Chapter XII

Norui 2nd 3002 T.A

Two familiar dwarves grunted as they grabbed handfuls of each other's clothing and attempted to throw each other onto the ground. The blonde one released his brother's tunic and began to jab him in the ribs, Kili let his hold go and focused more of blocking his vital organs. A crowd had gather and started to chant and urge the brothers on for a bit of entertainment, Kili saw his chance and landed a hit right on Fili's jaw. "Is that all you have brother?" laughed Fili as he regained himself and tried to find a chance where he could punch Kili in a similar fashion. "You've grown old and weak, Mr. King under the mountain." The crowd had started to take wages and it seemed the bristly whiskered dwarf was the favourite. "I will show you old and weak Kili." Fili grinned from ear to ear and lunged towards his younger brother. Kili's agile movement was far too slow which caused Fili to land the winning blow, knocking Kili to the ground causing many groans and hails from the spectators.

"Fair enough" Kili rasped. His older brother put out his hand which he grabbed and was brought to his feet "What do you say to round two?" Fili laughed as he wrapped an arm around Kili. "It's on" he said as he shrugged of the grasp and clenched his fists in a ready position. "Sorry to break this up lads but it seems you are needed by your uncle." Bofur bellowed. The men laughed at each other and made their up from the training rooms while Bofur stayed and placed bets for the next fights which had just begun.

"Da. Wait" Fili turned around and saw his eldest son Hain catching up to him. He looked so much similar to how Fili looked when he was barely matured except a little taller. "Ah good there you are. We were just on our way to speak to Thorin, you should come too." He smiled and slapped his back.

"Uncle Kili" Hain bowed his head and Kili laughed, highlighting his crow's feet and creases depicted on his skin. "You're too formal boy. Best not to keep uncle waiting."

The boys had arrived and Thorin was waiting ready to talk to them. The brother's had aged but nothing compared to the 255 year old standing before them. The maps of wrinkles on his face told the most incredible journey. His eye lines told of laughter, of warm smiles and affection. His forehead told of worries past and present. They were so deeply engrained they told of a dwarf who had travelled 25 decades to this moment. To stand here as an old dwarf in front his successor and nephews.

"I have received a message from Thranduil, it is quiet odd and rare but it is a response to the invitation to the celebration in a few months. He and his elven kin have accepted but there was another part of the letter. You see he was informing of a pack of orcs who have been frequently lurking in the Mirkwood forest, he believes that there is a pack nearby."

"Why did he not inform me uncle? Am I not the King now?" Fili full of ego questioned. "It is not about who letter should be sent to but more so of the filth roaming close to our people."

"We shall double the guard and negotiate more with Bain and Brand to secure Dale" Fili assured "Hain we will arrange for you to meet with your uncle and cousin in the coming months. Consider this your first trial at being a royal heir"

"Thank you father." Thorin stayed silent, he knew he did not coronate Fili as king too early. He adapted to the role quite quickly and still to this day remained strong, even through the death of his human wife, Sigrid. "Any more news Uncle?"

"Nothing of relevance but Bilbo's birthday is coming up and I will be sending him a gift, will you be doing the same?" The nephews knew how much the hobbit meant to their uncle and any chance they got to show appreciation to the Halfling they would follow through. "Of course." They spoke and set out to do other duties. Hain and his father walked towards the royal library, no doubt to talk to Hain's younger sisters Dis and Dina.

Kili walked back down to the training room to see if he still put a wage on any fight that would take place even if he had to wrestle himself. "Bofur my good man, who is the favourite to win?" He smacked the older dwarf and proceeding to take in the gambles and ale.

Several hours had passed and it seemed to have gotten rowdier as the night progressed and the dwarves got drunk. Kili was told it was time to go to bed and he was struggling to walk up into his room, at this rate he could pass out and sleep right here in the hall. He found himself a cold stone bench and believed it was the most comfortable bench in the whole of Erebor and finally let himself sleep.