[She listens as he describes what it is like to have a large family, smiling softly at how diverse the reactions are.] Any time you wish to talk, I will listen.

[Tauriel sighs a little thinking of her King. For a long time she had trusted in him and in his judgement, even when she began to question if it was flawed, so a part of her still felt at odds talking ill of her king, even if her was no longer here.]

You might very well be right. It certainly would explain his reluctance. Even now it remains a fear of mine, that through his inaction that the evil will grow stronger and be far more powerful without someone there to act against it.

[And with her not there... She forced that thought away, setting down the arrow so that she might instead reach down to pick up Braig and give the pup some cuddles. He protested, wanting to play, which served as distraction enough for her as she played a little with him.]