Rachetg – He's so brave like that isn't he?

Cow-Lover2214 – Things will certainly get interesting for her.

Celebrisilweth – I just wanted to make it a bit different.

Nice Egan – I know! Glad you enjoyed it.

The Valley of Imladris

None of the dwarves dared move as the sounds of the wargs died away. Licking his lips Fili looked over at the she elf who had saved his life. Now he was up close he realised that she wasn't as tall as he had first thought. Standing only a foot taller than him he wondered if she was half human. Her eyes met his and Fili could feel the back of his neck turning red. Quickly nodding his thanks he then turned to see how his brother was. No doubt Kili was sticking close to Fira's side.

But Kili wasn't there.

Taking deep breathes in an effort not to panic too much Fili did a quick head count. There should be seventeen people hiding down here if he included the elf. But instead he only saw fifteen.

"Kili?"

No one heard him at first and then Nori caught on. He too glanced around for Kili and Fira and his face drained of any remaining colour. Fili shook his head.

"Kili!"

Turning back to the stone slope he had just come down Fili was aware of his body trembling. He had been so sure Kili was right behind him. He had waited til the last second before jumping down here. Shaking his head he remembered the orcs screams and the cheerful howls of wargs.

"KILI!"

Running forward his hands hit the stone and he began pulling himself up. His brother could be lying there injured or even…?

"Get off me!" Lashing out Fili tried to free himself from Thorin strong grip. Wriggling around him freed himself and backed away.

"Are you mad? Kili's still out there! Your nephew is in danger!"

Gulping Thorin then looked around at the company and Fili realised he hadn't known Turning back round he did his best to scramble back up the slope. If he knew his brother then there was a good chance Fira had been the reason Kili had remained behind. But as much as he liked Fira, Fili prayed that whatever had happened to her hadn't meant he was to lose his younger brother.

"Kili," peering out over the top Fili caught sight of three white horses. All of them had riders on. One of them had a small figure draped over the animal. As he caught sight of long hair he assumed that was Fira. Biting his lip Fili's eyes widened as he saw his brother sitting on one of the other horses with the riders arm around his waist. If this had been a better situation Fili would have laughed at the sight. Kili looked so small and nervous on the animal. But instead he drew his sword – intending to strike before his brother could be taken from him.

"Wait."

At the hand on his arm Fili looked up to see the she elf had no joined him. Unable to look away from her piercing green eyes she licked his lips nervously.

"What do you mean? They're taking him away!"

"Your brother is perfectly safe," she answered coolly, "Lord Elrond isn't going to hurt him."

Fili paused at her words before turning back to see the horses riding off. Sheathing his sword he sighed before sliding back down to join the others. The elf was close behind and Fili could see the anger on Thorin's face as he looked her up and down. However, when he gave her a stiff bow Fili realised that even the elf was shocked by this.

"Thank you for saving my nephews life," he sighed. The elf nodded before glancing round. Fili gave a small groan as Dwalin pushed his way forward.

"Just what exactly are ye doing here?"

The elf flashed Dwalin a smile.

"We heard a report that an orc pack was dangerously close to the hidden pass. I went off to scout and then I find a company of dwarves, a wizard and," she glanced at Bilbo, "a Halfling."

Fili stiffened at the term. He knew the elf meant no disrespect by it but he had heard the others using it before and he had seen how much it annoyed Bilbo. Dwalin nodded and Fili could see his uncle's anger was returning.

"Two of my company are now missing. My nephew and a girl. Where are they?"

The elf bit her lip, "They're no doubt being taken to Rivendell as we speak."

"Rivendell?" Thorin chocked. The elf nodded and he turned to Gandalf.

"So this was your plan all along? To seek refuge with the enemy?"

Gandalf sighed and Fili gave the elf an embarrassed smile. He saw no problem with elves. He had just been saved by one for a start. However the elf simply raised an eyebrow at Thorin's words.

"Of course you don't have to come to Rivendell. If you're willing to put your pride and stubbornness above your own company then please; be my guest."

Fili lowered his head just in time as a smile appeared on his face. Glancing back up he saw Thorin draw himself up to his full height before giving a curt nod to Gandalf.

"Very well."

The wizard nodded and he began leading the company down a thin passage. Fili waited until the she elf began walking and hurried along after her. Despite everything he was glad Kili wasn't here to make jokes and tease him. He had heard of the beauty of elves; but this elf eclipsed all the stories.

"I never introduced myself," he gave her a small smile and – to his relief – she smiled back.

"My names Fili."

The elf nodded, "Mithiel."

Throughout the whole ride Kili hadn't been able to stop himself from staring at Fira. She was still bleeding despite the temporary bandage wrapped around her arm and shoulder. He could still hear her screams as the warg tore her flesh. There was another – slightly trivial reason – why he kept gazing at Fira. Kili knew if he glanced away even for a second then he would be reminded he was on a horse and not a pony. That if he fell chances were he'd break his neck on the hard ground.

"You seem troubled master dwarf," Elrond said. Kili paused. He could remember all of Thorin's stories about how bad elves were. But Kili saw none of that in Elrond. Instead he saw kindness and caring. He thought about the elf who had saved Fili's life. The idea of losing his brother had never even occurred to him until that moment. Kili chewed his lip – realising he would need to answer the elf.

"I just…" he sighed, "Will she be alight?"

The elf sighed, "As of yet I can't say. I should think that if we reach Rivendell in time our healers will be able to help her."

Oin wasn't going to be too happy about that. Kili nodded to himself as he remember the sight of Fira facing off against those three wargs. Her small frame in their shadows. He shook his head. She hadn't even drawn a weapon. She had just stood there with her hands out and yet the wargs hadn't dared move a muscle. He bit his lip – now wasn't the time to think about that. He had to wait until he knew she would be alright.

Sitting back in the saddle Kili's eyes widened as he saw they were now riding across a wide, stone bridge. Up ahead he saw stone steps that led to an enormous building. There was way Kili would be able to describe Rivendell and do it any justice. It was a cross between a castle and a temple with a huge waterfall gushing down underneath it. As they drew closer Kili could make out a huge huddle by the stone steps. As he caught sight of Thorin and Fili his heart soared. Elrond drew his horse to a halt by the stone steps and dismounted. Kili bit his lip as he looked down at the ground. Even though he knew jumping would hurt he didn't want to be carried down like a child. Shutting his eyes he winced as his ankles jarred from the impact before straightening out and running towards the company.

"Kili!"

Fili pushed past the others and Kili was almost pushed to the ground as his brother tackled him in a huge hug. Gripping Fili tightly Kili pressed his forehead to his brothers.

"I was so worried, "Fili whispered, "I thought maybe the orcs or…or…"

Kili shook his head, "I'm fine Fee."

As they drew apart Kili saw Thorin moving his way forward. However a noise behind Kili drew his attention and he turned around to see Fira's still lifeless body being lifted off the horse. The ends of her hair were matted in her blood and even though he wanted to see his uncle Kili couldn't help himself. Moving away from the company he hurried over to see Fira being carried up the steps by the rider who had ridden with her.

"Please!" Coming to a halt Kili glowered at the elf who stood beside Gandalf. The elf who had stepped in front of him and blocked his way.

"Please let me go with her!"

The elf glanced over at Lord Elrond whilst Kili was aware of Fili standing by him. Elrond gave him a small smile.

"Our healers will care for her. You may see her when she is out of danger."

"Out…out of danger?" Kili gave a small shake of the head as Fili put an arm around him. He was aware of Elrond talking to the dwarves but all he could think about was Fira.

"Kili she'll be alright," Fili whispered. Kili nodded.

"And if she isn't? What do I do then?"

As two elves showed the dwarves towards a huge room where they would be able to rest Kili hadn't been able to stop himself from following Lord Elrond towards the infirmary. Fili had gone with him and Kili wished he wasn't getting so worried. Fili no doubt thought he was over panicking. But then Fili hadn't seen it happen. He hadn't seen an orc slice Fira's face before moving in to slit her throat. As expected Lord Elrond came to a halt outside the healing wards.

"I understand your wish to see your friend safe and well. But the healing of the elves is something we wish to keep secret. The way you dwarves have your own secrets. When she is healed you will be allowed to see her."

As he shut the door on them Kili sighed and sat down in the corridor with his back against the wall. As Fili sat down beside him Kili began rooting around in his pockets until he found the hair slide. His fingers had brushed against the ring as well and he was thankful he hadn't moved them to one of his packs like he had planned to. Holding the hair piece in his hand he then brought out a small cloth and began doing his best to wipe away the dirt. Every so often he held it up to the light to see how it looked.

"It's very beautiful Kili," Fili whispered, "She'll love it."

Kili blushed, "Do you think she'll like the giver as well?"

Fili squeezed his hand, "She's an idiot if she doesn't Kee."

"Kili stop pacing." Fili groaned. "You're doing my head in."

Kili opened his mouth but then shut it again. He had been perfectly happy to wait until Elrond allowed him in. But he had been sitting in this corridor for hours and despite everything Kili couldn't help but feel a growing ache in his chest. Fili was perfectly happy to sit on the floor but Kili had been unable to stop pacing for over half an hour.

"Kili just sit down!" Fili tried to grab his brother's sleeve but Kili shook him off as he took another look at the door.

"I can't just…will she be okay Fili?"

There was real fear in his voice. Fili had never heard his brother like this before. Kili was always the joking one. The one who could always lighten the mood no matter what was happening. He never lost his smile; to see him like this…it unnerved Fili more than he cared to admit.

"Of course." Fili nodded. "If she can be healed anywhere it's here."

"And if they can't save her?" Kili's voice cracked and he sank to the floor beside his brother who leant against him.

"I…I have never felt like this…about anyone." Kili admitted as he saw Fili's questioning glances.

"So why haven't you told her?

"Because…I don't know! What if she doesn't feel the same? And if she does…how many times have I almost lost her? I don't think I can go through that again! That last thing I want to do is scare her…or hurt her."

Fili looked over at him sharply and – not for the first time – Kili wondered if his brother knew what was going on inside his head.

"Fira will be fine Kee. And when she wakes you can see her and all will be well. As for how she feels…it's obvious she likes you."

"But does she…does she share my feelings?"

Fili shrugged. "I don't know. All you can do is tell her and see what happens."

"Easier said than done." Kili muttered. At that exact moment the door opened and both dwarf princes stood up as Lord Elrond stood in the doorway. Although the elf looked exhausted Kili saw he had a smile on his face.

"She's fine." He bowed his head. Kili swallowed nervously.

"Can we see her?"

"She's sleeping now but yes…you may." Lord Elrond stepped back and Kili looked over at Fili. Fili nodded.

"I'll tell the others she's okay Kee."

Nodding Kili watched his brother walk down the corridor. Elrond cleared his throat and Kili gave a small nod. The elf stepped back and allowed him into the room. Unlike the infirmary back home this room held a single bed. In truth it was more like a bedroom than anything. As he saw the tiny figure of Fira in the huge bed Kili gripped the hairclip tightly in his hands.

"What…so she's alright?"

Elrond nodded, "The wound on her shoulder will take a while to heal but she'll make a full recovery. The wound on her face will leave a scar though."

Kili nodded dumbly as he stood by Fira's bedside. Her hair was spread out over the pillows and he gazed down at her face. A thin gash ran from just underneath her left eye and ended just above her chin. However as his eyes moved downwards he was filled with discomfort as he saw Fira had been stripped of her clothes and left in a very thin shift.

"Who undressed her?" He couldn't help the anger in his voice. The thought of elves gaping at Fira's body made his skin crawl. Elrond gave him a soft smile.

"Do not worry. One of our many female healers undressed her. I would not allow anything else."

Kili gave him a small nod in return. Elrond bowed before moving away. The second the elf was gone Kili took Fira's hand.

"I'm so sorry," he whispered, "I should have protected you and kept you safe."

Biting his lip he took one last look at the hairclip before placing it on a small table that sat by Fira's bed. Stepping back Kili wondered if he should stay a little longer. After all he had been desperate to see her. But now he was here he didn't know what to say to her. Everything he wanted to tell her. His feelings for her..? None of it was any good when she lay unconscious. Biting his lip Kili took her hand again and gazed at the scar on her face. Pressing his lips to her knuckles he then dropped her hand and began moving away.

She had to share his feelings. If she didn't…Kili didn't think he'd be able to take it.

So bit filler-ish but at least Fira and Kili are alright now. And is this Fili flirting with an elf now? Got a few reveals coming up in the next couple of chapters so stay tuned for those ones. Let me know what you think of this one though xxx