"Please, Mamma? Pleeaaase?" Fili begged, widening his eyes and screwing up his face in an effort to look like Kili when he wanted something—since he usually got it.

Dis chuckled. "You are not your brother, Fili, and although you do an awfully good impression, it doesn't quite have the same effect as Kili."

Fili relaxed, suddenly wondering if he should have sent Kili to beg Dis instead of him. But she wouldn't have listened to him, although she might have given in. It had been his idea, after all. "We just want to go to Mr. Bofur's shop. He said he had something new to show Kili and me. I know you or Uncle Thorin usually take us, but he's at the forges and you're busy…" he trailed off, and then added helpfully, "I promise we won't get into any trouble, and I'll make sure Kili doesn't get lost or break anything."

Dis didn't say anything. Fili remembered the last time Thorin had taken them to look at Bofur's toys and shuddered at the disastrous memory. "That's a lot more than Uncle can do! Remember last time when-"

Dis held up a hand. "Oh, yes, Fili, I remember. Unfortunately."

"So we can go?" Fili said, trying to suppress his excitement and be mature but hardly able to keep from bouncing up and down on his toes.

Dis sighed. "I suppose. But you have to promise me something."
"What?" Dis didn't say anything to respond. "It's not bad, is it?"

"No, Fili. But it's a very important responsibility. You're Kili's big brother, and you promised me you would take care of him. Being a brother isn't always easy, but it's your job to take care of him, always. It's more than making sure he doesn't get lost or break anything. Can you promise you'll do that for me?"
Fili nodded. "Yes, Mamma, I promise."

"Then you two can go." She relented. Fili whooped and ran off to tell Kili.

It was promise he would never break.

Thorin was their king, and he had ordered them stand down. And they would follow their king.

Kili could only feel a crushing guilt. He and Fili, the heirs of Erebor, told to stand down and watch helplessly as their kin were attacked. Thorin had ordered it. They would not help Dain, they would stay in the mountain and do nothing. It was not right not to help. It was against everything Thorin had ever stood for. But, to Kili, it was starting to seem like Thorin wasn't even there anymore. At least the Thorin he knew.

He would always love Thorin, always look up to him, and always follow him. But this wasn't Thorin.

Thorin was gone, but the sense of limbo and endless waiting for something to happen was left. Dwalin had followed Thorin, and come back a short time later, refusing to say anything about their encounter. Kili couldn't keep still. He stood, he sat, he paced and turned to look at every noise. Fili had only been able to sit numbly, hearing the sounds of the battle below, and avoid the eyes of the others. He loved Thorin, and he would obey him, but he was still ashamed of him. The guilt was overwhelming to them both.

It seemed forever to Kili until he heard noises behind them. He jumped to his feet, hoping beyond hope that it was Thorin. Maybe he was coming to reinforce his orders, but Kili didn't care. He wanted Thorin back with him.

When he realized that it was Thorin, the first thing he noticed was that the crown was gone. Kili took a step forward, trying to formulate his thoughts into words. He could sense Fili looking at him, sense his brother's warning of caution. For a moment, he closed his mouth, but he couldn't keep it in. The guilt, the shame, and anger at being told to stand down bubbled up inside and he let it out.

"I will not hide behind walls of stone while others fight our battles for us!" he burst out, his anger welling up with each word. Thorin's expression didn't change. Kili felt a lump in his throat. "It's not in my blood, Thorin." He choked out quietly, suddenly fighting back tears and an onslaught of emotion. He couldn't say anything else. It's not in your blood either, Thorin. You wouldn't do this if you were yourself. He willed Thorin to understand.

Thorin drew closer and suddenly, a hint of a smile appeared on his face. "No, it is not." He reached for Kili and pulled him into half a hug, holding tightly to his arms. "We are sons of Durin. And Durin's Folk do not flee from a fight." Kili felt his lip quivering. Thorin looked at him gently, his own eyes damp, and he realized his uncle was back. And he was proud of Kili. Their foreheads touched and Kili closed his eyes. It meant everything. He could feel Thorin's love, his pride and his sorrow at having betrayed them all. Thorin was the father he had never had. He squeezed Kili's arm as he quickly schooled his features. Thorin turned to face the others as Kili felt a rush of excitement. He grinned as Thorin spoke. "I have no right to ask this of any of you... but will you follow me one last time?"

The other dwarves stood, and the look on their faces was enough for affirmation. They would follow their king to whatever end.

Kili felt a rush of pride to be Thorin's nephew. He had moved Thorin. It didn't matter what the last few days had been like. He forgave Thorin instantly, more proud to stand alongside him than he had ever been.

Fili had never seen his brother so still. Kili didn't say a word. He just stood, still a statute, eyes glued in front of him. He was scared. They all were. For him and Kili, it would be the first time they actually would fight in a real battle. Kili may have had the courage to move Thorin, but he was scared now.

Fili felt only relief to be going into battle. They would help, they would finally help.

Dwalin, Nori and Gloin had gone up to break their barricade. The others remained. Thorin walked among his men, checking their weapons and giving encouragement. Fili felt his uncle's hand on his shoulder, a gentle squeeze. Thorin, the king, could show no more emotion than that. But Fili could see his eyes were wet. Thorin was proud of them, and that was more than enough.

Next to him, Kili was tightening the straps on his boots. He didn't say a word, but Fili could hear him breathing hard. His earlier excitement had vanished.

"Kili." He said, and his brother turned to look at him with wide eyes. Fili stepped closer and lowered his voice. "It's going to be fine. This is what we've always wanted—to follow Thorin into battle, in glory and renown."
Kili swallowed. "Yes, I know."

"There is no shame in fear, little brother." Fili offered. He put his hand on Kili's shoulder. "I won't leave you. I'll stay close to you, you won't be alone. We fight better together anyways." And I will protect you, Kee, he thought, but decided not to add it.

"Then we won't have to worry about each other. We can protect each other." Kili said, and Fili felt another surge of pride.

"I'm glad you're with me today. I'm proud to fight by your side, Kili." He coaxed a smile out of his brother."But please promise me you won't do anything

that—"

"You wouldn't do?"

"That will take you from me." A lump rose in Fili's throat and he clenched his jaw and looked away.

"Alright." Kili whispered. He bit his lip, and Fili turned to go. Before he could get more than one step, Kili grabbed him and pulled him into a crushing embrace. He squeezed Fili so tightly he could barely breathe, but Fili hugged him back just as tightly. He heard Kili's faint whisper, "Love you, Fee. I promise I'll be safe."
"Love you too, little brother. Even if you are taller than me." Fili whispered back.

Then it seemed to him that Kili stood up straighter, looking tall and brave, and every bit the prince he was.

They went to join Thorin, who was waiting for the right moment to charge into battle. They didn't have to be told where their positions were. Kili on his right, Fili on his left. Fili's stomach was a bundle of nerves, but Kili seemed excited again. His eyes gleamed.

The others had returned, the thirteen dwarves went into a rough formation. Behind them, Dori stood behind Ori, his knuckles white as he gripped Ori's shoulder. He was silent for once. As Fili watched, Ori reached up and put his hand over Dori's. Nori stood behind them, also wordless. Gloin had pulled out the pictures of his wife and Gimli, and was gazing at them as if it might be the last time. Oin went to Kili and fussed over him, making sure his leg would be alright, despite Kili's frequent attempts to tell him that Tauriel had healed him completely. Balin was behind Thorin, also surveying the battlefield. The two dwarves needed to words to communicate. Bofur slipped off his hat, gave it one last longing look and set it aside. Bifur stood next to him, his hand comfortingly on Bofur's shoulder. Bombur had already taken the ancient horn above the barricade.

"Fili, Kili." Fili turned around at his name. Dwalin was behind them, his face a mask, void of emotion. "I'm proud of you, lads. I've trained to well. I think you're best fighters here, besides me. And Thorin." His face hinted at a smile. "I saw you when you were just bairnes. I can hardly recognize you now." He abruptly pulled them both into an embrace, and for the first time Fili realized his eyes were wet as a tear trickled down his cheek. It seemed that the other dwarves knew something that he and Kili didn't. War was dangerous. This could be their last meeting. Dwalin could be saying goodbye. He squeezed his eyes shut as Dwalin pulled away. The thought of his teacher dead was enough to create a lump in his throat.

"It's not like we're going to die, Mister Dwalin." Kili said, but Fili heard a catch in his voice.

Dwalin didn't say anything; he just looked at them sadly before whispering, "Aye, let's hope you're right." He took up his position behind Kili.

Thorin turned around to face his nephews. He had obviously overheard the exchange, and his jaw was clenched tightly as he looked at them.

"You boys are a credit to me." He whispered, his voice thick. Fili didn't think he had ever heard Thorin sound so vulnerable. Surely Thorin didn't think he would face death too. "I am very proud to have you fight by my side. Your mother would be too." He looked both of them in the eye and took a deep breath. "Remember your promise to her. Come back to her, little ones." His voice lowered so much that Fili barely heard the term of endearment. Thorin hadn't called them that since Kili was still in diapers. He put a steady hand on both their shoulders, looking at them as if he might never see them again.

It dawned on Fili that Thorin and Dwalin might not fear their death in battle, but his death, and Kili's death. They and Ori were the most inexperienced fighters. They had never fought in a battle against an actual army. He and Kili might be warriors, but they hadn't actually seen war.

Balin stepped forward. "Thorin, it's time." He said quietly.

Thorin nodded, his gaze never leaving his nephews. "Be safe." He murmured, before turning to face the front. He drew his sword, and the others followed suit. As Thorin raised his weapon and prepared to charge, Fili looked over at his brother. The fear was still there, but so was the excitement. He was secretly glad Kili was scared. It might keep him from doing something reckless. Kili returned the look, and in the brief moment of eye contact, the brothers communicated more than words could say. Fili nodded, and Kili returned the gesture.

They were ready.

Thanks for reading! I know this is pretty movie verse, but we'll be out of that soon. Please review!