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.

55. ACT IV Chapter EIGHTEEN

Authors Note: See, Saturday. At least, it is Saturday still for me. It is not my fault if you live in a time zone where it is Sunday. It is only just after 8pm for me.

Hugs to you too, docnikki! I love hugs. Lol.

OH, for all of my amazing readers, I have heard some rumors is being abandoned. Whether or not that is true, I have no idea. TikTok is not the best way to get news, lol, but just in case…I do post this on AO3 (an archive of our own) as well…and I get to RESPOND DIRECTLY to reviews there. So much better. Though has FAR superior stats and analytics. Also, no ads at all on AO3…just saying.😊

Anyway, here is another long one lol. Go ahead. By now, you know the drill.

Chapter Eighteen

For nearly half a day, the company and the guards of Erebor were on their toes with anticipation for what was to come. Tauriel sighed as she handed Kaw a piece of meat from the meal in front of her as she sat in the war room. She scratched her raven on the head as he ate, and watched Thorin pace before the window.

When it was apparent the approaching army will not be at Erebor for many hours, Tauriel excused herself to go to her rooms and help gather some things for Finli in case he will need to spend the night in a room deeper in Erebor. Both Shaada and Taada offered rooms to Dis, Nyaunni, and Finli. No firm plans were made until the situation required it.

As she was up there, Kaw insisted on following her around. Tauriel was not sure if it was because he missed her, he needed her comfort, or he just did not want to be alone. He was walking just fine, though he favored his good leg a bit. On the side he had the wound, he kept his wing tucked up.

When she was about to leave, however, Kaw let out a cry then somehow managed to get himself up on her shoulder. "You should remain and rest."

"Nana." Kaw purred as he began preening her hair. Not having the heart to leave him alone, Tauriel allowed him to come along. He has been with her since.

There was also the fact that now that Kaw had calmed down, he was able to better communicate what had happened while he was away. With Thorin, Dain, Kili, Fili, Naurfaer, and Aeodhen gathered around the raven, he relayed how angry Dryok was, threatening to keep him, how he shoved Kaw to the ground, and paid him with rotten, spoiled, food.

It is a well-established fact that ravens were not the servants of dwarves. The ravens owed the dwarves nothing. Rather, ravens were FRIENDS of the dwarves, they coexisted. The dwarves offered shelter, food, and safety…and in return…the ravens offered their flight. The ravens received payment, because they earned it. To pay a raven who traveled as far as Kaw did with spoiled meet is both unthinkable, and offensive to both the dwarven people as a whole…and the ravens.

So it goes without saying that all in the room were far more than appalled at how the royal raven was treated. "I don' think we can deny who is commin' any more." Aeodhen looked around at the royal family and the company, everyone nodding in agreement. "It's Dryok. I bet me position on it."

"Ta think." Dain sighed shaking his head. "A lord treatin' a raven from Erebor like tha'. I am no' goin' ta lie Thorin. I had hoped it was no' Dryok…despite wha' I told you. Bu' I am with Aeodhen."

Thorin rubbed his temples then nodded as the room fell into contemplating silence. That was nearly an hour ago and still nobody has moved or spoken. The only sounds came from Kaw who was picking at a biscuit Kili had given him from his pocket, and Fili who was sharpening one of his daggers as he waited for his wife to return. Viltarra had stepped out needing a personal minute along with Bilbo who offered to see about getting lunch brought up. It was well past the noon bell…but nobody had eaten since breakfast and the hobbit felt that was unacceptable.

Before leaving the room, Viltarra eagerly agreed to help for no other reason but to give herself something to do and to escape the suffocating silence if only for a brief time. The mountain was more than prepared, the guards ready, and the people ordered off the main levels for their protection. It was just a waiting game now. Thorin said nothing, just waiving his friend and niece away without uttering a single syllable.

Another hour passed in silence. Kili, who was playing with a walnut, rolling it from hand to hand for no other reason but to expel his nervous energy, looked to his stone still wife. She was staring off at the far stone wall looking like a marble carved statue. She barely looked like she was breathing, let alone a true living being. Letting the walnut roll to the floor…the sound causing many in the room to stir from their thoughts if only for a moment…Kili brushed his fingers over his wife's porcelain cheek.

"Amralime, are you alright?" Tauriel turned to Kili who took her hand, twining their fingers together. As he spoke, Viltarra came in with Bilbo bringing food for everyone. Tauriel temporarily ignored Kili's question as everyone in the room quickly took a plate and begin eating. Even Tauriel filled her plate, then pushed another to Thorin with a bit of everything seeing how he had not even looked at the food brought in. He did, however, nod his thanks…though he did nothing more than pull the food towards him.

As the company and the family finished their lunch, Thorin's still sat untouched, which Tauriel could not blame him. In fact, she could barely stomach her own food despite knowing she needed it.

"Why can't we just be left alone?" Tauriel finally looked to Kili, answering his earlier question with a question of her own. "I do not understand why others feel it is their right to threaten and bring harm to others…even their own kind. I do not understand why someone causes unnecessary pain to a creature who is innocent and simply relaying a message. A message which should bring joy. Someone who was thought dead, is alive, someone who was loved. Yet instead of rejoicing in Nyaunni's return, in praising those beyond their clan for finding and protecting her; they march to Erebor, they hurt Kaw, and they threaten Thorin. I do not understand, my Kili, why the world is filled with such cruelty, injustice, and…and…."

"Audacity?" Fili supplied. When Tauriel nodded he sat back, folding his arms. "Because, little sister, where we succeeded, they failed, and they want what we have without the sacrifice that comes with it. If you ask me, this has nothing to do with Nyaunni being found alive. Though it was a catalyst. No. This is Dryok taking his chance at fixing his mistakes while trying to get the power he craves."

Kili snorted. "In the stupidest way. What is he thinking attacking Erebor? There is no way he has enough of an army to even get past our first string of defense."

"Yet he will try." Dain hummed. "An' he will fail."

Kili looked to the ground, then back at Tauriel, squeezing her hand. "I wish I could give you an answer my star, but the truth is, I have none. I do not quite understand it either. All I can call it is selfishness, the need for power, and fear of others seeing him for a failure."

"He is a failure." Fili grumbled. "He never should have been a leader to begin with."

"Now lad, don' be speakin' such nonsense." Dain sat forward staring hard at the young prince. "One day, yeh will be the one on the throne. I can promise ya, that you will make poor decisions, you will have teh make choices where others will call yeh a fool and declare yeh to be a poor leader, and yeh will fail Fili. More than once, more times than yeh can count in fact. But yeh will also pick up the pieces and try to make right yer wrongs. Like yer uncle. He is no' a perfect being." Dain looked to Thorin who had turned away, his head bowed to the floor.

Thorin knew of his flaws, his failures, and those he let down time and time again. "Bu'…" Dain continued. "…he also knew how teh learn from those failures and be better fer it. He rebuilt, and to show fer it, Erebor is nearly where it was when Thror reigned. Once those mines are flowin' again, Mahal prepare yerself, cause Erebor will be the richest kingdom in all middle earth if it's no' already with tha' gold store."

Naurfaer simply watched quietly, his eyes trailing from Thorin, then back to his granddaughter before he let out a low, nearly inaudible sigh. "You are all so young. So few years have you walked these lands. In my experience among countless cities and civilizations, the true success of a leader is not always about gold stores and a thriving kingdom. Success, is how a true leader handles themselves, presents themselves, and about the wealth of HAPPINESS in their kingdom…not the treasure and power they may obtain. If you ask me, Erebor is already one of the wealthiest kingdoms in that standing; the joy of the people here overflows the mountain itself."

Naurfaer gave Thorin a smile, the dwarven king nodding in gratitude as he continued. "I cannot say why this dwarf lord believes he has the right to march here. But from what I remember of his last visit during negotiations, I am not surprised. Not in the least. He marched around Erebor as if he had some royal right to these halls. He treated Kili like a naive child, rather than the competent, experienced, son of Durin and heir of Erebor that he is. One would think when eyes of those who should be his equals are on him, he would be on his best behavior, but his attitude was far from that. If that was Dryok's best behavior, I pity his people. For he has little to no empathy. A leader with no empathy, will lead his people to ruin seeking that which he can and will never have. I cannot imagine the Firebeards are rich in anything, gold, prosperity, or joy."

"But he's to march to Erebor for what end? He can't honestly believe he can take the mountain. So why come here? For his pride? Isn't that just…I don't know…stupid?" Viltarra asked leaning against Fili. Her eyes scanned the room as some in the company nodded in agreement, while others, snickered.

Naurfaer shook his head. "I have seen an entire civilization go to ruins over a single apple tree."

"Now tha' is just absurd." Aeodhen grunted.

"Absurd or not, it happened." Naurfaer popped a grape in his mouth, offering Kaw another.

"I am sorry…" Bilbo blinked in confusion. "But an apple tree? How in the world does an entire civilization fall over an apple tree?"

"Well, it was technically two rather large kingdoms abutting each other." Naurfaer sat forward. "Their farmlands were the dividing line between the two, and at the center a single apple tree. Now it should be said that both sides had vast orchards of the same if not similar trees, but neither for decades could agree on whose side this one, singular, tree belonged. Quarreling turned to fighting, and fights turned to battles. Then one day, the armies met head on, each sides fighting force going to the opposite kingdom and burning it down, looting their wares, and taking women and children. Both sides did this, until there was nothing but fire, blood, and memories of what was remained. Both kingdoms, were destroyed, completely gone. Those that did survive, fled for their lives and never again returned."

"Whose tree was it then?" Bilbo asked.

"Neither's." Naurfaer sighed. "The tree that was thought to be a large apple tree yet to bare fruit, was none other than a young Ent. So young, he was confused and afraid, unsure what to make of where he was. He sought safety among the fruit trees…only to bring ruin. I tried to find him, for centuries I tried, but the entire orchard was burned to the ground…and I fear…the Ent youth was lost as well; likely too afraid to leave that which he thought protected him, the trees he thought were his safe haven."

Again, the room fell into silence, nobody knew quite what to say or how to respond to Naurfaer's memories. Tauriel pressed her head against Kili's, closing her eyes as she just took in her mate. He was her safety, her safe harbor. For his part, Kili ran his fingers through her hair, humming softly while they waited.

It was maybe another hour before the door opened and a guard came in, carrying a raven donned with the armor Thorin had ordered. "We have visual my lord. Three ravens have returned with the same message." He placed the raven on the chair and gestured to it. "Go on, you may relay your message."

The raven ruffled her feathers, the armer tinkling as she did. "The wasps fly at the door." She croaked. It was ravens speak for the enemies are near.

Thorin marched towards the door, pausing before the chair the black bird was perched on. "Good work." Thorin directed straight to the raven, giving her not one, but four gold coins and ordering the guard to give her food and water along with the others who have returned as well. He then looked to his family, Bilbo, and Aeodhen. "It is time."

The group rose to their feet and followed Thorin; Tauriel and Viltarra veering off to where the archers waited. "To our positions." Tauriel yelled out, Naurfaer just behind her gathering extra arrows.

Viltarra re-adjusted the sword on her back Fili had insisted she put on and wear until the situation was resolved. "For your protection, and his, nunguame."

"Or hers." Viltarra had muttered back as she caressed Fili's cheek. The dam, though she knew it was necessary, felt silly even having it as she wondered if she could even reach back and grasp the blade with how round she felt. But with a quick check, she realized the silliness of her earlier thought as her hand wrapped around the hilt.

She likely will not be using it, neither will Tauriel use the blades she could see at her sister's back as she followed Tauriel up the several flights of stairs to the second overhang. Though her concern for her sister began to swell as Tauriel wiped perspiration away from her forehead and slowed to nearly a stop…allowing the rest of the team to bypass her to their assigned area. "Tauriel, are you alright?"

Tauriel nodded as she gripped the cool stone for balance then turned her focus on tuning out the pain so it hopefully would not go to Kili…oh…he will be having a talk with her again, that was for certain. "Yes, I am fine, muinthel. I just need a moment. I think he is trying to get comfortable…but there just is no more room for it." She tried to laugh it off, but it turned into a small groan when the cramping worsened and Tauriel gasped in pain. Kaw, who was sitting on her forearm, purred and twittered soothingly to his nana as she leant against the stone wall.

"Oh no, you need to see Oin. I am not letting you go out there like that." Viltarra cried ready to guide her sister back down the steps and up to the healing halls.

"What's going on? Starlight?" Naurfaer was running up the steps, taking two at a time as he stopped before her, dropped the arrows, and grasped her face gently. "Are you in labor?"

Tauriel cringed at another cramp, closing her eyes to ride it out. Then suddenly…it was all gone. No cramps, no pain, nothing. "No. I think I just have been moving too fast." She sighed feeling Kili's panic through their connection which meant she unsurprisingly failed at stopping her discomfort from leaking to him. She needed Kili to focus on protecting himself and their home, so she quickly pushed comfort to him before he made his way to her. She soothed their bond, assuring him she was alright, then looked to Naurfaer and Viltarra. "I'm fine. Let's go."

"Nope. Not you." Naurfaer ordered. "Do not think for a minute I am letting you out there now."

"You are not LETTING me do anything. I can do as I please." With that, Tauriel pushed him away with the arm not still holding Kaw, turned, and took the last few steps leading to the overhang where her team was watching the valley below, though they did give her worried glances as she passed.

"Stubborn, stubborn child." Naurfaer huffed. "I take it I cannot order you out of here as well? Both of you should not be anywhere NEAR a battle should there be one."

Viltarra glared at Naurfaer then followed her sister without a word. Tauriel was arguably an adult…at least in their peoples terms, as was she. They would do as they pleased. Viltarra was firm in her judgment that if Tauriel's child was in any duress or danger, her sister would prioritize him and his safety over her responsibility and duty…as would she.

Tauriel helped Kaw to the banister as her elven eyes scanned the paths ahead. But it was not ahead they first caught a glimpse of the approaching army. Rather, it was opposite Dale. "There!" Tauriel called out, Naurfaer nodding beside her addressing the team. "Ready your bows, but remember, do not pull or shoot unless ordered."

Thorin, flanked by Kili and Fili stood on the overhang two stories below Tauriel and her team. "Here they come." Dain growled as for the first time, they saw the colors of the house of Uri; gold, and burgundy. Those on the rams flew the flag of their first father, riding on either side of a stout war pony on which a fully armored Dryok rode.

"Cowered." Dain growled looking to Thorin and his nephews who wore no armor at all. In fact, if it was not for the sword Thorin grasped tightly, and the weapons Fili and Kili held, he would not have even guessed they were standing before a possible oncoming battle. Yet Dryok came fully encased in armor head to toe. His beard was the only thing visible through his armor, but his station was well displayed by the nonsense marching with him. Those poor souls, Dain sighed.

Thorin watched the gate beneath him open just enough to let nearly three times the number of guards Dryok had brought, come flowing out from Erebor. They were of course led by Aeodhen who ordered them to get into position, awaiting further orders from Thorin.

But before Thorin could say another word or give another order, the sound of a horn blaring echoed through the valley and the dwarven king lifted his eyes in clear surprise as another mass could be seen marching towards Erebor. At its head, was a massive elk and behind it, thousands of guards in gold armor that glittered in the setting sun. Thorin was speechless. How did Thranduil even know? It had to have been Bard. He knew for a fact he did not have anyone inform the elven king, and he also was secure in the knowledge that not even Tauriel nor Naurfaer would have informed him…which meant Bard did. He must have sent an emergency missive to Mirkwood after Naurfaer left.

Yet another horn blared, and Thorin looked beyond the valley to Dale. Bard rode atop his stallion with his own army behind him. He waived to Thranduil as he approached, his horse pawing at the ground as the elven king's elk shook his massive antlers. Thorin could not hear what they were saying to each other at first, but then they yelled out orders to their guards to ready positions before both turned to look up at Thorin, nodding their heads.

"By my beard…tha' is a wonder." Dain shook his head. "I never had a doubt about yer alliances cousin, bu' if I did, every ounce of it would be gone now."

As the Firebeards approached, Thorin could see the murmuring among their guards as they realized what they were up against. It was not just the army of Erebor…which was decidedly larger than they had anticipated, but there were also the equally large forces of Dale, and Mirkwood all standing before them with weapons at the ready.

Several of the dwarven guards in Dryok's force towards the back, quickly broke rank and slowed their pace to put a small distance between them, and the forces ahead. They had no dwarven war machines, no fancy weapons like Dain's army had during the battle of five armies, and only simple battle weapons like axes, hammers, and swords to defend themselves. They had no way of defeating an elven army…neither did they think it to be a conceivable situation.

Dryok sneered at the elves, and the humans, calling his army to a full stop as Thranduil yelled out in Sindarin, Fili murmuring to Thorin that he had told his army to split and surround Dryok. Bard had his own army fill in the other side while Aeodhen, who led Erebor's force, had the first string of guards' box Dryok and the Firebeards in as they came to a stop before Erebor.

It did nothing, however, to stop the now incensed leader of the Firebeards from bellowing up to the king under the mountain. "THORIN OAKENSHIELD!" Dryok called out when he stopped before Aeodhen and the massive army of Erebor. "HIDIN' IN YER MOUNTAIN…TOO AFRAID TEH LEAVE IT I SEE! GOIN' THE LET OTHERS FIGHT FOR YA LIKE A COWARD, EH?"

"Is he mad?" Dain gave Dryok a look, then turned to Thorin. "Wha' in the name of Mahal's beard makes 'im think he has a chance. We go' nearly twenty dwarves to his one in this mountain for one thing. An' for another…do he no' see the men an' elves? This will be over, before it even begins."

Thorin growled as he leaned against the railing, his hands gripping the stone as he turned a cold expression to the dwarf. "DRYOK!" He roared. "WHY CAME YOU HERE?!"

"YOU KNOW WHY!" Dryok yelled back, his anger festering and growing. The agitation of the rider caused the pony he sat upon to prance and shift while Dryok pulled and tugged on the reins to keep it in place. "YOU! YOU ARE A FARSE! You are trying to take what is rightfully mine, so I am goin' to take wha' is yours! I evoke my right teh challenge you, Thorin Oakenshield!"

Thranduil smirked and Bard rolled his eyes. "Well, this should be interesting." The lord of Dale folded his arms while he sat on his horse, just watching.

"Might I suggest, my great lord…"

"No, Alfrid, you may not." Bard immediately shot down, glaring at the sniveling man who has decided recently he wanted to have a change of heart and try to prove that he was not, in fact, a rat among wolves, and could do good among their people. It was trying, as more often than not, he got in the way. But he insisted on coming to the battle, even donning armor and sharpening his own blade with the other guards who were all less than pleased to have him join. But Bard let him be, another blade, is another blade. Only time will tell what may come of his supposed arc of redemption.

Opposite him, Thranduil looked to his son, who rode up on his white mare. "Looks like Tauriel has been training archers." Legolas gestured up to the second tier, his father following his gaze as he lifted a brow at the dwarves, and Naurfaer, holding bows.

"So it may seem." Thranduil hummed. He looked back to the dwarf in an absurd amount of armor. When he received Bard's message, he hesitated for a moment as he decided what he wanted to do. For centuries, he kept his people to the forest for their protection. He chose NOT to interfere with the fates of the beings around him save for his time visiting Thror in Erebor on rare occasions, and his aid given to those who came to him pleading for help.

Then, he was charged with thievery by the king under the mountain himself. Accused of not paying for jewels he paid far more for than they were worth…despite their beauty. Thranduil, was not going to allow anyone to accuse him of something so petty, so when the dwarves needed his help, he refused. Why help a race who lacked the honor they so boasted about. Why sacrifice elven lives, trying to help a king who cared for nothing but the word, more. More power, more glory, more gold.

Smaug was powerful, and Thranduil at the time was convinced even with his army, it would have been a bloodbath in all kingdoms…and the outcome would have likely not changed whether they helped or not. So between the elven kings desire to protect his people from the jaws of a fire-breathing wyrm, and the offences thrown his way by Thror…Thranduil turned his back to the dwarves and returned to the forest while Erebor and Dale burned.

But that was a long time ago, and not only did Thranduil have his white gems, he also received something he never thought he could ever receive…a true apology from the king under the mountain. Thorin Oakenshield humbled himself to extend a hand and fix the bridges burned between them…in full. Thranduil, though he may never say it out loud, fully believes Thorin to be an honorable king, and he is here to honor their alliance that he has to Bard of Dale, to Thorin of Erebor, and to their kin.

That, however, was not the only reason Thranduil is here. The elven king lifted his eyes to the second tier again, his ice blue meeting Tauriel's emerald green. She was trying to hide the shock in her features that he was here…Thranduil could easily tell. He nodded to her, which she reciprocated after a moment. He then saw her turn her eyes back to Thorin.

Thranduil knows he made mistakes with Tauriel, he knows he pushed her in his attempts to refine her. He also knows, she harbors not a little resentment to him and to the elves of Mirkwood for how she was treated. But Thranduil is old, maybe not as old as Naurfaer, but old enough to be set in his ways. Perhaps, one day, he will apologize to her, but for now, he will show her that she was not as unwanted as she believes, by coming to the aid of the dwarves she so loves.

"Do you think, they will have a duel than?" Legolas asked as his father watched the armor clad dwarf in front of him act like a fool. He felt pity only for that pony he sat upon, who looked far more than starved and nearly about to buckle under his weight.

Thranduil hummed neither a yes, nor a no. He simply watched on. Though he did have a passing thought of if they did duel, perhaps wine can be served as a beverage to those who watched. This will be no battle, these dwarves didn't even look like dwarves…rather they looked like starving mice. More pity filled him as his eyes scanned the army. Were dwarves not supposed to be fierce warriors? Were they not supposed to have a lust for battle and war and never back down? Yet, as this dwarf stood before his force, hollering nonsense up to Thorin, several of the dwarves around him looked like they would rather be anywhere…but here. It was both sad, and pitiful to the elven king who waited on Thorin's response.

"Challenge?" Still up on the balcony over Erebor's great gate, Fili eyed his uncle. "As in what…a battle to the death? Surely you won't entertain such absurdity."

Thorin only glanced at Fili as he considered what to do. Even without Thranduil or Bard interfering, he alone had the numbers to win a war; but doing so would decimate his own people. Dwarf against dwarf went against the grains. These may not be Longbeards before him, Durin's folk, but they are still his people, and what's more is, they are Nyaunni's people. "No." Thorin finally said to Fili. "No I will not."

"That is because he would kill Dryok." Kili mumbled. He was not looking at his uncle, nor was he looking at the thousands of battle ready beings below him. No. His eyes kept trailing from the events below, to his wife he knew was just a few stories up. His wife, who was in pain. Mahal he prayed the baby was not coming. This would be the WORST time for that to be happening. His worry only rose when her shock over the army of Mirkwood arriving was so strong, Kili wondered if it alone would throw her into labor…if the pains she was feeling did not.

"COME DOWN HERE MAD KING, AN' GIVE ME MY RIGHT!"

"Mad…he thinks YOU to be mad? Does he no' see yer army?" Dain shook his head. "DRYOK! LOOK AROUND YEH! THIS WILL NO' END WELL FER YEH IF YEH TRY ANYTHIN'. GO HOME! YER MINDS CLEARLY NO' RIGHT LAD?!" Dain tried, for the respect he once had for this lord…or at least the respect he had for Dryok's title. Truth be told he never was fond of him.

"DAIN IRONFOOT! SHOULD HAVE KNOWN YOU WERE HERE!" Dryok bellowed. "TAKIN' ADVANTAGE OF EREBORS STORES OF GOLD AND FOOD, EH? FILLIN YER POCKETS AND BELLY? YER MORE BOAR THAN THA' PIG YOU RIDE!"

"Why that little…" Dain moved to storm down, but Fili grabbed his arm. "Don't cousin. He is trying to rile you up."

"Well it's workin'!" Dain yanked his arm away from Fili, but did not take another step towards the door. But Thorin did.

"Uncle NO!" Kili tried, but Thorin shook his head and gripped Orcrist. "If it is a fight he wants…then I will give it to him. I will not have his insults." He turned from Kili and stormed down the steps passing a stunned Bilbo…who stood watching him pass silently…and keenly ignored the sounds of his nephews and cousin calling his name.

"Open the gate, then seal it as soon as I am out." The guard did not even question his king, just did as he said allowing the three sons of Durin, and the lord of the Iron Hills out of Erebor. The guards standing at the gate and across the bridge took a step away as Thorin stalked through the masses coming to stand at the end of his guards beside Aeodhen…who did not look amused Thorin was out of Erebor without even a lick of armor on. He chose to remain silent about it, however, as he in no way wanted to undermine his king's decisions.

"Well, here I am Dryok." Thorin held out his arms, glaring at the lord before him. "You want a challenge; I will give you one."

Dryok's armor clinked and groaned as he jumped off his pony, his guards immediately stepping at his side, their weapons drawn as if Thorin was going to run at them. It did not take anyone with a lot of experience to see the question in the guards' eyes as they watched the dwarven king approach. Even Fili and Kili saw them eyeing Dryok, then the masses surrounding them as if they regretted their decision.

While opposite them, there was not a single guard on Thorin's side who was not ready to lay their life down for the king before them. The evidence of which being the step they took as they drew their weapons when Dryok got too close to Thorin. The dwarven king rose his hand, and they stood attention…waiting. Aeodhen at their head with his axe drawn and his eyes not leaving Thorin and Dryok, heard both Bard and Thranduil order their own armies to stand ready. He did not have to look at them to know they too had drawn their weapons.

"What are they doing?" Viltarra asked, her bow at the ready.

"I wish I could say, but it sounds as if Dryok has challenged Thorin, and he has accepted." Tauriel's eyes roamed her family in the path of danger. Kili was too far from her, and too close to that mad dwarf for her comfort.

"Wait, does that mean we don't get to shoot anyone?" Braundee asked, a bit disappointed. "I was looking forward to that." Dynni nodded in agreement, but both Naurfaer and Tauriel chose to ignore her for the time being.

As Bard was giving orders to a small group, Tauriel watched as several of Dryok's guards broke off from the side, slowly making their way around where Thorin, Fili, and Kili could not see. In their arms, were something similar to a crossbow, if not smaller. If you asked her, they appeared to be the perfect size to shoot the darts that brought down and injured their ravens…including her Kaw.

"I think not." Tauriel growled as she quickly raised her bow, aimed, and fired a warning shot at the feet of the first of the four dwarves now aiming at Fili.

There was a sudden flurry of activity below as Dryok and those around him looked up to see the crossbow wielding dwarves scurrying back. Bard quickly took action, the guards he had been giving instruction too seizing the dwarves who dropped their weapons to their sides as they stared at the arrow in the ground.

"Ardyn, take their weapons. If they move another muscle, take their lives." Bard ordered one of his captains who nodded and immediately followed orders.

"What is the meaning of this!" Dryok yelled out. He looked at the arrow embedded in the path, then lifted his eyes to the mountain to see long red hair flowing in the wind high above him. Beside her on the banister, was Kaw, who hissed angerly at the dwarf; his feathers ruffled as he stared down the being who disrespected him in the worst of ways.

Dryok glared at the bird and the elf who had another arrow locked and pointed his direction. "THAT ELF WITCH!"

Kili saw red. "WHAT DID YOU CALL MY WIFE?!" He roared, but Thorin grabbed him before he surged towards the dwarven lord.

"Kili NO!" Thorin ordered in his ear, jerking his furious nephew back so powerfully, Kili nearly collided with his brother. Instead of saying anything more to Kili, however, Thorin stepped in front of his nephew. "Your fight is with me. You came here, for me. Not her. Me. What do you want Dryok?"

The dwarven lord stared hard at Thorin, his dark eyes just visible through the slots of his helmet. "Oakenshield." The name spoken like a slur caused both Fili and Kili to glare at Dryok. "For far too long, the Longbeards have claimed power that they have no more RIGHT to than any of us. I am a descendant of Uri, no different than you are a descendant of Durin. Yet your ancestors, felt they held claim to rule us all. Not anymore Thorin. Here and now, I challenge my right to lead the dwarven people. I will not allow you to take my lands, my people, and my power from me."

"What madness is this Dryok?" Dain tried again. "Where is this commin' from? Thorin's no' after yer lands lad? Nor yer people or power! An' if I am no' correct, a descendant of Uri yeh may be, bu' I know me dwarven lines well enough to say yer no' quite a DIRECT descendant. Go back home! Save yerself before you do somethin' tha' will cost yer life…while there is still yet time."

"If I were you, I would close my mouth yeh boar." Dryok seethed. "I don' owe anyone here anything. I am here under the name of my house, under the banner of my firs' father. I march here as a representative of Uri."

"You speak for your first father, do you?" Thorin tightened his hold on Orcrist. "Then I shall speak for mine. Draw your weapon, and we will be done with this. I have no patience for anyone who comes to threaten me and insults my family. You swore allegiance, Dryok, are you breaking that oath? Think carefully on your answer, for once it is given, it will never be revoked and there will be consequences…of the harshest degree."

"I did what was expected, wha' the others insisted I do. But I knew, I knew it was only a matter of time before you used your position to take down all the lords until only you remained. And I knew I would be first teh take you down." Dryok pulled his axe from his back and gripped it in both hands. "You were threatened by me, intimidated. Admit it fer all to hear."

Thorin had to force away the nearly automatic laughter that tried to bubble up from his chest. Intimidated? HE was intimidated by Dryok? What in the great makers hammer was this dwarf on about? "I know nothing of what madness you speak. How came you to such a conclusion?"

Dryok lacked the ability to withhold his laughter, unlike Thorin, and the air filled with mirthless guffaw's of a clearly insane dwarf; not even his guards joined in…most looking as if they would rather be elsewhere. "Come now, Oakenshield." No respect remained in this dwarf for his king, not even enough respect to call Thorin by his given name. "You who merged with elves to solidify your power; that she demon spreading her legs an' her disgusting blood through the mountain. Yeh are probably using her to control the people with her spells, likely has ya all under a spell too. Or do she just keep yer beds warm?"

Neither Thranduil nor his army was amused by the harsh words, and with a single gesture, well over a thousand bows were knocked, drawn, and aimed at Dryok. Who was this creature to make such accusations? If Thorin did not kill this dwarf, Thranduil will most happily do it himself. He may not agree or really like that his ward married a dwarf, but to slander her with such accusations were offensive even to him. At least, he was not the only one ready to kill this dwarf. His eyes flicked to the young prince who already had his sword drawn.

Fili had to grab Kili again, holding his brother tight. Luckily Dain had a mind to grip his other shoulder, the pair using most of their strength to keep the younger prince from rashly killing this dwarf and starting the war Thorin was likely trying to keep at bay. Though if he keeps talking about his sister like that, Fili will kill him himself. Or, get in line to do so. It looks as if the elves were more than happy to take him out. He watched Thranduil pace before his army, their bows still pointed at Dryok ready to make the kill.

"That's not the half of it." Dryok continued as if he did NOT have thousands of sharp elven arrows pointed at him, and far more than amused at the riled-up prince being restrained. "Got your missive. The daughter of Draupnir alive? An yeh want to wed and bed her? Erebor not enough for you is it Oakenshield? Tha' elf not enough? Before you take my clan from me. Before you steel MY people! I evoke my right as a lord, to challenge you."

"Can he do that uncle?" Fili asked, still gripping his brother tightly.

"I am afraid so lad." Dain sighed.

"I will fight him!" Kili snarled. "I will KILL him!"

"I accept." Thorin glared at Dryok then turned to Kili, putting a hand on his chest and pushing him back a step while shaking his head. "Don't Kili." He said softly as he leaned into his nephew, his son. "Don't. You cannot risk it, if you get hurt, you hurt Tauriel. She is too close to giving birth to even SEE you put yourself in such a position. Viltarra too." Thorin added when Fili leaned in to argue his own case. "I will not risk my grandchildren, or any of your lives. I will take this challenge on. It is his right to evoke it, and my right to see it to its end. Do I make myself clear?"

Kili gulped back the lump in his throat, but nodded. Thorin placed his large palm on Kili's cheek and brought their foreheads together, then did the same to Fili. "Do you trust me?" Both nodded. "Then trust I will be fine."

Orcrist in his hand, Thorin turned to Dain. "Yeh sure about this cousin? No' really a fair fight. I don' think his axe as even been off the wall…le' alone slayed anythin' worthy of mention."

Thorin gave Dain a look. Of course the large, red-headed dwarf was mostly jesting. Dryok has seen battles before and all lords have had their time fighting. He was no amateur…but Thorin was much older, and much more experienced with a blade. He trained harder, longer, and with more weapons than most…mastering in the hammer, the sword, and the axe. He even could shoot a bow…having developed the skill when his nephew begged to master it…despite the backlash the dwarfling received for his desire for such a weapon.

Thorin also fought a dragon, killed Azog…technically twice…and won Erebor back after a battle of over 50,000 orcs, trolls, and goblins in this very valley…also twice. If this dwarf thinks he even has a hair of a chance defeating him…than he is about to find out how very wrong he was. "You want a challenge Dryok, you have one."

Raising his sword, Thorin stepped up to Dryok; the first string of the guards of Erebor coming to stand as a barrier behind their king without even an order from Aeodhen, while Dryok's guards simply stood and watched their lord…not moving an inch in his direction.

Although, in their defense, they were surrounded by clearly incensed elves, and a human army nearly as ready to off their lord as the elves were. The one saving grace they had, was when Thorin nodded to Thranduil who took the gesture as a request for them to stand down. He signaled to his army, and they brought their bows to their side…though they did not put them away. Instead, they watched at the ready.

Dryok let out a mirthless laugh as Thorin approached. "When you meet our maker, I pray he bars you entry to our ancestors halls. Workin' with elves and humans…almost as disgustin' as your elven whore." Without further warning, Dryok lifted his axe and swung, missing Thorin by an inch as the dwarven king simply took a step back. Dryok swung a second time and once again, missed.

Letting out a growl of frustration, Dryok ran at Thorin who raised Orcrist and bashed it into the oncoming lord, causing him to stumble to the ground. Cursing, Dryok got to his feet, ripping off his helmet and spitting out blood. "You will pay for that!" He yelled out as he slammed his axe into the dwarven king who met his blow straight on.

Blow for blow, Thorin matched Dryok. Without his helmet impeding his sight, it did seem the dwarven lord did have more than enough skill to be considered both a competent duelsman, and an experienced warrior. But Thorin still was the superior fighter, and in three moves, he had the lord again on the ground on his back.

Rolling away, Dryok got to his feet and ran at Thorin, but he just stepped away and swung Orcrist, bashing Dryok to his knees and back to the ground.

"You will give up and leave my land, or lose your life, Dryok…your choice." Thorin said through clenched teeth as he held his sword to Dryok's back.

"There is more honor in death, than in runnin' away." Dryok huffed and panted as he looked back at Thorin. "Bu' if I go down, I will not be going alone. ATTACK!" He yelled to his guards. "TAKE EREBOR!"

The moment the words left Dryok's mouth, Thranduil had his army raise their bows as Bard was pulling his sword, the forces of Dale moving in on the small army of Firebeards.

"IF YOU VALUE YOUR LIVES, YOU WILL STAY WHERE YOU ARE!" Thorin bellowed when Dryok's small army lifted their weapons, looking around them at the three army's closing in.

"YOU WILL ALL STAY YOUR WEAPONS!" The voice had Thorin turning from Dryok as none other than Nyaunni astride her feathered dragon came surging towards them.

"An who is this pet?" Dryok grumbled as Erebor's guards parted to let the dam pass through them. Once she reached the center, Nyaunni tugged at the lead she held onto, causing Dajnel to stop. Or maybe the aelúg just sensed the order as she growled deep in her chest at the dwarves she stopped in front of, baring her sharp teeth when one of Dryok's guards turned his hammer towards her.

"This is over, Dryok." Nyaunni yelled out from atop Dajnel.

"And who are you to give orders here?" The dwarven lord snickered but cursed when Thorin kicked him to the ground again, this time pointing his sword at Dryok's face.

"Know you not the true descendent of Uri?" Thorin spat at Dryok. "You speak to the soon to be queen under the mountain. You will respect her."

"Queen?" Dryok spit on the ground in her direction even as Thorin pressed his sword into his cheek.

"I am Nyaunni, daughter of Draupnir. I am a first daughter of Uri, I bare his mark, and his gift. I am his DIRECT descendant, and I will not see my people be led by such filth. So, I offer a choice." Nyaunni prompted Dajnel to move and she began circling before Dryok's army, addressing them rather than the lord on the ground. "And I only offer it once. Lay your weapons down and choose your leader. Do you follow a tyrant? One who swears an oath of loyalty and fealty only to come unprovoked, and ill prepared, to challenge one who more than EARNED his title, his crown, and his kingdom?"

Nyaunni then turned her glare at Dryok who glared back but said nothing. "I have spent nearly two hundred years in captivity. I have lived under the hand of orcs and goblins, and they have more honor than this dwarf." She snarled, Dajnel mimicking the sound, then Nyaunni once again addressed the Firebeard guards. "So, I say to you, we draw the line here. If you choose to follow Dryok, then remain where you are. You will go into battle, and you will lose. But…if you put your loyalty in Thorin Oakenshield, king under the mountain…then lay your weapons at your feet, and stand WITH his army. You will be granted safety, protection, and your life will be yours to keep. A promise I cannot guarantee if you remain with this…traitor. The choice is yours to make, and yours alone."

For several heartbeats, nobody moved. Dwarves were fiercely loyal especially to their own clans. But if Dain was right, and Dryok has run the Firebeards to the ground, then that loyalty is likely shaken.

Several of the Firebeards looked around them. They saw the elves standing behind their king, a king who they followed without even the slightest hesitation. They saw the men of Dale waiting orders from their own lord, swords drawn and ready to come to the defense of a dwarven king. They saw Thorin Oakenshield who stood proud and respected, his guards gripping their weapons and more than ready to take down their own kind in the name of their true king.

Dain watched sadly. He watched as more than one tightened their hold on their weapons. This was going to be a bloodbath before the night was through. No dwarf would forsake their home, no dwarf would forsake his clan. They are loyal to their own, it was the dwarven way. For if you cannot trust your own…than who can you trust?

But it only took one dwarf to put down his crossbow, to make Dain realize how broken that loyalty was. "My father was a good dwarf." The guard growled. "'E loved lord Draupnir and served 'is guard all 'is life even stayin' on when Draupnir went ta Erebor. I spen' me entire life listenin' ta stories of the good days. When food was plenty, gold filled our 'alls, an' our clan thrived." The guard spit on the ground beside Dryok. "Tha' clan is dead. We are starvin', dwarflings dyin' with no food, medicine, or help offered. Our wives suffer, some passin' from the loss of their babes, and others refusin' to mate in fear their children will jus' starve. Our homes are fallin' apart, with all our resources goin' to YOUR hall, all our food goin' to yer hall. All our gold, goin' to YOUR HALL! An for wha'? Death to those yeh call yer people. I won' serve ya another day." He released the straps on his uniform, and let the armor fall to the ground. "I chose ta follow my king, my rightful king."

The guard bowed low to Thorin, the guards of Erebor allowing him to pass as soon as he showed he had no weapons. Then, one by one, the sound of armor and weapons hitting the path filled the air as the guards moved from Dryok's side, to Thorin's…each bowing low...some even taking a knee before him as they passed by.

"Weak." Dryok seethed. "You are all WEAK!"

"Are you certain yeh are in a place to say tha?" Dain lifted a brow as he watched the entire army of Firebeards betray Dryok. Or perhaps, it was Dryok who betrayed them first.

"Weak?" Thorin had had enough. With Dryok on the ground, the dwarven king lifted his great sword to deal the killing blow. He was done with this dwarf, he was done hearing him disrespect his family, and his soon to be bride. He was done being level headed and he was claiming his prize. He won the challenge, and his reward, was blood from his opponent.

"Thorin." The quiet call of Nyaunni filled his ears. "Don't."

"It is MY right, Nyaunni!" Thorin glared at Dryok who for the first time since he arrived, looked frightened and closed his eyes…waiting for the sword to come down.

"Yes. Your right, it may be. But he doesn't deserve the honor of this kind of death. He deserves to live and be made accountable for what he has done." Nyaunni placed a hand on Thorin's back, feeling his tense muscles contract.

"She's right Thorin." Dain agreed. "The lords should see wha' he has done…an' try 'im fer it. Even challengin' yeh as he did, is an offence punishable to the harshest degree. Le' 'im suffer the consequences of 'is actions, cousin. Don' send 'im to 'is rest. No' yet."

Both Bard and Thranduil watched silently, neither thinking differently than Thorin. This dwarf more than deserved his death by coming here as he did. In fact, if Thorin did not kill him, Thranduil would happily do it simply for the mere offences Dryok so disgustingly yelled out about the eleth he raised. Unacceptable. Perhaps, Thorin would allow him to remove the dwarf's head from his shoulders…if he did not wish to sully his own blade with blood. Just a thought.

Thorin lowered his sword just a bit, pushing Orcrist into Dryok's face. "Get up." He pulled slightly away, waiting as Dryok clumsily got to his feet. "KHORBIL, ALDUIN!"

"Aye." Two guards stepped forward, waiting for their king's orders.

"Take Dryok to the dungeons. He can remain there until we can have a full trial with the other lords. Dain, call them in for a meeting, asap."

"Aye cousin."

"You lost Dryok, and I will watch you lose again, and again, and again. Get him out of my face." Thorin ordered and watched as the two guards along with four others secured Dryok and dragged the cursing dwarven lord into Erebor.

"Ah, well, tha' was disappointing. I was hopin' to break this in, I was." Alfrid huffed out, clumsily swinging his sword until one of the other guards from Dale got annoyed and took it from him, glaring at the rat-like man who nearly stabbed him with his careless actions. "OI! That is mine, I will have you know!"

"ALFRID, GO HOME!" Bard yelled out as he jumped from his horse and pushed the man back towards Dale. "Ryant, make certain he gets there without doing something foolish." The guard who had taken the sword, nodded, and continued to push a grumbling Alfrid away from the army and towards the human city.

Shaking his head at the ridiculous man he could still hear cursing at Ryant, Bard walked forward and clasped his hand around Thorin's wrist. "That was some fight."

"I am glad that is all it was." Thorin nodded, returning Bards grip. "It was never my intention to get either Dale nor Mirkwood involved."

"Yes, well, I have come to tolerate you." Thranduil lifted a brow as he walked towards the other two kings. "I do not think I would have the same feelings towards that dwarf. I may have had to kill him myself if he succeeded. My alliance falls to you, king Thorin. You, and your family." He looked to Fili and Kili, both nodding, then lifted his eyes to Tauriel and Viltarra…who were both gripping the banister and looking over to see what was happening below.

"Thank you." Thorin gave a small bow of this head to which Thranduil responded in kind. "It is getting late, can I offer you rooms, or food? Some wine perhaps?"

"The hour does not affect us, and we must be getting back to Mirkwood. It also appears to me, as if you have more than enough to deal with without even more unexpected guests to entertain. Perhaps, another time." Thranduil moved away from Thorin, but paused before Nyaunni and lifted a brow. "Soon to be queen under the mountain?" He gave her an appraising look than nodded. "May I offer my congratulations…and my condolences." He turned a teasing expression to Thorin which was met with a scowl by the dwarven king.

However, before Thorin could say anything, Thranduil was back up on his elk. "I shall send a gift in both of your honors. Do send a summons should you need further assistance. Legolas." Thranduil turned his elk, then waited for his son who looked up at Tauriel but chose to follow his father. In one swift move, he was back on his mare. He gave Tauriel one final look, then, joined the elven army as they marched back to the forest.

Bard chuckled and held out his hand to Nyaunni. "I too offer my congratulations." Nyaunni clasped his hand for a moment, then released it, stepping back as Bard turned back to Thorin. "Is there anything more you need?"

Thorin shook his head. "No. Thank you."

Bard nodded, then jumped back up on his horse. "We shall have to celebrate, but perhaps, after you have this all sorted." The human lord of Dale smiled, then with a single order, the forces of Dale were walking back to their city."

Thorin watched them go for a moment, then spun on his toes to begin getting the loose ends of this situation forged together. "Aeodhen, put a team together to guard the dungeons. Nobody goes in or out. Twice the guard as usual and at least one member of the company is to be down there at all times."

"Aye, Thorin. I will speak to Dwalin an' make plans." Aeodhen called out a dozen of his guards and followed the group that had escorted Dryok into Erebor moments earlier.

Thorin then turned to Nyaunni as he lifted a brow, but he simply shook his head. What's the point in saying anything, she technically had as much right to be there as he did…that was after all her clan. Speaking of her clan, Thorin finally addressed the dwarves who were standing only in their under-tunic's…all of which seemed more than a little relieved they were no longer surrounded by elves and humans…though the guards from Erebor did move in in their places. They clearly did not trust these dwarves quite yet.

"You made a choice today, to come here willing to fight under the orders of one who did not have your best interests in mind or at heart." Thorin felt more than saw Nyaunni come stand beside him as he spoke. A glance her way saw she held the lead to Dajnel in her hand. On his other side, Fili and Kili stood, and Dain beside them. "Dryok is no longer your leader. His fate has yet to be determined, but one thing I can assure you of, he will no longer bare the title of lord. You will be given accommodations in Erebor until further notice."

"Kili, Fili, go get Balin. Gather the Firebeards in the hall the Ukdam stayed, and make certain they have food and bedding. I want them questioned, and our guards posted at all entrances. They are not prisoners, but until I know whose side they really are on, they are not to have free reign of Erebor."

"Do you not trust them uncle." Kili asked, eyeing the dwarves in question.

"Kili, you must learn that it is not always about trust." Thorin said, his hand on Kili's shoulder. "They just walked away from their leader, not something lightly done. I trust the situation, but I also believe there are things we cannot see, and do not know. We are letting strangers into Erebor…how has that turned out in our past?"

Kili scrunched his nose remembering the sickness that filled their home not so long ago. His precious son gasping for breath and his wife working herself to the point of collapse to save a people who wanted little to do with her when they arrived.

"Our people they may be, my son, but we must always keep our guard up in case this was their plan all along." Thorin gave Kili a small smile. "And after you talk to Balin, for Mahal's sake, get Tauriel and Viltarra to sit down. I will have a full head of white and silver hair before they even give birth."

Finally, Kili's scowl softened and he chuckled. "You will not be the only one." He looked to his brother who sighed, nodding his agreement.

"Go on." Thorin pushed Kili towards the gate, clasping Fili on the shoulder as well as he watched his sons go back into the mountain. He lifted his eyes, seeing the long red tresses of his daughter, and her devoted raven beside her ruffling his feathers as he watched. The dwarven king felt a small pressure behind his eyes…a headache forming. Today was SUPPOSED to be a day to prepare for his wedding…to spend with his family. Instead, it was nearly a day filled with blood.

What is more, is he knew his daughter heard what Dryok said. Now that things have cooled, he was furious of the allegations. When the dwarven lords come, he will be speaking to them at lengths of Tauriel, and even bringing her in. It was time they knew her heart, as he does. She was no manipulator.

Thorin thought back to his ancestors. To Thorin the first, who married an elf, Anorloth. It was time to bring her back to life in their halls, to show those dwarven lords Tauriel too has a place not just in their halls, but as a member of the royal family fully backed not just by Erebor, but by the lords as well. Furthermore, that any of her children have just as much claim to the throne with her elven blood, then they did if she were a dam. He will not allow her name and reputation to be drug through the mud all because she was an elf, nor will he allow her to be hidden away like Anorloth.

"Thorin?" Nyaunni gave him a questioning look, following his gaze to Tauriel. "Did I miss something?"

"I'll explain later." Thorin huffed and took her hand, tugging her back towards their mountain. "Let's get that dragon back inside. I thought you said she should not be ridden?"

"I did." Nyaunni rolled her eyes. "Rides to other towns; hours and miles away. We walked from the stable to the gate. Besides, she will be in the ceremony…remember? As long as it is not far, she will be fine."

Thorin gave her a look, rolling his eyes as he patted the aelúg who nudged his shoulder. "She did well." Thorin finally said, Nyaunni smiling and nodding in agreement.

"She did. You did as well." Nyaunni laced their fingers as the pair walked to the stables, several guards following for their protection.

"Well tha' was no' what I expected. Thought I migh' have been able to shoot something beside a target for once." Tynk huffed.

"Be grateful." Tauriel narrowed her eyes and shot out. "We must never find joy in shedding blood."

"Says the elf." Dynni laughed with no mirth. "No offence of course, Tauri. We love yeh. Bu' were dwarves. Battling is in our blood."

"But shedding your own kinds blood?" Tauriel asked, lifting a brow and shaking her head in disappointment.

There was shuffling, then finally Dynni shook his head. "No. Yer right."

Tauriel nodded. "We will go out hunting, and you will have a chance at live targets. How does that sound?"

"Like something you absolutely will not be doing." Naurfaer glared at his granddaughter. "Are you purposely being obtuse, or do you just forget you're about to give birth? You were gasping in pain not seconds before that army hit the gates…yet you're planning a hunting trip as if it was just a normal day?"

Glaring at her grandfather, Tauriel folded her arms over the large swell of her stomach. "I meant when I return to my duties."

"Did you now?" Naurfaer lifted a brow, Viltarra chuckling beside him. Neither believed for a second she meant what she said. If she had it her way, Tauriel would still be leading her team each morning. Poor Oin.

"Alright, you two…go fill Dis in. I will get this team to the rest of the guards. It should be fine to return to the family rooms once all the Firebeards get to the large hall. Tauriel…please rest starlight." Naurfaer brushed some of her hair from her face, noting the flushed look on her cheeks. "I know you feel your duty belongs elsewhere, but your body is screaming that you are overdoing it. For me, for Kili, and for your child, please see to yourself."

Tauriel sighed and nodded, feeling Naurfaer press a kiss to her forehead. "Good. Now let's go, I want to get you off your feet before I do anything else. Besides, I give it maybe an hour before the mountain is back to normal and I am sure Dis is at her wits end waiting for word. Plus, Finli will want to see you."

Nodding again, Tauriel allowed Kaw to climb back onto her, and she moved to leave, waiting for Viltarra who walked beside her as they made their way down the steps…Naurfaer just behind them.

As they walked, the young dam eyed her sister; perhaps Tauriel was not pregnancy perfection personified as she previously thought. "I do worry for you. You look…well…like you're in pain. Do you want me to go get Finli and Dis so you can go sit down?"

At first, Tauriel wanted to stamp her foot and yell that she was fine. She wanted to retrieve her baby, her Finli, and take him up to her room and spend the rest of the evening cuddling him. But yet another cramp shot through her system, and her unborn shifted uncomfortably in the womb. Fear, discomfort, and contempt filled her mind…not coming from her Kili…but from the babe within. So Tauriel nodded, sending warm comforting vibes to her unborn son in attempts to calm him. "I think, I think I might go lay down."

"Oh for Mahal's sake." Oin pushed through the group as Tauriel, Naurfaer, and Viltarra hit the bottom step. When Kili had stopped him in passing, and all but begged him to see to Tauriel, the old healer knew he should not have been surprised the lady elf he looked after, and loved on most days, was near the battle. In fact…both Tauriel AND Viltarra were there. "Why is it…no matter wha' I say…none of yeh listen. Am I NOT the head healer in this mountain? Does my advice an' orders mean nothin'? I am TRYIN' teh make sure yeh don' kill yerself or your children…bu' it don' matter WHAT I say do it? Yeh will just…go an' do as you want."

Both Tauriel and Viltarra had the sense to look chastened. "Sorry Oin." Viltarra offered, attempting to cool the older dwarf's temper. "I really feel fine, but Tauriel needs to go lay down. Do you mind accompanying her back up to the suites? I am going to go get Fin and Dis."

"I will help you get her up, Oin. I was planning on taking her anyway." Naurfaer smiled at the healer who nodded. However, Tauriel shook her head no.

"You should see if Thorin or Aeodhen needs you. Oin will see to me…"

"NO! No no no no no!" Naurfaer shot back, glaring at her. "The last time I had a gut feeling you needed aid, and I listened to you when you told me you were fine…sending me off with Aeodhen…I came back to find out I was right…and you had been POISONED! There are PLENTY of guards here, and the company is all around to help. They can be without me. YOU are my number one priority, starlight, you. I will not leave your side."

"Auduadarya, Thorin needs you…"

"And if Thorin saw you right now…"

"What is going on!" Speak of the dwarf and he shall appear. Thorin pushed through the crowd, heading straight for Tauriel and Naurfaer who he could see over the heads of the Ereborian dwarven guards going to and fro. The Firebeards were already inside and taken to the large, still empty, hall, while the rest of the army was marching in and heading to their wing to remove their armor and relieve themselves of their weapons. There was no battle to happen, and no blood to spill.

Thorin and Nyaunni stopped before the group. "Is everything alright?" He first looked at Viltarra who nudged her head towards Tauriel, the eleth rolling her eyes, but no longer hiding the discomfort that kept flitting across her face.

"I am just not feeling well." Tauriel instantly regretted her words, as Thorin stiffened immediately; so she placed a hand on his shoulder. "It is not that, adad! Nothing like that." Nyaunni gave him a look, and he realized he had never told her what happened to Tauriel when she was pregnant with Finli…a story for a later time. Right now, it appears, he has a daughter needing aid.

"Is the babe coming?" Thorin placed a hand on the child inside Tauriel as his daughter shook her head then smiled as her unborn son stilled and somewhat calmed when he heard his grandfather's deep voice.

"I do not think so. It feels nothing similar to when I went into labor with Finli."

"It's jus' false labor likely, and some muscle strain." Oin sighed. "Yeh been doin' too much. Bed res' is wha' I recommend."

"Then bed rest it will be." Thorin agreed. "That is a direct order from your king, and father." Thorin smiled softly as a flash of contempt crossed Tauriel's emerald eyes. "Please nâtha. Kili will be up soon. I am sure since you are suffering, he is suffering as well."

"And the wedding?" Tauriel asked.

"I want to see how you are doing, and I will decide from there." Thorin looked to Nyaunni who nodded in agreement.

"No! I am well enough, and you have waited long enough." Tauriel argued. "Tomorrow. It should be tomorrow. Just as we planned."

"And it will be." Nyaunni said, her voice taking on a soothing tone as if she was trying to calm one of her injured animals. She may still be getting to know the family, Tauriel included, but she could see how the eleth was already beginning to get worked up. "You need not worry or concern yourself about it. Thorin, I am going to go up with them. I will see you soon." She pecked Thorin on the lips and placed her hand through Tauriel's arm. "Come on. I believe the kings orders were, bed rest."

Naurfaer leaned down, nudging the still injured raven off Tauriel's shoulder and onto his, then taking his place on her other side; his hand resting on the small of her back to help support her if necessary.

Tauriel just looked at him with narrowed eyes, but accepted the support. It was not as if she was going to collapse. They were cramps.

"Viltarra, maybe you should go with them. I will send Bofur to get Dis." Thorin suggested but the dam shook her head.

"My mama and da are down there too waiting for news, and I need to walk. I can't explain why, but I need to move."

"Baby's getting into position." Oin chuckled. "Some movin' is fine for our dams…and Ivethin had said the same for elves as they ge' close to the birthin' bed…bu' this lass don' know wha' a limit is. Would go slay a dragon with 'er water broke and the babe nearly out…if she felt she had to."

"I certainly would not!" Tauriel huffed, but not one around her came to her defense.

"Bed." Thorin ordered again. "And Viltarra, I want you to rest as well when you get Dis and your parents. Understood?"

Viltarra nodded and was about to go, but Thorin stopped her. "Do not think for a minute you're going alone." Thorin lifted a brow as the dam stopped and scowled. He met her gaze then looked around. "Bilbo!" Thorin called the hobbit as he walked with Gimli. "And Gimli, perfect. Would you take Viltarra to retrieve Dis? I do not want her to go alone with those guards here we still know little about."

"Aye." Gimli nodded.

"Of course." Bilbo smiled. "Will the kitchens be open tonight?"

Thorin sighed. It would be the hobbit thinking about food yet again. Thorin looked to the massive clock on the stone wall. It was nearly evening bell, so it is just too late for communal dinner. Likely, the people found other means to feed themselves in the markets. There was plenty of food and venders who opted to remain open despite the outside situation; in fact, they remained open as options for Erebor's massive population to eat should they wish to not partake in the hall. The gathering hall was not the only place for food, and not the only food hall, but it was the MAIN food hall. "No." Thorin finally answered.

Bilbo rocked on his toes, his fingers grasping his suspenders. "Then if I may, I will like to volunteer myself to make some supper for the family once we retrieve Dis and Viltarra's parents."

"And Finli." Thorin hummed and nodded. He had things to do, so he could care less about food right now. His biggest concern was Tauriel, then he had a group of Firebeards to get questioned, some lords to inform and get to the mountain, and then there is Dryok. A nearly inaudible growl rumbled from deep within him. He hated that the traitor was in his mountain, but something had to be done with him and he was not sending him back to the clan he failed. He would probably be killed without the support of his title or the guards around him. In a way, being in the dungeon was for his own protection…though he would be lying if he was not half thinking about letting the guards of his own army have at him for a bit.

"Thorin, I will be speaking to my clan…tonight." Nyaunni added before leaving.

Thorin rubbed his beard in thought. "Nya, your father transferred your records. He removed you from the Firebeards."

"My records yes, but they are still my blood clan, Thorin. The clan of my first father. That will never change, regardless of where my records lay, or whose family I join. My blood, is Uri's blood." Nyaunni's expression softened. "If what I hear is true, they need help, and I refuse to let them suffer any longer. This is not what my father would have wanted Thorin, not for the people he loved."

Watching his soon to be wife for several heartbeats, Thorin finally nodded. "If they listen or trust anyone, it would be one of their own. I will be with you, along with Aeodhen and several guards."

"Of course." Nyaunni nodded in agreement.

"Then I will make the arrangements." He finally agreed.

With nothing more to say, Naurfaer and Nyaunni guided Tauriel through the hall, Oin following closely behind watching the eleth carefully. "Yeh will no' be moving until we are certain that babe is stayin' put. Yeh sure yer no' havin' labor pains?"

Tauriel sighed. "Having given birth already, I can confidently say my child is not coming into this world today, or any day soon. He is due to arrive in two weeks, and he will be here in two weeks."

"Elves are such wonders." Nyaunni said in awe. "Able to factor down to the day when the child will come. Must make planning much more convenient."

Tauriel blinked at the dam beside her. "I am afraid you misjudge."

"What she means is, she has no real idea." Naurfaer rolled his eyes. "Are we more in tune with our bodies? Yes. But I doubt many females even among our own kind can perfectly pinpoint when they will be giving birth. If you ask me, it is, and will always be one of life's great wonders, creating a being, and one the makers ensure is and will always be surrounded with mystery and the unknown."

"Oh. I see. So you do not know." Nyaunni gave Tauriel a look, a brow raised. "Does that mean, it could happen tonight?"

Tauriel huffed, her lips pierced in a tight line of frustration. Her son will be born in two weeks. She was firm on that. It is when he is due to come to this world. Not tonight. She sent waves of love and serenity to her unborn who was more than receptive, meeting her head on with waves of warmth so strong it filled her heart and nearly made her tear up. So different than her Finli, this little one is. In many ways, so very, very contrary to even his own emotions and desires. But one thing remained the same, and that was his love and constant desire to have Kili nearby. She wonders if any of her children will prefer her presence over her husbands…knowing Kili…likely not. But since she also prefers his company, Tauriel truly had no qualms with it.

Their journey to the throne room was mostly uneventful. The gate was closed once again at Dwalin's suggestion, the large dwarf standing at Erebor's great entranceway, ensuring everyone came back in. He will be joining Aeodhen once he gives direction to the guards. Most of Erebor's army was still on the mountains primary level, standing in their teams as they waited for the hall to clear. Though a few teams opted to go down on their own accord to assist with the Firebeards, and to ensure the dwarves remained out of the way as they passed by.

"Up yeh get lass." Oin instructed after greeting the guards. There were four of them at the bottom, and a glance up showed two more at the top of the stairs. "Gloin's in the sitting room. He, and Gimli are stayin' the night, once the lad returns from assistin' Viltarra." Oin added as they climbed the stairs. "Fer the families protection o' course."

"Of course." Nyaunni agreed. She knew Viltarra's warg was also up there, and Uri. Though Uri was just an infant really. She did hope he was alright having had run him up and placing him in the pen Thorin had made; for his protection. He would likely just sleep anyway.

The small group entered the suites, Gloin immediately standing. "Mahal. Yeh alright lass? Nobody attacked yeh did they?" He marched over to Tauriel who narrowed her eyes at the ginger dwarf.

"As I have said to the others, I am experiencing some cramping. I am fine, and the baby is fine."

"An' she will be sittin'." Oin huffed. "To yer room."

Tauriel glared at the healer as Naurfaer chuckled, pushing her down the hall to her and Kili's rooms, then guiding her to her bed. Nyaunni shook her head as the eleth pushed Naurfaer away and bypassed the bed with a "I will return shortly."

"What's happened? Is Tauriel alright?" Kili came storming into the room but did not wait for anyone to answer. Instead he entered the washroom, Tauriel turning to look incredulously at him.

"Can I not have a moment?" The eleth even glared at Kili who folded his arms stubbornly.

"You can have a moment with me in here. Why do my insides feel as if they are being torn apart." Kili leaned against the counter lifting a brow at his wife who remained silent. Waiting patiently for her, Kili turned and divested himself of his sword, and bow holster. He then took a moment to rub the pain from his shoulder but his hand was soon replaced by a somewhat smaller one.

"I am sorry." Tauriel whispered in his ear.

Taking her hand in his, Kili grasped it as he turned. "Never apologize for anything like this." He released her hand to kneel and press his head to their son. "He's upset." Kili sighed. "He feels you are in pain."

"In a way." Tauriel nodded. "But I think he is just uncomfortable."

"Now that I am sure of. You look miserable, amralime."

Tauriel stepped away and looked into the mirror, her fingers wiping away a drop of perspiration falling from her forehead. "I do not know what is wrong. I do not recall such pains with Finli."

"Ya, but you were also much smaller with Fin." Kili wrapped his arms around her large mid-section. "Dwarves, are sturdy. We are built to carve and carry stone. Though height wise, we are on the shorter end of Arda…not quite as short as hobbits I might add." He chuckled.

"And you are not as short as other dwarves." Tauriel smiled and sighed as Kili tightened his grip to support the extra weight she carried. Suddenly all the cramping stopped and Tauriel let out a breath of relief.

Kili hummed feeling his wife relax completely through their connection as she leaned back into him, so Kili continued to talk in her ear. "Our build is meant to support extra weight. Elves…well love….I do not mean for this to sound offensive, but your lot seems as if you will fall right over with a gentle breeze. He laughed, the sound vibrating through his entire being which in turn, resonated through her as well. "Your more built for speed, movement, and flexibility my precious one. Even our dams are built to withstand heavy weight. That being said, you do seem to be carrying a bit more than Viltarra is…just going by observation. I think our son brought a boulder with him from the pre-life."

"I can carry quite a bit of weight, thank you. But I do not disagree about the boulder." She tried to sound annoyed, but the fact that all of her muscles were welcoming the rest Kili was giving her, her words just came out as a breathy whisper causing Kili to chuckle again. Even the infant within her calmed. "I do not wish you to move." Tauriel sighed.

"Then I shall remain here, your stone statue, for eternity." Kili whispered in her ear.

However, a knock on the door broke their moment causing Kili to roll his eyes. "Yes?"

"I jus' need to check the lass, then yeh can go back to wha'ever activities yeh wan' lad. I go' things to do." Oin called, obviously annoyed.

"Activities?" Tauriel huffed.

"Well…." Kili grinned releasing her slowly which caused Tauriel to gasp when her muscles instantly restricted as the full weight of her pregnancy was again fully on her. "Sorry my star. Let's get you off those feet, then…we can talk about activities."

Tauriel groaned, Kili swallowing it as he pulled her lips to his. How he loved this elf. A pounding on the door caused them to pull apart. "I will be commin' in there."

"Oh keep your beard from knotting. We're not doing anything, and we're coming out." Kili rolled his eyes again catching his own beard in the mirror and grunted in annoyance. He will have to trim that…again. "Come on my Tauriel."

As promised, Kili opened the door and led Tauriel to sit in one of the chairs, rather than the bed. "Thought you might like to get into something more comfortable before getting into bed." He relayed softly as she looked at him. He then proceeded to kneel at her feet and remove her shoes as Oin questioned her.

The healer asked if the pains were in a pattern, constant or not, where they were coming from, had she eaten anything odd, been drinking water, is the infant in distress, and so on. Each question Oin asked, Tauriel answered honestly. Truthfully, being off her feet did help.

Naurfaer pushed some water into Tauriel's hands as Nyaunni walked in with Uri on her shoulder and a plate in her grasp filled with fresh summer fruits, nuts, along with some dried meats and cheeses. "Both Viltarra and Bilbo are back. Bilbo's already in the kitchen starting supper, though he asked me to bring this in."

"Where is she?! What has happened?!" Dis came sprinting into the room, frantically looking around until she spotted Tauriel and placed a hand on her cheek.

Nyaunni handed the plate to Kili, gesturing to the frantic dam. "Oh, and Dis, Tarrah, and Vin are back as well."

Dis ignored Nyaunni, focusing all her attention on Tauriel. "Who did this to her!? Do we need to get her to the healing hall?! Should we send a raven to Ivethin?!"

"Amad…"

"It's not poisoning again is it?! Tauriel…do you feel poisoned my darling."

"Mam…"

"Mahal, I KNEW I should have insisted you stay out of that fight!" Dis placed a hand on Tauriel's brow, as if checking her for a fever.

"MAM!" Kili shouted at his mother when Dis continued to ignore him.

"DON'T SHOUT AT ME KILI! I have told you once, and I will say it time and time again…you are not so old I cannot BOX your ears!" Dis shot back at her son who was rolling his eyes this time at her. "And don't you give me cheek."

"Tauriel is fine mam."

"Well I would no' say fine." Oin grumbled. "Bu' I can personally assure you Dis, it is nothin' more than her overtaxin' herself. I would say it is nothin' more than some muscle strain combined with the babe likely tryin' to ready 'imself for birth. She ought to stay off 'er feet tonight as much as possible an' we will see how she feels in the mornin'."

"MAMA!" It was Kili who caught his son as he ran in.

"Hold on there little star, not so fast. Give mama a sec." Kili held Finli as Oin checked Tauriel's pulse and then checked the baby's position. As he did, a powerful spark of frustration shot through Tauriel's connection, while at the same time, an echo of fear.

"Baby mad, and baby afraid." Finli muttered, leaning away from Kili so much so, he was just an inch from his unborn sibling. Finli than began to whisper softly to the child within. What he was saying, was really just gibberish, but no less endearing.

"You okay?" Kili asked his cringing wife.

"It is not a pleasant feeling, but not painful in any way." Tauriel relayed as there was some shifting within her which likely did not make it through their connection.

"To be honest lass, I would be quite surprised if you make it another week, le' alone two. An' somethin' feels off."

"OFF?! WHAT IS OFF?!" Dis looked from Oin to Tauriel who looked confused.

"Is everything alright?" Viltarra stepped in with Fili at her side, stopping the old healer from what he was about to say.

"Is Tauri having the baby? I knew she would go first. In your face Fili, I will be winning this one!" Leotti laughed as the blond prince turned and glared at her.

"Not the time little otti." Fili shook his head. "And if she was giving birth, she would be in Oin's office…not here. So, I doubt you have won anything."

"Yet." Leotti huffed and folded her arms.

"If you are all just going to shout and yell, I am going to request you go." Tauriel was not in the mood to deal with dramatics. "I will deliver in two weeks, Oin. It is when he is due." The eleth stubbornly declared yet again.

Lifting his hands in surrender, the old healer stood and nodded; seeing Tauriel seemed to be quite done with arguing and not wanting to stress her out any more than she likely already is. "Alrigh' lass. I won' argue with yeh about it. Jus' let me know if yeh need anythin'."

Then, Oin turned to Viltarra. "Yer turn lassie."

"But I feel fine." Viltarra grumbled. It was mostly true. She did have some odd pressure in her abdomen but nothing painful. To be honest, she feels as if the adrenalin rushing her system recently helped more than hindered her condition. She felt calm, energized, and quite free of pain for the first time in weeks. It was freeing, and a bit alarming which she relayed to Oin, but he just chuckled and nodded.

"As long as the babe is movin' I see no problem with bein' pain and discomfort free."

"Oh, she's moving." Viltarra smiled, feeling a nudge and placing her hand over it.

Fili nodded. "Though I can tell HE is in a different position each time HE moves."

"That is because SHE is getting into position to enter our world. Did not listen to mama when she was telling you what to expect?" Viltarra smirked, staring at her husband with a teasing spark in her eyes.

Since he had not been in the room when Tauriel gave birth, rather than asking his sister or Kili about it, Fili had instead asked Tarrah a few weeks ago, and ended up receiving a three-hour long lecture about the end of pregnancy…including a rather graphic and descriptive account of a birth.

Though to be fair, Viltarra really did not blame her husband and the look of horror on his face as Tarrah spoke…her mother may have given more detail on her birth than even SHE wanted to hear.

"I think I rather not recall that conversation, thank you." Fili has zero problems with blood, and Mahal himself will not be stopping him from being with Viltarra when she does give birth. If Kili gets to be with Tauriel, then he gets to be with his wife.

But for the love of all that is good in middle earth, a detailed picture of his wife's mother giving birth is not something Fili want's playing in his head. The prince shivered. "He is due next week, that is all I know. The rest, I will take a day at a time." Viltarra rolled her eyes but did not argue or correct him.

"Well. If we all are just going to sit around and wait for dinner to be finished…" Leotti began.

"Who invited you to eat with us?" Fili grumbled.

Viltarra punched him in the arm. "That was not kind Fili, and YOU invited her. Did you forget?"

"It was a joke." Fili rolled his eyes.

"A rude one." Dis glared at her son then looked to Leotti. "You are always welcome dear."

Leotti giggled. "Oh, I know." She smirked at Fili who stuck his tongue out at her.

Dis just threw her hands up. "Fili! I swear you and your brother still act like dwarflings. This is not behavior from one who is to be a king."

"Oh, I don't know about that, Dis. I personally find it rather refreshing." Nyaunni smiled, enjoying the play about her. In no way would Thror had condoned such behavior, and there was never enough joy in Minam to act in such a free manner, so Nyaunni took it in like a drowning dam pulling water from a mountain stream. Sure, Fili was being immature, but he was still very young, both him and Kili were. Most dwarves are not even married at their age…rather, they were still enjoying life and trying to figure out who they are. Though some would be courting and trying to find a connection…or, at least, someone warm to connect with.

But these two princes had mates who loved them for who they were…for all that they were. That was evident when Viltarra leaned over and pecked Fili on the cheek and Tauriel took Kili's hand, placing it on the swell of their unborn son. Love. Nyaunni smiled, more than happy to join this family knowing they were not perfect, but they were wonderful.

"Right. Well, I did bring your dress up…assuming the wedding is still on tomorrow…" Leotti hedged looking to the royal family for clarification.

"As far as we know, yes." Nyaunni nodded, giving Tauriel a look. She seemed to be doing better, so as long as Thorin does not find anything worrying with the Firebeards, then everything will continue as planned. "However, the dress will need to wait. I must go down to see to my clan. I will be back up with Thorin when we are finished."

"I will go with yeh lass." Oin stood. "Mountain's still in high alert, bes' nobody goes walkin' around alone. Specially you lassie, accountin' fer the fact yeh are marryin' the king tomorrow."

Nyaunni smiled and nodded, then followed Oin out. As they passed through the main sitting room, the pair waived at Gimli and Gloin both of which were standing around with weapons at their side. Nyaunni wonders if Thorin ordered them there, or they chose to be there on their own accord. She may not know these dwarves well, but in the time she has been here, it was obvious those known as the company loved the royal family….and the hobbit visiting the mountain.

"No where are yeh two off ta?" Dwalin asked. The entrance hall still held far more guards than normal, and likely would for several days if Nyaunni had to guess. Thorin already had extra guards planned for the wedding anyway.

"I am meeting Thorin to speak to the Firebeards." Nyaunni declared.

"Oh good. I was jus' goin' down there." Dwalin nodded. The group made their way down into the deeper portions of the mountain, Nyaunni smiling as Uri attempted to snatch at a vine growing beside one of the fountains depicting Mahal.

According to Tauriel, Thorin just had all the water features repaired…they had been lower on the list of priorities but since that list is getting smaller…he turned his focus to the aesthetics of the mountain and the mines, the last two things to really see to.

Nyaunni brushed her fingers over the small vine, Dwalin and Oin waiting patiently for her. "I cannot wait for the mountain to look as it did." She said to their questioning looks. "Not quite like Minam, with so much moss climbing the walls, but Erebor does quite lack the lush colors it used to have."

"Aye. An with an couple of elves livin' here, I do not doubt Erebor will have a bit more vegetation than it used teh have." Dwalin laughed. "Tauriel will be plantin' trees down here if she finds one tha' will grow."

"There are quite a few, actually." Oin nodded. "Been to more than one mine tha' held a forest within. It was said, Moria was once lush with life…stone an' forest meetin' together in her prime."

"When they were elf friends." Dwalin grumbled. He had heard his brother tell the tale more often than not. Balin held a deep obsession for Moria, having petitioned several times to lead a group to retake it, but Thorin forbade it…he already lost his father and grandfather at those gates…he would not lose any more. But Dwalin knows, his brother will never give up and will one day, leave Erebor to have his chance at Khazad-dum.

"Come on." Dwalin hedged. "Let's not keep Thorin waitin'."

The dwarven king sighed as he stood at the top of the steps that led down to the hall that once held the Ukdam. Though it did look a bit different, having been undergoing some preliminary construction to turn it into a viable space for another market. Erebor was outgrowing the other three, and her people needed places to go to buy wares and supplies. Not to mention more merchants were coming, merchants who needed shops they did not have available.

Another concern was the vegetation of Erebor. The green room was at capacity, and in full use. But more dwarves were settling permanently. Food currently was far more than plentiful, but Bombur estimates it will begin to be in shorter supply if they do not think ahead. Dis suggested, along with Tauriel, they build an extension to the green room. There is room aplenty for additional glass to be fitted to the mountain, and if plans go as they should, in a year, space for produce will triple; not only offering more food, but opening more work for incoming dwarves.

Footsteps and some chirping alerted Thorin to look up, and he smiled as Nyaunni rounded the corner and paused, folding her arms in annoyance. "You are here alone? Thorin, you were just challenged, and that dwarf is in this mountain along with his army. You ought to at least have someone with you."

"Challenged? Nya, if I remember correctly, it was hardly a challenge at all. I feel as if Dis could have been a better opponent." Thorin pushed off the wall.

"She would have. That dam is well trained for one who has limited battle experience." Dwalin agreed fully.

"And probably would 'ave done more damage. Challenge. I am embarrassed for 'im. Did no' even get a proper hit. Spen' most of the 'challenge' on his back." Oin looked around at the empty corridor. "I though' Dain was with ya?"

"He's trying to speak to Dryok. I figured it was for the best he do it, so I don't kill him before the lords come. I trust Dain with my life, and I know if anyone could get something out of Dryok, he would." Thorin turned away from the group, heading down the steps as Nyaunni, Oin, and Dwalin followed. "Oin, as far as I know there are no injuries, but make sure if any have complaints, you see to them."

"Aye Thorin, I already have a team tha' is waitin' on yer word to come down."

Thorin nodded to the healer just behind him. "Good, send for them."

They passed the open space at the bottom of the steps, Thorin eyeing the area now filled with light and ready for life to fill it. This will be refitted for a gathering center, plumbing will be added for water features, and there were already blocks of stone and marble waiting to create garden boxes for foliage and vegetation. All of which will be edible so the dwarves could enjoy them, and they would be a good use of the space.

Sunlight…Thorin snickered…dwarves have their ways to grow things underground with great success without the need of the sun. He gave the space one final look, then stepped up to the door to the hall which will hopefully soon, be the newest market in Erebor.

At the door to the future market, stood nearly a dozen Ereborian guards, the same stood at every entry point. "My lord." One of the guards bowed, the others following suit as they allowed Thorin, Dwalin, Oin, and Nyaunni through.

Inside, the air felt almost bitter. Most were standing around talking amongst themselves, as others sat on furs and blankets lost in thought.

Nyaunni took a hard look at them, and her heart filled with pain. Dwarves were meant to be resilient. They were meant to be thick…their bodies made up of mass and muscle. Even their bones were thicker than other races, and heavier. Mahal made them from stone, and anyone who has tried to lift a dwarf, would not disagree with the belief. Even the shortest among their people, could weigh twice that of a man.

Now, Nyaunni did live among the waste of the earth, orcs, who gave them little to eat of what they hunted…but the people she lived among were resourceful and the orcs did feed them occasionally. They did not want their workforce to die, they needed them to survive and have enough energy to follow orders. So though the meat was often rotted or near so, there were other things to eat. Insects being the most plentiful, and the fish when they could catch them. It was not good food, but what did not kill or cause sickness, was never wasted but consumed.

But these dwarves, these dwarves were not natural. Nyaunni watched as one bent over to pull a fur blanket over their shoulders. She saw the outlines of his bones through his tattered tunic. "Oh Thorin." Nyaunni's heart broke for these dwarves who were her kinsmen. She had to force back tears and bile as her eyes roamed the group of unnaturally thin dwarves. "What has Dryok done to them."

"Great Mahal above." Oin gasped as he followed Nyaunni's eyes. "Thorin, these dwarves need food. Is it comin'?"

"Dwalin, go get Bombur, I want the entire feast for the wedding tomorrow to be finished and brought down here, as soon as possible."

"Yer feast Thorin? Yeh sure?"

"Do it." Nyaunni agreed. "Food is food, and I want these dwarves fed immediately. They need bedding too."

Not waiting for the group, Nyaunni stepped in and kneeled beside an old dwarf shivering. She grasped one of the furs and helped pull it over his shoulder's. "What is your name?" She asked.

The dwarf eyed her warily. "Kudri. Yer Draupnir's daughter." Nyaunni nodded and the dwarf eyed Uri as he twerked his tiny head at the dwarf and let out a chirp. "Is it true then? Yer touched by Uri, our firs' father, yeh can speak teh beasts as he did?"

Nyaunni smiled but shook her head. "I am afraid to disappoint, as it is not quite as you say. But I can commune with them, and they do honor me with their loyalty when I remember to respect them, their limits, and their boundaries; as any decent individual should with all life around them." Which was…for the most part…true; Nyaunni, though, did have a bit more to her abilities than what she said, but her father warned her to keep it simple when she explained her gift to others who ask. A whisper of her father's voice in her mind reminded her of that. "It pains me to ask, but, is all the clan in such malnutrition, or just the guards?"

Kudri's lips tightened in a straight line and his jaw set as tears fell from his eyes. Finally, in a jerky move, his head nodded. "All o' them, except the royal family an' those closest to them. Many joined his army hopin' fer a better life, fer pay enough teh feed our families. Fools. We are all fools. There is no gold. There is no food. Wha' we can ge' as far as meat and wha' comes from the ground goes straight teh the palace and is redistributed as minimally as possible. Dryok promised it is sparse times fer all the clans, bu' as we get thinner, he remains untouched. My daughter…" Kudri gripped the furs tightly, his knuckles white. "My Tudra, los' her mother at birth. My wife, did no' have the energy ta bare our child, an' survive. I had no choice bu' to scoop my newborn up, and go before our lord. I begged fer milk, to feed my child. I begged on my knees with my daughter in my arms, cryin'. Hours old she was, hours. Dryok said if I joined his guard, and gave him my full loyalty, he will supply her with milk an' ensure her survival."

Tears fell from Nyaunni's eyes as she listened. "Did he?"

"I signed up there on the spot, me daughter gasping for life, as I signed my own life away in an unbreakable contract. A dumb fool. A dam came, and ripped my child from my arms. Sayin' she will be taken to the milk. I never saw her again for many, many years. I was promised, as long as I worked and remained loyal, me beautiful daughter will be supported. Today, today would be 'er thirtieth birthday…I have seen her three times in her life."

"Why did you stay? Why didn't you get out and take your daughter to another clan?" Nyaunni asked gently. She did not judge this dwarf in any way, but she wonders if he ever considered it.

"An' take her where? To wha' clan? Dryok said hard times were in all dwarven clans, no' just ours. He said it was because Erebor fell, tha' our people are wastin' away and this is the bes' we could have. Mahal, Mahal abandoned us, he taught. Bu' I look around here. I see Erebor has been touched by our Maker…and thrives. I see dwarves plump with life, and these halls smell of rich foods…foods I have no' tasted in decades. We did not know any better. We trusted Dryok."

If Nyaunni was shocked before, she was even more so now. "I know what you have been through is horrific." As she spoke, the other guards of the Firebeard clan took notice of her and began gathering around, listening, so Nyaunni stood and stared them all in the eyes. "What you have all been through. It pains me to wonder how many of you have such stories, have been manipulated and failed by someone you trusted."

Turning to Thorin, Nyaunni addressed her soon to be husband, and dwarven king. "I petition for this clan be brought under the full authority of Erebor. King Thorin, I ask these dwarves to be released of their contract to Dryok and his heirs. His blood is unfit to serve the Firebeards any longer. Furthermore, I petition that any of them who lost family be compensated for that loss, and reunited should that be possible."

A rippling murmur filled the halls. "An' what will come of us, and our home?" One guard asked before Thorin could respond to Nyaunni.

"I am afraid, I can only see to one thing at a time." Thorin sighed. "First and foremost, you all will be fed. We have more than enough food here for you. Stay as long as you need."

"Can we choose to remain here?" Kudri asked.

Nyaunni kneeled down once more and took a hard look at him. If she were to guess at first glance, she would say this dwarf was nearing three hundred. But a second look, had her wondering if she was off. "What is your age?"

"I am one hundred, and fifty-seven." Kudri muttered.

Nyaunni gasped, Thorin too looking at the dwarf in shock. White bearded, wrinkled, and pained eyes all gave this dwarf who was younger than Bofur, a much older look. His lot in life, caused him to age.

Looking again to Thorin, Nyaunni waited for his nod to continue. Whatever she said, he would agree to, so she stood again. "Recently, I was discovered along with many dwarves and humans, in the servitude of orcs. When we were liberated, Thorin opened Erebor to those who were enslaved with me and gave them homes to heal and find a new life in. He will offer the same to you."

She glanced at Thorin who nodded again, agreeing with her fully. "This ends here." Thorin declared. "I want you to know, what you have been told is not further from the truth. Our people have suffered, greatly, but Mahal has never left us. He brightens our path with his presence. We are rich in abundance, because he is with us. The clans are not failing, but Dryok failed you. I do not know the entirety of the situation, but when it comes to light, I will be fully transparent with you and your kin about it."

"An wha' of our home? Our clan? Our families?" One guard sitting upon a small block asked. "Wha' of them?"

"I cannot ask you to trust me, when you know little of me." Thorin declared. "But I give you my word I am sending both a team of dwarves, and plentiful food to see to them. We will be taking Dryok's family, and his two sons, into questioning. Their innocence, however, does not mean they will be given continued power. We will be putting another lord in place. Balin, the head records keeper of Erebor, on my command, will be researching the recent line, and we will find someone to lead you."

"Wha' about her?" Another elder guard asked. "Is she no' claimin' teh be a descendant of Uri? A direct one? She can bare us a leader."

"She is to be my wife." Thorin shot the idea down. "Her claims will be to Erebor, and the dwarven people as a whole...not a singular clan." These dwarves did not need to know Nyaunni's business, and Thorin was certainly not going to share it with them when it still brought Nya pain, the same pain that flashed in her eyes as the guard spoke.

"Then unite us." It was the captain who spoke and threw his armor down first at Erebor's gates. One who carried himself as something of a leader. "Unite us under yer authority. I love my clan. I do. Bu' it has been through enough. If yeh care for these dwarves in this room as a king should, and yeh are marrying her, the daughter an' only child of the most loved leader this clan 'as ever had, then, do as I believe her father would 'ave wanted. Bring us together."

Thorin stared at the captain, or the guard who at least carried himself as one. "I may be king, but we have rules…"

"Sod the rules." The guard growled, then turned to his fellow guards. "Oi, who here, in this hall, believes as I do? Who would give all they have, teh be given a chance to live under this king, who has been touched by Mahal. Directly under him, no' jus' as high king, bu' our only king."

One by one, all the guards stood and gathered surrounding Thorin and Nyaunni; then one by one, they fell to one knee and bowed their heads. Nyaunni's eyes roamed the dwarves who held a hand to their chest and waited for permission from the one they knelt before to rise.

"Wha' are ya goin' to do Thorin." Dwalin whispered, having not wanted to leave until he knew his king and friend was safe, despite Thorin wanting him to speak to Bombur.

Thorin's eyes went from guard to guard. There was no hesitation in what they did. In fact, what little worry he had that these dwarves could have had some vendetta to take the mountain from within, dissipated. Only pity and concern remained. He stood at the center of the large room, surrounded by dwarves who could at any minute, come together to kill him, yet instead, they bowed before him. Did he have his own guards in the room? Of course. They stood not far also watching with wonder. But he did not need them, these dwarves would not be attacking.

Finally, Thorin nodded then spoke. "The clans were formed under Durin, by their head fathers to build a dwarven people who were prosperous…but united and strong. We would live separate and follow our first fathers, but in times of great need, we evoke naikhdishi, a union with each other, a uniting of clans. This was meant for times of war, and for times of great sorrow. Naikhdishi was summoned when Erebor fell, the clans lobbying around the Longbeards when Durin's great house suffered one of our greatest tragedies."

"But…" Thorin continued through the continued silence around him. The former army…if you could call this small group an army…still knelt on their knee but their eyes were locked on the dwarven king. "…but I have never seen it done in a permanent nature, and never with just two clans."

"We respect wha' yeh are sayin." The guard who spoke earlier declared. "But I am beggen' yeh on my knees, for the love of my family, for the love of me clan, unite us. We would have been destroyed by our lord, so wha' is the difference between merging our lines, or havin' us die out? I choose with the freedom yeh just offered, to give her my allegiance, and you my trust and loyalty. We may be a people who follow kings, an' I am no' askin' for tha' teh change. Bu' I can see the good in this mountain you brought, and I knew the good in Draupnir tha' lives in her. This dam, is my leader. Uri gave her his gift, she was chosen by him. I will accept none other as true head of my clan. In me old eyes, her marryin' you, means our clans should be one."

Thorin's blue eyes fell on his soon to be wife. This dam was loved by all of Erebor, and all of the Firebeard clan in her youth. Her supposed death was mourned for years. In those years all believed her to be dead, are the years she suffered most...but grew into one who was more than able to be a leader. She was taught by some good dwarves and men in Minam, guided, and built to never back down and never give up. She earned the respect of those that followed her and trusted her in Minam despite the few who blamed her for a situation out of her control.

Nyaunni was a wonder. She should be in need of healing after what she went through. Any other, Thorin is quite sure, would buckle and have given up but Nyaunni prevailed, she shined with bravery and courage, strength and fortitude. She stubbornly refused to give up, and pushed ahead. She gave what she got to those orcs, and even when those humans put the weight of the lives lost on her shoulders, Nyaunni kept going forward. Nyaunni was born to be a queen, and maybe, what their fathers did, was in foresight of the future that they could not see.

There was just the little hitch, and that was the dwarven people did not recognize females as clan leaders. Ladies and queens yes, but without a partner, their power was not absolute. "What is your name." Thorin asked the guard.

"Kravin, my lord." The guard responded.

"Kravin…"

"Yeh can do it Thorin." Balin's voice filtered through the room as the white bearded dwarf walked in. "It is written in our text tha' the clans were no' always separate. There is no more purity. Many in each clan has blood of another, only a fair few can boast to be pure descendants…an' even they may no' be pure dwarf. We are in the third age of this world, tha' is thousands of years of history. Merging of men, dwarf, and even elf happened. Pure blood, is no' what we believe it to be. It is a myth. Bu' that is neither here nor there."

Dwalin rolled his eyes at his brother; Balin was clearly in lecture mode. "An' jus' how does that help us now?" He grumbled, folding his arms.

"Well brother…" Balin continued. "…wha' I am trying to say, is if these dwarves wan' teh follow you and Nyaunni, it is their choice teh do so. There are no rules teh stop two clans from mergin'. It is a wonder they have no' already in fact. Sometimes, clans split, half goin' their own way. Nothin' stoppin' tha' either. Give them somethin' it seems they have no' had for a time, a voice to choose."

Thorin stared at Balin for several seconds, then Nyaunni who slipped her hand into his. "Let them choose, my father would have wanted their voices heard."

"Please." Kravin said through clenched teeth. "Please."

Thorin felt his heart beating fast. If he said yes without the lords approval, he would be doing exactly what Dryok accused him of and taking over this clan…but if he said no…he could be letting Nyaunni's old clan fall. Mahal guide him. What would his father have done?

Then he remembered, he remembered what his father already did. He already accepted Nyaunni's merge with the Longbeards…really was there a difference if they did it on a larger scale?

Mahal, he hopes he does not regret this choice; a look at Nyaunni, had him realizing he could never. "If it is your choice to follow my and Nyaunni's leadership, then I will honor your choice. Please rise. Are there any in this hall who wishes to remain loyal to Dryok, or his blood?"

Silence. Complete and utter silence filled the room. "Alright." Thorin leaned into the head of his council, speaking quickly and quietly. "Balin, we will need some rooms for these dwarves. See if you can get a team together and meet with each one. Get their name, family size, and if they have any immediate needs such as family on deaths bed. I also want Kudri's daughter to be brought here if he chooses to remain in Erebor." Balin nodded and pulled away, but Thorin grabbed him and leant into his ear. "If any one of them give off indications they are loyal to Dryok, or are malicious in nature, I want them out of my mountain…tonight."

"Aye Thorin." Balin stepped away. "Alrigh' lads, if yeh can break into groups, we need to get you to some better rooms."

Thorin watched then turned on his feet, tugging Nyaunni with him as he went. "Dwalin, did I not say to get some food made and brought down immediately?"

"Aye yeh did, bu' I was not leavin' yeh in a room of dwarves who had marched to Erebor to attack us." Dwarlin growled. "Jus' because they changed their tune…don' mean they won' hit a foul note."

Nyaunni scowled. "That is unfair. You don't know or understand what they have been through. I feel as if many had worse fates than I. A child, hours old, ripped from her father's hands while he…for all intents and purposes…was forced to sign his freedom and his daughter away. Absolute horror. Orcs, Dwalin, orcs never did that. Controlled who could bare young yes, but families who were permitted, were not torn apart. I will not have your judgment."

Dwalin narrowed his eyes but said nothing to what she claimed. He had no argument. "I will get Bombur on the food."

"I think you broke him, lass." Balin chuckled then looking around at the guards getting into small groups as Oin flit around assessing if there are any injuries needing his immediate need. "I think this is a good task for the company and some guards." The old scholar said thoughtfully. "Perhaps, I can even borrow Naurfaer."

Thorin hummed his agreement as he left the hall to head back up to the main floor, Nyaunni, Dwalin, and Balin following close behind.

"I don't know. He seemed pretty intent on remaining with Tauriel." Nyaunni said. At Balin's curious look, Nyaunni added. "Oin said she overdid it and needs some rest."

"How is she? Is she alright?" Thorin asked, concern evident in his expression. "Did Oin find anything?"

"Only an extreme case of stubbornness, Thorin. Both Tauriel and the baby appear to be fine...in need of rest...but fine." Naurfaer sighed.

"I wish it was that easy." Thorin hummed knowingly. "You know I thought she would help tame Kili's wild nature…being an elf…but I honestly think she feeds it more often than not."

"It's stubbornness Thorin, a trait yeh know well I am sure. Mahal. If she did no' have pointy ears and a beardless face…I would say she actually came from your line." Dwalin shook his head chuckling. "Goin' into battle expectin' as she is. Viltarra I can pass as young…she will settle down, but Tauriel…the lass is nearly thrice yer age Thorin, bu' acts half it."

"That's because she is half his age, and I for one do not agree with your assessment of Viltarra…I hardly see her settling at any age. Youth has little to do with her choices." Naurfaer casually walked up to the group who eyed him curiously. "I was kicked out." He grumbled at the questioning looks around him.

"Can no' imagine wha' for." Dwalin snickered. "An' I thought Tauriel was 600."

"Just a bit over, actually." Naurfaer said with a smile. "In human years. In elven years…or I suppose in dwarven years…she's probably closer to 80, maybe 85. Never judge a persons wisdom, by years. For a man who lives to be seventy, can in fact be wiser than an elf who has seen three thousand years pass before their eyes."

"Is Tauriel okay, or not?" Thorin grumbled, rubbing the headache away that had settled behind his eyes.

"She's fine. Kili won't be letting her move anytime soon and she seems content enough to remain off her feet as long as Finli and Kili stay with her. But for added support Viltarra and Fili are there as well with Leotti. And before you ask, Oin saw to Viltarra as well and she seems better off than she has been in weeks. She might be miserable tomorrow though, once the adrenalin clears her system and her body catches up."

"Aye, poor lass." Balin sighed. "Lasses, tha' is. As beautiful as it is creatin' life…it sure is no easy task." The group nodded their agreement.

"An' how did you get kicked out?" Dwalin folded his arms, more than curious as to what the elf did this time to gain Tauriel's ire.

"I think that can wait." Thorin grumbled. "Dwalin, please go speak to Bombur, and Balin, get those dwarves some rooms. I need to see if Dain got anything out of Dryok, then we need to decide what to do with tomorrow."

"Aye Thorin." Balin and Dwalin nodded and with a bow of their heads, made their way to their assignments.

Though Balin paused and looked to Naurfaer. "Since yer free laddie, can I borrow you? I could really use your help with getting this group sorted."

"Of course." Naurfaer nodded, joining them almost eagerly.

The pair remaining walked up the steps into the entrance hall where Thorin was happy to note Dain stood with several of his own guards, all shaking their heads.

"Get anything from him?" Thorin asked, Nyaunni beside him.

"Unfortunately, nothin' but nonsense. Tried to dig himself ou' by burying himself deeper." Dain shook his head. "He's scared Thorin, and graspin' for anything that could help keep his power…and his life. I told 'im to apologize to yeh." Dain laughed. "Shu' 'im up real quick it did. Was silent after that."

Thorin closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Come now cousin." Dain continued, placing a hand on his shoulder. "How about we le' Dryok sit and stew in his own mess fer a bit. He's no' goin' anywhere, an' I doubt his army will back 'im."

"Oh, they won't." Nyaunni said with her mouth set in a stern line. "They want to merge the clans."

Dain was speechless…but only for a moment. "Aye." He finally said. "An I don' blame them either. It's time fer it too. A direct descendant of Uri, an' one of Durin, coming together in marriage…yeh are a dying breed Thorin, Nyaunni. Not many left to boast such direct bloodlines as yeh have, so I doubt an opportunity like this will happen again. Take it. Do better by them."

"I need to talk to the lords." Thorin began.

"Sod the lords, Thorin." Dain rolled his eyes. "Mos' of them can barely see past their own issues, le' alone deal with another's. Merge 'em Thorin, I back yeh fully on it and I don' see any reason why with wha' tha' clan has been through, wha' they have endured under Dryok…the other clan's would no' agree with me. Now. Speakin' of merging…about tomorrow."

Thorin sighed, but looked to Nyaunni who gave him a wide grin. "Well…"
She hummed. "…everything is prepared. Apart from the fact you gave our feast away that is…"

"YOU GAVE AWAY THE FEAST? AHHH. Come on Thorin! Tha' is one of the main reasons I agreed teh come and lead yer weddin'." Dain bellowed. "Tha' an' of course yer spirits. Did yeh give all tha' away too? Hungry an' sober is no' how I imagined the nigh' teh end tomorrow." He grumbled.

Thorin glared at Dain, rolling his eyes at his cousins mocking dramatics. He did not believe for a minute Dain was being serious. "Yes, I am having Bombur give it to the Firebeards. You should see them Dain, it is a wonder they were able to march to Erebor at all."

Dain nodded. "Aye, I suppose yeh know best. Alright, no feast. Bu' the ceremony?"

"Is still on." Nyaunni wrapped her arms around Thorin's arm and leaned into him, Uri taking the opportunity to climb into his hair and settle, causing the dam to chuckle.

"You heard her." Thorin said when Dain looked to him for confirmation.

"Alrigh'!" Dain brightened, his grin broad and open. "Well then, let's go get somethin' to eat, I need teh fill up today if I am goin' teh be hungry tomorrow. Aren' yeh glad yer contracts all signed now? Wors' part of getting' married if yeh ask me."

Thorin chuckled at Nyaunni's glower. She still hated the verbiage on their contract, but finally signed it when he told her not to worry about it. So really, in the laws of their people, they are married already. But they still needed the ceremony.

Together, the family entered the suite, the air filled with the smell of a comforting meal wafting from the kitchen. Upon further inspection, Dain, Thorin, and Nyaunni found a table of food and a hobbit placing some small roasted hens on a platter closely followed by Hiril who was quite clearly begging.

Whatever preconceived notions Thorin had about wargs has gone out the window after spending so much time around Hiril. Who knew a warg could not only be domesticated, but also desirable to keep around.

Of course Nyaunni went straight for the animal, getting to her knees and accepting the drooling kisses Hiril offered. Thorin cringed as it got into her hair, then sighed as she reached for the platter on the table and gave the warg several pieces of meat. "Nya, stop feeding her."

"She's hungry Thorin." Nyaunni declared. "Aren't you?" She scratched Hiril behind the ear, the warg falling on her back and rolling over submissively…receiving a rub to her belly as a reward.

Thorin could say Hiril was getting rather plump, but she does get exercised regularly and traverses the mountain daily…and he doubts anyone cares if a plump warg lazily meanders the halls. What Thorin really wants to curve…is the constant begging. But again, between Nyaunni, Viltarra, and Fili always giving her food…he doubts that will ever be a cured trait.

A soft smile graced his features as he watched Nyaunni clearly happy…and he would never put a stop to any moment that brought a smile to her face.

"This looks delightful." Thorin praised as he turned away from his very soon to be wife. "You did not need to make this much food my friend, but I cannot say I am disappointed."

"I certainly am no'." Dain grinned stepping in and seeing the food.

Bilbo blushed and stuttered. "Well, it really was nothing. I do enjoy cooking. Vin and Tarrah did help, so I did not do it all alone."

"Aye, but he did the bulk of it." Vin walked back in to grab another platter. "We're eating in Kili and Tauriel's suite. Keeping the two lasses sat is easier when we bring food to them."

"Thank you for that." Thorin sighed. They each took a dish and between the five of them, brought the remainder of the meal into Kili and Tauriel's chambers where the family sat with food heaped on the long, knee-height table in front of the chaise.

As he waited for the rest of the food and family to arrive, Fili was laughing as he popped a dinner sausage in his mouth, Dis whacking his hand away from the food, chastising him to wait until everyone sat down and dished up before he stuffs his mouth. However, Dis had passed a filled plate to Viltarra who smiled teasingly at her husband who was pouting.

"When you are carrying a child, you can eat before the others." Dis lifted her brow at her son.

"Why does Ki get to eat than?" Fili sat back, glaring at his brother.

To be true, Kili indeed had a plate in his hands filled with food, a plate he was sharing with Finli who sat snuggly between his parents…accepting bites from each of his mother, and father.

Kili snickered and held out a fork with a boiled potato at the end. "Want a bite Fi?"

"Do not be cruel Kili." Dis shot at her son, then turned to her elder son. "Kili is feeding Finli."

Fili rolled his eyes then turned to see the last of the food be brought in. "Uncle! Is everything sorted?"

Thorin sat in one of the large chairs, Nyaunni taking the one beside him while Dain and Bilbo joined Kili and Tauriel on the chaise. "There is much to relay." Thorin said accepting a filled plate from Dis who distributed the food.

As they ate, Thorin and Nyaunni told them about what happened with the Firebeard's army. "Hardly what I would call an army." Tauriel had said, rubbing her stomach with a grimace.

Kili too made the same face as he took over rubbing for her. Thorin did not like the looks they were giving, but nodded. "It is rather small, I don't know what Dryok was thinking. He was leading them to their death, they could never have won."

"Or he though' yeh would not attack…or he could beat you in tha' absurd challenge." Dain took a drink of the wine Bilbo had brought in. "Did no' even get a good hit in…an yeh weren't even wearing armor."

Fili snorted. "He's a right idiot, if you ask me."

Though he did not say anything, Thorin agreed and continued. Once he was finished, the family sat in silence. "Will you do it, adad?" Tauriel asked softly.

"Are they really so bad Thorin?" Dis looked from her brother to Nyaunni, asking before Thorin could even respond to Tauriel. "The army?"

"Starved Dis, and one bore a horrible tale of his infant being taken from his arms as he swore an oath of servitude to Dryok. He had lost his wife in the infants birth just hours before." Thorin relayed.

"An infant taken? After he lost his wife that same day?" Tarrah gasped. "We never went to the Firebeard clan, they were just never on the routes we took…but I cannot imagine the state of their clan if such things are taking place."

"Did he even get to mourn? Was he given the rights he should have been allowed! MAHAL!" Dis cursed. "His poor child. At least they had each other."

"I am afraid they did not, Dis." Nyaunni stared hard at the dam across the room. "Dryok took her from the new guard, and told him she would be supported…as long as he remained loyal. I believe he said he has seen her three times in her thirty years of life."

"Merge the clans, Thorin." Dis ordered. "I will NOT hear of our people suffering. This is a warning from Mahal, you mark my words, that we need to do better when we check in with the other lords."

"I do not disagree, Dis, and we will make plans as such, but we must handle one thing at a time." Thorin set his plate down. "For the time being, Dryok will remain in a cell until we can get the lords here. It is likely the safest place for him. I cannot even say his own guards would not kill him if given the opportunity."

"Aye, an' they would too." Dain agreed.

"As for the army…" Thorin continued. "…they are being registered by Balin…if he and his team feel they are trustworthy, they are allowed to remain here as long as they wish. That is the bulk of our problems and is mostly solved."

"And the wedding?" Leotti asked, sitting forward and staring wide eyed at Thorin and Nyaunni.

Thorin looked at his daughter, then his niece. "Do you both think you are up for it?"

"Better tomorrow then next week." Viltarra mumbled attempting to rub the pressure away that had been growing over the last hour. Her heart had finally calmed and the adrenalin cleared her system…leaving the dam feeling as if she ran head first into a brick wall. It was a sobering feeling, and she could not WAIT to have this child out of her.

"Or two weeks from now." Tauriel sighed.

Thorin lifted a brow at Tauriel. "Two weeks?"

"Shh. Don't. That is how Naurfaer got booted from the room." Leotti whispered loudly.

"He deserved it." Tauriel growled, attempting to pull Finli into her arms, but was having a difficult time of it…but did manage to get him onto her lap but not for long as Finli slid off and back onto the couch. It caused the eleth to sigh forlornly. She just wanted to hold her son.

"Mama." Finli saw what he recognized as sadness in his mother's expression and stood between her and Kili, kissing Tauriel on the cheek and resting his head against hers as he held out a dinner sausage to her. "Sausage, mama?"

The room burst into laughter. "Now tha' is a dwarf child there!" Dain guffawed. "Food, means comfort. Yeh are teaching him well Kili."

"So tomorrow?" Leotti asked again, seeking confirmation.

"Tomorrow." Thorin nodded.

"YEEEE!" Leotti jumped up, nearly knocking several platters on the ground as she did, and ran straight into Tauriel and Kili's bedchamber, then returned dragging a box.

"Oh for Mahal's sake." Fili stood, grasping the crate and lifting it. "Is there a destination in mind for this thing? And what do you have in here? A Balrog?"

"No." Leotti grinned. "A dress or three. I will be needing you to follow me, Lady Nyaunni of the Firebeards. We have an appointment to keep."

Nyaunni shrugged and stood. "Alright, where do you want me?"

"We could use your room across the way. I will be needing Tauriel and Viltarra as well. I have something for them too. Dis and Thorin are already taken care of because Dis came to my shop and Thorin set up some time for me to come to him because they are responsible and understand priorities…unlike the two of you." Leotti looked to Kili and Fili. "Your things are in on Kili's bed." She marched over to Kili who blinked in surprise when the dam leaned over, her face inches from his as she stared at him with narrowed eyes. "If you so much as SCUFFLE in that attire…I will remove your legs."

"But Tauriel likes my legs." Kili whined.

"No, she likes the bits between them, and you can keep that…and your pretty face." Leotti snickered. "Understood?"

Kili's eyes widened and he nodded. That dam could be frightening on the best days, and he did not feel on his own best game to respond in any other way but nodding like a silly oaf. Mahal help him, he felt as if his insides were still splitting, and he was going to be sick. How in the bloody halls of his maker, does his wife look the picture of ease…when Kili would love nothing more than to crawl into bed and remain there.

"I did not hear you?" Leotti sung, lifting a brow.

"For Mahal's sake, Leotti." Kili gently pushed her away. "Please give me a bit of room. I won't mess them, okay?"

Leotti placed her hands on her hips. "Fine. I will take it." She eyed the prince warily. "You aren't sick are you?"

"No…" Kili huffed. "But I think I will be."

Kili stood, running into his room and slamming the door to the washroom within. "Oh my." Dis stood but Tauriel stopped her.

"He is alright Dis, he just needs a moment." Tauriel knew exactly what he was feeling, and it was her fault, which brought her a different kind of pain. "Please excuse me."

Tauriel helped Finli to the floor where he went right for Hiril…Kaw watching from his perch, likely still not feeling well enough to play with his favorite little human…though he did keen and call out to Fin, who smiled up at him as he played with the warg.

Before leaving the sitting room, Tauriel made sure her two-year-old son was settled then stepped into her bed chamber, following her poor Kili into the bathroom where he was rinsing his mouth. He lifted his warm, brown, eyes to the mirror and gave her a smile. "Are you alright, amralime?"

"Am I alright?" Tauriel shook her head. "I am not the one who was sick. Are YOU alright?"

"Don't give me that." Kili pointed at Tauriel's reflection in the mirror. "This is coming from you." He turned and leaned back, forcing away another wave of nausea at the action. Once he realized he was stable, he stepped towards his wife. "Tauriel, I want you to lay down…for my sake…and yours."

"I will Kili, I promise. I am just going to get fitted…"

"Tauriel…"

"Kili…" Tauriel shot back then sighed, clearing the distance between them. "…I am well enough to remain upright, meleth nin."

Kili took Tauriel's hands in his, grasping them tightly as he peered into her eyes. "Please, please Tauriel. Please just…just sit for tonight, for me? Get into bed, and remain there. Mahal I will join you. Stay with me, Tauriel. Stay with me tonight?"

"Kili, I will just be across the hall…"

However, Kili shook his head no. "Please." He begged.

A knock at the door had them both turning. "Tauri?"

Kili sighed again and opened the door, where Leotti stood with a load of fabric in her hands. "Sorry." She smiled softly. "I might have overheard a bit, and I agree with Kili, Tauri. I know you can hide things better than most, so I have to judge how you are really feeling…off Kili, and he looks awful. No offense Kili." Leotti gave Kili a smile, the dark-haired prince nodding.

"I brought your dress in, Tauri, so you can try it on here and then get off your feet. Honestly, I probably will have Viltarra do a quick try on so she can go rest as well. I know how important it is for Thorin, that you both are well enough to be a part of his wedding." Leotti stepped back as Tauriel came out of the washroom; the door to the bedroom already closed, which is why Tauriel began loosening her layers as she walked out.

"Let me help love." Kili pushed down the discomfort radiating through his entire being, and aided Tauriel in pulling the frock that barely fit her over her head.

"I am going to need to let a few more things out again for you, if it is going to be two more weeks." Leotti chuckled, Tauriel glaring at her as she held her hand out for the dress which the blonde dam happily relinquished.

It took a bit of help from both Kili and Leotti, but eventually, Tauriel worked the gown Leotti made her over her head and let it cascade to the ground around her feet. Of course, it fit perfectly, mostly because it really had no waistline at all. Leotti designed it so it would need little to no alterations, be light and comfortable at the most difficult stage of her pregnancy, and would flow in navy layers around her giving her the ability to move without being pulled down by heavy fabrics.

"What do you think?" Leotti asked, rocking on her feet.

Tauriel lifted the yards and layers of fabric that fell around her. "It is lovely Leotti, and I am grateful…but I cannot help but feel like I am wearing one of Thranduil's summer tents." Tauriel sighed as her son pushed and poked at her on either side. Likely his feet and hands as he stretched, but it felt like so much more. Rubbing a hand on either side, Tauriel observed herself in the mirror until Kili came up to her holding something silver.

"Personally, I find you radiantly beautiful, my star, but perhaps, you need something to help you shine." Kili stood just behind her, and Tauriel felt him slip his hand around her. She waited as he secured what he held about her waist just below her bust and above their son.

Kili was not finished their though, he also added a necklace and a matching wrist cuff before stepping away and admiring her. "Well, I am afraid I may have started a war. For there can be no other in existence as beautiful as you, Tauriel. Your Valar will be here soon, bidding you to shine at their side…and I must kill them for it…for you may never leave mine."

Tauriel melted on the spot as she turned to Kili. With how large she was, she certainly did not feel anything close to beautiful. Only large. She remembered keenly the frustration and fears she had when she held Finli within her. How those months Kili did not touch her, made her think he did not find her attractive and was possibly considering taking on a mistress.

She now kicked herself for ever believing such atrocities about this wonderful being in front of her. Some cynical minds out there would sneer and taunt Tauriel, saying he only told her what she wanted to hear. But Kili was connected to her, and she to him. As he spoke, she felt the honesty of his words, she felt the truth, and she felt the attraction. Kili truly believed her to be as beautiful as he said.

Of course his opinion was quite biased, and she knows there are many beings out there far fairer than she. In fact, it is written, and whispered, that Lady Galadriel of Lothlorien, was the most beautiful creature to walk middle earth…and though Tauriel had never met her…with so many backing the claim, it was likely true.

But to Kili, Tauriel was his lady Lothlorien, and he, oh he was the Beren to her Luthien. She would give up her life, her home, and her mortality for this mortal over, and over, and over again for just a moment with him. With one look, one glance her way, she would do anything he bid her. Which likely was why she knew she could never deny him even a simple request like…'stay with me tonight'.

Tauriel felt the press of Kili's lips to hers and blinked. "Lost you there for a moment, my love." Kili chuckled as Tauriel's cheeks tinged pink. "What do you think?"

Turning her carefully, Kili pointed her back to the mirror, pulling her back to him as he did. He leaned up on the balls of his feet to rest his chin on her shoulder, and hummed appreciatively as he sent calming waves to his unborn son who was always a contradiction these days, currently sending waves of warmth for happiness, and coldness for frustration all at the same time….so he was happily frustrated…which made no logical sense to Kili.

There were times when he was overall happy though, and that was when both Kili and Finli was near. Well, Kili's presence, and Finli's speaking away in gibberish to his sibling…his unborn son loved Finli's little voice…despite the toddler hardly actually saying real words. They really needed to work on Fin's vocabulary…but he was yet still a babe in their people's eyes and would be for another year or two more. Every child was different, and Finli's trauma may have set him back just a bit, but Kili knows he will overcome it. He was already doing so well considering all he has been through.

Looking back at his wife, the young prince pressed a kiss to the skin just below her ear. "Words cannot describe your beauty." Kili sighed softly, the breath grazing her neck causing a chill to run up the eleths spine.

Tauriel smiled and closed her eyes. She truthfully cared not what she actually looked like; if Kili said she was beautiful, it was the only opinion that mattered to her.

"Can you just tell me if you like it or if it needs any changes so I can get out of here before you two do something I REALLY do not wish to see." Leotti folded her arms as Kili chuckled and stepped away from his slightly disappointed wife.

"Later love." Kili promised causing Leotti to blanch and scrunch her nose in clear distaste.

"Too much information." Leotti tried not to gag. "Well…is it comfortable and loose enough Tauri?"

"It is perfect, as always." Tauriel glanced at the mirror and smiled, her fingers running over the armor like belt Kili had fastened under her bust that brought such a beautiful silhouette to the gown. She felt so much more herself, and the way the now belted gown draped, it hid a bit of her size and made her look a little smaller. At least in her opinion.

"That's good enough for me." Leotti waltzed to the door. "Remember…not a button, hole, or stitch better be out of place on your outfit tomorrow, Kili. I took the liberty to hang it up in the wardrobe."

"Thank you, Leo. I swear I won't take it out for a jaunt tonight." Kili helped Tauriel remove the belt and layers of fabric as Leotti bid them goodnight and stepped out.

"Alright, you two with me." Leotti ordered as she walked towards the door. A glance back had everyone still sitting so she stood with folded arms.

"She is frightening." Bilbo whispered to Vin who nodded with a smile. They were both watching Thorin who was now on the floor with Finli between his legs. Somehow, Kaw had gotten to the floor as well, and was making noises at Uri…who sat on Thorin's knee. Finli, was observing quietly from where he sat against Thorin.

"You don't know the half of it." Fili whispered and stood. "Alright, little Otti, let's get this done."

"And where are you going?" Leotti huffed.

"With my wife." Fili challenged to which Leotti grumbled but nodded. "Uncle, do you want me to take Finli into Tauriel and Ki?"

"No." Thorin responded, not even looking at them. "I will watch him until you are finished."

"He doesn't look as if he will be awake much longer." Bilbo observed as Finli stuck his thumb in his mouth and starred at Kaw and Uri with hooded eyes. "Fed and to bed, is what my mother always used to say. There is nothing more calming than a full tummy."

"I second that." Vin said with a yawn, Tarrah nodding her own agreement. The pair decided to excuse themselves, both laughing at the lord of the Iron Hills, who was snoring softly on the chair he sat. On her way by, Tarra placed one of the throw's over him. He will just stay the night.

Nyaunni rose to follow. "Let's go. The hour is getting late and tomorrow will be here before we know it."

Fili helped Viltarra to her feet and together, the group went across the hall to do their own fitting. Viltarra went first, so Fili could take her back to their room and rest. Her dress was very similar to Tauriel's mostly because Leotti wanted them both the be as comfortable as possible. She used light fabrics and no waistline on purpose. They would need to stand for quite a bit, and have to endure an entire day wearing their formal attire…it had to be functioning in a way for them to endure it.

Kili had made a bronze belt for Viltarra, along with a necklace and wrist cuff. Kili had asked Fili for his thoughts on the choice, and it was his brothers preference. Both Fili and Kili's wedding attire was near identical, and once she heard about Kili's additions, she made a few alterations so they would match their wives; Kili's now had added silver accents, and Fili's added bronze. Even little Finli's attire had the same silver additions as Kili's. It was easy, so Leotti was happy to do it.

"Is it too long, Viltarra? I can hem it a bit?" Leotti asked as Viltarra picked at the dress.

It was a bit too…feminine…for her. Viltarra stared at the mirror, but it was not so much the layers and length that had the dam feeling a bit uncomfortable…but the lack of sleeves. She rubbed at her exposed shoulders and upper arms. "Am I to go out in such undress?"

Leotti snorted. "Undress? Hardly, Viltarra. You are just not used to the style. It is warm, and you will be stuck in a hall of dwarves for an hour, then in a celebration for the rest of the day. Believe me…you will thank me for the design."

"I don't know, Leotti." Viltarra sighed as she hugged her shoulders. Then a warm set of hands took their place and Fili kissed her temple from behind her.

"It pains me to agree with Leotti, but I do, nunguame." Fili hummed, hugging her tightly. "You already overheat easily, this will help you feel more comfortable."

"But I am NOT comfortable. I feel as if I am exposed." Viltarra huffed.

Nyaunni just watched from the bed. "If I may…you look incredibly lovely." She smiled as she met Viltarra's eyes in the mirror. "I had a dress very much like that when I was in my twenties. It was a gift from my clan. We wore such things regularly in the summer time, I cannot help but be brought back to such days of happiness and peace just seeing you wear that."

Leotti preened and smiled knowingly. "I found some archived styles, and used both those, and the newer trends to make it. I am so glad you approve. Design wise, I feel as if both clans should be equally represented."

"I am in wonder you were able to accomplish all of this, in such short time." Nyaunni rose and stood beside Viltarra, who was scowling. Clearly, she was unhappy with nobody siding with her. She felt…naked. There was no WAY she would enter the halls in this.

Fili, seeing his wife's expression, turned her in his arms. "Nunguame, I think you are stunning. A shining jewel more enchanting than the Arkenstone itself. But…" He brushed his fingers down her shoulders, leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake. "…if you are uncomfortable in any way…we can change it."

Viltarra's breath hitched as Fili continued to trail his fingers up and down the exposed skin. She blinked as his heated gaze met hers…he loved the dress….even more…he loved HER in the dress. "I…" She looked in the mirror again, her fingers grazing the thick straps on her shoulders that held the dress up. "May I just…put a shift underneath it? A light one?"

"You can do anything you want, Viltarra." Leotti said soothingly. "A shift would look just as lovely, and if it will make you feel more comfortable, then let's get you one. I actually brought up some extra fabric just in case, and I can whip up some sleeves in no time. Don't you even worry."

Fili pressed a kiss to his wife's head. "See? No stress, nunguame. I will go and grab one of your shifts." The prince ran out leaving the dams together.

"Is everything alright?" Dis smiled as she walked to Viltarra. "Lovely." She brushed some hair from her shoulder as her expression turned to worry. "You look unhappy dear."

"Fili and I are just about to fix that; would you like to help get this on Nyaunni?" Leotti pulled yet another heaping load of fabric from the crate, and something metallic.

Of course, Fili came running back in before they even had the gown laid out. "Before you undress, try this nunguame." He passed the shift Viltarra wore on their wedding, it was very loose as her gown was so large…so it should still fit her. Thankfully she was not quite as large as Tauriel…if she had been…Fili doubts a single one of her shifts would work.

Viltarra sighed and Leotti helped her out of the dress…the armored belt already having been removed, then Fili helped her get the shift on. It was a bit tight…but not uncomfortable. Then Leotti worked her magic pinning and sewing quicker than any in the room thought possible. Within a quarter hour, two sleeves that stretched over the shift and down to Viltarra's wrists were placed with corset type closures on the underside to not only show the shift, but to give it a bit more breathability.

Once finished, Leotti pulled the pins, tied the ties, and stepped back as Fili helped Viltarra get the belt back on. With the look complete, Viltarra turned back to the mirror. A sigh of relief left her lips as she smiled. The shift Fili chose was perfect. With just a bit of reworking from Leotti, the gowns new sleeves were fastened to lay where the sleeves on the shift began so the entire dress flowed as if it was designed for this exact shift.

"You looked beautiful before, my Viltarra, but you seem so much happier now." Fili sighed into her hair. "Is this more comfortable for you?"

"So much more comfortable. Thank you." Viltarra did not just look at Fili, but at Leotti who nodded and smiled.

"Why don't you just take that to your room. Dis is here to help with Nyaunni, so go get some rest for tomorrow." Leotti pulled her friend into a hug. "And you look absolutely beautiful, Viltarra. You are a stunning dam, sleeves, no sleeves, you're beautiful." Leotti stepped away only to be pulled into a tight hug from the dwarven prince she was always at odds with while Viltarra walked over to Dis…helping her with the gown Nyaunni was looking over on the bed.

"Thank you." He whispered into her ear. "She needed to hear that from someone who is not me."

Leotti gave him an odd look, but nodded as Fili released her. Fili was not lying in any way. His wife was struggling a bit with how she perceived herself pregnant. She was always confident in her looks, and herself, but with the changes her body was undergoing…that confidence was cracking. He just wanted her happy. She could wear a wooden barrel with holes carved out for her arms and legs…and Fili would still deem her as the most beautiful creature in the room. He loved her, and he looks forward to every day, moment, and experience with her. He is happiest, when Viltarra is at his side.

So Fili could care less about fashion trends, or designs of gowns that are meant to match with others. Viltarra's comfort and happiness is his greatest concern. And for Mahals sake, his poor wife is teetering on the edge of giving birth. Let her wear her sleeping clothes to the wedding for all he cares. Though his mother might have something to say about that.

Fili saw a drop of sweat make its way down his wife's face and realized it was time to go. "Viltarra, how about we go back to our room." He slipped his hand into hers and she smiled thankfully, nodding her head.

"Sun up, you two." Dis folded her arms and called. "I will have breakfast prepared early since we have a lot to do. I expect you in the kitchen with everyone."

Viltarra nodded but Fili groaned. "Sun up? Isn't the wedding at noon?"

"Sun, up, Fili." Dis lifted a brow. "If you are late…I will send Kili in to wake you."

Fili's eyes widened. His baby brother was a nuisance and came up with the WORST ways to rouse him. "Fine. Sun up."

Fili pushed his wife from the room before his mother could make any other UN-reasonable requests of him, his wife chuckling as they left to their own chambers.

"Honestly, the pair of them." Dis shook her head. "They will get a rude awakening when that infant is awake all hours of the night…and morning."

"But Viltarra's a baker." Leotti blinked confused. "She is always up."

"HA." Dis huffed out a laugh as Nyaunni smirked, removing her clothes. If she had not been living with this family, she would believe as Leotti did. But the one thing Nyaunni has learned these last weeks, is BOTH Fili and Viltarra are far from morning beings. In fact, it was downright understood that if Viltarra had not risen on her own…as she typically did as a baker…under no circumstances were you to go in there and rouse her. Just…let her be.

That is…let her be if you were not Finli. The toddler would just crawl up and lay beside his sleeping auntie, and softly call out to her. Eventually, Viltarra would smile and pull Fin into her arms while Fili would chuckle from where he stood. It was the easiest and most pain-free way to wake her…use his nephew.

However, with Fili, on the other hand, it was both easier and most entertaining to send Kili in to wake him if he was still asleep after Viltarra left. Not only did it get the job done, but Kili seemed to come up with some rather questionable, and creative ways to wake his brother.

Dis sighed. Fili of course USED to retaliate…which led to some morning she had to tear her sons apart as they went at the other. A broken nose, split lip, and more black-eyes than Dis could count would be the end result.

Life was a bit different now…and Dis would LOVE to say it was because her sons have settled and matured. But…she knew that was not quite the reason. You see, Dis had sat her eldest down telling him how proud and far along he has come with dealing with Kili waking him, and how he really was growing up.

Fili preened, but Viltarra rolled her eyes. "It's because he doesn't want to hurt Tauriel."

Dis was taken aback as Fili's proud smile turned to a glower before a small smile took its place and he nodded. "As much as I want to kill my little brother for waking me, my sister does not deserve to be punished as well."

Shaking the rather amusing memory away, Dis smiled softly at Leotti. "Well, I suppose there are worse traits than not being a morning person." She picked up the shift and passed it to Nyaunni who nodded in agreement.

"I could not agree more. Pyloh, for example, on top of being a collector of things that were not his…was also rather accustomed to not bathing. He had said, if the orcs have a problem with his natural state, then they could sod off." Nyaunni chuckled. Unfortunately, the orcs could care less…in fact, Nyaunni swore they enjoyed it. However, the people would do all they could to give him tasks just to get him in some water to clear the stench. "Taughin…I quite recall…would simply…push him into the water anytime he got close enough to the edge, and it was safe. I never blamed him. Those fellbeasts smelled awful…but somehow…Pyloh still smelled worse."

Speaking of the dwarves from Minam, Nyaunni still visited them quite regularly…at least the ones she was closest too. Taughin was enjoying not doing anything still…but has seemed rather interested in the stone carvers and has been spending a lot of time with some of the master artist in Erebor. Gretta had already accepted an apprenticeship in the garden room as she dreamed of doing, Ygatt is still trying to figure out what he wants to do, and Pyloh…dear Pyloh…wants to join the guard…but keeps getting into trouble and on Aeodhen's bad side.

You do not want to be on Aeodhen's bad side. He all but escorted Pyloh out when the young dwarf broke into his office and tried to forge a document which would give him an automatic promotion into a team leader. After a stern talking to by Thorin, Aeodhen, and herself, Pyloh was NOT thrown into a cell and instead put on suspension from joining for two months…or until he learns that here in Erebor…he had boundaries to respect.

Nyaunni also suspects the fact that Pyloh still had not gotten into the habit of regular bathing may have something to do with it, as she herself has received complaints about the young dwarf from many of the dwarves in Erebor.

"I don't remember him smelling all that bad when we met." Leotti hummed as she helped Nyaunni pull her dress over her head. "I could see he was a trouble maker though."

"When we met…the entire place smelled of rot, Leotti. And if you have forgotten, we had quite a bit of swimming to do…so he got a nice bath before you really were introduced." Nyaunni smoothed out a few wrinkles as Leotti scowled.

"Believe me, I had not forgotten that. Will you turn…perfect. AND DON'T PEAK. You cannot look into the mirror, until the entire thing is put together." Leotti pushed Nyaunni away from the large mirror in her and Thorin's room. "Dis can you hand me…yes perfect." Dis was already walking over with the metal pieces and handed them to Leotti.

"Alright hands up." Nyaunni obeyed and Leotti fastened a golden plate to her chest and around her back where it tied like a corset with burgundy ribbons. With it, a crown Dis had Kili make very similar to Thorin's, but in gold was pushed onto her brow, and finally, a set of gold filagree bracers were fastened to both her arms just above her wrist.

"Can I look now?" Nyaunni asked as Leotti tucked in this and adjusted that on the gown. Finally, the seamstress stepped back to take the look in.

"Perfect." Dis smiled.

"Go ahead." Leotti nodded, gesturing to the mirror and giving the dam permission to finally see the gown in full.

Nyaunni took a breath, then stepped in front of the mirror with her eyes closed. She was not sure she was ready to see the reflection, but slowly, she opened her eyes and met the gaze of a queen. The being in the mirror could be nothing less. The dress was made up of a layered skirt of cream and burgundy…and the gold breast plate was perfectly made and incredibly detailed. In fact, when she looked closely, she beheld images of animals so subtly and carefully molded in you would have to really look to see them.

Gold chains draped over her hips, linking from the front to the back in three tiers, and three more did the same falling just over her shoulders having been connected to a golden necklace made into a collar piece. The dress had sleeves, that somehow connected to the collar necklace, then fell open exposing her entire arm…which did not bother her in the least. It gave a wonderful glimpse of the shining fillagree bracers that span from her wrist to just below her elbow.

The crown she wore, was also intricate and held the same images as her breastplate and sat perfectly in her curls as if it was made to sit on her head. "How…" She touched the crown in wonder.

"Kili." Dis smiled softly. "He…he is extraordinary with precious metals. I cannot even fathom how he does it. When his pen goes to parchment and a design comes out…it is like he weaves it into reality." A tear of pride fell from Dis's eyes. "I think he gets it from his uncle. Thorin made the armor…the pair worked together in the early morning to get it done."

"And the bracers?" Nyaunni asked, looking at the fine work of armor that was both well made and delicate.

"Fili." Dis proudly declared. "He was torn between making you a decretive dagger to wear, and adding to the armor Thorin made. I believe he counseled with Thorin, and opted to make the bracers."

"No." Leotti chuckled. "He actually asked me."

"Oh?!" Dis asked rather surprised. Even Nyaunni lifted a brow more than used to the pair at each others throats more often than not.

Leotti nodded. "He wanted to see what my plans were with the dress, then asked if I had looked into some of the Firebeards traditions. Though weapons did and do hold ceremony in all clans…it seemed the tradition was less so with the Firebeards."

"Yes, and no. We were essentially farmers of the clans at heart, really. When my father led, we were well known for raising the best battle rams in all seven kingdoms, and we farmed mithril from the walls of our halls like we seeded it there ourselves." Nyaunni ran her fingers along the base of the armor, seeing some inlaid mithril within the gold. She knew Erebor was the first and primary source of raw mithril ore, her own clan being the second. But Thorin had said the mines were currently unusable and their stores seemingly gone.

Who knows what the dragon did while he was here, what was destroyed and lost, and what could still be hidden among the gold horde that Thorin had estimated would take decades to sort through...if not centuries considering gold was already flowing into the mountain just from their merchants and trade with Dale and Mirkwood.

But here he was, adding the small portions of mithril he had to garnish a decretive breastplate for her to wear on their wedding. Nyaunni smiled softly. Even as children, Thorin was never one to give ostentatious gifts to prove his devotion or affection. No. Instead, Thorin's friendship, his care, and devotion was all shown in the little things. You had to pay attention, and when you did, you would see how giving Thorin is.

"Will it do then? The dress?" Leotti asked, for once looking unsure of herself. Nyaunni was to be queen, and after all she went through…Leotti wanted her dress to be perfectly suited for one who would take their place beside Thorin as head of their people, while also being symbolic of the clan she descended from.

Nyaunni picked up the heavy skirts and turned. As she did, she realized a small train dragged behind her. "I am afraid I do not know what to say. That dam in the reflection…it has been nearly two centuries since I have seen even a glimpse of her."

"And how does she look?" Dis asked gently.

Nyaunni turned back to the mirror, her fingers brushing the scar on her cheek then the whisps of white hair peppering her vibrantly red curls. "Old." She laughed, tears building up in her eyes. Then the laughter died away as she brushed her hands down the soft velvet of her skirts and over the fine gold chains draping from the breastplate. "Unreal." She finally settled on.

"You are very real." Dis took her hand. "And you look beautiful, not old."

Nyaunni rolled her eyes good naturally and glanced back at the reflection with Dis's hand still in hers. "I wish my father was here."

"He would be proud of you." Dis whispered softly. "And Thorin. He loved Thorin…I do remember that."

Nyaunni laughed. "He doted on him, that is very true. He also quite loved you as well."

Dis nodded, vaguely recalling the gentle smile of Draupnir who made her feel more comfortable and at ease than her own grandfather. He was a gentle soul, intelligent and kind. "He used to sneak me cookies and pastries."

"He was quite convinced you had the spirit of an elder." Nyaunni squeezed her hand. "You were always well beyond your years and able to see things in others that most did not. Even at your age."

"A gift and a curse I fear." Dis sighed.

"More gift than curse if you ask me." Nyaunni responded. "You, Frerin, and Thorin were always my family, Dis. No wedding could change that now. But I too am grateful that after tomorrow, we will be officially tied in this life and the next."

"I can only imagine Frerin in your wedding." Dis laughed. "Thorin would be pulling out his hair trying to keep him from mucking things up."

"I am sorry, but who is Frerin?" Leotti asked sitting on the bed.

Some of the light left Dis's eyes and she looked to the ground. "My elder brother. He was the second son of my father."

"Oh, of course. Forgive me Dis. I do recall stories, but I had completely forgotten you had another brother." Leotti relayed softly as Dis lifted her Durin blue eyes and gave her a smile.

"There is nothing to apologize for dear. He lives in our ancestors halls, watching over us and waiting for us to return."

Nyaunni laughed. "You are not wrong though, Dis. He would be driving Thorin mad, and pushing him over the edge before the wedding. I can quite see him doing all he could to make tomorrow unforgettable…which may or may not have been a good thing. Frerin was quite good with pranks…even the well meaning ones."

"Ohhh? He sounded like quite the dwarf. Do tell, I would very much like to hear more of him." Leotti asked with pleading eyes.

However, Nyaunni shook her head. "That may take a full night and we have not the time. Thorin is waiting for us. Though…" Nyaunni moved to the desk and ruffled through a few drawers before pulling out a tattered looking journal, and opening it to a page and smiling softly.

Without saying a word she walked back to Leotti, her dress trailing behind her and the chains on her armor clinking together as she moved. Dis immediately recognized the journal and chuckled, looking over at the opened page, her smile matching Nyaunni.

"I know there are quite a few paintings around Erebor…mostly in the wing outside Thorin's office…but I personally like this one." Nyaunni turned the page towards Leotti who blinked, then scowled.

"Fili?"

Both Nyaunni and Dis laughed. "Look again dear." Dis said gesturing to the page. "Though, I do see why you would make that error. Fili does quite look like Frerin."

"Oh this is Frerin? Is that you…and Thorin?" Dis nodded. "Frerin was a lot like Kili…or I should say talent wise…Kili is a lot like Frerin. They both were rather skilled in the arts, and Frerin drew this for Thorin I believe for Yule?"

Nyaunni nodded. "I got him the journal, and Frerin drew and painted the image you see here. Of course nothing with Frerin was easy…and we had to sneak out to the human city to purchase the specific paints he needed for the gift…during one of the WORST snow storms we could recall."

"I do not remember much of this." Dis sighed. "But I do remember Frerin bringing me an entire platter of cookies he swiped from the kitchen and telling me I could have them all…if when father or mother asked where he was…I would tell them he was studying in one of the libraries. It was important I say ONE of the libraries and not a specific one."

"Well no wonder we got caught. I didn't know that part." Nyaunni rolled her eyes. "What in his mind made him think anyone would believe Frerin was in a library."

Dis shrugged. "If I recall…Frerin got caught…you did not."

Nyaunni laughed, loudly. "That is only because Thorin grabbed me and yanked me into a dark corner when we walked back into Erebor, leaving Frerin to the mercies of the welcome party waiting for us." Her smile softened. "He never did say a word that I was with him. Just took the entirety of the blame on himself…though I did tell my father that evening of where I had gone."

Dis shook her head. "Thorin always has been, and always will be overprotective when it comes to those he loves."

"We were friends then, Dis." Nyaunni lifted a brow.

Dis chuckled. "I believe that…but you were friends who were always more than that. He loved you then, Nyaunni, just as he loves you now." She brushed a curl away that fell over the crown still on her head. "And Frerin, he loved you as well."

"I loved them both, Frerin was my brother. A true brother. And Thorin…" Nyaunni looked down at the drawing of Thorin in his youth…the Thorin she begged her mind to never forget as she lived through the horrors of servitude. "Thorin always felt like…Thorin made me feel complete. Whole. I cannot explain it."

"I can." Dis took Nyaunni's hand again. "He is your one, Nyaunni. You feel whole, and complete with him…because he is the completion of your soul. From the moment I met my Vili, I felt the same. It was as if my life did not fully begin until he entered it."

"I am so sorry Dis." Nyaunni began but Dis shook her head.

"He is here, Nyaunni, he is never far from me because he lives in my heart. Do not apologize for something you had no fault in. I lost my Vili, but he is not completely gone. He waits for me, and our sons, to return to him one day. But not until it is our time. I do not know what I would have done without Thorin. He saved my life, he saved my youngest sons life, and he raised my boys as his own. I know Vili would have made an exceptional father, but Thorin took the task with an open heart and a willing spirit…and because of it….my sons have two of the most wonderful fathers in Arda. My one, my Vili, and Thorin, my brother, who every day goes above and beyond his responsibilities even to his family."

"You mean everything to him." Nyaunni said softly.

"WE, mean everything to him." Dis relayed. "How about, we help you out of that gown. Tomorrow will come soon enough."

Nyaunni looked down at her dress and nodded. "I do not know how I will get this all on by myself tomorrow." She laughed as Dis and Leotti began removing each piece of her wedding attire.

"Who says you will be doing this alone?" Leotti lifted a brow.

"Alone?" Dis looked stunned. "You will not be alone. I will be here, Nyaunni, along with my daughters and Leotti. Tomorrow is about family, about bringing us together. I helped Tauriel get ready to marry my son. She has no true mother and father in this world…only in the next…so she had nobody but the family she was joining to prepare her. But the thing was, the moment she entered my home…she had a mother…and by the time her and Kili's wedding day came…she had a father in Thorin. I know it is not traditional for the other family to help…but if you have not noticed…this family is hardly traditional."

A grin broke out on Nyaunni's face as she let out another bark of laughter. "I can only imagine your grandfathers thoughts on where we all are now…but for me…I do not think this family could do better than they are. I would be both grateful and honored to have you all here to help me prepare."

Once Nyaunni was down to her shift, she pulled it over her head and placed it on the heaping pile of fabric in Leotti's arms. "This will be in Dis's room, so Thorin does not see it until you come in wearing it." The seamstress left the room, Dis following with the armor despite Thorin having been the one to make it.

Nyaunni redressed into some casual clothes, then stepped into the main room and leaned into Dis's where Leotti was helping her arrange the dress so it did not get creased. "I will go get Thorin. Are you staying up here tonight Leotti?"

"No. I want to see if Ori is home, and I like to sleep in my own bed. But I will be here quite early in the morning to begin preparations. It will be a most exciting day." Leotti's excitement was evident in her entire body vibrating as she danced around the dress she was arranging. It was as if it was HER wedding she was preparing for.

"I will see you in the morning than. I am going to go get Thorin." Both Dis and Leotti nodded as Nyaunni stepped across the way.

Inside Tauriel and Kili's chambers, the sitting room lights were dimmed, and the only sound came from Dain who still slept in the chair. There was no other life here. Kili and Tauriel's chamber doors were shut causing Nyaunni to wonder where in Arda did Thorin go?

Before leaving to seek elsewhere, Nyaunni decided to check the nursery since Thorin was looking after Finli and it was getting late. Of course, she was right, and smiled as she watched Thorin rocking Finli as he read from a book.

"The troll growled and snarled. 'Who dares disturb my hoard, and steals my treasure?' The dwarf prince stood proud, staring up at the creature who towered over him. 'I am prince Pydrokius, of the Golden Mountains beyond the narrow sea. I steal nothing that was not already my peoples. I am here to reclaim my honor, and my treasure. But before I do, I give you a choice, so that you may have a chance to do what is right.'"

There was a loud sigh as Thorin's expression turned a bit sour. "A choice?" He flipped through the pages. "Why not just kill him there." He scoured page after page…clearly somewhat conscious of the fact Finli was asleep. "He invited the troll into his home to live? For the love of Mahal above, I need to have a talk with Tauriel. This is a terrible story."

A soft laugh had the dwarven king looking up and glaring at his very soon to be wife. "It is a dwarfling story, Thorin. Are they not usually filled with morals for us to learn?"

"But a troll? After said troll stole their gold? Have you BEEN in a troll hole, Nya?" Another round of laughter caused Finli to stir, Nyaunni silencing herself the moment she noticed. "Put him to bed Thorin, and let me take you to ours."

Thorin smiled, placing the book on the shelf by where he sat and standing. He placed a kiss in Finli's dark hair, and set him in the crib where Kaw lay curled up in the corner, also asleep. Smiling softly at his sleeping grandson, Thorin pulled the light summer blanket over his still form, then accepted Nyaunni's hand as she pulled him from the room…than past Dain and into their own chambers.

Leotti must have just left, because Dis's light was turned down and her door shut.

"Are you ready for tomorrow?" Thorin asked, readying himself for bed once they entered their bedroom.

Nyaunni wrapped her arms around his bare waste and nuzzled the back of his neck. "More than. Are you?"

Thorin let out a dark chuckle as he turned quickly, threw her to the bed, and climbed over her, purring into her ear. "You tell me?" The final sounds of the night, were Nyaunni's sighs…at least until Uri gave a loud chirp. Thorin growled as he tried to get the aelúg into his pen…Nyaunni laughing wildly as the hatchling ran under Thorin's legs and back up to the bed nearly a dozen times. This, this was true happiness.

Giving up, Thorin turned down the lights, and joined them in bed…falling to his back, and closing his eyes as Nyaunni wrapped her arms around him. Thorin gave a snort when Uri lay on his chest, but otherwise, let him be as they all fell into a quick and peaceful sleep.

The army was taken care of, Dryok was in a cell, and the night was peaceful and still. The chaos of the days before had broken, and turned to soft footsteps through the mountain as the dwarves of Erebor retired for the warm, summer, evening. Some with fuller bellies than they have had their entire lives.

What was to happen in the days to come, would hopefully be marked with light and joy. Yet, only Mahal and the fates could know for certain. But there was one thing that all in the mountain were more than ready for, and that…was the wedding of the king under the mountain to his queen.

Authors Note 2.0: Okay, well, there you go. I know, it was not a big battle or anything, but I wanted an epically one sided fight between Dryok and Thorin. My ORIGINAL plan was to have Dryok interrupt the wedding…but I had enough request to leave Nyaunni and Thorin alone and let them have their day…so I came up with this instead. You are welcome. Next chapter, is FINALLY the wedding…and a bit more…spice. He he he. Not that kind of spice…get your head out of the gutter…this is not an 'M' rated fic.

See you in a few days! If it is shorter though, I might have it up tomorrow. If not, Tuesday for sure. LOVE YOU! XD