(no subject)

[durincest]

[Traveling alone was much harder than Kili had anticipated.

He'd packed everything he'd needed in the dead of night, so perhaps a lot of the trouble was there. Things with Fili weren't...going well, and he just needed to go. Maybe some time apart would help, and Kili was anxious to prove himself anyway.

It takes longer than he'd expected to find Thorin. He'd known at least where his uncle was headed, having maybe listened in on a conversation Thorin had with Dis. But the first village he found was devoid of any familiar dwarves, though he did find someone who pointed him in the right direction.

By the time he staggers into the right town, he's tired and hungry and footsore. Men make him nervous, and he eyes them uneasily, one hand tight around his sword hilt as he wandered through the village.

It's luck that takes him past the forge, and his eyes seek out a familiar face, searching, until finally he catches sight of Thorin, beating hot metal into place.]

Thorin! [Heedless now of his blistered feet and exhaustion, a smile splits the young dwarf's face and he dashes to greet him.]

Comments

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili's eyes open slowly, and he stares up at Thorin for a few moments.]

Already?

[He yawns and sits up, leaning into Thorin and wrapping his arms loosely around his neck.]

[kinginexile]

[He almost feels bad waking him, Kili seemed to have been sleeping well. It's difficult to not lean in turn towards the younger dwarf, he's always been so clingy and physical, but there's just something about the way he is when just woken, hair all mused and lazy.

It reminds him of Frerin.

He'll bring an arm up behind Kili's back, hand coming up to muse that already messy hair. Something he seemed fond of doing as it were.]

Aye, unless you are not ready? Though if you must sleep, you can always doze while we ride.

[Thorin wouldn't let him fall off the pony.]

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili yawns, just enjoying the contact for a bit before sitting up straight and stretching.]

I'll be fine. [He yawns again, rubbing at his face. He slides to the edge of the bed, bandaged feet dangling over the side.]

Let's go.

[kinginexile]

[He'll help Kili collect his things and make sure the room is relatively clean of their stay there, as while they were dwarves and usually rowdy and unclean at the best of times, Thorin was a bit better than most. At least in that respect. With all the times he's stayed in this inn and worked in this city it would be rude of him not to keep his room clean, even with the poor way his stay here had ended.]

Head outside, I'll be there as soon as I settle things with the innkeeper.

[He'll turn in his key and let them know he'll be leaving. Thank them for their usual hospitality and all that.]

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili nods, pulling his boots back on over his bandages and standing. He hefts his things onto his back, giving his uncle a smile.]

Alright.

[kinginexile]

[Annnnd once he's done with that he'll come join Kili outside. If the younger dwarf hasn't got his things all settled on the pony he'll help him with that, before hoping up onto their beast of burden. Reaching down he'll offer Kili a hand up so he can settle himself behind him.]

Hold on tight.

[He warns and gives the pony a nudge to get it going. He sets a steady but quick pace at first, just wanting to get them out of town and on their way. They travel for some hours before Thorin calls for a break. Tying the pony to a nearby tree he'll let Kili get down first before hopping down after him. They can eat a little, stretch their legs a bit. Thorin is of course on guard even as they do, always wary of anything that could attack.]

... so how are your feet treating you?

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili takes his uncle's hand, pulling himself up onto the pony behind him. His arms loop around Thorin's waist, and Kili leans in against him.

He dozes for a good part of the ride, his face pressed lightly against Thorin's back. He's not quite sure why he's so tired, but he takes what little sleep he can, knowing Thorin will wake him if anything's wrong.

When he isn't sleeping, Kili's abnormally quiet, his thoughts back home with Fili. His brother has most certainly noticed his absence by now. Kili wonders what he's doing right now. Is Fili angry with him? Kili wouldn't blame him. He shouldn't have run off like he did, but at least with Thorin he's safe.

The break is appreciated, and Kili winces just slightly as he slides off the pony. He yawns and stretches out, stumbling and catching himself on a nearby tree.]

They hurt. [Kili's reply is honest.] But I'm holding up alright.

[kinginexile]

[Thorin let's Kili handle himself, even if he wants to go to him and help him to sit. He knows if he babies him too much the young dwarf will complain, he's an adult now. Or just about.

Still, he will beckon Kili to come sit with him on a log. There is just enough room for the both of them as half of it has decomposed into the earth.]

Before we rest for the night we will put more ointment on your feet. They shall heal, eventually, we must be diligent and take care of them.

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili joins his uncle after a moment or two, letting out a sigh. He turns to the side, shifting so he can put his feet up on the log and lean back against Thorin.]

It's just a few blisters, uncle. I'm alright.

[kinginexile]

If you wish for them to take longer to heal-- [Thorin starts, that 'I'm right and you should listen to me' tone coming through.]

[kilimanjaro]

Not now, Thorin. [Kili huffs, a little grumpy and tired. He moves a dirty hand up over his uncle's mouth.]

[kinginexile]

[It's a good thing he loves you, Kili, most anyone else would get a cuff for that. Then again usually Kili or Fili would get a boxing of their ears for being so disrespectful, still, Thorin can't help but think of his own brother now.

Kili was so much like him, such a high energy brat, always getting into trouble even when he didn't mean to. Overly affectionate. More than happy to shut Thorin up, as Thorin had a way of talking too much at times. Thorin has to stop himself from kissing the palm of Kili's hand, as more than once he'd shared such affection with Frerin... but as much as his youngest nephew reminded him of his brother, he was not. Still, once he's removed that dirty palm from his mouth, the older dwarf will wrap his arm around Kili's middle, turning his head so he can nuzzle his face into his mop of hair.]

Stubborn, lad.

[He mutters, affection obvious in his tone.]

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili laughs brightly at the gesture, the sound pure and joyful. He arches back against Thorin, not unlike a cat, and tilts his head back to beam up at his uncle.

Kili doesn't remember his father. He was so small when his father died defending their people. Thorin had stepped in to help raise the boys, and he's the only father that Kili has ever known. Not only does he love Thorin fiercely, but Kili admires him more than anyone else. Thorin is his hero.]

I wish you were home more, Uncle. I missed you.

[kinginexile]

[He will smile in turn, but there is a sadness to his eyes. One he tries to hide from Kili, but is always terrible at.]

I do not enjoy being away, but I have a responsibility to our people. To your brother and you. Your mother. I do this for all of us, Kili.

[But he does wish he could be home more often, there were times he'd left and come back and the boys had grown what seemed so much. Seventy plus years had gone by so quick and both boys were now nearing adulthood, though they would forever be just boys in his eyes.]

[kilimanjaro]

Thorin. [Kili hesitates a moment before continuing on.] Thorin, what if you didn't have to be king? What if we could just live in Ered Luin and be happy like we are?

[kinginexile]

[What if he didn't have to be king? What if he didn't have to reclaim Erebor one day for his people, for his father and grandfather. For Frerin.]

... are you happy in the mountains? You want for nothing?

[He does wish to know. Truly he wants Kili and Fili to be happy and to live a good life, but what he wants most is for the young princes to be where they truly should. A home they've never known. Great halls that he wishes they could have grown up in. Halls he wished he himself could have grown up in.]

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili shifts his position, tilting his head back to look at Thorin and give him a small smile.]

It's not easy living in the mountains, but I love it, Uncle. ...And I love the forests. [He's a little sheepish to admit it. Dwarves are supposed to like the rock more, but Kili just adores the woods.] I don't need anything more. Just you and Mum and Fili. And my bow.

[kinginexile]

[Kili and his brother are very much dwarves in the most base sense, but they are also of a new generation. One that has done more than just grow inside the mountain, they have lived and trained in the wilds as well, though they have seen little besides the woods outside their home. Still, he's pleased that Kili is happy, for that is all he's wanted for his nephews.

To give them a place to grow and live and be happy, even if Thorin himself can only think of Erebor. He'll hum, acknowledging Kili's words. Frerin had been much the same, he was adventurous, but very loyal to his family. More than once he'd gone out with sword and bow to the forests around Erebor and Dale, he loved hunting, loved exploring. He also had a strange affinity for climbing trees... strange dwarf his brother had been.]

You and that bow.

[He gives a tired huff, but isn't mad, amused more than anything. Kili had wanted to learn because he'd seen Frerin's bow that Thorin had kept, and the curious little dwarf of course wanted to know what it was. Wanted to see it and use it and well... now here they were and Kili was very proficient with a bow. Better than even Frerin had been.]

I am happy with both of you and your mother... you all make me proud.

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili watches his uncle quietly, watching those emotions pass over his face and wondering what exactly it is that Thorin's thinking. Lately he's seemed sort of... reminiscent? Longing? Kili's not sure. It's not a look he sees often on his uncle's face, and he's not sure what's brought it on.

He moves to kneel on the log, facing Thorin and resting his chin on his uncle's shoulder.]

You do us proud too, Thorin.

[It might be a little bold to say, but Kili means it.]

You know we all admire and look up to you. If I could be half the dwarf you are...I would be happy.

[kinginexile]

[Kili you make it so difficult lately not to reminisce, especially like this. It's like Frerin is right here with him now. How often had he confided in his brother, admitted how weak he felt in the scheme of things and been comforted by him. Frerin always told him he wished he could be as good as him, even half.

If Kili were not his nephew he would wonder if his brother had been reborn in the other dwarf. It was almost cruel to think it, to want it, but he does. A soft sigh leaves him as he turns his head to press his forehead against Kili's, eyes closing.]

Thank you, lad. You need not worry though-

[And he'll smile sadly.]

You are of Durin's line, you are destined for greatness.

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili huffs out a laugh, his arms winding around his uncle's neck loosely. He presses his forehead lightly against Thorin's but keeps his eyes closed, watching him with bright brown eyes and an almost blissful smile.

He does so love his uncle.]

I don't need to be great, Thorin. There's enough of that in this family, between you and Mum and Fili.

[He leans in a little, pressing chapped lips to a scruffy cheek.] I'm so glad we're together.

[kinginexile]

[He'll tense at the kiss to his cheek, and it would be so easy to just turn his head slightly and kiss him back. Properly. Thorin can't believe he even thinks it, Kili is not Frerin, no matter how much he damn reminds him of him.

Kili is wonderful all on his own, a good lad and skilled even at his age, even with his naivety of the world. Thorin is undoubtedly glad to have him here as well. Work away from home could get, and did usually, very lonely. Arms hug the younger dwarf tight and he'll not want to let go.]

You are much better company than the pony.

[He means he loves you and he's glad you're here too, Kili.]