Tauriel kept watch. She was aware of the small company of guards that surrounded their campsite. Out of respect for the family, they kept their distance, but they were also close enough to protect their king and prince if necessary. It really wasn't needed for her to keep watch, but she wanted to, and so she did.

The fire still burned bright and Tauriel quietly circled their small encampment, listening for anything unusual and looking for any movement in the night shadows. It was a very pleasant summer night and the only sounds that could be heard were the night birds, crickets, and three snoring dwarves. Tauriel chuckled.

She looked to the place where her dwarven family slept. Little Mailis and Thorin were nestled in between Fili and Hana. Kili was asleep right next to Fili. During the course of the night, they had drifted closer together. Kili's hand was twisted up in Fili's hair and Fili, ever the protector, even in his sleep, had an arm draped across Kili's chest.

It was rather sweet. Tauriel could easily picture what the brothers must have been like a children. Despite the brother's age, and Fili was even a grandfather, they would never outgrow the bond that tied them together or the need to be near each other. And tonight, they slept as they had as children, holding onto each other, taking comfort and protection from the other, even in sleep.

"Fili?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you know where we are?"

"No."

The brothers stood, hand in hand in a dark place. It wasn't scary and they didn't feel threatened, just confused. Fili shifted about where he was standing.

"Stone," Fili said.

"What?"

"Stone," he repeated. "We are standing on stone."

"Listen," Kili whispered. "Do you hear it?"

Fili held still and listened. He heard it, or rather, he felt it. A deep, comforting rumble. "We're in Erebor. The stone sings to us."

"Aye," Kili nodded. He felt peace. He realized he should probably be concerned. They had fallen asleep in their campsite and now they were somewhere in Erebor. But he wasn't concerned or afraid. He was with Fili and Erebor was singing to him.

They stood for a moment, listening to the mountain.

"Hello, boys," a deep voice greeted them.

They were not startled. They turned to the voice and there before them was Thorin, their uncle and king. He wore black pants and a blue tunic, cinched around his waist by a broad, black belt. His hard was all black. Not a single strand of silver could be seen. He looked exactly like he did when Fili and Kili were very young, except for his eyes. They were bright and happy, not full of the haunted look he had always had.

"Uncle Thorin!" they shouted and both lunged to him. He held them close, one strong arm wrapped around each boy. Thorin's chuckle rumbled in his chest.

"Are we dead?" Kili asked, suddenly pulling away from his uncle.

Thorin smiled and place his hand on the back of Kili's head. "No son, you're not dead. This is a dream."

"So it's not real then?" Fili asked, saddened at the idea that he was not actually talking to Thorin.

"Of course it's real and when you both wake up you will both have had the same dream." Thorin held them close.

Kili pressed himself into Thorin's side, like he had so often as a child. He missed his big, strong uncle so much. Whether it was a dream or it was real or some crazy mushroom hallucination, Kili was going to enjoy every moment of being with Thorin again.

"We've missed you," Kili said.

"I've missed not getting to talk with you, but I never miss seeing you. I watch over you boys all the time," Thorin said.

"How is it you're here?" Fili asked.

"Mahal has many powers. He has granted me this chance to spend some time with you."

"Why did you never come sooner? There have been times I really could have used your advice," Fili said.

"I didn't need to come sooner," Thorin answered. "You boys have done such a great job. I've been wanting to visit with you for a while now though, and tonight's the first opportunity I've had."

"Why did you have to wait?" Fili asked.

"Because you were too far away, Fili, and I had to wait until you were close enough to Erebor and I wanted to speak to you both together."

"I'm sorry, Uncle," Fili said, "I've been away. I'm afraid that after my children's deaths, I had to leave Erebor for a while. I ran away from my duties. I don't blame you if you're upset with me, but don't be mad at Kili. He's done a great job as king."

"Fili, Fili," Thorin cupped his hands around Fili's face. "Do I look angry with you?"

Fili looked into his uncle's face. Thorin was smiling. "No, Uncle."

"No, indeed. I am so proud of you both. Fili, you are a great king. If I had had two hundred years to rule, I could never be as great as you. You went away for a while and you had good reason to do so. It was the best thing for you to do. Nothing at all to be ashamed about it and when you return and take your place once again as king, you will be better for the break you took. You were wise to listen to your brother's council."

Thorin turned to Kili.

"My boy, Kili," he smiled. "You never cease to amaze me. You have always stood by your brother's side. You have been his councilor and his rock. You have raised an amazing family. You are as brave, strong, and smart as they come. These last two years you have spent as king regent, you did not use the time to gain power or prove anything to anyone. It was done because of your love and concern for your brother. You gave him peace. You, Kili, are a better brother and a better ruler than I ever was."

"No, Uncle," Kili said, but Thorin held up his hand. He was still very much a being to obey and respect, even in a dream.

"I speak only the truth to you, Kili. You two, stick together. Support each other and, well, just do what you've been doing your entire life. There aren't words enough to describe my pride for the both of you. I love you."

The younger dwarves were struck silent by their uncle's words. they did not remember Thorin ever having said those words to them.

"Thorin," Fili spoke after a moment, "we do not deserve such praise."

Thorin chuckled. "Ever humble, Fili, but I speak the truth."

"Uncle? Do you ever see? Well, I mean, I don't know how death works, but I was wondering about Milly and Hrafn," Fili almost whispered.

Thorin smiled. "They are here, in the Halls of Waiting. They are happy and well and they asked me to pass their love to you."

Fili let out a sob. Kili came to his brother's side and threw his arm around his shoulders. "Tell them," Fili managed, "tell them that I miss them and I love them, too."

"I will," Thorin said. "You did a fine job raising them, Fili and you will do well with your granddaughter now, I'm sure. Now, I wanted to talk you about this new boy of yours."

Fili looked up to his uncle. "I hope you don't mind I named him after you. You raised me, Thorin. You were my uncle, well, more like a father, and my king. I wanted to honor you."

"And you have, though I don't deserve such an honor," Thorin's smile was gone. He looked Fili in the eyes, "but I am honored and pleased. Take good care of him. Raise him well. I will watch over him. He will be a fine king and the Dwarves of Erebor will continue to thrive and prosper under his reign."

"Thank you," Fili said.

Thorin looked to Kili. "I have seen a glimpse of your sons' futures. They all have important places and serve the line of Durin with pride."

Kili blinked in surprise. "Really? Only they can never be king."

"There is more to being a son of Durin than ruling Erebor," Thorin said.

Kili only nodded. He knew better than anyone that that was true.

Thorin looked up, and nodded his head, as if he heard something. "Our time together grows short," Thorin said. "It will soon be morning and we will part."

Kili threw himself back into his uncle's strong arms. "No, Uncle Thorin, I don't want to say good bye."

"I know. I don't want to either, but I'm never truly gone, Kili. I'm always watching over you and I'm always here," he laid his hand on Kili's chest, "in your heart."

"Will you ever come to us again?" Fili asked.

"No. I don't think Mahal would grant me this again. Not unless there was some great need," Thorin answered.

"But I've got so many questions. What if something happens and I need your advice?" Fili asked, a slight panic in his voice.

"You don't need my advice. That is why you have each other. I'm sure that between the two of you, you could figure out what I might say about any situation. So, you work out what I might say and then you do whatever you want," he gave them a teasing smile. "I know that whatever problem arises, you always do what is best. That is why Erebor is so great. Its rulers care for it and its people. Just keep doing what you're doing. You have already earned your place in the Halls of the Kings, both of you."

"Uncle, is Amad there?" Kili asked.

"She is and she is so proud of you both. And your father, and Bilbo and all of our company. Mailli, Milly, Hrafn, and Graig are all here. They all send their love and best wishes."

"Bilbo's there? But he's not a dwarf. And what about Sigrid?" Kili asked.

Thorin laughed. His eyes crinkled and his voice rumbled merrily. "Kili, there isn't time enough to explain to you how the afterlife works. Just know that everyone you love waits to see you again. When the time comes for your to join us, and that is a long time from now, I will greet you and lead you to see everyone." Thorin laid a hand on a shoulder of each of his nephews. "Kili, you have four amazing sons, keep raising them right and continue to support your brother. Fili, Milly and Hrafn have trusted you with their daughter. Raise her well because you will have to answer to them. As for Thorin, train him, teach him, love him and he will make you as proud as you have made me. Trust in and support your brother. There is nothing the two of you can't do, especially when you work together."

Kili and Fili nodded their heads. Thorin pulled them both into a hug, holding them tightly. "Do not grieve, my sons, we'll be together again soon." He pulled away from them and put their hands back together so the brothers were once again holding each other's hands. "Bye, boys. I love you."

"Bye, Uncle Thorin," Fili and Kili cried out. Thorin back away and was gone.

They woke up together, each had fat tears rolling down their cheeks. They still held hands. They sat up and hugged, leaning into each other, sharing in their joy at seeing their uncle again and grieving for their loss at having had to say good bye. Thorin had come to them, spoken his pride and love for them. Neither would forget Thorin's words to the end of their days. They would work hard the rest of their lives to rule Erebor properly and raise their children right. They would make Thorin proud.

Thanks again to all of you for your comments and suggestions. There are a few chapter remaining and this story will be done. Have a fantastic day!