Authors Note: See, told you I would get another chapter up today. It is because it is shorter. Lol.
Also, stats for are still down. Sigh. It is rather depressing to see a zero on number of visits. Ghost readers. LOLLL. Perfect for spooky season.
I posted this too soon to have any one to shout out to. LOLLLLL.
SOOOO shout out to everyone! Love you guys. My bird says hi, he is screeching in the background something awful as I write this.
Read on. 😊
Chapter Twenty
Kili scanned the dark area several times looking for his brother, but Fili was nowhere to be seen. Shaking his head, Kili sighed and ran his hands through his hair. He was exhausted and that was putting it mildly.
"I am going to go find Tauriel." Kili could not hold back a yawn as he turned to Naurfaer who had just slid off the aelúg. They were the last group out of the compound of elves and dwarves but the supposed blue wizards had yet to re-emerge. Naurfaer had tried to go in to find them, but a wall of energy barred anyone from going inside. Kili didn't care anymore at that point. The reports were the compound was cleared except for the bodies of the fallen and the hybrids.
"Go ahead Kili. I am going to see if I can find Morythi." Naurfaer patted Kili on the shoulder, Legolas following him into the crowds.
"I will find the lad and his lass. I would bet me hat they are together anyway." Bofur offered, already off in search of Fili and Viltarra before Kili could even thank him. "You go find yer wife...who is probably no' sittin' as she should." He yelled back over his shoulder from a few yards away.
"Oh, she isn't. That I already know." Kili grumbled to himself, following the hatted dwarf and two elves with his eyes until they were out of sight, then turned and used the connection with his wife, to let himself be drawn to her.
"When we get home, I am sleeping for a week." Kili sent through their bond.
"We have five children Kili, including a four month old infant; I would like to see you try." Tauriel responded, her amusement flittering through their bond along with her own exhaustion.
"You are overdoing it aren't' you." Kili sent with no response whatsoever coming back from his wife. He chuckled to himself. Of course she didn't respond, she really didn't need to. He already knew she was. When she had sent to him what she was doing, he begged her to rest. Her response had been that she will rest...when he does.
Fair enough. Kili was here, and now it was time to get his wife to sit before she falls over...which going by her inability to block anything from him right now...means she will be falling to the sands sooner rather than later.
"I most certainly will not."
Kili barked a laugh and stalked towards the crowds in the darkness where he felt his wife was located. There were so many tall elves gathered in the area he didn't quite see her at first, then he saw the red hair and side profile of the one being in this world who could bring him to his knees with one look. Mahal, he loved her.
"And she loves you."
Kili grinned wide when her eyes flicked to him and she gave him a tired smile. It was so dark, he couldn't make out all of her features, but he was happy to see her none the less.
"If you can tie up the bandage on this one's head, I think we can send him on his way." An elf was instructing Tauriel who nodded. They were surrounding one of the Stonefoot dwarves who was glaring at the elven healer, but turned a smile to Tauriel once the other elves left. When it was just the two of them, Tauriel finished wrapping his head up then asked him quietly in Khuzdul if he had any other injuries he was hiding. The dwarf chuckled and lifted his hand to show a clearly broken finger. Tauriel tutted but since she didn't have the tools to help with that kind of injury, and the finger didn't need any setting, all she could do was tell him to put a small splint on it when he gets back to the mountain.
"I have had my fair shair o' breaks meh lady. I can manage."
Kili smiled, happy his people were coming around to accept Tauriel after all these years. But he did scowl a bit when the dwarf bowed and pressed a delicate kiss to her hand before moving away to join some of his comrades. Though he caught Kili's gaze in passing and bowed again. "My prince." He said softly then walked away when Kili gave him a smile and nod. He will be getting information from his brother about exactly what happened at the Stonefoot's mountain...but right now his priority was getting his restless wife to actually rest.
Tauriel glanced at Kili and smiled as he ambled up to her, took her hand, turned it, and pressed a lingering kiss to her palm. He then pulled her to him, wrapping his arms around her waist and pressing his face to her neck. "How is everyone?"
Tauriel turned her head a bit and buried her nose in his dark hair as she let Kili take on her full weight. "I believe Ivethin is now resting, but Nelithi has not yet regained consciousness. As far as I know though, she is not the worst case here. Some of the elves are lingering on the edge of life and death still and they are unsure if they will ever recover." Tauriel sighed. "They, they have episodes, Kili. Like they are in the throes of pain that we cannot help them with. It seems like the ones who have had multiple... extractions…have it the worst. Ivethin had to stop her work suturing when she nearly fell to the ground. It is terrible Kili. Terrible. I want to go back in there and kill them all again for what they did."
Kili rubbed his hand up and down her back, then splayed his fingers at the base of her spine and pressed her closer to him. "What about your large friend? Where is he?"
"Tork is being held for his crimes." Tauriel hated what they were doing to him after he helped her. "I tried speaking to them, but as long as they are helping Nelithi...Tork seems to be fine with being held."
"We will figure something out for him." Kili promised. "What about our own side? Do you know if we lost any?"
"I don't know about the elves who came, the Avari...but as far as our own people goes, I have seen and helped with a few of the Stonefoot clan who had some rather severe injuries, but most only suffer with minor complaints. I don't think we lost anyone though."
"Krygo will appreciate that." Kili hummed.
"Are you alright with us working with them, meleth nin?" Tauriel asked after they both fell silent for several minutes. It was a bit of a shock when she realized where Fili had gone to get his back-up army. She was not sure how he would take it, and wonders just how much he suspects. He will know everything, Tauriel will make sure of that. But was here really the time and place for that?"
"They are our people." Kili sighed, his warm breath sending shivers down Tauriel's spine. "Honestly, I just...am too tired to care right now. I am sure I will have a lot more to say on the subject once I can process everything that has happened over the last few days...but right now...I just can't find the energy to handle it appropriately."
Tauriel nodded her understanding and closed her eyes, happy to be safe once again with Kili. The next time she opened them, she was lying on the ground. Underneath her was Maryn's saddle blanket, the horse herself, was what Tauriel was pressed against. She smiled when Maryn turned and nuzzled her hair. Galaddal and Elenath were there as well, the two dapple horses standing and attempting to search the broken clay for any kind of vegetation to no avail.
Tauriel lifted her hand to Galaddal who turned to her and allowed her to stroke his dark grey nose. "We will find you something to eat." Tauriel said softly to her friend. However, it was Maryn's nickering that had her laughing. "And you as well."
Suddenly, a bladder appeared before her eyes and Tauriel followed the hand up to Fili who was grinning widely. "Think you can top this off again?"
"Good morning to you too, muindor." Tauriel grumbled as she sat up fully. She pressed a hand to her head and groaned when pain erupted throughout her entire skull when she moved. Valar above she had a headache; likely from her lack of water and food. She was used to eating like dwarves and she has barely eaten more than a few scraps brought to her over the last week. Not to mention whenever she was nursing, she tended to both eat and need even more food than normal. It will be a wonder if her body produces at all with its severe lack of nutrients over the last week.
Then again, the pain could also be a result from being hooked up to that monstrous stone as well. She lifted her hand to the back of her head, feeling the shaved spot and scabbed area where the needles were pushed through her skin at the base of her skull. Yes, she supposes that could be part of the reason her head is absolutely pounding away like a great dwarven forge right now.
Tauriel sighed as her fingers continued to brush through the area. Though it was overall, a very small spot they removed hair from, she hated how her hair in that area was gone. She supposes they could have shaved her head completely, and she should be thankful they did not. Valar above, Kili would be an avenging being of death if they did that. He worshiped her hair, so much so, even when he did not remember who she was he forbid her from cutting it that one night she feared it was the reason Kili could not look at her. Funny how the actual reason was because he had feelings for her he did not know how to label or control. That was still a painful time for both of them to remember.
Sighing again, Tauriel cringed as yet another wave of pain echoed through her head which caused her currently completely empty stomach to turn with nausea. Unfortunately for her, that nausea was also mixed with a bit of frustration coming from her daughter who had never ceased to call out to her. 'I am coming, my Ithtiri.' Tauriel breathed in her mind to her infant. Not that her infant could respond or hear her. But she did attempt to calm her baby from where she was. It worked just a bit, as she felt her daughter's energy be soothed to a restless sleep. Better than nothing.
Pushing her own pain and discomfort away, as well as a fair bit of nausea, Tauriel finally nodded to her brother. That elven baby did need to eat, and it was far more important than her discomfort, so she pulled her hand away from her head and reached for the bladder. However, before she could take it, Fili was shoved away from her. "Let her eat first!" Kili growled at Fili who rolled his eyes. "She needs food." He glared at his elder brother who folded his arms and stood back as Kili knelt and passed something wrapped in a leaf to Tauriel.
"Legolas said it's some variation of lembas bread." He then handed her a different bladder. "I was told this tastes terrible...but when I told them you were nursing they insisted you drink it. Something about being protein packed and nutrient rich. It was brought this morning along with more medical supplies, horses, and food. We will be moving out soon."
Tauriel eyed the bladder he held out and took it. The bread was in fact similar in taste to lembas, but the texture was...unique. However, what was in the bladder...was both thick and bitter and Tauriel nearly spit it out. It was some sort of dairy product, going by the creamy texture...but the flavor...was repulsive to Tauriel's tastebuds. She only gulped it down because she knew her body needed hydration, though the grimace she wore as she drank made it clear she did not enjoy it one bit.
"Sorry Amralime. She did warn it was an acquired taste."
"Ohh...she's awake." Naurfaer was next to come over, Legolas nowhere to be seen. That, was worrying. "How are you feeling starlight? When I caught up with Kili last night, you had collapsed in his arms. I was worried."
Tauriel looked mortified. "Nobody saw it but Naurfaer." Kili soothed both seeing and feeling his wife's embarrassment.
"And Legolas." Naurfaer said rocking on his toes. "And a few of the healers…I think a group of dwarves too."
"Not helpful, Naurfaer." Kili growled looking up at the elf who he normally loved…but wanted to kill at this precise moment.
"Is Tauriel alright?" Legolas asked joining the group, giving her a soft smile when he realized she was awake. "Are you feeling better melon? It was rather worrying seeing you give out last night. I am deeply concerned for your welfare, Tauriel. Do you need some water? There is more food as well if you desire, but some of it I am unfamiliar with and unsure if you would enjoy."
Tauriel groaned. "I am perfectly well. Now, can you all stop hovering? And where is Viltarra?"
"Waiting for baby sustenance." Fili said quirking a brow and waiving the bladder before Tauriel's eyes once more. "Soo...now that you have eaten something…do you think you can maybe…" He gestured to her chest. "…you know…with your…you know?"
"They are called breasts." Legolas said in an even tone. "Are you still yet a child? Do you not have your own children? I do fear for your family and your people, Tauriel, if their next king cannot even say, breasts."
Fili turned a glare at Legolas who only smirked at him. "Go ahead dwarf. Ask Tauriel for her breast milk like a mature adult."
"Am I walkin' in at the wrong time?" Bofur asked, his cheeks tinged a bit pink as he picked up the end of the conversation.
"Not at all." Naurfaer said. "We were just about to discuss the plans for today."
"AFTER Tauriel shares her womanly abilities with us." Fili hedged again causing both Naurfaer and Legolas to give him matching looks of disbelief.
"Laddie…yeh know yeh have daughters, right?" Bofur lifted a brow.
"And...?" Fili asked.
Tauriel pushed herself onto her feet, glared at all the males around her, and limped away after ripping the bladder from Fili's hands. Kili winced at the curses she flung at him through their connection. Though she did tell him he was the only one she was not angry with in that circle of males, she did warn him to inform them that if a single one of them comes near her in the next hour…she will be removing appendages.
"Well, that is all I needed." Fili said with a smile, clapping his hands together. He did love to rile his sister up…it kept her on her toes…and the baby really did need food. "What's next?"
"YOU are a rams ass sometimes, Fili." Kili slammed his fist into his brother's shoulder, but Fili just laughed it off, not at all apologetic. Although…if Tauriel tells his wife…Fili gulped. Maybe he should apologize.
Before he could think more on it, or receive further lectures, Saphyra came over, her aelúg following just behind her. "Fili, they are going to start moving the injured to Morythi's closest city. You should know, last evening, Morythi offered to help clear out our home. He seemed a bit reluctant in his offer, but my mother accepted without argument…for now. When I later asked if she was sure, she said it would be foolish to not take advantage of such an opportunity. As soon as our injured are safe, we are talking numbers and going to battle. I think, I have you and your brother to thank for that, for the truce between us however delicate it is. With Morythi's clan involved, we will have more than enough to clear out the scourge soiling our halls. I do not doubt our success. Our home will be ours once more. I only wish Indarro could be here to see it." Her eyes fell to the ground.
Fili gave her a look filled with sorrow. "I heard about your brother. I am so sorry, Saphyra. Is there anything we can do to help get your home back?"
Saphyra smiled. "You have done more than enough. This, is our fight to win. But…" She paused. "…will you be coming to Morythi's city before you return to the westlands?"
"We need to get the dwarves back to the mountain, then, we have not decided from there." Fili said. In the back of his mind, he was already considering the timeline, and wondering if he should risk joining the battle anyway. He knew he needed to get home…but…maybe, he could help with one more thing. He needs to discuss it with his family in private then go from there. With Tauriel's injury and Viltarra likely wanting to care for the baby…a baby he still needed to find a home for…it would likely just be he, Kili, Naurfaer, and Bofur in the battle. Was it worth the risk though? Fili was not so sure. A day at a time…that is how he will take this.
"Any word about the compound and the wizards?" Kili asked, jumping in when Fili did not seem to have anything more to add. "Or the hybrids?"
"From what we can ascertain…" Saphyra said. "…both are still inside. None of the Avari, fliers or walkers, desire to go back though, and see for themselves." Someone in the distance called her name, and Saphyra bowed her head to the group. "I must go help my mother with my father. He has regained strength, but still needs aid. Please come say goodbye if you plan on leaving. Many are calling you two hero's for pulling the two clans together…even if it is only temporary…I think they may even celebrate in your honor." She looked the group over once more, then turned and left them.
"I should go back to the compound." Naurfaer sighed, eyeing the newly revealed pathway through the two massive pits of dead were-worms. However, Fili shook his head.
"If you go, Tauriel will be right behind you." Fili said. "She shouldn't go back in there. I think we can all agree she has been through enough…and I am worried about her. I know, I was an ass…" He rolled his eyes before his brother could say anything. "…but did you see her far off look? I don't want to see her lost to what was and what happened there. Not until we have her home and we can work through it together. What I have seen the other elves go through…what Ivethin experiences…I hope, I pray, Tauriel was spared from." He glanced across the sands where he can just make out his sisters flaming red hair highlighted in the slowly rising sun. "Is she alright Kili?"
"Would you be?" Kili said, folding his arms and shaking his head. "How are we going to get the elves back to the west?"
"I honestly don't know Ki. But I am sure many of them will make plans for themselves." Fili sighed. "Ki…" He glanced at Tauriel again in the distance. He could see her holding a bladder of likely water and walking towards Tork who said something to her. Of course, Fili was too far away to know what it was, but it had the elven guard standing in front of him rolling his eyes. The guard did, however, let Tauriel forward to give the large shifter a drink of water and some lembas bread. As fierce as Tauriel could be, she was also a very gentle creature. Tauriel was a true light to this world, one he prays will never be extinguished.
Turning back to his brother, Naurfaer, Legolas, and Bofur, Fili leaned in so only the group could hear. "…I am considering helping with clearing out Saphyra's home." He finally said.
"Fili." Kili sighed, running his hand through his hair, causing even more knots than there was before. "We need to get home. The children…"
"I know. I know." Fili rubbed his hands down his face. "I just…"
"Want to help." Kili finished, nodding his understanding. "We can't take Krygo's army."
"I know that too." Fili agreed. "I need to get them home. It is just, a thought."
"A kind one too." Naurfaer nodded. "And a very good move to make diplomatically."
Legolas hummed his own approval. "We have many who are injured who need to be taken to their clans expediently…but one could argue the Avari's home being overtaken is related to the issue here and not seeing it resolved, would be returning without fulfilling our cause."
"Aye. It could also turn into a bigger problem if we let tha' fester here." Bofur folded his arms. "Though I will play balrogs advocate here an' say this might be considered somethin' tha' is no' ours teh handle. Thorin is expectin' us home, an' I feel it is importan' someone here says it…bu' we can no' fix everthin' lads. Some things…we have teh let others handle. Bu' even sayin' tha'…where yeh go, my blade follows."
Fili smiled and patted Bofur on the shoulder. "Thank you Bofur. I know I can count on you having our back, as you always have. No decision has been made yet…but should we go…"
"I don't want Tauriel there." Kili quickly interjected.
"Mahal no. She has been through enough and needs to rest." Fili agreed. "I don't want Viltarra there either. Not only does she have an injury on her arm, but she doesn't seem to want to part from that baby."
Kili gave Fili a knowing look. "That baby? You mean the one you refused to put down last night?" Kili laughed. "I believe you actually growled at me when I asked to hold him."
"Ya, well, you had Umyra in your lap. I didn't want her to bite him." Fili huffed. "That is another thing we need to talk about, Ki; you really need to get that bird into more training. She is a real menace when she wants to be."
"Key words, brother, when she wants to be." Kili rolled his eyes. "Remember, she was once a wild animal. It is a wonder she is as tame as she is. And once you understand her cues and respect her boundaries…she is no more difficult to handle than any raven in Erebor." He paused and lifted his brow. "You, are just used to Kaw doing your bidding whenever you want. I have told you more times than I can count that you HAVE to learn how to handle ravens. Kaw is the exception, Fili, not the rule."
"Aye." Bofur laughed. "Ravens are a temperamental lot naturally…and Ereborian ravens are thrice that on a good day. Yeh go' teh' respect them lad."
"They are BIRDS!" Fili argued.
"Umyra is a white raven." Legolas said as he inspected his blade, brushing a bit of sand from the hilt before re-sheathing it. "White animals are creatures of purity and power. For many cultures, they are symbols for luck and prosperity; a living sign the creators have not forsaken this world. Is it too difficult for you to bring yourself to respect such a creature?"
Fili glared at Legolas than his brother but finally let it go and changed the subject. "I suppose we should come up with a few more solid plans for traveling home. We have quite the numbers going with us even if it just the elves from Mirkwood and Lothlorien."
Kili nodded his agreement. "I think the first thing we should do though, is find out just how many are going where. How about Legolas and I go work with Ivethin to see how many are here from Mirkwood and who needs transportation accommodations. Fi, you and Naurfaer can speak to Kaowyn, the healer from Lorien, and get the same numbers for her city. While Bofur, if you can get us the final numbers from Krygo's army, it would be the last thing we need to do before we head out."
"Course, lad."
"That sounds like a good plan to me." Fili agreed along with the others. Without saying anything more, the group split up to begin getting full numbers on who needed to be returned to the western cities, who was able to travel, and who required aid. Fili also took it upon himself to speak to as many as he could to get names of those elves from the west who were not among them…the names of the dead. The ones they were unable, or too late to save.
A few hours into the morning, many of the Avari of both clans had already left with several of the elves who needed care beyond the means they had here. The flyers were flying them to the city where healers were waiting to aid the best they can. This included injured elves of both the east and the westlands. Though it did not include the few who would not survive the journey by air and were waiting for wagons to be moved.
The leaders, however, all remained including Rythanna and Saphyra who were in deep discussion with Morythi when Kili and Fili approached them.
"Is everything alright?" Fili asked the pair who were standing on opposite sides, Morythi gesturing to the newly exposed path that led to the compound.
"With many still missing…we have had our people arguing about going back." Morythi said. "But nobody wishes to go."
Fili nodded. "Saphyra said as such, and I don't blame them."
"There is also worries about the power surrounding the place." Rythanna said. "Many relay a stone and a human man were the cause of such great miseries."
"Sauron…is the cause of the misery." Naurfaer corrected, walking up behind the group. "But they are not fully incorrect." He lifted the pieces he still carried at his side. "The stone has been destroyed and the man killed."
"But his work remains." Morythi said looking to the path leading to the compound. "In that place…there are likely many notes and plans on how he did what he did. In the wrong hands…this, will happen again."
"I do not doubt more places like this exist throughout Arda, Minam is proof of that." Naurfaer peered into the distance.
"Am I to understand what you are saying, is all that we did here means nothing?" Rythanna said angerly. "That lives, taken today, were for naught?" She glared at the path to the compound. "Are we then, to always be in fear of our people being taken…of creatures like those hybrids being made from our bodies and lives?"
"I wish I can say no." Naurfaer said softly. "But I can't. Gerheb said himself this place was one of many, and after destroying one already in the west…the city where your very aelúg come from…I have to believe him. I do not doubt Sauron is dividing his best assets among the lands to build up his forces and his power. But…" Naurfaer let out a slow breath through his nose. "But to run from it, would be to show them they have power over us. If I were to offer any advice at all…I would say the times for division between your clans are best to be over."
"Are you suggesting we…" Rythanna gestured to Morythi, "…permanently set aside differences and work together?"
Kili glanced off into the distance, seeing something approaching from the path dividing the pits of felled were-worms. "Perhaps this argument can take place at a later time."
"The refusers with the light seekers?" Ignoring Kili completely, Morythi spoke back to Naurfaer, equally as disgusted as Rythanna.
"You were not saying such things when you begged for our assistance in guarding the walkers borders, Morythi!" Rythanna shot back. "And our ways are no different than yours. We cannot control our ancestors choices in accepting the Búlë kal nórë into their beds and their clans, we are not but a product of their choices. In all ways of belief we are the same."
"Can we maybe…" Kili lifted his hands to the paths but again, nobody was listening to him except for Fili who stepped beside his brothers to see the mass of figures coming their way.
"Precisely." Naurfaer said rocking on his toes, also ignoring Kili. "You are the same."
"Tell that to them who do not share their 'sacred' creatures." Morythi said glaring at Rythanna.
"Our aelúg choose us." Rythanna gave right back. "Perhaps if you learn respect for them, you will find the creators willing to offer such blessings to you as well."
"Um…you know what, never mind." Kili gave up trying to get the others' attention as he and his brother stood and watched two tall figures in blue coming their way. "Tauriel, you need to come see this."
"On my way, meleth nin."
Kili felt more than saw his wife move to stand beside him just as the wizards stopped several yards away. By now, the arguing Avari leaders had finally realized what was happening and quieted their heated discussion.
Fili nodded to his wife who still held the infant elf, both Hiril and Dungael of course, beside her. Legolas was once again, nowhere in sight, neither was Bofur, but Fili knew where they had been. Bofur was preparing the Stonefoot dwarves for travel back to the mountain, and Legolas was with Ivethin helping her figure out travel plans for their own people…including those similar to Nelithi who will not be able to withstand travel by horseback or by foot. It is where he should be as prince of Mirkwood, in Fili's opinion.
"Who leads here?" One of the wizards, the taller of the two who had a long beard of dark grey and white that fell to his waist.
"You are in the company of the leaders of their people." Naurfaer said, standing straight. All the nonsense along with his easy going nature leaving him completely, while in its place, an elf who had seen every age of this world and looked it. "Before you, is crowned prince Fili of Erebor, Morythi, leader of the grounds people among the Avari, and Rythanna of the flying clan. Prince Legolas, heir to the woodland realm is here as well. He, I believe, is seeing to his people."
"And who, is willing to be the voice of this…unique group of elves and dwarves?" The second wizard with a curly white beard and a crooked nose asked.
"We speak together." Rythanna answered.
"It does not look to me, as if you speak together." The crooked nosed wizard hummed, both his hands on his staff as he peered at her with a severe expression on his aged face. "From here, you seem to be a symphony of odds."
"Just a bit of dissonance." Naurfaer said. "All good musical pieces need it. Keeps it interesting don't you think?"
"And, who are you?" The taller wizard asked eyeing Naurfaer up and down. "An elf, whose power is in wisdom and folly."
"See why I choose to have tea with Gandalf?" Naurfaer muttered to Tauriel just beside him. She rolled her eyes and smirked, her hand on Kili's shoulder as she leaned slightly against him. Her calf still hurt and she did not feel as if she had her full strength back, so he was currently supporting most her weight.
"Perhaps, you should tell them you are Manwe." Tauriel teased, giving Naurfaer a wide grin, and he caught on right away.
"Oh! Brilliant." Naurfaer said with his usual bright smile back on his face as he turned to the wizards warily watching him. "I, am the great…"
"Do not insult our intelligence, elf." The taller wizard said. "We can hear you from here, and we know you are as close to Manwe, as we are to being dwarves."
"Yup. I do see why you prefer Gandalf's company too." Kili said chuckling.
"Mhm." Naurfaer hummed. "I am Naurfaer."
"Your origin clan?" The wizard asked.
"So many questions." Naurfaer sighed. "Don't have one. I am a clan of one…my own…just me." He paused and looked at Tauriel, his arm going around her as he pulled her from Kili into his own side. "Well it WAS just me. Got a granddaughter now…see? So I guess…blood wise it is a clan of two…no…wait…six. Got to add the great grandchildren. Mortal or not, they are of my bloodline."
Kili lifted a brow at him but said nothing, his wife wincing until Naurfaer let her go and she practically fell back into Kili. "Remind me to talk to my grandfather about oversharing." She mumbled to Kili who chuckled.
The wizards looked at Naurfaer warily. "Your loyalties?"
"To Erebor, where my daughters husband and family rules." Naurfaer said gesturing to Tauriel, Kili, Fili, and Viltarra. "And to the greater good of Arda."
"You do not ally yourself with the master of darkness?" The shorter wizard asked.
All jesting left Naurfaer once again when he realized the true reasoning behind the questions. They were trying to ascertain if this group, followed Sauron. "There are none among this crowd, who has any loyalties to Sauron or his beliefs."
"I speak for the Avari of the air, and we are of the same mind. The dark master has no power over our people nor does he have sway." Rythanna said.
Morythi nodded his agreement. "The Avari of the land are of the same accord. We do not ally ourselves with Sauron. He, is an enemy to our people and our ways."
The wizard's eyes stared into the group before them, then, for the first time, they smiled. "We believe you. Forgive us our questioning, we meet all sorts in our travels and some…I am rather afraid to say, appear to be on the side of light only to be servants of the dark lord Sauron. We have become quite careful as they are rather interested in acquiring us. I am Alatar." The taller wizard said.
"And I, am Pallando. We have traveled far, journeying from south Harad, to be here. Forgive our tardiness, it is rather unlike us."
"Strange, I am quite sure Gandalf has told me many a times that wizards are never tardy." Naurfaer said with a twinkle in his eyes.
"Sounds like something Gandalf would say." Pallando said with a laugh. "He, is late to all things. He likes to make an entrance, that grey wizard."
Alatar nodded his agreement. "We have a few things to discuss, then, we must be on our way. I am afraid our time allotted here is rather brief so we must get to the point." The taller wizard said stepping closer to the group. As he did, the hybrids all gathering behind him caught both the dwarves and the elves attention now that the tension from earlier had all but dissolved.
"I am afraid we don't really have a place to sit and speak." Fili said eyeing the cracked clays. "Should we head to one of our cities?"
"I am afraid, our plans do not allow it." Pallando said apologetically. "We have a mission to fulfill, if we are to ever have hopes to survive the next great war so close on the horizon."
"What of them, then?" Rythanna said, her dark eyes staring hard at the hybrids. "What of those, monsters, who stole the lives of my people, who live at the cost of my own son's life!"
Pallando and Alatar looked behind them at the hybrids who stood silent in lines going back far more than Kili, Fili, and Tauriel imagined. Some appeared to be adults, while the others, looked no older than Kilion. There were even a few cradling infants in their arms...all of the same grey coloring with dark inky hair in an array of lengths and thicknesses, and every one had the same mesmerizing violet eyes. All were quiet and still as they stood behind the pair in blue despite the anger being thrown at them.
As for the wizards, neither one of them looked surprised by the tone, nor affected. "What is to happen to these children, is not for you to decide, now is it?" Alatar said. "Those that you speak of, the monsters, are not them that you see now, but those who lay dead in the walls behind us. These children here, are no more at fault than you. They did not ask to be created, but yet, they were."
"And they seem eager, to find the light, and choose the right." Pallando added with a smile to the group behind them.
"They are forbidden to dwell in these lands. "Rythanna sneered. Morythi, it seemed, agreed.
"We only ask, to be given a chance, to be free and choose for our selves." The hybrid, Soona, said. "My sisters, ask no more than that."
"Then go be free somewhere far away." Morythi glared at her. His people and Rythanna's both yelled their agreement while Tauriel and her family watched quietly. Though Tauriel glanced at Naurfaer who had a sad expression on his face. They did not agree in the slightest.
"Do not disparage." Pallando gripped his staff with both hands, seeming to lean on it. "We have asked if they would like to join our cause…and they have agreed."
"What of the others? Those missing among our people. Where there any more found alive in that place?" Rythanna asked, her dark eyes lifting towards where the compound lies in the distance.
Alatar gave her a sad, painfilled, look. "None that you would hope to be. A few orcs and human guards remained, we took care of them. But whatever elves you have no account for, I am afraid, already walk in the light of Valinor. We found none alive. Grieve as you must, but know that they are no longer in a place of pain."
"Do you know anything we can do for the elves who still suffer effects of what was done to them, but walk the lands of the living?" Tauriel asked hopefully. "My friend Nelithi, is still yet to wake, and Ivethin, along with many others have episodes I cannot describe."
Pallando eyed Alatar, their unspoken conversation unreadable by all around them. "We, cannot say, I am afraid, as we do not know." Pallando finally said out loud. "It is, possible, that they suffer unseen wounds that will never heal. There is much we cannot know about the way the gifts we are given work, nor how they are tied to our bodies. But if I were to give my opinion of what was done to your people, it is that stone cut things from them that should have never been taken...things unseen and not part of the physical body. They may still have their immortality, but, the pains may never go away because what was taken, can never be returned and that cut, not being of the physical world, can never fully heal. In a way, it is much like a wound made from a morgul blade of a Nazgul. Their weapons are not fully part of the physical world, therefore, the wounds they inflict are not purely physical but spiritual as well. It is only a guess, however, as we know very little of what that stone was truly capable of. Perhaps with time, answers will come."
Kili shivered looking at his wife. He felt terrible he was happy she could not suffer like the others, as her immortality was removed long ago. He will be watching her carefully though, just in case. Thank the maker her headache was dulled to nothing, or he would be pushing for more answers. It appears, it may just be nothing more than a headache. He slid his arm down and entwined his fingers with hers.
"I am fine, meleth nin. I promise I will tell you if I feel anything worrying."
"I know." Kili sighed and turned back to the group.
"And the place? That compound?" Morythi asked.
"Nothing but empty walls. We may have set a few, traps, incase any of Sauron's followers decide to use it again." Alatar said. "We will do likewise to any other places we come across and are able to take. I think it best, you keep an eye on it though. You could intervene far faster than we could." The wizard said to both Morythi and Rythanna. The two leaders looking at each other, then slowly, nodding, agreeing that they would.
"You are going with them then?" Tauriel asked Soona who stepped aside to show Atamen and Arice just behind her. "All of you?"
"No more pain for us." Arice slowly walked past the wizards, pausing to look at them as if asking permission to continue.
"Arice, you need not ask us for permission. Go ahead. We are safe here to make choices for ourselves, remember? Just as we spoke last evening." Alatar said kindly, his hand gesturing her to continue.
Arice nodded, and she along with her sister Atamen met Tauriel who smiled as they approached her. Atamen mimicked the expression, her lips pulling up to a soft, sweet, smile.
"You helped us. As you said." Atamen's voice was quiet, calm, but almost, childlike, as she learned to communicate.
"And you helped me." Tauriel nodded. "Is this what you want now? To go with them?" She looked to the wizards watching the exchange quietly.
"Yes." Atamen answered. "To do…good." She paused looking at the elves of the Avari leaders. "There is pain…here." She lifted her grey hand to press it against Morythi's chest. "And here." She did the same to Rythanna. "Pain, to see us."
"We will help make it better." Arice said.
"Where will you go?" Tauriel asked, looking from Arice and Ateman, to the blue wizards.
"We talked about that last night." Pallando answered, glancing at Alatar then back at Tauriel. "When we entered the compound, we had three goals in mind. To remove the stain on this land and see the power here, was truly destroyed. To eradicate any written knowledge about what was done there so it will never be used again…for bad…or for good. And, to see for ourselves if the children they created, were fully corrupted. We had knowledge from a certain creator, who has ties to one here, who sent us. Aule shared with us images of creatures of the eldar, but who also had the blood of orcs in their veins."
"With the knowledge he had gained from his infiltrator, Aule believed these creations could be saved, as well as those taken." Alatar added. "We had our reservations and our doubts, but upon seeing them for ourselves and speaking to them…we believe they are capable of much good in this world if they choose so."
"And you believe them? These hybrids?" Rythanna eyed the creatures skeptically. "You believe they will choose what is right?"
"We do." Alatar nodded. "In fact, they wished to be known, as the Kalarmime from now forward."
"Does…that mean something?" Kili asked.
"The army of light." Naurfaer said. "In the language of old elvish."
"I thought it was rather fitting." Pallando said with a smile. "They want to heal the pains their existence brings by helping us target the other compounds that are like this one."
"How…exactly?" Morythi asked.
"Well…" Alatar said. "The Kalarmime are, like all elves, gifted in a mental capacity. But their links are different. They are hived together, and have the ability to even speak across the lands to those of their own kind. We found maps of several compounds like this, and Soona and the other elder Kalarmime have informed us their sisters are preparing to join the rebellion."
"Foolish it was, for Sauron to target a race, such as the eldar, who are so molded in the light of this world that even those created of them are able to find that light as well." Pallando hummed.
"But…wait. That doesn't make sense. Aren't orcs also former elves too? That would be like saying orcs can choose to be good." Fili eyed the wizards skeptically. He had nothing against their idea to free these, hybrids or Kalarmime as they want to call themselves now. But…he did quite recall both Naurfaer and Tauriel telling him the origin story of the orcs in this world and suggesting all creatures associated with elves are beings who gravitated towards light is just not true in his opinion.
"Many, many, many ages ago." Alatar nodded sadly. "Before Morgoth got his hands on them and corrupted them among many other species in this world. I believe that was what Sauron's plan was now. To create a race, loyal like the orcs, but with traits closer to the eldar they used to be."
"He neglected, however, to have the foresight that what he created…may just have minds of their own." Pallando smiled at the three sisters, Soona, Arice, and Atamen, then the masses gathered behind him quietly waiting.
"We, can choose better." Soona said.
"They all agree to this?" Rythanna asked.
"We are one in our choice." Soona answered. "Our sisters await our aid. We, cannot take your hurt from you. But we can still do what is right."
"What about those in Dol Guldur?" Fili asked. "The…Kalarmime running that place?"
"All able to leave, are gathering to the group." Pallando answered. "If there are any inside that fortress, they are likely to journey to their sisters once they find a safe opportunity to leave."
"How will they know where to go?" Kili asked.
"Tell me, dwarf of Erebor, how is it you and these people came to find the location of this compound?" Alatar asked.
Kili looked to Tauriel who nodded, telling him through their bond that he should tell them the truth. "I led them here. My wife, was taken. And we share a bond."
"Who may I ask, has claims to be your wife?" Pallando hummed, eyeing Kili curiously.
"I do." Tauriel answered squeezing Kili's hand she still held tightly.
"Are you the same who does the work of the father of the dwarves? Aule? Are you his infiltrator?" Alatar stepped closer to Tauriel who nodded again.
"I am she." Tauriel answered as she released Kilis hand, pulled up her sleeve, and held out her wrist showing the mark of Aule, currently glowing for all to see.
"A wonderous gift you have there." Alatar said. "To have the friendship of a Valar in these mortal lands, is no small matter." He smiled and nodded his head to Tauriel respectfully. "I hope to hear great things of you and your line, lady Tauriel."
"I hope to live up to such praise." Tauriel said with a soft smile.
"I do not doubt you will. Now…" Alatar gripped his staff. "…to answer your question, their bond to each other…is not dissimilar to the bond between the two of you. If you were able to find her, then, the sisters will be able to do the same with each other. Perhaps, not the smartest idea that human had."
"Gerheb." Tauriel growled.
"Does he deserve a name?" Pallando lifted a white brow. "Let him die off into nothing, and his name along with him. He was foolish to ever think he would amount to much following such a master as Sauron; and even more foolish to think he could fully control that stone. Where is it by the way? We searched but found not even a trace of it."
"I have it here." Naurfaer said lifting the makeshift bag at his side.
"May we?" Pallando asked.
"Of course." Naurfaer removed it from his shoulder and was about to hand it to the wizard but instead, Pallando suggested he dump the pieces onto the clay ground. Naurfaer nodded and carefully upturned the bag, the pieces landing in a pile at his feet.
"It is time, to be fully rid of this." Pallando said holding his staff out once Naurfaer stepped away. Alatar did the same, the gems at the top of their staff's both glowing bright. With a wave of their hands, and a few echoing words of power none could translate, the pieces of the stone began to glow softly, then, dissolve until they were nothing but grains smaller than particles of sand which were blown away in the wind.
"Is it done now?" Morythi asked.
"That one is gone." Alatar said with a sigh. "But I am afraid, more objects like it will yet come up." He looked around the sands at the elves, the dwarves, and the Kalarmime. "There would have been a time, I would be worried that the world has forgotten the dark times enough to allow the darkness to sneak into their hearts to give the enemy the advantage. But seeing this...seeing all of you coming together as one, allying yourselves despite your differences…gives me yet more hope."
"Gandalf mentioned liking hope." Naurfaer smiled. "He quite enjoys chasing it."
"And we, are here to spread it." Pallando said. "We must say our goodbyes now. We are to travel back to Harad, meeting more of their sisters as we go before destroying a fortress in the northlands of Harad we believe is building an army to overtake some of the western lands. We will see that it is…unsuccessful."
"Truly, it was wonderful to finally meet you." Naurfaer said with heavy excitement spilling from his tone. "Alatar and Pallando."
"Likewise. But we do hope to continue to remain under the enemy's radar. So we implore you, to not seek us out unless truly necessary." Pallando requested. "But should our paths cross again…." He gave Naurfaer a look, a bright twinkle in his eyes. "…I prefer green tea with two sugars and a splash of cream. And I do believe, we are just as good company as Gandalf the grey...if I may say so myself."
"And unlike him, we do quite believe in the importance of punctuality." Alatar added with a grin.
Tauriel couldn't help but turn and wrap her arms around Atamen and Arice, pulling them both close to her and holding them tightly. Both were, unsure, by the gesture having never experienced an embrace before, but they did not fight it either. "Thank you." Tauriel whispered to them. "I know, I know you will do so much good out there."
"No. Thank you." Ataman said as she stepped away. Her violet eyes lingered on Tauriel for several heartbeats, then, she nodded, and with Arice and Soona, they moved back to the group of newly named Kalarmime who followed the wizards past the elves and dwarves who stood in the morning sun and watched them go by silently.
"Amralime?" Kili asked gently, his hand on her back between her shoulders. "Are you alright?"
"I do not know, Kili." Tauriel said, only now realizing she had tears spilling from her eyes. "We won here, but, you heard them…this is only one place. Here…Minam…how many others are out there? This was no great defeat for them, nor was it a great victory for us. It is like, removing a single stone from a mountainous pile of endless rocks."
"Hey, a stone, is still a stone. We did good here." Kili said softly, brushing a tear from her cheek.
"We also lost a lot as well." Tauriel eyed Viltarra who was again, feeding the elven infant. "What are we going to do with him, Kili?"
Kili followed her gaze to where Viltarra was swaying. "I don't know. Let's take things a step at a time." He held his hand out for Tauriel to take, and she didn't hesitate as she twined her fingers with his.
"Would you like to ride with me?" Kili asked peering up at his wife with a wide grin. "I think Naurfaer is still using Galaddal, and Fili and Viltarra will probably ride Elenath. So…" He wagged his brows, a bright spark in those chocolate eyes she loved so much.
Tauriel chuckled, stopping to pull Kili to her. She grazed her fingers over his jaw, her head cocked to the side as her eyes graced the contours of Kili's face. "Kili. My Kili." She said breathlessly before pressing her lips to his. Kili wasted no time pulling her flush against him, opening his mouth, and drinking from her.
As she pulled away, Kili chased after her, pressing kisses to every part of her face he could get to.
"Viltarra, cover the baby's eyes! Seriously you two! There is an infant present!" Tauriel could hear Fili yell at them. "And we're about to leave you by the way…if you come up for air long enough to notice. The place is clearing out."
Tauriel laughed, pulling Kili's lips to hers again for a short, sweet, kiss, then slid away. "We could always just catch up, you know." She said to her brother.
Fili rolled his eyes as he headed to the horses. They of course did not leave right away. First they found Bofur and Legolas to see how plans were going in regards to the different people. It seemed the final plan had Fili, Naurfaer, and Bofur going to lead the Stonefoot forces home while Tauriel, Viltarra, Kili, and Legolas were invited by the Avari to enter their cities as they waited for Fili and the others to return. The fliers, apparently, too were invited to the walker's halls, as all will be gathering together to celebrate the living, and remember the dead. It is also there they will make plans to retake the flyers ancestral city. Perhaps, it was to be a new beginning for them…the two opposing Avari clans coming together finally, as one people. Time will only tell.
Before they left the dried and cracked waterbed they were gathered in, Tauriel stood and watched Kaw go, having sent him with a message to Thorin once she found her raven who was perched on a red stone beside the horses. It could take three or four days for the raven to fly to Erebor from Rhun, and if the severe winter weather has not improved in the westlands, possibly longer, so hopefully they will be nearly home by the time Kaw returns to them should Thorin send a response.
Umyra, Tauriel sent with Fili so he had a means to send a message incase something goes wrong at the mountain...but they don't expect it to. Fili was, however, quite unhappy about the white raven coming along, knowing how much Umyra hated him...but Tauriel promised she would behave. To prove her point, Tauriel called her white beauty from the sky, smiling as she landed on her arm. She then held her out to Fili. "No...no I am good." Fili stepped back as the raven leaned into him.
"She won't hurt you." Tauriel rolled her eyes. "Maybe she senses you don't like her."
"No...no I think, it is because the feeling is mutual, little sister." Fili snickered as the raven cocked her head at him then let out a soft coo. Rolling his eyes, Fili reached forward and scratched her on the head...and surprisingly she allowed it.
"See?" Tauriel smiled wide. "Very good my beautiful darling."
"Why thank you." Fili beamed.
"Not you." Tauriel rolled her eyes as Umyra shook out her feathers then proceeded to lean forward and nip at Fili.
"SEE! SEE! She HATES me, Tauri!" Fili complained, moving his hand away from her.
Tauriel, though, lifted a brow. "Or...she sensed your cheek and was not having it. She will be fine, muindor. If I was not confident she would not help you if you needed it, I would not send her with you, Fili. But I need Kaw to get to Erebor, and I know he is faster."
Fili grumbled but could not disagree as he accepted the ram from one of the dwarven guards who bowed when he thanked them. He would have to leave the ram at the mountain as it belonged to the Stonefoots, but he figured he could just ride with Naurfaer back. It was not ideal, but it was better than nothing.
However, to his surprise, one of the flying Avari volunteered to go with Fili so he could both offer him a ride back as well as guide Naurfaer and Bofur to the city once they returned from the mountain. The army was more than ready to go, and with little more than a quick goodbye, the group was marching, riding, and flying back to the mountain from whence they came. Tauriel waved goodbye to her grandfather and brother then moved to join Kili in gathering the elves to leave.
The wagons sent for the injured they had been waiting for had finally arrived just as the dwarven army moved out. Tauriel and Kili instantly went to help get the injured settled while Ivethin called out orders. She paused now and again, her eyes closed tightly for several seconds, before she blinked, then went back to helping. Tauriel had to force her into a wagon and order her to sit. At first, Ivethin argued, but Tauriel pulled rank. "I cannot claim to be a captain anymore, but, I am a high lady of Erebor. And our diplomacy laws state, you must concede to my direct orders. So I order you, Ivethin, to sit down. For your own good."
Ivethin rolled her eyes, not buying it for a second. "Tauriel, there is no such rule. You are making things up."
"She is." Legolas said lifting a brow. He glided over to them, his horse just behind him. Tauriel scowled at her friend who smirked at her. "Making laws up are we, melon? That, is an abuse of power…is it not?"
"No." Tauriel huffed, folding her arms. "Not when it is done with the intent to help others."
"Mhm." Legolas hummed, his blue eyes watching her. "I will remember that in the future when YOU are being stubborn. It seems like quite a convenient use of authority."
Tauriel snickered as Legolas continued. "LADY Tauriel may not be able to make such orders, but I can. Ivethin, as your prince, I implore you to please sit and rest. All the injured are being seen to. Let us handle the rest."
Ivethin finally relented with a heavy sigh and a nod. Not that there was anything left to do as she was one of the last to get in. But Legolas DID in fact have the authority to order her. Though he did word it as a request, Ivethin knew if she tried to argue, that request, would in fact, end up as an order anyway.
Tauriel mouthed a 'thank you' to Legolas who nodded as he pulled himself up on his horse but remained where he was. He had offered to stay in the middle of the group where most of those from Mirkwood were in wagons. His bow, would serve to protect them if it was necessary. "Kili is preparing the horses, he requested you meet him across the way, melon-nin." Legolas smiled at her as Tauriel patted his mare on the neck then turned and limped towards her husband.
Before she met up with Kili, however, Tauriel made sure Tork too would be going to the city. The elves nearly refused to tell her, but it was difficult to keep secrets when there were no walls to hide behind. So thanks to a few guards who were actually willing to talk, Tauriel knew Tork was being forced to walk, bare foot and still unclothed, across the sands to the city. But apparently, Legolas argued that he would help guard the shifter, thus Tork would be allowed to walk beside the wagon Nelithi and Ivethin were currently in, and he was very content with that.
"Bunny, I can get away if I really wanted to." He had laughed in passing when Tauriel finally found him and asked him if he was sure he was alright. "I have wings, remember?" He smirked as he passed. Tauriel shook her head when she realized the rope he once had binding his hands together was now just dragging, severed, on the ground, only attached to the shifter by a loose knot around one of his wrists. The elves didn't move to hold the rope or rebind him, so in a way, he must have gained at least some of their trust. She did snort, however, when she did a double take and saw the tail of a lion swishing behind him as he walked. He must have sensed her gaze as he turned and winked at her before focusing back on his path ahead.
Tauriel's emerald eyes watched Tork reach into the wagon and adjust the light blanket over Nelithi; it brought both a sense of warmth as well as hope to her heart. Hope for them, hope for what is to come, and hope for a world made better for what they did here. Then, Tauriel couldn't help but turn to look to the sunrise, right where the fortress stood. There was so much death here, and yet, so much to celebrate. She felt torn between grieving, and being filled with joy knowing in just over a week, she would be cradling her children in her arms. She survived, though many others did not.
It was then that Kili brought Maryn over to her, his eyes taking in his ethereal looking wife as she glowed in the sunrise. "It is time to go, love. Are you ready, amralime?" With a smile and a nod, Tauriel turned to her husband...for once allowing his help up onto the black mare. She waited for Kili to pull himself up before she wrapped her arms tightly around his waist. A trotting noise had her turning to see Viltarra on Elenath, the infant tied to her chest in the same way Fili had had him tied when he left the compound.
"I think, I am going to take a break from horses when we get back to Erebor." Viltarra grumbled as she readjusted herself in the saddle. "How are you comfortable on these things?"
"Years of riding and practice, sis." Kili chuckled. "You know, if you keep riding, it won't be so painful…your body eventually gets used to it. It also helps to have an animal more…suited…to you. You should consider a pony."
Viltarra sighed. "Anything smaller than this would be far better." She glanced at Hiral and Dungael who were sitting on either side of Elenath, both waiting for her to move. She was honestly surprised Dungael, injury and all, was so eager to follow them. Then again, he was said to be Mahal's creature, so perhaps she should stop considering him to be like any other wild warg in middle earth. She paused her thoughts and smiled wide, a wicked idea coming to her mind. "You know, instead of a horse or pony…maybe, I should just get one of those bigger wargs…the ones the orcs ride. They do seem rather comfortable with all that fur."
Kili choked and gaped at her as Viltarra let out a bark of laughter at his expression. "I am joking!" She said after a moment and Kili shook his head. "But, I think I actually might talk to Nyaunni about getting a pony. Or maybe, a smaller horse. Especially since it is apparent there is no escaping adventures with this family."
Laughing, Tauriel nodded her agreement. "No, there is not. And I for one, would not change that for the world. As dangerous as it is, I would happily dedicate my life to making this world a little better…one corner of Arda at a time."
"Hmm." Kili hummed. "I worry for your severe lack of self preservation, my star."
"Ha, as if anyone in our family understands what self preservation even is, dear brother." Viltarra giggled as she kicked Elenath forward, and a whistle behind her had Hiril trotting to keep up. It only took a moment for Dungael to catch on and he was soon limping beside the other warg.
Tauriel smiled and whispered, "Let's get out of this place." Into Kili's ear.
"Whatever you wish, my lady. Kili smiled, lifting her hand to press a kiss to her wrist before releasing her so she could tighten her arms around his waist once more. Tauriel smiled wide and rested her head on his shoulder as he pushed Maryn into a trot. It will be a long journey home…but Tauriel could not wait to be back where she belonged… inside Erebor with her family.
Authors Note: Ya me again. Lol. Time to leave the compound behind officially. The next chapter takes us back to Erebor to see what has been going on…so stay tuned. 😊