Big thanks to AviorHyrax, LightFun27, fandomsruinedmylife2213 and Vengeful Vixen for following/favouriting.

Bleeding Blue Kunoichi – Yeah I have a bit of a weakness for doing cliff-hangers. All I can say is they have different types of sickness. Fira knows she has it because of her dragon blood and how it'll react to the gold.

January 1815 – I'm sort of waiting for the right moment before trying to lift her curse and stuff which is why it's dragging a bit.

Celebrisilweth – Plus I love making things complicated for everyone!

Nice Egan – I know! Poor, poor Kili to have to see her suffer again. And yeah Sol won't get any nicer I promise. I have a feeling you really won't like what I do with Thorin.

StuckInTomorrowsDreams – Glad you are enjoying it.

Rachetg – Read on and see.

A Sense of Hopelessness

As the others watched Smaug fly towards Laketown Kili kept his eyes on Fira. Her skin was no longer burning and her breathing had now returned to normal. Licking his stinging lips he gently cradled her in his arms.

"Let me have a look lad."

As Oin examined her Kili blinked back his tears. In the past few days he'd had to watch his brother, his uncle and once again his One suffer. He wasn't sure how much more of it he could take. Oin smiled at him.

"With any luck she'll be fine. But we need to get her inside so I can have a better look at her injuries."

"Injuries..?"

Oin nodded, "Kili you remember what happened back in Rivendell? I need to examine her burns so they don't become infected."

Nodding Kili got to his feet with Fira held against his chest. As he did so he heard Dwalin curse. Glancing up Kili thought he'd be sick.

"Oh no!"

A jet of fire burned through the sky – setting Laketown alight. Kili could see Smaug hovering about the town as more and more buildings went up in flames. Noting the other shared looks of horror Kili turned to find Thorin. Surely this would be enough to bring his uncle back. But instead Kili found no one.

"Thorin?"

Fili shot him a worried glance and Kili bit his lip. Now that he thought about it he couldn't remember seeing Thorin leave the mountain after Smaug. Fili shook his head.

"Let's get inside; there's nothing we can do for them now."

Following his brother Kili glanced down at Fira. This morning he had been debating making her stay behind. Now he was thanking the gods he hadn't.

As the final few members entered the mountain Kili sat down by a huge stone pillar that had been smashed in half. Gently laying Fira down he brushed a few strands of hair from her face.

"Turn her over for me lad."

Nodding Kili turned Fira onto her side and gently rolled her tunic up. As his fingers brushed against her burnt skin he shuddered without realising it. Every inch of her back was covered in blisters and he didn't want to think how much pain she had been in. Oin sighed.

"I can put some cream on it and bandage it up. Other than that there's very little that will help."

Kissing her forehead Kili sat back as Oin got to work. He never let go of Fira's hand whilst thoughts ran circles in his head. He had asked Fira to marry him. He had promised he would protect her and keep her safe. How could he claim to be a good husband if he couldn't protect her from people like Sol? How could he make a promise to keep her safe when he was powerless against things like this?

"Kili may I talk to you?"

Glancing up Kili smiled at Mithiel who sat down beside him. Forcing his gaze from Fira Kili watched as Fili began talking with Dwalin and Balin – no doubt they were discussing what they should do now. Biting his lip Kili wanted to go over there and help. He was a prince; he was Thorin's heir and all he was doing was sitting down. But the idea of leaving Fira tore at him. Mithiel smiled at him.

"I…I imagine Fira's already told you this but Fili and I are…well…we're together."

Glancing at his brother Kili grinned. Finally Fili had plucked up the courage to tell Mithiel his true feelings. Turning back to the elf he smiled.

"About time. He's been in love with you for ages."

She blushed, "Don't tell the others yet. We just figured you had a right to know. And I wanted to promise you that I won't ever hurt him. I love him beyond anything and I'll spend the rest of my life proving that."

Kili took her hand, "You don't need to prove anything Mithiel. I know how much my brother means to you. And I'm so happy for you."

Smiling Mithiel opened her mouth when Kili felt Fira stir. Oin had just finished bandaging her back as her eyes screwed up. The healer nodded.

"She'll be sore for a while but she should be fine," he then smiled at Mithiel.

"Congratulations lass. I won't tell another soul I promise."

Mithiel blushed as Oin left. Kili watched as she glanced down at Fira.

"I'll leave you to it," Mithiel got to her feet and moved away. Sitting up on his knees Kili stroked Fira's face.

"Fira? Fira my darling?"

"Kili?" Fira forced her eyes open, "Kili what…what happened?"

As Oin moved away Kili gently eased her into a sitting position against his chest. Fira took his hand and he held her close.

"Are you alright?" His lips trembled, "When I saw you…it was horrible."

Nodding Fira clung to him, "What happened with Smaug? Did we stop him?"

Kili pressed his lips against her forehead.

"No. No we didn't. I'm sorry my love but we failed."

He watched on as Fira tried to get to her feet. But as her knees trembled Kili was quick to pull her back down. Not that she stopped wriggling.

"No Kili I need to go after him. I need to try and stop him."

Turning her round to face him Kili gripped her arms and shook her.

"And how are you going to do that? We are powerless to stop him Fira! You are powerless to stop him! Every time you try and shift you end up in agony and your body burns. I'm not going to sit by and let you kill yourself just because of how bloody stubborn you are!"

She stared at him and Kili could feel the eyes of everyone resting on his face. Letting go of Fira he shook his head.

"I'm sorry. Mahal I'm so so sorry! I didn't….Fira I…"

Pulling her in for a hug he kissed her neck.

"I should never have said those things just now! I was just…I was lashing out and I had no right. But you scare me sometimes. It's like you're willing to get yourself killed. Without you I would die. The bond between us is so strong that if something happened to you it would destroy me. It would tear me apart bit by bit until there was nothing left."

Fira nodded, "I didn't realise. Kili I'm sorry. I just feel like this is my fault. I'm the Dragonborn. I should have been able to stop him but…my magic just didn't work."

Kili kissed her forehead, "My love it's not your fault. What's done is done and we will find a way to sort it out."

As Fira snuggled up to him Kili pulled her close.

"Just get some rest my love. I'll be right here the whole time."

As she moved closer towards the gold hall Fira wondered if she was doing the right thing. She had woken up twenty minutes ago to find Kili asleep by her side. Kissing him on the forehead she had then hurried off down the main corridor in the hope of finding Thorin. Whatever was wrong with him he needed help. And yet she couldn't stop herself from pausing as she reached the doors that would lead to the gold. Surely it would have been better if one of the others went? After all they weren't at risk of succumbing to the gold like she was? Fira could remember that prickling feeling when she and Bilbo had been searching for the Arkenstone. How the gold had called to her. How it had tried to worm it's way inside her head.

She could always turn back. It wouldn't be too late. And yet she couldn't stop herself from pushing open the doors and slipping inside.

"Oh…"

Her words died on her lips as she looked round. Now that she didn't have to worry about Smaug Fira allowed herself to have a proper look. And she couldn't help but be blown away by how much there was! Gold coins, jewels, stone and gold objects covered the floor and many of the stairs cases vanished beneath the sea of treasure. Moving forward Fira's keen eyes spotted the small figure of Thorin standing on a small patch of ground in the very middle of the room. Summoning whatever courage she had left she hurried down the steps towards him.

"Thorin!"

He didn't acknowledge her; instead Fira realised he was searching. Searching for the Arkenstone. She made a mental note to warn Bilbo that he had to either hand the stone over or get rid of it. Nearing the dwarf king Fira realised he now wore a long black cloak lined with fur and a crown sat on his head. Clearing her throat she prayed she wasn't doing something stupid.

"Thorin!"

He paused before glancing round at her. Fira could see the lost look in his eyes and he frowned.

"What are you doing here?"

He turned and moved towards her, grabbing her by the arms.

"You have the stone don't you? I heard you tell Smaug you did! Where is it? You have no right to take it from me!"

"I haven't got the bloody stone!" Fira shook her head, "I was lying to try and distract him!"

Thorin nodded but his grip on her remained.

"Then why are you down here? Did you hope to take some for yourself?"

Fira shook her head, "No Thorin I…you need to listen to me. The gold is controlling you!"

He snorted at her, "Why should I believe the word of a Dragonborn mutt? A girl who no doubt wants to steal this gold and take it back to her own people?"

Ignoring his jibes Fira pulled on his grip, "Thorin please, please just trust me. You need to stop this. This isn't you!"

A low growl came from the back of Thorin's throat and Fira bit her lip. The king brought his face towards hers.

"I do not trust you Fira. I can see you for who you are. You want this gold for yourself."

Shaking her head Fira gasped as Thorin let her go before striking her round the face. He then grabbed her wrist and began dragging her back up the steps. Fira pulled but this time his grip was unmoving.

"Should I find you near this room again I will have you executed," opening the doors Thorin shoved her to the floor. He spat at her before locking the doors behind him. Rubbing her sore cheek Fira pushed herself to her feet as she heard shouts getting closer.

"Fira? Fira where are you? Fira!"

Smiling wearily at Kili Fira allowed him to scoop her up into a big hug. Allowing her hair to cover her face she leant against Kili as he led her back up the corridor.

"Where did you go?"

"I just needed to stretch my legs," Fira paused before glancing up at him, "And I wanted to see Thorin."

Unsurprisingly Kili's grip on her froze. Fira sighed.

"I wanted to try and get him to snap out of the gold sickness. I thought that if I talked to him he might see sense."

"And did he?"

Fira shook her head and she could see the frustration build on Kili's face. Gently stroking his chest she kissed his cheek.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, "But I don't think he'll break free so easily."

Kili nodded, "He always believe he was stronger than his grandfather. He always believed he could break the curse."

Fira shrugged, "Maybe he can? Maybe if you or Fili tried..?"

She trailed off and Kili shook his head.

"No. We have other things to focus on now. We need to help the people of Laketown and start rebuilding what we can here."

Nodding Fira leant against Kili who smiled down at her.

"After all, I want the great hall to be perfect for our wedding."

As they re-joined the others Fira saw they were already trying to clear away some of the debris. Kili gave her a comforting squeeze as the others began to cluster towards them. Fira sighed.

"I went to see Thorin just now. I tried to talk some sense into him but it didn't work. This gold has a hold on him and it won't break easily."

"So what do we do?" Ori asked. Fira shrugged and Kili sighed.

"We do what's right. We help those who survived the attack on Laketown. We give them shelter and their share of the treasure."

"Good luck with that one," Fira mumbled. However no one heard her. Instead she realised they were all looking at Fili. He gave a small gulp and Fira's heart went out to him. With Thorin in the state he was Fili was technically their new leader. Not that he seemed keen about it.

"Okay…right…" clearing his throat he nodded.

"Dwalin, Gloin, Bifur, Bofur, Kili and myself will clear away the debris. The rest of you see what we can find in terms of supplies. Both for ourselves and those who will want help."

Nodding Fira glanced over to see Bilbo waving frantically at her. Letting Kili go to join his brother she waited until no one was looking before moving to join the Hobbit. Bilbo ushered her into a far corner and Fira gasped as he brought out the Arkenstone.

"I don't know what to do," he whispered, "Should I give it to Thorin?"

"No," Fira shook his head, "No that will make things worse. We need to get rid of it."

"How? We can't hide it in the mountain. Someone will find it eventually."

Fira sighed. If only she could shift. Then she could take the blasted stone far out of anyone's reach. She sighed. This entire quest would have been easier if she could shift. Glancing at Bilbo she bit her lip.

"If you could sneak out of the mountain maybe you could hide it somewhere."

Nodding Bilbo went to put the Arkenstone back inside his coat when Fira shot out a hand to stop him.

"Wait. I just want to have another look."

She had never seen something so beautiful. She could almost understand why Thorin wanted it so badly.

"Fira?"

Ignoring Bilbo Fira reached out a hand towards it. Why shouldn't she take it? After all she was entitled to a share in this treasure. Bilbo gave a small cry before slipping it back inside his coat. Fira snarled at him and he stumbled back. Shaking her head she leant against the wall.

"Oh Bilbo. Oh I'm so sorry! I don't know what just happened."

Sinking to her knees she held her head in her hands. She wouldn't be able to stay here. Her dragon blood was starting to take over. The longer she was near the gold the more the others were in danger.

"Bilbo; hide that stone and tell no one where it is. Including me."

He nodded before moving away. Sighing Fira took another look at the company. She hadn't seen them work so hard in her life. To be back in their old home…she couldn't imagine what that meant to them. But as her eyes wandered she realised they were missing someone.

Mithiel cleared her throat as she entered the gold hall. Ignoring the vast amounts if treasure she hurried down the steps to where Thorin was. He paced around and as small smile appeared as he saw her. Trying to ignore how much it worried her Mithiel gestured around.

"Thorin you need to get out of here. The others need you to be their leader. They need you to be their king!"

He nodded, "When the Arkenstone is found."

Mithiel sighed, "Say we never find it. This is a huge mountain Thorin. It could be anywhere."

"So we will look until we find it."

Rolling her eyes Mithiel turned to go when Thorin called her back.

"I wish to talk to you about Fili."

Turning round slowly Mithiel hoped her face wasn't betraying her.

"Fili?"

"Yes," Thorin nodded, "I know how you feel about him. You've made no effort to hide the fact you love him."

"I…"Mithiel gave up and opted for a shrug. Thorin chuckled.

"Fili is going to be king one day. And he will not rule with some half elf at his side."

Thorin turned away, "I want you to leave this company."

Folding her arms Mithiel shook her head.

"No."

"No?"

"No. I love him and he loves me."

Throwing his head back Thorin laughed.

"Really? My nephew said he loved you?" He shook his head, "Fili has more sense than to fall for someone who just threw themselves at him."

"Then I guess you don't know him very well." Mithiel decided to ignore the comment about throwing herself at Fili. Thorin moved towards her.

"You have no place here. You have no place in this company, you have no place in this mountain and you have no place with Fili. I don't know what he told you but I know Fili and I know he would never fall in love with some elf bitch."

"I…"

Thorin raised an eyebrow.

"I want you gone right now. I'm going to join the others and get them to help search for the stone. Should I find you there with them I will kill you."

He said it so softly that Mithiel knew he wasn't bluffing. Backing away she turned and hurried up the steps. Not noticing the hidden figure of Fili in the shadows.

Forcing her trembling legs to move through the corridors Mithiel took deep breaths whilst trying to work out what to do. She wasn't going to leave Fili just like that. If Thorin did try and attack her the others would just stop him. But it was his comments about Fili that kept going round in her head. Since Laketown Fili hadn't mentioned the kiss. Neither had she to be fair though. But they hadn't had the chance. Thorin had been with them the whole time and they hadn't wanted him to know.

But what if there was another reason Fili had kept quiet? Supposing he had said those things back in Laketown because he was still ill from his wound? Supposing he hadn't actually meant them and was pretending so as not to hurt her? Mithiel shook her head. No he wouldn't deceive her like that.

"Mithiel! Mithiel wait!"

Turning round she gasped as Fili came to a halt by her. Even though she wasn't moving her legs gave out and she sunk to the floor with Fili kneeling beside her. He gently stroked her cheek with his knuckles.

"What Thorin said," he shuddered, "It's not true. None of that's true I swear. I love you. I love you so much Mithiel. My life without you is just one empty shell. I am so in love with you. I want to tell everyone that you're my One. I want them to be jealous as I hug you and kiss you. What Thorin said of you was wrong. I don't know how many times I have to say it before you believe me but I'll say it for as long as it takes. I love you."

Nodding Mithiel leaned forward; pressing her lips to his cheek. Fili cupped her waist and soon their lips found each other's.

"But," Mithiel broke away, "What am I supposed to do? I can't leave you and yet…"

Fili shook his head, "He won't touch you. None of us will let him touch you."

Nodding Mithiel allowed Fili to pull her to their feet. He hugged her close and she kissed his forehead.

"I love you Fili. I love you so much."

Bringing her knees to her chest Fira tried to keep back her sobs. Ever since she had tried to take the Arkenstone from Bilbo she hadn't dared move from her spot. Suppose this happened with one of the others? Suppose she tried to take the treasure from them? Suppose she hurt them? Rocking back and forth Fira shook her head. She could feel the golds grip on her get more and more prominent. She could hear it whispering to her; trying to taunt her and mock her.

"Fira?"

At Kili's voice Fira glanced up. He gulped when he saw her tears but as he moved to sit beside her she shook her head.

"No. No you need to go. You need to go away from me!"

Kili blinked at her, "Love? What are you talking about?"

"I'm not…" Fira shut her eyes and pressed her fist against her forehead.

"Stop it! Stop it!"

Tears leaked from her eyes and she could feel hands grabbing at her wrists. Forcing herself to look at Kili Fira licked her lips.

"I'm not safe Kili," her voice cracked, "I could hurt you."

"Fira," Kili tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, "What on earth are you talking about?"

"The treasure," Fili grabbed his hands tightly, "The gold. I can hear it talking to me. I can feel it trying to worm it's way inside of me. I want to take it! I want to take it all for myself!"

She only had to take one glance at Kili to know he had no idea what to do. He bit his lip before pulling her against him and hugging her.

"Fira listen to me; that gold is nothing more than a curse! If I could I'd rid the whole mountain of it."

Fira nodded before gasping as she felt her dragon eyes try to manifest. Shaking her head she pulled her hands free from Kili's and crawled backwards.

"I can't stop it," she curled into a shivering ball, "I can't stop myself! I want to take it all!"

"No," Fira said nothing as Kili grabbed her hands again. Kissing her knuckles he then ran a finger along the chain around her neck; bringing the ring to her face.

"Look at this. What do you see?"

Fira nodded, "An engagement ring."

Kili nodded, "But more than that. This is a sign that we love each other. A sign that we will protect each other and look out for each other. It's a sign of my undying devotion to you."

"Kili…"

"Hold on. Whenever you feel like the gold is trying to take you just look at this ring. Look at this and think of me."

Fira shook her head, "But what if I can't? What if it tries to take me and I can't stop it."

Kili gently stroked her hair before pressing his forehead against hers. Their lips brushed against each other.

"I won't let it take you Fira. I'll hold on to you until my dying breath."

So I've just realised how long this chapter is! But ther was so much to cram in for you! Feeling sorry for everyone really – even Thorin given he's not doing this of his own free will. Let me know what you think xxx