Big thanks to Arianna21 and Lovely-Daisy for following.

Celebrisilweth – Yet another reason why I want to have a Kili in my life!

Rachetg – All I'll say is I always do happy endings.

AN: Sorry for not updating yesterday but I was having some computer troubles so thanks for being patient.

Problems of the Heart

Sliding down from Bofur's pony Fira rubbed her arms. Even though her thick coat was enough to keep most of the icy winds off she still felt the odd stab of cold air rush past her. The hatted dwarf handed her, her things and she hurried over to where the others were making camp. Looking round Fira wasn't sure she would have picked such a place to camp. It had been over two weeks since leaving Bree and it all that time she hadn't spoken to Fili or Kili once. She'd tried to ignore the look of shock and hurt covering his face when she asked Bofur if she could share with him. Kili had tried to draw her into conversation as best he could but had given up two days ago. Fira meanwhile had tried to stop the guilt from running through her. It was for the best after all. Whether or not Kili was a prince she couldn't afford to grow close to him. To any of them. She needed to get this job done quickly so she could return to her old life. At least Sol hadn't shown up since their initial meeting – she was thankful for that at least.

As Gloin got a huge fire going Fira was painfully aware of Kili's eyes resting on her. Both dwarves – or princes she should say – had chucked their things up against the huge cliff face. The company had camped on the only ledge big enough for them and as she craned her neck backwards Fira could make out the ruins of Weathertop.

"Fili, Kili go and find us some food," Thorin ordered. Both nodded and got to their feet. As they did so Fira was aware that neither seemed pleased about missing a chance to relax. Dropping her own bags down she turned to see Thorin standing by her shoulder.

"You, make yourself useful and stay where I can see you."

Fira raised an eyebrow but kept her mouth shut. Even though she had been sorely tempted to snap back at Thorin she had found herself keeping quiet. She would do herself no favours by pissing him off all the time. So instead she resigned herself to a shrug and knelt down beside Gloin and Bombur who were unpacking the cooking gear. But even though her eyes were on the rest of the company she wasn't able to stop her thoughts from wandering back to the raven haired dwarf prince.

As they travelled through the surrounding forest Kili kept his head down, only grunting in response to Fili's questions. They still had a few hours to go before it went completely dark and he wanted to be back at camp long before then. With any luck they would be able to find a deer or a couple of wild boars quickly.

"Mind out for the orcs brother."

"Hmm?" Raising his head Kili scowled as Fili simply raised an eyebrow before nodding.

"I didn't think you were listening. I asked if you were alright. You haven't spoken all day and you keep glancing over with a mournful look on your face."

Running a hand through his hair Kili frowned, "It's just my face."

"Well please change it before the others catch on," Fili smirked. Kili shook his head – aware of his brothers face falling.

"Seriously Kili, what's the matter?"

"No, no it's nothing." Kili didn't dare mention why he was unhappy. If Fili knew Fira had caused this Kili knew his brothers reaction would either be that of teasing or attacking Fira for upsetting him. He gave another sigh – unable to work out what he had done. Over a week in and he was already sure she was the most beautiful girl he would ever see. But now she didn't even look at him.

"Kili?" Fili snapped his fingers; bringing Kili from his trance, "What's wrong? I'm not moving another step until you tell me."

Rolling his eyes Kili slung his bow onto his back. He had no choice. Fili was just as stubborn as he was and if he kept quiet then they'd be here all night.

"Is this about Fira?"

Kili blushed before nodding, "I don't understand why she's ignoring me? I've not upset her…at least I don't think I have."

The idea of hurting her was a horrible one.

Fili gave a thoughtful nod, "Talk to her tonight. I'll fix it so you're on watch together and then you don't have to worry about uncle interrupting."

Nodding Kili waited for Fili to carry on walking. But instead his brother winked at him.

"So then, why are you so bothered about Fira?"

"No reason," Kili hoped his face was as smooth as he imagined it to be, "No I just want to know why she's acting like this."

"Oh, right," Fili started walking again but Kili knew he wasn't going to end the matter.

"So, you don't hold any particular opinion on her?"

"I've known her for less than three weeks!"

"And mother and father knew each other for two days before they realised they were each other's One's," Fili said. Kili shook his head.

"I don't like her in that way! I mean she's very pretty and everything. But I don't have those sorts of feelings for her."

"Are you sure?"

Looking up Kili saw his brothers face wasn't smiling. Instead Fili was serious.

"Because the way you're acting around her. Keeping guard outside her room, fighting because of her."

"So was Dwalin and everyone else!" Kili protested. Fili nodded.

"But Dwalin didn't threaten to rip out a mans throat did he?"

Kili shook his head, wishing he had kept quiet and not started this whole conversation. Fili sighed.

"I'm not saying it would be a bad thing if you cared about her. I'm just saying that – well if you honestly don't have those feelings – you're making it seem obvious that you do."

Kili nodded and allowed his brother to walk off before following. He wasn't going to admit it to Fili but not having Fira talking to him was far more painful than he could have ever imagined.

Fira was just stirring the stew when Fili and Kili returned. Several of the company were already sleeping as they were to be on watch later and needed their share of sleep. She meanwhile had been ordered by Thorin to take the first watch by herself. No doubt he expected her to tremble at the thought of sitting outside at night. But instead Fira preferred it. It would allow her to be alone and try and get her thoughts straight for once. She had no kind of plan of how to carry out her task and with every growing day she was starting to get more and more fond of these dwarves. Whilst Dwalin, Thorin and Gloin still treated her with suspicion; the others were steadily warming to her. The idea of hurting Bofur or Bilbo made her skin crawl. As for Fili and Kili..?

"Do you want these skinning?"

Fira jumped at Kili's voice. Shaking her head to clear it she glanced at the small pile of rabbits by her legs. All had been shot through the eye and she made a mental note at how much skill he had with that bow. Nodding she said nothing as he and Fili took the rabbits and got down the very messy business of skinning them. Licking her lips Fira turned her gaze back to the cooking pot; trying to ignore the chill that was steadily making its way up her skin.

She was almost sure she was being watched.

Fira ran her finger along the edge of her knife before sliding it back into her boot. Fili and Kili sat by the fire with Gandalf, Balin and Thorin whispering in a corner. Looking over at the small cluster of ponies Fira could see Bilbo gently stroking Myrtle's nose. As he handed her an apple she smiled. Despite being made to feel like an outcast and a joke Bilbo could still bring himself to do a good deed. His pony was a very lucky animal. Pushing her hair from her eyes Fira knew Kili was watching her. His eyes hadn't left her face for the past half an hour. There was nothing creepy about it – instead it made her feel safer – but she knew she'd have to talk to him soon. As a high pitched screech rang out Fira's body tensed whilst Thorin and Balin gave each other nervous looks.

"What…what was that?" Bilbo hurried over to them and Fira bit her lip. She hadn't known orcs lived in these parts. Before she could gently explain to Bilbo what they were she caught sight of Fili and Kili nodding at each other.

"Orcs," Kili's voice was low. Fili nodded and as Bilbo's face fell Fira wanted to slap them for being such idiots.

"Throat cutters. They'll be dozens of them out there," Fili gently twirled one of his knives single handed,

"The lowlands are crawling with them."

Well that wasn't true in the slightest, Fira frowned. Kili locked eyes with her for a brief second before turning back to Bilbo.

"They strike in the wee small hours when everyone's asleep," he leaned closer to Bilbo who looked as though he was about to faint again.

"Quick and quiet. No screams. Just lots of blood."

Fira reached out a hand towards Bilbo when both brothers glanced at each other. She knew they wouldn't be able to keep up the joke for much longer. Sure enough a smile began to play on Kili's face. Within seconds he and Fili were sniggering. Fira gave Bilbo a reassuring smile.

"You think that's funny," Thorin barked, "You think a night time raid by orcs is a joke?"

Risking a glance at Kili Fira felt a stab of sadness at his face. He had only been having a joke. It was a stupid one but no harm had been done.

"We didn't mean anything by it."

"No you didn't," Thorin got to his feet and began moving towards the ponies, "You know nothing of the world."

As both brothers stared at each other Fira pressed her lips together as a sharp pain rushed through her stomach. Drawing her knees to her chest she tried to force down her cries of pain. She had completely forgotten this was her time of the year. Whilst most women went through this each month, female Dragonborns only suffered it once a year. Sadly however it would be far more painful and lasted a lot longer. Rubbing her stomach Fira tried to concentrate on what Balin was saying. But she knew that the pain would get too much soon for her to hide it. Instead she shakily got to her feet.

"Where are you going?" Fili blinked at her. Ignoring Kili's worried glance Fira shrugged.

"Stretch my legs for a bit. Don't worry I'm not going to run away your highness."

Turning round she forced herself to walk away calmly. She knew there had been no need for the 'your highness' part but she hadn't been able to stop herself. Within minutes she had left the company behind as was now at the edge of the trees. As the pain increased Fira's legs began to shake. Doubling over she tried to take deep breaths – this was the one thing she hated about being a woman.

Falling to her knees she wasted no time in throwing up. Everything she had eaten today would have now gone to waste; but the idea of swallowing another mouthful of food made her feel even worse.

"Fira?"

She hadn't been expecting Kili's voice. Wiping her hand Fira tried to get to her feet but before she could do so the dwarf was kneeling beside her. Even in the dark Fira knew she looked awful. Kili eyed the sick before rubbing her back.

"Would you like me to fetch Oin?"

She shook her head and he gripped her hand.

"Please! You look like you're about to collapse!"

If only he knew, Fira thought. She had only collapsed twice during her bleeds and she had no intention of doing so again in front of the company. Shaking her head Fira squeezed his hand as another pain hit her. Kili gave a small gasp and it was only when he did so that Fira tried to let go of him. But instead he gripped her hand tightly.

"Fira?"

And there it was again; that feeling in her chest she got every time he spoke to her. Shaking her head Fira forced herself to her feet – noting how Kili's grip on her hand didn't go.

"What's wrong? Did you eat something bad?"

Did he really not know? Surely he'd seen his mother experience similar pains? Running a hand through her hair Fira sighed.

"No nothing like that; it's my time that's all."

"Time?"

"Kili, surely you've seen your mother in this kind of pain?"

It took a few seconds to click but as a red blush spread over his face Fira knew he had caught on. Nodding she eased her hand from his and took several more breaths. She'd have to change her trousers tonight as well – and she certainly wasn't doing that in front of Kili.

"If there's anything I can do,"

Fira nodded; hoping he would go back to the others. But instead Kili seemed unwilling to leave. Raising an eyebrow she brought out her knife – if only Thorin had been here and not Kili. She could have killed him and then just ran. Tharos had said she had to kill Thorin Oakenshield. He hadn't specified anyone else. But Fira knew that if Thorin had been here she wouldn't have done so. She'd have simply told him she was fine and left him alive. Waving the knife in Kili's face she nodded.

"I'm perfectly capable of defending myself if that's what you're worried about."

He shook his head, "No. No it's not that. I just…why have you been ignoring me?"

Sheathing her knife Fira sighed. Had she not been in agony she'd have gone straight back to camp. But right now standing straight was taking all of her energy so instead she simply shrugged. Kili blinked at her.

"Did I upset you at all? Offend you even? Because I honestly never meant to. I know I always laugh and joke and act like I don't care but I honestly do. I'd never want to upset someone – especially you."

"Special am I?"

Kili nodded and Fira knew straight away that she was blushing. Holding her scarred hands together she nodded.

"You haven't upset me. It's just…when I heard you and Fili were princes…"

Kili's mouth dropped, "That's why you weren't talking to us?"

"Well, you're princes and I'm…I'm just me. Not exactly worthy company."

He took her hand, "Let me tell you something Fira. Back home me and Fili didn't live in a palace we lived in a house, in a huge town. We worked in a forge with our uncle and we hunted for our food. We had no servants to do things for us, we did it all ourselves. We were no different from the rest of the dwarves. So don't think for one moment you aren't worthy enough to be our friend."

Nodding Fira found herself unsure of how she was meant to react. Kili seemed to be suffering the same problem because his blush was back.

"Let's get back before the others get the wrong idea."

Fira nodded before looking down. Already she could see the bloodstains.

"I'll be along later…just need to sort myself out."

Kili – to his credit – didn't look down at her trousers. Instead he just nodded and moved past her. Fira turned and watched him go. He was only a few metres away before he stopped and turned round.

"Just so you know; I know you can defend yourself, but that doesn't mean I would ever like the thought of you being alone out here."

He looked like he wanted to say something else but instead he simply bowed and began walking back to the others. Running a hand through her hair Fira waited until he was out of sight before turning and hurrying to find the closest stream.

It hadn't taken too long to sort herself out. Feeling cleaner and fresher Fira swept her damp hair over her shoulder as she quickened her pace. Despite what she had said to Kili she wanted to be back with the others as soon as possible.

"Evening Fira."

At Sol's voice Fira sighed and turned. He towered over her and in the dark night his dragon eyes glowed.

"I see the dwarves are still alive? Was my message not clear to you?"

Fira raised an eyebrow; "Let's say I refused to kill them, what would you do?"

Sol tapped his pale face and Fira noticed his hair was starting to go grey. He nodded.

"I would expose you to them before making you watch them die. I would then hand you over to Tharos."

Fira nodded and she was aware of Sol moving closer towards her. He took her chin and forced her head up.

"I understand it's hard for you. But that's why I'm here, to help you." His voice was sweet and Fira shuddered.

"Help me?"

Sol nodded, "In a few weeks you'll be travelling through forests. You will make camp at lunch as usual. But this time you will be unfortunate to find yourself caught in the middle of a huge forest fire. You of course will survive, but the company won't be so lucky."

"And you'll be the cause of this fire?"

Sol nodded, "As I said, I'm here to help. For a reward of course."

Fira nodding; knowing what sort of reward he would be after. Sol caressed her cheek before gently running his hand down her arm and taking her hand.

"As my wife I can keep you safe from Tharos and the others."

Fira freed her hand; "Think of another reward Sol. That's one thing I'd never do – even if it meant my death."

Even though his smile remained she watched his eyes grow dark. Stepping back he bowed.

"Think on it Fira. You may soon need all the help you can get."

So yeah another filler ish chapter. As much as I love the first Hobbit film it is annoying that it takes a while to get going. However the next chapter is going to be much more action packed I promise. But I also wanted some Fili/Kili moments and some very sweet Kili/Fira moments. As ever let me know your thoughts xxxxx