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.

69. ACT V Chapter 11

Authors Note: Is one day too soon to post another chapter? Probably. Lol. But I got it done so I thought I would just post it and not make you guys wait.

Thank you for the reviews MissCallaLilly! I am so glad you liked that chapter. And Syeern, there are certainly more answers to come. I love hearing your plot bunnies! And I will fight every troll that comes my way if I have to, just to keep this place safe for everyone.

Just a reminder, this chapter is Fili centric. Gotta give our favorite golden prince a chance to shine, lol. Kind of. Poor Fili. Anyway, see you at the bootttooommmm.

Chapter Eleven

Fili sighed as the cool breeze gave no help for his rolling stomach. He was currently huddled in a damp corner, on the top deck of a ship, that was sailing who knows where. Dwarves hate ships and sailing. They were not a sea dwelling people in any right; they preferred earth under their feet AND over their heads. He glared at the wooden box keeping him hidden as he contemplated how he ended up hiding on this Mahal forsaken ship.

Of course, he blames Tauriel since it was her stupid plan to get captured that led them to this point in the first place...whether Mahal told her to do it or not...she had free agency and it was still her choice...so he blamed her.

When they had entered the fortress, Fili had lost her for a bit since it took him awhile to get inside without being detected by the dozens of orcs and those odd hybrid creatures at nearly every corner...not to mention the wargs at the entrance sniffing the air in his direction. He remembers the panic he felt when he finally found her and was forced to stay back in the shadows as he watched them pull her from the spider, take her remaining weapons, bind her in chains, and force her forward. She did try and fight them a bit, but Fili knew it was more for show than anything. She wanted them to take her where they took the others.

Fili does understand her reasoning. If she is right, Kili would be able to find her. But what was the limit of their bond? Tauriel was unable to find Kili when he was taken with his mam and Viltarra, and from what she had said, she couldn't fully pinpoint the exact location of the pit when they infiltrated where Nyaunni spent most of life either; despite Kili having been there as well.

Then again, Tauriel did say the last two decades have only made their bond grow and strengthen…so maybe his brother can find her. That means, he has to remain close to Tauriel in order to be found too. Not that Fili would even contemplate leaving his sister. His wife will have his beard for this when he sees her again...maybe Mahal can protect him too since he is part of this.

Fili sent a few mental apologies to Viltarra, who will already be upset when she finds out what happened to Vin. Mahal, he hopes Vin was alright. He lost his hand, that was for certain, but he needed aid and fast before he lost his life. Fili prayed they got him back to Mirkwood before he bled out...Vin was family, his family, he couldn't lose him.

Shaking his head to clear the dark thoughts, Fili tried again to focus on not getting sick as a heavy bout of nausea hit him as the ship rocked. Focus, Fili. Back to how he got here…do not fixate on what could be, stick with the present. Though, he missed his girls.

Sadness covered the nausea at the thought of his daughters, and his wife. How he longed to be sitting in his study with Dissah beside him, commenting excitedly on a book she had found. Or in a training ring with Karra, watching with pride as she mastered a new move faster than someone three times her age. Or holding his little Vilia in his lap, as he sung her the lullaby his mother had sung to him. How he wished he was in his bed, with his wife in his arms, his nose buried in her hair that smelled of fresh bread whether she worked the bakery, or not.

Fili dropped his head to his hands. What was he doing? He acted impulsively like he was some dwarfling. Then, a deeper realization hit him. He didn't act impulsively, he reacted protectively. He loved Tauriel. She was every bit a part of his family as his brother, his wife, and his children. As his niece and nephews, and his uncle and mam. If something happened to Tauriel, they all would be broken. He said it once, and he will say it again…that eleth was the bond that held the family together. Without her, who were they?

Well that wasn't completely fair, but it was true to a great extent. If Tauriel were to disappear from their family, Kili would never recover. Finli, Orin, Naufi, Kilion, and Ithtiri would lose their mother and a large part of who they were. Thorin, Fili is sure would break. He adopted Tauriel as his daughter, she was closer to him then even he and Kili were…and that was saying something.

Both Fili and Kili were incredibly close to Thorin…especially after waking up from Valinor. Thorin was almost a different dwarf than he had been before they began their second life on middle earth. He was kinder, more patient, and far more open than he ever had been. Well…sort of...he was still Thorin...strict, proud, and secure in who he was and what he stood for. Now, there is no way Fili would ever say Thorin had not already been an exemplary father figure to he and his brother before Tauriel entered their lives…but there was now a new kind of affection that runs in the family that had never really been there; not until Tauriel came along.

Fili knew that even his mam, Viltarra, and Nyaunni would never be the same if Tauriel was lost. Even more, his daughters saw her as almost a second mother to them. She instructed them in languages, and even has been teaching Karra archery along with Finli. Tauriel…she was melded to their family, she was their family. So, no, Fili had no choice but to follow his sister into the snake pit. What trials did Mahal have waiting for him? What was this quest their maker sent them on, and would he really be able to protect them?

The first trial of many, Fili is sure, had been finding Tauriel in Dol Guldur. Saying that fortress was a ruin was putting it lightly. Even Erebor was in better shape after a dragon tore into it. Stone was crumbling everywhere, moss covered every crack, and the majority of the fortress lacked any kind of ceiling. Even the steps were treacherous. Fili nearly tripped twice down a set of stairs that he doubts would even hold his three-year-old daughter's weight. Frustratingly enough, it led to nowhere, so Fili risked the questionable steps for no reason more than once.

There was also a point when the crowned prince paused in realization that this was the place his grandfather was lost. He was standing among the walls that witnessed Thrain's final moments…and his final choices. Fili wonders how his uncle would feel to stand here. He didn't have to think too much on it though, as all he had to do was wonder how he would feel to stand in the last place Vili stood before he fell. It was painful to think about. Yet at the same time, Fili never went without a father, so he is conflicted on how he truly feels. He always had Thorin.

But Thorin had nobody to look up to once Thrain was gone. Before he was even considered of age to the dwarven people, Thorin was thrust into a place of power and took on the title of head of the family; even taking over guardianship of Dis. That is never something Fili will ever have to endure. It made him respect Thorin all the more for everything he went through to become the king and the father he was now to Fili, Kili, and more recently, Tauriel.

Fili sighed as yet another spray of river water landed on him. He should be happy for the break, as it took nearly ten hours of searching the ruined fortress, going from shadow to shadow, while trying not to get caught as he attempted to locate his trouble magnet of a sister once she was chained and hauled away and he could move without being detected. Who would have thought a dilapidated ruin would be so large and have so many rooms? The majority of it was in his opinion… completely uninhabitable. Though, there were a few sections and buildings that appeared to hold the majority of life in the fortress. Fili wondered where the Nazgûl stayed and prayed Mahal would keep them away from him.

One wing he passed, seemed to be for the creatures that ambushed them in the forest. Fili was still unsure what to call them, though he was sure he did not want to go into battle with them again anytime soon. One dwarf, against an army of what seemed to be close to one hundred did not give him good odds of survival. Fili was brave, but he was not completely reckless like his baby brother was. He lacked the weapons, and the numbers to do anything but get himself killed.

Slinking into the shadows, Fili originally had assumed that if this place had cells, they would be deep in the fortress. He was wrong, of course, as after searching as far down as he possibly could and finding nothing but orcs and wargs...he made the realization that they instead had to be several flights up in a high tower. Who built this place?

Fortunately, Fili had been able to sneak up the winding tower steps with little issue, as there appeared to be no guards on duty like there were in Mirkwood, Dale, and Erebor. Maybe they were under the impression that nobody could escape, and that nobody would be stupid enough to break in.

Well, jokes on them, because Fili was stupid enough to break in. Wait...did he just call himself stupid? Tauriel owed him. Well, that was not fair; technically he still owed her for the whole, 'sacrificing her mortality so they could come back to life' thing she had done for he, Kili, and Thorin. Maybe after this, he can call them even.

Wait…she just saved his life again when they rescued Nyaunni two decades ago. In doing so, she nearly died. Fili cursed when he realized, he would likely always be in debt to his elven sister.

Shaking those thoughts away so he could focus on his task, Fili recalls how he quietly entered the corridor with the celled rooms. He should not have been surprised that Tauriel had not been the only one being held there, but there weren't many apart from her. In total, Fili counted MAYBE about two dozen elves who were all seemingly unconscious; some were chained to the walls in slumped positions, others strapped to stone beds. They all appeared to be unharmed from what he could see, which was good…Fili thinks. Yet they still weren't moving, and didn't even respond to Fili as he passed by.

"Tauriel?" He whispered as he searched cell after cell. It was a bit sad really, to see some cells didn't even have a door…but the elves were unable to move to get free. He needed to help them, but first, he needed his sister. "Tauriel?"

"Fili!"

A breath of relief left the crowned prince of Erebor when he heard his sister whisper yell his name towards the end of the block. Another breath of relief left him when he got to her and realized she was just fine despite being in one of the functioning cells with a heavy lock on the door. She was sitting on a block of fallen stone, barefoot, but with one of the twin's dolls held tightly in her hand.

"Tauriel!" Fili ran to her. "Did they take your shoes?"

Tauriel nodded. "They cleared me of as many weapons as they could find...but they missed a few." She whispered. "And this, they let me keep once they realized it wasn't a weapon." She lifted the doll for Fili to see and he nodded.

"This doesn't look good, Tauriel. We need to get out of here. There aren't even any guards in the prison! Why aren't their guards?!"

"Because they don't think they need them. Listen to me." Tauriel looked to the hall where Fili came from to make sure they were truly alone, and it was as still as it had been since she was put in here. "This is not where they are taking the elves. At least, not permanently. It is a type of waypoint for these lands. I don't recognize any of these elves, they are not of Mirkwood, Fili." She glanced at the elf across from them, a female with sun-kissed skin and long yellow-gold hair. "They are of different clans."

"Is she pregnant?" Fili asked, looking at the golden elf Tauriel had just been gesturing to.

Tauriel nodded sadly. "She won't wake. I have tried to speak to her, but she just remains unresponsive. I don't understand. Elves are nearly impervious beings. Our biology is superior to mortals in its way to fight against pathogens, poisons, and diseases. I don't understand what could be doing this!"

"Morning Glories." Fili leveled her with a look, lifting a brow.

"What?! Morning Glories? No. That isn't it." Tauriel huffed.

"No." Fili rolled his eyes. "I mean, you said you were impervious beings, yet, a flower kills you. Kind of the opposite of impervious, isn't it? A FLOWER Tauriel." He gave her another look. "So, I think it may be possible…that there is something that can in fact, render a 'superior' elf unconscious for long periods of time."

"There are many things that can cause an elf to lose consciousness, Fili! I just can't think of anything that can do it to this extreme." Tauriel was getting annoyed.

"Then say, you aren't impervious."

"Now is not the time Fili!"

"It is a simple statement, Tauriel. Or are you too proud to admit your biology is not as high and mighty as you guys think?" Fili smirked when Tauriel's lips pierced into a thin line. He leaned in close, smiling. "I will take your silence as testimony. Now, how do we get you out of here? Can't you pick this lock? Looks pretty rudimentary to me."

Tauriel scrunched her nose...which still hurt by the way...though the pain had lessened to just a dull burn. Glancing at Fili she could see the bruising under his eyes nearly gone completely despite his nose needing to be reset. Good...the last thing either of them needed was to be distracted by previous injuries, even ones so minor as broken noses. Her ears, however, pulsed and thrummed with pain. She doesn't think her ear is ruptured as her hearing is fine...but it does hurt far worse than her nose...and there was nothing she could do about either pain at the moment. "Yes, I could pick it...but I won't. We will not be getting out of here. Not in the way you think."

"Of course we won't." Fili grumbled. "So what is your plan then, oh mighty elf?"

"First, to remind myself that I love you, and killing you would cause me pain." The eleth growled, exasperated by her dwarven brother who decided now, was the time for jokes and sarcasm.

"Indeed, you are correct in that statement dear little sister. Then what?"

"Then, tell you that you need to follow the path northwest, go until you hit the docks. There, a boat is waiting to ferry us to Rhun."

"RHUN!" Fili all but yelled until Tauriel shushed him. "Rhun?" He repeated in a loud whisper. "Tauriel… why Rhun?!"

"I know nothing else Fili. The little information I got before they threw me into this cell, was that they were taking the elves they just collected, and going by boat to Rhun. I cannot even tell you which boat to choose, nor the exact time it is leaving. All I know, is you must get there, hide, and do not get caught. I am counting on you Fili. I would tell you to go home, beg you to go back to Erebor. To tell Kili and my children that I love them. But…I don't think I can do this without you."

Fili took her hand through the bars. "Tauriel, I won't leave you, even if you tried to force me to go. You will tell Kili, Ithtiri, and your sons that you love them yourself." He gave her a soft smile. "I guess, we are going to Rhun then. You know, four of our clans come from Rhun."

Tauriel nodded as Fili continued. "They only traveled south to fight in the war with the orcs. That was the war that took my uncle Frerin's life. Thorin doesn't like to speak on it."

Tauriel nodded again. "Have you been to Rhun, Fili?"

"No." Fili said truthfully. "We only visited the clans closest to Ered Luin. The Stonefoot clan, Kaulithah's clan…" Fili said eyeing Tauriel who scowled but remained quiet. "…chose to settle into a smaller mountain east of the blue mountains after the war. They still own a large mine in Rhun, but I don't know if they returned there after…you know." He sighed, then continued. "The other clans are all back living in Rhun though. It is why it takes them longer to get to Erebor when they come to visit. We used to go to the Stonefoots all the time when we were younger, but only the smaller settlement here in the westlands, not the one in Rhun."

"Uncle has been though." Fili added after a moment. "But that doesn't really help us now. Wait…why are they going by boat? You can get to Rhun on foot!"

Tauriel shrugged. "I have never been further away from Mirkwood than Ered Luin. I cannot answer that question, Fili. Perhaps, it is faster, or easier, to move so many using a ship over caravans of wagons."

"And probably less suspicious." Fili noted. "Fine. I will find this, boat. I hate boats. The last time I was forced onto a boat, me and the others ended up in barrels covered in fish. Do you know how long it took to get my hair to stop smelling like fish? WEEKS, Tauriel, weeks. There better not be fish on this boat." He lamented after a moment. "I really don't want to leave you here though, Tauriel. Are you sure you will be alright?"

"They need us alive. They find me curious, as I was the first they brought back who was conscious and unaffected by whatever they used in that battle. For whatever reason, they have allowed me to remain so. I am grateful, as I do not want to be like them." Tauriel nodded her head across the way to the elves lost to the waking world. She then smiled, squeezing Fili's hand. "I don't know why, but I don't think they will hurt me. Not here at least, and I won't do anything to antagonize them…not now. But I need you to be on that boat, Fili."

"I wish I had time to get back-up. I hate that we are in this alone Tauriel."

"We aren't alone though." Tauriel smiled, tapping her temple. "Kili will find us, and he is always with me. I am fortunate, to have you both." She chuckled mirthfully. "I suppose it also helps to have one of the Valar in my head as well. I will be fine."

Fili leaned forward and kissed his sister's brow. "Ya, I can't really argue with a deity can I? Especially my deity. Besides, I know Kili will find us; of that I have no doubts. He will never give up, until he has gotten to us." Fili watched Tauriel nod and he took her hand and squeezed it, placing the hilt of one of his larger daggers in her palm. "Hide this, so you have protection. I know you have others carefully hidden, but I would feel more comfortable if you took this one as well...it's a bit bigger but I know you can conceal it. Now...I better go. I have a boat to catch."

"I will see you there." Tauriel smiled, hiding the dagger away. "OH and Fili, the one who oversees this place...the Nazgûl…do not seek him out. He will kill you. Do not get caught, stay in the shadows and get out any way you can. Please, muindor, be careful."

"When am I not?" The crowned prince smiled wide as he tugged on one of her family braids, then moved to leave, glancing sadly at the elves as he past them. Just before Tauriel's cell moved out of sight, Fili turned and gave her one last smirk as he left her for the shadows.

As he made his way towards what he had hoped was the exit in fairly good time, Fili nearly ran into an imposing cloaked figure who sent chills running down his back that had nothing to do with the frigid winter air. The creature wore a heavy set of armor beneath his black cloak, and Fili swears, it paused and looked right at him. He heard ragged breathing as the being took several steps in his direction which had his own heartbeat almost doubling.

Mahal, this had to be that creature Tauriel mentioned, the Nazgûl everyone has been speaking about. A deep sense of dread filled the dwarven prince, as he tried to get as far into the shadows as he could knowing full well, he did not have the weapons to even attempt to fight this creature. Right as the towering being was about to step into the shadow Fili was hiding in, one of the hybrids came out to speak with it. Fili will never forget the deep, breathy, empty voice, as it responded. He had no idea what it said, as the language was foul yet somewhat, familiar.

"Blackspeech!" Fili mumbled then sputtered when another spray of river water landed this time, in his mouth. "Oh, come on!" He used his sleeve to wipe the salty spray away. Then grumbled again when the ship rolled as the wind blew. "Tauriel is NEVER allowed to make the plan again." He muttered.

Honestly, apart from finding the ship, Fili had no real plan himself so he was forced to continue with hers for the time being...but that was neither here nor there...back to how he got on this ship. After encountering the foul being that Fili had NO desire to encounter again...who somehow was distracted enough to not look into his shadowy hiding place and instead followed the hybrid away...Fili thankfully was able to find an exit from Dol Guldur. Unfortunately…it was not one he was proud to use.

It would seem, that actually leaving the fortress, was a bit harder than sneaking in, as there were more creatures walking the halls after Fili had spoken with Tauriel, then there had been when he was searching for her. Now mixed in with, Fili must admit, the oddly alluring hybrids, were several goblins, orcs, and wargs on constant watch as they paroled the hallways and corridors endlessly...even those exposed to the daylight. Fili wondered if that was because the sky had fully darkened and it was safe for the foul fiends to come out without harming themselves.

They seemed so at ease here, in the dark halls of a ruined fortress. If Fili were to ever pick an ideal home for an orc or dark creature, Dol Guldur might be the place. Even so, he hated how close it was to his home, and would prefer these creatures find somewhere else to dwell. Or better yet, he would prefer it even more if he could pull his knives out and take care of them himself. The best place for dark creatures like this, was in the underworld. They know nothing but evil, and you cannot convince Fili otherwise.

Despite this desire, however, Fili not once got the chance to make a kill, as he was able to slink through the halls unseen. Nobody seemed to be on their guard, they weren't searching the shadows for anyone sneaking about, and that was probably because they never thought anyone would even try to sneak into their fortress. They were firm in their belief that their prisoners would not escape, and nobody would come for them. It was what Fili believes, kept him from being discovered.

The door, however, was well guarded, as were all entrances to the fortress now that the orcs and goblins were traversing the halls. Fili recalls standing in one place for well over an hour, waiting for a change of the guard for a slim chance they would be distracted enough he could just leave from the front entrance. He gave up, however, knowing his time was precious and he had to not only escape, but get to the docks, AND find the boat he needed.

With a sigh, Fili searched for any way out, and unfortunately…found one; an old room that looked out to the forest with a heavily barred window. Fili closed the door softly behind him and tested the bars, but they were not going anywhere. However, another door caught his eye, and he stepped only to find an ancient looking bathroom. He had heard and read about these. Some human towns who have not yet embraced plumbing, still used them.

Rather than pipes running sewage and water through the walls and below the cities to a place where it is processed like in Erebor…these early toilets were simply, open to the fresh air. Fili lifted the lid and looked in to see stained stone that appeared to go about a hundred feet down. The smell too, was enough to key Fili in on the fact that it was still used. He never once in his life thought about whether or not orcs and goblins went to the toilet...but if it eats...it poops...so they had to right? "That, is beyond disgusting."

Shaking his head, Fili replaced the lid to find another way, but then paused. What if there WAS no other way. He looked at the toilet again, and shuttered in disgust. Mahal, this was not fair, but it was a way out.

Deciding to just do it, Fili opened the toilet's lid to look at the stained stone again. "If this is wet…I am going on a killing spree. I don't care if it cost me my life…it would be far better than to lose my dignity." He huffed. Wasn't the toilet in Lake Town enough? At least that one was clean and emptied into the lake…this one was…Fili shuttered as he glanced down at the stained stone. "Maker's hammer! I am a crowned prince!"

"Then get into your throne!" Fili heard the laughing voice of his brother fill his mind. Kili, would never let him live this down, so his brother will NEVER know about this. Never. Only Mahal, shall bear witness of what he is about to do...as it technically was Mahal's fault he had to do this.

"This...is between you and me." Fili sent up in prayer to his creator, adding a rushed, "Do not tell Tauriel!" He knew his sister had some unique connection to their maker especially after what she told him…so maybe…he was pleading with said maker to keep this between them, just in case. Whether or not his maker was currently listening to him, he didn't know...but it doesn't hurt to try, right?

With no answer from his maker, though not really expecting one either, Fili decided to just get it over with. Feet first, would be the best way, as he can use the two walls on either side of the gap to shimmy down. "Well…let's get this over with." With no other choice and a desperate need to get out of this place, the crowned prince of Erebor climbed into the ancient toilet.

The smell, was indescribable. It was clearly well used, and it seemed, the smell was permanently infused with the stone he was shimmying down. One thing Fili was grateful for, was the gloves he always wore in the winter whenever he left the mountain. His fingers were bare, but the gloves covering his palms gave protection from both the sharp stone, and the grime the dwarven prince did not wish to name.

He was more than halfway down, when he realized, the two walls he had on either side, were about to end. Fili panicked a bit as he looked down to see he still had a good forty feet before he could step foot on the forest floor. He had two choices now…either go back up and find another way…or drop and hope it was a soft landing.

The forest was so dark, Fili could not see what was below him; so he could be falling into a moat, a bush, a ravine, or a stone slat. He know there had to be something down there, but it was really hard to tell what it was from this height and angle.

When his hand slipped, Fili felt his heart stop, but he caught himself before he fell completely. However, a piece of the wall broke off and fell and he was able to watch it until it landed on the dark surface below. When the surface rippled, Fili realized the black smooth plane, was thankfully just dark water with a thin layer of ice covering the surface.

"I don't know if I am more mortified…or relieved." Fili huffed to himself, then took a deep breath, and let go.

Unfortunately…Fili was both right..and wrong. Sure, the first inch was ice and water…but the rest, was some sort of freezing, muddy, sludge that the heavy dwarven prince was sinking fast in.

Sputtering and huffing while trying to stay quiet, Fili reached and scrambled for anything with a grip. At first, he was able to grasp onto a hefty plant, pulling himself a bit from the sticky pit. But the plant soon was pulled from the earth and Fili, was once again sinking.

That, is when he saw movement. Something large was coming right for him. A warg. He heard the growl as he tried to wipe mud and sludge from his eyes. Not good. He was either going to die from drowning in this, cold mirky mess, or he was going to be pulled out and eaten by a warg.

The warg growled until a black mass began to attack its eyes and it let out a pitiful cry. When it tried to swipe at its attacker, the mass moved to the other eye and the warg ran into the forest, whining and yipping as it went.

"Pretty bird."

Fili was never more grateful to hear that frustrating raven again. "Kaw! I could use some help here. Can you find me some sort of vine, or branch, or something."

Without responding, Kaw flew off and Fili was left to wonder if he had been abandoned. But what Fili could not see, was the raven tugging on vines on a tree until it found one, and flew the long end to the dwarven prince. Fili grasped the vine, and pulled himself slowly, and carefully from the muck.

Falling onto his back, Fili took a few cleansing breaths. He was so cold he was shivering, and he smelled...rancid. But he had no time to find somewhere to clean himself or to warm up. Fili looked around to thank Kaw, but he was gone already. "Great. Abandoned again." When did Kaw even get here? As far as Fili recalled the ravens stayed in Erebor...unless Viltarra or mam sent them out just in case. Probably for the best with their track record.

Fili stood and began wiping off as much of the mud and muck as he could until he felt something land on his shoulder and begin to pull leaves from his hair. Looking up, Fili saw Kaw was once again back. "And where did you go? You could have found a towel, or something."

"Nana." Kaw croaked then he was tapping Fili on the head with the bottom of his beak. It was not in a way that hurt, more in a way of urgency. "Docks. Pretty bird."

Then Fili understood. Kaw was there to help, but he was not there to bring HIM help, but rather, to get him to move quickly. He must have flown up to Tauriel, only to come right back after getting orders from her. Fili looked up around the sky, expecting to see a mass of white as Umyra rarely strayed far from Kaw. But he saw nothing but shadows and branches, so it really must just be the one raven. Good, Umyra hated Fili and he was already covered in Mahal knows what...he was happy he wouldn't have to deal with painful nips as well.

"Alright, any idea where these docks are?" Fili hummed, not enjoying the feeling of his feet in his moist boots but deciding to ignore it like he tried to ignore his body shivering with the cold, as there was nothing he could do about it now.

Kaw flew off his shoulder, and onto a tree. Beside the tree, was no path in any sense but Kaw just kept going from tree to tree then waiting expectantly for Fili to follow...even croaking indignantly when Fili just stood there watching him. "So I guess, I am blazing my own trail." He sighed then began tromping his way through shrubs, as Kaw led him through the forest.

At least, he knew NOT to touch the stream in the forest…despite wanting to do anything to get the itchy, smelly, muck off of him. Maybe a nice magic induced nap wouldn't be so bad. Fili sighed again knowing that was the last thing he should do and just kept trudging forward.

Several hours later, Fili was reaching a point in the forest, where it began to thin and he could see lights in the distance. He looked up at the clear, star filled, night sky, searching for Kaw who he knew was flying high overhead. Once he spotted the raven, he watched his sisters feathered friend circle the area several times, before coming back to land on Fili's shoulder.

"Safe." Was all he said in khuzdul; so Fili knew he could move into the open. He let out a sigh as he walked out of the tree line, his body long gone numb from the cold. At least the snow on the ground wasn't any worse than the frozen sludge...and he should also be muttering thanks to the maker for the oddly clear winter night, over rain, sleet, or snow.

Yet, if he could add something to his growing list of wishes, oh great Mahal, he wished he had his horse. It was never natural for a dwarf to travel alone...especially on foot...so he already was going to look odd if he came across any traveling groups without any kind of known transportation. At this point…he'd even take cousin Dains boar over nothing at all.

Then again, maybe they would mistake HIM for the pig considering he was covered head to booted toe in a layer of something Fili has no desire to name. He may have gone nose blind as he traversed the forest, but he knows for a fact that the smell he was giving off, was one that could knock a full grown troll out. Hammer and tongs he feels disgusting.

"I need to get this stuff off." Fili muttered as he made for the small village in the dark. He couldn't see much of it, but there were a few lights in the distance, and he could hear the water it abutted…which did nothing to calm him. Though, it did offer a means to get himself clean...whether it was a frozen shower or a dip in the raging river…anything was better than this muck.

With getting clean in mind, Fili remembers going to find the shore, but instead, Mahal had decided to bless him. At the edge of the town, was a hut that appeared abandoned. Fili recalls looking through a broken window to see the place appeared to have been ransacked; tables were upturned, glassware shattered on the floor, and the entire place was covered in cobwebs and several layers of dust so it must have happened some time ago.

Fili carefully opened the back door, and stepped inside, Kaw still on his shoulder as he entered. He quietly stepped over the broken furnishings and paused when a rat scurried across the floor, though it didn't deter him. Fili was not afraid of rodents, especially since one being in here meant there was hopefully a food source…which Fili would need.

Continuing his search, Fili opened a door carefully, peaking inside to find a bedroom with a slashed bed but no inhabitant. One other room that seemed to be a child's room, appeared the same. A heavy stone landed in his stomach as he picked up a small doll on the ground surrounded by a sizable bloodstain. Whoever that came from, did not survive.

Fili wondered if those hybrid creatures attacked this village, or the orcs and goblins...or possibly all three. It was the only thing he could come up with, which meant he had to be careful and remain unseen. Who knew what inhabitants now lived here.

With the small dwelling seemingly clear, Fili was able to move about with a bit more ease. Gaging by the moon, he had a few hours before dawn, which meant, he only had a few hours to find that ship. If he moved fast, he could clean up here, hopefully find some food, and be on his way.

Unlike that fortress, this village thankfully appeared to have plumbing, which Fili was most grateful for. He twisted the singular knob on the tap, and waited. The pipes groaned, then sputtered, and finally, some dark water came out of the spout before it cleared. "Praise the maker." Fili said honestly as he moved to the small stall that appeared to be a shower, and tested the pipes.

A stream of freezing but clean water came out after a few seconds of brown still water, and Fili immediately jumped in clothes and all. He began washing all of the muck from his clothes and took off his boots to clean them out as well. The temperature of the shower did not deter him from stripping down to his bare skin to get fully clean; he was long numb from the cold that by now had his teeth chattering...but he would be clean and that was worth it. Fili even found an old bar of soap, lathered it up, then began to work it through his precious hair and beard.

Minutes later, the floor was covered in rancid mud, muck, and likely excrement, but Fili could care less; he was finally getting that stuff off of him.

As Fili showered, Kaw sat on the sink, just watching him while preening his feathers now and again. When he turned the spout off, Fili shuddered in the cold. It would do him no good to get sick, but he had little choice as he doubted anyone here would have dwarven sized clothing.

Just in case though, Fili did go through some of the drawers and closets, finding only a heavy travel cloak that if he tucked a bit, did fit him as well as a tunic that was a bit tight and long...but was far better than the sopping wet one he had. Hopefully, the rest of his things will dry before he froze in the night air. The cloak did add a layer of warmth though.

The next necessity was food. Fili found a chipped bowl, and filled it with water before placing it on the dusty counter for Kaw. The raven accepted the offering as Fili opened each cabinet, jumping back when one fell off the hinge and onto the floor. He glanced around behind him, not moving a muscle as if he had just summoned an army with the accidental noise.

But nobody came to investigate so Fili continued his search unhindered. Unfortunately for him, he found nothing of interest here; only crumbs and a sack of what used to be corn, but was now empty and filled with holes. "Stupid rats." He huffed, knowing they were doing nothing but surviving on anything they could scavenge.

A bit more investigating found Fili a decent sized water bladder he filled then flung over his shoulder under his cloak, and a pair of heavy wool socks he pulled onto his feet. He still had to put his wet boots back on, but the wool socks made it a bit more bearable. However, within a few minutes of walking, the socks were wet, but Fili tried to ignore it.

With nothing more he could get from the dwelling, Fili decided it was time to go. Maybe, if he was lucky, he could find some food further in the town as he searched for the boat.

Fili's heart sunk again as he got to the city only to see an imposing figure stalking the streets…an orc. Beside him, was one of those tall hybrid creatures. They looked so at ease here, Fili knew without a doubt his earlier assumption was correct; this town belonged to the darkness now.

For the first time, it hit Fili. Gandalf was telling the truth, and here, was the proof. These creatures, the orcs, the decimation of the inhabitants of this city…they were signs of what was to come. They were signs, Sauron, was truly gaining power, and if they didn't do something...this is what Dale will look like, this is what the shire will look like, this...could be what Erebor could one day look like.

Fili felt a crack in his heart grow, as the doll he had found, came right back to his mind. In that home, was a family. A father, and at least, one daughter. As if he could not stop them, images of his girls, his daughters, laying in a pool of blood with one of those creatures hovering over their still forms came unbidden to his mind. The image, would haunt him even more when he imagined his wife, his beautiful Viltarra, staring at him with lifeless eyes as she held their broken baby girl; sacrificing herself in a failed effort to protect her daughters.

Fury, anger, and a deep sense of despair filled Fili at that moment. So much so, that as the creature and the orc passed, Fili gripped one of his blades, and readied himself to attack.

But a gentle nip at his ear had him stopping. It was followed by a soothing coo and gentle preening of his damp hair that had Fili hesitating as the shadows passed him by. Fili took a deep, calming, breath. Now, was not the time. His wife was safe in Erebor…his daughters alive and well. What happened in that broken home at the edge of the village on the water…would never happen to his home. Not while Fili lived and breathed and not while Aule was on their side, seemingly trying to prevent that exact thing from happening, if Fili was to understand his sister's mission directly from the maker himself.

The realization hit Fili like a stone brick, and he suddenly knew why Tauriel was doing what she was doing and why she trusted Mahal enough to keep this from all of them in order to have the best chances at succeeding. This was not just about saving some elves, it was about gaining information on the enemy; about knowing what they were going to be up against so their world...would not become this. The new understanding had Fili pushing himself to find the ship quickly.

The town was small, but filled with the enemy at every corner. Fili had the black of night on his side as well as the mists growing over the town coming from the river as the dawn began to approach. He understood nothing he heard in passing as all they spoke was their own foul language here.

Mahal helped him again, guiding him to a crate where Fili could smell something pungent. He opened it up to see several wheels of cheese covered in dust. "Praise the maker." He pulled one out and with his knife, he cut into the aged cheese. The flavor was surprisingly sweet, and Fili only wished he had some bread for it to go on. But it was a longshot better than nothing, and Fili wasted no time packing as much of it as he could in his pockets before he noticed a satchel hanging from a nail on the wall of the building he hid behind.

Snatching the satchel from the wall, Fili filled it to the brim with the cheese before swinging it over the same shoulder the the water bladder he had found in the destroyed home he had filled sat. Both the bladder and the satchel were practically overfilled, but if Fili was careful, he would have more than enough food and water to sustain him for days, maybe even a few weeks if consumed sparingly.

The food he could not fit in the satchel, Fili decided to gorge himself on. He didn't stop eating cheese until his stomach could hold no more. That should hold him for a bit. It wasn't the most nutrient filled meal, but it was food.

Tucking the satchel under his travel cloak, Fili made sure to hide all evidence of his meal back in the box, even covering it with a bit of dirt to make it look undisturbed. He then moved towards the sound of the water, grateful the mists were getting so thick, he could move across the road without being seen.

When Fili reached the docks, only one ship seemed to be anchored there, along with several smaller ships that looked barely sea worthy in his opinion…not that Fili knew anything about boats…and technically this wasn't a sea but a river so there was that too.

"Well…if I had to choose…" He looked at the ships again and easily wrote off the smaller boats doubting they would hold much and certainly wouldn't be able to hide anything like say…a group of heisted elves. So the bigger ship it was.

Fili waited to move aboard, however, until Kaw scoped things out, and flew back to him, giving him the signal to move forward. Fili had to give props to Kili and Tauriel for training him so well. Fili doubts he would be as far as he was, without the raven's help.

What was he saying, he would be likely dead, sunken down to the bottom of a sludge pit. He owed the raven for saving his life. Makers tongs, the humiliation that death would bring him in the afterlife.

'Fili, golden son of Durin of the third age, how did you honor your ancestors through your final battle of the mortal realm?'

'Oh, just jumped down an old toilet into a frozen sludge heap and drowned in it.'

He would be laughed out of the halls of Mandos for certain. Thankfully, that was his, and Mahal's little secret. Unless he had some guardian ancestor watching him…Fili had not thought of that. When he nearly died that time in Minam and met Viltarra's sister Karra, didn't she say she watched over Viltarra…and Tauriel say the same of her mother? Fili was also quite certain he overheard Naurfaer tell Tauriel that Elbereth had made it her penance to watch over Kili…so surely, there was some guardian laughing their beard off as they recounted Fili's recent escapade to every dead ancestor who would listen. Just great.

Fili decided to let it go as he had somewhere to be, and fast. Surprisingly enough, getting on board the larger ship was almost too easy, but finding a place to remain hidden had been a bit more difficult. Fili had no idea where they would be frequenting or storing things, so after some debate, he opted to remain on deck rather than going below, and settling in a place as far out of sight as possible.

Picking a spot behind some crates that seemed to be bolted to the ground, Fili wedged himself as far into the shadows as he could get. Just beside him were several burlap looking sacks and fortunately for him, the travel cloak he wore had almost the exact same coloring and texture. When he pulled it over himself, it hid him and disguised his figure as nothing more, than a sack among the others.

Even better, with just a bit of maneuvering, Fili was able to see the ramp of the deck. He could quickly make for a different vessel with minimal exposure if he had chosen incorrectly.

That, is where Fili waited for what seemed like hours. The daylight set in, and nobody came. Fili munched on some cheese while a set of ominous dark clouds drifted above him, but so far no snow or rain fell from them so Fili was thankfully dry for the moment. He napped a bit as the gently sway of the boat soothed him while he held his cloak tightly against him for warmth. For the most part, he was alone on the ship. Though one of two of the tall creatures would come on and disappear below deck…or add a crate or two then leave.

Nothing really happened, until the sun set again and it was nearing the middle of the night. Then, and only then, did a troop of orcs, goblins, and the odd creatures march onto the deck, pushing several carts of the unconscious elves. Fili was horrified to see his sister among them, pale as the moon, with her eyes closed.

He got to his knees to try and get a better view of her…maybe she was faking it. Fili nearly forgot about Kaw, who nearly gave them away as he saw Tauriel and began to make pitiful calling noises to her.

Not wanting to be seen, Fili had to gently place his hand over the raven's beak and hold the large bird to his chest. He was afraid Kaw would go into a frenzy, but instead, the raven calmed when Fili whispered that he must be quiet. He spoke in khuzdul, and the raven immediately obeyed…though he made a few soft keening calls towards his nana.

The wagon rolled right to a stop just beside Fili as the creatures spoke in their dark language. His sister was right there, within touching distance from him. Fili reached his hand through the gap, and brushed it over Tauriel's cheek. She didn't move. She didn't open her eyes. She remained still. Her skin was cold and clammy, but she looked untouched.

Fili adjusted himself to try and get a better view of her, seeing her unbooted feet, and her small hand hanging from a gap in the wood of the cart. He could see almost every part of her, and didn't note any blood staining her clothes which meant she didn't have any wounds that he could make out. He carefully grabbed her hand, and squeezed it.

"I hope you know what you are doing, Tauri." Fili whispered. Still, no response. Whatever they had done to render the others unconscious, they must have found a way to do it to her. So much for her being a curiosity. Either she was pretending very well, or her body gave in to whatever they dosed her with. Fili guesses it was the latter, as he is certain Tauriel would have given him some sign she was alright if she was conscious.

With a yelled order, the cart began to move and Fili had to yank his hand back and carefully readjust his cloak so he was not seen. Before dawn, the orcs and goblins retreated from the ship, going back to the town, and Fili heard the thump of the ramp being moved.

Peaking out again, Fili saw the deck of the ship crawling with those tall, odd, hybrid creatures. One passed by him, humming softly to themselves some haunting melody. It bent down and pulled a rope and Fili was able to peer unseen at the creature. It looked even more elven up close which threw him off a bit. Its ears though…almost appeared goblinlike, and its skin a deep grey like wet stone.

Yet, again, there was something almost, alluring about them. They were not revolting in the least...but had an otherworldly beauty. They certainly weren't as offsetting as orcs and goblins despite having similar coloring.

The sinewy being tied the rope it worked, then gracefully pulled itself up onto the second deck and moved out of Fili's sight. He shuddered, wondering for the first time, if that creature was natural…or…something like the fellbeasts they encountered; mutated from something else. His mind tried to work them out even as the ship began to move, finally leaving the harbor for its journey to wherever it was taking the elves.

That, was nearly five days ago, and Fili was more than done with being on this ship. The creatures, whatever they were, didn't seem to have any idea he was on board, and after three days of being careful, Fili had decided to take caution to the wind and stretch out a bit. He would take breaks when nobody was around, shaking out the pins and needles in his legs but doing so within the confines of where he was hiding away. He also let Kaw hunt at these less active times so the raven could stretch his wings and find himself food.

Apart from that one creature who tied the rope, Fili had not seen one even come near where he and Kaw were hiding. He let his guard slip just a bit as he leaned up against the wooden crates behind him, trying to ignore yet another spray of the cold river water that landed in his face.

The longer he was on the boat, the less he had been able to force himself to eat as his stomach retched at the idea of food with each roll of the ship. At least, he wasn't wasting his limited food. Kaw had tried to get him some fish, even bringing him one that he dropped in Fili's lap where it flopped around until Fili grabbed it before the sound alerted the crew.

Rolling his eyes, Fili got to his knees, eyed the side of the ship, and waited until the coast was clear. He threw the fish with enough force, that it sailed over the deck and landed in the water. He then fell back against the crate, eyeing the raven. "Thanks Kaw, but I am not eating raw fish." He patted the raven on the head and closed his eyes.

The next time the raven left and returned, he brought bread from Mahal knows where. This, Fili did eat with gusto, even eating some cheese along with it.

Sighing to himself, Fili now wondered if this was what his life was to be now…cursed to remain on this ship for all eternity. Maybe he did die in that pit…and was in some sort of purgatory for a reason completely unknown to him.

Of course, he wasn't. Fili kicked his foot that was falling asleep yet again, knowing he would not last much longer. At least, it wasn't raining or snowing. In fact, the weather was warming and Fili was rather surprised to look up and see the sun shining overhead this morning. A blessed break from the harsh winter...but Fili did worry that it was also a sign of just how far they had traveled.

With the warming weather, Fili would endure the seemingly constant spray of water, but doubts he would be able to keep his wits about him as well as he has if the sky opened up over him. For the most part, he was dry, and preferred to keep it that way. And no, he was not going into detail about how he had to relieve himself.

Fili eyed the darkening sky, ready for another night of rolling waves and eerie sounds of the ship moving in the water of the large, fast moving, river. It was unsettling for a dwarf.

But the activity on the ship was picking up, and orders being called out from nearly every angle. Maybe, with hope…they were about to reach their destination. Fili sat up a bit pulling his cloak over him, and the next two hours were a waiting game. He felt Kaw move on his leg, and winced when the ravens sharp talon dug into his skin. But he remained silent, and Kaw eventually moved and settled between Fili's legs.

The ship had definitely slowed, and near what Fili believes was midnight, the ship bumped up against what he thinks was a dock. Thank the maker. If Fili never had to get on a ship again, it would be too soon. Yet, as much as he wanted to get off…Fili still could not move. He waited as the crew worked to tie the ship down, then, the sound of horse hooves had him carefully peeking out.

"You're late." A deep voice muttered in common. That voice sounded human!

Fili strained his eyes to look through the hole. He could just make out a masked human astride a horse right on the deck of the ship. Behind him, several others waited on foot.

The hybrid creature the human spoke to hissed, and glared at the man. "We come, when we are ordered to arrive. The moon touches the mid evening sky, we are not late, human."

So they do speak common, Fili thought to himself.

"I would hold my tongue, creature, lest you lose it. Where is the cargo?"

The creature hissed again, but did not move to attack, rather, it yelled out an order in blackspeech that had its crew going below deck. They were gone for some time before Fili heard the sound of the wagon being pushed forward and he saw the elves again. This time, he did not have a good view of his sister. But he did see her long hair falling over the side, so he knew she was there.

"As you can see, they are asleep still." The creature growled as the human jumped down from his mount to look over the elves.

"As they should be. Why are there so few?" He made a hand gesture, and the other humans began rolling the cart off the deck. "The overseer said he was expecting at least twice this many additions to his stores."

"One should be grateful there are even this many." The creature muttered. "The elven cities are becoming wise, and not letting their numbers near our hunting grounds. We are making plans to extend our area of capture."

"See that you do." The man said, pulling out a bag and tossing it to the creature. "More ingredients for the tranquilizer. Put it to good use. And do tell Khamul I will have a team ready to join his ranks on the next ship."

The creature sneered an answer, but bowed its head subserviently. "We are honored, to invite the Easterlings to Dol Guldur." The creature looked down at the human, being several inches taller than the masked man. "I am sure, my master, is pleased with your work with the elves. Though, he has made it abundantly clear, human, that those arriving may, visit, the fortress only, but are to remain lodged in the village near the docks. The second in command of the Nazgul, does not surround himself with the mortal race unless absolutely necessary."

With a mask on, Fili could not tell whether the man liked this statement or not, as he said nothing and instead, pushed his men to move quickly and get the elves to the fortress. Though he did pause, and stare down the creature. "If I were you, I would learn more respect. Without our help, or the help of our master, you would not exist."

The creature he spoke to stayed silent, the wind whipping its dark hair about as it watched the human climb back on his horse, and yell out to move on. Fili could not see, but he could hear the whip of the horses and the sound of the wooden wheels as the wagon was pulled away from the ship.

Fili was disgusted on multiple fronts. For one, he was right about the creatures being unnatural. For another, the human race in these parts seemed to be working for Sauron. Or at least, he can only assume it is Sauron…the master of orcs, goblins, and all foul creatures of middle earth. Fili may be no Balin, but he did listen to his lessons, and he knew much of the histories of the earlier ages.

Fili knew, that the true creator of orcs was Melkor, or as many know him, Morgoth. Fili recalls his lessons about how the Ainur sang Middle Earth into existence and how the first age was wrought with darkness and war specifically around Melkor, who was defeated and cast into the void which dawned the second age of Arda. Now, much of this is theory and stories written and told over and over, but Fili believes it is said that Morgoth was the father of the orcs, and he used his dark powers, to create them from elves who had been corrupted.

That, was thousands upon thousands, upon thousands of years ago. Yet, something about what the human said, paired with their capturing of elves, had Fili connecting bridges in his mind. Something was happening, and Fili was afraid to find out just what that was and how it would involve his sister.

But first, he needed to get off this boat. When nobody seemed to be around, Fili sent Kaw out and made his move. At this point, he was no longer surprised when he alerted nobody, and made it off the ship and away from the water with no problems.

Fili sighed as he looked at the tracks in the dirt path, seeing Kaw circling high above him. "I suppose, I go by foot." He readjusted his satchel, and began following the tracks. As he walked, he pondered all the ways his sister, will be making this up to him, life debt or no.

Authors Note: CONGRATULATIONS! You have made it to the bottom. Your prize? A promise for another chapter. Lol. Really though, what do you think? Poor Fili right?

I have a confession…so I grew up with one of those, septic tank things, and I always had one of those, you know, irrational fears, that I would somehow fall into it despite it being under ground and covered by dirt. Like legit, I thought that was how I was going to die. Why it triggered nightmares in my little ginger head when I was a kid despite having ZERO grounds? I don't know. But then again, I also had a fear that Jesus lived in the toilet bend. DO NOT ASK! I was an odd kid with a very vibrant imagination. I do know that Jesus does not in fact live in the toilet bend…I have no idea where that came from or why I thought that, but I was just a kid and I will tell you now, I have never told anyone that before…I am confessing it to a bunch of internet strangers who read my fanfiction. I do know better now, and we cool. Lol. Back to the septic tank, when Fili falls in the sludge…it was literally like writing out my own fear. Gah, it's PTSD inducing even though I have never once fell, or have gotten remotely close, to falling into a septic tank or anything of the like.

Alright, weird confessions aside, I should have another chapter up hopefully sometime in the next week. I REALLY have to get a paper done by this weekend so I need to focus on that. However, if by some miracle I get that paper done early, I will celebrate by finishing a chapter. WOOOOO. See ya soon guys!