Firstly, in case you hadn't already noticed, the story will get even more AU from here.
Secondly, in response to some feedback on the last chapter, I've edited the Durin confrontation scene. I hope I don't confuse anyone, but I agreed with the people who thought the 'recovery' was happening too quickly. Even though the angst is starting to get to me... ;)
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Thorin had been having staring contests with his oldest nephew since he was born.
As a dwarfling he had refused to go to bed and managed to do what few others had – stare down his formidable uncle.
Once Kili was born, Fili would stare down anyone who was too harsh on his little brother.
He was the one who insisted Kili be allowed to train with the bow, because he had seen his brother train for hours with one.
And once, in a conversation-turned-argument over some political issue in Erabor, had Thorin seen the King Fili would become.
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But this was different.
Fili's stare used to be backed by an iron will and a determination not to let anything get in his way. As he got older, his stubbornness was tempered by the responsibility of his role as heir but if anything it strengthened him rather than weakened him.
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Thorin couldn't see that strength anymore.
Physically, it was there. Somewhere.
Underneath the patched clothes (was that Ori's scarf?) Thorin was sure there was a trained body ready to go. But the will to use it, that strength that had always been embedded in FIli's spine had vanished. He looked ready to collapse. He knees were surely locked to keep him upright.
"Fili?" Thorin said gently.
His nephew jumped, and jerked his gaze upwards.
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As a child, Thorin had heard tales of evil spirits that sucked the soul out of dwarfs who displeased the gods. Some of his friends had parents who warned them to obey or else the spirit might come for them.
He knew it was nonsense.
But it was the only explanation that could fit Fili.
Empty.
Nothingness.
There was nothing left in his eyes. He was hollow and looked like nothing was left to keep him together.
"Fili, I…" Thorin started brokenly, but Fili flinched at the sound of his voice again so he stopped.
He didn't drop his gaze though.
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They could have waited there for hours.
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And then Kili arrived. At least they are both alive, Thorin told himself.
"Kili, is that… What happened? Are your parents alright? Where's Dwalin? Where are we?"
Their knees started to shake, and the patience Thorin had been hanging on to snapped. He felt something coming up from deep inside him.
"Kili? Fili, what's… I order you to tell me what's going on!"
Fili and Kili dropped straight to their knees.
See? They still obey you, even after that halfling corrupted them! They will always be yours…
Thorin shook his head to clear it, but his boys still hadn't answered his question.
"Tell me!"
Useless!
The blonde one was reacting like had been struck (You would if you could) but neither of Thorin's slaves were responding to him.
You heard Balin say they might want to be sold to the halfling. How dare he try to take your property! These slaves are yours by right! They belong to you!
Thorin still didn't fully understand why Fi.. his slaves would want to be sold to some hobbit.
They belong to you!
They belong to me…
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-ooo-
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"You belong to me!"
Thorin's declaration made Fili huddle further into his knees.
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This is where you belong.
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Fili knew that voice. He'd known it ever since Amad and Adad started talking quietly in their room when he thought he couldn't hear them. Back then it had told him to take something from them. A few weeks later, it had started telling him that he didn't deserve to be Thorin's heir.
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You are only good for mucking out stables. Not for ruling.
He never loved you. Or even liked you.
You deserve this.
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It had hounded him, weeks into months into years.
He had never asked Kili about it. Either he was going insane, or this was just part of his burden to bear. His brother deserved the chance to have one less weight on his shoulders.
Return to your Master, boy.
He had tried to ignore it in the past. But Fili had learned long ago that it was easier and better to just listen to any instruction he was given.
It was less painful in the long run.
He began to shuffle forward, still on his knees. He would somehow free Master Thorin, and then his Master could choose what to do next.
You aren't made for choices.
It was his duty to follow orders.
That's all you're good for.
Distantly, Fili felt Kili scrabble for his hand and try to pull him back, but he ignored him.
This was just another thing that he would do to protect his brother.
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-ooo-
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Bilbo was starting to worry. Fili and Kili had been gone for a long time. Dori (who was currently in Thorin-duty) had said their ex-leader was still secure, but the dwarf was warming himself by the fire for a while before heading back. Or at least, he had intended a few moments but was currently fussing over Ori who was trying to patch up another shirt for one of the boys to wear.
"Have you seen Fili or Kili?" Bilbo asked Bifur, who was sitting next to him.
Bifur shook his head – yes or no questions he was fine with.
Bilbo was definitely worried. He left his space in the circle and headed straight for Thorin's clearing. Hopefully not, but…
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Bilbo was getting quite good at sliding through dark forests. He slipped around a tree, and through the moonlit canopy…
"Fili! No!"
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Hope you liked the changes!
And now we see what the Ring is doing to the Durins...