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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 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.

[walkingarsenal]

[For that, Fili launches himself at his brother from the side as soon as he sits up, catching him around the waist. Care to repeat what you said, Kili?]

We're both awake now, aren't we?

[kilimanjaro]

[Oof! Kili's back hits the ground, Fili's weight propelling him down.]

That we are, but now you're cheating.

[walkingarsenal]

[Kili had his chance to feel triumphant and dish out bruises for Fili to sport along his jaw and cheekbone, so now it's Fili's turn to make himself comfortable on Kili's legs.]

And who started that?

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili sticks his tongue out.] I didn't cheat.

[walkingarsenal]

That's not how I remember it.

[Moving to sit on the floor, he offers Kili a hand up.]

[kilimanjaro]

I think your memory's failing you in your old age, brother. [He takes his hand, grinning, and sits up.]