I want to start this off by saying I am sorry this update is so fantastically late. I just started an internship like position and I've been crazy busy between working that and school so sadly this story has fallen to the wayside, but I am still working on it.
Without further ado, the next chapter
Mels xoxo
Adaira's POV
Like we had all thought, the hardest part had only yet to begin. We lingered in the tent city for only a week and a half longer before we began transporting our injured and dead to the mountain. The first snows had begun to fall and stick to the ground and everyday was colder than the last. Winter was truly now upon us and both Thorin, the Company, and myself had convinced Bilbo to stay at Erebor over the winter and to set out for his own home as soon as Spring arrived.
Bilbo agreed very easily to our proposition and I had the feeling that he just wasn't ready to go home yet. I knew how I would feel if I was in his place. We traveled all the way here, survived many dangers together, woke a dragon and fought him through the halls of Erebor, and then fought a huge battle and won. Turning away from everyone I had travelled with only to return to my home where I was going to be alone...I don't know if I could ever do that.
Gandalf was to shelter the winter with us as well which was going to be interesting. Lord Elrond and Lady Galadriel had already said their goodbyes, both needing to return home to their people. Elladan and Elrohir had given me a very warm goodbye, my husband watching the twins like hawks as they hugged me and made very over the top exclamations of how they were going to miss me before their father knocked them both on the heads. I had thanked both Lady Galadriel and Lord Elrond on behalf of our people for sending their armies to help us. Lady Galadriel told me that should I ever need help, all I needed to do was ask, a sentiment that was repeated by Lord Elrond.
Now that we were moving back into the mountain I had different duties to perform for the crown and I was busier than I was before. Fili and Kili had been moved into the royal wing of the castle which had been completely cleared and cleaned and Rînor, who had volunteered to stay the winter in Erebor to continue to see to their care, continued to look after them. Rînor's wife would also be joining us this winter which I was grateful for as she often spoke with Tauriel and I saw quite a change in my new charge, Thorin putting me in charge of Tauriel's care.
He wasn't pleased at first when he found out that Kili's One was an Elf or that she had been banished and would be moving into the mountain with us, but I reminded him that this was not about his personal feelings, but about Kili's and Kili was madly in love with her. I also reminded him that Tauriel was now officially the ambassador for Erebor to the Greenwood so he would have to get to know her and at least be civil. Thorin was stubborn and hard headed, but I could see his views on the Elves changing a little every day.
Bard and Thorin now spent quite a bit of time together, the two conversing about how best to house their people this winter and what they expected of one another in terms of what would happen if there was trouble. They had decided that they would see to their own people. If a dwarf was the one who started the problem Thorin would handle him and see to his punishment and vice versa if one of Bard's people started trouble, Bard would see to their punishment. Thankfully there hadn't been any trouble yet, but it was bound to happen in the future.
Too many people residing in a small space with fewer resources and tempers flaring due to differences in culture was bound to lead to arguments, fights, and all out brawls. Dwalin was already whipping the soldiers into shape as Captain of the King's Guard, his new official title. He hadn't wanted any fuss when Thorin appointed him, but I had made my pride in him known later that night in the room he had taken his time to make comfortable for me.
Ori officially passed his mastership and became a Master Scribe and Thorin appointed him to the library within Erebor, salvaging what could be salvaged as well as his new appointment as Master of Records. Bombur was made head chief and Bofur head of the Miner's Guild within Erebor. Gloin was appointed as Master of Treasury and Oin as the head healer of course. Dori was made head of the Tailor's Guild while Nori was given a special role. He was the unofficial spy for the royal family. It seemed his days of thievery finally were paying off.
Bifur refused any titles and instead wanted to return to being a toy maker, especially with the children of Laketown homeless or orphans. As for me, I settled into my role as Princess of Erebor and heir to the throne. Most days I was at Thorin's side or out arranging where everyone would live and trying to settle any unrest amongst the Dwarves of Dain's army who stayed behind to help us rebuild the mountain. Dain sadly had to return to the Iron Hills, but before he left we got a chance to talk when it was not all about politics. I found him to be very funny and while some of his jokes were a bit raunchy, he had a good heart and he said if ever we needed him, he would be at our side just like before.
I was slowly growing agitated as I realized that my family was purposely stepping in whenever there was any heavy lifting to do. They never outwardly told me no or not to do something, but without fail, one of them was always around or ready to offer to do the work for me. I tried not to let it tick me off too badly because I knew they did it just because they cared about me, but twelve...twelve months of this was going to get annoying really quickly.
"Dwalin, do you know where I put that…," I said as I searched my desk, a new bit of furniture that took up our receiving room after I complained that I had nowhere to work to Thorin.
"'Ere," Dwalin grunted and I turned around and saw him holding up the papers I was looking for.
"Thank you," I told him as I walked over to him, Dwalin getting ready for the day in our bedroom and I retrieved my papers before I set them down on my side table. I picked up his weapons belt and Dwalin lowered his arms after he got his tunic on and I stepped up to him and smiled up at him as I wrapped my arms about his waist, bringing his belt around him before securing it.
"Amrâlimê," Dwalin said as he looked down at me and he lifted a hand and put it on my cheek and I pushed myself up on tiptoes to kiss him.
"Be safe mo chridhe," I told him as I did every morning before he left to begin his work.
"Aye if you will promise me the same," Dwalin told me as he lowered his hand from my cheek and pressed it to the swell in my abdomen.
"I promise," I responded like I did every morning and Dwalin leaned down and kissed me firmly before he pulled away from me to grab his sword which was by our bed, just in case.
"Where will yah be today?" Dwalin asked me as I gathered my papers once more.
"I'm off to speak to Lyssaria first and then I got roped into a few tasks for Thorin. Simple really. Just some people that started to get into arguments that need talking to and some minor clerical work," I told my husband who nodded in understanding.
"Remember to stay with yer guard," Dwalin reminded me as he had been every morning for the last week and a half.
"Yes, dear," I told my husband as I rolled my eyes. "I get why they're important now," I added and then I smiled. "Besides I have a new guard," I told my husband who rolled his own eyes.
"Elves," he grunted and I shot him a behave look.
"Be nice," I reminded him and then I grabbed my bag and hurried over to him, kissing him swiftly. "No fighting with the other kids," I added and Dwalin snorted and rolled his eyes once more.
"Yes dear," He shot back and I raised a brow at him and shook my head before walking out of our bedroom and into our receiving room. I pulled on my boots and made sure that I was reasonably put together before grabbing my dreaded circlet which let everyone know who I was. I took a deep breath and let it out before nodding and opening the door to our rooms. As soon as I stepped out into the hall I was greeted with Tauriel, my new guard, who was waiting for me right outside the door as she was every morning no matter if I told her she didn't need to wait for me like that or not.
After the treaty had been signed I had personally gone to Tauriel and explained to her what we would like her to do and that she needn't worry about being banished because she had a home with us, with Kili and we wanted her. When I told her Thranduil had agreed to the arrangement she looked surprised and then pensive, but still didn't speak at first. It was over the next few days that I was able to get her to open up more.
When Thorin insisted on a guard for me, my first thought was of Tauriel. Not only was it under the purview of her skills, but it might give her something to focus on right now other than Kili. Tauriel had agreed to becoming my guard. The first day I thought I might be pushing her to move too soon. She only spoke if I asked her a direct question and her mind seemed elsewhere, Tauriel obviously thinking about Kili.
It wasn't until I was walking through what used to be the market and a fight broke out between a Dwarf and Man that I tried to break up, that Tauriel spoke up. When the agitated man began advancing towards me, Tauriel instantly put herself between the man and myself and told him to stay back. She not only ended the fight, but protected me as well and after that, Tauriel seemed very attentive whenever she was guarding me.
"Good morning, Tauriel," I said, greeting the Elf and she nodded her head at me, her arms behind her back as she stood at attention.
"Good morning, my lady," Tauriel greeted me and I sighed in frustration.
"Adaira, Tauriel, we're equals here," I reminded her once again and Tauriel said nothing. "I'm just going to start calling you Lady Tauriel if you keep insisting on calling me my lady," I quipped back under my breath and I knew that Tauriel had heard me, her Elven hearing better than my own. She fell into step beside me as I started off and I asked her the question I did every morning.
"How's Kili?" I asked her and I looked over at her and found her smiling slightly.
"He's improving," Tauriel said and she schooled her features then, no doubt reminding herself of her duties. "Rînor says with any luck he can be awoken in another few weeks," Tauriel added and my eyes widened slightly as Tauriel still didn't offer up information readily these days.
"He'll be okay. Things might be different for him, but at least he'll be alive," I reminded Tauriel before I shook my head. "I can't thank you enough," I told her and she shook her head.
"I did nothing my…," Tauriel said and I shot her a look and she paused. "Adaira. If it was not for your cousin, Kili and I would both be dead," Tauriel told me and I shook my head at that.
"And if you had not done what you did, Kili would have died before the battle even began. You risked it all for Kili and I won't forget that," I told her before I fell silent as we came to the doors that led out of the royal wing. The two guards that manned the door turned in unison and opened it and Tauriel fell back three steps to my left as she took what she said was her proper position as my guard.
Walking through Erebor was still like walking through a maze only now it didn't feel so empty. The sounds of life echoed through the halls once more and it always brought a smile to my face as I walked amongst everyone. Tauriel seemed happy enough, and seemed very taken with the mountain but I knew before long she would miss her home. I continued to show her how to navigate through the halls.
My Stone Sense was growing stronger and the mountain was always following me around as I got accustomed to my new home. It was strange, living in a mountain since I had always lived above ground, but it just felt right. I led Tauriel through the winding halls and we crossed over to the part of the city where the former residents of Laketown were setting up their homes. Lyssaira, come to find out, had a thing for a certain King and was now living with him and his family so I made my way to Bard's house and knocked on the door. I heard children yelling from within and a moment later Tilda, Bard's youngest daughter flew open the door with a bright smile on her face.
"You're back!" Tilda cried excitedly before she rushed me and hugged me tightly. I hadn't seen Lyssaria since Ravenhill or Bard's children since Laketown so I smiled widely and put an arm around Tilda and hugged her back.
"Who is it?" I heard my cousin ask and she appeared at the front door then, a rag in one hand. She looked different than when we first met, her tunic and leggings traded for a dress and a very domestic look about her, her hair pinned up in a bun. "Adaira," Lyssaira said, a bit surprised and then she hurried over to me and pulled me into a hug like Tilda had. "I was beginning to think you had forgotten about me, cousin," Lyssaria said with a smirk as she pulled away from me.
"I didn't forget about you," I assured Lyssaria, seeing Bain and Sigrid poking their heads around the door frame. "I'm sorry, things have been rather crazy," I said and Lyssaria nodded in understanding.
"Well come on in then," Lyssaria told me and Tilda slipped her hand into mine and smiled up at me as she led me into the house, she turned back then and slipped her other hand into Tauriel's and Tauriel looked down at their conjoined hands and I saw her smile as she let herself be led inside.
"Bain, Sigrid," I greeted the other two children and they each gave me a brief hug. "I'm glad you all made it through safely," I told them and they shared the sentiment as I took a seat in one of the chairs placed near to the fire.
Bard's new house had a small living room and kitchen and I had made it a point that it at least had three rooms. Sigrid and Tilda still had to double up for now, but Bain had his own room and Bard had a room with four walls and a door which was unlike the little curtained off area he slept before. It might not be perfect, but it was something at the very least. I nodded to Tauriel and she perched herself on a chair at the kitchen table, out of the way, but I was still in her line of sight.
"Would you like some tea, ma'am?" Sigrid asked me politely and I raised my hand immediately.
"I'd love some honey, but just call me Adaira. I might be a Princess now, but so are you, so let's drop the formality between us," I told the girl who would have been only a few years younger than me if I was human. Sigrid nodded and stole away to the kitchen as Lyssaria sat on the arm of a chair across from me.
"So are you just here to visit with me?" Lyssaria asked me and I sighed and shook my head.
"For the most part, but I can't promise nothing political won't come up," I told Lyssaira and she snorted at that. "So how have you been since the battle?" I asked my cousin and I saw a little smirk cross over her face.
"It's been different, but I really can't complain. At least I fit in here unlike before," Lyssaria told me as Tilda went back to drawing pictures on the floor by the fireplace and Bain went back to doing drills with a wooden sword that looked like it had been made by my favourite toy maker. Sigrid brought Tauriel and I tea and then she took up a chair and began knitting.
"I'm glad to hear that. What do you think your father will think about all of this?" I asked Lyssaria and she shrugged looking nonplussed by my words.
"Who knows? He's always been very supportive though. I've written to him informing him about what happened here. I figured it was only right that he learn it from me first," Lyssaria told me and I hummed as I thought of my mother and how if Lyssaria was right, she was still alive. I didn't even know how to approach that subject just yet so I had been avoiding it just as I had been avoiding the subject of my father.
"I felt that way about my aunt Dis," I told Lyssaria who nodded as she sat down in her chair properly and settled in. "Best for her to learn about what happened to her sons and brother from me even if we don't know each other hear it through the grapevine," I added and Lyssaria nodded in agreement.
"It's still hard to wrap my head around everything sometimes. I left home to go on my Wandering and this ended up happening," Lyssaria told me and I barked out a laugh.
"You're telling me. I set out to cross the heather one day and then ended up in Middle Earth and on a quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain. I still can't believe some of the things I've seen or done since arriving here," I said with a shake of my head.
"And yet here we are," Lyssaria said and I nodded at that.
"Here we are," I agreed and I took a sip of my tea which was exactly what I needed right now, ginger and mint. I sighed and put a hand over my stomach involuntarily and Lyssaria hummed and nodded towards my hand.
"I heard about that, congratulations," Lyssaria told me and I looked towards her in alarm. "Relax," She added quickly. "Not everyone knows," She told me and I sighed in relief.
"We don't want everyone to know just yet what with everything that is going on," I told her and she nodded in understanding. "How did you know?" I asked Lyssaria and she snorted.
"You spoke with Bard and he realized it was confirmed at your peace treaty negotiation. I think King Thranduil knows too, but my Uncle just won't care," Lyssaria told me and I hummed as she mentioned King Thranduil.
"Speaking of the Elven King, have you two even talked?" I asked her and she shook her head.
"No, I doubt he wants anything to do with me and the feeling is mutual. After what he did to my mother...banishing her from her own home just for loving another, I cannot forgive him for that," Lysasria told me and I nodded in understanding. "I'll be civil with him if I have to, but I could care less about actually having a relationship," She added and I hummed before taking another sip of my tea.
"That's understandable. He kind of shut the door on that relationship himself," I told Lyssaria and she gave me a conspiratorial look.
"He shut the door on the relationship with my cousin too," She told me and I raised my eyebrow questioningly.
"Oh?" I asked her, waiting for her to spill the beans and she sat forward in her chair slightly.
"Legolas left," She began and I tilted my head to the side, that tidbit of information definitely interesting. I didn't see Tauriel's shocked face as she heard the news, the woman taken aback having not known this. "After the battle Legolas found me. He's had enough of his father controlling his life," Lyssaria added and I nodded in understanding.
"Where did he go?" I asked my cousin curiously.
"He wasn't so sure where he wanted to go just yet, but he mentioned something about seeking out the Dúnedain," Lyssaria answered me and I hummed knowingly.
"Well, I hope he finds what he's looking for," I said before looking up towards Tauriel. Her expression was stricken and she looked slightly pale. "Tauriel?" I asked, but she didn't look up towards me and I quickly got up from my chair and walked over to her, kneeling down in front of her chair. "Tauriel?" I asked again, putting a hand on her arm and she looked over at me and I could see that her eyes were wet and a tear was rolling down her face.
""He left," Tauriel said in a strained voice. "...Legolas?" She asked as she looked towards my cousin.
"Yes, he didn't stick around long after the battle," My cousin answered her, looking a bit guilty.
"I see," Tauriel said, more tears rolling down her face.
"It doesn't mean he doesn't care for you, Tauriel," I tried to assure the other woman and she shook her head, her grief quite plain for anyone to see on her face.
"I drove him away," She said in nearly a whisper.
"No, you didn't," I told Tauriel instantly and she shook her head in refute of my words quickly.
"The King came to me. He told me Legolas had developed feelings for me. He ordered me to dissuade him from the idea. Told me that I was only a lowly Silvan Elf, and not good enough for his son. This was before I met Kili," Tauriel told me and my mouth formed a tight line in anger over what Thranduil had told Tauriel.
"Thranduil had no right to tell you that. You're not less than anyone else. We are equals," I told Tauriel firmly as I put my hand on her knee, hoping that she would believe me. "What were your feelings for Legolas before you met Kili, truly?" I asked her, wondering if she voiced her own feelings, it might help her figure out what she was feeling right now.
"I have had no greater friend than Legolas. I was but a child when my parents were killed and I came to live in the Greenwood. Legolas was a boy still, only a few years older than myself. I became King Thranduil's ward, raised alongside Legolas," Tauriel answered me and I nodded in understanding.
"You see him as a brother and thought he saw you as a sister," I said and Tauriel nodded quickly.
"Yes. I knew of his growing feelings, but I tried to ignore them. I hoped this would dissuade him. Now that I've followed my heart...he will never forgive me," Tauriel told me, closing her eyes tightly.
"He will. Legolas just needs time and space no doubt. I don't think he left because of you, Tauriel. You opened his eyes, showed him the truth, that evil can only be defeated if good people stand up for the weak. He needs to find himself again," I explained to her and she took a deep and steadying breath and then opened her eyes.
"If it's any consultation, he was in good spirits when he left. He did ask after you when he said goodbye to me, but I told him that I didn't know where you were, only that you were alive. He looked pensive, but not angry," Lyssaria added to the conversation and Tauriel looked over at her and seemed a bit more assured by this news.
"Then there is hope yet," Tauriel said and I nodded at that, smiling at Tauriel as I squeezed her knee.
"There's always hope," I assured her before I leaned in more closely towards her. "Do you need a minute alone?" I asked her in almost a whisper as she fixed her gaze to mine and she stared back at me before finally nodding.
"Could I have a moment, my lady?" She asked me in a quiet voice and I nodded instantly.
"Take all the time you need," I told her and she nodded before rising from her chair. She offered me a hand which I accepted and she helped me back up to my feet before she bowed her head to me and exited the house to get some fresh air. Lyssaria looked guilty after she left and I assured her that it wasn't her fault for upsetting Tauriel. She hadn't known how close Legolas and Tauriel actually were or that the news would upset Tauriel.
I sat back down and Sigrid got me a second cup of tea which I nursed as Lyssaria changed the subject, still a bit off after what had happened. I noticed after a lull in the conversation that my cousin was watching me with a curious expression on her face and I raised my eyebrow askingly at her and she smiled slightly.
"Adaira?" She asked and I hummed in answer. "Sigrid has a request, but she's too shy to speak up herself," Lyssaria said and I looked over at the girl in question to find her cheeks flaming red.
"A request? I can't promise anything of course, but I'll see what I can do," I told Sigrid with a smile. "Name it," I told her, the very embarrassed girl looking at me shyly.
"I...I wish to become a healer, but I have no one to teach me," Sigrid stammered out after she collected herself. "Lyssaria told me you yourself have some skill," Sigrid added after a second and I nodded in confirmation.
"I was a healer myself before I came here and I guess I had to become a princess. It's a very noble calling. Have you spoken to your father about this?" I asked her and she nodded, looking less shy as she set aside her knitting.
"I have, he told me that if I wished to pursue it I may," Sigrid answered me and I hummed in understanding.
"Well, I am sadly too busy most days to teach you myself," I began and Sigrid's face fell a little. "but Master Oin is our Chief Healer and he could always use an apprentice to train," I finished and Sigrid's face lit up. "I'll speak to him personally about it, but I doubt he'll refuse."
"Thank you, my...Adaira," Sigrid told me, changing her words when she saw my face change and then she smiled, looking down at her lap.
"Could you get me sword lessons?" Bain asked then, coming around the side of my chair to stand in the living room, his wooden sword at his side.
"You want to know how to fight?" I asked Bain, raising my eyebrow a little. After everything that had just happened I would have thought he wouldn't want to go near a sword.
"More than anything," Bain told me, nodding enthusiastically.
"And what does your father think about it?" I asked him, not one to promise anything to a child without first speaking to their parent about the matter.
"Da doesn't like it. He says Bain is too young," Sigrid cut in, giving her brother a warning look and I got the idea that I was being played, Bain trying to get me to agree to giving him lessons behind his father's back.
"Sigrid!" Bain exclaimed, rounding on his sister angrily.
"Well he does," She told her brother matter of factly, unbothered by his ire with her and I raised my hand to stop them from fighting.
"I understand that you want to learn to fight, Bain, but I can't help you, not unless your father gives his permission," I told the boy firmly and Bain sighed in frustration. "Don't be so ready to grow up. Trust me, it isn't all it's cracked up to be," I told Bain who looked defeated and he stared at me with a look of confusion on his face.
"You speak strangely," He pointed out and I laughed brightly at that.
"I grew up on an island that's a lot different than here," I explained with a shrug.
"If I can convince my Da, then could you get me lessons?" Bain asked me hopefully and I tilted my head to the side as I considered his request.
"Maybe. No promises," I told the boy before I looked down at Bard's youngest daughter who was still drawing pictures on the floor by the fire. "What about you Tilda? Do you have any requests for me?" I asked the little girl and she sat up from where she was laying down with her feet in the air, kicking them back and forth and shook her head.
"No. I'm happy already. Da doesn't have to work so hard anymore and we have this nice house and plenty of food," Tilda told me with a smile on her face and I realized that probably for the first time all the people of Laketown had enough to eat and new clothes besides thanks to the Elves.
"What about toys or books?" I asked the little girl, seeing that she was drawing with charcoal and she seemed not to have much to keep her entertained. Tilda bit her lip then and turned her head to look at her older sister who nodded her head encouragingly.
"Go on Til, you can ask her," Sigrid told her sister who looked back at me and got to her feet, the little girl walking over to me until she was standing right in front of me.
"Could I have a doll?" Tilda asked me, her bright blue eyes staring back at me with child like innocents. "I had one, but I lost her," She told me, frowning deeply and my heart broke for this little girl who had lost everything and I set my tea aside and took her hands into mine.
"You know, I know just the Dwarf you need to meet. His name is Bifur and he is an expert toy maker and a dear friend of mine. If you tell him what kind of doll you would like, I know he can make her for you," I told Tilda whose eyes widened.
"Really?" She asked me excitedly and I nodded, a smile on my face.
"Yes, really," I told the little girl. "He's set up in the marketplace. What do you think of us visiting him together?" I asked Tilda and the little girl began bouncing up and down.
"Can we?" She asked me, a big bright smile on her face.
"Of course we can. How about tomorrow?" I asked her and she nodded quickly.
"Yes please!" She told me happily and I squeezed her hands which were still in mine.
"Then it's decided," I told her and we shared a smile.
"Are you going to have a baby?" Tilda asked me then curiously and I noticed that when I had taken one of my hands from hers I had placed it back over my midsection.
"I am, but it's a secret for right now," I told Tilda and she nodded almost conspiratorial.
"I'm good at keeping secrets. Is it going to be a boy or a girl?" She asked me then and I shrugged.
"It's too soon to tell. Maybe Sigrid can teach me all the old wives tales to help me figure it out when I get bigger," I told Tilda and she grinned and nodded. At that moment the door to the house opened and Tauriel slipped back inside, looking calmer and more at ease than she had been when she had left the house.
"My lady, you meeting with Master Balin is in a half hour," Tauriel reminded me as she stood at attention by the door, waiting for me.
"Right," I said, internally groaning and I squeezed Tilda's hand once more before letting it go and getting to my feet.
"Duty calls," My cousin said and I nodded, rolling my eyes.
"Too often these days," I told her and she chuckled at that as she rose from her own chair and began leading me towards the door.
"Don't be a stranger," Lyssaria told me with a firm look and I gave her one of my own.
"You either. If you ever need me just ask for me at the royal wing doors," I told my cousin and she snorted and rolled her eyes at me.
"If your guards let me through, they're incompetent," She told me and it was my turn to roll my eyes.
"I told them who was allowed to visit me and your name is on the list. Sigrid, Tilda, Bain the same applies to you three, I'll let the guards know that you are allowed through. If you ever need me just come and ask for me. If I'm not in my rooms, someone will come and find me," I told the three children and they nodded. "Alright, everyone behave," I said, directing that more to my cousin than to the children and she harrumphed. "Until tomorrow Princess Tilda," I told the youngest girl, curtsying to her and she smiled at me as she tried to curtsy back, stumbling only a little. "I'll speak to Oin today about that apprenticeship Sigrid and hopefully will have an answer for you tomorrow," I told the eldest girl and she smiled at me and nodded her head.
"Please, take your time my...Adaira," Sigrid told me before she curtsied to me and I curtsied back before looking to Tauriel.
"Ready?" I asked her and she nodded and opened the door for me and I passed through it first before she fell into step behind me.
The two of us headed off towards my meeting with Balin and we had just made it through to what used to be the marketplace and which was becoming so again and was now the central hub in the mountain when a young Dwarven soldier came running up to us. Tauriel instantly was on alert and stepped closer to me, but she settled down once the Dwarf bowed low to me, huffing and puffing, completely out of breath.
"My Princess…," The soldier said, his hands on his knees, still trying to catch his breath.
"Slow down and catch your breath," I told the poor dwarf and he nodded his head.
"Yes, my lady," He told me as he caught his breath. "Thank you, my lady," He added as he rose to look at me.
"Now, what is it?" I asked him, feeling a bit anxious, as it was never good when a messenger was sent for you, especially one who was hurrying so much.
"Master Oin requests your presence in Prince Fili's room immediately," The young soldier informed me and before he could say anything else I took off like a flash. Tauriel was hot on my heels, easily keeping pace with me as I ran leaving the poor soldier behind. The dwarves in the marketplace quickly moved out of my way, seeing their Crown Princess running and I crossed the distance to the royal wing faster than I ever had before.
I slowed as I reached the doors to a respectable pace and the soldiers that were manning the doors opened them for me and we passed through them and I started running again. As soon as we passed through the doors, Tauriel ran ahead of me gracefully as a deer and made it to the door before me, opening it for me so that I could pass through quickly and then she followed behind me. When I entered Thorin, Dwalin, Oin, Balin and Rînor were standing around the front room and it looked like I had just entered the room at a bad time.
"What is it? What's happened?" I asked quickly, no doubt looking half wild and Oin instantly raised his hands to calm me.
"Calm yerself lass, Fili's fine," Oin assured me and I let out a breath I didn't know I had been holding.
"Oh thank Mahal," I said as my husband walked over to me and put a hand around my waist to comfort me and I looked up at him as I calmed my racing heart and took some deep breaths. "Then why in Mahal's name did you send for me like that? I thought…," I demanded, unable to finish my sentence.
"Sorry lass, I needed someone else here to help make yer Uncle see reason," Oin told me as Dwalin led me to a chair and had me sit down as I continued to catch my breath.
"What's going on? Rînor? Thorin?" I asked as I looked between the two men who looked like they had been arguing.
"I feel ready to awaken young Fili, my lady, but as I have been trying to tell your king, he needs calm when he awakes. I will not have him crowded. Only one person may stay with him and they must not badger him upon awakening," Rînor answered me and I nodded in understanding.
"I see," I said before I looked to Thorin who had his jaw clenched.
"He is my nephew. He needs to be surrounded by family especially if what you think is true," Thorin said through clenched teeth, repeating his argument once again.
"I'm with Rînor on this one adad," I spoke up and Thorin turned to look at me, frowning deeply. "This isn't going to be easy for Fili. He's going to go through a lot of feelings and emotions if what I fear is true," I told him and he nodded, but still looked unconvinced.
"Listen to the lass, Thorin. Do what's best for Fili," Balin told Thorin, trying to convince Thorin too.
"It is him I'm thinking off," Thorin said angrily and I rose from my chair and walked over to him, putting a hand on his arm and squeezing to calm him down.
"I agree with the Elf on this one Thorin. Have Adairia stay with him. Yer too emotional at the moment," Oin told Thorin who raised an eyebrow at him and I closed my eyes knowing this was not going well.
"Too emotional?" Thorin asked Oin in disbelief and Oin nodded his head.
"Aye, the lad is like yer son," Oin told Thorin who nodded in confirmation.
"Which is why I should be with him when he awakes," Thorin told Oin and Rînor spoke up once more.
"Lady Adaira is a healer. She knows what might have befallen Lord Fili. Her experience will be required," He said and I turned to Thorin, raising a hand to the others and made him look down at me.
"Thorin," I said and he finally focused on me. "This might not be pretty when he wakes up. Give us the chance to wake him gradually and assess his condition before you see him," I told my Uncle before I turned to look at my husband who seemed to not like this idea either. "With that being said, I think you and Dwalin should stay close by. If what I fear is true, I don't know how he will take the news. You might be needed," I added and Dwalin looked only slightly happy about this arrangement.
"Aye, I'm not leavin'" He told me and I nodded in agreement.
"Then I suggest you stay in the front room," Rînor told my husband who looked at the Elf, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Not gonna happen," Dwalin grunted out and rolled my eyes at the insanity and put a hand on his shoulder and squeezed.
"We'll keep the door open partially so you can hear everything that is going on. Please, Dwalin, Thorin, this is about Fili," I reminded both men firmly and I watched my Uncle fight some internal battle with himself.
"Fine," Thorin finally grunted out. "We'll stay here," He told me and I nodded and sent him a grateful look.
"Thank you," I told him and then I looked to my husband who just nodded even though he didn't look too happy. I turned to Rînor and Oin then and nodded and they ushered me into Fili's room. "What do you need me to do?" I asked, looking to them both for direction.
"I will begin with waking him. I've already given him a pain relieving drought. Hopefully it has taken effect by now," Rînor told me and he walked over to Fili's side and laid a hand on his forehead and closed his eyes. I watched as his lips moved silently and Oin nodded to me as Fili's breathing changed and I walked over to his bedside and carefully sat down beside him on the bed and took one of his hands into mine as Rînor opened his eyes and stepped away from the bed, nodding to me as well.
"Fee?" I asked as Fili inhaled deeply and Fili's hand tightened around mine and his eyes slowly began to open, definitely out of focus, as he searched around for me. "Fee, it's Adaria. You're safe," I assured my brother as I squeezed his hand tightly and Fili's eyes finally settled on me, his eyes blinking open and closed as he no doubt slipped in and out of consciousness at first.
"Ada…?" Fili asked, his voice thick and it cracked and I reached over to the pitcher of water on his bedside table and poured him a glass before raising it to his lips and supporting his head with my other hand, helping him drink. Once he had gulped down the glass I set it aside and his eyes opened fully and rested upon me. "Adaira?" Fili asked me as he settled back down upon his pillows.
"It's me, Fee," I assured my brother and he groaned in pain then, his face scrunching up as well and I looked over his body quickly. "Where does it hurt?" I asked him in concern.
"Collarbone," He grunted out, gesturing to it with the hand that was not in mine.
"How about the rest of your body?" I asked him, worrying my lip as I waited to see if he could move his legs or not.
"I…," Fili said and then I watched as he frowned deeply, a look of confusion crossing his face. "Why can't I move my legs?" Fili asked me, looking at me in alarm and I closed my eyes, the worst confirmed. "Adaria!?" Fili asked me, sounding alarmed and I opened my eyes and squeezed his hand tightly.
"Fili, you're alright," I began as Fili stared at me intensely.
"Tell me," Fili croaked, just staring at me and I opened and closed my mouth, not sure how I was going to tell my cousin that he was paralyzed and it was irreversible. "Tell me!" Fili exclaimed, raising his voice and at that moment Dwalin burst into the room and Fili and I both turned to look at him.
"We're fine," I instantly assured my husband, who looked ready to pin Fili down to his bed. "Fili…," I began as I turned back to my brother, squeezing his hand tightly once more and he turned to look at me again. "Your injury...Azog stabbed you in the back. I'm sorry. There was nothing more we could do," I told him, my voice thick as tears welled up in my eyes.
"Nothing more? What do you mean?" Fili demanded of me and I opened and closed my mouth and then turned to look to Oin as Fili began to try and move himself using just his arms.
"Calm down, son," Oin told him, stepping in and laying a hand on his shoulder, pushing him back down on the bed. "Yah need to lie still," Oin ordered and Fili stopped moving and looked between Oin and me, a strange look pacing over his face.
"Just speak plainly," Fili told us and I nodded, knowing that he needed to know the truth.
"We didn't know, couldn't know until you woke up what damage had been done. Your spinal cord must have been severed. It controls the nerves that send impulses from your brain to all over your body… to your legs. If you can't move your legs...you've been paralyzed. I'm sorry, Fee. It's...it's permanent," I managed to get out as Fili listened to me.
"I'm a cripple?" Fili asked me in a broken voice and then he looked away from me. "I'd rather be dead," He said then and I choked out a sob.
"Don't say that, don't ever say that!" I told Fili and he turned to look at me, his face void of emotion.
"I'd rather be dead," He told me firmly and I shook my head as tears rolled down my cheeks.
"What would I do without my brother? What would Kili do?" I demanded of Fili, trying to get him to think and Fili's eyes widened then.
"Kili?! Where is he? Is he alive? Is he…?" Fili asked me, speaking quickly as he tried to sit up once more and I put a hand on his chest, pushing him back down onto his pillows.
"Slow down," I told Fili before reaching up with my hand to wipe my eyes. "He's alive, but he isn't awake just yet. We've had to keep you both in an enchanted sleep until we could be sure the pain wouldn't be too much to bear," I explained to Fili who nodded, looking thoughtful.
"Where's Uncle? Is he alive?" Fili asked me then and I nodded and then looked over at my husband who nodded his head and went to the door, poking his head around it. A few moments later Thorin walked through it and I could tell that he had been going through his own emotional roller coaster like me. "Thorin…," Fili breathed out as Thorin approached his bed.
"Namadinùdoy," (Sister son) Thorin said as he stopped beside Fili's bed and he clasped hands with Fili.
"What happened? Is Azog dead?" Fili asked, looking between Thorin and me and Thorin smirked and shot him a don't you dare look.
"You're looking upon the one who slew him," Thorin told Fili and I internally groaned knowing I would never hear the end of this.
"Good," Fili said with venom in his voice. "And you're sure you killed him this time, Uncle?" Fili asked Thorin cheekily and Thorin chuckled slightly.
"Not me," Thorin told Fili who frowned in confusion and Thorin nodded his head at me. "Your namad slew Azog," Thorin informed Fili and Fili's head snapped round to me, his eyes widening as big as saucers. "His body has been burned. This time we're certain he's dead," Thorin added and I nodded, grinding my own teeth together in hate for the Orc.
"You slew Azog?" Fili asked me before he laughed in disbelief, as he looked at me incredulously.
"To get him away from Thorin, yes," I answered my brother and Dwalin crossed his arms over his chest and harrumphed.
"'Ad me toss her at 'im," Dwalin grunted and I gave my husband a "you're not helping" look. He knew I didn't like talking about it.
"Toss you?" Fili asked me, raising an eyebrow at me.
"I couldn't cross the distance on my own," I said defensively and Fili chuckled before groaning in pain and I nervously hovered my hands over him.
"It's not that bad," Fili assured me when he saw my worried look. "I can't feel much," He added and I frowned deeply and worried at my lip, knowing that was because he was paralyzed. "What happens now?" Fili asked as he looked towards Oin. "Am I really going to be resigned to life in this bed?" Fili asked and I frowned in confusion at his words.
"Why would you be resigned to life in a bed?" I asked Fili and it was everyone else's turn to look at me in confusion. I knew I had had this conversation with Thorin already, but did know one really have any idea about wheelchairs?
"I'm a cripple," Fili said as if that was obvious and Thorin spoke up then.
"Unless someone carries him, he cannot move on his own," Thorin told me as if that was obvious, apparently forgetting our earlier discussion about what could be done for Fili and I shook my head at that.
"No, I mean yes, it will be difficult, Erebor doesn't really have handrails or safe bridges, but Fili can easily get around on his own with a wheelchair," I pointed out and everyone just frowned harder and I made an "ah" face. "I've already told you about wheelchairs Thorin, remember," I told Thorin and he shook his head and I sighed and rolled my eyes. "Granted you had a lot on your mind then," I amended, knowing that when we had the discussion he had been very worried about Fili and we had been dealing with the negotiations between Bard and Thranduil.
"Well, good thing I grew up on Hegg then," I said before turning to Fili. "There are plenty of people who are paralyzed who are independent with the aid of one. A wheelchair is a seat with wheels and you can propel yourself with your arms. You'll be able to get around on your own and with some adjustments to your room and possibly to the bridges and walkways, you shouldn't have a problem going anywhere you want either," I told him and Fili's face lit up slightly, my brother looking hopeful for the first time since I told him the news.
"Really?" He asked me, sounding only slightly unsure.
"Really," I told him and then I looked over at Oin.
"Do you have some paper?" I asked the healer and he nodded and turned around to find some, collecting some paper and some charcoal for me and I took the materials over to a table and began sketching out the design for the chair. "It might need some alterations from my design. I'm not exactly an engineer," I said as I sketched it out and I stood back from my first design and bit my lip as I considered it before I picked it up and brought it over to the bed and showed it to Fili.
"It can be made with metal parts so it is sturdier," I said and Thorin accepted the paper from Fili after my brother had taken a look at it. "But the wheels might need to be made of wood. It needs to be light enough for you to push on your own, but sturdy enough because it probably will get a bit beat up from daily use," I said and Thorin nodded, showing Dwalin the design as well.
"We can make this," Thorin told Fili who looked even more hopeful and Fili sat up then by pushing himself up with his arms and he drew me into a tight hug.
"Thank you," Fili told me and I nodded into his shoulder and turned and kissed his cheek. I heard my husband grumble behind me and I rolled my eyes and sat back before helping Fili back down onto his pillows. "So, what else did I miss?" Fili asked me then and I smiled, knowing that I had some good news to give him.
"Well," I said as I flicked my eyes over at my husband for a moment before looking back at Fili. "How does the title Uncle Fili sound?" I asked my brother and Fili stared at me before he looked over at my husband, his eyes widening.
"I knew it!" He exclaimed as he looked back over at me. "I kept telling Kili you had to be pregnant, but he said you couldn't be. Amad always got sick like you were when she was pregnant for Kili," Fili told me, a wide grin on his face and I smiled at him.
"Well that was why," I confirmed and I put a hand over my little bump. "I'm nearly three months now," I added and Fili made an "oh" face and then a face of disgust as he put two and two together and Thorin and Oin chuckled, my husband chuckling the loudest of them all.
"Yeah," I mumbled and Fili shrugged then.
"I'm happy for you, namad," Fili told me in a quiet voice and I squeezed his hand which was still in mine.
"Thanks nadad," I told him and Oin drew away to speak with Rînor, giving us some privacy as Fili and I continued speaking. I filled Fili in on everything that he had missed, from what happened on Ravenhill to what had been happening after the battle. I only left his side when he began to grow tired and needed to lay down once more. Even though the worst had been confirmed there was hope still for Fili. At any rate, I had one of my brothers back by my side. Whatever help he needed, I would always be there to give it.
Khuzdul
Amrâlimê- My love
Adad- Father
Namadinùdoy- sister son
Namad- Sister
Amad- Mother
Nadad- Brother
Gaelic
Mo chridhe- My heart