Evergreen the Trees

by Natalie Rushman

It was a time for gifts. Mahal had given them so much. In remembering the stories, they recalled all of their Maker's gifts, and gifts changed hands. 24 un-connected drabbles/vignettes counting down the days until Christmas. Each day focused on a different character. No pairings. Rated k-plus for my peace of mind.

4. December 4, Fili

Gradually, very gradually, Kíli's breathing evened out.

Fíli waited.

Kíli's breath deepened.

In the dark, Fíli smiled.

Carefully, so carefully, Fíli pushed back the covers on his side of the bed. He put his feet on the cold stone below. Slowly, he pushed himself off the bed, and he paused.

Kíli was still asleep.

With a toss of his blond head Fíli stole out of the room and past the doorway wherein his mother slept. Softly he lifted the latch, and he let himself out.

The night was cold and wide and dark all around him. Fíli savored it. He was never one to shy from a song or a scuffle, but these moments of perfect quiet were precious in their way. He closed his eyes.

But he did not savor it for long. He turned, and he went to the place where days ago he has smuggled something he could no longer keep securely hidden in the forge. He unbound its charm, and covered his tracks.

Shivering in the cold, he went back to the house, and as quietly as he'd stolen out, he stole back in.

Creeping back inside his room, Fíli paused, and, gently, he laid the package on Kíli's side of the bed.

For a moment longer he lingered, watching his brother's sleeping face. He gave a lopsided smile, soft and fond. Then turning about he went back to his side of the bed and laid himself back down, tugging the blankets up to his chin.

Kíli's breathing was soft beside him in the dark.

The time was precious. Fíli was grateful for it.