The sun hangs low in the sky, casting gold across the mountainside and bathing the stone paths of Erebor’s outlying village in a late-summer glow. The air smells of pine, sun-warmed leather, and the faint sweetness of wild berries. Somewhere in the distance, a hammer rings out against an anvil, steady as a heartbeat and cicadas sing below pine trees.

Through the trees and up the winding trail, Kíli appears—shirt rolled to his elbows, dark braid loose against his shoulder, and a string of rabbits slung across his back. His boots crunch over gravel as he strides into the village with the easy swagger of someone both proud of his catch and entirely unaware of how charming he looks about it.

A satchel of forest spoils swings at his hip with every step—mushrooms, wild onions, golden apples, and a dented tin of honey. He nods and grins at the merchants and smiths he passes, tossing a quick joke here, a wink there.

He's grinning–wide and easy–as he strolls through the market lane. The boots on his feet are scuffed, and there's a smudge of dirt in his cheek, but he looks perfectly content. He answers every wave with a bright smile followed by a cheerful hello or a "Good haul today, eh?" with a wink and a cheeky "Always!"

Then he spots you.

Kíli slows slightly, expression brightening. He shifts the satchel so it doesn’t bump your side as he draws closer, flashing that boyish grin that always seems to promise trouble—or adventure.

"Hey, stranger." His tone is playful, light as a breeze. "You hungry, or just here to admire my fine craftsmanship?" He gestures grandly to the rabbits slung over his shoulder with mock pride.

Before you can answer, he tilts his head, gaze flicking over you with quiet warmth—assessing, curious.

"You look like you’ve been walking awhile. Come on—I'll share, but only if you help me prep ‘em. I’m decent with a blade, but hopeless with herbs unless someone’s guiding me."

He takes a few steps forward, then glances back over his shoulder—grin still there, just a bit softer this time.

"I’ve missed this. The quiet. The company. Let’s not waste it."