Big thanks to alien94, Stendy fan101 and green book worm for following/favouriting.

Nice Egan – Indeed the plot does develop! And yeah always nice to have some Fira/Kili moments. Sol will just get even worse though.

Celebrisilweth – Indeed they do.

Rachetg – Yeah Gandalf is…well he's Gandalf so he had to find out really.

Encounters of the Awkward Kind

The low sound of thunder carried on until late morning only to be replaced with a sudden downpour. Fira watched as all the other dwarves began doing their coats up and pulling their hoods up. Kili's arm left her waist as he did likewise and she gave silent thanks as the pressure came away from her bruised stomach. Looking ahead she could make out the sodden figure of Bilbo. His hair clung to his face and every so often she saw his pushing it from his eyes. Fira had pinned her hair away from her face but the few curls that had worked their way free that stuck to her cheeks like leeches. Glancing down she gave a small sigh – her own coat had been tied to her saddlebag and was now useless. Instead all she could do was sit in her tunic and trousers whilst the rain pelted at her. Holding her bright red hands together Fira could feel a sneeze working its way through her nose.

"Mr Gandalf?"

Fira glanced over at Dori who – even with his hood – looked about as drenched as she was. Up ahead the wizard glanced over his shoulder and the dwarf jabbed a finger at the sky.

"Can't you do something about this deluge?"

Kili mumbled something to his brother whilst Fira tried to force her sneeze back down. The last thing she needed right now was a cold.

"It is raining master dwarf."

"You don't say?" Kili mumbled. Fira sniggered at this before smoothing her face out as Gandalf glanced her way. The wizard raised an eyebrow before carrying on.

"If you wish to change the weather of this world you should find yourself another wizard."

"And are there any?"

Everyone glanced at Bilbo who was starting to shiver. Gandalf gave a small nod and Fira noticed the wizards eyes shine a little brighter.

"There are five of us. The greatest of our order is Saruman – the White. Then there are the two blues," he broke off thoughtfully, "Do you know I've quite forgotten their names," his voce rose, "and lastly there's Radagast – the Brown."

"Is he a great wizard? Or is he more…like you?" Bilbo trailed off and Fira noticed several of the dwarves grinning at him. Bilbo smiled shyly in return whilst Gandalf simply huffed.

"I think he's a very great wizard – in his own way. He's a gentle soul who prefers the company of animals to others."

"Sounds…dull," Kili whispered. Fira nodded absentmindedly. She wanted to hear more about this Radagast. Gandalf looked over his shoulder – he knew he had the attention of the company.

"He keeps a watchful eye over the vast forest lands to the East. And a good thing to; for evil will always look to find a foothold in this world."

"How cheerful," Fira said. Kili beamed at her before slinking his arm back around her waist. Fira gritted her teeth at the pain. She knew in a few days it would be healed; if she could cope for a bit longer she'd be fine. Her nose itched and before she could stop herself she doubled over as a huge sneeze escaped her. Rubbing her nose she took a deep breath and sneezed again.

"Are you alright?" Glancing over she saw Kili staring at her worriedly. Fira rubbed her sore nose.

"I'm fine." She could already tell she'd have a cold by tomorrow. Kili hugged her close.

"Where's your coat?"

"Tied to the saddlebag," Fira sighed. She should have known it would rain earlier. In truth she had completely forgotten about her coat until now. Kili gave a small sigh and as Fira glanced over her shoulder she saw him trying to remove his coat with one hand. Shaking her head she pushed his hand away.

"Kili I'll be fine. We'll be stopping in a few hours anyway."

As he glanced up Fira forced herself to stifle a laugh. Kili's hood had protected him from the worst but his fringe stuck to his forehead and she could see raindrops dripping from his nose. Kili shook his head.

"I'm not going to sit back and allow you to freeze."

"Well I'm not going to take your coat."

"Fine," Kili snapped. Fira blinked at his sudden anger. It was true everyone had been in an even worse mood once it had started raining but she hadn't expected Kili to be so harsh with her. She hadn't provoked him either. Turning round she folded her arms; aware of Kili pulling her close against him. Her back rubbed against the thick wool of his tunic and Fira watched as he pulled his coat around the pair of them. He sighed and Fira knew he wanted to say something. She half wondered if he was going to apologise for snapping – he usually apologised if he accidently bumped into her. But instead Kili rested his chin on her head. His hood doing what it could to keep her dry-ish.

"Fira?"

At first Fira wondered if she should just ignore Kili. But his voice sounded so small she couldn't bring herself to do it. Nodding she glanced up at him and he gave her a soft smile.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to shout at you."

Fira took his hand and gently eased his arm off of her waist, "Kili it's fine. I've snapped at you enough times haven't I?"

He nodded, "But I had no real excuse. I was just overreacting."

"That's one way of putting it."

Kili's smile faded slightly; "Could I…could I ask you something?"

"Anything."

He relaxed and Fira shifted so that she could look over her shoulder without having to crane her neck too much. Kili glanced up before sighing.

"Do you..? Do you think I'm…" he shook his head, "No. No it doesn't matter. Forget I said anything."

Fira glanced over where he had been staring a few moments ago. Even though several dwarves, Gandalf and Bilbo were in front of them she knew Kili's eyes had been aimed at Thorin. Squeezing his hand she smiled.

"Kili I meant it when I said you can ask me anything."

He nodded and Fira wasn't sure how she should react as a blush spread across his cheeks. As Kili took a deep breath Fira realised with a jolt that he wasn't joking around now. Whatever he wanted to say meant a great deal to him.

"Do you think I'm as good as Fili?"

"I..?" Fira gave a helpless shrug. She had no idea how she was meant to answer that. Kili nodded quickly.

"Sorry that wasn't very helpful. What I meant was…well you know how Fili is going to be king after Thorin?"

Fira nodded though she hadn't really thought about that; even when she knew Fili and Kili were princes. Looking back she sighed sadly at the hunched up figure of Fili. She couldn't imagine him being a king. He seemed far too young and cheerful to be like Thorin. Sensing Kili had more to say she turned her attention back onto him.

"Go on."

"Well, do you think I'd be a worthy heir to Thorin? I mean it doesn't matter of course; I'll never be king thank Mahal. But even if I try and be serious and grown up people still expect me to break out into a joke or that I'm having a laugh. Yet Fili never gets any of that. I know he's older but only by five years. That's nothing really. And every time Thorin talks to us I know he thinks better of Fili. He didn't even want me on this quest in the first place!"

Sensing Kili was about to upset himself Fira held his hand and gently shushed him.

"Look; I've only known you for a few months but I've never known anyone more dedicated to this quest than you and your brother. Kili; whatever you think Thorin thinks of you…it doesn't matter. Believe me, the fact that you can still find ways to cheer everyone up and make us smile is such a gift and you shouldn't want to get rid of it. Forget what Thorin might think of you. I know he's your uncle and your king but that doesn't mean he's perfect does it?"

Kili shook his head – but Fira could still tell something was bothering him.

"What's the matter?"

"Do you think I'm handsome?"

Now it was Fira's turn to blush. Kili rubbed his temples with a sigh.

"I don't mean…I wasn't asking you to try and trick you or anything but you…well you're a girl and I figured I could ask you without getting laughed at," he sighed, "I'm not being vain or anything. I know I joke about being a handsome prince and everything but it really isn't like that."

He didn't have to convince her. Fira knew Kili didn't have a vain bone in his body.

"It's just that; well you've seen the others. How stocky there are. Their huge beards and muscles. I don't have any of that. And I never will. My beard stopped growing two years ago and I'll never gain any more muscle."

"Does this matter?"

He nodded, "I know it shouldn't but back at the Blue Mountains those with huge beards were always seen as the best looking. The bravest and fiercest of dwarves. And then there's me. And I just want one girl to look at me and not hate the fact I have no beard or that I'm taller than most dwarves. I just want her to care for me based on me!"

Not bothering to check if anyone was looking Fira turned so she was now riding side saddle and wrapped her arm around Kili. He stiffened before hugging her back.

"Listen to me Kili. Those girls back at the Blue Mountains are idiots. You're brave, and kind. You're funny, smart and…and yes you are handsome. Certainly the most handsome dwarf I've seen."

For a few seconds Fira wondered if she had somehow told Kili of her feelings for him. But as his face lit up she pushed all of that aside. Hurriedly kissing him on the cheek she turned back around in the saddle – hoping her long hair hid her growing blush. Kili squeezed her hand.

"Thank you. From the bottom of my heart."

Fira nodded. Kili's own heart might be relaxed but her's seemed to be doing somersaults all around her body. With a small sigh she nodded to herself.

She would tell them the truth. At the first chance she got she would tell them everything.

The rain had only just stopped when Thorin called them all to a halt. As Kili eased his own sodden coat off Fira wrapped her arms around her body – hugging it tightly – as her frozen clothes clung to her skin. Without looking at anyone she slid from the pony and grabbed her saddled bag. Satisfied nothing else was soaked except for her coat she dumped it by Kili's and sat down alongside Bilbo who seemed wetter than she was.

"Fili, Kili!" Fira looked over at Thorin and then back at his nephews. As they were told to stay with the ponies she saw looks of disappointment flash across their faces. Although both weren't as wet as she was they still looked half frozen and Fira knew they had to be hungry. Clenching her fists she bowed her head. There was another reason Thorin's decision annoyed her. She had made her mind up to tell them all the truth about her tonight. But if some of the company were missing then how could she? Fira had no intention of repeating her story five or six times. Once was going to be bad enough.

Wringing out her wet hair Fira got to her feet and gingerly sniffed her arm. She needed a bath urgently. Grabbing her coat and bag she gave Bilbo a small smile.

"If anyone asks just say I'm having a bath. If they choose to follow me that's their affair."

Bilbo gave her a bashful smile before turning his back. Glancing up Fira realised none of the company were even glancing her way. Fili and Kili had hold of two ponies each and were trying to coax them away from the group. Before anyone could turn around and stop her Fira hurried off down the small path. She'd heard the sounds of a river earlier and she knew it couldn't be more than a few metres away. In fact she was so busy trying to work out the best way to go that she was oblivious to the eyes that watched her go.

Kili shut his eyes with a sigh as his head rested against the huge tree. He could hear his brother pacing about and he tried to focus on that. Anything to push Fira from his mind. It wasn't that he didn't want to think about her; but the thoughts he was having of her unsettled him. He'd have dreams where the pair of them lay together; her lips pressing hurried kisses over his face whilst he hugged her against his body to keep her safe. Sometimes he'd watch as she undressed for him before his own fingers pulled his tunic away and their bodies rubbed against each other. He couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to lie beside her. To have her body curled against his and her lips brushing his own.

Kili opened his eyes before he had any more thoughts. He remembered what his mother had told him about how he and Fili should treat women and by having such thoughts he felt like he was betraying his mother. He was treating Fira as though she was nothing more than his property. Something for him to touch and hold whenever he liked. He didn't want it to be like that. He wanted to care for her and keep her safe. Hold her hand and make her laugh. Growling Kili ran his hand through his hair. He had no idea what any of these thoughts and dreams meant. Did he care for Fira? Far more than any other girl he'd met. But did that mean he loved her?

Maybe he did. He thought of no one else and every time he spoke to her he kept thinking he was making an idiot of himself. But then she'd smile at him and his heart would lighten. He could still remember waking up last night to the sound of her crying. Nothing had sounded more heart breaking to Kili and even now he had no idea what had stopped him from taking her into his arms and hugging her. Maybe because he knew she would never feel for him the way he felt for her? He couldn't allow himself to be hurt again.

"Kili?"

At his brothers voice Kili forced his head up. Fili raised an eyebrow.

"Would you be able to fill these up?" He handed over two water bottles. Scrambling to his feet Kili took them silently. Fili smiled at him.

"I know you care for her Kee." He was so quiet Kili didn't hear him at first. But as the words sank in he gave a small nod.

"I…I've never felt this way about anyone before."

Kili assumed his brother would be happy at this news. But instead Fili simply nodded.

"I envy you Kili. To have that sort of feeling for a girl…I've never had that. I probably never will."

"You don't know that," Kili insisted. Fili shrugged his shoulders.

"Maybe you're right. Maybe I'll meet my own Fira one day."

Kili reached out and rubbed his brothers shoulder. He had never assumed Fili would feel that way. His brother had always been surrounded by girls back home. Biting his lip Kili wrapped Fili into a hug.

"Trust me Fee. You'll find someone. I know you will."

Fili gave him a playful shove, "Never knew you to be such a romantic Kee."

Shaking his head Kili took the water bottles in both hands and hurried off through the trees. He and Fili had passed a river as they were taking the ponies away and he knew it wouldn't take him that long to get there. But as he hurried along Fira wormed her way into his mind again.

What was he supposed to do? Should he tell her and pray she felt the same? Maybe he should wait and see how she felt. He'd rather remain her friend than a rejected lover.

As expected he reached the river within minutes. Stopping down Kili pushed one of the bottles underwater – gasping as the cold river rushed over his hands. Once that one was filled up he did the same with the second. The forest was completely silent and Kili couldn't deny it scared him slightly. Once the second bottle was filled he got to his feet; ready to go when a slight noise stopped him. At first Kili had no idea what it was; but as he waited he realised someone was singing to themselves.

Biting his lip Kili glanced back at the direction where the ponies were before looking the other way. The person was still singing and as he carried on listening he realised it was Fira. Tapping one of the bottle against his leg he turned and hurried off towards the sound of her voice. Treading lightly so he wouldn't startle her Kili tried to keep as low as possible; hiding behind bushes and trees where he could. The singing was a lot louder now and Kili realised Fira could only be a few feet away. Her voice wasn't perfect; she failed on several of the higher notes. But Kili really didn't care. Knowing he would no doubt regret it he sat up on his knees and looked out over the top of the brambles he was crouched behind.

He did regret it.

Fira had her back to him but that didn't make it much better. The water came up to her lower back and as she sank down it lapped against her long hair that trailed down her waist. She swept it over one of her shoulder and Kili's eyes widened as his eyes caught sight of two strange looking vertical ridges just underneath her shoulder blades. Kili bit his lip; he'd never seen anything like that before. Licking his lips Kili couldn't stop himself from staring at her curved figure. Or rather the numerous scars littering her skin. Most of them looked old but he could see several new ish ones. As he saw her burnt arms he gave a sad sigh – Fira hadn't told him the scarring was that bad. Not that it made any difference. Clenching his fists he fought the urge to curse as he saw the bruises covering her back and her arms. Huge purple and green splodges covered the middle of her back and he had a nasty feeling her stomach was in a similar state. The water bottles slipped from his hands; someone had hurt her. Recently as well. And the only people she'd been with were the company. Kili shook his head at the idea. He couldn't imagine any of the others wanting to hurt her. Certainly not to this extent. But then who else could it have been? Slipping back behind the brambles he grabbed the water bottles. Maybe he could slip away before she noticed. Just as he was about to make a run for it Fira's voice stopped him in his tracks.

"I know you're there."

So again a bit filler-ish but we all know what's coming up VERY soon so that should give us enough excitement. Poor Kili having all these feelings about himself and Fira. This should be a very interesting encounter then shouldn't it? Let me know what you all think xxxxx