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.

80. ACT V Chapter 22

Scroll down for the chapter. I am going to ramble a bit in the form of authors notes like I always do…but the chapter is below my shoutouts and stuff! So if you don't want to listen to me, just scroll past this to the chapter. That is all.

Before my authors note, I do want to say that on Sunday, October 29th, this universe will be THREE years old. I cannot believe I have been writing this for three years. For anyone who has followed me that long, thank you for sticking with this and being a part of this crazy universe. Even for anyone new to my little piece of middle earth, you all are the reason I still enjoy posting. I guess eventually people will find this story boring and fall away, and then I will just likely write it for myself and keep it saved on my desktop, lol, but until that day comes when nobody is reading this anymore, I will happily keep writing it. So thank you for reading and sticking with me for this never ending wild ride.

Authors Notes: Helloooo. So apparently, notifications on aren't really working for the majority of people including me. So that is fun. So hello to everyone who actually got a notification this chapter went out. Hopefully they continue to work for you. If you ever want to pester me about a chapter, feel free to visit me on tumblr and send me a message to remind me you are waiting for a chapter. It works better than you know, LOL. My tumblr blog is Erebor Bound, super easy to find. And my info is on my profile on . I don't think I can put that in a chapter. But it is on my profile. Always happy for hellos and get working.

Sorry this took a bit too, by the way. I just finished my classes for the quarter and get a whole week off before starting up again on November 1st. Yay.

Okay Shout outs to the few who got the notifications, lol. And the one I told I poste done.

RinaHaven: CONGRATULATIONS! I am so happy for you and your partner. I hope your honeymoon was or is amazing (if you're still on it). I wish you all the best in on your new adventure. I also love that you read my chapter on your honeymoon. Congrats again!

Syeern: You will see Tauriel go momma bear for sure! But not until the next chapter, lol. I think it's the next chapter…ya I am pretty sure. This one is more catching up with Erebor's timeline. So we see the group leaving Rhun up to Naufi getting capture. That's where we are at in this chapter. But it is coming, so hold tight.

Unorthodox-Oblivion: Mwahahaha. Lol. Jk. You know I am only quasi-evil. Going full on evil puts me in way too deep a depression. HAHAHAHA. Stay tuned for that. XD.

That's all for now. I doubt notifications will go out so if you come across this chapter, please make sure you read the one before it already since this seems to be a new norm on . Sigh. And still no stats either.

I will let you read now. See you at the bottom.

Chapter Twenty-Two

It took a day for Fili to return the army to the Stonefoot's mountain. Krygo was more than pleased with their triumph, and Fili along with Naurfaer and a few of the Avari met with him to discuss possible plans for future involvement if they get wind of something happening again. Fili had already planned on speaking with his uncle to involve all the clans currently residing in Rhun to be on the look out for their enemies activities.

"Anything else lad?" Krygo had asked Fili as he handed him a hefty bag of gold, but Fili shook his head.

"We are just looking forward to getting home, and thank you again for this. I will make sure it is paid back as soon as I get home. And I will be speaking to my uncle about Kaulithah." Fili did add as he gripped Krygo's hand. "We can't let her continue as she is, Krygo. You have to understand the damage she has caused and could continue to cause if she does not let this go. My uncle was merciful once...but do not expect that to happen again."

Krygo nodded. "Believe me, I know." He paused in thought, considering something, then sighed. "I think you should know, there was a dwarf...who seems interested in, well, an arrangement of marriage between himself and Kaulithah."

Fili nearly gagged but kept his composer while Naurfaer just lifted a brow. Bofur just watched with a curious tilt of his head as he leaned against the wall while Umyra had her beak in a bowl of water brought in for her; the Stonefoot dwarves quite in awe at the stark white raven.

"Well...that is...certainly something." The red-headed elf hummed after a moment of stunned silence. The Avari present just folded their arms looking bored. Not feeling as if they were needed in the conversation, they excused themselves and chose to wait outside by their aelug. "Do not be long, dwarf prince." Said the Avari Fili had been riding with, Olurion, his name was.

"We will be right out." Fili agreed and turned back to Krygo when the Avari had left. "I know this is more of a family matter, than a political one as Kaulithah has no titles...but is that a good idea to allow?"

"Honestly, I have yet to respond because I have been unsure myself." Krygo sighed deeply as he slowly lowered himself into his chair...unable to stand any longer. He thumbed through a stack of missives on his desk and pulled one to hand to Fili. "Borvynn is an aged dwarf...not so aged as me..." He chuckled "...but he has seen many years. I think he is near 175. He has always been rather happily unmarried, and only now has decided to seek out a companion of sorts."

"And he thinks Kaulithah would be a good dam for him?" Fili said skeptically. "Something is not adding up, Krygo."

However, Krygo just chuckled. "He is a cousin on my wife's side. A distant cousin. He has known her her entire life. He lives in the settlement in the west so she knows him as well. According to his, request, he is willing to relocate here to both be paired, and care for Kaulithah. He seems rather eager to accept full responsibility for her and he is well aware of what she did in Erebor and to your family, before you ask."

Fili was just getting more surprised by the moment. "He knows what she did...and he still wants to marry her? Is he stable?"

"Fili." Naurfaer said, giving the golden haired prince a look, and Fili sighed.

"What I mean is, does he really understand what he would be taking on." He amended.

Krygo sat forward, then slowly, he nodded. "Fili, I am going to be truly honest with you. I do not have long left in these mortal lands. Gilda is, ill. The healers have done all they can for her, and she continues all her normal duties at her own behest...but her end is quite near." He rubbed his hands together, his clouded eyes looking to the door then back at Fili. "I know I do not have long either...and when we go, I need to ensure someone can care for Kaulithah. I understand what she had done and who she is..." Krygo quickly said almost in a defensive tone. "...but she is and will always be my daughter and I feel...a heavy responsibility for what she became. It was Gilda and I who chose to divert our attention away from our child to do our clan. So in many ways, she is a result of our own errors. And as a father yourself, you have to understand that unconditional love you have for your children, the ones you helped bring into this world. She did terrible things, yes, but when I look at her, I still see my little girl running to me when I returned home after traveling. I know I made mistakes, and I was not the best father figure to her, but she is still my child and I need to know someone out there, is both making sure she is cared for...as well as helping to keep her mind occupied from..."

"From Kili." Fili finished in understanding. He hated that he could empathize in a way with Krygo over Kaulithah of all beings...but it was true. He was a father, and that unconditional love you have for your children is very real. "Is he trustworthy? Will he truly be able to handle her and her illness? She is sick Krygo. It may not be a physical ailment, but she is sick."

"I know. I know." Krygo nodded in agreement. "But I do think, he is honest in his desires and would enter any agreement fully conscious of the situation on all sides. I trust him, Fili, and I trust his motives. I think he is trying to help Gilda and I out far more than anything."

"And what does Borlynn think about this?" Fili asked. "I am assuming they interact with each other considering Borlynn is heading your settlement your wife's cousin currently resides in."

"Oh yes, they are on very good terms." Krygo said then sighed. "Borlynn doesn't think it is a bad idea. He has made it quite clear he doesn't want Kaulithah living there, but as I have forbidden her from leaving this mountain, she would not have been allowed to move anyway. Which is why Borvynn wishes to come here."

"Mhm." Fili hummed, not really liking the conversation, but wondering if perhaps, this was the best thing to happen given the situation. "When will you give him an answer?"

"As soon as I get word back from your uncle, in fact." Krygo said with a soft smile. "Fili, I want to make it clear to who my allegiances lie. In essence, Kaulithah is a prisoner. She may not be in your cells, but with the ruling Thorin gave, she may as well be locked up. With that being said, I would feel more comfortable if the high king gave his permission for this particular situation. I also told him about my wife." He said, the smiling slipping from his face. "He should be informed. I...I want to know his thoughts on what he would like done with my daughter should I follow shortly therafter. This clan will be in good hands with Borlynn. He has a good head on his shoulders...as young as he is...he is very wise and makes far better decisions than I did at his age." He chuckled. "Whatever Thorin decides, I will follow."

Fili nodded, gaining just a bit more respect for the old dwarven lord. "You're a good dwarf, Krygo, and a good leader. I will ensure he sends word soon. And if there is anything we can do for Gilda..."

"I am afraid, it is just as it should be, young Fili. We have a set number of years in this world to do great things...and we both have seen more than our fair share of both good, and bad. It is just her time. That is all. And her only desire, is to be allowed to continue serving our clan as much as she can. I think, it distracts her from the pain."

"I'm so sorry, Krygo." Fili said.

"Don't be lad. We all go at some point. Now, I am sure you will be wanting to get back to your own lady. Please know, our clan is at your disposal if you ever need us again." He pulled himself up and patted Fili on the shoulder. "You will be a good king, one day Fili. As honorable and understanding as your uncle, but also if I may say so, quite compassionate. Our people are in good hands with your family, and I want it made clear, that I follow you."

"Thank you, Krygo. Please send word if you need anything." Fili said, shaking Krygo's hand one last time then nodding to Naurfaer and Bofur that he was ready to go. Though he glanced at the raven, half wanting to leave her behind. "Let's go Umyra." He said. Of course she ignored him...why wouldn't she, she hated him. "Fine, stay here." He grumbled in passing.

Umyra lifted her blue eyes to Fili, cocking her head at him as she gave a warning hiss as if she was telling him if he tried to push her, she will retaliate. Fili just huffed. "If you want to see Tauriel and Kili again, you better get a move on it."

"Nana." Umyra finally said, having adopted the same name for Tauriel as Kaw had. She will call Kili 'Ada' too. However, she does not have names for the rest of the family with exception of Kilion whom she calls, Lion, like the rest of them do.

"That's right, Nana. So get those feathers moving."

Krygo was chuckling as he watched them leave his office, the raven finally unfolding her wings and flying the moment Fili gave up and left her behind.

This time as he walked through the halls to the main entrance, there was no summons from a deranged dam, and Fili was very grateful for that because he very much doubted he could handle another confrontation with her. "How long will it take to get to the city?" Fili asked Olurion who was waiting patiently by his feathered companion.

"Far longer than it would take if we had no ground walkers." The elf sighed, eyeing Naurfaer and Bofur who were mounting and waiting then Umyra who was already soaring high above them.

"Did you hear that, Galaddal...I think he called you slow." Naurfaer said to the dapple-grey horse who stamped the clay and sand ground and snorted in a way that almost sounded as if he was insulted.

"Aye. Set the pace...an watch us keep up. This little gal looks like she's slow but she can keep pace quite well...you will see." Bofur said, patting his pony on the shoulder.

The Avari made a sound deep in his throat almost like a snort as he turned and pulled himself up on his aelug. "Very well." Finally said. "Try not to get too far behind." He held his hand out and helped Fili up behind them before they took off.

To their credit, the aelig only had to circle back twice for the pair on the ground.

"What's going on?" Fili asked as he slid down off the aelug when they entered the city.

All around him were elves lining up, water being distributed to the animals and the people, and weapons being passed out.

Fili spotted his brother speaking to Morythi and jogged over to him since the Avari he rode with was no help at all as he just turned from Fili to guide his feathered creature to a watering troth. "Ki!?"

Kili glanced at his brother, nodding his head, but he continued his discussion with the leader of the city. Unsurprisingly, Umyra went straight to him and landed on his shoulder, nuzzling his hair as he continued to speak Morythi. "As I said, my brother and I can help, but I would prefer it if I can get a guarantee that my wife and sister are allowed to remain here with the other elves from the west."

Fili just listened a bit confused until he realized there was yet possibly, one more battle yet to be won. "Now?" He asked Kili quietly when the realization hit that they were literally going from one battle, to the next. He had to be honest, he had hoped to have at least a day to plan and rest...but then again, these were elves. They were beings who could go days without sleep or rest so maybe the evening before was all they needed.

"Apparently so." Kili hummed back to his brother. "Excuse me a moment, Morythi." He said to the Avari who nodded as Kili pulled Fili away from Morythi who had turned to speak with a severe looking elf in aeulug riding leathers. "The moment we arrived, they got the injured settled then went right into pulling numbers. They figure the other side would never anticipate a back to back fight and with both clans uniting at the moment, they said it should be a short yet successful skirmish."

Fili lifted a brow. "Thats a quite an assumption considering we have all just CAME from a battle."

Kili shrugged. "Rhythanna wants her home back. Honestly, she reminds me a bit of uncle." He chuckled. "And after what we went through...can you blame them? Besides, at least it is just vermin filling that place. I'd take goblins and trolls over another dragon any day."

"Trolls." Fili grumbled. "Alright. Another battle it is. How do the ladies fair?"

"Annoyed they can't come." Kili rolled his eyes. "But Tauriel's leg is finally holding stitches and Viltarra has the baby to look after. It was a little battle with my wife...but thankfully that infant needs to be fed and since Tauriel can do that...she has VERY reluctantly accepted she had to remain behind."

"And is in a very foul mood for it." Legolas said in his normally calm voice which made it all the more humorous. He had just been talking with Tauriel who made her feelings on being left behind well known to anyone she knew. "She has gone to see to Ivethin and Nelithi so they should keep her occupied."

"Well praise Mahal for that." Fili sighed. "When do we leave?"

"Now, princelings." Morythi said as she walked over to them. "That is...if you are sure you want to join. This is not your fight, so we will not fault you if you wish to remain here with your mates." He glanced at Kili. "And to answer your earlier question, they are most welcome to stay here until you return."

"Anything involving orcs, goblins, trolls, or the like is all of our fights, and thank you." Kili said, Fili nodding his agreement. "Lets get your home back." He turned to Saphyra and Rythanna who were just a few feet away.

"Aye. Let's get this battle goin'!" Bofur yelled out from where he still sat on his pony.

"I agree." Naurfaer said to Kili's surprise as he walked out of the healing hall, likely where Tauriel had gone off to.

"I thought you were staying?" Kili huffed in exasperation. Now who will keep his wife from running to join them?

"The royal sapling of Mirkwood and I thought we would join and help. Might make things go faster so we can get home." Naurfaer shrugged as he accepted the hand of an elf who pulled him up onto his aelug. He decided to leave Galaddal behind just in case Tauriel needed him; not to join them which he made her swear she would stay in the city despite her horse being available to her. "And before you ask, Tauriel promised she would remain here. Nelithi woke and called for her, so she went to go help with the injured. I think part of that was Ivethin's doing who knew she needed to stay put. So thank Ivethin when you get back for distracting our troublesome Tauriel. She will be her own undoing one day...you mark my words, Kili."

Instead of laughing, however, Kili gave him a dark look. "Don't even joke about something like that." He didn't know why, but a dark foreboding chill ran down his spine. Thank the maker she is staying here.

"WE MOVE OUT!" Morythi called as Kili eyed the hand of yet another Avari who lifted a brow when he didn't take it.

"You coming, little prince?" The elf astride an aelúg asked.

"You know, I am easily three times you weight...right?" Kili huffed as he accepted the elf's outstretched hand. "And I am MAYBE a foot and a half shorter than you. Short, sure, but I am hardly little...WOOOH!" He called out in surprise when the creature shot up into the hot air. He watched the city grow smaller and smaller as he sent 'I will be back soon, and I am taking Umyra with me.' to his wife.

'You better be. Send Umyra back if you encounter too much trouble. Be safe, meleth nin, and be careful.'

'I am always careful, amralime.'

'No you are not, and you know it.'

Tauriel sighed as she watched the healer in the Avari city look Nelithi over. She was waking in bouts, then losing conscious promptly after the pains wracked her system.

"There is nothing I can do." The healer said. "Her and the others have injuries I cannot see, therefor cannot treat. No bleeding, no bruising, no internal wounds we can see or find. I am afraid it is beyond our hands to heal."

Ivethin was sitting in a chair, looking defeated. Tauriel had never seen her so at a loss, not in all the centuries she had known the elf. She turned back to the elf with silver eyes who was pulling the blanket over Nelithi. "Are you suggesting there is no cure or help for any of them?"

The healer nodded as she stood beside the bed, brushing her long, ebony, braids capped with gold over her shoulder. "I wish I could do more, but this is very new to us. Never in any of our texts have we come across such a thing. I fear, that is to our detriment. Perhaps, as we learn more about it, we can find something to help those who suffer as greatly as Nelithi...but unfortunately all we can do is try and make them comfortable until we know more."

"I hope you do not think I am coming off as ungrateful, Willa." Tauriel sighed and nodded. "I know you are doing everything you can for her and the others."

"Indeed, I am taking my own notes. You do many things here that I do not nor have I heard of. This is a wonderful healing hall." Ivethin added.

The healer, Willa, nodded her head. "I honor your compliment and thank you. I do wish I could do more. Perhaps we can be in communication if we find anything more."

"I would most happily agree to that. If we find anything on our end, we will be sure to send you our research. I will speak to Kaowyn about doing the same." Ivethin smiled. "How is your sister, Willa?"

Willa sighed. "She is not as bad as Nelithi here, but near so. I promised I would sit with her so if you'll excuse me, I'll leave Nelithi in your hands. Do not hesitate to call on me or any of my team here if you need it. It will take much work on all our parts...but I think, we will all get through this."

The elven healer smiled softly then glided from the room leaving Tauriel, Nelithi, and Ivethin alone.

"Tork?"

Tauriel glanced at Nelithi who had a crease in her brow as she whispered for the shifter who was not in the room. Taking a seat on the bed, Tauriel took her hand.

"Tork?"

"No, melon." Tauriel soothed as she would her children when they are ill and calling for Kili if he was deep in the mountain on assignment. "It is just Tauriel, and Ivethin."

Nelithi opened her eyes and squeezed Tauriel's hand. "Is he alright?"

Tauriel shot a look at Ivethin who stiffened but remained quiet. "He is..." She said, then bit her lip. "...bound."

"Bound? Still? But...he...he helped us. He helped us, Tauriel, and you." Nelithi slammed her eyes shut as her body wracked with pain once again. Tauriel quickly grabbed a moist cloth and put it on her brow. She did not usually have episodes so close together, she usually was able to drink and eat before the pain hit her again. The stress. It must be the stress triggering her.

"He will be alright. They assured me he will not be harmed or harassed." Tauriel said.

"Will you che...che...check on him please? He doesn't deserve this treatment."

Tauriel didn't really want to argue...nor did she want to remind Nelithi that though Tork did change sides in the end and helped save many lives...theirs including...he was not wrong when he said he also did a lot of harm before Nelithi and Ivethin arrived, before he began to question the truth of what happened to his family.

As such, the elves were well within their right to put him in a cell and leave him as long as they wish. Did she agree with it? Valar no. Tauriel thought Tork deserved some redemption for his more recent actions, and she has grown rather fond of him in their time together. Though part of her, a small part, also felt some anger for those who died because HE brought them over the sands. Tork followed orders...he did so because his parents taught him that they were the right side. But he was also of sound mind and very well should have at least questioned the motives of those he followed.

Tauriel had a war on the matter going on inside her as she limped her way out of the healing halls. Several of the Avari questioned where she was going, and what she was doing as she moved through the halls...most dressed in some sort of guards uniform so they were probably the few left behind to keep the peace in the kingdom with so many currently residing in their halls who were not of their lands.

Stepping into the bright sun, Tauriel had to blink a few times to adjust her eyes as she walked through the heat. Tork was hard to miss, with his large frame chained to a pole in direct sunlight. "Barbaric." Tauriel hummed to herself shaking her head.

"Hello Tork." Tauriel said as she limped closer to him. There were two guards at the barred entrance where he was being held. It looked more like a horse stall than a prison...and a glance at a feeding trough filled with dirty water made it clear that this is exactly what that was. She said a few words to the pair of guards and they reluctantly allowed her inside. "Have you received anything to eat?"

"No food for the captive." One of the guards shot out.

"Oh? You have had a trial for him? Is he sentenced to death?" Tauriel shot them a look and both guards glared at her. "I know the answer is no. You cannot keep physiological requirements like food and water from someone who has not yet been sentenced to die. He has the right to eat."

"He has NO rights here, lady of the west. Do what you wish with your prisoners, and leave us to handle ours our way."

"Will you at least allow me to give him what I have?"

"What is it?" The guard turned fully to her, inspecting her as Tauriel pulled a small foreign fruit even she could not name from her pocket, and a piece of that odd lembas bread she was growing a taste for. "Fine." He muttered and turned back away from her.

"Pleasant lot." Tork snorted as he accepted the fruit and bread from Tauriel. "Thank you, Bunny. But I don't want you worrying about me. I have lived off far less, and they have every right to treat me as they do. Honestly...I expected worse. Look at all this space?"

Tauriel looked around the area and lifted a brow. "This...looks like a horse training pen, Tork...and your chained up."

"But chained up outside. Far better than being inside that fort. Now...what brings you to see me? Thought you would be all cozied up with that mate of yours. Kity? Right?"

"Kili." Tauriel corrected. "And he is currently about to go into battle."

'How is everything going, meleth nin? Have you made it yet?'

'We had to remove a barrier made of some sort of mud and clay, so we are just about to enter love. I will let you know how things progress.'

'Alright, be careful.'

Tauriel sighed and looked to Tork who had the pink juice from the fruit dripping down his chin. In some sort of act of kindness...they chained him with his hands at his front rather than his back. They were still tightly bound, and he had to use both to eat, but at least he could use them if he needed. Although Tauriel did not like the purple welts forming at his wrists from the chains. Still, she had no power here to do anything about it. "They just entered so with hopes, he will be returning sometime before or just after sunset."

"You do love him, don't you?"

Tauriel hummed and smiled as she sat on the edge of a bail of grass or hay. "Can I ask you something, Tork?"

"Ask away, Bunny."

Tauriel bit her lip as he finished the fruit. "Did you ever question your parents? I mean, their loyalties."

Tork shrugged. "Did you ever question YOUR parents or what they taught you? They raise us Bunny, and for a time, we are just pieces of their teachings and beliefs until we find our own ground."

"I could not question my parents because orcs killed them not long after my birth." Tauriel growled then closed her eyes and took a breath. "But I understand what you mean. I was raised by an elven king, and for centuries...I followed his orders for years never questioning him or those around me…for the most part. At least not until we captured a group of dwarves and I...well...one in particular helped me see the errors of my judgements."

"Not so different, the two of us." Tork chuckled.

However, Tauriel growled again. "I like you Tork, I really do, but you cannot compare my preconceptions of dwarves and the outside world with what you did in that place. It is not the same. We have imprisoned dwarves, but we never harmed one of them and even if my king ordered us to...I would have fought that order with everything that I am because I would know it to be wrong."

"Right. Of course. I am sorry Bunny. That is...not quite what I meant."

Tauriel nodded and stood. "Nelithi wanted me to check on you."

"Nelithi? How is she? Have they been able to do anything for her?"

Shaking her head, Tauriel stretched her leg causing a pulling and tugging sensation on her stitches which were beginning to itch most uncomfortably. "I am afraid there has been no progress made on anyone who suffers as she does." She eyed the sun, then the pinkening of her skin.

"You should get inside. You clearly are not accustomed to this kind of sun exposure." Tork chuckled, seeing her begin to redden as the freckles dotting her skin darkened. "And you really should rest. You were hooked up to that machine as well, Bunny. Your system needs time to regenerate...or whatever it is you elves do."

Tauriel would have made a retort about that...but she was already walking out anyway so she let it be. "I will check in when I can. We should be leaving soon."

"YOU will be leaving soon. Clearly...I am not going anywhere." Tork grumbled, eating the small bit of bread.

"We shall see about that." Tauriel hummed to herself as she sought her sister. Lorilyn's little one would be wanting food and she should let Viltarra know the status of the battle.

'Got a fifth troll, amralime! These things are somehow stupider than the ones in the west! But a bit bigger. I have no idea how they were able to...WOOOH!'

'Kili! What happened?!'

'What? Nothing love. Just hang on a sec...gotta concentrate on this really odd looking goblin. It has a tail! And it likes to use it like a whip!'

'A goblin...with a tail? Are you sure it's a goblin, meleth nin?'

'Honestly, I am questioning that myself!'

'Other than that, how are things going? Is Fili alright?'

'Fine, fine. Fili is just across from me fighting with Legolas, and before you ask I can see Naurfaer and Bofur as well. This place is a mess, and you should see just how many trolls and goblins there are down here. There was no way they could have had this cleaned out themselves...but with Morythi's numbers I think we should be finished soon. Some of the trolls are trying to leave and doing so by running out into the sun, stupid idiots...so we are amassing quite the statue collection at the city's entrance. But really, amralime...you should see this place...if Minam looked like this in its days of glory, I have never seen something so breathtaking. Well...except for you when you step out of the shower...the water dripping down...'

'Not the time, meleth-nin.' Tauriel chuckled, gaining a look from Viltarra who was pacing in front of her while Tauriel held the infant elf who was asleep in her arms with a full belly. "He is fine, Viltarra. Kili said they should have the place cleared soon."

"Oh, I have heard THAT before, several times. I will stop worrying when Fili and Kili are both back unharmed."

'HAHA took another troll down MYSELF Tauriel!' Kili bragged in her mind. She could feel the pride coming off of him in waves.

'Very good, but be careful. I cannot imagine how large they are if they are bigger than the ones we have.'

'And smellier. I may need to bathe when I return. I smell worse than those fellbeast things.'

'I will make sure one is drawn for you.'

'Have I told you yet today that I love you? Oh...and by chance...will you be in that bath as well?'

'You shall have to return to find out. Focus on the fighting, Kili.'

She felt Kili chuckle as he took her advice and drew himself from her mind to attend to the battle he was currently engrossed in. In fact, her mind was quiet for two full hours as Kili, Fili, and the others fought. It was not until the sun began to set, that he finally sent her a 'We won. A bunch of the flyers are remaining here to make sure the ones who fled won't come back, but a few are returning with us to inform the others before they retrieve their people from the temporary sanctuary. They have a lot of cleaning up to do...kind of like uncle had with Erebor when Smaug wrecked it. Saphyra said we should be back within the hour.'

Tauriel quickly relayed the message to her sister before going to one of the nearest elves to inquire about bathing opportunities. She was shown to a rather beautiful, and very spacious, bath already set up and Tauriel happily set about to get things ready for her Kili's return. Of course, she would certainly not say no to joining him for a bath. It would help her own sore muscles and probably do something for the never-ending headache she has had since she was hooked up to that...device. When she was done, she saw to getting baths prepared for the others as well.

"A MIGHTY TRIUMPH!" Kili yelled as he jumped down from the aelúg. He, Bofur, and Fili seemed to be the only ones excitedly calling out their victory. The Avari, both the flyers and those who did not have aelúg, simply watched the dwarves curiously. Viltarra and Tauriel were already there and waiting, both smiling broadly as their mates came to greet them with Dungael and Hiril at their sides. Umyra too came soaring down and accepted a treat from Tauriel as she landed on her shoulder.

"You are a strange people." Saphyra laughed as she patted her aelúg once she slid off. "But one who is very talented in a fight. I should very much like to learn more of your style, prince Fili...and Kili."

"That, was quite the place to see too." Naurfaer sighed happily. "I would never have suspected a city could have so much beauty in such a baren land."

"Do you see why we cherish it?" Saphyra asked, a wide smile on her face for the first time since any of them have met her. "My mother and Morythi should be arriving soon. I think...they have found quite the understanding. I believe...we have you to thank for so much, all of you. Our people and our home returned...we would still be sitting in that cave if you had not come along. I am sure both Morythi and my mother will be showing their own gratitude when they arrive. Fili and Kili you are quite correct...such a triumph we had. Oh my, my heart is beating very fast."

"You fought very well, Saphyra." Naurfaer said as he moved to stand beside her. "I think this might be an indication that it would be a good idea for your clan to train more to fight to protect yourselves. But I doubt you will be doing that alone. Sounds to me like there is a middle ground being created between your clans. Just in time too...darkness lies ahead, we need all who fight in the side of light to stop their bickering and join together."

"Just like the dwarves, humans, and elves in your lands." Saphyra nodded in agreement.

"Exactly." Naurfaer beamed, rocking on his toes, his eyes following Rythanna's aelúg as it landed just as Morythi raced into the city center. He bypassed the group and went right to an elf running towards him. Tauriel heard him order a great feast with as much as could be spared; they would be celebrating all evening.

Legolas looked between the two princes and Naurfaer. "I am quite amazed really that you both endeavored to get so close to those trolls that you came out smelling just like one. And you have goblin blood in your hair, Fili." He lifted a brow, but Fili just rolled his eyes and shrugged.

"Seems like we might jus' 'ave a party to attend." Bofur said excitedly. "Could use a good meal too...an' maybe a drink."

"As lovely as that all sounds...I think I would prefer a bed." Fili sighed as he leaned against Viltarra who wrinkled her nose.

"You're not touching a bed until you get that smell off you. What is that anyway?"

Fili chuckled and rubbed his nose into her neck. "The essence of sand troll." He hummed as Viltarra used one hand to try and shove him away. The other held the baby so she couldn't push too hard.

"I arranged baths." Tauriel laughed as she tried to ignore the smell permeating her Kili as well as Fili and Bofur. Somehow, neither Legolas nor Naurfaer acquired the pungent odor on their person like the other three had...the two elves were also as immaculate as they had been when they left while Kili and Fili...and even Bofur, were covered in all kinds of blood and dirt. "There is a hall, if you follow me, I can show it to you. They have several baths they have already prepared and I think, since we are now considered guests of honor, we are to use them first."

"Do we have a time limit?" Kili asked, his brows wagging suggestively as he slid his hand around Tauriel's backside.

"Behave...and not officially. But there are many who are in need of it so I will help you clean up, then we will leave it so another can use it."

"Better than nothing." Kili smiled. "Lead the way, my star."

Not quite an hour later, Kili was smiling as he pulled apart a piece of strange bread someone handed him, it was sweet and soft, and Kili was more than happily devouring it. Tauriel was not far from him, laughing with Legolas and Nelithi who had finally woken again and been able to stay away long enough to take a short walk to join the festivities, with Ivethin's help. She was very weak, and in a lot of pain, but she wanted to see the music and dancing of a city she only dreamed existed.

It was such a good sign that apart from Kili, the first person Tauriel had told was Tork who smiled wide at the news. Though he did ask Tauriel if she would make sure Nelithi did not overdo it which she naturally agreed. She also brought him a plate of food to the guards frustration...but everyone was so merry from their recent victories they seemed to allow it. Especially since there were rumors that Tork, was in fact to be tried and possibly beheaded for his involvement and association with the taking and killing of elves from the surrounding lands.

However, after a lot of bargaining, the promise of gold, and some pleading and title pulling, Tauriel was able to talk Morythi and Rythanna out of killing Tork; as long as she promised to remove him from the lands the moment they left, and that Tork knew and understood if they ever saw him again it would be his head on the spot.

The other stipulation was he had to remain chained in the horse pen until they left the city the following morning, which he was fine with.

As for the rest of them? Right now, they were to feast and enjoy the night. Tomorrow at sunrise, they were to journey to the nearest city then go to the harbor and secure a boat.

There had also been a lot of talk about how to reward the group from the west for not only their courage in uniting the two clans…who were surprisingly getting along still…but for also honoring them for their help in both leading them to their missing people but also for their aid in removing the darkness from their lands as well as voluntarily joining in on the battle to reclaim a city taken by trolls and strange, whip-tailed, goblins.

The flyers having their home back seemed to be part of the reason for the current understanding between. The two clans both have lost many in that compound, both equally affected by the enemy, and now equally aware of what happens if they remained at odds during a time where darkness will find any foothold they can get to conquer this world.

Honestly, Kili was just glad there won't be an all out civil war between them considering how close they were to it prior to rescuing Tauriel and the other elves. He really was not in the mood for yet another battle. So far, the worst thing that has happened since they have been here was a small fight between a male from Morythi's clan who was attacked by some males from Rythanna's clan when he asked a female, also from Rythanna's clan, to dance with him.

Then again, Kili supposes the fight may never had happened, if that dance did not end with his tongue down the eleth's throat...consensually of course considering she was just as active a participant in the kiss as he was. Another clue was the fact that the female was currently pressing a cold compress the males eyes while shooting the attackers from her clan dirty looks. Ah, love was in the air. Time will only tell what will happen between these two clans in the future, but so far, things looked good.

"Well Ki, I think we may have done more than we thought here." Fili said, the infant in his arms as he took a seat on the cushioned floor beside his brother. "But I am really looking forward to going home."

"What are you going to do with him?" Kili asked, passing his brother a pillow to rest against. He took the infant so Fili could get comfortable, but the moment the baby left Fili's arms he began to fuss. "Hey now, let's not be too testy. My wife is keeping that belly full." Kili tickled the clearly full tummy of the tiny elf but he just was not having it and his little face reddened as tears began to fall.

Fili gestured for the infant again and Kili passed him over. The crying and the tears stopped immediately. "Honestly...I don't know. Viltarra keeps avoiding the subject. I spoke to some of the Avari to get their opinion on the matter, but every one of them told me the same thing...a child who lacks Avari blood would never be accepted here."

"What about Lothlorien or Rivendell?" Kili suggested watching as his brother traced the newborn's pointed ear as the little one turned into his brother's chest.

"I was thinking the same thing. Lorilyn mentioned she didn't want him at an elven settlement...but having met Elrond and from what Viltarra says about Galadriel, they both seem be genuinely good elves who run cities which are both safe and welcoming. But we are too far away from Rivendell, though if we do go by boat..." Fili grimaced looking a bit green. Even Kili seemed displeased but both Tauriel and Viltarra had said it was the quickest and easiest way to travel west with so many who lack the ability to walk such a distance. "...we will go right by Lorien. Was it really as nice as Viltarra says, Ki? You stopped there first on your way here, right?"

Kili shivered recalling his little fit he had, but eventually nodded. "For an elf, I suppose, it is a beautiful place. Galadriel is kind, kinder than Thranduil, and the people...soft spoken, non judgmental, and really quite nice. They kind of remind me of Ivethin, and having met Kaowyn, it seems to just be the disposition of the city. I think I might prefer our mountain walls though. Home is paradise to me."

"Me too." Fili agreed. He looked down at the now sleeping infant. "Lothlorien it is then."

Kili adjusted himself a bit, watching his brother carefully. "Have you thought about...maybe...keeping him?"

"WHAT!?" Fili looked to his brother, his brows raised in surprise. "NO! Ki, I have three daughters, and Vilia is still just a toddler. Not to mention you have five children of your own...including Ithtiri who only a few months old and still nursing. Plus we live in a mountain full of dwarves Ki...dwarves who may accept Tauriel, but I doubt would be so open to a strange elf we brought in from a strange land. And he's not like Tauri. He's immortal Ki, we, are all mortal; we will die. What can we do for him? He would be at a disadvantage living among people who are not his own."

"My children are part elf." Kili shrugged, eyeing the infant. Maybe he should talk to Tauriel. They could adopt the little elf into their family. Tauriel is already nursing Ithtiri...she could easily take over feeding the little elf as well. She's fed two before with the twins and he would only be a few months younger than Ithriri who just turned four months old two days ago. How he missed his little lady, his Ithtiri.

When Kili lifted his eyes from the infant to Fili, his brother was glaring at him and pulling his vest over the infant. "Kili, look over there...THOSE are elven children." Fili said gesturing to several little elflings who were walking around the room quietly talking amongst each other. They were tall, despite being near Kili and Fili's children's age, very thin almost lanky, and had very pointed ears emerging from their hair. "Do your children look even remotely close to them? All of your sons already have some facial hair growing, even Ithtiri has a little fuzz on her face. Not to mention not a single one of them has pointed ears...though I think Ithtiri might have a slight tip to hers...but she might grow into them. Think about it Kili, they don't look anything like any elfling I have seen. They are dwarves."

"I disagree, Fi." Kili said shrugging. "We have Naurfaer and Tauriel. Yes, she is mortal and more like us than them..." He gestured to the dancing elves at the center of the room. "...but she was still raised in Mirkwood, she is still an elf Fili...just a mortal one. If you try to tell her she isn't...she might just kill you for it." He chuckled. "And don't forget about Naurfaer, he's just as immortal as any elf who is not my wife. Does that little one maybe have a family we can connect him with?"

"Not one he is ever going to." Fili said darkly. He looked to his brother who lifted a brow, so he told him what Lorilyn made he and Viltarra promise. Just as he finished, Tauriel and Viltarra came over together.

Kili moved a bit, and Tauriel situated herself between his legs. Since Kili was sitting on a rather large and thick cushion, and Tauriel on the floor, it evened the few inches difference between them making Kili actually a bit taller than her. Tauriel smiled as she leaned back, her head resting on Kili's shoulder as he wrapped his arm around her. "What are you two discussing that has you keeping things from me?" Tauriel turned to nuzzle her nose against Kili's rough neck.

"Keeping things from you?" Kili asked, his brows rising. "Never, amralime. Just a few passing ideas I am not ready to share yet. Fi was just telling me about the promise he made to Lorilyn."

Tauriel tensed, but eventually nodded. "Her story, was one of great pain. I know she is gone, and I am truly heartbroken, but part of me wonders if she is finally receiving the peace she deserves."

"What was her story, Tauri? She didn't tell us, but she said you would...or could." Fili asked looking to his sister while Viltarra patted the pillows beside her where Hiril spun a few times before curling up at her side. Dungael, who had remained at the city with Viltarra, was already laying on the ground at Fili's feet. The elves had done a good job patching up his wound and he was currently sleeping, though he lifted an eye when Hiril began gnawing on a bone covered in meat from a creature nobody in the group could name. When he tried to get a piece of the meal, Hiril growled darkly. Viltarra rolled her eyes and ran to grab another, bringing it back to give to the young warg who happily and contently began chewing the flesh off.

Tauriel closed her eyes, as she decided whether to tell them the full story, or just the highlights. As Viltarra sat back down, Tauriel decided to tell them everything; the entire painful tale of Lorilyn that led her to bear a child she never wanted to have, about finding love or what she thought was love, to see him choose another, to be...forced...by someone she was wed to who she did not want. It was...difficult to relay...and she wasn't even the one to endure it.

When Tauriel had finished, both Kili and Fili were furious and disgusted, while Viltarra was lost for words.

"It makes me appreciate our people even more. And our family." Viltarra said shaking her head. Fili shifted and she looked at him. "What?"

"It does happen in our clans too." Fili shrugged. "Mam had full intentions of marrying Ki and I off with advantageous matches for political purposes if she could. Why do you think we knew Kaulithah in the first place? I think she hoped it would be both a love match, and a good thing for the kingdom if one of us paired up with her."

"Yet...you got us." Viltarra said, a smirk on her face.

Fili shrugged again. "Ya, well, mam is also a sucker for love." He grinned. "And of course according to our laws...our ones surpass political gains so...there is that too."

"Not to mention I don't think even gift wrapping and handing Erebor over to Tauriel would be payment enough to clear the debt for what she did for the family." Viltarra said leaning against Fili. "So giving Kili to her was a small price to pay to say thank you."

Tauriel huffed. "Giving Kili to me? He is not some object to gift away, muinthel, though I happily accept him. Besides, there is no debt owed." She said rolling her eyes. "It had been for an entirely selfish reason that I did what I did, so I do not see why it keeps being brought up. I gave up my immortality because I wanted Kili, and I got Kili. We are even."

"Try telling Thorin and Dis that." Viltarra chuckled.

"Actually..." Fili said. "...I don't think they think about that anymore either. They favor her now, because they love Tauriel. Always the favorite, Tauri is."

"No, Kili is the favorite." Tauriel chuckled.

"Am not!" Kili said.

"No...she is right." Fili said. "Kili gets away with everything! He always has from both mam and Thorin."

"And you do too." Viltarra poked Fili in the chest, her finger going down and tracing the sleeping infant's cheek. "I do hope she is happy, Lorilyn." Viltarra whispered.

"Valinor, is a place of not just life after death, but of healing as well." Tauriel said. "Many of those who go there before their time is up here in these mortal lands are seeking to get away from the pains of this world. Manwe has ensured those who come broken in body or in heart, are made whole."

"Is that common?" Fili asked. "For your people to just...hop over to the afterlife whenever they get the passing fancy?"

Tauriel shrugged. "Immortality may seem like a dream to the majority of mortal races...but imagine losing everything you loved then being forced to live on without end. Or imagine living a life like Lorilyn where every day is pain and torment; where your life is truly not your own. Those who sail to the undying lands don't do it on a passing fancy as you say, Fili, they do so because this world becomes a kind of purgatory to them...not the life Iluvatar had wanted filled with joy and growth when he bestowed his gift onto the eldar."

Tauriel felt Kili shift under her, his finger gently tipping her chin up to look at him. "Would you have sailed there? If this life never came to be...if you survived that first battle?"

The eleth tried to look away from him but Kili held her gaze. "Would you have, Tauriel?" He asked again a bit more firmly.

"Yes." Tauriel whispered. "Once I...once I had killed every orc I could find...once I knew the lands were safe...once I was sure the enemy was truly gone...I would have gone to the gray havens and sought passage to Valinor." She closed her eyes, feeling the phantom pain of what could have been engulf her. "Then I would have gone to Manwe, and begged to be let into the halls of Mandos where I would spend eternity if it took that, just to find you Kili."

Kili pulled his wife close. "I am glad you don't have to do that." He breathed into her hair. "Because I would have been livid if you gave your life up for me; if you didn't let yourself be loved because of me."

"I couldn't let myself be loved, Kili, because I would not have had any part of me left to give, that did not already belong to you." Tauriel said honestly. "We love once...remember?"

"Does that mean Lorilyn loving that elf who married her sister...was that it for her?" Viltarra asked.

Tauriel sighed, happy to be in Kili's hold. "I do not know, muinthel. I am not able to feel as she did, so whether or not it was the same kind of love I feel for Kili...that kind of bonding love which marks them as our one mate, that draw of our souls together because we were made for one another...or if it was something less...I can never say."

"Well, she made a beautiful child all the same." Viltarra cooed softly. Nobody could disagree.

The party went on for the rest of the night. At one point, Morythi came over and sat with them telling them that the city has made room for the fliers who were still recovering as they waited to get the okay to return to their underground city that had been ravaged by Sauron's forces. It was safe, but Rythanna and her husband had both said there was some cleaning up to do and they wanted to ensure it was secured before they allowed those who were injured and the young to return.

Morythi has also spoken with Rythanna about working together going forward, and about merging their forces. At the moment, it seems to be mostly the fliers who held them in contempt over years of being ostracized because their ancestors accepted a group of impure light seekers who were not even full elves themselves.

Morythi said things were, and will likely be, tense for quite some time. He has hope though, and he understands they both have lost a lot and need time to heal and acclimate to a new era. They were both Avari in blood and tradition, they both refuse accept the way to Valinor, so why can't they reunite their world? He firmly believes it may be time to make some changes.

Kili suggested they take things slow and be patient with each other. He told them about how their alliances have been working with the humans of Dale and the elves of Mirkwood; how despite their obvious differences and species, they have found almost a kind of kinship with their neighboring kingdoms. Morythi was surprised to hear elves and dwarves were truly allied with each other, and it gave him even more hope for the merging of his people who were more alike than not.

Morythi looked from Kili, to Tauriel who had fallen asleep with her head resting on Kili's thigh while her legs were stretched out with her injured calf exposed. "Alliance indeed." Morythi smiled eyeing the other couple; Viltarra too was asleep, leaning against Fili who still held the infant. The leader of the Avari stood, then suggested they get some sleep; both he and Rythanna will be seeing them off in the morning.

Kili nodded. He knew Legolas and Ivethin had already helped Nelithi back into the healing hall several hours ago when she could no longer handle being on her feet. Kili was happy to see she had eaten something and even laughed at Legolas who blushed when one of the Avari asked him to dance. Honestly even Kili had to laugh at the prince of Mirkwood stammering a bit before accepting and very reservedly joining the dance. He only took one turn, however, before he rejoined Ivethin and Nelithi who were both still laughing at him.

As the night went on, Kili noted the music dying down as many of the elves simply sat, spoke quietly to each other, and sipped their odd tasting beverages that he did not have a taste for. Mahal above, he missed food from his own home.

Kili did chuckle as he glanced at the feasting table where Bofur was still sound asleep and snoring having not even making it through the entire feast before he passed out. They decided to leave him be. Even the wargs were both curled up together at Fili and Viltarra's legs and Umyra had flown in likely after hunting to settle herself on a golden divider where she tucked her head under her wing to rest.

Sighing to himself, Kili carefully slid himself down while pulling his sleeping wife up. The floor was cushioned by a thick rug that was far more comfortable than even his sleeping mat, so within minutes, Kili too was fast asleep.

True to their word, both Morythi and Rythanna met them as they were gathering to move the following morning. Some of the elves, the stronger ones from outside the western clans, had opted to travel on their own. They had no desire or need for escorts. However, the elves from Lothlorien opted to join the Mirkwood elves on their journey home since one was on the way to the other and they really were not far from each other.

Tauriel had spent a good part of the morning speaking with the guards from Mirkwood who were taken; getting names of who was missing...or lost...and just seeing if they were alright. She had been one of their captains once, she told Kili when he asked her how she was doing through their connection, so it was hard to not feel some responsibility for them despite how much older than her many of them were.

Kili had to smile as she spoke sternly to one of the guards who likely was giving her some cheek. His wife, shorter than the other elves around her, easily stood her ground in the Avari dress she wore and sandals they had offered her once they realized her boots would not tie back up due to the cut in them. She looked positively exotic in the gold and maroon colored dress which was belted and tucked in far different ways than her normal frocks were, and yet somehow accentuated her slight but curvy figure even more.

Kili felt like the luckiest being alive to have claims to this female whose entire being radiated the light of the sun as her hair blew in the warm breeze. Several of the elflings had come and begged her to add braids and golden beads to her flaming red hair not long after they woke that morning, and she was all to happy to allow them. They had giggled and asked her questions about what life was like in the west. All four of them were in awe as she told them of her life in Mirkwood, then being whisked away into a fairy story by her very own dwarven prince. It so such an endearing sight, Kili had wished he could have somehow captured it to look back on. He did the best he could to commit the moment to memory so he could put it to canvas when he returned.

He did have to laugh when once they were done, the group of elflings turned their eyes on his wild hair and it was a battle he very much lost to keep them from adding at least a few braids to his knotted mess of dark hair. Fili, though, refused to allow anyone but his daughters and Viltarra to touch his loose golden curls, and Viltarra...well she ducked out of the room muttering excuses and something that sounded like getting enough of this treatment from Leotti.

A happy sigh left his lips as Kili shook his head and focused back on the group of Mirkwood elves ahead of him. So far, they have been treating Tauriel respectfully, according to his wife, but the moment any of them disrespect or belittle her for any reason, Kili will be stomping over there and reminding them who they owe their current freedom for. It did help Nelithi and Ivethin were there as well to be a kind of bridge between the once banished Tauriel and the guards who were still unsure how to take their captain leaving and marrying dwarven royalty.

Kili was a bit confused why after twenty years they still had a problem with her decision, but Tauriel gently reminded him that for an immortal...twenty years could be the equivalent of a few months for elves when talking in any sense of time. She found even herself not really thinking about how time sails past her, until that is she looks at the growth of her children...a physical marking of time. She has yet to see it truly change her, or Kili for that matter who is still a few years shy of a hundred years of age; it will be his 98th birthday this year so he is still very young. In fact, most of the dwarves who are Kili or even Fili's age, are still unmarried and childless. They are quite the enigma among their peers, especially Kili with having five children being as young as he is.

Tauriel likes to remind Kili that if he stops putting himself in dangerous situations…he can easily see another three to four hundred years. And Kili likes to remind Tauriel that he only ends up in those dangerous situations, because of her. She of course, does not deny that though she refuses to take any responsibility for Kaulithah…Kili can't fault her there, that was neither of their faults.

With everyone ready and the horses waiting, Kili was happy to get moving and be rid of this sandy world. He took Morythi's hand smiling. "Thank you again, for being willing to join the fight." Kili said. "I will have what we owe sent over as soon as we return to Erebor."

"I think we can both agree that our debts are clear, prince Kili of Erebor." Morythi said gripping Kili's hand, quickly glancing at Tork before focusing his eyes back on Kili. "All of them. I had not really expected our adventure to be as fruitful as it was. Your courage to go into that place, has returned many of my people and allowed us to begin the path of healing for those lost. I believe that, is wealth enough to clear your promises Prince Kili. Go home, and be at peace."

"I will." Kili smiled as he released Morythi's hand. The Avari leader bowed his head respectfully, and stepped away, Rythanna glancing at him as she moved forward.

"I had a rather insightful audience with several elves from the green realm. They inform me, that you are to be a high king, Fili. I knew you were a prince, but, I fear in my distracted state I cared little for who you really were." Rythanna looked Fili up and down. "My apologies. Truly. It is because of you, and your family…" She glanced at Kili and Tauriel, then at Naurfaer who was talking animatedly to Legolas who seemed…mildly interested in whatever he had to say.

"It is because of you…" Rythanna continued, "…that my mate was returned to me. I lost my son...and I shall forever carry that pain with me, but I have my husband because of you. I have been reminded by my daughter, I was very close to losing them both. We do not delve in riches among the fliers…gold bands and jewelry, are common but not what we set out to find in the sea of sands we fly above. Our greatest riches, are in the beasts we bond with and our family."

Rythanna seemed as if she was debating something with herself, before she nodded to two clansmen each carrying a large golden box. They caught the attention of Naurfaer, who slowly walked over with Legolas just behind him.

"Is it wrong ta hope tha' has some good spirits in there? Didn't get a lick of wine last night." Bofur whispered to Kili who chuckled.

"I doubt it Bofur." Kili eyed his friend. "And you would have, if you didn't fall asleep at the feast…on your plate."

"Oi, I was tired. I'm getting' too old fer this stuff lad."

"Bofur, you're barely 150." Kili snickered.

"Aye…says the son of Durin who has a lifespan twice tha' of us mere peasants." Bofur gave Kili a wry grin. "I am expectin' yer uncle to bring out the fine barrels fer our return dinner."

Kili patted his friend on the shoulder. "I will personally make sure they are there, Bofur."

"I knew you were my favorite fer a reason, laddie."

Kili smiled as he turned back to Rythanna who was removing the locks on the golden boxes.

"We wanted to give a gift that means something to us…and perhaps…to you as well if what I hear is correct. Many, many thousands of years ago…an elven people and a dwarven people created a civilization together. They built a mighty kingdom under the earth and overtime, became as one, the Búlë kal nórë, the people of the deep light. Through this unity, they formed bonds with a creature who is as one with the sky as it is with the water and the earth, and they thrived for over a thousand years."

Rythanna turned to Saphyra who handed her mother a book. "When a darkness began to hunt them, the people were split and fled. Some to the east, others, across the great waters to lands beyond what we know. The group of Avari took these strange impure elves in…elves with hair on their faces and creatures they could not name. History repeated itself with two becoming one, and the Avari and the Búlë kal nórë merged. We are they, who are descended from this clan. You dwell outside the city of the ancestors we share blood with…and one of your own has bonded with our aelúg…so we honor our debt to you through our own greatest treasures."

Gently, Rythanna lifted the lid to the first box where three large eggs sat. She pulled the first one and held it out to Fili. "Crowned prince Fili, you came to us when we sat in hiding…you reminded us of our strengths and pushed us to take back what was ours, to fight for those we love. For that, we honor you." She bowed her head, her braids falling over her shoulder.

Fili looked at the green spotted egg, and accepted it after a moment of hesitation. "I do not know what to say. I was only trying to find my sister."

"And in doing so, you saved not just her, but hundreds." Rythanna smiled softly and pulled another egg and set it in Kili's hands.

"He who chose a mate from another world." Rythanna said eyeing Tauriel. "You seem to be a bridge between two odds. You who befriended the walkers, then urged us to come together, to fight as one. You who tells stories of humans, elves, and dwarven alliances as if it were commonplace. A rare treasure, you are, young Prince Kili, whose eyes are softened to what is within, rather than what is outside us. Do not let the world change you, dwarf prince…the world needs more like you if we are to survive the darkness to come."

"I only try to do what is right for my family, and our people." Kili said honestly.

"Or perhaps…" Rythanna offered. "…you try to do what is right for the world." She lifted a blue egg and passed it to Kili. "You fly among the stars Kili, while most, can not even get their feet off the ground."

Rythanna then gave eggs to both Tauriel and Viltarra. "Extraordinary mates, you have, the both of you. Many of our aelúg choose to bond to each other, as they bond to our life mates. But that is not the only reason I offer these to you." Rythanna watched Viltarra carefully as she turned the red egg around in her hands. "You are Fili's mate…you are to be a queen." She said. "There is much responsibility there, and sacrifice. We give a lot of ourselves when we lead a people, sometimes, more than we thought we had to give. You being here, shows your strength of character, and your willingness to stand by your life partner. I also heard, you fight quite well."

"And you…" Rythanna looked to Tauriel. "…I was informed allowed yourself to be caught so you could help your people. The courage that flames in your heart, burns hotter than a dragons fire." Rythanna handed Tauriel a midnight speckled egg. "You live a life, where you give everything you are to everyone but yourself. You went to this place, not knowing what to expect, leaving your family, your kingdom behind, so you can save what some would deem, only a few lives. And because you were there, you became the north star that guided us to find our people."

She moved to hand Bofur an egg, but the dwarf quickly declined. "I am honored, my lady, bu' I think I prefer a pony…thanks." Bofur took his hat off and bowed. "Or some spirits, if it pleases you."

Rythanna blinked, then for the first time, laughed. "I have never thought anyone would turn this down. Very well, if that is what you wish."

"I think I may be able to fulfill that one." Morythi said, whispering something to the Avari beside him who nodded and walked off.

"Would you be denying me as well?" Rythanna asked of Naurfaer who shook his head.

"I would happily take both, in fact." Naurfaer gave her a charming smile.

"The eggs, are all to go to Erebor…it is both mine, and my husbands wish, to give one for each set of hands who came here." Rythanna nodded, handing Naurfaer a cream colored egg. She left Bofur's in the case beside a final egg of lime green as she turned to Legolas. "When I met with you this morning, you said your father was interested in the histories of the Búlë kal nórë. I offer you a choice…you may claim this final egg for yourself, or, I offer you a book of our ancestors. It is copied in full of the original we keep locked away at all times. A true duplicate with everything on their beginnings, to how they came here. Perhaps, one day, you will meet the other clans who have similar ancestry and bring the full history together…but this, is, at least, our portion. The egg, and the book, are both of great value to us, as in them, are things many do not know of us. I do not give either lightly, and the choice, is yours."

Legolas eyed the egg then the book in Rythanna's hands. "I do not think, I have the desire to raise a flying creature, and if they are creatures of a social nature, keeping them together would be for their greater benefit." He said after a moment. "I will take the book to my father. I do not think there are words I can give for how…surprised…he will be to have this."

Rythanna handed the volume to Legolas who bowed his head respectfully. "I thank you for your gift."

"And I thank you for your willingness to come here. Even if it was to save your friends, or your family, you all were what brought us to our senses and gave us the will to fight." She eyed the three dwarves and two elves from Erebor carefully and with some warning in her tone, said, "I trust…you will care for those aelúg. They will not remain with those who are unworthy of them, so I suppose I will see them again if you fail them…but from what I see of you…" Her expression and her tone softened. "…all of you have loyal, honorable, and willing hearts."

There was a sound of wheels on stone and the group turned to see a small wagon being pulled by two Avari, inside, a large barrel. "For you, master dwarf." Morythi said with a small bow of his head. "A barrel, of our best ale made from the nectar straight from our own gardens. You will find the flavor to be sweet, but it is powerful so I advise you, to partake with caution."

Bofur beamed with excitement. "Now tha' is somethin' I can call a treasure." He ran over to lay his head on the barrel, the two Avari elves lifting a brow as he pressed a kiss to the lid. "Yer commin' home with me, my sweet." He purred.

"He, is never getting married." Viltarra whispered to Fili who had to hold back his laughter.

"I disagree nunguame…I am quite certain we will be receiving announcements for an upcoming celebration between him…and that barrel…not long after we get home."

"A match made by Mahal." Viltarra said shaking her head and smiling wide.

"He earned it, and the one I plan on giving him from uncles stores when we get back to Erebor." Fili replied, and Viltarra could in no way disagree. Bofur was one of simple tastes. He doesn't pine for gold or gems, or even power…he finds his joy in his friends, his family, his toy business, music, and his ales. Even in his business, Bofur sends the majority of his profits…if not all of them…to any families in Erebor who had adopted dwarflings from the Firebeards, as well as to help support the dwarves of Minam as they have worked to find their footing in Erebor over the last fifteen or so years. Bofur's heart, was very large. It would take an exceptional dam…or dwarf he supposes…to move him, if there ever is one.

"Is there anything else we can get for you before you begin your journey home?" Morythi asked.

"No." Fili said. "You have given us far more than you we ever expected."

"And we expected nothing." Kili added grasping Rythanna's hand.

"If your ever in the west, do come to Erebor." Fili said to the two leaders then turned to Saphyra. "I think I know why I like you so much; you remind me of my sister." He lifted a brow at Tauriel who just stared at him, her red hair dancing in the heated breeze. "You're both headstrong, and willing to cause trouble in your homes to do the right thing. That will be needed here. Be the glue, Saphyra, even when two halves begin to pull, hold to them both and you may be surprised how well they eventually go together. If dwarves and elves can do it…" Fili smirked at Tauriel, then at Kili. "…then it should be rather easy for two people, who were once one to do so as well."

Saphyra pulled Fili into a hug. "In another life, I think we would have been friends, prince Fili."

"In this life, I think we still can be." Fili pulled away. "Perhaps, in twenty years, come to Erebor, and I bet my Aelúg, could out fly yours."

"That, is a foolish wager, dwarf." Saphyra said. "Ytak, is known to be the fastest aelúg in our clan. You may as well give over the prize now…and save me the trip across the sands."

Fili lifted his brows. "Bold of you to assume. I suppose we will see you in a few decades, so I can prove you wrong."

Saphyra smiled softly. "Perhaps." However, her smile dropped from her face as she stepped away from the dwarven prince. "We do not leave our lands, prince Fili. It is not our way. But should we ever meet again in this life, I would very much look forward to that race." Fili didn't quite understand, but nodded.

It took only a little while to get the gifts and ail packed into the larger wagon that carried the weakest elves, such as Nelith,i who still was unable to carry her own weight for long. The healers were hopeful for her, however, and Nelithi…had the best of attitudes. Though Tauriel could see her friend brightening even more as the Avari escorted a still bound Tork to the group. They refused to bring him over and unbind him until the moment they were to step out of the open city.

"Remember beast…" Morythi said.

"Ya ya, don't come back." Tork rolled his eyes as he massaged his now freed wrists. "Don't worry I have no plans to. By the creators you are pleasant bunch, aren't you." He grumbled to himself. "Can we go now?" He didn't even look at anyone as he walked to stand beside the wagon.

"He is your friend, right?" Kili asked Tauriel.

"He is." She nodded. "And you, will be kind to him."

"Right." Kili sighed and pushed her towards Maryn. The ram, and Bofur's pony were hooked to the wagon, so Bofur would be steering while Tork and several elves who preferred to remain on foot would be walking the distance. The elves who were strong enough to ride, were given horses Fili purchased with gold he got on loan from Krygo who was, as he expected, happy to have his entire force back with minimal injuries.

Fili had promised to send double what he took to Krygo once he got back to Erebor, and Krygo was happy to oblige…giving Fili far more than he expected. Hopefully…his uncle was feeling generous, as Fili fully intended to also send the gold and livestock Kili had mentioned were part of Morythi's original bargain to aid them here to Rhun as a gesture of good will. Perhaps not for debts purposes, but to build upon the friendships they already formed and possibly...secure a deeper alliance in these lands.

With one look back at the Avari elves, Fili pulled himself up onto Elenath behind Viltarra, who had the infant elf strapped to her chest using a wrap gifted to her by an Avari mother. It was similar to her own wraps she had used in Erebor, so Viltarra was happy to accept the small, and very colorful, gift. The two wargs were waiting on either side of the horse; Dungael was still injured but he seemed to be walking well enough so Fili let him be.

From atop Maryn, Kili eyed the large group of elves. It would be slow progress, even with them switching between walking and riding, but Tauriel said it will not take as long as he thinks. Elves, do not tire as quickly as mortals. Both she, Naurfaer, and Legolas reminded him when he had asked how far they could go before needing to rest.

"Be well." Morythi called as they left the city, watching the group go as the white raven circled just above them. Kili nodded and glanced over his shoulder but only saw red…Tauriel's long thick hair impeding his view of the Avari and their city. No matter, it was time to point himself forward. With on hand, he held the reins firmly and with the other, he covered her hands clasped around his waist. The journey will be long, but they were all finally together.

The walk through the baren sands and dried clayed grounds were, unremarkable at best to both Fili and Kili. Though Tauriel seemed to be looking around wide eyed as if it were all new to her. Then again, considering she had been asleep when they had brought her through, this was all new to her.

"I cannot believe there is nothing but those odd trees." Tauriel said. "I am unsure I like it."

"They are palms, starlight." Naurfaer said as he rode beside them, looking at the grove of trees they were passing. It was a strange island among a sea of sands. Yet, no water could be seen.

"I have heard of such things, and they were in that watering hole we were at before we went to battle." Legolas said eyeing the tall skinny trees. "Some types of these trees bare fruit, do they not? I believe Saphyra mentioned it."

"They do indeed…and I think, these just might." Naurfaer said. "I will be right back, keep going." Tauriel watched as her grandfather steered Galaddal towards the tall palms.

"What is he doing, Tauri?" Fili asked when he realized Naurfaer was riding away.

"Do not ask me." Tauriel said to her grumpy looking brother. "I do not control Naurfaer."

"Nobody can." Kili laughed as he watched Tauriel's grandfather jump off the dappled horse and begin climbing the palm. Fili ordered Bofur to keep leading the group of elves ahead as he stopped beside his brothers horse, Tork eyeing them but continuing to walk beside where Nelithi was sleeping as Ivethin tried to get an elf from Lothlorien to hold down some water with Kaowyn's aid. Having two very talented and knowledgeable healers in their party was a gift from the creator.

There was a collective sigh of exasperation from the royal family of Erebor as they watched the elf begin to climb the tall palm…then slide right back down the tree to the sands below before attempting again. Even Hiril huffed a growl as she lay down in the sand while Dungael whimpered and sat, licking his paw as he waited to move again.

"He's not very good at that is he?" Legolas said watching Naurfaer try to climb and fail over and over.

"It appears not which is odd, because I have seen him scale statues inside Erebor to put up yule decorations." Tauriel mumbled watching her grandfather slip to the sand once again. "He likely will keep at it until he gets whatever it is he wants."

"I thought all elves were good at climbing trees." Fili looked to Tauriel and Legolas who both turned matching looks of distaste to him.

"Are all dwarves good at mining?" Legolas asked.

Fili looked to Kili who rolled his eyes. "They could be, if it was something they practiced." Kili finally said, knowing his people were of the earth and IF they chose to mine, they would naturally have an aptitude for it.

"Do you not suppose than, that an elf who has not practiced climbing trees, would be any better at it, than a dwarf who has not practiced mining would be pulling gems and ores from stone?" Legolas folded his arms as he turned his blue eyes to Naurfaer. "I think, he may be trying to get to those green fruits on the tree." He pulled his bow, and aimed. "As entertaining as this is to watch, I really do not wish to be here all day." He released his arrow right into the bundle of fruits and fired, watching as several fell to the ground below. He smirked as one hit Naurfaer right in the head as he had just about made it halfway up the tree.

Naurfaer rubbed the sore spot, looked at the fruits below him, then turned a glare to his now laughing family. Well, Kili and Fili were laughing, neither Viltarra nor Tauriel appeared amused in the least.

When Naurfaer finally made it back over to them, he had six of the fruits cradled in his arms. Though they did not quite look like they did on the tree. Naurfaer had used his mithril blade to remove the outer casing of each, leaving the waste in the grove.

As he passed the round fruit to Legolas and his family, he expertly punched a hole in each one. "I had forgotten how tricky those trees are to climb." He chuckled. "Nothing to really grip." He noticed Tauriel staring at him from where she sat behind Kili, then gestured to the fruit. "Drink it, starlight. It's good." He smiled.

Tauriel eyed the brown sphere in her hand, then, put it to her lips. It was rather refreshing…though the warmth of the liquid was a bit offsetting for her. Still, she drank the entire thing, as did the others. Naurfaer then told them to crack them open, because the best part was the insides.

Tauriel may have been a bit put off by the liquid, but the flesh she enjoyed and even called Umyra down to offer her some, to which the raven eagerly accepted before taking off back into the skies above them.

"See? Coconuts. Quite worth the hassle. I packed a few more to take home for the children and the rest of the family. I also thought Bofur might like to try one."

"Where on earth did you pack them?" Tauriel asked until she noticed the bundle tied to Galaddal. She shook her head and they quickly caught up with the group.

It was a full day of traveling before they finally made it to the city outskirts Fili had come through. Tauriel had her head resting on Kili's shoulder, her arms tight around his waist as she leaned into him. "How far are we from the harbor?"

"Fi?" Kili asked his brother who had his map out. "Got an idea of how long until we reach the docks?"

Fili nodded. "Less than a day. But we need to secure a boat first and I have business in this town."

"Business?" Viltarra asked than rolled her eyes. "Not those blades, Fili!"

"If you don't want to come, stay here. But I am going." Fili folded the map up and sliding out from behind Viltarra who leveled a glare at her husband.

"Do you think we can get a boat in that town?" Legolas asked lifting a brow. "Wouldn't it be more prudent to search for one on the waterway dwarf, where boats ought to be?"

Fili just waved a dismissive hand at the elven prince as he continued towards the city with Dungael limping behind him. Legolas watched him go before he turned to give Tauriel a withering look. "This, is the family you choose? They are, rather illogical, melon."

"It is, melon nin. And I find their impulsive lack of logic to be...amusing. It keeps me on my toes as to say." Tauriel smirked and slid off Maryn, patting her nose on the way by. She was most grateful she opted ask for a pair of riding pants to wear underneath her new dress as without them…this journey would be most uncomfortable.

"Amralime?" Kili whined, ignoring her jab at him and his brother; she knew she was just as impulsive as they were. "Where are YOU going?"

"I want to see the town." Tauriel said as she caught up with Fili. At the Avari city, Ivethin had forced her to sit so she could check over her wounds after she saw Tauriel limping around and could no longer stand it. The elven healer hummed, happy with how well it was sutured, then packed it with herbs that dulled the pain before redressing it tightly, so it barely bothered Tauriel as it was quite numbed. "I have not been here yet, Kili, I want to go."

"As if I have?" Kili grumbled dropping to the ground to follow his wife.

Viltarra sighed deeply and carefully got down off the horse as well. The baby was asleep and she didn't want to wake him because that would mean, he would want more food and Viltarra didn't want to pester Tauriel when she looked so excited to see something new.

Stopping before the entrance of the city, Viltarra shook her head as she realized what town this was.

"What is it?" Legolas asked her, but it was Naurfaer who answered.

"Ah!" The elf said. "The ever-beautiful city of Daureth...Rhun's paradise...if you're a bit on the rugged side and enjoy being constantly on your guard and suspicious of everyone and everything around you. I have not been here, for oh…six hundred years? Give or take."

Viltarra sighed again and re-wrapped the baby to keep it both hidden and protected then patted her leg for Hiril and Dungael to follow, quickly catching up with her husband as they entered the city. This was one city her family always chose to avoid for good reason. Her warg growled as she stayed close to Viltarra, though she kept shaking her head vigorously, likely to shake away the flying insects filling the air around them. Though Dungael who was walking beside Fili seemed unaffected though he did snap at a few larger insects, swallowing any he could catch.

These streets were filthy and infested with Mahal knows what, and the lingering heat caused the air to smell heavily of bodies and animal excrement. It was nothing like the sweet-smelling cities her family preferred to set up shop a bit further west in Rhun…where spices and flowers filled the hot air with alluring fragrances she often missed. This, however, was beyond awful and nearing intolerable.

"You have been here?" Fili asked Naurfaer, ducking around two men carrying pushing a large cart and had to make a quick grab for the dark colored warg at his side before he went for one of the rotten looking hunks of meat hanging from a rolling cart passing by them. If this creature was to remain with them like he seemed to be wanting to do...he will definitely need training once they get back to Erebor.

"Mhm. A for a time." Naurfaer said. "For the distractions Daureth offers in excess. It was after I was told Tauriel…well I didn't know they had chosen Tauriel for her name yet so I suppose that little tidbit would have saved a few…six….centuries of shared misery, but it was when they said she didn't make it. I lost everything that day so, after I went on an orc killing spree again I came to Daureth." He eyed Legolas. "Who did give her that name, by the way? I know Ithildin never suggested it, nor Findyyr."

Legolas glanced at Naurfaer then Tauriel. "The healers." He said. "She had no…well…we had no knowledge of her family and she was completely unbonded, so, they chose to call her the daughter of the forest. It is rare, but when a child is orphaned before getting a name, the healers assign one."

"So, did Ithildin and Findyyr have another name picked out for her then?" Kili asked curiously.

"Mm." Naurfaer hummed. "A few. Findyyr liked the name, Nimloth."

Fili froze causing a woman to curse at him when she nearly collided with him from a side street, but Fili didn't care. He ignored his wife's warning look as he turned sparkling eyes to Tauriel who seemed none to pleased by his expression. "NIMLOTH!?"

"It means, white flowers. Findyyr quite enjoyed working the earth, and his favorite thing to plant for Ithildin, were these fragrant white flowers Ithildin would lay in during the spring. They were called nimloth. He all but begged her to name their unborn daughter after the flower far more times than I can count." Naurfaer chuckled. "But Ithildin hated the name."

"Nimloth." Fili repeated. "You look nothing like a Nimloth to me, little sister."

"Now Ithildin…" Naurfaer interrupted, smiling softly. "Wanted to name you Linaewen; a pool of birds. She used to have a swarm of small swallows who would visit her every day and sing to her. She thought it was fate, and fell in love with the name. I had left before they officially chose so I did not know if she changed her mind and gave in to Findyyr, or if she was able to talk Findyyr into giving up on Nimloth and choose something else entirely. I suppose, that could very well have been your fate, Starlight." His eyes were teasing, knowing the expression on her face meant she clearly did not care for the name whatsoever.

"I think Tauriel suits her just fine." Kili said, lacing their fingers together and kissing their joined hands. "Where exactly are we going Fi?"

Fili scanned the area, then turned and once again began walking through the busy streets until Viltarra grabbed his hand, yanking him back a few steps as she shewed away an elderly looking woman who was like no race he had ever seen before, and even smaller than a hobbit.

"Will you watch your pockets Fili?!" Viltarra hissed as the woman spat curses at the dam for intervening. She seemed completely unafraid of the wargs both baring their teeth at her. Though Fili doubts Dungael understood WHY he was baring his teeth and likely only doing it because Hiril was.

"THE GODS RAIN FIRE UPON YER HEADS, YE HEATHONS!" The woman hissed, waiving her hands wildly in the air before pausing and giving Fili a...as Kili put it...crazy eyed look and holding up her hand expectantly. "Two golds, and I revoke the curse, boy."

"Yes, right. Thank you. I think we'll take our chances with the fire curse." Viltarra muttered steering Fili and their wargs away just as he began reaching into his pocket. He was seriously about to pay her the gold!

"I could have just given her the coin, nunguame." Fili said in surprise. "She really did look like she needed it."

"Yes. You could have." Viltarra lifted a brow. "Then, she would have seen how much you have so she could inform her little company and you would be the target for the entire time you are within the city walls." She rolled her eyes. "Keep what you have out of sight, and one hand on your pocket…all of you. This is no place to be careless, Fili. Beggars, are the same as thieves here. You give them a coin, and they will rob you until you have nothing remaining."

"She's right." Naurfaer said in a warning tone. "Do not be deceived by dirty faces and pleading eyes…they are likely the richest people in this city. Here, begging is their trade, not their lot in life."

"I should have learned that from the first time I was here." Fili sighed, taking Viltarra's hand, then shoving his free hand in the pocket where he had put enough gold to secure a ship if they found someone in the city with one, purchase some food for the trip home, and pay Portok for his blades back. Kili, Viltarra, and even Tauriel had the rest divided among them just in case.

When traveling in a group, always split your gold between those you trust implicitly. His uncle had always drilled into his head. The only reason Naurfaer did not have any gold, was because Tauriel strictly told Fili not to give it to him because he lacked any self control; Naurfaer did not deny it and only smiled broadly.

"Meleth nin, which way did you come by if you did not come through this city?" Tauriel asked Kili as she covertly passed a piece of silver to a child tugging on her dress, whose chocolate eyes reminded her far too much of her Kili, Finli, and Ithtiri. Kili gave her a look, catching what she did, but did not comment on it.

"Viltarra and Naurfaer took us around the cities thinking it best we push through. We only stopped when we ran out of food, but were fortunate enough to have come across that traveling stand and not have to delay our travels by going into a city." Kili lifted a brow when the little girl who Tauriel gave the coin to moments ago, came running back to her with what appeared to be a younger sibling who also now tugged on both Tauriel's skirts, and her heartstrings. His wife, unsurprisingly, gave the second child a coin as well.

"I told you not to do that." Viltarra said watching as Tauriel was suddenly surrounded by children tugging and pulling at the fabric of her draped travel dress.

"But they are children!" Tauriel said, pulling a few more coins from her hidden pocket and passing them out. "I have nothing left to give now. Please use it to buy some food." The children continued to plead for more, and Tauriel let out a gasp when one bumped her leg, the wound though mostly numb, was still sensitive to jarring.

"Enough!" Kili said, not at all feeling comfortable with the swarm of children surrounding them and a little angry they hurt his Tauriel. Several had manage to get a few of the gold beads in her braids the Avari children had put in, and Kili caught the hand of one dipping into Tauriel's pocket and gently pushed the little child away from his wife. He felt terrible, as he was clearly a human boy who couldn't be no more than four and was nothing but skin and bones. Though Kili could not verify he was in fact that young, as he always had difficulty figuring age as a four year old dwarfling, was not the same as a four year old human. "I wouldn't do that if I were you." Kili warned in his best fatherly voice.

"Let them be, meleth nin." Tauriel said. "Go on, children. There is nothing I can give you and targeting us, is a foolish endeavor." She stood straight, and the children realized she was well armed, going by the twin blades on her back and her daggers at her hips Kili had recovered and brought for her. Dress or not, she refused to go without her weapons. Though she wished she had her bow which Kili did not bring.

Tauriel eyed the children one last time before reaching into the small bag at her side that contained no money, but did contain some food. She pulled out some of the Avari waybread from the satchel and held it out. "I do not have coin, but here is some food." She then tried to hand it to the children, but it did not have the response she expected as they immediately startled when seeing it.

"CURSED BREAD!" One of the children yelled out as the group immediately backed away and scattered.

"Well, that was curious." Legolas said watching them go as Tauriel made certain the four beeds she cherished were still in her hair. She made sure to hide them by pushing those braids out of sight.

"Most races in this part of the world, stay far away from the Avari." Naurfaer shook his head. "You saw how they were with each other. We are lucky we ourselves were not killed on the spot."

"Rubbish." Viltarra rolled her eyes. "If you trade with them, and respect their boundaries, they leave you alone."

"Try telling these people that." Naurfaer chuckled. "Truly, I think the Avari just like their privacy. There is a reason their ways are shrouded in mystery across the west. They want it that way."

"They do appear to prefer being cut off from local society." Legolas said.

"Says the prince whose father is the king of self-seclusion." Naurfaer smirked.

However, Legolas just smiled in response. "He does what he thinks is best and most of the time, he is correct." The elven prince looked at Tauriel who glanced his way, with a look of hurt in her eyes. "Most of the time melon nin. I do not agree with everything he does or has done. Though he may not admit it outright, even he knows he has made mistakes."

"Who can say they haven't?" Fili offered. "The fact that he is trying to rectify them, shows his true nature in my opinion. He has made a point to support us and Dale when the need came on more than one occasion, so I think he has more than made up for what happened when Smaug attacked Erebor and Dale."

Kili, however, disagreed, though he kept his opinion to himself. He will never be able to forgive Thranduil for denying the one thing Tauriel ever truly wanted, to belong to a family. It was in no way an unreasonable thing for a person to want, and in Kili's opinion, it was well within his means to give her; yet, he instead made it clear that she was no more than a ward he benevolently took under his wing. Kili will never forget what he did to her no matter how much support he offers, or how much good he does in their alliance. Never.

When the group finally made it to one of the outdoor market districts of the town, every one of them in the group, at some point by now, had had little and big hands trying to get into their pockets. Legolas nearly drew his swords on a woman who attempted to, unwisely, remove his bow and Tauriel did shove a man against the wall for grasping her dagger, then stupidly placing a hand on the curve of her bottom and asking her if she would be willing to duck into an alleyway with him.

Both Naurfaer and Legolas had to hold Kili back, but it was unnecessary as Tauriel's threat to remove his manhood with her blade directed at the aforementioned appendage, had the man literally wetting himself before scurrying off.

"I still want to kill him." Kili grumbled while taking Tauriel's hand after she replaced her blade. She just pecked him on the side of the head, smiled, and they continued on their way.

One very brave or equally stupid very small man with rather large ears and a thick beard who was maybe half of Kili's height had attempted to get a piece of Hiril's mithril armor…but one look at her bared sharp teeth directed right at him had the small being racing away.

Tauriel did wonder if this town had any laws at all as she has not seen so much as one guard in the city. Maybe it was a city without law; the people only being held in check by those able to outwit and outcon them. There were, however, actual guards in the marketplace though; not many, but enough to keep an eye on things. Perhaps, the market was one area in the city where some kind of honesty was required. Though it was far more likely that the businesses paid a heavy fee to have protectors of their wares in a place where thievery was as commonplace as tall trees were in the greenwood.

"Just over there." Fili called over his shoulder as he made his way to a larger stand with a forge billowing smoke through a stone chimney built at the center of the wood and canvas stand. Tauriel wondered just how safe it was to have so much heat around flammable materials…but who was she to judge when their forges are in an enclosed mountain?

As they walked over, a portly but kind looking dwarf smiled at Fili; a few of his teeth missing and his face darkened from the fires he worked so close to. Not all dwarves who forged were fortunate and privileged to work with furnaces as well made and ventilated as both Thorin's had been in Ered Luin, and the family forge in the marketplace in Erebor was. Still, in a place filled with thieves, this was a very welcome sight.

"Aye there, Prince Fili. Yeh said yeh were comin' back. No' gonna lie and tell yeh I was no' concerned about yeh goin' off into the sands on yer own." He grasped Fili's hand over the counter. "An how faired yer journey?"

Fili smiled wide and gestured to the group behind him. "Very successful. May I introduce my family; my wife, Viltarra, my brother Kili and his wife Tauriel; Tauriel's grandfather Naurfaer, and our….friend?" Fili asked Legolas who lifted a brow. "…ya, friend I guess, Prince Legolas of the woodland realm. He's also kind of like Tauriel's really boring elder brother who can be a real stick in the tar if you annoy him. They are not related by the way." HE leaned in close. "We all know that I am the FAVORITE elder brother though."

"I am five hundred years older than you, Fili. Wouldn't that make you my YOUNGER brother?" Tauriel hummed in a teasing tone.

Fili folded his arms. "Sure, in elven years. But in DWARVEN years, you are probably younger than Kili."

"The way you justify age differences is puzzling, dwarf." Legolas said shaking his head.

Fili shrugged. "Yes, well, the way you lot don't consider a person to be of age until they are a thousand years old, despite them being physically mature at what…one hundred? Is a bit cruel."

"Cruel?" Naurfaer asked. "I disagree."

"As do I." Legolas agreed. "Is not a dwarf considered a child until they see seventy-five full years? A human who is an adult at eighteen would say the same as you do about the eldar…age is merely, relative."

Naurfaer nodded. "Human life is brief, so adulthood comes early; dwarves are long lived, so adulthood at seventy-five is reasonable, and for a species who sees thousands upon thousands of years of life, one thousand years to be considered an adult is not an unfair standard to hold."

"Right…" Fili said rolling his eyes. "…welcome to day-to-day life with my family." Fili said turning back to the amused looked dwarf before nodding to the group behind him. "Family…and Legolas…this is Portok who was kind enough to exchange some coin for my blades and a map of the region."

"You have no idea how difficult that was for him, giving those up." Kili said with a smirk. "My brother loves only two things more than his blades…his wife…and his daughters. I think his weapons come even before me."

"They do, little brother, but not before mam and Tauriel." Fili said with a bright smile. Tauriel grinned widely while Kili huffed.

"The lady Tauriel." Portok said coming around the stand. "Yeh did bring her! Been wishin' ta meet ya since me nephew came back from Erebor with stories of an elf bearing Aule's mark. Though' about goin' meself to see both the lonely mountain in its glory, an' the elf at its center. It is an honor, lady Tauriel." He bowed his head. "An' an honor ta meet our next queen as well." Portok looked to Viltarra who was swaying in place to keep the infant strapped to her chest asleep. "Durin's folk are known ta be fierce an' intimidatin' on their best days, so it takes a certain type ta catch one's eye. Ya must be some dam ta turn his head."

"Oh she is." Fili said, pressing a kiss to Viltarra's temple. "My Viltarra is extraordinary; a protector whose fiercely loyal, courageous to a fault, and far more brilliant than I can be. She will never give up on you and stands by your side no matter the foe you face. I could not ask for more from the dam that I love and choose to rule beside me."

Viltarra's cheeks grew a bit red, but she smiled wide. "I am only who I am, because you and your family gave me something to want to protect and stand beside." She took and squeezed Fili's hand then looked to the wares on the stand, her eye falling on a set of small throwing blades. The hilt of each had a warg carved from wood and the blade had runes all the way down to the tip. She immediately picked up one from the set of three; dropping Fili's hand to inspect it closely.

"Ah, I see the lady has an affinity fer blades as well." Portok laughed. "Well matched you are then." He winked and Fili smiled proudly. "I will let yeh look at those, don' hesitate ta throw one at any pick pocketin' gnomes yeh see. Nasty little race they are."

"Gnomes?" Tauriel asked in surprise. "Truly?"

"Indeed my lady. Streets are crawlin' with the riffraff. Smaller than hobbits they are, an' live in deep underground hives in these parts. There's a hive jus' outside the city a few miles away. No' evil like the followers of Mordor. Bu' spiteful, vengeful, little sods who 'ave a love fer anythin' tha' shines. Worse than a dragon they can be. An' they bite too."

"Are we still talking about gnomes, or did we switch to dwarves at some point?" Legolas asked folding his arms.

Tauriel gave him a warning look but Portok just laughed. "Aye lad. I s'pose we do like our gold. Bu' there are three races yeh don' wan' to find yerself surrounded by. The fae, the merfolk, an' the gnomes."

"Melon, he has spent too long in the heat." Legolas whispered for only Tauriel to hear. "Merfolk? Gnomes? there are no such races recorded in our libraries."

Tauriel shrugged. "Try not to judge too harshly melon nin, all we know of the world, is what we have read and seen in our own city and lands. There is much we have never beheld in places such as these, so perhaps something of those sorts can be found in Arda. I am rather curious if Erebor has any mentions of such races in our libraries. I shall make a point to ask Ori for such texts when I return. Personally, I would think it rather boring if the creators only made four races...just because we have not heard their stories does not mean they do not exist."

"Very true starlight." Naurfaer hummed rocking on his toes. "There are many races in Arda still yet to be named in common or other tongues. In fact, hobbits...were only discovered relatively recently. Their ancestry was known, but the hobbits that dwell in the shire, such as our dear friend Bilbo, are on the newer side in comparison to the eldar and the dwarves."

"Have YOU seen fae and merfolk?" Legolas asked lifting a brow in disbelief.

Naurfaer shrugged. "If I have, would you believe me?" He gave the prince a Mirkwood a mysterious smile causing Legolas to just narrow his eyes at the red-headed elf.

"Alright, that will do." Tauriel said in her most motherly tone, more for Legolas's sake than Naurfaer's.

When Tauriel turned back, Portok was handing Fili his blades while Fili shoved more gold than even she expected into the dwarves hands, doing so in a way outsiders could not see so he would not be targeted for robbery. "For my blades, and my gratitude. Without that map, I would have been lost for certain."

"Yer my prince." Portok said honestly. "It is me duty to help yeh. Bu' I will never say no ta gold. Thank yeh. Truly. If there were anythin' else I can do?"

Fili handed Portok yet another few gold coins and gestured to the throwing daggers Viltarra was still admiring. "We will take those as well." Portok chuckled, bowed, and said, "O' course, they are yers. Feel free teh pick any leather sheeth ya want for em."

"Any idea where we can secure a ship?" Naurfaer asked, swatting a large spider off the display counter to the ground, which Hiril promptly ate. Dungael turned his nose, sniffing the ground where the spider once was, then whined when he realized he missed out on a snack. But his whimpers went ignored for the time being.

"A ship?" Portok asked, running his hand through his beard. "No. Can't say I know anyone with one o' those nor deals with em either. The harbors more than a day's walk west, an' tha' one is said teh be seedier than this place. Yeh go' raven by chance? Migh' do teh have it look ahead of yeh if ya do. Sometimes, the harbor is deserted, bu' other times...it is crawlin' with the worst o' filth."

Fili smiled wide. "We do have a raven in fact. Tauri?"

Tauriel lifted a brow then let out a unique, three noted whistle meant just for Kaw and Umyra. Of course Kaw was still flying to Erebor, but Umyra…not seconds after Tauriel let the sound out…was soaring down and landing on Kili's shoulder.

"A white raven!" Portok muttered in awe not able to take his eyes off the stark white creature with blue eyes. Umyra's mithril armor caught the sun and shined as she sat tugging at Kili's braids. "Mahal, father of our people, truly chooses you ta send such an omen yer way."

"I don't follow." Kili said pushing Umyra's beak away from where it was nipping a bit too hard on his ear. "White ravens are uncommon, but as far as I can remember they don't mean anything."

"In the west, maybe not." Portok said. "Bu' in the east, they are a symbol of choosin' right. When a white raven flies across yer path, yer goin' the right way, the makers way. A sign of both fortune and great success is in yer future."

"I thought the saying was if a black cat crossing your path, it is bad luck...unless you are part of the human city of Bree; they believe it is a black goat crossing your path that brings good fortune and a hearty years crop, or so I have been told." Naurfaer hummed. "I have never heard of a white raven being good luck."

"Aye. Very good luck." Portok said, reaching a hand towards the blue eyed raven who turned her attention from Kili to the strange dwarf in front of her. Umyra immediately leaned towards his hand, then, bit him so hard blood immediately began to drip to the dusty street. "Well, still's a raven I suppose." Portok chuckled shaking out his hand.

"I am so sorry, you will have to forgive Umyra. She's never been fully tame." Tauriel said as Portok grabbed a rag to stop the bleeding while Umyra bobbed on Kili's shoulder before trying to hide her head in his thick hair.

"No need to apologize meh lady elf, I should 'ave known." Portok waived her off. "Still a beautiful bird though. I apologize if I upset her."

Kili smiled and scratched Umyra on the head. "She's fine." He said. "She just has never liked approaching hands she doesn't know." The raven cooed in Kili's ear before she went back to preening his loose curls until Kili gave her an order to search the coast and harbor as Portok suggested. With a nuzzle of her head against Kili's beard, Umyra spread her wings and took back to the sky.

"Magnificent bird." Portok breathed in awe.

"Only when she is in a good mood." Kili chuckled. "We better go. Bofur is pushing ahead but we really shouldn't let them get too far without a true heading."

Fili nodded in agreement as he handed the map back to Portok. "This is a family heirloom; it belongs back with you." He said with a grateful smile. "I cannot thank you enough Portok. If you ever come to Erebor, do not hesitate to call for me. It would be an honor to see you in our halls."

"The honor would be mine, Prince Fili." Portok said with a bow his head. He shook each of their hands as they moved away from the stand and back into the busy streets.

As they headed for the horses, Tauriel could see her grandfather's roaming eyes searching the streets constantly, but it wasn't until they got back to the horses that he sighed muttering how he wished he had gotten to get a good look at the supposed gnomes before leaving. He was more than sure the old woman who tried to curse Fili was a gnome now that he thought back on it. She had to be.

Legolas said he could just go find the hive since it allegedly was not far from the city according to the dwarf, but Naurfaer shrugged. "Another time, perhaps. I think I would rather get back home."

Tauriel had to smile at that; at how Naurfaer, an elf who has spent nearly his entire life wondering and discovering, would give up a chance to investigate a race he knew little about just to get home faster. She kept the smile to herself as she pulled herself up behind her Kili, tightening her arms around his waist as she buried her head in his neck when he pushed Maryn into a swift trot to catch up with the traveling elves, Bofur, and Tork.

Tauriel did laugh when she heard Fili arguing with Legolas when the elven prince asked how Fili thought they could ever secure a boat in a city with no water whatsoever. It was amusing to listen to their back-and-forth banter...Legolas's soft down-to-earth logic with Fili's stubborn optimism made for optimal entertainment. Neither was angry, but to hear their circling argument that would likely never have an end, was far more entertaining than it should have been. Within a few miles, Viltarra, Tauriel and Kili were all shaking with barley constrained laughter while Naurfaer tried to make it worse by butting in and aiding both sides evenly.

It was nightfall when they reached the group who were still pushing forward. What was the point with stopping when so many just wanted to get back to their homes?

There was some course corrections that had to be made to get to the new heading once Umyra returned and alerted them to gathering groups at the harbor ahead. A harbor filled with humans and orcs now that the sun had set many hours ago and the dark, star-filled sky hung over them.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Tork asked the small group about to turn away.

Tauriel stiffened, then nodded. "Enough is enough, Tork." He didn't say anything in response as he watched the group once again break off leaving Bofur to continue leading the larger group who were following at a slightly slower pace. Though some of the elven guards from both Lothlorien and Mirkwood seemed to want to come and help, Legolas told them to stay and protect those who could not protect themselves. Especially considering very few of them had weapons.

"Does that bother you that they left you behind?" Tork asked Bofur who shrugged.

"No." The hatted dwarf said with a grin from where he sat stearing the ram and pony. "I am sure they can handle it jus' fine."

"And you take orders from them?" Tork asked, raising a brow.

Again, Bofur shrugged. "Course. They are the royal family, and I am sworn ta protect them jus' as I am sworn ta follow their lead. If they were doin' somethin' stupid...I might be tempted ta go peek in on 'em an help out a bit...bu' from what Fili said, the docks they are headed fer are no' much ta look at so I doubt it will take many te clear the area."

"Maybe we should send more help. Tauriel can be rather impulsive and seems to lack the ability to know when she is in over her head." Ivethin added from where she currently walked beside the cart. She felt the need to stretch her legs and Kaowyn happily took to keeping those in the wagon comfortable.

Nelithi nodded her own agreement allowing Kaowyn to help her sit up. "I do remember when she left the greenwood so suddenly. There were rumors why she did, many rather awful ones started by those who where supposed to support her." Some of the elves walking turned away, knowing full well she was talking about them and their awful words they had said about Tauriel. "Have any of you apologized to the one elf who has aided in saving your lives? Or are you still too proud to accept her fully even though she has proven herself more than worthy of all of your respects?"

Nelithi closed her eyes when another phantom pain rippled through her body. She felt Tork's hand pull up the furs he had placed over her and she gave him a soft smile when he stepped away from where he had leaned over the side of the wagon to reach her.

"Fierce, and courageous. That is our captain Tauriel." Nelithi continued after the pain subsided.

"Titles she quite has earned; I may add she is rather admirable, loyal, and honorable as well." Ivethin agreed.

"I do not feel it is correct that you place Tauriel on a pedestal. She was caught and brought in no differently than we were. We owe the Avari for our rescue…and I suppose those dwarven princes and their army. Not, Tauriel." Gildor, one of the elven guards from Mirkwood who had always been vocally unfond of Tauriel, said in a calm voice.

"First off, Gildor…" Nelithi spat. "…Tauriel was the only reason Princes Kili and Fili were even able to find us."

"And if you knew our Tauriel as you should since you trained with her…" Ivethin said to the guard. "…you would know it was far more likely that she allowed herself to be caught, than the alternative. She told Nelithi and I she had planned to find us whatever that took, and being caught was a way to get to wherever they took us far faster than any other way."

"Your claims make little sense." Gildor argued. "What was the point of being caught when she was stuck here like us when she arrived? She was imprisoned no differently than we were Ivethin. I do not understand your fondness for her, nor yours Nelithi. She is no better than we are, in fact I would go so say she is quite contrary in many ways to us...and not to her benefit."

"Tauriel is not like us, Gildor." Ivethin said patiently. "She has never been like us, and that is what makes her extraordinary in my opinion...not contrary. And, not that it is any of your business, nor anyone's for that matter, but Tauriel shares a deep mental bond with Prince Kili. Wherever she goes, he will find her. So it was quite brilliant of her to let herself be taken, as it led her mate right to us."

"The Avari found us." Gildor continued to argue.

"Actually laddie, Fili and Kili where the ones ta ge' those Avari elves involved. If Tauri did no' get taken...yeh would likely still be in that place." Bofur looked the elf up and down from where he sat on the wagon. "An' Tauri, is a lady of Erebor. Yeh will curve yer tongue about 'er if I were you. I am a patient dwarf, bu' Kili...e' can be right vengeful if 'e 'eard yeh speakin' ill of Tauriel. An' the king under the mountain...she's a daughter to 'im. Mind yer words and yer thoughts or yeh may find yerself with an axe at yer head."

"Is that a threat dwarf?" Gildor said with warning in his tone.

"A threat?" Bofur said, his brows raising. "Oh, no no no lad, no' a threat at all." He gave the elf a smile. "It's a fact an' a promise. Tauri is one of us, an' we will protect her. Both 'er life, an 'er honor. Tha' includes me. I won' be havin' yeh soil her name any longer...or it will be my own axe coming for ya."

"Gildor, I think you can keep your thoughts silent." Ivethin said with authority. "And I will be speaking our king Thranduil about your tone in regards to the one who should be honored, praised, and celebrated today."

"And I will be talking to Galloron." Nelithi added. "He should like to hear how the one who has been begging for a place among the captains, cannot find even an ounce of respect for one of his own former captains who saved his life this week."

Gildor ground his jaw, then pressed forward with his lips wisely sealed.

Nelithi stiffened again as pain rocked her body, then she decided to lay back and just watch the stars above her pass. "I wish I could go help Tauriel." She said before she closed her eyes to rest.

Tork eyed her, than grumbled something before walking away. "Where yeh goin? They said ta stay together!" Bofur called to the large being.

"To help!" Tork said and began to run.

Bofur just shook his head, glancing at the dozen resting elves, including Nelithi, in the cart before peering down at Ivethin who was still walking with her hand resting on the side of the cart where Nelithi lay now asleep. "Seems we go' another stubborn one on our hands, Ivethin."

"Seems so." Ivethin smiled. "But I think...it was more his fondness for another that had him going." She said looking to Nelithi.

A few miles away, Kili was leaning against a stone wall that stood lining the small, and clearly private, harbor. He glanced at his brother and Naurfaer who had their eyes fixed ahead at the dancing flame spinning and whirling not a few yards away. "Are you sure..."

"Kili, she said she will turn us all into eunuchs if we interfered before she needed us to. Besides, she looks to be handling it just fine." Fili said eyeing his brother while patting Hiril who was sitting with her tail wagging beside him. Dungael was on the ground contently gnawing on some poor creature he caught, ignoring both those around him and the fight in favor of his small meal. "And, just because I cannot father any more dwarflings, does not mean that I am not rather fond of my great Warhammer, Ki. And Tauri...has never been one to make threats she will not see through."

"Warhammer?" Legolas said, blinking at Fili though he kept the dancing eleth in his peripheral vision...just in case. "Is that what you call it?"

"It is, actually." Viltarra said, rolling her eyes from where she sat far back with the horses. Fili wanted her to stay with Bofur, but she said she was coming and was currently still atop Elenath with the infant. Besides, who was Fili to argue when he really didn't want to be away from her either; she promised she wouldn't be joining the fight so he was fine with it. Viltarra chuckled. "And I am rather fond of it too, so let Tauriel be."

A clank of swords had the group turning back as Tauriel used her good leg to pivot as her elbow slammed into the human guards chest. When the guard unwisely attempted to strike back at her, he found her dagger in his gut. Both Kili and Fili winced as her blades gutted yet another guard who ran at her. It really was turning into quite the one sided bloodbath.

"They should have left with the other deserters...they brought this on themselves." Naurfaer said nonchalantly as he continued picking his nails with one of his smaller blades while humming softly to himself.

When they arrived, the place was swarming with both orcs and guards bearing the armor of Mordor; the same armor they wore in that compound. Tauriel was seething, having felt rested enough to get some revenge on those who dragged her and many innocent elves through this very harbor. No more, she had told her family and sternly requested she be allowed some retribution for all those elves who lost their lives...including Lorilyn...because of these vile creatures. When Legolas stepped in to help, Tauriel flashed him a warning saying this was her fight. But she did take his bow and arrows as she moved silently towards the bustling men and orcs who had no idea of the danger that comes with an infuriated Tauriel.

There were no hybrids here...which surprised the group as there was a boat docked at the harbor that appeared to have only just arrived. Naurfaer had wondered if they had left to join their sisters quietly, as there was no sign they rebelled through battle or carnage. Really, going by the way the guards and orcs were unloading crates, it appeared to be business as normal; and by the looks of the wagons at the opening in the wall...it looked as if more elves are in that ship meant to be taken to the compound...so they must not have gotten the message that the compound was destroyed.

Tauriel was slashing down yet another orc when a large shadow fell over Fili who looked up to see Tork looking from them, to the lone fighting Tauriel. "You're letting her fight alone!? She's injured!"

Fili shrugged. "She's doing fine, and she threatened our manhood if we interfered. She will be in a right mood if you try to take this from her, so I would keep back if I were you. We will join when she needs help."

"And you are alright with this?" Tork asked Kili, Tauriel's supposed husband and mate.

Kili's dark eyes glared at Tork. "I do not make decisions for my wife, she is her own person. That being said, no, I am not alright with this, but I'll honor her request."

"Admirable." Tork grunted as he turned to watched the dancing eleth take down yet another orc while a group of humans gave up and just ran from her singing blades...some even jumping into the river to dodge one of her rapidly drawn arrows. It was an impressive fight to see from an eleth who Tork knew, was injured. She somehow, was going from firing a bow, to wielding her blades faster than a blink of an eye. "Maybe, I SHOULD have let her fight her way out of that compound. I think she may have won if she had those weapons sooner."

Kili only glared further at the large being whose eyes were fixed on the eleth. "As lovely as it is that you have such confidence in my wife's abilities...I would have rather her not have faced that alone. I don't like that she is doing THIS alone either."

"Kili is biting at the bit to fight." Naurfaer chuckled. "All in due time, sion. How is she doing?"

Kili sighed. "Well, considering my calf is burning like I jammed it into the fire in the hottest forge in Erebor, I would say she is in pain. But mentally, she is still rather heated."

"Amralime, I want to go home. Can we join now so we can be done with this? You have killed enough love, leave some for the rest of us." Kili whined to his wife through their connection when Tork took up a spot beside Naurfaer to watch. The eleth took a second to glance over her shoulder at Kili, giving him a warning look before going back to her battle, though she did shoot him a rather exasperated. "Fine."

Kili jumped off the wall and ran instantly ran into battle, his sword already piercing an orc before the others even realized what was going on.

"I think that is our okay to join." Fili said shaking his head at his brother's haste to join the fight. Not that there was much fight left. Most of the human guards have taken to fleeing, and Tauriel was picking off orcs left and right. Even as Kili was about to decapitate one, Tauriel shot an arrow in its chest causing Kili to pout.

"That was mine!" He huffed to her but she just ignored him as she ran for another group of orcs now attacking Fili.

It did not take long for the harbor to be cleared completely, in fact, Legolas had thrown his sword into the last orc as Bofur pulled to a stop beside Viltarra who had been randomly flinging blades at the few orcs who tried to attack her family from the shadows. She couldn't very well join the fight with an infant not a few days old strapped to her chest, so she did what she could from where she sat atop Elenath. Even Hiril had joined the skirmish, though Dungael was still ignoring the fight in favor of his meal.

"How fairs the battle?" Bofur asked as the elven guards began to surround the area. Only a few of them had weapons they had acquired during the battle in the compound. Most remained weaponless.

"About over." Viltarra hummed watching as Fili lectured Tauriel about how unfair it was that SHE got to kill the enemy who took HIM as well. AND HE had to be awake on that…boat…which he was about to be forced on again while she got to sleep through it. Not to mention HE was her elder brother, he didn't care if she was 6oo hundred and something years old, she was still his little sister. Also, HE was crowned prince which trumps mother of future crowned prince so he was the one to call the shots…not her.

"Looks ta me like its a family battle now." Bofur chuckled. "Who do yeh think will win that?" He gestured to Tauriel and Fili.

"Neither." Viltarra sighed. "They are both stubborn, so they will continue to argue until Kili or I interrupt."

Just as she said that, Kili shook his head and pointed to the boat where Legolas and Naurfaer were already searching for more guards, and possibly passengers. The elves of Mirkwood and Lothlorien soon followed.

"I think it's safe for us to go down there." Viltarra said, kicking Elenath into a trot towards the boat and jumping off at the end of the dock where she joined her sister. "Are you alright, Tauriel?"

Tauriel looked over at Viltarra who gave her a look of concern. "Yes." She said in a clipped tone, then sighed and apologized. "I am well enough muinthel. I just want to go home."

"WE FOUND SOME!" Fili called from the boat.

Tauriel ground her jaw, then walked, well more limped, onto the ship where she saw Fili surrounded by some of the eldar who were checking over the elves none of them recognized. "They appear to be from another clan, because they certainly are not from Mirkwood." One of the guards said.

"Not from Lothlorien either." Kaowyn added as she stepped away from a group of guards from Lothlorien to get a look.

Tauriel eyed the honey-toned skin of the elves, and the deep ebony hair. "I wonder if they are from Harad."

Ivethin pushed herself through, gingerly kneeling over the crate beside Kaowyn and began helping to check the vitals of the many elves inside. "They are safe now." She said standing with Tauriel's help. "We will take them with us, and when they awake in a few days, we will find where they are from and send them home."

As if she were their leader, the guards of Mirkwood and Lothlorien nodded and worked to make the unconscious elves more comfortable for their journey; they likely will not be waking until they are nearing the elven city.

"At least we don't have to purchase a ship." Viltarra hummed as she stepped aboard. "Plenty big to move us all, but does anyone know how to sail a ship this size?"

Silence filled the air. The elves of Mirkwood were forest elves, not water elves. And the not one of the dwarves of Erebor knew anything about ships…small personal boats yes…but large ships? They were much more complicated to maneuver…especially in waters like these where you have be wary of the shallower parts of the river.

"I can do it." Tork said.

"And many of us can help. We sail many a ship on the river." Kaowyn volunteered calling orders out to the guards from her city to begin get the ship ready to turn.

"I can help too." Naurfaer added. "I know ships quite well actually…PULL THE ANCHOR!" The elf turned to the two royal princes and pointed to a chain on the side of the ship. "It's just beside you, turn the wheel and it will come up."

Kili rolled his eyes "I know what an anchor is, Naurfaer. But don't you think we should plot some kind of course first?"

"No need. Once we head south a bit, we just take the bend to the river that leads to Lothlorien...should be pretty easy and straightforward, I know which one to take. All we got to do is turn this thing around, and we can be on our way home." Narufaer smiled and patted Kili on the shoulder. "We will be going up stream though, until we get to where the river diverges into the forest river. So we will need to get those oars below manned until we can get wind in that sail." He added apologetically. "Fortunately for us, the wind is moving in our favor so we should only need minimal rowing power."

"We will power the ship." Several guards from Mirkwood and Lothlorien quickly volunteered. They went below with a team and once everyone and all the horses were onboard, Kili and Fili brought the anchor up and Bofur removed the ramp leading to the doc and the ship began to move.

Fili hummed as he looked out across the dark harbor than paused when he saw Dungael still gnawing on his meal where they left him. For some reason, a deep sense of sadness filled him. Why...he did not know. This is where that wild animal belonged, but then again, Mahal said through Tauriel that he desired to stay with them.

"What are you looking at, Fili?" Viltarra asked then noticed the warg still on the shore. "Dungael is not on the ship?!" She leaned forward, one hand on the baby, as she peered into the darkness.

"We should let him be. He is a wild creature, nunguame." Fili sighed.

"He belongs with us, Fili."

Sighing again, Fili nodded and gave a whistle. Of course, it did nothing as the warg kept chewing away. "HEY!" Fili tried, yelling out. By now, the ship was slowly turning which forced Fili to have to walk the railing. "DUNGAEL!" He finally yelled which had the warg lifting its head and standing as if it only now just realized it was being left behind.

To Filis surprise, the warg began to whine as it hobbled to the dock, then pace when it realized it was too far from the ship to get on. "For the love of Mahal..." Fili grumbled as he looked around and grabbed a rope, securing it to the railing.

"What are you doing, Fili?!" Viltarra asked as he gripped the rope and checked the knot.

"I...am going to get him since he clearly can't jump it." He grumbled, and without another word or further explanation, he leapt over the side of the ship and into the river water.

"FILI!" Kili yelled out just seeing his brother dive into the water. "STOP THE SHIP!" He ordered abruptly causing many of the elves to stop what they were doing and begin searching for a way to rescue the prince they thought fell overboard.

"Whats going on?" Naurfaer ran over, then he sighed and folded his arms as he watched the crowned prince of Erebor swimming and pulling himself up on the dock before grabbing the warg who was young...but still larger than a standard dog. However, Fili was a dwarf, so he was strong and easily held the warg as he looked from the dock to the ship before once again, jumping into the water.

"PULL HIM UP!" Kili ordered already grabbing the rope to help pull his brother through the calm but deep river with the warg only half struggling in Fili's grasp; Bofur instantly jumping in behind Kili to help pull.

With a bit of help from Naurfaer, Legolas, and several elves, they were able to hoist the now soaked dwarf and warg up and onto the deck of the ship where Fili flopped onto his back and groaned. "Stupid animal." He muttered even as Dungael stood and began licking his face.

"NOT AN INVITATION, DUNGAEL!" He tried to swat the animal away but had to sit up before he would move. A rough linen blanket landed in his lap and Fili looked up to his sister who was smirking at him.

"It is still warm, but you should dry yourself so you do not get ill, muindor."

"Oh believe me little sister, once this ship gets moving...I will be ill regardless." Fili moaned as the elves around him went back to work getting the ship moving. "You, are just one big mass of trouble. And what kind of wild animal are you anyway? I am beginning to think you are more just a stray pup than an untamed beast." He huffed scratching Dungael who began licking the water off his own fur. It was only a moment later when Hiril came over and began grooming him herself. Well...at least they mostly get along.

With the ship once again moving and Kili busy helping to try and get the sails unknotted, Tauriel stood on the deck eyeing the dock as the they began to pull away from the harbor. She felt someone stand beside her and glanced to see Legolas watching the docks as well.

"I never thought I would see this part of the world." The elven prince said, his eyes trained on the shadowed palm trees and sands that surrounded the small harbor. "I thought I would be forced to remain in Mirkwood until my father ordered otherwise. Maybe I would see bordering lands if we were drawn into war, but, I was ready to stay in our city and fulfill my duty as my father's only son. Then, you came along with your sense of adventure and desire to reach the stars." He glanced at Tauriel who lifted her green eyes to him. "And suddenly, Mirkwood seems too small to contain me."

"There was safety, in Thranduil's old ways. Keeping the walls up, and the enemy out." Tauriel said thoughtfully and a bit bitterly. "But that safety would have been nothing more than a temporary illusion. We would have been fish caught in a shallow pool. Safe for the moment, until the water around us slowly evaporates while we were left unable to fight and cut off from our source of life. If Thranduil keeps his walls closed, he is safe for the moment, but when the shadows begin to truly fall…who will he have to help protect his people? We need to build our allied forces, Melon. What we saw here…was only a fraction of what is to come."

"I agree." Legolas said. "And I think he does now as well." He looked to the sky and smiled softly. "I think, I would like to see more of middle earth, more of our clans, and more of those mountains you love so much now, melon nin." Legolas glanced at Tauriel who chuckled before he looked back up to the night sky. "So many new stars to see as well."

Tauriel lifted her eyes to the heavens, nodding. But it was when Kili's hand slipped into hers, that true peace filled her.

"Always the stars with you wood elves." Kili chuckled as he eyed the glowing orbs above them. "I think the sight from the raven room is far superior to this, but, it still is one of the most beautiful sights I ever beheld." Tauriel glanced at her husband who was not looking at the sky but at her instead when he spoke. "My own beautiful star." He whispered and squeezed her hand.

"Ki, Naurfaer said we will be sailing for a few days." Fili said. He had somehow found a dry tunic that only just fit him, and was holding the infant elf in his arms. "Oh...and Tauri…do you think you can?" He held out the bladder they had been using to feed the newborn up and Tauriel smiled and nodded. She kissed Kili on the head and went to find a private area.

"Fi…" Kili said eyeing the infant and asking once again, "…we really need to decide what the plan is with him." He gestured to the infant and Fili shrugged.

"We have to stop in Lothlorien to help some of the more injured elves back. I was going to see if you can send Umyra ahead to let them know we are coming." Fili glanced up at the white raven who was perched on one of the sails Tork was pulling down and prepping. He felt the boat begin to sway as it settled on course and his stomach instantly began to roll. "I hate ships."

Bofur, it appeared, shared the sentiment as he grumbled and planted himself on the deck floor. But Kili was smiling and patting his brother on the shoulder. "Come on Fi, it's just a big boat."

"Don't remind me." Fili grunted.

"The baby?" Ki hedged again.

"I talked to Ivethin a bit about him, and she agreed Lothlorien may be a good place for him to reside." Fili leaned back against the mast.

"What about Mirkwood?" Legolas suggested.

"ABSOULTULY NOT!" Fili all but roared. Even Tork paused to lift a brow at the blonde prince who ignored the look and glared at Legolas. "I said it once before, Legolas, and I will say it again. I will not EVER let another have Tauriel's fate if it is in my control to do so. No offence, Legolas, but your city does not take kindly to outsiders even among your own people. He will never fit in."

"That is rather unfair of you to judge." Legolas said coolly. "We can find him a home, and a family."

"Just like you found Tauriel a home and a family?" Fili argued. "No thank you."

"Who are you to make decisions for him? You are not his guardian." Legolas glanced at the infant then back at Fili. "You are not even the same race, or species, son of Aule. Let his people, speak for him."

"Then I will speak for him." Tauriel said standing tall and handing the filled bladder to Fili.

Legolas sighed warily. "Melon…"

Tauriel lifted her hand to stop him. "Just...please don't Legolas. You did not know Lorilyn, and neither of us were there. If you ask me, Fili is just as much his guardian, as you or I. He was the one Lorilyn gave her last words to. He has a right to speak for her child. And…perhaps Lothlorien will be a place he can grow and be accepted even if he was an outsider."

"Or Erebor."

All heads turned to Naurfaer who walked over and held his arms out for the infant. Fili hesitated, but handed him over to Naurfaer who expertly tucked the tiny elf into his arms, cradling the infants head in the crook of his elbow. "Erebor has its faults, but for a city of dwarves, I have found them rather an accepting lot…more accepting than some elven cities I have visited."

"You cannot be serious." Legolas sighed. "He is an immortal elf."

"As am I." Naurfaer said. When the infant began to fidget, then cry, Naurfaer rocked him a bit; but when the cry became a wail, Viltarra suddenly appeared and plucked the infant straight from Naurfaer's arms and began to sing softly as she took the bladder from Fili and began to feed him. The cries stopped instantly and Naurfaer gave her a look before turning back to the elven prince. "What is to be, will be. Let's get to Lothlorien and go from there." He turned on his toes, glancing at Viltarra for a long moment, before moving to help Tork with the sails.

Fili rubbed his hands down his face and moved away from the group to lean against the ship railing, needing to feel some sort of breeze and get away to think.

"You okay Fi?" Kili asked seeing his brother's stiff posture. "You know I am behind you, whatever you choose...right?"

"I can't leave him in Mirkwood, Ki." Fili said after a long moment. He watched Legolas glance at him before moving across the ship and began to tug on some rope connected to an upper sail while Tauriel spoke softly to him. What they were saying, Fili did not know, but she seemed to be discussing something quite serious and Legolas had turned his full focus on her.

"I can't force him into the same life as Tauriel." Fili continued, looking back at his brother. "Even if she had opportunities like training under Ivethin or becoming a captain…you and I both know the scars Tauriel carries from her upbringing are deep and affect her to this day. He deserves better, she deserved better."

Kili leaned against his brother. "I talked to Tauriel about keeping him, about letting him join our family."

Fili sputtered then stared at his brother. "YOU?"

Kili shrugged. "Makes sense, doesn't it? She's an elf as is Naurfaer, and so is he. Our children are part elf…not that they look it…but it would be easy to take on another and blend him into the family. It would be good for Naurfaer as well, to have someone who was immortal in the family so he doesn't feel so alone when we…you know." He left age and die go unsaid. "I think, Lorilyn's son could be very happy in Erebor."

Fili ground his jaw but nodded stiffly. "It would be far better than leaving him in Mirkwood, and she did ask us to keep him out of the elven cities. I just don't know what to do, because an elven city is somewhere he belongs...with his own kind."

Fili sighed staring off in thought, then looked at his brother. "What did Tauri say, by the way? When you suggested keeping him?" Kili didn't answer, instead, he just smiled wide, patted Fili on the shoulder, and left him alone. "KI?!" Fili huffed. "What did she say!?" But his infuriating baby brother didn't even look back as he called for Umyra to likely send her ahead to Lothlorien.

As the ship made its way up the river, those who sailed it worked together to keep the large vessel on course. Fortunately, the waters seemed deep, and the bends wide so maneuvering the ship was quite simple. Fili, despite being able to stomach hallucinatory mushrooms, did not seem to have the same iron stomach for sailing. Kili didn't think the boat rocked all that much, but Fili argued otherwise...while looking a bit green.

Kili chuckled while Viltarra rubbed Fili's back as he got sick for the third time on their first full day of sailing. Bofur seemed to have similar issues and was unhappily using his hat to fan himself where he still sat on the deck close enough to the railing to lean out if he had to. Kili, however, was perfectly happy as he sat on a crate eating some of the Avari waybread. He waived a piece at Fili, who growled at his brother before leaning back over the side of the ship to be sick again.

Tauriel spent her day between sitting with Kili and enjoying the scenery pass by, and helping Ivethin with the elves who were still suffering, or unconscious. There really wasn't much they could do for them though, as they lacked resources to even help take their pains away. But Ivethin and Kaowyn did their best to help keep them as comfortable as possible, despite Ivethin being weaker than normal herself.

As for spending the rest of the time with Kili...Tauriel could not think of finding more peace than she has in that moment...with the wind flowing through her long, red, tresses, her favorite being of all time chatting away beside her, and the knowledge that in just a few days, she will be home again with her children surrounding her once more.

"Do you think Kaw is back to Erebor already?" Kili asked, his arm wrapped around Tauriel's slim waist as they sat on a large wooden box, leaning against the wall of the cabin. Kili's legs were stretched out across the empty crate they sat upon while Tauriel had her slightly longer legs draped across his lap as she rested her head on his broad shoulder. She was watching the trees slowly change from nothing but palms, to the sporadic greens she was accustomed to seeing. There were also a few trees she could not name in the mix and she made a mental note to commit them to her memory so she can look them up when she gets back to Erebor and draw them in her journal which she wished she had right now. It would be the perfect time to sketch all she saw.

"He should be just arriving if he flew straight there." Tauriel hummed. "It is difficult to say because I do not know precisely how far he has to fly. By river, it is going to take us several days more to arrive, even after traveling for days to get to the harbor. With hope, he did not get waylaid on his journey."

"Kaw? Doubtful." Kili said into Tauriel's hair, pressing a lingering kiss to her head. "Do you think the little ones have wreaked havoc on Erebor yet?"

"You mean the twins?" Tauriel smiled, nuzzling Kili's bearded jaw as she snaked her arm around his chest and sighed contently. "I do not know WHERE they get their drive to cause trouble."

"Oh, me neither. We never cause trouble." Kili grinned mischievously. "And I was perfect when I was younger."

"Oh, were you now?" Tauriel lifted a brow. "Because amad has many stories declaring otherwise."

"And I can add many to prove that YOU, melon, were just as much trouble." Legolas interrupted, leaning against the box they sat upon.

Naurfaer leaned around the mast to smile widely. "Me too in fact. I have heard a story about a certain eleth who rescued some frog eggs from a drying pond, and placed them inside one of Thranduil's personal fountains in his hall. Rumor has it, to this day, there is still have a frog problem in Thranduils private halls."

"WHAT!?" Kili said sputtering with laughter. "You did that?"

Tauriel's smile was both wide and unrepentant. "I was ten, I could not let them die."

"Ten, and already sneaking out into the forest on your own to rescue pests." Legolas grumbled. "And somehow, my father has yet to find out that the reason he constantly finds frogs hoping about our halls, is because of you."

Kili was breathless with laughter. He was always thrilled to hear stories about Tauriel's youth, and the fact that she was almost just as much trouble as he was, made him love her all the more. She really was just like him, they really were perfect for each other.

His laughter, however, silenced immediately when a piercing sense of fear filled his entire being. Kili turned to Tauriel who had gone completely white, her eyes staring into Kili.

"Naufi." Tauriel breathed. A quick check on her other children had them apparently fine, but why was her connection to Naufi in such a frenzy?

Of all their children, Finli was the only one who had apparently held any kind of talent of the mind. He had been able to send them images of the Ukdam when Toki had taken him what felt like so long ago. But there was never any way to test whether or not their other children had the same talents.

Naurfaer had said it was possible they all could, but without the need for such a skill, there was no way to tell for sure. There was also the fact that Naufi and Orin were becoming less attached to their parents. But they will always have some connection, and currently, that connection was flaring to life as if their young son was calling for them, desperately.

"What's happening, starlight. Talk to us." Naurfaer said stepping in front of his granddaughter.

"Something is the matter with Naufi." Tauriel said. "But the rest of the children seem fine. I need to go."

"We're on a river, starlight." Naurfaer said gently. "We have to trust the family to handle it."

"He's not in the mountain." Kili looked to his wife who was staring at him in surprise. "I think he, he is in the forest."

"THE FOREST!?" Tauriel said in shock. "But...how...and where?"

Kili couldn't answer, mostly because he was too focused on trying to communicate with his son which was incredibly challenging compared to the ease he has communicating with Tauriel who was a wide-open connection to him now.

Tauriel took a deep breath and closed her eyes, taking Kili's hand as she tried to reach her little Naufi. He was so far away from her, but she could tell, like Kili, that he was not in the same place as the other children. She soothed him as best she could through their limited connection, and he somehow, latched onto the small and faint line leading from him to her and Kili.

"Mama!"

"NAUFI! We are coming Naufi. Where are you?"

"MAMA!"

Darkness was all she got in return, and the echo of her son calling out for her. "JUKKETE!" Tauriel swore in sindarin, getting off the crate and leaning against the railing.

"What is it, what did he say?" Naurfaer asked, ignoring the curse that would have Dis in a frenzy if she knew what it meant.

"He is just calling for me. I get nothing but him calling for me, and darkness." Tauriel was furious, and frustrated. She stopped and calmed her heart and tried again.

"Naufi, where are you?"

She waited, one heartbeat, two, than three, and still only silence and fear from Naufi's connection until one word broke her.

"Nosegoul."

"Nosegoul." Tauriel whispered, repeating the word out loud. "The Nazgul."

"The Nazgul took my son?!" Kili's eyes were black with rage. "How fast can we get back? What is the quickest way? Galaddal and Maryn are the fastest horses in Erebor. Can we get them ashore and take the main roads back?"

"Now that we are flowing west, the river would be faster." Naurfaer said.

"What's going on?" Viltarra shut the door behind her that led into the cabins below. She took Fili down to find somewhere for him to rest, and he had only just fallen asleep with the infant elf in his arms. It was so endearing. She decided to come up to get some fresh air for herself when she heard Kili's tone. "What do you mean take the horses? Take them where?"

"Kili and Tauriel's son, we believe, is in the hands of a Nazgul." Legolas answered first. "Is there a way to improve the speed of the ship?"

"I can take you, Bunny." Nobody noticed Tork join them. He had just been searching through crates looking for anything that could be used as fresh wrappings for Ivethin and Kaowyn. Some of the elves had wounds that needed redressing, and before he started shredding sails, he wanted to see if he could find something they needed less than the sails pushing the ship forward. "If one of the nine has your son, then you need to get to him as soon as possible. It is not like them to keep living prisoners for long. He will either be of use, or, he will be disposed of."

Tauriel's eyes widened as Viltarra asked. "Disposed of?"

"If they think he is useful, they will send him to a camp where they will try to turn him to our...their ways." Tork quickly corrected. "Many of those loyal to Sauron take pride in sending their sons to the camps. They leave their families young boys, and are trained to be warriors of the dark. I trained their myself."

"And you take pride in this?" Tauriel hissed.

Tork shook his head. "I did once, Bunny, but now that I know better, not so much. They will lie, they will manipulate the truth, they will villainize you until the child you once knew, will be unrecognizable."

"Ah, but you are missing out on one crucial thing..." Naurfaer said placing a hand on Tauriel's shoulder, and the other on Kili's, who was shaking with furry. "...their children have their father's blood. Dwarves cannot be easily manipulated, or so we are learning. Something in their minds protects them. But even so, Naufi's connection to Kili and Tauriel will shield him from anything else they try to do. And Naufi is, like all of the children, rather brilliant. Too Brilliant in fact. He may very young, but he knows his family, he won't be easily swayed if they do take him."

"What about the other children?" Viltarra asked.

"Fine, as far as we can tell." Kili said then glanced at his sister and his anger softened. "I can't tell you about your daughters, Viltarra. I think, it might just be Naufi."

"But you can't say for sure." Viltarra sighed.

"No." Kili glanced at Tork. "Can you hold two?"

The large being looked at Kili, then Tauriel, and nodded. "You dwarves are dense folk, but, I can carry you both quite easily. Do you know where to go?"

"Dol Guldur." Tauriel said darkly. She turned to the rest of the family. "Keep your heading and meet us as soon as you can. If Kaw comes back, send him with a message to Erebor. We will be going straight to that fortress."

"Is that wise, melon? You are only two." Legolas said.

"Three." Tork corrected.

"Three." Legolas sighed. "Even so, you will be writing your own deaths. Stop in Mirkwood, get backup. Or at least, Erebor."

"No." Tauriel growled. "I am going into that place, and I am retrieving my child if he is there. If he is not...then I will rip that place apart until they take me to him. I will kill every, single, being in that compound who stands in my way."

"Bunny, you cannot kill one of the nine. The black riders, the old kings...they are untouchable. Your weapons are useless against them."

"Are you taking us there or not!?" Tauriel hissed.

Tork ground his jaw in frustration, but eventually he nodded. Stepping around a box, Tork removed his layers before his shadow slowly morphed into a large, winged, lion only a bit larger than one of the massive draft horses that pull the plows across the fields outside Dale. He flexed his wings, the span almost wider than the ship itself, then he kneeled to let Tauriel and Kili climb on his back. However, before they pulled themselves up, Tork used one of his massive paws to push a pack he had placed his clothes in towards Tauriel. She moved to pick it up, though Kili was the one to sling it across his shoulders.

Naurfaer turned to his granddaughter, and his grandson, trying to reason with them. "Go to Erebor first. Get Thorin. Going to the fortress blind, is beyond foolish without knowing the why and the how. Thorin is probably on his way himself, so with any luck, you can meet him halfway. But don't go to that place alone, at least not directly."

"Tell Fi to meet us in Mirkwood as soon as he can, but we are going, Naurfaer. Let's go Tauriel." Kili said, pulling himself up on Tork's back. He held a hand out to his wife who took it, Kili lifting her to sit behind him where she wrapped her arms tightly around Kili's waist. "Tork, head for the solitary mountain south-west from here, we will see the peak of the fortress through the trees if we make Erebor our heading." Tork nodded in understanding.

"He is going to be furious you are leaving without telling him." Viltarra warned, worried if she ran inside to get Fili, they will already be gone. Knowing her husband, he will go into a rage once she tells him Kili and Tauriel are gone, and why. For all she knows, one of her girls could be taken too. She should be going with them.

"Viltarra, he couldn't do anything anyway, neither of you could. If you guys find a faster way to Mirkwood, take it. We will send word when we have more information." Kili said to his sister. "And we will save Naufi."

"We will be there." Naurfaer agreed. "Be careful, and don't do anything you will regret." He said in a warning tone.

Neither Kili nor Tauriel made any promises, and Tork took that as a sign to run across the deck of the ship, leap over the railing, and take off into the air. He flew high above the ship and the river, making his heading towards the massing lonely peak far in the distance.

Authors Note at the bottom: See. All caught up to Naufi being taken. Do you like how I essentially gave Erebor an Airforce? LOLLLSSSS. I like the Aelug, and they will be molded into Erebor's defense for later acts. Thought it would be fun to factor in during the battles happening in this part of middle earth while Aragorn and his army are fighting in Gondor. There was so much going on in Dale and Mirkwood in that time, it will be interesting to see where I end up taking this. Got a ways to go for that though and I have not decided how many ACTS I want to write between this one, and the LOTR timeline. They are slowly diverging, but I guess time will tell if how soon the converge.

More to come, so stay tuned. I need to go to bed because I have to work in the morning and I am tired. So goodnight.