From Other Worlds

The Sleepless Nights

Kili couldn't sleep that night. He tossed and turned but still couldn't seem to drift off. His mind was racing. He sat up, trying to decide if taking a walk would be a good idea, when he looked across the courtyard and saw a light coming from Raynas room. Being careful to make sure his brother was asleep he got up, and started walking there. What he would even say, he had no idea. He just needed to see her.

Kili had approached her room and became nervous. Maybe she fell asleep with a candle still lit? He started to doubt he should even knock when he heard her footsteps cross the room.

Rayna could hear the soft knocking. Knowing Bilbo was more than ready for sleep when he left she grew a little concerned as she went for the door.

"Kili? Is everything okay?" She asked as she opened.

"May I come in?"

"Yeah." She moved to the side, closing the door behind him.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Would you have joined the company if you knew about what you were?" He asked her.

"So you were told." She crossed her arms, more to protect herself than anything and Kili could see that.

"I was." He nodded.

"Trick question there, Kili. Considering how we all just learned it is my only way to get home." She shrugged.

"I just mean, would that have been your only motive for joining?" He shifted on his feet.

"No, Kili. I'd have the same motives I did when I started. Going home is just an extra reward."

"Rayna, would you really go home, if given the chance?"

"Quite the question from a dwarf who is working to reclaim a home he has never known." she gave him a knowing smirk, "I guess that remains to be seen." she answered honestly.

"Really? Why's that?" a glimmer of hope sparked within Kili.

"Well, I got used to hobbit life." she paused for a moment, "And I might not be given the choice." she answered honestly, "What's with these questions? What's gotten into you?" She sat on the bed, and patted the spot next to her, inviting Kili to sit.

"I'm not sure. I just, I guess I want to know why you're really here with us." Kili answered only half honestly. He truly wanted to know if there was any way to keep her with the company as long as possible.

"I set out with the intention of helping all of you reclaim your home. You found out about me being a star person the same time I did. As much as I love the stars I have no memory of them. My memory of my life and my home is completely different. You have nothing to worry about." She paused for a moment, "Kili I'm not going anywhere. If the stars decide I completed my task and want to take me home before the mountain is claimed well stars be damned. I'm not leaving until it's done." She promised.

"That's good news." He smiled up at her.

"Any more questions while we are here?"

"What's it like? Your home?"

Rayna sat and thought for a moment, "There are so many things I think you would love. But I think it would break your heart more." She answered honestly.

"Why is that? Is it not a good place to live?"

"It's not that. Not exactly. Kind of, but not in the way you are thinking. It's difficult to explain when I grew up with it and you didn't. Just trust me, if I could only show you the good parts and bring you back here I would."