Your Highness
Summary: After an emotional night of revealing secrets, and a bit of deflowering, Dwalin, and Fili find themselves in a love affair that defies all customs, and traditions of their people, let alone the royal family. Will Fili finally be able to break the chains of his birthright, or will tradition hold it's place above the matters of the heart? (DwalinXFili)
Chapter 3: The Drawbridge
As Fili lied in bed, he tossed and turned. No position seemed to be comfortable, and his mind wouldn't slow down. He wanted to rush into Odin's room and demand the turth. If he didn't kill his father, then he'd better start telling the truth about who did. He also wanted to go to Dwalin. He tried to think of reasonable excuses to, besides he simply missed him. He wondered if he was thinking of him...
He tried his best to shake it off, stop thinking, and go to sleep, but he just couldn't. He threw the huge comforter off of him, and stood. He grabbed is fur-line robe, and wrapped it around him. He slipped his boots on and left his room. He had no intention to go anywhere. He walked aimlessly. The breeze had gotten even colder and more violent, and he wondered if his wish of snow would come true.
He avoided the balconies, even though the thought haunted the back of his mind. He found himself standing atop the staircase that led to the drawbridge. He looked down at the magnificent wooden structure. It was beyond comprehension how massive, and heavy it was. He walked down the stairs slowly, wondering just how much force it would take for it to fall. Less than you would think, he assumed. It was a dangerous thing. Dangerous, and beautiful, like the balcony.
He walked over to it and placed his hand on it. He pushed a bit, and of course, it didn't budge.
He backed up to the very edge of the last stair. He looked up at it, finding that if it were to fall right then, and he did not move, he would be crushed by about ... six inches, he guessed. One step back, however. One half-second reaction to back up, would save his life... but he found himself wondering if he would. If he heard the ropes snap, and the chains shatter, and the whole massive structure just came tumbling down toward him, would he take that step back?
A part of him said it was ridiculous to even think of. Of course he would. Any sane dwarf would never allow a drawbridge, that would easily take five or six seconds to fall, crush him over a step backwards!
Then there was that other part of him, one whose voice was growing louder everyday, that wondered why it would matter anyway. Kili could be prince. He was better suited, anyway, or at least would be when he was older. Dwalin would certainly be better off without the massive secret they now carried. He was just so ... out of place, and perhaps it was this very drawbridge's job to correct that. What sane dwarf would rob it of it's duty? A drawbridge must lead a dull existence, why rob this one of being the one to end the life of Fili, son of Villi, Prince of Erebor?
"Nadad..?" He turned, knowing who was behind him, and the first thing he saw was Kili's smile. Fili simply returned it. Kili walked over to him, and looked up at the drawbridge.
"What are you looking at?" He asked him innocently. Fili envied it so.
"Nothing."
"What are you doing down here then?"
"I could ask you the same thing."
"I was just going back to bed... I was... Um, out."
Fili gave his younger brother a look, but didn't press it. If Filli was allowed to have secrets, Kili could, too. "There's where we both need to go." Kili look relieved, and turned, but Fili turned him back around by the arm, and looked right into his hazel eyes. "And how about we stay there?"
Kili gave a nervous laugh. "You worry too much."
"And you're too fleeting."
They started walking up the stairs together, towards the Royal Quarters. "What's wrong with that?"
"You have to be serious, sometimes."
"Yes, but unlike you, I know you don't have to be serious all the time."
"Please, you're never serious."
"I can be if I need to be."
Fili smiled and knew his brother was being truthful, but he felt the urge to be difficult, feeling he deserved some kind of punishment for being caught out, late at night. "You sure about that?"
"Oh, don't be that way." Kili knew him too well.
They made it to Kili's room first. He turned and without hesitation, hugged his brother, then touched their foreheads together for a moment, and said: "Don't worry so much, Nadad..." With that, he turned and disappeared in to his room.
Fili took a deep breath, and headed back to his room. He felt like he could sleep now, in fact, he felt his boots dragging as he walked. When finally made it back to his bed, he fell into it. He managed to kick his boots off, but his robe was so comfortable, he snuggled into it and drifted into an usually comfortable sleep.
...
When the morning came the temperature had dropped yet, Fili found himself shivering, wrapped in his robe and not his blankets. He didn't even try to make himself warmer, he simply got up and changed into fur-lined black boots, thick black pants, and long-sleeved white tunic, with a vest of fox-fur, for added warmth. His belt was a black leather, with diamonds. He grabbed his overcoat, and left his room, for once, feeling in the mood for breakfast, which he normally skipped.
He walked straight to the kitchen, making sure to check for snow, but there was none. Bombur was already hard at work, but instead of preparing breakfast, he was washing dishes, and cleaning up leftovers.
"Have I missed your breakfast, Master Bombur?"
"Have you missed mine? Yes, lad. I shall make you your own, however, if you'd like. Would only take a moment. I have everything ready still."
"I'd appreciate it. Not as big a meal as last night, though, please."
Bombur laughed. "One serving. Yes, Sir. Would you like that in the dining hall?"
"Don't bother. I'll stay in here, if that's alright with you."
"Absolutely, Sir." He rushed over to a small round table in the right corner of the room, and lit the candle on it and pulled the chair of for Fili. "Sit here, lad, and I'll start right away."
Fili did. He liked to watch Bombur in the kitchen. He really was like a wizard making a special brew. Fili didn't have to tell him what he liked. He knew. He always remembered everyone's favorites, and what they didn't want on their plate. An artist of supper, indeed.
"Was your supper to your liking?" Bombur asked, as he started the eggs over his roaring fire.
"Very much. Thank you, also for the cake."
"Ah, I knew you would enjoy that, Master Fili! Your favorite. I suppose that's the cake you would like for your birthday celebration?"
"Oh, yes. That would be wonderful. A large one! As tall as you can make it!"
Bombur laughed. "Oh, I will not disappoint you, Sire! That largest cake with a whole barrel of strawberries on top!"
"If you won't be eatin' them all before the get there." They both turned at the sound of Dwalin's voice, who had obviously just returned from his trip back to the sit of the late Ludin's murder. He was still wearing his arm guards, and the way they accented his arms made Fili blush a bit.
"Oh, Master Fili, do tell me you won't be allowing him at your birthday celebration?"
"If I uninvited him, can I have an extra layer on my cake?"
"Haha! Two!"
Dwalin sat across from Fili, who gave him a sympathetic, sarcastic shrug. "Looks like you're uninvited."
Dwalin just smiled at him, but it faded quickly.
"Did you find something?"
"Nothin' we didn't know last night. Balin is making a full report to your uncle."
"And Odin?"
"Last I heard, he was shut up in 'is room. Ori said he hadn't left since last night, when we rotated his guard."
Then, Bombur walked over with a magnificent breakfast, of eggs, bacon, bread, and strawberry jam. He sat it in front of Fili with a smile then turned to Dwalin. "Would you be wanting that slop now?"
"Ale."
"Slop, it is." Bombur said, but walked over and poured him a full pint mug, and gave it to him with a wink.
He drank it as Fili ate. He started unlacing his arm guards, and Fili couldn't help but stare. He hoped the light of the candle would hide his eyes, but Dwalin didn't look down, anyway. He sat them on table, and rubbed his wrists. He looked over to Fili, who quickly averted his eyes back to his plate. He was only half finished, but he didn't feel right being the only one in the room eating. He pushed the plate away from him.
"Bombur, everything is perfect, but I'm afraid I can't finish another bite."
"Thank you, Master Fili. Come back whenever you need Ol' Bombur to whip you up something."
"Of course." He bowed to him, and Dwalin stood with him. "Come with me." He said to Dwalin, "Let's check on Odin."
Dwalin nodded and followed him out, carrying his arm guards at his side. "Tell me, Master Dwalin... do you think Odin... did that?"
"Aye, that's what it's looking like. Nothing fits with the story he told."
Fili took a deep breath as they reached his room. The guard stood, ever present, at the door. "Any word from Odin?" Dwalin asked him.
"No, Sir. I thought about checkin', but I didn't think it my place."
"You've done well." Fili said with a smile, and then knocked loudly on the door. "Odin?"
Nothing. Silence.
He looked over to Dwalin, who furrowed his brow, and leaned down to try and hear better.
Fili knocked again. Nothing.
"Odin?" He said with a third knock. "We're coming in."
He went to open the door, but Dwalin stopped his hand, and backed him up gently by his shoulder. He stepped in front of him, just before the door. The guard and Fili stood, side by side right behind him.
Dwalin turned the knob and swung the door open. There, just as if nothing was wrong, Odin stood. Completely dressed and ready for the day. He smiled sweetly at the three of them.
"Yes?" He said in a monotone voice, "Is something wrong?"
Fili pushed passed Dwalin and stared at Odin. "Why didn't you answer us?"
"When?"
"Just now. I knocked three times and called out to you."
"Oh. Must have missed it."
Fili turned and looked at Dwalin, with sincere shock and confusion. Dwalin stepped forward. Fili could tell he was trying to stay in between he and Odin.
"Oh!" Odin said when he noticed Dwalin, "Captain, I presume?"
"Aye." Dwalin was eyeing him. They all were. There was no way he hadn't heard them. Did he expect them to believe that?
"What have you found out of my father's death?"
"I'd actually like to speak with ya about that."
"Very good. I will see you in the Great Hall momentarily."
Fili felt his fists clench at his arrogant tone toward Dwalin. He took a step forward, but Dwalin put his hand up. "Very good, Master Odin." He said, and bowed. He led Fili out and shut the door. He turned to the guard. "Make sure he's in the Great Hall right away."
"Certainly, Sir."
He started walking and Fili followed him. They didn't say anything. Fili was still fuming about his tone, and the way Dwalin had stopped him. He heard Dwalin chuckle, and he could've blew his top right there.
"What can you possibly find funny about this?"
"That look on yer face."
Fili suddenly felt self conscious. "What look?"
"That angry look. Doesn't look right on you."
Fili turned his face, and found himself blushing a bit. He had to resist the urge to kiss him, and found himself feeling all the more frustrated that he couldn't.
By the time they'd reached the Great Hall, Fili was significantly angry at the world, but it was all being directed toward Odin. He practically stomped in, and Thorin immediately noticed his demeanor.
"Are you alright?" He asked.
"I'm fine. Did you speak with Balin?"
"Yes, he told me all I need to know."
"He's a mad man, Uncle... He..." He could tell by the way Thorin looked up that Odin had walked in. He turned and by the sly smile on Odin's face, he knew he hadn't heard him. Dwalin stood tall beside Fili, and Thorin stood atop a small platform, three stairs above where Fili and Dwalin stood, as Odin walked up.
"What have you learned of my father?" He sounded so demanding, Fili couldn't believe it.
"Odin..." Thorin started, and Fili could tell he was trying to think of the right words, "It's obvious, from the evidence, that you have not been truthful with us about what happened to your father."
"What are you saying?"
"There were no orcs." Dwalin chimed in, "The signs aren't there."
"We need you to tell us the truth, Odin." Thorin said. "Otherwise, we will have no choice but to charge you with this crime."
Odin didn't look surprised, frightened, or anything in between. His was blank and emotionless. It made Fili shudder, and made him feel good that he was standing so close to Dwalin, and Thorin. "Whatever do you mean? Are you suggesting that I killed my father?"
"Based on what I saw? Aye, I am."
Fili was actually a bit surprised, but he knew, at least when it came to official matters, Dwalin had no problems speaking his mind. It had to be said, and he had decided it was his duty to say it.
"Oh, are you Captain?" Odin smiled at him, but it was hollow and faked. "Well, in that case, I supposed I have no choice but to exercise my right to a trial by my own people." He said it almost cheerfully, but with a hint of malice.
Fili looked to Thorin. It was true that he had the right. It was a custom that when a dwarf be accused of a crime in a kingdom outside his own, particularly a noble, that he had the right for representation, and even complete transfer of the trial to the hands of his own monarchy, depending on the nature of the crime. Thorin stared down at him, and Fili couldn't believe someone could take a glare like that with literally no reaction in his eyes.
"Very well." Thorin said, finally. "I'll make the arrangements for a messenger to be set forth for The Ivory Hills, and we will await word."
"And in the meantime..." Odin said. His pride had no end, and that tone he had about him, to Fili, was grinding. "Am I guest or prisoner?"
"Neither." Thorin said, without much thought. "I saw have a more ... appropriate room prepared, and there you will remain until word for the Ivory Hills has returned, guarded, of course."
Odin made absolutely no difference in expression. "Very well. May I go to my other room, and collect my belongings, Your Majesty?" He spoke as if he were have a completely normal conversation. He acted in no way like Fili would expect from someone being accused of killing their father. Of course, he had never really denied it, once his lies were called out.
Thorin looked to the Great Hall door, and checked which guards were standing there. "Ori." Ori jumped at his name and rushed down. He stopped in front of Thorin, and bowed. "Go with him. Escort him to the west wing when he has finished."
It was then Fili knew what he'd meant by a "more appropriate room". There was a room in the west wing that was just comfortable enough for any guest, except for the fact that it had no window. Fili found himself learning from this. Thorin truly was a great king. Odin would be nothing more than a comfortable prisoner, and that would keep him satisfied enough until his people either took over, or sent representation.
Odin did not bow to anyone, even Thorin, and walked out of the room, but he was neither rushed nor slow, in fact, Fili saw it more as a stroll.
As soon as the large, golden doors of the Great Hall closed, Fili let out a visible shudder.
"Ya and me both, lad.''
"Dwalin, I want you to go to the Ivory Hills. I don't want to trust anyone else with something like this."
Fili whipped around just in time to see Dwalin bow to him. "Of course. I'll see it done." As he walked out he gave Fili a look that he couldn't exactly read. When the doors closed again, Thorin walked over to Fili and gave him a serious look. "I want you to stay far away from him while he's here, do you understand?"
"Why do you say so?"
"When he first returned from... whatever happened on the road, the first words he said were of you. He wanted to know where you were and if you could come. Then, I thought nothing of it. Now, it concerns me, and I wanted to tell you myself that I don't want you anywhere near him during his time here."
Fili gave him a grave look, and nodded.
"Now go." Thorin said, and placed a loving hand on his shoulder, "I have letters to write."
Fili nodded, and quickly headed out to find Dwalin, although he wasn't quite sure where he'd be. He had no clue how far away the Ivory Hills were, or how dangerous the rode was. He knew Dwalin could handle himself, but really, that wasn't his fear.
That darker part of his mind was telling him, that the time would cause Dwalin to forget, or come to his senses, and it would all be over by the time he returned, or worse, if he didn't. He felt an urgent need to talk to him, and find out what was going through his mind. He didn't like this shaky ground, anyway, and he didn't want to wonder the entire time he was gone.
He started heading for Dwalin's home, but something told him he wasn't there. He stopped suddenly when he was just above the drawbridge, because he heard Dwalin's voice in the distance. He listened and heard it again. It was coming from below. He looked to his left, and saw a balcony. He rushed over, not thinking, and peered over the side quickly. He did see Dwalin, standing by guards, doing something around the stables, but the distance hit Fili so much he nearly gasped, as he found himself peering over the side of the balcony, again, entranced.
He wasn't looking at Dwalin, he was looking straight down, to the ground below. Thoughts flew through his mind. The haunting ones. The feeling of the wind through his hair, as he plummeted to the stone below. That shock to the heart as soon as his boots would leave the ledge. The sight of the balcony growing smaller, and smaller above him as he waited, patient and calm, for the sudden stop. A final end. They all rushed so suddenly, Fili found himself gripping the rail. He found he had to peel his hands free, and his eyes never left the ground below , until his feet had carried himself far enough back to obstruct the view. He blinked several times, and had to shake his head to rid himself of the lingering images.
He turned and headed down to the drawbridge. It was down, as he walked out onto it, he found it far less... magnificent than he had the night before. He walked over to Dwalin, who was preparing saddlebags for the ponies. There were two guardsmen on either side of him. One was Ori, and he was unfamiliar with the other, but he was pretty sure his name was Twain.
"How far are the Ivory Hills?" He asked Dwalin, almost completely ignoring the others.
"Two days there, at a good pace, if the weather holds out."
Fili looked down. This meant he would be gone at least four days, maybe a bit more if things were held up at their destination. It wasn't a long time by any other standard than Fili's mind. That was plenty of time to be forgotten, especially him. "When do you go?"
Dwalin looked up, and checked the position of the sun. "Probably too late in the day to go now. We wouldn't be making it to far before we lost the sun. So, I say first light, as long as your uncle doesn't say otherwise." He finished placing the last saddlebag in the pile, and looked to Ori. "Go tell the king we leave at dawn, and makes sure that's alright with him. Tell me what he says."
Ori bowed quickly, and rushed off. Twain left behind him. Dwalin started to walk inside, but Fili stopped him. "Master Dwalin..." He took a deep breath, "May I come see you tonight, and speak with you about..?" He couldn't think of what to call it. He found himself feeling nervous. Dwalin had given up the opportunity the night before, and that was still making Fili's easily troubled mind wonder.
"Of course ya can." He placed a hand on his shoulder, that to anyone else would look friendly, but Fili could tell by the way he ran his hand down his arm as he dropped it, that it was an attempt at being close.
Fili gave him a small smile, and they started walking back, to find Ori, and make sure Thorin was satisfied with the trip being held off for first light. They walked close together, almost close enough for Fili to want to move away from him, in fear it may seem odd, but as the made their way up the stairs, he decided he didn't really care.
Ori found them first, at the top of the drawbridge steps, and informed them that the king had said it was fine, but to make haste when they left, for he did not want Odin in Erebor any longer than he had to be.
As they took leave of him, the drawbridge was being lifted, and Fili found himself staring again. Dwalin stood beside him, and they watched it come up together. Once it clicked into place, Fili was released from his gaze, and found himself confused about why they were just standing there. He turned quickly, and started walking, embarrassed.
"What is it?" Dwalin said, following behind him. This time, they walked a decent distance apart, and Fili was trying not to let his demeanor give anything away.
"It's nothing... You don't want to know."
"What if I do?"
Fili sighed , and found himself a bit perturbed by the question, not wanting to reveal something so dark, and personal. Although, Dwalin was the only dwarf who could even come close to understanding, given their encounter on the balcony, so he decided he would open up, yet again, to the seemingly gruff dwarf, who had captivated him for so long. "Did you know, Master Dwalin, that if you stand at the bottom of the staircase in front of the drawbridge, and it were to fall, you would be one step between life and death?"
Dwalin gave him a look, but Fili could tell he was really trying to understand his meaning. "I've never looked at it, no."
"It just seems so... easy. So fragile. Like the..." he had to trail off, realizing then just how open he was being, but when he looked over and saw the older dwarf listening, really listening, he continued: "Like the balcony..."
Dwalin stopped, and turned to him. It was then Fili noticed that they were outside Dwalin's door. He looked down at him thoughtfully, but said nothing, turned and opened his door.
Dwalin immediately started fixing a fire, and Fili sat down on the chair, and watched him. He built the fires expertly and it was only a moment before he was placing large pieces of wood, and Fili was hearing that familiar, calming crackle. He watched as Dwalin walked into the pantry with his kettle, and prepared it with coffee. He walked back in, placed it above the growing fire, and sat down.
Fili took a breath to speak, but Dwalin beat him to it. "Fili..." He immediately felt warm, and intimate with the subtraction of 'Master' from his name, "Will ya promise me somethin'? Before I go?"
"Of course." Fili leaned closer to him, but Dwalin's face was grave.
"I want ya to promise me that ya won't be doin' anythin' like I found ya doing the other night. Standing on the balcony like that..."
Fili felt that same level of humiliation flood over him, and turned as away as he could while sitting in the chair. He knew he was blushing brightly, and he hoped the firelight wouldn't betray him, and show it too much. He wasn't sure what to say. He wanted to tell him that he, of course, promised. In fact, he would swear off balconies for the whole time he was away, but that darker part of him spoke up again, and told him that he knew better than to say he wouldn't go back out there, and not to lie to him.
"And what if I say that I can't promise that?"
Dwalin gave him a look with a hint of hurt. "Why?"
Fili sighed deeply and looked up at the ceiling. "I ... I don't know. I don't want to lie to you."
"The next time ya might not be so lucky, and I..." He trailed off. Fili looked down at him. "I don't want anythin' happenin' to ya. I won't be there to pull ya back, and even if ya don't seem to mind if ya fall... I do."
Fili felt his heart break. Selfishly, he had never thought about how it would affect others if his tendencies ever turned into real action. He knew there would be sadness, there is with any loss, but he never thought it would be something they couldn't deal with. Now, looking at Dwalin, he felt guilty. Guilty that he had done, and thought those things, and that he still did, and knew he still would, even after this.
"Well..." Fili said, trying not to let his emotion show in his voice. "If you promise that, may I ask a promise in return?"
Dwalin looked up, but said nothing.
"Will you promise... not to forget about me? That when you get back, you'll still ... look at me the way you do."
Dwalin leaned over and placed one of his hands on Fili's. "I'd never forget about ya, Fili."
Fili couldn't help himself. He leaped over, and ended up, half standing, leaning down and kissing Dwalin passionately. Dwalin pulled him down into his lap, and deepened the kiss. Fili adjusted himself, as they kissed, uncomfortably at first, but finally, he managed to swing both of his legs over the arm of the chair, and sit sideways on Dwalin's leg.
He broke the kiss and rested his head on Dwalin's shoulder. Dwalin placed his chin on the top of Fili's head, and it made him feel completely held, and comfortable.
"I don't want you to go." Fili confessed.
"I 'ave to."
"I know that."
"I'll be back. I promise." He started stroking his hair, slowly twisting one of his braids around his finger. "And when I do... maybe I'll talk to yer uncle. Ask him..."
Fili looked up quickly, causing the braid to tighten around Dwalin's finger, and pull a bit. He winced and Dwalin untwisted it. "Dwalin, if he doesn't approve, he'll never let us around each other again. I don't want that..." He looked back down.
Dwalin tilted his head back up by his chin. "We can't be sneakin' around forever. Eventually, we're gonna get caught, and that would be a lot worse than tryin' to talk to 'im."
Fili looked back down without a word, and snuggled back into his chest. He knew he was right. Eventually, they'd be found out. Of course, it could end up being just as bad if Dwalin spoke to Thorin, and he took offense to the question. Dwalin was much older than Fili, and a close friend of Thorin's. He was also Captain of the Guard, but that didn't change the fact that he was, technically, a commoner. They had nothing to speak for their relationship except an overwhelming desire to be together, and that had appeared out of nowhere, a mere two days ago.
"You never promised." Dwalin said suddenly.
"Neither did you."
Dwalin leaned down, and made sure is breath brushed over Fili's ear as he whispered: "I promise I'll never forget ya... Never." He placed small kisses on his temple and the top of his ear, making him shiver. "Yer turn." He whispered, and then backed away from his ear so he could speak without distraction.
He looked into his eyes, and even though he wasn't quite sure he was telling the truth, he said: "I promise I won't stand on the balcony or anything like that." He placed a loving kiss on his lips, "At least not until you're there to catch me." Dwalin kissed him this time, and made it deep, and lingering. Fili found himself moving around again, and as soon as he was straddling his lover, the kettle started whistling behind him. He huffed in frustration, but Dwalin just laughed.
He climbed off of him, and slumped into the other chair. Dwalin stoked the fire, added some more wood, and filled their mugs with freshly made coffee. He handed him his mug and took his spot back in his chair, but Fili was determined for the closeness. He walked over, coffee in hand, and, with much difficulty to not spill his coffee, got back on his lap like he had been before.
Dwalin rested his mug on Fili's knee, and buried his face in his hair. Fili sipped his, and found himself wishing the moment would last forever.
They sat together drinking their coffee, in the sweet silence they'd learn to share together. Dwalin sat his cup on the table before it was empty, and wrapped both of his arms around Fili's torso. Fili was so content, in the warmth of the fire, and wrapped in Dwalin's arms, he didn't notice himself drifting to sleep, until Dwalin gently took his mug from his hands, and placed it on the table.
"I'm sorry." He said sleepily.
Dwalin didn't say anything, and tucked one arm under his knees, and the other around his shoulders. He stood with such an ease, Fili didn't even bother wrapping his arms around him. He felt perfectly secure. He walked into the bedroom, and laid him on the bed. He walked to the foot, and slowly started pulling his boots off.
"You don't have to do that." He said, but he had no energy to stop him.
Dwalin helped him down to his pants, and tunic, then walked back into the other room to douse the fire, and placed the metal cage in front of it, to keep what was left of it contained, and then changed himself, as Fili watched him. He climbed into bed, and Fili immediately pressed to his chest. Dwalin held hi tightly, pulling the blankets over them, taking special care it was up to Fili's shoulder.
"I don't want you to go..." He said again, trying to fight it, but slipping back into sleep.
Dwalin just stroked his hair and kissed the top of his head. "I know..."
"You have to come back for my birthday..."
Dwalin knew he was speaking from a dreamy state, but he smiled. "Thought I was uninvited."
Fili tightened his grip around his waist. "Never."
With another kiss, Dwalin settled them in for sleep. He rubbed his back gently, and laced their hands together. The last thing Fili remembered was a kiss being placed on his lips and hearing: "Sleep, Little Prince."