45

Once the excitement died down, the masses dug into the delicious dish and began the celebration. Music provided by some of the Elves filled the hall with a delightful tune, which Talia knew would soon be taken over by the Dwarves. Their songs were obnoxiously loud, but she had learned to love dancing. She walked over to Thranduil, Dain, and Bard, joining them at the edge of the stairs.

"Well done, cousin!" Dain boomed, throwing an arm around her shoulders and pulling her into a tight embrace. Talia rolled her eyes to the other two at his dramatics; the dwarf even laughed with an accent. "If I didn't know any better, I would've thought you had been a Queen all your life!"

"Don't be getting all soft on me now, Dain. I may have to whip you back into shape."

"What does she mean?" Bard asked, smirking as he quirked an eyebrow. He was sure he already knew the answer, and judging by the look on Thranduil's face, he was right.

"Only that I kicked his ass back in the day." Dain scoffed at this, but Talia continued nonchalantly. "Broke his nose clean. It took months to heal, if I do recall correctly."

"Why doesn't that surprise me?" Thranduil's features remained cool, but his dark brow and piercing blue eyes told a different, more humorous story.

Talia couldn't believe it. "Did the Elf-King just dare to make a joke?"

"Well, any jest aimed at Lord Dain is welcome in my kingdom." Thranduil replied, but clarified his statement and it's seemingly cold nature. "But as the Queen says, we are one. I meant no offense."

Dain blinked back with a blank stare on his face, shocked that Thranduil was not ridiculing him. Then, he remembered his manners. He offered his hand, showing Thranduil that he welcomed the lighthearted humor. The Elf-King took it, shaking respectfully. It may have been a seemingly insignificant change, for it was over a joke, but their formality was huge to Talia. It was a step in the right direction; maybe Dwarves and Elves were beginning to make amends after all.

"As the Queen says, we are one. I take no offense." Dain responded, perhaps with the most diplomaticy he had ever used. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I shall begin to partake in the evening's feast. My belly tells me that I am desperately needed at my table!" He laughed, clapping Talia on the shoulder before waddling off to his kin.

Once the Dwarf-Lord was gone, Thranduil returned his attention back to the Queen. "Unfortunately, I must shift our discussion to a more pressing matter. My people will return to the Woodland Realm on the morrow. Our wounded have taken this week to heal, and now we are strong enough to depart. We thank you for your hospitality."

Talia smiled, mentally basking in the satisfaction that Thranduil's praise had brought her. "I hope we can arrange for more encounters between our kinds in the future. Under better circumstances, of course. Erebor will always be in debt for your presence in this battle." She paused, drifting into momentary thought. "If I do recall correctly, your people love a good drink—don't they?"

Thranduil grinned, unable to deny it. His kingdom was far from the propriety of Rivendell. "Indeed."

"I should like to try your wine one day. And although your people may not be... inclined to such tastes, we do have plenty of ale to offer."

"I do have my predictions, but only time will tell." His smirk faded to one of polite sincerity. "Enjoy your evening, my Queen." The Elf-King took his leave, turning with respect to his people.

Finally, Talia and Bard were the only two left, enjoying a comfortable silence as they surveyed the crowd. They stood side by side, smiling at the laughter of the Company and the glee of the Lakemen.

"How do the children fare?"

"Well. Very well." Bard confirmed, his heart warmed by her concern. "Sigrid becomes more and more like her mother every day. Bain is eager to learn more about swordsmanship, though I fear I lack the time and skill to teach him—"

"You have more than enough skill, Bard. Bain would love nothing more than to learn from his father." Talia scolded jokingly. "But should he change his mind, I am happy to offer my services. What about Tilda?"

Bard scoffed at her false humility, ignoring her smirk. "Tilda, well—she's happy. She spends her days playing dress-up in the royal suite..." The father paused hesitantly. "I may have said too much."

Talia laughed, shaking her head. "No, no. I'm glad someone is enjoying them. She always wanted to be a princess, didn't she?"

"Aye."

"Do you know what room she finds her dresses in?"

Bard thought for a moment. "The third door on the left, I believe."

"Dis' old room." Talia smiled, remembering her many visits to the younger lass. "It seems Tilda is naturally drawn to the life of a princess."

The bargeman paused, quickly becoming horrified at the information.

"Come now, Bard, it's alright. Dis won't mind. She has always loved children."

Bard looked towards her, taking a seat on the steps behind them. "I expect her and the rest of your kin from the Blue Mountains have begun their journey."

"Aye." Talia joined him, sighing in relief. "Kili received a raven back from his mother today; they are set to arrive in a few month's time."

"Well, it's only fitting. You have taken care of everyone, including my people."

"Bard, really. If you don't stop thanking me, I'll have your—"

"Everyone but yourself."

Talia looked up at him, shocked at his perceptiveness. Very few people saw through her, but her relationship with Bard was unique; their trust in each other was very strong, and not just because they were family. She should've known he would've cornered her, sooner or later.

"I am sorry about the prince."

Her emerald green eyes met his own dark brown orbs, thanking him for his sentiment. Still, something else was on her mind. Something that related to not the line of Durin, but their own heritage.

"I wonder when my father's green eyes faded into legend."

Bard considered her observation, looking to the ground momentarily. "Well, my father's eyes were as brown as the earth. But they still live within you, do they not?"

"Perhaps. Not much else of him does." Talia shrugged, her gaze moving away from his. "I knew Girion to be a good man when he tried, but that occasion was rare. Still, it is reassuring to know that the good in him was passed down to his descendants. I see it in you, Bard. You will make a fine Lord of Dale."

He looked up in shock, surprised at her words.

"That is, when it's fully rebuilt. I hope it's recovery is as rapid as the mountain's." Talia continued, looking back to him and seeing his expression. "What?"

"I am honored that you think of me so highly."

Talia rolled her eyes, nudging him gently. "You have earned it."

"Yet you still refuse to give yourself the same praise. You are as much of Girion as I am; realistically, even more so. You helped me kill that dragon and put my people back on their feet. You have done the most of us all." Bard responded, considering his next few words. "Don't base the worth of your accomplishments on one failure, Talia. Even the best of us cannot deny our fate."

She nodded, knowing his words to be true. Now, they no longer spoke of herself. He hadn't needed to name the King for Talia to understand who he referred to.

"How is he?"

Bard almost regretted asking. She shrugged, her eyes filling with sorrow. "As is expected. He is stable, at least, but there are no indications that he will wake... In a way, it's like I trapped him here. He was really meant for things beyond me."

Bard shook his head softly, taking her hand in comfort. "He didn't want those things."

"No, he didn't." Talia agreed, accepting the gesture. "But I still took away that experience."

"Talia, you took nothing. He is alive because of you." He chided gently. "If anything, you gave him something of great value."

"What's that?"

Bard looked to her with tremendous honesty, the kind that persuaded you to listen.

"A chance."

...

"Are you ready?"

Kili nodded, taking his aunt's hand. She tilted her head at his expression, her heart breaking as she cupped his cheek. Talia would never understand the pain of losing a sibling, but soon she would learn the pain of losing a nephew.

Together, the pair led the procession through the city and to the royal tombs, followed by the Company and the dwarves of the Iron Hills. Talia's veil of mourning covered her face, but Kili had no way to hide his tears from the crowd. Eventually, they reached the room, stopping short as soon as they saw him.

Fili lay on a platform of thick, grey stone before those attending his funeral. His hands were folded over his sword, and his thick blonde hair splayed out around his neck and shoulders. A pale only death could bring the body washed out the warmth of his skin. His eyes were shut in eternal sleep, which would finally become restful as soon as he was buried in the stone.

Before any words were spoken, the dwarves milled about the room, taking in the prince and son of Durin. Balin and Dain wiped tears from their eyes as they stood at his feet, with Dwalin patting their shoulders in comfort. Talia and Bilbo exchanged a solemn glance as their fingers glided over the stone, knowing how much they would miss him. Kili stood near his head, staring blankly at his brother's body. Of all the ways he had imagined saying goodbye to Fili, it had not been like this. He had never felt more alone in his life.

Once everyone was settled, Talia pulled back the black lace veil, letting it cascade down her back. She moved to Kili, who was the only one remaining beside the body. Everyone else watched in sadness as she put a hand on his shoulder, nodding to him in most reassuring way she knew how. Tauriel, who had been granted permission to stay for the funeral, covered her lips with a delicate hand. Then, the Queen began to speak.

"Finding the words to describe Fili Durin, and all of his character and spirit found within the life he lived was beyond difficult. But, from knowing the lad since the day he was born, I figured I'd start with humor." Talia shrugged at her audience, causing a small chuckle to ripple through the crowd. "He'd say these long speeches were boring and tedious, anyway. Always a prankster, he was." She whispered, wiping a tear from her eye before continuing.

"Fili was a hilarious young prince, with the mischievous attitude that I've known every Durin to have. He was always playing pranks on his friends, his brother; his aunt." She scoffed, rolling her eyes at the memories that surfaced. "Many times on the journey, he found a way to make my pony stop short and nearly throw me from the saddle. He always counted his kills when he fought and would boast about them in the midst of battle, which was infuriating due to how fierce of a warrior he was. I remember him dying to play with a sword all his life, even before Kili was born.

"But what strikes me most about Fili was how loyal he was. Despite his playful countenance, anyone close to him could tell you that he would go to the end of the earth for his kin... whether that meant saving their life, or merely bringing a smile to their face." Talia paused, thinking of a way to close out her speech. "He lit up the room, simple as that. I only wish I had more time with him; the few years of his life that I was present were not nearly enough.

"I hope that his mother and uncle will forgive me for hosting this procession without them." She inhaled, shaking her head to rid her mind of Thorin and Dis. "But I know that they, like all of us, would hate to deny Fili his place in the stone any longer."

Talia leaned down, placing a kiss on Fili's brow. It was as cold as ice. "I love you, my little warrior prince. Rest easy."

She walked back and embraced Kili, who buried his head in her neck. Tears slipped down Tauriel's face as she watched the royals, her heart aching for her One. Then, Talia released her nephew to allow him to say his piece, fading back into the procession to stand by the She-Elf.

Kili cleared his throat, his nerves getting to him slightly. But when he looked at Fili's face, everything disappeared but his grief. He was ready, whether he had expected himself to be or not.

"I'm afraid the Queen has a better way with words than I do," He began, before shrugging and shaking his head at the ground. "But that didn't matter to Fili. All he cared about was how hearty you were, both in laughter and in battle. I hope he finds peace in knowing that he died with honor, more so than anyone I know. May Mahal watch over him."

"May Mahal watch over him." The crowd repeated as Kili walked back beside his aunt. She motioned for those assisting in the procession to lift his body up and into the stone, watching as the carven tomb closed behind him. Sighs of relief engulfed the crowd, for everyone had held their breath until that moment. Tauriel reached down to grab Kili's hand, who accepted it gladly.

No one was sure how much time had passed since Fili was put to rest. But eventually, the dwarves started filing out of the tombs one by one, followed by Talia, Balin, and Dwalin.

"Yesterday, I was inspiring all peoples of Middle Earth to rise from the ashes reborn. Now, I feel like I'm dying."

"We all do, lass." Dwalin comforted, seeing her pain. "You're not alone."

A long, pregnant pause ensued before anyone spoke again. "I never thought I'd have to do that." Talia admitted, raising her brow as the brothers walked alongside her.

"Neither did we." Balin replied, his expression somber. Dwalin swung an arm around his friend in comfort, leading them all onwards through Erebor.

Behind them, Kili and Tauriel walked hand in hand. They said nothing as they journeyed through the kingdom, following the dwarves forward. Then, Kili turned them down the hallway opposite of the others, tucked away in the secrecy of the mountain. Tauriel had no choice but to follow, for her sense of direction in the city was less sharp than his.

"Where are you taking us?"

"You'll see."

When the dwarf reached the end of the hallway, they were met with a lone door. The She-Elf watched as he twisted it open, leading her onto the balcony ahead.

The gardens of Erebor dazzled them from below, the fresh air hitting the two of them immediately. Tauriel's eyes welled up in tears as she took in the remnants of the beautiful place, seeing scattered ash and warped shrubbery. Still, some of it had grown back since Smaug had destroyed it. Although it was overgrown and unruly, there was a familiarity in the brush that reminded Tauriel of Mirkwood.

"It seems it was once beautiful." She observed, sitting at the bench adjoining the view. "Very beautiful."

"I don't know if it was." Kili responded truthfully. "But if you stay, I'm sure you could make it so."

Tauriel looked to him in surprise. She opened her mouth, prepared to argue, but Kili was ready for her rebuttal.

"I know you have a duty to your people, and I know you must return as soon as we reach those gates. I just wanted to say goodbye." He admitted. From where he stood, they were eye to eye. "One last time."

She smiled softly, her enticing brown eyes drawing him in.

"And maybe, if I showed you something that reminded you of home, you'd never leave." He offered, grinning back as he cupped her cheeks. "It was worth a shot."

Laughter echoed off the balcony as Tauriel smiled brighter than before, which made Kili's heart swell in his chest. Then, she leaned in, fluttering her eyes closed and pressing a kiss to his lips. The dwarf held her to him, enjoying the moment while it lasted. He didn't know if he'd ever have the chance to do so again.

When they pulled apart, Tauriel reached into her pocket, producing the Rune Stone. Kili's breath caught in his chest as she handed it back to him, his heart breaking as soon as it had healed.

"For your mother." She whispered. Then, she stood, turning away and taking her leave of the beautiful gardens. She knew that if she looked back, she wouldn't be able to continue on.

Kili watched her go, holding back his tears as he swallowed. But when he took a look at the stone in his hand, he knew he still had one more thing to say.

"Tauriel." He called after her, stopping her at the doorway. While she turned back to him, he circled around her, placing the stone in her hand and kissing her skin. "This isn't mine."

Red hair swayed at her hips as she stared back in confusion. "What?"

"It's our promise, Tauriel." He clarified, looking up at her sheepishly. Still, his sentiment had worked. It seemed as though she was more in love with him than before, if even possible. "Keep it."

"I've kept it for too long."

"Then you can try to give it back when I see you again. We both know how that'll go."

Tauriel knelt down to her prince, bringing her lips to his cheek. He felt her tears brush against his skin, and he knew that she was touched by his actions. She didn't need to thank him to tell him that.

Then, painstakingly, the She-Elf rose. "Goodbye, Kili."

"Goodbye, Tauriel."

All the young prince could do was watch her go, holding back his emotion. What he could not see was that she was doing the same, pressing a hand to her lips to muffle her sobs.

Mahal, he would miss her.

...

"So, it is settled. All trade of Erebor and Dale will be reinstated in the morning, whether it be between the two or outside alliances."

"Yes. The goods from the Woodland Realm will get the Lakemen through the rest of the winter, given what our gold will provide. Then, as soon as our kin from the Blue Mountains arrive, we will be able to rebuild the city from its ruins."

"Wonderful." Talia stood, considering the meeting adjourned. "Then recovery is on it's way. Thank you all; I shall see you tomorrow."

The others filed out of the room, nodding to their Queen as they left. Balin waited patiently at her side, wishing to speak with her as soon as they were alone. He closed the door of the conference room behind the last dwarf, turning to her expectantly.

"What?"

"You have an appointment today."

"Yes. With his caretaker, Amada. What of it?"

"Are you sure you're ready?"

"Balin. Based on what she's told me already," Talia began, gripping a chair as she stretched out her back, "He'll be fine. His wounds are healing; surely, he'll wake any day now."

"But what if he doesn't?"

Talia's head shot up, looking at him with a fierceness in her emerald eyes.

Balin sighed, regretting the statement as soon as he had said it. "Listen, lassie. I only warn you of such a thing because I care about you. It's been nearly two weeks."

The vivid expression on Talia's face had faded into that of calm and understanding. She walked forward, placing a hand on his shoulder as she smiled. "I know. I'll be fine, Balin. I promise."

"Do you want me to come with you?"

She shook her head, walking past him with a playful quirk in her brow. "No. You've got enough shit to do."

"Actually," He added, calling after her as she started down the hallway. "You gave me the rest of the day off. You have more to do than I!"

"Shut up, Balin!"

Rolling her eyes at the dwarf's laughter, she found she was unable to hide her grin. At least some things are returning to normal, she thought, walking through the city and to the medical wing.

As soon as she entered the room, Amada was there to greet her. "My Queen." She curtsied, bowing her head to Talia. The latter recognized the healer's dress from the feast.

"Amada," Talia tilted the girl's chin up, making her look her in the eyes. "We both know why I'm here. All I ask is that you don't hold back; this is a truth I must face, no matter how horrible."

"As you wish." Amada nodded, taking a seat in one of the two armchairs. Talia followed her, propping her chin up as she listened to the healer.

"The King's physical condition has been improving immensely. Though it will take time, his lacerations, especially that in his side, will heal. His bruises will fade, and he will regain his strength."

When the girl paused, Talia knew more was coming. "But?"

"But he has been unresponsive to any tests of consciousness. I see no indication that he will wake in the near future... maybe even ever." Amada dared, averting her eyes from the Queen's intense gaze. "If he does, then we will have nothing to worry about. But if he does not, his wounds will not be what kills him."

"Hunger will." Talia finished, nodding in understanding.

"He has no source of nutrients, and no way to absorb them. There is no medicine on this earth that can be administered to make him eat in his sleep." The healer confirmed, offering Talia a small smile. "I should've studied witchcraft, my Queen."

Talia laughed at her joke, which shocked Amada. They were speaking of her husband's death, and the healer had somehow managed to make the Queen grin.

"Thank you, Amada. I appreciate your honesty." Talia stood, moving her gaze to her resting husband. "I should like a few moments with him, if you do not mind."

"Of course, my Queen." Amada bowed her head, taking her leave of the Queen.

She paced over to Thorin's bedside, kneeling before his sleeping figure. She let her body slump against the stone frame surrounding the mattress, staring at the serenity of his features. He always looked at his most peaceful when he slept. Talia folded her hands over one another on the covers, resting her chin on them once she was settled. Sighing, she felt the tears already slip from her eyes. Although Thorin felt no pain, his condition was killing her.

"You better wake up, you son of a bitch." She took her finger and ran it across his cheek, feeling his breath puff on the back of her hand. "I don't know what I'll do if you don't."