Monday-War AU (either Tolkien verse or any historical war)
Sigrid wrung her hands as she made her way to the Hall of Healing. The troop of Dwarves that had been dispatched that morning had just returned and the wounded had been taken to the healers, her husband among them. Their had been attacks off and on by packs of Orcs for weeks now, testing the defenses of the mountain and their neighboring city of Men. Her pace quickened as she neared the archway to where her husband lay, uncertain of what she would find when she entered. The news of their return had reached her, but the messenger had not had any details.
She was all but running by the time that she cleared the last doorway, and had to draw up short to keep from colliding with a Dwarf in healer's robes. She pushed past him and scanned the small crowd for the familiar blond head of her husband. Dark hair, light hair, no hair; but none of them the one she was looking for.
Dori saw her anxious look and made his way over to her. "He's this way, My Lady." His eyes were understanding as he added, "Don't you worry. He'll be fine."
The knot in her stomach released just barely as she followed the Dwarf across the room and she nearly sobbed in relief when her eyes landed on the one that they sought. Fíli was half sitting on a cot, his leg in the process of being bandaged, and generally making himself a nuisance.
"I'm fine," he demanded, trying and failing to get away from the healer's hands. "I need to get home."
The Dwarf tending to her husband did no more than roll his eyes, but pushed the younger man back onto the cot when he stood to leave and continued with his ministrations.
Sigrid called his name as she drew near and threw herself into Fíli's arms. He caught her with a laugh and they both tumbled back onto the cot. She saw the healer throw up his hands in defeat before moving on to a more agreeable patient to attend. She hid her face in his neck, sniffling back the tears that threatened now that she knew that he was safe.
He held her tight with and rubbed a hand over her back, whispering soothing words to her. She felt foolish for being so emotional, and stayed hidden out of embarrassment once she had reigned them back under control. The Dwarves around them payed them no mind, use to, by now, seeing the newly weds together.
Eventually Fíli sat up, taking her with him, and he laid his hand on the side of her face to make her meet his eyes. "There now, there's my brave girl."
She blushed under his gaze and wanted nothing more than to be in their apartment and away from the eyes of the crowd. She turned her attention to his half done bandage and continued what the healer had started. When she was finished and was fidgeting with the ends of the wrapping, he took her hands into his to still them.
"I really am all right." He tilted his head down to meet her gaze and drew it with him as he straightened. "I give you my word; it's just a sprain," and he sealed his promise with a kiss to each of her knuckles.
Again her eyes teared up and she fought them down. She had never been this sensitive before, but she had never considered the idea of being a widow either. A flash of anger shot through her; at herself for being so upset, and at him for being the cause. Without thought she pulled one hand from his and the sound that it made against his cheek rang throughout the room.
The voices around them tapered off, a few of them chuckling at the scene, and she immediately felt guilty. The stunned look on Fíli's face would have been humorous in any other circumstance, but now it was the catalyst that finally brought forth her tears. She heaved heavy sobs into her hands, unable to put into words why she had slapped him.
After only a moment's hesitation he gathered her into his arms to hold her close. "Let's go home," he whispered into her ear and she nodded her head in acquiescence.
The crowd that remained parted easily for them and the couple made their way home in silence. Fíli's limp slowed them only a little and they were only halfway home when Sigrid broke the quiet to apologize.
"I'm sorry that I hit you." Her voice was small and easily swallowed by the open walkway they were passing through.
"I know." His voice was equally soft and she was grateful when he took her hand in his.
"Promise me that I won't have to worry like that again." She knew her request was unreasonable, but she could not bear the thought of losing him.
He halted their progress and turned her to face him. "You know that you mean more to me than life itself." He had spoken the words before, but now they brought with them a warmth that was overwhelming. "I promise you that I will always do my best to come home to you."
Her throat ached with suppressed tears, and bent to kiss him, desperate to feel anything that would stop this new pattern. His fingers buried themselves in her hair, and Sigrid could feel wispy strands come loose to brush her cheeks. A burning need filled her and she began tugging at his layers.
Fíli broke their kiss with a low chuckle and gathered her hands in his to stop their wandering. "Home," was all he said, and they set off once more, tearing through the halls of Erebor and giggling like children all the way.
Bonus: Slapping Fíli is Sigrid's first clue that she is pregnant. ^_^
