Standing in front of the mirror that Thorin had placed in his chambers Kili smooths over his clothing once more. The blues and greens are well fitted and he likes the feel of the fabric, even if it is a little uncomfortable. He takes in a deep breath and releases it.

Today. One hour. 60 short minutes.

He's going to be married to his brother in so little time now. He didn't want to be away from Fili at all but Thorin and his mother insisted, keeping the tradition of no contact the day of. That morning, before full light he had moved from his brothers arms back to his own rooms. Now he finds himself grateful for the distance.

Kili doesn't regret anything, even his time away, but he cannot seem to get his rapid breaths under control. He knows in his heart that Fili loves him, that they are One and meant to be. He is elated and glad that he has survived the long trials of the past several years to reach this point.

And yet he falls to his knees, shaking and gasping before the mirror, tears coursing down his cheeks and he doesn't know why.

That is how Dis finds him minutes later and she doesn't ask, she remembers her own marriage well. The nerves and the fears that all crowded forward in that last minute, she knows that in the other room Fili is probably in the same state and Thorin is helping him. She can only imagine what it is like for her boys, having only just confessed to something they had all suspected for years, and barely having a moment to catch their breath before the ceremony was upon them.

She does what she can, kneeling to hug Kili, his frame shaking and his eyes wide. "Mother…Mama, I don't mean to…I.."
She hushes him, kissing his hair that has only become more wild since he left. She softly runs her fingers through it and he frowns, Fili was in agreement that his hair should be left unbraided for the wedding. Dis know this, even as she begins to work her fingers through it. The motions are calming, even if unwanted and Kili starts to relax.

When his desperate sobs have quieted to soft tears he finds his voice properly, "Mama, Fee said no braids, because they are not me."
Dis smiles, "I know dear, but I think he will appreciate these. After today he can put them in for you, if you want to keep them."

She tied off the simple pattern of hair that pulled back from Kili's face, adding a single braid that fell over his shoulder to the mix. He recognized that one and smiled, touching it lightly, "Nadad." He mumbled.

His mother wiped the tears from his cheek, "Yes, and these," She touched the crowning braids, "are for amrâl"
Kili blushes and lightly touches the braids, "Thank you Amad." He murmurs, knowing she is right and Fili will love them. Slowly he pushes himself up from the floor, dusting his hands over his clothes, "I am ready." He tells her and she smiles softly.

In the other room Fili wears the raiment's of the heir to Erebor, his red clothing making his hair appear dipped in blood. He smiles as he remembers Kili telling him such things made him look more like the Lion prince he was. He has been dressed since he woke alone, Thorin had surprised him by braiding his hair, a complex pattern that signified his birthright as well as the single braid that meant Nadad. He touched that one lightly and fondly.

Leaning against the wall he took deep breaths, having mostly recovered from his panic attack. He knew it was ridiculous, knew Kili would laugh at him if he found out, but he had not been able to help dissolving into hysterics before Thorin had gathered him. This was all so fast and he did not know if he was good enough yet for his brother.

Not that it mattered, Kili had, after all chosen him. He pushed away from the wall, looking in the mirror he unbuckled his sword. There was no need of the weapon he had carried for so long this day. His knife was still shoved in his sleeve and his throwing axes were attached to his boot but he was far lighter armed. He rolled his shoulders and stood tall as

Thorin returned, placing the gold circlet that marked him a prince in his hair. "No doubt your brother with forget his." He murmured and Fili smiled, "I am ready Uncle." He nodded and Thorin smiled.

Far below their chambers, in the main halls a black-haired dwarf lord sharpened his sword outfitted in his finest clothing, an affront to him now that it was not his daughter's wedding day. He tested the blade and smiled cruelly, the oathbreaking prince would know his folly before the day was done.