Big thanks to EQfan74 and RydderJ828 for following/favouriting.

Rachetg – We have such a long way to go before the ending so don't worry things will get better.

Celebrisilweth – I just felt that we always saw his mean side and it would make a nice change.

Nice Egan – It's more that she needed to keep it from getting infected and basically didn't. Yeah I do don't I…you should really know this by now! ;)

Apologies of Every Kind

Fili sighed as the others began packing up around him. According to Thorin, Fira had gone to fill up the water bottles half an hour ago. Biting his lip Fili glanced at his brother and he could tell Kili was doing everything and anything to stay calm. But Fili knew his brother had every right to be worried. It didn't take someone this long to get some water. He knew several other company members were starting to look worried. He sighed before turning to Thorin.

"Shouldn't one of us go and find her? Make sure she's alright?"

Thorin scowled, "I informed her when we started that she would get no special treatment because she is a girl."

"For heaven's sake Thorin!" Balin cried, "This isn't giving her any special treatment! The lad just wants to make sure she's alright."

Thorin paused before nodding at Mithiel.

"Very well, the elf can go and find her."

Fili clenched his fists at this. He knew why his uncle and several of the older dwarves hated elves. But he didn't understand why Thorin was extending this hatred to an elf who had nothing to do with Thranduils so called 'betrayal'. Sheathing his weapons he drew himself up to his full height.

"I'll go with her."

Mithiel raised an eyebrow at this and Fili could see his uncle shaking his head. However he had already started walking after the elf before any of the others could say anything.

"Well are you coming or not?"

Fili quickened his pace. Despite the fact that Mithiel was only a foot taller than him he still had to hurry to keep up with her. Even when they were side by side her head never glanced his way and Fili could feel himself blushing. Mithiel sighed.

"I was quite capable of going by myself. Or am I so untrustworthy that your uncle wishes me to be guarded at all times?"

Fili shook his head, "No I…I just wanted to stretch my legs for a bit. And I wanted to make sure nothing happened to you."

Mithiel snorted, "And you thought you would be my protector?"

Fili's face fell at these words. She had been spot on. Brushing himself down he narrowed his eyes.

"Are you always this cruel? Or are you doing this just because I'm a dwarf?"

She paused and turned to face him. At the guilt in her eyes Fili's face softened. Mithiel shook her head.

"I'm sorry…that one was uncalled for I know. I just…" she shook her head, "I don't know why I'm being so mean. Especially to you."

Fili gave her a small smile and Mithiel – after some hesitation – rubbed his shoulder.

"Could we maybe just start over?"

Fili beamed at her, "I'd like that very much."

To his surprise she blushed before turning and hurrying through the trees. Making sure not to lose sight of her Fili quickened his pace. When he heard her shouts his feet moved even faster.

"What is..? Oh no!"

He gaped at the unconscious figure of Fira. Mithiel ran a gentle hand over her body before placing it on the girls forehead.

"She's not wounded…but she's rife with a fever."

"We need to hurry back," Fili said as Mithiel picked the girl up. As the elf ran off he hurriedly grabbed the dropped water bottles.

He didn't want to see Kili's face when they brought Fira back.

Kili forced himself to take deep breaths. All around him he could tell the others were getting even more worried. Even Thorin seemed far more nervous. Kili shook his head. Fira would be fine. She had to be fine.

"Help!"

Kili's heart dropped as Mithiel called again.

"Help her!"

Dropping everything Kili sprinted over to where the elf was. At the lifeless figure of Fira in her arms Kili felt the ground swallow him up. He could hear the others gasping at the sight whilst Oin pushed his way through. As Fira was laid on the ground Kili knelt beside her and took her hand. He wanted Fili to be here. Oin nodded.

"She's got a fever, although I don't know…"

As he trailed off Kili was aware of his brother bursting from the trees and hurrying to his side. Oin began undoing the girls jacket and tunic and before anyone could say a word he pulled them off. Her chest was covered but Kili still blushed before his eyes landed on her shoulder.

"Oin?"

The healer nodded, "Aye I've seen it," he shook his head, "She should have told me."

Kili kissed Fira's knuckles, "Is it…is it that bad?"

Oin pulled out several bottles of tonic and salve, "If we don't hurry she's going to lose her arm."

Kili forced down the nausea in his throat. The others began dropping their things and re-setting up camp. But Kili paid heed to none of it. Instead he kissed Fira's burning forehead.

"I'm so sorry my love."

No one said anything as Oin worked. Kili's hand was soon going stiff from holding Fira's for so long; but nothing was going to make him let go. Nothing except the sight of her opening her eyes. Oin did his best to clean the wound before sighing.

"I need a knife or something."

Kili was dimly aware of Fili handing over one of his. As Oin gently heated the blade in the makeshift fire Kili glanced at Mithiel. To his surprise her face was white and she wasn't taking her eyes off Fira.

"Thank you," he forced his words out, "Thank you for finding her."

She nodded, "I should have known something was wrong"

Kili lowered his gaze. He had known something was wrong and yet he had done nothing. Rubbing Fira's pale cheek his whole body stiffened as Oin brought forward the knife. The very tip was glowing and Kili could smell the heat. He gave a small shake of the head and instinctively drew Fira towards him. Oin however placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Lad I meant it when I said she'll lose her arm if we don't hurry."

Shutting his eyes Kili nodded and relented his grip on Fira. Oin gently leaned over the girl and Kili forced himself to remain calm. Fira would be fine. Oin would be able to help her.

The healer pressed the hot tip of the blade against her shoulder and a look of pain shot across her face. Tightening his grip on her hand Kili pushed her hair from her face.

"It's alright my love. It's alright. It'll be over soon I promise."

He didn't know why he was bothering. She couldn't hear him; and even if she could chances are she didn't want to hear his voice. There was a small, sharp popping sound and when he risked a glanced down Kili saw white liquid seeping from the wounds on her shoulder. Oin dabbed at the skin with a satisfied smile.

"That should be all of it. Once I've bandaged her up there's nothing more to be done but try and keep her fever down."

Kili nodded as Oin rubbed a thick cream onto the wound. The healer said nothing as he re-bandaged her shoulder and only when he had finished did he start to speak.

"She's over worked herself. When she comes round she'll need complete rest until her arm is fully healed."

Kili nodded, well aware that several members of the company were shooting Thorin sharp glares. When he looked at his uncle he was happy to see the shame in Thorin's eyes.

"What do we do now?" Bilbo asked nervously. Oin finished packing up his things before shaking his head.

"I don't know. Thorin?"

Kili pulled Fira against him as he and everyone else looked over at Thorin. His uncle sighed.

"We need to keep moving."

"Can we not just camp here for a few hours?" Kili spat, "At least until she wakes?"

"We don't have the time Kili," Thorin rubbed his temples and when he looked again Kili wondered if his uncle had even been sleeping properly. But that was nothing compared to Fira's body in his arms.

"We can afford a few hours surely?"

"No Kili, we can't," Thorin sighed bitterly, "I meant to tell you all, but I didn't want to panic you. It turns out we don't have a long as we hoped to find the hidden entrance."

"What do you mean?" Fili asked. Thorin nodded.

"We have until Durin's day."

"Durin's day," Bilbo piped up, "What is that?"

"That start of the dwarvish new year, "Balin explained, "When the last moon of summer and the first moon of autumn appear in the sky together."

Bilbo was nodding and Kili gave a sad look at Fira. He didn't notice Thorin moving towards him until he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Kili I…believe me I don't wish to sound cruel. But I have no choice. We need to keep moving."

Kili nodded whilst Thorin got to his feet.

"We'll take it in turns to carry Fira."

"No," Kili hurriedly dressed her and scooped her into his arms - holding her close to his chest, "No we won't. I can take her."

He knew several of the others wanted to protest; but as he held Fira against him they simply nodded and began walking. Only Fili stayed behind and he picked up her pack with a sad smile.

"She'll be fine Kili."

Kili nodded, "I just want her to open her eyes. I just want her to know how sorry I am."

Fira's whole arm itched like mad. She could hear voices coming from above her but they all seemed to be blending into one. Someone pulled something over her and when she felt lips on her cheek she shook her head.

"Yes said she'd come round in a few hours?"

At Dwalin's voice Fira froze. She wanted to open her eyes, to open her mouth. But it was like her face had been stitched up tightly.

"It's been far longer than that Oin!"

Oin mumbled something whilst Fira could feel the itchiness start to vanish. Flexing her fingers she screwed up her eyes. She just wanted Kili. She wanted to find him and tell him she was sorry. That she had over-reacted.

"I think…her eyes are opening."

That wasn't Dwalin. Forcing her eyes open Fira couldn't stop her frightened gasp as Thorin loomed over her. He backed away and she blinked several times to see half of the company staring down at her. Rubbing her sore eyes Fira glanced around.

"What happened? Where are we?"

Kneeling beside her Oin placed a hand on her forehead whilst handing her a bottle of water.

"Drink this, slowly."

Nodding Fira steadily gulped down the water whilst her eyes scanned around her. She could see Thorin, Dwalin, Oin, Fili and Ori standing over her whilst the others were making camp. Mithiel and Bilbo were now moving her way and she could see no sign of Kili. Pushing the bottle away Fira sat up.

"What happened?"

"Ye shoulder was infected Fira," Oin sighed, "Ye collapsed a couple of days ago."

Fira's chest tightened before easing out again. A couple of days!

"Ye had a really bad fever," Oin rubbed her good arm before getting to his feet.

"Kili became a right nursemaid," he chuckled. Fira gave a small nod. How Kili could still wish to be near her after she'd been so horrible was a mystery. As the others began to move away Fira was aware of Fili moving to sit beside her.

"So I have Kili to thank then?"

He nodded seriously, "He carried you all this time – refused to let anyone else near you. When we camped he'd do whatever he could to bring your temperature down and forced endless bottles of tonic down your throat"

Fira drew her knees to her chest as if they could somehow cease the guilt that was building up inside.

"Where is he?"

Fili gestured behind her. Glancing round Fira saw the ground sloped upwards before going back down in a large hill shape and as her ears picked up the sound of running water she realised what Fili meant. Pushing the blanket off she grabbed her coat and got shakily to her feet. Fili gently grabbed her arm in concern.

"Maybe you should wait. Build your strength up a bit."

Fira shook her head as she pulled her coat on.

"Believe me Fili. This could never wait."

Letting him think on that Fira turned and half jogged, half stumbled towards when Kili was. Having scrambled up she glanced over to see a small figure sitting by the river. The ground was covered in loose stones and chippings and as she began trying to walk down Fira realised her whole body was starting to slide. Biting her lip she let go and allowed herself to fall down until she landed in a small heap. Brushing the dirt from her clothes Fira realised Kili hadn't so much as turned his head. Clearing her throat she walked towards him. When he still didn't move she rolled her eyes.

"Good morning to you to."

He jumped before spinning round. Fira – unsure of how she was meant to react – found herself standing awkwardly as Kili got to his feet.

"You…you're awake!"

Fira glanced down at herself, "Am I? I hadn't noticed."

She'd meant it as a joke – her way of trying to lighten the situation. But instead Kili gave a small nod and say back down.

"I guess you came here to yell at me. Well go ahead. I won't stop you."

Fira sighed before bringing out the letter in her coat pocket. Kili's huge brown eyes never left her face and it was all she could do to remain where she was and not run over and kiss him.

"Had this been a few days ago nothing would have stopped me yelling," she said quietly, "You were just going to leave me somewhere I didn't know without saying goodbye."

"Fira I…" Kili shook his head, "No, I said I wouldn't stop you. Go on."

Fira nodded, "But… now I can't. I'm still angry at you. Bloody hell Kili I'm furious. But I just…I just want you to explain yourself first."

Kili nodded, "Fira I just wanted to keep you safe. You have to believe me on that."

"I do."

"There wasn't any time to talk to you or Thorin or anyone else about it. We were leaving that morning and I just thought that as long as you were someplace safe then that was all that mattered. I could live with you hating me," he looked her in the eye, "But I could never live knowing I'd let you get yourself hurt or even killed."

He sighed, "I'm sorry for hurting you. To see what you did to yourself because of me," he sighed.

"If you no longer think me worthy of being your One then…then I would understand."

"Worthy? Kili what Valar's name are you talking about?"

He chewed his bottom lip, "I hurt you. I deceived you and betrayed you. The idea of being your One means I would be better than that. I would cherish you and take care of you. If I dwarf isn't worthy of being a person's One then they leave – often in shame," he added quietly, "If you believe that of me then I accept it."

"Why are you lot always so bloody melodramatic?" Fira sighed, "Kili I am in love with you! Do you not yet get that? I will always love you until the day I die! There is nothing you can do or say to me that is ever going to change that. Please don't ever think you aren't worthy of me Kili. You are far more than I will ever deserve I can promise you that right now. You didn't hurt me – well you did but it's not like the world will stop because of it. Kili you have looked after me since we first met; if there is anyone who believes you aren't worthy of being my One then they must be out of their minds."

Fira took a deep breath as she watched her words sink into Kili. He glanced at her nervously and Fira smiled warmly.

"I love you."

Kili didn't say anything. Instead he strode towards her and pulled her against his body. As his lips captured hers Fira could feel herself melting against his toned body. She pressed her hands against Kili's chest whilst her lips pressed furious kisses on his face. Kili's hands moved towards her coat, gently easing it off her shoulder. Fira pulled him close so his chest rubbed against hers. Kili's trembling hands hurried to undo her jacket. But it was only when his hands slipped underneath her shirt did Fira pull away.

"Kili."

He pressed another kiss on her lips and she could feel his hands moving up towards her breasts.

"Kili wait."

Blinking he moved away and Fira licked her lips nervously. Kili's hands were now frozen on her stomach. As expected his face turned bright red.

"I…oh Mahal I'm sorry," he eased his hands out from under her shirt and Fira did her jacket back up. Kili shook his head.

"I'm so sorry. I don't know what got into me," he sighed, "I haven't been able to touch you for weeks! It was just building up inside of me. I needed to hold you, to kiss you," he cupped her face.

"I needed you."

Fira pushed Kili's hair from his face, "It's okay my love. I just…I want to wait until the time is right."

Kili's blush got even brighter, "Fira I wasn't," he lowered his voice, "I wasn't planning on sleeping with you!"

"Oh," Fira gave a relieved smile whilst Kili cleared his throat.

"I meant…I mean I do want to…one day…" he gave a small groan and Fira pulled him close.

"So do I. But you'll be my first, and my only I hope. I want it to be special."

Kili frowned, "So you never…I mean you're still..?"

Fira nodded, trying to stifle her laugh. For a man who had practically ripped her clothes off only minutes ago Kili could be incredibly prim sometimes. She nodded.

"Yes I'm still a virgin…do you mind?"

Kili shook his head and pulled her close.

"I'm glad I'll be your first," he whispered, "But even so, I find it hard to believe no one back where you came from wanted to court you."

Fira shrugged, "Bit hard when you're a half breed."

She would have said more but Kili stopped her with a kiss.

As they arrived back at the camp Fira noticed the others were all standing round ready to go. Kili pulled her close and when she sneaked a glance at the company Fira saw huge smiles on their faces.

"You made up I see?" Fili grinned. Fira nodded with a smile. However, as Thorin began moving towards her the smile vanished. Kili kissed her cheek before easing her behind him.

"Kili," Thorin sighed, "I just wish to speak to her."

Fira watched as Kili drew himself up to his full height.

"I don't think that's a good idea uncle."

"I'm not going to hurt her," Thorin glanced at Fira and at the guilt in his eyes she was shocked. The dwarf king gave her a weak smile.

"Just…just let me speak to her."

Kili shook his head but Fira slipped from behind him to face Thorin.

"It's fine. Just give him a chance."

Nodding Kili moved away whilst Thorin wrung his hands slightly.

"Fira…I want to apologise for how I have treated you. I often don't have much control over my temper and I allowed it to determine how you were treated since we left Rivendell. I admit I was furious at you for hiding this, but I see now why you did it and I don't hold any blame to you for doing so."

Thorin then glanced at Kili before moving back to Fira.

"I also said some…unsavoury things about you when I heard about your courtship and I wish with all my heart I could take those words back. You and Kili couldn't be more deserving of each other and you have both my approval and my blessing."

"Thank you uncle," Kili whispered and Fira took his outstretched hand. Smiling at Thorin she nodded.

"I forgive you," she winked, "uncle."

Kili snorted whilst Thorin gave a good natured shake of the head. As the others began picking up their packs Fira allowed Kili to draw her close.

"I wasn't expecting that," he whispered. She nodded.

"Me neither."

Kili kissed her on the nose, "Whatever happens from now on, I want you to know I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe."

Fira gripped his hand tightly, "Same here."

Both jumped as Fili whistled at them.

"If you two could maybe stop staring into each other's eyes that would be nice. I'd hate to see you trip up on this journey."

Kili blushed whilst Fira simply grabbed her pack and pulled him along to join the others. She had never felt so happy in all her life.

So why did she get the feeling it wasn't going to last.

Bit busy wasn't it? But at least everyone is happy again! Plus bit more Fili/Mithiel time! Looking forward to seeing how that develops. And Thorin realised how much of an arse he had been so everything is getting better…if only it was going to last! Let me know what you all think xxx