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The winter was almost upon them when the Elves returned to the mountain. Not fully armed this time, but with a peace offering. Thranduil had sent a delegation of Elves carrying the best Elvish wines, the most decadent confections and a promise of an alliance should one of the Kingdoms ever face war again.
It was Tauriel, re-instated as captain of the guard, who delivered Thranduil’s message.
“King Thranduil hopes to restore our relations.” She finished.
Thorin’s clipped ‘Thank you’ seemed to be everything she had expected of him. His invitation for dinner surprised her as much as it did Fíli.
The tension at the dinner table was palpable. The Elves had been served meat with a grin, everybody expecting them to turn up their noses like the Elves in Rivendell had. Their woodland kin seemed to have no issues with their meal however, instead thanking their host and eating their fill. Being served ale instead of wine posed no problem either. And some choice words about the Elven King even garnered a few sniggers from some of the Elves who were deep in their cups.
For all Thorin’s effort to make their guests feel unwelcome, Kíli was a beacon of warmth. He had elected to sit amongst Thranduil’s delegation instead of at Thorin’s side as Fíli had been commanded to do. The Elves were drawn to him and his welcoming disposition, a far cry from Thorin’s forced smiles.
Fíli observed his brother. Kíli was nice to them, smiling, laughing at their jokes and genuinely interested in their opinions and lifestyle. Tauriel was sitting next to him. Fíli clenched his fist. It was the first time he saw them together outside of any peril. Nobody was imprisoned or hurt and there was no war.
Tauriel was just as drawn to Kíli as she had been before. Her gaze always searching his face. A smile on her lips at all times. But who could blame her?
Kíli found his brother’s gaze and his wink reminded Fíli it was Tauriel who would take her leave after tonight. Yes, Kíli was kind to her, but there was nobody he loved more than Fíli.