Over 2,600 views! Thanks for everyone's continued support! Big thanks to BrieKayee, AprilDaniel, antaurilover685and xoulblade for the follows and favourites.
Eruwaedhiel95 – Glad you liked it. I thought it was about time we saw a happy Fili.
Drwatsonn – I had adrenaline in my veins when I was writing it! Yes I am planning to have a few chapters based on their stay in the village and (with any luck) they will be just as action packed. As for Fili and Jinx…only time will tell.
As he forced his way down the winding stairs Fili gritted his teeth to try and supress the pain in his ankle. He'd followed Oin's orders and hadn't left the room he and Kili were sharing all week. But now he couldn't bear to be apart from his friends any longer. He had a sneaking suspicion that Kili was feeling the same. The company had visited every single day – and Kili had come far more than that.
All apart from Jinx.
Fili didn't know why that bothered him so much. He hadn't been expecting her to visit him. She had no real reason to after all. Despite the…incident back on the bridge he could still tell that she didn't like him. And he still found her to be stubborn and frustrating.
So why in Durin's name was he so desperate to see her?
As he got further down the stairs the sound of laughter and shouts drew Fili's mind away from Jinx. As he reached the bottom of the stairs Fili saw the inn was a lot fuller than when they'd first arrived. With the exception of a few women the room was filled mainly with men. His eyes landed on two young women who were standing by the bar. Both were wearing dark blue dresses with black corsets and Fili noticed that one of them was considerably smaller than the other. When Jinx turned round his stomach dropped in shock. Her hair had been tied back into a bun and Fili realised that her corset had been laced tight to emphasise her chest. He swallowed nervously – thankful that she hadn't noticed his presence yet. He'd never seen her in a dress before. Hadn't even imagined what she'd look like in one. Despite everything Fili couldn't deny she looked so…different. The girl beside her had pale blonde hair and as she whispered something in Jinx's ear Fili noticed his friends eyes light up with laughter.
"Fili!"
At the sound of Kili's voice Fili was forced to turn his head away from Jinx and look over at a large corner of the room where the company were all sitting. Their already huge smiles got even bigger as he limped towards them and Fili saw how even Thorin had a relieved look on his face.
"How are you?" Thorin asked quietly as Fili sat down beside his brother,
"A lot better than last week," Fili shrugged. Kili clapped him on the shoulder and said something. However, Fili wasn't paying attention. Instead he found himself being drawn back to the slim figure of Jinx. She moved in between the throng of people with a two huge mugs of ale in her hands. As she stopped at a table not too far from the one occupied by the company Fili couldn't help but notice how…developed she was. He shook his head; he shouldn't think about her in that way. The men clustered round the table watched her with hungry eyes as she set down the drinks. The largest reached out an arm and as his hand moved down her back Fili felt an odd stab of anger run through him. He didn't even notice Kili pass him a mug of ale as the man pulled Jinx towards him, planting a kiss on her hand. When she pulled away Fili smiled to himself before looking back at his own mug.
"Like what you see?" Kili gave him a cheeky wink and Fili raised an eyebrow,
"Leave it Kee," he mumbled as he took a swig from his mug. All around him the rest of the company were muttering to themselves,
"How she can let them touch her like that is beyond me," Dwalin growled as he took another protective look over at Jinx who had gone back to talking with the other girl at the bar. Fili gave the warrior dwarf a hard stare,
"You mean…this has happened before?"
"Every night lad," Balin said sadly. "She just forces a smile onto her face and carry's on with her work,"
"It's disgusting," Bofur muttered and Fili found himself nodding along with everyone else. Thorin was the only one, who managed a smile,
"It makes no difference. We'll be gone by tomorrow," he gave Fili a hard stare, "Assuming you're well enough to travel,"
Fili bristled at his uncle's tone. Until now he had never fully understood how Kili had felt when it came to gaining Thorin's approval. But now that he knew what his uncle had been planning for him Fili was staring to realise how much his little brother had gone through. Draining his ale he fixed Thorin with an equally cold stare,
"We can leave whenever you want," as he went back to his drink he was aware of Kili watching him,
"So then," Kili shuffled along the bench until he was almost sitting on top of Fili,
"She cleans up nicely doesn't she?"
"Kili!" Fili fixed his younger brother with a glare, "Be quiet!"
"I'm only saying what you're thinking," Kili took his last swig of ale and rested his elbow on the table, watching Fili carefully,
"You act like you hate her but I can see in your eyes that isn't true"
"I never said I hated her," Fili mumbled under his breath; hating the direction of the conversation. Kili shrugged,
"Look at this this way. I can tell you like her a lot more than you're letting on,"
"I've no idea what you're talking about," Fili pushed his mug away and turned his face away from Kili in the hope that would be the end of the conversation. As the blonde girl left Jinx alone at the bar Fili was aware of all the men watching his friend as though she were little more than a toy for them to play with. Trying to ignore the churning in his stomach – and the knowing grins from his brother – he got to his feet and began pushing his way towards her. She hadn't noticed him yet and he had no idea what he would say when she did. Unsure of how best to get her attention he nervously cleared his throat.
"Fili!" As Jinx turned to face him Fili couldn't help but be drawn to the steady rise and fall of her chest. Clearing his throat he forced his head up and shuffled his feet as Jinx gave him an apologetic smile,
"How are you? I would have come to see you but I've been…busy,"
"Rose!" both Fili and Jinx jumped at Gideon's voice. As the landlord came into view Fili automatically stepped closer to Jinx who gave him an odd look. The man wiped his hands on a cloth before using the same cloth to clean the counter. Fili wrinkled his nose – a gesture he noticed Jinx copying. Gideon gave Fili a small bow of his head,
"You're done for the night," he snapped. Fili watched as Jinx gave an almost obedient nod before Gideon's back turned and she muttered something under her breath,
"I think I'd have preferred to sleep in the stables," she winked at him and Fili found himself grinning,
"Don't worry…we're leaving tomorrow," an awkward silence settled on them and as he watched Jinx pack up her things Fili was aware of the eyes that never left her body. True he'd been staring at her as well; but these men wanted her for one thing and one thing only. Without even realising it he'd drawn one of his most lethal daggers and held it out to Jinx. She looked at it with wide eyes. For the first time Fili noticed how bright they were. They were always shining. Flipping the knife in the air he caught it expertly and held it out to her,
"Why…"
"Just take it," he held it out to her and as she reached out for it her fingers brushed against his. He could sense her awkwardness along with his own and he realised this was perhaps the first time the pair of them were actually having a conversation that didn't involve snapping at the other. As Jinx gripped the knife hesitantly Fili allowed himself a glimmer of a smile whilst she just shook her head,
"Fili I don't need this,"
"Call it a thank you present," he insisted, "And an apology,"
She nodded dumbly and made to move when he grabbed her arm,
"I know you think you could never use it Jinx," he whispered, "But I'll…we'll all feel a lot safer if you're armed,"
Right," she nodded slowly, "Thanks,"
Fili allowed her to pull away from him and head towards the stairs. Try as he might he couldn't get her face out of his head. As nice as she looked however he knew that her stubbornness would continue to get at him. She'd even been stubborn when he'd given her the knife. Insisting she didn't need it when Fili had a horrible feeling that she would end up using it before too long. Sighing to himself he looked over at the stairs where Jinx had been only a few moments ago. For all her faults he had to concede that Kili was right about her. She was a nice girl – if a slightly reckless one – and Fili was worried at the strange feeling that ran through him every time he looked at her. He knew what it was…he just didn't think he could bring himself to admit it.
I didn't say anything as I heard the door to my shared room open and shut quietly. As Lillian sat down on her bed on the other side of the room I could tell she was giving me a curious glance. I was still holding Fili's dagger in my hands, completely unsure of how to react.
"So then," Lillian's voice flew through the room, "Who was the handsome dwarf you were speaking with?"
I shook my head although I was smiling at her comment. Lillian had worked here a lot longer than I had although Gideon was her uncle so he was a lot nicer to her than he was to me. Her original orders had been to show me how everything was done, however, after a few hours of working together I realised that – despite coming from two different worlds – we had a lot in common. For a start, neither of us really wanted to be here.
"Silence isn't an answer," Lillian sat down on the bed next to me and smiled down at me. She was only nineteen – same age as I was back home. I reasoned that turning into a dwarf meant my age was a lot different now. Slipping the knife under my pillow I gave an absentminded shrug,
"He's just a…" I trailed off. What was Fili exactly? He' wasn't really my friend. But acquaintance sounded too formal.
"We travel together. The dwarves that have been staying here this week? I'm with them," Lillian's eyes widened with glee and before I knew it she was asking me all about my travels. Where are we going? What are they like? Do they ride ponies or do they struggle by with horses? The questions were thick and fast and I was surprised at how curious she was. Having said that, I'd only been here a week but I could tell something wasn't right about this town. Not only was it far too quiet but everyone who lived here seemed to be afraid of something.
Or someone.
Either way I could tell that Lillian probably hadn't been outside of this town in years. Suddenly I had a burning desire to ask her what her life is like here. Why she was wasting her life working in an old inn. The first question was on the tip of my tongue when a huge yawn escaped me and I stretched out on the bed that's far too big for me. I watched as Lillian moved to her bed and pulls the blankets over her without even bothering to get changed. I knew I should change myself – sleeping in a corset is NOT something I ever wanted to do again. But I could barely keep my eyes open, never mind undo the complicated laces on my dress. Resting my head on my pillow I shut my eyes. It was silent outside and the only thing I could hear was Lillian's voice,
"Whoever that dwarf was…he couldn't keep his eyes off you,"
Okay she's seeing things then. Fili's a prince – and a good looking one at that. No way would he look at me like that. He doesn't even like me!
I mumble something in response before pulling the blankets up to my chin. The past few nights had been the best night's sleep I'd ever had and I wasn't looking forward to sleeping on the road again. Might as well take advantage of the opportunity whilst I have it.
At first I thought the shouts are part of a dream. Moaning I fidgeted in my sleep. Tossing and turning as the shouts and screams got louder. It's only when Lillian started shaking me frantically did I realise that something's wrong,
"Rose," Lillian's eyes stare at me, "Rose get up!"
"What time is it?" I mutter – still half asleep. A high pitched scream from outside brought me to my senses and Lillian fell back as I sat bolt upright. Tears are falling down her face and I could see the terror in her eyes. Scrambling out of bed I grabbed her by the shoulders,
"What's going on!" I shook her roughly when she didn't answer me. More tears fall from her eyes. Sighing I let go and run to the window. The sight below me causes my heart to stop beating. Pure chaos is the only way of describing it. People are running, screaming. As I watch the flames from several burning buildings leap high into the night sky I back away from the window as if that alone will burn me. Several heavily built men are running around, cutting down anyone who tries to fight them off whilst they grab at people and carry them off towards a huge wagon that's lit up by the fires.
"Who are they?" my own voice is shaking as I move to my bed and pull out Fili's knife. Lillian's still sobbing as she gets to her feet whilst I grip the handle of the knife tightly,
"Raiders. Highway men. They have many names,"
"What are they doing here?" I lick my dry lips as I can hear the sound of footsteps coming our way. Lillian grabs my arm,
"Money, people. Anything that they can sell," I turn to look at her and I can see the panic in her eyes. Forcing myself to take a deep breath I give her what I hope is a reassuring smile,
"Don't worry," I brandish the knife, "We'll be fine,"
Lillian nods before screaming as the door bursts open. The man takes up almost the entire doorway and when he reveals a thick, large knife I feel my own resolve weakening. I want to push Lillian behind me but the fact that she's so much taller means that would be a very futile gesture. The man takes a few steps into the room and I grip Fili's knife hard,
"Stay back," I hissed. He cocked his head to the side and grinned,
"Such pretty things. You'll fetch a good price I bet,"
"Over my dead body," as the man came nearer I found myself being backed against the wall. He raised his knife arm and I took a deep breath,
"Now that would be unfortunate," he whispered – the sick smile still on his face – as he brought his arm down. At the same time I threw mine up; blocking his blow. Before I could even register my own actions I stuck Fili's knife into his stomach. Lilian screamed as the man gasped and fell onto his knees. With a shaking hand I let go of the knife; leaving it in his stomach. I don't even watch him fall to the floor. Instead I grab Lillian's hand and we race from the room,
"What are we going to do?" Lillian's voice is small and for a second I realise how young she actually is. She's never had to face anything like this before. Neither have I in fact. But at least I've been trained to defend myself. Even if my only weapon is now embedded in someone's stomach.
"We need to find the dwarves," I gripped her hand hard to try and comfort her, "They'll protect us,"
It was a sound plan. Except I had no idea which rooms were theirs. I didn't even know if they were still inside. Knowing them they would have gone outside to try and help.
"Well well," the voice made us both freeze. Keeping Lillian close I span round to find two more men watching us. As their eyes lingered on my chest I felt the heat rise to my face,
"What have we here?" the shortest said. I swallowed nervously and backed away as the pair of them reached for us.
Carnage was the only way Fili could describe it. He'd been dragged from his bed by Kili and Dwalin and it had only taken one look at their faces to realise what was happening. Within minutes he'd grabbed all his weapons and raced outside with the others. He had been met with utter hell. Several smaller houses were on fire and people were running around in blind panic. A few people had grabbed weapons to try and defend themselves but the attackers easily out skilled them – cutting them down where they stood. Among the terrified screams Fili had heard the sound of a crying child. Grabbing a knife he'd turned a corner to find a young girl wriggling in a man's arms. The man hadn't noticed him through his mask and it had only taken a single knife to his back to get him to drop the girl. Grabbing his knife Fili looked down at the small child,
"Go and hide," he ordered, "Over there see?" he pointed to a small pile of barrels and pushed the girl in their direction before turning his back on her and focusing on the fight. The rest of the company were doing their best to help; Oin, Balin, Dori and Ori were helping people get away or treat injuries whilst the rest were busy fighting at the attackers. All of them were dressed in black leathers and when he had seen the two wagons Fili's stomach plunged as he realised why these men were here.
"Fili!"
Fili turned to see his brother aiming a bow in his direction. Ducking to avoid being hit he heard the gasp of pain as Kili's arrow hit a man behind him. Unsheathing his twin blades Fili hurried to his brother's side,
"They're slave traders," he muttered in disgust. Kili's eyes widened and he fitted another arrow to his bow. Fili followed Kili's gaze to see a man dragging a young girl along by her hair. Even in the poor light he recognized her as the girl Jinx had been talking to back in the inn. Kili went to fire when several people ran past – blocking his view. By the time they went both the man and the girl were gone. It was only when he saw the girl did Fili's stomach do a flip.
Jinx!
Biting his lip nervously Fili took another look at the inn. If the girl had been taken then… No! He shook his head. Jinx knew how to defend herself. She would be alright.
"Are you alright?" Kili stared at Fili's face and Fili forced himself to nod. Both he and Kili began running towards Thorin and Dwalin who were both taking on opponents who were over twice their size and no doubt a lot heavier. Fili made to go to his uncle's aid when he heard a familiar voice shouting behind him,
"Let go of me you son of a bitch!"
Fili's stomach plunged as he turned to see a man holding Jinx in his arms. She kept kicking and hitting at him but his only response was to strike her round the face. Fili had no way of describing the rage that began to bubble up inside him. As he began to run towards Jinx he found himself almost oblivious to the other men who were running towards him – their own weapons raised. They might be taller and heavier than he was but he out matched them in skill. As he got closer however, he realised that his swords would be no use. Sheathing one of them Fili pulled a knife from his coat and threw it in Jinx's direction. As the man holding Jinx gave a shocked curse Fili grinned as he watched Jinx free herself from his grip. She looked over in his direction and their eyes met for a brief second,
"Run!" Fili didn't know if she could hear him over the noise, "JULIET RUN!"
When she didn't move Fili wondered if he was going to have to go over to her and force her to hide. He was already moving towards her when she suddenly snapped into action and began to run towards him. The panic was evident on her face and despite everything he'd said about her Fili couldn't help but feel for her. She'd never experienced anything like this before and a week or so of training wasn't going to make this any less terrifying. She was so close now. He could almost reach out and grab her.
"NO!" Fili watched as another man knocked Jinx to the ground and grappled with her. She kicked out at him but he pinned her to the ground and hovered over her. Fili already had a knife in his hand when he felt a sharp pain in the back his head. His knife fell to the ground as he staggered forward before falling to his knees. Gingerly reaching up to touch the spot where'd he'd been hit Fili's head ached and his vision began to blur and darken around the ages. As he allowed his head to fall against the cold earth the last thing he remembered was hearing Jinx screaming.
CLIFF-HANGER! Hope you guys liked it. It sort of ran away with me a bit towards the end. And bless Fili! It's nice to see his soft side coming through a bit. As ever always appreciate your thoughts.