Flames
Lake Town was burning.
The deafening roar of Smaug filled Kili's ears and he trembled in fear as they fled Bard's home, Fili leading at the head of the group, dodging the flames and running for the nearest boat. Kili looked back and spied Tauriel leading Bard's children to safety. The dwarf prince made a silent prayer that the precious young lives would be saved.
A hand grabbed his right shoulder, forcing him to come face to face with his golden-haired brother. Fili nodded once and gently, yet hurriedly pushed his younger brother into the small boat along with Oin and Bofur. Untying the rope from the dock, Fili grabbed the oars and rowed, beads of sweat running down his face and back. The crown prince led the small company away from the devastation occurring before them, glancing over his shoulder every once in a while to check that Kili was lying and resting his leg after the exertion of their escape.
After what seemed like an era, the boat finally reached the shores outside the slopes of Erebor. The four dwarves stared back at the destruction wreaking havoc on Lake Town, the flames burning high into the sky, screams echoing in their ears and the blood of innocent victims burning their eyes.
Kili rose to stand beside his older brother, clinging onto his forearm with desperation. In turn, Fili wrapped his arm around his younger sibling, pulling him close. They had almost died twice that night. Fili had almost lost the most precious thing in his life. Steadying his shaking hands, he inhaled deeply and smoothed a hand over Kili's dark hair, knotted with ash and water, yet still silky to the touch, and kissed the crown of his head as Kili buried his face into Fili's shioulder, still trembling. The flames rose higher into the night, the sky alight with colours of red and gold entwining between clouds of smoke. The brothers' grip on each other tightened.
Fili sighed. He had kept his promise to his mother, to himself, so far; he had kept Kili alive on their quest. He closed his eyes and pressed his nose into his brother's hair, heart aching with the thought that next time, he might not be able to keep his word.
A/N: First two chapters in a day! Slightly depressing with all the brotherly feels, I know. But I wanted to try and convey that despite being skilled fighters and encountering many dangers on the quest, Fili and Kili are still young, barely into adulthood according to dwarven years anyway. Please review?