Thorin Oakenshield was quiet.
Surprisingly quiet, even when Fili and Kili drew themselves closer to him, clinging to his fur coat.
He was quiet, when Fili placed a tiny kiss on his right cheek, and Kili – on the left.
He didn't say a word receiving two kisses on the lips.
Finally the desperate silence was broken.
- Uncle?.. – Fili looked at Thorin questioning.
- Yes, Fili?.. – the King Under the Mountain returned the gaze.
- We... you know, before we went to you, we've talked a lot, - Kili nodded, resting himself in his uncle's arms.
- And? – Thorin's right arm encircled Kili and the left one came to rest on Fili's shoulder.
- And we decided... when it all is as close as it could ever been... to protect your life in the battle coming... no matter what.
Thorin's eyes became dark.
- Don't you think it's my duty to protect you, lads? – he asked, his voice heavy.
- But...
- Fili, son of Dis! Have you forgotten your brother's state?!
Fili lowered his head in shame, and the one who spoke was Kili, still lying safely in Oakenshield's arms.
- He never forgets about it, Thorin, - Kili said, raising his head to look Thorin in the eyes, - That's my decision. I want to protect him, - he put his hand on his belly, - How else can I do that for I'm a warrior, like Fili? Like you.
Thorin was silent for a while, and when he finally spoke, his voice was cracked and harsch.
- You two are already grown-ups, proved yourselves to be skilled warriors, but sometimes I forget about it... only because I love you so much I lose my breath everytime you're in danger... And Kili's... state, - Thorin sighed, - You can't understand that it's not one of your foolish games and how deadly important it is to me. For now I will have the heir of Durin...my son, from the one of two who matters to me so much...
- Thorin... – said the brothers in unison, bringing themselves closer.
- I can't afford to lose you...
- You never lose us, - said Fili sternly.
- And if it all goes wrong, we'll be together, - added Kili, never hiding his eyes.
- In Erebor, or in the Chambers of Aule, we will be with you, - Fili squeezed Thorin's hand.
- Until the end, - Kili placed a soft kiss to Thorin's mouth.
The King Under the Mountain shivered, but then embraced his nephews tightly.
- You are the blood of mine... – he whispered, - And Durin's kin doesn't give what it once reclaimed so easily, does it?
The answer were two smiles. And two pairs of tender hands making all the secret desires come true.
The Battle was soon to be started.