Author's note: So, I just got home from watching The Battle of Five Armies and I am, I must admit, very very disappointed. Only thing to make it better: Alter it! If you haven't seen the film this will be spoiler-y for you!
Also, character death.
In case you're waiting for an update on In a Hole in the Ground: Don't worry, I'm pretty sure it'll come some time around Christmas!
Disclaimer: Not me. If it was, things would have been different!
I. Fíli
The moment Fíli can, he sends his brother away, hoping to buy him enough time to get away unharmed. For a second or two the terror in his heart subdues, for now his brother is, hopefully, safe. Yet, when he sees odd shadows around the next corner and smells fire he knows. He knows he will never talk to Kíli again, or hug him or tease him. And suddenly, he regrets not saying goodbye, he regrets leaving him. He was supposed to protect his brother. Not to send him away to an unknown fate. Without a warning the terror is back. He does not fear for himself, no, he made peace with his own demise some time ago, he knew he'd take any blade aimed at his brother without a second thought. But now, he cannot protect, he cannot reach him. He cannot even hear his brother.
When the first orc attacks, he is ready. Sword drawn, teeth bared and the fury of his line running trough his body. He fights for everything he knows, his mother back at home in the Blue Mountains, his father, long dead, his uncle, the King but mostly, for his brother.
Before the end comes, he sees him again. One last time. The fear in his little brother's eyes nearly breaks him and for a moment, Fíli is not sure if it is a blessing or a curse to be granted that last moment.
"Run", he manages to bellow, trying to swallow the choking angst that creeps upon him when he sees Kíli's eyes widen with a mixture of sheer panic and despair.
Before he feels the blade, he is dimly aware of his brother's scream and all he can think is how he failed him. What kind of king would he have made, he was not even able to protect his baby brother.
A selfish part of him is glad that he goes first and does not have to see his little brother die.
He is dead before he hits the ground, the last thing in his ears Kíli's pained scream of denial.