Dís tightly held Kíli's hand. Thorin carried Fíli, who couldn't stand on his legs anymore. She hoped Imladris was near, since her son looked pale and despite the good care of the elf woman she was terrified he wouldn't make it.
Her brother tried to start a conversation with the woman who'd helped them, but he wasn't very successful and in the end they walked in silence after each other through the forest, that cast long shadows upon them.
Dís was barely recovered from shock. She could still feel the filthy hands on her upper body. His disgusting breath still hanged in her nostrils, but she tried to focus on the unexpected turn things had taken: she was saved before she was dishonored. Still she thought to see shadows that weren't coming from the trees, as if evil men hid behind the barks and watched them with foul grins. Now and then goose bumps appeared on her arms, as if the ghosts of their attackers hovered behind them, determined to revenge themselves.
"We can't rest tonight," the elf woman announced after the sun had set, "but it isn't far."
A relieved sigh left Dís' lips. She was tired, but knew she wouldn't sleep tonight. Not after what had happened today.
Kíli couldn't go any further. His eyes closed sometimes while he was walking next to her and his steps became shorter. She knew she had to carry him, but she was dead tired as well. Still she didn't dare to ask the elf. She appeared to be a lousy mother if she asked if someone could carry her child. With squeezing jaws she lifted up Kíli and put him on her side. He immediately put a finger in his mouth and laid his head to her shoulder. She glanced at his peaceful face. Once again she realized the danger they'd faced. Her children could have died.
"Give him to me."
Dís looked uncertain at the woman. She didn't want to hand over Kíli. She didn't want to admit she was exhausted, but it was absurd to fight when she didn't need to. Sometimes it was courageous to accept a helping hand was a better solution than to keep going on stubbornly.
With mixed feelings she gave Kíli to the woman. She still hadn't said her name, but after her answer to Thorin Dís didn't dare to ask for it. It was her own choice to be anonymous, although Dís wondered why she wanted that so badly. Why did she wander alone in the forest? Would the shadows make her nervous as well? For some reason Dís couldn't imagine. At first sight she seemed to fear nothing.
Dís didn't know how much time had passed when they went into a small tunnel. It was darker than in the forest and even though Dís was used to darkness, as were all dwarves, she didn't particularly like it and grabbed Thorin's hand. He squeezed her fingers softly.
"We're almost there," he said.
Only a few moments passed before Thorin's words became reality. They stepped out of the tunnel and the view Dís saw before her eyes, took away her breath. The full moon shone upon a beautiful valley, that was crossed by shining streamlets. The sound of splashing water was everywhere and a fresh breeze waved through their hair.
In the distance hymns sounded that were unmistakeably coming from elves. Finally Dís had the feeling they'd reached their destiny, although it remained to be seen if they could stay here.
"I won't go any further."
The woman gave back Kíli.
Her words surprised Dís. "Why not?"
"I don't think a dwarf will ever be able to understand my reasons."
Thorin moved restlessly. He was on the verge of making an angry remark, but Dís quickly squeezed his hand.
"Thank you for everything."
The woman stared shortly at them, bowed her head and disappeared in the dark tunnel. Reluctantly Dís turned around. She looked at the splendid beauty of the valley that laid before her and unintentionally she wondered if this was only external disguise. What was the reason the elf wanted to leave? Was there a malicious person in charge of this community? Was the peaceful sight of the by waterfalls surrounded city nothing but a delusion?