The Longest Road [Flanna]

[Kili]

Kili had left Thorin back at the entrance to Aledon, as much as he had loved being back by his Uncle's side and as much as he loved fighting...well... anything. Not a day had gone by that he didn't pine for his wife's voice, her gentle touch, her warm body! And then of course there was Talar. He wondered how much the youth had grown! Between the two of them, he was certain his heart would burst during this separation, but he had a job to do and he had forced his family from his thoughts as they had drawn closer to the enemy, for his own safety if nothing else, but now that he was back within Aledon... he could scarcely wait to reach home. A quick but meaningful goodbye to Thorin, the man who was now Talar's official Godfather, and Kili was off, trying to maintain some air of dignity as he tried desperately not to simply sprint the rest of the way home.

If he had had much of a choice, he doubted he nor his uncle would have gone after the damn orcs, but the Queen had heard rumor of how they had faced a small army of the creatures to save their respectable significant other and had asked them personally to see to the small company that was terrorizing one of the villages on the outskirts of Aledon. She had been overly generous with coin for both cooperation and willingness, and of course the pride of a dwarf being honored in such a way... neither he nor Thorin stood a chance...really.

But now was the time to put such thoughts behind him, at least for now, injuries had been minor, more nuisances than anything else, they had long since healed leaving minor aches and dull pains that were simply not going to harbor his sudden burst of energy as his home came into view. Nearly sprinting the last twenty feet to his and Flanna's home, he burst through the front door, coming to an abrupt halt as the simple smell of his wife turned his bones to jelly and jump-started his heart.

“Flanna! Talar!” Excitement raced through his tones and for all the control he had over himself the emotions may as well have been ripped from his chest, so much for dignity... but at the moment, he just couldn't bring himself to care.

[Flanna]

Time seemed to pass so slowly when he was away. Yes, Flanna had a son to care for and another growing insider her (so she had to take care of herself as well), but she did not like to be here without her beloved husband. She worried for him day after day, constantly wondering if he would come home. But time still went on. Life still moved. And the world still went on around her, even if he wasn’t constantly beside her. Anyway, he had wanted the job, and the capable Thorin would be there at his side. She need not worry, but she did anyway. And to make matters even more complicated, the signs had decided that Flanna was carrying twins. Wanting someone to speak to when in the city, Flanna had stopped to see an old woman who sold fish and who told her promptly that this craving was indicative of twins.

But she was not too big yet. It had been but four months, not even halfway, and she was still physically capable of all the things she’d been doing. She still cleaned the house and took care of anything that little Talar demanded of her. Trying to be a good mother, she allowed him what she saw fit and denied what she deemed non-educational for a growing boy. He walked and ran all over the place and his dark hair was beginning to grow long. She did not risk cutting it, for she loved how adorable it made him and how it reminded her of Kili.

Speaking of... Kili! She swore she could hear something outside and decided that it was worth checking. A bright smile lit her face as she moved toward the front door and was surprised to see him bursting in, yelling the names of his family. Croi nipped happily at his returned master from where he’d been sleeping beside the door, but Flanna cut him short as she rushed to embrace her husband. ”Kili! Thank God! You’re not hurt? I’ve... I missed you so!” she was out of breath but she kissed him anyway, just as Talar ran to see what the fuss was about. He nearly fell on his way when he saw his father and murmured happily, ”Dadadadada hi!”

[/b] The child was slow on speech, but it made him all the cuter.[/blockquote]

[Kili]

Time moved too fast and at the same time too slow, Croi seemed to have grown a whole three or four sizes, he swore the damn thing had a touch of dire wolf in her, and as his lovely, beautiful, flawless wife entered his vision for the first time in months he could scarcely draw breath and still it amazed him how swiftly she took his breath away. She moved forward quickly, already her belly grew rounded, not enough to hinder her yet, but enough certainly to be seen. After her gentle embrace ad having an immense amount of love-filled adrenaline still coursing through his waist, he bent down, catching her just beneath her rump and hoisted her high into the air, laughing her name to the heavens as he did so!

“Flanna! I had nearly forgotten how gorgeous you are my heart! And Croi!” He finally set her down as the dog continued to sink her teeth playfully into his calves, he squatted down to offer her a few loving pats when his son came tottering around the corner, cooing a litany of the title he now cherished most. Daddy. With a shout of joy, he darted forward, scooping up his son and lifting him high into the air, laughing all the more as his sons bubbling laughter harmonized with his own. Shifting Talar to one arm, he dragged Flanna too him with the other, forcing the two of them into a rather tight group hug.

Releasing both he dropped his weapons to the floor, they could take the abuse for a spell. “No injuries Flanna, I am fit as I ever was... you can investigate me later if you wish.” He winked playfully at her, suddenly reaching out and catching her in a fond kiss... to which Talar giggled at seeing and Croi barked. “Nevermind me Flanna, how are you, Talar, Croi, the baby?” A thousand and one thoughts shot through Kili's mind, but at the center of all that chaos... was his family.

[Flanna]

Flanna giggled girlishly when she saw him, and her heart was glad. Her spirits, so worried for a month, were up now and nothing could bring her more happiness than the safe return of her beloved. She squealed as he lifted her and no thought passed her mind that was not of him. Of his strength and his valor, or his smile and his handsome face, or his great joy and love. She could not stand to be so long away from him, but the waiting was now over and they were again one. "My love! I could never forget how handsome you are," she laughed. When he set her down, she pressed a soft kiss to his cheek and noticed in the corner of her eye the big ball of fluff on the floor.

"Croi!" scolded Flanna, picking up the dog and placing her nearer the fireplace. As she did so, Talar came into the room, his smile just as bright as Kili's, babbling incessantly as he always did when Flanna needed to get things done. He was, in all certainty, half dwarf. And there was a remarkable bond that showed when father and son were reunited, an image that made Flanna's smiled grow even more as she watched. And all too quickly, Flanna was dragged into the embrace, glad to have her whole family at home again.

He dropped the bulk of his weaponry and Flanna grinned at his words. Moving to kiss his cheek, she whispered, "No doubt I will take my time doing so." The kiss he gave her caught her off-guard but she did not object, returning his affections before drawing away from him. "We are well," she replied gently, bending over to pick up a pillow that Talar had displaced. She stood back up and continued, "Lonely, a bit, but well." At this, she patted her stomach, glad to know of the life growing inside. "Talar doesn't seem to understand the concept of a sibling quite yet," she laughed. Talar giggled at his name.

[Kili]

Kili was sore and fatigued, true, but the moment his gaze fell upon his family. His wife, his son, their unintentional family companion... a wave of relief, love adoration, excitement, exuberance and emotions he simply had no name for flooded him all in one large rush of adrenaline. He had only ever been away from Flanna for so long once before, but that circumstance, he didn't like to think about. Her once broken body was far from such now, her cries of pain were no more, only laughter and happiness covered the air. No... this reunion was far, far sweeter, and her gentle lips were upon his cheek, soothing his battered spirit. He hadn't realized how much of himself he had left behind.


“Forgive me Flanna, I have not the writers mind, I may never capture your beauty in elegant language, but my tongue will capture your body anytime you desire.” He dropped his voice to a low rumbling timbre, in all honesty, he just wished to make her laugh and blush prettily, he never demanded anything than who she was from her. She was perfect, no matter how she choose to spend her time with him.

“Lonely, neither of you shall be anymore! I have no intention of going further than the training arena anytime soon... give yourself another year Talar and you'll be coming with me!” His voice was booming, a touch louder than normal in his excitement and even though the child didn't understand, he giggled cutely and wrapped his still chubby arms around Kili's neck. ” Dearest Flanna, I believe Talar is still just a touch too young for you to give him the birds and the bees speech. Wait a few more years ya?” He teased her gently, but his large smile gave him away too quickly. He set down Talar who immediately tackled Croi, seeming to feed off of his fathers excitement and with another searing kiss to his beloveds lips, he swept her off her feet. “Gods it is good to be home!”

[Flanna]

It was simply a relief to have him home and safe; there was nothing else that Flanna had wished for. It had been a long month without him, but she had managed like she always did. And it was not that she'd been entirely alone; she still had Talar and Croi to keep her company and the pregnancy sickness to keep her awake. She did not show much yet, but this was the worst of the symptoms. Thankfully, it seemed like they were almost past--all the better, because it meant that perhaps... "I hope we can have a bit more fun before I grow too much," she whispered to him, grinning with a slightly red flush of her face. She knew Talar didn't understand, but still she worried.

She needed to show him some of her recent works. Lately, feeling the need to earn her keep, she'd been authoring a play and now it was nearly finished. She just needed input. Looking sweetly to Kili and picking up Talar after he managed to attack their dog, Flanna said, "I have something new for you to read. I will send it to my good friend soon to have it distributed and bought, but I'd like to know what you think, my love..." She set Talar down on the couch and threw her arms around Kili's neck, looking at him happily.

"You'll not be going anywhere for a long while. Not until you have another child," she grinned. She hated when he was gone. But Talar giggled again at his name, still not understanding the words they said. Kili's kiss made her smile even more, and there could not have been a more joyful reunion. "Shut your mouth, you!" she laughed. And then, placing her lips near the shell of his ear, she whispered, "Save that for later." A daring grin crossed her face and she freed herself from his embrace to pick up Talar. "It's time you got some sleep. God knows you don't get any at night."

[Kili]

Kili had no false notions, Talar was still far too young to understand the vast majority of words, or at least he had been when he left, beyond a few simple phrases, words, and motions, the toddler was still very much still learning to use his vocal cords properly. He had no fear of Talar picking up on the less than subtle innuendos he used to swoon his mother, but Kili knew that his son and future children would merely have to get used to such talk. He was and forever had been a flirt by nature, all of his affections were merely directed at one now instead of many... if Fili had been here the occasional brash comment would have been hurtled at his twin but he doubted Flanna would have gotten too terribly jealous. “Aye... what fun we shall have once some of our own drift off to sleep.” The smile that stretched the corners of his mouths, could have been sinful.

An eyebrow quirked up at Flanna's words, Talar was still clinging to his calf and after a moments more of waiting, he lifted his son once more, embracing his flesh and blood with possessive zeal. This was his family, his home. “Something to read? Just what have you been up to during my absence sweet wife? Writing poetry eloquent enough to put my poor tongue to shame?” Despite his soft teasing, he loved her writings, she wasn't always the best with expressing her feelings... but with her writings you could practically taste all of the emotion that bubbled beneath her skin.

Kili laughed at her soft chastisement of his long away venture ad shook his scraggly hair animatedly. “No love, you have my word, I won't venture anywhere until a second life has graced this house.” Her wicked smile was a match for his own and her whispered words had him shivering in anticipation. The child tucked softly in his arms was plucked as Flanna turned her chastisement on their son, he bit back the chuckle. The boy could scarcely talk and already they were getting reprimanded together... lord help them both once he learned to wield a sword! ” Away with ya both! I'll not be a step behind, can't have y son going to bed without a proper story of heroics now can I?” Trailing after the two of them, Croi trotting happily at his heels, Kili couldn't think of anywhere else he would rather be.

[Flanna]

There were not words that could describe the way Flanna felt about Kili, even when she tried to put the feeling into verse or song. She adored him, for all of his silliness but too for all of his caring affections, his loyalty, his charisma. Everything about him she admired, and there was nothing she would not do for him. He was the most faithful man she'd ever known, so dedicated to those things he loved that he could do nothing to help his courage. She was one of those things, and cherished that he could concentrate his love solely upon her. It was a wonder to watch, really. No poetry could express that.

She watched with dazzling eyes everything he did. His words made her anticipative and she could not help as she ran a hand down his side gently, smiling at him with a wicked smile. And then Kili picked Talar up and she could swear that they would be twins one day. He was a father's boy, there was no doubt of that. Shaking her head, Flanna answered, "What have I not been up to, you should ask. Ah, but it is a play; I figure I should hold up my end of the finances." She smiled, assuring him that it was not a serious tone she was going for. She loved writing. It was not a burden.

His words were good and true, and would hold true as they always did. "I expect no less," Flanna murmured, glad to be once again treated for the hard work she did when he was not here. It was about time to relax, yes? She took up her son that perhaps she could be alone with Kili for a bit, and her husband followed in fidelity. She took Talar to his room, just down the hall, and set him down upon his bed. Handing him a soft pillow, she asserted, "And now, Talar, it is late. Go to bed, my darling." She bent and kissed him on the forehead, stroking his face. He did not want to sleep, though. With a sigh, she turned. "Kili? Any ideas?"

[Kili]

Kili, had always been the heart of the royal bloodline. He had been born with a jovial, light-hearted spirit. Something that was remarkably rare for a dwarf. He wasn't loved or adored, no... not by any means, and neither had Fili. They loved or hated him. One of two extremes, perhaps he would have grown out of such a phase had his home remained as it was, but once their ranks fell to meager numbers, Kili and Fili thrived. They were the spirits, the laughter, the love, when everyone else was at their lowest... it was the sadness in Flanna that had originally drawn him to her, and it was a million wondrous things about her that kept her coming home. She was the blood that now fueled him.

He scoffed at her words, the smile betraying whatever ire he had intended to fake. She needed only to keep loving him and that would be more than enough payment for a poor, kingdom-less soul as he. There was absolutely nothing she need too to keep his fortunes fulfilled. Kili would provide for his family, shower them in anything they wished. You could not deter a dwarf, their stubbornness was legendary and Kili was certainly not immune. “You my dearest Flanna, needn't do a damned thing unless it brings you joy. No wife of mine will slave under the sun.” The snort shifted to a rumbling growl. Kili would never stifle her creativity, but he would never push her to be anything other than his lovely Flanna.

Kili trailed after his wife and son, bemused as she desperately tried to get him rambunctious son to actually remain beneath his covers. He should have warned her of the high spirits of his kind. She would be no match for him once he gained his fathers devious streak. Flanna was in for a world of tricks and treats. Kili chuckled and moved forward, opting to save his poor woman. With a soft clearing of his throat, a low rumbling hum vibrated up through his chest. An ancient, dwarven lullaby that his father used to send him to his dreams with, he only hoped the same would be true for Talar. It took several minutes, but finally the lad seemed to settle and Kili rose slowly from the bed as to not wake him. With a charming smile, he offered his arm to his wife. It had been far too long since he had gotten her all too himself.

[Flanna]

There were so many things that Flanna admired about Kili. He was so perfect and she never would have known if he had not made her go to lunch with him. It was then he'd caught her attentions, her affections, somewhere between the sly tongue and the gentle playfulness of his nature. For a long time, she'd thought she would forever be alone or that if she ever did marry it would be out of financial necessity or simply convenience. However, this marriage was forged in love and sanctified by a bond that was unbreakable. She genuinely admired him, loved him, would sacrifice and do anything for him. He had changed her for the better and even if she'd never pictured herself the wife of a mischievous dwarf, the nephew of a king, she was sure here now. And it was heaven. He was good to her and good to their son, and what more could a woman want than that?

She turned her lips up at his words. Forever caring, he was, even though she had been joking. "I do not and will not slave," came her calm answer, laughing and turning her heel. Then the time came when the task of putting Talar to sleep was simply too much for her; he'd been too excited by his daddy coming home to listen to mother. Kili prepared himself and sang a lullaby, the likes of which Flanna had never heard. As she stood with one hand leaning on the wall, a smile and nearly a tear rose to her eye. He was too perfect.

She wiped it away as he finished, amazed at the bond between her two boys. And then he turned his attentions on her, and her heart grew light at the prospect of having time with him again. He offered her his arm and that dazzling smile. She took from both what she could and closed the door behind them as they went. Looking to him, she suddenly stopped in the middle of the hallway, kissing him outright and then saying gently, "The night is just begun and the weather is gorgeous. The stars are shining and Talar is asleep.... There is soft grass just beyond that door." Her eyes gave away her purpose, but she did not care. She needed him and loved him eternally.

[Kili]

Flanna was Kili's rock. She was the grounding center of love, adoration and gentleness that collided beautifully with his rambunctious spirit. She tamed him, relaxed him, calmed him where all others had succeeded in only only bounding off his incredible energy. She brought stability to the chaos of his nature. He often wondered if she realized just how much he needed her. If he had been a poet he would have written lengthy sonnets in her name, a ballad of love for her beauty and grace... there was so much about her that Kili could not accurately articulate into words.

Talar, of course, was far too excited but he swore to himself that first mornings light he would take his restless sun out into the woods, perhaps a few games would wear him out and give his loving wife a moments rest. The least he could do was get the boy to sleep by some ancient melody from within the mountain. It was one of the few memories that he retained of his parents. When he finished and the lad was wistfully dreaming, sinking down into dreams hopefully filled with light and laughter, he tended his wife who stood by the door, watching and nearly emotional. It was rare he sung, as much as he was loathe to admit it, he was embarrassed by it.

Strong arms coiled around her waist and he pulled her too him, resting his chin on the top of her head as he took but a moment to breathe in everything that was Flanna. He did so love her, but then she was tugging him gently and he was helpless but to obey. Halfway down the hall she gave pause, turning and kissing him quickly before making her desires quite clear. A crooked grin cracked the lines of his face and with a chuckle he hoisted her up into his arms and walked where she instructed. "What my lady wants, my lady gets." He growled low in his throat as he laid her down on the grass. His fingers mapped the contours of her body, as his lips claimed hers.

[Flanna]

Though many times she had tried, Flanna never could put words on Kili. They never did him the justice he deserved; even her own poetry could not serve the right purpose when it came to her feelings for him. They were feelings, emotions so strong, and nothing but being with him, knowing him, feeling him, could ever say what she wanted to say. And she was glad that she had to share the things she felt; she would want it no other way. It was so intimate, so real, so perfect. He was so.... amazing. And he was absolutely hers.

Nothing compared to the feeling of having him and Talar and another on the way. Flanna had a family, and a happy, healthy one at that. She was so fortunate in her life, not to have continued with the sorrow and profound depression she'd once encountered. She was safe here, in the watch of her family. And Talar was safe, sleeping peacefully after a beautiful lullaby. She smiled at Kili, hugging his arm and then saying, as she closed the door, "You should like it; I wrote of a heroic man whose skill with a bow saved a princess and won him a knighthood. Ridiculously romantic, actually. So at the end, well... Well, you'll read it." She grinned, and that was when her mind drifted to better, more naughty places. Outside, while the weather was nice.

He accepted her kiss in stride and then her words brought that wicked grin she so loved to his lips. She knew then that she had him won, and he took her immediately to her suggested spot. With her body laid on the ground, she looked up at him and she could only anticipate what was to come. For now, she placed her hands on both sides of his face and pulled him down for a long but gentle kiss. "You're so damn handsome, you know," she whispered softly, feeling the desire in his words. Running a hand down the back of his neck, twining her fingers gingerly in his hair, she said, "What my knight wants, my knight may take."

[Kili]

-continued elsewhere-