Peace For The Wandering Soul Chapter 7
It had been many long years since Kili had been to Imladris, and when he had been there, he had been young, by dwarf standards. Now he was older, and beardier again. His beard was long and braided down the middle, as many dwarves kept their beards. He also wore beads in his mustache as Fili once had. In fact they were beads that Fili had given him. As much as it made him feel odd, he also felt it was right.
Narisia was quiet during the journey. It was clear that whatever had happened, it still worried her. And yet when they passed the gates and were safe in the elven haven, her tension seemed to leave her. Many were arriving at that time, and it was not long until Kili had seen many old friends and acquaintances. It was Elrond who had greeted him, and Kili met with him graciously, for there was really no more animosity between elves and dwarves. Then he met again with Legolas, who was there representing The Greenwood elves. Then there was Bilbo.
Kili was overjoyed to see the hobbit again, and the hobbit was glad to see him as well. "Kili, my lad! So many times I have wondered about you. How have you been?"
"I have been well. And you Bilbo?"
"Very well indeed! It's sort of strange to be here again," said the hobbit as he lounged in his comfortable chair in The Hall of Fire. "So many old friends. You, the elf prince, Gloin."
"Gloin is here?" Kili asked.
"He is. Lord Elrond has summoned representatives from all the free peoples. My nephew Frodo is here as well."
"I see." Kili said. It is good to see you, Bilbo, but I must go seek out Gloin."
"Of course, my boy, of course. But I am so happy to know you are well."
"I thank you, Bilbo. I am glad you are safe, and your kin as well."
Kili left Bilbo and sought out Gloin. When he met the dwarf, he also met with his son again, Gimli. Gloin had strange news to share.
"So Balin, Ori and Oin went to Moria?" Kili asked.
"They did." Gloin said.
"Did Dain ask them to do this?"
"No, Balin was curious. He went of his own accord."
"And what news?" Kili asked.
Gloin and Gimli then looked sad. "We wish we knew." Gimli said. There hasn't been news in a very long time."
"We suspect that Balin, Ori and my brother may be lost," Gloin said.
"I am sorry, Gloin." Kili said, somewhat shocked. "This may not have been a wise course of action. Thorin avoided Moria at all cost due to what happened there. What would have made them think that it would have been any safer? With the orcs and Durin's Bane still wandering those halls...I am sorry for your pain."
"A pain you well know." Gloin said. "We have missed you sorely."
"I know...But I cannot claim what I do not deserve."
"Pish-posh!" Gloin said. "Their deaths had nothing to do with you."
"Still, I cannot return, at least not as king."
"But I would see you return some day. Your mother misses you, and she has not heard from you in some ten years at least. She thought you might be dead. Please, send her a message."
"I will Gloin. I will." Kili left Gloin then, feeling very sad and guilty.
He wandered Rivendell, and soon found himself in the library where he met a man named Boromir. The man was proud and strong, however, he was weighted down by the expectations of a country and a demanding parent. It reminded Kili of the way Thorin and Fili had been. When Boromir began to speak about his brother, Faramir, Kili became curious.
"He's nothing like me." Boromir said. "He's not a warrior, and yet he may be wiser than me and my father put together. Still this is not what my father wants from him, and he treats Faramir badly, seeing him as a constant disappointment. He wants my brother to be like me, but how can he be? I have always tried to shield him, protect his feelings, but the time has come when I can no longer do that."
Kili then had to wonder about Fili. Fili had always been there for him, and he for Fili. But had Fili carried most of the weight? A realization came to Kili that maybe he had, for when Fili was gone, he had certainly felt the weight of it. The weight of expectation, and the fact that so many looked to him when both his brother and his uncle were gone. Then he had to wonder, had Thorin ever been disappointed with him. He wondered then if Thorin had ever expected anything from him. It was interesting to think on.
Then Boromir said, "You said that you had a brother."
"I did. His name was Fili."
"Well then. Kili, tell me about him..."
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It's been a while for this fic, but I hope to put more time into it soon. Thank you for all who faved and commented, I appreciate it. Cheers! STS