Fili and Bifur searched the lake frantically with their torches. They had brought the barge to the point over where the dragon had fallen, but could see nothing.
"It clutched her tightly," Bifur crawled along the edge of the barge, cursing in Khuzdul, looking into the water. "But surely it released her when it fell. I cant see any sign of her."
"It's no good, Bifur. Quick light all the torches, now. Hurry." Fili yelled. He began to take his coat, boots and mail off. He would not lose her like this. She had touched them all. And no one had changed his Uncle like her. He would rather die than let her rot at the bottom of a lake, entombed with a wyrm!
"What are you going to do?" Bifur yelled as he ran frantically across the deck setting the torches ablaze, illuminating the barge.
The Prince had taken most of his clothes off, standing only in his breeches and undershirt now.
"Get plenty of blankets ready, for when I return." He rushed to the edge of the barge. "I'm going to do what I should have done as soon as I saw her hit the water."
And with that he dove in to the black, freezing body of water, before Bifur could stop him, disappearing into the depths.
Visibility was terrible, the beast had dislodged much debris as it sank to the bottom, and Fili searched vigorously, but not even a trail of bubbles could be seen. And then he felt the distinct change in temperature, from the heat that must have emanated from the beast. He rose to the surface once more, taking several more breaths, and focussing hard on settling his heart rate and breathing so he wouldn't use up the air in his lungs fast. Then taking another deep breath, he plunged down back into the water. This time he returned directly to following the trail of warm water.
Swimming deeper into the blackness he could begin to just about make out the jagged shape of what he imagined were scaly wings. He swam forwards tracing its spine towards the enormous head that was slumped forward, and there beneath, he could just about make out a faint light of paleness.
Lungs aching he swam towards the glimmer of light, finally spotting an arm from beneath the creature, in a white sleeve and a thick gold ring glinting off the wrist. It was her!
He lunged towards her and grabbing her arm pulled, while attempting to wriggle the beast's limb off her. But her small crushed body only moved out slightly. And his lungs now burned. If he remained submerged much longer, he too would let go of his breath and succumb to the water. And then suddenly there was another flash of blinding light, and before Fili could register what had become of her they were both shooting to the surface.
Fili broke the surface of the water first, hungrily gasping for air. And she lay limp in his arms. He quickly pushed her head back brushing the hair off her face, and cradling her head in his hands.
It was cold. Freezing, and there was no breath condensing from her nose or mouth. It didn't take long for Fili to locate Bifur on the highly illuminated barge.
"Over here! Bifur!" Fili yelled, wrapping his arm around her torso, and swimming towards the barge.
The shaggy haired dwarf had quickly manoeuvred the barge around to their Prince and the woman.
Bifur lowered his arms to pick her limp body from Fili's. She weighed nothing to them, and their hearts sank as she just lay limp on the deck of the barge where Bifur placed her, as Fili scrambled to climb up.
"Turn her over, we need to get the water out of her and warm her up." Fili commanded, pulling her jacket off quickly.
They turned her on her side patting her back watching water pour out of her mouth.
"Do you remember what she taught you – I think we have to do that?" Bifur looked at the young woman and felt broken inside. She had sacrifice herself to ensure the survival of the folk in the town, and they would probably never value it. In truth, he had never used what little common tongue he knew, to converse with anyone before, as he had never trusted outsiders, until her. He had grown fond of her, and come to regard the woman as one of his own kin. So he vowed that if she did not survive he would never utter another word of common tongue again.
"Aye, but before we begin, we need to release her chest from this thing properly." Fili leant over and tore the dress fully open releasing her chest completely. Then slid his hand under her left breast and felt for a moment. "Her heart is not beating."
Bifur watched on, feeling helpless. She had taught them all how to carry out the strange and aggressive revival method for the unconscious from her land, but Fili and Dori had been the best at it.
Fili moved to steady himself over her on his knees, and began to resuscitate her, exactly as she had spent time teaching them last evening. For a brief moment he wondered whether she had expected for this to happen. It took a certain fearlessness to face sure death. Rapidly casting that terrifying thought aside, he took a deep breath and, pinching her nose, while covering her mouth with his, he began.
…..
Shobha walked through a large ornately carved set of doors, into a grand auditorium. She was greeted by the tall, beautiful figure she now came to recognise as Yavanna.
"My Lady Yavanna," she bowed her head deeply. "I am officially dead right…? I think I tasered myself and then drowned."
Pausing to look around, everything was bursting with a strange glowing light, and she couldn't help feel a little relieved that if she had indeed died, it had been much more painless than she expected.
"My poor child, we all wished to meet you…" Yavanna was slightly hesitant suddenly, but had interrupted her thoughts before she could have time to process the whole death situation.
Then she turned and guided the young woman through the doors. The bright light dissipated to reveal many thrones occupied by the various Valar, or so she presumed. They were seated in a strange open circle, where she stood at the top end.
Yavanna left to take the empty throne next to a radiant lady with similar features but a pale, almost blue, complexion at the centre. She tried to recall her knowledge of the Valar, and decided that must have been Varda, Lady of the stars.
"Lady Shobha, you have shown great strength and courage, but why did you take such a careless risk?" A stern dark hooded Valar spoke from beside Manwë. She could not make his face out well under the large dark hood, this was likely Mandos.
"Isn't fighting a dragon always a great risk? And you said it was my task to kill Smaug." She shrugged. "I am dead right…?"
"I see what you mean now. Gobby thing isn't she?" Manwë looked at Aulë, who nodded back with smug agreement.
"Did I save Laketown?" She asked, looking around uncertain who would reply.
"Yes and no…" the Lady Vairë spoke. "Some buildings were set ablaze, but of course you had cleverly evacuated the town so the people were unhurt by the dragon. But there is a problem. You see, I had woven death into the lives and fates of some… and you have most inconveniently changed that –"
"Please don't let my death be in vain then. Please change their fates – I mean you're Gods surely you can change that."
"Poor child. She is indeed pure of heart." Lady Nienna, tall, pale and teary eyed spoke up, reaching over to pat Yavanna sympathetically, almost as though they were considering the plight of a beloved pet. And then Shobha realised, that was probably how these beings viewed them – as pets. "I agree dear one. Her bloodline will indeed cleanse the Durins of their sickness –"
"And so fertile and unmarred – their children would be so beautiful, and strong." The very beautiful Vána, lady of nature and spring, with her flowing red locks, peachy complexion and soft flowery dress smiled at her.
"Don't encourage this attachment to a mortal, wife!" Oromë snapped at Vána, brushing the crest of horse hair decorating his ornate gold helmet, which he lovingly kept on his lap, almost like a pet cat. It was strange to imagine those two Valar being married, when they almost seemed the exact opposite. "I'm bored now..so hurry up and tell her what you brought her here for."
"We were worried about you – it appears that you seem to attract danger. And your life is often at risk. It's rather exhausting keeping a watch over you all the time." A tall elf like blond Valar spoke up this time – Lorien, commander of spirits and dreams. Strangely she was certain she had spoken to him in a dream also, even though she had little recollection.
"Thank you Lord Lorien, but this time, my wife was overzealous, and she should be the one to explain."
"Don't put so much pressure on her. She was only taking out an insurance policy on the clearly reckless girl –" Mandos stepped in sternly defending Yavanna, but was interrupted.
"Oh no brother. I promise you she is all woman now, after Thorin was done with her!" Aulë winked at his stern peer.
"Husband!" Yavanna silenced him, blushing.
"Uh! Yes you should have heard her that day. The commentary inside her head: 'thank you Mahal!'. 'Thank you for his giant cock'. 'Oh man can he use that!'. Honestly it was rather vulgar for an otherwise demure lady. And none of us could sleep!" Oromë grumbled angrily clenching his fist and grinding his teeth.
"We didn't sleep for other reasons husband."
"You're just jealous." Aulë defended her now. "My boy is a fine lover. Far better than your 'wham-bam all-over-in-a-flash' horsemen!"
"But some of that kudos should go to Lorien, who gave them the early gift of shared dreams, so that lover boy dreamt of all the things that would hit the target for our Lady here." A muscularly built Valar chuckled from the edge of the circle winking at her. "And by Eru, he did well! Some of us were turned on hearing them. And don't look at me like so, Lord Mandos. I saw the look on your faces!"
"They called upon an old debt and a favour to be returned. And quite rightly so, they had so little time to get to know one another, to be suitably wooed for procreation." The pale blond Lorien waved his hand loftily in explanation. "Of course they didn't require much of said help. After all they are Soulmates."
"See I told you they were the perfect pair – and she is so flexible..." Aulë whistled. "There should be children a plenty, at this rate –"
"Ok. Thanks for discussing my sex life in great depth… but I have a question: I thought I WAS the insurance policy…?" Shobha looked around at them confused. This was starting to feel like one of those terrible job interviews where there were a million people on the panel of interviewers, and you just don't know who to look at when you replied, let alone which of the million questions to answer first.
"We needed an insurance policy ON your insurance policy." Manwë finally explained. He sat in the centre all this time observing carefully, and feeling a tinge of pity for her. His, sharp features, gold winged crown and cloak made of what appeared to be large eagle feathers, made him look almost like a strange, large eagle himself.
"Oh gods!" She sighed.
"It's not all bad child. Its new life –" the beautiful Vána replied, blushing.
"I'm pregnant…?" She panicked a little. It had only been a few days since she and Thorin… well… ahem. Physiologically it was too early to tell, implantation of the embryo wouldn't have even taken place yet if she remembered her lessons in medical school correctly! And she had taken a terrible risk already. Assuming she would survive this thanks to Fili and Dori learning the CPR she taught them, or some divine intervention, how could she go on to fight enough to help the survival of the Durins in the Battle of the Five Armies!
"A little more than that, my poor dear." Estë tried to explain.
"What in the world is more pregnant than pregnant?!" Her head hurt now. These Valar were so cryptic.
"You will discover in time – we will not burden you with details for now. But you will need to know that you may have trouble giving birth. There might be a chance that you may die… so we must offer you the chance to return back to your world to give birth safely to ensure the survival of you and your young."
Then the large Valar, who had silently sat next to Manwë stood up and walked towards her. His movement had a fluid grace, and he wore a grey, shark skin like suit, almost like a superhero of sorts. His skin had a wet glisten to it, his eyes were deep blue like the open seas, his white beard and hair had a frothy look, and he carried a large trident. It could only be Ulmo, the God of the waters.
"Come now, little one, you have spent too long in my domain." Even his voice was soothing like the sounds of the calm ocean. "I have wrapped you in my icy waters, and filled your lungs, but now it's time."
Ulmo stepped close to the small woman with care. He didn't often return to Valinor to meet the rest of the Valar, he disliked being embroiled in their schemes and quarrels. But she was different, she needed to be returned, and he would not be happy in all good conscience to claim the life of a young woman that bore life within her, that had been nurtured and enhanced by Yavanna herself. His waters had often destroyed the life that she had nurtured, but this this woman was important to many of them.
"But I would have Thorin with me…? Or I would return…? Please…?" She looked around at the Valar, as Ulmo reached down for her. Some of them regarded her with sorrow, some with sternness, so she reached out and cling to Ulmo's hand desperately, as her vision began to fade. "Wait… no! Can't you do something about it if I stayed…? No… please… please…"
….
She gasped, and then immediately wretching, coughed up copious amounts of fluid.
Shobha made out a pair of concerned deep blue eyes through a blurry haze.
"Thorin…?" She reached out a weak hand to brush his cheek lovingly.
"No my lady, it's Fili." Fili smiled, shivering, as he gently placed his hand over hers. He could only hope someone would call his name like that one day.
Her chest hurt, badly, and she began to shiver uncontrollably, teeth chattering.
Firm hands were on her instantly, tearing the final tatters of her freezing, wet dress off her and wrapping her up in several blankets and Fili's coat, as he cradled her body in his arms.
"Hush…You're safe now. And we are going to get you back on land and warmed up."
"Is he…?" She asked weakly.
"The dragon is dead, and Laketown is burnt but the people safe, my Lady." Fili smiled down at her rubbing the roll of blankets in his large hands. It may have been more effective to warm her against his skin directly, but it would not be considered appropriate, so he cradled her cocooned body as best as possible.
And with that she let her eyes shut, letting the cold and fatigue claim her.
…..
"Find the jewel, it is in these halls." Thorin shouted. "Lady Shobha gave her life for this. Do not let it be in vain."
He was resolved now. She gave herself for them. For erebor. And he would see that it was restored, before setting Fili on the throne. He did not wish to rule any longer. He would settle Fili and Kili and the retire to the Blue Mountains, and spend the rest of his days thinking of her.
"Ye heard him. Come on lads." Dwalin sniffed. He would not show his tears right now. And all he could do to keep himself from crying in that time was to continue to search for the cursed stone.
"Dwalin, something's wrong with him." Bilbo whispered scuttling over to him.
"Aye. The world stopped for that poor man a little while ago." Dwalin rasped back angrily, tears threatening to prick his eyes.
"But shouldn't we all be going back to Laketown to find her."
"I watched them pull her body up." Oin joined the small group whispering quietly not wanting Thorin to hear. "Fili had to get in the water..."
"Aye? And?" Dwalin grasped the healers shoulders, urging him on, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. But Oin merely shook his head slowly with a broken look on his face.
Bilbo turned away, as a few big tears rolled down his cheeks, which he quickly wiped with his sleeve, and moved away to resume his search.
Dwalin began to walk away.
"Where are you going baheluh?" Thorin stood behind him at first.
"To empty my bladder." The gruff warrior responded fast, barging past him without stopping so their King could not see the now unstoppable, tears escaping his eyes. For surely, he grieved for his One more than any of them here.
Balin watched his brother and then looked on at their King who stood looking down at the hall, beginning to worry.
….
By the time Fili and Bifur had steered the barge back to the edge of the lake then men of Laketown had already returned to stem the fire. Only a few of the buildings on the far outskirts of the town had survived unscathed.
Bard stood on the dock waiting, as Bain clutched onto the Black Arrow.
"The dragon is dead. I cannot believe it. How did the lady slay the beast?" He shouted triumphantly as he grabbed the rope and moored it. Then seeing Fili clutch onto her bundled body, he stopped.
"We need to get back to the Inn urgently and get her warmed up." Fili replied back. "She was underwater for a while –"
"Not the Inn. The Master had taken that building for himself now, since his halls were burned." Bard added fast. "The old town hall at the edge, is now a safe place for all those who have lost their homes."
"We must move fast. And we will need some clean clothes for her –"
"But.."
"She has none. That tight dress had to be removed. You will find the tatters of it on your barge."
"Then the woman is – and barely conscious."
"Aye, and that is why, we need somewhere safe and warm. And myself or Bifur must remain with her always, until she is well enough for us to get to Erebor." Fili followed Bard quickly carrying her, as Bifur followed then both carrying the garments that Fili had removed before jumping in.
"Bain, run now, and get Sigrid to find some clothes straight away to fit the Lady Shobha." Bard sent his son ahead. "My Prince, I suggest you take the lady as soon as she is dressed back to Erebor. The people are angry about the destruction of their town at the moment. They cannot see that their lives were saved. They will turn on you all. And the Master will be more than happy to encourage them. We even moved Prince Kili and Master Dori to my cousins house with Sigrid and Tilda, to avoid any angry confrontations."
Bifur growled and signed to Fili angrily.
'Disgusting. Let us get her dressed and go straight away. I will help to carry her and I expect Dori will help too.'
"Aye. Time for us to take her home."
...
Dear All,
Thank you so much for following my story do far.
I am so very grateful for all your reviews and comments, and I really want to say thank you so much for that – your comments and reviews always make my day! And it really means so much to me that you take the time to post something. ❤️❤️
Thank you so much to MaggYme for your lovely review – I couldn't resist making Smaug a folklore type Nordic dragon, after his very own maiden/princess! And Aye, I can totally imagine Dwalin doing that too! Hope you enjoy this chapter :)
… xxx…..
Some important explanations:
I'm sorry about making Bifur speak common tongue so soon. I had him stick to Khuzdul and iglishmek in 'a gift for thorin' until her wedding day. I was reluctant to write it in, but I figured Bifur knew Common tongue all along, even if not very well. He just never chose to speak it because he never trusted outsiders enough to take to. But he trusted her from early on, and wanted to communicate with her directly, particularly where he had taken up being her protector in Dwalin's absence. And that's why he offered to braid her hair.( I debated it for a while, but thought of making this bold move.)
Does Fili like Shobha? Maybe more than he should, but would never act on it. It's a look but don't touch kind of scenario there… until he finds his One ;) it is explained as him having similar tastes and even shares some mannerisms as Thorin (perhaps how Thorin would have been if he hadn't had to deal with soo much loss and responsibility from such a young age). And she probably would like him back too in a universe where a Thorin never existed, but as she describes it in 'a Gift for Thorin' – "a universe without Thorin for her was akin to a world without the Sun". (Aw! Girl's got it bad!)
And finally an explanation of what happened to her with Smaug:
Smaug held her close to his body, but was crushing her to death after she tranquillised him. So in order to make sure he drowned in the lake, because she thought she was going to die at that point anyway, she tasered him.
But because she was in contact with his body at the time she received some of the voltage too. And so went into cardiac arrest before she even hit the water.
The water was indeed icy cold, and would have given her hypothermia, but that gives her the advantage of surviving a prolonged cardiac arrest without brain damage (Sorry for making it complex, the geek in me made me do it).
She had taught Fili CPR for that reason.
But in the end the Valar – Ulmo brought her back to life thats how Fili suddenly found himself shooting up, or else he too would have died - there will be more details in the next chapter ;)
