Chapter 37

Kili pocketed the stone jar into a pocket within his rich blue coat. He nodded to himself as he gazed upon the darkness shrouded ruins. Kili's mind turned over Ana's words once more. Finally, he gave a grim smile. Foremost on his mind was his brother. Kili would not wait another day in this mountain. Tomorrow he would ride out to find him and Bilbo. The sense of danger he felt from Fili had lessened over the hour. Kili's feeling of urgency to reunite with Fili had not lessened at all. Then came the Lady Ana's instruction for him to find Fili. This was not a coincidence.

Kili turned on his heels. He was tempted to immediately begin the preparations necessary for the long trip. However, the young prince knew he had to reappear at the festivities in the grand hall. Ana urged forgiveness for Thorin. As he took the steps down, he mulled that over as well. Apparently, he could forgive his uncle for his transgressions. That did not mean that Thorin instantly regained his trust or admiration. Thorin still had to earn it.

Kili's feet hit the bottom steps. The guards shared curious stares. They could see instantly the change in their youngest sovereign. He moved with determination and renewed energy. Kili headed for the crowded hall. The ending of the tensions was still being celebrated. However, he would put in a mandatory appearance then slip off quietly and quickly.

The cacophony of noise hit his ears along with the smells of smoke and ale. Instantly, dwarrows once more greeted the prince. Kili put on a bright smile that was totally false. He did not really pay attention to the words said. All his responses were neutral and noncommittal. Finally, he arrived where Bofur and Bifur were still with the group he'd left earlier.

Bofur's gentle burr greeted Kili, "There ye are. We were beginning to wonder." Bofur's eyes sought out Kili's for some further indication. The miner knew his prince. Something had changed.

Kili noted how well Bofur could read him despite the false appearance. "My apologies. I was being entertained by Lady Ana who told me of Erebor before Smaug. She was very informative." It was close enough to the truth to pass.

Bifur stood up and began to look around the crowded room. Kili took an ale and sat next to him. "The Lady has already retired for the evening." Bifur's brow furrowed and he hurried off. Kili and Bofur shared a surprised look and a shrug.

Bofur could see that Kili had no desire to discuss the matter further. With the guests about to ask questions, he covered for his friend. "Well, leave it to our prince to find the company of a lovely dwarrowdam. Our guests were telling of us of their heroics in the battle with Azog." Although it had barely been mentioned, this got the company completely off the topic of the long missing prince. Soon the dwarrows of the Iron Hills were telling them of increasingly bold heroics.

Kili laughed at the right times, but he did not offer to share his tale. Frankly, his mind did not want to return to that terror. The fear of his friends and family dying before he could get to them was something he did not care to remember. Trying to find Fili on the battlefield had seemed like days. Kili would love to tell his younger self what a load of pig manure it was to dream of glory in battle. Kili understood his elders now, especially Thorin, Balin and Dwalin. Battle wasn't about glory. It was sheer terror being contained by willpower to do the right thing. To stand strong and face danger wishing your comrades lived to see another day. Kili wanted to never see another war again.

Kili lasted almost half a hour before the urge to leave became overwhelming. He rose, clearing his throat, "I thank you for your tales of bravery. Erebor was truly saved by your efforts. We thank our Iron Hills brothers for their courage in battle." With that toast the entire table drained the ale in their cups. Afterwards many shouted and pounded the table. Kili placed his empty tankard on the table. "Good night my friends. I must speak with the King."

Everyone shouted to Thorin's good health. Kili felt his shoulders being slapped on in affection as he walked by the table.

Kili wound around the clusters of people. Occasionally, he stopped for a word or two with a group. Taking longer than he liked, Kili arrived at the main table. They were laughing at some joke and hadn't noticed his approach. Kili still admired the dwarrows at this table. They were a stalwart group, but he couldn't reveal what had transpired earlier with Lady Ana. 'They have forgotten how to listen' he thought remembering Ana's words. His right hand fingered the stone jar in his coat pocket. It was still warm. Then Kili rubbed the scruff of his beard and made a decision.

"Ahh, there you are Kili. It's time you joined us." Thorin remarked. The day's events had wiped out some of the guilt and tension the dwarf carried in his heart. Now with much ale and the company of friends, Thorin actually seemed to be somewhat relaxed. Kili started. He tried to wipe his expression off his face.

'How could Thorin be so damned happy?' he wondered. 'Fili is still gone. So is Bilbo. They're in danger.' His eyes scanned the expressions of his friends. Kili faked his smile. Kili realized he knew they were in danger. No one else here did. He couldn't suppress the sigh of frustration. However, Kili instinctively felt his decision was the right one.

Kili was not about to announce his leaving tomorrow. There would be no convincing his elders on this matter. They would attempt to prevent his departure. Kili was not about to give them the opportunity. He didn't have time or energy for the emotions it would cause. There was only one dwarf he would confide his plans to.

Dwalin stood up from his seat beside Thorin. He indicated his chair. Kili's eyebrows went up at this action. He sat and comprehended with some awkwardness things had changed since this afternoon. Reality struck him again as Kili tried to wrap around the thoughts he was truly a Prince. Which meant his mentor and Thorin's best friend and protector would now yield his seat for him. He felt his throat tighten. The earlier court and now this had cemented his new role in a way the previous weeks had not. It was all because it was being done with Thorin's approval and presence. 'How the hell did I go from being the spare nephew to this?'

Thorin seemed to sense Kili's sudden modesty and wonderment at events. His rough hand found its way to Kili's shoulder. He gave the boy a tight squeeze. Thorin smiled at the lad in encouragement. He knew Kili would be overwhelmed tonight. In the past Kili was never at the main table other than a quick introduction. If a prince's presence was required, Fili always attended. As for Dwalin's deferment, Thorin had felt the same ages ago when he'd come of age to seat with his father and grandfather.

Kili was still stiff at his touch. His heart sank a little. Thorin tried to take it in stride. Despite his nephew's deeds before Dain and his court, Kili was a passionate dwarf where Fili was concerned. His brother still was not at his side. Kili would be unbalanced until Fili returned. Only then would Thorin have a chance at forgiveness. He accepted this. His thoughts turned to their hobbit, Bilbo for a brief moment. It pained his heart to think of the argument they'd had before the burglar left.

Oin finished assisting Bilbo in his sick bed when Thorin thundered into the room. Oin's shoulder slumped. He was exhausted from the weeks of healing and constant stress of crisis. However, there were no herbs or salves to cure Thorin's gold sickness. He could no longer keep the gentle hobbit from learning the truth about his friend and their king, Thorin. "Bilbo be careful of your words." He cautioned. Bilbo stared at Oin in confusion. The older dwarf left hurriedly.

Thorin strode to Bilbo's side. He was clothed in finest tunics and furs that could be found in the area. His calloused hands were covered in thick gold and jeweled rings. Strands of gold hung about his neck. He was every inch a rich and ostentatious dwarf. Oin hated it.

Bilbo's gentle eyes settled on Thorin truly for the first time sense the battle. He blinked in confusion. Thorin didn't just look different he felt different. His stomach flipped even as Thorin took his hands in his.

Thorin smiled at him, but it wasn't one from the heart. It was nothing like those moments they had shared since Carrock. This was off. Then Bilbo remembered the gold madness plaguing his friend before battle. In his desire to see Thorin and the boys, to know his adopted family was alright, he'd blocked out this horrible detail. But the evidence was before him. Thorin, the King he had followed was not the dwarf he once knew. Bilbo gulped and smiled nervously. He wasn't sure what to expect, but Thorin's blue eyes greedily devoured his existence. This made him feel even more uneasy.

"Finally, you're awake. You had us worried!" Thorin said as he sat in a chair brought to him by a nearby servant.

Bilbo nodded, "I had me worried as well. How is everyone? Are the boys fine? I haven't seen Fili. They tell me Kili is in his bed with wounded legs."

Thorin's smile faded instantly at the mention of Fili's name. "Kili's fine. Don't concern yourself. You just concentrate on getting better. I want you sitting by my side. Soon I'll be holding court. I have many decisions to make regard Erebor's rebuilding. I want you there with me." Thorin fingered Bilbo's very long golden locks. "You need the right beads for your hair, new clothes of course. I won't have you wearing those ratty clothes anymore."

Bilbo's large expressive eyes grew humongous. "Well, thank you of course Thorin. I'm flattered you wish me to remain in Erebor."

"Of course. You've proven your worth and loyalty. Having a hobbit here in Erebor will be very profitable for both of us, I'm certain of it." Thorin replied in a haughty voice.

Bilbo shrugged off his blankets as he waved his hands. "Profitable? What are you going on about Thorin? I don't understand this. And why won't you or anyone else tell me about Fili?"

Thorin's previous good humor instantly evaporated. "Enough. It is no concern of yours."

"Since when is Fili no concern of mine? I love Kili and him like they were my own." Bilbo replied.

"They are not yours and never will be. Do not claim what you have no right to." Thorin's need to possess evident in all things.

Bilbo drew back in his hurt, "I apologize if I've over stated my affections. I know they are not my blood relations. However, my feelings are mine. I care for both of them and in turn

Thorin interrupted by standing up suddenly, "Silence. I told you twice now to end this discussion. I will not have a mere hobbit defying me."

Bilbo drew in a deep breath, this was too much. "Excuse me, but I thought I was a friend. Not one of your subjects. And when did that start to matter again? I want to know what has happened with Fili. If you will not tell me, I will find someone who will."

"I forbid it." Thorin growled out.

Bilbo shook his head in surprise. With a tired grunt he completely threw off his coverings and stood wobbly on his hobbit feet. "You forbid it? What have you done Thorin? What are you hiding?"

Thorin was red in the face with his anger. "I will not be questioned in this matter. Oin! Get in here. You told me the hobbit was well."

"Oh, I am. Quite so. But you. You on the other hand. You!" he pointed one finger at Thorin's impressive chest. "Have completely lost your mind."

"You will not address me in such manner."

"Ha! I can and I will. I earned that right, remember? You said as much in Laketown. Or do your words then mean nothing?"

Thorin sputtered and was rapidly turning red in the face, "My words are law."

Bilbo rolled his head in mockery. "I think you need to restate your words my lord. In Laketown you asked me to be honest with you always. Now you demand my silence. Fili is your heir and nephew. He loves you and you him."

Oin rushed in at this instant afraid for Bilbo's wellbeing. Thorin's hands formed fists as he took two steps away from the furious hobbit. "He is not well. Put him back in bed and make certain he is clear of his fever this time."

Bilbo was so lost to his anger he forgot all his manners or personal safety. "WHAT DID YOU DO THORIN?" he roared. Bilbo had faced all matters of dangers for this dwarf. This was his King. The one person he would follow to the dark halls of death itself. Yet something was now, so terribly wrong.

"FILI IS BANISHED! He is a traitor to his people." Thorin screamed back, spit flying from his mouth in the response. He pointed vaguely to the treasury room. "He stole the Arkenstone!"

"To save all of us from Azog's armies! You dim witted, stubborn idiot! Have you not come to your senses?" Bilbo snapped back.

Oin tried to shake his head, to warn the hobbit to stop his side of the fight. Bilbo ignored him even as the healer attempted to come to his aid.

Thorin took several steps back to Bilbo. For a brief instant Bilbo thought he might be struck. Thorin's hand stopped as it reached back. Instead, he glared daggers at Bilbo.

"Bilbo you will stop this now!" It was less of an order now.

Bilbo's temper was great. "NO! Fili did the right thing. Where is he? Where is Kili? Have you been foolish enough to ban him as well?"

Oin jumped in desperate to calm the situation down. "Kili is healing from his wounds in battle."

Bilbo shouted, "You separated them? How could you be so cruel? You have done what all the orcs, wargs and foul beasts could not do. You parted Kili and Fili! You must be so very proud of your power."

Thorin strode to Bilbo and grabbed him up by the collar on his nightshirt. He picked the hobbit up off the floor to be level with his eyes.

"Bilbo Baggins of the Shire, you should choose your next words carefully. You have spoken treason and have betrayed my trust."

Bilbo felt his heart pound. "Thorin Oakenshield, I have fulfilled my duties as laid out by the contract. I choose to part from your company." Bilbo wanted to say so much more. In this heated instant, his survival instinct kicked in. Nothing more would be gained by arguing with Thorin further.

Thorin growled and shook the hobbit for a moment. Bilbo winced as his wounds screamed out in agony. Seeing the pain on the hobbit's face somehow made Thorin stop his violent actions. Instead of throwing Bilbo like his blood demanded, he released the hobbit from his grasp. Bilbo fell back. The hobbit leaned against the bed frame panting in pain.

Thorin stood for moment saying nothing. Bilbo turned his now tear laden eyes to Thorin. His expressive face was filled with sorrow and betrayal. Thorin turned on his heels and stormed out.

Thorin blinked away the memory of the last time he had seen his friend. Remembering those moments, he closed his eyes as the shame of his actions swept him away. He had so many crimes to answer for.

Kili was talking, "So I have come to wish you all a good night." Thorin became conscious of the fact he hadn't heard much of what Kili was saying.

Kili stole a glance at his uncle as if expecting some plea that he remain. Thorin studied Kili's features. The boy had that determined air about him once more. He had it earlier in the day, but Kili lost it once the negotiations went well. His nephew showed no signs of the usual joy he felt from such revelry. Truly he did not expect it without Fili in attendance. Kili shuffled in his seat. Another sign Kili had something he was up too. It was the same nervous habit Kili had as a child. Thorin found he did not want to challenge him in front of Dain. Kili was up to something. He would just have to be patient and wait til the morning. After all, for Kili to trust him, Thorin had to return the favor.

Dain was rolling his eyes. "The night's young lad! You should be attempting to drink us under the table and dancing with the lassies!"

"The prince still has his injuries cousin. I suspect it is with great remorse he must take his leave." Thorin finally replied, surprising everyone at the table but Dwalin. "But first, have one last toast."

Kili nodded, his hand reaching for an ale. If this is all his uncle demanded for his escape, the terms were easily met. A servant handed out full tankards. Thorin stood up and all the assembled lords and nobles did so as well.

Thorin cleared his voice. He waited a few more seconds as the gathered crowds saw the King rise. All the attention in the room quickly focused on the King.

"Raise your ale to toast Kili, Prince of Erebor!" Thorin shouted.

Kili's brown eyes went huge. This is not what he expected. He wanted attention away from himself. Thorin continued, "My nephew has done his duties with honor and great courage. He has made his house of Durin and his uncle very proud! Mahal Bless you Kili!"

Kili heard the shouts of praise ring throughout the hall. Under most any other circumstance, this would be the proudest time of his entire life. Instead, he fixed a false smile and waved to the crowd as they guzzled their ale as one. Then he drank his own ale wondering about the feeling of treachery he was suddenly feeling.

Sorry about the wait again. I went to a scrapbook convention and ended up helping teaching classes. I really enjoy that particular hobby. I wish I was as good at writing as I am at that. Thanks for your patience.