A/N: Here is the second installment in the series! Please remember to review at the end of the Chapter and let me know what you think! I will try to get the posted as fast as I can! Until then! ~Kat
The group finally made it to the bottom of the Great Rock. Just as Thorin had said, they made camp for the night. Bombur and Bofur started collecting wood around the area to start a fire. Thorin stood off by himself looking at the surrounding area.
"It's more than three days to the nearest town," he said to Gandalf. "And that is if we are lucky."
"Not necessarily," was all Gandalf replied.
Once the fire was going, Kili and his small group came back with some small rabbits and squirrels that were skinned and cooked up for them to eat. Kenzi only picked at her food, not really hungry.
"You should eat, love," said Fili sitting down beside her.
"I'm not hungry," she said.
"Even still, you need to eat to keep up strength," said Fili handing her the stick back.
Kenzi eyed the small rabbit on the stick before taking a bite out of it. She's had better food while on the journey so far, but with all of their supplies, and spices, gone this meal had no flavor to it at all. When she had eaten half of the rabbit she set the stick aside. Fili was mollified for the moment, but hoping she would finish it before they went down for the night. Gloin had first watch for the night, so he was guaranteed a few hours of sleep before he had to take over the watch.
"Come on, love," said Fili. "Let's try and get some sleep."
Kenzi nodded her head and lay back on the ground. Fili made sure she was the closest one to the fire before lying down behind her, protecting her from anything in the wild. Kenzi sighed as she closed her eyes and willed herself to sleep. Sleep did not come. She watched as the fire danced through the night, Gloin keeping it going. She could hear Fili's calm, even breaths as he slept. She watched Gloin wake Bofur for his watch before he settled down for the night as well.
Kenzi carefully shifted until she had turned over and was face to face with Fili. He had such a calm and carefree look about him when he was asleep. As she was watching him sleep, he opened his eyes to find her staring at him.
"What is it, love?" he asked quietly, as not to wake anyone else.
"I couldn't sleep," she said.
"Is that all? You look conflicted," he murmured, moving some hair out of her face.
"I was just thinking back to what you said to me," she said. "About being your One."
"And?" he asked.
"Well, I was just thinking back to what I told you," she whispered. "Do you remember what I said?"
"Aye, you told me you had strong feelings for me, but were unsure what they were," he said. "What brought all this up?"
"Well, I was thinking on the flight to Carrock and the climb down the Great Rock," she said shifting closer to him. "That I think I might be falling in love with you."
The last part was barely above a whisper and Fili almost missed what she had said. He laid there and stared at her for a few moments before saying or doing anything.
"Can I kiss you?" he asked.
Kenzi didn't verbally answer him. She nodded her head slightly in answer. Fili smiled and pulled her closer to him. He brushed the hair from her face again and pulled her in for a kiss. It was only supposed to be a chaste kiss. A simple peck on the lips and then he would pull back and convince her to sleep. That was derailed when she lifted her hand to his face and ran her fingernails along his jaw and the short beard he had growing there. Her hand inched up and back into his hair gripping it and pulling him closer, still. Fili's own hand slipped from the side of her face to her neck and tangled in the hair at the base of her head. Kenzi gasped quietly as his fingers tangled in her hair. Fili took advantage of this and slipped his tongue into her mouth. He shifted to where he was partially lying on top of her, his knee pressed between her thighs against her warm center. Kenzi's body took over and she arched up against his knee. Fili pulled away, breathing hard and rested his forehead on her shoulder, next to her neck.
"We need to stop, love," he whispered in her ear. "Because if we don't, I'll be breaking every courting custom we have and I'll take you as my wife surrounded but the rest of the Company."
Kenzi groaned and removed her hands from his hair. His braids were slightly messed up, but it looked like he didn't care. Fili pulled back from her and quickly rolled over. He groaned as he tried to adjust himself before he embarrassed the both of them. Before either one of them could say something Bofur was crouching down beside them.
"Your turn, lad," he said to Fili.
Fili nodded his head as Bofur stood and walked back to his spot to sleep. "Sleep, lass. We'll talk more in the morning," he whispered. He kissed her one last time before walking over by the fire to take the watch for the rest of the night.
Kenzi sighed as she rolled over and watched Fili through the fire. She yawned and closed her eyes, sleep finally taking her.
The dwarves moving around the next morning woke Kenzi. She slowly opened her eyes to see that the sun was just starting to rise. She stretched her body before she sat up and dusted herself off. Fili smiled at her as he talked with his brother. She smiled back and was going to head over to talk to him when they all heard a howling in the distance.
"We must move, and quickly. Bilbo, go up and look and see how far off they are. See what kind of chance we have," said Thorin, addressing the whole Company.
Bilbo nodded reluctantly and made his way up the Great Rock again. He was gone for only a few minutes, but it gave Kenzi enough time to make her way over to Fili. Fili smiled at her and gave her a quick kiss on her cheek before anyone saw. Well, Balin saw, but he wasn't going to say anything. Not now at least. Right now they had bigger problems to deal with.
"How close is the pack?" asked Thorin as Bilbo made his way down the rock.
"Too close. A couple of leagues, no more. But that's not the worst of it," said Bilbo coming to a stop in the center of the group.
"Have the wargs picked up out scent?" asked Dwalin.
"Not yet. But they will do," said Bilbo. "But we have another problem."
"Did they see you?" asked Gandalf. "They saw you."
"No, that's not it," said Bilbo.
"See, what did I tell you," said Gandalf. "Quiet as a mouse. Excellent burglar material."
The group chattered an agreement at the statement. Kenzi's head was starting to hurt her. Since leaving Rivendell she's had few instances where her head was giving her problems. The first real issue was when they were first captured by the Goblins, then again when Gandalf arrived to save them. But it seems that now the pains were getting, well, more painful. She scrunched up her face as she rubbed the back of her head. Fili frowned as he watched her.
"What is it, lass?" he asked.
"My head, it hurts," she said. "More so than it did when we first started this journey. Something is going to happen."
"Will you listen? Will you just listen," said Bilbo getting everyone's attention. "I'm trying to tell you there is something else out there."
"What form did it take?" asked Gandalf.
Kenzi at this point was sitting on the ground at Fili's feet. Oin had come over to her to check on her at this point. Balin's attention was split between the conversation with Bilbo and watching Kenzi.
"Bear," she whispered. "It's a bear."
"Like a bear?" asked Gandalf eying Kenzi out of the corner of his eye. Aside from Oin and Fili, he seemed to be the only one to have heard her.
"Ye- yes, but bigger," said Bilbo. "Much bigger.
"Kenzi, love, what's going on? What bear?" asked Fili, squatting down beside her.
"You knew about this beast?" asked Bofur. "I say we double back."
"And be run down by a pack of Orcs?" asked Thorin.
"There is a house, it's not far from here, where we might take refuge," said Gandalf turning towards the group again. It was then that he saw Kenzi sitting on the ground clutching her head.
"Who's house? Are they friend or foe?" asked Thorin.
"Neither," said Gandalf. "He will help us or he will kill us," said Gandalf.
"What choice do we have?" asked Thorin.
There was a loud roar in the distance, but much closer than the wargs. Kenzi gripped her head tighter until the roaring stopped.
"None," said Gandalf.
Fili helped Kenzi to her feet as the group started to head out, almost at a run. "Come on, love. Time to go."
Kenzi nodded her head and stood up and allowed Fili to practically drag her along as they ran. The company ran for hours. The sun slowly rose and started its cycle for the day. The wargs had finally picked up the scent of the Dwarves but were still far enough away that the Company had a chance of making it to safety. As they ran through a wood, they heard the roar of the bear again. Gandalf urged them to run faster.
"To the house! Quickly, run!" shouted Gandalf as they made their way from the wood.
Bombur was starting to outrun everyone in the group, heading towards the front to get away from the roaring.
"Come on, get inside!" said Gandalf ushering everyone though a large gate.
Fili and Kili were the first ones to get to the door. As everyone collected around them they forced the large door open. Kenzi turned around and saw that the bear was out of the woods as well and barreling right towards them. They finally for the door open and it took the whole company to force the bear's face from between the door and close it and lock it.
"What is that?" asked Nori once the board was in place.
"That is our host," said Gandalf. "His name is Beorn. And he is a skin-changer. Sometimes he's a huge black bear. Other times he's a great strong man. The bear is unpredictable, but the man can be reasoned with. However, he is not overly fond of Dwarves."
"He's leaving," said Nori.
"Come away from there," said Dori pulling his brother from the door. "It's not natural. None of it. It's obvious he under some dark spell."
"Don't be a fool, he's under no enchantment but his own," said Gandalf.
"We will be fine," said Kenzi from the floor next to the door. She was out of breath from the run and holding her head. "He will be back in the morning and all will be fine." Her words were coming out slowly and suddenly she fell over, eyes closed.
Fili rushed to her side, Oin on the other side of her, to check on her.
"She's just passed out, lad. All she needs is some rest," said Oin.
Gandalf nodded his head. "All right, now get some sleep. All of you. You'll be safe here tonight," he said looking around at the group. "I hope," he added more to himself than anyone else.
Fili picked Kenzi up and carried her away from the door. The rest of the company had started to collapse in the hay around them. He carried her over to a corner and laid her down. He removed her sword from her waist and laid it next to her. He was fixing to lay down himself when Balin walked over to him.
"A word?" he said.
Fili looked over at Kenzi.
"She'll be fine lad," said Balin. "We won't be far."
Fili nodded his head and followed the older Dwarf just to the other side of the pillar. He could still see Kenzi but they were concealed from the rest of the company for the most part.
"What is it, Master Balin?" asked Fili.
"I was just wondering what was going on with you and the young girl?" asked Balin. "I've noticed that you've taken a great interest in her and she in you."
"It's nothing you need worry about," said Fili, still watching Kenzi.
"That is true," said Balin. "But what does Thorin think about all of this?"
"Uncle has made it clear that he is not happy," said Fili. "But I'll not turn away from my One for anything."
"Are you sure?" asked Balin. "Not everyone finds their One."
"I know it's her," said Fili. "My father told me how he knew my mother was his One. He said it is a feeling like no other and that you will just know. Nothing else will matter but her. And that is how I feel for Kenzi. Her safety and comfort matter more to me than Erebor. I would gladly return to Ered Luin with her than live in The Mountain without her."
Balin stared at the young Dwarf. This was a surprise to him. He knew what it felt like to meet his one. He also knew what it felt like to lose them as well.
"And the crown? Would you turn it down to stay with her?" asked Balin.
"I would gladly give it up if it meant I could stay with her," answered Fili. "If you don't mind, I would like to get some sleep."
Balin nodded his head and bade him good night. He turned and went to find a place for himself when Thorin walked over.
"And what was that about?" asked Thorin.
"He told me he found his One," said Balin. "And that he would give up the crown to be with her. And I believe it. He told me how he felt for her, and I truly believe he has found his One."
"She will not be accepted," said Thorin.
"That may be true, but that has not deterred him from loving her," said Balin. "Kili may become the Crown Prince before this journey is over with. Whether you like it or not."
Thorin watched as his nephew lay down next to the unconscious Kenzi and pulled her close. This was the first time since Rivendell that they were relatively safe and he could sleep easily with her by his side. Thorin shook his head and bedded down for the night as well. They had a long day ahead of them tomorrow.
Kenzi woke the next morning very warm. She wondered if she was lying right next to the fire. She slowly opened her eyes and came face to face with Fili. They were lying in a pile of hay. She took in her other surroundings and the events of the day before came back to her. As she shifted to her side, Fili opened his eyes. He stared at her sleepily.
"Morning, love," he whispered.
"Morning," she said. "What happened yesterday? I barely remember it."
"You gave me quite a scare," said Fili. "Once we got here, to the house, you said something about our host the Bear-man and then you went unconscious. You slept the rest of the night away."
Kenzi nodded her head, but she knew something else must have happened. She just had this feeling. "What else happened while I was taking my nap?"
"What makes you think something else happened?" asked Fili.
"Call it women's intuition," she said with a smile. "And the fact that you asked that question tells me something else happened? Was it Thorin?"
"No, lass, it was Balin," said Fili. "He's noticed I've taken a liking to you, is all."
"And was does he think about that?" asked Kenzi.
"I think he understands more than Uncle does," said Fili. "Balin is one of the lucky ones to have met their One. But Balin has also lost his One as well."
"What happened to her?" asked Kenzi.
"She didn't survive the trip from Erebor to the Blue Mountains," said Fili. "Mother said that he was heartbroken. He didn't want to continue on without her."
"That's so sad," said Kenzi.
"Aye, I saw how Mother was after Father died," said Fili. "I was worried she would die as well, but she is made of tougher stuff."
Kenzi smiled as she watched Fili remember something. "Fili, I want you to promise me something," she said after a moment.
"What's that, love?" he asked.
"I know Thorin is not happy about us," she said. "And Balin may understand, but he may not be able to sway the way Thorin thinks. Don't give up your future for me. You are the Crown Prince, if Thorin doesn't make it through this journey, you will be King Under the Mountain. Don't turn that down for me."
Fili watched her for a moment and sighed before he answered. "I cannot make that promise," he said. "I will gladly hand the title over to Kili. I will spend the rest of our days together and be poor and happy then be a King."
Kenzi shook her head, but smiled none the less.
"I want to give you something," said Fili. He turned over and started digging in the small bag beside them. It was one of the few things that made it out of Goblin-town when everything else was lost. After a moment or two he rolled over to face her again. In his hand was a small blue bead.
"What is it?" she asked.
"It is the bead of my house," he said. "This says that I am part of the Line of Durin. Part of the royal family."
"Why are you giving it to me?" she asked. "Shouldn't you be wearing it?"
"Aye, I probably should, but I didn't think it necessary out here on this journey. I took it out shortly before we began," said Fili. "But I do not have a courting bead with me for obvious reasons."
"A courting bead?" asked Kenzi still staring at the blue bead in his hand.
"Aye, it shows that there is someone interested in your hand in marriage and you have agreed to the courtship," said Fili. "It usually ends in a wedding and new beads being placed in your hair, but there have been times where that hasn't happened."
"How often has it not ended in a wedding?" asked Kenzi.
"Uh…once, I think?" said Fili with a smile. "The Dwarrow was killed before they could get married."
Kenzi raised her eyebrow at him.
"Do you accept my courtship?" asked Fili. "Because I plan to marry you when we reclaim The Mountain."
"And if I say no?' she asked.
"Then I will bother you until you change your mind," smiled Fili. "I will shower you with lavish gifts. Fine silks and jewelry made from the forges within The Mountain. Because I will not stop asking you or loving you until the day I die. So, what do you say?"
"Okay," she whispered.
Fili smiled at her answer. "Sit up for me, lass," he said.
Kenzi nodded her head and sat up. Fili moved around behind her and pulled her hair from the leather strap holding it back from her face. Kenzi closed her eyes as he started to weave a small braid into the right side of her hair. It was very soothing; the gentle tugs and pulls as he weaved the bead into the braid. When he was done he tied her hair back again and moved to face her.
"Now everyone will know," he said. "There will be no hiding it, especially with the Company." Kenzi nodded her head and leaned over to kiss him. "Come now, the rest of the company is starting to wake up. And I believe I smell breakfast."
Kenzi was going to protest but her stomach growled and food won out. They slowly made their way to the overly large table where the rest of the company was sitting. Beorn was awake and serving drinks while everyone started eating. Fili helped Kenzi up onto the bench before pulling himself up. Beorn set two cups down in front of them and filled them with fresh milk. Kenzi smiled at him before she started to fill her plate with food. Thorin was off to the side, not eating, or talking. He was watching their host. It wasn't until Kenzi turn to say something to Fili that he noticed the bead in her hair.
"It seems that young Miss Kenzi has some new jewelry," said Thorin.
The conversation at the table came to a sudden halt. Kenzi's face had gone red, but no one was certain if it was out of embarrassment or rage. Fili was watching her out of the corner of his eye while he stared at his Uncle.
"Would you care to explain that?" asked Thorin.
Kili looked around his brother to stare at Kenzi. She turned her head at the movement and Kili saw the blue bead in her hair. He smiled at her before he went back to eating his breakfast.
"It is my bead," Fili finally answered.
"And what does this bead mean?" asked Thorin barely concealing his anger.
"Until I can get a true courting bead, I'm using my House bead," said Fili, not wavering under the stare from his Uncle. "Kenzi is my One and has agreed to the courtship."
"Well I'll be buggered," said Bofur.
"She won't be accepted," said Thorin. "She'll not be Queen."
"Then we will travel back to the Blue Mountains after Erebor has been secured," said Fili. "I have already made my decision. I will pass the title of Crown Prince to Kili and take my leave of The Lonely Mountain."
"And if I refuse to accept that?" asked Thorin.
"You will have no choice," said Fili
"Before this turns into a physical fight, can we get back to the reason we are here?" said Kenzi. "We were being hunted by Orcs and are currently attempting to get to The Lonely Mountain."
"She is right," said Beorn. "Tell me, Oakenshield, why is Azog the Defiler hunting you?"
"You know of Azog?" asked Thorin, dropping the argument for the time being. "How?"
"My people were the first to live in the mountains, before the Orcs came down from the north," said Beorn. "The Defiler killed most of my family. But some he enslaved. Not for work, you understand, but for sport. Caging skin-changers and torturing them seemed to amuse him."
"There are others like you?" asked Bilbo.
"Once there were many," said Beorn.
"And now?" this time it was Kenzi who asked.
"Now, little one, now there is only one," said Beorn. "You need to reach the mountains before the last days of autumn."
"Before Durin's Day falls, yes," said Gandalf.
"You are running out of time," said Beorn.
"Which is why we must go through Mirkwood," said Gandalf.
"A darkness lies upon that forest," said Beorn. "Fell things creep beneath those trees. There is an alliance between the Orcs of Moria and the Necromancer in Dol Guldur. I would not venture there except in great need."
"We will take the Elven Road," assured Gandalf. "That path is still safe."
"Safe? The Wood Elves of Mirkwood are not like their kin. They are less wise and more dangerous. But it matters not," said Beorn.
"What do you mean?" asked Thorin.
"These lands are crawling with Orcs. Their numbers are growing," said Beorn. "And you are on foot. You will never reach the forest alive."
"Oh, well, that's comforting," said Kenzi.
Beorn smiled at her comment. "I don't like Dwarves. They're greedy and blind. Blind to the lives of those they deem lesser than their own. But Orcs I hate more. What do you need?"
"We will need food and supplies," said Gandalf. "And ponies to get them to the forest alive."
Beorn nodded his head. "Take what food you need. You have a few days to spare to regain your energy and collect your items. I'll have ponies for you to use, but I ask only this: return the ponies. When you reach the Mirkwood, release them and send them back to me."
Gandalf nodded his head in agreement. Thorin was not happy about spending any more time in the house and not on the road. Beorn nodded his head and headed outside. Bombur and Bofur followed him out to help gather vegetables.
When Beorn reached the door he turned around, "The girl and her mate can have the extra room down the hall if they wish." And with the he walked outside, the door closing behind him.
Kenzi's face was bright red and Fili had a smirk on his face as he looked over at her. Thorin on the other hand was furious.
"Kenzi will take the room for the next two nights, the rest of us will remain out here," said Thorin. "I'm sure she would like the privacy."
Kenzi started to argue with him when Fili placed a hand on her arm, "It's not worth it right now. We still have a long journey ahead of us before we reach The Mountain. Let's keep things as calm as possible until then. Okay?"
Kenzi turned her glare on Fili, "If you keep letting him make decisions for you, you might as well take you bead back and find a Dwarrowdam of his liking to take as your bride!" As Kenzi was talking she had undone the braid that Fili had put in her hair and tossed the blue bead back at him. She turned and walked out another door towards the back of the house, slamming it behind her.
Fili looked down at the bead in his hands. He sighed, he knew Kenzi was right but he didn't want to cause more problems for them all. Balin walked over to him and clapped a hand on Fili's shoulder.
"You know, as much as I hate to admit it, she is right. Thorin isn't going to be happy unless you do things his way. He may change his mind before this is all over with. But you need to decide if you want to follow Thorin's orders or follow your heart," said Balin before walking off.
Fili sighed again. He knew what he had to do. He turned and walked out the door that Kenzi had stormed out of. When he was outside he found her sitting beside a small pond. She had pulled her boots off and had her feet in the water.
"What do you want?" she asked when Fili's shadow fell over her.
"I wanted to apologize," he said sitting down next to her. He carefully took off his boots and stuck his feet in the water as well. "You're right. I don't need Thorin picking out my bride for me, especially when she isn't my One. Will you allow me to re-braid your hair?"
Kenzi turned and looked at him. She was still mad at him, but she relented and nodded her head. Fili smiled at her and put the braid and the bead back in her hair. Fili leaned over and kissed her cheek when he was done.
"I truly am sorry," he whispered in her ear.
"I'm sure you are," she said.
"Hello, lovely couple!" shouted Kili as he walked over to the two of them.
"Brother," sighed Fili, a little upset that they were interrupted. "What can we help you with?"
"I figure now is a good time as any to teach my new sister how to fight," said Kili. "She can't keep getting by on sheer dumb luck."
As much as Fili wanted to argue with his brother, he was right. He turned to look at Kenzi; she had the same look on her face.
"All right," said Kenzi standing up. "Teach me how to fight properly," she said looking at Kili.
"Or I can show you how," said Fili.
"You could, but you might go easy on me," she said. "And if Kili does something you don't like you can thump him a good one later on."
"All right, lass. That sounds good," said Fili. "Better watch yourself, brother."
Kili rolled his eyes and handed Kenzi her sword. "Arm yourself, sister," he said with a smile.
After hours of practice Kili finally decided that they were done for the day. Kenzi's arms were sore and killing her but she had a better understanding of how to handle her sword. Kili promised that they would practice again in the morning after breakfast. Kenzi nodded her head and waved him off as she headed back into the house.
"You feeling all right, love?" asked Fili as they entered the house.
"Just sore, is all," she said. "I could use a nice warm bath after all of that."
The words had no sooner left her mouth when one of the many animals roaming around the property bumped into her. She petted the lamb and tried to walk around it. The lamb moved in front of her again, moving her towards the hall. Kenzi tried to move around it again, but once again the lamb blocked her path.
"I think it's trying to tell you something, lass," said Fili.
"All right little lamb, where are we going?" she asked.
The lamb 'baa-ed' at her before walking down the hall. Kenzi laughed as she followed the lamb down the hall. At the end of the hall the lamb pushed open on of the doors and walked in. Kenzi looked in the room. Along the far wall was a large four-poster bed. Across from the bed was a large fireplace, with a large fire going. And placed on the area rug between the two was a large brass tub filled with steaming water. There was a towel draped over a chair that was sitting nearby and a small table had an assortment of soaps sitting on it as well.
"It looks like you get your warm bath after all," said Fili.
Fili turned and left the room, leaving Kenzi with privacy to undress and have her bath. Kenzi sighed as she quickly disrobed. She laid her sword on the chair and quickly tossed her clothes to the floor. She pulled her hair down from the leather stay and sank into the steaming hot water.
"Oh, this is heaven," she whispered before dunking her head under water.
"Where is Kenzi?" asked Bofur.
"She is having a bath," said Fili as he sharpens his swords. "One of the animals cornered her and took her to the room down the hall. She's been down there for quite some time."
Bofur nodded his head. "I'm sure she's enjoying herself. Women folk tend to enjoy that sort of thing."
Dwalin chuckled, his own wife liked to enjoy a warm bath a few nights a week. He, himself, had enjoyed a warm bath or two with his wife and could understand how she was feeling. "Might want to tell her that the food is ready."
"Yeah, we're liable to eat it all before she gets out here," laughed Bofur.
"I'll go get her," said Kili.
"Sit down," said Thorin. "If she is hungry she will join us."
Fili sighed and put his swords away. He stood and headed down the hall to fetch Kenzi.
"Fili! I said leave her," said Thorin.
"And I'll not have her go hungry because you're not happy," said Fili. "You may not like it, but she is the girl I'm going to marry. Your feelings on it be damned." Fili turned and continued down the hall ignoring the curses that his Uncle was muttering.
Kenzi had her head leaning on the edge of the tub when someone knocked on the door. She sighed and waited for them to speak. Instead of speaking they knocked again.
"What?" she shouted to be heard through the door.
"It's me, love," said Fili. "May I enter?"
Kenzi smiled. "Yes, you may enter."
The door opened slowly and Fili walked into the room. He closed the door behind him and walked farther into the room. "Supper will be starting shortly. If we don't hurry there won't be anything left to eat."
"You're not looking at me," she said.
"I'm trying to give you some privacy," he said. "It was either me or Kili come and tell you."
"I much prefer you to your brother walking in on me in the bath," she said. "But I probably should get out and eat something. Hand me that towel, please."
Fili turned and grabbed the towel from the back of the chair and handed it to her, his head still turned away. Kenzi smiled and grabbed the towel from him as she stood from the bath. She carefully climbed out and dried herself off. The fire helped and kept her from getting cold. She looked around but didn't see her pile of clothes.
"Uh, Fili, do you see my clothes anywhere?" she asked. "I tossed them over here by the fire, but they aren't there."
Fili looked around the room but didn't see her clothes. What he did see was more clothes lying on the bed. "There is some lying on the bed over here."
Kenzi looked around him and saw something lying on the bed. She wrapped the towel around herself and walked over to the bed. Fili gasped when she walked into his line of sight. He knew she was a curvy woman, and he had seen many women in his lifetime, but seeing Kenzi in naught but a towel was doing many things to him.
"Well, shit," she said.
"What is it?" asked Fili.
"It's a god-damn dress," she said holding it up to show Fili.
"You were in a dress while we were at the Hobbit's house," said Fili.
"That's because what I was wearing…it's just…never mind," said Kenzi. "I just don't like dresses, is all."
"It's not that bad," said Fili walking over to her. "It is blue, ya know. Matches the bead in your hair," he said fingering the bead.
"I'd much rather go to supper in this towel than wear that dress," said Kenzi. "I'm not going to fit in this dress."
"I'll lock you in this room if you even try to go out there in that towel," said Fili. "And what do you mean you won't fit in it."
"My chest is too big," said Kenzi gesturing towards her boobs. "I won't fit."
Fili cleared his throat, "Well, I am going to leave you to get dressed," he said walking towards the door. "I'll see you at the table."
With that he was through the door and practically running down the hall. When he got back to the main room the entire company had started eating already. He pulled himself up on the benh next to his brother and pulled food onto his own plate.
"And what took you so long, brother," chuckled Kili.
Fili kicked him under the table but didn't answer him. A few minutes later he heard a door open and close. Kenzi joined them only moments later. She was in the blue dress that had been lying on the bed. He had to agree, she did not fit in the dress. All eyes were on her as she entered the room. Balin, who had been drinking, coughed as he choked on his drink.
Fili was avoiding looking at her. Every time he did his eyes drifted to her chest. Kili jumped down and helped Kenzi up onto the bench beside Fili.
"Thanks for the help," she whispered to him.
"I…uh…hmm…" said Fili.
"I told you I wasn't going to fit," she said.
"I see you found the dress," said Beorn sitting down at the table. "It's been many years since I've had a human guest."
"Yes, thank you," said Kenzi. "But I was wondering when I would be getting my clothes back?"
"They will be ready for you in the morning," said Beorn.
"Thank you," she said before dishing food onto her plate.
"Get some rest," said Thorin. "We leave in the morning."
The company nodded their agreement and started to settle down for the night. Beorn had already retired for the night, but had made sure that their provisions were ready for them when they were ready to leave. Thorin settled down on his bed roll and was getting ready to fall asleep when he saw Kenzi walk by.
"Good night," she said to Kili before he lay down.
"Night," he said.
"Good night," she said looking at Fili "I'll see you in the morning."
"Or you could see me tonight," said Fili. "You can stay out here with me."
"Or you could come sleep in a real bed," she said. "The choice is yours."
Fili smiled as she turned and walked down the hall. He grabbed his weapons and started to follow her.
"Fili, I said she would have the room to herself," said Thorin with his eyes closed.
"And I believe I told you what you could do with your opinions involving the two of us," said Fili as he continued down the hall.
Kenzi had already pulled her dress off and was in a night dress and in bed by the time Fili walked into the room. She smiled as she pulled the covers back for him. Fili laid his weapons down on the other chair in the room. He turned his back to her and started to unlace his boots. Once they were off he quickly unlaced his trousers and let his tunic fall back down. When he turned around Kenzi's face was bright red.
"What is it, love?" he asked.
"Nothing," she said. "You ready for bed?"
Fili nodded his head and climbed into the bed with her. He blew out the candle on his side of the bed as she did the same. The only light in the room was coming from the fire. Fili laid there for a few tense moments before he heard Kenzi's breathing even out signaling she was asleep. It was only then that he was able to fall asleep himself.
*A/N: Now that I've read through this and was actually able to edit it, I've reposted it for your viewing pleasure. PLease review and let me know what you think! I will be reviewing Chapters 2 & 3 this weekend and will post them as soon as I can! ~Kat