Everybody thought Kili was an idiot or that he was too young to understand things. It wasn't true. He was cheerful and mischievous sure, but he was also very observant. That's why he bet Bilbo Baggins would join them on the quest. He had wandered a little in the home of their burglar and he saw that the hobbit lived in memories. Everywhere, there was portraits in frames, though none was of him, and ornamental trinkets, each had a particular place and it was obvious that their host cared a lot about it with the way it was dusted. He even found a red ribbon. Yet, there was no-one in the house except Bilbo. Plus, he spent the whole evening telling the dwarves that they were touching heirlooms.
Kili put the pieces of the puzzle together and he understood, a little saddened, that the hobbit was still grieving the loss of either parents, wife or child. Everytime he would think about him alone in that big hobbit hole, it would make his heart clench in sympathy, and he did all he could to include him in the company. It was often as the butt of the joke but that would slowly change.
Kili was panicking when Bilbo was being held by three huge trolls. He felt awfully guilty for it was because of him that the hobbit went and faced those wraiths on his own. He waited for the company and his brother with a pounding heart, especially when they started talking about eating their 14th member. His stomach churned uncomfortably when Bilbo tried to save them, assuring the trolls he was alone and that there was no more of his. Kili just couldn't stay back. He wouldn't hide while others fought his battles. It just wasn't in his blood.
He admit being very angry and hurt when the burglar 'betrayed' them and wasn't really proud of the things he said. But thankfully, his awesome uncle understood the stratagem and kicked the dark-haired archer, rather hard if you ask Kili's version. Then they had to deal with a crazy wizard, a pack of Orcs and elves.
Finally, Kili had a slight moment of piece in Rivendell during the night. "Can I talk to you for a second Master Kili?" The voice startled him out of his thoughts and he jumped, hands automatically finding the hilt of his sword. He relaxed when he saw Bilbo but was a little bit confused about how he sneaked up on him. Kili has always been proud of his keen ears.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you." Bilbo apologized and Kili shook his head. "Don't worry about it. I just didn't hear you coming. Though I wonder, how come you're so silent when you walk?" The hobbit smirked a little at that. "Well Gandalf did say hobbits were silent on their feet when they wanted to, did he not?" It gained him a grin from the cheerful prince. "So what did you want to talk about Master Boggins?" The fair-haired creature quickly sobered up at that and didn't even try to correct Kili on his name, making the dwarf frown. Whatever the subject would be, it was serious.
"I wanted to apologize and to give you my thanks. I realize that you put your life on the line to save me and for that I am grateful. But I think it would be for the best if you didn't do it again. Your brother and uncle would be heartbroken if you died because of me. And I wouldn't be able to ever forgive myself. I would like to apologize for putting you and the company in the danger. I'm sorry I disturbed you. I'll see you later Master Kili." And with that, he was gone, leaving in his wake a very confused dwarf.
"Here you are! I searched you everywhere!" Fili's booming voice disturbed the raven-head's agitated silence. "What is it?" The blond asked, taking in his brother's distant eyes and furrowed brows. "Nothing, nothing." Kili answered absently. He stared at the path Bilbo had just left on for a few seconds before facing his brother and grinning. "Should we leave a surprise for our most kind hosts, dear brother?" He was met with an equal air of mischief and they strayed plotting.
Even though, his conversation with Bilbo did not leave his mind, Kili never approached the topic during the rest of their travels.
Next: Gandalf
A/N: I posted quickly so that you can forgive me for the month of waiting before. Also I chose to dedicate a chapter to Gandalf because for me he is part of the Company as well. And because he is totally awesome and deserves recognition. After that I might also do a chapter with Thorin and the aftermath. But you will see what the future brings only by being patient. Thanks for reading!