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I am currently out of town and having issues with responding to reviews. I am getting them on my phone and enjoying them though! I will answer them All when I get home.

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Chapter 10

~X~

Several more days passed, with Fili continuing to act as the doting dwarrow, attending to Jade's every need. One night, as they sat down to dinner, it quickly became obvious that Fili must have mentioned her wish to learn the art of wielding an axe to Dwalin. The gruff warrior proceeded to ask her many questions during the meal, assessing her abilities and seriousness over the request. Jade had given Fili a glare when Dwalin had begun his inquisition, letting him know she was not very pleased with him over this. Still, Fili just smiled, filling her wine glass once more as he ignored her ire.

"You might as well make the most of your time as my consort and get as much out of it as you can," he told her, leaning over to whisper in her ear. "And Dwalin is the best when it comes to axes…so why not take advantage of it?"

Jade found she couldn't argue with his logic, but the large warrior was rather intimidating, in size as well as gruffness. Not to mention the fact that she often caught him examining her as if she might be a potential threat. Still, if she wanted to learn to use an axe…might as well do it right.

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So it was that the following day, she and Fili shared breakfast together in public, and then he took her to the practice ring again, wishing to get in another training session with the sword. Yet, not long into their sparing, Dwalin joined them, sitting on the sidelines watching as Fili trained her with a blade. After a while, the bald dwarf stepped into the ring, hefting his twin axes, one in each hand.

"Care to show me what you can do with one of these, lass?" he growled, causing Jade to flinch slightly. She knew he was not angry, per-say, but no matter what mood the captain of the guard was in, it seemed to come out that way.

"I…I don't know anything about fighting with an axe, Lord Dwalin," she confessed, her eyes going to Fili as if asking for help.

"Just Dwalin," he huffed, removing his fur lined vest and tossing one of his axes at Jade rather unexpectedly. Thankfully, she managed to drop the sword she was holding and caught the weapon with both hands. "I don't cotton to all this lord nonsense. Just titles Thorin saddled us all with after we retook the mountain." He then turned his neck one way and then the next, accompanied by a loud cracking noise that made Jade flinch. Then he stared at her, sizing her up like a potential enemy. "With how you're holding that axe, I could kill you six different ways without even breaking a sweat."

"I…I would greatly prefer that you didn't!" Jade protested, looking even more nervous now.

"As would I, Dwalin!" Fili spoke up.

"Then she best grip it like this," he grumbled, stepping forward and maneuvering her hands so that she was at least holding the weapon correctly.

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The next hour was spent with Jade attempting to stay alive, and with Fili more than once stepping in and protesting against the bald warrior's technique – their arguments almost coming to blows between the two dwarrow. Yet, in the end, an exhausted Jade felt she had done quite well, even earning a nod of approval from Dwalin.

"You have potential, lass," he told her almost begrudgingly. "You might make a fair princess yet…if you keep up your training, that is."

"Unless you take off her head, like you almost did several times!" Fili countered, feeling rather protective over his pretend consort.

"It does no good to go easy on a student," Dwalin stated. "They either learn…or they don't."

"Just mind that you don't kill her in the process!" he warned, taking the axe from Jade's hands and giving it back to Dwalin. "I would like to keep her in one piece."

"I'm sure you would," the muscular warrior chuckled, causing Jade to blush slightly at his innuendo. "Now, go get yourself cleaned up, lass. Can't have you walking around the mountain covered in sweat and dirt. Dis would have my head."

"Oh, sure, Amad you worry about. But when I tell you to go easy, you ignore me completely!" Fili fussed, glaring at Dwalin.

"I know I can whoop you, lad," the warrior informed him. "Your mother…well, that's another story." And with a wink to Jade, Dwalin headed out, hefting both axes over one shoulder.

"I'm sorry about that, Jade, truly," Fili told her once they were alone. "I had no idea Dwalin was going to go so hard on you. If you don't want to train with him anymore, you don't have to."

"No, I actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would," she protested, feeling like her arms and legs were going to fall off her body, yet quite proud of what she had accomplished. "Between you and Dwalin, I should be ready to join your uncle's army in no time."

"You…you would want to be a warrior?" he balked, not liking the idea in the least. While it was not unheard of for dams to take up arms and fight when necessary, most dwarrow preferred to keep the females of their race protected, since there were so few of them.

"No, of course not," Jade laughed. "Still, like you said, everyone should have the basic knowledge on how to defend themselves. And with your help, I'll soon be pretty decent with three weapons!"

"Oh, speaking of weapons," Fili said, suddenly recalling that he had brought her a present. "I have something for you."

"For me? Why?" Jade was a bit concerned, for she hadn't gotten him anything. Was she supposed to?

"A courtship gift," he explained, reaching into a satchel sitting on the bench. "I know the first one is usually supposed to be something aimed to please you, but I thought maybe you might use these for protection, so they could symbolize me providing for you…at least for your safety, that is." Here he held out a matching pair of pearl handled daggers, both intricately etched with dwarven runes.

"Oh, Fili…they're beautiful!" Jade marveled, examining them with great delight. "Where did you find such fabulous workmanship?"

"I made them," he informed her, unable to hide the pride in his tone. "After all, a courting gift can't just be something one picks up at the market. It has to be hand crafted."

"I can't believe you would part with these for a pretend courtship," Jade gasped. "These are far too precious for you to just give away, Fili."

"Just give away? Hardly!" he scoffed. "I want you to have them. I would be honored if you would accept them. Truly." He stepped closer and let his fingers slide down her cheek ever so gently. "Besides, you have to accept them, otherwise the courtship would be automatically called off."

"Well…we can't have that," she grinned, loving the look and feel of the blades in her hands. "I accept them…gladly! Thank you, they're wonderful."

"I'm happy you think so," he said, his smile returning. "I'll have to show you how to hide them in your clothes, so no one knows you're carrying a weapon."

"I've been meaning to ask you about that," she giggled, her eyes roaming over him in a curious fashion. "How many blades do you have on you right now? And where do you keep them all?"

"That is for me to know…and you to find out, if you have the mind to," he told her with a sly smile, holding out his arms in an offering gesture. "Go ahead, I don't mind."

Jade could feel her face turn warm as she blushed at his words. Fili was a flirt, no doubt about it, but she couldn't tell if he was serious half the time or not. Still, she couldn't help but feel a zing run through her at the idea of searching him in such an intimate manner.

"Um…I think I'll just stick with the ones you gave me, and let that remain a mystery," Jade replied, looking anywhere but into Fili's teasing eyes.

"Very well," he laughed, knowing when to give in. "Let's just say I normally carry no less than ten. More if I'm going into battle."

"Why?" she questioned. "I would think you were quite safe inside the mountain."

"It's more from a habit I picked up when we used to hire out to protect caravans and such," Fili explained as they headed out of the training ring. "You just never know when one more weapon might mean the difference between life and death."

"You and your brother didn't exactly grow up with silver spoons in your mouths, did you?" Jade remarked, knowing this from the stories Dis had told her.

"Hardly," Fili chuckled. "There were times when we all went to bed with next to nothing in our stomachs. But we got by, and my uncle and mother made sure we never starved. When we became old enough to handle weapons, Thorin and Dwalin taught us how to hunt, then things became a bit easier. Kili took to the bow, while I preferred a sword, but both of us know how to set snares and track game. We had to know, or the stewpot went empty."

"Occasionally it was a lean winter at our village too, but we pulled through as well," she nodded. "Not sure if it is quite a queenly quality, but I do know how to make a meal stretch when necessary."

"That is never a bad thing to know," Fili told her seriously. "And I think it's important that a king…or a prince, knows what it means to want. I believe it helps in understanding the needs of the people, to be more empathetic to their plight."

"That is a fine way of seeing things," she complimented. "You will make an excellent king one day, just like your uncle."

"And you will make a fine queen," he insisted.

"A fine pretend queen," Jade reminded him.

"Yes…of course," Fili mumbled, wondering if that was what he still wanted.

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"Where's your brother?" Bofur asked as he sat his plate down next to Kili at lunch. "Oh, wait…with his lovely lass, I presume."

"Where else?" Kili huffed, feeling as if he hadn't seen his brother in days. Which for them was out of the ordinary, the two siblings usually inseparable.

"I know how you feel," Bofur told the young prince sympathetically. "When Bombur started courting Ilin, I felt a bit left out as well. But then they had little ones, and I got to be an uncle! Couldn't say I had much room to complain after that."

"An uncle, huh?" This idea appealed to Kili quite a bit, the thought of him helping his brother raise and train a lad of his own perking him right up. Yet, then his shoulders slumped, recalling that this was all a farce. Fili wasn't really in love, nor was he going to marry Jade and start a family. "Yah, well…still doesn't stop me from missing him."

"No, but maybe you should use this time to start looking for a lass of your own," the hatted miner suggested.

"Oh, and who would you suggest I take up with?" Kili laughed. He dared not mention the one he would prefer to spend time with - the lovely Tauriel instantly springing to his mind. "Not exactly an abundance of dams, in case you haven't noticed."

"Aye, but I heard that a few came from Ered Luin with your mother's caravan," he said, giving the unhappy prince a jab with his elbow. "Not to mention one or two from the Iron Hills. You're a fine looking dwarrow, and I'm sure your uncle would be doubly pleased if one of them caught your eye as well."

"Maybe…but I'm not sure I'm ready to find a mate just yet," he shrugged. "I think I would rather remain single, at least for a while longer."

"You're still young, you have plenty of time to find a lass," Bofur assured him. "But don't go blaming me if I snag the prettiest one for myself while you're busy not looking."

"Be my guest," Kili laughed. "In fact, I encourage you to do so."

"Well, thank you for your blessing, lad," the miner grinned. "And don't mind if I do."

"Don't mind if you do what?" Fili asked, having entered the dining hall alone, and taking a seat next to his brother.

"Find me a nice lass just like you did, Fili," Bofur informed him. "Kili here just gave me leave to do so."

"Quite generous of you, little brother," the crown prince said, helping himself to a plateful of food. "But why does he need your permission?"

"He doesn't, so just never mind," Kili sighed, waving off his brother. "Where's Jade? I thought you two were now joined at the hip."

"She had to go clean up," he grumbled. "Dwalin just about worked her into the ground today during weapons training. She said she wanted a bath and maybe take a nap before dinner."

"Dwalin's training her already?" Bofur asked, looking a bit shocked by this. "Things are really getting serious then?"

"I…I'm not sure," Fili shrugged. "Besides, you know it's the dams that have the final say in a courtship."

"Well, don't sell yourself short, lad," Bofur said encouragingly. "The lass appeared pretty bright to me. I think she'd recognize a good catch when she sees one."

I hope so, Fili thought to himself. I really hope so.

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Jade had indeed felt much better after a warm bath and a change of clothes, yet her muscles protested even the simple effort of lifting a spoon to her lips at dinner that evening. She began to wonder if training with Dwalin might one day save her life…or end it quicker. Still, Fili had appeared proud of her, and the beautiful pair of daggers she had hidden in her skirts made her smile. Jade knew that he was obligated to present her with gifts to signify their courtship, but she couldn't help but be touched by his thoughtfulness. The fact that they were handcrafted by him only made them more special.

"Are you finished?" Fili's voice broke into her thoughts, everyone having long since completed dinner and most were now just sitting around talking.

"Oh, yes, I am," she nodded, giving Fili a shy smile. "Dinner was delicious. I feel I should offer my compliments to the cook."

"My brother Bombur would greatly appreciate the sentiments, Lady Jade," Bofur spoke up, lifting his mug of ale in her direction. "Though he learned most of his cooking skills on our trip out here to Erebor. Before that, he was working in the toy shop with Bifur and me, but it would appear he found his true calling."

"Toys you say?" Jade was instantly intrigued. "What kind of toys?"

"All kinds," Bofur responded with a wide smile, turning towards Bifur who was sitting next to him. "My cousin here is the best toy maker in all of Erebor…while I just dabble a bit, along with working in the mines."

Bifur made a few quick hand movements, apparently wishing to get in on the conversation.

"He says if you would like to come by the shop, he would be happy to show you around," Bofur translated.

"That's very kind of him," Jade nodded. "But what was that he just did there…with his hands? I've never seen that before."

"It's called Iglishmêk," Fili spoke up, answering her question with a smile. "It's a secret language, only known and used by dwarves. It's something you should learn for yourself, as well as Khuzdul."

"Your mother has been teaching me your language," Jade informed him brightly.

"Our language, Jade," Fili corrected. "It's your native tongue as well."

Jade blushed slightly and looked down, nodding her head in agreement. It still felt strange to be part of a culture that she knew so little about, yet was greatly pleased to be accepted into.

"If you need any assistance in learning either one, I would be willing to assist you, Lady Jade," Ori spoke up, his endearing smile quite infectious.

"Thank you for your offer, Ori," Fili cut in. "Yet, I will see that my consort is schooled in whatever it is she needs to know. It is my duty, and my pleasure."

Several around the table nodded or voiced their agreement on the subject, causing Jade to blush even more. She was starting to seriously worry that if this continued much longer, she would begin to form true feelings for this kind dwarrow…and as nice as that sounded, it would be a disaster! For she wasn't sure her heart could take it.

"Would you care to take a stroll with me before retiring, My Lady?" Fili asked, standing up as he extended his hand to her, assisting her to rise. "There is a full moon tonight and until you've seen it shining over Lake Town, you haven't seen anything."

"Take your brother with you," came Thorin's brusque command from where he sat at the head of the table.

"Why?" came the dark-haired prince's protest. "I've already seen the moon rise…plenty of times!"

"You will go as their chaperone, Kili, and no arguments," Thorin insisted, raising an eyebrow at his nephew, daring him to defy his order.

"Come along, brother," Fili laughed, throwing his arm around Kili's shoulders as he rose to his feet begrudgingly. "I will make sure you find your bed at a decent hour." He then reached over and refilled Kili's tankard, handing it to him with a smile. "And this will keep you entertained until then."

This at least caused Kili's frown to lessen, though not entirely. But he followed Fili and Jade out of the dining hall nonetheless, already drinking deeply. Apparently he felt he would be needing it.

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"I feel badly that your brother must accompany us wherever we go, Fili," Jade whispered once they were out in the hall. "It's not as if anything is going to happen."

"Well, we can't have anyone questioning that fact, can we?" he informed her, looking slightly disappointed by her statement. "And you never know. I was the one who dared to enter your chambers uninvited…no telling what scandalous actions I might perform next."

"Oh, yes, you are very disreputable, Your Highness," Jade laughed.

"You don't know the half of it," he told her with a waggle of his eyebrows.

Soon they had rounded a few corners and exited out onto the battlement, the full moon indeed shimmering over the lake in the distance, making it look like a mirror image trapped in the water. It illuminated the hills and valleys in between, casting a lovely glow over the lands.

"Never gets old," Fili told her, folding his arms and leaning them on the wall as he stared out over the terrain. "I've seen a lot of things in Middle Earth, but this is by far my favorite. This is home."

"Tell me of some of the other things you've seen," Jade encouraged, leaning forward on the wall just like he was. "What would you say were your top five favorites?"

"Hmmm, let's see," he mused, bringing his fingers up to stroke at his beard and mustache thoughtfully. "I think I've already mentioned I was impressed with Rivendell, and then the Shire…though we couldn't stay long enough to truly enjoy it like I wanted. I also got to ride on the back of a giant eagle, and when I wasn't panicked over the health of my uncle, or the fact that I was up so high, I truly did enjoy the view from up there."

"You rode on the back of an eagle?" Jade was shocked by this news, never having imagined such a thing was possible. "Weren't you scared?"

"Out of my wits!" Fili laughed. "Still, it was a once in a lifetime experience."

"I bet," Jade agreed, wondering what the world looked like from such a distance above.

"I would have to say that my last two favorites sights were my first glimpse of Erebor…and the face of my brother leaning over me when I woke up after the battle of Five Armies," Fili's expression softened to one of love mixed with relief. "I wasn't sure we were going to make it through that one, and waking to find that Kili, and my uncle, had both survived…well, that was a true blessing from Mahal."

"How did you all survive?" Jade asked. "Lady Dis would never talk about it once your message arrived at Ered Luin. She simply stated that all the sons of Durin lived and left it at that."

"Mostly by luck, and with the help of many we formerly considered our enemies," Fili explained. "Sure, Dain had come from the Iron Hills when we called for aid, but his army alone would not have been enough to turn the orcs that marched on the mountain. Yet, when Bard and Thranduil joined their swords with ours, we actually stood a fighting chance. It was nip and tuck though, the orcs outnumbering us considerably, but never underestimate the fierceness of a dwarf when they are protecting their home." Here he looked down at Jade, knowing that until just recently, a home was something she had not been afforded…at least not a proper dwarf home. "My uncle led us to the top of Ravenhill, where Azog had taken up position in order to direct the battle. We found him and his hoard of orcs, or perhaps more accurately, they found us. Kili and I were sent out to scout the ruins, and after splitting up, I was set upon by Azog himself, and if it hadn't been for a well-placed arrow to his shoulder, I would have been run through and tossed off a cliff to my death."

"NO!" Jade gasped, her eyes growing wide in fear. "You almost died?"

"Oh, several times that day in fact," he nodded, his brow furrowed with the painful memory. "We were almost overrun, but Bilbo had seen us go up, and alerted the elves to our position."

"Bilbo?" Jade questioned, only having heard the name mentioned a few times since arriving, yet every time it was done with reverence and much love.

"Our Hobbit friend, and burglar," Fili explained with a wide grin. "He and Gandalf, our wizard and guide, both left for the Shire not long before you arrived. I wish he had stayed so you could have met him, he is quite an extraordinary fellow."

"I can only imagine," Jade nodded, hoping that one day she would get the opportunity to meet a hobbit.

"Anyway, Bilbo brought help in the form of Thranduil's son, Legolas, and the captain of their guard, Tauriel. With their aid we turned the tide and had Azog and his orcs on the run. Thorin had taken on the leader himself, but they were fighting on a slippery frozen river, and even for a dwarf it was hard to keep his footing. Kili and I had just finished off about a dozen orcs ourselves, and I turned in time to see my uncle take a rather wicked slice to his side, sending him to his knees. I raced to his aid as quickly as I could, blocking a strike that was meant to end his life, but while I was trying to avoid a slash from Azog's sword, he ended up using that metal saber-like thing sticking out of his stub of an arm after all, yet this time to bash me in the head. Needless to say, it split open my skin and I was knocked senseless, barely able to remain conscious. But thankfully, Kili arrived just then and was able to distract Azog long enough for Thorin to rise and drive his own blade through the vile creature's guts…ending him for good. I blacked out quickly after that."

"And that's when you woke to see your brother leaning over you?" Jade reasoned.

"Yep, in the healer's tent," Fili nodded. "Thorin was lying in a bed next to mine, but at least he was awake. And Kili…well, he made it through with only a few scrapes." He grinned and shook his head with a chuckle. "And my mother says that he's the reckless one. I guess what they say is true, that Mahal favors the brave and the foolish." Fili then turned and looked over at Kili, who stood at a distance, leaning against the wall with his ale mug tipped up to his lips, patting the bottom as if trying to get the last drop. "And that sure describes my little brother."

"I like how you look when you speak of him…about any of your family, really," Jade told him with a wistful smile. "There's no mistaking the love you all have for each other."

"Durins stick together," Fili stated firmly, no wavering in his voice. "There are so few of us left…at least in the direct line of decent."

"Is that why no one in the mountain seems to be concerned about you courting a maid with no family ties or highborn bloodline?" Jade questioned. "They're just happy that you might soon marry and produce more heirs of Durin?"

"Maybe, but I don't really care what they think," Fili said with a shrug. "And Uncle once promised that he would never force Kili or I to wed only to secure power or wealth."

"Are political matches very common among your…er, I mean, our race?" Jade knew this was often something done between the sons and daughters of men, but she wasn't sure what the dwarves might think about such a thing.

"A few, but from what I recall, not a whole lot seemed to work out very well. Either they never truly got along, or they had a great deal of difficulty producing children. For a dwarf, love in a union is very important." Fili explained. "That's why there is the courtship period…to find out if such feelings truly exist. My grandfather Thrór's marriage was a political match, and I heard rumors that Thorin was once paired up with a lass that he had never even met. But that was before the dragon came, and I think Smaug's attack ended any match-making for a good long while."

"Oh," she nodded, quite at a loss for what to say to that, having never had to think about such things as dragons and how her true people had been scattered to the wind. Maybe that was how her dwarf parents had met their end, traveling to find a new home after being displaced by Smaug. Her thoughts were cut off by a voice near the stairs.

"Are you two done gawking at the moon yet?" came Kili's plaintive tone, having finished off his mug of ale and was now thoroughly bored.

"Yes, Kili," Fili answered back, rolling his eyes in a way that had Jade snickering. "We're coming." And reaching out, he took her hand and led them back to where Kili waited. "After you, Little Brother," he said, gesturing with his hand for him to lead the way.

"Oh, no, not a chance!" Kili huffed, stepping aside as he signaled that they head out first. "I can't keep an eye on your two if I'm in front, now can I?"

"Taking your job seriously, I see," the blond prince laughed, escorting Jade down the stairs. "Not sure if I am impressed…or irritated by that, Naddith."

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The next night, after another lovely evening with Jade, surrounded by family and friends, Fili and Kili headed off to bed. When they arrived at Kili's room, instead of parting ways like they usually did, Fili lingered, asking if he might come in and talk a bit. Always eager to spend time with his brother, the younger prince welcomed him in.

"Just ignore the mess," he said, stepping over a pair of boots and a discarded tunic.

"Now I'm extra glad that Jade chose my room to sleepwalk into," Fili chuckled, being quite familiar with his brother's habits in cleanliness. "Otherwise she might have tripped over all this stuff and broke her leg."

"Ha ha, very funny," Kili replied sarcastically, gesturing to the sofa while he picked up a few mugs lying around, inspecting to see if they were clean before pouring them both some ale. "So, what do you want to talk about?"

"I…I need your opinion on something," Fili began, picking off a few articles of clothing from the sofa and sitting down, before accepting the ale Kili offered him. "I want to know what you think of Jade. I mean really think of her."

"She's nice, and pretty brave to be willing to go through with all this. But you two are just doing this to get out of hot water with Thorin," he shrugged. "Before it goes too far, you're just going to call the whole thing off. So, why does it matter?"

"But, what if I don't want to end things with Jade?" Fili stated. "What if…well…I really like her."

"WHAT?" Kili choked a bit on his ale, having to get Fili to pound on his back a few times before he could breathe again. "You mean…you really like her as in you might want to actually marry her some day?"

"I don't know," the older brother shrugged, looking both helpless and unsure. "I've never given it a lot of thought, so I'm not sure what I want. But I can tell you that I've never enjoyed spending time with a dam as much as I do Jade."

"And what does that feel like?" Kili asked, his interest piqued.

"Well…I'm finding that I want to be with her…at lot," Fili began, his eyes drifting away and focusing on nothing in particular. "And when she smiles at me, my heart speeds up. Not to mention, every time I take her hand or touch her, I become all weak in the knees."

"Sounds horrible," Kili said with a scrunched-up nose. Yet, secretly he filed away this information for later reflection, realizing that he too had felt this way before…for Tauriel.

"No…it's wonderful," Fili countered, giving a sigh. "And every morning I wake up wanting to feel that way again."

"Maybe you should go see Oin," Kili suggested. "You sound sick."

"You're no help," Fili huffed, leaning his head back against the sofa and staring up at the ceiling. "So, what do you think of Jade…on a personal level?"

"Well…she's pretty," Kili had to admit. "And she is easy to talk to, for a dam. But do you really think you're anywhere ready to settle down and get married? And think about the responsibilities you would be taking on if you chose to do so. A wife…and maybe down the road, children? You and I have barely reached our majority, are you ready to give up all the fun we've had and become a husband?"

"That's just it, Kili…I don't know," Fili moaned. "Yet, to me, being with Jade is just as much fun, if not more so, than anything I've ever done before."

"Well, I'm no expert…in fact I'm probably the farthest thing from an expert you could find," Kili said, his voice full of concern. "But if you want my opinion…I would say you actually might have feelings for her." He crossed his arms over his chest in a sullen motion. "But don't expect me to be overly happy about it. Since I don't like the idea of losing you to some dam."

"Losing me?" Fili questioned, leaning forward and staring at Kili in confusion. "How would you be losing me?"

"Well, just look at how much time you're spending with her already!" he huffed. "This is the first time I've had your full attention in days."

"I'm sorry, Kili." And Fili truly meant it. "I didn't realize I was ignoring you."

"Well, you're not exactly ignoring me," he confessed, looking somewhat regretful over his wording. "But it's always just been you and me…and now with Jade…well, it's different, that's all."

"Well, fear not, Naddith," Fili assured him, reaching out to place a hand on his shoulder. "No dam will ever replace you. You just might have to learn to share me a little is all."

"Share you?" Kili snorted. "That's assuming any dam would want you in the first place."

"Hey! Now you're just being mean!" Fili grumbled, though even he couldn't wipe the smile off his face.

"What are brother's for?" Kili responded, enjoying the banter they always shared.

"But…what do you think I should do?" Fili pressed, worry now evident in his voice. "I mean, I've never courted a dam before. What if I screw up and ruin things before I can figure out what it is I'm feeling?"

"Well, you've already snuck into her private room, put her reputation in jeopardy, and forced her into pretending to be your consort," Kili mused, tapping his finger against his chin thoughtfully. "I'd say if you haven't screwed things up with her after all that, it's highly unlikely you will."

"I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing," Fili told him, his brows pursing together in concern.

"If nothing else, it tells me that Jade has very low standards," Kili joked.

"Oh you!" Fili squawked, grabbing a pillow off the sofa and throwing at his brother's head. This led to a wrestling match, the two ending up on the floor amid the dirty laundry strewn everywhere, laughing as they rolled around.

Ahhhh, brotherly love, ain't it grand?

And look...the first courting gift. But I have to say, Jade had a lot of restraint...I would have searched him. ha ha.

Got a bit of backstory in there for our Durin boys and how they survived the battle. Hope you liked it.

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Guests...I will respond to your wonderful comments as well in the chapter i lost when I get home. Keep them coming!