Big thanks to Becka3490 for favouriting.
Inperfection – Hopefully it will live up to expectations.
Rachetg – Yeah he's going to get much more idiotic for a while.
Bleeding Blue Kunoichi – The various confrontations will be interesting at the very least.
Reader-anonymous-writer – That gets explained.
Celebrisilweth – I think the scenes in the mountain with Smaug were my favourites from the film (after all Fili and Kili bits of course)
Nice Egan – I wanted those two to have a bit more time. As for Fira, Smaug and her curse you will have to read on.
One Dragon to Another
Fira watched the others process this piece of news. She could see Bilbo shooting daggers at Thorin and she had a smiliar anger running through her system.
"Why are we only hearing about this stone now?" Bilbo asked. Thorin had no answer and Fira glanced at the others.
"With all due respect if this was the only reason I was allowed to stay it would have been nice to have been told."
She flashed a glance at Kili, "Did you know?"
Shaking his head he gave Thorin his own glare. The king however didn't notice and instead moved towards Fira and Bilbo.
"You will go in and find me that stone."
"No."
Fira licked her lips as Kili stepped forward. Thorin raised an eyebrow.
"Kili this is why they are here."
"Even so they're not going," Kili moved round so he stood between Fira and Thorin.
"This is our quest and we should all go down."
"And risk waking the dragon?" Thorin snorted.
"No Kili. Those two will go down and bring me the stone."
"What about Smaug?" Bilbo piped up. Fira gulped as Thorin nodded at her.
"She said she can tame dragons. This will be her chance to prove herself."
"Prove…prove herself?" Kili was almost white.
"Thorin there is a huge dragon down there! One that could kill all of us if it wanted to. You can't be serious in sending them down alone."
"I am and they will go."
Fira placed a hand on Kili's shoulder but he shrugged her off.
"I'm not going to send my betrothed down there to face a dragon alone!"
Fira shut her eyes at this. Opening them she saw everyone staring at her. Kili must have realised what he said because he took her hand. Thorin narrowed his eyes.
"What did you just say?"
To his credit Kili didn't flinch. Instead he jutted out his chin.
"I asked Fira to marry me and she accepted."
Fira glanced at Fili and when she saw the smile realised he had known all along. Meanwhile the others were busy clapping and whistling.
"Congratulations, both of ye," Dwalin rubbed Fira's back whilst Balin shook Kili's hand. But as the celebrations died down she realised Thorin was shooting daggers at them both.
"We can talk about this later. But the fact remains that Fira and Bilbo will go down."
Sensing Kili would be willing to fight Thorin on this Fira eased him to one side.
"It's fine. I'll go."
"No," Kili shook his head, "No you won't."
"I can make my own choices Kili," Fira narrowed her eyes, "besides, I am the only one who could control Smaug."
He nodded, "Fine but I'm coming with you."
Shaking her head Fira kissed his hands, "I'll be fine."
"Besides," Bilbo added, "I'll be with her."
Fira bit her lip. The Hobbit might have proved he was more capable than everyone first thought but he wasn't exactly the most capable fighter. Kili bit his lip and she ushered him towards Fili. Shooting Thorin a glare she nodded.
"You still should have told us about this Thorin."
He shrugged and Fira realised with a jolt that he really didn't care. Before anyone could say anything Balin smiled.
"I'll go with ye as far as I can."
Smiling gratefully Fira let Balin and Bilbo go first. Just before she entered the tunnel she gave Kili a reassuring smile and reached up to hold her ring. He blew her a kiss just as she turned and entered the mountain.
As she followed Balin Fira couldn't help but look to Bilbo for reassurance. Every so often the Hobbit gave her a smile.
"Listen," Balin sighed, "I'm sorry Thorin never told ye about the Arkenstone. I didn't realise that's why he wanted a burglar. I must admit though it does make sense now I think about it. Had I known this was his intention I would have told ye both."
"It's fine," Bilbo nodded, "Honestly."
"Balin; Thorin's being affected by the gold isn't he?"
She knew Balin wanted to say no. However the dwarf simply nodded.
"Aye lass he is. I should have known. His grandfather suffered from it during the last years of his life."
"And Thrain?"
Balin gave her a small smile, "Oddly enough he escaped it. Maybe because he never became King? I honestly don't know. Not that it mattered anyway. He went mad with grief when Thror died."
Smiling Fira bit her lip as they kept travelling. They had been walking for a good half an hour and she feel Smaugs presence even more now. Added to that she could feel the gold that was kept in this mountain. It kept whispering in the back of her mind. Biting her lip Fira forced herself to think of Kili. She wouldn't succumb to the craving. They turned a corner and Fira could see a light at the end of the tunnel. Balin nodded.
"It's down there."
Fira nodded.
"What does this Arkenstone look like?"
"A large white jewel," Balin smiled, "Trust me. Ye'll know it when ye see it."
Fira exchanged a look with Bilbo and the old dwarf shook his head.
"Neither of ye have to go on. There'd be no shame in turning back."
"No it's fine," Fira nodded, "Honestly Balin it's fine."
Bilbo nodded, "I'm with Fira. I want to do this."
Balin chuckled, "look at ye both! Easily the two bravest people in this whole company."
"Rubbish," Fira shook her head. But Balin nodded.
"I mean it," patting her shoulder he moved away. However he then stopped and turned around.
"One bit of advice; should the dragon be asleep…don't wake it."
As he turned away Fira smiled at Bilbo who nodded.
"Ready?"
He shook his head, "Nope. You?"
"Never."
Fira had heard about the amount of gold inside Erebor; but nothing could have prepared her for the sight. Her and Bilbo stood at the top of a huge flight of stone steps.
"Oh…my..?" Bilbo croaked.
Fira could only nod. To call it a sea of gold wouldn't be far from the truth. Gold and jewels were piled high against the walls and Fira could see several flights of steps vanished into the gold mass. Licking her lips she rubbed her forehead. All this gold and it was just there for the taking. It's not like Thorin would need it all.
"Fira?"
Shaking her head Fira smiled at the Hobbit. Turning her back on the gold she bit her lip. Maybe she should turn back. There was no way the gold wouldn't start to affect her. Yet she couldn't leave Bilbo down here alone.
"Fira are you alright?"
"Yes," she rubbed her eyes, "Yes I'm fine. Let's just hurry up and find this blood stone."
Bilbo nodded and together they began hurrying down the steps. Fira still couldn't get over the amount of jewels.
"How are we meant to find it?" Bilbo hissed, "It could be anywhere! Plus how do we know it isn't in another part of the mountain?"
"We don't," Fira whispered, "We just have to hope we find it sooner rather than later."
Nodding Bilbo winced as he stepped on a pile of gold; the noise echoed throughout the hall and Fira waited with baited breath.
"Fira? If the dragon should find us..?"
"You run," she nodded at him, "Just run back to the others and let me deal with Smaug."
"I doubt Kili will be happy about that."
"Well tough," Fira knelt down and began searching through the pile of gold.
It took forever. Fira soon lost track of how much time had passed and they weren't anywhere close to finding the stone. Both her and Bilbo had started from the bottom and were now making their way up to the top. Despite their efforts however they couldn't stop themselves making a bit of noise and every time they did so Fira expected Smaug to come bursting into the hall. Reaching out Fira pulled a white stone out. Even though it was huge she just knew it wasn't the Arkenstone.
"A large white jewel," Bilbo grumbled, "Very helpful of them."
Nodding Fira froze as the gold around her began to slide downwards. Staying frozen she glanced up in horror.
"Bilbo?"
"Hmm?" His face fell, "Oh."
Nodding Fira licked her lips. Several feet in-front of her a snout was poking out from underneath the gold. Inching towards Bilbo she watched as more coins fell; revealing the dragons head. It's eyes were shut tight but Fira didn't want to bank on things staying that way.
"Fira!"
At Bilbo's hushed cries Fira saw the end of Smaugs tail poking out. Licking her lips she could feel herself shaking. This dragon was huge. Not as big as some of her kind when they were in dragon form. But certainly bigger than her. Although she had her dwarvish blood to thanks to that one. Glancing over at Bilbo she nodded.
"We go," she forced her voice into a whisper, "Now!"
Nodding he began sliding down when the gold shifted. Fira hurriedly moved towards a huge stone pillar as she heard Smaug fidget and move. Glancing around her mouth dropped when she realised Bilbo was nowhere to be seen. More and more coins were scattered and she could hear the dragon getting to its feet.
"Bilbo?" She didn't dare call much louder. No one answered and she had to assume he had his own hiding space.
"Where are you thief?" Smaugs voice was like thunder and Fira pressed her back against the wall. She knew she shouldn't be scared. But she couldn't shift. She had nothing to help her except her gift and there was no guarantee it would work.
"I can smell you," Smaug hissed, "I can hear your heart beating."
Fira knew if she stayed she would be found. Licking her lips she got into a crouch and slid down the huge pile of gold. Turning round her mouth dropped as she saw the huge form of Smaug standing before her.
"There you are."
He moved forward; spreading his wings and Fira's mouth dropped at the size of him.
"Hmm, now this is interesting? A dwarf girl all alone in my mountain. Did the others send you?"
Fira hid her hands behind her back, "Others? I don't know what you mean? It's just me."
"Liar!" Smaug snapped his jaws in the air in front of her and Fira gaged at the smell of his breath.
"I know the scent of Oakenshield," a look of amusement filled the dragons eyes.
"Did he send you down here to recover his precious Arkenstone? Did he send you to face me whilst he waits outside where it's safe."
"I chose to come down," Fira spat, "and I really wouldn't threaten me."
Smaug chuckled, "You think you're a match for me?"
Fira smiled to herself, "I know I am."
Shutting her eyes she then opened them to reveal her dragon eyes. Smaug gasped and moved backwards. Nodding Fira inched forward.
"I am a Dragonborn of the Northern Wastelands. I could destroy you in an instant."
Smaug had no answer and Fira allowed her magic to manifest.
"You will not attack me. You will stay exactly where you are!"
Smaug tried to move forward but his legs were frozen in place. The growl coming from his throat almost knocked Fira backwards. She smiled.
"Now then, where is the Arkenstone?"
Smaug narrowed his eyes but Fira simply nodded. The dragon moved his head to Fira's right and she smiled to herself. Glancing back at Smaug she wondered what to do next. Could she try and send him to sleep maybe?
She never got a chance to find out. A noise behind her caused her concentration to break. Smaug needed no convincing as he lunged at her. Diving to the side Fira pushed herself to her feet and ran for the closest bit of shelter. Diving under the flight of steps she pressed her back against one of the pillars and Smaug began moving around.
"There are two of you it seems."
Shaking her head Fira turned and almost screamed as she saw Bilbo.
"Where the hell did you go?"
He shrugged and Fira's angry comments died as he pulled the Arkenstone from his coat pocket.
"Okay," Fira bit her lip, "If I distract him you can run back to the others. Okay?"
Bilbo didn't look at all sure. However, they had no time to debate as Smaugs' face appeared ahead of them.
"Found you."
Fira watched as his belly glowed. She had Bilbo shared a look of horror as the dragon opened his jaws and fire shot everywhere.
Kili hadn't been able to stop pacing since Fira left. Fili had given up trying to reassure him and the others simply sat down and waited. Every time he saw Thorin Kili would shoot him a glare. He should never have sent Fira and Bilbo down alone. It was cowardly. The fact that he had allowed it to happen was cowardly.
Kili gasped as a loud rumble came from the ground below them. All at once the rest of the company jumped to their feet and moved together in a huddle. For a few seconds there was silence and the rumbling sound came again.
"Was that an earthquake?" Ori whispered. Kili felt sick as Balin shook his head.
"That lad, was a dragon."
Kili gulped before glancing at the entrance. He could hear Fili saying something but none of that mattered as he began running towards the tunnel.
"Kili no!"
Arms grabbed him and hauled him back. Kicking out Kili was pleased when Thorin groaned and let him go. Rounding on his uncle he drew his sword.
"How dare you!" Letting Thorin get to his feet Kili tried to keep calm.
"Fira is down there Thorin! Fira and Bilbo are both in danger because you put them there!"
"Kili I will not let you risk your life."
"Why? Because mine is worth more than theirs? Listen to me Thorin; Fira will always be worth more than me!"
Kili watched as Fili drew his swords along with Mithiel.
"We can't just leave them down there uncle," Fili said.
Kili watched as Thorin shook his head.
"It's too dangerous."
Balin shook his head and for the first time ever Kili saw true anger in the old dwarfs eyes.
"This mountain is changing you! The Thorin I know wouldn't hesitate to run and help them."
Thorin bowed his head but Kili didn't care.
"Follow me or not; I really don't care. But I'm not standing here whilst Fira is risking her life!"
Turning he ran into the tunnel with the comforting sounds of Fili and Mithiel behind him.
Fira gasped as she and Bilbo ran to the sides. Both of them hurried out from under the stairs and Fira watched the hobbit run up them as fast as he could. Smaug moved towards the Hobbit and Fira threw her hands out.
"Stop!"
Smaug paused and turned to face her. Inching towards her Fira could feel her resolve start to weaken.
"I can feel your fear," Smaug mocked, "You're afraid of me."
"Stay where you are!" Fira barked. Smaug did as she said but she could feel her magic weakening. She had no idea how long she would be able to hold him off. Glancing up she saw Bilbo come to a halt at the tunnel entrance and she rolled her eyes. He wouldn't make things easier by waiting for her. He needed to run. Backing away Fira glanced at the stairs. She could try and run for it. She might make it. Smaug roared and the force sent her staggering backwards.
"I grow tired of this," he mused, "I think it's time to put an end to it."
As his belly glowed Fira was already running for the stairs. She could feel the fire pushing against her back but she forced her legs to keep on going. For a few seconds she thought she might make it. The something slammed into her; sending her into the air. Fira screamed as she landed. Every bone in her body seemed broken – yet she rolled over and shook out her limbs. Her ribs were fractured at the very least and she was trying to fight the urge to be sick. Noises rang in her eyes and Fira frowned as she heard shouts. Footsteps were moving towards her and she forced her eyes open to see Kili standing over her.
"Fira? Oh Mahal Fira look at me!"
He stroked her face and she let him pull her to her feet. Falling against him Fira realised that the entire company had joined them. Bilbo hurried to stand by her side whilst Kili hugged her close.
"Bless my beard!" Dwalin cried. Fira gulped as Smaug faced them. Kili kissed her forehead.
"What's the plan?" Fira cried. Thorin nodded.
"We run!"
So this is part one of Dwarves vs Smaug! Sadly Thorin won't be getting any nicer towards Fira. That's also an interesting way for Kili to announce he asked Fira to marry him. Let me know what you think xxx