DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN THE HOBBIT

Fili woke up with a quiet groan. He looked down to see that Kili had fallen asleep with his head on Fili's stomach, while Fili's himself had fallen asleep propped up against the wall. No wonder his neck was killing him. He rolled his head gingerly from side to side. Kili mumbled something and frowned in his sleep. His fingers gripped Fili's tunic tightly. Fili ran his fingers lightly through Kili's hair and whispered softly to him in Khuzdûl, like he used to do when they were children. After a few minutes Kili loosened his grip and proceeded to snuggle down further on Fili's stomach. Fili smiled and shook his head at the sight. He was thinking about how he was going to move Kili around he could comfortable on the bed as well, when he heard soft footsteps outside his bedroom. He sighed and carefully maneuvered out from under Kili; making sure to place a pillow under his brother's head and one close enough for him to grab onto if he should have another nightmare. Then he padded out the room and closed the bedroom door equally softly.

He turned to see Nori propped up in a chair, leaning back on the back legs and having the back of the chair resting against his bookshelf. He nodded to Nori and the Master Spy Dwarf nodded back to him. He moved a chair to sit in front of Nori. They both allowed for a few moments of companionable silence before they had to delve into that part of their lives that they would rather ignore if it was possible.

"There is no sign of anything significant," Nori broke the quiet, "The underground is still a buzz about what happened, but less so. And no one is letting out any hint of who might have been behind it. Whoever is behind this has successfully intimidated everyone into being quiet about their actions."

"How are you so sure about that?" Fili asked, "They could just pay off everyone." Nori shot him a glance that would have made anyone else feel like a fool.

"Everyone is quiet," Nori said slower, "Everyone. If they had to pay everyone to be silent for this long, then they would drain Erebor dry. So it's not that. All the scum are scared. Scared witless and wordless. That means they had the advantage over us, because while we are clueless, they will be able to track our every movement."

"They could also have just given up?" Fili said knowing that he didn't mean the words. Nori shook his head.

"I don't believe that. People who plan that well don't give up after one foiled attempt. They will simply try another strategy. Watch, wait and plan," Nori mused. Fili rubbed his face hard.

"What can we do Nori?" Fili asked unable to hide the desperation in his voice, "We are practically handing them opportunities here having Frodo and Bilbo becoming so integrated with our affairs." Nori gave Fili a rare smile.

"Well that is true. But I don't think you can get them out unless you tie them up and place them in the mining pits; out of sight and out of mind. They are Hobbits after all. And I have come to realize that when a Hobbit places his mind to do something they can be even more stubborn than Dwarves. But a lot more polite about it," Nori grinned. Fili shook his head and mirrored Nori's grin.

"So we just wait then," Fili said, "Hope, pray and wait. Is there anything else that I should know?"

"The Elven brothers and their sister are leaving," Nori said, "There is some amassing of enemies on their borders and some people that need to get to Rivendell safely. But that is their affair and has nothing to do with what is going on here. Beorn is also leaving; he is bemoaning that his garden and animals need tending to. But he says he will be back for the actually coronation."

"So that leaves Lord Elrond, Gandalf and Aragorn from the original group," Fili mused then sighed, "Thank you for the update Nori."

"At your service," Nori replied and then paused a bit, "How is Kili?"

"Better than I hoped," Fili said smiling, "The nightmares are passing and he is getting back to his former strength."

"Good then," Nori said getting up from the chair, "By the way Ori said to check him in the Library."

Fili nodded his thanks and waited for Nori to leave the room before burying his hands in his head. He let his despair, fear and anxiety wash over him for a few seconds then pushed it all away. He sat up straight, took several deep breaths and then headed out his room to the Library.

Ori was at the top rung of a tall ladder when he walked in. The slim dwarf waved and scrambled down the rungs to greet him. They hugged and then Ori led him to a back alcove. In it lay at least ten thick volumes. Fili felt his heart sink at the sight.

"I combed through a few others but they had no relevance to the task that you set for me," Ori said, "But I am definitely sure that within these volumes you will find what you are looking for." Fili nodded slowly not sure what he was feeling. Ori placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Are you alright? Have you changed your mind?" he asked. Fili shook his head vigorously.

"No I haven't. I never will. Thank you for doing this Ori. I know that it must have taken you a good long while to gather all of these," Fili thanked Ori. Ori scoffed and bit and patted his shoulder.

"It was nothing," Ori said, "It will be worthwhile in the end." Fili nodded and then sighed.

"It is a lot of books," he whined a bit. Ori took one good look and him and burst into laughter. A few minutes later they had organized for the books to be sent to Fili's room. Fili thanked Ori again and made his way to Balin's quarters.

"What is it lad?" Balin asked closing the door behind him.

"Ori's found them," Fili said taking a seat at Balin's table. Balin sighed and took a seat beside him.

"Have you had at look at them yet?" Balin asked. Fili shook his head. He placed his head down on the table, resting his cheek against the cool wood.

"It's ten volumes," he said mournfully, "I need help Balin. I can't look through all of them in the next two months with all my duties and this affair with Kili going on." Balin laughed and ruffled his hair.

"Of course I will help you laddie," Balin smiled, "You know you only need ask. Another pair of hands always helps to lighten the load. I will come by your room and take some alright?" Fili nodded.

"Oh by the way," Balin continued, "There are a few more envoys that coming. They should be here within the next few days. So you and Thorin will need to split up who will be greeting who, when they arrive."

"I will ask Hamek to sort that for us," Fili replied, "He is in charge of Diplomatic relations after all. So he should have the best idea of which of us should greet which group, so that we make a good impression." Balin chuckled.

"Now are you beginning to think of like a King," the white haired dwarf said. Fili gave him a small smile. They sat in fond silence for a bit. Then Fili sighed again. Balin raised a thick eyebrow. Fili frowned before answering.

"What if after all this is over…and I am sure that it will blow over," Fili said slowly, "What if it is all for naught? What if I can't find what I am looking for Balin?"

The usual peaceful look of Balin face disappeared to be replaced by a sad weary visage.

"You alone Fili, you alone can know the answer to that," Balin replied softly. Fili lay with his cheek against the table and his eyes focused on a distant point. Then in a voice that Balin could barely hear, Fili answered his own question.

"Then my life will mean nothing at all."