Hobbit 1. Chapter 1

Dreams

Balin knocked on the wooden door of the house which Thorin shared with his sister and two nephews. After Dis' husband had died Thorin had stayed with Dis while she grieved but had never seemingly moved back to his own house although it still stood empty close by, Thorin used it on occasions usually to get some peace from his noisy nephews. Balin smiled as he heard a voice belonging to a dwarfling

"er hello Kili, you could get the door you know"

"You're on your way out anyway" another voice a little higher retorted. The door swung open to reveal Fili, still with the scorned look he had thrown at his brother no doubt. It soon creased into a smile

"Hi Mr Balin"

"Hello Fili is your uncle at home"

"aye, UNCLE" Fili yelled behind him "I'm just on my way out to meet Mr Dwalin for a training session" Fili explained as Balin stepped into the cosy warm space, although it was spring, it was still rather cool and chilly outside.

"Ahh yes Dwalin has already left, you'd better get a move on"

"I'm gone" Fili yelled as he hopped on one foot trying to get his boot on while grabbing some bread off the table. Balin grinned at the dwarflings enthusiasm, looking round the room, he saw Kili sitting on the couch with his feet curled up beneath him, he was very still and very quiet, he even had a book at his side, Balin thought the youngest was either brooding or sick, it was a rare sight indeed to see him so quiet.

"Bye uncle" Balin turned around to see Thorin appear from the back and nod to his eldest nephew. Fili ran to the couch, "Bye Kee" he ruffled his younger brother's hair smiling as Kili tilted his head to the side and tried to swat his brothers hand away

"Bye Fe" came the muffled reply but when Fili turned away from him, Kili sat up on his knees to watch his brother leave.

"Bye Mr Balin" and Fili was gone running down to the training grounds. Thorin raised his eyebrows waiting for the slam of the door which inevitably came.

"Balin, what can I do for you" Thorin walked over to the hearth to place a pot of tea on to boil.

"I thought we could walk down to the new building, see how it's coming along" Balin replied. Thorin smiled

"Yeah we can do that Balin but tea first, have to be honest I've not been up long Fili was running late as you saw and I haven't had chance to sit down yet" Balin grinned

"Tea would be lovely" Balin turned his attention to Kili who had returned to his original position on the couch "not training today today Kili"

"He's brooding" Thorin laughed

"I see" Balin smiled while Kili frowned

"I'm not" he shot back at his uncle. Thorin grinned

"Ok you're not so what's wrong" Kili shrugged and lent his head to the side and into the side of the couch.

"I think he wanted to go with Fili this morning but Fili had said no it was just him and Dwalin" Thorin half whispered to Balin as they settled at the table. "Kili you want tea" Kili turned slightly and shook his head.

"Where's Dis" Balin enquired

"Headed to the market this morning, that's we're all late up"

Balin and Thorin sat and drank their tea chattering about the new building work that was taking place. Kili expected he would be taken along with Balin and his uncle if his mother hadn't returned in time. In truth Kili had wanted to go with Fili and train although he was mostly watching it was good fun, but he felt extremely tired even though he had only just woken up. He had suffered from nightmares again last night and although Fili had managed to get him back to sleep and he had yet to tell his mother or uncle, a headache was forming behind his eyes.


	2. Chapter 2

"Come on Kili, you'll have to come with us" Kili jerked his head as Thorin's voice made him jump. Thorin's eyes caught it and he went over to his youngest nephew bending over the back of the couch and placing his hands on Kili's face "You ok" Thorin spoke quietly. Balin had to agree that whenever Kili was still and quiet, he generally wasn't well, Kili nodded and smiled up at his uncle. Kili crawled off the couch and lifted his coat from its place by the door. The threesome began to walk through the spring air up to where the new buildings were in progress. Kili walked quietly beside his uncle while Thorin and Balin talked. They walked by Bombur's tavern and saw Bofor who greeted them. He was on his way to the market with some toys to sell. Kili looked into the crates that Bofor was putting onto his pony's trap, there were some soldiers on the top which made Kili smile. He liked Bofor

"What do you think Kili, good enough for little fingers" Bofor joked and Kili nodded

"Oh yes Mr Bofor" the childlike wonder dancing in his eyes and the headache forgotten, he scrambled to touch one of the soldiers on the top "that one looks like uncle" he giggled.

"Don't touch Kili" Thorin warned and immediately Kili pulled back his hand and took a step back.

"That's ok Thorin" Bofor sank down to Kili's level "now little one, which one looks like your uncle Thorin" Kili looked back up at Thorin who nodded and pointed to one of the carved soldiers smiling while he did. Thorin watched his little charge carefully, he was certainly quieter than usual and he looked a little pale too. Thorin knelt down beside Kili earning himself a smile full of warmth and trust from his nephew. Kili was certainly more affectionate than Fili but was wilder and much cheekier, none of his bravado was on display today though

"Which one little one" Bofor encouraged Kili to pick up the soldier which did indeed look like Thorin "well then little one you had better look after that one then" Bofor closed Kili's fingers around the toy and stood up

"No no Bofor" Thorin began but Bofor shushed him "It seems to me that Kili is not himself today" he ruffled Kili's hair and Kili nodded to him a little sadly. "Well I'd better get a move on"

"Aye Dis left ages ago" Thorin laughed

"no doubt buying all sorts of treats" Bofor smiled knowingly and raised his eyebrows at Kili, who grinned, his mum probably was she always came back with treats even though she always joked she wouldn't. Thorin and Balin waved goodbye to Bofor and continued their walk. Kili trailed behind them. For his age Kili was very slight and fairly small, he padded along behind his elders, not realising they were leaving him behind and he had to run to keep up. Thorin suddenly turned quickly and KIli almost ran straight into him

"Hmm thought we'd lost you little one" Kili was struggling to keep up with Thorin and Balin so Thorin gestured to the little one to climb up on his back which Kili did with a squeal. Balin shook his head, Thorin was notorious for carrying the boys. Fili was growing quickly and generally wouldn't allow Thorin to carry him but Kili still allowed it and enjoyed this treatment, he was certainly less mature than Fili was at the same age. Watching Kili Balin didn't fail to notice the way in which Kili grasped in his hand the soldier Bofor had given him while combing one finger through Thorins hair, his other hand snaking its way round Thorin's neck and grasping his braid gently. Balin frowned, while Kili was affectionate as a rule his behaviour was somewhat off, he watched Kili rest his head on Thorin's back, before glancing at Thorin whose look conveyed that he was also worried.


	3. Chapter 3

They reached the new buildings and Thorin admired the work, everyone seemed genuinely delighted to see their king there especially when he had his little nephew by his side and more often than not in his arms. Kili was bored though and he still felt unwell in all honesty Kili felt hot and dizzy every time he moved too fast, the headache throbbed. Kili sat down on a log, while Thorin greeted the dwarves, he really wanted to go home now, he lay down curled on the log, maybe he thought if I lay down my head won't hurt so much. Thorin turned worried "Where's Kii" there was no sign of him, Thorin chastised himself he should never have put Kili down he was a wanderer, he had hoped he would play nearby Kili always found trouble no matter where he was or what he was doing. He turned back to the dwarf who he was speaking to. "I'm sorry, I must get back to my nephew"

"Of course, it's been a pleasure having you here Thorin King" The dwarf nodded his head which Thorin returned. Thorin wandered the way he had come calling Kili's name. He soon heard the reassuring sound of Balin's voice.

"He's here he's ok" Thorin rounded a corner to see his nephew curled up on a log next to Balin who had a hand resting on him. Kili was awake but barely "Uncle" he called out sounding like a babe

"He's not well Thorin, running a slight fever I think, and complaining of a sore head" Balin watched the little one. Thorin crouched down and Kili attempted to reach out to him, he picked up his nephew gently and Kili wrapped his legs around Thorin's waist. They began the walk home.

Dis was walking back to the top end of the settlement, where her little house sat. It was nothing out of the ordinary, but she was a princess of Erebor and many dwarves often stopped to greet her and chat away, asking where her rascal sons were. She smiled to herself at that thought. Fili was growing up fast he had been training with Dwalin and Thorin for a wee while now and seemed passionate about it, training with his twin swords, wooden all the same but still a weapon fit for the warrior prince he was aiming to be. Fili was Dis's pride and joy and she thought of how proud his father would be of him. Kili on the other hand was her worry, he was a rascal, wild eyed and wild hair. Kili hated to sit still long enough for braids, but would happily braid either Fili's or her own, even Thorins at times. Kili was much less mature that Fili was at the same age but she had babied him, she knew that, they all did. Kili was different, the amount of times she had caught him up trees, or enjoying the forest made her worry, When Fili had begun training, Kili had been allowed to go and watch and had taken a liking to the bow, which in her culture was regarded as an elvish weapon. She had discussed with Thorin the effect this might have on her already wayward son. Thorin had trained with a bow as was customary, but Thorin had shown incredible skill and Thorin had allowed Kili to develop it. It had to be said that both her boys were coping with the challenges presented to them. Thorin had been a father figure to them when Dis's husband had passed and they both adored him. She was pulled out of her memories by two figures walking along from the forest, she recognized them as her brother and cousin. Dis called out to them

"I wondered if the men of the house were going to be up when I returned, you were all snoring when I left" she chuckled catching sight of Kili being carried by Thorin "He should be walking" she chastised her brother, but she frowned when she saw Kili's face.

"Oh dear, what happened"

"Just a little under the weather is all" Thorin replied "Headache"

Dis had been convinced that Kili's sleeping habits left a lot to be desired. She touched Kili's head and he felt hot

"no playing out for you today then" she tapped her finger on his chest. Kili could be known to tell lies, but she often tested her boys to see how sick they really felt. Kili made no reply but only managed a little smile at his mother. They walked together up to their house. Kili enjoying the closeness with his uncle. Fili wasn't back when they got home. Thorin deposited Kili on the couch and helped Dis with her bags from the market. Balin said his goodbyes and Thorin promised to catch him later at the Tavern.


	4. Chapter 4

Kili wandered up to his mother

"Look Mammy" he held up the soldier that Bofor had given him, his voice was quiet not at all like the Kili everybody was used to.

"Oooohhh, where did you get that luvvie"

"Bofor" Kili said simply Dis smiled "it looks like uncle Thorin so Bofor said I'd to look after it" Dis glanced at Thorin "Uhhu" Thorin was grinning while he was fixing his pipe "Its lovely Kili I hope you said thankyou to Bofor"

"I did mammy" Kili replied

"How do you feel now" Dis searched her little ones face he smiled at her

"m'ok" he grumbled "my heads sore"

"Did you sleep well last night" Kili shook his head and then winced at the movement. Dis sighed "He's going to need sleeping draughts to make him sleep through if this continues" kili looked up at her frowning. Thorin nodded

"ask Oin for a mild one, I'm sure the restfulness will stop if he talks about why he wont sleep, best bet is to ask Fili if he won't talk" Dis sighed Fili had suffered from nightmares after their father's death but Kili's had got worse recently and she had no clue what he was dreaming about.

"What do you dream Kili can you remember" Kili stared at her

"I don't know" he said and then walked to the chair by the door, there was a little window that Kili could see through if he stood on the chair, he was watching for Fili. Dis kept her eyes on him as carefree as Kili was, his defence mechanism when he felt cornered was to want to be with his brother. Dis knew this was what he was doing now. She would wait until Fili returned and then hopefully she would get to the bottom of Kili's eventful night


	5. Chapter 5

Just a note: Kili is about 11 in dwarf years and Fili is around 16 so as dwarves age slower than humans in taking that as Kili is around 5-6 and Fili is about 11 in human years.

Fili returned to find his brother curled up on Thorin's lap asleep and his mother preparing lunch. Fili was starving having worked really hard with Dwalin.

"Hello son" Dis greeted her eldest.

"Hi mam aw good I'm starving"

"You're always hungry Fili it's a wonder I have any food left over for anyone else" Dis joked Fili grinned

"You should catch Kili when he thinks you're not looking"

"Aye sweets and treats that one" Dis nodded towards her youngest son and Fili followed her head and smiled at Kili.

"I meant to ask you Fili did Kili wake up last night" Fili's smile fell.

"Aye he did mam but he just cuddled in and went back to sleep" Fili didn't tell his mother that Kili had woken in a damp sweat struggling to breathe and he had had to hold him until he stopped shaking. Kili had said not to tell so he didn't.

"His night terrors are getting worse Fili you should wake me or your uncle if he wakes" Fili nodded at his mother he felt terrible for not telling the whole truth, he went to join his nephew by the fire

"What did you get up to today with Dwalin" Thorin spoke quietly so as to not wake Kili

"Loads it was great" Fili sat cross legged on the couch "Dwalin was showing me blocking moves and we did some work on throwing knives, I even hit the target" Fili smiled obviously proud of himself. Thorin raised his eyebrows

"Dwalin gave you throwing knives" Fili's face crumpled into a laugh and h shook his head

"No uncle, not real ones" Thorin chuckled at his nephews face, his other hand absent mindedly stroking his youngest nephews leg. Kili stirred but didn't wake.

"Fili when Kili woke last night what was he dreaming about do you know" Fili shook his head

"I'm not sure Uncle" which was the truth Fili didn't know what Kili's dreams were about. "I think it's always just something really scary, he never says" Thorin was surprised, there were never secrets between the boys.

"It's weird Uncle, he mumbles a lot sometimes, he always says he won't tell like he's talking to someone in his dream" Thorin frowned

"If he wakes come and wake me I would like to see" Fili nodded

"Is he ok though Uncle" Fili's worry for his brother showed through the casual question he asked.

"Just dreams Fili" Thorin smiled.

After more chatter about Fili's morning, Thorin felt Kili shift and moved his head quickly letting out a quite moan. Fili watched and immediately got up to reach his brother but Thorin stopped him.

"Just wait" he hissed Kili's eyes fluttered and he muttered

"Not telling, not telling Mammy be cross with us" Thorin only just made out Kili's stammered sentence.

"It's ok Kili" he whispered but Kili scrunched up his face and Fili took his hand in his own locking their fingers together, Kili immediately relaxed.

"Kili" Thorin repeated his nephews name and Kili opened his eyes groggily tightening his grip on Fili's hand but looking into Thorin's face. Thorin watched as Kili attempted to get his bearings.

"Who were you talking to Kili" Kili stared with wild eyes at his uncle, Fili knelt beside Kili and Dis hovered behind Thorin's shoulder.

"kee, you have to tell us what your dreams are about because their scaring us now" Fili pushed his little brother but held his hand comfortingly.

"But uncle said only I can hear" Kili began shakily. Thorin was confused

"Kili I'm right here I haven't said such a thing"

Kili was already shaking his head "Not you"

"But you said uncle" Fili started

"Uncle Frerin" Kili said quietly. Dis stumbled and caught herself on the table.

"You were dreaming about Frerin" Thorin spoke slowly. How had Kili dreamt of Frerin he had never known him? Kili lifted his hands to his head

"I'm not to tell" he tried to escape Thorins knee but Thorin held him fast.

"Kili" Thorins voice was soft "Kili" he repeated the child's name while his mind raced

"What did Frerin say" his tongue stumbled over the words that felt so alien to be spoke. He could feel Kili trembling beneath his hands he suddenly reached for Fili making the elder brother jump.

"FE" Kili wailed he was confused and scared. Kili wanted his brother to make him feel safe, the nightmares that Kili were suffering made him terrified. Thorin allowed Kili to go to his brother. Fili almost fell backwards as Kili threw himself into his arms. He glanced at his mother who was still holding onto the table to steady herself. Thorin looked dumbstruck, Fili wasn't sure if they were angry or not.

"Why does he tell you not to tell Kili" Dis finally found her tongue and walked over to the boys kneeling on the floor, she laid a soft hand on Kili's head and began to prize him out of Fili's arms. He came easily and Dis shushed her child as she caught the tears which were silently falling down Kili's ashen face.

"My darling boy, why does Frerin say in these dreams" Kili looked at her

"He talks to me" Kili stuttered over his words like he used to when he was younger.

"In the dreams" kili nodded. Dis glanced at Thorin before flicking back to her son "Does he make you scared" kili shook his head

"He makes it go away, cos he talks to me and tells me it's safe so I forget" Kili rambled.

"What do you forget" Dis was pushing her son further than she ought to, she could tell.

"Scary stuff like orcs and goblins taking me away, Uncle sends them away, he sounds like Uncle Thorin but he laughs more" Kili spoke to his mother as if she had never know Frerin. Thorin almost dropped to his knees. Kili was describing his dead brother as if he was standing in the room.

"Is it just Frerin you see on these dreams" Dis kept her calm

"Just Frerin who talks to me but there are other dwarves too. Kili put his arms around his mother's neck clambering to get closer, she hugged him, her mind raced. Her child was seeing dead dwarves in his dreams, how normal was that?


	6. Chapter 6 ghosts

Dis stood up and carried Kili to the kitchen area where she placed him on the counter top, and took some small treats out of a jar and gave them to Kili. He took them and flashed Dis a smile. Dis watched him intently realising that her littlest was a rather scared little dwarfling.

"Kili" he looked up at her his beautiful dark brown eyes, which were his fathers shining with tears. "The other dwarfs that you see, do you know who they are" Kili shook his head, "

But one of them looks like Fili and he always stands with Frerin" Kili paused "and he smiles" Kili paused again "all the time"

Kili looked at his mother almost apologetically for she knew of whom he spoke. Thorin who was still sitting in the chair stood up and walked quietly up to his sister, he finally spoke.

"You see Ramon" Kili looked completely confused

"is it not" Kili trailed off not wanting to say the word

"Dad is in your dreams Kili" Fili blurted out

Kili made no move but clutched his mother again "Mammy, the orcs want to take me away and I run but their faster than me, I don't want to go Mammy, I don't want to go" Kili trembled tears once again springing to his eyes. Dis hushed him into her "Fili will wake us up even if you are not awake, not to worry your quite safe there are no orcs here" Dis cuddled him all the while and once his whimpering had stopped, she changed the tone of her voice to show she wasn't angry or upset and said to the boys "Now why don't you go and play a while", she went to lift Kili off the counter but he sprang down himself and landed with a thud, he took Fili's hand

"Come see what Mr Bofor gave me" and the boys were off Fili glancing behind him not as taken in by his mother as Kili.

Dis looked at Thorin once the boys were gone and smiled, "He sees Ramon and Frerin, they are watching over him Thorin" Thorin was not as happy

"It's not normal though Dis people might think he's" Thorin did not allowed himself to say what he was thinking.

"Don't be daft Thorin, its Mahal keeping Kili safe from his imagination it's a gift to able to see lost ones" Dis nodded more to herself than to Thorin. What Kili had described had worried her of course, no mother wants to see their child upset but it also comforted her. The nights she had wished to see Ramon in her dreams and have him tell her it was ok had been many, but it had never came. Kili had never known Ramon he had died when Kili was a babe, he had no memories of him and Frerin was rarely talked about because it was too painful for Thorin.

The rest of the day passed with no mention of the dreams, the sleep had eased Kili's headache and he played with Fili albeit a little less rambunctious than normal but with smiles etched on their faces the terrors of the night were forgotten by Kili. Thorin left Dis to herself she busied herself and Thorin did not want to bring about an argument with his sister, so he also allowed the matter to rest.

Sorry about the choice of name for Fili and Kili's father. Not completely happy with it but never mind, I thought it sounded nice with Dis so there you go don't hate me for it!

Stick with me im having ideas all the time I know I do far too much dialogue but Kili will be suffering for a while yet and much more Fili as well as Balin and Dwalin to coming up. Thanks for the reviews this is my first fan fic I really appreciate it


	7. Chapter 7

**Thanks for the reviews I really appreciate them**

Thorin walked into Bombur's Tavern and ordered himself an ale, appearing to be lost in his thoughts, Kili's dreams at the forefront of his mind. When Balin joined him some time later, Thorin had been pulled into a melancholy of memories of Frerin.

"What's brought all this on" Balin said gently

"Do I need a reason" Thorin snapped. Balin wondered what had happened to change Thorin's mood so drastically. It was true Thorin could sometimes drift off into harsh moods, his life had seen much tragedy and despair. Balin kept quiet, if Thorin wanted to talk he would if not, he would leave. Balin knew his old friend well.

The Tavern was bustling, dwarves began to sing in the corner, Thorin and Balin could see a slightly drunk Bofur heading the music with Dori and a few others. At that moment Dwalin sauntered in, he took a look around and cast his eye on Balin and Thorin, Ordering his ale he soon joined them.

"Aye Aye" said Dwalin, a rare smile lighting up his face, Thorin glanced at him but his expression softened.

"Busy day Dwalin" he asked quietly obviously glad to be rid of his thoughts for a moment.

"Aye that lad of yours gave me a good training session this morning, what do you feed him happy juice, he never got bored he has more enthusiasm than a dancing elf waiting for a bath" Thorin smiled as did Balin.

"He enjoyed himself, Thanks Dwalin, he certainly seems to be improving every session he has"

"How's Kili, did he get any better" Balin asked, Dwalin looked confused "Is he sick Fili never said anything" Dwalin looked between his brother and friend.

"Just a little off today" Balin confirmed, they both looked at Thorin who appeared to have slipped into his thoughts once more. Thorin shook his head slightly

"Headaches" he said "he doesn't sleep well" Thorin took a drink before planting his mug back on the table and leaning back heavily in his chair.

"I don't know why, he's got more energy than his brother, the rascal, always up to something" Dwalin laughed at the thought of Kili. Balin smiled too "Not today, never seen him so quiet" Thorin raised a hand to is chin as he wondered for a second as to whether to tell his friends of Kili's dreams.

"He has dreams" he began "bad ones"

"It's his imagination Thorin" Dwalin interrupted

"No" said Thorin "we never knew what it was he dreamt till today not even Fili"

Balin raised his eyebrows, he had never known boys closer than Fili and Kili, the slight age gap which was unusual for dwarves had made them ultimate playmates, he had actually thought that they could almost communicate without words, this would become evident as they grew. Thorin continued "He was dreaming about orcs, coming to get him" Thorin dramatized the last two words of his sentence.

"But he has a saviour in his dreams"

"Aww don't tell me" Dwalin interrupted again "his adored uncle runs in to save him" Thorin smiled at Dwalins attempt at humour. "No it's not me" he paused "Its Frerin"

Balin frowned. Thorin took another drink and continued before Dwalin could interrupt him again.

"he talks to him in the dreams, Frerin calms him when he's afraid, there are others he sees but he spoke of Frerin so clearly" Thorin rubbed his face with his hands, the stress of the situation causing his own head to ache. Balin laid a hand on Thorins shoulder

"There are stories lad that say if a dwarf sees a lost one in their dreams, then it can be a message" Thorin nodded "There are also those that say that a dwarf who sees the dead are crazy, it's not just that he's terrified, he fell asleep in my arms and he was in a state when he woke, I could feel him shaking with fear" Thorin sighed "and Dis, well she is pleased he saw Ramon, she thinks he's keeping Kili safe I'm worried" He looked at dwalin and Balin looking for guidance.

Balin answered Thorin as best he could "You will have to wait and see, watch him and try to make him talk" Thorin nodded. "Seeing lost ones can be a gift, Dis might be right, sometimes dwarflings are more inclined to see what elders choose to ignore"

"I hate seeing him so afraid" Thorin spoke, "KIli is always so desperate to please everyone, I'm worried he may say it's nothing and withdraw completely. Dwalins gruff voice cut in softly "you will have to make sure that he doesn't then" It was a simple statement and Thorin felt comforted that his friends had faith in him that he did not trust in himself. Thorin's mind assured him that he would not leave Kili alone at night, and leave Fili to deal with a terrified brother, he would sleep in the boy's room until Kili's dreams settled down.


	8. Chapter 8

Thorin arrived home to find Dis singing to her boys, Thorin quietly closed the door behind him, listening to Dis' beautiful voice so close to their mothers, he remembered her singing the same song to himself Frerin and Dis when there were small. He smiled, knowing the scene from the bedroom, the two boys beginning to drift off, Kili leaning in to Fili to catch his warmth and Fili poking his toes out of the covers. Dis watched the boys especially Kili who was showing no signs of being afraid to sleep, like she thought he might. It was like any other night, Kili trying to raise any excuse, not to go to bed, but had lolled into his mother when she had taken them to bed. Fili was probably more apprehensive she had thought, although Kili hadn't noticed, she had had to speak to Fili quietly reminding him to come and get either herself or Thorin if Kili began to get stressed while asleep. She heard Thorin come in, and had hoped he wouldn't disturb the boys, she kept singing willing them to be deeper in sleep than she thought, but there was no movement either from the boys or from Thorin. She climbed from the bed, and left the room door open. Thorin greeted her as she walked into the living room. "they go to sleep ok" Thorin enquired she nodded "yes, as if nothing had happened today" She rubbed her hand over her forehead. "Come and sit down sister, It's been a trying day" She did as he said and sat next to him on the couch and dropped her head onto his shoulder "why is it always Kili" Thorin chuckled and touched Dis' head with his own. "he'll be ok, I will sit in with the boys tonight just to make sure" Dis raised her head "you don't need to do that Thorin" but Thorin shook his head "I'm doing it no arguing" Dis looked at him and blinked back tears, that she didn't even know she had "what would I do without you" she stared at him. Thorin had always done whatever needed to be done for both Frerin and herself, like Fili did with Kili. The oldest sibling mantle was one she would never understand as she was the baby in her family like Kili, she had been babied by her father and brothers and her mother had adored her. She, not for the first time that day wished that they were here to take off the pressure of bringing up her family, take the pressure of Thorin, who looked after the boys like a father, as well as her. She squeezed Thorins arm "do you think this is serious with Kili's dreams" Thorins brow creased as he answered "we shall wait and see if it comes to be every night then yes"

Thorin smoked his pipe long into the night, and well after Dis had retired to bed. He had not heard anything from the boys, but his mind refused to relax as he often did, he became lost in memories and dreams himself. Thorin suddenly sat up, he had heard a soft thud. One of the boys were up. He stood and walked to their door, peering in, Kili was sitting upright in bed, but Fili was still sleeping so what was the thud, he wondered if Dis was up, but he heard no more sound. Kili stared blankly ahead, no noise, no movement, Thorin knelt by the bed and placed a hand on Kili "Come now little one go back to sleep" Kili's eyes did not focus on him and he let out a cry, Fili moved a hand to his brother and tried to shush him all the while unaware of Thorin's presence. Thorin glanced at his older nephew, Fili was not awake but was unconsciously calming his brother. Thorin was unsure as to what to do, he didn't know whether Kili was dreaming or awake. "Kili" he tried again and this time Kili's eyes flocked to him. "I'm scared Uncle" he said quietly "I know, but I am here and so is your brother, nothing can harm you" Kili nodded. Thorin lay him down and traced a finger over his forehead. Kili's eyes drifted shut, but his breathing was erratic and heavy. Thorin settled next to him and gradually both fell into sleep. Only to be woken upon Kili's screaming just before dawn.


	9. Chapter 9

Sorry its took me a while to update I've had so much on with Uni and stuff.

Thanks to all the followers, favourites and reviews. I'm so appreciative of you all. I've been reminded that my grammar is not always so good so am trying to work on that. Stick with me.

_Kili watched the orcs heading towards the settlement, talking to each other in words he didn't understand. He was standing in the open, there was nowhere to hide or so he thought and he had never been as scared in his whole life. He watched as the guards on the gates begin to scream orders and as fights began and the orcs broke down the settlements gates. No-one seemed to have noticed Kili, a tiny dwarfling standing there as streams of orcs and dwarfs ran alongside him. He felt himself being pulled to the side but could not see who it was who had grabbed him, he screamed. Where was Fili and Uncle and Mam? He turned to see a dark haired figure with a hood so he could not see his face but he was a dwarf, Kili could tell that. _

_The orcs pillaged the houses close to the gates, Kili held his hands to his ears and cried, the hooded figure had disappeared. Dwarves began to run, dwarrows and dwarflings trying to escape. Kili began to run too, but once again the hooded figure at his side dawned on him. He was running with him._

"_Your Uncle is coming" the figure said. Kili turned to look at him, through his tears, he saw a smiling face. "It will be ok" Kili kept running. He didn't know where he was going and the Orcs didn't seem to notice him at all, but the figure was there all the time. _

_Fire began raging through buildings, Kili was close to the forge, where his uncle worked at times. The roof was burning and caving in. Thorin suddenly appeared, he was swinging his sword expertly and Kili suddenly felt even more afraid, it was like the Orcs had been waiting for him to arrive. They attacked him and Kili saw that many other dwarves were around him, Dwalin stood to the side of Thorin. They fought well and kept the orcs at bay at last destroying them, Thorin staggered back and Dwalin actually caught him, he was covered with blood and sweat. The orcs lay at their feet, they had stopped the rampage of the settlement. Although some house and buildings had been lost, the orc invasion had been halted. Kili felt a hand on his back, he turned and looked at the figure, who pulled down his hood and a smiling face staggered back. "I'm uncle Frerin, do you remember" Kili nodded. "Remember what has happened, be sure to tell someone my little one" Frerin brought Kili in for a hug and as he held him he whispered "They are coming Kili be sure to tell Thorin" "You need not tell him about me, It is not important, but you must tell him about the orcs be brave" Kili raised his head and screamed the dream turning to blackness._

"Kili, Kili" Thorin shook his nephew quite hard, trying to wake him and then suddenly he awoke. He raised his arms up as he saw Thorin and threw himself into Thorin's arms. His breathing was erratic and it scared Thorin. How could a child be so afraid? Although Kili had never been a deep sleeper, he had always woken during the night, been restless and needed comfort, he had carried a blanket for many years, it still lay in one of the dresser drawers, but he had never had such vivid nightmares. Thorin had never seen the like before. He remembered his own nightmares after Smaug had come. They would leave him drenched in sweat, Frerin and Dis had also suffered but never like this. Kili was muttering something about orcs. Thorin strained to hear, attempting to release his nephew form the grip that he had on Thorin.

Fili was sitting up at the side of Kili, he lay a hand on his brother's arm and seemed to lean in to him. Dis had also come running into the boys' bedroom, only to see Thorin was there and had Kili in his arms. Thorin caught his sister's look and shook his head slightly.

"What is it child" Thorin's voice was smooth and soft, the voice that no one else heard. It was reserved for his nephews.

"Orcs are coming" Kili practically screamed. His fingers dug into Thorin's back with such ferocity that he could actually feel them through his tunic digging into his skin.

"No my child, it was a dream, your safe there are no orcs here" Thorin hugged the child to him, he was shaking.

Kili began to shake his head. Dis placed her hand over her mouth, she had never seen Kili like this before. Kili was babbling.

"Have to tell you, Orcs at the gates, fire they're coming" He was stuttering and breaking himself into a terrible state. Thorin hugged him close, taking the child he stood up making noises that Thorin Oakenshield was not prone to make and carried him into the living room aiming to occupy Kili so his dream would be forgotten. Kili clung to Thorin for a good while his mother made tea and porridge for them all. Fili hung about Kili, not quite knowing what was going on. Thorin managed to leave Kili in the capable hands of his brother for a moment while he spoke to Dis.

"Thorin what are we going to do" Dis looked up at her brother.

Thorin raised a hand to his head and rubbed his temples he was unsure as to what to do. Dis threw down her dishcloth and turned away sighing.

Thorin walked over to where the boys were sitting, Kili was smiling now and Fili was chattering on to him about training by the sound of it.

"Kili what happened in your dream this morning" Thorin spoke with softness but Kili's smile fell and Fili looked at his uncle with a face of annoyance as if he had just spent the last ten minutes trying to make his brother forget.

"I told you! That's what I had to do. I had to tell you" Thorin was completely confused. He watched his sister son close his eyes while he spoke.

"I know but tell me again it wasn't clear because you were so afraid earlier" Thorin sat down next to Kili, who climbed into his lap easily and lay his head against him.

"The orcs are coming to the gate, they attacked the village and the forge was on fire." Kili hesitated "Frerin said so he said I had to tell you he said I had to be brave" Thorin took a deep breath.

"Frerin told you did he" he smiled at Fili who was staring at him waiting for a reaction. Kili nodded.

"So Frerin saved you from the orcs again, he's becoming quite the hero" Thorin was smiling at the memory of his brother.

"No Uncle the orcs didn't see me but they are coming to the village, You and Dwalin and the guards will stop them. Uncle Frerin wants you to be ready I think" he paused and pondered as if to clarify the dream in his own mind. Now the fear had gone Kili could think more clearly. "

Can I go and play now" he shifted on Thorin's lap and with Fili's help escaped the adults to their room.

"Get dressed please boys" Dis called after them.

Thorin and Dis shared a glance but nothing was said. It was just a dream but then there was the way Kili talked about it like it had happened in the dream but not in real life but it was going to. Was it a premonition? Just as Thorin was thinking that it was ok, he realised that Kili had never dreamed about orcs before, it was always goblins or trolls or even the storm giants that Bofur liked to tell them tales of. He got on his coat and boots.

"Where are you going" Dis called to him in surprise.

"Out" he called back and shut the door leaving Dis to wonder where.


	10. Chapter 10

**Sorry it's taken ages to update. Thanks for sticking with it. **

Thorin could not get Kili's dream out of his head. He walked down past the market where Bofur shouted a greeting to him which went unheard. Thorin carried on walking to the edge of the settlement of Erid Luin. The large gates which stood there were old but were patrolled by a guard. However Thorin stared out beyond the gates and into wilderness. He often walked out with the gates taking patrols and hunting was the norm, they had been safe for a while, there had been no instances with orcs for a long time. Thorin allowed himself to think that just because it hadn't happened for a while didn't mean that it wouldn't happen again at all. Thorin looked up at the two guards who were keeping guard by the gates, he knew there were more on duty, but where exactly they were he did not know. He nodded to the guard and walked back the way he had come assuring himself that his nephews dream was not a premonition. Although as he passed, he shouted to the head guard to double the guard for the next few days just to be safe.

Dwalin found Thorin in the forge. He was hammering away at a sword. Dwalin tried calling him a few times, but either Thorin didn't hear or he was ignoring him.

"THORIN" Dwalin bellowed. Thorin stopped and looked behind him at Dwalin.

"What is it Dwalin" He wiped the sweat off his forehead.

"Just wondering why you're beating that sword up and what you're doing in here when you're not supposed to be"

Thorin almost bit back at Dwalin, but knew they was no malice in what he had said.

"Burning off energy" Thorin smiled "Actually I'm glad you're here can you organise a scout out from the gate"

Dwalin looked confused.

"A scout out, what are we looking for"

"Just anything just checking its safe"

"Of course it's safe, there is a guard on the gate what are you expecting to come through it"

Thorin searched Dwalin's face but could not find the words to say, after all surely Dwalin would think him mad for his reasons.

"Just thought it's been a while since we did that's all"

Dwalin sighed but nodded if his king wanted it done he would get onto it.

"Ill organise it some of the younger ones have never done it so I will take them all out" Thorin smiled at Dwalin.

Dwalin left Thorin to himself in the forge. He began to tidy up and locked the door before heading back the way he had come towards the hill where most of the houses stood. Thorin hated the fact that they didn't live in halls like they had in Erebor. Fili and Kili had never even seen mountain halls. Dis had insisted on a small house like all the others when she had set up with Ramon her husband, their father Thrain had been upset that he could not provide for his only daughter, he had disappeared before the boys were born. Thorin was aware that he was drowning in memories at the moment and whether or not they were brought on by Kili's dreams he wasn't sure. He was almost knocked over by his two nephews a moment later as they careered into him. Kili hugging his leg as it was the only part he could reach and Fili wrapping his arms round his waist. He smiled and saw Dis approaching them.

"Uncle where did you go" Kili asked with a small jerk of his head before hugging is uncle's leg even more than before.

"Why did you miss me" Thorin swung Kili into his arms and laughed as he caught the look on Kili's face. Dis shook her head while Fili looked on. He was sometimes jealous of the way Kili was still treated in this way, he wanted Thorin's attention too. Thorin hugged Fili to him he was too heavy to pick up now with Kili in his arms, but Thorin did not want to leave the elder out.

"Where did you go too" Dis stood across from her brother, arms folded her glare demanded an answer.

"To the gate" Thorin said simply

"What for" Dis shot back

Thorin looked at her for a moment before he answered.

"Because I wanted to, I am the king I can go where I please, I do not need to ask my sisters permission"

Dis was shocked Thorin very rarely spoke to her like that. Fili let go of his uncle and moved slightly away, he looked quite taken aback and when he glanced at Kili, he found his brother staring back, obviously looking a little nervous. Fili glanced at his mother waiting for her reply, she could be quite scary when she was shouting but then so was his uncle.

Dis' temper rose, she caught sight of Fili looking at her.

"I only asked brother, there is no need to take that tone with me, as you said a king does what he likes" She reached out for Kili but Thorin held onto him.

"Kili, come we shall go for that walk now" She walked by Thorin. Fili followed her but Kili decided at that moment to start talking.

"Mam, can uncle come with us, I want uncle to come"

"It depends what the king has got planned" Dis did not look at her brother but spoke to her youngest son. Thorin looked from Dis to Kili and then to Fili.

"I think your mother is cross with me boys, I shall join you later" He put Kili on the ground. He looked at Dis who stared back.

"I am not cross with you Thorin, I am headed to the market, and you are welcome to join us either now or later" Dis did not smile and Fili watched his mother's face. He knew she was defiantly cross.

"I'll see you there soon then" Thorin gave Fili a smile and rested his hand on Kili's shoulder before he turned and walked away.

Dis spun on her heel "Come boys" Kili hurried alongside his mother while Fili watched his uncle walk away.

Thorin wasn't quite sure why he had taken that tone with Dis. She had annoyed him though, it was his prerogative where he went he didn't need to be questioned. He and Dis were close, they always had been, she was his baby sister, and after the loss of Frerin, they had clung to each other before Thorin had been lost in his own mind. It was only after the birth of Fili, they had become close again. He dint really even know why he was cross, he did think that the old memories of Frerin were being dragged up by Kili's dreams and this wasn't really helping Thorin's mind-set. Thorin shook his head and tried to clear the mounting fog he felt building up inside him.

Kili trotted by his mother's side, since his legs were so short, he had no chance of keeping up with Dis, especially since she was striding out. Fili was also walking very quickly trying to keep up, although he walked a step behind his mother.

"Mammy why did uncle not come with us" Kili rattled out the question a few times before Dis lost her temper,

"I don't know Kili, stop asking me" Kili frowned and dropped back a step so he was more in line with his older brother. Dis stopped to greet a dwarrowdam and began to chat to her. Kili grabbed Fili,

"Why are they cross with each other" Kili asked

"Dunno Kee, I think uncle has a lot on his mind and he probably didn't get a lot of sleep last night" Fili stole a look back the way they had came hoping that their uncle would be following them but he wasn't.

"Because of my dream" Kili pulled his legs up beneath him and rested his elbows on his laps, his head on his hands.

"Well probably, but don't worry about it Kee, uncle will figure it out" Fili soothed his younger brother.

"Can I tell you a secret Fee, promise you won't tell"

Fili looked down at Kili in surprise and his excitement took over, they always kept secrets between them. It was the best thing about having such a close bond.

"Yeah Kee what is it" Fili's smiled and raised his eyebrows

"Last night, in the dream, Frerin told me to tell uncle what had happened, but that was the first time. All the other times when Frerin was there and daddy, lots of horrible things happened, I dreamt of orcs and goblins and Uncle Thorin was always there fighting, but Frerin always rescued me, but last night it was like I wasn't really there, but Frerin told me to tell. I don't understand, I don't want to make uncle cross"

Fili didn't know what to say. He saw a tear slip down his brother's face before Kili quickly wiped it away, hoping that nobody saw it. He wished he was having these dreams then Kili wouldn't be so scared. He hadn't told his mother or uncle about the dreams in the first place although Kili had been having nightmares for months, they had always kept it between them. Now Fili felt that with Thorin and his mother arguing he had no choice but to keep Kili's secret… even if he didn't want to.

**This was a really hard chapter to write it's a sort of filler chapter I think. I fear Thorin is going to get a little bit angsty in the chapters to come! **


	11. Chapter 11

_Thankyou for all your reviews faves and follows. It make me so happy to see that you are enjoying it_

Dinner was frosty between Thorin and Dis, although Thorin attempted to make conversation it seemed that Dis was not so easily forgiving. Kili attempted to change the mood several times, but failing to get the attention from his mother that he wanted and when Thorin laughed alongside him, Dis frowned and looked away. Fili sat quietly, he was worried he hated it when they fought. It did not happen often however his mother had a temper, maybe even worse that Thorin and did not forgive easily. It was never a good idea to get on the wrong side of a dwarrowdam, was the early lesson he had learnt. He dared to glance at his mother, she was beginning to clear up.

"Can I be excused" Fili asked timidly as he looked up at his mother.

"Of course, in fact, Fili I have a job for you, if you want it" Dis smiled at her son

"Me too me too" Kili jumped up

"No Kili, you have not finished, sit down and eat your food, you are far too small as it is" Dis was sharp with Kili, much sharper than she meant to be, she watched momentarily as her son froze and then abruptly sat down, his hair falling across his face, she sighed.

"Come Kili you need to finish your dinner, it will help you to sleep soundly" her words had the effect on everyone. Thorin looked up and Fili stared at his mother before switching to glance at Kili.

"Now Fili, run down to Mr Oin's house, he has something for me, he is expecting you my darling so quickly off you go" Dis rested her hand on Kili's hair for a split second, before smiling widely at Fili.

Fili nodded, he glanced at Kili one more time. He began to speak, stuttering slightly before regaining the courage to speak to his mother again.

"I could wait for Kili to finish, I'm sure he won't be long" Fili fought for his brother and Dis had expected it.

"No my love, I don't want any mischief, Kili can spend time with us, it will do him good" Dis spoke with the finality, that Fili understood that the conversation was over. He nodded and set off, slowly to the door, hoping his mother would change her mind, but all the while knowing that she wouldn't.

Kili watched the door hook back over the lock, and sighed. He ate his food slowly, his face lowered. He felt like he was being punished although for what he did not know. Dis left the table and cleared the rest of the plates. With her back turned, Kili looked up at her but caught Thorin's eye, Thorin smiled a small smile which told Kili he was not cross with him. Thorin stood and began to light his pipe, easing his way to the cosy couch that the boys often lounged on, there was a chair there that Thorin always sat in, many a time with Kili on his knee. Kili made a move to follow him, pausing to check his plate was empty, he had left only a little bit, but scarpered while his mother's back was still turned, hearing his commotion, she checked his plate but allowed him to follow Thorin to the chair. Kili ran behind Thorin, looking behind to watch his mum, this resulted in him banging straight into Thorin's back, banging his head on Thorin's buckled belt. This was becoming a routine. Thorin turned and rubbed Kili's head, comforting him. It wasn't long before Kili was on Thorin's knee sitting quietly as if to prove to his mother he could be good.

Fili almost ran to Oin's he dodged others dwarrows who were wandering the streets of Ered Luin, calling out greetings to those whom he knee, skidded alongside a dwarf he knew as Dori, who tutted his energy and raced by old Balin who he had seen earlier in the day and who he saw most days for his studying until he reached Oin's house. It was similar to his own, but had a funny little shed in the front garden which contained all sorts of plants and herbs, which he used in his healing lotions and potions as Dis called them. He knocked hard and stood waiting, he wanted to get home to Kili. Fili had been worried that Thorin would make him talk about the dreams and then he and Dis would argue again, if he could distract his uncle, then Kili wouldn't have to reiterate them all over again. Fili knew of Kili's fears. Oin answered the door, his grin was wide and he ushered Fili into the house. Fili watched as Oin raided through a lot of bottles till he found what he was looking for.

"Here you go Fili lad, give that to your mother for young Kili, should help him to sleep better" Fili stared at Oin.

"Will it make Kili's dreams go away" Fili half whispered.

"Dreams" Oin looked a little confused "Is the lad having bad dreams"

Fili nodded. "He has been seeing dad and uncle Frerin in his dreams, mum is pleased but uncle Thorin isn't but he wakes up screaming so mum is trying to get him to sleep better and then if they are both awake with Kili, then they are grumpy with each other and end up fighting" Fili took a breath. Oin smiled at Fili,

"Well we have a problem then don't we" Fili felt tears bubbling he shouldn't have told Oin, Uncle wouldn't be pleased and then uncle and mum would fight more, he suddenly felt mad at Kili having these dreams. Oin put an arm around his shoulder and Fili suddenly felt comforted in a way that he wasn't with his mother and Thorin. He felt like he had took some weight off his shoulders.

"Run along Fili take this" Oin handed the potion to him "I'll see you tomorrow" Fili began to walk away once out the door, Oin called out to him.

"I'm here any time lad" Fili nodded, feeling a bit embarrassed and started to run the way home.

Kili was forced to take the potion, it was a tea and it didn't smell too bad, Fili had to admit but Kili grumbled and had put up a fight which had made Dis mad, even Thorin who didn't really agree with him taking the tea had had to tell Kili to watch his behaviour. Kili had almost cried but Fili had coaxed him to take it, which he eventually did screwing his face up at each sip.

The sleep came easily to Kili, not so for Fili, who tossed and turned, waiting for Kili to begin to suffer, but he did not. Fili eventually fell into a rested sleep, both boys sleeping until morning.

Dis was pleased that the potion had aided her child to sleep more soundly. Thorin was troubled, he did not want Kili to dream but the dreams troubled him.

Weeks went by Kili had to take the tea before bedtime. Both boys slept well with no dreams. Dis and Thorin did not speak of the dreams or Frerin or the boys' father, and Kili did not mention his dreams on the advice of Fili who had told him to tell him first.

A month later while the boys were playing before bedtime, Kili holding his treasured soldier that looked like his uncle that Bofur had given him and Fili knocking down the rows of soldiers that Kili had lined up. The banging on the door made the Durins jump, Thorin rose up out of the chair but Dis got to the door first, opening it to a breathless Nori, she gasped

"Nori are you-"

"Orcs near the gates" he gripped the door Thorin did not need to be told twice he grabbed up his boots and weapons. He gripped Dis tightly

"Take the boys to the hiding place"

"Thorin will you be ok" Dis tried to hall Thorin to her but he pulled away

"TAKE THEM NOW DIS MAKE SURE ITS HIDDEN MAKE SURE IT'S LOCKED" he roared at his sister and she immediately began towards the boys bundling up them and grabbing some furs. Thorin sprinted with Nori towards the gates of their settlement. Dwarves were everywhere with weapons rushing the same way while dwarrows and their dwarflings made for hiding.

Thorin saw Dwalin and Gloin giving orders to troops on the gate. There were few bowman among the dwarves but some were on the battlement, firing arrows and others with throwing knives and spears. The orcs were swarming at the gates, Thorin was shocked, it had been decades since orcs had attacked the village, it wasn't long before Thorin saw men from a neighbouring settlement fighting against the orcs. A fire was burning and Thorin's brain was stagnant for a second remembering Kili's dream of fire and death and Frerin saving him, the roar of an orc trying to haul down the gate pulling him from his dream as he unsheathed his sword and held his almighty axe in the other hand, Dwalin by one side and Gloin flanking his other. He uttered his war cry and the dwarves charged. Dis Fili and Kili faded from his mind.

_Review if you like, it would make my day! _


	12. Chapter 12

Dis watched Thorin leave. She stood motionless, it was the same as when Ragan had left her that fateful night.

"Mum" Fili's voice sliced through the silence. Dis however did not move.

"Mum, come on uncle said we have to go" Fili was at her side, pulling on her elbow. Dis turned to stare at Fili. He nodded to her and tried to pull her towards him. Suddenly Dis noticed Kili standing by Fili's side. Her brain began to focus.

"It's not the same" Dis said out loud. Fili frowned

"What's not?" Fili was completely confused.

"Come on boys quickly now, Kili hold my hand" She pulled at her sons hand making his head jerk as he looked at her

"Don't let go"

Dis was suddenly focused and headed out of the door, she took in the scene quickly, dwarrowdams running away into the mountains, they were hiding caves for them and that's were Dis was headed. She began to run, the boys had no idea where she was going but Fili kept at her side and Kili held on tightly although his little legs could hardly keep up. There was a lot of noise. Fili could hear the dwarf warriors' battle cries and the screeching of the orcs. He had never been so afraid in all his life. He risked a glance at Kili, his little brother was being half dragged by their mother, his feet not seeming to touch the ground. Dis finally came to what looked like nothing. She stopped her breathing almost breaking her chest. She reached to the ground and scrabbled around as if looking for something which she then found, she pulled at the ground and it opened up. Fili and Kili were in awe.

"Fili down you go"

"What mum where?"

"Fili climb in its not deep, I'll be right behind you"

Fili sat on the edge tentatively,

"Fili quickly or the orcs will see us" Fili took one last look at his mother and jumped. She was right it wasn't deep, Fili almost landed on his feet, but stumbled in the darkness, he could see his mother sitting with her legs dangling in and Kili whom she placed at her side.

"Fili grab your brother"

Dis lowered Kili into the hole and Fili only just could reach him, then suddenly in jumped Dis and the trapdoor closed, Dis was feeling around for the lock. Keep it locked that's what Thorin had said, Fili remembered his Uncles words before he left.

Once they were in, Dis took up both her sons' hands and began to walk

"Where are we going mama" Kili whimpered "I'm scared, I don't like the dark"

"We are inside the mountain Kili, it is one of the ways to hide from the orcs, we have to hope that they do not catch our scent"

"What happens if they do" Fili asked afraid of the answer for he did not want an orc to come down here after them.

Dis did not reply but squeezed Fili's hand.

"We have to be brave" Dis soothed

"Like uncle Frerin said" Kili's words made Dis stop

"What" she looked at him blankly

"My dream about the orcs, Uncle Frerin said I had to be brave"

Dis continued and then letting go of Fili's hand she felt the walls.

"Here, let's hide here" Dis pulled her boys into the crook of the wall and huddled up with Kili climbing onto her knee, and with one arm she wrapped it around her eldest and pulled him to her.

Thorin looked about, the gate had been breached, there were orcs everywhere and they were streaming into the village, He crushed his axe into the head of an orc who dared come to close to him. The dwarves were holding their ground but were being pushed back in the process. He did not dare to think about his family but he hoped that Dis had got to the cave, he had built for them. There were other caves that many of the dams would hide in, but Thorin had ensured that should that be breached, Dis and the boys would be safe. He shouted words in Khuzdal, battle cries from lost days and the dwarves by his side repeated them. There were so many of them, were they as many as this the last time, orcs had broken through. The dwarves closed ranks obeying the commands that both Gloin and Dwalin were yelling at them, but they continued to be pushed back. Thorin had no choice but to attack full on and stop any more orcs coming through, he glanced behind the line of dwarves and saw that there were orcs that had broken through, he gasped and again prayed to Mahal that the dams and dwaflings would be kept safe.

The battle was bloody, Thorin saw as some of the many dwarves that had come to protect the settlement had perished. The orcs had been defeated as far as there were none left alive, although Thorin knew some had broken through defences and were hunting further up the mountain. Thorin motioned to Dwalin that they must search out the rest of the orcs. Dwalin gave a cry in khuzdal and the dwarves began to move.

Dis sat in the darkness. She could feel both boys shivering in the cold and dampness of the tunnel. They were quiet, She marvelled this was probably the longest they had been quiet in their lives especially Kili, who seemed incapable of being quiet for long. She hugged them to her, Fili looked up at her she could just about see his face.

"Have they gone yet" His voice was childish as he whispered to her

"I don't know darling, we will wait for Thorin to come for us I think"

A noise above the ground stopped her speaking, it sounded like thudding and then all three occupants of the tunnel froze as they heard black speech right above them. Fili looked at Dis in panic. There were orcs directly above them, how had they gotten so far up the mountain, her mind wandered to Thorin and she tried to shut out the thought that the orcs had killed the dwarves that had tried to protect the gate. She did not dare to move in case they heard her but she was afraid to stay in the same place as well. She knew that if the orcs so wanted they could hunt out the dams and dwarflings, not that there were many in Ered Luin but to lose them would be a tragedy. Dis was a daughter of Thrain, a princess of Erebor and she knew that she had to get to the dams and warn them, bring them into this tunnel and barricade it if she could. She motioned to Fili and Kili to be quiet, holding her finger to her lips as she nudged them, she pushed them both forward and made them crawl along the floor, Kili hindered his mother as he was unwilling to much further forward than her, his small body wedged under her arm, she did not mind though, she comforted him with a stroke on the small of his back and gently pushed him on. She was not sure if the orcs heard them or not but the black speech stopped abruptly. A slight rise of panic began in her chest. If they were to break through she had no chance of protecting the boys, with only a sword by her side, the orcs would cut her down or perhaps take them as prisoners. As she edged down the tunnel, she realised she was coming to the end of it. She stopped and listened she could no longer hear black speech or anything, it was deathly silent. It was only then that she heard a scream, icy and close by, she would not recognize it as her own voice but the foot that had fallen through the end of the tunnel heard it clear and knew it full well to be that of a dwarrow dam!


	13. Chapter 13

**Hi thanks for all the reviews and to the guest readers who I cannot thank personally. **

Dis jumped back in fear. Kili held onto her skirt and tripped falling backwards. Fili pulled on his mother fear overtaking him. The tunnel that was supposed to keep them safe had been breached. The orc that fell through the tunnel wall landed awkwardly but as it gathered itself it spied the captives and smiled evilly twisting its filthy hands in anticipation. Dis held out her sword, she had not used one for so long, but long ago it was only right that dwarven women and especially princesses should learn, Dis had spent many years travelling when she was younger after the fall of Erebor, Thorin and Frerin had taught her to use a sword and also a bow, which both her brothers despite the stigma of using the elvish weapon, had both mastered. Dis pushed Fili behind her and Kili who let out a slight whimper from the floor scrambled back until they held each other. The orc ran at Dis and she swung the sword gracefully slicing the orcs chest, flailing and falling it spluttered its last breath and fell before them, its black blood pooling on the ground. Dis turned to the boys

"Run, quickly back up the other end" She sent them both scurrying back up the tunnel while she turned and waited readying herself for the onslaught of orcs into her hiding place. She moved backwards, aware suddenly that the whole tunnel could cave in they had to get out. She turned and fled, wondering if she could get to the caves where the other dams would be. She froze as black speech once again reached her ears. The orcs were moving she could hear their steps. She turned quickly to glance at the boys who she could just make out in the dark. They were wedged into the tunnel wall, pressed close to each other, turning back to the open hole where the orc had fell, she once again held the sword aloft. She prayed to Mahal to keep them all safe and began to move forward. A loud shout and an arrow pierced the inside of the wall. They knew she was here, Thorin most certainly was not using a bow and therefore it had to be orcish. She steadied herself, waiting for an attack. It did not however come and she eventually after what seemed like an age, hurried back to her two boys.

"Have they gone" Fili asked

"I don't know Fili"

"Wow mam you were amazing" Fili looked up at her with adoring eyes, impressed with her slaying of the orc. Dis grinned "Next time we bring two swords here I could do with some help"

They quietened and Dis heard a familiar sound. The war cry of the dwarves, the battle raged above them and more than once she heard her brother's voice.

"Uncle's here" Kili spoke up for the first time in a while. A sword came shooting down the hole and landed squarely in the ground. Fili grinned "Yep Kili Uncles here"

Thorin saw to his horror where they were, the caves made for the dams were close but his face turned deathly pale as he saw the hole in the ground. The battle was done the orcs were slain, but he feared the worst when he saw the open ground. Dwalin blanched at the side of him and lurched forward, he jumped feet first into the tunnel. The boys shrieked in fear but there stood Dwalin, Fili almost ran to him he was that relieved. Dis stood with her sword hanging limply by her side, Dwalin looked down at the orc that lay slain and shouted up to Thorin.

"It's ok we've got the warrior princess down here"

Thorin frowned from above and knelt down to peer into the tunnel, it was a funny sight indeed to see Thorin Oakenshield half disappeared into the ground.

"You'll be lucky if I don't take your heads off" Dis began to walk towards them and lifted Fili up through the hole, Thorin pulled him up and threw his arms around him

"You're alright?" Fili nodded into Thorin's hair "Mam's a secret warrior" Thorin chuckled "That she is lad that she is" Dwalin took Kili up and Thorin swept him into his arms "Had an adventure have you?" Kili didn't smile and Thorin could feel him trembling in his arms. He held him tight until he saw his sister appear in the light and Dwalin lifting her, she scampered up to the ground quickly and grasped Thorin's hand while Dwalin pulled himself up. Dis and Thorin glared at each other.

"Bloody idiot you dig a tunnel and it caves in we can tell you're a king, good job I had a sword"

"Good job you could use it" Thorin smiled at her glad to see she was ok, Kili still hung onto his leg but Fili was describing how Dis had killed the orc to Dwalin and anyone else who would listen. He was dancing around acting it out, Dis smiled and took a deep breath.

"What happened at the gate how did they get so far into the settlement" Thorin closed his eyes and kept them closed for a long moment before he answered

"I'm not sure, they broke the ranks, the forge was on fire and the square well its ruined" The two caught each other's eyes before Dis glanced down at Kili who was still grasping Thorin's pant leg although not quite so hard. She knew that they both knew it was as Kili had described in his dream.

"Come let's get you all home" Thorin declared and the group began to trudge back down the mountain to Dis' home.

Home felt warm to Kili, he was glad to be there, he had hated the tunnel, it had smelled and was damp and scary. Walking back along the pass, he had stayed close to his uncle and mother, watching Fili who pranced and danced about asking Thorin to tell him what had happened at the gate. Kili had been frightened by the events and Thorin eventually had lifted him and carried him the final way to their house. He had smelt of sweat and had some blood on him, but Kili had still felt comforted by him and lay his head on Thorin's shoulder. They all seemed to flop down once they stepped inside the house, even Dis seemed exhausted.

"Hey Kili where's that figure you had the one Bofur gave you can I play with it?" Fili bounded back to life and Kili nodded sliding off the couch to get it for his brother. Dis watched him cautiously.

"Why don't you go and help him look Fili?" Dis urged her eldest and Fili automatically nodded, shooting off the couch and chased his brother to their room.

Dis turned to Thorin, wondering for a second if Balin and Dwalin knew about Kili's dreams but decided it neither mattered.

"Was it like the dream?"

"Exactly as he said, orcs the forge and fire"

"He mentioned in the tunnel about Frerin, he said we'd to be brave, Thorin what if Frerin was warning you through Kili" Thorin scoffed and Balin and Dwalin shared a look between them, knowing that Thorin had been sceptical in the first instance. Dis stiffened by Thorin's response.

"Well what else would you say it was, that boy is acting differently to my own child, he is afraid and clingy, not at all like the Kili we all know" Thorin rubbed at his face he knew what Dis was saying was true and it worried him greatly

"I'll talk to him" he finally said and at that moment Fili came back into the sitting room with Kili trailing him, both wore smiles although Kili's was short lived he seemed to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. He soon crawled back up into Thorin's lap and rested his back leaning on Thorin's chest. Dis moved to make something to eat while Thorin, Balin and Dwalin talked and played with the boys. Thorin felt Kili suddenly tug on his braid gently, he looked down into the depths of the child's eyes and Kili smiled.

"Told you" he said simply. Thorin frowned slightly before agreeing with Kili

"You did, didn't you"

"I wasn't brave though, but you and mammy were, she killed an orc, it was horrible and then there was Frerin's arrow. I knew you were coming then"

"Frerin's arrow? Lad what do you mean?"

Kili looked up at Thorin in confusion "Frerin's arrow, it landed in the tunnel"

Thorin looked taken aback and the others who of course were all listening glanced at Kili.

"That was an orc arrow Kili you dafty" Fili piped up filling Thorin in with what had happened

"No it was Frerin" Kili shot back almost demanding at Fili "You don't know"

Fili laughed nervously "It wasn't Uncle was it" Both boys stared intensely at their uncle. Thorin felt sorry for Kili but knew he had to put him right.

"No Kili, Fili is right it must have been an orc arrow" Kili's eyes filled with tears but he nodded.

When bedtime came, long after Dwalin and Balin had bid them goodbye, Dis hoped that Kili would sleep well, she had no more sleeping draught and she felt that since all Kili's dreams had surrounded the issue of what had happened today, he would hopefully sleep soundly. She settled the two and with a quick story, they were both sleeping exhausted by the day's events.

The morning after saw the settlement begin the rebuild of the square and for some their homes. Thorin made his way up to the tunnel where Dis and the boys had been. He could not understand how it had collapsed. He knew he wasn't the best builder or miner but for the whole thing to have collapsed. He checked it out with Dwalin, they went down into the tunnel, the orcs body had been burnt and the whole tunnel stunk. They checked out the sides and could come up with no logical reason as to why it had collapsed. As they were leaving Dwalin picked up the arrow that was embedded in the ground, He gasped as he saw it and handed it to Thorin who turned it over in his hand it was no orc arrow, it was forged by a dwarf and not just any dwarf this was an arrow from Erebor.

**Thanks for reading also if you enjoyed please review, would love to know what you think**


	14. Chapter 14

Many weeks past and Thorin never told anyone about the arrow nor did he reveal any of his thoughts to anyone. He had watched Kili extremely closely during this time and was relieved to see that although Kili still had moments where he seemed to be looking at something when there was nothing there, his dreams and his night terrors had subsided and despite the odd nightmare usually due to the orc attack, he slept much better than he had previously. Dis had noticed both Kili returning to the normal happy dwarfling she knew and also that Thorin was now wrestling with his own mind. Dis had been brandished a hero by Fili and he seemed to now look at her in a different way. Thorin was sitting in his armchair by the fire one night and was watching the boys with a smile as they played with their toy soldiers. Kili gripping in his hand his most treasured one, the one Bofur had gave him. Fili often tried to take it but Kili had grown incredibly attached to it and took it almost everywhere. Thorin also noticed that while Fili was pretending to use swords, Kili had began to pretend to shoot an arrow, pulling his arm back and firing from an invisible bow. Thorin had seen him do it quite a lot just recently but was afraid to question Kili in case he asked about Frerin again. Fili didn't seem to have such reservations.

"Why do you keep pretending to use a bow Kili" Fili asked

"Cos I like them" Kili retorted back Fili looked up at Thorin and Thorin raised his eyes at him and smiled a lop sided grin as if to say "don't ask me" but Fili did.

"Uncle doesn't use a bow and neither does Mam, Mr Dwalin doesn't either" Fili had watched many older dwarrow using their weapons in training sessions as had Kili, but Kili sat silently on the rug by the fire before shrugging his shoulder's at his brother's point.

"Actually" came a voice from the kitchen "I can use a bow and so can Thorin, we are the children of Durin, royalty always learn as many weapons as they can and Thorin is very good with a bow, even though he never uses it now" Dis emerged with a towel between her hands and came to rest on the couch. Fili stared at her.

"Why did you never tell us" Fili was astounded he had also thought that bows were just not weapons that dwarves favoured. Thorin sighed

"Because as your mother says we never use them much now" Kili was almost hopping from one foot to the other with excitement

"Can you teach me please, please, uncle Thorin" Kili laid his hands over Thorin's knees and began to clamber up onto his lap.

Thorin looked at Kili mystified as to why he was so excited.

"Perhaps when you're older" Thorin resumed to smoking his pipe. Kili knelt on Thorin's knees

"Thankyou uncle I'll be the best. The best dwarf archer ever" Dis shook her head in affection for her youngest she was glad that he was back to his old self. Fili stood and pondered

"Can you really shoot an arrow mam?"

"Yes Fili, I can now back to your game and no more questions" She laid her head back and closed her eyes. Thorin watched his sister and he knew she was having the same memories as he was having featuring them both and Frerin sharing their playtime and practising their weapons, shooting arrows through the old teddies they had played with when they were young and the marks on the wall that Thorin himself had made, because the other two were too small to reach. Frerin was very good, he had taken a liking to the bow and his reaction had been similar to that of Kili just moments before. Thorin's mind once again drifted back to the Erebor arrow, he did not mention Frerin nor the arrow and the boys for once had gone on playing with their game and asked no more questions.

Later that evening when the boys were tucked up in their bed Thorin had told them a story of the storm giants, who resided in the misty mountains and over the old dwarf kingdom of Moria. Both boys had asked for more, but Thorin, as all good storytellers knew said they was to be no more on that night and they would have to wait till the following evening for more. As Thorin was leaving he kissed them both and waited in the sitting room for Dis to join him. Dis wandered in and flopped down she looked quite exhausted.

"The storm giants Thorin, really if they so much as mumble in their sleep it's your turn" Dis sternly told her older brother. Thorin responded playfully "Well they wanted an action packed story"

"Fancy Kili getting so excited about a bow, do you remember how Frerin used to shoot, perhaps Kili is destined to be the same"

"I hope not" sighed Thorin "He will get an enormous amount of ribbing if he does"

"Do you think that those dreams he had about Frerin could be linked to this" Dis cautiously made the statement as she knew Thorin was uncooperative with his thoughts about it" Thorin breathed a heavy breath before he replied

"I don't know, Kili is very much like Frerin in many ways" Thorin mused honestly. It was true Kili was mischievous and very often had a twinkle in his eye, but his loving nature was really what stood him out and Thorin believed that as the second heir, he would be destined to try to prove much to Thorin and the settlement, but as it was he was very young and Thorin could not tell if the dreams over Frerin and the arrow somehow linked together. Dis had watched him carefully throughout this conversation, she wholeheartedly believed that Kili had dreamed about Frerin for a bigger reason than just a simple dream. It was premonition.

Both Fili and Kili had woke that night and Thorin on his sisters orders had dealt with them both and sent them back to sleep. Maybe the storm giant's story was not quite a good bedtime story as he had thought.

Early that morning Thorin was awoken by a cold dwarfling climbing into his bed and curling up into him. Opening his eyes he found it was Kili who looked wide eyed and pale.

"Kili" Thorin groaned in a sleep deprived way Kili bowed his head in a sort of apology but clung to Thorin and Thorin allowed him too, even though he knew if they fell asleep this way, Fili would eventually also come through looking for the younger. Dis found all three in bed a few hours later, serves him right she thought for telling them about the storm giants. There was a niggling feeling in Dis's mind that led her to believe that while her boys lay in bed with Thorin it was not due to Kili's dreams of Frerin. She tought of all the wonderful dreams she had had of her husband since he died and she could only hope that Kili would not be destined to be frightened to by the dreams of Frerin and his father but to welcome them. Dis longed to speak to Thorin about her feelings but knew he would shun them. She had heard stories of dwarves being able to get meanings from dreams and she wondered not for the first time if she should speak to someone who might know something about the old tales. Dis made up her mind to speak with Balin he would know she thought to herself and she would not tell Thorin, until she had something more concrete to consider.

**I'm sorry it took me so long to update and am sorry if this is a little disappointing. I felt I had to put some of Thorin's and Dis's feelings into it. Hope you review I love it when you do!**


	15. Chapter 15

**Sorry for the huge delay in getting this put up, hope you like it. **

Thorin woke to the smell of breakfast, Fili had already left but Kili was still wrapped up in Thorin's side. Thorin watched his little nephew, breathing slowly, watching the rise and fall of his chest as he slept. Thorin hugged him slightly and disturbed him, a smile tickled Thorin's face as he watched Kili's face crease into a frown. Thorin could hear Fili laughing and the faint sound of Dis's voice. It wasn't often that she got one to one time with either of the boys as they were always together. The pressure that lay across the king of Durin's shoulders was somewhat lessened at times like these and as much as he was the strict disciplinarian, he treasured these moments above all else. Kili's dreams had been an unspoken of issue and Thorin was glad of it, hoping the child would grow out of it.

What he didn't know was that while Kili slept huddled into his uncle's side, images of Frerin and Ragon danced in his subconscious although they were not giving him bad dreams they were there as always by his side. A dwarrowdam also appeared to him and although he didn't know who she was, he thought she was very pretty all the same, dressed in fine regalia, with plenty of jewels in her hair and a fine beard. Kili was nudged awake by Thorin as he climbed out of bed and dressed, he looked up and saw a loving smile shining at him, it was then that he realised he had slipped into Thorin's bed during the night.

"Morning sleepy" Thorin chuckled and Kili rolled over onto his back and stretched.

"Is that breakfast" Kili paused and smelled the air

Thorin did his upmost not to laugh.

"It is Kili all for me" and with that Thorin strode out of the room, with his head in the air

"No Uncle, Mama leave some for me please, I'm hungry" Kili slipped out of bed and ran down the hall after his uncle in his bed clothes, which were dragging on the floor, being too long for his legs. He caught up with Thorin and grabbed his legs so that Thorin ended up half dragging the bedraggled dwarfling to the table attached to his leg. Dis smiled as she saw the sight of her brother and son and Fili laughed catching the joke quickly and adding to the thought that there was nothing left for Kili. When they finally reached the table Dis set two plates down and Kili smiled smugly at his uncle and dug into sausages hungrily. Dis turned away from them Thorin was going to the forge today and she had decided to go and speak to Balin, hopefully he wouldn't be busy, she would take the boys and allow them to play out if the weather stayed good. She tidied the kitchen and glanced back at the table, she so wished she could talk to Thorin about Kili but she dare not hear what he had to say. She was sure she could remember her mother talking of old tales as she had gotten older, oh how she missed her mother, even after Erebor was taken, she remained royal and while her father and Thorin had fallen into grief over the death of Thror and Frerin after Azanulbizar, she had despite her own heartbreak given both Thorin and Dis comfort and help to aid those in need, she had been the driving force behind Thorin's paternal feelings towards his people.

"Right I'm off, be good for your mother" Thorin touched Dis on her shoulder and waggled a finger at the boys who chuckled slightly. Thorin pulled on his furs and boots and bade them goodbye. Dis hurried the boys along to get dressed and not long after Thorin left she was ready to leave herself. They strolled down to Balin's house, he stayed only a short way a way in a small cottage with Dwalin, she hoped that Dwalin would be out as he could not keep any such secret from Thorin, and she would not ask him too. The boys walked by her side and she watched curiously as Fili walked in the same way as Thorin, he looked regal, his head high and his short braids bouncing in his hair. Kili on the other hand, hurried to keep up he was still quite short and thin and did not have the same air about him as his brother, he was like Frerin, Dis wondered once again if this was the reason as to why Kili was dreaming about him.

"Why are we going to Mr Balin's mama" Fili asked

"I just have something to ask him, it shouldn't take too long and I'm sure he won't mind you playing in the garden"

Balin opened the heavy door, it creaked and he frowned before his face broke into a warm smile towards his cousin.

"Hallo Dis, boys what are you up today"

"I was wondering if you were busy, I wanted to ask you something"

"Will a cup of tea do you" Dis smiled and walked into the house before turning to the boys, why don't you boys play out here I'm sure you don't want to be inside?"

Fili and Kili smiled at each other seemingly speaking silently before Fili tagged Kili and ran off.

"Don't go any further than Balin's garden though" Dis warned and Fili shouted a reply back from round the corner.

Balin and Dis sat down and she looked at him

"I wanted to ask you about some of the old tales" Dis began "Those about the dead" Balin shot her a glance and she continued "Are there dwarves that can hear and see those that have passed, I know there are stories but I'm not sure if that's all they are"

Balin cleared his throat "Mi Lady, there are certainly dwarrow that claim to hear the dead, but we can never be sure of that, unless we believe in them"

"What about dwaflings Balin, is it possible that dwarflings can do it"

Balin sighed.

"Yes Dis, I've heard it be known, little ones have the ability to open their subconscious and see things that others cannot and choose not to see and hear."

Dis smiled "I knew it" She caught Balin's eye and then looked out of the window at the boys who were chasing each other in the garden. "Balin Kili has these dreams and I'm sure they are meant to bring a message, although I don't think Kili understands them. He has seen Frerin and Ragon in his dreams, it must mean something surely"

"I know about the dreams, Thorin told me and Dwalin at the tavern quite some time ago"

"I need to know Balin, Kili he plays with a make believe bow, just like Frerin did and he speaks of his dreams like they are real life, he used to get so afraid, although now he seems a little more settled, I knew you would know the old tales. Do you think Kili has the gift?" Dis grasped Balin's hand in her own and squeezed. Balin nodded

"I do Dis although I cannot say for sure, but it seems that he does possess some of the qualities, he is open and kind-hearted and he is imaginative beyond belief. Thorin was very worried about him"

"I know he sat in with the boys at first and Kili wouldn't tell us what the dreams were about for a long while" Dis sighed "But now I dare not speak with him about it, it's like he has brushed it away like it never happened, but Kili knew Balin about the orc raid and the fire, and the arrow in the tunnel, how could a dwarfling know all that?"

"I believe Kili has a gift and that Thorin will learn to understand, It pains Thorin because Kili is so much like Frerin, he does not want anything to cause Kili pain and there are some dreams that may cause him upset and fear" Balin stopped and Dis stood quickly, they heard Fili's shout and began to run to the door of Balin's cottage just in time to see Kili fall quite dramatically from the apple tree which he had obviously been swinging in.

"Kili" Dis began to run. The sound of silence was apparent Kili was neither crying nor speaking and Fili hovered over him calling his name.

"Kili" Dis stroked her child's face and his eyes flickered but did not open

"Quick Fili, run and get Oin" Fili glanced again at his brother and then set off in the direction of Oin's house.

**Reviews would be lovely! **


	16. Chapter 16

**I know it's been ages I been snowed under with work but here it is hope you enjoy**

_Kili wanted to scream his lungs were rushing with air and his body felt unconnected to his brain. He could hear his name being called but he did not open his eyes they would do as he told them to. A figure loomed over him, he knew Fili was there and his mother because he could hear them but the figure he could see was neither. A short bearded dwarf knelt by his side and stroked his hand, well that what it felt like though, he could still hear his mother calling his name and he wasn't overly sure that it wasn't his mother stroking his hand. Kili blinked at the figure who smiled at him gently and whispered  
"You're all right, but you must stay with us a while my lad, Do not be afraid. I will let you come to no harm."_

_Kili could not react he was motionless, but he knew he was afraid. The dwarrow at his side began to whisper something to another, but Kili could see no one else and the frantic calls of his mother began to drift away becoming quieter and further away._

"_Mam" Kili managed to say_

_The dwarf hushed him "You cannot be with your mother just now, we need you"_

_Another dwarf appeared on Kili's other side and chastised the other._

"_He is a child Thrain" The softer voice turned to Kili. "You are safe I am your mothers grandmother my treasure, nothing will harm you" She paused and looked at Kili who stared at her. He had seen her before in a dream, she was truly beautiful, long dark hair like his own, mixed with jewels and she was wearing a flowing dress, regal and quite obviously for a queen. Her eyes were blue and warm like Fili's and she placed her arm around him and she was warm and comforting. He suddenly grabbed her and held her afraid of the other although he knew who he was. Thrain stood and watched the exchange of love between his wife and great grandson. He had never been overly loving towards his own sons but had been a loving grandfather to his grandchildren._

_Kili suddenly felt dwarves surrounding him, he looked up from his place within his great grandmothers arms and saw a familiar figure. Frerin approached them and knelt._

"_Kili I'm sorry laddie but you need to give your people a message from us"_

_Kili nodded as another settled beside him_

"_My son, I have longed to touch you and speak with you, what a brave boy I have" Kili knew it was his father and as he leaned in to touch him, he realised he could not" _

_Ragon looked sadly at Kili "I can feel you but you cannot touch me"_

_Kili was confused he realised that although his great grandmother had her arms around him, he realised he could not feel her_

"_Why" Kili stuttered_

"_Because you are of the living and the living cannot touch the dead" his father smiled "Do not worry"_

_Kili could no longer hear the sound of his mother and the light of the world he had entered was bright, full of white shining light_

"_You are in the world of the dead Kili, You are not dead but simply unconscious and we have taken this opportunity for it is stronger that in a dream. You must tell your mother that Azog the defiler is alive and that he aims to hunt Thorin and kill him Thorin must not travel anywhere beyond Bree for he shall be hunted"_

"_He will not listen to me" Kili began "He does not believe me" Kili was physically shaking and the dwarrowdam cradled him_

"_You must tell him and be brave for if he does not believe you then he has been warned and nothing good can come of it, He believes more than you think Kili and he has trust in you"_

_Kili could only nod in reply Ragon smoothed his son's hair_

"_Your mother believes in you as well, tell her she will trust you"_

_Kili felt a prod in his chest and glanced at his father who shook his head "they are taking you back Kili but remember and we will see you again soon"_

_The bright light began to fade and Kili watched as the dwarrows faded, his father and uncle as well as his great grandmother who gently kissed his head stayed the longest as he suddenly heard his Uncle's voice._

Dis was beside herself, Kili had fallen out of the tree but he would not wake. Fili had sprinted back up the hill with Oin behind him and the healer had tended Kili but could not wake him, he had assessed they was no injury to his chest or back and that they must wait to see if Kili had knocked his head. Balin had tried to comfort Dis and she cried into his shoulder. The news had gotten back to Thorin and Dwalin who were at the forge and they had both set off to the scene. Kili lay on his side, breathing slowly and deeply and Oin could not understand why he would not wake. He had tried everything to waken the child and to no avail. Fili was crying, quiet tears slid down his face as he stood ashen faced. The sound of Thorin thundering up the path made them all turn.

Fili's tears came faster as he knew he would be blamed for Kili's fall by Thorin, he could feel himself trembling, hadn't Thorin always told him that they was nothing more precious than a baby brother or sister. Kili wasn't waking up, Fili's breaths became hinged and erratic. He tried desperately to control them but his chest was on fire, he couldn't breathe.

"What happened" Thorin's voice was low but everyone heard

"He fell Thorin, from the tree, he and Fili were swinging on the lower branches and he lost his grip" Balin spoke calmly

Thorin crouched over the dwafling who looked unhurt there was no blood, his face was pale but he was breathing and his eyes flickered but they would not open.

"Oin" Thorin questioned

"I don't know Thorin, he just won't wake"

Thorin turned to face Fili and Fili flinched "What happened"

"I..I….I don't know we were just swinging he didn't fall so far"

"Far enough to knock himself out, you should have been watching him"

"I was" Fili realised too late that he should have kept quiet

"Not well enough" Thorin roared at Fili who actually took a step back

"It is not Fili's fault Thorin" Dis squared up to her brother and Thorin turned away from her "And where were you" There was a gasp followed by silence as he rounded on Dis

"Chatting to Balin Thorin would you care to accuse me of not watching my own son?"

Thorin said nothing as they saw Kili's eyes open faintly.

"Kili thank Mahal" Oin smiled kindly at Kili.

Fili jumped forward "Kili" he called and Dis put her hands over her eyes and whispered a prayer of thanks.

Kili tried to get to his feet,

"Steady laddie, take it slowly" Oin was unprepared for the speed in which Kili moved.

The closest to him was Fili and Kili grabbed him to steady himself.

Thorin bent down and picked Kili up untangling him from his brother and hugged him

"Are you alright" Kili nodded and his hand wove automatically into Thorin's hair, he glanced around for his mother and she was at his side stroking his back her argument with Thorin forgotten for now.

"Do you hurt anywhere" Dis soothed

"My head….. I think I banged my head"

"Chamomile tea for that then" Oin said as he handed some herbs to Dis

"Thankyou Oin"

Thorin carried Kili into Balin's house and the four adults minus Oin followed him. Fili stood rooted to the spot.

Oin watched him carefully "It wasn't your fault Fili these things happen, especially to Kili I'm sure he's accident prone" Oin chuckled

"I shouldn't have let him go in the tree he's too little" Fili mumbled.

"Nonsense" Oin stated, "ha I remember well enough you uncle and mother and Frerin as well as all of us playing in trees and falling out of them. Accidents happen"

Uncle used to play in trees" Fili seemed amazed

"Of course he did lad and there were many times that Frerin or Dis fell and he would feel bad, in fact he felt bad no matter who it was who fell, because someone always would."

Fili nodded and looked at the door, he could hear them fussing over Kili, they would probably both get a telling when they realised Kili as ok.

"I was scared when he didn't wake though" Fili told Oin

"Yes strange that! He was with us but it was like he couldn't open his eyes, does he still have those dreams you told me about"

Fili's eyes darted towards the door and he hoped that no one had heard.

"Yes but not for ages. Uncle doesn't like to talk about them in case they start again" Fili whispered

Oin frowned "I wouldn't be too sure that he hasn't had one in a while, he could have been having one just then, there was nothing medically wrong" Oin looked knowingly at Fili and the blond prince looked a little alarmed.

"Do not worry young one, dreaming about the dead is not uncommon"

"But they speak to him" Fili hushed

"Ahh but they do him no harm, it's not the dead you should be afraid of laddie, it's the living that you need to watch, Kili will tell you that"

And with that Oin placed a hand on Fili's shoulder and strolled away.

Fili was confused. He walked into the doorway and saw Kili being fussed over and made to drink chamomile tea which he hated. Fili just had to find a way of getting to speak to Kili alone.

**Hope you enjoyed it!**


	17. Chapter 17

**Happy New Year to everyone. **

Kili had chamomile tea practically poured down his throat, he looked at his uncle who stood a little way back allowing his sister to deal with Kili. Kili made to get off his mother's lap and began to wriggle in her grip. Fili who was standing in the doorway watched his brother struggling to escape. Thorin sighed

"Sit still Kili" he sounded cross and frustrated. Fili could hear it in his voice and it frightened him a little. He loved his uncle very much and loved to spend time with him but he was scared of the danger that Thorin posed at times. What Fili didn't understand at his young age was that Thorin did not realise how much the boys feared him at times. Fili was twiddling with the hem of his tunic, Dis had taken this as a nervous action in her eldest son, but she was preoccupied with the youngest who was still struggling and beginning to get cross himself.

Thorin noticed Fili standing in the doorway and strode over to him, placing a careful hand on his shoulder he steered him out of the door. Fili moved slowly knowing what was coming.

"Fili" Fili looked up at Thorin, tears threatening to fall already and he knew Thorin certainly wouldn't like that.

"I'm disappointed with you today. You should have been watching Kili and not letting him climb trees. He was very lucky not to have hurt himself badly" Thorin paused watching Fili who was nodding as if he agreed with his uncle.

"As a big brother, you have a responsibility towards Kili. It is the same for me towards your mother. Thorin stopped as he saw his young nephew attempt to hide a tear

"Crying isn't going to help anyone Fili is it"

"I'm not crying Uncle" Sniffed Fili. Thorin did not say anymore but stood and gestured that Fili wipe his face and follow him.

Back inside Kili had escaped his mother and was waiting for his brother and uncle to return. Standing in the doorway he saw Thorin speaking with Fili and ran towards them.

"Uncle" he called his arms outwards and open.

"Whoa Kili has today not taught you anything?" Thorin exclaimed while catching his nephew and lifting him towards the sky. Fili looked on scowling a little. Kili's face crumpled up into a fierce frown.

"I didn't mean to fall Uncle I was trying to get the apples from the top. Fili was trying to stop me he said it was too high to go"

"Fili should have stopped you and next time you listen to him. Do you understand?" Thorin's voice hit Kili roughly and he flinched and looked surprised.

"He did Uncle, honestly…" Kili began but Fili cut him off

"Kili it's ok"

Kili looked at his brother understanding what his brother meant and instantly quietened. Thorin let him down and the two boys, as if joined by glue stuck to each other and Balin who was watching caught sight of Fili taking Kili by hand away from their uncle.

"Like peas in a pod" Oin chuckled slightly behind Balin and he nodded in agreement.

As the dwarves dispersed their separate ways. Fili and Kili, although quieter than usual stayed closer together. Thorin believed it was from his chat with Fili. Dis walked home with the boys and Thorin no-one saying very much except for Kili who was chattering on to Fili about anything that came into his mind.

"How is it that a dwarfling can fall from a tree and be unconscious before waking and then behave like that" Dis enquired carefully to her brother.

Thorin huffed he had been aware of Kili's incessant talking and his closeness to Fili which was nothing really unusual but then Kili often needed much more closeness than Fili for sure and certainly needed more reassurance than Fili although just recently Thorin had also noticed Fili being much more unsure of himself for some reason beyond Thorin's knowledge.

"You know Kili" Thorin answered in reply to his sister's question. He had been less than close with Dis since she had pursued other reasons for Kili's dreams. Thorin felt no comfort in the dreams like she had. He had been afraid although he would never admit it. There was also a cloud of tension between the pair, never had he felt this way about Dis since Frerin had died.

Kili had turned around and was walking backwards, a smile on his face. He felt quite safe, the dream he had had was like a cushion around him. He did not know why but he felt safe.

In bed that night Fili watched Kili as he climbed into bed. Kili had been positively hyper since his accident earlier and he knew that his mother and uncle were a bit worried. Dinner had gone well until Kili had dropped a bowl on the floor and Thorin had almost roared at him to be careful. Kili had been quiet since but was now beaming with positive energy again although it was just the two of them finally.

"Kili" Fili was going to just come right out with it and ask Kili

"Hang on Fili, the blanket is not down properly, there could be something under the bed" Kili fiddled with it and with a quick look actually checked under the bed.

"Why are you checking under the bed, you know there is nothing under there" Fili laughed

"There might be and then when it eats us in the night you'll be sorry you never checked" Kili said with the most sincere attitude.

"How can you be scared of something under the bed but not scared of the dead" Fili answered

Kili laughed "That rhymes Fee"

"I'm serious Kili, you have dreams of dwarves that are dead and it doesn't scare you not anymore you used to be scared I remember you screamed at night"

Kili was quiet and said nothing

"Do you have dreams all the time and not tell me" Fili tried again

"Do you have them too" Kili asked in almost a whisper

"No Kee I don't but Mr Oin he said that you probably still did and that even today you might have been having one"

Kili's eyes darted to the door as if expecting someone to come barrelling in if he spoke.

"I do get scared Fili, really scared but they are nice to me and they don't hurt me, they tell me things, but I'm more scared of telling Uncle what they said that when they are telling me"

"You don't have to tell Uncle Kili but you can tell me if you like" Fili was sitting up in bed, the candle was lighting up the side of his face and Kili was sitting cross legged facing him.

"Can I" Kili almost rocked in excitement

"Course Kee you can tell me anything"

"I have to still tell Uncle though, it is about someone called Azog"

"Who's that" asked Fili

"I don't really know" confessed Kili "But he wants to get Uncle"

"What like kill him?" asked Fili completely shocked

"I think so, Uncle Frerin said I have to tell him and that he might not listen but I have to tell him anyway"

"Who else do you see Kee" Fili asked intrigued

"Well there was Frerin and great grandfather and great grandmother and Dada"

"You spoke to Daddy?" Fili was suddenly jealous

"Yes he looks just like you Fili"

"I know I do remember him unlike you" Fili said unkindly

Kili stared at Fili, his eyes suddenly tearful with Fili's hurtful comment.

"I'm sorry Kili I didn't mean it I don't know why I said that" Fili was apologetic but Kili turned away and lay down his body facing away from his brother in a manner that was so unlike him.

"Kili please I didn't mean to say that, It's just I wish I could see him too I miss Daddy, you're lucky to be able to see him."

"I'm not lucky Fili, I don't want to have Uncle Shout at me when I tell him I'm scared of Uncle sometimes."

"I can help you tell him" Fili said quietly "If you like"

Kili was silent and Fili thought for a moment he was ignoring him.

"If I tell you will you help me Fili, really help me cos I'm not sure that I'm brave enough, but you are, Thorin always says you are"

"He does not Kili" Fili added a little playfully

"He does Fili all the time, he is always telling me how brave I have to be like you"

Fili thought for a moment.

"So what is it you have to tell him then" Kili looked dubiously at Fili.

"I can't help if you don't tell me Kili"

"Ok, I have to tell uncle not to go further than Bree and that Azog is alive"

Oin's words came flooding back to Fili "It's not the dead you need to be careful of it's the living you need to watch"

Fili told Kili what Oin had said and Kili nodded

"Frerin doesn't scare me anymore, but I don't know who Azog is and he scares me Fili if he is after uncle then I'm scared, what if he comes here"

"We will tell Uncle tomorrow at Breakfast and whatever he says we will be brave together" Fili decided

"I think we are braver together Fee don't you, I'm scared on my own but I think I could be brave with you"

"Me too Kee"

The brothers settled into bed Kili snuggling into his brother, his cold toes barely touching Fili, but Fili expected them. Kili had made Fili feel brave and even though Thorin was disappointed in him, he now knew that Thorin had told Kili to be brave like his brother. Fili smiled to himself and his confidence grew. If he and Kili worked together than they could face their Uncle and tell him what Kili needed to say. His thoughts drifted to his father oh how he wished he could see him again. Fili fell into sleep that was plagued with images of their father, while Kili slept at his side with nothing but fear of tomorrow's conversation.

**Hope you enjoyed it. This chapter was really difficult to get out. Next Chapter Thorin is going to have to finally deal with these dreams. Let me know what you think!**


	18. Chapter 18

**A/N I know I've been away for ages hopefully it shouldn't be as long between updates from now on as I have a bit more time for writing. That goes for my other fics which I'm also working on updating this week. Thanks to all the readers who left reviews, I love to know what you think and it keeps me going. You are all brilliant. Anyway back to the story!**

The night was uneventful at least for Thorin. He had popped his head in to check on the lads before he went to bed and had found them curled up and sleeping what looked to be peacefully. He had retired to bed, having been much less hostile to Dis, who had keep herself busy the whole night, in the hope she wouldn't lose her temper with Thorin once more.

Fili had slept with visions of his father throughout the night. While Kili had slept fitfully not through dreams but through anticipation. Thorin becoming more and more frightening in his dreams. This exploded in the early hours of the morning with Kili finally succumbing to his fears and waking himself and his brother.

"You ok?" Fili whispered, he knew it was not yet morning as he could not see the sun rising through the window, nor could he hear his mother's quiet tidying and laying of the table for breakfast.

Kili nodded furiously although it was obvious that he was not, so Fili pulled his brother close and they both lay quietly, attempting to drift back off to sleep, which they eventually did.

Dis was up first as was usual she climbed out of bed and began her daily routine of stoking the fires and preparing breakfast. She knew Thorin would rise soon and she did not want to argue with him again today. She smiled at the drawing of her husband that was framed on the fireplace.

"Well you are causing some trouble aren't you" she spoke to the picture. She moved quickly as she heard a movement behind her. Thorin Oakinsheild who had never been particularly good at creeping up on people was standing in the doorway. He glanced at her and said nothing. Dis looked back at the picture and raised her eyebrows. She was going to have to bite her tongue again in the hope of not starting a disagreement.

"Did you get a good sleep Brother?"

"Yes thank-you I did and you?"

Dis nodded her head "Aye"

There the niceties had been observed thought Dis. Now to get through breakfast.

Fili woke first, he groaned as he had Kili's arm reaching across him. He managed to crawl from beneath his brother's body and began to dress. Kili woke too but refused to get up, pulling the covers up to his neck.

"Come on Kee, you have to remember what we have to do today"

Kili pulled the covers over his head. Fili couldn't resist a smile and quietly he stalked his brother and ripped the covers right off him. Kili squealed and jumped up.

"There now you are up get dressed"

The boys walked into the kitchen together, where Dis and Thorin both sat, not speaking.

"Good morning mam" Fili greeted Dis as he approached and risked a glance at Thorin who was now staring at them both.

"Morning Uncle"

The boys took their places at the table and Fili began to load his plate. Kili watched him.

"You alright Kili" Dis enquired as to her son's sudden reluctance to eat. Kili reached out to take some food nodding at his mother. Thorin watched his youngest nephew cautiously, he had had enough of Kili's strange behaviour and he vowed that it must stop.

"Kili, your mother asked you a question"

Kili's head shot up and looked at Fili before looking to Thorin.

"M' ok" he mumbled.

Fili figured that the best thing to do was to get this over and done with.

"Er Uncle Kili and I have something to tell you" Fili glanced at Kili whose face had visibly paled. Maybe this wasn't a good idea. Fili thought back to their conversation last night and vowed he had to keep going. Kili was up to this by himself.

"Oh and what might that be?" Thorin raised his eyebrows at Fili

"Yesterday when Kili fell, he had erm, he had a" Fili was stuttering. He had tried to be brave for Kili but was failing miserably. He looked up at his uncle. Thorin looked bigger today to Fili, Fili was aware of how frightening Thorin could be.

"I had a dream" Kili blurted out.

Dis closed her eyes and prayed to Mahal that her youngest had not said such words. Everyone was so on edge over a dream. Thorin said nothing. Just sat terribly still and silent.

"Frerin told me to tell you not to go past Bree"

Thorin cleared his throat but stayed silent. Fili nodded to Kili encouraging him "Go on Kili"

"He said Azog is alive"

Thorin slammed his hand down on the table making both boys leap backwards, Kili who had been holding a cup of milk dropped it spilling it on the stone floor.

"That is enough" Thorin roared "I don't know who is feeding you these tales but it is not a game and I will not have two sons of Durin show a lack a respect for the dead and take it so lightly"

Fili stared open mouthed at Thorin. He had not expected this reaction, he had never heard of Azog but Thorin looked murderous but his eyes were sad and he looked quite devastated by Kili's statement. Kili did not realise he was crying until the tears spilled from the end of his face onto the table.

"Uncle I'm sorry, but I had to tell you" he managed to say quietly. Thorin stood up.

"Frerin is dead, your father is dead, my grandfather is dead and Azog is dead" His tone had Dis on her feet and she began to attempt to pull her sons towards her.

"Do you fear I will discipline them Sister for I have never done so before. Perhaps it is time for I am sick of hearing about these dreams. It is time a sleeping potion was taken." Dis shook her head.

"I spoke with Balin there are those who can"

But she never reached the end of her sentence before Thorin cut her off

"You and Balin are filling his head with nonsense. I watched Azog kill our grandfather, I watched Frerin die in my arms and I made a promise to your husband. Do you not think we have suffered enough?"

"Uncle I didn't want to tell you, they said I must" Kili moved towards Thorin begging him to listen

"They said you wouldn't listen, I had" Again Thorin did not listen to the end of the sentence. It was all too much for Thorin.

"How dare you question me? Have I not done everything for you, you will listen to me now and no one else and we will say no more on the matter. You and your brother will be punished this has gone far enough"

Fili jumped up

"No you must listen Uncle please I don't want him to get you"

"ENOUGH"

"You never listen to us, you never listen to anyone" Fili shocked himself with his own bravery, he ran and grabbed Kili's hand taking him to the door, before opening it and slamming it shut behind them. Hearing the sound of their mother shouting their names, but Fili ran holding tightly to his brother's hand as if their lives depended on it.

Back inside Dis turned on Thorin.

"How could you? Are you happy now?"

"Happy you should not have led him to believe he was dreaming of the dead" Thorin stared at his sister.

"I did not Thorin and you know it. You remember that night we found it, you promised you would help him, all you have done is made him afraid to tell you, the very thing you said you would not do. I have not filled his head with tales, I have told him nothing more than the lovely fun kind brother I loved and I miss. I have told them of their father's love, just like you have. This may be painful for you Thorin but think how Kili feels. If he can convey message then we should adhere to them or do you challenge Mahal himself"

Thorin stood rooted to the spot. She pushed past him

"Are you going to help me find my sons or are you going to dwell in memories" Dis turned back to look at her brother. "I do believe you have a lot of explaining to do"

Fili eventually stopped running, Kili could no longer keep up and was unable to carry on. Fili hugged his brother to his chest.

"Why did you run Fee, they will be even more cross now"

"No they won't" Fili replied "we will be ok"

"I've never seen Uncle do that before" Kili sat panting on a log, he looked around "Where are we?"

Fili looked around, they were in the woods, near to the place that Fili had remembered coming with his father to play. Kili of course didn't remember he had no memories of their father.

"I hate them Fee, I hate the dreams" Kili began to sniffle softly

"I told Oin about them, maybe we should go and ask him he might know why you are having them" Fili looked hopefully at Kili who nodded

"How do we get to Oin's house then?"

"Come on Kili, we have to find out what they mean for Uncles sake" They both stood holding each other's hand and walked slowly back towards the village.

Thorin rubbed his hands over his face. Dis stood in the doorway of the house. Turning back she saw her brother take a deep breath and glance her way.

"Thorin, they are your sister sons, they would never do anything to hurt you, what Kili said must have been true, for he would not say such things. You have to trust him, I am not asking you to take comfort in it just to listen to him, if you did perhaps these dreams would become less frequent, do not do it for me or for yourself do it for Kili, Mahal knows, I know he and Fili are the souls of your heart, do not allow your fears to control your love for those boys."

Thorin looked at his sister, he followed her, she was right they had to find the boys, what would happen when they did, he did not know!

**Erm not sure what do you guys think. I know there is loads of dialogue but had to be done. Poor Thorin not coping well is he?**


	19. Chapter 19

Thankyou for all your continued support for this story

Oin was taking a small snooze when he heard a timid knock on his door. He looked up and waited a moment to make sure he had heard correctly. There it came a gain a soft knock and some feet shuffling and quiet young voices. Oin hauled himself up to answer the door. He was a little shocked in the least to see two little dwarflings with no cloaks to keep out the cold nor in the little ones case any boots on his feet.

"Fili! Kili! What are you doing here dressed like that?"

"I'm' sorry Mr Oin but can we come in?"

"Are either of you hurt?" Oin took in their appearance neither seemed hurt however, his experience with this particular pair was quite a varied affair. You never quite knew what you were going to get with these two.

Fili shook his head, his short braids, at the front of his hair flying. Kili said nothing but huddled into his brother's arm and shivering slightly. Oin ushered them in and sat them close to the fire which he stoked a little to warm them up.

"Now little ones what is the matter?"

Fili looked at Kili and then back to Oin.

"You know when you said about Kili still having dreams"

"Aye lad" Oin cast his eye over Kili who seemed to avoid his stare.

"Well he did, after he fell from the tree, he had a dream and well he has to give Uncle Thorin a message and… well…. Uncle got mad"

"Did he now and is that why you are here with no cloaks and no boots"

Fili nodded.

"I tried to tell him what they said but he got really mad" Kili spoke for the first time. Both Fili and Oin looked at him.

"And where is your Uncle now?"

Fili shrugged. "We just left. I kind of yelled back at him so I know I'm in trouble but I didn't know who else to tell. Thorin says we are not to speak of it and Mam she… well she doesn't say very much on the matter"

Oin allowed the child to speak, nodding at intervals and watching the two boys intently. They were scared. Frightened of the dream, of Thorin's reaction and at what they had done.

"Well now, that is a situation you have gotten into isn't it?"

"Uncle will shout at us, I don't want to have the dreams anymore" Kili started "I don't want Uncle to not like me anymore and he and mama are arguing and…." Kili drifted off. Obviously unable to comprehend his feelings.

Oin softened. He had always liked these two. They were good lads, troublesome but kind and loving lads. Oin remembered their father and knew that to Kili especially since he had no recollection of his father. Thorin was his father figure. He smiled kindly at the two boys.

"I'm not sure what I can do to help since you are not injured" Fili opened his mouth to interrupt but Oin was quicker "But, I will help if I can. But first don't you think your uncle and mam will be looking for you if you just left after a row, Kili is far too young to on his own out and about"

"He's not on his own, I'm here to look after him" Bristled Fili Oin chuckled "That you are lad and you do a very good job too"

"But I think we should first let Thorin and Dis know where you are so they can stop worrying don't you?"

"But he will still be angry and he will be more angry now cos we ran away" Kili stuttered.

"I'm sure he will be relieved to know where you are." Oin argued and Fili knew that his uncle and mother would be sent for and they would be punished.

"I thought you would help us" Fili mumbled "We need help… Please Mr Oin please help us" Oin pit a hand on Fili's head

"I will help you Fili. I will talk to Thorin but heed he may not listen "

"That's what Frerin said" Kili moped.

Oin looked at the lad. Oin stood and went to open the door. He sent a note with a raven to find Thorin and Dis and then turned back to the lads.

"Now young ones tell me all about these dreams!"

Fili and Kili exchanged a look and then began telling the story to Oin who listened carefully and did not interrupt once.

Thorin and Dis meanwhile were arguing. Dis yelled for the boys, she had fled out into the forest where the boys played. Checked their hiding places. But had found nothing. Thorin had followed her shouting the boys' names calmly.

"Where are they Thorin" Dis asked desperately

Thorin looked at her and then dropped his eyes from her.

"Fili was right, you never listen to them. What if what Kili is telling you is the truth and you refuse to believe him do you honestly feel he would make that up from a story he has been told?" Dis was furious with Thorin, but in her need to find the children she also knew she needed him to help her look.

Thorin raised his head. His silence infuriated Dis.

"Have you nothing to say? You frighten my boys enough to make them run out here with no cloaks and no boots. Say something Brother"

"What would you like me say Dis? Fili was in no way frightened when he yelled at me and showed me disrespect."

"So you are glad that they are lost?" Dis was only just holding her temper.

"They are not lost Dis, they are only lost to us. Did you hear what Kili said" Thorin stopped he could not force himself to say what Kili had told him of Azog. The thought of his youngest nephew knowing about that filth made him feel sick to his stomach.

"I heard what he said. You said Azog was defeated Thorin. Is he right in what he says?"

"No he is not! These dreams Dis it is not normal"

"What would you have me do Thorin, Yell at him, tell him it's not normal. Make him feel bad for having a dream!" Dis lifted her hands to face and failed in her attempt to hide her tears. Thorin watched her for a moment a lump forming in his throat. He walked over to her and put his arms around her, but she tried to shrug him off and she punched him in the chest, knocking the wind from his lungs. He still held her though allowing her to rage at him. He accepted that he deserved it. Fili and Kili were not cruel boys, they would not mean to upset their uncle and Thorin knew it.

"Come we need to find them" Thorin whispered gently. They walked back towards the village and the houses.

"He's frightened Thorin Kili is frightened, you can't go yelling at him for having a dream. And Fili is just protecting him"

Thorin nodded. He was conflicted. He didn't want to believe that Kili was telling stories or lies, but he didn't want to believe the alternative which of course was the truth. The loss of Frerin had been the hardest thing that Thorin had ever dealt with. He had seen the twinkle in Kili's eyes before, the same twinkle that Frerin had. The wild streak! It frightened Thorin and he didn't want Kili to have to deal with dreams of the dead. He had heard the stories of dwarves who were often frowned upon or laughed at for this gift. Thorin did not want Kili to be subject to that.

Oin sat and listened to the dwarflings tale. It was certainly more intense than what he had first thought. Kili was having a hard time telling the story but once he had started he could not stop, it came spilling out. The dreams, the dwarves he had seen and spoke to, the messages he had received. The arguments between Thorin and Dis concluding in the mess of today. Oin shook his head softly. He realised that what Kili was saying might in some be thought of by Thorin in a negative way. But already Kili's predictions had come true. The fire and the orcs could have been no coincidence. He waited with bated breath for Thorin and Dis to arrive. He was not sure why of all the dwarves here in Ered Luin that Fili and Kili had choose him to tell their story to. It was strange he thought that they had not gone to Balin or Dwalin, knowing they were much closer than he to the boys. He watched Fili carefully as he fussed over his little brother, apparently even Thorin could not come between these two.

The raven had found Thorin and Dis. Dis was overcome with relief as she hurried towards Oin's little apothecary. Thorin followed somewhat behind her. He was thrown he had no idea how to handle what was about to happen. Should he punish the boys, they certainly deserved and if they had gone to Oin's then he would know the story by now. Dis also began to feel apprehension. She knew Fili would certainly in any other matter have to be punished for speaking to an elder in the way he did. She turned to Thorin and stopped abruptly.

"What are you going to do?"

"What do you mean, they are your children Dis are they not"

Dis bristled "Yes but we should be agreed in what will happen, will you accept what Kili says or not?"

Thorin could not answer "I don't know" he said quietly "I suppose I must in order to understand" Dis nodded

"Thankyou Thorin"

"But they must also be punished for running away like that, do you not agree"

"I'll wring their necks for putting me through such worry"

Thorin smiled. He knew exactly what Dis would do. Hug them, kiss them and then yell at them. His smile didn't last for long. He had ignored Kili and he knew deep down that what Kili said must be what he dreamed he did not tell lies, well not big ones like that. It would be hard but he knew he must allow Kili to explain and he must accept whatever it was that he said. Perhaps thought Thorin it was the only way to move on.

The knock at the door was loud, making Kili jump, but it was Fili who had the most to fear and suddenly he was afraid of what his mother and Uncle would do.

"Come in" sounded Oin's voice

The door open and there stood Dis and Thorin. Dis ran through the door and hugged the boys to her. Thorin stood back and thanked Oin.

"What on middle earth were you thinking of running off like that. No cloaks, no boots, I'm really disappointed in you both."

The boys said nothing. Thorin stood with folded arms. They were far enough away from the boys for them not to hear.

"Did they tell you why?"

He did not look at Oin but continued to watch Dis. Oin nodded

"They did" was all he said

Thorin paused.

"I think I may have let them down, thankyou for doing what I could not"

Oin glanced at Thorin obviously shocked. "I make no judgement Thorin, they told me the story and I listened"

"And what is your judgement what do you think?" Thorin asked

"I think that Kili is telling the truth and that he is more afraid of your response than of the dreams themselves. He said he doesn't want to be the cause of arguments between you and Dis."

Thorin rubbed his eyes.

"I have been blind haven't I? I have been so worried about what people might think, I believe I have let him down"

Oin hummed in return "It is a gift Thorin, no-one need to know unless you choose to let them know. Use it wisely for one never knows when this gift will end"

Thorin looked at his old friend and cousin. He nodded and smiled. He caught Fili looking at him and strode over to his nephews. There would be time for punishment later. Now was the time for relief and forgiveness. Hopefully by his nephews towards him.

**I'm sorry it's so long, it was hard to get everybody's views in. There is a lot of stress in the Durin household. Please review if you can, I love to hear what you think**. any other matter have to be punished for speaking to an e


	20. Chapter 20

**Ok so here it is I'm so sorry its took me so long had so much else going on however uni is now finished so I should have a little more time for writing. (I know that's what I always say!) This chapter has been really hard to write so hopefully it goes well.**

Thorin hovered over Dis and the boys. Fili's head was ducked as he tried to avoid eye contact with his uncle. Kili's eyes however told him everything. There was no anger in them, only worry and torment, attributes that should not be reflected in the eyes of one so young. Thorin smiled, a gentle smile that he hoped told Kili that he wasn't cross. He knelt down beside Fili, snaking his hand around the back of the lad's head. Turning Fili still refused to look at Thorin and began to mumble.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry" Fili just repeated it over and over.

"Shush now lad" replied Thorin pulling him close to him, into an embrace that Fili returned immediately throwing his arms around his uncles neck and sobbing quietly into his shoulder. Kili just watched as did Dis.

"You were right Fili, I did not listen to your brother nor to you" He paused "However you were wrong to do what you did" Fili nodded Thorin could feel it he head still resting in his shoulder.

The forgiveness on both sides continued, hugging and sobbing from the boys and relief from Dis and Thorin that the boys were safe. After a few moments Thorin stood

"We will take our leave now Oin thank you for everything" He raised his eyes at the other dwarf and Oin understood that he was thanking him for not only keeping the boys safe but for trying to make him understand that Kili's "gift" was nothing to be afraid of.

But he was afraid. Thorin was afraid of what Kili might say or dream. It had been a great many years since Thorin had thought about Azog, believing him to be dead. And the thought of Frerin, being able to get a message from Frerin, scared him, not because of Frerin himself, but for the guilt he felt at his younger brother's death, the icy chill that set his chest on edge when he thought of how his brother died and how he wasn't there to protect him. Tears welled in Thorin's eyes, he blinked them away and desperately tried to suppress his feelings.

Dis gathered up the boys but Thorin lifted them both, First Kili, since the younger had no boots on and then he ducked for Fili to climb on his back. It had been a long while since Fili had allowed Thorin to carry him, but he climbed onto Thorin's back and smiled at Kili. The four walked home quietly with only the sounds of a few chuckles on the wind.

Thorin sat sombrely for most of the night, Outside in the yard Dis could see him, sitting out with his pipe, the ponies drifting up to him, curious to the smell of his pipe, His hand every now and then drifting up to pet the ponies, he was at least taking solace in something thought Dis. She keep the boys quiet as best she could, Kili had been awfully quiet, glancing up every few moments as if trying to access the mood. |He held his head fretfully in his hands at times and Dis gave him a concoction of tea that she hoped would allow him to rid himself of his headache, which she was sure he had. Fili had sat close by, playing with carved animals, although his fingers appeared to be running along each of them and there was no game on his lips, as far as Dis could tell.

"Why don't you run outside and fetch your Uncle in, it's getting a little chilly now" Fili looked up at her and froze

"Do I have to mum" He muttered

Dis gulped. Fili wasn't disobedient. Fili was afraid to go out.

"Your Uncle is not cross with you Fili, he is just sad"

Fili stared up at his mother, his ice blue eyes, giving nothing away. He shook his head.

"I don't want to mum"

"Alright, perhaps Kili will go" She turned to her youngest who looked to her then to Fili

"I think he wants to be on his own Mum, he is really sad" Fili spoke up for his brother who wasn't so sure about going either.

"No matter boys, I'm sure your uncle will come in when he is ready" Dis gave in, not for the first time that day she felt as though tears would betray her and she left the boys to themselves.

Thorin meanwhile had no choice in the matter, the tears dropped from his eyes without him trying to brush them away nor stop them from falling. He did not know why, but he felt no shame in letting them fall. He felt like he had let down the boys and Dis. He had not seen what had been right in front of him, in fact he had tried to suppress it. All those nights when He and Dis had made Kili drink a sleeping potion thinking they were doing the right thing. Kili had been right about the orc attack all that time ago, he had known, they were coming, he had seen the fire and then the arrow, that Thorin had denied. Thorin held his head in his hands, how could he have been so stupid, so blind. He sat outside for a long time, he was well aware of eyes behind him and he knew Dis was worried. Yet even now, when he should have been comforting her and the boys he was out here, thinking on his own feelings. So long had he buried them.

Finally he rose, wiping his face he returned to the house. He ready for answers.

Fili and Kili both looked up when the latch on the door lifted and their uncle walked in. He smiled immediately at them and they both smiled back. He sat on the couch beside Kili.

"Kili, don't be afraid, I'm not angry with you, but I need you to tell me everything"

Kili blinked and then smiled, a brilliant flash of love appearing on his face, he crawled towards Thorin as if he had been waiting for those words for a long time.

"Ok, Uncle" and he began recalling the dreams, speaking of Frerin and his father, of Thror and his great grandmother, who had comforted him, and finally of Azog and Frerin's message.

Thorin listened and said nothing, allowing Kili the freedom that he had long denied him.

Kili fiddled with the hem of Thorin's shirt and Fili who had been listening had also crept

Closer, kneeling and resting his head on Thorin's knees. Dis was also listening, visions of her

Husband and brother appearing in her head as Kili spoke.

Thorin believed him, he didn't know why he had doubted him before. He didn't even know if

He had doubted him, but was simply too afraid to admit he believed him. Once Kili had finished he took a deep breath. Thorin pulled into a fierce hug and laughed. Kili frowned and then smiled as he was drawn into Thorin's chest.

"You have been extremely brave my lad. I'm proud of you and you Fili" Fili looked up a little shocked as he hadn't done anything brave at all. "You believed him and you took care of him, as a good brother should" Thorin released one of his hands and ruffled Fili's hair.

"Oin told me something after Kili fell from the tree" Fili began "He said that it is not the dead we should fear as they cannot hurt us but it is the living that we need to watch. He said Kili was more scared of telling you and mum than of having the dreams in the first place"

"I was" Kili replied "At first I was scared but Frerin told me not to be and he said that you

wouldn't listen." Thorin chuckled

"He was right, wasn't he" Suddenly an image of Frerin appeared to Thorin. He was laughing and throwing his head back, much like Kili did when he laughed. Of course he would have come to Kili, they were so much alike, even though they had never known each other.

"Now" said Thorin "I don't want you to go worrying about any of this, I have no need to go anywhere near Bree so I will heed Frerin's warning and yours" He nodded to Kili

"And if you dream anything you come to me and tell me and I promise I will not be mad with you nor will I make you drink sleeping remedies unless of course you want too, do you understand?"

Kili nodded, a smile playing on his lips. He looked at Fili

"You wanna play" Fili smiled, a huge smile, that made his eyes light up, he looked at Thorin and felt Thorin's fingers on his neck.

"Ok, race ya" and Fili took off towards their room with Kili in close pursuit.

Thorin sighed. A big long sigh and he felt Dis arms around him from behind, he reached up and cupped one side of her face.

"I'm sorry Dis, I'm so sorry, I let you down and the boys"

"You have let no-one down Brother, do not be so hard on yourself, be thankful, I know that you always have Frerin in your heart. And now you know that he has us in his heart too." Dis kissed the top of her brother's head, before leaving him to his own thought, the sound of two boys giggling in his ears.

**Ok so there we have it. Now we can move on. This is not the end of the story people just because Thorin has accepted it, doesn't still mean it is not ab bumpy road ahead. Lots more to come including more dreams, after all who can resist Frerin! Keep reading and reviewing people and to all those who have reviewed, favorited, followed, I can only say a big thank you, you know who you are, I love you guys! **


	21. Chapter 21

**Hello sorry for the long wait, hopefully this is what you were looking for!**

A few weeks passed. The boys were happy, the tension between the Durin family lessened and life went back to normal. Kili slept well and Thorin would look in on the boys every night. A promise he vaguely remembered making to himself, way back at the beginning of Kili's troubles. He would not allow himself to make the same mistake twice. The mention of Azog by Kili had frightened Thorin. He had long since thought him dead. But if he was truly honest, his heart did not believe that the orc was alive but also couldn't understand Kili's dream. But at least he was trying. Perhaps Kili would grow out of this, but his warning from Oin who had been helping Kili to explain what he could see in the dreams, even though Kili had found it quite difficult and had become frustrated with his teachings. Thorin looked in fondly upon the boys, blowing the candle out as he strolled off to bed, yawning as the moonlight fell upon him as he closed the door to his bedroom.

Fili opened his eyes groggily. He rolled over to face his brother and immediately recoiled as the sheets felt wet. He took a moment to allow his brain to catch up. He looked at Kili who was asleep, his mouth slightly frowning and his hair stuck to his head with sweat but other than that he looked ok. Fili patted the sheet again, a question of whether Kili had had an accident and not realised, it did happen every now and then, thought Fili. But looking back at Kili, he decided that it was sweat and that Kili had been sweating, probably cocooned in the sheets. Fili closed his eyes and after a few moments was drifting back to sleep. The two boys now facing each other in their slumber. Kili suddenly beginning to talk in his sleep, Fili scrunched up his face in tiredness and moaned.

"Kili stop it you're keeping me awake" Fili moaned quietly and gave Kili a little shake which usually stopped Kili and made him turn over or else wake up. This time it didn't work. Fili tried again.

Dis jumped awake, she was aware of a voice and someone slightly pulling on her shoulders. As she opened her eyes and allowed them to focus, she realised it was Fili.

"Mum, Mum please please wake up its Kili" Fili was saying over and over,

Dis immediately sat up and was climbing out of bed to follow her eldest son. She almost ran straight into Thorin as he stepped out of his own room, dressed only in his undergarments, his eyes were alert and he held a soft candle in his hand.

"Kili" was the only words Dis could manage as Fili who was already gone, back into the room he shared with his brother. Dis rounded into the door frame and was greeted by the sight of Kili, who was drenched in sweat, his face clammy as if it was fevered and his mouth moving slowly. He was not awake.

"I can't wake him, he won't wake up" Fili was distraught. He held his brother by the shoulder but Kili paid no heed and did not open his eyes when Dis called his name. Thorin then entered the room, He called Kili's name and Kili suddenly went quiet and his mouth stopped moving when Thorin spoke. Dis and Fili both stared first at Kili and then at Thorin.

"Kili" Thorin tried again "Wake up lad" he sat on the bed noting the wet sheets and placed his hand onto Kili.

"Please" Kili spoke in a very quiet voice "Please don't be mad"

Thorin lifted Kili easily into his arms and stroked back his hair "Of course I'm not mad"

"Kili open your eyes" Dis commanded as she knelt beside the bed, Fili besides her crouching.

Kili's eyes remained shut and he only began to speak. A strange voice, not Kili's own, a soft quiet voice, which sounded close by but also so far away spoke.

"_The child has done everything we have asked of him, but you must heed his warnings, an orc pack will soon descend upon the mountains of Ered Luin, Be cautious they are looking for something, be prepared, I can see no more, but you must listen to the child he is our only way, a special child, one who can see in the shadows"_

Thorin actually let go of Kili and he fell to the bed, His eyes closed and all colour drained from his face.

"Kili" Fili breathed and he moved in closer and touched Kili, but when he did, he was filled with a sense of something amazing. Kili slowly open his eyes and he looked up straight into his brother's icy blue eyes. Kili began to shake, possibly from cold. His teeth chattered and Dis quickly wrapped a blanket around him while pulling him upwards.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry" Kili began repeating it over and over. Thorin shushed him while Dis busied about him, Thorin lifted Kili into his arms and carried him to the chair in the corner while Dis quickly and expertly changed the sheets of the bed.

Kili gazed up at Thorin and when Thorin caught his eye, Kili spoke

"It was him wasn't it?"

Thorin frowned "Who"

"Frerin, he spoke to me he was scared and he was upset and he..he…wanted me to listen, I….I…Tried Uncle I tried"

Thorin cut him off, struggling against the lump that was in his throat, he nodded at Kili, You did well, Kili, and you are brave and thanks to you, we now have a warning, thankyou little one thankyou"

Kili hung on desperately to Thorin's under shirt. His teeth chattering. Fili stood quietly in the corner next to Thorin his own hands fumbling with the insides of his sleeves, Dis watched him carefully before turning her attention back to Kili who had regained the colour in his face and although he looked tired beyond belief, he hugged tightly to his uncles shirt.

Thorin held Kili while Dis changed his clothes and lay him softly on the fresh sheets. Fili still standing quietly. When Dis took Kili Thorin put his head in his hands and rubbed his face vigorously. Fili watched him.

"Wh what was that" Fili spoke from the corner. Thorin shifted "Come on Fili let's get you back to bed" Thorin spoke wearily but Fili pulled away from him

"No uncle that wasn't Kili's voice why was he talking like that?" Thorin tried to pull Fili towards him but Fili scrambled out of his grasp. Thorin had no answers for him and Fili stumbled backwards. He turned towards Kili and stared at him, but Kili seemed completely unaware of anything that had just happened. He lay on the bed with his mothers hands on his chest and head, he was already drifting back to sleep. Fili frowned but he was mostly scared. The thought then occurred to him that he was fearful right now of his younger brother. Kili then held out his hand in a gesture to Fili, Fili walked to him and as sooon as their hands touched Fili's fears evaporated away. He scooted into bed and pulled the blankets over them both, Kili felt cold, their hands locked together in a way they had always done. Fili didn't need Thorin to explain. In that moment Fili knew the only one to explain it was Kili.

Thorin watched from the chair and his need to panic, such as it was, was beginning to attack him. He felt vulnerable and the need to protect overwhelmed him. Dis left the room, her hand rising to cover her face, she only felt sorrow, not for Kili but for their lost brother who had died so young and who had felt the need to communicate with them so badly that he had used her youngest son. She fled down the hall and fell to her knees weeping into her hands.

Thorin could hear her weeping. He rose from the chair leaving the boys who were quietly drifting back to sleep.

"They will come during the night, I need to go and set up extra patrol and make sure they are ready" Thorin spoke with assurity, not sure whether he was speaking to himself or to Dis, who he noticed on her knees. He placed a hand on her back. "It will be ok sister"

"You're so sure now are you, what will you say to the guards, that Kili had a message that they will be more orcs than usual, they would laugh you out of Ered Luin" Her voice was harsh.

"It will be alright keep an eye on the boys, I shall be back".

"Thorin please don't leave me, It will wait till morning please, please don't leave us"

Thorin's heart felt torn, his need to protect the village was suddenly like a lead weight in his chest. The last time Kili had made such a prediction, the village had not been ready nor prepared and the dams and dwarflings had had to escape into the tunnels. Thorin inwardly groaned, he knew he could not leave it. For some reason, it felt right and Thorin's guilt for not believing in Kili initially was weighing heavily on Thorin's shoulders. Dis was staring at him, he fingers grasping at his chest.

"Thorin" she tugged him, back to the reality of what had happened, and he knew he must leave them to sort this out.

"I won't be long Dis stay with the boys" He commanded as he got up to leave, going to his room to quickly dress. Before long he was at the door, weapons in hand. They were not going to attack them this time. Kili had helped him, No thought Thorin, Frerin had sent this message. Not realising that the guilt that plagued him over his brother's death was driving him, not the small child that had delivered the message. Dis watched him go, the sorrow of a dwarrowdam ebbing from her as she sat quietly at the table and a small figure standing in the shadows, watching his uncle leave before turning back to stare at the brother who was sleeping soundly for once, and while he tried not to be. He was afraid not of orcs but of the little brother he had always swore he would protect.

**So things have changed but is it for the better? Please review I would love to hear what you think. x**


	22. Chapter 22

**So here we go back to the story, It's been ages I know, Life kind of got in the way. I have been asked by my kids to write a fluffy Christmassy story about Fili and Kili so keep your eyes open and I'll do my best to get that out asap.**

Three days had passed since Kili's dream and nothing had happened, Thorin had upped all defences in the settlement and had worked tirelessly to make sure that everything was prepared for an attack. Dis had been quiet and had tried in vain to keep things as normal as possible for the boys but was struggling, with the lack of Thorin around the boys were beginning to play up. Fili especially became particularly cross and he actually had been quite selfish towards his brother. Kili on the other hand was completely unaware of what had happened that night, he knew he had dreamt about Frerin and he had brought a message but he could not remember the change in his voice or in fact anything else about that night. Explaining to Kili as Dis had done had been very emotional and Fili seeing that Dis was upset had turned his own fears on his younger brother.

"How can you not remember you always did before, you have to tell the truth Kili" Fili's voice was cross but laced in fear.

"I…I….I can't" Kili had stuttered his speech becoming a jumble of words that many would find hard to understand. It reminded Dis of when Kili first began to talk, having an older brother who understood what you wanted had resulted in a younger sibling who didn't talk particularly well, because he had never needed to.

"Never mind Sweetheart, Don't worry" Dis smoothed Kili's hair and kissed him lightly. Fili turned away from them both and began to walk away.

"Fili" Dis shot him a warning

"It's not me that you should be cross with" Fili blatantly answered back. Dis strode across the room and caught Fili by the shoulder. Without a word she changed his direction and walked straight towards the door.

"Where are we going" Fili's voice wobbling slightly

"To find your Uncle" Dis was short and sharp with Fili "Come Kili"

Thorin was at the gate he had been there for three days straight, only leaving to return to the house long after the boys were in bed and rising early before they awoke.

"What do you see" Thorin shouted up to the guard closest to him on the battlement.

"Nothing my lord, there is nothing" The guard spoke with a nervous tone that suggested that he had been asked this question many times. Dwalin placed a hand on Thorin's shoulder

"Come on everything's fine let's get some lunch" He began to turn but Thorin shrugged him off

"No, we have to keep watch they are coming Dwalin, we have to be ready" Dwalin frowned. Thorin's behaviour was certainly starting to worry him.

"Thorin we are ready. We…"

"We weren't the last time, the orcs broke through but this time we have this early warning, we must not let it go to waste. He wouldn't want us, if they break through they will destroy us" Thorin's voice was shrill and some of the guards turned from their positions to watch him carefully. Dwalin noticed but Thorin didn't, Attempting to pull Thorin away from prying ears and whispers, Dwalin agreed to walk the perimeter with Thorin.

Dis walked quickly down the mountain road towards the village. Fili dragging behind and Kili having to trot to keep up.

"Why are you cross with me" Kili asked Fili as his legs moved quickly to keep in time with his older taller brother

"I'm not" Fili added shortly

"Yes you are, I only told Uncle what I remembered, you said you would help me but your cross"

Fili stopped and Kili crashed into the back of him "Owwwww" Kili wailed as his head had collided with Fili's shoulder.

"Sorry Kee… I "

"Fili, you are already in trouble. Do not make it any worse for yourself"

Fili scowled, he looked at his mother who had turned her back again on the lads and continued walking although it did look like she had slowed down a little. Perhaps the image of an approaching figure had done it. A dwarrowdam heavily pregnant was walking slowly up the pass and Dis' mood lightened and she smiled greeting her friend warmly. Fili took the time to scuff his feet in the dirt and Kili skipped over an upturned rock bed, jumping from one to another with a broad grin on his face. Fili tried very hard not to join in, indeed not to even smirk at Kili, but his grin was infectious and soon Fili's mouth was twitching in an effort not to laugh at his younger brother. Kili stood on the highest one and proudly raised his hands and placed them on his hips.

"Bet you didn't think I could do that did you Fee?"

Fili looked away briefly before looking back and shaking his head. A thought occurred to him that if Kili had forgotten about the dream then why should he dwell on it. _"His voice changed!" _A voice retorted inside his head. Fili closed his eyes and pressed his lips together. He felt two soft hands on his face. Opening his eyes he saw that Kili had cupped his face and was smiling one of the biggest smiles on his face.

"Please don't be mad at me Fee"

"I'm not mad, I'm just…." But what was he Fili knew that the word he should have used was scared. He was scared that that voice might come out again, someone else's voice and it scared him. It had also sent their uncle away Fili hadn't seen Thorin for almost three days and their mother, well she was just plain exhausted and Fili knew that she was worrying but he didn't have the nerve or the words to speak to her.

"I wish those dreams you have would tell you something useful. I mean did you really see the orcs coming to the village again" Fili whispered.

Kili looked shocked and his face must have showed it because Fili recoiled from him.

"I didn't dream of the orcs coming" Kili said quietly

"Yes you did the other night you said they were coming….. In a strange voice"

"I dreamed of Frerin" Kili said simply as if it were common knowledge. Kili suddenly went very pale and then wobbled on the rock he was standing on to reach Fili's face.

"Kili" Fili grabbed his brother and Kili lost his balance causing Fili to catch Kili before he fell

"I didn't know you could do that" Kili spoke in a tired voice. Fili suddenly felt horrible for being mean to his brother.

"Kili, you did dream about the orcs, that's why Uncle hasn't been home he is at the gates waiting for them to come" Fili spoke gently to his brother. Kili fidgeted attempting to get back on the rocks. Kili looked at his brother

"I dreamt about Frerin and he said that the orcs were coming but I don't know when"

"You spoke in a strange voice Kili, you have to remember" Kili shook his head and surprisingly tears formed in Fili's eyes.

"Please Kee, think when are they coming, mum is so tired and Uncle needs to know"

Suddenly a cry was heard, a battle cry and a cheer. Both Fili and Kili stood up and froze, everything suddenly went quiet, Fili could hear the wind sweeping through the trees above them and Kili clung to Fili's sleeve.

Dis moved quickly to the boys and she gathered the pregnant dam towards her as well. Then an almighty cheer went up. Dis's eyes frowned "what on earth is going on"

Thorin stood on the wall, the orcs lay dead on the mountain path which surrounded the settlement of Ered Luin and the dwarves who stood by Thorin's side cheered. Thorin smiled to himself. Kili had been right, the orcs would come and he had been ready. Granted Thorin admitted to himself it hadn't been the onslaught he had expected and prepared for, a handful of orcs really but perhaps they were more to come Thorin sent out scouts to make sure that the threat had been quashed. But still Kili had been right!

Thorin had skimmed over the details of everything Kili had said, not acknowledging that Azog was indeed alive and really when was he ever going to go to Bree, he had kept the settlement safe, that was all he needed to do.

Dis pulled her youngest son towards her and smiled at the dwarrowdam she was with as Kili told everyone in the vicinity that his Uncle Thorin had stopped the orcs coming. Dis lightly put her hand over Kili's mouth in an effort to make him stop talking.

"Really Kili, I don't know where these stories come from, overactive mind so it is" Dis explained. The Dam, not seemingly alarmed by either the sound of cheers nor Kili's proclamation bid Dis goodbye and touched both the boys on their heads as she went on her way. Dis breathed out a breath and glanced at Fili who was waiting for her to look at him, as the two caught each other's eye, a small smile appeared on his lips and Dis couldn't help but smile, chuckling at Kili's antics, the two shared a moment that they had been lacking for such a long while. Kili catching the secret smile, began to play on it, deliberately trying to make the two laugh again, the ray of sunshine that everyone described him as was appearing in front of them as if he had never been plagued by bad dreams. Dis and the boys ventured further towards the square and the hope of seeing Thorin.

When the Durin's arrived at the square, it was to yelling and shouting. Thorin was standing on the wall of the settlement looking like a king of old, while other dwarves raised their swords and shouted, Thorin just stood proud and tall, Dis smiled to herself. She watched as Fili called to his uncle and saw Thorin's shining face, full of sweat and blood, although none of his own, Dis was glad to see, but Kili gasped and clutched his mother.

"It's alright, Uncle is alright" She reassured her son, Fili having no such worries smiled a smile that could heal the world's sorrows.

"Uncle, Kili was right"

"Yes Fili, he was" Thorin climbed down the battlements and hugged his young charge before glancing at his sister and his youngest nephew who was uncharacteristically standing back away from Thorin and his brother.

"Come here little one, there is nothing to fear" Thorin opened his arms to Kili, but still Kili did not go to him.

"It's the blood, Thorin" Laughed his sister, before taking out a handkerchief and wiping the blood from his face.

"There now, is that better" Dis turned to her son and gently pushed him forward towards Thorin. Kili went, a little begrudgingly to his uncle, who swept him up into the air.

"You were right, my clever raven, may Mahal bless you, for you have a gift" Thorin whispered to Kili who smiled and grabbed onto Thorin shoulder's surely fearing for his safety as Thorin swung him round. Fili laughed and held onto his uncle's waist.

With the threat of orcs dealt with, the settlement talked at length about how their dwarf king had known they were coming. Rumours about Thorin's strange behaviour before the attack were rife, but were quickly put down to the fact that Thorin was always alert to the threat of orcs, after what had happened to his family at the hands of orcs. Thorin used his time to take the healthy rest he felt he deserved, and while he made sure that the watchmen never left the settlement walls and the guards were always there, he did so at much lower numbers than before.

Kili had once more become a typical dwarfling and apart from the odd murmur during the night, he slept fairly well. Thorin almost wished him to have another dream and when this didn't happen. Thorin couldn't help feeling a little disappointed, and he found himself hoping against hope that he might just hear his dead brother's voice through Kili again. Thorin knew deep down though that one more time would never be enough.

**I'm so sorry for the huge delay in getting this chapter out. I've had so much on with Uni work that I just haven't had time to write. If I'm honest, I feel a little disappointed with it, so will certainly need to get into the habit again of writing regularly. **


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