AN: How to begin this Authors Note.
First I am sorry for the wait on these final chapters of Winds of Change. I have had this story completed for quite some time now, but unfortunately life decided she was not going to be kind to me. While my exams and what not went well, my Grandmother succumbed to her Cancer in September last year. After reading through your kind reviews I was motivated to finish editing these chapters for upload so for that I must thank each and every one of you who reviewed. Without you I may not have found the inspiration to finish Winds of Change.
Secondly, I have several plans for Winds of Change in the future. (Number One is going back and reediting Chapters 1 - 11 because HOO BOI! I must've been blind or ridiculously tired to miss some of those errors!) But what happens next depends of you guys. If you want me to re-edit the chapters first or if you would rather I get cracking on the sequel to Winds of Change. I am at your command my readers.
Right I have prattled on enough please enjoy the Final Two Installments of Winds of Change.
AVDR out.
Edited: 12/07/17
Chapter Twelve:
'English'
'thoughts'
"Westron"
"Sindarin"
"Quenya"
"Khuzdul"
/Black Speech/
-osonwe/telepathic speech-
With the Battle's end and after dropping Bilbo off in Gandalf's care, Aella joined the search for survivors across the plains and into Dale. She picked her way carefully through the strewn corpses examining any of the fallen for survivors. Be they allies or enemies. She took a vicious pleasure in ensuring the enemy's demise, anything to distract her from the ever looming conversation she would be having with Fili. She was not ready to accept that the Dwarf that she had fallen in love with returned her affections, for she was still struggling to accept her own feelings.
Aella scowled as her thoughts turned back to the impending discussion awaiting her. What was she supposed to do? She had always struggled with her emotions, even before Middle Earth. She could handle feelings of friendships, even platonic love for those she saw as family. But as soon as it ventured into romantic affection Aella was hopeless. 'I mean it took me over six months to even notice I had non-platonic feelings for him,' she cursed mentally. Taking a moment, Aella sat herself atop one of the dead Orcs, Alagos still embedded in its skull. Taking a deep breath, she wrinkled her nose at the scent of death but calmed herself enough to think rationally. Focusing back on the events at the Gate, she thought on what Fili had said. 'He called me his One, which if I remember correctly is essentially the Dwarrow version of Soul mates. Except it's quite literal. On the assumption he is not mistaken and I truly am his One then Namo and Aule have to have something to do with this. Dwarrow do not form Soul bonds with those outside their own race. Unless Aule interferes,' she seethed, eyes narrowing at the sky. Cursing Mandos under her breath Aella stood up abruptly, yanking Alagos from the Orc's skull and storming off back towards Erebor. She had a blonde Dwarf Prince to interrogate.
...
On her return to the impromptu tent city the survivors of the battle had erected at the base of the Lonely Mountain, Aella headed straight for the healing tents. She ignored all the curious glances and suspicious looks sent at her by the Dwarves from the Iron Hills, too focused on finding her Company and making sure everyone was alive. Finding the tent was made easy for her as it was perhaps the rowdiest tent in the healing section. A smile pulled at her lips as she heard Bofur cursing one of the healers long before she saw the tent.
"Leave the poor healer alone Bofur, he's only trying to help you," she said, chuckling as she pushed the flap covering the door aside and entered the tent.
"But he could be gentler about it Lass." Her eyes roamed the tent as Bofur whined. Observing that while a fair few of the Company had broken limbs, most had gotten away with only scratches, minor flesh wounds and battered and bruised bodies.
"From the looks of it you've broken your collarbone Bofur, he needs to set the bone first before he can do anything else. And yes it's going to hurt," she responded sternly, the hatted Dwarf grumbled but said nothing more. The healer sent a thankful glance Aella's way before getting to work. Satisfied, Aella headed over towards where Dori was laid up on a pile of furs with a broken leg. Ori was sat beside him with his arm in a sling while Nori was sprawled on the floor at his younger brother's feet.
"How are you faring Lass?" Nori asked from his place on the floor.
"A bit battered, but nothing serious. The injuries I sustained in Goblin Town were thankfully healed before the battle so I had no need to be afraid of re-opening them," she answered, eyes fixated on Ori's sling. The way it had been knotted could not have been comfortable for Ori who was sat trying to write in his journal with his good hand. "Ori, let me fix that sling for you." Ori looked up surprised.
"Why? Is there something wrong with it?" the scribe asked.
"Not really, but I doubt it is very comfortable for you. It's hanging too low and too loosely to be doing you much good," she replied, her fingers itching to help. Her original plan to find Fili momentarily forgotten.
"Ah you're right, it is quite uncomfortable," he responded surprised. Aella simply smiled and set about fixing his sling to be more comfortable.
"There we go. Done," she announced.
"Thank you Aella," Ori smiled gratefully.
"My pleasure, now what about you Dori? Have you been seen to yet?" Aella said before turning on Dori.
"Not as of yet, we don't have quite enough healers," the white-haired Dwarf replied.
"I could help if you'd like," the ranger offered, already unbuckling her belt, and taking off Alagos. She disarmed herself, dropping all her weapons off at the base of Dori's fur pile.
"Lass, what are you doing?!" Nori exclaimed. As she began to take off her leathers and pull off the mithril chainmail Fili had given her much to the horror of the Dwarves in the tent.
"I cannot help heal people if I am still armed," she explained, glancing around the tent in confusion.
"But why are you undressing?!" Bofur cried out.
"I'm not. I have a shirt on underneath," she stated still confused.
"Oh," was the response.
"Well ah...carry on then." Nori stammered out. Aella just shook her head and pulled off her leathers and the mithril shirt to reveal a black shirt underneath. Aella rolled up her sleeves and cleaned her hands of dirt and grime before sitting on Dori's left side so she had access to his injured leg. Looking over the leg she could clearly see it was a compound fracture and it had only been dressed to staunch the bleeding.
"I need to set the bone Dori, and I'm afraid this is going to hurt terribly, have you been given anything for the pain?" she explained to the worried Dwarf.
"Yes. The Dwarf healer that looked over me before said I was most likely going to lose the leg." Aella growled at the information.
"This kind of break is called a compound fracture Dori, and I can easily set it. There will be no need for amputation here. Though there is a definite risk of infection if we are not careful," she explained, much to the Dwarf's relief. She quizzed him on a few more things such as what they gave him for pain relief and how long ago it was, before she set about getting the items she would need. It wasn't long before Dori had been drugged suitably and Aella could set to work. She quickly set the bone and began to clean the wound before finally wrapping Dori's thigh with a bandage and makeshift splint. Turning to Nori she finally spoke "A brace will need to be made so nothing can jostle the bone as it heals. I'll draw up a design for you, I would suggest using leather and wood to make it."
"Thank you Lass. How long will it take to heal?" he asked.
"To be fully healed? 18 months. But he can be back on his feet as soon as the brace I design for him can be made. He'll need to use crutches from anywhere between 2 to 6 months. 2 if he doesn't do anything stupid that will dislodge the two ends of the bone, 6 if he does and I have to reset it," she answered honestly.
"It's just as well his craft does not actually require him to stand then," Ori chuckled.
"Indeed as a tailor he'll be able to craft while seated. I'll just have to be his helper until he can walk around unaided," Nori sighed. Aella hid her amused smile by ducking her face. Nori may have been trying to act put out, but he was fooling no one. Aella could tell he was grateful that Dori was still whole and would eventually be able to walk again.
"I'll endeavour to be here when Dori needs to rehabilitate his leg. He will find it difficult to walk straight away as he won't have used his leg in months by then, but that is easily fixed," Aella said, before taking her leave of the Ri brothers and approaching Bifur; whose arm still hadn't been looked at.
"May I look over your arm Bifur?" Bifur grunted in response and held out his right arm for her to inspect. Aella could see that there was a somewhat deep cut that ran along his forearm from wrist to elbow. "Has this been cleaned at all?" she asked still looking over the wound.
"Only with water," Bifur grunted in Khuzdul.
"I see, let me just gather some herbs and I'll make a disinfecting salve. I'll have to stitch the wound I'm afraid," she responded not even noticing the use of the Dwarven secret language.
"You understand Khuzdul?" the old Dwarf exclaimed shocked, Aella glanced up in surprise as the tent went silent and all eyes focused on her.
"Yes, Nuradid taught me to speak it," she said after a moment.
"Wait are you telling us lass that you have been able to understand us the entire quest?" Nori demanded.
"Yes? I didn't think you would have appreciated it if I had told you earlier that an outsider knew your mother tongue," she admitted, her eyes returning to the salve she was making.
"You overheard everything!" the starhaired Dwarf exclaimed
"What? No! When you fell into Khuzdul I usually left camp to get out of earshot. I figured you had a reason for not speaking in the common tongue," she explained with a disapproving look at Nori – who at least looked embarrassed for his exclamation.
"That shouldn't have been necessary lass. We've been sorry excuses for travellin' companions that ye should've felt the need t' leave so as t' not overhear conversations you had every right t' take part in," Bofur sighed, a frown pulling at his usually smiling lips.
"I don't blame you for your wariness my friend. At that point I was an unknown, a Dunedain Ranger that none of you had met before. All you had was Gandalf's word," Aella said, returning her gaze to Bifur's wound. She quickly poured a disinfecting poultice over the open wound, her grip on the Dwarfs arm firm and unshakable even as he flinched at the sting.
"That doesn't make it right!" Ori complained, glaring at his thief of a brother.
"Perhaps not, but I do understand why it happened and do not hold it against any of you. Plus, I am surprised not more of you knew I possessed the ability. I haven't been as careful at hiding it as I perhaps should have been," Aella blanched, glancing over at Bofur while rubbing the salve she'd made gently into Bifur's wound. Aella ignored the questions thrown at Bofur from the curious Ri brothers in favour of readying a needle and thread for sutures. Bifur eyed the needle with unadulterated disgust but with a grimace faced away from his injured arm. "The salve I made should numb the area enough that this should be as painless as possible," Aella murmured to the dwarf. Swiftly checking the area around the wound before she set about neatly stitching the wound as quickly as possible. A few minutes later Aella tied the final knot and began to pack everything away. Patting Bifur's hand lightly to let him know she was finished.
"Thank you," he responded gruffly.
"My pleasure my friend, I'll remove the stitches in a week. Should I be unable I'll at least let Oin know what I've done," Aella responded with a kind smile, "you'll be back to whittling away in no time." Bifur smiled back at her as she finished packing up the equipment she'd used. Taking to her feet, Aella offered aid to the two healers in the tent with the remaining injured. Grudgingly they accepted and Aella set to work, making salves, poultices, medicinal teas and the like for the healers as required. Bofur keeping her company as she worked.
"Many o' the injured are still waitin' for healin', what wit' the Elves only tendin' t' themselves. I overheard that Bard is strugglin' wit' his injured men despite the small amount of aid the ElvenKing has given them. He's not expectin' many to make the night," Bofur explained sadly.
"After the whole Dragon incident, I suppose our resident DragonSlayer is under a lot of stress. I'll head over and lend a hand once I'm finished here. I might also go and have a few choice words with that thrice damned ElvenKing," Aella scowled down at the poultice she was making.
"Just be careful ye don't end up his prisoner again," Bofur warned sternly.
"I don't think he'd try again so soon after I embarrassed him in front of his court. Gandalf might also have something to say about it," Aella grinned wryly at the hatted Dwarf before glancing around the tent, cataloguing its occupants. "Hey Bofur. Where's Bombur?" she asked.
"Bombur? He was lucky enough t' get away wit' only a few bumps and bruises so he's helping wit' the meals," Bofur answered. Rustling and clinking drew Aella's attention to the entrance of the tent. Upon doing so she saw Gloin push the tent flap open, she let out a sigh of relief at seeing another member of the Company alive and in one piece. However when Gloin's eyes met hers and his face blanked of all emotion, she felt herself tense up. The red bearded Dwarf made his way over to her, his bearing giving away that he was here on Official Business.
"You have been requested for an Audience by his Majesty, Thorin the Second, Oakenshield, King Under the Mountain," Gloin stated gruffly. Aella sat ramrod straight, her eyes roaming over Gloin's face trying to deduce Thorin's mindset from his expression. But Gloin's face remained impassive, his expression giving nothing away. With a nervous breath, Aella slowly rose to her feet. Bowing slightly to Gloin before responding.
"As the king commands," she said, her voice steady even as she grappled with her nerves. She sent what she hoped was a reassuring smile to the remaining Company members as she followed Gloin from the tent. She allowed Gloin to continue to lead her until they reached a large ornate tent. Taking another deep breath, Aella waited outside as Gloin instructed before he returned for her. She closed her eyes and exhaled sharply before entering the tent.
...
Inside the tent, Aella immediately took note of the rather lavish decor, and silently wondered how Dain had managed it. The next thing to catch her attention was the three beds and their occupants, Thorin, Fili, and Kili were sitting propped up on their cots with Oin fussing over their wounds. Balin was sat on a chair at Thorin's bedside, his foot bandaged and splinted elevated on a stool. While Dwalin stubbornly stood guard on Thorin's other side and if Oin's glares were indication, he was doing so while injured. Gloin had left to stand guard over the tent's entrance, leaving Aella to stand alone in front of the rather injured Royal Family. She was beginning to think she would never be acknowledged when Thorin finally looked up at her. Clear blue eyes met her own storm-coloured ones and relief swept through her. The glazed look she had associated with the Gold-Sickness was gone.
"I have several apologies to make for my recent actions over the past days. First of all, I would have it known that I rescind my banishment of one Aella Dúnadan, Ranger of the North and one Master Bilbo Baggins of the Shire. I would have it proclaimed that they have the protection of the Crown, should any Dwarf feel the need to extract unnecessary revenge." Aella's jaw dropped at Thorin's declaration.
"M-My Lord?" Aella stammered, her expression furrowing in confusion.
"I have never been more foolish then I was to banish two of the Company from the Mountain on the eve of Battle. Without you or Master Baggins the Quest would never have been successful. This is one mistake I can and will rectify. It does not make up for the terrible treatment I've put Master Baggins and yourself through but I will happily spend the rest of my life attempting to make amends with the two of you if I must," the king responded, his expression full of sorrow and great remorse.
"I...Sh-shouldn't Bilbo be here to hear this?" Aella asked, struggling to absorb what Thorin was saying. She hadn't expected to have her banishment rescinded this quickly if ever. Bilbo, perhaps, herself not so much. She still believed her part in their story was over, which perhaps explained why she still felt so confused over Fili's words at the Gates.
"He and I have already spoken and he knows he is free to stay in Erebor as long as he'd like. I would like to extend the same opportunity to you." Aella simply nodded at this. "Now there is another matter I would like to discuss with you. Please take a seat," Thorin continued, this time gesturing with his good arm. Glancing around the room, Aella met Kili's eyes. After a silent conversation spoken only with eyebrow raising and the widening of eyes, Aella finally moved to take a seat at the end of the archer's bed. A tense silence descended on the tent as she looked up, the three older Dwarves sharing a look before Balin let out a resigned sigh and cleared his throat.
"To put it bluntly, we – being the King, Dwalin, and myself – would like to discuss Fili's words atop the Gates," Balin said, all while sending Thorin a rather exasperated look. Fili let out a groan burying his face in his hands while Aella flushed red.
"Ah...actually I have a few questions about that too," she responded, glancing over at Fili who met her eyes through the gaps between his fingers.
"Well then let's start," Balin began turning to Fili and fixing him with a stern eye, "first of all, we should clear up whether or not it was said simply to distract your Uncle from doing something he'd later regret or if there is truth behind what was said."
"It's the truth. I've been certain of it since our stay at Beorn's house," the blond Dwarf answered, his voice muffled by his hands.
"And did you tell anyone at that point?" Balin inquired.
"He told me, only after I had confronted him about a particular matter," Kili answered instead.
"Would this matter have been about a particular interaction between our Ranger and your brother that your Uncle, Dwalin, and I also witnessed?" Aella flushed a deeper red at Balin's question, her mind going back to the multiple interactions between Fili and herself during their stay at the SkinChangers abode.
"Yes," her HeartBrother responded.
"I have a question if I may?" Aella finally said. Balin nodded in allowance, she smiled weakly in response before turning towards Fili. "How are you so certain I'm your One? I am not a Dwarrow."
"I recieved my SoulVision the night after the Goblin Tunnels, after deliberating for a few days there was only one person I could think of that fit what I was shown."
"And what did you see Irakdashat [nephew (singular)]?"
"I saw three images as is expected, the first was of the ocean during a storm, the next of a she-wolf with dual coloured fur of brown and grey with eyes the colour of the ocean during a storm. The third image was..." here Fili stopped for a moment before taking a deep breath and meeting Aella's eyes, "the third image was of a woman's back, her dark hair swept over her shoulder to reveal the symbol of the Valar etched into the skin of her left shoulder." Aella let out a strangled sound at his words jumping to her feet and pacing like a caged animal, the first two images were vague but the last, there was no doubt.
"You understand what this means Aella?" Balin said his tone surprised.
"A SoulVision is what you Dwarrow call the dream sent to you by Mahal through Irmo, Lord of Dreams and Visions to help you find your One," Aella answered before she cursed "Namo! Aule! You had better have a bloody good explanation for this!" she shouted glaring at the ceiling "Bloody meddling Angel-Godlike-Ainur..." she continued, grumbling. Aella didn't notice the concerned looks of the Dwarves as she continued to curse and grumble and she certainly didn't hear their cries of concern when she collapsed to the ground, as her consciousness was dragged to the shores of Aman.
...
Aella awoke with a groan, eyes flickering open to see the faces of Namo and Aule hovering over her. Narrowing her eyes at the two of them she sat up.
"I hope you two have a bloody good explanation for this, I will not go back until I have one and am satisfied." The two Ainur shared a glance, however it was Aule who spoke.
"There was an agreement between Namo and I that was made under the blessing of the AllFather, that I would be able to mould your soul to be the perfect complement for one of my Children. It was Vaire who told me who would most likely be the best candidate out of all my Children and from there Namo, Vaire, and I shaped your fëa," Aule explained. Aella simply stared, struggling to take in what had been said.
"Y-You've had this... Planned?! From the very beginning?" she said, her voice strained as she tried to remain calm.
"Yes. It was done long before you awoke in my Halls the very first time," Namo responded.
"...Why?" Aella asked after a moment, swallowing heavily.
"Because otherwise my Children will die. Without new blood my Children will be extinguished well before the end of the Fourth Age. My Children were made to endure but due to Morgoth's taint, my Dwarrow will pass into legend," Aule answered, the overwhelming sorrow he expressed making Aella's heartbreak.
"But why me? I am human, your Children will not accept me nor any children I may bear. My children will be spurned for being half breeds," Aella tried to reason, she was desperately ignoring how much pain it caused her to be arguing against them. 'I may love Fili but it doesn't mean I deserve him,' she thought.
"You are our chosen one Wind-daughter, and I am their creator. I have a certain amount of leeway granted to me by the AllFather in this matter, to ensure that any children you bear the Golden Dwarf Prince will be full Dwarrow," Aule explained a sly smile pulling at his eternal lips.
"How? What?" Aella said, her confusion made quite evident by her furrowed expression.
"Through your union with the Golden Prince my dear, the Seven Fathers will be reborn. The Seven Dwarrow I first crafted shall be reborn from your line," the Ainur Smith answered
"Wha..." Aella mumbled before her eyes rolled back and she collapsed in a faint. It wasn't long before she awoke nestled in the flowing black robes of Namo. It took a moment for the conversation to come back to her and she glared at the Lord of Judgement. "Why did you not prepare me for this? Why not tell me so I had years to come to terms with it all?!" she shouted, tears rapidly welling in her eyes before streaming down her cheeks. Namo simply tightened his embrace.
"Because my daughter you are worth more to us then a tool to wipe away Morgoth's taint. The completion of your task may be the fate the AllFather has decided for you, but we see you are worth more than that. We only want to ensure your happiness, to help soothe the pain and darkness that threatens to tear your fëa apart. We wanted to give you something to live for beside the task we have asked of you, and this is how we thought to do it," Namo said, his voice soothing as his hand ran through Aella's unbound tresses.
"Your fëa and the fëa of My Child are two halves of a beautiful whole. Two separate, full fëa's made to compliment and support one another. I barely made any adjustments, in fact the only adjustment I made was to ensure you had the ability to bear Dwarrow babes," Aule added, his voice a deep rumble that comforted Aella.
"You and Your Prince were always destined to find each other and that is why we said nothing dearest one. We wanted you to find him on your own, to fall in love naturally so you would know, deep in both your heart and soul that your feelings are your own. That they are pure and true and wholly yours," Namo finished, rocking the two of them in a gentle sway. Aella nuzzled herself into the Ainur's chest, absorbing the comfort and absolute truth she could hear in their voices.
"You speak the truth," Aella finally spoke up after several minutes of silent contemplation, though her face remained firmly pressed into Namo's chest, "I was afraid that my feelings were not my own, and I see now what you tried to accomplish. I apologise for yelling Atto, My Lord Aule."
"My daughter we expected it, there is no need to apologise," Namo said, chuckling quietly at the affronted glare he received, "are you satisfied with our answers?"
"Yes Atto, I am,"she answered.
"Then it is time for you to return to your hröa and calm those Dwarrow of yours, our love goes with you my daughter," the Ainur said before kissing her forehead gently.
...
Blue-grey eyes snapped open to find four bearded and one partially bearded face hovering over her. Aella flinched at the clamour of sound that erupted upon her awakening, somewhat glad that the Dwarves had backed up enough to allow her to sit up. After a moment Aella took note that one of the Dwarves must have moved her onto one of the cots after she'd collapsed.
"By Mahal Lass, you gave us a fright," Oin exclaimed loudly as he elbowed his way to her side to examine her.
"Apologies Oin. Mandos and Mahal wished to speak with me. I am quite fine," Aella responded leaning away from the grey haired Dwarven healer. The Dwarves gave her wary looks as they allowed her to sit up fully.
"The Valar wished to speak with you?" Thorin asked tentatively
"Yes, or more I should say that I demanded they answer my questions and then they pulled my consciousness to Aman to speak with me... It happens occasionally when there are things that need to be discussed, however it usually is a lot less hurried then it was today," Aella explained, rubbing her temples to alleviate some of the tension that had formed.
"And what was it you needed to discuss with Mahal and Mandos?" Balin inquired.
"I think it would be best if I only discuss that with yourself, the King and my Heart-Brother, Balin." Aella did her best to keep her eyes averted from the ocean blue ones boring into her from Kili's side.
"As you wish," Balin responded and with a sharp look at Dwalin, the youngest son of Fundin ushered Oin and Fili out of the tent. Aella watched them go before allowing her shoulders to slump.
"What was it you wanted to tell us El?" Kili asked his voice quiet as he took a seat on the cot.
"First I should state I had no idea about any of this until recently. Right then, to begin with Mahal and Mandos explained that there was a deal made between them with the blessings of the AllFather, that my fëa would be the perfect complement for one of Mahal's Children. It was after consulting with Vaire that Fili was the Dwarf that my fëa was made to complement," Aella began, the three Dwarves said nothing and simply waited for her to continue, "Mahal then told me that the reason I was chosen was that I would bring new blood into the line of Durin and through my Children, the Dwarrow would be saved from... Extinction." This earned a gasp from Balin.
"Extinction?" Kili said nervously.
"According to Mahal, the Dwarrow would be extinguished before the end of the Fourth Age if it were not for me and my blood," Aella responded twisting her fingers into the sheets of the bed. Her eyes glued to her lap.
"So you are to be the salvation of all Dwarrow?" Thorin asked.
"Apparently... Mahal also said that it was through my union with Fili that the Seven Fathers would be reborn," Aella added, swallowing nervously as she cautiously met the eyes of the King.
"Mahal's beard! The Seven Fathers reborn?!" Balin gasped falling back into his chair.
"Aye, I think he means for them to be born from our Line," she said, her eyes dropping to observe her lap once more.
"Well, this has been...very enlightening. What do we tell Fili?" Kili asked brown eyes full of concern as he studied his Heart-Sister.
"We only confirm that Aella is his One. For the moment at least, the rest can wait till a later date when we can fully devote ourselves to the discussion," Thorin decided, looking to Aella for confirmation. The brunette Ranger simply nodded in agreement. At that Thorin left the bedside to fetch Fili. Several minutes later the two of them returned, Fili pushing away from Thorin to rush to Aella's side despite his sprained ankle. The golden-haired Prince collapsed onto the bed, wincing slightly.
"Is everything alright?" he demanded looking between Kili, Balin, and Aella, "Thorin told me nothing."
"Ah...Yes, everything is fine," Aella mumbled, blushing lightly and looking to Kili for support. Her Heart-Brother patted her hand in encouragement before standing from the bed and stepping back. Aella scowled at him when a teasing smile pulled at his lips
"Aella?" Fili said quietly, ocean blue eyes studying her intently. Taking a calming breath Aella began to explain.
"Mahal and Mandos confirmed what your SoulVision showed you. By the will of Eru Iluvatar I am your One... just as you are mine," she stated, her voice trembling slightly in anxiety. Fili's expression morphed from extreme concern to that of unadulterated joy, he took her hands in his and brought them to his lips.
"Truly?" he asked.
"Truly," she replied. After a moment, Fili sobered up. His eyes returning to their previous study.
"How do you feel about this? I have had time to come to terms with this and I would have it no other way, but I can understand if you need time..." Fili said after a few moments of silence.
"I..." Aella faltered, taking another deep breath she continued, eyes falling to study their linked hands. "I came to terms with what I felt for you weeks ago but I never thought anything would come of it. I did not believe I deserved to have you return my affections," here she paused and raised her eyes to meet his. "Fili you are a Prince, and despite my task I am truly no-one of great import."
"Bu..." Fili began.
"No, that is how I view myself and that is why I cannot in good conscious agree to court you just yet. I realise now that my soul is broken, fractured and I... I need time. Time to mend my soul and determine my place in this world," Aella continued, ignoring Fili's interruption, "I would not tie you to a fractured soul." Fili studied her for a few moments before responding.
"I will wait for all eternity for you if need be, Aella," Fili spoke, one of his hands leaving hers to rest at the nape of her neck. Slowly he nudged her forwards so he could gently rest his forehead against hers. "My heart is yours." Aella smiled softly at his words, allowing herself to simply enjoy his touch, before a cough interrupted them, jerking back, a fierce blush erupting over her cheeks. Kili's bright laughter filled the tent while Balin chuckled quietly. Thorin was smirking at Aella and Fili, who had also tried his best to imitate a tomato.
"While I'm glad the two of you have spoken your hearts, what are your plans?" the Dwarf king asked. Aella looked back to Fili.
"You have expressed a wish to withhold from courting for the time being. So might I suggest Promise braids?" Balin interceded.
"Promise braids?" Kili asked.
"Promise braids used to be used prior to official Courtship braids. They were often used to show one's intent to court another, before any official courtship was proposed. They were used by young sweethearts as a Promise. Usually they were never kept for very long as they were often replaced with official Courtships braids shortly after. But I believe they would serve their purpose quite well here, in keeping the future council from trying to marry our Crown Prince off," Balin explained with a sparkle in his brown eyes.
"How would we go about braiding them?" Fili asked, meeting Aella's eyes.
"It's a simple braid as far as braids go, it's the bead used to clasp it that shows the intent." Aella and Fili listened closely to Balin's instructions before setting about braiding. Aella settled for using one of Kili's spare beads for the time being to clasp Fili's braids, while Fili used his own Durin bead to clasp hers. The Promise braid sat just above Aella's HeartKin braid, behind her right ear.
Later that night Aella ran cautious fingers over her new braid with a soft smile, before falling into a blissful sleep.
...
Three days later Aella found herself awake before dawn. Dressing in her usual Ranger garb, although she left her hair unbound aside from her braids. Stepping out of the tent the Dwarves had forced upon her, she ran straight into the chest of a man. Stumbling back with a curse on her lips, Aella looked up to glare only for her glare to melt into a joyous grin.
"Alton!" she cried throwing herself into the taller man's arms. The male Ranger swung her around in a circle with a laugh before setting her on her feet.
"It's nice to see you all in one piece El," Alton said with a warm smile, pulling her into an equally warm hug.
"Same to you my friend. What of Dan and 'Ro?" she asked stepping away only to engulfed in an ellon sandwich.
"Fighting fit my dear," Elladan said, smirking as he and his twin smothered the female Ranger.
"We've been busy healing your Dwarves for you," Elrohir added his tone teasing.
"I'm glad that you are both well, but you're smothering me," she said, her voice muffled by their robes. Laughing the twin elves let her go and stepped back.
"We heard you have been particularly busy treating the Men of Laketown, after having a rather loud argument with Thranduil about what constitutes as proper healing aid," Elrohir teased.
"For a King he has very little skill in diplomacy," Aella retorted with a scowl, "I ended up having to ask for help from the Galadhrim healers, as I couldn't find the two of you, nor did I have the time to find the Dunedain encampment."
"Well whatever you said had an effect on the Mirkwood healers. They've taken over for the Galadhrim healers," Alton laughed.
"Really? How strange," she mused before her expression turned serious. "How many did we lose?" Alton sighed, his face contorting in sorrow.
"Our company was 100 strong when we arrived, we lost 44 Rangers in the defence of Dale." the male Ranger reported.
"44..." Aella murmured, her eyes falling shut and her head bowed in grief.
"Berethon was among the fallen," Alton added quietly.
"No!" Aella gasped, blue-grey eyes snapping open as she reached for her friend. Alton embraced her once again except this time it was in shared grief. "Not Berethon," she whispered, as her tears began to fall.
"He fell defending King Bard from a fatal blow," Alton explained, stroking Aella's hair even as he buried his face in her shoulder. It took Aella quite some time before she felt calm enough to continue. Elladan and Elrohir reported their losses were limited to less than 30 elves which made her heart hurt no less. Their discussion was interrupted a short time later by the musical language of the elves.
"I am sorry to interrupt my Lady, my Lords." Aella turned her head at the voice, only to be met by the three blonde elves that she recognised to be the leaders of the Galadhrim.
"It is no trouble my friend," Elladan said with a smile.
"I think some introductions are in order," Elrohir said looking between Aella and the Galadhrim.
"I do believe you have left it long enough," Aella teased her friends, both of whom appeared slightly guilty.
"Beriaiel, may I introduce you to Haldir and his brothers Rumil and Orophin of Lothlorien. Haldir is Captain of the Galadhrim, his brother's both Commanders of their own right," Elladan introduced formally.
"A pleasure to meet you all, please call me Aella," the female Ranger bowed with her fist over her heart.
"It is an honour Beriaiel," Haldir said returning the salute.
"Thank you for your support during the battle, and allowing me to borrow several of your healers," Aella said, smiling in gratitude.
"No thanks are necessary my Lady, It is an honour to serve the Valar and the Lady of Light," Haldir said, waving off her thanks with a smile, "however the main reason for seeking you out was to alert you to our impending departure. We have already been gone for several weeks and while there are more than enough Wardens guarding Lorien, I would feel better if we returned as swiftly as possible."
"Of course Captain. You will be leaving with the Elves of Eryn Galen then," Aella responded.
"Yes, we will be."
"Then may the Valar go with you Haldir of Lothlorien, the blessings of Eru Iluvatar upon you and your kin," Aella said, bowing once more to the Captain and his brothers.
"And with you my Lady, my Lords," Haldir replied with a nod before turning on his heel and leaving. Aella watched them go before turning to the Eastern sky where the sun was begin to stain the sky pink and orange.
"It is time to farewell our fallen comrades," Alton voiced from her side.
"Aye it is time," she said turning to her friends.
With a sorrowful smile, she led the three males to the land where Thorin had said that they could lay their dead to rest. They were the last to arrive, many of the elves and the Rangers who were either healing or had managed to get away with only minor wounds stood around the mass grave. Berethon was the only Ranger that had a separate grave. Aella walked to his corpse's side in silence before she knelt beside his stretcher. It was easy to see where he had been cut down and Aella could not stop the tears from streaming down her cheeks at the sight. With a shaky breath Aella leaned over to press a gentle kiss to her dear friend's forehead. Trembling fingers caressing his silvered hair. "May you be welcomed in the Halls of your Ancestors as a Hero my dear friend," she whispered before rising to her feet and allowing for Berethon's body to be laid in his grave. Stepping back, she felt Alton flank her on the right while the twins took her left and behind her. As the dead were buried Aella joined her voice with those of the Elves and of her fellow Rangers in a hymn. Her tears never stopped falling.
...
The sun was well up by the time Kili found her knelt before Berethon's grave. Aella barely acknowledged him as she stared at the loose dirt of the grave.
"I heard it took three Orcs to finally bring him down. All accounts of what happened agree that he was an extremely brave and honourable man," Kili said quietly, standing to her left. Aella smiled weakly at his words.
"Berethon always wanted to pass on in a honourable manner. I don't think his wife will be very happy about it, but it should give her some comfort that he saved three young children from growing up without both their parents. Berethon's children are grown now, well on their way to being wonderful Rangers in their own right. His son Erend will be given his sword in honour, his daughter Berra was expecting her third child last I'd heard, I wonder if Berethon ever got to meet the child?" Aella said, her eyes dry yet full of sorrow.
"His passing was in no way your fault Namad do not blame yourself," Kili responded, his hand running through her hair in a soothing manner.
"I will endeavour not to Nadadith," she replied, leaning into his petting.
"I actually sought you out to ask something of you," Kili said after a time.
"Oh?" Aella asked tilting her head to allow her to look at her Heart-Brother.
"Yes. If you are up to it, would you do me the honour of completing the Ritual of Heart-Kinship?" he said, Aella's eyes widened at his words, a warm smile spreading over her face.
"I would be deeply honoured Kili," she answered. Kili smiled brightly at her and helped her to her feet before pulling her into an embrace. Together they left the grave site and headed back towards the camps. Kili dashed off once they reached the Dwarven camps to find Oin, Ori, Balin and Thorin. He returned shortly after the four other Dwarves in tow before the six of them headed towards Erebor.
"Erebor?" Aella asked curiously as they entered the gates.
"It would be a welcome end to the bloodshed, should the last drops of blood on this quest be shed in honour of Kinship," Thorin explained before Balin ushered Aella and Kili into ceremonial position. Aella and Kili were knelt opposite each other in front of Thorin. Thorin placed both hands atop their heads and spoke in Khuzdul, smirking at Aella, "We are here to bear witness to the Claiming and the Sharing of blood of HeartKin. It is by Mahal's will that these two would join in a bond of Kinship beyond that of blood, to one of soul and heart. In the sharing of Blood we recognise Aella Dúnadan and Kili son of Vili as HeartKin." Then Kili began to speak.
"In the sharing of my blood I hereby claim Aella of the Dúnedain as my Heartsister. In a claim that is made solely by I, Kili son of Vili, son of Dis; thus her connection to my bloodkin be naught. I claim her in spite of differences in blood and race. By Mahal's will be it." Aella watched as Kili sliced his right palm just deep enough for blood to well along the cut. Before he handed the knife to her and it was her turn.
"In the sharing of my blood I hereby claim Kili son of Vili as my Heartbrother and accept his claim in return. In a claim that is made solely by by I, Aella Edana, Daughter of the Valar, Ranger of the Dúnedain, I claim him in spite of differences in blood and race. By Mahal's will be it," she said, mirroring Kili's actions, before Balin took the dagger. Kili and Aella then clasped hands and Thorin finished the ritual proclamation.
"May it be acknowledged that both parties have accepted and claimed the other as HeartKin and do so by their own free will. I do so announce that Kili son of Vili and Aella of the Dúnedàin are bonded as HeartKin. For even though they share different blood, their kinship runs deeper than the stone. By Mahal's will be it," Thorin said, his face breaking into a smile. Ori, Balin and Oin cheered as the Kili and Aella unclasped their bleeding hands. Oin bustled over a moment later to clean and bandage their hands. Once the Dwarven healer was done, Kili gently bumped Aella's forehead with his own, smiling brightly at her.
"Thank you Namad," he whispered.
"My pleasure Nadadith," she replied with a grin. The two of them rose to their feet and the group left Erebor, only to be joined by the rest of the Company as soon as they'd stepped outside. Aella laughed as the Company converged on her and Kili. She winced as the other Dwarves slapped and patted them both on their shoulders and backs and laughed when Bilbo shook her good hand. Kili roared with laughter as he and Fili squished her in between them in a bone-crushing hug, causing Aella to squeal much to the Company's astonishment and great amusement. The Company spent the evening celebrating their survival, Aella spent most of it squished between Fili and Kili and there was truly nowhere else she would have wanted to be.
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