Fili could not believe such a thing and yet, the details were convincing and were enough to plant the seed of doubt within his mind. "I am part of a company that includes Gloin, which would have included Gimli were he ten years older," he said, eyes flashing with confusion. "And you call him friend?"

"And which caves does he intend to take you to?" Fili wondered, for they had only reclaimed Erebor. Surely Gimli would not bring an elf to such an unstable place, where Thorin was perched on the edge of gold sickness and prone to snapping at any moment.