Disclaimer: I do not own Kili, Fili, or The Hobbit.

Author's Note: I never thought I would ever write a fic based on the work of J. R. R. Tolkien. His work is so delicately and amazingly written. But, after seeing the new movies, I just adore Kili. This little idea popped into my head and wouldn't leave me alone. It has been years (and I do mean years) since I've read The Hobbit. This story is a bit AU. I gave Fili a wife and children. Thanks for reading!

The Purpose of the Journey

Kili brushed his dark hair out of his eyes and took the dusty path that led to his older brother Fili's home. His stomach clenched nervously as he realized that this could be the last time he visited this house, the last time he ever saw his sister-in-law and niece and nephew. Kili swallowed past the sudden lump in his throat and felt his spirits lift as his niece appeared in the doorway.

The three-year-old's brown eyes brightened when her eyes landed on her uncle. "Unca Kili!" she squealed, propelling herself forward down the rocky path as her dark hair flew behind her.

Kili grinned and knelt to catch her. Of his brother's two children, only his niece had the same dark hair as he, his mother, and their Uncle Thorin. Fili's son, Nali, had the lighter hair of his father and his mother's green eyes. Little Calla looked enough like Kili to be his daughter.

Just before the little imp reached him, her boot caught on a rock and she fell face first into the dirt. Kili launched himself forward as Calla's cries filled the air. Scooping the child into his arms, he scanned her quickly for injuries. "Are you hurt?" he asked as he smoothed her dark tresses from her face.

Calla sniffled without replying. Her arms wound around Kili's neck and she buried her face against his shoulder.

"She's her Uncle Kili's girl," Fili commented, leaning against the door jam.

Kili pressed a kiss onto the child's dark hair and grinned at Fili. "That she is, Brother," he replied as he tightened his hold on Calla. He and Fili would leave to meet up with Gandalf and Thorin at the burglar's house at first light. There was no telling what this journey would bring. Who knew if the brothers would even live to return?

Calla squirmed in her uncle's tight hold and pulled back so she could look into his face. Kili found his gloom chased away when she smiled at him. Reaching out, he tickled her tummy and grinned when she squealed with laughter.

"Do it 'gain, Unca Kili," she demanded, her fingers tangling into his long hair.

Kili did and as her laughter rang out and it was a reminder of why they were risking it all to follow Thorin. It was the promise of a better life for Calla, Nali, and all of the dwarf children yet to be born.

Kili's eyes shone with determination as he met his brother's gaze. Fili gave him a solemn nod. They would be successful on their quest. They had to be. There was no other option.

The End

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