It was late when Fili made an appearance for the second time that day, the first being at breakfast. Thorin had refrained from bringing up yesterday's fight after he saw that his two nephews had appeared to have made up and forgiven one another. They always did at some point. It was to be expected sooner or later (though it did tend to be sooner, rather than later).

Kili was in his bedroom when a knock sounded on the door to indicate his brother's arrival. Most of the castle would be sleeping now, all for the exception of the guards. Therefore the two brothers could not afford to get caught. Thorin would throw a fit if he heard word of them sneaking out to places he did not want them. He barely liked Fili's friends as it was; particularly after a previous incident where the blond had ended up in the midst of a fight that had broken out over some small argument. Although they were both at reasonable ages, Thorin still did not trust either very much when it came to alcohol. But they were dwarfs, and for a dwarf, staying sober when alcohol was available was not the easiest task. Most gave in to the temptation, if not all.

Crossing the room, Kili peeled the door back to find Fili standing outside, the hood of his cloak concealing most of his face. He brushed past him, waiting until the door was closed behind before he turned to Kili and spoke, "Ready?" His gaze fell to Kili's bootless feet. The younger dwarf seated himself on the edge of his bed and tugged them on when he noticed the expectant look, reaching for his own cloak and throwing it on. He was apprehensive about leaving, though he refused to admit it and nodded in response.

Fili sent the brunet an encouraging smile and headed out the door, Kili following. The corridor was empty, which enabled them to head toward the stairs without having to be too careful for the meantime. Upon reaching the stairs and peering over the balcony, there were two guards posted at the main doors. That was their best exit.

Not giving a moment of hesitation, Fili descended before Kili had a chance to stop him, receiving immediate attention at the sound of his footsteps. The guards straightened at his approach, surprised looking to see him awake and dressed at such a late hour. "Your Grace," greeted the first with a respectful bow. The second followed his example. Kili neared, his presence noticed when he joined Fili's side. "Beg your pardon, Your Grace, but I was not aware you had business." He addressed Fili.

"I was informed at the last minute, you see," Fili replied, "Now, if you would kindly excuse us, Nawlir. It is urgent."

The guards both nodded their understanding and drew their spears to their chests, permitting access to the doors. Fili and Kili passed under the arch, and when outside out of earshot, Kili turned to the blond with a grin, "You made that look so easy."

Fili smugly smiled to himself at the comment. "They can hardly disobey their future king, can they?"

He had a point. Although, they were more likely to obey Thorin and follow his commands. If he had said anything about forbidding his nephews out, they would have boldly put up more of a fight than they had done merely minutes ago, regardless of the consequences. It was never wise to speak wrongly of the king or princes, but if Thorin demanded it, the kingdom bent to his will. Do otherwise and it would be considered committing treason and could cost a life.

Entering the trees, Kili struggled to see in the darkness that swallowed them. "How much farther?"

"Nearly there." answered Fili.

He was not wrong. After a few turns and winding around various trees that all looked the same in the dark, they reached the outskirts of Esgaroth. The destined cottage was not hard to pick out among many. The candles from inside were blaring, the tunes of flutes and fiddles carrying out across the clearing. A number of voices came from inside as they neared, and some dwarfs were outside conversing as they drank heartily. Fili beckoned Kili to follow him inside where the music and voices were much louder. Kili could barely hear himself think. The majority of dwarfs ignored them as they passed through them, though a large amount of those that recognised them still lifted their heads to watch out of curiosity. Some had only seen them from afar, never mind in the same room. Kili was aware of sets of eyes on him, but paid them no mind.

"Here he is," Israc appeared and pressed a horn of ale into Fili's hands. "I knew you would make it." He grinned, his gaze finally resting on Kili. The mirth disappeared, if only for the slightest moment. Kili knew he was not liked by Israc, and vice versa. The two had never gotten along.

"I'm going to go get a drink." He excused himself before Fili could object. Israc seemed to be pleased by his departure. And to be perfectly honest, Kili was glad himself to get away from the older dwarf to prevent any tension between them. As much as it was clear that they would likely not be friends by a long shot, Kili did not mind too much. It made no matter. It was not that Israc would ever start a fight with him either. Kili was a prince, after all. That thought brought him back to being at the party issue. He knew well he was not supposed to be there; Thorin would certainly never allow it. Yet they were hardly going to be forbidden from having some fun, as Fili had stated.

After finding himself a flagon of wine and a seat, Kili was happy enough to watch on as the others danced and drank. Many were drunk and laughing at their own bad jokes. Kili smiled softly at the sight of a small group exchanging awful puns, thoroughly enjoying himself regardless. He had a full view of everyone and simply watched on in amusement when his flagon was abruptly knocked from his hand on his own accord as someone grabbed his free one.

Kili was tugged to his feet, and, returning to his senses after overcoming his surprise, he realised who had grabbed him. She was shorter than he was, with a mane of auburn hair that fell down her back in a plait. She was well-rounded, with a kind face and dark green eyes. And yet, there was something about her that was familiar, Kili noticed. He had no time to question it, however, as a traditional ballad began playing on the pipes and drums and he was pulled into a dance.

Aware of what it was when he recognised the tune, he clumsily followed the steps, his footing not at its best. He had been a lot younger when he had last heard that same song and the dance was no longer as familiar with him. Fili was a better dancer than he was when it came to the traditional or formal dances.

The dwarf opposite chuckled at him, but it was not unkind. He was spun round, and Kili's smile broadened into a grin as he moved to the left, twirling her under his arm. She knew the dance better than he did as she guided him, giving her encouragement throughout as he finally got the hang of where one foot went or what move came next. He had not realised how much he had been missing dancing once his duties had begun taking up his time.

After what felt like hours, the next song that he had lost count of came to an end. Kili was still grinning, his eyes resting on the young maiden. She smiled shyly, a blush creeping up her cheeks for the first time as she reluctantly released his hand and moved off into the rest of the crowd without another word of where she might be headed. Kili stared after her for a moment before following, his intentions on asking for a name. He had seen her before; perhaps up near the castle.

He was pushing past a few other dwarfs when he crashed into his brother instead, whom had seemed to have had a little more than enough to drink. "Kili," he slurred, clinging to him for support. "Where di' you go? Been lookin' for you everywhere."

With a sigh, Kili slung Fili's arm over his shoulder as he led the elder dwarf toward the exit. He was disappointed to not be able to find the girl, yet looking after his brother and making sure he got back safe was a bigger priority. Emerging into the cold outside, Kili was close to collapsing when Fili leaned all his weight on him. The blond rambled on to himself, some words incoherent. Kili only nodded and made a few comments to show that he was 'listening'. His brother was talking about some female he was obviously smitten over, or so Kili believed as the journey back took longer than expected with Fili being unsteady. The older dwarf did not appear to be aware that they had left the party.

Somehow, Kili managed to sneak past the guards around the back without getting noticed and was not long bringing Fili to his bedroom. Thankfully he had not consumed a large amount of alcohol like his unwise brother had. Kicking the door open with the heel of his boot, he guided Fili to his bed, ignoring the other's protests and requests to have another drink.

"You've had enough as it is." Kili scowled quietly, helping Fili out of his clothes until he was left in his undershirt and breeches. He crouched, carefully easing off the boots and setting them in the corner. Fili stretched his toes with an appreciative sigh, grateful to rest his feet after the long walk.

"You're jus'... fantastic, Kiliii," he trailed off, watching his brother unbutton his shirt. Fili never slept with it on.

Kili continued making complaints at Fili's drunkenness when he was cut off by lips brushing his own after the compliment. He instinctively pulled away, staring at Fili in surprise at his unpredicted actions. He was drunker than he looked, it seemed.

Hastily finishing up, Kili tugged the blanket around the older of the two. He remained silent whilst doing so, his thoughts swimming in his head. Fili had kissed him. Surely it must have been due to his thoughts revolving around whomever he had met earlier.

Pushing it to the side, Kili mumbled a quick 'night' and left for his own chambers, attempting to erase the thought from his memory in the process.

When sober, Fili was bound to forget it ever happened.