Big thanks to Aeternial for following.
Celebrisilweth – Yeah I wanted Thorin to be a bit more…violent I guess compared to my last quest fic.
SunSetsOfAnotherWorld – Well he was still mad. It's not much of an excuse I know but…
Nice Egan – If Fili and Kili are concerned then happy endings are a guarantee.
Reader-anonymous-writer – Happy you liked it.
Rachetg – Don't worry. They won't go too far.
Exile
Fira didn't say a word as they made their way down the huge stone steps. Kili was right behind her, his hand almost crushing her own. Every time Fira glanced at him she was shocked to see how much he was shaking. She realised that Kili must have tried not to look scared in front of the others before. But now they were alone he had nothing to hide. Licking her lips Fira stopped. They were over halfway but she could see in Kili's eyes how scared he was. He glanced at her before lowering his head.
"I'm sorry. Fira."
"Don't be," she rubbed her arm, "We'll go down together okay? I won't rush you."
Nodding Kili gripped her hand and Fira forced herself to smile at him. Nodding she began inching her way down with Kili close behind. She could hear his ragged breathing and she wanted more than anything to go to him and tell him he would be okay. The grip on her hand tightened and she heard Kili stumble.
"Don't look down," she was talking to herself as well as Kili.
"Just keep walking my love. Keep walking."
Kili didn't respond and Fira didn't try and push him for conversation. It took them another ten minutes before they were down. Brushing the dust from her clothes Fira glanced back at the mountain before looking over at Kili.
"I'm so sorry. This is all my fault."
Shaking his head Kili pulled her close.
"No it isn't. It's Thorin's fault and no one else's. He attacked you. He imprisoned you and tried to kill you!"
"But you've been banished because of me!"
Kili took her hands and pressed them to his lips.
"If you think I was going to allow Thorin to kill you," he gently ran a hand down her neck.
"I would lay down my life for yours. This is nothing compared to that."
"But it's your home. Your family…everything."
"You are my family," Kili smiled, "And Ered Luin was my home."
Fira gave a small nod, hugging herself with her arms. Even though she'd only been inside Erebor for a few days she'd gotten used to the warmth. Now she was outside and had to face the biting winds. Kili sighed.
"We'll go to the refugee camps and find Gandalf. Let him know what's happening. After that…" he sighed, "How would you like to go to Ered Luin? Or the Iron Hills maybe?"
Fira slipped her hand into his, "I'd like that a lot."
Kili grinned, "The second we find somewhere to live I intend to marry you."
Leaning up Fira kissed his cheek, "You'll get no complaints from me."
Kili nodded, "In many ways I'm glad this has happened. I don't think I would be able to be a prince. Not an actual one anyway. I know that sounds irresponsible of me but that's just how I feel," he pulled Fira close, "all I really want is a house, my beautiful wife at my side and out children. I don't want any of the duties that come with being a prince. I just want things to be how they were in Ered Luin."
Nodding Fira hugged him, resting her cheek against his chest.
"Well now you can have it."
Nodding Kili gave one last glance at the mountain before nodding.
"Right, now let's try and find that wizard."
Fira smiled, "First things first. Let me look at your arm."
It only took a few minutes to treat Kili's wound. It wasn't too big and wound heal in time. Even so Fira couldn't help but shake. Thorin had done this to Kili. To his own nephew! Kili seemed to be thinking along the same lines as they walked towards the camp. Every so often he squeezed Fira's hand and pulled her against him.
As they neared the camp Fira tensed up. Even though she knew elves had come she was still taken aback by the sheer number of them. Keeping a tight grip on Kili's hand she stayed close to his side as he led the way through the encampment. She had no idea where they were going and she was almost certain Kili had no idea either. Resting her face against his arm Fira tried not to flinch at the cold chain mail. She wasn't going to say it but she hated seeing him in armour. Yes it made him look impossibly handsome; but it wasn't the same as the warmth from his thick tunic and leather coat. This screamed nothing but coldness. Her hands shivered in the wind and she was glad of Kili's gloved hands to keep them warm.
"This is ridiculous," Kili muttered, "We're just going round in circles."
Nodding Fira watched as he moved towards a tall elf with dark blonde hair. However, just as Kili was about to ask the elf a question Fira recognised a small figure running towards them.
"Bilbo?"
Kili must have heard her because he moved away from the elf and looked in the direction she was staring in. Fira nodded.
"Bilbo!"
The Hobbit reached them with a very red face. Smiling Fira tried not to focus on how Bilbo inched backwards a few steps. He glanced her up and down and she sighed.
"Bilbo I am so sorry for what I tried to do. I…the gold was affecting me. I tried to fight it I swear but I just couldn't. I would never try and hurt you, you must believe that."
"I do," Bilbo smiled, "No I really do. Is Thorin…has he managed to break free?"
Kili shook his head, "He's getting worse."
"So…why exactly are you here? I mean it's great to see you. But I don't understand."
Sticking to Kili Fira sighed.
"We need to find Gandalf. We'll tell you what happened but we need to find him."
Bilbo nodded, "I'll take you to him," he gave a small chuckle, "He's going to be more than shocked when he see's you."
Not sure how she should take this, Fira simply followed after Bilbo with Kili bringing up the rear.
Unsurprisingly they came to a halt outside the largest tent. Even with the chatter coming from outside Fira could hear the wizard arguing with someone. Kili mumbled a curse and she realised that someone was Thranduil. Instinctively she reached up and brushed the area where he had hit her. Kili flashed her a seething look.
"I know you'll tell me to be calm; but how can I just stand and talk to a man who hit you?"
Fira shrugged her shoulders, "I'm sure you'll find a way. But right now we can't really afford to start a fight with an elven king."
Bilbo cleared his throat and opened up the tent flap. Nodding Fira hurried inside. More for warmth than anything. The low talking of Gandalf and Thranduil came to a halt and Fira watched nervously as both men got to their feet. Glancing around she realised with a pang of guilt that Bard was there as well. Gandalf frowned at her and Kili.
"What are you doing here?"
"Thorin's madness I getting worse," Kili said, "He locked Fira up and later on attacked her and tried to kill her. I stopped him and he banished us both."
Fira watched as Gandalf shook his head. Even though she had seen it all happen she still couldn't quite believe that Thorin had banished Kili.
"I had hoped we would find a way to help Thorin," Gandalf shook his head, "It seems I am wasting my hopes."
Folding her arms Fira turned to Bard. The bargeman narrowed his eyes and she inched forward.
"I'm sorry about what happened," she whispered, "We tried everything we could. Believe me. If I could go back and change things then I would."
Bard gave a curt nod, "We knew there would be risks with what you were doing and we allowed it anyway. I have no love for Thorin but I can tell in your eyes you didn't want this to happen."
Nodding Fira turned in time to see Kili glaring at Thranduil. The elven king raised an eyebrow.
"What is it?"
"Nothing," Kili spat, "I'm just waiting for you to apologise."
"For what?"
"For hitting her!" Kili pointed at Fira, "You dared to lay hands on the woman I love. She deserves far more than an apology, but I'll settle for just that if I must."
Fira knew Thranduil wanted to do no such thing. However with the eyes of everyone resting on his it was clear he had very little choice. Bowing to her he gave a small smile.
"My apologies. Last time we met I lost my temper. Please forgive me."
Fira nodded and moved back to Fili. She could tell Gandalf's eyes were still resting on her and Kili.
"Is there a reason you came here?"
"Yes," Kili nodded before glancing at Bard, "I know you want to fight Thorin. He owes you your share of the gold and if I could I would bring it to you. But a whole army against a few dwarves is madness!"
"They are not here to fight the dwarves," Gandalf sighed, "Not just them anyway."
Fira nodded; a bad feeling creeping up on her. Gandalf glanced at Thranduil.
"We have received reports that Azog is massing an army and heading straight for the mountain."
Fira gulped and she could see Kili had gone white. Squeezing his hand and pulled him close.
"Fili..?"
"Will be fine," she whispered, "They all will be. I promise you."
He nodded and turned back to Gandalf.
"So…"
"So whilst in a way we wish to fight the dwarves," Gandalf smiled, "Azog is our main priority. He must not be allowed to get his hands on Erebor. If he does then nothing will stop him from wiping these people out and then moving on to Mirkwood."
Fira shot Kili a glance. She knew he had originally come here to get help from Gandalf. But with this piece of news plans would change. He wouldn't leave his friends with this threat. And neither would she.
"I want to fight," Kili said, "I might have been exiled by Thorin but I won't stand by whilst my brother's life is in danger."
Fira nodded, "I'm with Kili. Azog needs to be stopped."
As expected Kili's face had fallen at her words.
"Fira…maybe you shouldn't."
Turning her back on Gandalf, Bard and Thranduil Fira raised an eyebrow.
"Why? Because I'm not a good enough fighter. Kili if you had seen me fight you wouldn't be asking this of me."
"Fira," he gently took her arms, "I don't care if you're the best swordswoman in the world. The idea of you in a battle, putting your life on the line…it's horrible. I want you to stay safe."
"And you think I don't feel the same about you? Kili if I could I would stop you from wanting to fight. But I would never do that to you. I hate it but I'm willing to accept it. Why can't you do the same for me?"
Kili opened his mouth before shutting it again.
"Why must you always be right?"
Fira shrugged, "Just one of my many talents."
Gandalf cleared his throat, "Well that's settled then. Now Kili if you go with Bard to help train up his men, I'd like to speak with Fira for a moment please. Alone."
Fira watched as Thranduil and Bilbo left along with Bard. Kili kissed her hurriedly on the cheek before following. Waiting until she was sure they were out of earshot Fira turned to Gandalf who sighed.
"What is it? You're hiding something from them."
Gandalf nodded, "I wasn't sure at first. But now I believe the rumours to be true."
"Rumours?"
"Azog has aligned himself with the Dragonborns."
"Yes," Fira nodded, "I assumed we all knew that given I was sent by Tharos as an assassin."
Gandalf nodded, "But I didn't realise the full scale of their union. I thought that Azog would take the mountain then just give it to the Dragonborns so they could guard it whilst he moved on elsewhere. But it seems their armies have come together."
Fira pressed a hand to her stomach as she realised what Gandalf meant.
"So whilst Azog is fighting with Thranduil's army; my people are going to attack the mountain!"
Gandalf nodded, "Fira you need to stop them."
"But how? I can't shift! And I doubt my magic will be able to stop every single dragon from attacking Erebor."
Gandalf gave her a small smile, "That's where I might be able to help."
Fira couldn't help but feel uneasy as Gandalf paced in front of her. They had moved from the tent to the outskirts of the camp. Gandalf gripped his staff.
You need to try and break this curse Fira. If you don't then we won't be able to stop Azog."
"Gandalf I can't. Do you think I haven't tried? My body will burn if I attempt to shift."
"But now," the wizard smiled, "You have me."
"You didn't try and help me when we first started this quest."
Gandalf gave her a shamefaced nod, "No I didn't. I still wasn't sure of your motives Fira. And by the time I was…well it was too late. We were going out separate ways."
Not bothering to try and push him any further Fira just nodded.
"So what now."
Gandalf raised his staff, "Now I am going to break your curse."
"What do I need to do?"
"Just relax," Gandalf smiled, "and let me do the rest."
Nodding Fira watched as the wizard began to mutter under his breath. The very tip of his staff glowed as his voice steadily got louder. Her body tingled and she could feel her skin getting warmer and warmer. Rubbing her eyes Fira gasped when her palms began to sting. It gradually moved up her arms until it reached her chest. As Gandalf carried on with his chant she forced herself to remain standing. Every inch of her body was burning now but she refused to fall. Gandalf yelled out the last few words before falling silent. Unable to stop herself Fira sank to her knees, doubling over to take deep breaths.
"That hurt!"
"I know," Gandalf sighed, "But that should hopefully have worked."
Fira glanced up at him, "Should I…should I try and shift?"
A strange look crossed Gandalf's face.
"There are too many people watching. Yet it wouldn't be wise to wait until the fighting starts. Give me a few minutes."
As he walked away Fira forced herself to her feet and glanced around. Apart from a few elven soldiers no one was here. There was certainly no one watching her. Even though she knew she should wait she refused. She had been without this ability for so long. She needed to know. She needed to feel her wings flapping in the air once more. She needed to feel free again.
Shutting her eyes Fira allowed her dragon eyes to manifest. Unlike the previous attempts there was no burning pain in her body. Instead she could feel her skin being replaced with scale, the ridges on her back moved as her wings fought to be free. She was doing it! She was actually shifting!
"Not so fast Fira!"
As she heard Sol's voice Fira's blood ran cold. Without even thinking she tried to reverse the process. But she was too late. A blinding hot pain shot through her head; causing her to sink to her knees. Blood gushed from her nose and mouth as she fell to the ground. Her already burnt arms stung and she could see the scales on her hands fading away. Throwing up Fira reached round to feel her wings burrowing back under her skin. Tears leaked down her eyes. The pain hit her again and Fira let out pained cry as everything went black.
As he walked around the camp Legolas chewed his lip. All around him his fathers soldiers were preparing for battle. He knew he should be doing likewise, but he had no joy in this. He might not like dwarves, but this was wrong. Fighting Azog should be their only focus, not the mountain. He could remember watching as Kili and Fira had been reunited with Bilbo. The way that dwarf prince held her against him; how they looked at each other. It went against everything he had been told about dwarvish behaviour. He smiled to himself. Anyone would be a fool to attack Fira if Kili was around. He would defend her until his death. And she would do the same with him.
Taking one last look at the mountain Legolas knew he needed to turn back. Whether he believed in this fight or not, that fact remained that it was happening. He needed to be prepared for when it began.
And then he heard it.
Legolas frowned as he heard a gasp followed by a small scream. It was coming from his left; at the very edge of the camp if he had to guess. Already his legs were moving and he pushed past several soldiers in his hurry. It had been a girl that much he knew. And there was only one girl here in this camp.
"Oh no."
Hurrying towards the convulsing form of Fira Legolas loomed over her. Blood trailed from her nose and mouth and she gave one last convulsion before lying still. He had no idea what to do. He wasn't a trained healer by any means. Yet he knew she couldn't stay here. Bending down he picked her up in his arms and draped her over his shoulder. She was still breathing and he hoped he hadn't found her too late.
Forcing her eyes open Fira glanced around her. She was lying on a bed and for a split second she wondered if she was back in the mountain. But as the roof of the tent came into view she realised how wrong she was. Figures leaned over her; one was blonde whilst the other had a grey beard.
"Gandalf?" Her voice seemed miles away. The wizard nodded and she screwed up her eyes.
"What happened?"
"I don't know," he sighed, "Maybe your curse hasn't been lifted? You were having some sort of seizure when Legolas found you. If he hadn't you would have died."
Turning over Fira realised who the blonde man was. Forcing a smile on her face she reached out and took his hand.
"Thank you."
He bowed. Fira opened her mouth when Kili's voice could be heard outside.
"Where is she? You have to let me see her!"
Smiling Fira sat up as Kili entered the healing tent. His eyes widened when he saw her and Fira knew if she hadn't been in a bed then he would have bowled right into her. As it was he stopped just before the bed and pulled her close.
"How are you? What happened? Are you alright?"
Kissing him she nodded, "I'm fine. My head hurts but other than that I'm alright."
Kili nodded before realising Legolas was there. As he bowed Fira wasn't the only one with a shocked expression.
"I was told you brought her here. Thank you. I can never repay you for saving her."
Fira squeezed his hand as Legolas simply bowed before leaving. She instead watched Gandalf who shook his head.
"I'm sorry Fira. I thought I had done enough to break your curse."
"But you did," Fira nodded, "I tried to shift and it was working. I wasn't in pain. I wasn't burning. But Sol stopped me. He sent a wave of power through my mind, causing me to have a seizure."
"Seizure?" Kili gripped her shoulders, "Are you sure you're alright?"
Nodding Fira leant against him. She didn't care what happened now. She knew that when the time came she would be able to regain her former power and stop Azog and Tharos in their tracks.
So no Thorin or the company in this one as I wanted some Fira/Kili time. And whilst Gandalf lifting her curse seems like a cop out I couldn't think of a better way for it to happen with the battle so close. Let me know what you think xxx