Disclaimer: I own nothing. This is based of Disney and Pixar's movie Brave with Tolkien's Characters. I changed the plot a little bit, just to make it more interesting. It gets better after chapter 1
A/N This has been rewritten but not re-posted, the story goes from third to first person after the prologue.
Sorry for any grammar issues you may find.
Also, Sorry for the wait.
chapter 1
"Where are you two, where are my nephews?" Thorin says playfully as he searches around the camp for the two brothers, mind you, knowing full well were the two trouble makers were. "Come out, come on out" Thorin says as he watches, from the corner of his eyes, the two boys scramble under the table, hidden from sight under the table cloth.
Thorin chuckles to himself as he listens to the boys not so quite giggling coming from under the table. "Where are you, you little dwarfing's? I'm coming to get you!" Thorin says as he lifts the table cloth up so he can poke his head under the table, only to have both Fili and Kili scramble out from under the table in a mad dash to nearest hiding spot.
"Hmm. Where is my little Birthday boy, hmm? I'm going to gobble him up when I find him" Say's Thorin as he continues to look around the table, knowing full well that the two were hiding behind the tent cloth.
"Yes where is my little trouble maker" Says another voice with a hint of humor in her tone as she joins her brother in the hunt for her sons.
"Don't let uncle and Mother eat me fee!" Cries Kili as he clings to his brother desperately.
"Mother and Uncle won't eat you Kee, they just wants to wish you a happy birthday" reassures Fili.
"Ok Kee" says Kili as he scrambles out from behind the tent followed by Fili. Kili lets out a laugh as he dodges his uncle's hands. The two then they try to duck out of the way of their mother and Uncle but to no avail as they are soon both pulled into the laps by one of the two adults.
"I'm going to eat you!" Claim's Dis as she starts to tickle Fili who then begins to laugh crazily while attempting to escape his Mothers hold. Kili laughs as well while his uncle pulls him into a hug before pretending to gobble him up like a dragon.
"Happy birthday Kili" says Thorin fondly as he smiles down at his youngest nephew who smiles back up at him with a grin that spreads from ear to ear.
Suddenly a dark shadow covers the dwarves. All four suddenly look up to the dark shadow as he places a large long bow on the table, knocking food onto the grass.
"Ach! Fergus, no weapons on the table!" exclaims Thorin as he gets to his feet, placing a grinning Kili in his sisters lap before getting up to greet his brother in law properly. "Happy birthday Kee" whispers Fili to his younger brother as their uncle gets to his feet, only to have Kili completely ignores him then decide to use him as a launch pad in order to get to his father. Fili groans as Kili's feet collide with his face.
"Father" Yells Kili, not noticing his brother at all, as he runs towards the table, peeping his little head over the top so he can see his Father's huge long bow.
"Can I shoot an arrow dad, can I? " pleads Kili as he jumps up and down in order to try and reach the long bow, which he then succeeds in doing somehow, to his uncles astonishment.
"Can I? Can I? Can I? Can I? Please, can I?" He giggles as he falls over into the grass from the bow's wait.
"Not with that you can't, far too heavy for a dwarf of your size." Say's Fergus firmly as he looks at Kili's disappointed eyes.
To Kili's amazement and much to Thorin's displeasure Fergus reaches inside of his fur coat and pulls out a much smaller wooden reserve bow from under his coat.
Kili's eyes widen in excitement as he stares at the bow before him. The bow looks like an ordinary recurve bow except its grip is strait and continues to be strait until it reaches the limbs of the bow were the name recurve comes into meaning.
"Happy Birthday, my son" Exclaims Fergus as he hands the bow to Kili's small hands.
"Wow a bow! Give it a go Kili" urges Fili as he admires Kili's new bow. Fili preferred to stick to training with twin swords…yet he never got to start off with a real weapon…then again a bow is more of a tool then a weapon thought Fili to himself.
Kili run's excitedly to the small target set up a few meters away that has been on his mind all morning, as he had no idea why such a small target had been there in the first place. Mind you, Fili hadn't a clue either.
Fergus chuckles as he goes to help his over excited son with his positioning. Kili had somehow managed to find himself holding the bow back to front, trying to pull the wood instead of the string.
After a few moments Fergus had helped his son out and told him how to hold the bow, only to have Kili shoot arrows all over the place, never quite making the target, in fact he almost shot an arrow into his brother's foot.
Fergus decided that now would be a good time to go into deeper instruction on how to aim and shoot.
"There you go Kili, listen. Draw all the way back now to your cheek or your ear if you can. That's right, keep both eyes open….if you want anyway, and...shoot." directs Kili's father from where he stands at Kili's side.
Thorin held his breath as he watched Kili attempt to shoot the bow, stupid elfish weapon. Dis on the other hand was keeping a firm hand on Fili's shoulder as she did not find the idea of an arrow in her eldest son's foot the best idea.
There was a loud twang and then a thunk as the arrow landed inches away from the center of the target. "Beginners luck…" Calls Fili from where he stands, but he can't help but grin at his brother's excitement as he fits another arrow onto the string.
There's another twang but no sound of the arrow hitting the target…or anything really. Kili gives a defeated sigh as his arrow flies far off into the woods…The green wood.
"I missed" Say's Kili in defeat as he lowers his bow.
"Don't worry Kili, you still shot it quite far!" praises Fili as he moves over to stand next to Kili, bringing him into a hug.
"Go and fetch it, then." Says Dis encouragingly, ignoring her brothers protest about Kili going into the woods. "There are elves in there…don't want him becoming friends with them…" Thorin argues. Fili just looks amused at his uncle's antics about elves...wouldn't be the first time.
As Kili disappears into the wood's Thorin then turns to Fergus as Dis is giving him no attention or any sign of agreeing with her brother about the elves.
"A bow Fergus, why not a sword or an axe, He's a dwarf not an Elf!" Says Thorin angrily as he folds his arms, trying to give some sort of impression…not that he needed too…he was the king.
"Aye but dwarfs are still required to learn how to shoot; hunting with axes and maces isn't the stealthiest idea." Retort's Fergus. Thorin grunts in defeat as what Fergus says is true.
As Kili runs through the woods, pushing branches aside this way and that as he searches for his missing arrow, he pays no attention to any movement that me be around him...he didn't even see the gleaming red eyes or the big leathery golden wings that seemed to be following him.
"AHA" Kili shouts as he spots his arrow embedded into a strange looking tree. Kili rushed forward, tripping over a strange looking log in the process…the log seemed to be covered in golden scales…odd, but Kili pays it no thought as he gets back up and heads towards the tree.
As Kili pulls the arrow from the tree, with quite a bit of effort, he remains oblivious to the growing shadow behind him.
Kili's looks up in confusion as a strange humming sound fills his ears, he turns his head curiously towards the sound. "A wisp!" Exclaims Kili as he stares at the blue light in wonder.
Curiosity soon gets the better of the young dwarf as he lunges towards the blue light only to have it disappear as his face comes in contact with the hard ground.
"They are real" says Kili as he raises himself to his feet, noticing a whole trail of the blue lights heading out of the greenwood…"Kili! Come on, sweetheart, we're leaving now" calls his mother's voice as he follows the wisps back out of the greenwood. He sigh's as he continues to follow the lights out of the wood…funny enough he didn't seem to notice the winged beast following behind him.
"I saw a wisp! I saw a wisp!" yells Kili excitedly as he reaches his mother's awaiting arms.
"A wisp? You know, some say that the Elves conjure up Will O' the Wisps so they can lead you to your fate." Says Dis fondly as she lifts' Kili into her arms.
"Oh, aye! Or an arrow! Come on, let's get back to Erebor before we see a dancing charging Elf or a storm giant..." exclaims Thorin as he walk's back to the tent, followed by Fergus.
"Did you really see a wisp!?" Asks Fili excitedly as he is also pulled into Dis's arms. "I did! I did! I did!" answer's Kili excitedly.
"Your Uncle doesn't like elves or magic, nor does your Father." Claim's Dis as she start's to head back to the tent.
"Well they should because elves can't be as evil as uncle claims." argues Kili.
Fill the proceeded to tell dis what Thorin said about the elves. Dis's eyes widened before she frowned.
"Thank you Fili for telling me what Thorin said…I shall deal with him later". By deal with the meant have a screaming match with her bother about muttering such curses around her sons…Fili found these most amusing as Dis always won and Thorin would always end up pouting.
Kili suddenly yells out a loud terrified scream followed by Fili which brought everyone out of their own thoughts.
Dis turn's in surprise and lets out a louder scream as her eyes meat with the eyes of the white and golden fire dragon.
"DRACO" yells Thorin in anger as he rushes out of the tent, followed by Fergus, before looking into the eyes of the Dragon. "Dis, hide!" Yells Fergus as Thorin throw's him one of the last black arrows.
Dis help's her son's onto her scruffy pony in a rush of panic before getting on herself before galloping of back towards Erebor, leaving her husband and Brother to fight the dragon.
Thorin had been after this dragon for years, it had been sighted in the greenwood for countless years…no one ever succeeding in killing it. Thorin had a reason to hate it though…the dragon had once succeeded in stealing all of Erebor's white gems that gleamed like starlight…They now were imbedded in the dragon's soft belly.
Fergus charges towards the dragon in a rush of anger before proceeding to throw the black arrow…it meets its mark but it doesn't stay in place for long…a golden scale loosens and falls to the ground.
Fergus hold up his sword in anger. "Come on, you! He taunts, before his eyes meet the last thing he will ever see. Draco's chest turning a blue and white colour before a searing pain overcomes his body.
The last thing he hears is "Fergus!" before all lights go out and he feels no more.
The story of how my father lost his life to the golden dragon Draco became legend. The legend constantly told by my uncle Thorin, who came to help look after me and my brother Fili after my father died.
You probably want to know a bit about my brother as well…where do I start…he acts all mature in front of Dis and Uncle but in reality…he is just as much a trouble maker as me…perhaps even more so…Fili could get away with murder. I can never get away with anything; he blames it all on me.
My teeth sink into the juicy apple I'm holding, just as the emerald green throne room doors open revealing my mother, Brother and a disappointed looking uncle sitting on the thrones, how convenient.
I'm the heir to the throne of Erebor. My brother turned it down…so now it's up to me to succeed Thorin... I'm the example! I mean how annoying is it that everyone wants me to grow up faster then I want to! I'm starting to realize why Fili turned it down…funny that…I always used to be jealous that he got to be king after uncle…not I'm not so sure…
Quickly, I discard the apple I'm eating and walk towards my spot near Thorin in the throne room. I have got duties, responsibilities, and expectations. My whole life is planned out, until the day I become my uncle. He's in charge of every single day of my life...almost anyway…quite annoying actually.
Lessons can get quite boring with my uncle you see…same thing over and over again…Uncle can't be bothered teaching me useful things such as fighting skills and archery…the stuff that dad used to teach Fili…no just the stuff that you can't possibly need.
I sigh as I begin to sing a well-known song of my people, I'm practicing you see…not that I think I need to…
"Far over the misty mountain's cold" I begin glumly.
"Project!" my uncle orders from somewhere in the room.
I scoff. Me! project! I'm already loud enough as it is, according to Fili.
"We must away ere break or day" I sing slightly louder.
"Pronunciation! You must be understood from anywhere in the room, or it's all for nothing." My uncle yell's from across the room.
Don't raise your voice indeed. I think to myself…Uncle is always telling me not to yell…he should see himself sometimes…I used to think he was fun…but now…
"This is all for nothing" I say sadly to the floor.
"I heard that! From the top!" Thorin demands.
Lessons like this seem to go on for hours…Fili warned me about this before I started by training as king.
I sigh as I sketch a picture of Thorin barking information, only half listening to what Thorin had to say about the kingdom of Erebor and its neighboring Kingdoms, such as the Greenwood. I'm meant to be taking notes you see…
"A prince must be knowledgeable about his kingdom." Say's Thorin gruffly as he snatches the piece of paper I have been drawing on, looks at it, and then raises it.
"He doesn't make doodle!" He yells as he holds up the picture, looking much like it himself if I do say so myself.
I sigh and run my fingers through my messy brown hair.
It's always "A prince does not chortle!"
"Doesn't stuff his gob!" I laughed at this…apparently Uncle doesn't like Elves…seems he is turning me into one.
"Rises early!" I see no reason for that at all…
It goes on and on and on the list never stops!
"Compassionate!" very much unlike Uncle if I do say so myself…quite ironic actually.
"Patient!" He has a point with that though.
"Cautious!"…can't blame him for that either…
"Clean!"...There goes the turning me into the Elf thing again.
And above all, according to uncle anyway, a prince strives for...well, perfection! I think that is the most stupid thing ever…it's like saying an archer has to be a perfect shot on his first go!
How ridicules right, that's what a princess does! I am most certainly not a princess….though I have heard that that Elves have some very skilled in fighting woman.
I sigh as I scribble down some notes about Erebor, homework apparently…"Kili" I hear my uncle say firmly before he opens the door. I frown…more lessons…I turn my head only to smile , in the doorway is Fili holding a stack of books in his hands, looking quite bored in truth.
"Your Brother will present your lesson today, the history of Erebor." My uncle exclaims proudly before closing the door behind him as my brother enters. For a second I thought he may even smile…very unlikely, Uncle never smile's anymore…not even when I try to impress him…he just frowns instead.
As soon as the door is closed, Fili drop's the books onto the floor with a wide grin plastered to his face. I smile back at him.
"Shall we begin?" Fili asks as he draw's his twin swords from his back.
"YES!" I yell as I draw my sword from under the piles of book's, knocking them to the ground as well as the table…these where my favourite types of lessons…the ones Thorin will never do…in truth most of the stuff I know comes from Fili.
"What do you know of the people of Erebor?" he asks as he parry's my blade by crossing over his twin swords in an X formation. I trusted my Brother to block all my attacks so I didn't end up cutting his head off.
"They are fierce dwarves, miners of gold and riches" I say before I feel my foot slip a bit as it lands on one of the fallen books.
"Mind your balance" my brother warns.
"Thorin is rightful heir to the throne and will one day majestically kill the golden and white dragon" I say dramatically, only just blocking one of my brother's swords.
"Keep your guard up!" he warns again
"Kili, one of the two princes of Erebor, is the best Archer in the land, and not bad with sword either." I finish as I knock Fili to the ground.
"VERY GOOD!, tell me about the other prince then." Fili says to me as he gets up and goes for another blow.
I quickly block his blow. "Fili, the eldest prince has mane like a Lion and in known for his handsomeness and good humor" I answer with a laugh as I continue to fight.
"CORRECT!" says Fili proudly
We then find both our heads turning to the sound of the door opening. We both move as quickly as we can to look like we had been studying with the books Fili was holding…somehow I don't think we looked very convincing, especially with swords and a table splayed all over the floor.
"How was the lesson…oh Mahal" says Thorin as he scan's the room in disproving eyes.
"Best lesson I've had all week" I exclaim before giving Fili a tight hug.
Yea, like I said before, that's about the only time I ever have any fun in lesson…But every once in a while, there's a day when I don't have to be a prince No lessons, no expectations.
I rise in my bed as I hear the rooster go off, I smile as I realize what day it is. I waste no time in getting dressed and filling my quiver with my arrows. In lightning speed I grab my Bow from beside my bed and throw the door open.
I bound down the stairs before flinging myself onto the railing, grabbing an apple as I do so, before slipping off and landing on a bunch of candles which then fall over leaving me to run off to the stable's.
One I reach the stable I climb onto the fence of my pony Minty's stall and fling myself onto her back...I prefer bareback. I urge her into a gallop as I fly through the gates and out into the greenwood.
As I gallop further into the woods I let my leg's take control of the steering. I smile as the first target comes into view, hanging from a tree branch above.
I waste no time in loading and drawing back to my cheek before releasing, my arrow hitting its mark perfectly.
I fling some of my messy hair out of my eyes before placing and arrow in-between my teeth as I load another arrow, it hits it mark yet again, I let out a smile as I load the arrow I had in my mouth, letting it fly into the tree ahead. I sometimes wish Fili would come with me on these days…
I load yet another arrow right before I come to a fallen tree, I draw back as my pony jumps over the log, I release just before her front hooves hit the ground. I let out a laugh as my arrow hits its mark, just like the other forty arrows did in that one spot.
As we come to a spot on a cliff, I dismount to enjoy the sunset above…funny how a day fly's by like that. I smile as Minty chooses this moment to start rolling around in the grass. I smile again as I sit down in the grass and pull out a pocket knife and begin to carve an outline of Erebor into my bow.
I look up as a shadow appears before me. "Eagles" I say in wonder as I look at the huge birds above, "Look Minty, giant Eagles, and I thought they were only legend."
I mount up and follow the eagle to the fire falls. I smile as I dismount and come to the edge of the rock.
I feel an urge of excitement come over me as I begin to climb up the rock face; well my mother always says I'm reckless. As I'm about half way up I lose my footing, a neigh can be heard from below, I give a reassuring smile to my pony before continuing to climb upwards. It was times like this I wish my uncle could see me.
I give out a pant as I reach the top; I smile yet again as I get to my feet and admire the view. I turn to face the flowing water and reach out my hands, I sigh as the cool water comes in contact with my skin. I bring my hands to my lips and drink.
When I get back I bring minty into a trot as I reach the stable, once I come to a halt I dismount. "I'm starving, are you hungry too minty?" I ask only to have a tail whipped in my face.
"well you eat those apples there" I say, gesturing to the apples on the hay filled ground, I make a mental note to clean the stables after dinner before walking off to the kitchens.
I suddenly feel a presence at my side. "Hello Fili" I say as I turn to face my brother. He gives me a warm smile before slinging an arm around my shoulders. "How was your day Kili, do anything reckless?" My brother teases as we walk towards the kitchen; the smell of food is almost overwhelming now.
"I'll tell you at dinner" I say with a smile. Fili gives me a small nod before opening his mouth…only no words come out.
"Is there something you want to tell me Fili or are you just pretending to be a fish." I say curiously…by brother was never lost for words unless something was on his mind.
"I…uh…." Fili stammers, much to my amusement, before heading off into the kitchen I furrow my brow in confusion…Fili never acts like this…except for that one time when my dog died and he didn't know how to tell me…
Once I'm inside the kitchen I sneak some cakes of the table while the staff greet me, I nod and walk off to the dining hall. Once I enter the sounds of my mother's booming voice fills the halls.
"From nowhere, the biggest dragon you've ever seen! Its hide littered with the weapons of fallen warriors. Thorin threw an axe and..." My mother never finishes her story as I interrupt her. I place the food on the table before continuing the story.
"Whoosh! One swipe, his axes shattered, and then chomp! Uncle's hand was almost bitten clean off!" I exclaim dramatically from next to Fili who is dramatically acting out the scene.
"That's my favorite part!" My mother says fondly.
"It wasn't that dramatic I assure you…in fact it went a bit more like-" Thorin starts but there is no way I would let him finish…he tells it in the most boring way.
"Smaug has never been seen since. And he's still waiting for when the dwarfs of Erebor will return to him to reclaim the jewels on his chest!" I say dramatically as I take my seat. Thorin sighs.
"Let him wait there, let him ROT!, ill finish what he started in the first place." Says Fili firmly as I smirk as I place my Bow on the table. Only a matter of time for uncle to react now…
"KILI! a prince does not place his weapons on the table." My uncle yells from across the table.
"UNCLE! It's just my bow." I say mockingly before shoving a cake in my mouth.
"A dwarf should not have a bow in my opinion, an Elvish weapon it is." My uncle exclaims from behind the letters he is reading. I sigh before slipping my bow on the back of my chair.
"Leave him be brother! Dwarf or not, learning to shoot is essential." Says my mother quoting my father, while waving one of the drum sticks around, attracting the dogs.
"Uncle, you'll never guess what I did today." I say excitedly.
"Hmm?" says Thorin only half interested.
"What has our famous elf done today?" My brother asks enthusiastically, earning a glare from Uncle.
"I climbed the Crone's Tooth and drank from the Fire Falls." I say, hoping Thorin would be even a little bit impressed.
"Fire Falls? They say only the ancient kings were brave enough to drink the fire." says my Mother. I smile proudly and she laughs before winking at me.
"What did you do, lad?" Uncle asks.
Will I ever be able to impress him? I think sadly. "Nothing Uncle." I say sadly, Dis and Fili gives me a sympathetic look.
"Hungry are we Kili?" says Thorin, finally looking up from his letters, gesturing to my pile of cake's.
"UNCLE!" I complain.
"You'll get dreadful tooth decay, Oh, Dis Will you look at your son's plate!?" says Uncle gesturing to my cake's.
My mother look's over leaving her food exposed to the dogs. She simply shrugs. I hold back a laugh.
"Don't let em…ughh" My Uncle says in disgust as he watches the dogs eat our food..
"FILI! Don't just play with you green's, how will you know you don't like them if you won't try them." My Uncle says, turning his attention to my brother who is attempting to give his greens to the dogs.
"I don't like green food" says Fili sadly before nibbling on a carrot. "Fili" I whisper, gesturing under the table where I have slipped some of the cakes.
He nods before disappearing under the table, completely unnoticed by all but me…sly devil.
"Dis, they've all accepted." My uncle says, gesturing to the letters.
"Who's accepted what, uncle?" I ask curiously, as Fili reappears from under the table.
"Fili, you are excused." Says Thorin blankly.
I watch as Fili quickly makes his exit to the door, giving me a guilty look. I furrow my brow….if Fili has blamed something else on me… "What did I do now?" I say slowly.
"Your mother has something to discuss with you." says Thorin, stressing some of the sentence.
My mother suddenly almost chokes on what she is drinking. "Dis" Thorin says questioningly as she clear's her throat.
"Kili" My mother hesitates, looking quickly to Thorin for help. Thorin sighs, mumbling something that sounded like "Are you his mother or not".
"The kings and queens of the middle earth races are presenting their suitors for your betrothal." My uncle says slowly.
"What!" I say in shock.
"The ELVES have accepted!" says Thorin, in anger.
"MUM!?"I question, be wielded at what is happening.
"What...you...he…THORIN!" My mother yells.
"Honestly, Kili! I don't know why you're acting this way. This year a female suitor from the Hobbits, Dwarves, Men and ELVES! Excuse me…Elves…will present a suitor to compete in the games for your hand." Says my Uncle like it's a perfectly normal thing to do…well it it…but…
"I suppose a prince just does what he's told!" I exclaim angrily.
"A prince does not raise his voice, Kili; this is what you've been preparing for your whole life." My uncle says slowly. I suddenly feel an urge to punch my Uncle in the face.
"No! What you've been preparing me for my whole life!" I yell before getting up and walking to the door.
"I won't go through with it! You can't me!" I yell from across the room.
"kili!" My uncle call's, but it's too late I have already slammed the door behind me.
"Kili!" My mother call's as she gets up in anger, bringing the table with her as her boot is tied to the table.
"FILI!" Is the last thing I hear before I enter my room, also slamming the door behind me?
I angrily start to slash away at my bedpost with my sword, as my uncle enters the room.
"Uncle! Elves! Suitors! Marriage!" I yell in question.
"Once there was an ancient kingdom." My uncle begins.
"Aah! Uncle! MIDDLE EARTH! I yell.
"Its name was Middle earth, ruled by a wise and fair king who was much beloved; One day when he grew old he divided the land amongst his court. To the Hobbits he gave the Shire, to the Dwarves he gave the mountains, the Men he gave the open lands and to Thranduil, the elf he gave the forests. But Thranduil wanted Middle earth for himself and started a war to get it. In the unbalance the kingdom fell into ruin" My uncle says as he paces the room.
"That's a nice story." I say sarcastically, flinging myself onto my bed.
"It's not just a story, Kili. It is our history and it ring's with truth." My uncle says strongly.
"Ach, Uncle!" I exclaim.
"I would advise you to make your peace with this. The kings and queens are coming to present their suitors." Uncle says firmly.
"It's not fair!" I exclaim yet again.
"Oh, Kili! It's just marriage; it's not the end of the world, even if it could be to an Elf…" Says Thorin as he casually walks out of the room, I slam the door behind him before Burying my face into my pillow.
'ITS NOT FAIR!" I scream into my pillow, letting tears fall onto it…I continue to sob even when I hear the door creak open… I sniffle as I feel the bed dip and a warm hand come to rest on my back, rubbing circles soothingly into my back.
"Kili…I…I'm so sorry…." I hear my Brother say slowly. I push myself into a sitting position…"I'm sorry…I was going to tell you…but…I'm so sorry…" Fili says as he wipes a tear from eyes.
"Is this why you turned down the throne?" I ask, my voice coming out a little bit to high pitched for my liking.
"No…I turned it down because I couldn't stand the thought of all the responsibility and having to grow up so fast…if I had known…Kili please understand me…if I had known that Uncle would put that much responsibility on you so early in life I would never of turned it down…" My brother says sadly.
I nod in understanding before finding myself wrapped in my Brothers arms. I let more tears fall and Fili's grip tightens…"I'm sorry Brother…" Fili mumbles into my shoulder as he runs his fingers through my hair...I relax at the touch. Soon I find myself falling asleep, if only for an hour or two.
After all…one does not leave there horse stall uncleaned.