Well then, I've got a longer chapter this time. Not much to report on my end. Thanks to everyone who read, reviewed and favourited. Love all around. Enjoy reading!

Side note: to own this would be to own the stars

Chapter 21

"Fili?"

Her voice sparked through the fog in his head as he stared intently at her. Neither of them had spoken after he had shut the door for a few minutes and Fili was hesitant to answer her. His One's eyes were wide and staring at him, a slightly nervous look in them, and that Mahal forsaken hobbit dress outlined and showed off her upper body more than any of the clothes she'd wore before. He pressed his eyes closed and took a deep breath.

"Yes Ê khî?"

"Are you alright? Are you able to braid my hair? I can just put it in a ponytail if it's too much of a bother…"

Fili shook his head vehemently, "No, I will braid your hair." He looked around the bathhouse, taking in how expansive it was, trying to locate a spot that would accommodate their height. He saw no chairs, but spied some steps over at the far windows. Fili took her hand in his and led her to the spot he had chosen.

They settled on the steps with the morning sun shining through the windows, Fili on the second step up with Helena between his legs on the floor, sitting on a cushion he grabbed on the way over. He set the hair accessories next to him and threaded his hands through her long locks. Fili sat with his hands tangled in her hair, thinking about the question he wanted to ask of her. He knew it was silly to worry, that the chances of her saying no was almost nonexistent, but his mind was unable to leave it alone.

Helena sat at his feet, waiting for him to start. She finally turned her body carefully to look up at him with his hands still in her hair. The thoughtful and far away expression he wore made her worry. "Fili, what's wrong?"

He let out a breath as his eyes focus on her face. "I want to ask you a question, but a small part of me fears you will say no."

"Well, you will never know if you never ask."

He smiled at her simple statement, his hands tightening in her hair as he prepared himself to speak. "We are meant for each other, two halves of a whole created by Mahal. You recognize this as much as I. Therefore, I would like to formally ask you, Helena, would you allow me to court you to be my wife?"

Helena stilled at his proposal. Fili wasn't looking at her, but at his hands gripping her hair. She smiled at his nervousness spilling from his posture. "Aren't you suppose to ask the head of my family?" Helena watched his face pale and felt his hands shake slightly. Taking pity on her joking question, she reached over and tweaked his nose. When he looked at her, she grinned broadly. "It would be a little difficult though, seeing as how my brother doesn't live in this world. So I guess it is up to me to decide if you are suitable for me."

Fili's eyes widened as he watched her tap her finger against her chin as if she was deep in thought. As he noticed the laughter lining her face, he smiled at her in relief. When she finally gave her reply, he felt like crying tears of joy.

"Fili, Heir to Erebor, I give my permission for your attempt to court me into your family."

Her cheeky response was almost expected and he would've spun her around by the waist but he settled on brushing his lips to her cheek. He heard her giggle as his moustache braids and beard tickled her skin and started lightly rubbing his cheek against hers as she laughed at the sensation. Fili stopped after a minute and pulled away to look at her shining eyes and rosy face. "Thank you."

Helena smiled brilliantly at him and he guided her back around so he could start putting his braids in her hair. Fili began to section off her hair, listening to her start to hum. After a few minutes he asked her "Will you sing for me?"

"What kind of song would you like to hear?"

"Whichever one you want." He said clasping one braid with a bead.

"Pick a category" Helena said dryly. "I have a lot of songs jumbling around in my head."

Fili hummed as he started a braid on the other side of her head. "Perhaps one from your childhood?"

"You want to hear a kid's song?" Helena nearly snorted as snippets of Disney and Pixar songs played in her mind. "All right." She sat quietly for another moment trying to sift through the amount of songs waiting for her. The one she like most at the moment wasn't from her childhood, but it was from a kid's movie. What he didn't know wouldn't hurt him.

When the cold wind is a calling

And the sky is clear and bright,

Misty mountains sing and beckon,

Lead me out into the light.

I will ride, I will fly,

Chase the wind and touch the sky,

I will fly,

Chase the wind and touch the sky.

Where dark woods hide secrets,

And mountains are fierce and bold,

Deep waters hold reflections,

Of times lost long ago.

I will hear their every story,

Take hold of my own dream,

Be as strong as the seas are stormy,

And proud as an eagle's scream.

I will ride, I will fly,

Chase the wind and touch the sky,

I will fly,

Chase the wind and touch the sky.

And touch the sky.

Chase the wind, chase the wind.

Touch the sky.

During her song, Fili had handed her random braids to hold onto which he now took from her hand. He finished her hair and tied it at the end with a leather strap he had in his pocket. "Finished."

Helena looked over her should at him in surprise. Her song hadn't been that long and she raised a hand to her head to verify that it was all done up, pleasantly pleased at the long mass of her hair bound back. She looked around the bathhouse for a mirror and found one on a nearby vanity. Pushing herself up, Helena carefully walked over to it with Fili right behind, a hand held out in case she needed support. When she arrived and looked at her reflection, a gasp fell from her lips.

Fili had done her hair up in a variation of his own hair style. On either side of her face were two braids each twisted together with a clasp at the end of them and a braid trialed against her head over and around her ear. Several smaller braids were littered across the top of her head held together by a larger clasped and wound together into three parts that made up her main braid. The tails of the braids from behind her ear joined the larger braid about midway, loose enough that she could turn her head without her hair pulling. Helena pulled at one of the twin braids and saw he had added more beads, one on each braid twisted in at various points on both sides.

He looked nervous again when she finally took her eyes away from her reflection to look at his. "I love it." A roguish grin replaced his worried look and she smiled at him still playing with the piece of hair she held.

"I am glad." He tugged on the other braid, "Would like to try and walk to where we are staying or would you like me to carry you again."

Helena blushed at that and looked at her booted feet. She was starting to get tired, not that she was going to let it show that easily. But she would last longer if she didn't walk through what she assumed was a huge palace, judging by the bathroom. "I would like to walk into the room they are in at least." She decided out loud.

Fili's appreciation at her decision showed on his face before he swooped her up into his arms. This time Helena did grab at his shoulders for purchase as her feet suddenly left the ground. His laughter echoed throughout the chamber when she glared at him and he walked them over to the door, pushing it open to see Arwen still waiting to bring them to their company.

They halted a few feet away from a doorway and Helena could hear the voices of the company from within. Fili set her carefully on her feet, holding her arms while she steadied herself. He looked to the elleth who had led them through the maze of halls, "Thank you for your assistance."

Arwen smiled down at the couple. "It was my pleasure to help. If you should find need of me again, just ask one of the other elves wandering around. They all know where to find me." She said the last part mostly to Helena who smiled in gratitude. They watched her walk, or rather glide, away.

Helena inhaled and looked warily at the doorway. Fili shifted his eyes to her face in amusement "You can face down Orcs but the thought of entering that room has you uneasy?"

"Shut up." She took the few steps forward and entered the room. What she saw had her… well she had a hard time choosing between amusement and dismay. The dwarves and hobbit had set up camp together in the large chamber and there was a makeshift fire pit in the middle of the room. The room was bare of most furniture and as she squinted at the wood pile she discovered why.

"You burned the elves furniture!"

Her accusing voice had everyone in the room stop what they were doing and pivot in place. A cry went up among them and Helena heard her name and a mixture of Khuzdul words as they all rushed to her. She took a step back and froze, her eye widening at the incoming mass of bodies to welcome her back and to see if she was okay. They stopped shortly before her as all of their eyes went over her shoulder at Fili and then to her braids adorning her head. Balin was the first one to step forward and calmly bowed to her.

"Congratulations on your courtship."

The others followed his example in various states of bows, leaving her and Bilbo slightly confused. "How can you tell they are courting?" He asked looking her over.

Fili stepped forward, "By my braids she wears." He watched the hobbit compare their hairstyles before offering his own congratulations. And then looked her over more thoroughly.

"Why are you dressed as a hobbit Miss Helena?"

The rest of the company who hadn't taken notice of her clothes, looked now. After their eyes flicked over her from head to toe, they all gave Fili signs of appreciation. Bofur even wiggled his eyebrows at them making Fili growl and her to laugh.

"We have been worried about you lass" Balin told her stepping forward.

Helena gave Balin a funny look as Fili led her to a pile of cushions where she saw Thorin sitting against a pillar smoking his pipe. Her expression brightened as she saw he hadn't taken the flower off his mail in the time she was in the bath. Looking back to Balin again, Helena gave him a questioning look. "I wasn't asleep that long."

Several coughs were heard and eyebrows shifted, making her more confused. Thorin's voice came from next to her, "You were asleep for three days Helena."

She blinked at him. "I'm sorry, come again."

"After Lord Elrond healed you, you slept for almost three days." Affirmed Bilbo, his hands tucked into his pockets.

"Uh huh." Helena hadn't realized that and after a moment a mischievous smile crept onto her face as her eyes sought out Fili. "No wonder Arwen suggested a bath for you."

Loud guffaws were heard among the dwarves as Fili glowered at her playfully. "I have no doubt of that lassie" Dwalin boomed out. "He nev'r left your side while ya slept, didn't eat or sleep much."

"That will be remedied soon enough. We all plan to bathe, don't we Nori." Bofur nudged the thief.

"Oh yes, a large enough bath to accommodate all of us."

Helena narrowed her eyes suspiciously at them as she remember the request from Varda about her fountain. She didn't say anything aloud, but decided to wait and foil their plan in action. She decided to change the subject and asked Thorin a question. "Was Elrond able to read the map?"

A hush came over the company and all eyes turned to their king. Thorin lowered his pipe and stared intently at her. "There are moon runes that can't be read until Midsummer's night eve." He watched her face as a thoughtful expression came over her. "What is it?"

"Hmmm?" Helena hummed out. "Oh nothing. How far is that from now?"

"Twelve days." He answered, suspicion leaking into his voice. "What is on your mind?" He demanded.

"Just thinking about the dates." She answered simply. When Helena looked at him, she saw the skepticism written all over him. Turning her head to observe the seated company, she saw they were looking at her curiously. Moving her gaze back to Thorin, she sighed realizing he wasn't going to let it go. "I was born twelve days before Midsummer's Day. My birthday is tomorrow."

A needle could have been heard falling at the utter silence that swept over the room. It broke when Bombur jumped up and ran out of the room with Helena staring after him in bafflement.

"Where did he go?"

"I assume to make a cake for you, young lady." Dori told her as he stood.

"Oh aye," said Bofur. "A chance to bake is something he will never pass up." He too stood and looked at the doorway. "I wonder if he can find the kitchens…" He trailed off in thought. Shrugging his worry away, he looked down to his cousin. "Come on Bifur, we have things to do."

Slowly the room emptied of dwarves and Helena sat there in confusion. The only ones left beside herself were the Durin's, and after a moment Kili went to his feet as well.

"I have some materials to find. I'll be back later." Then he strolled out of the room with his hands locked behind his head, whistling.

Helena looked at Fili, "What was that about?"

However it wasn't him who answered, but Thorin. "They are going to seek or make gifts for your birthday Helena."

"But why?" She asked bewildered. "None of you have known me long."

Thorin gave her a fixed look. "While you may have been born human, Mahal made you an honorary dwarf when you were sent here making you one of us. With dwarves, only about one in three born are female and they are cherished above all others. That combined with the fact you are Fili's One, demands, no, makes them want to bring you gifts. Especially on your birthday." He stowed his pipe away after tapping out the burning tobacco. "Now, I must speak with Gandalf. The Elf Lord said that you are to take it easy on your body for the next few days while you finish healing. I suggest you find something to occupy your time that doesn't include you moving about." Saying that, he left the room leaving her alone with Fili.

Helena moved her body on the cushions to look at Fili who appeared to be deep in thought. Again. She leaned her head on his upper arm causing him to look down at her. "I'm hungry. And I'm sure you need food as well."

Fili got up, leaving her seated, and went around the room find food scattered on different trays. Food had been brought to them as promised but as she had slept, it was taken away. He loaded up a smaller try with fruits, veggies, breads, and a couple of sausages someone else had squirreled away. Helena thought back to the meats she had taken from Bilbo's house, wondering if they were still good. Fili reappeared in front of her and handed her the tray which she looked at confused. This couldn't be all for her, she thought. Helena was right as she didn't notice Fili stooping down and wrapping his arms around her as she let out a squeak, holding onto the tray with a tighter grip.

He carried her out of the room and down the hallway with sure steps as he had come this way more than once. Fili nudged the door open they stopped in front of and Helena knew they were back in her room from earlier seeing her belongings next to the bed. Fili didn't say a word as he set her on the bed and arranged the pillows behind her after setting the tray on the nightstand. He replaced the tray of food on her lap and sat himself on the large chair next to the bed he had been sitting in for the past few days. "Eat." He said simply.

Helena looked up at him solemnly, her eyes showing confusion and sadness at his lack of communication. She bowed her head and nibbled on a carrot. Silence continued to reign over them as she tried to eat, after a bit Helena threw the food down in frustration and glared at Fili. He wasn't looking at her but must have felt the heat of her gaze because he turned his head towards her and flinched back in surprise. "What is your problem?" She demanded.

Fili's face contorted and he hung his head in shame. "I have no gift to give you tomorrow."

She paused at that, her anger subsiding a little. "That's it?"

He lifted his head and glared at her in return. "Yes, that's it" he snarled. Fili stood and threw his arms up in frustration. "I don't have a gift to give to my One on her birthday! It might not upset you but it shames me!" He looked back at her and froze in his ranting.

Helena's face was black as she stared at him and crossed her arms over her chest. "You asked me to marry you, essentially. Invited me to join your family where I have none and gave me hair decorations that claim me as yours. Although you didn't know it was my birthday tomorrow, I will take them as such gifts because I have never been given anything as precious as you have given me today."

Fili saw her eyes start to glisten and his anger rolled off him like water, he fell to knees next to the bed beside her. With his height, the mattress met his chin and he placed his hands on her leg. "Please don't cry." He pleaded her.

"Then don't make me upset!" She all but shouted at him. "You could have given me nothing but your presence and that would have been more than enough!" Helena blinked her eyes, trying to keep her tears from falling.

"What will you have me do?" Fili asked quietly, admonished at her proclamation.

"You don't want me to cry, right? Well I don't want you to ever be ashamed of yourself, especially over something you can't control. Like knowing when my birthday was when I never told you."

Fili nodded, desperate to have her happy again. "What should I do right now to make you happy?"

"Eat."

"What?"

"You heard me. Eat. And then lay down with me." Fili blinked at her and she reached forward, tugging his hands. "Dwalin already tattled on you so come on, up you go."

Fili stood at her request and climbed onto the enormous bed behind her as she scooted forward the best she could. Helena sat between his legs, one stretched out and the other bend up, with the tray on her lap. They ate until she started to yawn, in which Fili took it off her legs and pulled her to his chest as he leaned against the pillows. Helena wrapped her arms around his waist and burrowed her face into his clothing. The elf may have thought he smelled, but to her he smelled like her Fili.

Next Chapter- The bath scene! Well sorta. I'm trying to figure out what each dwarf is going to give her. Making a list. I'm sorry if there seems to be a lot of scenes with just them. But to be honest, I love writing them.

Ê khî- my one