A/N – Folks, it has been an absolute pleasure. Thank you for sharing your love of these characters with me and for sticking with the story until the end. I love you all. I will be posting an epilogue at some point, but given my recent track record with pushing out these chapters, it may be a while.

Kili Pov

Much of the mountain had dispersed as night fell upon the kingdom. I sat beside Fili, just as we would have before my departure. However, nothing between us was familiar. Silence, that is what hovered in the dark cloud above us.

"When will you marry?" I asked the quiet dwarf. It was unusual for such a strange feeling to exist between us. I spoke about my journeys since we last met. I spoke of the final days of my courtship, of the home I built for Tauriel, of my sleeping daughter, of all the adventures we had overcome. I spoke, yet he did not respond. I began to struggle for the proper words to say and the silence grew awkward.

"I suppose any time shall do now that you have arrived," he shrugged. His eyes never shifting from the blank stare in front of us. I shared his gaze and watched the scene before me. Sigrid arrived not long ago, but quickly took a liking to Cal's presence. She kneeled on the floor in a feeble attempt to teach the baby to walk. Tauriel stood near, amused at the gesture.

"No doubt you are joyful?" I tried once more.

"Aye, of course." His dull tone betrayed his words. I sighed when he did not continue. From the corner of my eye I could see Fili's stare fixate upon me. I sat there for quite some time, pretending not to notice. "You've changed."

I stared at him in surprise.

"You've grown up," he explained. I practically scuffed in response.

"I did not have much choice in the matter." I thought of our struggles since are banishment from the mountain. It was true, much had become different. His dull eyes continued to watch me. "What is it?"

"I… I feel as if I have lost my little brother." The words struck me fiercely. A terrible lump formed in my throat as I gazed at him in surprise.

"You wish I had not returned?" I swallowed my sorrows to speak clearly.

"Do not misunderstand. I knew this day would come," he shook his head. "But I was supposed to be there when it happened."

His gaze returned to my family.

"Kili," he whispered sadly. "Not a day has gone by that I have not despised myself for my actions."

"What are you talking about?"

"I have missed everything." Tears began to form at the edge of his eyes. "Your marriage, your home, your son… your daughter. A good brother should have been there for you. I should have come with you."

"Do not be a fool. I would not be standing in this mountain had you joined us. Thorin needed you. It is by your doing that my son is welcomed here."

"There were many others that could have handled the task."

"None could have done as you have," I interrupted. "You've been there for me for many things, Fili. You cannot be there for everything."

"But…"

"You're here for me now," I stopped him once more. "Do not let the past harm the present."

"When did you get so wise?" Fili chuckled.

"Oh brother, it has been a long journey." We shared a chuckle. Relief flooded my veins at the turn of the conversation. For some time, we sat together in a peaceful silence. The awkward air disappeared and I simply enjoyed his company. Several moments passed when I realized my wife was no longer among the crowd. Mother held Cal as she showed him off to a crowd of dwarves. I excused myself from my brother and walked to her.

"Mum," I gained her attention. Cal glanced my way and smiled when he caught my form. I kissed his forehead before meeting mother's eyes. "Where is Tauriel?"

"She went to her old room. She deserved a night off," she smiled at Cal before winking at me. I smirked at her strange behavior. "You should get some rest, Kili."

"I intend to. Shall I take him, or would you prefer to bring him to us?" I asked.

"I can handle him for the night," she pushed me towards the staircase. "Now go, get some rest."

"You want him all night?" I raised my brow.

"Don't look at me like that, I've raised two boys you know. I know what I'm doing."

"Alright, we will find you first thing in the morning."

"Yes, yes. Now go. Your son is safe." I couldn't help but nod happily at her claim. He was indeed safe. All my fears of returning to the mountain had vanished. I walked up the stairs as if nothing had changed. The mountain was at peace and finally there was nothing to fear.

Tauriel

The candles needed dusting before I could bring light into the room. When my eyes could see properly, I began tidying the rest of the room. Though a thick coat of dust coated much of the room, I was pleased that there was no trace of interference. Kili had worked hard to build this small home for me, it would be shameful to see it in ruin.

The smell of pine beckoned me to seek my small forest. Their growth was remarkable since I had last laid eyes upon them. I knelt before them, taking in the cool breeze that shared their scent. My muscles relaxed and I sighed away all the stresses from the day.

The silence did not last long as the door opened behind me. Kili closed it softly before entering the room. I glanced at his empty arms.

"Where is Calithilon?"

"He is with my mother. She wanted to keep him through the night," he explained while exploring the forgotten room. "I am pleased to see they did not disturb your forest."

"Yes," I agreed as he came to stand beside me. His fingers brushed my shoulder, sending a wave of unusual emotionsthrough my body and my exhaustion faded in an instant. The feelings surprised me. They had not been present for quite some time, yet I began to realize that this moment was the first in many months that I was truly alone with my husband.

He moved away to examine the trees, leaving me to mourn the loss of his warmth. I shivered at my lack of control. At first, I scolded myself. However, I easily cast away any thoughts of disapproval and reached an arm for my husband to take.

Kili glanced at me in confusion, but took my hand regardless. I tugged him close and eagerly met his lips. His arms were strong against my back. It had been so long since I had last felt his intimate grasp. He broke from my kiss but I held him near.

"Have you not missed my touch?" I asked as he pulled away.

"Of course I have," he smiled. With fingers grazing my cheeks, he held my eyes. "I'm just uneasy."

"Why is that?"

"It seemed to easy. Nothing about our path has been easy." He smirked. "I thought there would be a fight today."

"We are not alone anymore, Kili." I smiled. "We have allies, family, to watch out for us."

"I suppose your right," he returned the smile. He moved to sit beside me, pulling me against his side. I happily enjoyed his warmth as we gazed upon the scenery below.

"I never believed this could be possible," I admitted.

"Hmm?"

"Marrying you. Having a family. Living in peace." I recalled my past, filled with so much war. Learning to fight so young to keep invaders off our lands and then seeing the great battle that occurred here what seemed like so long ago. I had never thought much of it at the time, it had been my way of life. Yet, now I desired to never go back.

"I did," he smiled against my shoulder. "I did not know how, but I knew we could face it all together."

"You were far braver than I."

"I wouldn't call it bravery," he laughed. "Some would call it irresponsible."

"That is good. Had you been responsible we might not be sitting here tonight with our son downstairs," I smiled. "I am grateful for our path."

"Me too." He finally rose and gently dragged me to my feet.

"Where are we going?"

"We haven't had a moment alone in months, my love. I intend to make the most of it."

Kili Pov

"Stand still, brother." I scolded as Fili paced the room nervously. "You're getting married, not going to war."

"I know, I know. I just can't help it. Were you not this way on your wedding day?"

"More or less," I smirked. "There is nothing to fear."

"Alright, alright. How do I look?" he patted his marital robes.

"Kind of like you just got done fighting a dragon. Did you even wash that?" He narrowed his eyes at me and I could not help but chuckle. "I am joking brother, you look fine."

"Are you two ready yet? We are about to begin?" Mother burst through the door. Tauriel followed and I excitedly retrieved Cal from her arms. He smiled as I gave him a playful bounce in the air. Behind us, mum awed over Fili's appearance and I enjoyed his uncomfortable expression. "Now come, it is time."

"I may need an ale before we…"

"Get!" Mother pushed Fili out of the door, leaving us to smile in their absence.

"And I thought I was nervous on my wedding day," I smirked.

"He will be a good husband," Tauriel smiled. "Just like his brother."

"I do not doubt it," I returned her smile. I held out a hand for her to take. "Shall we?"

We walked together through the halls, following the sounds of the great crowd that had gathered. Men and women from Dale filled the halls to witness the moment, while dwarves welcomed them into their home. It was a glorious sight to have both peoples joined together in such a peaceful manner. Noticing Tauriel's smile, I imaged she shared similar feelings.

We entered the throne room, where the ceremony was to take place and made our way to stand near our family. We were met only with smiles as we took our place beside Fili. Minutes passed as the crowd roared with their conversations, but as Thorin stepped forward the room quickly fell to a hush. He welcomed the guests and stated his pride for this day. As Sigrid entered, I recalled the moment when I laid eyes on my bride. I tightened my grip, causing Tauriel to offer another smile. With her faithful hand within mine and my son at my chest, I smiled as I thought of the journey ahead.