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fili

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"Fee!" called Kili in his typical, boisterous tones, cloak cast in the direction of its hook as he bounded into their cave. "Are you home?"

Without waiting for answer, he seized Fili's ax where it lay on the small table before the hearth, his thumb pressed carefully to the edge to test its sharpness. "I've found a new enterprise to keep us occupied! Where are you?"

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Fili had wound his way into the hot baths in the extensions of the caves. Ever since he had discovered Mahal's greatest kept secret, he enjoyed whiling his time there. Currently, he was pulling on his linen tunic once more, hair dripping wet as he ducked his head back into their spacious home. "No need to shout, brother," Fili calmly replied. "I'm right here. What is it you've found for us?"

Grinning, Kili came forward at once to tuck his nose against Fili's skin, soft and still steaming from his bath. "You might have waited," he said without ire.

"Tabula Rasa seeks new builders, and who could be better at building than we dwarves?"

Fili buried his fingers in the mats of Kili's hair, smiling fondly as he pressed a nip of a kiss against Kili's jaw. "I assure you it will be no hardship to return," he swore, easing back to consider Kili's proposition. "Builders?" he echoed dubiously. "Does Thorin know of your idea?"

"No," said Kili, his heavy brows drawn together. As in all things, he had come to Fili first. "But how could he refuse? The dwellings of this island could be much improved."

It was not the dwellings that Fili thought of. True, his knowledge of building dwellings was stable, but hardly as thorough as his knowledge of dwarvish politics or wielding his weapons or being an heir. Even in being a good mate, he had been taught to provide a home and to be a strong father figure.

Now, his one was before him and he asked him to build. "I don't know, Kee," he admitted.

"But why?" asked Kili in consternation, gathering Fili closer by his linen robes. All at once, his face smoothed out as a thought struck him. "You believe Thorin will say it is beneath you."

Fili rested his chin comfortably upon Kili's shoulder, happy for the proximity. "What do I know of building homes? I can recite to you our family tree and discuss the politics of our many clans. I know how to wield swords, axes, and many more weapons, and how to cook and dance to please a wife. I was raised to be an heir, Kee. I don't know how to be a builder."

"You must." Twining his fingers in Fili's wet hair, Kili did his best with the tangles. "I know we did not have much in Dunland, certainly not the halls that you or Thorin deserved, but you did not see Erebor, Fee."

Even now, a year removed from it, Kili drew a heavy breath for the memory. "It was like nothing I have ever seen, nor shall again. Truly, forging such a home must be in the blood of all dwarves."

Edited 2013-11-17 04:47 (UTC)

"This is what you want?" Fili asked, looking past Kili's deep belief in the talent of dwarves. After all, he did believe in their people, too, but perhaps he felt distant from it now. "For us to build homes here for others and elevate their craft?"

"For us to be of a purpose," said Kili. "Even I grow weary of constant idling. We may train and spar until we are the best warriors on all the island, but to what end? There are so rarely foes on these quiet shores."

And, Kili felt more privately, it might serve to settle Fili. Without the crown to inherit, he must do something to fill his time, and Kili would have his brother satisfied. "Besides, these island homes are feeble. All wood and straw." Kili made a face.

It was true that Fili had begun to grow weary of the same routines. It was hardly that different from home, but here he had no throne to worry of. If Thorin passed, then Fili would not have to step up. "Wood and straw has served men quite well," Fili diplomatically replied, hiding his amused smile at Kee's reaction to such things.

"Only because they have not known proper homes," replied Kili at once. "Nor have we, come to speak of it. Not homes such as you, Fili, an heir ought to have at least a taste of."

Kili pulled back. "I would like to give you such a home. But I cannot do it alone."

Kili knew precisely what he must say in order to reach Fili's mind and heart. He would accuse him of sorcery, but it was the connection they had always shared simply coming to light. "You won't take no for an answer, will you, Kee?" Fili asked wryly.

"And why would I?" laughed Kili, grinning brightly, "When I enjoy yes so much more? You will join, then?" he asked, drawing Fili out of the bathing caves. "And help me to convince Thorin, also?"

"I see what this is!" Fili accused Kili with a broad grin, mouth open as the epiphany struck him with great sureness. "You want me to help convince Uncle because you think he'll listen to me," he said, poking Kili in the chest as he wandered after him. "He will listen to you, you know," Fili felt compelled to point out. "He would give you anything, Kee."

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