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Chapter 10: Healing

He arrived in time to watch the sun lower itself behind the distant mountains, and a sickening feeling crept over him. He could see what he assumed was the company's fire ahead, on the other side of the clearing, and only just now he remembered the pained cries he had heard earlier that morning. He saw two figures rise from where they were seated and pull swords from their sheaths, obviously alarmed at the movement he was making near the trees. He led the three horses forward, he could feel his legs longing to sit down and rest, the hard ground causing a jolting motion with every clumsy step he took.

One of the two figures began to walk towards him, judging by the stoic build and height he could assume that it was Dwalin. As they both neared the center of the open field his silent friend took the reins of two ponies, walking towards the camp with his eyes fixed on the dirt.

"Did something happen, Dwalin…while I was gone?" He could hear in his own voice that his cheery tone was no longer present. Bofur assumed that whatever had happened was serious, the older warrior was never this upset over trivial matters.

"There is good and bad news…" he trailed off as if waiting for Bofur to reply. He didn't really want there to be bad news, he wished that everyone was alright, but unfortunately he had known from the first scream that came to both his and Fili's ears, that whatever it was, was not the result of good news.

"Bad news first I guess"

He watched as Dwalin swallowed hard, as if preparing himself for what he was about to say. They both stopped short of the fire where the company was gathered, as if privacy was needed.

"Thorin was gravely injured, and Oin is unsure about whether or not he will make it through"

He felt as though his throat had been set on fire, as he withheld the feeling of needing to cry and pushed it away, fixing his hat and only making a small sniffling sound. He repositioned his feet before saying anything else, like they would not hold him if there was worse news to come. Dwalin extended an arm and placed it on his shoulder with a firm grip.

"You alright lad?"

Bofur made a choking noise before nodding slightly, I won't cry in front of him, I won't cry. Tears laced his eyes as he remained strong. "And what is the good news?" The question seemed useless, even to him. Nothing could make him feel even the slightest bit better, he was sure of it. He looked up when he received no answer, to see a small crease forming in the corner of his companion's mouth.

"I don't think you'll believe me, the impossible has happened. Kili came back, he has a few injuries but the lad made it through the three days alone after his fall"

All of the air escaped him as he made a girly sound of surprise. He still was thinking about Thorin, but a small shred of hope came to him then. If Kili could make it through all that, then so could his king. He wrapped his arms around Dwalin's waist making the older dwarf uncomfortable, not letting go until he received a pat on the back.

"What of his injuries?"
"He came out of it all with a few grazes"

He had never doubted the boys strength, but for Kili to be left for two days alone by himself, and to come back without broken limbs was a feat.

"As for his mind though…"

Bofur knew there must have been a catch, nothing could have been as simple as a few minor injuries.

"He's lost most of his memory"

It took him a while to process what Dwalin meant, did it mean he remembered nothing? His mother, the journey, tales of the mountain, his king, none of it?

"All of it, does he have no recollection of who he was before he fell?"

"He's lost most of it, but nothing could stop him from remembering his brother"

"Will his memory come back?"

"We can only hope Bofur, we can only hope. Go and enjoy a full meal, there is some of Bombur's stew left, you deserve it"

Balin stood in the corner of the makeshift tent that the company had constructed, strung from the trees and pegged firmly to the ground. He had not expected it to work, or provide warmth of any kind, and was surprised to see that the wounded were sheltered from the biting wind outside. He watched Oin shuffle hurriedly from one side of Thorin's stretcher to the other in frustration, mumbling inaudibly to himself as he worked; he had offered help earlier only to be shooed off.

He watched Thorin's chest shift up and down slowly with each breath, and it was an agonizing wait for news of his recovery, if he was to recover at all. Dark thoughts began to cloud his mind, the journey would be over if his kings life was to end here, and the dwarves would be forced to return to Ered Luin bearing the news of his death to his sister.

His thoughts were then shaken by a light touch on his arm. He looked down to see the Hobbit standing still now staring at Thorin's damaged form. How long he had been standing there was unclear, but it was certain that he was shocked by the sight of his leader.

"Bilbo lad don't fret, he will pull through"

The Halfling stopped his stare and shook his head slowly to himself, and then lifted the two bowls of warm soup in the air. "For Fili and Kili" he said hesitantly.

"You can take them in if you'd like, just over there on the other side of that barrier, I'm sure they'd like your company"

The hobbit seemed unsure, before looking towards Balin again for a definite ok.

"Go on, I'm sure they are both hungry"

The anxiety had taken hold of him and all focus he had left was concentrated on keeping the two bowls steady. He pushed through the material forming a wall around Kili's stretcher. The young prince was lying comfortably on his back with thick blankets pulled up to his mid-stomach, seemingly asleep. Fili turned to meet Bilbo's gaze.

"Ah, dinner at last, I thought Bombur might have finished what was left in the pot, just sit them down there"

The blonde price pointed to a small stool at the entrance of Kili's area, which was covered with bottles of herbal concoctions, and the Hobbit gently made room for the boy's dinner. Fili held a weak smile on his face but it was clear that he was confused and upset. He didn't feel as though it was his place to stay any longer and nodded before pulling the sheet back.

"Bilbo…you can stay"

"Oh n-no I think I will go and join the others outside"

"Please, I insist"

His blue eyes were sincere, and the invitation would not have been made if he was invading Fili's space. He nodded his head awkwardly before seating himself at the stool opposite, with a clear view of the young archer's wounds. The gashes ran from the top of his right shoulder to the bottom left corner of his chest, they were not deep, but the inflamed skin around the lacerations showed signs of infection. Bilbo tapped his fingers on his knees out of nervous habit, he had heard the others talking about Kili's loss of memory, but wasn't sure he wanted to believe it.

"Did he really forget" he found himself blurting out breaking the uncomfortable silence.

Fili nodded slightly before picking up a damp cloth, Bilbo watched as the prince added various bottled ingredients to what appeared to be a bowl of clean water. He seemed experienced, like he had done this many times before, and it didn't come as a surprise, for he imagined that in the time growing up with Kili he would have mended many injuries.

"Aye he did, but Oin says it should all come back in time"

Kili stirred slightly before slowly opening his eyes. He inhaled deeply before turning to face the hobbit, a new sight for him to behold. He looked slightly shocked by Bilbo's presence.

"Who is this?"

"The Burglar, his names Bilbo"

"A burglar?" He looked almost confused as he studied every feature, right down to his hairy feet. "He doesn't look much like a burglar"

Fili gave a small snigger before continuing to mix the herbal brew. Bilbo also let a small laugh free, before the dark haired prince extended an arm towards him.

"I'm Kili" He said simply, proud to present his name.

"I know" Bilbo replied with a smile "and I hope this is not how you remember our first meeting, I would much rather you remember our introduction at my home in bag-end, throwing my mother's plates and drinking me dry"

Kili smiled slightly "I'm sure I will Mr. Boggins"

I will admit that I'm not entirely sure how to finish this story...I am open to suggestions however, and would take into consideration ideas to end this adventure. Please feel free to PM me, or review. Thank you again for the support, and I will get the next chapter up as soon as possible!