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.

68. ACT V Chapter 10

Authors Note: Okay guys, we are going to start off a bit serious here. I recently had, what I am pretty sure, was a bot review this story with some horrifically racist words which I WILL NOT be repeating in any way. The review was immediately reported and I don't see it in my reviews anymore which I hope means it has since been permanently removed. I want to reiterate what I said in the review I posted myself just above it. Reforged is a safe place for anyone and everyone. Hate, is not allowed here in any form. I both love and accept everyone and anyone who wishes to be part of this story, and thank every, single, one of you who have read to this point. It is no small feat, lol. But seriously, the Reforged Universe is a place of love, acceptance, and is something for anyone to enjoy. To say it again, everyone is welcome here, all races, genders, and binaries. I love you all.

And thank you Ken, for those very kind words. I want this story to bring cheer to as many people who need it. I am still a little heated over it, but I am not going to let the hate win. However, in no way has it stopped me from wanting to continue. The show must go on, and it will.

For anyone who did have to read that review, let's remember that there is great evil in our world, just like there was in middle earth. We must be better than it, and rise above it. We are the good in the world, so lets raise our swords, our axes, and our courage to meet it head on if we must. Even if the battle consists of nothing more than reporting a review and hopefully, that account as well. Always, stay true to your morals, and know, once again, you are loved.

Okay, now that that is out of the way…Syeern…I got a surprise for you in this chapter! I thought about it, clacked away on my keyboard, and added a certain part to this chapter. It really was the only place I could think to put it, so I hope you enjoy.

For everyone else, this is a bit of a tense chapter. There is blood involved…trigger warning. Do I normally warn against blood? You know what…I don't think I do. Lol. Anyway, read on. :D

Chapter Ten

Kili's body ached, and he felt as if his back was on fire when he woke the next morning. "That, was the most uncomfortable thing I have ever slept on…and I have slept on the stone ground." Kili grumbled as Tauriel chuckled from where she lay across his chest, still half asleep.

"We could have slept on the ground…" She lifted herself on her elbows on Kili's chest to press her brow to his. "…or you could have kicked Fili out of the bed, and HE could have slept elsewhere."

"And risk my life AND yours?" Kili huffed. "Pass."

Tauriel laughed softly as she slid off his body, causing Kili to groan. He then groaned again, this time in pain, as he moved to stand. "Remind me the next time we stay here, to request larger accommodations."

"Noted, though I think our first mistake, was not locking the door." Tauriel moved to the room, rolling her eyes at Fili who was still asleep.

"He would have found a way to get in, locked or not." Kili huffed. "I swear, it is his destiny to interrupt any alone time we get."

"He didn't completely interrupt us last night." Tauriel hummed, sidling up to him and running her hands across his chest, pulling him to her so she could devour his lips.

Kili hummed, swallowing her moan as he lifted her leg to hook around his hip to get closer to her; pressing himself firmly against her to the point their bodies were fully molded together.

"UGG! ALRIGHT! I'M UP! Please for the love of our maker, STOP!" Fili placed his hand over his face, and hobbled out of bed blindly reaching for the door to the toilet. "My eyes are burning." He cried and moved into the bathroom. "I will give you twenty minutes…Ki. TWENTY! But you better be dressed when I come out."

Kili's smile nearly broke his face as the bathroom door slammed and they both heard the shower start followed by a shriek and a curse likely from Fili getting into the ice-cold water.

"Twenty minutes hmm?" Kili's leer sent chills down Tauriel's spine. He pushed her to the bed, lifted the sleeping gown over her head, then pressed his lips to her exposed neck. "I think, that is more than enough time, don't you think, my love?"

Tauriel's answer was a deep, content, sigh, as Kili made use of every second given to him. Twenty-two minutes later, Tauriel was holstering her blades but paused when a wave of pain hit her chest.

Kili too rubbed his chest in response to her echoing pain, giving her a worried look. Tauriel just shrugged and glanced at Fili who was putting his boots on. "I need the bathroom for a bit, but we need to find some breakfast and I am certain we will be needed in a meeting soon. Can I trust you both to see about some food and if they ask, tell them I am coming should they begin the meeting before I finish?"

Fili looked confused. "I thought you wanted to be there early, Tauri?"

Tauriel scowled. "I do." She pressed a hand again to her chest. "But I have to take care of something first, or I won't be able to concentrate on anything."

Fili lifted a brow and Tauriel smacked him in passing. "Not that, cleanse your mind. I am a nursing mother, and at the moment, I have no infant to nurse." She said nothing else as she left the room.

Fili still looked confused so Kili patted him on the shoulder. "Imagine two pressure pots, building pressure, with no release...all in your chest."

"Ouch." Fili rubbed his own chest, finally understanding. "So she's going to…"

"Not your concern, Fi." Kili growled and pushed his brother from the room. He knew Tauriel was fine, and would meet them as soon as she was more comfortable. It still amazed him what female bodies could do. They can not only grow a life, but feed and nurture it as well with nothing but their biology. Incredible.

"What do you think the elven king decided?" Fili asked as they moved through the halls where the elven guards were eyeing them curiously as they passed.

Kili nodded to a captain he knew just as an errant and probably irresponsible idea came to his mind, and he couldn't help but wonder if he had enough time to see it through. It is early…and it may be the only time he has to do it. Turning back to his brother, Kili shrugged, answering Fili honestly. "I don't know. But I am sure we will find out soon. Listen Fi, why don't you go see about food and I will go to the royal halls and see if there has been any decisions made."

Fili lifted a brow, but nodded all the same. "Alright Ki." He said skeptically. "I'll catch up with you in a bit."

Kili nodded and turned away from his brother, walking up to the captain he had met a few times before. "Galu amor, Darrilion." Kili greeted the captain in Sindarin, who nodded and repeated the same. Tauriel had said there were many ways to bid someone good morning, but a pretty common way was to just simply wish another a blessed morning.

"Is there something I can aid you with, prince Kili." The elf asked as he stood watching Kili curiously.

"Oh, just Kili is fine. Do you by chance know if my uncle has been out yet? We were supposed to have a meeting this morning and I was curious if any decisions have been made."

Darrilion, according to Tauriel, was an elf who had just been accepted into adulthood just as she fled Mirkwood. She had trained with him a bit, and had nothing ill to say about him, only that he helped her with her aim in throwing daggers once or twice. They were not friends in any regard, but they equally respected the other. Though Tauriel had introduced Kili to him once when he had come to Erebor with Thranduil years ago. Honestly, Kili applauded himself for remembering his name, especially since the elven captain recalled Kili's name as well. With as bad as Kili could be with names sometimes, he thanks Mahal he didn't make a fool of himself by butchering the captains name.

"I was just going to the royal halls myself." Darrilion said softly. He was very soft spoken, and Kili almost had to force himself to tune out everything but the gentle tones the elf used as he spoke. "Perhaps we can find out together."

Kili nodded, rocking on his feet a bit apprehensively before following the elf. "Is there something else you wish to say, prince Kili?"

Prince again. Kili sighed. "No." He began, then bit his lip. His wife's habit he picked up. "Actually, yes. Do you think…I mean…no is a perfectly acceptable answer. But…can you take me to the cells?"

"The gaol?" Darrilion asked in surprise. "Is there a reason you wish to go there? It is rather empty at the moment."

Kili smiled. "Even better. Consider it a request for…nostalgic purposes."

Darrilion narrowed his eyes at the dwarven prince who just smiled up at him endearingly. "Do you not have a meeting to attend?"

Kili nodded. "Of course. But as I do not see my uncle marching up in search for me at the moment, and it is long before sunrise…I think I might have a few extra minutes to…well…quell my inner desire to see it." He smiled hopefully, then frowned when the elf just continued to watch him skeptically. "Well, I mean, if I cannot, I would quite understand."

Darrilion sighed as he looked up at the still dark, pre-morning, sky. "Very well." Kili brightened instantly as he let the elven captain guide him. He quickly pulled at the bond to his wife, just a gentle tug, which was their way to communicate 'find me'. Her intrigue and curiosity she immediately sent back meant she got the message.

On their way, Kili also decided to check on his children, following his bonds through his wife to each of them. For the most part, they were all asleep except, of course, his little Ithtiri who once again, was sending her displeasure their way. As they passed an archway and headed down a winding ramp, Kili focused on soothing his infant daughter who slowly calmed and dimmed, meaning she fell asleep. His poor baby girl. This is so hard for her. He wanted to turn on his toes and race back to Erebor and scoop her up into his arms, but he couldn't, not yet, not until they had answers.

As he turned his attention back to his surroundings, Kili could not help but noticed that there were not many down here as far as guards go, but there was one who looked rather bored as he leaned against a wall and watched them approach with a lifted brow. "I was not told we needed to prepare a cell." He looked at Kili and Kili tried to place him, wondering if he had been one of the elves who brought him in those many years ago, or if they fought alongside each other in the battle of Erebor…but Kili's memory came up blank.

"No need, Phithaous. Young prince Kili simply asked for a tour, nothing more."

"A tour…of the gaol?" The guard asked eyeing Kili with interest. "Was your first time here not enough?" He smirked.

Second time, Kili thought to himself, the last time he was here, was his second time, not his first. But he wasn't about to say that out loud so instead he shrugged. "I thought, since I was here, I might give it a walk through…without the threat of being pushed into a cell. I am rather…intrigued…to see how different it is to our own dungeon."

"Dungeon." Phithaous said in distaste. "We prefer to call this a gaol. A bit less…crude…in my opinion."

"Cells, dungeon, gaol…" Darrilion hummed thoughtfully. "…are they not all the same thing?"

"They are indeed." Kili said brightly. "Now…may we go in?"

Phithaous gave him one last look then lifted a shoulder nonchalantly. "My shift is over, and we have no prisoners you can antagonize…so if you think it wise, captain Darr to allow him in, then I see no problem with it."

"Be on your way, Phithaous. I will see you at the family gathering at weeks end." He smiled and nodded. The elf smiled genuinely and walked away leaving the pair alone at the entrance of the upper cells of Mirkwood's gaol.

Kili wanted to ask how they knew each other but was not sure if it was his place so he kept his inquiry to himself. Instead, he simply walked in comfortable silence as they made their way from the upper cells to the lower cells.

"I must say, it is much less intimidating than I recall." Kili hummed, mostly to himself.

Darrilion chuckled softly. "I would like to think so, considering you were trespassing our lands the last time you were led down here."

Kili rolled his eyes. "We were not trespassing, the forest road is a free road. There was just a...misunderstanding...between my uncle and Lord Thranduil. It's since been sorted."

"Captain Darrilion?"

The pair paused as an eleth in full uniform walked towards them. "Captain Wilhana at the north gate is requesting your presence. She is experiencing some fatigue and has been ordered by the healers to remove herself from duty to rest, so you are being sent to finish her post...if you are available."

"Of course." Darrilion said with a smile. "She is quite stubborn, as you well know, and refuses to be relieved. I dare say she will be at the gate during full labor if she had her way. I will be up momentarily to take her place."

The guard nodded her head and turned on her toes to report back to the gate while Darrilion turned and looked down at Kili. "I give my apologies for cutting this short, but really I must go."

"I do not mean to pry, did you say labor? I thought only my wife was stubborn enough to wish to keep her duties going until she is ordered to stop. Is it just an elvin thing?" Kili laughed.

Darrilion laughed softly as well. "Captain Wilhana is my wife, and we are expecting our first daughter." He said proudly, with a twinkle of excitement in his blue eyes.

"Oh!" Kili said with a grin. "We just had our first daughter a few months ago. She is our fifth child though, so far from our first. A hearty congratulations." He said genuinely, then gave another wide grin. "I don't mean to overstep any bounds, but do you mind if I linger here a bit? I know my way back up."

The captain eyed the prince up and down, then sighed. "I don't think you could do any harm, so feel free. Do not forget, you do have a place to be so do not remain long. A guard should be here to replace my nephew quite soon, so you will not be alone for long."

Ah, nephew. That is how Darrilion knew the other guard. A wife who was a captain and a nephew in the guard...Kili wonders if the rest of Darrilion's family was in Thranduil's service but before he could ask, the elven captain had turned his back on him and was jogging up the steps likely to get to his wife. Kili couldn't blame him, Tauriel was as stubborn as they came...especially when she was expecting, and that was saying something considering dwarves were considered the most stubborn race in Arda.

Shaking his head and humming softly to himself, Kili made his way to the spot he spent a month in two lifetimes. It was one of the lower cells in the prison, and Kili couldn't help but glance at each cell trying to remember who was in which as he pass by. Just as that guard had said, the place was completely empty, and each cell door was swung wide open. That didn't surprise Kili, they kept theirs open as well when there was no one in the cell. What did surprise him was how empty the gaol was overall.

Not that Erebor's dungeon was filled, but there was always a few inside mostly from drunken fights to give the instigating dwarf...or dam...a night to sober up before they are reprimanded and sent on their way. Perhaps that is not a thing in the elven realm.

Kili smiled as he jogged down the final set of stairs leading to the level his particular cell was on. Should one be excited to see a prison cell? Probably not, but this particular one held a special place in his heart. He finally stopped before the next set of steps, this one leading up to where a bridge could take them to the opposite side. This, was where Kili spent the longest time in Mirkwood to date.

Before he could stop himself, Kili was stepping into the cell then sliding down the wall onto the stone bench that abutted the steps leading up. He closed his eyes and just, let his memory drift into those days that felt both so long ago, and yet, at the same time, felt like only yesterday.

He wasn't sitting there for long before he heard a pair of soft steps making their way through the prison. His bond instantly told him who it was even before he heard someone take a seat on the step beside his cell.

The pair sat in silence for several minutes, Kili still with his eyes closed, before the voice that stirred his soul spoke softly.

"I thought you said you weren't reckless? Is it not a bit...careless...to simply place yourself inside a cell dwarf?"

"Only IF I did something that warranted me to BE locked up." Kili rebutted, lifting an eyelid to glance at the being beside him on the steps. "Although..." He said as he leaned towards her. "Now that I think about it...I have committed quite the crime."

"Oh? And what would that be?"

Kili smiled mischievously. "I have STOLEN something from Mirkwood...straight from the king in fact...that I will never part with. I guess someone will just have to lock me up...because it is mine, and only mine."

"And what is it, that you stole, dwarf prince?"

"You." Kili said, the humor leaving his eyes as he stared into a sparkling set of emerald. "And I will never give you back, my Tauriel."

"Kili." Tauriel said softly. "You cannot steal what is willingly given, nor can you call it stealing as I was never their property to begin with. I gave myself to you Kili, I am yours, just as you, my prince, are mine. You stole me, just as much as I stole you."

Kili chuckled. "Well, I did take you away from Mirkwood, so I think I did a bit more thievery than you, amralime."

"If you wish to be technical, meleth nin, I LEFT Mirkwood, both times. It was not as if you hauled me onto your back like a brute, and ran off with me. The first time, YOU decided to be reckless and jump into the line of sight of an orc with a poison shaft. I could not let you die, so I left Mirkwood the moment I was given leave from interrogating one of their creatures we captured, to find you and save you. Now that I think about it I had to do that twice. The second time I left Mirkwood, I fled, otherwise I would likely be dead."

"Don't remind me of that, it will put me in a foul mood." Kili grumbled as he leaned his head back agains the wall. He felt a hand slip into his and he immediately laced their fingers together through the bars.

Lapsing into silence, Tauriel couldn't help but ask. "Why are you down here, meleth nin? I know you do not visit the prisons in Erebor often...why here?"

Kili gave her a smile before answering. "I think I just needed to see it. You know...I sat here, in this spot, at both the best time, and worst time of my life."

"Best AND worst?" Tauriel said a bit taken aback. "I would not have guessed such a thing. This best time...does it over shadow our wedding, and our children's births?"

Kili chuckled. "Just a bit...and that is because without it, none of those would have happened. Those four weeks here, getting to know you, and wondering WHY an elf of all beings, especially one as beautiful as you, would desire to spend their shifts...and I would bet breaks...talking to me, to this day I still cannot fully answer."

Tauriel smiled and leaned against the bars. She felt Kili lean his head against hers just beside her and her smile widened if possible. "How could she not? After hearing about far off lands and fire moons...I must admit I was more curious at first...then...then something blossomed in my chest. It was as if my entire body hummed with life whenever I was near you. I remember once getting out of bed on one of my days of rest and pacing my room as I decided what to do with my day. I knew what I WANTED to do, but I quickly shot that down. I thought for certain, I was losing my mind because I kept finding myself trying to make excuses to come here, to the gaol, to see you, to hear more about you and your travels." She sighed, pulling their joined hands through the bars to press her lips to the back of his hand. "If I had only listened to my heart back then...we could have had a few better memories in that life."

"But we still would not have made it." Kili said. "And who knows how uncle would react to you. Which reminds me...I have always wanted to ask. On that beach, when I asked you to come with me...did you...did you even consider it? Or...or would it have never happened?"

Tauriel used her free hand to pull the runestone from her pocket it currently shared with her little doll from her twins. How she loved them, even if they did destroy her curtains...which they will be discussing when she gets home. That was a thought for another time though. For now, Tauriel held the smooth stone in her free hand as she tried to remember the barrage of thoughts and emotions from that day on the stone laden beach.

Did she consider going with him? Of course she did. He was new, he was so filled with life and joy...and he had just pressed his heart into her hands. Did she know what amralime meant at that time? Certainly not. But she was no simpleton, she had a few guesses and she must say she was pretty spot on. But at that time, she refused to even entertain the idea he could have real feelings for her. They were different species completely. She was a tigress of the forest, and he, a wolf of the earth; she chased the stars, and he howled at fire moons; Tauriel was a daughter of the trees and sky, and Kili, a son of stone and fire. In the best of circumstances, it would never work, it could never work.

Those where her thoughts at the time, if she could recall. Yet...she very nearly took his hand and let him lead her off to his boat, to his mountain. In fact, the ONLY reason she did not...was because Legolas appeared behind her.

Tauriel smiled and pressed her lips to Kili's head as it lay against the bars just where hers was resting. "I think...I wanted to. At the time, I was purely acting off my emotions, and they were begging me to follow this roguish dwarf, whom I had known for a month in Mirkwood then a week in Esgaroth. I wanted to go, Kili."

"Why didn't you?" Kili asked honestly, curious to hear what her thoughts where at the time...since she has the memories now.

Tauriel sighed. "Well, for one thing, what would have become of it? I love Thorin, Kili. He is...he has become the true father of my heart. But we had to come back from the dead to get to where we are at. He himself says he is not the same person as he was, and I don't think anyone of us can forget how he reacted KNOWING who I was when we got to Erebor in this life. He tried to kill all three of us. What would he have done in the same frame of mind, had he NOT known who I was? It would have put us in a situation were we would either have to cause him harm, or, he would kill me and possibly you as well. I never want to consider the consequences for such a thing. I think me not coming, would have been for the best in that timeline. Me going, would have destroyed us before we could even begin. So let us be glad Legolas was there, to keep me from getting into that boat, for if he had not been, I could not have said no to you...even then."

"Your unfortunately right." Kili said thoughtfully. "I never even considered that. Wait...so you WOULD have come with me? It was Legolas that stopped you?"

Tauriel smiled and nodded. "It was quite the internal battle, but in the end, it was Legolas being there that swayed my mind. At the time, I was still under the kings authority. Legolas has always been my dear friend, but he was also my prince, and it was in my duties to protect the royal family. My duties, were what had me turning away from you. But Kili, my heart, you took with you...even then...even if I had yet to accept it myself...you had my heart, you HAVE my heart."

"As you have mine, amralime." Kili purred, saying amralime just as he had done on that beach. He glanced at the runestone in Tauriel's other hand and reached for it. Tauriel of course, handed it to him and watched as he inspected the small, smooth, glossy, stone with his free hand. "Why does it feel as if this one stone, has so many memories in two lifetimes."

"Because it does. In one, it was given to us with a wish for us to return together, while in another, it was given as the first symbol of love or affection."

Kili went red, then bashfully smiled up at her. "I wanted it to be a courting gift." He said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. "If you had let me, I would have woven a braid into your hair that very moment to show anyone who knew, just what I felt for you. This...this was to be the first gift I ever gave you...one that meant something to me, one that had love attached to it."

"This, was from your mother." Tauriel said accepting the stone back from her husband. "Amad gave this to you, Kili, so you would remember to not be reckless. And if you had actually kept it...maybe you would not have..." She stopped, her mouth opening in closing, refusing to say the words.

"Died?" Kili finished for her. "Amralime, I think my fate was sealed in that life the moment uncle showed signs of being affected by the Arkenstone. My death was a result of stubbornness, and my desire to protect you. The first was out of my control, but the latter, I will never apologize for. Besides, it all turned out for the best so I am not all that bent up about it."

Deciding to change the subject, Tauriel pocketed the runestone and leaned back against the bars. "Kili, you said best AND worst times in your life...how was being here the worst time in your life? After what have you endured just in our life together...I could think of quite a few experiences which have been fare more horrid than sitting in a cell in Mirkwood." Tauriel didn't say what they were, but to name a few, his nine months of torture should be on the top of the list, then there was Kaulithah which caused him to nearly lose Tauriel, and that time she put too much energy into saving Fili and almost died herself...just to name a few higher up on that list.

"Because it was only a small time after I thought I had lost you in the thunder battle, Tauriel." Kili said with so much heartbreak in his voice, it had Tauriel tightening her grip on his hand and pressing her brow to his through the bars. "My world ended there, in the pouring rain, when they said you were dead. I felt my entire soul fracture, and my mind shut down. The few weeks before we entered the forest, I honestly don't know how I survived. Food tasted like ash, water still left my mouth dry no matter how much I drank, I lost all desire to sleep, or move. When I did, everything was on automatic. I spoke only when I had to…did only what I had to; that is until I realized the toll it was having on Fili...then I really tried Tauriel, to do as I promised you. I tried to live, but it was, to this day...the hardest thing I have ever done in my life."

Kili gulped, swallowing the lump in his throat as he recalled those weeks when he knew, believed, she was in the afterlife waiting for him. "I...I didn't try to fight the spider that came after me." He said softly, looking away from her and dropping his head in shame. "I knew you wouldn't be able to hate me in our ancestors halls, if I fell in battle. Nobody would have known; it was a battle...dwarves, elves, and men die in battle all the time, so who would have really been able to tell if I put full effort into it or not?"

"Kili..." Tauriel growled, her eyes blazing at what Kili was admitting to her, then they softened and she instead took a deep breath and nodded, trying to understand. "...tell me more." She said, her voice barely above a whisper as she lifted her hand to brush through Kili's wild hair. He had gone to bed on that chaise with it wet, and didn't do much with it in the morning so it truly was an unruly mess. She worked to tame it knowing her ministrations were also soothing him as he made this clearly difficult confession.

"I know, I know Tauriel. Believe me, I hate, HATE where my mind was at the time. It was before we had our connection we do now, and I just...I couldn't...I have no excuse really. I was trying to find a way to break the promise I made you, while also keeping it." He looked almost devastated. "If Legolas had not taken out the spider, I would have ruined our entire future because...I was being stupid."

"You were mourning, Kili. The fact is, you made it through in spite of all you went through, and you never fully gave up." Tauriel cupped his jaw through the bars, now facing him as she sat on the step, their hands still tightly entwined. "Regardless on what you believe of yourself, I don't think you would have just...given up. You are better than that...and the proof is right here. The fact we are sitting together, having this conversation, shows you are stronger than you think you are. But...thank you for telling me."

"I felt you." Kili said, his warm breath brushing against her cheek as he spoke. "I swear, I saw you here when we were in these cells that second time. It was before I got my memories back...but something in me told me you were here. It gave me enough motivation to find the will to go on, to be better for Fili and uncle while we spent yet another month in these halls."

"It isn't the worst prison to be in." Tauriel said with a smile. "We did feed you quite well, and give you chances to bathe and even breaks to move about the gaol courtyard.

"Ya...but the showers were cold...and lonely." Kili whined. "I missed you." He said, the humor leaving his voice, to show how much he actually meant it.

"I have no words, for how worried I was about you, and how much I missed you Kili. But we made it, you and I, and we are here, about to celebrate twenty-one years of marriage, with five beautiful children who all of which are a piece of you and a piece of me, and I love them Kili, with a love I did not know existed before I held them in my arms. I love you, with a love that I did not think could grow, but every time I see you, every time I wake up beside you, I find myself somehow loving you even more." Tauriel pulled his lips to his, doing what she had thought forbidden when she was a captain of the guard, sitting here, listening to him speak many years, and one death, ago.

The kiss was slow, and filled with emotion, but over far before either wanted to. It was Kili, in fact, who pulled back because if he didn't, he would pull her into this cell and do everything he fantasized doing to her many, many years ago.

As if reading his thoughts, Tauriel chuckled. "Did I not tire you out enough this morning?" She gave him a look that caused Kili to burn.

"I don't think there will be a time, my Tauriel, when I will ever tire of you. BUT, I happen to know there is a guard coming...or likely could already be here...and I don't really feel like making uncle furious at us by getting caught. I know for certain, word would get to Thorin, and I really am not in the mood to be lectured this morning. At least not before breakfast. But after...if we find time...maybe we can revisit those showers down below. The ones we used?"

"Or..." Tauriel said with a laugh. "...I can take you to the hot springs I have been meaning to take you to. Would that not be far better than an ice cold shower, open to the public, in winter?"

"Wise, as always my love." Kili beamed. "Hot springs it is." He stood, releasing her hand and moving to the door. "I am so thankful I met you, Tauriel." Kili said after pausing before her. "These twenty years, have been the best years of my life, and I look forward to the centuries we have a head of us."

"As do I, Kili. I cherish the memories of getting to know you here, the ones I was regifted in this life. But..." She stood as he approached her and held his face in her hands. "...I also cherish the memories I have of re-getting to know you in Ered Luin. I had the opportunity to fall in love with you not once, but twice. We are made for each other, if we did not figure that out in our first life, then we certainly figured that out in this one. Now, have you seen enough here?"

"Ya." Kili said, knowing he wanted to paint a scene of Tauriel sitting on those steps when they returned back home to Erebor. It would be hung in his office so in the years to come, he would always have the memory of his beautiful wife, smiling at him from the steps outside his cell in Mirkwood's dungeon. "Let's go before another elf maid comes in here and tries to steel me away." He laughed, but Tauriel scrunched her nose in distaste.

"I was not pleased with that yesterday." She said taking his hand as they walked out of the cells. "It is most unacceptable behavior and I didn't like it."

Kili was confused as to what she was talking about, as he meant nothing by what he said, he was only teasing her. As if there was ANYONE who could even turn his head, let along tempt him away from his Tauriel. "Did I miss something that happened yesterday?"

Brows raising, Tauriel gave her husband a look. "Kili, you are far too young to be going absent minded. You know very well what I am referring to."

Honestly, Kili had no idea. He scoured his memory from the day before, most of it filled with his frustration with being cold and wet…then with losing the bed to his brother. But somewhere, there must have been a particular situation that had his wife all hot and bothered. "Honestly…I got nothing."

"Males." Tauriel huffed. "Do you not remember the young eleth waiving at you when we arrived in Mirkwood?"

Young eleth? Kili thought hard, then frowned. "Vaguely. Clearly it meant so little, I didn't commit it to memory. "Why? Did she say something to you?"

"Truly, Kili?" Tauriel said, pausing in her steps to level her husband with yet another disbelieving look. "You really don't remember her and her friend?"

"Truly, Tauriel, I do not." Kili said honestly, scratching his head. "I think that frozen shower may have caused some damage to my brain. That water temperature could KILL someone, Tauriel. Why haven't you come up with ways to heat your indoor water yet? Mahal, Tauriel, for such an enlightened people, how hard is it to add some furnaces in this place. I really need to talk to Thranduil about that."

Tauriel blinked a few times, then, a boisterous laugh rang from deep within her. He really DIDN'T remember the eleth who so brazenly waived at him…instead…he was talking about plumbing. "I will leave that discussion for you to have. But I do not disagree." She said, taking his hand once more and continuing their walk back up.

"Tauriel…" Kili said thoughtfully. His wife hummed showing he had her attention. "Even if I remembered this, female, if she isn't you, I am not interested. You, are it for me. I will say that for the rest of my existence…that it is you and I, just you and I. I clearly can't stop them from doing whatever it is they will do…but I no longer have a heart to care…for I gave every bit of it to you, my Tauriel. To keep."

Tauriel smiled, leaning over and pressing her lips to Kili's head, letting them linger there as she twisted there arms to just be closer to him. Something was going to happen soon…and she was sure in some way, they would be separated. So she will take any moment she can to be as close as possible to her Kili. Perhaps there was something else she can do to show others what he was to her, and incase she was not around, to ensure others in Mirkwood knew he was quite taken and formally attached…something other than their wedding rings that is. An idea filled her head and she smiled wider; she knew just the thing.

With that thought in mind, Tauriel pulled Kili towards the exit of the gaol…leaving all the memories where they belong…in the past. There were so many more to make. Regardless, the gaol will always be the place they first fell in love…even if at the time they could not put a name to their feelings yet. And yet, it will always be the place where Kili mourned, drowning in loss for the one he needed to survive. Bitter, and sweet, this place will always be to both Kili and Tauriel.

Hand in hand, the pair made sure to walk back up quickly, knowing it was only a matter of time before Thorin sought them out. If he found them 'sight seeing' in a time when they were supposed to be finding answers...he probably wouldn't be too pleased.

However, before they entered the hall, someone Kili had never seen in his life came almost running up to Tauriel. "Tauriel! I did not believe it until I saw it for myself that you were here! I have a few things I need to tell you. Do you have a moment?"

"Hello Marawen." Tauriel said with a slight incline of her head. The elf was taller than Ivethin, and nearly as tall as Thranduil himself. Though rather than Ivethin's long, blonde, waves, Marawen had a head of ebony hair set in a braid going down to her knees. It was likely she had just been on duty in the healing halls, as it was not uncommon for the healers with long hair to braid it away if they were seeing to injuries or delivering infants. Kili thought she had the oddest eyes too, they were kind of blue...but also kind of green...like one color was trying to be dominant over the other with no victor in sight.

"Of course, Marawen. Kili, go see if you can find Fili. I will meet up with you in a moment." Tauriel said, knowing their time was running short and though she was not in any way opposed to him hearing whatever Marawen had to say, it was best he find Fili and Thorin and she could catch up. "There is something I want to get really quick, and I think Marawen can just be the perfect person to help me get it."

The eleth lifted a brow but nodded. "However I can help I would happy to be of service; we can talk as we walk."

"If you are sure, amralime." Kili said, smiling at the eleth who he finally recognized if only for the name Tauriel had mentioned several times in their past. Marawen was a healer, who he thinks is second to Ivethin, though he could be wrong about that. But he knew Tauriel knew her, even if he did not recall meeting her himself. "I will see you when you are finished." He bowed to both his wife, and the healer, before leaving them to chat.

It didn't take long to pin down his brother once Kili left the royal halls. In fact, Fili was coming straight towards him from the direction of the food hall, a tray in his hands laden with food likely for all three of them. "Fi!" Kili called to his brother who nodded as he realized Kili was headed his way. He was about to ask if he had seen their uncle, but that question became unnecessary when Thorin called for them coming from where Kili had in fact once been.

"KILI! FILI!" The two princes turned, waiting for their uncle to catch up. Just behind him, was Bofur, Vin, and Dwalin. "Where is Tauriel?" Thorin asked looking concerned. He nodded in acknowledgement when Naurfaer came walking over to them, snatched an apple from Fili's tray and took a bite. Fili gave him a look, but he ignored the elf and turned his attention back to his uncle while Naurfaer kept taking food from the tray.

"She will be here shortly. Do we have any answers yet uncle?" Fili asked, having not seen her, he assumed she was still back in the rooms.

Thorin nodded. "Thranduil and his son had a meeting both Naurfaer and I attended just before dawn. He agreed, to allow us to enter the forest during the daylight hours only with the understanding that we are to return at the first sign of danger, and the only elves we can take are Legolas who refused to be told to remain in the city, Tauriel, and Naurfaer."

"Oh, and Gandalf will be coming as well, and a pair of guards who offered to join." Vin added. "For the elven prince."

Kili nodded, doubting Thranduil would send his only son into the forest without protection just for him. "When do we leave than?" He asked as he took a cup filled with oats off the tray his brother held and began eating. He was starving, or maybe, his wife was and she was projecting.

"Now." Thorin said looking behind Kili as if Tauriel would appear. "Is Tauriel alright?"

"I am fine, thank you." Tauriel came from a completely different hall, carrying what appeared to be some sort of amulet, her face set in a very wide grin. Well that didn't take long. Kili grew very confused when she placed it over his head before pressing a kiss to his brow and taking the oatmeal he was eating, finishing it off then taking a piece of elven bread off the tray and eating that too. At his confused expression, she smiled and fingered the rather large piece of jewelry. "I will tell you later, but I would very much love it, if you wore this for me."

Kili quirked a brow, but nodded, lifting the chain of the amulet to see his reflection in the moonstone at its center. Naurfaer was smirking, which had Kili about to ask what this was about before Legolas came up with his weapons already at his back and with Gandalf in tow. "We are going on foot to make tracking easier. This way."

The elven prince paused to look at Kili before lifting a brow at Tauriel. "Isn't it a bit late for that?" Tauriel smiled wide and shrugged.

"Great, he knows, but I am left in the dark." Kili grumbled as the group moved to follow Legolas. Since it was apparent they would not be sitting to eat, Fili, Kili, and Tauriel just ate on the go…finishing the tray quickly. Fili, who also had a satchel at his side, passed it to Vin. "They prepared food for the day." He said to his father by marriage who nodded and put it in a pack he had on his back.

Gandalf, as well as two rather tall and intimidating looking guards, including Arenduil joined them as they made their way to the gate. Both of the elves snickered at the jewel Kili wore when they saw it, whereas Gandalf just looked surprised, then smiled warmly and chuckled when Kili looked sour at the attention he was receiving.

"It's probably an elven thing lad." Bofur eyed the amulet as they walked before Kili stuffed it into his shirt. At least, he began to stuff it into his shirt until a look of hurt crossed his wife's face. Unable to cause her any pain, Kili pulled it back out and took her hand. He would do anything to keep her happy, even wear something that clearly has meaning, just a meaning he doesn't know quite yet.

Gandalf, smiled at Kili, one of his hands gripping his staff as he fell into step beside the dwarven prince. "All I will say, is I have been told that it is something to cherish, young Kili. But I will leave it to Tauriel to explain."

Kili looked from the wizard, to his wife, who was still smiling softly. It seemed to be a secret she was keeping to herself as she sent some rather amused feelings through their bond. She knew he was annoyed at being left in the dark...and was enjoying every moment of it. Kili decided, to let it go for the moment since it was likely not the time nor the place for an explanation. They had somewhere to be that needed all of their focus.

The group stayed mostly to themselves as they weaved their way through the crowded streets. Both Kili and Fili had their eyes forward, while Vin and Bofur smiled and nodded to anyone they passed. Dwalin just looked like he didn't want to be there and Naurfaer kept stopping to have conversations with anyone who made eye contact with him before jogging up to rejoin the group seconds later.

For his part, Gandalf was in conversation with Legolas and Thorin now at the head of the group; the guards with them watching, but not adding to whatever they were saying. It was hard to hear what the conversation was about with the noise and distractions coming from the city.

Compared to the night before when they arrived, the paths were bustling with elves beginning their day as it seems curfew must be lifted when the sun rose. At least, Kili assumes they were beginning their day. If elves don't have the same sleep cycles as humans and dwarves…is there really a true beginning or ending to a day? He never thought about it before, but he supposed he can ask Tauriel.

"WAIT!"

The group paused as a sickly looking elf ran up to them. It took Tauriel giving the elf a double take to realize, she knew who he was. At least, she has met him before. It was Nagar, Nelithi's brother. The one who had given Kili the odd looking amulet they opted to leave at home.

"Are you going through the gate? I am joining."

Legolas looked as if he expected this and shook his head. "You know, you have been banned from leaving Mirkwood again, Nagar."

"My SISTER is still out there! I will not be kept from finding her." Nagar clenched his jaw, his expression pure defiance.

Legolas simply stood silently, then, placed a hand on Nagar's shoulder. "I cannot in good conscience, allow you to come Nagar. But I give you my word, I will report to you anything we find."

Tears began to fall from Nagar's eyes as he relented, sinking to the ground. "Find her, please." Was all he said before he glanced at the dwarves one by one. "Where is the amulet I gave you? Please tell me you have it."

Tauriel sighed as she knelt to the ground and took his hand. "It is at home, with my children, where I feel more protection is needed." She trusted the amulet, and knew after Naurfaer's assessment of it, that it was safe. She also felt Aule would tell her otherwise if it was not, and he said nothing on the artifact, so she left it hanging near her veranda where it could glow blue to warn them if something was coming. She had no idea what the range was, but it was better than nothing.

Nagar looked to the ground. "I can understand that." He glanced back up at Tauriel who squeezed his hand.

"We will do everything we can, to get Nelithi back, Nagar. That is MY word of promise." Tauriel squeezed his hand one last time as Nagar nodded, remaining where he was when she stood and joined the group who said nothing as they walked away. As Tauriel looked back, she noticed an eleth leaning down and helping Nagar up, placing an arm around him and guiding him away. Tauriel was relieved he did not fight her, instead, he leaned into her as she pressed her lips to his head. They must be a pair, she thought, as such displays of affection were not normal in public. Tauriel studied Nagar, then smiled as the eleth supporting him lifted a moonstone amulet Nagar wore and caressed it before letting it fall back on his chest. Taken.

"Are you coming, amralime?" Kili asked, his brown eyes also fixed on the pair walking away from them. Tauriel nodded, and turned to follow the group once more. He didn't say anything about the amulet, so he must not have seen it or connected it to the one he wore. She COULD tell him…but…this was much more fun. Taking her husbands hand, she let him pull her to where the group was gathering.

As she looked around her, Tauriel was amazed at the sheer amount of guards at the gates. Not only were there bars across the massive door that were not normally in place, but it was guarded by at least four dozen of the highest level guards in Mirkwood's force.

"My father has this gate in particular specially controlled, as the majority of those lost have all disappeared in this area of the forest." Legolas stated, seeing Tauriel's look of surprise that crossed her features. He handed commander Thuldaar the sealed note from Thranduil giving them permission to leave.

This, was one of the commanders Tauriel did not get along with. He treated her with contempt whenever she came within eyesight, and it appears that still, two decades later, his opinion of her did not soften...if the cold look he gave her was any indication.

"Commander." Tauriel nodded in respect. He was an exceptional warrior, and one who every young guard endeavored to please. The most talented, were even chosen to train alongside him. Oh, Tauriel was chosen...but Thuldaar flat out refused to take her on as a pupil. He even said it right to her face that he had no desire to waste his time with her as he thought her to be far too emotional to truly succeed in the guard.

"I see you have permission to leave." Thuldaar ignored Tauriel completely and re-read the neat script of the elven king. "All is in order. Stay with your guards, and know the gate will not open past sunset for any reason. Is that understood?"

Legolas nodded as the guards parted and began opening the gates carefully. Kili eyed the commander, not at all pleased with how he ignored his wife completely, but Tauriel seemed nonplussed, so he let it go for now.

"That's a production." Dwalin grumbled to Thorin as they waited for a quarter hour for all of the bars to be removed, and the door opened only enough for Arenduil to slip out. He gave the clear, Legolas slipping out next, along with Gandalf, who was followed by Bofur, Tauriel, Kili, and Fili. Dwalin attempted to get through the small opening, but got stuck so the guards were forced to open the doors a bit more to get him through.

Dwalin cursed several times, as he all but fell into the forest beyond the gate, Fili catching him before he hit the ground. Thorin and Vin had no issues with the door now widened enough for the stouter dwarves in the company, including the two guards who came along from Erebor.

Naurfaer was the last through before the door closed behind him with no warning from the guards on the other side. In fact, he had barely made it through when the door slammed shut and they heard the telltale sounds of the bars being replaced on the opposite side.

"Well, I guess we are on our own now." Vin sighed.

"I would never say, we are on our own in this forest." Tauriel warned, her eyes darting from treetop to treetop...searching.

"Stay together, and if you see anything, alert prince Legolas or Tauriel quietly." Thorin ordered. "They know this forest far better than we."

Vin, Fili, Kili, Bofur, and Dwalin all nodded in understanding while Gandalf sighed and charged ahead. Slowly, the small company began walking the path through the tall, dark, trees.

After a mile of walking and finding nothing out of the ordinary...according to the elves that is, Tauriel stopped, causing both Kili and Fili who were beside her, to pause as well. "Tauriel?" Fili asked, giving his sister a look of concern.

Tauriel ignored her dwarven brother, however, and placed her pale hand on one of the large trees, closing her eyes. "There is so much pain here." She whispered, a tear falling down her cheek. "This used to be a forest of magic, and strength...but she is hurting, and feels...clouded."

"You can feel that?" Fili looked at her in wonder.

Tauriel nodded. "Can you, meleth nin?" She asked curiously, wondering if he was able to pick up the same feelings she was feeling from the forest, through their bond. But Kili shook his head.

"I feel your sadness, but that's all really. Are you alright?"

Tauriel nodded, slipping her hand off the tree. "She knows, something is not right."

"She...as in the forest?" Vin asked, eyeing the trees skeptically. He wasn't sure how he felt about a sentient forest.

Tauriel nodded again. "She does not have a consciousness like you or I, but she feels pain like any living creature. At the moment, she feels...sick, and desperate for help. I can't fully understand it as if it was spoken...but it is the best way I can interpret."

"Can you feel it?" Thorin asked Legolas, who shook his head.

"Tauriel has always been...unique...in many ways." The elven prince gave Tauriel a soft smile. "Though I can say, the forest does feel sick. That is the extent of what most in Mirkwood can get, but Tauriel…it is like she can commune with the trees."

"I cannot commune with the trees, melon." Tauriel said rolling her eyes. "I can just…feel her."

"She is unique in the best ways." Kili took his wife's hand and squeezed it tightly.

"I can feel it." Naurfaer sighed. "She gets that, from me I am afraid." He looked to his granddaughter. "Just out of curiosity...can you feel the mountain as well?"

Tauriel smiled and nodded. "Alive, and bursting with joy at being filled with her favorite people."

Thorin beamed with pride, then paused. "Are all areas of middle earth...sentient?"

Tauriel chuckled. "Yes, and no. It is all the same, the forest, the mountain, the waters...she is one, and all. Middle earth. Though, she is not a she, per say either. I suppose you cannot label the earths consciousness as male or female, but to me, with their nurturing love, and ability to create...I cannot help but think she feels...motherly."

"Ah. Mother nature as some refer to it." Gandalf smiled. "A powerful being it is true, and a force to be reckoned with for sure when antagonized for too long." The old wizard chuckled, his hand patting a tree beside him, frowning when he felt the faint cloudiness Tauriel had described. "Yes, well. Usually a force to be reckoned with. Let's move along, we have many miles ahead of us to observe, and we ought to be back before nightfall...lest we desire to sleep in this dangerous place."

"Yes, that would be a no thank you from me." Bofur declared, speeding forward.

In the shadows, lurked a figure, watching the group silently, waiting. She made a hand signal, telling the others to prepare then looked up at her dark master, waiting for him to make his move. She had questions about the dwarves, and the old man with them. Are they taking everyone? Or sticking with the plan and only taking the elves.

She eyed the group again as they continued past them far below where they hid in the trees. That, was when she got the command whispered in her mind. The pain it brought to her mind, never went away, but she was used to it now.

"Kill the dwarves, we have no use for mortals; take the rest alive. Beware the wizard, kill him too if you must. We need the elves, unharmed and living."

Nodding at the command, she made the signal to move and without so much as a rustling sound, her team followed the beings below them...waiting for the perfect time to ambush. She felt one of the spiders that they commanded stir on the higher branches; she felt its hunger, and its desire to consume...but she forced it to obey and stay back. Her violet eyes glared at the beast who dared defy her as it fought her control, but she soon watched it shrink into the darkness of the shadowed trees where it waited to be summoned.

This, will not be easy...they were not prepared nor trained to deal with dwarves or a wizard...will the draught even work on them...she would just have to see and hope it does; they have never failed yet. She stared at the flaming haired eleth, listening to her movements, memorizing her reactions to the forest around her. 'You, and your immortal lifeforce will be ours soon.'

The group walking the path found nothing for what felt like hours. Not a sign of danger, struggle, or battle. Though, the deeper into the forest they went, the darker it became.

"Are we already at nightfall? We can't be." Vin placed his sandwich down as he observed the dark forest. He had the distinct feeling that he may need to pull the lantern out to see soon.

"Surely not." Gandalf answered thoughtfully looking up at the tall trees. "By my reckoning, it cannot be past noon day, master Vin, if that."

Kili is rather astute at guessing the time, and according to him, it was no more than half past the 11th hour of the day if you asked him; a bit earlier than Gandalf's estimate. Though he kept that to himself as he looked around at the shadows swallowing the trees.

Kili didn't like it here. This forest was eerie to say it lightly, and he already had bad experiences here in two lifetimes. Those included both times he entered the forest to be charmed by the water, then attacked by spiders, and imprisoned; the time the caravan was attacked by that small group of spiders...then there was the time he was captured by that crazy elf who forced a ring on his finger and tortured him for nine months.

Yes, that was in the trees outlining Erebor...but technically...he was in this forest during those horrid months…just a different part of the forest. It was close enough though. Time may have passed, but Kili will never forget any of those experiences. They are scars on his consciousness that will never heal.

Then, there was Tauriel. She refused to eat, and is currently pacing the small clearing they were taking a short rest in. Vin had been the one to suggest they eat something, since they ate breakfast much earlier than they normally did to get out of the elven city.

"You need to eat, amralime." Kili had tried, but she just looked at him with blazing eyes and continued pacing.

"I am going ahead a bit." Tauriel finally said after feeling as though she has waited too long for the 'mortals' in the party to finish their basic needs. Kili heard the statement whispered as she passed by, and decided now was not the time to remind her, that she was mortal just like the rest of them now. He supposes it was easy to slip back into her elven way of thinking, being back in her forest as she is.

"You certainly are doing no such thing, natha." Thorin growled, standing up before Kili could stop her himself. "Not alone at least." He added when she scowled at him. "And don't give me that look." He chastised with a stern expression he reserved for the dwarflings when they weren't behaving; Tauriel was not pleased with the look but said nothing in response. "Is everyone done?" Thorin asked looking around the group.

Before anyone could answer, an ear splitting screech filled the air. The pitch was so high and so loud, it caused all the elves to cover their ears as if they were in severe pain. Kili, feeling Tauriel's pain through their bond, could not help but slam his large hands over his own ears, while Fili acted quickly and covered Tauriel's shaking hands with his own to help further block the sound affecting them so harshly.

The dwarves and Gandalf winced at the sound, but it only brought minor discomfort. It was as if it was made for the elves alone, attuned to bring them to their knees.

"Are you alright Ki?" Fili asked, his hands still over Tauriel's.

"Don't mind me." Kili yelled to his brother over the ongoing and somewhat hypnotic shrieking. "Help Tauriel."

Fili was even more concerned when he looked up at Legolas to see blood pouring through his fingers, Arenduil and the other guard were on either side of the prince, their faces filled with pain as they tried to block out the sounds while protecting Legolas, then he looked at Tauriel leaning against him, and felt the warm, sticky, blood on his own hands. Even Naurfaer had streams of red falling between his fingers as they were clamped over his own ears.

Then, they were surrounded. "TAKE THE ELVES AND KILL THE OTHERS!" A dark cloaked figure ordered as the clearing filled with some sort of white smoke that had him coughing and choking.

"NO!" Kili yelled ignoring his burning throat and pulling his bow as he stepped in front of his wife who was only just recovering...though her eyes were filled with confusion as if she had no idea where she was or what was happening. The smoke. Apart from the burning it brought his lungs and eyes, he felt almost...calm...too calm.

"COVER YOUR NOSES! DO NOT BREATHE IT IN!" Gandalf ordered, already trying to take out one of the figures that looked to be much taller than it should.

In shape, Kili's mind thought it should be an elf, but it was not like any elf he had ever seen, almost like, it was half elf, half orc. But...alluring...and growing taller by the minute.

"Don't fight it." The hypnotic voice whispered in his ears. He looked into a set of almost glowing violet eyes, shaking his head. He released an arrow, but knew it didn't hit anything.

Closing his eyes, Kili took a moment to force his mind to clear. That, is when he heard the whispered voice in his head.

'To save many, you must let her go. You must trust me, young Kili.'

Kili blanched, looking left and right for whoever was speaking. It was in this moment, he heard weapons clashing.

'Son of Durin, wake up! Get as many as you can out including the prince of Mirkwood, but you must let her go. She is protected. You have my word. She is needed to save them. This, is the only way.'

It was Mahal, and he, he was talking about Tauriel...his Tauriel. Kili felt righteous anger directed right to his maker. It isn't fair! Why does he have to keep sacrificing over and over and over again.

'I will protect her. But you will need to find her. With your bond, only you can. Together, you will save them. But to do so, you have to let her go and get out...or you will be killed and her life forfeit. This is why you could not know, this is why she must go.'

'I don't understand!' Kili thought just as he heard a loud cry from Vin. Kili shook his head and replaced his bow, pulling his sword instead.

"TORN BEARD OF THE MAKER! About TIME you joined us Ki!" Fili yelled angrily as he battled what appeared to be some sort of elf/orc, hybrid thing if Kili was to guess. It was the only way they could be described...though Kili had no way of verifying their exact species if they even had one. Though he must say, with the fog clearing his mind it was not as tall as it appeared moments ago. Still taller than him, but not taller than most elves of Mirkwood.

"KILI! FILI! SPIDERS!" Thorin bellowed.

Kili was breathing heavily as he looked up when his uncle yelled at him. Legolas seemed to have come mostly back to himself, and was fighting alongside Naurfaer, who had just taken a leg off one of the web spinning beasts. Though to Kili, Naurfaer looked as if he was carrying a heavy weight...all of the elves looked to be in a dazed state, in fact. But still, they fought as best they could as if it was a natural reaction to the situation.

Kili nearly bumped into Naurfaer, who still had blood running down his neck from his ears, but his blades out. "Don't let them near her!" He slurred to Kili, who was thrown by a spider against a tree.

"This is an ambush. We walked right into their trap." Kili cried, shoving his blade into the spider who was trying to stab him with his sting before shrieking in pain when Kili's blade pierced its swollen belly.

The young prince searched the battle for his wife, but paused in horror when he saw Fili throw his blades to the ground and begin ripping his vest off to wrap around what seemed to be Vin's hand...only, his hand was gone. Torn between wanting to find his wife, and helping his brother with Vin...Kili's choice was made for him when one of the hybrids moved to attack his brother having already taken out one of their guards from Erebor who was being feasted on by three spiders. Mahal no.

With his sword in hand, Kili ran the same time Thorin did straight for the creature. It was fast, and agile...dancing around them and blocking every one of their powerful hits.

"Katorylle! We are being called back! Retreat! Take who we can, leave the rest!" One of the other hybrids yelled across the clearing. It was in a language Kili could not recognize, but a flash of red caught his eyes as he saw his beauty spin into battle with the creature who had spoken. Two massive spiders fell right before him forcing Kili into yet another battle of his own, a tall hybrid jumping in and lashing a weapon he had never seen in his life out at the dwarven prince. The battle pulled Kili's attention and he was unable to focus on his wife.

However, he did here the creature she fought cry out in pain when Tauriel's twin blades cut him from the beings navel to its shoulder. It was the first of the hybrid creatures to fall of the half dozen in the clearing.

Thorin joined Kili after killing another hybrid with Naurfaer. He was breathing heavily and leaned into his nephew. "Naurfaer said they are retreating!" Thorin jumped back as the agile hybrid snapped a whip at him, the dwarven king moving his sword away just in time, stopping the weapon from being ripped from his hands.

He placed a palm on his cheek, feeling the blood from the cut the whip caused as it snapped again just barely missing his eye.

"UNCLE, WATCH OUT!" Kili swung his sword as the whip snapped again, and was fast enough to sever the end off the weapon. The hybrid creature growled and hissed at the young prince. Its violet eyes flashing in anger as it threw the now useless weapon to the ground.

Across from them, Tauriel kicked another hybrid away from Legolas, who was fighting two at the same time while Arenduil de-limbed a spider attempting to throw silk at the elven prince.

"Go help!" Vin looked to Fili, who was trying hard to protect his father by marriage, while simultaneously working to stop the bleeding.

"This doesn't look good." The golden haired crowned prince mumbled as Bildak, the second guard from Erebor who had come with them, let out a battle shout as he ran at a hybrid, taking its head from its shoulders, but in doing so, had a sword pierce him from behind. "NO!" Fili yelled out, having known Bildak for many years. As the creature pulled its blade from Bildak who fell to the ground, it turned to stalk towards Tauriel who was dancing away from a hybrid who had two spiders on either side trying to subdue the red-headed eleth.

"Boy! Let me be and go save your family!" Vin pushed Fili away but Fili gave him a stubborn look.

"Don't forget, you are my family too, Vin, and my wife's father." Fili's eyes scanned the area, falling on the hybrid creature Tauriel just felled, then he saw the broken whip. Snatching the leather piece off the ground, Fili tightly wound it around Vin's arm, the dwarf crying out as Fili worked.

"I'm fine. Just, ignore me lad." Vin muttered.

As soon as he was finished, Fili placed a hand on Vin's shoulder. "We will get you home, Vin." He didn't hear the response, as he looked up in time to see Tauriel being shoved to the ground after a whip snapped around her ankle. "TAURIEL!" He called out to his sister, grabbed a sword, and ran towards her.

Just as he got to her, Gandalf's voice filled the clearing along with a light so bright it had him covering his eyes along with the others in battle on both sides.

Still trying to take out yet another one of the violet eyed hybrids, Kili too was forced to cover his eyes from the glaring light just as he swung his sword…missing the creature as he slammed into something solid which could only be a tree. He heard a mix of yelling, including what sounded like Fili calling Tauriel's name. Kili tried to look, but all he saw was black spots filling his vision. That is, until he noticed his wife and his brother covered in spider silk, and slung onto one of the spider's backs.

"NO!"

Kili jumped up as high as he could, grabbing onto the lowest branch on the tree the spider was climbing, going from limb to limb attempting to catch up with the spider. There was some benefit to having an elf as his wife, as he has grown quite proficient in climbing trees. Higher and higher Kili climbed despite his uncle and Naurfaer calling after him.

"TAURIEL!" Kili roared in pain as he realized he could not keep up when the spider effortlessly moved to the adjacent tree. Tauriel met his gaze, and smiled softly. Her lips mouthing words he could barely read, but sending feelings of warmth through their bond while his mind interpreted those feelings into words.

"I love you."

"You will find me."

"I love you."

Kili could see Fili struggling, but he too gave up, unable to break free from the tight silk around his chest, arms, and legs. His blue eyes fell on his brothers, and he gave Kili a nod. They will look after each other, he and Tauriel.

'I will protect her, it is my promise to you. Of all middle earth, it is only you who possesses the ability to find her, and through her, you can find them. Be the fish on the line, and allow her to real you into the shadows den. Find them all. Save them all, honored son of Durin.'

The voice filled Kili's mind again, the one that belonged to his maker, to Mahal. But it gave Kili no comfort. He barely registered a figure, lunging across the trees, racing over the branches. Legolas. He was picking up where Kili could not. He tried to throw one of his swords, and it hit the mark. The spider hissed, but climbed faster, and higher. Kili was hopeless to watch, as even Legolas was unable to keep up with it as he wavered unnaturally on each branch. He was still suffering the effects of whatever it was in that smoke cloud.

"FALLBACK!" Arenduil called from below. "LEGOLAS! WE HAVE TO FALL BACK!"

The elven prince finally stopped mid branch, staring off as both the spiders, and the remaining hybrids just, seemingly disappeared into thin air.

Kili's dark eyes stared where his wife faded away from him, lost to the shadows of the twisting and turning branches stretching endlessly before him. He had two options…to fight and go after her right now…or to put his trust in his faith and believe that Mahal will do as he said; believe that until Kili found her, Mahal would protect her.

Shaking his head, Kili began climbing down the tree. If Legolas couldn't catch that spider even under the influence of whatever that stuff was, what hope did he have that he could? Answers. He needed answers, but with every answer they got...three more came up.

With a thump, Kili landed on the ground and looked around. Gandalf was looking Vin over, while Naurfaer and Legolas were arguing beside Arenduil who was holding some kind of pouch in his hands he must have taken from the creatures they fought.

There were several of the odd creatures on the ground, but not one seemed to be breathing. Dwalin went around, inspecting each felled body searching for life but all he found was death until he came to the last one who stared up at him with glaring purple eyes. Dwalin lifted a brow and placed his axe at its throat. "Thorin! I go' one!"

Thorin, who was just kneeling over Bildak, whispered something before he brushed his fingers over the dwarven guards eyes, closing them. He was gone. Both the guards who followed them, were gone. With nothing more he could do, he stood and moved over to Dwalin, glaring down at the violet eyed creature watching him with a look of malice. "Alive?" Thorin asked.

"Aye. Wha' do yeh wan' to do with it?" Dwalin asked.

At that moment, Arenduil moved towards them with Legolas behind him while Naurfaer seemed to be lost, his eyes now focused onto where Tauriel disappeared the moment he realized what had happened.

"Should we take it back to Mirkwood?" Arenduil eyed the prince who nodded.

"We can put it in the cells, and hopefully, get answers." Legolas said, his eyes not leaving the hybrid who was currently staring off into the forest.

Thorin swears he saw something tall and dark standing where the creature had its eyes focused. He was about to investigate when Gandalf grabbed his arm stopping him. "Do not go near it." He said in a growled warning. "Lest you wish to suffer the Black Breath." Thorin looked confused, then his eyes widened. A Nazgûl was there…just yards from him, and somehow, Gandalf sensed it but he did not.

Thorin then remembered Thranduil's wounds, and knew, now was not the time to confront the foreboding being and risk spending weeks in recovery…or possibly longer. He nodded to the wizard, though part of him kept an eye on the dark shadow who he swears he saw slowly retreat back into the deeper part of the forest. "We need something to bind it." Thorin finally said as he eyed the creature.

The creature in question must have known the Nazgûl was gone, as for the first time, there was something akin to fear in its violet eyes. It had been abandoned by its master, and was now alone and at the mercy of the beings it attacked. The predator, was now turned to prey.

Dwalin found a few of the whip like weapons, and cut them to make binds. Between he and Thorin, they got the creatures hands tied but left its feet free…it would need to walk. "We need teh do do somethin' about the bodies. It will attract beasts if we keep em here. Gandalf, how far are we to this, fortress yeh talk about? They could be taken' the lad and Tauri there, if we hurry, we can make it and get them back."

"We need to get Vin to a healer." Gandalf ordered, not quite ignoring Dwalin, but neither fully answering him. "We must go back to Mirkwood now."

"NO!" Kili yelled. "I WILL NOT GO BACK WITHOUT MY WIFE, OR MY BROTHER!"

"THEN YOU RISK HIS LIFE AS WELL!" Gandalf yelled right back, then took a calming breath. "Kili, I understand you are in pain, but if Vin does not get this bleeding to stop and this wound cauterized, he will die."

Grief, pain, and anguish filled Kili with such force, he howled in despair. Naurfaer watched from where he was gripping a tree still trying the shake the fog from his mind and body. Too slow. He was too slow to catch his granddaughter and he lost her again. But this time, it will not be for long. He moved to walk but had to grasp yet another tree before he forced his body to cooperate. There was no way he could do anything until whatever this was, leaves his system. Valar, what is that stuff. He glanced at the pouch Arenduil held, then at the captive the other guard pulled to its feet. At least between the pouch and the captive, maybe they can actually get some answers. Naurfaer glanced again at his grandson by marriage who was once more staring off into the direction Tauriel disappeared. He was about to move to him, but Thorin beat him to it.

"Kili…" Thorin grasped the young prince by the shoulders, one of his hands moving to cup his nephews face. "…I failed you my son, when we thought Tauriel was lost to us on our journey to Erebor; I failed you, and your brother. I won't make that mistake again. I know how you feel, and I swear to you we are not giving up on them. We will find her and Fili, but we need answers. We have to get Vin to safety, that is our first priority."

Kili began to argue, but Thorin shook his head. "He is family, Kili. Imagine, how Viltarra will feel if she loses both her husband, her sister, and her father in the same day. She needs you, she needs her brother, to keep his head. Focus Kili, for your children, for your family, I need you to not lose yourself to what has not yet happened. We will get Tauriel back, and Fili, but this is not the place to get the answers we need. Only more death, awaits us if we stay here. I do not doubt they will be coming back with greater force...a force we do not have the power to defeat right now...we must go."

Gandalf looked impressed with Thorin but chose not to speak his mind. Instead, he stood, bidding Kili to help him lift Vin onto his feet while Bofur and Dwalin lifted Bildak's body to take back to Erebor. The other guard was taken by the spiders, likely to consume. They would be unable to recover it, but Bildak, they can take home to his family.

Arenduil and the other guard gripped the prisoner. They would be guarding it as they made their way back to the elven realm, once Legolas agreed it was a good idea, Naurfaer echoing his own agreement.

The walk back was slow as the elves seemed to still be weighed down mentally as well as physically. In addition to being exposed to whatever that cloud was, they lost two Ereborian guards, and two of the most important members of both the company, and the family. It was also clear how much pain Vin was in by how much he stumbled and cried out with nearly every step he took.

For the first time in his life that he can recall, Kili put all his fears away to focus on the present task of getting Vin, and the elves in their party to Mirkwoods gate for all of their safety. His wife was fine. In fact, she was sending calming waves to HIM which meant…she was alright. He let a brief smile cross his face when there was some contempt leaking through as well, focused directly at him. She was chastising him. He could almost hear her lecturing him about remaining calm in dire situations. Pot kettle, he wanted to say…considering his wife's inability to keep her emotions in check, was exactly why she was considered strange to her own people.

Tauriel was also sending him her love, which he fully embraced, returning the emotion tenfold. He knew she was also doing all she could to remain calm not just for him, but for their children who were still connected to them. Especially Kilion and Ithtiri; Kilion who had yet to sever his connection to his parents, and Ithtiri, who still relied on both of them for all her needs. His precious baby girl.

Kili could feel the faint tendrils of his infant daughter calling to him and Tauriel. She was upset, but not nearly as much as Fin had been, if he was judging correctly, when Kili had been taken. Tauriel had said Finli was inconsolable, and his pain echoed through his bond with her. Ithtiri was more irritated than upset. In fact, what his daughter seemed to be projecting rather strongly, was hunger. She wanted her mother.

Sighing to himself, Kili sent his daughter what comfort he could then turned his attention back to Vin. He could not help his little Ithtiri, not right now, so he would have to trust his sister, aunt, and mother with her care.

The walk back to the gate was slow, and the sky was beginning to darken which worried Kili just a bit, but there was no way they could move faster than they were…not with Vin in so much pain, and a captive barely cooperating.

When the gate finally came into view nearly an hour later, Kili was sure they would not be let in…he could hear the nocturnal animals begin to forage through the forest surrounding him…meaning the night was upon them. Still, Legolas knocked on the door, demanding they open the gate with an authority that matched his father proving he was, in fact, Thranduil's son. After a few exchanged words Kili barely listened to, the gate opened once again, just enough for the thin elves to slip through. It took some yelling from none other than Naurfaer, to get them to open the gate wide enough to fit Vin through with his injury as well as the other more broad dwarves.

"What happened?!"

Kili sighed in relief. Finally, someone he recognized. Galloron was heading the gate when they returned, calling orders and reprimanding any who were not listening and reacting fast enough.

"We need a healer!" Thorin told Galloron who nodded as soon as he saw Vin.

"Careth, Gaelin, take him to Marawen in the healing halls."

Two guards nodded and stepped forward to guide Vin out.

"We will take him laddie. You go with Thorin and the others." Bofur stepped in, replacing Kili's place beside Vin who nodded to the young prince. He and Dwalin had set Bildak on a cart, one of the elven guards helping them and promising to take him to the healing halls to await transport back to Erebor once they realized the dwarf was beyond saving.

"Go on Kili. I will be fine. I am sure someone here could…give me a hand." Vin lifted the blood-soaked vest, trying for a smile, though Kili could see the agony in his eyes as he spoke. Vin, was in extreme pain…but still trying to make HIM feel better. But that was just who Vin was, an extremely kind and warm soul.

Kili felt he had to return the smile, forcing it onto his face if only to help Vin while Bofur rolled his eyes. "Get the jokes out now, cause I know yer wife will kill you if you try 'em with her. Come on." The hatted dwarf gave Kili one last smile, then draped Vin's good arm around his shoulder and followed the guards to the hall.

Tossing the pouch of dried powder to Galloron, Legolas spoke to the group of guards surrounding him. "We need to speak to my father and figure out what that powder is comprised of…when thrown, it becomes a smoke that incapacitates our people. Perhaps with luck, we can figure out a way to counter it so it does not affect us. We also need to figure out what that creature is." Legolas scowled, looking to the creature still being held by Arenduil and Ysandar, the other guard who had come with him.

Presently, Ysander had a knife to the creatures back…just as a precaution, though so far the creature has done nothing to fight anyone of them since the Nazgûl deserted it. "It needs to be put into a cell immediately. Take it to the gaol, and I will inform my father of the situation. I want a dozen guards on it at all times, and make sure it doesn't have any more of this…stuff…on it." He pointed to the powder Galloron held, and the guards all nodded. "Go, now." Legolas ordered.

"Yes, my prince." Ysandar agreed as several more guards surrounded the hybrid type creature. Before they left, Arenduil paused, turning to Legolas. "Should we call for the healers to inspect it? They would be the best at discovering its…race."

"Not yet." Legolas said. "Let me talk to my father first. For now, guard it and watch yourselves."

Arenduil nodded and they shoved the creature forward. Now engulfed by several higher ranking guards in Mirkwood, the creature fell out of sight as it was led away.

"Are you alright?" Galloron asked taking in the dried blood on every member of the group except the dwarves. He also had not missed the princes slightly slurred manner of speaking which was very unlike him.

"I will be fine, I feel no pain and have no true wounds." Legolas said. "One of the ways they were capturing our people, we believe, was through some sort of pitched device targeted to the Eldar, then they produced a cloud of whatever that is when we could not move." He gestured again to the pouch Galloron held. "Take this to the healers…I think they would be best to figure out what it is and with hope, make a counter agent. Tell them to work quickly."

Galloron nodded and called out orders for the body of the dwarf to be moved as well, once Thorin gave the okay to send his fallen guard away. Vin will be taken to Erebor as soon as possible, and Bildak's body will be going with him.

"Let's go." Legolas ordered the rest of them. "My father, I am sure, is eager to get answers and though we do not have many, we have more than we did before. He will also want to know about…about Tauriel and prince Fili. It is best we go to him quickly and directly."

Kili stood beside Thorin, who gave him a look but followed the prince. Thorin never really liked being ordered about, but this was not his realm. So he said nothing and instead, showed his annoyance on his face as they silently made their way to the halls they had been the night before.

Thranduil was already in the room, staring cooly at the group. Though Kili could read something akin to relief when Legolas appeared mostly unharmed. "I heard we have some answers? What happened?"

The group all sat at the table, the adrenalin that had surged through them at the time of the battle long gone and in its place, exhaustion and worry filled every one of them. Kili kept running his fingers through his hair, causing the wild strands to stick up every which way, but he stopped when he felt the weight of something tugging on his neck. He looked down and pulled a chain until a moonstone was lifted from where it somehow got tucked under his tunic…likely from the battle. He held it in his hands, running his fingers over the gem and sighing. Tauriel. His Tauriel, was taken from him. He let the heavy necklace, which he still didn't know the meaning of, fall back to his shirt as he focused on the group.

"We were ambushed in a way I have never before seen, differently then how you were when you reached the fortress." Legolas began, explaining the high pitched noise that rendered the elves in the party to the ground…even making them feel discombobulated for several minutes. He then described the smoke he could still feel draining his system though it was lessoning, and finally, the creatures who attacked them.

"We have one of them alive and currently in a cell. Hopefully, it can provide more answers then we been able to ascertain on our own." Legolas finished, his father giving him a severe look. "But there was a cost."

"WHAT cost?" Thranduil asked cooly.

Legolas's blue eyes flicked to Kili, then back to his father. "Tauriel, was taken. Along with prince Fili. Though I do not think they meant to take the prince." He added as an afterthought. "The creature had jumped at Tauriel and the spider bound them together as one when prince Fili moved to protect her. I honestly don't believe the others even noticed as this spider moved on its own."

Thranduil clenched his jaw, a severe and cold expression settled on his face. He tapped his fingers on the table, as he thought about the situation. On one hand, they have, he hopes, whatever it is that is making it so easy for them to take his people…on the other hand…Tauriel, was their prisoner along with Ivethin, and many other important members of his kingdom. Who knew if they were alive…or dead. A single prisoner was not worth much when they had so many of his people.

"My lord Thranduil, if I may…" Gandalf began, his hand clenching his staff. The elven king nodded, allowing the wizard to continue. "…these creatures, are not like anything I have ever seen. They appear almost elvish in nature, but…" He hummed trying to find the words to explain.

"But they also have many features of the orcs we have fought." Thorin finished. The wizard nodding his agreement.

"Or goblins." Kili added, thinking on the creatures skin, which was almost a dark grey color; their eyes a piercing violet; their hair black and thick. But they had the same agile and slight features of the elves. Additionally, they each bore long, pointed ears, longer than Tauriel and Naurfaer's…and far more pointed…but not blunted like the orcs were.

"A creature…" Thranduil stood and began pacing the room. "…with features of an elf, an orc, and possibly a goblin?" Since it was the best description they could give, the group nodded. "I wish to see this…creature."

"It is being taken to the healers cells." Legolas said moving to the door.

"Has it said anything?" Thranduil asked already standing.

"It has not so much as made a sound." Thorin answered gruffly. "At least not to us." He rubbed his hand through his beard. "You should also know that there was a Nazgûl present."

"What?" Kili said, having not seen one. "Where?"

"In the shadows of the forest just beyond the battle." Thorin sighed. "It left the creature, abandoned it to its fate."

"He is not wrong." Gandalf nodded in agreement. "I too saw it."

"Do you think it will come for it?" Thranduil asked with an edge to his voice. A normal prisoner is one thing…but one which would have a Nazgûl at his gates…is not something he is sure he wants to keep in his kingdom.

Gandalf thought long and hard, then, shook his head. "If they have the same respect for these creatures as they do for any others in their service…it will not come for it. The being we hold in your gaol is as good as dead to that Nazgûl."

Thranduil gave a curt nod. "Alright. But I will not be taking chances. I want at least a dozen guards on it at all times. If this creature had anything to do with the Nazgûl, we do not know what it is capable of." He paused and looked at the wall thoughtfully. "I also want the guards at that gate tripled until we know for certain we will not be receiving unwanted company.

"Yes, father. I will see that our guards are informed myself." Legolas said and left the room.

"I will go as well to see if I can aid the healers in understanding this powder." Gandalf stood when the elven king nodded.

"Thank you, Mithrandir." Thranduil watched his son and the wizard go, then turned to the group. "I will be having words with our captive. I assume you wish to be appraised of any information we get from it?" Thranduil looked to Thorin, then Kili and Naurfaer.

"If it can give answers to where my daughter and nephew could be, we WILL be joining your interrogation." Thorin growled giving no room for argument. Thranduil nodded, then moved to the door, Dwalin, Thorin, Naurfaer, and Kili following close behind him.

"Tauriel?"

"Shhh."

"Tauriel!?" The voice whispered again a bit louder, causing Tauriel to roll her eyes. She felt Fili at her back and tried not to think about the eight-legged creature they were web tied to.

"What!" Tauriel huffed, then took a calming breath. This situation was far from ideal. She was moving too far away from her Kili, from Thorin, and her children as they kept going almost endlessly on into the forest. They had no guards following them, none of those odd creatures they fought, only the spider they rode with about a dozen other larger ones guarding it.

Fili glared at his sister until he realized she couldn't see him so there really was no point. "Any idea where we are or where we are going?" He finally asked.

Tauriel sighed. "We are nearing the border of the greenwood, about a mile from Dol Guldur if I were to make a guess."

"Do you think we are stopping there?" Fili whispered. But Tauriel could not answer.

"I don't know, Fili." Tauriel sighed. "But if we do stop, stay as far out of sight as possible. I don't know if you are supposed to be here, and I don't want them hurting you."

"Tauriel." Fili droned. "I may be part of a race who is on average, shorter than most…but I am hardly invisible. I don't see how they don't know I am here."

"I know Fili." Tauriel huffed. "But I have a feeling, it is elves they are looking for."

Fili thought on that for a moment, then asked the burning question he had been considering…though he is afraid he already knew the answer to it. "Tauriel…you took down an entire hive of spiders on your own…yet one was able to capture you….please…for the love of Mahal…explain to me how that is even possible?"

Tauriel's silence was all the answer Fili needed, and he sighed again. "You LET them capture you…didn't you."

This time, Tauriel sighed audibly, a long and drawn-out sound. "I had no choice, Fili. The quickest and really only way to truly find out what is happening to the elves in Mirkwood…was to go where they were being taken."

"The quickest way to be killed you mean." Fili huffed. "Has anyone ever told you, that you may have a martyr complex, Tauriel? And I don't mean that as a compliment." At Tauriel's silence, Fili rolled his eyes. "Tell me…do you wake up in the morning, look in the mirror, and ask yourself…who can I sacrifice my life for today?"

"No." Tauriel grumbled. "And this, was the only feasible way that had the lowest risk factors."

"Oh…is it now? So…taking a hostage and asking questions would not have been a better way? Or…oh…I don't know…possibly TALKING ABOUT THIS ABSURD PLAN BEFORE YOU DID IT?!" Fili yelled out, causing the spider to hiss and Tauriel to quiet her brother. "Oh I'm sorry. Did I upset the spider with my tone?" Fili snickered.

The pair lapsed into heat fueled silence for a quarter hour before Tauriel spoke again. "Aule spoke to me weeks ago. He charged me with a task, a task to find and save as many as I can. He never outright said what it was, but during the battle, when he told me to go and that it would be alright, I knew what I had to do, and what he was asking of me. I never truly wanted to be taken, Fili. I have children, a husband, a family. I know...I know I am needed. But Kili's connection to me is unique, and over the years, has grown so much so, I could tell you where he was at this exact moment. I could tell you how he is feeling. I could even tell you his heart rate. If I could not pinpoint his location, it would not take much energy, to gravitate in his direction even if we were a world apart. He is my north on the compass…my spirit is forever striving to point in his direction wherever I am. If I can find him…"

"He can find you." Fili grumbled then his eyes widened. "Wait...did you say Aule? As in the Maker Aule? HE told you to do this?"

"In a manner of speaking, he ASKED me to do this...and after he and Manwe gave us this second chance...I felt compelled to offer myself to help." Tauriel said softly. "I'm sorry I couldn't tell you muindor. I was told to keep it to myself to ensure Kili's survival. If he knew..."

"He would sacrifice himself to keep you safe and in doing so...you as well. But why didn't you tell me, Tauriel. I love you, but I like to think I have a little better of a handle on my emotions than my brother who has always been of the mindset to act first, then deal with the consequences later."

Tauriel bit her lip, happy she couldn't see her brothers disappointment that leaked through his voice. "I was warned to keep this quiet for reasons I am sure he knows better than I. I will do everything to keep those I love safe, Fili. You know that. So I prepared quietly and kept it to myself as I was given no information relevant to what was happening. All I was told, was I would be needed for a journey to save many, that my children will be protected, and if Kili knew...it could end us both. I don't even know if I should be telling you this...but I have yet to be reprimanded so I am assuming it is alright for you to know now."

'It was not the plan to get the golden son of Durin taken...but this will work in our favor, daughter of the forest. Share with him as you will, he will be an asset to our aid and perhaps push the dark haired prince to move faster in his journey to retrieve you...if that were even possible.' There was an almost amused edge to the end of the message meaning he doubted Kili could move faster considering it was Tauriel who was taken.

"You know, uncle is going to kill you regardless of WHO told you to go." Fili attempted to turn and level her with a look. "You will be lectured for at least, an entire day. Then, restricted to the mountain until he retires as king. And that is just uncle. Mam, will skin you alive before she finds a way to lecture Mahal himself."

"I am not a child, Fili." Tauriel huffed, scrunching her nose up in distaste at the mere idea of being lectured by Thorin and Dis.

"Oh?" Fili hummed. "Seems a bit childish to me to make a plan without telling your family despite the maker telling you otherwise. I am sure he would have allowed at least one of us to help you instead of making you do this all alone."

"You would have told me…" Tauriel began only to be interrupted almost immediately by Fili.

"That it was probably the most idiotic idea you have had…to try to figure this out all by yourself…and under no circumstances were you to go and do such a stupid, reckless, foolhardy thing such as allowing yourself to be taken by the enemy while your FAMILY has no idea what was going on or where you were?" Fili finished for her. "And you would be correct. But…" He added. "I suppose we can't change any of that now." He sighed. "You know…I think this may actually work if we can lay low and NOT get killed. Mahal, if I survive this…my wife will kill us both if mam and uncle don't."

"Fili, this is my plan, not yours. I will take the blame and accept the consequences." Tauriel tried, but Fili laughed.

"Tauri…this is technically MAHAL'S plan...not yours...so do us both a favor and stop taking credit for it...and I am here as well making me part of it. We're in this together now, so we can face the fire, together." Fili freed his hand enough to allow it some movement. He then wiggled his arm until he felt a sharp blade slip down his hand. He gripped the shaft, and began cutting the silk. "Tauri, do you think these spiders know common?"

Tauriel could not answer. They were foul creatures, but she would never say they were not intelligent in their own way. "I honestly don't know Fili." She finally answered. "I never stopped to have a conversation with them."

Fili paused his cutting, and rolled his eyes. "You, my dear sister, have spent too much time around sarcastic dwarves."

"Sarcasm, dear brother, was a fault of mine BEFORE you came into my life." Tauriel smirked until she felt something loosen and quickly turned to see Fili shake his arm out.

"What…it was asleep and going numb." Fili shrugged. "Do you have your weapons?"

Tauriel shook her head. "Not all of them. My bow and daggers were taken when the spider captured us….but I think…I may still have my twin blades. You were at my back when that spider spun us, so I don't think they took them...as well as a few others hidden as you taught me. Can you feel the blades at my back?"

She felt Fili nod, then felt his arm reach around his back to feel for her weapons. "They're there, Tauri. If I cut you free, can you reach them?"

"Then what?" Tauriel sighed. "Getting away gets us no closer to answers than we were before we were taken. We both know I have to go."

Fili said nothing, then tilted his head in the direction they were going. "Is that the fortress?" He asked quietly.

Tauriel had to strain her neck to look in the direction Fili could see. She watched as the spires of a dark structure loomed ahead, lit only by the light of the full moon above them that peaked out now and again through the heavy winter clouds. "I believe so. I had never been allowed to go, but it appears just as it is described in the books I studied."

Fili thought on what they should do for several heartbeats. He had an idea…a probably stupid idea, but he had to know. "OI SPIDER MONSTERS! I STILL GOT MY WEAPONS, IN A MOMENT, I AM GOING TO BE FREE AND THEN, YOU WILL FEEL MY DWARVEN WRATH!"

"FILI!" Tauriel yelled out, using her hands to try and grab at Fili who had not moved behind her. The pair waited in silence, but the spiders did not react in any way.

"Hmmm. Looks to me like they don't speak common." Fili smirked, though Tauriel could not see it. "That is good for us. I am going to cut us free, then I say, we get off these spiders BEFORE we reach the fortress. Then, we can sneak in and try and get some answers." As he spoke, Fili was already working to cut Tauriel free, but they would soon realize, it was too late.

Before Fili could get to his sister's binds, the spiders leapt onto the ground directly before the fortress where they were intercepted by one of the creatures they had fought. It had yet to see them, however, so Tauriel whispered orders to Fili. "Get into the shadows Fili, hide yourself."

"I am not leaving you Tauriel." Fili ground his jaw, but Tauriel shoved him the best she could, and since he had been able to mostly free himself, the force caused him to lose his balance and fall to the ground.

Fortunately, he landed softly right into a large patch of ivy at the same time as several of the spiders who were behind them jumped from the trees. The soft ground and swooshing spiders masked his fall, and the tall ivy covered him, keeping him out of sight. Fili growled softly, annoyed as his sister once again, sacrificed herself to protect those she loves.

Well, after twenty years, she ought to have figured out, she was loved too. "Stupid, selfless, she-elf." Fili grunted to himself as he very carefully rolled onto his belly, and began scooting to follow the spiders…and his unreasonable sister.

Authors Note: Soooo, I told you things were going to go down. Yikes. I do realize I may have red shirted those two dwarven guards…if you don't get that reference you are definitely not a Star Trek fan. Sorry Bildak and dwarven guard 367 (I didn't give him a name…maybe Spydorsnak? LOLLSS. Get it?Too soon? Yaaa, that was really insensitive.

I have some school stuff to do, but I will try to get the next chapter edited and out soon. Honestly, this took longer than I wanted to because it went through a few phases. First of all, originally had them take a captive. Then I changed my mind and went back and instead, had them bring a body of one of the creatures back, then I changed my mind again and went back to them bringing a captive back. Lol. So there was a LOT of fixing to do.

Next Chapter is Fili-Centric. I love Fili, lol. He's the goat when it comes to brothers. Honestly, he reminds me just a bit of my little brother, lol. In a way.

Anyway, I will see you guys later! Love you!