128The Mark of Gideon » With age comes responsibility and painful changes. Nobody said it was easy to juggle the roles of Big Brother, Budding Warrior, and Crown Prince to a distant throne. Indeed, as he begins to see the world differently through maturing eyes, Fíli finds himself smothering beneath the burdens while his increasing feelings of anger and frustration are left to simmer beneath the surface.

17The Father of My Boys » Thorin has always tried his best for his beloved nephews, but their father's warmth and light was irreplaceable. One sleepless night before the quest Thorin writes a fond letter to Jóli, reminiscing over old memories, and sharing all he has missed in the lives of his sons.

301 A Private Little War » Little Kíli has always had a penchant for trouble yet something about this situation is gravely different: the constant bruises, speaking of sought-out trouble; the all but silent admissions of guilt, lacking silver-tongued excuses. His luster fades as he folds slowly inward and his behavior continues on a downward spiral. What is plaguing Thorin Oakenshield's youngest sister-son?