You have no idea how long I've been trying to finish this!

Once again, long story is long, sorry. It escaped my control XD

I separated in two chapters only in an attempt to make the reading more comfortable, but this is complete. It's AU because I needed them to survive the final battle. I don't care what Tolkien thought, Fili should have been king .

A little summary of the khudzul words I used:

Atkâtel – silence of all silences. (not exactly the word I was looking for, but it was all I could find that approached the meaning of silence)

Ûrzud – sun

Gimil – stars (yes, in the plural, the singular is Gimli)

Ûrzud-Melhekh – Sun-King (but this was me joining the words for sun and king to fit the title)

Please, enjoy :)

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The Sun-King Under the Mountain

Part I – The Rising Sun

Kili had always thought that Fili was like his personal sun.

Ever since he was little - as far as his mind could pull memories - there had been wild blond hair at the edge of his bed when he woke up and when he laid down to sleep at night. Sunrise and sunset. And as soon as he would be up and about, Kili would follow around his brother's steps, always basking himself under the golden rays of his words and moods and smiles. As a child, he used to think that Fili had this light about him. Why else wouldn't he be afraid of the dark when his brother was in the room? Or why would he only get lost when he couldn't see him?

After he grew up, he learned that Fili didn't properly shine. But that didn't diminish his role as sun, at all. Because Kili's days were only bright when they were together and he could feel his brother's warmth, even if they were not touching. There was a heat that emanated from Fili that could keep Kili warm even during the harshest winters.

People often pegged their team dynamics as Kili being the mad, hyperactive younger brother, and Fili being the calm, responsible older brother. But that was only because people never go to see them in action – pulling a prank, that is – people didn't see the mischief in deep blue eyes when Fili had brilliant ideas such as making holes on ale barrels before feats started. They also didn't see how hard the blond would laugh afterwards. Most of their crazy songs

When Fili laughed, it was as if his… sun characteristics, were maximized. The whole room would become brighter and Kili's heart would beat faster just because they would be facing each other. During these moments, Kili felt like he never wanted to be out of his brother's sight.

As elvish as it may sound, he often felt like a growing plant when it came to Fili. Just like plants shifted their leaves and trunks to get more sunlight, Kili was always doing whatever he could to be under his brother's light. During the night there was no light to guide his moves, but he knew where Fili was sleeping so it was all right. Sometimes, no matter how old he was, he would find an excuse to share a bed, and in the morning was like waking up wrapped around the sun itself – and when he noticed their legs entwined and strong arms holding him close in the first hours of the day, then he could pretend he was just as important to Fili as Fili was to him.

Kili knew he was very important to his brother, of course. He knew how privileged he was to get exclusive attention most of the time, always being the first Fili looked for when he wanted to pull a prank or tell a joke or yell off the day's stress. Still, as he grew up and became more and more greedy of his private sun, the knowledge that someday Fili would undoubtedly direct his rays upon someone else became a dark cloud on the horizon, blocking his sunlight. So, for a while a tried to live without it, that constant warm presence.

If you look too much directly to the sun you might get blind. Kili had never listened to it, until the day he forced himself to say no to Thorin's offer to accompany them to a dwarf meeting down south. Fili had promptly said yes, but as much as he wanted to go, Kili said he preferred to follow Dwalin instead, to a survey party north of the Blue Mountains. There had been wondering glances, but none of the older dwarves pressed the matter much, assuming Kili was just… well, being Kili.

When the two of them were left alone, however, Fili crossed his arms and looked at him with those damn eyes that could see right through him.

"Why don't you want to go with Uncle?"

"I've been south before, but I've never travelled north. Seems like a good opportunity." Kili turned to prepare his pack, avoiding looking into blue eyes.

"Why don't you want to go with me?"

Of course. Of course that Fili would see. But Kili pressed on with the lie. He turned and gave whatever big smile he could. "Nonsense! It's nothing to do with you. Besides, this dwarf meeting sounds like it will be all politics and no fun at all."

There was a tense moment in which they stared at each other before Fili turned to prepare his own pack. "Most likely yes, since you won't be there with me."

His voice had been a mixture of anger and hurt, and they did not speak for almost a month, joining on different quests.

It had been simply the worst month of Kili's life. He was stuck with a bunch of moody dwarves that had no sense of humor to speak of, and he was deprived of the thing that illuminated his days. Kili had become blind in a sense, because he had spent so much time looking at Fili that now he couldn't see anything else.

During that awful month he tried to laugh with others, to listen to them or even appreciate how handsome other dwarves could be. Yet nothing compared. Everything paled before Fili. And that was the first time Kili realized how deep in trouble he was. Because it is acceptable to miss badly one's brother to some point. Kili is sure that the constant heartache and having completely improper dreams are way past that point. He has no idea how he had managed to keep his despair hidden from Dwalin.

The only thing that managed to calm him down, was Fili, of course. Who else?

When their little party returned to Ered Luin, Kili thought he was going to burst with relief. They had been spotted coming from the valley and there was a small gathering waiting for them on the gates. Fili was there. Fili, his sun, was there waiting for him.

Their unpleasantness long forgotten, Kili launched himself upon his brother when finally – finally – reached the gates and Fili laughed along with him. Everything was fine. Kili was in love with his own brother but it was fine, as long as he could be around his golden glow.

Living with the fact that he was sick in the mind and heart had been hard, but Kili had the memory of that month in his mind, always reminding how much worse the other option was. At any rate, Fili seemed completely content with being always by his side, so they moved on, always together. They hunted together, forged together, went on quests together.

When Thorin called upon them they answered together, and more than once Kili needed the reassuring glow of Fili-sun to know that he still alive and that's where he is supposed to go. This is especially true after the bloody dragon is gone and they have to defend Erebor against orcs and goblins.

xxx

The battle was as bloody as it had been expected, and when Thorin fell, Kili decided to make it even more bloodier, slashing with double fury - periodic looks at his brother told him the Fili felt exactly the same way, his double swords dripping with the black fluids that run inside orcs and gobblins. They fought through the night, compelled by vengeance. For the first time Kili thought he could understand the dark feelings that had driven his uncle to reclaim the mountain. As the sky began to change colors, however, it was when he truly comprehended what meant actually winning the war.

They had won, by the time the stars began to disappear to the light grey of dawn. There barely was an enemy standing, and most of his friends and allies were simply finishing a life or saying their good-byes to lost ones. Kili's eyes searched the battlefield, looking for his brother, for they had been separated during the last two hours. He found his cousins, instead, surrounded by Dain and a group of other dwarves, they were all watching something - they were watching Fili fighting against a gobblin and an orc at the same time. Worry and adrenaline immediately fueled his veins, as he ran towards the blond. What were Dwalin and the others thinking?! Letting him fight two enemies alone?! Didn't they know who their leader was now, that the Oakenshield was broken?

However, as he passed by their side to get to his brother's side, both Gloin and Balin held him in place.

"Let me go!"

"No. You must stay and watch!" Oin answered, joining the other two at keeping him from joining Fili.

In the end, Dwalin came to the struggle as well, his height and weight towering Kili and stopping him.

"What are you doing?! My brother is there fighting alone!" he panted, trying to release himself from the bald dwarf's grip.

"We know, lad. But it's not just your brother there anymore." Dwalin said, and leaned his head down "Fili is King Under the Mountain, now. But he is a young king, he has to gain the other's respect. Dain and all the other dwarves here today must see that he is worthy of building Erebor back together."

"Of course he is worthy!" Kili screamed, yet didn't move, resigning to simply watch his brother show his mighty as the dawn rose, his heart hammering against his chest. He had never left Fili unaided, never.

More and more dwarves joined them to watch. Elves and Men, too, had their eyes turned to the last spot of fighting where the new dwarven king proved his value to all who wanted to see. And what value! Fili battled as though moved by Mahal himself, slashing, cutting, beating - fury pouring from his blue eyes, usually so serene. Did he know what was happening? Kili wondered. Did Fili know he was displaying his birthright to his race? His brother seemed completely unaware of anything that wasn't his foes movements - just as it should be, totally focused on staying alive.

Then, almost as if it had been rehearsed, it was over. The sun's first rays appeared on the east, casting light upon Fili's golden hair in the exact moment he slashed the gobblin's throat and crossed the orc's chest with his sword. The battlefield was taken by silence as sunrise shone over the furious new king thriving upon his foes on the first day of a new age. Kili had been stone-like during the whole thing, his breath coming out constrained. It was only when Fili was done and turned to the crowd, searching for him that he felt like moving again. He knew his brother no longer could let out the usual relieved sigh and happy grin after a battle, but Kili saw it in his eyes - and royal stance be damned. That was Fili, his brother and king - his sun - still alive and shinning in glory under the first morning's lights, worthy of the stuff of legend and myth.

Kili pushed past Dwalin and Gloin and finally ran to his brother. Fili ran to him too, apparently allowing them a last undignified moment before they had to rule the mountain. They were dirty, and both stank of orc and gobblin blood - it didn't matter. It was Fili's scent that invaded his senses, his familiar warmth that engulfed him along with those familiar strong arms. They held each other tightly, not wanting to let go.

"It's over, Kili. Over." his brother whispered in his hair, and he understood many things that were left unsaid in the wavering of his voice. I was afraid for you and Thorin has fallen and I don't know if I can do this.

He is not sure how he finds it in himself to do so, except that his brother needs this and Kili would do anything to help him keep going. So he parts just a bit, his arms still gripping Fili's shoulder, and he manages to smile despite the grief of their loss. "It's just the beginning, brother. And I will help you do it."

They look into each other's eyes, brown on blue and Kili is amazed at how beautiful Fili is even covered in mud and blood. "Do you think I can lead our people?"

Kili's smiles becomes only a little brighter, because this is something he has known for many years now. "I am sure of it. Come, brother. You must be saluted by our people."

He didn't wait for Fili's response, this moment was not theirs, despite how much Kili wanted to tuck his brother and be just with him for a very long time until he was sure they had both survived it all. Instead, Kili stepped aside, pulling Fili along with him and grabbing his wrist.

He raised his brother's fist in front of dwarves and elves and men, pulling as much air from his lungs as he could. This was it. This was the moment he was about to give up on Fili, but Thorin had given up on his own life so Kili doesn't think he has the right to complain. He just yells then, because if he is going to lose his brother it's going to be in style.

"All hail! HAIL! Fili, Sun-King Under The Mountain!"

There was silence at first, so he yelled again. They would acknowledge their new king whether they wanted or not.

"FILI, SUN-KING UNDER THE MOUNTAIN!"

Their cousins were the first to say it back, then the rest of the company and Dain until every single dwarf on the battlefield had acknowledged their new monarch, the Sun-King's name echoing through the battlefield.

xxx

"Send word to Lord Elrond. He was kind to our people once, we must not forget that." Fili said from his throne to the six envoys he had ordered Balin to prepare "You will take the first ax and sword that were forged in this new Erebor, as well as this letter I have written, to show our gratitude. Travel fast and may Mahal be with you."

"As the Sun-King commands." They answered with a respectful bow before they turned and left.

Then Fili leaned to the side opposite where Kili was standing by the side of his throne, whispered something to Gimli, who was now serving as a young herald to the royal office. Their red haired cousin took a few steps forward to make an announcement to the remaining dwarves that wanted an audience with the king.

"The Sun-King will now retreat with the royal council." Gimli's young baritone voice echoed.

Immediately Fili rose, being followed by Kili, Dwalin, Oin, Gloin, Bifur and Gimli. As they passed, the dwarves bowed and whispered in greeting, something like awe in their voices.

"My king."

"Sun-King."

"Ûrzud-Melhekh."

Kili thought nothing in particular of the fact that people were actually calling Fili the Sun-King, except for a slight amusement. He had never considered what other people thought of his brother unless it involved romantic interest. Perhaps, though, it was to be expected that such title would have an appeal that would spread through all dwarf gatherings.

Blond dwarves were relatively rare, and there had never been one borne with golden hair in the Line of Durin. The more superstitious of their people were claiming it was a sign of the good times to come in this new age, with many gold and riches in the kingdom Fili was rebuilding. Kili really didn't mind that others saw his brother as such, if anything, it was only fair that he was recognized by the sun he was. A mithril crown had been forged and placed upon his head, reflecting the gold from his hair, shining in the mountain halls. Kili only started to be bothered by this near adoration when people started to consume the glow out of his brother.

After spending his whole life under his brother's light, Kili saw, that his glow was not the usual bright. Thorin's loss had cost them, and the sadness had tempered Fili's demeanor. But more than that, the matters of state demanded much time, attention and hard work. Fili was the dedicated leader that their uncle had taught him to be, but this sudden necessity of being serene and rational and old despite his young age was taking a great toll on his sibling. There were barely quiet jokes shared through secret glances and almost no laughter to speak of, only the fake kind when there was a feast and they were forced to entertain Dain and other important people.

At least, Kili took some relief in the fact that when they were alone, Fili was still his old self. Sad, because Thorin's death would lay heavy on their minds for many years, but still his old self. Making fun behind the court's back, chuckling of how their elven guests struggle to stay beneath the mountain most of the time, exploring at night the deeper halls of Erebor that were still unoccupied. Only a few weeks under Fili's rule and a new sort of tradition appeared between them. After the day of work was over, Fili would barge into Kili's chambers - they had been forced to take separate quarters, of all things! - and unceremoniously throw his crown over the bed, shaking his head to mess his blond hair. Then, for a moment Kili would revel for a few seconds at his brother being solely his. That meant that the king was sent to bed and his sun was only his again until he had to rise for his people on the next day.

It was not until that day after an exhausting meeting of the council, that Kili got really worried about the fading light in his brother. Ori had already left for the library to archive their decisions, Nori and Bofur to the coffers, Dori with Bombur to do the monthly calculation of the food available, and Bifur went to stand outside the doors in his preferring of becoming simply a body guard.

Looking around, he found only descendants of Durin sitting on the long table and immediately Kili felt there was something wrong. Gloin had stood seemed to be pointedly keeping his eyes on one of the few windows of Erebor, facing towards Mirkwood, while Balin took a big breath and Oin was shifting uncomfortably in his place. Their mother, who usually sat by the end of the table had taken a sit to Fili's right, and was now exchanging a worried look with Dwalin. That probably meant bad news, his mother and Dwalin always did that before they brought a complicated matter to his brother.

Fili was focusing on reading a letter from the Firebeards, unaware of the pairs of eyes looking at him, and seemingly ignoring Kili's presence in the room, which was certainty of bad news to Fili in specific. They always ignored Kili when the problem was something that could somehow bring some sort of pain to Fili and have him yelling in defense of his brother. During the months of their rebuilding in Erebor, the council room had seen many shouting sessions between Fili and Kili and the rest of their family when his brother opted for a more unorthodox approach of things instead of following the will of the council.

"What is going on?" Kili asked, leaving his own papers on the table to inquire before they had a chance to get his brother unprepared. They would not bother his brother more than necessary, the day had been very long already.

Fili, probably catching on to the worried edge on his voice, looked up and made an assessment of the scene. The brothers exchanged a glance, coming to the same conclusion that there was problem ahead.

"What is it that you want from me now?" Fili asked, his voice serious and a scowl on his face that resembled a lot Thorin's menacing tone, the one that warned people to not waste his time and get on with it.

Dwalin and Dis exchanged another worried look and this time Kili snapped, moving to stand beside his brother-king.

"Spit it out, already."

Balin sighed and eyed him disapprovingly.

"This is hardly the proper way a prince should address his elders, laddie. Especially now."

That had both Fili and Kili looking curiously at the old dwarf.

"What do you mean?" Kili asked, then looked to the others. Dwalin was eyeing Dis, who was now with her eyes closed in thought. Oin was plainly uncomfortable. Gloin had finally turned from the window and was openly glaring at everyone in the room except Fili and Kili, so he was the one to who he appealed to "Gloin, what matter is so serious that you had to wait for having only the line of Durin present in the room? What matter could possibly be so dark that cannot enter in the records of the council?"

Balin looked at him half-annoyed and half-proud at his cunning, slightly bowing his head in approval.

"The matter is that this family has forgotten how dwarves' hearts work!" Gloin glowered, looking from Dis to Dwalin then to Balin "And for the record, even if we don't have Ori here to write down, I do not approve this. I will stand by your side, lad."

"You will stand by the king's will, Gloin." Balin shot him a warning glance, then looked analytically at Kili "Whatever that is."

Gloin snorted. "I know someone who did not respect Thrain's will."

That had Dwalin stand brusquely, an angry glare on his face, but Balin's hand on his arm made the bald dwarf stay where he was.

"I knew another someone who didn't either and look where that has left us, having to discuss this matter here today." Balin answered.

"There is another possibility, one that is much more agreeable to the lads. But you are insisting in holding on to a stupid law written centuries ago that has done nothing but bring grief to some of this family's hearts." Gloin went on "If it had happened to me—"

In that moment a full discussion broke, both Dwalin and Dis started to answer, and not long after Balin and Oin were talking fast as well. Kili watched them, truly surprised. It had been many years since he had last seen his kin arguing so vividly, he had been nothing but a child then and had no idea what the reason for the fighting was. It had been terrifying. Back then, he had not cared. Fili had dragged him away from the room when Dwalin threw a against the wall, and they spent the night hiding together beneath their blankets.

Today he was no longer a child, but he still didn't know what the reason was and he still was a bit scared. What could possibly be so serious to put their family, that was united by deep bonds of blood, friendship and loyalty, into such a state?

They hadn't seen the end of that argument of their childhood, but Kili supposed Thorin had been the one to end it. Their uncle was not here today, and even though he knew to whom would fall the responsibility, he wished Fili could do the same he had all those decades ago – because this time he was sure that the reason had something to do with them, if Gloin's words were to make sense.

"Atkâtel!" his brother stood as his voice spread through the big room.

And everyone shut up. Fili had taken to use khudzul when he wanted to sound more serious or when he was particularly angry, but Kili knew that what had managed to really quiet them down was the fact that his brother had been Thorin with blond hair for a moment. He had stood and his voice had resonated gravely in their meeting room, his eyes challenging anyone to say another word.

Kili didn't like when his brother used his Thorin personification. Fili's original solutions for situations tended to work better, but maybe on that particular situation with their family was the best way to remind them they had a king now and they better stop treating him like a child.

Gloin sighed angrily and turned to the window again as the others sat and looked at the two brothers.

"Now that we are civil once more, tell me what has turned my council into a near warzone." Fili glared at them "Now."

Dis sighed, looked at Kili from the corner of her eyes before she looked directly at Fili.

"We must discuss the matter of succession."