Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Dress, check. Hairstyle, check. Shoes, check. Makeup, check. You are finally ready to go to the ball tonight. It has already started a few hours ago, but you found out about this ball the day before yesterday. And going to a ball in Erebor is quite an organization.

Coming from the Iron Hills, it was someone you know from Erebor who told you about the ball. You and your friend have been at Mount Solitaire for over a week. You have been dying to come here since it was reconquered by the Heirs of Durin 6 years ago. Why? Because you are a jeweller and many artisans have come to settle here. And what could be better than a small work placement of a few days among the best to improve your skills!

Back to the ball. No sooner have you arrived than you split up with your friend. She came to taste Erebor's cakes and alcohol, but you came to watch. What better way to study the latest jewellery trends from Erebor than a ball!
At first, you stay at a distance so you can observe the crowd as a whole. You can easily find King Thorin sitting on a large chair. "Still the same, but he's pretty old now ...", you think. "I don't even remember the last time I saw him ...".
You lose yourself for a long time in your memories. The time when you lived in the Blue Mountains with your parents seems very far away. Being an advisor to the king at the time, your father was sent to the Iron Hills after a few years to help Lord Dáin. Even though you were young, you can vividly remember your time there.
Letting go of the King, you examine the ballroom looking for the two princes, wondering what they can look like now. You had spent so much time together at the Blue Mountains that you are sure you can recognize them despite all the past years.

Then a dwarf walks up in front of you and blocks your search. Returning to reality, you don't show him you are annoyed by his behavior. You look at him with a smile. He invites you to dance. This is a good way to take a closer look at the jewelry. Besides, you have nothing against attractive dwarfs so you kindly accept.

After all these dances, you are exhausted. You're glad you got a closer look at the dwarves and dwarrowdams dressed for the occasion, but it's time to take a break.
Near a table serving refreshments, you sit down with a nice glass of wine. Someone slowly sits down next to you. When you look at her, you can't hide your surprise.

- “(Y/N), is that you?” the dwarrowdam says, beautifully dressed for the occasion and smiling at you.
- “P-Princess Dís”?” you stammer, getting up and curtsying. “Is it really you?”
- “Sit down,” she says, laughing at your agitation. “You don't have to do that. I am delighted to see you again in such good shape. So many years have passed since you and your family left. I learned about your father ... I hope your mother is fine. She can come here whenever she wants.”
- “Even though my father did not survive the Battle of the Five Armies, we are proud he fought for Erebor. I would pass the message on to my mother,” you tell her with a smile.

The conversation lasts a long time. She and your mother were close to the Blue Mountains. You are very happy to chat with her.

- “I would like to introduce you to my sons. I imagine you remember Fíli and Kíli. I wonder where they went …” she says looking for them.
- “Of course. It's not like we can forget those two,” you joke. “Not a day went by without them bothering me …”
- “Oh, for that, they haven't changed a bit …” the mother grimaces. “Kíli has not been found for an hour or two and I just saw Fíli walk over there.”
- “Do not worry. I will see them on another occasion.”

After explaining to Dís you are going to leave, you stand up and bow to her. Just before leaving, Dís makes you promise to return to the palace before you leave for the Iron Hills.

The ballroom’s door was the meeting point for you and your friend. You wait a long time. More than you should. You gradually lose your composure and decide to walk through the Erebor’s corridors in search of your friend.
When you finally see her, she is in the company of two dwarves, back to you. "Don't tell me she's already having problems ..." you think. You walk towards her, still angry to have waited.

- “You!”, you start when you are almost in front of her. “I've been looking for you for an hour! Even more than an hour! We had arranged to meet in front of the hall doors! What are you doing here?”

In front of her, you sigh deeply and try to regain your composure. The two dwarves around her seem to be looking at you. On the defensive, you turn to them.

- “If these gentlemen annoy you, I- .. Aaaaaaah!”

You recognize them instantly. Fíli and Kíli. The shock makes you jump first, freeze, then blush. Blush a lot. Because you are surprised? Because you are ashamed of your anything but elegant and feminine behavior? Because they have become much more handsome than you imagined?

- “Prince Fíli, Prince Kíli. Please excuse me ! I-I-”

By reflex, you bow to them. You see your friend also embarrassed by the situation.

- “P-Prince Kíli ?” she asks.
- “Yes! At your service!,” he replies, bowing.

Your friend takes a few steps back. You understand she ended up with the Princes without knowing who they were. Typical Fíli and Kíli ...

Your friend exchanges a few words with Kíli while your eyes shift timidly to Fíli. He looks at you with as much surprise as he is attentive. You both look into each other’s eyes for a moment until your friend runs away. You make a quick bow to the Princes and follow your friend.

On the way, you cross the King and bow at him. He seems to recognize you because he smiles slightly at you. You smile back at him until you hear him yell at Kíli from afar.

- “Kíli! We've been looking for you for hours! Where have you been?!”

Fíli doesn't take his eyes off you the entire time you run away. Your exchange of smiles with Thorin confirms who you are. It takes a few moments for him to pull himself together and focus his attention on his uncle and his brother.

.

You and your friend walk straight into the room you both share at an inn in Erebor. It is located in the southernmost part so that your friend, herbalist, can easily go back and forth to the humans of Dale.
You ask your friend about her night while you change into sleeping clothes. She explains to you that she spent the evening with Prince Kíli without knowing who he was. You laugh and reassure her by telling her that he's an idiot who likes to tease whenever he can. You make fun of her for a while before going to bed. The surprised face of Fíli comes back to you, but you try to forget it for a good night's sleep.

.

The next few days, you spend them with jewellers like the previous days.
The day has passed so quickly that night is already beginning to fall when you lift your head to look out the workshop window. You sigh before gathering your things. Now you're here, you regret having only planned two weeks of trip.
The workshop door opens before you open it. Princess Dís enters and smiles when she sees your surprise.

- “(Y/N), I was sure to find you here. How about having tea with me? You promised it to me at the ball,” she says , pressing the word "promised".

You can't help but smile at the princess's demeanor reminding you of your mother's.
It seems you have no choice so you nod and Dís leads you into a charming and well-decorated small room. Servants bring you tea. It reminds you of the one you drank in the Blue Mountains. Dís and you chat for a long time. You tell her what has happened in your family since you came to the Iron Hills; like the birth of your little brother or your studies in jewellery. Dís seems very happy to talk to you. She talks to you about a lot of things before being interrupted by someone opening the door.

- “Mother ! Are you here?” Fíli says, opening the door. “Dinner is- Oh I didn't know you were with anyone.”
- “Fíli,good timing! Look who came to Erebor. (Y/N)! Do you remember her?”
- "Of course I remember her," he says, approaching you.

When the dwarf arrives in front of you, you don't have time to get up to greet him as he takes one of your hands and gently kisses it. His attitude has changed a lot in all his years.

- “Nice to see you again, lady (Y/N)!”
- “My pleasure is Prince Fíli,” you say, smiling as much as possible.
- “Mother, Uncle Thorin is waiting for dinner.”
- “Ah yes. Dinner. Fíli, walk (Y/N) back to her inn.”
- “You don't have to!” you hurry to say. “I can go back on my own.”
- “It’s out of the question!”

Dís won't let you negotiate any longer and goes to join the king. You find yourself alone with Fíli smiling at you. You bow and walk through the door saying to him, “Prince Fíli, do not bother. I can go back on my own. Do not worry about me". Fíli lets you walk down the corridor, looking at you. You are still back to him when he smiles mischievously. He ends up joining you and walking by your side.

- "Prince Fíli, do not bother", he repeats, laughing. “What happened to the (Y/N) who insulted us because we stole her snack? The one hit us with Kíli when we threw insects at her? The one who-”

Fíli stops talking when he sees you stop. You sigh. Finally, he hasn't changed at all. He annoys you just to listen to him talk. You have made an effort. You remained polite but now, he clearly wants to irritate you. You slowly turn your head towards the prince.

- “What do you want, Fíli?” You ask, starting to get angry. “I see you haven't changed at all. If it's to irritate me, you can go back to your mother's skirts.”

You start to walk away but Fíli grabs your arm. As you turn to him, your eyes glare at him. He laughs out loud as you try to get your arm back.

- “This is the (Y/N) I knew. I was sure with a personality like that, you couldn't change! Come on, let me take you back. It's my mother who asks me.”
- “Fíli, let's pretend you've walked me home,” you try. “I won't say anything to your mother.”
- “There's no way I'm letting you walk to your inn alone at this hour. You never know what could happen to a young and pretty dwarrowdam!”

Fíli is still taking your arm hostage. You sigh again. You don't know what argument to give him to get you free. You can't understand him. One moment, he tries to annoy you and then he gives you his nice ready-made sentences.
You end up giving up and accepting he walks you home. Fíli can't help but laugh at your exaggeratedly exasperated face.

During the walk, Fíli tries to find out more about you. Gradually, the discussion becomes more pleasant than it started. You realize he has become more responsible and mature than you think. It would almost be nice to chat with him. Before leaving you, he tells you his brother has been looking for your friend since the ball. You explain to him that she spends her time in Dale finding herbalist supplies. He thanks you and before leaving, he wishes you a good night by bowing before you.

.

When Fíli returns to Erebor, he goes straight to his brother's room. He enters without even knocking and sees Kíli sitting at a table. Approaching him, he sees he is reading a map of Erebor. Fíli laughs before asking him what he is doing with this document.

- “I'm looking for the girl from the ball. I have searched all over Erebor but can't find her.”
- “I know where she is,” his brother brags.
- “Really? And how would you know?” Kíli provokes, annoyed.
- “Do you remember the friend who came to pick up your pretty lady? The one who shouted as she walked towards us? It is (Y/N). The young dwarrowdam we bothered all the time in the Blue Mountains,” he laughs at his memories.
- “(Y/N)? Yes, I remember her. We did so many silly things with her … But it was you who always wanted to go see her, if I remember correctly,” he smirked mischievously.
- “Nonsense!” Fíli says, his cheeks slightly pink. “You bothered her more than me.”
- “I wasn't the one who cried for three days when she left,” Kíli smiles.
- “Anyway, you won't find her friend in Erebor. She spends her days at Dale. (Y/N) told me she's looking for herbalist supplies. Good luck finding her!”

Fíli smiles at him and leaves his brother's bedroom to join his.

.

Two days later, you spend the day in the jewellery workshop. You are taking your time because your friend has planned to stay with Kíli all afternoon. You will only meet her for dinner.
Yet when it’s dinner time, your friend still hasn’t returned. Time goes by and you start to worry. You don't know where she is but maybe Fíli will.

It's dark outside, but you know the way to the palace now. The first guards let you in, but those near the royal apartments block your way. No matter how much you explain to them you have to see Prince Fíli about an important matter, they still won't let you pass. They only do their job but you end up getting angry and you start insulting them. The guards are also starting to lose their temper, although they try to keep their composure.

- “Ozirum menu seleku!” [You couldn't forge a spoon!]
- “Hey! Calm down!” a husky voice says behind you. “(Y/N), what are you doing here?”
- “Y-your Majesty! Excuse me. Um, I'm looking for Fíli because my friend spent the afternoon with Kíli but she still hasn't come back…”
- “Kíli again ... Alright, follow me, I'll lead you to Fíli.”

Thorin turns on his heel and steps forward. You can't help but stick your tongue out at both guards before following the King.
He leaves you in front of a dining room where Fíli is, sitting next to two young dwarrowdams. You sigh at the impeccable princely image the blonde shows in front of the pretty dwarrowdams. He wears richly decorated princely clothes. He would never have worn it in the Blues Mountains. His blonde hair is perfectly groomed. He chats with the two dwarrowdams while smiling and eating. He ends up seeing you in the half-open door. It takes you out of your observation. He beckons you to come in and you join him. You walk quickly to him and bow a little.

- “Prince Fíli, please excuse me for disturbing you but I'm looking for my friend,” you say as you see him smile mischievously in front of so much politeness. “She was supposed to spend the afternoon with your brother, but she still hasn't come home. And with the storm outside, I'm starting to worry. Do you know where they went?”
- “They still haven't come back?” he exclaims, losing his smile and startling the two dwarrowdams. “I have no idea where he may have gone! Your friend is an herbalist, right?”
- “Y-yes,” you answer disturbed to see Fíli losing his cool.
- “If it helps you, I saw Prince Kíli discussing with Master Óin yesterday,” one of the dwarrowdams intervenes.
- “Oh thank you! What would I do without you!” he says to the dwarrowdams, smiling at her as you roll your eyes. “(Y/N), stay here. I'll find them.”
- “Absolutely not. I come with you. Whether you like it or not!”

The two dwarrowdams look at you strangely in front of the tone you used. Fíli sighs and leaves the room. You follow him without waiting.
Óin explains they went to see a clearing in the forest outside Erebor. Fíli asks you once again to wait for him at the palace, but you refuse.

The weather has nothing to do with this morning. Raining cats and dogs. The forest is dark and full of mud. The wind shakes the trees from right to left.
Fíli walks in front of you as if nothing had happened. His princely clothes didn't seem to bother him at all, while you can hardly see where you are stepping. Added to this you weren’t at all equipped for a hike, you are in a deplorable state. Your clothes are ruined, your shoes are soaked and your hairstyle ... It’s not even worth talking about.
Since your departure, you haven’t spoken to Fíli. You try to keep calm. But the more time passes, the more anger rises in you and you end up exploding.

- “Prince or not, if something happened to my friend, I'll cut off Kíli's head with an axe!” you scream at the top of your lungs.
- "I'm sure they're okay, calm down," Fíli says, continuing to walk.
- “Calm me down?! You think I-”

Mud and rain make you slip. You thought you'd end up in the mud but Fíli's arms barely caught up with you. You feel his hands slowly let you go, while you regain your balance. As you finally stand up straight, you feel the dwarf's hands sliding down your cheeks. He gently lifts your face so that you are looking him in the eye.

- “Everything will be fine, (Y/N). I ask you to follow me and trust me. I promise we'll find them safe and sound.”

You are happy his hands are hiding your cheeks because they must be more than red at this moment! You can only give him a "hum" of approval. Fíli gradually releases you and takes one of your hands so that you follow him.
After a long walk you can see where Fíli is leading you. Towards an lighted cave. You let go of the dwarf's hand and shout your friend's name as you run towards the cave.
Once inside, you are reassured to see them. You yell at your friend and then at Kíli.

While you scolded them, the rain stopped. Without even looking at the two princes, you take your friend's hand and pull her back to the inn. Along the way, your friend apologizes, explaining they were surprised by the rain and they wanted shelter from the rain. You don't blame her. You blame that idiot Kíli! What an idea to come here for two. They were lucky it was only the rain that surprised them. They could have run into orcs or wargs!
Once at the inn, you calm down and get your things ready for departure the next day.

.

When the Princes return to Erebor, Fíli takes his brother to his bedroom to reprimand him until his uncle takes over.
Fíli walks slowly to the kitchen for a bite to eat before going to bed since he didn't have time earlier.
The dining room is quiet since he is alone. He sits down at a table and smiles at the sight of his mother coming to sit across from him.

- “I was told you went to look for your brother in the middle of the woods. Next time, at least let Thorin know. We were very worried.”
- “You got the wrong person. It’s to Kíli you have to lecture.”
- “In love as he is, he won't listen to anything. Thorin may punish him, it won't change a thing. You know your brother,” she sighs.
- “He's known her for some days and he's already causing her trouble... She's leaving in a few days. He should calm down afterwards.”
- “Um, I‘m not so sure. Anyway, it seems the little (Y/N) was also involved in the story. I hope she is fine,” she says, looking at her son insistently.
- “Don't worry, she's fine. She was just soaking wet and muddy,” he laughed, thinking about you. “And then you know her, she didn't want to stay here waiting for us.”
- "She's become as pretty as her mother," she says with a mischievous smile. “I hope you haven't caused her any trouble just to get her to notice you.”
- “W-what?” he asks, choking. “I repeat, it was Kíli who created this whole problem! And besides, she mostly kept her bad temper.”

Dís laughs before getting up and leaving the room. Fíli finishes his meal, exhausted from the evening he spent, then goes to bed.

.

The next day, your luggage is ready. You see your friend is reluctant to leave but you say nothing. She seems to become attached to Kíli more than she thinks. But to your surprise, Kíli doesn't come to say goodbye. On the one hand, that suits you because you won't have to see his brother again. You look at Erebor one last time before hitting the road.

Chapter Text

Back at the Iron Hills, you quickly resume your habits. You missed your little jewellery shop. Still living with your mother, she hurriedly asked you to tell her about your trip. She was delighted to hear from Dís. She hastened to send a letter to her old friend.

Weeks and then months pass quickly. Unintentionally, you keep hearing from Erebor; either by your mother who exchanges letters with Dís, or by your friend who corresponds regularly with Kíli.
Considering how your last meeting with the Princes was, in the rain in a muddy forest, you aren’t particularly trying to hear from them. And you can imagine they don’t try either.
However, you can't help but think from time to time of Erebor: its craftsmen, its materials, the mountain ...

One evening when you close your shop, your friend comes running to you. You invite her to have a drink at your home. She accepts but she says she won't be staying long.
She explains she is leaving for Erebor the next day. Lord Dáin explained Dís was in pain and no one could find a solution there. That’s why King Thorin asked the Iron Hills’ healers and herbalists for help.
You smile mischievously at her. You tell her this is a good opportunity to spend time with Prince Kíli. Blushing, she tells you she probably won't have time to see him. You are happy for her. She seems really attached to Kíli. He's an idiot, but he would be perfect for her.

.

Several weeks pass. Your friend has already arrived at the Lonely Mountain and she explained to you by letter that Dís is very unwell and there’s a good chance she will stay there for a long time. This doesn’t reassure your mother and she hesitates to go join her. Knowing she will be of no use by her side, she prefers to wait for her recovery before going to see her.

One day when your shop is quiet, you are organizing some jewellery on your counter. When you hear the bell of the front door ringing, you take your professional smile and look up.
At the sight of the Erebor’s princes approaching you, you lose your smile.

- “K-Kíli, Fíli? What are you doing here?”
- “Hello. Yes, I'm fine. How about you?” Fíli sighs, looking at the jewellery in the shop.
- “(Y/N)! We saw your mother when we were with Dáin. She told us where to find you. Your shop is beautiful!”
- “Ah um, thank you,” you say, blushing a little.
- "By the way, excuse me for ball night. I didn't recognize you," he smirked foolishly. “And in the cave, I didn't have time to say much.”
- “Don’t worry. I know you're an idiot,” you laugh.
- “You've become pretty, right Fíli?” he says, turning quickly to his brother, who ignored him. “But you haven't changed your character!”
- “I don’t know how I should take it. Coming from you, I guess it’s a compliment.”
- “Of course! And your friend, do you know where she is?” he asks with sparkling eyes.
- “My friend?” you ask puzzled. “She's in Erebor, for Dís.”
- “W-what?!” Kíli shouts.
- “You don’t know?” you say, seeing Fíli worried, approaching. “Thorin asked for help in finding healers to look after your mother. She is ill and they can’t find a solution.”
- "We left Erebor a few months ago because of some orcs attacks and nobody told us anything…" Fíli says, crossing her arms.
- “Nooooo, she's in Erebor while I am here! Mahal, did she do it on purpose or what?”
- “You didn't tell her you were coming here either. She thought you would be in Erebor.”
- “Kíli, we're going back to Erebor tomorrow. Orcs or not, we must return to our mother.
- “Y-yes of course …”

Seeing Kíli disappointed and Fíli worried, you decide to find something to change their minds; even if they leave tomorrow.

- “If you want, there is a nice bar around the corner. We can have drinks tonight to clear your mind.”
- “Hmm, I don't know ...,” Kíli begins.
- "We'll meet you there at the end of the day," Fíli says, patting her brother's shoulder.

You smile at them. Kíli seems to sulk and Fíli laughs at him. They eventually leave and you return to your reorganization of your counter.

In the evening after closing your shop, you go straight to the bar. Once inside, you don't see them. Either they will arrive later, or they stand you up. In any case, you are hungry and order the dish of the day with a cold beer.
When your dinner is over, you face the fact they won't come. So, you are watching the bar in case a friend of yours is around. Unfortunately, you get to see someone you know: your ex. The one who cheated on you after a few months of dating.
You are about to leave but you see him sit down at your table.

- “(Y/N), I'm glad to see you again! What are you doing here alone?” he says calmly, smiling.
- “How does that concern you?” you ask on the defensive.
- "You don't have to be that aggressive," he says, putting his hand on yours and stroking it.

The feel of his skin on yours disgusts you. You get up abruptly. Not wanting to create a scandal since your shop is just a stone's throw away from here, you take your hand back and answer him kindly.

- “Look, I don't want to talk to you. Neither here, nor now, nor ever. Go back to your pretty dwarf you cheated on me with.”

You leave the bar to get some fresh air. The door behind you opens and you step aside to let people out. Seeing it’s your ex, you make your way home. He follows you and grabs your arm to stop you.

- “Wait (Y/N)! I left her a long time ago. Come back with me please! Follow me, we'll chat in peace.”
- “No way. Let go of me.”

You try to stay calm, but with a dwarf like him it's very difficult. You are in the middle of the street. It's dark and he's squeezing you so tight that you wince.

Your fist is clenched. You were ready to punch him, but a dwarf stepped in between you two. Even from behind, you recognize him: Fíli.
Surprised to see him here alone, you don't care what they say. You come to your senses when your ex hits Fíli’s face. The prince takes the other dwarf by the collar of his jacket and squeezes him so tight that his feet lift off the ground.
Your ex must certainly understand who he is dealing with since he apologizes and leaves without further ado. Fíli turns slowly towards you, rubbing his bleeding lips. He asks you if you are fine but you lose your temper.

- “What are you doing here? Where is Kíli? What happened to you getting in between us?!”
- “Oh, you're welcome! I'm fine. Don't worry, I've known worse,” he says, sighing at your attitude.
- “I could manage on my own! I thought you hated me and you came to help me against this kakhuf inbarathrag! [Goat turd]
- “What?” he exclaims, quickly turning his gaze to you. “Are you sure it's not you who hates me? You shout at me every time we see each other!”

You turn your back to him and cross your arms on your chest. There are times when you want to strangle him but come to think of it, he really helped you here. The other kakhuf inbarathrag shouldn't talk to you for a while!
You sigh before turning back to Fíli. Concentrated on examining his bleeding lips, he doesn't look at you. You take his arm and pull it, saying "Follow me".

Your home is calm. Your mother must already be sleeping. You ask Fíli to be as quiet as possible. You make him sit in a chair while you bring something to treat him. Placing a chair in front of his, you sit down next to him and begin to disinfect his wound.
He hasn't said anything since he spoke to you earlier. It's up to you to break the ice.

- “Thanks to my herbalist friend, I have everything I need to heal you,” you start quietly. “You shouldn't have a scar.”

Fíli listens to you but still doesn’t speak. You clear your throat and continue to gently disinfect it.

- “T-thanks for helping me.”
- “You're welcome. I wouldn't have let him hurt you. Can I ask you who he is?”
- “Ah hum,” you hesitate. “He is my ex. Our relationship didn't last long.”
- “What were you doing with such an idiot?”
- “Um, I don't know,” you sigh. “I guess I didn't see who he was until I was with him.”

You no longer dare to speak and neither does Fíli. The wound is now disinfected and you can apply a balm.

- "I wouldn't have let him hurt you,” you repeat, laughing. “Your ready-made seducer phrases won't work with me!”
- “Really? What if I get closer to you?” he asks, approaching you.

His face is now a few centimeters from you and you are still applying the balm to his lips. Mahal, he's way too close. Although the only light in the room is a candle on the table near you, you can see every detail of his face. His lips, his eyes, his beard, his braids ... Your heart races but you manage to keep your calm. Your only usual defense is provocation so let's go.

- “Nope!” you laugh as you finish applying the balm. “Putting your orc head near me won’t help you.”
- "Hmm, let me think," he says, looking around the room.

While he is thinking, you put the treatment box away and try to calm down. As you sit back in your chair across from him, you smile. Still provoking, you grab his chin and incline his head a little.

- “It looks like you don't have any other injuries. And anyway, what if I let you seduce me?”

He takes his time to answer. You are close to him, still touching his beard. You would almost be tempted to pull his face towards yours to kiss him, but the joke would go too far.

- “I would start by asking if I can court you,” he says slowly, taking your hand and kissing it. Amrâlimê [my love], you would be the princess of Erebor ... my princess. You could do and have whatever you wanted. And by agreeing to marry me, you would become the future Queen of Erebor.”

The candle softly lighting his face, his almost whispered phrases, your hand still in his, his blue eyes staring at you, you are on the verge of giving in. Your throat becomes dry. Your cheeks are scarlet. Since then is he so attractive?
You laugh to hide your embarrassment and try to change the subject.

- “I imagine you tell this to all the pretty dwarrowdams in Erebor. I would almost be flattered.”
- “Not at all (Y/N)! I-”

Fíli wanted to continue his sentence, but the front door of the house opened. Your brother comes in and closes the door behind him as loudly as he had opened it. You tell him to make less noise but at the sight of the prince, your brother can’t help but shout Fíli's name.

Fíli ends up leaving when your brother is too tired to continue talking. You walk him back to your door house and wish him safe return to Erebor. He smiles and stays silent for a while. He ends up thanking you for treating him and telling you to go home safely.
Once the door is closed, you lean against it. You can finally relax. You were not at all ready for such an evening when you got up this morning ...

.

A few weeks later, your mother hands you a letter. Your friend has decided to live in Erebor to stay with Kíli. You suspected that would happen. Staying in Erebor and finding her One on top of that, you understand her but you can't help but feel sad and envy her.
Ever since Fíli and Kíli came to the Iron Hills, every time you think of Erebor, the image of Fíli comes to you. You wonder how far your last conversation could have gone.

.

A month passes and one evening when you are having dinner with your mother and brother, she announces to you she has decided to move to Erebor. Dís is doing much better and she has offered your mother a house in Erebor. Without a husband, your mother sees no reason to stay longer at the Iron Hills. She prefers to join Dís who has also lost her husband.

- “I'm coming!” your brother shouts. “There is no way I will miss such an opportunity!”
- “And you (Y/N)? I know you have your shop here but I'm sure you can open another one there.”
- “Or find you a husband!” her brother laughs.
- “Um, yes I will come with you. Just give me time to organize the closure of my shop.”

Your mother is delighted with your decision. Your brother's joke isn’t far from what she really thinks. At your age, many dwarrowdams are already married, especially according to your rank.

.

In Erebor, you are delighted to have your own place. Your mother shares hers with your brother. For more than a month, you train with several artisans and then you finally open your shop. In a few weeks, your business becomes fashionable. Many dwarves and dwarrowdams come to buy your creations.

One evening when you are better dressed and with more styled hair than usual, you accompany your mother to a dinner organized by Dís. This is your first meal with dwarrowdams aristocrats, mothers with their daughters, since your arrival. And you weren't used to going to the Iron Hills. But since Dís has personally invited you, you can’t refuse.
From the moment you arrive, you feel out of place. You spot the two dwarrowdams who were accompanying Fíli on the evening of the incident in the forest. Your mother seems quite comfortable. You take a seat next to her.

This dinner is the longest and most boring you have ever attended. The topics don't interest you. The atmosphere and the food are too distinguished.
At one point, Dís notices you are bored and tries to get you into the conversation by presenting yourself as a childhood friend of her children. You see the gaze of some dwarrowdams change; maybe not hate but jealousy for sure. One of the mothers asks if you are the new dwarrowdam who has opened a jewellery shop and you politely confirm it. Some young dwarrowdams can't help but giggle.
Jewellery isn’t a profession made for a dwarrowdam and even less for an aristocrat. Dís stands up for you. You smile at her and thank her. You kindly explain to them you really like what you do and neither your gender nor your rank has ever stopped you from doing what you wanted. Gradually, your mother manages to change the subject of the conversation.

When dinner is finally over, you leave the room quickly so as not to have to exchange formalities with some.
The dinner has exhausted you both physically and mentally. You won't even have the strength to argue with one of them. You are depressed when you think back to when the discussion turned to you.

At this moment, you feel lonely. You have no one to talk to. Your mother stayed with Dís. Your friend is definitely with Kíli and you don't want to disturb them. You have spent a lot of time with your friend since you arrived, but never alone together. Kíli never lets go for more than an hour and Fíli is always next to his brother to watch him.
You no longer even count the number of evenings spent together every four. But right now, you miss your friends in the Iron Hills. It might just be homesick but you feel lonely.

You walk the Erebor corridors to take your mind off. Clearing your mind under a mountain is a difficult task. There aren't many windows and it's too late to go out and join your shop.
You suddenly remember a discussion with your friend about a library and walk towards it.

The library is bigger than you thought. You are surprised to find it is still lighted and you are happy there is no one around. It's perfect! You've spotted the shelves about jewellery, but what interests you now are simple, quick-to-read stories. Tales or fables.
Once found, you pick up several and sit down on the floor to start reading. Your beautiful shoes hurt like hell!

You don't see the time passing. The library door makes a particular sound when it opens. A long squeak that gives chills but you don't pay attention. It's only when two feets stop in front of you that you look up from your book. Fíli smiles at you. He still wears his princely clothes. Maybe he's just got out of a meeting. He sits down gently next to you.

- “What are you doing here at this hour?” you ask gently.
- “Good evening (Y/N), I'm fine since the last time we saw each other, thank you. And you?”

You remain silent for a few moments before giggling. The contrast between his prince clothes and his casual demeanor makes you smile.

- “Did something happen?” he asks and continues, seeing you don’t answer him. “You always came to read tales in the library at the Blue Mountains when something was wrong.”
- “Do you think I should stop the jewellery shop and do like all aristocrats?” you sigh.
- “What? Getting ready for hours, wearing unbreathable dresses, drinking tea and chatting all day? You won't last three days.”

Fíli laughs and you chuckle too. You close your book and put it next to you. Dinner and reading have left you exhausted. You rest your head on the shoulder of the dwarf next to you.

- “Did the dinner go so badly? My mom told me she would eat with your mom, you and other dwarrowdams tonight. You can tell me about it if you want.”
- “You’re nice, it’s strange. Aren't you sick at least? You have one day to live, is that it?” you joke without moving your head.
- “I'm always nice and I'm fine. It's just for once you're not angry and we're both alone. So that sure sounds strange to you.”

His remark makes you laugh. The two of you remain silent for a while. Fíli's head rests gently on yours and he begins to sigh.

- “Do you miss Kíli?”
- “Is it that noticeable? Since he's been with your friend, we've barely seen each other. But I'm not going to blame him.”
- “You may be like him when you find the one that suits you,” you tell him to try to cheer him up even if it hurts you. “During dinner, some dwarrowdams asked if there would still be a ball to find you a wife, since you're the only bachelor.”
- “Already? By Mahal, don't they have more to think about? I know I'm irresistible but still.”
- “Do you want me to tell them anecdotes from when you were little? If she knew you as well as I did, I'm sure she would think twice before wanting to marry you,” you are kidding. “On top of that, they have to be motivated or insane to want to become an Erebor Princess.”
- “It doesn't seem to bother your friend.”
- “It's because she doesn't know what’s coming,” you sigh. “I will help her as best I can …”

Fíli's head comes off yours. Maybe now is the time to take yours off his shoulder. In the library, there is no way to tell what time it is, but you've been glued to him for so long that your neck is numb. You slowly straighten up and stretch. After you have gathered the books scattered on the floor, you get up and put the books back on the shelves.
Fíli, who had remained silent, leans against the book column and speaks. You don't have to look at him to know he's already smiling at you.

- “What if I wasn't a prince? If I were just a dwarf, could I court you?”

You're stuck on his question. You never asked yourself. Do you really don't want to be queen or is it just an excuse to avoid starting a relationship with Fíli?
Deep down, you know your feelings towards him. They are not new. You cried for days when you moved to Iron Hills because you couldn't see him anymore. Let’s not even talk about when you learned he was involved in the recapture of Erebor.
On the other hand, you know Fíli loves to mess with you since he was little. For once you were alone and calm, he couldn't help but joke about it.

You sigh and put the last book away. You then lean against the books like him.

- “Aren't you taking advantage of my fatigue to confuse my mind? I'm sorry Fíli, but I don't have the strength to joke about it tonight. If you want, I can introduce you to a couple of dwarrowdams I met tonight who would love to joke with you.”

It’s only when you’re finished speaking that you realize the dry tone you used. You were about to leave when Fíli resumed the conversation.

- “What if it's you I want?” he asks, turning to you, his shoulder still against the books.
- “Me? Why me? I don't know if you remember but I have a bad temper,” you laugh.
- “It's hard to forget. But it would suit a dwarf princess perfectly and even better a queen.”

These words and his tone are far too serious for you to continue joking. You stop laughing and your cheeks redden as your heartbeats quicken. The best solution is to leave the room and tomorrow everything will go back to normal.

You were about to run away when Fíli grabs your hands. Focused on your thoughts, you didn’t see him approaching you. He is so close to you that you can hear him breathing.
Fíli pulls your hands up to his lips, tenderly kissing them. As you followed his gesture, you couldn't dodge his blue eyes staring at you. You realize you had stopped breathing until he spoke to you again.

- “(Y/N), I know you love me too,” he whispers to you.
- “W-what? What do you mean ‘you know’? What do you mean ‘too’? What-”

Fíli cuts your babbling by kissing you. Despite the suddenness of the kiss, he kisses you gently. One of his hands lets go of yours and slides over your cheek. The other grabs your hip.
With your back to the books’ column, you can’t run away. But on the other hand, you don't really want to anymore. Your hands are placed on Fíli's chest.
Thinking you want to stop the kiss, Fíli steps back and looks you in the eye. None of you dare to speak. Through his blond beard, you see his cheeks flushed. A smile appears on his lips.

- “If you didn't love me, you would have already left. Do I finally have your agreement to court you?”

Fíli's hand that was stroking your cheek is now passing through your hair. Your throat is still dry with what just happened. His hand in your hair is warm and pleasant. You can feel him playing delicately with your hair. Seeing you are still silent, Fíli chuckles lightly.

- “If I had known kissing made you shut up, I would have done it a long time ago!”
- “Hey!” you are shouting louder than you think. “If this is to make fun of me, you can-”

Fíli kisses you again. This time you are responding to his kiss. He uses his hand on the back of your neck to deepen it. You run your hand through his blonde, braided hair, too. The kiss becomes more and more intense but Fíli ends up breaking it.
You catch your breath and don't dare look him in the eye. But you keep stroking his hair. You have always wanted to put your hands in it, untangle all of his braids and do them all again.

- “What are you doing?” he asks, laughing softly.
- “I'm looking for the best place to make you a courting braid. All the dwarrowdams must understand immediately you’re mine. Especially those of this evening …”

Focused on the dwarf's hair, you don't see him smiling at you with eyes sparkling of joy. He takes your face with both hands so that you look him in the eyes. You can't help but smile at him. He kisses you furtively. After letting go of your face, he takes your hand and pulls it.

- “Follow me, we'll tell Kíli the good news!”
- “W-what? Already? Are you sure this is a good idea?”
- “No, but I'm in a hurry to tell him anyway!”

You end up laughing and following Fíli. At this time, you're sure Kíli is sleeping but his brother seems determined to wake him up, so why not!

This story takes place at the same time as this one: Plants and cakes