Agony wracked Bilba's body. Blood gushed from the wound, pouring over her cold fingers as she tried to stem the flow. A wheeze escaped her pale lips.
"Bilba!" Thorin shouted, sliding to his knees next to the burglar. Ripping some fabric from his tunic, the king under the mountain pressed the makeshift bandage against Bilba's abdomen. A shrill cry tore from her throat and she tried to squirm away from the intense pain his hand caused. Thorin shushed her, "Lie still. Be still." Turning to his shocked nephews, "Find Gandalf. Fetch a healer. Quickly."
Fili and Kili leapt onto the battle rams, racing down Ravenhill to the valley below as if the Nazgul gave chase.
"I'm sorry, Thorin," Bilba croaked. Hazel eyes locking with Thorin's clear blue, blinking slowly her brow furrowed with the stabbing pain.
"No. Don't apologize. You did nothing wrong. I should be the one apologizing. You were brave. You had the courage no one else had to do the right thing. To stand against the madness that enslaved me." The king gripped her hand tightly. "You saved me. You saved my kin. You saved us all." A tear escaped the corner of his eye.
Bilba gave a mirthless laugh, wincing at the movement. "No. I betrayed your trust. I let the entire company down. I failed." A sob released from her mouth. Grief in tear form dripped her cherubic face. She gritted her teeth against the pain. "I wish I could go back to the beginning and stay in Bag End. I caused you all so much pain and grief."
"No, little one. No. Lie still and save your strength." Turning to Dwalin who stood silently behind him. "Where is that blasted wizard?! She's fading…" Thorin's voice trailed off. With sorrow in his eyes, the warrior only shook his head sadly. Sighing, Thorin turned back to the hobbit lass. Leaning over, he removed his hand from her grasp and reached up to brush her brown, curly locks from her face. Bilba tried to smile up at Thorin but it came out as a grimace.
"I...I need to tell you something." She sputtered and struggled for breath. Groaning, she grabbed the hand that caressed her face.
"Shhh…"
"No," the hobbit interrupted. "I have to say this. You need to hear it. Though I know your response before it is spoken. I lo-"
"Stop," Thorin pleaded. Distress painting his features.
Firmly, Bilba held Thorin's gaze like a vice. Slowly and deliberately she spoke. "I love you. I have loved you from the beginning and I will love you till the end."
"I…." he stuttered. "I love you." His steely gaze wavering.