AN: I'd been sitting with this chapter 80% done for far too long! So I forced myself to finish and tie it together before the rest of you guys threw down your popcorn and left. But seriously, I haven't been able to update anything and I've felt awful about it. *sheepish grin*

Thank you everyone who favorited/ reviewed/ messaged me! I know its been another huge gap but I hope most of you haven't lost interest! I love hearing what you have to say! Please tell me. I honestly just read and re-read reviews, smiling like a hippogriff in a ferret farm.

Also, I know that I've been focusing on Emily's friendship with the princes for so long. I hope it hasn't come off as annoying or Sue-ish that they're (kind of?) close. But I figured that its strictly business with all the Company members—getting ready and such—so they don't have time to pal around and get to know this random girl visiting. There'll be much more relationship building once the Quest starts and she's around more people. I promise not all of the Dwarves will take kindly to her, and her hair ;]

On another note, I can't get past the first two lines of the Misty Mountain Song before I tear up. Mahal help me- BOFA's going to kill me.

Chapter XVIII

Of Fears and Flowers

I power-walked through the halls without direction or purpose. I just needed to move. Like I could outrun all my emotions that seemed to be rising with every step. I felt like a boiler ready to burst—that's boiler, by the way, not boil. Ew...

Part of me wanted to run across Kili in his retreat, maybe knock him down a few notches. But I realized how stupid that was. I might have been a half a foot taller than him but I was fairly certain he could take me out—if he had no qualms about fist fighting girls, that is.

All of this anger wasn't good. I knew that. I needed to calm down but I just couldn't get the annoying archer out of my mind. Sure, Fili had said that he wasn't pig-headed enough to be offended by a girl saving him- so what was it, if not a dent in his masculinity? What the hell had I done to him?! Before, you know… kicking him in the balls.

The air that swept past me as I walked cooled the sweat on my skin, making me shiver and reminding me of how gross I felt. I stopped in my tracks, deciding then that instead of hoping I get into a grudge match with Kili, I should probably just clean off and calm down. I looked around at my surroundings to gather which way the bath halls were and changed direction.

I found the warm, humid steam comforting, and the heated rocks under my feet soothed me. I hadn't stopped back at my room so I grabbed an extra towel from the bath supplies as I stripped out of my sweaty clothes. I paused as I took my belt and sheath off, unwilling to part with them so soon. I doubted anyone would steal them but it just didn't feel right. Like I'd be naked without them. Well, more naked than at present.

That gave me an idea actually…

Although I doubted I was the first to take a weapon into bath hall, I had a feeling I was the first to actually use one while bathing. Well, in a non-combatant way, that is. After I had cleaned off, I sat on the side of the bath in my towel, lathering up my legs for a second time. I unsheathed my sword, the sound drawing a little attention. Then, with steady hands, I slowly, slowly, slowly ran the blade up my calf, shaving off the stubble that had grown in my horrifyingly razor-less stay in Middle Earth. I grinned, seeing that I was capable of not skinning myself in my small (but so necessary!) vanity and moved to another spot on my leg. I managed the task pretty effectively, going up to about mid-thigh since I was too shy to hike up my towel any farther. And then, even more carefully, I attempted my armpits—a terrifying experience, understandably. But I survived. I admired my handiwork with a certain pride, despite all the little cuts and nicks that had been inevitable. My legs were smooth and I wasn't bleeding to death, which was a total plus. Success!

All previous sentiments aside, I felt damn accomplished. I sheathed my sword and stood, wrapping my extra towel around me before heading back to my chambers. I loved saying that, by the way. My chambers. Like I was a princess or something. Did I mention that before?

Some sweetheart, I had noticed, restocked the gowns and robes in my wardrobe, all of which were much smaller and closer to my size. I had a feeling Dís had a hand in doing so. They were all gorgeous, that or I was just easily impressed. Of course, I couldn't help but feel they were too striking, too fancy and such. I'd never worn anything so extravagant and flashy. Hell, I hardly ever wore dresses to begin with.

After some deciding, as my damp hair began to annoy me, I settled on a powder blue gown with gold embroidery around the scooped neckline and short, bell sleeves. My whole cover story linking me to the Blue Wizards was starting to sink in, so, consequently, I was really getting into the color blue—no jokes about my hair, now.

In the back of my mind, I could feel a cloud of negativity, but I tried to ignore it, to distract myself.

I brushed the tangles from my mane and put it into a side braid, sweeping my fringe to the opposite side. I flopped on the bed, sitting for a few minutes before I realized I'd be bored as hell. Kili or not, I wasn't going to spend the rest of my stay cooped up in the room! Maybe I could find Fili again. No… He probably went after Kili anyway… I just had to let things simmer down.

I sort of wanted to be alone anyway. Well, I was alone now, but, I wanted to be alone… in public. Okay, it didn't make sense. I just wanted to explore, I guess. This was probably my only chance, I reasoned, grabbing my backpack on a whim and heading out the door.

It was a melancholy thought. That I'd be leaving, and most likely not coming back. And the following thought, which was even sadder, made me stop in my tracks. It was probably the last time the Durins would stay here too… Once we get to Erebor… No. No, no, no, Em. I forced myself to think positively. I couldn't afford another negative emotion. Once we get to Erebor, they'll be settled in. Maybe make a trip back to Ered Luin to get Dís and the others. To go back home. They're going to be fine. And happy.

There was a lump in my throat.

I couldn't start thinking that far into the future. I couldn't start to think of what might happen.

The present. Focus on the present.

The hallway began to ascend, turning into steps once it got too steep to walk up. It was one of the many parts of Ered Luin that I've yet to see. As I climbed, I could hear a faint whistling, and feel a cool breeze. At the top of the incline was a set of double doors, under which had the glow of sunlight. The doors opened smoothly with not too much effort, surprisingly, and led to a small courtyard outdoors.

The crisp mountain air met me in the doorway. And for a moment, I felt at peace.

It had snowed recently, I could tell, seeing the smooth sheet of white, disturbed by only a few sets of bootprints. What I couldn't tell was how fresh they were. I wasn't any kind of tracker so that information was lost on me. Was someone out here still? I almost turned back inside, but the serenity of the courtyard beckoned me. After shutting the doors behind me, I trekked forward, hoping the owner of the tracks was long gone.

The courtyard was simple in design, lacking a garden or decorative arches that I'd associate with Elvish architecture, but it was by no means unattractive. It was of a dark marble patio, covered now in white, and enclosed by a honeycombed fence. Towards the end of the court was a statue of a Dwarf, naturally, clad in ancient-looking armor, clutching a long-handled axe. I stared up at him—I was pretty sure it was a 'him'—taking in the careful details like the links in his maille, the curls of his beard, the pattern on his clothing. It was as if this warrior had been turned to stone, capturing all of his life-like qualities. I marveled at the work a moment longer; whoever the sculptor was must have spent ages chiseling out all the minutia of the Dwarf's likeness.

As my eyes roamed the statue, they came to rest on the Dwarf's hands, or more so the ring on one of his thick fingers. It was Thrain's ring. I'd recognize it anywhere, even though its colors were lost in the statue's marble. If I closed my eyes I could still see the violet facets of the gem glinting in the dim cell, held close to Thrain's chest as he slept.

"Took it from me," Thrain sobbed, breaking off into fragmented Khuzdul.

There was blood glistening in his beard and fresh tears down his face.

"It was mine…Mine… Mine! H-he took it," he moaned to himself, falling into a coughing fit. "Took it from me…"

I remembered myself crying with him, too afraid to move closer. Too afraid to fall asleep.

It was hard to take my eyes from his broken and bent fingers. I couldn't look at the blood on his face, the blood on the stone floor. More kept coming up. Oh god, was he dying? He can't die. Thrain can't die. He can't leave me!

"It was mine. It came to me... It came to me!" he wailed, turning his head up to glare at the shadows on the walls. "Took it from me!"

I felt sick at the memory. And sicker at the memories that I knew would follow.

It seems I had lost him even before he died.

No, not lost. Taken. Stolen. Ripped away from me.

And I had done nothing.

I couldn't do anything, I reminded myself, but it didn't matter. I had failed him. Just as I could fail his kin.

Emily, stop.

I looked up at the sky, fighting my stinging eyes. God, I feel like such... shit.

I forced myself to stay in the present. Look at the snow. Feel the cold. Don't think about it. Don't think about it. But still the broken image of my friend's body drifted to my mind, just to torment me. Don't think about it.

I turned away from the statue as if it had slighted me. It no longer looked beautiful, the Dwarf no longer noble. He had passed the ring on, and through time it came to Thrain. If it hadn't… My god, if Thrain had given it to Thorin—I refused to think on it, such a horrific hypothetical. It hadn't come to Thorin.

No, he was landed with another burden, I thought bitterly.

Leaning against the fence, I stared out at the landscape, the snow-capped mountain range. I tried to let it capture my attention entirely. Don't think about it.

I think I preferred being angry than feeling this.

I sat down along one of the benches that lined the fence, after clearing away the foot of snow atop it. I unzipped my backpack, rummaging through my texts to settle on my English one again, hoping a short story could change my mood.

As much as I read, there was no fooling myself. The words drifted through my mind but left no meaning. Poetry didn't seem to rhyme or envoke anything, and the tales that I once enjoyed were dismal and uninteresting. I shut the book, just as the courtyard doors groaned open, and a hunched ginger figure scurried into view.

"Gimli!" I shouted, and he jumped in surprise. What a godsend, he was. "What's up—I mean, er, how are you?"

It took a moment for him to place me. "At your service!" he replied, offering a beard-y grin as he approached. "I have been better, my lady, not that I am complaining," he said. "And what of you?"

I shrugged. "I'm... just bored."

"Well! I may be able to help you there!" Gimli beamed. "You may watch me spar in an hour's time! Da does not think I am ready for such a perilous quest but—oh. You do… know of the quest, yes?"

I nodded, and he looked relieved.

"Da thinks I am too young and inexperienced but do you know what I say?" he asked, not even pausing for me to answer. "I say, so are the princes! But they will attend! Where is the fairness in that?"

"Well…"

"There is none!" Gimli said hotly. "But I think I can change my da's mind, you see. I am going to march down to the training halls and challenge the biggest Dwarf I see! Then surely da will let me go on the quest!"

I smiled at him. "It's worth a try," I said, half-heartedly. I personally hoped he was left behind—for this own good, you know? I already had to miracle up a way to save three guys, I didn't need a forth. He was way too important of a person in The Lord of the Rings to risk anyway. Our luck he'd get picked off by a rabid squirrel. Hell, it'd be my luck too!

Gimli puffed out his chest, proudly, looking off into the distance as if already victorious.

"Well, er, good luck."

"Oh! Yes, thank you! Now, if you would like to watch, please do so—oh, in secret, of course."

I paused. "'In secret'? Why?"

Gimli cleared his throat. "Strictly speaking, I am not allowed to uh…"

"Not allow to... what?"

"Not allowed to be there. I mean there, or anywhere, with you, that is. Not even here."

"With me?"

"Aye."

"But… w-why?" I yelped, totally shocked. Had my ball-kicking story already spread?

Gimli looked a bit sheepish. "My da thinks you are witch and my uncle as well. Thinks you made the mine collapse, and summoned that troll and put a spell on the princes and King Thorin! But… you haven't, right?"

"No!" I shouted, making him almost fall back.

"I know! I know! I did not think the same… and even if you were a witch, I do not think you'd be an evil one, or anything dangerous," Gimli went on. "You would have put a spell on that troll and not have gotten bruised up as badly as you did. That's proof if anything!"

I could have face palmed. So this is what I'm going to have to deal with on the quest?

"I'm not a witch, Gimli," I groaned.

"I know!" he reassured, looking over his shoulder as if he expected his father to materialize out of nowhere. "But eh… if you were a witch, could you cast an enchantment over someone to make them undefeatable…?"

I gave him a deadpanned look. "If I were a witch, maybe," I said tightly. Then an idea crossed my mind. "Oh, hey. Wait a sec…"

"I did not say to do it!" Gimli cried, frightened.

"I'm not a witch! Relax," I told him, pulling a text from my bag. "Check this out. Maybe it could help."

Gimli took the book from the hands with wide eyes. "I have never seen such a tome!"

"It's… a wizard book," I replied coolly. "About anatomy and stuff. You could learn what places are more effective to hit. Like in battle and stuff. Here, try this chapter." I flipped it to a section on the brain, wondering if humans and Dwarves were hooked up the same inside. They couldn't be that different.

Gimli's mouth gaped as he scanned the text, his nose almost touching the pages. "'The brain is the main organ in the body's nervous system'," he read, mumbling the next few sentences to himself. "Oh ho, very interesting, this! Even Uncle Oin's journals are not detailed as such! And full of such bizarre words! How might one pronounce this one?" he asked, pointing to a word.

I looked above his finger. "Synapse," I read.

"Synapse! Aye, that was as I thought!"

Mhm, sure. I grinned, glad that he liked it, even if he couldn't understand everything. "Keep it."

"Oh, I could never!" he exclaimed, trying to hand the text back to me.

"Please, I insist. You'd be doing me a favor—it's the heaviest book I've got," I laughed. "Besides, I… don't think I'll be needing it any time soon…"

Gimli beamed. "Many thanks, my lady!"

"No prob."

"I will surely be a formidable foe once I master this witchcraft!"

"Uh, not witchcraft," I corrected. "Just science, aka Bio 101."

Gimli looked at me slyly. "Of course. Science."

I resisted rolling my eyes. "Well, I think I'm gonna head in," I told him, standing and shouldering my pack. "Good luck with the training."

"I bid you a good eve!"

"Ditto."

"Erm."

"Psst…Psst!"

I turned my head to look at Jen. She sat beside me in class, leaning over a test paper.

"Do you have the answer for eleven?"

I blinked. We were the only ones in school; not even a teacher was around…

"What?" I asked.

Jen raised her brows. "Number eleven," she repeated, pointing to her paper. "Have you worked out the answer?"

My brows furrowed. "No I… Jen, what are we doing here? Isn't it the weekend?"

Her eyes widened in astonishment. They were greener than they were supposed to be. Jen had hazel eyes, right? Yeah.

"This is detention, Em," she almost laughed. "You feeling okay?" She reached over to put a hand to my forehead. "You're not still sick, are you?"

"No…"

"I think you are."

"I'm alright."

I heard the lunch bell ring. It was distant, like it only sounded on the other side of school.

Jen snapped her fingers to get my attention. "Emily, do you have the answer yet?" she asked again, this time looking serious. "We're running out of time."

I was concerned now. "Okay, hold on," I said, glancing at my test. The words were a blur, but I could understand them.

Question 11: How are you going to save them?

"Jen, what does this mean?" I asked, looking up to find her, staring behind me like she had seen a ghost.

My heart leapt up to my throat. "Jen?"

Her gaze was transfixed, unblinking. It was like I wasn't even there. "Jen?" I called, my voice barely a whisper.

A feeling of dread crept upon me. Something was behind me. I could feel it.

I could feel it.

My heart was racing. Pounding in my ears, my chest, my jugular. Something was behind me. I could feel it.

I had to know what. Or who. No, it was a what. I had to fight my muscles to turn my head.

"Don't."

I looked back to Jen who had spoken. She still hadn't taken her eyes off of whatever was there.

"What is it?"

"Don't look."

"Jen, what is it?" I hissed.

Her eyes met mine. Hazel. She was calm. "How are you going to save them?" Jen's eyes darted between me and behind me, growing panicked. She shot out of her seat. "Em! You need the answer! You're running out of—"

My eyes opened as I was awake. I didn't jolt up or anything. I was just suddenly conscious. The only indication of my dream was my frantic heartbeat. I groaned, too tired to sit up so I rolled onto my side.

At least it wasn't a night terror. I was panicked but not trapped in a blind fear.

But, maybe, it was worse in a way, remembering the things that happened in the dreams. They made me feel empty, like I left a piece of me behind when I had woken up.

My best friend was just a memory and a distorted dream.

My back was exposed as I lay on my side. I was vulnerable. I returned to my original position on my back so I could see most of the room.

I was tired, or at least, my body was. My mind; however, felt pretty clear. I wanted to pace, to move, to run, but as I shifted my legs, they protested. I almost didn't care. I considered taking a walk, musing that I definitely wouldn't run into Thorin this time, but instead of cheering me up, I only felt more irritated and restless. So, I draped an arm over my eyes and forced myself back into a sleep.

The next morning, when I awoke, my whole body felt even more awful, inside and out. My muscles were sore and my knee ached but what was worse were the wretched feelings going on inside me. I still felt hollow. In my chest, as if all the air in my lungs took up more space, and left me empty.

I sincerely hoped I wasn't falling into a depression. Because those really friggin sucked and I had no time to be that distracted by… emotionally draining crap. I couldn't slow down. The moment I started to dwell on my thoughts too long, about past, present, or future, things would just spiral downhill.

Sadly, my mind tended to wander on its own.

I wasn't looking forward to breakfast, not the eating part, but the socializing. I sort of just wanted to wolf down some waffles—which probably hadn't been invented yet—and plop back in bed. My meeting at noon with Fili prompted me to drag myself out from under the covers. Don't they say 'never sword fight on an empty stomach?' Well, I did.

During my fitful sleep, my dress had wrinkled itself so badly that I deemed it inappropriate to wear in public, which was a shame since I really liked it. I replaced it with a cream and garnet gown with little gold birds sewn around the hems. I wondered if they were ravens. Or thrushes.

I ambled into the Great Hall with a sluggish gait. It was full and the Dwarves were already well into their meal. I scanned the sea of faces for a familiar one or so but either they weren't here or my eyes weren't awake enough to spot them. It was only when I reached the high table that everything from yesterday came crashing down on me. Kili's dark gaze found mine for a moment before he pointedly turned away. I saw Fili beside him, give me a small smile and nod. I tried to return it but my mouth barely twitched. Instead, I raised a hand in a lazy wave.

Thorin's seat was still empty.

And so was Gandalf's, surprisingly.

I was half-relieved, actually. He'd totally be on me about my health and I just didn't feel like explaining anything. In fact, I didn't feel like saying anything at all. Fili, bless him, tried making small talk to bridge me and his brother into a conversation, but it didn't really work. He tried catching our interest with the mention of training or even getting so desperate as to mention the weather, but he only got simple one syllable replies from the both of us.

"Huh."

"Right."

"Yeah."

"Hm."

"Cool."

I felt bad for being short with him, especially when he gave up, and the three of us continued eating in silence. I saw Kili lean over towards his brother and say something before standing. He met my stare by accident and quickly left, his face drawn into a grimace. I stabbed into my bowl of (probably) oatmeal with such force, a portion leapt over the side. I watched Mr. Short, Dark, and Brooding stalk out of the hall. I snorted to myself. My spoon-free hand was curled into a fist. A fist that I really wanted to ram into a certain someone's nose.

"You still want to continue your sword training, yes?"

Fili's voice startled me out of my violent reverie. I stumbled over my words. "Whoa, what?"

"Our session at noon?" he reminded me. "I would not be offended if—"

"No! No, I'll be there. You crazy?"

The prince smirked. "Call me biased, but I would have to say I am not."

I felt myself smile back. I wanted to say something more, to ask if he found out Kili's problem, but I said nothing. Fili looked like he was having the same debate, but before he could decide one way or the other, I stood up.

"Well. I'll see ya later," I said, and headed out before he had a chance to call me back. If he was going to.

It was nearing noon, and my enthusiasm was returning. I had always been interested in learning to swordfight, mainly due to the amount of books and movies I liked where swords were used. I had almost convinced my parents to get me the Sword of Gryffindor for Christmas a few years ago but… well, there was a kitchen knife accident the month before and let's just say three stitches ruined my chances of ever getting it. It was a total overreaction on their part. I think they were just looking for a reason to opt out of buying it.

Despite my secret joy at defying my parents as well as the anticipation of spending more time with Fili (because, let's face it—he was pretty darn cool), I also felt the rush of panic fueling my need to train. This was my last day here, which meant that the Quest was soon approaching, which meant that real danger was just around the corner, which meant I had better know how to combat said danger or else I might as well kiss my sorry ass goodbye. It was a dull panic. But I knew it would double, and then triple once we set out on the road. So as much confidence as I could muster about my self-defense, the better. I didn't really need The Unexpected Stab Wound, if you know what I'm saying.

I hung my head as I leaned on the balcony railing. I had returned there, after pacing my room, feeling restless and discontented. The weight of my sword at my hip felt comforting when I shut my eyes. Like it was an anchor to this world. Like I would float off if I kept my eyes closed for too long.

Now that I thought about it, for the billionth time today, I was pretty sure I liked it better when I couldn't remember anything in my dreams. Nightmares, I corrected. There was nothing dream-like about them.

"How are you going to save them?"

The question haunted me. Even before the nightmare.

It was a question I had no answer to.

Lives were at stake. Depending on me. Desperately. Unwittingly.

Me.

Who the hell was I? To gamble with the lives of others? To carry their lives in my hands? If they put their trust in me, that's one thing. But they didn't. They had no clue. I didn't even trust that I could keep myself—

"Ah-hem."

I whipped around at the intrusion and found one of the subjects of my thoughts.

"Gimli told me that I might find you here."

The younger prince stood a few feet before me, looking quite defeated and miserable. Head bowed, eyes downcast in a kicked puppy fashion.

I blinked, somewhat agitated at seeing him so abruptly. Like he was a constant reminder of my duty, my promise, my utter and terrifying responsibility. I glowered, and Kili shrank back. Surprisingly, it seemed, he hadn't come to fight.

Kili held out his hand to me, and in his closed fist were clenched a few pathetic-looking flowers that were bent and drooping. "I… was holding them too tightly," he said sheepishly, staring at them.

I didn't move to grab his obvious peace offering. Instead, I stared at him, annoyed but undeniably curious about his sudden, somewhat uncalled for change in mood. The unease began to weigh on me and I subconsciously attempted to relieve it with dry humor. "If you're trying to ask me out, I might kick you again."

"I… what?" he frowned, my phrasing going over his head. "We are already outdoors…?"

"Just… What do you want?" I growled, a little more harshly than I had intended.

His arm dropped to his side, eying me as an internal debate went on in his mind. It was painfully awkward to watch. Was that what I looked like half the time?

"I want to apologize," he mumbled finally.

I crossed my arms. "What?"

"I want to—"

"I heard what you said," I interrupted. "But why now? Did… Did Fili put you up to this?"

"No," he said quickly. "He knows not that I sought you out. This was wholly my doing. Miss Emily, I… I should not have acted so…"

"Asinine?" I offered. "Rude? Stupid? Disrespectful? Immature?"

He glared slightly then blinked it away. "Something like that."

I hunched my shoulders. "What changed your mind?"

Kili became interested in his boots, probably thinking out his reply carefully. It seemed like he had rehearsed this all. I took a step forward, snapping him from his thoughts and forcing him to answer. "I…realized I was taking my anger out on you, when you did not deserve it," he explained.

"Ya think?"

He had the decency to look ashamed.

"Why were you pissed off in the first place?" I questioned, still bitter about the whole ordeal despite his efforts to fix it.

"Pissed off?" he repeated, brows raised in alarmed confusion. God knows what he thought I meant.

I nearly stomped my foot. "Angry."

Recognition sprung to his face, then regret."I..." Kili began, then stopped and sighed. "I resented you," he said simply, meeting my gaze, and I could see that he was being earnest.

I frowned. "For saving you…?"

"No!" Kili said sharply. "I honestly was impressed that you could hold your own against a troll. And help me a bit… help us."

I shook my head, confused. "Then what for?"

He pursed his lips before answering, in a dejected whisper. "For saving Fili."

"What?!"

My shrill yell made him jump. "You do not understand. He is my brother, he is my blood. I should have been the one to save him."

"Are you crazy?" I shouted, my hands balling into fists. "Do you think I should have let him bleed to death?"

"No!"

"You weren't even there though! You were stuck up in the mines! Oh my god! You hate me for that?!"

"No! I," he choked on his words. "I hate myself for that! For not being there when he needed me!" Kili ground his teeth together, looking pained. "I should not have treated you as such, I know. You just… You reminded me of my failure. Every time I saw you o-or heard your name mentioned, I just…" He trailed off, eyes falling again to Thrain's cuff. "In all my life, I have never felt so unworthy… so worthless."

I was more than caught off guard by his revelation. Even he seemed shocked that he had said so much. I gawked back at him, speechless. Not in a million years could I have imagined… Who even thinks of that? I mean... My fingers found Thrain's cuff and I went still.

"I was going to ask your forgiveness," he continued. "But I'll understand if you—"

"Just shut it, already," I said, holding out my hand, expectantly.

Kili stared.

I wiggled my fingers. "My flowers?" I said, trying to sound indifferent.

His eyes widened and he hastily dropped them into my waiting palm. They were small with pale blue petals, some of which had already fallen off. "What're they called?" I asked, keeping my voice even, as if uninterested.

"I do not know," he said, watching me warily, as if his response might set me off and break our unspoken truce.

I held back a smile. "Let's call them… apology accepted."

"Do you mean it?" Kili asked, almost unwilling to believe me. "I would not mind if you kick me again. To get even."

"Don't tempt me," I said, giving him a look.

Kili regarded me with wide eyes. I had a feeling he hadn't expected this to go well. Hell. Neither had I. We stood there a bit longer, me, holding my wilting flowers, and Kili, shuffling his boots into the snow.

"Well…"

"Yeah," I said.

"Do you not have somewhere…?"

"Yeah. I should get going."

"Alright."

"Thanks for the…" I waved the flowers.

"You are welcome!" he blurted. "It was nothing, really. I saw them growing wild and thought of your hair. It was last minute."

"Ah."

"Hm..."

My gaze wandered around idly.

Yep. Thiiis was awkward.

"Well, I'm gonna be late," I said dismissively, making my way to the doors.

"Of course. Sorry to have kept you!"

"S'fine. Are you… going to stay here?" I asked. Yeah, I probably shouldn't have asked.

Kili cast a look around the courtyard and shook his head. "No, I'd—I should probably join you. In the hall. I need to get more practice in," he told me, gesturing to the bow slung over his shoulder. "For the Quest."

"Right, because you're such a bad shot," I teased.

When he realized I was joking, he smiled. "You were watching me then?" he asked, adopting a somewhat cocky expression.

I rolled my eyes. "Don't flatter yourself. I was just making sure a stray arrow didn't fly my way."

Kili looked legitimately stunned and actually stopped in the corridor. "You do not honestly think I would have attacked you, do you?"

Now that he said it, and he looked so hurt by my semi-serious jab, I felt a little bad. "I… no, not really."

"Because I would never," he stressed, as if I had questioned his honor. I guess, in a way, I had. Accusing him of wanting to attack a woman. In a culture where woman were respected and treasured like none other. Whoa, way to guilt trip me, Puppy Eyes.

"I know," I sighed, walking again. "Sorry, I didn't really mean it. I just… I've been in a funk lately." That somewhat had to do with you.

"A… what?"

"A bad mood."

"Oh… Was I the cause…?" he asked after a silence.

"No. No, I just… I dunno."

"I could," Kili began, then trailed off.

"What?"

He hesitated. "I could teach you some archery, if you want."

"Really?"

"It may be wise for you to learn. Especially after seeing your skill with a sword…" he added.

"What about my skill?" I asked tersely.

Kili held his hands up, defensively. "Nothing. Just that it may prove difficult enough for you to fell a tree, let alone an opponent that's not standing still."

"Why you!"

"I only speak the truth!" Kili laughed, moving away before I could smack him. "I'm not saying that you cannot improve! Simply that you will have to improve if you want to stand a chance against a seasoned opponent such as myself."

"You just wait," I told him. "A little more practice and I'll be able to knock you on your back end without kicking you."

Kili smiled. "It is a shame we'll part ways come tomorrow. I would have liked to see that."

"Oh, right. I almost forgot…" I said. Gandalf and I were leaving next morning. "Well, you get off this time."

"I am incredibly relieved," he said, pulling open the doors of the sparring hall.

I hid my grin as I walked past him. Won't he be surprised when he finds me at Bag End in a few days' time...

Footnotes:

1) I know the resolution for the "fight" between Em and Kili came rather fast. I considered drawing it out into the Quest but figured it was unnecessary drama. Also, I think both of them would want to make up as soon as possible since from Em's POV, she didn't want Kili pissed off at her during the journey and from his POV, he thought that that was the last they'd see of each other and didn't want it to end on a bad note. It just seemed logical to me.