The room was warm – Daenerys glowed amongst heat and fire – and Sansa was smiling beside the Queen. It appeared as though Tyrion had just uttered something to make them laugh, and he himself wore a fond amused look as he gazed at his lady wife. That look shifted into something altogether archer when he saw the brothers approach. Kili nodded at him in greeting, a gesture Tyrion returned though the smirk on his face remained. His eyes fixed themselves to Fili, Kili tried not to tense. Fili's hand brushed his again.

Daenerys watched them both keenly. She wore a silver and blue gown, revealing more of her arms than was proper, and she fairly glowed with her usual impossible beauty. Sansa wore the red and gold of her husband's House, red that also spoke of her link to the Queen, yet she seemed as cool as the Northern hills. Tyrion had claimed once that winter was in his wife's bones; Kili had seen nothing to contradict such a notion.

He cleared his throat and stepped forward. "Your Highness, I present my brother, Fili Durin, son of Dis and Stird, nephew of Thorin Oakenshield."

"Thought long dead, now alive?" suggested Tyrion. "Few others have such a title. I'd use it if I were you."

Kili smiled. "And this is the Queen's Hand, Tyrion Lannister and his wife Lady Sansa of the House of Stark."

Sansa inclined her head, while Tyrion merely continued to watch. Daenerys looked only at Fili, weighing him no doubt. Fili looked right back and spoke.

"Your Highness, thank you, for all you've done for my House, my family, and always for my brother."

It wasn't correct protocol – he should have waited for the Queen to speak first – but Daenerys nodded in acceptance and looked towards Kili.

"You believe his mind is his own?"

"He thought himself dreaming at first, as did we both. Then he truly slept and upon waking, believed me an enchantment of some kind." Kili held up his wrist, displaying the black ribbon there. "But when he saw this, we were truly reunited."

Fili looked at him, as though he wished to slide eager arms around Kili and take his mouth, but instead their sides merely collided and their lips smiled. Tyrion made an amused noise.

"Well, there's no doubting the flame between them. Even the half-blind kitchen boy would see it."

Daenerys kept her smiles hidden though. "This flame, it still burns brightest above all to you?"

Fili's eyebrow shot up, clearly wondering what stories the Queen had heard. Kili would later tell him things that he had not told another soul – of Mereen where Daenerys had told him that most would assume he now bedded her as reward for his deeds, how he'd replied he'd be no use in her bed as the one who had his heart was lost, how the look in her eyes had said how deeply she'd understood. How they'd never spoken of it again.

But Kili would speak of it to Fili, just as he would speak of his brother to the Queen.

"It does," Fili replied. "And when I was told he was lost, every part of me fell to darkness."

Kili curled his littlest finger around Fili's as Sansa spoke sharply. "You were told your brother was dead?"

"As he was told of your demise. What a coincidence," Tyrion mused. "Some Northern games were being played, I assume?"

Kili nodded. "We think the scheme lies with the Greyjoys; they were who drove us apart and sold us to slavers. It would be no difficult feat to ensure we were both informed of the other's death, and for our uncle to hear we'd both perished."

"And so amid all the grief and loss, the House of Durin would lessen their efforts for the Mountain and the Greyjoys would retain the seat," Tyrion filled in the blanks. "No proof of course, just the bitter words of two dead men against a family who drove out and slaughtered their people."

"The Greyjoys will claim they only wanted and took the Mountain," Sansa added, her thoughts following her husband's.

Daenerys fixed her eyes on Kili. "You believe him."

It wasn't a question; they knew each other too well for that. Kili nodded slowly, keeping a grip on his brother's hand. This was the crux.

"I may be a fool to do so, but I know him, Your Majesty. Despite years spent apart; he cannot hide the truth from me. He came here seeking you in order to gain passage home. He had no money, no ship would take him, and he knew of the Targaryen pact with the House of Durin."

"I thought it was the closest I would ever be to him again," Fili voiced softly, his eyes clouded with pained memories.

Kili leaned into him and dared to press his forehead to Fili's temple, giving and taking strength. They shouldn't hide before the Queen anyway, she needed to see proof of them, of why Kili believed and why Fili had sought her out. Fili breath was hot on his brother's face and Kili longed to taste it. He closed his eyes for a moment and savoured his brother.

When he opened his eyes again, Daenerys' eyes were filled with the same pain that Fili had displayed and Kili thought of the stories she'd told him one dark night, of her strong first husband and of Ser Mormont and of all the pain and loss that she still held in her heart. If Kili was able to bring either back to her, he would. He'd pull down the veil of heaven.

Daenerys' smile was her rare one, filled with bittersweet joy. "You will get trialled time here, until next the moon fills. Prove your words, your love, and your presence is welcome."

Kili let out a deep heavy breath and lent more weight onto Fili, feeling helpless and weak in his relief. He felt little shame in his friends witnessing him like this – Daenerys had seen him worse and Tyrion and Sansa needed to see the truth of him and Fili. Fili wrapped glad arms around him briefly, his lips brushing Kili's cheek, before he turned and bowed formally to the Queen.

"A thousand thanks, Your Majesty. Yet even that is too small to truly express my gratitude."

Daenerys smile grew a little and Kili was warmed to see the light of his brother touching the Queen. He wanted them to see what he saw and loved in them both, the brightness and the glory.

"So now the question remains of what you will do," Tyrion pointed out. "There's no room on the Queensguard for another Durin, not yet anyway."

Kili licked his lips, his heart trembling. "If Fili's kinship with me is known, people with motive will see opportunity to gain leverage and entrance to court. They'll believe they can become privy to secrets known only to the Captain of the Queensguard."

Sansa's smile was quick and vicious. "A hawk amongst the hawks. Have any approached you yet?"

Fili shook his head. "I've not been without Kili's company since I was taken from the dungeon. Perhaps I could wander the castle as a guest, as if contentedly waiting for our Uncle to travel and collect me. I would speak only of my gladness to be with my brother again, voice the fact that I do not know the Queen."

"Ah, but do not ask questions about her," Tyrion warned. "Those that ask about the Iron Throne are suspected of many things. You will have to play the glorious fool for this to work, so glad to be with family once more, knowing nothing of the South or royal politics. The Mountain is believed to be a savage and insular place after all."

"Apt," both Kili and Fili replied and grinned at each other.

Tyrion rolled his eyes. "Oh, I can foresee no irritation forthcoming from such moments."

"You will to it tomorrow?" Daenerys asked, though it was truly more of a challenge than a question.

Fili smiled, bright and big, and nodded. "An honour to serve, Your Highness."

Daenerys smiled in reply and her expression flicked to Kili, giving him the tiniest nod. It seemed she was pleased so far, though was likely truly reserving judgement until Fili had proved himself. It was enough for now. Kili let all gratitude show in his eyes.

"Naturally you'll be told that your brother fucks the Queen," Tyrion told Fili. "And as your relationship with Kili will be suspected anyway, some who slip poison in your ear will expect you to be jealous and pried away from him thanks to such rumours."

It would definitely be a weapon used to gain Fili for agendas against the Queen. Kili nodded, seeing Fili do the same.

"Our closeness..."

"Keep your cocks out of each other whenever you can be seen," Tyrion neatly answered all questions. "And your closeness remains until the Queen says otherwise."

"The Queensguard cannot marry." Sansa wore a ghost of a smile. "You gain no power, no foothold, by sharing chambers. It will be expected, and only spoken of in court by those jealous of the House of Durin's position here."

"The ruse of my foolishness will only last so long, once the hawks begin to fall. What happens to me then?" Fili dared to ask.

Kili kept close to him and watched the Queen. He felt as though he should apologise, for regaining what she could not. But Daenerys did not shake, she watched with keen interest, a mother dragon instead of a hawk. Kili always felt warmed by her gaze.

"If you prove true, there will be a place here for you," she uttered. "You do not wish to return to the Mountain?"

Fili paused, his expression wistful, and Kili followed his thoughts to snowy vistas and icy sea shores, their mother's eyes and their uncle's laughter. It'd been too long since either of them had heard or seen such sights. Kili felt a deep pang in his heart; home had been by Daenerys' side for so long now, he had not returned to the Mountain once since taking the white cloak. Where now was home but being by the sides of those he loved most?

"When my brother returns there, I will also," Fili said softly, his fingers warm against Kili's.

"Your Uncle will expect you home."

"My Uncle will not. And no matter how much he chafes at the thought of bowing to the South, he is at your command, as am I."

Tyrion laughed. "You're right, young Durin, he is better at this than you."

Fili grinned and accepted the nudge that Kili sent into his ribs, replying with a gesture that was more of a caress. Kili flushed slightly but leaned into the touch, proud of his brother's mastery of pretty yet honest words. He'd be a fine addition to court, but how? Kili spoke for the House of Durin when it was needed, though it wasn't considered one of the great Houses and Sansa had a knack of providing what the North needed.

She chose that moment to demonstrate that ability. "My husband has been without armed protection since regaining his position as Hand. It's been of some concern."

"Because how can a half-man defend himself, so vulnerable to those determined to do harm to him and the crown?" Tyrion sardonically finished for her.

Sansa frowned at his words, away from court and with trusted friends; she showed her distaste for her husband's self-mockery. It was so engrained in Tyrion now, Kili observed, yet Sansa loathed it, though less than she loathed those who openly insulted her husband. She always insulted them in return, even if they didn't realise it. Her idea was sound; Tyrion truly hadn't had a personal guard since accepting once more the job of Hand. As the greedy moved in the dark with eyes on the throne, Tyrion logically needed trusted protection.

Daenerys appeared intrigued by the idea. "You fight as well as your brother?"

Fili barked a short laugh. "With daggers I am better, though I have no love for the bow. With a sword in hand, we are even."

"Prove it," Tyrion announced. "Work with our master-at-arms and with any Queensguard that you don't share blood with. They will test your mettle and reveal the truth of your skills, however rusty."

Daenerys nodded and Kili let out a breath. His brother could be near his side, they would not get every hour of every day together, but they would be gifted with many. And once Tyrion and Daenerys retired to their chambers, the nights would be theirs to plunder.

"I would speak to my Captain," Daenerys announced abruptly.

There was only the barest of pauses.

"Then I shall take master Fili into the hallway, where people may see us in conversation and wonder at his ugly visage," suggested Tyrion. "Come, your cock can survive a little time out of his presence."

Fili grinned and swooped in close to Kili to press a quick but hungry kiss to his lips. No more would be appropriate before the Queen, unless she commanded it. Kili managed to let Fili go and watched as he left by Tyrion's side. He was glad that Fili had taken to the dwarf so readily – Kili had long enjoyed Tyrion's caustic company, as it reminded him of Bofur and Bifur and many close friends of old.

"And I will send a raven to the Mountain," said Sansa softly.

Kili nodded his thanks, knowing that his uncle and aunt, and their beloveds would likely immediately make plans to visit the Red Keep. It had been some time since the head of the House of Durin had visited the Queen and the re-emergence of Fili was the perfect time to reaffirm bonds. Thorin hated to leave the Mountain but would do so for his beloved nephew's resurrection, as he had done on Kili's return. He would likely leave Balin and Dwalin in charge, as none would hold the territory better nor better minister to the people.

Once Sansa's silks had whispered their last note out of the room, Daenerys turned clear keen eyes on Kili. A little of her regal poise slipped away to reveal more of the tired but determined girl that Kili knew and loved. He hoped that one day she would allow Fili to see that side of her also.

"You truly believe he has been returned to you whole?" she asked, both soft and pointed, a friend and a ruler in one.

Kili's smile was endlessly bittersweet. "As whole as Mereen left you and I."

For what did he know of all that Fili had truly been through? He knew there had been a shipwreck and years of hard work under slavers' whips. And somehow, Fili had made his way to King's Landing, holding onto enough of himself to attempt a desperate bid for a journey home. Maybe he would tell Kili about it, or maybe they'd just hold each other, hands grasping what words could not.

Something glimmered in Daenerys' eyes and the understanding silence stretched between them, filled with memories, until Daenerys spoke again.

"If he hurts you, none on the Mountain will be able to prevent his punishment."

Kili bowed his head, unable to accept her vow any other way. So much between them was unspoken, the love they held for each other. They had saved each other's lives. He had vowed a similar sentiment about Jon Snow once, in a similar room, and Daenerys had smiled, gentle and happy at his words.

"See your brother to breakfast. Then take your place at my side in court."

He was being dismissed, and the Queen was back on her throne. He bowed formally, his face saying everything that he could not, and exited the room. Tyrion and Fili were talking together, whilst Rickard and Mychal showed amusement. Kili's heart lifted further; his brother was already finding his place in Kili's world.

"Ah, you live long enough for breakfast, I take it?" Tyrion observed. "I'll see you in court, young Durin, when your brother shall be so announced. Otherwise, the Houses and faiths will accuse us of keeping secrets."

"They don't know you at all, my lord," smiled Kili.

"Indeed. I've told these two that I want no part of the latest wager that's sweeping the guardsroom," Tyrion was in his element as he began to take his leave of them. "Until court."

Kili and the others bowed properly as Tyrion left, even Fili. Mychal and Rickard smiled at their Captain; if they were somewhere more private, they would be teasing him. Kili smiled back, with an edge.

"Take watch of the Queen until court."

It was an order and Mychal and Rickard obeyed it, staying outside Daenerys' door as Kili and Fili walked away, side by crooked side, to the kitchen where they took possession of what food they wanted, and gave the servants there something new to gossip about before retreating to Kili's quarters. True privacy at last.

Kili fed his brother dried fruit by hand, unable to keep himself from touching Fili. Fili smiled and kissed his fingers, his eyes shining happily.

"I find my place, brother."

Kili bit his lip, struck by a thought unearthed by Daenerys' questions. "In my world, brother. Truly, you don't wish to see the Mountain, our family and household again? I miss it and it hasn't been as long for me and you may not enjoy…"

Before guilt and worry could strangle Kili further, Fili pressed a firm mouth to his. "Your world is mine. I would not be anywhere else, I cannot be anywhere else. I begin to see what you achieve here, for our House, for the Queen…"

He chewed on more fruit and ate half a honey cake, feeding the rest to Kili. He smiled in a curious way.

"You love her."

Kili lurched at the statement and tone, off-balance because surely Fili had already perceived the truth? Others didn't understand but Fili had to, Kili had never expected that he would have to explain this to his brother, the one who knew him so well. His heart hammered a sickly warning.

"You have always been my sun, brother, guiding and warming me and being the very essence I need to live. Daenerys is the moon – she brightened the darkest times as I hoped to do for her. Without her, I would be dead."

Fili cradled his face and looked at him steadily. "More than family."

"But not the flame of lovers," Kili frowned, frustrated. "Her husband's people have a word for it, one that I damage when attempting to say it aloud. All I know is, that word describes the binding between us, we pulled each other to life, we suffered the same heart-wound."

"And yet you would have left her, if my fate here was different?"

Kili squeezed his eyes shut, pain burning through him at the very thought, but nodded. "I would."

Featherlight kisses were dropped on each of his closed eyes in turn, then familiar lips lingered on his own. Fili held him close, comforting and gentle and entirely real.

"Her love for you rings the same, and stokes rumours, no doubt," he spoke against Kili's lips. "I…It will take time for me to grow used to her eyes on you."

"Only her eyes, brother. I swear."

Fili smiled and wrapped strong arms around Kili, the light in his expression momentarily banishing all dark thoughts from his brother's mind. Kili breathed him in, glad and giddy.

"We must make the most of our time before court," Fili told him, mouthing at his jaw. "I trust you remember how?"

Kili laughed, at the very edge of hysteria, and roughly tumbled them both down onto the bed. He sat astride his brother, greedy and feral and so very of the Mountain now that they were behind closed doors, and crowed.

-the end