Disclaimer: I don't own any familiar characters, and or anything pertaining to the world of the Hobbit. All, but my ocs, are owned by J.R.R Tolkien (who probably hates us for doing this to his work).
Chapter 3
It had been five years since the company of Thorin Oakenshield had reclaimed the Lonely Mountain from the Dragon, Smaug. Five long years of rebuilding the kingdom of his grandfather. Five exhausting years since Fili stood at death's doorsteps waiting to enter the Halls of Mahal, ready to reunite with his father, uncle and grandfather. The years since the Battle of the Five Armies had been plagued with long sleepless nights, and anxiety. When dreams did come they came in the twisted form of nightmares. The image of his lifeless body in the snow, bleeding out as his uncle and brother called out his name. Other nights he would watch the gorey details of Kili and Thorin's demise. Their burglar and elven friend mourning over the bodies of his loved one, watching as the final links of the line of Durin were broken.
Those nights were harder than most. He would sit in his apartment, his mind replaying the countless deaths that lingered there in the dark. Once he woke from the daunting dreams he couldn't fall back asleep, fearing what he might see if he closed his eyes once more. Day would reclaim the sky and the nightmares would fade, leaving Fili with his reality and it was certainly a good one. Fili only confided his nightmares with his brother, finding that he too had many sleepless nights. Still, Fili had to put on a tough front for his people. Fili was now officially the crowned prince of Erebor, the future king of the Lonely Mountain. He had to set aside his personal anxieties and put the well-being of his kingdom before his own.
"I thought that meeting was never going to end." Kili huffed wearily, saddling up his pony.
Fili raised a thick eyebrow at his brother's word, bemused by the weariness in Kili's voice.
"Never thought it was going to end, were you aware that it even began?" Fili quipped, patting the copper coat of his pony, Cotton.
Kili glared at his brother, throwing a rude gesture with his hand that was unbecoming of a young prince. Fili laughed, "I didn't think you could understand time while you were staring at the elf-maid across the table." Fili jest, holding out a glossy red apple to Cotton.
"Sylmar is an intelligent elf and helped seal this trade deal. I would be nicer to our elven friends, or I might have to start calling you uncle." Kili muttered under his breath tightening the stramp of his saddle, facing away from Kili.
"I'm sure a certain elf woman wouldn't be too pleased to know you were staring so intently at Sylmar, even if it was in the name of diplomacy." Fili offered as he grabbed the horn of his saddle, pulling himself up into the seat.
Turning to grin at his brother, Fili quickly ducked out of the way as an apple fell over his head. Fili let out a jovial laugh, slapping his good knee as Kili kicked into his pony's side trudging away from his brother.
"You aren't as funny as you believe yourself to be, brother." Kili snapped as his brother followed after him.
Catching up with Kili, Fili reached across the gap between them, giving Kili's shoulder a light shake. "Don't fret, Kili, I only tease. I wouldn't dare anger your elf, to be killed by an elf is far too shameful for a prince." Fili winked as his fist connected his Kili's arm.
Kili's face flushed a bright pink as he looked away from Fili. Riding out of the closed stable, the princes found the stable master waiting in the open courtyard. Ponies and horses alike feeding at the troughs that lined the stable. The stable master was an older fellow, his greasy hair was tied at the base of his fat neck. He bowed his head to the princes, thanking them for their business as a small boy, his apprentice, opened the gate for them. They thanked the man in return, Kili tossing the man a bag of coins. The man held it up watching as the two dwarves headed into the streets. Fili called to the Stable Master's apprentice as he stood at the gate, Kili stopping just ahead of them watching the two with interest.
"Yes, Master Dwarf." The boy said meekly, his eyes not moving from the ground.
Fili smiled down at the boy reaching into his bag, tossing a small bag at the boy's feet. The sound of coin bouncing against the cobble street grabbed the boy's attention. The apprentice's dark eyes widened snapping up to meet the prince's face. A toothy grinned appeared on the boy's dirt covered face. The boy quickly snatched up the coin, pressing it tightly to his chest.
Fili titled his head in the direction of the courtyard they had just left. "You better go before you master wonders where you've gone." He warned.
The boy stood a little straighter at Fili's word. Bowing to the princes the boy dashed toward stables. Fili hid a smile as he turned his head to the gates. Gently kicking his heel into Cotton's belly leading her back to Kili. With that, they headed into the heart of the city toward the gates of Dale, and then onward toward home.
In the time since reclaiming their kingdom, the Dwarves of Erebor had done everything they could to help the city of man rebuild. Thorin thought it was only honorable for the Dwarves to help the city of men, as they had aided in the defeat of Azog the Defiler. So Thorin gave Fili the task of overseeing the dwarves' aid of the rebuilding. Fili always felt a swell of pride when he walked through the streets of Dalem knowing he had impacted the lives of so many.
Kili and Fili passed the Master's Court that stood proudly in the center of the walled city. People flitted about, some stopping to bow to the two princes, while others moved on with their day. King Bard stood on the steps of the Master's Court talking with a group of men, he caught sight of them and waved. Parting ways with the group of men, he made his way through the crowded street towards them. Five years was a long time for men, and Bard was no exception. His long black hair had begun to become more silver with time, and wrinkles had begun to show on his face.
"Off so soon, I see," Bard bellowed, his arms opened wide to the dwarves.
Fili smiled nodding toward the Dale's King. "Yes we've reached our agreement, I am in some need of ale, and a long night's sleep." Fili joked.
Kili reached toward his brother clasping his hand on Fili's shoulder, giving it a shake.
"Fili is far too old now for these long negotiations, not like us strapping young lads," Kili said amusingly. Bard let out a chuckle, shaking his head at the youngest prince.
"I fear it is me who is getting old, Prince Kili," Bard replied, the third laugh and began to converse over the details of the meetings, and how they were going to move forward with the travel of goods coming from the Valley of Girion.
After they had begun to rebuild Erebor, and the dwarves began immigrating to their homeland, Erebor found it was in need of more food to feed the weary travelers. The elves were reluctant at first to help the dwarves, as usual. But it was the people of Laketown that came to their aid. In exchange for protection and land, many families of Laketown migrated to the valley and began farming the land. Since then the harvest of the valley had been split between the two neighbors.
"Did Sigrid like her wedding present, Amad is dying to know," Fili asked.
After the Battle, peace had been brokered between the Men, Elves, and Dwarves. While the Elves of Mirkwood tended to stay in their woods, Dwarves were often seen in the city of men. Some had even moved to trade in the markets of Dale. The Princes spent a lot of time traveling between Dale and Erebor, serving as diplomats and had grown close to the Bardlings. They attended the eldest bardlings wedding a month back, as diplomats, but also as dear friends.
"Sigrid was grateful for the beautiful gift, she had the tapestry hung in their home as soon as she opened it."
Sigrid had always offered the princes a warm home-cooked meal, and lively conversation. They found the shy teenager they had met all those years ago wasn't as shy as they had once imagined. Lady Sigrid of Dale was witty and she was brilliant. She was often at her father's side during diplomatic meetings held between the three kingdoms. Sigrid offered Fili insightful advice in negotiations, and always knew how to get what she wanted for Dale. She had introduced the brothers to Fjord, a blacksmith's apprentice when they began to coury. Fili and Kili saw the Bardlings as siblings and protected them as such. With the help of young master Bain, and intimidating dwarven weapons, the three made sure that Fjord had only the best intentions with Sigrid. They later regretted this tactic when Sigrid had come to find out about their small talk with her future husband. She had chased them all over Dale, yelling very unladylike things at them as she threw whatever she could find at them. Bard and Tilda only laughed as they watched Sigrid attack the two princes and Bain. The three men had no warm dinner that night.
"And how are dear Tilda and Bain? We didn't get to see them this trip." Kili questioned.
"They are both well. Tilda works day and night on her archery. She swears she's gotten better than Bain." Bard laughed, though a glimmer of pride showed in his eyes.
Kili had been the one to teach Tilda how to shoot a bow, after he finally gave into months of begging. It was Tilda's threatening to tell a certain she-elf about Kili's drunken flirtation with a tavern maind that finally convinced his brother to teach the young princess. Though Kili would never know that Tilda had made up Kili's drunken exploration, he didn't need to know that. Tilda, like Sigrid, wasn't the same innocent girl that dreamed of dashing princes they had met when they crawled out of their toilet. She was now a cunning young woman that had taken after her sister, which Kili bitterly concluded as he taught her how to handle a bow.
"Well Tilda did learn from the best," Kili boasted, "I have no doubts she had surpassed her brother. Tell Bain if he wants to get better he simply has to ask." Kili smiled with pride.
Kili and Bain together were nothing by trouble. There were many nights in Dale when the two were seen escorted to the King for some prank they pulled. Tilda joined them a time or two, though she had been smarter than them and always managed to escape.
Bard smiled patting Kili's pony.
"I will be sure to do that. I will not keep you all any further; I know you want to return to your mountain. I will send all the documents with your advisors, Prince Fili." Bard bowed, placing his hand over his chest.
"Have a safe journey back, and give my well wishes to Lady Dis and King Thorin."
"Of course, King Bard. And give our regards to your family, until next time." Fili and Fili bowed to the king, waving as they left the city's center. The brother's road in silence as they neared the city's edge, the gates that would lead to the path home standing over the horizon. Kili let out a groan at the sight of a familiar small dwarf pacing at the gate's edge.
"No, not him," Kili moaned, running his hand over his face in frustration.
Fili hummed in agreement. There at the gate stood Lord Amrus, trade advisor to Prince Fili. The brothers had known Amrus since they were children. He had been one of the dwarves in Ered Luin who had turned down their uncle's call, telling anyone who would listen that it was a foolish venture. Yet here he was years later, and somehow had managed to weasel himself into the good graces of Thorin despite Fili and Kili's protest. Now playing the role of advisors in trade. The boys found his company less than friendly, more controlling than anything. Thorin had called for them before they left for the negation, which wasn't uncommon. Thorin and Balin usually went over everything that was to be discussed at the meetings and reiterated what was needed from the deal. Though this time Thorin added that Lord Amrus was going to join them, much to their chagrin. Despite their arguments, Thorin sent the advisor along anyway.
Fili nodded at the dwarf as they trotted closer to him, Kill however groaned letting his head roll back in annoyance. Fili kicked his foot, his eyes never leaving the advisor. Amrus bowed his head greeting them. "My Princes I read the note that you were leaving," Fili could feel Kili's angry gaze on him, and did not meet his glare.
When they were in Ered Luin Fili would have been fine to disappear with his brother without notice, but there they were only Princes in name. Now they had duties, responsibilities. Fili, nor Kili, could not just leave Dale without anyone knowing, it was dangerous.
Lord Amrus continued ", I don't think it wise that you two leave for Erebor on your own. I think you should let one of our guards escort you back." He said in his monotone voice.
They did not need escorts, they were not helpless children. They were warriors, Princes. Kili scrunched his nose together, his fist clenching around the reigns. Fili cut off whatever Kili had to say as he opened his mouth to give the annoying advisor a piece of his mind. Fili saw his brother tense, and though he was sure they shared the same thoughts, he could not let Kili say whatever he was about to say.
"Amrus, we thank you for your concern. But we will be fine, Kili and I have made the trip from Dale hundreds of times. No danger will come for us there." Fili spoke with a sternness in his voice that he had learned from Thorin. It gave him a false air of authority. It worked on most people, but it didn't seem to faze the old bat as he pressed on with the issue.
"You two are the heirs of Erebor, it isn't proper to go into the wilds without a guard." huffed Lord Armus
Kili snorted at the idea. The trip to Erebor was hardly going into the 'wilds', it only took two hours to arrive at the gates of Erebor. They had faced far worse during their quest from Ered Luin to Erebor.
"We didn't have guards to defend us during the battle, I don't think we need them for a short trip home." Kili sneered at the older dwarf.
"What my brother means to say is while we have taken your advice into consideration. We feel that the ride back to Erebor is safe enough, Amrus. But thank you for guidance." Said Fili as he straightened his back
"King Bard will have documentation for you at the Court. See that everything is in order before you leave." Fili called to Amrus. The old man huffed frustratedly, beginning to hobble past the two princes angrily. Kili grinned at the annoyance written across Amrus's face. Once there was a distance between them and Amrus, Kili looked to his brother.
"Lord Amrus wouldn't let us go anywhere without guards if it were up to him." Fili nodded in agreement. Lord Amrus had always rubbed him the wrong way, the man would do whatever he needed to keep himself in his position. And there was no honor in that.
Fili could hear Amrus muttering to himself that Balin would hear about this. But Fili ignored the old man's mutterings, asking the guards to open the gates. The two huge wooden gates parted and there before them was the most magnificent sight they could think of: Erebor.
Fili always relished the journey back to their mountain. It was there that Fili got to appreciate the beauty of his home. He loved how the Lonely Mountain stood proudly over the valley, the city, and the woods below it. How the stone carvings of his ancestors, of warriors of old, kept careful watch of the fields that provided them with so much life.
They rode for a while in silence, taking comfort in the fresh spring breeze that had rolled into Middle Earth. The winter hadn't been so bad, but Fili had always preferred the warmer months. Everything came to life during spring, color returned to the valley. Replacing the harsh tones of the winter months. Spring brought fresh produce to the land in the valley. The smells of blooming strawberries and growing herbs lingered in the land. Spring brought with it the time of rebirth, and renewal Fili always liked the idea. The idea that valar brought to Middle Earth a time to become new again, to mold the land as they saw it. Bringing beautiful from the death that winter brought.
Erebor was so close that Fili had to resist the urge to dig his heels into Cotton and speed home as fast as the pony could take him. But the sharp pain rushing through his right leg stopped him. His hand gripped his knee, applying as much pressure as he could, trying to find some relief. The pain had been one of the many things he took from the battle. After Azog dropped from the cliff Fili surely thought he was dead. But when he woke he found that he had somehow survived the fall, and a stab wound. He slept for a week, Oin and the other healers tried everything they could to get to heal the young prince. Thorin feared Fili would never walk again. He didn't leave the bed in his uncle's apartment for months. Slowly time passed and Fili began to heal, at first he could only walk short distances. Kili would walk with every day, and fashioned him walking cane 'worthy of a king' Kili said. As months marched on Fili began wandering through his Kingdom, blessed by Mahal that he could walk again. But that still came with the pain that never seemed to leave. A constant reminder of what he had been through.
Kili noticed the pained expression on his brother's face. He knew Fili had too much pride to ask him to stop so close to home. It was him who would have to make an excuse to stop.
"It is a beautiful day outside, I think we should stop for a bit. No need to waste it indoors, as uncle drones on about reports."
Fili grimaces agreeing with his younger brother. Dismounting their ponies, the brother's wandered a bit from the road, letting their ponies graze on the side of the small hill. Fili sat at the base of a tall oak tree eyeing the ponies for a moment, before looking at Erebor in longing. He wanted more than anything just to be home in his apartment, but he needed rest before he could go any further. Resting his head against the trunk he laid his arm over his eyes, trying to focus on anything other than the searing pain coming from his leg. He knew it would pass, but that meant he would have to deal with the pain now.
Kili took his bow and quiver from Millie, letting her reins free as she trotted over to Cotton. Looking into the edge of the wood that overlooked the Valley of Girion, Kili grew still listening to the woods in front of him. The trees above them created a vast green canopy, covering the forest below. Tall bushes and mossy vines hiding the entrails of the forest. It reminded him of woods where Thorin had taught them how to hunt as dwarflings, it was where Kili had taken such a great interest in archery. His ears perked hearing the faint snap of a twig he readied his arrow, beginning to follow the noise. With careful footing Kili pushed his way through the bushes, his keen eyes finding the hide of a hare. The hazel coat shining in a stream of light that had made its way through the canopy of leaves above.
Kili drew his string back, waiting for the perfect opportunity. He inhaled letting the tight string slip through his fingers.
"What are you doing?" Called Fili loudly behind him. Kili watched in slow motion as the rabbit's ears perked turning to see the arrow barreling toward it. With a flash the rabbit disappeared into another bush, Kili's arrow embedding itself into the trunk of a tree. Kili turned to Fili with a scowling look written across his face, while Fili looked quite smug.
"I was going to take the hare home and skin it for Amad. She was complaining that she needs more furs for one of her blankets." Kili spat walking over to his arrow, trying to twist it free.
"And you think that small creature could finish one of Amad's blankets?" Fili questioned smugly, leaning against a tree for support.
Kili glared over his shoulder muttering "It is for Bofur and Poppy's little one, it will be enough for a babe."
Fili pushed himself off of the tree, walking over to his brother, taking the bow and a single arrow from his hand. "Let me show you how it's done, Nadadlith."
Kili rolled his eyes, crossing his hands watching as his brother stalked through the thicket, following the path the rabbit had taken. Fili listened to the silences of the forest, everything was still, he stood up straight, too still. He thought to himself, his back straightening. A ghostly wind whispered around him. Everything seemed to buzz with life before the moment passed just as quickly as it came. Over his right shoulder, he heard the patter of feet. Fili shook off the strange feeling, steadily notching his arrow looking over his shoulder spotting the rabbit munching away at a small flower, peacefully unaware of the dwarves' presences. Spinning on the balls of his feet, he drew back the bowstring and released it in one swift motion. The rabbit stiffened, dashing into the bush in front of him. The arrow following the rabbit into the bush.
A hand wrapped around his shoulder. Kili smiled at Fili "It's alright, Nadad. We all knew one day your skills would falter. It's okay to say I am truly the better archer."
Fili shrugged off his brother, calling over his shoulder as he headed toward his shot. "You may be an excellent archer, but I have more patience than you." He reached into the bush, a smile appeared on his face as his finger brushed against fur. He held the hare by the neck, showing it to his brother. Kili huffed his eyes, narrowing at the rabbit.
"Lucky sho-" Kili didn't get to finish his sentence. The trees around them began to shake violently in a burst of howling wind that raced through the woods. The creaking and moaning of the wood made the world around them come alive. A woman's scream echoed around them, it was piercing and filled with pain. Fili's eyes searched for the owner of the voice as Kili darted off through the brush in the direction of the woman's scream. He called after his brother, but Kili did not stop.
Fili began to follow his brother when the soft whispers floated in the small clearing around him. The hissing of words became sharp and frequent, assaulting him from all directions. Fili turned, trying to find the source of the voices. He unsheathed the sword that sat at his hip, ready for whatever attack awaited him.
Fili, a breathy voice called to him.
The young prince, another one echoed.
Fili
Take care,a voice chanted.
Much is to come
Take care
The others began to follow in the chant.
They became louder and louder; Fili's ears felt like they were going to bleed. Fili gritted his teeth, his fist tightening around the hilt of his sword.
"Fili!" his brother's desperate call broke through the infuriating voices.
Fili blinked, and like that the voices were gone. Fili grunted searching the area around him, there was nothing. No evidence of the voices that had just overwhelmed him. It must have been some sort of spell.
"Fili, come quick!" Fili's head snapped in the direction of Kili's voice, panic weighed heavy in his gut. What if Kili had been hurt while he had been distracted, Fili had promised his Amad that he would watch Kili. Fili pushed his thoughts aside, running toward Kili. Amrus's words ringing in his head, Mahal maybe the old bat was right, Fili thought to himself.
Fili jumped through the woods, ignoring the burning pain in his leg. Fili stopped at the sight of Kili kneeling on the ground. In his hands, he cradled the head of an unconscious woman. Fili dropped his sword slowly approaching his brother. Kili looked up at Fili and worry filled his eyes. Kili brushed a strained of bloodied hair. Her skin was scarcely pale and had a green hue to it. Painfully reminding Fili of the moments as Kili struggled for his last breath in Lake Town. A deep cut decorated her forehead cutting into her thick eyebrows. Crimson liquid slid down her round cheeks, and along her jawline. Her thin lips were bloodied as well, Fili kneeled beside Kili checking the rest of the girl's wound. His eye wandered from her face, roaming over the gaping wound on her side.
"Is she alive?" Kili asked panickedly. His hands held the girl's neck against his leg.
The girl's oversized grey tunic was torn over her left rib. Her blood covered the open fabric, revealing red, irradiated skin and pink exposed muscle. Her legs were covered by tight black trousers that were hardly appropriate. The black fabric had small tears showing thin cut and dried blood. Fili's fingers found her throat, waiting to feel for some sort of life. The hot skin beneath his fingers pulsed. The girl let out a shallow breath, followed by a groan. Fili's dark eyes met Kili's.
"She's alive, but not for long." Fili gruffed.
The girl's groans turned into sharp breaths as her face contracted in pain."What are we going to do? We can't just let her die here." Kili's voice shook, as he stared down at the girl in his hands.
Fili looked to where their ponies were, thinking for a moment."We could turn back to Dale."
"Fili, she will not make it to Dale." Kili's shoulders tensed at the idea of the girl dying before their eyes. His stomach clenched.
"We could take her to a healer in the valley; perhaps she belongs to someone there." Fili stood up looking down at his brother.
"The healer's there won't be able to help her. " Fili thought aloud contemplating the few options left in his head.
"What do you suggest, then." He snapped panic filled his voice.
Kili looked up at Fili for a moment, his eyes slipping passed his brother towards the mountain. His face said, "I have a plan, but it is a stupid one." Kill gave him a guilty smile. Fili knew what he was going to say, and he shook his head.
"Oh no! No! Kili are you mad?" Fili yelled. The girl flinched, taking the boy's attention back as her body tensed. Her soft cries became intense screams of pain.
Kili's eyes were filled with fury, "Are you? Surely Uncle will understand. This girl needs Oin, or she will die."
Kili stood to his full height, bending over to scoop the girl into his arms. The girl's face was streaked with fresh tears, making paths down her cheeks. Fili stared at the girl in his brother's arm, huffing as he pinched his nose.
"It is either that or we let this girl die here Fili" Kili begged his brother desperately.
"I'll get the horses, we'll ride for Erebor," Fili said finally Kili nodded making his way through the brush to the open meadow.
Kili emerged from the brush the girl's head swaying back and forth limply. Fili mounted Cotton, "I'll take the girl, and you ride ahead to have Oin prepare for her." Kili nodded, careful to hand over the girl into Fili's lap.
She felt heavy in his arms and her blood began to soak into his tunic. Her head fell onto his shoulder, ragged breath brushing against Fili's neck. His hands encircling her waist, holding her close to him, making sure she wouldn't fall. He could feel her erratic breathing and the sharp rise and fall of her chest against his own. Her honey blonde hair danced with the soft wind, the uneven edges of her short hair tickling his face. Fili brushed the hair behind her ears, noticing three diamonds that decorated the shell of her ear.
Kili mounted his pony, looking at the girl in Fili's arms wearily. Fili met his brother's gaze, nodding toward him. "Go, I will be behind you."
Kili tightened his hold on the reigns before he nodded, kicking Millie into full speed.
Fili watched as his brother vanished behind the hills of the meadow, racing toward home. He wanted nothing more than to be there beside him. But he was sure the girl in his arms couldn't have handled such speeds, so he and Cotton restored to a fast trot. The journey home felt impossibly long, longer than their original trip to Erebor. Familiar anxiety rose in his gut, the girl was fading, he could feel it. Her body would wither in pain, and a gut-wrenching sob would explode from her lips. Fili tried to console the girl, helping her as best as he could to wait out the pain. Her face was buried into the furs of his coat, muffling her now quieting cries. Her breath hitched, before falling eerily quiet.
Fili stared down at the girl "You have to hold on, we are so close. Just hold on a little while longer." He whispered into her disheveled hair.
The emerald statues of Erebor came into sight; Fili shifted, holding the girl to his chest before Cotton began to gain speed down the stone pathway leading him home. A part of him yelled at him not to take her through the gates, but her soft cries made him ignore the voice. His gut clenched as Cotton crossed the bridge into Erebor. The echoing of hooves on polished stone caught the attention of several dwarrows. Groups of dwarrows and dwarrowdams walked through the halls going about their lives. It wasn't a rare sight to see the princes, it was their jobs to make sure there was a smooth relationship between themselves and their people, though the sight of an unconscious human girl in the arms of their prince was something else entirely different.
Fili's eyes widened searching for his brother through the growing crowd. The girl twisted in his arms and her wound began to bleed through his own tunic.
"Fili!" A familiar voice yelled, his eyes snapped up as the crowd parted.
Kili led Oin and two apprentices' toward him. Fili sighed in a little relief; Oin would know how to treat her far better than he could. Kili reached him holding out his arms to receive the girl; Fili carefully slipped her from his embrace. The girl once again let out a cry of pain, this time mumbling something incoherent as her illness overtook her. Oin immediately flew to her side his apprentice, a young dwarrowdam and dwarrow by the name of Deamra and Galin, flocking to her other side.
"What happened to her," He questioned, looking over her broken and bruised body.
Kili sat her down on the cloth stretcher. Deamra ran her fingers over the girl's ribs, while Galin saw to the wound on her head. Oin looked at the golden-haired prince.
Fili shook his head dismounting Cotton to face the healer, handing the reins to a nearby guard. "We don't know, Master Oin. She was like this when we found her."
"She lost a lot of blood, and we thought she wouldn't make it to Dale if we turned back," Kili added his eyes sheepishly remaining on the girl. Oin leaned over to Deamra and Galin whispering in Khuzdul in hushed tones. Deamra nodded her fingers running over the large wound on the girl's side, watching as the girl flinched at the touch. She replied to Oin's question hurriedly.
Oin sighed, turning back to the princes.
"You were right in doing so, the poor lass has dealt with some trouble in her travels. Let's move her to the healer's wing. I don't much care for audiences." Oin mumbled looking around to see the many eyes that settled on the small group.
"Someone will have to help Galin carry her to the healer's wing."
Kili stepped forward quickly, "I'll do it." Oin nodded telling him to hurry, Fili watched as Kili scrambled to the handles of the stretcher, not meeting the eyes of his brothers.
"Deamra go ahead and prepare the tools." Oin order Deamra, who scurried through the crowd. Kili and Galin followed Deamra's lead. Oin grabbed Fili's arm, leading him away from the prying eyes of the crowd.
"You will need to go to your uncle and tell him about our visitor," Oin spoke gently. Fili eyes never left the girl's body; his gaze shifted to narrow his eyes at Kili. Fili had realized why Kili was so quick to go with the girl. He had left Fili with the hardest job of them all. Facing their uncle.
"Good Luck, my boy." Oin patted his shoulder making his way down the grand hall toward the healer's wing.
Fili stood there for a moment before walking over to his pony, asking one of the guards to take Cotton to the stable. The crowd had dissipated upon seeing Prince Fili's scolding face.
Fili looked up at the lavish statue of his grandfather whispering to himself.
"Mahal help me."