(aprox 43 years earlier)

Dwarven traditions have always been different from those of men; no dwarf cared if one loved a direct relative, someone from a completely different line, or if there was a sizable gap in age, the only thing that mattered was that dwarves were with dwarves, or so I thought. My name is Kili a dwarf prince in the line of Durin, nephew to Throin, son of Thrain, heir to the throne of Erebor. I had never seen Erebor, but we were soon going to set out on a quest to find and reclaim Erebor. Thorin had already gone out to a neighboring dwarven town for a few days to see if they would be willing to join in the quest.

While he was gone, I reached the young and useful age of 15, the age where a dwarf is given the test to see what they will do for the group, mining, forging, hunting, fight and defend, or take care of a home. I tested out as a hunter, fighter, and forge worker. Fili had tested out as a miner, hunter and a fighter, making us a perfect team on the field. It wasn't long before Fili and I became more dependent on each other. We worked together like that for 5 years before I realized exactly what I was feeling toward him. He was my half-brother, why on earth was I so strongly drawn to him?

After the celebration of my 20th year, I told Fili that I wanted him to meet me down by the river and I headed out to get away from the crowd, regardless of Throin's questioning eyes. I reached the edge of the water and found a large rock to sit on as I looked up to the stars. Away from the town things were peaceful, quiet, and stress free with only the sound of the crickets and bats to keep me company until I heard Fili's feet plodding in the grass. I waved him over to the rock and hopped down. I stared at him in the moonlight, his mithril grey eyes shining.

I smiled softly at him and was suddenly extremely nervous to say what I was going to say. "Out with it," he said, knowing that I had something to say and didn't want to say it right now. "I don't want this to change how you think of me," I told him sheepishly, trying not to sound too worried, "I've always looked up to you Fili, as both a brother and as a teacher…but...damn it...I'm no good at this sort of thing." I turned toward the water and stared at it for a moment, feeling him moving closer. "I love you…" I said, nearly squeaking the words, "and not just as a brother."

"I know…" he replied, taking me completely off guard, a deep red flush covering my cheeks, "and it doesn't change anything." He turned me around and lifted my lightly scruffy chin, I wanted to move away to ask questions, but found myself paralyzed as I watched him move closer, his thumb caressing my lower lip before he embraced me with one arm and pressed his soft, ale sweetened lips to mine. I closed my eyes and melted a little bit at his touch. Not knowing what to do or say, but letting my want take over and I slid my arms around his shoulders.