A small object lay on the table beside his bed. Glimmering faintly, catching what little light there was. A fragile thing to have come from his broad, delving hands.

The jewellery box was small and oaken, its lid carved with winding knots and climbing leaves. He had worked them slowly, painstakingly, between the long hours of stiffness and exhaustion. There were mistakes hidden in the pattern, tiny hesitations where his hand had faltered. A younger Fíli would have burned such a flawed thing for kindling.

Instead, this Fíli had lined it with velvet.

Inside lay the dagger.

It was no weapon of war, but still keen, still fit for purpose. The blade was narrow and bright, polished until it caught the light. Its true worth lay in the hilt, however, in pale bone set with a single blue stone no larger than a teardrop. He had shaped it to fit her hand – he remembered measuring with a piece of twine, pretending it was for some other purpose else entirely.

He pushed himself upright, breath tightening as pain flared sharp and sudden beneath his ribs. It passed, as it always did.

Fíli reached for the box at last, the hinges giving a soft, silvery chime as the lid opened. A tiny bell-tone melody. He listened to it in silence, his throat tight with something he would not name. Dwarves did not often make such things unless they intended them to last.

Outside, he could hear distant voices, the mountain stirring to wakefulness. Life went on with a stubbornness he could not help but admire. Slowly, stiffly, Fíli rose to his feet, and readied himself.

It was Sigrid’s birthday and he was still here to see it.

– a birthday ask from @deaurate, better late than never! 💕

@deaurate sent sigrid a birthday gift

It was a respite from the barely-familiar lords and merchants come to shower her with unwanted birthday gifts when the Dwarves arrived from Erebor. At least she knew them, and would have invited them even if she had been the one to actually decide who was invited to the celebration that was supposed to be for her birthday. (Tilda was already enjoying herself far more than Sigrid, but given how much Tilda was enjoying herself, it almost made the whole affair worth the stress. Now if everyone could stop giving her gifts that surely could have bought food for the entirety of Lake-town for a year, and if everyone could stop continuing to look at her as though she was an insect on a glass, that would be much appreciated.) In some corner of her mind, Sigrid felt like the ever growing pile of gifts of jewelry and silk and finery was too similar to a dragon hoard, and far less like the simple, quiet gift exchanges she'd grown up with. She didn't think she'd ever grow accustomed to it, nor ever be able to look at such elaborate necklaces without thinking of how much bread it could buy. In that way she envied Tilda, who had so much more easily slipped into this new role that Sigrid still struggled to feel comfortable in. Tilda flitted around, charming everyone and being charmed by everyone. At least Sigrid knew she wasn't alone, both Bain and her father carried some of the same stiffness that she did, though she thought her father concealed it far better than she did.

At least she had a friend now, and one who Tilda couldn't drag around the hall with her the way she had the moment she saw Tauriel earlier in the evening. "It's good to see you," she told Fíli with full sincerity. "Thank you for coming." She knew it wasn't always easy for him, especially in the winter, and the snowfall that day had left her wondering if he'd leave the warmth of the mountain.

The jewelry box he handed her was exquisite; beautifully carved with knotting vines and leaves. The box alone would have been gift enough -- she could tell that he had made it, she knew enough of Dwarves by now to know that of course he had made it, and it was beautiful. But she could sense that he was waiting for her to open it, to see what was inside. "Oh!" The dagger inside was breathtaking, even more beautiful than the box (and far more practical than most of the other gifts she'd been given). It was small, simple yet stunning, elegant, and looked to be just the perfect size for her. A weapon made for someone who didn't want to ever have to use a weapon but may have need to defend herself. She couldn't imagine how long it had taken him to make both of these for her.

@oneringnet​ event 22: thorin’s company | fili

[ 01 ] under the shelter of an ancient oak tree in the depths of a dark forest

[ 02 ] a rickety bridge hanging over a massive waterfall

[ 03 ] a tiny village bakery, the shelves stocked with freshly baked goods

[ 04 ] standing beside a massive magical portal. who knows where it might lead?

[ 05 ] the darkest depths of a dragon's lair, gold glittering at your feet

[ 06 ] a vast, empty field with a bright blue sky overhead

[ 07 ] the space between two shelves stuffed with magical tomes and old leatherbound journals

[ 08 ] a rowdy village tavern crowded with drunk, singing patrons

[ 09 ] a winding path in the dark that leads to nowhere

[ 10 ] the crumbling remains of a burnt-out homestead

[ 11 ] another realm, unknown to you, the lights bright enough to blind you

[ 12 ] a tiny tent in the middle of the woods, the fading embers of your campfire still glowing just outside the door

[ 13 ] a tidy apothecary shop crowded with labeled jars and bowls of supplies

[ 14 ] the fiery lair of your mortal enemy

[ 15 ] the hallowed halls of an ancient sanctuary, stone walls covered in vines and light peeking in through cracks in the ceiling

[ 16 ] a civilized throne room, lanterns lit on the walls leading up to the throne itself

[ 17 ] a dewy meadow perfect for a picnic

[ 18 ] a valley packed with tents, knights , and weapons all readying themselves for a major battle

[ 19 ] a bright, snowy glen

[ 20 ] a strange village doused in darkness, the streets teeming with cloaked figures and suspicious individuals

[ 21 ] a chilly cave hidden behind a waterfall

[ 22 ] in the midst of a dangerous battle, bandits attacking from all sides

[ 23 ] at the foot of a massive, venerated shrine, one that's been forgotten by time and worn down with age

[ 24 ] a busy village market, shopkeepers shouting their prices and selling their wares to curious passerby

Happy the days are getting longer again day!

I drew this one a while back for my 2026 wall calendar, it will be featured as the December illustration. I only have a couple of calendars left, if you guys still wanted one before they sell out!

001. the interior of an elegant carriage .

002. seated at a large dining table set with an elaborate meal .

003. the shadowy corner of a lively tavern .

004. the top of a light house during a raging storm .

005. along the dimly lit corridor of a large manor .

006. the damp , dark brig of a pirate ship .

007. the ruins of an ancient structure lost to time .

008. a theater hall brimming with attendees .

009. the bustling streets of a market town .

010. a sun - drenched vineyard .

011. along a boardwalk overlooking the sea .

012. a moonlit cemetery full of weathered graves .

013. on horseback , deep in the woods .

014. a luxurious drawing room smelling of tea .

015. a sprawling dragon roost , hidden atop craggy mountain peaks .

016. a war - torn battlefield .

017. a beautiful cathedral bustling with churchgoers .

018. within a crammed opera box during a performance .

019. an elegant tearoom serving afternoon refreshments .

020. a lakeside pavilion on an especially hot day .

021. a sprawling network of underground catacombs .

022. a hidden glade in the middle of the woods .

023. the deep , dark dungeon of a castle .

024. a market square full of fruit and fineries .

025. a baker's shop smelling of wonderful pastries .

026. the quiet stables of a large estate .

027. on the outskirts of a magnificent water fountain .

028. in a dimly lit library , hidden amongst the books .

029. among the high walls of a hedge maze .

030. at the front desk of a warm , homey inn .

031. under the protection of a gazebo as it rains .

032. on the landing of a busy train station .

033. a gambling hall alight with raucous laughter and drink .

034. a pristine infirmary , mostly empty .

035. on board a huge ship making a long voyage .

+   20  more  setting  prompts :    6 / 01 / 2024

036. in a sunlit garden adorned with blooming flowers .

037. at the edge of a serene forest lake under a starry sky.

038. within a quiet corridor of a castle during a lavish ball .

039. in a bustling blacksmith's forge , sparks flying .

040. on a rocky cliffside overlooking a vast ocean .

041. in a quaint village square during a festival .

042. within a secret chamber hidden behind a bookshelf .

043. in the grand atrium of a luxurious hotel .

044. along a narrow brick alleyway in a crowded town .

045. within a busy marketplace in a desert town .

046. on a tranquil beach at sunrise .

047. in a cozy cottage with a crackling fireplace .

048. at the helm of a majestic airship soaring through the clouds .

049. in a grand library filled with ancient tomes .

050. on a bustling harbor dock as ships come and go .

051. within a magical forest where the trees glow softly .

052. in an apothecary's shop filled with herbs and potion .

053. at a secluded cabin by a dangerously quick river .

054. within the opulent throne room of a powerful ruler .

Thorin watching Thrór fall to gold-sickness vs. Fíli watching Thorin fall to gold-sickness