Authors Note at the top: Scroll down to the chapter if you don't want to read this.

I PASSED MY EXAM! YAAYYY. Just one class to go this semester and about 30 days to do it. But that's okay, I got this. Thank you for the well wishes! But SINCE I passed, here's a chapter in celebration!

Chapter Seven

"Slow down, little Dis, or you're going to be sick." Finli warned as he watched his cousin shoveling griddle cakes into her mouth faster than she could chew and swallow.

Tauriel paused too, eyeing her niece who was silent but eating with gusto. Kilion sat in her lap, not touching his food, but eyeing Dissah with something akin to a scowl on his face.

It had been a rather, interesting, morning. Tauriel woke to not just her children on the bed, but nearly all of Fili's too, including Vilia. Dissah had crawled into the bed too, her little body tucked up against Tauriel's while she slept. Tauriel had no idea when they all came into her and Kili's bed, but they were all there with exception of Taurion. Even the wargs were in her room which meant...Fili and Viltarra must be occupied with a last minute meeting. Considering the elven queen was here, Tauriel would not be surprised if it had something to do with that.

She also knew that if Dissah was not doing any better than she was yesterday, she would not be in here, so she must be alright. And she was. When she woke, yawning and stretching, she smiled up at Tauriel, then her smile turned sad. "Do you hate me too, auntie Tauri."

"Valar no, love." Tauriel said honestly. "Rather the opposite. I love you most dearly. Are you alright?" She brushed some hair from Dissah's face as the small dam nodded.

"I am sorry I took your amulet." She said softly. "And for what I said."

When tears began to fill her eyes, Tauriel pulled her close. "Shh. It is alright my darling. We do not believe you meant those words."

"I…I…do not hate you, or, or gamp, or Taurion…I do not care you are elves, I love you all." Dissah cried as Tauriel pulled her close. "And I, I love Finli, Naufi, and Orin…and, and Kilion, he will never forgive me."

"Give him time love." Tauriel said, pressing a kiss to her golden hair. "And they know you love them. We all know you love us."

However, when Kilion woke up, he was uncharacteristically furious that she was there, and Kili had to take him from the room to calm him down when his tears of anger turned into a tantrum that woke the others, including Ithtiri who startled and began to wail loudly. The sun had not yet risen, yet there was certainly no going back to sleep for any of them at that point.

Tauriel did smile as she recalled how Naufi and Orin realized quickly what was happening and rallied around Dissah who began to cry once more. She thinks they were realizing how horrible she felt and how sorry she was. They helped calm her down and eventually, Kili brought Kilion back in the room, Tauriel's youngest son glaring at Dissah, but calm enough to be near her.

The glares lasted through breakfast too, Tauriel pressing a kiss to his head and nuzzling his hair as he lay against her shoulder. "You should eat, my little lion." Tauriel whispered into his ear. "Nan even made your favorite, peanut butter griddle cakes with maple syrup; or would you like something else my darling?"

Kilion sighed and shook his head, leaning forward on his mothers lap and taking a bite of food. He ate about half his plate before falling back onto his mother and sighing deeply. Tauriel had to hold in a chuckle, he was such an old soul, her little Kilion. But she supposes with what he experiences, the things only he can see, might have something to do with that. Her poor baby. She kissed his head again and whispered, "She loves you my star, try and give her a chance when you are ready."

"Can I stay with you today, mama?" Kilion asked softly.

Tauriel nodded. "That was actually my plan. I have someone I wish you to meet, would you be alright with that? Finli, you too darling." Tauriel said a bit louder looking across at her eldest who was nudging Dissah and placing the last griddle cake on her plate. He looked up at his mother and nodded.

"Of course mama." He said before turning back to Dissah and pouring some syrup on her plate. The little dam looked at Finli wide eyed and said thank you softly before devouring the entire thing.

"Good morning family!" Naurfaer sang happily as he practically skipped into the room. "Ohh, griddle cakes! Lovely." He looked around the kitchen excitedly but paused when he realized the platter was empty. Sighing, he sat and poured himself some tea, glancing at the half eaten pile of griddle cakes on Kilion's plate.

Tauriel chuckled and pushed to towards him. "He is finished." She said. "I can make you some more if you like though."

"NO!" Both Naurfaer and Kili said at the same time, prompting Tauriel to scowl at them.

"I can make griddle cakes just fine." The eleth growled.

"But, mama, last time you made them, they were still runny in the middle." Naufi sighed.

"And the time before that, they were black on one side and still runny in the middle." Orin added.

"It's fine starlight." Naurfaer hummed. "These are more than enough." He took a bite and smiled brightly at Dissah. "Good morrow little Dis! How are you feeling today?"

"Fine." Dissah said softly. "Thank you." She added, looking around nervously, as if at any moment one or more of them will verbally attack her or in the very least, glare at her.

Naurfaer gave her a look of concern and pushed the plate away, patting his lap. Dissah did not hesitate before sliding off his chair and letting Naurfaer pull her into an embrace. "It is okay to feel sorrow for things you said, as it is okay for those you said them to to be hurt and upset by words meant to harm. But there are times…rare as they can be in this world…when our ability to control our mind and mouth is taken from us. Dwarves as a race are quite adept at having strong minds. But that takes time for our bodies to build, so when we are young, we are far more susceptible to the powerful things of this world."

He looked down at Dissah and smiled tenderly. "I for one know you adore me. We all say stupid things, even when we are in control of our minds. But we're a family, and a close one at that. Which means, my little bush berry, I know you and have known you since the day you entered middle earth. You are not a cruel person in any right. I also know, you and Kilion are deeply close and you would never purposely harm him." He glanced at Kilion who scowled and looked away. He was young, so Naurfaer knew he needed some time to process…but he will come around. "So try and cheer up, all will be well. Eventually." Hey eyed Kilion again, then Kili and Tauriel.

Kili nodded his agreement, holding his daughter as she sucked on her fingers. He was the first to stand and gestured to the door. "Alright, Naufi, Orin, and Karra. You three will be going to your lessons. Now go on and meet nan in her room, I told her earlier not to worry about cleaning up today."

The three leaving stood and set their plates on the counter before running to gather their school things and joining Dis. The rest, helped get the kitchen tidied up before Tauriel, Kili, and Naurfaer along with the four remaining children, two wargs, and four aelúg traversed down to the throne room just in time to meet up with Fili and Viltarra, both looking exhausted.

"There you are." Kili lifted a brow as Vilia ran to her father. "Was kind of a surprised to wake up with not just the children, but the wargs in our bed this morning."

"I thought the kids were having a nursery camping thing?" Fili asked, patting Dungael on the head before picking Vilia up who was tugging on his trousers.

"That is where they started, muindor, but rarely when they do such things, do they remain through the entire night."

"She means they are always in our bed by the morning." Kili chuckled.

Finli just smiled wide while Kilion lay his head on his mother's shoulder, though he was watching Dissah who was in Naurfaer's arms just beside him.

"Are you coming from something important, uncle Fili?" Finli asked.

Fili nodded. "Of sorts. We were making plans with uncle about the day. Sorry we had to leave the fur fiends with you though." He apologized. "We were needed in a short interlude with one of the guards from Galadriel's party and were not sure how long we would be. Since Dungael is still…in training…we thought it best both just stay with the kids."

"You mean, since your animal does whatever it wants with no regards to anyone's authority…yours included…you thought it was best we babysit him instead of him taking a wee on the elven guards like he did on Aeodhen's desk last week?" Kili asked.

"Something like that." Fili shrugged. "And he listens…for the most part."

Kili lifted a brow. "Maybe, you should have Naurfaer train him, Fi. Then he can be as well behaved as Hiril and you won't have to leave him when you have important meetings." He rolled his eyes when Fili snickered, deciding to change the subject. "Is uncle and aunt Nya with you? I have not seen either of them this morning."

"Both are having breakfast with Galadriel." Viltarra hummed, fixing Taurion's blanket. "I believe we are to join them rather soon but I want to drop the youngest ones off to my mother and fathers…along with Hiril and Dungael. They are expecting us in the bakery." She looked at Kili who was holding Ithtiri. "Do you want me to send Ithtiri down as well? They are taking Taurion."

Kili glanced at Tauriel who nodded. "If it is not too much for them."

"The bakery is closed for the day, so not at all." Viltarra smiled. "They are just fulfilling some orders today and that's about it. They should be about done anyway."

"It is probably for the best." Tauriel sighed, never really likening to be parted from her infant daughter, but knowing she needed to focus on Kilion and Finli for the next bit as well as finding more out about that amulet.

The group agreed to walk down together, leaving the two infants, two wargs, and Vilia with Vin and Tarrah who were more than happy to have their younger grandchildren with them.

Not long later, they stopped before the wing of the mountain designed to hold royal visitors. It is rarely used, as Bard and his family simply go home after feasts and parties, and Thranduil does not visit often and only stays on occasion.

The hall, however, is quite grand. It has a small assembly room for larger meetings, a formal receiving room, fifteen sleeping chambers that were on the average side, four royal suites with connected sitting rooms, a separate kitchen, and a dining room. Dis worked hard to make this space worthy of not just dwarven lords, but kings, queens, and lords of any kingdom invited to see the Lonely Mountain.

Tauriel nodded to the elven guard standing beside Aeodhen who was chatting amiably with him.

"Good morning Aeodhen." Kili smiled. "And Haldir, correct?"

The elf nodded, eyeing the dwarven prince carefully. Kili was not bothered by it, the last time he encountered the elven queen he drew his weapon. But this was his home, and beside him, his wife who had slipped her free hand into his when she felt some apprehension flitting through their connection.

"I am here, my Kili." She sent, Kili squeezing her hand but focusing on the elf in front of him.

"It is good to see you again, Prince Kili, and this must be who you were looking for, the Lady Tauriel. A pleasure. You are a rarity indeed to harbor such devotion from a people we are normally at odds with." Haldir bowed his head respectfully, Tauriel repeating the gesture.

"I assure you, I am no rarity. It is Kili who opened the door to our love, and I who fell fast after him. If any in this room is a rare jewel, it is my Kili."

"You are the granddaughter of Lord Naurfaer, are you not?" He asked glancing at Naurfaer who stood behind Tauriel scowling.

"Not Lord, Haldir, must I constantly tell you such? Just, Naurfaer, thank you." He huffed, Dissah actually breaking into a small smile though it quickly fell from her face moments later as she lay her head down on Naurfaer's shoulder.

Haldir smiled politely. "If is your title, but forgive me, my mind slips." There was a teasing edge to his voice that made it quite apparent he was going to continue making the error. "What I meant was, any with such a bloodline is a rarity in itself. I have also heard some rather, interesting, rumors and stories about the eleth who was once a captain of Thranduil's army, and who left to follow her heart. Something else rather rare. Few leave his service once they make a place for themselves, and fewer are talked so highly about as you are. Thranduil admires you greatly."

"Thats news to us." Fili grumbled, Viltarra elbowing him in the ribs silencing him before taking her daughter from Naurfaer and holding her tightly. Fili cleared his throat and shot a glare to his wife who glared right back before he added. "They were quite at odds for a time. I guess he has softened a bit over the last few decades though."

"Indeed. There seems to be a bit more lightness to his step since the battle you waged together in. Correspondence has been far more frequent between Mirkwood and Lothlorien, and he has even come to visit which he has not done in centuries. I would venture to suggest he has seen what was possible through you, Lady Tauriel, and it has changed him if only a little. Makes you extraordinary really. Thranduil has always been...well...Thranduil. His new lightness reminds me a bit of how he was before his own lady passed."

"My Tauriel is extraordinary in every way." Kili said looking at her as if she were some kind of, Valar, or something of the like. She blushed but did not dispute his words. He would just argue back and it would go nowhere, so she moved the subject along.

"We have a meeting with Lady Galadriel, I believe." Tauriel said, readjusting Kilion so he sat more on her hip. He was certainly getting heavy thanks to his dwarven blood, but he did not seem to be in the right place to set him down when he clung to her neck so tightly, so she simply held on to him.

Haldir nodded. "I was just here to bring you in. They have finished breakfast and are waiting for you. Please, come this way."

The group followed Haldir and Aeodhen into the large receiving room, Galadriel rising from her chair and smiling softly as they entered. "Prince Kili...and Lady Viltarra and Prince Fili. It warms my heart to see you all so well." The elven queen moved to the group, Thorin nodding his own greeting as he watched beside Nyaunni. "And who are these lovely little darlings?" She asked as Viltarra set Dissah on her feet, the little dam clinging tightly to her leg.

Thorin was the one to make the introductions, moving to stand beside Finli. "Lady Galadriel, I would like to formally introduce you to my...adopted...daughter Tauriel, and two of her and Kili's children, Finli and Kilion." He said placing a hand on Finli's shoulder.

"Lady Galadriel." Finli bowed his head while Kilion hid his face in his mother's shoulder.

"Come now, my star, it is alright." Tauriel whispered into his hair.

The elven queen only gave him a soft, kind, look, while Thorin continued on, moving to pick up Dissah, who was still holding onto her mother's leg. She of course went willingly and even hugged his neck tightly. "And this little beauty, is Fili and Viltarra's second eldest daughter, Dissah. My other grandchildren are at school and..."

"With my mother and father." Viltarra answered when Thorin looked at them.

"I have been looking forward to meeting you, Lady Tauriel. I am glad to finally get the opportunity. You have beautiful children, all of you." The elven queen said sincerely.

"Thank you. I too have desired to meet you for many years. Stories of your city has always been my favorite as a child. Ivethin used to regale me with such tales quite often when I was young." Tauriel said with a bow of her head. "I should very much like to see Lothlorien one day."

"And you are most welcome at any time to visit." Galadriel said happily. "In fact, I insist you and your husband be my personal guest as soon as you are able. I should be even happier if the rest of your family would accept an invitation as well. You have been most gracious with your welcome, King Thorin, and I do believe Prince Fili was unable to see the city when he came through."

"Apologies for that. We were eager to get home." Fili said.

"I do not blame you. If I were in your place, I would have desired the same. Now, speaking of your short visit to the shores of Lothlorien...I know of your adopted son..." Galadriel said to Fili and Viltarra. "...but do you have other children?"

"Two others besides Dissah." Fili smiled proudly with an arm around his wife. "My eldest Karra, and my youngest, Vilia. My daughters and my son, and my pride and joy."

"Such blessings children are." Galadriel said brightly.

"Truly. Kili and Tauriel have three others in addition to Finli and Kilion." Thorin hummed a moment later.

"It is true. Finli is our eldest." Kili beamed. "We also have the twins, Naufi and Orin, as well as our youngest, Ithtiri, our only daughter."

"You have twins?" Galadriel said happily. "How wonderful. I should like to meet all of your children. I do love the brightness they bring to this world." She paused and looked at Kilion, a sad expression on her face. "Though some must carry weights far above what they should."

"You can sense it, Gala, can't you?" Naurfaer asked, though he already knew the answer.

Galadriel sat and smiled invitingly, patting her lap and looking at Kilion whose eyes she can just see peeking over at her. "Would you be willing to come sit with me, sweet one? I assure you I mean no harm."

"It is alright, my love." Tauriel soothed, releasing Kili's hand so she could rub his back gently. "We are not going anywhere."

Kilion tightened his grip on her for another second, then, nodded and let her set him down on his feet. He looked up at his mother and father once more, before walking slowly to the tall being a few feet away.

"Come, sit with me." Galadriel said helping him up on her lap. "Such beautiful eyes, and darling features." She cooed as he looked up at her with a very vulnerable expression on his face.

Galadriel's expression fell as she looked at him. "Gifts are never meant to cause such pain." She said just above a whisper. "Yet yours seems to burden you greatly." She watched him a moment more before looking to Tauriel and Kili. "I assume you were both aware he is...gifted?" She glanced at the pair once more before turning her full attention to Kilion after they both nodded. "A gift such as this, could smother even the strongest. You are very brave, do you know that?"

Kilion shook his head. "I do not think I am brave." He said softly. "Naufi says I cry a lot. Crying is not something brave people do."

"Oh I quite disagree." Galadriel said. "Tell me, who is the bravest person you know?"

"DA!" Kilion said immediately, a genuine smile finally on his lips. "And mama too. They are very brave."

Galadriel chuckled. "Alright. Now answer me this, have you ever seen your mother and father cry before?"

Kilion looked to his mama, then his da, then nodded his head. "I...da cries when mama is hurt or sick, and mama cries when she is sad or really happy." He said thoughtfully and added, "Da cries when he is happy too."

"Mhm. So as you can see, there is little to no connection between shedding tears, and being brave. We all cry, even myself. It is an outward display of our feelings, nothing more, therefore, you may cry all you wish as long as you do not hide away and refuse to face the world or those challenges ready for you to overcome."

"I...do not wish to overcome what I see. I am afraid of them." Kilion's voice was so soft and so broken, Tauriel had to hold back the tears threatening to fall.

"What do you see?" Galadriel asked just as softly.

Kilion looked at his mother and father, both nodding for him to continue. He then looked at Dissah who smiled and nodded as well.

"Go ahead and tell her, little lion, anything you feel comfortable saying." Kili said encouragingly.

"We are right here." Naurfaer said, adding his support.

Kilion looked around at his family, then back at the elven queen. "People, shadowed people." He began. "All the time, everywhere, and always yelling. They have so much to say, and they do not like having to wait to be heard." He took a breath. "Sometimes, they get angry at me...sometimes they try to hurt me. They do not like to be told no, and they do not leave me alone, not ever, not at day, nor when I sleep...they are always there. I cannot get away, they...they won't let me get away."

Tauriel gasped, tears truly falling down her face. "Oh, Kilion. Why...why did you not tell us that?"

Now Kilion was crying and he shook his head. "I do not know." His breathing began to pick up and he seemed to be in the beginnings of a panic attack so Kili rushed forward and pulled him from Galadriel's lap, holding him tightly and breathing comforting words into his ears. "Shh, breathe my little lion. We are right here." He instructed, rocking him as he let his son cry.

Galadriel watched for several heartbeats before she focused on Tauriel. "His gift is rare, very rare. He has all the signs that comes with one who is able to commune with those walking the shadowlands, those who have yet to enter the ancestors halls and who cling to this world still. Some will continue on their way, while others refuse and remain eternally bound to the world of shadows and spirits." She closed her eyes and after a moment, she did smile if only a small one. "But he does have some protection, which has saved his mind. Two souls help guard him, two who are also tied to two other souls in this room."

"My mother and grandmother." Tauriel said nodding. "He has mentioned such...and has even made drawings of them and the shadows."

"Well your mother and grandmother are who have saved your son to this point. If I might make a suggestion however..."

"Please do." Tauriel nodded.

"He needs mental shielding. I cannot take away a gift, it will be part of him for the rest of his years. But there are ways to help protect him until he is able to control it. A gift like this...I cannot relay the good it can do. It seems horrid now, but once he is able to speak over the shadows and assert himself, he will have the ability to gain information from beings who can travel to every reach of the world in seconds unseen, undetected, and uninfluenced by the physical lands around them. Yes, some souls are desperately trying to get messages heard, but those who have chosen eternal life in the between realm, they are those who will become friend, or foe to any they can latch themselves to. A strong mind, and a warm heart like Kilion here...as he grows into himself and gains confidence, he will no doubt have the power necessary to wield these shadows for good rather than be dominated by them."

Tauriel looked from Kili to Galadriel. "Have you seen, others, who can do this?" She asked curiously.

Galadriel nodded. "One other." She said glancing at Naurfaer who stiffened. "An elf by the name of Garriene." She said, but did not elaborate so Tauriel looked to Naurfaer who was looking at the floor.

"Adar?"

Naurfaer sighed. "Garriene was Elbereth's father." He said darkly. "He was not a good person, starlight. He was prized by Sauron...and now I understand why."

"Is he still...alive?" Kili asked, realizing he really needed to sit Naurfaer down and get a detailed family history on Elbereth's side.

"Long gone, really. He was killed by Luthanna." He said in a matter of fact tone. "His wife's mother."

Kili sighed. "Such a lovely family." He mumbled to nobody in particular. Or maybe, he was poking a jab at Elbereth who was probably here somewhere.

"She had a right to kill him. Her daughter was not only stolen from her home at a young age and groomed to be his wife, but also turned into a creature who served Sauron, then in the middle of childbirth, was abandoned by her husband to bleed to death when she could not get out of the home when they were being attacked. He gathered his children and left his wife to die in the hands of a single nurse who was killed as well."

"And the infant?" Viltarra said in horror, but Naurfaer shook his head.

"Likely lost as well. I only know the things Elbereth told me. It happened when she was very young. She got away from her family and their ties...for a time." He sighed.

"He had my, gift, and he was a bad person?" Kilion asked. "Am I to be bad too?" He immediately asked following his first question, a new round of tears falling from his wide blue eyes. He buried his face in his fathers shoulder once again, shaking with sobs. "I...don't want...to be...bad, da."

"You won't be." Kili soothed. "I know you won't be."

Finli walked to his father who paused and looked at him, kneeling down so Finli could be on a more even level with his brother. "Hey little lion." Finli said gently. "You know I love you, right?" Kilion turned his head slightly towards his brother and nodded. "Good, so you know I will do anything for you, and that means giving you my word, I will make sure you stay true to yourself, just like Naufi, Orin, mama, da, pop, Karra, uncle Fili, auntie Viltarra, Dissah...all of us will do. You will be alright, because we are here for you."

Finli felt someone step up beside him and turned to see Dissah nodding. "We will never let you fall, Kilion." She said softly. "I know you...do not like me right now...but I promise you I love you, and..." She wiped her nose on her shirt as her tears began to fall. When arms wrapped around her, she sobbed, having not realized Kilion had slipped away from his father to embrace her.

"I forgive you." He whispered, holding her tightly. "But I am still a little mad at you." He added, causing her to chuckle and nod.

When they pulled away, both were surprised how close the beautiful elven queen was to them. "One rarely goes bad, who has such a warm heart, Kilion. I see the goodness in you and around you. Keep it close, cling to your family, and follow the path you know to be right. In doing so, you will never fall prey to the dark powers around us. But if I can offer one piece of advice, it is this...the promises the darkness might make you, as glorious and wonderful as they may seem at the time, will be nothing to the happiness and joy that come from doing what is right. In the moment, it may not seem as such, but good is always the path to light."

Galadriel smiled when Kilion nodded, she then looked at Finli and cocked her head. "You are quite the special one too, aren't you?"

"Oh, I do not have a gift." Finli said shaking his head.

"Is that so?" Galadriel hummed. "Seems like you have many gifts from what I can see. Maybe not like little Kilion here, but to have the ear of a Valar...that is something rarely if ever seen in this age. Great things are in store for you, Finli...and I do not need my glass to see that. But even more, you have quite the mental talent. Even I can see the ties you have to your parents even at your age. I would wager a guess, you are rather, mentally gifted."

Finli shrugged. "Maybe. But I don't do much with it."

"Maybe not now, but it might come in handy in the future. Hone it, and be mindful of it, and it might serve you well when you least expect it." She smiled when Fili nodded slowly. "Good."

When she stood, she looked at Tauriel curiously. "You are gifted as well, though your mortality I assume keeps you from using such a beneficial gift?"

Tauriel sighed and nodded. "I must admit, I do miss being able to call on it. I fear I took it for granted for centuries only for it to drain everything from me even when I use it for something simple."

Kili nodded, then narrowed his eyes at her. "When...have you used it for something simple, amralime?"

Tauriel shrugged. "Not for a time, Kili, worry not I am fine."

"You used it recently, haven't you? Was it last week when you slept in until noon? It was wasn't it? Makers beard, Tauriel."

"Vilia was stung by a bee and had a small reaction in the garden and I was worried about her. It was something very simple, removing bee toxins. Nothing more and certainly nothing deadly."

"Tauriel!" Kili huffed then sighed shaking his head. She was so stubborn, but it was not worth the argument. Apart from sleeping in until late in the day, she was just fine. Still...he can't lose her.

"It is the burden that comes with a healing gift. You give a bit of yourself, to mend another. Unfortunately, that energy you sacrifice is supposed to come from your immortality. When that is unavailable, then the only place it can come from is your physical energy. I would advise you do not use your gift, lest it depletes you to the point of death, Tauriel. Your children were born mortal, any gifts they possess will be part of their mortal being, you were born immortal, so your gift was not adapted to a mortal form at birth. Even if one were to show signs of inheriting your healing gift, it would have adapted to their bodies current state since they have and never will possess immortality. But Tauriel, I give you this word of warning, if you use your gift too much for healing, it will be your end."

Tauriel's eyes widened, and she bit her lip, but after a moment she sighed and nodded, looking a bit deflated. "I understand." She felt Kili's hand entwine itself with hers and she gave him a soft smile. "I am sorry, meleth nin."

Kili pressed a kiss to her lips. "I know." He said. "Maybe next time tell me? I missed a meeting because I slept in too." He chuckled. "I was wondering why I was so tired."

Tauriel looked even more guilty, but let it be.

Galadriel, however, looked at them with heavy warmth in her smile. "Such a gift you two have, to be tied in this life so deeply to one another. It is a love only seen in stories and songs, and one I do hope someone will write and share one day...it deserves to be immortalized."

"I could not agree more." Kili said with a wide smile that faltered a bit after a moment. "There is more. Has Naurfaer appraised you of the amulet I received?"

Dissah stiffened, but relaxed when Kilian and Finli took each of her hands. The elven queen of course caught this, eyeing them curiously even as she nodded. "I have been, and he showed it to me as well. A wicked little enchantment, I must say, on something meant to protect. Is it you who wore it my darling?" She looked to Dissah who nodded and Galadriel gave her a look of pity. "Criminal really, in my personal opinion, for such a thing to end up in the hands of the innocent who lack the ability to discern their own truths, with fed truths."

"So it was not me?" Dissah asked hopefully.

Galadriel hummed thoughtfully. "I was not in attendance for what was said, but, Naurfaer explained everything rather thoroughly then gave his opinions on the matter. I agree with him fully, though I do not know why he needed me to opine on such thing. Naurfaer has far more experience with worldly enchantments than any in middle earth."

"We know of whom may have done it, and before I convict someone of something that was not true, I wished for a second opinion." Naurfaer argued.

Galadriel nodded. "That is why I value you so highly, Naurfaer. You are among the few who seeks truths over assumptions."

"On most things. I for one do not pretend to be perfect at such matters…but it is something I strive to do." Naurfaer looked to Thorin and nodded. "Seems like it is what we believed, now we only need answers as to why."

"Thranduil has sent Nagar early this morning." Thorin said. "I received a missive regarding the matter."

"Is Thranduil himself coming?" Fili asked curiously.

Thorin shook his head no. "He is remaining behind, though he did say Legolas will come in his stead. They should arrive a little after lunch hour."

"I do not envy such a situation." Galadriel sighed. "With so much darkness arriving in our lands, to have something so nefarious made and circulated is most concerning. Gives pause to wonder what other mind manipulating devices exist and how many otherwise good-natured people have fallen victim."

"It is a good thing most dwarves are more resilient to such things." Naurfaer said.

"Are not the eldar?" Viltarra asked.

Both Galadriel and Naurfaer shook their head. "More so than humans, but much less than dwarves. There are of course strong minded individuals in all races who are mostly above manipulation, but the dwarven people stand as the most resilient to influence by enchantments. Though they are not fully immune and are often affected in other ways."

"I can attest to that." Kili grumbled, which had Tauriel quite remembering she wished a word with Galadriel…perhaps on a more private level. unfortunately for her, Thorin was calling an end to their short meeting.

"I want to thank you, lady Galadriel, for being open to share your thoughts and insights on my grandchildren. It is not our custom to seek outside opinions in regards to our young, but I have learned that sometimes, it is necessary." Thorin said nodding his head. "I know you are eager to see our mountain. If you are ready, I have arranged for a tour of our largest market today."

"I am most excited to see all I can." Galadriel said with a bright smile. "Please, lead the way. I have charged Haldir with the task of ensuring I do not purchase more than we can carry home…but I do say I wish to procure a few gifts for my husband and granddaughter who only just arrived in Lothlorien as I was making my leave. Celeborn is entertaining her while I am away."

Tauriel sighed as she watched them go, Kili looking up at her curiously. "Is everything alright, amralime?"

"Perfectly so." She said in a tone that had him lifting a brow. She sighed again and told him they will discuss it later opting to turn her attention to her sons who were talking to Dissah. At least they have a few answers, and a suggestion to help Kilion. Sometimes, just knowing is a weight off the shoulders. They can now make a plan on the best way to protect him from what he sees, but the others cannot.

Tauriel sat on the sofa in her sitting room idly picking at a thread protruding from the cushion beside her. She hardly noticed anyone or anything around her as she sat thinking. Not even Kaw nudging her or Dulinn tugging at a button on her vest broke her concentration. In fact, nothing did until something solid nudged her.

"Hey little sister, you alright?"

Tauriel turned to Fili who plopped Yngvi on the ground beside Dungael who sniffed the aelúg, snorted, then began gnawing on the edge of the carpet.

"Oi!" Fili reprimanded, but Dungael ignored him causing Fili to roll his eyes and shrug. When Tauriel glared at him, he gave her a wide grin. "I will buy you another one. Besides, your ravens have already chewed several holes in it, not to mention the traction it gets from the kids."

Tauriel grunted and went back to thinking, at least until she felt another nudge. "Something wrong?"

"You mean besides the fact my son sees shadows we need to somehow help him build shields against until he is old enough to empower himself, my other son was once again told he would bring greatness to a title he has yet to have only adding more weight to his shoulders, and Nagar is likely nearly here and I cannot decide if I wish to pity him and his situation or…kill him. There is much to be at odds with in my mind, and I am working to keep such thoughts and feelings to myself as to not overly concern Kili. He already is trying very hard to keep barriers in place for his own mind without my worries tearing them down for him."

"Ki cannot be worried he will lose it again, can he?" Fili asked in surprise.

"He has not said, but I am sure it is just so." Tauriel tugged on the string then huffed when it finally pulled free making a hole in the pillow and causing several down feathers to fall freely onto her lap and the floor. "And now I am just as destructive as an untrained warg." She grumbled.

Tauriel felt a hand take hers and she turned to see Fili giving her a serious look. "Hey." He said softly. "It will be alright, ya? I know there's a lot going through that elven brain of yours, but you have to look at it as one thing at a time or your entire mountain will collapse." He smiled when she rested her head on his shoulder.

"He made me most uncomfortable." She said softly. "I am conflicted, Fili. I want to be there to witness what Nagar has to say, but, I also never wish to be in a room with him again. He is...handsy and does not respect space." She closed her eyes. "And please do not tell Kili. I would happily do so, if I did not think he would not hesitate to shoot an arrow into Nagar before we got answers...much like I wish to...if he knew how much this was bothering me."

Fili grunted. "I almost want Ki to. I understand no true harm was done, but I do not tolerate my daughter being subjected to such a thing. He is fortunate she is unharmed or he would be dead already."

Tauriel nodded her agreement and they just sat in silence together. "I am glad things have resolved between the children. Kilion and Dissah were so close, I was afraid a rift might have come between them that would remain."

"Mm." Fili hummed. "They are currently both huddled over a book, debating about the history of trolls while Finli is trying to convince Viltarra to go throw blades with him. Since Ki is with Naurfaer, I thought I would check on you. You seemed a little off when we came up from meeting with Galadriel."

"There is just, a lot going on." Tauriel said softly.

"We will get through it. We always do." Fili promised, kissing her head. He looked around the clearly lived in room, nodding his head to the piano. "Wanna play a bit?"

Tauriel lifted her head and stared at the piano sitting silently against the far wall. A deep and heavy guilt filled her as she realized she had not said a word about it to Kili, then an even heavier stone of guilt filled her when she realized today was in fact her twentieth anniversary being married to her most beloved mate. Yes, they celebrated it last night, but from the moment they got home, everything has been about the children, and she said as such to Fili as she walked over to the instrument and ran her hand along the carved wood.

"Amazing how our lives were once just about ourselves, then one day, a second person enters it, and before you know what is happening, you are navigating roads for multiple people at the same time." Fili smiled at Tauriel, bending to adjust Ithtiri's blanket as she slept in her basket, before walking over to Tauriel. "Do you like it? Ki was adamant at getting it made, but you never mentioned wanting one or I am sure uncle or mam would have brought one up her for you earlier."

"Like it?" Tauriel blinked at Fili. "I love it." She smiled and went back inspecting her gift. It was the perfect size for their sitting room, and though she will miss her orange chairs and the tapestry...which was also somehow missing...she loves this even more. "I have never had free access to a piano before. Yes, I could go across the mountain top play in the hall, yes I was able to play when I had some down time in Mirkwood...but to be able to sit down whenever I want...I have never been free to do so."

"Why don't you play something?" Fili urged again, pulling the bench out for her.

Tauriel grinned and nodded, sitting as Fili dangled a small key in front of her eyes when she noted the cover was locked. "Found it on the table and thought it best to protect it from little fingers and snapping beaks." He chuckled.

"Likely for the best." Tauriel giggled as Kaw croaked and landed on the music stand, pecking his beak on the wood. Tauriel leaned forward and scratched his head, gently tapping his beak as a soft reprimand when he got a bit too rough with the wood. "None of that you." She said shaking her head.

Using the small key, Tauriel opened the cover then ran her hand along the black and white keys, pressing down on one and then another. She then tapped the pedals to test them out, holding the dampening pedal down as she picked a song she knew by heart to begin and soon, she was losing herself in the music.

Fili watched and smiled, seeing her relax as she played. When his niece woke and began to fuss, he instantly picked her up and swayed her to rhythm since Tauriel went from one song to the next. He even nodded to his brother who quietly opened the door and stood against the frame, a soft smile on his lips as he watched his wife. You would think it was her who had given him the gift with how happy he looked. Fili also did not miss the bundle of flowers he held behind his back. He winked at Fili as he carefully stepped into the room, silently shutting the door behind him, then walked to stand behind his wife, pressing a kiss to her head just as she finished the current piece she was playing.

"Beautiful." Kili murmured.

"Kili." Tauriel sighed and looked up at him, then grinned broadly when she saw the flowers. "Are those for me?"

"Naw, they are for Fili." Kili teased.

"Me?" Fili gushed. "Ki, you shouldn't have!"

Kili snorted but handed the flowers to his wife, Fili's face falling into mock disappointment. "Well that was very rude, Ki. You got my hopes up, then killed them with one motion. Must you wound me so?"

Tauriel laughed as Kili pulled a rose from the mixed flowers and handed it to Fili. "There. One beautiful rose, for one beautiful brother." He winked and Fili beamed happily.

"Awe, you make me blush, Ki." He stuck the flower in his hair, long stem and all. Kili had removed the thorns, just in case one of his children or his nieces decided to get their hands on them. No pricklies in their home. "Any news on Nagar?" Fili asked, still rocking Ithtiri.

Kili ground his jaw, and nodded. "He is here." He said curtly, then tried to relax as he looked a this wife who stiffened. "And you should know, Tork is here as well, as is Nelithi."

"NELITHI!" Tauriel gasped. "How...she should not be traveling!" Standing from the piano, Tauriel moved to race from the room. She hissed when Kili caught her around the waist, keeping her from fleeing.

"Oh no you don't." Kili huffed, then his expression softened when pain filtered through their link and he immediately apologized. "Amralime! I am so sorry." He let her go and Tauriel took a breath and closed her eyes. Her pain had diminished so much over the last few weeks, that she often forgot there was still some healing yet to do. It likely did not help she had that tumble from the bar in the training room when she was racing Naurfaer either the day before either.

"Amralime?" Kili asked again, afraid to touch her as she sat down.

"You okay little sister?" Fili asked gently.

Kaw croaked and flew down to the piano bench Tauriel was sitting on and began nudging her as Dulinn crawled up her leg and started to sing softly.

Tauriel took another breath then softly smiled up at Kili who looked visibly upset, not to mention the constant streams of apologies he was sending her through their connection. "Kili, stop it, it is fine. I am fine. You just caught me by surprise, that is all meleth nin, I am not permanently damaged in any way so hush and give me a moment."

Kili nodded, looking to the ground. Tauriel shook her head and sighed to herself. Her Kili, even protecting her from himself. "Kili…" Tauriel said.

"I think I should step out a moment." Kili tried, but Tauriel took his hand.

"Stop it." Tauriel said sternly. "I told you I was fine, and I am. You did nothing wrong my love, nor did you injure me so calm yourself. I do desire to go see Nelithi though." She scowled. "Do I need to ask permission?"

Kili scrunched his nose in distaste and ground his jaw. "No." He finally said. "But Nagar is down there as well…still living unfortunately. And I am not ready to be in the same room with him and you. Uncle asked me to inform you, but to remain up here until he calls for us."

Tauriel stared at the door, wondering if she was fast enough, would Kili chase her down the steps. But then she took another breath and really thought about it. Yes, she can go and is faster than her dwarven husband…but was it really the right thing to do?

Standing up, Tauriel hated that Kili was watching her every move almost warily. But instead of going to the door, Tauriel slipped her hands around Kili's waist and leaned into him. "Thank you for the flowers." She said simply. "And happy anniversary, my Kili."

Kili groaned. "That just made me feel worse!" He whined even as he pulled her close. "Are you sure you are alright?"

Tauriel tutted. "Kili, you were far rougher last evening." She lifted a brow. "On the ground outside?"

"OI!" Fili practically howled. "I do NOT want to hear whatever this conversation is OR where it is going. Me, and my niece, are going next door if you two are going to talk like that."

"Do not steal my daughter Fili." Kili growled and released his wife to take his daughter from Fili. "Come here my Ithtiri." He cooed, smiling when she looked up at him and grinned. "There's my beauty." He hummed, swaying her side to side.

"You steal my daughters all the time!" Fili huffed.

"That is because I am the favorite uncle." Kili snickered.

"You are their only uncle." Fili reminded him shaking his head. There was no use arguing with Kili, and to be fair, Fili stole Kili's children as much as Kili stole Fili's children…so it was rather even. "That reminds me, I am keeping the boys tonight."

"Why?" Kili asked.

"Because it's your anniversary you brainless troll, and I am a nice older brother." Fili rolled his eyes. "If I had breasts and could feed that one, I would take her too. But Taurion is a little milk goblin and eats way more than any of the girls ever ate, and Ithtiri prefers Tauriel over a bottle so she might need to stay here." He gave Tauriel a lopsided grin causing the eleth to shake her head in amusement. "I was going to keep them last night, but…"

"We understand, Fili." Tauriel said, knowing how upset Fili likely was over what happened to his Dissah. She is still internally fuming herself about it. "And thank you. Truly. We will keep Ithtiri. Valar knows she throws a fit whenever she even sees a bottle. I think it brings back negative memories for her. My poor darling." She stroked her daughters cheek, Ithtiri grasping at her finger as she did.

A gentle rapping on the door had Tauriel moving from her husband and infant to see who has come and she smiled at Dwalin who stepped in followed by Gloin who nodded a greeting.

"They are ready teh begin." Dwalin said. "Viltarra said teh bring this one into her chambers with yer beasts…all of em. Her mam and da are there teh watch 'em all." He gestured to Ithtiri, Kili nodding.

"I will take her over, you two head down and Viltarra and I will meet you both in the throne room." Kili said, already half out the door.

Tauriel took a breath and squared her shoulders, but she smiled when she felt Fili slip his hand into hers. "It's been awhile since I have seen you THIS nervous, little sister." He whispered, giving her a comforting look.

"I think it is a mix between Kili's and my nerves." She said honestly. "He is rather apprehensive."

"I think we all are." Fili muttered as they walked down the steps together. Just before they reached the final landing, he gave her hand a gentle squeeze and released it. Right behind them, Kili and Viltarra came down the steps, taking their places beside their other halves, then walking around the corner where Nyaunni and Thorin stood before their thrones.

Tauriel's full attention was immediately placed on the pale eleth sitting straight up in one of the front bench seats. When Nelithi caught her gaze, she gave Tauriel her own small smile, though it was tinged with something akin to sorrow and fear. Tork just waived jovially as if he had very few cares in the world.

At the center of the room before Thorin, was Nagar along with three elven guards, and six Ereborian guards flanking him on either side. The thing that surprised Tauriel, was where Legolas was standing. He was beside Nyaunni, speaking to both her and Thorin quietly, all three seemed rather calm considering the situation. In fact the only two who looked out of sorts were Nelithi and Nagar...the latter seeming rather pale and shifting about uncomfortably as he stood before the throne.

Though he did straighten a bit when Tauriel came in the room, his face breaking out into a confident smile as he nodded to her. Tauriel chose to ignore him and take Kili's hand, which was both for her own personal benefit, and because he was beginning to growl audibly, and she thought it best to ground him in some way.

"I hate that elf. Just say the word, amralime, and he will be removed from this world."

"That is not our call, meleth nin. Thorin will handle this, we must trust his judgement."

"Fine." Kili huffed in her mind, though he kept glaring at the elf at the center of this entire situation.

When Naurfaer walked in with Galadriel on his arm and Haldir beside them, Tauriel could not stop the look of surprise that crossed her face...and it seems neither could Nagar who gaped at the elven queen.

"Good." Thorin called out suddenly. "We can begin now that there is adequate representation."

A large chair was pulled and sat a few feet away from Thorin and Nyaunni's throne for Galadriel, who smiled gratefully as she sat, Haldir standing at her side.

Naurfaer moved quickly to stand beside the family, patting Kili on the back as he stood next to him. He gave Tauriel a knowing look and she knew it meant that he would make sure Kili did not do anything rash. Probably for the best, even though she was sure Kili would have more than a thing or two to say if he realized WHY Naurfaer was standing so close to him...though by the narrowed eyed look her husband was giving her grandfather...he probably had his suspicions.

"The elf who stands before us has committed crimes against the royal family."

Nagar scowled and huffed. "What crimes? I did nothing that could cause any kind of physical harm."

"SILENCE!" Thorin roared. "You will remain quiet until you are asked to speak, do you understand?"

"Do as he commands, Nagar." Legolas droned, folding his arms and staring down at the elf who shut his mouth at the behest of his prince.

Thorin waited a few more moments, then continued. "A certain artifact was given to my nephew with claims it was for his protection, do you recall what it was?"

Nagar remained silent until Legolas nodded his head giving him permission to speak. "It was an amulet." He said looking to Kili. "One to protect him by warning him of enemies approach like any weapon or artifact made in similar fashion."

"Was it to protect him? Of did you do something to it in hopes to manipulate him?" Thorin asked.

Nagar shifted and cleared his throat. "A bit of both." He finally said. "I never meant for anything to hurt him in any way, quite the contrary. The amulet is in fact meant to alarm any nearby it of nefarious creatures approaching. I even added a bit of a deeper enchantment that would shield the wearer a fair bit. It forces whomever is wearing it out of the focus of orcs, trolls, goblins, and other like minded nefarious creatures. A rather ingenious enchantment really." He smiled proudly. "I am rather good at simple enchantments, it is my gift."

"And the other enchantment you put on the amulet? The one my granddaughter fell victim too?"

"A child?" Nelithi gasped then glared at her brother. "Nagar, what have you done?"

Nagar opened and closed his mouth. "A...child?" He asked looking to where Tauriel stood. The only one missing was Dis, who was still teaching her class. She had wanted to be here, but as her class was having a special event today, and Thorin, Kili, and Fili thought they could all handle this, she decided to not find coverage.

"My child." Fili growled.

"Oh." Nagar cleared his throat. "You must know, that was never my intention..."

"And what exactly WAS your intention?" Tauriel shot out.

Thorin gave her a look but allowed the question with a simple, "Well...answer her."

Nagar shifted again, looking at Tauriel almost, pleadingly? Was he honestly silently asking for her help? She bristled and glared back at him causing the elf to sigh.

"I was just...having a bit of a go at the Lady Tauriel's mate, nothing more. It's a lesser enchantment, which is really all I can do, not meant to last any length of time. A bit of a...well...negative suggestion to the contrary of elves. Had to use my own take on it to make it specific to making the wearer loath the elven kind. I thought...it might turn him against his wife just for a bit, and she might come back to Mirkwood. The effect stops the moment it is removed, and don't effect the eldar because...you can't exactly hate your own people. Or, maybe you can? I actually did not test it out much."

"Nagar you didn't?" Nelithi hissed. "She is a mated elf! And bonded! I told you to leave it be and you promised!" Her hands trembled, Tork pressing his large hand to her back likely to help calm her. "You yourself are paired, and to be a father!"

Nagar lowered his eyes to the floor. "Yes, you are right Nelithi. It was a lapse in judgement." He looked to Tauriel. "You are, beautiful." He said almost wistfully. It had Kili stiffening and growling again. "And there is not another like you. You cannot blame me for shooting my shot at a chance with you."

"I can in fact do just that. When have I ever given you any indication I was even the least bit interested in you?" Tauriel hissed.

"I...thought maybe...you were here out of some, requirement or forced marriage. You have to admit, dwarves and elves do not fall in love, not with each other."

"I did." Tauriel growled lowely. "There is only one in this life for me, only one, and that is Kili. How dare you try and destroy our relationship with some cheap trick. How dare you attempt to manipulate my mates mind. How dare you harm my and my brothers children. What you have done is unforgivable, and if I never see you again, it shall be too soon."

"I agree with Lady Tauriel's sentiment." Galadriel's soft voice filled the hall. "It is not our way to use our gifts to the detriment of another and for such a selfish, clearly one-sided reason. You could do good in the world with such abilities, yet instead you waste it on frivolous pursuits of a worldly nature."

Legolas nodded his agreement. "Might I add that you meddle in the affairs of a royal family, one who protects their own, from what I have seen, with a fierce nature. Tauriel does not belong in Mirkwood." He glanced at his friend, the sister he never had, who nodded gratefully. "She belongs with her family in Erebor. And let me tell you now, no small enchantment will change what they feel for each other. I have seen these two go to the ends of the world for one another, have witnessed them clawing their way through loss of memory to, through injury, torture, war, capture...if you think some small amulet will be able to turn her love in your favor, I will tell you you are a bigger fool than most take you for, Nagar."

Legolas turned to Thorin and bowed his head, glancing back at Nagar who watched on apprehensively. "My father has given King Thorin permission to render whatever judgment he seems fit for the situation."

"Fili." Thorin called, "Come forward."

Fili eyed Tauriel and Kili, before nodding and moving to stand beside Thorin. "It is your child who was affected directly, therefore, as crowned prince of our people and next in line to be king, I will hear your thoughts on how to properly assign a punishment for such a crime. Should we remove his head from his shoulders?"

"No!" Nelithi cried out, Tork instantly grabbing her and pulling her against him. "Please..." She begged.

"Neli, it will be alright. I accept whatever fate I have earned. Tell Mura I am sorry." He said softly.

"Do you love her?" Fili asked, narrowing his eyes at the elf in front of him. "This, elf you are mated to?"

"I admire her." Nagar said softly. "And care for her deeply. Love, is...a difficult sentiment to me. I find myself at odds with the elven nature of withholding my physical passions. I have cared for many, but none so much as I care for Mura. Not even Tauriel."

"Yet you come after my sister still." Fili hedged with an edge to his voice.

Nagar sighed. "And I do not regret desiring a beauty as unique as Tauriel is, but I made that amulet before Mura fell with child, and before I realized my affections for her. Mura deserves better than I, but I also cannot imagine a life without her."

"Does she know your, affections, for Tauriel?" Fili asked.

"She does, after I told her yesterday when I was summoned and I had an idea as to why. What other reason would I be put on trial in Erebor?" Nagar sighed. "She has...removed herself from our understanding." He looked to his sister who was giving him a look laced with both shock, and heavy disappointment. "I am sorry Neli. I meant to tell you...everything. But with your recovery, I did not want to weigh you down with a burden that was not yours to carry. Mura has every right to be angry with me, and it might be the best thing for her to remove me from her life permanently. I do not wish to hurt her more."

Nagar took a breath and bowed his head. "I offer my most humblest apologies for your child, Prince Fili. I would never knowingly hurt a youngling of any race, nor did I intend to put any true physical harm on anyone, Prince Kili included. I was not even sure it would work on a dwarf, but I did know it would protect the prince...if not make him just a BIT untoward to Tauriel or any elf really. But I would never make it permanent, the affects would last just enough to have a bit of fun myself…but cease when the amulet is removed. And Tauriel...I regret that we were not introduced properly in Mirkwood, for if we have, I would have pursued her relentlessly. But I do understand when I have errored, and I see I have done so to a great degree."

"Will you continue to pursue her? Tauriel?" Fili narrowed his eyes at the elf. "Should you be granted the chance to live."

Nagar looked at Tauriel who now had her arms wrapped firmly around Kili's arm and her eyes burning with revulsion. She hated him, and he could see it now. "No." Nagar said after a moment. "I have someone at home who cares for me, who I have wronged. If she will allow it, I wish to make right what I have done for her and raise our daughter together. If nothing more, I wish to be in my daughter's life."

Fili ground his jaw as he stared at Nagar. On one hand, this elf was responsible for his little Dissah having a horrific evening, which could have been far worse than it was as all parties were fine with no ill effects. On the other hand, if what he says is right, he did have SOME good intentions...though they were tied to the ill intentions. This, was not an easy judgement and he half wanted to turn it over to his uncle to handle.

However, Fili was to be a king one day, and he knew part of the reason his uncle gave the situation over to him was to give him the opportunity to prove himself as next in line for the throne. Oh, how part of him wanted to kill this elf. Not just for his daughter's sake, but for the discomfort he caused Tauriel who was Fili's most beloved sister, and also for the intention of hurting Kili if not physically but mentally. Kili has been through enough having his mind messed with…to have it done in a way that would have given him more reason to hate himself by hurting the one being he loved more than anything in this world would be reason enough to remove this elf's head.

Fili took a breath, though, and reminded himself that there was still the fact the necklace would not have worked on an adult dwarf…perhaps that should be the final piece of convicting evidence. "I think one of us should put the necklace on." Fili said after a moment.

"YOU WHAT?!" Kili hissed glaring at his brother. "Fi…."

"No, just hear me out, Ki. We are in a controlled situation. Dissah wore it for maybe ten minutes before she started acting off. We should see if it has any ill effect on those of us who are NOT a child." He glared at Nagar who looked down at the floor. Good, he should feel shame.

Kili looked between Fili, Thorin, then Tauriel. "You cannot be serious, Fili!"

"I am." Fili nodded.

Thorin rubbed his chin in thought. "This might be a good idea." He said after a moment. "But I will take the burden of choosing who away and take the task on myself."

"No." Kili said firmly, closing his eyes and pressing his brow into Tauriel's temple to gather his courage. "I will do it. My mind has been broken already by such artifacts...I think...it will work best on me. It will take too long on anyone else and I want to be done with this."

"Kili no, absolutely no." Fili growled. "I had no intentions of you doing this when I suggested it for that very reason!"

"That may be true, but it would make the most sense to have me be the one to wear it anyway. It was meant for me, I…will be the one to test it."

Tauriel pulled away only to grip his face with her hands. "Kili, you do not need to do this." She said carefully. "I know your mind, my love." She added through their bond. "And I know how much you do not like outside influence on your thoughts. Are you sure, meleth nin, this is something you can do without bringing you harm?"

"I can do this, Tauriel." Kili said out loud trying to sound confident, but he knew without a doubt she felt the fear coming from him along with likely hearing his racing heart.

Tauriel stared at him for awhile, her thumbs stroking his cheeks as she held his face tenderly. Eventually, she nodded and let her hands fall.

However, Kili caught them and gave her a serious look. "Whatever I say, it is not true Tauriel. IF I say something to hurt you, know that is not me. I love you with everything that I am."

Tauriel nodded. "I know, Kili." She said simply.

Kili gave her one final look and nodded to his brother. "I am ready." He said, Fili giving him the saddest expression he has ever seen his brother give him. "If Dissah can do it, so can I." He said with a half-smile.

"Not funny." Fili grumbled as Naurfaer brought the amulet over he had had in his pocket.

"Kili…" Naurfaer said, still gripping the amulet.

"It's okay." Kili nodded reassuringly. "I am prepared for what it to come." Even as he said it, his heart rate doubled once more. He felt as if it might burst from his chest.

Galadriel simply watched silently, as did Tork and Nelithi who both looked nervous. Nagar just shifted, still looking at the ground.

Kili took a deep breath and nodded once again to his brother who took the amulet from Naurfaer. Though Kili did lean into his brother and whisper, "If I look like I might hurt her, get her out of here." He ordered, and Fili nodded.

Tauriel watched filled with fear. What would she see? What would he say? Could she withstand the hurt of him looking at her with disgust. It brought her back to him losing his memories and she had to swallow back tears. If he was going to be brave, then she will too.

Both Nyaunni and Viltarra sidled up beside her, each taking one of her hands in theirs to show their support and their protection. Even Thorin and Haldir moved to flank Kili as Naurfaer stood just close enough to Tauriel to protect her, but far enough to allow whatever was to happen, to happen.

Kili closed his eyes as Fili placed the amulet over his head. "Stay strong, baby brother. But you have my word. I will protect her."

"Thank you." Was the final thing he said as he felt the cool metal rest on the exposed part of his chest. It heated instantly against his skin almost to a burn, but only just. Kili took a deep breath, then another. So far, he felt well enough.

Tauriel had pulled enough from his mind to still be there, but to be more an outside presence in his mind. They wanted to see if this would influence him…so she actively had to make certain not to be overly protective like her instincts screamed for her to do. That being said, she was ready to obliterate any ill presence in his mind if she felt it would cause him even more permanent harm than what he endured with Elbereth.

Two minutes turned to five, then five to ten, and soon Kili stood staring at nothing for nearly a half hour. It was not a few minutes after that, he felt the edges of something unfamiliar brimming at the entrance to his mind. A soft voice he could barely understand whispering until he finally could make out what it was saying.

She loved Legolas. He loved her.

It sung into his mind so sweetly, it could have been Tauriel herself saying it. Kili stiffened immediately glancing at Legolas standing near Galadriel, his mind furiously working to build walls and sound alarms as some unknown presence tried to infiltrate it. But another warm, familiar, presence was there as well helping him relax. He also was prepared for something like this happening, which helped as well…though he still felt slightly exposed.

Elves live forever, she would have moved on once your life was complete.

Kili shook the thoughts away, Tauriel giving him a concerned look. "Kili?"

She said you were her first…but what being has lived 600 years without even once exploring her body with another? Maybe it was Legolas. Did she bleed when you were first intimate…

Kili thought back to their first night, but could not remember her bleeding. Did she lie to him? Why did it even matter after so long? Sudden thoughts and mental images of his wife entangled with other elves filled his mind. He looked to his wife and growled ominously.

"Take it off." Fili said but Kili evaded him and everyone else as he marched up to Tauriel. She just watched him warily, her emerald eyes burning with the hurt she knew would come.

Nagar watched with nothing but worry in his expression. What had he done?

"You…" Kili hissed, a look of pure fury on his face.

"Kili…" Thorin growled in warning, but Kili shot him an even darker look. He turned back to Tauriel who had tears now falling down her cheeks.

"You…" Kili repeated and took a breath. "…are mine." He finished with a soft smile. Damn those voices, damn what her life was before he came into it, damn even Legolas. He knew this elf inside and out. He knew her thoughts. He knew her dreams. He knew her fears. As if some idiotic voice could change the love he has for her…even if it was currently telling him she must have slept with Legolas. "And only mine."

"As you are mine." Tauriel replied softly. "Kili?"

"It's me." Kili said gently, brushing some hair away from her face and brushing her tears away with the pads of his thumbs. "Please tell me you never slept with Legolas?" He pleaded through the bond.

"WHAT?!" Tauriel hissed looking from her husband, to Legolas who was watching curiously. Thank the maker Kili did have the sense to not ask out loud as that would have been MORTIFYING. Legolas was and has always been her friend, nothing more. "Absolutely not! You are all I have ever known in that regard." She growled.

"I know, just…just checking." Kili said with a chuckle, fully believing her. What is twenty years of marriage if you cannot trust your partner? He leaned into her and grinned. "I love you, you know."

Tauriel let out a heavy sigh and nodded. "I know. I love you. Are you alright?"

Kili pulled her face to his, pressing a kiss to her lips and nodded. "I feel suddenly drained, but otherwise, I am alright. I can see why Dissah was influenced though. It is like, your own thoughts or a voice you trust trying to influence you to believe something that just was not true. Honestly, it was kind of absurd and anyone with half a mind would likely brush the thoughts away."

Without needing any assistance, he removed the amulet himself and swayed a bit as if even more of his energy was suddenly pulled from him. Both Tauriel and Naurfaer caught him, Fili moving to help him sit in the closest space possible, which happened to be Thorin's throne but Thorin could care less.

"Kili." Tauriel said kneeling between his legs and grasping his face. She felt his exhaustion coming through him but her heart calmed as he gave her the most endearing look.

"Nothing could make me love you less." He said confidently.

Tauriel's expression melted into a wide grin, feeling the pride and joy he felt for overcoming the amulet. "Even my freezing cold toes in bed?"

Kili shivered but leaned down a bit to press his brow to hers. "Even your ice toes." He hummed, rubbing his nose against hers. "But I do want to know why I am so tired suddenly."

"Enchantments need power which comes in the form of energy." Galadriel said softly. "In a case such as this amateur enchantment…it drains much for little outcome. A flaw one might say. For those with greater abilities, the energy loss would be highly subtle and likely unnoticeable. Some rest, and you should be well enough." She gave him a soft smile. "I commend you, Prince Kili, for doing so well despite knowing how much you dislike outside influences on your mind."

Kili nodded, really too tired to do anything else so Tauriel made the decision to let him be. "Stay here and rest, then we can go have a lie down."

"Just a lie down?" Kili asked through their bond, wagging his brows so tiredly it was almost comical to see.

"I highly doubt you have the energy for anything other than sleeping, meleth nin." Tauriel said back, then chuckled audibly at his snicker before pressing a kiss to his head. He lay his head back against the tall seat, his eyes already closed and his breathing evening out just to prove her point.

"Is he alright, nâtha?" Thorin asked worriedly, eyeing his nephew who had slumped a bit but was sitting upright.

"Resting, but yes." Tauriel confirmed sitting on the arm of the throne just to be near Kili. She smiled when he slid to the side, leaning against where she sat and she scooted back enough for Kili to be in a somewhat comfortable position against her.

Thorin looked to Fili who nodded as both turned to Nagar who looked a mix between relieved, and wary. Thorin whispered something to his elder nephew who hummed an agreement. He then went to Legolas pulling him to the side.

The pair spoke for several minutes, Legolas agreeing to everything Thorin said, even smiling softly as Thorin moved away, following him to Galadriel. The elven queen stood as Legolas took her aside, Thorin moving to Fili and explaining everything as they waited for the two elven royals to finish their discussion and come back to the front, nodding to Thorin.

"I think we have seen enough." Thorin began. "And we are all in agreement."

"It is a great crime to produce enchantments meant to harm another." Galadriel said giving Nagar a hard stare. "Whether that enchantment was meant to harm physically, mentally, or emotionally. You went out of your way to make something to disrupt the harmony of a love match for your own selfish needs and desires. Furthermore, you tainted what was once a rare and very beautiful artifact with your selfishness. For those crimes alone, without factoring in a child too young to filter out what is her own thoughts, and thoughts forced onto her, I am in full agreement with the judgement to have all your wares removed from you to be investigated, furthermore, you will be confined to your home in Mirkwood until we can ascertain who else, if any, you are responsible for manipulating. This includes your lady Mura."

"I have done nothing to Mura!" Nagar said in defense.

"That remains to be seen." Legolas said cooly. "Be happy King Thorin and Prince Fili had not put a death sentence on your head."

"I still might." Thorin grumbled, Fili nodding his agreement. However, both knew Tauriel loved Nelithi, and Nelithi clearly loved her brother. The eleth looked terrible, and the last thing she needed was for her brother to be sentenced to death when he in fact had not permanently harmed anyone…that they know of.

"We will also require regular inspection of your wares, Nagar, both those which come to you and those in which you sell. I understand your gift of enchantments is rare among our kind, but it is time you be made responsible for it. Any further incidents we find, will only count against you, and if you do this again, know that the punishment, will be you being removed from these mortal lands."

"I…of course." Nagar said nodding. He turned to Thorin and his family. "Please know I meant no ill will, not to anyone."

Thorin nodded to his guard. "Take him to a room and guard the door. He will leave when you are ready to leave." He said the last bit to Legolas who had told Thorin he was planning on staying the night mostly for Nelithi's sake. Ivethin had forbade her to travel, but she disregarded the order from the healer because Nagar was her brother, and Tauriel, her friend so she insisted on coming to be here to support both.

As Nagar was escorted out of the Throne room Tork stood and grinned. "Well sand flees and honey bees, that was certainly something! And here I thought I would be watching my first beheading."

"TORK!" Nelithi hissed and he immediately sobered and turned to her.

"Sorry Neli. I was just…releasing some tension."

"In a foul way." Nelithi said giving him a look but her look softened as Tauriel came up to her.

"Nelithi." Tauriel said sitting beside the eleth and pulling her friend into a gentle embrace. Truthfully, Nelithi looked so delicate, a gust of wind might break her. But when her friend held her back tightly, Tauriel knew she must be better than she seemed.

"Tauriel, how goes your healing journey?" Nelithi asked as she pulled away.

"Fair." Tauriel replied. "I still have a few injuries being stubborn, and my headaches that have been my constant companion…but otherwise, I am grateful to be even as strong as I am."

"I feel the same. Each day is a gift, is it not?" Nelithi said softly.

"It is." Tauriel agreed.

Nelithi sighed and took Tauriel's hand tightly in her own. "I cannot begin to relay my most sincerest apologies for Nagar. I told him to let you alone when I noticed how uncomfortable you were whenever he was around. But I had no idea he went to these lengths to bring such harm to you and Kili. I feel great shame and disappointment in him right now…but I cannot relay my gratitude to King Thorin for his mercy. I will be keeping him on a very short leash when we return home. I pray to the creators he has not done this to anyone else."

Tauriel glanced back at the throne where Kili was out cold. "What he did was unforgivable…and what he has the potential to do can bring great harm, but he could also do great wonders in the world if he stops being so self-centered."

"Come now Bunny, we all are allowed to be a little selfish now and again." Tork chuckled. "Why, I find taking my animal form to be very self-centric whenever I need to hunt or kill someone…or something. Not many in this world are courageous enough to come at a large winged lion. Not to mention the massive size of my…"

"TORK!" Nelithi stopped him, giving him a warning look.

"What? I was going to say wingspan." He grinned so cheekily, Tauriel knew he was lying and so did Nelithi.

"That will be enough from you. I have plenty as it is to worry about with my brother, the last thing I need is for you to get on anyone else's bad side." She said with a heavy sigh.

"How is your stay in Mirkwood going?" Tauriel asked curiously. She knew there was a lot of animosity between him and the elven people.

"This one, has managed to get himself in nearly more trouble than he his worth." Nelithi grumbled. "Part of the reason he is here, is so I know he won't get himself a death sentence if I am not there to keep the peace."

"It was one shop." Tork huffed.

"You ate HALF a table of his wares while he was assisting others." Nelithi reminded him. "Then refused to pay."

"It tasted spoiled." Tork grumbled.

"Then why did you keep eating it?" Nyaunni asked with her brow raised. Since Tork had no answer to that, he very wisely decided to remain quiet. "Needless to say…" She continued with a sigh. "…he is no longer allowed in that part of town. The worst part is, it was the first day Lord Thranduil allowed him to visit the markets."

"I can STILL visit the markets." Tork reminded her. "Just…not that shop." He gave her a very cheesy grin that had her lifting a brow, but smiling.

"Will you always be this much trouble?" She asked him.

"Well someone has to give you reason to stick around." Tork sniffed. "Keeps you sharp keeping me in line."

Nelithi rolled her eyes looking to Tauriel and switching to Sindarin. "How exactly do you manage five children? I feel like I have two and I am already overwhelmed."

Tauriel laughed. "It helps to know you love them." She replied back in the elven tongue.

"HEY!" Tork growled. "I don't know what you were saying, but I know you were talking about me."

"Those big ears burning?" Nelithi teased.

"Why would my ears burn?" Tork asked, rubbing his ears as if he expected them to be on fire.

Both Nelithi and Tauriel laughed. It was so…healing…to see her acting so normal. Either she was getting better, or, Tork worked wonders on her moral. Maybe it was a bit of both.

"I really need to get my husband somewhere more comfortable." Tauriel hummed looking to Kili who would be waking up with a crick in his neck if he stayed in that position.

"Go ahead." Nelithi said gently. "I too am weary, but I very much wish to give my idiot of a brother a very lengthy piece of my mind before my body gives out. My energy as of late is greatly increasing…but the journey here was more difficult than I expected."

"We must have dessert tonight together. You will not believe how detectible dwarven food can be." Tauriel said as she stood.

"I will look forward to it." Nelithi nodded

with a smile. "May I be so fortunate to meet your children as well?"

"Of course!" Tauriel happily agreed. "I would love nothing more than to introduce you to all of them."

"She and Kitty over there have quite the litter." Tork laughed. "But they are enjoyable." He stood and helped Nelithi up just as Legolas came over to them and took her other side."

"Let me help, Nelithi." Legolas said kindly as Tauriel called a guard over to show them to their room.

"I will see you tonight." Tauriel smiled as they slowly walked out. Now to get her husband upstairs.

It ended up taking Fili and Thorin practically heaving Kili's dead weight all the way to their bedchamber where she pulled the covers back and had them set him on the bed. He was kind of awake, enough to give her a lazy smile and sit up while she removed his boots, his belt, and his vest so he could comfortably lay down.

"Join me, amralime." Kili hummed as he collapsed on the pillows.

Tauriel chuckled. "In a moment. Our daughter is demanding food and I do not doubt Kilion will be ready to take his usual nap."

"Kay." Kili said already mostly asleep. She climbed half on the bed only to lean over him and smile as she watched him sleep for a moment. "I love you, Kili, son of Dis."

"I love you." Kili mumbled back automatically. She pressed a kiss to his lips then slid back off the bed to get her two younger children and the two aelúg.

While she was there, Tauriel gave Vin and Tarrah a full description of what happened as she fed her daughter who acted like she was ravenous. She must be growing…she always feeds like this when she goes through a growth stage. It both made her happy, and broke her heart in the way only a mother who never wanted her children to outgrow her could have their heart broken. But she still had years yet with all her children, including Finli who would not be considered an adult for over fifty years yet. Considering it has been nearly twenty already, she knows that time will come faster than it should.

Tauriel was happy to see both Kilion and Dissah still sitting together, but instead of reading, they seem to be trying to teach Umyra and Kaw a new trick only for the aelúg hatchlings to spoil each attempt they made until they gave up.

When Kilion let out a yawn and Fili and Viltarra walked in hand in hand, Tauriel decided it was time to go. "We are having our meal in the great hall tonight still, yes?"

Fili nodded as he released Viltarra's hand and plopped unceremoniously onto the sofa, patting his leg for Dissah who crawled into his lap and hugged him as he kissed her head. He leaned over and pressed another kiss to Viltarra's head as she sat beside him and began nursing their elven son. Vilia was currently passed out in Tarrah's arms, a cuddle of drool forming on her grandmothers top as she slept. Vilia has always been a heavy sleeper.

"You think Ki will be alright?" Fili asked as Tauriel stood.

"I think so." Tauriel hummed. "He just needs to sleep off the effects. I will let you know if he sleeps past the dinner bell. He might just stay in for the night."

"He has every right to take the night off." Fili agreed.

"Do you wish to stay here, my little lion, or would you like to lie win with da and I?" Tauriel asked her youngest son.

Kilion got to his feet and wrapped his arms around her leg. "Come with you." He said yawning again.

Tauriel smiled and ran his fingers through his midnight hair before nodding goodbye to the rest of her family. She did not need to call any of her animals, as she heard them moved when she did; Kaw and Umyra flying out the now open door, and both Kili's and her little aelúgs scampered past her feet knowing exactly where to go. She chuckled as she stepped into her room to see all five ravens and two out of three little aelúg running about the sitting room. Any more animals and the royal family could run their own zoo.

Letting them play in the sitting room, Tauriel guided Kilion into her and Kili's bed chamber where he climbed up on the bed, crawled to his father, and cuddled up next to him. Tauriel could not stop the smile on her face as she watched Kili wake up just enough to turn in bed and take his son with him, holding him close as both fell into deep sleep.

Placing her daughter in her cradle, Tauriel then slipped in behind Kili, wrapping her arms both around him and Kilion to join them in their late afternoon nap.

The next thing Tauriel remembered, she was looking up at Kili who had her sleeping between his legs, his fingers idly running through her hair. She heard a bunch of noise down the hall, noting all her children were home as Kili had a bottle propped against his chest while Ithtiri drank...the discontent coming from her daughter made it clear she did not WANT the bottle, but was hungry enough to take to it for the time being. It was a very rare occurrence as Ithtiri despised bottles, and she will only take one from Kili or Thorin...but why didn't Kili wake her?

"Good morning." Kili said when he looked down to see her blinking up at him.

"Morning?" Tauriel gaped at him as he nodded.

"I tried waking you a few times, but you just grumbled and went back to sleep." Kili chuckled. "Not even the children jumping on the bed at dawn had you more than stirring. To be fair, I only woke up because Orin landed right on my bits." He paused, glancing at his daughter looking up at him as she drank. "Then this one began to wail, Naufi demanded food, and Kilion got into an argument with Finli about bed space. Parenthood..." Kili sighed. "...you never know what the day will bring."

"I slept through the night? Truly?" Tauriel asked genuinely surprised.

"You did, and breakfast. It's now past ten in the morning. But I know we really don't have much going on. And before you ask, Nelithi is still here. Mam came in and said they were worried we were late to supper last night and she realized we were both asleep so she took the children to supper and informed Legolas, Tork, and Nelithi we would not be attending. They extended their stay as Neltithi is in no shape to travel quite yet anyway, so they will be staying for a week or so. Tork flew Nagar home though. Uncle really did not want him here, but Nelithi wished to stay."

Tauriel sighed and rubbed her eyes before lifting her hand and tickling her daughters foot. "Has she eaten much?"

Kili shook his head. "I think she is eating slow on purpose." He watched his wife rise and shift over his leg to sit against the pillow. She then held her arms out expectantly for her daughter who Kili passed to her after rolling his eyes.

"I hate not being the favorite." He grumbled.

"Kili...who says you are not her favorite?" Tauriel chuckled as her daughter greedily began to nurse. "I just have the means to satiate her hunger. And who is one of the only ones who can get her to feed from a bottle?"

Kili huffed and leaned back, folding his arms and glaring at nothing so Tauriel leaned her head against his shoulder, and he melted a bit. "Has my precious dwarven prince not eaten yet today?" She hummed sweetly.

Kili grunted then sighed. "Not yet." He paused and looked out at the sun peeking through the blinds. "How about, a picnic. You can invite Nelithi and Tork...and Legolas I supposed."

"How kind of you to include Legolas." Tauriel turned her head to press a kiss to his neck. The pair sat in silence for a moment, the background filled with the laughter of their four boys in the rooms down the hall. Tauriel sighed happily as her daughter fell asleep in her arms having eaten her fill. She stood and placed Ithtiri in her bed, Kili's eyes following her the entire way. Then she sauntered to his side of the bed, climbed up and straddled his legs. "My Kili." she purred. "Let us discuss what happened yesterday." She said as she began planting kisses across his face.

"This is a most unfair way to begin that discussion." Kili groaned as Tauriel pulled away and smiled softly at him, her hands cupping his face as her thumbs caressed his jaw.

"Perhaps, but I just wish to be close to you." Tauriel shimmied just a bit more forward and pressed their brows together. "Are you alright, Kili? Do you feel any ill effects of that…amulet?"

Kili assessed his mind, but he felt fully himself and told her as such. "Honestly I feel fine, amralime. It was...odd...to experience though." He looked at her, his hands sliding over her hips as he pulled her flush against him. "But I have to ask...just for my own mind. And I swear, it is more curiosity than anything. What our lives were before we met has no credence on my current love for you, Tauriel. I love you fully and deeply. But was there...I mean did you..."

"Did I what?" Tauriel asked, laying her head under his chin and playing with a patch of hair on his chest.

Kili swallowed hard and looked down at her. "When we wed, you said I was the only one."

"Yes, and you are and were. Is this about Legolas?" She hummed looking up at him through her lashes.

Kili sighed as he ran his hand through his hair. She felt the apprehension coming from him, the nervousness, and the fear. It was as if he did not want to know...but also needed to know.

"Kili..." Tauriel breathed turning his face to her. "...if there was anything with Legolas, it was one sided and not on my part. He was...a brother to me I suppose you can say. I never felt any inkling of romantic affection for him, only a love akin to what I feel for Fili. When I met you, I felt something I have never in my six-hundred years of life felt before. I was drawn to you, and I began to need you like I needed air. Nobody in Mirkwood stirred such feelings in me, not even Legolas. I learned almost too late those feelings, were love. Not the endearing brotherly love I felt for Legolas, but a burning feeling that caused me to crave your presence, the need to see you, feel you, hear you...it was completely new to me, and foreign. When you were killed, when you died before my eyes, I knew in that moment I loved you in a way I have never loved before. So if your question is if I have loved before you came into my life...in the way I love you? No, never. You were the first being that have met that my heart cannot live without."

Kili let out a breath he had not realized her was holding. "I think he loved you." He said gently, running his fingers through her long, red, hair.

"Thranduil believed the same. He even forbade me from forming a romantic connection with him due to my...low birth."

Kili snorted. "And now look at you...married into the high royal family of the dwarven people. You know...I think we trump Thranduil and Legolas in royal status. So you technically married higher up. Well done."

"Kili, I would have married you if you were homeless and mucked stalls for a living." Tauriel hummed. "It is YOU I love, not your status."

"I love you too." Kili pressed a kiss to her head. "Even if you are an elf."

Tauriel pinched him and Kili chuckled, just holding her to him. Tauriel closed her eyes and listened to his heart beating beneath her ear. "Kili?"

"Hmm." Kili hummed.

"You make me happy." Tauriel said looking up at him. "Happier than I have ever been, happier than I knew I could ever be, happier than I thought was even possible. This life we have, is everything to me. Every moment with you, makes me happier than the moment before, and every memory is sacred to me. Thank you...thank you for choosing me." She felt a tear fall down her face. "I could not love any other man, elf, or dwarf as much as I love you, even if another ten thousand years passed me by."

Kili thumbed away one of her tears and pressed another kiss to her head. "My Tauriel. It is like you stole the feelings from my heart. I should thank you for putting up with me." He chuckled. "To know, such a creature as beautiful, kind, compassionate, and as courageous as you bound yourself to me...it feels like my life is a dream sometimes. Like I am fantasizing something so extraordinary, it can only be made up by my mind. Every morning when I wake to see you beside me, I have to pinch myself to make sure I am not still dreaming. You are my world, Tauriel. You, our children, our family...I could lose everything, this mountain, our status, our living...but as long as I have you and our family, I would be alright. It would be hard, but life would go on because together, I think we can do anything, and YOU give me courage to truly believe that. I have to say, I am relieved my love for you was able to overcome that amulet. To see the look of hurt in your eyes if I said something contrary to what I actually believe, what I actually feel...it would haunt me, Tauriel."

Tauriel nodded, knowing she would not be able to control the physical and emotional pain that would shoot through her to see him giving her cold looks and uttering words contrary to their love directly to her. It would be pain beyond reckoning...and she felt enough of that when he lost his memories of her. To date, that was still one of her darkest memories...Kili being stolen from her, Kili forgetting her, Kili looking at her with that cold indifferent expression on his face...it caused a chill to run down her spine. She hated how it still had such a hold on her despite having been eighteen years ago.

"So...picnic?" Kili asked, tightening his arms around her and nuzzling her hair.

Tauriel smiled as his stomach growled again. "That sounds lovely. How about you get the children, and I will see if Tork is back. Shall we have it in our garden? Or in the meadow just outside the mountain?"

Kili hummed in thought. "Do you think Nelithi will be alright going to the meadow? It is just down the path. We could always take the horses too."

"The children would love that." Tauriel said sitting up and just looking at him. "And we need to talk to Tork about going to see Beorn. I feel like I can handle the journey, and I wish for him to see one of his kind again." She leaned forward and pressed her lips to his as he knotted his fingers in her hair, deepening the kiss. With one move, he flipped them over, hovering over her and smiling when she shrieked.

"I think I would like to devour you before getting some real food." He growled, moving down her body. Tauriel was happy to let him, arching herself up to him as he lifted her sleeping top and pressed hot kisses to her belly.

"DA! TELL ORIN TO STOP TAKING MY BOOK!"

"IT WAS MY BOOK FIRST!"

"WAS NOT!"

Kili groaned loudly, as he slipped off his wife and fell back on the bed, closing his eyes and rubbing his hands down his face. He should have known to lock the door. "Orin, give Kilion his book back." He growled as he felt the bed jolt as his children climbed up. He winced as he felt one of his sons climb onto his chest and opened one eye to see Naufi cocking his head at him.

"Are you alright, da?" Naufi asked.

Kili sighed and smiled while Tauriel had the audacity to laugh beside him. Cruel elven woman.

"Just give your father a moment." Tauriel said pulling her son off Kili who slipped off the bed and retreated to the washroom. She chuckled again when she heard the shower turn on seconds later.

"You slept so long, mama. You are not sick are you?" Kilion asked, setting his book Orin had finally relinquished to him down on the bed.

"No my love." Tauriel said with a smile, Naufi still in her lap. She pressed a kiss to his red hair as he lay against her. "I am perfectly well. In fact, your father and I thought we might have a picnic and invite my friends from Mirkwood. Would you all like to come?"

"Where are we going to eat?" Finli asked curiously as he too sat on the bed and pulled Kilion into his own lap.

"We were going to take the horses to the meadow." Tauriel hummed wrapping her free arm around Orin beside her.

"Can I ride Elenath?" Finli asked.

"Of course my star." Tauriel nodded. "As long as I ride with you."

Finli smiled and nodded. "I can try the new saddle you and da got me for my birthday!"

Tauriel pressed another kiss to Naufi's head then slipped out from behind him. "Finli, would you mind your brothers while I go get ready for the day?"

"We don't need minding." Orin huffed. "But little lion might."

"Hey!" Kilion huffed. "You get in more trouble than me." He reminded him.

"Well someone has to keep mama and da on their toes." Naufi said cheekily. Tauriel sighed and shook her head as she grabbed something to wear for the day and went into the bathroom just as Kili was stepping out of the shower shivering.

"Meleth nin, you know we have heated water." She reminded him as she slipped out of her clothes and stepped into the shower, turning the water on one of the warmer settings.

"Yes, well, we were interrupted and I had to..." He paused and stared at her as she stood under the spray. "...sod it. Can you be quiet?" He asked as he dropped his towel and jumped in behind her, sliding his arms around her narrow waist and pulling her against him as he pressed his lips to her shoulder.

"Can you?" Tauriel said lifting a brow as Kili twisted her around to face him and pushed her against the wall.

After a very pleasant shower, both Kili and Tauriel were leaving the bathroom with bright smiles on their faces. Kili pushed Tauriel down to the bench at the end of the bed then proceeded to braid her damp hair back as their children excitedly started suggesting foods they bring. Kili had to remind them it was a picnic and there would be no way to cook pancakes, which annoyed Kilion; fry chicken...suggested by the twins; or make chips which had Finli grumbling.

Tauriel could not stop the smile on her face. This, was happiness.

When Kili was finished, Tauriel stood and pressed a kiss to his lips. "Thank you, meleth nin." It was as she pulled away her daughter began to stir, making her little cooing sounds as she entertained herself. Or Tauriel thought she was entertaining herself only to realize Dulinn was in Ithtiri's bed, licking her cheeks. The infant giggled and Tauriel laughed as she picked her daughter up. "I will go see to the others, why don't we all meet at the stables. Do you think you can handle packing some food?" She asked her husband.

"Of course! I might cheat though and stop by the kitchens. It's nearing lunch so I am sure Bombur can whip us up something good." Kili said, smiling wide as his daughter reached out to him, giggling her little giggle when he made a face at her. "Do you want to come with da?" He cooed. When Ithtiri leaned even further, still reaching out for him, Kili glowed with happiness. "Yes! Da for the win." He hummed as he rocked her. "We are going to say da first, right?"

Ithtiri babbled, fisting his braids and tugging on them as Kili laughed and kissed her head. "We will work on it. Let's go boys." He said pecking Tauriel on the lips once more before the family made their way out in the hall.

Fili's door was wide open so Kili peaked in as Tauriel continued her way to go invite Nelithi, Tork...if he is back from Mirkwood...and Legolas for a picnic. Kili thought he probably should invite his brother as well so he herded his sons into the suite where Fili sat on the floor, an important looking parchment between his legs, while his two elder daughters were practicing braids on his hair. Vilia was on the floor beside him coloring on another piece of parchment while Fili held coloring sticks in his free hand, his daughter occasionally demanding a color and switching them out.

On Fili's other side was Taurion who was gnawing on the blanket he lay on while Bruni, the aelúg attached to Taurion, also chewed on the blanket. With Fili's free hand, he held a rattle he would occasionally shake for his son, though all his focus was on the document between his legs.

Oh, to be a parent. Kili chuckled.

"Hey Fi. We are going on a picnic. You want to come?" Kili asked, ignoring his own aelúg as she peeked out through his slightly damp hair. He glanced at Finli who had Kaw hopping at his feet, and Tigvi on his shoulder, than a this youngest son who was giggling at Umyra as she affectionally pecked at his boots. They really have a lot of animals. Fortunately, Duk, Sokki, and Feya are out flying somewhere.

"Hm?" Fili asked as he looked up at his little brother. "What?"

"Da, he wants to go on a picnic and invited us." Karra said rolling her eyes. She accepted another bead from Dissah...a rather strikingly purple bead...and went back to work braiding it into her father's golden mane.

"Oh." Fili said shaking the rattle when Taurion began to fuss. The infant instantly settled and began to coo before he shoved the blanket back into his mouth. Fili sighed. "Not today, Ki. I really need to get this read through and I promised Viltarra I will handle the children so she can help her mam finish Vin's birthday cake."

"Karra kept eating it." Dissah said with a laugh. "And Vilia was putting her hands in the frosting."

Karra glared at her sister but did not dispute the claim while Vilia looked up excitedly. "Cake?" She asked.

"No cake." Fili gave her a look and she smiled cheekily and went back to drawing.

"What is that?" Kili asked curiously looking at his brother.

Fili sighed and rubbed his eyes, or went to until he realized he had wax coloring sticks in one hand and a rattle in the other. He chuckled as his youngest daughter grabbed his wrist and pulled a blue stick from his hand. "Hold still da." She said giving him a stern look and going back to her coloring.

"Right, sorry love." Fili hummed and looked back at his brother. "It's just an updated trade agreement with Bard. We just paid our last portion of the gold owed to Dale from the battle, and so Thorin and I thought it time we build a more lucrative trade agreement between us that will benefit both Dale and Erebor. I was just making some suggestions and adjustments. How's the agreement going with Mirkwood? I happen to recall uncle requesting you write a new one up as well."

Kili shifted and cleared his throat. "I will get that that...eventually." He said knowing full well it was sitting at his desk this very minute only half done. To be fair, he only just got the final details from Thorin, and he wanted to discuss a few things with Legolas while he was here...so he was well within the time frame to complete it. "I was thinking about opening up some trade with Lothlorien as well, and talking to Galadriel while she is still in Erebor."

"Oh, good plan baby brother." Fili praised and smiled.

"Oh...Fi..." Kili said cringing. "You may want to..." He gestured to the document which Vilia had turned her eyes too and began scribbling on.

"Woah there!" Fili said snapping up his daughter after dropping the rattle on the ground which Bruni grabbed up and began shaking at Taurion who giggled. "Well that works." Fili said as he held his squirming three-year-old daughter. "No drawing on da's paper. This is da's and THAT is Vilia's...okay?"

"No!" Vilia said and laughed as she tried to get to the document on the ground just as Karra tugged on her father's hair.

"Da, stop moving or I will have to restart!"

Fili sighed and set Vilia down, turning her parchment over and showing her the clean side which she immediately began scribbling on. He checked over his own document and shrugged. What's a few blue scribbles?

"I better stay in. You will have your hands full enough with your little herd. And I promised Viltarra we would be down in an hour to eat lunch with Tarrah and Vin as a birthday surprise. You go ahead." Fili hummed, pushing Vilia's hand gently away as she attempted to scribble on his parchment again.

Across from him, Dungael lay on his back snoring, his tongue hanging out as one of his legs kicked in the air. "Why don't you draw your da a picture of Dungael for my office?" Fili challenged his daughter who brightened and nodded, pulling a black wax stick from Fili's hand before scribbling a rather large circle on the paper. With her attention diverted, Fili was able to push his document a bit further away from her.

"Alright." Kili said, knowing his brother was clearly occupied for the afternoon. He ushered his boys out, leaving the door open since that's how they found it. The next stop was the kitchen, where getting foods was easy when you had four boys able to plead perfectly with their eyes alone. With just a few requests, the dams and other cooks were happily filling a few baskets with food, treats, and whatever the children desired. Bombur also slipped a few bottles of fine wine in and smiled.

"Fer the adults." He said happily. He patted Kili on the shoulder and went back to work as Finli grabbed the handle of the wagon they let them borrow to transport the food to the stables. Kili watched his friend go back to work. Bombur had lost quite a bit of weight over the years between working hard in the kitchen paired with doing some training with Tauriel and his children now and again. He was still very much a rather large dwarf, but he seemed happy and moved with ease. Kili was proud of him. Not to say he was not proud to call him his friend before, but he was happy Bombur was happy.

"Let's go da!" Orin tugged on Kili's free hand and Kili chuckled as he was somewhat dragged out of the kitchens and to the stables where Naurfaer was tacking the three horses with a bright smile on his face.

"Tauriel said there's to be a picnic!" He said excitedly. "How wonderful."

"Are you coming too gamp?" Kilion asked as he ran up to his grandfather who lifted him up and sat him ontop of Galaddal as he finished saddling the gentle dapple-gray horse.

"Would not miss it for anything!" Naurfaer said happily. "I went ahead and saddled Elenath with her new saddle, but Maryn is all yours, Kili. She is in a mood."

"That is because she is in foal again." Nyaunni said as she walked around the corner carrying a bucket of apples.

"Really?" Kili asked happily. "Fantastic! How far along is she do you think?"

"Well, I know you told me to go ahead and let them together when she was in her next heat cycle a few months ago, and I happened witnessed the pair of them two weeks back in the breeding field when she was right in the middle of her cycle. But I thought I would not say anything until I noticed signs of her carrying life, and she just started showing them. So I was going to tell you today in fact. Looks like we are adding another foal to our stables. I was thinking about talking to Thorin and getting two more with similar bloodlines. Rhya is still well within her age range to foal if we got another male, and we can get a female for Kit. The horses are so long lived, and a good size for us, not too much bigger than ponies. They will be pricy as they are pretty rare, but I think they will be worth it. Loyal beasts, these horses, and smarter than average. Well except that one."

Nyaunni gestured to Kit who was scratching his backside against his feeder bucket. "He's only food motivated…I blame your brother."

Kili laughed. "Ya, well, Fili is food motivated too so they work. I have to say Kit is looking a lot leaner though. Is that thanks to you?"

Nyaunni shook her head. "No, Fili has been taking Kit out pretty regularly on rides with Viltarra."

"Oh, right, she's been riding Elenath." Kili nodded recalling Fili asking him and Finli to borrow her mostly for her gentle nature that matched Galaddal's. They would have taken Galaddal, but Elenath is a bit smaller.

"It's part of the reason I wanted to get more horses too. Viltarra really should have her own mount, and I want one as well for myself." Nyaunni hummed placing the bucket down and eyeing Kili. "By the way, did you know your horse learned a new trick?"

Kili cocked his head to the side. "What sort of…oh…" He felt something nudge his back and he turned around to see Maryn pressing her face into his back.

"Mhm. She can now open her own pen…and tends to let the others out as well." Nyaunni grumbled. "It was a headache the other day when I came down here to see everyone scurrying to get the horses, Dajnel, Uri, and those two blasted goats back in their stalls. It took all of five minutes for Maryn to let herself back out once she was locked back in too."

"Can you open your pen?" Kili asked, Maryn nickering softly as she nuzzled his shoulder. "Such a clever girl." He praised as he ran his hand up and down her head.

"Can I ride Maryn?" Naufi said, leaning up and offering his fathers horse an apple.

To any other, Maryn would have taken a bite of their hand as well as the entire apple, but it was as if Maryn understood Naufi was a child, and not just any child, but her Kili's child. With every one of Kili's offspring, Maryn was particularly gentle in nature towards them and them alone. She carefully took the apple from Naufi before eating it whole. She then nickered softly to Ithtiri who Kili held in one arm, allowing the infant to run her hand over her muzzle.

Though Kili regularly warned others about Maryn's fiery temper, he trusted his horse around his children. She had never once so much as pinned her ears back when they were near her. In fact, she often engaged with them, giving them allowances she never gave anyone but Kili and Tauriel.

"How about you ride Maryn WITH me." Kili hummed as he swayed with his daughter in his arms.

"Need me to take her?" Nyuanni asked as she tossed a few apples to Uri.

"If you don't mind." Kili nodded, passing his daughter to his aunt who took Ithtiri to see Uri and Dajnel…both aelúg leaning out of their pens to sniff at the now five-month-old infant.

Kili watched her for a moment before he went to work saddling Maryn, instructing his twins on where each piece goes, and how to properly secure it. They have been shown several times, but this was one of the first times Kili actively let them help. He then accepted Ithtiri back from Nyaunni and strapped his daughter to his chest and placed his vest over her to protect her just as Tauriel stepped in with Nelithi, Legolas, and Tork in tow.

"Are we going far?" Nelithi asked when she noticed the horses.

"Not too far, but we thought it might be nice to let the horses stretch their legs." Kili said as he looked at the food and tried to decide the best way to pack it all. He was saved as Naurfaer started putting the food in several saddle baskets and dividing them between the horses.

"Meleth nin, I hope you don't mind I extended a few more invitations." Tauriel said as she helped Finli up onto Elenath. Just as she said it, a tall ethereal being stepped into the stable and Kili gave her a soft smile.

"Lady Galadriel." He bowed his head respectfully.

"Tauriel was most kind to invite Haldir and I along, if you do not mind." The elven queen said gently.

"No, of course not. You are most welcome." He said as Naufi tugged on his pants.

"DAAAA, can we go now?" He huffed. The elven queen pressed her hand to her lips as she laughed and Kili rolled his eyes.

"I think we are all here." He said lifting Naufi up onto Maryn before helping Orin up behind him. He then mounted and took the reins, his arms securing his boys just in front of him while his daughter was still strapped to his chest. Naurfaer climbed up onto Galaddal with Kilion, while Tauriel had her arms held tightly around Finli who had Elenath's reins.

Kili looked behind him to see the others all mounting their own horses…well except Tork who seemed happy to just watch everyone.

"Aren't you coming, Tork?" Naufi asked as he hugged Maryn's neck, patting her lovingly.

"Course!" Tork said with a bright smile lifting Nelithi onto her horse. "But I will probably just trot alongside. I don't think any of your horses can carry me…I'd need a cart of an animal a bit bigger then these mounts."

"Like a shire horse." Naurfaer said. "They are one of the largest horse breeds and I think one can easily carry Tork around."

"A shire horse?" Tork asked curiously then nodded. "I'd actually be interested in one of those."

"I will keep an ear out for one." Nyaunni hummed as she opened the stable gate. "I am on the lookout for a few other breeds myself, so I will be happy to send word if I hear of one worth acquiring."

"Thank you." Tork said genuinely. He was not used to people being kind to him. He has to say, being at Erebor where he doesn't feel despised is quite nice. He cared about Nelithi, but he can't help but feel…free…when he is out of the elven forest city.

Nyaunni smiled and nodded as the group moved past her, she chuckled as several guards quickly grabbed their own mounts and followed…both elven and Ereborian. They bowed their heads and muttered "My queen." to her as they passed and moved to discreetly follow their charges.

The sun was out and the late spring day and Tauriel's smile was brighter than the sun warming the air as she watched her husband try to entice their five-month-old daughter to smile. She was on her tummy, looking up at him with her wide brown eyes, but her attention kept being diverted by all the other things happening around her; the ravens flying, the aelúg running, her siblings laughing and playing amongst themselves, and the adults casually watching and simply enjoying lunch. It was a lot for such a young soul to take in.

"She is a beauty, Tauriel." Nelithi gushed as she sat leaning on her hand.

"She certainly has a beautiful smile." Galadriel hummed.

Kili had just made a face that finally had Ithtiri giggling, her eyes squinting as her face lit up. It had Kili beaming with pride as he did it again, her infant laughter filling the air.

"I cannot think of a purer sound than a child's laughter." The elven queen added not a moment later. "It is a delight to behold." She watched Kili make more faces at his daughter before turning her blue eyes to the frail looking elf across from her. "Nelithi is it?"

Nelithi looked up at the elven queen, her pale skin in contrast to her dark hair making her look even more sickly in the sunlight. "It is my lady."

Galadriel smiled kindly. "We are in small company, Galadriel will do." She waited for Nelithi to nod before continuing. "May I ask, were you one of the afflicted in the east?"

Nelithi played with her hands nervously, at least until Tork took her hand gently in his and she smiled at him before nodding. "I was. Tauriel and Kili saved us. Oh, and Naurfaer too." She gave him a warm smile and he grinned back as he made a sandwich for Orin while Naufi happily ate his own.

"But not before I made a mess of things. It is my fault you are worse off." Tauriel lamented.

"Tis not true." Nelithi huffed. "By doing just as you did, you were able to destroy that stone and stop it from harming others. Not one of us had the ability to do such a thing. We are alive and that place taken down because you had the courage and strength to take a stand."

"Nelithi, had I not been so hasty in my desire to get answers and bring things to an end, I feel I could have spared you much of the pain you are in right now. He turned the machine up because of me, he forced you to feel the pain from it, because of me." Tauriel looked away. "If I only waited…"

"If." Nelithi growled. "If, Tauriel, is a word that is by no means certain. They would have found us eventually, it was only a matter of time. It also could have been far worse than it was. I am deeply grateful for each day I can wake and see my friends and my idiotic brother. He is a complete ass, and he and I have had words…"

Tork cringed. "It was bad last night."

"He deserved every bit of it." Nelithi said narrowing her eyes at Tork who released her hand and lifted his own hands in surrender.

"Not disagreeing in the least, Neli." Tork said as she lifted a brow and shook her head.

"After what Tauriel has done for us, he had no right to do what he did. I am furious at him, and that is putting it lightly. Tauriel is happily in love, and Nagar is out of line. I am truly sorry to you both for what Nagar has done, and to Prince Fili and his child. I do hope they are alright."

"She is fine." Tauriel said, Kili nodding as he pulled a small bonnet out of a bag and began tying it on Ithtiri's head to protect her from the sun. "And no permanent harm was done."

"If I may…divert attention to another matter…" Galadriel said kindly. "I am greatly concerned with the health of those who have returned from Rhun. I spoke with Ivethin, and she has made little progress in Mirkwood as have my own healers. To date, I have had nearly a dozen take the journey to the Gray Havens, and half that preparing to go on the next available opportunity. Their pain is great and unceasing."

"There have been many in Mirkwood who have taken the journey as well." Legolas said sorrowfully. "We had such hope to help them, but though they have been considered stable in their conditions, the pain they endure each day has forced them to accept an eternity of physical debilitation, or seek healing in the undying lands."

"I am afraid we have come to the same conclusion." Galadriel said sadly.

Nelithi looked between Legolas and Galadriel, then up at Tork who gave her a soft smile. "I won't give up hope." She said, closing her eyes as she felt her body begin its pattern of spasming. She felt Tork's arm pull her towards him gently as he whispered in her ear.

"It's alright. Take a breath. You are in command of your mind." He said directly to her. She nodded and breathed through the pain, then slumped against him.

"Thank you." She whispered and he nodded, handing her a cup of water which she accepted and sipped.

"You are a strong soul." Galadriel watched her. "I have seen many in far less pain take the journey, yet you stay."

"I have reason to stay. My brother would be a menace to these lands without me and likely get himself a death sentence, and this one would not be far behind him." Nelithi hummed giving Tork a look.

"Well that was uncalled for. I know how to behave, thank you." Tork grumbled, then paused and seemingly changed his mind. "Actually, you are right. I absolutely need you around to keep me in check. So you will need to stay for…oh I don't know…another four or five hundred years or so. That should do it."

"That's your lifespan." Nelithi said giving him a look.

"So it is." Tork chuckled. "Then, you can do whatever you want."

"You are expecting me to keep you in control for four centuries?" Nelithi asked.

Kili gave Tauriel a look and she hid her knowing smile by snatching Kilion and pulling him in her lap.

"Four or five." Tork reminded her. "Maybe shoot for five. My family has good genes; we are pretty long lived." He stopped and looked away. "Or, they were."

Galadriel watched with a kindness in her eyes. "I have heard of this great sadness that has happened to the shapeshifting race in middle earth. Brother turned against brother, manipulated by the dark forces who whisper sweet promises in their ears only to the detriment of their people, your people. I offer my condolences, Tork. Have your losses been great?"

Tork stiffened even as he nodded his head curtly. "To the fault of our own, yes. My mother and father's families fell for the lies fed to them for centuries. My sisters were the first to see the truth behind the falsities. They left seeking a new life of peace and safety. My mother was the second; she joined my sisters and their mates. I was still heavily in training and knew nothing of what was happening to my family for years. That is until I was told a group of elves killed them." Tork felt Nelithi tighten her hold on his hand and he smiled at her. She was a good friend to him. "I hated elves because of it. I…I helped bring them across the sands, across the worms, and into the hands of death. But I was getting retribution for what they did to my family, I was going to make them pay for the blood on their hands. And or a time, my hatred did not begin to waver…that is until one cheeky elf started talking to me."

"I was so afraid, I…had to get my nerves out somehow." Nelithi said with a soft laugh.

"She was always prone to nervous chatter in training too." Tauriel recalled.

"Drove the generals mad." Nelithi laughed until her chest began to hurt and her body stiffened. She took a breath and forced herself to relax. "But speaking to Tork did gain me a dear friend who has helped me work through this more than any, and rarely leaves my side. Though he was wrong, he was also wronged, and I think working hard to make amends for what he did."

"Wait…did she say friend?" Kili asked through their bond. "Are they not together?"

"No." Tauriel said back. "It appears, they either do not see each other in that light, or, they are both too headstrong and stubborn to see what I am sure, we all see."

"You know…" Galadriel said, giving them both a look. "…some of the greatest love stories stem from such friendships."

Tork, who had been taking a sip of wine, choked, his body wracked with a coughing fit as Nelithi's entire face filled with color. She released Tork's hand fisting her own together as she looked away.

"Oh my, forgive me. I had assumed, you two were a couple. It is my mistake." The elven queen looked mortified by her assumption.

Naurfaer passed Tork some water and he drank it down, waving Galadriel away once he got control over himself. "It is fine, believe me I am not insulted in the least."

"We…cannot be together." Nelithi said taking a breath.

"That is alright, friendship is just as special." Tauriel said giving Nelithi a smile. "Legolas and I are such friends." She looked to Legolas who nodded, though something about his manner had her pausing and shaking it off.

"No, no…you do not understand." Nelithi said somewhat angerly. She too gave Legolas a look as if expecting him to explain, and he in fact did.

"My father has forbidden romantic affiliation between them." The elven prince said.

"WAIT WHAT?" Kili said angerly. "So…you two actually want to be together?"

Tork sighed. "We DISCUSSED it." He gave Nelithi a warning look, but she just glared at him.

"You mean you made the decision for us." She hissed, then took a calming breath. "Lord Thranduil made it clear that if we declared ourselves romantically involved at any time, he would ask us to leave Mirkwood. Tork is only invited to remain IF we keep things between us platonic, and if he goes, I...do not wish to remain either."

Tork growled, the sound rumbling low through his chest. "One wrong move between us, and Thranduil would force her to leave Ivethin and the care she is getting. Nelithi would be barred from her medicines that keep her stable, barred from the healers who come to help find cures for her condition, barred from the best care she can receive, barred from her true home. I won't have it, not when this is my fault, not when she is finally just able to have some semblance of life." Tork argued. "I am happy to have you as my friend, Nelithi."

Nelithi nodded and sighed. "It is for the best I supposed. With so few of your kind...you need to find someone strong to help rebuild your people." She looked around at the children in various stages of eating, then almost enviously at the infant between Kili's legs.

Tork lifted a brow. "What makes you think I want to find anyone else? I'm fine with things as they are." He popped a grape in his mouth. Nelithi gave him a look and his expression softened. "This is for the best, Neli."

Tauriel glanced at Kili who knew that look. She was about to meddle, and he was not going to stop her. "Stay here." Tauriel then suggested. "Stay in Erebor. We have good healers here, and Ivethin is always welcome."

"Nagar isn't." Kili grumbled but smiled when his daughter rolled on her back and giggled up at him.

Nelithi gave Tork a hopeful look but he shook his head. "Neli, there are lots of reasons we cannot and you know that. For your safety and your health, it is best we remain friends so you can stay in Mirkwood. I am not going anywhere. Our friendship is special, and that is all I need." He smiled reassuringly at her then turned to Tauriel. "Bunny, why don't you tell them about how we met!"

Tauriel groaned but did not miss the hurt look that flit across Nelithi's face, but this was really not the place for such intimate discussions...there was far too large an audience not to mention children present. So Tauriel gave in and shared how she came to...befriend...Tork and how he in fact helped save her life several times after that moment. "I must say, I am entirely pleased to have met you Tork."

"You and Neli showed me a better way to be." Tork said gratefully. "I was near about to break Nelithi out had you not come, Bunny, but I am glad you took a stand and saved everyone."

"Not everyone." Tauriel said quietly, remembering Eti, and all the others who were lost either because of her carelessness, or because she was too late.

"To save even one soul, is to save a thousand." Galadriel said kindly. "Do not discolor your deeds with regret. It is okay to mourn, but to those you were able to free, they will forever be in your debt as will all their direct prosperity. Future generations will exist because of you, and only because of you. Never forget that." She then looked to Tork. "It takes great courage to turn away from a life you have known and begin another. Though you did error much in your life and against the elven people, Lothlorien is open to both of you at any time."

Haldir looked at Galadriel then nodded his own compliance. "Is there not a shifter nearby?" He then asked. "I quite recall the lands not far from here to be owned by one."

"Beorn." Kili nodded. "He's a good man...or bear."

"He's a man AND a bear?" Naufi asked excitedly.

"He is like Tork." Finli reminded him. "Mama has mentioned him and he's in our stories she and da wrote about their journey."

"Oh. Right." Naufi nodded looking a bit bored as he picked at his bread.

"Can we play a game in the grass, mama?" Finli asked. Both Orin and Naufi perked up at the thought so Tauriel nodded.

"Do not go far." Kili warned them. "Stay within sight."

"Kay da." Orin and Naufi nodded. "Coming little lion?"

Kilion looked up at his mother who smiled at him and he finally nodded. "Okay." He said and ran after his brothers. The group watched them run about for awhile then turned to other topics.

"Has there been any breakthroughs in draughts and therapies that work with either of you?" Galadriel asked Nelithi and Tauriel. "Ivethin has mentioned a few, but her hands were quite tied when I was in Mirkwood so I did not get to ask all I wished."

"Not really." Nelithi sighed. "I am taking many things each day, but I am rather sour to say they only do a little. I find the best therapy in relaxing and breathing."

Galadriel nodded. "And you, Tauriel?"

Tauriel shifted, glancing at Kili who lifted a brow and answered for her. "She refuses to take anything."

"My pain is minimal at worst. A headache is all I suffer."

"A perpetual headache." Kili sighed giving her a look. "That she blocks out from me more often than not. I know what you are suffering my love, there is no need to hide it."

"I am not hiding it, Kili, I simply do not want you to have to endure my own discomfort." Tauriel said, biting into a piece of cheese. "Besides, my headaches go away for the most part when I sit in the mountains heated pools. They subsided for a few days last week. So I have some reprieve."

"I have tried the hot pools in Mirkwood to no avail." Nelithi sighed. "They seem to make it worse."

"I'm so sorry, Nelithi." Tauriel muttered softly.

Nelithi huffed. "As stubborn as the dwarven people she loves. This is not your fault, Tauriel. Stop blaming yourself. Was it you who hooked me up to that machine? Was it you who orchestrated it? You must cease taking this burden on yourself. If Tork had not taken kindly to me, I would be in far worse conditions or even dead by the time you even arrived. I am here, I am alive, and I am taking each day as it comes. You saved my life, not made it worse. Besides, after what your family has endured with my brother, it is I who should be apologizing, not you."

"I have to say, not one in Lothlorien speaks ill of you, Lady Tauriel. Your name is rather sung through our halls as one of courage and fortitude. You saved many and they are grateful for it." Haldir said.

"Truly, mellon nin, I cannot think of a single soul but yourself who places any blame of what happened in Rhun on you in any way." Legolas added. "Rather you have gained quite a bit of respect."

Tauriel felt an arm wrap around her and she smiled as her grandfather pulled her close. "See Starlight?" He hummed pressing a kiss to her head. "You are not the villain in this story, but the hero. We all wish you could see that."

"If I had half the courage you did, Tauriel, I may have been more help for you, and myself." Nelithi hummed, leaning her head against Tork. "But truthfully, as terrible as this sounds, I think things turned out just as they should. You liberated not just us, but a new people. Find peace, Tauriel, and know you are greatly loved and admired as you are."

"Deeply and unconditionally loved." Kili said through their bond. Tauriel reached out to him and he took her hand, squeezing it tightly, though she remained tucked into Naurfaer's side.

"How about some lighter topics for such a beautiful day." Nelithi hummed accepting another glass of wine from Haldir. "I have always wished to know how Lothlorien celebrates the changing of the spring to summer season. Do you celebrate new life as well?"

"We do indeed." Galadriel hummed and nodded. "It is among my favorite celebrations, so see who among my people has blossomed with life, or carries life within them."

"Tauriel has yet to come to Mirkwood to share in the holiday." Legolas accused, looking at the eleth across from him.

"I have been busy." Tauriel laughed, gesturing to her boys running and laughing around them.

"Oh you must come and celebrate Ithtiri with us!" Nelithi declared. "Kili must come too!"

Kili looked to Tauriel who bit her lip. It was one thing to take her daughter just outside the mountain, but to travel with her to another city was something she was not really want to do. Then again, she did wish to take Tork to Beorn...perhaps they can do both.

"How about this…the end of the season is just a little over a month away. Why don't we plan on coming to the celebration, then going to see Beorn from there." Tauriel suggested.

"We did promise Finli could come." Kili reminded her and she nodded.

"Of course. I think it will be good for Finli to get out. I'd like him to see Mirkwood anyway. Naufi, Orin, and Kilion can remain home."

"Hey, no fair. I want to go!" Orin huffed clearly having been eavesdropping.

"I don't." Kilion said grumpily. "But I don't want mama and da to go either."

"I'm good, I would prefer to stay home thank you." Naufi said as he slapped Orin on the back. "And you are the troll."

"Hey! No troll backs! I was just the troll before you!" Orin whined.

"No you weren't. I was!" Kilion said giving his brother a look.

"Oh, right." Orin said looking around then smiled and scratched Kaw on the head as he hopped by him. "Kaw is the troll!"

"Troll." Kaw croaked and pecked Kilion's foot.

"Well, I guess you're the troll again little lion." Orin laughed.

Kilion looked more than done, however, and collapsed in his mother's lap, laying his head down and closing his eyes. "Are you alright my darling?" Tauriel asked.

Kilion shook his head. "There's shadow people out here." He said softly. "And I am too tired to tell them to go away."

"Then stay and rest." Tauriel said gently, running her fingers through his ebony hair as he curled up into a small ball. Tauriel leaned down and whispered, "Mama will protect you." She pulled him into her arms and held him tight.

"Have you thought of shielding him?" Galadriel asked as she watched him. She smiled at the twins as they started playing with Kaw and Umyra. Sokki, Duk, and Feya were there as well, all swooping to the grass and hopping about as they all played. Finli was just a little further away, stroking Elenath's nose as she accepted a carrot from him. Tigvi was on his head sniffing the horse and squawking like an old hen when Finli refused to give her the carrot he gave to Maryn who trotted over to them.

Tauriel turned her attention back to the elven queen and gave her a questioning look. "I had…actually not thought about how to go about that yet."

Naurfaer perked up. "Oh, that would be easy, Starlight. You would just do the same thing as you did when you shielded Finli." He said causing Fin to turn back and walk towards his family.

"You shielded me, mama? From what?" He asked curiously as he sat down beside his father who actually looked away.

Tauriel looked from Kili to her son, sensing Kili's sudden pain and apprehension as forced memories of his time away filled his mind. They had yet to really tell their children about Kili's absence, mostly because it has never come up. Finli was too young to remember and none of the other children were born yet. Though it is coming on 18 years since Kili was found…there are days it only felt like yesterday to them. Tauriel sent comfort to her Kili, reminding him he was safe, they were together, and there was no need to bring anything up right now.

"I will tell you another time." Tauriel said to her eldest son who scowled but did not press them. Instead he leaned forward and tickled his sisters feet, laughing as just in front of them, Yraunna tried to catch the bug Tigvi was also hunting. Both failed, however, when Feredir, Naurfaer's aelúg, sprung out of nowhere and landed right on the bug before swallowing it whole.

"Such…unique…creatures." Galadriel laughed. "Are these to grow into those larger beasts in the stable? The feathered ones?"

"Aelúg, yes." Naurfaer said with a smile. "We have seven little ones at the moment. Gifts from the Avari in Rhun."

"And their names?" Galadriel asked, scratching Feredir on the head when she leaned up to sniff at the elven queen. It might have had something to do with the butterfly resting in Galadriel's hair.

"This is one is Feredir." Naurfaer said snatching his aelúg before she could leap at Galadriel. "And she is mine."

"Hunter." Galadriel laughed. "I see why you named her such. And the others?"

"Mines named Tigvi. She likes to be loud." Finli laughed as Tigvi squawked. "She was supposed to be uncle Legolas's. But he chose a book instead, and Tigvi bonded to me."

"A much better life for her is to be with her kind, and someone who I know who will give her the best life." Legolas said, smiling at Finli who grinned back.

"Da's is named Yraunna, she's that one." Finli pointed out.

"Are they all female?" Galadriel asked curiously.

Finli shook his head and pointed to his mother. "Mama's aelúg is probably hiding in her hair." He chuckled. "He is named Dulinn. His whistles sound like music, he likes to sing."

"Oh how lovely." Galadriel said happily.

"Auntie Viltarra has a boy too, Frior, and my baby cousin bonded to one, Bruni, he's a boy too. But uncle Fili has a girl named Yngvi."

"Your infant cousin? Oh yes. I have heard nothing but happiness around him being a part of the royal family. It pleases me greatly." Galadriel hummed, both Haldir and Legolas nodding their agreement.

"Have you had a chance to see Taurion yet?" Tauriel asked.

"I did." Galadriel said happily, scratching yet another one of the aelúg on the head as it sniffed at her. "Last evening at the large dinner gathering, Lady Viltarra and Prince Fili brought and introduced all their children to me. You both have beautiful families and a most beautiful mountain home. Never in my years had I thought I would be invited to Erebor. It certainly is a new era, and a time for all of us on the side of good to come together."

"Does she know about the nose ghouls mama?" Naufi asked nonchalantly as he bit into a cookie his great grandfather gave him. "The ones in doggy drool?"

"I think it's Doll go doo." Orin said. "Can I have a cookie too gamp?"

Naurfaer chuckled. "Are you two talking about Dul Guldur?" He said handing Orin a cookie then passing one to Kilion and Finli as well. He had to push Maryn's head away as she trotted to the blanket and tried to take a cookie from his hand.

"Kili, your horse…" Tauriel said lifting a brow.

"What? She is eating for two, aren't you my beautiful girl?" Kili grinned, feeding Maryn an apple then a small oat cookie. It had nothing in it that was harmful to her. When his wife gave him another look, he gave her his most endearing grin and she sighed, giving in. Or it may have been Maryn nuzzling Tauriel affectionally before laying down directly behind her as she continued to eat the grass just in front of her. Galaddal too came close and just stood over the black mare though he did nicker softly at Tauriel who handed him an oat cookie as well.

"I for one wish there was more we could do about Dul Guldur." Legolas said moving back to the subject as he looked off towards the greenwood beyond Dale. "To know such a place houses such creatures so close to our home, yet be told there is nothing we can do about it…it does not sit well with me."

"You are young still yet, Legolas. Your eyes have not witnessed what Sauron is capable of at his full power." Haldir warned.

"Haldir is right, Legolas." Galadriel said softly. "These are powers that can only be delt with at the right time and only in the right way. We lack what we need to take a stand against Dul Guldur, but what we can do, is protect our people and those around, strengthen our alliances, and not make hasty decisions that will only cost lives. There is much at stake for the future of middle earth, too much to take unnecessary risks at this time." She glanced at Kili, her eyes boring into his in an almost uncomfortable way before she turned back to Legolas. "Things will be set into motion soon, that may turn the advantage to us. We must trust in the Valar and ourselves to succeed. There may be a time of great sacrifice to come where the odds will depend on the courage and strength of individuals normally overlooked, but that day is not today. Through small things, will greatness come to pass and darkness be overcome...but to get to that point, we must be steadfast in our convictions to stay in the light as we follow our hearts. The shadows cannot be trusted."

"Shadows?" Kilion asked, Naufi and Orin stiffening while Finli scowled looking every bit his father when he was getting protective.

Galadriel gave him a reassuring look. "Not your shadows little one. The shadows I refer to are...of the physical world." Galadriel smiled then turned to Tauriel and Kili. "It may be best to protect his mind sooner rather than later just to be sure. Keep his mental shields in place and only lift them when he feels strong enough to endure to be ready to face them."

Legolas gave Tauriel a worried look but she shook her head at him. This was a family matter, and though she cares deeply for Legolas, this was nothing he needed to worry about right now.

"We will." Kili said, leaning over and cupping Kilion's cheek, his youngest son giving him a soft smile. "You alright?" Kili whispered to him. Kilion nodded but leaned into his father for a moment before leaning back into his elder brother who held him in his lap.

Kili could not stop the pride he felt for his sons, really all his sons. He knew they were there for each other, even if they bickered, they would protect one another with their life just like Kili would protect Fili. A coo turned his attention to his daughter, and he grinned knowing far in the future, his precious Ithtiri would have to deal with not just an overprotective father, but four elder brothers as well. Good luck to the soul who sought her attention for romantic endeavors...her suitors will not come out of courting unscathed. Pity the fool who broke her heart...their tomb would be the only place they could find refuge.

Tauriel bumped his shoulder and gave him a wry smile, her amusement filtering through their bond. In that moment, he realized he was projecting his thoughts and he gave her an unrepentant grin. "Do not think for a moment her mother will not gut any who brings her harm, physical, emotional, or otherwise. That goes for my sons as well, and you."

"And you say I am the overprotective one." Kili chuckled across their bond.

"We both are I fear, my beloved." Tauriel replied knowing she is as bad as her husband when it comes to her family, him, and their children.

"I think perhaps, we turn things to lighter matters." Naurfaer said wisely. "Matters that are more appropriate for youthful ears."

"Of course." Galadriel agreed. "I would love to hear about your lives in Erebor, Tauriel and Naurfaer. There has been so much animosity between the eldar and the dwarrow over the last hundred or so centuries, it is wonderous to see so not just love blooming, but future lineages as well."

"I think this is an isolated situation." Legolas grumbled, sipping his wine.

Tauriel glared at him and rolled her eyes as Naurfaer laughed and began telling her all about life among the dwarrow. Tauriel too told her story, happily sharing how much she loved the people, and sharing the modified version of how she and Kili met. Galadriel gave her the same skeptical look Elrond had given her as she and Kili spoke of her fleeing from Mirkwood and meeting him for the first time in Ered Luin. But it is also the story they told their children for the time being. Galadriel, like Elrond, had sensed Tauriel had been returned from the dead, but she remained quietly engaged, nonetheless.

Tauriel was thankful Thranduil seemed to not have the same sight Galadriel and Elrond have. Although over time, he has softened towards her. Perhaps he would care less now about her true story than he had two decades ago when she fled from his lands in fear of his rather rash punishment. A shiver ran down her spine at the memory. She still felt something akin to fear when she recalled the cold look of hate he had given her not just once, but twice...the second time being when he nearly removed her head himself. She had Finli within her, her rash actions nearly costing both her and his life. Valar she could be unwise at times.

Thranduil was much changed now, she has to admit. He was kinder, more accepting, and even more open. He not just treated her husband with kindness and respect, but her children as well. There also seems to be a... friendship or sorts...between Thorin and Tauriel's former king. They exchange regular messages, and send each other gifts at the appropriate times of the year. Thorin claims Nyaunni does it, but she has seen the messages in Thorin's own hand. Her dwarven father tries to hide it, but she thinks he is growing to rather like Thranduil...or at least understand him.

As they packed up their things, Tauriel saw a large shadow cross over them. She looked up and smiled as a familiar shape came right for them. There was a grunt and a flutter of feathers as Dajnel made a rather...harsh...landing in the grass.

"GAM!" Naufi said happily as his grandmother slid off her beast. Dajnel shook out her feathers and sat licking her front claw as the hatchlings suddenly waddled and surrounded her other front foot.

"Forgive the intrusion." Nyaunni said with a warm smile that wavered slightly.

"Has something happened?" Tauriel asked standing.

Nyaunni gave her a look, then turned her attention to Legolas, a sealed missive in her hands. "I would have waited to come, except the raven from Thranduil was insistent this come to Legolas and Nelithi as soon as possible."

Legolas looked at Nelithi who still sat beside Tork who has been rather quietly listening. Though he too has adopted an expression of worry on his usually nonchalant face.

Nyaunni passed the note to Legolas as Tork helped Nelithi to her feet. Legolas read first, scanning his father's script before giving Nelithi a sorrowful look. He handed her the note and she took it, reading it over several times.

"Mura lost the baby." She said quietly. "And Nagar is missing, he has fled Mirkwood and they were actively tracking him until he..." She looked up at Legolas, her brows furrowed. "...this cannot be true. How am I to believe this is true of my brother?"

"What is it?" Tauriel said walking to her friend.

"They tracked him to Dul Guldur. They thought him to go on a suicide mission and Galloron was prepared to stand against the fortress...but Nagar...was welcomed in. He has turned against us. Why...why would he do this?" A second piece of parchment included in the note had her brothers wild handwriting upon it and as she read it, Nelithi's expression darkened and she swallowed her tears away. "He is a fool, and a coward." She spat. "He wishes me to come to him, he claims I can be cured among the shadows, and it is time to accept the light of the world is dimming. He will send for me when he has reached an agreement with Khamul."

A dark and very dangerous growl came from Tork's chest. "You will not be going." He said furiously. "There IS no cure on their side, only empty promises and death. I told him that."

Nelithi looked up at Tork, then at her friend. "I will not be going." She said firmly. "He has broken my heart, and left me, but I cannot and will not follow him to his doom. I..." She looked to the grass and squared her shoulders. "...Tauriel...I wish to remain here for a time if you will have me. More than a week...I cannot go back to Mirkwood right now. I cannot be there surrounded by loss. Mura has a large family all still living...I will be only a hindrance to her. For her to heal and move on, it is best I stay away."

"What about your healing journey?" Legolas asked gently. "Ivethin..."

"Can send me herbs here. I am no simpleton, Prince Legolas. I do not stand here and pretend I am getting better. There are good days, and bad. I am as stable as I fear I can become. There is no need for Ivethin to waste her time on me."

"You are no waste of anyone's time." Tork hissed.

"Stay as long as you wish." Nyaunni answered before Tauriel could. "I more than happily extend you both an invitation to remain in Erebor whatever duration you need. I will speak to my husband and with your permission, explain the situation. I am sure he would very much like to know this update."

Legolas nodded and Nelithi gave the dwarven queen both notes. "I hope...his association with me does not paint me in a similar light. I in no way agree with his decisions, any of them. I...will never forgive him for this." Tears slipped down her pale cheeks, and Tork pulled her close to him.

Tauriel looked to Nyaunni then Kili, but both were giving her a severe look. It was Kili, however, who did answer. "I think we need to assign you some guards, Nelithi, if you are going to stay in Erebor." His expression softened as he stepped towards her, holding his daughter in his arms. "We cannot choose what those around us do, but we can choose what we do. I hope, and believe, you are a good person, Nelithi. Whatever Nagar's choices are should not fall on you to be judged for."

Nelithi looked down with shame. "I cannot express my anger and disappointment in him. Part of me hopes this is a ruse, but a larger part of me feels as if I should have seen this coming and that I am the fool for being blind to his actions. Not just what he has recently done, but with Tauriel as well."

"I think we should head back." Naurfaer said a bit more curtly than he normally sounds. Both Kili and Tauriel gave him a look as he turned on his toes and stalked to Galaddal, pushing the children towards the horses and helping the twins up before he climbed on expectantly.

Tauriel agreed, and soon all were mounting including Nyaunni. She gave a low call and Dajnel was extending her long wings, running across the ground and soaring up into the sky. Even as they entered the stable, Naurfaer continued to not be himself as he helped the children off the dapple gray horse and sped out of the stables without even a word to any of them.

"Adar?" Tauriel called after him but he ignored her and kept walking away swiftly. She looked at Kili who met her gaze with a bit of worry in his eyes. "Go ahead, amralime. I will take the children up."

Tauriel pressed a kiss to his head and ran after her grandfather. "Adar!" She said as she saw him moving across the hall. He did not pause his steps, though he did look at her as she ran up to him, falling into step beside him. "What is it?"

Naurfaer pierced his lips, then spoke purely in khuzdul. "I do not trust the situation, nor do I trust your friend." He said darkly. "Either of them."

"Tork and Nelithi?" Tauriel said in surprise realizing Naurfaer was headed straight to Thorin's office.

"He worked for the other side, starlight. How is it not a coincidence that Nelithi's brother suddenly chose to pursue an alliance with them after Tork entered their lives. I don't like it, and I don't trust it."

"You blame Tork?" Tauriel growled back, grabbing Naurfaer to stop him. "After all he has done to save Nelithi, Ivethin, and I? After how he risked himself to take us to save my son? He has had ample time to go back to them, and he could have killed me on several occasions in Rhun...but he didn't."

Naurfaer glared at her. "You are being a naive child, Tauriel! Proof you have not matured to adulthood. You know NOTHING of what it is to have those you trust be swayed to the enticements of the other side. It is too much and too close."

"I know nothing?" Tauriel spit back at him. "So nearly losing my husband, the love of my existence and the being who is half my soul be tortured to the point his mind was fractured and all he knew of me erased is nothing?" She hated the tears forming in her eyes, but she was furious, so much so, she felt Kili's mental growl vibrate within her as her fury poured through their bond. She made no move to filter her words or thoughts from him, she has worked hard in maintaining an openness with him over the years. "I may be naive about some things, but do not mistake me for some sheltered child who has not seen what is being done out there to good people. Do not forget I was attached to a machine myself recently, and shot through the chest by a Nazgul. Even before that, I have had my mind manipulated by Sauron himself, faced him as he offered me a chance to change to a dam…and with my own strength I told him no. My mother and father were killed by orcs...his forces. My husband was poisoned by one of their shafts. My son kidnapped. Need I go on? The ignorance you claim I have, is nothing more than me seeking to see the good in someone who I believe to be innocent of your claims."

"The two of you, my office, now." Came a deep voice standing before them. Thorin ground his jaw as he watched, Tauriel giving her grandfather another withering look before she swept past Thorin and into his office where Nyaunni stood folding her arms. Of course she would be here by now, it took a fraction of the time for Dajnel to fly back to Erebor than them to load up and ride back...even if they were less than a ten-minute ride from the gate at a horses walking pace.

Naurfaer and Thorin came in next, Thorin moving to lean against his desk, his blue eyes fixed on the two elves before him. "Should I ask what that was about?"

Naurfaer looked away as Tauriel glared at him. "My grandfather is under the impression I am nothing but an ignorant child, and have no true understanding of the outside world and the darknesses within."

"You?" Thorin said to Tauriel before giving Naurfaer a disapproving look. "I know you are not ignorant to the horrors Tauriel has seen and been through. I would never make a claim she is anything but an unfortunate target for trouble and the shadows of this world. And Tauriel may not be my blood and I may have not had the great honor of raising her, Naurfaer, but I love her as if she were my own daughter, I made a promise to her mother and father I would protect her, look after her, and love her as my own blood. I will not take too well to anyone belittling her or her experiences. Thranduil put her through enough of that to last an immortal lifetime. I also know you well enough to know you are not this cruel, so what is this really about?"

"Elbereth."

All eyes turned to Tauriel when she realized why he was acting the way he was. He had watched his wife nearly sacrifice her own daughter, Tauriel's mother, to an order who did follow Sauron. "He is relating Nelithi and Tork to Elbereth."

"If someone can turn on their own blood…" Naurfaer began but Tauriel silenced him.

"Elbereth was under the influential power of a strong item she could not fight. Something so vile, it was even able to affect my Kili after a time. You yourself said it was not truly her in that body, do you relinquish that claim?" Tauriel argued.

"It was her who turned to them in the first place." Naurfaer growled…actually growled.

"A weakness on her part, I cannot deny that." Tauriel said, not really knowing WHY she was defending the very being who tortured her mate. "But I HAVE to believe there is a deeper reasoning why someone chooses to be vicious and horrid to others. There are beings who find pleasure in harming, and there are creatures who are born knowing nothing but hatred their entire lives…then there are those who would sacrifice all the good in their life for someone or something. I cannot and will not make excuses for Elbereth or what she did to my Kili…but I do know this, she through your own words, said that was not her who stole my mate from me and broke him almost to the point I could not get him back, and yet it is her who is currently not just protecting Kili, but my son as well. I have to believe a person can change and atone for their wrong doings…if not, then we all should be judged for our faults and poor decisions. Who in this room does not have innocent blood on their very hands in one form or another, myself included?"

Naurfaer sighed. "Tauriel…"

"Do not treat me as if I am some fifty-year-old elfling, Naurfaer! I may not have reached my one thousandth year of life, but I have lived through enough to be at least bestowed the respect granted to the adults of our race. It is a silly tradition anyway, we are biologically adults by our hundredth year. And do not forget I am mortal now, and I will age. By the time I am finally considered an adult to the elven kind, I will be dead, or nearly so." Tauriel hissed.

The elder elf winced and his expression turned to one of heavy sorrow. He has spent twenty years forming a relationship with his granddaughter, and only in the latter part of that has she been prone to calling him adar. It has been years since she referred to him by his true name and he realized he hated it. He also hated to think about the fact that she will one day endure a mortal ending. But what was worse beyond all that…she was right, at least to a point. "I am sorry, starlight. It was out of line for me to say what I did. I often forget the kind of life you have lived up to this point. I see you so happy here, it pains me to recall how alone you were for six hundred years, and how neglected you were. It feels as if you have been part of Thorin's family for centuries…rather than just a few decades."

"Believe me, I wish she were too." Thorin grunted. "But she was born a few centuries before me." He said giving Tauriel a small smile. "How odd it must be to outsiders, a father who is four hundred years younger than his daughter."

"But she loves him as her father all the same." Tauriel said fondly. "You were the first to show me what it was to have a father figure, and to have familial love, adad. I shall carry that with me forever."

Thorin reached out and cupped her cheek tenderly, but sighed when he dropped his hand. "The argument you two are having aside, I do believe there is some merit to be concerned…if what I am reading is correct, Nagar, has shifted his alliance. I should have removed his head while I had him in my mountain."

"None of us could have known he would do that." Tauriel said a bit bitterly.

Thorin glanced at Nyaunni who lifted a brow but remained quiet. The one look was enough to communicate her thoughts and Thorin happened to agree. "Interesting. Perhaps, this is what has your grandfather so upset, nâtha? The unknown in this scenario being Nelithi and Tork…if I am not mistaken. One of which has already spent his life serving the other side."

Tauriel sniffed indignantly. "I understand what he was attempting to communicate, but I disagree with the way he chose to relay his message. Furthermore, I feel like Tork deserves a chance at a new life. Let us not forget we ourselves were granted a second chance…"

Naurfaer rolled his eyes. "…starlight, nobody in this room worked for Sauron's forces." He paused when Nyaunni gave him a look. "…I will amend that by saying nobody WILLINGLY and of their own free will worked for Sauron's forces. Nyaunni, you were held against your will and forced under threats of death. I will not hold that against you…"

"And Tork was raised knowing nothing more than obedience to those his parents and their parents served. Is he not to be given the opportunity to start again?" Tauriel argued. "There are tales written of those forced to side against the light, be that through means of torture, power, or mind control. What of them? Would they forever be turned away and distrusted at every corner? He has made a choice to join us. We should at least give him the chance to prove his loyalty."

"And Nelithi?" Thorin asked.

"Nelithi has never shown any sign she was inclined to Sauron's side." Tauriel growled. "She has been a loyal member of Thranduil's army for two hundred years! And before that, she had a life as a merchant. She is well liked, has many friends in Mirkwood, and let's not forget, was taken and tortured along with the other guards from the greenwood."

"But she was spared…" Naurfaer tried to say.

"By Tork." Tauriel shot back.

"Who was a loyal member of Sauron's order." The elder elf reminded her.

Tauriel glared at Naurfaer. "Yet when they found her, they hooked her up immediately, refused to give her a draught BECAUSE of me, and as a direct result is now forced to live a life of severe and constant pain."

"That could only be proof they don't care about their own." Naurfaer gave her pleading look. "I am not trying to argue with you, Tauriel, I just need you to see the dangers that could be ahead. I would rather you grow to hate me while I protect you, Kili, and my great grandchildren, then allow two individuals who could very well be part of a double alliance, to live among us."

"You know Naurfaer has a fair point, nâtha." Thorin grumbled.

Nyaunni looked around the room, seeing this going nowhere. "Alright, let us focus on the facts at hand; outside Nagar's foul decision to switch loyalties, and Tork's prior loyalties, do we have any reason to not trust Nelithi and Tork?" The room was silent so Nyaunni looked to Thorin. "If we are careful, I see no problem with giving them a chance. She is sickly Thorin, I doubt there is much she can do to harm anyone, and Tork…well it seems to me we owe him at least a chance."

Thorin nodded, rubbing his chin as he considered the situation. There is so much that could go wrong whatever he chose. "They wish to prolong their stay I am assuming…otherwise this argument would not exist." He said glancing at Naurfaer and Tauriel, both nodding.

"Adad, I know the risks, but I also know my friend." Tauriel said after a moment.

"And I thought I knew my wife." Naurfaer growled. He glared at Tauriel for several moments, before storming out of the office without another word and slamming the door behind him.

Thorin pinched the bridge of his nose as Tauriel stared at the door. "Do you think he will leave?" She asked softly after a moment.

Thorin looked at her. "Of course not." He said almost immediately. "He's as stubborn as the rest of this family. Are you certain about Tork and Nelithi?" Thorin then asked.

"Seconds ago I would stake my life on Nelithi's loyalty and Tork's. But now…I am conflicted." Tauriel said still watching the door. She felt Dulinn nuzzle her ear, he was still small enough for her to forget he was hiding in her hair at times. She tried to smile when he sang softly to her, but she could not muster the action. Maybe, she was letting the enemy into her home, near her children, near Kili. Was she being hasty? Could she trust Nelithi? Could she trust Tork? Or were they playing her for the fool?

"I…need a moment to think." Tauriel said suddenly, gliding from the room and ignoring Thorin's calls after her. Her walking turned to running as she stopped any in her path and asked the same question. "Has Naurfaer passed by here?"

At first, she was told yes, and they pointed her in this direction or that, but her worries rose to internal panic when she stood at the stable gate where one of the guards told her Naurfaer had rode off but could not say where. She felt a bump in her shoulder and turned to see Galaddal nuzzling her affectionally from his open stall. He had a blanket on him already, and his feed bucket was full. Considering Maryn was happily in her stall, Kili must have stayed behind with the children to make sure both horses were tended to before going up.

Tauriel looked out again at the empty path leading from the stables to the fields beyond. She needed…someplace quiet.

Authors Note at the End: A tiny cliffhanger, but at least we have some answers for little Kilion, and some interactions with Galadriel. Also Nagar changings allegiance's...what damage can this cause in the future? Did he do it thinking it was the best choice for him and his circumstances? Or was he playing both sides the entire time? More to come on that. I still have to finish the next chapter, lol. So hang tight. As soon as I get it done I will post it. See you soon!