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.

57. ACT IV Chapter TWENTY

Authors Note: I am SO sorry. I meant to have this out on Sunday, but I got too busy to work on it. So a few days later than I wanted…here is chapter Twenty. 😊

Also…the closest thing I personally work in healthcare…is at the front desk. XD. Soooo, DocNikki, if I get stuff wrong…I am not a medical professional. I have a business degree and I am ABOUT to start a masters in elementary education…don't ask. Although…I have spent twenty years running a front desks in a chiropractic care and massage clinics…so…I mean…I can answer all kinds of questions regarding spines and stuff. LOL. OH, btw, sorry about the eggs. 3

One final note, October 29th is the two year anniversary of this series. I can't believe I have been working on this for two full years, and have written over ONE MILLION words between Reforged and Reforged and Strengthened. I never even thought I could do that, but here I am. Anyway, I want to say thank you, for all of you who have read this story through, for all of you who followed me from the beginning, and for all of you just finding this story. Reforged is for anyone who needs an escape, who needs something to hold on to, and who needs some of them sons of Durin. I love you guys, and thank you so much for the kindness, the love, and the motivation to keep going.

Here is to you. 333

Chapter Twenty

"KILI!" Tauriel called out as the young prince came running back in. What had him sprinting up the mountain in record time was the panic and pain he received from his wife who must have woken in his absence...which was absolutely the last thing he wanted. "You left me!" She cried out as Kili ran over to her and cupped her cheek tenderly, wiping away a stray tear as it fell.

"No, no no no. Amralime. Shh. I am here. I just went to talk to the family and sort out a situation. That is all. How are you feeling?" Taking her hand, Kili ignored Finli who held Tauriel's other hand until Naurfaer took him off the bed as Oin came over after hearing her cry out.

"Awake now, lassie? Sounds like the little one is tired of waitin'." The healer laughed despite the look from Tauriel that would have made anyone else shrink away. Instead, Oin just lifted a brow and smiled, patting her on the hand. "Now, now. Don' be killing me with yer eyes quite yet, you will be wantin' me alive for this next part."

"Oin, I should warn you that Fili is bringing Viltarra up." Kili said once Tauriel calmed down a bit. "She has gone into labor."

"What?" Tauriel asked, taking a deep breath as another pain ripped through her entire system and straight to Kili who locked his jaw and went silent until it passed...then nodded.

"Are you sure dear? And what do you mean situation?" Dis asked, looking from Kili to the door with worry.

Oin rolled his eyes, disbelief in his gaze. "It is probably nothin' Dis. First time fathers are always treasures." He grumbled. "Though…" Oin looked to Kili thoughtfully. "…I don' remember you bein' as bad as yer brother is. Is he sure this time, lad? It's likely jus' another false start."

"Nope. Not a false start." Fili used his foot to kick the door open causing it to slam against the stone.

"Oh, for the love of Mahal." Dis blinked then went straight to the other bed in the room, pulling off the blanket so Fili could place Viltarra down.

"Oi! Yeh break it, yeh fix it." Oin huffed until he saw the blood dripping down Viltarra's neck and the spot on her stomach. "By the maker, wha' happened?!" Oin shot a quick... "Watch her." To Kili and left Tauriel's side to see to Viltarra who seemed to be in bad shape. "An' why is tha' warg in my office!? This is meant to be a sterile place!"

"Leave her." Fili ordered when Viltarra tensed up and reached out for Hiril.

"She's not goin' anywhere right now, gem." Vin soothed and brushed some hair from his daughter's head.

"It's fine, I know she cannot stay." Viltarra finally said as she relaxed and pet the warg who had her head resting on the bed. She knew Oin would not want her in here, but labor pains or not, she will be throwing blades if he tries to remove Fili, that...she will not be having.

"Why does Hiril have blood all over her?" Dis was beginning to panic as she realized something must have happened while she was up here. "Kili!? Fili?!" Dis looked between her sons on either side of the room.

"Not now mam!" Fili growled at his mother as he removed his wife's belt and circlet, throwing them both haphazardly on a bench behind him. The belt stayed, but the circlet fell to the ground, making a small tinkling sound as it rolled around the floor before settling several feet away. "Nunguame, I need you to sit forward a bit so I can get the tie on your dress."

Viltarra nodded and with Vin and Dis's help, sat up once more as Fili helped divest her of her gown. She will forever be thankful she opted to wear a shift. A glance across the room had her looking to her sister who had her eyes closed as she clung to Kili, her head pressed to his shoulder looking as if she was in pain…which she probably was. Viltarra also noticed that she too was out of her gown…though where she got that cotton shift she was wearing…Viltarra did not know nor care.

"I will take her with me when I go, and get her cleaned up for you." Naurfaer, still holding Finli, offered with a smile, and Viltarra nodded.

"Yeh should probably bugger off now than. I have a feelin' I don' have a choice with those two royal pains, bu' everyone else can leave...except you Dis, o' course." The healer looked to Dis who was just walking back over to Tauriel's side after the eleth made a noise of protest thinking Kili would be barred from the room again. The eleth clung desperately to her dwarven prince even as Dis sat directly behind her and began rubbing her back. Dis did nod to Oin, however, who was watching the scene with eyes filled with compassion. "I will be needin' yer help, Dis, since yeh won' allow anyone else in here."

It was true. Although it was nice to have the halls filled with healers, as well as seeing the wing grow over the last year…and despite Oin even having a few master healers on staff…Thorin and Dis made it abundantly clear, along with Fili and Kili, that they did not want anyone but Oin near Tauriel and Viltarra. Oin believes it was thanks to a certain healer named Gildridd, who still must, understandably, haunt their minds.

"Mama!" Finli called out and Oin huffed, staring hard at Naurfaer.

"An' why are yeh still here?! Out with yeh, an' take the warg with yeh." Just as Oin spoke, the door burst open again as Tarrah ran in. "FOR THE LOVE OF MAHAL! Mind the door!" Oin shot out at Tarrah who turned a glare at him so severe, it silenced the healer and had him turning back to Tauriel.

"Alrigh' lass..." Oin began until the door opened again, only this time it was two dwarves carrying another.

"Oin! Go' a lad who broke his foot."

"Don' cut it off! Please!" The young dwarf bellowed at the same time Tauriel cried out and Kili nearly dropped to the floor.

"She's close." Oin reported. "You okay lad?" Oin ignored the three dwarves and eyed Kili who had beads of sweat coming down his forehead. The dark-haired prince nodded and smiled, so Oin patted him on the back. "Good. Let's get this little one born, eh?"

"Oin!" Fili called just as the door opened again and Thorin stomped into the large room with Nyaunni right beside him.

"How are we progressing, Oin?" Without skipping a beat, Thorin called out in an authoritative voice brooking no room for argument from the healer. He paused though and looked at the three dwarves just standing near the door not with a little frustration in his gaze. Didn't he send up Gloin, Ori, and Dori to make absolutely sure nobody was in here except the family and the healer? They were at the door when he passed, why are they letting others in?

"Well, it would be better if those three would ge' out of me office!" Oin growled.

"Me foot…it's bruisin'."

"Get behind her lad, like last time." Oin said softly to Kili. "Not only do yeh look like yer goin' to fall to the ground, bu' it keeps yeh out of me way."

Peaking over at Viltarra, the healer saw that Fili and his dam were having a private moment with their heads pressed against each other, so they were not in immediate need for him yet. Whatever it was Fili had been calling him for earlier, it must have been sorted by either Fili, Vin, or Tarrah. He turned back to the other bed and saw Dis helping situate Tauriel and Kili which meant he had just enough time to get these ridiculous dwarves who were not allowed in here, out of his personal healing room.

Grumbling, Oin turned to the dwarves near the door and stomped over, bending to examine the foot. He could have sent him to his team, but this was a special case. You see, this dwarf was in his office fairly regularly with all kinds of ailments, and Oin was rather tired of having him moan and groan in wasted beds when in reality…nothing was wrong with him.

As his boot was already off, Oin was able to see the extent of said damage, and he rolled his eyes. "Tha' ain' a bruise yeh nitwit. It's wine. An' it aint' broke, jus' twisted…no' even sprained. What did yeh do eh? Drink a bit too much an' fall off a table? For the love of Mahal, Rhuck. Wrap it, an' it will be fine. Come to me office again with somethin' like this…an' I will be cuttin' limbs. Understood?" The dwarf, Rhuck, nodded. "Good. Now GET OUT!"

With a bit of a jump, the dwarves turned opening the door, and Oin got a peak of Dori and Gloin looking surprised. "Wha' in the blazing war hammer…no' again Rhuck. Come on. Let's get yeh to one of the other healers." He heard before the door closed.

"I sent Ori, Gloin, and Dori up to guard the door." Thorin sighed as he looked at his family around the room then turned back to Oin. "Those three must have gotten in here before they fame to guard the door. Apologies Oin, I should have had someone up here when Tauriel first came up."

Oin nodded. "It's fine. Doors guarded now. As I said…Rhuck's a regular here in the healin' halls, so it ain' yer fault." He eyed the door as if someone else would be coming in but with it now being guarded, he felt secure enough to continue uninterrupted. Hopefully. With that taken care of, Oin addressed Thorin's earlier inquiry. "As of now, it could be either goin'…or both at the same time. Wha' happened Thorin?"

"I would very much like to know as well." Walking back across the room towards Viltarra, Dis glared at her brother, then at Fili who had yet to tell her anything…nor Naurfaer for that matter. The other elf in the room simply stood with Finli just a few steps away from Kili, waiting to be appraised. He seemed rather nonplussed about being left out…whereas Dis was quite ready to snap.

Naurfaer lifted a brow at the scowl Dis was giving Fili who keenly ignored her in favor of focusing on his wife…understandable. He readjusted his hold on Finli, shaking his head; Fili probably should not have snapped at Dis…hopefully the situation they are referring to was not as bad as it seems. Great songs of the makers, he hoped he wasn't needed anywhere at the moment. On any given day, Naurfaer would be the first to volunteer himself to help wherever there was need…but tonight, his granddaughter needed him near…and somebody had to watch Finli. Naurfaer eyed the door again, but stayed where he was beside Tauriel's bed as he waited to find out what was going on before he left the room.

"We had a situation with a small group of Firebeards who attacked Fili and Viltarra." Thorin grumbled as Nyaunni stepped away, heading towards Dis and Tarrah who had moved to bring a cool wet cloth to Viltarra to wipe her brow. Thorin folded his arms, standing at the center of the large and spacious room between the two beds. "None of them survived."

"Oh, for the love of Mahal." Dis grunted, placing a rag in the cool water and handing it to Tarrah.

"Mahal. How many were there?" Oin asked surprised.

"Eight in total, though only seven by the time I arrived I believe in thanks to Hiril." Thorin eyed the warg who still had her head on the bed beside Viltarra, the blonde casually running her fingers through the still blood smattered fur. Perhaps…wargs are not as bad as he thought. Shaking his head, Thorin looked back at Oin. "There was a dam among them who held Viltarra, threatening her life in exchange for Dryok's release." Thorin growled. "I fear that is what threw her into labor."

"Aye. Tha' would do it." Oin agreed. "No' too early though. She was due to go next week anyway. Babe will be fine. Tha' one…is two weeks early." Oin hummed and looked to Tauriel who was making eyes with Kili, the pair smiling to each other as if they were the only two beings in the room, and as if she was not in severe pain…which he knew she was. Though she did break eye contact with Kili to press her lips to Finli's head as Naurfaer walked back over and leaned him down enough for her to reach…they were saying their goodbye.

Oin smiled and let them be, they will be leaving soon…hopefully. The healer shook his head as he washed and dried his hands before shaking his head and chuckling. "With all her insistin' it would no' happen for two weeks, it is a bit of a surprise really. Finli was born late…so she should 'ave made it to at least her date. Bu' tha' is child barin' for yeh. Little ones come when they wan' no' when we plan for it. Is everything handled than? I am assuming since yer up here, we are in the clear."

"For the most part." Nyaunni sighed, fingering the chains on her armor as she leaned back against the counter beside the fireplace where Dis asked her to keep an eye on the water they were waiting to come to a boil. "It seems as if everyone involved is dead, and we have more than enough guards scouring Erebor to seek out others in hiding…if there are any. I for one, don't think there are. Thorin, will you help me with this?" She gestured to the breastplate and turned, as Thorin wordlessly moved to stand behind her to begin undoing the straps that held the two pieces together.

Placing the armor he made with his own hand down on the counter, Thorin pulled off his coat and draped it over her shoulders, chuckling when she rolled her eyes at him as she let her layered skirts fall to the ground, not caring one bit she was walking around in only the light draw pants she had under her wedding dress. Thorin's coat, however, kept her modest. She did make sure to move her gown and armor onto a far chair where it would not get ruined, though, as it did mean a lot to her.

"I also left Dain in charge." Thorin murmured as he followed Nyaunni with his eyes back to the fireplace where she pulled the now boiling water off the fire and set it on the counter to cool before distributing it into several bowls. "There is really not much to do, he was just overseeing the cleanup and going back to the feast. Whatever happened, is over." Thorin summoned a small smile, but it turned back to a grimace when both Viltarra and Tauriel let out pain filled cries.

"OIN!" Fili called again, looking a bit exasperated as he pulled his head away from Viltarra's so his mother could press a cloth to it.

The healer rolled his eyes and walked over. "Yes lad?"

"Aren't you going to do something…like…deliver?" Fili huffed, his hand in Viltarra's as she closed her eyes likely in pain…or irritation; Oin could not tell, but Tarrah was tutting at the young prince and Vin laughing…while Dis whacked him on the head for being rude.

"Did yeh no' listen to a word I said to yeh when we went over all of this weeks ago lad?" Oin snickered folding his arms while Dis moved away from the group shaking her head along with Nyaunni, who lifted her brow before both went to work together to get things they will be needing very soon like warm clothes, bowls of water, and fresh linens. Although Nyaunni really did not know what was needed having only had experience with animals, so Dis would simply hand her things and she would place them on the clean table.

Oin lifted a brow when Fili remained silent. "Yeh see, this, is why I don' let spouses in the room. Menaces. Do yeh wan' teh stay…or be kicked out!?"

Fili clenched his jaw, his expression taking on the patented Durin anger, but Oin just laughed. "Don' bother tryin' tha' one with me. Been around yer uncle and mam too long teh be phased. Bu' I am the healer, not you lad. Let me do my work, an' if I need yer input…I will ask fer it." He took a breath. "Viltarra is fine. Those cuts are my biggest concern at the moment an' they are no' even bad. Why don' yeh give me a hand an' clean those for her eh? Give yeh somethin' to do and help her at the same time. She will know when it is time for tha' baby to come out better than anyone."

"Hey FI!" Kili called across the room. "Bets still on!"

Fili turned his glare to his brother, but he was not the only one; all four dams turned blazing eyes on Kili, and Tauriel's look, could kill. He was quite lucky she did not expel him from the bed…but just before she was about to say something, both her and Kili went white and she clenched her hands in the cotton sheets and cried out.

When Finli began to cry too, Naurfaer took the hint. "Alright, time to go little star. Come on, gamp will see if there is some cake at the feast…how does that sound?" Naurfaer paused at the door and patted his leg. "Hiril." The warg whined, but obeyed, trotting to the door and following Naurfaer out.

Once gone, Kili's teasing expression turned to worry as he placed his hand on their unborn son who seemed to be all over the place with his emotions. Fear, being the most apparent…yet something akin to excitement flit through. However, as he focused more, he could feel a heaviness as panic overtook him when Tauriel clenched for the next pain…a panic so strong, that it rippled through Kili's entire being…and he suddenly worried for his son.

Pulling away from his wife, Kili slid from behind her off the bed, only to rest his head on her belly.

"Kili?" Tauriel cried out when he was no longer behind her, and he suddenly felt a deep sadness fill his mind. He met it head on with love as he took her hand, squeezing it tight.

"He's upset. Let me see if I can calm him down a bit." With a nod from Tauriel, Kili lay his head back down on her stomach. "Hello, my little one." He smiled. "I know this next bit will be scary, but there are so many here waiting for you to come who already love you. Do not be afraid." He knew his unborn child has no idea what he is saying, but he does hope that his voice is helping. Feeling that it was, Kili then began to sing softly, his melodic voice soothing the child within and even bringing a calming hush over the room as everyone froze to listen.

Kili was only forced to stop when the pain coming from his wife took his own breath away. As soon as it passed, Tauriel fingered away a bead of sweat coming down Kili's brow. "I am so sorry." She had tears in her eyes as she watched him fight the pains getting harsher and closer together. "This is my fault, it is my fault that you are in pain, meleth nin. Let me take it from you, my Kili. Let me block your pain."

"NO!" Kili cried out taking her hand once more and pulling it to his chest. His son had calmed to a less worrying level, so he was able to turn his focus to the being who was his entire world. "Tauriel…" Kili brushed some hair from her face, having removed her circlet earlier and any pins in her hair so she could be as comfortable as possible. "You took on all my pain when I was…" He couldn't say it, but she nodded in understanding; her emerald eyes boring into his. "…let me carry this with you. Let me take this on with you. We are in this together, amralime. Open our connection as much as you can, and take what you need from me. I am yours, my star, and I am here to help you shine. So let me be the light you need."

Tauriel let out a small sob and nodded, then followed her Kili with her eyes as he climbed back behind her and held her tightly in his arms. "Do what you need, amralime." He whispered, smiling as she opened their connection as much as she could. The difference was little for now, but Kili knew when it was needed most, she would draw from his strength.

Across the room, Viltarra was taking slow, even, breaths as she rode her own pains out. She did feel a bit envious of Kili and Tauriel…she thinks it is quite fair that partners should share in the same pains…especially this kind of pain. "You can do this." Fili muttered into her hair and instead of feeling better, she felt like giving him a good, firm, kick.

"If I could, I would kill that dam again." She growled. She was supposed to have another week to prepare herself. Though truth be told, she wanted her child out, weeks ago…she just was not prepared for this level of pain. Had she been told about it by about every dam she encountered, as well as Tauriel and Oin whether she asked for the information or not? Unfortunately, yes. But this kind of pain…was unlike anything she had endured before.

"Just think, it will all be over and worth it soon." Tarrah took her hand, giving it a squeeze.

"Oi, Tauriel. Did you ever want to…oh I don't know…kill your family before? Because I am quite close to doing that right now." Viltarra bellowed across the room.

Tauriel could not help but let out a laugh, momentarily taking her mind off the pain that now came every few seconds. "That is a complicated answer, muinthel. Perhaps I can defer to another time…Oin…" She barely finished her sentence when her body told her this was it.

"AWWW! Come on Tauri…just wait a bit longer." Fili sighed as the healer gave him a look and pulled away.

"Honestly." Viltarra grumbled. "Go ahead Oin. I think she needs you more at the moment."

"Not by much lassie." Oin patted her hand and looked to Vin and Thorin. "Nyaunni and Tarrah may stay. I think I will be needin' their help. But' you two can go. I don' really know how this will work, as they are both abou' ready, bu'…if my predictions are right…we 'ave jus' enough time teh deliver Tauriel, before Viltarra will be ready. I will send news as it comes."

Thorin nodded. "I will be just outside the door. Vin?"

Grumbling, Vin nodded but Viltarra held his hand tightly. "Da? I don't want you to go." She had tears in her eyes as she refused to release his hand.

"I will be just out that door my gem, and you are in good hands here. Fili is staying, as is your mother." He leaned forward and kissed her head. "Your sister, Karra is here too." He whispered which caused Viltarra to smile and nod.

"I feel her." She said softly.

Pressing his lips to her head one last time, Vin pulled away, nodded to Fili, and followed Thorin out the room.

"I am here." Fili's words were barely a whisper and Viltarra turned her amber eyes to him. "I know I cannot connect to you like Kili can to Tauriel, but I will do everything I can to support you through this. I love you, Viltarra, and whether it takes an hour, or a day, I am not going anywhere."

"And your bet?" Viltarra lifted a brow and Fili chuckled.

"Well, I do want to win." He laughed and looked to Kili who rolled his eyes. "But more than anything, I want you to know my main focus is on you alone."

Before going to Tauriel, Oin patted Viltarra on the knee. "I need to check on Tauriel, lass. Fili…" He looked to the prince who nodded and waited. "I would tell yeh to get in the same position as Kili…bu' at this moment…I need yeh accessible, as I think I might be needin' yer help, hopefully no'…bu'…jus' in case."

Fili's eyes widened but he nodded. "Whatever you need me to do, Oin, I will do."

"Good lad." Oin praised clapping Fili on the back as he passed by him. "Jus' stay here and count the time between the pain. I canno' be two places at once, but if they get too close together…yeh call me over, ya? Tarrah, help 'im."

With Viltarra momentarily covered, Oin moved to Tauriel who let out another cry. He felt a bit awful that she seemed to be doing so much better this birth than she had been the last one. He should have never questioned Kili when he insisted on being in the room. A glance back at Fili who was massaging Viltarra's shoulders as she sat up and worked through another pain, had Oin questioning if he needed to rethink the tradition of no mates in the room…perhaps…they too had a place in bringing life into the world as well. As long as they kept well out of his way, he amended to himself.

"Oin, I think he is coming." Dis relayed, with a bowl of water and several cotton towels already set out.

Nyaunni nodded in agreement as she stood on the eleths other side. "I can't say I have helped with any births outside animals, but I can recognize the signs well enough to say that baby is coming…now."

"Lass?" Oin asked the being who would know better than any, as she claimed to be connected to said child, and she nodded.

"Well then, let's no' put this off any longer. When you are ready…" Oin waited for Tauriel to take a few breaths, then the pain ripped through her as she began to push.

"I am here." Kili soothed in her ear each time she fell back against him. Through their connection, he pushed all the strength he had to her, and Tauriel felt it. She felt her pain ease and her energy soar…energy she should not have.

"Nearly there, lass! Jus' one more!" Oin called out.

Kili had tears falling from his eyes as he felt Tauriel tense, give one final cry, then fell back against him, spent; her chest moving up and down taking great heaving breaths. At first the room was silent, then it filled with the beautiful sobs of a newborn.

Oin passed the screaming child to Dis and beckoned Kili from behind Tauriel. "How about yeh do the honors laddie?" He held out a sharp, sanitary blade to Kili who blinked then understood what he was asked to do. With the careful hands of a jeweler, Kili cut the cord as Oin handed him his son. "Congratulations lad, another boy. Bu' yeh knew that." He chuckled.

Before Oin could even inspect the child further, however, Fili was calling out to him. "OIN!"

"He's coming." Viltarra cried in panic as she felt a heavy pressure within her.

Without missing a beat, Oin cleaned his hands, followed by Dis and the pair ran to the other dam while Nyaunni remained with Tauriel who was accepting her son with a bright beaming smile.

"Did yeh see what Tauriel did, lass? Just take deep breaths and when I say…go ahead and push." Oin looked to Fili who nodded and held Viltarra's hand tightly.

After nearly a quarter hour of pain and nothing happening, Viltarra was tired and getting frustrated. Tauriel's birth did not take this long…then again…she does recall Finli's birth taking quite a bit of time and her heart plummeted. Mahal give her the strength to keep going…because this was too much.

"Fili, I'm tired. I don't know if I can keep going." She finally said as Oin told her to take a moment to breathe.

"I know you're tired." Fili hummed as he pressed his forehead to her temple. "But I can't think of anyone as strong as you are, nunguame. You survived a pit for almost a year, you never gave up on me when I fell under Dale, and you came and fought in a battle just weeks before giving birth…you are a warrior Viltarra, my warrior."

"I'm a baker." Viltarra cried. "I am no warrior."

"I beg to differ." Fili pressed his lips to her head. "Besides, can you not be both? You who has natural skills with the bow, and the blade? You who have broken a few noses with her power fist? You who is not afraid to stand up to anyone who hurts her family? You are a warrior, my Viltarra, and I refuse to believe anything different."

Fili pulled away and met her gaze, cupping her jaw with both of his large hands. "You can do this, Viltarra, I know you can."

Viltarra's hands grasped Fili's wrists, and she nodded. "I can do this." She closed her eyes as he pressed his lips to hers, then she pulled away. "Alright, let's bring our son into this world." She smiled as Fili beamed.

"Our son." He nodded and gave Oin the okay to continue, she was ready to begin again.

It was another few minutes and finally, Oin yelled out. "Nearly there, just a few more."

Across the room, Tauriel could not help but smile as she finally held her son…but something felt off. She knew there was one other unpleasant part of giving birth to happen…but why was she feeling labor pains again. "Kili…something is wrong." She looked to her husband who lowered his brows in worry.

"He seems alright." He looked down at the bundle in his wife's arms, but his brows furrowed when he too felt the same pains that were escalating fast through their bond, so fast, Tauriel had to brace quickly for a wave that tore through her still sensitive system.

Kili instinctively placed a hand on her still swollen stomach; his eyes widened suddenly, and he shook his head in surprise. "I still feel him…as if he is still inside you, Tauriel. Is that normal?"

Tauriel's shocked expression was enough answer for him, and he looked back at Oin. "OIN!"

"NOT NOW LAD?!" The healer called out.

With the healer tied up, Kili looked in panic to his new aunt. "What do I do?"

Nyaunni barely had time to think as she grabbed the now crying infant from his mother so she could focus on what was about to happen to her. "Twins Kili, she's having twins. You will need to deliver this next one on your own." She looked to Oin who was consumed with Viltarra.

"TWINS!" Kili cried out, then he realized that all of the oddities of his sons seemingly dual personalities at times was not because he was feeling multiple things at once...it was because there were two of them in there. "Two." He whispered to himself.

"KILI! Snap out of it." Nyaunni yelled just before both Tauriel and Viltarra cried out. "She doesn't have time for you to sit and ponder the situation. That baby is coming now!"

"I don't know how to deliver a child!" Kili grasped the bed when a wave of pain filtered to him.

"Well, you will just have to figure it out then!" Nyaunni huffed, then sighed. "Kili, Oin is busy. There is nobody but you. If you don't do this, then both your child, and Tauriel will be in real danger." That is exactly what Kili needed to hear. He grazed his thumb over his newborn's cheek and the child instantly calmed, then he turned to his wife.

"We can do this, amralime. Are you ready?"

"Kili." Tauriel whimpered as the pain intensified, but then she nodded. "I am ready."

Oin, Dis, and Tarrah were so invested in Viltarra they barely registered what was happening just across the room. "This is it lassie. Babes jus' a bit stuck so yeh will have teh give it all yeh got. I am afraid this will hurt."

"STUCK!" Viltarra cried, ignoring Tauriel who yelled out.

"Aye, it happens." Oin shrugged and smiled.

"Karra was breach." Tarrah said as she stood opposite Fili who was giving her a questioning look. "Means she came feet first."

"MY BABY IS BREACH?!" Viltarra cried out, unable to comprehend the entire conversation between the pain.

"Nay lass, jus' stuck a bit." Oin sighed then glared at Tarrah and Fili. "If yeh are goin' te jus upset her, may I suggest yeh keep her traps closed." The elder dam glared at Oin but Fili was too busy soothing his wife.

"Just one more, nunguame." He brushed back her sweat-soaked hair and kissed her head, his lips resting there as he repeated, "Just one more." He pulled away and looked her in the eyes. "Look at me, watch me. Whatever is happening around you, forget it."

Viltarra stared into Fili's eyes and tightened her grip on his hand as Fili wrapped his arm around her back and tightened his hold on her, his face pressed to the hair just above her ear. "One more." He whispered, and Viltarra took a breath, and the moment Oin gave her the signal, she put every last bit of energy she had into pushing. The pain, was intense and indescribable, both searing and tearing.

But then, it was gone and in its place, a cry filled the room. "Well by my beard." Oin smiled, a tear falling from his eye as he called Fili over. "I let yer brother do this next part, why don' you lad." He gave him a knife and with shaking hands, Fili cut the cord...barely able to keep his eyes off the pink, screaming, newborn.

Before he knew it, he was holding out his hands for the babe and Oin immediately passed it over. "It's a girl."

Fili's blue eyes widened as he looked upon his daughter. "A girl." He mumbled in hushed reverence; a smile spreading across his face.

"I told you." Viltarra whispered with a laugh as tears of joy cascaded down her red cheeks. "That is late night changes for a year." She chuckled breathily, knowing full well she will absolutely never hold him to it. She wanted every experience as a mother, from nursing, to late night feedings and yes…even changings.

"I have never been so happy, to be so wrong, nunguame. A daughter. I have a daughter. KI!...I HAVE A DAUGHTER!" Fili turned to his brother and blanched. In his hands, Kili was grasping a screaming newborn...but this newborn was still attached to Tauriel.

"Well...I have two." Kili said...his voice not so much taunting as it was in shock.

"WHAT IN MAHAL'S GREAT HALLS!" Oin rushed to Tauriel, severing the cord and gaping at the newborn in Nyaunni's arms, then the one now in Kili's. "Yeh delivered tha'?" Kili, still in shock, nodded as Dis came running over.

"KILI!" Her eyes went from the newborn Nyaunni held, to the newborn Kili held, and she had to catch herself on the table beside her before her legs gave out in surprise. "Twins?! Twin boys?! Blessings above."

"Wait...two?" Fili gaped from across the room. "Tauri had two? AHHH come on now, that's just not fair." He looked to his wife and lifted the blanket Tarrah had put over her. "You sure there is not another in there?" He asked but Viltarra swotted him away, a smile firm on her lips.

"Stop it, and no. Can I have my child now?" Viltarra knew there was more to birth than delivering her infant, but she didn't want to wait anymore. She carried this child for a year, she wanted to see the life her and Fili created.

Tarrah quickly placed a blanket Leotti had made in her daughter's arms as Fili passed the babe he had somewhat tucked in his vest for warmth to his wife. "Karra, meet your mama." Fili whispered and Viltarra gasped back a sob as she looked to her husband.

"Karra? Fili...are you sure?"

Fili kissed her brow, then his daughters while tucking a blanket around her. Whisps of dark blonde hair peaked out of the now swaddled blanket, and he nodded. "I have been considering it for some time, but I have to say I may have had a few more male names in mind."

"Fili..." Viltarra whispered again, unable to contain the choking sobs. Fili sat on the edge of the bed and pulled her close.

"Karra saved my life by showing me the way back to you, Viltarra, and my family." Fili said softly, running his hand through her waves. "Let me gift our daughter with the honor of having the name of a dam who I am sure, is here now, watching over you."

All Viltarra could do was nod for several seconds, but her smile was brilliant, so Fili knew he made the right choice.

"Hello, my Karra." Viltarra whispered reverently. "She's beautiful, Fili."

"As is her mother." Fili hummed.

Oin, who was still at a loss on what just happened, shook his head. "Are you alright, lass?" He smiled at Tauriel who looked more than exhausted. Despite how she appeared, however, the eleth nodded with a grin as she took her newest son from Kili before he collapsed to the floor...which by the feel of his mind...he just might do.

"I feel as though I could sleep for several days, but I shall be fine. You may want to check my Kili though, he does not seem far from collapsing. Are you well, meleth nin? Perhaps, you should sit my love." Tauriel swaddled the son she held while Dis cradled the other in her arms just beside her daughter on the bed. They both watched Kili nod as he plopped down on the mattress, just staring at the two bundles with wide eyes still filled with shock…too overwhelmed to even put words together.

Dis chuckled, eyeing her new grandson. "They are identical, don't you think?"

Tauriel nodded, inspecting every feature from the dark hair with hints of copper, to their tiny noses. Every bit of one, was a perfect copy of the other. "Identical."

Nyaunni sighed happily as she sat beside Dis, handing her another blanket. "I am impressed with you Kili." She looked up at her nephew…a term she was still getting used to…and smiled. "Many, would have ran from the room seeking another healer…but you stayed put and got through it. You should be very proud of yourself."

"Aye lad. Have yeh ever considered bein' a healer? Migh' be good fer yeh with all those injuries yeh get. Could save me a trip if yeh can take care of yerself." Oin laughed as Kili glared at him, before turning back to his new sons.

"They are so small. Smaller than Finli was when he was born. But, just as perfect." Kili hummed, finally coming to his senses as he scooted up so he could sit beside his wife opposite of his mam and new aunt. "Speaking of Finli, we should let the others know."

"Aye, go ahead lads, take the wee ones out teh meet the family while we get the final bits sorted and cleaned." Oin ordered.

Fili nodded and kissed Viltarra's head once more before taking his daughter who fussed a bit at the change, before settling against Fili's chest. He was so taken with her, his brother had to nudge him a bit to get his attention. Kili looked her over and smiled. "She's beautiful, Fi. Congratulations, you're a father."

Chuckling, Fili nodded. "I am. And look at this…" He lifted a brow at the two newborns, one in each of Kili's arms. "You know Ki…not everything is a competition. You really need to stop one-upping me."

Kili smirked. "Then stop falling behind." But his smirk quickly turned to a genuine smile. "I could not be happier for you, Fi."

"Me neither, little brother." Fili leaned over and kissed his baby brother on the head. "What you stepped in there to do, what you did, I am without words. You're amazing, Ki. Truly."

"I wouldn't be without you, Fi. Everything I am today, is because of you, uncle, and mam. Everything, Fi." Kili said genuinely. "Now, are you ready to introduce her to the family?" He nodded towards the door more than eager to share his new sons with his little Finli, along with his uncle and Naurfaer.

"If you're ready to cause uncle to go into shock with double trouble there." Fili laughed and made for the door just before Oin was about to yell at them for dragging their feet.

Outside, Thorin sat on the floor bouncing Finli on his knee…it was not the most regal position for a high king…but Thorin could care less about that right now. Since Hiril had blood caked in her fur, Naurfaer had ran to the suites to bathe her since he knew he had time. Which he did, it was not long before he was walking with a damp warg who plopped right at the door, and a croaking raven on his shoulder.

Kaw was still injured…but somehow he had managed to hop his way into Naurfaer's room and the elf just did not have the heart to leave him behind. So he scooped him onto his shoulder where he happily began preening Naurfaer's red hair as he finished washing and drying Hiril.

"She's still wet." Thorin grumbled as he watched the resident warg's tail leave damp tracks on the stone as it lazily wagged back and forth on the ground. On his shoulder, Uri was going between attempting to pull beads out of his hair, and watching Finli as the toddler giggled whenever Thorin moved his knee.

Just across from Thorin was Vin, who stood against the wall; a picture of calm. Not that the baker was rarely anything else. The closest Thorin had ever seen him to loosing his head was not an hour ago when Drya held Viltarra at knifepoint…but Vin was well within his right to be as livid as he was. At the moment, however, he was back to his passively calm self as he waited quietly for news.

Most of the company was up here too. Bofur and Bifur handed over their instruments to others in order to come up and wait, Dori, Ori, and Gloin were already guarding the door, and Bombur had brought up several platters of food including cake which Finli happily ate. Even Leotti was sitting at Ori's feet, two baskets on either side of her ready to take in the moment the door opened, as she had when Finli was born.

The only ones missing were Balin and Dwalin who were still dealing with the mess on the main level with Dain, Bilbo and Gandalf who were supposedly still at the feast, and Nori who was heading the guards assigned to Dryok's cell.

Bofur had been furious he was left out of the situation, only finding out as he stepped out of the hall to see blood still being cleaned up. He stayed and helped for a bit, but Balin told him to let Thorin know they were about finished. Bofur also relayed that the guards had searched every corridor, room, and shadow of the main level with no evidence found of any others hiding away. They were moving to expand their search parameters to the other levels, just to be sure. Aeodhen, however, firmly believes the incident, is over….but he was still the one to order the guards to search the mountain in it's entirety. They won't be making mistakes.

Thorin grumbled again as he eyed the wet warg, looking at Naurfaer who folded his arms. "Oh let her be, she will dry. Did I miss anything while I was away?"

"No' a thing." Bofur quipped, taking a small tart from the platter, and popping the entire thing in his mouth.

"Should no' be much longer…right?" Ori looked among the other dwarves; he received a few shrugs from his unattached companions, but Bombur and Gloin both snickered.

"Me wife was in labor for an entire day…an mos' the night with our second." Bombur said, eating his fourth slice of cake while eyeing the partially eaten slice on the platter beside Thorin, which was Finli's.

"So…it could take all night?" Ori asked, surprised.

"Or a bit longer sometimes." Bombur shrugged. "He goin' ta finish tha?" He gestured to the unfinished cake with his fork just as Uri jumped to the ground and began devouring the dessert while Kaw watched enviously still atop of Naurfaer's shoulder.

"Never mind." Bombur wrinkled his nose in distaste, but continued to eat the rest of his own slice.

"That is quite enough." Thorin grabbed the aelúg before he could eat anything more than a large bite of Finli's cake, and set him back on his shoulder as the hall went quiet once again. The only sounds were Kaw's gentle coos, Hiril's tail swooshing across the stone, and Finli's giggles as Thorin continued to bounce him.

It was only a bit longer when the door slowly opened and Fili peaked out. "We have a few introductions to make."

The company, including Thorin, all stood. Thorin placed Finli on the floor, moving closer to the door with Finli not leaving his shadow. Fili stepped out, a wide smile on his face as he stepped just before his uncle and placed the bundle in his arms.

Thorin hummed and smiled softly, rumbling out a quiet. "Beautiful, Fili. Just beautiful. Well done, my son, very well done." Lifting his eyes, Thorin could not help but see the desire to see the infant in the blonde bakers entire being. But Vin held his tongue and waited patiently, his gaze not once leaving the bundle the dwarven king held in his arms.

Though he did NOT want to pass the newborn, after a few minutes, Thorin felt it only right Vin got to hold his grandchild next, so he handed the baker the infant.

"I do not know what to say…words, simply cannot describe this moment. Is it…" Vin said softly, his eyes not leaving the soft pink cheeks of the newborn in his arms until they looked questioningly at Fili.

"It's a girl." Fili's smile got impossibly wider as the corridor filled with cheers, as everyone came and clapped Fili on the back in congratulations. Females are revered among their people, and every one born meant continuation of their line, and their race. She will be celebrated for weeks.

"Aye." Vin nodded and grinned. "Thought as such. I can see her mother, but I can also see you, Fili. Absolutely beautiful. How is my little girl? Is she fairing alright?"

"She is fine, Vin. Tarrah is with her." Fili pulled the blanket up around his own precious little girl, still in her grandfather's arms. She was neither fully awake, nor fully asleep. Apparently, being born took a lot of energy not just from the mother, but the infant as well. "We will be allowed in in just a moment, and you are more than welcome to see her."

"Baby?" Finli tugged on Thorin's pants, and the grandfather looked down at the toddler, until Fili picked him up so he could see his daughter in Vin's arms.

"Take a look little Fin, this is your new cousin." Finli blinked at the baby, but before he even said anything about the infant, his attention was grabbed by the next person to step out of the room.

"DA!" Finli wriggled his way out of Fili's arms, the elder prince rolling his eyes and smirking as the toddler wrapped his arms around Kili's leg. "DA!"

Kili chuckled and squatted, wanting Finli to be first to meet his siblings. "Come here Finli. I have a few someones who you have been wanting to meet for a long time."

"Ohhh." Leotti was the first to exclaim as she looked from infant to infant in Kili's arms. She quickly drew the attention of the others who were all surrounding Vin, Thorin, and Fili. But soon the dwarven king was walking over to see the other new addition to the family along with Naurfaer…who was more than ready to hold an infant since Vin did not seem like he was giving his granddaughter up any time soon.

"By the Valar." Naurfaer said softly, reaching over and taking one of the two infants. "Twins. A very rare, and beautiful gift you have been granted Kili. Very rare."

"Twins?" Thorin went from Naurfaer to Kili who was holding his newest son out to Thorin who was gaping in a way that was very much out of character for the normally regal and aloof dwarven king. "Two, two…sons?"

Kili nodded. "Two sons." Thorin instantly reached out for the babe just as Leotti gestured towards the door.

"Do you mind if I go in? I have things for both Viltarra and Tauriel." She lifted the two baskets in her hands and both Kili and Fili nodded. As she was about to go in, however, she turned back. "Congratulations…to the both of you. They are beautiful, you should be very proud." Leotti said genuinely, then she turned and stepped into the room, making sure to shut the door softly behind her.

It was the same moment that Vin came walking over, eyeing the two other infants with both a sense of awe, and intrigue. "Well, now. Isn't this just the sweet center of a pastry. Blessed by our maker, we are this day. Very blessed." He looked to Kili who was watching his sons, his hand running through Finli's hair.

As Vin approached however, Kili's attention was diverted to his niece Vin was currently rocking now just beside him. With one hand on his son, he used the other to pull the blanket back just a bit to see her. "Look at you." He said softly, taking in all her features while trying to match them to his brother, and his sister. "You, are going to be a heartbreaker…if not…you are going to be the direct cause of your father committing murder the moment a dwarf shows interest…aren't you?"

"Not funny, Kili." Fili growled. "Not funny in the least." Kili chuckled more than amused, at least, until Finli began to whimper at his feet.

Finli was still trying to figure out what was going on, and just kept his arms wrapped tightly around Kili's leg, his head buried in the fabric as he let out something between a sad cry, and a grumble. He was a bit overwhelmed with all the commotion of the day between the wedding and his mother giving birth, so he is understandably in desperate need of time to process the expanding world around him.

Squatting down once more, Kili smiled at his eldest son, pulling him gently away from his leg and then lifting him into his arms. "Do you want to see mama?" Finli nodded and Kili brushed a tear from his cheek with his fingers, then ruffled his hair. He stood and peeked inside the room to see if his wife was up for a tiny visitor yet. Tauriel was of course up on her feet, and changing into something clean with both Nyaunni and Leotti's help; he should never be surprised by his wife's ability to bounce back. "Amralime, can I send Finli in? He needs some time, and I believe he needs you."

Tauriel immediately nodded. "Send me my eldest baby." Kili opened the door just a bit more and set Finli down, smiling as the toddler went running in, going straight for his mama who carefully knelt to pull him into her arms. With a full heart, Kili shut the door. He noticed Dis and Tarrah just helping Viltarra to her feet with Oin's aid, so they still needed a few more minutes.

"I canno' believe yeh had two!" Bofur exclaimed as Kili turned to stand beside his chuckling brother who still had yet to retrieve his daughter from Vin, who was proudly showing the tiny dam off to Bilbo…the hobbit having somehow arrived quietly when Kili was peeking into the healing room. Fili was not empty handed though, and held one of Kili's two sons. Seeing how Naurfaer WAS empty handed, it seemed like his brother must have snatched the infant from the frustrated looking elf who was now eyeing Fili's daughter since Thorin held Kili's other son.

Vin, however, either did not notice Naurfaer's look, or chose to ignore it as he instead moved closer to Kili. "Have you held her yet? You are her uncle, and everyone knows how close you and Fili both are. You really should have the honor of holding her next, Kili."

"I have not had the opportunity yet, but I would like to." Kili opened his arms as Vin passed her over.

Since Naurfaer could not disagree with Vin's decision in any way, he leaned back against the wall eyeing the scene around him…though he had to move quickly to grab Kaw who was currently sitting with Uri on the platter of food, completely forgotten in the mess of things. Hiril was growling at them from a foot away, but the raven and the aelúg continue to eat until Naurfaer shooed them both off, putting Kaw back on his shoulder, and holding Uri in his arms.

"Mind her head!" Vin began to say as he passed his granddaughter to Kili, then paused as his cheeks flamed in embarrassment. "Right, you knew that. Sorry."

"Don't be." Kili chuckled. "Believe me, I understand. But to reassure you, I have had some practice." He gestured with his head to one of his infants in Fili's arms just beside him, as Bilbo, Bofur, Bifur, and Bombur began to surround them, and the other in Thorin's arms who was singing softly to him as he walked the hall. "I also have just a little previous experience with my eldest son." Kili smiled softly. "She is safe, Vin."

The baker nodded and folded his arms, simply watching like the proud grandfather he was. Though he did end up beside Naurfaer. "You have a granddaughter…what is it like?"

"Like nothing you could ever prepare yourself for." Naurfaer laughed, then the spark in his eyes diminished and he looked to the ground. "The truth is, Vin, I am rather new to it myself. You get the chance to form a connection with her, to watch her grow and be a part of her life. That…that is something I never had." Naurfaer looked to Vin. "Cherish it. Do not take it for granted. I know Tauriel loves me, and does have some attachment to me. But the bonds she has with Thorin and the rest of the family are far stronger and deeper than the one she has with me. I wish, with everything that I am, that I had had the opportunity to raise her, and watch her grow. But my life took a different turn…and for six centuries…the eleth I thought was killed along with her parents…was always there, waiting for me. I failed her, Vin, I failed her by abandoning her. I will never fully forgive myself for that, nor will I ever ask for forgiveness. I know a little of what she endured, and it is enough to pierce me deeply. So when I say, cherish every moment, I do not say it lightly. Cherish it, and love her with all that you are."

Vin hummed, peeking over at the elf beside him. "You are wrong, you know." He leaned back against the stone wall. "From what I observe, and what I have heard, that connection is there, Naurfaer. She loves you, just as she loves the others…not less, but not more either. Tauriel is a difficult lass to read sometimes. I guess, what I am saying, is don't diminish your place in her heart, because from what I see, you are an important part of her, and her life."

Naurfaer was taken aback, though he smiled softly. "Thank you Vin." He didn't know what else to say, so he just turned back to the crowd in the hall surrounding Fili and Kili.

Across from Vin and Naurfaer, Kili nudged Fili, both more than used to being the center of attention having been raised as royalty since birth. "You think your life was different before, now the real fun begins." He looked down at his niece, who was a bit bigger than his sons, and seemed to favor her mother's softer features. Although Kili could also see Fili in her as well, and wondered if she would inherit the Durin blue eyes both his uncle, mam, and brother have…or if they would be amber like Viltarra's. That secret will reveal itself when her baby blues shift. "She's perfect, Fi."

"Aye. So are yours. Well done little brother." Fili smiled, then gestured to the infant in Kili's arms. "Can I have my daughter back?"

Kili nodded and placed his niece in his brother's arms as he accepted his youngest son back from Fili. Though after just a few minutes, Naurfaer pushed his way through the crowding dwarves wanting to get a chance to hold Fili's daughter…which Fili allowed albeit a bit reluctantly.

Kili looked down and smiled at the squirming babe in his arms, and he rocked him a bit. His sons were much smaller than his niece, and had heads covered in dark, copper, hair. Kili could not wait to see if it darkened to be closer to Finli's color, or if it will lighten to be more like Tauriel's beautiful head of molten flames. Perhaps…it will be between the two and appear dark, but shine brilliantly in the sun…which is the more likely outcome with how dark it appeared now. The one thing Kili did notice, was they had his ears…large, but with the same very slight rounded point Finli's had.

"Can I hold him?" Thorin stepped up, still holding Kili's other son.

"Oh, of course uncle. Do you want me to take him?" Kili asked, gesturing to his other son…the younger of the two, but Thorin shook his head.

"I can handle both." He readjusted one, and took the other so he had one in each arm like Kili had when he stepped out.

"Did I hear we have new babes born?" Balin came walking up with Dwalin and Dain just behind him. They did what they had to do with the situation floors below, and instead of going to the feast right away, they decided to come up to see if there was an update. Nori was still in the cells, and though he wanted to come up, he felt his place was there guarding Dryok. "Oh, here we are. New life is always a miracle, eh brother?" Dwalin nodded and Balin smiled warmly as he approached Thorin who held the two infants. "Which one is yers lad, and which one yer brothers?"

"Oh, those are both mine, actually." Kili chuckled. "Naurfaer is holding Fili's."

"Eh?" Balin looked confused then his eyes widened in understanding. "Do no' tell me, twins laddie? Yer Tauriel…bore dwarven twins?"

"Well, by my beard." Dain laughed heartily from beside Balin. "Lad, yeh don' cease teh surprise me. Dwarven twins." He shook his head, looking from infant to infant, seemingly lost for words.

"Half dwarven." Kili corrected but nodded.

"Don' matter." Balin said. "Half or full, the fact is she bore twins with dwarven blood. Tha'…tha' is wonderous…and exceedingly rare."

"It's rare among all races in Arda. The eldar believe when an eleth bares twins, she is considered blessed. The most honored mother of mothers." Naurfaer said swaying to sooth the infant he held as she began to fuss.

"Aye. Bu' dwarves…it is no' somethin' that happens for no reason." Balin placed a hand on Kili's shoulder. "Lad, your sons here are livin' proof Mahal favors Tauriel."

"Okay, and?" Kili said, already knowing this having met their maker. For all the guff their people give about elves, he is still a bit surprised how happy Mahal was that Tauriel was not only his soulmate, but made the sacrifice she did to bring them all back. He was, in fact, so impressed with her, he personally saved her life and her mind when Sauron overtook it on their quest to Erebor…declaring her to be protected. So, he has no doubts in his mind that Mahal, Aule, favors an elf…Kili's elf.

"AND?! Come on laddie." Dwalin rolled his eyes. "Yeh canno' be that simple."

Dain lifted a brow at Kili, reaching for one of the twins which Thorin relented. "Dwalin is right laddie. This is no small matter. Twins, lad, they mean somthin', they represent a deep appreciation, a favoritism. I don' know how or why, bu', our maker, 'e has marked Tauriel, as…well…a dam. A favored dam. Are yeh gettin' wha' we are tryin' teh say?"

"No no. I can comprehend it, I just already figured that." Kili shrugged.

"Well, the people will be treatin' her a bit different once word travels through the mountain." Balin chuckled as everyone in the hall quieted and listened.

This put Kili on edge, and his eyes darkened dangerously. Even Fili stiffened from where he stood beside Naurfaer who still held his daughter. "Different…" Kili growled. "Different how?"

"Wooh there lad." Balin said kindly. "I promise tha' it is a good thing, truly." He looked to Thorin who nodded in agreement but let Balin continue. "I know most 'ave grown to love our Tauriel, bu' for the few tha' don't, well lad, this will change tha'. Twins, is a direct message from our maker, tha' this mother, is to be respected an' honored. It is essentially as if our maker came himself teh deliver tha' second babe. I can guarantee, her place will never be questioned here again lad. No' by anyone. Lord, lady, dam, dwarf, nobody can ever say, she don' belong. Mahal has spoken, an' Tauri is one of us. No greater authority than that, lad."

Dain, however, looked like he could disagree. "Yer no' exactly wrong Balin…bu' it is a bit more complicated than tha'. With hope, this will be the las' thing our lassie needs the be accepted withou' question in Erebor. Outside though, outside Erebor may be different."

Kili sighed and nodded. Of course, it would not be that easy. But Tauriel knew what she was getting into when she chose Kili, and accepted without complaint all the hardships she endured sometimes daily. It would be nice if baring twins was an instant fix to his wife's place among his people, but he was no fool. He knew, there will always be someone who would want to push her down, and insult her place not only among their people, but also in the royal family. Still, they will endure and accept whatever comes their way. That, however, does not mean he isn't frustrated about how she gets treated…but Tauriel…his wonderful Tauriel…said she will take whatever comes her way in order to have a life with him, and the family.

"If I may." Gandalf added, having come up just behind Balin, Dain, and Dwalin. "I personally know of only a few twins. In fact, lord Elrond of Rivendell's eldest sons are twins; Elrohir and Elladan. They are not often in Rivendell, the last I saw of them was in Lothlorien, as they were visiting their grandmother…the lady Galadriel."

"Elrohir and Elladan are quite the pair." Naurfaer chuckled. "In fact, they traveled with me for a bit. As wise as their father, and very kind. But they will happily pull blades if anyone dare approaches Arwin."

"I'm sorry…Elladan and Elrohir? And…who is Arwin?" Bilbo asked looking more than a little confused as he tried to keep up with the multiple conversations going on around him.

"That, would be Elrond's daughter." Gandalf said with a smile. "I am afraid she was not in Rivendell when we passed through either, or I am certain Elrond would have introduced you to her. Soft spoken, and incredibly kind hearted. She sees nothing but good in those around her. But I do digress." He chuckled, his blue-grey eyes sparkling. "What I wish to relay, young master Kili, is even in all my travels, being given such a gift as twins is exceedingly rare, and most races see them as a sign of prosperity, good fortune, and indeed, favor."

Kili looked to his sons, and smiled. His rare and beautiful gifts from Mahal. "A gift." He repeated in awe.

"An' wha' gift did yeh receive, Fili? Another son of Durin…or…" Dain looked to the bundle in Naurfaer's arms.

"A daughter of Durin. Actually." Fili beamed.

"Yeh don' say?" Dain smiled knowingly. "Can't say I told yeh so…bu'…" He smirked as Fili rolled his eyes. "Really though, my heartiest congratulations to yeh. Yer line needs more lasses. The lads…seem teh be well accounted for." His laughter rang through the hall as he looked to Kili who smirked, the others joining in. "With yer lovely wife, Fili, she will no doubt be a beauty…an a terror…in the best of ways. Like my Marda. Again, A hearty congratulations to yeh, to yeh both."

"They are ready." Leotti leaned out of Oin's office, interrupting whatever more was to be said. "And they want their children…now."

Fili chuckled as he accepted his daughter back from the pouting elf, and Kili took one of his sons from his cousin, Dain, leaving the eldest of the twins with his uncle. "Come in with us uncle, Naurfaer." Kili then passed his youngest to Naurfaer who brightened and grinned as the young son of Durin smiled to Vin. "You too, of course Vin."

Turning on his toes, Kili walked back to Oin's personal healing room and opened the door, holding it for his uncle, Tauriel's grandfather, Viltarra's father, and his brother. He smiled at the company and Dain as they waited. "If everyone else would give us just a few minutes, we will let in visitors to see Tauriel an Viltarra." He paused, however, and held the door open again to let Kaw in who croaked in protest at being shut out, and left it open for Hiril to slide by as well.

"Take yer time laddie." Dwalin smiled, their hobbit and the company nodding in agreement as they watched the animals slip into the room.

"Aye. We will be right here." Dain hummed, leaning against the wall beside Bilbo.

As he shut the door, Kili moved to his wife who held Finli close, whispering softly into his hair as he pressed his face to her shoulder. "Is he alright?" Kili sat on the bed and ran his fingers through Finli's hair. Hearing his father, the toddler peeked up at him and smiled, so Kili pressed his lips to his head and pulled back just as his brother passed his daughter to Viltarra, who beamed. Vin was already beside her, kissing his daughter on the brow and speaking to her in a hushed voice. She nodded as he stood and pulled his wife into his arms, waiting quietly.

Both Tauriel and Viltarra were in the same beds they had given birth in, but they clearly were freshly made and both were now out of their earlier shifts. Their wedding attire Leotti had draped over the chair she currently sat in as she visited with Tarrah and Viltarra. She only moved when Vin and the family came in. "I will be right outside."

"And where do you think you are going, little Otti?" Fili asked lifting a brow as he sat beside his wife on the bed, his arm around her and their newborn daughter. "Stay. You are a part of this family as well."

Leotti brushed a tear away and nodded, retaking her seat as Fili looked to the healer who was putting the last of his supplies away, having given both Tauriel and Viltarra some balms to aid them in healing.

Fili waited for Oin to finish before addressing the healer who was lifting a brow at the warg now resting on the floor beside Viltarra's bed. He didn't say anything, however, and instead, remained silent as Fili spoke. "I want to take a moment, and say thank you Oin. I know this was rather hectic and strenuous for you, but there is no better healer in this mountain than you, and nobody we trust more."

"Oh I don' know. Kili seemed to do quite well deliverin' his second on his own." Oin chuckled at Kili who gave him a frantic look.

"I think Nyaunni owes more credit than I. She was the one to push me into action." Kili nodded to the dam who smiled.

Nyaunni, who was now standing beside Thorin, Uri on her shoulder, leaned her head against Thorin's as she looked at the infant he held. "Sometimes, you just need a good push. But Kili…" Her azure eyes fell on they younger prince. "I do not doubt you would have figured it out without me."

"I still am grateful." Kili bowed his head as he pulled Tauriel and Finli close. Just beside them, Kaw rested on the mattress, cooing softly at Finli who still sat in his mother's arms. Kili was happy his eldest son was feeling a bit more controlled and relaxed; he knew Finli just needed a few minutes with Tauriel. Turning to his brother, Kili felt it was finally time, to share the names they chose for the newest members of the family. "Fi, do you want to go first? You should have the honors."

Fili smiled wide and looked to his daughter. "I would love to. There is power in names, and great honor. I knew I wanted to pass something down to my child that was part of my family, my blood, my ancestry. But then, then something happened to me." Fili's eyes met Viltarra's. "I found myself in a place between our world, and that of our makers. As our ancestors bid me to come to them, there was another who reminded me of where I was needed."

Brushing his finger tenderly over his daughters cheek, Fili smiled softly as he spoke to her. "You, you showed me the way, didn't you?" He felt a tear fall down his cheek as he looked around the room. "As I walked away from the halls of the dead, I followed my daughter who led me to another…a protector. Viltarra's sister Karra. She showed me the rest of the way, and then, told me how to return before I lost myself…and my sister." Fili looked across the room at Tauriel who had tears falling down her face at the memory, and Kili who scowled and pulled her impossibly close. That was a hard time for all of them, nearly losing both Fili and Tauriel to the halls of the dead.

"For her love for my wife, and the protection she gives our family even now, I wish to honor her by giving her name to my daughter. So, I would now present the name for my first child, Karra."

Across the room, Vin sobbed, pulling his wife closer for a moment before releasing her, and moving to Fili who stood and accepted the embrace from his father in law. "Thank you. You honor us, in so many ways, Fili. Thank you." Fili nodded as Vin pulled away.

"Karra, daughter of Fili." Thorin nodded with a warm smile. "I do not believe you could have chosen better my son. The true honor, is having her in the family. Our first daughter of Durin since you, my sister."

Dis nodded, wiping her own tears from her eyes from where she sat on the edge of Tauriel's bed. "Beautifully chosen, my darling. Karra is a good, strong name. Welcome, Karra, our beloved granddaughter, our daughter of Durin. Kili dear, what did you and Tauriel choose?"

Kili looked to his wife, who nodded. It had been a bit of an argument between them of what they wanted to name their unborn son for the last several months, but now, that argument was unnecessary. Kili stood and just looked at his two newborn sons. "We were at an impasse with name choices, to be honest. We wanted to name him after two very strong figures in our lives. I wanted to name him after the elf who saved my memories, at the risk of his own life. He thought nothing of himself when he left on a mission he did not even know was possible, and because of that, Tauriel and I were given the gift of memory."

"And I…" Tauriel took over. "Wish to name our son after the father I never had. I do not discredit Findyyr in any way, he gave me life and one day, I shall know him. But there was another who has not only taken me into his family, but who raised my Kili as his own, who raised Fili, despite not needing to take on the responsibility. I owe him for his actions in saving Kili's life in his first moments in this world…had he not…I do not know if I could bare the think of what my life would be like right now. Not happy or fulfilling, that I can guarantee. But that life was never meant to happen, all because of one childless dwarf who took action and accepted the heavy burden of fatherhood to dwarves who shared his blood, but were not his. The same dwarrow who taught me Khuzdul, who loves Finli and accepts him without even an ounce of resentment for having elven blood, and who has been there for me when I felt I had no other. He is the one who came after me when my mind fractured when I thought I lost my Kili, when I ran back to that encampment for retribution, for revenge, for escape from the pain and suffering in my mind…and he was the one to talk me back home."

Tauriel looked at Thorin, whose eyes were moist, and his heart full. "Adad, I wanted to name him after you, but now, we can give them both of your names."

"So allow me to have the first honor, to introduce you to Thorin…" Kili smiled at the newborn in his uncles arms. "…and Naurfaer." He looked over to the elf who did have tears cascading down his cheeks.

"Which will be their names on record, we will call them Orin, and Naufi for short." Tauriel smiled.

Dis stood and wrapped her arms around Kili. "Orin and Naufi." She beamed and kissed Kili on the head. "I believe you chose perfectly, my darlings. I do have a question though, how are you going to tell them apart? They are quite…identical. Are you certain each is who you believe they are?"

"Oh…" Kili chuckled and accepted Orin back from his uncle. "Well, they may look the same, but, they feel different. It is hard to explain."

Naurfaer nodded, still a bit choked up as he held his namesake in his arms. "Their connection to Kili and Tauriel, will ensure at least their parents will always be able to tell them apart. But if they remain identical…the rest of the family might not be able to."

"Well, that will be fun." Fili laughed. "Maybe, we can label them until then? Maybe a tag or…something?"

"I am not tagging my children." Tauriel glared at Fili who laughed again but wisely shut his mouth when Viltarra told him to stop.

"Karra, Orin, and Naufi. The three newest members of the family." Dis hummed as Naurfaer passed Naufi to her, and she held her grandson close. "They will be wanting food, and I am sure the company is waiting to come in to visit. Shall we make the announcement to the mountain tonight, Thorin? Or wait until tomorrow?"

Thorin hummed as he wrapped an arm around Nyaunni. It was supposed to be his wedding night, but Kili had passed Orin to her and she seemed more than content to remain here. So he kissed her head and turned to his sister. "We will go ahead and make the appropriate announcements tonight, the people are waiting and this is something well worth celebrating."

Handing Orin to his mother, Nyaunni watched as Dis also pass Naufi to Tauriel. If anyone was able to handle a toddler and twins…it would be Kili and Tauriel. The two grandmothers could not help but smile as Finli stood and leaned over his mama to see his brothers, and their smile widened even more when Kili walked over to help Finli sit in a position where he could…with Kili's aid because Finli was also quite small…hold one of the infants.

"Baby." Finli said softly.

"Yes. Baby." Kili smiled as Finli leaned over and kissed his brother.

"We should go." Thorin hummed, seeing Karra begin to fuss in Viltarra's arms. "So you can have some time to yourselves. I will tell the others in the hall to give you a few minutes before coming in."

Nyaunni nodded in agreement. "We can go down to the feast. I am sure it is still going."

"And I am more than certain they are waiting for word." Tarrah laughed. As much as she wanted to stay with her daughter, and granddaughter, she also felt Viltarra deserved some time with Karra and Fili. So she tugged her husband…who was less happy to go…towards the door. "We will bring up something to eat in an hour or so."

"Aye." Thorin took Nyaunni's hand, lifting a brow at Uri who looked as if he was falling asleep. "Perhaps, we should drop him off at the rooms on our way."

"Just leave him here, uncle." Fili offered. "Go to the feast. It's your wedding night. Let us watch him so you can have some time to celebrate. I feel as if we hijacked your day already, you deserve at least the rest of the night to yourselves."

"You did nothing of the sort." Thorin huffed. "But thank you." He placed Uri at the end of Fili's bed…the aelúg looking up at him before circling several times then curling up into himself…likely falling asleep. Before taking his new wife's hand, however, he paused and looked her over. "Nya…perhaps…you should…" He nodded to her attire and the dam looked down at the now dirtied coat and knee length underpants.

"Something wrong with what I am wearing, Thorin?" She teased, then laughed brightly when Thorin scowled at her. She lifted herself on her toes and kissed him between the eyes as she moved to the pile of fabric that was her dress and began rummaging through it, laying each of the many layers out before pulling piece by piece back on.

"Let me help." Leotti chimed but Thorin was already walking over to assist Nyaunni in reassembling her gown, so she remained where she was.

It took several minutes to re-transform Nyaunni back into the bride she had been, and Thorin pulled her lips to his as he placed her circlet back on her head. "Perfect." He sighed as Nyaunni pressed her brow to his and hummed in agreement.

"Well, I guess we are going to the party then." Naurfaer grumpily huffed, his eyes moving between Thorin, and the rest of the family. He really did not want to leave, but he agreed that the two couples should be given a quiet moment.

"Since when do you not want to enjoy a good feast?" Thorin lifted a brow, shaking his head at the nearly pouting elf. "Don't you want to share in the celebration?"

"I know I am looking forward to some dancing." Leotti sang as she swayed in place causing the room to fill with laughter.

"Fine, fine." Naurfaer sighed and nodded as he moved towards the door without another word. With that, everyone but the two couples, the old healer, and Finli, left Oin's office to give Tauriel and Viltarra a chance to feed their infants. On his way by them, Thorin instructed the company to wait until either Kili, Fili, or Oin gave the okay for them to come in. Then, and only then, can they go and see Tauriel and Viltarra. But they were only permitted to remain for a small time as both mothers were in need of rest.

"I will make sure they don't overstay." Leotti volunteered, wanting to wait to go back to the feast with Ori, who had said he wanted to see Tauriel and Viltarra before he went to the hall. Dori and Gloin were the only two permitted to remain for the entire night to guard the door, the rest, would be returning to the feast.

With everyone's word they would not be up here long, the group of four proud dwarven grandparents…and one elven great grandfather…all went down to the hall where as Nyaunni had said, the feast was still in full swing. It was then Thorin very proudly announced not just the birth of one, but three infants.

The room instantly fell silent in shock before it erupted in soft murmurs and whispers as Thorin declared Fili to have a daughter, and Kili, twin sons. Thorin doesn't think he can recall a more deafening cheer than the one that filled his hall when he finished speaking. Almost instantly, the celebration was back on and this time, the dwarves of Erebor were not just toasting the union of Thorin and Nyaunni, but the births of a princess, and two…not just one…but two sons of Durin.

Both Thorin and Vin had to put a stop to more than a few young eager dwarves wanting to rush up to the healing halls to see the newest royals for themselves. They had to be gently reminded by Dis that it was not appropriate for them to go up at this time, and if they wished to see Tauriel or Viltarra she would be happy to speak to her daughters on their behalf.

It ended up being a repetitive argument that Dis and Tarrah had to take over, as Thorin's temper began to flare as the overprotective father and dwarven king nearly pulled a blade on a dwarf who told him he had every right to go and see the new royals…to prove for himself the she-elf bore dwarven twins.

Needless to say, Nyaunni had to push Thorin away from the stupid dwarf with a death wish, and let their sister handle it, and any others from that moment forward. It was not worth ruining their night, as the dwarf in question was clearly hilt over blade drunk, and likely could not even traverse the room to the halls exit, let alone make it all the way to the healing hall. So Dis pushed him into a chair, handed him another ale, and turned to leave him to himself. Before she was a yard away, however, she heard a loud thunk and turned back to see the dwarf had fallen to the ground where he lay snoring so obnoxiously loud, it could be heard over the sound of the music.

"Should we move him?" Tarrah asked, lifting a brow and folding her arms as she stared at the fallen dwarf.

Dis shook her head. "Let him be. It would be for the best he sleeps it off and stays out of Thorin's path." Tarrah snickered as she and Dis went back to the family table where they each poured themselves a healthy goblet of wine and gushed over their newest grandchildren, and Finli of course.

Nearly an hour later, the company was back down along with Dain, Gandalf, and Bilbo. The hobbit relayed that Finli was asleep and Viltarra had all but shoed them out because they were being too noisy and waking the sleeping toddler who had already had a long day.

Bofur was already back with the musicians, Bombur was dancing with half his children around him, Ori was twirling Leotti around to the music, and Dain…Dain was laughing boisterously beside Gandalf who had accepted a small glass of brandy from the dwarf who had just downed an entire bottle of wine, and was currently pulling the nearest decanter of what appeared to be filled with some sort of sweet port wine towards him. Bilbo was with them as well, sipping a mug of ale as he told Dain all about the shires most famous brew that one could only find at the Green Dragon Inn in the Shire.

With the company back, Naurfaer was more than eager to get back up to his granddaughter…but Thorin shut him down almost immediately. To give Kili, Fili, Viltarra, and Tauriel a chance to have some extended privacy, Thorin suggested they instead remain here, and enjoy a bit of the celebration themselves. Neither Tarrah nor Vin seemed too eager to comply either, but they did agree that Fili and Viltarra deserved a chance to have some alone time with Karra. So, Vin pulled Tarrah into a dance and she happily obliged, while Dis pulled Naurfaer down to sit, and within minutes, was clanking a tankard of Thorin's best ale with him…both laughing as they lost themselves to the joy around them.

"What about you, my queen. Can I tempt you with a dance?" Thorin held out his hand, but Nyaunni hesitated.

"Thorin, I have not danced since I was a child. I really am not interested in making a mockery of myself just hours into marrying you." Nyaunni shifted, the chains on the armor Thorin had helped her put back on tinkling as she moved. She very nearly kept it off, but in the last minute, decided that since it was a gift from Thorin, she wanted to wear it for him. She knew it was the right decision, as Thorin's eyes darkened every time he looked at her which caused her heart to quicken.

"It is not difficult, Nya." Thorin chuckled, his hand tracing one of the animals he had sculpted into her breastplate. "As I quite remember you telling Frerin on more than one occasion…it is just a matter of moving your feet."

Nyaunni huffed but took Thorin's hand. "Fine, but if I fall…you better catch me."

Thorin hummed in agreement and the couple moved to the dance floor and jumped into a couples dance. "I thought you said you couldn't do it?" Thorin teased, lifting a brow as Nyaunni hit every point perfectly in the dance.

"No. I said I have not done it for a while." Nyaunni corrected. "But I suppose it is one of those things one does not easily forget." She fell silent for a bit as they continued to move, then she sighed as Thorin pulled her close. "You know, despite everything, tonight is ending perfectly."

Thorin pulled away and looked her in the eyes, a brow lifted in disbelief. He just stood there for a moment, then grumbled low. "Considering everything that has happened…that is quite a miracle. Leave it to my nephews to attract trouble, then both have their children born on the same day we are wed."

"Well, I for one don't have a problem with that." Nyaunni smiled wide. "I was kind of hoping for something to distract everyone from staring at me." She chuckled as Thorin rolled his eyes.

"Distraction? You would need something far greater than what happened today to distract anyone from gazing at you, Nya. I doubt many could resist but behold such a treasure as the queen of Erebor." Thorin cupped her jaw, pressing his lips to the scar on her cheek. "You, are beautiful, Nyaunni. Anyone would be a fool to look away from you tonight."

Nyaunni's answering smile was so brilliant, it caused Thorin to miss a step, which made Nyaunni laugh. "Do you remember when Frerin was able to get Thror to dance?"

"I remember Frerin tricking my surprisingly drunk grandfather into dancing by dressing as a dam and insisting he dance with him." Thorin huffed, rolling his eyes. "To this day, I do not know how he got him so far gone. Thror was known to be able to out drink any man, dwarf, or elf in existence…and held his drink quite well. Whatever Frerin gave him…was stronger than anything I have ever heard of."

"Or maybe it was just, Frerin." Nyaunni smiled fondly. "There is nobody like him, is there?"

"My nephews can channel him quite well enough, thank you." Thorin grumbled. "I fear in their pre-life, Frerin may have given them instruction before they entered our world to keep me on my toes."

"I think that is a good thing." Nyaunni smiled and encircled his waist with her arms. "This world is dark and bleak enough, it needs souls like Frerin, Fili, and Kili to chase the grey away and show that even in the shadows, light can be found."

Thorin kissed her head. "Well said."

They danced for a few minutes more before Dis came up with Naurfaer behind her. "We just wanted to say goodnight, we are going back up to spend the remainder of the evening with the children. I think it has been long enough, and I want Tauriel and Viltarra to get as much sleep as they can tonight. They need it after what they just went through."

"Dis..." Thorin began to argue but his sister shut him down like only she could.

"Thorin…Fili and Kili have more than enough up there to help for the evening between Naurfaer, Tarrah, Vin, and I. You and Nyaunni deserve a night for just the pair of you, and I know the family will agree. It is your wedding night, enjoy it." Dis folded her arms and glared at her brother who again began to argue. "Your place is with Nyaunni tonight, nobody else. Viltarra and Tauriel will be more than fine."

Thorin was not pleased with being told where to go and what to do. He glared at his sister who glared right back, before he gave in with a curt nod. He was looking forward to holding his grandchildren for their first night in this world. A peak at Nyaunni had him grunting and huffing again. She was laughing at him. "What, is so funny?"

"Oh, nothing. How about we go and bid the family goodnight and you can see Karra, Orin, and Naufi once more before we retire." She pecked him on the cheek and took his hand, and a now smiling Thorin happily followed behind. Several steps away, Dis was chuckling and shaking her head at her brothers moods, but more than thrilled Nyaunni was able to read him so well.

A broadly grinning Naurfaer watched the pair as they moved through the dwarves wishing them congratulations for both their union, and for the new additions to the family. It really was quite the night. "Well Dis, how about we give them some time to say goodnight." Naurfaer moved his eyes away from the exiting dwarven king and his new queen, looking instead to their sister who was giving Naurfaer an amused grin as he gestured to the crowd around them. "Since we are here already, how about a dance?" Dis laughed wholeheartedly and nodded as they joined a large group in a hearty jig.

More than several hours later, Nyaunni was smiling fondly at Thorin, who was laying back in a chair with Naufi sleeping on his chest and his feet resting on the bed Kili, Finli, and Tauriel were all sound asleep on. Dis had thrown a small fit when she came up and Thorin had made himself comfortable…refusing to budge. Nyaunni was no better though, as she held Orin while across from them, Fili was softly humming to his daughter so Viltarra could sleep, her head resting in Fili's lap and Hiril taking up the entire end of the bed.

The lights of the room had been dimmed to near darkness, and the family had all ended up here. Tarrah and Vin were talking quietly and sharing some tea with Naurfaer who sat by the door. He had been holding Orin, but gave him over to Nyaunni so he could make sure to step out when his sensitive ears picked up footsteps approaching. Gloin and Dori were still in the hall, but both were sound asleep and Thorin said to let them be. As long as Naurfaer would not mind intercepting further visitors…which he happily agreed to…there was no point in waking the two sleeping dwarves in the hall.

This was not quite how Nyaunni envisioned her wedding night…but then again…it felt like the perfect end of the day. They did come up with the intentions of bidding the family goodnight, but between Thorin not wanting to relinquish Karra, and Nyaunni enjoying watching Uri play with Finli while he sat in her lap, they both ended up too distracted to realize this night was meant to end a bit differently. One thing led to another, and now Thorin was sleeping, his large hand resting on Naufi's back, and she was rather comfortable, happily holding her new grandson. Which was an odd thought to have…that she went from being in Minam with nobody not weeks ago, to being a wife, a sister, an aunt, and apparently…a grandmother.

That last one still threw her a bit, but because Thorin was quite a bit more than an uncle to Kili and Fili, and how Tauriel considers him like a father as well, really Thorin has quite earned the title and honor to be a grandfather. She looked back over at him and scooted closer on the large chair Oin had brought in for them. She secured her hands around Orin and rested her head against Thorin who instinctively wrapped his arm around her.

The last thought Nyaunni had, as she fell to sleep with a child just hours old resting on her chest, was how this kind of happiness, the happiness that engulfed her entire being, the happiness that made her feel so complete and whole…could be real.

Authors Note: WHO SAID TWINS! Ya'll win if you caught all my little hints. I tried not to make it too obvious, while also making it obvious LOL. Also, yes, I always wanted Fili to have girls. It was just sort of cannon in my head and will remain so since this is my story. The next chapter is pretty long, and I am deciding whether or not I am going to split it up into two chapters, or just keep it ridiculously long since I ALWAYS add stuff as I am proofing it. Hopefully, it won't take me more than a week to proof, but I won't give you a day because I end up turning into a liar and I HATE lying.

I promise, I will see you soon. If you celebrate it, I hope you have a happy Halloween! I think I am going to be an elf, because I get to dress up at work as long as it is practical. WOOT WOOT!