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Rachetg – How could anyone not love Kili!

Nice Egan – I know! Poor Kili.

A Surprise Refuge

As they travelled Fira noticed the mood of the company was lot more sombre than before. Even Fili and Kili were hard pushed to crack a smile or a joke. On the second day of travelling she had insisted that Kili let her walk – something he only did on the promise she would lean on him. And although she didn't mention it, Fira was starting to wish Kili was still carrying her. Her wound throbbed with every step and she would often wake up during the night because of the pain. She hadn't mentioned it to anyone – she hadn't had the chance. They only camped for short spaces of time and Fira was never able to get Oin or Gandalf alone. She knew if she told Kili he would simply start to panic. So she just gritted her teeth and carried on.

It was now three days since Azog's attack and Fira was sharing the jittery feeling amongst the company. As they hurriedly had breakfast she couldn't help herself from glancing over her shoulder all the time. If Azog had dragons on his side then he must have a bigger plan than simply killing Thorin and his family. She had an idea in her mind but she wasn't sure if she should bring it up.

"Brother what exactly are you doing?"

At Fili's voice Fira turned round and snorted with laughter at the sight. Kili was sitting cross legged by Fili with his whole head covered by his tunic. He wrenched at it desperately but it was no good. It was completely stuck. Fira shook her head weakly as Kili tugged at his sleeves.

"I want to get these bloody bandages off!" His muffled voice yelled. Fili rolled his eyes whilst Fira's own smile dampened as she saw Kili's bandaged torso. He hardly ever mentioned his injuries and it was easy to forget he had been whipped. Getting to her feet she moved over and took his tunic in her hands.

"Let me."

Kili stopped struggling and Fira pulled his shirt off with a flourish. Giving her a bashful smile Kili then began untying the bandages whilst Fira smiled at him.

"Are we sure the lass should be seeing this?" Dwalin said with a wink. Bofur nodded.

"Aye, wouldn't want to frighten her!"

Rolling her eyes Fira turned back to Kili. He had seen her naked after all. Trying not to get too distracted by his toned body she simply handed him his shirt back. He went to put it on when she held out a hand.

"Wait."

Kili frowned as she moved so she was now sitting behind him. Fira bit her lip at the thin gashes stretching across Kili's back. Resting a hand over the worst of them she gently kissed each one in turn before pressing her forehead against his shoulder.

"I'm so sorry my love," she whispered. "So sorry."

Kili scrambled back into his tunic and cupped her face in his hands.

"You have nothing to be sorry for Fira. You didn't do this to me, goblins did."

To prove his point he then took her bandaged hand and kissed it. Fira smiled through the pain of having to move it. Kili rubbed his nose against hers and Fira moved in for a kiss when Thorin began shouting for everyone to start moving out. Sighing she allowed Kili to pull her to her feet. However, at the sudden moment her head spun and she stumbled. Kili grabbed her by the waist and placed a hand on her forehead.

"Fira?" He bit his lip, "You're burning up."

She shook her head, "No it's nothing. I got up far too fast. Plus I've had a headache all morning, that's all it is."

Kili wasn't convinced in the slightest – she knew just by looking at him. However he didn't say anything and instead pulled her against him. Fira gave a small sigh as they began walking. She wouldn't be able to fob him off for much longer. Already she knew her wound wasn't a normal wound. How could it be when it wasn't healing and she felt like all her strength was slowly being taken from her? Shutting her eyes Fira clung to Kili as her feet tried to pick themselves up. As the ground vanished and Kili's arms hugged her tightly she licked her lips – keeping her eyes closed.

"Let me walk Kili."

"Of course Fira," he said cheekily, "Once I know you won't fall over then you can walk to the end of the earth."

Fira would have replied but she was far too tired to even consider it.


Fira opened her eyes before shutting them again. She could still feel Kili's arms around her. Hear the steady beat of his boots as they hit the ground. So they were still walking. Fidgeting in Kili's hold Fira bit her lip as a stab of pain hit her in the stomach. She could feel her wound screaming at her now. Any ounce of strength seemed to have vanished from her limbs and she could feel the sweat start on her forehead.

"How is she brother?"

At Fili's voice Fira was tempted to open her eyes. However the need to rest was too much for her.

"Okay…I think," Kili whispered, "Should she be this tired though?"

"After what Sol did to her who knows?"

Kili mumbled something inaudible before clearing his throat.

"I had a nightmare last night."

"You never said." Fili seemed genuinely surprised Kili would suffer such a thing.

"I didn't want to. I didn't think it would matter…only it might."

"What do you mean?"

"We were in a battle. There were orcs all around us. One had you and the other had Fira. Thorin and the others were nowhere to be seen. And then Azog made me choose between you two."

"Kili…"

"The orcs began hurting you and Fira. You were being tortured right before my eyes! But I couldn't pick! How can I choose between the two people I love most in this world? Only…only Azog knew how to make me pick. The orc holding Fira began…began to touch her. And hurt her."

Kili's voice cracked and he stopped talking. Even though she still kept her eyes shut Fira placed one hand on his chest in a feeble attempt to comfort him. Fili mumbled something in their language before talking in the common tongue.

"That day will never come Kee."

"But what if it did? I can't choose between you two!"

"Listen to me brother," Fili's voice was firm and Fira knew just how strong a brother he was to Kili.

"If that day ever came then I know you would do the right thing. You would do what your heart told you. And I would never hate you for choosing Fira over me. She is your One Kili. As far as rankings go she's higher up than I am."

"Don't be ridiculous," Kili whispered. But Fira could tell he was a lot calmer. Gently moving her head she decided it was time to quit the pretence. Forcing her eyes open she smiled up at the two brothers.

"How long was I asleep for?"

"A fair few hours," Kili whispered before leaning down to kiss her forehead. As she glanced around Fira realised that the sun was starting to set. The company had arrived at a small clearing surrounded by rocks. As everyone sat down Fira caught sight of Thorin's worried face and she longed to tell him things would be okay. Kili gently sat her down before sitting by her and slipping an arm around her waist.

"How do you feel?"

Fira nodded and hoped her smile was convincing enough. Leaning against Kili she glanced up when a shadow fell across her face. At the sight of Thorin she made to get up when the king placed a hand on her shoulder.

"No no, rest Fira," he knelt down, "How are you both doing?"

Nodding Fira watched Kili do the same. Thorin smiled thinly before facing her.

"Why would a Dragonborn be with Azog?"

Taken aback by the bluntness Fira gave a nervous swallow.

"Remember when I mentioned Tharos – my king – had an ally? I think…I think it might be Azog."

Thorin nodded, "But why?"

"How should I know? I was never privy to his grand plans," Fira snapped. She then gave Thorin a small smile.

"Sorry, that wasn't fair."

He shook his head, "It doesn't matter."

He glanced at Kili before looking over at Fili who talking with Mithiel; he said something and the elf burst into laughter. Smiling to herself Fira faced Thorin again.

"You know Azog wishes to see me and my family dead?"

Fira nodded and gripped Kili's hand hard. Thorin sighed.

"Now that he has Dragonborns on his side I fear he plans a great deal more than this. I believe he wants to take the Lonely Mountain."

"Why?" Kili said, "What use would he have of it?"

Thorin smiled, "If you had lived there you would know. It's the ideal fortress and a strategic stronghold. Should the wrongs hands get it, it could be a useful tool in times of war."

"But we aren't at war," Kili said. Thorin nodded.

"Not now, but we have no idea what the future holds for us. Besides, it is our home. I'll be dammed if filth like Azog and the Dragonborns get their hands on it."

Fira lowered her gaze and Thorin gave her a nervous glance.

"Fira…I wasn't including you in that."

She nodded, "They aren't my people anymore Thorin. They have hated me and done their best to see me dead. I owe them nothing," she kissed Kili's hand, "This is where I belong now."

Kili gave her a proud smile and even Thorin looked pleased at this. Getting to his feet he turned his attention to the others.

"We'll set up camp here and…" he trailed off as a howl echoed through the night. Before it had even ended the company all had their weapons out and Kili pulled Fira close against him. Thorin gulped.

"They've found us," he growled, "How?"

Gandalf sighed, "I don't think Azog is going to be so willing to give us his quarry."

Thorin nodded, "We must see how close they are."

"I'll go."

"Everyone gaped at Bilbo who got to his feet and gave a determined nod.

"I'm the smallest, I'll go."

Thorin shook his head, "I mean no disrespect Bilbo but it's too dangerous."

"Trust me," Bilbo said with a strange air of authority, "They'll never see me."

Before Thorin could make any more objections Bilbo scrambled up over the rocks and vanished from sight.


It was less than half and hour before he was back. By now Fira was on her feet and no longer needed to lean on Kili for support. As Bilbo came back into view everyone circled round him for news. However they only had to see his face to know what had happened.

"How close is the pack?" Dwalin growled, axe in hand. Bilbo shook his head,

"Too close. A couple of leagues, no more. But that's not the worst of it,"

"Have the Wargs picked up our scent?" Dwalin asked. Bilbo shook his head and Gandalf frowned,

"Did they see you?"

"No…that's not it," Bilbo said indignantly and Gandalf smiled,

"What did I tell you?" he looked triumphantly at the others, "Quiet as a mouse. Excellent burglar material,"

Bilbo stared as the dwarves began nodding and talking among themselves,

"Will you listen-will you just listen? I am trying to tell you that there is something else out there," he turned and pointed in the direction he had just come from.

A horrible silence fell on the company. Gandalf narrowed his eyes,

"What form did it take? Like a bear?"

"Bilbo frowned, "Yes. But bigger, much bigger,"

"I say we double back," Bofur piped up. Dori and Ori nodded but Thorin shook his head,

"And be run down by a pack of Orcs?" he growled. As the dwarves got louder and louder Gandalf stepped forward,

"There is a house. Not far from here,"

"Whose house?" Dwalin asked suspiciously, "Is he a friend or foe?"

"He is neither," Gandalf sighed, "He will either welcome us…or he will kill us."

Fira glanced over at Thorin who gave a small nod to Gandalf. Whoever this person was the dwarf king clearly knew about it.

"What choice do we have?" Fili asked and Fira was fully aware of how close he was standing to Mithiel.

"None," Gandalf replied darkly, "Come on!"


The company broke free from the small section of forest just as the sun rose into the sky. Ahead of them lay a large field with a huge cottage in the middle of it. Behind them a loud roar broke the silence of the morning and Fira turned to see a huge black bear burst through the trees, chasing the company. She bit her lip, forcing her legs to move faster. She ignored the unbelievable sight of Bombur running past each and every single dwarf until he was in the lead. She tried to keep up her pace but her legs were too tired and it wasn't long before she was several feet behind the others. The roar from the bear sent shockwaves through her and she gave in another burst of energy. For a few second she thought she would catch up; but then her vision blurred and her knees gave way. Sinking to the ground Fira threw her hands out to break her fall. Glancing up she saw the others were still running to the house. She would have followed if it wasn't for the hot breath right by her ear.

Slowly and carefully, Fira turned onto her back. The bear was twice as big as any she had seen before. It sniffed at her before backing away. It then bowed it's head to her and Fira nodded.

"Stay right where you are," she forced herself to her feet, "Don't move another step."

"Fira? Fira is that you?"

Fira blinked at the bear. She knew that voice but she couldn't quite remember it. The bear whined.

"Do you not remember Beorn?"

"Beorn?" Fira shook her head, "But…it can't be?"

She glanced back at the house and realised the dwarves were now inside – no doubt wondering where the hell she was. The bear nodded and she reached out a hand to stroke his nose.

"It's been so long Fira," Beorn's voice sounded heavy. Fira nodded. She could remember their encounter only too well. She opened her mouth to speak when a pained gasp came from the back of her throat. She shut her eyes before forcing them open. Beorn sniffed her stomach.

"That stench. I have smelt it before. You have been poisoned with a Morgul blade."

Fira had no reaction for that. She knew what happened to those injured with Morgul poison. Beorn gently nuzzled her uninjured hand.

"I have some Athelas that will help you. Those dwarves that just entered my house, you are with them?"

She nodded and Beorn bowed again.

"I will make sure nothing attacks you during the night."

Fira had no time to thank him as he turned and hurried off into the trees. Forcing her leaden legs to move she half limped and half walked up to the house. Already she could hear the company yelling at each other – unsurprisingly Kili's voice was heard above the rest.

"Let me go Dwalin!"

"Lad ye can't go back out there!"

"Fira's out there! I need to get to her! I need to protect her!"

Leaning against the doors Fira tried to take deep breaths as her vision blurred again. She could feel the Morgul poison tainting every inch of her body. She would have to get the Athelas quickly. Her first knock was so weak it was no wonder no one answered. But on her second one she heard the sound of a bar being removed from the door.

"FIRA!"

As the door swung open arms pulled her against a warm body and hugged her tightly. Kili pressed kisses all over her face.

"Are you alright? Did the bear hurt you?"

Fira shook her head weakly as she was led inside and the door was shut again. All of the others gave her small smiles and as she forced herself away from Kili Fira tried to keep herself standing.

"What was that thing?" Ori piped up as Dori pulled him away from the door, Gandalf sighed,

"That…is our host. His name is Beorn. And he's a skin changer."

Gandalf stood by the door, "Sometimes he's a huge black bear; sometimes he's a great strong man. The bear is unpredictable but the man can be reasoned with. However," he glanced at Thorin, "He's not overly fond of dwarves,"

Thorin eyed Gandalf warily as the rest of the company began moving away from the door. Gandalf smiled,

"We will be safe here tonight. I hope."

Fira glanced over at Kili who hovered by her side. Placing a hand on her forehead Fira gasped at how hot she was.

"Fira are you alright?"

"Yes I…" she shook her head as her legs trembled and sweat ran down her face.

"Kili…"

She got no further. Kili almost screamed as her body convulsed and she spat blood from her mouth. Falling backwards Fira wasn't aware of who caught her as her body thrashed and convulsed. Throwing up more blood she could see Kili through her steadily decreasing vision. He held her hand, not flinching when several splashes of blood landed on his coat and face. Instead he kissed her hand.

"Fira! Fira look at me darling."

Fira forced herself to speak, "Kili…"

He kissed her on the mouth and when his lips came away stained with her blood tears leaked from her eyes.

"Keep your eyes on me my love. Eyes on me."

Fira shook her head.

"I love you."

Everything went black.

So that was a cliff-hanger and a half! Plus another little mystery about Fira's past for you all to ponder on! Hoped you liked the transition from first to second film. I always though the second one started too suddenly to be honest. Let me know what you think xxx