Chapter 21

Gwirithiel's POV

During our 3rd day traveling through the forest we came to the river. It flowed strong and black. It was good that Beorn had warned us of it, for we were all nearly dying of thirst. We dared not try to jump or swim or wade across. We were very much trapped, until good old Bilbo spoke up.

"There is a boat on the other side!" He said.

I jumped up and looked across. There was indeed a boat!

"Well this is all well! But how are we to get to it?" said Thorin.

He had a good point. Bilbo squinted.

"It does not appear to be tied off. If we could get a hook on it we could pull it across."

"Fili come here! See if you can do what Master Baggins has proposed."

Fili came forward and he was handed a length of rope. He attached a hook to it and then threw it.

"Careful!" said the hobbit. "You almost had it. Perhaps a stronger throw." he suggested.

Fili threw it harder and it went clear past the boat.

"Gently pull it back. There you go!"

The hook did its job. The rope went taut and Fili pulled in vain. Kili went to assist his brother and then I saw it. The boat was tied off. I took a small knife from Fili and threw it across. The rope was severed and the dwarves fell back dropping the rope. Bilbo lunged forward and grabbed hold of it.

"Help!" He cried.

I rushed to his aid and helped him pulled the boat across to us.

"Well done Fili and Master Baggins. And also Gwirithiel. It would appear that the boat was indeed tied off."

"Who shall go first?" Bilbo asked.

"I shall! And you with me, along with Fili and Balin. That is how many the boat shall hold. Then Kili, Gwirithiel, Bofur and Bifur. And after them shall be Oin, Gloin, Dori and Nori. Then Ori and Dwalin. Bombur shall come last." said Thorin.

"I am always last and I do not like it!"

"You should not be so fat as you are! You must come alone and last."

Though Bombur complained, Thorin would not change his mind. He gave up and then once Thorin, Fili, Bilbo and Balin were across, Fili tossed another hooked rope across. We pulled the boat back. Kili helped me into the boat and then he got in along with Bofur and Bifur. We safely crossed and then waited as the others came. As Bombur made it across a deer came running out of the woods. We were all wild with hunger. But as we aimed to shoot it, it saw us and bolted through. As it jumped across the river it hit Bombur. He fell backwards into the river!

"Bombur has fallen in!"

I rushed over and tried to jump in after him but Dwalin grabbed my wrist.

"No lass!"

I struggled but in vain, for Dwalin was one of the strongest of the company. Fili tossed a hooked rope to him and his hand caught it. We all pulled until he was on the shore. His hand was clutching the rope tightly and he was soaked from head to toe. This was not the worst! When we pulled him from the river he was fast asleep! Thorin was furious. He cursed the forest and Bombur's clumsiness. There was nothing left to do but tighten our belts, hoist our empty sacks and pack and move on. We took turns carrying Bombur. I helped as well, though when I did I regretted it. When we stopped to rest that night Bombur slept on.

I found Kili and he pulled me onto his lap. I wound my arms around him and pulled him as close as I could to me. I held onto him as though something would take him away from me. I felt his hot breath on my neck and then his lips. I bit my lip and held back a gasp. I craned my neck so that he could continue. His nose brushed against my skin and I tangled my fingers in his hair. When his lips found mine I savored every second. I moaned into his mouth and my hands moved so that they were on his chest. When we separated I felt his face. My fingers lingered on his lips and I felt him smile. I traced over his lips with my fingers and closed his eyes.

"Remember that night in Beorn's house." I whispered.

I knew he was smiling and I kissed his nose and then his lips. He pushed me down and hovered over me. I twirled his hair as I always did. I heard him chuckle in the darkness.

"Cease your laughter and kiss me." I said.

He obliged and I kissed him passionately. I removed his jacket. The others were far too close to us so I knew we could not make love, but I would go as far as he would allow.

Kili's POV

Kissing Gwirithiel made me yearn for her love. I grazed her bottom lip with my tongue begging her to let me in. She smiled and did what I wanted. I wrapped my arm around her wait and pulled her up to me. She wound her arms around my neck and kissed my neck. I gasped and hoped I had not woken any of the other. Especially Thorin. I stroked her face with my hand and then placed my hand behind her head. I was throbbing and aching for her. I knew she felt this, yet she did not say anything or do anything.

"Kili….." she moaned.

I loved hearing her moan my name. When I stopped kissing her I lay next to her. She rolled into me and cuddled me.

"I do not like this forest." she said.

"I know, nor do I."

"Oh Kili you do not understand! I feel as though something terrible is going to happen. I just know not what." she said.

I held myself up on my elbow and placed my hand on the side of her face.

"Listen to me, I will not let anything happen to you."

"I am not afraid for myself, but for you and the others." she whispered.

I sighed and pulled her closer to me.

"Nothing shall happen to us. I give you my word." I said.

She clung to my shirt and took a deep breath. I kissed her and then let her sleep. I however could not sleep. I feared something would hurt her in this cursed forest. I had sworn to protect her and protect her I would. No matter the cost.