Big thanks to SakuraBlossom221334 and dancergirl829 for following/favouriting.

Eruwaedhiel95 – They'll be plenty more of those moments I can assure you.

Rachetg – I wasn't going to kill anyone off that early! And yeah he's just the cutest isn't he?

When Truths are Revealed

The first thing Fira was aware of was the horrible wheezing sound her chest was making. Each breath hurt and the back of her throat tickled and itched. The next things she noticed were the warm arms around her – holding her against a body. She could dimly make out Kili's voice but at the same time it seemed miles away.

"…coming round?"

That was Dwalin; Fira couldn't understand why he sounded so worried. Unless he was talking about someone else. A hand stroked her cheek but all she could think of was the itch in the back of her throat. It was getting steadily worse.

"I don't know…it's been a few hours…"

There was Kili's voice. Fira screwed up her eyes in an effort to open them. But all that did was make them sting more than they already did. Her lower back throbbed painfully and she could hear other voices now. The arms that had been wrapped around her had gone and instead gently slipped under her legs and body. She could feel herself being lifted off the pony.

"Kili?" Her voice rasped and the urge to cough wasn't going.

"Fira?"

Doing her best to ignore the stinging pain Fira forced her eyes open. Kili blinked at her and with a nervous glance she realised she was still in his arms.

"Kili…" the second she tried to speak the need to cough became too much. Doubling over Fira could feel the after effects of the smoke burning through her lungs. Even though it wouldn't affect her as much as the others she knew her inability to shift meant it would affect her more than she was used to. Kili knelt down and gently laid her out on the ground. When she finally finished Fira was aware of others running around her. She could make out Gandalf and Fili but everyone else blurred together.

"Give her some room lads!" A figure pushed past and gently rubbed her shoulder. Shaking her head dimly Fira smiled at Oin who began peering at her face before nodding.

"Get her some water. Get her lots of it in fact!"

Before Fira could try and protest that she would be fine Oin was already easing her onto her side. Fira's head was still swimming and only when she felt hands on her back did she realised her shirt was being pushed up. Out of habit she tried to bat them away.

"Hey," someone took her hands. Fira looked over at Kili.

"It's alright. He just needs to check your back."

"Why?" This time she swallowed her cough. Kili's face clouded.

"A branch fell on you and burnt you slightly. Nothing serious."

He seemed to be saying that more to himself Fira realised. Nodding she allowed Oin to rub some sort of cream onto her back before her shirt was back down and Kili held her to sit up. Fira blinked before rubbing her eyes. Oin shook his head.

"They'll sting for another day or so lass but I imagine ye'll be fine soon."

Nodding Fira tried to get to her feet when Fili and Kili sat her back down.

"You aren't going anywhere," Fili smiled, "We're going to make camp here tonight."

Fira nodded, "Do you need me to help with anything?"

"Just," Kili gave her shoulder a soft squeeze, "Just drink this."

Taking the water bottle Fira watched as both brothers got to their feet and began tying the ponies up. It only took her a few seconds to down the bottle and she instantly felt guilty. No doubt the others would need to drink as well.

"Fira, might I have a word?"

Looking up Fira was momentarily shocked by Gandalf standing over her. He towered over the whole company but from her viewpoint he was practically a giant! Nodding she eased herself up – trying to ignore the pain in her back – she followed him. Glancing over she saw both Kili and Fili shooting her worried glances and Fira couldn't help but roll her eyes at their protectiveness. However, her confidence slowly vanished as Gandalf led her further away from the company and towards the edge of the woods. Rubbing her arms Fira gave a small sigh.

"What is it?"

Gandalf glanced down at her and when she saw his dark eyes Fira couldn't help but wilt. The wizard nodded.

"I want you to tell me everything Fira."

"I don't understand?"

"Do not think you can lie to me!"

Fira had never seen Gandalf angry since Bag End. But now she understood why he was both respected and feared. Backing away slightly she nodded and – at that – the smile returned to the wizards face.

"We have a Dragonborn in our company and we then happen to be attacked by a member of the same race? That is no coincidence."

Fira nodded and Gandalf placed a hand on her shoulder.

"You have nothing to be afraid of my dear. Just tell me the truth."

And she did.

Gandalf's face gave nothing away as the story came out. Fira's eyes never left his face and every second she waited for him to cast her out and drag her back to the company.

"But I'm not a killer! I can't kill them, any of them! I know they all hate me but even so!"

Gandalf gave a small nod and Fira wrung her hands together.

"What will you tell Thorin?"

"Nothing."

"I..?" To say she didn't understand was putting it very mildly. Gandalf smiled warmly.

"I won't tell Thorin because he does not need to know."

Fira nodded, "But…why do you trust me? What have I done to earn it?"

"My dear I have met many killers in this world and you are never going to be one of them. You've had plenty of chances to kill Thorin and the others and yet they are still here. Although I can't explain why; I know you wouldn't allow any harm to come to this company."

Fira bowed her head before nodding. Gandalf patted her on the shoulder.

"In which case I think it's time you and I went and got our dinner."

Fira allowed Gandalf to go on ahead of her. In the meantime her own feet were finding it hard to put one in front of the other. It was almost too good to believe that Gandalf was willing to hide this from Thorin. Maybe things would be best if she told the company now before it became too late. And if they threw her out then so be it. But she'd rather that than risk hurting any of them. Especially Kili.

The thought of the young dwarf couldn't have come at a worst time. Looking up Fira saw the others sitting round a campfire. As usual Fili and Kili sat together. But as she approached Kili locked eyes with her and got to his feet – leaving her no choice but to go and sit by him. Not that she minded that. But she knew if she got to close to Kili she would end up hurting him.

"We were about to come looking," he whispered; passing her a plate of food. Fira gave a small nod as one hand gently rubbed her back.

"How is it?"

She nodded, "It aches but I'm fine. I promise."

As Kili went back to his own meal Fira rubbed her cheek. She could still remember the feeling of someone's lips on her skin but the memory was so distant she half wondered if she had imagined it.

"Fira?"

At Thorin's voice everyone stopped what they were doing. Fira watched as Thorin stepped over from his own seat and began walking towards her. Pushing her plate away she got to her feet.

"Thorin?"

Nothing prepared her for him bowing to her. Looking over Fira realised no one had been expecting that. Thorin rose and smiled at her.

"You saved my life earlier and for that I am ever in your debt. It is beyond clear that you have earned your place in this company and you will always have my full trust."

Fira had no idea how she was meant to respond so instead she simply nodded and sat back down. Kili beamed at her whilst Fira suddenly found her plate very interesting.

"I certainly wasn't expecting that," Kili grinned, "I thought he'd just say thank you and leave it at that."

Fira nodded dumbly. She knew she should feel happy out what had happened. But instead Thorin's words made her stomach twist and churn horribly. Kili must have guessed something was wrong because he took her hand.

"What's the matter?"

"Nothing," Fira forced a smiled onto her face, "Nothing, just a shock that's all."

"Well when you save a kings life," Kili joked. Fira smiled back; however as Kili's face clouded she stopped. He held her hand tightly.

"Thank you for saving him," he whispered. Fira leant in close so he didn't have to talk too loudly.

"Thank you, I do mean that, but…please don't think this means you have to risk your life for us every time."

Fira blinked at him and Kili ran a hand through his hair as frustration grew on his face.

"What I meant was…you don't need to prove yourself by putting yourself in danger."

"You think I was trying to prove myself?" Snatching her hand away Fira grabbed her plate. Kili shook his head.

"No, I just meant…look," before she could move he grabbed both of her hands, "I just meant that you scared me okay? When I saw Thorin carrying you, you weren't moving! For a split second I thought…" he shook his head, "It doesn't matter."

Even though his hair hid his face Fira knew he was trying not to look upset. Taking his hand in one of hers she pushed his hair back so she could see his eyes.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, "I never wanted to scare you. It was just instinct,"

Kili nodded and Fira tried to think of a way to make him smile.

"If you're that worried about me how about a deal? Even if you guys are in the biggest danger possible I'll promise not to save you because then I'd be risking my life? How's that?"

Kili snorted at this and Fira gave his hand a final squeeze. As she let go she glanced over to see Thorin watching her. Hurriedly grabbing her plate Fira tried to ignore the stern gaze he was shooting at her. However as she risked another glance she realised that Thorin wasn't glaring at her. He was glaring at Kili.

When Fira woke up she knew exactly what the matter was. It was the middle of the night and apart from her the only other person who was awake was Nori. Even with his back to her she could make out his star shaped hair style. Easing her blanket off Fira looked down to see Kili asleep next to her. His hair fell over his face and at the smile Fira felt her insides melt ever so slightly. She hadn't been able to squash her feelings for him and she knew she probably never would. Forcing herself to her feet she shook out her limbs before grabbing her sword and sheathing it. Every so often she looked over at Nori to see if he noticed what she was doing. But instead the dwarf's gaze was fixed on the fire. Nodding Fira gave Kili one last look before hurrying off towards the trees.

She had known it wouldn't take Sol that long to catch up with her. Taking deep breaths Fira moved towards his figure – bracing herself for what was going to happen.

"Whatever you're going to do to me get on with it."

Sol pushed his hood back from his face and despite the dark Fira could see him smiling. Quick as a flash he grabbed her arm and twisted it behind her back – pulling her against him. His other hand pressed down over her mouth and Fira froze as his lips brushed against her ear.

"I'm going to let you off for earlier. I'm going to assume that your feelings for that raven haired dwarf clouded your mind."

Fira narrowed her eyes. Feelings? How did Sol know she even liked Kili? He gave a small chuckle.

"Fira you really are quite stupid aren't you? I've been watching you these past few months. You can't take your eyes off the dwarf prince."

Fira gave one final, weak struggle in Sols grip and he took his hand away from her mouth.

"Let me guess. You'll tell me he's too good for me. That I could never hope for someone like him to like me. You'll tell me that so I'm angry enough to wish to kill him."

Sol snorted, "No my dear. I mean he is too good for you. I highly doubt a prince – even a dwarf one – could possibly have any sort of feelings for a mutt like you. But I know that won't be enough of an incentive for you."

Fira said nothing as Sol spoke again, "as I said, I'm going to give you one final chance to prove your loyalty and earn your freedom."

Once he finished his grip on her left and Fira stumbled forward onto her knees. Trying to rise she let out a small gasp as Sol's boot came down on her injured back. She fell to the floor.

"I'm giving you one last chance," he hissed, "But I didn't say I wasn't going to punish you."

Before Fira could answer his boot hit her hard in the back once more. Doubling over she gasped as Sol's boot smashed down on her leg before he kicked her in the stomach. Fira made no sound as the beating continued. She wasn't going to give Sol the satisfaction of hearing her cries. She knew he wasn't touching her face for fear of questions being asked. Holding a hand to her already bruised ribs Fira forced herself onto her knees and Sol brushed his hands on his shirt. Kneeling down he grabbed her chin.

"One more chance Fira. Should you fail I won't allow you any mercy."

As he let go Fira didn't watch him leave. Instead she forced her shaking legs to work and she stood up. Every inch of her body ached and she knew she'd be covered in bruises tomorrow. Pushing that from her mind she limped back to the camp. As expected none of the others had woken up and before any of them did so Fira lay back down and pulled the blanket over her. Turning away from Kili she buried her face into the crook of her arm so her tears didn't wake anyone.

The horrible, grey morning seemed to match the mood of the company. Fira couldn't explain why but everyone seemed grumpy and downcast. Even Bilbo was far snappier than normal. Even though Fira had done her best to hide her pain she couldn't help but wince every time she moved. There was only so much she could put down as her injured back.

"Let me help."

Fira hadn't even known Kili was behind her. She had one foot in the stirrup but she knew moving by herself would send ripples of agony through her body. Giving Kili a small nod she tried not to focus on his hands on her back. Instead she allowed him to push her up – supressing her pained cry at the last minute. Kili soon took his own seat and Fira gently settled against him. As ever he put his spare arm around her waist and even though the added pressure was almost agonising Fira forced herself to keep quiet. She couldn't afford for anyone to know what had happened. It would only lead to questions that she couldn't afford to answer. Fira wasn't aware of Thorin telling them to move off. All she could focus on was Kili's arm around her bruised body and the foreboding rumble of thunder high above.

So yeah a bit of a filler here but I wanted them to have a nice break after what they've been through. Plus in a couple of chapters we start getting into the thick of the quest so that'll be more than enough excitement – I hope! So whilst I go and wish I could get my own Kili let me know what you all think xxx