Hello lovelies! So this is my new story and it's gonna be pretty intense. For those of you following "Durin Family Shenanigans" this story is nothing like it- much more suspense, magic, and action. Also, this story will have an eventual Fili/Kili pairing but the two are NOT related and I will not have any explicit detail. So if that's not your thing, sorry! But maybe give it a chance? Anyways, this story is set in 1800s England and is based off of "The Hollow Kingdom Trilogy" by Clare B. Dunkle. If you haven't read the series, I STRONGLY recommend it! So plot similarities are to be expected. That being said, the rights to the original story belong to the author and all characters belong to Tolkien. I make no profit from this nor strive to! ENJOY! And please read and review so I know how I'm doing!
Dread. Loneliness. Grief.
These were the emotions currently plaguing Kili's mind and coursing through his veins. They settled deep within his bones, preventing him from feeling anything else. After all, how could he be happy? How could he be hopeful? This past week had witnessed the crumbling down of his entire world with no indication that things would possibly get better.
He was a shell. His body remained but his soul, his spirit, his happiness were taken from him the day that his parents were also taken from him. He couldn't close his eyes without seeing the still bodies of his mother and father, blood pooling around them as it poured from their wounds. He couldn't look at a child with their parent without feeling sorrow that he would never get to hug his again or see them again or even talk with them again. He was alone. In the few days following their death, Kili was an utter mess. He couldn't eat anything without getting sick and so he just quit all together. He cried himself to sleep at night and talked to no one during the day. He lamented the loss of his family, the loss of their humor, guidance, affection. What would he do now? How would he survive? Fortunately, or not, the local court decided his fate for him. Since he was technically still a minor, the law wouldn't let him be on his own. Which is why he finds himself in his present position: sitting in a worn out carriage, surrounded by his few belongings, forehead stuck to the window, staring unseeingly at the dreary English countryside. Another carriage, a hearse, follows behind, carrying the wooden boxes in which his parents now lie. As his only living relative, his uncle agreed to take Kili in. He also decided to hold a funeral and burial for Kili's parents at his estate. Kili had been too numb to protest to any of this. Silently, he slumps in his seat, wishing to be alone. His escort sits awkwardly beside him, choosing to be quiet since his earlier attempts at drawing Kili from his state of melancholy failed to produce any results. It wasn't until their destination came into view that Kili's "companion" spoke again.
"There it is, young sir," the man piped, "Erebor Estates. It'll be nice to see some family, hm?"
Kili didn't reply. It most certainly would not be nice to see this so-called family. The only family he wanted to see was his parents, but they were gone. Murdered. Kili has been estranged from his uncle his whole life. Never once did the man visit. Never once had he written. Other than a few stories his mother had shared with him, he didn't know anything about his uncle at all and he didn't care to know; not after learning how he had treated his mother. His family has a complicated history. Apparently, Kili's grandfather, Thrain, was the owner of a lucrative trading and shipping company that conducted business with the US as well as India. He, along with his children, were socialites; local celebrities. He was always holding lavish balls at his massive estate. His wealth gained him a prominent position in Parliament; a position he used to his full advantage- proposing and passing bills that would most benefit his company. He sought to ensure that wealth and popularity would remain within his family. He wanted to make connections and alliances that would keep them at the top of the social hierarchy. And so, he promised his daughter's hand in marriage to a much older aristocrat; A strange man with ghostly pale skin and silver hair and eyes. Before Thrain could see the wedding through, however, he died quite unexpectedly of a heart attack one evening while at the kitchen table. All the responsibilities to the company and estate fell to his son, Thorin. Many people tried taking advantage of Thorin's youth in order to get some of his father's assets; some succeeded. Despite his diligence, Thorin was never able to hold office due to "lack of experience" and after putting trust in some of the wrong people, he had to sell the company. Thorin was still a part of the business, he just no longer owned it. People talked, rumors spread and Thorin became desperate; unwilling to be the reason for his family's downfall. Stressed and embittered, he tried to make his sister go through with her previous marriage arrangement in order to salvage what wealth and status they had left. Dis refused, however. Thorin begged her to "see reason" but she held firm. Over the years, she had fallen in love with a stable boy with not a cent to his name and wanted to marry him instead. Thorin was furious that she would settle for someone so low of class and tried to keep her from the boy. He kept her in the house, not letting her leave, and started planning her wedding to the aristocrat. Dis implored her brother to let her make her own choices, to allow her to be happy, but he didn't listen. Seeing no other way out, Dis and her lover ran away when they got the chance and never went back. The couple were married and settled in a small village a few days travel from their former home. Though her family had been aware of her whereabouts, not once did they confront her. Several years later, Kili had been born, a welcomed addition to their happy family. Dis sent word to her kin and though they sent some money and (most likely not-so-sincere) words of congratulations, she couldn't deny she was disheartened when no one came to see her newborn son. Yet a part of her wasn't surprised that they didn't. Rumor had it that since she left, the Durin household was scoffed at. Fewer people came to Thorin's parties, fewer people were willing to make deals. Dis tried not to dwell on it too much. She had a new life now with her husband and son. Kili was raised in a simple home, shrouded with affection, and taught to be humble and grateful. He had loved his life. He didn't need money in order to be happy. Besides, the wealthy were constricted by unspoken laws; laws determined by society. Laws regarding how one should dress, talk, behave. They weren't free. Kili never blamed his mother for running away like she did. She had managed to find joy in her tightly structured life and didn't want to let it go. The love his parents had for one another always awed Kili and he had once hoped that he could be so lucky. Now he wasn't sure.
He sat up in his seat to get a better look at the place he'd be residing at for the next two years. The estate was large, but it had definitely seen better days. White paint was flaking off the wooden boards that made up the main house. Ivy grew up the tall Grecian pillars on the porch. One of the doors to the nearby barn was swinging on a broken hinge. There was no water in the fountain out front, nor any flowers in the garden. It was frozen in time and now Kili would be stuck there too. He couldn't imagine how Thorin must look like. He had never seen a picture. Did he look like his mother? Was he just as old and withered as this place he called his home? What would he think of Kili- the nephew he never knew? Would he resent him? Would he see him as the product of a love that brought about his family's ruin? He sighed. He didn't want to be here- neither at this estate nor in this world. No matter how dark his thoughts grew however, he would never consider taking his life. He wouldn't throw away the life his parents had given him. He'd come around eventually. Hopefully. He just needed to heal.
Looking out the opposite window, no longer wishing to gaze upon the house, he spotted a forest. The sight of the immense span of trees brought him some relief. He loved the forest. He loved the sounds the trees made as the wind blew through their branches. He loved the songs of the birds that echoed off the tree trunks. He loved the smell of the flowers, the feel of the grass between his toes. He never felt more alive or free than when he was in the woods, just him and his bow. His father had taught him how to shoot. The skill was necessary when you couldn't afford to buy meat. His eagerness to be in the nearby woodlands must have shown because his escort caught his line of sight and shook his head.
"You don't want to be going in there, lad," he warned, furrowing his bushy brow.
For the first time on this trip, Kili's interest in his riding companion was piqued.
"Why wouldn't I?" he challenged, voice raw from days of disuse.
"Those woods are cursed," he whispered conspiratorially, leaning in closer to Kili, "Everyone who has ever entered those woods hasn't been seen again. Mostly young ladies and lads like yourself. Rumor has it that they were snatched up, kidnapped, and taken inside the Hill."
"The Hill?"
"Hallow Hill. A solitary knoll lying right in the middle of those woods. Not a single tree grows on it. Nor are there any other hills. Just that one. No one knows why. Some say, it's magic. You know, elves and goblins and the like."
"Elves? Goblins?" Kili deadpanned, "You're joking."
"No, no!" the man exclaimed, eyes growing wide, "Even a young Durin was taken years ago. Your mother's brother, to be exact."
Kili stilled.
"Excuse me? The only brother my mother ever mentioned is Thorin and I'm quite certain he's living in the very estate we're heading to."
"No, there was another. A blond-headed. Went into that forest one day, never came out. Boy was just fifteen. The family was devastated, as you can imagine."
Kili just gaped at the man. He'd never heard of this alleged uncle. Was this man lying? Or had his mother lied to him? No. She would never. Would she? Perhaps he'd have to ask Thorin…
They arrived at the estate just as Kili was letting this new information sink in. When the carriages came to a stop, a small white-haired man with a thick beard greeted him. Surely this wasn't Thorin.
"Master Kili!" the man welcomed, "Glad to see you made it here safe and sound, my boy. Though I wish the circumstances had been different."
As Kili stepped out of the carriage, he offered the man a small smile before being enveloped in a set of strong arms.
"Look just like your mother, you do. I'm truly sorry about what happened. Dis was the sweetest soul."
"Thank you, sir," Kili managed to reply, tears stinging his eyes at thoughts of his mother.
"Now none of this "sir" business," the man stated, holding Kili out at arm's length, "You can call me Balin. Head butler here at Erebor Estates."
Of course there was a butler.
"Well met, Balin," Kili said, offering his hand to the other who accepted it gratefully. He wouldn't let misery hinder his manners.
"Now, let me get your things and we can head on inside," Balin proposed.
"Oh," the old man exclaimed, reaching deep inside his pocket, "there you are, Mister Alfrid. Your payment for escorting Kili."
"Many thinks, Mister Balin," smiled Alfrid as he stuffed the money in his coat, "Good day, Kili."
Balin then went to the hearse, talking to the driver as he pointed towards the barn, most likely telling him where to place Kili's parents.
And with that, one carriage set back on the path that had brought it here, leaving Kili behind. The other wheeled over towards the barn to drop off its burden. Balin hurried back over to Kili and grabbed a few of the young man's things. He threw Kili a sympathetic look before gesturing towards the entrance.
"Shall we?"
Reluctantly, Kili followed the old butler inside. His eyes widened in shock upon entering the foyer. It would seem the outside of the house was misleading, for inside, everything was radiant and polished. A blue wall paper covered the walls. The windows were draped in gold velvet curtains. A grand staircase slightly spiraled towards the second floor. On the adjacent wall was a giant mirror and as Kili looked at his reflection, he felt even more out of place. His worn breeches, fading leather boots and baggy tunic looked repulsive in this luxurious abode. Not to mention his unkempt hair, red-rimmed eyes and hollow cheeks. Surely his uncle would disapprove of his looks. With his messy hair and sloppy style he looked more like a lowly peasant than the nephew of a wealthy businessman. Speaking of which, his host, his guardian, had failed to make an appearance. If this was any indication on how their relationship would transpire, Kili felt he might as well go back out and keep on walking.
"Just follow me up the stairs, lad, and I'll show you to your room," Balin announced.
Kili trailed behind the old man until he was lead into a room in the east wing. In the middle of the room was a large four post bed made of oak and swathed in red drapery. A matching wardrobe and dresser were located against the walls. A washing basin was placed in a small nook with a mirror above it. Two bay windows with seats framed either side of the bed. Kili stared at the size. This room alone was about half the size of the small house he had lived in with his parents. Immediately he knew he didn't like the room. The sheer vastness made him feel small, vulnerable. But he didn't complain. A warm place to sleep was better than no place to sleep at all.
"Here we are," Balin chirped, "the guest quarters. Where would you like these?"
Kili approached the butler and gathered his effects.
"I'll take care of it, Balin. Thank you."
"Very well, lad," Balin began, "Dinner will be ready in an hour and you can meet your uncle properly. I'm sure he'll want to discuss his plans for the funeral tomorrow. Be sure to wash up before then, but in the meantime, feel free to explore."
Kili nodded at the instructions. Satisfied, the butler hurried out of the room, leaving Kili by his lonesome.
He placed his luggage on the bed along with the case containing his bow and arrow. He took out his few pieces of clothing and hung them haphazardly in the wardrobe. He then took out a few books that belonged to his mother as well as her locket. It had been a present from his father. He spent months saving up to buy the silver heart-shaped locket, inside of which was a picture of himself and one of Kili. His mother had been so thrilled when she received it. She cried into her husband's arms saying over and over that he shouldn't have. Kili wrapped the necklace in a cloth and tucked it away into one of the dresser drawers. He then went back to rummaging in his suitcase, sorting through some knick-knacks that belonged to his parents before scooting the empty case and his weapon under the bed. He moved over to the washing basin, taking a comb with him. He poured some water into the bowl and dipped his comb in it before moving its teeth through his tangled tresses. Satisfied with his hair, he scooped up some water in his cradled palms and splashed it over his tired face. With nothing else to do, Kili decided to take a stroll. After all, he was to be at dinner within the hour, it might help to know where the dining room is.
Moving out into the hall, Kili began walking in a westward direction. He passed by a suit of armor, scenic paintings and oriental vases. He wandered until he approached an open door. Peering in the room, he noticed a large fireplace with wood burning within it; the crackling of the charred lumber breaking the stillness of the space. Bookcases, stuffed full with various kinds of literature, surrounded the hearth on either side. It felt welcoming. Gazing up to the far wall, Kili felt his heart skip a beat. In an ornate golden frame was a portrait of his mother. She looked much younger than Kili could ever remember. Her dark hair was put up in a bun, curled strands falling on either side of her face. Her smile was kind, her cheeks were rosy and her eyes were gentle. She was beautiful. Shifting his gaze to the right, Kili saw another portrait. This one was of a young man. He looked just like his mother only his hair was blond. Immediately Kili thought back to the story Alfrid had told him. Was this the abducted uncle his mother had never told him about? Curious, Kili moved inside the room, walking towards the portrait of the mysterious figure until he was standing right under it.
"You do not have permission to be in here," a deep voice spoke from behind.
Startled, Kili spun around wildly to see who it was that had just admonished him. He noticed a man rising from a large oaken desk in the corner of the room. As he took in the bright blue eyes, dark hair and sharp noise of the figure, he had no doubts that this man was his uncle. Regaining his composure, Kili stood straighter, brushing the creases from his shirt as he addressed Thorin.
"I, um," he cleared his throat, "I wasn't informed that any rooms were off limits."
"Well, now I'm informing you," his uncle stated, never once breaking eye contact, "This is my private study. No one comes in unless I say so."
"I apologize," Kili gulped as Thorin continued staring at him with cold calculating eyes, "I assure you it won't happen again."
At this, Thorin huffed and finally peered up and down at his nephew, taking in his simple clothes and noticing how his hair and nose were very much like his own. Like his mother's. There was no denying that this boy was his kin- a Durin. Except for the eyes. He had his father's brown eyes.
"I'm pleased to see you have some manners," the elder finally replied as he stepped closer to his sister's son.
Kili bristled at the comment. It was clearly a jab at his social class; as if commoners were uncivilized brutes that knew nothing of courtesy or respect. Kili had every intention of being a gracious guest, but he couldn't let the insult go.
"And I'm disappointed to see that you lack them," he remarked.
Thorin narrowed his icy blue eyes at the younger man. It would appear he had also inherited his parents' rebellious nature.
"I'll pretend you didn't say that," he revealed, "but if you have another slip of the tongue, I can't promise that it won't go unpunished. I am your guardian and you will respect me as such."
"Respect is mutual, uncle," Kili let drop before he could stop himself. He regretted the words, but he never took very well to being threatened. Nevertheless, he was worried at his uncle's reaction. But neither a reprimand nor a hit came. Instead, Thorin nodded, steely eyes locking with Kili's once more.
"Noted."
That was unexpected.
Some of the tension that had built up in the room faded at the acknowledgement. Kili let out a silent sigh of relief as Thorin lowered himself onto a velvet-cushioned couch, patting the space next to him.
"Well, since you're in here you might as well sit down."
Kili shuffled towards the couch before taking a seat beside his uncle. The elder turned once Kili sat, shifting his body so that he faced his nephew, arm draped leisurely across the back. Kili looked down at his lap, the gaze of his guardian making him feel slightly uncomfortable.
"I take it your journey over here was well?" Thorin inquired.
"Indeed, it was."
"And your rooms are to your liking, I hope?"
"They are beyond sufficient. I must thank you for your hospitality."
"No need," Thorin began, "there are too many empty rooms in this house. It's nice to see them filled again."
Kili chanced a glance and a small smile at his uncle who surprisingly returned it.
"The room I gave you was once your mothers," Thorin confessed, "It seemed fitting that it should be yours whilst you are here.
Kili glanced down at his lap again. Knowing of their troubled past, Kili wasn't sure how he felt about his uncle talking about his mother. Part of him felt angry that after what Thorin had done he would dare speak her name. But another part of him knew that despite everything, Thorin and his mother were still siblings. Thorin had every right to talk about her as Kili himself did. After all, she was once a part of his life too and even though they hadn't seen one another or talked to one another for over sixteen years, there had been a portion of their hearts that always held love for the other. If not, Thorin wouldn't have even bothered to lay his sister to rest and take in her son.
"You look like her you know," Thorin spoke softly.
Kili looked up to find that his uncle was in some sort of trance, looking ahead and out of the window beyond Kili. His mouth was pulled down in a frown, worry wrinkles graced his forehead and his bright blue eyes now appeared clouded with grief and….regret?
"Yes, I've been told as much," Kili responded.
Thorin returned his attention to his nephew.
"I'll see to it that those responsible for your parents' death are properly dealt with, Kili," Thorin revealed, an edge to his voice showing that he meant what he said.
Water began collecting in Kili's eyes but he refused to let it fall. From the hardened expression on his uncle's face, Kili knew he would keep true to his word and for that, Kili was grateful. If his parents' murders weren't punished, he had sworn to deliver justice himself.
The pair was pulled from their thoughts when a red-headed servant boy knocked lightly on the door.
"Excuse me sirs," he announced, "but dinner is ready."
"Thank you, Ori. We'll be down shortly," Thorin answered.
The servant took his leave as Thorin rose from the couch.
"Are you hungry?" he asked.
"I could eat," Kili stated as he, too, rose from his seat. He didn't want to admit that since his parents' death he hadn't had much of an appetite. If anything, he'd join Thorin at the table simply for his company. His uncle hadn't behaved anything like he had imagined he would as of yet, and he was curious to know more about him.
The walk to the dining hall was silent aside from the occasional creak in the hardwood caused by their steps. Descending the stairs and passing through the front sitting room, the men soon reached their destination. A mahogany table large enough for eight people was draped in a beige cloth. Two candles were lit in the table's center and fine china and silverware were arranged at one end of the table. Thorin sat at the head of the table and gestured for Kili to sit to his right. The servant boy, Ori, came out then, carrying a platter of food.
"Tonight, Bombur has made roasted duck with lemon zest, boiled potatoes seasoned with garlic and herbs and freshly made pumpernickel bread," the boy proclaimed as he placed the food in front of them before heading back to the kitchen.
"Help yourself, Kili," Thorin said as he cut into the duck, placing sections of it onto his own plate.
Kili followed suit and filled his plate. The food tasted as good as it smelled and he found himself suddenly hungry. As he ate he couldn't help but wonder how many meals his mother must have had in here. Once, this table had probably been full with the family and guests that were invited over every night. Now, there were just two of them. Kili then realized that for a long while, Thorin must have eaten alone in this room each evening, with only his servants as company. For years, he's probably felt as lonely as Kili feels now.
"I hate to interrupt our meal with depressing talk," Thorin started, "but I had wished to discuss briefly your parents' funeral arrangements."
"Please continue," Kili insisted, wanting to get this over with sooner rather than later.
"There's a family cemetery just behind the house. My grandparents, parents and a few cousins are buried there and if you'd allow it, I would like to see my sister and her husband lay there as well."
Kili nodded, a bit surprised that Thorin was asking him permission in regards to where to bury his parents.
"That would be much appreciated," he replied.
"As for the service, do you want it to be a public event, or would you rather it just be you, I and the servants?"
Kili didn't need to think long about his decision. He didn't really know anyone. He wasn't familiar with any of Thorin's friends or colleagues and he certainly didn't want their pity directed at him.
"I'd rather it be private, if you wouldn't mind."
"Not at all," Thorin conceded.
Conversation fell once again until both men had finished their meal. Wiping his mouth then throwing the napkin on the table, Thorin leaned back slightly in his chair.
"So, Kili, tell me about yourself."
Kili struggled under his uncle's attention. Unsure of how much to reveal about himself.
"Well," he breathed, "I'm rather an outdoorsy person. I enjoy to hunt and fish. I did a lot of that with my father. He had a bow commissioned for me a few years back and I'm rather fond of it. I even brought it here with me. Besides that, I'm quite good at carving things out of stone or wood. I also enjoy reading from time to time."
"What do you read?"
"Actually, I love Shakespeare. Mother used to read some of his plays to me before bed and I started reading them on my own once I got older."
Thorin smiled. "I happen to own every single one of Shakespeare's works. They're located in my study. You can borrow them if you'd like."
"Thank you." Kili returned his uncle's smile.
"As for the hunting," Thorin began, "I'm afraid you'll find that's rather impossible to do around here. Perhaps, we could take an occasional day trip to one of my friend's estates and you can have your sport there."
Kili almost decided against mentioning the woods he'd spotted on the way here, but he was curious as to what Thorin had to say on the matter.
"I believe I passed a forest on my way here," he said, "could I not hunt there?"
Thorin stiffened at the comment and began tapping a finger on the table.
"Those woods are dangerous. Therefore, I will not have you hunting in them."
"So it's true then? People have disappeared in there before?"
Thorin stared at his nephew, wondering where he'd heard those tales from.
"Yes. There have been instances of people going into those woods, never to be seen again."
"Like your brother?" Kili dared asked, "Is that what happened to him? He's the one in the portrait in your study, isn't he?"
"For never having been here before, you seem to know an awful lot."
So his mother had lied then. That stung a little. But she must have had a good reason.
"Alfrid told me on the ride over. I never even knew I had another uncle. Mother never mentioned him."
Thorin furrowed his brows at that. A flash of hurt appeared on his face and he cleared his throat before he spoke again.
"His disappearance stunned us all. Your mother was only ten when it happened. Perhaps she thought it would cause her less pain if she pretended the incident never occurred."
"What was his name?" Kili asked tentatively, aware that this was a touchy subject, yet he wanted to test his boundaries.
"Frerin," Thorin smiled, "His name was Frerin. The only one in the family with blond hair. I often joked that he was adopted. It used to make him so mad. The day he…disappeared, I was supposed to be with him. But then father asked me to be present at a meeting with a business partner and I…"
Thorin trailed off, obviously lost in a memory.
"I'm sorry," Kili whispered.
Thorin shook his head. Kili's words returning him to the present.
"People come and go, Kili. Such is life," after a deep breath, he continued, "Well, we better get off to bed. The funeral will be held around noon. I'll have someone wake you for breakfast. Now, if you'll excuse me."
Thorin stood and made to leave the room, stopping before adding, "Goodnight, Kili."
"Goodnight, uncle."
And then he was gone.
Minutes later, Kili meandered to his own rooms. The covers on his bed had already been turned down and a glass of water was placed on his nightstand. It had grown dark outside and several candles were lit within the room, casting a warm glow. Kili took off his boots and left them at the end of the bed. Strolling over to the window, Kili removed his tunic and balled it in his hands. He pushed back the heavy curtains and peered into the darkness. A full moon hung in the sky, lighting the grounds around the house. All of sudden, a raven let out a loud squawk as it flew off the roof. Kili watched it fly, his blood freezing once the bird had landed. In the distance was a lonely tree, based on the condition of its bark, the tree was most likely dead. However, that's not what had his heart racing frantically in his chest. Under the tree, with the raven perched on its shoulder was a cloaked figure. It stood still, hood pulled over its head, body facing Kili as if it were watching him. Quickly, Kili pulled the curtains back over the window and tried to control his breathing. Who was standing outside his window? Why was it watching him? What did it want? Were there others? Should he tell his uncle?
Taking a deep breath, Kili pulled back the curtains once more. The figure was gone. He scanned the area, seeing if the figure had moved, but he couldn't spot him. Kili shook his head. Perhaps he was imagining things. He just needed some rest.
Kili collapsed onto the bed beside him, pulling the covers up and over his head. His body quickly relaxed against the plush mattress and soft fabrics. Sighing, he drifted off into a deep sleep.
A pounding at his door startled Kili out of bed. Light peered into the room from behind the curtains, revealing that it was morning.
"Master Kili," he heard Balin call, "breakfast will be ready in half an hour!"
"Thank you, Balin!" he called back.
Stretching, Kili pushed off the covers and went to wash his face. This was the day. The day he'd put his parents in the ground. The day he had to accept that they would no longer be around. Glancing about the room, he acknowledged that this was his life now. He'd spend these next few years with Thorin at Erebor Estates until he was ready to go off on his own.
After a quick breakfast of ham and eggs, Kili was back in his rooms, dressing in black and tying his hair in a neat ponytail. Once finished, he sat on his newly made bed gathering his thoughts. Mentally preparing himself for the distressing day ahead. He stayed there for nearly an hour until Thorin came into his room, offering a sad smile.
"You ready?"
The cemetery was actually quite nice. It was positioned under a huge willow, its hanging branches brushing lightly against a few of the headstones. It was sectioned off by an iron-gate fence that had begun to rust. Kili noticed how two graves had just recently been dug up- probably this morning. The servants were already there when Kili and Thorin arrived, as was a preacher, huddled around the two coffins that had been brought out from the barn. Thorin squeezed Kili's shoulder as they drew closer. When Thorin gave the word, the preacher began talking- expressing his condolences and offering comfort that these two souls had been reunited in Heaven with God. Kili wasn't really listening. He just stared at the coffins. Tears silently rolled down his cheeks and he could feel the servants glancing up at him every so often. When the preacher had finished, Thorin and Kili went over to the wooden caskets, tearing off a single flower from the beautiful bouquets placed on top of each one to keep for their own. Kili placed a kiss on each coffin and had to step back unless he wanted to have a breakdown right here in front of everyone. When the caskets were lowered into the ground and completely covered, the servants started heading back inside the house until Thorin and Kili were left alone. Once again, Thorin squeezed Kili's shoulder then pat his back lightly.
"I'll give you some time alone," he said, "come back inside whenever you're ready."
Not trusting his voice, Kili simply nodded.
Kili wasn't sure how long he'd been outside. At some point, he managed to sit on the ground between his parents' graves, resting a hand on top of each one. He hadn't cried anymore. He hadn't done anything really. He just sat there. It wasn't until his stomach growled that Kili decided perhaps it was time he went back inside. He could visit again tomorrow.
Standing up, Kili glanced down at the graves a final time. All of a sudden, he was overcome with chills. Something didn't feel quite right. He felt as if…as if he was being watched. Looking around, he became aware of how eerily quiet it was. There were no birds. No wind. Feeling uneasy, Kili quickly began walking back to the house. About half way there, he glanced over his shoulder and nearly screamed. It was the cloaked figure. Out in the open. No more than a hundred feet behind Kili. So he hadn't imagined him after all. He ran.
Heart racing, he sprinted to the door. His hands were shaking so bad, he fumbled with the handle. Looking behind him, he noticed that the cloaked figured was moving towards him. Quickly. This time he did scream just as he finally opened the door and slammed it behind him.
Alarmed by the ruckus, Thorin and Balin ran into the foyer. Seeing Kili wide-eyed and breathing harshly, Thorin grabbed him by the elbows and lead him to a nearby seat.
"Kili? Are you alright? Tell me what's wrong," Thorin ordered, voice laced with concern.
"S-someone was following me. They were right behind me," he nearly cried.
"Who?"
"I d-don't know!"
Balin opened the front door and stepped out onto the porch. He looked ahead, then to the left, and to the right.
"Hello?" he called.
No one answered. The cloaked figure was gone.