The Original Muse did it again! I had to split a chapter in two because the sneaky little thing wanted more emotional drama than I intended to put in. Thrice-confounded Muses never cooperate. Oh, well. Enjoy the chapter and feed the Muses!

Tantalizing smells of crisped meat and dripping juices teased him, driving Kili mad with hunger. His stomach clenched at the thought of the tender, fat coney roasting over the snapping fire, and he hid his face under his arm to conceal his yearning. Waves of starved longing left him light headed and dizzy, but Kili knew his place. He could not appear too desperate. They would laugh at his weakness and hold back the savory morsels, tearing away pieces and throwing them into the fire until he begged to have a mouthful. Perhaps if he was plaintive enough they would give him a few scraps that no one wanted, but Kili knew better than to ask. They had already been too gracious; he could not risk stepping outside his boundaries again and losing that fragile acceptance.

Attempting to distract himself from the gnawing pain in his gut, Kili cautiously lifted his arm to touch a hand to his hair, letting the smooth strands slip through his fingers and marveling at the silky feel. No blood clumped in knots where the rats had bitten and clawed, attempting to burrow inside his hair and escape the filthy hands of another who snapped the rodents' spines and devoured them raw. No spiders crawled from the recesses and nipped his fingers as they had when he bound the dirty mat back with a scrap of cloth to prevent it catching fire in the forges. The locks were dull and limp, colorless under layers of grime and ugly in comparison to the lustrous tresses of those around him, yet Kili held his breath in wonder at the parted strands.

They had been so kind to him, and Kili knew he did not deserve their compassion. He was nothing more than a useless wretch, banished to the darkest caverns where he would eventually die; unnamed, unwanted, and utterly alone. Yet they had called him family - brother - son. They wanted him, and Kili could not understand why. He was weak and he was disobedient, and he could not even pretend to be brave. He was already delaying them because of his injuries, and now he could not even control his hunger when he knew they could not spare the most unfit scraps for a cowardly runt like himself. He was only a burden to them; he did not deserve their kindness.

In spite of it all, they had not abandoned him - yet. Kili had the impression it was because the leader was still exhausted and wounded, and they would not move on without him. He watched as Dis - Mother - knelt by Thorin's side and observed him carefully for a moment, squeezing her brother's shoulder and kissing his cheek fondly before moving away. Fili was asleep several feet from the fire, but as soon as he and Thorin woke they would no doubt desire to continue their journey. Kili promised himself he would do his best to keep up. He was so tired, though, and he knew instinctively that this time his legs would not support him if he tried to rise. Tears sparked in his eyes at his own uselessness and he bit back a sob, wishing that he was strong enough to follow when the company moved out. The gods help him, he did not want to be left alone.

"He's still just lying there," Ori hissed, leaning over to whisper indiscretionally in Balin's ear. He twisted his fingers in the handle of his sling, feeling more than a little sorry for the Dwarf who was huddled up miserably some distance away from the warm, comfortable fire. "Is he - is he really Fili's brother?"

Tales of Dis' lost son were not reserved for the ears of children, and Ori had grown up knowing only that Kili had disappeared under mysterious circumstances and that he was never coming back. He had realized that whatever had happened to Kili must have been terrible, for Dori and Nori had never let him out of their sight since that day. Now, out of nowhere Kili had been "returned to life," and Ori still did not know what was going on.

"Aye, he really is their lost one returned to them," Balin murmured. His eyes sparkled with unshed tears as he regarded the shattered family trying helplessly to repair the fractured shards of their lives. "They had given up all hope, and now for him to be found in such a state..." He shook his head morosely. "It is a difficult road that lies ahead ... for all of us."

"...Oh..." Ori nodded slowly, not sure what else to say. "He seems so scared."

Balin sighed heavily. "As to be expected, I suppose. He has known little more than cruelty and fear for much of his life. It may be a while yet before he accepts that he is truly freed of his captors."

"Why is he afraid of Thorin?" Ori piped up curiously.

A shutter fell across Balin's gaze and he did not speak. After a moment he clamped his empty pipe between his teeth, his eyes reproving as he instructed calmly, "Best not to mention any of your observations aloud, laddie. You are witnessing a crisis as you have never known in your young life, and some matters are meant to be kept in silence. You will do them more favor to be still and keep to yourself than to voice such questions as they are unable to answer."

Mollified by the rebuke, Ori devoted his attention to his rawhide sling to ignore the burning thoughts on his mind. He needed a new string for the weapon; the old one was fraying after so much use in against Orcs and Goblins. Perhaps Nori could show him how to use the hide of the rabbit Ori had caught to create a new one. Nori had promised he would teach him how to cure a hide this summer; now might be as good a time as ever, since they could not go any further until Thorin decided it was time to move on. Ori hoped he could take his first tanning lesson with this coney. The rabbit was an impressive size and he was very proud of his catch. His small catch seemed all the more useful to the company after the Goblins had stolen all of their food supplies with the ponies, and it made Ori feel quite important.

"Do you think maybe he'd like some of the rabbit? - Kili, I mean?" Ori wondered aloud, his eyes brightening at the thought.

They all suffered the pangs of hunger, as it had been more than a day since the miserable cloudburst had led them into the heart of the Goblins' den, but Bombur seemed delighted with Ori's consideration. One rabbit - no matter how large - would never have sufficed for a company of ravenous Dwarrow, but for one small lad who had not seen a proper meal in decades, it might be viewed as a feast.

Testing the succulent meat and pushing down his own wistful longing as he pulled it off the stick, Bombur set the rabbit aside on a piece of dry cloth and licked the juices from his fingers. More than one pair of hungry eyes watched it go, and more than one Dwarf conspicuously looked away as the savory offering was brought to the shivering, crumpled form of their newest foundling.

Kili did not dare look up as footsteps approached him. Years in the darkness had taught him to recognize his captors or fellow slaves by their voice or their tread. He knew that Dis had a light skip to her walk, the lilt emphasized lately since he had told her his name. Fili's step was not too much heavier, but he had a slight limp; no doubt from his initial fall. Ouch. Kili shifted his bruised shoulder uncomfortably at the memory.

Thorin's tread was heavy with a stumbling lurch due to his wounds from the Warg. Bofur - or was it Bifur who had the axe piece in his forehead? - tended to move with an erratic flair. Dwalin's stride was heavy and purposeful, and Kili tried not to shiver whenever his heavy boots pounded into the earth. The giant in the tall hat - he had not yet learned his name, and Kili realized with a heavy swallow that this was perhaps a terrible mistake on his part - always swished through the tall grass thanks to that sweltering robe he wore. Kili realized he could never hear Bilbo.

He had not really concentrated on the others; perhaps because he was too occupied with the ones that signified either a threat or safety. These footsteps Kili did not recognize. They were lumbering yet light in step - not with the deadly agility like the one with the frightening hair, but with a more pleasant tread like Dis. The tortuous scent of the rabbit drew stronger and Kili buried his face in his arm, inhaling deeply and pretending he wasn't hungry, never hungry, ate only two days ago, won't need anything more, just please, please go away and don't torment me like this!

Something nestled into the grass beside him before the boots took three steps back. Curiosity and hunger warred against the survival basics driven into him. Don't look up. You are the lowest of the low, and a broken nose is the least you deserve for your impudence of meeting the eyes of those who more worthy than you. Don't even flinch, even if it is a rat or a spider placed near your hand. A bite is nothing compared to a broken jaw or a crushed hand for your insolence. Don't peak, don't ask questions, don't make a sound. Wait until they walk away before making the slightest whimper or else regret it for however long the pain takes to fade.

The footsteps did not move away, however, and Kili bit down on his lip until he tasted blood, trying to ignore the desire that threatened to drive him insane. As though in a stroke of vindictive cruelty the wind caught the scent of the freshly broiled rabbit, wafting it straight towards Kili so that his mouth watered and he shuddered in longing for just one bite of the tender, savory meat.

Famished beyond reason, Kili surrendered and lifted his arm from his face. Anything to end this needless torment. Tentatively he raised his head, wincing in anticipation of a blow and cautiously opening his eyes when the boots did not immediately lash out towards his face. Above him Bombur lightly bounced on his heels, his hands crossed behind him in an nonthreatening gesture. He smiled genially his eyes hopeful as he waited for the acceptance of his offering.

Kili's eyes flickered to Fili, and his heart sank as he realized the other Dwarf - his brother, he had to remember - was still asleep. Dis was not within immediate sight, and there was no one else to tell him if it was safe or not. Kili had only his own instinct to go by.

Instinct told him no. The tired part of him, the part that yearned for a life where he did not have to run and hide to survive another day, begged him to trust. It was a fool's notion and it would only get him killed, but Kili could not hold back any longer.

Lashing his hand out, Kili snatched the rabbit and scrambled back with it, tearing off pieces and stuffing them into his mouth faster than he could chew. Juice dribbled down his chin and he could barely register the taste, starvation rising within him like a massive beast that could not be satiated. For an instant Kili choked, his stomach rebelling against the half chewed meat even as he continued to scarf down as much as he could. It was his. A whole rabbit, all to himself! Never had this happened before, and Kili could not waste this opportunity. He should be more careful and guarded, hiding away a leg for another time, but he could not stop.

Suddenly the rabbit was torn away from his hands and Kili fought to take it back, howling at the loss and grasping for more. Dwalin's horrified gaze met his and for an instant Kili forgot the sense of fear he should be respecting as he pounded his fist against the taller Dwarf's boots and whined for the food to be returned.

"Easy, lad, not so fast!"

Dimly Kili was aware that his stomach was cramping from the sudden overfill. A wave of nausea almost caused him to lose the precious meal and he clamped his hands over his mouth, squeezing his eyes shut and rocking back and forth as his stomach flipped and rebelled against him. He had made the worst mistake; eating too much in too short a time. Knifing daggers stabbed through his gut and Kili moaned in discomfort, curling into as tight a ball as he could manage and waiting for the pain to subside. A foul taste filled his mouth and he swallowed back stomach bile, cursing his impetuousness in bolting down the feast with no thought to how long it had been since he had last eaten. They would be angry with him now, and there would be no more food until he could prove he would not waste it the next time.

"Is he all right? What did you do to him?"

"He's fine, Dis. Overate, that's all. Don't give him so much next time, Bombur. Lad's got no control over himself."

Weak. Useless. Pathetic. He could not even handle a simple meal without making himself look worse in the eyes of those around him. Kili ducked his face into his knees, grateful for the curtain of hair that hid his face from the expressions of disdain. Why did he have to mess everything up? They had little food to spare, and he had shamelessly devoured it with no thought save his own hunger. He could have lived without food a little longer; he had faced worse. Dwalin was right; he had no control over himself.

Dis; calloused, tender hand rubbed his back and Kili whimpered in the back of his throat, cringing at her touch. Why did she seem to care so much, when he was only a bother to her? He was not worth her affection; why did she still pretend to care? The confusion brought tears to Kili's eyes and he tried to block them out.

He did not want to imagine the possibility - that she really loved him like she loved Fili and she would never send him away no matter how disobedient and stupidly he behaved. Kili did not know how to handle such a depth of love. He did not want to know how it felt, for that would make it all the more terrible if it was suddenly torn away.

In fact, Kili did not know any longer if he was ready to believe that they wanted him. He did not know if he could live through another betrayal if he was proved wrong once more.

Eventually the sharp pains subsided and Kili slowly raised his head. Bombur was watching him in open concern, his hands folded in front of him and his eyes melting with worry. Kili's brow furrowed in bewilderment as he saw none of the anger he had anticipated. Why was Bombur not furious with him for his carelessness? Why did he not scorn his weakness, slam a fist into his stomach to cause him to lose what little food he had, and then storm away and let him writhe in humiliation as punishment?

Cringing under the compassionate stare, Kili raised his eyes to Dwalin. At least with this one he could know what reaction to expect. Dwalin would be seething with rage at Kili's foolishness. Kili shuddered in anticipation of the beating he would receive, but it was almost a kinder thought. At least with Dwalin he would not be caught off guard, left questioning until a blow struck out of nowhere when he least anticipated it. Dwalin would punish him swiftly and harshly, and then it would be over and Kili would know to be more careful the next time.

Once more he was astounded, however, and Kili did not know whether to be relieved or terrified. Though his demeanor was gruff and his countenance grim, there was no judgment in Dwalin's eyes. His posture was tense, and by that Kili knew he was in for a beating, yet the blows never followed. Instead a deep moroseness settled over Dwalin's features; much like the expression on Fili's face when Kili had asked if they intended to kill him and leave him to the Wargs. In bewilderment Kili looked on warily, unblinking and silent in apprehension of ...

He was no longer certain what he was waiting for.

With a heavy sigh Dwalin broke from his stance, his movements slow and deliberate as he tore a haunch from the rabbit's leg and placed it by Kili's hand. A tremor rippled through Kili and he fought against it, not daring to move lest he incite... what? He no longer knew what to predict regarding those around him, and the uncertainty plagued him. He chose not to twitch a muscle, biding his time cautiously until Dis said it was safe or Dwalin moved far, far away.

"Eat it slower this time," Dwalin instructed in a low rumble. He wrapped the remaining coney in the cloth Bombur had set it on and nodded somberly. "There'll be more food later; you won't starve on my watch."

He said no more, returning to the fire and settling back with another deep sigh. Kili observed Dwalin warily, uncertain of his motives. No one had ever offered him food before - not unless it was a Goblin healer pouring some foul liquid down his throat to ensure he lived to toil another day. Nourishment was intended for those strong enough to take it by force. If Kili ever wanted anything, he had to hide it away as soon as it was distributed or steal it from another slave. He had not been surprised when Dwalin took the food from him, just as Baldor used to do.

But then the Dwarf had returned some of it. He had given it back, with no demands that Kili steal something in exchange - like the warm fur cloak of the leader or the silver beads that Dis wore in her hair. Once more Kili was left in the dark as he wondered what his status was among these higher beings, and what motive could possibly drive them to treat him with such kindness when he could offer nothing in return. He did not know, and the endless questions irked him to no end.

Bombur bounced back on his heels again, and Kili looked up to see the cook glancing pointedly at the rabbit haunch before raising his brows in a form of question. An instant of belligerence took hold and Kili clutched the meat possessively, a growl rising in his throat as he envisioned Bombur attempting to grapple it from him. It was his! Dwalin had given it to him, and no one else was going to take it away!

Dis chuckled lightly in amusement and rubbed Kili's shoulder reassuringly. "I think I can answer for Kili and say that he likes your cooking very much, Bombur."

A brilliant smile spread across the Dwarf's face and he gave a little bow, his looped braid swinging before him as he said wistfully, "If only I had had a few seasonings to add, it would have been better. I would have offered less simple fare if I could..."

"Nonsense," Dis assured brightly, "It was more than any of us could have done."

Between them was the unspoken thought, He probably could have cared less if there had been any difference.

Bombur offered another cheerful smile, his step light and carefree as he calmly strolled away. Kili felt oddly more at ease as he clutched the rabbit to himself, unaware that the entire display had been witnessed by those surrounding the fire. Struggling to form a coherent thought despite the fog oppressing him after a sleepless night and the sudden drowsiness brought on by a full stomach, Kili slipped the rabbit haunch into his pocket. Dwalin had said there would be more, but that could be hours or even a day from now. Better to save a little now and relish it in the darkness when no one would steal it, than to eat it all now and wish he had some later.

Kili had the impression he was being observed and he looked up reluctantly, drawing into himself as he realized the leader had awakened and was solemnly regarding him with his icy gaze. The tired, puzzled longing in Thorin's eyes was not apparent to him, for Kili had never learned the art of reading those who shielded themselves like a fortress; who allowed entrance to only the few who knew them well enough to perceive the turmoil residing within. To Kili there was only stoic disappointment in the cold blue eyes, and he ducked his head in dejection as he wondered what further mistakes he would make before he finally learned what was expected of him.

Sighing dispiritedly, Kili blinked hard several times and willed himself to remain awake. Just one moment! he pleaded inwardly, sniffing back tears as his body craved even the restless nightmares that sleep promised. He did not dare close his eyes for a fraction of an instant, however, even with the lull of the wind swishing through the grass, the sun shining warmly upon his face for the first time in perhaps a decade, the comforting stroke of his Mother's hand through his hair, and the relief in finally having something fill his stomach ...

With a start Kili twitched awake, a jolt of panic stabbing painfully through him as he realized he had started to doze off. He wanted to cry out in frustration and beat his fist against the earth. How long before he was given permission to rest? Fili was stretched out by the fire, sleeping soundly in spite of the recent excitement, and Dori was also beginning to nod off. When would the leader give him permission to close his eyes for an hour - even a few minutes? Biting his lip against tears, Kili wrapped his arms around himself and tried to pretend he did not feel as though he could weep for exhaustion. He did not need sleep, not even for an hour. He was stronger than this, he could...

Raised voices tore Kili from the hallucination of Thorin shoving him aside and berating him for falling asleep without permission. He gasped sharply and sat up, nearly clipping Dis in the chin with his abrupt movement. Over the rise of the hill two figures approached, and Kili sighed in relief when he caught sight of Bilbo's curls glinting in the sunlight. More at ease now that his "guardian" had returned, the prospect of the leader's anger did not seem so troubling. Dis and Fili would protect him, of this Kili was sure, and Bilbo would stand between him and Thorin and speak words of reason until the other Dwarrow joined alongside him and forced the warrior to back down. He would be safe for a little while, just as they had promised. Maybe Bilbo could even convince Thorin to allow Kili to sleep for a bit - just a few minutes, of course - he would not ask more than that.

Oin spared Kili and Dis only a glance as he laid a bundle of plants on a rock and instructed Ori to begin pounding them into mulch. He gestured intently for Gandalf to speak with him, the wizard bending low so that the healer could speak to him in private. Thorin rose abruptly to his feet and joined them, his face grey and drawn as the urgency of the conversation sank in. Meanwhile Bilbo glanced around and mentally counted off the number of their company, offering a wane smile and a wave of his hand when he saw Kili.

Before the Hobbit could take a step forward Gloin pulled him aside, whispering something in his ear and indicating Fili and Thorin with a sharp nod. Bilbo startled and for an instant did not budge. His brow furrowed in confusion and he offered a brief question in reply, then pointed towards Dis and raised his eyebrows. Gloin nodded gravely and mentioned something else, causing Bilbo to glance sideways at Thorin with pity in his gaze. With a pat to the Hobbit's shoulder (which may as well have been a physical blow for the flash of irritation in Bilbo's features as he stumbled), Gloin sent him on his way and turned to assist Ori.

The Hobbit's feet were silent in the long grass, reminding Kili of the rumors of the Creature that crept in the darkness of the mines. As soon as he drew near Bilbo dropped to one knee, offering Dis a curious look as he mentioned hesitantly,

"So... your son?"

Dis' hand trembled ever so slightly and Kili tensed, still half-expecting a denial at any moment. "Yes," she answered softly, squeezing Kili's shoulder in fondness. "This is my Kili."

"Kili?" Bilbo raised his eyebrows with mild intrigue. "Fili and Kili ... Are they twins?"

"Fili is five years older than his brother," Dis shook her head.

"Ah." A long moment of silence passed before Bilbo ventured, "Do you ... did you call ever him 'Fee', Kili? I thought I heard ... well, you said something like that in the forest, and I thought..."

Fee.

Jade blue marbles bounced across the floorboards, glittering in the firelight as Kili held them up to his eyes.

"Raaawr! I'm the Dwagon, the mononimus an' ewigant Thmaug!"

"Uncle said not to play Dragons," Fili rebuked with a frown. "They give you nightmares." He carefully set up his Dwarven warriors, scowling when Kili batted them back down again with a yowl of triumph.

"Mum! Kili's not playing right!"

"Rawr!"

"Kili, stop it!" Fili finally lashed out, his temper past the breaking point. "Dragon's are bad - Uncle told you to stop playing them!"

"But I'm not bad!" Kili defended himself with shimmering, wide eyes. "I'm a good dwagon!"

To prove his point he meticulously righted each wooden figure, clapping in delight when he was finished. "See! Dwagon's awen't all bad! Mummy! Mummy! I did it wight!"

Dis, preserving her remaining sanity, offered no comment during the exchange. Unless screams and punches broke out, the two boys could handle their own problems. Kili frowned when he realized his Mother was not listening and he promptly folded his arms and sulked.

"Not a bad Dwagon," he insisted with a pout.

"Dragons burned Erabor," Fili pointed out logically, moving a figurine and glaring at Kili as the younger Dwarf raised his hand to bat down the soldiers again. "They killed lots of people and they stole our home. They're bad, Kili."

Ever the literalist, Kili raised his eyes to the whole ceiling and argued, "But we're not burn-ded."

"Erebor, not the Blue Mountains," Fili retorted, recalling his map lessons with Balin. "We never saw Erebor, Kili."

"Den Thmaug in't bad?"

"What- Kili - you don't - oh, forget it," Fili gave up in frustration. "Just ask Uncle Thorin, okay?"

Kili crossed his legs and clutched his ankles, feeling left out and ignored. "Fee?" he piped up petulantly, dipping his chin and putting on his best 'I'm Cute and You Should Notice Me' expression.

Fili sighed and abandoned his imaginary war. "What is it, Kili?"

Kili wriggled closer, peeking up at Fili and questioning worriedly, "Would Unca Thorn hate me cause I'ma Dwagon?"

Fili had to stop and think about that for a moment. Sometimes his brother's questions were absolutely absurd.

"You're not a Dragon, Kili. Of course he won't hate you."

"Oh." Kili's brow furrowed as he thought further. "Fee? What if I wassa Dwagon? Would he not like me no more?"

'If you were a Dragon you wouldn't be here,' Fili wanted to say. Instead he promised, "No, he wouldn't hate you."

"But I would'na be a bad Dwagon," Kili said fervently. "I'd be a nice Dwagon an' help Unca Thorn an Mummy. An' I'd fly everywhea an' go way - way up in the sky an' ged back all our tweasure."

"Sure, Kili," Fili answered with a shrug, "But then you couldn't listen to bedtime stories 'cause you'd be too big for your bed, and Mummy couldn't hug you goodnight 'cause she wouldn't be able to reach you. And we wouldn't be able to play together 'cause - "

Kili howled in horror and wound himself around Fili's arm, burying his face in his brother's shirt and sniffing, "I don't wanna be a Dwagon no mowe, Fee! I wanna be a woodcavah like Bofo' an' wear a funny hat!"

Fili blinked in bewilderment. This was new. "I thought you wanted to be like Uncle Thorin and be a mighty warrior."

"Uh-uh," Kili shook his head and wrinkled his nose. "He don't wear a hat."

"...Right, Kili," Fili shook his head.

"Is Unca Dwa'n a Dwagon?" Kili piped up brightly, his tribulation vanished as eyes lit up with certainty. Before Fili could deny it the young Dwarf continued, "'Cause he's big an' he wumbles an' he makes fiwe in da fowges."

Fili buried his head in his arms and groaned. Before he was forced to knock some sense into his idiot of a little brother the door swung open in a swirl of snow and biting wind. Kili's head whipped around and a beaming smile lit up his face. He scrambled to his feet, tripping over his own soft boots as he raced forward with his arms outstretched.

"Unc - "

The memory vanished with the popping of a branch as the fire heated the green wood's sap to the boiling point. Kili held onto the dream as long as he could, cherishing the brief moment of happiness and excitement for the arrival of an unknown someone he knew was important to him.

As he glanced up he felt a sudden wave of relief that he had been jarred from the hallucination in time, for Thorin was watching him with a somber expression that Kili knew boded ill. The leader bent to shake Fili awake, murmuring something to him and swinging his head minutely in Kili's direction. Fili paled upon the command and looked as though he wanted to argue, but a curt explanation was all that was necessary for him to drag himself reluctantly to his feet.

He knew he was in trouble now, and Kili still had no idea what he had done wrong. He stiffened as Oin approached with Fili, the younger taking a seat behind Kili and gently but securely drawing him into his arms. Eyes wide with trepidation and fear coursing through him in violent tremors, Kili desperately sought his brother's gaze for help.

"Wh-what's g-going on?" he asked in a shrill, small voice.

"Oin ... he needs to take care of your foot, Kili," Fili answered in a low, dejected whisper. "I ... It'll be over soon, I promise. He'll give you something for the pain, it just ..." His face twisted with guilt, he begged, "I'm so sorry, Kili! Just - please - don't struggle."

His feet were pulled out from under him and Kili suddenly knew what was going to happen. He yelled in horror and tried to pull back, panicking when Fili's grip tightened unmercifully and bound him in place.

"No- No! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to! I'm sorry! I - Whatever it was, I won't do it again! Please, don't! You - you promised!"

"Give him this," Oin instructed as he handed Bilbo a flask. His expression was carefully maintained under the mask required of a healer, but the pain at what must be done showed through despite his efforts. "The last of Bifur's store," he added with dull humor. "The alcohol and the herbs I administered will help distract him from the pain."

"Kili, it will be all right," Bilbo tried to assure. "He needs to seal the infection or else you might lose both feet. He'll be quick about it - you might not feel anything at all."

"No, no, no, no, no," Kili whispered, struggling like wild animal in Fili's grip. He fell back with a whimper, gasping for breath as the physical and emotional strain became too much for him. "You promised!" he wailed.

"Kili, please!" Fili choked, holding his brother tightly and wishing he was not the only one who could hold Kili still without the former slave launching into a screaming fit. "We have to do this! Please, don't make it any harder!" For yourself... for me!

Kili could not even hear his voice, for his mind was captured by the searing, red hot knife that was drawn from the coals of the fire. Blind terror consumed him as Oin's face was distorted into a Goblin's malicious leer, and a ragged, horrific scream filled the clearing as Kili was dragged kicking and thrashing into the darkness of his nightmares.