Summary

Being the next heir, to take command of an entire kingdom is so immense that Fíli believes that he is not suitable for Thorin's expectations to the line of Durin. However a near tragedy proves Fíli what a fine king he will become.

Chapter 1

Even from a young age, Fíli, the golden haired prince, knew what he wanted to be. When he was first born, he looked up at his uncle with cerulean eyes, and with a tiny hand clenched around a battle finger; he knew he wanted to be replica of Thorin, son of Thrain, son of Thor.

And even when Kíli was born and learnt how to walk, the two brothers would follow their uncle. It was as if the mighty king owned three shadows. Their innocent eyes would watch, learn, and see how he can be so calm, powerful and elegant all in one.

Being the new heir of the rightful long-lost Erebor, through listening to his uncle and mother talk with such a passion yet with such despair gave Fíli the determination and courage to fight alongside his majestic king.

However, despite all the intense training from Dwalin and the lessons about Middle Earth, past and present, from Balin, all the confrontations and one on one battles with Thorin still leaves Fíli with doubt in his mind that he will be a disappointment in Thorin's eyes.

When he was asked deliberately by his uncle to join the quest, although not without an argument from their mother that Kíli will come along and with promises by Thorin that he would protect both of her beloved sons, honour and desperation filled the prince's heart to make his king proud and worthy to be called Fíli, king under the mountain.

They had reached the halfway point of their journey towards the Lonely Mountain. This was the quest that all 13 dwarves, especially their king, had been waiting many years for; the quest to reclaim Erebor.

With the ponies' disappearance, due to the encounter of Wargs, it had left the members walking for hours. When the sun began to set almost everyone was on the verge of collapsing, except for Thorin and Gandalf who were in front having small talk about their next step and Dwalin, who may have been hiding his exhaustion underneath his stoic face.

Either way, darkness was upon them so the idea of setting up camp seemed wise.

They were all relieved when their leader said to camp here for the night.

Kíli had been looking forward to relaxing near the blaze of the fire, but his hope had been diminished when Thorin told his nephews they were to have the first watch.

Half an hour had gone by. Nearly all the dwarves had gone to sleep, resting against the rocks or near the fire for comfort which is where our favourite Hobbit slumbered.

Although Fíli and Kíli were on guard for cautious attacks, Thorin and Gandalf were also awake and vigilant.

Sitting a little further away from the camp, Fíli was looking gently over his twin swords, seeing his own reflection. He then looked to his brother and grinned.

"It looks like you can fall asleep with your head between your legs brother."

Kíli was trying desperately to stay focused but his eyes would drop for a few seconds each time. It seemed the long day had consumed him, despite being the most energetic of the group.

"Well aren't you tired as well? As much as I love to keep our company safe, right now all I want is to tuck myself away into a nice dream. When is it Bofur and Nori's turn?"

"Not for another hour" replied Fíli, staring into the deep forest that had surrounded their campsite.

Strange things can occur from the darkest of places. It only seemed natural for the youngest of the group with the sharpest eyes to watch of any sign of movement. Though, mind you, the hot fire did sound more inviting.

"It won't be long, Kíli. Once Bofur and Nori relieve us, you can dream all you like".

The dark brunette sighed, sitting closer to his brother so he could rest his head on his shoulder.

"Easy for you to say. I have an idea! Why don't I use you as a fluffy pillow and you can alert me when you see something."

Fíli shoved Kíli away gently.

"You know very well what Thorin would think if you fell asleep on duty watch. He might assume we are slacking. Besides, I'm tired as well, only I have more control to keep myself awake."

Kíli punched his brother slightly on the shoulder, a smirk on his face.

"Just because you are older doesn't mean you have more control."

Even as he said these words, a yawn came out his mouth. Fíli watched in amusement when a sound reached his ears.

"Did you hear that?"

The fatigued has disappeared completely from the boy's face.

"What can you see?"

Fíli narrowed his eyes and scanned the treeline, focusing on the bushes and the black hole centered on the opposite side from where they were sitting.

"I don't know but I know I heard something," he mumbled, holding his twin swords tightly.

They both heard it this time, a light scratching sound.

"Let's go and have a look" said Kíli, holding a sword in his right hand.

Panic spread across Fíli's face as he grabbed his brother's arm to hold him back.

"No, I have another idea. I'll keep watch while you go and get Thorin," said Fíli, loosening his grip.

Kíli looked at his brother with desperation, knowing that he did not want to leave him alone.

But Fíli was right; someone had to get Thorin.

"Alright, I'll go…be careful, brother".

Fíli nodded as Kíli ran to get the group. Once he was gone, Fíli continued viewing the area.