Two and a half weeks later, Kili was up and walking around the house. The stitching had proven powerful and for the first week or so Kili could not stand straight up. But, after the wound had closed and Oin had removed the stitches, Kili could walk rather normally and was more than thrilled to be allowed out of bed.

After the first week, Kili had convinced the others that he would be fine in his own room. He was getting tired of lying there in the open living room. He felt exposed and vulnerable and missed the comfort of his own bed. At his insistence, Thorin and Fili had moved him back to his room and soon he realized just how bad of an idea it was.

There in his room, all alone at night, he began to think about the dwarf that was still on the loose. No one had seen, nor heard anything of the assassin. He could have been in the Blue Mountains. He could have been on the opposite side of Middle Earth, but no one knew. Every noise and movement heard outside his window led Kili to believe that it was the man. He jumped and squirmed and laid on his back with his eyes wide open until they could stay open no longer. When they were forced to close, Kili dreamed. He would wake in a sweat and be breathing heavily. He would wake screaming. Kili knew that he would not be fully okay until the dwarf was found or dead.

But now, as he sat at the table eating his lunch, he knew that justice would be served eventually. He also knew that more than anything, he wanted his knife back.

The small dagger had become a part of him and now he missed the familiar comfort it had always brought him. When Kili had chosen the bow as his weapon for training, the news had disappointed Thorin. He tried to hide it, but Kili saw past the mask. For Christmas, Thorin had gotten him a custom-made dagger. Kili's face fell as Thorin handed him a small box. He had known what it was and it saddened him to think that his uncle was still trying to change his mind. But, when Kili had pulled the dagger from the box and perused the detailing, he had been amazed. The hilt was silver with deep, royal blue detailing. His insignia had been forged onto the blade and the Durin Crest had been inserted onto the pommel. It was breath-taking. Kili knew his uncle was skilled, but this was a true masterpiece. Kili eagerly agreed to the new training and was soon just as skilled with the dagger as he was with the bow.

"So, I was thinking about going to the market today. You know, just to look around. Do you want to come?"

Kili snapped out of his reverie and answered his brother. "Yes."

"The roads have cleared. It will be safe to use the wagon." Fili said standing.

"I can ride," Kili protested. Fili gave a sarcastic laugh and Kili dropped his fork. "I am not incompetent. I can ride my pony."

Fili took his brother's plate and walked to the sink. "You are riding in the wagon, or you are not going at all."


"I must say, Mister Nolan, you are a great asset to the forge. I am glad you came when you did." Thorin praised the new employee.

"And I am thankful for the generosity you all have shown me," the dwarf-man said politely.

In the past three weeks that he had been there, Nolan Dyre had proven to be one of the best workers and forgers that Thorin had ever seen. Dwalin, though he would not admit it, was amazed at his skill, too. Nolan worked with such intent and precision that everything he made was near perfect when completed. He truly was a skilled worker.

"Business seems to be at a standstill. I will buy lunch." Thorin said as he laid his hammer on the table. "Dwalin, will you be joining us?"

Dwalin laid his hammer down in the same manner and wiped his hands on a towel. "Aye, I will come."

Thorin was very aware that Dwalin had kept his promise of keeping a watchful eye on their new employee. So far, nothing had happened to raise alarm, but precautions were still being kept in the event that things would happen. Though, Thorin thought, one look at Dwalin would be enough to make any man, no matter how noble and strong, admit to any past crime he may or may not have committed. Thorin hoped he could instill the same fear in men.

The three of them made their way down the busy mid-day street to the tavern. They entered the building and seated themselves at an empty round table.

"Good afternoon, boys!"

A chorus of "Good afternoon, Lyse!" sounded from the table.

Lyse had grown up with Thorin and Dwalin, a bit of a tomboy and was never afraid to put up a fight. More than once she had held her own against the rough-housing she had received from the two boys'. She was strong and a fighter and Thorin had utmost respect for her. She had managed to find love and married a good dwarf-man by the name of Gil and together they ran the tavern.

"Working hard, I trust?" she said conversationally.

"Aye, or as hard as a man can with these economic conditions." Thorin answered for the group.

"I suppose things are bad all over the mountain, then? What a shame. Sometimes I wonder how we'll manage." Lyse looked quickly over her shoulder toward the door that led to the closed kitchen. Thorin knew the struggle that everyone, including himself, was going through on the mountain. It seemed as though it would never end.

"How are the little'ns?" Dwalin asked. The hard man did have a soft spot for young dwarflings.

Lyse smiled and rolled her eyes as she chuckled. "The twins will be the death of me! You know how boys are, Thorin." Lyse cleared her throat and went back in hostess mode. "What'll it be? The usual?" At the confirmation from the men, Lyse excused herself and returned moments later with three ales on a tray.


"Whoa, whoa!" Fili called to the ponies, as he pulled on the reins, effectively pulling the wagon to a halt. He looked over to Kili and tried to hide the grin that appeared at the sight of his brother's obvious discomfort. He wasn't happy that Kili was in pain; he was amused that Kili had remained silent for the ride into town and did everything in his power to not let Fili know how much pain the rough trail had been causing him.

Kili sensed his brother's stare and gave him his best glare. Fili bit back a laugh and an "I told you so." Fili jumped down from the wagon with ease, and watched as Kili dismounted with a bit of a struggle. He didn't rush over and offer his assistance though, knowing Kili would hate him even more if he did.

Kili leaned against the side of the wagon, slightly hunched over and his arm wrapped around his stomach. He took in a few deep breaths and straightened himself. "Where to?"

"I know you miss your knife, so I thought we could stop by the forge and you could get one. I know it won't be the same, but you can get one just for temporary sakes." Fili said, as he cast a wary eye over his brother. Kili was doing much better and was moving around on his own, but he still had a long healing process to get through until he would be completely whole again- both mentally and physically.

"Ok." Kili mumbled. Fili didn't miss the way Kili flinched at the mention of the word knife, and he also saw how Kili's hand automatically moved to his belt for the defense mechanism. "What were you planning on doing?"

Fili snapped out of the daze he had fallen into and looked questionably at his brother. "What?"

"This morning you said you were coming to look around. Is there anything in particular that you were wanting to look at?" Kili asked, somewhat irritated.

"Oh, no. Nothing special." Fili answered.

Kili accepted this answer and walked toward the forge. Fili followed and released a contented sigh as he stepped into the warmth of the small building. He followed Kili to the side wall where some pre-made knives and axes were on display. Kili carefully perused his options and Fili watched.

The door to the forge opened and the sound of footsteps and loud voices were heard. Kili jumped at the sudden noise and squeezed his eyes tight. Fili was thankful Kili did not have a blade in his hand because in that moment he was sure Kili would have made a mistake. Fili gently nudged his brother with his elbow and Kili took a deep breath.

"Fili? Kili? What brings you two here?" Thorin asked as he walked over to his nephews.

"Thought I'd get another knife," Kili answered simply.

"Just wanted to get out of the house while the roads are clear," Fili answered. He flicked his gaze to the back of Kili's head quickly, but it was enough for Thorin to understand.

"See any you are considering?" he asked, putting on his best salesman voice. Fili almost laughed because it was just a bit ridiculous.

Kili reached forward and picked up a knife. It was just about the size of his original knife and the forging was near perfect, but it was not nearly as beautiful or special. It would do the job though.

"Ah, that is a fine choice." Thorin agreed.

"Did you make it?" Kili asked, looking Thorin in the eye. A small part of him hoped that his Uncle would say yes.

Thorin shook his head. "Afraid not. This is the work of our newest forger, Mister Dyre." Thorin turned and called for the man.

A new dwarf appeared, one Kili and Fili had never seen, and he walked over to where the men were standing.

"Yes, sir?" Nolan asked.

"I do not believe you have met my nephews, Fili and Kili." Thorin introduced the young princes.

Nolan shook each of their hands in greeting and offered a kind smile. Kili returned the handshake, but fell into a daze as he made eye contact with the man. Maybe it was just his imagination, but he thought Nolan's grin turned from friendly to fiendish for a few brief seconds and there was a dark glint in his eyes.

Kili snapped back to the present when he heard his brother calling his name. Kili dropped his gaze and hand and shook his head. "Sorry about that," he mumbled.

"Are you all right?" Fili whispered.

"Yeah." Kili took a deep breath and cleared the lump in his throat. "You forged this blade?"

Nolan cleared his throat and nodded his head. "Yes, my prince." Kili stiffened at the words of address, but said nothing as Nolan continued speaking. "Just this past week, I do believe."

"It is beautiful work," Kili complimented the man's work.

Nolan blushed at the praise. "Thank you."

Kili looked at the blade once more, turning it over and studying the fine detailing. He looked at the man who had forged the blade and felt something inside of him stir. Out of instinct, he lined up in front of one of the targets across the room and threw the knife. The blade sunk into the bull's eye with perfect precision.

"Yes. I think this will do." Kili said with a confident nod of his head and a steady eye on Nolan's face. He laid the correct amount of coins on the counter and walked over to retrieve his knife. Then without a second glance over his shoulder or a farewell, he exited the building.

Fili stared wide-eyed at the closed door at a complete loss of words for his brother's threatening actions. Beside him, Nolan swallowed convulsively and began to wring his hands nervously. Thorin reacted much the same as Fili, but had enough strength to take hold of the situation at hand.

"Mister Dyre, I apologize on my nephew's behalf. You must overlook his actions. As of late, he has not been himself. I am sure you understand. I will be sure to have a strong word with him when I return home this evening, I assure you." Thorin said, voice low and firm.

"Please, do not be too hard on the lad- er, prince. I am fine. No harm was done. All is well." Nolan tried to assure them nervously. Neither Thorin nor Fili bought it.

Fili, much-like Thorin, mumbled a quick apology for Kili's actions then left the building. Kili was already seated in the wagon ready to leave. His gaze was fixed on something seen only by his imagination or memories, and he was unaware of Fili's presence as he mounted the wagon.

Fili took the reins, not bothering to spend any more time in the market, and headed for home. The ride was quiet, save only the sounds of the wind and the crunch of the occasional patch of snow. He saw Kili grab his side and wince as the wagon hit a particularly rough dip in the road. Fili decided this was as good a time as ever to bring up the happenings of earlier.

"Do you want to tell me what that was back there?" he asked into the silence.

"I don't like him." Kili answered a few moments later.

"You just met the guy. How do you justify threatening him two minutes later because you don't like him? You don't even know him." Fili said exasperatedly.

Kili shrugged. "I don't know."

Fili looked at his brother and rolled his eyes. "This isn't one of the smartest things you've done, you know that?"

Kili didn't answer.

Fili sighed, realizing that he wasn't going to get through Kili's thick brain, and returned his attention to the road ahead. Soon after, his thoughts wandered back to the events that happened in the forge. He remembered seeing the way Kili seemed to tense under the man's gaze and the beyond awkward handshake that occurred between the two. He also knew that Kili was always polite when meeting someone new, so he blamed Kili's current actions on the fact that he was a nervous wreck. And he had good reason to be, Fili thought, but threatening a man he just met who portrayed no harm? That was too far out of Kili's character, wounded or not.

"You know Uncle is going to have a word with you when he gets home." Fili said as he parked the wagon outside the barn.

Kili shifted uncomfortably in the seat. "I know."

Fili dismounted and began to unhitch the ponies. He then walked both of the ponies to their stalls and fed them. When he returned to the now immobile wagon, he was concerned to see Kili still sitting in the seat.

"Do you plan on hiding out here until then?" Fili asked as he eyed the hand clutching at Kili's side.

Kili glared at him, then slowly began to get off the wagon. He tried to keep hold of his side with one hand and balance himself with the other, but his current state of health did not allow him his normal stability. He slipped off the middle step and Fili moved just in time to steady him as his feet hit the ground.

Kili hissed in pain and doubled over. "Get off me," he said through clenched teeth.

Instead, Fili tightened his grip on his brother and tossed his free arm across his shoulders and led him into the house. Kili sank gratefully onto his bed and was vaguely aware of Fili removing his boots.

"Are you truly all right?" Fili asked after a moment.

"It is still sore. It hurts to move a lot. Sometimes it feels as though something is pinching my side and has a relentless grip." Kili said as he laid on his back and stared at the ceiling.

Fili looked at his brother and decided that there was nothing more he could do to help, though he wished there was. "Get some sleep. You're going to need all the strength you can muster when Uncle gets home."

He closed the door behind him and wandered into his own room. He thought about the scene that was sure to come in a few hours.

He also thought about how Nolan Dyre had made him uncomfortable as well.