Balin watched as the dwarrows scurried about, tidying and helping each other. The majority of dwarves lived in the middle section of the settlement which appeared to be mostly intact. There were no houses down, a few trees had been felled and there were debris scattered around. Many dwarves were sporting cuts and bruises, but so far Balin could see that the most damage had been done at the top end of the mountain settlement. Balin did wonder if in fact the Durin's were cursed, they were certainly a family who suffered more than most. He made Thorin's apologies to as many dwarves as possible before making his way back up the mountainside

When he arrived back at Dis' house, it had been tidied and he saw Zar at the stove, feeding both Fili and Dwalin as well as Bofur and Oin who seemed to be deserving of a break.

"What's all this" he remarked

"A quick bite" said Oin as he placed a bag full of herbs into a pot to soak.

"How's the patients" Balin asked as the same time wondering where Thorin was

"Dis is resting with the wee one and Thorin is sitting with them, he won't rest himself" Dwalin almost growled as he spoke with his mouth full. Fili giggled

"Mama says you're not to do that at the table" said Fili bravely

"Mama isn't here" Dwalin smirked

"Is that you teaching my nephew bad manners again Dawlin" a gruff voice from the doorway asked.

"Thorin" Balin interrupted and saved Dwalin from a telling leaving Fili and Dwalin to smile at each other.

"The settlement is fine, everyone sends their regards to get well soon and there is no serious damage" Thorin nodded slowly.

"Good that's good" Thorin declared he walked over to Fili and placed a hand on his head.

"You alright laddie" his chest heaved and his voice was thick and low. Fili caught his eye.

"Uncle, Oin will have some medicine for us soon and you're not to complain mammy says" Thorin chuckled as did Oin

"Nor are you, you rascal"

"I'm going to take these in to Dis, she needs to rest that leg" Oin stated.

Suddenly a shrill cry was heard,

"Oin, Thorin" It was Dis, they both set off down the hall with Dwalin just behind them. Balin put his hand on Fili's shoulder.

"I'm sure it will be fine Fili, do not worry"

"It's Kili, he can't breathe" Kili lay on the bed clutching his chest and taking very small shallow breaths. His little face struggled to comprehend what was happening.

"This was what I was worried about" Oin sounded cross and Kili watched him warily as Oin lifted up his shirt, shaking his head and mumbling to himself. Kili reached out to his mother, tears beginning to glisten in his eyes. Thorin went to take him but Oin flung out his arm.

"No Thorin leave him where he is, you know what I need to do and you are in no fit state to have him on your knee"

Thorin attempted to argue but realised he could not, he sat by the bed, reaching over to Kili, with a damp cloth he began to push the child's hair back off his face. Thorin did know what Oin had to do and he did not know if he had the strength to watch Kili go through it.

"Dwalin, fetch me hot water" Oin commanded as both Dis and Thorin took up both Kili's hands, Dis talking to him all the while, keeping his breaths steady. Oin lifted a large hollow needle from his bag before glancing up at Thorin.

"Hold him steady"

Kili anticipated what was going to happen and his little body tensed, but did not move despite Thorin leaning over him with his muscular arms. Oin began to insert the needle into Kili's chest, Kili cried out and flinched, but as the needle hit his lung, Kili was able to take a deeper breath and his panic was jolted. Oin watched the child's face as tears began to roll down his face, seeping into his ears and hair, falling onto Thorin's arm.

"Breath in Kili" Oin soothed, Thorin echoed Oin but as he spoke, his head began to swim in confusion and sickness. Thorin drew back suddenly releasing Kili from his grip.

"Dwalin" Oin began to move his head looking towards Dwalin but there was no need he was beside Thorin in a flash as Thorin's eyes rolled back, Kili reached out a hand to him.

"I'm alright" Thorin slurred. Oin shook his head.

"Kili, your uncle really is the worst patient" turning back to Thorin "You are concussed Thorin" Oin over emphasising the words.

"You need to lie down"

"Thorin, do it now before you fall off your chair, I've got Kili now GO!" Dis was perhaps the only one able to tell Thorin what to do and for once he listened to her, attempting to get up and pushing at Dwalin who took no notice of him and held him firm.

Oin switched back to his youngest patient who throughout the whole process had been very unlike the dwarfling he knew, quiet and pensive and very well behaved. Oin wrapped up his chest leaving the hollow needle in his side to give his lung time to recover. The only signs that Kili was at all distressed were the slight shake of his hands and the tears which continued to fall silently. Sometimes the less the patient complained, or made a fuss, the worse they felt as was the case with Thorin.

"All done my lad" Oin smiled at Kili "Perhaps, we can try something to eat soon" Kili wiped his eyes on the back of his hand but did not answer Oin.

"I can't believe how brave you were" Dis began and Oin took his leave from the pair. He looked into the bedroom across the hall and saw Thorin half sprawled on the bed, Vomit staining the floor.

"Stubborn old fool" Dwalin snorted as the two left Thorin asleep.

"I don't suppose any of you are going to clean that up" Zar was standing mop in hand by the doorway. Dwalin looked at it as if he had forgotten all about it.

"Well Zar you could if you'd like" She slapped him playfully on the arm as he strolled by.

"Where's Uncle Thorin" Fili asked as soon as he approached

"Asleep finally, which is where you should be"

"Was he sick" Fili half smiled

"All over the place" Dwalin exaggerated with his arms causing Fili to almost laugh.

Balin wondered if Dwalin had ever grown up, he had the reputation of a gruff grumpy warrior, but here he was with Fili playing around like a big kid. Balin knew that Dwalin was reassuring Fili in his own way. Whatever way worked he was happy to play along. Fili was the worrier of the two brothers and no doubt his little mind was in overdrive at was had transpired that morning.

Sorry for the delay in getting this up, it seemed to take ages to get right and I'm not sure how I feel about it. would love to hear your comments as always :)