Sure, he was half deaf and maybe too old to go war, but he was fighting for his home and for those who were his friends. He would never leave them.
And now he was fighting for the life of Thorin Oakenshield and his nephew Kili, because they were dying. Elf healer with him looked calm, but he could just sense how he was despair to save a life. Finally there was nothing what they could do but wait. He thanked the elf who bowed and promised to come back soon and then was gone.
"How are they?" Dain, who was still there asked and Oin shrugged and checked Fili who he had to put to sleep. There were wounds, but they were now cleaned and they would heal fine.
"We see if they survive through the next night. Thorin is in bad way but lingering. Any more news from the Company?"
"Ori and Bofur were wounded. Ori woke up, Bofur I do not know. And Nori, Dwalin and Bifur with some man and elf left to find Master Baggins."
"So he was there?" Oin couldn't but smile, thinking their friend. The reason why Thorin was still holding on his life. "We did wrong by him Dain."
"I know. I have heard the story and spoken with Master Baggins before the battle." Dain looked over Thorin. "He should have seen it to coming, the gold sickness."
"Aye, but we all lost our sigh back then. He hoped that he would be enough to safe Thorin from it. We all hoped and we all went and…" Oin shook his head. Those were memories he wanted to forget but knew that he never would. "I hope he's alive."
"We all hope so. Leave, I see that you want to check your friend yourself."
"Wise man, you are my lad." Oin patted his shoulder and left. Balin was next who he saw.
"Seen my idiot brother?"
Oin looked back at the field.
"What I heard he went to find our burglar."
"I see."
"Any wounds my friend?" Oin eyed him through and Balin shook his head.
"Scratches, nothing more. Is Dain…?
"With the royals."
"And?"
"Fili will survive but I don't guarantee about those two other."
"When you have news, and my brother…"
"I let you know, sure, go rest now."
Balin disappeared to the tent and Oin walked through the camp, through the men, the elves and the dwarves. He found the small group, Bombur cooking like always, and Oin kneeled beside Bofur.
"He'll be fine." Gloin sighed and Oin nodded, finally just sitting down, leaning toward his brother.
"Too old to this shit." He muttered and Gloin laughed.
"So you say. How are they?"
"Not good. I have to go back soon. Heard that Dwalin went searching the Halfling."
"With Bard and Legolas. But if he's wearing his ring…"
"They find him." Oin muttered, his eyelids growing heavy. "For our sake, for our king, they will find him."
"Yes, they will. Sleep now my brother."
He slept and didn't saw any dreams.