Early update today! This is more of a filler chapter, but there is gonna be some pretty heavy stuff in the next few chapters! Thanks to all of you who reviewed!

In this chapter, and in a few to come, Fíli is 15 years old (maybe 8-10 in appearance?) and Kíli is 10 (about 5-6 years in appearance)

This chapter will explore Thorin and Fíli's relationship a bit. I hope you like it!

Five years came and went without much to speak of. Fíli had begun and flourished in his studies. Thorin had even allowed his older nephew to practice some swordplay, much to Kíli's dismay.

"But I wanna learn how to fight too!" Kíli begged. He wanted more than anything to be by his brother's side at all times, but Fíli's training wouldn't permit it.

"You will one day, Kíli. Just give yourself a couple years to grow." Thorin proposed, although he knew in his heart that the young Dwarfling needed more time to develop. Óin was right. Kíli's growth was severely stunted due to his prematurity. Kíli would need at least another decade to grow until he could begin his training.

"But Fíli—"

"It's okay Kíli." Fíli intervened. "I won't be long. I'll only be out until midday, and then I'll come home to play with you. Maybe we can even go to the river!"

Kíli's eyes brightened at this, and he beamed. "You promise?"

"I promise." Fíli smiled, and paused as he seemed to remember something. "Oh, I just remembered! I have something for you, Kíli. I'll be right back!" The blonde sprinted back into the house, returning moments later with a wrapped package in his hands.

"Here." Fíli came to a standstill and handed the parcel to his brother, who took it with eager hands.

"What is it?" Kíli was bewildered.

"Why don't you open it and see for yourself?" Fíli prompted. He exchanged glances with his uncle. Thorin looked just about as perplexed as Kíli did.

Kíli complied, and hastily tore away the wrappings, revealing the smooth wood of a mahogany sword. The same sword that Thorin had given Fíli that fateful day so many years ago.

Kíli gasped in awe as he studied every little aspect of the weapon in his hands. He made a few practice swings into the air, complete with whooshing sounds and twirls. Then he ran up and gave his brother an enormous hug.

"Thank you, Fíli! I love it! Now I can learn to fight like you and Uncle Thorin!" Kíli was absolutely ecstatic.

Fíli laughed. "Yeah! I bet you'll be even better at fighting than me!"

"You really think?

"Of course! With practice, no doubt." He encouraged his young brother, giving him a swift pat on the back.

"I'm gonna start now!" Kíli cheered, and dashed off to play his own little adventure. Thorin observed with pride welling in his chest.

Fíli laughed at his brother's antics, and turned to face his uncle.

Thorin had a thoughtful expression on his face as he examined his eldest nephew. Yes. Fíli would make a fine king one day.

"That was a very kind thing of you to do for your brother." Thorin praised.

Fíli blushed. "It was nothing, really."

Thorin raised an eyebrow at the reply. "Yes it was. If I remember correctly, you went everywhere with that little sword when you were younger. I would rarely see you without it."

The boy sighed. "Well, I thought Kíli needed something like that. To keep him occupied while I'm…"

"Learning how to fight?" Thorin supplied.

"Yeah." Fíli looked down. "I feel bad that Kíli has to wait so long to learn, just because he's so small. Maybe this can help him become stronger. And maybe he can even give it to his own son one day. It can be an heirloom of sorts."

"A good thought." Thorin agreed. "You've actually unknowingly carried on a tradition in our family. My father was given the sword by my grandfather, Thror. He then passed it down to me. Eventually, I decided to give the sword to my own brother…" His voice wavered. "But it has once again fallen into my possession." He cleared his throat. "You have to remember that Kíli is always going to be different than others. There will always be challenges that both of you must face together. You have to be stronger than I was. You can't fail your brother, Fíli. Not like I did."

Fíli was silent as he took in his uncle's words. Of course he would help Kíli. He would be there every step of the way, just as he had been for the past 10 years. He loved Kíli more than anything, and he wouldn't let anything tear down the solid foundation that they had built their relationship on. Nothing would ever happen to Kíli as long as he had anything to say about it.

"I will always watch after Kíli." Fíli's resolve was firm.

"I know you will." Thorin smiled. "And if either of you boys falter, just know that I will always be on your side. Don't ever be hesitant to come for my aid."

"Thank you, Uncle."

The Dwarf King smiled and took his beloved heir by his shoulder, leading him into the fields in which they would train for the day.

Little did Fíli know that he and his brother would soon be overcome with a challenge that no one could have possibly forseen.

Yes, and it will be quite an interesting challenge:P I'm pretty sure it's nothing you guys will expect...

I hope you liked the Thorin and Fíli interaction! I enjoyed writing it:) I will be exploring Thorin and Frerin's relationship also as this fic progresses.

Let me know if you guys would like to see anything in particular!

Please review!:)