(A/N) Okay, my friends, fair warning…what happens in this chapter, I think I'm gonna have to classify it as rape, even though the victim doesn't really view it that way. Dubcon doesn't quite cover it. Thou hast been suitably warned. Enjoy.

Shield and Sword

Chapter 7: Formless and Vanquished

Zel was the child everyone had expected Fili to be: quiet, polite, a little shy. Even though he looked very much like him, those who knew Kili could hardly believe Zel was his son. Where Fili had gravitated to Dwalin, Zel gravitated to Ori. He loved his writing and language lessons with the scribe. In fact, he loved all of his lessons; Zel was very studious and would devour everything his teachers taught him. Really, the only thing that could pull him away from his books…was his big sister.

"Zel? Are you awake in there, lad?" Ori's voice interrupted the five-year-old's thoughts. The prince blinked up at his mentor, not even realizing he'd drifted off.

"Sorry," he apologized, looking sheepish as he played with a strand of his dark hair.

"Your head's in the clouds today, princeling," Ori scolded mildly. "Normally, you love hearing the old tales of Khazad Dum. Where is that sharp mind of yours?"

"Well…Papa said the traders are s'ppose to come today. Fili promised to take me out to see 'em."

"Ah, yes. The caravan," Ori said, feeling a little excited himself. Every year, a trade caravan came to Erebor from the dwarves who still dwelt in Ered Luin, along with men from the western villages, sometimes even a few elves. It was always a sight to see and Zel had never before been allowed out for it. Risling was still hesitant, but it seemed this year she was allowing her youngest out under the watchful eyes of his devoted sister.

Then, almost as if their talk had summoned her, Fili burst into the chamber like a wild fire, upsetting a stack of scrolls in her hurry.

"Sorry, Ori," the young princess apologized, hastily righting the ancient rolls of parchment while Ori winced. "Zel! Zel! Are you done yet? They've been spotted!"

Zel gasped, his eyes sparkling with excitement. Slowly, he turned to look at Ori, hopping anxiously from one foot to the other.

"All right, go on and go already. I no longer have your heart today," he said, smiling affectionately as he moved to right Fili's sloppy work.

"Yay!" the siblings cheered.

"Come on, Nadadith, let's run!" Fili shouted, grabbing her baby brother by the hand and taking off with him.

"Be careful!" Ori called after them…and not five minutes later, a new voice entered the chamber…a voice he both did and did not want to hear.

"The scamps been through here?" Dwalin asked him.

"They just left here. You didn't see them?" he returned, joking with the older dwarf as much as he dared.

"Well, if the lass left even a minute ago, she's probably all the way to the gates by now," Dwalin said with a chuckle. "Ah, well, it's healthy for Risling to worry a little…though she might worry about that lad a little too much, I think."

"Was there something you needed?" Ori asked, trying very hard not to look at the warrior.

"Lassie just wanted me to keep an eye on the nippers…that and Balin needs ye."

"Oh, of- of course," Ori stammered, immediately going to fetch his writing kit. Ever since Balin had lost his sight to the plague, Ori had been his official scribe. While he did enjoy being of use to the elder dwarf, it also meant he had to see more of the one dwarf he did and did not want to see.

Bilbo had been encouraging him to say something to Dwalin for the past five years, but the shy scribe just hadn't been able to bring himself to it. Dwalin had made no move, either, and Ori had come to see that Bilbo was right about the way the older dwarf looked at him. Still the heavy silence remained between them. What else could Ori conclude but that he had been measured and found somehow lacking, even though Dwalin still looked at him with desire. Certainly, the warrior lacked nothing in his estimation, so the fault must lie with him somehow.

The young dwarf couldn't have known how wrong he was, but if Dwalin would not speak his mind, how could anyone be expected to know it?

"So," he continued, his voice a touch softer, "s'pose I'll be seein' ye out today."

"I suppose so," Ori answered, his voice almost curt as he headed out of the chamber.

"Hey…keep safe, yeah?"

"Safe?" Ori repeated, hesitating a moment on the threshold. He had given a very similar warning to the children just now. What? Did they all think something bad was going to happen? Shaking the thought off, Ori finally nodded before heading off, calling over his shoulder, "Yes…sure."

XxX

Fili enjoyed days like today…days when she didn't have to do her lessons, when she and Zel could go out and play…days when she didn't have to be a princess. What was more, many of these new people didn't even know she was a princess. As far as they knew, she was just a little girl, and she was content to behave as such as she and Zel wandered among the stalls that had been set up in and outside the gates.

Zel had grown tired after about an hour of exploring and Fili had hitched him up onto her back, not yet done with the sights and sounds of the caravan. Curious as she was, though, her little brother was really starting to fade.

"Wanna go find something to eat?" she asked. Zel didn't speak, but she felt him nod against her shoulder. Just as Fili was moving to head into the great hall, she saw it.

A young man was turning away from a stall and a blade slipped from his belt, falling to the ground without him noticing. Fili felt a moment of horror as the man walked away. She couldn't imagine anything more horrible than to lose a weapon. So, defying her mother's strictest rule, never speak to humans, she went and picked up the small blade.

"Sir!" she called, running after him. "Wait! You dropped your dagger!"

Turning to find the source of the voice, the dark-haired young man looked surprised, then he smiled as he knelt before the young dwarf, coming down to her height to accept the blade.

"Thank you, little miss. This blade is precious to me…given to me by a dear friend. It would have been devastating to lose it."

"No trouble. I can only imagine what a blow it would be to lose such a fine weapon."

"You have a good eye, young mistress," the man said, keeping the dagger out so she might look at it a little longer. "Do I stand in the presence of one of the fabled warriors of the dwarves?"

"Someday I will be," Fili declared proudly, but then looked a little sheepish. "I'm not old enough to have real weapons yet."

"Fili, don't," Zel whined fearfully in her ear. "We're not s'pposed to talk to men."

"It's fine, Zel. He's nice."

The man chuckled at this. "There are some who might debate that, but it's probably wise not to talk to strangers."

"Oh, it's not strangers. Mama just doesn't like us talking to men. She's afraid of them," Fili explained with a touch of scorn in her voice. "But I don't think there's anything to be afraid of."

"Fili, please!" the dwarfling begged her, fisting the fabric of her vest in desperate hands as he started to cry. "I'm scared."

Sighing, Fili slid her little brother down her back and stood him on his feet before her, gently taking his shoulders in her hands.

"Zel, look at me," she said, waiting for him to comply before continuing. "Would I ever let anything bad happen to you?"

"N-no," the little boy answered, still sniffling.

"So what are you afraid of when you've got me here to protect you?"

"I…I dunno."

"There's nothing to fear," she soothed him, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead before pulling him into her arms for a hug. "Nothing will ever harm you so long as you've got me."

"Sister," he mumbled, hugging her tight. The man smiled warmly at the two siblings.

"Am I really so terrifying, little one?"

For a moment, Zel glanced fearfully at the man, but then he slowly shook his head, clinging to his big sister a little tighter.

"What's your name?"

"Zel," he whispered.

"And is this your older sister, Zel?"

"Mmhm."

"Would you tell me about her?"

"Her name is Fili…and she's the bravest dwarf ever!" he announced, his adoration for his sibling making him even bolder. "She's not afraid of the forges or the dark. She burned her hand on a hot sword once and she didn' cry. She's not scared of anythin'. She's gonna be king under the mountain someday!" he shouted for all to hear, throwing his arms wide, far as he could be from hiding in his sister's arms.

Fili actually blushed a little at her brother's words. "Zel, stop it. You know only boys can be king. You're going to be king."

"Nuh-uh," he said, shaking his head as his eyes shone with mirth and love. "It's gonna be you."

Fili cleared her throat, still blushing as she turned her attention back to their new friend. "Well, you know who we are. What's your name?"

The man got an odd look in his eyes at this, but ultimately just shook his head. "I have a few, but you can call me Estel."

"Okay. Nice to meet you, Estel."

"And you, as well, Zel and Fili, prince and princess of the Lonely Mountain."

"Estel!" a familiar voice suddenly joined the conversation. The three looked up to see Legolas hurrying toward them. Estel's face lit up at the sight of the elf prince and he stood to embrace him.

"Mellon nin," he said softly in greeting, lingering over the embrace a moment longer.

"It is good to see you again. Endearing ourselves to the local royalty, I see," he said, smiling at the two siblings.

"Actually, Fili found a blade I'd dropped…the one you gave me."

"You wound me, mellon nin," Legolas said, though the smile on his face said otherwise. "That you could misplace my gift so easily…"

"I was careless," Estel admitted, "but all is mended now, thanks to Fili."

"Legolas, will you be shooting against Papa again?" Fili asked, eyes bright with excitement.

"Probably…if the old dwarf's up for it."

"Oooh, I'm gonna tell him you said that."

"Fili! Zel!" a shrill voice suddenly sounded through the crowd. Moments later, a distraught-looking Risling burst through the throngs and swept up her youngest before placing herself as a shield between Fili and Estel. "What are you doing talking to my children?" she snarled at him.

For a moment, Estel was too shocked to even speak. He just stared, wide-eyed at the young mother.

"You've no business with them, man-thing. If you even look at my babies again, I will skin you myself," she warned him.

"I…truly, I meant no harm, my lady," he said, dropping to one knee before the dwarf princess. "Your daughter returned to me something I had dropped."

"Likely…and what was to happen afterward? Were you going to thank her?" Risling accused, for indeed, this unkempt thing had even the look of the men from her nightmares…a wanderer…dangerous.

"Risling, control yourself," Thorin's voice boomed through the air. Immediately, the people fell back, making way for the king, his consort, and his heir. As Risling had done with Fili, Kili placed himself between Estel and his wife.

"Do we have to do this today?" Kili asked her, a look of pleading in his eyes.

"It's not Estel's fault," Fili tried to argue. "I broke the rules. I spoke to him first."

At this, Risling's anger divided between the man and her daughter. "You spoke to a man…while you had your brother with you?"

"Yes," Fili said, her tone growing indignant.

"I expect you to watch out for your brother; I trusted you, Fili. Do I need to rethink letting the two of you wander alone?"

Fili was opening her mouth to argue…but Zel beat her to it. He cried out as if injured, struggling in his mother's arms, reaching out for his sister.

"No!" he cried. "Don't take Fili away!"

Kili looked stricken at his young son's desperate plea…almost as if he could hear the words in his own voice. Who would dare to take Fili away from her brother…his brother?!

Shaking himself to banish the sudden chill, Kili held his arms out for Zel.

"We can't…do this to them, Risling. It isn't fair."

Risling looked ready to argue, but then she really seemed to see what was in her husband's eyes, and she slowly relinquished her little son. Giving the boy a warm smile and a kiss on the top of his head, Kili passed him to his big sister, whom he clung to with all his might.

"Take your brother to get something to eat, all right?"

Nodding, Fili slowly started to head off, but not before murmuring, "Bye," to Estel, who nodded politely to her, though he still knelt before Kili and Risling.

"Well, we seem to have caused quite a ruckus. Who are you, stranger?" Thorin asked him.

For a moment, Estel looked nervous, uncertain how to answer…but then Legolas placed a hand on his shoulder.

"He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn, captain of the Dunedain of the north," his friend answered for him.

"Hmm. Yet you told my grand niece your name is Estel?"

"Estel is how I have walked these twenty-three years. It is my name. Aragorn is an identity and inheritance I have only recently come into."

"And what brings you to my kingdom, man of the north?"

"A desire to see more of the world…perhaps to do some good in it. I had never journeyed east of the Misty Mountains. I truly meant no harm to your child, my lady," he said, bowing his head to Risling as he pulled out the dagger once again. "She only restored to me a treasured possession."

Kili chuckled at the sight of the finely crafted weapon. "Yes, our wolf would certainly consider that a treasure. Be well pleased she returned it to you."

Estel shared a smile with the prince, both thinking of the way Fili's eyes would light up at the sight of a blade. Then Estel sheathed the dagger again.

"No. Fili is an honorable and brave little girl. She has been raised well."

"And you know that after knowing her for ten minutes?" Risling sneered. Now she was just looking for a fight.

"How could one not see it?" Estel asked calmly. "Fili is young, but she is a daughter of kings, and it shines from within her."

Thorin chuckled quietly at this, smiling vaguely. "I would take anyone else who said such things for a flatterer, but I find nothing insincere in you, Aragorn, Arathorn's son. Rise. You are welcome here, and of course welcome to join our table for supper."

"You are most gracious, Thorin, King Under the Mountain," Estel said, inclining his head toward Thorin in respect as he got to his feet.

Over the following days, Estel grew closer to the royal family, winning the hearts of the two young children. Risling allowed it only grudgingly, and only if she was able to keep her eyes on Estel. Thorin, Bilbo, Kili, and the other dwarves of the company all made fast friends with the young ranger and were all sad to see him leave to accompany Legolas back to Mirkwood when the caravan departed. Indeed, the caravan's departure seemed almost like the end of a rest to Thorin, for he began to hear his master's voice in his head not too long after.

Has the time been enjoyable to you, my little king…pretending you're not stabbing them all in the back?

It tends to be, yes, he answered to the dark void in his heart. Each time they spoke, it seemed to Thorin that void grew a little larger…consumed a little more. Have your ventures been productive?

Quite so. While you've been keeping the elves, the men, and your own people busy, my wraiths have been gathering the orcs and goblins scattered by your battle. My force is already far greater than I could have hoped to achieve on my own in such a short amount of time. That force has grown so large, in fact, I had a wish to test it in battle.

Against whom, my master? Thorin asked, suddenly feeling nervous.

Remember those wood elves you hate so much? Thranduil's kith? The same people who refused to help you when you were most in need? I have sent my force against them. They have been on the march while your people have been making merry; they will arrive in two days' time, the dark one explained. Thorin could almost swear there was glee in his voice.

So you mean to raze the Mirkwood kingdom, then?

Just so. With Thranduil out of the way, the former Greenwood will be mine. From there, I can strike against the elves of Lorien. You, my little king, need do nothing more than stand back and let it happen. Do nothing to hinder my force when they pass by the Lonely Mountain.

Thorin half-wished he could summon up more pity for the elves than he was feeling. They had been a great help during the Battle of Five Armies, but even though he understood the decisions Thranduil had made, some part of him would always feel the sting of betrayal of that single moment their supposed ally had turned from them. It would not cost him much to stand back and let the elves fend for themselves. What truly weighed on his mind was the fact that Estel might still be in Mirkwood, that the young captain might be put in danger when the hammer stroke fell.

You seem hesitant, my little Thorin. Why? Don't tell me you've grown to care about your old enemies, the dark one scoffed.

It isn't that. It's just that…a friend of ours is staying with the elves at the moment. I would rather not see harm befall him.

One who is a friend of elves hardly seems to be one worthy of your friendship. Let me see him.

With that, his master began to poke around in his thoughts, pulling forth an image of Estel. Almost immediately, the dwarf king felt the dark one's horrible anger flare up inside his mind and heart, beginning to scorch him.

It's him! The child of those damnable Numenoreans! Elendil's get! He bears the Ring of Barahir! He is the one!

Thorin fell to his knees, clutching at his head as the blazing agony of the more than mortal hatred swept through him. It took everything he had not to cry out and alert Bilbo, who was asleep back in their room. When the Necromancer's rage had finally spent itself, Thorin was left lying helpless on the floor, struggling for his next breath, so ravaged was he by his master's power.

This child cannot live. I will not allow it. The heir of Isildur must be destroyed! I have destroyed every last remnant of the house of Elendil…save for this. If this whelp somehow survives the fighting, you will hunt him down and slay him yourself. This Estel, this hope, must not live!

"Master…Master, why?" he asked, unable to manage more than a whisper, lest he end up retching all over himself from the pain in his body.

It is not given to you to question why! the dark one snarled in his head. All you need understand is that you have but one choice: the boy's life…or the halfling's…and know if you betray me, you will have neither. You will see this done, my little dwarf…or you will know suffering the like of which no mortal before you has ever endured.

Thorin protested no further. It was all he could do to slip the ring from his finger and break the connection. For a long while after, he just lay on the floor, his only thought drawing air into his lungs and pushing it out again…even though he knew he didn't deserve such a kindness as breath.

"Bilbo…Bilbo…Bilbo…" he whispered over and over again, his voice thick with pain. "Bilbo…Dis…Father…Mother…what shall I do? Help me. What can I do?!"

XxX

Just as the Necromancer had promised, on the second day, Thorin's scouts came to him with a report of an army of orcs marching north. Thorin ordered their own forces to be readied for battle, alongside those of Dale…but was little surprised when the approaching force did not engage them.

"Cowards," Dwalin snarled as he observed the passing army. "Why don't they fight? Where are they goin'?"

"Thorin…is it possible…this force moves against Mirkwood?" Balin suggested, slightly nervous.

"As things stand, I'd say it's a great deal more than just possible," Thorin said quietly, his expression unreadable.

"Should we prepare to pursue then?" Gloin asked. "We can't have this filth walking about."

For a moment, the king under the mountain seemed to deliberate, but then he slowly shook his head. "No. This force is too great. We cannot risk our own people for the sake of a people who would not risk there's for ours. Let Thranduil fight his own battle."

"What?!" Kili demanded in shock. "Uncle, you cannot possibly think to just stand by and do nothing! What about Legolas? Estel? Tauriel? They are our friends! I understand the danger, but will you not at least warn them of what moves against their kingdom?"

"No," Thorin answered, his face cold and implacable. "I will not aid Thranduil. He aided us thirteen years ago because it was in his best interest to do so. It is not in ours to do so tonight."

"But, Uncle-"

"Enough!" Thorin snarled, glaring at every one of his advisors. "My decision is final. I will not risk this kingdom for the sake of the elves. The first one to even think of defying me will be put to the axe."

They all backed down at this decree, albeit hesitantly and horrified at the king's sudden shift in behavior. All stood down…all except one.

"Thorin Oakenshield," Bilbo's angry voice suddenly cut through the heavy silence. "I don't believe you'll do this."

Slowly, Thorin turned to look at his husband, feeling the beginnings of anger boiling in his gut. "Don't you?" he asked, his voice ugly and dangerous.

"No, I don't. I know you're a good person, Thorin. There's no reason for you to do this."

"You don't understand," Thorin hissed at him, feeling his anger grow, even though he knew it was completely irrational. Of course Bilbo did not understand; none of them did…because he had not told them. He had not told them of the Devil's bargain he had made for the sake of his love…of the deadly choice that he was even now enmeshed in. Even so, he couldn't control his rising anger. He had sacrificed every part of his soul that was still good for Bilbo. Could the defiant little thing not follow his lead for once? "We…we must let this happen."

"Why?" Bilbo demanded, his face going red with anger. "Tell me why!"

At this, the dwarf king's anger flared up beyond his control. The void in his heart spread outward and engulfed him, erasing his sorrow and his love, leaving him with only pain and anger. He seized the hobbit's collar, shoving him against the wall with violence in his every movement. The others started to protest, but fell still and silent when Thorin began to speak.

"You know why, my thief. As I have told you, everything I do…everything I have done, or will do in the future…is done for your sake."

"No!" Bilbo growled right back, struggling against Thorin's hold. "If you hate the elves…if you don't want to fight for them, then just say that…but don't say you're doing this evil thing because of me! I can't accept that!"

"You forfeited that right long ago…when you gave yourself over to me as my consort," Thorin hissed in his face. "You belong to me, Bilbo Baggins…and did I not say that the first to defy me would be put to the axe?"

The others fell gravely silent at this, but Bilbo did not look afraid. He only continued to glare. "I know you won't do that, Thorin. Don't make empty threats."

"Perhaps not," Thorin whispered in his ear, licking the flushed red skin, "but I will remind you where you stand in this kingdom," he snarled before flinging the hobbit over his shoulder.

"No!" Bofur tried to protest, moving to prevent Thorin from leaving the gate. In his fit of rage, Thorin struck him a fierce blow to the head, sending him sprawling to the floor. When he didn't rise, Bifur looked ready to go after Thorin, but the king pinned all of them with a near feral gaze.

"You would prevent me from taking my consort as I choose? Is any one of you still loyal to your king?! We're going now. If any of you try to interfere…it will be the last thing you do."

Bilbo struggled against Thorin's hold on him the entire way to their destination…only the hobbit was slightly shocked to see Thorin had not carried him to their chambers. He had brought him to the treasure vault. Only in that moment did the hobbit of Erebor truly begin to be afraid.

"As I said, Bilbo…you belong to me," Thorin growled as he flung him down on a pile of gold. "Where better to remind you of that fact?"

"Thorin? Thorin, this isn't you," Bilbo tried to reason with him, unable to see even a glimpse of the dwarf he knew in the king's maddened eyes. "It's me. Can't you see me?"

"You talk too much, my consort," Thorin said, sneering as he quickly stripped himself of his clothing. As Bilbo looked into his husband's eyes, he realized that Thorin didn't know him at all. The dwarf he loved was no longer in the room with them. He was trapped somewhere behind those coal black eyes. Finally, Bilbo understood.

"Thorin…my Thorin…I don't know if you can still hear me…but I'm so sorry," Bilbo said softly, lying unresisting as the dwarf tore the clothing from his body. "I saw it…all these years…this thing that's been consuming you…and I did nothing. This is my fault, Thorin…not yours. I don't blame you for this…I want you to know that. I forgive you."

Bilbo didn't struggle as Thorin took him. He tried to lie quiet and accept what he saw as his just punishment for failing to help his love, but he couldn't completely help himself. Thorin was strong, and in his madness violent; he was not holding back now. Bilbo couldn't keep back some of the harsher cries of pain the dwarf king tore from his throat. The cold metal beneath their bodies grew hot as it was painted with blood.

It couldn't have taken anymore than five minutes…the destruction of their bond…but to Bilbo, it seemed to go on for hours…hours of being viciously torn open and broken…until finally his body could bear no more and his mind shut down, sending him into a dark and dreamless sleep.

XxX

The first thing Thorin became aware of was the scent of blood in his nostrils…and the coppery tang of it on his lips. What had happened? Was someone injured? Was he injured? No…he felt no pain…but what…what was…

The answer came to him when his sight returned. He was in the treasure vault. The scent of blood came from beneath him…from where Bilbo lay on a bed of blood-soaked gold coins…unconscious.

"Bilbo!" he cried out in horror. "What…what's happened? Who…who did this?!"

"Thorin," a quiet, but horrified voice called to him from across the vault. He looked up to see his sister and Risling standing there, flanked by the other members of the company, their eyes all wide with shock and horror.

"What have you done?"

"I…I…"

No! It wasn't possible! He couldn't have done this…could he?

That question was answered when he felt the cool air of the vault on his bare skin…and glanced down to see the even more incriminating piece of evidence…his limp cock…covered with blood and semen…Bilbo's blood.

Mahal…Mahal, have mercy…what did I…how could I…I…Bilbo…mercy…mercy! Why?! What have I done? What have I done?! What have I done?!

Then, Thorin Oakenshield did something he had never done in his life.

He screamed.

The others burst into action around him. Oin and Risling hurried to Bilbo's side, checking the extent of his injuries. Kili retrieved his uncle's discarded coat and used it to cover the halfling's naked form. When Risling gave him the okay, Dwalin lifted him to carry him from the chamber.

Through the flurry of activity, Dis came to him, dropping to her knees beside her distraught older brother. Being gentle, she pulled him into her arms, resting his head against her breast, as if she were their mother. All the while, he cried helplessly.

"Put an axe to me," he begged her. "A sword! An arrow! Anything! I beg you! Please! Kill me for what I've done to him!"

Mirkwood was probably already in ruins…Estel murdered…and in the end, it had all been for nothing. The one he had sold his soul for…the person he loved more than his own life…he had destroyed him. He had sacrificed, struggled, and betrayed…all for nothing.

He had murdered their love.

XxX

(A/N) Well, fellow fans, I hope you enjoyed the fluff I gave you, cuz we're pretty much done with it for a good long while. I did warn you there was going to be Durin torture. Hopefully, I haven't completely turned you off the story.