Nice Egan – Yeah he'll be crossing some more limits as well I'm afraid.

Rachetg – He is isn't he? I'd feel so blessed if I got a guy like Fili or Kili.

Reader-anonymous-writer – Yeah she knows it's not her fault. But given she has the power to do it and she couldn't you can't blame her for feeling frustrated.

Infernal Madness

Sticking close to Kili Fira said nothing as he led her back towards the others. Most of the debris had been cleared away from the huge gape where the doors had been and Fira sighed. It would be a long time before these halls were fully restored. Several of the others seemed to be thinking the same thing. Behind her someone cleared their throat and when she saw Fili and Mithiel together Fira smiled. Fili cleared his throat again and this time everyone stopped working. Fira grinned at Mithiel who kept shooting Fili anxious glanced. However he simply gave her hand a comforting squeeze. Out of the corner of her eye Fira saw Bofur grinning.

"Something ye want to tell us Fili?"

"Erm…" Fili gave a bashful nod, "I figured you all deserved to know that this beautiful woman here," he gestured to Mithiel, "somehow loves me as much as I love her. And since Laketown we've…well we've been…together."

He broke off awkwardly and Fira smiled warmly. Bofur was the first to clap whilst Dwalin went over and hugged the pair. Fira leant against Kili who kissed her cheek.

"He deserves this," he mumbled, "So much."

Fira nodded; her eyes never leaving the long tunnel that Fili and Mithiel had just come from. Thorin hadn't been seen since locking himself in the gold hall and Fira couldn't help but wonder what he might do next. The people of Laketown would be after their blood as well as their treasure. She didn't want to imagine what would happen when they came up against Thorin.

"Fira?"

"Sorry," smiling at Kili she kissed his hand, "Just thinking."

Kili nodded before glancing up at the huge gap in the wall. Fira followed his gaze and realised that night was starting to fall. Kili hugged her close.

"Time for some rest I believe."

Nodding Fira glanced at the others. All of them seemed to be far more tired than earlier. Fili nodded.

"Sleep where ever you can. Any rooms you find that aren't too damaged are at your disposal. In the morning…" he sighed, "In the morning we'll work out what to do."

One by one the dwarves said their goodbyes and began moving off. Waiting until Ori had gone Fira followed Kili over to his brother. Fili sighed at them both.

"I don't know what to do. If uncle doesn't snap out of this..?"

"Fili…" Fira sighed, "I think you're going to have to lead them. Thorin is in no state to do so and we've no idea when or even if he'll ever break free from this madness."

Fili shook his head, "Of course he will! He's Thorin!"

"Fee..?"

"No he will!"

Fira could see how much Fili was praying for things to go back to normal. She couldn't imagine how nervous he was right now. He'd had the training to be king; but training and actually being a leader were two very different things. Kili rubbed Fili's arm.

"You're doing a great job Fee," he whispered, "Mother would be very proud of you."

"Of both of you," Mithiel said. Fira nodded in agreement before yawning.

"So as lovely as this moment is I don't suppose we could move in the direction of a bedroom?"

Grinning Kili winked at her.

"Of course my lady."

Fira screamed as he scooped her up into his arms and tossed her over his shoulder. Kicking out she could hear Fili laughing whilst Kili simply kissed her leg.

"Well you didn't say how you wanted to move!"

When they reached yet another door along one of the corridors Fira sighed as Kili glanced in the room. However this time he entered and shut the door behind them.

"Kili," she poked him in the back, "You have exactly three seconds to put me down."

He mumbled something before Fira finally found herself back on her feet. Sending him a mock glare she then smiled softly as he took her hands.

"So then; our new room."

Fira glanced around at it. Apart from the fact it was bigger it reminded her very much of her room back in Laketown. Kili took her hands and gently led her towards the bed. Smiling Fira remembered lying with him that first time. How complete she had felt afterwards. How protected he had made her feel. Kili eased off his woollen tunic and boots whilst Fira tugged at her sleeves nervously. She knew she'd never be able to undress without being in pain – and there was no way Kili was going to see her back.

"Fira?"

She watched as he placed his hands on her shoulders.

"Are you alright?"

She nodded before shaking her head.

"May I have some help please?"

Kili blushed and Fira kissed his nose. Apart from the odd wince she remained silent as he helped her ease out of her own fur coat. Fira unlaced her boots and she could see Kili smiling softly at her. As he pulled his own shirt off Fira sighed. He knew what that sight did to her. Kili grinned and before she could stop herself she went to remove her own. Kili helped her pull her arms out of the sleeves when she remembered her back.

"Wait. Kili stop!"

He narrowed his eyes and she shrugged.

"My back I…I don't want you to see."

"I already have," he kissed her," I helped Oin treat you."

"Oh."

Kili said nothing; instead he moved so he stood right behind her. As her shirt came over her head Fira could feel his arms around her waist. Kili gently pressed his cheek to her back.

"I'm so sorry Fira. But you're still gorgeous."

Giggling Fira quickly undressed and took Kili's hands and pulled him to the bed. Sliding down underneath the blankets she snuggled up to him. One hand stroked his cheek whilst the other grasped at her ring. Kili smiled at her reassuringly.

"Fira you'll be fine. I know you and I know you won't let the gold get a hold of you. You're stronger than my uncle. Much stronger."

Fira gave a small nod, "Do you think we'll be able to help him?"

Kili sighed, "Honestly? I don't know. For Fili's sake…well for all our sakes I hope we can. But I don't know."

Wrapping her arms tightly around Kili Fira blushed as she felt his lips grazing her neck. Kili rested his hands against her bare stomach.

"I want you to know," he moaned, "that night in Laketown was the best night of my life."

Fira smiled, "I was worried I wouldn't be able to please you."

"Believe me," Kili moved so he was now on top of her, "you will always please me."

Smirking Fira captured his lips with hers whilst her hands moved down past his stomach.

Opening her eyes Fira realised her head was pressed against Kili's torso. She could feel his fingers through her hair. Smiling she glanced up.

"Morning."

Leaning down he kissed her forehead.

"Morning sweetheart," he grinned, "How are you feeling?"

Raising an eyebrow Fira sat up and leant against Kili. Last night had certainly been more…passionate than at Laketown. Kissing his nose she nodded.

"Fine…if a little tired from lack of sleep."

Kili took her hand and brought it to his lips. Gazing at him Fira could remember the first time they met all those months ago. How he had saved her and taken care of her. How he had been all tongue tied around her.

Nothing had really changed.

Breaking free from her thoughts she saw Kili had now gotten out of bed and was pulling his shirt on. Biting her lip Fira began to hunt for her own.

"I imagine the people from Laketown will be here soon," Kili said nervously, "part of me is hoping Thorin stays away. If he comes up against the Master or Bard then…"

Fira nodded; slipping her shirt on despite the pain. Lacing her boots up she smiled grimly at Kili.

"If you see Alfred tell him to stay away from Fili."

Kili shook his head, "No. No my brother can kill him ten times over for what that piece of filth did to Mithiel," he drew Fira close, "I'll kill him for what he wanted to do to you."

"You don't know that he did want to do anything."

"Well," Kili shrugged, "I could see the way he looked at you. It didn't take much of a genius."

Kissing him Fira grabbed her coat and followed him towards the door. Kili's hand rested on the handle when it sprung open. Bilbo gave them an apologetic smile.

"Sorry I didn't realise!"

"What's wrong?" Fira licked her lips; hoping the hobbit didn't have the Arkenstone. Bilbo shook his head.

"You need to come and see."

As they walked all manner of things ran through Fira's mind. But as they reached the others nothing prepared her for the sight.

"Thorin!"

The king barely glanced at her. Instead he was looking at a huge wall made up of stones and boulder. A huge stone wall where – last night – a gap leading out from the mountain had been. Glancing nervously at the others Fira realised they too were equally stunned. Holding onto Kili she watched as Thorin nodded before turning round.

"Uncle what are you doing?" Kili ushered Fira to stand with Fili and Mithiel. Thorin smiled.

"It took me all night. I saw the people from Laketown making camp in the ruins of Dale. I did this to protect us."

"Uncle we need to help them!" Fili cried. Thorin narrowed his eyes.

"I do not recall asking your opinion nephew," he then shot Mithiel a glare, "what is she still doing here? I told her what would happen if she remained."

"You did," Fili put an arm around Mithiel, "And I told her she was staying. I love her and if you lay a finger on her I'll see you pay. Uncle or not."

Fira bit her lip as Thorin processed this. However he simply shook his head.

"I can see you care more about some elf slut than your own people."

He turned and Fira quailed as the king glared at her.

"You!"

He faced Kili, "Why have you brought her here! She is a traitor! She has Dragonborn blood in her."

Kili jutted his chin out; "She is my One uncle. I love and trust her. Where I go she goes."

"If you ask me she deserves to be locked up."

Kili gulped before shaking his head, "Well thankfully no one is asking you Thorin."

Thorin went white before turning back to the others.

"The people of Laketown will come to beg for something they have no claim to. This mountain; this treasure is ours by rights! We have reclaimed it and now we must defend it!"

"Can you not hear yourself?" Fili shook his head, "Uncle we unleashed a dragon onto Laketown. They've lost everything because of us."

"He's right," Kili nodded, "We need to help them. Give them shelter and food. We owe them that much!"

"We owe them nothing!" Thorin barked. Glaring at both Fili and Kili he then began walking back in the direction of the gold hall. As he brushed past her Fira didn't dare look at him. Thorin had never frightened her before. Even at Rivendell and in the Misty Mountains. But now…this wasn't the Thorin she had travelled with. This was a monster. Kili hugged her close.

"You'll be alright my love. You'll be alright."

Leaning against the huge wall that now sealed them inside the mountain Fira watched the others with interest. Ever since Thorin had walked off none of them had any idea what they should do. Fili, Kili, Balin and Dwalin were in deep conversation but the others were stuck twiddling their thumbs.

"Fira!"

At the voice Fira froze. A shaking hand grabbed Kili's ring.

"No. No I won't let you take me."

"I know you want this Fira. You crave the power I can give you."

Shutting her eyes Fira tried to picture Kili. Him, Fili, Bofur and Ori. The entire company! Anything to stop the Arkenstone from crawling into her mind.

"Why do you fight this Fira? Embrace this. Let yourself be free. Take me. You deserve me after all. You fought just as hard to get here as Thorin did. Why shouldn't you have me?"

"No I…" Fira dropped the ring and sighed. Why shouldn't she take the stone? After all she had been the one to go and find it. Thorin hadn't said she couldn't have it for herself? Yes. Yes she would take the stone for herself. She was a Dragonborn. She deserved the riches this mountain could offer. Making sure none of the company were watching Fira moved away. The voice remained inside her head and this time she didn't fight it. Instead she simply followed it through Erebor.

Fira was soon running through the mountain as the Arkenstone began to scream inside her head. She had seen Bilbo sneaking off earlier and she assumed he was going to hide the stone. She had to stop him. If he took that from her after everything she had been through..?

"Fira?"

Turning a corner Fira smiled at the startled Hobbit. He hurriedly pushed something back under his coat and she smiled.

"Bilbo it's fine. I just came to tell you Thorin's on the warpath. If he finds you with that stone he'll kill you."

Bilbo gulped, "Okay. I'm going to sneak out of Erebor and hide it somewhere far away."

Fira nodded, "I'll come with you."

Bilbo paused, "Fira I don't think that's a good idea?"

"And why not?" She could almost touch the stone now. Moving towards Bilbo she watched as he backed up against the wall.

"Why shouldn't I see the stone hidden safely away? I helped to find it."

"Fira," Bilbo gave a small squeak, "Fira you're not yourself. It's the gold. Please listen to me."

Blinking Fira allowed her dragon eyes to form. She could see the fear in Bilbo's face. But none of that mattered as she reached for the Arkenstone. Turning Bilbo tired to run when she tackled him to the ground. He kicked out but her hands slipped past his and grabbed the stone from him. Moving away from the shaking Hobbit she gazed into it's bright light. It was surprisingly heavy and she held it to her chest.

"Such beauty," her voice cracked, "Thorin doesn't deserve such a gift."

"FIRA!"

At the voice her head snapped up in time to see Bilbo lunge at her. One hand grabbed the stone whilst the other pushed her away. Kicking out Fira smiled as the Hobbit groaned. But he still clung on. His foot landed in her stomach and she doubled over with a gasp. She could feel the stone slipping from her fingers and Bilbo took his chance. Giving her one final shove backwards he grabbed the stone and ran. Pushing herself to her feet Fira shook her head.

"Bilbo I…I'm sorry!"

Tears streamed down her face. How could she have been so weak? So stupid? One hand grasped her engagement ring whilst the other clutched her head. Voices filled her mind as she sunk to her knees. She could feel the gold pulling at her, clawing its way into her brain.

"No…no please stop."

Crying out Fira looked around her. She wanted Kili. She needed him. She needed to hold him. She needed him to promise everything would be alright.

"Help me," grabbing at the stone floor Fira let loose an anguished cry.

"HELP ME!"

She curled into a ball on the floor. She had been so sure of herself. So sure that she would be fine.

"Fira. Don't cry Fira."

"No…no stop."

"Now now. You know you cannot resist. What would those dwarves do with all this gold anyway? They would get rid of it. They would take away everything you deserve."

Fira shook her head. But as she did so she could feel herself giving in. It was as though the golds influence was coating her whole body. Getting to her feet she glanced around; her dragons eyes flashing once more. Nodding to herself she walked in the direction of the gold halls.

Slipping inside Fira half expected Thorin to be there. But instead she saw no one. Her eyes scanned over the mountains of gold and jewels with glee. She had earned this. All of this. Tharos and her kind be damned. Hurrying forward Fira sank to her knees, running her hand along a small cluster of gold coins. Grabbing them she shoved them into her pockets before taking several small rubies. She couldn't pick up the gold quick enough. She had to take as much before the others stole it from her. And if they tried to stop her she would kill them.

"YOU!"

At the voice Fira spun round. In doing so she had no time to react as a fist smashed into her face. Staggering backwards the gold and jewels fell from her pockets – crashing around her as she landed on her back. Rubbing her forehead Fira blinked.

"I…Thorin?"

He loomed over her. With one hand he grabbed her shirt and the other smashed into her face again. Spitting out blood Fira licked her bloodied lips. Her dragon eyes slowly vanished and she glanced at the gold in horror.

"No Thorin wait! You don't understand!"

He struck her hard around the face, "I understand perfectly. This was your plan from the start. To enter the mountain and steal from me."

Fira shook her head. She had to get out of here before the gold took her again. Kicking out she then squirmed as Thorin straddled her; his hands around her neck. Gasping Fira lashed out as he began to choke her. Thorin grinned.

"I will not allow you to taint the line of Durin."

Well…I guess interesting is the word here! I'd always planned for Fira to go a little mad then come up against Thorin. But once again you have a cliff-hanger (and plenty more will be following). Let me know what you think xxx