Chapter Text
Fíli had felt odd for the past week now. Maybe it was nerves for the journey ahead, as it would be a dangerous one and the longest he would be away from his Amad. Maybe it was because he and Kíli had set out with his Uncle Thorin earlier than what was originally planned so his Uncle could meet their supposed fourteenth member.
Even Kíli, who didn't pay their Uncle's weird habits much mind, had made mention of it when their father figure all but abandoned them earlier that morning grumbling about being put behind schedule to and Fíli quotes, "meet my Burglar."
"I've never seen Uncle so worked up like this before. He didn't even throw a fit when the other clans said they wouldn't help us," Kíli observed with a frown and furrowed brows.
Fíli hummed in thought, his own golden brows crinkling as he tried to place why for the past week now he felt so empty. 'Everything just feels wrong, like this isn't how it's supposed to go,' Fíli thought absent mindedly, 'And it all started when Uncle dragged us out the door with him.'
"Fíli?" Kili pressed waving his hand in front of his older brother's face. Cerulean blue eyes came back to focus as he turned to his baby brother who was looking over at his elder in worry. The heir to their lost mountain quirked his head in question, "What is it Kíli?"
A beat of silence passed between them, with just the sound of their ponies to keep the stillness from being too loud. After a long pause Kíli finally drawled, "You know, Uncle isn't the only one who's been acting funny."
"Really?" Fíli asked although he was already feeling his focus fading again.
The younger dwarf either didn't notice, or didn't care as he persisted, "Yes, he may have been acting weird for the past two weeks but so have you. At least with Uncle he seems to be hopeful, almost giddy. But with you.. it's like you're already-"
Fili whipped his head towards his brother when Kíli clicked his mouth shut audibly, forcing whatever he was about to say behind closed lips. The elder brother scowled at his younger brother. He had a feeling he knew what his brother would say but Fíli spat anyways, "Say what you want to say Kee."
"You act like you're already dead. And it scares me," Kíli growled out. The Golden Prince pulled his reins so that his pony stopped, Kíli following suit as the younger continued, "You used to laugh freely, and play jokes. But now, you barely smile, you barely eat, barely sleep. When you do sleep, you wake up screaming.... Brother what is going on?"
Fíli sat there looking at his distraught brother, and couldn't help feeling helpless as well. Sucking in a sharp breath Fíli wheezed, "I don't know."
"Fee," Kíli started to interject as he scowled. But Fíli only shook his head as his eyes began to sting with tears and he confessed, "Truly Kíli, I don't know. I don't know what's happening to me. All I know is that, at the beginning of this week I woke up and felt... Off. I feel like a part of me is missing. A vital part, and I can't even begin to live without it."
Kíli stayed silent, his brown eyes wide as Fíli turned his gaze to scan the endless rolling hills that surrounded them, "I keep wracking my brain, trying to remember what it felt like to live before this week. The thing that frightens me is that I don't remember... I know we played pranks, I know we laughed a lot, but I can't remember how to feel that joy anymore. I don't even remember these nightmares you mention. All I know is that I'm surrounded by darkness, and it's never-ending, and it's cold." Fíli runs a hand down his face trying to calm his breathing. All the while Kíli listened and watched in horror, never having seen his brave older brother act like this before.
Kíli snaps into action when he realizes that Fíli's breathing too rapidly and he's grasping desperately at his chest while tears are falling mercilessly from his blue eyes. Reaching over, he pulls his brother's forehead to rest against his own while he runs a calming hand through his hair. Speaking Khuzdul to him quietly, he waits patiently for his brother to calm his racing thoughts.
Neither brother really paid attention to how much time they spent in the middle of the road hugging each other. It wasn't as if anyone was coming or going down this road anyways. So after the tears dried, and Fíli's breathing calmed down, did Kíli look up and see that the sun was starting to set.
Turning to Fíli he suggested, "Come on Fee, why don't we set up camp for tonight? We won't make it to the Shire any time soon anyways."
Fíli tiredly nodded along and mumbled, "Yeah, sounds good."
With very little preamble, the two exiled Princes found a hidden spot off the side of the main road. They tied their ponies to one of the low hanging branches before unloading their packs and brushing down their steed's fur. Kíli wordlessly went off to the nearby wood to go hunt for some dinner, while Fíli finished setting up their camp and started on a meager fire.
The Heir sat quietly sharpening one of his many hidden weapons on his body, his mind mulling over his brother's words on their Uncle from earlier, when Kíli drifted back into their camp on hushed feet. Fíli paused on his own work to eye his brother skin their dinner with years of practiced precision.
"What are you thinking about?" Kíli broke the silence, still keeping his focus on his kill. Fíli gave his brother a questioning glance as he inquired, "How do you know I'm thinking anything?"
As soon as the words left his mouth, Fíli bit back a groan while Kíli fought a smirk as he joked, "Just this once, I'll let it slide that you insinuated that you indeed don't think." Mirthful brown eyes met blue, "But just this once."
Fíli felt his own lips twitch upward in a shallow attempt of a smile, as he conceded with a nod and mumbled, "Yeah, I walked right into that one didn't I?"
Kíli's deep chuckle greeted his ears, "Yeah, you really did." When the air didn't feel quite as heavy and the food was well on its way to close to being done, Fíli finally answered him, "I was just thinking, that it was quite unusual for Uncle to take us with him to meet the envoys from all seven kingdoms. I mean... This is something that is important to Uncle, and we're known for being... Well...."
"Prankster Princes?" Kíli suggested with a quirk of his lips and a shoulder shrug.
Fíli huffed out a soft laugh as he rolled his eyes, "Aye, that."
His dark haired brother breathed out a sigh before he checked to make sure the food was fully cooked, "Uncle Thorin did say it would be a good learning opportunity for us to... Eh.. what were the words he used... Grow into our roles as future leaders of Erebor?"
The eldest brother scowled at the fire in thought and shook his head, "But something isn't adding up. If he really felt that way, why not stay and debate the Seven Lords to support our cause? Why leave as soon as we get a verdict? He seemed more concerned about going to the Shire than the meeting with the other clans."
Kíli paused and studied his brother as he pondered his words. Furrowing his brows, he also started to worry that something more was going on than what their Uncle was telling them. Fíli might have missed it since he had been despondent almost the entire week, but Kíli was very aware of the way their Uncle spoke fondly about the Shire and the Hobbits. Kíli especially took notice to how often their Uncle spoke to Fíli about Hobbits and their Customs
His brother might not have been aware, but Kíli certainly was.
Whatever was going on in with their Uncle, the youngest Durin just hoped that Thorin knew what he was doing.
Shaking those thoughts out of his head, he noticed the food was done and that Fíli was going back into his absent-minded state. The younger brother frowned in worry as he watched the Golden Dwarf stare blankly into the fire without blinking, causing his blue eyes to water. Making sure to shove some into Fíli's awaiting lap, Kíli watched with glee as his older brother hissed in alarm at the warmth of the meat on the metal skewer. Fíli's wide eyes shot to the taller dwarf the youngest joked, "Well don't think too hard, I wouldn't want you to hurt yourself."
Kíli ducked away from his flying pack and laughed as he ran towards the woods once more with their water skins as his brother yelled, "Kíli!"
The very next morning the brothers worked in quiet harmony as they put their things away and set off down the road once more. Kíli had hoped that after last night Fíli would be back to his normal jovial, and proud self. But whatever cloud that had been lifted from him minutely, had returned with a vengeance.
It felt like a routine for Fíli at this point, going through the motions of pretending he was fine. His muscle memory automatically doing the tasks for him as he gazed numbly at the map in his hand. The only words spoken between them that morning was when Fíli announced that if they made good time they'd be at Bag-End by the late afternoon.
Fíli sat listlessly staring off at the greenery around them, his mind felt like it was in a deep fog that wouldn't clear causing him to miss when Kíli started to point out that they were finally about to approach the Shire.
"Fee, look!" Kíli repeated again tapping his brother's shoulder excitedly.
The golden haired Dwarf turned from his brother to the town they were now entering and couldn't help his brows from rising slightly. It was bustling with busy Hobbits walking on overgrown hairy feet. All of the creatures seemed to be short and stout, many being so wide that they would send nasty looks at the brothers when their ponies took too much room.
The brothers also noticed that besides the curly hair on their feet, they all had a mop of curls on their head as well. They were like nothing the brothers have ever seen before.
"Excuse me!" One very stout one shouted up at them. Both brothers stopped their ponies and turned to look at, what they assumed, was a female Hobbit glowering at them and turning a dark shade of red, "What are you doing here?! We have enough Dwarves here as it is! We don't need anymore of ya! Now bugger off!"
Fíli and Kíli frowned before Fíli, ever the diplomatic one, asked, "I'm sorry to bother you Miss.. But did you say Dwarves? There are more?"
Kíli muttered to his brother, "I thought the others weren't supposed to come until later?"
Before Fíli could respond to his younger, another Hobbit, this one wearing trousers and a straw hat, looking much friendlier albeit wary of the new strangers, clarified, "Don't mind her, she's just been in a mood ever since her husband set his eyes on another lass."
The lass gasped and flushed brightly, causing some close by to snicker while the two brothers just watched on in confused captivation, "Well! That is not something that needs to be shared Mr. Gamgee!"
"What is going on?" Kíli whispered to his brother. Fíli only shook his head, but was unable look away from the scene that was seemingly getting more heated by the minute, "I've no idea brother."
The male Hobbit- Mr. Gamgee Fíli gathered- from before glared back at the woman and huffed, "You made it everyone's business when you spread those nasty rumors about sweet Bella!"
Fíli shifted in his seat when he felt a tickle start just under his skin. Kíli looked over to him with concern but Fíli wordlessly let him know he was alright before the golden haired Dwarf turned back to the Hobbits in front of him, "Look, we are just trying to find-"
The female Hobbit sniffed haughtily and stuck her nose in the air as she crossed her arms, "It isn't a rumor if it's the truth. Ask Peony Proudfoot. She was there, she saw the harlot flirt with my Otho in front of me."
Fíli pinched the bridge of his nose and fought back a growl as farther down the lane another lass popped up and announced, "It's true! I saw the whole thing!"
Kíli eyed his brother before trying to interject once more, "Could one of you just point us in the direction of the other Dwarf-"
"You lying gossipmonger!! My niece has never been interested in your husband!! Maybe you should keep your husband's eyes from wandering!" Another older Hobbit shouted as he pointed his pipe at the first lass and from the the market place erupted into chaos.
Fíli slumped in his saddle and said sarcastically, "Well, I guess the other rumor that the life of a Halfling is boring. This just proves that there is never a dull moment with Hobbits."
Kíli ducked when a roll almost hit him in the face, and watched it sail overhead and land on another Hobbit instead (his amusement rose when said Hobbit dramatically fell to the ground as if being shot with an arrow), "This is just getting weird."
Fíli nodded, "Agreed," turning to his brother he suggested, "We still have the map, let's just hope Uncle didn't get lost."
Kíli chuckled at their Uncle's expense and the two gingerly steered their ponies away from the brawling Hobbits.
Once the chaos was far enough behind them, the Durin brothers really took the time to appreciate the beauty of the Shire. They were in awe of all the flowers and the abundances of food.
And the Pebbles.
There were so many Pebbles.
They had to stop so many times because a curious Pebble came by to look at their ponies, and then ask them questions, as they've never seen a Dwarf before. And before they knew it, the little Pebbles had run off, only to come back and the brothers had found they had multiplied.
It had warmed the two Dwarrow immensely, as they watched the last batch of Pebbles run off towards their beckoning parents. Kíli waved to the small ones with just as much enthusiasm as they gave him before he turned to his brother with excitement, "Fee, this place is amazing. If Thorin knew about it, why have we never done trading with them before? Fee?"
Kíli frowned when he noticed that his brother had once again zoned out, but before he could shake him from his brain frog, Fíli brought a finger to his lips and whispered, "Shh. Just listen." They sat on top of their ponies in silence, Kíli straining his ears to hear whatever threat Fíli heard. Fíli looked around in a sort of trance as he asked, "Do you hear that?"
Kíli grumbled in frustration, "Hear what? I hear nothing." He groaned when he saw Fíli dismount from his pony and walk away from it, not bothering to tie it or give it to Kíli so it wouldn't wander, "Fee! We're supposed to have met up with Uncle by now!"
Fíli kept walking, following whatever siren's call he was privy to, which led to Kíli dismounting as well and grabbing the lead for both their ponies as he muttered, "Fine, but if we get in trouble with Thorin I'm blaming you."
Kíli followed his older brother and it soon became apparent the closer they became as to what had ensnared his brother so. There, sitting under a Willow Tree, was a Hobbit lass who was arranging a bouquet of flowers as she sang a sad tune that was carried farther with the help of the wind. Her brown curls rustled gently in her face, but it didn't deter her from her task at hand. Kili couldn't see her eyes, but despite her lack of beard, she was quite pretty. With a splash of freckles across her nose and cheeks and a dusting of rosy blush to darken her olive skin. Her voice was rich in tone and pleasant, like their Amad's.
When Kíli turned from the full figured lass to his brother to tell him as such. He was shocked to find that for the first time since the start of this week, Fíli's eyes had a clarity to them and there was a healthy glow to his skin.
Turning back to look at the lass that had stolen his brother's attention unwittingly, Kíli couldn't help but wonder if this was his Uncle's intent all along.
Back at the Shire when Thorin first arrived...
"How long have you been back? Is it just us that still hold our memories? How is Fíli?" Arabella shot off as soon as the three settled down in Bilbo's kitchen. Bilbo had served his Home a nice warm meal, which Thorin thanked him for in kind.
The Dwarf turned to look at the young lass when Bilbo came in carrying a vase filled with the bouquet that Thorin gifted him as he softly scolded his Goddaughter, "Now Bella, let him eat. He's surely journeyed very far, and most definitely hasn't had a good meal in some time."
Thorin smiled up at Bilbo lovingly, "Aye, nothing compares to your cooking Ghivashel." This caused Bilbo to blush and stutter over his words. Arabella and Thorin smirked at the male Hobbit's blubbering before he turned away indignantly and huffed. Chuckling softly, Thorin watched him walk towards the other side of the table before turning towards Bella and saying more solemnly, "I do not mind answering your questions. But I'm not sure you will like my answers."
Arabella frowned at that, unsure how to respond and thankfully she wasn't given a choice in the matter anyways as Bilbo gave her a stink eye, "All questions can wait still. Let Thorin eat."
The young lass' frown deepened which caused her Godfather to sigh, "Look, I understand you have waited to hear news about Fíli. Can you wait just a little while longer? Just until Thorin's finished his meal?" Arabella turned to look at her Godfather's Home and noticed then just how tired and road-worn he really was. Silently, she gave a curt nod and an understanding smile. Giving Thorin's hand a gentle pat she spoke softly, "I'll go wait for you two in the parlor."
The two nodded their thanks as she stood on silent feet and left to start her Godfather's fireplace. Lighting a match, she knelt down and carefully set the wood on fire. Arabella stoked the embers into a gentle crackle before putting the iron stoker back on its rack and turning back to face the rest of the room. She sighed in fond exasperation as she saw stacks of books lining the wall, and the maps rolled up and put in one of the many wooden chests. All but one chair, that being the late Bungo Baggin's chair, was covered with books, and blankets as well.
Letting out a hum she rolled up sleeves of her shirt and went to work to cleaning up the books and folding the blankets. When Thorin and Bilbo walked in the room hand in hand, she was over in the corner grabbing ten books at a time before walking over to the adjacent wall to put them in their proper place. Looking over her shoulder she shot Bilbo a grin and jested, "You know, you do own this wonderful piece of furniture called a bookcase right?"
Bilbo blushed and huffed and he turned his head away from the two chuckling at him. Sending her glare with no real heat in it he snipped, "Are you going to tease me on my housekeeping or are we going to sit down and talk?"
She giggled and gave him a curtsy, "Of course, my apologies Your Majesty." Her Godfather only seemed to bristle further before letting out a soft chuckle as he watched the two he adored and missed for the longest time laugh together heartily.
He finally got them to settle down, the three of them pulling the chairs close so they could converse easier.
Finally, after what felt like an age to Arabella, Thorin turned to her and said, "I woke two weeks prior to when we were originally set to arrive here in Bag-End. When I realized where I was, and that I wasn't in the Halls of Aulë, I had set out to find the members of our Company the first time around, hoping maybe one of them could explain what was going on."
Thorin's face turned grim as he confessed, "None of them seemed to remember our journey, or who we met along the way. I'm sorry."
The two men watched as Arabella wilted like a flower, her green eyes misting and growing distant as she mumbled, "He doesn't remember me?"
"No," Thorin confirmed, his lips set in a firm line, "No he doesn't." Thorin glanced at a worried Bilbo who was fussily wringing his handkerchief. The Exiled King returned his gaze back to his niece in all but blood and frowned deeply when he noticed how absent-minded she looked. It was like he was looking at his nephew ever since the beginning of..
Straightening his posture he brought both of the Hobbits' attention to him when he asked louder than they were expecting, "How long have you been back?"
"Just the start of this week, why?" Arabella answered with a tilt of her head. Bilbo also looked at him questioningly as he hummed furrowed his brow in thought, "Well, that has confirmed my suspicions."
"What does? Thorin what are you talking about," Bilbo questioned.
Thorin took in a deep breath before saying, "I may not remember everything about your culture, but I do remember you telling me about what a Home is to Hobbits and what will happen to you if your Home were to die." There was a tense pause as Thorin's blue gaze pierced Bella where she sat, "You Faded didn't you?"
The female Hobbit didn't answer, but Thorin got his confirmation when she cried silently. The Dwarf scowled as he leaned his elbows onto his knees and questioned, "Why? Why did you do it? I thought I asked you to survive."
"I did-"
"Then why did you Fade?" Thorin inquired with a pained fury. He ignored the hand on his forearm tugging him and the warning tone in his One's voice, "Thorin-"
"No, Bilbo," the Dwarf king barked, yanking his arm away as he turned to look at his One. Thorin felt his gaze shift to one of guilt when he saw Bilbo's hazel eyes fill with angry tears and a scowl mar his features, but he pushed it down and faced Arabella once more as he grilled her, "I must know why you chose to Fade Bel. You said you'd survive for your child, for Fíli's child-"
"I KNOW!" Arabella finally bellowed as she closed her eyes and hugged herself, "I know." Crying she rocked back and forth as she confessed, "I tried Thorin, I really did. But I lost our child... I was already Fading the moment I watched Fíli die by Azog's hand. My body was fighting itself to keep our daughter alive, and join Fíli at the same time. And I gave it my all... but there were complications... And she came too early..."
Thorin gawked at her, his own guilt for making her relive all this coming back full force. And yet there was a nugget of pride for both his nephew and his One as he affirmed breathlessly, "Daughter.... You were blessed with a daughter?"
Arabella eyed him warily but nodded as she sniffled. Thorin sighed and sat back as he apologized calmly, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have questioned you."
"You're right, your shouldn't have," Bilbo stated as he glared at the Dwarf beside him. Sighing Thorin rubbed his hands together as he looked at them and clarified, "I only asked because Fíli has not been himself since the beginning of this week as well." Arabella gasped causing Thorin to look up at her as he continued, "He was fine the first week I woke up, and then this week, he's been acting how you describe a Fading Hobbit to be."
Arabella's brows furrowed, "But.. How?"
"You said he doesn't remember?" Bilbo questioned.
Thorin nodded, "Aye, he doesn't. I'm not sure why he's being affected though, and I'm not."
Bilbo winced as he confessed, "That may be because I never Faded."
Arabella and Thorin both whip their heads towards Bilbo in confusion as the lass questioned, "What? You never Faded? How long did you fight it?"
Bilbo coughed as he looked around the room, "Oh... Just 80 years."
"80 years?! You lived on for 80 years?! I barely lasted six months!! Wait..." Arabella yelled as she stood up but paused as she did mental math and then pointed at Bilbo as she screeched, "You lived to be 130 years old?!"
Thorin went slack jawed as stared at his One who waved off Arabella and sniffed indifferently, "Actually if you must know, I had turned 131 before I died." Bella just opened and closed her mouth before plopping down unceremoniously and asking, "How?"
"Hm, so I guess it's not normal for Hobbits to live that long?" Thorin inquired casually although he was freaking out on the inside. Bilbo just rubbed his back and answered, "No dear, not usually. That isn't to say, it doesn't sometimes happen but we Hobbits typically don't live past 105 at the latest." Thorin hummed in thought causing Bilbo to look at him and quirk his lips in a smile, "Don't worry Thorin, I've had a lot of time to think about it. You and I will be greeting Our Makers at the same time. I'll make sure of it." Thorin smiled at his Hobbit before turning back to Arabella who was watching them wistfully.
The Dwarf King gave her an understanding smile before asking, "Did you name her? Your daughter?"
Thorin's dark brows wrinkled when he saw Bél flush and look down at her lap, "Oh.. no, I was actually waiting on Fíli's input first."
"What?" Thorin muttered not really expecting that answer. Bilbo tapped his arm, making the Dwarf King turn and face his One as Bilbo explained quietly, "The Company wrote to me about what happened that day. The night she lost their child, she had slipped the watch they had set up for her to make sure she wouldn't Fade on them, and she made it down to Fíli's tomb, they assumed it was to greet him and show him their stillborn child. By the time they found her, she had already passed... They didn't have the heart to move her so they left her and their daughter with Fíli."
Thorin's heart stung in his chest, as he regarded his niece again. He could see now how much she was suffering, even if she hid it better than Fíli. The disconnect that was between Arabella and the world around her only seemed to snap back into focus when she noticed that others were paying her attention.
It hurt to see her like this, to see Fíli like this. At least with Fíli, Thorin could take comfort in knowing that he had no memory of what happened before. So his nephew had no real pain that was set to haunt him. But Arabella...
The poor lass was just a shell.
Oh she put on a good show, and she tried her hardest to be the vibrant warm Hobbit he met almost a year ago. But he knew her better now.
Letting out a soft hum Thorin leaned back as he drummed his fingers on the arm wrest. Originally he was debating on whether to let them know or not, but seeing how his niece was doing now, Thorin thought it best to warn her. With his mind made up, Thorin exclaimed, "When I said I had my suspicions, I thought maybe you had made it back as well and could help Fíli feel normal again."
Arabella stared at him blankly, waiting for him to continue so he did, "Now I think you two are the only beings that can help each other. But I must ask... are you still planning on embarking on this quest with us? After knowing everything that's happened?"
"Yes," Arabella spoke resolutely, her eyes finding a spark in them.
"No," Bilbo said at the same time. The two turned towards him as Bilbo refuted, "I still don't think you should go Bella. Especially knowing of the dangers we know now."
"That's exactly why I must," Arabella argued.
Bilbo huffed in annoyance before saying gravely, "There is more at stake here than either of you realize."
Thorin frowned at his Burglar, not liking how ominous he sounded, but Bella persisted, "Uncle, I don't think you realize that my choice has been and will always be Fíli. Wherever he goes, I will follow him, even to the jaws of death."
Bilbo and Thorin stared at her, and blinked dumbstruck by her unswaying devotion to her Home. Pride filled both of their hearts as they gazed at their dauntless niece. Bilbo sighed and lifted his hands in surrender, "Alright."
The lass then turned to the Dwarf King who stood and pulled her to her feet. He looked down at her with gentle and fatherly grin as he said, "Fíli is lucky to have a One like you. They will sing songs of you two for years to come of that I'm sure."
Arabella smiled, "Thanks Uncle." The Dwarf softly tapped his head against hers before pulling away and announcing, "I wasn't the only one who made the journey down here earlier than planned." The two Hobbits exchanged glances before Bilbo asked, "Who else is coming?"
Thorin eyed Arabella as he answered, "My nephews." He frowned when he heard her gasp, "I thought maybe seeing you would help Fíli not feel this way. But because he doesn't remember-"
"It will still be hard," Arabella finished tiredly. Thorin only nodded as he gave Bilbo a worried glance. Thorin went on to say, "I won't introduce you two though if you decide that this is not something you can do. It would be even harder for Fíli to leave if he finds his One, and then has to embark on this quest." The male Hobbit shifted in his spot, unsure how to help his Goddaughter, before they both turned to Bella when nodded, "For Fíli, I can do this."
'I can't do this,' she thought in a frenzied panic although on the outside she was the picture of serenity. She prayed to Yavanna that Fíli didn't notice her hands shaking, or the sweat tricking down her neck, or how flushed her cheeks her. Or the way her voice cracked with nerves.
She hadn't meant to put on a scene like this, truly. It wasn't like this was an uncommon occurrence for her anyways. Just sitting underneath her Willow Tree, while she sang and created bouquets to reject suitors. But as soon as she felt a gaze on her, she just knew it was his gaze. So of course she played it up even more. Who wouldn't when their Home was staring at them?
Arabella didn't dare peek over at Fíli, for she knew if she did, she'd lose all her nerve and turn as red as one of Bilbo's prized tomatoes. So instead she carried on singing her mournful tune.
Of all the money ere I had, I spent it in good company,
And all the harm I’ve ever done, alas was to none but me.
And all I’ve done for want of wit, to memory now I can’t recall.
So fill me to the parting glass, goodnight and joy be with you all.If I had money enough to spend and leisure time to sit awhile,
There is a fair maid in this town who sorely has my heart beguiled.
Her rosy cheeks and ruby lips, I own she has my heart in thrall.
So fill me to the parting glass – goodnight, and joy be with you all.Of all the comrades ere I had, they’re sorry for my going away,
And all the sweethearts ere I had , they wish me one more day to stay,
But since it falls unto my lot that I should go and you should not,
I’ll gently rise and softly call, goodnight and joy be with you all.
A smile fought its way to her lips when she heard Kíli's familiar voice whisper to Fíli before there was a solid thud of someone hitting another.
"Ow, what was that for?" Fíli whispered.
"We still have some place to be if you're done ogling her Fee," Kíli whispered back. From there it only devolved into more kicks and thuds and quiet outraged whispers.
They stopped when she chuckled and finally spoke, "You know I can hear you two right?"
Another thud and Kíli's whine greeted her ears before she heard her Fíli speak, "We were just passing through when we heard your song."
"Yeah, you've got a nice voice," Kíli complimented and then muttered, "What?"
Arabella looked up then and smiled at the two Dwarven brothers who were like night and day. They arguing with each other in Khuzdul, their elbows frequently finding the other's stomach. Her eyes took in her nadad, all tall and lean with dark unruly hair pulled back by his usual silver clasp. Fíli, she knew had a matching one, as well as the braids on either side of his head. And of course, his endearing mustache braids.
Her Golden Prince glowed underneath the rays of the Sun, with his eyes alight. When he turned and finally caught her eyes, she felt all of her breath escape her and a shiver run up her spine. The world around her seemed to slow and shift back onto its axis, righting the wrong that had been done when Fíli had died right in front of her. Colors that were all dull in her eyes, grew vibrant once more.
When air entered her lungs once more, she reluctantly turned away from the Durin brothers, her heart aching as she did so. She continued working on the bouquet arrangement in her hand. Her eyes flitted towards her Home when he asked, "What are you doing?"
The wind gifted her with a soft breeze to cool her cheeks as she smirked up at him, "I'm arranging a bouquet. Have you never seen one before?"
Fíli's cheeks dusted a pretty pink, while his younger brother looked down and tried to cover his snicker by coughing into his hand. The blonde dwarf scowled at Kíli, elbowing him once more, before turning back to the Hobbit lass, "No, I know what it is... It's just, why are you still working on it? You did a great job I think."
"As if you know anything about flowers," the youngest Durin muttered as he playfully rolled his eyes. That earned the youngest prince another elbow as the eldest hissed, "You don't know anything either nadadith." Arabella watched the two with a smile, letting the two devolve into grumbled insults and hairpulling before she cleared her throat causing blue and brown eyes to shoot towards her.
The two immediately straightened and dusted off invisible dust as the Golden Heir bowed lowly, "Apologies My Lady, we seemed to have forgotten our manners their for a moment."
Fíli sent his younger brother a scathing look and Kíli immediately bowed as well, "Yes, we're deeply sorry."
Arabella smiled graciously and dipped her own head, "It's quite alright, I found it quite amusing."
Turning back to her bouquet she explained, "To answer your question Master Dwarf, every flower has a meaning, and every arrangement lets the receiver know the intentions of the sender
The brother's exchanged curious glances as they watched Hobbit lass take out a sullied ribbon to tie it off and grinned viciously. Kíli furrowed his brows with worry as he asked, "What is the meaning behind your bouquet?"
Arabella looked up and hummed before pointing to each flower and saying, "These are abatina, which means fickleness. Basils mean good wishes, and begonia means beware, and bittersweet meaning truth. This is candytuft, which means indifference, and a striped carnation which means refusal. And cyclamen symbolizes resignation, diffidence, or goodbye depending on the arrangement. So this particular bouquet is saying, 'Despite our differences, I have nothing but good wishes for you and yours. And though I am indifferent to his advances, you should beware of our encounters since you refuse to accept the truth. Goodbye,' And of course to top it off, a dirty ribbon to say that they will sully their good name if the continue with those horrid rumors."
The brothers blinked at her in shock, as a spiteful grin stretched her lips. Kíli then frowned as he asked loudly, "Wait, you are the one they were arguing about in the market? The one that was flirting with that woman's husband?"
Fíli frowned at the thought, but was surprised by how dark the Hobbit's face turned when she glared up at his brother and spat, "I did no such thing. All I did was thank him for informing me of good news. How is that in anyway flirting with her husband?" The younger brother shrunk down a bit and hid behind his brother, "Sorry, I didn't mean anything by it." When the Hobbit lass huffed in irritation and turned away, Kíli mumbled, "She's as scary as Uncle Thorin."
They both jumped when the lass was suddenly in front of them as she inquired, "You know Thorin Oakenshield?"
"Err... Yes, we're actually looking for him. We're supposed to be meeting with him now-" Fíli started, suddenly nervous with how close the beautiful lass was.
She grinned up at them, "Oh, he's with my Godfather in Bag-End. Come along, I'll show you the way."
With that, she spun towards the road, her blue skirt twirled before hitting her shins and bouncing every time she walked. Fíli's gaze stayed firmly on her back as Kíli asked, "Do we follow her?"
"What other choice do we have? Come on," Fíli answered, the two pulling the ponies down the road and shadowing the lass.
The lass didn't say anything the entire time, her back was firmly towards them, although she did stop a passing Pebble and instructed, "Give this to Lobelia Sacksville-Baggins would you?" The Pebble eyed the flora before giggling mischievously and running off down the dirt road.
When they were at the tallest hill, they stopped at the gate of a weird homes dug into the hill and were shocked when they saw their King of an Uncle outside pruning yellow flowers. He had dirt on his forehead, and forearms, sweat making his skin shine. A male Hobbit made his way to their Uncle's side, handing him glass of lemonade. The two Durin princes felt their jaws drop when their Uncle's voice softened at the small creature as murmured to him and gazed with what could only be described as love in his blue eyes. The small Hobbit next to him blushed deeply and chuckled before both turned their way when Arabella announced, "Uncle Bilbo, Irak'Adad! I found them!"
Fíli's and Kíli's eyes grew impossibly wide when their mother tongue, that was sacred and secret, came out of the hobbit lass's mouth. But it nearly caused their hearts to stop when their Uncle grinned at the girl and said, "Ah, Irak'nâtha, you're back! Good. You're Uncle and I just finished going through your pack."
The two brothers walked through the gate that the lass held open in a daze as they watched the girl run up to their Uncle and throw herself at him in a hug. Thorin chuckled and caught her easily, before putting her down and turning to his nephews, "Fíli, Kíli, I would like you to meet our Fourteenth and Fifteenth members, Arabella Tommins, and Bilbo Baggins."
The two turned to the Hobbits, Arabella curtseying and saying softly, "How do you do," when she was introduced, before both their brows shot up, when their Uncle rested his hand on Bilbo's shoulder, his thumb running circles softly. Even the tone in which Thorin used to introduce the male Hobbit had been enamored, causing the two brothers to shiver sickened by their Uncle's behavior. Thorin then flourished his hand towards them as he said to the Hobbits, "Bilbo, Bél, these are my nephews, Fíli and Kíli."
The two blinked dumbly before bowing at the same time and saying in Unison, "At your service."
Bilbo rushed up to them and hugged them tightly, the brothers exchanging worried glances as they caught tears in the older Hobbit's eyes before he hugged them, "Oh! It's so good to see you boys!" Fili and Kili had a conversation with their eyes before they shrugged and hugged the Hobbit back. They liked hugs as much as the next dwarf and it seemed by their Uncle's heated gaze on the Hobbit, they would be having another Uncle soon- if he wasn't already.
Bilbo sniffled and pulled away before looking over at the ponies and saying, "Oh, give me those, I'll just take them round back, they can rest there. Bella, would you be a dear and-"
"Start on luncheon? Yes Uncle," She finished as she made a hasty escape inside the Hobbit home. Bilbo sighed, his eyes taking on a worried tint as he exchanged a glance with Thorin. Thorin also frowned but gave a minute nod, the two seemingly having a conversation with their eyes. The brother's eyes volleyed between the two in question, wondering what was happening, and what they were missing.
Finally Bilbo said, "Thorin Dear, why don't you clean up, and get the boys settled."
"Of course," Thorin accepted the other male's order graciously, herding his befuddled nephews into the house, but not before scolding Kíli about wiping his feet on the doormat before entering.
The inside was much nicer than either brother expected, but they didn't get much time to really look around, as their Uncle had them in one of the many rooms and shut the door behind them.
Rounding on the older dwarf in confusion, both brothers frowned as Kíli asked incredulously, "When were you going to tell us you had a secret family?"
Thorin furrowed his brows, "What?"
"You've been living a double life this entire time haven't you? Have you really been here when you've said you were going to find work in the villages of Men?" Kíli pressed on getting more distressed by the second. Before Thorin could open his mouth to deny it, Kíli glared at him, "Don't bother denying it! You've been acting weird for two weeks now since we found out about our fourteenth member being in the Shire. And you know things about Hobbits that aren't well known!"
Thorin stared at his youngest nephew, wondering if he really believed what he was saying. But one look at his oldest told him that yes, these two really thought he had snuck away to start a family elsewhere. 'What am I supposed to do now? If I deny they won't believe me, and if I tell the truth they'll think me insane,' Thorin thought before a wicked idea formed his head.
Taking a deep breath he covered his mouth to hide his smile as he said seriously, "I didn't want you to find out like this."
His boys let out a breath before Fili asked, "Why did you feel the need to hide it Irak'Adad? You know we wouldn't judge you."
Thorin closed his eyes and twisted his face trying to hold back his laughter as he thought, 'Focus Thorin, you are a secretly married Dwarf, and your beloved nephews found out about your Hobbit family. Now play the part of distraught Uncle.'
Sighing forlornly he admitted, "I didn't know what you two would think, what the Council would think. I found my One in a Hobbit, who has taken been taking care of his Goddaughter since she was a babe. They would surely not accept them."
The two Princes looked distressed as the came to comfort their Uncle. Thankfully for Thorin they hugged him so he didn't have to hide his face that was close to cracking with unfiltered laughter. Speaking into his frame Fíli comforted, "To hell what the Council thinks Uncle you deserve to be happy."
"That's right, and besides, I know our people would just be happy to see you finally find your One, none of our own people would judge." Kíli added.
Their words were enough to calm down Thorin's mirth, as he was warmed by their concern. Pulling away from them, he smiled at them and said, "Thank you. Both of you." Turning to Fíli he added, "And do not worry, had I said something sooner, you still would be heir."
Fíli just smile and brushed off his Uncle's worries before Thorin fully stepped away and opened the door, "Now you two, get cleaned up, Luncheon starts at 1. And something you must know about Hobbits early on, is they take their food very seriously, so don't be late." With that warning he stepped out of the room and closed the door behind him before calmly going to his room.
When his door clicked shut, Thorin's back hit the door as he collapsed in a fit of silent laughter. Tears rolled down his cheeks, as he covered his mouth to muffle his mirth that was slowly growing in sound.
It took some time before he felt himself calm down enough not to lose it. When all his laughter was gone, he wiped away his tears as a grin stretched his cheeks to the point that it hurt as he thought, 'Oh.... Bilbo is going to either join me or kill me for tricking the boys.'
Finally feeling a semblance of calm, he stood up and opened the door in search of his One, 'I should tell him sooner rather than later.'