Big thanks to The Angel's Devil, boompje, hungergamespeetalover, cheymon, Still A Lover Of Franchises for following/favouriting.

Nice Egan – Looks like Kili has some competition in the protectiveness. I have a feeling Thorin will be hiding that small fact…unless he no longer wants his arms! No I'm the same I like to visualise it all. It's basically like Kili's but a bit lighter and longer…and neater lols.

Farewell to Sanctuary

True to Thorin's word the company spent a few days living at Beorns. Even though it was clear the giant didn't like having dwarves in his house he did everything he could to be a good host. As Thorin, Balin and Gandalf discussed further plans of the quest the others were left to their own devices. For Fira that meant spending as much time as possible with Kili. She had no idea when they would next have a chance to relax and she wanted to take advantage of this. Which was why she and Kili were lying in the hay at the back of the house whilst the others were all outside sparring. Kili wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her against him.

"How are you feeling?"

Fira nodded with a small smile. However she couldn't bring it to meet her eyes. She had still hurt Kili and the others. They might have forgiven her but she hadn't forgiven herself. Not yet.

"Fira? What is it my love?"

Fira sighed, gently running her finger along Kili's chest.

"I don't understand how any of you can even look at me?"

Kili frowned at her, "I don't understand?"

"I hurt you. I betrayed you!" Fira clenched her fists, "You're not supposed to hurt the person you love."

Kili turned into his side and gently cupped her face with his hand.

"Fira…you haven't betrayed me. You haven't hurt me. I was never angry at you for what you were told to do. You had no choice in the matter," he held up his hand, "I know that you technically did. But given it was either life or death I'd say you didn't have much of one. We aren't going to punish you for wanting to live."

Fira nodded and she could see Kili's face inching closer to hers.

"Please don't hate yourself for this my love. The idea of you punishing yourself is the stuff of nightmares for me."

Fira gave a small nod as Kili captured her lips with his. Pulling herself so she was closer to him Fira clutched at his tunic. She could feel Kili rolling so she was on her back and he was lying on top of her. Opening her eyes she pressed kisses to his face as her hands slid underneath his tunic.

"Do you..?" she couldn't help her gasps. The idea of Kili's body touching hers sent heat flooding her whole system.

"Do you think we should do this? The others are right outside!"

Kili winked at her as he gently pushed her tunic up.

"They won't be in for hours yet."

Nodding Fira kissed Kili's mouth greedily and wrapped her legs around his. Moans emitted from the back of Kili's throat as his mouth moved down her neck and past her shoulders.

"I've been in love with you from the moment I first saw you," Kili mumbled; his lips pressed against her neck. His hands cupped her waist and Fira unlaced the top of his tunic and pressed her lips to his chest. Kili gazed at her.

"I will never be able to tell you just how much I am in love with you. You are my whole world and…"

He trailed off with a blush.

"And I swear to you that I won't ever let you go."

Fira would have replied but as Kili pressed his lips against hers she ran her fingers through his hair.

"I think I left it over…KILI WHAT ARE YOU DOING?"

Opening her eyes with a small cry Fira gulped before glancing over at Kili. His face was on fire and the pair of them couldn't move quickly enough. Hurriedly pulling her tunic down Fira smoothed down her hair whilst Kili did the same. Allowing him to pull her to her feet her mouth dropped when she saw the figure of Fili standing in the doorway. Fira gave Kili's hand a gentle squeeze as Fili strode towards them.

"What in Durin's name were you doing to the poor girl?"

With a relief Fira realised Fili wasn't angry or even upset. Instead he winked at the pair of them.

"Bloody hell Kee! I thought we were staying here so Fira could get better!"

Glancing up at Kili, Fira saw his face was bright red.

"We were just hugging," he mumbled. Fili sighed.

"Is that what you call it?" He narrowed his eyes, "Seriously Kee, Fira's exhausted."

Fira opened her mouth to correct Fili before shutting it again. Yes she was tired. Even though he had more energy than before; her…actions with Kili had taken a lot out of her. Glancing over at Kili she saw him looking at her guiltily.

"I didn't know," he shook his head before taking her hand, "You should have said."

Fira shrugged, "I'm stubborn Kili. You know that."

He nodded gravely before taking her hand.

"Let's get you outside."

Nodding Fira leant against him as they followed Fili towards the door. Just before they reached it however Kili pulled his brother back.

"Fee…don't tell the others about that. Especially Beorn."

Fili tapped his nose with a wink as the three of them went outside. As the bright sun hit her face Fira held a hand up to shield her eyes. As they neared the others however she realised her face was on fire. The entire company were giving her and Kili knowing looks and grins.

"So then…did Fili interrupt ye at all lass?" Bofur winked. Fira shook her head; well aware that Beorn was sending Kili a sharp glare.

"That's for me to know and you to find out Bofur."

The dwarves closest to Bofur laughed at this. However, as Thorin stepped up everyone feel silent.

"You seem to be doing better Fira."

Nodding Fira sighed; knowing what Thorin would be hinting at. Sure enough the king glanced over at Beorn.

"You will only need to put up with us for one more night. Tomorrow we will begin travelling."

He then glanced at Kili who gave a small nod. Fira sighed. She didn't want to leave Beorns. She had no idea when she would see him again – assuming she ever did. Kili gave her a brief smile before Fili called him over to spar. Sitting down on the grass with the others Fira was aware of Beorn sitting beside her. He took her hand.

"I'm going to miss you little fawn."

Fira nodded, "I'll miss you to," she bit her lip, "Stay safe for me."

Beorn knew what she was referring to and he nodded.

"Don't worry. I've learnt my lesson," he smiled down at her.

"When will I see you again?"

Fira shook her head, "I don't know."

Kili grunted as his and Fili's blades clashed mid - air. Moving away he feinted left before lunging at his brother who dodged with ease. As they fought Kili knew Thorin would be watching them both very carefully and he forced himself not to let that thought dwell too much. This was just him and Fili sparring like they always did. Blocking a blow from Fili Kili jumped over his brothers blade and landed on Fili's unprotected side – landing his own blow. Fili grinned before whacking Kili on the leg good naturedly. Kili swung his blade and missed Fili's face by inches. He was ready for another blow when Thorin called them to a halt.

"That's enough. It's time we had something to eat."

All around him the others were packing up their weapons and heading inside. Kili brushed himself down as Fili smiled at him.

"Not bad Kee," he nodded approvingly, "Even when you're distracted you still put up a fight."

"Distracted?"

Fili winked, "Don't play dumb Kili. I saw your eyes land on Fira at every opportunity they got!"

"Yes," Kili shook his head, "Because you never did that with Mithiel."

Fili gulped and Kili nodded, "Fee I know you like her. Why not tell her?"

"Because..?" Fili shrugged, "Because I'm terrified I'll get it wrong. That she only sees me as a friend. I don't think I could bear being rejected by her."

Kili opened his mouth to say something comforting when Fira's laugh drew him away. He looked over to see Beorn whispering something in her ear. She doubled up with laughter and Kili was shocked at the feeling in his chest. A horrible prickly feeling.

"Kee?"

"They're very…friendly," he forced his mouth to work. Fili nodded.

"Given how long they've known each other for I'm not surprised."

Kili nodded, "I know but he…he seems to be really friendly with her."

Fili glanced at Fira and Beorn before glancing at Kili again. He then gave a small snort.

"Kee you aren't…you aren't jealous of Beorn are you?"

Shaking his head Kili then nodded.

"I don't know!"

Fili rubbed his back, "Kili, Fira is in love with you. No one else will ever come close that I can assure you."

He then chucked Kili his sword, "Now come on and get some food."

Fira realised she was to last to arrive when she got inside. As Beorn began getting some food out she hurried over to where Fili and Kili sat. As he saw her Kili's eyes lit up and he slid across the bench to give her some room. Squeezing his hand under the table Fira realised that she wasn't the only one who didn't want to leave. Several of the others had distinctly gloomy looks about them. As Beorn handed out mugs of milk she leant against Kili. Beorn placed his jug of milk back on the table and glanced around.

"I never asked – maybe I should have – why is Azog the defiler hunting you?"

The company all stared at Beorn in shock. Only Gandalf's face remained the same,

"You know of Azog?" Thorin asked, "How?"

Fira gave Beorn a comforting smile as he spoke.

"My people were the first to live in the mountains - before the orcs came down from the North. The defiler killed most of my family. But some he enslaved. Not for work you understand, but for sport. Caging skin changers and torturing them seemed to amuse him,"

Fira licked her lips as Beorn turned his gaze on her.

"I would have died if it hadn't been for Fira."

Ignoring the startled glances Fira locked eyes with Beorn.

"You saved my life that day in the forest. It was the least I could do for you."

"Hang on," Bofur said, "That's it? Ye won't tell us what happened?"

Fira sighed, "Nothing really. I came here to find it empty. After some searching I realised Azog had taken him to Dol Guldur. By the time I arrived I knew I was just in time. I could hear his screams…and then…when I saw him…"

Blinking back her tears she smiled at the company.

"Those orcs weren't expecting to see a dragon I can tell you. A couple of orcs escaped but the others were all killed. I then took him home and nursed him back to health."

Kili smiled at her, "I always knew you were brave."

Blushing Fira nodded at Beorn who blinked back his tears. Bilbo cleared his throat.

"There are others like you?" Beorn turned to look at Bilbo and he sighed sadly,

"Once there were many,"

"And now?" the rest of the dwarves looked uncomfortably at each other and Beorn turned to the hobbit,

"Now there is only one,"

A soft silence fell on the room and Fira noticed everyone looking at Beorn with sympathy in their eyes. It was the same look they had given to her when they found out what had happened to her own family. Gently shaking his head Beorn turned back to Thorin,

"You need to reach the mountain before the last days of autumn?"

Thorin stared at Gandalf who merely winked at him, "Before Durin's day falls, yes," the wizard took a pipe from his robe and lit it.

"You are running out of time," Beorn observed and Gandalf sighed,

"This is why we must go through Mirkwood,"

Fira heard a gasp and she glanced over at Mithiel. Why she would be bothered about that place was beyond her. Beorn narrowed his eyes.

"A darkness lies upon that forest. Foul things creep beneath those trees. There is an alliance with the orcs of Moria," Fira heard Thorin mutter a curse at those words, "and the Necromancer in Dol Guldur. I would not venture there except in great need," Beorn looked around him as the dwarf's shared nervous glances. Gandalf took his pipe from his mouth,

"Which is why we will take the elven road. That path is still safe," he ignored the cold look Thorin shot his way. Beorn snorted,

"Safe? The Wood Elves of Mirkwood are not like their kin. They're less wise and more dangerous. But it matters not,"

"Why is that?" Thorin asked darkly. Beorn glared at Thorin as he slowly moved around the table,

"These lands are crawling with orcs. Their numbers are growing, and you are on foot. You will never reach the forest alive," his hand caressed a small white mouse and the company held their breath as he picked it up in his huge paw,

"You know I don't like dwarves. They're greedy and blind, blind to the lives of those they deem lesser than their own,"

Fira could feel the anger rising from the company. However, the skin changer fixed Thorin with a small smile,

"But orcs I hate more. What is it you need?"

As Gandalf and Thorin began to talk more with Beorn the rest of the company got down from the table and began to talk amongst themselves. Fira frowned as Mithiel moved towards a small corner of the house. The elf's legs were shaking like mad and despite her small height it didn't take Fira long to catch up with her.

"Mithiel? What's wrong?"

Mithiel forced a small onto her face.

"It's nothing. You'll think me an idiot."

"No," Fira rubbed her arms soothingly, "No I won't. What is it?"

"There was a rumour that Mirkwood is now home to giant spiders. Monsters from Dol Guldur. I thought nothing of it; I mean I was never going to be going there. But now..?" She shook her head, "Fira I can't go into that forest. Not if…if those things really are there!"

Fira gave an understanding nod. She understood Mithiel's fear well enough. Taking the elf's hands she smiled.

"Listen to me. We'll be fine. If we stick to the path nothing will hurt us. Besides you're with a group of people who will look after you and protect you," Fira then winked, "One member in particular will do anything to keep you safe."

Mithiel went to reply when Fira turned to see Fili standing there awkwardly.

"I err…I overheard some of what you were saying just now…" he shuffled his feet and Fira could see how nervous he was.

"I just wanted to say that…that I won't let anything touch you. I'll…I'll protect you with my body until the very end."

And with that he turned and hurried off. Fira didn't dare say anything and instead looked over at Mithiel who seemed to be in a state of shock.

"Did he..?" She couldn't finish. Fira nodded.

"Yes I think he did," she linked arms with the elf, "Come on, let's get some rest. I imagine it'll be another early start tomorrow."

An early start it was.

Beorn was there to see them off and Fira wasn't ashamed of the tears that fell as she gave him one last hug. Kili wrapped his arm around her waist comfortingly as she clambered back onto the pony she was sharing with him. As they rode away she leant against him and he nuzzled her ear.

"Just like old times," he mumbled. Fira raised an eyebrow.

"I don't remember you doing any of this before Rivendell!"

Kili blushed, "Well no…but I wanted to."

Fira giggled at this and kissed his hand.

"Why do get this feeling Mirkwood isn't going to be a nice place."

Kili bit his lip, "I've got that same feeling as well my love."

It took them a whole morning to reach Mirkwood. As they arrived Fira glanced over at Mithiel who was starting to shake slightly. She was sharing a pony with Fili and he gave her a fierce hug. Gandalf ushered his ride forward and Fira cast a look at Bilbo who licked his lips

"This forest fells sick," Bilbo said sharply. Dwalin nodded.

"As if a disease lies upon it."

Fili sighed before turning to Gandalf, "Is there no way round?"

"Not unless we go two hundred miles north, or twice that distance south," Gandalf said sadly. He jumped down from his horse and moved towards the entrance of the forest,

"Set the horses loose. Let them return to their master,"

Fira watched as Kili dismounted. She was quite happy to get down by herself; but she knew he wanted to help her. He wasn't trying to be patronising, he was just being Kili. And she had been stabbed with a Morgul blade recently as well. Sliding into his arms Fira gave him a quick kiss on the corner of his mouth. As she looked over at the dwarves Fira could see none of them were happy about having to do this. She saw Fili squeeze Mithiel's' hands with a grim expressions on his face.

"Can we not go another way?" Kili asked, a touch of worry in his voice. Fira shook her head,

"If Durin's day wasn't so near…I think we would take another path,"

She looked up to see Gandalf looking at one of the trees that lay at the very start of Mirkwood. He gazed at his thoughtfully before his face clouded over and he strode back to the others,

"Not my horse! I need it!" he shouted. Dwalin grabbed onto Gandalf horse to stop it from running off. Bilbo stared at the wizard,

"You're not leaving us?" he pleaded. Gandalf sighed as the company glared at him,

"I would not do this unless I had to,"

Fira's stomach churned. Going through Mirkwood was bad enough – but to go without Gandalf? She had a feeling that things were going to get decidedly worse for the company without the wizard. She looked over to see Gandalf and Bilbo talking in low voices and as she looked at their faces more worry passed through her mind. As he jumped onto his horse Gandalf turned to Thorin,

"Whatever you do, stay on the path. If you lose it…you'll never find it again,"

Thorin nodded as Gandalf turned his horse round and rode back the way he had come. Fira turned to look at Kili,

"Well that was comforting advice," she tried to smile but knew she was failing. Kili looked at her,

"Don't worry," he said, "I won't let anything happen to you,"

Fira nodded before glancing over at Mithiel. The girl was shaking all over and even Fili's gentle coaxing wasn't doing anything. Fira glanced at the others who were glaring at Mithiel with impatience. Ignoring them she hurried over and smiled at the elf.

"We'll be alright. I promise you."

Fili nodded, "I said I'd protect you. Do you trust me?"

"Of course."

He took her hand, "Then let's go."

As they went Fira returned to Kili who held her close. Trying not to melt against him Fira took his hand.

"Shall we my prince?"

Kili nodded, "Of course my princess."

Giggling Fira allowed Kili to lead her into the dank forest that was Mirkwood.

Got some nice moments for everyone to enjoy before the…issue of Mirkwood. Now all we need is for Fili and Mithiel to kiss and things will be coming up roses! Although I won't lie you will have to wait a while on that one I'm afraid. Let me know what you think xxx