"Fíli. Kíli. My lads."

Kíli took in a deep breath, knowing his uncle always started a serious conversation with him and his brother with those words. Most of the day had been feasting on their good journeying, meeting old friends, and this night, already high on mead, it wasn't entirely reasonable to have a serious conversation, but when Thorin called on it, so it would be.

"Aye, Uncle." The brothers answered in unison. Fíli was more at easy, used to have Thorin closer to him, preparing him for the responsibilities to come. Kíli felt lost, like he felt sometimes at the Blue Mountains, where he had to take so many decisions without Thorin to guide his steps nor Fíli to burst up his confidence. Only Dís, who more suggested than decided, more pointed out different views of a problem than guided him in the right direction. At least, that was his feeling about it. Thorin was always 'do this, do that', a sure leadership of what the settlement needed; Dís, on the other hand, always forced him to make his own decisions, and discussed the possible results of each alternative. It was tiresome and trying, and he was never sure if his decision was the best. He always feared he was not being fully representative of Thorin, but just momy's lad playing to rule the settlement. It was obvious how Fíli felt so much more confident.

"You must know, from now on, that I'm about to grant you both some mighty gifts. Our library hasn't any record of such gifts, yet, and it is up to you to take them or not. Just remember the future of our people is concerned."

This sounded scary, that talk about the future, and sure it was named a gift only because they could refuse. But usually Thorin made such game of words when he wanted to convince them to take the course of action he intended, despite their own wishes. Kíli felt a shiver down his spine.

"We hear you, Uncle." Said Fíli, smilingly. Whatever it was, the older brother felt more confident about it than the younger one.

"Fíli, you've been by my side most of the time, and I've watched you and your deeds closely. Despite your young age, you achieved more in terms of warfare and wisdom in the dealing of state issues than many a weathered warrior or councillor. I deem you ready to take on more responsibilities and the bonus that comes with them. So, it was decided by me and agreed by the Council that the day of your wedding will also be the day of your coronation. I'm abdicating the throne to you."

"What?"

Fíli went white as chalk and Kíli reached a hand to his elbow fearing his brother would faint. A wedding gift could be anything, but the crown of Erebor was more than expected, much more.

"Next Durin's Day, Fíli, when my cousin Dáin Ironfoot puts Nina's hand in yours, I'll also put the crown of our ancestors on your head."

Thorin smiled one of his rare and precious smiles.

"But… But why?" Fíli almost cried. "Uncle, you dreamt all your life to retake Erebor and to see the dragon gone, how can you…"

"And this I did, Fíli. I achieved this dream. Our people prospers, the kingdom of Erebor is restored. I fought most of my life to grant our people would strive in exile, to build our halls in the Blue Mountains, to keep the Seven Kingdoms united… I can barely recall a day, since Smaug took Erebor, that I didn't fight for Durin's folk wellbeing. And it was worthy, every day of it. But now…" His sapphire eyes took a longing look to the infinite. "Now I feel my task is done. I'm two-hundred-five, my mind is sane, my body is healthy and, moreover, I have more than capable heirs, surrounded by more than trustworthy councillors. Why should I wait?"

"Uncle…" It was Kíli to speak now, eyes wide as saucers. "Like you said, you achieved your dreams, why not to enjoy its results? It is your time to rule in times of peace, without worries and…"

Thorin stopped his younger nephew with a gesture of his hand and a smiling shake of his head.

"Kíli. My lad. Soon you'll know there's no ruling without worries, if you didn't find it out yet." Kíli agreed with a nod, pursing his lips. Only he deemed it was because he was inexperienced and the Blue Mountains had a lot of undesirable neighbours. "I won't disappear like our hobbit burglar is able to. I'll be right here to help and advise you both when needed. But I also will have the chance to live lighter, to travel a bit at my will and not the will of duty, to drink a goblet of wine with Dori, a mug of ale with Bofur and a shot of spirit with Dwalin and I won't have to choose which one I'll do each day. Bilbo explained to me the concept of retirement, and I liked it. Actually, I'll propose to the next king and the Council to extend this concept to everyone. It is quite simple: you work for several years, and then, at a certain age, you retire from work and so you can spend your last years with your family and doing things you like instead of your work only."

"Erm… why would someone work at something he or she doesn't like?"

Thorin blinked and considered it, as even when he worked as smith for humans it was, well, it was smithing.

"I don't know about hobbits and humans, but for us it would be more like working only the amount of hours one is inclined to. Or, to exemplify it in my person, I'll be able to work a bit at the forge instead of having council meetings, and traveling to see my friends when I have a mind to it."

The brothers turned to each other.

"It sounds good!"

"Aye. And if some people chose to continue working, it would not be a problem, if they are to do things they like."

"This sounds really good."

"Aye. And this I intend to do, if only I have a heir willing to accept the Raven Crown from my hands. Will you, Fíli, son of Dís?"

Fíli felt a little uncomfortable whenever someone mentioned his name as son of Dís, not of his father, but he knew it was because the blood of Durin's line ran to him through his mother rather than his father, of far humbler lineage. Calling him son of Dís meant he was being called to his duty to Durin's folk, and that was above any personal wish. Moreover, he was being trained to take his uncle's responsibilities on his shoulders since he knew himself as a person. Only he didn't expect it to happen with Thorin alive. It had always been something that would happen several years, or even decades, ahead.

But then, to take the crown and having Thorin alive and kicking at his side was the best world he could imagine. To be named king when the one he loved as a father was dead would be a horrible beginning for a kingship, despite it being the norm. The king is dead; long live the king, was the norm. What would the new words be?

"Uncle, I-I…" For a moment the blond dwarf stuttered, afraid saying uncle instead of a more formal wording would be wrong, when said uncle addressed him as son of Dís. But it was no formality, only them three where there in Thorin's studio.

"I'll be around for a long while, most probably, and you can counsel with me anytime you wish, of course."

"I… I never thought I would have to make such a hard decision, Uncle. I'… I can't imagine you in any place of Erebor that not the throne. But if this is your wish, and you truly trust I'll be able to… to reign…"

"I'm sure you'll be a great king for our people, Fíli. I would not offer the crown to you if I weren't completely sure."

The warm smile that reached his sapphire eyes left no doubt Thorin was being sincere. Kíli beamed with pride on his older brother.

"Hey, you'll do great, Fee! You've been prepared for this all your life. Adad would be proud of you!"

A subtle tear played in Fíli's eye as the mention of their father called back memories of his early childhood. It was not much, but the smile and the shine of dark green eyes like his brother's on a blond face like his own was a precious picture only his mind held.

"Yes… Yes, he would…" Fíli smiled back at Kíli, and then at Thorin. "Yes, I will do it, Uncle. Counting on your guidance, I'll do it. Mahal help me that I govern Durin's folk with your wisdom and courage."

They embraced warmly, Fíli's heart beating fast. He would be king, but Thorin would be there too, and he would marry Nina and have some heirs and…

"Kee…" He turned to his brother, faking an angry warning. "Don't you dare to spoil the upcoming king's heirs like Thorin did to us!"

"What, me?" Kìli pointed at himself with both hands, pretending to be indignant. "Of course I won't do the same, Fee. From me, the least you should expect is that I'll do worse!"

They shared a good laugh and then Thorin turned to Kíli, putting a hand on his shoulder.

"Now, Kíli. My lad. I must talk about you."

"Sure!" Kíli smiled wide. "But don't worry, I'm ready to do it."

"What?" Asked Thorin with a frown. "Are you sure?"

"Of course! Nothing will make me more happy than to pledge fealty to the new king. Not with you being still around, I mean."

Thorin perceived Kíli's misunderstanding, and heaved a sigh. Kíli didn't know his plan, after all.

"Oh. So. Kíli, there is more about it. As a fact, aye, I expect you to pledge to the new king of Erebor, because this is what the kings of the other six clans are expected to do. But there is something more I expect from you. As I said, I'm about to give you both mighty gifts. The Raven Crown is Fíli's, and yours…" Thorin pulled a piece of blue velvet from something that outstood on his bureau, slow and deliberately, enjoying the surprise. "Yours is the Wolf Crown. If you take my offer."