Authors note: I know…this is two days late. I just got caught up in family stuff.

Thanks for the review, as always, Docnikki! I am always looking forward to seeing everyone's theories and things they enjoyed, really, I love it. But I do have to say I never thought about bringing Thrain back though after you mentioned it, I would love nothing more than to write up a reunion between Dis and her father. I mean, you are completely right, with the timeline being different, and Dis certainly deserves it after all she went through. The only reason I probably won't though is because it would just really complicate things. (I say probably because I supposed I could change my mind in a later act…but that is really doubtful.) That would mean yet ANOTHER king in the mountain on top of Thorin, Fili, and Finli. I mean, Thrain would trump Thorin and I think Thorin has more than earned his place as king. Technically, Thrain could just let Thorin continue to rule which would be the most likely scenario…but that is not the ONLY problem. The dwarf had been tortured for almost two centuries. Sure, he came back to himself for a few minutes to tell Gandalf the message to Thorin, but can a person really come back from that kind of damage and trauma and have a good quality of life? Kili still suffers ill effects (though mild and sporadic) from his own torture, imagine that but for two centuries. Honestly, I think the kind thing to do would be to let him have peace in the afterlife. Thrain would not be the Thrain his children knew…he would be a completely different dwarf. To me, it would be a happier ending for him to just, let him remain at rest. Dis will get her reunion when it is her time, along with the reunion with Vili. Again, I could change my mind…but when it comes to this…probably not. I will put a pin in it and think about it.

Also, I cried while editing this…I don't know why I think I am just over-emotional today. It happens. Lol. No trigger warnings or anything, just some goodbyes. I will let you read now. See you at the end.

Chapter Eight

Fili sighed as he read and re-read the letter he just finished for Dissah. Why was this so hard? He already finished one for Vilia, and for Karra, which took him far longer than he anticipated, and once again, he was having a difficult time finding words to end it.

He understood why his mam suggested it though. She had, more than once, wished she had something for Fili and Kili directly from their father to them. Something personal, a message just for his sons. But it was just not meant to be. Fili honestly feels a bit...numb...about it really. There was a nagging, painfilled, feeling of guilt associated with Vili because, the reality was, Fili never felt he lacked a father. From the moment Thorin returned from that battle that killed Vili, he had taken up the responsibility to be their father.

Fili wonders if it hurt Vili as he waited in their ancestors halls, to have sons who consider their uncle, to be their father. Sighing again, Fili stared at the parchment until he felt a set of arms wrap around his neck. "How's it coming?"

Leaning back into his wife, Fili closed his eyes and let the parchment fall back onto his desk. "This, is much harder than I anticipated." He turned his nose to press his face into Viltarra's neck. "I am coming back."

Viltarra smiled as she placed her lips on Fili's head while her eyes scanned the paper. It was not unusual for dwarven fathers to have a heavy hand in rearing their children, there were no 'his roles', 'her roles' in their society like there were among man. They worked as a unit to rear the next generation; equally taking on responsibilities of the family. Fili took his responsibility as a father incredibly seriously, and he knew his girls despite how different they all were.

Fili knew Karra's strength and courage, her ability to pick up any training weapon and learn it quickly; her penchant for thinking quickly in most circumstances, and her drive to always speak her mind. A drive which Fili fully encouraged.

Fili knew Dissah's strong mind, and her love for learning and expanding her world. He pushed his second daughter to pick books she would not normally read and try and see things from different perspectives and viewpoints. Viltarra also knew how much Fili loves simply sitting quietly with Dissah, enjoying the peace as they quietly read together, or she read and he worked on projects from Thorin.

Vilia, now Vilia was still just leaving her baby age. She was growing into her own personality. Vilia adored being with Fili in the forge, and was his constant shadow whenever he was within her reach. Viltarra thought he coddled their youngest a bit but never voiced it once, since she was guilty of the same. After all, despite having her own room and bed, Vilia still slept between them nearly every night.

Viltarra eyed the two sealed notes wondering just what he wrote, but also not wanting to know. They were meant for his girls, and she prays it won't be the last words he bestows on them in their lives.

"You better come back." Viltarra hummed as she released him but came around to place herself on Fili's lap. "I added a few things to your travel pack. Don't worry..." Viltarra chuckled when Fili was about to argue. "...they are light. One is a drawing from Vilia; she insisted you have it but I was not to look at it. So I cannot tell you what it is. And my mother wanted me to add some travel bread and some of your favorite pastries she saved for you from what they didn't sell today. She is quite put out you know, that you are leaving, but she says she understands."

Fili smiled and pulled her close. "Anything else you might have added to my pack, nunguame?"

Viltarra shifted, then slowly pulled out a very tattered, and soiled bit of cloth and held it to her chest, before pressing it into Fili's hand. "Our elven wedding sash. Are you sure Viltarra? Perhaps you should keep it."

"No." The dam shook her head, her thick waves falling in her face. Fili pushed her hair away but waited for her to speak. "I like to think this has brought me a bit of luck, and comfort. Especially when we were in that pit. Take it, and bring it back."

"I really should see if Naurfaer could make a new one." Fili lifted the frayed sash that was so delicate after months of being tied around Dis's waist, that Viltarra only washed it by hand when absolutely necessary. It was only about a third of the size it had been too, from years of little dams wanting to hold it...not too gently...and from it simply falling apart.

"NO!" Viltarra shouted looking both shocked and horrified that he would even suggest such a thing. "You cannot simply remake something like this, Fili!" She ran her fingers over the tattered edges. "Besides, this has been through a lot, like us. I want it, just as it is." She smiled as she resituated herself to straddle his waist, tenderly running her fingers over the remaining foot of fabric. She traced their initials then pressed her forehead to his. "I want this back, along with you. Do you understand? Your daughters need you, and so do your nephews. But more than anything, I need you too, Fili."

Fili tenderly placed his hand just below her ear and pulled her lips to his, groaning when she deepened the kiss and ignoring the slight pain it brought to his nose when she did so. Stupid Kili.

"Da? DAAAA?!"

Fili groaned again and pulled away, his wife chuckling and sliding off his lap which caused Fili to huff in distaste. Though he quickly hid it as he snatched his youngest up. "What is it, my little Vil?"

"Look!" Vilia lifted a very large, very polished emerald that was larger than both her hands put together. "Pop gave me."

Fili rolled his eyes. That emerald had to be worth half of Dale just by itself. He lifted a brow at Viltarra. "We have GOT to talk to uncle about how he spoils them. I know for a fact he threw a fit when Orin took a gem then refused to give him one when he asked, but he gives our three-year-old an emerald almost too big for her to hold?"

Viltarra laughed. "Well, Orin keeps wanting to use them for his experiments that more often than not, cause all kinds of trouble in the mountain…which is why I think Thorin refuses to let him have one. Whereas Vilia will discard this in a few days, so he will get it back." At Fili's look of disbelief Viltarra snorted. "Fine. You can talk to him about it. But I find it easier to get a ram to knit a quilt than to get Thorin to listen to reason when it comes to the children. So I wish you luck." She ran her fingers through Vili's loose, golden, curls. "Do you want me to take her so you can finish?"

Fili, however, shook his head as he pulled his daughter closer. "No. She is fine. I can get this done with her so you can help your father. I heard he is coming with."

Viltarra nodded. "He insists on going in fact, says you will need someone who has knowledge of the world just incase you end up going on a search outside our borders. Apart from Naurfaer, I doubt there a many in this mountain with as much travel experience as my mother and father."

"And you too." Fili gave her a look that had her nodding.

"And me too. Ma's a bit upset about it, but she understands. I think, they also want to help you as well. They quite adore you."

"Vin would be a welcome face indeed." Fili nodded. "I don't think uncle want's a large party, but there is always a place for Vin. What is the time?"

"I think the evening bell will ring in a quarter hour. How about you finish here, while I go and help my mother and father...then I will meet you in the kitchen. I will take Dissah and Karra with me, they can help get the bakery closed up."

Viltarra pressed a final kiss to Fili's lips, then kissed Vilia's head, and made for the door. "I will see you in a bit."

Fili nodded then once more, sighed as he looked at the parchment. With an arm keeping Vilia in place as she looked around the room with the green gem pressed to her face as she peered through it, Fili picked up his quill and continued where he left off.

One room down, Kili was placing a seal on his last letter and putting it gently on top of the pile with the others. He had not only written notes to all five of his children...including Ithtiri, but he also wrote a small note to his nieces as well. Tauriel had done it first, and Kili thought it was a lovely idea. He leaned forward and rubbed the ache away from behind his eyes, though nothing he could do would eliminate it.

That was because the pain radiating in his mind had only a small connection to writing eight, very emotional, letters, and having a broken nose which was not really even that bad…he has had worse breaks. The majority of it was coming from his youngest son, Kilion. Kili could still hear his little son's gasping sobs that echoed out from he and Tauriel's bedchamber.

Kili glanced at his twins who were, for once, sitting quietly on the sofa which should have been an alarm bell in his mind if his head was not currently attempting to combust from the pressure his youngest was creating. Finli was also in the room as well sitting beside the little basket bed Ithtiri was laying in. He was reading her a story while she sucked on her fist as she just stared at her brother.

Taking a deep breath, Kili stood and stepped into his room. His heart broke as he saw his little Kilion, his arms wrapped tightly around his mother's neck, and his legs clinging to her waist as his little body shook and trembled.

Tauriel was whispering something Kili could not hear into Kilion's ebony hair, but it didn't seem to be doing anything, so Kili sat on the bed and placed a hand on his back. "Kilion, you have to breathe my little lion."

"I think he knows that, meleth nin." Tauriel whispered. She was torn between wanting to stay here, with her children, and needing to go do what she can to make these lands safe FOR her children. It was wrenching at her heart in a way that was causing it to break and shatter. How can one be torn into two pieces?

She looked into Kili's eyes, and she could both see and feel the same inner turmoil she was going through coming from him. Were they making a mistake? Likely. But life in Arda was not an easy one, and if they did nothing, what kind of world would be left for her children? Manwe and Aule gave them a gift, something nobody had ever been given, and she felt in her heart, she had a responsibility to this world as payment. Tauriel felt she would seem ungrateful if she simply sat inside stone walls, and did nothing while this world was destroyed by evil she could have helped eradicate.

'Your faith is admirable, daughter of the forest. You owe us naught. But we will not forget your willingness and dedication to serve the innocence in Arda. As long as your children remain in the walls of this mountain, I can ensure their protection and safety. Keep them inside, and warn those charged with them to not allow them to cross the threshold of the mountain for out there, we have little power to help…which is why we must work through those willing…like yourself. We can place wards on this mountain to keep the children safe and hidden inside. We would have not pulled you from such young lives, if we did not believe you would succeed and they, able to live in your absence…even the youngest of them. Only you, can save the lives of many. Be ready, and be well. I will guide you as I can.'

Tauriel sighed, glancing at Kili who had some kind of idea that she was keeping something from him, but trusted her enough not to push her. She then pressed her still sore nose into her sons hair once more and breathed him in, ignoring the slight pain it brought. It was not an easy choice to leave when you had souls dependent on you, souls you loved with your entire being. "Come, my sweet Kilion, my darling and most precious little lion cub, do not worry so. I will be back."

"Do..do...don't leave mama." Kilion hiccupped and somehow, managed to cling even tighter to her. "Don't leave. You won't come ba...ba...back. I will be alone."

Tears began to fall down Tauriel's cheeks. "Oh, anor-mir, I will always come back for you and your brothers and sister."

"We, will always come back, my little lion." Kili agreed.

Kilion sniffed, but shook his head as he continued to sob. "They will come back." Both Kili and Tauriel lifted their eyes to their eldest, who placed Ithtiri's basket on the floor where she still lay with wide, brown, eyes simply watching.

Finli walked to the bed and pulled himself up to sit beside his mother. Finally, Kilion turned his head to look at his brother. "How do you kn...kn...know?" He stuttered.

Finli leaned against Tauriel as he smiled. "Da was taken when I was older than Ithtiri is now, but he came back. So did mama. And you won't be alone, lion."

"Ya. You are stuck with us." Orin smiled sticking his head into the room.

"Ya, sorry about that." Naufi chuckled as Finli rolled his eyes but the younger twin ignored it as he walked towards his parents. "We made you these da! One for each of you."

Kili accepted what appeared to be some sort of doll made from one of his own socks. Orin handed him a second doll from a completely different sock, also one of Kili's. Each had green mismatched buttons for eyes that looked rather familiar, as they were identical to the buttons on two of Tauriel's favorite vests, and he was quite certain the copper yarn on the top of the dolls came from the living room throw Dis made Tauriel for her birthday two years ago.

They were quite detailed, with arms and feet stuffed with...Kili was not sure he wanted to know. They even had little tunics on that were sewn quite well. Kili would be less annoyed and more impressed if those tunics were not made from the front room curtains. Tauriel will not be pleased when she realizes what they used…especially when she notices the tunics from her curtains; the fabric was a gift from Thranduil for her birthday a decade ago so she had a piece of Mirkwood in the chamber.

"They are supposed to be Orin and I." Naufi smiled proudly. "So you don't forget us."

Kili's eyes widened when Naufi's mischievous smirk, turned to something a bit more, unsure. He placed the dolls on the bed, and pulled his twins into his arms. "Oh, my boys. I could NEVER forget you. Any of you!"

As he spoke, his eyes lifted and smiled as Tauriel expertly stood with Kilion in her arms to retrieve their daughter. She brought the basket to the bed and set it down, smiling at her daughter who wagged her arms up at her as she kicked her feet under the blanket. Since she was content to remain in her basket, Tauriel turned her focus to her sons, all four of them.

"I want all of you to listen to what I say." She said making sure their eyes were on her. Kilion pressed himself into her collarbone, but she knew she had his attention as well. "Never will there be a day in our life when you are not the first thing I think about in the morning, and the last thing I think about before I close my eyes to rest. I could never, ever, forget a single one of you. Never, you understand? I love you far, far too much my darlings. You are the stars in my sky that bring light to the darkness. I need you to be."

"I need you mama." Kilion sniffed.

"I know my darling." Tauriel sighed as she cradled his head with her hand. "And I swear to you, I will do everything in my power to come back."

"Do you promise?" Kilion leaned back to look up at her with red-rimmed eyes.

Tauriel cradled his cheek with her hand. "I promise." She whispered and pressed her forehead to his just as the evening bell chimed through the mountain.

As the family got to their feet, Kili squatted and pressed a palm to Orin's cheek and pressed a kiss to his sons forehead, then did the same to Naufi's before he stood and put his arm around Finli's shoulder and pulled him close. "We will get through this. But right now, we have a family dinner to get to, then, we can spend some time together and maybe bring some dessert back to the room. How does that sound?"

"YES!" Naufi yelled out excitedly causing Tauriel and Kili to laugh. Kili lifted Ithtiri from the basket so Tauriel could stand as Kilion still was not yet ready to let her go. She, of course, was perfectly alright with that and simply allowed him to wrap his arms back around her neck and once again bury his face in her shoulder. This will be difficult for him.

Kili eyed the dolls his sons made and shook his head. He will have to have a talk about destroying good things to make others, but he was touched by the gift and will keep them with him wherever he went when he was away. He prayed they will stay out of trouble while he was gone.

But if anyone could handle his twins, it was his mam. After all, they were really just like he and Fili were at their age. Though, maybe they were a bit bolder as they had the freedom to be themselves. That would have to do with the fact that Thorin was a completely different dwarf than he had been when Kili was young. He definitely has softened up, and spoils the children rotten. In fact, Kili believes he watched his uncle give Vilia a gem nearly the size of her head simply because the little dam squealed with delight when she saw it and asked him for it. He never did anything like that when he was a dwarfling.

Not to say Thorin was anything but a wonderful father figure to Kili and Fili. He just, tended to be more stern and had a much shorter fuse paired with high expectations for how they were to act. Things change when one dies and comes back to life though.

It also helped that Finli was incredibly responsible, which made Thorin's job easy since responsibilities and duties tended to come easy to Kili's eldest son. He more than loved his place in the family, he loved his people, and he loved Erebor. Fili made a joke that Finli was Durin, come back from the dead just as their legends foretold...Durin the Deathless will reincarnate through his bloodline...or so their people say.

As much of an honor as that would be, the idea made Kili shudder with displeasure. He wanted his sons to be their own person, and not some long dead dwarven leader returned to Arda. Durin had his time, Finli deserved to have his own time and to not have the weight of some long gone spirit in his soul. Sign of Mahal or not, Finli, was Finli. He was a son of Durin, but not Durin the deathless reincarnate, and Kili refused to believe otherwise.

"Are you coming Meleth nin?"

Kili looked up at his wife and nodded. "Ya. Let's go."

Holding the door to the kitchen open for his wife and children, Kili nodded his greeting to Naurfaer who patted him on the back as he waited to enter. "How is everyone doing?"

Naurfaer eyed Kilion who had yet to let Tauriel go even as she began helping Dis, one handed, with moving things to the table. Both Viltarra and Tarrah were already in the kitchen helping, so everything was mostly ready. Dis did pause, however, to coo at Kilion and rub his back, whispering something to Tauriel to which she nodded her agreement.

"For the most part..." Kili sighed. "...it's going as good as could be expected. I know they are safest here, so, they should be fine."

"And they will be." Naurfaer agreed. "Kilion is having a harder time of it though, it seems."

Kili hummed. "He is very close to Tauriel. They have been rarely parted since he was born, and he…well…he's always been sensitive to this kind of stuff and the emotions around him. I have never seen anything like it. To be honest, it worries me a bit Naurfaer."

"He will be fine, Kili." Naurfaer squeezed Kili's shoulder, seeing the pain in his eyes at his son's reaction to them leaving.

"I know." Kili waited for Naurfaer to enter before going in himself.

Overall, the entire meal was a somber affair. Thorin and Nyaunni came in together just as Dis was taking her own seat at the table. While they ate, Thorin, Dis, and Nyaunni told stories about Thrain. They were the only ones who knew the once crowned prince of Erebor. Once everyone had eaten, they then sang in his honor, filling the main sitting room with songs that even had Kaw singing somberly from where he was perched beside Umyra and their offspring.

When the family lacked the energy to speak any more stories or share any further songs, the room lapsed into silence. By now, the youngest dwarflings, Vilia and Ithtiri, were long asleep; Ithtiri in Thorin's arms, and Vilia in Fili's. The other dwarflings were huddled near their respective parents trying not to shut their eyes.

"How long will you be gone, da?" Karra asked leaning against her father's leg.

"We are not sure yet, but hopefully not too long." Fili ran his hand through her waves which were identical to her mothers.

"If you're going to the forest, can you bring me back a spider?" Orin asked hopefully.

"One of the big ones!" Naufi added.

"Absolutely not." Tauriel huffed. "I do not know where your intrigue came with such beasts, but those foul creatures will not come near this mountain."

"Maybe they just need a better mama." Kilion yawned as he lay his head on Tauriel's shoulder. "You can make them good, can't you mama?"

Naurfaer lifted a brow from where he sat on the floor. "That is not quite how things work, Kilion. Some creatures, are, well, incapable of good."

"I don't fully agree." Nyaunni hummed. "I have seen much good come from the foulest of creatures. In the right circumstances, dark can be far better than light."

"In the right circumstances, sure." Naurfaer sighed. "But that is rare and in every way, depending or relying on such things is an incredible risk. One that can cost yours, or another's life."

"Can we not talk about this right now?" Dis growled, not wanting to think about death or darkness hours before her brother, her sons, and her daughter will be leaving."

"Aye." Tarrah agreed. "There is no place for such topics on a night like this. If nobody has anything left to add to the eve, perhaps it is best we get some rest. The journey to Mirkwood is not long, but, it is dangerous right now. You will all need your wits about you and your guards up. You need to sleep."

"I could not agree more." Thorin grumbled softly, not at all interested in talk on those horrendous spiders, especially when his beloved wife is siding with the dark creatures. Mahal have mercy on him. If Nyaunni ever was able to catch one of those things, she would probably keep it in his mountain, you just watch. First dragons, then, spiders, and the next thing you know, he is housing orcs. What did he do to earn this? Oh yes, fall in love with a dam who was connected to creatures of all varieties.

Kili accepted the still sleeping Ithtiri back from his uncle who was now on the floor bidding the dwarflings who were still awake, a goodnight. Slowly and quietly, the families went to their rooms. As promised, Tauriel loaded a tray of sweets from the pantry in the kitchen, and the family happily spent the next hour just eating dessert and being together. Tauriel finally had time to inspect the dolls her twins made and TRIED not to let her frustration mar the evening. "I do love these, Naufi and Orin…but perhaps next time…you can not use mama's curtains and tunic buttons for your projects?"

"Sorry mama." Orin yawned while Naufi who was half asleep, blindly reached for another cookie. "We wanted to get them done before you left so we used what we had." He leaned against Tauriel, his breath evening out as he fell asleep.

Tauriel rolled her eyes and shook her head. What was done, was done, so she decided to let it be. She is sure Leotti can help her mend the curtains somehow, and buttons were easy to sew on so her tunics are far from ruined. "Lets get them to bed." Tauriel mouthed to her husband who nodded and stood. Of course the twins woke up the moment Tauriel moved and insisted they were not tired but Tauriel shooed them to their room to change.

Kili worked with his wife to get the children in their sleep clothes, then one by one, they piled in their spacious, four postered bed.

Sandwiched between Kili and Tauriel, were Orin, Naufi, Finli, and Kilion while Ithtiri slept soundly on her father's warm chest. Tauriel smiled as each lost the battle to remain awake until only one pair of chocolate eyes remained open. "That didn't take as long as I thought." Kili whispered.

Tauriel rubbed Kilion's back as he nuzzled his face into her, he was sound asleep but clearly still afraid to let her go. "No. How is this so difficult, meleth nin? I know we cannot remain always with them, but why does it hurt so much to leave?"

"Because, they are a part of us amralime." Kili smiled as he reached the hand not cradling Ithtiri over his sleeping sons to intwine with Tauriel's. "It is always hard to leave a part of yourself behind, isn't it?"

Tauriel nodded as she closed her eyes. "I suppose so." That was the last thing she remembered before her senses had her rising in the early morning. Or, perhaps it was the children who were laughing uproariously as Kili told them some tall tale about a troll going to a ball dressed in the finest robes Arda offered.

"It is true." Kili grinned so wide, Tauriel thought his face would crack. "Just ask Balin. He was the one to tell Fili and I the story."

"Sounds absurd." Kilion looked rather unconvinced as he sat in between Finli's legs.

"And quite funny. I would have liked to see that." Finli laughed.

"Can you tell us the one about uncle and the bear next?" Orin asked bouncing. "That's my favorite."

"No! The one where Dwalin met the group of people who were half horse and half man in the far north." Naufi leaned forward eagerly. "I can't remember what they were called, but I want to meet one myself!"

"Centaurs?" Finli asked.

"YES, THATS IT!" Naufi shouted.

"I am afraid, those are creatures of myths, my darling." Tauriel pushed herself up and pulled Naufi into her arms, causing him to smile up at her.

"But Mister Dwalin said he has met them, mama!" Naufi argued.

"Perhaps, he was confused." Tauriel tried to reason.

"Or drunk." Kili quietly chuckled.

Tauriel laughed to herself knowing that was the more likely scenario then took a moment to hold her son tightly, just enjoying the last early morning they had together before her and Kili had to go. To her, this, was paradise…but it was about to be broken and she is afraid what is to come, can no longer be delayed. "Finli, can you take your brothers to get ready for the day?"

"Sure, mama." Finli got to his knees and pressed a kiss to Tauriel's cheek before sliding off the bed. "Come on Naufi and Orin, you too little lion."

Tauriel squeezed Naufi who laughed. She kissed his head then let him go with his brothers. Kilion was the only one to hesitate, so Tauriel pressed her lips to his brow and drew him into her arms. "I will come back, Kilion."

"And da?" Kilion asked with glassy eyes.

Tauriel looked to Kili who crawled back onto the bed and scooted to wrap his arms around Tauriel and Kilion. "We will come back."

"What if you don't?" Kilion asked. "What if the spiders get you, or the shadows, or…or…something else?"

Kili looked into Tauriel's eyes, then he glanced over at his other sons just watching and waiting at the door. Gone was the earlier joy and laughter, and in its place, a shadow of fear and worry. "We love you." Kili began. "All of you." He looked to all his children. "So we will always be here for you. You may not be able to see us, but your mother and I will never fully leave you. Never."

"And we will claw our way back to you, and never stop fighting until we can hold you in our arms again." Tauriel promised. "You are our world, all of you. Now, I need you to promise me something…I need all of you to promise me something."

Two sets of emerald, green eyes, one set of chocolate brown, and two blue orbs looked at Tauriel curiously. "First, you must swear to me you will never leave this mountain. Not a toe out the gates. It is not safe out there, but in here, you are fully protected. Do you understand?"

"Can we go if nan or gam takes us?" Orin asked.

"No. I will have a talk with them. For no reason, should you leave until we return." Tauriel said, her tone serious and filled with authority.

"Okay mama." Kilion said and Tauriel looked to her other children who all nodded their agreement.

Tauriel ignored Kili's curious look as she continued. "I also need you to help both of your grans, and your aunt. This will be difficult for everyone, so try to be as helpful as you can. Can you do that?"

"Of course mama." Finli stood tall. "And I will make sure the others keep out of trouble too…and inside the mountain." He whispered loudly causing Naufi and Orin to huff and shove their brother playfully.

"I am counting on that." Tauriel laughed and squeezed Kilion who was still in her arms. "You may need to help your brother with the twins, my brave little lion." She quietly said in Kilion's ear.

"I will try. They are an armory of trouble." Kilion finally smiled and hugged Tauriel one more time, then slid off the bed to go to his brothers. Finli picked him up and began asking him what he wanted to do that day, helping to distract the dwarfling whose eyes never left Tauriel, not until he was out of the room.

"Not a toe outside?" Kili asked as he slid out of the bed and placed Ithtiri in her basket. "That sounds like a warning."

Tauriel looked away from him until Kili grabbed her hand to stop her. "It is a warning, isn't it? Tauriel…I feel…I know there are things you are keeping from me.." When Tauriel began to argue Kili shook his head. "…and I have a feeling there is a reason why. Just…can you answer me one thing? Is you telling the children to stay inside the mountain coming from you, or…" He ran his thumb over her mark. "…or Mahal?"

Tauriel gulped and looked away for a few moments, then met his gaze. "Both." She said softly and Kili nodded.

"I suppose, it is a good thing we have a Valar so invested in us succeeding. I should get on my knees and offer up a prayer in gratitude if I wasn't so annoyed that I believe it is him telling you to keep things from me. It is, isn't it?" Kili lifted a brow and Tauriel bit her lip.

Instead of answering, she slowly slid herself into his hold and buried her face in his shoulder. She wouldn't tell him, because according to Aule, it would mean both their deaths. Kili cannot sacrifice himself for her, for in doing so, their children would be left without their parents and Tauriel refused to let that happen. Their best chances to getting through this, was to trust that Aule knew what was best.

Kili sighed in her hair and just held her. "We will come home…together."

"We have to." Tauriel said in his ear. "I am worried about Ithtiri." She lifted her eyes to look on the bed where their daughter was peacefully resting. As soon as she is awake, she will demand food which won't be long now. "I am going to put aside as much as I can for her, but after that is gone…"

"She will be alright, amralime. We have to trust whatever this plan is Mahal is keeping from me…that it includes ensuring our children are protected." Kili pulled away and pressed his hands to his wife's face. "I am trying NOT to be furious, by the way, about being left in the dark about this."

Tauriel leaned her head against his. "And I hate not telling you." She sent him the pain it brought her, and Kili felt it keenly. "But we have got to make it through this and come back as soon as possible Kili. I can't be away from Ithtiri for too long. It is too dangerous for her at her age, and with her connection to us." She pulled away. She didn't need to bring up how dangerous it was to leave Finli even for a few days with his mind so broken, and hers as well. But still, even with Ithtiri in perfect condition as she was, it would not bode well for her to be away for more than a month or two at most. Even then, with each passing week the discomfort it would bring both Ithtiri and Tauriel would grow.

But what can you do when you are told you must go for the betterment of Arda? What do you do when you have a three month old relying on you and a Valar all but orders you to leave them? All you can do, is trust the higher powers know what they are doing…and trust their judgment in you.

"Kili…" Tauriel said softly. "…one of us has to come back…"

"Tauriel don't." Kili growled in warning before releasing her and turning his back to her as he began pulling his sleeping clothes off and discarding them in the corner of the room.

"Kili…"

"I SAID DON'T!" Kili all but roared. He spun to her and the fury on his face was both seen, and magnified through their bond. "I said I am TRYING not to be furious, Tauriel. Trying. But this is neither fair to you nor me. The ONLY thing I can think of as to why you are not telling me about whatever plans you are making, is because you are worried I will throw myself into a situation that will get us both killed. I am not stupid, Tauriel, nor am I some ignorant oaf."

Tauriel blinked as her cheeks reddened and she looked away.

"I am right aren't I?" He seethed, then sighed and ran his hands through his hair. "Amralime, I made you a promise long ago, and I still intend to keep it. But you are breaking my heart."

"Kili." Tauriel said, tears gathering in her eyes as she wrung her hands then looked to the ground both frustrated herself, and torn as to what to do. She felt a hand brush a tear away before Kili cupped her jaw and directed her eyes to look into his.

"I love you, Tauriel." He said simply and softly. "And I cannot lose you. So…so please…for me…do whatever Aule says IF it gets you back to me. Please. I need you."

Tauriel nodded as she leaned forward to press her lips to his. "I love you, Kili, and I need you too. We will come back…together. But if…"

"If." Kili sighed. "My heart will crumble, and the pain will make those nine months being tortured seem like a holiday, but I will come back for our children, Tauriel. You have my word."

It was enough for Tauriel, but they needed something to lighten the mood because this is not how she wanted to start this journey. "I need a shower." Tauriel said softly, glancing at Ithtiri. "If you grab our daughter's basket and bring it into the bathroom…do you think you'd join me?"

Kili chuckled. "Is that even a question? Say no more, amralime." He went to the bed and grabbed their daughter's basket, tucking the blanket further around her sleeping form as he walked past his wife to the bathroom. They didn't have a lot of time, but it was enough to take a few minutes just for them.

One very short but enjoyable shower later, Tauriel began getting ready for her journey. It has been decades since she has traveled, and it felt odd to put on clothes meant for the road. Before putting her leathers on, she picked her little daughter up as she finally woke and began fussing…sending both Tauriel and Kili her need for food. "Kili, I am going to go ahead and feed her. Can you make sure everything..."

"Is packed, amralime?" Kili smirked even as he stood over their bags and weapons, already checking them over. Tauriel smiled and pecked him on the lips as she moved to the rocking chair and began feeding her daughter for the last time. She made sure as soon as she was full, to put as much excess away for her as she could get. It would last a day or two at the most she hoped. With everything she had to do yesterday, she is incredibly grateful Dis insisted on procuring milk for Ithtiri. It gave Tauriel a chance to spend her entire day with her sons and daughter; it was time her children needed from her. Hopefully, Dis was successful.

Tauriel brushed her thumb over her daughters face, memorizing every curve, every sigh, and every little expression she made as she dreamed. It was not fair to be angry about being away for a time, when Kili lost nine months with Finli. Valar above, she prayed it won't be more than a few days she will be gone.

'You will be back before she is changed, daughter of the forest, if you heed my words and warnings. Do not lose faith.'

The soft whisper from Aule brought Tauriel little comfort as she stood to gather her things, and her family, to say goodbye. It was time to go.

It felt like an eternity later when the entire royal family, Gandalf, a few guards, along with Dwalin and Bofur were standing in the stables with both horses and ponies saddled and ready for the journey to the elven realm.

"She prefers the bottle with the softer tip, and she will only take it if the milk is warmed almost to hot but not scalding." Tauriel instructed. Dis hummed knowingly, patiently letting her daughter tell her, a fourth time mind you, about how to take care of the dwarflings Dis has helped raise. She knew every single food her granddwarflings like, each one they refused to eat, and how to prepare milk for an infant who is not breastfeeding. But the dam let her elven daughter continue, knowing it was probably comforting to her in some way to relay again, how to care for her children.

"And I fed her this morning, so she will probably want something in a few hours. If you look in the cooler in the kitchen, I have a few stored away but…." Tauriel looked to the ground.

"I spoke to Tersha." Dis interrupted causing Tauriel to blink in surprise, then begin to argue to which Dis lifted a hand to silence her. "I went to visit her last evening. I knew you wouldn't and Oin would have just sent me to her directly anyway." She lifted a brow causing Tauriel to blush but scrunch her nose in annoyance. She picked up Kili's habits and it was quite endearing to the elder dam. "I know we could have made arrangements with Bombur to get fresh rams milk, but I think, this would be better for Ithtiri."

"Dis, as much as I appreciate your desire to help, I truly do not feel comfortable with it. Tersha lost her child." Tauriel sighed.

"If you would let me finish." Dis lifted a brow. "I was going to say that Tersha's second cousin is due to have a child any day now, and is unable to produce milk. Tersha said her cousin's mother had the same condition and it ran in their family. Tersha was more than pleased to donate, and is willing to give what she can to Ithtiri only while you are gone. Her cousin is not due for another few months so it will in fact, be helping her and making certain nothing goes to waste."

Tauriel sighed again. She still was not completely comfortable with it for multiple reasons. One, she felt like she was abandoning her babe, who was still reliant on her for her food. Two, she was a bit, reluctant, to have another female necessary to feed her little Ithtiri but Tauriel knew it was best for her daughter. Finally, Tauriel could not help but put herself in Tersha's place…to lose her son only to be reminded every day of what she could have while providing for another.

Sure, she was helping her cousin, but Tauriel was not her family, nor did she claim to even know Tersha well. They have exchanged a few conversations in the green room and when Tauriel brought her baskets, and of course there were those brief conversations they had in the healing halls when both of them were still excitedly expecting and gushing over what they think their newborns would look like and whose features they would have until their respective healers came to see to them. Also, Tersha did know Leotti well, and had come to tea a few times…but other than that, Tauriel would not consider them anything more than acquaintances. She will be striving to get to know the dam better when she returns.

"Furthermore…" Dis continued. "…my classes will be covered while you are gone so I can help Viltarra and Tarrah with the children. I will ensure Ithtiri and your sons are well cared for Tauriel. You have my word."

At this, Tauriel pulled Dis into an embrace. "Not for one moment, would I ever doubt such a thing amad. Apart from Kili, I trust nobody as much as I trust you, and my sister. I know the children are in the best of hands."

Dis held her for a moment, then pulled away. "Please, be safe. Do you have your rune stone?"

Tauriel hummed a yes and pulled it from her pocket. "I could not leave it behind. Not when I am unsure of what we will encounter."

"Don't tell me that." Dis grunted. "No mother wants to hear that. Just, come home."

Tauriel pressed a kiss to Dis's cheek. "We will."

"Must you go da." Dissah cried, wiping a tear from her eyes as Karra passed Fili the saddle for Kit. "We were supposed to go to the library…its library day. You promised to show me the secret door you found the next time we go. Remember?"

Fili buckled one of the straps on the saddle before looking to his second daughter as he moved to tighten the girth strap. He paused what he was doing and knelt to the ground and took her hand. "I give you my word, little Dis, that as soon as I get home, I will show you the room in the library." He leant in and whispered somewhat loudly. "And, perhaps, you can help me decipher a map I just found in one of Balin's books. It looks like it leads to a special tunnel I know for certain, has yet to be discovered."

Dissah's eyes lit up. "Truly?"

Fili chuckled and kissed her head. "Truly. But only if you mind your mother and your grandmothers, alright?" He paused then added. "And possibly help keep your cousins in line?"

Dissah laughed and nodded. "I will do my best. But Kilion is better at it."

"Hey! What about me." Finli scrunched his nose then messed Dissah's golden waves. "I like to think I do a good job at keeping ALL of you in line."

"As a future king should." Fili gave his nephew a wide grin, then pulled him in for a tight embrace. "You're the eldest son of Durin in the mountain, Fin. That's not anything to make light of, and I know you don't." He pressed a hand to Finli's cheek. "Stay safe, and I am trusting you to be an example for the others."

Looking around, Fili knelt to Finli's level and spoke in a voice barely above a whisper. "Fin, if we don't come back…"

Finli's eyes widened but Fili pressed a finger to his mouth to silence him. "…I need you to listen, if we don't come back the family will need your strength. You are my brother's son, so I know just how strong you can be. And even more, you have your mother's ability to reason. There are great things in store for you, Finli, and I pray it will be many years before you are handed the mantle waiting for you. But whatever happens, keep the shadows from your heart. Do not let what's out there, cause you to hate and turn into something I know you are not in here." He tapped Finli on the chest where his heart beat right in the spot every dwarven heart drums strong. "I promise we will do everything we can to come back, but I also know, if we do not, Erebor, and our people, are in safe hands."

"Uncle Fili, I am not ready to be king." Finli's eyes were filling with tears. "I don't care about what is in store for me, I want you, da, mama, and pop to come home. I have so much to learn from you and pop, and da and mama."

Fili nodded and smiled. "We cannot always control our fate, nor can we always be around. Our family knows this better than most."

"Then we should have learned that lesson by now." Finli argued.

Fili chuckled again and tugged on one of his family braids. "You're right, of course, Fin. Then at least, make sure your brothers don't destroy the mountain?"

"I don't think I can promise that either." Finli grumbled then wrapped his arms around Fili's neck. "Come home." He whispered. Fili neither agreed, nor said a word. Only held his eldest nephew close for a few minutes before standing when his eldest daughter stepped up to him.

Whipping a tear from her eye, Fili lifted her into his arms. "My Karra. My rock."

"I love you da." Karra blinked away tears, not wanting to look weak in front of her cousins and sisters. "And before you ask, I promise I will help keep Naufi and Orin from bringing down the mountain."

Fili laughed but he refused to let her go until Naufi and Orin both started yelling at her.

"OI! You are usually the reason we GET into trouble!" Orin growled.

"And we are PERFECTLY capable of behaving, thank you. But I doubt you can." Naufi folded his arms, looking every bit his father when Kili was in a foul temper. "I don't understand why everyone keeps throwing us under the ram cart."

"Two words…" Dissah lifted a brow staring between her cousins. "…mine…cart."

"Alright, enough." Kili placed a hand on his sons' shoulders. "Now is certainly not the time to be arguing about anything. You ready Fi?"

"Just about. Got one more little lady to get a hug from. Where's my little Vilia?" Fili got to his knees just in time to catch his racing daughter who had been in Viltarra's arms not a moment before. Fili stood and rocked her as she chattered away to him, not quite understanding what was happening.

While Fili finished his goodbyes, Kili, having already finished his, pulled himself up on Maryn who was swaying. She was every bit herself, not calming even a little despite the years that have passed. Kili patted her neck, as she nudged Galaddal who was accepting an apple from Naufi.

Kili watched as Tauriel embraced Kilion one last time, then handed him to Nyaunni who instantly began shushing him as he began to sob once again. She decided to try and temporarily divert his attention by taking him over to Dajnal, who was leaning out of her pen and chirping in a soothing tone. Uri could care less, as it seems he was just fed and too invested in his barrel of food to care even remotely what was going on around him.

However, Dajnel stretched her feathered head towards the crying dwarfling and nudged him until he lifted his head and began stroking her feathers. "Good…Dajnel." Kilion hiccupped.

Tauriel watched, then pulled herself up atop Galaddal who stamped his foot then turned his head to nuzzle her leg. "Ready for an adventure my friend?" Tauriel leaned forward and ran her fingers through his mane. Galaddal of course did not answer, but nickered softly and accepted yet another apple, this time, from Orin who was looking up at Tauriel.

"By mama." Both Naufi and Orin said in sync. Finli wrapped an arm around each of his brothers, but remained quiet.

"Everyone ready?" Thorin moved towards his shaggy mare, having just said his own goodbyes to Nyaunni, who still had Kilion in her arms. Thorin paused before Finli and the rest of his grandchildren, who had all gathered together as their parents mounted. It was always hard leaving his family, though Thorin cannot quite remember it ever being this difficult. "Come now, enough sad faces. We are not going to battle, we are going to see the elves. No more talk of this not coming back nonsense. Under no circumstances are we riding into doom. We will be back likely before you know it."

Thorin gave them a rare smile, then continued his way to his horse. He stopped once more and pressed his lips to Nyaunni's as she pulled Rhya towards Thorin. Kilion had his head tucked in her shoulder, but he did lift it to mumble, "Goodbye, pop.", before once more, pressing his face to her shoulder.

Thorin shook his head and rubbed Kilion's back, then pulled himself up on his shaggy mare. "Gandalf. Are you ready?"

The wizard, who had simply been watching the family from the top of his own horse, hummed in affirmation. "The question is, are you, Thorin Oakenshield?"

Thorin rolled his eyes then kicked Rhya into a trot, passing the wizard who hmphed and followed. Then, one by one, the party left the mountain behind.

"Adventure, here we come." Kili smiled wide. He of course, was not happy leaving his children…but something in his heart was bursting with excitement at once again, heading into the unknown…even if that unknown was likely quite dangerous.

Fili sighed, eyeing Vin who was shaking his head. "Mahal protect that boy."

"I think Mahal does protect him, along with a sizable team in the afterlife dedicated to Kili alone." Fili grumbled lightheartedly, knowing personally the challenges that come with any attempts to keep his baby brother from harm.

Ahead of Fili, Tauriel was watching the forest with wary eyes. She felt her husbands excitement keenly, but was having difficulty reciprocating it. What has happening within the trees she loved since her first memory?

As she looked ahead, ignoring the banter around her as they passed the outer wall of Dale, Tauriel felt the shadows enter her heart. May the Valar watch over them, for their road will be perilous. Of that, she is more than certain.

Authors Note: Again, I don't know why I was crying…it isn't like anything bad happened, but my mental health decided to take this hard for some reason. I think I just have too much going on. That is probably it. I am on full system overload, lol. Also I am sad because the Ren Fair is sold out in my area for the entire month it is here and I didn't get tickets in time. SUPER depressing. Maybe that is part of it too.

You know what would make me feel better? If you all wouldn't mind leaving me a little, :) ,in the reviews. You don't have to say anything because I do understand reviewing can be nerve wracking and sometimes you don't know what to say or just don't feel like talking…totally fine…but maybe just this once, a few of you can leave a smiley face and that will make my day.

I am pretty sure I will have the next chapter out in less than a week. I just have to listen to it. So much more to come…just you wait and see. Also…I will leave this little trinket here for anyone who reads all my ramblings…the family will be growing by one by the end of this story…but who will be that one? Hehehe. It is a long way out so have fun speculating as you read. I kind of feel like every ACT this family grows…but that is the beauty of family in my opinion.

See you later! Love you guys. 😊