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[kilimanjaro]

Why have we not returned to Exsilium? The danger is over, isn't it?

[Kili looks frustrated and tired. He's not used to being cooped up indoors like this, and no one can really blame a dwarf for not understanding radiation. and nuclear bombs.]

This place wasn't meant for living on. We can't even go outdoors! It doesn't feel like we're living anymore, merely... surviving.

And Kang, forgive me, but it seems it will be a while longer before I can continue with the blade my uncle forged you.

Comments

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili slides over to rest his head on his brother's shoulder and curl an arm around Fili's. He's always been rather cuddly, but particularly since his death, Kili's been craving physical contact. Fili's made no move to stop him, not yet anyway, so Kili cuddles against his brother's side.

His voice is soft when he speaks.]

...I miss Mum.

[walkingarsenal]

[He misses her, too. As Kili voices it, he feels it sharply, and he moves his hand to his brother's knee. Ideally, it's reassuring. There's just the problem that he can't easily tell Kili that they'll see her again soon. They don't exactly know how much longer they'll be here.]

She wouldn't want us doing too much of that.

[Although he can hardly fault Kili for wanting to see their mother.]

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili smiles slightly and nods.]

I know. But she'll be missing us too.

[walkingarsenal]

[Under normal circumstances, Kili would have given Fili the perfect opportunity to wind him up just then. Now, he can't do it.

He matches Kili's smile. That's a bit more on the right track - not that Kili doesn't have some very good reasons for not being in the most cheerful of moods.]

Of course she will. Still, she'll get on with what needs to be done.

[He pauses.]

Don't know if she'd believe us about this place.

[kilimanjaro]

True.

[He presses his nose into Fili's neck and lets out a little sigh.]

Sometimes I don't even believe this place. It just doesn't feel real.

[walkingarsenal]

[Fili nods.] You'd think it couldn't be - if only. [They'd all be better off, if it weren't real.

He doubts that this is helping matters, though, so he tries a change of subject.]

Did you say you've found smithing work here?

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili nods thoughtfully.

Fili's change of subject helps, though he shrugs a bit.]

Sort of. Thorin was making a sword for Kang when he left, so Kang asked if I could finish it for him. But that was back on Exsilium, where there actually was a forge.

[walkingarsenal]

You've been making a few friends, brother. [He smiles at Kili - or that's the plan. He's not sure how well Kili can see it from his current spot.]

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili sits up straight and smiles. Honestly, he's proud of himself for how he's done here. Without Thorin, he thought he'd crumble, but he has made friends and allies. And so far, no enemies that he knows of. Except maybe that scary orc girl from when he first came here, but he hasn't seen her since.]

I have, haven't I? [His smile is proud.]

[walkingarsenal]

[There's an encouraging nod.] And Celebrian probably counts for more than just one.

[On the subject of making friends, he might need to look into arranging an opportunity for Kili to see that 'motorcycle', too.]

[kilimanjaro]

I would say so. [Kili smiles.] Celebrian is family now.

[Which reminds him...] Did I tell you that Lady Galadriel named me Elf-friend and swore an oath of loyalty to me?

[walkingarsenal]

[He sits up straighter himself. Kili's list keeps growing.]

You've told me now. [A pause.] Because of... what you did? As thanks?

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili nods, looking thoughtful but pleased.]

She said she couldn't ever thank me properly, so she gave me an oath instead.

[walkingarsenal]

[Elf-friend, an oath of loyalty... What they know of elves is what they've heard growing up and now the addition of Rivendell and Celebrian and Galadriel, but it seems a given that words like those can't be taken lightly.

Fili studies his brother's expression.]

Is there anyone you haven't charmed? [It has nothing to do with that and everything to do with Kili's selfless act, and he's glad that no one took it for granted.]

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili laughs, a faint blush coloring his cheeks.] I like having friends.

[walkingarsenal]

[Kili can still laugh and Fili's heart feels a little lighter.]

You'll have to introduce us.

[kilimanjaro]

Aye. [He gives Fili a light nudge with his shoulder.]

[walkingarsenal]

[Which, of course, means that Fili has to nudge Kili back.

The moment of normalcy isn't unwelcome.]

Good answer.

[kilimanjaro]

I always have a good answer. [It is good just to mess around and be brothers.

Which gives Kili an idea...

Whoops, sorry Fili. Looks like Kili has decided on an impromptu wrestling match which may or may not have just knocked them both off the bed.]

[walkingarsenal]

[Maybe they were in need of one of these, landing with a nice thud and everything. Naturally, it quickly turns into rolling around on the floor and elbows and knees all over the place in a minor scuffle for the upper hand.]

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili laughs, knowing that his brief moment of victory is only going to be that -- brief. It starts with Fili on his back, but quickly devolves into them both struggling for dominance.

If they don't end up with bruises afterwards, Kili will be surprised.]

[walkingarsenal]

[They'll be gloriously bruised, and for a little while, war doesn't cast as dark a shadow. They're lucky to have a piece of home wherever they go, as long as they're not apart.

Fili might even let Kili win.]

[kilimanjaro]

Ha! [Kili finally manages to pin Fili down, knees on his thighs and hands on his shoulders. There's a bruise already swelling on his cheek from where Fili elbowed him but his grin is wide and fierce.]

I win!

[walkingarsenal]

This time. I wouldn't get used to it, brother.

[But he smiles up at Kili and doesn't try to topple him over for at least another moment.]

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili huffs and rolls off Fili, not without giving him another light shove.]

In your dreams, brother.