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BONUS CHAPTER!

And look out, my lovelies...things are about to get real.

Enjoy!

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Chapter 105

~X~

When Fili felt they had taken themselves far enough away from camp, he stopped and turned towards his brother, placing both hands on his shoulders.

"Now, Kili…tell me everything," he instructed in a very serious tone.

"What's to tell? We were sparring, then she got the drop on me, and the next thing I knew, she was sitting on my chest," he moaned, walking over to sit down on a fallen log, leaning forward as he placed his head in his hands. "And then…and then I woke up!"

"Are you sure?" Fili pressed, sitting down next to him.

"As sure as I can be when I have never experienced such a thing before," he assured him with a serious nod. He wiggled around on the log just a bit, doing his best to find a more comfortable position. "I mean…did you know right away?"

"Well…the first time, no," he admitted. "I was still a bit groggy from the sleeping potion, so it was all a bit fuzzy. But the second time…yes, I knew. I just had no idea if it was real, or simply a product of that wake-up elixir I thought I had been given. But looking back…yah, it was pretty obvious."

"Then…that means that Tauriel is my one…right?" Kili asked, looking up at his brother for answers. "I mean, that's what Gloin and Bombur said, if you wake up…you've met your one."

"It would appear that way," he nodded, doing his best not to look in the direction of Kili's lap. "Have you experienced any of the other signs they talked about that night?" Fili remembered that evening very vividly, still mortified that his mother had been a part of it.

"I've never dreamed of our wedding, if that's what you're asking," Kili admitted. "But I have dreamed of her. And when she was sitting on me…and I suddenly…woke up, well, I did have a quick day dream of sorts…of her holding our child. Does that count?"

"I don't know!" stated, throwing his hands up in frustration. "You were there the same as me…no one mentioned day dreams. Although, Gloin and Bombur said that every dwarrow is different, and some experience things that others don't, so who can tell." He looked over at his brother once more, narrowing his eyes. "Have you found one part of her more desirable than the rest? You now…fixated on a certain aspect of her?"

"Her hair," Kili said, giving a sigh of pure pleasure as she shut his eyes. "I love the way it looks, the way it moves and I would give anything to run my fingers through it."

As Fili watched a wide grin spread across his brother's goofy looking face, he let out his own sigh…but this one of resignation. He was happy for Kili, really he was, and while he knew this was a wonderful thing, there would obviously be complications if the two of them chose to pursue this match. That, of course, was assuming Tauriel even thought of Kili in that manner.

"You really need to think about this, Nadadith. Is this what you want?" the older dwarf questioned. "While both Thorin and I eventually realized that denying the call of our ones was pure madness…you have to take into consideration that Tauriel is an elf, and she might not feel the same way. Do elves even have a one?"

"I…I think so," Kili told him, desperately trying to recall Tauriel's exact words from the other night. "She said that elves too seek out their perfect mate."

"The term 'perfect mate' could mean anything to an elf," Fili mused, now worried for his little brother. "And if she doesn't see you the same way you view her, as the one Mahal created especially for you…then there might not be any way to convince her."

"But what if she does see me as such…what if she does care for me as well?" Kili asked, ever the optimist.

"Then I suppose you have two options…the first one being, to pursue her, to officially court her," the older brother reasoned. "The second, is to deny your feelings and try to forget her. However, if a dwarf chooses to deny his one, then he has essentially condemned himself to a bachelor's life to the end of his days. One, and done…that's how it goes. Yet, that is still an option…if you want it to be." Though in Fili's mind, it was not something he would ever wish on Kili. His brother deserved love - deserved to be loved - even if it was by an elf.

Fili had always imagined his brother married, with children of his own, the two of them raising their young ones together. Kili had so much to offer a dam…or an elf…and for him to only be married to his craft alone, was unthinkable. Thorin and Dwalin seemed perfectly content with hobbits as their mates, and while Tauriel was taller than Kili, and certainly not as full figured as a dwarrowdam, even Fili could not deny that she had a certain appeal. The elf-lass was kind, brave, generous, and treated everyone with respect…which was saying a lot when you thought about how much the wood elves and the dwarves hated each other less than two decades ago. Still, this pairing would be a very bitter pill for Thorin to swallow, and perhaps even their mother. Yet, in his heart, Fili could not advise his brother any differently. Kili deserved happiness.

"Not a lot of choices, are there?" Kili muttered, staring off into the darkness.

"Do…do you love her?" Fili asked, watching him closely for any sign that would give him away.

"I…I think so," he replied, looking almost as shocked as Fili was. "I mean, I've thought of no one but her for the past sixteen years. Not one dwarrowdam has caught my eye or held my attention like Tauriel has. She's an amazing fighter, and more than a match for me at archery. When I look at her I can't stop smiling, and when I close my eyes at night, she is all I see. And most of all…I can't imagine spending the rest of my life without her." He stared at Fili questioningly. "Is that love?"

"If it isn't, that's the most romantic way I've ever heard hate described," he laughed, throwing his arm around his brother's shoulder and giving him an encouraging squeeze. "I might not be an expert on the subject…" he began, but then stopped and got a thoughtful look on his face. "On second thought…maybe I am! I mean, I do have a lovely wife and three beautiful children, so I'm apparently doing something right."

"Yes, yes, you're the supreme authority on love," Kili stated with a roll of his eyes.

"Thanks for noticing," Fili grinned, nudging his brother with his elbow. "But like I was saying…from what I know on the subject, I can say without a doubt, that you are most assuredly in love." He paused there for a moment, then added, "I think."

"You think?" Kili groused.

"There's always room for error in anything," Fili stated defensively. "But the bottom line is…you are awake. And Tauriel is the one who did it. So, my advice is to not throw Mahal's gift back in his face. Tell her what you're feeling, and find out if she might be experiencing the same thing. Stranger things have happened."

"Yes," Kili nodded, his brother's words apparently solidifying his resolve. "I will talk to her. And I will tell her exactly how I am feeling!" he then turned a bit red and folded his arms over his lap. "Well, maybe not exactly."

"Best to keep a little mystery in your love life," Fili laughed. "At least until your wedding night."

"My wedding night?" Kili gasped, looking at his brother in shock. "I've not even learned if she likes me yet…and you already have us getting married?"

"Well…it is the logical conclusion, don't you think?" Fili shrugged. He then got a hesitant look on his face. "Do…do you need me to explain to you about the wedding nihght or anything? I mean…what you should do and stuff?"

"OH, MAHAL NO!" Kili shouted, pulling back and looking at Fili as if he were a snake, ready to strike. "One thing at a time…and that, maybe never!"

"Rather figure it out on your own, would ya?" Fili laughed, though very happy his brother had turned him down. He knew one day he would be giving this talk to his own sons…well, maybe not exactly like this, but it would be his duty to pass along this male information. But for some reason, giving it to his brother felt strange and awkward. No wonder Thorin had looked rather sick to his stomach when he had attempted to impart what little knowledge he had on the subject to them when they were younger. It was not as easy as one would assume. Still, as his brother, he couldn't help but tease him just a little. "Though with the difference in your height, there might be an issue…but I suppose when lying down, it woun't really be a problem."

"FILI!" Kili barked, shooting his brother a scandalized look.

"What?" he chuckled, trying to look innocent…and failing.

The two brothers were silent for a moment, and then Kili spoke, his voice sounding unsure.

"And…you're fine with me taking an elf as a wife?" the dark haired prince asked hopefully.

"As long as you are happy, I am happy," he stated firmly. "And I'll even stand up for you and your choice in brides when you tell Amad and Uncle."

"Oh, Mahal," Kili moaned. "I forgot about them! What do you think they'll say? What do you think they will do?"

"Hmmmm, hard to predict," Fili said, stroking his short beard in thought. "Mother might simply be overjoyed with the prospect of more grandchildren, while Thorin….no telling. Although, like I said, he and Glorfindel have become pretty good friends, so things might go easier than you think."

"Well, that would certainly be a change," Kili scoffed.

"Look at the bright side, at least you discovering you're awake while way out here, saving you the embarrassment I got when I found out," Fili informed him, shaking his head ruefully. "While I'm willing to bet that Thorin would have fielded any of your questions on the subject, this time…you never know what Amad might have chosen to add to it. One sex discussion with her sitting in was quite enough for me."

"Me too!" Kili shuddered, recalling that night vividly.

"So…do you need to stay out here a bit longer?" Fili gave a slight nod towards his brother's still covered lap. "I'll understand if you do."

"Will you sit with me?" Kili asked, feeling somewhat childish for asking.

"Of course I will," Fili chuckled. "What are brothers for?"

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By the time it was safe for the two dwarrows to return to camp, most everyone had already gone to sleep, assured that the men of Dale were watching over the camp that night. Much to Kili's disappointment, and relief, Tauriel was already in her bed roll. He wondered why she had chosen to sleep on the ground that night, and not in a tree like before. Perhaps none of the ones nearby were as comfortable as last time? Most appeared to be pine trees…and Kili figured that nothing was more irritating than prickly cones and pitch.

So, lying down on his own blankets, Kili stared up at the stars and let his mind wander. Fili had been right…he had to speak to Tauriel, there was nothing else he could do. Yet, even as he ran dozens of speeches through his mind, nothing he dreamed up sounded good enough. He wished he had the gift of flowery talk like Ori, or the easy way of speaking to others like Fili. But no, Kili had neither of these things, and had always fallen back on humor when in a tight spot. Still…hadn't Tauriel said she liked that about him? That she found him interesting?

Yet now Kili wanted to be more than interesting, he wanted to dazzle her, to sweep her off her feet – figuratively speaking – and show her that he could be serious, as well as romantic. He fell asleep wondering just how he might go about taking on such a daunting task.

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~XXXX~

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The following morning, back in Erebor, Thorin was busy grumbling in his private chambers. He was currently being held there by Dori, Balin, Gloin and Ori, all attempting to get their king to do the impossible…stand still!

"Oh, Thorin, just do as they ask and get it over with," Marigold told her husband, sitting in the corner with Sier while their daughters played quietly on the floor. With Flinn and Frerin away, Freya was feeling the loss of her sibling-playmates, and so a bit of girl-time with Rose had been planned that morning.

"You've been putting this off long enough, Thorin," Balin huffed, standing in front of the doorway and blocking his escape. "You need to be fitted for your new armor, and now is as good a time as any."

"I do not need new armor," Thorin fussed, crossing his arms over his chest and looking at Dori, who was standing there with a tape-measure and a look of determination. Ori was at his side, paper and pencil in hand, ready to jot down whatever his brother told him to. "Besides, I just finished getting dressed in order to hold open audience!"

"Oh, come on, it will take you all of ten minutes. Your old one is so full of dents that the smiths fear if they pound out one more, the whole thing will fall apart," Gloin insisted. "Now, we brought up a few pieces for you to try on, and we will measure you for the rest. You need armor, Thorin…and it must be such as befits a king."

"Fine," Thorin huffed, slipping out of his fur lined ceremonial robe and stepping forward to drape it around Balin's shoulders, using him as a living coatrack. He then removed his crown and plopped it on his councilor's head. "Hold those for me," he instructed, turning towards Dori with a heavy sigh. "Do your worst," Thorin directed, holding his arms out to the side in defeat.

Balin chuckled at his king's dramatics, slipping his arms through the sleeves of Thorin's royal robes and adjusting the raven-wing crown so that it sat more comfortably on his head.

"You know, Thorin," Balin mused, taking a few steps around the room as he let the majestic garment drag on the floor behind him. "I believe I could get used to wearing this."

"Be my guest," Thorin said with a bit of a smile. "I was not looking forward to listening to all of Erebor's disgruntled subjects anyway. Who, I am certain, are already lined up around the mountain, all wanting to chew my ear off today." Each month, Thorin held open court, hearing from any who wished to speak a grievance before the king. It was a long standing tradition passed down from his ruling ancestors, but Thorin wished he could just skip it today. Usually he had Fili and Kili there with him, to help keep things at least bearable, but with them gone…well, his heart was simply not in it today. "I will gladly take over your duties, or anyone else's for that matter, and let you play king for the day."

"And I would do a smashing job of it too," Balin laughed, now strutting around the room in a comical manner. "I mean, how hard could it be?" He looked over at Gloin and waved his hand in his direction authoritatively. "Gloin, my good dwarf, do go down to the treasury and count all the coins there for me…twice!"

"I will get right on it, my king," the red bearded dwarf chuckled, giving Balin an exaggerated bow.

"Dori, I need a new tapestry to hang on my wall, one that depicts my heroic deeds and shows off my fine physique," he ordered next. And while Dori only laughed at his request, Thorin gave Balin a stern glare.

"And Ori, I need a proclamation written up immediately, canceling all future audiences with the king by anyone who has a complaint…only those who wish to sing his praises are allowed to be seen," the white haired advisor commanded.

"Now you're talking!" Thorin nodded, happy to hear something useful come out of his cousin's mouth.

"And what about me, King Balin?" Marigold asked in a deceptively innocent voice. "If you are taking over Thorin's duties, will you be joining me in the birthing room and stay by my side while my second child is born?"

At this Balin blanched, causing both the queen and Sier to burst out laughing.

"If he can't even remain standing when presented with his niece and nephew for the first time, how do you think he would fare in the delivery room?" Thorin scoffed, enjoying the look of horror on Balin's face.

"As if you're one to talk, Cousin," Gloin pointed out. "I recall that you also took to the floor at the birth of little Rose." Thorin shot him a glaring look, always hating to be reminded of his brief lack of consciousness when his daughter was born. "And that is why males should not be in the birthing room…it's just not natural, I say!" Gloin stated, acting as if this proved his point.

"It is, however, natural for hobbits," Sier spoke up, leaning over and patting Marigold's hand supportively. "And I, for one, rather appreciated Fili being there with me. It made the birth of Frerin and Freya all the more special."

"And as Marigold's husband, I have every intention of being present when my next child is born as well," Thorin assured his wife, making her smile happily at his statement.

"On second thought, perhaps I will let you retain your kingship…and everything that goes along with it," Balin said, his cheeks turning a bit red.

"Probably best," Thorin nodded, giving his wife a little wink.

Just then, there came a loud knock at the door.

"If you are no longer overtaxed by running my kingdom, would you be so kind as to get the door, Balin?" Thorin asked, having just been handed a new helmet, slipping it on as Dori stood back and inspected it thoughtfully.

"Of course, Your Majesty," Balin said with a sweeping bow, trotting over to the door and yanking it open. "Who dares to disturb the king?" he barked out gruffly, imagining that he would either startle a poor page delivering a message, or cause one of the guards to laugh at his antics. Yet what he encountered was something altogether different.

"I dare!" a gravelly voice replied, coming from a burley, black-haired dwarf who stood in the doorway, a sword drawn and now pointed directly at Balin. "And if you don't wish for your kingly head to be separated from your body, I would suggest you do just as I say!"

Balin stumbled back as at least a dozen dwarves began shoving their way into the room, each one armed and ready for battle. Thorin grabbed his sword, prepared to defend his home and loved ones against these intruders. Gloin, Dori and Ori were instantly on the defense as well, drawing their own weapons.

Sier, knowing that there was nothing she could do to help, swiftly gathered Rose and Freya into her arms and ran for the bedroom door, ushering Marigold along as quickly as her rounded stomach would allow. As they heard the clashing of swords behind them, they spared one final glance back, horrified as they saw Thorin and the others engage the enemy. Sier slammed the door closed with her foot and set the children down, sliding the bolt in place before grabbing a sturdy chair to brace against it as well.

"Thorin! I…I can't leave him!" Marigold cried, frantically reaching for the lock in an attempt to go back. "I must help him!"

"NO!" Sier commanded, grabbing hold of the hobbit's shoulders and spinning her around so she was facing her. "There's nothing you can do other than get yourself captured or killed. Thorin can fight much better knowing you are safe, now come with me!"

By now Rose and Freya were crying, both little princesses never having been witness to such violence or fear. Sier raced to the far corner of the room and pulled a massive tapestry aside, letting her hands feel their way along the wall until she discovered what she was looking for. Pressing a slight indent in the stone, there was a noise and a small puff of dust, as a secret doorway opened in the wall.

"Hurry, through here," she instructed, gesturing for the children and Marigold to join her. Sier had not made use of the secret passageways in the royal chambers since the day that Nori had carried her out of Fili's room unconscious. Yet she, as well as the rest of the family, knew of their existence and how to access them. They were only to be used in the direst of emergencies…but if this was not dire, then Sier didn't know what was. "We need to get out, get the children to safety, and find help!" she ordered, still worried that Marigold would resist her command. Yet, as the hobbit mother looked down at the two frightened lasses, and her hand rested on the swell of her unborn child, she knew her niece-in-law spoke true.

"Yes," she nodded, ushering the children towards the stone door. "Hurry now, take my hand." And into the dark they went, doing their best to put on a brave face for the sake of Rose and Freya.

Sier waited until all four of them were safe inside the tunnel before she pushed the door closed, hearing it seal tightly, covering all evidence of their escape. She knew that a lamp and flint were stored near each entrance, and in a moment she had located them, lighting the wick and illuminating the dark around them.

"Ama, I'm scared!" Rose sniffled, burying her face in her mother's skirts. "Why didn't Adad come with us?"

"He will follow us soon," Marigold assured her child, laying her hand reassuringly on her little back.

Sier now held the lantern in one hand and Freya in the other, the tiny toddler clinging to her tightly.

"Where does this lead?" Marigold asked, having also never had to make use of these passages.

"Eventually it comes out near the healing halls…but I think we should head for Dis' room first, for we will need her help. I think it's this way," she said, nodding her head forward, her lantern giving off a small shaft of light that pierced the dark tunnel. "Come…we won't be of help to anyone standing here."

And taking a deep breath for courage, Sier led the way…praying that those they left behind would be all right.

Ummmm, told you things were about to get 'real'. REAL EXCITING! ha ha.

So now you know the sub-plot of the story. I couldn't just let those who stayed home in Erebor be sitting around doing nothing you know!

From here on out, I will be switching from Erebor to the Mission and back again. Sometimes dedicating a whole chapter to one place, while other times splitting half and half. Hope you like the change of pace.

Also...what is your favorite line from the Hobbit. What to you stands out as the most memorable?

Guest Reviews:

Aranel Mereneth: Out of them all, I think Kili might be the least Dumb Durin of them all. ha ha. This boy is an open book...has nothing to hide (except what is going on in his pants right now. ha ha)

gginsc: Kili appreciates your sympathy...and I appreciate your review!

Guest: Nope, no one can argue when a Dwarf finds his ONE...but he can certainly argue with HER! ha ha.

abc: Yes, and I bet when he finds out, Thorin will be GLAD he was not there. ha ha. He might be married now, but he is still figuring things out for himself. ha ha. And Fili will help his little brother through this awkward time...with good advice and a bit of teasing. What are brothers for, right? Thanks.

Feu d'Argent: Agreed, Fili's sex talk can not be topped. ha ha. Yah, but it will be hard to have Fili and Sier split up in the story...but the reunion will be worth it...um...I mean...assuming he survives and all (wink wink). I too love how elves like men/dwarves/wizards with beards, ha ha. Just as long as they keep them short and neat, like Fili and Kili, and Thorin. I would not go for Gloin's beard. sorry. And I just gave you a bonus chapter...was that enough sparing you of the suspense...or did it just create more? ha ha.