The company hid behind a rock, An orc an a warg was standing on it. Thorin looked at Kili in silence order. The archer turned to Kaléa who already prepared her bow and pointed a him mouthing "warg", then herself "orc". He nodded and took a deep breath and jumped out with the dunedain shooting at the enemy in perfect synchro. We are a pretty good team.
But the happiness was short lived. More were coming, to many for thirteen dwarves, a wizard, a hobbit and a human. So they ran. Damn, I hate this. They were trapped. „Stand your ground!", Thorin shouted.
„If we die at least wie die together, eh, Léa?", Kili yelled.
„Ever the optimist. But we won't die today. I refuse to give up before I got you guys home."
„KILI! KALÈA! LESS TALKING; MORE SHOOTING!", interrupted Thorin.
„Where is Gandalf?", Bilbo asked panicked.
„Damn the wizard! He abandoned us again!", Dwalin barked.
„Don´t be a fool. He would never.", Kaléa replied.
„This way, you fools.!", they heard the wizard that was standing on the front a cave. Immediately they ran towards it, sliding down.
Untill only Thorin, Kili and Kaléa were still out. „KILI! KALÈA!"; Thorin was on the entry of the cave and called for them.
The dunedain did exactly that and Kili after a few hesitant moments ran as well. But it was to late. An warg was already to close. „KILI!", Thorin was full of fear for his nephew.
Kaléa looked over her shoulder and realised what was happening. „For fuck sake, Kee.", she muttered under her breath and reached for an arrow but there were none left.
„Shit." She drew her sword and ran towards them. Just in time to save Kili from the wargs sharp teeth. Instead a dwarf it had a mouthful of metal run through it's muzzle. „Run, you idiot.", the exhausted femlae demanded when she saw that the dwarf stood paralyzed and just looked at her.
But her harsh voice woke him up and he ran. He and his uncle jumped down the cave. Kaléa close by. But right when she wanted to slide down, an arrow hit her on her left site. She hissed in pain and fell down. „LÈA!" „KALÈA!" „LASS!" The aghast voices of her friends ringed through her ears.
Thorin kneeled beside her and examined the wound. „Ya alright?", Bofur asked worried.
„Peachy. Just get that bloody thing out of me.", she grunted.
Thorin grasped the arrow and looked at her for a second. „This will hurt a lot.", he informed.
„Just get it out." So he did. She gritted her teeth to keep her from screaming.
„That looks bad. Oin!", Thorin said. The medic came up to them.
„It'll be fine. I had worse.", she waved off.
„I'll be the judge of that. Let me see.", Oin said firmly and tried to bind the wound as best as he could.
They heard a horn and seconds later a orc fell down the cave, dead. Thorin pulled the arrow out off it. „Elves.", he spat.
„There is a path, do we follow it?", Dwalin asked from further in.
„Follow it of course.", Bofur answered promptly.
Thorin and Kili helped Kaléa up. „I'm okay, boys. I can go on my own, thanks.", she smiled reasuringly but it didn't convinced the men, but they let her.
Some time later while following the path Kaléa passed out. „LÈA!", Kili gasped shocked and kneeled down to her.
Oin looked her up. „She's unconcious. She lost a lot a lost of blood. I can help her here though."
„Grab her. We get her help. Don't worry.", Gandlaf said and got some angry looks from the dwarves for his calmness.
„Dwalin?", Thorin turned to his friend.
„Sure."
„No, I got her. She got injured because of me.", Kili interjected remorseful and gathered the unconcious women in his arms carefuly and carried her.
Some time later the company reached the end of the tunnel. They reached Rivendale. „It was your plan all along, to bring us here. Seeking out our enemy.", Thorin hissed at Gandalf.
„There are no enemys here, Thorin. They can help us with the quest. Besides, Kaléa needs medical attention. She is badly injured.", the wizard reasoned.
The dwarf looke at the unconcious women in hin nephews arms. Concern in all of their faces was evident. And then the words of the dunedain came to his mind. Elrond is not Thranduil. He is a good men. I TRUST HIM! „Let's make haste."
„Just let the talking to me.", Gandalf lead on.
„Mithrandir.", an elf greeted him.
„Lindir. So good to see you. Where is Lord Elrond, I need to see him"
„He is not here."
„Not here? Where then?". He asked curiously.
The elf wanted to answer but an horn stopped hin and the wizard smiled knowingly at him. A group of elves on horses approached them. Circling the dwarves. They the other hand prapared themselves to fight them off. Pushing Bilbo and Kili, who still held Kaléa, in the middle.
„Lord Elrond. Mellon.", Gandalf greeted and the old friend hugged and talked to each other in sindarin.
The dwarves, still very weary, observed it skepticaly. „Protect the halfling and the girl.", Thorin quietly ordered.
„Something drew the orcs to our borders.", they heard Elrond say.
„Yes, that was us. They were after us, unfortunatly they got your daughter in the process.", Gandalf explained and the dwarves and Bilbo looked astonished at them both and at Kaléa.
„Daughter?", Thorin breathed.
But the elf ignored them and just looked horrified at the young women. „Kaléa?"
Kili stepped forward. „She got hit on the side by an arrow. She has been out since then.", he informed remorseful.
„Kili?", the darkhaired beauty whispered and slowly looked up at him.
„I got you, Léa. We are in Rivandale. You'll be fine.", he spoke softly to her.
She tried to reach his cheek but was to weak. „Iaell." Elrond called and caressed her head.
She turned her eyes to him. „Ada?"
„Easy, my child. Lindir, get her to the healers. Hurry."
The elf reached out for the female, but hasitated when he saw the young dwarfs glare. „I can carry her, just show me the way."
„Let me attend to my own daughter.", Elrond stated firmly.
Kaléa lost her conciousness again. „Kili!", Thorin called and looked at his nephew. Let it go. Still somewhat resilient the archer obayed and Lindir took his friend and ran up the stairs.
Kaléa woke up and looked at an familiar face. „Muinthill.", Arwen addressed her with a soft smile.
„Arwen. How long was I out?", she asked while hugging her.
„Missed you too. You have been here for an hour. But your friends said that you have been like this far longer."
„Can you make me a bath? I want to join my friends at dinner. I'm starving."
„How do you know they are having dinner?", the elf asked curious.
The other women smirked. „Worldpasser, remember?
„This isn't a female.", Dwalin informed Kili who winked at the elf. The archer looked mortified, while the others laughed at his expanse.
„But that is certantly a lass. And what a beauty.", Bofur interjected and the other followed his eyes. Jaws dropped.
„Kaléa?", Kili whispered.
The dunedain approached them in her blue dress, smiling to herself. Men! „Thank Yavanna, your better!", Bilbo exclaimed relieved.
„Say what you want about elves, but they do know their healing.", Oin commented in awe.
„You look stunning, Léa.", Fili complimented.
„Thanks, but pick up your jaws , guys. You might catch flies.", she jested.
„Kaléa. You are truly a sight to be behold.", Elrond chimed in and embraced her lovingly. „It's been too long, little one."
„Sorry, ada. I was busy."
The elf chuckled. „Aren't you always. Take a seat."
She sat between him and Thorin who has seemed to be paralyzed. „Keep it together, King under the Mountain. You have a reputation to uphold.", she winked at him.
„Why didn't you say anything?", he asked vague. But Kaléa knew what he meant.
„You never asked?", she tried. Thorin's blank expression made her cringe a bit. „Come on, would've you trusted me as easily and welcomed me just as warmly if I had told you immediatly that I am the adopted child of an elf?"
Thorin looked guilty. „No, I woul've thought you were a spy.", he admitted.
„I wanted to tell you, at the right time. Sorry, but I was afraid to lose your trust and friendship."
He laid his hand on top of hers. „You could never lose that. Not after all we have been through. You proven yourself a true friend.", he said reasuringly.
Food was thrown and the mayhem began. Bofur started to sing.
There is an inn, a merry old in,
beneath an old grey hill.
Kaléa clapped along and laughed at the reactions of the elves. Elrond seemed to be ready to kick his guests out, Gandalf smiled apoloetic with a hint embarressment, but it was futile. Lindir was near crying.
Suddenly Fili jumped up and grasped Kaléa's hand. „Would you honor me with a dance, my lady?", he asked gallant.
She nodded and danced with the blond prince. Both of them beaming. Even Thorin took part to the merrimaking. By the end of the song the dunedain danced with every dwarf exept Bofur and Kili. Even Bilbo had his turn.
„That was fun! Oh, come on, guys! You could use to lose up a little.", the female addressed the elves.
„I guess we should be used to this kind of "fun" considering you and the twins. But since you have been gone it has been way calmer here.", Elrond smiled.
„And here I came with back up!", she laughed proudly.
„We appreciate music, but the quieter type.", Lindir said carefuly.
„You seemed to enjoy my singing, and it's not exactly always quiet.", Kaléa challanged.
„Now there's a thought! Let's hear that beautiful voice of yours again, lass!", Bofur chimed in.
„Good idea. Please, my dear." Elrond nodded at his adoptiv daughter.
Immediatly two young, darkhaired elves appreared. „Is Kal going to sing?", Elladan asked.
„I missed this.", Elrohir joined in.
Out of the corner of her eyes, the young women she saw Arwen and Aragorn coming up, hiding a bit. „Well, okay."
The twins sat doen on the floor, legs crossed. The dwarves sat back down on their places. Looking expactantly at her.
I can almonst see it,
that dream I'm dreaming but,
There's a voice inside my head saying.
You'll never reach it,
Every step I'm taking.
Every move I make feels.
Lost with no direction,
My faith is shaking but I,
Gotta keep trying.
Gotta keep my head held high.
All were silent and listening to her. The elven musicians started to play along. Fili rested his head on his arms on the table. Elrohir and Elladan were smiling, recognising the song.
There's always gonna be another mountain,
I'm always gonna wanna make it move.
Always gonna be an uphill battle,
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose.
Ain't about how fast I get there,
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side.
It's the climb.
Thorin was absolutly captured by the words. It spoke to him in a strange way. Arwen and Aragorn swayed to the music.
The struggles I'm facing,
The chances I'm taking.
Sometimes knock me down but,
No, I'm not breaking.
I may not know it,
But these are the moments that,
I'm going remember most yeah.
Just got to keep going.
And I,
I gotta be strong.
Just keep pushing on, 'cause
Theres always gonna be another mountain...
By now all the dwarves were mesmerizing the words. It touched them deeply. Kaléa was sure she saw a tear in Dwalin's eye.
At the and all applaused her. Cheering, clapping, whistling and hooting from elves and dwarfves all together.
„A great song, dearie. Very encouraging.", Balin complimented.
„Thank you. I hoped it would motivate you."
„That it did.", Thorin confirmed with a warm smile.
While Gandalf, Thorin, Balin, Bilbo and Kaléa went to speak with Elrond about the map Fili sat down beside his brother. „What's wrong, Kee? You haven't spoken to Léa since she recoverd. You didn't even danced with her like the rest of us."
„I can't. She got injured because of me. If I had not hasitated to run, she wouldn't...", he whispered guilty.
Fili wrapped his arm around the archer. „It's not you fault, it was just bad luck. I'm sure she would tell you the same. She didn't seem to be mad in the slightest. And remember before, when she regained her conciousness for a moment? She whispered YOUR name, reaching out to touch you! What does it tell you?"
„That she was delirious."
The blonde prince rolled his eyes and shoved his little brother a little. „No, you fool. She cares for you. She was worried about you. Just talk to her, I'm sure she can reasure you that she still loves you."
„I still feel bad for it. Seeing her like this... I was so afraid, Fili.", Kili swollowed.
His brother sighed. „I know, it was rough. But she got better. She is tough."
„Damn right she is! To bad she isn't a dwarf. She'll make a fine wife.", Dwalin interjected.
„What does it matter if she isn't a dwarf?", Ori asked.
„Bacause only dwarfves have One's. There is no way love can grow between a dwarf and, in this case, a human.", Oin explained.
„That's sad.", Ori replied.
„I don't believe that.", Kili stated firmly.
Dwalin and Oin looked stunned at the young prince. „And why would you think that?", Dwalin asked skepticaly and curiously at the same time.
„I just do."
„Me too.", Fili agreed.
The older dwarves looked weary at each other and then the princes. „If you say so.", Dwalin said and dropped the subject.
The next morning Kaléa went to the fountain. And as expected she saw the dwarves bathing in in. She couldn't stop her laughter. „Twenty – six dwarves in an elven fountain, classic.", she joked.
The boys looked at her confused. „We are just thirteen... oh, ha ha, very funny, lass.", Nori commented dryly.
„Sorry, couldn't help myself." She tried hard not to gawk and look to much south.
„Seeing something you like, Léa?", Fili challanged flirty.
„You could say that."
„Wanna join, lass?", Bofur winked.
„Nah, I don't think I could controll myself. Wouldn't want to to asault your virtue.", she smirked and the dwarves looked stunned.
„Ah, there you are, Kal. We were looking everywhere for you.", a voice chimed in and Elladan and Elrohir joined her, looking blankly at the naked men.
The female turned to them with her arms crossed. „What did you do this time?"
„Nothing, why would you think that?", Elrohir asked in mock offence. Kaléa arched an eyebrow at him. „Okay, okay, stupid question, I get it.", he surrendered.
„Anyway we just wanted to ask you if you want to compete against us in archery again?", Elladan asked hopefuly.
„Why bother? I always win. Where is the fun in that?"
„How modest. We were practicing while you were gone, I think we can defeat you this time.", Elladan responded cockily.
„Doubtful. I have an better idea, you compete against Kili here. This will be a much greater humilation for you. To lose against a dwarf.", she offered.
That caught everybodys attention. „You truly think that he can win against us?", Elrohir snorted.
„I'm willing to bet on it.", she said confidantly.
„What's the bet?", Elladan asked intruiged.
„The loser has to dance in only their breeches at dinner."
„Very well, see you and you champion in an hour at the training grounds.", Elladan said and left with his brother.
„Do you really think I have a chance against them? They must have like hundrends of years of experience.", Kili asked worried.
She smiled reasuringly at him. „There is no doubt in my mind that you will win, otherwise I would have not suggested it. Espacially with such a bet. And they may have practice archery longer but only on the ground or while hunting. You have battle experience, that weights way more. I trust my live to you way more then them in a fight. You will kick their bony asses."
The archer beamed, he was so proud and touched by her trust. „Don't worry I won't let you down. As much as I would enjoy seeing you in all your glory, I will win for you, my lady.", he bowed.
„I know you will, sweetheart." She was walking away, but stopped midstep and turned back to them, smiling mischieviously. „Oh and, boys? If you have to use the fecilities... don't bother. Just let it go."
The men laughed heartily. „Will do, daling. Will do.", reasured Bombur.
Elladan and Elrohir smirked triumphantly when they saw Kaléa and the dwarvs arrive. Kili was unusually nervous.
„There you are. We were sure you would get cold feet and chicken out.", Elladan said smugly.
„No such luck, orvelethron! (Orc Lover) Seeing you two get destroyed will sweeten my day.", Kaléa replied just as smug.
„You have confidence in your dwarf."; Elrohir laughed.
„His name is Kili, Roh. And he is one of the best archer I have ever seen. Way better then you two. Now stop yapping and get on with it."
The twins were stunned at her tone, as were the dwarves but their amazement was a positiv one. „Fine, Kili. Rules : Four rounds. My brother and I take turn. First range. Then speed. How many you can hit in an amount of time and last moving targets. Ready?", Elladan explained.
„Hit me!", Kili challanged. Kaléa's word boosted his confidence.
„Do you truly think, he can make it?", Thorin asked Kaléa who sat beside him on the bench.
„Are you questioning your own blood?", she teased.
„I didn't said that."
„You implied it! But yeah, I truly think so."
„Thanks, Léa. This means more to him then you think.", Fili sat on her other side.
Elrohir went first and hit all five targets of different range. „Very well. Let's see if you can stand up to Kal's words.", he turned to Kili.
He looked over his shoulder to the others. The dunedain gave him a thumbs up. He nodded and hit the first target easily. Just like the other four.
„Okay, so far a draw. Next competition. Speed. I will stop the time. Ell!", Kaléa came up with a sandclock. Elladan was ready. He hit all ten targets in twenty – seven seconds. „Okay, Kee. Your on." The dwarf took a deep breath and shot. Shot, shot, shot, shot...
„And?", Dwalin asked anxiously.
„Draw.", she informed.
„I must say, your better then I thought.", Elladan said to Kili.
„Okay next! You have one minute. Who hits more, wins!", Kaléa announced.
„Show 'em, lad!", Dwalin called.
Elrohir shot thirty – nine, and he was sure he was already the winner. Then Kili shot. „STOP!", Kaléa called after a minute and the dwarves applauted since Kili beated the elf with two arrows.
„Don't get to exited. Nothing is sattled yet.", Elladan warned.
„Right, now moving targets. Aragorn! Could you help with that, darling?", the female called out for the fellow dunedain and he ran towards her.
„Sure, naneth.", he took the targets and throw it once Elladan gave his consent. He missed three and Kaléa smiled happily.
„Thank you, muinthill. I feel so loved.", the elf muttered dryly.
„You might be my adoptiv brother, Ell. But you are also a giant pain in my ass."
„That's for the prank on the festival, isn't it?", Elrohir asked gloating.
„What prank?", Fili asked curiously.
„We not talking about it." She gave the elf a warning glare.
„Okay, Kili. Get him!", encouraged Aragorn.
„Hey! I thought you are our friend. You don't even know him!", Elrohir exclaimed offended.
He just shrugged his shoulders. „He is naneth's friend. And I will always stand by her."
Kaléa hugged him and sticked her tongue out at the twins. „That's my boy.", she cooed.
Kili' turn. And he hit nine of ten targets.
The dwarves cheered. And Kaléa hugged the beaming winner. „I knew it. I told you!" She kissed his cheek.
„That's my brother!", Fili shouted proudly. And Thorin smiled just as proudly at his nephew.
„Well, call me impressed. We underestimated you, Kili.", Elladan said stunned.
„Good game, mellon. I'm glad that someone like you is watching over our little sister.", Elorhir smiled.
Kili shooke hands with the twins. „It was fun and a true challange, thanks."
„I cant wait to see you two at dinner.", Aragorn called happily and went to see Arwen. No doubt telling her everything.
The twins groaned.