Hey guys, so I wasn't planning to actually continue this. It was going to go on a long hiatus, but so many people messaged me, that I just couldn't do that. Also for those who follow my tumblr, you know I just got released from the hospital so this update will be short as I am still very much recovering. So here we are at chapter four! I hope you enjoy!

Chapter four: Part One

Tauriel knew vaguely of Thorin Oakenshield. His family lineage. What had occurred between him and the orc, Azog. As head of the guard, she had made it a part of her mission to learn what she could about those who held some importance, good or poor, to Thranduil. But never, in the centuries she had lived, had she ever expected to come across his domain in such a condition and with the request she held now. She stood before the King under the Mountain, feeling small despite the clear size difference as he gazed upon her and back to his nephew with such a look of utter astonishment and disgust, Tauriel felt even more ill at ease than she'd previously experienced.

"You come before me now, after months of our journey, and inform me of something of this," he motioned towards Tauriel. "Severity?!" His thick brows knitted together in distaste, eyes flickering back to his nephew who stood firmly beside his lover. "Elf and dwarf do not dwell among each other."

"And what has given us such guidelines," interjected Kili, desperation evident in his tone. "Who has told us that such could not occur?"

The elleth remained silent, gaze averted from Thorin as the dwarven king's attention remained focused on his nephew. After such a long journey in the boat, only to receive such a unwelcoming greeting, departure seemed more favorable now than ever. But the babe that grew in her belly held a much higher status. Needs that she could not ignore, even despite her discomfort. It was unsafe to travel alone, no place to call home. Even if the alternative seemed bleak now.

"She cannot stay here," Thorin said firmly. "She must leave."

"If she goes, I go," Kili replied, inhaling from his spot at Tauriel's side. "She is family."

"Don't be foolish, Kili," replied the elder dwarf. "She is an elf and you belong with your own kin."

"And the child she carries is not that?" The younger argued. "You ask me to abandon my offspring for some bloody kingdom-"

Tauriel saw the anger flare in the dwarven king's eyes at his nephew's sharp tongue. However bold the look, Kili held his ground. The last thing the elleth had wanted to accomplish was not only having herself banished, but the son of Durin as well. Gingerly she rested her hand on her lover's shoulder, feeling Kili's rigidness become less so under her touch.

"I will await outside for the final decision," she said calmly, fingers tightening around the dwarf's shoulder when he opened his mouth to protest. "It will be fine."

Thorin merely nodded, eyes not meeting the elleth's as she turned to leave. She half expected to hear the sounds of Kili's footsteps behind her, but supposed he had decided to remain where he stood to defend her place. The air was cool as she stepped out onto the old, stone outcrop of the mountain, eyes fixated on the horizon, uncertain as to what the future held for her and the unborn child next.

This was terribly short, I apologize. Again, I literally just got out of the hospital after a seven day stay so I am incredibly exhausted and somewhat out of it. I promise the next part will be a few thousand words in length. Feedback is greatly appreciated. Let me know if this is worth continuing! -Jen