Heeeeey guys! I'm back! This chapter is a little shorter than I normally would write, but I wanted to get something out to you all before I really go into it! Hope you enjoy!
Breathless and exhausted from battle, I shifted my weight and sighed heavily. Now that Legolas has outed me to the company, there was no point trying to be poise.
"Set up counsel with King Thranduil...and get them cleaned up." It wasn't a suggestion. My voice was strong, demanding a response from those around me.
Turning away from the bewildered company, most of which were unable to comprehend what had just been said, I glanced at the Elf-Prince. Our eyes met briefly before he nodded in understanding. With a gesture of his hand, he sent soldiers to escort the battered crew of dwarves back in the direction of the woodland realm.
As always, the dwarves gave protest, but seeing as there was no other choice, they ultimately gave in.
Walking away from them was nearly heartbreaking. I'd spent all this time trying to get back to them, but I couldn't allow my feelings to get in the way of what truly mattered. There were more important matters to discuss…and I needed a moment to compose myself.
Weaving my own way through the trees and paths, my feet carried me back to the Elven King's home. Gregor followed along dutifully. I was glad to have his loyalty as it stood only with me and I welcomed the brush of fur at my side.
Autopilot kicked in shortly after and before I knew it I was inside the safety of my room. I gave Gregor a curt nod before shutting my door. The soft click of the latch freed my tense body from its confines. I practically dragged myself to the bed and ached as I sat down slowly. If I didn't have an important meeting to prepare for, I would gladly give in to the comforts of said bed.
Rest, however, was a distance dream.
Not long after, a knock at my door forced me to straighten up.
"Enter."
Legolas cautiously came into the room, his expression as unreadable as ever.
"My father has agreed to an audience…"
"But?" There was always a but.
A smile graced his lips. He seemed impressed that I was able to pick up the subtle hint that it wasn't going to be that easy for me.
"But he doesn't trust the dwarves."
I nodded. "Valid. What does he require?"
"Chains, mayhap?" Of course he would.
"Absolutely not. Tell him if they do anything stupid, I'll take responsibility. Hopefully that will appease him."
"I'm not sure it will."
"It will have to. I don't have any options and I'm desperate. Tell him that. The Lady of Frost is desperate and begging for him to reconsider chains, ropes, or bindings of any sort. I'm sure that will stroke his ego the right way."
"I'll pass along the message." That would be the queue to leave…only Legolas didn't.
A heavy sigh left my lungs and I leaned forward, resting my arms against my bare knees.
"Is there more?"
"No…it's just-" He paused before he moved back to the door and motioned for maids to enter. They hurried in with warm water and cloth. "I thought perhaps you would need to clean up. You look awful."
I snorted. "That's an understatement."
"Let them help you. When you're finished, I'll have someone escort you to the Room of Ohta."
"A war room? He's not planning to go to war with the dwarves is he?" That had my attention.
"My father is unpredictable…but I doubt he'd go that far." Legolas gave one last smile before he turned on his heel and slipped through the door. Once it clicked shut, the maids began their work.
I'm not sure how long it took, but I suspect King Thranduil was not happy with my tardiness. The maids cleaned me up as best they could, removing my soiled, tattered dress and replacing it with elvish wear. The wine red dress made me feel like royalty. It plunged low in the front, but I don't think that was purposeful. The elves were all very tall and fitting me into anything was a bit of a struggle. Whomever they had adjusting these garments obviously hadn't done so for someone of such a petite stature.
Before leaving, I braided my hair loosely, pulling it over one shoulder in the hopes it could pass for formal. The walk to King Thranduil's war room was a bit of a journey, as it was anytime you traveled through his kingdom. The paths were winding and long, but my escort knew exactly where we were heading. Guards placed at the entrance of the war room made it obvious as to where we were going. Once there, my escort nodded to the guards who opened the large double doors. They were thick doors, to keep what was said inside from being heard.
As I entered, it became clear this was going to be far more exhausting than I'd hoped. The room was indeed large; with a ridiculously large circular table taking up most of the space. Chairs were placed around the table to accommodate all who entered today, but the largest chair on the far side of the room was obviously for King Thranduil. The Elven King sat there seemingly patient, but you could easily tell that patience was wearing thin. Legolas and Tauriel stood behind. The company of Dwarves, and BIlbo, were on the opposite side, as far away as they could from the elves. Thorin, Balin, Kili, FIli, and Bilbo were the only ones sitting, while the others leaned against the wall behind them or stood nearby. It was eerily quiet as I looked around, noting that Gregor was also permitted entry, but he stood near open chairs between the dwarves and elves.
When the door was secured behind me, I raised my head a little higher and walked with purpose to where Gregor stood and sat in the nearest chair.
"I see we're all getting along swimmingly." I settled into the chair, but felt it move forward slightly as Gregor pushed it in for me. "Thank you, Gregor."
No one responded to my sarcasm, but I knew they were listening, even while they glared at each other. I had a feeling I would be rolling my eyes and sighing a lot today.
"Right. Let's get started." I turned my attention to Thorin and his company. "I negotiated a deal with King Thranduil. You're welcome, by the way."
Thorin looked pissed at that. His eyes darted to me in fury and he stood. "I will not negotiate with the likes of him!" He pointed accusingly at Thranduil, who merely smirked.
"And why's that?" I questioned, knowing exactly what he was going to start bitching about.
"I would never make a deal with someone with no honor! He left us to fend for ourselves! No help was given to the Dwarves of Erebor when we needed it the most!" There was a rabble of agreement from most of the Dwarves. Only Balin stayed quiet, sighing in frustration. He understood the ramification of not seeking help from the Elven King.
The Elven King didn't budge, but his eyes narrowed and his smirk shifted to a soft frown.
"Okay." Thorin's anger wasn't misplaced, but it's been 60 years…and we don't have time for this. I turned to look at Thranduil. "Apologize."
Everyone in the room looked at me. There was a mix of surprise and shock.
Thranduil's expression questioned how I had the audacity to even suggest such a thing.
"We don't have time to really hash this out. Just apologize for your situational misjudgment and be done with it."
If Thranduil had the ability to set someone ablaze with just a look, I might have burned to ash by now.
"Misjudgment?" The Elven King began. "I did no such thing."
This was going to be harder than I thought. I don't know what I was expecting.
I pinched the bridge of my nose and closed my eyes in frustration. "Do any of you see past your own ambition or am I the only one in this room who understands what's going on out there?"
It was a rhetorical question, but I had their attention at least.
"I don't have time for you guys to be fighting over something that happened 60 years ago. None of us have time for this."
"Thorin, if we want to take Erebor, we have to accept help from the elves." Balin tried to assist me.
"I will not take help from him or any of his kin!" Thorin brought his fist down on the table.
"Then you can rot in my cells. It makes no difference to me." Thranduil replied. The threat of putting them back in their prison was now on the table.
Dwarvish outbursts filled the room. The reaction from the company had Thranduil smirking once more.
I let them shout for a moment before trying to regain control of the situation. "ENOUGH!" For once, I allowed myself to be the loudest in the room. It surprised me as much as it surprised them.
"This isn't about Erebor anymore." I followed up with.
"Not about Erebor?! That's all this has been about! I will reclaim my h-!"
"You're going to die, Thorin!" Gandalf told me long ago to keep my knowledge of the outcome to myself, but situations change…and I could no longer keep this a secret. "If you had made it out of here, you would have indeed reclaimed your home, but at the cost of your life…" My eyes shifted to the Durin brothers sitting beside Thorin. "And the lives of your nephews."
Tense moments passed before someone spoke. "Have you seen this, lass?" Dwalin asked as he stepped forward. Ah, right. They thought I was a seer.
I glanced at him briefly before I leaned forward and shifted my view to the table.
"No. I haven't seen anything" Not in the way they thought. "Gandalf and I decided it would be easier telling you that I was a seer…but there's no truth in that."
"Another lie? First you tell us you're the daughter of the Maker and now you've lied to us about being a seer! You can't be trusted!" Thorin just couldn't stop himself.
I was getting tired of Thorin's ill temper. He was more hot headed than a dragon, I swear.
"But what about all the things you knew, lass?" Bofur stepped in my direction, breaking off from the company that was standing near Thorin. "How did you know all of that?"
I didn't look at Bofur. I only listened. When his question was met with others among the company, I placed my harms on the table and leaned forward slightly.
"I think it's best if you all sit down." I finally lifted my eyes to give the room a look, but I paused when I got to a particular Durin brother.
Fili didn't meet my gaze. He didn't look at me once since I began talking. He was deep in thought, but at the very least seemed to be listening. Letting out the breath I was holding, I turned away and back to the remainder of those present in the room.
"King Thranduil, would you allow the captured orc to be brought in?" I turned in my chair to face the Elven King, trying my best to be as courteous as possible in such a precarious moment.
Cold, calculating eyes of the Elven King pierced the space between us. He was nearly expressionless, much like Legolas, as he mulled over my request before ultimately nodding and lifting two fingers, signaling to his son to procure said Orc. Legolas didn't hesitate. He left swiftly on his new mission while the room plunged into more uncomfortable silence.
I turned my head back to the table and sat back slightly, trying to find some form of solace. An impossible task while I felt many gazes cast upon me. The rest of the Dwarves had not taken their seats as I'd recommended.
"Is it true?" There was no need to glance toward the Dwarves. I'd never forget Kili's voice. "Are you really what they say you are?"
"You can't possibly belie-"
"Yes." I interrupted Dori. "I am. I care not if any of you believe me.. Your opinion does not change who I am or why I am here." Crossing my arms, I closed my eyes and sighed. A dull ache was beginning behind my eyes, signaling what could very well be a headache.
"And why exactly are you here?" Thorin asked, almost condescendingly. The venom behind his words confirmed his infernal rage. "You've obviously sided with-"
"THE WORLD DOES NOT REVOLVE AROUND YOU, THORIN OAKENSHIELD!" I'd had quite enough of his incessant accusations.
I was so worked up I barely noticed I had stood from my seat and pounded my fist into the table. When I pulled my hand off the stone and wood table, a small indentation with cracks was left in its wake. Once more, I had their attention.
Lowering my voice, I continued to lash out at would be King Under the Mountain. "Is it really so hard for you to understand your moronic quest to reclaim Erebor is what sets off a series of events that causes so much death and despair?! You don't get it, do you? You have absolutely no peripheral, you only see straight ahead! Onward to Erebor! Reclaim my homeland! You know what good that does you? Gods, you're so blind! Beorn is right about you. You're greedy, selfish, and deem your lives to be more important than those you believe to be lesser!" I'd lost it at this point.
The room shifted as I pushed my chair aside and strode toward the Mountain King. "I should let you go to that stupid mountain. I could let you drive Smaug from it only for him to turn Esgaroth to ash in revenge. And then I'll grab some popcorn and watch the treasure trove drive you made to the point you no longer recognize friend from foe. I'll gladly stand by and witness Azog ki-..."
Something in my chest snapped. Imagining myself just looking on as Azog runs FIli through in front of his brother and Thorin broke my heart into a million pieces.
Halting, I let my anger subside and my shoulders slumped as I put a hand on a nearby chair to steady myself.
Breathe in. Breathe out.
"In Imladris…you demanded to know what I wasn't asking you…"
Only one person in this room knew what I was talking about. It took a few seconds, but Fili finally lifted his head, allowing his stormy blue eyes to meet mine. I almost lost my resolve.
"I came into this quest knowing your fate. I couldn't tell you I knew you were going to die…that Kili was going to die."
"Is-Is that really their fate?" Bilbo asked. His voice was full of concern and not once did he throw disdain my way. I'd given my life for him once…he could not forsake me. And thankfully out of everyone present, Bilbo was the most reasonable.
Instead of answering Bilbo right away, I smiled and allowed myself to finish the journey around the table to sit beside him. It was easy enough as he was on the outside of the company, sitting in a chair far too big for his small stature.
"Bilbo Baggins…How I've missed those kind eyes." Reaching out, I gently placed my hands upon his. "I'm afraid fate isn't as kind. Not all of us are meant to live to ripe old ages. But that doesn't mean fate cannot be changed. Even though this story is already written, It can easily be edited. Just need a good pen and some imagination."
"Is this why you are here?" Boy I was glad to have Bilbo on my side. He could work out anything given the right bit of information. My smile warmed considerably and I nodded.
"I believe so, yes."
The halfling turned his hand to hold mine, matching my smile with one of his own.
"I'm glad you're back with us, Emma- I mean…Emi.."
Don't cry. Don't cry. Don't cry.
"So am I, Bilbo. So am I."
I tried not to hold his gaze for too long. It would only make my heart ache more. I slowly pulled my hands from him and got to my feet.
"Thorin, I shouldn't have said those terrible things to you. I lashed out in frustration and I apologize for my behavior. I know you're feeling a great deal of animosity toward King Thranduil and it's not without reason. It's a precarious situation for all of us."
Oakenshield didn't acknowledge my apology with words. He only looked away and quietly stewed. I didn't care for it, but I wouldn't push him anymore today.
"What I need from all of you is to understand what's happening…and it's easy to call me a liar or not believe a word I say, but if I have any proof to show you, I'd hope you would at least reconsider this self-destructive course."
This was the moment the doors burst open, Legolas and another guard dragging the wounded Orc into the room with much resistance.
"Lady Emi, your prisoner." King Thranduil, who had been enjoying the show we'd put on for him, motioned gracefully toward the Orc.
I straightened and hardened myself. It was time to cast aside all doubt. If this didn't convince them, then I wasn't sure what more I could do. Turning, I felt my hate for this creature take over. It was everything I hated in this world…evil wrapped in a hideous form. It fixated on me the moment I came at it. I grabbed it by the jaw and forced it to look at me. Being so close to its face had me inhaling the stench of death. Grimacing, I shoved it forward, pulling him straight out of Legolas's grip before I grabbed it by the scruff. It growled and snarled as I stepped onto a chair and dragged it onto the table for all to see. Legolas followed me onto the table, making the jump with ease and pulling out his blade to hold against the Orc's throat.
"You're going to sing for me, you foul creature."
The Orc laughed, his smug smirk gracing his black teeth and wretched mouth.
"If you tell us what you know, I will set you free. You have nothing to fear from us." King Thranduil interrupted, materializing beside us.
"No."
"No?" King Thranduil raised an eyebrow as he looked at me.
"I already know what he's going to say."
"Why keep him if you know everything?"
"I need to send him a message."
The Orc's smirk faltered just slightly, but only because he wasn't predicting that I'd bring up his master. I lowered myself only slightly to the Orc's eye level, wanting to make sure I could see his every reaction.
"I'm going to keep you alive, Orc. The only thing I require from you is confirmation. When we are finished, I will send you off with a message for your Master's Lord. Do you understand?"
It hesitated, but in the end, the Orc nodded.
"You were sent to kill Thorin Oakenshield, yes?"
It nodded slowly.
"And what else?"
Its eyes shifted around the room before settling on mine once more. "To bring you to him ."
"Tell them why."
"To keep you."
"Of course he does. And what about the legion?"
I watched as the Orc's eyes widened in surprise. "Ah, you didn't think anyone was aware that Azog was building an army for him? It's fairly obvious, don't you agree? You've all been gathering in large groups, moving between Dol Guldur and Gundabad. You have forces large enough to…let's say…besiege a mountain fortress?"
The Orc was becoming uneasy, but it nodded nonetheless.
"He wants Erebor, does he not? The Mountain is quite a strategic location…and how lucky would he be if Smaug joined his ranks."
I didn't need him to answer.
"And the High Fells of Rhudaur…they've been awakened?"
Another nod from the Orc. I enjoyed watching it grow weary with each question I asked.
"Three Rings for the Elven-kings under the sky…" I started my voice low and steady. I was relishing every second as the Orc's weariness turned to realization. "Seven for the Dwarf-lords in their halls of stone…" It began to growl, understanding that I knew exactly what was going on. "Nine for Mortal Men doomed to die," I stood from the Orc, but kept my eyes locked with it. "One for the Dark Lord on his dark throne in the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie. One Ring to rule them all, one Ring to find them, one Ring to bring them all, and in the darkness bind them in the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie."
The room quieted, save for the angry Orc on its knees before me. "You're going to take a message to your Dark Lord. Tell Sauron I will never rest. Tell him that I will go to the ends of Arda to make sure he never fulfills his dark desires…and no matter how many times he kills me, I will always come back, stronger than before."
There was nothing more than needed to be confirmed from the Orc.
"Your world will burn!" Legolas tightened his blade against the Orc's throat.
"Release him into the wilds. Allow him to return to his Masters." Legolas shoved the Orc off the table as guards grasped the flailing Orc off the floor. They dragged it away, removing it from the room so that we may continue our meeting.
"It cannot be…" Thranduil spoke softly, in subtle disbelief. He practically floated off the table, his mind purely on the safety of his Realm.. "I want the watch doubled at our borders. All roads, all rivers. Nothing moves, but I hear it. No one enters this kingdom…and no one leaves it."
"You cannot hide inside your halls, Thranduil." The Elven King turned to me as I spoke. "The flames of war will touch us all, even you."
I matched his energy and stepped off the table, less gracefully, but I still ended up standing in front of him all the same. Looking up at him, I reached my hand out to him. "We cannot give into fear. Fear is a path to darkness and you must be the brightest star within the dark, my lord." Nothing wrong with a little ego stroke. "What would happen to your light if you bury yourself inside of your halls?"
Thranduil let my words caress his thoughts before he glanced his icy blue eyes to my hand, still gingerly held out for him. He did not take it.
"The safety of my people is my only concern."
"Closing your borders will not stop the darkness. It will spread throughout the world…and even if your kingdom is the only place left in the end, evil will eventually find its way inside."
I could see the hesitation in his features. Thranduil would never put his people in danger and would hold off to the very end if he could. Reaching out, I took the initiative by grasping his hand with mine…If I could transfer my courage I would.
"You are a wise king, Thranduil…and I need great, wise kings at my side." Thranduil once again looked at my hand as it held onto his delicately before returning my gaze.
"Father…" Legolas stood nearby with concern etched upon his face. "We cannot just stand by and do nothing."
Looking upon his son, Thranduil seemed conflicted. It wasn't hard for him to do the right thing, but it was challenging knowing what lay ahead. There was bound to be many lives lost and losing his people would cause him great pain. He did not want to lead his kin to an early death.
Wood Elves were known to be less wise and more dangerous, but foolish they certainly were not.
The Elven King closed his eyes and gave a curt nod before his fingers wrapped around my own carefully.
"The Woodland Realm is at your disposal, My Lady." Relinquishing control must have been hard for Thranduil, but it was the right choice.
"Thank you. I will forever be in your debt."
Perhaps that had been the real plan all along, for a soft smirk played on his lips before he composed himself and slipped his hand away from mine to head back to his seat.
The hard part was done…now that only left the impossible.
Pivoting, I turned to Thorin and his company.
"You heard what the Orc said. What more proof do you want? The enemy has returned. His sights are set upon Erebor and he'll send a legion to take it if he must. Will you not cast aside your hate to help us?"
Hearing everything from the Orc made things a little too real for Thorin, but if I knew anything about Dwarves, their stubbornness would prevent them from a great many things. This was evident in Thorin's lack of response.
"I cannot force you, Thorin, but as I said…I need great, wise Kings by my side. A stone does not dictate your lineage…and a mountain does not crown you."
"The Arkenstone is the legacy of my people."
"No, it's not." I countered. "You are the legacy of your people. Durin's blood runs in your veins and a stone cannot possibly refute your claim as the King of Durin's Folk."
"What of the prophecy? We have to make it to the mountain before the last light of Durin's day." Balin was already on board with all of this, likely because he already knew who I was some time ago, but his concern for entering Erebor at the right time was valid.
"Okay…Soooo I don't know how to tell you guys this, but that key will open that door every year. Just has to be the last light of Durin's Day. Not complicated to understand."
"Are you suggesting we wait another year?! After all we've gone through?!" Dwalin was just saying what they were all thinking. Was it all for nothing?
"Oh, no, no, no. Of course not. We're still going to Erebor. I just didn't want you all thinking this was your ONLY chance. There's no way we couldn't possibly delay when Azog will be marching upon the mountain before winter. So we're still on a very tight schedule. It's imperative that we reclaim your homeland, not just for yourselves, but for the good of the world."
There was nothing worse than waiting for Thorin's answer. Would he relent and allow himself to be under my command or would he be obstinate. The atmosphere of this room was hanging by a thread. Even Thranduil, his back turned to us, but nonetheless interested, was stealthily looking over his shoulder in anticipation.
"If what you say is true, then getting to the mountain is my first priority, as it has always been."
His demeanor shifted as he stood. I could tell he wasn't swayed from his ambitions…or his hate of Thranduil.
"And I'll not stand beside the great Elven King! Not when he lacks all honor! Not when he turned his back on my people!"
Damn it.
"That's it then. We should leave for Erebor now, before we run out of time." Dwalin would have his kings back no matter what the circumstance.
"Return our gear so that we may leave." Thorin demanded, shooting a hard stare at the King of the Woodland Realm, who in return turned to the dwarf with just as much animosity.
"It's fine. Allow them to leave. It's better this way." I stepped in to stop this ridiculous show of dominance. "They'll still get to the mountain in time…have the bargeman from Esgaroth take them across the lake to save time."
I turned from Thorin and the company, knowing that even though we had all been through much together and I'd given him proof that this whole quest was becoming far more important than just reclaiming a homeland, he still wouldn't budge.
"Are you not coming with us?" Kili asked as he stood from his seat.
Glancing over my shoulder, I looked upon him with sorrow. I didn't want to leave them, but Thorin was their King…they'd never abandon him. Sweeping my eyes over to Fili, he looked as though he'd wanted to ask the same question…and his brows furrowed in concern when we locked eyes.
"No." I turned away. "I will not go with you."
"But…" Bilbo began as I took a few steps toward the door, "Why not?"
Because I was going to Dol Guldur. I had to help Gandalf…and I needed to confront Sauron. If I could make even a dent in that monster's plans, I would do it. There was so much evil there-...wait. There was more than just evil there.
That's right. There was something else there…or…someone else. This was it. This was my ticket through Thorin's idiocy.
I stopped in my tracks and turned halfway to Bilbo Baggins.
"I must go to Dol Guldur. That is where Gandalf will be…and seeing as this heir of Durin's Folk refuses to assist me, then I will just find another."
Just gonna slide that little seed in there…now will it sprout?
"What do you speak of? What other heir? The only heirs of Durin's Folk are in this room!" Dwalin proclaimed loudly.
"Actually, Master Dwarf, the true King of the Mountain is still very much alive."
"The true King? Thorin is the true King!"
"Oh? Is he now? That's interesting...I thought once Thror died, his son was next in line."
"You don't mean…" Balin spoke up, standing from his seat beside Thorin.
"Thrain. Yes. Your gut was right, Thorin. Your father still lives…but he's been imprisoned in Dol Guldur for quite some time, driven mad by dark magic."
Thorin's eyes were like saucers. He'd searched for his father for so long and now he was being told that he was indeed alive was shocking to say the least. In his heart he'd known he was alive, but everyone else had given him up for dead.
Now he had a decision to make…go to the Lonely Mountain to reclaim his homeland…or save his father, possibly missing the opportunity to enter Erebor. Torn between the two options, he placed his hands on the table and leaned into it as his head lowered.
"You must go to Erebor, Thorin." I would decide for him. "I will go to Dol Guldur, retrieve your father, and bring him back to you. On this I promise."
Oakenshield was quiet for a few tense moments, but his shoulders slumped and he lifted his head to look at me. I gave him a determined look, hoping he could see that I would do everything within my power to save Thrain.
This was one of the few times I had seen Thorin become vulnerable. His eyes softened and he relented with a single nod. Finally, some middle ground. I nodded in return and turned to Thranduil.
"I ask that you give them what you can and allow them to leave. Time is of essence. I would also ask that you send whoever you can to help evacuate Esgaroth. As soon as they drive Smaug from that mountain, he will descend upon Laketown with a vengeance. If we can prevent any unnecessary death, we should."
"Of course, My Lady." It was weird seeing Thranduil so…complacent.
"Good." Facing the company for the last time, I inhaled slowly and gave them a warm smile. "I'll see again when you've taken Erebor. I implore you to be careful…the dragon is expecting you."
Goodbyes were hard, especially for me, so I attempted to get out of there as soon as I could, but once again, I was halted from doing so.
"Wait!" Whipping my head around, I witnessed Fili shoved himself out of his chair and bound over to me. "I'm going with you."
"Fili!" Thorin tried to interject.
"Uncle, if Thrain is alive it's our duty to find him. I know how hard you've been looking for him and if I could help it, I'd see him returned. Please, allow me this. If Emma-...I mean Emi, is right, then we'll make it to the mountain in time."
"...So be it." Thorin agreed, though rather reluctantly. It didn't ease his mind that we'd be going to Dol Guldur, but it did help that Gandalf would be there.
"I'm going to!" Kili was already standing when he moved through the crowd of Dwarves to join his brother.
"Kili…" What could Thorin do?
"My place is with my brother." Kili placed his hand on his brother's shoulder.
Surprised as hell, I blinked and looked between the two Durin brothers. They were determined to join me…but I had a feeling this was a bad idea.