The Healing Halls of the Woodland King

Two days had passed since the dwarves had arrived in Healing Halls of the Woodland King. For most of those two days Thranduil, Elrond and Galadriel worked tirelessly on Fíli, his injuries from impalement caused great alarm initially, before Galadriel expressed relief that the weapon Azog the Defiler had used, had missed all his major organs. His condition now determined as blood loss and possible infection as well as the shock of the injury itself and then the subsequent fall and impact. Two days that Dwalin stood and watched as elves worked to save a dwarf. Two days where he did as elves bid him do, and did so willingly.

The three elves had only in the last hour declared Fíli stable, they predicted that it would be many hours perhaps even the next day before he would stir. Meanwhile they waited patiently for Thorin and Kíli to wake. Thorin had not opened his eyes after his initial response to Thranduil in the crypt under Erebor.

Kíli was the first to respond, gripping Tauriel's hand tighter on request even if he had yet to open his eyes. He ignored requests from the healers but responded clearly to any voiced by Tauriel. Her voice seemed to calm him and so Galadriel suggested she continue to talk to him. This meant that the chances of Kíli retaining his mind were improving by the hour.

Thorin however remained as still and unresponsive as ever. Dwalin was the one to notice the twitching of Thorin's fingers are they lay on the delicate elven blankets.

"Thranduil. Thorin moves." Dwalin called softly the group of healers where Oín and the three elves stood huddled near a table covered in herbs, potions and balms with their assistants.

Thranduil and Galadriel hurried to the fallen king's bedside. Galadriel placed her hand on his forehead and spoke softly in Quenya, the language of the High Elves. It only took a few moments before a response was visible with Thorin opening his eyes and looking at the Lady of The Galadhrim in wonder.

Thorin awoke to hear Tauriel singing to Kili who slept peacefully. It took him a few minutes to realise he had no idea where he was, mostly because he was distracted by the beautiful she-elf leaning over him, he had never seen the like of her before, she glowed with peace and goodwill.

"Wh…?" his throat hurt and his voice sounded like the rumble of gravel.

'Rest at ease, Thorin Oakenshield, you are in the Halls of Healing in the Woodland Realm. You were brought here for healing at the request of Dwalin, son of Fundin and Thranduil, son of Oropher. Your nephews, the Golden Lion and the Black Fox, are with you. Turn your head to your right and you will see them, both breathe and will survive their injuries'

Thorin's eyes widened, he could hear her voice in his head! For a few moments he did nothing but stare at her, then slowly his head turned on the pillow and his eyes feasted on his nephews, taking note of the rise and fall of their chests and the pristine white bandages that covered so much of their bodies. He saw Fíli closest to him, pale and still, but in even the few moments that he rested his eyes on his nephew he saw a blush of colour start to bloom on Fíli's cheeks. Kíli lay on the far side of him with Tauriel at his side. The she-elf seemed calm and was focused on only Kíli.

A hand holding a mug of water came into Thorin's line of sight and he turned his head back to the pale elf, she lifted his head and held the mug to his lips, allowing blessedly sweet water to trickle into his mouth.

"You, all three will recover well from your injuries and should sustain no lasting ill-effects. Your healer Oín and myself would request you remain here in these Halls of Healing for a few more days, even given the durability and the speed of dwarrow healing it would be well not to travel yet. Your guard Dwalin in conference with Thranduil and Elrond have reached the decision that you should have a month or more of healing in a place of peace and sanctuary, they all feel that these Halls are tainted with bitter memories and are too close in time and distance to the fighting and suffering. Elrond offered Rivendell, however Thranduil and I feel that crossing the Misty Mountains with the Lion in his current condition is to risk his life unnecessarily. Healer Oín has suggested the House of Beorn, north of the Old Forest Road. He has suggested we send an emissary to Beorn to ask of his willingness to help, Dwalin will not leave your side so wishes to send a raven to fetch his brother to act as your voice. He will travel along with Elrohir and Elladan, sons of Elrond, son of Eärendil." How is it Galadriel's voice sounded no different to his ears than it did in his mind?

It took a bit for Thorin to clear his throat and make his voice work again.

"Yes, Beorn's house was a haven to the Company. I would have Balin stop here on his way, so that we may make alternate plans if Beorn cannot help. I would have the Company-"

"Rest, Thorin. You can discuss much with Balin when he arrives. For now rest and heal. Your nephews need you whole again."

"But Bilbo-"

"Rest." Galadriel slid her hand over Thorin's eyes and they closed. "He will sleep the sleep of healing now."

Dwalin twisted his hands. "I don't know what to do about Bilbo. We decided not to tell the company, but Bilbo is more than just Company. Dís. What about Dís, she is Thorin's sister and the mother of the boys?"

"Make no hasty judgements, Dwalin. Balin will be here in a few days and all these matters can be talked about then. Bilbo has headed back to Rivendell with Gandalf the Grey and getting a message to him before Rivendell will be nigh on impossible. Gwaihir, Lord of the Eagles is to return for me, I will wait until you meet with Balin, then if a message is to be sent to Bilbo, I am sure that Gwaihir will oblige me by sending one of his folk to Rivendell. As for the lady Dís, Dáin will wait for word from Thorin before allowing any messages to be sent to the Blue Hills. For now, send your raven and give these three the time to begin their recovery."