Big thanks to Neese96 for following.

SongHyeRii – Yeah I wanted Fili to have a girl but I was half tempted to give him Tauriel at first. Glad I gave him someone else.

ColourGuardianoftheGalaxy – Spiders. As a suffer of arachnophobia myself I'd be just as scared as she is. But she and Fili will get plenty of other cute moments I assure you!

Nice Egan – She should…but if I was with Kili I'd do exactly what she did! And will ever not be cute…I doubt it.

Celebrisilweth – Well his heart was in the right place at the very least.

Rachetg – Yeah that's the sort of relationship I want those two to have (I couldn't resist jealous Kili!)

A Forest Unlike Any Other

It didn't take long for Fira to lose all track of time. They had only been in Mirkwood for several hours but it felt like days had passed. The forest seemed to have sucked all of the cheer from the company too. Where they would have cracked smiles and told jokes they now trudged along with groans and mutters coming from their mouths. It was clear. All of them wanted to be out of his forest. Fira did nothing but keep hold of Kili. As far as she was concerned he was the only constant thing about this wretched place. Even though she felt like she was being far too needy the fact that Kili stuck to her just as much was a good reassurance.

"How long will it take us to get the other side?" Fira whispered. They had been travelling for hours and she knew they would need to make camp soon. She couldn't see much of the sky thanks to the trees but she knew night wasn't far away. Kili shook his head.

"I honestly don't know. If we stick to the path then a few days maybe?"

Fira didn't bring up the fact he'd said 'if'. Glancing at the leaves covering the floor she knew in reality it would be a miracle if they didn't stray from the path. And she didn't want to think about what would happen in they did.

Kili went to say something else when a small scream caught their attention. Fira gasped as Kili pulled her against him and drew his sword. All around her the others were doing likewise. However their looks of worry turned into small glares. Fira eased out of Kili's grip and moved forward to see Mithiel staring at her open pack in horror. Fili was rubbing her back soothingly. Licking her lips Fira smiled at the elf.

"What happened?"

"Someone…" Mithiel shut her eyes and took a deep breath. She then glanced around at everyone with a sharp glare.

"Someone put a spider in my pack. A big one"

Ignoring the annoyed mutterings of the others Fira drew her own sword and faced them.

"Well?"

They didn't reply and she scowled, "One of you did it. I don't care if you think this is funny. Whoever did this terrified her and I'm not going to sit back and let that happen."

When none of them answered Fira sighed.

"Fine. Don't tell me. But when I know who it was they'll wish they'd come forward."

Sheathing her sword she smiled at Mithiel.

"Are you alright?"

She nodded and Fira moved back to Kili who took her hand. Glancing at his face she wondered if it was worth asking him.

"Do you know who it was?"

He gave her a shocked stare, "Fira if I knew I'd have tried to stop them. I know what it's like for people to laugh at your fears."

Flinching at the anger in his voice Fira took his arm and pressed a small kiss to it.

"I know. I'm sorry, I just thought I'd ask."

Kili nodded, "Well you didn't have to alright!"

Fira stared at him – unable to hide the shock and hurt from her face. She'd done nothing to earn such a reply from Kili. He paused before turning and taking her hands.

"I'm so sorry my love," pulling her close his lips brushed against her forehead.

"I don't know what got into me. I just…I don't know! Forgive me."

Nodding Fira glanced around her. She hadn't failed to notice that the entire company seemed touchier and far more on edge than before they'd entered Mirkwood. She'd wondered if the forest was doing this before dismissing the idea. This was a forest for crying out loud! It might be dark and creepy but it was still just a forest. Kili wrapped an arm around her and they both hurried their pace to catch up with the others. However, no sooner had they done that than Thorin called them to halt.

"We'd better make camp here. This looks as good a spot as any."

Looking around at the clearing Fira nodded before dropping her pack by Kili's. All around her the others were setting up their things and Gloin was setting the fire up. However Thorin shook his head.

"No. Not in this place."

"But..?"

Thorin held up a hand, "I know I could be wrong but…I feel like we're being watched. I don't want to alert anyone to our presence."

Gloin sighed and Fira bit her lip. It wasn't exactly cold but she had been looking forward to sitting by a warm fire for a few hours. As she saw Kili setting up their blankets by a huge tree Fira moved to help him. He'd placed them both side by side and Fira knew she was blushing when she caught Bilbo winking at her. Putting her pack by Kili's, she shed her coat and moved towards the small group that sat in the middle of the camp. She could see Nori, Dori and Gloin talking to each other in low voices. All three of them jumped as she sat down.

"Sorry," Fira muttered. Dori narrowed his eyes.

"Spying were you?"

"What?" Fira wasn't sure if she'd misheard. Dori nodded.

"Thought you'd get some more information for you king did you?"

"Dori I..?" Fira shook her head. None of the dwarves had shown any signs of anger or hate since their escape from Azog. She had assumed they had at the very least understood why she'd made her choice and were allowing her to make it up to them. Dori eyed her carefully.

"Well you'll get nothing from us. In fact; why don't you go somewhere else? I can't eat when sitting near a traitor."

Fira saw that Nori and Gloin were staring at Dori in horror. Licking her lips Fira made to stand up when she felt someone behind her.

"Sit down love," Kili said. Turning round Fira's breath caught in her throat as Kili drew his sword and aimed it at Dori. Even though she wasn't looking Fira knew everyone else had stopped to watch. At the sound of more swords being drawn she caught a glance of Fili moving to stand by his brother side. Kili narrowed his eyes.

"I heard what you just said to her. And you'll apologise."

Fira looked to see Dori blinking at the pair in confusion. Inching closer she peered into his eyes. He looked so confused. The same way Kili had after snapping at her. Maybe this forest was sending them crazy. However, Kili took Dori's pause as a refusal and he dug the blade under the dwarfs chin. Jumping to her feet Fira's gasp was lost amongst the others.

"Kili wait!"

"You will apologise to her!" He hissed, "Else I'll cut your throat!"

"Kili I said stop!" Grabbing his sword arm Fira pulled him back and slapped him across the face. Kili blinked at her.

"What was that for?"

"To stop you doing something stupid," Fira turned to the others.

"Don't you see? It's this forest! It's messing with our minds!"

"Impossible?" Thorin chocked. Fira shrugged before looking at Dori who was on the verge of tears.

"Fira I…I don't know why I said those horrible things. Please...I never meant them, you have to believe me."

Fira nodded, "I do," she then turned to Kili who nodded shamefaced. He sheathed his sword and gave a small bow to Dori.

"I'm sorry for how I reacted. I might have been defending her honour but…I think the forest was affecting me to."

Dori gave him a nervous smile and Fira took Kili's hand as they both sat down. Taking their plates of bread and cheese Fira leant against Kili who kissed the top of her head.

"Thank you for making me sense my love."

Fira shrugged, "Someone had to."

Kili toyed with his food, "The sooner we're out of this accursed place the better."

Fira sighed, "Maybe a good nights sleep will help."

Kili nodded but Fira could see the doubt in his eyes.

A good night's sleep might have helped. But Fira would never know because she never got one. She and Kili woke up to the sound of someone screaming. Before Fira could open her mouth Kili grabbed her and looked her up and down.

"You're hurt?"

"What? No!"

He bit his lip; "But it was a girl screaming."

Fira froze, "Mithiel."

Getting to her feet she glanced over to see Mithiel had curled up into a shivering ball. Fili was hugging her close whilst his eyes looked darker than Fira had imagined they could be.

"Whoever did this has gone too far!" He growled.

Fira wanted to ask what he was talking about when she saw it. A huge spider was sitting on Mithiel's blanket. Fira wasn't afraid of them by any means but even she reached for Kili's hand. Dwalin moved forward and kicked the spider away before turning to the others.

"Well? Whoever it was had better own up now!"

Fira kissed Kili's hand before kneeling by Mithiel. She glanced at Fili.

"What happened?"

He shrugged, "I don't know. I was asleep and then she screamed. I went to ask her what had happened when I saw the spider."

He shut his eyes, "Whoever did this needs his head bashing in. I personally don't understand being scared of spiders but at least I accept it. I'd never do this to anyone."

Nodding Fira rubbed Mithiel's back. The girl had calmed down a fair bit now and glanced at the others.

"I…I'm so sorry I woke you all…I…I just saw it and…it was so big!"

"It's alright," Fili whispered. Fira glared at the company.

"I suppose you think this was some sort of joke? Let's pick of Mithiel because she's the half elf who's scared of spiders?"

No one said anything and Fira eyed them all closely. All met her gaze except Nori who lowered his head. Folding her arms Fira waited for him to step out. She had counted to three before he did so.

"It was me. It was just a joke."

"Just a joke!" Fili spat. Getting to his feet he rounded on Nori.

"Look at her! Imagine if you woke up to see a rat crawling next to your face?"

Nori paled. "I didn't realise her fear was that bad. I swear. It was a just a joke. I meant no harm by it."

Fili clenched his fist when Thorin stepped in.

"We'll sort it in the morning."

Fili looked like he wanted to protest but instead he nodded and sat by Mithiel. Fira sighed before turning back to Kili who hugged her close.

"That was stupid of him," he whispered, "He's lucky Thorin stepped in else Fili would have beaten him to a pulp."

Fira nodded as they both lay back down.

"Your brother really cares for Mithiel doesn't he?"

Kili nodded, "He's had plenty of women like him back home; but that's just because he'll be king one day. Mithiel is the first to like him because of who he is. He deserves it more than anyone."

"She's very beautiful," Fira observed. Kili shook his head and kissed her.

"Not a patch on you."

When morning came Fira noticed that the anger in Fili's eyes still hadn't gone. And the guilt on Nori's face was far more evident. Once it was clear everyone was awake Thorin cleared his throat.

"Nori…explain yourself."

The dwarf nodded and he glanced at Mithiel.

"I know I keep saying it but it was just a joke. I didn't realise just how scared you were of them. I know this will sound like an excuse but…I felt like someone was telling me to do this. I can't explain it. I just had this sudden urge to do to it. I was only going to get a little spider but for some reason I didn't."

He bowed to Mithiel, "I truly am sorry for what I did."

Mithiel nodded even though it was clear to everyone that Fili wasn't satisfied. However Thorin stepped forward.

"I have been thinking on what Fira said last night. About how this forest is affecting our minds. I didn't believe her until just now. I think…as we go on we need to be careful. We need to make sure we remember who we are and we don't allow ourselves to be tempted by this place."

Easier said than done Fira bit her lip before turning and shoving her blanket into her pack. In daylight the forest looked far less menacing. But Fira knew this place hid evil. She wasn't going to be tricked by few patches of sunlight. Sliding her hand into Kili's she leant against him as the company began walking. It was slow going. Every so often the person in front would stop to check if they were still on the path. It wouldn't have been so bad if the company were talking. But any form of conversation had stopped. It was as though they were terrified of what they might say if they opened their mouths.

"Are you alright?" Kili whispered.

Fira was so used to the silence that she jumped at his voice before nodding.

"I'm fine," rubbing her forehead she sighed, "I feel a bit dizzy though."

Kili looked her up and down, "Are you ill?"

"No. No I'm not sure. But sometimes I look up and everything spins for a second or two."

Kili gave a short nod before bending down and scooping her up into his arms. Knowing that protesting would get her nowhere, Fira nodded and leant against Kili. He said something but his voice was miles away. Fira curled into a ball and allowed herself to sink into nothingness.

When she opened her eyes the sun was managing to shine more clearly. Licking her lips Fira realised she was still in Kili's arms. He pressed a relieved kiss on her forehead.

"I was getting worried," he whispered, "I tried waking you but nothing was working."

Fira smiled and wriggled in his grip. Nodding Kili put her down and she leant against him. Looking around she realised the company had come to a halt.

"What's happened?"

For one terrible moment she wondered if they had strayed from the path. Gandalfs words flew into her mind. They couldn't get lost in here. They'd go mad in hours. However Kili shook his head; as though he'd been able to read her mind.

"Don't worry. We're still on the path. We just need to get across this first."

In order to see what Kili meant by 'this' Fira eased her way to the front of the group to see what they were all staring at. As she saw the river her own mouth dropped. The water was completely still but she couldn't see the bottom no matter how much she leaned over.

"Could we swim?" Bilbo asked. Fira glanced at Kili who was nodding. However she knew that wouldn't work.

"Who here can't swim?" Fili asked.

Fira put her hand up along with Ori, Nori, Bifur and Bofur. Kili licked his lips.

"I could help Fira across. Fili could help Ori and so on."

"Even so," Thorin sighed, "We don't know how deep it is."

Fira took another glance at the river. Even though it sounded daft there was something wrong with it. Something…sick. Stepping back she looked over at Thorin.

"Is there another way round?"

He shook his head, "Without straying from the path…no."

Fira bit her lip. The entire company stayed silent for a few seconds before Kili's voice called them back.

"Over here!"

Fira and Fili were the first to reach him. Kili gave them all a triumphant smile as he tugged on one of the many thick vines that led from the bank across the river.

"These could take our weight easily."

He moved to climb onto one when Thorin held up a hand.

"Wait."

Fira smiled to herself as she saw Kili's face. He was like a little boy at times. Thorin nodded.

"The smallest will go first."

The eyes of Fira and everyone else landed on Bilbo. He sighed.

"I don't suppose I get a say? No okay fine. Off I go; across the river."

As he began pushing past the others Fira held out an arm to stop him.

"Hang on. Let me go with you."

She could see the others shaking their heads and she folded her arms.

"Bilbo will be too short to reach some of those vines. Besides; some of you are…on the larger side. We need to make sure the vines will take you."

"Large? What does she mean 'large'?" Gloin huffed. Fira shook her head good naturedly before following Bilbo towards the edge of the river bank. As she past Kili she flashed him a smile.

"Yes I'll be fine. Yes I'll be careful. No I won't be reckless."

He winked at her and she turned to see Bilbo scrambling up the first vine. Nodding Fira grabbed it and hurried after him. As they began making their way across Fira wondered if this had been such a good idea. Most of the vines were strong enough to take the weight of the entire company; but every time she got too near the river her head would spin. Every so often she would need to wait and help pull Bilbo across. He gave her a grateful smile after this had happened for the fifth time.

"I think we should turn back," Fira whispered. Bilbo nodded.

"But how else do we cross?"

Fira had no answer for this and instead turned to grab the next vine. Her fingers grasped it and she pulled herself forward. As she did so however one foot slipped and the vine she was holding onto sank. Crying out Fira could feel herself falling before coming to a sudden halt. Her forehead was inches from the water and she could feel something pulling on her leg. Glancing up she saw Bilbo smiling. Looking back at the company she wasn't surprised to see Fili holding his brother back. Giving a weak thumbs up Fira allowed Bilbo to pull her up.

"Thanks."

"Anytime."

Fira said nothing as they carried on until they reached the other side. Bilbo collapsed next to her and she rubbed his back.

"They need to find another way," he grunted, "That water…something's not right."

Nodding Fira turned to tell the company when he mouth dropped.

"Great," Bilbo muttered, "Absolutely brilliant."

Fira gaped at the sight. The entire company had managed to get themselves caught up in all of the vines. Because they had all gone at once a few of them had been forced to use the lower branches. As she caught sight of Kili Fira smiled – he was only a few feet from her now. However as her eyes reached Bombur's bulk she froze. The dwarf was far too close to the river and even from her distance she could see it was starting to affect him.

"Bombur!"

Everyone turned to look as the dwarf's eyes flickered shut and he let go of the vines.

So there we are. Slightly longer update for you all (I always seem to do longer chapters for Mirkwood scenes!) Hopefully I'm making the forest creepy enough for you all. Let me know what you think xxx