Authors Note: Okay, so full disclosure, I didn't (but probably SHOULD have) done my listen outloud editing that I normally do...so if there are a few more typo's than normal here it is because of that. Why you ask? Because I am at work and did this during my lunch break and didn't feel like everyone listening in but I still wanted to get this up. That is why.
So that being said, I am sorry if there is a few typos here and there. I promise I am not grammatically incompetent...I just normally do a lot of my writing at night when I am tired and my fingers do all the work, lol. They sometimes flub up words, and my exhausted brain goes with it, just too tired to correct waste and waist XD. I try, I swear. Now that I think about it, I really need to go through and do another clean up on this entire story, especially on Reforged and Strengthened. So that may be coming.
Anyway, it is so good to see your still reading this Ken Ford! It makes my heart happy to hear from all my regulars. 😊 I know, I know, Kili and Fili are pretty chill parents for the most part, lol. In my family, that definitely would not have happened the way it did, we definitely would have grounded for life for sure. Lol.
Thank you all for your continued reading! I LOVE hearing from you. This act is pretty much all done too...but I have a LOTTTTTTTT to go back and fix. Plus classes and work so if you have any questions or a desire to prod me along, just head over to my tumblr and say hi 😀. blog/jezzibee
Chapter Three
"Da, can I have some gold?" Finli looked up at his father, a hopeful look in his brown eyes that had Kili lifting a brow as he looked at what appeared to be a cloth doll in his son's hands. "It's for Ithtiri." Fili rolled his eyes, answering his father's silent question.
"Craftsmanship looks a bit shoddy if yeh ask me." Bofur grumbled under his breath as he looked around at the toys priced far above their value. "Seams coming loose already lad, how about, I help yeh make one when we get back to Erebor, eh?"
Kili chuckled at his son's frustration, though he did put the doll back. Finli has been collecting things for all his siblings, and the only one he hasn't found something for was the newest member of the family. "Come on Fin, we got more to see yet. We will find something for Ithtiri."
Kili guided his son away from the merchant who was giving them a dirty look, likely having heard Bofur's comments on the wares being sold. Humans may not hear as well as elves and dwarves, but they are far from deaf...which Bofur tends to forget. "Come on, we only have maybe an hour before we are due back to Erebor and there is still quite a bit to see."
Kili looked behind him at the five guards not two meters away before looking ahead at the three ereborian guards walking in front of him. Then there was also Bofur and Bifur as well on either side of the two princes, Gloin and Gimli nonchalantly inspecting a cart a few steps away selling pipes and weed but moving on not making an purchases when they saw the group continuing forward, and of course Kili absolutely knew Dwalin was around somewhere, likely having stopped to speak to a guard out of sight. They were all there solely for Kili and Finli's protection and it annoyed the dark-haired prince who tried to keep his frustration to himself.
Oh, how Kili had argued more than once with his uncle about just how many guards will be accompanying he and his son to Dale for the bazaar. It seemed there were at a bit of a disagreement about just how many were to be assigned to Kili and Finli, with Thorin vehemently refusing to let them even contemplate leaving the mountain with no less than ten guards, including a minimum six members of the company, and two members of Tauriel's personal team. Kili was eventually able to talk him down to four members of the company, and eight guards including Dyni and Vork who both were quite happy to join. However, Kili should have known his overprotective uncle would send more regardless of what Kili argued. He shook his head spying Dori and Nori in the shadows trying not to look like they were watching him.
He understands though, with Viltarra unable to bare any more children, Finli's place as Fili's heir has been solidified into permanence. In fact, Fili has already begun working with Thorin and Balin to create the very detailed, and equally long contract necessary for Finli to officially be named a direct heir of Erebor's throne...meaning Finli's acquisition of the throne will one day be absolute. It was a long and complicated process that would, in some ways, put Finli in a bit more of the limelight than he was as just Kili's son.
Not that it was not already widely figured by the mountain that Finli was meant to rule. After all, he had the mark of Mahal...which he kept hidden under his sleeves at his mother's and father's urgings mostly for his protection. In fact, many in the mountain were under the belief that Fili would only be able to produce daughters, because their maker had plans for young prince Finli and that it was his desire for the son of Kili to take the throne, not a child of Fili.
For another thing, though Thorin loves all of his grandchildren, deeply, Kili knows he has some semblance of a special bond to Finli that never completely went away, and of course, as he mentioned earlier, Thorin was incredibly overprotective of the family…nearly as much as Dis if not more. Kili laughed to himself, how his uncle has changed from surly, rub dirt in it and get up dwarf who raised him, to the dare he say it, coddling protective father figure he was now. Honestly, Kili is surprised the entire force of Erebor was not here with how overprotective Thorin has become.
If Kili could bet on anything right now and win with pure certainty, it was the fact that there are far more guards lurking about in Dale from Erebor, than even Kili can see...compliments of said overprotective uncle. Kili shook his head as Aeodhen himself meandered past a food cart, one eye on Kili and Finli, the other saying something to the vender who handed him a small bag. Of course, why wouldn't the head guard of Erebor be here as well? Grunting, Kili guided Finli through the crowded streets. As a passing thought, he wondered if the number of guards might also have something to do with the missing elves from Thranduil's kingdom. Sighing to himself, Kili pushed thoughts of the still ongoing situation in Mirkwood away as he led his son to several more booths.
"Prince Kili!"
Exiting yet another booth, Kili turned his head in the direction of his name being called just in time to see the not so little Tilda walking towards him with her two sons trailing behind her. Kili smiled wide, though he felt a semblance of sadness fill him as he recalled Hillanna, who at 36, resembled a human who has seen about their 16th year of life, whereas Tilda, who was a bit younger than Hillanna in years, was well into adulthood and appeared even older than both Kili and Fili who were mostly unchanged if not a bit more matured...a testament to their rather long-lived bloodline.
"The lovely lady Tilda." Kili bowed and smiled wide. His heart hurt knowing just how quickly the years pass for humans, but he tamped the pain down; she still had many years ahead of her. "And just how is your family?"
Tilda's grin widened when Kili kissed her hand. "Bain is excitedly showing off his first son, his girls are ecstatic to have a brother. You will have to excuse Bain as he is seeing to his wife, his daughters, and his newborn son. He wanted to come and greet you but asked me to relay sincerest apologies for not being here."
"Oh, I quite understand, please send him my warmest regards and congratulations. Did he receive the gifts we sent?" As he spoke to Tilda, Kili looked down at his own son who had picked up a small bauble on the table before a merchant they stood in front of, inspecting it with a questioning look as if trying to figure out what the oddly shaped trinket was or if it even had a purpose. The Dalish woman was eyeing Finli with some contempt, so as soon as Finli placed the item back, Kili gently pushed him to his other side and kept his arm draped over his shoulder.
Tilda, who saw the exchange gave him an apologetic look but nodded. "He did, please tell Tauriel and Viltarra thank you. Have you spoken with my father yet? Has he been out?"
Kili shook his head. "I am afraid not, or at least we have yet to have seen him. I am sure he is dealing with family or city matters. How is Sigrid?"
Tilda clasped her hands in front of her, her sons pulling Finli into conversation, offering him one of the candies they had in a paper bag as they half listened to the adults speaking. "Sigrid is very well. She was the one to help deliver Bain's son and has hardly left their sides. I would not doubt Da is in there as well." She chuckled. "Even when my sons were born, he rarely strayed far. Sigrid too doesn't leave until she knows everyone is alright. I think it is just in her nature to see to others."
Kili smiled and nodded understandingly. Though Sigrid was a lead contender in ruling Dale after Bard, it seemed over time her true love was in the healing arts. When she wasn't fulfilling her royal responsibilities, it was said Sigrid was in the healers' halls learning everything she could about the art of medicine. She was earning quite the reputation too, and has even taken some lessons with Oin and Ivethin, always thirsty to learn more.
Tilda hummed thoughtfully. "I am sure da will be out soon though. I know he knows you and Finli are here and even mentioned wanting to see you." She turned her gaze to Finli, who had a bit of what looked like powdered sugar on his vest he was wiping away. "And how are you doing Finli? Have you made captain of Erebor yet? Last we spoke, it sounded as if you were nearly there."
Finli's grin was all his fathers. "I bested mister Dwalin last week in axe throwing, but I think he let me win. I still have a lot to learn in blades though. And I just started working with a sword...it isn't a sharp one because mama said I have to wait until I can prove I won't hurt myself or others before she will let me train with one unless she is there to watch. I do get to shoot archery whenever I want, and da is going to help me make my own bow, aren't you da?" He looked up excitedly at his father who nodded and sported the grin Finli had inherited.
"He's the best in his group with the bow." Kili proclaimed proudly. "I think we have his mother to thank for that though, eh Fin?"
Finli nodded, his deep brown eyes now scanning the market, though he was listening, but it was clear his attention was waning from the conversation. "Da..." Finli's gaze moved back to his father, confusion clear in his expression. "I thought mama said the elves would be here, did they decide not to come?"
Lowering his brow, Kili looked around the market, having not even noticed the lack of Mirkwood elves who were said to have been participating in the market. It was planned long before Dale even set the date up for Erebor, Mirkwood, and Dale to have the winter market just before the feast to happen tomorrow evening. Thranduil was even planning on traveling to Erebor to stay the night in the mountain. As far as Kili knew, plans were still secure, but perhaps, he missed something in their recent briefings...maybe things in Mirkwood had gotten worse.
Tilda was the one to answer as a grim expression flit across her face. "They were, but I believe only one came. My father knows more than I, and I cannot say much here. You will have to speak with him." Before she could elaborate, one of Tilda's sons tugged on her dress, whispering something about wanting to try one of the sweets from the dwarven stand before they were all gone.
Kili chuckled. "I believe you are referring to master Eughal's confectionary delights. I do not blame you for wishing to make haste, master Byron. We visit his stores quite a bit in Erebor." The dwarven prince bowed his head to Tilda. "I won't keep you, but I will make sure to speak to Bard. You said there is one elven stand here? Do you know where they are? I have yet to see them."
"Yes, of course Kili. It is around the bend there, and three stalls down. We must arrange a luncheon with you and Tauriel soon, I do so miss our meetings. Please, excuse me." Tilda curtsied, her two sons bowing their heads in respect for the dwarven princes, before they stepped away."
"Can we go da? To the elven stand?" Finli asked hopefully.
Chuckling again, Kili ruffled his son's wild hair as he nodded. "Course Fin."
Bofur eyed the area warily and leaned into Kili. "Wha' do yeh think is stoppin' the elves from participatin'? Yeh think has somthin' to do with..." The hatted dwarf trailed off as Kili nodded.
There was no point in mentioning the missing elves in a public setting where sensitive information could get out to ears not ready to hear it. It had been two weeks since Naurfaer came back from Mirkwood, informing them of Dol Guldur filling and elves missing. In that time, Thorin appraised the entire company, as well as Aeodhen of the situation. But they have yet to receive any updates from the elven realm so they were all a bit in the dark as to what was unfolding...or if there has been any resolution as of yet. Kili had foolishly hoped it meant things were not as dire as they seemed...but now he is wondering if that was a naive thought.
The two royal princes, and their entourage, were quickly able to find the singular elven stand easily distinguishable among the dwarven and human merchants around it. Kili was clearly able to see the elven wares long before he saw who ran the stand, but the moment he did, he groaned.
"Wha' is it lad?" Bofur asked, eyeing the back of the elf who was handing a Dalish child a glass sphere.
"Nagar." Kili grumbled. "He made advances towards my Tauriel the last we saw him."
Bofur looked puzzled. "When was tha'?"
"The earthquake." Kili huffed.
Bofur's brow went up as he stared down up the younger, but taller, dwarven prince who was scowling while his even younger son seemed confused at his father's dark look.
"Lad, tha' was nearly years past now, yeh go' ta let things go." Bofur laughed, shaking his head. Everyone knows Durin's folk are stubborn, but sons of Durin take stubbornness to a whole separate level. Bofur also knew how deeply their people loved, so he really couldn't fault Kili in protecting what was his...not that Kili was the type to go around and play owner or master of Tauriel; he is pretty sure she would gut her husband if he did. In fact, Bofur is pretty sure Kili would eagerly claim he belonged to Tauriel as much as Tauriel belonged to him.
Shaking his head at Kili's expression that only darkened, Bofur signaled to the guards to go ahead and move forward. No point in arguing further, he won't waste the energy.
The younger son of Dis and husband of Tauriel, however, stood as a stone statue, very close to turning on his toes and hitting a few more stands before going home. But a soft tug on his coat had him turning to his son. "Please da?" Was all it took for Kili to relent and follow the guards to the stand, though his obvious scowl remained.
Kili really had no desire to see the elf who asked his wife out, while pregnant, in-front of Kili himself. Regardless of his true motives, it was insulting and something Kili refuses to take lightly or brush away. Tauriel was his mate, and he will never give anyone any indication that he thinks light of their relationship. He holds his wife as a treasure which was priceless beyond all measures, in this world, or any other. No other, will have her, and if they try, Kili will kill them. End of story. Furthermore, no amount of years, decades, or centuries will change that or soften his belief in how precious his wife was, for his love for her grows with each and every beat of his heart.
That being said, the moment Kili met Nagar's eyes, all his anger fled him instantly. This was not the elf he remembered from sixteen years ago. This elf, looked ill.
"Prince Kili, well met." Nagar bowed his head, his hair appearing to be both unwashed and unkept, really for any species in Arda let alone an elf. He had dark circles under his eyes, and a grey pallor to his skin that seemed almost unnatural.
"Nagar." Kili hummed nodding his head. "Are you well?"
"Well enough." The elf responded. "Is there something you are looking for in particular?"
"Do you have anything I can give my baby sister?" Finli asked with wide eyes and a bright and eager smile.
"A baby sister hm?" Nagar's eyes fell to the ground for several minutes before he let out an almost forlorn sigh. "A blessed gift from the maker, sisters. Truly. I think I may have something here my young friend, if you give me a moment."
Finli's smile only grew, but Kili could not help but feel as if there was a deeper meaning to what the elf had said. "How is Nelithi?" Kili asked as he looked around for the elven guard who Tauriel was rather fond of.
Tauriel and Nelithi did not send letters often, but they did exchange missives now and again and his wife did consider Nelithi to be a good friend, as far as friends in Mirkwood go. Though Tauriel was closer to Ivethin and Legolas, and communicated with both quite regularly by raven. However, since she came through Mirkwood on their way to Erebor from Ered Luin those many years ago, Tauriel had been staying in contact with Nelithi, who was one of the few who treated Tauriel like a person and not an enigma or an oddity. It frustrated him to no ends that a being as extraordinary and kind as Tauriel would be so rejected by her own people.
Kili knew, even after two decades of being out of the forest, that his beloved wife still harbored scars from her treatment in Mirkwood...twenty years cannot erase six hundred years of pain. Though, Tauriel did say it was easier now that she did not live there, to look beyond how she was treated and find peace in her life, and what she went through. Kili admires his wife's deep inner strength, and he said as such to her, but she shook her head and pulled him close stating the only reason she has that strength, was because she has him, and their family. Since Tauriel was Kili's strength as well, he knew exactly how she felt.
Looking back at Nagar, however, a deeper worry filled him as the elf dropped the glass goblet he was shifting aside in his search for something fit for an infant.
"Forgive me." Nagar stammered as he began picking up the pieces littering the cobblestone patch of roadway his stand sat upon. Finli immediately knelt to help as Kili had the foresight to grab a small bucket and brush sitting under a table beside him, passing both to the grateful elf who placed the larger shards inside the bucket, then used the brush to sweep up the smaller pieces into a pan before depositing them in the pail as well.
"Has something happened?" Kili asked gently.
Nagar eyed the matching pair of sympathetic expressions, one on Kili who had a hand on Finli's shoulder, then the other on Kili's son who seemed to pick up on the energy in the small stall. Behind Kili, Nagar could also see a hatted dwarf he does recognize, but cannot recall the name of, and just behind him, another larger dwarf stepped up, whispering something into the hatted dwarf's ear though he did not move to do or say anything further.
Around them, were nearly a dozen other dwarves in armor, guards, like his sister. Probably protecting the two princes before him. That won't stop the darkness from destroying their world, like it is cracking his; nothing can.
Leaning forward with wild eyes, Nagar spoke harshly. "Go to your mountain, young prince. Go, and stay. Protect your family, hide them away if you must. Something is coming, and neither you, nor I, can stop it from taking, taking, taking. Like a blazing inferno in the dry season, it will devour with no mercy; no water will quench its flames, and no being, elf, dwarf, nor man, is beyond its grasp. This land will burn." His eyes flashed. "We, will all burn."
"Well, tha' is dark." Bofur shifted nervously, having walked in after not liking the elf being so close to Kili without knowing what was going on. Dwalin, who had just rejoined them, glared at Nagar, though he did not move nor say anything.
It was Kili, who placed a hand on Nagar's arm, the elf slowly turning towards the dwarven prince. "They took her, didn't they." Was all he said, not a question, but a statement. "She is part of the missing Mirkwood guards."
Nagar nodded, opting to go back to searching for whatever it was he wanted to show Finli. He sifted through one table, then another, before bending and pulling a box from under the table and searching through the contents. Sighing deeply, Nagar shook his head before pulling another box and continuing his search.
While Nagar explored his wares, Kili and Bofur stood watching silently while Finli practically bounced with excitement, the younger son of Durin eager to see what an elf had for his sister.
"I don' like this Kili. After tha' elf is done, we ought ta return to Erebor." Dwalin stepped up beside the elder prince and stared hard at the searching elf, then back at Kili who gave him a look.
"I want to talk to Bard." Kili finally hummed quietly. "I want to see if he has any news on what is happening in Mirkwood." Both dwarves paused to look at Nagar who flinched, but continued to sift through box after box. Kili continued, eyeing Dwalin and the elf. "Do you have any other indication there is something untowards here?"
"No lad." Dwalin grumbled. "Everything seems in order. With the Bard havin' the outer gates closed, bared, an' heavily guarded...there ain' nobody comin' an' goin' without the city knowin'. I don' think we have anythin' to worry about. Bu' Finli, he's young..."
Kili hummed again, nodding. It always rubbed the dwarven people the wrong way to have dwarflings outside their walls before at least their fortieth year. Though they do not come of age until their seventies, it was a bit more acceptable for the young ones to 'accompany' their parents outside the gates of their halls sometime in their forties. But Finli, is barely half that, and nobody in the mountain was too keen on one of their favorite princes being out of the halls, despite being heavily guarded and with his father.
"We will talk to Bard, then we will go home." Kili said in a final tone. Dwalin rolled his eyes but nodded. He may be older than Kili, but Kili technically ranked higher.
"Da!" Finli whined looking to Kili who gave his son a severe look which caused the dwarfling to stop whatever argument he was about to make. Finli didn't get that look often; he was used to his father laughing, joking, and playing with he and all his siblings. He fully believed, he had the best father in all of middle earth and he and his siblings were very close with both of their parents. There was never favoritism, never harsh words, or painful punishments.
Kili and Tauriel taught with love, compassion, and lessons wrought with discussions on what was done wrong, and how it affected those around them. Finli had been in the same place as Orin and Naufi in having to write more than his fair share of reports for his mother who insisted they take time to reflect and contemplate on their actions and how those actions affected their world...both positively and negatively.
Whereas his father, simply dropped to their level, and spoke in soft, gentle, tones about how every choice they make, has a ripple effect on the future...and he knows better than any on how deep those ripples can go. Not that his father has ever elaborated on really anything when he said stuff like that which only confused Finli and his siblings. The few times Finli tried to ask what he meant, Kili had just pressed a kiss to his head and told him he will tell him when he was older...perhaps. He would then smile wide, haul Finli up onto his shoulder, and the pair would laugh their way down to the training ring or he would take Finli to see the horses and gam's aelug. Finli always happily listened to his father, and followed him everywhere. He idolized him.
At the moment though, Finli was a bit annoyed with his father; he has been looking forward to coming to the winter bazaar for months. He did miss his brothers though, and wished they were here even if they would cause more mischief than necessary if they were. He knew both Naufi and Orin were as excited as he was about getting to leave Erebor to visit Dale. Maybe next time they won't do something stupid...doubtful.
After a second of staring at his father, Finli finally nodded just in time for Nagar to step before him and hold out a small, white, plush, stag. He placed it in the dwarfling's hand and watched as Finli looked it over.
"We have a legend in Mirkwood, of a stag, the color of pure snow, who guards the borders of our forest. He is not of this world, and protects those who have true hearts from those who seek for foul intents." Nagar knelt down to Finli's height and smiled. "I gave one of these from my sister many, many centuries ago when she was born. It was her favorite toy, and never left her side for any reason. Oh, the battles and tears that came when my parents insisted she leave it home for communal meals or ceremonies." The elf laughed, though it had a bitter edge and his eyes were filled with grief; it was almost as if he was already in mourning and relaying fond tales of the departed. "It was also rather dirtied since as she carried it around with her for far longer than she should have. I believe, it is still among her things."
Nagar stroked the back of the soft toy that sat in Finli's arms. "I wish it could have protected her like the real stag in Mirkwood, but these types of things can bring other kinds of protection and comfort. What do you think?"
Finli lifted the stag that he held in both his hands. It was extremely soft, and despite being nearly twenty years old, even he wanted to hold it close. "It is perfect." Finli beamed and held it up to his father, who smiled and nodded as he pulled out some coin.
However, as Kili moved to pay for the toy, Nagar rested his hand over Kili's coin purse. "Keep it. I...please...just take it from me." He stared at the ground, then back at Kili who once again gave him a look filled with sympathy. After a moment, Kili nodded and replaced his bag back into his pocket.
Just as he was pulling away, Nagar again grabbed his hand and placed something cool into his palm. It took less than a second for Kili's mind to identify the object as some sort of metal, a bit larger than the palm of his rather large hand. Nagar held it in place for several heartbeats, and Kili took quick notice that the metal refused to take any warmth from his dwarven heat...instead...it remained cold in his grasp no matter how long he held it.
Leaning into Kili's ear, Nagar whispered harshly. "Keep this as well. Like blades of the first age, forged by the ancestors of the eldar, this pendant will glow blue should goblins or orcs fall within a hundred yards. It will also grow warm should other dark presences approach you. I cannot say more, but I warn you, do not let this stray from your person. I was unable to protect Nelithi, but I can pray to give protection to another whom she considered a dear friend."
Just as Kili moved to take a step back, Nagar grasped his shoulder tightly, keeping the young prince in place. "Do not, enter, the forest, if you can avoid it. It is sick, and for all the good Thranduil does for our people, I fear, this is more than he can handle. If you come near the fire...you shall burn dwarf, do you understand me? You, will burn."
"Da?" Finli's soft voice and gentle tug had Kili blinking and stepping back. The youngest son of Durin was, for the first time, giving Nagar a fearful look having heard what he had said.
"Forgive me." Nagar whispered. "I forget dwarves have hearing superior to humans." He looked to Bofur and Dwalin who where glaring at him, having also heard much of what he had said to Kili. "You should go, take these, and leave this city. Get to your walls, and stay there."
Expecting them to leave, Nagar turned away, but was surprised to have a hand rest on his shoulder, and empathetic, chocolate, eyes boring into him. "Nagar, dwarves, do not fear the heat. We harness it. It is our loom to weave metals." He stared hard at Nagar. "And I refuse to sit back...hidden behind stone walls...as I watch my world burn. I will see what we can do to help Nagar. I cannot promise anything, but, we live in this world too. We have a stewardship to protecting it...not unlike your forest stag."
Nagar chuckled softly, and nodded. "I fear, anything we do, will only bring greater pain and loss."
"And not doing anything won't?" Kili challenged, but Nagar said nothing.
"Prince Kili of Erebor..." Kili turned to a Dalish guard who stepped in beside one of the guards from Erebor. "My lord Bard has freed up some time and wishes to speak to you before you leave. May I accompany you?"
Kili gave Nagar one final look and turned to leave the stand, one hand firmly on Finli's shoulder while the other clasped the pendant from the elf. Just as he took a step out, however, he paused and twisted back towards the elf. "If we can, we will find her, Nagar. Alive."
Instead of bringing hope, instead, the statement brought yet another expression filled with despair to the sickly looking elf's face. "Do not make me promises you cannot keep, young prince. Protect your family for as long as you are able, that is all you can do."
Turning from Kili, Nagar moved to help a woman who was wanting to purchase several platters, so Kili had no choice but to leave.
"I don' like wha' he said." Dwaling growled. "No' at all."
"He is grieving." Bofur sighed. "The poor lad."
"Grievin' or no'..." Dwalin huffed, "...whatever he gave yeh Kili, yeh should toss away. We don' need no cursed objects."
Nearly forgetting what he held, Kili lifted the object to his eyes and stared at it. Really, it was rather unremarkable in his opinion. As a jeweler himself, Kili would appraise this as something not really worth more than a few silver pieces in its current condition.
It was filthy beyond compare...so much so...Kili could not even tell what metal was used to make it. Even the chain was broken and mended with string here and there. The only perfect part of the entire piece was the large, clear, stone at its center. There was a ring of quartz around the clear stone, but that too was just too covered in filth to recognize. Kili will have to clean it.
Shaking his head, Kili placed it in his pocket...somewhat leery of an enchanted object after already having some experience with both an enchanted ring, and an enchanted stone. He would have to have Naurfaer look at it before he trusted it. He didn't know Nagar from any other elf, so trusting his word meant little to the son of Durin who hardly trusted anyone outside his family and close friends anymore.
Securing his hand tightly on his son's shoulder, Kili allowed himself to be guided to wherever Bard had plans to meet him. Why is it the longer he is out of Erebor, the further he feels his heart fill with worry? He didn't even bother to placate his wife through their connection who was growing concerned. He doubted she would leave Erebor, so he would simply have to fill her in when he returned. If only he could share his thoughts with her, it would make things so much easer. But it was beyond their abilities, so he would just have to accept what they have and tell her his thoughts when he sees her.
The group walked in silence for several blocks, Kili watching his son whose eyes were constantly looking around at the taller humans and dwarves selling their wares in the street. Snow was beginning to fall, lightly coating the ground and the stands around them, but Tauriel had made certain her son and husband were well layered, so neither prince made even a shutter to the cold.
Besides, they were dwarves, within their bodies was a burning furnace gifted to them by the maker. Even Kili's children were natural heaters...which Tauriel commented on rather frequently. Elves were naturally cooler, so Tauriel loved nothing more than holding her children or her husband close as she attempted to capture their heat.
Both races, the dwarves with their internal blaze, and the elves with their stone cool touch, could withstand much warmer and cooler temperatures than the humans or halflings. But that did not mean they were completely impervious to severe temperatures on either end; they had their limits...it just took a bit more to bother them...that's all.
Kili squeezed Finli's shoulder when his son paused to listen to a group of humans who were performing a song using hand bells. He felt the deep, resonating, sound from the bells fill him and too stopped to watch.
The guard who retrieved him from Nagar's stand quickly noticed he was no longer guiding anyone as the entire group of dwarves stopped the moment Kili and Finli did. A few of the guards from Dale and Erebor, like Kili, seemed interested in the music that chimed enchantingly through the square and listened intently, while others looked bored, though they remained where they were, guarding their princes.
"Lovely, is it not?" The Dalish guard hummed as he gestured with his head to the group who just finished one song and was beginning another with barely a pause between. "The bell chimers are a favorite of the city every yule, and often perform at the square the entire winter season."
Kili nodded, listening for a few more minutes before shaking his head of the sound that had him rooted to the spot. He pulled a few coins from his bag and handed them to Finli as he crouched down to his son's level. "Do you see that box there on the wall beside them Fin?" Finli eyed the gold in his hands, then the box about a yard away, and nodded. "Good. Will you go put these in the box?"
Finli's brows lowered in confusion. "Why? Are we buying something?"
"Aye lad." Bofur nodded. "Their music caused you to pause, so you are purchasing their skill."
"I was once told..." Kili took over, "...if any musician's music stops you, you owe them for that moment. Music, is a ware like any other. Now go on." He gave his son a push and Finli ran to the box, which was a bit too high for him causing him to have to get on his toes in order to place the coin inside the small hole at the top of the box which sat on a fairly tall half wall...it was an odd place to put a coin box, though for the human adults, it was pretty easy to access. But for a dwarf, or dwarfling, it was a bit high. Finli was still quite small in comparison to human children his age, though he was...according to Oin...exactly where he should be in dwarfling standards; not too tall, but not too short either. Simply...perfect.
Kili could not agree more as he watched Finli smile and wave at the bell ringers who had just finished another song. They all gave a small bow to the dwarfling then began a rather upbeat song which was difficult not to stay and watch. But they had places to be, and Kili was eager to speak to Bard then get back home to his wife. He missed his Tauriel, and he missed the rest of his children. He never felt quite complete without all of them around him.
That being said, there was something magical about Dale, with the snow falling, and the music and laughter all around them. Kili smiled when Finli lifted his warm hand and tried to catch a snowflake, which melted even before it made contact with his skin, causing him to scowl and try again.
"Won't do laddie." Bofur laughed merrily. "Yer too warm."
"Mama can hold a snowflake for several moments before it turns to water; I don't understand why I can't." Finli once again, attempted to catch a rather large clump of flakes that fell, but like the others, by the time it just about hit his skin, it had melted completely into a drop that ran down his hand and landed on the ground amongst the still white flakes. Finli looked forlorn, which caused the other dwarves to laugh.
Tapping his son on the nose, Kili held out his hand to catch a flake, but just like Finli, Kili held the same dwarven heat...so they simply melted. The only places they held their form, were their clothing, and their hair. But once the delicate white crystals got near enough to their skin, they were not but water.
"See Fin, I cannot catch them either. But if you grab a clump of them...you have better luck." Kili scooped up a pile of snow, balled it up, and flung it at Bofur who snickered as it hit him in the shoulder, though did not move to retaliate. Dwalin just rolled his eyes, more than ready to move this along so they can get back to Erebor. The young father chuckled at his friends, then looked back at his son and ruffled his hair affectionately. "Your mother, is an elf my star, she's made a bit...different."
Finli blinked, then nodded. "Oh. Good different...right da?"
Kili smiled warmly. "The best kind of different."
Finli looked his father in the eyes searching for the truth, which shined so brightly in Kili's features there was no denying it. After a few moments of silence, Finli nodded again and allowed his father to push him forward. They passed several dozen more merchants, some performers, and a few food stands before they were let through the gates that led to Bards halls. He, his children, and their families all reside together in the great halls of Dale which was one of the last buildings to get renovated in the city.
Bard was never one for extravagances and constantly put off refurbishing the lords halls in favor of putting gold into resources and buildings which were more necessary to Dale's people and their betterment. However, as his children began to choose spouses, and bare children, their home had been getting tight.
It was, in fact, decided by the council of Dale, that it was time their lord had his halls repaired. It took nearly a year, and far more gold than Bard was comfortable with spending, to get the halls in working order. But once it was, Bard and his family happily settled in. Bard was happy it had more than enough room to accommodate his entire family, and their own growing families.
The lord of Dale even had space to entertain his guests from both Erebor and Mirkwood now, though one thing he still vehemently refused, was servants...apart from a cook who was considered by the family to be like a grandmother, and a cook's assistant who was a bit on the stern side...but was not unkind. Otherwise, Bard preferred his home to be run by he and his family alone. He said it kept them all humble. He refused to turn into the former Lake Town master.
Despite understanding the sentiment, the only one who found it odd was Thranduil, who had a slew of elves who ran his halls. In Erebor, though, it was not much different than Dale. Thorin and Dis raised Kili and Fili to have a deep respect for the labor of their own hands, be that in the kitchen, or at the forge. They cleaned up after themselves, managed their own rooms, and Dis still cooked nearly every morning and several evenings as well. Thorin told them not to, but Dis loved doing it, so he let her be.
Nyaunni was learning to cook as well, and it was often Dis, Vin, Tarrah, Viltarra, Tauriel, and Nyaunni working together with the children running about their feet as they cooked. Dis, was in paradise with so many dwarflings she loved around her. Which she told her brother who smiled in agreement.
As the group walked into Bards entranceway, Kili had to hold back a laugh at the sound of pattering feet and laughter as Baines two daughters chased each other down the steps and out of sight.
"Belle, Hylda, you know you are not to run." The plump, cook with silver-streaked hair chortled as she carried a tray of tea and snacks out, pausing before the group. "Ah, you would be the guests I suppose? I was just bringing this out for Bard. His mind is on our Natalyn right now, canno' believe she birthed an 11lb babe, such a small lass as she is., Bain's proud as punch though, an his da too. Please, come through these doors and make yourselves comfortable. I am sure Bard will be in straight away."
"Thank yeh Ms. Giddory." Bofur removed his cap and smiled. He, Kili, and Fili did come here every so often, and Bofur was rather fond of the cook's specialty tea cookies she always makes.
"You are quite welcome master Bofur." The cook, Ms. Giddory laughed. "And yes, the cookies are there and accounted for."
Bofur beamed while Dwalin rolled his eyes as the group followed the cook into the room where she set the tray down on a table before the fire, and excused herself.
Bofur had already plated several cookies when Bard walked in looking worse for wear several moments later. "I am sorry for not greeting you when you arrived in the city today." The lord of Dale spoke to the entire group, though his eyes were on Kili who nodded his understanding.
"You have nothing to apologize for, Bard. I have children, I understand. My wife only just gave birth to our first daughter not a fortnight ago. My uncle still hovers around her, and she would be our fifth child. It does not get easier." He smiled knowingly. "How is Natalyn? Did I hear the babe was 11lbs?" Kili did not know Bain's wife, Natoly well, but she was just about Tauriel's stature, and their largest child to date was Kilion, who was just over six pounds, the rest were about five which was average for dwarflings. Imagining his wife bearing a child almost twice the size of Kilion...did not sound pleasant.
Bard sighed and sat. "She was doing very well. The baby is fine, strong and healthy, but..." The taller man shook his head. "...over the last hour, Natalyn has been ill. She has a fever burning her system and the healers are becoming worried there may be an infection."
Kili stiffened recalling how not long ago, they nearly lost Viltarra after bearing Vilia. She was at deaths doors for several days. It even took Thorin, Dis, Kili, and Fili to keep Tauriel back from using her gift to save the dams life. In the end, everything turned out alright. Oin was able to stabilize Viltarra, and Kili's sister survived. But that does not mean the family was not filled with the possible horrors of what can go wrong with something as common as childbirth, and how it can bring both great joy, and great pains to any family.
Kili knows for certain that Fili still had nightmares of losing his wife, and his brother admitted to him how he takes extra precautions to ensure his wife does not conceive. Never again. Kili doesn't blame him either, it was a terrifying ordeal, and even Oin said, another pregnancy, will kill her and the babe; without a doubt.
"Should I see if Oin can see to her?" Kili asked gently.
Bard shook his head. "No. No. The healers are optimistic, and Borin and Sigrid are heading her care. Borin instructed under the finest healers in all of Middle Earth west of Rhun, so between he and Sig, I don't think Natalyn could be better cared for." Borin was Sigrid's husband. He was a bit older than her and had moved to Dale nearly a decade ago. The pair met while Sigrid was working the healing halls, she was twenty one, and he was just shy of his thirtieth year.
At first Bard refused the match, believing the man to be too old for his daughter. That is, until he remembered Sigrid's old soul. Besides, one only had to spend a moment with the pair to know they matched in intelligence, and manner.
They also matched in desire to wait to have children, Borin because he wanted to make head healer in the cities healing halls to ensure a stable income for a family, and Sigrid because she wanted to finish her own medical training, as well as her studies in learning how to run the city. Besides, Tilda and Bain seemed to be perfectly happy keeping their line going even if Sigrid decided to not have children herself.
As far as the plan went, Sigrid, after all, was to follow her father in leading Dale. The people supported her as well, though some were hoping Bain would follow his father. Of course they will likely hold an election, as is custom with Lake Towns traditions which Bard has every desire to continue. It was a blessing that Bard's children never fought about it either, and simply supported each other. To date, the elections are held every ten years, and so far, nobody has yet to take Bard's place, and of course he said he was not quite ready to leave this world yet, and had some time left in him. Who knows what the future holds.
The entire room was quiet as they thought about Natalyn, who was to them a young girl, though she was actually well into her thirties.
Bard, however, was not in the mood for quiet meetings. Clapping his hands together, Bard poured himself some tea as he leaned against the table. "As much as I would love nothing more than to discuss pleasantries, and ask if you have enjoyed yourselves, I must confess I have a more worrying agenda." The bowman and lord looked at Finli who was inspecting each of the gifts he bought his siblings as if making sure they wereall accounted for, and none have suffered damage from being stuffed into his bag.
"Kili, would you feel more comfortable if Finli were to join the other children?"
At his name being muttered, Finli lifted his dark eyes and looked between his father, and the lord of Dale. "I want to stay da!"
"I appreciate the offer Bard, but we have decided not to shelter our children from news of any kind." Kili smiled as Finli relaxed beside him. "My uncle and my mother never once kept us from their meetings, even in our tender ages, and neither shall we."
Bard shifted, clearly not fully agreeing. "And what of, delicate, information? Is it wise, or even fair, to burden the young with things that should not be shared?"
At this, Finli bristled. "With deep respect, master Bard, I am nineteen. Perhaps my brothers may not be able to keep their lips from wagging, but I am not foolish enough to spread rumors." The dwarfling was not half insulted. Bain's children were three and five years old. He may be small, and comparison wise, he was closer to a human of eleven or twelve years of age...but he didn't feel like a child.
Mahal, humans his age were married...but he was the child of a dwarf and an elf...both of which's children age much slower. It is not HIS fault he looks far younger than he was. He doesn't ever get treated like this in Erebor, but the few times his mother and father have allowed him to leave, the humans always treat him like he was much younger than he actually was. Sure he was still a child in his people's eyes, but he was not a toddler. He did have the ability to make informed decisions, thank you.
Bard, though, looked unconvinced until Kili spoke up for him. "He is to follow Fili to the throne, Bard, and he is under the instruction of Balin, uncle, and both Tauriel and I. Finli may stay. I trust him."
Again, Bard looked unconvinced but finally, he sighed and nodded his agreement. "What do you know of the situation in Mirkwood?"
"The disappearances yeh mean? What of it." Dwalin grunted, giving Bofur an annoyed look when the hatted dwarf bit into yet another cookie, dropping some crumbs in the fur of Dwalin's boots.
"What mister Dwalin means is, we are aware." Kili smirked at the dwarf who had been something of a hero to him his entire life. It was easy for others who did not know the gruff dwarf to take offence of his...cantankerous...demeanor. However, anyone who knows Dwalin personally knows he really is a softy. Granted, a softy who is not afraid to kill or maim you if you get on his bad side, Kili amended to himself before continuing. "Has there been any more news from Thranduil?"
"Not much, I am afraid. I was hoping with your connections..." Bard looked at Finli who returned his expression with one laced with confusion. However, Kili understood but shook his head. "As far as I know, we have received no news that you have not received yourselves. Tauriel and Naurfaer have sent missives to Mirkwood, but have yet to receive responses eluding to anything outside what we already know. Guards are missing, and no evidence of their capture has been found." Kili paused in thought then shook his head. "In Legolas's last letter, he relayed that there are whisperings in Mirkwood that some had simply, chosen to leave on their own volition. That it was a parting, rather than an abduction. But..."
Kili ran his hands through his wild, dark, hair and stared into the fire. The flames, reflected in his deep, chocolate, orbs. He took a moment then sighed. "...but personally, I think it is something darker."
Bard perked up a bit. "A parting? Truly, I would prefer that over an abduction. What has you believing otherwise?"
"Well for one thing..." Kili narrowed his eyes at bard. "...how often do we get situations like this that have a good ending?" Bard nodded but allowed Kili to continue. "And for another, there is one here in the city selling wares in the bazaar from Mirkwood, and I happen to be acquainted with his sister who is a good friend to Tauriel."
"We have a merchant from Mirkwood?" Bard asked surprised. "I was told none would be in attendance for their protection."
"Just one." Kili nodded. "Nagar, who has been here before."
"Several times actually." Bard said in recognition of the name. "He comes every season we hold a street fair. The people look forward to seeing what he brings. He is rather, animated too. Reminds me a bit of Naurfaer."
Kili scowled. "I would rather Nagar not be compared to Naurfaer."
Bard's brows lowered in question, so Bofur filled him in. "The elf made passes at Tauriel once." The hatted dwarf clucked his tongue much like Dis does when she is displeased. "I said yeh should let that go lad."
"Right." Bard closed his eyes and rubbed the side of his face. As far as he knew, these dwarves were much older than he was; yet the way they acted was far younger than he had energy to handle at the moment. "Was anything said by Nagar that gave you leave to believe it was abduction over free will?"
"His sister was taken." Kili said softly. "I may not know Nelithi well, but I believe I can say confidently that she is not the kind of being to abandon her post, nor her family. Besides, a few leaving Mirkwood is one thing, but several dozen? And all guards who went to survey the area? Doubtful. At least a few that Tauriel knew of had elflings still at home, and elves do not make it a habit of leaving their young for anything short of death."
Bard nodded solemnly. "I supposed it is only wishful thinking that this was nothing but people choosing to migrate to other cities." He sighed and ran his hands through his silver hair. "I am afriad the only new news I have received, is the fact there is no news. Though no others have gone missing, neither have they found anything. I do not know how Nagar got out of the city, as Thranduil specifically stated his walls were currently sealed."
"I did not see any elven guards whatsoever." Kili commented in deep thought. "And I doubt Mirkwood is any easier to get out of than Erebor when our halls are sealed...so I wonder if Nagar came with the understanding, he was coming it alone and at his own personal risk."
"I agree." Bard nodded and stood as he placed his cup back on the tray. "What is Erebor's stance?"
"At the moment..." Kili sighed. "...we are simply waiting for more information. Uncle has the guard on a more proactive duty and Aeodhen is sending out ravens to the other clans to see if they have heard anything untoward happening in their area. But for her, as of right now, we have no plans to go to the forest."
Bard nodded, and for the next hour, Kili, Dwalin, Bofur, and Bard spoke in lengths of plans for their cities should disappearances begin to happen to them. They also touched on future plans and ideas on how they can help the elven city despite Thranduil refusing aid. Unfortunately, neither city could do much but wait for word and hope the darkness does not cast a shadow on their homes.
Not a few hours later, Kili sighed happily as he added logs to fire in their sitting room while still watching Finli excitedly hand out the purchased gifts to his siblings. Tauriel was on the floor, Ithtiri in one arm, and her twins held tightly to her with her other. She laughed as Kilion embraced his eldest brother who had given him a journal and a graphite pencil...something Kilion had been speaking in lengths about wanting. Tauriel was more than pleased, since Kilion tended to get ink on him whenever he sketched using Kili's quill pen.
This, was paradise to Kili. His family laughing and filling his home with light. As the sun set, however, Kili could not help but look out the large window to look beyond the forest. It was mostly patches of black and deep evergreen with touches of white from the recent snows. That is, until the sun set and it all became shadowed. Slowly, the same shadow stretched across Dale, and what felt like moments later, was encasing his sitting room.
Without saying a word, Kili turned up the dial to the lights to chase away the darkness, the now roaring fire helping as well.
"My Kili, what ails you?" The soft whisper filled his soul, and Kili turned troubled eyes to his wife who placed his daughter in his arms. "She missed you."
Kili stared at his precious daughter, his beautiful star beam, then he looked to his precious wife who was his entire world. "I fear the darkness." Was all he said, and she understood immediately.
"As you well should." Tauriel pushed some hair from his eyes and pressed her lips to Kili's in a soft, lingering, kiss. She pulled away only to press her forehead to his as she closed her eyes. "But while we can...let us embrace the light we have that keeps the darkness at bay. Even if it is only for a while more."
Kili sighed and nodded before he pulled away from her and followed her to sit with the rest of their children, who were all still huddled together on the floor. On the peg beside the door, Kili had haphazardly flung his winter coat when he entered. As he did, he missed the amulet that fell into the dark corner where it lay cold and forgotten.
The early winter night was dark and the days to come proved to be more and more shadowed. On the feast of the anniversary of the battle of five armies, no outside visitors came to Erebor. Thranduil had lost another half a dozen guards, and decided for the safety of his people, they would celebrate themselves until the situation is handled. And with Natalyn still ailing, Bard decided to remain with his family as well. So, though the feast was far smaller than it normally had been in years past, it still was no less filled with food, music, and warmth.
Yet for some reason, the world felt colder than normal, though no one could reason why; perhaps it was because of the situation in Mirkwood? Or Natalyn whose health continued to decline with each week that passed. Whatever the reason, according to Gloin and Oin, the portents foretold that it was to be a dark, and solitary winter...and the coming years, would only get worse.
Authors note at the bottom: Wonder what's going to happen next?
Actually, really I do...because I wrote this months ago and I can't remember what happens in the next chapter XD. But it is kind of fun to hear your speculations. I mean, the story is for the most part done, so unless I decide to change something major which is VERY unlikely...it is all set.
More new characters, creatures, and a few returning dead ahead. Or, you know, ahead eventually. Again, I can't recall the next chapter and I need to clock back in...so I will see you as soon as I can get the next chapter edited.
I love you guys!