Legolas had heard every word that Gandalf and Bilbo had been exchanging, though he didn't truly regard them. Bilbo, a hobbit, one of the small folk. He was quite a remarkable little man. Legolas had heard of Bilbo's negotiation and the risks he'd taken, even of his friend's wrath, all to save his friends, and those he counted as allies though they'd been a bit hot-headed. Bilbo had told Gandalf he'd never been surrounded by so much death like this. Where in all of Arda did the little creature find such courage to bravely keep going, even in all this? He was no warrior, not by looks, and had not even the fighting skills of Legolas or his father. Nowhere close! Yet, here was Bilbo, most likely traumatized by the brutal battle, unlike anything he had ever seen and he was still clinging to hope. Hope.How did he do it?
How could one keep on going from all this?
Have I made a grave error, teaching her to fight? Legolas asked himself over and over again. After a prince from another realm had attempted to assault Alasse when she was younger and innocent, Legolas had taught her how to defend herself against ruffians and Orcs. Thranduil had been very displeased when he'd found out, and had forbade them from having any more lessons...until Legolas and Alasse had both been caught unawares by Orcs in the forest. It had been Legolas's masterful teaching that had kept his sister from getting killed right off. But if he hadn't taught her, maybe she wouldn't be here today. She would most likely be safe at home in Mirkwood, away from all this needless bloodshed and heartache. She wouldn't be fading right now.
It's my fault. Ever since I showed her what to do, she's traipsed after me everywhere and into battles that even I did not wish her to follow me into. Legolas told himself. I should've put my foot down and supported Ada's decision. I should've sent her home! I should've. She is my only sister, and now her spirit is destroyed, because she followed me here, because she wanted to be like me! And then Ada censured her for it. It should be me, he should give me his anger. Not Alasse. I am to blame for this.
And Tauriel...Tauriel has also been hurt, nearly killed! They both should've gone back to our kingdom, at least they'd be safe. I shall heed Ada closer after this wretched mess is cleared up. I only do wish that he will be more open with me, so that I shall be able to better understand his choices.
"Mithrandir! Mithrandir!"
Anxious, soft voices that Legolas instantly recognized echoed across the cleft and he looked back, confused. Why were his warriors summoning the wizard and not him? He was their prince. Gandalf immediately stood up to answer them. Legolas saw Feren. "What is it, my friends, that you felt you must rush all the way up here?" Gandalf asked.
"Mithrandir, Princess Alasse will not revive." Feren said gravely. "She grows cold, her light fades by the hour. She will not respond to us. Will you not come? Perhaps you can bring her back. We have done all we can. Perhaps it is not too late?"
Gandalf sighed, looking disheartened. He'd already tried to help Alasse, but none of his spells had worked. But the elves appeared desperate. Their magic and healing was powerful, yet it was all for not in this case. "I will see what I can do." Gandalf agreed, not sounding too hopeful.
"Hannon le." Feren told him. Legolas raced over to catch up with them. He gripped Feren by the shoulder.
"It's true? Alasse is fading?" He asked in Sindarin.
"It appears so, my lord Legolas. Forgive me. The healers have tried everything. May Eru grant the wizard the power to breach the walls she has built up. " Feren answered in their native tongue. Legolas gazed down the mountain, at the tents in the valley. His blue eyes misted with helplessness. His little sister, she was dying. No! He wouldn't lose her too. He hurried after Gandalf and the other elves.
I must find Ada. He must know. If Gandalf cannot save her, Ada should at least be there for as long as he can.
Bilbo meekly jogged to keep up as he followed them.
"You need to sleep, my lady." Tilda told Tauriel.
"You are very kind, little one. But elves do not require physical rest as direly as your people do." Tauriel smiled. Tilda had her propped up with pillows and tucked in with a blanket.
"Nonsense. You're still hurt. So rest." Tilda said firmly. "I will be right back. I'll bring you some warm soup, if it can be spared."
"Perhaps it would be better if you looked in on your brother."
"I will, once I know that you are taken care of." Tilda smiled, shifting out of the tent. She collided into her father.
"How are you still on your feet, Tilda?" Bard chuckled. "You've been at it all day."
"There's work to be done, Da." Tilda replied casually.
"Indeed. Where are you off to?" Bard cocked his head.
"To bring Lady Tauriel some nourishment."
"You are quite fond of the lady elves, aren't you?" He patted her head.
"Yes, Da! They're my friends. How is Bain? Can I see him soon?"
"I just looked in on him. He is asleep, at last!" Bard sighed wearily. "Stubborn, that one."
"How is the princess?"
"I do not know. I am heading that way now. The last I heard, she was not doing well at all." Bard said grimly.
"Oh no." Tilda's face fell. "That's terrible."
"Ai."
"Da, Lady Tauriel saved Prince Fili! You should've seen it! She helped him get well. He's going to live."
"Ahh, that is something to be thankful for."
"Maybe she can help the princess too."
"Maybe. Tilda, after you look in on her, I want you to find your sister and get some sleep. You've both been working so hard. I want that you should have proper rest. Do you understand?" Bard asked seriously.
"Yes, Da. I am rather tired. I won't be like Lady Tauriel and argue with you, or else I shall be labeled a hypocrite for not doing exactly what I told her to do." Tilda scrunched up her small face.
Bard laughed and kissed her head. "Off with you then, my little angel of mercy." Then he gripped her arm. "Ohh, Tilda." He groaned. "How many times must I tell you to button up your coat? I'll not have you freezing in this bloody cold!"
"Sorry, Da." Tilda said sheepishly.
"Remember, Tilda. I mean that." Bard said firmly.
"Yes, Da." Tilda nodded and hurried to find some food for Tauriel.
"Da?" Sigrid spoke softly behind her father. He turned and sighed.
"Si, love, you look weary." He murmured, wrapping his arm around her.
"I'm alright." Sigrid leaned on his shoulder. "Here." She handed him a large mug of warm tea.
"Thank you." He nodded, receiving it. "You'd best get some rest, darling. There will be plenty more work for tomorrow, and we all need to have strength enough to meet it."
"I am a bit tired, Da. I just checked on Bain. The healers say that he is getting the rest he needs."
"Good." Bard smiled. "And so shall you. Get some sleep for the night."
"Yes, Da. Where is Tilda?"
"She is tending Lady Tauriel. I shall send her into you as soon as she is finished."
"Alright." Sigrid nodded. Bard kissed her head.
"You have been a true princess today, my love. If you were robed in silks and jewels, I could not be more proud of you than I am now." Bard told her fondly. Sigrid smiled tiredly, walking away.
"Pardon, Sir." Balin spoke up behind Bard.
"Yes, what is it?"
"I realize you've been quite occupied. But you didn't happen to see any sign of our hobbit, now did you?" Balin asked.
"No. I am afraid not." Bard shook his head. "Do you think he has wandered off again?"
"I hope not. He shouldn't, with his head injury." Balin said in a scolding tone.
"I shall certainly keep an eye out." Bard assured him.
"I would appreciate it."
"Does he often make a habit of vanishing under his friend's noses?" Bard asked with a slight chuckle.
"Most of the time we do not even realize he is missing, until just about the time he returns. How are your young ones, good sir?"
"They are fine." Bard said lightly. "Bain is recovering and the girls have been helping all they can."
"Ahh, they have been true angels of mercy."
"Ai, they have." Bard nodded. "How are yours faring?"
"Alive." Balin sighed. "They've come through a critical time, but it is believed that they will pull through."
"Good." Bard said in a whisper.
"I just want you to know, my good Bard, that I am truly sorry for the way Thorin went back on his word, after he promised to help your people," Balin swallowed. "You must understand that he was truly not himself, blinded by the dragon sickness, a dark and truly dreadful game of the mind. But even so, though he had us fight for him, we did not all agree with his unreasonable terms. Nor did we all believe that he was doing right."
"I appreciate that, but I would feel my mind eased hearing it from the man himself." Bard said with an edge in his voice.
"Come around his tent tomorrow, and I can assure you, he will be in a clearer, wiser frame of mind." Balin promised.
"You do understand that should the interview not go as you predict, I shall not be trusting that fellow no matter what anyone else says of him?"
"Of course." Balin nodded meekly. "Ahh. Any word on the Elven princess?"
"Not good." Bard shook his head. "They say she is dying of a broken heart more than from her wounds. The elves are baffled. They do not know how else to heal her. King Thranduil has retreated to his personal quarters and will not see anyone."
Balin winced. "Terrible. If there was anything we could do, I can assure you, it would have been done by now."
"I do not think there is much anyone can do. Nor for the other poor souls in this wretched place who do not stand much chance."
"There are lots of stores inside the mountain." Balin pointed out. "They may smell of dragon, and be a bit worn from decades of idleness, but you are most welcome to whatever you need that we may be able to put to use. Do not worry about Thorin's pig-headedness. I will handle him."
"Thank you. We need all the aid we can get." Bard sighed.
"You look as if you could catch a wink or two yourself, man." Balin said.
"Still have matters that need settling." Bard shook his head. "If you'll excuse me."
Kili snuck into Tauriel's tent once Tilda had left for the night. "Kili." Tauriel murmured softly.
"I thought you were asleep, dear one." Kili huffed. "You need to rest yourself."
"I am healing better every hour, Kili. My people respond to injuries differently than yours."
"So I've seen."
"How is Fili, and your uncle Thorin?"
"Fili is sleeping. He is so overcome by it it frightens me. He sleeps so deeply, I am almost afraid again that he will not wake from it." Kili admitted with some trepidation.
"He will, Kili. I promise. His body is replenishing itself." Tauriel gripped his hand.
"I believe you." Kili kissed her bruised knuckles. Tauriel slowly slid her long legs off the bed. "You are not getting up?"
"I must. I have to see Princess Alasse." Tauriel said firmly. "She is more than my lady in command. She is my friend." Tears sprang to the captain's vibrant eyes. "I have not seen her since the battle, and I fear I may not have the chance for much longer."
"Then I shall walk with you." Kili nodded, offering his arm. Tauriel gladly took it. "So, she is not well off?"
"No. I have only heard bits of information from the healers, and Legolas. But I know him, he looks lost. And my king…I have never seen him so worried."
"Can you not heal her too, Tauriel?"
"I do not know. Our best healers seem to have met their match. If they cannot, I do not know if my skills will possibly counter theirs." Tauriel said dejectedly.
"The princess was very kind to us when your lot had us locked up for no reason." Kili coughed. "She attempted to make friends, and did not look on us with disgust as the rest of our captors had, save you. She did not treat us as if we were inferior. And she has also come to our aid on the hill when we did not request it, nor even expect it. I sincerely do hope she will make it!"
"So do I, Kili. But if her spirit is broken, then it may be impossible to bring her back." Tauriel hung her head. "It is not her wounds that are stealing her away, Kili. My people, if they are grieved over loss, they may completely give up, and it can take the rest of them away with it...forever." Kili stared up at Tauriel, wide-eyed.
"So, if I had died up on Ravenhill...that means you...you would've...Tauriel..." He grunted sadly protectively gripping her hand. "I don't ever want you to become so sad, to that deep hole that could swallow you up. Ever! The very thought...I love you, Tauriel, my darling of the stars. I love you with all I am, however short that may be." Kili shrugged. Tauriel smiled and giggled sadly. "I swear to you on my life, and on Durin's beard, I will do whatever I can to see that you will never come to know that kind of grief, as long as there is breath in me!"
"Kili, you cannot protect me from everything dreary and disheartening in this life." Tauriel reminded him.
Kili threw her a menacing frown, his dark eyes storming, as if daring her to say it again. "Try and stop me, Amralime!"
Bard was standing inside the private healer's tent where Alasse was, watching solemnly. The princess's eyes were sullen, no longer sparkling. And her body so still and pale, it was as if she were retreating into another world unseen, beyond Bard's eyes or senses, a safe world, a peaceful world.
Bard prayed for Alasse, and the king's family, but the words lay heavily on his tongue, like water-logged clothes when one is trying to stand himself erect after submerging himself in a river. He looked back when Kili and Tauriel entered. "Forgive me, Captain Tauriel." Bard bowed his head. "I did not mean to intrude, only to inquire of the princess's well-being."
"As have I, good bowman." Tauriel nodded. "Your youngest has looked after me so well I am afraid she is spoiling me! But, I do enjoy her company. She is a spunky little sprite, and still full of life."
"That she is. How do you feel, my lady?" Bard asked.
"Well enough. I have not been able to see my friend at all since the battle ended. If you'll excuse me." Tauriel answered, walking passed Bard to Alasse's bedside.
"Your brother is better, I hear?" Bard spoke down to Kili.
"Yes! Thanks to Tauriel." Kili said wistfully, gazing at his love's fiery red hair. "He is far from well, but he will live. As of now, that is all I want to know. Uncle is mending faster, but still must be tended."
"I wish to speak with him tomorrow, if I may?"
"Certainly, it will give him something to do besides staring up at the roof of the tent, and people coming and going. I believe he will see you." Kili assured him. "If he doesn't, I shall throttle him myself so he will need to remain bedridden until he agrees to meet with you, his dignity notwithstanding!" Bard couldn't help smirking imagining that scene in his head.
"Alasse? Mellon..." Tauriel whispered in Sindarin, gently taking Alasse's weightless hand. "Do not despair," she smoothed the top of Alasse's hair in a very motherly way, "your family is still alive, sweetling. Legolas, and your father. They are still here. And they need you. I'm here, and others too. Your people need you, Melui Tithen Pen. Please, come back to us!" Tears blurred Tauriel's emerald eyes. She prayed to the Valar that it was not yet too late to rescue her friend's fea.
Bard felt as if he were intruding, so he excused himself, exiting the tent. Kili silently stood next to Tauriel, soothing her shoulder.
Bilbo was panting as he tromped through the valley after the party just come down from the mountain. Not only were the elves taller and much leaner than he was, but they were extremely quick on their feet. Bilbo had thought they'd never reach the bottom of the mountain! As Legolas and Gandalf entered the camps, Bilbo dropped to his knees, trying to catch his breath. "I do not believe they have even noticed me." He told himself. "Bless me, if only this ring could make me sprout up at will, then some sticky and most unpleasant turns of events we've found ourselves in would probably have gone much faster and not so frightening! Ohhh," he lay on his back on the cold ground, breathing heavily. "Dear me, I am quite weary. But by everyone else's gloomy talk, I may be too late to say my goodbyes to my friend, the princess Alasse.
'Oh dear, I hope not. I have made a good many friends on this journey. And I could not bear to lose any of them. Bless me, I nearly did! Thorin, Fili, Kili...up on Ravenhill. I nearly did lose them! What would I have done if they had perished? I cannot bear the thought! And now my good elf friend, princess of the forest, they say she is withering away...like my flowers back at Bag End. Dear me! Who is even tending them? Why, she is just like one of them! No. The elves are ageless, and such beautiful creatures. Enough of their bloodshed has been spilled in this cheerless place. Perhaps I can remind her of what a wonderful home she has. I know it always spurs me on to keep going! I hope it shall do the same for her!'
If I shall ever make it there, without having to be carried like a small child!" Bilbo turned on his side.
Gandalf asked the elves to give him some space when he entered Alasse's tent and sat next to the bed. He spoke spells of grief-healing and tried to reach her mind with his soothing words. But he could not penetrate passed the walls she'd built up of self-blame. As he peeked into her memories again, all he saw was death, blood, innocence stolen, lives snuffed out before one could even blink, pain, grief beyond words, and...bitterness, cruel words of accusation directed towards Alasse, both of her father and worst of all, from her own mouth. He spoke deeply in his gruff voice, words of ancient Elvish, of hopes for a better future of the world.
At that, Gandalf sensed a quaking in her mind. He'd reached something! He felt a lurch, an electrifying jolt of her emotions and he could feel them. They were reeling with despair and horror. He withdrew and watched her closely. Her eyes looked more dull and were actually losing their bluish-green color, which was becoming a misty gray! The old wizard leaned on his staff wearily, dejected. Alasse had made her choice. She was retreating and though he'd gotten a response from her, it had had the opposite effect that he'd hoped for.
Alasse did not fear Gandalf. She'd recognized his voice inside her head, always wise and stern or mirthful, always lathered with kindness. She'd wanted to follow his voice. But...the last time she'd seen him or spoke with him had been during the horrendous battle. Even Gandalf, the great wizard, for all his magical powers could not bring the entire war to a halt on his own. He'd been unable to stop the fight. Alasse trusted Gandalf unreservedly, but as of now, his voice and his presence was associated too closely with the war. Hearing him, had brought a new flush of memories to Alasse's mind. Memories of Thranduil holding his sword to Tauriel's neck, Bolg, Bard fighting as many of his men fell around him, and he looked sadly to Legolas.
"You'd best find your father, little greenleaf. He was the last person she'd spoken with before...before this. I do believe he is the only one who can reach her." Gandalf said. Legolas looked from his sister to the wizard, and quickly whirled out of the tent. "Ohh, little sunshine, will you not open to me?" Gandalf sighed sadly, sitting on a stool in the corner, watching the princess. "I promise I have not come to harm you, nor bring up more painful memories. I only want to help you! You have always listened to my counsel. Why do you shut me out now?" Gandalf's eyes misted over.
"Bilbo!" Balin greeted happily when the hobbit trotted to Thorin's tent. Balin grasped in a firm hug. "You had us worried...again."
"No need for that, really." Bilbo said sheepishly. "I...needed a walk, is all."
"Mmm. It must've been a good, long one." Balin said, studying him.
"It was." Bilbo nodded.
"Come sit, Bilbo!" Bofur urged him. He led him to a chair between Fili and Thorin's beds and wrapped a warm blanket around him.
"Thank you kindly." Bilbo shivered.
"Here, Mr. Baggins. This will bring you round." Dori said with a smile, offering him a steaming cup of tea.
"Ahh, much thanks, Dori." Bilbo nodded, gratefully accepting. He sipped the sweet drink that thawed his insides. "Ohh, it does taste like home."
"You had us worried sick, master hobbit." Nori growled.
"I am sorry for that." Bilbo sighed. "But I had to clear my head after all that's happened."
"It's alright, laddie." Balin patted his shoulder. "But now that you are here, rest and be warmed."
"You'd best not wander off like that again without telling someone." Dwalin huffed, standing above him.
"My apologies." Bilbo said.
"Seems your occupation has preceded you, Master Baggins, before any of us contemplated to even believe it, including yourself." Thorin grunted from the bed.
"Just so." Bilbo shrugged. "I assure you, I have not intended to form a habit of disappearing at a moment's notice. But then again, I never imagined leaving my home at a moment's notice without informing my neighbors beforehand what I was up to! I suppose I am just used to coming and going as I please. Hard habit to break, you know."
"Indeed. Granted, fortunately, a hobbit's itchy feet are not as harmful as a dwarf's hard head." Thorin said dryly.
"No offense intended, but I shall not argue with you on that point." Bilbo agreed. "How are you truly, Thorin?" He asked cautiously.
"You needn't whisper as if I were some mad beast about to devour you alive." Thorin huffed. Bilbo gulped, and blushed. Thorin grinned. "Ahh, this has been one of my more grueling fights, one I shan't rise from too soon. But I'll live." He smiled at Bilbo. "A dwarf is not nothing without bashing a few heads around or having his own head bashed now and again."
Bilbo instinctively reached up and gently rubbed the sore spot on his head without realizing he did it. "Well then, lucky for me I am not made of dwarf stock." He said lightly. The dwarves laughed.
"Better, Mr. Baggins." Dwalin guffawed. "True enough that we dwarves have the battle skin. But it's little fellas like your kind that have the wit of a fox."
"And the courage of a lion, yes." Oin smiled, clapping Bilbo on the shoulder.
"Oh no. You've got that badly wrong!" Bilbo protested. "I may have pulled a few tricks here and there, with a shred of success. But I'll have you know, I was terrified every moment!"
"That is the makings of a real fighter, laddie." Bombur added. "He who is afraid, but does anyway."
"Aww no. If I was half as brave as any of you, then I think you would reconsider calling me a real fighter just yet." Bilbo blushed.
"Do not tell us what we should reconsider, Mr. Baggins." Thorin growled. "We have seen more battles than you could ever pray not to. We know a fighter when we see one. Do not tell us that we ought to know otherwise."
"As you say," Bilbo shriveled deeper inside his blanket. "My tea is growing cold. Perhaps a bit more to warm me?" He held out his cup.
"Certainly, Bilbo." Dori nodded, hurrying off to fetch some more more warm tea.
" T's so funny?" A feeble voice spoke up from the other bed. "I miss something?" Fili croaked. The dwarves surrounded his bed, but gave Oin space to check on the young prince.
"Good to hear your voice, lad." Balin smiled fondly down at him.
"Kili. Where's Kili?" Fili asked groggily.
"Uhm...I am not sure." Bilbo answered.
"Probably whisked away off on the mountain with that elf lady of his." Thorin grumbled.
"Now, now, Thorin, you said you wouldn't stand in his way." Balin warned him.
"Well, then where is the scamp?" Thorin puffed.
"He's right here." Kili spoke up gruffly as he appeared. "Fili! You're awake." His dark eyes lit up and he ran to his brother's side. "I am sorry I was not here. I accompanied Tauriel to visit her princess, whom she's not seen since the fight. I am afraid she is not faring as well as you. I told Tauriel I would come back later, but that I should be with you. How do you feel, brother?"
"I've been better." Fili smiled weakly, his blue eyes glowing at the sight of Kili beside him. Oin pulled back the covers.
"Ahh. You have Uncle's blood in your veins. I knew you'd pull through." Kili smiled warmly. Fili grunted, grimacing as Oin lightly touched his back.
"Sorry, lad." Oin said, studying the long, ugly scar running down Fili's spine. "It is already beginning to scab over." Oin said pleasantly. "It will heal, with time. But you may still hurt for some days to come."
"Perhaps Tauriel can help with that." Kili said hopefully.
"I wouldn't object to that right about now." Fili said.
"Here." Oin brought a cup to Fili's lips and he struggled to sip the contents. Lying flat on his stomach, it was difficult to sup properly. "This should help for a while. You need food."
"Ugh. Like this?" Fili cringed.
"Were you flat on your back instead of your belly, you'd still need food. So, yes. You will have to endure this way for a while." Oin said firmly.
"But...h-how will I..." Fili gulped.
"I'll help you, brother, just like you did with me when I was little." Kili assured him.
"There you are, Bilbo." Dori said, then frowned. "Bilbo? Mr. Baggins? Hullo! Anyone seen him?"
"He's done it again." Dwalin rolled his eyes.
"He'll be back, lads. Never fear." Balin said confidently.
Legolas did not beg for permission from the guards to enter Thranduil's tent, but strode right in. He threw back the flaps of the next suite and saw Thranduil sitting there in the corner, alone and dazed with guilt. He held a half-filled goblet of wine in his right hand but he stared dully at the walls of his chambers. Legolas could see though that his eyelids were puffy from weeping.
"Adar?" He whispered. Thranduil closed his eyes.
"Leave me, Legolas." He said lifelessly.
"Adar, Alasse needs you. Gandalf asks that you see her." Legolas told him. Thranduil just continued sitting, and didn't even look at his son. "Ada," Legolas insisted, stepping over and touching his father's arm, "Alasse needs you. Come." He gently removed the goblet from Thranduil's hand and placed it on the table.
"I cannot do it, Legolas. I cannot face her, Ion nin." Thranduil muttered hurtfully.
"You won't be alone." Legolas told him. "I am sorry about...earlier, Ada. I was angry, yes, but that didn't mean it was my place to say what I did."
"No one had any more right than you," Thranduil argued, meeting his eyes.
"Come, Ada. Alasse is in a fragile state of mind. She needs you!" Legolas begged. Thranduil bowed his head and sullenly rose to follow his son.