Disclaimer: All characters, settings, etc belong to the Tolkein Estate and New Line Cinema. I just burglar them for my own amusement.

Kili's Most Noble Sacrifice

Fili stared his little brother down. Ordinarily, Kili was prepared to do whatever it took for the betterment of the Dwarves, but now he was being frustratingly reluctant. Fili understood his brother's reluctance after he had given so much for his people already, but this was what had to be done. It was a task only Kili could perform. Fili would have gladly undertaken it if he could, but alas it was not him who was needed. Only Kili could do what needed to be done, and only Fili could convince him to do it.

Kili shuffled nervously under his elder brother's stare. He grumbled under his breath, "I can't…You can't talk me into it. Thorin can't talk me into it. Gandalf can't talk me into it. I won't. You can't make me."

Fili sighed deeply, "Look. You're the only one who can do this. Don't you think I wouldn't if I could? If it were me I wouldn't hesitate for a second."

Kili blanched at that. Fili chuckled slightly. There's a mental image for the little brat.

Kili took a deep breath and again said, "I won't. I don't care if you would, brother. You're shameless. I've still got some dignity left."

"You'll keep your dignity, Kili. As a matter of fact, for the service you'll be doing for all Dwarves, I daresay you'll gain honor. This isn't just about you. It's about all of us. All Dwarves. Our place in the world."

"The place we've got is good enough as it is."

"Honestly?"

"It is! We're widely known for our bravery, our loyalty, our steadfastness, our skills in crafts, and a great many other admirable qualities!"

"Yes, we're known for many excellent qualities, except one."

Kili scoffed and crossed his arms, "Oh, come on! That's completely overrated, and I believe that I have already more than my fair share in the attempt to throw off that perception of us."

"It's not enough, my brother. The Elves are also known for everything that we are, and they have that extra quality on top of that."

"Oh, come on, Fili! Don't use that excuse!"

"It's not an excuse! It's the damned truth! It's the reason you're doing this!"

"I'm not doing this, brother. That's what I've been trying to tell you!"

"Oh, yes you are, Kili. You have to. The reputation of all Dwarves in Middle-earth rest upon you," Fili placed his hands upon his younger brother's shoulders, "This is necessary, brother, for the good of all Dwarfkind."

"But…but…I already shaved my beard. My beard."

"It's not enough! The Elves still have more fangirls! Do you want them to have more fangirls?!"

Kili sighed and slumped his shoulders in defeat, "No…"

"Then lose the shirt!"

The Elf/Dwarf rivalry knows no limitations.