- Would you like to explain it? - Fili looked sharply on his brother.
- Kili stood still.
- You gone. - Fili continued, his voice so cold. - For so many years you have been here just once. You hurt mother. And what about me? I wanted you to be with me to help me rule the kingdom. But you refused and after our uncle`s funeral you gone. We hadn`t got any news from you! Where have you been?
- Kili stood in silence.
- Why? - There was harm in king`s eyes.
Kili didn`t know what to say. Did he really think about warm welcome after this all? After he left everybody? He decided to look in his brother`s eyes.
- I had to do it, Fili. I had to find myself.
Fili brushed a strand of his almost grey hair.
- Because of her? Because of one woman? One pointy-eared girl was the reason you decided to left your family? It is not serious, Kili. You acted like a child. Milions of men feel the same when their beloved woman say no to them. And they don`t act like you.
- Im sorry your highness. - Said Kili once more. His yourney taught him humility.
- And what do you think I should do with you? Just forgive you?
Kili bowed his head. After a moment which seem to them like an eternity, Fili embraced Kili.
- Welcome home, brother.
The hospitality of Erebor was as big as he remember. Kili swallowed the last bite of meal. The servant took the dishes.
- Im glad you are back. - Said Fili with a smile. - Im getting old. I need a help. I don`t want you to disappoint me this time.
- Don`t worry Fili. Im not going to run anywhere.
- You are no longer so young.
Kili sighed and looked at his face. Propably she looks the same. Still young and gracefull. He rejected this thought.
- Im going to help you with everything, brother.
Fili looked at him carefully.
- I can`t trust you so easily. It is hard to tell, but you have to prove me something. You have to get to known the realm.
- I know it is not easy but I will not disappoint you.
They were sitting in silence. Fili rose and go up the stairs. Kili followed him.
- So... - He started. He wanted to talk about something easier. - Why haven`t you married?
The king laughted.
- You know, I can`t speak to woman in that way. But my brother has always liked their presence.
They both laughted and go to royal apartments.
Next weeks he was very busy. He studied the old books, looked at huge contracts and bills. He was very clever and he quickly became one of the most familiar with economy dwarves.
- You do well. - Fili congratulated once time.
Now, after all day with books and contracts, Kili get to dining room. The king wanted to eat supper with him. He felt delicious smell from the kitchen. When he entered the dining room he saw not only his brother. There were someone else.
- Prince Kili! - The king rose. - I`d like to entroduce you to Lady Asta, lovely and clever girl from ancient and noble house.
Asta looked down. She had fair hair and blue dress. Kili bowed as she did. He looked ath him by her brown eyes.
- I hope the presence of this lovely lady won`t be disturbed you.
Kili was suprised not only by presence of the girl. Fili`s intentions was wery clear.
Dark haired dwarf didn`t speak very often this evening. Lady Asta was intelligent and charming but... He didn`t know what. Something blocked him.
- I don`t feel very well. - He said in the end. - Mabe it is fault of the books. They are old and dusty. Im going to take some sleep. My king. My lady.
He bowed to his companions and gone.
Fili shooked his head but Lady Asta looked disappointed.
Fili invited him next day.
- What was that yesterday? - He asked.
- You know what. Lady Asta, hmm? So, mabe you have already planned the wedding?
- It is not like that. - Fili looked troubled. - If you don`t want her, you don`t have to... Listen Kili. She is clever and pretty girl from noble house. Ideal candidate for being king`s wife! Because I haven`t got wife and children. You are my heir. Don`t look at me like that. You know about it.
- So... You want me to extend the Durin`s line.
- I do. If you have better candidate than Asta tell about her.
Kili didn`t say anything. Fili watched him for a moment and shadow of disbelieving crossed his face.
- You still think about red haired she-elf!
Kili blushed.
- Yo haven`t learned anything! Your relationship with her is not possible!
- Fili... I know it. But I can`t stop thinking about her. She is still somewhere in the forest. Alone.
Fili looked like cinsidering something.
- She is not alone.
- What?!
- You will see.
Kili didn`t understand anything.
- You know, our contacts with Woodland Realm is Gimli`s work. Yes, this Gimli, son of Gloin. But now he is visiting the king of Gondor. I need to extend the trade with Thranduil`s kingdom. And you are good with this matter. I want you to represent the Erebor`s interests.
Kili couldn`t believe it. It was the chance to see her. He could see her face in his mind.
- I will go.