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 8: Awkward Conversation

It took Dwalin a long time to convince Fili to face them. He felt bad for what he had said, but he had meant it. He was still feeling it, in fact, and tried to convince Dwalin that it was too soon.

"What is with you and talking to people, anyway?"

"It's not gonna go away..."

"Why not?" It was more of a rhetorical question, but Dwalin answered.

"Because my feelings for ya aren't goin' away... and whatever is goin' on between them doesn't matter... you're going to have to talk to them eventually."

He was right as ever, and Fili couldn't help but smile at him. "I wish you would quit doing that..."

"Doin' what?"

"Making sense..."

Dwalin stepped forward, and kissed him. "Come on."

Fili didn't fight him and walked out with him. They were walking very close, but Fili felt safer that way. He could feel his heart beating harder and faster the closer they got to the hallway he had just witnessed ... something he was still trying to comprehend. Dwalin smiled down at him. "It'll be alright..."

They turned the corner, and the only person standing there was Thorin. Fili immediately looked down when he noticed them, and he heard Dwalin take a deep breath... but Thorin didn't sound angry when he spoke: "I suppose he told you what he saw."

He didn't hear anything, but he saw Dwalin nod slightly from his gaze at the floor. Thorin let out a bit of a nervous laugh, and Fili looked up. He had turned from them and was rubbing his face with both hands. Finally, he turned back to them and placed his hands on his hips. He was nervous, shaken, and a bit embarrassed. Fili had never seen him so exposed.

"I suppose I owe you an explain."

Fili looked at him apologetically. "You don't have to." He spit out.

"I do." Thorin looked at him with the same sadness in his eyes. "We have been sharing this... relationship for a couple weeks. I know that it doesn't make much since from the outside... or the inside... but there was just something, and I couldn't help myself..."

Fili felt bad for the way he stumbled over his words. He wanted to rush over and make him stop, but he also wanted to hear.

"It doesn't matter now... I have ended it."

"Why?" Fili said suddenly.

"Because... He is too young, and we are..."

"Don't even say it." Dwalin said suddenly, speaking to Thorin like a friend and not a king. "We both know that's not unknown." Dwalin was right. Your One was your One. Your heart decided that.

"That doesn't make it right, or make him old enough."

"Do you love him?" Fili asked.

Thorin looked at him with wide eyes at the sudden question. "I .. don't know."

"I think you do."

"And what makes you say that?"

"Because after he told you he loved you too much for you to send him away, you kissed him."

"It wouldn't matter."

"Why? Mahal, what has gotten into you?" Fili was just so astonished by Thorin's lack of sense that he had to speak his mind, "You love him, and you know you do. I saw it in that kiss, Thorin. Dwalin and I are in..." He trailed off not wanting to say it for fear of Dwalin's reaction, "A relationship... and you are just ignoring it... Who cares what's right and wrong, or how they did it before? Our hearts don't always follow tradition. What is wrong with that?"

Thorin was silent for a moment, and then he looked to Dwalin. "Is that how you feel, my friend? Have I been foolish?"

"I think you've been nothing but noble... even if ya were a bit wrong." He smirked at him, and Fili had to smile when Thorin returned it.

"You have never lied to me before, Khuzsh, and I believe you now." He took a deep sigh and looked at Fili. "You have proven me wrong, Nephew... and I couldn't be more proud of you... and out of anything else, it is for your heart." He walked over and placed his hands on his shoulders. "If this is what you really want... Both of you." He looked to Dwalin, then back to Fili. "Then I will not deny you that."

Fili looked at him in complete shock, not expecting those words to ever come out of his uncle, Thorin Oakenshield. "What about Kili?"He asked, suddenly very concerned for his brother, now that his own fears were doused.

"He left right after you did. I don't know where he went. I will find him and speak with him."

Fili knew there was only one place Kili went when he was that upset. "I know where he is." He said assuredly.

The two older dwarfs looked at him curiously.

"I'll talk to him." He said, placing a loving hand on Dwalin's arm, and then giving Thorin a warm smile. He then turned and left, a feeling in his chest that he almost couldn't describe. He was elated and excited. He was walking on air and felt like he was in sand at the same time. Thorin had just blessed his relationship, and they could now be together without fear, and without Dwalin feeling wrong for what he was doing. He couldn't be happier, in fact, he strolled right past the balconies without even noticing. He was too focused on his new relationship, and finiding his brother.

Then suddenly the thought occurred to him... What was he supposed to tell him? Thorin had never said he would continue his relationship with Kili. Fili didn't know how he felt, really. He had got it out of him that he care for Kili, but he didn't say that he would stay. As he was wondering, he came to room in the Royal Quarters. It was the nursery, and it had been vacant for a few years. He opened the door, and smirked. There was a crawlspace, just at the far right corner of the room, and the colorful board that hid it from the children was slightly askew. He walked over, and bent down, but before he could say anything Kili's voice came from inside.

"Go away."

"I wanted to talk to you. I knew you'd be here."

Kili didn't answer.

"Are you really gonna make me come in there?"

Fili felt like he was a child again, trying to coax his younger brother out after a fight over a game or a toy. It had always gone the same way... just as it was going now.

Kili was silent.

Fili rolled his eyes but smiled, reached over and slid the board to the side. The crawlspace was pretty big, even in their older sizes. Kili was sitting as far back as he could, just in front of the door. He had a small candle on a holder sitting beside him, providing the small space with an odd bouncing glow. There was just enough space for Fili to crawl in, fix the board and sit with his back to the adjacent wall, with the board to his left, and his legs outstretched toward Kili's placing the brothers in an "L" shape.

"After all this time... You still come here."

"What do you want?"

Fili ignored his brother's angry tone. "Seemed much bigger back then..."

Kili sighed, and Fili could tell he was annoyed.

"Nadad... Brother... I'm sorry for what I said. I shouldn't have been angry with you."

"You were right, though." Kili said defeated, "But none of it matters now. He doesn't want me anymore."

"I think you need to talk to him about that."

"You don't even know what he said... He told me himself he didn't think I could really love him..."

"Do you?"

Kili had no trouble telling his brother the truth now, it was like a dam had broken. "More than anything in creation. The stars don't shine as bright without him. The moon is less beautiful. My sun does not come up without a thought of him... Oh, Fili, I'm such a fool..."

"Why does that make you a fool?"

"Because... he said that he didn't think that I could love him, but he should know better. So, he must be the one that can't love me... and that is why he... told me to go."

"Kili..." Fili shuffled to his knees, being careful of the candle and getting close enough to Kili to take his hand, "Loving someone does not make you a fool, Nadadith... and I think that if you talk to him, you may get some answers you need."

"He doesn't want to talk to me..."

"Yes, he does."

"How do you know?"

"I spoke with him."

Kili got suddenly curious. "What did he say?"

Fili chuckled at him. "You just need to speak with him yourself."

"And what if his answer is still the same?"

He had never seen his younger brother so pessimistic. He took a deep breath, and seemingly from nowhere, he started to tell Kili about his relationship with Dwalin. He left out the balcony, but even went as far to tell his brother that he had lost his virginity to him. Kili listened intently, and he had the most understanding look in his eye that made Fili's heart warm. Finally, he ended the story with finding his uncle and brother in the hallway.

"Wow..." Kili said after a second of silence, "Do you love him?"

"I think I do." It was easy to admit after the way Kili had expressed his feelings for Thorin.

"That means..." Kili thought for a moment, "Yes... the morning after he told me we could no longer be together was when Dwalin asked him for your hand..."

It all made sense to Fili. He had said no because he was dealing with his own emotions toward Kili. It almost had nothing to do with Dwalin, or him. Fili was feeling more sure than ever that this was going to be a turning point for him, and his brother. They had found their Ones, and even though they may not be what anyone expected, that didn't mean that it was wrong, or that the love wasn't real. He knew he loved Dwalin, and if Kili could speak of Thorin that way even after he had hurt him, than he was over the moon.

"Come on, Nadad. You have to speak with him."

"I'm... scared to. I don't want him to say those things again. If he doesn't want me, Fili... there will be no light for me..."

Fili tilted his head at his brother, and wished the space didn't keep him from hugging him tightly. "You'll never know until you finish your conversation. I'll be with you every moment I can, Nadadith."

The brothers climbed out and started walking, not exactly sure where Thorin and Dwalin would be. Fili could tell Kili was extremely nervous. He tried to think of something to say, but nothing seemed right, so he just walked with him, hoping his support would be enough, but when they made it to the hallway, it was empty. Fili convinced Kili to knock at hiss bedroom door, but no one answered. They made their way down to the Great Hall, but suddenly, just before the doors, Kili veared to the right and onto a balcony.

"I can't do it, Fili..." He said, almost out of breath, "I already know what he's going to say."

Fili walked out onto the balcony, taking special care to stand behind Kili, and away from the railing. "Kili... if it means that much, you have to fight for it."

"I can't fight him... not in any way. He just gets to me. Which is probably why..." He lifted his head from his feet and peered over the side. It made Fili have to take a deep breath, trying not to imagine what he knew his brother was seeing. "...I love him so much."

Then, from the Great Hall, Thorin emerged. Fili noticed him, but Kili was too busy, trying to steady his breath and staring over the beautiful ledge. Thorin didn't say anything, but watched Kili closely.

"Fili... if he doesn't love me..." Thorin shot a look at Fili and then back to his brother. "...I just don't know what to do. How do you just... stop? I wish I knew how to make it go away like he obviously can..."

"You really think that I just stopped?" Thorin said, walking towards him.

Kili whipped around so fast, Fili had to close his eyes. He could get the image of his brother slipping over the side, but when he opened them again, he was still there staring at Thorin with wide eyes.

"Kili..." Thorin spoke as if Fili wasn't there, and he was thankful it was late and no one roamed the halls. He looked around for Dwalin, but didn't see him. "I only said what I did because I was worried. Worried for you. You're so young..." He opened his mouth to protest, but Thorin stopped him with a hand in the air. "I didn't want you to end up in a relationship with me, and be unhappy in the future. I didn't know how you would handle the criticism we may face... and I spoke out of emotion, but there are still some things we may need to work through..." Kili's eyes were lined with tears but he wasn't really crying. Fili couldn't believe the emotion he saw in Thorin, and he wrapped his arms around himself, and watched them. "However, I love you... and if you love me... I'd like to be with you." Kili was crying now.

"Really..?"

"Well, I will ask you officially when you're of age, but for now..." He reached out and pulled him close. Fili was certain he had been forgotten. "Let's not worry about the details." He tilted Kili's face and placed a deep kiss on his lips.

Fili smiled at them, but turned, feeling a bit wrong for watching them. He started walking, feeling pretty accomplished, and happy, but also suddenly a bit lonely. He wondered where Dwalin had gone. He wasn't exactly sure how he should even act when he saw him. They were officially in a courtship, recognized by the king. They could be completely open and happy. He peeked into the Great Hall, but no one was there.

He walked toward the Drawbridge, hoping that a darker force wasn't drawing him there. The night was quiet and secluded. He thought of everything that had changed in such a short period of time and he tried not to feel overwhelmed. He was in love, there was no denying that now, and so was Kili. He was still trying to register exactly who he was in love with, but the details didn't matter to him, as long as they were happy. He had definitely had enough of 'right and wrong' for the rest of his life. He made it to the top of the staircase, and glanced over. The drawbridge was just a high... just as menacing... He looked down to see that, of course, it was still a very consequential step backwards at the base of the stairs. He thought of walking down to it, but pressed his boots on the stone. He had no reason to, even though the darker voice was there, coaxing him.

He took a deep breath, and tried to push it away, but it started to cloud him. Every thought of anything other than walking down to the bottom, and staring up at the massive structure just faded from him. He tried to think of Dwalin, but it faded. He found all those overwhelming emotions rushing back as he realized he hadn't beat it, and that even being with Dwalin now, as he had wanted couldn't keep the voice at bay. His eyes were just gliding from the bottom step to the top of the drawbridge, and back again. He couldn't explain why... he couldn't think of one thing to feel that upset about, but yet his thoughts were pulling him, pushing him, almost making him think that he would just be better off ... gone.

He felt the emotion in his chest, and the tears creeping into his eyes, but just as one was about to fall, the world came back into focus, and he heard Dwalin's voice echoing through the massive open area. "Fili!"

He turned but he was slow. He almost didn't recognize who was leaping at him, until he saw Odin's eyes, ravenous, and mad, just before he tackled him. The breath flew right out of him as his back hit the stone floor, and they slid down the breezeway, just passed the staircase, and closer to the row of balconies. Fili tried to turn over and crawl, but Odin was straddling his lap. He grabbed the front of Fili's head and threw it back onto the hard stone floor. Fili saw stars, and suddenly everything was spinning. He closed his eyes and opened them again, but it was like he was on a merry-go-round going way too fast.

Suddenly he was being snatched up, and as his vision finally cleared, he saw Dwalin, Dwyn, and another guard standing very still in front of them. He tried to move, but a sharp pain went through his neck, and he froze as he noticed the long silver dagger Odin had pressed to his throat. He wrapped his hands around Odin's arm, and tried to pull it back, but something in him was too strong. It was then Fili noticed how savage his breathing had become. He was almost grunting with every one. Suddenly, Odin threw his other fist into Fili's ribs with such force, Fili slumped to his knees. Dwalin took a step, but Odin's words stopped him.

"I wouldn't, Captain." He scooped Fili back up by the back of his coat, and replaced the dagger. Fili was trying to steady himself, get his bearings and figure out what he needed to do to get out of this.

"I'll kill ya where ya stand, son of a bitch..." Dwalin was shaking all over, and Fili hated the look in his eyes.

"Now, I don't think you're in a position to be making threats." He jerked the knife, causing everyone to jump and gasp, and him to laugh. He tilted his head, and almost buried his face in Fili's hair. Fili shifted his feet to get a better stance to headbutt this lunatic right in the face, but as soon as his leg slid just slightly back, Odin hooked it with his own and shoved him down with such force, his face smacked the stone. He instantly snatched him back up, and placed the dagger harder on his throat. He whispered to Fili: "Now, now, Love... No need to get feisty and get yourself hurt." He looked up at Dwalin, and the others were a smug grin on his face. "I need a cart, and a pony. Now. I'd like to return home."

"Yer not goin' anywhere..."

"But I think I am, Captain..." He scraped the knife across Fili's neck, and cut him just enough to make him wince.

Dwalin froze instantly. Fili tried not to seem as dazed as he felt. He could feel a hot stream of blood going down the side of his face from his forehead. The world was still spinning, and he couldn't focus on anything. All he could manage to do for the moment, was lean forward, and Odin easily pressed him tightly against his chest, the knife now constantly pressing onto his throat.

"I'm waiting..." Odin's voice was calm, but the way he gripped the knife and shook Fili was far from it. Finally, Fili managed to notice Dwalin's face, and it was utter anger. He could see the battle in his eyes.

Then another voice erupted through the halls. It was Kili. "Nadad..!" There was a sort of yank at the end of his words, and when Odin backed up, his back now towards the row of balconies, Fili could see that Kili had tried to run forward, but Thorin had stopped him, and was now standing in front of him, sword drawn. "There's nowhere to go, Odin... Let him go." Thorin's voice was the most intense anger he had ever heard from his uncle.

"But there is, Your Majesty..." He suddenly back up quickly, and they all jumped forward, but Odin stopped just before the back of his legs touched the railing of the balcony. "I'm going down there... it can either be with pony and cart, or... we'll just fly, but no matter the means..." He ran his hand up Fili's chest, making sure to hike up the dagger in case of protest, "Prince Fili will join me. So, it's really up to you."

Thorin dropped his sword without a second thought. Kili was standing behind him, gripping his coat's sleeve. He looked to Dwalin and spoke swiftly. "Get him a cart." Dwalin shot a look to Dwyn and the other guard, who rushed off.

"Very good, Thorin Oakenshied, King Under the Mountain. You are as wise as the tales say." He backed up just a bit more, and Fili's mind raced. He couldn't let him get to a cart, and he couldn't let him go. He was mad, absolutely insane. He looked to Dwalin, Thorin, and Kili, and the look in their eyes was so terrified, he almost couldn't understand it. He knew that if they left together, and Odin's plan succeeded, he would probably kill him eventually. Among other things that Fili just couldn't think of. If Odin were to kill him right here, though, he figured it was an alright way to die... certainly interesting... but why die a hostage, if you could die a hero?

As thought crossed his mind, he knew he had just enough time to act before he came to his senses. He looked right at Dwalin, who met his gaze without hesitation. He had to take a shaky breath, and he hoped that he was doing the right thing, but he had no time to dwell on it. He smiled at Dwalin, who gave him a concerned head tilt in response. "Men lananubukhs menu...(I love you.)" He said, and Dwalin jumped, knowing immediately what his lover meant to do, but Fili was fast... he had always been fast...

He bent his knees and in one leap, backwards, shoved them back. Odin's arms flew out to his side, as he tried to grab the air to stop himself from falling, releasing Fili, but it was too late. They both tilted over the edge. The air was cold, and the night was dark, but Fili could see the sky and the stars... yes, not a bad way to die. The release of Odin's grip allowed him to take a large breath, and it felt good in his lungs. He was at peace.

"Fili!" Kili's voice rang out.

Fili scarped the railing with his fingers, in an attempt to hang on, knowing he really should, but it just twisted him, his hand slipping and he started to fall, straight down, boots first. He closed his eyes, but just as he thought all of his feelings had finally been reconciled into the one act of ... bravery, or stupidity, he wasn't sure, he felt a hand lace around his. He clutched tightly, and realized with the first real fear he had felt that it was a smaller hand... the hand on his brother. Kili had jumped forward, moving faster than the other, bigger dwarfs, and grabbed his brother's hand.

As his weight snatched, he felt Kili's arm tense, but the rest of his body started to slide, having no time to brace himself in his leap, and fitting too perfectly between the openings of the railing.

"Kili, let go!" Fili commanded, releasing his own grip, determined not to bring his brother with him.

"No!" Kili held on.

Then just as Kili was about to slip down with his brother, hands flew out. Two gripped Kili and yanked him back, his grip pulling Fili with him, then the other set wrapped around Fili's arm, and whipped him over the side. All four dwarfs collapsed into a pile. Fili was almost on top of Dwalin, who was on his back, panting heavily. Kili was lying on his stomach just beside them, with Thorin on his right, leaned against the stone wall. Suddenly Kili leaped up and yanked his brother from the floor so hard, it sent his head spinning again.

"What were you thinking?! You... you... idiot!" He hugged his brother tightly, and the two collapsed to the floor, with Fili being unable to stand.

Fili fell limp into his brother's embrace and closed his eyes. He wasn't sure how to feel. "I'm ... an idiot?" He said, trying to speak normally, almost surprised he could, "You almost ... came with me."

Kili laughed but it was under tears. He hugged him tighter. Finally, Fili opened his eyes to see Thorin and Dwalin standing, looking at the two with odd expressions. Thorin was angry, he could tell, but he was also relieved. Dwalin was smiling at the brothers, but Fili could see him tensing and releasing his fists, and that his breath was still labored. Finally, Thorin reached down, and pulled them apart. He stood Kili up, and then, with Dwalin's help, stood Fili onto his shaky legs.

"Can ya walk?" Dwalin asked, keeping very close to the prince.

"I... don't know."

Dwalin moved and scooped him up. Just as Dwyn and the other guard arrived again. They stopped at the sight in front of them, not sure what had happened. Thorin turned to them and sighed deeply. "Odin fell. We'll need it handled immediately."

"Yes, Sir." Dwyn said, and bowed. The two left again, and Dwalin started walking away, with Fili in his arms.

"Where are we going?" Fili asked.

"To get ya patched up." He felt Dwalin's grip tense. He reached up, even though it took most of his strength and kissed his jaw.

"I'm sorry..." he said, finally letting the darkness swirl into his vision. "I'm... sorry..."