The following morning, Hrafn and Torsten were summoned to the study of the King. Fili stood to welcome his son and nephew and had them sit at the small round table that was used for these kinds of small, personal meetings.

Kili stayed at his desk. He shouted a hello to the boys and went back to his papers. Fili knew Kili would be paying very close attention to what was going to be said, but he knew Kili would keep out of it. This was for the king and the young princes.

"Lads, I've had a letter from King Eomer of Rohan. He has invited us to visit him in Rohan to discuss some military strategy and defenses. I want to send the two of you," Fili used his most kingly voice.

"What?" the boys said together.

"I mean, yes, Sire," Hrafn said, remembering he was with the King when in this room, not his father. "To Rohan?" His face broke out into a smile. Then he looked to his cousin and his smile disappeared. Torsten was frowning.

"Uncle, you know I cannot make that trip," Torsten spoke through his teeth.

"No, I don't know that because I think you can," Fili said.

"I cannot walk and my chair cannot cross the terrain," Torsten's eyes were wet and his voice was shaking.

"Tor," Fili spoke quietly, "I am perfectly aware of your condition. I would not suggest this if I didn't think it were possible. I am not so cruel as to tease you like that." Fili could see Kili watching him over the heads of the boys, who had their backs to Kili. "To make such a journey, a great deal of supplies would be needed and I will also be sending some gifts to King Eomer. You will need to take a wagon and I believe Torsten would be a fine driver for that wagon."

"And if we are attacked on the road?" Torsten spoke defiantly.

"Then you fight. I won't send you off alone. You will have six of the finest guard with you. And Torsten, after seeing you fight Iomhar yesterday, I have no doubt of your abilities. You have always been good with a sword and you are one of the finest arches in Erebor. From the seat of the wagon, you will be high enough up to make fine shots long before your enemy can get near you."

Torsten relaxed somewhat as he considered his uncle's words.

"And what about at night?" Torsten asked, "I cannot get off the wagon myself."

"I'll be there, Tor," Hrafn said. "I can help you, just as I've always been there to help. Just like you've always been around to help me."

"But when I'm in Rohan," Torsten began.

"You'll have your chair. It will travel with you in the wagon," Fili said. He looked at the boys. "Yes, there are some logistics to get through, but I can't think of anyone else I would rather send on this mission. You boys are princes of Erebor and warriors who have seen battle. You have a mind for strategy and I believe you will be excellent diplomats to represent us. It will be a good experience for you both and if it turns out to be a complete disaster of a trip, than we need never try it again."

Fili watch the lads, who were having an unspoken conversation between themselves. Fili understood that kind of a connection as he shared one with Kili.

"We accept your request and will go to Rohan in your name, your Majesty," Hrafn said. Torsten nodded.

Fili saw Kili smiling from his desk.

"Excellent," Fili said. "you will pick your six guards. I must approve them before you leave, but I trust you will make the best choice on who is to accompany you and help protect you."

"Iomhar?" Hrafn asked quietly.

"No, I'm afraid Iomhar must stay here this time. I cannot allow all three of Erebor's princes out on the same mission. Besides, he has duties here."

"I figured you wouldn't, but I had to ask. I needed an answer so when he asks, I can answer with honesty," Hrafn said.

Fili smiled, proud of his son. "I want you to be ready to leave in two weeks. You will make all preparations for the journey," Fili said. He knew it was a big task to prepare for such a journey, but the experience would be good for them. Besides, he and Kili would make sure they had everything they needed before he allowed them out of the mountain.

Hrafn stood and bowed. Torsten bowed from his chair.

Torsten glanced over at his father. Kili was smiling and nodded. "It will be done, Sire," Torsten said.

"Good. I await your guard list."

The boys left, whispering quietly to each other. Kili came to Fili and sat down at the table.

"Well done," Kili smiled. "I think that this will work well."

"I have every confidence in them. It will be good for them both, to go out on their own and prove themselves to themselves. I will send a reply message to King Eomer tomorrow, letting him know who and what to expect."

The princes make their plans and went to their fathers for help and suggestions, especially when it came to the packing list. They picked their guard and Fili was impressed with their choice. The hand-picked guard were friends with the lads and all had excellent reputations as dwarves as well as each one of them battle tested. They would keep the princes safe at all costs.

Iomhar was sad to be left behind, but he understood. He requested that he get a chance next time to go out with either Hrafn or Torsten. Fili agreed.

When the day finally arrived for their departure, the entire family came to see them off. Tauriel hugged the boys and the young twins made Torsten promise to bring them back a present from Rohan. The fathers hugged their sons and nephews, wishing them all the best. Hrafn lifted Torsten into the wagon and secured his chair into the back of the wagon. He climbed on his pony and they were off. Hrafn led the way down the path, followed by two guards, then the wagon and then the rest of the guard. They watched the envoy until the road turned and they were out of sight. It would be a good month, at least, before they would return.

The summer continued to be hot and dry. From the council members who dealt with trades, commerce and food, Fili learned that if rain did not soon come, all crops would be lost and everyone would go hungry that winter.

Fili sent out a proclamation to his people that they be frugal in their use of grains. There would be plenty of meat for the winter, but no bread. They needed to make the food they had last until they could secure more or rain came to the land.

Several of the scouts Fili had sent out had returned. The Iron Hills were not suffering nearly as bad and promised to do what they could to help when winter came. Rohan was dry and facing a similar situation, but Gondor had promised them aid, so they weren't quite so desperate.

The lands west of the Misty Mountains were doing well. The rain stopped at the Misty Mountains, never crossing to their eastern side. Fili was glad to know that if needed, he could trade with The Shire or the Blue Mountains, but it was a long, dangerous journey for merchants to make.

Fili ran his hands over his face and through his hair. What was he going to do?

A light knock came to the study door. It opened and Fili's valet, Ulur walked in. "Message just arrived for you, Sire." He handed Fili a rolled piece of parchment.

Fili took the paper and unrolled it. "It's from Hrafn and Tor," Fili called to his brother. Kili ran over to his desk. Fili read the note out loud:

"King Fili and Prince Kili,

Thy journey is going well and we have not encountered anything threatening. Ponies are holding up well and we are well supplied. We will inform you when we reach Edoras, hopefully in three days time.

P.H. & P.T."

Fili was glad to see the boys had remembered their training. When sending letters, they were not to use their full names or reveal their relationship to the King. P.H. stood for Prince Hrafn and P.T. stood for Prince Torsten.

"Glad they are doing well," Kili said.

Fili nodded. As much confidence he had in the boys, he still couldn't help but worry. It was his son and his nephew, after all, on their first solo mission; leaders of their own company. He supposed he would never get use to them being adults. He would always think of them as tiny dwarflings, playing at dragon and warrior together.

Dear Readers, your comments and reviews are kind, thank you so much! To Elise, thank you so much for your great comments. I'm glad you like Torsten and Kili's other sons. I've never really decided about their life span. Would a half elf be immortal like an elf? I imagine they are much longer lived than a full blood dwarf would be, and I'm guessing they would be immortal as well. I've never quite been able to decide, so I've never addressed the issue in my stories. As for Tauriel's life, after Kili, I have been thinking about that. I don't know that Silvan elves have different rules than High Elves when it comes to death/fading after a loved one dies. I like to think she will have the choice, but I don't know that she would make that choice. Yes, I guess she probably would choose to follow Kili into death, but if her children are immortal, she might stay alive to live a life with them. I just don't know... Love the nerdy moments, Elise! Keep them up. :)