Big thanks to Ec1aire, sal0006, thatredheadedchick and The View From Up Here for following/favouriting.

Rachetg – Yeah he's going to play a fairly key role in the next few chapters. No Gandalf isn't with them…yet.

Celebrisilweth – Glad you like it. Was worried it would all be a bit too OC but people seem to be happy.

Nice Egan – Trust me…you won't be forgetting him in a hurry. And Kili is just the cutest, sweetest thing ever!

A Traitor in the Midst

Leaning against the wall Fira knew she should be keeping her eyes on the entrance to the cave – but she couldn't help herself. Every few minutes she found herself sneaking glances at Kili. He had curled himself into a small ball before flipping onto his back and flinging his arms out. Then turning back onto his side again. Brushing the tears from her eyes Fira took several deep breaths.

Sol was here.

She didn't know where exactly, but that dragon couldn't have been anyone else. All of her weapons were at the ready should he try and attack her now. And given he had to be spying on them Fira had very little doubt that he knew she was on watch alone right now.

"Fira?"

Within seconds a knife was out. But as the figure of Mithiel came into view Fira sheathed her weapon with a sheepish smile. The elf frowned.

"Are you alright? You've been ever so jumpy since Rivendell."

"We do have orcs chasing us," Fira said. Mithiel nodded and sat down beside her.

"Get some sleep," she whispered, "I'm up so I might as well start my watch now."

Fira nodded – sleep sounded like an excellent idea. But she couldn't bring herself to do it. If she shut her eyes she was completely vulnerable.

"I would but there's one problem."

"Oh?" Mithiel raised her eyebrows and Fira nodded at Kili.

"I daren't lie down until I know I'm not going to get hit in the face."

Mithiel snorted, "I've never seen someone fidget so much. Even Fili isn't as bad."

She blushed and Fira couldn't help her grin.

"You would know this how?"

"Well…" Mithiel tugged on the end of her hair, "I might have watched him sometimes when I was on my watch."

Fira opened her mouth but the elf shook her head.

"Not like that."

Fira gave an innocent shrug, "So then...about Fili."

"What about him?"

"Well you obviously like him."

Mithiel sighed, "It's…complicated. He's a friend. One of the best I've ever had," she sighed, "Back in Rivendell I wasn't exactly…well treated."

"Because you're half human?" Fira asked. When Mithiel frowned she rubbed her shoulder.

"You're too short to be a full elf. It's not exactly hard to work out."

Mithiel nodded, "Fair enough. And no, well not always. After all Lord Elrond himself is a half elf. But it was because I was the product of an affair. My mother couldn't have children and it upset my father a lot. He bedded some whore one night and she came to Rivendell with me in her arms."

Mithiel ran a hand through her hair, "My mother didn't care…well she did but she still loved me like I was her own. I always knew she wasn't my mother, they made no attempt to hide it. But in our culture it's looked down on to be unfaithful. I mean it is in most cultures but we're far stricter. My father was banished from Rivendell and I was only allowed to stay because my mother was a close friend of Lord Elrond's and he allowed her to keep me."

Fira blinked back her tears, "My mother seemed able to cope at first. Even when the others treated me as an outcast she didn't mind. But one day something changed inside of her. She hated me. She blamed me for my fathers banishment – saying if I had never been brought here she'd still have her husband. She'd take her anger out on me, hitting me, insulting me, once when she was having one of her really bad episodes she even starved me for just under two days. She was eventually found out and they tried to look after her but she just retreated into a shell. I even tried to forgive her but when I went to see her she tried to strangle me. In the end I just stayed away from her. Tried to pretend she didn't exist. I was still a child when all of this happened."

Fira gently put an arm around Mithiel's shoulder and the elf smiled weakly.

"You're the only one here who knows this."

"Not even Fili?"

The question was innocent enough but Mithiel began shaking her head in horror.

"No. No I could never tell him!"

"Why..?"

"Because…because I don't want to ruin our friendship over this. It doesn't make any difference and I don't want him looking down on me."

"I know how you feel. I thought Kili would despise me once he found out I was part Dragonborn. But he seems to love me more because of it," Fira took the elf's hand, "If Fili truly cares for you your past won't make a difference."

Mithiel laughed quietly, "I don't think he cares about me. Not in the way you think anyway."

Fira shrugged, "You never know. Why else would he constantly stare at you when you aren't looking."

Mithiel didn't answer and Fira opened her mouth when the same burning pain hit her in the head again.

"Times up Fira."

Glancing up Fira's eyes fell on the main tunnel that led from the cave. Getting to her feet she ignored Mithiel's calls.

"I thought I saw something. Won't be long."

Kneeling beside Kili she gently stroked his face and kissed his forehead.

"I have always loved you," her lips brushed against his ear and he mumbled something in his sleep. Turning round Fira took one last look at the company with a sad smile. However her smile brightened when she saw the form of Fili sitting up on his side and gazing at Mithiel who hadn't yet noticed him. Fira knew straight away that he had heard every word. Straightening up Fira turned her back on the others and hurried down the tunnel.

As Fira walked she wondered if she had just imagined it all. She had been going for a good fifteen minutes and found nothing. She knew the tunnel would come to an end at some point. With one hand hovering over her sword hilt Fira drew out her sharpest knife. If Sol really was here he was going to be met with a fight.

"Tick, tock, Fira."

Forcing herself to remain calm Fira stopped walking and glanced from side to side.

"Too much of a coward to face me are you?"

Baiting him was risky. Sol was already furious at her and this was hardly going to help. But just as she had predicted his tall form came from the shadows up ahead and Fira forced herself to stop shaking.

"Bit cheap that trick on the mountain pass. I always thought you liked to beat women face to face."

He didn't answer and instead moved towards her. Fira gripped her knife and held it up. He stopped and cocked his head to one side.

"Really. That's all you have? How very…boring."

Fira gasped as he lunged at her; knocking her into the wall Sol then grabbed her knife arm and smashed it against the rocks until she let go. He then grabbed her shoulders and threw her to the floor - kicking her onto her back. Fira gasped as his dragon eyes manifested. Shaking her head she forced herself to her feet.

"Just get on with it Sol. Take me back. Even you can't afford to keep Tharos waiting."

He nodded, "I was told to bring you back alive or dead. And even though Tharos is desperate to kill you himself I don't think he'd mind too much if I came back with your head."

Fira gulped. She had been hoping that Sol would have to take her back to Tharos alive. At least that way she had a fair chance of escaping. However Sol grabbed her neck and pushed her up against the wall.

"Then again…one never likes to assume with him. And to be honest, as long as you die I really don't care."

He let her go and Fira rubbed her neck.

"Well if you are going to take me don't think for one moment I'm going to go willingly."

Sol gave a small chuckle and for split second Fira realised he was proud of her.

"I didn't expect anything less."

Fira opened her mouth when Sols fist slammed into her face. He then grabbed her by the collar of her jacket and flung her onto the floor, kicking her in the stomach. Lashing out Fira caught his ankle before sitting up and punching the back of his knees. He growled at her before striking her around the face – leaving several scratches. As his knee hit her chest Fira doubled up. Sol planted his boot on her stomach as she rolled over.

"You know of my gift. You know I can talk to you inside your head. You know I can cause your body the most excruciating pain. But there's something else I can do that you don't know. I can show you things, I can twist and warp your mind until it burns."

"What is this? A bloody competition?"

Sol shrugged, "Hardly. You can communicate with animals. Not exactly a threat are you."

"I would be if you were a dragon."

He pressed down and Fira gasped as her ribs began to crack. She could feel the bruises swelling on her face and blood dripped down from a cut on her temple. Sol knelt down and placed a hand on her forehead. Fira gasped as a huge wall of power slammed into her head. Kicking out she couldn't help her scream as Sol wormed his way through her until she was sure he would melt her brain. As darkness began to cloud her vision she could feel the force of his power slowly relenting. He grabbed her neck.

"I can spare you Fira. Say the word and I'll end it for you now."

Crawling to her knees Fira couldn't help but consider the offer. She wasn't getting out of this alive that much was certain. Glancing at Sol she sighed.

"How?"

"Tharos will require your head; that is unavoidable. But I can kill you first before having to do something so…unfortunate."

Fira rubbed her neck nervously before nodding.

"Very well."

Sol smiled and Fira watched as he pulled on a pair of leather gloves.

"You brought this on yourself Fira. Always remember that."

Fira had no time to nod as Sol grabbed her neck and began to throttle her. Her head fell back on the ground as he knelt over her. Out of instinct she tried to pull his hands away but his grip was unrelenting. Forcing out a harsh cough Fira could feel her eyes flickering as darkness began to close in.

The last thing she heard was Kili screaming.

One minute Kili was in a deep sleep, the next an unrelenting force was shoving him awake. Whoever it was they didn't seem to understand that he needed his sleep. As the person kept pushing shaking him he forced his eyes open and stared at Mithiel.

"I've already done my watch," he mumbled, aiming to turn over and go back to sleep. However the elf shook her head.

"It's Fira."

Kili couldn't get up quick enough. Glancing around he realised she wasn't anywhere to be seen. Fili was already up with his weapons at the ready along with Dwalin. Kili bit his lip as she saw the others were asleep. Shaking his head he got to his feet and hurriedly sheathed his weapons before turning on Mithiel.

"Where did she go?"

The elf shrugged, "She said she'd heard something and was going to look. I was about to go when I heard her scream."

Kili could feel himself shaking, "And you didn't think to go after her?"

Mithiel folded her arms, "Next time she's in danger I'll let you sleep shall I?"

Kili opened his mouth when Dwalin shook his head.

"Let's not start anything. Where did she go?"

Down there."

Kili didn't even bother to wait for the others. Pushing past Mithiel he sprinted down the tunnel, ears aching to hear any sign of Fira. His heart was ready to burst when he slowed to a walk and turned around the corner.

"NO!"

Fira lay unmoving on the ground. Blood and bruises covered her face and at the sight of the huge figure leaning over her Kili was already reaching for his bow. The figure had their hands around Fira's neck and Kili knew he didn't have long. Taking aim he watched as his arrow hit the person in their arm. They gasped and moved away from Fira. Kili gulped however as the figure turned on him. As he saw a set of dragon eyes he heard several gasps from the others behind him. Fili stood by his side whilst Dwalin drew his axe. Kili fitted another arrow to his bow.

"Step away from her. Slowly," he growled. The figure nodded before backing away. Keeping his aim Kili inched towards him, trying to see where his chest was in the dark. However before he could breathe the figure vanished into the darkness.

"After him!" Kili barked as he hurried towards Fira. With a nod Dwalin and Fili headed off down the tunnel whilst Kili gently rubbed Fira's face. Her lips were a dark grey and even in the low light he could see she wasn't breathing. Dropping his bow he pulled her into his lap.

"Please don't leave me. Please don't leave.

He felt a hand on his arm and glanced up to see Mithiel.

"Put her on the ground and compress her chest. With any luck it'll get her heart going again."

Nodding Kili placed both hands on Fira's chest and began pushing down with all of his strength. He couldn't push the sight of her lifeless body from his eyes and as her cheeks began to get more colour in them he kept on pushing. He could hear Fili and Dwalin behind him.

"He's gone," Dwalin spat, "He must know these tunnels like the back of his hand."

Kili went to answer when Fira coughed harshly and her eyes flickered open. Kili sat back and pulled her against him. She grabbed at his tunic.

"Kili?"

He pressed a kiss to her forehead, "It's alright my love. I'm here."

Fira allowed Kili to carry her back to the others – all the while her heart pounding. She knew he would have questions and she knew when she answered them that would be it. As Kili sat her down Oin was quick to begin treating her wounds. Even though he was saying nothing Fira could see how much Kili was shaking as he sat down beside her. Taking his hand she gave it a comforting squeeze.

"Kili I'm fine."

"But you weren't," he whispered, "You weren't breathing. I thought I was going to lose you."

He pressed his forehead against hers, "If anything happens to you I wouldn't be able to live with myself."

Fira didn't answer and instead waited until Oin had cleaned up the blood before she saw Thorin kneeling before her.

"The man who attacked you. Did you get a good look at him?"

Fira bit her lip before taking her hand from Kili's and getting to her feet. Ignoring everyone's stares she sighed.

"No…but I didn't need to. I know who he is."

The gasps weren't a surprise and Fira nodded tearfully.

"I need to tell you all something. But when I do I don't want any interruptions. You have to promise me."

"Fira what is it?" Kili asked. Fira rolled her eyes.

"Promise me!"

As everyone nodded she held her hands together.

"When I said I was exiled for killing the kings son that was all true. But what I never said – what I should have said back in Rivendell – was that the king told me to join this company. He said…he said I could live…if I killed you."

She glanced at Thorin, aware of the colour draining from his face.

"I agreed, anything to let me live for a bit longer. The man who attacked me just now – Sol – is one of my kind. Tharos sent him to make sure I carried out my task," she turned to Kili, "Remember when you saw those bruises on me in Bree and in the forest?"

He nodded.

"They were from Sol. No one tried to rape me. He beat me because I said I wasn't a killer. I said I wasn't going to do it. I decided before I even met you all that I couldn't kill you. And then, when I did meet you and…and we became friends and…" she sighed at Kili, "I knew I needed to tell you. Only I didn't know how. I think Gandalf wanted me to tell you in Rivendell but I just couldn't."

"Gandalf knew about this?" Thorin hissed. Fira nodded.

"After the dragon attack. The one caused by Sol. He knew and promised not to tell you."

Nodding Fira did her best to ignore Kili's helpless and confused glance. She only had eyes for Thorin who was glaring at her.

"You were sent here as an assassin. To kill us all. Why?"

Fira shook her head, "I don't know! Tharos said something about an ally of his wanting the mountain. I don't know who he meant. But I was never going to do it. You have to believe me. I just…I didn't want to die."

Thorin sighed, "Yet you lied to us. You betrayed us."

Fira nodded, "I know."

Facing the king she was taken aback by the sadness in his eyes.

"I have no choice," he raised his voice, "Fira I hereby banish you from this company and from any dwarven kingdom ruled over either me or my kin."

"Uncle no!" Kili ran forward when Dwalin pulled him back. Fira blinked back her tears as Thorin ignored his nephew.

"Should you break this banishment it will be on pain of death."

Fira nodded as Kili broke free from Dwalin and stood between her and Thorin.

"If you banish her then you have to banish me."

"Kili shut up," Fira hissed. However he ignored her.

"I meant what I said in Rivendell. I won't leave her."

"Kili stop," pulling him round to face her Fira tried to ignore the tears building in his eyes.

"This is where you belong. Not with me."

"Fira…"

She shook her head before looking at the others.

"Don't let him follow me."

They nodded and at their sad faces Fira realised none of them were happy about Thorins decision. She pushed Kili towards him, trying to ignore his cries. Tear ran down her face and only Bilbos' words made any sense in her head.

"Everyone. Everyone look!"

At his voice everyone turned. Bilbo was holding out his sword and Fira gasped as the blade was glowing bright blue. Thorin glanced at the hobbit before looking at everyone else.

"We need to get out of here. Now!"

No one dared hesitate. All around her the others were grabbing their things whilst Fira was trying not to be sick. She slung her pack onto her back and made for the cave exit when she heard an ominous groaning sound. Looking down she saw thin lines appearing in the sandy floor. Someone grabbed her hand as the ground gave way.

So there we have it, they now know the truth! This should make the next few chapters incredibly interesting. Hope no one really minds me straying slightly from the storyline with regards to Bilbo – I just never found it believable that he would just leave them like that. Let me all know what you think xxx