~ This story is based on an imagine from imaginexhobbit: Imagine coming to Erebor as the chief court musician and Kili falling in love with you. ~

Finally. News had reached the mountain yesterday that the Company of Thorin Oakenshield had succeeded in reclaiming Erebor. There were cheers, tears and a lot of packing happening in the few hours after. No one wanted to wait a minute longer to make their way home. It didn't matter that many dwarves were unprepared to go. It was the thought that count. And the home that would be waiting for them at the end. You packed your guitar with several pieces of clothing and got on your way with a large group of dwarves. You didn't know any of them but you didn't want to wait for your friends. They were too busy packing everything they owned. You hadn't bothered bringing taking everything with you. Because when you would reach the mountain, and found a home, you would make new furniture for your house. Beautiful furniture. You would finally have a home again.

The other reason you didn't pack too much was because you wanted to be one of the first dwarves to get to Erebor. That way, you might have a chance of becoming one of the court musicians. For several years you had entertained dwarves, man and hobbits with your guitar, but now it was your time to shine. You would show the royals your skill and they wouldn't be able to turn you down. You just knew it. Luckily for you, the group you traveled with, wanted to get to Erebor as soon as possible too. The group didn't spend too much time sleeping and eating. No one could wait to see their long lost home. Many songs were sung, you played your guitar frequently and tales were told. It all added an extra charm to the long weeks wort of travel. Many nights you wondered how the Kingdom would look. Would it still look the same like it did in the old days? Would the dragon's smell still linger in the halls? Was the gold still there?

Finally, you came close and you could all see the entrance to the old dwarf kingdom. But none of you had expected to see all the bodies outside on the field. Many dwarves, elves, orc's and one eagle lay on the battle ground. The group hold still for a moment to take in the desolation. No one said a word. You didn't dare to think about how much blood was spilled for the sake of this mountain. All those years ago when Smaug had taken the mountain, and now, when Smaug was finally defeated, he still managed to take some dwarves with him to his grave. The leader of your group made his way down the hill, you all followed. You tried not to look at all the dead bodies that you saw on your way. There was nothing you could do for them. They would be buried soon. Surely there would be people who were busy burying them right now. They all deserved a respectable grave. All had helped to defend the mountain.

Except for the orc's. They could rot in Mordor for all you cared. The entrance to the mountain was hard to reach. It looked like something large had broken the once beautiful entrance. 'Smaug' you muttered. When you got close, you were greeted by two dwarves who introduced themselves as Dwalin and Balin. 'I'm glad to see you made it back safely' said Balin. 'Welcome to Erebor' Dwalin said as he greeted the small group. You entered and you remembered everything. Flashbacks came and went. It looked the same. Except for the broken things and the smell of dragon piss. That would take a few decades to get rid of. 'What can we do to help?' you said as your eyes wandered over the grand hall. It could use a fix. A warm hand landed on your shoulder as Dwalin stood next to you. 'Anywhere you like, there is a lot to do.' You nodded. 'I will start with the rooms then. More dwarves will return and will need a place to sleep.' 'That is a good idea lass, I will send you some help when more dwarves return.'

The rooms were clouded with spider webs and a lot of dust. But everything still looked good beneath it. It would take you some time to get the first room clean but you knew that the dwarves would be thankful once they were done. For a moment you wondered where the Company had slept when they had returned. They had probably stayed down in the treasure room to guard the gems and gold, you figured. Or they were busy repairing the mountain. It desperately required some attention. 'First things first' you spoke to yourself and got yourself piece of clothing to dust the furniture in the first room. While you were working, you hummed a song. Soon, you were singing. There was no one here so you might as well entertain yourself for the time being. It may not be a happy song but it did mean a lot to you.

At the end of the song you found yourself dancing and you turned around in a twirl when you noticed a dark haired dwarf standing in the doorway. You stopped immediately. How long had he been watching you? Slowly he walked in and clapped. 'Don't mind me when I say that your voice is beautiful. That song means a lot to you, doesn't it?' he asked. His voice sounded like a charm pulling on your heartstrings. 'May I ask your name?' he asked. You nodded. For a moment you just smiled at each other when you remembered you still had to answer him. 'I'm sorry, my name is (y/n), daughter of Galollyn.' 'It's nice to meet you. My name is Kili, son of Dis, nephew of Thorin.' You hold your breath and bowed down for your prince. 'I'm sorry, I didn't know you were one of the princes. I have never seen you' you quickly apologized. When you met his eyes you noticed he was looking at you with a confused look. 'You will only need to bow for my uncle, not for me' he said.

(Molly Sterling - Playing with numbers)

Do I owe you something?

I think I do

They tied our hands

But I cut through

In the arms of the potion

They found our truth

And I made a pearl

Abandoned you

And I made the mess in your vision

And I see a debt to be paid

To give a little love was all I wanted

Give a little love was all my intent

And I was playing with numbers

And I didn't know what it meant

Please don't remind me

I won't be your muse

Fragile misguided minds like mine

Only know how to use

Oh, while I played with white lies and fiction

Unbeknownst to you

I played the victim

Well that was the last time I pierced you

And I made the mess in your vision

And I see a debt to be paid

To give a little love was all I wanted

Give a little love was all my intent

And I was playing with numbers

And I didn't know what it meant

I can watch from afar, from my heart on my own

All along I was lost, I was wild, this is wrong

I can't force this, just watch as the surface surrenders it all

I made the mess in your vision

And I see a debt to be paid

To give a little love was all I wanted

Give a little love was all my intent

I was playing with numbers

And I didn't know what it meant

'I believe I do have to bow for you too, prince Kili' you said with a cheeky grin. He smiled and his eyes wandered over the room. 'I don't know who was in charge of cleaning these chambers when Smaug was still here, but he should have hired someone else' he joked. You chuckled, even though the joke was slightly inappropriate. 'Aye, I don't think Smaug really cared about these rooms.' Kili walked to the drawer and tried to open it. All he managed to do was break a piece of the wood. He quickly put it back. 'You didn't see me breaking it.' 'I didn't see what?' 'You didn't see...' he started, but when he looked at you his face softened. 'What was it you did in your old home, surely a beautiful maiden like yourself wouldn't have been a smith?' Was the prince really flirting with you? 'I was... I am a musician. I play the guitar' you said, sitting down on one of the old chairs. 'You know, we still have a spot open for the chief court musician. But... you would have to spend a lot of time with me.

You see, I love music' Kili explained, not looking at you but instead focusing on the broken piece of wood. You didn't want to seem to eager so you waited a moment before responding. 'It would be my honor' you said. Kili's head shot up with an incredible smile on his lips. 'You will? That is fantastic. I will tell uncle, before he gives anyone else the job' he said excited and left the room. You shook your head and began dusting again. You had a feeling you would see a lot more of Kili once you got the job.