…are YOU going to sit here and make sure I sit and be still like a good little dwarfling? Go tend to your mountain Thorin, I will be alright." Nyaunni placed a satchel she found in the market around her shoulder and let it fall at her waist. Inside she placed the remains of the jar of grubs then slipped Uri into the bag before realizing Thorin was glaring at her.

"Where do you think you are going?" Thorin stood rigid. He, for the life of him, could not fathom what was so pressing, that Nyaunni would forgo her own health to see to whatever it was she felt was necessary right now. She had no responsibilities in Erebor, no meetings or tasks to attend to. Though she did have her larger creature in the stables…great Mahal above…she could not possibly be going there, could she? That was not a good place to be if you have an infection.

"I have to see to Dajnel…" So he was right…the stable. "…then I want to speak to the dwarves from Minam, as you asked me to do last evening. Or have you forgotten?"

"No, but there is no rush for that Nya, and I can have others speak to them on your behalf, or I can speak to Taughin. You have nothing to worry about, but yourself Nyaunni." Thorin could see Nyaunni getting frustrated, but he pushed on. "And I do not want you to go to the stables until you are deemed well enough to do so by Oin, consider it off limits. We have plenty of others to tend to your creatures. Just write down what needs to be done, and it will be taken care of. You just remain here until you are well."

It was not so much the suggestion Thorin made, but rather his tone that set Nyaunni off. "EXCUSE ME!" The dam narrowed her eyes at Thorin. "In what way do you have the right to tell me what I cannot do? You are not my father, Thorin!"

"No, I am not! But your father is gone Nyaunni, so somebody has to remind you that you have limitations, and I forbid you to put yourself in any further harm, so I stick to what I said, the stables are off limits. Do I make myself clear?" Thorin's temper was getting the best of him. He cared too much about Nyaunni to see her in any more pain, but what he did not realize, was he was only making her pain worse with each word he shouted.

"FORBID ME?!" Nyaunni cried out in frustration. "Oh of course. You are the king, are you not? And this, your mountain? But let me make something crystal clear…I, am NOT yours to command Thorin! I WILL NOT sit here and be forbade from anything, you self-righteous DRAGON! You, are just like your grandfather, power hungry and controlling."

"DRAGON!" Thorin roared. "How DARE you call ME a dragon! You have NO idea what I have been through, all because of a dragon. You have no IDEA of the hardships, the pain, and the loss I have suffered. You know NOTHING of that pain Nyaunni! Nothing." Thorin cleared the distance between them and glared down angerly at the dam who met his expression head on. "I find it rich, that a dam who surrounds herself with dragonlike creatures, finds the insult to be so fitting. Fine. Do as you wish Nyaunni. Go to the stables, go to the markets, leave this mountain for all I care! But know this, what you have called me, could not be further from the truth. I am not, nor will I ever be, my grandfather."

With that, Thorin turned on his toes, marched out of the room, and slammed the door shut behind him. He was hurt, far more hurt than he ever thought he could be. As Thorin marched past the guards whom he ignored, he paused and stared at the gold floor, the one piece of tangible proof that he was filled with a deep sickness, one that was broken. But he never overcame it, he failed. The only reason he was who he was right now, was because Naurfaer destroyed the Arkenstone. Would he have broken the curse on his mind on his own? And if he did, would the sickness just keep plaguing him until that stone was destroyed if ever? Those were questions that haunted Thorin even to this day. But one thing he was certain of, and it was that he was not his grandfather. He will never, be his grandfather.

Shaking the despair of her words from his head, Thorin stomped to his office, closed the door, and threw himself into his work. Nyaunni could do what she wants, she has made it quite clear, his words mean nothing to her.

Now, a week later, sighing and resting his brow in the palm of his hands, Thorin does now realize he may have been just as much in the wrong. Being called a dragon, was probably one of the greatest insults anyone could have thrown at him. But, what he said to her, was inexcusable. Nyaunni lost her father, because of the dragon, she lost her freedom, because of the dragon. What is more, the dragon came because of his grandfather; his grandfather, is in many ways to blame for the carnage Smaug unleashed when he came for Thror's hoard. But even as he realized it, the despair hit him harder. She knew all this, yet she still called him a dragon, she still said that he was his grandfather. So in a way, does Nyaunni blame him for her pain?

Running his hands through his hair, Thorin sat stewing. That was nearly a week ago, and he had seen none of Nyaunni since then, but he knew she had not left Erebor which did calm him a bit…at least, she has not left yet. She would never leave her fellbeasts, and both where at present, still in the mountain. Yet, neither of the two has made any effort in seeing the other in any way.

At this point, he was unsure if HE was avoiding her, or SHE him. Running a mountain, was far less complicated than whatever he had, or did not have with Nyaunni. She has made it perfectly clear, she did not want him. "It will never be, and perhaps that is for the best." Thorin picked up the parchment, forcing himself to push down his emotions and focus. He had work to do.

Kili smiled as he stood before a group of fifteen dwarves who were all watching him eagerly. "Gemming, is not something you can easily throw yourself into. It takes time and patience as you hone your muscles to be able to work with precious metals and delicate designs." He internally cringed as he could hear Gilhor's voice in his instruction. Mahal, when did he become the teacher he tried to avoid?

The young prince could see his wife across the space showing off one of the bows her and Fili had completed earlier in the week when they were given a full bill of health from Oin who praised Mahal for nearly ten whole minutes when he discovered the two had actually heeded his advice, and rested. Not once did either try and leave the royal suites for three full days. Which was mostly thanks to Kili and Viltarra who kept their spouses occupied and engaged, though Kili did take Tauriel to see Galaddal each day, which Oin had said was allowed as long as she did not ride him.

They had also all helped Thorin from the suites with planning a craft fair, something usually done with young dwarflings as part of their learning and instruction, but would also serve as a means to showcase what kind of crafts were available in Erebor for the dwarves who were just liberated from captivity; many of which had never known what it was like to live in a civilized settlement.

To nobody's surprise, the majority of the dwarves from Minam chose to integrate themselves into Erebor, but many had either been abducted when they were young, or they had been born in Minam…never once knowing freedom. So it was decided a presentation of jobs available in Erebor be set up not just for the new inhabitants of the mountain, but for the dwarflings as well.

Even Oin had his own area, hoping to add some interested minds to his somewhat small team of healers. Thorin had recently agreed to give the healer the means to expand his halls. With so many dwarves filling Erebor now, Oin needed more space to not only treat, but to train the next generation of healers.

"Master Kili…" One of the dwarves began…

"That is, prince Kili, Krute." One of the elder dwarves from Minam corrected quickly. "Prince Kili is the nephew of the king, so his title is absolute."

Kili smiled wide. "Kili is fine, what would you like to ask, Krute?"

The young dwarf looked to the elder one, then back at Kili. "Where do the gems come from? Do you really mine here?"

Kili shook his head. "Not yet, but we are hoping to have our mining facilities up and running by next year. They were extensively destroyed by the dragon, and much of it was irreparable. So we have had to start from scratch. Eventually, we will be mining here though, and all manner of gems and metals from sapphires to diamonds and rubies to moonstone, emeralds, and I am told…gems many races do not even have names for. We also have gold, silver, and iron in these stone walls just waiting to be pulled, refined, and turned into something to build, wear, or defend with." He smiled proudly and continued. "Did you know that Erebor was once one of the largest producers of raw mithril?" Krute shook his head. "We once held great stores of it when my great grandfather reined. Erebor is ripe for the plucking, as her veins have sat to collect for far too long. But until it is safe, we use what we currently have available in our stores…which is in no way lacking. Great question Krute."

"Is he really part elf?" Came another question, and Kili followed they gaze of the eldest dwarf in this group to his son, who was currently sitting at Kili's feet scribbling on a piece of parchment. Though he did look up and smile wide at Kili as if he knew his father was watching him.

Finli lifted his paper high, which was not even past Kili's knee in reality, and beamed with pride. "Kaw, Da."

Kili chuckled and nodded. "I love it, wonderful job Fin." He then looked to the dwarf who was watching the interaction with narrowed eyes…as if he was trying to search for any indications this toddler was anything but pure dwarf. "I am sorry, I do not know your name, but yes. My son has both elvish blood, and dwarvish."

The old dwarf scrunched his nose. "An there is another heir to be born? One from the elder prince? His wife is of the dwarves, I saw her, lovely dam she is, and quite fit. Good hips too. She will birth great sons to the future king."

Kili sighed and stared hard at the dwarf. "I am here to answer questions on my craft, not on my son or my family. But I can assure you, that both my wife, and my children, are fully accepted by Erebor, Mahal, and the dwarven lords. Anyone who has a problem with it, is welcome to find elsewhere to live. Now, does anyone have a question about working with gems and jeweling…or would you like to move on?"

Several hands went up, and Kili happily answered any questions thrown at him that were not about Finli or Tauriel. He hazarded a peek at his wife who was miraculously on her knees while she helped Hillanna hold her bow. The young dam was laughing as Tauriel tickled her elbow which needed to be raised a bit.

Kili could not hear what was being said as the little dam had whispered something in his wife's ear, but he did watch as she nodded, then used a table to pull herself up before she accepted her bow back. His entire group followed his gaze as Tauriel stood straight, and pulled an arrow. Then she took several paces back, knocked, and released directly at the center of a target she had brought.

Hillanna clapped excitedly which caused Kili to smile, but he laughed when Toki demanded to try himself. Tauriel smirked and handed the dwarfling her bow, but not an arrow. She would never give such a sharp object to a dwarfling or anyone who did not have some understanding of the weapon.

Even from across the hall, Kili could hear Tauriel tell Toki that if he could draw the bow, she would help him shoot it.

"She is not going to let him actually shoot that, is she?" The same old dwarf who had just scrutinized his son for having elvish blood, was now giving Tauriel a worried look.

"Of course she aint." Naglur huffed. He was the one leading this group from station to station in the hall where the Ukdam had once stayed. "She won' even let us shoot yet and we 'ave been practicin' for two days now."

Kili shook his head. Toki could barely even hold up the bow while reaching both the grip and the string. Even if he possessed unnatural super-strength, he lacked the arm length to do anything but hold the bow. Though…he was impressed by the dwarflings almost perfect stance…and it seemed Tauriel was as well, and she told him as such.

Tauriel then laughed and nodded after one of the older dwarves in her group said something that got lost in the sounds of activity around them. But he, and his group, watched as Tauriel handed the dwarf a gold coin from her pocket and proceeded to stand back. "Go ahead." He heard her call out, and she pulled another arrow.

Kili watched proudly as the dwarf threw the coin high in the air before Tauriel even knocked her arrow and drew. But that did not matter at all, as fast as lightening, his elven wife both knocked the arrow and shot it, hitting the center of the target. What was more impressive, was the fact that the gold coin which had been thrown, was also now at the center of the target, pierced through the middle by the sharp arrow.

A round of cheers filled the air, even Finli clapping his little hands and giggling at Kili's feet, the toddler seeing his mother through the gaps in the group in front of him.

"How do I sign up fer that?" Kili smiled at one of the young dams from Minam who was watching Tauriel with deep fascination in her eyes.

"Tha' would be with lady Tauriel, lass. She is a fierce instructor, who will make yeh do laps until yeh die if yeh cross her. But…there ain' no better teacher." Naglur said, knowing full well he deserved any punishment he got.

"Well, I think I would like that to be what I do. No offence prince Kili, but I have spent too much of me life unable to protect meself. I want to learn how to do what she did, and keep others from my fate." Before she was dismissed, the dam left the group and greeted Tauriel who smiled wide and handed her the bow after the young dam gestured to it and the target.

"Elves turnin' dwarves into elves. Never thought this day would come." The old dwarf sighed, but not cruelly. He could not completely hide the impressed look he was giving the elf who had handed the dam a second bow, and was showing her how to hold it.

It was Krute, however, who brought a revolted look to the old dwarf's face when the young dwarf sighed and dreamily asked…"Where can I get an elf like her?"

"I don' think there is anyone like her laddie, elf or no." Naglur laughed as Kili nodded in agreement. His wife was truly one of a kind.

Drawing attention back to him, Kili moved on and continued to show them what can be done with gems. All in all, Kili ended up with nearly two dozen dwarves and a few dams who wanted to learn the delicate art of making jewels.

"How many did you get, Fi?" Kili asked as he sat on the forge counter swinging his legs as his brother and wife put some things away when they had finished presentations.

"Not a whole lot, maybe five or six. But I referred them all to Valkorh, the master of the main forge room. He has dedicated areas to teach forging as well as several instructors under him. I believe he had nearly fifty signed up by the end of the night including a few dwarflings from the older class, a dozen from Minam, and some of the dwarves in Erebor who either wish to change crafts, or had not yet decided on what they wanted to do when they came from other clans."

"I heard Bofur got himself quite a few interested in toy making." Kili said, grabbing Finli before he could chase a spider under the counter. "I also saw Vin have quite the line."

"That's because da brought enough cookies to feed the entirety of middle earth." Viltarra rolled her eyes as she handed Fili his hammer to place back on the wall with the rest of his tools. "Mama said it was his idea to bring interest to our craft, but I call it needless bribery." She did not like a lot of people in her family's bakery because it made it hard to get around, despite the space being as large as it is. Now, she will have to work around dwarves who are likely only there to eat their goods, rather than learn how to bake and sell them.

Fili smiled knowingly at his wife. "You are just mad because you don't like others in your area…and Vin practically invited the entire mountain to learn how to bake." Viltarra's answering glare would have made Thorin proud.

"Well, I happen to know there were quite a few dwarves interested in signing up with Tauriel. Well done, amralime. You had me wanting to sign up for archery myself, and I already know how to shoot." Kili beamed at his wife who was smirking.

"You need to work on lifting your elbow and keeping it straight." Tauriel teased causing Kili to scowl. "There is nothing wrong with improving one's skill through further lessons, meleth nin."

Fili snickered as he leaned against the counter beside his wife, folding his arms. "Except the both of you would only spend a quarter of the time actually working on improving, and the rest, adding to your family."

Tauriel turned her flashing emerald eyes to Fili. But since she could not necessarily dispute the fact, she simply pierced her lips and turned away from her brother to finish putting her own things back in her workstation in the forge. She also now had a workspace in Kili's office as well. He had wanted a place for her so she can spend time with him, while they both could do some work outside their chambers. It would also mean she had a place to get away to if she needed, to work on her drawings, as with the new drafting table Kili had secured for her, he had included several new inks, charcoals, and even paints for her to use. Tauriel had been rather touched by the gesture and looked forward to spending more time with her husband here.

"Is that everything?" Kili jumped from the counter, and placed Finli up on his shoulders. Tauriel nodded and they all filed out, but stopped at Leotti's shop, as the front door was currently wide open. The group stepped inside to see the dam herself talking a mile a minute to Ori as she grabbed boxes from the front and all but threw them into the back storeroom.

Leotti too had faired quite well, and had several dwarves and dams eager to learn from her skills. She may even get some actual help so she was not so overwhelmed with a backlog of projects. Though one thing she will always continue to do, is put her closest friends first. She learned from her mistakes ignoring Tauriel, and that…will never happen again.

For his part, Ori was just watching nervously so Fili leaned into him as he stepped up beside his friend and muttered, "It is okay to have second thoughts Ori, there is still time to run."

A piercing pain shot through Fili's arm, and he turned his eyes to his glaring wife. "That was horrible to say, Fili. Horrible."

"An' it's a definite no." Ori said, then smiled. "Besides, I asked for Leo's hand las' evenin', and she said yes."

Fili gaped at Ori as Kili placed his son down on the ground so he could embrace the dwarf slightly older than he and his brother. "Congratulations Ori! That is great!" Kili pulled away then eyed his wife who had her arms around Leotti, as the dam seemed to be shaking with tears. "Is Leotti alright?" He asked in a quiet voice.

Ori shook his head. "She has been quite in a mood of excitement, wantin' to march up to yer rooms and tell Viltarra an' Tauri late las' night. I was able to talk her out of it though. Bu' this mornin' she seemed to feel different. I asked 'er about the weddin', and her whole mood changed. She said…she didn' want one. What dam don't want a weddin?"

"One who doesn't have a family to have at a wedding." Leotti said quietly, having walked up to hear the end of the conversation. "I told you Ori. A wedding is a time to celebrate your union with your family, to merge your lines together. You may have your brothers and cousins, but, what do I have?"

"You have us, Leotti." Viltarra said, placing a hand on her friend's shoulder, Kili nodding in agreement.

Still standing beside Leotti, Tauriel brushed a loose curl from her friend's eyes. "We can be your family, Leotti."

"I cannot tell you how much that means to me, how much you all mean to me. But, it is not the same Tauriel. I know how close you are to Thorin, how he has stepped in and taken you on as far more than a niece, I think that is beautiful. And I know what you are trying to say, but I was raised by my own mother, I had true family in my life, at least one member of a true family. I cannot just adopt myself into another when my mother is still out there, alive, and alone." Leotti looked to the ground, her heart torn between wanting to go to Ered Luin to confront her mother…and wanting to just marry Ori and move on with her life.

Ori walked over and took both of Leotti's hands in his. "What would you like to do then, Leo? Would you like to go and try to speak to Estae? Will that help?"

Leotti thought about if for several minutes; she recently had been going back and forth with wanting to make the trip, and not. Will going back help? In her mind, she dreamed of her mother running up and pulling her into her arms, and apologizing; telling Leotti how proud she is of her for being so courageous to find her own way in life.

But even as she pulled away from her mother in her dream, it was not Estae's stern face looking back at her, but rather Dis's warm smile. Leotti loved her mother, deeply, and all she ever wanted was to make Estea see her for who she was, rather than who Estae wanted her to be. Leotti never aspired to be a court dam, who spends her day trying to make others happy. She would rather make things with her own hand, and bring happiness through her wares, rather than her wiles.

"My mother made it clear I am nothing to her, so going, would be a fruitless adventure, and one filled with pain." Leotti stared at Ori, her eyes going past him to Fili and Kili, the two dwarves she spent most of her time with in Ered Luin, then to her dearest and closest friends, Viltarra and Tauriel, the sisters of her heart. She would be fine, even if she has to just keep telling herself that.

"Ori…" Leotti looked back up at the dwarf before her. "Can we just…get married right now?"

"What?" Ori looked from Leotti to the royal family who all seemed surprised. "But Leo! Are ya sure? Wouldn't yeh like a dress? A feast? Dancing? This is yer one chance to have a celebration, jus' for you?"

"It is for us, Ori." Leotti smiled. "And no." She sighed and looked to the floor, digging deep inside herself to see if there was any disappointment for not having the traditional celebration for the dwarven people. It was nothing like Tauri or Viltarra's wedding, because she was neither marrying a son of a great dwarven father, or royalty, but dwarves still loved to make a big celebration out of even the smallest thing.

"I spend nearly every hour of my workday making elaborate gowns and formal wear for dwarves and dams for all occasions. I…I just want something simple, Ori. I do have a dress, so do not worry, but…" Leotti looked pleadingly at Ori, as if she was hoping he understood.

Of course, Ori did. "It will be hard without yer mam. I know. If this is what ya want. My brothers are here, they are enough fer me."

"And I just want you, and my closest friends." Leotti smiled wide.

"So…should we go talk to Balin?" Fili asked.

However, Leotti shook her head. "Do you think…" She looked at Kili and Fili. "Do you think Thorin would marry us?"

"Uncle?" Kili asked, then thought for a moment. "I think he would. He is in meetings, but this is something I am sure he would not mind being interrupted for."

Tauriel nodded in agreement as she walked to her friend. "Would you be up for a small celebration afterword's? It will not be anything extravagant, as simple is what you desire, but I am positive we can make tonight as special as a celebration of pairing ought to be, what do you say?"

Leotti pulled her hands from Ori and launched herself at Tauriel. "I would love that."

Kili beamed. "Well then, I guess we will be having a wedding today. We will talk to uncle, don't worry Leotti. Ori, you should probably come with. I am sure Nori and Dori will want to be there and I believe we can speak to them on the way up to uncle's office." Kili smiled, gesturing to the door.

Ori, though, remained and shuffled a bit in place as he looked nervously at Leotti. She caught his gaze and cocked her head curiously. "What is it, Ori?"

"I don't want to make this a large event, bu', would you be opposed to invitin' a few more than jus' the royal family, and my brothers?" His voice was soft, not wanting to pressure her in any way.

Leotti looked a bit taken aback, but slowly nodded. "Who were you considering?"

"Jus' the company Leo, nobody else." Ori said. "We have been through a lot together, and I…I wan' them there."

"Oh! Of course. They are your family too, Ori. They are welcome to come." Leotti wrapped her arms around Ori, who held her close. "I will see you tonight?" The young dwarf nodded and pulled away, following Kili and Fili out the door before shutting it behind them.

Tauriel sat in one of the chairs and pulled the coloring sticks back out with a fresh piece of parchment and handed them to Finli who was on the floor. "Now what is it I hear about a dress?" Tauriel smirked and looked at her friend. Knowing Leotti, it would be lovely and detailed.

"I am also rather curious about this dress of yours. Did you know Ori was going to ask for your hand?" Viltarra lowered herself into the chair beside Tauriel. She cringed when she saw Finli missing the paper entirely and begin scribbling directly on the floor. Luckily Tauriel caught him, but it was Leotti who quickly scooped him up.

"Hey now, no no, Finli, that is my floor you little hob-goblin." Leotti chuckled and rolled her eyes as Finli peered up at her with his wide, brown, orbs. "Mahal, can anybody stay mad at you?"

"No." Tauriel sighed and reached out for her son whose lower lip was beginning to tremble which was usually closely followed by a small fit of tears. He was, after all, only two and a half, nobody can hold anything against him at this age. "I am sorry Leotti, let me clean that up."

The dam, however, placed a hand on Tauriel's shoulder. "It's fine, I usually have the carpet there anyway, it's just getting cleaned. I had a dwarf in here for a fitting yesterday, he was getting married, and he may have spilled some ale all over my rug. But he offered to clean it and said he will even come in and clean my floors to make up for it. Paid double for his coat too. So don't worry about it, it will be cleaned and covered anyway."

When Tauriel was about to argue again, the dam placed a finger on her lips silencing the eleth. "Shhh. Today is my day remember, you must do as I say." She gave Tauriel a wide grin, then looked to Viltarra and nodded. "I had a good idea Ori was about to ask. Besides, I know him well enough to be able to tell when he is keeping things from me, and with how nervous he was yesterday, it was either he was going to release me, or ask for my hand. Since I knew and was quite secure in his attachment to me, it had to be the other so I simply waited for him to work up the courage to ask. But I did make the dress quite a bit ago. Now, give me a moment, and I will go get my dress on." Tauriel chuckled and Viltarra rolled her eyes at her friend who turned and danced into the back room she had previously been throwing boxes into.

"Do you think we will have to have the doors removed to get her out of here in whatever gown she made herself?" Viltarra asked, rubbing a dull throb from her temples. She had been on her feet all day helping her parents, and now she has a wedding to be a part of. Oh, she loved Leotti, but Hiril is still healing and stuffed up in the room, and all Viltarra really wanted to do, was to take her boots off, crawl into bed, and try and finish the embroidery she was making for her unborn nephew. Speaking of unborn child, hers, was currently squirming about and she rubbed her belly until it settled.

Tauriel gave Viltarra an amused look. "I do not think I would bet against that."

Viltarra laughed and sat back on the chaise, then side eyed her elven sister. "Have you noticed anything odd about Thorin? I have barely seen him since the family dinner last week, and when I do it is in passing, and he seems to be scowling more than usual. Is he alright? Did something happen with Nyaunni?"

The eleth's eyes fell on her son who was talking gibberish to the drawing he had made. Since they all have been back from battle, there seemed to be some shifting in Thorin's moods. For the first few days, he was almost smiling every time she saw him. He had a lightness and a joy in his eyes, Tauriel usually only saw Kili and Fili have. It was almost as if a weight had been lifted from him. Then, suddenly it was gone.

Tauriel sighed. "I do believe it has something to do with Nyaunni. I do not know the specifics, so do not bother asking, but I have only seen her around the royal suites in the late evenings; I believe she comes up to sleep, then leaves before first bell. I had brought her some breakfast for several mornings after Oin had said she had an infection. She did not speak much to me though, apart from casual conversation that is. Though she did give me a right talking to about Dajnel flying. The moment Oin said her infection was clear, however, I did not see her for meals again. I think she has been attending to the dwarves from Minam. Though Kili says she has been in the stables whenever he was seeing to Maryn, so perhaps that is where she goes. It must be somewhere she is comfortable being. I am afraid I did not pry, though, she seemed rather put out whenever I came to visit. Not upset, but, rather more withdrawn than I am accustomed to her being."

Viltarra ran her fingers through the hair at the base of her cheeks in thought. "I heard them talking…well…yelling actually." She ignored the surprised look Tauriel gave her in favor of removing the tie from her hair to release the tight bun. "I don't have superior hearing abilities like you and Naurfaer though, so I couldn't make out what they were saying and it was not my place anyway. But she did seem a bit upset when she had left dinner the night before."

Valar above, Tauriel hopes nothing was wrong. She now regrets not spending some of her down time seeking Nyaunni out to try and get to know her better before the family dinner. It was not as if Nyaunni's chamber was far from hers. Whatever could they have been arguing about? They seemed so happy at dinner as they reminisced, until Nyaunni got up and quickly left. Tauriel had simply thought she was tired, but looking back, maybe it was something more. "I really do not know Viltarra. Could you make out anything they were saying at all?"

Viltarra shook her head, her waves swaying with the motion. "It was rather heated for several minutes, then everything went quiet until a door slammed closed, and I heard someone stomping off. I was not purposely trying to listen or interfere, or anything, I just had been in the kitchen baking some cookies because I was craving something sweet while Fili was taking a morning shower…you know how long that can take…and I heard the altercation. As far as I could tell, she was still in her room when I finished baking and went to my own chambers. Though Oin did stop into the kitchen before I left to see how I was fairing since he was up here, and he did tell me that Nyaunni had an infection and would likely be resting for the day when I asked about her. Which is why at first, I thought nothing of it, figuring Thorin was upset at the situation and needed time to cool off. But then, I quickly realized I had not seen Thorin for several days since, and now I wonder if it was something more than I had originally thought."

Before either could say anything more on the subject, however, Leotti stepped back into the room, and Tauriel watched in amusement as Viltarra's jaw dropped. "What do you think?" Leotti patted the dress down and walked to the mirror, adjusting her seems and the belt around her waist.

"What…is that?" Viltarra asked, not a little annoyed, and Tauriel had to hold in a laugh at her sister-in-law's irate voice.

Leotti lifted a brow and turned, folding her arms. "I really need to get you more dresses if you cannot even recognize one when you see it." The smaller dam smirked and looked back to the mirror.

"I know what a dress is, Leotti, thank you." Viltarra huffed. "But that, is not what I was expecting for a wedding dress…least of all from you."

The dam instantly regretted her harsh words when Leotti's cheeks blushed in embarrassment and she began fidgeting in place, tugging on her skirt, until Tauriel jumped in. "What she means to say, Leotti, is you look lovely."

Viltarra folded her arms and huffed as she sat back, scowling on the chaise. "No, I am annoyed that I had to be forced into an extravagant gown for my wedding, when you get to wear something I would have very much preferred."

Leotti looked down at her dress, then back in the mirror. It really was nothing like Viltarra's or Tauriel's intricate gowns. This one was simple, almost overly simple. Her skirt just had two identical layers of brown and navy plaid, a matching bodice with sleeves down to her elbow, a brown leather vest that hugged her curves, and a thick, brown, belt around her waist. She looked far less dressed up than how she even dresses for a party.

"I know it is simple, but, I am not royalty Viltarra. I am no special dam who has the right to put on those special fabrics and materials. I am just, nobody. I have no father, my mother has disowned me, and I do not feel worthy to wear something even similar to what I made for the both of you. You ARE royalty…I am just…the friend."

Tauriel was pulling her friend to her before Leotti could even look up at her. "Never say such things, Leotti. You are far, FAR more than just a friend. You were among the first in Ered Luin to not judge me. You even came to check on me after dealing with that fire on my first day here. I have never met another who is as kind, honest, and open as you, and I never want to hear that you are just anything, but amazing, come out of that mouth again."

Tauriel may have had to bend a bit at the waist, but her friend needed her and her son will have to handle a bit of discomfort for a few moments while she consoled someone she cared dearly for.

The eleth felt another hand slide up Leotti's shoulder and Tauriel looked up from Leotti's curls to see a guilty expression on Viltarra's face. "I am sorry, Leotti. I am awful when I am expecting…ask Fili. I am surprised he puts up with me. He is always having to tiptoe around me, I can be a right beast. I never wished to hurt you or your feelings, especially not on your night."

"You upset Fili?" Leotti asked pulling away from Tauriel.

Viltarra nodded, shuffling her feet. "It is as if I have no ability to hold in my irritation. Everything bothers me lately, and I tend to take it out on Fili the most. Leotti, please do not take a word I say as anything more than me being frustrated and unable to hold my tongue. You truly look lovely, I am only envious, nothing more."

"If you yell at Fili, I forgive you. He was the one who put you in a position where you have to do all the hard work and deal with a year's worth of pain and discomfort for just a few mere seconds of work for him." Leotti smiled wide.

"Seconds?" Viltarra blinked, then a teasing smile bloomed across her face. "More like…"

"WAIT! I do not want to hear whatever you are about to say." Leotti jumped forward and slammed a hand over the other dam's mouth. "It is bad enough I have walked in on those two…" She gestured her head to Tauriel. "I absolutely want zero details on you and Fili…understood? None at all. I don't need any disgusting pictures in my head."

Viltarra's grin only widened, but she kept her mouth shut and waited for Leotti to slowly remove her hand before speaking once more. "Well, your time is coming tonight. Are you nervous at all?"

"For the wedding? I do not see why I would be. Ori loves me, I love him. We are simply making it official. I am looking forward to celebrating it with you and the family tonight though." Leotti walked back over to the mirror and began playing with her curls which were immaculate, as they usually always were.

Tauriel eyed Viltarra who lifted a brow before turning back to her friend. "No, I meant, after the party tonight. You and Ori. Are you nervous at all? If you have any questions, we are here to help."

Leotti froze, then spun around and stared at her friends as if she was trying to figure out what they meant, then it clicked and she chuckled. "No. I know how it works, and what have I got to be worried or nervous about? Besides, Ori and I are already past that."

"Oh…" Viltarra said, unsure of how to respond. "Wait…so you and Ori have already…"

Leotti huffed and rolled her eyes. "Please, as if you and Fili did not try. I know about the chaperone system set up for the both of you." She looked to Tauriel. "But I don't know about you and Kili. If I were to make a bet though, I would say you didn't make it to your wedding either."

"I will have you know, we did." Tauriel folded her arms with an indignant expression on her face. "But it was not without difficulty." She smirked. "Leotti…is there anything you do want at your wedding?"

The dam lowered her brows in thought and looked at herself in the mirror. The one thing that came first to her mind, was her mother. She wanted her mother there. But Estae would never be coming, and that was just life. If she had stayed in Ered Luin, she may still have a mother, but she would never have met Ori, nor would she have had the opportunity to build what she did. So she does not regret her decision. She just wished it did not have such a price as it has had.

After a few moments in thought and silence, Leotti shook her head. "No. If Ori is there, and you and your family, I have all that I can. Now, who wants to help me with my hair? I want to redo my braids."

"I would be honored to help." Tauriel said and Viltarra nodded in agreement. She won't bother offering to help with hair, but she is sure she can find something to do to aid her friend in getting ready for her impromptu wedding.

Kili and Fili walked side by side through the corridors. Ori had wanted to inform his brothers privately, so he chose to head off towards the guard's wing where Nori and Dori were likely working or doing training exercises. As for where Thorin was, the two brothers had a general idea where their uncle could be, but would likely have to check a few places before finding him if he was not in his office. Before they found their uncle, however, Kili nearly ran full long into Nyaunni, who was pacing at the door in front of Thorin's office.

"Nyaunni! Is everything alright?" Kili looked at the dam who seemed a bit, on edge. Though appearance wise, she was hammers and spades better than how they first met her. Her hair was always cleaned and tidy, though currently free of braids and garnishments; she had even adopted Erebor's casual styles in her daily dress. He had seen her more than once in the stables recently, and he wonders if she had accepted a position whether temporary or permanently.

Kili had gone in several times to care for Maryn while Tauriel got Fin ready for the day. He preferred to look after her himself as Tauriel did Galaddal, and the last several times he had gone, Nyaunni had been there as well. She got along very well with the dwarves who worked the stables, and Kili frequently found her brushing the other animals, walking her fellbeast, or even mucking stalls as he tended to Maryn and occasionally, Galaddal as well if Tauriel was caught up or too morning sick to come. It was rare, but it happened.

The younger prince knew little about Nyaunni or her history in Erebor, apart from what he has been told by Tauriel and his mam…which was not much. His uncle has always preferred to keep certain parts of his past to himself. Although, looking at the way this dam was pacing, he may have an idea of what could be going on. It was solidified when the dam's eyes widened when she saw the two brothers appear and she made a hasty retreat, only muttering a quick 'Hello' and 'Excuse me' as she passed.

"Hey Fi, you think you can talk to uncle without me? I want to check on something." Kili kept his eyes on the dam who was walking quickly down the hall to the steps leaving the corridor.

Fili stared at his brother then nodded. "You think something is going on between Nyaunni and uncle?"

"That, is exactly what I am thinking. I will catch up with you later, Fi. Tell uncle I will talk to Bombur and mam too about tonight." Kili didn't wait for Fili to respond, instead jogged away from his brother who was smiling and stepping into their uncle's office.

Lucky for him, Kili was used to his wife's long legs and quick steps, so he was able to catch up with the dam rather quickly. "Nyaunni...do you think you can give me a hand in the stables? I think something is wrong with Maryn and you seem to have a way with animals. Do you think you can look her over? I just want to make certain it is nothing serious; she means a great deal to me."

Nyaunni gave Kili a curious look, then nodded. "How long has she been acting up? She seemed fine to me yesterday."

"Just this morning, actually. I went to feed her, and she was quite temperamental, and I don't think she has ever been like that with me before; my brother or anyone else, ya, but never with me." Kili sighed. He was actually quite worried about his mare who nearly refused to let him touch her when he went to the stables before Tauriel woke up; he knew he had a lot to do with getting ready for the presentation fair that morning, and wanted to make sure to see to Maryn early. "It took me about an hour to calm her down enough for me to at least brush her and give her a blanket but that is about all she would allow. I figured I would check on her this afternoon after the presentations in the hall and possibly pick your brain."

Nyaunni gave Kili an appraising look, then nodded and smiled. "Of course, Fili. I would be happy to help."

"Oh, it's Kili actually. Fili is my elder brother." Kili corrected kindly. "But don't worry about it, we used to get mixed up all the time, and when uncle was furious, or is furious…" He grinned cheekily. "He tends to just yell them both. In fact, just two weeks ago, he got so worked up over his personal chime clock going missing, he simply yelled for 'ili'." Kili laughed merrily, remembering his red-faced uncle baring down on them as he lectured them for two hours about taking his things.

"Which one of you took it?" Nyaunni asked, her eyes twinkling in amusement.

Kili's grin, if possible, widened. "Ohhh, it was me." He wagged his brows and shook his head. "Uncle doesn't really take good care of himself, and had been spending all hours of the night and day in his office going from one project, to the next. The mountain is…well…was before the earthquake…in a good place, and uncle should at the very least, be able to just work from first bell, to last."

The young prince rolled his eyes. "But not uncle Thorin. He was leaving long before first bell then not getting back until well after the evening bell; he was getting a bit on edge. I mean, more on edge then his normal on edge. So I thought, maybe, I would take his personal chime clock, the one he uses to wake up early in the morning, so he can take a day to just…sleep in. The problem was…it apparently had been the one day Bard was coming to Erebor, and uncle slept through the first bell and had to all but run to make his meeting, missing breakfast, and met with Bard in a rather…disheveled…state."

Nyaunni froze as she looked at the prince, Kili only stopping when he realized she was no longer beside him. She looked the young prince up and down, and a gentle smile came across her face. "You, are just like your uncle."

"So I have been told, but usually only when I am being severe." Kili laughed. "Even mam said I am too much like Thorin at times."

"No! No." Nyaunni shook her head. "Not that uncle, I suppose I can't really say since I have not spent a whole lot of time with you, but, what you did, is something your uncle Frerin would have done, he loved driving Thorin crazy and finding any way he could to keep both your grandfather, and your great-grandfather on their toes."

"Mam said, uncle Frerin was rather the opposite of uncle Thorin. She said where Thorin was quiet and severe, Frerin was lighthearted and rather kind. I think Fili would channel him far better than I, though I think I cause far more trouble than Fi…unless he is trying to win something." Kili chuckled remembering Gloin and the snare. Though after a moment, looked back at the hall they had come from and shook his head. "Frerin aside, I do worry about uncle. He may seem a bit…severe and overbearing…but that is because he thinks of everyone else but himself. He is always putting the people of Erebor, and I think, living up to Thror's expectations, far above his own needs."

"Thorin has always been like that." Nyaunni sighed. "And he really has not changed much."

As they stepped into the stables, Kili eyed Nyaunni who went right for Maryn who had her ears pinned back and was agitatedly stamping her foot. "Mam told me you used to live in Erebor."

"Mmm." Nyaunni hummed choosing to focus on the mare rather than the young prince. "She certainly is upset." The dam looked around and smiled wide as Dajnel reached over the stall she was in and nuzzled Nyaunni's shoulder. She swears she is getting bigger by the day. At least these stables are large, even when she is full grown - which will likely be not quite as large as her tainted brothers and sisters - she will still fit in the stalls here. Though, maybe a slightly larger stall will be necessary.

The dam turned her attention back to Maryn after gently pushing Dajnel's nose away. "Kili…it is Kili right?" Kili nodded and smiled. "Good, Kili, can you open the door for me and try to bring her out? I want to see how she walks."

Without responding, Kili immediately went to Maryn's stall and opened the gate. "Hey girl." He moved to pat her head, but Maryn lifted her nose high and away from Kili, causing the prince to lower his brow in concern as he reached for her once more. "Come on Mar, what is it?"

The mare nickered softly and nuzzled Kili's hair as if she realized she was upsetting him and he laughed merrily as she licked his face and hair, as if grooming him. Nyaunni cocked her head to the side and smiled. She seemed to consider him to be her foal.

After a moment, Kili was able to get Maryn to follow him out of her stall. He tried to give her an apple as a treat, but she knocked it from his hand and Kili sighed. "See? She has never been like that with anything I give her, especially apples. They are her favorite treat next to sugar cubes."

Nyaunni hummed in thought, then walked up to the mare who followed the dam with her dark eyes. At first, Nyaunni simply observed how she stood. She was not favoring any of her legs, so she could not have had a strain. Nyaunni then instructed Kili to keep her calm as she inspected each of her hooves, but those seemed fine as well.

"Can you get her to open her mouth, Kili?" Nyaunni waited patiently as Kili lulled Maryn into submission with his low, but gentle, voice. The mare gave in after moving her head away several times, and Kili was able to give Nyaunni a good view of her teeth.

"Aha!" Nyaunni pointed to a tooth towards the back of her mouth barely visible to the naked eye. "Looks like she has a sore on her gums, nothing serious, but it is causing her quite some discomfort; especially when eating. Can you get me that bag by the door? With the medicines? I will show you what to put on it to keep it from infecting."

Kili nodded and made for the stable med kit and passed it to Nyaunni who sifted through the bag and pulled out both a glass jar and a cinched leather herb purse. She opened it to inspect the herbs within before showing both to Kili. "You will need to give her four drops of this serum twice a day, and place a pinch of these on the sore. Make sure to only feed her softer foods, no apples or hard fruits until this is healed. I also suggest you keep any sugar cubes away for the time being; they can cause the sore to become worse."

Kili nodded and took the jar. "Do I just…"

"Put it in her mouth. She trusts you; it will distress her less if you do it." Nyaunni gestured to Maryn who stamped her foot, but lowered her head to Kili as he stroked her between the eyes.

"Open up girl." It took Kili a few tries, but eventually Maryn complied and he was able to get the drops on her tongue. The herbs were a bit trickier, and Maryn was at first, not having it, but with some soft words from her favorite human, Kili was finally able to place the herbs on her sore. "How long will that take to heal?"

Nyaunni smiled, and scratched the black mare behind the ear. She knew the herb would numb the area, so the mare would be free from whatever pain or discomfort she felt, and the drops were a natural antiseptic and would both kill and ward off any sore causing bacteria. "She should be back to her ornery self by the end of the week, so you have nothing to fear. Though…you should know that there will be another issue that may take quite a bit longer, but it will resolve itself in just under a year."

"What? She has another health issue?" Kili brushed some of Maryn's hair from her face and continued to stroke her behind the ears.

Nyaunni nodded. "Though, some call them blessings, rather than issues." She chuckled, but it turned to a deep laugh when Kili's adorably confused expression turned to a dark glower at her teasing. "I amend my earlier statement. You are just like your uncle Thorin."

Kili rolled his eyes and huffed. "Maryn means a lot to me. I don't want her to suffer."

"Then maybe, you should not have let her out in the pasture with other horses when she was in heat." Nyaunni lifted a brow. "She will be having a little foal. Congratulations."

"Oh!" Kili looked surprised. "Ohhh, like Tauriel." He smiled.

"I would not be so hasty to relate your pregnant wife, to a horse." Nyaunni smirked. "But I suppose in a way, yes. Though I personally don't have any experience in pregnancies outside fellbeasts. I guess we will see in time how she does. The baby's size will depend on if she bred with a pony, or with one of the other horses."

"Oh, it was Galaddal." Kili said, sounding absolutely positive. He smiled wide and patted the dapple-gray horse who was quietly watching from his stall; his ears perked up and alert until Kili fed him an apple and he nickered softly.

"What makes you so sure?" Nyaunni asked, eyeing the rather intelligent horse that belonged to the eleth, Tauriel.

"Maryn, refuses to pasture with anyone but Galaddal." Kili eyed the pair of horses thoughtfully, then called over to one of the younger dwarves in the stables. "Himbi, has Maryn been out with anyone lately?"

"Aye, Kili. The day was warm and we pastured the horses an' ponies earlier this week ta graze on greens, but tha' is not out of the normal, we put them out nearly every day teh stretch an move. Everythin' alright with Maryn?" Himbi was not even of age yet, only about 44 years old. But he chose to start an apprenticeship under Oklan several months ago and has shown quite the aptitude with handling the rams and ponies…but for some reason…is a bit disturbed by the roosters. Having been chased by one himself, Kili can't blame the young dwarf for his reservations. Though in hindsight, Kili does admit he quite deserved the roosters ire, after all…he had been trying to steal a few of his hens late in the evening.

Kili chuckled at the memory then turned his smile to Himbi and nodded. "I just need to know if she got in with any of the males, seems she may have been in heat."

Himbi paused in thought, then gestured his head to the dapple-gray horse behind Kili. "Oh…well…just Galaddal there. He and her don' stray from the other. The ponies are usually in there too, but they stay a bit away. The others think they are intimidated by yer wife's horse there. Don' no why, gentlest horse I met, Galaddal. Honestly…I think it is her tha' scares them off."

"Thank's Himbi, that's all I needed." Kili turned from the young dwarf to Nyaunni who was once again, stroking Dajnel's nose. "Well…girl, looks like you are going to be a mum." Kili patted Maryn's neck affectionately. "Any idea how far along she could be?"

Nyaunni shook her head. "Probably a month if not a bit more. I think you should talk to one of the more experienced stable hands though, Kili. They would be able to advise you far better than I."

"I will do that, thank you Nyaunni. She was a gift from my brother, and I don't know what I would do if I lost her." Kili closed the gate as he put Maryn back in her stall after giving her some oats and barley one of the stable hands brought to Kili, the softer foods being a bit more comfortable for Maryn to eat than the apple he had given Galaddal. Kili sighed and smiled, now he had two pregnant females to take care of. Well…at least one will be giving birth long before the other.

Kili silently put a few things of his away, while Nyaunni went about cleaning Dajnel's stall, the horse-sized fellbeast watching her as she went. After taking care of Galaddal for Tauriel, Kili sat on a bench and watched the dam, gathering his thoughts. "You said you knew uncle before Smaug came…were you close? With uncle that is."

Nyaunni froze. Kili saw her eyes flicker to him for a moment, then back to what she was working on. "We were very close. Are, very close still. Or, at least I thought we were." She sighed and leaned back against the stall wall.

"Did he say something to you?" Kili asked.

Nyaunni looked to the ground before going back to brushing molting feathers off of Dajnel who was happily munching on a pale of oats she had brought in. Honestly, fellbeasts, or at least whatever type of beast Dajnel is, would eat basically anything you give them with relish be it fruit, insect, or vegetable.

"It was more something I said." Nyaunni finally answered pausing and looking over at Kili again. "I do not know why I keep on saying the worst of things, at the same time, I do. Being here, in Erebor, after losing what I did, feels almost…wrong. It is difficult to explain."

"You don't have to." Kili said, his voice quiet and almost forlorn. "I understand in a fashion. One year ago, I was returned to Erebor after being abducted for nine months. Nine months of my life was stolen from me, and wrought with both pain, and unspeakable horrors. I do not even wish to relay them, because it is beyond difficult to relive or recall. But I was returned broken, cracked, and without memory of my wife or my then one year old son." Kili rubbed the back of his neck in discomfort and sighed mournfully. "I hurt my wife, the one being I love beyond myself, Nyaunni. I hurt her, because others hurt me. It was never intentional, because how could it be? Even when I was not myself, once I was a bit stable, the idea of causing her any type of pain on purpose was…unthinkable. Yet, I can never unsee the despair in her eyes whenever she looked on me, or when I told her I could not give her what she wants. I could almost feel her suffering when I pushed her away."

Kili stepped towards Nyaunni. "You went through almost two centuries of living under orcs, and goblins. Being back in Erebor…has to feel like a vivid dream you are both trying to grasp onto…while you simultaneously push it away because waking up…waking up would be devastation in the purest form. I know Nyaunni. Everyday I wonder if I will wake up back in that room, I wonder if I am imagining this life. Even after a year, I cannot stop the tiny spark of doubt from filling my heart that this is all just a figment of my broken mind, begging for those I love the most, and creating an ideal life in a world my mind has designed to protect itself."

"I…I am sorry. You are so young, to have gone through such pains." Nyaunni could see the pain in this very young dwarf's eyes as he spoke. He was far too young to go through something that brings that kind of pain so evident in his features.

Kili smiled and nodded. "You know, I am not the only one. You could not have been that old when Smaug came."

"I was twenty-nine." Nyaunni said softly. "My entire life before Minam, was in Erebor, with your uncles, your mother, and their family."

"Nyaunni…" Kili placed a hand on the dam's shoulder, his eyes boring into her. They were not the deep blue Nyaunni was accustomed to that ran in the royal family, but they were almost warmer and gentler. A calming brown, dark but open. "I know my uncle, I know he can be intense at times, and even come across as uncaring or callous. But he is far from it. He has been burned, a lot, and chose to take mantels upon his shoulders others would not even think to accept. When you think he is pushing your opinions aside, he is actually considering them; when you are met with his stern rebukes, he is trying to teach you the only way he knows how, and the moment you think he doesn't care, is when he is really caring too much. Thorin is not what you think him to be, he just shows it differently with everything he has had thrust on him over the years."

Nyaunni sighed. "I do understand, Kili, and thank you for your words. But it was I who was in the wrong. I said some things I should not have knowing they would hurt him, because he was treating me like an invalid."

At this, Kili let out a hearty laugh that filled the room. "Let me guess, he ordered you to stay put?" Nyaunni narrowed her eyes, then, nodded slowly, and Kili grinned wider. "That, is just uncle being uncle. I can promise you it did not come from the place you may think. He wasn't doing it to be dominating, he was doing it, because he cares."

At Nyaunni's clearly disbelieving expression, Kili tried again. "Look. One of my wife's greatest complaints, is we coddle too much. We have been in more than one argument because she is a free spirit, and I can't lose her, so I try and keep her from doing anything where she can find harm." Kili ran his hands through his already messed dark hair. "It has gotten far worse since I returned. But, Tauriel loves me. She knows it comes more from a place of uncertainty and worry, than from a place of power. I have no desire to control her. I want her to be happy, and to live. But Nyaunni, I will do everything in my power, to keep her safe, because the alternative…losing her…I won't survive that Nyaunni. But…pushing her away and not letting her live…means I can lose her trust and eventually, she will grow to resent me which means there would be quite the possibility that I could lose her anyway."

Nyaunni stared at Kili, thinking on his words. Was she pushing Thorin away? At first, the idea was ridiculous. She couldn't possibly be pushing something away she never had. But…at the same time…whether it be unconsciously or not, Nyaunni is not letting Thorin near her. In fact, the more she thought on it, the more she realized she was the problem, not him. She was the one who said something that had him walking out of her room that first night back after the battle, she was the one who walked out of the family dinner, she was the one who said those horrible words to him last week.

"It is my fault." Nyaunni said softly. "All of this is my fault. I keep pushing him away." Then suddenly, she was shaking her head as if to clear it. What was she doing…talking about her personal affairs with Thorin's own nephew? This was getting overwhelming. What in the name of Mahal was she doing? Why was this young dwarf so bleeding easy to talk to? "Never you mind it though Kili. Now if you will excuse me, I am going to take Dajnel out for a short walk to get some air." She opened the door to Dajnel's stall then Nyaunni sighed somewhat defeatedly and mumbled, "Actually, we could both use some fresh air."

Without a harness or any type of binding, Nyaunni began walking to the stable entrance, her fellbeast following her immediately and obediently.

Kili watched her go and stood, walking to stand between Galaddal and Maryn's stalls, both horses leaning out so Kili could use either hand to pat each one on the nose. "I think she likes uncle." He shook his head, knowing his surly uncle. "He is going to muck this up without help."

Kili thought for a moment, his eyes never leaving the door despite Nyaunni being long out of sight. He also could not shake the cold feeling in his heart that often came as a consequence of him recalling the ordeal he went through. More than anything, he needed to see his wife, his Tauriel, to ground him and remind him he was safe. But she was busy with Viltarra and Leotti. His mam though... "Maybe I should go talk to mam, she might have a better idea of what is happening with Thorin and Nyaunni…I also need to tell her about Leotti anyway."

Handing each horse a soft oat treat from a nearby tin, to which Maryn still refused…his poor mare…Kili moved to leave the stables to find his mother until he remembered she was still teaching having taken the dwarflings back to the classroom once they finished their rounds of the presentations. It was a few hours past second bell though…so she should be finishing up. If he goes now, he can head her off. Humming to himself to keep centered and present, the young prince used the sink beside the stable door to wash his hands, then made his way down to the school.

Thorin…was not in a good mood. He was tired, hungry, and about ready to kill the next person who knocks on his door. Why? Because every time they do…they want something and all Thorin wants to do right now…is be left alone. "I should install a lock on that door."

An answering chirp was the only reminder Thorin received that he was not completely alone, and he sighed as he looked at Uri who was licking the remains of his lunch from the plate Bombur had sent to him. Though it was cold by the time he got to actually eat it considering the endless stream of interruptions from Dwalin, Balin, several dwarves from the presentation committee he could not recall their names, and many others needing signatures, or making requests.

One of which was a rather interesting proposal from a young dwarf from Minam who seemed adamant he be given a royal title after being rather taken with Tauriel. He felt if he were a prince, he could attract her attention. Thorin had to rather sternly explain to this dwarf, who in his defense grew up in an orc slave encampment and had no idea how politics worked, that you cannot just request to be made a prince. It is something you are either born to, or, earn in some cultures. As dwarves, it comes with bloodlines and he encouraged the young dwarf just barely past the age of adulthood that he ought to look into his family lines.

Thorin then had to break the news that Tauriel was unbreakably attached to his nephew, and was quite obviously with child…which seemed to not bother the dwarf in the least…though the idea that he would have to get past Kili, that is, prince Kili, had him squirming a bit. "Love will come, if Mahal wills it Ulvork." Thorin had said to him. "We do not seek it from those who are already attached. I do not normally speak for others, but I can personally assure you that her attachments to my nephew are unbreakable. She will not turn her head to anyone, not even the mightiest dwarf, elf, human, or god could move her. Do not put yourself in a position where harm is imminent. Seek another."

It was an order, if ever there was one, and the dwarf…though forlorn…nodded in agreement and left the room. The next visitor was a dam from the healing hall who brought a much more joyous report. In the last week, three dams had given birth, the mountain was home to three new infant males. All healthy and strong according to the dam. Those reports he was always eager to receive.

Thorin looked to the small portrait of his nephew and smiled. He could not wait to have two more grandchildren in the next month. That is, if his daughter and niece would not do anything foolish before then…like fly a fellbeast.

Thorin shuttered as he looked into the fire in his office. That was another thing. Imagine his surprise, when he found out that not only did Tauriel, Dis, and Viltarra storm into Minam to join the fight…but they got there on the back of that dragon, fellbeast, creature Nyaunni raised, a creature who was still very young. They FLEW in the air…on a being who had zero experience flying and had only been out of her own captivity for a week.

Of course, when Thorin received more details of their parts in battle…thanks to the reports he received from each of them…the rather angry king stormed into the kitchen one morning where his family had gathered for breakfast and confronted the three females: his fist clutching Tauriel's more detailed report. He believes, if he can remember correctly, he was once again berating them for making such a foolhardy decision in coming to Minam as they did.

That…had been a discussion to which he was shut down rather quickly. It was one thing to speak to only one of them and try and get them to understand why what they did was not only stupid…but both dangerous and reckless. However, Thorin would like to see anyone try and win an argument against two dams…and one eleth…who quickly reminded him they were the ones to save everyone with their quick thinking.

That being said, Dis did agree…along with Viltarra…that though they flat out refused to apologize for their actions that led them all to victory, not one of them had any business flying, and swore that they will not be doing so again. Unfortunately, Tauriel remained rather tightlipped herself, refusing to make any such promises. It made both Thorin, and Kili, rather displeased; though neither of them argued further on the topic.

Nyaunni, however, had quite a bit to say from what Thorin heard later on, and he was quite pleased she had sided with him. "She is still very much a baby." The elder dam had admonished according to Tauriel who had brought him tea that same day and relayed what Nyaunni had told her over breakfast one morning. She said fellbeasts are not to fly until they reach their tenth year, and then, and only then, did the orcs take them up for further training for the few that reached full adulthood and did not kill the orcs in the process."

Tauriel had sat back in her chair, looking forlornly at the fire in his office. "I feel rather awful. Nyaunni told us that the flight could have very well killed Dajnel, and ourselves. As young as she is, it appears she does not have the lung capacity nor does she have the developed muscles necessary to carry her own weight, let alone three of ours. Swimming, is one thing, but flying, is out of the question. At least, not for another five years when she is closer to adulthood, if not seven or eight. I feel…beyond horrified for doing such a thing."

"I am sure everything is fine Nâtha. You know what you did was in error; you won't do it again." Thorin said with a sigh. He knew she was upset about what she had done, and though he did not condone it, he also did not want her adding unnecessary stress to her life right now.

Tauriel nodded. "I of course apologized to Nyaunni, who assured us Dajnel was alright from what she could tell, as long as she remained grounded until she was ready." Tauriel said solemnly and truthfully. Her entire existence has been about the preservation of life. She loved all of the creatures of her forest, and helped them whenever she could. She also respected those creatures deeply, and honored them in reverence. For those who could not care for themselves, she nursed them as best she knew how. She was no Nyaunni, but Tauriel was a healer…whether she honed that skill or not...it was part of who she was. For all of those creatures who walked in the light, she restored life…not destroyed it. Orcs and dark beings like those spiders where a completely different story, as those she was more than happy to eradicate from middle earth.

As it was, Tauriel had no idea or knowledge that Dajnel flying could be so dangerous to her. Birds fly within weeks of life, so she did not even think that a two-year-old, winged, animal would not be able to, at some level, use her wings. She felt terrible, even if it was not completely her own fault. It was a reminder, that even at six hundred years of age, Tauriel still had a lot to learn about the world around her.

Nyaunni, however, had smiled softly to her and placed a hand on her shoulder. "You did not know. Dajnel, and Uri, are…unique to the fellbeast world, and I doubt anyone outside those in Minam and other places like it, have any knowledge of the beasts. Besides, it was her decision to try, but I do want to emphasize the danger and cost it very well could have caused."

After hearing all of this from Tauriel, Thorin was beyond pleased that Nyaunni had been of the same mindset. Unfortunately, it seemed to be the last thing she agreed on him with, considering their current predicament. Thorin rubbed at the building pressure in his head. This was all just too complicated.

Having Nyaunni back was something Thorin always dreamed of. He had felt so…light and free…those first few days, then the voice in his head that sounded far too much like his grandfather, began to berate him and tell him he was being hasty and foolish, and another voice declared that she clearly did not want him. He just did not know this could be so difficult. "How do Fili and Kili do it?"

"Did I hear my name?" Thorin looked up, his thoughts drawn back to the present as Fili stepped through the door. The mentally taxed dwarf rubbed his hands down his face trying to not be annoyed. He really just wanted to be left alone. Good thing it was not Naurfaer though, he probably would have really killed him if he had walked in…for no reason in particular apart from the fact he was annoyed and Naurfaer usually always exacerbated his moods. "Everything alright uncle?"

Fili took a seat in one of the chairs and put his hands behind his head as if he had no cares in the world. In many ways, he didn't. Though, Thorin can say that the upcoming birth of his child should be something that has his elder nephew on his toes. He just…rarely showed it.

Vili was a lot like that. He had the ability to always seem as if nothing bothered him whatsoever. Vili could let anything roll off his back with a small chuckle and a few kind words in retaliation. Nobody, could stay mad at that dwarf, because rather than yelling and hitting, Vili chose listening and understanding as his greatest weapons.

His eldest son, was very similar. Fili tended to listen and observe, where as Kili wanted to just jump right into action, which was a bit more like Thorin. Though both of them had the Durin propensity for thick-headiness and a stubborn streak that was at least three mountains wide. Not to mention…the tempers. Even Fili has a temper when pushed…though Viltarra…Thorin smirked…has a temper that rivals that.

Thorin leaned forward and placed his chin on his fingers. "I thought once the presentations were over you were spending the evening with Viltarra, Fili, as per your request last evening if my memory serves me correctly. Why are you here?" Did he answer Fili's question…no….was he going to…no. Because he was king, and head of the family, so he did not have to.

Fili, however, was folding his arms and lifting a brow, though he did answer him. "I am actually here for Leotti. Ori asked for her hand, she accepted, and she wants to be married…tonight."

"Tonight?" Thorin asked perplexed. "Leotti?"

Fili nodded. "She seemed set in her decision. She said she doesn't want a large ceremony, but we talked her into a small gathering with our family, and the company." He sat forward and looked directly at Thorin. "She wants you to lead it."

Thorin nodded and smiled. He usually had Balin handle things like this, but Leotti was close to the family and he was rather fond of the young seamstress. Her mother could rot in an orc hole for all he cared, but Leotti…was a good dam who did not deserve to be thrust aside like she was. "She and Ori will still need a contract to make it legal, but I do not see why we cannot have a small ceremony tonight if that is what they want. Tell Bombur to bring up a few kegs of my best ale along with the wine from Thranduil. We can use the main sitting room for a small party, and the throne room for the ceremony."

Thorin sat back in his chair and sighed. "I am assuming, considering he has not been in here to report yet…" Thorin grumbled a soft, nearly unheard 'Thankfully' then continued "…Naurfaer is still in the presentation room. Make sure he knows and have him go inform Balin directly to expedite a contract so Ori and Leotti can sign it. Anything he needs to report from the fair he can do so in writing."

"Of course. I think Balin keeps basic contracts available. They will need a room too since Ori shares with his brothers…and Leotti is in the hall of the dams, so I will have Balin check to see what suites are open. Maybe we can get them into one tonight. Anything else?" Fili leaned towards the desk and used one of Thorin's pens to jot a few notes down for himself, then sat back once more, waiting.

"No. I am sure Bombur can put together enough food for us last minute." Thorin hummed.

"Not to mention, I am certain Viltarra will enlist the help of her parents and bake some sort of treat." Fili chuckled, knowing his wife would be making a stop at her parent's room once they finished with Leotti.

"Very good. I have a lot to do, but I think I can put a few things off for tomorrow. Just give me an hour and I will meet you in the throne room. That way I can watch Finli so Tauriel, Dis, and Viltarra can help Leotti prepare, and you and Kili can join Ori and his brothers helping him." Thorin sat forward mindlessly running his finger along the tiny fellbeast who was nudging his hand, awake and expecting attention.

Fili nodded, but instead of moving to stand and leave, which was what Thorin had expected, his nephew instead continued to watch him. "Is there something else Fili?"

The young prince, then folded his arms and stared hard at the dwarven king, uncle, and surrogate father…trying not to be amused with how he was stroking the very creature he essentially forbade Nyaunni from bringing in the mountain in the first place. "Uncle…about Nyaunni…"

"What about her." Thorin huffed, his mood darkening once more as he pulled his hand away from Uri who cried out in protest before he began needlessly shuffling parchment around his desk.

Fili gave an exasperated shake of his head. "You know she was outside your office when I got here."

Thorin's demeaner immediately changed and his eyes fell on the door as if Nyaunni was about to walk right in any moment. "She isn't there anymore, turned and walked away about as soon as she saw me, uncle." Fili added frowning. "Can I offer some advice?"

"Aren't I the one supposed to be teaching you?" Thorin grumbled, but nodded as he sat back; curious more than anything at what his nephew had to say.

Fili smiled. "You have taught me many things in my life; almost everything that I am is attributed to both yours and mams lessons. But I think there is something I may be able to advise you in…if you are willing to listen." Thorin remained silent, so Fili took it as permission to continue. "If you care about Nyaunni, don't lose your chance to have something with her. If I am understanding her story correctly, she had been here before Smaug, and then spent the rest of her life in captivity up until now. She has no roots, no ties, nobody but those people she was enslaved with, and you and mam. That is it. Apart from Balin and Dwalin of course, and maybe a very few others from her past. But I wouldn't call it enough to tie someone down to a place. If you wait, if you hesitate, and she shares your feelings, she will think you are not interested and move on in whatever way is best for her. That could mean, she leaves Erebor forever. Is that worth the risk uncle?"

Fili rose to stand as Thorin simply stared at him. "I am not expecting an answer or anything, it's not really my business. But I do love you like a father. You spent so much of your life making sure Ki and I were happy. I know I can speak for Kili when I say, we both want the same for you. Just…think about it, okay? Nyaunni is a good dam, and though I don't really know her well, there is something about her that suits you." He smirked down at Uri who had very carefully leapt off the desk onto Thorin's lap then proceeded to climb into the dwarven king's hair. "And I think…you are a good match for her too."

With that, Fili gave Thorin a small smile, and left his office, and the still silent dwarven king to his thoughts.

Thorin rubbed his hands down his face in frustration and not a little wariness. What Fili said, was not wrong. If he did not do something, Nyaunni will be gone and this time, for good. He already told her she could leave, for all he cared. But the thing was, he did care. He cared a lot…almost too much.

But what were his feelings for Nyaunni? What were they really? Was it some…friendship he was desperately trying to cling onto? One he was expected to make more out of due to a now almost non-existent agreement made by his father, grandfather, and Nyaunni's father? All of which were gone the way to Mandos now. Was he simply doing as he was originally expected?

Nyaunni had no claim to her clan anymore. She had not requested or even expressed a desire to reach out to Lord Dryok and reconnect to her own clan. Furthermore, the Firebeards already swore their loyalty and fealty to him, so it was really unnecessary to seek a match to solidify alliances any further than they already are. Which meant, he really did not need to form a match out of necessity.

Even so, he was drawn to her. Drawn to her courage to survive what she did, yet still come out very similar to how he remembered her…if not a bit more rough around the edges. He missed her wide smile, her laughing eyes, and her generous spirit. He missed how she would find places in the mountain even Thorin had never been to. What was more, he wanted to know what it was like to have someone you could talk to about anything, someone who you wanted to wake up to, to counsel with, someone to stand beside him.

Of course, he had Dis, and the rest of the family. Thorin smiled at the thought of his sister. How he loved her deeply. She was always there for him, thick and thin, and he will always be grateful for her presence in his life, now, and for the rest of his days.

Yet…Nyaunni…she was different. She woke something up inside him he never knew he had. "Do I care for her?" Thorin pulled the tiny creature from his shoulder and just held it before him. "Could I love her as she deserves?" Uri blinked his large, lime green eyes back at Thorin. "I suppose if I let you in, I must feel something." He chuckled to himself and placed the fellbeast back up on his shoulder where it disappeared into his hair.

A knock at the door had Thorin sighing and looking up at the large clock in the corner of his office. He told Fili he would be in the throne room in an hour, and a quarter of that had already passed. Still, he could not turn someone away when there was still a lot to do, so with not a little reluctance, the dwarven king grumbled out "Enter" and waited for whoever needed his attention now. This was going to be along night.

AUTHORS NOTE: There we go, Leotti is finally marrying Ori (which won't be anything big or anything, something akin to a court wedding) and Thorin and Nyaunni are being difficult. You will just have to see what happens. I will try not to have it take too long, but writing and proofreading can take way too long sometimes, especially if it is a long chapter…which I have a bad habit of having needlessly long chapters.

See you soon!