Good morning~~ hope you are enjoying the story...we are FINALLY getting to happier times...yay! If you get a chance...please let me know what you think!
Chp 18
The four dwarves took some time to process everything they had just beheld. Then Thorin and Dain, gaining their senses first, helped Kili and Fili over to a comfortable bench while they retreated to a far corner to discuss the matter. They talked animatedly for a long while. Kili and Fili stayed seated, lost in their own thoughts. Then the two older dwarves called Fili over. He walked over, talked to them and also listened intently, then hung his head. Thorin clasped his shoulder and gave him a strong hug. After awhile, he lifted his head up, tears in his eyes but a smile was on his face as he approached Kili. Slow realization dawned on Kili, and he cried, "No...no! It cannot be me! I am the least of all of you- I am not worthy!
Fuming, Kili paced away from them. It was Thorin who went after him. "Kili," he said softly, "I have raised you like my own son, cared for you and taught you-I know you. Reckless, though you may be- you will make a fine king and rule justly in our stead. We three have lived long and mighty- done many great things. But I myself, have done things that have shamed our people...led us into this horrible war, where so many of our kin died-all because of that accursed hoard. That, I could never forgive myself for." "But Uncle," pleaded Kili, "I was not trained to be the king...Fili has been the one who has been prepared all along!"
Fili crossed the room to be with the other two. "Yes, that's true Kili...but when we entered the mountain, I too felt the strong pull of the gold and treasure weighing mightily on me. I know, in the end, it would have overtaken me and it would be to all our downfall," Fili bravely stated. "Your heart is true, I know it will not be able to corrupt yours- plus I think fate has a different path intended for you...two," Fili said, as he winked at his brother.
Thorin smiled large too, and added, "I think...you have the promise of so
much more than us...not that I necessarily approve of your choice...but, she is a brave warrior," as Thorin thoughtfully reflected on it. "And, if she makes you happy, that's all I could wish for, for you." "Aye, lad, I agree," said Dain, "I'm awfully tired too, tired of all the fighting and killing, and this place seems so welcoming- I think I'm gonna go and have a lay and put me feet up!" "Good luck me boy...do us proud, or we'll have to come back an' kick your arse," Dain said, as he gave Kili one last very rough hug and punch and proceeded over to a fine chair and did indeed put his feet up and closed his eyes.
Thorin then gave Kili one last embrace, "I wish you a long, blessed life my sisters son...my son. I am so proud of you, of all that I know you will become and will have come to pass. Go, and restore Erebor to its former glory and bring honor back to the line of Durin! I love you Kili...don't ever forget that." Kili could not believe that this was actually happening as he almost could not bear to part from him. But, strengthened by his uncle's words and faith in him, he turned around to face his brother.
When he laid eyes upon his brother, Kili again, almost quailed- and could not go through with it and dropped to his knees. It was Fili who picked him up. "Oh, brother...I don't want to say goodbye, but all we've said is true- you will make a great and fair king...I know it to be in you. I want you to have a long, prosperous and fruitful life, nothing more will make me happier. Go...do not let all those times she saved your life be for naught," Fili winked, and Kili gave his brother an immense embrace. Kili took one last melancholy look at his brother and uncle and started to slowly walk away when Aule entered the chamber again. When he saw their choice, he smiled and secretly knew they had chosen wisely. For the dwarf prince seemed to him, most like himself- not prideful or prone to hoarding; but that delighted in the creation of things large and small and was fair and just, and willing to give and receive counsel. Yes, truly, he thought...a king worthy of the line of Durin.
I gratefully acknowledge a heavy debt to J.R.R. Tolkien for creating these original works, for a lot for this chp was taken from "The Silmarillion." (and also to Peter Jackson for creating the movie "canon" AND casting someone like aidan who brought life to this character and inspired this passion in us all!)
fyi- I wanted to include the part about Aule's character because I thought that helped justify why Kili was the one who was chosen to go back, because I felt that to be the case about him...and of course, that's why this story is about Kili ;)