Disclaimer: I do not own any character of Tolkien.

"Are you sure?" The pale Orc asked one of his subordinates. It took him some moments to answer.

"Yes. He's still alive and no one is with him" A slight grin appeared on Azog's face.

"What are you still standing here then? Go and get him." He looked after the Orc that almost ran away. "Go and get my prize"

Seventeen years later Kíli was on his way to his uncles studies. As he had half expected, the king under the mountain wasn't alone, Balin and Dwalin were with him. Thorin offered his nephew a seat as well, cleared his throat and started talking.

"As you know, Dáin will come to visit us." Kíli almost sighed, he has never really liked his uncle's cousin. "Dwalin, Balin, you know what you need to do and Kíli, I want you to welcome our guests. In addition, I expect you to stay at my side for the rest of the day. You know what I mean" Now a sigh left the brunettes lips, of course he knew. Usually when there was a festivity, Kíli searched an apology that he didn't need to attend it. "I know, you miss your brother, but blimey lad it's been seventeen years now. Do you think your behaviour will make things better?" The boy wanted to say something, but was interrupted by Thorin. "It doesn't. We miss you, Kíli since that battle you aren't the same. It is as if we'd lost you too."

"I know" Kíli murmured. "Have you said what you wanted to say? I've got work to do" Without another word he stood up.

"You may go. But when you've finished, please come back here again. We need to talk." Nodding the youngest left the room and returned to his own study. But he didn't continued writing the document he was working on before he was sent to his uncle. Instead he leaned his head onto his arms which were on his desk. He was aware that he should approach his family and friends more, however, he couldn't. Better said he didn't even really want it. If there at least was be a tomb, everything would be better. But unfortunately the Orcs didn't just kill his brother, they have also carried off his body. Countless times Kíli wanted to go after them that they could pay their last respects do Fíli, every time he was stopped. Now it would already be too late, he thought to himself. Someone knocked at the door, when the lad looked up he saw Dwalin standing there.

"Just as I've imagined" the warrior said and marched towards Kílis desk, crossing his arms. "Mind doing a sparring? Looks like you won't work anymore, will ye?" The prince shrugged his shoulders and got up.

"Yes, I'd like that. Thanks" For this proposition the dwarf was truly thankful, at least for some hours he could think of other things.

Although it was only a yearly visit from Dáin, the king under the mountains spared no expenses for the festivities. What Kíli hated most about it that he had to wear his crown, which under other circumstances would be his brother's. Sometimes he couldn't believe that he now was heir to the throne and felt guilty for simply replacing his brother. Furthermore there were things Kíli was sure, Fíli could have done better, after all Thorin schooled him for the position. Haven't his uncle ever though that something could happen to Fíli? And what this would mean for Kíli and therefore educate him too?

As always Dáin walked into Erebor as if it he lived there and every time he would slap Kíli on the back.

"How ye're doin' lad?"

"Fine" he groaned. "As always. You're being awaited" On their way to the throne hall the elder dwarf began talking about random things he experienced in the past year. Every once in a while the spoken to nodded or mumbled words of agreement and was relieved to finally reach the hall. One last time, at least for the next few hours, Dáin patted his shoulder and made his way towards his cousin. Sighing Kíli followed him slowly and placed himself at Thorin's side. As his uncle smiled at him he smiled back and it wasn't one of his half-hearted ones, it was real.

During the banquet he only said something when he was spoken to. Nevertheless he listened carefully to the others when they talked, even if it didn't really interest him, mostly because it didn't concern him. But suddenly he perked up his ears.

"You've ever considered searching a wife for your nephew? He's the only one to continue the line of Durin. How old are ye, Kíli?"

"Ninety-four."

"Perfect age for a marriage and children, isn't it?" Fortunately Thorin answered for him.

"I won't force him to marry anyone, let alone to have children. He will do himself when he's ready" Although he didn't express it, Kíli was grateful. If his uncle really had tried to marry him to a she-dwarf, Kíli would have left Erebor. A hand on his shoulder interrupted his thoughts, of course it was Dáin.

"Whenever you wanna see some pretty dwarrowdams, you are welcome every time"

"Well, thanks. I'll think about it." Kíli lied. To his relief Dáin didn't say more about that topic and Kíli relaxed a bit.

When the feast was over, he was glad that he was allowed to retire to his rooms. Shortly after he heard a knock on his door and was kind of surprised to see Thorin standing in the door frame.

"I just wanted to thank you." He simply said. "Did you enjoy it at least?"

"Somewhat, yeah"

"That's good. And I'm sorry for what Dáin said about a marriage. You know, you needn't marry if you don't want to. After all you're still quite young. You've got plenty of time left."

"Thanks uncle" To the surprise of them both he embraced Thorin. "And I'm sorry"

"It is alright. No need to be sorry. About what, anyway?"

"Don't know. My behaviour maybe?"

"Are you talking about yesterday?" Kíli just nodded. "Well, you must know, I didn't really mean it. Of course you have every right to mourn your brother. It seems I'm sometimes forgetting that his loss also placed a duty on you. And don't think I wouldn't miss Fíli too… I feel so guilty for sending you into those towers. I should have known better" Wearily he sat down on his nephew's bed so that Kíli couldn't help comforting him.

"It isn't your fault. You couldn't know it was a trap. The only one to blame is Azog."

"Thank you. By the way, Dáin has offered you to come with him for some time. Don't you think you could need some kind of holiday?"

"Really? I mean you would allow me to accompany him, don't you need me here?"

"I'm sure I'll manage that, you needn't worry about me."

"Alright then, I'll think about it" This time, Kíli meant it.