Big thanks to sushi manga girl for following/favouriting.

BlondiezHere – Yep plenty of fluffy stuff to come I promise.

Nice Egan – I wanted Lysa to have the biggest proposal after all she went through. And yeah I'm very sad myself.

Rachetg – Who doesn't love Fili?

Aranel Mereneth – I sometimes wonder if I should bother doing proposals given the whole dwarves and their One thing. But I can't help it!

Syeern – I know what you mean but I don't want to expand too much else it becomes a completely different story. I like leaving stories where it's over and everyone happy but the reader is allowed to image their own continuations.

Hard Memories and Harder Goodbye's

Leaning back on her bed Lysa gave a small smile to herself. It had been almost a week now since Fili's birthday. Glancing down at her hand she still couldn't quite believe the ring was actually there. She had never imagined someone would find her suitable enough to be their wife. For it to be happening now was, in many ways, a miracle. Lysa pulled her shawl around herself as she thought back to the feast. It still seemed like a dream.

Her gasp was lost in amongst the others as Fili dropped down onto one knee. He held out a silver ring with white and pale pink gems in the shape of flowers.

"Ever since I met you," his voice shook, "I knew I was the luckiest man alive. No one else was worth thinking about compared to you. When we first met…I was so lost and so afraid. And you fixed me. You didn't care how broken I was; you helped me. You stuck by me and you helped me get better. And along the way you somehow fell in love with me. I owe you so much Lysa," tears leaked down his face and Lysa blinked back her own. Fili smiled.

"Will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?"

Lysa opened her mouth before shutting it again. This couldn't be happening. Any minute now she would wake up in her room and it would have all been a dream. Fili licked his lips.

"Lysa?"

Remembering where she was Lysa smiled at him. She could see a hint of worry in his eyes. Did he honestly think she would say no? She loved him.

"Yes. Yes Fili, a thousand times yes!"

He gave a nervous laugh before getting to his feet and slipping the ring onto her finger. Hugging him close Lysa was almost deafened by the roar coming from everyone else in the hall. Fili pulled her close and buried his face in her neck.

"I will treasure you," he whispered, "I will cherish you and give you everything you deserve."

"And I will do the same to you my darling," Lysa whispered, "A hundred times over."

Fili took her hand and kissed the ring on her finger. Smiling Lysa looked up to see masses of people coming forward to congratulate her. Kili was the first to reach them and Lysa giggled as he tackled Fili into a hug.

"Trust you to wait until everyone was watching brother!"

Fili shook his head and Lysa smiled when Kili took her hand.

"You really are the best thing to have happened to him Lysa. Look after him."

"I promise you Kili," Lysa inched closer, "I'll do whatever it takes to be deserving of him."

Hugging him close Lysa realised the entire crowd wanted to offer their congratulations. Moving so she was at Fili's side she let him do most of the talking. The company said their pieces and Lysa smiled warmly at the figures of Dwalin and Shirin. Shirin might not have a ring but it was common knowledge they too were engaged. Gripping Fili's hand Lysa could see the large crowds were starting to get to Fili. His face wasn't showing anything but she could see it in his eyes.

"Come on," she whispered in his ear, "Let's get out."

He gave a nod and together they weaved through the crowds. Lysa was tempted to move to an empty corner of the hall; but as Fili gave a small tremble she knew that wouldn't help. Pushing the doors open she ushered him out into the corridor. Fili leant against the wall.

"Thank you. I thought I would be alright but it got a bit much."

"It's fine," Lysa rubbed his arm, "Just take some deep breaths."

Fili did so before he glanced over at her.

"Answer me honestly Lysa; do you think I'll get better?"

She nodded, "Of course you will. You don't have as many nightmares now. The thing with huge crowds will soon go my love. I know it will."

Fili stroked her cheek, "I'd hate to think you were marrying a coward."

Narrowing her eyes Lysa pushed him up against the wall.

"Listen to me Fili. You are NOT a coward! You are the furthest thing possible from one. The men who used to force themselves on me were cowards. The guards who beat me were cowards. But you...? You have risked your life for me on so many occasions. You could never be a coward Fili."

He smiled and Lysa couldn't help herself. Leaning forward she kissed his cheek.

"I love you, any way you come."

Hugging her knees to her chest Lysa glanced up to see her bedroom door opening. Fili slipped in and she smiled warmly at him.

"You wanted to see me?"

Nodding Lysa moved over so he could lie down beside her. Fili kicked off his boots and new coat before snuggling against her.

"I don't want there to be any secrets Fili," Lysa held his hands, "I want to tell you everything."

"About what you went through?"

She nodded and Fili pulled her close, "Only if it won't upset you."

"I shouldn't think it would. I mean…as long as you don't mind me telling you what happened."

He kissed her cheek, "Just tell me what you want, when you want. I won't ever push you to talk to me."

Lysa leant against him, "The first twenty years of slavery were fine. Yes I had to work all hours for nothing but beatings and vile abuse. But it was bearable. And then I got my bleeds. And older girl found me sobbing and she explained what was happening. She cleaned me up and told me I couldn't let Morag or anyone else know this had happened. I did my best but Morag found out. I took extra care when cleaning my gowns each month but I must have missed a spot. Anyway she informed Elessandra and I was given a new job."

Lysa bit her lip, "You know about my first time. But it didn't get better. I wasn't expected to bed every guest I had. But the majority expected it of me. Some were nicer than others. But when I say that I only mean that some were gentler. There were those who would leave me covered in bruises. Those who found pleasure in tying me up. Some would even gag me. There were some mornings when I'd get out of bed and the pain would leave me doubled over. I fought back only once."

"What happened?" Even though Fili was whispering Lysa could hear the rage and hatred in it. She licked her lips.

"There was a man staying and I was his slave. Like you he never expected me to bed him. He wasn't exactly nice to me but he didn't force me into bed like the others. I almost grew to trust him. But on his last night he locked the bedroom door and backed me towards the bed. He told me he had been waiting until tonight. How I should be thankful that it would only happen the once. I tried to run for the door but he pulled me back. I didn't even think about it; I just lashed out. I kicked him but it made no difference. Then he pushed me to the floor and stood over me. He…"

"Lysa," Fili kissed her cheek, "Lysa don't force yourself through this. There's no way I can bear to see you cry."

"No I'm fine. He pressed a cloth over my face. I don't know what he used but I blacked out. When I woke up I was lying on his bed. My dress was on the floor. I was awake but I couldn't move. He'd tied me to his bed! I tried to call out but he placed a knife against my lips. He kept it there the whole time. When he was done he didn't untie me. Instead he lay down next to me and told me what he would do to me. Horrible, vile things. He said this wouldn't have happened if I hadn't fought back. And he did them. He did every single thing he said he would do. He did untie me eventually. But I didn't move. I just curled up on the bed and cried."

Lysa shut her eyes; taking deep breaths. Fili had his arms wrapped around her waist; pulling her against him. Nodding she opened her eyes.

"When I saw him again he didn't mention what had happened. As he was packing up to leave he grabbed me and pushed me face down over his desk. He said he had friends who lived here and that if I told anyone what had happened they would find me, rape me and then cut my throat. And then he just left."

Lysa let out a small laugh, "As if I would talk. I learnt a long time ago that it served me no favours to tell someone what was happening. And if I did talk then there was every chance I would have been killed."

Fili said nothing and Lysa glanced up at him nervously. Tears covered his face and she realised he was more upset than she was. Sitting up she opened her arms and pulled him close. Kissing his forehead she tightened her hold as he clutched at her shoulders.

"If only…" Fili leaned back and she could see how red his eyes were, "If only I could make you forget. If I only I knew a way to make you forget that life. I want to take away the pain you feel, I want you to go to sleep and not worry about having a nightmare. I want to help you and I feel so powerless because I can't!"

"But you can," she pushed his hair back from his face, "Fili you are helping me! You're showing me that I'm more than just a whore. That I can actually be loved, that I can do something with my life. If I have a nightmare I know you'll be there to comfort me. I know that if I'm upset I can go to you. When I'm with you I feel safe. You sit there and talk about how much I fixed you; but what you have done for me…I will never be able to repay you for it."

Nodding Fili gently pressed his lips against her. Hugging him tightly Lysa deepened her kiss; blushing as their tongues brushed against each other. Breaking apart Fili smiled.

"I swear I will be a worthy husband to you Lysa. No matter what that takes."

Swinging himself up on his pony Fili gave Lysa a small smile. The day had finally come for Kili to leave and go back to Kessandra. Obviously he would go with him. Dwalin and Oin were coming along with Dis. He'd asked Lysa if she wanted to go but he had been expecting her to say no. Of course she wouldn't want to go back there. It was still too soon.

"Fili?"

Smiling down at Lysa Fili reached down and gave her hand a small squeeze.

"Don't worry my love. I'll be back before you know it."

She nodded, "Look after yourself."

Fili said nothing as Lysa kissed his fingers. Moving back she gave a small wave and Fili sighed to himself. He wasn't sure if he would cope without her. Supposing his nightmare came back? But as he heard his mothers voice he pushed all that from his mind. Digging his heels into his pony he followed the others away from the mountain. Glancing back over his shoulder he saw Lysa waving and he nodded.

He would be fine. He would do this for her.

For Fili the journey seemed strange. Even though there were less people he was still reminded of when they had first travelled all those months ago. How he had been broken and hollow inside. How he'd had no idea that in just a few days time he was to meet his One. He'd spent as much time as possible talking to Kili. Whilst he was more than happy Kili had found love Fili wasn't going to lie. He would miss his brother like mad. Kili seemed to be feeling the same because he never moved from Fili's side if possible.

By the time they arrived Fili was taken aback by how much things had changed. As they crossed the drawbridge and entered the main town he saw people running out to greet them. Where they used to be small and miserable he now saw bright smiling faces. Unable to help himself he smiled back. If only Lysa could see how much things changed; then maybe she wouldn't be scared of this place anymore. Looking over at his brother Fili grinned when he saw Kili fidget in the saddle.

"Excited?"

Kili nodded, "I just want to hold her in my arms again. I've missed her so much Fee. More than I realised."

Nodding Fili looked down at his hands. He still couldn't believe he would be saying goodbye to Kili. After all they had been through together this felt strange. But it was for the best. Kili deserved this to happen to him. Besides; it's not like they'd never see each other again. Nothing was going to stop Fili from coming up and visiting. Weaving through the bustling crowds they finally made it to the courtyard. Glancing up at the steps Fili frowned as he saw a young woman standing there. Her purple dress fell down to the ground and the skirts were covered in silver and white embroidery. Rubbing his eyes Fili gave a small gasp.

"Kessandra!

She looked so different! Every inch a Queen. Pulling Daisy to a halt he dismounted in time to see Kili run past him. Kessandra broke into a smile and ran down the steps. As the pair hugged each other tightly Fili smiled at his mother. Kili kissed Kessandra on the forehead before bringing her towards the group. Fili gave a small bow and Kessandra shook her head.

"Stop it! It's good to see you again!"

"Likewise?"

Fili saw her glance over his shoulder before a look of disappointment crossed her face.

"Isn't Lysa with you?"

"No. I asked but I don't think she's ready to come back here yet."

"Of course," Kessandra nodded and Fili watched how her face paled when his mother stepped forward. Kili licked his lips.

"Mother this is Kessandra. Kessandra, mother."

Fili watched as Dis took Kessandra's hands.

"I was nervous about the idea of leaving my son here. But I can tell how much you care for him. As long as you can cope with his recklessness I know you'll both be fine."

"Mother!"

Kessandra laughed at Kili's flushed cheeks.

"I'll look after him a promise."

Dis smiled and Fili noted how more relaxed Kessandra and Kili were now they were together. Kessandra nodded.

"You must at least stay the night here before going back."

Nodding Fili followed Kessandra and Kili up the steps and into the castle. Glancing round he smiled to himself.

Not a single slave in sight.

Fili gave a small yawn as he stood by Daisy. Dwalin and Oin had already said goodbye and he watched on as his mother and Kili embraced. Gripping Daisy's reins nervously Fili gulped. He knew his mother was crying and he had a sneaky suspicion Kili was as well. His mother gave Kili one last kiss before moving towards her pony. Which just left him to say goodbye. Fili gave Kili a small smile. He knew he should say something but he couldn't. He didn't have to. Kili pulled him close; wrapping his arms around him tightly.

"You've been the best brother I could wish for."

"Same," Fili sniffed, "Mahal I'm going to miss you."

"I'll miss you to," Kili nodded, "But I'll visit so much you'll be sick of the sight of me!"

"Never," Fili looked him up and down, "I'm crying aren't I?"

Kili nodded, "But so am I so who cares?"

Hugging him again Fili kissed Kili on the forehead.

"If you ever need me, then send word. I'll be over here before you can blink," he sighed.

"I love you Kee."

"Love you to Fee."

Biting his lip Fili turned and moved back towards his pony. Keeping his head down to hide the tears he mounted Daisy. Kili leant against Kessandra who kissed his cheek and Fili smiled.

Kili would be fine.

So a fair few feels but most of what's left will be nice and happy I promise. And yes I was crying when it came to writing the end scene with Fili and Kili. But Kili will make several reappearances I promise. Let me know what you think xxx