Disclaimer: The Hobbit, all characters, places, and related terms are the sole property of J. R. R. Tolkien's estate, and Warner Brothers, New Line Cinema, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, and WingNut Films.
A Hero in Thy Eyes
Despite the house being a mess, the odor of dead bodies hanging in the air, the still present worry concerning the dragon, and the lingering knowledge he'd come this close to losing his brother, Fili almost smiled.
Exhausted, leaning against a wall, his gaze followed the lad about, still muttering in amazement about how the elf saved them from all the orcs. Next the blond prince's attention shifted to the boy's younger sister. Clutching a blanket to her chest, she gaped at the sleeping Kili and the elven captain watching him, their fingers still laced together. Fili could practically see the stars in the girl's eyes. He watched his brother and the redhead for a moment before shaking his head. He wasn't sure how he felt about that.
"Here."
A small cup hovered before him. Tilting his head back he met the eyes of the bowman's oldest daughter. …Sigrid.
"It's water."
Nodding thankfully Fili accepted the drink.
The girl added, "Thank you."
Lowering the cup, he frowned slightly. "For what, lass?"
"For saving us. The orcs—"
"It was the elf whom saved you…us. I did not have my weapons to properly fight them." He closed his eyes and sighed heavily, guilt washing over him. "Just as I was unable to save my brother," he added quietly.
The unexpected sensation of a rough, brief kiss being pressed against his cheek caused Fili to jump. He discovered Sigrid kneeling down, eyes boring straight into his, expression stern. Stunned, he blinked at her.
"And yet you fought. When the creatures first attacked you jumped to my and Tilda's defense. If it wasn't for you …," she trailed off.
Bile rose in the dwarven prince's throat. The image of the two girls hiding under the table came unbidden to his mind.
"You saved our lives," she stated firmly, rising to her feet. "And we are in your debt, master dwarf."
"Fili," he blurted as the girl turned away.
Pausing, Sigrid glanced at him. Her expression softened. "Thank you, Fili." Then she ducked her head and went off.
"You are welcome," Fili whispered to the air. Lifting his hand to his cheek in wonder, he slowly smiled.
THE END