#Older!Fili x reader

[welikeimagines-andfandoms]

Braid- Fili x Reader

Summary: Reader asks Fili to braid her hair, not realising what it means in dwarven culture

Word count: 1, 128

*want to be tagged in my next Fili fic? Click here*

The cool stone of the cell floor sent a chill up your spine, as you try to do anything to distract yourself from feeling hopeless and miserable.

As you try to rub your arms to gain some warmth, suddenly you feel and see Filis warm hand on your forearm.

“You really are freezing. Here, sit closer to me, it might help you warm up,” the sweet dwarven prince offers with arms wide open.

You try not to blush at such a sweet offer as place your tired head on his shoulder. As his warm arms wrapped around you, your body began to feel at peace. You felt safe in Filis embrace, and his shoulder was a lot softer than any surface you’ve camped on during this journey.

As you play with the plaits in his hair, you begin to think how well you might have slept if you’d been cuddled up to Fili all those nights. Such thoughts begin to make you blush, and you try to hide your girlish smile.

“Is my hair really so grand that it makes you smirk and blush like a little girl?” Fili teases, which earns him a slap on his chest by you.

“Shut up!” You laugh at his as you rise from his arm, now looking into his beautiful blue eyes.

You didn’t realise you’d kept your hand on his chest until you felt his own warm hand around yours. Feeling nervous you begin to ramble.

“I-I mean you do have lovely hair. I wish I could braid my hair like yours.”

“You don’t know how to braid hair?” Fili asked in disbelief.

“No, I-I never learnt. I always had short hair as a little girl and as I got older and grew it out, I guess I forgot to learn,” you explained.

Something about what you’d said seemed to sadden Fili, as his hand reached up to card from your loose hair. He looked always as if you’d told him you’d never been hugged before.

“But hey, maybe you could braid my hair for me. Not sure how long we’ll be here, so it could be a useful way to pass the time,” you suggested, trying to brighten up your friend again.

Unfortunately this suggestion seemed to have the opposite effect, as Filis eyes widened and his mouth hang open. You may have even caught a blush on the handsome princes face, but you could have been mistaken.

His eyes looked into yours, filled with hope of something, and like he was trying to find that something in your eyes.

“What’s the matter?” You ask him worriedly.

“Yo-you want me to braid your hair?” He asked breathlessly, his tone filled with softness and hope.

“Well sure, I mean yours look so lovely and we’re stuck here,” you confirm.

Once again your words seem to have the opposite effect to what you’d hoped, as Filis face become deflated.

“Oh yeh, yeh we’re stuck here it’s not li-“

Before Fili could continue what you assumed would be an explanation, Bilbo arrived, keys in hand and a cheeky smile on his face.

*****

Bards house didn’t really seem like much of a house at all, it seemed to more resemble a hut with slightly more space. But as you see him with his children, and their belongings scattered across the place, it did feel like a home.

Being in a place so soft and warm, especially compared to the cells, you couldn’t help but smile at Bard and his family. It felt silly to think about, but seeing Bard with his children, made you think of Fili.

A part of you felt stupid for thinking about a life with him, but when you look at Bard, you can’t help but to see Fili.

Smiling sweetly at Bard, you can’t help but imagine how Fili would be with your children.

Although your eyes saw Fili, Filis eyes certainly saw Bard. He saw you staring and smiling at Bard, and his ideas of being yours began to crumble. He’d told himself that he would explain to you what a braid means to a dwarf, but now, he wouldn’t dream to try.

Storming out of the small home, Fili roughly exits through the front door and wallows on the steps. Filis abrupt exit causes everyone to stare.

“I’ll go check on him,” you speak softly, as you go in the direction of the blonde dwarf.

“Leave me alone,” Fili speaks coldly as you sit beside him on the step.

“But it’s such a cold night. Who else’s shoulder would keep me warm?” You try to banter as you snuggle closer.

Your attempt is unfortunately met with Fili trying to scoot further from you. His rejection of your affections saddens you deeply.

“I don’t know. Maybe Bard could keep you warm,” Fili spits at you.

“Bard? We’ve only just met an-“

“And you already look at him with such love,” Fili finishes for you, still not meeting your eye, as he stares at his feet.

Oh, suddenly it dawns on you. The realisation of Fili being jealous seems to cloud the realisation that Fili likes you, as you attempt to mend the situation.

“I look at him with love because I picture you,” you confess softly to your friend.

Filis head whips towards you, and his eyes go wide like they had done in the cell.

“Why?” He asks skeptically.

“Because I love you, you stupid dwarf. Because as silly as it sounds I picture you in a home, with little ones too,” you confess, trying your hardest not to hide away shyly.

At your confession, Fili couldn’t seem to control himself. With one hand behind your head and the other on your hip, Fili quickly pulls you in for a passionate and loving kiss.

The feel of his lips against yours felt like a relief, like you’d been waiting and needing for this moment.

As Fili pulled away from the kiss, he lightly chuckles at your attempt to bring his lips back to yours.

“I love you too, amrâlimê, and it would be an honour to braid your hair,”

Your love-struck smile soon turned to a look of confusion, causing Fili to laugh warmly.

“You couldn’t have known this, but in dwarf culture, when one asks another to braid their hair, it is a sign they wish to court that person,” Fili explains.

Suddenly Filis reaction in the cells seems to make sense, as the realisation dawns on your face. Fili nods with a chuckle as he realises you now understand.

Taking your hand in his, he kisses your knuckles as his other hand reaches the tie in your hair.

“May I?”

“Braid away, my love,” you accept with a sweet kiss to his lips.

[bookworm-with-coffee]

Softly. . .

(Kili x Reader)

(A/N); Hillooo!! Let's switch up the angst today, lovelies with more Kili love!! As always, enjoy!!

Plot; When Kili is dying and can't rely on Tauriel, who then can he count on?

Pairings; Kili x Reader (Romantic)

Warnings; long fic, blood/injury, mature themes, coarse language, violence, unrequited love, angst, eventual fluff

________________________________________

Exhaustion burned like a sting through the muscles in your legs. Having travelled so far in the span of a day, the Company had made it from the stability provided by Beorn's home now to the depths of Mirkwood where the days seemed timeless and dark. Your own footsteps rang like a drum in your ears, the grip that an Elven soldier had on you was unyeilding.

Completely stripped of your outer layers and weaponry, you felt unbelievably helpless as you were marched along the winding bridges to perhaps a worser fate than death. You all didn't know.

"Tolo hí", a cocky Elf unwisely shoved Thorin towards a staircase, the King matching the taller male's glare. You angrily tried to shrug yourself from the grip of the soldier holding you, attempting to stick up for your Company's leader. The Dwarves shared your sentiment, Thorin waving all of you down before the fights could begin. You all weren't exactly in a position to stir trouble, after all. Things had to remain peaceful for good negotiations.

"Don't struggle. I will be back", he assured you all, his ocean gaze burning with surity before he ascended the steps to the throne room. The Elves forced you all onwards, your path leading you further down into the bowels of the city; the dungeons. The leader Legolas, he'd been named; scrutinized you with his harsh gaze, undoubtedly noting how you stood out like a sore thumb amongst the others of this Company. One human female and thirteen male Dwarves certainly made for an interesting travelling circus, in his eyes. Yet, you knew you were missing one more member of your group.

Bofur noticed Bilbo's disappearance first, always seeming to keep track of your whereabouts as much as the missing Hobbit's. You all declined to mention your lost fifteenth member of the Company, trying to avoid making it known that you were seeking him out hopefully. Some part of your heart screamed to you that he was already here, that he hadn't abandoned you all. He would rescue you all soon, you were sure of it.

The Elves finally made their stop, the soldier that held you releasing the hard hold he had on your arm. You were sure you would have bruising later. Your captors began to lead your group in pairs or singles up and down stairs, completely separating you all. Balin turned to you, attempting to offer you assurance with a steady smile and a glance that told you, everything will be fine. You hoped so as you were finally lead away from the older Dwarf with Bofur. Worry flashed in Fili and Kili's eyes as you ascended stairs to your right with your cellmate, the brothers both having some level of protectiveness over you.

The cells were small with no chairs or any form of comfort, only the cold floor to sit on. While trudging forwards, you were suddenly shoved into the small room behind Bofur, crashing into him and hitting the floor. "Oh, shit!", you hissed, rubbing at your head and helping him to his feet.

"Are ye alright, Love?", he asked, wholeheartedly unconcerned with himself. His hand moved your own to check for any blood or wounds that the fall may have given you, finally sighing in relief. "You'll be fine". Patting your shoulder, he moved past you to look through the bars of the now locked door. He gripped the bars, much like the others had started doing. All of the Dwarves, save for Balin, kicked and threw themselves desperately at the bars in their attempt to dent or break them. The metal was completely reinforced, the Dwarves risking harm to themselves more than their cell bars.

"It's no use!", Balin shouted. "This is no Orc prison. These are the dungeons of the Woodland Realm!". Dejected, everyone dropped to the floor, inclusive of yourself. Balin was right. There was no escaping unless Thorin could strike a deal with the Elven King, Thranduil. An agitated roar left Dwalin's throat, punching the bars before throwing himself down as well. You would all have to sit this out and wait.

Turning your head to your right, you gazed down at the other cells. Kili's cell with Fili's above his, Ori and Dori together to his left, Balin to his right. Nori was probably further up from Kili. Dwalin's cell was behind yours, meaning Gloin and Oin were probably in the cell beneath your own. Bifur had been locked with Bombur in the cell by the staircase you'd climbed. They were the first to be locked up.

Gnawing on your lower lip, you found your gaze landing on Kili. He was your closest friend and the one you worried for the most. This quest had been costing on you both, mentally and physically so. But, you'd found comfort in each other.

On the days when it rained, the young Prince was always there to tell a joke that reminded you of sunshine. When you were cold, he would offer you his strong and heated arms. Kili had already saved your life numerous times, always throwing himself in harm's way just to protect you.

In the late hours of the night, you'd offer solace to the homesick Prince who often dreamed of his mother and home in the Blue Mountains. It was in these quiet hours when he was unafraid to open himself to you. Sometimes you'd spar and train with him to give him relief from his restlessness, participate in pranks or tell him stories of your homeland if he was down. Your bedroll was always beside his leaving the Company to speculate on your relationship with Kili.

There was nothing to tell, to your disappointment. Kili had admitted no feelings for you and vice versa. Some part of you feared losing the fierce friendship and bond with him, should he know the truth and not feel the same. Your feelings for the Dwarf were obvious to everyone, even to Fili, who had become like a protective older brother to you. Yet, they were not obvious to the one who held your affections.

Your head turned to find Bofur's gaze already on you, an amused grin splayed on his expression. He sat with his back against the opposite wall, his brows risen suggestively. "What?", you sputtered, feigning innocence.

"Am I supposed t' act like I don't know who yer' starin' at or what?". He laughed softly, folding his arms with a shake of his head. A flush of heat hit your cheeks in embarrassment. "You've got it bad, Love".

"Got what?".

"The love bug", he shrugged. "You're in love–".

"Don't say it any louder!", you hissed, a few giggles escaping the Dwarf.

"I don't know how long it's been since I first noticed it, but I've known for a long time now", he confessed, your head dipping in further abashment. "And there's no shame in it". Bofur nudged your leg with his foot, offering you a kind smile when your eyes lifted again to meet his own.

"Does Thorin know?".

"He'd have t' be deaf, blind and stupid not t', Love", Bofur guffawed.

"Oh dear", you groaned, hiding your face in your hands.

"Fili knows". Your eyes widened in shock, peeking through the splits in your fingers at the dark haired Dwarf. Thinking it best to be honest, he continued, "In fact, I don't think there's a soul amongst us, save for Kili himself, that doesn't know about this. Sorry, Lass".

"And you thought of telling me when??", you gaped.

"When Dwalin would finally be at snapping point at yer lovesick bantering", he laughed. "Which surprisingly, he hasn't reached yet". You groaned again in your shame, too embarrassed to show your face. " 'Ey". He nudged your leg again. "Don't be ashamed. Dwalin is a patient Dwarf, as are we all. We understand". Your calf being the only thing he could grip from where he sat, Bofur began to caress it to try and soothe you. "Jus' be thankful yer' not sharing yer cell with Dwalin right now".

Your hands fell from your face whilst you giggled, the both of you finding humour in his additional statement. "I'm in the next cell, not deaf, Bofur", a grumble followed quietly.

"Aye. Noted. Sorry!", he called back softly, the both of you lapsing again into a short fit of shared laughter. You realized it was his aim all along. With gratitude shining in your gaze, you inclined your head to your cellmate.

"Thanks, Bofur". Tipping his hat, he grinned with immeasurable mirth,

"Yer' always much welcome, Lass".

The wait for Thorin's return began. Or to be rescued by Bilbo, whichever first. Hours, perhaps even days were passing. You didn't know. The dungeons of the Woodland Realm fell silent for some time, your eyes coming to close. Cheerful music and voices softly began to pour down from the upper levels, almost lulling you asleep with its beauty. Your stomach growled painfully, reminding you that you hadn't eaten since Beorn's. Footsteps descending from the throne room caught your immediate attention, however. Your brows rose, peering from the bars of your prison cell as the familiar figure of the redheaded Captain of the Guard, Tauriel made her way past your cell before travelling downward. Patrolling. Kili had occupied himself with something and it was clear that the pointy-eared bitch couldn't keep her nose out of his business.

"The stone in your hand", she whispered sternly. "What is it?". Was nothing sacred?? Could he not have something in his possession??

Your chest puffed out, ready to tell her to leave and mind her business when Kili finally replied, "It is a talisman". This caught your curiosity as well as Tauriel's. "A powerful spell lies upon it. If any but a Dwarf read the runes on this stone, they will be forever cursed! ", he spat, forcing her to gaze at the dark object. Good job, Kili. You relished in her shock, relaxing as she finally seemed to be leaving. "Or not". Your mouth fell open. What was he doing?? She was your enemy! Tauriel backtracked her steps, returning to Kili's cell. "Depending on whether or not you believe in that kind of thing, it's just a token", he shrugged, a soft laugh escaping him. It seemed as if Tauriel was smiling as well. "A rune stone. My mother gave it to me so that I'd remember my promise".

"What promise?".

"That I will come back to her", Kili smiled, your heart burning with envy at the kindness he shared with her. Never in all the nights you'd spent in his company, had the Princeling shared this special rune stone with you, nor its backstory. Not that it was anyone's business, of course. But, you now found yourself wishing that he had shared something this intimate and unique with you. "She worries. She thinks I'm wreckless", he continued with a sigh.

"And are you?", Tauriel failed to fight her smile, clearly enjoying her time with the Prince.

"Nah". When throwing the stone again, however, it slipped from his grip. It skidded out of his cell and under her boot. You'd tensed, worried that it would've fallen into the nearby chasm. Now it was in her possession and she'd confiscate it for sure. Her nimble fingers held it into the dim light, looking over the intricate runes that covered the small stone. Kili had stood, worrying over the stone the way you had. "It's quite the party you're having up there", he mused, trying to draw her attention from the stone.

"It is Mereth en-Gilith", she replied. "The Feast of Starlight. All light is sacred to the Eldar, but Wood Elves love best the light of the stars".

"I always thought it is a cold light, so remote and far away", he confessed. Incredulously, she whispered,

"It is memory! Precious and pure!". Her turquoise eyes fell to the dark stone occupying her palm. "Like that promise". Reaching it forwards, she allowed Kili to take it back. "I have walked there sometimes", she added, gathering his undivided attention. "Above the forest and up into the night. I have seen the world fall away and the white light of forever fill the air".

Looking down at the Prince, he seemed effortlessly taken by her. His hazel orbs were glittering in awe, his lips parted in a state of wonder. And could he be blamed?? Tauriel had pure, creamy skin, unblemished and ageless with the beauty of the Elves. Long, thick tresses and a graceful air about her. She's a far more skilled warrior than yourself, which Kili also seemed to admire.

"I saw a Fire Moon once". Another story he'd failed to share with you, intriguing the Elf in his presence further. His smile grew as he leant against the bars. "It rose over the pass near Dunland. Huge! Red and gold it was as it filled the sky". Tauriel sat by the stairs of Kili's cell, intently listening to his story the way you would have. "We were an escort for some merchants of Ered Luin. They were trading in silverware for furs. We took the green way south, keeping the mountains to our left. And there up ahead, this huge Fire Moon lighting our path. I wish I could show you".

Some part of you knew and berated you for not seeing this coming. Perhaps it was blissful ignorance? Or misplaced complacency in your heart?? Kili always had a predisposition of curiosity towards the Elves, having shamelessly flirted with one of them in Rivendell and admitting, accidentally to his humiliation, that he found one of their males attractive. So, what chance did you stand against them?? None.

Dejectedly, your head hit the rough wall behind you, their shared laughter and conversations bitterly reminding you that you never did stand a chance to begin with. It was clear that your feelings for the Prince weren't returned. Only now was it plain for you to see. Hating the way jealousy's unkind flames wreaked havoc within your mind, tears began to burn in your eyes without forgiveness. With a sigh, your face suddenly crumpled and your shoulders shook, sobs wracking your body. Bofur heard your silent sniffles, being the light sleeper that he was. "Hey!", his voice cooed to you softly, instantly waking from his daze. "What's goin' on??". Your throat felt tight, your heart aching painfully within your chest. Desperately, you wiped at your eyes, the kind Dwarf moving to sit on your left. He needed only to look through the cage bars to realise what ailed you. His gaze softened, surprised at this revelation. However, it didn't stop his warm arms from circling you. Your head fell into the crook of his neck, safe from the negativities of the world. Bofur's large hands worked comforting caresses on your back and shoulders. "There, there now", he hushed you. "There, there. I've got ye".

"It hurts, Bofur", you wept. Part of his heart broke hearing those words, knowing that no joke he could offer you now would make it better. He felt useless.

"I know", he whispered. "I know it hurts". Bofur's heated arms tightened their embrace, some part of him hoping that they would help remove the pain. "He didn't know how ye felt for him. And as far as I'm concerned,—", he wiped at your face. "— he's an idiot for not bein' in love with ye instead of that daft Elf maid". You chuckled bitterly,

"She's hardly daft. She's beautiful".

"Perhaps on the outside", he conceded. "But, if Kili can't see the beauty that's both outside and within yerself, don't waste time pursuing the heart that clearly isn't yours". You knew what he was implying and the thought of disregarding your feelings for the Prince horrified you.

"It's not some simple fixation, Bofur! I love him!", you sighed hopelessly. "It's not easy to let go of someone you–". He nodded in understanding. You felt connected so deeply with Kili, you were sure that the concept of soulmates existed. You'd never felt anything like this before. And now, every part of you felt like that connection was being torn away. It was agony.

"Whatever ye decide, I only hope as yer friend that ye choose your happiness above all else. Even if it's hard". You nodded. "I'm here for ye, Lass. We all are, remember that".

Sleep eventually took you within Bofur's embrace, the kind Dwarf refusing to let you go. Despite no romantic attraction to you, he still valued your happiness and everyone else's. You were exhausted, in desperate need of food and sleep. Even if it was a tad of rest, he'd still help you get it with a bit of comfort.

The wait to be rescued continued for some hours thereafter, Tauriel finally leaving to join the festivities above. Marching footsteps thundered through the halls, startling you awake. Thorin was back, at last. Alive and unscathed to your relief.

"Did he offer you a deal?", Balin's voice called out, all of you eager to listen.

"He did", Thorin replied, his voice growing to a yell that echoed through the very heart of the Woodland Realm. "I told him he can go ishkh khakfe andu null!! Him and all his kin!!". The white haired Dwarf sighed through his nostrils in exasperation, shaking his head.

"Well, that's that, then", he huffed. "That deal was our only hope".

"Not our only hope", the King shot back, his eyes glimmering with the same hopes in all your hearts. He too had faith Bilbo would return.

The Hobbit wasn't too far away, having already infiltrated the kingdom using the Ring that not one of you knew about. It had saved him from the Goblins and he'd use it to save you all too. Bilbo's steps were invisible and silent when he descended into the bowels of Mirkwood. He'd cautiously followed the Elf that bore the prison keys, marking his patrols. The wine cellar was where most of the guards seemed to be. They spoke of the festivities above, the keeper of the keys not willing to forsake his duties. "They're locked up!", the others insisted, snatching the keys to hang them on a hook. "Where can they go?". Bilbo smiled. If only they knew..

"I'll wager the sun is on the rise", Bofur ground out beside you. "Must be nearly dawn".

"We're never going to reach the mountain, are we?", Ori's faint sigh echoed. Your heart sank for the Company. You'd been enlisted to help them, but there was naught left that even you could do for them now. Fili stomped in frustration, throwing himself on the floor.

"Not locked in here, you're not", the familiar voice of Bilbo rang out. You felt as if you'd waited forever to hear those words, relieved to see your friend alive.

"Bilbo!", you gasped, clawing at the bars with a grin.

"Bilbo!!", the others began to shout happily, collectively overjoyed to see the Hobbit as well.

"Shh!! There are guards nearby!!", he hissed, starting with Thorin and Balin's cells, working his way upwards. He worked his way along with Fili, Ori and Dori, Oin and Gloin, Kili, followed by Bifur and Bombur.

Finally, he reached your cage. Once the door swung open, the Hobbit was in your arms, happily embracing you back. "I'm so glad you're alright!", you laughed ecstatically.

"Same with you!", he assured, breaking from you with a grin to continue on his way to let out Dwalin and Nori. Bofur lead you down the steps, Kili seemingly waiting for you by the bottom, relieved to see you again. The sentiment wasn't shared. A flush of resentment had filled your heart, your brows creasing at the Prince.

"Are you alright, (Y/n)?". His question fell on deaf ears. Noting your short-sleeved tunic, he continued, "You're looking cold. Here, I'll–".

"Just leave me alone", your words were a sharp grumble, your eyes unusually apathetic. You moved past the Prince as if he were nothing. Hurt and confusion flashed through Kili's eyes whilst he watched your retreating figure, his hand slowly dropping to his side.

Various members of the Company, noteably Thorin, Balin and Fili; onlooked in shared confusion at your uncharacteristic behaviour. Had something happened??

Dwalin clapped Kili's shoulder in passing, drawing the Princeling back to focus. He quickly followed his gathering kin at the top of a stairwell with varying routes. "Not that way!", Bilbo's call was still a whisper, leading you all onto one of the others that lead downwards instead. "Down here! Follow me!!".

Freedom, you thought. You all followed close behind the Hobbit, confident in his plan of escape. Strangely, he seemed to know where he was going. Or so you thought until you reached what looked to be a wine cellar. The sounds of snores reached your ears as you descended the last steps to your destination. A group of intoxicated Elves were resting their heads on a table, completely ignoring their guard duties. Having followed Bilbo down first, Kili growled, "I don't believe this– we're in the cellars!!". Bofur followed after,

"Yer' supposed t' be leadin' us out, not further in!!".

"I know what I'm doing—", Bilbo tried to respond, Bofur cutting in,

"Shh!!", holding a finger over his mouth. The Dwarves all filed in ahead of you, Dori and Dwalin flanking you protectively out of instinct. From where he stood with his brother, Kili eyed you with a pensive gaze, his strong brows knitted together in concern.

"Everyone! Quickly! Climb into the barrels now!", Bilbo's orders were hushed, his eyes desperate. He had a plan. That much you could tell.

"Are you mad?!", Dwalin hissed. "They'll find us!!".

"No, they won't! They won't! Please, please, you must trust me!". Following his words, you watched then as Bilbo turned to Thorin with a pleading gaze.

"Do as he says", the King whispered. Instantly, everyone began to climb into the barrels, even Thorin himself. Only, there were two problems. One, there weren't enough barrels for you to join the Dwarves. Two, you would surely be too big for a barrel. Thirteen concerned sets of eyes caught onto that situation rather quickly, various whispers of,

"What about (Y/n)?", "She needs somewhere to hide too!!", "Where can she go??", filling the room.

"Calm down!", the burglar begged quietly. "Let me think!!".

"No time!", you insisted. "I'll have to go without". Whispers of protest rang out from the Dwarves, not satisfied with your situation.

"For the love of Mahal, (Y/n)! Don't be a fool!", Fili chided.

"Climb in my barrel?", Kili offered hesitantly, your brief harshness towards him being forgotten in his concern for your safety. Bofur's head snapped towards him with an expression that read, 'Really?? After the damage you've done?'.

"I will not risk your safety", Thorin interluded, your gaze falling to the leader you respected so much. "There's no time. Climb in with Kili". Your previous resentment towards the younger Prince was already gone. And despite your hurting heart, all you truly wanted for Kili now was for him to be happy, even if it was without you.

Climbing up, you slipped quickly into the warm alcove of the Princeling's barrel. It was a tight squeeze, but you managed to fit everything under your shoulders into it. "Are you comfortable?", Kili's voice was a gentle calm, his hot breaths fanning over your face.

"I'm fine", you matched his hushed tone, your body slowly warming in the close proximity you shared. Little did you know, you'd be needing it..

Now satisfied with your situation, the Dwarves all stuck their heads out. "What do we do now?", Bofur asked.

"Hold your breath", was the only response you received from the Hobbit before he pulled a wooden lever.

"Hold our breath??", Bofur sputtered. You all then realised what was coming. The ground tilted up, gravity seeming to change for you and the Dwarves. A set of strong arms held you in the form of a brace as the barrel you were in spindled and became weightless. Everyone cried out, falling for what felt like an eternity.

Water suddenly submerged you all, cold and biting against your skin. Once hitting the surface, you gasped for air as every limb fell into a state of shock. "Breathe", Kili's instructions barely registered, your nose burning and head buzzing. He gazed up at you, attempting to warm your face and arms with his heated hands.

"Where's Bilbo?", Bofur's head bounced from the water. Despite the chattering of your teeth, you smiled amusedly,

"He forgot himself". Thorin followed in your amusement with a smile of his own,

"Give him a moment". A moment was all the Hobbit needed, falling stiffly with a scream into the waters by Nori's barrel. The tri-haired Dwarf hauled Bilbo against his barrel, getting him to hold on for the journey ahead. "Well done, Master Baggins", the King commended proudly. It was much deserved. Still being the humble burglar he was, Bilbo waved the act off as if it was nothing. Thorin began to motion everyone along. "Come on! Let's go!".

The barrel you shared with Kili had become uncomfortable as it tipped forwards, your bodies squishing together. In any other instance, you'd crave this contact. Yet now, it was painful for more than one reason. Both of you used an arm each, dipping them into the numbingly cold water to row your barrels along. Sunlight poured in from the end of the cave's tunnel, the water seeming to give you speed in its new flow. You soon realised why. "Hold on!", you shrieked, the barrel cascading forwards into ferocious rapids. The current carried you all forwards and down the river effortlessly, the coldness having been briefly forgotten in your adrenaline. The Company's escape was brilliantly carried out. All you needed to do was leave Mirkwood to the lands beyond. It seemed so simple until a horn's cry pierced the air. You'd all been caught!

Fear leapt into your throat whilst you all rounded a corner, thrown forwards again to see Elven soldiers closing the gates of the river. "NO!!", Thorin exclaimed, his barrel being the first to reach the now closed door before you all followed after. Freedom seemed more further away now than it had ever been. And it was only going to get worse. Orcs had now made their appearance, slaughtering the Elves that were preventing your escape.

"Watch out!!", Bofur shouted. "There's Orcs!!". Corpses of both Elvenkind and Orc fell into the waters, all of them battling furiously amongst themselves. Kili had forced you to crouch uncomfortably, your legs burning at the tightness of the squeeze. He was aiming to protect you from the flying arrows and falling bodies, bracing you. His hazel eyes travelled to your own, clouded with fear. You'd never seen him so afraid, your hand subconsciously reaching for his.

"Slay them all!!", a foul voice ordered in the words of Black Speech. This was not Azog's voice, but one just as hideous. You decided to release yourself from the brace, standing straight with Kili to fight the Orcs that leapt into the water. Your heart raced, pounding within the confines of your chest. You all needed to get out of here. There had to be a way out. And that's when it came to you. The lever! You climbed out of the barrel, Kili shouting your name in protest whilst you waded in the freezing waters to the stairs of the wall. The sunkissed concrete instantly warmed your numb limbs whilst you clambered up the steps. It was so relieving to feel the warmth beneath your palms, that you dreaded eventually having to go back into the freezing waters below.

You dodged a blade slicing down towards you, rolling to the side and onto your back. Darting your foot upwards at the Orc who had tried to end you, it fell from the wall and to the forests below. Scrambling to your feet, you raced forwards across the wall. "Kili!!", Dwalin shouted, your head snapping in the direction of the call. The Prince had followed you onto the wall, catching the blade that Dwalin had tossed him. He used it to slay the Orc that had tried to pursue you to the lever. You hadn't realised either the creature or Kili's presence, grateful that he'd flanked your back. Fili always kept one eye on his brother, even when they weren't side by side. He threw blades into the Orcs that tried to overpower Kili in his attempts to protect you. Bolg had seen your motives of escape, noting that you had no weapons or the like. He had to stop you now if he ever wished to end Thorin and his kin here. Kili saw the hideous Orc arming his bow, his eyes blowing wide in horror as you fought your way through the carnage, unaware of the threat. His feet hit the ground in a dead sprint, slicing through the Orcs in his path like butter.

"(Y/n)!!", his throat burned with his scream. His heartbeat thundered in his ears deafeningly, finally catching your steps. The arrow flew, hitting flesh. You'd fallen to the floor with a yell, Kili crashing on top of you with a shout of his own. Your back ached from the impact, Kili's palms stinging from grazing the concrete.

"Kili??", you breathed, your brows furrowing in concern and confusion at his actions. Why had he stopped you?? The Prince's expression of shock fell suddenly into a pained grimace, your eyes drifting downwards to see the obscenely large arrow that had impaled his knee. "Kili!", your panicked cry left your throat raw. Bolg grinned in a sense of victory, having hit at least one target. Fili's head snapped upwards at your scream, spotting his brother's ailments with terror,

"Kili!!". The young Prince ground out a yell between his teeth, feeling the stinging sensation of blood dripping from the malicious wound. The sensation was unlike any pain he'd felt before, burning within his blood like a disease. What had he been pierced with?? He suddenly fell back with a scream, your figure quickly entering his vision. Kili's brows creased, his eyes fixed on you whilst he panted erratic breaths. His hand grasped the one you'd offered him with an almost painful grip, his eyes suddenly darting to his right. Tauriel broke through the woods, slashing and firing arrows with a graceful precision. "Kill her!!", Bolg shrieked. "Kill the She-Elf!!".

Kili's lips had parted, entirely enamoured by her presence. Not allowing your resentment to cloud your judgement, your hand broke from the Princeling's grip, hurrying to instead pull the lever down for the Company to escape. "We need to get out of here!", you yelled, Kili nodding in agreement. Without thinking, he slid forwards, his legs dangling above the barrel you'd shared. Both you and Fili saw this as a bad idea.

"Kili!!", Fili exclaimed.

"Wait!! I'll remove it!!—", Kili's cry of agony cut you off as he slid into the barrel, the arrow snapping painfully from his leg.

"Shit!", you cursed, leaping into the freezing waters without a thought, clinging to the barrel that Kili was in. Alike to Bilbo, you'd have to hold on externally. And it would be no easy feat. The rapids bashed at your face constantly, submerging you in its chaotic stream as it went. You were gasping for air whenever you could manage it, the water painfully blurring your vision and disorienting you. The grip you had on Kili's barrel was starting to wane, his hands gripping onto your arms. The water settled eventually from rapids to a speedy and winding current, no longer depriving you of sight and air.

From your view in the river, you'd spied Fili, Dwalin and Thorin using the Orcs' weapons against them, lopping down the branches they stood on and bashing the ones that tried to attack them from the banks of the river's flow. Legolas had joined the fight, using every resource in his surroundings, inclusive of the Dwarves' heads as he leapt from one side of the water to the other. In any other situation, you would've laughed at the expressions of Dwalin and Dori as they both were stepped on first, followed by the others who didn't seem to enjoy it either. The blonde Elf used the sword that had belonged to Thorin. Orcrist. It seemed wrong in the hands of Legolas, but he used it to a valuable advantage against your shared enemies. Thorin had even graciously covered for the Elf whilst he fought, ensuring no untimely demise met him. It was more than he deserved for the way he treated you all, yet you couldn't help that Thranduil would see it as a token of friendship at some eventuality. For now, you all had gotten away. The Elves had given up their pursuit of you to instead drive out the Orcs, a bigger threat. The Orcs still were on the hunt for you all, but it would take some time for them to catch up.

The river slowed, all of you able to clamber from the barrels and onto the rocky shores of the land once more. Your legs shook when you finally stood on them again after your large dose of adrenaline and cold. Stumbling forwards, you couldn't feel your hands, now so cold that they were stinging in the fingertips. The cool air blowing from the mountains nearby had goosebumps rising in every pore of your skin, your teeth chattering with the damp cold that enveloped you. However, your gaze focused on only one person, a trail of red water following behind him as he limped onto dry land to sit on a boulder for support. Concern, fear and anger rippled through every ounce of your blood like a wildfire, helping you forget the cold. You marched towards Kili, his face screwed in pain as he tried to wipe his wound clean. Bofur had stood near him, his eyes lit with the same concern as yours. Kili had spied his gaze first. "I'm fine", he snapped. "It's nothing". You wordlessly knelt by him, attempting to inspect the wound when he noticed you and swatted you away. "Don't". His harsh tone caught you offguard, your brows raising in challenge. "I'll be fine". Despite his confidence in saying it, not even he had full belief that his words were the truth.

"Let me see it", your voice was a terrifying calm, your gaze showing the emotions simmering beneath the surface. Your eyes met the Prince's in a silent battle of wits, his brows creased in an anger to combat your own.

"I said it was nothing—". Your hand pried his away from the wound, feeling the nausea beginning to creep up. The wound was deep, perhaps to the bone, and was bleeding openly. Bruising had already strangely appeared around the cut and it seemed horribly inflamed for a simple arrow wound. Kili spied your eyes brimming with tears, his blood running cold with remorse.

"Kili", you sighed beneath your breath.

"I've had worse. Really—", he tried gently, your head shaking.

"You need a healer. You need proper medical help".

"(Y/n), it's just a little cut!", he downplayed it with a frustrated edge to his voice. "Stop being so overdramatic!".

"You want me to stop being concerned for you?? Then maybe stop endangering yourself for once!!", your words shattered the air, shocking everyone in the Company. Kili's eyes flickered sadly from your own. "Better that the arrow really had hit me instead of you!". Anger flashed in the Princeling's gaze.

"Oh really? And why is that??".

"It would've been better than listening to your bullshit", you huffed, storming away from the stubborn Prince. Kili's head slumped, his face screwed up in a glower. Dismissing the tone you'd taken with his nephew, Thorin had established that you were all to leave promptly after Kili's wound was to be bound, Fili taking it upon himself to tend to his brother's leg.

"She's angry with me", Kili mumbled beneath his breath, his hazel eyes lingering where you sat with Ori. Fili almost laughed, his amusement twitching his smile.

"She is", he agreed, squeezing out the blooded cloth he was using for the wound. Ocean orbs flickered up to his brother's melancholy expression. "It's what caring for a person entails, Kee".

"She's been different to me. Distanced", the younger Prince continued with a sigh. "She does not look at me the same. Mirkwood has changed her".

"Maybe", Dwalin mused, catching onto the conversation. "Or perhaps she saw y' gettin' friendly with that Elf maid?". Kili's brows furrowed in confusion, turning his gaze to the older Dwarf.

"Why would that bother her??". Shrugging, Dwalin responded,

"If y' don't know by now, ye never will, Laddie". Know what? , Kili's mind echoed, his eyes closing from exasperation. He had not the energy to ask. The Prince only hoped that you'd be willing to talk to him again as you once did. Whenever that may be.

"I'm absolutely drenched", Ori groaned in irritation, pouring the water from his boot.

"Think about me. I'm human. Not a short, walking furnace like yourself". The younger Dwarf spared a laugh despite his misery. Sensing a pair of eyes on your back, you turned to find a man standing on the hill above. His bow was drawn, aimed for you and Ori. Instantly, you covered the smaller Dwarf with yourself, Dwalin leaping down from where he stood to protect you. The older Dwarf held a large branch for a makeshift weapon and shield, baring his teeth like an animal defending its young. The Company became highly strung, Kili standing to his feet without a care. The stranger fired an arrow at Dwalin's branch, already anticipating the Princeling's next move and firing an arrow at him as well. The second arrow bounced from the stone Kili had attempted to throw, the Prince's eyes wide in surprise.

"Do it again and you're dead", the man spat, his resolve showing in the threatening tone of his voice. He had armed his bow with a third arrow, everyone's hands raising in a form of surrender. Balin stepped forth.

"You're from Laketown, if I'm not mistaken?". The bow was instantly aimed for the cheerful Dwarf, his feet coming to a halt out of caution. "That barge over there. It wouldn't be for hire by any chance?". The stranger's brows creased, his weapon slowly being withdrawn.

"And what makes you think that I would help you?". The stranger gladly took the barrels you all had used, loading them into the boat with the others he had. Balin was the negotiator, offering every reason for this stranger to give refuge to and accept payment from you all. The man's coat, his three children and wife. To your surprise, the man was a widower. Alike to Balin, you felt the same remorse and shame creeping into your heart at these findings. A single father trying to raise his three children alone in a barren town of ice, water and poverty. You could see why he was cautious of you all.

"Oh, come on. Come on, enough of the niceties", Dwalin finally grunted.

"What's your hurry?", the bargeman shot back.

"What's it to you?".

"I would like to know who you are". His brown hues crossed over you all, lingering on you for a brief moment. "And what you are doing in these lands".

"We are just simple merchants from the Blue Mountains, journeying to see our kin in the Iron Hills". A lie from Balin, but a well told lie. The bargeman had no reason to believe him and he most likely didn't, his eyes crossing over you again.

"And what about you?", he asked, directing his attention to the one who stood out the most. Female and human in a troupe of male Dwarves. It was a very uncommon sight indeed. "What's your story?".

"It's none of your business", Kili snapped.

"I don't believe I was asking you".

"This is my family", you replied, gathering the archer's attention wholeheartedly. The Dwarves felt some part of their hearts warming at the thought of you considering them family. You'd spent many months with them, lived through many hardships and they knew that you'd meant your words. It showed in your eyes. The stranger's brows rose, an amused smile playing on his lips,

"Thirteen Dwarves is quite an unusual family for a human, wouldn't you think?".

"Hardly", you replied, continuing Balin's lie with more truths of your own. "We've been through the worst together. I love them. And I would be prepared to give my all to see our kin again". The bargeman saw the truth of your words in your keen gaze, but his instincts were calling to him.

"Are you certain that you not a Ranger of the wilds, baring the gifts of your true kin??". Your expression remained neutral. How had he known??

"My true kin??".

"Your sharp senses. You heard my coming before that of your family. And you bare the mark of Ithilien on your leather boots. A tree crowned with six stars and a crescent moon". Your silence was answer enough for the bowman, a soft chuckle leaving his lips. He was a harder man to fool than you'd first presumed. His eyes flickered to Balin with a knowing smile. " 'Simple merchants', you say??".

"We need food, supplies, weapons. Can you help us?", Thorin chimed in. With reluctance still prominent in his demeanour, the stranger marked the barrels he'd pulled from the water,

"I know where these barrels came from".

"What of it?".

"I don't know what business you had with the Elves, but I don't think it ended well". The bargeman turned back to you all, readying his ship to depart. "No one enters Laketown, but by leave of the Master. All of his wealth comes from trade with the Woodland Realm. He would see you in irons before risking the wrath of King Thranduil", he huffed, throwing rope at Balin. The Dwarf turned his attention to Thorin who mouthed something in Khuzdul, encouraging him to continue pushing the debate with the stranger. And push he did.

"I'll wager that there are ways to enter that town unseen!".

"Aye", he agreed. "But, for that, you would need a smuggler".

"For which we would pay double", Balin insisted almost pleadingly.

Something suddenly snapped in this stranger, causing him to relent and follow your cause. It wasn't the money he was promised, but the desperation he'd seen all too many times before in those he loved. After accepting thanks from both yourself and Bilbo for his help, the man introduced himself as Bard. He set off with you all post-haste, setting his course for Laketown. The misty haze covering the water was thick, the waters almost black and dead, save for the movement of the vessel you stood in. Bard used a large oar for a rudder placed at the back of the boat, steering the ship through the dark. "Look out!!", Bofur had shouted, spotting jagged cliffs ahead, spotting randomly and towering by many feet in the waters. Bard steered by them with an expert precision.

"What are you trying to do?", Thorin piped up. "Drown us??".

"I was born and bred on these waters, master Dwarf. If I wanted to drown you, I would not do it here".

"Oh, I've had enough of this lippy lakeman", Dwalin grumbled beneath his breath. "Let's say we throw him over the side and be done with it". Bilbo huffed in frustration,

"Bard. His name's Bard".

"How do ye know?", Bofur asked.

"Uh, I asked him??", the Hobbit answered as if it were obvious.

"I don't care what he calls himself, I don't like him", Dwalin shot back.

"We do not have to like him", Balin shrugged. "We simply have to pay him. Turn out your pockets, lads". You'd already given Balin your coin purse, taking to leaning stiffly leaning against the right side of the boat. The conversations faded from your ears, the cold air still nipping at your skin. Your eyes came to a soft close, riddled with exhaustion. A burning warmth enveloped your numb hands, two larger ones coming to rest upon them. You knew those callouses, your gaze falling to your right. Kili's hazel hues were set upon the waters, as your own had been.

"I never got to thank you for saving my hide", you mumbled, offering his larger hands a caress. "Again". Guilt played within your gaze, his eyes meeting yours with a slightly amused smile. "I'm sorry, Kee".

"I am too. I shouldn't have spoken to you the way that I did either. You were just worried. I would have been".

"I'm still worried", you confessed, brushing his fringe from his face, noting his skin with concern. "You're so pale, Kee". The back of your hand pressed to his forehead. "You're burning up". He removed your hand with a great amount of gentleness, rejection needling your heart. You'd spied his leg, dark blood weeping through the fabrics wrapped around it. The Prince drew your gaze with his breathtaking smile,

"I'll be fine, (Y/n). You'll see".

Those same words echoed in your head with Kili splayed across Bard's bed only a day later. You'd seen his eyes become red with inflammation and exhaustion, seen his skin turn a shade of pale white. You'd seen him become weaker with every passing hour, now unable to stand properly. All you had seen, despite his assurances, was his slow suffering. And it was killing you from the inside out.

Every part of him was rippling in agony, his body trying to burn off the poison raging in his blood to no avail. Sweat was trailing down the Princeling's skin, matting his hair. His breaths were erratic in his struggle to breathe. "(Y/n)", his voice cracked, his hazel eyes almost terrifyingly dull, yet clouded with fear. He felt a fool now, having ignored your words of warning on his injury. Because some part of him understood now, alike to yourself, that he was dying. He had been all along. Hot tears stung his eyes, his fingers barely able to reach for your hand. Taking your lower lip into your teeth, you tried to keep from breaking down. You had to remain strong for Kili, but hope was disappearing with every passing second. He squeezed the fingers you'd offered him with what little strength he could muster. "I'm— I'm so sorry". A pained groan left him, trying to restrain the urge he had to move.

"Don't start that", you told him, returning the grip on your hand. "No goodbyes yet, Kili. We can still save you". Bard brought out a box of various herbs on a separate table. All were useless to Oin.

"None of these are any good to me. Do y' have any kingsfoil??".

"Kingsfoil? It's a weed?", Bard replied, brows creasing in confusion. "We feed it to the pigs". Kili's grip suddenly became painful on your hand, feeling as if a hot knife had been plunged through him. A wail escaped his throat that had you wincing, Fili rushing to your side again to offer not only his brother comfort, but you as well. The eldest Princeling had tried to convince you to leave with Thorin, promising you that this was only benign. Now, Fili was grateful that you'd stayed, not allowing your friends to go this alone. He was facing the possibility of losing his younger brother this very evening and here you were, holding the blonde's hand with your spare one to alleviate the stress. Amidst Kili's groans of pain, Bofur rushed to the table, exclaiming something about Kingsfoil.

"Don't move!", he'd told the younger Prince, recieving a pointed glare from him in return. Bard had left the house with his son Bain and a black arrow in tow. It was very possible, given the tremors you'd felt this evening, that Smaug had awakened. However, Bain had returned sooner than expected, claiming that his father had been pursued by guards and the black arrow hidden safely. Hope was fading faster by the second as the tense waiting began. The air was eerily quiet in Laketown, save for the odd cries from the Dwarf in your care. You all waited on Bofur, praying that the intuitive Dwarf would return with the herbs. Sigrid stepped outside, praying for her father's return as well as Bofur's.

"Da?", she called out, hearing movement along the wooden boardwalks of the town. When turning to retreat inside, her blood-curdling scream caught your attention. Sigrid tried to close the door, the Orc that had tried to strike her jamming his sword between it.

"Get away from the door!!", you yelled, Sigrid leaping back only to get thrown on one of the chairs, moving to hide under the table with her younger sister. Fili had charged from your side and into the Orc, battling by hand. More came crashing in through the roof, both Bain and yourself using the furniture at your disposal to fight them off. It became a struggle to fight their growing numbers in your attempt to protect Bard's children as well as Kili.

On any other occasion, you would've despised her presence, yet now you couldn't be more grateful for the extra set of hands Tauriel offered as she stepped into the room with her blades drawn. Her keen emerald eyes scanned the room, immediately beginning her onslaught against the growing number of Orcs in Bard's living room. Legolas leapt in not too soon after, joining your fight against the hellish creatures. You spoke not a word to either of them, taking their help as an advantage. Another wail from Kili broke the room, seeing that an Orc had gripped his injured leg, pulling him along the bed. Tauriel threw a knife into the skull of the Orc, the Princeling falling to the floor with a cry. You'd rushed to his side, Legolas flanking your defence. His skills with Elven daggers surpassed even the skill of Tauriel, weaving through the room like a graceful, yet sharp wind. "Get down!", Fili had yelled, pulling Bard's children behind the fallen table to hide. Kili had grabbed Tauriel's dagger from the dead Orc who had attacked him, using it to try flanking your defence and Tauriel's. Instantaneously, he'd collapsed with a scream, one of the Orcs vaulting from the room in its escape. The battle was forgotten, your makeshift weapons clattering to the floor. You heaved Kili's heavy body into your arms, the Prince now writhing in excruciating pain.

"Kili", you tried to calm him, your voice tremoring with the chilling anxiety rushing through you. Oin and Fili sprinted to your side with urgency, Tauriel's mouth falling open at the wound on Kili's leg. Black blood dripped onto the floor, the Morgul poisons all too familiar to the Elf.

"You killed them all", Bain gasped, almost feeling sick at the sight of his home.

"There are others", Legolas stated, readying his weapons to face of with your shared foes once more. "Tauriel, come". He beckoned his counterpart, hesitation showing in her features.

"We're losing him!", Oin begged, looking to Tauriel for help. She was capable, her people far more skilled than your own in the arts of medicine. Her eyes were wide, darting between you all and the retreating form of the Elven Prince. Her duty to the world, to her Prince Legolas surpassed the needs of your Prince, your best friend. Despite her curiosity of Kili, Tauriel didn't share the feelings for Kili that he had for her. For the Dwarven Prince, it was almost like love at first sight, continuing to be enamoured by her, her graceful and kind spirit, her smile. For Tauriel, it was a silly dream to pursue love with a Dwarf. He was handsome for one of his kind, but her heart lied with her duties, her people and with the man she'd slowly come to love. Legolas. Despite his father's wishes, she was not one to easily give up in the pursuit of love and it was clearly requited by the Prince. You envied her for that reason. Tauriel moved past your group without anymore hesitation.

Every part of you stung with hurt for Kili, knowing that he would feel that same agony you had alongside his current ailments. Unbridled rage filled your heart, watching as she left him helpless, screaming. "So that's it??", you called to Tauriel, allowing Fili to take his brother whilst you stood to confront her. "You'll just let him die??". The redhead turned, confusion etched into her expression.

"And what would you have me do? Orcs are running rampant, more innocents will die if I do not help them". Tears fell freely from your eyes.

"He's dying!!", you roared, gesturing to Kili. "He hasn't time! Save him!! Please!".

"I cannot linger—".

"Bullshit!! He opened his heart to you, Tauriel!! You can't leave him like this!!", you bellowed. You saw in her gaze that perhaps she knew of Kili's attraction to her. Yet, you'd come to understand why she'd taken to ignoring it.

"I can't—", she whispered with a shake of her head, turning again to leave.

"Please, Tauriel", your voice broke, lowering to a whisper only she could hear, "I love him". And that's when Tauriel understood. Guilt swam in her gaze when she looked upon you again. The stabbing pain of unrequited love sat heavy in your eyes.

"I'm sorry", she murmured, the entire apology heartfelt and genuine. You watched, helplessly as the Elf darted from the balcony and to the rooftops beyond, falling to your knees. A frustrated cry left your lips, Sigrid covering her mouth from seeing you this distraught. Bofur stumbled through the door, baring the Kingsfoil weed. He'd spied your tear stricken face with terror, seeing the desperate situation he'd returned to.

"There's no time!!", you shouted, staggering to your feet.

"(Y/n)? What will ye do??", he asked, all the eyes in the room falling to you.

With surity, you replied, "I have to save him".

You ordered Tilda and Sigrid to ready you some cloths and warm to hot water to best extract the essences from the herbs. Oin, Fili, Bofur and Bain took to lifting the now thrashing Prince onto the kitchen table. Being a Ranger from the South, kingsfoil was commonly used for healing practices by your kin, but you were not schooled in medicine. Your skills were honed on navigating the lands, tracking, stealth and basic combat. You felt useless, only faintly remembering hearing a few healing chants. Most were in Elvish, some in the common tongue of men. The words were lost on you, save for one or two chants. You would have to try.

"Are y' sure y' know what yer doin', Lass?", Oin piped up, watching as you peeled the leaves and flowers into the water.

"No", you huffed a bitter chuckle, your eyes falling down to his own. "But what choice do I have?". Fili eyed you from where he held down his brother, his ocean gaze glistening with hope.

"I have faith in you", he murmured.

"As do I", Bofur added, smiling to lessen the pressure. Oin nodded, giving you his seal of approval. He admired your gaul to act swiftly and take initiative. You would make an excellent healer in his opinion.

Taking a deep breath, you gripped Kili's leg, a pained scream leaving his lips. He writhed, kicking away your touch. His eyes had darkened, having no perception but the agony he felt. "Hold him down!! Please!", you begged the lads, all of them contributing. You tore the fabric away from Kili's wound, nausea creeping into your throat as it had the first time. The wound was still bruised and open, weeping black blood as a large swollen mound with dark veins. No time, you reminded yourself, reaching into the water. Scrunching all the leaves you could find into your palms, you silently prayed that the blood of Numenór flowed true within you as you began the healing chants you could remember. "May the blessing that was given to me, be sent from me to him. May he be released from death", you commanded, pushing the kingsfoil into the wound. His back arched, a piercing cry leaving his lips. Your eyes closed applying pressure. "May the blessing that was given to me, be sent from me to him. May he be released from death".

"Tilda!", Sigrid shouted, the two joining in holding down Kili's limbs as he continued to struggle from your touch. Oin and Fili watched in awe as you repeated your words over and over. Your chant was in common tongue, yet it seemed to breathe life into the room itself. You had begun to think and worry that nothing would work, that Kili was too far gone. Tears slipped again from your eyes, your voice remaining sterdy despite the tightness wanting to creep through your throat. Your mind was wholly set on saving him, imagining him as spriteful as the day you'd met him. Love and care poured through every fibre of your being and perhaps the Divines felt it?? You prayed that they'd help encompass all that energy for him if they did. Feeling the tension slipping from Kili's limbs slowly, you heard his cries dying into calmer, but ragged breaths. It was working..

"May the blessing that was given to me, be sent from me to him. May he be released from death", you repeated with more fervour, finally having the courage to open your eyes to meet his own. His hazel hues were no longer pale and dull. They were now full of life. His lips were parted, eyelashes fluttering in some semblance of shock, as if you'd pulled him from water to save him from drowning. And you had saved him. The darkness that clouded his vision, blinding him to all else was broken. It was as if he was watching the sun rising for the first time, seeing that divine light cracking the dark horizons open to see you. There was only you in his line of sight, pulling him like a lifeline. Kili found himself wondering how you'd ever come to be so beautiful. The infatuation he'd held for Tauriel paled in comparison to the affection for you that wormed its way past his broken heart and into his soul. And perhaps it had always been there?? The Prince felt a sense of relief fill him, coming to understand why he'd always felt differently for you. It had been you all along, he was only blinded to it.

Kili's pain faded from him, his body no longer fighting the poison. It had been neutralised, expelled from him. Death couldn't touch him any longer, or so he felt. His body instead burned with a warm, pure light. Every part of him relaxed under your touch, a soft sigh leaving the Prince as his breathing turned to some form of normality. His blood ran red through your fingers, cleansed now. The swelling would slowly decrease over time, as would the inflammation and bruising. You smiled, crying from your relief. The stiffness in your limbs created by the tense situation had dissipated. A breathy laugh, wet from your tears left your throat. You'd done it, you'd saved him. Bofur happily placed a hand on your own, both Tilda and Sigrid alight with joy over this victory. The girls circled the table, taking you into their shared embrace, giving you words of assurance, congratulations and gratitude for helping protect them. Fili grinned, sharing in some semblance of relieved laughter, resting his forehead on his brother's in a familial embrace.

Everyone had relaxed, leaving the room to allow you to continue in your endeavours to finish your work on Kili's wound. You pulled the kingsfoil from the scar, rinsing a cloth with the water the herbs had soaked in. The water was still warm and clean, fragrant with the essences of the weeds. You wiped the fabric over the wound, brushing away dirt, dead flesh and irritants. Once it was clean and dry, you started to bind his leg with cleaner fabrics that Bain had sought for you.

"I have never seen the healing practices of the Dunédain until this evening. That there was a privilege to witness", Oin marveled, turning to the blonde Prince who had also been in some state of awe at what he'd seen.

Softly, your hands worked at the bindings on Kili's leg, placing the material thickly over his wound to ensure it was well protected from weeping blood. "(Y/n)", The Princeling beneath you croaked, his voice hoarse and raw from his screaming. You smiled with a wistfulness, relieved to see him so at peace.

"It's okay, Kee", you breathed. "I'm here. Lie still for me, alright?". His hazel hues held an emotion you couldn't read, fluttering in their attempt to stay awake. A tired smile slowly etched onto his face, twinkling weakly with his usual cheekiness.

"You're so,—", his voice cracked. "—so beautiful".

Your brows knitted together in confusion when you glanced at him from his leg. He was clearly delusional. He had to have been.

"You're a bit dazed, Kee", you smiled, politely dismissing his words. "You need to rest".

"You are", he insisted beneath his breath. "You're so, so beautiful". You felt his warming fingertips brushing over the hand that rested on his thigh, the goosebumps from his touch spindling across your skin. "You were crafted by the sunglow of another world. Your light saved me. It wasn't a dream". Your lips parted, unsure of his kind words and the clarity behind them.

Kili breathed as if it were difficult to talk, his eyelids drooping in exhaustion. His smile still remained, eyeing your hands when you brushed your thumb over the fingers that rested upon your own.

Slowly, his breathing evened out, a light sleep taking the Prince as you continued to work. Once securing his bandages with a light knot, you leant down, brushing your lips over his forehead with a silent prayer that the Company was alive in Erebor. That the ruin that Bard had predicted wouldn't come to pass. Fili shared your sentiment, his eyes worriedly meeting your own before he embraced you in gratitude, thanking you once more for saving his brother. But, your complacency was only temporary.

When you stumbled onto the rocky shores in the cold light of the dawn, you beheld desperation, sadness, loss and terror amidst the ruin that had come to pass. Smaug's onslaught was without mercy or conscience. Bard had been right all along. Now, you were praying that he was alive with his son. You'd grown worried for the bargeman and his son after seeing Smaug plummet from the skies.

Frantically, you searched the shores for the two males. Tilda was in your arms, fresh tears pouring from her eyes. Sigrid clung to your free hand, shouting for her father. The Dwarves were readying the cannoe you'd all travelled in for the trip to Erebor. It felt wrong to leave everyone behind. You wouldn't leave yet, not until the girls had their father back.

Kili was hardly focusing on helping his kin with the small boat, his hazel eyes admiring you from afar. "Kee?", Fili called to him, beckoning him to help.

"Eyeing the lass?", Bofur asked with some suspicion and confusion, a smile twitching on his lips.

"What if I was?", the younger Prince shrugged, missing the hopeful glint in the older Dwarf's eye. "I have to make sure she's alright". Fili turned to Bofur, his brows raised. Both said no more in watching Kili ascend the shores. You had begun to make your return, Bard and Bain now reunited with the girls in the small encampment.

With exhaustion heavy in your steps, you smiled at the brunette Princeling on his unexpected approach. Your mind flashed back to those warm callouses brushing against your skin, goosebumps flushing across your arms at the thought. He'd hardly spoken a word to you since the previous night, making you question if he'd even been coherent when he mumbled those sweet words to you. Perhaps it was your wishful thinking in the end?

"Ready to go?", you'd asked him, beginning to stray past him whilst he'd stopped.

"(Y/n)", he called to you, the softness in his voice halting your steps. Your brows furrowed,

"Kili, we need to go".

"I need to talk to you". His hand reached for your own before you could turn away, gently tugging at your smaller fingers. Even after all this time, you found yourself unable to ignore the intensity of his hazel hues, something unreadable sitting hard within his gaze. "Please", he spoke, barely above a breath.

Instinctively, you turned fully to face him, your thumb brushing over his larger hand. "Of course", you replied, almost unsteady with nervousness. Some part of you felt that he may assure you that he had no feelings for you, that his words to you had been hollow. And you prayed that if he were to reject you, that he'd do so softly.

"I just want to say thank you", he confessed. "For saving my life".

"Kili, you needn't thank me", you insisted, his other hand pressing something smooth and cold into your palm. "What are you—".

"The days are growing darker, (Y/n)", he cut in, clasping your fingers around the object. His second hand warmed your cold, stinging skin. "Last night, I realised how little time we may have left and I have grown so afraid that I won't have the time to say what I must to those who matter". Your brows creased in concern, always content to allow him to express his innermost thoughts. "I'm giving you this token. As a promise".

"Kili—", you tried to desist him to no avail.

"Amrâlimê", he hushed you with a silken voice. It was like the word had caressed your very soul. A smile splayed slowly onto his features whilst his eyes seemed to read yours. "You felt it too, didn't you?".

"Felt what, Kili? I don't know what that word means", you replied with a quiver to your whisper, his grin growing.

"I think you do", he bounced back, a featherlight playfulness present in his glimmering gaze. "It's my promise to you. That I'll always come back to you". You saw the glassing of tears within his gaze. "Even at death's door, I will come back to you".

"Why would you promise such a thing to me, Kili?", you asked, confusion clouding over your expression. "When your heart clearly belongs to another??". To Tauriel...

A soft laugh slipped from the Princeling's lips, an affectionate glow radiating from his tender gaze. "It was infatuation, an idea that I'd tried to pursue with Tauriel", he murmured with a soft shake to his head. "It was foolish to pursue that which was but a shadow to how I feel for you, (Y/n). I know now how I feel— how I've felt all along for you and I'm not afraid. I was just too blind to see our connection for what it was". You felt his fingers squeeze yours, his eyes playing across your more delicate features. "For that, I hope you can forgive me and realise that my words to you last night were not of a daze, but from my heart. You make me feel alive".

Ignoring the tears that stung in your eyes, you finally felt as if your own heart had been freed, your smile like a pure light shining on the Prince. The warmth of Kili's spare hand reached to cradle your face, swiping his thumb over your glistening eyes.

The short gap between you was no more when your head had dipped, the softness of his lips engulfing your own in a deep caress. Kili's hand twined into your curls, pulling you flush into him whilst his other hand remained with your own, as if to solidify his promise to you. Your thumb worked soothing caresses over his rough skin, getting lost in his kiss before you heard whistles from the shore nearby.

Your lips parted from the Prince's, quickly missing the sensation of his hot touch in the biting cold of the morning breeze. Whistling and clapping, Bofur stood upon the cannoe, overjoyed at the scene playing before him. "If you both are done, we do plan on travelling today! ", Fili shouted, a playful grin on his expression.

Both yourself and Kili lapsed into a soft bout of laughter, sharing an affectionate glance before you allowed the Princeling to finally lead you to the boat to travel home.

The End. . .

__________________________________________

Hey readers!!

I hope you all enjoyed this fic!! I have a LOTR fic in the works as we speak, so keep your eyes peeled, folks! As always, any and all feedback is welcome! If you wish to be added to my tagslist, check out my masterlist and let me know what you'd like to be tagged in! ❤❤

As always, thank you all for your support in my works!! ❤❤

* * *

Translations;

Tolo hí = "come on" (Elvish/Sindarin)

Ishkh khakfe andu null = "go pour excrement on your head" (Khuzdul)

__________________________________________

TAGLIST; @fizzyxcustard @lathalea @emrfangirl @deadlymistletoe

[just-a-little-cellist]

Hi! I love your stuff I saw requests were open 😁

Could you Write a fem human reader x thorin who’s shorter than him, and she’s new to the quest meeting the company in Bilbos house, Gandalf already knows her and is like a farther figure.

Thorins a bit skeptical of her at first but those feelings die down as he realises she’s his one. Basically Thorin being a dick at first but warms up to the reader, some confessions are made and some fluffy/little-very tame nsfw stuff occurs when they reach Rivendell?

Thank you!! ☺️

(oh I love this so much! I hope this does your idea justice, there isn't smut in this one since it got quite long by itself, but I'd be happy to make a part 2 where they get to Rivendell if you'd like :) hope you enjoy :D)

(link for part 2!)

An Unexpected Guest (Thorin x female!human!reader)

Thorin watched you from across the campfire and tried to ignore the familiar tugging in his chest. You were too busy laughing alongside Fili and Kili to notice his probing stare, and seeing how easily you'd integrated into the group only made him more perplexed by your presence. He quickly averted his gaze though when he caught the look Balin sent him. The older dwarf simply chuckled and patted him on the shoulder, reminding Thorin of the evening he had met you.

The dwarves had been gathered at Bilbo's house for some time now, and evening had fallen by the time another, relatively quiet, knock sounded at the door. The hobbit almost seemed to be seething at the idea of more people showing up, but this time it was Gandalf who rose to answer.

"It seems our final guest has arrived." At this, Thorin shot him a glare that went unnoticed as Gandalf left the room.

"Gandalf! It's wonderful to see you again."

"Likewise, my dear. Come in, I shall introduce you to the company."

After you had hung your cloak up, you closed the door and followed Gandalf into the room where the dwarves sat. Thorin could only watch in disbelief as you politely thanked Mr Baggins for hosting the event and shook his hand (which appeared to at least partially dispel the hobbit's bad spirits). The wizard had really invited another without his consent - and a human woman at that.

With a gentle hand on your shoulder, Gandalf said, "It is my pleasure to introduce to you Y/n L/n, a student of mine. I have decided that she will accompany you along this journey."

Thorin rose from his chair abruptly, and all eyes turned to him.

"When were you going to tell me about this decision?" His voice was quiet, but his rage was betrayed by his clenched fists. "You do not have the right to-"

"Thorin, I have said she will go with you, and you should be wise to respect that." The wizard's face was dark, and Thorin paused before he reluctantly stepped forward to look at you. "I can assure you that she will be of use. She has studied under me for some time and is a rather excellent navigator, which I suspect will come in handy."

You bowed respectfully. "It is an honour to meet you, Thorin." You made brief eye contact with him as you rose and he felt something in his chest tighten, but he chose to ignore it.

"Don't get in the way," He muttered and returned to the table.

Later in the evening, he found himself stealing glances at you as you chatted merrily with some of the others. He couldn't quite figure you out - you seemed an intelligent young woman, but he couldn't risk compromising the quest, and he didn't trust humans in general, but just maybe there was a small part of him that wanted you to come, and there was this odd pulling feeling deep within him...

His train of thought was interrupted by Balin's hand on his shoulder, and he quickly realized he'd been staring for longer than he intended.

"Your feelings are written on your forehead, laddie."

Thorin cleared his throat and looked anywhere but where you sat. "I feel nothing for her. She's a liability."

Balin chuckled and patted his shoulder. "If you say so."

Balin had moved to sit next to Thorin in the time he was stuck in his own head, and spoke quietly with a smile on his face.

"You can't stare at her forever laddie." The glare he was sent did not deter him. "It's been the same with her since she first arrived, and I've never seen you like this before with any other lass." The two dwarves both looked at you, still teasing Kili over something or other.

Feeling the eyes on you, you looked across the fire and waved shyly with a smile when you saw Thorin watching you. And as much as he tried to resist, he couldn't help but give you a smile in return.

Now that he thought about it, maybe he had warmed up to you a little more than he'd like to admit. Something had drawn him to you and he couldn't quite place why.

"Lad, I haven't seen you smile like that since we started this journey. She makes you happy, and you'd be a fool to deny yourself that."

Thorin sighed. As if he was trying to pretend he wasn't saying it out loud, he murmured, "What if she doesn't feel the same?"

"She does, I'm sure of it. She has the same look in her eyes as you do." Balin put a comforting hand on his knee. "Y/n is your One, Thorin. You know it better than I do."

Oh. That... actually made a lot of sense.

Before he could respond, Kili ran over to them. "Uncle! Can you come and stand next to Y/n? She's making fun of me and you're the only one taller than her!"

Balin laughed and clapped him on the back. "Go on laddie."

Trying to settle his beating heart, Thorin stood and let Kili lead him over to his One (even if she didn't know it yet).

Fili pushed her lightly in Thorin's direction. "She thinks she's better than us because she's two inches taller than me."

"Is that so?" Seeing the slight blush on your cheeks, Thorin realized that Balin may not have been exaggerating, so with a subtle smirk on his face he looked down at you. He was only a few inches taller but it felt like he towered over you in that moment. "I don't appreciate the torment of my nephews, Miss Y/n."

You looked up at him and smiled with a teasing tone. "Well, they started it. I can't take all the blame, your majesty."

If his heart was beating too fast before, he was pretty sure it just stopped completely.

The two of you maintained eye contact for just longer than necessary, before he stepped away and cleared his throat. Fili seemed to have caught on to his uncle's unusual behavior, and with a wink in your direction he subtly directed Kili back over to Balin.

"May..." He paused, still uncertain. "May I speak with you, Y/n? Somewhere a little more private."

"Of course." Mahal, your smile was almost enough for him to forget he was nervous in the first place.

He led you a little further into the woods, just far enough from the group that they couldn't eavesdrop, and took a deep breath.

You smiled anxiously. "You're making me nervous, Thorin. What is it?"

In an uncharacteristically quiet voice, he said, "I think you're my One."

"Your One?"

"I..." He tried to calm the shake in his voice, to no avail. "I suppose you might call it a soulmate."

The blush on your face spread as you processed his words. "O-oh. I see."

"I must apologize for my behavior when we first met. I was skeptical of you, but you have shown yourself to be not only a valued member of the company, but also a caring and wonderful person." Thorin looked up from the ground to meet your eyes. "I have grown fond of you, Y/n, and I feel a connection with you that I have never experienced before. Something has been drawing me towards you every time I see you, and I can't pretend it isn't there anymore."

"Thorin, I-"

"If you do not feel the same then we need never discuss it again, but I-"

He was interrupted with your finger over his lips. You giggled at his confused expression and took his hands. "Thorin, of course I feel the same." You smiled sheepishly. "I was hoping to hide it for a little longer but Kili saw right through me."

"He is more perceptive than he looks," he chuckled, tracing his fingers over yours.

You lifted one hand to softly cup Thorin's cheek. "Either way, I'm glad the feeling is mutual."

Feeling your fingers in his hair when you tugged him down to kiss you, he had never been so glad for Balin's prying in his life.

[runesandramblings]

Intended

Word Count: 4600

Pairings: Fili x reader

Warnings: None

Description: Abandoned by Fili in the Blue Mountains after the quest to Erebor, you accepted the hand of another. But when you arrive in the kingdom under the mountain months later, you find that things were not as you believed.

“Fi, I really don’t know about this.” 

You stuck your head out of the doorway to your chambers and looked hesitantly down the hall. It didn’t appear as though anyone were around to hear your conversation, but you could never be too certain. Every wall in Erebor seemed to have ears; gossip traveled around the kingdom like wildfire. 

Fili only grinned at you in response. 

“Come on, (Y/N). Has age truly made you this precautious? You used to be so much more fun.” 

You grimaced at him as you checked both ends of the corridor again for lurking busybodies. 

“We were children, Fili. We’re grown now. Besides, how would it look for a betrothed woman to be sneaking off with a dwarf who is not her intended?” 

It was Fili’s turn to grimace at the mention of your fiance. He had made it known on more than one occasion that he was not overly fond of your soon to be husband, in spite of the fact that the same man was a distant cousin of his. The engagement was the only reason you were even in Erebor to begin with. 

“It used to be your favorite thing to do, you know. Back in the Blue Mountains.” He continued, doing his best to urge you out of the front door. 

You smiled wistfully as you thought of your home. Sure, Erebor was the ancestral home of your people. But the Blue Mountains had been where you were born and raised. Although you were sure you would grow to love Erebor in time, there was something about it that felt cold and unwelcoming. It had only been six months since the kingdom had been reclaimed, and construction was still heavily underway to rebuild the mountain. You had tried to give it the benefit of patience; surely it would all come together and feel as glorious as you’d always been told it was. But right now it was all piles of stone, closed corridors, and strict rules – which had led to the conversation you were having with Fili. 

“Fili, your uncle will wring our necks if he catches us sneaking out. Curfew-”

“It’s a stupid rule.” Fili interrupted. “There’s not been a single disturbance since the battle for the mountain. Thorin worries too much.” 

You sighed, feeling defeat was imminent as you looked up into Fili’s shining eyes. You’d never successfully said no to him a day in your life. You had grown up alongside Kili and FIli in the mountains. Their mother Dis and your mother had become close friends after the dwarves had settled into their new homeland. Both had lost their husbands in the battle for Moria, and they’d been a support system for each other as they raised their young children. Dis and Thorin were like a second set of parents to you, and your mother was the same for Kili and Fili. Growing up the pair of them had always gotten you into loads of trouble, whether it be playing pranks on their uncle or sneaking off for adventures in the forest. It hadn’t changed as you got older, and well into your adolescent and young adult years the three of you had continued to be an inseparable, and insufferable, trio. 

“How would we even get out?” You asked quietly. 

Fili grinned as he realized he’d finally worn you down and extended his hand out for you to take. 

“You think I’ve been in this mountain for six months now and haven’t figured out all the secret passageways? Honestly, (Y/N). Do you know me at all?” He teased. 

You couldn’t help the grin that spread across your face as he tugged on your hand and pulled you from your chambers and into the stone corridor. You tiptoed silently behind him as he led you down and around several narrow passageways, occasionally pulling you to duck behind pillars as members of the royal nightwatch patrolled the empty halls. Fili seemed to know the schedule and route they took, so avoiding watchful eyes was easy for the most part. 

You felt a flutter in your stomach as Fili gently squeezed your intertwined hands. The older you had gotten, the closer you two in particular had grown. There was a special bond the two of you had, something that even your mother and Dis seemed to pick up on. In your adulthood a flirtation had begun to grow between you. You’d certainly begun to look at him much differently as he grew into himself, and from the way you noticed him watching you it seemed he felt the same. The budding feelings were also noticed by both of your mothers, and on more than one occasion both Dis and your own mother had grilled you about your relationship with Fili. They seemed to be certain that you and Fili were each other’s Ones, and that at some point he would formally ask their permission to court you. 

It never happened, however. You’d never forget the chilly, spring morning when Fili had come to you and let you know that he and Kili were leaving to meet Thorin. They were going on a quest, he’d said. A dangerous journey to reclaim Erebor and bring their people home. You knew it was likely they might never return, and when he’d told you of his plans to leave you’d fully expected him to confess his feelings for you before he went, or at least make a promise to court you properly when he returned. He had not. He’d left the next morning, without so much as a hug goodbye. 

It hurt, deeply. A part of you grew resentful, hateful even. You’d cursed Fili for leaving the way he had, and sworn on your own life that if he did return you’d never speak to him again. Dis had insisted it was not the way it seemed. She’d assured you that Fili spoke so fondly of you, and the evening before he left he’d fretted himself sick over how to say goodbye to you. She’d seemed surprised that he left without a word, but she assured you it was not out of any ill will or malice. 

“You mean so much to him, nâtha.” She’d said, hugging you as you wept bitter tears into her shoulder. “He knows he might not return and the thought of telling you goodbye for what could be the last time tore him to pieces.” 

Your feelings of malice and anger had slowly dissipated the longer Fili was gone. You’d grown wistful, longing for the day he’d come back into the village and come knocking on your mother’s door. You dreamed of the time he would stroll into the room, take you into his arms, and declare his love for you.

“This way.” 

Fili’s voice cut through your thoughts and brought you back to reality. He released your hand and placed his on your lower back instead, guiding you through a narrow doorway that had seemingly appeared out of nowhere. It was carved seamlessly into the stone, invisible to the naked eye as most dwarf doors were. 

“How-” You started. 

He winked as he pulled the door shut silently behind him. 

“I have my ways.” 

After a few moments of walking through near darkness you began to smell the scent of pine mingled with fresh, rain-tinged air. The tiny stone corridor led directly out into the forest. Pine trees stood tall around you, and you could hear the faint sound of a running brook. Moonlight spread over the small clearing, illuminating the ground in a pale light. 

“Wow.” You breathed. You inhaled deeply, filling your lungs with the scent of the fresh air. It had been weeks since you’d stepped outside, thanks to Thorin’s tight curfew for those who resided in Erebor. You hadn’t realized how much you’d missed the moonlight until you saw it for the first time in so long. 

You looked over at Fili. The light of the full moon washed over him, illuminating his golden hair in an almost silvery glow. He was too busy also admiring the moon to see you admiring him. You felt a pang of guilt and regret course through you, and you couldn’t help but wish that it was he you were engaged to. 

After word had been sent back to the Blue Mountains that Erebor had been reclaimed, and that all thirteen members of Thorin’s company survived, you’d expected to hear from Fili. For weeks you’d waited for a letter, for some communication from him that he wanted to see you. It never came. You’d grown discouraged, and after months of silence you’d finally put Fili out of your mind. When an acquaintance of your family had reached out to your mother and proposed a match between their son, Barin, and you, you had accepted without a second thought. Despite your mother’s reluctance to wed you to a man you’d never met, you had assured her that you wanted to go. You had written back immediately, accepting the proposal, and within weeks you’d traveled to Erebor to meet your intended. The wedding plans had begun right away, and the date was set for a mere two months to the day you’d arrived.

Within hours of you arriving in the mountain, Fili had found out. He’d sought you out immediately, and in spite of the year since you’d seen each other he seemed thrilled to finally be around you again. He never brought up why he hadn’t said goodbye to you, or why he hadn’t written since they’d retaken the mountain. You tried to put it out of your mind as you rekindled your friendship. However you couldn’t deny that the questions had been gnawing at you ever since you’d arrived. Why hadn’t he come to see you before he left for the Shire? Why hadn’t he written to you once the mountain was won? Had you imagined everything forming between the two of you back home, before he’d left? 

“(Y/N)?”

Fili’s voice cut through your reverie once again. You turned to look at him. He was staring down at you, his eyes searching your face for some hint as to what was occupying your thoughts. His look was so gentle, almost wistful. You thought your knees might buckle underneath you if you stared back at him for too long. 

“What are you thinking about?” He asked, his voice soft. You felt yourself locked into his gaze, and it took every ounce of willpower you had not to stretch up onto your toes and kiss him right there. 

“A lot of things.” You said quietly. You desperately wanted to bring it up, to ask him all of the questions burning in your mind. 

“Such as?” He prompted. You felt his hand touch your elbow as he tugged at your sleeve, indicating he wanted you to sit underneath one of the towering pines with him. You obliged and sat down, legs crossed in the same unladylike fashion your mother had often scolded you for as a child. He sat beside you in the same position, close enough that your kneecaps brushed against each others.

You debated for several moments as he watched you, anticipating what you were going to say. 

“The wedding.” You lied finally, deciding not to bring up the questions you so desperately wanted to ask.

Fili’s face fell, and he quickly turned from looking at you to looking up at the moon through the trees. 

“Ah.” He said, keeping his attention focused elsewhere as he spoke. “What of it?” His tone was flat, disinterested. You knew it was probably the last thing he wanted to discuss. 

“Don’t sound so excited.” You muttered. You kept your own gaze focused on the exposed ground beneath your criss-crossed legs. You felt the familiar feelings of bitterness growing in your chest as you toyed with a few fallen twigs on the ground. It was his fault, anyway. The only reason you’d accepted a match with a man you barely knew was because he’d abandoned you in the Blue Mountains and not returned. Had he only come to see you before he left, or reached out after the battle, things would be very different. 

“No, I’m thrilled for you.” He said, though you could detect the falseness in his voice. “Barin is from a good family, I’m sure he’ll make a fine husband.”  You were sure the words were eating him alive as he spoke them. Fili hadn’t said one kind thing about him since he’d first learned of your engagement. 

You sat in silence for several agonizing moments, neither of you looking at each other. 

“Do you love him?” He asked finally. 

You felt your breath catch in your throat. Love. There was only one man you had ever loved, could ever see yourself loving. He was sitting beside you. No, you did not love your intended. But the one you truly loved had rejected you, abandoned you. 

“Love will come.” You said quietly, keeping your attention focused on the ground as you spoke. 

Several more moments of silence passed before Fili spoke again.

“And what if it does not?” 

You shrugged, declining to answer aloud. You hadn’t stopped to think for yourself what you would do if you could not find love for your betrothed. Dis and your mother had both voiced the same concerns. You’d been telling yourself that it would be alright for weeks, and you couldn’t stop to think now of what would happen if you were wrong. 

The two of you sat in silence for several long minutes before Fili began to speak again. He changed the subject, to your relief, and began to tell you stories of the company’s journey to Erebor. He’d already told you so much just in the few short weeks you’d been reunited, and you were surprised to find he still had many tales to tell. You sat for hours under the trees together, enthralled by the sound of his voice. The way his speech quickened as he got to the exciting parts. The giggles that spilled out between words as he told you of the humorous things that had happened. Even the deepening timbre of his voice as he told you of the darker parts, the moments when he truly did not know if they would make it out alive. 

You’d lost track of the time as he spoke, and before you realized what was happening you found your eyelids drooping. Fili took notice and quickly stood, extending his hand to help you to your feet. 

“Come on, gaihith. Let’s get you back.” 

If you did not know it wasn't physically possible, you would have sworn you could feel your heart breaking within your chest. Fili’s nickname for you, the one he’d used so many times before. It had been nearly 18 months since you’d last heard him call you by that name. Hearing it now, given the circumstance you found yourself in, felt nearly unbearable. Once you were wed to Barin you were certain you’d never hear it again. 

You followed Fili closely as the two of you wound your way back through the hidden passageways, back through the empty corridors and into the wing where your chamber was. As you stopped in your doorway and turned around to say goodnight, you were surprised to find Fili standing inches away from you. He stood so close the tip of his nose almost touched yours. You backed into the threshold and felt your back hit the door. 

“Fili, what are you-”

Without a word he closed the space between you, bringing his lips down to feverishly touch yours. It was a moment you’d longed for, had dreamed of. His lips felt soft and warm against your own. The familiar scent of him, the sweetness of the pipe tobacco on his breath mingled with the earthy scent of the cologne he wore. Unthinking you felt yourself lean into the kiss, your hands grasping at the leather of his tunic. You’d not yet kissed Barin, but you were certain it could never compare to the sparks that flew through you at Fili’s touch.

Barin. Your fiance. 

You broke the kiss instantly, pushing yourself backward and into the hard wood surface of the door. 

“Fili!” You whispered harshly as you shoved him away. “What in Mahal’s name are you doing?” You looked quickly from one end of the hall to the other, relieved that no one was awake at this hour to see what he had done. 

“(Y/N)-” He stepped closer, coming back to tower over you in the doorframe once again. “I-” 

You put your hand against his chest to stop him.

“No, Fili.” You said firmly. “No. Do you have any idea what would happen if someone were to see what you’ve just done? My engagement would be over. How dare you.” You felt a surge of anger rising in your chest. After all he’d put you through, after you’d finally tried to move on and put him out of your mind… Now he had the nerve to kiss you publicly, in full view of anyone that might come strolling down the corridor. To think of the scandal.

“You need to leave, Fili.” You said harshly, shoving against his chest and pushing him out of your doorway. “Now.” 

“(Y/N) wait-” 

“Go.” You shouted, no longer caring if anyone were around to hear. You fumbled for the doorknob behind you, pushing it open and disappearing into your chamber, not looking back.

**

“Oh, (Y/N) this dress is beautiful.” Dis cooed.

You stood between her and your mother as they circled you, making adjustments to the intricate white gown you wore. You gave her a halfhearted smile as she paused to pin a small section back that would need altering. 

“It is unlike anything I’ve ever seen.” Your mother said in agreement. “I think one more round of alterations should do it. How does it feel?” 

“It feels fine, amad.” You lied. You ran your hands over the front of the dress, feeling each delicately woven bead. It truly was a beautiful gown, one you should be thrilled to wear. Perhaps if it were someone else you were marrying, you would be. 

“Is everything alright, dear?” Dis asked. She paused her circling as she came to stand in front of you. “You’ve been unusually quiet today.” 

No, everything was not alright. In spite of your best efforts to put it from your mind, you couldn’t stop thinking of the kiss. That kiss. Your head spun just thinking about it. You couldn’t help but wonder if you’d reacted too harshly. Fili had kissed you, after all. And maybe that meant…

No. You couldn’t think of that now. It was too late. You couldn’t throw away a sure thing for a chance. Without even realizing it you visibly shook your head, willing the thoughts away. 

“(Y/N), what is the matter? You’re hiding something.” Your mother said. She stopped before you as well, hands planted on her hips. 

You felt your mouth open and close, debating whether or not you should tell them the truth. Both Dis and your mother wore the same worried expression, standing in the same stance with their hands on their waists. 

“I-” You started to explain, to spill everything, as a knock at your chamber door interrupted you. 

“I’ll get that.” Dis said, giving you a ‘this isn’t over yet’ look as she darted away. 

As she departed your mother stepped closer to you, bringing herself close enough to whisper in your ear. 

“Are you having second thoughts, darling? If you are, you know it is not too late.” She urged. 

Before you had the chance to explain a familiar voice rang out from the foyer.

“Please, amad. I just need a few minutes.” 

It was Fili. 

You felt your breath catch in your throat as Dis reappeared. She gestured for your mother to join her. Your mother gave you a questioning look as she also recognized the voice of your childhood friend. She nodded reluctantly as she crossed the room to join Dis. As soon as they’d disappeared, Fili rounded the corner. He stopped short as he saw you standing in the center of the room, outfitted in your wedding gown.

“Mahal.” He breathed. “You look beautiful.” 

“What do you want, Fi?” You asked flatly, ignoring his compliment. Although you were seconds from admitting to your mother all that had transpired the evening before, you were still cross with his behavior. To kiss you out of nowhere, after all he’d done. The impudence of that dwarf.

“Why are you marrying him?” He blurted. 

You felt the heat rise in your cheeks. Anger surged through you at his forwardness. 

“What kind of question is that?” You snapped. 

“Don’t answer my question with another question. I deserve to know.” 

“You deserve to know??” You lifted the dress up around your knees and stomped across the room to where he stood, coming to rest a mere foot away from him. “You don’t deserve anything from me, Fili.” 

“What does that mean?” He asked, his voice softening. His eyebrows were knitted together, confusion splayed across his features. 

“You know damn well what that means.” 

“I don’t.” He said simply, and from the surprised tone of his voice you somewhat believed him. Could he really not understand just how deeply he’d hurt you? 

“Why didn’t you say goodbye?!” Finally, the questions you’d been holding onto for nearly a year began to spill out. Once the floodgates were opened, you found it impossible to stop the words from tumbling from your lips. “Why didn’t you write to me?! I waited FIli. For months after I heard you were alive. You sent for your mother. You sent for your things. But you didn’t send for me.” As the words you’d been holding back began to flow, the tears did as well. Your voice cracked, your throat thick with the emotion you’d suppressed these long, agonizing months. 

“(Y/N)-” 

“You didn’t even say goodbye.” You continued, willfully pushing through the tears that fell freely. “You ran off to be a hero. I might have lost you and you didn’t even come to see me.” Your tears broke into a loud sob as you choked out the last few words. You clamped your hand over your mouth, trying to hold back the emotions that had finally been set free.

Fili said nothing. He stood, staring at you with an expression you could not read. His arms were stiffly at his sides, as though he did not know what to do. You felt your anger return as you watched him, emotionlessly watching as you broke down over him. A bitter laugh slipped from your throat as you shook your head at your own ignorance. 

“I was a fool to think you ever loved me.” You muttered, turning away. 

“Loved you?” He said finally, his voice barely above a whisper. 

You did not turn back as you continued moving across the room. 

“Forget I said anything. Just go, Fili. Please.” 

“You think I loved you?” He asked again, his voice growing louder. You could hear him begin to walk, following you across the room.

“Fili-”

“(Y/N) I love you. Here, now. I never stopped.” 

You stopped in your tracks. Had you heard him correctly? Did he just…

You turned slowly back to face him. He was staring at you softly, and he looked as though tears were threatening to spill over in his own eyes. 

“Then why did you leave me the way you did?” Your voice came out in a whisper, muffled both by the tears and the shock of hearing FIli’s words.

“Oh, ghivashel.” He stepped hesitantly closer, and when you did not move away he took your hands gently in his own. “If I had come to see you before I left that morning I do not think I would have gone. I don’t think I’d have had the strength to say goodbye and know I might never see you again. Kili needed me, I had to be strong for him. I had to go.” 

“Why didn’t you write to me after? Why didn’t you ask me to come join you?” A million new questions had sprang into your mind. Could it have all been a misunderstanding? Had he not truly abandoned you? Did he…? 

“I did. You did not come, I thought you didn’t feel the same for me.” 

You shook your head. 

“I didn’t get a letter.” 

He scowled down at your intertwined hands, shaking his head. 

“Damn ravens. Untrustworthy things.” He looked from your hands back to you, and the softness of his earlier expression had returned.  “(Y/N), the first thing I thought of when we retook the mountain was you. We spoke of the rebuild, of the future… All I could think about was bringing you to me as soon as possible. I couldn’t possibly imagine building a future if you were not in it. I love you, (Y/N).” 

You opened and closed your mouth, unable to find the words to speak. He wanted you. He had sent for you. He loved you.

“It broke my heart when I heard you were engaged to another.” He continued. You felt him tenderly squeeze your hands as he spoke. “It’s taken everything in my power not to tell you how I felt. To beg you to marry me and not him. But I assumed you were happy. It wasn’t until last night that I realized I might have a chance. I’m sorry if I blindsided you in the hallway, it probably wasn’t the best way to show you how I felt.” 

You shook your head, still in a daze over the words he spoke. He’d intended to marry you. 

“Fili, I love you too. I always have.” You said quietly, finally finding your voice. You felt as though you were in a daze, in a dream that you might wake up from at any moment. You knew there would have to be a conversation with Barin at some point, but for the moment you didn’t care. 

“So… now what?” You asked uncertainly. 

A nervous smile crossed Fili’s face as he fumbled around in the pocket of his tunic. After a few moments of digging he removed a small, golden bead. You felt your heart begin to pound in your chest as you recognized the courting bead his father had given his mother, the one you’d seen many times as a child in Dis’ jewelry box. 

“I’ve known you for 80 years, gaihith. We don’t need to overcomplicate it.” As he spoke he knelt down before you, still holding one of your hands tightly in his as he held out the delicate golden bead in the other. “Will you be my wife, (Y/N)? I cannot imagine spending another day under this mountain without you by my side.” 

You felt the tears begin to flow again, only this time they were tears of joy instead of sorrow. You nodded wordlessly as Fili got back to his feet. Without hesitation he cupped your face in his hands and brought his lips down to meet yours, gentler this time than he had the night before. For the first time in nearly two years, you felt as though you were home.

Gaihith – little dove 

Amad - mother 

Ghivashel - my treasure

Nâtha - daughter

[fandom-imagines-stories]

Over Mountains Cold

Kili Durin x Reader

Words: 4931

Summary: On a quest for your family, you and your traveling companion get caught in a winter storm in the Grey Mountains. Your true feelings for your best friend come to light when you struggle to make it through the chilling night. 

Notes: The heater in my room is broken and the image of cuddling with Kili to get warm is just really nice to me, okay? I will use Aidan Turner to dissociate before I contact ever maintenance. (also, why can’t I just write fluff? Why does there have to be the angsty backstory of losing siblings? The world may never know)

Warnings: Kind of a chaotic plot. An ungodly amount of sexual tension. I don’t make the rules. 

-

Fili gave a final wave as he disappeared over the ridge, taking the ponies with him. His brother tried to calm the pit in his stomach. Not only was Fili off to retrieve more supplies alone, but the cold was setting in. If he didn’t make it to the next village by the time the snow started, he would get stuck out here. 

Just like you were. 

“We should go,” You sighed. “We’ll want to set up camp before it gets dark and I want to search the foothills to the east before the sun goes down.”

Kili looked up at the sky. “It’s going to be a cold night.” Already, his breath came out in puffs from his lips. “Maybe we should stay here until morning. It’s lower, so it’ll be warmer and the snow hasn’t reached us yet.” 

You stiffened and turned determined eyes towards him. “I won’t waste any time. If there’s a chance of finding my sisters out here, I’m taking it.” 

You waited for him to argue or tell you how foolish you were. Winter was on the horizon and these mountains would be impassable in the coming weeks. But your friend merely gave you a small smile and put a hand on your shoulder. 

“Then lead the way.” 

You wanted to kiss him. Well, you often wanted to kiss him, but in that moment, with his eyes full of trust and belief in you, no words could express your gratitude. But, coward that you were, you settled for a pat on the arm and an awkward nod. 

“Right. Follow me.” You hurried away from him before you could do something stupid. 

You’d known the dwarven princes for most of your life. Having grown up near the Blue Mountains, you spent a lot of time with Durin’s folk, listening to their stories, celebrating their festivals, and causing a little chaos with your two closest friends. You couldn’t count the times Kili and Fili had gotten you into some kind of trouble, but surely they would say the same thing about you. 

The younger prince walked beside you, telling you legends of ridiculous creatures living in these hills, trying to make you smile. It worked, of course. Between his grin and a bit of theatricality, he never failed to lighten your moods. 

Kili was your best friend. He was there for every prank, every adventure, and every heartbreak. When your village was attacked by raiders three years ago, he spent weeks tending to your injuries and trying to hunt down the people who’d hurt you. 

That’s when they were taken. Your two older sisters, Maryina and Baeriel. Sometime during the battle, those foul men came to your home and stole them away. You were nearly killed trying to defend them. Everyone told you they were dead. Even your parents didn’t have the heart to keep looking after so long, but you wouldn’t give up. You knew they were alive. Kili was the only one who believed you.

“Do you remember what you told me?” You asked suddenly. 

Kili turned his head, hazel-brown eyes bright in the afternoon sun. His brows furrowed with curiosity. 

You elaborated. “When I said I was going to find them. I said I’d search the whole of Middle Earth if I had to. What did you say?” 

Kili beamed. “I said ‘Well, you’re not doing it without me,’” he remembered. “‘You’d get lost.’” 

“Exactly,” you laughed. “And, I do believe that you lead us down more a stray path than I, dear friend.” 

“But we always found our way in the end, didn’t we?” Kili grinned. 

“That we did.” 

The two of you fell back into a comfortable silence with something heavier hanging between you. 

Grass swayed with dying breaths, green turned to dry white. Ahead, towering peaks capped with snow loomed like a massive, foreboding gate. You watched them with growing unrest. Kili’s shoulder brushed against yours as you walked as if just to remind you he was there. 

The afternoon stretched and yawned. The sun began to hover. With every passing hour, the more the light sank, so did your hopes. Your search in the foothills yielded nothing. Not even the remnants of a possible settlement. 

“They aren’t here,” you said. You ran a hand down your tired face, eyes scanning the vast landscape, the mountains at your back. You turned to Kili. “What if…”

You’d come here on a rumor that the raiders who took your sisters had a base in the Grey Mountains. But that’s all you had to go off of- rumors. 

“It’s the first day.” He gave you a reassuring smile. “We’ll keep looking.” Kili scanned the dense woods at the base of the mountains, hoping for some signal of smoke or any other sign of life. There was nothing. But he wasn’t going to give up hope and he certainly wasn’t going to let you. “Come, let’s set up somewhere to sleep. You must be exhausted.”

“I’m fine,” you grumbled. “But if you’re saying you need to rest, then I suppose we can pitch the tent.” 

He rolled his eyes playfully. 

“Last one to the trees gathers firewood,” he challenged. The mischievous dwarf took off before you had the chance to process what he said. 

“Hey!” You called after him and ran as fast as your legs could carry. 

-

Usually, the three of you always camped out under the stars, but knowing how cold it would be, you brought a tent to provide a little shelter. But laying there, so close to him, the fabric barrier between you and the night sky seemed suffocating. 

It wasn’t the closest you’d ever been, of course. There had even been some nights where you found yourself asleep on his shoulder after a long day or he would doze off with his head in your lap. There was just something about this- something about the two of you enclosed together, alone- that felt different. 

You laid completely still, screwing your eyes shut, but your mind refused to rest. The form beside you shifted back and forth, twisting and turning. Kili grunted in frustration and turned onto his back. 

“Y/N?” He whispered. “Are you awake?”

“Unfortunately.” 

He blew out a breath. “We should sleep. It’s going to be a long day tomorrow. We’ll have to find some food in case Fili gets holed up somewhere.” 

You hummed and nodded. 

Both of you stared up at the slanted ceiling of the tent, not moving and not speaking. The tension alone chilled you to the bone, making you shudder. 

“Are you cold?” Kili asked. 

“I’m fine.”

“Are you sure, because I have an extra fur-”

“Kili, go to sleep.” You huffed, shifting to your side away from him so he couldn’t see the painful want in your eyes. 

Kili was more than just your best friend to you. He was your first love, the only person you’d ever loved, really. You’d had suitors in the past ask for your hand, but you declined them all. Your heart was no longer yours to give away. But you could never bring yourself to tell him. He was a prince, after all, and what were you? A nobody. 

You blinked away tears and curled up as close to the tent’s wall as possible. 

So close together and yet you couldn't feel more distant. 

-

The next day yielded even less results. The further you got into the mountains, the less hope you had that you were going in the right direction. The Eastern Pass took you higher in elevation and further away from Fili with the supplies. 

“Wait.” Kili stopped suddenly, putting a hand out in front of you. “Listen.”

You halted, the frostbitten ground shifting beneath your boots. At first, the slight breeze was all you could detect, but as the forest stilled, the subtle yet clear sound of hooves carried on the wind. 

And they were getting closer. 

“Get down.” You grabbed the collar of his coat and pulled. The two of you tumbled into a bush, losing your balance in your haste. Kili hit the ground. You fell onto his chest, knocking the breath out of both of you. 

Kili grimaced. 

“Sorry,” you whispered. Your faces turned a similar shade of pink, both trying to hide it from the other.

The familiar thudding against the forest floor increased in speed and volume. From your position, you could just see through the foliage that kept you hidden.  Kili craned his neck, blindly trying to get a glance. 

“Can you see them?” He asked. 

“Shh.” 

You kept your head low as you stared out. Watching. Waiting. As the horses neared, you decided there couldn’t be more than three. 

“We could take them,” you whispered, looking down. But the sight of Kili lying beneath you, hazel-brown eyes staring up into yours with his hair a mess below him was too much. It sent a burning, twisting feeling through your stomach. You looked back up at the road. “There aren’t many. We could fight and force them to tell us where they took my sisters.”

“Are you mad?” Kili hissed, shifting underneath you. His hips rocked up into yours by accident. He sucked in a breath. “It could be innocent travelers going through the mountains. Or worse, there could be a dozen fighters and we’d be dead in seconds.”

“Since when are you the cautious one?” You scoffed, ignoring his movements and prepping yourself to pounce. 

Kili locked his arms around your middle and rolled. He had you on your back before you could stop him, pinning you to the forest floor with his hands on either side of your head. 

“Since I’m trying to keep you from getting yourself killed,” he growled. 

Relieved that your hips were no longer pressed against his, Kili had put himself in another predicament hovering over your body, his lips mere inches from yours. 

It shamed him to think of how many times he’d imagined you like this.

He waited until the riders were past, counting three, just as you said, but they seemed only to be a father and his two children, both under the age of 16. Kili doubted that these were the raiders who had destroyed your home. One of them mentioned something about getting over the pass before the storm, which made him uneasy. 

Despite the heat of your bodies, the air was indeed growing colder. Clouds were gathering and a crisp, cool scent hung in the air. 

Kili stood and held out a hand to help you up. 

You didn’t take it. 

“We need to keep moving.” 

He swallowed. “We should head back to lower grounds. If we get caught in the pass, who knows how we’ll get out.” 

You didn’t look at him. Instead, you continued up the path. “I wasn’t asking.”

-

Kili walked behind you, neither saying a word. He saw the tension in your back shifting like you were already in battle. He only wished he could relieve at least some of the weight that bore down on your shoulders. Witnessing you in such pain hurt him more than he knew how to express. That, unfortunately, wasn’t the only thing he struggled to put into words. 

It had taken Kili long enough to finally admit his feelings for you to himself, but it was taking even longer for him to admit them to you. Fear wasn’t something that usually stopped him- he’d faced trolls and orc packs a dozen times over- but the idea of jeopardizing his friendship with you frightened him to no end. 

Still, lying there, pressed against you, had drummed all of those feelings up to the front of his mind. They distracted him from the real issue at hand and he tried to remind himself that you need him focused. You needed a warrior, not a love-sick errand boy. 

“If we keep at this pace, we can make it through the pass by morning,” you said grimly. 

Kili exhaled, his voice deep with concern. “Y/N, you need to rest.” 

“I need to find my sisters.” 

You kept walking. 

Kili kept his arguments to himself. Starting a fight now would only make you angrier and he didn’t want to risk you going off alone. 

He let out a low sigh. Being the responsible one was exhausting. 

Kili watched the sun with a concerned eye and discomfort growing in his stomach. His breath appeared in a cloud from his lips. But worse, flecks of white sent panic up his spine. The snow speckled the branches of the pines around them and added to the already thick blanket of frost that coated the ground. The further up, the deeper the snow banks. 

“These flurries won’t be flurries for long,” he warned. 

“We’ll make it.” 

You refused to turn back to look at him. If you did, you knew that one look at his face would make you forget your persistence. You would turn around and head back down the mountain and have to start all over again in the morning. So you kept your eyes ahead, despite the growing shiver down your spine. 

Besides, it was only a little snow. You and the brothers had faced worse on numerous occasions. 

Kili quickened his pace to take his place beside you again. 

“This way,” he said. “I’ve heard a shortcut through this pass.”

You raised a brow. “You’ve heard of one?”

“We’re here based on a rumor, aren’t we?” He retorted. 

You shrugged as if to say ‘fair enough.’ 

Kili took the lead as the air thickened with white flakes. The shortcut, while it existed as far as he knew, was not the true purpose of his change in direction. He’d read journals telling tales of adventures through these mountains and he remembered a checkpoint for many. A cave where they could take shelter from winter storms. He only hoped it was real. 

You began to regret your stubbornness as the cold seeped through your coat, the snow falling thicker and thicker, decreasing your visibility until you could see but a mere few feet in front of you. 

In a blink, the blizzard set in. 

You trudged on. Eyes blinded by white, you walk straight into the mass in front of you. Your companion’s warmth drew you in and you couldn’t help but press yourself against his back. His arm wrapped around, searching for yours. 

“Take my hand!” Kili called back to you. 

You did so without hesitation, wincing at the chilled state of his skin. 

“We’re nearly there!” He shouted over the wind. 

“That’s impossible! We haven’t even made it through the pass!”

“You’ll see.” 

Trust was the only thing you had left, your senses overtaken by the storm. And then suddenly, it stopped. Kili pulled you forward and the choking white curtained the opening of the cave behind you. Wind howled, but no longer deafened. 

“You knew this was here?” You gasped through chattering teeth. 

Kili gulped. “I hoped.” 

“You hoped?” 

“You kept going!” He held out his hands, fingers stretched and shaking with his words. “I didn’t know what else to do!” 

“Nevermind. It doesn’t matter.” You ran a hand down your face, wincing at the freezing surface of your own skin, as well as the exhaustion overtaking your features. You paced back toward the blinding white outside. “We’ll stay here until the storm blows over and then we’ll keep going.” 

Standing at the opening of the cave, the wind still chilled you to the bone. Still, you watched, as if your sisters would magically appear and welcome you into their warm arms. 

As the image passed through your mind, you were gently pulled away from the wind by a hand as cold as yours, and yet it sparked the warmth that you needed. Kili placed a hand on your cheek, turning your face to his. 

“You’re exhausted,” he said. “We cannot afford to be careless. Not out here. We’ll go out again in the morning. You need to rest.” Before you could argue, he added, “We both do.” 

With the fog of determination outweighed by fatigue and frost, you sighed in defeat, hanging your head. 

“Alright,” you conceded. 

Kili put a finger under your chin and lifted your eyes. He gave you a small smile to which you couldn’t help but reciprocate. 

“Come on. We should set up the tent. It might not be much, but it can’t hurt.” 

Your chattering teeth gave no argument. There was no wood for a fire, the smoke would fill the small space anyway, so the thin cloth was your only added defense against the cold. 

Once inside, you both felt the same pull towards each other, your bodies craving the heat of another. But you stayed on the far side, as far as you could get, mind clouded by icy, frozen fear. Kili didn’t say anything, trying to ignore the ache in his chest as he tried to sleep. 

Your eyes couldn’t have been shut for more than a moment when you heard them. 

“Y/N!” 

“Y/N! Where are you?” 

You blinked to clear the tiredness from your eyes and listened. 

“It can’t be,” you whispered. 

“Y/N! Y/N!” 

Maryina and Baeriel. 

You listened again. 

“We’re here! Help us!”

Your sisters. They were out there. They were trapped in the storm. They needed you. 

You sat up, tossing aside the coat you’d been using for a blanket and ignored the bitter air seeping through your tunic. You didn’t feel it. You didn’t see your companion sleeping across from you. You didn’t hear the wind as you stepped out of the tent. You only heard your sisters’ cries…

And stepped out into the blizzard. 

-

Kili twisted and turned. As hard as he tried, sleep never stayed. He dozed off only to drift back, trying not to shiver. 

“I can’t sleep again,” he sighed. Kili flipped onto his other side. Rubbing his tired eyes, he opened them. The bundle of furs beside him took an odd shape. 

Empty. 

“Y/N?” 

He sat up and reached across the tent, feeling nothing but frigid air. Kili lifted his head, panic banishing any exhaustion left in his limbs. 

The untied opening of the tent flapped in the wind. 

“Y/N!” He called out. 

The storm screamed in response. 

He scrambled out of his bedroll and sprinted into the night. Fat, white flakes stuck to his face and eyelashes no matter how much he blinked them away. 

“Y/N!” He shouted again. 

Kili walked, trying to keep the cave in sight. The blizzard raged around him, concealing even the silhouette of the trees. He cried out your name again and again. With every passing second of silence, his chest grew tighter. 

Why would you have gone off alone? 

What if something had taken you?

There was no way for Fili to reach the cave until the storm settled, which meant he was completely and utterly alone. 

“Y/N!” 

It felt like hours before the wind let up and even then, snow continued to fall and the air turned even colder, creeping down Kili’s neck like a thousand icy-legged spiders. 

There, in the distance, he could just make out a shape, wandering and covered in a thick, frozen blanket. 

Kili ran as fast as his aching legs would allow, his boots sliding on the ice-coated ground. No matter how loud he shouted, it was as if you couldn’t hear him. You trudged on, the snow almost reaching your knees. You didn’t even have your coat. If he didn’t get you out of this cold, you would surely be lost to the white nothingness that surrounded you. 

“Y/N, what are you-” Kili moved to grab your arm and found that your eyes were closed. Ice stuck to your face where tears had fallen and your blue lips muttered the same two things over and over again.

“Maryina…. Baeriel….” 

Kili’s heart shattered like an icicle falling to the earth. 

“Y/N, love, wake up,” he pleaded, gently taking hold of your shoulders. He had to stop himself from recoiling. Even through your tunic, you were like a statue, freezing to the touch. “We need to get back to the cave. I need to get you to a fire. I need to get you warm.” 

Already, you looked like a walking corpse. 

But your eyes were starting to open.

“K-Kili?” You muttered through chattering teeth. “What’s going on? I’m so…” You stepped forward, falling against him. “I’m so cold.” 

Kili didn’t hesitate. He scooped you up into his arms, holding you tight against his chest. He followed his own footprints as they were slowly being covered again by the falling snow. By some miracle, he made it back to the cave. He hurried into the tent, wishing he had the material for a fire. For now, all he had was hope. 

“I heard them,” you said, still dazed. “I heard their voices calling to me in the storm.” 

“And you followed it?” He gasped, quickly undoing the fastens of his coat. “Are you mad? Even if they were out there, you’re no good to them frozen to death.” 

Kili shrugged out of his coat and wrapped it around your shoulders. 

“No, Kili.” You tried to push him away, but he was stronger, fueled by panic and determination. “Kili, you’ll freeze.”

“I’ll be fine,” he said harriedly. He tied the entrance of the tent to keep out the frigid wind and laid down, gently pulling you along with him. Kili rubbed his hands up and down your arms, careful to keep the heap of furs wrapped tightly around you. He held you against his chest, his tunic slightly undone so you could feel the heat of his skin against your cheek. 

As his warmth broke through the icy surface that suffocated your entire body, your mind started to clear. It started to wake up.

And when it did all you could see was his wide, golden-brown eyes searching yours with a fire you’d seen a few times before. Once when you’d been separated from him and his brother for a week on a particularly stressful journey and the other when your village was attacked and your sisters were taken. Each time, he looked as though he was looking at the sun for the first time. 

At the time, you didn’t understand, or perhaps you didn’t let yourself understand. You understood now what that fire meant. 

He was, and would always be, your shelter. 

Like magnets, you somehow were drawn together still, despite already being impossibly close. The air between you was hot with your breathing. Everything seemed to stand still, from the raging winds outside to the racing heart inside your chest. 

Neither of you said a word, an entire conversation held simply in the lock of your gazes. 

Kili’s hand cradled the back of your head, laying it against his chest. You felt the soft, sweet warmth of his lips on your forehead. 

Despite the hauntings of your mind, your heart gave you leave to rest in the strength and comfort of Kili’s embrace, allowing both of you to slip back into the persistent reach of slumber. 

-

The storm blocked the pass by morning and, without any equipment, there was no way to get over. It had all been for nothing. 

Fili found you halfway back down the mountain, the pony’s back covered with more supplies. 

“What happened to you two?” He asked.

“We couldn’t find them,” you snapped, hurrying ahead of both of them. 

Fili turned to his brother. 

Kili shook his head. 

Your party of three traveled until you found the nearest tavern and the boys made you stop for the night, watching exhaustion seep into your every step. 

Dinner was had in silence with an air hanging so thick that Fili felt he would choke on it. He could never imagine the two of you fighting- he knew that his brother would never forgive himself if he ever hurt you. But he also knew Kili’s true feelings towards his best friend and Fili couldn’t help but wonder if something had been revealed while he was gone. 

“We’ll start up toward the northern villages in a few days,” Kili said. “It’ll give us some time to rest, regroup, and plan.” 

You stared at your plate. “What’s the point?” 

Both turned to you. 

Kili’s eyes softened. “Y/N, you don’t mean that.”

“They’re gone, Kili.” You blinked back tears. “We could search until the end of time and we still wouldn’t find them.”

“Then to the end of time we will look because I am not giving up,” he insisted. His dark eyes took on that glimmer from last night, igniting something within you. 

Your nightmare wasn’t the only thing that frightened you. 

“I’m going to my room,” you said, pushing away from the table. Your form disappeared up the stairs with the gaze of both princes trailing after you. 

Kili sighed, running his fingers through his long, dark hair. 

“You just going to let her go?” Fili scoffed. 

“What would you have me do?” 

Fili shook his head and took a drink of his ale. 

Kili narrowed his eyes. “What?”

His brother raised a brow. “Y/N is the most stubborn, persistent, devoted woman I’ve ever met. She isn’t giving up on looking for her sisters. She’s worried about continuing the search with us.” 

“What?” Kili exclaimed. “What are you talking about?”

“Kili, brother,” Fili sighed. “I’m saying maybe my absence was exactly the two of you needed and you’re both still avoiding what I’ve seen for as long as we’ve known Y/N.” He finished off his ale and snatched Kili’s away before he could protest. “Now go talk to her.” 

Kili swallowed, staring at the steps. It took one final shove from his brother to actually get him to stand up and move. 

As he ascended the stairs, Kili thought about everything Fili had said. What did he mean, his absence was what you two needed? What did he know that Kili didn’t? 

Of course, the younger prince knew exactly what his brother meant. He’d always known, even when he didn’t know how to admit it. But waking up in that tent, the panicked thoughts of you out in the storm, alone, the terror of losing you to the ice and snow, and holding you in his arms to keep you warm all revealed exactly what had been in his heart all these years. 

He loved you. 

Perhaps Fili was right. 

Maybe it was time to finally tell you. 

Kili found your room and stood before it for a good long while. He tried raising his hand to knock, but he was just… frozen in place. 

What if this was a mistake? 

What if decades of friendship fell apart in this moment?

What if-

The door opened and his heart stopped. 

You startled back at the sight of his big brown eyes. The eyes you hadn’t been able to stop thinking about. The ones you wanted to get lost in and never be found. And he was there, waiting for you. 

You both opened your mouths to speak and stopped, waiting for the other person, leaving you both in a tense silence. The same tension from the tent. The one that drew you together, closer and closer. 

“Kili, I-”

His lips caught yours, silencing the words you still weren’t sure how to say. You let your hands tangle in his hair, pulling him closer, closer still if that was even possible. Every moment, every breath from the last few days had been leading to this. And all either of you could think was one word. 

Finally. 

And as Fili watched you pull Kili into your room, kicking the door closed behind him, he was thinking the same thing. 

“Finally,” he muttered, shaking his head as he went to his room, glad to have it to himself for a change. 

-

Kili’s lips brushed against your forehead, the rest of your body completely tangled with his. Your arms wrapped around his bare chest, your legs wound between his, and your head was tucked under his chin. Your naked skin burned against each other but you never wanted it to stop. 

And between every sigh, every pleasured cry or whispered word came one phrase. I love you. 

He said it again, now. “I love you.” 

You turned to look up at him. Into those eyes. The gaze that captured you more and more every time. 

“And I you,” you said, kissing his collarbone, then his jaw, then finally his lips. “I have loved you ever since you taught me to shoot an arrow through the apples on our tree.” 

Kili grinned, deepening the kiss and moving so his face hovered over yours. 

“I’m still not giving up, you know,” he whispered. “We will find your sisters. And we will do it together.”

You wrapped a brown curl around your finger and nodded. 

“I know. Before, I was just… scared.” You turned your head away. “That storm took me to a place I don’t want to go again.”

Kili laid a hand on your cheek, bringing your eyes back to his. “I’ll keep you safe.” He kissed your forehead again. “I promise.” 

After letting the seriousness of your words settle for a moment, you grinned mischievously and rolled so that you straddled him. 

“We should have tried this sooner,” you smirked. 

Kili laughed and rolled again, putting him back above you. “It’s certainly a good way to stay warm.”

[greycloudsinwinter]

YANDERE THORIN OAKENSHIELD X READER

👑 before the war you were lovers. But after the war once everyone was safe he then truly started to show how obsessed he was of you.

👑anything your heart desires it’s yours.

👑he keeps you deep with in the mountain so no one can ever hurt you and your safe.

👑possessive and obsessive yandere.

👑hates when anyone talks to you. So eventually kept you in your home to prevent that from happening.

👑loves it when you show him any sort of attention.

👑you may be able to convince him to let you out of your home for a bit but it takes a lot of convincing.

👑he has to constantly have to be touching you in some sort of way when he is with you.

👑all of the lords pressure thorin to get married in a hope that he would marry one of their daughters. Only for him to go home and propose.

👑how could you say no after all he is a king how can you defy the king.

👑your wedding is huge all of erebor is decorated and celebrating. Even though in secret you are trapped deep within the mountain.

👑only his must trusted dwarves no you are not free.

👑they lords start pressuring him into having an heir even though he has fili.

👑but thorin then realised that’s another way for you to join together forever.

👑before you know it you are carrying the next heir to the lonely mountain.

👑thorin is overjoyed with the news especially when your belly starts to show it gives him a feel of relief knowing a part of him will always be apart of you.

👑when the babe is born the whole kingdom rejoice knowing the line of durin is safe .

👑swears to always protect you and the child .

👑as the child gets older he realises that he wants more to keep his first born company and to also keep his people happy.

👑eventually you will probably have three children .

👑all of which grow up to be just like there farther.

👑don’t expect any help from anybody because everyone in erebor just wants there king to be happy.

Thank you ❤️❤️

[itsfeckinwimdy]

Of Feelings And Fancy

Fili x Reader

Reader pronouns: she/her.

Summary: Balin and the reader just being sort of found family feels. With: "You're plotting something." "What makes you say that?" "You're always plotting something."

Word Count: 567 words

Warnings: n/a

LOTR + TH Masterlist

Published: 12/02/2023

“You’re plotting something.”

The ranger paused in her movements, lowering the spoonful back into the bowl. She looked up at the older dwarf sitting across the fire from her before she squinted her eyes at him.

“What makes you say that?” she replied back, keeping the tone of her voice as neutral as possible, not wanting to lead him on in any way, shape, or form.

Balin raised his eyebrows in disbelief as if to say that he didn't believe her, to which he was within his rights to do so and was as true as the sun rising in the east each morning. That was the only thing she hated about the old man. His ability to tell whenever she was up to something.

Or maybe it was because she was terrible at keeping secrets.

"You’re always plotting something," Balin spoke back, eating another mouthful of food before speaking again, "I don't suppose it has anything to do with leaving me here in favour of your gold hair-prince by chance?"

She choked on the food causing herself to swallow it to breathe again. Although she was used to the teasing from Kili and other dwarrow she knew, it hadn't occurred to her that she would face the same from Balin. But then again, it was Balin.

"You do understand why you couldn't travel with him?"

The pointed look he gave her was all she need to know.

It was a topic that came up constantly surrounding her betrothal to Fili. A lot of the dwarves in the mountain believed that their relationship was moving too fast, especially for the young people they were. Dis had tried to advocate for them and had Balin at the time, knowing what it was like when you met your one, but lots of the older traditional dwarrow couldn't be budged on their opinions. And so it meant the two had to be chaperoned a lot more than they previously were.

So when it came to the journey to Hobbiton, she wasn't surprised when it was requested she travels with Balin rather than unchaperoned with the two Durin brothers.

The white-haired dwarf saw how she deflated in on herself, subconsciously making herself appear smaller as thoughts plagued her mind. Blain internally sighed. It hadn't been his intent to cause her any pain or sorrow, so the only thing he supposed he should offer the lass was comfort and the thoughts of what was to come.

He rose from the ground, trudging over to her side of the campfire and sitting ever so graceless next to her.

"Just think, in a few days, you'll be able to see him again," he teased, "and to think he'll be glad to see you still have that dagger of his."

She considered his words carefully, trying not to blush but regrettably failing at the mention of the dagger Fili had gifted her. It was part of his courting gift to her, alongside the braid in her hair that she knew he would be itching to re-do upon seeing her again.

She smiled, remembering the day he gifted them to her as if it was yesterday. The way Fili's eyes shone with the love he held for her; how fingers carefully caressed through her hair, braiding strands together and clasping a bead into the end.

Her heart swelled at the thought of Fili doing that again.

[specialagentlokitty]

Who I write for/Rules;

This is a list of fandoms and characters I write for (some may be missing) and some rules, if you’re curious about a fandom or character please message and I’ll let you know if it’s someone I’ll write for or not! If you’re looking for prompts please search the tag Lokittys prompt list

THIS BLOG IS STRICTLY NO SMUT DO NOT REQUEST IT AS THE REQUEST WILL BE DELTED IMMEDIATELY!!

Please if you’re requesting use some manners, say please and thank don’t demand I write something from you

This blog is for all ages, do not be hostile towards any member of this blog as you will be told to remove yourself immediately and if you don’t I will remove you, hate will not be tolerated this is a safe space regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender/pronouns, disability and such

If you’re wondering about a request you have but you’re worried or confused if I’ll write it or not or you’re just curious please reach out through inbox or asks and I’ll let you know! I write both romantic and plutonic requests for a wide range of characters!

Some things I will NOT write include; teenage pregnancy, smut(or related themes), underage!reader x older characters (these will ALWAYS be plutonic either a parental or sibling relationship). If you’re wondering about anything else just message! 💜

Fate the winx saga

- Saul silva

- Farah Dowling

Avatar

- Jake

- Quaritch/ recom Quaritch

Criminal minds

- Hotch

- Rossi

- Derek

- Spencer

- Jj

- Emily

- Garcia

Castle

- Castle

- Beckett

Lucifer (Fox)

- Lucifer

- Maze

- Chloe

- Dan

Greys anatomy

- Alex

- Derek

- Mark

Twilight

- Carlisle

- Esme

Harry Potter

- Sirius

- Remus

- Snape

Marvel

- Tony

- Clint

- Bruce

- Natasha

- Thor

- Steve

- Loki

- Bucky

- Logan

- Wanda

- Pietro

- Maria

- Phil

- Carol Danvers

BBC Merlin

- Merlin

- Arthur

- Gwaine

- Leon

- Percival

- Lancelot

BBC Sherlock

- Sherlock

- John

- Moriarty

- Lestrade

- Mycroft

Black butler

- Sebastian

- William

- Undertaker

- Claude

Supernatural

- Sam

- Dean

- Castiel

- Gabriel

- Balthazar

- Chuck

- Crawley

- Lucifer

- Jack

The witcher

- Geralt

- Jaskier

Brooklyn nine nine

- Rosa

- Jake

- Amy

The good doctor

- Melendez

- Shaun

Friends

- Joey

- Rachel

- Ross

- chandler

- Monica

- Phoebe

Teen wolf

- Derek

- Peter

- Melissa (plutonic only)

- Chris

- Parrish

- Noah (plutonic only)

Doctor who

- 9

- 10

- 11

- 12

- 13

- River

- Clara

- Rose

- Amy

- Rory

- Jack

Lord of the rings/the hobbit

- Bilbo

- Legolas

- Thranduil

- Elrond

- Lindir

- Thorin

- Fili

- Kili

- Aragorn

My hero academia

- Aizawa

- Mic

- Dabi

- Hawks

- Midnight

- All Might (Toshinori)

- Fat Gum

Demon slayer

- Rengoku

Tokyo ghoul

- Yomo

- Uta

Durarara!!

- shizuo

Skyrim

- Vilkas

- Farkas

Ackley bridge

- Mr Evershed

- Mrs Carter (plutonic only)

- Mr Bell

The vampire diaries

- Damon

- Klaus

- Elijah

- Finn

the watcher

- Ryan

- Shane

911

- bobby

- Buck

- chim

- hen

- Athena

- Maddie

- Eddie

Downton Abbey

- Thomas Barrow

- Anna

- Tom Branson

- Mary

- Sybil

- Edith

- Mrs Hughes (plutonic only)

Kingsmen

- Merlin

- Eggsy

- Harry

Bones

- Booth

- Brennan (bones)

- Hodgins

- Angela

- Sweets

Buffy the vampire slayer

- Angel

- Giles

The walking dead

- Rick

- Daryl

- Negan

- Glenn

- Rosita

- Carol (plutonic only)

- Gabriel

- Aaron

[jjamjamm]

The Hobbit Masterlist

*I was formerly known as bluemountainsmajesty and plan to rewrite some of my orphaned fics on ao3. For now, I'm linking them below:

Domestic Oneshots Masterlist - A series of oneshots (with the occasional second or third part), focusing on domestic relationships and moments between you and members of the company. [33/33]

Bilbo

Comfort - Bilbo has a relaxing Valentine’s Day planned, starting with a nice bath.

More than Friends - A dear friend is visiting the Shire and Bilbo discovers he may want to be more than friends.

Bofur

Alterations - Bofur means well, but is ill prepared when ordering a dress to surprise Y/N.

Cold Shoulder - Y/N feels ostracized and like she has intruded on dwarrow life, just by living in the mountain to be with Bofur. He finds a way to fix things.

Fixated - "If it’s not too much to ask you for a Bofur smut fic where he has a particular oral fixation so he goes down on the reader a lot? I’d like a gender neutral reader" nsfw

Mr. Sociable - “Are you jealous? Want me all to yourself, do you?"

Subtlety - Bofur wants to make a grand gesture for the woman he loves, and it gets a little Great Gatsby on him.

Dori

A Perfect Fit - “I’d like to ask for a Dori (hobbit) domestic fic please. I just don’t think he gets enough love. Maybe falling for a small dark-haired human running an orphanage? Cause that would channel all those great parenting instincts he has.” request

Dwalin

A Dream Come True - "Were you dreaming about me again?" w/ Dwalin - smut smut smut NSFW

Love Story - Dwalin is a bigger softie than he lets on.

Ode to my One - Dwalin's anniversary gift for his wife is both unexpected and endearing.

Suspenders - At the royal wedding, Dwalin has a wardrobe malfunction. Reader offers to lend a hand. Hints at some NSFW

They Gave Each Other a Pledge - Thorin's youngest sister is in a secret relationship with his best friend. All is well until he catches them together. NSFW

Fili

Confessions - “Fili feat. miscommunication, confessions, nearly missed chances (and more than a little bit of wine)” I want to say this was from a Fizzy writing event.

Dwarven Merchants - Fili x reader role switching au. The Durins are merchants from Erebor while Y/N is a distant relation to human royals. Fili doesn’t feel like he’s good enough for her. [incomplete series]

Enough is Enough - Thorin’s had enough of his nephew and his wife. Borderline NSFW

Lullabies - Learning to live under the mountain brings certain challenges, like getting used to falling asleep in complete and utter silence.

Not an Overreaction - Fili x reader where Dwalin’s daughter gets caught with her boyfriend. NSFW

Sugar Rush - Fili has a sweet surprise for his wife on Valentine’s Day.

Unveiled - Fili brings you to the Shire with him. Thorin thinks he’s being clever, spiting the wizard by asking you to join the company. He doesn’t know what’s coming.

Kili

Golden Years - The company finds out Y/N’s birth year and think she’s much older than she really is. Kili tries to fix the situation, not wanting her to hate him for his poor choice of words.

Meeting Again - Kili and Y/N reunite after their first meeting on the shore. She gets a bit of a surprise.

Nearly too Late - Y/N is about to return to Rohan, Kili panics.

Nori

Favorite Star - Nori is a bit of a dork on Valentine’s Day, but a dork in love.

Supply Run - Nori and Y/N get some supplies for the company, and Nori reaches a realization.

Ori

Anonymous - These letters just keep coming, it’s time to find out who the secret admirer is.

Into the Woods - “Reader from our world figures out how to survive for months in the wild. Encounters Ori and helps him, in turn asks Ori if you would come home with him. Maybe showing some of Dori’s and Nori’s influence in Ori’s actions towards you.” requested

Thorin

For the Dancing and the Dreaming - Thorin proposing to the reader by singing the “For the Dancing and the Dreaming” from HTTYD. With the reader joining him as a duet - request

Light of Day - Winters in Erebor really take a toll on their human queen. Thorin has an idea on how to fix that.

Skyless Stars - I got inspired by a gifset of glowworms from Waitomo Caves in New Zealand -> I like to think there are caves deep in Erebor like this and lovers take strolls there. Maybe there’s a pool and they go for dips in this little hideaway- away from the others for a moment of peace and privacy, contemplation… or secret kisses with Thorin.

Take a Break - Thorin and his Queen were invited to Rivendell to speak with Lord Elrond. She sees it as a vacation and tries to get her husband to see it the same way.

Unwind - My first smutfic: Thorin’s wife has been getting stressed with her duties lately, he tries to help her relax. NSFW

Valentine’s Festival - Thorin organizes an entire festival for the person he loves.

Wounded Pride - Thorin’s one is hurt, his nephews are to blame, the wizard is gone, and apparently, he had been right about their campsite

[lathalea]

The White Raven 6/9

Yes, it's happening, I'm back with a fresh new chapter of this fic, and I'm so nervous! It took me a while to get here but I hope you'll like the next part of Thorin and Carra's story.

Relationships: Thorin Oakenshield x OC Carra Rating: G Warnings: mentions of injuries/death Author's notes: This is the story of Thorin Oakenshield's quest to find the White Raven, a mysterious creature of legends only few were fortunate enough to see. This is the story of love stronger than time, destiny, and laws of gods and mortals alike. You can find this fic on AO3.

Special thanks to @legolasbadass for being an amazing and insightful beta reader and helping me out with Very Important Things Like Commas and Temporal Issues In Middle Earth😍🤣 Extra special thanks to @legolasbadass (yes, again, OMG, you're so popular! 🤣) and @i-did-not-mean-to for our Silm evenings and very deep discussons that helped me write this chapter 💚 Thank you everyone who showed their support for this story, you motivated me to continue writing 💙 You are the best readers in the world 🤩🤩🤩

Khuzdul: Lulkh - fool Yasthûnê - my wife ’ugbalul ’uhaskhajam - [the] greatest sacrifice Adad - father Tharkûn - Gandalf

🌟 Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 ...

Thorin did not know how much time had passed. A few heartbeats? An hour? An eternity? Vaguely familiar shapes circled the darkening sky above him. Ravens? Eagles? He did not know that either. Thinking did not come easily any longer. His thoughts were muddled. His wound pulsed in pain with the rapidity of trickling blood. And he could not move. His foe’s blade had  pierced his body. Some unknown solid weight pressed him to the cold, unforgiving surface. It was difficult to breathe. His nostrils filled with the stench of Orc blood. The icy chill spread through his limbs. 

He opened his mouth, but only a whisper came out before Thorin lost the internal battle with his own body.

“Carra…”

Silence. Bird-shaped clouds in the sky. Snowflakes on his cheeks. Or perhaps tears. He could not keep his eyes open any longer. His mind slowly drifted off into the darkness.

***

“Uncle! Uncle Thorin!” A faraway voice invaded Thorin’s mind, stirring it awake. This voice sounded familiar. But he was tired. Too tired. The darkness beckoned, offering the comfort of oblivion. He needed to rest. Sleep.

“Look! Kili! He is here!” another voice replied, slightly deeper than the previous one. “Under that Orc carcass?” the first voice asked.

“There is so much blood… Isn’t that Azog?”

“Aye! Or what’s left of ‘im,” a third voice joined in. Older. Raspier. 

“Look at his back!” 

“Either that’s Orcrist’s tip or I’m the Goblin Queen! That son of a goat did it! Quickly now, lads, help me take that beast off Thorin. Fili, on my mark, pull!”

There was movement. More voices. Piercing pain. A dull grunt filled Thorin’s ears. Was it his own voice?

“He’s alive!”

“Thank Mahal! Uncle Thorin, can you hear me?”

“He’s unconscious, you lulkh!” “We need to get rid of that filthy Orc blade first. It’s stuck in ice.”

“Slowly now!” A sea of pain washed over Thorin, his whole body stiffening with each wave. But the darkness patiently waited for him and took him in its merciful arms once more.

***

“He’s still breathing!”

“Thorin, wake up! Wake up, ye lazy bastard!” someone growled straight into his ear. “Damn it!”

“Dwalin, look, we stopped the bleeding.”

Those voices again. Pulling Thorin back into consciousness. Into the pain and emptiness.

“Let’s finish dressing his wound and then we’ll take ‘im to Oín,” the growling one said. 

“What’s that, Fili?” the young, familiar voice said. “Where?” “Over there, by that pointy rock on the other side of the river.” 

“Looks like a dead Warg to me,” the one very close to him rasped out. A pair of hands kept on doing something to his chest. It hurt. He wanted it to stop. 

“Too small for a Warg, Dwalin. It’s… by Mahal’s beard!”

“Where are you going, Fili? Wait for me!” The first voice sounded irritated.

A sound of hurried footsteps. Iron-heeled boots against ice. 

“Those two can’t sit in one place in peace if their life depended on…” the raspily-sounding one grunted. “I tell ya, Thorin, when ye’re better, we’ll send them on guard duty. First morning shift for a month. That’ll teach ‘em!”

Somehow, it made Thorin want to smile. But now, even smiling hurt.

“It’s a raven! So big! Look at its wings! Why are you staring, Fili?” the youthful voice reached his ears again.

“I think it’s… the White Raven.”

“What?! It’s just a fairy tale!” “I’ve seen this raven before, Kili,” confidence rang in the second voice. “I think it followed us on the way to Erebor. It helped me fight off a Warg-rider in the Misties just before the eagles came.”

Thorin took a reluctant breath. His heartbeat thrummed in his ears. 

“Whatever it is, it doesn’t look good. There is so much blood… Is it dead, Fili?” “Let me see… That’s a nasty wound.”

Thorin’s muscles tensed. He wanted to open his eyes. He wanted to speak. But his body didn't want to obey.

And then he heard two gasps at the same time.

“What’s happening?”

“Do you see it too, Fili?”

“It’s… it’s magic!”

“No, it’s a shapeshifter!”

“Look! Look!”

“A woman?!”

Both voices intermingled in Thorin’s exhausted mind, making less and less sense. He needed to act. He needed to… He breathed in. The air smelled like snowdrops.

“Thorin! Ye’re back! And here I was thinkin’…” A tattooed forehead and a bushy moustache appeared before his eyes. “Stop squeezing my hand so hard!”

“Carra…” Thorin managed to rasp out. He could barely keep his eyes open.

“What are ye sayin’?” Dwalin demanded.

“Help…. her…” He tried again. “She is…” “What? I can barely hear ye.”

 The last wisps of strength were leaving him. He could feel the darkness beckoning to him once again. “Yasthûnê…” Thorin articulated slowly. “My… wife.”

***

Warm rays of sun gently caress Carra’s cheek, and she enjoys the sensation for a short while before opening her eyes. It takes her a moment to adjust to the bright light. She lays on soft ground, the strands of her silver-white hair interlacing with the lush green blades of grass. A multitude of colourful flowers adorns the meadow around her, their sweet fragrance wafting through the air, intertwining with the lazy buzz of bees. She rolls onto her back and stares at the perfectly clear blue sky above. Then she takes a deep breath. A distant echo of pain rings out in her mind, but there are no bruises or wounds on her body. 

When a puffy white cloud drifts into her blurred field of vision, Carra wipes off the wetness from her cheeks, stands up, and looks around. The endless meadow seems to stretch for miles in every direction. A soft breeze kisses her face, bringing the faint sound of water lapping against a distant shore. She follows it, and soon, a sparse grove of trees appears in front of her. Beyond it, she sees a stream, its silvery current sparkling in the sun. For a brief moment, an orange butterfly dances just above her nose and then flies off towards the meadow behind her. Carra’s eyes follow its flight when a curious harmony of sounds draws her attention back to the stream.

Tap-tap. Swoosh. Tap-tap. Swoosh.

It seems to be coming from across the stream, and Carra decides to find its source.

Tap-tap. Swoosh. Tap-tap. Swoosh.

As she walks through the grove, she encounters a young doe nibbling on a nearby shrub. It glances at her curiously and then trots away, as if deciding that Carra’s presence is disturbing its meal. 

Tap-tap. Swoosh. Tap-tap. Swoosh.

Carra walks on, her bare feet sinking into the silky soft moss, step after step, until she finds herself at the edge of the grove. The stream is only several steps ahead. Its murmuring waters bring a hum of voices.

Tap-tap. Swoosh. Ta-tap. Ta-tap. Tap.

An irritated sigh.

“Another broken thread?” A warm, feminine voice asks. It makes Carra think of spring in full bloom.

“Too many of them. It seems like another busy day for my husband.” Another woman speaks, her voice as melodious as the nearby stream.

“And you? You have been weaving since dawn,” the first one says.

“This pattern grows ever more complicated. It changes much too often for my taste these days.” The other woman sighs again. “Tell me that at least your work bears fruit.” “Some of these seeds refuse to sprout. The taint is spreading. I feel it in the earth.”

“The Fallen One is regaining his strength,” a third voice joins in. Deep and resonant. “I see his traces beyond the veil.”

Carra takes a careful step forward and focuses all of her attention at the opposite side of the stream. There, a garden of breathtaking beauty blooms before her eyes. Within it, she notices three silhouettes, the owners of the voices she hears. At first, their appearance seems similar to Elves, but soon after, Carra quickly understands her error. They are taller, their posture and movements are even more graceful, and there seems to be an otherworldly glow about them. Whenever she tries to look up into their faces, Carra has to squint—not only because of their radiance but also because their features seem to be ever-changing, fluid, like water in a mountain stream. Each of these noble figures is clad in finely ornamented robes that sway slightly when the same gentle breeze that brought her here plays with their hems.  

One of the ladies kneels on the ground, ignoring the dirt stains on her garments. Their fabric is as green as her eyes. Her right hand rests over the brown, freshly turned soil and wisps of chestnut hair fall over her eyes. The other lady, her hair wavy and black as night, sits by a strangely-looking wooden frame with numerous threads attached to this elaborate contraption. Their colours form an intricate, multi-level pattern that seems to grow—bloom—in all directions in Carra’s eyes. She immediately feels dizzy and has to look away. Then her attention focuses on the third figure that  joined the others a mere moment ago. A strapping man, his aspect equally stunning as those of his two companions, strolls towards them, his movements measured and dignified. As far as she can discern, he is clean-shaven, unlike Dwarves, and his long, white hair flows freely down his shoulders. In his hands, there is a silver jug, its surface glistening in the sun.

“Even though you bring morbid news, you are a welcome sight, brother-in-law!” the black-haired lady says, clasping her hands and moving away from her loom. “May I offer you some refreshment?” He bows reverently to his companions, and before they respond, he fills three silver cups with the contents of the jug.

Carra licks her parched lips.

“The sweet water from your fount!” The Green Lady stands up graciously and takes one of the cups. 

“I know how fond you are of its taste.” The man’s hair dances in the wind as he speaks. An orange butterfly flutters among his flowing strands. “You come bearing gifts but it is not why you are here.” The Weaver looks into his eyes.

“I have simply come to admire your weaving skills,” he offers.

“Dear Dreamer, you are curious about my winged children, are you not?” The Green Lady gives him a nod.

“It is only natural,” he refills her cup. “Some of them bear our blessing, do they not?” “Indeed they do.” The Weaver approaches him with her cup and states, “How interesting that you chose today of all days.”

“My visions are blurred. Inconclusive.” He stills, gazing up into the sky, and then turning his attention back to the two women. “Tell me, have our gifts to them remained a blessing or have they rather turned into a curse?”

The Weaver sits back at her loom and looks closely at the glistening fabric; her fingers run along some part of the pattern hidden from Carra’s sight. “Your children have been fulfilling their duties well. Although the youngest one tends to make my work a tad more challenging.”

“The youngest one?” the man frowns.

“The one with  wings dusted with silver.” The Green Lady takes a sip from her cup, her features schooled in a neutral expression.

“Silver? That certainly explains quite a bit. Your husband and his experiments…” The Weaver shakes her head. “Why now? Why this one?”

“I truly cannot say.”The Green Lady gives her an enigmatic smile and takes another sip. “But perhaps you would rather see her for yourselves.”

“Perhaps we would.” The Weaver’s fingers hover above the countless threads of her loom while the man nods. The butterfly lands on his shoulder, folding its orange wings.

“Very well. She has been listening to us long enough,” the Green Lady says, taking a look at the dark patch of planting ground under her feet. “Come, child.”

It takes Carra a blink of an eye to realise that she is not standing in the grove any longer. She gasps and blinks twice, but her eyes do not deceive her. Now she faces three luminous beings—in their garden across the stream.

“Great Mother!” she whispers and falls on her knees in front of the lady clad in green, bowing her head. In the presence of these great figures, blinded by their magnificent splendour, she feels like a feeble, featherless fledgling that fell out from its nest.

“Rise, Carra,” the Green Lady addresses her softly, and Cara does what she is told. “Do you know why you are here, my child?”

“I…” she croaks faintly, unable to stop staring into Great Mother’s incandescent face. A kaleidoscope of images fills her mind. The freezing ice. Thorin’s face when he notices her and his widened blue eyes. The Pale Orc, his teeth bare, with his blade pointed at her mate. Her bloodied talons clawing at Azog’s face. And then—darkness.

“I have died.” She hears her own voice. 

In a blink of an eye, the images are gone, dispelled like a wisp of smoke on the wind. Only the orange butterfly swirls around her head.

“Do you know, child,” there is a frown on the Weaver's face when she turns to Carra from above her loom, “how thin these threads are? How delicate? Even the slightest whiff of wind can change the pattern—or destroy it as if it was a spider’s net.”

“I have only tried to protect the pattern,” Carra swallows, feeling three pairs of eyes on her.

“You have saved some vital parts of it, that is true, but I hear that you also left us with tangles in the weave,” now her life-giver speaks, her eyes glistening like emerald waters of a fathomless lake.

“Forgive me, Great Mother. The line of Durin had to stay unbroken. I did my best. But I have failed,” Carra hears her own trembling voice. “Darkness clouded my dreams…”

“And so you staked out your own path, Silver One,” the Weaver speaks as if to herself, patting her index finger against her lips in reverie. “Which left us with all those new thread combinations.”

Then she exchanges a glance with her companions, and the man called Dreamer speaks.

“See for yourself,” his eyes, grey like a wolf’s fur, rest on Carra. First, he raises his eyebrow but then motions her towards a small rock basin. She can swear that this object has not been there a moment ago. He takes the silver jug and fills the basin with a narrow, glistening stream of water. The orange butterfly dances above it and then rises above their heads. The water’s surface resembles a mirror, and Carra’s eyes are drawn to the movement she seems to see in its depths.

Countless veins of silver run through coarse stone walls of a cave, glittering like gossamer strands that cover foliage at dawn, but instead of dewdrops, tears flow down from a Dwarf-woman’s cheeks, following the crevices of her wrinkled face. She wears a crown of snow-white braided hair and a dark blue robe with golden ornaments. In her weatherworn hand, she holds a piece of parchment with a green, rectangular seal at the bottom. Beside her sits a slightly hunched elderly Dwarf with bushy, grey whiskers and rows of faded tattoos on his bald head.

“Now we are the last ones, Dwalin,” the Dwarf lady sobs. “My boys… My brothers… And then Balin… Dain and his son… Gone.”

“Aye,” the old warrior gently closes his hand over hers. “But they will not be forgotten.”

“Gone…” Carra’s lips tremble as she stops herself at the last moment from touching the water. As she moves her hand back, a curtain of ripples falls over the image, changing the scenery.

The image of the familiar green and black shape of the Great Gate of Erebor fills the rock basin. An army of Dwarves rides to battle on their war rams, led by the King Under the Mountain. Carra recognizes his blade at once. Orcrist. It is Thorin! She gasps. The Raven Crown graces his temples frosted with grey. And his beard has the same colouring as her feathers. Silver-white. As the events unfold, she recognizes them from her past dreams. The Dwarves of the Lonely Mountain and the Iron Hills join forces with the Men of Dale. The battle is long and bloody, but the allied forces ultimately crush their enemies. At that moment, the vision changes. She does not recognize this new detail. An armour-clad warrior rides from Dale on a white war ram. As soon as Thorin sees him, he dismounts, and soon both men greet each other with a strong embrace.

“The city is safe, adad!” The young warrior grins, taking off his helmet. The wind plays with his entangled hair, which seems to glow in the setting sun.

“You did well, Thráin,” Thorin replies, his gaze softening. He presses his forehead against Thráin’s and whispers, “You made me proud, son.”

A faint whiff of wind kisses the water’s surface, transforming it into a flurry of silvery ripples.

By a gilded cradle sits a young Dwarf-woman. Her chestnut hair glints as if enchanted with fire, contrasting with the snow-white laces of her sleeping gown. The mithril beads in her braids clink when she takes her babe into her arms, and a smile brightens her heart-shaped face.

“You will be a king one day,” she whispers lovingly, kissing her little one on his forehead. Quietly humming a sweet lullaby, she adjusts the blanket her son is wrapped in. Carra notices that its hem is embroidered with little black and golden ravens.

A sudden wrinkle on the water disturbs its surface, making the water glitter like diamonds.

A cold, pale sheen illuminates the green marble walls when the King Under the Mountain ensconces on his throne. The source of this light comes from a jewel of unmatched beauty set over the king's head. The golden and obsidian crown rests on his raven-black hair. But the ruler of Erebor, Thorin II Oakenshield, is not smiling. A deep, menacing frown darkens his face. In his hand, he holds a wide dwarvish sword. Blood drips from its tip onto the cracked marble floor. There is no red-haired Dwarf queen beside him. There are no children playing at his feet. There is only deathly silence. And the shadow he casts is that of a dragon.

When the visions finally fade, Carra finds herself staring into the bottomless depths of a pair of grey eyes. She does not notice when the orange butterfly lands on the edge of the empty jug.  

***

“Carra…” her name sounded like a helpless croak. Thorin’s throat was parched.

It took him a while to regain all of his senses and open his eyes. He lay on a large cot in a spacious tent that looked suspiciously like a work of Elvish hands. He grunted. Every single part of his body seemed to hurt. Bandages covered most of his torso, and he could not move his arm without inducing even more pain. 

A louder groan left his lips when he tried to sit up and failed. Something in the nearest corner of the tent moved.

“Your Majesty…” A young Dwarf in a healer’s tunic appeared seemingly out of nowhere. “You are awake!”

“Where…” Thorin coughed. Even breathing drained his strength.

“All is well, my lord. Try not to speak, please. The enemy is defeated. Erebor is once again ours.”

“Is… my…” His attempt at speaking failed once more.

“Your kin and companions are alive and well, Your Majesty.” A mug was pressed against his lips, and Thorin greedily drank its contents. He welcomed the sweet taste of water on his tongue. It probably came from the spring at Ravenhill.

Ravenhill.

His heart sank.

“Carra…? Where…?” he whispered. Every word felt like a struggle.

“Forgive me, my lord, who?” the healer frowned.

Thorin did not respond. He was already asleep.

***

“The White Raven?” Dain Ironfoot’s brow furrowed as he clutched a tankard in his hand. “Here, in Erebor? Are ye drunk, Fili?”

“It’d take more than a mug of ale to make me drunk, Uncle!” the young dwarf protested. “I swear on Mahal’s beard. She fought the Pale Orc together with Uncle Thorin and…”

“She?” said Agnarr, one of Dain’s captains who sat on his left, raising his eyebrows, which resembled a thick, black caterpillar.

“Aye! I found her myself! And then Tharkûn said… well, he didn’t want to say anything about her at first, but I convinced him to tell me…” Kili started with a mischievous smirk, only to be interrupted by his brother.

“He followed the wizard day and night and bombarded him with questions, until Tharkûn had enough,” Fili whispered conspiratorially, leaning towards Dain.

“Well, I convinced him, didn’t I?” Kili huffed. “The wizard said that if not for her, Thorin’s fate would have been very different! You saw that wound of his.” “Aye, if that orc blade went in a bit lower, he’d be resting in the catacombs together with the kings of old,” Ironfoot muttered under his breath.

“Exactly. Besides, before he left, Tharkûn mentioned something about treasure, too!”

“A treasure?” Dain Ironfoot asked.

Kili shrugged in response, “I don’t think he meant the gold in our mountain…”

“Wizards and their riddles…” Dori sighed, pouring himself another mug of ale.

“So ye’re telling me,” Dain demanded, “that a creature straight from our legends appeared out of thin air and fought the Pale Orc with Thorin? And that the White Raven is a woman?”

“And a pretty one, too!” Bofur winked. “That hair of hers…! White as snow!”

“More like silver-white to me,” Fili puffed out a cloud of pipeweed smoke.

“Was she not supposed to be a great bird? Like the legends say?” Dain grunted.

“She is!” Kili nodded eagerly. “I mean, she was a bird, but then she turned into a woman, I saw it with my own eyes!”

“Now she looks more like a Dwarf,” Fili added.

“A raven looking like a Dwarf?” Vari, son of Nari, another of Dain’s soldiers, scratched his bald head.

“And a bit like an Elf, too,” Kili grinned and waved his hand in the air. “She has pointy ears, you know. Ouch, Fili, why did you kick me?”

Dain groaned, “Pointy ears…? By Mahal’s beard, I think I need another mug of ale.”

“Are ye drinkin’ without us, ye sewer rats?” Dwalin appeared by the table, followed by his brother.

“We’re all celebratin’ our victory over the orcs and wargs!” Captain Agnarr pointed at the multiple groups of Dwarves gathered around them in one of the least ruined halls of the Lonely Mountain.

“There’s nothing better for a soldier’s morale than a few casks of the Iron Hills ale,” Balin sat beside him and poured two mugs—for himself and Dwalin. “What would you say about a toast?”

“To victory?” Ori proposed.

“We drank for that last time,” Vari shook his head. 

“If all you said is true, lads,” Drengi, a large dwarf, said, two golden teeth glinting in his mouth, “we should be toasting the White Raven.”

“To the White Raven!” strong voices echoed against the ceiling of the cavern as more dwarves joined the toast with their mugs raised into the air.

“To Thorin Oakenshield, King Under the Mountain!”

“To King Thorin!”

“To the Lonely Mountain!”

“To the Longbeards!”

In the growing racket, Balin turned to Fili and Kili.

“What did you tell them, lads?”

“Nothing much besides what we saw when we found Uncle Thorin after the battle,” Fili said.

“And that the White Raven helped us during the Quest,” added Kili. “Fili, I completely forgot! Remember what Uncle Thorin called her when we were taking him back to the Lonely Mountain?”

Fili nodded, but before he answered, Balin put his hand on Kili’s shoulder.

“That, my boy, is better left unsaid.”

“But Uncle Dain said that the King Under the Mountain will need a queen now and that he has a perfect candidate for Uncle Thorin. How can Uncle Thorin marry her if he…” Kili continued.

“This is the conversation that Thorin—and Thorin only—needs to have with Dain. Do you understand?” the elderly dwarf searched their faces solemnly.

“Aye, Uncle Balin, we do,” Fili reassured him.

***

“...since we moved his majesty into the Mountain. His fever has dropped and the wounds are healing well but he keeps on asking about someone named Carra.”

“Thank you, Nari, you were most helpful. Try to catch some sleep. I will stay with him now.” Words spoken in a soothing timbre of voice reached Thorin through the haze of dreams.

“Balin?” he blinked a few times, trying to chase the drowsiness away.

“I’m here, laddie,” a familiar silhouette in a burgundy robe stood before him. “You gave us a scare for a wee moment there.”

Thorin could not stop himself from smiling at the sight of the familiar face of his old mentor. As he attempted to sit up, an intense spike of pain ran through the left side of his body. The only thing he managed to do was lift his head slightly. At that moment, an additional pillow was placed beneath it. He grunted. At least the Dwarvish beds were much more comfortable than the Elvish ones.

“Carefully now, laddie. No sudden movements. Your foot needs time to heal properly. Your left shoulder and arm were badly injured too. The healers had to use a splint…” 

It was a challenge to focus on Balin’s words, but as the dizziness subsided, Thorin’s thoughts became more coherent. Various parts of his body ached, his left leg felt heavy, and he could not move his left arm—it was indeed encased in a splint, exactly like Balin said—but he was able to take a look around the room. Even if he did not recognize this particular place, he recognized its walls hewn from the same greenish rock as the walls of the old chambers he used to live in as a young prince. A lifetime ago. And now, he was home again. Home.

“Tell me everything. Is Erebor safe?” With a pained grunt, he turned towards Balin. 

“Aye. Worry not, the Mountain is well-protected. Dain is here with his warriors. We are working on making our home liveable again,” Balin replied, patting Thorin’s right hand, which lay on the bed. “You did well, laddie. The corridors and caverns are echoing with stories about the return of the King Under the Mountain who killed the Pale Orc and avenged his esteemed grandsire.”

Killed. He swallowed, attempting to ignore the memories of that fight that came back to him like an unstoppable flood—and of the price he paid to survive. Or rather, the price someone else paid for him. He lost her.

“King? Me? A Dwarf who succumbed to the curse that plagues his house? Who valued hoarded gold over…” With a sneer, Thorin looked away, his voice hollow. “I am not worthy of that title, Balin. Not any longer.”

“Do you remember that audience in the throne room when King Thrór met with the refugees from the White Mountains? You were still a prince at that time.”

“How could I forget? Not only did I break protocol, but also I interrupted Grandfather. I declared that if he would not send his troops, I would fight the Orcs who invaded their homes—on my own. Mother was truly ashamed of me on that day. And Father would not speak to me for a month.” “Ah, the impulsiveness of youth,” Balin nodded. “But you have always had your heart in the right place. Do you remember what I told you on that very day?”

“Life is like a battle. When you fall, you have to rise again and fight. Otherwise you lose,” Thorin said under his breath. He recalled the countless nights when he whispered those words to himself, lying on the hard ground, far from home, when the thought of retribution was the only thing that drove him forward.

 “We reclaimed our homeland thanks to you. You overcame the curse and led us to victory. You have fought and won this great battle, Thorin,” the elderly Dwarf spoke softly.

“I did not. Not alone,” Thorin admitted, unable to look Balin in the eye, his throat constricted. Something ached in his chest, and it was not his wound. “I had help.”

“Indeed. I saw the Pale Orc’s corpse. It bore marks of dwarven weapons… and others that bore resemblance to talons and a beak,” the older Dwarf said.

Thorin did not reply. Not because he chose not to speak but because the right words would not come to him.

After a pause, his mentor added, “Fili claims that he heard a deafening sound, like a large bird’s screech, only moments before they caught sight of you on the frozen river.”

“A screech…” Thorin repeated to himself. Something stirred in his mind; Azog’s hideous grimace, the ice beneath him reverberating with a strange sound that filled the air, and the moment when the tip of Orcrist’s blade plunged into the Orc’s chest. He blinked several times. His own words rang in his ears.

“Carra, no!”

He remembered the darkness that came afterwards. And pain.

 A life for a life.

It should have been him.

Balin’s voice seemed to come from far away.

“... I heard the guards retelling the old legends of the White Raven. And a new tale is spreading through Erebor: a story about a large, white-feathered raven that bravely fought by the King Under the Mountain’s side at Ravenhill,” he said.

Thorin remained silent, staring at the white sheets that covered him. White as ice on that day. White as the feathers in her wings. He felt cold.

Silence seemed to stretch between them like the bottomless chasm beneath the Mountain until Balin spoke again. 

“Help me understand this, laddie.” 

Reluctantly, Thorin’s fingers found the leather band strung around his neck and pulled it from under the blankets that covered him. His old friend’s eyes widened at the sight of a silver-white feather.

“The White Raven…” The words in Thorin’s mouth tasted like ash. “Carra. I have known her for most of my life. After Smaug's attack, she left her nest behind and followed me to the Blue Mountains.” Thorin met his mentor’s eyes. 

“The White Raven... The stuff of legend, eh?” Balin hummed, examining the feather with reverence.

“I am aware of what it must sound like. Legend or not, she is real. She was,” he corrected himself, swallowing hard. “At Ravenhill… Had she not intervened, Azog would have taken my life. She chose ’ugbalul ’uhaskhajam and gave her life for me instead.”

“Thorin… By Mahal’s hammer, laddie, what are you saying?” The feather fell from his mentor’s hand onto the bed. “’Ugbalul ’uhaskhajam, the act of sacrificing one’s life in battle to protect another, is only performed by one’s kin!”

“Or a spouse,” explained Thorin flatly.

Balin looked down at the silver-white feather and then glanced towards the door before speaking again.

“Dwalin told me that you spoke of a wife,” the elderly Dwarf said. “We thought it might have been your feverish mind speaking, nothing more.”

“It was not. She is… Carra was my wife, Balin.” His own whisper sounded hollow.

Balin stayed silent for a few heartbeats and then cleared his throat, as if deciding on something.

“That certainly explains quite a bit—including a very curious occurrence. You see, Thorin, after the battle, we did not find any signs of this revered bird at Ravenhill. Instead, there is a strange woman of mysterious provenance in our infirmary, and the healers…”

“Here, in Erebor?! Alive?” Thorin grabbed Balin’s sleeve, seeing him nod. “Tell me, what colour is this woman’s hair?!”

“Her hair is like this feather: white, dusted with silver,” his mentor replied. “She lives and is under good care. We brought her into the Mountain together with you, but...”

“Thank Mahal!” Thorin rested on his right arm, lifting his upper body as much as he could. “Balin, take me to her at once!”

Swiftly, he moved to the side in an attempt to rise from the bed while a pang of pain shot through his body, sudden like lightning. He fell onto his pillows, taking deep breaths and fighting a wave of dizziness.

“I am afraid you are in no shape to walk, laddie,” Balin rested his hand on his uninjured shoulder. “You are on the mend, but the healers say that you will need time to…”

“Balin! By Mahal’s beard!” Thorin fisted his hand, trying to curb his temper and ignore the pain. “Do you not understand? I need to see her!”

“You are as stubborn as your grandfather,” the elderly Dwarf shook his head in defeat. “Let me talk with Nari and see what can be done. I will be back in a jiffy.”

Balin’s jiffy felt like an eternity to Thorin, but he waited, albeit impatiently.

Carra was alive.

🌟 Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 ... 🌟

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[alloftheimaginesblog]

worthy {kili}

plot: kili's the one who comforts you when you freak out about your outfit at fili's coronation

character: kili x plus size female reader

part of my Plus Size Reader x Character series!

Your hands hadn't stopped fidgeting with the sleeves of the deep blue dress that you'd been gifted by the Elves. It was beautiful, a royal blue silk that had such intricate gold embellishments sewn in along each hem and on the bodice. It was gorgeous and it fit like a glove but you weren't happy with the way it looked on you.

As you looked in the mirror, tugging the fabric that lay over your stomach, you couldn't help but feel self-conscious as you stared at your reflection. You'd been around the Dwarves and been part of the Company for so long that you'd gotten rather used to hiding your plump Dwarven figure under thick furs and leathers so now that you were here, getting dressed for Fili's King Coronation, it felt alien to be dressing this way.

It was no secret that you were fat; the Company knew it and accepted it but it made you feel vulnerable showing your body this much (and you weren't really showing your body at all as the Elven dress was very modest and covered all but your neck and hands). It was more the fact that your stomach was more prominently highlighted than you were used to.

A knock at the door interrupted your thoughts, "Lady (y/n)?" It was that voice you knew all too well. It belonged to that of your friend, Kili. Kili was something special. He saw you, truly saw you for everything you were and everything you wanted to be, "I was told that you're unsure about your outfit? Can I come in?"

With a sigh, you walked to the door and opened it, "Don't laugh at me please."

But Kili did no such thing.

His jaw dropped seeing you in the dress, "Mahal," he breathed out, "you look..." He almost couldn't find the words, "breath-taking."

Your cheeks burned as you turned to the mirror and your eyes immediately went straight to your stomach, "I look so big," you groaned, completely by passing Kili's compliment to pick at the loose thread which was your insecurity. Kili frowned, "I just look awful. It's too tight around my stomach, it's awful. I look hideous."

"(y/n)," Kili interrupts, taking a gentle hold of your arm and turning you away from the mirror, "Why do you say such nonsense? You look divine; the way the dress holds onto you is perfection, you look more beautiful than anyone or anything I've ever seen before. You look truly lovely."

You blinked, the words that he was saying making you pause and frown at him in disbelief, "What do you mean, Kili?"

Kili scoffed a slight laugh, "Mahal, (y/n), do you not see the way in which I look at you? You are unlike anyone I've ever met and even covered in mud, wearing furs and soaked to the bone, you remain the most beautiful woman I have ever known." He means it. You can tell how sincere he is by the way his eyes bore into yours, "To me, it is disgusting the way you talk about yourself. Your stomach, yes I can see it, and I love it. I'd love you no matter what size, big or small. You remain the most incredible person to me and I adore you." Kili hadn't really meant to confess his feelings for you moments before his older brother gets crowned King but he needed you to know just how important you are to him, "To me, you could look like the troll we met on our travels and I would still love and adore you; I would worship the ground you walk on. Your weight does not make you any less worthy or deserving of love, (y/n). You are deserving; you are worthy."

Truly, you were touched. With watering eyes and a mouth that could form no words, all you could do was stare at Kili and hope that he understood how appreciative you were in this moment. Kili stepped towards you, "I hadn't wanted to tell you this way, I wanted it to be after Fili was crowned King and when we could have more time but you needed to know."

"You mean all that?" It was all you could ask. You needed to know that he was serious.

Kili nodded and moved his hand to his heart, "Truly, with all my heart." You moved closer to Kili, chests centimetres from each other. You looked up at him and slowly, his head began to move down-

Knock, knock!

"(y/n)? Is my brother in there? I need him." It was Fili.

You and Kili jump apart, cheeks burning and hearts racing, "Uh, yes, Fi. I'm here!" Kili calls back and Fili tells him to hurry his arse up.

Kili looks to you, "Now, will you come and help Fili? He needs our support today."

You nod, "Yeah, yeah I will. We'll continue this later, yeah?"

Kili smiles bashfully, "I'd like that." He leaves first and you take a moment to look back to the mirror at your reflection.

"Worthy," you whisper pulling the dress down slightly before smiling and leaving your chambers to see the boys.

[bookworm-with-coffee]

Legends . . .

(Thorin Oakenshield x Reader)

(A/N); Hello and here we go, readers!! Part Three of this tale, "Excuses" , has finally come to fruition!! Please note, that in this chapter, the POV changes. As always, I hope you enjoy!! ❤

Pairings; Thorin x Reader (Platonic), Fili x Reader (Romantic), Kili x Tauriel (Romantic)

Plot; In the conclusion to this tale, the reader finally finds where she belongs in the world...

Warnings; none, fluff, romance, emotions

Part One & Part Two

_________________________________________

"I'm here, Mr Thorin. I kept my promise".

Within moments of hearing those words, Thorin crossed the room from his throne, seemingly breathless from his shock and happiness. "My friends". And without any hesitation, he brought both you and Bilbo into a grouped embrace. "Long have I awaited this day", he sighed as if it were in relief.

"It's so good to see you, Thorin", Bilbo heaved a laugh in the tight embrace, affectionately patting the back of the Mountain King.

"We missed you", you added, resting your head in the crook of his neck. Pulling apart from the embrace gently, Thorin placed his larger hands upon your heads, weaving his fingers gently into the curled locks upon them. His forehead met Bilbo's in an affectionate familial embrace, before he at last rested his head upon yours.

For the King, it was an effort to fight tears; seeing you again. When he last saw you, you were an adolescent; no older than thirteen. And before that, it was when you was eight and made your promise to him. Time had been cruel to Thorin. Unrest had started in the colonies when Moria was to be reclaimed. The Dwarven empire was growing and Thorin had but one chance to see you again in your teen years and took it without hesitation. Now, with you a decade older, it was hard for him not to weep.

"I am sorry, Dear One", he murmured, meeting your eyes with his own glassed ones. He ran his thumb over your cheek. "I should have visited you more before your adulthood, and I–".

"Don't you apologise", you chided, bringing his form against yours in a proper hug. He reciprocated immediately, allowing only a few tears to slip from his eyes whilst his head was buried in your shoulder. "You are a mighty King of Dwarves. Your responsibilities lie here. I knew that. Time was unkind to us both, Thorin". You broke the embrace, wiping the few stray tears from his face. "I would have grown up, either way. As every child does, eventually". He smiled then, looking proudly at the woman you had become. "However, they will always come back to their family". Thorin's mouth parted in some semblance of shock at your words, but it was he that remembered his own in that moment. He remembered a young Hobbit curled into his side.

"I will one day! I'll go to Erebor! I'll visit you, I promise!!". Thorin smiled fondly, softly rustling the (h/c) curls on the little Halfling's head. "And be welcomed as kin! Whatever that is".

"It means family, (Y/n). You, Master Baggins, my people. All of us are part of each other. You will come to understand it all one day. And I will be a proud Dwarf to see that day come".

"Indeed, they do", he agreed, a new sense of pride swelling within his chest. He knew that you deep down thought of him as the father you never got to have and vise-versa; you were like the daughter he could never have. Most of all, you and Mr Baggins were his friends. His best friends. And you both would fit in with his kin.

"Kili!", Bilbo had shouted, the two happily embracing.

"You have a beard now!", you exclaimed whilst the youngest Durin hugged your companion.

"I do!". His hands rubbed over the dark hair now thick on his face. You had met Kili when he accompanied Thorin on his last visit to the Shire. Although you hadn't had the time to get to know the younger Dwarf, you could see he was a light in a dark time in Thorin's life. You loved that about him. Grinning, his arms opened for you. "Come here you!". Laughing, you met him in a crushing embrace, relishing in the way he swung you like a sibling before settling into a softer hug. "Good to see you again", he commented, ruffling the top of your head.

"Likewise", you chuckled, playfully bumping his cheek with your knuckle to his amusement.

You again turned to Thorin, who now wished to address you and Bilbo about living quarters for your stay. However, before anything much could be said, there was a pull on your skirts. Looking down, you found yourself looking at a tiny young boy with crystal blue eyes, half-pointed ears and wavy auburn hair. "A Hobbit??", you questioned aloud, amid your confusion. Yet, this boy had uncharacteristically tiny feet and a lot of light hair upon his face for a Hobbit...

"I knew you'd end up taking a child from the Shire to raise for your own", Bilbo joked to Thorin's greater amusement. His eyes shone with familiarity at the young one's presence.

"Afraid not, Master Baggins", he chuckled. "For the child isn't mine". Thorin walked over, picking the young boy up with a laugh.

"Great Uncle Thorin!", the small boy cooed, pulling at the King's hair the way you once had.

"(Y/n), this is—".

"Frerin Durin!!", a shout into the throne room interrupted Thorin. "So that's where you disappeared off to!!". An exasperated Dwarf marched into the room with a tired grin. He had a mane of curly blonde hair and by far, the most impressive beard you'd ever seen on a Dwarf besides Thorin's. His crystal blue eyes travelled to Kili with a sympathetic undertone to them. "Sorry, Kee. Couldn't keep the rascal out of trouble! Reminds me of his father ". An incline of his head in Kili's direction showed, to your shock, that Frerin was his son!

"Don't know what you're talking about!", he played it off with a giggle. "Now, you". The youngest Durin walked to his Uncle, addressing his son. "Stop running away from your Uncle Fee. He works too hard to have mischievous little Pebbles like you—", a poke in the boy's chest, "—causing trouble for him". The little one giggled, having been no older than you when you first met Thorin. However, your mind lingered on the name 'Fee'. And then it snapped. This was the Prince— Thorin's first nephew. He was the next King Under the Mountain. Fili.

You saw it now. Despite his hair, which he undoubtedly got from his father's side, he had that nobility in his attitude and those gorgeous blue eyes from his mother's side. The same eyes little Frerin has. Thorin's eyes.

"You never told me you had a little boy!!", you fawned, Thorin allowing you to take the young Pebble. He pulled at your hair, holding the shoulder of your dress.

"Two, actually", Kili corrected, making your eyes widen.

"Two??", you echoed, your mouth falling open. He laughed at your expression. Nodding, he affirmed it for you,

"Yes. Frerin and Thrain".

"Where's Thrain??", you asked, swiveling to see if he was in the room.

"Safe, with his mother", Kee assured. "He's but a babe. Tauriel does a wonderful job mothering them. Sometimes she needs a break from the other one though. Mother and Fee offer to babysit all the time, so it's never a problem". The name 'Tauriel' was a dead giveaway. The ears were pointed because she was Elven!

"I'm so happy for you, Kili", Bilbo grinned, caressing the little boy's face before turning to shake hands with his father.

"Adad!", Frerin cried out. "Who is this lady and that man??".

"Bilbo", Kili gestured to your counterpart. "Is your Irak' Nadad; your Uncle from the Shire". He turned to you. "And (Y/n) is your Irak' Namad; your Aunt. She's from the Shire as well!". The boy reached for your ears, toying with them. Fili's brows, however, had risen when hearing your name. He didn't realise that you were his Uncle's friend. The one he and Kili and told him about many years ago and mentioned only on occasion. You had completely intrigued the firstborn Durin, his eyes dancing eagerly between you and his nephew. His glances towards you didn't go unnoticed by Kili...

"Is she a half-Elf?? Is she like me and Thrain?".

"No, son", Kee grinned, ruffling his boy's hair. "She's a Hobbit. A halfling. Big, strong feet that don't need boots. Ones that can sneak past a Dragon!". Frerin's jaw dropped.

"You snuck past a Dragon?!". Everyone burst into laughter.

"No, Lovely", you answered the boy softly. "But, your Uncle Bilbo did! He faced Smaug; the Dragon who sat on this mountain". Bilbo nervously waved the boy's ecstatic look off.

"It was nothing, really", he insisted with a chuckle. Frerin clawed his way from your arms to your counterpart's.

"Tell me about the Dragon!!", the boy grinned. He had his father's smile. It made your own bloom.

"Another time, Frerin", Kili told him, taking his son from an amused Bilbo. "Let's get you home to your Amad". The boy pouted, but agreed with great reluctance. Turning to his older brother, he murmured, "Thanks for looking after him, Fee".

"Always. I love my little Warrior-Nephew!", Fili smiled in response, pinching Frerin's cheeks. The little one giggled from his Uncle's playfulness before Kili started for the staircase to leave the throne room.

"Great seeing you all again!", he called to you and Bilbo. "Say 'bye', Frerin!". The boy waved and called to you all as his father disappeared with him.

"That boy is a handful", Fili sighed, turning to his Uncle.

"Like the two young Dwarves I used to look after", Thorin smirked in full amusement. You couldn't help the short laugh that slipped from your lips. Imagining Fili and Kili at a young age with Thorin as the exasperated babysitter. Fili's attention was caught by your laugh and he smiled with a warmth that nearly stopped your breath where it sat in your lungs.

"Pardon me, but you must be the (Y/n) I've heard so much about in these many years", the Princeling addressed you at last. You nodded, fighting your shock. Had Thorin and Kili really said so much??

Carefully, Fili took one of your hands into his own larger ones and lifted it up to softly lay a kiss upon your delicate fingers. It startled you, sending a shiver to your very core. "I'm Fili. At your service". To your shock, the Princeling, the Royal had not only failed to introduce himself as such, but was now bowing to you.

Bilbo's brows rose, his eyes darting in surprise between Thorin's jovial expression and Fili's interaction with you. Thorin was no fool to his nephew's charm and merely pursed his lips. Perhaps Fili himself didn't realise it, but there was interest shining in his eyes.

"Please, Prince Fili. You needn't bow to me", you begged with some humility. "If anything, I should bow to you ".

"Don't", he chuckled, giving your hand a subconscious squeeze. "You're our honoured guest. Which reminds me–". He turned to his Uncle like a deer caught in headlights. "I should help Amad with dinner preparations for the banquet tonight!". Thorin almost laughed at his nephew's quick excuse, merely dismissing him with a smile,

"Good lad. We'll see you tonight". Fili nodded, only now releasing the gentle and seemingly subcinscious hold he had on your hand to depart. He offered a quick smile to both you and Bilbo before his steps lead him away. The Prince's touch was like fire in your skin and you could still feel the roughness of his calloused hands upon your own. It was then that Thorin took to your living arrangements. He felt it was only right, being that he had a duty to you both as the King and your closest friend.

After leaving Bilbo to his living arrangements, Thorin began to lead you to your own.

"Is it how you imagined??", the King questioned hopefully, seeing you taken by the views both within and on the outside of the great city.

"No", you playfully answered with a shake of your head. Thorin, thinking you to be serious, was taken aback with disappointment. Knowing this, you finally answered after a few moments, "It's far more beautiful". A delighted smile crossed his face to match the one you then offered to him. You both fell into some semblance of a peaceful silence before the King asked,

"How is your mother? I often wondered about her as well in this past decade". Your eyes seemed to have their usual shine dimmed. His brows knitted together in some form of concern, awaiting your response.

"She passed away some time ago. Naught but a year now". It felt like an arrow had pierced the Mountain King's heart at your words. Had you suffered through this loss alone?? What had become of the home in which you lived??

"(Y/n)", he grasped your shoulder. "I am truly sorry". You shook your head, not letting your tears spill.

"She lived a good life", you insisted with a sad smile. "She made our house a home. It was taken from her by the estate. Her death was unexpected. She hadn't written a will yet, so I could not inherit the property. Bilbo, upon hearing of it, offered me refuge. I have been living in Bag End with him". Relief passed over Thorin, grateful to the Hobbit that had accompanied you. He had not let you suffer your grievances alone. "Bilbo is lonely, although he's never admitted to it. He loves the company of another. The year past has been a good one, thanks to him".

"And for that, I am glad", Thorin assured.

"Thorin!", a Dwarf hollered, making his way up the stairs. He was seemingly old, white haired with a long beard. His smile met his eyes completely, offering a merriful radiance.

"Balin", Thorin inclined his head to this seemingly familiar individual, but it was not Thorin he spoke to next.

"Bless my beard", Balin breathed, tracing your face with his mirthful eyes. "You must be (Y/n)". Without hesitation, he reached over grasping your hand firmly in his own for a shake. "Long have we been expecting your company. Welcome to the House of Durin!". Like Fili had, Balin also bowed to you. "Balin, son of Fundin. At your service, my Dear".

"(Y/n), at yours, Master Dwarf", you smiled warmly with a curtsy to the polite Dwarf.

"Balin is my advisor and distant cousin", Thorin informed you, delighted to see his companion. Balin released your hand with a chuckle,

"Stop with the formalities. I've just come to inform you that the banquet will be ready within the hour". You blanched in worry.

"I'm hardly prepared for such an occasion", you spoke aloud. This did not phase the two Dwarves.

"Do not worry", Thorin laid his hand comfortingly upon your back. "My sister is a seamstress. I will send you to her once you have settled in your quarters".

"Ah, Lady Dis", Balin sighed. "One of the best of her craft. Certainly one you can place your trust in, Dear". His assurance was all you needed. He struck you as beyond wise and compassionate. Definitely one of his house. "I'll take my leave. See you both at dinner". With a friendly wink directed to yourself, he nodded to Thorin before rushing off with other royal duties to attend to.

"Your kin are certainly diverse. But, kind all the same".

"Indeed", Thorin agreed. "For you are also one of them".

___________________________

Dis was a true woman of her craft. That much was evident in the careful ways she layered the fabrics of the dress she was making. She had projects all around the room in which she crafted. Each dress, complete or incomplete seemed like it had been crafted by the most elegant dressmakers of the Elves. The fabric she used had the lightness of a summer dress and the practicality of an all-seasons outfit. It was made to be worn in any setting, formal or no. "Amad", Kili breathed out in a state of wonder. "This is lovely". In return, her son recieved a warm gaze of gratitude.

"Thank you, Kili". Fili was present, attending to the decor with the maids of the house. The Autumn Equinox festivities were heavily revered in Dwarven culture with Durin's day on approach. Dis grew excited every year, yet now, she was excited for more than one reason. "(Y/n) is finally here with us", she grinned, her smile resembling Kili's in every way. "I've wanted to complete this project ever since Thorin mentioned that she may be staying with us in adulthood. So, a few years ago, I felt inspired to craft a dress of my own make; worthy of any hall or occasion".

Her sons onlooked her excitement with mirth. It was rare that their mother had time outside of her royal duties for such things. "It is worthy of all the praise in this world", Fili assured, earning a short caress of comfort on his arm from Dis.

"It's not done yet, my son", she sighed, her smile content and motherly. Her head dipped to her lap, her raven locks falling upon her shoulders in an elegant half-up bound by many beads. One in particular, belonging to her late husband; Vili. She kept it close, attached to the braid she kept behind her right ear. It was the bead he'd fashioned for his proposal to her. Fili still admired its craftmanship. It was everything to Dis. "I am so excited to meet (Y/n)! You boys have. What is she like??".

"Fee couldn't keep his eyes to himself", Kili replied, earning himself a quirked brow from his brother. "I've never seen him so taken by a woman".

"Hang on a second, Kili! I was only curious. I've never met her before today", his brother argued, fighting his embarrassment. "All credit to her, she is beautiful. But, that's all there is to my thoughts". Dis supressed her smile for the sake of her eldest boy. There was no fooling her, however. No amount of downplaying could do that. She knew that Fili, at the very least, was enamoured by your presence. That was enough to catch her own attention enough that her eagerness to meet you was increased tenfold.

"You sure it wasn't her smile? Her eyes??", Kee teased, pouting his lips to his brother's annoyance.

"Shut up, men gorach—".

"No foul language in this house", Dis cut in like a cold blade. "Kili, enough".

"Sorry", her youngest cleared his throat, fighting his shit-eating grin with great difficulty.

"Wipe that look from your face and help Bombur in the kitchens". Despite his urge to laugh, Kili straightened when his mother addressed him again. In his deep respect for her, he wouldn't dare disobey anything she would ask and left without another word. Instead, he was quickly replaced by another dark-haired Dwarf. He bore a hat, which he removed from his head with a bow. "Pardon my interruption, Lady Dis. I need Fili's help, if y' don't mind it?".

"Not at all, Bofur", she smiled kindly, turning then to her eldest son. "It seems there is much left to do, Fili. When you leave, send Dralana to fetch (Y/n) for me, please". The blonde Dwarf nodded, offering his mother a warm and grateful smile for the way she'd handled his brother's antics.

"I take my leave, then. Dolzek menu, Amad".

"You're welcome, child", she chuckled, squeezing the hand he'd placed on her shoulder before returning to her work.

___________________________

It hadn't taken you long to settle into your spacious quarters. It was far larger than a cozy Hobbit hole, but it had all the comforts of home. A large, thick wooden bed with a fireplace on the opposing wall. A little alcove to read some books as well. There was also a window that brightened the room naturally, being that your room was on the front face of the mountain. The wardrobe they offered you was spacious with only a few old tunics that had a musty smell to them. The bedroom had been well kept with furs laid thick upon the bed and wild flowers in the few vases placed around the room.

However, despite these comforts, you could not fight the nervousness you felt; crossing through unfamiliar halls in your journey to meet the Lady Dis. Thorin's sister was an enigma to you. Clearly Kili and Fili's mother, yes. But, you pondered her resemblance to her brother; what she'd be like. More stern? Perhaps more intimidating?? You didn't know.

'Dralana', as this maid had called herself, accompanied you in good spirits. She was young, alike to yourself. Being a Dwarf, young could be anywhere from 30 to 130 years old. You didn't know. She didn't seem to fear her mistress, which gave you some form of comfort. You were even tempted to ask her thoughts on the Lady she served so kindly. "Don't look so nervous", she told you softly. "You look far too pale, Love".

"My apologies", came your almost shaky reply. "I've never met Lady Dis".

"She's a lovely sort". An amused smile dawned on Dralana's lightly bearded features. Her smile was so contagious, you couldn't help but match it. "Between you and me", her voice lowered to a whisper. "Our King Thorin is the more intimidating one of the two". You nodded, however, you understood why Thorin was so intimidating. He was incredibly private, but noble. He commanded respect with his gaze alone. Not many men could walk the world and do that, after all.

Dralana halted outside a large reinforced wooden door, knocking upon it gently, "Lady Dis! I've brought (Y/n), as requested!".

"Please, come in!", a voice like a calm sea came from the room. Dralana pushed the door open waving for you to walk through. And with great hesitation, you did. A comforting pat to your back from the young maid brought relief to your anxieties once you stepped into the musty room.

"I'll take my leave. Should you need anything, I am at your service, M'Lady!". Dralana bowed to the Dwarf that now stood up from what seemed like her work station. She was sat by a wooden stand that had a dress draped over it. Sewing materials were scattered upon the floors around her. You carefully walked closer, careful not to break anything as Dralana finally departed, closing the doors behind her.

The figure before you turned and instantly, a glittering pair of ocean orbs were upon you. Your mouth fell open slightly, the air leaving your lungs at how similar Dis' gaze was to her brother's, Fili's and Frerin's. Your head bowed to the dam before you, not wishing to be rude. "My Lady Dis", you greeted her.

"You must be (Y/n)!!", she exclaimed excitedly, taking you aback. You lifted your head, only to have her embrace you tightly. "Welcome to our home, child". All your anxiety melted at her affections. For the first time in a long time, you were being embraced by a mother. Warm hands came to cradle your face gently once you broke apart. "Fili mentioned you were beautiful! He certainly wasn't mistaken!". Your eyes had widened in some semblance of shock, despite how you tried to keep it under control. Fili had called you beautiful?? With your face growing hotter, you modestly replied with genuity,

"Thank you, M'Lady. You're far more beautiful in person than I'd imagined you to be". Dis grinned tracing your dimples with her thumbs gently before bringing her hands to your arms instead.

"You're too kind, Dear". Carefully, she lead you to her work station where a breathtaking dress was being made. It was a beige-brown, sleeveless for the moment and looked lighter than a feather. "This is one of my favourite projects". Her eyes darted to your face for approval, before continuing, "It is made for all seasons. Crafted with silken cottons and trims of mithrel on the edges. It will be a shoulderless dress, but I will be attaching these white arm sleeves, fashioned from Elven silk". It was hard not to marvel at her craftsmanship.

"Mithrel is a protective metal, is it not?", you asked, tracing the edges she'd stitched so carefully.

"It is!", she replied, all too happy with your knowledge. "I take it Thorin and Bilbo have told you about it?". You nodded.

"It's silver steel. Impenetrable by blades, but ever so beautiful. Thorin gave Bilbo a vest of Mithrel, I believe?".

"Yes. It is a noble gift to those that we regard as our kin", she murmured. "And despite how it may not offer you protection, I will give you this dress. I have been making it especially for you". At her words, your mouth fell open, causing her to laugh.

"Thank you!! But, this is too much. I can't take this!". Your modesty caused her smile to widen.

"Nonsense, child", Dis chided playfully. "It's yours". You bowed your head in thanks, yet found yourself mesmerised for the briefest moments when you looked up; for you saw Kili in her features. She noticed. "Are you alright, Love?".

"Yes", you snapped out of your gaze upon her. "You just remind me of Kili when you smile".

"I'm told that the resemblance is uncanny", Dis giggled with an amused shake to her head.

"I think Fili takes after you too. He has your eyes".

"He has the Durin eyes", she conceded. "But, I'm so grateful that he resembles his late father". You felt your heart sink at her words.

"I'm so sorry for your loss, M'Lady".

"Don't apologise", she insisted with a kind gaze. "Vili was an honourable man. He died in the most courageous way possible, defending those he loved. I look at Fili and I see that same ferocity in his heart. A quiet, brave fire".

"But, he takes after you and Thorin as well", you added. "Both him and Kili do. You both are wise, mature, but compassionate. Fili may be more wise and mature than Kili,—". Dis giggled at your observation. "—But no less compassionate than those of his house".

"Thank you". The dam brought her arm around your shoulder, caressing it in such a way that it reminded you of your own mother's kind embrace. "Thorin was right about you". Your brows knitted in confusion for only a moment, before she added, "You really are one of us; one of our kin".

Feeling warmth within your very soul, Dis insisted that you wear the dress so that she may be able to complete the final alterations. You stood in the stunning dress upon a small stool whilst she stitched and worked almost effortlessly. She made regular offers for you to sit if you were tired or drinks of water if you were thirsty. The sleeves she stitched hung comfortably loose from your arm and she altered them so that the sleeve would end at your wrist as to not bother you. She placed mithrel on the white sleeve ends, ensuring a stylish gap on each shoulder was left, exposing a small amount of skin to breathe. The care and love Dis had for her work was immeasurable. The delight in her eyes reminded you of the way your mother tended to the gardens of your old home.

She had quickly noticed your quiet, her blue eyes traveling up to meet your glassed ones. "Are you alright, Dear?", her question broke your thoughts. You nodded, chewing the inside of your lip to keep any tears at bay. Her warm hands grasped one of your own, rubbing them softly to console you.

"I lost my mother", you finally breathed out, feeling like a hot iron had been plunged through you. "You remind me of her as well. I'm sorry". Desperately, you wiped at your eyes with your spare hand.

"Don't you say sorry, Darling", Dis hushed you with a shake of her head. "It's alright for others to remind you of those of whom you have lost". She smiled with a gentle sadness, helping you wipe your tears. "It is sometimes our only reminder that they are still here, in our hearts and minds". You managed to fight the tightness in your chest, relaxing at her touches of comfort. She was right. It's how she knew Vili had never truly left her.

Dis struck you as a true mother. Concerned, passionate, headstrong, but comforting and kind. She had lost so much, yet had an unlimited amount of love to give. And you knew, from the moment she saw you, she'd regarded you as her own.

"Thank you, Dis". Her heart melted as you finally had felt comfortable enough not to be formal with her.

"Always, child. You just come to me", she replied, beginning to work again on her project.

To your own confusion, Dis had begun stitch a leather belt bound with fur to your waist. The color of your dress with this minor addition reminded you in some strange way of Fili. Or the comforts of a fireplace and a bed. The dress needed only a few alterations over the next hour before Dis finally finished her work of art.

"My masterpiece!", she marveled, pulling you down from the stool at long last. The dress fell right above your feet, leaving them unhindered and visible. "Don't you look a right angel?". You found yourself smiling at the floor in your bashfulness.

"You're too kind", you uttered out softly. "Thank you".

"It was a pleasure!", she insisted. "You are free to join the festivities of dinner now!". Your head shook to her greater confusion, before you elaborated,

"No, thank you. I'd rather wait and go with you".

____________________________

Dis had linked arms with you, now ready in an elegant dark blue evening gown of her own making. You loved her thick raven locks, even admiring the soft, well-kept beard upon her strong jawline. You had helped her choose a small crown which sat nicely in her braided half-up and the studded boots she now wore with her dress. The halls were lit with fire torches upon the walls, music and merriment from the dining hall and ballroom being heard from the bowels of the city. Dwalin sat with a small Thrain upon his lap, eating and chewing with no remorse, only giving the year-old pebble boring, soft and mushy foods for his own safety. He downed pints of mead and ale like the many others enjoying the festivities. Bilbo had even been asked to retell the story of his adventures to the smaller Dwarven children that had come. He sat at one end of the large table, a group of children before him; inclusive of Frerin. Bofur, who was a toymaker at heart, had made a puppet of Smaug and joined on emphasis, enjoying the company of his friend again after so long. The party was keenly observed by Balin and Thorin, who assumed the stone throne at the head of the table.

The King smiled, watching his nephews greet their friends and family with eagerness. Each of them carried a pint of ale, recounting days long passed and joking in merriment with each other. Thorin eagerly awaited the arrival of his sister and it seemed he was not the only one.

"My King Thorin", Tauriel greeted him kindly with a bow, earning herself a warm smile from the King. It had taken time and plenty of patience, but Thorin over the few years after Erebor had been reclaimed; had come to see Elves as his friends, friends of his people. Tauriel had become kin, just as you and Bilbo had.

"Tauriel", he inclined his head in acknowledgement.

"Where is Lady Dis? I much await to see her". Thorin chuckled, only responding,

"She is on her way, with our other honoured guest".

"(Y/n)!", she huffed excitedly. "Kili mentioned that she would be here".

"And she will be". The party remained lively, yet, Fili was feeling tortured at Nori and Kili's shameless teasing.

"First an Elf maid in the family? Now a Hobbit? You lot ought to 'ave your heads checked", Nori sighed, exasperated and amused.

"It's not like that!", Fili insisted. "She's a lovely lass, but I can't say I fancy her". Dwalin, who sat mere feet away at the table, scrutinized the conversation with the same unamused expression he'd had in Rivendell many years ago. He chewed obnoxiously, cradling Kili's second son effortlessly in one arm.

"Y' can't expect me to believe that codswallop after your brother sprouted the same thing. And now look", he grunted. "Married and child-bound to an Elf maid. 'Can't say I fancy Elf maids', my hairy arse". Fili scoffed at Dwalin's words, slugging at his ale absent-mindedly, before he heard Balin's voice.

"May I introduce, the Lady Dis to the party and her companion (Y/n) of the Shire; one of our two honoured guests this evening!". Ale painfully travelled through Fili's nasal cavity, causing him to clear his throat and wipe his face.

"You alright?", Kili teased, raising his brows.

"Fine", his brother snapped back, turning his ocean gaze to the staircase in which you descended. Your arms were linked with his mother's and the dress you wore— it was his mother's craft. He noticed the little ways in which it resembled his ensemble. The dress looked stunning on your smaller frame, cascading like a warm waterfall to your feet. Sleeves had also been added, breaking the neutrality. The mithrel glitterered perfectly. Your curls were long and loose upon your shoulders. You were just so naturally regal. Fili felt a strange tightness within his chest, attempting an almost nervous slug at his ale. "Mahal, she's beautiful". His words were quiet, beneath his breath whilst he managed to tear his eyes from your form.

"What did I tell ye?", Dwalin huffed amusedly, shaking his head. "Codswallop".

Upon entry, you had adjusted to the rowdy party setting. Some Dwarves sang and danced upon the tables. Other Dwarves were less civilized, throwing food with obnoxious conversation and laughter. You admired the various decor, cozily coloured orange with gold trimmings. Fili had picked them out; you knew as such. You had spied him from across the room after getting well acquainted with Tauriel. You kept any eagerness for seeing him restrained whilst you sat with Thorin, Balin and Dis.

"Another fine party for another beautiful equinox", Balin sighed, joyfully scanning the room. Dis nodded in agreement, observing the many faces from Erebor that had come to celebrate with their royalty. Bilbo, alike to yourself, had grown used to the chaos of Dwarven mealtimes. To your eyes, he seemed happier in Erebor. Less isolated. You turned your gaze to Thorin, who eyed you happily as a proud father would.

"It's so beautiful. The people are rowdy, but it truly does make the party all the merrier", you observed, tucking into the hot servings of food.

"Just wait until the town dance. Then the party truly begins", Thorin grinned. Dis matched his smile with excitement. This was something every Dwarf looked forward to on the approach to Durin's day and it was so precious to see all that happiness right in front of you. The food was a delight to your stomach, the sweet mead filling your soul. The air was crisp and cool, wafting in from the stone balcony. You found yourself relaxing at long last, enjoying the atmosphere when Dis turned to you.

"(Y/n), why don't you participate in the town dance??". You grew nervous at the idea. You hardly knew anyone or the dance.

"It is fun!", Tauriel insisted gently, her smile radiant like that of the glittering stars. Aside from being a powerful warrior, you understood why Kili had fallen for her. "I will be participating".

"By tradition, you need to find yourself a partner", Balin added, smiling for your comfort.

"How??", you sputtered. "I've only ever done circle dances". He chuckled at your expression, wholeheartedly jovial in this situation.

"It's nothing complicated, My Dear. Just take a goblet of ale and offer it to any man. If they drink, they accept the offer to be your dancing partner".

"I will show you", Dis giggled, Balin already knowing what she was up to. She stood with a goblet of her own, making her way over to a very stoic looking Dwarf.

"Oh, he'll love this", Thorin restrained his laughter.

"Who will?", you asked in your complete confusion.

"Dwalin", the two males replied simultaneously. That name rung a bell. Thorin and Bilbo had mentioned him to you. You remembered him not being overly approachable. Just from what you were told of first impressions. All three of you watched as Dis began to offer her drink to Dwalin. He had a baby upon his lap that he bounced about and cradled effortlessly before he snatched the goblet from his female counterpart and downed the ale. He didn't seem particularly impressed or excited, but Dis didn't seem to mind as her steps brought her back to you.

"And now I have my dance partner", she grinned.

"How is he taking it being on both babysitting and dancing duty?", Thorin enquired, not able to restrain any amused expression.

"He's being Dwalin about it", she sighed. "Taking it with indifference and chewing loudly, as he always does".

"I almost feel sorry for him", Balin sniggered. "Almost". He turned to you. "Now lass, it's your turn". Dis poured you a goblet of ale, handing it to you eagerly. The metal felt freezing within your smaller hands, but you became afraid of your hands becoming clammy in your nervousness. You bowed to the three Dwarves and their Elven counterpart before walking into the crowds in an attempt to find a partner. You were tempted to grab Fili, but you were positive that he'd already have a partner alike to his brother; some part of you feeling the tinges of disappointment. You had spied Bilbo, but his storytelling hadn't ceased. You couldn't interrupt him now, although you were running out of time. You quickly spotted a Dwarf near Dwalin with the oddest hair you'd seen meeting in three separate points.

"If y' going to ask Nori to dance, ye better mind your pockets, lass"

"What's that supposed to mean?", you inquired with some worry.

"It means, find y'self another dance partner", Dwalin ground out with a roll of his eyes.

"Aye", you sighed with some exasperation. You hardly needed a sneak-thief's hands on your waist, let alone in your pockets as well. And to your panic, Thorin had stepped up to address everyone. You were too late!

"Good evening, everyone!". Every Dwarf and dam fell silent, turning their gazes to their King happily. "This is your last chance to find yourselves a partner for the dance before we begin!". The few Dwarves that didn't wish to participate started to leave and others in full confidence; had found partners.

"Dori, I'll dance with her! She has no-one", a soft, but polite voice murmured from nearby, only to be shut down.

"You cause injury to every dance partner, every equinox, Ori. Just skip out, for the love of Mahal. Dancing is just not in your talents". You spied the young Dwarf with sympathy and thought that alike to him, you might just skip out as well.

"It's for the best", a kind voice reassured you, now next to you unexpectedly. "Ori is a good lad. He just has two left feet". The familiar golden mane of the Prince in your peripheral gave him away. How long had he been standing there?? A soft laugh rumbled in his chest, his ocean eyes moving to meet your own. You followed in soft laughter, fawning,

"Aw, but I just feel bad for him. You can see he likes dancing".

"I take it that you do as well", the Princeling added, gesturing to the goblet in your hands.

"Yes— well. I have no partner", you confessed with shame. "I've run out of time. I have to leave the floor". You moved to dismiss yourself from his presence, not wishing to be in the way of the dance, when you felt the warmth of his hand on your own. His mouth parted and he nearly retracted only to find that you were receptive to him.

"May I partake?", Fili offered, his voice tender and light. He grasped the goblet with his free hand for elaboration. You found yourself fighting your shock, nodding without words, knowing that they couldn't be trusted at this very moment. His head dipped politely when he took the ale; and within but a moment, he'd finished the beverage, setting the goblet down at last.

"You may now begin!", Thorin flagged the crowd with a boisterous wave of his hand.

"Fili!", you whispered to him amidst your sudden panic. "I don't know what to do!". His ocean eyes found yours again, unphased by your words.

"Just trust me", his hushed voice soothed you, whilst his hands took yours. His grin was light and reassuring, his thumbs running caresses over your soft skin. A warmth spread within your heart, your hands subconsciously squeezing his own back. For reasons you couldn't yet place, you felt entirely at ease with Fili. You trusted him completely.

"I don't believe it", Dwalin breathed out incredulously, eyeing you with the Princeling from afar.

"I can", Kili grinned, taking his bride by her hands lovingly.

"So, he finally put aside his hogwash and grew some bullocks. About time". Dis playfully whacking her dance partner's shoulder to his own amusement. She smiled almost proudly at her firstborn,

"I'm happy for him, if this is what he wants. I just want him to be happy".

"Aye. Me too", Dwalin conceded with some hesitation, adding, "Even if the little ingrate couldn't choose a maid from Erebor".

"Just shut up!", Dis giggled, allowing the hardened Dwarf to take her hands in his own, Thrain strapped to his chest safely. Bilbo had ceased storytelling, encouraging the children to watch the various pairs in the crowd. Bofur leapt onto the dinner table with his flute handy, ready to serenade the party with joy itself. The music had changed from various drum beats to a more calculated song. Bilbo noted how similar the merriness of the music sounded in comparison to the music the Dwarves sang at his home in Bag End, how similar it was to the Hobbit festival music.

"Reminds me of a summer's eve festival", you murmured, unable to fight your smile as the music built up.

"I've grown up with this. Every year, not being able to participate. It's beautiful. And I'm excited that I finally can". The Princeling matched your jovial expression, bringing your left hand to cradle his shoulder, whilst he took to holding the small of your back with his right. "Are you comfortable?". Carefully, he began to sway to the music with you, your joined steps in time with the music going faster.

"Yes", you exhaled, causing a short laugh to leave his throat.

"Good". Fili's face broke into a grin as he lead you carefully to start jumping whilst you swayed. You took his lead, eagerly showing him your trust and enthusiasm. "Right. Grab my shoulders.. now!". Instantly, you obeyed, his steady hands reaching for your waist. You became weightless, a blissful cry leaving your lips when he effortlessly swung you above his head. Your head was spinning when he placed you down. His hand reached for yours and he used the momentum to twirl you around. You laughed when your face was met with his hard shoulder, catching a comforting whiff of smoked wood and honey in his scent. "Keeping up, (Y/n)?", he teased with a hidden underlying concern.

"Of course", you pushed back to his amusement, knowing that he'd take it as a challenge. A mirthful chuckle left his lips, his brows raising,

"Alright then". Holding you as close as he possibly could, Fili fell into the faster rhythms of the dance with you. His hands squeezed yours whilst he spun you both in a circle. You enjoyed the texture of his callouses on your skin, the way his larger hands made you feel warm and the steadiness of them whilst he held you. Your eyes were like stars to him. He couldn't look away, eyeing your expression for any unsurity and finding nothing but trust and bliss there. It warmed the very depths of his soul. For Fili, it was hard to love others outside of his family. Many sought to take advantage of the next in line for the throne for their riches or status. Yet, for the first time in a long time, his regality was forgotten. He could be his true self easily around you, to his own surprise. It was you. Your fun-loving nature. You helped him let go, even if it was for tonight alone. Another cry of laughter left your lips as he swung you again above his head for the last time in the dance. Your feet were upon his as the music came to a halt, your hands still clasped to his shoulders. Your ragged breaths mingled, the joy having not left either of your two expressions. The blonde's nose brushed yours, the faint cry Kili let out at Nori's laughter making you both laugh.

"Shut up, Nori! It's okay for the lady to lift the man in the dance!". The youngest Durin grumbled. "Every year!". Tauriel's laughter echoed your own. Your eyes scanned the Prince's blue ones. His hands drew imaginary patterns on your waist, sparking shivers to your core. You need only have leaned in to kiss him, every fibre of your being wanting to.

"Did you like the dance?", his voice was but a soft breath. You nodded, still feeling breathless yourself. Resisting your impulses, you allowed your head to come to a rest upon his shoulder, sparking him to rub your back comfortingly. You were tired, but he held you steady. Fili's heart knew if given the chance, he'd hold you forever. A sudden sadness struck him. You would go home after your stay, however long it may be. He would be bound to stay in Erebor, as always. How many years would pass before your next visit? There were so many unsurities. It was then that you llifted your head, smiling at the Prince and melting his heart in the process. You broke from his gentle grip and curtsied politely.

"Thank you for partaking with me". He grinned, bowing to you in return,

"The honour was mine, My Lady".

"You both danced so well!", Dis fawned grabbing you both by an arm each gently. Your gaze hit the floor again in your bashfulness.

"Thank you. But, Fili took the lead. He's the real reason I didn't fall over", you uttered modestly.

"Nonsense, child", she chided gently. "It always takes two to dance these songs". Fili nodded in agreement, chuckling softly. His eyes traced your features again, memorising every dimple, your eyes.

"(Y/n) is quite the talented dancer. If she had not trusted me, it would have all been for naught. I was lucky to have her". Dis surpressed her intrigue at her son's words, watching how you took them. She could see more modesty in your bashfulness as you bowed your head in gratitude. Dis decided then to leave you both be, to observe from afar, if at all.

"Where's (Y/n)?", Thorin had asked once his sister was seated with him again.

"Being young. As the night deserves". Thorin nodded. "She's quite safe with Fili". At his sister's words, the King found himself grinning whilst he sipped his ale. He saw the both of you dancing, marveling at how quick you both had become so trusting and fond of the other. And perhaps some part of him wished, alike to Dis, for you both to be happy together. Either as friends or more.

The party remained active, a few of the couples continuing to dance to the merriness of the music still being played in the background. Dwalin had finished his meal and had taken to playing with Thrain, using his homemade thistle-rattle. Everyone knew that despite his hard exterior, the stoic dwarf had a good, soft heart when it mattered. He'd spotted both yourself and Fili leaving for the balcony in good spirits. "With any luck, your Uncle might give y' a cousin!", he mused in a childish manner, bouncing the little pebble. "He just needs to get his act together and grow some jambags!". Thrain's little brown eyes sparkled at his Uncle's playful expressions, unable to understand anything but Dwalin's lighthearted tone of voice. Thrain gurgled back, drooling lazily. "Agreed", the older Dwarf huffed back, grabbing a cloth napkin to wipe at the babe's mouth.

The cool autumn breeze blew wistfully upon the balcony, rustling the surrounding trees. It was only a small area barely poking from the mountain by the front gates, undecorated and empty. Stars had hit their peaks in the sky above and the moon seemed like a romantic spotlight, shining upon the mountain face. Fili's blue eyes had become beautifully brighter with the touches of moonlight, the brightness seeming to give him an ethereal aura that stole your breath from your lungs. You followed him in leaning on the thick railing of stone, finding it hard not to admire the land in which he and his family lived. Now you understood why Thorin had missed Erebor. This was the kingdom he'd grown up in. Beautiful markets, festivals, Equinox celebrations. Cool autumn evenings with the comfort of good food. You even found yourself pondering if he'd ever stood here on one fair evening with a Dwarf he admired romantically. If he'd ever had the chance to experience the magic of the feelings in your own blood. Feelings like the ones you have now for his nephew. "It's really beautiful", Fili murmured at last in some form of contentment. He turned to you, making you painfully aware that you stood almost completely shoulder to shoulder. You nodded softly.

"More beautiful than any view back home", you breathed, reminding him of the green grasses and stone paths of the Shire.

"The Shire is beautiful in its own way. Very similar to here. All the same comforts. Just more spacious".

"Careful, Fili. I might end up staying forever if you keep advertising like that". You'd only half-meant the joke, already loving Erebor. You'd even debated staying longer than your planned month. Just to be with Thorin and his family for a while longer.

"And you would be most welcome to stay", Fili insisted, catching you offguard. "If that's what you choose, of course".

"Thank you". Your smile was contagious, eliciting a grin from him. "I can see why you like it out here. It's peaceful".

"There's another reason". The Princeling smiled with an almost childish delight, looking to you before pointing to the left of the horizon for the nearby stone city. "Dale usually lights lanterns of zharr. That's how they celebrate the seasonal change. Their new year may be on approach. I cannot be sure", he chuckled. "But, I love it". Fili never shared his small pleasures with anyone, afraid of being vulnerable. So, he'd always come alone to watch over the passing years. With your company, he finally felt as if someone could share in his delights. You admired this side to him, seeing him so in awe of the golden lanterns that now scattered the dark skies.

"Zharr", you repeated, stilling his breath with your pronunciation of his Khuzdul slip.

"It means 'fire' in my native language", he whispered, dipping his head in his slight embarrassment. "My apologies. When I get excited, I tend to slip various words".

"I love it", you blurted out all too excitedly, making his eyes widen and brows furrow from surprise and confusion. "Can you talk more?".

"In Khuzdul?". Fili felt his ears were betraying him. Why would a Hobbit take such curiosity in such an indelicate language? Elvish was the usual favourite..

"Yes, in Khuzdul", you insisted with a short giggle, subconsciously leaning into the warmth of his shoulder. The blonde Dwarf was at a loss.

"What would you like to know?".

"Anything!", you shrugged, enthused nonetheless. Fili's mind drifted to his favourite words of assurance, hoping to impress you with some more gentle words of his language rather than the battle-cries and manly compliments. His lips parted, finding himself in hesitation. He offered you a smile, tracing your face with fondness,

"Menu gamut khed". Goosebumps scattered across your skin, something about the way he spoke in his native tongue intriguing you. Heat had also risen in your cheeks at the intensity and gentleness of his gaze, the moon masking it with its pale light.

"What does that mean?".

"That you are a wonderful person". Using his elbow, he nudged your arm gently. "Which you are". Your head bowed in bashfulness, your laugh bringing speed to his heart.

"Thank you". Fili beamed, murmuring,

"Ai menu duzhuk, mazarinh".

"You cheeky bastard, what does that mean?", you laughed.

"At your service, daring lady". You were unable to mask your amusement, seeing his own.

"Hobbits are hardly daring, Princeling", you shot back teasingly.

"Funny", his brows rose in challenge. "Both Hobbits I know are. Having travelled so far from the comforts of their home. But, that secret is safe with me". Cheekily, he offered you a wink, your eyes averting with some shyness.

"Maybe you should be daring and travel?", you suggested. "Stay in Bag End?". His heart wrenched, the brightness in his eyes seeming to dim. He wouldn't allow you to notice as his eyes travelled back to the horizon.

"I'm not allowed such freedoms", the blonde shrugged, trying to sound nonchalant. He fumbled with his fingers as an unconscious way of soothing himself. You could tell that you'd plucked the wrong string with him.

"You could always get Kili to cover for you? Thorin is still King. He'd let you go?". The hopefulness in your voice did little to change his resolve.

"Thorin will not be King for much longer. I am his heir. All of his duties and my current ones will fall onto me as soon as he decides to abdicate the throne", Fili sighed. "I will be too busy. And Kili hasn't been groomed for the throne like myself. He cannot perform the duties all on his own. I'm already far too busy to leave, to my detriment". Your brows furrowed in your concern, subconsciously reaching to hold his forearm, caressing it comfortingly. He restrained himself from reaching to hold you, swallowing the lump in his throat.

"You don't seem pleased to be the next in line", you confessed, eliciting a soft, yet sad smile from the Princeling.

"I'm not particularly happy or sad", he murmured. "I never asked for this, but I'm happy to be a King for my people. My lack of freedom is worth their happiness, their safety. I have a duty to them". You nodded in understanding, meeting eyes with him. And for reasons you couldn't understand at all, you could read his gaze, seeing an underlying worry.

"But, there's something else on your mind", you inderluded, giving his forearm a squeeze. His eyes had grown wider in surprise. No friend of his had ever seen through him like that.

"There is", his voice grew quiet, his gaze falling to his hands that still fumbled. You knew he was ashamed of whatever it was. Fili gnawed the inside of his bottom lip, his eyes seeming glassy. "I am afraid, (Y/n)". His confession was quiet, strained with hesitation and pain. You nodded, moving your hand upon his two for his comfort. His bare skin was burning hot to the touch, clammy out of nervousness. He enveloped your hand in his two, using his fingers and palms to warm your cooler skin and to soothe himself. "A curse lies upon that throne. It has been apparent in my bloodline since the rule of my great grandfather, Thror". You knew of which curse he was referring to. Thorin and Bilbo had told you of it. Dragonsickness. It had been seventeen years since Erebor had been reclaimed. Seventeen years since Thorin overcame his Dragonsickness, giving all of the gold away that was promised to Laketown to rebuild Dale and the lake city. He had used the rest to rebuild the kingdom of Erebor in which you now stood. Although there was no gold left, Fili feared the curse. That it may change him or cause him to have uncharacteristic greed and arrogance. There was nothing he feared more. "He became entirely consumed by a lack of compassion. His greed set the foundations for Smaug. And when Smaug was no more, the sickness fell to the next in line, Thorin. I watched it consume him. Make him jealous, obsessive, unkind. It frightened me. It still does. It may have skipped my grandfather, Thrain, but I fear it may still linger here". When Fili's eyes closed, he imagined himself totally enthralled by the curse on a throne of dishonour. He feared above all, that he would lose himself. "I cannot allow myself to be that. I cannot—". Your touch upon his bearded face paused his anxious ramblings. Softly, your thumb traced his cheekbones, wiping the stray tears that had begun to fall unbeknownst to himself. His ocean orbs met yours, fully glassed, still brimming with tears.

"And you won't be that, Fili", your voice was a hushed whisper, allowing your hand to linger on his hot skin. You threaded your fingertips into the hair by his temple, making his skin light up in goosebumps. He thanked Mahal that his arms were covered by his coat. "I see you now. You are compassionate, courageous and selfless. Being courageous isn't about doing things without fear. It's being scared and doing it anyway. Don't be ashamed of your fear, Fili. You won't be cursed with dragonsickness. There is no cursed gold here and no greed in your heart". Your words soothed the Prince. Unsurity still remained, although it had lessened.

"(Y/n), I'm sorry—", he rasped, allowing himself to sniffle. Guilt filled his heart at letting you see him weep, even if there was no intent. Fili wondered what both his Uncle Frerin and father would've thought, seeing him so pressured by fear. It felt dishonourable to him, having been brought up never to express oneself with tears in public, as it showed too much vulnerability for a potential King. He always had to be strong for his people. He couldn't remember the last time he cried, now that he thought of it.

"Fili, it's alright", you hushed him, continuing your soft caresses on his face. You didn't seem to mind or scorn the blonde Prince, to his surprise. There was no judgement in your eyes at his tears. "If you need time, I can leave you".

"Don't", he blurted out, coming to hold the hand you'd laid upon his face. "You are a comfort. Please don't leave". You smiled in some semblance of relief, still noticing the tears that lingered. Moving your other hand from his, you gently held the braids closest to his face, stroking down the plaits soothingly. Not realizing the importance of hair, you didn't pay any mind to the way he looked at you with a glint of longing, only focusing on bringing your foreheads together the way Thorin had with you so many times before. Your knowledge of this embrace surprised Fili, but he didn't resist your touch. Your noses brushed, his forehead gently resting against your own. Softly, he inhaled your scent of earthy flowers, allowing himself to be at peace with you. His own spare hand moved to move the stray curls from your face, eyeing your face for unsurity. He felt complete. It was an odd feeling. But, it was as if an invisible thread attached to his soul had met its other end. His mouth parted, his breath hitching from hesitation. "You're so beautiful". Fili felt the warmth increase within your skin, your breath having stilled at the way he spoke that phrase. Despite your underlying modesty and doubt, there was no dishonesty in the Princeling's steady ocean eyes whilst they danced over your features.

"So are you", your reply was but a breath, fanning over his nearby lips. You gently ran your fingertips down one of his braids, admiring the softness of them and the warmth pouring from his being as the evening grew colder around you. Being so close with him, you finally felt as if your heart had found its home. It was a connection not even you could fathom, as if it had been long in the making. That same longing danced within his gaze, his scent both comforting and intoxicating to you. The Prince became sure of himself, his lashes coming to flutter against your supple skin when his face neared yours. Out of anticipation for his touch, you moistened your lips, deciding to help close the short distance.

"Khîê–", his hot breath ghosted your lips before he seized them gently with his own. His kiss was delicate and hot like fire, slowly becoming more intense. Your hands weaved into the strands of his silken mane, a soft hum leaving his throat at the blissful goosebumps your touch gave him. His touch left tingles wherever his hands brushed, his strong grip molding your form into his. Fili's brows had furrowed subconsciously in his concentration, his lips swollen when you parted. Your foreheads remained together, eyes still closed. Fili's voice had become hoarse when he murmured, "Amrâlimê". You could hear the soft smile in his voice, the word he uttered sending flutters along your spine like it called to your heart itself. When your eyes opened to meet Fili's deep blues, you shared in the smile he'd offered to you. He tilted your face upwards, cradling it like delicate glass. You found yourself melting into Fili's touch when his lips pressed again to yours in a feathersoft kiss. "I have something to offer you", he breathed out once your lips parted, bringing your hand up to the braid that sat behind his left ear. He wrapped your fingertips around the metal bead at the end of the plait before allowing you to pull it from his hair. The silver bead gleamed within your palm, the moonlight revealing the intricate rune and few symbols engraved upon it that you did not understand.

"Fili, it's beautiful!", you marveled at the craftmanship, eliciting a gorgeous smile from the Prince in his mirth.

"My mother and father made a bead for both my brother and myself. They both put their love into the make of it and engraved it with the markings of their houses. The main, being Durin". Your brows rose in shock, your mouth falling open.

"Fili, I can't take this, your parents—".

"Made it for courtship", he cut in, ceasing your anxious ramblings gently. "For my One". Although you knew next to nothing of Dwarven courtship, you knew that Fili was offering you something more sacred than this bead. His life, his heart, his soul. Fili's eyes were hopeful whilst he gnawed his bottom lip. "(Y/n), I feel as if a thread ties my heart to yours. Please tell me if this connection is just mine alone". Reaching for his hand, your head shook.

"It isn't. I was drawn to you for reasons I couldn't place. And then I realised something in my time with you tonight". His brows rose in interest, begging you to continue. "You feel like home, Fili. Something I've not had in what seems like forever. After I lost my mother, I felt empty. Bag End is a beautiful home, but my heart knew it wasn't where I belonged. Being here with you, being with your family, I finally feel like I belong".

"Then stay", Fili's lips ghosted near your own, his eyes seeming to almost plead with you silently. Allowing your actions to speak for you, your lips captured his in a feverish kiss, his body instinctively pressing flush upon your own.

"Like you had to ask", you hummed playfully after reducing him into a state of bliss. A giggle left the Dwarf Prince, his grin meeting his eyes. The fates had finally blessed him with his One. Per the Dwarven custom, Fili reached for a cluster of strands sitting behind your right ear and had separated them into three parts. His bottom lip sat between his teeth whilst carefully weaving your strands into a soft, silken braid. The excitement glittering within his eyes could not be masked, his breath having stilled in his concentration. The moonlight continued to make the Prince seem otherworldly and divine, as if the Durins were made for its rays. When the bead had clicked into place at the end of your braid, you beheld Fili's handiwork in wonder. A sense of accomplishment fell upon you as if the bead had always meant to be there. "It's so beautiful", you whispered, tugging upon it softly.

"It belongs to you now, like my heart". You carefully took his face into your smaller hands, brushing the stray hairs from his face whilst his hands came to caress the tips of your pointed ears. His gaze shamelessly admired your delicate features, your soft freckles and cascading curls.

"I will treasure both with all that I am, giving you my own heart in return". Before your heads could meet, your gazes were drawn to the approaching footsteps of none other than the Mountain King himself. Fili remained relaxed in the presence of his Uncle as he approached, smiling broadly with pride, "I hope I am not interrupting".

"Not at all, Uncle", Fili insisted in genuity, Thorin's gaze falling upon your courting braid.

"It seems much has been realised between you both. And I much wish to congratulate you".

"Thank you", you beamed at the man you'd continuously come to appreciate as a father figure. His soul warmed at your modest nature. For Thorin, it had become apparent that fate had not only blessed him with you, but his nephew as well. Perhaps, you were always destined to be Thorin's family? Not that he minded, considering that he had regarded you as kin since you were young. Yet now, looking upon the woman you had become, he realised that his nephew could not be in better hands with such a kindhearted spouse to share in his life.

With an affectionate smile, the King found himself laying a hand upon each of your shoulders. "Know this. I am proud of you both, always".

When you and Fili rejoined the party, a shout bellowed from Dwalin. "I bloody knew it!!", he had shouted once spying your courting braid from afar. "You owe me 50 coins, Nori! Pay up!!". Sputtering excuses, the sneak-thief saw fit to try and leave to no avail. Dwalin handed Kili's youngest son back to him before vaulting over the table in pursuit of the smaller Dwarf. Fili's lips pursed in his restraint of laughter, eyeing your mirthful grin in his peripheral. Excusing himself from you, he travelled to where his mother onlooked in fondness.

"Fili", Dis sighed, her eyes glimmering in delight.

"Amad". His smile was as soft as it had been with you, allowing his face to be cradled by his mother.

"You've found happiness. It's more than I could've hoped for you". Her son's head dipped in gratefulness.

"I am happy", he assured her. "And maybe, we will have our first Queen Under the Mountain?". Dis pressed a kiss to Fili's forehead, holding it against her own for a moment.

"I await that day with great excitement, my son".

Everything was perfect...

_______________________________

The halls of Durin had been tense.

Thorin Oakenshield paced the halls of his home, his sister and youngest nephew with his family awaiting news from Fili eagerly. It had been many hours since they last laid eyes upon him. "Great Uncle", Frerin called upon the King, catching his fond attention. "How much longer?".

"Uncle Fee is taking forever", Thrain whined in addition. Tauriel rubbed the back of her youngest son in consolation whilst his father held him close. Frerin bounced on his heels restlessly, recieving an amused smile from Thorin. The older Dwarf knelt in front of the auburn haired boy, brushing his messy hair from his face before patting his shoulder affectionately.

"He shouldn't be much longer now, Dear One", he assured.

"Calm down, boys", Kili grinned, bobbing the pebble in his arms playfully. "The more you think about it and gripe, the longer it'll take for you".

"No fair", Thrain huffed, pouting in his frustration.

"It has been a while", Dis sighed in worry, gnawing on her lower lip out of nervousness. "Perhaps I should—".

"No", Thorin placated her gently. "You needn't check on him. He will come to us. Have faith". Her eldest brother always had a way of making her feel at ease, even when she didn't want to be. Tauriel extended her comforting touch to Dis, the mother sharing an appreciative look toward her daughter-in-law. Footsteps echoed in the hall, alarming everyone to a new presence. Bilbo came rushing up the steps at the end of the hall, panting from exhaustion.

"I came as soon as I heard. Has it happened yet?".

"No, but you are right on time, old friend", Thorin grinned. The Hobbit, despite his exhaustion, offered a grateful smile to the Mountain King. All of them awaited Fili's return with bated breath for only moments more before the wooden doors nearest to them opened. With exhaustion riddling his entire form, the golden-haired Prince huffed with a lopsided smile. Frerin hugged his Uncle excitedly, recieving a half-hug back.

"It's time". As if everyone knew what the announcement was, they filed through the door and into the winding halls beyond. It wasn't long before the group reached an open room.

"(Y/n)", Kili breathed out, excited to see his sister in-law again after so many hours. He raced to your side, hugging your ragged form in your bedrest. Thorin, despite how he'd remained calm before, also had his eyes clouded in concern.

"Are you alright?", he questioned, his eyes monitoring you for any signs of pain.

"I'm fine", you sighed, offering your husband a grateful look whilst he assumed your bedside again. Bilbo quickly cleared Kili aside, surprising you with his presence. Your shout of joy at seeing your old friend had everyone laughing happily at your reunion. The older Hobbit embraced you softly, caressing your back comfortingly whilst he held you. Dis and Tauriel had even taken to your side afterwards, checking you over for injury in a bout of protectiveness.

"She's fine", Fili assured your family, grinning in delight when he turned and reached down into a nearby cradle. "I've got someone who wants to meet you all".

"Our cousin!!", Frerin screeched in his excitement, jumping up and down eagerly.

Everyone watched in pure excitement as Fili cradled a small bundle gently in his arms, bringing it closer to his family. The babe had sandy blonde hair dusting his small head, his little ears tilted back and pointed; like a Hobbit's ears, only more delicate and rounded. The feet were only slightly enlarged, taking more after the Dwarven side. "It's a boy", his father announced proudly, everyone letting out a cheer and round of applause. Dis was the first to hold her grandson, tears brimming in her ocean gaze.

"(Y/n), Fili; he's so beautiful". It was hard for Fili to keep his own tears at bay, seeing his mother so emotionally enthralled by his child. With astounding gentleness, she laid a kiss on her grandson's forehead, passing him over to her brother Thorin. The older Dwarf was just as taken by the child, his voice wet with the tears that threatened to fall,

"He is an exact combination of you both". Thorin's thumb brushed the rounded Hobbit-like cheeks. He could hardly believe that the boy in his arms would one day be the King of Erebor. "He's spectacular".

"We've chosen a name", you spoke up, catching the immediate attention of everyone again. "We're naming our firstborn after a man we owe almost everything to". You looked to Fili with an excited glint in your eyes, silently asking him to continue.

"We're calling our son Thorin III, the next King of Erebor after myself. We are naming him after the greatest King to walk these halls". Fili's eyes travelled to his Uncle whose mouth had parted in some semblance of shock. Thorin's eyes glanced both at yours and within Fili's, checking to see if you'd played him. There was no jesting, no dishonesty. "You were a father figure to myself, Kili and even (Y/n). You didn't have to try most days. And we are eternally grateful to you". Fili swallowed the lump in his throat, trying to mask his tears, "Know that you are loved dearly, Uncle. By all of us". Thorin's bottom lip tremored before being pursed, the King taking a deep breath to calm the sea of emotions within his heart and mind. Thorin hadn't even thought twice about assuming a parental role when it came to his nephews after the loss of their father. Nor did he ever expect gratitude of any kind for the rearing in return. Only now did he realise the extent of his actions. His eyes danced to you. You who had always wordlessly considered the King a father figure from your youth to your adulthood.

"This is an honour greater than any I have ever recieved", Thorin said amidst the few tears that fell softly from his strong eyes. "I am grateful to the both of you. Eternally grateful". His steps brought him closer to Fili, who took his Uncle into a solid Dwarven embrace, their heads meeting with a masculine hardiness. Dis covered her mouth to cover the sobs of joy that now wracked her body. Kili shared a grin with Tauriel, fondly remembering the days his own boys were born. The two pebbles, now 10 and 5, anxiously awaited the moment they could meet their cousin for the first time.

"Can we hold him?!", Frerin begged. "Please, Uncle Fee??". The blonde Dwarf laughed in the embrace he shared with his Uncle, taking the small bundle back.

"You may, as long as you both can be careful", he warned with an underlying sternness.

"We promise!", Thrain begged, his hazel orbs glittering with desperation. Fili knelt by his two nephews, peeling back the blanket that swaddled the pebble. Frerin gently ran his hand along the sleeping face of his cousin, marveling at the softness. "He's so tiny!". Everyone laughed at Thrain's proclaimation.

"Which is why you need to be so careful". Frerin nodded at his Uncle's words, reaching for the tiny hand that had curled up by the chest of the sleeping baby.

"I'm your cousin", Frerin whispered to the bundle, the tiny hand curling around one of his fingers. "And like Thrain, I will always protect you, Thorin. I promise".

"We love you, Thorin", Thrain had cooed, stroking his hand over the babe's sandy curls. Bilbo reached for a handkerchief, wiping at his eyes desperately.

"You holding up alright?", you asked the older Hobbit, him nodding and sniffling.

"Just something in my eyes". The family of Durin shared a laugh, Fili seeing fit to allow the Burglar a hold of his firstborn. "I'm— I'm in no condition to–".

"Of course you are", Fili insisted, moving the bundle into Bilbo's arms. He felt awkward at first before he quickly adjusted to the little one's presence, seeming to completely halt his tears. A joyful smile lit up Bilbo's face whilst he rocked the bundle softly.

"Hello, Thorin", he giggled nervously, holding the babe close to his chest.

"So Fee", Kili called to his brother with a suggestive brow raise. "When are you going to have another one, eh?". Tauriel elbowed her husband with an incredulous expression, bringing out a guffaw from the younger Durin.

"About that". The room fell silent in shock, Fili's blue hues travelling to where you laid upon the bed.

"We had twins", your addition almost had Bilbo fainting.

"Tell me you have a girl!", Kili begged with a childlike delight.

"Calm down, Kili", Fili laughed. "We had another boy". His younger brother was not disappointed in the slightest, understanding that girls were quite rare in Dwarven culture to begin with. He considered himself a blessed Uncle nonetheless.

"Where is he?!", Tauriel fawned, eagerly eyeing the room.

"With a healer, getting cleaned up and checked".

"Your Highnesses!", Dralana called to you and your family excitedly. Stepping into the room with a respectful bow, she revealed the bundle she carried carefully within her arms. The babe had the exact same ears and feet as his brother, the curls upon his head being more of a golden-brown in comparison to his brother Thorin III. There was also light tufts of hair along his jawline, unlike his older brother. Fili gestured to Kili, Dralana handing the bundle to the dark haired Durin. Both brothers inclined their heads to the kind servant as she departed.

"Hello, little one", Kili greeted the newborn, Tauriel brushing one of her delicate digits over the boy's head.

"Mírë", the Elf-Maid cooed. "So precious". Fili approached his younger brother, caressing the head of his second son, before addressing the room.

"Allow me to introduce to all of you–", he spared a glance to his mother especially, "–Our second son, Vili".

"You didn't", Kili's mouth fell open. "You didn't, Fee. You didn't—". The younger Durin pursed his lips, attempting to calm the tears that threatened to fall.

"We did, for our father". Kili only managed a nod, his head dipping to kiss the babe's forehead. Tauriel gladly took the bundle from her husband, allowing him to embrace his older brother. Kili shook whilst he wept into his brother's shoulder, a bright image of their father lingering in his mind.

"Your father would be beside himself", Dis sniffled with a chuckle. "But, most of all, I think he'd be humbled and proud to see his two sons right at this very moment". Both boys with tear stained cheeks smiled warmly at their mother, offering her a place in their embrace. She didn't refuse, allowing her two sons to envelop her into a tight embrace.

"We still miss him, Amad", Kili sighed, drying his face with his sleeve.

"He's still here, with all of us", Dis assured him. "Fili and (Y/n) have just given us something to remember him by".

"Reminders from other people ensure that those we lose are never gone from our hearts and minds", you spoke softly, offering your mother-in-law a smile. "We all learnt that from someone once". Dis returned your words with a tearful smile, whilst Thorin's eyes danced to his great-nephews Thrain and Frerin. An image of their forefathers came to his mind. Thrain, his own father and Frerin his younger brother. A soft smile splayed on the King's face, his crystalline gaze travelling the faces in the room. His family, all banded together, all present even in heart. Nothing could make the Mountain King happier.

___________________________________

Three years after your sons were born, Thorin abdicated his throne to his nephew and yourself. For the first time, there was a true Queen Under the Mountain by the new King's side. Fili had groomed you for the throne and you were still learning things with time, always taking half of his duties and sharing in the decision-making of the Kingdom. The people of Erebor had quickly adjusted to the concept of a Queen, welcoming you with open arms and hearts.

It had now been 35 years since you and Fili had assumed the throne of Erebor. 60 years since it had been reclaimed. Dragonsickness had not affected Fili as he'd feared it might have. The curse upon the Mountain and its throne was no more.

Balin had established a peaceful colony within Moria, abdicating his position as advisor; the position falling to Thorin. The former King of Erebor had remained at the throne's side, even now at 255 years of age. His hair had greyed, age now starting to appear on his seemingly still youthful face. He had surpassed the lifespan of a normal Dwarf, Bilbo also surpassing a Hobbit's normal lifespan, having written to you and Fili some months ago of his 111th Birthday and retirement to Rivendell. Your sons, Thorin III and Vili were now 38, both being groomed to be the heirs for the throne the way Fili and Kili had. Frerin and Thrain, older by 5 and 10 years, had become bodyguards to their cousins having been enlisted and trained by Dwalin himself. They would assume captaincy of the guard when the time was right.

"Amad, Adad!", Vili's familiar caramel mane ascended the steps of the throne room, trailed by his cousin Thrain. Vili had come to resemble Thorin II's younger brother, Frerin. However, his eyes were your own (e/c) ones and he had a strong beard, braided into a similar style to his father's.

"Vili", you both smiled mirthfully at your son's approach.

"What news do you bring, Dear One?", his great Uncle asked from his position by the throne.

"We have a guest", Thrain informed you with a spirit alike to his father's.

"Thorin is just bringing him in. Frerin is not long behind", Vili added with his father's trademark grin. It was something his older brother also shared with him.

"Very good", Fili acknowledged both boys, inclining his head in gratitude. Vili took to standing by your side, laying an affectionate palm on your shoulder when the welcomed guest finally ascended the stairwell. Both the former King and Fili lit up with familiarity as a man cloaked in white filed in, your son Thorin III and Frerin behind him. Alike to Kili, both boys had a lack of beard on their faces, lately blooming. They only had sandy blonde and auburn stubble, resembling Thorin II and Kili in their facial complexions. Your firstborn son had inherited the Durin crystalline gaze, reminding you of your husband almost completely, but both sons had the merriment and roundness of a Hobbit. The feet were still questionable.

Gandalf stood, mirth shimmering in his gaze at both your husband, yourself and Thorin. "Long has it been since I have seen you, Thorin son of Thrain and Fili son of Vili". His head dipped in a bow out of respect.

"Welcome back, Dear Friend", Fili grinned at your side. "You needn't bow to us". Warmly, Gandalf smiled at you both.

"I bid good tidings to the King and Queen of Erebor in these dark times. I have come not to reminisce, but to ask help of my old friends". Fili's gaze met your own, brows knitted in concern. You both had predicted these dark times, given that a quest to destroy the ring had begun many months ago. Gimli son of Gloin was among that fellowship.

"Anything", you encouraged the wizard with a nod, gratitude shining in his face.

"The enemy is marching upon Gondor. Sauron intends to destroy the world of men first. If nothing is done, I feel the freedom of this world will fall. Erebor, Rivendell, The Shire–". Your heart skipped a beat at the mention of your homeland. "–No one is safe".

"You ask our aid?", the former King spoke up from beside Fili.

"I do", the White Wizard sighed. "Rohan is marching to Pelennor Fields as we speak. They have only 6000 capable men and women. Not nearly enough to combat an army of 10,000 or more. We have Isildur's heir rallying the traitors within Gondor's mountains. I have risked much in coming here already. I need surity. Will you fight for the freedom of Middle-Earth?". The eyes in the room fell to you both. Fili shared a knowing look with you. The golden thread that tied your hearts was still burning strong to this day. Your husband would not make this decision without you. Nodding to each other, you both stood from your thrones.

"We will fight", Fili grinned, his eyes ablaze with a primal warrior's excitement.

"We were waiting for you to say that", Kili piped up, filing into the room with his wife beside him. The various members of the old company were also with him. Bofur, Bifur, Bombur. Nori and Dori. Dwalin as well. "Gandalf put on quite a show, rallying us the way he did". The wizard in turn, tried to seem innocent. You laughed,

"You knew we would say yes".

"I hadn't had a doubt in my mind, My Lady", he responded, an amused smile lighting up his features.

"And all of you intend to go to war?", Fili gaped, his brows raised in surprise.

"For our brother Ori", Dori huffed. "He would". Nori nodded in agreement, offering his brother a smile.

"My old bones still have some power left in 'em", Dwalin grunted, lifting his axe with no difficulty. He too offered something of a primal grin.

"Y' need only ask and we'll follow ye", Bofur added, inclining his head to his King.

"All of us", Thorin spoke up, stepping next to his nephew with a nod.

"Me as well". Fili turned to you, shockingly paler. You caressed his face, squeezing his hand. "With you in life and in death, remember?", you quoted your wedding vows. His eyes seemed to soften, a sigh leaving him.

"The people need their Queen—".

"And you need me".

"Y' won't get anywhere with her", Dwalin laughed. "And she's right". Fili passed half a glare to the older Dwarf.

"Will you not stay?", Fili murmured, worry clouding his shining gaze. Your head shook, your gaze falling upon your firstborn. His resemblance to Fili, Kili and Thorin was uncanny. Your son realized what you'd intended to say.

"Amad—".

"You can stay. Stay here with your brother and your cousins", you told him. The Durin glare had been inherited by him without any doubt, his brows furrowing deeply.

"I want to fight!", Thorin protested.

"Us as well", Vili added, both Frerin and Thrain nodding.

"I will not risk my line falling", Fili interluded. "You will all stay and defend our people here whilst your mother and I go".

"What if you don't come back?", Thorin snapped. "What then?". You saw your son's blue orbs glass over, your steps taking you to where he stood beside Gandalf.

"You worry too much, Sweetheart", you hushed him, cradling his face. "We have survived worse. Your father and Great Uncle certainly have".

"I'm just scared I won't see you again. I want to fight and prove myself, Amad—", Thorin choked, his head dipping in shame.

"Your time will come, Thorin. And you will understand when it is your time to be King", Fili sighed, lending a soft pat to his son's shoulder.

"You are much t' young ta be fighting in wars, Laddie. You will have your share of bloodshed when the time comes", Dwalin sought to console him.

"You will be in charge. You and Vili know what to do", you whispered, him nodding in return.

"We will protect them as we've always done", Frerin smiled his father's signature smile. "To that oath, I still hold".

"Aye. I do as well", Thrain added, laying a hand on the hilt of his daggers for emphasis.

"Go and all will be well here", Vili smiled on approach. "I promise". Your arms opened, welcoming Vili to the embrace you shared with his brother and father, laying a soft kiss all of their foreheads. Fili smiled, relishing in your soft touch even after all this time.

"We love you, boys", you cooed.

"We love you both too", Thorin sniffled, gripping onto his father affectionately.

"We're coming home, we swear by it", Fili murmured.

"You better", Vili threatened almost playfully. You broke apart, turning to your husband.

"Together?".

"Always", you answered.

"Like you had to even ask", Kili grinned, squeezing Tauriel's delicate hand.

"Would you all do me this honour in following me?", Fili asked.

"Yes", his Uncle answered, wrapping his arm around his firstborn nephew. "I would follow you both to my death. And I am undeniably proud of the both of you in all you have accomplished together".

"As am I", Dis proclaimed, entering the throne room, commanding respect with her presence alone. Thorin grinned at his younger sister whilst she approached all of you. "I will never cease being proud of you, my sons. And my daughters too". She spared a glance for you and Tauriel fondly. "As I will never stop worrying that you five and the others will not be coming home. I nearly lost you once, Thorin. And my sons", Dis sighed, grabbing her older brother's strong arm. "Ride to war, but by Mahal, if any of you don't return–". When everyone laughed lightheartedly at the threat similar to Vili's, her own face broke into a smile. Her eyes, alike to Fili's, were glinted with affection and worry. Thorin squeezed his sister's arm to console her; his eyes conveying a silent, gentle message of assurance. Dis conceded with her own silence, nodding before pressing a kiss to her brother's forehead.

"Now, let us ride to war". Thorin"s gaze affectionately crossed to the both of you, warming your soul. With newfound confidence, Fili turned to you for the orders.

"Kili, Dwalin. Get our soldiers ready for battle and any capable warriors in our city who wish to take up arms".

"As you wish, My Lady". Kili bowed to you with an excited smile, Dwalin letting out a roar of excitement.

Gandalf smiled. "We will await your arrival".

Every man and woman who could spare arms came along. Erebor's force was 3000 people, combined with the 1200 people from Dale and the Lake City who wished to fight as well. Thorin and his brother Vili remained behind as ordered with their cousins. Having been trained by Fili for combat in the many years you were married, you had full confidence stepping onto the battlefield. Not once, but twice.

Pelennor Fields was a devastating battle, won by brute force and numbers. If it weren't for the army of the dead, raised by Isuldur's heir, the battle perhaps would have been for naught. Your kin remained strong and hardy, mourning over the deaths of both Dwarves and men. Many soldiers of Rohan, Gondor and Erebor were injured. The King of Rohan had perished, his brave niece barely surviving. It was a battle hard won.

The battle of the Black Gate was no different.

Whatever was left of your combined armies, inclusive of the Hobbits you fondly discovered to be Merry and Pippin, marched upon the Dark Lands. Such an act by Men and Dwarves would go down into legends; a great battle of Kings.

With the battle raging on to keep the Dark Lord's eye from the Ringbearer, Frodo Baggins had finally managed to accomplish his goal, ending Sauron before he could ever truly return.

Doing a headcount, you were relieved to find your kin, your husband still alive after it all ended.

"We did it. Frodo did it", Fili huffed in exhaustion, Orc blood covering his face and body, dirt sticking to his sweat. Your lips pressed to his own, a sigh leaving your nostrils whilst your lips worked against his.

"Men lananubukhs menu", you uttered against his lips.

"I love you too", he chuckled, pressing a kiss to your forehead.

"Are you both alright?", Thorin called to you. Breaking from your husband's embrace, you marched to his Uncle. With no hesitation, you took the former King in your arms, burying your head into his matted shoulder. Fili grinned, relieved to see his Uncle alive. Thorin returned the embrace, nuzzling his head into your shoulder in return.

"We're fine", you breathed.

"You both fought well. Kili, Tauriel, the Company. We survived. Together".

"I'm glad", you sighed in relief, a smile splaying on your features.

"Excellent news", Fili laughed, leaving to begin his search for his younger brother in the crowd. You remained embraced with your father figure. Despite being middle-aged at your current 65 years, you still wanted his comfort.

"Are you alright?", he repeated, caressing your back.

"I'm fine", you assured him. "I'm just glad it's time to go home, back to Erebor". Thorin finally decided to slip from your arms, smiling at you with an elated proudness in his eyes. It radiated with such strength and affection that he had not the need to say he was proud. Instead, he wrapped a supportive arm over your shoulder, sighing wistfully with the wind,

"Yes, (Y/n). Let's go home".

The End. . .

___________________________________________

Hope you enjoyed the last instalment of "Excuses" !! If you wish to be in my taglist, check my masterlist and let me know what you'd like to be included in!! Thank you all so much for your support in this miniseries!! ❤❤❤

Translation List;

- Mírë = "precious treasure", (Elvish)

- Men Gorach = "you stupid/idiot", (Khuzdul)

- Khîê = "My One", (Khuzdul)

- Amrâlimê = "My Love/Love of Mine", (Khuzdul)

___________________________________________

TAGLIST; @fizzyxcustard @lathalea

[littlebird-99]

If you’re still struggling with writers block and your ask post still applies then: number 42 and Thorin Oakenshield 🖤

Paper Rings

Thorin x Reader

A/N: thank you so much for this ask!! Yes, the ask post still applies! I hope you enjoy this!

Summary: Thorin and Y/N have been secretly together for a year, what happens when the boys asks her about marriage to their uncle?

Warnings: fluffy, slight song lyrics from Paper Rings by Tayler Swift

I never believed in love at first sight, well, that was until Thorin Oakenshield and his company came through my small town, as soon as those blue eyes of his met mine, oh you bet I was done for. That was two years ago, now we’re in Erebor, the mountain was claimed, Smaug was defeated, and Thorin and everyone is healed and we started working on fixing everything, hoping everything was back to normal.

“Y/N!” I roll my eyes as I hear two sets of feet running towards me, I quickly move out of the way so I don’t get trampled just as they stop, they’re breathing heavy. I look towards both Fili and Kili as they lean on their knees, panting slightly before the finally catch their breathe.

“Would you ever consider marrying our uncle? We really need to know the answer!” Kili spilled out quickly, earning a smack from his older brother, who quickly offers another answer, “it’s for a bet we have with Bofur and Nori, Ki and I think you would, but those two don’t think so.”

I feel my face heat up slightly before I smile at the boys, “I’m not answering that. Nice try you two… but go run along and tell Bofur and Nori whatever lie you wish.” I state before continuing my journey towards the gardens.

The truth is, I would marry Thorin, there’s been many times where it’s hard to not spit it out and tell the stubborn dwarf king my feelings.

In the winter, in the icy outdoor pool

When you jumped in first, I went in too

I'm with you even if it makes me blue

Which takes me back

To the color that we painted your Nephews (brother's) wall

Honey, without all the exes, fights, and flaws

We wouldn't be standing here so tall

Flashback

“Y/N!!” I turn just in time to see Thorin jump in the pool, my eyes go wide as I take off his fur, “are you mad?! You’ll catch a cold!” I grin before I jump in after him, “what were you thinking?!” He gives a small shrug, “I need a laugh, with rebuilding Erebor, trying to fix things with Bard and Thranduil, as well as get everyone from the Blue Mountain here… I haven’t had much time to relax.”

I let out a laugh as I start to shiver, pull my clothes tighter to my body, “you? Relax? That’s never happened over the year I’ve known the almighty Thorin Oakenshield. You’re far too stubborn and pig headed to do that. You like things done in a-“ I get cut off with the feeling of something pressed to my lips, but it’s quickly pulled away and thorin is grinning ear to ear. “You’re far too blue for my liking right now, let’s get you warmed up, can’t have my favorite lady getting a cold now.”

From that day, he’s been infesting my thoughts, my dreams, that idiot has taken up every waking moment. The only things that’s changed since then, is the courting bead secretly braided in both our hair, no one knows besides Balin, but it’s been easier now that it’s getting closer to winter and I wear my hood everyday.

“And what is my queen doing out here?” I grin hearing that familiar deep voice from behind me, I turn after checking before throwing my arms around Thorin, his arms finding their spot around my waist as he picks me up, “hiding from your nephews who asked me a very strange question today….” He pulls away quickly, setting me down as he looks at me, “I… what was it?”

“If I’d ever marry you… said it was for a bet between themselves and Nori and Bofur…” I smile, leaning up to press a kiss to his cheek before I pull away completely, “but, I do have to go help Bombur with supper, so I’ll see you tonight, my King.” I take off just before he could stop me, knowing he’d have a talk with me about that later.

*Time Skip*

Soon it’s time for bed, everyone makes their way to their own rooms, I’m taking my own sweet time since I’ve moved most of my belongings to Thorin’s, as I’ve been staying there every night. Once everyone has gone to bed I finally make it to his room, slipping in quietly. I turn closing the door and look at Thorin, who was already sitting at the foot of his bed, I hold up a hand to stop him from talking, “let me say something first, please.” He gives me a nod and watched me as I take a deep breathe.

“I like shiny things, but I'd marry you with paper rings. and I hate accidents except when we went from friends to this Darling, you're the one I want In paper rings, in picture frames, in dirty dreams Oh, you're the one I want. I want to drive away with you. I want your complications too, I want your dreary Mondays.” I watch him as I talk, making sure to gauge his reaction, “I want everything that you have to offer me, Amrâlimê. I want to be your queen, but I don’t need shiny things.”

Before I could even react, he is off the bed and pulling me into his arms, crashing his lips into mine, “I love you, my Arkenstone…” his whispers against my lips, “my gem I wish to never get rid of… I will make you a paper ring as long as you always repeat those words to me.. I love you, Y/N, Queen Under the Mountain.”

“I love you, Thorin, King Under the Mountain. Forever and always.” I whisper kissing him again softly.

“ABOUT TIME FOR MAHALS SAKE!! It took you both forever! Now to plan a wedding!” I hear Kili and Fili both yell through the door before they’re running down the hall.

“I’m going to imagine that was never said, and continue enjoying our night betrothed..” Thorin mutters as he picks me up after moving one arm under my thighs and holding me bridal style, “sounds wonderful to me, my love.”

[legolaslovely]

Stay

A/N: HAPPY FILI FRIDAY FRENS HAVE SOME FLUFF! So this story was inspired by @mewpet ‘s so so beautiful art of Older!Fili which is here and below. GO GIVE HER SOME LOVE RIGHT THIS INSTANT CLICK AND REBLOG FRIENDS. I can’t even tell you how much I love it and probably shouldn’t say out loud how often I look at it LOL Anyway, I’m pretty proud of this one, holy BANTER and FLUFF I hope you guys enjoy

Pairing: Fili x Reader

Word Count: 1,673

Warnings: Fluff, language if damn is a swear word to you haha

Summary: (Y/N) grew close with the line of Durin during the quest to reclaim Erebor, but had to leave them once the battle was over to return to her ailing father in the Iron Hills. After thirty two years, she returns to Erebor for Thorin’s wedding ceremony and is reunited with members of the company.

It felt as if you had finally dozed off when another chill ran through your body and left you groaning out loud. After a long debate with yourself, you threw the heavy furs and blankets off your legs and tip toed over to the window that was stuck open. This was your fourth attempt to close the damn thing. The stone floor was rough like frozen snow beneath your feet and your dry, red fingers felt as if they would tear off as you pulled on the unmoving window.

“After thirty two years, you’d think they’d have better windows in this damn mountain,” you mumbled to yourself.

You’d arrived at Erebor from the Iron Hills just hours ago, being later than you’d intended. You’d planned for a week of travel, but the snow slowed your journey and you were out in the cold for an extra day. After a small but warm welcome in the late evening, all you wanted to do was slide into a cozy bed and sleep, but it seemed even that simple luxury was trying its best to elude you tonight.

You wrapped your borrowed dressing gown around you tight, tying the string in a bow, before you padded over to the door of your chambers to peek around again for some guard or kind passerby who may help. When you stuck your head out into the dark corridor, you smiled to yourself, seeing a familiar head of golden hair glow in the low torch light.

“Fili!” you whispered.

He turned to you, returning your grin, allowing his bright blue eyes to sparkle in amusement. “What is it, (Y/N)? Why are you still awake?”

“I could ask you the same question,” you said, hanging out the door. “Will you come in here and help me close this damn window?”

He chuckled. “(Y/N) asking for help. This may be a first.”

“Just get in here.”

He followed you inside and closed the door behind him. “Mahal, it’s freezing in here,” he said.

You rolled your eyes. “Still sharp as a tack, you are,” you mumbled.

“Do you want my help or not?”

You nudged him to the far wall, pulling your robes around you in an attempt to keep the warmth in. “Please, Fi. I-it’s stuck open.” You surprised even yourself with the nickname. It slipped out and you watched his lips twitch.

You watched him fiddle with the lock and the hinge, doing exactly what you had done four times before. Then, he smacked it further open with the heel of his hand and pulled it shut with a slam. He wiggled the handle and the window didn’t budge. “Well, that won’t be opening again any time tonight. I’ll have someone replace it tomorrow. I’m sorry it gave you trouble.”

“Don’t worry about it, Fili. Thank you.”

You didn’t know quite what to do now. You had exchanged letters with Fili and his family while you lived in the Iron Hills, but you hadn’t actually seen him since Erebor was reclaimed. That had been thirty two years ago.

“Did you have a safe journey? We didn’t get a chance to speak much when you first arrived,” he said, walking over to the dark, cold hearth next to the bed. He knelt on the hard floor and began to stack a large pile of wood together.

“You don’t have to do that,” you said. “I don’t want to keep you.”

You heard him snicker but he didn’t turn from his work. “I have been waiting to see you again for thirty years, (Y/N). You’re not keeping me. And before you say it, I’m fully aware you know how to light a fire. I haven’t forgotten how you could get a blaze going faster than any of us.”

You kicked your foot out to nudge his hand. “That’s because I never stacked the wood like that.”

His hand dropped and he sent you a playful glare. He yanked a chair by its leg and set it next to him. “Sit. Now. And tell me about your journey.”

You breathed out a laugh and did as you were told, tucking your feet under you. “There’s not much to tell. The weather didn’t lift an inch the whole trip, it snowed every day.”

“You can thank Thorin for setting his wedding in the dead of winter.” Fili struck the flint, sending a hot spark into the pile of wood.

“Waiting for good weather is the last thing you want to do when you’re in love. But he can blame himself when he has an extra guest staying in the mountain until spring because I will not travel in the snow again,” you laughed, watching Fili pull another chair in front of the fire and sit next to you.

“You know you’re always welcome here.”

You hummed. You couldn’t help but smile when you looked at him. Thirty two years of hard work and duty to his people had only made him more handsome. His hair had grown long, but he wore it the same old way and the edges of it glowed red in the light of the fire. He was larger and stronger than when you’d last seen him. When he smile at you, lines around his eyes revealed he had probably spent most of his time laughing. It made you glad.

“The years have barely touched you,” he said. You laughed because he’d been thinking the same thing you were.

“I see you haven’t been so lucky,” you said. He dropped his head and laughed, but you took his hand. “I kid, Fili. You look wonderful. You look happy.”

Your eyes met and he nodded. Then he squeezed your hand. “And you look cold. Come over here.” He stood, not allowing your answer, and lifted you from your chair to place you in his lap instead.

“Fili, this is not necessary,” you laughed.

“It is. You’re just about frozen solid and I won’t have Thorin punishing me for failing to take care of you.” He reached for one of the furs on the bed and wrapped it around your shoulders. “Now,” he sighed. “I believe you were just telling me how much you’ve missed me.”

You breathed out a laugh and set your blanket covered arm around his shoulders. “I’ve missed everyone very much.” You let your free hand lift to run a finger through the thick hair that covered his cheek. “But, yes, I have missed my favorite dwarf. How is Kili, anyway? I haven’t seen him yet.”

Fili leaned his head back and groaned. Then he laughed. “He’s very excited to see you. He hasn’t stopped chattering since you sent your letter telling us you were coming to the ceremony. But he is terribly angry with you.”

“Why?”

“Because you haven’t come to visit us before now.” His hand snuck under the thick fur to hold your waist and you felt his thumb wave over your back. The mischievous twinkle in his eye was still shining.

“And this is how Kili feels?”

“Yes,” he said. “He also employed me to find out if you had any courting braids. Or bridal braids? Things of that nature. But I don’t see any.” His eyes roamed over your long, thick hair with a look of relief.

“No. None of those for me. What about him?” You looked to Fili’s hair as you spoke, not seeing anything out of the ordinary for him. You felt your stomach flip with joy, thinking he was still unattached.

“Oh, Kili, yes. You remember Tauriel?”

“Of course. How could I forget?” You let the fur slide from your shoulders, finally feeling warm. You weren’t sure if the heat you felt was from the roaring fire or if it was radiating from Fili himself. “And the rest of the company?”

He smirked, knowing you were playing his little game. “Well, Thorin, obviously. But other than that, no one else has… even looked at any other since you left.”

You barely nodded, feeling your breath get caught in your chest. “Does Kili have any other questions for me?”

His smile fell and he ran the back of his knuckles gently down your cheek. “Will you stay in Erebor? Not just until spring, but for good.”

“Well, I-”

“I know that you had to return to the Iron Hills after Erebor was reclaimed. You had to be with your father, to take care of him but aren’t you there alone now? Is there any reason for you to be away from- us any longer?”

His grip on you had tightened as he spoke. You remembered how badly you had wanted to stay in Erebor with him thirty years ago, instead of going back to the Iron Hills. And now, you really were alone there, but if you stayed here at the mountain, you’d never be alone. And though you and Fili had never voiced your feelings for each other, you knew in your heart they were there and returned with equal fervor.

“I need you here,” he said. “I can’t bear to watch you leave again. You’ve broken my heart once, please don’t do it again. I love you, (Y/N), and I want you to stay with me.”

His words shook you. Leaving him the first time had ruined you, but you didn’t think it affected him that much. Your trembling fingers held his jaw. “I won’t do anything to hurt you ever again. I’ll stay. But only because Kili wants me to.”

He reached for the back of your neck and pulled you down to meet his kiss. His fingers roamed your face and hair while you wrapped your hands around his shoulders. His kisses were slow and deep, radiating the same warmth you’d felt the first time you’d met him. In this moment, you felt like your life had finally truly begun and you made a vow to yourself. You’d never leave his side again.

You drew away, resting your forehead against his. “I love you too, kurduwê.”

Taglist and those who may enjoy <3 : @emrfangirl @misslongcep @raindancer2004 @ladybugg1235 @xxbyimm @burningcoffeetimetravel @fizzyxcustard @fire-flv @nerdbirdsworld @deepestfirefun @teagarages @luna-xial 

[mirkwoodshewolf]

Love’s treasure; Kili x reader

*Author’s note*

Okay so this has been sitting in my inbox for awhile but I finally got the inspiration and time to do this fic after getting the boost from another Kili and Fili request as well as my Celestial story.  So @sweetpeapod​ thank you for your patience and hope you see this fic and enjoy it as much as I did writing it these past couple days.

Synopsis: Reader is Aragorn’s older cousin (I imagine by 11 years so she’s about 21). Gandalf knew of her skills as a Ranger for both tracking and navigating and sought her out to be apart of the company.

NO WARNINGS REALLY JUST SOME FLUFF and a bit of angst from parental death/abandonment. 

Taglist:

@plethora-of-things​

@waddles03​

@psychosupernatural​

@queen-paladin​

@queensdivas​

@jd-johndeacon-or-jackdaniels​

@gay-and-ready-to-cry​

________________________________________________________

I observed the dark blue bead in my hand and pondered just how it had gotten lost.  It was a game I’ve always like to play, anytime I would find a lost object or weapon I’d always come up with a good story on why it got lost and whether or not the owner of said object is out there scouring Middle Earth for it’s safe return.

“What are you up to sister?” I looked up and peeking from behind the Elvish statue was my baby cousin Aragorn, or better known for his safety Estel.  Yes, Aragorn the future king of Men is in fact my cousin on his mother’s side (she is my father’s younger sister).

“I thought you were to be in your studies with Lindir? He’s taken a great deal of time and effort to educate you little one.” I lectured him with a raised brow as he came and sat down beside me on the bench.

“But I already know of the founding of Rivendell and how to speak Elvish.”

“Then tell me who was the mentor of Lord Elrond?” I replied in Elvish.  He looked at me puzzled before he crossed his arms pouting.

“I don’t like you no more.”

“Oh yeah not the first time you’ve said that to me. Or the time after that or the time after that.” I playfully reprimanded him lowering my voice to as deep of a baritone as I could muster while tickling his sides making his squirm and laugh.  “What was that you were looking at earlier?”

“What? You mean this?” I said picking up the bead.  He looked at it with curious eyes and asked me.

“Where did it come from?”

“Why don’t you answer that question. Where do you believe this bead came from cousin?” he stared at the bead, pondering over it.  His tongue slightly peeking out from his lips as he said.

“I believe…..this bead came from some merchants who were on their way to the Blue Mountains when suddenly trolls from the North ambushed them and gobbled them all up, leaving only this bead.”

“Goodness child! You really believe such a cruel fate came to innocent merchants?” he nodded.  “Alright, then I’m going to have to speak with Elladan about changing your bedtime stories.”

“No please (Y/n). He tells the best stories don’t make him stop!” I smirked softly and said as I ruffled his head.

“Very well Estel. Now care to help me braid this into my hair?” he nodded as I sat down onto the floor so that he could properly braid my hair before putting the bead on it.

“Where do you think this bead came from sister?” he asked me.

“Well little one I’ve been putting a lot of thought into it. And I think this bead might hold more meaning than meets the eye. I believe this bead was once part of a Prince’s clothing ensemble. My story is that he fell in love with a woman but wished to give her not gold or jewels for her hand, but something more meaningful to him. So he took this bead from his clothing to present to his love. However, when he went to present his gift to his love, he had overheard of his love being taken by orcs while she was out for a ride on her horse. In his haste, he dropped the bead hoping to rescue his love in time.”

“And did he? Did he ever save his true love?” Estel asked me as he paused in mid-braid.

“I’d like to say they did. And the two of them are living together in the comforts of their newly built home hoping to raise a family together.” We both turned around and there stood Kili.

“Prince Kili!” exclaimed Estel as he raced over to the young dwarf prince.  Kili smiled at my cousin and ruffled his head playfully before greeting him.

“Hello there Estel, being good for your cousin I see?”

“(Y/n) was telling me of a bead she found while out on your travels.”

“So I overheard. Hope it’s alright if I added a small opinion to your story.” He said turning to me.

“I’m always open to new suggestions. I tend to leave mine in a mist of mystery. Drives this little one nuts.”

“She never seems to want to finish the story with her trinkets and earnings.” He whined.

“One day lad you’ll see that sometimes it’s better when things are left to the imagination, instead of always having a one-sided ending.” Kili said to Estel.

“And speaking of story endings, it’s best that you get back to your studies with Lindir. He’s probably already alerted Lord Elrond of your skipping’s. And you know how Lord Elrond is that you keep up with your studies.”

“Aww! But Kili only just arrived.” Estel whined.

“Tell you what lad, you head back and finish your studies. Then once you’re done, meet me and my brother in the training grounds and we’ll teach you how we Dwarves battle off orcs and goblins.”

“Can I sister please?!” Estel begged me clasping his hands together and looking up at me with those bright blue eyes of his.

“If your mother and Lord Elrond say it’s alright.” Estel cheered before racing off and bidding us goodbye.  I playfully shook my head, “I swear that child is more like a rabbit than a boy. Always full of energy and on the move.”

“Ahhh let him enjoy it. He is young, soon he’s going to grow and lose that sense of wonder and joy once he gets out into the real world.”

“You didn’t.” I teased as Kili gawked and softly laughed.

“True, but there are times where I wish I could go back to the days of my childhood. Me and Fili battling out against dragons and orcs and winning without any consequence of the outcome.” I nodded in agreement.  “So what was the bead that you and your cousin were discussing the origins of?” I then showed Kili the strand that Estel had braided for me which held the dark blue bead in my hair.

“I had found it just shortly before we had a run in with those trolls. Saw it hidden just beside a small patch of rocks. Figured it was worth keeping rather than letting it be forgotten amongst Yavanna’s earth.” When I turned to Kili I saw that his eyes were widened and his jaw seemed tense.  “Kili? Kili?”

“Huh? What sorry I-I was…..I have to go.” Suddenly he turned his back and hastily left the garden. My head tilted confused as to why he had left so sudden without another word? I shrugged before sitting back down to admire the bead.

*Kili’s POV*

She had my bead. (Y/n) had my family bead, not only did she have it but she was wearing it. Could-could it mean? No that’s impossible! There’s no way a Ranger of the North could fall for someone like me? But then why would she place my bead into her hair and have it braided?

“…..li? Oi Kili!” I snapped out of my daze to see Fili and Bofur standing before me in what appeared to be a den area of the Elvish realm.  All over the place there were beds and wooden furniture carved to perfection.

“You looked about as lost as a lamb there lad, everything alright?” asked Bofur.

“I—well I’m beginning to question that myself.”

“What is it Kili? You’re not ill are you?”

“No Fili, well not in the normal sense of illness.”

“Ahh-hahaha I think I know.” Bofur said.  “You, Kili, have fallen under the sickness of love. And I think I know just who it is that has caught your affections.” Bofur wiggled his brow towards my brother as I let out a groan.

“It’s not like that!”

“So you don’t have feelings for (Y/n)?” asked Fili.  I did a double take towards my brother and said to him.

“Wait you—you knew?”

“Your my brother Kili. You may have always been a flirt back home but never before have I seen you act around a woman the way you do with (Y/n).” I felt my face heat up as I said to them.

“It’s not just that.” They both looked at me perplexed.  “Remember how I had told you Fili that I had lost one of my beads that mother gave me?” my brother nodded.  “It turns out (Y/n) had found it. Not only that but after just recently talking with her, I had seen that she had braided it into her hair.”

At that confession, they both began to understand the gravity of the situation.

“Surely she must not know what it means to us. I mean you see a bead and the first thought is to braid it into your hair. Surely she can’t know what it means to us, does she?” I asked nervously.

“I wouldn’t be knowing Kili, but if I am honest with yah, I think she might feel the same about you.” Bofur said.

“How would you know Bofur?” I snapped.

“You may not know it laddie, but that lass will look at you when she knows you’re not looking. And I see the same loving look in her eyes that you give to her.”

“You’re jesting Bofur. There’s no way she looks at me like that!”

“I wouldn’t be too sure brother.” Fili said.  I turned to him as he continued, “Remember back with the trolls? When they were going to put you onto the spit, (Y/n) fought to take your place.”

“But wasn’t that because we’re part of the same company? She’s just looking out for us. That’s her nature. Her kind, caring, motherly nature.” I trailed off as I felt my heart skip a beat.

“All I’m saying brother is maybe you should talk to her.”

“And how should I start it off? How about saying something like, ‘Greetings (Y/n), you know the bead you’ve got in your hair in that braid? It’s actually my family bead and by braiding it into your hair you’ve agreed to be my wife. Will you marry me?’ No.” I scoffed the last part.  “I can’t force that onto her.”

“I’m not saying lead on with that. But maybe just talk to her and see if there is any mutual feelings between the two of you. If there is, you’ll finally be happy with her. If not, then at least you’ll have your answer.”

“And if it is a rejection that comes my way? How do you expect me to cope with it? She’ll never look at me the same way again.”

“Even if she does reject your affections Kili, I doubt (Y/n) is the kind of person to make whatever bond she makes feel inferior to how it was before. But like your brother said laddie, you’ll never know unless you talk to her.” Bofur said.

I looked at the two of them, took a deep breath and thanked them for the advice before I left to go find (Y/n) before it grew dark.

*1ST Person POV*

I was at the training grounds with my bow and arrow hoping to get in some last minute training before I would retire for the night.  I notched an arrow onto the bowstring, pulled it back, took a breath before steadying my hand and let the arrow fly.  It hit dead center and I notched another arrow into the bow before releasing that and it hit the center as well as splitting the arrow.

“Ahh, when did you learn to do that?” I turned to see Kili looking between me and the target in amazement.

“When I was a little girl, when I refused to believe that a bow was just something my aunt would tie to my curly locks.” I said notching another arrow into my bow and fired it at the target splitting the other two arrows.  “My uncle agreed. He said learning to fight was essential whether you wore a dress or trousers. He was the wisest man I ever knew.”

“Wish my kin were as supportive at first when I had wish to take the bow and arrow as my main weapon of choice.”

“Thing was he wasn’t just supportive. My uncle he—he was the only father figure I ever had after my own dad walked out on my mother. After she was killed by orcs, my aunt took me in. He took me aside one early morning, taught me everything I know about fighting and said to me, ‘(Y/n), my little raven. If you remember what you’re fighting for you’ll never miss your target’.” I said remember my uncle Arathorn as a good man.

He was not only a good leader to the Rangers up in the North, but he was a loving man who loved his wife.  And loved a child that was not his own blood as a father should.  Raised her, taught her to fight but also keep a level head. I only wish that Aragorn had the same opportunity to bond with his father as I did.

“He sounds like a good man.” Kili told me solemnly.

“Aye. He was.” I said clasping the necklace he gave me a year after being adopted into the family. It’s not much just a simple silver chain with a raven in flight pendant on it but it’s so special to me and never once have I taken it off.

“Is that why you like collecting small objects?” he asked me.  I smiled solemnly and nodded.

“When I was a child and would go with him on patrols, most of the Rangers tired of how I would stop them to find a loose button or a smooth pebble perfect for skipping across the river. But never my uncle, in fact he always encouraged me to keep at it. Said that I’d never know when I might find the greatest treasure of them all.”

We sat there in a comfortable silence for a brief moment (although it felt like an eternity) until Kili finally spoke up.

“I uhh…..” he trailed off softly.  “I think you might’ve missed the target.” I looked at him confused before turning to the target where my split arrows were.  “No not….” He softly chuckled, “I meant with your story. The one you told your cousin about. For the bead.”

“Did I?” he softly nodded but he refused to look me directly in the eye.  “Care to elaborate your theory of this bead?”

“Well it’s not much different from yours. Just some minor details changed. The bead did in fact belong to a prince. But the bead was a part of his family’s heirloom, one that would be meant for a future courting. However, while out on a quest, he had realized that he had lost it. He searched and searched but could not find the bead anywhere. The Prince was heartbroken, not only of the fact he had lost his family bead, but that one day he had hoped to give it to the woman he loves was now gone. Then a few days after the start of his quest, he soon finds the woman he loves wearing his bead into her braided hair.”

He fiddled with his hands before finally looking up at me, his eyes holding both a loving gaze but also a hint of fear and insecurity.  I then watched as his eyes soon turned to look at my braid.  I lifted it up and stared at the bead only for my heart to stop and my stomach sink.

Wait…..could he mean—

“You don’t have to say anything. I won’t force you plus you did not know that braiding a Dwarf’s family bead means you accept a courtship with me. I know we’ve only known each other for a few weeks now but I cannot deny my feelings any longer. (Y/n), I……” I stopped his rambling by bestowing a small kiss to his cheek.

“My heart feels the same way Kili.” His eyes widened with surprise looked at me and from his stubbled face I could see the faintest hint of a blush.

“Really?”

“Really, really.” I said with a warm smile.  A bright smile soon started to show itself on his face as he took my hands into his and bestowed a sweet kiss to the back of my knuckles.

“Mahal’s beard my—my heart is pounding more harder than Aulë slamming his axe upon a mountain of stone.”

“And the very breath within me feels like it has been sucked away.” I said to him.

“Is this what finding my One feels like? If it is, I never want it to go away. Nor do I wish to see you go.”

“I may not know the concept of your One, but if it’s anything to what we call soulmates then yes. I saw it every day with my aunt and uncle before his death. They held the purest form of true love I had only ever read in story books. But never did I hope to experience such a love.”

“Best get used to it amrâlimê, because I will spend every hour of my wakened days giving all my love to you.” I knelt down beside him and cupped the side of his face, brushing away the dark strands of his hair as I felt his hand gently cup my jawline as our forehead softly touched one another’s.

Our noses slowly grazing across the other’s like wind in the grass until finally our lips became one and we gifted our devoted love for each other through each kiss and stolen baited breath.

[itsfeckinwimdy]

Soft - Fili

Fili x Reader

Reader Pronouns: they/them.

Prompt: Soft - sender wraps a soft blanket around the receiver’s shoulders.

Word Count: 273 words

LOTR + TH Masterlist

Published: 05/03/2023

The crackling of the fire was erratic.

The swirling flames danced in the black night as the burning wood cracked and splintered under the heat. They were now down to the last few dry logs, about ten left at most; the rain that hailed down that morn had drenched everything in sight, including any spare firewood.

It was their turn at night watch, sharing the second shift with the golden mane Durin.

They had chosen to switch between who was keeping the fire ablaze, and who had a watchful eye on the darkened surroundings. These days the paths through the mountains were never safe.

The ground next to them shifted as a weight fell on their shoulders. A hand smoothed down the fabric pulling it forward to drape over them, with little chance of it falling loose. They gripped onto the fabric, adjusting it slightly themselves as the older Durin prince, Fili, sat himself down next to them.

A chill had started to settle over the camp, the soaked ground not having kept any heat from the rainy day earlier. They wrapped their hands in the blanket attempting to warm themselves further only for the texture to stun them.

The softness of the blanket was a harsh, but pleasant, comparison to the rest of the fabric they were wearing. The clothes they wore were tougher, well-worn, and far from being smooth. But this, this was Fili's.

They leant against him, Fili wordlessly wrapping an arm around them in contentedness. He kept that blanket for himself, one of the few things that he was against lending to others.

But he shared it with them.