Kili was exhausted; he'd barely a moment to rest after his leg had been treated, and the ordeal left him greatly fatigued.
"I remember the stories," he answered, taking a moment to sit down atop an overturned treasure chest. Piles of gold and various gemstones spilled out of it; a single chest contained more wealth than he'd ever seen in his entire life.
"I suppose I was hoping that any of these would do," he nodded towards an impressive looking gem, a diamond of some kind, though clearly not the Arkenstone.
Kili rubbed the back of his neck, managing a light smile at Fili's description. Their Delva had the most beautiful eyes of any he'd ever seen. The mention of her left him wondering: where had she gone? There'd been no sight of their godmother ever since she'd spoken to Thorin. . .

"Fili...you don't think Thorin's asked her to leave, do you?" Kili voiced his fears aloud; he'd never considered the fact that they could be separated so soon, but she had fulfilled her promise, hadn't she? Surely she wouldn't have left without a goodbye...perhaps she was give no other choice.
Troubled, he pushed himself up. "I'm going to go find her."

Thorin had circled around one of the mighty stone pillars in the room, his eyes landing towards his nephews. Both were seated, which struck a negative chord within him. Why were they resting? Didn't they realize how important this was? Kili had risen, though Thorin overheard his statement about finding Saeril.
"You were instructed to find the Arkenstone, not your godmother," he approached them, his gaze one of disapproval with a hint of anger. "No one rests until it is found...it is in these halls somewhere. We must find it!"

Kili's heart skipped; he'd no idea Thorin had been present. Seeing him up close sent a feeling of dread into the pit of his stomach. Thorin had changed, and not for the better. "I was going to come back," he promised hastily. "I was just..."

"Going to find her." Thorin finished the sentence, his tone harsh and unforgiving. "I will not tell you two again. NO ONE rests until it is found, do I make myself clear?"

Fili allowed his brother to leave, and seek their godmother out, but his heart also skipped a beat, as soon as he took notice of their uncle approaching them, more notably, Kili, who was just about to take his leave. His brotherly instincts were taking effect, and by the looks of Thorin's current status, he just couldn't leave his baby brother alone with him. It became more difficult that Saeril wasn't present. "Uncle", the blonde impulsively responded, really to fend him off from advancing upon his brother. He approached the two, and stood next to his brother, well, a few feet ahead of him, closer to Thorin. Their uncle was unpredictable now, so he had no idea what he was capable of yet. He only wished that they didn't have to experience it. "He's about to collapse. If he doesn't rest, the search for the stone will be ever more difficult. I will continue the search. I won't rest, but let him. As your heirs", the blonde was practically beginning to reason/beg. His brother was on the verge to fall from exhaustion, and rest was all he needed to continue their search. But this was a partial ruse to let his brother sneak away and find Delva. "Please, uncle".

Kili may have argued or lipped off, but he was so taken aback by Thorin's behavior that he was rendered speechless. It was no secret that Thorin could be a bit overbearing and harsh, but he'd never seen him this bad. Thorin didn't seem to care about them at all, his only focus was on the Arkenstone.
Before Kili could begin to utter a response, Fili had quite literally stepped in for him. Big hearted as always, Fili spoke on his behalf and even offered to search in his place. Kili felt a twinge of guilt at that -- Fili must have been terribly tired too. They'd barely a moment's rest for days now.

Thorin grew dangerously quiet, his eyes flickering from Fili to Kili. Kili did look exhausted. If he fell sick again, Oin would have to tend to him. They didn't have time for illness to get in the way of their search.
"Very well," he relented, if only for Kili to rest a little. "Kili, go rest. When you wake, I want you to help your brother."

Kili felt badly to bail on Fili, but he wasn't sure how much longer he could keep on his feet. The youngest felt a mixture of hurt anger towards Thorin, though he held his tongue and did not risk mouthing off to him. "I'll be back soon, Fili," he promised him quietly, then turned to leave the chamber, his eyes towards the ground.

Once he'd left the room, Kili breathed a small sigh of relief. Thorin was more than a little intimidating -- especially now. As he walked down the long, empty halls, Kili kept an eye out for Saeril, hopeful to find her. "Delva??" He called for her once, though not too loudly in fear his uncle should overhear.

Fili was, no doubt, tired from where he stood, but he kept up a good fight to stay awake. He was allowing Kili to go and, though temporarily, be free from the intimidating prescence of their uncle. No beast, no man, will hurt Kili in any way. All he could really give his brother was a slow smile, in a way to reassure him that his older brother will be okay. "Thank you", he said to Thorin, thankful that he could temporarily listen to reason on a short-term notice. He gave a tired smile to Kili, before he willingly turned around and contunue the search.

Saeril had herself clinging to the armory's ceiling; her finger-cuffs allowing her hang upside down with her wings stretches out. She was nearly preccupied with the thoughts of Thorin's behavior, her godson's current status. However, hearing the distressed call of Kili, she didn't move .

"Delva?" Kili peeked into the next corridor, only to find that it was just as dark and intimidating as his uncle had been. Brows knit in concern, he continued further into the armory, taking in the sight with silent awe. There were weapons of all shapes and sizes, with armor so intricate they almost seemed too well made for battle.

For a time, Kili merely observed his surroundings, completely oblivious to the fact that Saeril was right above him.
How was Thorin so sure that the Arkenstone was in the chamber of gold? What if it had been moved? The idea inspired Kili to hunt around -- if only to be in Thorin's good graces again. This would help Fili, too. Once the Arkenstone was found, Thorin could finally rule their kingdom, and all would be as it should have been.

Kili began by searching the area behind and underneath the array of swords. There were plenty of crevices and areas for an Arkenstone to hide. In certain parts of the floor, there were scattered pieces of gold and a few small diamonds, no doubt leftovers from Smaug's attack.
Though Kili was tired, he was also determined. The youngest continued his search of the room, though everything came to a halt when his legs gave out. Just as Fili had predicted, he had collapsed.

Nothing was going right. Thorin was on the warpath, Saeril was gone, Fili was covering for him...and for what? Was this really worth their perilous journey? Erebor was cold, grim, and terribly uninviting. Home was far away, and the future looked very bleak.

The she-elf had her luminous eyes closed, even where she heard Kili calling her name once more. She couldn't talk to him; not yet. The anger she felt will soon manifest into something dangerous, and for that, she had to keep herself isolated from her godsons. Remaining in the mountain, but kept her distance from them. She watched from above, as soon as the-elf noticed Kili enter the armory.

He's still making them look for it, she inwardly observed, when she took notice of Kili still looking around. Just watching. However, for him to fall to the floor, Saeril couldn't stay. Gracefully, she let go of the ceiling and glided down to the floor, crouching beside him, while her wings folded behind. She didn't allow them to turn into her cloak. Using the strength she had, she managed to easily pick her godson up, holding him close against her chest. One of her arms underneath him, and the other under his knees, tucking him close against her slim body. Standing up with ease, Saeril unraveled her wings, and flew to the quarters inside the mountain. It wasn't too far from the armory, and the she-elf was determined to allow Kili to get his rest. It was dusty within the bedroom, but with her flap of her feathers, she managed to blow that dust off the bed.

Tucking him in, Saeril didn't leave his side, not so much as flinch from the spot. Stroking his hair, and moving a few strands from his face, she sat in the spot next to his sleeping form. It was a big bed, and far from a royal bedroom. But the bed was big enough to take two partners. She will be here when he awakens, like she always did. And he loved her for that.

Kili couldn't quite remember falling, nor did he completely register what was going on as his godmother picked him up from the stone floor. The youngest was out cold, and he hadn't stirred for the duration of his slumber. When Kili did wake, he appeared groggy and confused until his eyes landed towards Saeril. The sight of her was enough to bring a smile to Kili's face; she hadn't left after all.
"I was afraid you'd gone," he started to sit up, nearly embarrassed for having fallen asleep so easily. What had happened? His mind was foggy. "...Where are we?"

Saeril was sitting in the empty space of the bed, next to Kili's sleeping form. Her knees nearly up to her chest, her wings tucked behind her, and her straight dark-brown hair flowing free. She hoped Thorin didn't go too hard on them, but by the looks of Kili's exhaustion, the dwarven King perhaps did go a bit far. Feeling the youngest stir, her attention was drawn to him. Giving that motherly smile of hers, the she-elf laid her hand upon his own, bowing her head down, and closing her eyes passively. "My promise isn't yet fulfilled, young Durin", she reminded him. "I'm sure you know that said-promise".

She was stern when she said this, although it softened when he asked on where he was. "This, was one of the original chambers to one of the sons of Durin. Don't ask me who", the she-elf winked, as if there was a hidden secret about the room. Truthfully, it was his birthplace. "It was special to a special someone".

"I remember." Kili smiled lightly, secretly grateful that her promise hadn't yet been fulfilled. They'd arrived safely, but he wanted her to stay for as long as possible. Even when her promise was fulfilled, he didn't want her to leave.

Sitting up, Kili started to get a better look of their surroundings. Observant as ever, he searched the room with curiosity. This room was completely unlike the ones back home.
"Did it really?" Saeril's comment surprised him, though before he might ask which son of Durin, his godmother mischievously requested that he not ask. "Which one?" Kili tried to use his big, brown puppy eyes on her. This was usually enough for Fili to cave, and sometimes their mother, though he hadn't yet tried with Delva. "Can't I have a hint?"

Saeril grew amused at his attempt to coax her into telling him. From all the years of observing him and Fili, the she-elf pretty much knew the advantage this face could bring. "Keep trying. I know what that can do", she teased him about his famous puppy-dog face. "This room, was the birthplace of the youngest of Durin", she gave him this clue, and she hoped that he knew the answer. "I was here too, many times. Leaving gifts behind."

"The youngest?" Kili could scarcely hide his surprise; he hadn't expected this answer. Having been so young at the time, he had no memories of this. "Then...this was my room." The room was rather dim, though left unscathed by Smaug's invasion of Erebor.
At the mention of the gifts, Kili smiled, his fondness for his godmother evident. "You've always been there for Fili and I, haven't you?" Fili. The mention brought back the memory of his brother offering to take his place during the search.

Without explanation, Kili started to get up, feeling horrible that he should have left his brother for so long. While he would have loved to stay and talk for hours, he knew that he couldn't. Thorin needed the Arkenstone. "Delva? How long was I asleep?"

The she-elf nodded, grateful that Kili was able to figure out whose room it was. "Your birthplace to be exact. The whole Durin family stood in this room that day: Thror, Thrain, Frerin, Thorin, Fili, and myself; welcoming a new dwarrow in your mother's arms. He beared her eyes, and her hair; no trace of your father. All were signs of Durin blood", she fondly recollected on the day of the youngest's birth. Though the thought of his father's passing became a sad memory. Kili didn't get the chance to know his own father, Vili; only Fili could remember that day.

Saeril gave an amused chuckle at his question. "All the time. Every moment, every day, every night; I was there, hiding in the shadows, and waiting to leave you and Fili a message. A message that shows me always being there for you", she remembered it all.
However, this recollection turned into a frown upon her beautiful Elevn features. "Not for long. About an hour or two", she answered his question with reassurance albeit slight concern. "Don't worry, Fili's okay. I checked on him, while you were out. I believe I last saw him in the armory", she knew he would go check on him, so she needed to tell him. "Kili, promise me something. No matter what happens, stay away from Oakenshield", she told him, as a warning. "Promise me", it was motherly concern.

"Well, that may explain why I don't remember." Kili chuckled, though he sobered when Saeril mentioned the fact hat he'd taken after his mother. This was something he'd often been told, though he couldn't help but wonder what he may have been like if he'd taken after Vili. Fili had taken after their father, and as a result, he was quite a bit stronger than his younger brother. Fili had a beard, too. Kili didn't, and he wondered if he ever would.

As the topic changed, he smiled lightly, thankful once more for his godmother's care. Since Fili was alright, he relaxed, but the request caught him completely off guard.
"Stay away from him?" Had he heard correctly? Why should he stay away from his own uncle? It was no secret that Thorin wasn't quite himself, but he wasn't dangerous, was he? Kili couldn't bring himself to think that about his uncle. For much of his life, Thorin had been a father figure to him, for Kili had never known his true father.

"I don't understand..." Kili was reluctant to agree to a promise so soon. He'd failed on his last promise, and he never wanted to disappoint his godmother again. "Why should I stay away from him? You don't think he's dangerous, do you?" To Kili, the idea was preposterous. Thorin was kin; he would never harm them.

Saeril sighed; her eyes closing briefly as she tried to think of a better way say what she meant. "I meant no disrespect, young Durin", she quickly defended at his questions. "My only hope for you, is to keep your distance", it was slowly directed towards him in a reassuring manner. She hasn't moved from the bed, but her wings went right back to her cloak. Once again, she sighed sadly.

"You must understand: your uncle is suffering. The truth behind the wealth of Durin's Folk; it's a curse", she grimly informed him, almost like a warning. "Listen to me well, Kili. While I resided here with your mother, your great-grandfather was the same. He never left that room, and Thorin was left watching him drink up the every shine of that treasure. His thirst was insatiable", she foretold. "The dragon that once resided here, left something behind. Something that will eventually darken Oakenshield's heart, and make him slowly become something that won't be as you know him", the she-elf had to explain it to him. She took a breath, almost panting in her words. "That stone, Kili, will become his undoing; his obsession, it will blind him of you".

Just before she could say anything else, that painful headache was back. This time, it was much more painful than the last time in the poisoned Greenwood. Saeril whimpered, shaking her head, refusing this pain to overpower her.
"Three Rings for the Elven-kings under the sky", she heard him. HIM.
"Seven for the Dwarf-lords in their halls of stone", the she-elf gasped, shutting her eyes and holding her head, then she suddenly stopped. "Nine for mortal men doomed to die", she said, her voice becoming menacing; her luminous eyes glowing. This wasn't her; it was a creature that loves chaos. "No!", she suddenly shouted, shutting her eyes once more, and unknowingly unraveled her wings. "No!", she whimpered. "I won't let you touch him, she hissed to this entity in her mind.
She would rather die than see Kili dead. But this force was so strong upon her, it was splitting her, make her suddenly fly into a mirror hanging on a wall, crashing into it, and shattering the pieces. Saeril can't let this thing hurt her godson, but before she could say anything, the voice and the pressure dissapeared as soon as it came. So scared of Kili's well-being, the she-elf broke into tears on the far side of the room, breaking down after experiencing the wrath that's now trying to take her back.

Saeril had Kili's full attention. As she spoke, he felt a knot in his stomach. Growing up, he'd heard rumors about his great grandfather, but he'd never thought that the same could happen to Thorin. Thorin was strong, he was their leader and king. He couldn't succumb to the sickness that plagued the kingdom.

A troubled expression overcame him. Inwardly, Kili was struggling with what he'd learned. The truth scared him; it was easier to live in denial.
"Are you saying that he's sick?" Kili knew only too well how other races saw dwarves. Greedy, stubborn. Before he might further press her for answers, he saw Saeril's expression change into one of pain.
"Delva?" Frowning, Kili started towards her, though he stopped in his tracks when she'd started to speak. Saeril's voice went from meek to menacing within seconds.
Alarmed, Kili could only stare in disbelief, the words making little sense to him. Mortal men doomed to die? Who was she referring to?
"What is it? What's wrong?" Kili moved towards her in order to help, but before he could get there, she'd flown into the mirror.

Shocked, Kili ran forward, his boots crunching against the broken shards of glass. "Delva?!" Kneeling, he tried to see her expression, worried for her well being.

Saeril was truly in a void that could eventually consume her. She regretted ever letting Kili see her like this, and the fear of him finding out what she was. She feared that it would tear their bond apart; make all of that trust they built together, crumble. Tears falling down her beautiful Elven face, the she-elf held her head desperately, as if trying to guard it from this entity from ever coming back. Saeril cried on the spot; on her knees, upon the floor with her folded wings still present, breaking down. Just by hearing her name come from her godson, she couldn't bear to look at him; not after what he just saw. "Stay away, my child", she tried to tell him, but choked on her tears. "Stay away", in truth, the she-elf didn't want him to go, but she wanted him to keep his distance from her. To not get close.

But finally, her hands dropped from her head, but the tear streaks remained.
All she felt was shame.

Kili couldn't stay away, he wouldn't. Not after what he'd seen.
While the sudden change was frightening, he felt more saddened than afraid. Why was she crying so? Had he caused this?

Going against her requests for him to leave, Kili hugged his godmother, his heart heavy with grief. "I'm sorry," he apologized profusely, feeling somehow responsible for what had happened.

Saeril wanted to scoot herself away from him, but she was too late to perform said-action once he instead put his arms around her, as if he was tryin to comfort. But with a hint of sadness in his voice, she now understood that he thinks himself to be responsible for her change. It wasn't.

The she-elf, however, felt the embrace to be of a comforting action. Sniffling lightly, she completed this said-embrace with one of her hands resting on the back of his head, and the other on his back. "It wasn't of your doing, young Durin", she confessed and softly reassured. Should she tell him? No; later. "I'll be okay", she whispered while beginning to rock him.

"For your sake, we shall check on Thorin together, if you wish it", the she-elf asked him, after a long moment of their comfort of one another, and for her tears to dry. She was letting Kili have full reigns for the rest of the evening, and stick with him, even that means for him to confront Thorin.

Kili never budged away from their embrace, he wanted to stay with his godmother until the last possible moment. Seeing her this way was a reminder of how Saeril had been at the very beginning of the journey. This was the second pane of glass she'd broken, and he wished so badly to know what would cause her to lash out like this.

As Saeril mentioned Thorin, Kili pulled back some, studying her with a expression of concern. "I do wish it," he admitted, increasingly doubtful that her accompanying him would be a good idea. Kili believed that he could face Thorin alone, he didn't want his uncle and godmother to disagree on their current situation.
"Maybe it would be best if I go alone...I may be able to reason with him. I don't want to see you at odds again, Delva."

When she felt Kili pull away a bit, Saeril showed a face of the same: concern and worry. For him to face Thorin alone, that only brought her worry, for him, his uncle, and even Fili. She wanted keep him safe, but there was a part of her where Kili would have to figure things out himself. It was partly the reason why he never fully matured in the first place. He lived, what you could say, a very "sheltered" life in the Blue Mountains, a few years after his birth in the Lonely Mountain. Ever since the dragon attacked, as far as the she-elf learned, Dis grew protective of them in Ered Luin, becoming wary and cautious for their safety, if they ever chose to go exploring at night.

From that moment on, Dis sealed them and herself inside their home, away from the outside world. But as they grew older, they were determined to see their precious "Delva", once the gifts started to come. Through those years, Saeril was always out there, watching them grow and smile. Yet, here they were; face-to-face, hand-to-hand.

The she-elf understood him, though, remembering what she just recently thought of; that he would have full-reign. He choses, she obeys. With that afterthought, she finally, and reluctantly nodded. She'll hang back, but she will listen in. Closing her eyes, she responded softly. "Very well", Saeril's wings finally folded back into her cloak.