Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Author Notes: Part 2 of the 'Beneath Our Feet' The Hobbit/Game of Thrones crossover verse. Same warnings as before - this fic contains explicit incest. Enjoy :)

IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON

Fili laughed, falling to the sawdust and spitting out a mouthful of blood. But he did not let his opponent capitalise, instead he twisted and flowed back to his feet, a dagger sharp in each hand, ready to face his attacker. Mychal's surprise was clear in his eyes and Fili was able to take advantage, disarming him and pressing both blades in triumph against Mychal's throat.

"Yield."

Mychal nodded, lowering his eyes. "I yield."

Fili grinned and pulled away, stowing his long knives on his belt and offering a hand to the man of the Queensguard. It felt good to be fighting for sport again; too often it had been for his life these last few years. He pushed a braid out of his sweating face and took a deep breath, he had missed this. He smiled at the beads and metal ends that clinked as he moved, thinking of Kili by candlelight, weaving them in with secret Mountain words. There were many things he'd missed.

"I thank you, Master Durin," Tyrion called to him from the small group observing the practice. "For proving to be as worthy with the blade as promised."

Fili bowed neatly with spread arms, as a man definitely not wearing a white cloak handed Tyrion a small purse of coins with a muttered 'my Lord Hand.' Fili grinned – Tyrion had made a healthy profit on him, not that the Lannister needed such a win; he simply enjoyed a bet or two. Kili had been right about Tyrion, Lannister or not, he was more than decent company, with a tongue so sharp it would likely split wood and possessing great skill in twisting those who stood against him and against those he held close. Bofur would definitely appreciate him.

Mychal nodded at Fili and winced as he sheathed his sword. It had been a gruelling morning of swordwork, but Fili had been glad of it. He often needed a distraction whenever not at Kili's side. His brother was of course with the Queen as she met with lords and ladies and those who demanded her attention. Mopping up after a war was tiresome, Kili had told him, but everybody believed that the Queen should solve their troubles immediately. She had little time for rest, or for herself. She was never alone.

Fili spent a lot of time watching her, watching the one who had gained his brother's love and loyalty. It was due to her that Kili had not returned to the Lonely Mountain. Fili saw the fierceness in his brother's eyes, the dedication to the Queen. He was immovable; none would get to her through him. In order to remain at his brother's side, Fili had to learn the root of this, he had to understand.

His own experience of the slaver cities had been a relentless blur of pain and grief and constant fighting. He'd fought hard to work a passage to Queen's Landing after hearing of the aid given by the throne to the House of Durin. He'd been mourning every moment of it, thinking of Kili. He'd dreamed of drowning.

"It's safe to say you would be a fine addition to any household." Tyrion had reached Fili's side. "For your blade skills alone. What sort of rewards have you been offered in return for your services?"

Fili laughed. "Many, my Lord. Marriage to ladies of high birth, exalted positions, and a great deal of money."

"So your worth has been weighed. And all hawks named and tallied?"

"Of course."

Tyrion nodded and indicated for Fili to walk with him, leading them out of the hall and towards his tower. Several people bowed their heads in greeting as Tyrion passed. Fili kept his own smile hidden behind a serious deferential expression. He wasn't stupid enough to think that since his brother had the ear and trust of the Queen, he would be spared should he behave dishonourably.

Once ensconced in the tower with drinks poured for them, Tyrion looked at him for a silent moment. Fili didn't break his stare; so much of his future hung on this man.

"It must be strange, to be reunited with your brother once more only to find his heart loyal to another," Tyrion said at last.

The words weren't cruel, but matter-of-fact. Tyrion was continuing his enquiries, Fili quickly realised, thoroughly checking if Fili would ever be a danger to the Queen. It mattered little that Kili and Fili loved each other and pledged that such loyalty would last forever, if Fili held resentment deep in his heart, no matter how small a fragment, it could bring about ruin.

He nodded slowly. It did little good to lie to Tyrion, between himself and the lady Sansa, all things kept hidden were examined and drug into the light if deemed necessary. "Strange is too small a word for it, my Lord."

Tyrion's eyebrow arched. "So what provides the better fit?"

"Impossible," Fili admitted. "Kili and I…we were the other half of each other from the moment he could run beside me. No one mattered more. And then, we were split without warning, and the news came that he had died…"

Fili took a deep drink of wine; it still pained him greatly to think of those particular days. Tyrion gave him a brief respectful moment before continuing.

"And you improbably reunite, only to discover that another has become so inseparable to him."

Fili managed a smile. "I'm told there is a Dothraki word for what they share."

"Several, I should imagine. Rest assured, Master Durin, despite what rumours have been poured into your ears, they are decidedly not fucking."

Fili cracked a smile at that; he had been insistently told, sometimes several times a day, that the Queen was most definitely bedding the Captain of her Queensguard, that it was plain for all to see, that Kili's loyalty had been swayed from the House of Durin and didn't Fili wish to hurt those who had done such a thing? He had not believed most of them.

"If any would know, My Lord Hand…"

Tyrion laughed and drained his goblet. "I too have no word for what they share, as I was not in that shithole Mereen when your brother saved Her Majesty's life. A life debt perhaps, a close friendship certainly, as close as one can be to whoever sits on the Iron Throne. Whatever it is, it will not disappear."

He was being warned then, that if he stayed, any attempts he might make to split Kili from Daenerys would not end happily. Whilst Tyrion himself was threat enough, Fili had heard more disturbing stories about the Lady Sansa's exploits. He found her endlessly direct stare unnerving, she gave the appearance of seeing everything he thought and weighing it thoroughly.

"I would not attempt such a foolish act. Admittedly, I thought on it upon our reunion, unsteady from seeing their eyes on each other."

"Ah, what changed your mind?"

Fili swallowed more wine and thought of Kili's expression when he spoke of Daenerys, earnest and fierce and utterly committed. It was not with the passion or texture of feeling he displayed when riding Fili's lap. Kili loved Daenerys deeply, but he had no plans for her bed.

"I know my brother," he replied simply. "I know when he wishes to bed somebody."

"Not the Queen?"

"It is equal in strength of feeling, but different entirely in make-up."

Tyrion smiled. "Congratulations, Master Durin, you have reached a conclusion that half the court still have not stumbled upon."

Fili grinned. He'd heard many stories of the court and of the high-born squabbling that took place. Kili found it grating but kept his thoughts silent and his wits and eyes sharp. No matter what was said, he was there to protect the Queen and he took that duty seriously. Fili though briefly of the younger brother he'd known during childhood, who'd laughed and recklessly rejoiced in life even while Uncle Thorin had taught them that no one should rule the Mountain but a Durin and that few beyond its borders could be trusted. Kili still had that side of his nature, only he kept it hidden now behind his chamber door. Fili relished that he was gifted this part of Kili, though he mourned its loss in the open.

"No hawks have wended their way to you, of late?"

Fili shook his head at Tyrion's question. "No, my Lord. I believe they realise now where my loyalty truly lies."

"And that no amount of rumour will sway you. They breed you stubborn on the Mountain."

Fili smirked; that was the honest truth. Tyrion smirked a little himself.

"I look forward to having you at my back, Master Durin. For the sport, if nothing else."

'Nothing else' being Fili's daggers at his side, a sword on his hip, and the Targaryen colours at his shoulders, his sharp Northern eyes keen on keeping the Queen's Hand safe at all cost. It was a position Fili looked forward to applying himself to. He enjoyed Tyrion's company and had seen first-hand how good the Lannister was at his work. Truly, few others could be as skilled, or perhaps as thorough. Tyrion and Sansa kept Daenerys secure on the throne, so maintaining fragile peace in Westeros. Fili could soon be part of that also; such a thought filled him with eagerness and pride.

Tyrion nodded at him, regretfully filling his own goblet once more. "Sadly, I must to my letters. A kingdom hangs so often on ink and sealing wax. Keep your ears to the walls and be prepared, it's said that Jon Snow will return here very soon."

tbc...