#filixreader

The dress you were wearing was a simple one, made of a periwinkle colored smooth silk and reached above your ankles. The sleeves came just over your elbows and they had lace hanging on the ends. The corset with lilac colored flowers sewn upon it was laced at the backside, just a small wink to your job. It wasn't overdone, and you felt beautiful. You even felt like you put a little too much effort for someone you didn't even care about, you chuckled to yourself, who are you kidding, of course you cared. Even felt nervous. Your (H/C) hair was partly braided on the front, with the rest of your hair hanging loose. Alava braided it. All decorated with small golden beads you inherited from your father and mother, as well as the dress you were wearing. It was worn by your mother and her mother before her. Your family wasn’t wealthy and with you being the only one left, this was the way you could honor them every time you had a special occasion. Wait, was this a special occasion? You shook your head and tried not to think about it too much.

Back in the stockroom you counted about sixty daffodils but you weren’t sure of the number, since you started counting again for about three or four times.

Suddenly the doorbell jangled and you heard footsteps on the wooden oak floor. Your heart skipped a beat. “Y/N?” You heard a male voice calling. You sighed in relief, it wasn’t a stupid joke between him and his brother, a thought that slipped through your head at night. Sharing one last glance in the small hand mirror you kept in a drawer for when you ever needed it, never expecting that it would ever be needed for a situation like this. Your legs almost forgot how to walk when you made your way to the main room of the shop, and you took a deep breath before entering.

There he stood. All handsome and neatly dressed. You looked directly into his blue eyes.

“Hi.” You gasped, feeling as if your feet weren't even touching the ground.

A smile appeared on his lips as he approached you closer. Oh no, that dimple again, you thought.

“Hi.” He marvelled as he took you in. "You look beautiful.” He said with hushed tone.

You smiled timidly. "You’re very kind, thank you.” You brushed your dress.

The two of you staring at each other for a moment. None of you really knowing what to say.

He wore a brown leather coat with beige colored fur on the fronts. A belt in the same color as his coat with golden buckles closed it all together.

“You look handsome, Prince Fili.” You broke the silence, instantly regretting what you said. Was it even appropriate?

He blushed a little. “Thank you.” He smiled. “And please, just call me Fili.” He shrugged

You beamed. “Very well, Fili.”

"I-I brought you a gift." He stammered and reached with his hand somewhere in his coat. He handed you a small black box and when you opened it your mouth fell open. It was a small brooch and recognized it as a lily. The flower was white and covered it in small crystals and fit right in the palm of your hand. "Thank you, it's beautiful but i can't accept this." Still mesmerized by the gesture.

Fili was determined. "No, it's a gift, from me to you."

“I don’t know what to say...Again, thank you.” You stammered. You pinned the brooch down on your chest.

“It looks good on you.” Fili approved.

You gushed. “It’s beautiful, I love it.”

“So, where are you taking me?” You asked with a curious tone.

“I’m taking you to a small tavern called ‘The Joyful Goat’ which is a short walk from here.” He grinned.

“A tavern?” You asked hesitantly. It didn’t sound quite pleasing to your ears.

“Don’t worry, it’s a very neat one.” He assured.

The two of you walked towards the tavern. Chit-chatting along the way. You told him about your family, and how the flower shop was owned by your grandparents. He told about his family as well, and his life in the royal halls, which you were interested to hear about.

When you reached the tavern you noticed a sign with a goat on it.

“Here it is!” He praised as he pulled the door and let you in first.

It was rather a tiny tavern, but just as he said, it was very neat. A friendly old dwarf greeted you and he seemed to know your companion.

Fili hugged the dwarf. “Hoìn! How are you?” Fili asked enthusiastically.

“Prince Fili.” He said loudly. “Nice to see you around! How is your mother?” Hoìn wondered. “She’s doing well, she said to send you her regards.” Fili said sincere.

“That’s good to hear.” Hoìn said. “And please send her our greetings.”

“I will!” Fili said. “Do you have a table for two?” He questioned.

“Excuse me, I was wandering off, please follow me!” As he gestured to follow him.

You sat down at the dark brown mahogany table, at the opposite of Fili. You took a quick look around, a fire was crackling and a few dwarfs sat at the bar. You enjoyed the ambiance as your eyes turned back onto your company. Fili even looked even more good-looking in this warm scenery. You noticed his warm blond hair and his braided moustache in the same hue. You tried to study his face as unnoticable as possible but you were ripped out of your thoughts abruptly.

“Myla!” Hoìn yelled as an older female dwarf appeared, supposedly his wife. “Can you give these two lovebirds our best wine and special stew?”

“Of course!” She said lighthearted.

“Oh but we’re not together.” You blurted and your eyes turned big.

“Yet.” Fili said mischievously.

You rolled your eyes at him, Mahal, what were you getting yourself into?

“Very well then!” He reported and he rushed off.

You sat down and the burning question in your head was trying to get out.

“Can I ask you something?” You interrogated.

“Of course.”

“Do you know about the rumors that are being told about you and your brother?”

“I assume you mean the wretched ones, so yes, I do know about them.”

“Are they true?” You squinted your eyes.

Fili shook his head. “I promise you, it’s not true."

You sighed in relief but not fully convinced. "I have no idea how these stories came into the world." He continued. "Kili was the most reckless one of us two, and I can’t say I’ve never done anything that Mahal wouldn’t approve of...” Fili admitted. “But I never woke up with a different girl in my bed every morning and I’m most definitely not seeing you as an easy catch.”

You smiled to yourself and looked down. “It would be surprising if you did.”

“Alright. Can I ask YOU question?” He queried while he gazed at you.

You leaned forward on the table. "Go for it.” you challenged him.

“Look, i'm not proud of the way how I approached you yesterday and I'm surprised you didn't ran away. You're definitely not feeling the same as i do, so, why waisting your time with me?”

"I'm going to be honest with you, i wanted to see who you really are. I thought you were different, nothing more than that." You confessed.

"Because of these stories?" He questioned as you nodded slowly.

"You said you thought I was different. So what do you think of me now?" Fili crook his brow and grinned.

"Let's not get ahead of yourself.” You raised your brows and leaned backwards.

“What a pleasant sight!” Hoìn marvelled when he walked by your table. “You two remind me just of his father and mother, they came here by a lot ya know.” You shared a short look with Fili. “Aye, this lad is a keeper!” He concluded with a big smile to you as he walked away to another table. You could do nothing but laugh, and felt a flutter in your chest and you noticed Fili's cheeks colored red.

“So you are more than familiar with this place.” You hinted.

“My father used to take my mother here when he was still alive.” Fili recalled. "So to me, this has been always a special place. Kili and I come here by a lot.”

“That’s such a sweet story.” You sympathized.

“Next time you should meet my brother, you would love him. If there’s going to be a next time of course.”

“I would love to meet him. And we shall see about that next time.” You teased. Fili chuckled.

Myla walked by with the wine and stew and placed it in front of you."Here you go dears!" She said sweetly.

“Thank you!” You both said in unison.

You both were enjoying the meal. Sharing a laugh and anecdotes about one another.

When you both were done you thanked Hoìn and Myla and left ‘The Joyful Goat’.

Fili suggested to walk you home, which you tried to refuse kindly. But Fili insisted.

You arrived at your home which had three steps in front of the front door, and while you stood on the highest step, Fili stood on the ground. You found your key and put it in the lock as you turned around to face him.

"Well, surprisingly you are not that terrible as I thought you'd be." You joked which he answered with a chuckle. "I had fun, and thank you for taking me out." You acknowledged.

"You really speak your mind don't you?" Fili laughed. "But, I had fun too."

You chortled softly. "Goodnight Fili". Shared one last glance and turned around to step inside your house.

“Wait!" Your head turned around from the sound of his voice. "When can I see you again?” He asked with a questioning gaze, and your heart melted a little.

“Well, let’s see about that.” You winked and closed the door behind you. Fili stood there for Mahal knows how long, maybe hours, debating if this was a yes or a no.

—————————

It’s been a few days since you last saw Fili. You really let him baffled, not giving him any closure. You told Alava about it, and she couldn’t believe you let him go.

Today you were busy helping a client who wanted a bouquet of roses and white lilies when you saw a familiar face entering your shop.

You looked up at him, smiling as if you knew he was up to something. The client gave you your coins and stepped away to leave the shop which was almost empty now.

“So, here we meet again.” You tittered, trying not to seem too eager while bundling a bunch of red lilies with a white ribbon.

“Yes, indeed we do.” He smirked he said as he walked towards you. “And you’re not alone I see.” You noticed as you looked curiously behind him.

“Yes, Y/N, this is my brother Kili.” You immediately recognized him as he stepped closer to you. “Nice to meet you Y/N!” He said as you shook his hand. “Likewise Kili!” Sure he was handsome just like his brother, but with a much more darker complexion. You never got the chance to study his face from up close. This was the cheeky one.

“So, this is the girl that you’ve been talking about!” Kili said amused." You chortled, "I hope i am!"

“I always wanted to meet the person who rejected my brother!” Kili joked. Fili punched him on the back and you could only laugh at the brotherly chemistry.

“Oh I did not exactly reject him.” You folded your arms and looked at the two brothers. “I just kept things open.”

“And can you close it now?” Fili said amused.

“I’m not closing anything right now.” You provoked.

"Oh Fee." Kili said. "I hate to break this intimate moment but we have to go now, you know how Dwalin thinks about being late for sparring time."

"Yes of course, let's go. Y/N I'll see you around, I hope." Sharing one last gaze with you and the two brothers walked towards te front door. Your eyes crinkled. “I hope so too.” Just before Fili closed the door he looked at you one last time, while you pretended no to see him. Trying to keep yourself occupied with the next bundle of lillies you could not resist to peek when he closed the door behind him.

Months have gone by, and Fili visited you almost every day. You even found yourself in the royal halls at times, and you were mesmerized every time you entered. Talking and blabbering about everything. Every time you saw him you became more and more fond of him. You could say he really was your friend, as well as Kili. Fili seemed to have let go of the whole 'One' thing and accepted the fact that you would never be a couple. That still didn’t mean he wasn't into you, sometimes annoyed by his ambiguous comments.

Today you were sitting in an open field with Kili. A place you visited ever since you were little. While sitting underneath a big oak tree you felt a warm breeze running over your skin.

“Where’s Fili?” You wondered.

“He had some important business to do with our Uncle, heir stuff probably.” Kili answered.

“Y/N I was wondering, how exactly did you meet Fili?” Kili wondered while he was lying down next to you, chewing on a piece of grass.

You furrowed your eyebrows. “Wait, hasn’t he told you about it?” You mouthed.

Kili placed his arms underneath his head. “He didn’t tell me much about it, just that you two bumped into each other on the street.”

“What! He really told you that?” You chanted and sat right up.

“What happened then?” Kili asked, leaning on his elbows.

“Well, I was working in my shop just like every other day and suddenly he stood right in front of me asking me to court him!” You uttered.

Kili’s mouth fell open. “You’re joking right?” You shook your head while chuckling and he bursted out in laughter. The loudest you’ve ever heard. Tears welled up in his eyes. You could do nothing but join the laughter.

“Even I would never do something like that!” He exclaimed while drying his eyes. Kili couldn’t stop laughing. "Oh Mahal, so this idiot really likes you."

"So it appears." You nodded. “But I’m glad I went out with him even though the feelings weren’t exactly mutual, because now I have two amazing friends.”

“Yes I’m glad you did.” Kili confirmed, and you two lay down again, staring at the sun.

"Kee?"

"Mhmm?"

"About what I just told you, please don't let it go hard on him."

"Don't worry about it." Kili grinned. "I will."

You slapped him on his chest as your laughter followed.

“What’s so funny?” You heard footsteps on the tall grass, you recognized the voice in an instant when the person sat down next to you.

“Oh nothing Fee.” Kili tried to say trying to hold in his laughter. “Just thought about that time when you asked Y/N to court you when you never even met her once!” Kili joked and Fili’s cheeks turned crimson.

“I’m sorry Fee, I had to tell him.” You tittered.

“Alright alright, that happened ages ago!” Fili tried to brush it off.

The three of you lay down again, with Fili in the middle.

“So where have you been all day?” You asked curiously while you lay on your side, leaning your head on your hand.

“Yeah what have you been doing?” Kili repeated as he furrowed his eyebrows.

Fili looked at you, squinting his eyes from the sun. “Why so nosey?”

You shrugged. You knew why.

“Well, since Thorin complained about me not having a wife yet, he set up a meeting with a princess, a human nonetheless.”

“And? How did it go?” You spoke slightly bitter. You didn’t even notice the jealous tendency in your chest.

“Thorin was enthusiastic, but only for the sake of the Blue Mountains, not for love. She was beautiful, intelligent and thoughtful.” He said while staring at the sky. The envious sting in your chest became more painful.

“But?” You questioned and raised a brow.

“She wasn’t you.” He answered, gazing into your eyes. You smiled tender.

You didn’t really know where to look while trying to think of something witty to say, but nothing came to your mind.

“I honestly don’t understand why you two are not together.” Kili interrupted, you almost forget he was there too.

You both sighed, staring to the blue sky. "Excuse me, I have to go." Fili said as he stood up and walked away on the grass towards his pony. "Fee! Where are you going?" Kili yelled but Fili didn't answer. He jumped on his pony and rode away as you both watched him from afar.

That night you were laying in bed and you couldn't sleep. Your mind were like one giant cobweb of thoughts. Was he angry with you? The thought of him being with someone else terrified you. He was the only one who ever understood your sarcasm. You also thought about that time when he helped a kid when he fell down and scraped his knee. Or that time when you walked upon him shirtless when you visited him in the forges last week.

Or how is moustache moves when he speaks. And that dimple. Suddenly you loved everything about him and every little thing he did seemed more and more attractive.

In an instant you sat right up in your bed. And one main thought shot through your head. You loved him. "I love him." You repeated but speaking out loud this time. "I must tell him now."

So you kicked away your sheets, put on your easiest shoes put on your olive green cloak, threw open your front door. And there Fili stood, with his fist in the air from an attempt to knock. Was he feeling something too or was this a coincidence?

"I love you Fili." You grabbed his face and gazed in his eyes. "I already have from the start but I was too blind to see it." You gently intoned.

You gave him no chance to answer as you placed your lips on his. He answered your kiss and buried his hands in your hair.

You pulled back and placed your forehead to his.

“You are my One, you’ve always been.” You confessed. He brushed his thumb over your lower lip.

“I love you too Y/N.” He told you. “So would this be an appropriate time for me to ask to put a courting braid in your hair?”

You chuckled. “Yes, you may now.” You nodded as you bit your lower lip. “Come inside.” You said softly.

He followed you inside and closed the door behind him. Standing in your small living room, smiling as you turned around with your back towards him. He fiddled with your hair as he put a small bead at the end of the braid. You turned around to face him again and placed your arms around his neck as he put his arms around your middle.

“For someone who always knows what she wants, you were pretty oblivious." Fili spoke with a soft voice. "When did you realize?" He questioned.

"Five minutes ago." You laughed. He looked approving."Well, I'm glad you did."

"Let's go tell my uncle." He hummed.

You giggled. "It's past midnight."

"Wait, let's tell him tommorow." Fili agreed.

"I hope he won't kill you."

As you were thinking, your hand gripped Fili’s tighter without realizing and he looked over at you.

“Are you alright?” he asked softly. Your head snapped up and you managed a wry smile at him.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just worried, is all. Rivendell was such a nice place compared to- well, everything else we’ve encountered so far.”

Fili chuckled in agreement.

“No need to worry, Y/N. You have me by your side, and the others. In case anything happens, we’ll all have your back.”

You smiled and felt someone staring at you. You looked over your shoulder to find Thorin, once again, glaring at the two of you. Your face fell immediately.

“Maybe not all of you,” you mumbled.

-

Thorin was unhappy. As usual. Though he was content with leaving the wretched Elves behind, he hadn’t expected you and his nephew to grow even closer, defying his orders so blatantly and seemingly enjoying it too.

He was marching, brooding and trying to remind himself why you angered him so, and why you were no match for the Durin family.

The two of you chuckled up ahead and the sound made Thorin’s eyes look up, landing on your hand entwined with Fili’s, walking side by side. It made his blood boil.

“Ah, young love. What a wondrous thing, isn’t it laddie?”

Thorin was startled to find Balin next to him, not realizing the white-haird Dwarf had joined him to interrupt his thoughts. He, too, was looking at you and Fili up ahead.

“I do not know of what you speak,” Thorin retorted gruffly. Balin pressed his lips together in a tight line.

“Come, come, now, Thorin, have you ever seen Fili this happy before? Certainly not with any lass like this.”

Thorin furrowed his brows, ready to argue. “Nonsense. Fili’s been perfectly happy with other courtships. This quest has simply got in the way of that. I’m to make sure one of them continues after we’ve taken back our home.”

Balin raised an eyebrow, much like Dwalin had mastered to do. “Name one.”

Thorin blinked in surprise. His mind raced to respond, not letting down so easily.

“There were plenty of potential suitors. The young noble lass from Ered Luin, ginger.”

“Ran off with one of the stableboys more than once, if I recall correctly.”

“They liked each other.”

“But they didn’t love each other, Thorin.”

Thorin frowned at Balin. “That daughter of one of Dis’ friends, then. The seamstress, they got along just fine.”

Balin laughed. “Oh, aye, but only to ogle other pretty ladies together. She was never interested in Fili, my lad.”

Thorin cast his eyes down in thought. Had he really been so blind to all those suitors?

“Look, Thorin. You are meant to take the throne at Erebor when we reclaim it. And if Fili does become King after you, what harm would having Y/N as Queen do?”

“She’s of the race of Men.”

“Yes, but not the race of Men here. She’s been beyond this world, Thorin. Seen things, learned things that we can hardly imagine. Wouldn’t that be an advantage for Erebor at least?”

Thorin hadn’t thought of it that way. He had never thought of you being an asset to the rebuilding and growth of his kingdom, only a hindrance. He was silent for a moment.

“All I’m saying lad, is that you and I have both seen Fili grow up, and he’s still growing into a fine young Dwarf to this day. We both know that there hasn’t been any other lass that’s made him smile so.”

Thorin looked back towards the two of you ahead of him and Balin. You turned your head to meet his gaze and the smile you had for Fili faded instantly. Something in Thorin’s chest felt heavy after the glare you two shared, something like guilt.

He pushed it aside as rain began to fall. He’d worry about it later.

-

“Y/N! Are you alright?”

“Who would be so bold as to come armed into my kingdom? Spies? Thieves? Assassins?”

“Y/N, wake up! Please.”

“Dwarves, Your Malevolence.”

“Y/N, it’s Fili, please, please wake up. They’ll throw you over or torture you if you don’t.”

“Dwarves?”

“Hm, huh? Fili? My head hurts…”

“We found them on the front porch.”

“It’s me, darling. It’s me, please wake up. Open your eyes.”

“Well, don’t just stand there; search them! Every crack, every crevice.”

Claws were tearing at your skin and pain seared through you. Your eyes flew open and immediately you began fighting back. The stench of goblin filled your senses and you remembered where you were. The blow from falling down from the trap had knocked you unconscious, and blood was dripping down your face. You blinked and shook your head to wake up, struggling against the goblins as they tore off your coat and emptied your pockets.

“What are you doing in these parts? Speak!” The Great Goblin cried out, swinging his staff and staring the Company down.

None said a word, and you wormed your way through all the bodies to stand flush against Fili. His chest was rising rapidly, and your own skin was covered in a cold and terrified sweat. His eyes glanced over to you quickly, and you saw a moment of relief in them, but only briefly.

“Well then, if they will not talk, we’ll make them squawk! Bring out the Mangler! Bring out the Bone Breaker! Start with the youngest.”

He pointed a gnarled finger at Ori, who’s face was one of shock. Nori grabbed his arm and tried to wrestle the army that began grabbing at his younger brother. Thorin stepped forward.

“Wait.”

Everyone halted and turned to him. Thorin took another step forward, blocking Ori and met the Goblin King’s gaze, who looked on in surprise.

“Well, well, well, look who it is. Thorin son of Thrain, son of Thror; King under the Mountain.”

Your eyes were flickering about, stepping even closer to Fili. The goblins were eyeing all of you hungrily. Whether for sport or for a meal, you couldn’t tell.

“Oh, but I’m forgetting, you don’t have a mountain. And you’re not a king. Which makes you nobody, really.” 

“You don’t think goblins like man-meat, do you?” you whispered to Fili, trembling. “I mean, the Trolls were picky about eating you lot, so maybe these won’t wanna eat me.”

“I know someone who would pay a pretty price for your head. Just the head, nothing attached. Perhaps you know of whom I speak, an old enemy of yours. A Pale Orc astride a White Warg.”

Fili smirked a little. “I don’t think they’re going to care about what we taste like when they’ve skinned us and hacked us up in pieces, lass.”

You grimaced and nodded weakly.

“Azog the Defiler was destroyed. He was slain in battle long ago,” Thorin was practically spitting the words at the Great Goblin, his hands in fists at his side.

“So you think his defiling days are done, do you?” The Great Goblin chuckled lowly, moving towards a small creepy goblin hanging in a basket. “Send word to the Pale Orc; tell him I have found his prize.”

The tiny messenger goblin was cackling as it left, and your blood ran cold.

“You’ll be pleased to know that your long-term rival is still very much alive,” The Great Goblin snickered. “And your battles against him have meant nothing.”

Thorin visibly sneered and hurled forward as if to attack the giant monstrosity single-handedly.

“Uncle, no!” Fili exclaimed, grabbing Thorin’s arms before he could foolishly attack. You stood close behind him, keeping a hand wrapped around Fili’s upper arm, his presence being the only reassurance to prevent you from going into full panic-mode.

“Uncle, eh?” The Goblin King repeated. “Oh, what a wondrous mistake you’ve made there, King,” he snarled the word, “bringing your own kin into my realm.”

The cackling grew loud around them and echoed in the cave. Your ears hurt from the goblins’ laughter and you held onto Fili firmly. Then, four goblins dashed forward to throw Thorin to the side and seized Fili by a limb each.

The scream that ripped through your chest didn’t sound like it belonged to you, but your throat hurt nonetheless. Fili was struggling, trying to reach for one of his many daggers hidden in his clothes, but the goblins were holding him firmly, tearing through fabric and skin as they hauled him forward.

“So, you’ve managed to have a pathetic little bloodline after all?” The Goblin exclaimed, leaning down a little to examine Fili closely. “Hm, a little thin-looking, but I suppose he’d make a good meal or two for this lot.”

The goblins holding Fili down snickered maniacally. Your face went pale and you tried to reach for him, but Bofur held you back.  They forced him to his knees. One of the larger goblins held up a thick whip with many tails. Cheering ensued around them.

“Whip him til he breaks!” the Goblin screeched. “Make him bleed!”

Your cries mixed with those of the Company, and you managed to worm your way out of Bofur’s grasp as the whip came bearing down.

What happened next was all a blur to you. You were shoving bodies out of the way and hurled yourself over Fili’s crouched figure just as blinding pain coursed through your back. Fili gasped as he felt your body cover your own, turning his torso to catch you protectively.

“What’s this?” The Goblin cried. “A saviour for the pretty little princeling?”

“Y/N, what in Durin’s name are you doing?” Fili whispered raggedly in your ear. The goblin was rearing to slash the whip across your back again and you looked him in the eyes.

“Protecting you,” you whispered back. Your hand trailed over his cheek, damp with sweat, before reaching into his coat and grabbing one of his many hidden daggers.

Before the goblin could strike again, your blade was in his throat and he dropped the whip before the goblins could register what had happened.

“What?” The Goblin King was infuriated as goblins began falling at your hand, your battle skills having improved thanks to the Company’s lessons. “No! Slash them! Beat them! Kill them! Kill them all! Cut off his head!”

Your back was in pain, but adrenalin got the better of you. The Dwarves sprung into action as you began fighting back, grabbing their weapons and attacking the goblin army who were caught off guard.

Then, a blinding light threw all of you down on the floor. You yelled at the pain as you landed on your back, but relief spread through you as you made out Gandalf’s figure approaching the group, staff and Glamdring in hand.

A hand grabbed you by the bicep and hauled you up to your feet. You were surprised to find Thorin getting you up and ushering you down the rickety bridges, following the Wizard as the lot of you sprinted for your lives.

-

Somehow, you were still alive. The blood had become crusty on your back and your head was spinning from flying so high in the air.

You remembered vaguely what had happened after Goblin town. Bilbo had come back, you all rejoiced at the sight. But Azog sent you all running up into the trees. Fili had held onto you like a lifeline as your loss of blood began weakening you even more. Your vision had blurred when the fires began.

You recalled Bilbo running to save Thorin, and then you were being supported by Bofur as Dwalin, Fili and Kili all jumped into battle to fight against the Wargs.

Then everything had gone dark. Until Gandalf brought you back.

“Now now, lass, we need to take a look at those wounds.”

You waved Oin away, leaning heavily against Fili. “No, not until we get off this rock.”

“You were brave,” Fili whispered softly at you. “You saved my life, but you’re in no state to climb down yet.”

“I’m fine, Fili.”

“No, you’re not,” Thorin spoke up. “Do as Oin says. We have no time to wait for your stubbornness.”

Despite his kind words to Bilbo not mere minutes ago, his attitude was once again harsh and crisp towards you. You saw Fili’s eyes harden and he gently lowered you to sit on the ground as he marched towards his uncle.

“Her stubbornness may have saved all our lives in those caves, Uncle,” Fili said defiantly. You blinked in surprise. His tone had lowered menacingly and he didn’t waver one bit.

“She has tried time and time again to meet your approval!” your love continued. “And yet, even on the brink of death, you still cannot bring yourself to take a liking to her?”

“Fili-,” Thorin began.

“She has done more for this Company than any of us! And for what?”

“Fili…”

“Erebor isn’t her home, and yet she still comes with us. She owes us no allegiance, and yet she still fights for us! She puts up with all the foul words you throw at her, right up to the moment where she could die, saving my skin! Why would she do any such things when you still treat her like vermin?”

“Because she loves you, Fili.”

Fili froze mid-rant. He tended to ramble when passionate about something, you remembered fondly. You stared as the King Under the Mountain looked past his nephew at you. You clambered to your feet as he came closer to meet him at his height.

“I am realizing many things, Y/N. I realize that Hobbits may be more stubborn than us Durinfolk, and that the dead still live.” He paused a moment and his eyes flickered to the ground. “And I also realize that I was wrong about your intentions with my nephew.”

Your ears couldn’t believe what they were hearing. You stared at Thorin, dumbfounded at his confessions.

“I apologize it took me so long,” he apologized! “and that it took a brave but foolish action on your behalf to make me see that, truly, the two of you were destined for each other.”

Fili had rejoined your side and your hand squeezed his tightly, both for support and in disbelief.

“What are you saying, Uncle?”

“I’m saying that I give my blessing to your courtship. Though I hardly think that would’ve stopped the two of you from getting married anyway.”

You grinned at that, because it probably was true. “Thank you, Thorin.”

You wanted to scream, celebrate and cry all at once, but you slumped against Fili in exhaustion. All your resources were almost spent. Fili wrapped an arm around you.

“Let’s get you fixed up, love,” he murmured before looking back up at Thorin. “But, Uncle, all the things you said. The traditions we’ve had, the expectations of me as crown prince…”

Thorin rested a hand on Fili’s shoulder and smiled. “Let me deal with that when the time comes, Fili. None will stand in the way of me and my family’s happiness. Even old laws and their rules.”

Fili smiled and tears formed in his eyes. The two Dwarves pressed their foreheads together for a moment before he picked you up in his arms and lead you to Oin and Gandalf, promising to take care of you from now on until the end.

-

Your name: submit What is this? // <![CDATA[ document.getElementById("submit").addEventListener('click', myHandler); function myHandler() { var v = document.body.innerHTML; var input = document.getElementById("inputTxt").value; v = v.replace(/\by\/n\b|\(y\/n\)/ig, input); document.body.innerHTML = v; } // ]]>

“Promise you won’t tell?”

Y/N suppressed a sigh as she pulled Kíli’s sleeve down, over the neatly-wrapped bandages on his forearms. She offered a gentle smile to counter the worried gaze that kept flitting over her face.

“Kíli. Have I ever told?”

He chewed on his lip. “No.”

She gripped his hand for a moment in an effort to calm his nerves. “And I won’t start now. Maybe ask your wife to use something a little softer than old fish-rope, next time, though, hm?”

The blush that he’d come into her clinic with returned with a vengeance, and he ducked his head. “I will.”

She stepped back to allow him the space to stand from the stool she’d put him on. “Come back tomorrow and I’ll redress it. That salve should all but fix it overnight, so long as it stays put. I’ll be here all day.”

“Alright. Thank you, Y/N.” He took her hand for a moment and spoke genuinely before turning to leave.

She watched him go and shot him another smile as he glanced back at her and shut her front door. Once she was alone, she took down his name in her logbook with a sigh. Even though the newly refurbished Erebor had plenty of healers to spare, she could always count on finding one of the Original Company lingering at her doorway -- either at her clinic or her quarters, it didn’t seem to matter -- at all hours. She had plenty of secrets to go around, but they all knew very well that she was tight-lipped.

Unfortunately, boys will be boys, and her boys were no exception. (Well, that wasn’t entirely true. Bilbo, ever the picture of politeness, always behaved himself.) There wasn’t a week gone by that she didn’t have to deflect one of the bloody dwarves trying to weasel information out of her about any of the others’ visits. Despite the fact they had all --Thorin included, but she’d never admit that-- come to her with their more delicate matters, none of them seemed to possess any respect of privacy. When one travels with a group for as long as they had, she supposed, in the conditions they had, boundaries became a little blurry.

They had treated her with more delicacy through the Quest, though that was probably because of her prized status as female. Despite being only half-dwarrow, she was still considered a treasure, and they had behaved as such. Her sex was also what had almost kept her from joining at all, but thankfully Oín had been able to convince Thorin to take her along as insurance. He wasn’t as young as he once was, and Mahal knew what could happen to any of them, so it was better to have another capable healer along, just in case.

She did prove useful, and ended up becoming their go-to for most things. In their own time, each had learned that she never judged them for their mishaps, no matter how strange they seemed. She’d seen plenty of accidents-- once, Kíli had dared Bofur to do as many push-ups as he could on one hand, with both of Dwalin’s axes stacked on his back. He got through a surprisingly number, but had dislocated his shoulder on the last one. He’d refused to admit to any pain after she’d reset it, but she noticed how strained he looked after a full day of hauling his pack over his shoulders. After everyone else had fallen asleep, she’d sat with him, quietly, and massaged a generous amount numbing salve into the muscles. They’d all had similar situations.

She’d stitched fingers, packed down bandages so they’d be inconspicuous under clothing, pulled out splinters from all manner of places, medicated anxieties, insomnia, and odd bruises. She never asked what happened, and only offered a gentle smile and advice to speed up their healing, whether or not they told.

They all thanked her, too, in their own way. Ori made her a whole new pair of mittens when her old ones began to wear too far to be of use, Dori picked and dried any tea-worthy leaves he could find for her, Bofur made sure she always had a scarf if the wind picked up, and the princes regularly lifted items from her pack to make her journey lighter. Dwalin made sure her modest sword was always razor-sharp. Bombur let her have first pick of whatever they’d managed to scrounge up for meals. Thorin had called her khazush once.

After the Battle to reclaim the Mountain, absolutely no one in the Company would suffer any other healers seeing to the barely-alive Thorin, or his nephews, beyond those assistants she’d chosen personally. Since then, she’d been officially named as the Royal Physician, alongside an aging Oín, but the Durin line was healthy, now. The boys were young and resilient, and only Thorin presented a slight limp where his foot had been pierced through. Most of her time was spent tending to the other twelve dwarves, (and, again, Bilbo, but she had nothing poor to say on his part), and offering advice to the regrowing city of Dale.

Today, she recalled as her gaze traveled over her desk to land on her shopping list, was Sunday, and the colorful market would be taking place in the Hall of Kings. At some point, she should make it down there -- there were a few supplies to gather for the tinctures that needed making. She always enjoyed the markets-- it was wonderful to see such lively activity in a space that seemed so hollow and gloomy.

Her trip was long, as she chatted with at least a dozen vendors, but was otherwise relatively uneventful. Her mind wandered away from her on the trip back, as it usually did, and her feet took her back to her office on their own accord. She only came back to herself when a presence beside her halted her, and suddenly, there was a sweet smell under her nose. She started, drawing back as a golden tart came into focus. Just beyond it was an equally golden moustache, framing a wily smile.

“I swiped two of tonight’s desserts,” Fíli said conspiratorially. “Thought you might appreciate one.”

She reached for the tart he was offering, thanking him with a smile. “You’re very considerate, Fíli.”

“Ah-ah.” he pulled back out of her reach, quirking a brow. “I’m afraid today’s raid has come at a price.”

Y/N frowned, and waited, becoming increasingly suspicious as his grin turned more mischievous.

Sure enough, he continued, “I know Kíli saw you this morning, but he brushed me off so fast I was nearly blown backwards. You’ll get a tart if you tell me why.”

She narrowed her eyes and pushed open the door to her clinic.

“Fíli, you sly devil.”

His devious grin widened. “Getting cold,” he sang, following her to keep the treat in her sights.

She turned up her nose and set her basket down on a workspace. “You know I won’t tell you. Unless you want me to spill all of your secrets to him.”

“Ah, but, I don’t have any secrets.” He propped his hip against her table as she arranged her fresh ingredients. “I’m an open book. All I’ve come to you for are splinters and stubbed toes.”

Y/N picked up the notebook with today’s recipes and turned to her shelving to gather the last couple items, pulling jars down as she spoke. “Do I need to remind you of the first time you came to me with more than just your toe stubbed? Or when you nearly severed your thumb trying to impress that dam when we were passing through Bree?”

This drew a hot blush to not only his cheeks, but all the way up his ears and down his throat. He sputtered, “ah- um, well, that’s -- that was--” and descended into coughs.

Y/N chuckled as she set her bottled down and selected one set to the side, quickly securing a note to the neck. She turned to Fíli, snatched the tart from his hand before he could stop her, and replaced it with the large vial.

“Here. Take this to Balin, it’s for Bard when he visits next. There are ingredients on the note, he can come see me if he has ny questions.“ She tugged on one of his mustache braids and leveled him with a playful glare as he schooled his breath. “Now, go on.”

For the second time that day, a Durin was scurrying out of her clinic with a blush. Again, she sighed as the door closed, and sank into a chair. This time, though, a fond laugh bubbled in her chest as she bit into Fíli’s pastry. Even if they could be ridiculous, at least they gave her life color.

Indeed, boys would be boys, but they were her boys.

-----

You were especially cold, lacking the thick skin that seemed to prevent all but the worst of the elements from affecting the dwarves. You watched as Bilbo huddled close to his pony, soaking up her warmth, while Bombur fought the damp wood. You decided you may as well be useful, and moved over to help the man. After several unsuccessful attempts, you looked over to the scribe of the journey.

“Ori?” You called to the scholar, who eagerly joined you. “Might we have some bits of spare parchment? The wood is just too wet from all this rain.” You shivered as a gust of wind whipped through your camp, and tugged your shawl closer around yourself. “Just one or two pieces should be enough to get a fire started.”

“Of course!” The young dwarf went to his bag and pulled out a few strips of parchment paper, happily handing them over for the sake of a fire. Soon enough, a small but growing flame was crackling merrily, and a quiet cheer went around the camp. While you had been fighting to create a bit of warmth, Kíli had been off tracking down a few rabbits for dinner, which he presented for Bombur to cook.

With bellies full and clothes drying, most of the company settled down for sleep. Bilbo was snuggled close to the fire, the poor hobbit still suffering from the chill. He sneezed a few times - you hoped he wasn’t coming down with a cold.

You were still rather chilled, yourself. Your clothes had been sopping wet just like the others’, and you’d shed more than was generally considered proper to let them dry. It left you shivering, no matter how close you sat to the flames. The wind was up and you’d never dealt with the cold well. You had a blessedly dry blanket wrapped around your shoulders, but it was not quite enough. You felt your forehead, fearing that rather than the hobbit, it might be you who was catching something.

You felt a presence at you back, and then all of a sudden, you were surrounded by a warm body - trousered legs stretched out on either side of yours, and two strong arms wrapped around your waist, pulling you back against a burning chest.

“Cold, lass?” The voice, warmer than the fire, pressed against your ear. A shiver that had nothing to do with the cold trailed down your spine.

“Fíli? What are you doing?” You were sure that your voice hadn’t been so high when you spoke to Ori just a while ago. His chest rumbled with a laugh, heating you from the inside out.

“Keeping you warm, of course. We can’t have our guest catching a chill, can we?” His arms tightened, and between the cage they made with his legs, and the chest against your back, you were starting to feel quite comfortable.

“You didn’t need to do this, though. I would have warmed up soon enough.”

“Aye, but I’d rather keep you warm myself. You don’t mind, do you?” he asked and leaned his chin against your shoulder, so that you could see his smiling face from the corner of your eye.

“Well, I suppose if it’s between you and the cold ground…” You teased, which earned another chuckle, the vibrations sending all thoughts of cold from your mind. “I appreciate the use of a warm dwarf body.” You turned your head to look at him, which he was clearly not expecting, since his lips remained to brush against your cheek. You blushed crimson while he smiled.