Fili takes charge

Fili paused between the doorway that separated him from his family, standing just before the intricately painted door and listening to the sounds of laughter and loud screams within. A long day of the usual meetings and research and duties of the eldest royal prince always wore him down, but he'd take these few moments to prepare himself for the wave of energy that would fly at him when he entered.

He readied himself, pushed down the handle, and opened the door, smiling widely at the sight that greeted him.

Spread out over the room, were various toys, games, paintings, forgotten trays with scraps of food, and bunched-up fabric from their dressing-up box. Freyja and Bror were in one corner, dressed up as a wolf and a frog, and were screaming at one another, though there was no malice, just more of a competition to see who could roar the loudest.

Thora was finishing up a painting she was doing of her mother, sticking out her tongue in concentration and covering her face in accidental stripes of paint whenever she pushed her long hair back from her face.

Dru was sitting obediently on a chair, her hair pinned up in a messy bun and her own cheek streaked with a flick of green.

She did not turn to Fili but cast her gaze towards him and smiled.

"Hello, husband."

"Hello, Wife," he made his way over to her and nodded his head at Thora, "am I interrupting, or may I greet your mother properly?"

"Can I move yet, painter?" Dru gave him a little wink and waited for Thora's permission.

"Hmmmmmm…yes, I'll allow it," Thora made a show of putting one dab of paint on the canvas before she gave a nod of her head.

Dru twisted about in her chair and raised her head up. She looked happy about the situation, but as always, there was a tinge of exhaustion in her features. Small bags under her eyes and the slump in her shoulders that told him she was glad to be sitting down.

"Missed you," he leaned down and kissed her on her clean cheek.

"Missed you. Anyone bother you?" She kissed him back before he could pull away and he smirked down at her.

"Why, are you going to bother them?"

"Of course."

"That's my wife," he chuckled and straightened, nodding his head at the door, "ready for dinner?"

"Oh, yes, I am starving!" Dru got up and looked around the room and at her children, "You lot, get ready for dinner! Costumes off, hands and faces washed, and hair tied back so you don't get it in your pudding again."

"You might want to go and get washed up yourself," he gave her a smirk and pointed to his cheek.

She wiped her cheek with the back of her hand and saw the green smudge that was left.

"Oh, bother," she rolled her eyes and lead the way to the washroom, "alright, everyone needs their faces washed. Come on, Fi'."

"Daddy!" Freyja grabbed Fili's arm and began to pull him, "Let's wash your beard!"

"I'll allow it, but only if you promise not to stick flowers in my braids again," he dove and snatched up his daughter from the floor, quickly swinging her up onto his shoulder, "they smelled lovely, but daddy did look a little silly."

"Daddy looked pretty," Thora led the way and laughed when Bror tried to dash in front, quickly grabbing him and tickling him to stop.

"Maybe a couple of daises in each one this time?" Dru offered helpfully and winked at Fili's half-glare.

"Don't encourage it."

A little later…

Dinner had been the normal, slightly chaotic affair. Dis had banned ales and wines from the table since the kids always tried to sneak a sip from their parent's cups when they weren't looking.

But that never stopped the friendly and happy atmosphere as everyone talked, swapped foods, and practically threw cutlery when they were asked for.

Fili did notice Dru drinking lots of water and not talking as much as the others, but she claimed to just be a little tired and dehydrated.

Afterward, it was his turn to put the kids to bed as Dru settled herself in and got their own bed ready for the night.

Fili loved this part of being a father. Some days and nights were hectic, but he was grateful the kids complied when they got ready for bed.

Freyja was always the first because she was the easiest to put down. Plus, she would latch onto his shirt and wouldn't let go until she ensured he said goodnight properly.

"Daddy, would you sleep in my bed tonight?" She gently grabbed the thick braid in his hair and played with the end, "I can put dolly to sleep in her basket under the bed!"

"Well, I would love to, but I have terrible news," he pulled a 'long face' and pressed his nose against hers, "I'm afraid daddy, is far too fat for your bed."

"You ARE the biggest lion," she threw out her arms to show how big he was, "in ALL of Middle-Earth!"

"Rawr," he playfully nuzzled the side of her face with his beard and gave her one last kiss, "and I'm afraid even the biggest lion needs to sleep."

"Night night," she reluctantly let him go and turned her head onto her pillow.

She wouldn't sleep straight away but watch him go about the room and he knew, as soon as the door shut, she and Bror would start talking quietly and giggling amongst themselves.

He moved to Thora next, who looked ready to pass out, but she managed to stay alert long enough to return an affectionate kiss that landed on the side of his nose.

"Goodnight, little spark," he tried to hold back his laughter when she let out a noise that was more like her mother grunting at him for disturbing her sleep.

And Bror was playing in bed with his small teddy, looking anything but ready to sleep.

"Have you had your water, young man?" Fili sat down and tucked the covers around his son.

"Yes. And Granny gave me one of the biscuits that help settle my tummy," he patted his belly and smiled, "she said if I'm good and if I ask properly, you'll take my fishing. Can we go fishing, please, daddy?"

Fili smiled and leaned over to place a kiss against his sons' cheek.

"Yes, we can."

"Promise?" Bror rubbed at his eyes, fighting off sleep.

"Promise."

"Promise, promise?"

"Promise," he chuckled and cupped the side of his son's face, "promise."

"Love you," Bror, content he'd gotten the promise of a fishing trip with his dad, turned over and shut his eyes with a smile, pretending that he was ready to go straight to sleep.

"Love you too," Fili got up and looked at all his children, "love you all. My children of fire and gold."

He left the room quietly, chuckling to himself when he heard the distinct sound of giggling emitting from the other side. He'd let them talk, but they always obeyed the rule of staying in bed when it was time to sleep.

He arrived back in his room to find Dru already in bed, tucked up under her side of the covers and the other side open and ready for him.

He slipped in, immediately tucking his arm around her and settling his face close to her neck. She'd very thoughtfully tied her hair up in a loose bun, but it seemed it was to keep her cool as her skin was hotter than his.

"You alright? You feel hot."

She groaned but just snuggled back against him, obviously too comfy to even move.

"I'm fine. Just a long day. Need some sleep."

"Alright," he shut his eyes and left it at that, "goodnight, my love."

"Night. Love you…don't choke on my hair."

"I'll try not to."

The Next morning…

Fili woke up first and luckily, hadn't woken up with a mouthful of Dru's hair. She was still fast asleep, so he let her lie in, knowing she'd have a busy day ahead of her.

He washed, dressed, and went to check on his children, just to make sure nothing had broken in the night (and to make sure none of them had snuck out for a midnight picnic in the throne room).

He opened the door enough to poke his head in and smiled at the sight. They all looked like sweet, innocent angels.

'And then, when they wake up, they turn into well-behaved, energetic trolls.'

He shut the door, knowing he wouldn't need to wake them either. They'd wake up and instantly get to playing and screaming at one another.

He shut the door between rooms and went back to his own. But Dru was no longer lying down in bed. She was sat up on her side, with her head bent low, her hair obscuring her features.

"Morning love," he stopped when she groaned and slowly looked up at him, "are you alright? You look pale."

Dru was indeed pale. And her eyes were not focusing on him.

"I feel," she grimaced and tried to right her voice since she'd croaked that out, "a little strange."

She attempted to stand up on shaky legs and he could see she was already struggling before she could support her own weight.

"Hey, hey," he moved and grabbed onto her to help, "don't strain yourself-"

"Gods!" She collapsed but managed to remain conscious as she clung to him, "Oh, my head."

Fili, without waiting for any more signs, scooped her up and immediately put her back down on the bed.

"Easy, Love. Stay down," he quickly checked her over, feeling her hot forehead and checking her eyes. Though she couldn't help but glare at him when he made her open her mouth.

"Stop poking me. I feel like death."

Despite knowing she was sick, he let go of her face and pressed a quick kiss to the back of her hand.

"I'm afraid you've got the flu."

"Who made you a doctor?" She groaned and tried to sit up again, but collapsed back with a whine, "I've got stuff to do. Everything hurts."

Since she'd merely pushed the covers off herself, he put them back over her and tucked her back in.

"You'll be alright," he tried not to scoff as she pushed the covers off herself, so he had to tuck her back in, again, "as long as -stop that- you get some rest."

Dru, seemingly accepting she'd lost the cover fight, had a small tantrum underneath the sheets.

"But who will look after the kids?! Eilonwy is having a date with Bofur, Mam is busy training with Dwalin, and Thorin and Rana need some time to themselves."

He sat down on the corner of the bed and thought about it. The most logical conclusion was that, since everyone else was busy, there was one obvious candidate.

"Well…I will."

Dru let out a short, loud bark of laughter but immediately began to cough. Before she had a chance to say anything else, he waited for her to finish before putting his foot down.

"And why is that funny? I am their father, and I am perfectly capable of looking after them.

"Fili," she sniffed and shook her head, "you are their father and you DO spend time with them, but you've never had all three of them for a WHOLE day. By yourself."

"You do it every day! How hard can it be?" He shrugged his shoulders, and she just gave him a look.

"I'm too sick to do anything, but I don't know whether to laugh or pity you."

"It'll be fine," he stood up and leaned over her, "I'm going to go and get the maid to take care of you today. She'll bring you anything you want and make sure you have some company when you're awake. I'M going to get the kids washed and dressed and then, we'll have a nice, calm morning."

"I think I can both pity and laugh at you."

A short while later…

Fili had left Dru with the strict instruction to rest (even tucking her feet in so tightly that he knew she'd struggle for a good few minutes getting out) and made sure the maid knew what to get her. And to send word if she attempted to get out of her rooms by herself.

True to his word, he went to the kids and told them about Dru being sick and that HE was going to be spending the day with them. They all had the same, startled reaction, but excitement soon replaced that when he said if they got washed and dressed nicely, he'd let them have pancakes for breakfast.

'This is going to be a piece of cake.'

Breakfast was its usual chaotic affair, most of the jam and cream ending up on their faces and in their wispy little beards so they had to wash again, but Fili had a good feeling.

That was until he asked them what they wanted to do.

Freyja always wanted to play with the vast box of costumes and masks they had, but Bror also wanted to do some baking. Thora then had the brilliant idea of painting a portrait of him today, to go with the one she had done of her mother.

He made the deal to do one thing at a time, but each one went into a little sulk when they were 'forced' into participating. Bror spent five minutes, gently sobbing in a corner because he'd smacked Thora's hand when she'd teased him with a hat and Fili had plonked him down on a cushion to think about what he did.

He perked up when they made their way to the kitchens and even said sorry to Thora by letting her whisk the bowl of cake mix. Everybody was made to tie their hair back and wear aprons, but they did get messy again.

But before he could sit for Thora (which he was looking forward to), she changed her mind and all three agreed they wanted to instead take a walk to Henrik's to get some pastries.

They washed for the third (or was it the fourth) time and he made sure they were clean and somewhat presentable. He was halfway through Erebor before he realised, he still had flour on his face and his hair up in a messy bun (courtesy of Thora). Luckily, the place he stopped off at to grab a last-minute gift gave him a rag to clean his face up.

Each had a treat and on the way back, Bror placed his sticky fingers around his father's wrist.

"Daddy, can we PAINT ourselves fishing?"

"Of course…do you still want to go?" Fili hesitated a little because he was afraid of what his son would say.

"Today?!" Little excited eyes stared up at him.

That was what he was afraid of.

"Not today," he replied cautiously, "tomorrow?"

"Yes! And then, nanny can bake a fish pie!" Bror shoved his cream horn into his mouth, content and humming happily to himself.

A short while later, once they had dusted off their desserts and gotten back to the toy room, everybody got to their own paintings. Fili sat on a stool that was a little too small, but at least he was off his feet. His backside did start to hurt a little though.

He sat patiently for well over an hour whilst Thora 'created a masterpiece' and Freyja and Bror painted their own works. Bror stuck to the fishing, and it was no surprise to anyone that Freyja created a giant lily pad with a tiny frog smiling contently on the canvas.

"Right!" Thora said, at last, dotting the canvas with one last swish of paint and holding her brush aloft triumphantly, "It's all done, Da'. You can get up if ya' like."

"Oh, thank you, Thora," he stood up and stretched, wiggling out his legs to get the feeling back into them, "can I look yet?"

"No!" Thora glared and pointed the tip of the brush at him, "It's a surprise! I'm going to let you and mummy see them when they're BOTH dry and done."

"I understand," he nodded and tried to appear serious, "I swear upon all that is great in this mountain, I shall not look."

"No peeking at mine yet," Freyja agreed and waved her brush in the same way as her sister, "it's for your birthday!"

"Oh, thank you, sweetheart," he placed his hand on his heart and bowed his hand, "I'm sure I'll love it."

"Daddy, you can come see mine!" Bror called him and Fili walked over, ready to see his son's masterpiece. Unfortunately, he found that most of the paint had ended up on his face, hair…and from what he could see, under his apron.

"Bror….how did you manage to get paint on UNDER your apron?" He blinked in surprise.

"YOU said, 'I'd like to see you try to get paint on under that' so I tried, and I can do it, daddy!"

Fili rubbed at his face.

"Me and my big mouth," he groaned and held out his hand, "come on, let's go get you washed and into a new shirt-"

"Daddy, I need the toilet again!" Freyja cried out just as Thora screeched.

"There's paint on my foot! And it's on the floor!"

Fili looked up at the ceiling, hoping for a savior to appear.

"….Mahal, save me."

At the end of the day…

Dru grumbled and opened her heavy eyelids. Despite still feeling a bit rough, she was improved from earlier.

She had dismissed the maid after she drank her weight in water and forced soup down her, but now, basic bodily functions were telling her to get up and go to the bathroom.

After she managed to waddle slowly to relieve herself and splash her face with cold water, she was about to get into bed but heard the sounds of a loud commotion coming all the way from the toy room.

She slipped between rooms and slowly opened the door, poking her head around the corner.

She was greeted by noise and chaos and smiled at the sight before her.

Fili was on all fours as his children clung to his back. They laughed and screamed happily as he crawled around, growling in a very lion-like manner.

She opened the door the whole way, leaning against the frame and sighing happily. This had been the best thing to wake up to.

Thora was the first to spot her.

"MUMMY!" She screeched and slid ungracefully off her father's back. Unfortunately, she bumped into one of his arms and the others slid forward and everyone ended up on a pile on the floor. Fili groaned and looked up at Dru with exasperation and love.

'Serves you right,' she quietly thought and gave him a wink, just as all three of her children scrambled up and headed towards her.

"Be gentle!" Fili called out as a quick reminder to her disposition, but they listened and slowed themselves down.

"Mummy!" Freyja wrapped her arms around her mother's waist, her touch almost featherlight. Thora, growing taller by the day, placed her arms around her mother's neck and rested her head against her chest.

Bror, squeezing in last, took her hand and placed it against his cheek.

"Hello, my darlings. Have you had fun today?"

"Yes, we've done lots-"

"We've done painting and baking-"

"And we got you some pastries and daddy saved you one, it's on the table-"

"AND we dressed up and pretended to put on a play."

"Oh, how exciting," she turned her head and coughed away from her children, "sorry I couldn't join you."

"Are you feeling any better?" Fili scrambled up from the floor, looking like he would much prefer to be lying down.

"A little. I'm still dizzy, but thought I'd come to see my sweethearts."

"Mummy, I'm going to draw you a big picture to make you feel better," Freyja detached herself and ran over to her small desk, pulling out paper and pencils.

"AND I can get you a slice of cake from the kitchen," Thora jumped up and planted a quick kiss on her mother's cheek, before letting her go, "we saved lots earlier, but it might be gone. Uncle Kili said he would grab some."

"Mummy, do you want some company?" Bror cuddled up to her, content to stay by her side.

"Oh, thank you, darling," she patted his hair down and was going to say yes, but caught the look from her husband, "but I think daddy wants me to go and rest alone. Don't want you to catch what I have. But you can draw me a picture as well, I'd really love that."

Bror toddled off and Fili swapped places with him, putting his arm around Dru.

"Come on, back to bed," he called out over his shoulder to his children, "I'm just going to put mummy to bed. Be good whilst I'm gone."

"You don't have to support me, I won't fall down," Dru walked slowly to prove her point but smirked at Fili's next words.

"You won't, but I might. I need to lie down…forever."

True to his word, once Dru sat down on her side of the bed, Fili immediately crawled over to his side and collapsed with a loud moan.

"My body aches."

"Same," she laid back and shut her eyes as the ceiling spun, "maybe I'm sicker than I thought."

He turned his head to look at her and was filled with an immense sense of wonder. Here he was complaining and about to whine about his day with the kids, but not only had he had fun but realised this is what she did. And never once complained about it.

"How do you do this every day? Are you actually a witch?"

She turned her head and arched her brow at him.

"Yes. Strongest and powerful," she winced at the croak in her throat, "and I will curse you if you don't get your boots off the bed."

He moved his feet, so they were dangling over the edge, but that was it. He couldn't move any more than that.

"I mean it. You're…incredible."

She reached out and placed her hand over his.

"Thank you. I appreciate it. What a bloody day it's been."

He suddenly remembered something very important and reached into his trouser pocket.

"Oh. Didn't forget by the way," he pulled out a small, wrapped box and held it out to her, "Happy Birthday."

"Oh," she took the box and held it close to her chest, "I know you didn't forget. I just hoped you had. Another year older and I'm stuck in bed. Couldn't even give my kids a big breakfast."

"It's alright. They understand," despite feeling every muscle in his body ache, he turned himself over and placed his hand on her stomach, "your present this year was a much-needed lay in bed."

She chuckled at his accidental innuendo and wiggled her brows.

"I'll give you a much-needed lay…not tonight though. I can't move."

Fili laughed with her and lowered his head to kiss her neck.

"Don't worry, I'll do all the work."

His beard tickled her perfectly and her laughter increased when he began to hum, then sing Happy Birthday.

"No, please," she gasped and coughed, "Fili, stop! I can't die laughing!"

"My singing isn't that bad, is it?" He mumbled against her skin, and she grabbed onto his back to keep him from moving. His beard may have tickled but his lips felt wonderful.

"No, no. Just unexpected singing, that's all," when he pulled back to look at her, she rubbed her nose against his, "I love your singing…when it's done well."

He looked so offended she couldn't help but laugh.

"Right, that's it!"

He decided the best punishment was to attack her neck again since she was obviously enjoying it.

"Ah, get off!"

He groaned and sunk down against her.

"I can't. I'm too sore to roll back over."

Meanwhile…

All three sets of eyes looked in on their parents and hid their giggles as Thora shut the door as quietly as she could.

"Should we give mummy the drawing now?" Freyja asked, but her elder sister shook her head.

"No, we can surprise them later," she shook her head and took Bror's hand, "I think daddy needs to sleep. And mummy. It IS her birthday after all."

"Is daddy sick too?" Bror stuck his thumb in his mouth, accidentally crumpling the paper with the drawing he had done.

Freyja just shook her head, her blonde ringlets dancing about her head.

"No, he's just REALLY tired from being a lion, right?"