Chapter 29

The Fallen

Thranduil's POV

The arrival of The Brown wizard and the eagles tipped the scale in our favor, but there were still many, many orcs to deal with. The women of Lake-Town had joined the fight as well. So many people died this day, men, elves and dwarves alike. As the orcs grew fewer in number, I began to search for my wife and son.

Aleena's POV

Legolas succeeded in slaying Bolg. The orcs began to retreat. I saw the hobbit with Thorin. My brother was on the ground and bleeding badly.

"Thorin!"

I dropped to my knees beside him and he smiled at me.

"Aleena…..forgive me! Please forgive me for what I have done!"

He caught his breath in pain and I put my hand on his face.

"I have already forgiven you. You are my brother and I will always forgive you. You have to hold on! I can heal you!"

He shook his head.

"No….it is too late for me. Tell Dis I am so sorry, that I should have listened to her. Now her sons are gone…"

I shook my head.

"No, I saved them, they are safe."

Tears were freely rolling down my cheeks.

"Aleena!"

I could not look at Thranduil as he ran forward. Thorin looked at him.

"Take care of her. Or I shall find a way to haunt you for all eternity."

"I will, I promise."

Thorin nodded and then looked back to me.

"Thorin please…please don't go! I already lost father, grandfather and mother. I cannot lose you too!"

He put his hand on my arm and I closed my eyes.

"Look at me Aleena."

I opened my eyes and looked into his.

"I love you."

I took his hand and squeezed.

"I love you too."

He smiled and slowly closed his eyes.

"Thorin…Thorin!"

The hobbit called his name but he was gone. I cried out in pain and anger. Thranduil pulled me into his arms and I cried into his chest.

"Uncle!"

I cried harder, knowing my nephews would see him dead. I feared they would blame me for not being able to help him.

"~You tried my love. You tried and that was all you could do.~" Thranduil whispered.

I looked up at him and then looked back at Thorin. I took his hand and kissed it.

"Forgive me brother. I will never forget you, and not a day shall pass where I do not miss your smile and love. You were the greatest brother anyone could ever ask for. I love you so much Thorin. You will always be in my thoughts and memories."

"Aunt Aleena."

I looked at Kili. He both knelt down by me.

"I know you tried to save him."

I hugged him tightly.

"I am just happy I was at least able to save you and Fili.."

He put his arms around me and I smiled a bit. After he left Thranduil helped me up and the other dwarves came. They knelt down in respect for their fallen king. I could only look away. Thorin was gone and I would never be able to make up for the years we were apart.

I am so sorry!

Legolas soon arrived, carrying Tauriel. When he saw Thorin, sadness came to his eyes.

"Aleena, I'm sorry."

We carried Thorin down to the mountain. All the dwarves knelt down and bowed their heads as we passed. The men of Lake-town bowed their head and took off their hats, even the elves bowed their heads in respect. We cleaned Thorin up and dressed him in fine cloths. He was laid atop his tomb and every elf and dwarf was there. Fili had recovered enough to attend. He leaned heavily on a cane with tears in his blue eyes. Kili was crying as well. All the dwarves of Thorin's company and Bilbo gathered around him. They paid their respects to Thorin and to me. The little hobbits had tears in his eyes.

"The king is dead!" Gandalf said.

They all looked to Fili.

"Long live the king!" Balin said.

"Long live the king!" we all said.

Fili bowed his head. I went up and put my hand over Thorin's.

"Goodbye brother, I know you will always be with, with the boys, with my children." I whispered.

I kissed his forehead and backed away. Thranduil took my hand and I looked at him.

"~He loved you until the very end.~"

I nodded.

"~I know. That doesn't make it much easier.~"

He pulled me to his warm chest and held me tightly. Dain would rule in Fili's place until he fully recovered.

"Aunt Aleena."

I looked at Fili.

"Thank you for my life. I hope you will visit often with your daughter and your husband. I plan to recover the bond between the woodland elves and the dwarves of Erebor."

I smiled at him.

"You will be a great king, Fili. You're strong and Thorin taught you and Kili well. I will forever be here to help you. I missed half your life after losing my memory, I intend to make up for lost time."

"Kili and I would like that. Uncle always told us stories about you."

That made me smile. I hugged him gently, as he was still hurting.

"I will be back to see your mother. If you ever need me, you need only send word. I will be there."

"Thank you."

I stepped back and saw Kili coming forward with the rest of Thorin's company. I hugged Kili tightly.

"I've told your brother, now I'll tell you. I shall always be here for you. My family is my life. Dwarven and Elven. Thank you for saving Tauriel."

He smiled at me.

"I like her, she's a good listener. I consider her a very good friend. She saved my life."

I smiled.

"You have to help your brother to rule Erebor. I know Thorin was extremely proud of you both. I love both of you very much."

"And we love you."

I looked at the other, my eyes resting on the hobbit.

"Master Bilbo Baggins."

He slowly came forward. I knelt down and bowed my head.

"I know you tried to save my brother. I am thankful for it. You are forever welcome in the Woodland realm. You will always have my respect and gratitude."

"Thank you, your majesty."

I smiled and shook my head.

"Aleena. I do hope you will stop to see us on your way back to the Shire."

"I'll be certain to do so. Thank you, Aleena."

I kissed his forehead and once more stood. I felt Thraduil come up behind me.

"It's time, meleth nin."

I nodded and looked at the dwarves one last time.

"You are all welcome in the Woodland realm. Should you wish to pass through unharmed, I will see that you have an escort."

They all bowed and I bowed my head.

"Tak natu yenet." (Until next we meet. (This may not be the correct translation) )

They all smiled at me and some waved as I left. I was happy to be going home. We bid Bard and his family farewell as we passed through Dale. Fili had already has repairs starting.

"Thank you for fighting alongside us. And I would like to personally thank you for helping me find my children during the battle."

"I would have done the same for my children. There is no need for thanks. I would like to resume trade with your people once you're back on your feet."

"Yes, I would like that as well. Travel safely on your way home."

We thanked him and then went on our way.