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A Bloody Aftermath

Fili looked at the ruined fortress in shock. He'd felt the shockwaves tear across the battlefield and he'd been forced to cling onto a protruding boulder to avoid being flung into the air. Screams from orcs, dwarves and elves alike slammed into Fili's chest as he waited until the blast subsided and he could get to his feet. None of those cries mattered to him. He was only bothered about the one piercing scream that he'd been unable to get from his head.

Arianna had sent those shockwaves. No one else could have done it.

Fili legs trembled violently as he forced his way towards a fractured flight of steps. He couldn't get Arianna's scream from inside his head. Blood covered his trousers from Azog's knife wound and although the pain was steadily becoming unbearable Fili forced himself to go on. With one hand held against his chest he grabbed at the stone wall. All around him rocks and chunks of stone lay scattered about. The full extent of Arianna's magic had been revealed today and Fili didn't want to think about the state she would now be in.

"Fili!"

Turning at the voice Fili hissed as he pulled on his arm. He'd been unable to fully dodge the blow from an orc club and his arm had been forced to bear the brunt of the attack. He couldn't tell how badly it was broken; all he knew was that it hurt. Wiping the soot from his eyes Fili gaped as he saw Legolas and Tauriel running towards him. Both elves were covered in blood and dirt. But Fili also saw how both of them kept looking at each other, tentatively reaching out to touch the other as though they needed to make sure they were still there. Whatever Thorin had to say about elves Fili was glad those two were okay. The bond they shared was very much like a bond between a dwarf and his One.

The bond between Kili and Arianna.

Fili wasn't aware of both elves standing beside him. He had a more important job to do. Find his brother and Arianna and get them to safety.

"They'll be fine." He muttered as his hands began to shake. "They'll be alright."

They had to be alright. Fili bit his lip. He refused to even consider the possibility that Kili was hurt. If he had been hurt then surely he'd feel it through the bond they shared? But instead Fili could feel nothing.

"Fili." Legolas placed a hand on his shoulder. Looking over Fili saw Orcrist strapped to the elf's hip and he couldn't help his scowl. That sword was his uncle's by rights. The elves had no right to take it from him.

Unless Thorin was…

Fili shook his head and forced himself to focus on Legolas's eyes. As ever the elf's face was unmoving although ears were in his eyes.

"Is it over?" Fili asked dully. Legolas nodded.

"Azog is dead."

Fili looked down at the floor. He knew he should feel some sort of happiness or relief at this news. But until he knew Kili was alright Fili couldn't allow himself to be happy.

"And Thorin?"

Legolas forced a weak smile on his face. "Very much alive. He's busy with the others helping get the injured into the mountain."

Fili's knees trembled at this. Thorin had finally done it. He'd finally killed the creature that'd been pursuing him all his life. And when Arianna found out Fili knew nothing would wipe the smile from the girls face. Tauriel looked down at him.

"Why are you still here?"

"I…I haven't found Kili. I'm not going anywhere until I know he's safe." Fili clenched his fists whilst both elves looked at each other.

"Where have you looked?" Tauriel asked him gently. Fili sighed.

"Everywhere! I can't find him or Arianna."

Tauriel gave him a reassuring smile. "Would you allow two elves to help you?"

Fili barely had time to nod before both Legolas and Tauriel moved past him and hurried up the steps. Shaking his head Fili did his best to keep up with the two elves. Ignoring the crumbling stones under his boots Fili gasped when he reached the top of the stairs.

"Oh my…"

Debris littered the area. Huge chunks of rock and stone lay buried in one corner whilst Fili noticed several patches of blood on the stones. Biting his lip he took a closer look and realised there was orc blood mixed in with the dark red patches. Taking deep breaths he looked around.

"KILI?" Fili sighed. "ARIANNA!"

None answered him. Doing his best to ignore the blood stains Fili took several deep breaths.

"Over here!"

At Tauriels voice Fili could feel the glimmer of a smile on his face. Turning round he fully expected to see one of the elves helping a struggling Kili towards him. Instead he was greeted with Legolas's pale face and tears welling up in his eyes. Behind him Fili could make out Tauriel kneeling over someone. As he caught sight of chain mail glinting in the late sun Fili became fully oblivious to the word around him.

"No." His legs were like a frozen forge. Each step seemed to take forever. He could see Legolas talking to him but the words were lost. Pushing the elf aside Fili allowed his tears to flow as he knelt by Kili's body. Pulling him away from Tauriel Fili held his brother in his lap – fully aware of the arrows in his body.

"Kili?" He tenderly stroked his brother's face.

"KILI!" Fili couldn't stop shaking. "Kili please!"

All Kili did in response was to lie limply in Fili's lap. Forgetting the pain in his broken arm Fili held his brother close against his body.

Not Kili. Anyone but Kili.

Fili bowed his head. Kili who had been a bundle of life and light the second he'd opened his eyes seventy seven years ago. The dwarfling who would drive everyone insane with his endless pranks and yet manage the charm even the coldest of dwarfs. The only dwarf to use a bow instead of an axe but the one who brought in the most kills each winter. The joker of the company and the one who'd kept everyone's spirits up.

The one who was Fili's brother.

Fili couldn't breathe. His chest tightened with every breathe whilst a shaking hands brushed several loose strands away from Kili's face.

"Forgive me brother." His lips wobbled with every word.

"I failed you. I promised to keep you safe and protect you. I never…" He closed his mouth. Unable to speak. He felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Take your time." Legolas murmured. Fili nodded weakly.

"I never told you…how proud I was of you. How you were one of the best hunters we had. How you brought a smile to everyone's face. All those times other dwarfs teased you and made you feel like you were nothing you would just shrug it off and carry on. I wouldn't be able to do that Kee. I was your older brother but there were so many times I wished I was like you. I'm sorry I never told you any of this."

Fili couldn't carry on. Tears coursed down his face whilst his heart hung heavy in his chest. This had to be a nightmare. This couldn't be real. Out of all the people in this battle Fili had never considered Kili would be taken from him.

"It should be me brother." He whispered in Kili's ear.

"I should be lying here instead of you."

Clearing his throat Fili pressed a kiss on Kili's forehead before looking round.

"Arianna?" He bit his lip. "Where is she? Does she know? She needs to know!"

Legolas nodded gravely. "We'll find her. I promise."

Fili said nothing to this. Legolas tightened his grip on his should and both men looked at each other.

"I'm sorry." Legolas muttered. "Truly. I know what it's like to lose someone close to you."

Fili opened his mouth when Tauriel spat something in elvish. Looking over at her Fili frowned as she leant over his brother.

"What are you doing?"

"He's alive!" Tauriel looked at him, her eyes wet with tears. Fili shook his head. Kili was dead. He was lying in his arms, still and unmoving. Tauriel grabbed one of his hands and pressed it against Kili's neck. As he felt a faint heartbeat Fili was surprised he didn't throw up.

"Kili?" He looked down at his little brother. Only now could he see the rise and fall of Kili's chest. Licking his lips Fili scooped Kili into his arms and got to his feet.

"We must hurry." Tauriel got to her feet. "He needs help now!"

Nodding Fili gripped his brother tightly. Both his arm and leg burned at the extra pressure but he forced them from his mind. Getting Kili to safety was all that mattered. Legolas nodded at Tauriel.

"Take them to the mountain. I'll stay and look for Arianna."

Tauriel nodded and Fili tried not to look as the two elves hurriedly embraced. Legolas pressed his lips against Tauriels forehead before turning and hurrying off. Biting his lip Fili said nothing as Tauriel began leading the way back to Erebor. When he wasn't looking at where he was going Fili's eyes never left Kili's. His brother's skin was getting paler with every step and as he saw the blood covering his chain mail Fili had to stop himself from crying out. Instead he held Kili close to his chest.

"I've got you Kee." He whispered. "I'll never let you go."


Thorin watched as the dwarves and elves headed back inside the mountain. He was covered in numerous cuts and bruises had a broken collarbone, fractured wrist and a deep gash on his chest. However he'd refused Oin's help; insisting he would wait until everyone was safe inside the mountain. With the exception of Fili, Kili, Arianna and Bilbo the rest of the company had all reunited. All of them covered in minor injuries but none of them badly hurt. Most of the Iron Hills dwarves were in a similar state and as he watched each soldier pass him Thorin could feel the ache get worse in his chest. None of the others had seen his nephews; Arianna or Bilbo and Thorin couldn't stop the panic rising in his chest.

"They'll be fine Thorin." Dwalin placed a hand on Thorin's shoulder. However the warrior dwarf's voice wobbled dangerously. Nodding Thorin kept his gaze on Ravenhill.

They would be alright. They would be fine.

Thorin sighed as he looked at his sword. He was still unable to believe Azog was dead. After all these years he had finally avenged his grandfather and his father. Despite his earlier words to Gandalf Thorin had very little doubt his father was dead. Even if he wasn't, Thorin knew he would never see Thrain again.

"Thorin!"

As he saw Bilbo running towards him Thorin's face lit up. Stepping away from Dwalin he hurried towards the hobbit as best he could. Bilbo was covered in bruises and dirt but as he got closer Thorin could see he was fine. Shaking his head he reached out an arm to Bilbo.

"Forgive me Master Baggins. I have wronged you so many times on this journey. I am ashamed of what the gold made me and I can't forgive myself for allowing myself to be corrupted so easily."

Bilbo gave him a breathless smile. "It's fine. I did what I thought was right."

Thorin nodded. "We've missed you Bilbo."

Bilbo shuffled his feet. "Where's Gandalf?"

Thorin pointed inside Erebor. Gandalf had arrived the second the battle was over. Both he and Radagast were in deep conversation and although he'd tried to talk to the wizard Thorin could tell something was troubling Gandalf.

"Bilbo?" Thorin pushed the wizard from his mind. "Have you seen my nephews or Arianna?"

Bilbo bit his lip and Thorin could feel his legs shaking.

"I saw Arianna." Bilbo admitted. "She was looking for Kili but…"

"THORIN!"

At Fili's voice Thorin ignored Bilbo and looked past the hobbit. He saw Fili limping towards him and Thorin thought he would collapse from relief. Those moments where Azog had held his eldest nephew over the cliff would no doubt stick with Thorin for the rest of his life. He was about to pull Fili into a hug when he saw the terror on the young dwarf's face. As Fili got closer Thorin realised he was carrying someone.

A dark haired dwarf with no beard.

"Kili?" Thorin choked. Bilbo's face went white at this whilst Thorin shook his head. Fili hurried towards him and as he saw the tears covering his face Thorin looked at the form of Kili in his arms. Two arrows were sticking out of his body whilst his lips were slowly turning grey.

"Where's Oin!" Fili's voice shook. Thorin froze, unable to speak. Instead he gently stroked Kili's cheek. He could still see the bruise he himself had given his nephew. Tears dripped down his cheeks.

"What have I done?" Thorin whispered. "Oh Kili forgive me."


Every company member froze as they saw Fili carrying his brother into the healing room. Oin wasted no time in setting up a bed for Kili and it took both him and Thorin to help prise Kili from his brother's grip.

"No!" Fili shook his head. "Please don't take him from me!"

Oin and Dwalin placed Kili on the bed whilst Thorin gripped Fili hard.

"We aren't taking him anywhere Fili. He's right here. You can stay with him as long as you like."

Fili nodded and allowed Thorin to sit him down on the bed next to Kili. As two other healers began treating Fili's wounds Thorin kept his eyes on Kili's still form.

"Will he..?" He wanted the truth from Oin. However he wasn't sure if he would be able to cope with it if Oin had only bad news. The healer sighed.

"I don't know. It's the arrow in his chest that worries me. His armour will have protected him but if he's bleeding internally then there won't be much I can do."

Thorin lowered his head before gripping Oin's arm hard.

"Whatever you have to do to save him, do it!"

"Thorin?" Bofur nervously pulled on the end of his hat.

"Have ye seen Arianna?"

Thorin shook his head as more guilt filled his chest. The rest of the company all looked at each other nervously. Sighing Thorin turned back to Fili. The blonde dwarf's eyes never left his brothers bed and Thorin could feel tears welling up in his eyes.

He couldn't lose them. Not after all they had been through.


Kili kicked absentmindedly at the stones littering his path. As his brown hair fell over his face Kili couldn't help but rub a hand over his chin. It'd been ten years since his beard was supposed to have started growing and still he had barely a hint of stubble. Fili had told him time and time again it didn't matter. Both he and Thorin had short beards and Kili's would come in time.

But that didn't seem to register in Kili's mind. It wasn't his brother's words that stayed in his head. It was the words of the other dwarves that always seemed to stick with him. The cruel jibes and taunts that had been thrown at him for as long as he could remember. Of course Kili knew he shouldn't listen to them. They were just trying to rattle his cage.

If only it was that simple.

As several shadows fell over the path in front of him Kili looked up and rolled his eyes. A group of five dwarves blocked his way; all of them grinning at him. Tensing his muscles for a fight Kili bit his lip as the tallest stepped forward. He was an inch shorter than Kili was but had far more muscle than Kili could ever hope to have. Rolling his eyes Kili could almost predict what the dwarves were going to say.

"What do you want Cal?"

Cal sniffed and another identical dwarf stepped up towards Kili. As he watched the two brothers Kili shook his head.

"Move out of the way."

Cal tutted. "Such rudeness. Didn't your mother teach you you're manners?"

Kili rolled his eyes.

"Move out of the way please?"

"That's better." Cal smirked at him before looking Kili up and down. As he whispered something in his brother Kili was sorely tempted to turn around and walk the other way. It usually worked and when he was younger his mother had always told him to walk away if someone was upsetting him.

But he couldn't do that all the time.

Cal inched closer and sneered at Kili.

"How's your archery coming along?"

At the bitterness in Cal's voice Kili sighed.

"Whatever you want to say just get one with it."

"Like that is it?" Cal turned to his brother. "You know I think something's upsetting him Hal?"

Hal nodded. "Maybe it's because he knows he'll never be as good as his uncle or brother."

At this Kili froze. "Shut your trap."

Cal gave him a sympathetic smile. "It's nothing to be ashamed of mongrel. No one is expecting a half breed like you to be as good as pure blooded dwarves."

They'd never called Kili a mongrel before. He was used to being called half-breed or elf-spawn. But 'mongrel' made him sound like something picked up from the gutter.

"I'm not a half breed. Both my parents were dwarves Cal."

Cal nodded. "If that's what you believe. I'm sure you're mother never told you the truth about your father."

"She wouldn't want you to feel embarrassed by it." Hal added.

Kili shook his head; wishing that Fili was by his side to back him up. Hal patted his arm

"Face it Kili. You're too tall and thin for a dwarf."

"You use a bow." Cal added.

"You have no beard." Hal said.

"No dwarf has a face that sharp." Cal said. "And…"

"Piss off!" Kili's shove sent Hal staggering backwards into the wall. Clenching his fists Kili rounded on Cal who held up his hands in mock surrender.

"What are you going to do? Get your tree shagging father to help?"

Kili's punch knocked Cal off his feet. With a cry Hal leapt on Kili's back and pulled him to the ground. As both dwarves rolled in the dirt blows were landed on both sides and Kili knew his chest would be bruised by tomorrow. Wriggling away from Hal Kili pushed Cal against a wall.

"Say anything like that about my mother and I'll skin you, you little prick."

Grabbing his wrists Cal pushed Kili away into the opposite wall before bringing his knee up into his stomach. With a gasp of pain Kili fell to the floor; saying nothing as both brothers kicked his body. When they finally stopped Hal grabbed his hair and bent close to his ear.

"You no true dwarf. I bet you don't even have a One."

Kili's lip wobbled at this as Hal let him go. Only when he was sure they had gone did Kili force himself up to his feet. The street was void of any life and before anyone came to ask questions Kili hurried towards his house to try and patch himself up.

Kili ignored Fili's questions as he entered. Keeping his head down he ran to the room he shared with Fili and shut the door. Removing his coat and tunic Kili hissed as he looked down at his body. Dark purple and green bruises covered his ribs and chest. As tears dripped down his face Kili gripped his tunic so hard he could feel his nails tears through the material.

"Kili!"

At his brother's voice Kili froze. He hurried to put his clothes back on but he knew it was too late. As Fili sat beside him Kili kept his head down. Even when Fili placed a hand under his chin to lift his head up Kili lowered his gaze.

"Kili?" Even without looking Kili knew Fili had tears in his eyes.

"Kee who did this to you?"

Kili shook his head. "Doesn't matter."

"Of course it does!" Fili cried. At this Kili looked up to see Fili staring sadly at him. This didn't help matters as Kili looked at his perfect older brother. The one with the proper beard and the right weapons for a dwarf. Shaking his head he was aware of tears falling down his face. Kili hurried to wipe them away – he had never seen another dwarf cry before and he hated how sensitive he could be at times. Wordlessly Fili held him close.

"What happened nadadith?"

"They…they said I wouldn't be as good as you or uncle. They started saying stuff about ma…how my father was an elf and…"

Kili broke off as Fili rocked him back and forth.

"They said I don't even have a One."

Fili froze at this before kissing the top of Kili's hair gently. Kili shook his head.

"I know I shouldn't listen to them. That they're just saying stuff to upset me. But sometimes I can't get their words out of my head! And what if they're right! I'm not as good as you. I look nothing like a dwarf and I probably don't have a One."

"Listen to me!"

Kili had never heard Fili this angry before. As his brother held him at arms-length he was shocked at the hurt and rage in Fili's eyes.

"You don't look any different from any of the dwarves here Kee. And even if you do it means nothing. You're one of the best hunters we have and there is no one I would I would rather have fighting by my side."

Kili nodded wordlessly and Fili held him gently to avoid aggravating his bruises.

"Of course you have a One Kili. She'll be out there; waiting for you."

Kili couldn't remember the exact time he fell asleep in Fili's arms. He just remembered that comforting hold on him. One that reassured him he would always have Fili watching over him.

So once again we are on a bit of a cliff-hanger. But at least we know Thorin and Fili are okay…and Kili will be fine I promise! Hope nobody minded the flashback at the end but I needed something sweet between Fili and Kili so if this got you right in the feels I apologise! Don't panic we you will find out what has happened to Arianna in the next chapter. Let me know what you think xxx