Chapter Two

Somehow this story has grown beyond what I initially envisioned. My own favorite tales are how the family copes after the Bot5 armies. Of course, all the dwarfs and Bilbo live So I has very hesitant to post much until I had quite a lot of the tale written. Writer's block got my first story and I don't want to do that a second time. I have more than 7 more chapters of this story so I am much more confident. Plus all chapters have an outline. So I ask you dear reader, to join me in my attempt to add to the fiction of our beloved heroes.

I welcome criticism of a helpful kind. I want to improve as a writer, but most of all I want to maintain character. Thorin is not himself in this tale. He is sick, saddled with a horrible addiction that he doesn't even recognize yet. Fili and Kili have to face challenges of different kind. Ones that can't be solved in combat.

Fili stood not with his beloved brother or Uncle on the battlefield, but with hundreds of humans. This is not how he wished the final clash of swords with the great goblin and orc army to happen. He should be beside his brother, Kili. They, together as always, should be beside their uncle fighting for family honor, for their home.

Instead he was surrounded by strangers, not those who he would give his life's blood for. He shook his head with disbelief that after all his trials his fate should come to this.

Bard sat atop of his chestnut stallion. His quiver full of arrows, the man did not look forward to this battle either. Yet, he was an intelligent person. He knew that if they did not stop the goblins and Azog now, his people would be the next target. Defeat the enemy here and now and use the riches of the Arkenstone to rebuild all that was lost to that damned dragon was the extent of his plans. He had not fully expected to be leading this group, yet fate had placed their lives in his hands. He hoped that he would remain as steady as the shot that struck down Smaug. He glanced at the golden haired dwarf sitting unhappily on his pony.

The young dwarf had spoken eloquently on behalf of his uncle and the dwarves of Erebor. Bard knew little of Thorin, yet he had some idea the amount of sheer courage it had taken the young one to come before him against Thorin's wishes. Fili had spoken with humility and begged for forgiveness. His tale of understanding their suffering and homelessness had swayed Bard. So with the price of their sacrifice paid for by the very stone that symbolized the Durin right to rule, Bard had agreed to help.

"It will begin soon." Bard broke the silence.

Fili nodded. It took all his patience not to ride across the lines into orc territory to get to where Kili must be with the Mirkwood elves. Over in the distance he could see them lined for battle much as the humans were around him. Kili had done his job well or else they would not be there. He longed to hug his brother and tell him of how proud he was once more of the dwarf that Kili was maturing into.

Fili knew though, once the battle was begun, there was only one direction to head, toward Thorin, toward their king, their uncle. Both had sworn an oath of loyalty to this quest and to Thorin. Their uncle may disagree with their methods, but Fili loved him deeply. It was his role as heir to stand by his side. He had no doubt in his mind that is also where Kili would ride too. That was their destiny to be beside him in this great battle for their home.

"Regardless of the outcome of this battle, Fili son of Dis, I have found you to be an honorable person. You have fulfilled the oath made by your uncle. May Aule watch over you." Bard told the youngster. He wished the lad no ill will. In fact he wished that it was Fili that was to be King Under the Mountain and not his stubborn and dishonorable Uncle. So he offered his words of kindness, hoping that should Fili fall in battle they would off some small comfort.

Fili tore his eyes away from the assembled hoard. "I thank you sir, for your forgiveness. I pray that we all meet after this battle and toast to our future alliance." He was happy that Bard was a reasonable man.

"Well met, young prince." A large roar then rose from the goblins and orcs. The night was dark and the time was now. Bard turned to his assembled men, more a ragtag band of militia than a true military. However, he was proud of them all and honored to be their leader. "To war, to victory!" He shouted.

Fili watched as the Bard waved his sword. He spurred his horse on toward the enemy. Fili shouted in Khuduzul and joined them in battle.

Kili stood beside Legolas and the rest of Mirkwood's archers. It had taken much to prove to the arrogant Lord of Mirkwood that this "dwarf" did indeed know how to use a bow. That he would not "accidently" shoot one of the elves with an errant arrow. Kili gritted his teeth once more. He was amazed to still have his teeth considering how much he had how to ground them to keep from uttering an insult or threat. But he had held his tongue and his temper, instead turning his anger and his embarrassment inward.

Thranduil had accepted the emeralds, but he had demanded so much more. Kili let out a deep breath. Fili would be furious as would Thorin. He did not want to think how the King would react to an heir of Durin debasing himself so. Kili, however, endured it all and would do so again. Having the Mirkwood elves armed and ready for battle meant he had not failed Fili. In the end that was all that mattered, not his wounded pride. Kili could not help but hope that an orc or goblin found a way to kill the son of bitch that was the king of these elves.

Legolas curiously watched the young dwarf beside him. If he understood correctly, Kili was even younger than him in his culture. It was amazing that the arrogant dwarf king would lead children into such danger. However, Kili's loyalty was that of any adult and his heart and courage was more than most that Legolas had ever encountered. Once more, Legolas found himself wondering what ages of hatred between the two great peoples was worth maintaining. Yet, he kept his musings to himself. His father had found his willingness to accept "others" as disturbing, especially his friendship with the humans residing in Riverdale.

Legolas had no wish to see Kili hate his new found allies so. The young prince himself was aghast at his father's behavior in court when the dwarf had begged for help. Yet, he had done nothing in Kili's defense and felt shame in that.

Kili's glare was as dark as his hair and clothing. His quiver was stuffed with elven arrows. Long, dark hair was bound in ponytail, the bangs forced back to keep out of his eyes. However, it was apparent that some hair was missing.

Kili didn't acknowledge Legolas when he spoke. Instead his focus was the enemy around him. He knew Fili would be with Thorin. Getting there was the only thing on his mind. He just had to see his brother once more.

"Master dwarf." Legolas repeated.

Kili turned his head toward the prince. If stares would burn, Legolas would be ashes. Legolas sighed. "My father can be harsh."

Kili gave the elf a stare that was easy interpreted as "no shit", but the elf continued on. "I myself have been on the receiving end of his wrath. It is no gentle thing. However, I was very impressed with how well you managed it. I did not think such a thing possible of a dwarf."

Kili kept silent. If he opened his mouth now to say what he really thought of elves this close to battle, it would undo everything.

Legolas tilted his head toward Kili. He whispered. "I apologize for his actions. The emeralds were enough."

Kili blinked, startled. That was not what he expected from the prince. He had expected more comments about how "elven" Kili looked now that his braids were shorn as well as his face.

Kili remembered. After showing the emeralds and proving his skills with a bow, Thranduil demanded to speak to Kili alone. It was there that the elf King had demanded the rest of his payment. The ultimate humiliation of Thorin's nephew was requested. Kili was made to cut out the braids that his brother and uncle had woven into his hair. Then with the same blade he was ordered to shave his face bare. Kili could not help the tears that fell, but he said nothing. He only thought of his brother and how much Fili was relying on him. If Fili could give away the Arkenstone, then Kili could cut his hair. Pride was poor comfort.

In those private quarters, Thranduil himself remarked that were Kili taller, he'd be more alike Mirkwood elves than Erebor dwarves. Then the king had ran his hands over his face and hair. It was only the thought of Fili that Kili didn't attempt to gut the bastard right there with his hidden knife. Thranduil had praised his dark good looks and his skill with the bow. He had even asked aloud if Dis had lain with an elf to beget the dwarf. At that Kili had finally lost his temper, but his sharp reply was cut off by a slap from the king.

"At last I have found what you consider worth your honor and it is your mother's defense." Thranduil stepped back from the young dwarf and appraised him cooly.

"You are a most unusual dwarf. I commend you on your differences." Thranduil nodded at Kili. "You have an agreement. The Mirkwood elves will ride against Azog and his minions. The Durin debt of honor has been finally filled." Thranduil walked to the door and opened it.

A elf in full armor and another garbed in court dress stood immediately outside. Kili still had tears falling and was embarrassed by it. He wiped them away and held his head high. "Ready our soldiers. We march to war against the orcs and goblins. See to it that the dwarf is fed and properly armed. He rides with us."

Now Kili stood beside Legolas. He found it hard to believe the young prince's words after all that he had endured. However, he nodded toward Legolas and his dark glare was lessened.

A great elven horn sounded at that time and the army moved forward.