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.

63. ACT V Chapter 5

Notey Note Note Note: ITS MY BIRTHDAY YAAAYYYAAA. For MY birthday today...I am gifting YOU a chapter. A VERY LONG chapter. Lol. Honestly I know I should have broken this up, but I didn't so there. Also, when I originally wrote this chapter it was about 9,000 words...and not it is just shy of 35,000 so ya...I have a problem and added in probably a whole bunch of useless stuff but I like the domestic bits and pieces. I don't have an editor telling me to take things out and stuff so I can do whatever I want. YAAAYYYY. ENJOY!

Chapter Five

Fili slammed another book shut just as Viltarra pushed away a scroll only to grab another.

"What about this da?" Karra pointed to a large, dark, creature on the page causing Fili to lift a brow and laugh.

"And what is the description?" He stared at his daughter who scrunched her nose and looked again.

"It's less of a description and more like a song or poem….and it's twenty pages long." The little dam whined. "Please don't make me look for it da." Fili's eldest daughter sunk in her chair as she rested her chin on her hand looking both bored, and ready to bolt.

Though Karra was far more a copy of Fili than Viltarra…Fili often thought she could channel her uncle Kili far too well when it came to having to pay attention when she was not interested.

"If you just read…you will find that that…is a warg sister." Dissah sang as she peered at the book. "Just a really big one. You do know what a warg is, right? We have one so…"

"Dissah…" Viltarra chastised in a warning tone. The dwarfling snickered at Karra who looked a bit embarrassed to be called out by her younger sister.

"I will show you in the training ring!" Karra whispered tensely.

"Bring it." Dissah challenged. Though Fili's second daughter was quieter and preferred her books to rigorous training like Karra…it did not mean Dissah hated training. Quite the contrary. Dissah, simply enjoyed it on her own terms. She was very talented with the bow…which both Tauriel and Naurfaer praised her in. She also enjoyed throwing axes which she did with elflike accuracy, likely thanks to her elven aunt's personal lessons. It was also the only time she was allowed to touch anything with a sharp edge; she was still too young for full on weapon training...they all were.

What she was not all that great in, however, was sparring...which they were allowed to do at any time at their age. But still, if it was her sister, she would certainly accept the challenge...despite Karra being a bit bigger than she was.

"Alright. If you two do not want to help, then why don't you go see what your aunt and uncle are up to? Hm?" Fili pulled another book forward which Vilia, who was sitting on the table, was tearing pages from and had suddenly decided to shove a large bit of the torn parchment into her mouth which Viltarra quickly intercepted to the little dam's displeasure; she was teething again and shoving everything she could get her hands on into her mouth. Mahal above, Ori…is going to kill him.

"Can we really go da?" Karra asked excitedly, ready to be done with yet more studies on a day where she was supposed to be free of classes.

Dissah, though, was torn between wanting to go, and wanting to stay and help her da. But Fili just nodded as he attempted to reattach the saliva-soaked torn bit of parchment back to the book he took from Vilia, his younger daughter giggling away as she attempted to grab at yet another book Viltarra was pulling away from her.

"Go on." Fili sighed, giving up and shoving the bit of slightly wet parchment into the book and slamming it shut. "I am sure they are fixing lunch about now." Both girls jumped up and ran from the room, though they were not a handful of steps away before they each turned back, and kissed Fili on the cheek and hugged their mother who was smirking, then ran out the library door.

"And then there was one." Fili chuckled at Vilia who was laughing toothily at really nothing at all. She was such a happy baby, Vilia, even when she was teething. "You would not abandon your da, would you?" He scooped the three-year-old off the table and rested her in his lap as he began turning pages in the thick tome still in front of him.

"I would not call that abandonment Fili; you dismissed them." Viltarra sung as she rolled out a scroll, moving it just a few inches from her youngest daughter's hands. "You know they were playing you."

Fili shrugged glancing up at Ori who came pulling a cart covered in even more books and scrolls. "Balin brought up some more scrolls from the records room, an' I found a few more books yeh may be interested in." Ori said with a smile as one by one, he placed them on the table.

"A few?" Fili asked staring at the towering piles of thick tomes and rolled scrolls. "That…is more than a few Ori."

Ori shrugged and frowned when he picked up a book with teeth marks in one of the corners. "Can yeh maybe…not let the warg chew on these? These are older than our Tauri is; some of 'em are from the first age Fili."

Hiril lifted her head and growled as Fili chuckled. "Sorry Ori, but that was actually this beastie." He bounced Vilia who was shoving the tie of one of the scrolls into her mouth. "Oh...she may have torn a page from this book." Fili said apologetically as he handed Ori the book. "I am sure you can work your wonders and get it fixed." The crowned prince smiled wide while Ori looked a bit exasperated, but nodded and placed the book on the now empty cart.

"Fili…" Viltarra stared at a page, her voice causing both Fili and Ori to turn their attention from the book and the happily chewing toddler, to the dam who was staring worriedly at a writing on the scroll she held. "…look at this…"

Ori and Fili both moved to peer over Viltarra's shoulder at the unrolled parchment, eyeing the neatly written runes. It appeared to be a journal entry of sorts written by King Thrain I, the first ruler and founder of Erebor. In the runes, he wrote…

'I write this in private, as a record of personal value only. I will not have my words construed as madness and have my right to rule questioned. Mayhap the future could find value in these writings…or if Mahal wills it, it shall fade to dust like we all shall in time. On my travels, I have walked baren lands filled with dark corners; I have burrowed deep into the ground and known blackness deeper than most mortals have experienced; I have entered places so void of life, only a dwarf could tell the ground, from the ceiling. Yet, never, in my existence, have I experienced a darkness like that of the green wood. Shadows dwell near what appeared to be a fortress erected of nothing but pure darkness.

'I ordered my company to ready our weapons and march to battle; no creature fell nor foul can take down the dwarves who fought in the battle of the ages. No, we would be triumphant. But the closer we got to that fell place, the darker the world became. Captain Kyrgh began acting strange, gnashing his teeth and spitting foul words. I was forced to put an end to his life by my own hand when he turned on the company and killed four young guards with no warning.

'He was not the only one who began acting strange; one by one, my company turned on each other. Kin fighting kin. It was unnatural for a people blessed by our maker to be strong of mind and incorruptible. It made no logical sense. It was then I saw the mark on the stone before where we camped. That is when I knew, this place, was shadowed by an evil I could in fact name. An evil, we believed to be gone.

'By that moment, I realized I could not recall when the last time I saw the sun…when the last time I saw any light breaching the thick forest trees. Cursed, this forest is, and the shadows within the trees grow by the minute. Eyes I cannot see are watching in every cursed branch, and within every dark corner.

'The name of this being is a curse in itself, so I shall not name it in writing in fear of it attaching itself to my words. I leave this as a warning to any posterity who comes across these words...heed my warning my kin…do not stray into the forest…do not go to the fortress…and should you find yourself among the shadows…run.'

Fili flipped the scroll ripping it from Viltarra's grasp. He searched the back for more information…but it was blank. "That's it?" He gaped.

"Unless there is another part…yes." Viltarra sighed.

"Where did yeh find this?" Ori stared hard at the scroll knowing full well it had not been in any of the boxes he brought in from Balin, nor had he recognized it from the ones he pulled himself. Reading it again, the head of the library, and close friend, was both confused and not a half bit uncomfortable with the words written upon the aged roll of parchment.

Viltarra gave him a look. "It fell out of that book." She pointed to a very large tome labeled 'The Rise of Erebor'. Ori cocked his head and opened the book, but it seemed rather normal. They had several copies of this book, but this did appear to be an original. He had indeed pulled this from the back shelves thinking it might have some early information of the area…apparently…it had more than that.

As Ori made it to the back pages, only then did he realize that near the back of the book, there was a large portion carved out of the tomb large enough to fit this scroll. Considering the book was open when he picked it up, somehow the scroll must have come dislodged from its hiding space and had fallen among the other scrolls on the table.

"This…this may be of good use. Though, the words, are no' ta my likin'." Ori's brows furrowed and he shook his head. "Bu' I do recall the forest bein' shadowed. Do yeh remember Fili?"

Fili hummed but Viltarra looked confused. "I remember spiders…but I don't remember it feeling evil."

Fili hummed again. "I have to agree. The first time we went through the forest, it was a significantly different experience than any other. Something changed after we won Erebor…but I don't really understand the connection or what was so different about it."

"Maybe it were the orcs? We did take em out." Ori suggested but Fili sat back down, lost in thought. For some reason, he did not quite feel as if Ori was right...there was something they were missing.

"Maybe." The crowned prince finally sighed as he readjusted Vilia so she was not grabbing for another scroll. He decided to set her on the floor beside Hiril where she immediately jumped up and began running circles around the room, laughing. He smiled but let her be. They were in a private study room in the library, so he doubts her little voice would bother others in the normally quiet space.

Fili continued to think for a moment then shook his head. "I wonder…" He looked to his friend in thought. "…Ori, do you remember Gandalf suddenly leaving us when we were just entering the forest? He saw a mark…then left with really no explanation. I wonder if that was what Thrain was referencing..."

"I wish I could tell ya, bu' my own memories are a bit hazy." Ori sighed. "Been twenty years, Fili. I applaud yeh recalling such detail." The librarian rolled the scroll and retied the string around it. "Bu' if 'e did…perhaps Gandalf would be the person teh ask."

Gandalf. Fili rubbed his temples. The wandering wizard was not someone who was easy to get a hold of, Fili lamented to himself. In fact, Gandalf, has not so much as crossed into their lands since after Karra and the twins were born. That is the last they saw of the grey wizard, and it has been near silence since then. Where he was, Fili doubted even the great Thranduil could answer.

"Gandalf? Oh, the wizard." Viltarra hummed. "Would Naurfaer know where he could be?"

"Doubtful." Fili grumbled. "Though we could ask. We should give this to uncle." Fili stood just in time to bend and catch Vilia mid-step, who was running by him at full speed. "Keep looking Ori; if you find anything else, bring it up." Ori nodded as the royal couple left the library.

Nearly an hour later, they were sitting not in Thorin's office, but in his sitting room up in the suites with Kili, Tauriel, Nyaunni, and Naurfaer. Dis was there as well, reading the scroll over Thorin's shoulder. Her expression was a perfect match to Thorin's as they read the words of their grandfather six generations ago.

The room was free of any children, which was rare since neither Fili nor Kili's little ones were barred from any room, including their grandparents. They were all in the kitchen though, with Vin and Tarrah who had rallied them together to make the evening dessert. Tarrah even offered to watch Ithtiri so the family could speak without interruption of distraction.

All in the room were silently thinking about the words Thorin had read aloud not minutes ago. Even Naurfaer was lost for words…though he did name the name out loud. "I believe he may have been alluding to Sauron. It was rumored he ran into hiding…but nobody really knew where. Though I know little of the fortress in Mirkwood; only of its existence. I made great efforts to stay away from Thranduil's little kingdom until recently…I believe you know why."

"You mean because you think he's a pompous peacock who likes to pretend he knows better than everyone?" Fili lifted a brow before Viltarra whacked him on the shoulder.

"The elven king is not that bad." She growled as Tauriel glared dangerously at her brother.

"My words precisely, Fili." Naurfaer smiled wide, ignoring the looks now thrown at him. He shrugged. "First of all, he IS a pompous peacock and anyone would be in denial if they admitted otherwise, even you starlight." He gave his granddaughter an amused look when her scowl only deepened. Laughing, Naurfaer sat back and placed an arm around Tauriel's tense shoulders. "Alright, alright. I must say he has grown on me some. But I refuse to take my words back. He is, indeed, still a peacock. Do you see what he wears? Even his tiara's match the season...it's a bit...oh I don't know..."

"Peacocky?" Fili finished with a grin while Kili attempted to hide his smile and amusement from his wife who now had turned her blazing gaze to him...and he burst out laughing unable to contain it anymore.

Tauriel rolled her eyes. "If it is not helpful to the situation, perhaps you can all keep such ill thoughts to yourselves." She folded her arms but allowed his arm to remain resting across her shoulders...for now. "I lived in the forest for my entire life, up until twenty-two years ago when I followed my heart to Ered Luin. Is there a darkness in the forest? Yes. And I do believe it to be leaking from Dol Guldur; the fortress of darkness. But what Thrain experienced…I have never in my life encountered. I saw no signs or symbols marked on our trees."

"But we did when we went through that first time after leaving Beorn's." Fili interrupted. "Do you remember uncle? When we first entered Mirkwood, Gandalf saw something that had him turning and going elsewhere rather suddenly. It was a mark of sorts, one I know I could not identify even if I saw today…but there was a mark I am sure of it."

Thorin thought back but could not recall any such marks or symbols in the forest that day. Though he was rather lost to grief over losing Tauriel, and his grief combined with his desire...or need...to reach Erebor smothered most all of his thoughts at the time. He is embarrassed to say he has no memory of when or why Gandalf even left them, let alone him seeing a mark of any kind.

"Then maybe, we should simply call Mithrandir in for a visit. It has been what, sixteen years since he has come? Why not have him visit and maybe, he can shed some light on what is happening in Mirkwood." Naurfaer suggested. He had a fair few ideas where the wandering wizard tends to go having enjoyed tracking him down throughout his life when he desired his company. Although he could be rather elusive when he wants to be. He certainly isn't the hardest wizard to find...that would be Pallando and Alatar, the blue wizards who wander Rhun and the other lands bordering the west. He had yet to track them down in all his time here in middle earth. One day.

After a moment, Thorin nodded. "If you nor Tauriel could give us any insight, Gandalf may be the next best thing. I know the weather is harsh, but I think this is far to important to let lie until spring, so see if you can have one of the ravens track him down. Kaw might be the best bet. He has a talent for finding people and flying great distances in all seasons regardless of the weather."

Thorin looked around the room, his eyes falling on his daughter. "Is that alright, natha?"

Tauriel sighed then nodded. "I can have him ready in a few hours time. He will need to get his armor on and I wish to ensure he has eaten a full meal before he is sent. There is no telling how long he will be gone."

"As you wish." Thorin said in agreement. "I am afraid, that is all we can do now. I still have not received a response from Thranduil outside a warning to stay away, and they are handling things as best they can, so I suppose you are all dismissed."

With a dismissal from Thorin and nothing more to go on, Tauriel somewhat reluctantly readied Kaw who nuzzled her affectionally before eating an entire bowl worth of his favorite food likely unaware that he was about to be sent out into the dark winter's night, on what really was a wild goose chase in search for the wizard she is sure only is found when he wants to be found. She pressed her head to her raven as she stood on the cold balcony, worried about not knowing when he will return. She could see him in just a week, or it could be many months before her beloved Kaw returned. "Fly swiftly my darling, but do so with caution. Stay away from the forest if you can bare it, and rest and eat when you can. Inikh Deh, my Kaw. Return to me as soon as you can."

Kaw playfully nipped at her ear before lovingly pressing his head to her temple. As he pulled away he cooed at Umyra; the white raven was perched on the railing as if she was ready to say her own goodbye. Kaw leaned into her while she pressed her beak to him just before he spread his large wings and flew from the veranda.

December was days from passing and they were moving into the bitter dead of winter, which was for their lands, January was known to be the harshest month of the seasonal year. The coldest time of year, was also the darkest time of year as the season crawled slowly but surely towards spring, but to get there, they must endure the frigid never-ending night.

As Tauriel followed her raven with her eyes as he flew into the darkness of the harsh, biting, night, she felt something covering her shoulders and didn't need to look to feel her husband place one of his fur lined coats over her shivering frame before wrapping himself around her. She hadn't even realized she was shivering...but whether it was from the cold...or her body reacting to the worries of what was to come she couldn't say.

"He will be back. Kaw always returns." Kili spoke encouragingly in her ear, pressing his lips to her neck then looking to the sky himself.

Tauriel didn't respond; instead she watched her raven soar into the clouds until he was even out of sight for her elven eyes. She couldn't help but let her eyes fall onto the dark forest barely outlined by the moon peaking out of the clouds now and again. She stared at the black mass fo trees, feeling something akin to fear or worry. It was once a place she felt safe, but now...now what she saw filled her more with concern, even more so because she felt powerless to stop whatever it was or help from so close, yet so far away. In short, what was to come…was out of her hands. With a shake of her head, Tauriel closed her eyes and tried to let her feelings of concern go. She will save her fears for when she can give them true name. Until then, they all must wait.

And wait they did. The days passed with no sign of Kaw, but considering he could be anywhere in the west, it was unsurprising. Thranduil finally sent word not a day after they sent Kaw out, telling Thorin of a company he was putting together to look into the forest on a day mission. But not two days later, he would again send news the company had disappeared. Legolas had offered to go search for them, but the elven king refused to allow it, he would not let his son go out only to risk losing him. Tauriel only knew this, as Legolas relayed it to her in frustration via letter he had personally written to her.

Even Ivethin was barred from leaving to visit Rivendell, which she had done every year for centuries to teach and offer her skills to the new healers in Elrond's city at his invitation. The normally calm and peaceful healer in fact wrote her own frustrations to Tauriel, though she also gave her understandings for why their Lord did what he did. Always the peacemaker, Ivethin. As it was, nobody was to leave Mirkwood without explicit permission from Thranduil...the elven city was officially a fortress...or perhaps to some...a prison.

But before anyone could fault Thranduil for doing nothing but sitting in his throne and watching team after team be taken, there was yet another missive that came from Legolas. The elven prince had hastily written Tauriel, stating that his father had gone out with a group in the dark of the night and when they returned, they all bore wounds of an attack...Thranduil himself being gravely injured and barely conscious atop his elk.

Legolas relayed Ivethin alone saw to the king who had wounds from a weapon she had little experience in. Whatever it was, it clearly had not been common in the area. According to Ivethin's quickly scribbled notes on the border of the page Legolas had been using, the weapon appeared to cause some sort of lashing type lacerations. But that was not what had nearly downed the king, instead, Thranduil suffered from what they believed to be the black breath...a gift that could come from nothing else but a Nazgul.

In the worst of cases, the black breath kills with no justice, but in the best, one loses complete consciousness and lies lost to the waking world for many days their body wracked with burning fever and an onslaught of dark visions to those who were unlucky enough to receive such a gift. Naurfaer said he only knows little about it, but it was what happened when one came into contact, and attempted to kill, one of the Nazgul. "Foolish and stupid." Naurfaer had said both about anyone who attempted such a suicidal feet, and in regards to Thranduil for doing something so reckless without requesting any aid from his allies.

It was eye opening to the royal family who at least had some semblance of an answer now. There were Nazgul in the forest. The idea that there were such creatures living in the forest that bordered their lands who could nearly take down Thranduil...was unsettling. Legolas assured them his father was well and on the mend now, and would send word if they have any further insight or news. At the moment, however, it was well advised for both Erebor and Dale to stay away.

As for Bard, he had come to Erebor the week after Tauriel sent Kaw out with news that Bain's wife was out of bed, but was weak, though doing well. She was no longer at death's doors, yet they still worried about whether or not she will ever fully recover. It was always a risk, becoming a mother. Fili knew all too well after nearly losing Viltarra himself.

"How is everyone else fairing?" Kili asked as he dished Kilion up some of the hash his mam just set on the table. Bard had come very early in the morning and was greeted by Thorin at the gates who had clasped his hand and invited him up to eat with them when he had learned the Lord of Dale had yet to have eaten yet. Dis was more than happy to accommodate...as she always made more than enough food anyway...and she quickly put out an extra place setting for their guest and ally. Of course, Bard was most grateful and a bit surprised to be allowed up into the royal wing and join in on the seemingly intimate yet rather casual family breakfast.

It felt a bit different, watching the normally put together royal family of Erebor, trickle into breakfast far more casual than what he was used to. The children ran in, most of which still in their sleeping clothes with exception of Finli who was ready for an early lesson with Balin, and Dissah who was never one to linger in her sleeping clothes. Karrah sat with her head in her palm, her hair in complete disarray, and her eyes drooping as she nodded off clearly having been woken up and forced to come to breakfast. Though her father didn't look much different as he grunted and grumbled most of his answers until he realized they had a guest and had to at least pretend to be mentally present this early in the morning.

Kili was a morning person, and sat smiling and laughing as he happily prepared plates for his four sons while Tauriel sat nursing Ithtiri. She too looked tired as she sat in her dressing gown having been more than a little embarrassed to be in such casual attire for their royal guest. Tauriel had been first to the kitchen apart from Dis and had helped set breakfast before Thorin brought Bard up. But instead of stuck her chin up and went about breakfast without a single indication she was uncomfortable. The only one who knew, in fact, was Kili who offered to take Ithtiri to allow her to go get changed, but she waved him off mostly because she was starving and preferred to eat something warm, over something cold. Nursing always left her famished.

Bard had never seen her with her hair clear of any braids apart from the four that hung just in front and behind her ears. It simply hung loosely a free down her shoulders and Bard smiled as she had to pull it from her infant's grasp as the tiny being nursed. Kili moved to tie her hair back for her so it was both out of their daughter's reach, and out of Tauriel's eyes. The eleth smiled gratefully at her husband who pressed a kiss to her lips then went back to plating food for the twins who were being reprimanded by Nyaunni for standing on their chairs and knocking a plate of bacon to the ground where Hiril immediately moved to eat.

Needless to say Dis was not pleased to have to make more, and the twins sat silent after both Nyaunni and Dis gave them a stern talking to about their antics at the breakfast table. Kili, however, pushed his mother back into her seat, and set about making the bacon for her...which she was more than happy to let him go about it.

Bard enjoyed seeing the family like this, as it reminded him these were people, no different than he and his family were. It was easy to get caught up in politics and royal images, so much so one forgets that even a royal family can have normalcy throughout their day.

"The rest of the family is very well." Bard smiled to Kili, who was still holding Kilion's plate when he tested the bacon to make sure it wasn't too hot for his ten-year-old son. But considering Finli was munching away on a piece...he figured it was fine and added two strips to Kilion's plate and passed it to his son who dug in eagerly.

"Any unusual sightings?" Thorin asked once the pleasantries were over. He was glad to hear Bain's wife was doing well, but he doubted the Lord of Dale would trek through the deep snows to Erebor early in the morning before the sun has even risen, just to let them know something he could have very easily sent in a note.

Considering Bard was now watching Thorin with a somewhat apprehensive look, Thorin knew the answer before it even left the human's lips. "I fear I came here as quickly as I could in person, because I thought you should know right away." Bard took a deep breath and shook his head. "Something emerged from the wood last evening...something unlike we have ever seen. My general called me immediately and put all guards at the ready for battle as a group of creatures we could not name emerged from the forest." Bard stared hard a Thorin. "I have seen many things in my day, Thorin, and we have fought orcs, goblins, and the like side by side...but these creatures were different."

"We heard tell of Nazgul being in the forest." Thorin grunted. "I must admit I know little of their physical characteristics...but I do know they are robed in black, and stood tall and armored. Was it a creature like this?"

Bard shook his head. "I have never seen a Nazgul, but we have our own histories that tell of them and what they look like. Indeed, one among them was a Nazgul astride a large, armored horse. But surrounding it were a group of beings on foot that I have no name for...yet it was too dark to truly describe. There were orcs as well, and the two were vastly different in physique so I knew they could not be orcs...and neither were they goblins and certainly not trolls. In fact, they were tall and lithe. If I were to guess buy what we could see, they looked like elves...but also not like elves." He sighed. "I wish I could tell you more, but it was well into the night and we could only see from the light coming from our own city."

"Did they attack?" Fili asked now wide awake. Even the dwarflings looked around curiously, Finli even putting his fork down as he leaned in raptly listening.

Bard, however, sighed out a no. "They didn't even appear to have interest in our city. They kept a wide birth and stopped just past our walls. We could not make out their words, as I ordered my men to keep far enough back as to not draw their attention...but the creature astride the horse pointed to Erebor. They lingered for maybe a quarter hour, then turned and went back into the forest. It was unsettling, Thorin, because it just didn't sit right with me."

Thorin rubbed his hands down his face and sat back in his chair. "Elflike you say?" Tauriel spoke softly, worry clear in her voice."

Bard nodded. "I only say that in the loosest terms, Tauriel." He sighed. "Like I said, I couldn't see well so I am afraid I can describe them only based off what I am familiar with. Tall and lean was all I could make out...yet their manner of movement was something I can only relate to the way an elf moves about. Your race is very fluidic in motion so I do not think I am mistaken in that manner of description."

Tauriel ground her jaw as she stared at Bard, her emerald eyes boring into him as she tried to make sense of what she heard. The human wondered, just for a moment, if she was one of those elves who could read his mind as many of their writings on the race elude to. But he shook the thought from his head doubting such notions, if she could, it wasn't as if he had anything to hide nor would he be able to do anything about it...so he just let that thought go.

"I don't like this." Dis said pushing her plate away, half uneaten. "I do not like this at all."

"The feeling is mutual, lady Dis." Bard mumbled sipping his cooling tea.

"Uncle, I would like to go to Dale and see where they were seen." Fili said. "That way we can get an idea of just how close they got to Erebor."

"I'll go with him." Kili agreed. "It isn't sitting right with me knowing they were fixated on Erebor."

"I will go too." Tauriel sat straight as she looked to Thorin. "I need to see for myself."

At that moment, Naurfaer waltzed in, grabbed a plate, and began filling it with everything he saw. "You wouldn't believe what I just heard." He said, not even acknowledging their visitor. Tauriel blanched as Naurfaer spoke with a mouthful of eggs which were falling from his mouth onto the table. "I was checking in on the stable hands to see if they needed more guards when I ran into Ykla who was excitedly relaying some interesting news she had just received in a letter from a friend. By the way, this 'friend' happened to be none other than Radagast the brown." The elf reached over the table to grab three muffins and place them on his plate, though he jammed one of them into his mouth causing Tauriel to tut and roll her eyes. She tried to interrupt him, but he just went on talking merrily. "I am a bit annoyed NOBODY told me she knew or was even friends with Radagast. Bit of a hermit he is, and the few times I had tea with him...I found a rodent bathing in my cup not a few sips in. Needless to say I don't make it a regular habit to invite myself to tea with him often. The tea tasted off anyway, and it makes me wonder exactly what he uses."

"Maybe you shouldn't invite yourself to tea." Tauriel said as quickly as she could. "And if you have not noticed..."

"Did you know there have been sightings of a herd of oliphaunts just to the east of Mirkwood forest?" Naurfaer ignored his granddaughter and just kept talking to her pure frustration. "Oliphaunts...in these lands...most unusual."

"Are you quite finished?" Tauriel said glaring at the elf. "We have a guest, if you can find your manners long enough to greet him."

Naurfaer lifted a brow. "Yes, I am well aware. I met Bard at the gate this morning with Aeodhen before he came inside the mountain. Welcome to breakfast, by the way." The elf smiled wide, the colors from the berries on the scone staining his teeth and lips. The dwarflings were laughing merrily as Naurfaer reached for Ithtiri who Tauriel passed over but only so she could cross her arms and scowl at him.

"So you know about what Bard saw?" Tauriel said sceptically.

"Saw?" Naurfaer looked around thoughtfully. "Nope. Not a clue. Was it anything important?"

"It was a Nosegoul!" Naufi said excitedly. "I wish I could see one. Can I come too da?"

"ABSOLUTLY NOT!" Thorin roared, the dwarfling shrinking behind his elder brother who looked down at him with a lifted brow despite their heights not being that much different. Finli, after all, was only three years older than his twin brothers and really was not that much taller than they were. "I WILL not have such casual talk about this. Finli, take your brothers to get dressed for the day."

"Aww. But that's not fair." Naufi huffed and looked to his parents with pleading eyes. "Can't I stay da? Mama? Please?"

Kili, however, shook his head in full agreement with his uncle. "Go on Naufi. You have classes starting soon. Go with your brother."

"Not fair." Naufi huffed as he slid off the chair and stomped to the door before Finli even got up, Orin following directly behind him quiet as he usually was.

"I am sorry uncle, I will have a talk with him about this." Kili said apologetically. "He is only sixteen."

Thorin narrowed his eyes, but nodded. "I quite remember you being very similar at his age, Kili." He looked to the table and let out another breath. "I will apologize to him later. I should not have yelled as I did."

Tauriel just watched quietly. "If you excuse me, I need to see that my sons understand the gravity of the situation." The eleth stood, attempting to take her daughter back from Naurfaer, but he easily dodged her and she scowled.

"I got her." He met her scowl with a mocking one of his own, then laughed. "Go on starlight. She's falling asleep anyway. Enjoy having free hands for a bit."

Tauriel huffed and rolled her eyes but thought better than to say anything to her infuriating grandfather, and instead swept from the room leaving both Kili and Finli wincing as the door slammed shut behind her.

Kili winced again when his wife sent her scathing frustration right at him. For the first time, the young prince was grateful all she could do, was send her emotions. He wasn't sure he would be able to endure her thoughts being yelled at him at the moment. "I better go too." Kili said standing but not even bothering to grab for his daughter. Perhaps it was best she remain here until his wife calmed down a bit.

"Go on Kili." Thorin nodded. "Be ready to leave the mountain in two hours time." He paused, and groaned pinching the bridge of his nose. "I expect, Tauriel will likely insist she go as well."

"Go where?" Naurfaer said looking from Kili to Thorin.

"Dale." Viltarra said, speaking for the first time.

"Two hours?" Naurfaer hummed. "I can be ready by then."

"You're coming too?" Kili asked, lifting a brow.

"If Tauriel, you, and Fili are going...I better go. You three together spell disaster every time. By the Valar...if Tauriel was not so loved by the makers, she'd be long lost to this world and I doubt either of you would be far behind."

Dis tsked and glared at Naurfaer. "A mother NEVER wants to hear about the demise of their children. Please keep such talk from the table, Naurfaer. It is not welcome here."

"Right. Sorry Dis." Naurfaer said honestly. "I will be going though."

Thorin sighed as he rubbed his temples, trying to decide what to do. On the one hand, they do need more information...and if this was somehow elven related...Tauriel and Naurfaer would be the best at assessing the situation where elves could potentially be involved. On the other hand, he hated the idea of sending Tauriel, the elf he loved, the elf his entire family loved, into a situation where it could bring her harm...considering what was happening in Mirkwood, and what had happened to Thranduil. Not to mention, he loathed sending even his nephews outside the protection of the mountain.

Yet as annoyed as Thorin was with Naurfaer at the moment, he could not help but feel relief that he would be there with his nephew and elven daughter. The more protection they had, the better. He wonders if they would be opposed to taking a few dozen guards...just in case. Oh that will be a battle in itself. Shaking his head he nodded to Naurfaer. "Good. I would prefer that you go with them Naurfaer." The dwarven king looked to Bard who seemed to just be watching quietly.

"I apologize for the upheaval. I would say this is unusual for them, but I am afraid that would be dishonest." Thorin grumbled.

"No need to apologize, Thorin. I was the one to intrude on your family's time with no forewarning of my visit. I make no judgments whatsoever." Bard looked to Fili and Kili, the latter at the door with his hand on Finli's shoulder and Kilion now standing at his side clinging to Kili's leg. He was never comfortable with guests he didn't know, and as such, had not said a word since Bard came in, then nearly bolted for the door when his mother walked out, only staying because he didn't want to draw the attention of the lord of Dale. But the moment Kili moved to leave, the little dwarfling immediately abandoned his food to shuffle to his father and somewhat hide behind Kili when Bard glanced at him.

"Do you plan on coming with me to Dale, or are you going to meet me there?" Bard asked the two brothers.

"We will join you." Fili said, taking his youngest daughter from his wife and bouncing her on his knee. "I think we can be ready in an hours time. Ki?"

"I don't see why I can't be ready in an hour. Finli and the twins go to classes in a quarter hour, so I just need to find someone to keep an eye on the younger pair." Kili said thoughtfully.

"I can watch them." Viltarra said, torn between wanting to offer her services in caring for the children, and wanting to go with them to Dale. But what could she do? No, she could help best THIS time by taking the children so those who know and could give better input would be able to go. Let the maker know though, she will not be the one constantly stuck in the mountain as the nanny for their adventures if this keeps happening. "Tell Tauriel I will be by as soon as my girls are dressed and to school to get Kilion and Ithtiri."

"I appreciate that, Viltarra." Kili smiled gratefully. "We shouldn't be too long. Ithtiri will need to eat so Tauriel really shouldn't be away for longer than necessary."

"I will ready the horses for you." Nyaunni said standing. "Do you want to take a wagon?"

"No, just the horses will do." Fili answered as he stood. "I'll meet you soon." The blonde prince said to Bard and followed his brother out to get ready.

When Kili stepped into his suite, he watched as Finli immediately pulled Kilion to the nursery, likely to try and cheer the more timid little dwarfling up. Finli always liked to cheer up his baby brother when he thought he was being a bit too serious. Kilion looked up to all his brothers, even the two who were trouble.

Speaking of trouble, Kili decided to move down the hall to where he knew his wife to be. She was sitting on the bed with Orin sitting between her legs while she braided his hair out of his face. She held out her hand and Naufi handed her the clip that matched their fathers and she fastened it into place.

"Mama, can da do my hair?" Naufi asked, sighing when she finished his brothers hair and looked expectantly towards him.

"What if...I...wish to do your hair, my Naufi?" Tauriel said, reaching out to snatch her son who tried to run, but was not as quick as his agile mother. She wrapped her arms around him and held him while he laughed and only half tried to get away from her. Kili was happy she seemed to have handled the situation as he plopped on the bed beside her and their son.

"DA HELP!" Naufi yelled out, trying to grab at his father who laughed while his twin brother only rolled his eyes as he climbed up on Kili's lap.

"He can't help, because he is busy." Orin said in his soft voice. Like day and night, their personalities were, one loud and openly shares their thoughts...and the other soft spoken yet no less trouble. They fed off each other in both the best, and the worst of ways.

Kili chuckled and kissed Orin on the head as Tauriel finally released Naufi who instead of running from her, sat on her lap with his head on her shoulder. "Can I just leave my hair down today, mama? Please?"

"You can do whatever you wish my love. But wouldn't you prefer it if it was out of your face?" Tauriel brushed the dark copper strands from his eyes and Naufi laughed when she rubbed her nose against his.

"I can braid his hair amralime, if you want to go get ready. Thorin agreed to let us go to Dale. Fili and Naurfaer will be ready in about an hour which should be more than enough time to get these two goblins and Finli to school. And no, you cannot come." Kili gave Naufi and Orin a look, both giving him a wide eyed innocent expression. "Don't look at me like that. You both know why we stay in the mountain. There will be days that come, when you will be needed in the world beyond our safe walls...but that time is far in the future."

"I know." Naufi grumbled. "Mama already told me the same thing."

"And your mama, knows better than anyone." Kili said releasing Orin and twisting on the bed so Naufi could sit between his legs like Orin had been with Tauriel when he walked in. "Go ahead, amralime. I will see that they are taken to classes and meet you in the stable. Viltarra should be here soon, and you probably should feed Ithtiri one last time before we go."

Tauriel sighed and nodded leaving Kili to do Naufi's hair and finish getting them ready while she herself went to dress for the day.

It always was an odd reminder of what she was, looking in the mirror as she buckled her baldric about her narrow waist. It was just over a month ago she gave birth to her fifth child...yet it only took a few weeks for her body to return back to its slight form. Well, except one area. She huffed as she unlaced the top of her fitted tunic, cringing from the pain it brought being so tight. She needed to feed Ithtiri anyway so she could give herself a bit more breathing room. A knock on the door had Tauriel turning from the mirror as she opened the door having an idea of who it was.

"Starlight. Thought you would want to feed our newest little beauty before you go." Naurfaer smiled wide as he brushed past her and plopped on the bed. "You okay?" He asked when he noticed her sour expression.

"I am perfectly well." Tauriel said curtly, but then realized her tone and apologized. "It is the first time I have worn this, and I am a bit frustrated it does not fit right. It really is nothing. Forgive my tone auduadarya. I do not mean to sound like a haughty bear."

Naurfaer chuckled as he crossed his legs on the bed and readjusted Ithtiri who was more than ready to eat...again. Tauriel's children could eat all day, and still want more. "You don't have to go starlight." Naurfaer said lifting a brow, then he laughed when she turned a scowl towards him. He laughed even harder when he looked down to see the exact same expression on Ithtiri's face. "Well aren't you a copy of your mother."

He paused as the infant looked up at him with her wide eyes. "You know, her eyes are getting darker. I think she may end up with Kili's color."

Tauriel rolled her eyes and sat beside her grandfather, taking her daughter. "It will be several months before we know, but I would be quite happy if she does inherit Kili's eyes. I have two who have mine, I would very much love to see Kili's eyes reflected in our daughter."

"Well she certainly has your hair." Naurfaer leaned over and brushed a finger over the whisps of red. "And her features are all yours, though...a less elven version of you." He sighed causing Tauriel to look at him, seeing a flicker of pain cross his features but he shook it away.

"Does that upset you? That none of my children appear to look elven?" Tauriel asked after a moment of deciding how to phrase the question.

"What?" Naurfaer asked in surprise. "Of course not! I love them Tauriel, just as they are."

"But you wish, they were more elven." She said softly, her finger brushing over Ithtiri's rounded ears, wondering what they would look like if they were her long, pointed ears, but for some reason, happy they were not.

"Tauriel." Naurfaer said in a soothing tone. "I wish for no such thing. Look. I...it is difficult sometimes to know there will come a day when I wake up in the morning and you will all be gone from me. I won't see your smile or the way your eyes light up when Kili enters the room. I won't hear Kili's laughter or enjoy his catching optimism. I won't have Finli at my feet, or try to hold back my laughter at the trouble Orin and Naufi get into. There will be no questions from Kilion about...everything...and one day, Ithtiri will be only a memory. It is just...hard to know it will all be gone from me and sooner than I wish, starlight." Naurfaer rubbed his hands down his face. "I am grateful to have whatever time I can with you, with the family, and I won't take any of it back; not a moment, not a second, not a memory. But I supposed there was a part of me, who wished that at least one of them would be around a bit...longer."

Tauriel blinked, then nodded. She understood his meaning, and they have talked about this before...a few times actually. But pain, is pain. She could not give Naurfaer what he wants, she could never give him what he wants. Her children will all be mortal, every, last, one. "I am sorry." She said honestly.

"Please don't be. My time with you means everything to me, starlight. Let's just...try to keep it as long as possible. You sure you're up to coming?"

"Hand me that blanket." Tauriel said pointing to the throw Kili had haphazardly tossed onto the bed when he woke up. It was one of the boys they dragged into the room and left when they got up for breakfast. Though they all slept in their own beds through the majority of the night…on most nights, everyone one of them ends up in Kili and Tauriel's bed by morning...even Finli who tends to sleep at the end of the bed more often than not. It never bothered either Tauriel nor Kili to have all their children huddled together on their bed in the early hours of the day. Though they certainly had to get creative when they needed time to just themselves.

Naurfaer grabbed the blanket from behind him and knowing what Tauriel wanted it for, helped her drape it so she could nurse her daughter. Once Ithtiri was happily eating, she turned herself a bit towards Naurfaer. "I will be coming." She said in a matter of fact tone. "I need to know what is happening, and it affects the people I lived most my life with."

"You mean the people who ostracized you, made you feel like less, and did not support you through the times you needed it most?" Naurfaer said angerly. "Why do you give them your loyalty Tauriel? They do not deserve it."

Tauriel stared at her grandfather for several seconds as she collected her thoughts. "You are wrong, and you do not mean that. Nobody deserves what they are going through auduadarya. And I was not completely alone. Legolas did his best to mitigate what the others did, and I had a few who were not unkind to me. Ivethin, and Nelithi never cause me harm."

"Yet you did not go to them." Naurfaer said knowing full well his granddaughter would have rather suffered in silence, than to place her burdens on others. He brushed some hair from her face. "I hate myself sometimes you know. Truly, deeply, and unreservedly hate myself."

When Tauriel moved to talk, Naurfaer placed his fingers over her lips. "Shh. Just...don't. Nothing you could possibly say, will ever change that. I abandoned you Tauriel. I handed over my granddaughter who was barely hours if not days old, to a stranger, to chase down orcs. How Ithildin doesn't hate or curse me for what I did, I don't know. Oh. The life we could have had, my starlight." He chuckled. "Your spirit free of confines, free to just, be." He felt a tear fall down his face and let it. "But in probably the biggest error in judgment of my life, I let you go and then...thought you were dead. Then you did die, and I didn't even find you until you were already mortal. I cannot help but wonder, if I had been there, if I had just found you a bit earlier, if I could have saved you from having to give up your immortality, if I would have been enough to protect you all from your first fate."

"Please do not hate yourself." Tauriel tried but Naurfaer looked away from her.

"As I said, nothing you can say will make me feel different. It is what I deserve, my curse, is to be alone." He looked at her. "A penance I supposed, for being so stupid and careless with you. I will have nothing, not even Fili's children whom I love deeply, to stay with me for more than a few centuries. I accept it though, because I got to meet you, my granddaughter, my Tauriel, my starlight."

"Naurfaer, your daughter was just killed." Tauriel sighed, hating to see the jovial elf she had grown to love so distraught. "I doubt many would have done any better or thought differently. And there could have been far worse fates for me than what I had in Mirkwood." Naurfaer gave her a look laced with skepticism but she ignored it and pressed on. "I mean it, truly. And had I not been in Mirkwood...had I not been a captain...we would not be sitting here together as we are, Naurfaer. We would have never met, or the likelihood would have been very, very slim. The only reason we are having this conversation at all, was because the circumstances as there were, were rich with coincidences that worked together to bring Kili to me."

Tauriel bit her lip, then looked up at her grandfather. "Auduadarya, you would have never had me for forever even if I was an immortal. I am Kili's, and he is mine. Even if I was immortal, when he left this world..."

"So would you." Naurfaer finished, cupping her jaw tenderly.

"Perhaps not right away." Tauriel said quickly. "I am not so weak a person that I would abandon..." She cringed at the use of word seeing the pain cross Naurfaer's face once more. "...I mean, I would not leave those I love if I was needed."

"What if I need you?" Naurfaer said, his tone just above a whisper. He saw pain in her eyes and shook his head, smiling. "That is not fair of me, is it? You would force yourself to endure centuries of pure agony being away from Kili, just to try and keep others happy...wouldn't you." Not a question...but a hard truth. Tauriel is far too self-sacrificing for her own good. He brushed a tear away from her face. "I know you would. I would have to be the one to tell you to go...and I don't know if I would ever have had to strength to remain myself."

The elf chuckled and ran his hand through his red hair. "Well, now, how did we get to this topic? Far too depressing for such a day. I don't plan on losing any of you anytime soon. So how about we put aside the talk of death when there is still so much life to be had. Hmm?" Naurfaer glanced down where he knew Ithtiri was still nursing away. He then looked to the open door and laughed, "A lot of life.". He listened to the sounds of Kili herding his children about as he usually did each morning. His expression caused Tauriel to follow his gaze and listen for herself.

There was a thundering of feet outside the bedroom door followed by an amused yell from Kili. "NAUFI! YOU NEED SHOES!"

"DA! I AM ORIN!"

"NO YOU'RE NOT, YOU GIT!" An identical voice called out.

"Naufi..." Kili said in warning. "...you know very well I know which of you is which. Try that with someone who isn't me or your mother. Shoes. Now. Fin, can you get that bag? Kilion, go ahead and go in with your mam. And don't forget to knock first!"

"But the door is open da. Do I still have to knock?"

Tauriel smiled, just listening to her husband and children. They were the light of her day, and she loves them, she loves them so so much. As terrible as she felt for Naurfaer...in no way does she regret her choice. Mortality...is not a curse to Tauriel as many elves believe it to be...but a wonderous gift she cherishes...as difficult and uncomfortable as it can be sometimes. She sighed happily. How did she deserve this life?

The door pushed open, and a streak of ebony came running in as a pair of Durin blue eyes peered up at her. "Mama look! Fin let me wear his tunic today! See? It fits now!"

Fitting would be a gross exaggeration, as the sleeves fell far past little Kilion's hands, and the bottom of the tunic hung just above his ankles. Finli was not all that tall either, but Kilion was very small.

"Look at you!" Naurfaer pulled the little dwarfling up onto the bed. "Getting so big. You will soon be wearing your da's clothes!"

Kilion beamed with pride, but Tauriel felt something in her crack at the thought of her ten year old getting older. She was NOT ready for that. Though Ithtiri was an infant, Kilion was still her baby. Valar above, Finli was still her baby and he was nineteen. Thank the creators her children did not age like humans. They can be her little ones for a while yet, even her precious Finli. What was she kidding herself, they were all precious to her. Her babies. All of them were her babies.

"Are you okay mama?" Kilion asked, now sitting on Naurfaer's lap.

"I am perfect my little lion." Tauriel said without skipping a beat. She felt her daughter's soft breaths as she had fallen asleep and decided she must have had enough. With expert hands, she made herself decent while still holding Ithtiri, though Naurfaer eventually reached for the sleeping infant so Tauriel could retie her tunic...she made sure to not make it as tight as she had done earlier as that was most uncomfortable.

"You ready?" Naurfaer said after Tauriel pulled on a fur lined coat Leotti had made for her, and grabbed Kili's so he didn't have to come back to the room once he dropped the children off if he has already left. She also grabbed his weapons for him that way they could just go and decided to peak out and check to see if her husband and children were still here or if she would have to push them out the door.

"Kili?" Tauriel leaned her head out just as Kili held the door open to take their children to their lessons.

"Yes amralime?" Kili asked from the across the room.

Seeing as he was at the door, Tauriel thought better of reminding them of the time and instead decided to ask Kili if there was anything further he wanted her to take. "I have your coat meleth nin, and I will grab your day bag…but do you want your bow? Or just your sword?"

Kili looked thoughtfully at his wife before shrugging. "Whatever you think is best love. Though with our luck, maybe grab both." He laughed then lifted a brow when Orin tugged on his shirt.

"Daaaa...come on! We will be late! Let's go!"

Kili smirked at his son who seemed to be annoyed. "Late? Us? We are never late." A bold face lie as according to his mam, they were late to everything but meals. But what are you to do when you have five children? It's a battle in itself to get everyone out the door.

"We are ALWAYS late!" Orin grumbled. "And if you keep talking to mama, we will be even LATER."

Kili blinked down at his son…then suddenly feigned a faint, lifting the back of his hand to his forehead, and dropped right to the ground in sitting position. "Oh no, I suddenly feel too dizzy to move. Forgive me Orin, you will have to give your father yet another moment."

"DA!" Orin huffed while Naufi and Finli both laughed loudly at their father's antics. "It isn't funny. I don't like being late." Orin said knowing full well his father was just fine.

Kili pressed his hand to his heart and gave Orin a pathetic look. "Do I mean less to you than being on time to your lessons?" He blinked slowly then fell back onto the carpet. "My heart is far too broken to move now. My son doesn't love me."

Orin looked at his father in surprise then climbed up on top of Kili and looked down at him with his wide, emerald, eyes. "I love you da. Don't say that. Can we go now though? We are going to visit the treasury today and they said it was important we were on time because we can only go for first hour. I really don't want to miss it, pop never lets us go in there."

"That is because you have sticky little hands." Kili said lifting his head and giving his son a look.

"Do not." Orin grumbled.

"You took pop's prized sapphire, Orin." Finli reminded him.

"I was going to give it back." Orin claimed. "And it was for an experiment...it wouldn't have hurt it…I don't think. Besides, pop said I can use whatever I wanted."

"You asked when he was distracted...like you always do." Finli reminded him remembering when his little brother came running in and begging their grandfather to borrow something...though he had said what it was so fast nobody knew what he was saying. Their grandfather was in the middle of trying to sort out a very delicate issue between a traveling group of dwarves who were convinced one of their wares was stolen by another merchant in Erebor who sells similar products.

Finli didn't quite understand it all really; he kind of thought it was all a bit stupid. Especially since the product in question was just a simple looking, decorative, shield. It wasn't even useful in battle...yet these two groups of dwarves were yelling back and forth at each other over it. In the end, it in fact turned out that the traveling group did this often in the other mountains they visited. They would convincingly claim another's wares were their own and sought financial compensation for the theft...only nothing was ever stolen. His pop was clever though, and saw right through them...then banished the group from Erebor. Of course they put up a fight and Aeodhen had to get the guards involved...which by that time Thorin had ordered Finli out of the room and escorted to the family suite for his protection when one of the angry dwarves turned a knife towards him…that was when Thorin became FURIOUS…that particular dwarf left the mountain with a broken nose and a pair of black eyes. As annoyed as the dwarfling was by the entire argument...at least it ended on an exciting note as he was being taken from the room.

Before it all got to heads though, is when Orin had raced into the room without knocking...which was completely out of character for him as he was usually quite reserved. Maybe not as shy as Kilion, but they were very similar...except Orin enjoyed getting into trouble with Naufi and Kilion never got into trouble. Finli will never say it out loud, but, he hopes Orin and Naufi never change. He loves their...as nan puts it...shenanigans...and admires them for their no care attitudes. They follow their hearts and instincts first, then think about the repercussions when they were caught; he kind of wishes he could do that as well.

But though Finli was young, he wasn't ignorant. The entire mountain was always watching him, judging his every move and decision. His uncle had once sat him down a little while after Vilia was born, and explained to him as best he could that Vilia will be his last cousin which meant...Finli...would one day be a king. Finli remembers squaring his shoulders and nodding, already feeling the weight of his place in the family line despite it being very far off.

Finli was close to his uncle, almost as close as he was to his da. He spent a lot of time with his uncle Fili and his pop, not just because he had accepted the responsibilities given to him...but because he had a need to see for himself what was expected of a king...and a crowned prince. Finli took that very seriously, and worked very hard to show his people that he wouldn't fail them.

The young dwarfling was also not so ignorant of the occasional murmurings visitors have about his mother being an elf. At least no one in Erebor treated him differently. To most he was just a dwarfling, though to some they would speak to him as if he was some kind of...deity or something. His pop said it was because he bore the mark of Mahal, a mark only ever seen twice in history before he and his mother bore it, and reminded him to not let it go to his head. He was just a dwarf, like any other. Well...sort of. His mother was, after all, a full elf...so he guesses he was a dwelf. A dwelfling…nobody called him that though and he was indifferent about it. He didn't hate his elven blood, it was a part of who he was just like the mark was now a part of who he was. However, he preferred to keep it hidden as did his mother.

Finli rubbed the wrist his mark sat covered by both his sleeves, and a leather and silver cuff his mother and uncle made. The silver attached to the wide leather band had an anvil and hammer sitting above a single crown engraved into the metal...the symbol of Durin. It was their house emblem, and their royal right to wear. All direct descendants of Durin's wore them from Thorin to Dis, down to Kilion and Dissah. The only two yet to receive theirs were Vilia and Ithtiri who were both just too young to wear one yet. But Tauriel and Fili will be making theirs when they get old enough to wear them without tearing them off.

"You alright Fin?" Naufi looked up at his elder brother who grinned and messed Naufi's hair.

"Fine Nauf. Never better." Finli hated disappointing anyone, so he just tamped down his own self-doubts and worries. He was a son of Durin, so his pop says, greatness is expected of them. He just hopes he can be what they expect. "But I think we might have to help da." Finli gave his little brother a wry grin that was all his father. Naufi smiled right back catching his brothers meaning and without a single warning, the pair pounced on an unsuspecting Kili who gave a loud 'OOF' as his sons forced the air from his lungs with their combined weight.

"That hurt." Kili cringed. "Why you little monsters." He laughed once he could breathe again and flipped them off him and began to attack them with his fingers. The dwarflings laughed and squirmed but Kili had his three sons pinned so they couldn't move…that is until Tauriel yelled out at them.

"Don't you have lessons to get to?" She smiled as she folded her arms and leaned against the doorframe of their bedroom.

"We...are...trying." Orin laughed out between bouts of laughter as his father tickled them mercilessly.

"Well I suggest you try harder my loves." Tauriel tsked with no bite whatsoever. In fact, she wished she could imprint this moment into her memory so she could have it forever. Especially when Kilion came running out of the room to tackle his father. These times, when it was just them...just her and Kili, and his brothers...were the only times Kilion came out of his shell. Though a push from his great grandfather might have helped.

Naurfaer came up behind Tauriel holding a sleeping Ithtiri, a wide grin on his face. "Well, well, well, it sounds like quite the battle raging out here. Back-up seemed necessary so I sent out the calvary." His eyes twinkled as Kilion now sat on Kili's back tugging at his fathers shirt as if he had the strength to do anything. It was amusing to watch as he kept having to pull the sleeves up from Finli's shirt he wore.

Knowing things must end, Kili let Kilion win and carefully rolled onto his side claiming he concedes which was when all four dwarflings went in for another attack.

"I SURRENDER!" Kili laughed out. "I SURRENDER!" Then he let out a small yelp when Kilion accidently kneed him in a particularly sensitive area and Tauriel cringed as Kili curled up a bit from the pain.

"That looked like it hurt." Naurfaer winced.

"Oh...it did." Tauriel hummed. "Alright boys. Enough. Give your father a moment." She moved to usher her sons off their father who had his eyes closed.

"Uh oh." Kilion said softly. "Are you alright da?" When Kili didn't speak, Kilion knelt by his face and pressed one of his small hands against his father's cheek. "Did I hurt you da?"

Kili opened one eye, and grinned before engulfing his youngest son into his arms. "Not so hurt I can't get you." He laughed out as Kilion screeched but then melted into his father's grasp.

"Sorry da." Kilion said after a moment.

"Don't be." Kili smiled and pressed a kiss to his son's ebony hair. "But do you think you can help your old da up?"

Naurfaer snorted. "Old. He isn't even 100 years old yet and he calls himself old. Wait until he can say he has lived through a few ages...than he can call himself old."

Tauriel arched a brow. "There are very few than, who can call themselves old."

"Very true." Naurfaer chuckled. "You better help him than." He said to his great grandsons who all jumped in to pull Kili to his feet, even little Kilion who was smaller than all his brothers.

"Gah! He won't budge!" Naufi grunted as Kili just let them tug on his full weight, not helping them one bit.

"Come on boys, use those muscles." Kili said as Kilion tugged on one arm, Finli tugging on the other, and the twins behind Kili attempting to push him up. Yet Kili's dead weight had him staying rooted to the ground.

Since they really did need to get this moving, Tauriel winked to Naurfaer than moved to where her sons were struggling. "Perhaps, I can give it a try?"

"Please mama? We are going to miss the trip to the treasury." Orin pouted, plopping on the ground and folding his arms in frustration.

Tauriel squatted to the ground and kissed Orin on the head. "We will get you to that trip. Wait…is this the trip to the treasury?" She arched a perfectly sculpted brow at her son who looked up at her with a wide, innocent expression.

"Yes?" He finally answered.

Tauriel pierced her lips. "We will keep our hands off your grandfathers prized jewels. Do you understand?"

Orin huffed but nodded. "It was one time and I gave it back."

"Mhm." Tauriel hummed pressing a kiss to his brow. "I would have preferred it if that one was a zero. Now…about your father…" She stood and turned to Kili who was grinning like a loon up at her.

"Don't do it mama!" Kilion said once again tugging at his da who didn't budge. "He's too heavy!"

Tauriel chuckled again and held out her hand. "I think I can manage." She said giving her boys a little smirk. "Meleth nin?" She smiled lovingly at Kili, her eyes dancing with love, happiness, and a spark that lit up only for him. Kili, was mesmerized. So much so, he forgot he was even on the floor, he forgot how to breathe, Mahal, he forgot his name as he stared into her emerald eyes.

"We lost him." Finli said to his brothers who were all watching and waiting.

"DAAAAA!" Orin growled.

Just like that the spell was broken and Kili shook his head clear and finally accepted Tauriel's hand, his sliding perfectly into hers. She barely moved as he rose to his feet though he didn't stop until he had pulled her to him. "Thank you, amralime." Kili purred.

"Of course, my Kili. I aim to please you in any way I can." Tauriel pressed her brow to his.

"Is that so?" Kili leered at her.

Naurfaer cleared his throat knowing where this would lead. "Lessons? And we have somewhere to be. Unless you both have quite forgotten."

Tauriel's lilting laugh filled the room as she pulled away, seeing Kili's pout then his scowl as he turned towards Naurfaer who beamed at him. "Well go on. We will see you in the stables."

Kili huffed, then pressed a kiss to Tauriel's lips and finally, he and three of his sons were out the door.

"Now, let's get you and your sister to your aunt." Tauriel hummed to Kilion. She grabbed Kili's things then they went next door to hand off the younger two.

"I want to know what happened. All of it." Viltarra said, placing Ithtiri in Vilia's cradle. Vilia was on the floor now playing with Kilion so she didn't need it at the time. "And you better come back and not do anything stupid."

Fili rolled his eyes. "Ya ya. I already promised you I wouldn't."

"I wasn't talking to you." Viltarra shot back as she looked to her sister. "I was talking to Tauriel."

"Oh. Do go on then." Fili said as he sheathed his sword and began stuffing his other blades into their hidden holsters.

"Don't worry Viltarra, I will make sure they stay out of harms way." Naurfaer said rocking on his toes. "We really shouldn't be gone long anyway. A few interviews, and a bit of time mapping out where the Nazgul came, and we will be right back into Erebor."

"I feel like I have heard this all before." Viltarra folded her arms. "And I will have you know, I am VERY annoyed I have to stay behind."

Fili rolled his eyes but paused when he realized his wife was glaring at him and he lifted his hand to rub the back of his neck. "Right. We will be back nunguame. Do you want me to bring you anything from Dale?"

"Yes, I do." Viltarra sniffed. "All four of your butts back by lunch. That is what I want you to bring me...preferably unharmed."

Fili chuckled and leaned in to peck his wife on the lips. "On my honor, you shall have your desire my lady. For I happen to know, you are rather fond of my bum." He wagged his brows and Viltarra snorted and swatted him on the chest.

"Go on. And don't even THINK about leaving me for some grand adventure. I want your word on that Fili." Viltarra folded her arms and waited.

She didn't have to wait long though as Fili pressed one more kiss to her lips and sighed. "You have my word, Viltarra. We will be back." He glanced at his youngest daughter and smiled, squatting down and leaning in to grace the crown of her golden head with a kiss. "Be good for mama okay?"

"Kay Da." Vilia sung as she pushed some blocks to Kilion who was building what appeared to be some kind of fortress.

"Nice work little lion." Fili said. "Make sure you fortify your entrance so no nasty orcs get in."

"I will." Kilion smiled and waived a halfhearted farewell while his mother pressed a kiss to his forehead and made for the door. Fili patted Hiril on the way, the warg not even lifting her head from where she slept on the floor beside Vilia and the group was off to the stables.

By the time they got down, Kili was already there and had both Maryn and Galaddal saddled. "Is everyone here?" Naurfaer asked, pulling one of the spare horses from a stall. He had yet to bother getting his own horse saying he never really went anywhere where the need for one was necessary. But Tauriel was beginning to wonder if she should look into getting him one anyway. Viltarra should get one as well.

Nyaunni stood beside Kili, handing him a third saddle which he placed over Kit. "Fi, have you ever considered putting Kit on a diet?"

Fili rolled his eyes. "He is fine, Ki. He's even lost a few inches. Haven't you Kit?" Fili handed Kit a sugar cube which the horse devoured. "He is just big boned."

"He is fat, Fili." Kili said as he tried to force the saddle around Kit's sizable belly. "Maybe he should lay off the sugar cubes."

"Maybe YOU should stay out of the cookie jar, Ki. You're looking like your gaining weight too." Fili shot back folding his arms after giving Kit a second sugar cube.

Kili stood up after finally getting the strap hooked and glared at his brother. "I am NOT gaining anything but muscle. I train way more than you do."

"Alright boys. Enough is enough. Fili, you really should not be giving Kit so many sugar cubes, it is not good for him. And he is a bit..." Nyaunni glanced at the horse which could easily be mistaken for a pregnant mare. "...well...round. I thought we had him on a special diet but it doesn't seem to be doing anything."

"That is because Fili sneaks him treats anyway whenever you are not here." Kili snickered.

Nyaunni gave Fili a look and he just shrugged. "He is fine."

"He is going to have joint problems if we don't get his weight down." Nyaunni said in a warning tone. "He may be a long lived breed, Fili, but he is not immune to ailments as any other horse."

Fili sighed. "Fine. No more treats."

"And I want to run him a bit more." Nyaunni said patting Kit on the neck. "I will start taking him out with Dajnel and Uri...they will make certain he gets plenty of exercise since it appears Galaddal, Maryn, and Elenath don't."

"Fine by me." Fili said pulling himself up on his horse as Thorin came in with Bard.

"You know your orders." Thorin said gruffly. "Find out what you can but you will be back by noon bell. Understood?"

"Understood uncle." Kili and Fili said in unison.

"Tauriel?" Thorin lifted a brow and the eleth rolled her eyes.

"Understood adad." She handed Kili his coat which he pulled on then paused and stuck his hands in his pocket, searched, then moved to the other pocket. "Amralime, you haven't by chance seen an amulet of sorts have you?"

"Amulet?" Tauriel said now from atop Galaddal. She glanced at Naurfaer who was having a time trying to get his horse to stay in place, the normally docile chestnut mare kept turning in circles and evading the taller elf who sighed.

"Just take Elenath, Naurfaer." Kili chuckled.

Nyaunni intervened, grabbing the chestnut horse by the reins and looking her over. "I think that to be a wise decision. She does not seem to be up for a ride. She is young, and still learning. I thought it would be good for her to go on short rides...but maybe she isn't quite ready for that, she is only five."

"It's fine Nyaunni." Naurfaer said. "You sure its okay for me to ride Elenath? She is Finli's."

"I don't think Finli will mind." Tauriel said. "Go ahead. Now what is this about an Amulet Meleth nin?"

"Hm?" Kili hummed having completely forgotten about it already. "OH. Yes. Nagar gave me some kind of, jewel, when we saw him at the bazaar. I have to admit, it may have slipped my mind until now. It was in my pocket...but it appears to be missing."

"An amulet of what sort?" Thorin growled, annoyed.

Kili just shrugged. "Don't know. I meant to have Naurfaer take a look at it but I completely forgot about it."

"So we have had some unknown amulet in my mountain for over a month now...all because it slipped your mind. Kili, you know better." Thorin narrowed his eyes at the younger prince who sighed and nodded.

"Sorry uncle. You're right. It didn't appear to be anything concerning. Nagar just said it glowed blue to alert of orcs and goblins like your sword."

"Metal of the first age." Bard said from atop his horse. "Rare, but not completely lost to time. We have had traders bring such things now and again...usually they like to charge more than a piece of properties worth for such items. He just gave it to you?"

Kili hummed a yes. "Along with a rather...dark...tiding. Yes."

"His sister is currently among the missing." Tauriel said quietly. "I am sure he is beside himself with grief. Nagar is a merchant, not a guard if I recall correctly. He would not be allowed outside the city. It is a wonder he was allowed to go to Dale."

"I don't care why or how this elf got out of Mirkwood, when you get back I want that amulet found and inspected." Thorin growled, unhappy with his nephews carelessness. "And don't forget it this time."

"I won't." Kili said apologetically. "Sorry uncle."

Thorin grunted but waived them off and without further incident, the group was headed through the deep snow to Dale.

"It was odd. Most odd. And I felt...no' meself."

Fili eyed his brother who was nodding to the guard as he spoke about what he saw. He had been the first to alert having been on duty closest to where the tree line to the forest was.

"What do you mean, you didn't feel yourself?" Naurfaer asked. His expression was set in a hard mask which was a bit unsettling to see since Naurfaer was usually an open book. Fili had to remind himself that he could actually be serious when he wanted, or needed to be.

"I mean...I felt cold an me brain was in a fog. Took me a mo' before I could get me legs to move to alert the highers of wha' was leaving the wood."

"Is that normal?" Tauriel leaned over to quietly ask Naurfaer who shrugged.

"We don't really know the full extent of what a Nazgul is capable of. Could be...or it could be just a reaction to fear." He whispered so softly Kili and Fili barely heard what was being said. Naurfaer sighed and looked back at the guard. "Alright Nesbin."

"It's Norbin, actually." The guard corrected.

"Alright NORBIN, did they come from the path itself, or through the brush?" Naurfaer asked.

"The brush?" The guard asked confused. "I don' get yer meaning."

Fili resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "From anywhere other than the main road from Mirkwood forest."

The guard nodded. "Oh. Right. Sorry. Still a bit...off. I swear I am normally more put together." He chuckled nervously and shifted from foot to foot. "Bu' ya. They didn't come from the road. They jus' sort of...emerged from the shadows."

"Sounds familiar doesn't it?" Naurfaer asked Tauriel who nodded her head.

"Can you show us?" Tauriel asked patiently.

"No, my lady." The guard went white and took a step back as if they would require him by force to take them. "Please, don' make me go."

"I will take you." A deeper voice muttered. It was one of Bard's captains, a younger man relatively speaking age wise. He was probably in his mid-thirties. "Do you have anything further to add Norbin?"

The guard quickly shook his head. "No, cap." He gave a half bow and scurried off likely afraid they would make him accompany them if he stayed.

"You will have to forgive the lad." The captain sighed.

Bard smiled and nodded. "I don't blame him Binjimin. He never deserted his post, and he wishes to remain on the guard despite his apparent fears. That takes courage and strength. With time, I am sure he will be back to his eager self."

"I have hope he will." Binjimin agreed. "This way, if you will." The guard gestured with his hand towards the ladder they had to climb to get to the upper portion of the wall. "After you." He said to Tauriel who nodded and went to climb down but Kili jumped ahead of her.

"I will go first, amralime." He smiled and pecked her on the cheek as he slid down the ladder meeting her eye roll with a bright grin from the level below them.

"Overprotective ogre." Tauriel huffed, knowing and sensing the only reason he did that, was to ensure one of them was at the bottom when she got down. He had been hovering around her like a fly on meat since they left Erebor. Normally Tauriel was all for Kili crowding her space, in fact, she crowded his space far more than she did his. But with the undertones of his anxieties and fears leaking through their bond, it had Tauriel a bit more annoyed with him than she normally was. It made it all the more worse when instead of apologizing, he just gave her an infuriatingly charming grin as he stood waiting for her at the bottom of the first ladder.

As she got down he grabbed her hips, and she swatted him away. "Behave." She growled and Kili huffed and stepped back as she stepped down.

"The thanks I get for offering my services." Kili grumbled.

Tauriel folded her arms as Fili jumped down a few rungs from the bottom as Naurfaer just jumped down onto a box then onto the landing. "Stupid elf." Kili, now in a bad mood, huffed when Naurfaer startled him when he came up behind him seemingly out of nowhere.

"Excuse me?" Tauriel glared at her husband who blinked at her then lifted his hands.

"I meant him!" Kili said turning to Naurfaer who arched a brow. "Amralime!" The young prince whined when Tauriel walked away, shutting him out mentally as well as physically. "Kakhf." He swore as he ran to catch up with her, Fili shaking his head with an amused smirk on his lips as he followed his brother, the guard, and Bard.

"Twenty years and he still sticks his foot in his mouth at the worst times." Naurfaer tsked beside Fili who chuckled and nodded. Kili, who of course heard, turned a scowl towards them.

"This is your fault." He spat at Naurfaer whose eyebrows rose in surprise.

"My fault?" Naurfaer said innocently. "How is YOU saying something foolish my fault. Did I use some elven magic to force the words from your lips? You would think I would remember doing something like that..." Naurfaer paused, appearing to be deep in thought. "...Oh right...I didn't because I don't have the ability to do that."

"Can an elf do something like that?" Benjimin asked as they got to the second and final ladder down from where they had been.

"Yes and no." Naurfaer answered, watching with amusement as Tauriel pushed past Kili to take the ladder before he could, causing the younger prince to sigh and lift his eyes to the heavens, muttering curses to his maker before he followed her down. "Elves do have the ability to communicate mind to mind in a fashion. Some are more...advanced...than others. But it is forbidden for any race to manipulate the mind even if one could. As long as I have lived, there have only been two such persons who had the ability; Morgoth, and his servant Sauron."

"Mind control. They could do it at will?" Binjimin asked both disgusted and surprised.

Naurfaer ground his jaw. He did not like this topic, it hit far too close to home after losing Elbereth. "No." He said almost shortly, but then sighed. "No they cannot. Like the eldar, I am sure they had the abilities to speak through the mind, but to control it, they needed something to magnify the process. In Sauron's case...rings of power all controlled by one ring. Those rings, are what manipulate, twist, and control the mind with a bit of influence from their master." Shaking his head, Naurfaer clapped Binjimim on the shoulder. "Fret not though, you will be fine. Just...don't go accepting random rings from strangers and you have nothing to worry about."

Turning on his toes, Naurfaer once again jumped down to the lower level to Kili's great annoyance. He was currently on the bottom having a tiff with Tauriel who had her arms folded and her face set in a rather irate expression.

"I am not used to seeing them at odds." Bard said as he looked down at Tauriel and Kili.

Fili snorted. "Let me guess, you thought they were the picture of domestic perfection?"

Bard shrugged. "Something like that."

"Mhm." Fili hummed. "Well my friend, they have their moments like any other. In fact, Tauriel threw an axe at Kili a few months ago when he tried to get her to stop training before their youngest was born. Kili had to get seven stitches because though she meant to miss...she didn't. Fortunately for him, it was the blunt end of the blade that hit him in the shoulder. Tauri was beside herself with guilt and did in fact end up stopping her training...which made Kili happy even with his stitches." Fili laughed. "And I think Kili is still a bit sour about Tauriel accidently spilling an entire bottle of black ink on his favorite trousers. He knew she had been trying to get rid of them for months because they were nothing but holes and patches...so he still doesn't believe it was an accident despite her insisting it was."

Bard smiled. "I appear to have been mistaken, they seem just like any other couple."

"Ah, the joys of being newly wed." Binjimin smiled, looking at Kili and Tauriel who were face to face having at it right there on the landing. "You said she had a little one? Is it their first?"

Fili burst out laughing. "First? Try fifth."

"Five? They have five children? They hardly look old enough." Binjimin coughed, glancing down at the pair in disbelief. He wasn't new per say to the city, but he was not a Dale born citizen and he has to admit he never really paid attention to dwarves or elves. He had nothing against them, good people the both of them, he just preferred to keep things simple and focus on his duties, his family, and his own life.

"And how old do you think I am?" Fili asked with a smile.

The guard looked Fili up and down then glanced a Bard who just watched, not giving any help. "Please do not make me guess. Clearly I am erroring and if I bring offence, know I request your pardon as I am not so prideful to admit I have yet much to learn of your race."

"I give you my word, I am not offended in the least." Fili reassured the captain who did look remorseful. "I have seen over a century pass, and Kili is...Mahal...he is..." Fili rubbed his beard in thought. "You know, I can't remember if he is turning 97 or 98. You can ask him...better yet...ask Tauriel. She is better at remembering that kind of stuff."

"Great maker...your over 100? Indeed, I do have much to learn. May I ask how long your people live?" Binjimin nodded to Bard who opted to slip down the ladder.

Fili chuckled. "Depends on who you are I suppose. Most my race has a lifespan of about 250 years or so...give or take you see. But my house is known to live, at times, twice that or just under. Tauriel is over 600."

"Now elves I knew were immortal." Binjimin said, gesturing for Fili to go down next.

Fili nodded. "Most are." He whispered to himself. It wasn't Binjimin's place nor business to know Tauriel was mortal. When the ladder was free, Fili slid down, landing on the bottom and grabbing Kili and Tauriel as they moved to go on. "Do I need to send you two back to Erebor, or can we be amicable to each other?"

"Big words today brother." Kili snickered then sighed. "I am sorry Fi. I didn't mean that, I am a bit on edge…with everything going on in Mirkwood it is making me a bit uncomfortable being closer to the forest. And I am sorry too amralime."

"As you should be." Tauriel huffed. "You know I can take care of myself." She gave Kili a look and he grumbled than nodded.

"I know. Just…don't go running into the forest." Kili said so fast, they almost didn't catch it. Tauriel scrunched her nose then her eyes widened. So that was why he was hovering something awful…he thought she would just up and race into the woods. She wasn't sure if that made her more furious…or less.

"You think I would leave our month old infant daughter without any kind of arrangements for food, or any of our children for that matter, to go chase after something we know little to nothing about?" Tauriel growled. Fili made the kill sign to his brother as he shook his head vehemently to get him to shut up and Kili finally seemed to catch the message.

"What? No…no Tauriel. Of course I know you wouldn't." Kili stuttered.

"But you just said…"

"Sod what I said." Kili cut her off. "I was being stupid…you know I can be stupid and my mouth runs away from me. I don't…Mahal…I hate this. I hate when we are out of sync…I feel all broken up and unable to think properly." He ran his hands through his hair, took a deep breath, then stepped towards his wife and took her hands. "I trust you Tauriel. I trust you to know what is best for us, and for the family. But I don't trust them…" Kili pointed to the forest. "…I don't trust anything outside our lands because there are things here we don't understand…I can feel it. I can feel it in here." Kili released her hand to press it to his heart. "Something is off, something is not right. Every instinct I have is screaming to get back to the mountain…because…because…"

"I think I understand." Tauriel said softly, running her fingers through her mate's hair in an attempt to sooth him. Kili has come so far, so very far, in the last two decades. So far in fact, sometimes Tauriel forgets there will always be a part of Kili, that will never recover from what he went through in that forest, that may never, even if it were three hundred years, fully escape that small room. "If we decide to go in the forest, we will decide together Kili. We promised Thorin we would not leave the borders of Dale and I plan on keeping that promise."

Tauriel leaned forward and pressed a kiss to Kili's head and he finally relaxed. She decided she would also show him a bit of mercy and reopen their connection fully…feeling a bit guilty when Kili immediately relaxed into her and the pair turned to the group.

"Can we continue…or do you need a few more minutes." Fili asked folding his arms and arching a brow.

Kili shrugged, unrepentant. "Do what you want Fi."

Fili lowered his brows in surprise and concern. Clearly Kili was not in a good place, and knowing his brother as well as he did, he decided to not question it. As long as he and Tauriel were here, Kili will be fine, so he just let it go. "Right. Where exactly did you see the Nazgul?"

"This way." Binjimin said turning and expecting them to follow.

"Open the gate." Bard ordered the guards at the entrance who went right to work getting the barred gate open just enough for the group to get through. Behind them, came a few dwarven guards, mostly from Tauriel's team, who didn't say anything and instead, focused on both staying close and out of the way of the royal family. They were there for the families protection solely but gave them room to do their task.

"Let's go." Bard said and gestured for the captain to continue forward.

Binjimin nodded and led the group to a spot a few meters from the gate and pointed to a small hill just paces from the forest line. "We first saw them here, then they moved beyond the hill to just over there."

Kili looked to Fili as the pair walked with Naurfaer and Tauriel trailing beside them. It was that point Dwalin ran up to them. "We searched the forest line lads, an found nothin'. Bu' I am afraid we did no' expect to. The snows this season are deep and unending. If there were traces…it is covered."

"Did you go in the forest at all?" Naurfaer asked. Thorin had ordered Dwalin take a dozen guards to not just follow the royal family, but to do a preliminary search of the area and to even 'very shallowly' check the forest line. No more than a few trees in, and observations only.

"Aye." Dwalin said, brushing off some of the large snowflakes from his sleeve. "Nothin' worth noting."

Kili glanced at his brother and sighed. He wasn't disappointed, but he hated that they had no answers whatsoever. Kili walked to where the guard captain had pointed and stood staring at the towering mountain. He couldn't even see the peak hidden in the winter clouds. "I don't understand what it is about Erebor that has them always trying to take it. First the Arkenstone, then the orc army, the attempt to take my son resulting in mam, Viltarra, and…my…my time…away…why Erebor? Why us?"

Fili watched Tauriel move to take Kili's hand; she didn't have an answer…but he and Bard did.

"Gandalf said it was about location." Bard, the lord of Dale answered.

"When did he say that?" Kili asked surprised.

Bard rubbed his chin in thought. "Before the great battle twenty years ago if my memory is correct. Something about holding Erebor gives him the power he needs to claim the northlands…including the Iron Mountains and Angmar."

"It was just after Tauri nearly lost her head to making a stupid decision." Fili added. "When she ran off and decided to confront…"

"Yes, thank you Fili. I know what you are talking about." Kili grumbled glancing at Tauriel who looked away annoyed. "I certainly have not forgotten that."

Fili chuckled then continued. "Gandalf pulled us together, Thranduil, Bard, uncle, and I, then told us who the orcs were serving, and why they were targeting our mountain. It is a key location. If I am to understand what I heard, as long as Sauron is around…Erebor will be a target."

"And if Erebor is a target, so is Dale." Bard said, eyeing the close proximity of the dwarven mountain, to his city. "It isn't just about Erebor, because if they take that mountain…they will destroy Dale. I for one will not allow that to happen."

"Neither will we." Fili said resolutely. "Our cities are stronger than they have ever been in the history of their creations. They can try all they want, but they will fail every time. My question, however,…" The crowned prince said. "…is what do the elves of Mirkwood have to do with Erebor because these things cannot be unrelated."

"Yet another question we cannot answer I am afraid." Bard sighed eyeing the forest.

Tauriel bit her lip as she stared into the trees ahead. What does the taking of guards from Mirkwood have to do with Erebor. She looked down at where she stood…where the Nazgul stood, and felt a chill run through her.

Daughter of the forest.

Tauriel stiffened as the voice of Aule whispered across her mind. She glanced at Kili about to ask him if he heard but the voice swept across her mind once more.

I only speak to you, I have closed the bridge between you and Kili temporarily, as it is best he does not know what is to come at this time. Eru Iluvatar, father of all life, wishes me to pass a great burden to you. One I will reveal in time. A great journey is ahead for you, so make preparations as you need. I will call on you when it is time, until then, keep your eyes open and your mind guarded. There are dark times coming, no doubt, but if we prevail, hope will thrive, lighting the beacon of victory in destroying the darkness plaguing the world like a disease. I am sorry you must keep this from your mate, he will not understand and will get himself killed in attempts to protect you…that is not a warning, but vision of truth. A vision that cannot happen. All will be well, daughter of the forest, if you heed my instructions as it comes. Be well.

"Amralime?" Tauriel blinked, shook her head, then looked at Kili who was giving her a worried expression. "You alright? You don't see any shadows do you?" He looked to the forest where Tauriel had been staring and she blinked again.

A journey? Kili…Kili getting himself killed? No. No that cannot happen. That can never happen. Shaking her head again, Tauriel took Kili's hand. "I am ready to go home." She said softly.

"Alright." Kili smiled. "I don't think there is anything else we can learn here anyway."

The group agreed, so they made their way back into the city, Bard and Fili talking with Binjimin about measures the cities can take to protect them from what may come. Kili kept glancing at Tauriel who refused to look at him. She felt guilty, she hated keeping things from Kili…but Aule would not deceive her, and she knew Kili. If Tauriel was ever in any kind of peril…Kili would sacrifice everything to protect her. Unfortunately…that would also mean her being sacrificed as well. It was a lose lose situation, and she would not allow that to happen. So with great pain, she hid her worries deep. It was unlikely though, Kili would be completely ignorant of them.

"You're keeping things from me." Kili said under his breath.

Tauriel stiffened and side eyed Kili but before she could say anything, there was a commotion ahead.

"MY LORD BARD!" One of the guards ran up to Bard.

"What is it, what's happened?" The lord of Dale asked, worried something had penetrated the city.

"There was an accident…Sigrid…"

"Take me." Bard said without hesitation.

Kili looked to Tauriel but she was already following Bard. "I guess we are going too." He said to Fili who nodded and the group, including their guards and Dwalin, jogged to catch up with Bard and the running guard.

Dozens of people swarmed the scene forcing Bard and the group to push through the crowd until Binjimin began barking at people to clear out or face cell time. That did the trick and the humans swiftly got out of the way.

"Oh no." Kili whispered as he saw what looked like a large cart or wagon of sorts tipped on its side across the walkway of the main road in Dale, around it were large crates broken open with supplies ranging from produce to glass bottles shattered with their contents bleeding into the ice and snow covered ground.

"SIGRID!"

Kili looked to where a man was racing down the street, his dark hair mussed, and his expression frantic…it was Borin, Sigrid's husband.

"WHAT HAS HAPPENED!" Bard roared.

"It was an accident. An accident." The mutterings came from a man sitting on the ground. He looked shaken and pale as he rocked back and forth muttering to himself. The man looked lost and out of it as he spoke under his breath. Tauriel wrinkled her nose in distaste as she got near at the strong smell of alcohol permeating this man, he was clearly intoxicated. "Didn't see em. The horse spooked. Slipped on ice, I reckon. Roads a bit icy in patches. Didn't see the ice. Can't remember anything else. It was an accident. It was an accident."

Bard grabbed the man by the shirt and pulled him up. "HARVY! You fool. How many times have we warned you to not drive your cart THROUGH THE STREETS AT PEAK TIMES!" Bard sniffed the man. "Have you been drinking?!"

"Me wife left me. Took my daughter. Said they are going to Rohan and to not follow them. Her father came and got her…"

"I DON'T CARE about your situation, Harvy." Bard seethed. Harvy has been a problem since he came to Dale, getting into fights in the tavern, and squandering his earnings he made carting supplies throughout the city on any substance he could get his hands on. Though Bard believed it was not his place to judge, he didn't blame the man's wife one bit for taking her leave of him...in fact, he commends her father for taking her away. He doesn't doubt if she were one of his daughters, he would have done the same.

"BARD!" Bard turned to Binjimin. "We need to get that thing moved."

"We will help." Kili said, pulling up his sleeves, Fili and Naurfaer doing the same as they joined the humans. Though a few dwarven guards remained around Tauriel, Dwalin and the rest also went to get the carriage up. For a human, the cart was immensely heavy...but for a dwarf, it was nothing, and with a small count, the group of dwarves and humans where lifting the cart.

Tauriel moved into action, knowing her skills where best used in aiding the injured rather than heavy lifting. She kicked a box out of the way and got to the ground, beside her was Borin who was ready to move the moment the large cart was moved. "HIGHER!" Tauriel called out as it began to lift from the ground.

Slowly the cart moved and the scene underneath was nightmarish. "KILI HIGHER!" Tauriel called up, her husband just beside her nodded and the cart once more lifted higher. Then to his horror, she slid underneath the carriage.

"TAURIEL!" Kili called out, readjusting his grip on the heavy cart and trying not to lose his focus as his wife threw herself into danger.

The eleth ignored her husband as she clawed through the snow and found the huddled figure of Sigrid. She did not look good and was barely breathing. Blood soaked the ground around her, but for the moment, she was alive. By now, the cart was high enough for Tauriel to just run her hands over the woman's neck, ensuring she had a steady pulse.

"DON'T MOVE HER!" Borin yelled at Tauriel who turned a look at the human man. She understood his pain, but his tone was far too condescending so she snapped back at him.

"I am no simpleton." Tauriel huffed and turned back to Sigrid who groaned, the cart again lifted higher and now Tauriel was able to lift herself just over the injured woman. "Sigrid? Can you hear me sweet one? I need you to hold on to that strength I know you have. We will get you out of here." She paused when she saw the crimson soaking Sigrid's top and immediately ripped it away. A gash in her stomach was gushing blood and Tauriel wasted no time putting pressure on the wound to slow the bleeding.

The pain must have been immense, as Sigrid let out a cry then began to look around her in a panic. "Brienne." Sigrid moaned. "Brienne."

"Shh." Tauriel soothed keeping her hand in place while trying to Keep Sigrid still. "You should not be moving. There was an accident and you were hurt, but it will be alright. Try and relax." Tauriel glanced at Borin who finally was able to drag himself underneath and moved a bit to give the healer and husband more access. "She is bleeding out, we need to keep pressure on this wound. Can you check her for fractures? I do not want to remove my hands."

Borin nodded. "Thank you. I should not have been rude to you before, I have been told you are a remarkable healer." He paused and looked at her. "This may sound foolish...but Tilda and Sigrid said you had an elven ability to heal. Would you...would you be able to use that on Sigrid?"

Tauriel grew pail then dropped her head. "I cannot." She said softly.

"Oh. Forgive me for asking. I...I did not mean to overstep my place." Borin said going right to checking over his wife.

"It has nothing to do with overstepping your place. It is more...the last time I used it, it nearly took my life. I am afraid my gift, is unusable." Tauriel glanced at the man who lifted his eyes to give her a sorrowful look. "My family forbids me from using it again."

"They do not want to lose you." Borin nodded in understanding. "Saving a life, only to lose one, is not a trade worthy of such sacrifice. There is no winning."

"There is not." Tauriel said softly as Dwalin called out, "STREETS CLEAR! DUMP IT BACKWARDS ON THREE!"

With a few grunts and a crash, the cart was pushed fully out of the way, and Bard fell to his knees beside his daughter's head. "How does it look Borin?" He said then another figure caught his eye. "Brienne?"

Tauriel whipped her head behind her to another woman face down in the snow, lying completely still. "Bard, place your hand on this for pressure...quickly!" Bard did just as Tauriel said and she instantly twisted around and began searching for signs of life and injury on the other woman. She felt more than saw Kili get onto his knees on the snow and blood covered ground beside her, causing her to glance up at him and shake her head. The woman was already gone. There was nothing she could do for her.

Naurfaer jogged over, squatting to the ground and assessing the women himself. "Valar above." He cursed then shook his head. "Such a stupid, foolish, error to bring so much destruction of life. It is not right and most foul."

Kili nodded his agreement. "I will tell Binjimin; her family needs to be notified. See what you can do for Sigrid and I will be right back Amralime."

"I will stay with her starlight, help with Sigrid if you can." Naurfaer said, ready to stand guard over the still woman. The guards were keeping people away so the scene remained clear for healers to do their work.

"She can't be moved." Borin was saying as Tauriel turned back around.

"Bard..." Tauriel said. "...the other woman...she is gone."

Bard's eyes widened then closed as his head dropped. "Brienne. She has three young children." He sighed.

As a mother who just had a baby as well as having four young children herself, it broke Tauriel's heart to hear. "Kili went to tell Binjimin so her family could be notified." Bard nodded as he turned his focus back on his daughter, still holding his hand in place over her abdomen.

They worked on Sigrid quietly right there in the street, Tauriel doing whatever Borin asked of her. He was a competent healer, and knew what he was doing so she offered what she could while he led her care. It was not long before another man came running into the mess. He gave a loud cry as he fell to his knees and pulled the woman, Brienne, into his arms, screaming her name as he sobbed and held her broken, limp, form to his chest. It caused tears to fill Tauriel's eyes, but she refused to let them fall.

"Amralime, we brought a stretcher." Kili said, kneeling down once more. He glanced at the man behind him with a pained expression before looking back at Borin and Bard. "Can she be moved yet?"

Borin lifted his eyes to the dwarf and slowly nodded his head. "Gently, but I believe so." He looked over his shoulder, feeling the other man's grief. "Is she really gone?" Naurfaer was still there, acting as a guardian over the man and his lost wife. Whenever a guard came over, he sent them away ordering the humans to let him be.

Tauriel nodded, her heart clenching knowing her grandfather understood the grief of losing his other half...twice. Once to a ring, then to Tauriel's own arrows. The time won't erase Tauriel's fury for the she-demon elf who hurt her Kili; she still hated the eleth, blood or not, apology or not. Call her what you wish, it was her right to hold her hate for what she did. But, a part of her felt guilt for hurting Naurfaer. "I believe, she may have died on impact." Tauriel said after a moment.

"Then she didn't suffer." Borin said softly. He looked down at his own wife, at Sigrid, and leaned down to press a kiss to her bruised face. "Brienne was her closest friend, Sigrid will not take that well when she wakes."

Bard nodded in agreement, moving his hand as soon as another healer came to take over wound care on Sigrid. Free of his task, the lord of Dale turned his head to the weeping man. "Geofrey, I am so sorry. I will have Tilda see to your children, take the time you need." The man didn't respond, he just remained there, sobbing and rocking his wife in his arms.

It was not fair, Tauriel thought, that someone so young would be lost to what? A foolish man controlling a cart he should not have been in conditions where no cart should have even been out. It made her sick, but she forced her feelings away to help get Sigrid on the stretcher.

Moving the injured woman was slow due to the need to be as careful as possible as not to jostle her too much. Tauriel sighed as she looked down at her blood covered hands, pants, and tunic. Snow and blood had her nearly shivering from the cold, and all she could smell was the iron tinge of blood.

"I think we should go." Fili said, eyeing his sister caked in blood and sopping wet from sitting in the snow and ice covered pavement. In the distance, they could hear the noon bell chime inside Erebor, muffled by the stone walls encasing it. "Uncle said to be back by noon, and we can't do anything more here."

"Aye. I agree." Dwalin said as Bard came up to them.

"We are moving her to the medical hall." He looked to Tauriel. "Thank you, for your help with Sigrid. Borin said she was not minutes from bleeding out and your swift thinking in getting under that cart may have saved her life. So thank you, truly. But I must go."

"Go ahead Bard, we can see ourselves out." Fili said, shaking his hand, ignoring the blood.

The lord of the city nodded and turned quickly to go back to his daughter as the dwarves and two elves made their way to the stables just inside Dale's walls, then back to the mountain.

"Thank Mahal, Thorin was about to send a search party for you." Nyaunni said as the horses trotted into the stable.

"It's only a little after noon bell." Fili said jumping down from his horse as he began to unsaddle him. "We are not that late."

"Is that blood?" Nyaunni said ignoring her nephew and turning her attention to Tauriel who moved swiftly to the sink the stable hands used. She didn't bother waiting for the water to warm as she plunged her hands into the clear stream and watched as the water ran red. She half listened as Naurfaer and Fili told Nyaunni about Bards daughter while Kili walked towards his wife and handed her the soap.

"Would you like me to run you a bath, amralime?" Kili asked as Tauriel accepted the bar.

"Yes. Thank you meleth nin." Tauriel said as she turned off the tap and dried her hands. Her tunic was ruined, there was no way she was getting the blood off the fabric...it was too soaked in.

When Thorin came stalking in, he went white as a sheet upon seeing Tauriel covered in blood. Kili could see the vein in his head begin to pulse as his jaw tightened and fury filled him.

"She's not hurt!" Kili quickly said to his uncle. "There was an accident involving Sigrid and a cart, that's Sigrid's blood."

"I am fine adad, but ready to get out of this." Tauriel said gesturing to her clothes.

Thorin nodded. "Is Sigrid..."

The room was quiet before Naurfaer spoke. "She is not well, but, she is alive."

Thorin stared at him then sighed. "I have lunch waiting in my office, I sent for it when we had confirmation you were returning. Natha, why don't you head up to change. You have been gone for quite a while, I am sure Ithtiri needs you and you can fill Viltarra in while the rest of you can report to me what you found out, and what happened to Sigrid, over lunch."

"I will have lunch brought up to the suites." Nyaunni said gesturing to a guard to put an order in to the kitchen.

"You go get Ithtiri, Amralime. I will go get the bath ready. Uncle I will meet you in your office." Kili said, leaving before Thorin could give his opinion on the matter. The family patriarch just rolled his eyes, hmphed, then turned and stalked to his office expecting the family to follow...and they did.

Not a half hour later, Tauriel was sitting in the bath. She decided it was easier to just feed her daughter while she bathed to save time so Ithtiri was currently asleep on her mothers chest as Tauriel lounged in the large tub. She wondered what Aule wanted of her, and what he meant by a journey ahead.

Sighing, she ran her fingers over her month old infant's face. It was painful to be away from her for a few hours, let alone a time frame which could be labeled a journey. If that was so, she would need to figure out a way for Ithtiri to get food. She slept most the time she had been away having been fed twice in the span of an hour. Normally Ithtiri eats every two or so hours...and she went more than twice that today with Tauriel in Dale.

What was she going to do? She can't leave her infant like that...she was the only one who could feed her.

"Amralime?" Kili walked in having only been gone for maybe an hour. He smiled seeing his beloved elf, and his precious daughter relaxing in the tub. His little girl was sprawled out on Tauriel's chest with her head pressed against Tauriel's neck, while Tauriel cradled her head with one hand and the other held their daughter in place. They looked so peaceful and relaxed...he couldn't help but strip his own clothes to join them.

Tauriel of course was not asleep, and smiled as she watched her husband de-clothe. She waited for him to finish before scooting forward so he could slip in behind her. "Uncle told me to tell you to take the rest of the day to relax. He gave Fili and me a free day as well while he speaks with Balin and Dwalin about what we learned."

Tauriel hummed as Kili pulled her tight against him. "Tauriel...you...you would tell me if you...if something was upsetting you...right?"

The eleth stiffened a bit and closed her eyes. He read her far too well. "Kili." Tauriel sighed as she thought about what to say. Anyone else, she could easily explain it away or make up excuses...but Kili who was so intimately and deeply tied to her...how in the name of the Valar was she going to explain this?

Kili buried his nose in her hair. "Tell me, please Tauriel." He begged.

"I cannot." Tauriel said honestly. "But, you trust me, don't you Kili?"

"With everything that I am." Kili said without hesitation.

"Then I am going to need you to hold onto that trust." She whispered, turning her head to nuzzle his cheek and press her head to his. "I wish I understood what is to come my Kili, but I tell you truthfully that I do not. Let us just...take it a day at a time."

"Okay." Kili relented, somewhat bitterly.

"Please don't be upset at me, Kili." Tauriel whispered, tears gathering in her eyes. "I wish I could tell you everything, truly I do. I know I have never been perfect at being completely open, but I like to think I have come a ways in sharing my all with you...good and bad. But know the moment I can tell you, I will."

Kili was about to speak when he saw a glow come from her wrist just as a soft warmth filled him. Almost like someone other than his wife was trying to comfort him, and somehow, he made the connection and understood. "Mahal, our creator, Aule." He whispered and Tauriel nodded. "Oh. I suppose I have no say there."

"You always have a say when it comes to me, Kili." Tauriel said then paused and chuckled. "Unless you are telling me what to do."

Kili felt the frustration leave him and he smiled, pressing a kiss to her temple and just letting his lips linger there. "Me? Tell you what to do? Naw. I rather like to keep my man bits thank you. Wouldn't want those sharp daggers of yours to slip in my sleep."

Tauriel lifted a brow. "Kili…if my daggers slipped in your sleep it would certainly not be my favorite parts you would wake up without."

Kili chuckled as Tauriel turned a bit and Kili gently reached for his daughter, placing her on his chest as Tauriel nestled into his side. "Where is our little lion?"

"Napping." Tauriel smiled. "So I left him with Viltarra. She said she will bring him by in an hour or so." She closed her eyes as she shifted down in the tub, curling her legs up over Kili's as she closed her eyes. The pair spent most of that hour just sitting in the tub with their daughter talking quietly among themselves and only got out when the water got too cold for their little baby girl.

Once they were out, clean, and dry, Kili spent the next few hours tearing apart the suite searching for a certain amulet given to him by Nagar. "Where did that thing go!"

"Watcha lookin' for da?" Finli asked as he Naufi and Orin stepped inside the suite, having just come back from classes.

Kili looked up from where he was searching a drawer he had dumped on the desk. "An amulet." He paused. "You haven't seen it by chance have you? The one Nagar gave me at the bazaar?"

"You mean this old thing?" Orin said pulling the amulet from his pocket.

Kili scowled and glared at his son. "Orin, what have we told you about taking things that are not yours."

Orin shrugged. "It was on the floor in the corner. I thought it was tossed."

"You thought it was tossed because it was in the corner under where we hang our coats?" Kili asked not believing his son for a moment. "Wait, wasn't today your trip to the treasury? Empty your pockets, both of you." Kili ordered his twins who both mirrored Kili's own scowl.

"We ain't got nothing da." Naufi huffed as he turned out all of his pockets.

"Ya. Nothing." Orin said stepping behind his brother looking far too suspicious.

"Pockets Orin." Kili lifted a brow.

"Don't you believe me da?" Orin asked, his lower lip trembling as he looked up at him with Tauriel's emerald eyes. It almost broke Kili but he stood his ground. "I will apologize once I see your pockets are clear."

Orin scrunched his nose, then began to turn out his pockets. "See, nothing." He turned to leave but Kili caught him by the scruff of the neck and reached into his inner coat pocket and pulled out a palm sized ruby. "Orin…" Kili growled.

"WHAT!?" Orin said innocently looking up at his father then glanced at the ruby. "OHHH. That must have fallen into my pocket. I tripped."

"Fallen…into your inside pocket?" Kili asked skeptically. "Orin this is a top premium grade ruby! What are you doing with it?"

"Stuff." Orin shrugged. "I just needed it for a project, then I was going to put it back."

"We need to have a discussion about these projects, Orin." Kili rolled his eyes as he put the ruby into his own pocket. "I will be keeping this. Thank you."

"Awww, come on da. Why do you get to keep it and I can't?"

"One, I have an acquisition out for a ruby for a project I am working on; two, I am a jeweler and this is a tool of my craft; and three…I'm older than you." Kili gave his son a look.

Orin grumbled then paused and staired up at Kili. "Fine. But…please don't tell mama."

"Mama already knows." Tauriel said folding her arms. "Go change, then we will be talking about what you planned on doing with that." Orin sighed and he and his brother went to their room to change into their night clothes.

"Fin darling, do you mind keeping an eye on your brothers? Kilion is reading in my bed. Your father and I are going to run across the hall to speak to your great grandfather."

"Of course mama. Do you want me to watch Ithtiri?" Finli asked.

"Would it be alright? She just ate so she is asleep. We won't be long." Tauriel said.

"I got it covered mama. Go ahead." Finli said.

Tauriel smiled and pressed a kiss to his head in passing then took Kili's hand as they headed just across the way to Naurfaer.

"Ah. Is this the supposed amulet of doom?" Naurfaer said chuckling. Thorin had been speaking non stop about it since the meeting reminding Kili to find it and bring it to Naurfaer for assessment as quickly as he could. Thorin was convinced it was another dark piece like the Arkenstone, but Naurfaer had his doubts after Kili explained exactly what it looks like.

Kili gave the amulet to Naurfaer then plopped down on the chaise, Tauriel lowering herself beside him as her grandfather inspected the piece.

He turned it in his hands, rubbing his fingers along the elven symbols then over the gem at the center. "Oddly cold isn't it." Naurfaer hummed. "But I don't sense anything untoward. He said it glows blue?"

Kili nodded. "For orcs and goblins."

Naurfaer caressed it again then smiled. "You know, in the first age they embedded special enchantments into metal such as swords and amulets that offered warning of fallen elves nearby. It was protection from those corrupted by Morgoth. The blade or amulet would glow giving time for escape or to prepare for battle. I don't think this is anything to worry about." Naurfaer said. "I can't say I have seen something exactly like it, but there have been many, many things made in the first age similar. I will keep it, if that is alright, just to do some research."

"I would like that." Kili said. "I really don't want it around the children until I know it is safe."

"Do you think Nagar would have reason to bring you harm?" Naurfaer asked in both surprise and concern.

"HA." Kili hmphed. "Of course; he would just love it if I dropped dead so he could take Tauriel from me."

"Kili, that is ridiculous." Tauriel rolled her eyes. "It was one time and he was baiting you. I hardly think he or anyone but you for that matter, would be interested in me."

Both Kili and Naurfaer blinked at her. "Why would you say that?" Kili finally asked.

"I want to know the same thing." Naurfaer said, placing the amulet on the table beside him. Honestly he thought the thing was nothing special…well nothing special to him. It was kind of nice to see remnants of the first age but it was in rather poor shape and who knows it if the enchantments even still worked. Might be nothing more than a parchment weight by now.

Turning his full attention to his granddaughter, Naurfaer folded his arms and leaned forward. "Well, out with it. Why would you think he or anyone would be interested in you?"

Tauriel shifted. "I do not see the point in answering that. I have my Kili, he loves me, and that is well enough."

"No, no you don't get to evade the question, amralime." Kili sighed. "Tauriel, your beautiful."

Tauriel snorted and rolled her eyes. "Yes, Kili, I know to you. And I believe you believe me to be beautiful."

"But do you believe yourself to be beautiful, amralime." Kili asked.

"I do not see why that matters." Tauriel stiffened, then relaxed and looked at Kili. "When you look at me, in the mornings, when my hair is a mess of knots and I am quite certain I have marks from sleeping all over my face…you have a look in your eyes of pure awe…like you cannot believe I exist. I feel like the most beautiful being in the world to you in those moments."

"To me." Kili said pressing a palm to her cheek. "I do not deny, that I am fully enamored by your beauty, Tauriel. I love you. But I want you to see that same beauty when you look in the mirror when I am not there."

"I do not think myself to be ugly, Kili." Tauriel huffed out a laugh.

"I never said you did." Kili said seriously, then smiled. "You are beautiful, Tauriel, and whether you have seen it for yourself or not…there have been many who are just as enamored by your beauty as I am…and Nagar is one of those."

"I quite agree starlight. Just because those pompous, snooty, know it alls in Mirkwood didn't see it, doesn't mean it isn't true. You look a bit different from them, that's all. It's actually a good thing. Who wants to be a tall beanpole with small ears and an ego the size of arda. Not me. No thank you. Everything from your darling ears to your shorter stature is much more preferable." Naurfaer leaned forward, a smirk on his face. "Besides, you should be happy they are blind to true beauty, otherwise you may have been arranged to marry one of them. Then where would we all be now?"

"Dead." Kili snorted.

Tauriel scrunched her nose and glared at her husband. "I do not like it when you say that."

Kili just shrugged. "It would be true. I would have either died by execution after having murdered the elf who married you…or in the battle of Erebor. You can't deny that. No you, no me. That's it. I am only here, because of you Tauriel. But that is neither here nor there…Nagar was interested in you and because of that…I am required to detest him. So the amulet?" Kili hedged changing the subject.

Naurfaer waived him off. "I don't sense anything strange about it. I wouldn't worry much about it. Nagar, in my opinion, was not doing something nefarious. I can run a few tests on it though and do a bit more research but I honestly don't think I will find anything."

"I'll tell uncle." Kili said nodding. They chose not to stay, as the pair did not want to leave their children for long. They were just across the hall, but they were still young and Ithtiri far to little to not have an adult nearby her. So they left Naurfaer to do his testing, and a few days later, he had brought the amulet back and gave it to Kili stating it was as he thought…just an old relic with charms to warn of orcs in the area. He couldn't test that of course, but if Thorin's sword still glowed blue, than so too would the relic if it used the same enchantments. The king of the mountain was more than happy to hear that it was safe and allowed Kili to clean it up and put a new chain on it. Though he decided to keep it for himself, not feeling fully comfortable giving his wife a piece of jewelry from another man who was clearly interested in her. Call him petty, but that looked far too much like a courting gift to Kili, and Tauriel was happily taken.

The following week had Bard sending a message with an update on Sigrid as well as a thank you for the basket Tauriel sent with some healing balms and herbs for his daughter. Things were not looking well for her recovery wise. She had dissected part of her spine and broken both her legs. They didn't know if she will be able to walk yet, but it is far too soon to make such expectations for her. As for Sigrid's moral, she barely spoke to anyone but her sister and her husband and only when she had to. They are hopeful she will recover well, but right now things were not looking good for her. She was out of deaths door, and that was the important thing. Everything else just needs time as long as she doesn't get an infection.

What was worse, was there had now been multiple sightings of shadows and Nazgul lurking in the forest line from both the inhabitants of Dale, and by the few dwarves of Erebor who worked just outside the stables; but so far with exception of that one time outside Dale, they remained in the forest.

Bard had concerns about their people's safety, and together with Thorin through missives being sent back and forth, the pair mutually agreed it was for their peoples best interest to close up their cities once more. At least until they could ensure the safety of those they had stewardship over.

Despite all the danger bordering their lands and the mountain being shut up yet again, the mood of the mountain was rather light. Truthfully, nobody thought much of the mountain being closed. The majority of day to day life happened deep inside Erebor anyway, so shops continued to sell, instructors in the schools taught, and even Leotti sang softly to herself as she drew up designs with her two sons nearly as tall as her, played together in the back room.

It was really only the guards, the company, and the royal family who had any information of the darkness beginning to plague their lands. It was, business as usual as a week turned to a month with little to no news from Mirkwood nor from Aule on Tauriel's supposed journey. The winter was harsher than any before, so even if they wanted to go out to investigate, the barrages of blizzard after blizzard had them forced to stay inside the mountain.

Setting her drawings aside, Leotti chuckled as Karra came running in brandishing two wooden swords. One of which she immediately threw at Leori who caught it, and the pair began to instantly spar.

"NOT IN MY SHOP!" Leotti planted her hands on her hips and glared at the pair who ignored her as they parried and danced into the closed storefront. Leotti rolled her eyes as Tauriel came in laughing. In her arms, was Ithtiri who was growing more beautiful by the day. Even at two months old one could see the beginnings of red hair growing in small ringlets all over her head, but her eyes, were her fathers. It was rather unusual for them to shift at so young of age, yet shift they did, and she, like Finli, inherited Kili's dark chocolate orbs. Her features though, apart from the ears, were all her mothers. She had Tauriel's nose, high cheek bones, heart-shaped face, and her lips…but she also had some whisps of hair on her cheeks and chin marking her as a dam. She was Tauriel, if Tauriel was a dam…with brown eyes. Only time will tell whose temperament she inherits though.

"KARRA!" Tauriel cringed when Dis stepped into the shop, which caused Leotti to breathe a sigh of relief. "Do NOT strike downwards like that…we strike up and through with such swords, or you waste unnecessary energy. Now, where is your mother Leori?"

"In the back, my lady." Was his soft answer before Tauriel heard the clicking of wooden swords once more.

"Can I go play too, mum?" Rori asked hopefully.

Leotti sighed. "How about, you make sure they don't wreck mama's shop? Can you do that for me?" Rory nodded and jumped up before joining the dwarflings playing in the large room.

"Sorry Leotti." Tauriel laughed softly. "I brought Karra from training. When she found out I was coming, she has been speaking about nothing else."

"That is because she doesn't get to see Leori in school as much as they are now in different classes." Dis chuckled. "I think she misses him."

"They are quite a pair. OH! Speaking of pairs…did you hear Aeodhen has had to speak to Gronti about Hillanna and Regar?" Leotti leaned in, as if she had the juiciest of gossip she has been dying to share.

"That is terrible chittery, Leotti." Tauriel chastised while Dis just watched with twinkling eyes.

"HAAA! You know something Dis." Leotti pounced causing the dam to laugh, but the eleth to huff.

"It is not our concern." Tauriel spoke in a mothering tone. She rarely was one to have a haughty aura about her, but in rare occasions such as this, when she felt others were acting childish…she actually did look every inch an elf who was raised by the king of haughty, Thranduil.

Leotti only rolled her eyes, long used to her closest friend and also knowing full well that in spite of what Tauriel is saying and expressing outwardly…the eleth would hardly leave the room and would listen to whatever it was to be said because somewhere inside…she wanted to know too and was just as bad with gossip as they all were.

"Well?" Leotti hedged ignoring Tauriel completely.

Dis laughed. "It is nothing exciting Leotti, and you have it backwards. Gronti was the one to approach Aeodhen."

"Did it come to heads? Was there a battle? Was blood spilled?! Details Dis! DETAILS!" Leotti was bouncing like a dam half her age.

"Alright, give me a moment. I am getting old, and this is far too much excitement for me." Dis's laughter was bright. Leotti, however, gave her a look.

"Dis…don't give me that old business." The smaller dam folded her arms. "I know your lineage. You're not even halfway through your life. If you are feeling old now…you may want to prepare yourself for another two-hundred plus years of exhaustion."

Sighing, Dis sat on a chair. She was tired…but it was only because the twins fell asleep in her bed the evening before when she was telling them as story…and then woke her up several times through the night. Not because they were awake…oh no…they were just very active sleepers and they were practically smothering her. She loved it though, despite being exhausted.

"Alright, alright." Dis shook her head. "I only know what I saw, and I happened upon Hillanna kissing Ragar. Now before you say anything…" Dis warned a very excited Leotti. "…I was not the only one who saw. Gronti was there as well. He was far more concerned than angry, and immediately separated the two, to the younglings great embarrassment. I mean, it was only a kiss in a dark corner."

"Only a kiss." Tauriel rolled her eyes. "They are thirty six, Dis. Children. We do not court until our five hundredth year, and we cannot marry until we turn 1000 and are declared true elven adults to our people."

"Ya, well, you live with mortals now, Tauri. Remember? At five hundred most of us are dead. And besides, you're only six hundred and what…twenty something? Sounds to me like YOU are too young to be married." Leotti snickered, sticking her tongue out at her closest friend who pierced her lips but said no more. Leotti then turned back to Dis. "Do go on Dis. I need to hear the end of this story."

"Well Leotti, it is rather anticlimactic. Gronti spoke to both of the younglings, and then left. The following day, he, Aeodhen, and Shaada came and requested an audience with the instructors. Apparently, there was some heated debate between the two fathers which was understandable. Gronti, had wanted Regar moved to another class immediately."

"WAIT! GRONTI?!" Leotti bellowed in surprise.

Dis nodded. "His request was honorable and not for harm. He simply wanted to protect his son and his honor. He felt that it was too much of a distraction and a temptation for them to spend so much time together when they were clearly, very attached."

"Attached indeed." Tauriel hummed. "Hillanna speaks little of anything else but Ragar when she comes to visit. She is smitten rather deeply for one so young. It can either have a beautiful outcome, or a tragic ending on either end."

"I thought you weren't interested in such 'chittery'?" Leotti smirked at Tauriel whose eyes blazed back at her friend.

"I do not like gossip…but I am quite fond of both Hillanna and Regar. I wish only for their happiness. Have they been separated?" Tauriel asked Dis.

Dis chuckled and shook her head. "No. Aeodhen, who I had to calm several times, was in full agreement with Gronti. But Shaada, disagreed wholeheartedly. It appears, Regar has appealed to her quite thoroughly. She adores the young dwarf deeply and I think, has adopted him into her heart. She says she sees a beautiful connection between the pair; one that could only be a link between a souls mate. She believes they are each others ones despite them being so young…they are blessed to find each other so early in life."

"Awww." Leotti gushed, her cheeks going pink as she sighed wistfully. "How beautiful. Shaada has a good eye for such things. I have seen her match many couples perfectly, in fact, she was the one to introduce me to Ori my first week here in Erebor. She said, she thought he would pair wonderfully with my personality. She could not have been more right."

"I did not know that, Leotti." Tauriel looked at her friend surprised. "Did Shaada know Ori then?"

"She did in fact." Dis was the one to answer. "The three brothers were all known by Aeodhen. They visited Ered Luin several times before you came to us dear, for clan business."

"I did not even know that." Leotti laughed. "Or I am sure I would have connected with Ori much sooner. It would have saved me having to deal with several other horrible offers I was more than happy to rebuke...though they were not happy."

Dis rolled her eyes and Tauriel huffed out a laugh. Leotti was not afraid to let others know how she feels, so the eleth did feel sorry for any male who truly wanted to form a connection to the fiery dam...only to be firmly shut down.

"So...did Aeodhen challenge Gronti to the death...or not?" Leotti asked after a moment, still itching to know what has come about between the two fathers.

Dis lifted a brow. "He did not...though I would not doubt it was on his mind at some point." She sighed. "No, at present the two have been allowed to remain in classes together and Shaada has taken responsibility for the pair. She said they may have supervised visits in her home or Gronti's whenever they wished."

"And Hillanna and Regar? How do they feel?" Tauriel asked far more concerned about the two dwarflings she adores.

"Oh, they are fine. We had them come in once things calmed down a bit, and explained what was appropriate for their age, and what was not. They really are growing up and are less then fifteen years away from proper courtship anyway. Even then, they cannot marry should it progress to that, until they come of age. Both are well aware of this and both were a bit...I would not say disgusted but clearly were not ready to even discuss such things." Dis laughed recalling the scrunched up faces of both Regar and Hillanna when she mentioned marriage.

Though they were nearing the point one could no longer call them dwarflings, they were far from ready for a true relationship. No. They will have a beautiful friendship, then if Mahal willing and if Shaada is right, they will only grow in love. That, in Dis's opinion, creates the firmest foundation for a relationship; friendship. She counseled them in the same, and the pair nodded and smiled. Dis wishes the best for them and looks forward to seeing them grow together.

"You're right Dis." Leotti huffed and sat back. "That was anticlimactic." The elder dam gave her a stern look but said nothing. "Now, are Nyaunni and Viltarra still joining us for lunch?"

Just as she finished, the bell to the front door rung and the three dams heard the patter of many feet running in. "NAUFI! Do not..."

"Oops." Came the clear voice of one of the twins and Tauriel sighed.

"Excuse me." Walking into the large showroom, Tauriel watched as three of her children sat on the floor staring at something crawling on the floor while the others watched fascinated. Though Dissah, was looking quite disgusted.

Sighing to herself, Tauriel readjusted Ithtiri in her arms as she walked over to see what was going on.

"What is that thing." Dissah asked eying the pink creature crawling on the ground, though it kept falling over every few steps.

Tauriel looked too just as Nyaunni chastised Naufi. "Naufi, I said you could bring him IF you kept him in your coat. He will get sicker, do you want that?"

"No gam." Naufi looked up at her with wide green eyes just as Orin scooped the creature up and put it in his own coat.

"I got him gam." He declared proudly.

"Who, or what, exactly, is him?" Tauriel lifted a brow.

"He's a baby rooster mama!" Orin stood and pulled the creature out of his pocket, though he kept it cupped in his warm hands.

Upon closer inspection, it was indeed a chick...but a naked one who had not a single feather on his body...anywhere. "He hatched like this and old Oklan wanted to put him down. Said he had a bad pair of jeans...whatever that means."

"Genes, doofus." Dissah huffed. "And clearly, he was right. That chick has something wrong with it."

"He is healthy, he just doesn't have any feathers." Naufi growled. "You were born naked...maybe they should have...

"NAUFI!" Tauriel stopped him before he could finish. "Enough. Words such as those, are never meant to be thrown at those we love, or anyone for that matter. Apologize to Dissah. Immediately."

"But mam, she was the one saying cruel things about Skrunt." Naufi pleaded giving his mother an earnest look.

Tauriel knelt to his level, still balancing her daughter as she did. "Naufi, what she said, was her opinion. As cruel as it sounded, it appears Oklin felt the same." She looked at the chick who was shivering in Orin's hands. Skrunt...an interesting name. It would be her twins to come up with it, they did name one of Kaw's chicks 'Duk' after all.

"Darling..." Tauriel continued, using her free hand to run her fingers through his hair. "...Skrunt, is not well."

Naufi nodded. "Gama said the same. I just, didn't want Oklin to hurt him. I, we, we wanted to see if we can help him."

"We wanted to try and help him if we can." Orin added in.

Tauriel eyed the chick then looked at Nyaunni who was shaking her head. "I warned them of the outcome, but they insisted they wanted to try and save him. He has nothing that could harm them or any other, so don't worry. He was just born with a few...defects. Keep him warm you two and remember what I said...do not feed him our food."

"We know gam." Naufi took Skrunt from his brother and ran back to the other dwarflings who again rallied around them to see the naked chick.

"What do you think is the outcome of this?" Tauriel asked, half knowing already and very much wishing she could take that hatchling and hand it over to Oklin. She did not ever wish for her children to experience loss...but it is part of life for mortals…and that is what she is now, and what her family is.

Nyaunni seemed to echo her thoughts as she looked at the group with a sad expression on her face. "Honestly? I do not think he will make it long...and if he does...it will be by the will of Mahal alone that he lives."

"I have seen only a few born in such a way among the ravens of Erebor, and the birds in Mirkwood. None made it more than a few hours." Tauriel watched Naufi delicately rub the chicks head and speak softly to it. Kilion too was watching quietly, though he asked if he could hold the chick and Naufi instantly agreed. Her sons were all very close...different in many ways...but they loved each other because of those differences.

She continued to observe as Naufi helped Kilion hold the chick in a way to keep it warm, then wrapped an arm around his younger brother as he held the sick hatchling.

"Maybe Umyra can care for it?" Kilion asked innocently.

"No my little love." Nyaunni said softly, bending to their level. "No she cannot, and she would not. As much as we wish them to be, animals are not the same as we are. They feel deeply, I can promise you this, but those feelings are not based off the same things our feelings are. Umyra, has no bonds to this being, and it is far more likely she will sense his weakness and cause him harm, than imprint on him and care for him. If we thought he had a good chance, Oklin and I would have tried to bond him to another hen...but..."

The dam trailed off and this time, Dissah finished. "He isn't going to make it." She looked at the chick, the disgust gone completely and in its place, pity and sadness. "I'm sorry I was cruel Naufi."

"It's okay Dis." Naufi used his free arm to pull her close. "Let's try to show him the best time we can while he is okay, alright?"

Dissah smiled and nodded. "I can make him a sweater! Auntie Tauri, do you think Leotti will let me buy some yarn today?"

"Can I help?" Rori asked.

"Of course! You can help me draw a design." Dissah nodded.

"Rory, you know where my yarns are, why don't you two go pick out whatever you want." Leotti, who stepped out with Dis, was giving them all a sad look. She had no problem with the little naked chick being in her shop. He couldn't do any harm or cause a mess; he was much too small and weak, the poor thing.

The door opened once more and Tarrah and Viltarra came walking in with two large baskets in each of their hands and Vilia hobbling between them holding a bottle...which she refuses to stop using.

Tarrah set her baskets down and pulled the covers away. "Here you go darlings, lunch. Eat up and don't make a mess on Leotti's carpet; best eat on the hard wood over there.

It was near chaos watching the eight dwarflings attack the basket until Orin called order, and Karra and Dissah pulled the baskets a bit away and began handing out plates and sandwiches in a more organized manner.

"These, are ours." Viltarra smiled as she set the other two baskets on the short table and sat on the sofa in the shop. Vilia crawled up in her lap and began sucking away on her bottle.

Dis watched amused, having had asked both Viltarra and Fili how long they were planning on letting the three-year-old keep drinking from a bottle...but her son said she could drink from it as long as she wanted. They would not force her to stop. Dis thinks it has more to do with Vilia being their last baby, than it has to do with her need to keep using it. Even Tarrah had mentioned it and attempted to get the toddler to use a cup, but Vilia was as stubborn as any dwarf and shut all attempts at drinking from anything but her bottle down.

As Viltarra passed out the food, there was little in the way of chitchat, it was not until they were eating that Nyaunni asked Tauriel if Kaw had returned yet.

"No." The eleth sight forlornly. It had now been well over a month since she last saw her raven…and with the harsh winter, she was deeply worried about him. It was honestly heartbreaking to think on. With all the time that has passed, the best scenario is he is simply having difficulty finding the wizard...but Tauriel fears he may be lost. To what fate, she does not wish to contemplate. "I just pray he returns soon for many reasons."

"Is there any news in Mirkwood?" Leotti asked. She knew a lot about what was going on...perks of being so close to the royal family. It also helped her husband was in the company and had told Thorin he was not comfortable keeping things from his wife...and Thorin did not have any issues with communication between spouses.

Besides, Thorin had known Leotti most her life and knew, despite the dams need to know the news around her...she was not one to spread rumors or information she was told not to. Leotti was no foolish dam either, she knew when she was told delicate or private information, that she was not to tell another until it was allowed to be made public likely by the royal family.

Even so, though Leotti was well known and admired for her skill, her only true friends were Tauriel and Viltarra...so they really would be the only ones she would gossip to anyway.

As for Dis, well, she was more like a surrogate mother, and Nyaunni...Nyaunni was like that aunt you always wanted to aspire to be like. She was very well liked by the people, walked around with complete confidence as if she had not spent most of her life among orcs, and molded so well with the family...it felt as if Nyaunni had always been a part of their lives. You would not find a soul in Erebor, who had a bad thing to say about the queen under the mountain. But you also could not find two dams who gossiped less.

It was always easier to get information out of Viltarra and Tauriel, then it was from Dis and Nyaunni. The elder dams were steel traps when they wanted to be and only gave out information if they thought it was relevant to the person they were giving it to...or if Leotti begged enough.

Thus...the little dam knows more than she probably should about the disappearances in Mirkwood and the disturbing shadow situation. She shuddered. Hopefully, those shadows stay where they belong...far from Erebor, her family, and her friends.

Again, Tauriel shook her head. "No good news. Since they have sealed their borders to anyone leaving, nobody has gone missing. But..."

"But what?" Leotti asked.

Tauriel looked to Viltarra, Dis, Tarrah and Nyaunni who she has shared her worries with. They were her family, all of them, and like Kili, they were her foundation. But Leotti was her closest friend, so she did not feel any reservations in sharing her fears with the small dam who is in many ways, a sister to her.

"Leotti, I fear what is to come. Elves are missing; gone without a trace, and not just one or two…but teams. Why are so many vanishing? And where have they gone? Dozens upon dozens just...missing without a trace, a clue, or a sign of struggle. Some of those guards I trained, some of them I knew well, and one, was my friend. Is she just taken, or is she dead? I do not know, and that is where my fears burn brightest."

"Don't your people take a right of passage?" Tarrah asked when nobody said anything. "Could they have possibly…just gone to another place or migrated silently?"

Tauriel pierced her lips as she looked away from her family and closest friend to the dwarflings all huddled together, who were all laughing several yards away as they ate. Her beautiful children.

It was easy to forget things were going wrong in the world around them…and that the danger was so close to their safe haven. They ate with little care, blessed with innocence and a freedom from the burdens of the darkness.

The room too, was light, warm, and inviting; not that the mountain was anything but. Being underground, and inside stone walls, meant the temperature outside, had no bearings on the temperature inside Erebor. The only exceptions were the upper floors such as the royal wing with the windows and veranda, and of course the primary floor with the main entrance and stables open and exposed to the elements.

However the rest of the mountain remained about the same temperature year around. For the dwarves who dwell within the magnificent halls of Erebor, it was often easy to forget what season it was when one did not even look outside. It could be blizzarding, and the markets would be toasty and comfortable with no chill in sight...mostly thanks to the massive forges that burn day and night.

However, for the royal family who has access to windows and a balcony, as well as those who work near the entrance…are a bit more exposed to the elements of the seasons. Thus they tended to dress a bit more appropriate for the seasons such as less furs, or extra layers depending on the weather.

Still, it was as if the people didn't care whether they could see the outside world or not; they reveled in every day, every moment, and every celebration, and Tauriel got lost with them. Regardless, they seemed to instinctively know the season, the dwarves, despite dwelling deep within a mountain, because they were deeply connected to the earth in a way not too dissimilar to the eldar.

Tauriel may be a bit biased, but it was kind of paradise here among a people who appreciate the time they are given and fought for what they loved. Then again, she was told more than once she was odd.

The eleth could not help but watch her precious children, despite knowing the dams surrounding her were waiting on an answer. "When a member of the eldar has reached their end in this world, they may take the passage across the sea to the undying lands, our afterlife. It is not a right of passage, Tarrah, but an end of their time in Arda. Some go to escape from loss and grief, some go to find rest from the years they spent among mortals, and some go simply because they hear the song of the Valar calling them home. It is, peaceful, I am told, and it feels as if...I do not know it is hard to explain. It is going home. There, we are freed from the burdens, the pains, and the hardships we bare each day in this world."

Tauriel sighed knowing she was never allowed to take the passage, now that she is mortal. She chose the path of Luthien, and gave up her immortality barring her from ever being allowed to dwell in the undying lands. Her fate, was now the same as any mortal, though her final resting halls will be among the dwarves.

Even so, Manwe has given her permission to visit so she may see her family; a gift he did not have to give and one not many were allotted. Tauriel rubbed her wrist where the mark of Mahal sat warm on her skin. Like Finli, she kept it out of sight underneath her sleeve. Never, in all her years, had she even given a thought that she, Tauriel, daughter of the forest, warden of Thranduil, an eleth who grew up with little love and no family...would be favored not by just one of their Valar, but by the creator of the dwarves himself as well as the king of Valinor.

It was humbling...yet...a small piece of her did grieve the loss of the paradise she grew up believing she too would one day be called to; be that calling from death, or from some other reason.

"It is a sacred passage." Tauriel added after a moment. "And not one taken on a whim." Tauriel's eyes blazed as she shook her head. "Even more, the passage is to be granted by our lord...though it be our choice to make it. Thranduil, would have known if they left to the gray havens. Cirdan, the leader of the Gray Havens, would have record of all names to make the pilgrimage and I assure you, Thranduil would have communicated to him first and foremost to seek such records if there be any. If any who are missing are in fact in the afterlife...it was not done freely or by choice."

"You can choose to go to your afterlife?" Leotti asked in surprise. "Is that not...kind of...taking your own life?"

Tauriel chuckled mirthlessly. "Well...when one has innumerable years to live, it can be seen from a mortal standpoint to be something to envy...but let me ask you this...imagine, if you will, you lost Ori, or your children...imagine if you received injuries unhealable by time or are for whatever reason, out of your body's ability to contain...yet you live on never aging, always in pain."

Leotti just blinked at Tauriel allowing her to continue. "Mortality, can be just as much of a gift as immortality my dearest friend. We are given the opportunity to sail to the undying lands, because our maker understood that our immortality could become as much of a curse to us, as it is a blessing."

"Do you ever wish you were immortal again, Tauriel?" Leotti finally asked. As she did, Dis, who knew her daughters answer before it left her lips, took Tauriel's hand and squeezed it.

Nyaunni was just as curious as Leotti, though Tarrah, Tarrah had never even contemplated the eleths immortality; it was never her business. So she sat just watching curiously.

For her part, just as Dis guessed, the eleth fiercely said, "Never!" Her eyes blazed bright and her answer left no doubt of her conviction. "I will NEVER have regrets." Again, Tauriel looked to her children, then she thought about her Kili, her beloved Kili. "I understand in a way, why some in the eldar would think me foolish and say I spit on the gift from Iluvatar, truly I do. I do not doubt at one time, I would have thought similar not even thirty years ago. But, for any who has known true and ardent love, for any who found something worth more than any number of years on this earth, be that ten years, or ten-thousand...they know that no gift could replace a life beside he that completes you. My Kili, my children, my family...I want my years to be with them. I do not want to watch them grow, while I remain the same. I do not want the curse of watching my sons, or my daughter die while I am stuck here, living in a body frozen in youth. The pain, would be...unimaginable."

"Yet it is a pain some even among mortals, must endure." Dis said softly, looking to the floor.

"Oh Dis, I am so sorry." Tauriel wished she could take back her words as she remembered not just Dis, but every dam in this room felt the sting of someone they loved with all that they were, being taken from them too young.

Dis lost Vili who was likely Kili or Fili's age when he passed, Tarrah lost her daughter Karra who had been a child, Leotti lost the father she never got the opportunity to have a relationship with, and Nyaunni lost both her father and her mother long before their time. There was not one in this room, save it be the children, who has not seen or felt premature loss.

Dis, though, just smiled. "I suppose, I should be thankful for my mortality in this case. I do not have to choose to take a one way passage, I just have to wait for my time to expire here."

"Aye, we know our family waits in our halls; I know Karra waits and watches over us even now." Tarrah nodded, though her eyes were misted with tears that would not fall.

Nyaunni too nodded her agreement. "I think, knowing what we do, it is easier to go on with the knowledge that the fate of the lost, will be ours as well when Mahal wills it."

"I both never considered, and cannot imagine the pain and suffering that comes with immortality." Leotti looked to her hands in thought, trying to put herself in her friend's shoes had she had immortality. What would it be like to lose someone you loved more than life, knowing there would be no end to your pain because your life would just…keep going endlessly. "We look at the eldar as if they are superior, but I suppose such a gift would also have plenty of burdens to accompany it."

"It does indeed." Tauriel nodded solemnly. "But we are not impervious beings in any way. We just, do not age once our bodies reach physical maturity and our bodies function in a more superior fashion...which I do not say to sound high and mighty, it is simply the truth. But we can still be killed, poisoned, and are susceptible to many blights that plague even the mortals."

Tauriel paused as if she realized what she said and her cheeks tinged pink as she realized her error. "I should amend that, as I no longer can put myself in such a category. Though mind you, I do have some of my elven superiorities...though the majority of them are quite diminished and continue to do so with each year that passes."

"I do not mean to pry, but just how does one give away their immortality?" Tarrah asked. Leotti too was wondering the same thing as neither of the dams knew the entire truth. Though both are family and very close to Tauriel, they still were not privy to know the deep secrets of the royal family.

However, before Tauriel could respond in whatever way she was, Dis put a stop to the line of questioning. "What I wish to know, is if the elves in Mirkwood did not take this...pilgrimage...you speak of...then where are they? What or who could have possibly been responsible for the loss of so many elves in such a short time?"

"I wish I could tell you." Tauriel replied, thankful for the change in questioning. It was not that she did not trust Tarrah or Leotti in any way, but there were already more who knew, than should know about her death and revival. Besides, it was not necessary for Tarrah nor Leotti to know, so why put such a burden on them?

"Well..." Viltarra sighed placing her plate on the table and pulling Vilia into her lap as she attempted to climb up. "...until we find out otherwise, perhaps we can hope they are all alive wherever they are. What I pray it is not, is a situation like Nyaunni's."

"I had not thought of that." Tauriel wondered in surprise. "It is something to consider, but I would hope Thranduil would have considered it since Legolas had been part of the battle."

"Maybe he doesn't think such a thing is possible with elves." Nyaunni suggested, not at all comfortable with the idea.

"Possibly." Tauriel nodded slowly. "I will send Umyra to Thranduil with the suggestion."

"Maybe, instead of sending a raven...someone should go in person." Viltarra added thoughtfully.

"Absolutely not." Dis immediately shut down.

Viltarra rolled her eyes. "Dis, we cannot hide away when people are being taken. I know it is the safest way...but is it the best way?"

"I will not be having this conversation. Nobody, is going to Mirkwood!" Dis slammed her plate on the table in such a way, it caused all the dwarflings to instantly go silent as each one turned to stare at their grandmother who was clearly enraged.

The eleth and the dams were also silent, warily watching the matriarch of the family stand and storm out of the room.

"Thorin thought the same as you Viltarra. He is already considering a group to go to Mirkwood when the whether clears up, which Naurfaer has already agreed to lead. Dis...is just worried. She pleaded with Thorin to just seal the mountain, and wait for Kaw to return before making any solid plans. He did agree to not send a team right away, but...he does not want to wait so long the problem strengthens and enters our boundaries." Nyaunni shook her head as she stood. "I will go talk to Dis."

Tauriel and the three remaining dams watched her go. It was Kilion who interrupted the peace as he stood beside Dissah, looking sad. "Is nan angry?"

"Not at you Kilion." Karra said to her younger cousin who was always sensitive to the emotions in the room. Kilion was Tauriel's little empath, who was often at the mercy of extreme emotions around him.

Tauriel handed Ithtiri to Tarrah and moved to her youngest son, dropping to her knees and gathering him up. "Are you going to leave mama?" He asked softly.

"What ever made you think that?" Tauriel whispered into his ebony hair.

"I had a dream." Kilion wrapped his arms around her neck and tightened her grip on his mother. "You and da were somewhere I could not reach you. When I called, you did not come. I don't want you to go. Please don't leave."

Tauriel felt his tears soaking her top and she gathered him as close as it was possible. "Now you listen, my lion, your father and I are here in Erebor. I am right here my darling." She nuzzled his hair. "I cannot promise what the future holds, but I can promise that you will never be alone."

"But I want you!" Kilion cried nearing a point of inconsolability.

"Kilion." Tauriel said gently, trying to move back but the dwarfling...or dwelfling...held solidly so she tightened her hold on him once more knowing he needed it. She looked to her twins who were also on their feet looking worried so she lifted an arm and they both came and joined the embrace.

"I want the three of you to listen closely." Tauriel spoke to her children then lifted her eyes to her extended children, Karra and Dissah who were also clearly getting upset having heard what Kilion said. "I want all of you to listen to me. How is it, we can see in our walls of stone? What do we have, that helps us every day to see the path before us?"

"The lights!" Rori yelled out.

"Yes, the lights. Thank you Rori." Tauriel smiled at the dwarfling who ran to his mother and sat beside her. Leotti pulled him close and kissed his golden head. "But what happens, when those lights are out?" The eleth then asked.

"It's dark." Dissah said.

"It is. My darlings, I will not hide the truth from you. A great darkness is coming...one no candle, lantern, or even Erebor's great forges can keep at bay. We ourselves instead, must be the light that fights the darkness." Tauriel breathed her sons in as she pulled the three of them to her before releasing them. This time, Kilion allowed her to let him go and he leaned back with tears still falling down his cheeks.

Tauriel cupped his small face and pressed her lips to his brow, repeating the gesture with Naufi and Orin. She ran her fingers through each of their hair and smiled softly. "I know, very soon, our world may be changed, but we must be brave my loves. We must have courage and trust in those around us. If...if your father and I are ever separated from you for any reason...always know we are still here..."

Tauriel pressed her fingers to each of their heads. "...and here." She then placed her hands over their hearts, one right after the other. "...we can never, be separated forever. We will fight our way back to you through any adversity...that I can promise with all that I am. You, all of you, are our everything. This family, is our greatest treasure."

"And never, will there not be someone here for you." Tarrah soothed as she too came and sat on her knees, Ithtiri still in her grasp.

Viltarra was the last to come and sit beside her sister on the ground, opening her arms to her daughters. "Our duty is to you first and foremost. But we also have a stewardship to the people, and those we fight beside." The young dam added softly as her daughters rested their heads against her. "It is also our duty to make a world that is safe for all of you; for you, are the future."

"Now enough of the worries for the moment. We have no plans on leaving anytime soon. Push those worries aside and think on them no more." Tauriel kissed her sons and smiled at Skrunt, who was nothing but a wiggling lump in Naufi's fur-lined pocket. She looked into each of their eyes and said confidently, "We have no idea when Kaw is returning, and when he does...we will hopefully have some answers. Until that day, I want to see brave faces. You have nothing to fear, let us live each day as it comes, okay?"

"Yes mama." The twins and Kilion spoke softly, while Dissah and Karra simply nodded. Vilia was too young to understand as was Ithtiri, and Rori and Leori simply sat beside Leotti, silently watching.

"Good. Are you all finished eating?" With that, the heaviness in the room dissipated as the remaining conversations were light and filled with laughter as the three dams and eleth joined in with the children's fun.

Higher in the mountain, Kili felt a chill run down his spine as he stared off across the snow covered land into the dark forest. It was midday, but dark snow clouds paired with the shadows over Mirkwood gave it an air of being dusk. Even Dale had its lanterns lit as if they alone would ward off the darkness.

A painful throb in his mind had him nearly turning on his toes to seek after his younger son who was still, at times, connected to him. Kilion was a sensitive soul, and though he was rather independent for his age...he still clung to both Kili and Tauriel and they were happy to let him have his own timeline of when he was ready to let them go. The only reason he stayed in fact, was because his eldest son was beside him…and his wife seemed to have it handled. He knew she was with the children, and she was fine, so he simply let it be for now. If it gets worse, he will go.

"What is happening da?" Finli asked looked up at his father. "In the forest?"

"I do not know Fin." Just as Kili spoke, Umyra flew down to the banister and ruffled her feathers. She wore the same mithril armor Kaw did as did the other three royal ravens. Without a word, she dropped the small note she held into Kili's hand as Finli smiled and scratched her head, offering her a piece of the cookie he had been eating.

"What does it say da?" Finli asked attempting to see the note, but Kili held it a bit too high. As he read, his face fell and he shook his head.

"What is it?" Naurfaer asked from where he had been speaking to Gimli. Gimli, being of age, was now on the guard to the great pride of his father. Of course Mizim had her reservations, though Kili doubted there were many mothers who would keep silent when their children chose a dangerous career willingly.

Kili pulled the message from his pocket, and handed it to Naurfaer who looked at him curiously. Unrolling the message, Naurfaer stared at the neat, elven, script. It was not in Thranduil's hand, but in Legolas's.

'Ivethin is missing. Due to an emergency in Rivendell, she was permitted to travel at her own insistence. She only took four with her, two guards who wanted to go, and one member of her team...her niece. She left a month ago, but has not sent word of her arrival. We only today received a missive from Elrond asking if Ivethin was still planning on traveling to Rivendell as she had not arrived. I fear the worst.'

"Wha' does it say?" Gimli stared at the note, his bushy brows lowered as if he was trying to get the curling letters to form a phrase he could comprehend.

"Tauriel..." Naurfaer said without answering, and Kili nodded.

"We need to tell uncle." Kili sighed retaking the note before he turned to his cousin. "It is not good news, Gim. Ivethin, is missing."

"Ivethin? Oh. Tha' is ill news." Gimli looked down solemnly than nodded. "Go ahead, go tell Thorin. Fin can keep watch with me until Dynni and Naglur come up for their duties in not a quarter hour." He smiled at Finli who squared his shoulders and stood tall...well, as tall as a dwarf who was just a few months shy of twenty years. He still could barely look over the banister of the veranda.

"Go ahead da. I'll be okay." Finli said proudly, happy Gimli thought him ready to aid in the watch.

Kili sighed and nodded, eyeing the forest then his son. He placed a hand on Finli's shoulder and squeezed. "I want you to come up to your pop's office as soon as Gimli is relieved, understand?"

"Course da! I will be fine." Finli beamed, a perfect copy of his own father's grin, and Kili could not help but smile back before he released Finli and moved towards the door, pausing to wait for Naurfaer.

Naurfaer ruffled Finli's hair in passing but stopped and pulled out one of his two blades. "Every good watch, has to have a reliable weapon." He handed Finli the blade who stared at it wide eyed and lost for words. "I want that back in fifteen minutes." Naurfaer warned. "And it better only be used if absolutely necessary, got it?"

"Got it gamp." Finli agreed instantly.

"That's my Fin." Naurfaer smiled. "Watch him Gimli."

"Course." The young dwarf nodded in agreement as the pair turned back to watch the forest.

Quickly, Kili and Naurfaer walked through the busy halls of Erebor. Most on this level were workers in the large kitchen and stables, or the guard who were based on the main floor. It was near time for the change in guard, so there were many groups standing around getting instructions from their superiors as they get ready to take their places.

Kili nodded a few who called out to him, and Naurfaer had to stop when Braundee asked him his thoughts on having a patrols walking the mountains perimeter, but the elf shook his head. "Thorin and Aeodhen said the entrances only." He gave her a smile. "We will let you and the other lead guards know when we make any changes."

"Aye." Braundee said with a small bow of her head before she moved back to her team waiting not far from her.

Quickly, they continued on their way through the brightly lit mountain. Naurfaer has got to say, that he never in his life imagined living underground would be like this. When he thought about dwarves in their dwellings, he thought about dark holes of grey rock, and stocky dwarves strutting from mine to mine pushing carts of gold, jewels, and stone from dusk to dawn. He feels a bit to embarrassed now thinking back on it, since those thoughts were nothing but profiling a people solely based on the things others say.

What was worse, is though he never mingled with dwarves for long periods of time, he has dwelt with them now and again. He had known many in his long life who were nomadic like Viltarra and her family, and has even fought alongside more than he can count. They were always good people, if not a bit standoffish, who had a variety of talents outside mining.

But he was in awe nearly every day when he woke and realized...dwarves, were not a people who preferred darkness. Not in any way. The fully restored Erebor was filled with a light so bright it rivaled a summers day. How did they do it? Well with very cleverly designed inventions made to capture the sunlight from sporadic holes thought the stone that traveled through glass and mirrors throughout the entirety of the mountain. It had been the last major project in the mountain and one that took nearly an entire decade to accomplish as it required supplies that took awhile to obtain, skills that needed to be studied and learned, then teams of dwarves to essentially redesign the entire system as both time, and the dragon, destroyed Erebor's previous system. But once it was complete, the mountain lit up like a bright summers day.

That was not the only light of course, as the burning forges which heated the mountain, also ran the intricate lantern system that kept the mountain alight during the winter months or when the sun went down. It was genius! Dwarves, Naurfaer discovered, were a people of ingenuity and often sought ways to better themselves and their life through invention and design.

Furthermore, though there were deep greys and warm earth tones throughout Erebor as Naurfaer had expected, there were also many vibrant colors including lush greens from the plants growing throughout the many levels of the mountain and flowers…yes flowers…that stemmed here and there on vines and scattered brush along walls, and in planter boxes here and there on every level.

Now the flowers, those were newer to Erebor and a special request from both Tauriel and Viltarra. Thorin did not hesitate a moment when both his niece and daughter had put in their request as the planters were built, he simply told them to gather whatever seeds they wished or felt would benefit the mountain, and give them to the teams handling the foliage construction. Of course, Morning Glories were explicitly banned for good reason, but within a year, a variety of blooms were growing nearly year around.

They were sustained from dwarven innovation...some of which Naurfaer has tried to ask about but has been shut down more times than he could count by the dwarves who refused to share their secrets even with those of their same race outside their own teams.

One could only know, if they worked that specific trade...otherwise, they were told to bugger off in the nicest fashion. Naurfaer loved it...it was always a challenge to try and get a secret out of a dwarf, and one he thoroughly enjoyed speculating on around them until they gave up and gave it away in frustration, or simply walked away muttering under their breath about strange and annoying elves.

Naurfaer smiled as he watched a dwarfling with their mother, who was holding a basket of rolls and tugging on the little one's arm gently. Naurfaer knew her, she worked in the kitchens. Bombur allowed for any dams and dwarfs under him to bring their dwarflings to work if they had or wished to...as long as they did not work the ovens that is. The dam, Hatti, was attempting to get her son away from one of the many indoor streams that held small fish whose scales flashed many colors of the rainbow...much like the gems in the walls throughout the mountain. The youngling was on his toes trying to see the fish; his finger poking the surface of the water until his mother huffed and pulled him away.

It was a paradise in Erebor, that Naurfaer never in his dreams thought would rival even the most beautiful elven city. Yet, to him, it in some ways, it surpassed them. These people were happy and bright, and their home, was a place the Valar would be proud to dwell in.

"You coming?" Naurfaer looked to Kili who was shifting from foot to foot looking a bit frustrated.

"Ki!" Before Naurfaer could answer, Fili came from the guards' wing with Dwalin beside him. "Where's the fire? You look ready to kill someone. Everything alright?"

Fili was holding several swords in one arm, and two shields in the other...though he seemed completely unhindered. Dwarves and their brute strength, Naurfaer thought; it surpassed nearly every race in middle earth...even elves. Each of those shields looked as if they weighed at least fifty pounds if not more.

"I need to talk to uncle." Kili sighed. "I got a note from Mirkwood…it isn't good. You should probably come too, Fi. Are you done training? I thought you would be busy all day?"

"Ya, well, these here are in deep need of mending and could use Tauriel's talent with the hilts and fasteners. I was taking them to the forge while I had a quick break." Fili rested the shields on the floor. "Besides, I am starving. Where's Fin?"

"He's with Gimli finishing watch. They only have about five minutes or so left and he will be heading over." Kili's own stomach growled as he finished speaking, Fili only now reminding him that he had not had lunch yet.

"Kili, Fili, good. You are together." None other than Thorin came stalking down the steps looking beyond frustrated. It was in no way surprising as Litin was just behind him trying to shove some parchment at the clearly annoyed dwarven king.

"My lord…this is time sensitive as I have said. It needs both your attention and your signature!" Balin's assistant was rather insistent when he wanted to be…the problem, however, was Thorin was the last being he should be addressing as he was. "Please my lord…just this last…"

Kili had to smother a laugh when Thorin turned on his toes at the bottom of the steps causing Litin to stumble and nearly drop the parchment…which he caught after it slipped through his fingers a few times. "LITIN! I have said it THREE times now. Believe me, you do NOT want me to repeat myself again." He leaned forward, inches from the stuttering dwarf who was adjusting his spectacles as Thorin spoke in a dangerous tone. "However, it appears you have clogged ears or are in need of a trumpet like Oin, so I will say this ONE LAST TIME! I WILL NOT be approving or addressing anything further today. Understand? Will signing that save a life? Will it stop a war? Will it cause middle earth or Erebor to fall in disarray if I delay ONE DAY?! I find that doubtful or it would be Balin at my feet rather than you."

Litin had the decency to flinch, but otherwise looked nonplussed as he blinked back at Thorin who growled then turned on his toes muttering, "Dismissed."

"But my lord…" Litin tried again.

"I SAID DISMISSED!" Thorin roared.

Dwalin stepped forward, shaking his head. "I think yeh should go lad."

"I am here for the king." Litin unwisely shot at the large dwarf who was now glaring at him now as annoyed as Thorin.

"And…if yeh want to continue to work for the king and his company, I think, it may be a good idea to make yourself scarce." Dwalin's voice was thick with frustration as he leaned into the dwarf who finally seemed to get a clue.

"Right, yes my lord. I will bring this by first thing tomorrow." Litin bowed to Thorin, then scurried off.

"Really…he is doing so much better." Naurfaer's bright-green eyes followed the dwarf who ran into a dam carrying a tray of tea, causing her and the tray to go falling to the floor. At least, Litin had the decency to immediately help her.

At the four matching looks of exasperation staring at him, Naurfaer simply shrugged. "Oh come now, he is not a bad sort…he just takes his job very seriously. You should be happy he isn't some halfwit. He is quite intelligent and if I may, could surpass even Balin one day if he keeps his focus on what Balin is teaching him."

"Uh…Naurfaer?" Kili gave the elf a worried look. "You may regret giving your second blade to Fin…as I am pretty sure uncle is about to kill you."

Naurfaer lifted a brow at Kili, but looked at Thorin who did have a rather deadly expression on his face. "You are very lucky my daughter is so fond of you." Thorin's deep voice was filled with mirth.

"Ohhh, you love me too." Naurfaer rocked on his toes and smiled brightly. He loved getting under the dwarven king's skin knowing full well what he was doing, and also knowing that it was more than just Thorin's pure adoration for Tauriel that kept him both alive and inside Erebor. He knew his place in the family, and he knew he more than earned the respect not just of the royal family, but of the dwarves in the mountain as well.

"Besides..." Naurfaer continued before Thorin could rip him apart. "...Litin is still quite young and eager to impress. He will settle down with time and perhaps...a few good hard lessons in reality."

"Aye...and a good firm kick." Dwalin grumbled, Thorin giving him a look that said he agreed.

"Uncle, Umyra brought a message from Mirkwood." Kili, no longer wishing to wait, handed the note from Legolas to Thorin who took it without hesitation.

Kili watched as his uncle's frustrated expression melted into something akin to despair. He wondered if it was because he knew how much Tauriel both looked up to and cared for Ivethin...or it was because he himself admired the elven healer. For whatever reason, Kili saw something, that in his youth, would have been impossible to even consider...true care for an elf. Even more, care for an elf outside the family.

"Does Tauriel know?" Thorin looked to his nephew who shook his head.

"I only just received it." Kili accepted the letter back. "I need to tell her, but you know as well as I that the moment she finds out..."

"She will be packing her bags to go to Mirkwood." Thorin sighed. "Yes, I think I know her well enough by now to make that assumption."

"I will go with her, if she chooses such a foolish endeavor." Naurfaer folded his arms, also knowing his granddaughter well enough to know she would do anything for those she cares for...even put herself in danger.

Thorin growled. "She in NO way will be going without a full team of guards and..."

"Me." Kili said resolutely. "I will not let my wife go through this alone."

Sighing, Thorin rubbed his temples. His children, he loved them, but he never in his wildest dreams thought they would be the cause of so many headaches. "Kili, you have five children..."

"Who are very well cared for by the family." Kili argued.

"And..." Thorin continued glaring at his nephew. "...Ithtiri is not even three monts old yet. She is still nursing. IF Tauriel were to go, we need to make plans. Nobody, is leaving Erebor on a whim and certainly not before we have discussed it as a family. I am more than sure your mother will have an opinion on this as well." All five males shivered at the thought.

"DA!" Kili turned to see his eldest running towards him, above him flew Umyra who landed on Kili's shoulder and croaked right in his ear. Kili rolled his eyes but let the raven be. "DA! Gimli and I saw a troll!"

This had everyone nearly in a panic but Finli was smiling. "He was far in the forest. I think it was a he. But he was HUGE!"

"We THINK it was a troll, Fin." Gimli chuckled as he walked towards the group.

"Mahal Fin." Fili flung his arm around his nephews and pulled him close even as he shook his head in annoyance. "You about had us in a frenzy. Next time, do not come running like there is a fire."

"Sorry uncle Fi. You should have SEEN him though!" Finli again gushed in excitement.

"Fin, I think I have seen more than enough trolls in my life, thank you. And trust me, if you were close enough to smell one, you would be far less excited." Fili grumbled, then lifted a brow as he looked down at Kili's little miniature. "Where, exactly, did you see this troll dear nephew?"

"Right at the edge of the forest." Gimli answered, breathing on his axe before wiping a smudge of some sort off with a cloth he replaced back in his pocket moments later. "Massive gray thing, though it was hard ta tell really; keep tellin' him it could 'ave jus' been a forest animal...or a rock."

"A rock that moves?" Finli gave Gimli an exasperated look which the older dwarf just shrugged away.

"Wha'ever it were, I ain't reportin' it. Nobody else saw nothin' on the watch."

"But you saw it right?" Finli asked now far less excited.

Again, Gimli shrugged. "Wish I could agree with yeh Fin, bu' it really was jus' a glimpse."

"Well I saw it." Finli grumbled.

Thorin eyed his grandson, then moved to stand before him and pressed a palm to his face. "Are you certain you saw what you did?" Thorin asked after a moment.

"Positive..." Finli answered resolutely before some of the confidence left his eyes as they flicked to Gimli. "...at least, I think so."

"I will send a missive to Thranduil just in case." Fili said calling Umyra who turned her back on him. She clearly did not want to be cooperative. "Alright, I will use Duk then." He sighed. "Spoiled bird." Fili huffed causing Umyra to hiss and snap at him.

Kili lifted his eyes to the ceiling, his brother will never learn. "Do you believe me da?" Finli looked up at his father with wide eyes.

"Of course I do." Kili smiled softly at his son. He knew Finli would never make something like this up, none of his children would. "Did you still want to do some training today?"

"I was jus' goin' myself." Gimli said before Finli responded. "I think we 'ave a rematch from tha' massive loss las' week."

"That's because you cheated." Finli rolled his eyes and folded his arms. "Or I would have won."

Gimli laughed loudly. "Cousin, yer a quarter o' my weight, wet." He patted Finli on the back. "I canno' help it if I can sit on ya. Yeh will get there bu' trainin' will help...unless yer goin' the continue ta pout..." He lifted a bushy brow and Finli bristled.

"I aint pouting, and you're on." Finli immediately moved away until Naurfaer cleared his throat.

"I believe you have something of mine?" The tall elf waited patiently, a hand held out as Finli let out a disappointed breath and handed him the blade. "You didn't think I would let you keep that, did you?" The look Finli gave him, made him wonder but eventually Finli shook his head.

"No, it's yours gamp. Besides, uncle Fili is going to help me make my own blade for my birthday, right uncle?"

"Right you are, Fin." Fili ruffled his hair.

"Go on, Fin. I will see you when your done." Kili embraced his son then pushed him towards the guards wing where Gimli was already walking. The dwarfling quickly ran to catch up with his distant cousin who placed an arm around his shoulders as they disappeared into the wing.

"Who is going to tell Tauri?" Fili asked already knowing the answer.

"I will." Kili was in no way looking forward to having to share the news with his wife that Ivethin, who she adored almost as much as she adored Legolas, was also now missing. Mahal, he himself was ready to go to Mirkwood because he too thought highly of Ivethin. "I better go tell her now."

"Tell her tonight." Thorin suggested softly. "She is having lunch in the market. There is nothing that we can do, so waiting a few hours will not worsen the situation, Kili."

"What do I do if she runs to Mirkwood?" Kili asked honestly. He knew his wife, they have been married for twenty years now, and they were bonded deeply. He knew her fully, body and soul.

Naurfaer placed both of his hands on Kili's shoulders. "Then we support her as best we can."

"Ki, Tauri won't leave her children on a whim." Fili stood beside his brother giving him an honest look. "She is not that impulsive. And uncle is right, Tauriel is still nursing Ithtiri and will be for another few years. She will need to make accommodations for her long before she can separate. There is no way Ithtiri is able to be weened this young."

"And she certainly won't risk taken the lass to Mirkwood." Dwalin added. "I think yer safe from her jumpin' on Galaddal's back and ridin' into the sunset lad. Bu' don' mean she won' be wantin' ta go."

Kili nodded. "I know, and I wouln't blame her for it either. Still, I don't want to delay telling her so I will talk to her tonight. Do you need me for anything uncle? Were you looking for us?"

"Not for anything pressing." Thorin nodded, rubbing his hands through his beard already looking tired. "Really I just needed to get out of my office and away from Litin."

"I SWEAR if those fools even THINK about going to Mirkwood...I will personally HAMMER their stupid feet to the stone floor!"

"Uh oh...mams pissed." Fili looked around his brother to the corridor that opened to the steps leading to the market levels. They didn't even see Dis yet, but oh...they could hear her.

"Going to Mirkwood. By my beard, I thought we finally had our peace but of COURSE we can't just be like other dwarves and be happy in our stone halls...oh no...we need to go hey nonny nonny into the forest of shadows, where elves are MISSING Nyaunni! MISSING! I do not see the sense in it. Tauriel, the foolish child, will be the maker of my death. I won't survive if something were to happen to her, neither would Kili."

Fili blinked. "Do you think Tauri already knows about Ivethin, Ki? Maybe you don't have to tell her after all."

Before Kili could answer, they were able to see Nyaunni's customary fiery red curls, and Dis who was red faced and clearly furious. They have seen that look before, just prior to their journey to Erebor when Dis had been again furious for them even considering throwing away their second chance in a 'fools errand' which turned out fine in the end.

"YOU FOUR! Don't you move a MUSCLE!" As soon as the three sons of Durin came into view, Dis was already yelling at them.

"Well, good luck lads." Dwalin muttered not at all in the mood to be lumped in with the royal family when Dis was like this. Best to make oneself scarce when the matriarch of the family had fire in her eyes as she did.

"How is it we are in trouble?" Fili whined quietly.

Dis must not have heard, or chose not to hear, when she marched up with her hands on her hips pointing at the two princes. "You have children! CHILDREN!"

"Context Dis." Nyaunni rolled her eyes, pecking Thorin on the cheek as she stood beside him. All four males were looking confused and taken aback...well the three were. Naurfaer just looked amused. "They have no idea why you are yelling at them."

"I am NOT YELLING!" As she spoke, several dwarves and dams scurried past with hurried paces. It was doubtful there was a soul in Erebor who had not at least been warned of the Durin family temper...a volatile lot they can be in the right situation.

"Oh? That is not yelling?" Nyaunni folded her arms as she smirked at the dam who gave her a look then took a deep breath. "How about I explain, hm?" Dis glared at her but nodded. "Good. We were simply having a lunch..."

"When YOUR wife suggested we go willy nilly into Mirkwood!" Dis finished, angerly pointing at Fili in the chest. Now I can expect that from Tauriel, but by my beard, I had not expected it from Viltarra."

"My wife?!" Fili blinked, then smiled. He loved his wife who gave what she got and he was proud of her courage.

"Put that smile away, Fili." Dis put her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes. "This is serious."

"Dis." Thorin shook his head, taking pity on his nephew. "Ivethin has been now counted among one of the lost."

At this, Dis froze and turned to Thorin, her face paling in the brightly lit halls of Erebor. "Ivethin? Mahal above, not Ivethin."

"We only just got word." Kili handed Dis the note from Legolas and she read it several times before looking to Kili.

"Tauriel..."

"Doesn't know yet." Kili muttered softly. "But I won't be keeping it from her so don't even ask that of me."

"Of course not! I would never even consider it." Dis gave Kili the parchment and closed her eyes.

"Dis..." Naurfaer cleared the few steps between them. "...we will figure this out. Nobody in the family has any current plans to go anywhere...Mirkwood or otherwise. But if they do, I don't think you could stop them."

Dis nodded solemnly, her expression already one of loss so Kili pulled her into his arms. "Oh, mam."

"Ivethin was the kindest soul in Mirkwood." Dis cried into his shoulder. "I don't think I have ever met one so willing to help another as she."

"With hope, she isn't dead." Thorin eye Umyra who had flown to the rafter the moment Kili pulled his mother into an embrace. "Kili, do you think you could get Umyra to go to the Iron Hills? They are the closest halls to ours, and I want to know if Dain has seen anything out of the ordinary in his lands. I will also have ravens sent to the other lords, but I want to hear from Dain before I cause an uproar."

"I think so." Kili looked at Umyra who was preening her feathers, clearly ignoring the group below. She was always more difficult to get to cooperate when she was disinterested. She has been even more difficult with Kaw gone and Kili really did not blame her. She missed her mate. If Tauriel was gone that long, Kili would be in a right state...so he admires her. Then again...she is a raven so what does he know about how she feels or processes her emotions. Though Tauriel claims they are not too different then they are in more ways than he will ever know.

"Good. With any hope, Kaw will be returning with news from Gandalf. Unfortunately, I fear there is not much we can do until then. Kili, please relay my remorse to Tauriel." Kili nodded as Thorin looked at him for several seconds, then spoke to the group as a whole.

From there, they spoke quietly about what Finli saw, and the possibility of trolls entering their lands. Naurfaer agreed to speak to Aeodhen about reinforcements if needed. Eventually, they split up once more agreeing to meet for a private family dinner that evening just in case Tauriel needed the support.

"I will make her favorite tonight." Dis said perking up a bit as she made for the kitchens to gather the ingredients for Tauriel's favorite meal and probably, butter cake which was Tauriel's comfort dessert.

"Thank you mam." Kili kissed her cheek as she passed, and he repeated the gesture with Nyaunni who decided to help Dis since Thorin wanted to go speak to Balin both about the situation in Mirkwood, and about Litin. By the forges of their maker, that dwarf is on the precipice of being strung by his beard in the dungeons if he does not learn the delicate balance between his position...and his place.

Nearly an hour later, Kili was sucking on his finger that had a rather nasty nip from Umyra who bit him, then flew off. He ended up having to use Kyda, the only female of Kaw's little brood. Though she matched her mother in likeness and spirit...today she seemed to be a bit more willing to comply and nuzzled Kili's hand affectionately before taking the missive and flying off into the blue skies towards the Iron Hills.

With still plenty of time before the evening, Kili decided to go join his son in training...otherwise he would be pacing holes in the stone floor until his wife came home.

Across middle earth, an old wizard was slowly making his way through an old forest towards the lonely mountain. On his shoulder, a large black raven slept off his long journey. "Sleep, my friend." The wizard rumbled as he continued his journey long into the night.

Authors Note At the Bottom (Obviously (I cannot say that without using Alan Rickman/Snapes voice, HAHAHA)): YEESSS GANDALF INCOMING! Still not really any answers. This story takes a bit to get going I know. Lol. It will get there. Also, what does Mahal want? We will find out eventually. Poor Sigrid. She's alive though, so there's that. Anyway, I am off to work, then I am going to pick up my first ever Lego set I have been saving MONTHS for...Lego Rivendell here I come. It is all on hold and everything. See you guys in a bit! Who knows how much I will add to the next chapter. Maybe it will be 70,000 words XD XD XD. JK. I wouldn't do that. That is just far too long. This chapter was far too long. Lol. See ya later. Love you!