Ahhhhh, I'm so loopy right now. I've just got back from the best massage I've ever had (granted I've only had 3...), so please excuse my craziness! This chapter was hard for me, not because I had no idea how to write it, but because I kept rereading it and going "no, not finished yet". Having lifeguard training all weekend from 9 am to 6 pm didn't help either... I have bruises from getting out of the pool so many times! Swimmers out there, I somewhat understand your pain now! Okay, I'm gonna go try and walk in my prom dress- wish me luck, I'll need it!- and please enjoy the chapter!

PS. Thank you to all the amazing subs/favs/and reviewers! You guys are the best 3 :)

hisdeadpansy - I'm glad! :D

photogirl894 - Omgomg, your comment seriously made my day! It really meant a lot to you so much, I'm glad you are enjoying it :D And yes, someone who understands! I watch the movie almost every night (it makes me so warm and fuzzy inside), but I wish my sister was into it like your brother is. Quoting entire scenes., that's awesome!

Dalonega Noquisi - Bahaha right? I love Gimli 3 So I couldn't resist adding that in there ;P

- AHHHHH! Haha your comment made me laugh :) Glad you like the story!

Littlelots - Shhshh! Shush! *Throws cake at face* Haha and I'm already planning out the scene where Gwain shows up, it's... pretty interesting, to say the least... ;)

Ms. Fairweather - Dwalin forever 3 I seriously feel like while he tries to look all tough on the outside, he's the sweetest of them all on the inside. I mean, look how he hugged his brother after the battle of Anzibilar. Yep, definitely a teddy bear.

Angel of the Night Watchers - Thanks, glad you enjoyed :D

Diana Silver - Aww thank you! I'm so happy you are liking it ;)

shippolove844 - Yay! Yes they did! And I'm glad you do. I was so upset after the events in Boston I didn't even really want to even do my schoolwork. And then I got assigned the story for my school's paper D: I hope everything is well for you/everyone over there!

Daybreak96 - Thank you! :)

WhimsicalBean - I. Love. Your. Username. Omg. I burst out laughing and embarrassed myself in class the other day when read it! JOSDHGFBVSDJNF, TOO FUNNY MAN! Oh, nono don't explode, think of all that work you aren't going to do! Lol you're review brightened my day so much! I really do try hard to make this fic as realistic as possible :P And it's okay, I ramble all the time, I understand... Omg... I love poptarts... So I shall write on!

Magdalenara - Hahaha, if Kili was nervous to court her before... It's going to be a struggle for him now! Or is it...? Hehehe, when was watching over that scene to get make sure dialect was correct, I was picturing the chapter in my head and laughing my butt off :P Omg did you really, that's hilarious! The story seemed like something those two rascals would do *rolls eyes*. Dwalin took me the longest to write, because I wanted to get it just right, y'know? Well, I must retire to my chambers to begin planning the next chapter, so I shall leave you to your shocked-ness...

PS. The way I'm planning Gwain's entrance is... interesting... Hehehe ;P

midnight faye-wolf - And you are an amazing reviewer. Thank you! :D

Chapter Thirteen

Blossoming Bonds

She had gone and lost herself in the gardens. Letting the tips of her fingers trail gently over the soft buds of the many flowers, Gwyn relished the sweet scents of the blossoms, closing her eyes as she walked slowly, deep green dress slipping along the grass behind her. Her mother had kept a garden- a beautiful one. It had been the talk of the town, or rather, the jealousy of every women old enough to tend a plot of their own. Never before had the townspeople seen a woman wield such skilled green fingers, her knowledge of the plants she raised causing the stems to spiral upwards, vibrantly fruitful in their many colors and blooming buds. Gwyn could still smell the honeyed, nectar-tinged breeze that had caused tendrils of her hair to float about her as she danced through the tall flowered fronds as a child. She had often helped her mother tend the garden, and in the spring months when the rich soil began to awaken once more, Gwyn would always be the first into the small patch of land her family had been able to afford for the flower beds.

Opening her eyes, Gwyn breathed in the rapidly cooling air; night was fast approaching. With a sweeping, slow gaze she took in the wonderfully perfect picture of the maze of flowers and bushes- many taller than she was- about her, realizing with surprise that she hadn't been in a garden since the morning before the trolls had destroyed everything. It had looked promising this year. One of the of the younger girls from farther into the village who always enjoyed helping Gwyn plant seeds had even begun to show promise as a gardener herself, and Gwyn had been excited in finding another of her gender who's interests did not reside mainly on future husbands and pretty dresses. Yet the jarring shock of reality never failed to rip through her, and with a start Gwyn remembered that the little girl was gone now, as was her home.

Home. Was it just of her to wish that none of this had happened? How wonderful it would be if she were to suddenly roll over and awake- tangled blissfully in her warm bed's blanket- to her brother's lopsided grin as he stared down at her, their bows already in hand. Come on Gwyn, he would say, the early bird catches the worm.

Ah, Gwain, but the second mouse gets the cheese, she would always counter. They would go out then, snatching apples from the basket in the kitchen before leaving; bidding farewell to their little house and down the road, across pastures and fields, and into the woods on the far side where a day of hunting, archery practice, laughing and joking would ensure. Perhaps a few of Gwain's friends would join them, or maybe Gwyn would decide to retire early and go visit with a friend of her own. All the same, when the sun crossed the threshold of the treetops and disappeared from the sky, the siblings would find themselves back home, safe and smiling, bearing their days catch proudly in their dirty hands. Their father would smile and pull Gwyn into a hug while Gwain went to skin the day's catches. Then they would fix dinner as a family- dining amidst laughter and merriment- and all would be well.

Gwyn blinked, a single tear sliding down her cheek in a forlorn trek to the corner of her lips. How she missed them, all of them- even the girls who had whispered behind one another's hands of how queer it was that she had yet to find a husband. Her brother- they had been inseparable. They had done everything together, ever since Gwyn had learned to walk, back when her mother had still be alive. And her father, her poor father who had no doubt passed on to the halls of his ancestors. She would never see him again.

A hummingbird chose that moment to beat its tiny wings rapidly beside her, distracting Gwyn for a moment. The bird hovered, wings a blur of color, flitting this way and that about her head before darting off to settle in amongst the many flowers. Gwyn watched, spellbound, almost willing the tiny creature to take her thoughts away with its little, hurried wings.

She had thought about it often- the idea of never seeing her family again. It had consumed her on some days, to the point where she hardly spoke to the dwarves who swarmed about her like ants. At one point amidst their trek, Gwyn had sunken into a black, hopeless depression for nearly a week and a half, refusing to eat more than a few mouthfuls of Bombur's stew, choosing instead to sit alone, mind dark in grief and loss. Her father was gone. Her brother... lost. She had wept, harshly, bitterly, enough to cause her small frame to wrack painfully with her sobs. Of course, Gwyn would always make her bed up farther away from the rest of the Company when her anguish became too much to bear silently- yet some nights succeeded in catching her by surprise. It was on one of these nights that Kíli had slipped silently up beside her, murmuring to her words that Gwyn had never been able to recall afterwards. Pulling her closer, he had brushed her tears away, hugging her comfortingly as he rocked her gently against him, the two lost from prying eyes in the blackness of night far from the campfire. Gwyn had fallen asleep beside him, and in the morning woke to find herself alone, clutching a hood and cloak that smelt distinctly of wood-fire and rain- of Kíli. Curiously enough, they would never speak of this event after it had occurred, opting instead to pretend as if it had not happened at all But she never forgot. And neither, Gwyn supposed, had he.

Gwyn passed further into the quiet garden, the shadows consuming her as she drifted beneath the blossoms of tall flowers. The ethereal glow that resided about the elves dwelt even here among the plants, which as the night settled in, seemed to keep out the harsh bite of true darkness. Up above, stars twinkled- more than Gwyn had ever seen before in her life. She could map them all, as could Gwain, and silently she attempted to distract herself as her eyes traced the angled alignment of one of the wings of Soronúmë, the eagle to the West; her favorite. Alas, for it was all to no avail. Troubling thoughts still managing to slip past Gwyn's defenses and into her mind.

The trolls had revealed that Gwain had killed one of their own, that he had escaped the massacred village and was still alive. She already had passed up one chance to go and search for him, to break apart from the Company and set out to find her beloved brother. Yet the timing had been terrible, and to leave her rescuers as prey for the wargs would have been a fate far to cruel to be dealt from Gwyn's hand and heart. Where could he be, Gwain? Where could he have gotten to? Her brother had always possessed an incredible sense of direction, and added to his already dominant survival skills... But where could he have gone to? And was he alright? The questions swarmed her mind. How am I going to find him? What if I run into those wargs again, or trolls? Gwyn shivered. She wasn't sure that she could handle anymore evil creatures, and certainly she would not be able to face another fight between herself and one of the monsters. All her fight, it seemed, was spent.

However, what terrified Gwyn the most- far more than monsters and dreadful things that lurked deep in the shadows of the night- was the decision that now lay before her. She had a choice- to remain a part of the Company and continue on their journey, or stay in Rivendell, to leave the dwarves behind and begin her search for Gwain. The circumstances were certainly excellent- here she was safe, she could recuperate, perhaps craft another bow, get a feel for the area. The elves were nice enough, and the food was good, to her at least. Though they are a little strange... Her thoughts flashed to Raweru's words before dinner. What had that been about? Had she been serious? Gwyn shook her head- she would need time to dwell on all of that later, for now, the decisions before her were vast enough. It was within her grasp, if she so chose. She could be rid of the harsh traveling, the meager food supply and aching of her body day after day of exhausting travel. Gwyn could be rid of Thorin, of his doubt and anger, who from the start had never wished her to be a part of his Company- had never liked her, nor given her a chance.

The thought of staying in Rivendell, of finally beginning her search for her brother, should have been a comfort to Gwyn. A warmth, a spark of excitement, adrenaline, readiness- something, anything but the cold horror, the dread that gripped her heart when she imagined watching the dwarves, Gandalf, and Bilbo walking off into the distance. For as much as it made her guilty, and she did not want to admit it, Gwyn knew who's back she would be staring after- his bow and quiver glinting softly in the sun as he moved farther and farther from her. Perhaps to reclaim his homeland, perhaps to find a match of his own, to grow old and have children with... or perhaps, to die.

"Oh!"

Gwyn stumbled forward, hand clutching at her heart, gasping. Her hair swept about her like a golden sail, shielding her eyes from the surrounding darkness, though it's attempts were futile. The darkness was within her. Within her very heart. It was painful, the thought of Kíli dying, or even parting with her, for that matter. Not only mentally, but physically. Gwyn swallowed once, taking a deep, choking gulp of air. Every heartbeat ached, pulsing with misery and pain. Shakily she rose to rest on hands and knees, clenched fists distorting the rich soil as the stabbing spasms dissipated slowly within her heart. For one brief moment, it had felt as if she were being torn apart from the inside out.

What is happening to me?

Never before had she felt something so strong, so palpable. Whenever she thought of Kíli, looked at him, heard him, she felt it. But just what in the name of Eru were those feelings? So stunningly overwhelming, so incredibly deeply rooted in her soul were they, that in that instant Gwyn knew that not for all the gold in the world, not even for a chance to find Gwain, could she leave Kíli. Never, never, never. It was impossible to even think of. She could not explain it- the way she felt- and it scared her. Frightened her beyond anything she'd ever been frightened of before... and yet at the same time... it felt utterly and supremely, blessedly right. Like a sword fitting into it's sheath, or a tributary joining with a river- it was what was supposed to happen- what was meant to be.

But why?

Lying numb and gasping on the soft earth of the gardens of Imladris, Gwyn could not think of any sentence she could form to describe it, but she need not, for her tongue knew of one. "I love him." And she knew, suddenly and without a doubt, that her words were truer than any others she had ever spoken before.

Thud. An arrow lodged itself in the ground not two inches from Gwyn's hand, and with a soft scream of surprise she scrambled backwards, horror causing her mind to go blank, her body numb. Feet tangled in the many folds of her dress, Gwyn could only gulp, eyes blown wide in fear, as she stared at the arrow that had managed to pin down the edge of her long sleeve. Where did that come from- who-?

And then she squinted.

What in the name of... If there was one thing Gwyn was sure of in her dismantled world, it was that of her brother's craftsmanship. Especially with arrows. After all, it had been Gwain who had taught Gwyn how to make them herself. Hesitantly Gwyn crawled forward, grasping the arrow firmly in her hand before plucking it quickly from the earth. The wood was dark and smooth, the fletchings preened until they shined, and bound round the middle were two strips of leather the color of blood. Intricate carvings laced both top and bottom of the shaft, and with shaking fingers Gwyn shifted the arrow in her hands, brushing her thumb along the bottom of the bolt, right where the shaft met the fletchings. Yes, there it was. Her brother's mark, right where he always carved it, alerting any who weren't already aware of his expertise artistry in his craft.

This was his arrow- this was Gwain's arrow. He had made it with his own two hands. Clutching the bolt to her chest, Gwyn shakily got to her feet. Was he here? Was her brother somehow, magically, impossibly here, in Rivendell? She whipped her head to and fro, searching desperately to find some clue as to where the arrow had come from- who had shot it?

The answer came in the form of a small boy, who's hair flowed about his head in a halo of soft brown, dark eyes widening in fright as he stumbled into view, taking in a trembling Gwyn clutching the arrow that- judging by the way his fists clenched round his little bow tightly- belonged to him. Gwyn straightened, trying her best to stop trembling, but the shock was almost to much for her. Even as she took a small step forward, her legs shook, and for once she was thankful for the skirt that shielded her limbs from view.

"Is this yours?" She asked uncertainly, her voice little more than a whisper. The little boy took a step back, his eyes fixed on the hole that the arrow had evidently sliced right through her dress's dainty sleeve. The green fabric swayed as Gwyn edged closer to the child, holding out the arrow to the boy though her fingers clung to it desperately. She needed to find out how he had gotten hold of Gwain's craft.

"Well, is it?" Gwyn pressed, anxiety getting the best of her, an edge of impatience creeping into her voice. Shaking his head quickly, the little boy scrambled backwards, bounding off to lose himself from her within the garden as fast as his small legs were able to carry him into the darkness. For a moment Gwyn simply stood, staring dumbly, the arrow still clutched tight in her outstretched hand, which gleamed white in the light of the rising moon.

"Wait!" She called, instinct kicking in. Jolting forward, Gwyn raced after the fleeing child, turning this way and that, round corners and through tunnels of flowers, eyes roving madly in desperation to find the child, and with him possibly the answer to her brother's whereabouts, or at least the start of one. Crashing recklessly through a large flower bush, Gwyn felt her foot snag on the root, her dress catching on a dozen thorns as she became ensnared in the rose's thorns. With a surprised huff she fell, slashing the inside of her wrist painfully across one of the thorns as her hands shot out reflexively to catch her.

The night was suddenly all too quiet, and as she lay there, cursing herself for her rashness as she attempted to untangle herself from the bush, Gwyn suddenly felt the familiar feeling of dread begin to creep into her heart and mind, draping like a cloak about her shoulders. Something was watching her. Ripping herself from the remainder of the thorns, Gwyn tumbled from the bush's clutches, stumbling as she tried to pick herself. Behind her, leaves rustled. She whipped around, breath catching in her throat, but nothing was there. The rustling sounded to her right this time, and with a lurch Gwyn realized that it had gotten closer. She took a step back. There it was again, still on her right. Another step back- she was forcing herself to not freeze up, her legs feeling like iron. Another rustle. It was coming at her now, racing through the bushes swiftly. Then all too suddenly it was upon her, not not in the way she expected.

"Boo!"

"Waaaaaaah!" Gwyn screamed, her hands flying up to cover her head as a blur darted, dark hair flying and brown eyes flashing as it rushed at her, grasping her shoulders with it's hands before flitting behind her, only to re-appear on her left. Gwyn was breathing loudly, a hand clutching her chest as she desperately tried to calm herself down. Beside her, Kíli eyed her for only a moment, his attempt to hold in his laughter failing miserably. Within the span of two seconds he was doubled over, laughter loud in the otherwise quiet garden. Eventually Kili had to turn away, the look on Gwyn's face only managed to make him cackle even harder. Recovering from her terror, Gwyn frowned, straightened, then proceeded to march over to the dwarf and slap him solidly on the shoulder.

"That." She growled, still hitting him. "Wasn't." Smack. "Nice." Slap. Gwyn winced, her hand connecting with the leather of Kíli's jerkin a little harder than she'd intended. Kíli only shook his head, still laughing, which prompted Gwyn to punch him weakly in the chest, though now even she was giggling. He caught her fist on the second swing, his laughter having died down to a chuckle, merriment dancing within warm brown eyes. "It was mean." Gwyn pouted, her heart still hammering in her chest.

"I'm sorry, the situation was just too perfect. I couldn't help myself." Kíli snickered.

"I nearly died of fright." Gwyn moaned dramatically. "You could have killed me."

"Nonsense, my lady." Kíli retaliated, his grin fading somewhat when he felt something warm against his fingers. Turning Gwyn's arm, he spotted a trickle of blood, rolling lazily down across her wrist from the cut she'd received earlier. It was long, not deep, though at the moment- much to his alarm- it was bleeding profusely. Without hesitation, Kíli released her arm, taking a firm hold of the end of his richly embroidered tunic and pulling. Gwyn gasped as the sound of ripping filled the momentary silence. Yanking the last of the material free, Kíli held the small piece of clothe gingerly in his hands. Gently he took hold of Gwyn's wrist, turning her arm before binding the dark blue material over it as softly as he could. Pulling back, Gwyn inspected the makeshift bandage with narrowed eyes, flicking her gaze up to Kíli.

"Your shirt- Why did you do that?"

Kíli frowned. "You're hurt."
"It's not that serious, just a scratch. Nothing to ruin your expensive shirt over, I can assure you." She was upset. A garment such as Kíli's- woven with real golden thread, by the looks of it- would have taken even the wealthiest of her people months, if not years, to afford.

Kíli shook his head, smiling softy, his brown eyes warm. "You're still hurt, Gwynith."

She froze, eyes rising slowly until they connected with his. He hasn't called me 'Gwynith' since... I can't even remember. We first met?

Kíli broke their gaze, his lips quirking upward faintly as he nodded behind them. "Do you want to see something amazing?" He whispered, his voice rich satin in Gwyn's ears. Her heart beat steady and strong now, as if trying to bang out of her chest and reach his.

"Yes."

His ghostly smile was replaced suddenly with a grin of such pure radiance that it shamed the sun. "Then follow me." And without hesitation, Kíli slipped his hand into Gwyn's and tugged her along, into the velvet shadows of the flowers.

*~WE~MUST~AWAY,~ERE'~BREAK~OF~DAY~*

Kíli helped her down the last of the stone steps, Gwyn sweeping her dress out from under her feet with a flick of her wrist, descending the staircase slowly as the unusual garment danced about her legs. Reaching the bottom of the staircase, Kíli watched Gwyn closely, wondering what her reaction would be. He was expecting surprise, awe, wonder, yet it was fear that, at that moment, chose to rear its ugly head within Gwyn's eyes as she gazed upon the long, narrow stone bridge that stretched out before them. On the other side, atop a great precipice, sat a small, spindly, dainty looking rotunda gazebo, which no doubt overlooked the entire valley below. Kíli turned, grinning. "Come on, then. The view must be spectacular."

"I'm more concerned with that view." Gwyn muttered, visibly shaken, eyes darting past him, locked on- Kíli wordlessly followed her gaze, which plummeted downwards, past the stone bridge and into the valley below, or rather, the vast space in between. In short, the drop from stone bridge to the trees and river below was more than immense, and enough to cause Gwyn to take a step backwards, her hand tugging Kíli's, though he didn't budge. "Let's go back, Kíli, this is a bad idea."

He shook his head. "You're not frightened, are you Miss Gwyn?"

"You could say that."

Kíli's grin widened. Turning to face Gwyn, he reached out to take her other hand in his, gently pulling her closer to the ledge and bridge. "And why would such a brave warrior be frightened of a little drop?"

"I am no warri- Pardon, did you just say 'little' drop?" Gwyn allowed herself to be pulled after Kíli, though the look of reluctance upon her face lingered.

"Well... maybe not little, rather-"

"Colossal? Enormous? Deadly?" She shot him a look. "Take your pick."

"-Oh come on, Gwyn, think of the view!" Kíli nodded over his shoulder towards the gazebo. "Don't tell me you're afraid of heights?"

"Well, it's just..." She bit her lip.

"What?"
"That's a long way to fall..." Gwyn said in a small voice. "And that means that there will be plenty of time to think about what is going to happen to you as you continue to fall..." She shuffled, feeling slightly foolish, eyes darting to her shoes and back. Ever since Gwain had nearly fallen from the tree all those years ago... and then the troll, resulting in her snapped ankle... she had despised heights. Even when she hunted, Gwyn preferred hiding among the lower boughs of the trees to await her prey- it was rare to see her more than twenty feet up. Yet now, looking at Kíli, catching the excited gleam in his eye, Gwyn felt a tug at her heart. He is here, beside me... I can do this. Straightening, she glanced at the span of stone once more. It was a long way, but for him, she was willing to do much more than trek across a measly bridge.

"Alright... let's get this over with, then."

Kíli blinked, obviously taken aback. "Huh? Gwyn no- I mean- We don't really have to cross it, I was just kidding-"
"No, I want to." Gwyn was proud of how confident she sounded, though her insides were practically jelly.

Taking hold of both her shoulders, Kíli turned Gwyn so that he could stare deeply into her eyes. His brow rose. "A-are you sure? Because I mean, if you really don't want to cross, we don't have to..." Gwyn frowned... and then-

"Gwyn? What is it?" Kíli asked, eyeing her as a look of realization dawned across her features. She shook her head, giggling. "Gwyn, tell me, what is it?"

"You-" Gwyn laughed. "It's you. My dear, brave Kíli... you wouldn't happen to be afraid of heights yourself, now would you?"

"How do you know that?" he asked, sounding abashed.

"Because, your a dwarf Kíli." Gwyn burst out, which caused Kíli to look down then back up quickly, a grin spreading across his lips.

"You shouldn't judge a book by its cover, Gwyn." Kíli chuckled, turning to face the bridge. Now that he thought about it, the gazebo on the other side seemed like an eternity away... But that was no excuse. He wasn't about to allow Gwyn the satisfaction of seeing him turn chicken first. This should be easy, he tried to reassure himself. After all, back home he'd been the only dwarf to climb trees and explore far and wide, like a common wood-elf- this bridge should be duck soup.

It was Gwyn who stepped forward first, her dress billowing out slightly as it caught the breeze. Gwyn peered hesitantly over the edge of the cliff-face, biting her lip nervously. Turning back, golden hair whipping round her face like a halo, she smiled at Kíli. A warm feeling filled his being, starting within the heart and melting downwards, upwards- in every direction. At that moment Kíli wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms and tell her how much he loved her. But what if she did not feel the same? To his knowledge, never before had there been two soul-mates of different races before- it was unheard of- it was impossible.

"There is an ancientness within each of us, lad." Balin had once told him. "It is the blessings of Aule that creates it- the reason we are able to find the missing halves to our souls. We are unlike any other race, for none can feel as deeply as we who delve down into the dark places of the earth. Only we can form such an extraordinary bond, and it can never be broken. Only we can find our One. Only dwarves."

Kíli shook his head- it wasn't adding up. So how is it that Gwyn... I can feel it- the connection between us. It is young, and not yet as strong as it shall one day be, I suppose, but I can feel it nonetheless. But the question still remains: can she? What if all of this is one-sided? What if only I feel this tie? And if it is real, then could this bond that we share be fractured? After all, only dwarves are able to have Ones, and Gwyn is... I'm not even sure a daughter of Men would be able to experience such strong emotions as I do every time I even so much as think of her. How is it possible that she is capable of such a bond? There was something at work here, some unknown piece in the puzzle behind all of this. Something that was causing everything to fit into place. He just didn't know what it was yet, and perhaps, neither did Gwyn.

Blinking from his infinite thoughts, which in reality had lasted only a second or so, Kíli stepped forward, unconscious of his movements as he slid an arm round Gwyn's waist. Though she looked slightly surprised, she did not protest, allowing herself to be pulled closer. The bridge before the two was wide enough to fit both of them side by side, though there would be less than a foot of room spanning from the edge while they walked. Holding Gwyn against him securely, a cool draft of air swept past the two, lifting Kíli's unruly dark locks about his face. Gwyn's hair smelt sweet, he noted- like blossoms and rain- as it flowed about her in the wind.

"Shall we cross then?" He asked.

Gwyn nodded. "Together?"

"Together."

*~WE~MUST~AWAY,~ERE'~BREAK~OF~DAY~*

"I'm not sure I can make it."

Nearly ten feet from the bridge's end, Gwyn had gotten cold feet. Beside her, Kíli winced as she gripped his hand tighter, squeezing it with all her strength as fear drove her to press herself into his body.

"I can't do this." Gwyn stated decidedly, panic evident in her voice. "Look at the drop, Kíli. Oh my stars, look at the drop-" It had gotten considerably darker as time had elapsed, which did nothing to help Gwyn's predicament whatsoever.

"I did tell you not to look down."

"Advice coming from the dwarf who's only job was to look after a herd of fat ponies." Gwyn shot back.

Kíli smirked. "You've fought trolls, battled wargs and orcs, and you're telling me you can't take ten steps forward?" He prodded gently, sensing her distress.

"Yes, but when that happened, it was like an out of body experience."

"An out of body..." Kíli shook his head, confused. "What?"

"Nevermind." Gwyn huffed- she didn't really expect him to understand. Back when they'd been attacked- indeed, every single time there had been danger- a curtain had fallen over her emotions, smothering her fear and uncertainty, blocking out everything that would hinder her and leaving only courage and a knowledge of fighting Gwyn hadn't even known she possessed. Perhaps it had not been as futile as she'd though it had been to watch Gwain's battle practice with their father...

"Gwyn?" Kíli called, bringing her back to their current situation. "On the count of three we're going to start moving again." His voice was muffled by the wind, though Gwyn's sharp ears still caught what he'd said.

"Uh..."

"One."

"Kíli-"

"Two."

"Wait- I don't think-"

"Three."
Gently Kíli pulled Gwyn over so that she stood directly in front of him, removing his hand from hers and grasping her shoulders lightly. "Alright, now take a step."

"Kíli, I-"
"Gwyn, I've got you, I promise. As long as I'm here, nothing bad is going to happen to you... Now, take a step forward."

She did, though it was tentatively small.

"Good, now take another."
Her foot barely moved forward six inches, eyes sliding across dull grey rock before suddenly plummeting down, down, down- She went rigid again, gaze locked with the plummet beneath them. Kíli felt Gwyn freeze up, and try as he might, no amount of prodding could move her more than a few inches afterwards. Finally, he resorted to more desperate measures. "Gwyn," he said, lips close to her ear. "I don't mean to alarm you, but the longer we stay out here on this bridge, the greater the chance of the wind picking up and blowing us over the side."

After that she was quick, and within the timespan of a minute the two were inside the gazebo, the vast entirety of the Valley of Rivendell lying sprawled, painted out before them in a spectacularly breath-taking landscape of cliffs, rivers, forest and waterfalls. The sight made Gwyn shiver- it was remarkable- astounding- wondrous- and it was all and only theirs. Turning in a slow circle, she felt her breath catch as she took in the panoramic scene before her. Gwyn suddenly felt herself a queen- no, a goddess, standing high and mighty, surveying the majesty depicted before her, all powerful and complete in every way. Staring out at the darkened landscape before her, she forgot everything. All the weeks of confusion, pain, sorrow- and almost the young love that had begun to blossom in her heart. She could stare into the valley's dips, curves, and fissures forever. This is true beauty, this before me. I wish I was skilled at painting, or drawing, though I'm not sure I would be able to capture this valley in such the way that it has taken hold of my heart.

Gwyn heard Kíli behind her, the dull noise of his boots ceasing a foot or two from her. "Oh Kíli... It's marvelous," she breathed, eyes shining. "Absolutely beautiful."

"You're right," he said shortly, which caused Gwyn to turn around, curious at the strange tone of his voice. Kíli's eyes were dark with some emotion unreadable to Gwyn, his face an indecipherable mask. Suddenly, he smiled softly. "You are." Kíli said simply, and in that moment something was broken. Some unspoken rule of distance, of space, of uncertainty- and the bond roared to life within them stronger than anything either had ever felt in their young, short lives.

The first thing that met was eyes, a static shock of brown and turquoise, and that was all it took. Kíli wasn't sure who moved first, if it was he that took the step that brought them together, or Gwyn, or both of them- and he didn't care. All that mattered was that moment when they finally met, when their noses brushed for a fraction of a second, Gwyn's hand coming up to cup his cheek, their heads tilting as Kíli wrapped his arms round her waist, pulling her closer. Their eyes remained locked- each lost deeply within the other's gaze- until simultaneously their eye contact was lost, disappearing behind dark lashes as their lips met. The kiss was gentle at first; soft, as if they were both too shy to make contact. But then a feeling like lightening began to spread through them, around them, filling the air around them with a dizzying energy that caused Gwyn to gasp into Kíli's mouth. Kíli himself was soaring, coasting along on wings as large and powerful as that of the fabled Eagles of legends. His senses- every sound, every smell- were on fire. High in the night sky, a hawk called forlornly, it's shriek echoing across the valley. The waterfalls pounded steadily on, great white waters rushing downwards, to where the forest dwelt, branches of many trees whispering to one another the secrets of the night. All of this, he could sense, yet nothing was more powerful than her lips against his.

Eyes flickering open, the two blinked, disoriented, before pulling back to stare at one another, breathing hard.

Kíli gasped, his hands shaking visibly, as were Gwyn's. It felt as though he were going to collapse- his heart was beating madly within his chest, thoughts swirling fast in his mind as he tried to focus on Gwyn. She too seemed to be having trouble, a slender hand coming up to clutch at her breast as the emotions took their toll within her. The kiss had roused something- triggered the connection that entwined their souls, set it pulsing wildly in their bodies. Kíli found himself averting his eyes from his One, overwhelmed by the strength of what he was feeling. It was exhausting, yet at the same time exhilarating- he could have collapsed right then and there, or climbed Erebor itself, if so he chose to. Excitement, passion, want, need, protectiveness, and above all, love. He loved her so much it hurt. It hurt him- pained his heart and soul, to gaze upon Gwyn. It tortured in such a wonderful way, and Kíli suddenly realized that the only approach to take in staunching the pain was to do what he had longed to ever since he'd laid eyes on her.

Flicking his eyes upwards, he caught Gwyn's for only a brief moment before they were once again surging forward in motion. Taking her about the waist, Kíli pulled Gwyn closer until her small body was pressed against his own, tilting his head and closing his eyes as his mouth met hers in a deep kiss that lasted for an eternity and a second all at once. Lightning crackled, fires burst into infernos, and all around him, the majesty of the land faded, paling in comparison to the one who kissed him so tenderly. Kíli couldn't think- couldn't breath, it all felt so right, so perfectly right. This was why he'd been born: to find Gwyn, to be with her, to love her and be loved and protect her- hold her when she cried and make her laugh when she was sad. Before, when he was younger, Kíli had always imagined a life of adventures and glory with his brother, of killing dragons and other fantastic beasts- of proving his worth as a warrior with his bow and arrows, especially to his uncle. But now... he would give it up, bow and all, just to be with her.

Bringing her arms up, Gwyn wrapped them around Kíli's neck, their kissing beginning to slow as the lull of the waterfalls rushed in their ears. He felt her warm breath on his cheek, her soft lips molding to his own in such a perfect way, delicate tongue flicking his lower lip teasingly, that Kíli could only tighten his hold on her in response to the revelation. He wanted to stay here. Stay with her. Be with her, forever.

With a soft sigh Gwyn pulled away, arms drawing back so that her hands could cup his face tenderly. Kíli let out a shuddering breath, eyes still closed as she trailed butterfly kisses from his mouth down past the stubble of his beard, tracing his jawline before moving to his neck. His breath hitched, and after a few moment Gwyn leaned her head upon his shoulder, arms encircling his neck once more as Kíli pulled her close.

They stood like that for a moment, breath shaky, legs unsteady, and quivering arms held up by the other's embrace. Gwyn's soft breath danced along his neck, and pulling back, Kíli rested his forehead gently against hers, swallowing in an effort to regain his voice.

"Did you... feel that?" He gasped.

"Inside..." Gwyn whispered, speech slightly slurred as she struggled to regain her breath, "felt it in... my heart."

"Same." Kíli panted, and opening his eyes he was met with the heart-stopping blue of Gwyn's iris', though they were becoming harder to make out in the growing dark of night. "Aüle," Kíli breathed, stunned once more, "You are so beautiful."

Gwyn blushed, dropping his gaze for a moment. "And you are far more handsome than any I have seen in my life." She whispered, eyes re-connecting with his steadily.

"You know, from the moment I laid eyes on you..." Kíli paused, seemingly searching for the right words. Eventually, he shrugged, forehead still pressed to Gwyn's. "I loved you."

Gwyn pulled back then, eyes wide, a smile slowly growing on her pink lips. "And here I thought I was going crazy." She murmured.

"Crazy?"

"Well... For the longest time after you found me, I tried denying it. Where I'm from... it is like a story, one that my mother used to tell me. No one falls in love at first glance but- There I was, lost, delirious, and with a dislocated ankle... and then you appeared and... and when I saw you... What I felt... I was so scared... I thought something was wrong with me." Gwyn shook her head, and Kíli glimpsed within her expression the uncertainty that had plagued her mind all those many long weeks- "But then, the night the trolls attacked the Company..." She looked up, catching his eyes. "I thought you were hurt- when I was hiding in the bushes, waiting to attack- I- I though you were dead." Gwyn shook her head, voice fading into silence, eyes bright with unshed tears. Taking a deep, shaky breath, she continued. "I can still remember thinking to myself, 'what will I do, if he is gone?'... and I couldn't think of an answer besides... Besides..." Gwyn shuddered. "That is when I accepted... accepted that I-" She faltered, remaining silent as Kíli reached a hand up to brush away a stray tear that had escaped the corner of her eye. Suddenly, Gwyn giggled softly. "Do you remember Kíli?"

"Remember what, my love?" the young prince whispered.

"The last time you did that..." Absently she traced the tear-track, hand ghosting over Kíli's and ceasing to move. Gwyn smiled. "Was when we first met."

Kíli blinked, still for a moment before a grin spread onto his angular features, breaking through the more serious mood about them. "How did you manage to remember something like that?"

Gwyn shrugged, blushing. "It... distracted me from... From the..." The sad look in Kíli's eyes caused the rest of her sentence to fade into silence. Gwyn could see it- how it upset him- when she brought up her old injury. In truth, her ankle still pained her some nights, when it was very cold, and often in the morning she would have to start her day limping about for half an hour, until the dull, throbbing stiffness she would never tell Kíli of these things- it would only cause him to worry more than he needed too.

Kíli turned, eyeing the glimmering lights of Rivendell behind him. It had gone from dusk to dark whilst they'd crossed the bridge, and now- like the inhabitants of the valley- the entirety of Elrond's halls glowed with a soft, pale light that spoke of safety and peace. No doubt their companions were by this time wondering were they'd gone off to- especially Fíli... The brothers were rarely apart without one's knowledge of the other's whereabouts. Fee must be going mad with worry, Kíli realized guiltily. Still, as he turned back to Gwyn, he noted quickly how tired she looked. He himself was exhausted, the thought sleep remained enticing in his mind, though the thought of drifting off with Gwyn curled up in his arms nearly sent the colors that had burst behind his eyes when they had kissed to ricochet about once more. Turning, Kíli nodded in the direction of the Last Homely House.

"We should be getting back, otherwise the others may think we have fallen to our deaths." He muttered.

"Or been attacked by elves." Gwyn snickered sarcastically, earning her an eye roll from Kíli. At least, I think I was attacked today, Gwyn thought, her thoughts flashing to the mysterious little boy, eyes blinking tiredly. Together the two made the long trek back across the stone bridge- neither taking any heed of the drop as they walked slowly beside one another- and back up, through the winding gardens and corridors, until they were amongst the Company once more. Bombur, who was on watch, nodded at them as they entered the makeshift encampment. The two picked their way quietly over sleeping bodies, skirting the crackling fire as they made their way over to the shadows where Kíli had previously set up his bedroll. Lying down beside one another, Kíli was about to pull his blanket over the two of them when suddenly Gwyn sat up, propping herself on an elbow, alarm clear in her eyes.

"This isn't proper." She whispered quickly, looking altogether flustered and unsure.

"Proper?" Kíli asked groggily, his eyes closing of their own accord in his exhaustion. He managed to force them back open again, Gwyn's concerned gaze clear as day before him through the darkness.

"Yes... To lay beside a man, unmarried... It's- it's whorish." Kíli blinked, the small shock of her words waking him up some, though he was too far gone to form a coherent response. And so Gwyn babbled on. "It is... it is scandalous. No, no, I can't. What would the girls in my village say, it would be the talk of the town! And my father- oh my father-"

"Gwyn." Fíli grunted from where he was trying to sleep close by, lying upon his stomach beneath the blanket of his bedroll, face buried within the small pillow he possessed. "Please, for the love of Mahal's beard and axe, just lay down and go to sleep..."

Sharing a long look with Kíli, who was getting up, about to protest against it- If she is uncomfortable, then I shall walk her back to her room. I won't make her lay- Gwyn put a slender and upon his arm, pushing him gently back down before following slowly, snuggling up beside him and laying her head against his chest. Kíli sighed, closing his eyes as his arms came up to encircle her small body protectively, lending her his warmth. Leaning forward, he buried his nose in her sweet hair, kissing her forehead softly. The two lay like that, the whisper and pop of the fire all that permeated the silence, until-

"It's not like you two are having sex or anything, Aüle."

Gwyn tensed beside him. Kíli sighed. "Fíli, shut it."

"Oh hush brother, I'm only kidding- Wait... are you? Only, you know, really quietly? Kee, you should really go somewhere alone for that."

Gwyn squeaked in embarrassment, turning a deep shade of red and burying her face in the crook of the dwarf's neck.

"Fíliiii." Kíli groaned, hand coming up to stroke Gwyn's hair comfortingly.

"Oi!" A dwarf called from somewhere in the room. "Stop yer warblin', we're tryin' to sleep over here!"

In the darkness, all that could be heard was the steady breathing of slumbering dwarves as the fire sparked and snapped wearily. Kíli ground his teeth together as Fíli chuckled to himself quietly, finally lashing out at his brother with the steel toe of his boot.

"Ow!"

"You deserved that," he muttered fiercely.

"Whatever you want to believe, Kee." Fíli whispered. "Just get back to your... business."

Kíli winced, mortification setting his face aflame... Fortunately for him, Gwyn was already fast asleep, her head nestled on his arm now, body curled into his. He blew out a long sigh of relief- that situation had the potential of becoming extremely awkward... more so than it already had been..

"What?" Fíli called softly. "Over that quick?"

"I'm going to kill you, Fee!" Kíli growled, temper getting the best of him.

Fíli rolled over, smirking. "Sure you are."

If it weren't for Gwyn cradled in his arms, Kíli would have tackled his brother then and there and beat him over the head with Ori's large tome- which just so happened to be the only useful "weapon" within his reach.

I'll save that idea for another day... The young dwarf plotted. He wouldn't forget his brother's words easily. The day had been an eventfully long one, and with one final sigh Kíli succumbed to sleeps embrace, Gwyn cuddled beside him, her slight form nestled in his arms.

*Stops stuffing face full of popcorn and looks up* Oh! Sooo, how'd you like it? The last few lines had me wishing for a Kíli of my own to snuggle up with D'; *Sobs* but that'll never happen (unless I fulfill my secret dream of creating a device that is able to tear a hole into the LOTR universe, jump in, successfully kidnap- er, I mean dwarfnap- Kíli, and escape an enraged Thorin, Dwalin, and Fíli... Seems legit enough to me)... So anyways, what did you think? As always, reviews are loved and welcomed, and I wouldn't mind some suggestions, if you have any. I always lovelove hearing from you guys! You're the reason I'm writing this, after all :)

Apologies if this next chapter is a little delayed, this is prom week/weekend, and it's crazy! Oh, and if you thought this chapter was feelsy enough... omg just WAIT until this next one. It even has me clutching my heart when I think about it...