Author's note:
Wow. This is late. This is so so late. I'm sorrryyyyyyyy. Hopefully I'll be up and running a little better after this. I promise to try harder at updating every Sunday!
"Have you lost your senses, Kili?! You can't come, you're far too weak!"
Kili just shakes his head at Fili's pleas, obviously set on helping in our endeavor. But it's clear that he's still sick, his face covered in a sheen of sweat and his hands shaking slightly, even as he tries to steady them on the table. His eyes, however, are ablaze, staring fiercely at Fili.
"I don't care what you think, Fili. I want to help and I'm worthless staying here in this house for a second longer."
Fili opens his mouth to say something, but closes it instead. His face softens for a moment, and he beckons Kili towards him. Kili steps forward with a start, then slowly makes his way over. Grabbing him by his shoulders, Fili looks Kili in the eye.
"Kili...please. You're not the only one who made a promise to mother, remember?"
At the mention of their mother, Kili immediately softens. He looks down, away from Fili's eyes. His words come out choked, like he's struggling.
"I just- I just want to prove that I can do this. That I'm...worth something."
"You are worth something, Kili - you are worth the world to mother. I am not about to break the promise I made to her that I would keep you safe. And you are not about to break your own promise either or she'll have both our heads and you know it. So don't - you - dare - leave this house."
Kili looks up at Fili one more time, finally nodding in defeat. Fili immediately looks overwhelmed with relief.
"Thank you, Kili."
Satisfied, Fili turns to leave, the rest of us following. I'm the only one that sees Kili slip out the back door.
Outside is hot. Smaug's wrath has already taken a great toll on the town, and many of the houses are ablaze. I can feel the burn on my skin.
"This way!" Bard calls, just as the massive form of Smaug swoops over us. I duck reflexively. As we turn the corner, I hear a collective gasp from our group.
The town center is completely engulfed in flames. Everywhere I look, people are paddling desperately in boats. There are women hanging out of second-story windows, the first floor already on fire, their families below urging them to jump. Here and there, an injured person calls out for help. I want to stop, want to help, at least do something. But I'm forced to walk past.
The screams sear into my memory.