Big thanks to Perchemi and writersarereaders for following.

Celebrisilweth – I certainly wouldn't enter it even if I had a mountain to get back.

Rachetg – It's a horrible place isn't it?

Nice Egan – Mithiel certainly won't be thanking Thorin for this.

A Cruelty Never Imagined

Fira couldn't run fast enough. She could hear several people calling her name but none of that made any difference as she jumped back onto the vines. The sudden extra weight caused the closest dwarves to cling on even tighter.

"Fira what are you doing?" Kili yelled. Rolling her eyes Fira glanced over her shoulder.

"I don't see any of you lot hurrying to catch him."

Not letting Kili answer she clambered back across the vines until she reached Bombur. The dwarfs eyes were tightly shut and the only thing keeping him from the river was a single, thick vine taking his entire weight. Looking down at herself Fira quickly looped her ankles around a smaller vine before leaning down and grabbing the front of his tunic. Gripping onto the fabric tightly Fira gave a small gasp as the vine holding Bombur groaned and he sank down. The sudden drop caused her to fall forward and she felt the vines around her ankles groan.

"Help me!" Fira clung to Bombur, "I can't hold him!"

The fat dwarf was gradually sinking closer and closer towards the river. As her own nose caught a whiff Fira shook her head – already her vision was blurring. All around her she could make out the sounds of people moving towards her but as she looked up all she could see were shadows. A strong arm wrapped itself around her waist and she squirmed.

"Fira, Fira," Kili breathed in her ear, "It's me."

Nodding Fira tightened her grip on Bombur as Kili grabbed her by the waist. Licking her lips she tried to ignore the burning pain in her shoulders. They felt ready to pop out of their sockets.

"On my mark!" Thorin yelled, "PULL!"

Fira pulled, crying out as Kili pulled her backwards – his arms cutting into her waist. She watched as Dwalin clambered down so he was now at Bombur's level and did his best to push the dwarf upwards. It was a slow and very steady journey but soon Bombur had been pulled far away from the river. At least far enough for the effects to wear off. As he rubbed his eyes Fira could feel her head start to spin again.

"Kili?" She blinked at him as he cupped her face, "Why are there two of you?"

"Fira?" Kili shook his head. They both did. Fira let out a small giggle.

"You never said you had a twin," she then gaped at him in mock horror.

"I hope I've been kissing the right one."

"What's wrong with her?" Kili gave her a small shake. Fira opened her mouth before a small hiccup came out. She watched as the two Kili's began blending together. As hands picked her up and swung her onto a shoulder Fira let her head rest against someone's back. The leather felt cold against her cheeks and she allowed herself to shut her eyes.

"Fira? Fira can you hear me?"

"Give her some space Kee."

"I think…yes I think she's coming round!"

"Fira? Come on my love, open your eyes. Just open your eyes darling."

Forcing her eyes open Fira smiled weakly as the single figure of Kili peered down at her. He broke out into a smile and took her face in his hands.

"You gave me a heart attack."

Fira had no time to respond as Kili pressed his lips to hers. When he let go she realised she was lying on the edge of the river bank. The entire company were standing around her and she forced herself to sit up. Kili took her arm to steady her as she got to her feet. Peering closely at him Fira was relieved to see there was only one of him. Smiling she glanced at everyone – more than happy to see Bombur smiling at her.

"Thank you Fira," he gave a bow. It was more of a nod given his bulk but Fira smiled warmly at him.

"I don't know what got into me. One minute I was fine and the next…I couldn't keep my eyes open. I just wanted to sleep."

"It's the water," Bilbo sighed. Fira bit her lip. Was she imagining it or did the Hobbit sound more than a bit annoyed at the company.

"Fira and I felt it when we crossed. We tried to tell you but you couldn't be bothered to wait."

Before one of the dwarves could snap at Bilbo Fira watched Thorin step in.

"Alright," he glanced around, "It seems nothing can be trusted in this accursed place. We move on."

Fira felt Kili's grip on her tighten. As the others carried on down the path she gave him a nervous glance.

"What is it?"

He shook his head, "It's nothing. Are you sure you're alright?"

Fira nodded, "I'm fine. Still feel a bit wobbly but I'm okay."

Kili caressed her face, "I keep having nightmares," he whispered, "I keep dreaming that I'll watch you die."

Fira took his hand and pressed it to her lips.

"They're just dreams Kili. Nothing more."

He nodded, clearly about to say more when Dwalin cleared his throat.

"If ye lovebirds wouldn't mind..?"

Nodding Fira allowed Kili to lead her after the others. Trying to clear her head she couldn't help but glance around her fearfully. She couldn't quite explain it but she knew this forest wasn't done with them just yet.

No one said anything as they carried on travelling. Fira had given up trying to work out how long they had spent in Mirkwood. She did notice however, that as they moved deeper and deeper into the forest more of the trees were now being covered in huge, thick webbing. Every so often she flashed Mithiel a glance. The girl had gone pale at the sight of the webs and Fira noticed she gripped Fili's hand tightly. Not that the blonde dwarf minded. Indeed he often linked arms with Mithiel and would be seen whispering to her whenever they reached areas almost completely covered with webbing. Fira's hand hovered over her sword. For the elf's sake she prayed they only came across the webs – not the inhabitants.

"What was that?" Kili pulled her close. Fira tensed up as a loud grumble was heard. Gloin rubbed his stomach apologetically.

"Sorry, haven't eaten since breakfast."

Fira blinked; now that the dwarf mentioned it she was hungry as well. All of the company seemed to be rubbing their stomachs. Thorin sighed.

"How are we for supplies?"

Bombur, Gloin and Dori checked their packs. Dori shook his head.

"We haven't much I'm afraid."

"So that's it then?" Dwalin growled, "We survive trolls, orcs, wargs, goblins, and Azog only to starve in a bloody forest?"

Bofur nodded angrily and even Fira couldn't help but glare at Thorin. However Kili was shaking his head.

"There must be something here we could eat? Berries maybe?"

Fili nodded, "This forest is huge, there must be some animals in here?"

Fira didn't bother pointing out the small fact that this wasn't a normal forest. Instead she watched as Kili let go of her and pulled out his bow.

"Bless my beard!" Dwalin whispered, "Mahal is indeed looking down on us!"

Fira had no idea what the two dwarves were staring at until Bofur gasped. Fira's own eyes widened as she saw the stag. A few metres ahead of the company there was a small clearing. In the space a huge, white stag was standing there clear as day. Silently Kili fitted an arrow to his bow.

"How lucky is this?" Bofur whispered.

Thorin shook his head, "We make our own luck in this world."

Fira didn't realise she was clasping her hands together until Kili took aim and released his arrow. Fira watched as it shot straight towards the beast. It couldn't miss.

No one said anything as the arrow shot through thin air and landed in a tree.

Kili shook his head dumbly, "It was there! You all saw it didn't you? It was right there!"

Fira rubbed his arm soothingly before turning to look at the others. They all had similar looks of confusion on their faces. Fira watched as Kili moved away to fetch his arrow whilst she carried on staring at the empty space of where the stag had been moments ago.

She had seen the stag. Or at least she had seen something that looked like a stag.

As the company carried on travelling Fira could feel the air getting heavier and heavier around them. All of the dwarves were now moving at a snails pace and several were having to lean on each other for support.

"Air! I need air!" Bofur cried to himself.

Fira clung to Kili who held her close. She smiled. It was as though he was trying to protect her from whatever was in this forest.

"Fira?" He nudged her and she forced her eyes back open.

"Fira I can't see the path!"

"What?" Looking down Fira realised that underneath all of the dirt and leaves the path had vanished. Kili pulled her close.

"Whatever happens don't leave my side," his voice sounded loud next to Fira's ear even though he was whispering. She nodded and looked up to see the others had come to a halt. Several of them seemed impatient to get going and a couple were even doing their best to push the others along.

"My head, it's spinning," Oin cried out. Ignoring the older dwarf Fira held Kili's hand as they both pushed past the others to find Nori staring into space,

"What's happened? Why have we stopped?" Thorin growled, desperation filling his voice. Nori gave a small shake of the head,

"The path," he raised his hand, "It's disappeared,"

Fira looked down to see his feet standing at the edge of a huge cliff. Her heart sank and she could feel her head start to spin.

"What's going on?" Dwalin growled,

"We've lost the path," Oin shouted back. The dwarves looked at each other in horror and Fira looked into Kili's eyes. Even though he was trying not to show it she knew how scared he was.

"We'll be alright," he mumbled, "I'll keep you safe."

Nodding Fira watched as the company began backing away. Rubbing her forehead she leant against a thick tree; taking deep breaths. Meanwhile all around her the company were doing their best to find the path again.

"I don't remember this place," Balin shook his head in despair, "None of this is familiar,"

"It's got to be here somewhere," Dori muttered.

Fira watched as Fili and Kili began kicking up the dirt in the hope of seeing the path again. She shook her head.

"Is there no end to this accused place?" Thorin yelled angrily. The company clustered around him, shouting and yelling in anger at each other. Fira glared at them when her gaze turned to Bilbo who was staring at one of the huge spider's webs. Her heart leapt into her throat as he reached out and plucked one of the strands. Fira shut her eyes in despair as the web shook – sending vibrations throughout the whole of the forest.

"Keep going east and we'll find our way through this forest!" Dwalin shouted above the yelling dwarves,

"Which way is east?" Bofur cried, "We've lost the sun!"

The dwarves shouting got louder and louder and Fira had decided enough was enough.

"Will you just SHUT UP!" she shouted. All at once everyone feel silent and turned to face her. She noticed several of them – including Kili – had strange looks in their eyes. Kili raised an eyebrow.

"Excuse me?"

Fira blinked at him, "I said shut up. Yelling isn't going to help us!"

He gave a low chuckle. But this time there was no warmth in it.

"No I heard you. I just wondered how you would have to nerve to tell us to be quiet."

"What?" Fira shook her head and she could see similar confusion on Fili's face. Kili took a step towards her and for the first time ever, Fira felt slightly scared of him. Kili drew his sword.

"You're nothing more than a half breed. A filthy mongrel."

"Kee what are you doing?" Fili asked warily. Fira shook her head.

"Kili..? Kili listen to me. It's the forest. It's messing with your mind."

He shook his head, "Yes you would say that wouldn't you. You, the traitor, the spy. The one who was sent here to kill us!"

"Lad," Dwalin grabbed Kili's arm, "Fira had no choice in that remember?"

Kili shook his head, "We have her word for it. Maybe she wanted to trick us?"

He then fixed his eyes on Fira and at the darkness there Fira shook her head weakly.

"Kili..?"

"Shut up! You think you have the right to speak to me? A prince? You are nothing Fira. I can't believe I've been so stupid. Thorin was right. You're nothing more than a filthy slut who wants to get me into bed!"

"Kili!"

Fili grabbed his brothers arm but Kili shoved him away and advanced on Fira. Even though she knew Kili meant none of this Fira couldn't help but tremble. Kili smiled cruelly at her.

"How could I have ever fallen in love with a thing like you?"

He raised his hand as if to strike her and this time Fili was more successful. Stepping between the pair he grabbed Kili's wrist.

"Kili stop it! Stop it; this isn't you brother!"

Fira shook her head, she wanted to speak but she couldn't make her words come out. Stepping backwards she tried to blink back her tears before turning and running off into the forest.

Kili he…he did love her. All those times they had been together. That had been real!

Had it?

Kili shook his head nervously. The past few minutes had been liken a blur. He thought back to the time he and Fili had stayed out too late in one of Ered Luins many taverns. How they had tried to sneak back home only to be caught every time. At the memory he smiled. However the smile was wiped from his face as a fist smashed into his cheek. Falling backwards Kili gasped as everything slotted back into focus. The entire company were all gathered around.

And for some reason they were all glaring at him.

Rubbing his cheeks Kili glared at the figure of Dwalin.

"What the hell was that for?"

"You've got to be joking!" Dwalin spat. Kili watched as his brother pulled him to his feet and peered into his eyes.

"Kee? Kili is that you?"

"What? Of course it is!" Glancing around at the others Kili couldn't help his smile. But as he realised who was missing his heart skipped several beats.

"Fira?"

He moved forwards when Fili pushed him back. Glaring Kili struggled but Fili was unrelenting.

"FIRA!"

"Kili…" Fili sighed, "Do you remember what just happened?"

"I…?" Kili shook his head. All he could remember was the sudden and uncontrollable anger in his system.

"No. Why what happened?"

The others all glanced awkwardly at him and Kili had a bad feeling about this.

"What happened?"

Fili sighed, "Someone has to tell him."

"Tell me what?" Kili wasn't even trying to hide the worry from his voice. Fili bit his lip.

"Kee…" he groaned, "I don't know how to say this!"

"Just spit it out," Kili sighed. Fili nodded.

"Fira ran away. She ran away because of what you just said to her."

"What?" Kili shook his head, unable to help his smile, "But I wouldn't say anything to hurt her."

Fili nodded, "No I know. But…you weren't in your right mind. The forest…it was like you'd been taken over. Anyway you said some things and she ran away."

"What…what did I say?"

"You really want to know?"

Kili nodded even though he knew he'd regret it.

He did.

As Fili told him what he'd done Kili could feel his legs trembling. Sinking to the floor he curled into a ball. Fili wrapped his arms around him and hugged him tightly.

"No I…Fili I couldn't have! I would never…not Fira!"

Fili shook his head, "Look, the important thing is you're yourself again. Now we need to find her."

"How?" Bilbo gave a small shrug, "She could be anywhere!"

Getting to his feet Kili wiped his eyes; trying to shake the growing nausea from his stomach. To think he had been that cruel to her. He remembered his promise to Beorn and he tried not to think about what would happen if the giant somehow found out about this.

"I don't care how long it takes," he snapped, "I'm not resting until I've found her and…and explained what happened."

He bit his lip. How did he even know Fira would forgive him? He would never forgive himself until the day he died. To have hurt her in such a way..?

Kili went to move forward when Thorin held up a hand

"We are being watched," he whispered.

The others all glanced each other nervously. Kili edged closer to Fili who gripped Mithiel's hands as the webs around them began to shudder and move.

Okay so we haven't quite gotten to the actual spiders and Thranduil. But since watching the extended version of the second film I wanted to extend the time in Mirkwood. Also please don't hate Kili. I know he was cruel but given the forest had taken him over it wasn't really his fault! Let all know what you think xxx