Disclaimer: All recognized characters and lines are copyright their respective owners not limited to J.R.R. Tolkien and Peter Jackson & Co. The fox, Kit, and plot are mine, and I have a muse as fierce as dwarvin warriors to support that claim.
Please enjoy the story, and remember to review!
Two: The Shire—A Baggins for a Took
Five days the vixen has been in the company of the brothers, and Kili has found quite the confidant in the creature, and evidence of her nature has rendered itself plain as several trinkets and baubles from Fili's pack have gone missing only to be retrieved from Kili's pack that the fox has taken for her own. She has a particular fondness for shiny things.
Kili finds this amusing, however Fili has threatened on more than one occasion to find out if he has a taste for fox meat and fancies the creature would make a fine scarf whether or not she continued to breathe. The fox merely preens in contentment, a smirk ever present on her long muzzle.
Now it is night and the brothers have tied their ponies off at the edges of the Shire. The rest of their travels will continue on foot. Fili checks his weapons and Kili checks his bow and quiver, and the pack for Kit. Kit flickers her tail and he gives her ears a scratch before lowering the flap again. He smiles at the sight of yet another shiny thing in the leather satchel and keeps to himself that he's found one of Fili's missing gold beads.
It's not a far walk on the path up the hill, and Kit seems restless as she rustles about in the pack. Kili gives the pack a soothing pat and she settles. He does not miss the shaking of Fili's golden head.
"Keep quiet you, I'd rather you not introduce yourself to the rest of our party just yet. We'll have to work up to your meeting Uncle, you hear me Kit? I'll see you're well-fed from the feast, you needn't worry," Kili says.
"Brother, why talk to the creature? Are you now like the elves and wizards in the world, talking to animals?" Fili says with an indulgent smile.
Kili snorts and says, "She's proven well she understands our words. I only wish to insure she behaves and remains hidden for a bit."
"That creature will prove your undoing Kili. How is it you hold such affections for that little vixen, and have yet to turn your eye to a woman?" Fili asks.
"Our kind find me too odd looking to be attractive brother. I am not like you with a fair beard and plaited hair," Kili says, and Fili does not miss the rancor in Kili's tone.
"As odd as you may seem, you have your uses and you are a prince. Second in line to the throne of Erebor! That counts for something!" Fili says in an attempt to cheer his brother.
Before anything more is said the brothers find themselves facing a round green door in the side of the hill, a door with the glowing rune, the sign of their fourteenth comrade, the burglar.
"Shall we knock then?" Fili asks and they share a grin as they both pound upon the door.
The fellow that answers is small, soft looking, and without beard, brown hair curls about his ears, and he has rather large and hairy bare feet. This must be the hobbit, well dressed in breeches, white shirt, and embroidered waistcoat.
First Fili gives his name and then Kili, and together they say, "At your service."
Kili follows this up with, "You must be Mr. Boggins!"
Their host seems rather put upon and agitated as, with a quiver in his tone, he says sharply, "Nope, you can't come in. You've come to the wrong house!"
Fili and Kili both look perplexed and then as he puts his booted foot in the door to prevent it being closed in their faces, Kili says, "What? Has it been cancelled?"
Fili adds, "No one told us."
The little hobbit looks at them rather perplexed and says, "Ca—No nothing's been cancelled."
"That's a relief," Kili says and the brothers push their way inside.
After listening to the hobbit correctly pronounce his name and being scolded for wiping his boots off on the hobbit's mother's glory box, whatever that might be, Kili finds himself in the company of Dwalin and Balin, and helping to rearrange the dining table to accommodate their large party as their host once again answers the door for the others.
Throughout the meal there is laughter, stories shared, songs sung, ale poured, and Kili is careful to sneak bits of meat into his satchel, the fox licking at his fingers as she takes the meat. So occupied is he with slipping meat into the bag that he fails to noticed that he is being watched by two sets of eyes, one set belonging to their frustrated host, and the other belonging to an overtly tall wizard.
As the meal dies down, and with the cleaning done there comes a final knock at the door. Kili slips his hand within the satchel to reassure himself of the presence of the fox within, her wet nose nuzzling at his palm, rough tongue licking his fingertips. He smiles at the reassurance the small creature provides.
The plans are discussed, the secret entrance into the mountain revealed, and Mr. Baggins's role is given. It is with amusement that he finds himself carrying the hobbit to a chair as the small fellow swoons at the contents of his contract, though Kili imagines reading about one's own funeral arrangements and possible death by violence while in the prime of life and used to such comforts as living in so fine a burrow as this would certainly be taxing.
While the others are occupied with smoking and song, Kili finds himself in the same sitting room with the unconscious Bilbo Baggins and Kit. He settles in the window seat. Retrieves his pipe from what has become Kit's satchel, as well as the pipe leaves. He packs his pipe and lights it, and the fox peaks her head out of the bag he's now settled in his lap. As he smokes he pets her head.
She chitters her pleasure and the sound brings a smile to his face, and he finds himself talking to his new little confidant once more. "This isn't so bad a place, finely crafted things, a well cared for house, and I'm sure as friendly a host as he is, he entertains many visitors. It is not so bad to live in such comforts I would imagine. Too many of my kin have been long from a home to know these comforts. One day when I am free to know these comforts perhaps I can settle, find a woman and start a family. It would certainly stave off the loneliness and prove me a proper man among my people."
He sighs as he continues to pet the little beast. "Am I so odd in appearance that I may never count on a woman finding me attractive? Yet you are a female, and you favor me over my brother. You are a start. Advise me little vixen, how yet might I find a companion with which to build a family after this great adventure?"
Kili is startled at the sound of a soft voice in the room. "Who is that you're talking to, and what's that in your lap then?"
Kili chokes a bit on his pipe and after coughing the smoke clear he looks up and meets the curious gaze of the hobbit, now finally awake. "Her name is Kit. She joined my brother and me on our way here. She's quite a clever little thing, and a good listener. I'd rather she be kept secret for a while Mr. Baggins, if you don't mind. Uncle has enough on his mind without worrying me over this little burglar."
"At least this explains your having put so much meat in your pack earlier at dinner," the hobbit says with a smile and then adds, "And you can call me Bilbo, Master Kili."
"Well if that's the case, it's just Kili. None of this master business please," Kili says and then continues on as tactfully as possible, "Fair enough then Bilbo. Have you thought any on the contract while you…um rested?
Bilbo sighs and notices the tea on the small table next to his chair. He takes up the cup and drinks a few sips before he responds. "I am a just a hobbit. I like my little house, my regular meal times, my gardening. What need do I have of adventure? I wish you all the best on yours Kili, but I do not see the value of my joining your party. Really what would I have to offer?"
Kili shrugs and then says, "I think you could contribute, and the wizard has faith in you, so shall I. What do you think Kit?"
The fox lifts her head and looks over at Bilbo. Her eyes are piercing, and Bilbo is struck dumb by the evident intelligence in the creature's eyes as she scrutinizes him. She lets out a yip of agreement, and then a wide yawn. Kili smiles down at her, and strokes her head and scratches her ears. "There you have it, even Kit believes you have worth. Go have rest Bilbo Baggins, and think on this. An adventure, a real, true adventure is a rare opportunity, once in a lifetime really. Would you be able to withstand the regret of letting this one pass you by for the comforts your fine home affords you?"
"You leave me much to consider Kili, and you surprise me with these words," Bilbo says.
Kili's face brightens with a smile as he takes a puff from his pipe and releases the smoke before answering, "Well, I try to keep my serious thoughts to myself. I have a reputation of recklessness to uphold, but I'm quite capable of thinking for myself and pondering. I choose to be carefree, and I look to life as an adventure. This is a fine life you have for yourself here, these comforts, but you Mr. Baggins seem the restless sort."
"Well, my mother was a Took," Bilbo supplies as he scratches at the back of his head and decides to go off to bed, with much to think on between now and the morning, thanks to a single young dwarf and his furry companion.
Kili is perplexed by this reply from the hobbit, but shrugs it off as he continues to smoke. He is beginning to doze off in the window seat when the vixen shifts and ducks back into the pack. Kili is more awake and aware now, and turns to the door of the study. He watches as Gandalf enters, and he moves, sitting up a little higher, his dark eyes widening.
"Do not trouble yourself young Kili. I only wish for company and the rest of the house is quiet while you seem restless," the wizard says, and with a grin adds, "You and your companion both. Is she a shy one?"
Kili sighs and says, "There really is no hiding anything from a wizard is there?"
"You would be hard pressed to try. Now tell me of your companion. Can you coax her out? What is she?" Gandalf asks.
Kili reaches into the satchel, but Kit needs very little encouragement as she emerges from the pack with a small whine and a wary glance in the direction of the wizard. She notices the wizards blue eyes widen for a moment and then he nods at her. She replies with a soft yip and nuzzles at Kili's hand. Kili takes that as encouragement to share their meeting with the wizard.
"Well, I think this a most fortuitous and fateful meeting. Your companion there, I am sure, promises to be full of surprises Kili. You needn't worry. I do not intend to tell Thorin about her presence; that will be up to you and her. Although I believe that she will be more inclined to introduce herself to him in time. She does seem the inquisitive sort I would imagine," Gandalf says, and then watches as both fox and dwarf share in a yawn. "I think I've kept you awake long enough. Goodnight Kili, Kit, take your rest while you can. We have a long journey in wait ahead of us."
-THE HOBBIT-
Breakfast is a quick affair of bread gone stale and dried meat as Thorin wishes to be off as soon as possible, and Kili, while silent on this matter, is not pleased to leave the little hobbit behind. It does not surprise Kili that the others are taking bets on whether or not they will be joined by the hobbit, most in favor of not, even his brother taking up that side of the betting. Still, Kili spoke with Mr. Bilbo Baggins, and he has seen a spark of adventure in the small fellow, and so he takes the other side of the bet. He believes Mr. Baggins will join them, and only he and the wizard take that side of the bet. The spoils of winning will be great, and he has determined a percentage of fifteen percent to the little hobbit for his part in Kili's pending victory.
It is within half an hour of departing the Shire that the sound of shouting and running catches up to them. Thorin calls them to a halt, and turns toward the bearer of such noise; his dark brows rise in a moment of surprise as the hobbit bursts into the clearing declaring he's signed the contract. A moment later Uncle settles the matter of the small fellow's transportation as Kili and his brother lift him up on a pony, much to the poor little hobbit's displeasure, and then with much grumbling from the men and Fili's astonished shaking of his head, bags of gold are tossed about, he and Gandalf catching their spoils with bright grins on their faces.
Kili thinks nothing of dropping the bags of gold into the satchel he now keeps at his side, and while there is a snuffling within, neither does his small furry charge seem to mind, as she licks his finger tips every time he reaches in to check on her.
He watches as hobbit and wizard exchange words, and then decides that he too will congratulate Bilbo on his decision. He nudges the flank of his pony to hold back as wizard and hobbit catch up and he watches as the wizard moves forward to Thorin.
Kili's face brightens as he turns to face the hobbit, a sense of camaraderie between them growing as he says, "Well Mr. Bilbo Baggins, you've made me quite a richer man since last we met, and shamed my brother for his part in disagreeing with me on whether you'd join us or not. I owe you thinks, and a part of the spoils."
He reaches for the satchel and is pleased when a snout bearing a bag of gold pokes out to drop the bag into his hand. Bilbo notices this too, and smiles though he protests taking the gold.
"Nonsense, you helped us get this gold, you may as well share in it; both my small friend and I are in agreement on this. Take it, for should we come across a town or merchants you may yet be able to buy a handkerchief rather than the use of a torn part of Bofur's cleaner shirt. And have you eaten? I have some dried meat and bread. The bread is a bit stale, but it's a fair enough meal to have throughout the day until we break camp."
Bilbo nods and Kili is smiling as he shares the provisions with the smaller man. Kili can feel the glances of the others, especially as Fili has rode up ahead to be near their Uncle, and Kili has chosen to fall back and talk with the hobbit. This is unusual, for usually the brothers are always together, and rarely ever apart. Kili chooses to ignore the looks he gets, and continues enjoy the company of the strange little hobbit riding with him.
In exchange for the provisions the hobbit makes an offering of Shire leaves for Kili's pipe, and as the riding is so far a pleasant experience, Kili accepts, packs his pipe, and lights the leaves. His eyes widen at the quality of the Shire leaves, and he gives Bilbo a nod of thanks.
"I think I shall like more of this. I do not wish to exhaust your stores, but when all of this is done, I'll see personally you are returned safely back home and you can spare me more of this fine leaf in bulk Bilbo. It's very pleasant and high quality. It's a wonder your people don't trade in this, for it is of a rare fine quality and would be a profitable commodity among merchants, but your people rarely leave your homelands if I am to understand. You mentioned something of your mother being a Took? What does this have to do with your restlessness then?"
He watches the fondness tug Bilbo's mouth into a smile, and even Kit's pointed snout lifts from the leather satchel, both interested in Bilbo's story.
"Well the Tooks are odd among hobbits, the Tooks and I suppose the Brandybucks as well, being close cousins of Tooks. Tooks like adventures, and pop off from the Shire from time to time, quite unlike most respectable hobbits. It was rather a scandal when my father Bungo Baggins requested my mother Belladonna Took's hand in marriage. My father was a respectable hobbit. He saw to the building of our house, tended his garden, and was well respected. He liked his books and teatime. My mother was the restless one. When I was a wee boy she told me stories of her adventures to places like Rivendell and about the people she'd met. She was particularly fond of elf song. Oh do you think we would see elves on this journey?"
Kili actually winces at that. "If we do, it won't be under favorable circumstances I'm afraid. Dwarves have a long standing feud with elves, and Uncle in particular does not care much for them."
"Really? How can that be? I've heard they are quite beautiful and civilized, enchanting creatures," Bilbo says in confusion.
Kili scratches the back of his neck and a yip from his pack alerts him of someone drawing near. Kili looks up to find his brother has fallen back to join them. He tilts his head in surprise, and is surprised that he feels disappointment that his conversation with Bilbo is being cut short.
"Kili, keeping Mister Baggins company?" Fili asks and nods his head in greeting at the hobbit.
"Yes, Mr. Bilbo here has quite a way with words. I imagine he's a storyteller back home," Kili says and Fili nods.
"And how's the little thief? A few of my beads have gone missing from my bag. She keeps that up she'll be little more than a carcass and pelt before too long brother," Fili threatens with a chuckle.
Kit pokes her nose out from beneath the flap of her satchel and sends a warning growl in Fili's direction. Fili laughs and shakes his head as Kili reaches down, stroking the soft furred muzzle to sooth the animal.
"What do you expect of a creature that likes shiny things and has no other way of obtaining them? She's clever and her usefulness more than makes up for her mischief," Kili defends.
"Like a certain young dwarf I know," Fili retorts.
Kili rolls his eyes, "I'm younger than you by five years, Brother. You're not all that well aged and wise either."
"I've five years on you though," Fili points out with a smirk and Kili huffs in annoyance. Bilbo watches the brothers continue to bicker in amusement, and notices the fox's nose poked out from the satchel at Kili's side, seemingly snuffling in laughter.
It is several days and nights into the journey that trouble finally finds the travelling party. Gandalf departs in anger at Thorin's stubbornness, and Kili and Fili find themselves in charge of the ponies only to discover two have gone missing. Kili also notes that the ponies aren't the only creatures to have gone missing as Kit has disappeared as well. This leads to the brothers sniping at each other and worrying until they find a solution to the pony problem in one Mister Bilbo Baggins.
-THE HOBBIT-
The farmhouse fills her with unease, her instincts telling her that the destruction of this home is a recent affair. More over she scents death in the air and the distinct odour of troll. While her senses may be sharpened due to her form she does not understand why the dwarves will not heed the warning of the wizard and go on to the immortal city.
She finds herself in agreement with Gandalf that dwarves are stubborn creatures. Even the one she keeps company in his satchel he's made so comfortable for her has his moments of stubbornness. Still she is fond of him, of Kili, sister-son of Thorin. His brother she has yet to warm to, although she is fond of taking the shiny baubles from his hair and packs as he sleeps.
She has grown restless, and she feels the time upon her, the changing time. The moon has been growing these past nights, and she suspects that the wizard knows more of her than he's revealed to the young dwarf who's taken charge of her.
As the wizard storms off from the place where Thorin has determined the party shall camp she slips free of the pack and bounds off after the wizard. At the very least she wants to make certain he is aware the danger of trolls nearby should he need to come to the aid of the camp some time in the night. She herself will not be so useful under the risen moon this night or the waning moons following.
They are some hearing distance from the camp when the wizard slows his horse to a trot, and with a leap the fox scurries up into the wizard's lap and gives him a pointed glare.
"Well now, little one, I suspect there is more to you than meets the eye," the wizard says as he examines her and she huffs, and deciding that through all of his cryptic nonsense he means well, she can trust him. He has magic and perhaps like the elves, she can use that to communicate with him.
She clears her mind and then searches for the means to form and send her words in thought. 'You need to turn back. Kili and the others are in danger wizard.'
He looks at her with a start and then pulls the horse to a halt, picking the fox up to bring her up to his face for closer inspection. His eyes widen in surprise and his mouth pulls into a smile, "Well, then, your kind have long journeyed to the strong hold of Avalon and other realms. How is it that you find yourself here in Middle-Earth?"
'I have been banished from my kind for the sake of a prophesy. I refused the hand of several suitors and my mother did not take kindly to that. I also wished to share knowledge with the fair people, the elves, and with the others. Knowledge of our medicines and prophecy. Such is a crime among my kind, so when they left I was cursed and left behind. My time comes soon, and I cannot stay with Kili on these nights. You wizard, I expect to look after him and the others, even his brash brother of the golden hair.'
"Cursed? Then you are Kit'haniel? The legends are true? But that was ages ago, when the King of Mirkwood himself was but a lad!"
The fox's eyes widen, 'Thranduil has grown to be king? I can only imagine the state of his kingdom, the mischief he was known for in his youth.'
"Mischief that I suspect you had a part in," the wizard says with a knowing smirk.
'That is neither here nor there. Right now you have the charge of thirteen dwarves and a hobbit in your care and they are in danger. Night has broken, the crescent moon will soon be high, and I will be of no use to them. You must rescue them or your hopes for the future of this world will be for naught.'
"Do you speak from the gift of prophecy of your kind?" he asks.
She lets out a huff and growl of frustration. 'I was not favored with the gift of prophecy. It is my common sense that I am speaking from. Now wizard turn back. For if the dwarf and his company are lost I will find away to make you suffer a similar fate!'
The wizard raises his craggy brows at this and strokes his beard. "Could it be that you have grown an attachment to the youngest heir of Durin, Mistress Vixen?"
'My attachments are not your concern. The fate of that traveling party are in your care. I shall run back to do what I can before the moon is high. If they should perish from your negligence wizard, remember my words for they are not a warning, but a promise.'
Before the wizard can reply the fox jumps down to the ground and hastens her way back toward the camp. The wizard looks up toward the sky. She hasn't much time before the moon rises into the night. Still he must see his task done before he can turn back.
By the time she reaches the camp she notices that it has been abandoned in haste. She catches the sound of battle. She begins to head toward the direction of battle when she feels the light of the moon fall upon her furry body. The change is upon her immediately, and she writhes and twists, her body taking on new form, her fur receding. Within moments she is hunched forward, her fair skin almost glowing in the light of the moon, her eyes golden, her hair short and red, the ends black. She is as naked as a newborn babe. She scrambles to her feet, finds Kili's pack and looks through it quickly for clothes. She finds shirt and breeches that are far too big on her, but she makes it work, tucking and tying the laces to accommodate her slender form.
Once she is dressed she heads in the direction of where she heard the earlier fighting. Now there is the rumble of the voices of trolls and the grunts and protests of thirteen dwarfs as their hobbit companion educates the trolls on the means of cooking said dwarves. She is rather amused when in a moment of inspiration Bilbo says the dwarves are infested with parasites, even more amused to note Kili's vehemence against such a claim before his uncle manages to knock into them.
The trolls however are not buying this and the sun's rising is still off for a time. With a sigh she looks about the troll's camp, noticing where the dwarves' discarded weapons are. She picks through the pile, finds a sizeable blade, probably one of Fili's long daggers he takes such pride in. She touches the blade, whispers enchantment and a call to Macha of war, and steps into the clearing of the troll camp in clear view of trolls and dwarves alike.
The trolls look at her with a laugh, and several of the dwarves mention a foolish lad has come to his doom while perhaps seeking to aid them. The dwarves are stunned as the newcomer moves swiftly, slitting the heel of one of the charging trolls, feinting and dodging and lodging the blade of the dagger into a second troll, and from the wound light glows and the trolls begin to turn to stone without the aid of dawn. The third troll notices this as well and as the newcomer leaps at him he tosses the slight form of the figure away, but not before the enchanted blade slices into his hand, enough for the magic to render him turned to stone as well.
The figure, Kit'haniel, is thrown into the brush, the blade not far from her hand, and her body aching in wake of her landing. She sees the wizard's arrival and his surprise at the trolls turned to stone before the light of the sun has touched them. He makes quick work of freeing the hobbit and dwarves, and soon she finds herself being turned over and facing none other than Kili, the other's shouting after him, but the dawn is upon them and she knows her time is limited and soon he will know her secret.
"You are but a maid, with shorn hair, and how is it that you are dressed in my clothes?" he asks in confusion, and she looks up at him, her golden eyes locking with his brown as she reaches to take his hand in spite of her pain.
"You will know soon enough, and now we share a bond. I can speak to you in whatever form I take Kili," she says, and the sun breaks the horizon.
Her body stiffens and seizes with the change, and she hopes that this does not change too much between them as her bones crack and break, her muscles and sinew alter, and fur sprouts from her shrinking and reforming body.
He watches in amazement as the injured maid in his clothes shrinks and reforms until he's left staring down at Kit, the fix he's taken charge of. "By what enchantment…?" he queries aloud, but pauses as he hears the gathering of the other dwarves around him.
He quickly cradles the fox in his arms, the body of the small animal trembling as she opens her eyes, her liquid brown eyes meeting his gaze once again. He smiles down at her, and when he looks up the others are staring at him and Fili in particular looks as though they will have much to discuss.
"Are those your clothes there Kili?" asks Bofur, and Kili nods, feeling the close scrutiny of his brother.
"And what is that you've got there?" asks Oin.
"A fox, her name is Kit, and she is mine to keep," Kili says, drawing the fox closer to him.
"Another mouth to feed? It is best you let it go nephew," Thorin says.
Kili shakes his head in refusal. "She has her uses Uncle, and I will see to tending her. It would appear that she is hurt."
"And tried running off with your clothes," points out Nori, seemingly impressed with the idea of a furry thief.
A sharp clearing of throat captures the party's attention and soon they find themselves in the troll cave. Kili hardly notices much, his focus on the fox cradled in his arms, the fox that is more than she appears. Fili catches up to him and nods him over to a more private part of the cave, and whispers to Kili, "I saw the transformation. That is no ordinary creature, and before she was transformed I saw her form, fair of skin and pointed ears. You are in possession of an enchanted elf. You need to rid yourself of this burden, cast it aside brother lest Uncle find out."
The dozing fox lets out a small whuff of breath and Kili shakes his head. "I do not think she's an elf, she's uncommonly small, about the size of the hobbit. She is something else, and it does not matter to me what that might be or what enchantment she is under. You saw that she saved us from the trolls."
"After enchanting one of my blades! This cannot end well brother. Cut your ties with this creature, for nothing good can come from a creature whose form so easily alters. We know not of her enchantment, whether it is blessing or curse," Fili hisses.
Kili glares at his brother and shakes his head. "We owe her a life debt, and I will tend to her. I will take responsibility for her, and I have already taken charge of her care with Uncle. She heals uncommonly fast. If she is not jostled too much she might even be well by nightfall."
-THE HOBBIT-
By late afternoon after a full day of meeting strange addled wizards and fighting off Orcs, the party of dwarves, wizard, hobbit, and fox find themselves in Rivendell, much to Thorin's consternation, but with food so freely offered the hospitality is accepted.
The fox has remained in Kili's satchel, and Kili is surprised when Lord Elrond himself approaches him. The elven lord smiles warmly at the dwarf and then says, "Would you mind that I tend to the injuries of your little friend? She has slept since you've found her yes?"
"Did the wizard tell you of her?" Kili asks in suspicion, years of his uncle's words against elves coming to mind.
Elrond smiles and says, "There was no need for Mithrandir to tell me of the creature you've taken charge of. I can sense her light, and it is strong. Light such as hers has been long absent in Middle-Earth. You do not know how truly special she is young dwarf prince."
"What do you mean? Is she an elf?" Kili asks.
Elrond shakes his head. "No, a far more powerful and ancient creature in fact. The rest of her kind have left this realm for other places, I imagine if the legends are true, she is an exile of that great people. She is fae-kind."
Kili's eyes widen, for fae-kind are myth. "Surely she cannot be that."
"She is, young prince. Come with me and I will see to her proper healing, though in her state of rest she has already accomplished much in that way. Also if the legends are to be believed tonight is the second night of her curse. This transformation shall continue a fortnight, until the new moon," Elrond says and looks upon the creature with amazement. "She could tell you more about the conditions of her curse. I know only that before she was banished she was cursed by the high fae-kind queen, the name of the monarch lost to time. Now come away so we can tend to her needs, and before your uncle questions my speaking with you."
Kili nods his consent and follows the elf throughout the halls of Rivendell until they reach a large bedroom of sorts. The elf indicates the bed and Kili reaches into the satchel, careful as he lifts the fox from within and gently settles her onto the bed. Kili watches as the elf performs his healing on Kit, and when Elrond is done he looks to the dwarf and says he will answer for his whereabouts and have food sent to him.
Kili settles himself on the bed next to the slumbering fox and pets her, stroking down from her head, along her spine, and to the base of her tail. She is a wonder, and he has no idea what he should do if Elrond is proven right in his theory that this little fox, this shape-changer is indeed a fae-kind.
'You have much on your mind Kili,'comes a voice not unlike the one the vixen spoke with in her true form, and Kili startles at the sound of it, seemingly springing into his mind.
He looks down at the fox in wonder, noticing its brown eyes trained on him. "How is it that you can speak to me now?"
She snorts and her voice rings clear in his mind. 'We now share a bond. I have saved you, you have seen to my care and rescue, and you are the first to see my true form in many years. You've looked into my true eyes and I've looked into your soul. That is how I can finally speak with you, even now in this form."
"Then tell me, what is your real name? Who are you? What are you?" he asks, his curiosity peaked.
She shifts and licks the pad of his fingertip. 'I am what Elrond tells you. I am the exiled fae-kind. My name is not so far off from what you call me Kili. I'm Kit'haniel, but I like the name you've given me. You say it with such affection. Now tell me who else knows of my transformation?"
"My brother and the elf lord," he says, and then adds, "Probably Gandalf as well."
She nods. 'Yes, Gandalf is aware. Now I ask, who else in your party can be trusted with my secret? For I will be in my true shape under the light of the waning moon until the new moon every night. I suppose we will need to procure clothes for me, for I do not wish to be unclothed in the camp of fifteen men. Even after so many ages in this form I do recall modesty.'
"When will the change start?" Kili asks.
'From the moment the sun sets during the waning time of the moon I can change to my true form at will, and after the fortnight, with the arrival of the new moon I must wait until the moon reaches peak and wanes once more,' Kit answers.
Kili nods. "Is there a way to alter or break the curse?"
The fox yawns and shifts closer to the dwarf for his warmth. 'I've been under the influence of the curse for so long that if there is a cure I do not recall it. I have grown use to it, and the transformation is not as taxing as it once was in the beginning. Do not feel sorry for me, Master Dwarf. This is of my own doing, my own pride has gotten me this far."
"I don't mean to feel sorry for you. Does this mean you will remain my companion now that I know your secret? You won't run off or leave me?" he asks, and the fox's ears twitch at the catch in his tone, and she looks up at him searchingly.
'Are you so lonely, even with the constant company of your brother? What of a woman? Should you keep me around when you find a woman to satisfy you and build a life with? You've know me so short a time, and while I appreciate your care and affection, I cannot ask more of you. You have obligations to this journey, to your people; you are prince among their kind. I remember the obligations of such a life. I was once a noble.'
He chuckles. "I am too odd in behavior and appearance to attract the attentions of a proper dwarvish wife, and I will not accept the promise of marriage for the greed of the dwarf maid or her family. I have my pride to. I like your company Kit, and I've already shared secrets with you. You say that we are bonded in life debts. This is what I ask. Remain with me as a companion in these travels and in other adventures."
As fox and dwarf continue to talk food and clothing is brought to the pair. Kili enjoys the fruit and bread given him, mourns the absence of meat, and watches in amusement as Kit devours a rather large bowl of elderberries and wild black berries. They spend the day apart from the others, and then the sun begins to set, and Kili having changed earlier upon the delivery of the clothes now looks to Kit.
'Wait just outside the door and I will dress and join your shortly. I will accompany you to the feast if that is your wish. I'm certain your brother will wish to question me, and if you trust the rest of your party I will confess my secret to them as well.'
Kili shakes his head. "Sharing it with Fili will be fine, but the others may question the magic of your transformation."
The fox nods and watches as the dwarf departs the room. Soon she takes in a deep breath and slowly releases it as she gives into the change without the influence of the moon. Once her form has changed she dresses quickly, pleased that the brown leather breeches, off-white long sleeved shirt, brown leather corset, and cloak fit her small frame. While she may appear to the untrained eye an elf, her height gives away what she really is, for she is the same height as the hobbit in their company.
She has some difficulty with the corset, as the stays and lacing are in the back. She adjusts it to fit her frame and keep her guarded as it's armor just as much as it is meant to support and slips free of the room to see Kili waiting for her.
"It would seem I require your assistance, Kili," she says, her voice is soft.
He grins and says, "Of course, at your service. What is it you need of me?"
She turns her back to him and peering over her shoulder she says, "Would you be so kind as to pull and tie the laces of my corset?"
With a blush Kili does as instructed, tightening where she requests and finally tying the stays. With that done she returns to the room to retrieve the green cloak provided to her, and joins him once again. They wander the halls of Rivendell, and eventually they are found by one of the elf guards and escorted to the main hall for the feast.
It does not go unnoticed that Kili is in the close company of the very lad that rescued them from the trolls. The party notices the height of the lad, and also the pointed ears, coming to the conclusion that a young elf lad is their rescuer, and they each find it curious, all save Fili, that the lad is in the company of Kili.
Thorin lifts his head and says, "Who is it that young lad that serves as your guide through Rivendell and how is that rat catcher you insisted on bringing?"
"I am Kit'haniel of the household Le Fey, and I am much older than you Thorin Oakenshield, son of Thrain, son of Thror. I am a guest of Rivendell the same as you, and I will be joining your company throughout your journey in one form or another. The fox in your nephew's keeping is mine, and she is better now," Kit says, and smiles at the party of dwarves.
"We do not need an elf on our journey," Thorin says, glaring into the golden gaze of Kit.
She shrugs and then leaps upon the table, dancing on the tabletop, turning a flip, and then she grabs an apple and perches in a crouch before Thorin, apple in her mouth before she takes a bite and then pulls the fruit back. "Good, then you have no objection to my joining your company, for I am no elf."
"Your appearance says otherwise," he challenges with a raised brow.
She snorts. "I am the last of my kind in this realm, the faerir, or fae-kind. In other realms we are called other things. I am older than most elves in Middle-Earth. I even bounced Thrandruil on my knee when he was but a babe. One of the few rivaling my age would be the Lady of Galadhrim."
"Faerir?" Bilbo pipes up and his eyes widen. "Aren't they a lost people?"
"And you said you were of the household of Le Fey?" the wizard in the company pipes up, choking a little on his pipe.
"Yes, a direct descendent, my mother is one I can no longer name, but she was descended from the higher peoples, not so far off from your own origins wizard," Kit challenges.
"While I would have you along for our journey, you must appeal to the leader of this expedition, and that would be Thorin, my dear," Gandalf says.
The fae smiles impishly and says, "As you wish Olorin, I will appeal to him then."
Gandalf's bushy brows rise and she smiles and adds, "Perhaps there is one present in this very hall that might rival my age."
Thorin watches the exchange in confusion as do the other dwarves, and then those golden eyes meet his stoic grey once again. "Now future King Under the Mountain, will you have me on your journey? Either my familiar, the fox now in your nephew's care, or I shall accompany you throughout, but you will not be without us, even if only one is in your company's keeping. I will accompany you either with your blessing or without, it is neither here nor there to me."
She quietly munches on her apple, crouched before Thorin, awaiting his answer. Thorin moves to look around the small, lithe, elf-like creature and faces his youngest nephew, seeing the nervous hope on the lad's face, and he reluctantly relents with a sigh. "If it is neither here nor there with you, then so be it. Join us, but we will not afford you any other care or promise of safety than given any other member of our party. You must fend for yourself."
She smiles and bounds off of the table, and freezes upon the hearing of her royal name, "Nanat'harir."
She turns with a start to their host who descends from a stairwell, her golden eyes are wide. "There is a pressing matter which you and Mithrandir need attend."
"Lead on then Elrond, or should I say Peredhil?" she asks.
"Elrond, if that pleases the lady," he says with a slight bow, and soon she and Gandalf join the elf lord, both secreted away to a meeting with Lady of Galadhrim herself.
"Lady Galadriel," Kit says, and her eyes widen in realization as she turns to Elrond, "That is how you knew my royal name."
He nods, and then the Lady Galadriel approaches the faerir. "It has been a long time indeed Nanat'harir. You are still under the influence of the curse then."
Kit nods. "Yes, I am."
"Well, while the men discuss their business I will share with you a message from the Queen of the Stars herself. Varda has long watched you, and it is time now. Your enchantment cannot be completely lifted. You will retain the second form of the fox, but you will be able to change shape at will and not by force or curse. Varda wishes me to pass along this magic, to alter your curse to a gift. Would you accept Nanat'harir?"
"Yes, without hesitation," Kit says, she notices that Galadriel's expression tightens.
"Yes, without hearing of the condition with this gift?"
"What condition?" Kit asks, now cautious.
Lady Galadriel smiles. "This gift will be shared with your mate, and you will be a new kind in Middle-Earth, rather than the last of your kind here."
"Is that all? And what if I do not wish to be mated?" Kit says with a smile, and Galadriel returns the expression with a smile of her own.
"Very well then, come with me to overlook these lands and there will your curse alter to the gift it was meant to be."
Kit follows Lady Galadriel to the observation point overlooking Rivendell, and that is when the light of the crescent moon falls upon her. Galadriel steps away to tend to the business being discussed by Elrond and the wizards, Gandalf and Saruman. As the moonlight caresses her pale flesh she feels a fire erupt in her belly, seep into her veins, burning, a fire not unlike her first transformation, and her head is thrown back into a scream, the pain overwhelming as her body trembles, the moonlight, usually cool and comforting, searing through her bloodstream, and she is reminded that like curses, all gifts come with a price.
As she begins to writhe and continue to scream she hears several shouts of "No!" Suddenly a pair of strong arms closes around her, drawing her close, a thick, familiar, work hardened hand petting the top of her head, shushing her and trying to soothe her.
"Kili," she cries out, and then she hears the roar of the wizard Saruman the White.
"Foolish dwarf! What have you done in interrupting the delivery of a gift from the Ainur!" Saruman berates the younger dwarf, and Lady Galadriel intervenes.
"There is more at work than you know Saruman, leave them. We have more important matters to attend, and I am certain these two will find their way back down to their companions and the feast."
Kili doesn't waste time as he gathers up Kit into his arms and gets to his feet, as he realize she is too weak to continue on her own just yet. He glares at the gathering, the expression on his face as his gaze finally rests on Gandalf almost one of betrayal and then he heads down the stairs. Instead of heading back to the hall of the feast he takes several different turns until he comes upon his brother Fili with a pair of ponies.
Kit holds fast to Kili as he tries to hand her off to his brother for a brief moment, but from his worried expression she gives in and allows Fili to take her. Kili quickly mounts his pony and Fili hands her up to his younger brother, concern on his face.
"What happened? Why was there screaming?" Fili asks.
"Let's away from here and I will tell you later. We need to catch up to the others, and quickly before they know we have left. Gandalf is creating a diversion, but it won't be long before it is discovered we have gone," Kili says in return, careful to tighten his hold to secure Kit to him as he nudges the pony's flank into a gallop, and he is pleased that Fili leaves it for the moment and follows, for escape is the more important matter of the moment.
Please remember to review!