"That is out of question. I will not fulfil that demand! Go to Morgoth you pathetic excrements of a goat's pig!" although the situation wasn't funny the insult made her chuckle slightly. Her husband turned and walked away with his head raised high, the others following him. He simply walked past the other Dwarves that were still gathered at the gate and continued until they were in his study again.

"Fíli" Kíli started but was interrupted

"I will not talk about it. We can fight and drive them away like this but I will not give up my wife. Never"

"But it would be the best for the people. You know that I will die anyways and if like that we can save the people we should do it"

"Oh no. If I betrayed you now you will die for sure. Or worse. But if I won't, nothing will happen to you or we can find a way to save you. I have seen right through that prophecy. But rest assured I will never give you up, for nothing in this world" then he sent off his brother and Dwalin before leading her to their room, lecturing her how it was his decision and she had to listen to him and that time she shouldn't dare to defy him and fulfil the demand herself. In return she told him that it was about her and she didn't mind if she could save lives and that he had to accept that as well. He just wanted to start speaking again when there was a knock at the door "Not now" her husband yelled but after a while the knock was there again "I said I wanted to be left alone" she started to fear for the life of whoever was at the door when he stepped to the door and opened it. She joined him, placing a hand on his arm as if to show him she was there and with him "What is it?" he asked now a lot calmer. The one at the door was a young Dwarf from the guard.

"It is… because of the demand the Orcs and Easterlings have. After you have left they spoke to us again, saying that if you should refuse, they will kill every single Dwarf of Erebor, also women and children. Same with the people from Dale. Their fate is in your hands, your majesty."

"Then tell this scum the mountain is invulnerable"

"We have been sieged for a long time already. We cannot withstand it much longer"

"Then we go and fight them, getting rid of them like this"

"Is this your decision? You want to destroy your people for your wife? Who would also get killed if the mountain is attacked?"

"We won't be the ones that are destroyed. Only our enemies will be. Remember that"

"With respect, your majesty. Wouldn't it be better if we fulfil their demand to at least save the woman and children? And as I understood it they will leave if they have her." she instantly knew that weren't good words to say for him because instantly Fíli planted himself in front of the other Dwarf and his whole anger seemed to seep out of him.

"You dare going against your king?"

"No, of course not, your majesty. But it could be the best for your people. And as I understand it, your wife seemed to agree with us"

"The best" he snorted "I am the king and know what the best is. My wife has nothing to decide or say in that matter. And I say we do not listen to them. End of discussion"

"Fíli please" she tried it "If we don't fulfil their demand they will not be driven away that easily. Now that Mordor is lost they will do anything they can to save Gundabad. Which, in their opinion, they only can if they have me. They will not give up, they are defending their home as you are defending yours. It may be the only way"

"Your wife has a point, your majesty. I am sorry but I may have to admit I hold a different opinion and agree with her. Our people can only profit if she goes with them"

"And then everything will be well again? No, I am telling you that scum will attack and kill us anyways. And I would never agree in the first place"

"So you betray your people for a simple woman?" the voice of the Dwarf sounded sad but she knew he'd better not said these words because she was certain this time she might not be able to calm her husband down. At least she could stop him from attacking his collocutor, so he only yelled at him in anger.

"That is no betrayal I simply dismiss their demand. I am the king and that is my decision and so it will be. I know what is best for my people and you have no right meddling in those affairs and disagreeing with me" to her dismay the other one only got angry at that too.

"I have a family. Brothers, sisters, a wife, children and nephews and nieces who would all be killed simply because you cannot lose your wife. That is more than egoistic" only with great effort could she stop Fíli from attacking him and it surprised her that he only threatened to have him locked up and executed if he said one more word. Luckily, now the Dwarf got the message and quickly left.

"Who does this bugger think who he is?" her husband went on

"If I were you, I'd be quiet. He has a point. And for your information if you ever snap or yell at someone again like this, I will immediately surrender myself to the enemy. Do you understand me?" but she knew that she would do it anyway because in contrast to her husband, she could not let thousands of people die for her.

"You will not" he yelled at her.

"Fine" she yelled, leaving the room. Of course she wouldn't yet go delivering herself but he could just think she would do exactly that. Because she would never leave him after a fight because she knew he would never forgive himself.

"What are you doing? Where are you going?" at least he was calmer now

"I warned you" she only said and he grabbed her arm, stepping closer

"Don't do that. I could not lose you" at least the anger was now gone.

"Listen, you know it is a way to save your people. The Dwarf is right, you cannot sacrifice all of your people just for me. They would get me anyways if they attacked."

"And who says they will just leave if they get you? They could use the chance and still attack us, I know it" again there was anger in his voice but she figured that was directed at the besieger.

"They might. But at least I am certain they will leave the women and children alone. Maybe a battle is inevitable but we should try to save whoever we can save"

"Even that is not guaranteed. You cannot trust those filthy bastards"

"But you know as well as me that whatever will do is less if they have me. And the more people we save that is worth it"

"Not for me. We shall fight them and you stay here. And that's my final word" shaking her head she freed her arm and started to tell him that she had the right to say something in the matter too because it was about her and he could not just give up his people since he had a duty to them as well. He tried to interrupt her twice but she just continued talking, still making sure she wouldn't sound angry or yell at him because there was no point in angering him further so she always corrected her tone when she noticed she was getting louder. But then suddenly she stopped abruptly after there was a piercing pain in her left cheek. It took her some seconds to realise what had happened and almost couldn't believe it. Fíli, who lad always sworn to protect her from everything and everyone for the rest of his life and killing everyone who would hurt her, had hit her. That was too much for her and biting back the tears, not because of the physical pain, she tried to leave the room. She wasn't even that angry. Just disappointed "Oi, where are you going?"

"That you even dare to ask this. Away from you in the first place"

"You won't do that" he left the room, closed the door and seemed to be locking it "I won't let anything happen to you"

"And then you hit me? Let me out! Fíli!"

"I'm doing that only to protect you"

"Fíli, I'm warning you! Open that door or you will have been my husband for the longest time!" he walked away, ignoring how she banged against the door with her fists. After a while her hands hurt pretty bad and she stopped, only continuing to scream that he should let her out even though he most likely didn't hear her anymore. Finally, she sank to the ground with a sore throat and feeling tired and leant against the door, trying to hold back her tears. Some time passed and she moved to the bed, just waiting for whatever was going to happen. Then suddenly, she heard steps and she shot up, rushing to the door, yelling at whoever was there to let her out and banging against the door again.

"Linnie?" she heard Kíli's voice

"Your brother locked me up. Get me out"

"Give me a moment" there was a thumping sound outside and then the door was opened. With a sigh of relief she left the room, wanting to explain what had happened "I know. Fíli told me he had talked to you and that you were in safety. When I asked what he meant he just explained how he had locked you up, for your own best as if it was the most normal thing in the world. So, I left him there, got me two guards who I sent to the dungeons, fearing he may have locked you up there, while I came here. I have no idea what's going on with him. Mahal, I fear he's gone mad. Do you know what he has?" she as silent for a while

"Madness, you're a genius, Kíli. That might be it. What if he has dragon sickness? Yesterday we were in the gold halls and we just returned after a long journey… maybe that's what caused it. Just that for him it's not because of the gold but because of me. He's not himself and that's why he is going mental and…" her voice broke.

"And what? Did he attack someone?"

"Almost. But he hit me"

"He did what? You can't be serious! I will talk to him immediately"

"I'm not sure that's a good idea… he's quite easily irritated"

"I don't care. He cannot be serious. This has to stop and I will talk to him before he does something else that he regrets"

"If you talk to him now, he will surely do that by hurting you and I don't want that"

"Maybe that will bring him back to reason. That would be worth it, so don't worry about me" he explained his 'plan'. That Lhindril was to accompany him and Kíli would first talk to his brother alone while she waited outside and if everything went well, she could enter as well so the matter could finally be resolved. She didn't feel quite well about it, after all she still remembered how Thorin had been and what he had ordered. The shock of it had accompanied her for quite a while. And she had no idea how far her husband would go now but since he was worried about her, she doubted he would do much. To her at least. Then again, she had already been proven the contrary. Her hand went to the spot where he had hit her. Kíli noticed, giving her a pitiful glance "Does it hurt a lot?"

"How should I say it… what hurts most is the fact that it was Fíli who hit me"

"I understand. Can I have a look?" after glancing at him quickly she removed her hand from her cheek and turned her head in the Dwarf's direction. "It's only a little red but I think my brother will instantly notice and if we're lucky he feels sorry and makes him realize how he is behaving."

"Let's hope so" she muttered as her brother-in-law started pulling her with him to start searching for her husband. But it wasn't a big surprise they found him in his study and as Kíli had asked she waited outside, making sure that her husband didn't know she was here too. After the door was closed Kíli instantly started snapping at his brother, asking what his problem was. Obviously, he thought it better to not already confront him with the suggestion that he was suffering from dragon sickness. For a while that went back and forth before the younger one came clear, mentioning the sickness anyways. Naturally, Fíli didn't like to hear it and dismissed the claims, just like Thorin had done. For a while it was silent before Kíli shouted that he had enough of this and how his brother was behaving.

"Are you out of our mind? Make sure to calm yourself as quickly as possible. Do you even know what you have done? If I was Linnie I would never forgive you that and don't think that just an apology will make everything well again" at the end he used a word she didn't know but judging by the way he said it, it sounded like a nickname. Maybe something Khuzdul, she figured. Again it was silent then there was a slapping sound and her first thought was that her brother-in-law had been hit as well but then she heard her husband yell she knew it was the other way round.

"You are the mad one if you hit me! What's wrong with you?" and she wasn't surprised to hear yet another punch being thrown which probably had been her husband that time. Now the talk was over and instead they seemed to be beating each other up. Just great. She figured if she should stop them but wasn't sure she could achieve something. Then suddenly, she heard Kíli yell out in pain, she couldn't help but opening the door and having a look because she didn't want either of them getting seriously hurt. Or that Fíli did something that he would regret even though he surely wouldn't like realising he had hurt both his brother and her.

"For Manwë's sake, stop behaving like little children" she muttered, hoping by the surprise of showing up they would stop the fight. To her relief Fíli also slightly got up, glancing at her in shock

"Linnie?" he asked and for a moment she didn't know what to do and decided to ignore him, going to help Kíli instead "Little one?" he tried again but then turned his head to his brother who was sitting up as well, holding his nose. Her husband let out a curse before asking if he was alright

"I think I'll survive it" she noticed that his nose was bleeding heavily.

"Kíli is it broken?" she asked

"Don't know. But it hurt damned much"

"Will you let me have a look? I'm so sorry" Fíli asked, carefully trying to remove the hands from his nose to have a look. After a short while the younger let it happen and she sat down as well, wrapping an arm around her brother-in-law's shoulders. "That doesn't look good. We should have a healer take a look"

"I'm fine" he tried to defend himself but both her and Fíli insisted he got it checked out so finally he gave in and they brought him to the healing room. While someone was treating his nose, Fíli and her were waiting in front of the room, no one saying a word. She found that he had to make the first step, after all what had happened was his fault. But instead of talking he only took her hand but she instantly pulled it away, taking a little step away from him to. Maybe that got him thinking and would finally make him see reason. Again he was silent and just when he wanted to start talking, Kíli returned.

"It's not broken. Luckily" he reported and the two of then let out breath of relief before Fíli did start speaking.

"Listen to me. I wanted to tell you, both of you, how incredibly sorry I am for what happened and how I behaved. You were right, dragon sickness took its hold of me"

"And how is it now?"

"Better. Much, much better, but I believe it's not completely gone. A while back, Dwalin came and asked if we should instead try to bribe the enemy or something. I suppose that too was a test to see if I have dragon sickness. But I only yelled at him and was against the idea, saying it was our gold and not theirs. It seems like I have to apologise to him as well. I even threatened to have him killed if he said one more word"

"Not again" she muttered quietly

"Poor Dwalin. That's already the second time his friend and king threatened to have him killed when under the influence of dragon sickness"

"That's not funny, Kíli" she said and he muttered an apology. But she didn't know what to say or do to what Fíli had said but again her tongue was faster than her thoughts. "Do you know what made you overcome the madness?"

"I'm not sure. Maybe Kíli's cry of pain and that you suddenly were in the room. Or when we noticed that my brother wasn't doing well. I'm sorry, I can't say what has gotten into me"

"It wasn't you really. It was the sickness that took hold of you"

"And I have to say, even if my nose had been broken, it would have been worth it if it got me my big brother back. Even though he can be very annoying too at times" playfully, Fíli nudged him in the side, making her smile. It was good to see, her husband was doing better already and that didn't just relieve her but also made her happy. A part of her wanted to forgive him everything but the bigger part didn't want him to get away with it just like that. As if he had heard her thoughts, Fíli turned to her, asking how she as doing.

"I am sorry... I fear… I really did hit you, didn't I?" the look on his face during the question was so full or remorse that in the first moment she couldn't even answer and somehow didn't want to agree. After all he shouldn't make himself reproaches just right now. Maybe they should talk about this later. But in the moment, Kíli piped up

"Yes, you did. Look how much it hurts her, she can't even answer. Really, well done" he either didn't see the angry glare she shot him or ignored it. Instead she could see how Fíli seemed to break down mentally. It looked like he could forgive himself even less than she could. Seeing him like that almost made her cry but she pulled herself together because the last thing she wanted was to make him believe she was crying because he hit her. She quickly took his hand, trying to tell him how the pain was already gone and it was the fact that he actually hit her had hurt her and disappointed her and that everything would be well.

"It won't be all well again. That is a mistake you shouldn't and mustn't forgive me that easily. Do you even know how much I hate myself for it? It should have never happened. Not only because I promised you to always protect you but also because it is not right to hit people that you love. Women especially. I cannot say how it happened because if my sickness wanted to protect you I cannot comprehend why it made me hit you"

"Now stop thinking like that. It was a mistake, yes. But we can get over this because it only happened once and you weren't yourself"

"You still deserved better. And I suppose I deserve it if I was to die in the battle to come" shaking her head she had finally enough. He shouldn't hate himself that much.

"That's enough. Don't ever think like that. How often do you want me to tell you that it wasn't you but the dragon sickness. Blame that but stop being so stupid. You know what you mean to me and what it would do to me if you died. It is a forgivable mistake. And never again say that you deserve to die, no one does that… well maybe some people that only want to hurt others and everything but everyone should he offered a second chance. People may not be perfect but you can always improve" she got a bit sidetracked but maybe it helped him getting distracted from the actual problem.

"I think I know what Linnie is trying to say. Back then, you forgave Thorin as well after he wanted me to kill her"

"I did but first of all, nothing happened back then and it only stayed at the threat, secondly he wasn't her husband and didn't betray his duty to protect her. And I cannot just blame what I did on the sickness. It was still me, a little beside myself but it was me. And I will do everything I can to make up for it"

"It happened, please just accept that. You apologised and the pain will fade and I will forgive you"

"But it happened because I wanted to hurt you. It wasn't just an accident. It was my intention to cause you pain"

"No, you didn't want to hurt me. You were worried and were afraid to lose me. It was a means to an end that I would listen to you. But surely not because you wanted me in pain"

"You don't have to tell me that you forgive…" she had enough and she hit him square in the face. He stopped talking and started at her for a while "I really deserved that"

"Maybe you did. And now we are even. You hit me, I hit you. So now everything is over. End of discussion" to stress the words, she turned around and walked away. Then she stopped, turning to them again "By the way, I almost forgot. I'm sorry for hitting you" she said in a mocking tone. She wanted to look away but her husband called at her to wait. With a smile she asked what he had.

"You're right. We should let the matter rest, at least for now. We have other problems right now. And I have to apologise to everyone I was snarky to. Or well a bit more." she walked back to the two Dwarves "Shall we meet in my study, afterwards?" giving a nod Kíli and her went there, while Fíli would search out those he wanted to apologise to.

That didn't take as long as they thought because Dwalin was already aware it was dragon sickness and instantly accepted the apology and the Dwarf that had visited them in their chambers thought you couldn't be mad at the king after you defied him. Once her husband entered the study, she went to him, giving him a hug which he only returned after a while, maybe afraid she was still mad or that he could hurt her again. Then she kissed him and for a moment the world seemed in order again. After a while reality hit back home and Fíli seemed to remember what they needed to discuss. He insisted that the next day, they would attack the enemy, hoping this was enough to drive them off. Kíli agreed and she wasn't sure if she should mention that they could also fulfil the demand in case they were losing the fight. But finally she did. Neither of them seemed really happy and there was a discussion and then they decided that they would consider that only if there was no other option and have the discussion then.

"Perhaps we could pretend that you actually fulfil their demand and hand me over? Then the effect of surprise would be even bigger."

"Indeed and it wouldn't arouse suspicion if we open the gate" her husband agreed and she thought it was better not to mention that like that she would be out in the battle and would have to fight as well.

After presenting the plan to the people, they told them to find rest and eat a good meal because they needed to be in their best form tomorrow. In order to relax, Lhindril and her husband bathed for a long time before they were visited by Dís who invited them over to dinner. Fíli told her that after they had gotten back and his mother saw him, she had almost squashed him after hearing he still was alive. As always, the evening was cosy and entertaining. Finally, they bid her and Kíli who had been there too, goodbye and retired to their own quarters. Now she started to feel how tired she was and she instantly got ready for bed then sitting down on the bed, or better said his lap. She leant her head to his chest and listened his heartbeat for a while, while his fingers were playing with her hair.

"Can I ask you something?" she suddenly asked and after he made an agreeing sound, she continued "When you were talking to Kíli in your study… before your fight. He said a word, I think it was Khuzdul and sounded like a… nickname. I know it was only one but can you tell me what that was?" he sighed

"Well, it is… how should I tell you? Officially I'm not even allowed to talk about it. At least with you. But now, after all this time and now that you heard it anyways and are asking I think you deserve the truth" he waited for a short while, maybe to think how to say the next words "That was my name. My real name" he whispered, making her heart skip a beat. It wasn't that she was happy to hear it more anxious as if doing something forbidden. And there was the weird feeling as if her husband had been lying to her all those years. Of course she soon learned that each Dwarf had two names, one they kept a secret from most people and the one that everyone knew. But she had forgotten about it all the time but she wasn't certain if she would forget it again now that the topic had come up again. Somehow it felt wrong to not be calling him by his real name because she was his wife but her not being a Dwarf meant she wasn't allowed to know it and also shouldn't let others know that she was told. Besides, she didn't even know what it was

"What should I say?" she tried to tell him her thoughts and hoped he would notice her internal conflict it caused. But she also thanked him for being honest and trusting her enough. He only nodded and she wasn't sure if he understood. "Does the name mean something? And can you tell me again what it is?

"Yes, like every Dwarven name it has a meaning. But first you have to promise that you won't tell anyone, and I mean anyone, about this. Theoretically, Kíli wasn't even allowed to call me that in your presence but I myself often considered to just tell you. Because even though you're not a Dwarf I found you deserve to know but something always stopped me. And don't tell that to anyone either, not even Kíli"

"Of course. If you're that honest and breaking the rules for me it's the least I can do"

-oOo-

As usual, she was awake before Fíli but this time she didn't get up and just looked at him for a while. Before she fell asleep the last evening she still had to think of the prophecy and she feared she wouldn't survive the fight. Which meant that would have been their last night together. And even though it made no sense yet, she already missed him and couldn't imagine what it would be to be waiting for him for years or decades even. But still better than if he died shortly after as well. Gently, she put her hand on his that was on the pillow next to his face. Softly she felt his breath hitting her skin. Somehow, she wanted to wake him but also just wanted to watch him for a while. So she lay there for another couple of minutes, watching a strand of hair that must have fallen into his face during the night rise up and fall down with each breath he took. It was as if she wanted to remember every little detail about him that she would never forget how he looked. But finally it was time to wake him anyways and she pushed back the strand of hair to where it belonged. However, she would have been surprised if that had already woken him so she leant over, pressing a kiss to his temple and rubbing her nose against his. When he slowly blinked and opened his eyes she smiled, placing her hand on his cheek. He did the same to her before taking her hand to his lips and kissing it.

"Morning, little one" he whispered "have you been awake for long?" although it wasn't exactly true, she said no. After some seconds, Fíli sat up as did she. As fast as she could she got ready for the day, today wearing trousers again that would be more convenient for the battle. Before leaving the bedroom, she also took her two swords and five daggers. She wasn't even sure why she took both swords since she couldn't use them both as they were not optimally balanced to be used as twin swords. "I think we should get you an armour as well. I don't want to risk anything" she shook her head

"I'm not sure that's a good idea. At least not a heavy one, because I never have worn one before so it would only hinder me and I'd get tired more easily. And not to forget, we pretend that you're going to hand me over so if I wear an armour that would be very suspicious"

"I see. But at least a chainmail. Under your clothing that no one will see it"

"I'm not sure. I fear it will be too heave and just be in the way only" he seemed disappointed but gave a nod, letting the matter rest.

"I understand. Perhaps I'll only wear a chain mail too. Because you are right, it really is suspicious if we pretend to fulfil their demand while wearing armour"

When they joined the others everyone was already getting ready but still it took them another few hours until everything was prepared and they told them the exact plan. Fíli would tell the enemy that they would bring her out and as soon as they stood in front of them, the Dwarves and Men should come out as well, except for a few archers that were to take position on the balcony and fight from there. Their main job was shooting the enemies closest to Lhindril and the person who brought her out, after that it was just securing their back. Those who wouldn't join the battle should close the gate again that no one could enter and if something happened, the archers were to defend the mountain. But Lhindril knew that if someone was to enter the mountain even the women and wounded men would take up a weapon and fight. Still she hoped it wouldn't come to that. Before they went onto the balcony to address the enemy, Fíli took her swords so that no one would see them. When walking up the stairs, he took her hand and didn't let go of it. Just like the day before they used the horn again to get the besieger's attention.

"After long consideration and discussions we have decided to fulfil your demand"

"A wise decision, Dwarf" an Orc who seemed to be in charge sneered.

"One of us will come out through the front gate and bring her out. Then you will leave and never come back"

"Agreed. But the one that brings her out is to be unarmed or else we shall kill him" her husband swallowed but then gave a nod

"Very well. We will take care of it" once they went back he asked who should bring her outside. Although the question had been directed at his closest friends there was a voice coming from the background

"I can do it" then she noticed it was a children's voice and not much later Jari pushed his way forward.

"Out of the question. You're just a child"

"But I'm strong. I defeated you" she chuckled.

"Not now, that is not at task for a child" he pouted and stomped his foot but then his mother had reached him, pulling him back that the discussion was over.

"I can go" Kíli said. Giving a nod, Fíli still seemed said, so she nudged him.

"Don't worry. We can do that"

"Of course. I will protect her and make sure nothing happens to her" Kíli promised

"I'm so sorry" her husband just said, giving her a hug. After a while they parted and he took a deep sigh. "You still know the catchword after which we'll come outside as well?" they both nodded "And that then you will run back to the mountain as fast as you can while the archers try to free your backs. As soon as we meet each other, I'll give you your weapons" his voice was only a whisper so the enemy wouldn't hear them.

"Understood" before letting her go, he pulled her closer again, pressing a kiss to her forehead

"Take good care" he muttered and she kissed him on the lips, assuring him that they would only be separated a few minutes at the most and everything would be fine. Kíli took hold of her arm and they waited until the gate was being opened and then stepped outside, towards the Orcs and Easterlings. The closer they got, the more nervous she felt and after only a few more meters separated them, Fíli yelled "Should I ever hear word of Orcs or Easterlings being even in distant proximity to Erebor I will destroy every single one of you. I have nothing to lose after all" the Dwarvish battle cry followed which also was the signal to attack. In order to give them a few more moments, Kíli and her took a few more steps, albeit slower, towards the enemy but before they reached them, they turned abruptly and started running back to the mountain. Above their heads the first arrows were whirring past them and starting the first decimation of the besieger and not much later, they had reached the others, Fíli in front of course he stopped, the rest of them ran past them and Fíli gave Kíli his weapons. After patting his brother's shoulder, also Kíli ran off with the rest and her husband turned to her "Everything alright?"

"Of course. Let's get rid of these buggers" with a smile he handed her the two swords

"Would you do me the honour of going to battle by my side?