Summary: Avna is introduced to Fili and Frerin discovers his son is missing.

Disclaimer: I own nothing, This is fiction

Bad News

Fili groaned as the sunlight hit his eyes. He turned in his bed, expecting to feel Kili's warm body pressed up against him. Oh,that's right. Kili was gone to the Shire and would be gone for weeks. Fili was upset, but he couldn't let Kili's absence get in the way of his duties. His maid would be here any moment with his breakfast and he preferred to be out of bed when she entered the room.

"Hello my Prince. Here's your breakfast."

"Thank you. Wait, you're not Tola?"

"No. I'm afraid she had to return to her family home. Her mother has fallen ill."

"Oh dear. I hope she's not too sick."

"Oh I wouldn't worry Prince. The Lady Dis had Oin give her medicine. Her mother will be fine in no time."

"Very well. Forgive me, I forgot to ask your name?"

Fili looked over his new maid. She was attractive. A stout build, with red hair and numerous braids throughout. Fili knew by looking at them that Avna was single. Attractive, but she was nothing compared to Kili. Fili could feel the smile grow on his face as he thought of his lover.

"I am Avna. I will be your maid until Tola returns. I hope I can keep you happy my Prince."

As the prince chuckled, Avna's heart fluttered in her chest. By Mahal, he was so handsome. And sweet. And perfect. She loved him.

"It doesn't take much to keep me happy darling. Just do as I ask and do your job well. That's it."

"I can do that."

Fili was pleased at Avna's enthusiasm. He could see this working out.

"Well, would you set out my clothes as I eat my breakfast? I have to sit in on the Council meeting, so something smart and official. It usually takes half an hour for me to eat, so you have plenty of time. After that, if you go Rov he'll tell you what to do. He's the head of the servants and gives them their tasks, so he'll lead you in the right direction."

He sent Avna off with a bright smile. She walked into the Prince's chambers, a bit disheartened. The Prince had barely looked at her. May she should use those herbs Bazani offered. No! No, she wanted to do this by himself. Those herbs were a last resort. If Fili showed no interest within three weeks, she would slip the herbs into his food. But only then. Avna was confident. Fili would not be able to resist her charms. Avna was confident. Fili would be hers.

Frerin was worried. Borin was nowhere to be found. After saying goodbye to Bofur this morning, Borin had gone to the market with his nanny. That had been hours ago. He had asked the guards and none had seen him. By the Valar, if anything happened to Borin, Bofur would kill him. As would all the Company. He decided to look in his son's room one final time. Before he left the hallway, he was interrupted by a commotion.

"Lord Frerin! Lord Frerin!"

"Talna? What on earth is the matter?"

His son's nanny was sobbing as she ran to her employer.

"Oh my Lord, I'm so sorry, I never meant it to happen."

Terrified, Frerin grabbed the woman by the upper arms, trying to calm her down.

"Talna, what has happened? Where is my son?"

"I don't know my Lord. I don't know where Borin is. He's gone."

A/N Done. R&R please. Next chapter, Bilbo and his friends continue their journey and the search for Borin begins.