Author's Note: Another chapter! Not my favorite one, but one I felt was necessary. Thanks so much for reading, everybody. And thank you so much for the kind reviews! I just love 'em, love 'em, love 'em...


CHAPTER 11

Thorin stood with his arms folded, watching each nephew carefully as they twisted and turned in a flurry of slices and stabs. The practice rods clacked loudly in the air as Fili and Kili grunted with the effort of each hit. Thorin could tell Fili was going easy on his younger brother, but not so much as to be a bore. Kili wasn't so bad with the sword. Without a doubt, his forte was the bow, but close combat wasn't so great of a challenge. However, Thorin predicted Fili would always be better with the sword. He had a natural grace and strength. What was even more impressive was that it didn't matter whether he used his right or left hand. He was ambidextrous in his swordsmanship.

Currently, Fili was using his left.

Of course, their practice sticks were much lighter than a sword. A normal dwarven sword couldn't be wielded single-handedly for too long. It would pull too much on the arm. Kili used his stick with both hands, firmly clasped as he put all his energy into his strikes. Fili tended to use one hand simply because he could and it was more natural for him.

Thorin decided a normal sword wasn't for Fili. It wasn't quite the perfect fit. He just had to have something else.

And it was about time Fili started training with a real weapon. Sticks didn't do much on the battlefield and Fili needed plenty of time to adjust to the difference in weight.

Still, a normal sword wouldn't do.

Dwalin would probably suggest an axe or a hammer, but those required two hands more often than a sword. Of course, Dwalin would then suggest two smaller axes, but they just wouldn't fit with Fili's grace. He needed something to match his speed and…

Thorin got an idea.

And it was perfect.


"What did you say you were makin'?" Dwalin asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.

"You know what I'm making, Dwalin. You've already asked a hundred times." Thorin sighed. Dwalin was the traditional dwarf through and through. Axes and hammers were his go-to suggestions. Sure, Balin had a blade for himself, but most dwarfs had axes and hammers. Swords were not so strange, but they weren't as common among his kind as with men and elves.

Of course, Thorin wasn't simply making a sword. So, Dwalin was unsure of what to make of it.

"Just tell me again so I'm sure." Dwalin huffed in frustration.

"Twin blades, Dwalin. I'm making twin blades for Fili." Thorin growled back. "It was a slow day, so I'm making twin blades."

"Aye, don't get smart with me, Thorin." Dwalin replied gruffly. "I've just never heard of such a thing for a dwarf. Twin blades?"

"Aye, Dwalin. Twin blades."

Dwalin was quiet for a moment.

"One for each hand?"

Thorin sighed with frustration, looking at his friend over his shoulder.

"Aye, for each hand."

Dwalin let it sink in for a moment.

"Why such a thing for Fili?"

Thorin put down his things and turned fully to Dwalin.

"If you'd seen him training, you'd understand. The boy has excellent swordsmanship with both hands. Axes would be too…limited for him. You can't wield an axe the same as a blade." Thorin explained, staring Dwalin down. Dwalin shrugged as he thought for a moment.

"I suppose you're right. But you must admit that your nephews are a bit peculiar."

Thorin glared.

"Not in a bad way, mind you. Just different. I think it a bit refreshing myself." Dwalin admitted. "I hear Kili's got a way with the bow. That'll come in handy before the winters start bitin'. Most of us are alright shots, but if we've got Kili with us, there's no meat that can escape us."

Thorin's expression softened at Dwalin's clarification. He could never stay angry with Dwalin. Sure, he spoke his mind a bit too often at times, but he was a good friend and a loyal dwarf.

"I suppose you're right." Thorin muttered, returning to his work.

"Sure, you're a decent shot yourself," Dwalin went on, focusing on his own task. "But I think even you know Kili's a better marksman."

Thorin chuckled.

"Have you lost faith in my skill?" he asked, gazing down at his work.

"Oh, you say your fingers slipped, but I think you just downright missed."

Thorin smiled, hearing the teasing tone to Dwalin's voice.

"Challenging my word, are you?"

"Never. I'm just sayin' you need to practice your archery."

Thorin laughed, his eyes combing over every detail in the metal to ensure it was its best.

"Tell me how you really feel, Dwalin." he muttered, still smirking.

"I just did! Can't make it any clearer than that." Dwalin stuck his current project into the hot coals. As he waited, he glanced over his shoulder. "How's it look?"

Thorin turned slowly, holding the finished piece in his hand.

"I think it will fit him well." he said, raising the gleaming metal for Dwalin to see.

One finished, one to go.


"Hiya!" Kili shouted, swinging his practice stick threateningly. "I challenge you to a duel, Fili!"

"Challenge accepted!" Fili yelled in reply, grinning like some kind of villain.

"No, no, not today." Thorin cut in, his nephews freezing where they stood.

"Why not? It's training time, isn't it?" Kili asked, his lower lip jutted out in a pout.

"Yes, of course. But today, you both will be taking turns. I'll be your training partner."

"What? But why? I'll never beat you…" Kili whined. Thorin smirked.

"You'll still get to challenge Fili, just not today. Today, I have something for Fili and I want him to try them out."

Fili frowned in confusion.

"What is it, Uncle?" Fili asked, tilting his head to the side. Thorin sighed, revealing a bundle that was tucked under his arm.

"Fili, I think you have trained long enough with sticks. It is time for you to learn the true weight of a weapon." Thorin explained, holding out the bundle for Fili. Fili took it shyly, unwrapping it with caution. Thorin smiled when Fili's eyes popped at the sight of the first bit of metal.

"I have not yet sharpened them. I thought we should wait until you've used them for awhile." Thorin added, just as Fili flicked away the last bit of cloth.

"Two?" he asked excitedly.

"I think you'd do well with a blade in either hand. I thought that we should try both and see how it is." Thorin replied, watching his eldest nephew carefully. As expected, Fili was excited about the challenge of two instead of one. Kili was bouncing with sympathetic excitement beside his uncle.

"It's like you're almost a real warrior now, Fili! Like Uncle!" Kili exclaimed, grinning widely.

Fili's smile practically burst with joy as he looked up at Thorin.

"Thank you so much, Uncle!" he cried. Thorin held out his arms with a smirk.

"Hand me those and give me a proper hug." he chuckled. Fili practically dropped the blades into one of his uncle's arms and wound his arms tightly around Thorin's middle.

"Thank you!" Fili shouted, his voice muffled against Thorin's chest. Thorin gave him a tight, one-armed hug as he secured the weapons against his other side.

"Do you want to try them out?" Thorin inquired, patting his nephew gently.

Fili looked up at him, nodding vigorously.

"Yes, please!"

Thorin handed the blades back over, tucking the empty cloth into his belt.

"Swing them around a bit; get a feel for them." Thorin advised, standing back with Kili. Kili's eyes were wide as he watched his brother, his young body jittery with an electric excitement. It was the first time the boys had ever truly been close to any kind of battle. To Thorin, it was just training. To the boys, it was another step to greatness. They'd spent years listening to the epic tales of their uncle and merely imagining the scenes of battle. They had never seen Thorin prepared for war. They hadn't seen any dwarf prepared for war. All they had known was peace, despite bitter winters and the absence of luxury.

But, truly, they were taking their first step from safety. Learning to fight opened them up for situations and opportunities that were dangerous and life threatening. Thorin had still seen some battle on short journeys: orcs and the like searching for something to kill. Once the boys were old enough to step out of the settlement…they'd be stepping out into danger.

It was a terrifying thought.

Thorin pushed the idea from his brain as he focused on Fili. Fili was beginning to find a natural flow of movement. Someday, he would be deadly. Thorin wouldn't have to worry about him anymore. Kili was well on his way himself, the bow being such an easy weapon for him. He had a sharp eye and agility to match Fili's. They'd be nigh unstoppable as a joined force.

"I like these, Uncle!" Fili laughed, grinning wildly. "Now I don't have to decide which hand to use anymore!"

Thorin chuckled as Fili stopped to take a deep breath of fresh air.

"Now, you must try them against an opponent." Thorin announced, stepping over to retrieve a dulled sword he'd stuck into the sand. The boys had eyed it curiously when he brought it along, but now they knew what it was for.

Thorin took his place a ways from Fili, loosely clasping his sword.

"Give me your best." he commanded. Fili took a moment to think, then lunged at his uncle with surprising speed. Fili had come a long way since his first days at training. He was fast and smart about his fight. He defended and attacked using the best of his body and mind. Yes, he was still young and would only improve with age. But he was great as it was. He was confident and unafraid.

His twin blades seem to just boost it all at once.

Thorin found it difficult to focus on both blades at once sometimes, blocking and dodging whatever he could. However, it wasn't so much a challenge, as Fili was still learning to move the blades with careful timing and placement. To add, he was still a dwarfling, though it was becoming more apparent that he was leaving his young years behind. Thorin didn't have to work against as much strength as he would a grown opponent.

"You're doing very well, Fili." Thorin said, stopping their duel with a raised hand.

"I'll say!"

Dwalin's gravelly voice seemed to bounce over the hills and trees, followed by a chuckle.

"You were right about that one, Thorin." Dwalin laughed, walking towards his king. "The lad's going to be a great warrior one of these days."

Thorin grinned, happily greeting his friend.

"Dwalin, what brings you to our training?" he asked. Dwalin clapped him in the back, a strike that would've sent a slighter dwarf sprawling.

"Just thought I'd see how your nephews are doing. You tell me all the time how well they're coming along, I just thought I'd see for myself." Dwalin answered with a low laugh. "And I thought maybe it was time the boys see what a fully trained dwarf looked like." It was then Thorin noticed the sword at Dwalin's side. He knew it well, as it was Balin's own blade.

"How long has it been since you and I have practiced our fight?" Dwalin chuckled. "I knew you'd bring that old, dull thing you keep, but Balin keeps his sharp. You think you could manage?"

Thorin smiled, glancing at his nephews. He couldn't deny how agreeable he found the idea, as it was a chance for his nephews to see what their long hours of training would result in. Though, truly, he and Dwalin always had the best matches. He was a fair warrior and Thorin liked a challenge.

"I think I'll manage just fine." he replied smoothly. "Fili, go stand with your brother."

With an excited grin, Fili ran off to the sidelines, he and Kili bouncing on their heels with glee. They'd never seen a real match before. At least, nothing like this. Dwalin and their uncle were well known for their battle prowess, even in their youth.

"I hope you haven't gone soft." Dwalin unsheathed his sword as he and Thorin began to circle.

"Hardly." Thorin replied.

Without warning, they began their duel, the heavy clash of blade against blade thundering through the air. Fili and Kili watched with wide eyes as they witness the fierce skill of each dwarf. It added life to the tales their uncle had told them. They could better see the strength of each warrior as they battled against evil. It was much greater than either dwarfling could've imagined. They jumped when Dwalin sliced Thorin's bicep in the flurry.

"Oh, you have gone soft!" Dwalin teased, neither dwarf fussing over the wound.

"Not soft, just rusty." Thorin huffed, continuing with a few well-placed strikes. Fili and Kili looked at each other with raised eyebrows. It was as if Uncle felt no pain. How could he just ignore the crimson staining his tunic? Mum was going to be furious.

Thorin and Dwalin continued, neither one overpowering the other. They were well matched, for the most part. Fili shook his head in disbelief. He would've been much too tired to go on by now.

Yet, suddenly, Dwalin left an opening as he moved to strike. Thorin risked proper defense as he took his opportunity, powerfully hitting Dwalin in the abdomen with his dull blade. All the air rushed out of his opponent as he dropped his weapon and doubled over. Thorin marked the end of the match with his blade settled against the side of Dwalin's neck.

"Good match." Thorin chuckled as he dropped his weapon to his side.

"I'm glad that wasn't sharp." Dwalin wheezed. "Or else, you would've gutted me!"

Thorin placed a hand on his friend's back.

"You know I wouldn't have."

"Aye, but you'll knock the very air out of this old dwarf." Dwalin rasped, straightening up as he attempted to compose himself.

"Old? I'm your elder, Dwalin."

"But you're breathing just fine, aren't you? Perhaps I should give you a whack on your belly and see how you fair."

Thorin merely chuckled.

"You've gone soft, my friend." he laughed, more amused by the expression on Dwalin's face. Dwalin never did like having his words thrown back at him.

"That was amazing!" Kili exclaimed, running towards the two dwarves with his hands thrown up to the sky. Fili walked briskly behind him, suppressing his own smile.

"Someday, that is how you will fight." Thorin explained, gently smoothing Kili's hair. "You will be great warriors." Kili's face lit up at the idea, barely able to contain his excitement. Fili still suppressed a smile, trying to act more grown up as he aged. Thorin wasn't sure if he liked that idea. Frerin had always been playful and teasing, but it didn't make him any less responsible. Perhaps Fili was only trying to grow up faster because his uncle seemed to lack the same joy and bubbly behavior. That wasn't fair. Fili deserved to have just as much fun as Kili, heir to the throne or not.
"Uncle, you're hurt." Fili remarked, staring at the fresh spill of blood. Thorin glanced at the wound, having forgotten about the sting.

"It's nothing to worry about. I'm sure your mother will fix it up just fine."

"Aye, that she will while thwacking you over the head." Dwalin muttered with a smirk.

"She won't find out for awhile yet. You'd only arrived at the beginning of our training." Thorin explained, using the cloth he'd used to cover Fili's blades to bind the wound.

"Perhaps I can lend a hand while I'm here." Dwalin suggested, winking at Kili. "I can be a practice partner for Kili."

Thorin mulled it over for a minute, glancing between his grinning nephew and Dwalin.

"Alright, but don't go easy on him. He needs a challenge." Thorin advised with a smirk, leaving the two be as he guided Fili to an open area.

It wasn't long before their training had been resumed, Thorin and Fili clashing metal against metal as Dwalin and Kili thwacked stick against stick. Kili giggled plentifully as Dwalin tried to gauge just how easy he should go on the young'un. He was way off, having underestimated Kili's speed and spry movements.

"Don't go soft on me now, Mr. Dwalin!" he laughed as Dwalin barely blocked one of Kili's blows. Words he'd learned from his uncle, no doubt. Dwalin frowned, upping the challenge enough that Kili had to work much harder to even get close to the larger dwarf. That'll teach him to call him soft.

Fili was getting much more comfortable with his blades, which was mainly the purpose for the day's training. It meant that Fili had finally found something that fit with all of his tendencies and skills. Something to move with him in the most natural way. Thorin's design had been successful and his search for Fili's perfect place was over. Fili had something that made him unique. It wasn't his place as an heir. It was something he had worked toward himself. Just like Kili and his skill with the bow.

But he was far too grown up for his age.

When their day had finished, they said their farewells and thanks to Dwalin and headed homebound. Kili, still having immense levels of energy, ran ahead of Thorin and Fili, investigating rocks and bugs before surging forward again.

Thorin saw it as an opportunity.

"Fili, why do you try and hold back laughter?" Thorin asked, his question simple and casual. He didn't want his nephew to feel as if he were in trouble.

"Kings don't laugh much and mum said that someday I might be king." Fili answered, mature and solid. Thorin frowned, realizing that it was his own example that had taught the dwarfling such ideas. He sighed, slightly disappointed in himself. Thorin knew that he could never be the fun uncle, like Frerin would've been. He wished he could, if only to teach his nephews that there was more to life than heavy burdens and sad memories. Frerin had tried to teach Thorin that before, but Thorin didn't pay attention until it was too late.

"Fili, being a king doesn't mean you can't laugh." Thorin explained softly, settling a soft grip to Fili's shoulder. "It doesn't mean that you can't have any fun."

Fili frowned, looking a bit confused.

"But you don't have much fun, Uncle, and you're king."

Fili's words sank like bitter cold into Thorin. It was true. Fun was not a luxury he often had, as it was not his tendency. After years of being faced with kingship and being the rock that everyone sought for…he often thought work before he thought play. He thought battle before he thought rest. After all, no one had taught him to be otherwise. They only commended his focus and responsibility. He'd been encouraged to follow this path. In some ways, he'd been pushed.

But that shouldn't be the case for Fili.

"Fili," Thorin sighed, looking out at the open horizon and watching the bleeding red of the sunset. "perhaps I don't laugh or smile as much as other dwarves, but it isn't wrong for a king to do so. I am this way for my own reasons. A great king isn't solemn and gray. A great king is kind and protective of his people and gets tasks done that require doing. The best kings are who they are and don't pretend to be someone else. I have a feeling that you've been doing a lot of pretending lately."

Fili's face twisted into suppression. It was the expression he wore when he was trying to hide something.

"I'm not angry, Fili."

Fili's face dropped to guilt, returning to that familiar softness he used to wear. Certainly, Thorin recognized that Fili was a bit more mature than his brother. But Thorin also knew how Fili longed to laugh, even if it was a tad quieter than Kili's rambunctious guffaw.

Kingship should not hold a dwarf back from the best moments in life.

"Then why don't you laugh, Uncle?" Fili asked quietly.

Thorin breathed deeply into the fresh air.

"I don't laugh often because…" He paused, letting the light from the dying sun fill his eyes. "nobody told me I could." He looked down at Fili who peered up at him with a touch of sadness.

Silence stretched between them and both settled on staring ahead. Thorin watched Kili jump over a rock, testing his strength as his legs launched him into the air. He was more than high enough to safely get over the stone, but that was his design in the first place. The silence stretched on and Thorin began to think that he'd failed. It was times like these that he wished Frerin could be here. He could've told Fili something much more…well, more.

But then Fili tugged gently at his sleeve.

He looked down, not truly sure what to expect.

"You can laugh, Uncle. I don't mind." Fili said with a smile, broad and fitting on his young face. Thorin allowed a small upturn of his lips, turning his gaze back to the sunset.

It was not at all what he had expected.

"Thank you, Fili. I'll keep that in mind." he replied, his voice floating deep, but softly, into the cooling air. His smile deepened. "You will be a great king one day."

Thorin risked a glance, seeing his nephew stare at him with wide eyes.

"You think so?"

Thorin chuckled and ruffled Fili's hair.

"Of course, Fili. You're halfway there already."

Fili's face brightened immediately, beaming in such a way that warmed Thorin's heart. That was the dwarfling he remembered. Not the careful, somber youth he'd seen of late. So, he had not failed quite as horribly as he thought.

He could feel Frerin's pride in his bosom. Thorin normally didn't struggle with his words, but it was not often he was faced with telling dwarves to live happier and burn brighter. Dwarves usually had a way of finding that out for themselves. Cheering someone up hadn't even been so much of a challenge for Thorin. He had his ways. But Thorin had never been a great teacher in living life to the fullest. To him, such a phrase had a very different meaning. Still, he wanted for Fili and Kili what Frerin had known better: how to enjoy life, despite everything.

Thorin watched Fili bolt after his brother, jumping over a rock with newfound zeal. Yes, he'd struggled to teach, but he succeeded in the end. Fili and Kili would not live his life. They'd have their own in a sunnier place with greener grass. They'd see the light where he sees the dark, just as Frerin used to.

Part of Thorin knew that Fili could already see some of the shadows lurking. But he was determined not to let his nephew focus on the dim places. It was not wrong to see the dark, but it was wrong to blind yourself to all else.

Fili and Kili would be free.