Summary: Continuing on from part one, we get to see Y/n's perspective on their meeting, to where they are now. With communication and a willing heart, the two hope that their relationship can become stronger... And maybe blossom into something more.
*Side note*: I just want to reiterate, everything within the still picture, except the clothes, is inconsequential to this little fic. I just really suck at describing clothes.
Pt. 1, Pt. 2
Y/n could remember the very first time she met Fili. It wasn't on the battlefield as one would believe, but rather, she first saw him in Laketown. They quite literally ran into each other. She remembers this distinctly because she found it most peculiar that she, who was born on those very waters having lived in Laketown and gotten used to the swaying, was knocked on her ass ungracefully while this handsome golden dwarf towered over her.
He barely looked at her, but she was gaping, she was sure of it.
She was only quite thankful that he was too distracted fighting a league of Orcs, trying to lead his ragtag group of Dwarrow, Elf, and Bard's children to safety. All the while Smaug flew above their heads breathing fire and dooming the town below.
Indeed, Y/n did feel quite shameful when she thought back on it. Because not even five minutes earlier, she had lost her father to Smaug who had burned their house and a row of others. She only made it out safely because he had pushed her out into the lake before the fire drake could spew his flames. So Y/n felt quite silly that her heart was moved by this handsome Dwarf who barely glanced her way when she was still mourning the loss of her only family left.
But sometimes, matters of the heart made little sense, and that was a motto Y/n lived by.
Flicking her eyes past him, she noticed an Orc advancing from the shadows, and towards the unsuspecting Dwarf who was struggling with three others.
Without thinking, she clutched the spear that lay by her side and stood up, throwing it straight through the vile creature's heart. The dwarf had looked at her in shock, then nodded in thanks before he advised, "Find yourself a boat miss, and get somewhere safe." He never waited for her answer, already darting after his company. It made her sad, to think he really didn't see her that time, as he was so distracted.
She didn't think she would meet him again a few days later.
Now though, Y/n huffed as she folded up the fishing net, her eyes trailing towards the Lonely Mountain. Despite helping save Fili's life, she had heard no news about his health, or if he was still even alive. She had hoped for the best as she heard Thorin and Kili had woken from their long sleep two weeks and a month respectively. They had made great strides in both their healing and progress on rebuilding their home. Relations with the neighboring kingdoms too had gotten better once Thorin upheld his word and helped Dale rebuild as well. Even the bad blood between the Mirkwood Elves and Erebor Dwarrow lessened when King Thranduil received his treasured gems.
And Bilbo, the Hobbit, had even convinced some of the other Shirelings to come and help heal the land once the snow started to melt. Already, with the Hobbit here the winter was not as harsh as it has been in winters past. The Dwarrow and Men believe it to be because Yavanna will bless whatever land any of her dear Hobbits settle down in.
Y/n was inclined to believe them.
Whatever the reason may be, there really had been nothing but good news all around since the Battle.
Except, Y/n wasn't happy. And it was beginning to show.
When the young fisher woman sighed again, she heard Bard from the other side of the boat put down his things as he said, "Alright."
Y/n turned to the new King of Dale, and caretaker since he took her in as his ward since her father's passing, confusion clear on her face as he walked to her. A warm fatherly smile etched on his face, "What's going on in that head of yours N/n?"
The young woman quirked a brow, while in her minds eye a flash of golden hair and blue eyes entered unprovoked. Shaking out the image, she turned back to her net, "What do you mean?"
"You've been sighing and huffing lately, you only do that when something's weighing on your mind," Bard pointed out causing the young woman to grumble, "I don't huff and sigh."
Bard chuckled good-naturedly, "Lass, I practically helped raise ya with your father once your mother passed. You and my Sig were practically sisters, don't bother denying it." Y/n sighed once more causing Bard to laugh this time, "You just did it again."
Y/n laughed with him, shoving his shoulder playfully before calming down. When they settled, her eyes found the Mountain again and she asked quietly, "Do you think he's alright?"
When Bard remained quiet, she turned to find him searching her face for something. She wasn't quite sure what, but she persisted, "You are King. Have they told you any news.... Of Prince Fili?"
Bard hummed in thought, his own eyes going towards the Lonely Mountain, his elbows coming to rest against the railing of the boat, "I didn't know you knew him." Y/n copied his stance and listened to the sounds of the lake sloshing against the sides of their boat, "I've only met him twice... But he left a great impression on me."
She caught Bard's worried glance and she quickly remedied, "I do not pretend to think he remembers me, or fool myself into hoping he would feel the same... I just..." The creaking of the boards and slight wind russling their hair all brought peace to her tumultuous thoughts as she ended lamely, "I hope he's okay is all."
He was quiet as he observed her, his face twisted in one of worry before he finally spoke, "He's awake. He will be coming to Laketown soon, with his Uncle and Brother." Hope soared in her heart as she turned to him with excitement, "He is? Whatever for?"
Bard frowned as he thumb tapped his knuckles, his hesitance made her heart thump loudly with nerves. Straightening out, he frowned as he supplied, "I'm.... Not supposed to tell you this, as I have not even approached Sigrid about it yet. But it seems I must prepare you for what is about to happen..."
She felt her hands shake, hoping that her worst thoughts were not about to spill from his mouth.
"While Fili was asleep, King Thorin and I came to an agreement that a marriage between our two Kingdoms would be best to strengthen our alliances... With Prince Kili and Tauriel's wedding coming soon, the Dwarrow and Mirkwood Elves have a more stable alliance. It was agreed that Sigrid would marry Prince Fili as soon as he awoke." Bard ended quietly.
Y/n took in a shuttering gasp as she felt her heart shatter. She barely heard his apology as the blood rushed from her head and a ringing filled her ears, "I am so sorry Y/n... I didn't know that you... That you held any regard for him. If I had-"
"It wouldn't matter anyways," Y/n concluded and the older man immediately went to argue, "You don't know that."
She let out a humorless chuckle before stating, "I am nothing but a fisherman's daughter. I could never mean anything to the Heir of Erebor." Bard frowned but didn't say anything, causing the pain in her sould t be crushing. Looking over at the barrels of fish, she surmised, "We have enough fish for today I think."
Bard reached out a hand to comfort her, "Y/n-"
Twisting her body away from him, the silence that followed was deafening. Awkwardly, she looked Bard in the eye, "Let's go home."
It was about a month later when spring had officially begun, that the Line of Durin and their trusted companions made their way down to Dale. Y/n stood next to Sigrid in the market, watching as the group of thirteen Dwarrow, a Hobbit, and an Elf, made their way through town. The Heir himself had gotten many looks from the unmarried daughters who all gathered there to get a look at the eligible Prince.
'But they don't know he's already spoken for', Y/n thought as she watched him scan the crowd around them. No doubt looking for Sigrid. She shook her head before focusing her (e/c) eyes on gutting the fresh fish for their customers.
'Assuming we get any today that is,' her mind unhelpfully supplied as she eyed the Dwarrow who were distracting their usual customers. Her eyes then went to Sigrid who whispered excitedly next to her, "It's so good to see them again, although it's strange to see them this clean. The first time I saw them, the were climbing out of our toilet."
She giggled, while Y/n only cracked a small smile. Sigrid frowned at her friend, "Y/n? What's wrong? You've been acting strange for a while now."
Y/n frowned and was about to answer when gasps and whispers broke whatever thoughts she was having. Looking towards the group, she expected to see the Dwarrow stopped at a stall close by to them. What she wasn't expecting was Fili, with his golden hair alight, and blue eyes twinkling like a clear spring, to be in front of her and beaming.
She felt her face warm, her eyes shifting down to her pants and shirt as embarrassment for the way she looked settled heavily in her gut. But the pull to look back at her Dwarf was too strong, and before she realized it, her shoulders relaxed as she let out a breath just by being in his presence. A warmth began to light in her chest, and for the first time in a month, she actually smiled. With a dip of her head she greeted, "Prince Fili."
"Y/n," he answered just as softly as she had spoken. Her brows shot upwards and she could feel Sigrid by her side watching them with confusion and anticipation, "You remember me?"
"Of course, how could I ever forget?" Fili answered with an easy smile which flustered her too much. She looked down at her hands that were covered in grime, and fish guts before flicking them back towards his mesmerizing eyes, "You are fully recovered I hope?"
"I am, thanks to you I heard," he answered back with a wink. Y/n's heart stuttered for a moment, before she leaned forward conspiratorially and jested, "Oh? Is that all I get? A thanks?"
For a moment, she felt her stomach drop as she wondered, 'What am I doing? I shouldn't be speaking so casually to him!' But to her utter amazement, she watched with intrigue as Fili's eyes drifted towards her lips, before finding their way towards her (e/c) eyes again. Before he could reply, a majestic Dwarf that had long dark hair stepped towards them slightly and commanded in a deep timber voice, "Come Fili, we mustn't keep King Bard waiting."
The company watched in amusement and slight guilt as both Fili and the young woman deflated. Sighing, Fili affirmed, "I'll be right there."
Y/n tried to hide her disappointment that he would be going so soon. She knew that after their meeting with Bard, she would never see him again. That thought alone was enough to fill her with dread, although she didn't have a clue as to why. It made no sense, and yet... Somewhere deep within her she knew that without Fili, she would fade away.
With one last look at Fili, she went to bid him goodbye, but paused as he pinned her with his gaze. His eyes surveyed her from head to toe before he announced, "You look lovely today atamanel."
She heard the whispers start around them once more, but paid them no mind as she blinked dumbly at the Prince, "I'm covered in fish guts."
Fili smirked, "You were lovely the first time we met too." Y/n stood straighter and wondered if he remembered their first meeting in Laketown. Her eyes went to some of the other familiar faces she had met that day and was met with friendly smiles but no recognition. Her eyes went back towards the Prince in front of her as she thought, 'He must be referring to our second meeting... But I-'
"I was covered in Orc blood," she finished her thought out loud as she regarded him incredulously. The Heir chuckled once more and mumbled in the Dwarrow's secret language, "Menu tessu atamanel." Y/n caught many of the Dwarrow grinning at her, causing her to frown, "I don't know what that means."
He grinned at her, and in leu of an answer, switched to common and dipped his head, "I hope we meet again soon."
He left Y/n unable to answer him, her eyes watching his party leave and go towards Sigrid's home in the Center of town. She heard the town's usual commotion start up around her but none knocked her out of her state of reverie until Sigrid elbowed her.
Turning towards her friend with widened eyes, she was immediately overcome with guilt, "Sigrid, I'm sorry I shouldn't have-"
Y/n was shocked to see Sig's excited grin as she gripped her upper arm and squealed, "What was that?! N/n were you flirting with the Crown Prince of Erebor?? In front of his Uncle, the King??"
Y/n never felt more like the dead fish on her cutting board than she did in that moment as she floundered, "I.... uh..."
She was cut off as Sigrid squealed once more, jumping up and down while she simultaneously shook her friend back and forth. Y/n could feel the blood drain from her face as her actions truly hit her when Sigrid continued, "Oh! I had no idea you two even met! You must tell me all about it!"
"What? No, I can't," Y/n denied.
Sigrid pouted at her, which her friend thought was adorable for the Crown Princess of Dale to do, "Why not? He was clearly smitten? I need the details! Please!"
"Sigrid, I can't," she tried again.
"Please? Was it in the Battle?"
"Sig-"
"You disappeared from Dale for hours, I had feared the worst. Were you really out with the Dwarves?" Sigrid pressed.
"Please Sig, please stop-"
"You know, I've met him as well? He's quite charming. Very handsome, I think he'd make for a find husband. I don't enjoy the short stature myself but more power to you-"
"Sigrid enough!" Y/n finally cut in. The two friends both stood in silence in the stall. Y/n could only be grateful that the market was back to its normal hustle and bustle to pay the pair no mind. The Princess of Dale stood as silent as stone, her eyes widened in shock. Overwhelmed, the fisherman's daughter sighed and with remorse hung her head as she spoke lowly, "I'm sorry Sig. I shouldn't have raised my voice at you like that... I just... I can't talk about meeting him, because he isn't mine to talk about."
"What are you saying? Speak plainly, please," her friend pleaded, and it felt like a knife in Y/n's heart when she heard it wobble.
Looking up towards Sigrid's blue eyes, she complied in a small voice, "You and Fili are engaged to be married."
"What?" Sig muttered taking a half step back. Y/n frowned as she admitted, "It really wasn't my place to tell you, and for that I am sorry but," she smiled at her friend and even though it was downcast she knew it was genuine, "I want you to be happy. And you are right, he seems like a fine dwarf, noble and true."
Sigrid stayed silent as she looked away from her friend, her face twisted in hurt. Without thinking of her bloodied hands, Y/n clasped her own around her friends, drawing Sig's eyes once more Y/n took a step closer as she mumbled lowly to Sigrid, "Please forgive me Sig. I should not have behaved in such a way with your betrothed in front of you."
Sigrid ignored her apologies as she scanned her face and asked, "Do you love him?"
Chuckling self-deprecatingly, the young woman answered, "It doesn't matter how I feel. What matter's is that you are happy. Besides, I've known you my whole life. I would rather have you in it than a chance with a Dwarf Prince that I barely know.... No matter how charming he may be."
Sigrid frowned, "That doesn't answer my question."
"He's a Crown Prince, and you are a Crown Princess. What am I? Just a fisherman's daughter," Y/n sighed, letting go of Sigrid's hands and frowning when she realized how dirty with grime she got them. Looking own at her humble yet dirty outfit, she backed away further before looking up at Sigrid who was scanning her face as her father had a month before. Y/n frowned when she saw her best friend's face harden into determination, "Sig?"
"Right, I cannot stand by and let this happen," the Princess said, mostly to herself as she marched away from their stall. Y/n could only watch with hurt and confusion, baffled by Sigrid's last sentence. With a long suffering sigh, the young woman just came to the conclusion that she had hurt her best friend. Casting her eyes round about the stall, she pursed her lips before starting to put her goods away, knowing that today her heart just wasn't in it.
Sigrid would normally count herself as a patient young woman who could be rather tactful when needed. but she had not the time, nor the energy to waste on anymore dallying, especially when her best friend's happiness was on the line.
Honestly, had Y/n come to her sooner of what she had known, Sigrid would have done something about it in a diplomatic way. But here she was, storming into her house, Bain and Tilda on her heels trying in vain to get her to slow down.
"Da's in a meeting," Bain had warned.
"It's very important, he said it's not to be interrupted," Tilda added breathlessly.
"Da can get over it," she grumbled before unceremoniously throwing open the doors to her Father's office and glaring at him, while the Royal Company stared at Bard's children with widened eyes.
Bard frowned at them as King Thorin rumbled, "What is the meaning of this?"
"I'm sorry Da, we tried to stop her," Bain panted.
"But she wouldn't listen," Tilda finished.
All eyes went back to the Crown Princess of Dale who was in turn, glowering at her father. Bard's brows furrowed as he questioned, "Sig, what are you doing?"
"Is it true?"
"Is what true?" Bard questioned, his eyes searching the Dwarrow around him who looked just as lost.
"That you and King Thorin have come to some agreement to form a stronger alliance by marriage of Crown Prince Fili and I?" Sigrid spoke clearly leaving her father to wince where he sat and Thorin to pale when Fili rounded on his Uncle and cried out, "What?!"
Thorin frowned and mumbled in Khuzdul, "This was before we knew of your One." Fili let out a low growl causing Thorin to raise his hand slightly from the hand rest and command lowly, "Be still, we will sort this out."
The Royal Dwarrow shared one last look before turning back to Bard and his eldest daughter who had made her way closer to the desk where Bard sat. The King of Dale tiredly sighed out, "Y/n told you-"
"Yes! Y/n told me! I wish she had told me sooner!" Sigrid voiced angrily, planting dirty hands on her pristine powder blue dress.
Bard eyed Sigrid stoically, "It wasn't her place to say anything. Nor was it her place to know."
Sigrid glared back defiantly as she spat, "And yet, one must wonder why she knew before me? And why she told me before my own father?" An awkward tense silence filled the office as the Company of Dwarves, and the two royals' respective Ones, watched the pair unsure how to break their stare down. It was only subdued when Bard sighed heavily and ran a hand down his face, "I thought it wise at the time... To warn her. She seemed... More attached than I anticipated."
Sigrid's eyes widened, her mouth moved to made a sound, but she stopped suddenly at the many eyes around them. With slight frustration, she turned back to her father and signed, "You knew?" The Dwarrows brows furrowed as they watched Bard's face turn to shock then frustration before he signed back, "Of course I knew! How did you know?" Kili frowned as he watched the two use some signs that looked similar to Iglishmêk, but was different. Turning to Tauriel and Bilbo, he asked, "What are they saying?"
The two watched and shook their heads, never having seen something like this from where they are from. All the while, Sigrid and Bard were talking aggressively with their hands.
The eldest daughter signed, "Fili and Y/n talked in the market, they were quite obvious I think."
Bard sighed and rolled his eyes, "What was she thinking? I told her to warn her what was to come. She should not have talked to him."
"Da, you can't seriously be thinking of going through with this? You wouldn't be making relations better, you'd be making it worse!" Sigrid argued. Huffing, Bard shook his head, "What else am I supposed to do? As much as I hate seeing N/n upset, I can't just hand her off to Prince Fili! His Uncle would see that as an insult!"
Sigrid's jaw dropped in shock before she growled and signed furiously in defense of her best friend, "Da, I can't believe you would say something like that about her! Prince Fili would be lucky to have her. Besides, you did not see the two of them, it was like there was no one else around them, truly."
Bard exhaled deeply, his brows furrowed with despair as he signed back resolutely, "I'm sorry Sig. I would love to see her happy too. But we can't put Dale in jeopardy to save her feelings."
Sigrid's glare only hardened, she had already made her mind to help her friend, she wouldn't fail now. Taking a step back, she dropped her hands down to her waist and finally announced to the crowd of Dwarrow, "Father, you know why I cannot go through with this."
Bard's eyes widened, "Sigrid, what are you-"
Ignoring him, Sigrid turned to Fili and bowed her head in greetings before saying, "My apologies Crown Prince of Erebor, for not greeting you or your kin sooner." Fili accepted it with a gracious dip of his head, and waited for the headstrong Princess to continue, "I hope I do not cause offense, but I will not go through with marrying you." The company began to mumble around them once more, wondering what the princess was up to as Bard warned, "Sigrid-"
She glared at him before turning her eyes once more to Fili and saying, "I cannot in good conscience marry you for I do not think we would make each other happy."
Fili smiled at her sadly, "No, I don't think we would."
Sigrid gave him a quirky upturn of her lips, "As much as I enjoy your company when you stayed with us in Laketown, I believe the only intentions we have for each other is friendship. Although I believe I will always cherish your guidance as a friend, I don't think it fair to doom ourselves to a loveless marriage."
"I couldn't agree more," Fili nodded diplomatically. Sigrid fought a grin, "However, should it appease both our kingdoms with a marriage of an alliance, might I suggest a possible candidate? You have already met her." Fili furrowed his brows wearily but nodded for her to continue, "Her name is Y/n, she is the one you were talking to in the Marketplace earlier."
At this, the entire room started with surprise, but Sigrid and Fili shared a grin as he nodded, "Aye, I know her. She saved my life."
"Would you be opposed to having her as your intended instead?" Sigrid questioned seriously even with the smile on her face.
"I find this to be agreeable," Fili spoke with a wide grin on his face. Sigrid hummed and folded her arms. Looking rather proud of herself she turned back to her father and announced, "Well, it seems we still have a wedding between our two people after all." Bard blinked in his shock before turning to Thorin and saying heavily, "Her lineage will not bother you? She is not of noble birth."
Thorin looked over to his nephews before saying cryptically, "When it comes to matters such as these, not even the most stubborn of Dwarrow will fight their union."
Kili and Fili beamed at their Uncle's approval. Even Tauriel, as quiet as the she-elf was around the company, blushed lightly at the praise of the Dwarven King.
Bard and his children weren't fully aware of the depths his words held, but Sigrid smiled sweetly at the notion. And hoped one day she too would find someone who looked at her the way Fili looked at Y/n.
Sulking.
She didn't do sulking.
There was no time for such trivial matters such as that anyhow. Sigrid and Fili's engagement would be announced soon enough no doubt. Which meant celebrations, which meant food, which meant meat. Lots and lots of meat.
So no, she wasn't sulking.
She was just resting...
On the docks...
By herself.
She huffed as she looked down at her reflection in the water. Kicking her grubby image with her worn boots, she watched her reflection ripple before settling once more. Her face twisted at the sight of herself, and her musing took a turn for the worst.
'Look at you, why would you think he would ever want you?'
'Even if you weren't a commoner, you are plain, even by Human standards. There are others who outshine you.'
'It's really quite sad, you've barely spoken to him and yet here you are. Wallowing.'
It was her last thought that made her straighten and glare down at herself defiantly. Y/n took in her wild hair, her e/c eyes, her queer sense of style as some would put it, and thought, 'That's right. It is quite sad. I am a daughter of a Fisherman. I have no title, no dowry, and I live by my father's trade. I don't wallow over fanciful flights of my heart.'
She ignored the sting that followed those thoughts as she took in the sight of her dirty hands, still covered in grime and blood that she knew also held callouses. She smiled, 'I am just Y/n, and there is nothing wrong with that.'
With an affirming nod, Y/n stood up when someone spoke behind her, "Hello."
The young woman let out a shriek of fright as she turned and jumped at the sight of the Dwarf Prince. Her eyes widened further, as did his, when she stumbled backwards. Too close to the edge as she was, she fell off the docks and into the chilled dark waters below.
When she resurfaced, his concern was plain to see as he stood near the edge and asked, "I do apologize, I didn't mean to frighten you. Are you alright?"
Y/n pushed her hair out of her face, unable to stop her mirth as she joked, "Yes, I meant to do that."
A twinkle of mischief sparkled in the young Dwarf's eyes, his mustache braids swaying as he smirked, "Really?" Swimming a little further from the docks, she nodded in all seriousness, "Oh aye, the water feels grand. You should join me."
Her heart skipped a beat when she heard his laugh. Despite the cool water chilling her skin, she felt warm all over. Sinking into the water just enough until the waterline hid her smile, she waded closer once more hoping to steal some more silent moments to gaze at her Dwarf.
Fili settled and looked down at her from above, his smile all soft and sweet. He tilted his head towards the docks after a moment and suggested, "Come up? There is something I wish to discuss with you."
Y/n didn't feel like she could trust her voice, so she simply nodded. When she was up, she crinkled her face at her sopping wet clothes that scratched with every uncomfortable step she took. Her boots squelched with each stride but she slowly made her way over to the Dwarven Prince that had plagued her thoughts the last five months since the Battle. Her eyes flitted up towards his shyly, finding that he was already watching her once more with that soft smile.
Her nerves made her eyes flit downward, her fists clenched by her side as the silence droned on between them. She shivered in slight discomfort when all she could feel was the heat of his gaze on her skin. So to spare herself from embarrassing herself further, she flicked her eyes towards him and inquired, "You wanted to speak to me?"
Fili didn't say anything for a moment, his eyes lingering on her face before shedding off his coat and offering it to her. Y/n furrowed her brows as she looked from the coat to Fili who only chuckled before walking over to her and handing it her, "Here, this should keep you warm."
Y/n felt her face flush with heat as she mumbled, "Oh.. Thank you." She accepted it with a shy smile, wrapping it around her shoulders and shuddering at the heat it provided. If she also secretly inhaled his scent of leather, oils, and fire it was neither here nor there. Fili watched her for a moment, hiding his own smile before they both turned outward towards the lake. Taking in a deep breath, he hooked his thumbs on the belt loop, and said conversationally, "Princess Sigrid came into our meeting today, much to our surprise."
Y/n's stature instantly went rigid, her face going neutral. Fili frowned at her immediate change, and could have sworn her eyes looked dejected although her voice had an air of aloofness, "Oh? Did she say what for?"
Fili studied her as he answered, "She told her father, in so many words, that she could not marry me."
Y/n hid her surprise well, any hope that sprung to her heart she immediately squashed as she turned to the Dwarf Prince beside her and responded evenly, "Really? Then what did she suggest?" At the Golden Prince's brows quirked, Y/n clarified, "I know Sig, we've grown up together. She's practically my sister, she would not have made such a statement if she didn't already have a counteroffer."
Y/n was rewarded with a warm chuckle that made her insides melt as he nodded, "You are right. She did make a different offer. But.... before I continue I do want you to know that you have no obligation to agree. Dale and Erebor can continue with their good relations without this... Alliance."
At the Prince's slightly worried tone, Y/n's own apprehension began to grow. Nodding for him to continue, Fili took in a deep breath before sitting down and patting the spot next to him. Y/n gravitated towards him without thinking, waiting for him to collect his thoughts for a moment. After a short pause, he took a deep breath and explained, "In Dwarrow culture, when one wishes to court another, we gift our intended three items that would be useful to them and show that we can protect, provide, and cherish them."
The young woman smiled at the thought, imagining what Fili would gift her if they lived in a different world where they could have worked out. Her eyes found Fili's blue ones as he continued, "Usually those gifts are more specific towards the one they are courting as well, so... to start off a courtship we ask to braid our bead into their hair."
Y/n's breath escaped her when Fili pulled a beautiful golden bead that had a rune she didn't recognize on it. He held out his palm as his eyes searched hers with fear and hopefulness mixed in them, "Would you, Y/n of Dale, allow me the honor of braiding my bead in your hair?"
Her chest heaved as she felt all her hopes and dreams within her hands reach, and yet she couldn't help but ask breathlessly, "Why me? Why not Sigrid?"
Fili smiled, even if fear was still visible as he confessed, "The moment I met you, there was no one else."
Y/n let out a shaky laugh as tears happily left her eyes as she joked, "You know I was joking about wanting more for saving your life. If this is out of pity-"
"It's not," Fili interrupted, his features turning more confident.
"Then yes," was her prompt reply, as her tears blurred her vision. She could see his countenance rival that of the Sun, and felt her own lips stretch into a grin as response, "I would be honored to wear your bead."
Fili sucked in a breath before, taking a section of her hair behind her ear and plaiting it into something that felt rather complicated to Y/n. At the end, he tied off her hair, and clasped his bead. His blue eyes once more searched her face, before he chuckled happily and brought her forehead down to touch it lightly with his mumbling something in Khuzdul that left her slightly confused but otherwise happy.
They stayed there for many hours talking quietly with one another, planning their next meeting. All the while, Y/n couldn't help but feel content, and feel that the future would hold nothing but great things.
Y/n paced the length of the room in her shared chambers with her Dwarf. The soft flowing material of her sleeves swished as she walked, her dominant hand making its way to her mouth to chew on her fingernails (a habit that Bilbo has been trying very hard for her to break). She grumbled angrily and wiped the tears that had not stopped falling since her talk with Tauriel and Bilbo just thirty minutes earlier.
Irritation bubbled skin deep as she thought of the pounding headache she'd have tomorrow just because she was crying. But of course, that was just one of her many problems. The other, being unsure of how to approach her husband of her fears.
Y/n was no fool, she knew that she needed to talk to her handsome Dwarf in order for this marriage to work. And despite her fears, she was unwilling to let Fili go just yet. So she had to hold onto the hope that maybe, just maybe Bilbo was right. That Fili did love her.
But that didn't stop the deep seeded fears that only spoke of her insecurities.
'He doesn't love you anymore.'
'He only married you to strengthen the alliance between our two kingdoms.'
'Fili will leave you, there is nothing you have to offer.'
Grumbling she pinched the bridge of her nose and told those thoughts to shut it. Her misery only stopped when the door opened and shut soundly.
Turning to see who it was, she was surprised to see none other than her Golden Dwarf looking at her with red rimmed eyes and a guilty expression. He barely even made eye contact with her, causing her browns to furrow before she sighed and slumped to the floor, "Bilbo told you didn't he?"
"Yes," was his quiet response. The awkward tension that filled the silence afterwards made both shift uncomfortably before she let out another sigh and patted the floor next to her, "Come, sit. I think we have some things to talk about."
She saw from her peripheral that he did so, although wearily before he sat down, not too close to her. He looked almost frightened, which soothed the ache in her own chest. Looking over at him she frowned, "What did I do wrong?"
Fili's head snapped over to her, his fear overtaken by pain, "What?"
"What did I do wrong?" She repeated before continuing, "You never look at me. Something has changed between us. We were fine during our courting, and then suddenly you couldn't bare to be near me when we got married." Her thoughts went to what Balin told her before their marriage and her heart broke silently, "Is it because I'm not your One?"
"What?" He repeated, his eyes widened in horror which seemed to confirm Y/n's worst fears. She felt her tears fall anew as she explained, "Balin told me about Ones, and what they mean to Dwarrow. Do you resent me? I know our marriage is one of alliance but-"
Fili's golden brows furrowed then, shaking his head, he reached for her hands and stopped her, "Hold on, atamanel, what do you mean you are not my One?"
Y/n frowned and tried to explain while her heart shattered once more, "Balin said that Ones for Dwarrow were a gift from your maker, Mahal, that when he carved your soul from the stone, he cleaved it in two before sending you down here."
"Yes, but Y/n, you are my One."
"What?" the Heir's Consort questioned now beyond confused. Fili shifted closer, "You are my One Y/n."
Furrowing her brows, she tried to wrap her mind around this revelation, "But... But how can I be? I'm not a Dwarf. I thought you could only have-"
Fili sighed in irritation as he glared at the fire, "It seems Balin didn't mention that we can sometimes find our Ones outside of our own race. That is why Uncle is married to Bilbo, and Kili to Tauriel." Y/n felt her face blanch as she sputtered, "Wh-what? But.... But Bard said our marriage was for-"
"An alliance? It probably would have been had the marriage agreement between Crown Princess Sigrid and I actually went through," he explained calmly, his posture finally seeming to relax. But only slightly, she had noted. Sighing, Y/n unknowingly pulled her hands away from Fili's causing him to frown up at his wife as she asked, "Why didn't Bard tell me?"
"I think... As far as King Bard knew, I did marry you to strengthen our alliance," Fili concluded quietly, "We are a secretive people, we don't let outsiders know of our culture. Unless they marry into it of course." Y/n glared at her husband, "Then why have you been ignoring me if I am your One?"
At his wince, her demeanor softened, but she waited for him as he gazed at the fire before saying in a broken voice, "Balin told me the day of our wedding that you thought our marriage was just for the alliance between our people. He also said that your people held no such beliefs. And it... hurt."
She sucked in a sharp breath, her face warped in pain as he continued, "As I told my Uncle earlier, I was tempted to stop the wedding there to free you from being tied to me if you didn't wish it, if you didn't really want me, but... I am a selfish Dwarf and I couldn't. So, I settled to just giving you space instead."
The stillness that enveloped them was full of misery. Y/n frowned before scooting closer, causing Fili to eye her as she took his hand and asked, "How did you know I was your One?"
Fili let out a bitter sounding chuckle, "When we first met, and I lay there dying... I saw you and for the first time in my life I felt complete. I felt whole. I just knew, that you were my other Half, and I prayed to Mahal to not take me yet because I had just found you. And I couldn't... I couldn't..."
His head hung as he quietly cried, fear that she would leave him. His actions towards her caused him to hide his face in shame. Y/n though, thought back to how she felt, and couldn't help the smile as she ran her hands through his hair. His eyes gravitated towards her, holding questions and fear, but they showed only shock as she laughed, "Oh, you dumb, handsome dwarf."
His head popped up in bafflement and insult, "Excuse me?"
He watched his wife laugh some more before she said with mirth in her eyes, "You are ridiculous. I wish you had explained to me what a One is, and how you felt. But then again... I should have also come to speak with you sooner than I did." Fili quirked a brow as his head fell to one side in question causing her to let out happy hum. Her hands continued to trail through his hair as she whispered conspiratorially, "I guess I should finally reveal my own secret. Our first meeting was not on Raven Hill."
His brows shot up, "What?"
"We met a few days prior, in Laketown. When Smaug was laying waste to it with fire," she revealed. He blinked before shaking his head, "No, I would have remembered."
"Love, you were busy fighting Orcs, and trying to lead your company to safety, and then you fought in a Battle and almost...." She choked on the last word but pressed on with a lilt in her voice as she joked, "I doubt you would remember the girl who saved you from an Orc, you barely even looked at me then."
Fili blinked as he searched his memories of that night. The event she spoke of sparked recognition, but the face of the young woman wasn't all that clear. 'All this time, it was Y/n?' he wondered. When his blue-eyed gaze returned to her she beamed at him as she disclosed, "That night that we ran into each other, it felt like my world shifted, and I couldn't stop thinking about you as My Dwarf. When the Battle came and I saw some of the same faces the day we met, but not yours, I followed and found your brother causing a racket trying to leave so that he could find you. I volunteered to go search for Prince Fili, and they gave me a description... but I really was trying to find you. I wanted to make sure my Dwarf was safe."
Fili blinked in disbelief and slight confusion, "If you knew who I was, why did you ask for my name?"
Y/n felt her face warm in embarrassment as she confessed, "It hadn't clicked that you were one and the same until your said your name."
Fili felt his jaw drop slightly before he laughed for the first time since their courtship began. His mirth was contagious, as she soon joined him, leaning against his solid form as they held each other. Fili felt his eyes sting once more as he asked wetly, "We are fools aren't we?"
Y/n stilled, her smile turning bittersweet, "Yes, we are."
"We could have avoided all this heartache sooner had we talked," Fili observed.
His wife only hummed as she watched him. With a frown, he turned his head and asked, "Can you ever forgive me?"
Y/n was silent for a beat longer than Fili was comfortable with causing him to squirm where he sat. Her (e/c) eyes pierced him in his spot as she said, "We will have to learn to talk to each other in the future."
"Yes," he readily agreed.
"If one of us feels uncomfortable, we need to voice it from now on, no more walking on eggshells around each other," she stated firmly.
He nodded, "Of course."
She still remained tense as she asked, "When do you need to go back to your duties?"
"Uncle gave me a few days, but if you need space, or time to think I can leave you be," Fili offered with a frown.
"Do you think he will give you a week or so if you asked?" Y/n asked surprising him. Furrowing his brows he shrugged, "He might, why do you ask?"
His eyes widened as his wife crawled onto his lap, and planted herself there, her smirk turning seductive as she suggested, "I've been wanting to make you an Adad Fi, and we never had a proper wedding night." His initial shock gone, Fili felt his grin stretch his face as one hand held his wife's hips firmly and the other tugged her down to meet his lips soundly. Their passion fueling the other before they separated with a loud smack as Fili said breathlessly, "I think we can arrange that."
A/N: Yeah!! Finally done!! So, I'm not gonna lie, I was thinking this needed just one more part. But I would like to see where you guys wanted this to go, I'm not sure I will do a smut as I suck at that, but I can allude to it. Or maybe some interactions with the other Dwarrow in the company? Or if there are other ways you want this to go, please comment below. And if you feel so inclined, leave a like, it would mean a lot. Thank you. :3
Summary: Thorin Oakenshield and his nephews have survived the Battle of the Five Armies. Repairs to the mountain being done, all that's left is to make repairs with their neighbors.
*Side note*: Picture above of the dress is just supposed to be inspo of what the reader is wearing, the skin color is not the main focus or in any way trying to set a bias of skin color for the reader to have. I just saw the dress, and thought it was pretty, and I suck at describing clothes.😅 Anyways, I'll stop rambling now and get on with this story. 😜
PT. 1, Pt. 2
There was no way that Fili could go to his happily married brother or Uncle when it came to the matters of his own marriage. He could only imagine that they would continue to wax on beautiful sonnets or romantic poetry or songs about their precious Ones.
Really, Fili thought, they were lucky that their Ones were found in a race that held similar beliefs as Dwarrows when it came to destined partners. Like Dwarrow, Hobbits had what they called Homes, their partners in life where they could find all the comforts in and build their own family with. Elves, didn't really have destined partners, but they only loved once in their long life, which is one thing they had in common with the Dwarves (as begrudging as some may find that information to be).
But Humans held no such beliefs, and had no destined partners. Their hearts were fickle, and love not as steadfast. And it just so happened that Fili's One was a Daughter of Man.
He could remember the first time he met her, for who could forget the first time they met their One? Fili had just been stabbed through the chest by Azog and dropped from the tower, left for dead. It stung every now and then just thinking that for those long agonizing moments, when everyone thought him dead, that no one had bothered to stay and mourn for him. If they had, they would have known he was actually alive and very scared.
The only comfort he could draw from as he felt himself drawing his last breaths was that at least Kili had Tauriel, and his Uncle had Bilbo.
But it was a little comfort if he were honest with himself.
He was watching the eagles up ahead pass by him, and he thought, surely he was a dead dwarf, when suddenly a young Maiden came running up the Raven Hill. She had a fisherman spear, and she was caked with black blood, her eyes wild as she scanned the frozen landscape. She wasn't in battle armor, just simple pants and a dark shirt and heavy coat. Her hair had been pulled away from her face but it seemed in the heat of battle, her tresses of (h/c) hair fell around her face. Fili let out a strangled gasp as his eyes found hers and for once in his life, he felt complete. And then the panic set in.
"Please Mahal, please don't be cruel. I just found her, please don't let me leave her," Fili prayed fervently in his head, hoping with all his might that his Maker would not do him this injustice.
Her (e/c) eyes met his, and widened a fraction, before she ran swiftly, dropping to her knees as soon as she reached him. Her eyes had scanned his form, assessing the damage, as she dropped her spear by her side and shifted the pack that he hadn't noticed by her side. Bringing it towards the front, she brought out bandages before divesting him of his armor gently and ripping his shirt. Fili grunted as he tried to speak, but his heavy-ladened tongue had refused to work. Her eyes had snapped towards his face, her hands still busy with working on his bandages as she said calmly, "I'm sorry Master Dwarf, I will work quickly."
He could only breathe heavily in response as he watched her work. It hurt, but not as much as could have been though. She had a steady hand, he had thought as she had finished tying off the bandage on his chest. She let out a relieved huff as she gave him a small smile, "You are in luck Master Dwarf, if the wound was five inches to the left, he would have pierced your heart."
Fili felt his lips twitch despite himself as he asked quietly, "Wh..... Who.. Are... Y-you?"
She shifted closer and cradled his head, stroking his hair, "Shh, save your strength. We still need to get you to the healers. Does it hurt anywhere else?"
Fili shook his head minutely before he clutched her wrist gently, his eyes reflecting his deep need of wanting to know her name. It seemed that his message was conveyed as her shoulders slumped slightly before saying, "My name is (Y/n), of Laketown.... Er... Dale."
The Heir of Erebor did manage a smile this time as he repeated, "Y/n." He would later chalk it to blood loss to hearing her hitch in breath, but in the moment he had assumed that she had felt what he did. That she knew he was hers, as she was his.
Fili took in a few deep breaths before introducing himself, "I am.. Fili... Durin."
He didn't imagine her eyes widen, or the way her eyes once more scanned him, before landing on his golden hair. She quickly removed her hands and awkwardly bowed, "I'm so sorry Your Majesty. Forgive my impertinence." Fili frowned but said nothing waiting for her to continue. He could only watch with confusion as she took off her coat and wrapped him up in it to keep him warm as she smiled down at him, "I hope it brings you comfort in knowing that your Brother and Uncle are alive and have made it to the healers tent to be treated. I was sent up here by Oin to find you to be honest."
Fili felt very conflicted in that moment, once again feeling hurt that no one in the company had bothered to find him themselves, but happy that he had met his One because of it.
He frowned, "Alive... Or de-dead?"
It seemed his response had shocked her into silence for a few minutes before she frowned and settled her hand back in his hair. Fili felt himself relax further into her lap at the delicate fingers detangling his hair. With a heavy sigh she responded, "I believe they assumed the worst." Fili huffed and turned his head away to look up at the damned tower he almost died from.
"But," she began, causing him to turn his attention back to her, "I have no doubt they will be happy to know you have survived. Your brother... He was most distraught. He had to have most of the Dwarves in your company hold him down even though he himself was severely injured. He was ready to march right back up here to find you. That is why, I think none of them are here now, they are helping Oin calm him and help in any way they can. I just volunteered to help, I know what it's like to lose family.."
Fili frowned and opened his mouth to speak but she once again hushed him gently. Before saying, "Let's get you to your people Your Majesty."
"How? The eagles.... The eagles have already passed?" Fili asked heavily, the tiredness beginning to settle in. Y/n just grinned down at him in response before putting her thumb and index finger in her mouth letting out a loud whistle.
It was quiet for a moment before he heard galloping footsteps coming towards them. The prince let out a quiet chuckle at the black stallion with white hair on its hooves. It had to have been the biggest horse he had ever seen, with muscles built sturdy and strong. It slowed to a trot before stopping at their side. Y/n gave a few pats to the stallions side before looking down at Fili, "Do you think you can move?"
With a nod, the two struggled to make their way onto the back of the tall stallion before successfully getting on. Fili was in front and was held close to his One's chest, while she steadied his form behind him. As they made their descent down the mountain side she said calmly, "Try to stay awake, we will be there soon."
He wanted to affirm, he didn't want to cause her strife, but Fili felt his consciousness slipping away. And for a moment, all the aches and pains in his body also vanished, and he knew he really was a dead dwarf. So instead, he kept his last thoughts on his One, he was at least grateful to have met her before returning to the Stones.
When he woke up, he was surprised to find that it was in a warm room, and a large bed covered in furs. His hair had been unbraided, his beads, he found on the bedside resting in a silver tin. His mother was asleep in a chair by his side, his brother curled up at the foot of his bed. He sat up with a grunt, and closed his eyes to keep his vision from swimming and stomach from churning.
Oin had walked in then, his back towards them as he closed the door. But when he turned holding a tray of what Fili assumed was medicine, bandages and soup, he dropped it causing the contents to crash and echo across the room.
Kili shot up like a scared Pebble. Dis had also jumped up, both looking frantically as Oin called out, "By my beard!! It's a blessing from Mahal!! Fili has awoken!!"
"Fili!" Kili had cried as he launched himself further towards his brother and hugged him.
"Don't kill him Kili! I just got my son back!" Dis angrily cried as she thumped the back of her youngest's head. Oin in the back seemed to have gotten out of his stupor as he called out and ran out the door, "I must let Thorin know! The Heir is awake! The Heir is awake!" Fili heard the commotion of the mountain going on beyond the doors, but only focused on his brother who was pulled away, and his mother, who seemed to have set her mind to breaking his ribs again by hugging him.
He listened as his mother scolded him for scaring her like that, he listened as Kili filled him in on all of the things he had missed since he had been asleep. Fili tolerated all the poking and prodding that happened when Oin came back with the original company, plus Tauriel. He was surprised to see her, and even more surprised to find that she was welcomed, but after learning all she had done and sacrificed for his brother it made more sense.
So he smiled at her, and welcomed her to the family. And he listened, all the while, his mind was on the girl who saved him, his One.
It was Bilbo who asked if he was okay, noting that he seemed to be dazing off during their reunion. Thorin immediately turned his steely blue eyes on his nephew, as did everyone else, but the silence finally gave Fili a chance to ask, "Where is Y/n?"
"Who?" Kili immediately asked and the company began to mutter one to another.
Fili frowned and turned his eyes to Oin, "The girl who brought me to the healers' tent."
The old dwarf furrowed his brows in thought before they shot upwards as he loudly exclaimed, "Ah! One of the fisherman's daughters? Aye, she is in Dale last I heard, taking up her late father's profession. It's a damn shame I tell you, she helped me fix ye right up. She's got a steady hand, and keen eyes. Would make a fine healer."
Thorin's deep timber voice washed over them as he watched his nephew closely and questioned, "Why do you ask?"
Fili flitted his eyes nervously, shifting where he sat he answered, "She's my One."
It was quiet for a long moment before Thorin and Bilbo exchanged looks, and Fili wondered as he watched if he and his own One would someday have secret conversations with just their eyes, before Thorin turned back to Fili. He flinched and sat straighter as his Uncle pinned him with a look before saying, "We were already talking to Bard about setting up an alliance somehow between our people, a marriage between Erebor and Dale that will forge stronger bonds. Perhaps, Bard will agree to these terms."
Fili let out a breath he didn't know he was holding until then, as cheers once more rang around the room. His Uncle came and lightly touched foreheads before muttering his congratulations in Khuzdul. He received the same from most of everyone in the room, except from Tauriel and Bilbo. Bilbo had hugged him tightly, sniffling after a moment. Tauriel bent her head and held her hand above her heart as she spoke Sindarian before looking at him and translating the blessing of a long life filled with only love and happiness
Surrounded by family, he smiled and felt that Tauriel's blessing was surely already coming to pass. And he felt that way all throughout his courtship of his One.
It wasn't until Balin, who was visibly distraught, had pulled him aside on Fili's wedding day, did the heir finally learn that Y/n had no idea that she was Fili's One. That she thought this a political marriage, and that she undoubtedly did not feel as strongly as he.
It really wasn't fair, for him to live only to have his One not love him. But, the hearts of men were fickle, and he couldn't rely on hers. So he suffered in silence, and didn't go to his brother or Uncle when it came to the matters of his marriage. He just hoped one day, he could win her affection.
Y/n sighed forlornly next to her fellow consorts, Bilbo and Tauriel. They were very pleasant, and all around very welcoming. She found learning from them easier than Ori or Balin who looked at her in a certain way that made her feel.... Well not very welcomed. Oh, don't get her wrong, they were very nice, but there was something they weren't telling her. And it was keeping them from getting too close to her.
As she absent-mindedly crocheted the blanket on her lap, her mind wandered to her Dwarven husband. Y/n could feel her face warm as the memory of golden hair and startling blue eyes entered her mind. Many would compare his eyes to gems, and she could not deny that they did hold some similarities, but it was not what his eyes were like to her. She found that his eyes reminded her of a brook she and her father had been passed one time years ago. It was clear, and strikingly blue, and mesmerizing. Just like Fili.
When another sigh escaped her, she heard a chuckle causing her to look up at the two consorts who were also working on their own projects. Tauriel was also working on a blanket, her stomach slightly round with child, her bump having just been visible to them caused many in Erebor to celebrate (even if she is an elf).
Bilbo put down his quill, he had been working on a book to gift to his and Thorin's soon-to-be son Frodo. He was well and truly Bilbo's cousins child, but they died in an unfortunate accident and Bilbo had been named godfather prior to these events. It was truly a wonder that Bilbo wasn't out of the mountain and halfway to the Shire by now. But wherever the Consort goes, so does the King, and where the King goes, twelve other Dwarrow tend to follow and those twelve Dwarrow happen to be key parts on keeping the kingdom running smoothly. So Gandalf the Wandering Wizard, Legolas Greenleaf, Dis, and some Took relatives of Bilbo's had decided to make the journey for them to ensure the fauntling would make it safely to his new home in Erebor.
Bilbo smiled at Y/n as he inquired, "Are you quite alright dear?"
"Is that pattern giving you a hard time too? I could give you some tips if you like?" Tauriel asked with a pleasant smile on her face.
Y/n just blinked at the pair, feeling a sharp rod of envy stoke the fires in her heart. She could feel the familiar sting of tears well in her eyes, but she fought them back biting her lip before she bursted into tears. Their pleasant countenance quickly melted into one of worry as they watched the young Human girl break in front of them. She wiped the tears away fiercely but more cascaded down, leaving tracks in their wake.
"Oh dear," Bilbo fretted as he stood up quickly and grabbed a nearby handkerchief to help the poor girl. As he began to pat her back he looked at Tauriel and instructed, "Could you get us some tea and cakes dear? And don't be afraid to add a couple drops of whiskey into hers would you?" Tauriel nodded and wordlessly got up to complete her task. All the while Bilbo did his best to calm the young girl in his arms.
After a long moment, Y/n began to settle, an occasional hitch would stutter her breathing but other than that she was fine. She listlessly went with the two when they directed her to sit on the couch, each of them on either side of her. Leaning her head against Tauriel's shoulders, she clutched Bilbo's hand as they watched the fire for a moment before the Hobbit asked, "Now what's this all about?"
She sat up when the elf maiden grabbed her tea and thanked her, bringing the warm liquid to her lips. Pursing her lips, she swallowed and set the cup back down before saying to lap, "I cannot help but envy you both, and it makes me feel horrible."
"What? Why?" Bilbo questioned.
Y/n sighed, "Because you both seem so happy. You two are about to start a family with your husbands, and I.... I can't even get Fili to stay in the same room as me."
"What?" It was Tauriel who spoke this time, seemingly shocked, but both were downright appalled by Y/n's next sentence, "I think he hates me."
"No, that is absolutely not true, Fili loves you," Bilbo argued. But Y/n wouldn't hear of it as she shook her head and challenged, "Then why does he always ignore me?"
Y/n quirked her brows when Bilbo looked up and mumbled, "Yavannah save me from the senselessness of the Durin Line," turning back to the young girl he grumbled, "Look, as someone who has also courted one from the Durin line let me tell you that their stubborness exceeds that beyond a normal Dwarf. Even Kili is not immune to it."
Tauriel nodded sagely, "Yes, the reality is, our love should have been doomed from the start. An Elf and Dwarf? It should not have happened." Y/n's eyes widened and the two older beings next to her were reminded just how young she really was, "Really?"
"Yes, had it not been Kili's stubbornness to talk to me anyways, I would still be Captain of the Guard, and still think ill of my new family," Tauriel ended with a touch of sadness as if the thought broke some part of her. Y/n sat quietly for a moment before turning to Bilbo, "What about you?"
Bilbo huffed in irritation, "Well, let's just say Thorin was not as charming as I know him to be. He was actually quite rude, insulted me in my own home. But, once we talked after everything was over... He told me that he was scared to love me, of what that meant. Although marrying outside of their own does happen, for him to be a royal and ruler scared him of what others would think."
"What changed?" Y/n asked.
There was a pregnant pause before Bilbo answered, "He said he didn't care what anyone thought anymore, he just knew he couldn't go another day without me by his side." Y/n frowned down at her hands looking at the simple golden band on her ring finger before turning back to Bilbo, "I don't know why Fili is being an idiot, but trust me, he loves you."
Y/n could only nod before standing up and saying, "I think I'll go lie down for a moment."
"Of course dear, let us know if you need anything."
Fili was with his Uncle and brother when two angry Consorts made their way into Thorin's office.
All three Durin's turned and began to smile but had taken a half a step back from Thorin's desk when they noticed how angry Tauriel looked and Bilbo... Well Uncle Bilbo looked downright murderous.
He stopped in front of the desk, Thorin looked visibly scared as he asked, "What did I do now Ghivashel?"
Bilbo waved him off, "Nothing love, you have been absolutely perfect." Thorin let out a relieved sigh, Bilbo then adding, "Kili, you are doing outstanding if all that Tauriel says is true." Another sigh soon followed Thorin's.
Fili frowned as he felt all eyes then turn to him, his own scanning the room. Two sets were just as confused as he was, and two could have set him on fire where he was standing.
"What did I do?" Fili asked uncharacteristically timid.
"It's not what you did, it's what you didn't do, brother," Tauriel spat with a coldness that rivaled King Thranduil. Fili shivered in fright before turning to his Uncle Bilbo for more clarification. Bilbo crossed his arms and thumped his foot heavily, his glare turning darker the longer he stared at Fili.
Finally he answered, "You've been neglecting your One Fili."
"What?!" Kili shouted in outrage, his eyes searching his tall wife's before they went back to his brother, "You wouldn't. Tell me they're joking Fi, you'd never do that." When Fili didn't deny the claims, Fili could feel his brother's betrayal as he took a step away. Thorin was calmer, but he didn't look any happier as Bilbo went on, "She admitted as much, in tears Fili. She has been very distraught for who knows how long." Fili felt his own eyes well with tears, but refused to let them fall, instead, he looked away and towards the floor.
Thorin's frown grew deeper as he admitted, "I had hoped Fili, that by seeing the faults in how I handled my relationship with my One you would have learned and done better." Shame sat heavily on his shoulders, and his breathing became deeper.
"Why?" was all his Uncle had to ask before the dam broke and he whirled around and finally admitted it all, "Because she does not love me! Not in the way a One should! Balin told me right before our wedding that Humans do not have Ones, they don't believe in predestined partners! They scoff at the very idea of it! And Y/n.... Y/n only thought this a political marriage.... Now I feel as though I have trapped her here, and I hate myself for it, but I can't let her go either!"
Taking a deep breath, Fili pressed on, "Do you know how scared I was on Ravenhill? I was all alone, and dying, damn it all, I think all of you thought I was already dead! And yet no one came back, no one came to mourn for me, even the Eagles passed me by, I watched them go. And all I could think was that I would die cold, and alone."
The room was silent as he chuckled hysterically, scrubbing his face with his hands before saying with a brilliant smile, "But then, out of nowhere came this beautiful creature, covered in Orc blood, and she held me in her arms. She kept me alive by taking off her own coat to keep me warm... From the first moment I laid eyes on her, I knew she was my One." The silence seemed to be ringing all around them and the tension eased out of Fili's shoulders. Quietly, he ended, "When Balin told me she had no concept of what a One meant, it felt like I died on that damn hill all over again. I almost called off the entire wedding, but... I just knew... If I let her go I would surely die." He heard his brother let out a strangled noise but continued on, "So I'm keeping her by my side so that I can be here for you all, and for her... Even if she does not want me."
The silence continued longer than Fili was comfortable with before he was suddenly tackled in a familiar pair of arms. Fili huffed and wrapped his own around his brother's but was further surprised when Thorin joined in, and then Tauriel and Bilbo. Surrounded by family once more, Fili didn't stop the tears this time as they spilled down his face. When they pulled away Bilbo was also crying, sniffling he grumbled, "You Durin boys are so pigheaded sometimes." The Hobbit got three huffs for his comment which caused him to chuckle before he turned serious as he advised, "Fili my sweet boy, please just talk to her. I think... I think she feels stronger for you than you realize."
Fili frowned, doubt already weighed down his hopes long before, but he gave a curt nod and turned to Thorin who just jerked his head to the door, "Go now, take some time. The mountain will survive without you for a few days."
Fili nodded and made his way towards his shared chambers with his wife. All the while, his heart thundered heavily in his chest as he felt that this might be just the beginning.
Pt. 2
Hey-yo! So I decided to break this into two parts, it could go longer, who knows. It was originally going to be just a one shot but this felt like a natural place to stop and I started to have more ideas on where to go with it. So yeah, I will be back with part two so, as to not keep anyone waiting. I hope you guys enjoyed it, more fluff in the next part too I promise!!
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