Daughter of Aule

by dragynfyre18

Rylee is the Daughter of Aule, a girl created by the Valar to kill dragons and do the bidding of the Valar. This is her fourth life, and her fourth quest, she hasn't failed yet, but the odds are stacked against her because this time the quest isn't about the dragon. Rated M for violence, gore and adult situations.

14. Why They Call It Falling

Disclaimer: I do not own The Hobbit, any of Tolkien's works or the Characters, I do not own rights to the book or movies or the original plot lines of either. I own only my OC's.

Many thanks for the reviews Axle Beau, BethylOTPs, ro781727, and RagdollPrincess.

So... this is one of my favorite chapters, I hope you like it as much as I do. Regardless, let me know what you think.

Thanks for the follows and favorites.

Love you all so much! XOXO

Chapter 14

Why They Call It Falling

May 23

According to Thorin's map they were well past the Weather Hills, entering the foothills of the Misty Mountains and they were making good time. The sun was already hovering over the horizon by the time they stopped for the night. It was a pretty place for a camp, just a little too high up for Rylee's comfort, and too exposed, she didn't like it and there was something about the place that made a shiver run up her spine.

Rylee spent the previous days avoiding Kili, she was trying to give herself enough space to think about what she wanted, and to keep from falling even more in love with him. Was that even possible? The depths of her emotions regarding him terrified her. When Kili approached her Rylee found something else to do yet she watched him keenly wherever he went. She was just not sure what to do. Did she give Kili the token along with her heart? Or did she keep it to herself, fulfill her quest, and allow herself to fade from the world?

This night was her archery lesson with Kili. Of everything that she had to do that kept her busy, lessons with Kili were becoming an ordeal. She was leaving each lesson even more frustrated than the one before. Unsure if it was because she was pushing Kili away, while simultaneously wanting to pull him into her arms, or because she was still missing the target. Even though the arrows were no longer grouping together in one bunch, they still pulled to the right in various degrees. Yet the moment he touched her, even on the hand, she would hit the target dead on, much to her chagrin. "There is no point to this Kili, what need is there for an archer that misses everything she aims at?"

"But you are getting better, Rylee. The arrows are not landing so far away, in fact they have moved within a few feet from the target. It is much better than your first night," Kili reminded her. Yet again she loosed an arrow and it was a mere few inches to the left of her last one.

"Aye, by my calculations, I will finally be able to hit the target on my own in about three years." Rylee snapped sarcastically, there was that odd flash of lightning in her eyes as she spoke, making the hair on his arms rise. He wordlessly handed her another arrow, she rolled her eyes and took it from him. "Fine but this is the last one."

"You are over thinking again, Rylee," Kili admonished her. He could see it on her face whenever she put too much thought into her stance, or her aim. She would stiffen and her brow would furrow and her eyes would narrow in concentration. Her arrow would veer far to the right. When she relaxed and cleared her mind and allowed the movements to be natural, her accuracy increased and she could hit within a foot of the target, naturally, it still veered to the right but it was better. "Stop thinking of what you are doing and just let it happen. We both know that your stance and aim are perfect. Just let go of your thoughts."

She sighed and tried to do as he asked, raising the bow and prepared to shoot. There was one long strand of hair from the back of her head caught in the bow string, so Kili reached forward and pulled it back, his fingers brushing gently against her neck just as she released. It hit the target. Any normal person would have been pleased, but both of them knew it was only because he touched her that she hit the target. "Beautiful distraction Kili, are you going to stand behind me in battle and play with my hair so that I can hit the targets as they come?"

"Are you giving me permission to play with your hair, Rylee?" Kili asked lightly, trying to break the sudden tension, but his fingers were currently still caught in the tangles, making the tension rise in an altogether different direction. He watched her swallow as she turned to look at him, her eyes wide and filled with something he could not fathom. He was close enough to kiss her, a mere few inches. He looked at her lips and moved to lower his lips to hers.

She spun on her heel and walked up the path going back to the camp. She needed space, time away from Kili. He was driving her to insanity. If she let him kiss her even once more, she knew there would be no going back, not for her, she would tumble so far down that there would be no rising. If what Kili felt was only lust, if he didn't feel the same as she did, she would be heartbroken until the end of her time in Middle-Earth. By fade or by dragon, she was certain she was doomed to die.

The place Thorin chose for camp was a pretty place, a high bluff that looked over the long valley below. She stayed far from the edge of the overlook and away from the fire, which was set under an outcropping of a cliff. Mikhaul was staying with the ponies to keep watch over them. Regardless, Rylee set her bedroll in the shadows near the horses, and of course, Fili and Kili's bedrolls were set up right beside hers. Once again she noticed the fan of bedrolls just beyond theirs, Balin, Thorin and Dwalin. Rylee shook her head, and rolled her eyes, bloody dwarven mother hens.

She made her way over to Mikhaul and rummaged in her pack until she found her comb and a thick silver clip. There would be no more kissing and no more playing with her hair. She would take care of that issue once and for all. She quickly pulled through the tangles, separating the braids and gently working through the knots with the carved bone comb until her hair fell in smooth dark waves down her back.

She felt the familiar stirring of a presence up her spine and stood straighter, looking out over the valley, "Do you feel it Mikhaul?"

"Aye, it is weak, but it is there," Mikhaul answered with a soft snort, "It is distant, at least that far bluff on the far side of the valley."

"Stay alert, we may have to go hunting," Rylee whispered softly. She kept her voice low to keep from scaring Bilbo, who was not too far away, feeding one of Mikhaul's apples to Myrtle. Mikhaul hummed in agreement, and Rylee sat down to finish her task, pretending nothing was out of sorts.

She placed the comb back into the bag and her fingers brushed against the token, and she glanced over at Kili as he came into camp. A knot settled in her stomach as she once again wondered if she should give it to him. No, she could not. Could she? She would never know if she didn't ask him, but no, she was not ready. She closed the bag and sat back into her seat and was just separating her hair into three long strands, when a noise echoed over the valley. The cry of a dying animal, followed by the faint calls of a war cry, it could be the Orcs she sensed were hunting game.

Kili's eyes followed Rylee. Something was wrong. She was on edge since arriving at camp and he wondered why. While she braided every strand of her lush, dark, fiery tresses into a thick plait, she was whispering quietly with Mikhaul. Was it because he tried to kiss her? She had never pulled away from him like that before, he was certain that she desired him, every response she gave him was positive. So why did she not let him kiss her? Kili glared at the braid, hating it, wanting to push her hands away and unravel the plait.

"What, what was that?" Bilbo asked as he looked back at Fili and Kili, who joined his brother, sitting near the fire under a low outcropping. Rylee stiffened and shot the Hobbit a worried glance, as she reached for her pillow where her axes lay hidden. This Company was the closest thing to home she found since leaving Mahal's Mansion. She wasn't keen on losing a single member.

"Are they closer, Mikhaul?" Rylee whispered under her breath.

Letting her senses widen she tried to feel if anything of darkness was in the vicinity, she looked at Mikhaul and the horse shook her head. She knew all about Orcs and Wargs, and the horrible things that they could do to a person, even a well trained warrior. The Orcs were out there, but keeping their distance. Why?

"Orcs," Kili imparted to the Hobbit, his face was serious as he looked up at Bilbo. It was time to lighten the mood a bit, and playing with Bilbo's naivety seemed like the perfect outlet.

"Orcs?" Bilbo asked, his fear rising visibly on his curious face as he moved closer to the fire. He knew Rylee hunted them, but they never came so close to their camp before. Thorin even sat up at the word and started to look around, searching for danger in the darkness. One word and it put every one of them on edge.

"Throat cutters," Fili added taking a puff off of his pipe, sensing his brother's game, he played along. He was rather bored of the dour mood and the overall tension of the camp, "There will be dozens of them out there. The lowlands are crawling with them."

Rylee was startled. How did they know they were out there, the sound was of an animal, and unless they could suddenly hear as well as she did, or feel the shadowy temptation of darkness, there was no way they could know the Orcs were there. She looked at Thorin and met his eye, she glanced in the direction that she felt the presence, letting him know that they were out there. She hadn't felt the presence of anything since they returned from the dragon. The fact that the darkness was so silent for the past eleven days was as worrisome as when she went hunting on a daily basis. The suddenness of the change had them both on edge.

"They strike in the wee small hours while everyone is asleep." Kili joined in telling the terrified Hobbit an unfortunate truth, "Quick and quiet, no screams, just lots of blood."

There was a long silence as Bilbo's fear rose, then Kili and Fili both chuckled quietly. Rylee glared at them, from her place by Mikhaul. Still on alert but feeling no change in the distance of the presence, Rylee released the handle of her axe and resumed braiding her hair. The horse murmured into her subconscious that they were a pair of jokers, Rylee nodded and whispered softly to the horse, "Aye, exactly like that Mikhaul, jesters the pair of 'em."

"You think that's funny," Thorin growled at his nephews, "you think a night raid by Orcs is a joke?"

Rylee flinched inwardly. Sometimes the only way to break through the darkness was to find levity, and Kili was only trying to lighten the mood. She understood his intentions. He just picked the wrong topic to joke about, especially with Orcs sitting within range of her senses.

"We didn't mean anything by it," Kili said feeling quite troubled. With only a few words Thorin was able to put him in his place and remind him of the seriousness of this venture. He was only trying to lighten the mood, was that so wrong? Kili dropped his head in reflection. He must have taken it too far, especially after he watched Rylee's wary eyes follow Thorin away from the group.

"No you didn't," Thorin said stalking off to look over the bluff far below. Rylee indicated there was something out there, and his nephews were joking about Orcs. "You know nothing of the world."

Rylee winced at those last few words. Those words were engrained in her memory, and on her heart. Like an open wound, those words made her finch, they were harsh. She watched as Balin approached the pair of Princes, "Don't mind him, laddie. Thorin has more cause than most to hate Orcs."

Fili watched his uncle as he walked away, wondering what could possibly make the strong man so upset. Balin started to speak, "After the Dragon Smaug took the lonely mountain, we wandered westward over the Misty Mountains and into Dunland doing whatever work we could find to survive. It was not long before King Thror set out to find better settlement for our folk. He and his friend Nar journeyed to Moria. Upon finding the open gates, Thror went in, despite the pleas of Nar. For days Nar waited for Thror to return, until finally a horn blew and a lifeless form was tossed through the gate. It was the body of our King, his severed head tossed alongside his body with the name of his murderer carved into the flesh. Nar looked upon the defiled visage of his friend and King, and read the name of the beast that took the great stronghold of Durin's Folk. Azog."

A shiver ran down Bilbo's spine as he listened to the tale. These dwarves had more stories about battles than any other. The only thing that outshone their battle tales, were their tales about the gold and gems that could be found in the mines of the great seven kingdoms. Bilbo didn't care for stories of gems and jewels, but the battle stories were different, they were history, terrifying history.

"Upon the return of Nar, he gave the news of the death of the King. Thrain, Thorin's father was driven mad by grief. He swore vengeance upon the Orcs and called together all seven Dwarf kingdoms, none could bear such an insult as what was committed against the line of Durin. We made for the East Gate ready to retake the ancient dwarf kingdom of Moria from Azog the Defiler. The Giant Gundabag Orc had sworn to wipe out the line of Durin." Balin's voice carried the memory and pain of the battle within it.

Rylee knew some of the history of this battle, Ori called it the Battle of Azunulbizar. A horrible battle that took place at the east gate of the Dwarven kingdom of Khazud-Dum, now called Moria. Khazad-Dum, the greatest kingdom in all of dwarf history was now in the hands of Orcs and who knew what else. The thought pained her that Durin's home was so desecrated by Morgoth's evil. Why was Morgoth so angry with Aulë that he had to try to destroy and despoil all of Aulë's creations? She knew the answer, but envy and jealousy seemed petty reasons for such destruction, in her mind.

"With the arrival of Nain and his son Dain, leading their army from the Iron Hills, the tides were turned and we drove the Orcs back. Nain called Azog out of hiding, bidding the coward to fight, but when Azog came forth, Nain was killed. Dain, seeing his father slain, gave chase. He wounded the Orc terribly as he went, but Dain lost Azog in the rush of the battle. We fought hard until our King, Thrain, went missing. Taken prisoner or killed, we do not know. We were leaderless, our spirit broken. Defeat and death were upon us."

Kili was never told the whole story, only snippets and pieces were filtered down to him. In their home, it was a subject that was never brought up. The memories were just too painful for Grandmother Nísi and Mother to bear. But he knew of the rage his people held for the Defiler and what he did to Thror. He knew of the losses of the battle that followed. He lost his grandfather Thrain, his uncle Frerin, and Cousin Nain all at once. Master Fundin, Balin and Dwalin's father, also died in that war. Great warriors, all of them, died long before he or Fili were ever born. He never even got to meet any of them. Kili knew that Thorin held out hope that Thrain yet lived, but the evidence of that, was severely lacking.

"That is when I saw him, a young dwarf prince, facing down the pale Orc. He stood alone against this terrible foe. His Armor rent… wielding nothing but an oaken branch as a shield. Azog the Defiler learned that day that the line of Durin would not be so easily broken." Bilbo looked at Thorin with a new understanding; he was a great warrior that experienced great losses to his enemies. No wonder these Dwarves followed him as their king. "Upon seeing this feat, our forces rallied. Our enemy had been defeated, but there was no feast, no song that night. For our dead were beyond the count of grief. We few had survived and I thought to myself then, there is one who I could follow. There is one I could call King."

Rylee understood now, the pain that lived in his eyes, why it so mirrored her own. Battles such as his, were fresh in her mind, she knew that pain. This was how he knew what it was like for her. This was why he did not belittle her pain. The loss of family, friends, comrades, and allies was still profound. She choked back the pain that began to build in her throat. Rylee snapped the clip closed into the end of her new braid and watched Thorin, where he was standing looking out at the fading scenery. It took a moment before she realized that the others around her stood in allegiance for their king.

Thorin turned then and met the eyes of his Company. They were standing and gathered, honoring him as their leader and their king. He met the eyes of Gloin and Dwalin, Ori and Nori. Beyond them stood the rest of the company all paying homage to their King. Oin stood at the foot of his bedroll looking at him with a sad remembrance of the battle on his face. Kili and Fili were the youngest, they were not in that battle, but he met their eyes too, because they honored him. Rylee was last. She stood in the shadows of the trees, away from the fire and the rest of the company. He met her eyes and he saw the pain. Raw, dark, and powerful. She nodded in acknowledgement, an acknowledgement of hard won victory, shrouded by soul shattering sorrow.

"And the pale Orc," Bilbo asked, from his seat on the ground. "What happened to him?"

"He slunk back to the hole whence he came," Thorin said darkly as he walked through the Company, "That filth died from his wounds long ago."

There was silence in the camp for a long while. Thorin returned to the place where he was reclining earlier, silently watching over camp. Several of the members went back to their bedrolls to catch a few hours of sleep before their turn on watch.

Rylee moved closer to the fire, her intention was to warm a small bit of water so she could make her moon tea. Most of the time Bombur would set aside some water for her, but that night her lesson with Kili took longer than normal. She filled the pot with water and set it to boil within the flames. The herbs were already in a cup by her bedroll waiting for the water. She stood, turned to walk away, and instead ran directly into Fili. She flailed her arms and fell back with a shriek, landing where else, but Kili's lap. Fili laughed as did Bofur and Dwalin, perfectly timed.

"You really are making this a habit," Kili grinned down at her as she sprawled across him. Before she could even think of escaping he gathered her closer and wrapped his arms around her. "Not that I mind."

She was curled intimately against his chest, his warmth radiating out. The scents of sunshine, leather, and Dwarven tobacco teased her nose. As she looked up at him, she met his dark eyes, her heart stopped. Her chest tightened and fire coiled in her belly so tight it was painful. For days she tried to keep this exact thing from happening, and she was successful. Why was today different? Every time she found herself in Kili's arms her brain went right out the window. Case in point, confessions of lust on horseback, where the heck was her brain when that happened? Or reclining in his lap after being tickled to tears, and teasing him about being naughty. Again, a brainless moment fueled by lust.

She forced herself to turn away from Kili and glared up at Fili, "You did that on purpose."

"I did not, Lass, you really need to watch where you are going," He grinned at her, she scowled back up at him. He chuckled and walked away giving his brother and Rylee a little bit of privacy.

"Does it matter, Rylee? As long as you fall where I can catch you," Kili whispered in her ear, making a shiver run through her body. She needed space from him before she did something altogether stupid, like kissing him. That thought made her look at his mouth, which made her bite her own lip, "When you do that I want to kiss you."

She gasped and looked up, her eyes meeting his. She took a breath about to say something when he lowered his lips to hers. She turned her head at the last moment. His lips grazing her cheek instead, she closed her eyes and moaned softly. Why was she denying herself again?

"Every time I get close, you turn away. Why Rylee, why do you avoid me like this?" He asked her in frustration. This was the second time that he tried to kiss her that she turned away at the last second. If he didn't know her better, he would call her a tease, but she wasn't, he could see the hesitation in her every move. What held her back? "Why do you stop me? I like you, you like me, so what is the problem?"

"My quest," She started, shaking her head. It took her a long moment before she could even think of why she turned away. She didn't just like him, she loved him, was head over heels for him. He was her One. She knew for herself that this was no infatuation, but what was it for him? He liked her, he wanted her, but did he love her in return?

"What about your quest?" Kili pushed, he really didn't see what that had to do with anything.

"What would be the point Kili? I am going to die, like I always do." Rylee told him as her mood darkened, the light in her eyes flashed up at him. She got her feet under her and pushed herself up, scrambling to her feet, and out of his embrace, "My quest is to change the hands of fate. Mahal said nothing about finding my-."

"Your what?" Kili asked her, jumping to his feet as well. He needed her to finish that sentence, and that thought, he needed to know what he was to her. Could he be her One?

"Nothing," She cried, stalking away. Her boiling water and the moon herbs were long forgotten. "I said nothing."

She walked back down the path towards the trees where they practiced shooting earlier, it was dark but for the sliver of light of the waning moon. Her hand was on the rock face to her right, feeling her way more than seeing. Kili grabbed her hand, spun her and pinned her against the rock face. One hand clasping hers and the other twining into the braided hair at the nape of her neck, he pulled her to him. He gave her no time to react before his lips crashed onto hers. He held her there, kissing her. Brushing his lips against hers, he gently bit her bottom lip, seeking entrance. With a soft moan she caved and opened for him, her free hand moved to clutch his shoulder, pulling him against her. His tongue touched hers, and she responded by seeking his. He explored her mouth, curling his tongue intimately around hers, coaxing her to do the same. He loved her innocence. She seemed so worldly in every other way but this one. He pulled away from her, loving her breathless little pants as she tried to catch her breath.

"Stop running away from me Rylee," Kili growled at her, meeting her eyes. Seeing her desire there made him want more. He needed more. It was not enough. He pressed her body against his as his mouth took hers again. He released her hand so he could pull her closer against him, molding her to him. Chest to chest, hip to hip, he wanted her to be as close as he could make her. She responded enthusiastically, her hands clutched at his shoulders and back, holding him tight. Soft mewling noises came from her throat as he pressed her against him. His hands roamed over her shoulders, her back, her bottom, pressing her against him as he devoured her like a starving man. He wanted to make her moan as he touched her and feel her hands on his bare skin in return. He wanted to make love to her and hear her cry out his name. He kissed her twice more before he lifted his head and looked down at her, both of them breathing heavily.

"I don't care if we all die tomorrow. I would rather spend what time I can with you than spend it apart." The hand in her hair pulled the braid up over her shoulder. He released the clasp and unraveled the plait. "Leave it loose, Rylee, I love the way it tangles around my fingers. It feels like silk spilling through my hands. I love the weight of the braids, and the beads, they catch the light like jewels."

Rylee looked up at him, her eyes wide, with her heart pounding in her chest. Did he have any idea what he was doing to her, the pleasure she felt when he touched her? Holding her against him, his hand cupped her bottom, as his other hand threaded through her hair. It was the most intimate thing she ever felt before. They were touching everywhere, her breasts brushed against his chest, his hips were pressed against hers, and she could feel his erection against her lower belly. Only the many layers of clothes they wore kept them apart. She wanted. She wanted him. Desperately. She was burning for him.

She raised a shaking hand and pulled his hair away from his eyes and a few stray hairs out of his face. Her other hand brushed over his face, from brow to cheek to the stubble on his jaw. Her fingers lingered there as the other hand ran through the fine strands of his hair. Did he have any idea? She met his eyes, they reflected the same overwhelming desire she was feeling. She wanted to give him her token, "Kili-."

"I have no right to ask you that, to tell you how to wear your hair, but I want to-, I want that right," Kili said, as he reveled in the feel of her hand on his face, warm, soft, gentle. He looked down at the somewhat bemused expression on her face, her fingers gently pulling through his own tangled hair made him realize exactly how much he needed her. He normally did not allow maids to touch his hair, yet Rylee's touch was acceptable. Hell, more than acceptable, it brought him pleasure whenever she touched his face or his hair. He put his forehead against hers, "I am rushing everything. I'm sorry. I just-."

"Kili, Stop. I will braid my hair as I want, when I want," Rylee told him, softly but firmly. He pulled away unsure how to take her rejection. She held him tight to her, pulling gently on his hair, forcing him to look at her. He met her eyes and there was a spark of light within their depths as she continued, "The only other person I want to touch or braid my hair is you."

"You would let me braid your hair?" He was breathless. She was offering him an intimacy that was priceless to him. She told them that she found braiding painful. But this, this was her choice. He was her choice. It was almost as good as a token.

"Yes, Kili," She whispered, her hand still in his hair, trying to find the courage to ask him to accept her token. She pulled him down brushing her lips against his. Her kiss was gentle, soft, and sweet, and then she started to back away. He growled and hauled her back against him, not wanting to let her go. "I need to sleep Kili, and you are on watch."

"Damn it!" he growled as he realized that he was supposed to be watching out for danger, and here he was kissing a fiery War Maiden instead of doing his sworn duty. "Fine, I will walk you back."

They made their way back up to the camp in the dark. They stayed on the outskirts until she reached her bedroll beside Mikhaul, so that Kili wouldn't lose his night vision to the firelight. When they got there, Kili pulled her in for one last kiss before releasing her. She was reveling in the thrill of what just happened, her heart was still racing a mile a minute, and a warm flush graced her cheeks. She just had to reach into her pack and give it to him. It could not be that hard, could it? Why was she so completely terrified? Never had she felt this kind of fear.

"Sleep well, My Lady." He could not help but stress the My. He wanted her to belong to him and him alone. He silently prayed that she would make an official move, that she would finally offer him her token. He wished he could just claim her, that Thorin was not with them so he could take her and make her his. Kili did not dare follow through on that thought, not with his uncle watching their every move.

"I won't, but thank you Kili." She said honestly, as she pulled away from him. She was still affected by the same dream, and she was still caught in its trap, but it was getting progressively better, which gave her some small hope.

"Kili, you are supposed to be on watch," Thorin's voice called out. Rylee swore she heard amusement in his voice. Camp was like a gossip mill and it made her wonder, just how many witnesses did they have? Was Thorin the only one watching them, or were there others watching from their bedrolls? Had they placed bets? She wouldn't doubt it. They were Dwarves after all.

"Hey, Rylee?" Bombur called from across the camp, his whisper carried easily over the night air.

"Yes, Bombur?" Rylee asked as she moved to sit on her bedroll. That made two witnesses.

"I made your tea. It is by the fire, staying warm." Bombur told her with a chuckle.

Rylee groaned into her hands, she forgot about her tea. She just hoped that it wasn't too overly steeped, "How long ago?"

"'Tis okay lass, tis only been five minutes," Dwalin said, softly, his voice carrying from just in front of her, to the left. Three witnesses. She sighed and got up, going over to the fire to pick up her tea. Using her sleeves she picked it up and sat down by the fire, if she touched it with her bare hands it would start to boil anew.

Dwalin watched as Rylee picked up the metal cup, using her sleeves, her hands, and the cloth of her sleeve brushed close to the flames. She didn't pull away as once again the flames rose to touch her. Several strands of her hair blew over her shoulder and into the fire and instead of catching and burning, they picked up the flame. Dwalin chuckled to himself. Born in Mahal's Forge and made of fire. He settled himself into his bedroll, as many times as he saw it, it still surprised him.

"Where's the clasp from your braid, Rylee?" Fili asked quietly, she looked up at him in surprise. She blushed deeply and tried to ignore him as she sipped her tea. His quiet teasing continued, "Does Kili have it? Did he just forget to give it back to you? Or did you braid his hair with it?"

"I didn't realize the status of my braid clasp was such an interesting topic of discussion, Fili." A few more chuckles rose from around them as Rylee avoided answering the question at all. It did, however, answer her question, apparently everyone was curious about her relationship with Kili.

"Perhaps I am just curious to know if I might have a little sister in the near future." Fili said quietly as he sat down beside her.

"Why, so you can attempt to throw rocks at her?" She teased him a small grin playing about her lips.

"Mahal, no! She throws them back." Fili scoffed bumping his shoulder against hers. Then he whispered, so lowly that she barely heard him, "Do you love him, Rylee? Is he your One?"

She turned and looked at the handsome blonde dwarf beside her. She studied him for a long moment. Holding her breath, she sat rigid as she thought about what she was about to admit, on a released breath she said, "Aye."

"That scares you?" Fili asked, watching her reaction. After over four weeks with the Company she was beginning to come out of her shell, starting to allow her cold façade to drop away. He knew that was Kili's doing.

"Aye, almost more than heights and nearly as much as spiders," Rylee whispered softly, before a shiver ran down her spine.

"But why? What is there to be afraid of?" Fili asked his eyebrows shot up as she named her two worst fears.

"It is new, and strange, it makes me feel exhilarated, and dizzy, and lighter than anything I have ever encountered in Middle-Earth," Rylee said, her voice was almost pained as she tried to describe her rampant emotions. "I am afraid of the fall, if he doesn't feel the same."

"He would be a fool not to, Rylee," Fili said bumping her shoulder again.

"You just say that so I don't throw more rocks back at you." Rylee smiled up at him. She knew she could ask Fili, what Kili thought about her, but somehow that just felt wrong. This was between her and Kili, she didn't want to use Fili as a middleman.

"You throw hard," Fili laughed at himself and at her, "and you do have exceptional aim. Which is what I don't understand about the bow?"

"You and me both, do you have any idea how frustrating it is to watch every arrow curve away from the target?" Rylee shook her head, a wry grin played about her lips. "Even Thorin and Mahal couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong. I thought perhaps it was a flaw in the bow I was using and had Mahal test it. He found nothing, and I tried using his bow and still the arrows would veer right. I have a moment of Divine Inspiration to make my bow and still the arrows turn. To this day it doesn't matter what bow I use, the arrow turns."

"That seems oddly," Fili hesitated thinking of the word he wanted to use, "Magical?"

"Aye, some sort of Divine Trickery. Eru touched 'True' once and told me that I had to find the one who could teach me the way. Do you think that it is coincidence that the bow chose Kili?" Rylee pondered out loud. She was feeling pensive and thoughtful.

Fili looked at the thoughtful young Dwarrowdam beside him. He originally thought it was just luck that Kili was the one to catch her when she dropped in at Bilbo's Hobbit Hole, but her words made him wonder. She was dropped into the lap of her One, the bow responded to her One. Kili's dagger was a gift from Mahal, the same dagger that he used to stop a fall from atop a dragon, so he could ultimately kill it. Perhaps the pair was destined to meet each other. Was the bow a means to help Rylee lure her One to her? Though Rylee was stunningly beautiful, Kili was a notorious flirt. If they were still in Ered Luin, Kili would have given up on Rylee weeks ago, he would have called her a tease and walked away. He was also a stubborn, and dense fool at times, it would take something like a bow, or a dagger, to make him take her seriously.

"If you were to court, would you prefer First Age customs or our customs now?" Fili asked her suddenly, whispering again as if to keep a secret.

She looked at him, her eyebrow quirked in question, she whispered in return, "First Age, I suppose, considering I do not know your customs. All I know is that the female makes the first move." She paused for a long moment before she continued softly, "Being Mahal's daughter, I never thought to find my One. I was created to do quests, not fall in love. I keep apart from everyone, so to find my One, now, while on a quest, it is confusing. Kili is confusing."

"I will admit, Kili does love the chase, but in his defense, most Dwarrowdam's use him to get to me," Fili told her quietly, "The bloody cows seem to think we don't notice when they flirt with him to get my attention."

"Well, I cannot say anything about your cows, but I would think that it would be more refreshing for you, if a Dwarrowdam was either completely direct, or made you work for her. Actually you need someone who is both direct, and would make you work for her," Rylee smirked. Fili looked at her with surprise and blushed lightly. A wry grin brightened her face as she said, "You know, I was once told that I was as frigid as a sea cow in mid-winter."

Fili snorted and laughed loudly, "Who told you that? He must have been blind, and stupid. You are the warmest person I have met."

"Um, of course I am, I am made of fire," Rylee chuckled softly, "you can't get much warmer than that."

"No really, Rylee, even when you wear your Royal Façade," Fili shook his head with a grin. She was an odd female, but genuine and sweet and strong. Cold was not a term he would use to describe her, not after spending time with her. "Some people can't see past it, but you are sweet, kind hearted, and you have a great sense of humor. My grandmother Nisi would call you charismatic. You are a very warm person."

"You are most kind, good sir, you are definitely a progeny of Durin, golden tongue and all," Rylee offered a small smile in return. His compliments warmed her, she was not used to receiving them, but she could see that he was being genuinely honest.

"So, who was this idiotic fool who would call the Queen of Red Flame such blasphemous names?" Fili teased her.

"It was some Lord of Men, who thought that I should bow down at his feet and worship him, because he thought himself handsome and wealthy." Rylee confided softly, "He also told me I should stop acting like a cave troll, and take an ice axe to the chip on my shoulder, lest a cold drake use it as a perch. He was very fond of insults, but not very creative."

"I do not imagine that you were so polite as to ignore that slight." Fili looked shocked before it turned to anger at the man who would slur Rylee so rudely.

"Of course not," Rylee grinned in remembrance, "I told him if he wanted a warm bed partner he could go plow a Balrog in Angband and open his arse to Ancalagon. I warned him to turn out the lights, the moon, and the stars first, for no one wanted to look upon his flaccid chinned, beak nosed, rheumy eyed, rat face, while doing the deed with the likes of him. Not even one of Morgoth's creations. For good measure I repeated it in every language I know, just to make sure he understood me, as I bodily threw his uncomely arse out of my dining pavilion."

Fili laughed loudly at that, earning glares from a few startled members of the company as they woke to his chortles. "You are a sharp tongued she-devil. Remind me never to anger you, Rylee."

They sat quietly together while Rylee finished drinking her tea. She bid Fili goodnight, then stood and rinsed out the cup, before drying it and returning it to the supply bags. For a long moment Rylee looked out over the valley, searching, and seeking. The presence was gone and that bothered her. Mikhaul was sleeping peacefully so Rylee shook off the feeling of disquiet and walked back to her bedroll and climbed in. Hands on her axes, she drifted off to sleep.

Fili headed to his own bedroll shortly after, thinking that, indeed, Rylee was the perfect match for his brother. She had a sharp wit, good comebacks, and a sense of humor. She was his equal in skill on the battlefield, feisty and mischievous. He would bet that she was just as reckless as Kili too. If he was to choose a sister, it would be Rylee. Fili just hoped that his brother didn't mess it up.

Kili was trying to listen to the exchange, but they were whispering low and he could not make out the words. He watched his brother bump his shoulder against Rylee's and smiled, Fili admired her, he knew. When they talked together about her, Fili always spoke with respect. Fili laughed loudly at something Rylee told him and Kili could not help the small spark of jealousy. Then he relaxed, just by watching Fili with her, he knew that while his brother enjoyed her company, he held no interest for her otherwise.

Kili stood holding Rylee's hair clasp in his hands, twirling it through his fingers. It was a larger clasp, meant for an abundance of hair. He looked at the runes and engravings that were on it. They were old. Some of them were so old that he couldn't understand what they meant at all. There was both Khuzdul and Sindarin words. There were other glyphs that had no meaning to him at all whatsoever. Regardless of what it meant, the clasp was beautifully made.

Perhaps he was the wrong Dwarf for her. She should be interested in someone more fitting of her title and status, not the second in line. Aye he was a prince, but she was a queen. She should be with someone like Fili, not him. That thought made him clench his fists in anger, just as they did whenever he watched her interact with the other members of the Company. The clasp snapped closed in his hand and he swore as it pinched him.

Hair touching was a great honor. It was one of the few that survived from the First Age and was considered sacred. She gave him that gift tonight, even though he had been taking liberties for weeks. She already had that honor, several times she touched his face and the fringe of hair that constantly seemed to escape his clasp, but she was always hesitant. She never went further and he contemplated whether he should offer Rylee the same consideration as she gave him. Perhaps he should tell her or ask her to touch his hair. Exchanging braids was another ancient tradition, one that he never really thought that he would follow, and it was slowly being lost to exchanging simple personal items. Mikhaul promised him that if Rylee was interested then she would give him a token. Thus far she made no indication that she was interested in a courtship of any kind. Other than the hair touching, at least it was progress.

Gloin came up to relieve him from duty and Kili turned to go back to camp.

"You going to keep her clasp, lad? Or are you going to toy with it like you are her?" Gloin asked quietly.

"I don't want to toy with either," Kili said quietly in confession. "I just don't know how to court a Dwarrowdam from the First Age, and I don't think she knows our customs well enough to court me, either. Even if she did, I would likely mess it up."

"That's understandable," Gloin grinned at him. "When my Ami chose me, I was beside myself for weeks, terrified I might mess it up and chase her away."

Kili walked away from the titan haired dwarf and he pondered his words. At least Gloin and his wife had a clear set of rules to work with. He was dealing with a lass who was from a different Age, who played by different rules. This was why he was listening to advice of a horse. Courting Rylee according to what Mikhaul could remember of First Age customs. He was being as patient as he could be, showing her attention, trying to get to know her, asking her to spar with him, and to practice with him. Rylee was just adept at avoiding and evading him.

Ori was waking Bofur for his turn on watch with Gloin, as Kili made his way to his bedroll. He put his weapons near the top of his bedroll and settled in. He looked at Rylee, who was thrashing about, a frown marred her beautiful face, and her breaths were ragged and torn. It was the first time in days that she moved in her sleep. No longer entombed within her dream, but she was moving more than she ever had before. It was like she went from one extreme to the opposite. She was in the midst of yet another nightmare. A low whimper left her throat, tears ran from her closed eyes and she whispered a name, "Kili."

She pulled one of her axes and was about to swing, when he caught her arm, and pulled the weapon free of her clenched hand. Her eyes popped open, filled with terror and pain. She sat up just as he dropped the weapon back beside her bedroll and reached for her. "Are you okay Rylee?"

"No!" She cried suddenly, surprising him, looked up at him, and shook her head. For the first time, he saw fear in her eyes, true unbridled fear.

"Sh-sh-shhh, you are okay, Rylee. It's okay," He knelt in front of her and pulled her into his arms. Oblivious to the others that looked over at them, woken from their sleep by her sudden outburst. He ran his hands up and down her back, trying to offer her his comfort, "You woke on your own."

"The dream was different, Kili, I altered it and then -," she gasped clutching him against her. She was shaking like a leaf, as she tried to calm down. "Then it changed, worse, but normal."

"What do you mean, Rylee?" Kili whispered, her head was in the crook of his neck, her breath teased his flesh and made him burn. He held her closer, and ran his fingers through her hair. "What is a normal dream, for you?"

"Death," She said hoarsely, the word was choked as it sprang from her mouth. The images of Kili pierced by no less than three arrows and a sword wound flashed again over her eyes. She clung to him, needing to feel him alive and warm against her. She whispered again, "I dream of death."

"Whose death?" Kili asked as a chill ran up his spine. She was in his lap, her arms holding him close, her head nestled beneath his chin. It was like she belonged there, she fit against him so perfectly. He just kept rubbing her back, offering her all the comfort that he could.

"Everyone's. The ones that were killed in past battles, and the battles that are yet to come." Rylee whispered softly, she was calming down and her voice was so soft that it barely carried at all, "The whole Company. Thorin's, Fili's, Gandalf's, yours, mine. I see everyone I love die, violently, horribly, every bloody night. I don't know how to stop it."

"How do you know you are meant to stop it?" Kili whispered as he held her in his arms. He eased down onto her bedroll, shifting them both so that they were lying together on the thickly quilted blanket, his head on her pillow. He was fascinated as he felt her hand under his shoulder, instinctively reaching for the handle of her axe as she dropped her head to his shoulder. She curled against him.

"Change the Hands of Fate." Rylee whispered softly, she buried her head into his collar, relishing in the comfort she found there. She was aware of his body beside hers, holding her against his chest. For the first time in forever she almost felt safe. "Something is to happen that even the Valar are not happy about, it is my destiny to stop it from happening."

"You are certain it is one of us?" Kili asked her gently, he pulled her hair back, twining his fingers in it, combing through the thick waves. Her sigh of contentment drove him to continue brushing through the fiery strands that spilled around her.

"Aye," Her voice was so far away, he could barely hear her, "This Company is like family to me. I could not bear it, to lose anyone. It would kill me, to lose you, Kili."

"You will not lose me, Rylee." Kili told her soothingly. Fili brought over his blankets, and with his brother's help, they arranged the blankets around them. Within moments they heard her soft even breaths as she returned to sleep, still clinging tightly to him.

Kili contemplated his relationship with Rylee. Was he certain that this was what he really wanted? Was he willing and ready to give up flirting and lust driven nights, just for the hand of one maid? He had been asking himself these questions for weeks, and didn't know what to do with the emotions that were running amok!

"If you hurt her Kili, I will tear you apart myself," Fili looked at Kili with a dark glare. He could see the questions behind those dark brown eyes. Fili returned to his bedroll watching his brother carefully, he wanted to protect Rylee, even if it was from his own reckless little brother. Rylee was Kili's perfect match, but if his little brother botched it up again, Fili vowed he would beat his brother senseless.

"Why would you say that? I have been trying to court her for weeks. You know this! I would never hurt her!" Kili protested quietly, defying even his own indecisiveness. He instinctively held her closer against him as he looked at his brother, wondering what the hell he did to earn that look. He felt a little hurt that Fili would think him so callous.

"You already have hurt her once," Fili told him, his usually bright eyes darkened with anger, "and do not forget I have seen you in action. You are a notorious flirt. How many lovers have you taken back at Ered Luin? You string them along until they find out about each other."

"None of them care for me, Fili, and you know it, other than the fact that I am your brother. They see the shortened beard and assume that I am the lesser of the princes, each and every one of them settles for me because they cannot have you," Kili shot back angrily. "Rylee likes me, for being me. Why must you stand in my way?"

"I would never stand in your way. I am just saying that you cannot do that to Rylee. She is innocent." Fili said softly in the fading firelight, he looked across the way at the small form in his brother's arms. "She cares for you, nadad, so do not hurt her."

"I-I don't just want to court her, Fili, I want to put my braid in her hair," Kili confessed as he held Rylee's sleeping form against him. Even with her just sleeping beside him, he felt the stirrings of this very desire. "I want to claim her."

"That's new," Fili blinked at his brother. Kili never wanted someone to the point of wanting to braid in their hair. He never touched hair. He never allowed another to touch his. It was only ever family. He knew about only two incidents where Rylee touched him, on the first night she arrived and the night of the bandits and blood magic, neither time was meant in a way of courting. "Have you let her-? On purpose?"

"Her fingers are divine, her touch is soft, gentle, I want her to- I want her to touch, braid, comb and play. I try to deny it, but -," Kili whispered softly as his own fingers tangled in the maid's hair. He looked down at Rylee, peacefully asleep in his arms. He felt only contentment and something beyond meaning, as she curled around him, still clutching him to her. "What is wrong with me Fili?"

Fili chuckled softly, he would not tell Kili that Rylee was his One. He knew his brother, and that would only make him run in the opposite direction. "I am sure you will figure it out, nadad. Sleep now, I will take her watch."

Kili watched Rylee sleeping peacefully in his arms and something twisted inside of him. When he first met her, he was certain that it was only lust, now he was not so sure. Fili was right, he had several lovers over the past few years, but never anyone serious and while lust was not a stranger to him, he wanted Rylee badly. There was just something about her that held him back. Taking Rylee as a lover would be very serious indeed. She was pure and innocent, something ethereal and special. She was his Mithril Queen, he wanted to cherish her. She would fade if she fell for him, and the idea of her dying, the idea of her leaving him, for any reason, it killed him.

Kili dropped his head to her pillow and curled into Rylee. Feeling her against him, feeling her snuggle into him for comfort and protection in the night did something to him. It was more than lust, he wanted her to be his, he wanted to give her a family, a home, a hearth fire, and he wanted to grow old with her. She might be a War Maiden and a Dragon Slayer, she might never need him to protect her from danger, but he could offer her this. Aye he would give up every lustful night in Ered Luin if he could have Rylee like this every night. He felt better, being able to hold her made him feel content and happy. 'This night, is one I will cherish,' he thought as he let himself drift into sleep.

---

She woke again to the deaths of the Company flashing before her eyes. Her eyes opened in terror, and she blinked away the images. She focused on a familiar blue tunic, and the familiar scent of the dwarf male holding her against him. Warmth curled through her, and her arms tightened around him momentarily. She remembered her nightmare and him coming to her. She groaned quietly as she realized that she fell asleep in his embrace. She could not be doing this! She should not be allowing her desire for her One to rule her mind. What the hell was she doing? She felt the slow and steady pressure of his hand as he gently rubbed her back and she bit her bottom lip as she considered this new intimacy between them.

"Keep it up and I am going to kiss you again," Kili whispered in her ear. He woke the moment she started thrashing, rubbing her back before she even opened her eyes, stilling her movements. He could see the moment that her fear turned into confused realization, and finally to uncertainty. He wanted there to be no doubts that he wanted her to be in his arms, that this was where she belonged.

"Oh!" she gasped, startled, she looked up at him. His eyes darkened with some emotion she didn't quite understand, but it made heat coil within her belly in response. Within seconds she found her hand threaded with his as he rolled slightly on top of her. His thigh was pressed between her legs and her hips rolled up against him instinctively, the pressure there was intense, and she gasped in reaction. Her heart raced as she looked up at him. He caught her lips in a fierce kiss and the heat spread instantly to every part of her body. His thigh pressed into her groin, electric fire spread from her center and she rocked against him again and moaned into his mouth. When he pulled back, they were both breathing hard.

"Kili," Rylee whispered as she looked up into his dark fathomless eyes, she knew only one thing. She needed him. She tangled her free hand in the hair at his nape and pulled him back down for another kiss. This time it was her teeth biting his lip, her tongue seeking his, twining, dancing and stroking. Pulling her hand from his, she explored his well muscled arms and wide shoulders, down his torso over his chest and abs to grip his hips. His thigh pressed against her again, and she jerked underneath him in surprise at the intensity of the contact, breaking the kiss.

His heart was pounding in his chest as he surveyed his affect on her. Her fiery hair spread around them, her stormy grey eyes, darkened with desire, her lips were pink and plump from his kisses. His need for her was like a raging inferno. He closed his eyes for a long moment, trying to rein in his control. Every one of her reactions to his advances were positive, the way she shivered when he whispered to her, the way her body arched into his when he touched her. She was so responsive to him. He wanted her. In every way he wanted her. Just not like this, with the watchful eyes of the Company and Thorin upon them. He eased up onto his elbows, making space between them, and she whimpered almost as though she was in pain.

He smirked at her and whispered, "I would keep you here all day, if I could, love, but it is time to get up. Dawn has arrived."

"But I was to have last watch!" Rylee's hushed voice was frantic as her eyes widened with shock before it fell with shame. She whispered hoarsely, "I was to have last watch with Thorin. He is going to kill me."

"Nay, love, if he kills anyone, it'll be me," Kili assured her as he realized that he was still holding her intimately under him. "I mean it, Rylee. I was the one sleeping in your bedroll. You have done nothing wrong."

Rylee's blushed furiously at his words, her eyes were wide and her breath stalled as she looked up at him. She forcibly pushed Kili off of her and sat up, roughly combing through her hair and straightening her clothes, as she did every morning. Kili admired her as her hands swept over her curves. Damn, she was strong! That thought led to Kili wondering who would win in a wrestling match, which turned to contemplations of something entirely more interesting. Then he realized that all those times she moved to get out of his lap or pull out of his embrace and did not, she could have, and chose not to. From the first day, she could have pushed him away from her and she did not. She wanted him. She wanted him, like he wanted her! So why the hell had she not made a move?

"Why did no one wake me? I was to have last watch," Rylee asked Thorin in frustration. He was sitting against the same boulder as he had been the night before, a dark hooded expression on his face. Whatever he was thinking, he was keeping it locked far away.

"Fili took it so you could sleep. You get little enough as it is." Thorin said as he watched Rylee jump to her feet and leave his nephew behind in the bedroll watching after her.

Rylee stormed away, helping the others tear down the camp and put things away into their crates, rolls, bags and packs. When she was finally safe on the far side of the camp she allowed herself to look back at Kili, still sitting on her bedroll, their blankets pushed down to his waist. If only she had the courage to ask him. The token was ready, all she had to do was ask.

Thorin was carefully watching the pair as they continued their strange courtship. Rylee was carefully watchful of Kili, barely concealed longing lit the depths of her grey eyes. The white sparks always seemed brighter when she was beside Kili. Kili's eyes were hungrily following Rylee's movements as she moved about the camp. Thorin even noticed the scowl that crossed Kili's face as he watched her interact with the other males in the Company. The lad was falling hard for her, but did he realize yet that she was his One? Thorin glowered at him, "You either court Rylee properly or not at all Kili. She is not some wench to be trifled with."

"I am aware of this, Uncle." Kili said peevishly as he rose and started packing up the bedrolls. He was just going about it differently than normal. It was supposed to be her move, and he was trying to be patient, but the temptation she offered made waiting increasingly difficult. Would she give him her token? He looked up at Rylee across the camp and the many braids in her hair. Would she accept his clasp? Would she allow his braid? Even just a courting braid, would she allow it? Would she let him mark her as his?

"Are you? I will not have you hurting her," Thorin asked him darkly. He didn't know what kind of courting rituals the pair was doing. It was like watching some intricate dance, each one moving either toward or away from the other, and then both coming back together to perform a new step.

Kili looked at his Uncle for a long moment. Thorin was Rylee's Guardian since she was still considered underage. Would Thorin even allow him to court her? Damn it, he hadn't even asked Thorin for permission to court her yet! No wonder Thorin was like a bear with a bee in his bonnet. Would Thorin accept her as a suitable potential candidate for a prince of Durin? Was he a suitable candidate for a Queen from the First Age? Would he bless a courting braid? He was suddenly uncertain of everything. Kili's voice was low as he asked, "May I have your permission to court Rylee, Thorin?"

"Aye, Kili, you may court her," Thorin said satisfied that Kili was at least acknowledging some of the courting rituals that were in place for this Age. He left Kili to move on to other tasks. The first of which was to break up the camp and prepare to get back on the trail. He looked up at the darkening sky. It was going to rain, and he was hoping to outrun it. It didn't take long to tear down the camp and head out.