From Other Worlds

The Gates

Rayna and Kili had remained wrapped in a blanket for quite some time. Talking like they did at the start of the quest when they would just share stories with each other. Kili had resumed playing with her fingers, looking up to her smile.

"What is it?" he asked.

"I'm just surprised your brother hasn't tried to find you."

"Oh he has. But you sounded busy so I've returned now that it's quieter." Fili stood in the door way, arms crossed over his chest.

Rayna pulled the blanket further over her.

"Fili." Kili sat up.

"I told Uncle that you were resting because of your leg, and that I will come for you once you have rested. He hasn't asked about Rayna. I don't think he saw you, but anyone else who has I could only say I don't know. I sent Bilbo to look for you, Rayna."

"I am grateful-" Kili started.

"Do you know what you are doing?" Fili stepped further into the room, "It's not that I am not happy for either of you, because truly I am. Rayna I am so fond of you, but you are a Halenar. Do either of you know what you are doing?"

"Whether this happened or not Fili you know, when we are blessed with our One there is no other."

"This wasn't a brash decision Fili." Rayna spoke up, now sitting up with Kili, holding the blanket up to cover herself, "It's been since the moment we met. I think you know that. And whatever time I have left here, we are spending it together. It's better than never knowing."

"The only reason I am asking is cause I would rather see neither of you hurt."

"I was going to be hurt either way brother." Kili stepped out of the pile of fur and blankets, grabbing his trousers and pulling them on, "I would rather be hurt because I had something to lose over not knowing if I ever had it at all."

Fili placed a hand on his brothers shoulder, "I know, Kili. I know. I still need to do my brotherly duties of making sure your head is on straight." Fili roughed up his head, feeling the braid, "Rayna, welcome to the family. You two better make yourselves seen quickly. But don't make it obvious you were together. Kili wipe the grin off your face." Fili pointed to him before leaving the room.

Kili passed Rayna her clothes, "I don't know why we can't make it obvious we were together."

"Your uncle, Kili. You saw him. I know you did. Until things settle. Or when I'm gone or maybe never I don't know." Rayna had stood, letting Kili drink her in as she dressed, "Just right now is not a good time to announce that you basically got married to a woman who is leaving your world soon."

"So your task is soon then?" Kili pulled his tunic on.

"Yes. We still have time, I just don't know how much."

"Your task was never helping us win back the mountain was it?"

"If I recall I was saving all of you from orcs while they were crawling around in here with Smaug. So not entirely." Rayna stepped toward him, grabbing the rest of her things to dress, "Go quickly before your brother starts to think we are going to take our time."

"We're wanted at the gates!" Fili called to them.

"Best hurry." Kili pulled his tunic on. They rushed to finish dressing and the three began walking towards the front.

Bilbo jumped up as they walked towards the front gates, "I've been looking for you!"

"Fili told me when he found me."

"What were you doing?"

"Wandering, ran into Fili, we found Kili and now we're here. What's going on?"