Disclaimer: J.R.R. Tolkien owns all save for characters not in his works.

So it's been a while . . . pretty much a year! Well, I'm back. Sorry for the absence, life's been kicking my butt. Please enjoy this chapter, and there will be notes at the end for anyone interested to read.

Chapter 13: The Drinking Game

Fili woke feeling stiff and sore. Perhaps a little bit disorientated. For the first time in weeks he was not cold, or starving. He did not have cold air biting at his face, numbing his toes, while his breath hung in the air. It was alarming at first, especially when he reached out for a familiar form. Marama was not with him and it was not before dawn. Even underground, he knew that it was past midday at least.

He was home. In his bed, within his room. With a sigh he looked at Kili's bed to find it empty, blankets rumpled. Groaning he sat upright, swinging his legs to touch the ground. Standing he shuffled to the washroom to bathe.

Unlike many homes within the mountain, theirs was one of the few that had warm spring water pumped into it. He filled the tub, pulling off his clothing before getting in. The warm water, with a slightly salty smell surrounded him. He washed his hair, getting rid of weeks of dirt, sweat and blood. Scrubbing his skin with the bar of soap while trying to keep it from slipping from his fingers.

Even he enjoyed a warm bath every once in a while.

His muscles were sore, but the water soothed them. Fili could have stayed in the tub were it not for the sharp knock on the door followed by his mother's sharp, "get out!"

Hauling himself up, water dripping off his skin, he dried off quickly before pulling on a fresh tunic and pants. Then his boots before stepping out into the hall and making his way to the kitchen. His mother sat at the table, peeling potatoes with a paring knife. Dis looked up as he entered.

"How are you?" she asked, breaking the silence as he pulled out a chair and slumped into it. His fingers began working his wet hair.

"Tired," he replied pulling the golden strands so that he could begin braiding them. Dis set the potato down and the knife beside it, rising to her feet and wiping her hands off with that apron tied around her waist. He didn't fight her when she took over, her hands sliding into his hair as she began the simple plaits. Unlike Kili, he actually enjoyed having his hair braided.

"How is Marama?" he asked as she worked.

"Asleep," Dis replied. "She's had a rough go of it, poor girl." Fili's fists clenched, anger swelling through him.

"It's my fault," he said glaring at his hands, feeling the weight of her pain settling onto his shoulders. "If I had been more observant, if I had just paid more attention-" It was like what had happened with Hamelie. He hadn't been attentive enough. He had just ended up getting her hurt again.

His mother smacked the back of his head, finishing his last braid by putting a metal bead clasp at the end. Then she grabbed his chin, giving him a fierce look that would make the toughest of dwarven warriors quail under its gaze. "You listen to me Fili," she all but ordered. "That girl cares more about you rather than some unfortunate things that have happened to her. She wouldn't be here if it weren't for you-"

"And she is!"

Dis looked like she might slap him. He wouldn't be surprised if she did. "Her life is better here, Fili. Her father didn't love her enough to treat her right. That girl looks at you like you are Mahal's shining hammer. Don't you dare push her away and lay the blame all on yourself. It can't be helped that her father is a coward and doesn't love her. But we do . . . you do." Her touch softened, her palm cupping his cheek.

"Don't push her away, Fili," she murmured.

Fili sighed. "Amad. I can't keep getting her hurt . . ."

"Then talk to her," Dis replied firmly. "She's not helpless."

His mother's words held wisdom, and he was not one to turn a blind eye to his mother's council. Fili gave a slow nod. He would talk to Marama. He wouldn't dwell on the guilt that he could feeling eating him alive. Raising his eyes from the worn grains of the table he gave his mother a grateful look. Dis hummed, pressing her lips to his brow before pointing at his face.

"Finish that up," she said, before returning to the potatoes. Fili huffed, but began to braid his beard.

"I think Amad loves you more," Kili complained when he returned later with a tired looking Balin. "She dragged me out of bed to go help Balin and Oin."

Fili smirked, a half laugh escaping his lips as he cleaned his knives.

"Don't laugh!" Kili shot back. "I had to help him go over letters and documents while he checked up on Dwalin."

"How is Dwalin?"

Kili frowned, seeing that he wasn't getting any sympathy from his brother. "Resting, from what Balin said. You know, he took quite a beating while you were knocked out. Boros tried to force her before and Dwalin wasn't going to let that happen."

Fili paused in his cleaning, staring at his distorted reflection in the blade placed across his lap. Tired blue eyes stared back at him. Dwalin had fought to keep her safe too. More than Fili had done, getting knocked out and not even being aware. "I'll have to thank him," he murmured.

"I think Dwalin really likes Marama," Kili went on. "Maybe she reminds him of Besca."

Fili looked at his brother. He had not thought of Dwalin's story since the night he had told. He had not given much thought to the older dwarf and his sorrows. Dwalin had saved them, had kept history from repeating itself. Did what he could for Marama because he had lost his own woman. With that thought, the intense feeling of sadness swept through him. He could be like Dwalin today, if it weren't for the older dwarf.

"Do you think that Marama knew Besca?" Kili asked.

Fili shrugged, "we could ask."

A sly smirk crossed his brother's face. "I think she would much rather talk to you than me."

Fili gave him a sharp look. "What is that supposed to mean?"

Kili's smirk turned into a smile. Fili grit his teeth. What was it with all these looks everyone kept giving him? It was beginning to wear on his nerves. Putting his blades away, annoyance in his movements he missed the sound of his mother's bedroom door opening and the quiet shuffle of feet.

"Mar!" Kili beamed jumping to his feet. Fili straightened, mimicking Kili but at a slower pace. Kili swept Marama into an embrace, lifting her off the ground and spinning her around while she laughed lightly. Placing her on her feet once more he took her by the hand and led her towards Fili. "I'm glad you're awake, but I know you needed the rest. Mahal knows I needed it, but Amad didn't think so."

Marama smiled and pulled away from Kili to greet him. Her dark eyes danced from the light of the blazing fire in the hearth. His mother had braided her hair back away from her face and the longest strand fell to her shoulders. It sent a jolt of anger through him that Boros had cut her hair, but with a calming breath he reminded himself that it would grow back. It still was dark and beautiful.

Mahal, he could kiss her, she was a sight to behold.

Squashing that thought quickly he took her outstretched hand and pulled her into an embrace. Breathing in her scent as her own arms wrapped around his waist. She smelled like soap, something that reminded him of evergreens and the exotic smell of vanilla that they sometimes purchased from the caravans belonging to the race of men. She held him tightly, surprising him by the strength behind her actions before pulling away from him.

Her cheeks were pink and she sat down quickly in the spot beside his own. Her hands curled in the dark blue fabric of her skirts, as she almost shyly watched him sit back down. Fili noticed Kili's grin, and shot him a sharp look.

"Marama," Fili said breaking the silence. She faced him fully, dark eyes peering at him curiously as she tilted her head. She sat up straight and alert, waiting for him to continue. "How are you feeling?"

She took a deep breath, brow pulling together slightly. "I . . . am well. It is nice to be home, and warm."

He gave her a smile. "I'd imagine so." He wanted to ask her about what happened with Boros. He wanted to ask her if she knew how to fight, in the manner of her people. He wanted to ask her more about this bond, what it truly meant for them. But he could not find the words. He didn't know how to bring it up, and he did not want to upset her. Warring with himself, he finally decided that he wouldn't get anywhere with her, without pushing those thoughts aside and just asking.

"Thorin mentioned that you might know how to fight," he began, watching her stiffen as he spoke. "I was curious to know if you do, in the manner of your people. I would like to see it."

She blinked slowly, and then again, fixing him with a confused stare. "You want to . . . see it?" He gave a nod. ". . . Are you upset with me?"

"NO! No." He quickly took both her hands within his own. "I'm just curious, I wanted to see. Thorin said it was a sight to see."

"But don't you want me to fight like a dwarf?" her head tilted the other way, confused.

She thought he wanted her to fight like a dwarf? "Mahal, no. Our fighting style wouldn't suit you, I only taught you how to fight with knives because I thought that you couldn't. I didn't know . . ."

"That I knew how to fight," she finished, shoulders relaxing. "Oh."

"Will you show us?" Kili asked eagerly, leaning forward in his seat. Marama's cheeks flooded with color, and she ducked her head before timidly nodding. Fili squeezed her hands, and she looked at him. He offered her a smile.

"You don't have to change for us, Marama," he murmured.

"We like you the way you are," Kili added. Fili nodded. "You don't have to be like us to be a part of our family."

She offered Kili a smile and it looked happy. Fili found himself wanting her to smile more, especially after all that had happened.

She stood facing him, looking uncertain as she held only a knife in her hands. She wore a tunic and pants, her hair pulled back into a braid. And if Fili had braided her hair, he wouldn't tell anyone. Despite the knowing looks his brother kept sending him as he sat on benches outside the sparring ring. "I . . . don't want to fight you, Fili," she murmured suddenly.

"You could fight Kili," he offered with a shrug. "But he isn't as skilled as I."

"Hey!"

"What if I hurt you?"

"I don't think you will," he told her, smirking towards Kili as he bristled.

Marama gave him a doubtful look. But she nodded. "Very well then." She crouched slightly, turning the knife in her hands so that the blade ran along the outside of her forearm. Her head tilted to the side, and he was caught off guard by the sudden lack of warmth in her eyes as she stared at him. Thorin had said that the Zundushunh were skilled. Perhaps he had underestimated Marama too much.

She sprung at him, lips pressed together in a thin line, not a word escaping her. He raised his own knife to block the blow only for her to side step him in the last second and her fist to slam into his side. He stumbled backwards, gasping at the hit and staring at her. The move had only been a shove, making him move as she turned on him again.

Thorin had not lied. She did know how to fight. Mahal.

She attacked again, and this time he paid more attention. She was fast and light on her feet, swinging up her arm in an upper cutting motion, her knife barely missing his face as he spun away and prepared to attack. Fili noted that Marama didn't use much force, unlike how dwarves fought. She used her momentum and quick reflexes, her strength nothing compared to his. He found himself hard pressed to keep up with her quick attacks, even with his endurance being what it was.

Marama was completely changed, fighting him. She did not look at him as a friend and the cold in her eyes sent a tremor of fear through him. He did not want to be her enemy. He had not realized how much she seemed to regard him until this moment, spinning and swinging his blades at her. He could see this side of her, this cold and warrior like part of her capable of killing.

Capable of stabbing a man like Boros, of wanting him to have his tongue and fingers cut off. This was a side of her that fit her wild nature. And he found that he was glad for it. Glad that she was not helpless as he had thought her to be.

He gasped as she locked blades with him, her eyes meeting his as she glared up at him. Beads of perspiration lined her hairline, her upper lip and chin. Her gaze was fierce and challenging. Fili began to push her back, her heels digging into the dirt as her arms began to shake under the strain of his weight. A smirk pulled at his lips as she began to shake more.

Then she snapped her teeth at him, a breath away from his nose and he jerked back surprised. Marama twisted around him, swinging her blades at his neck and he quickly blocked the blow. She had snapped her teeth at him! Yes, he had been head-butted a few times by others dwarrows- Gimli taking the top of that list- but never snapped at.

She lashed out, a snarl on her lips as his head was yanked to the side almost savagely. He gave a surprised cry following the momentum of her pulling and before hooking one of his arms through hers. He didn't know how or what exactly caused them to fall but the ground hit his back and a loud thud filled the air along with his grunt. He sucked in a sharp breath, hearing her panting into his chest before there was a cool metal blade pressed to his throat.

Opening his eyes, Fili found her dark sparkling eyes regarding him as she straightened. He quickly realized she was straddling him and heat began curling up his neck and cheeks. They both were breathing heavily, hair wild and sweating as their hearts thundered away in their chests. She looked positively wild . . . feral, in a majestic way. Her dark hair loosening from her braid.

"Yield." Her voice though a bit breathless was firm. She did not ask, she demanded. It was incredibly attractive, he found to his embarrassment. And in that moment it was only them. A dark haired, wild woman who looked at him like he held all the answers to the stars that hung over their heads beyond the roof of the mountain. And he, a golden haired dwarf who held her gaze, drinking her in like she could reach out and find him in all that kept him burdened. His duty to his uncle, his mother, brother and his birthright.

He could easily turn them, pin her to the dirt and say that same firm word to her. But instead he reached out, sweat and dirt covered fingers brushing the clammy skin of her smooth cheek. Enamored with the feral beauty she showed him. Her true nature, beneath the kindness that was inherently part of her. She wasn't a simple stone that had been carved or molded, but a many faceted jewel.

"I yield," he murmured softly, feeling her stiffness melt away and be replaced with a small smile gracing her lips. The knife withdrew from his heated skin, as her eyes lit up with stars. Mahal, he was in deep, being swallowed by his affection towards her like a miner disappearing into the deep caverns beneath the mountain. Then a laugh escaped her lips, bubbling up her throat as she gazed down at him, leaning her weight on her heels.

"I haven't done that in many moons!" she said calming slightly.

He gave her smile, unable to not feel happy at her own elation.

"Hair pulling, hm?" he breathed. "And I thought you were the one chastising me about dirty tactics."

Her cheeks took on a pink color and she gaze him an embarrassed look, bowing her head slightly. She fisted her hands on his chest. "I- I apologize. I know hair is important and I should not have touched yours in such a-" her face turned red and she avoided his eyes "-intimate manner." Her fists clenched until her knuckles turned white.

"It worked however," he pointed out, his hands coming up to cover her fisted ones on his chest.

She gave a smile at his words. He slowly drew their hands to his lips and kissed both her hands. Then he froze, eyes finding her own, wide and lips parted. And Mahal damn him if he didn't want to kiss her right then and there. Her own hand slipped from his own and her fingers ghosted over his lips.

"Fili . . ."

"MAHAL'S HAMMER!" came a familiar shout. Marama jerked her hand away from his face, and he looked to see Gimli standing beside Kili. His brother's brows were so high they seemed to disappear into his hair. Gimli was standing, arms resting on his axe. Marama scrambled to her feet, allowing him to get off the ground and brush his pants off before approaching the two.

He would have kissed her, pulled her down and stolen her lips, had Gimli kept his mouth shut. He felt a spike of anger towards his red haired cousin, and regret for something that he found he had been desperately wanting to do.

"Gimli," he greeted as amiably as he could. He could not hide the small amount of annoyance that lingered in his voice.

"I didn' know the lass could fight!" he said, peering past Fili's shoulder at Marama. Fili wanted to grab his cousin by his ear and drag him out of sight of her.

"We were just testing her skills."

Gimli looked impressed, a feat for him. "She's a fierce combatant. Aye, I wouldn't mind locking blades with her. She even bested you!"

Fili nodded his head in acceptance. "Aye."

"Impressive skill, milady," Gimli greeted as Marama came to stand at his side, her shoulders brushing his own.

She bowed her head in acknowledgement, giving Gimli a pleasant smile. "Many thanks."

Kili was looking at Marama and him rapidly and Fili could see the gears turning in his head as his eyes took on a determined look. Fili gave him a frown before turning back to his widely grinning cousin.

"So ye can fight, lass," he said. "But can ye hold your ale?"

She gaze Gimli a quizzical look, tilting her head to the side. Fili ordinarily would've found the action endearing, but now he gave Gimli a frown.

"I can hold my ale," she replied confused. "Why would I not be able to hold it?"

Fili groaned as Gimli's grin widened.

Gimli pushed the flagon towards a puzzled looking Marama, while Fili sat at her side, glaring at the red haired dwarf. "Drink up lass, last one standing wins."

Her hand reached out, grasping the flagon and pulling it towards her. "You don't have to drink, Marama," he told her. "Gimli was only making a jest."

"Nonsense!" Gimli shouted slamming his own ale on the table, the liquid spilling over the side and splashing Kili's sleeve. His brother shoved Gimli before nursing his own ale. "I was serious when I made the offer, and now it's a challenge!" He raised his flagon and a few dwarves cheered, having heard Gimli. Fili groaned, burying his face in his palms. "And no regurgitation!"

A series of "ayes!" echoed him and Fili gave a sigh, giving Gimli a firm look. "She stops when she wants to," he said seriously. Gimli waved his flagon dismissively.

"The lady can do as she pleases, princeling," Gimli said grinning across the table at Marama. Fili bristled, holding his tongue as Marama raised the flagon to her lips and meeting Gimli's gaze while she drank. "There ye go, lass."

By the time Marama was on her fifth flagon she was blinking heavily and swaying in her seat. Fili was scowling at Gimli as he roared, slamming another flagon down. Marama giggled as she drank, and even Kili was looking a little rosy in the cheeks. Fili kept his wits about him and was only on his third, not feeling the tingling sensation as of yet. He knew he could drink more, and hold it very well. But he did not want Marama left on her own to fend for herself.

"Aghhhh!" Gimli said slamming his flagon down and sending several empty ones to the floor. He was winning, which was no surprise. "A real lady, that's what you are, lass! Can fight, an' drink an' all with pretty eyes like obsidian!"

Kili shoved Gimli's shoulder lightly. "You dirt digger," he said pointing his finger at Gimli, not nearly as drunk but feeling the liberating effects of the ale. "That's my future sister-in-law, the only eyes she's got is fer' Fili."

Fili kicked Kili under the table, earning a yelp and scandalized look from his brother. Marama was giggling, and Fili wasn't sure she had heard, too engrossed with her flagon.

"Oh? Marriage vows are to be made, eh?" Gimli said smiling. He winked at Fili, before downing the rest of the ale in his hands. "And then wee little golden haired babes to follow?"

Fili almost lunged across the table for his cousin, not liking the suggestive tone he was using or that they were garnering so much attention from onlookers. But Marama gave a hiccup, and her flagon spilled into his lap as she fell onto his shoulder drunkenly.

He shot up, his chest and crotch wet and she slid down to lay on his seat giggling. "Feeeeli!" she crooned, grabbing his leg while Gimli was laughing until his face matched his red hair. He jerked forward, knocking into the table when her hand came too close to his bottom. "Feeliii, I feel so . . . ." her brows scrunched together, her voice slurring and dragging out the words. "Hm, happy."

"Ah," he said glancing at Kili who was grinning while Gimli ordered more ale. Mahal, he felt like the only sane person in the place. He was extremely uncomfortable with how . . . touchy, Marama was and quickly moved out of her reach, considering she had just patted his bottom several more times. She dragged herself upright, staring at the empty flagon in her hands before looking at Gimli bewildered.

"E's a red papaka," she slurred. "An' it's empty." She turned her flagon upside down, shaking it. Head bobbing she turned towards Fili, eyes lidded and drunk as she blinked at him. "Fili!"

He stood, one hand pushing Kili's drink away from his mouth while he gave her his attention.

"P-papaka heahea. You, you so-so, so, so . . . ataahuaa," she staggered to her feet and grabbed his other arm, gazing up at him. He was frozen by her proximity. Her breath smelled of ale, and she stank of sweat with an undertone of pine and earth. "Kihi i ahau." She leaned in close her eyes suddenly on his lips and he felt frozen. He had no idea what she had just said to him, but her eyes were making him feel drunk.

She slumped against him, heading falling to his shoulders as her grip slackened. He gasped, barely catching her before she hit the floor. "Marama!"

He heard Gimli shout that he had won, and ignored his cousin as he turned Marama so that he could see her face. Her eyes were closed, mouth open, as he held her limp body. Asleep, he realized, and with some relief. He hooked his arm under her legs lifting her up before kicking Kili's leg. He ignored Gimli as he demanded that Kili follow them home.

They left the pub, hoots and whistles following as he carried Marama out with Kili following behind. It was late from what he could tell, the streets empty save for a few others making their way home. Kili was stumbling slightly when they made it home, entering into the living room where Thorin sat smoking his pipe and staring into the fire.

His blue eyes turned to them, smoke curling up and around his face in the shadows the fire had dancing over his face. He looked dark and dangerous. Fili unconsciously held Marama tighter.

"Where were you?" Thorin asked, not moving as he watched them.

"Gimli challenged Marama to a drinking game," Kili said, sounding surprisingly well put together.

Thorin's eyes narrowed. "He should not have challenged her, and you should not have allowed it." Fili felt shame rise up in him. His uncle was right. The disapproval was enough to make him want to flee from before his uncle. Instead he remained rooted in the room, nodding once before moving towards his mother's room. He rapt on the door softly, before entering a moment later.

The fire burned low in the hearth, and his mother was already in her bed, asleep. A small mercy, considering the state Marama was in. He pulled the blankets back on her own bed, sliding her under them and tucking her safely under. He smoothed her hair back from her face, thumb running over her smooth cheek. He wanted to stay, but knew his mother would tan his hide if she woke up and he was in the same room.

Pressing his lips to Marama's forehead he stood reluctantly before leaving. The door shutting with a soft click. Turning he went to sit in the chair opposite of Thorin, knowing he was not in good graces with his uncle. He could hear Kili moving around in the kitchen, and suddenly realized that Marama would need water when she woke, given her state.

"You should know better, Fili," Thorin murmured staring into the fire.

"I know."

"I do not think that you do," Thorin said. "Your actions dictate otherwise."

Fili clenched his fists. "You know how Gimli is. Once he sets his mind to something he never lets it go."

Thorin glanced at him, letting out a mouthful of smoke from his pipe. "I can name a few other dwarves with the same tendencies." He was given a meaningful look. "Gloin's son is no master over you, Fili. Nor are you too weak to deny him, have I not taught you better?"

"I'm sorry, Uncle," Fili murmured. "I will not happen again."

"One day, you will have to rule over the mountain. Over our people, you must be more firm and level headed."

"I am."

"Are you? Marama is not faring well is she? How do you think she will feel waking up? Have you not made it your duty to protect her? Can you not protect her from your own cousin, stubborn as he is?"

Anger shot through Fili. He had spoken against the challenge since Gimli had brought it up. He had guarded over Marama, and brought her safely home. She had chosen to follow through with Gimli's ploy. "It was her choice!" he snapped. "I will not control what she wishes to do."

Thorin hummed, eyes on the fire. The kitchen was silent, perhaps Kili had gone to bed.

"She is not helpless, Uncle. She-" he searched for words, suddenly unsure of what he wanted to say. "I let them know it was a poor idea. But I will not lord over everything that they do."

It was silent. Thorin smoking his pipe and staring into the fire with a pensive look. A frown marring his face with deep lines. Fili turned his attention to the dying fire. He had nearly kissed Marama today. They had fought, and he had felt the ever present desire to love her all through it all. Pride and desire, worry and fear. But as he sat thinking of her he found he wanted her happiness beyond anything else. He wanted most for her to smile because she was happy. And he loved her, but if she did not wish for his suit, then he would settle for making her happy. He wouldn't tell her what to do.

"You have bonded with the Zundushinh," Thorin said breaking the silence. "I would prefer a dwarrowdam over her-" Fili frowned at his uncle "-but, I cannot tear apart your bond. For it will always be, never broken." He looked pained for a moment.

"Like Dwalin and Besca?" Fili asked softly.

"Aye." Thorin closed his eyes for a moment. "Do you plan to wed her?"

Did he? Mahal, yes. He would spend every moment with her if he had the chance. He no longer could imagine a life without her. "If it pleases her."

"I do not think she would be opposed to marrying you."

Fili nodded, looking at his hands.

"But you must do it before spring," Thorin said suddenly. "For there is a matter at hand, which must come to be."

He was reeling. Thorin wanted him to marry before spring?! Wanted him to marry Marama . . . even though he would rather it be a dwarrowdam. He hadn't even kissed her yet!

"What matter?"

"A birthright," Thorin said simply. "A reclaiming of our homeland."

"You mean Erebor? The Lonely Mountain?" Thorin had told them stories as young children, of a single mountain, rich in jewels, gold and metal. The center of their culture, the kingdom of dwarves. Of the grandeur of the halls and people. Of their family and wealth. Nothing more than a fairytale to his younger self, a lost dream. A forgotten kingdom in which sat a dragon named Smaug.

But he knew of Thorin's never ending desire to reclaim it. Knew that the anger he harbored was partially due to the loss, the devastation. Knew he would not let it go.

"A wizard reached out to me, and we spoke," Thorin said. "It is time, that we take back the mountain!" He said firmly. "My birthright. Yours."

"What about Smaug?"

"He has not been seen nor heard from in sixty years. I doubt the worm is still alive."

Fili leaned back, taking it in. The news did not feel real to him. Erebor was a story.

"I want you to come with me. You are heir to the mountain, the throne."

"What about Kili?"

"Kili is young-"

"He's a good archer, the only one in Ered Luin. He's young, but so am I. He is by far the better hunter."

Thorin was silent and Fili waited. He knew his uncle needed to think it over. Fili couldn't imagine leaving Kili behind. It would be wrong. They had never been apart for long periods of time. The longest being the five years before Kili had even been born. Finally Thorin looked back at the fire, lips set in a thin line and Fili wondered if Thorin would truly part them.

He had half a mind to tell Thorin that he would not go without Kili. They were brothers. Two halves of a whole.

"I suppose the journey would do him well, ground him perhaps. He needs to see the world as it is, mature and grow into his birthright as well," Thorin finally murmured. Fili released the breath he had been holding, expelling it through his nose. Relief shot through him and he offered his uncle a smile that no doubt reached his eyes. Thorin gave him a nod but leveled him with a stern look. "Do not think that I will not be hard on the both of you. This is no run to a neighboring village, or fortnight long caravan. There will be danger to which even I will not foresee."

"We'll look out for each other," Fili promised. And Mahal damn him if he didn't protect his brother. Thorin grunted, breathing in deeply.

"And you will be a married dwarf, do not throw yourself needlessly into danger," Thorin added.

Fili blanched. What? Reeling he quickly remembered his uncle's earlier words, a furious blush working its way over his face. "You cannot be so sure, I've not even asked to court her."

Thorin shrugged. "She is a Zundushinh, I think courting will mean little to her. Her people care little for that formality."

Fili stared at his uncle, flabbergast. How easily and plainly he could speak about this! Thorin stood and Fili watched him, head tilting back to follow his movements.

"I should think that a few months will fix such a small hindrance, I do expect some sort of proposal by the end of this month." And then he left.

Fili couldn't wrap his head around it. Thorin had basically ordered him to marry Marama. There was little doubt in his mind that Thorin was not being serious. Mahal! The pressure not only to speak of this with Marama, and then become betrothed in such a short amount of time settled heavily on his shoulders with such a force that he slumped forward in his chair staring down at his hands.

Of course he would marry Marama. He was drawn to her in such a way that he could not fight it. She was wild in such a way that it drew him like a moth to a flame. And now that he'd seen her fight- Mahal, if he wasn't so level headed he might have proposed marriage right then and there.

"So I am to officially have a sister then?" came Kili's voice from the doorway. Fili flinched, sitting upright. Kili was grinning at him like a madman. He groaned, of course he heard. "Thanks for getting Thorin to let me go."

He was talking about Erebor. Fili blinked rapidly. The change in conversation giving him whiplash.

"I would rather you be by my side than not," he murmured.

Kili grinned. "Thank you. Coming to bed? It's getting late."

Fili rose and followed Kili to their room. Suddenly Kili chuckled as he kicked his boots off, giving Fili a look that meant trouble. "Amad is going to be beside herself once she finds out."

Finds out what? Fili's mind supplied dazedly. Kili gave him a meaningful look. Oh. Oh. Oh! He gave Kili a wide eyed look feeling like he was going to pass out. Mahal, their mother.

Translations: (these are not completely accurate, I'm very sorry)

Papaka- dwarf

heahea- silly

ataahua- beautiful

Kihi i ahua- kiss me

This chapter got a little steamy right? Or am I the only one?

Now, on to my absence. Long story short, my life fell apart. School ended up a bust, I wasn't happy and I pretty much failed my spring semester last year. I'm not kidding, I was so miserable that I failed all but one of my classes (I had an awful English professor that killed my will to write until now). :( Went back home, planning to just visit and ended up staying. Which is where I'm at. Got a dream job, lost said dream job. Bills, and more bills, failing at dating. Had to find myself; remodeled my bedroom in a fit of crisis (I even painted), got new job and a part time nanny job. And will be starting online classes in September. I'm not where I'd imagined I'd be at this point in my life, but I've learned to just go with the flow.

I will be trying to complete this story now, after mustering myself back into functionality. I'll try to post every Friday/Saturday, and maybe more often as I complete chapters. Since I don't have a lot of time, I probably won't be able to respond to reviews. But I love them and will look forward to them! :)

On a happy note, and fun fact, I am owned by two cats: Popcorn and Poptart. My little house monsters.

~filimeala