Zoor Se Dovahruth
Ten

-Dein Nii Soven-
Keep It Secret

The first time Fili or anyone in the company had even heard the name leave Keeva's lips there was a quiet confusion within the air. Nobody said, asked, or even raised a hand to say a word because the situation was lost within this world that nobody had any idea was there. Where would they even begin? All they knew was that Keeva was far away from home and that she was homeless.

But this was new. This was completely foreign to them and for all intents and purposes what were they supposed to do?

Well for starters Ori and Nori suggested that they would go and find Thorin and Gandalf. Before Keeva could even protest they were gone, down the hall and out of ear shot. Fili and Dwalin helped Keeva set up and rest on one of the pillars in the room. The dark circles under her eyes were much more pronounced. Her skin had cooled and the panting for her breaths had dulled to a normal pace.

"How are you feeling now?" Kili asked behind his brother, bent down on his knees as he peered at his companion. Keeva gave a weak smile but it was enough to make him feel a little bit better. "I don't think I can sleep."

"Why's that, Lass?" Dwalin asked placing a firm hand on her shoulder. Keeva bit the bottom of her lip, a nervousness washing over her at the thought or even the sight of both figures in her dreams.

"There are individuals there that I cannot run away from," Keeva admitted. She sighed after peering up to find both the Durin brothers and Dwalin staring at her insistently. It was a good feeling to know that there were people there looking out for you. That was something she hadn't felt in a long time. It was an odd sensation feeling it once again.

"I guess I need to explain the mark, explain everything really…

"Brother-"

The blond haired man paused in his story after hearing a soft call from his younger brother at the child's door. His blue eyes wandered over to find Kili smiling, his beard much longer now than how he had just been imagining it moments earlier. "What is it Kili?"

Kili nodded down the hall but peered back into the room to find his little niece fast asleep, her hands gripping onto the fur blanket tightly and soft breaths leaving her lips. "Keeva is done."

"Already?"

"Yes," Kili nodded with a sigh. Fili smiled, glancing down at his little girl, brushing a curl of her hair out of her face and back behind her ear. He kissed the top of her nose and rolled out of the bed to follow his brother out of the room.

Kili smiled at him as he closed the wood door shut and turned to join his brother back into the den. "What story were you telling her tonight?"

"The one about her mother," the blond admitted with a skip to his step. Kili rolled his eyes, there were so many of them, "Which one? Keeva seems to be an endless book of stories."

Fili chuckled lightly, "The story of our quest to Erebor, brother. How could you forget?"

"I haven't forgotten," Kili insisted a little hurt at the thought that his brother would ever think such a thing. "I just enjoy her story about the Stormcloaks, much more interesting."

"Of course you would," Fili grumbled, realizing his fixation with the revolution was much more pleasing than an adventure with a small love story.

"Well it's about time she's heard about her mother anyway," Kili admitted. "She's going to figure it out one day."

Fili hissed at his brother, his brows furrowing together and the anger within his eyes more than enough warning to keep Kili silent. "Not yet. She's not ready."

"I'm just saying," Kili grumbled under his breath, eyeing his brother wearily.

Fili sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, trying to ease the pressure within his mind, "You're right, she will figure it out one day. But right now I just want her to grow up with something happy."

"Fili-"a soft voice called from the den. Kili gave a keen smile and pushed his brother in the direction of the lit room. "Go on you fool."

Fili grinned cheekily at his brother, "Goodnight Kili."

"Sleep well, my brother."

Fili waved his brother off and hurried into the den to find Keeva smiling up at him. "You're done early."

Keeva nodded, standing from her chair and wandering over to Fili only to grab onto the folds of his brown tunic, perch herself onto her tip toes to place a feather light kiss upon his lips. Fili didn't waste a moment longer to wrap his arms around her waist so that he could pull her closer to him. "How is she?"

Fili paused in a kiss after Keeva had asked about their little one, "She's down and out. She won't be waking up tonight."

"Good," Keeva nodded, pulling away so that they could walk back to their own room for the evening. "What story did you tell her this evening?"

"The one of Erebor, when we met," Fili said while taking hold of his love's hand. Keeva stopped walking and Fili peered down at Keeva to make sure she was alright. The half breed peered up at her golden haired dwarf with some concern and Fili turned his body to face her so that she could see he was not worried. "Now Keeva-"

"Does she know? She's too young, Fili-"further statements flowed from her lips, voicing her concerns for their little girl and what might happen to her, "She's very smart. I don't want to corrupt what wonderful life she already has."

Fili placed his index finger upon Keeva's lips, perfectly silencing his little Bosmer in her small whirlwind of fear. "Mi'lady, do not trouble your mind with such thoughts. When we come to that step we will deal with it. For now, let's rest."

Keeva's blue eyes, now a sea foam green under the light of the candles in the den, stared into Fili's with a sureness to them. As if every word he gave her was nothing but the truth and she believed every bit of it. She finally allowed a smile to tug at her lips and reached her arms around his waist for a firm but loving embrace. "Rest we shall. My eyes are tired."

Fili nodded in agreement, but he was quite sure it was more so for his little Bosmer. Her eyes expressed so much in the evenings, his heart pouring out for her in sympathy. He hated to watch her set by the fire, staring for hours on end into the endless light, burning what little energy was left in her little form. That was why he would often go off and tell his little girl a story. It would keep his mind way, to other worlds, new realms, and amazing places that were much more appealing than watching the love of his life drain away in the fire.

Fili ushered Keeva into their bedroom, shutting the door behind him. Keeva pulled away to undress herself, removing the tunic and tights and replacing it with a cream colored shift while Fili just removed his leathered coat, preferring to remain in his maroon tunic and brown trousers. Fili found himself in their bed before Keeva was finished. He would often watch her dress and undress. Often it was the undressing and somehow she wouldn't be able to finished dressing. Fili didn't mind so much and he was sure Keeva didn't either. All he cared about was that they were together, within each other's arm and sharing the rest of their lives in an endless peace.

Keeva slid into bed next to Fili, resting her head upon his shoulder while pulling the fur blanket up and over them. Fili kissed the top of her head, her fire color wild mane of curls tickling his nose and chin. She draped her arm over his torso and breathed in his sent deeply before closing her eyes for some much needed rest.

"Perhaps you would like to tell her some of the tale tomorrow?" Fili asked, resting arm around her waist and placing his hand on her hip, rubbing circles into the fabric that blocked him from her skin. Keeva hummed with some displeasure, "I think she would prefer you over me. She always has preferred you telling stories."

"Do I detect a tinge of jealousy?" Fili teased, a smirk forming on his lips as he peered down to only find Keeva's eyes still closed and ready for the night. Keeva snorted rather unladylike and smacked Fili's chest with little effort. "Oh please."

Fili chuckled taking hold of a familiar braid within Keeva's hair and twisting it between his fingers, allowing the cool metal of the clip at the end to tease his senses. Keeva's breaths became much shallower as the night went on, sleep taking her with the stars. Fili quietly whispered her goodnight and soon found his eyes growing heaving with nights end. Blowing out the candle next to him, Fili followed into a dreamless sleep. Happy to be next to the one person he loved.

…

A pair of padded feet was heard making echo's down the halls of the stone fortress. Kili sat at the dining table with his Uncle at the head and gave a wicked smile, knowing all too well who was awake. The wood door creaked open and a tiny mop of blond hair could be seen sneaking into the room. Kili nudged his uncle to catch his attention. Thorin eyed his nephew with a steely stare; Kili bobbed his head in the little one's direction. After Thorin realized what Kili was trying to point out, a soft smile reached his lips as he feigned knowing his favorite little daisy was making her way into the room.

"How goes the negotiations, Uncle?" Kili played along as the mop of hair disappeared under the table. Thorin nodded listlessly along with his nephew, setting his utensil down. "We're finishing the negotiations in the next few days. If all goes smoothly I think we could see some peace for the land in the on coming years."

"Mahal bless us," Kili praised before biting into a piece of toast.

Kili could feel the skirts of his little niece brush against his leg before she successfully crawled her way over to Thorin. "My my, do we have a rat in our midst?"

A small and muffled giggle came from beneath the table and both men grinned, "Perhaps I should get rid of the pest."

Thorin's suggestion caused the little girl to scamper from the table and tackle her great uncle with a fierce hug. Thorin chuckled, embracing his nephews daughter tightly to assure the little girl that he did not mean her any harm, "Well look at that. The little rat turned out to be my little daisy."

"You're not going to get rid of me are you Uncle Thorin?" she asked, her bright blue eyes staring up at him with some great concern. Another chuckle left his lips as he ruffled the curls atop her head, "No little one. I would never dream of it."

Her tiny pink lips formed into a beautiful smile and she eventually hugged Thorin once more. After getting the little girl to sit at the table next to Kili, they ate in a humbled silence until Kili thought to ask the little girl about her story from the previous night. "I heard your 'adad telling you the story of Erebor last night, gimlel."

A little blush eased its way to the girl's cheeks with the nickname her uncle had used. "Aye, Uncle Kili."

"Erebor?" Thorin asked with some surprise. "Now why would your 'adad tell you that story?"

The blond curls upon the girl's head bounced when she would turn her head back and forth. When her crystal clear blue eyes landed upon Thorin they lit up with a wonder and excitement he hadn't seen in one person in years. "I had asked 'adad why Monah stares into the fire. He then started the tale about the dragon!"

Thorin's brows rose with surprise to appease the boisterous expression of excitement on the little one's face. He cared for her deeply and loved to see her smile as often as he could. But with the news of Fili sharing the tale of a story from so long ago to this pure and innocent little girl that did not know the repercussions concerned him greatly. There was a reason nobody spoke of that tale anymore. And to bring it up now? Did Fili think it was the right time?

"Do you know why she stares into the fire yet?" Thorin asked the little girl. Her pink lips pressed into a firm line as she shook her head and then began taking a sip out of her cup. With the angle the cup was leaning Thorin was sure the milk within would spill all over the front of her dress. But Kili was there to save the day, taking the cup from the table and holding it out in front of her so that he could assist in her efforts.

It was good news though that she did not see yet. His little daisy was too young still. Perhaps one day she would understand. One day when she could handle the truth.

…

That night, Fili found his little girl setting in her bed, the fire in the fireplace now down to burning coals and small licks of flame grasping for oxygen. He smiled softly, closing the door behind him and moving towards the bed to assist his daughter. He pulled the covers up and over her, stopping nearly at the chin and placing a quick kiss upon her forehead. "'adad, will you finish the story?"

"If that is what you wish for," Fili returned, lying on his side so that he could rest his head next to his daughter's. She peered over at him with soft eyes, but still eager to listen. "Where to begin…."

"Monah woke from her dream remember?"

"Right, right," Fili nodded, placing his hand on her smaller one as he began to back track on the story within his own mind, "Monah had just woken up, a fear like no other in her eyes and the insistence that we were in danger if she stayed with us. She had to explain of course what was going on. None of us knew her predicament save of course the Master Wizard….

"You see, my Nord father knew with all hope that there was some way to save me, some way to remove the evil dragon from within. And he did find it. In his final hours before he was assassinated, the words High Hrothgar were uttered from his mouth and it was the only lead left for me to save myself," Keeva explained to the group of dwarves that had surrounded her. Kili and Bofur's eyes were as round as saucers and she wondered silently if they had ever expected such words to escape her mouth before. In a way, that helped her to lighten the mood with in her heart. Laughing always seemed to be a cure for anything dark and dreary.

"Firstly, I had to make sure the assassin was off my trail. Bedastyr was his name. A Breton – a breed of human with the blood of elves within them – from the region of Daggerfall, which boarders the western parts of Skyrim," Keeva went on, moving her hands about as if she were drawing out a picture for her companions to understand. "Bedastyr was sent to kill me but I was fortunate enough to block out my rage and grief to save myself. I knocked him out cold and grabbed what I could for the journey south."

Keeva then continued her tale with meeting the Greybeards; they're training, and their reasoning with her curse. There was nothing more emotional than having to listen to one tell you there was no way to removing the very thing that had corrupted your life. And then having to endure the grieving of your parents that you couldn't save. Keeva tried her hardest to hide the tears escaping her eyes. Every once in a while Dwalin or Fili would place a firm hand on her shoulder or back to give her the support she needed to finish. And it did help.

"Finally, five years after my joining the Grey Beards atop the Throat of the World, rumors of one called the Dragonborn were reaching the mountain and the Grey Beards called for him to come. That was my sign. Paarthurnax, a dragon that has taught me everything I know about using the Thu'um was the only one I could speak to about the issue once more of my curse. With the news of the Dragonborn that meant Alduin, the evil dragon god, had returned. He was my last hope and Paarthurnax was the only one that could tell me what to expect."

"What did he tell you of this Dragon Alduin?" Dori asked, his head tilting to the side with curiosity. Keeva took a deep breath while wringing her hands with nerves that had built up throughout her story. "He told me this was my choice to search the World Eater out. I knew that with that being said, I would take every bit of responsibility for my actions. Alduin had been rumored to have destroyed the nearby settlement of Helgen, nobody survived. So I knew what I was getting into."

Keeva paused, her eyes closing as she could remember the sight of red eyes, black leathery wings and a voice that could shatter the world around her with the simplest of words. A chill ran down her spine and she let her teeth rip into her bottom lip, fear racking her bones, "After following rumors of a black winged beast heading north east, back to my home I went. Shearpoint was the ruins I had to climb to find him. Of course he wasn't there after I pushed the stone doors open at the top of the peak. But he wasted no time in having me wait.

"Alduin flew in, his large black wings engulfed the sky above me, blocking out the sun's rays easily and a roar formed from the gut of his stomach to announce his arrival. A dragon's call is so distinct, sometimes I can still hear it, even now as I close my eyes and listen quietly. But it was Alduin's eyes that terrified me the most. Blood red, glowing and nearly on fire as if Oblivion was living within him.

"'I've been waiting for you, Dovahruth.' He told me with his malicious voice. And I knew then and there that this god was my answer, whether he had to kill me or not to end the curse, I didn't care. He was harsh with me, quite angered with the fact that I wanted to rid myself of Fokeinvokul, even calling me an ignorant mortal. And he warned me that for the freedom that I craved there would be a steep and just price. Death."

Bofur was quietly murmuring every word Keeva was saying to Bifur in Khuzdul so that he could understand. Bombur and Gloin were entranced with every word that left Keeva's lips and Kili swallowed hard next to Dori and Oin.

"Alduin attacked first, throwing me back with a Thu'um known for its unrelenting force. It took me by surprise and had me dazed while he was working up another Thu'um, one I had never heard before. But I knew from the pain I was feeling, like something was being ripped from my body from the inside out that Alduin was taking Fokeinvokul's soul. Sleep took me while Alduin performed the rest of the ritual, opening a portal to another realm and casting me out of Nirn."

When Keeva brought herself back out from her vision, the room around her becoming more of a reality than a dream, she sighed. "I woke under the green canopy's of a forest outside of Hobbiton. Gandalf found me there and brought me along to Bilbo's home upon request. It was he who listened to my tale and guided me to keep my curse a secret but to offer my services within your company for the small skills that I have."

"So you can produce the same magic," a deep voice asked from the entrancing of the companies room. Thorin stood at the archway, his stormy eyes staring deeply into Keeva, searching for something, anything that would ease the suspiciousness that has corrupted him. "Because of this dragon within you?"

Keeva was silent for a few seconds, letting the question settle in with the others before tearing her gaze away from Thorin and staring into the fire that comforted her more, "Essentially, yes. Because of Fokeinvokul, I can produce dragon magic much easier than a normal mortal."

"How do you know the dragon has returned? That the curse is still upon you?" Fili asked, easing his posture next to her to relax in such a stressful situation.

"Well, when the company ran off to save Bilbo from the trolls, I had eventually run off to go help you after I was left behind at the camp to take watch. It was just before I had managed to spot the fire of the troll camp was I ambushed, a knife placed at my throat and my nightmare coming back to life. Bedastyr had found me ready to finish the job he had started.

"I had asked him how he was able to get to this realm. His answer was simple. Alduin sent him. From there I had what I needed to continue on. I threw him over my shoulder and ran, taking shelter into the trees but he was always there, following me. When I realized I couldn't climb any higher I knew I needed to use the blood of my kin and take to traveling through the trees. But I guess the blood of the Bosmer in me wasn't as strong as I thought. I missed the jump and began to fall only to be caught by my assassin.

"He held onto me tightly and I resorted to elbowing him in the gut to get away. I took that as my chance to take up my bow and my aim was true when Bedastyr final got back onto his feet. We shared a few choice words with each other but it was when he told me that Alduin had sent Fokeinvokul back into me, when he told me the curse had returned did I falter in my stance. I had made the mistake and let Bedastyr in."

Keeva's breaths trembled then, her eyes clouding as she could see and feel her nightmare on her, crawling all over. She could feel his breaths on her bare neck, his whispers in her ear and the way he press into her hips, making her skin burn with fury and fear. The dwarves watched her strength leave her and for once in their lives they knew Keeva was truly afraid.

"He tackled me to the ground, pinning me underneath him, my hands placed above my head and a blade at my throat once more. He- he told me- spoke such filthy words, such violating words. Then he tou- touched me," Keeva's face contorted into disgust, her tears rolling down her cheeks. "I felt degraded, violated."

Fili breathlessly took in Keeva's trembling form, not realizing that what had transpired had been so disturbing, so dark and evil. And he didn't want her to have to relive such a memory. Keeva let her silent tears stain his tunic and she tried to calm herself. All Fili could do was hold her close and whisper that everything was fine. She was save now and nothing like that would ever happen again.

When Keeva was able to contain her tears she sat up straight and took a deep breath, wiping her cheeks clean of the tears and biting her lip to ease the emotions running through her veins. Keeva looked at every one of the dwarves and gave a weak smile before continuing, "'See you in Sovngarde' he told me. The thought of seeing him after death was unthinkable. He was no honorable warrior and no Nord to begin with. Sovngarde would never open its doors for him. Before the blade cut into my skin everything suddenly went silent as a void of Oblivion engulfed us. I fell unconscious after that and was woken by Bofur afterwards."

"Miss Keeva," Balin breathed in shock. It was clear they had no idea how much she had been through and had been keeping to herself. Gandalf stood behind Thorin, a grim look upon his face as he watched the ruby fireflies of magic float around his shadow. She was clearly oblivious to them, as were the other's in the company. He hummed in thought, wondering if something deep within her was ready to be called upon.

Balin stepped forward, taking Keeva's hands into his and he smiled down at her, "You've been through a lot, my dear. That only proves your courage and strength. You belong in this company, truly you do."

"But I am a danger," Keeva insisted, her eyes growing weary. "It was like Bedastyr told me, every day the dragon lives within me the more I will lose myself. I don't want you to be there when I do. I don't want to hurt my friends."

"Ya wouldn't hurt us, Miss Keeva," Bofur broke the silence with an honest smile, "We wouldn't let ya."

A brief wink from the dwarf had her smiling and she could help but leap from her spot next to Fili and Dwalin to rush over to Bofur and give him a bear hug, one much reminiscent of the ones her father would give her. Bofur didn't miss a beat and he hugged her back with just as much enthusiasm. Keeva eventually found herself surrounded by all the dwarves, the hug becoming one large one that melted the fear out of her heart. They cared for her deeply. Just as much as she cared for them and that gave her the strength she needed to fight her fear with fire.

…

Glossary

'adad – dwarvish (Khuzdul) for 'Father'

Gimlel – dwarvish (Khuzdul) for 'Star of (all) Stars'

A/N: This is a little lengthy I feel while the story goes in with Keeva explaining everything to her company of friends. And I do apologize if it is rather annoying at times but I felt it was important to write that portion out. Keeva needed to let what she was holding in for so long out and to have to explain it and share it would be as much of a therapeutic action as say going to a therapist. I wanted the dwarves to also be able to express themselves within the moment, shock, fear, admiration and so on. They really cherish her as one of their own and I wanted to be able to show that in this chapter.

For the brief moment in time where we are back in the present with Keeva and Fili's little girl, this is the point where I'm looking to have you as readers question anything and everything. I want you to be suspicious. I want the cogs in your head to start turning, the thoughts brewing and theories building. I did say I wasn't going to veer this story off in a different direction at some point and I'm just about there within the present. I'm sure some will figure it out because I'll be leaving some foreshadowing about, trickled in here and there in the chapters to come so I do look forward to hearing what you all are thinking.

I would like to thank Marina Oakenshield for being the only one to leave me a review. But I must also thank the many of you that also favorited and followed this story. Danke Schön.

This is some shameless self-promotion, but I've started a tumblr where I'll be posting art, inspiration, as well as some of my own illustrations of my characters within this story but also my other stories as well. So if you want to check it out my tumblr link is on my profile but you can also type in NorthI-75 and then . and check it out. Looking forward to the next time.

Disclaimer: I don't own The Hobbit or Elder Scrolls. Any character that is not familiar is of my own creation.