Sorry not sorry. I'm one of those angst/drama/hurt/comfort suckers when it comes to Kili getting hurt or sick. Sorry, Kili. It's because we like you so much we just love showering you with attention! Sorry you have to suffer at our geekdom expense!

And yes, Bofur is one of my favorite dwarves!


Elladan and the Mirkwood company were making for Rivendell as fast as they could without perjuring Thranduil's already considerable injuries. They rode at a steady pace for as long as they could push their horses before they became exhausted. Thranduil's whole body felt like twenty miles of bad road, literally! But he struggled to hide it. He didn't care about the pain. All he knew was he'd left his children behind, and one was probably dead. Once he was treated, he would go back for them! He would find them and bring them to safety, then personally pulverize every one of those fiends who had gone after him and his little girl!


It was sundown three hours after the rescue, so Gandalf had everyone take a rest by campfire. They'd have to restart their journey back to Rivendell in the morning. The Mirkwood guards kept sharp watch, standing like tall, intimidating statues in the dark. The dwarves cooked supper and tried to keep everyone's spirits up, but they were very worried for Kili. Fili's bruised jaw and cut lip had been tended to. He was constantly at Kili's side as Elrohir and Oin tended him. The healer from Mirkwood had ridden with Thranduil and Elladan, faithfully looking after his king.

Thorin would not sit, but stood against the rocky wall or paced around, keeping watch over his nephews. He was relieved beyond words that he'd found them both alive. The fret over the condition he would or wouldn't find them in had nearly taken twenty years off his life. But even now, he feared for Kili. The youngest dwarf was still very sick, and Thorin knew that as weak as he was, he might not last all the way back to the valley of the elves. Kili's harsh coughing painfully disturbed the otherwise serene atmosphere.

Bilbo walked over to where Legolas sat cross-legged with Alasse cradled in his arms and Fluffy lying beside the prince. Bilbo smiled and patted the wolf's head then scratched his ears. "Hello, boy. Stew? It's warm?" Bilbo offered Legolas.

"No thank you, Master Hobbit." Legolas shook his head. "I thank you for the thought."

"You're going to need it. It's a long road back." Bilbo insisted. "And there's nothing I hate more than traveling on an empty stomach! Well, except maybe having to make a long journey in wet clothes. Dreadful business." He wrinkled up his nose. Legolas couldn't help grinning.

"Perhaps a little later." Legolas nodded, taking the bowl of food and setting it aside, away from Fluffy. He looked down at Alasse and brushed some hair out of her face. Bilbo looked on sadly. It always shook him seeing little ones sick or in pain.

"I shudder to think of what she must have endured at the hands of those scoundrels." Bilbo stated.

"Ai." Legolas glowered in agreement. "How do they do it, Master Baggins? How could ones so strong and able deliberately harm one so young and innocent? And some of them my own kin?"

"Tis a dark business indeed." Bilbo frowned. "I don't even want to try to understand such devilry! Well, don't let your stew get cold." Bilbo shifted away.

Gandalf came to kneel next to Legolas. "How is she?" He asked, smoking his pipe.

"She's asleep again." Legolas sighed. "Perhaps it's for the best. Except her eyes are shut."

"Mmm." Gandalf grunted. "Seems Bilbo was right after all, eh?" He smiled.

"Hmm?" Legolas creased his eyebrows.

"Bilbo did not lose hope. And you found your sister, alive." Gandalf reminded him.

"Ai. Ada must have believed she was dead, or else how could I have felt his anguish?" Legolas spoke sadly.

"Well, we shall soon set that to rights." Gandalf patted Legolas's arm then stood up. Alasse stirred, whimpering.

"Shh. It's alright, muinthel. I am here." Legolas told her quietly.

"'Las?" Alasse whispered.

"Yes?"

"Are we back yet?" Alasse asked with a yawn. Legolas couldn't help chuckling. He was used to that question whenever they traveled, except she wasn't normally hurt like this.

"No, love. Not yet. We still have a few days before we reach the Homely House."

"I don't feel good." Alasse murmured.

"I know." Legolas kissed her head and rubbed her hand. "But Lord Elrond will make you all better."

"I hope we get there soon." Alasse said.

"Me too. Why don't you try to eat something? You must be starving." Legolas smiled, lightly patting her middle to which she winced and moaned.

"Oow. Legolas..." She groaned pitifully, frowning up at him.

"Sorry."

"My stomach hurts. Please don't touch it."

"That was clumsy of me." Legolas bit his lip, feeling bad that he had caused her discomfort. "Try to eat something?"

"I'm not hungry." Alasse shook her head.

"Well, here. Drink something at least." Legolas insisted, offering his water flask. Alasse accepted it and drank greedily. "Slow down, love! I don't want you to make yourself ill on top of everything else!" Alasse drank till she was full, then she drifted to sleep again.

"He's severely dehydrated." Oin shook his head. "And we've been giving him water every chance we get!" They'd tried giving him remedies which Kili had thrown up each one of them. They'd placed steaming herbs in front of his face to lessen the severity of his coughing. And they'd just given him water, hoping he could stomach it without any extra ingredients.

"We'll try again to clear his lungs out." Elrohir said, having Oin hold up the dwarf as Elrohir held a steaming hot bowl of herbs in front of his nose and mouth. Kili's eyes were closed and he could not stop coughing. The upward movement made his stomach churn and he vomited again.

"He can't even hold down the water anymore." Oin said with worry. He looked up helplessly at the elf. "We're losing him!"

"Kili..." Fili covered his face with his hands. Thorin turned as soon as he'd heard the words. He gazed down sorrowfully at his sister-sons. Kili's pneumonia had gone untreated for too long, and now he was reaping the results. Kili was dying in front of their eyes, even with the elf and his Elvish medicine trying to aid him! It wasn't enough! Thorin felt his heart lurch and he wanted to sob, but he choked it down for Fili's sake.

Legolas watched thoughtfully. He'd known Kili was sick, but it was worse than he'd first heard. He looked at Fili, who was sitting in despair, as if his entire world was crashing around him. Legolas understood that feeling! He was an older brother too, and knew he would do anything in the world for his younger sibling. Fili was an older brother, and now he was about to lose his only brother. His younger brother, who he tried to keep safe with all that he was. Alasse had said that Fili and Kili had tried to protect her! Legolas had to do something!

"Raegbund!" Legolas called to one of his warriors.

The elf rushed to his prince. "My Prince? What do you require?" He bowed.

"Your horse, Raegbund." Legolas instructed him quickly. "Lend him to Master Elrohir. Now!" Raegbund bowed and hurried off to fetch his horse. Legolas, for the first time, set Alasse on the ground next to Fluffy then ran over to Elrohir. "'Ro? Take Raegbund's mount, Nestaron. There is no time to lose! Get the dwarf prince to your father!"

"Are you sure, Legolas?" Elrohir asked.

"Go!" Legolas urged him. Elrohir glanced at Oin and Fili who nodded. Oin bundled Kili up with blankets, then Elrohir lifted him in his arms and set him on Raegbund's horse then mounted up after him. Legolas scooped Fili under his arms and set him up behind Elrohir. "You should be with your brother." Legolas whispered.

"Thank you, my lord." Fili breathed gratefully, clasping his arms firmly around Elrohir's waist.

"Godspeed, Elrohir. Ride hard." Gandalf told the son of Elrond. Elrohir nodded and urged the horse out. Nestaron gracefully cantered out of the camp into the night. Thorin stared in disbelief at Legolas. He'd known he was more gracious than Thranduil would've been by a long shot! But this act of kindness still blew him away. Legolas glanced at him then raced back to his sister.

"Get some sleep, my prince. You look exhausted." One of the elves told him.

"I have to watch over Alasse." Legolas rubbed his face.

"We're here, my lord. You have plenty of protection." The elf assured him.

Legolas sighed. A brief rest wouldn't hurt. Besides, he did need his strength for the rest of their journey. "Very well." He agreed. After a short meal of warm stew prepared by Bombur, Legolas lay on the ground right next to his little sister, his long arm draped protectively over her hurt body. Fluffy sat above them, keeping guard. Legolas kissed Alasse's small, pointy ear. "Rest well tonight, love. I'll get you back soon." He gripped her hand and fell asleep.


"Just hang on, Kili. Hang in there, small one." Elrohir kept telling the dwarf beneath him. Fili held onto the elf for dear life. He didn't like riding the horse, such a large creature and so far from the ground at breakneck speed! He hoped the journey would be very quick! "Keep on, little fighter. You can make it, Kili. Just a bit longer, come on!" Elrohir told the sick dwarf.


The middle of the night, Legolas jerked awake when he heard wailing. He'd thought he was dreaming, and that Alasse was back in that horrible place. Til he looked down and saw her thrashing in her sleep. "Alasse, wake up. Hey, it's a dream. Come on, darling." Legolas gently shook her. Alasse's frightened eyes blinked rapidly.

"Leggi?" She cried.

"I am here." Legolas nodded, stroking her face.

"Oh, Leggi. I was so afraid! I thought I was back in the cave. They wouldn't let me out!" Alasse wept. Legolas brushed a tear away with his thumb.

"Shhh. It's over now, Alasse. You're with me. I'll keep you safe." Legolas smiled warmly. Alasse gripped his large wrist.

"Is something wrong, Your Highness?" Bofur asked Legolas worriedly.

"What happened?" Bilbo asked.

"Is she alight?" Gloin asked. Legolas couldn't help grinning at the small band of concerned faces, all worried for his sister.

"She's alright. Just a nightmare." Legolas nodded.

"Oh!" Bofur sighed with relief. "The poor darling. Terrible things, bad dreams."

"She'll be alright, my friends. Thank you for your concern." Legolas assured them.

"Legolas? Hold me?" Alasse begged. Legolas smiled and nestled down close to her, holding her.

"Better?"

"Mmm-hmm." She wiped her eyes and Fluffy licked her face.

"It's alright, Alasse. Fluffy's right here. And so am I. Nothing will hurt you as long as we are here to protect you."

"I miss Ada! I hope he's okay." Alasse sniffled.

"Me too. I'm sure he is."

The dwarves began to sing,

"Far over

The Misty Mountains cold,

To dungeons deep,

And caverns old..."

Alasse fell asleep to their singing, but Legolas remained awake. He still found it surreal that any of this had happened. Glorfindel had been easily wounded by an Elvish assailant! Thranduil, the fiercest warrior Legolas knew, had been taken against his will with his princess. Legolas had agreed to make an alliance with dwarves, to travel to rescue them! And even more unbelievable, Legolas found himself thinking less of the dwarves as those greedy, mangy creatures and more as friends! On top of everything that had happened, Thranduil and Alasse had gotten badly hurt. Legolas only hoped the rest of the journey would not make things worse.


Two days later, Elladan rode into Rivendell ahead of the warriors. "Ada! Ada! Elladan's back!" Estel shouted, bursting into Elrond's office. Rather than reprimanding his youngest son for his outburst, Elrond ran out to greet his eldest. Elladan hurried into the house.

"Ada!" He panted.

"Elladan, ion nin, what happened? Did you find them? Are you hurt?" Elrond asked.

"I am fine, Ada. I've come with King Thranduil. He's battered up badly. He needs you." Elladan explained. Elrond grimaced for second. He had known that they wouldn't come out of this unscathed, though he'd prayed against it.

"Where is he?" Elrond asked.

"His soldiers are bringing him." Elladan said.

"Good. Estel, help you brother prepare the healing room."

"Yes, Ada!" Estel nodded, eager to help. "Hey, where is Legolas? Where are the dwarves? Where is Alasse? Did you not save them?" He asked Elladan.

"Legolas and Thorin lingered back with Gandalf." Elladan said solemnly. "We did rescue Alasse and the princes, but I'm afraid she was injured and the young dwarf was very, very sick. Elrohir stayed behind to help."

"How bad?" Elrond asked sternly.

"Alasse had some broken ribs and ugly bruises, and Prince Kili had one of the worst cases of pneumonia I've ever seen, Ada! Being chained up in a cold, dark room with no food or water didn't help his case in the least."

"Alright." If Elrohir is on hand, Alasse should start healing before they get here. As for the young prince, I do not know. "Go prepare what we need." Elrond said and turned to meet the party from Mirkwood.

The wood elves were gently pulling their king off the horse. Glorfindel was already there, helping. "How is he?" Elrond asked as they half-carried Thranduil inside.

"He's incoherent, my lord Elrond." One of the elves answered. "We tried to keep as steady as possible, but I'm afraid the journey was rough on his broken ribs. And he is more pale than he was when we first found him."

Glorfindel helped ease Thranduil down onto a work table. It was the least that he could do. He felt responsible for all of this. If that little punk hadn't stabbed him in the gut, he would've been able to protect Thranduil and Alasse! "What of the criminals?" He asked firmly.

"Some of our officers are escorting them back." The elf answered. "Quite a few of them have their own battle wounds to whine over, courtesy of Princess Alasse's pet Fluffy, Thorin Oakenshield, and a tiny little fellow who stopped at nothing with his rock throwing!"

"I wish I'd been there to see it." Estel growled. "I hope Fluffy bit them real good!"

"Estel." Elrond scolded.

"Don't be so hard on him, Ada. After finding Alasse in such a state and how devastated Legolas appeared to see her like that, my sentiments are not far from Estel's." Elladan stated.

"I understand, my sons, but we most focus on the task at hand." Elrond sighed. They stripped Thranduil of his dirty, torn clothing. His torso was blue and purple. His face was a little swollen around the jaw and he was pale. And his eyes were closed. "Thranduil, mellon nin, can you hear me?" Elrond spoke, lightly shaking his shoulder.

"Urr..." Thranduil slurred.

"Thranduil? It's Elrond. You're in my home, and you are safe."

Thranduil tried blinking his eyes open. "Elrond?" He whispered.

"Easy, mellon. Just rest. You gave us quite a scare." Elrond smiled.

"Elrond..." Thranduil tried sitting up. Elrond, Glorfindel, Elladan, and Estel all pushed him back down flat.

"Lie down, Thranduil! You are going to stay where you are!" Elrond declared firmly.

"Alasse...she's...have to help..." Thranduil panted frantically.

"Thranduil, listen to me. Legolas is with her. He will look after her. Don't trouble yourself. Rest now." Elrond tried to shush him.

"Alasse..." Thranduil trembled.

"She's in good hands."

"Needs help!"

"I will go to help." Glorfindel said. "I'll go find your children and bring them back." Thranduil slightly relaxed. "You stay here, my friend. It's time I did my part!" And with that, Glorfindel flew out of the room.

"Alasse..." Thranduil began to shed tears.

"She'll be here, Thranduil. Your children are on their way. Rest, my friend." Elrond said soothingly.


Twice already, Elrohir had nearly had to revive Kili! They had only rested the horse when absolutely necessary. But twice, Elrohir had barely found a pulse on the dwarf and had had to bring him back. Fili had nearly passed out in devastation both times. How much longer til they reached Rivendell? How many more times would he have to watch his brother nearly die? Fili's stomach was in a suffocating knot. Kili was so weak, his lungs sounded like they would literally burst from his chest every time he coughed, and according to Elrohir, his fever was rising! Elrohir had poured his water flask on Kili to cool him off and bring his fever down, but in only succeeded in causing worse chills, in which the little man's entirely body trembled horribly. "What grace has been given me, let it pass to him. Let him be spared!" Elrohir kept pleading and chanting.

"What is that?" Fili tearfully gazed in the distance. Elrohir peered closely as tall figure as bright as the sun approached atop an Elvish horse.

"Eru be praised!" Elrohir cried happily.

"What is it?" Fili asked again. As the figure drew closer, still shining with the light of the Valar, Fili could see that the person was another elf. A beautiful, strong elf.

"Elrohir? Is that you?" Glorfindel greeted, dismounting.

"Glorfindel! Thank the Valar you're here! This small one needs your help!" Elrohir exclaimed. Glorfindel came to the horse's side and took Kili in his arms. "He has severe pneumonia. I've done all I can for him, but he is nearly too far gone."

"There is still hope, penneth." Glorfindel murmured gently and poured some of his healing energy into the dying dwarf. Kili's crusty breathing began to sound slightly less ragged, and his trembling slowed down considerably. Fili dropped his head on Elrohir's arm, crying tears of relief. Kili wasn't out of the woods yet, but with this Glorfindel's help, he just might make it to Rivendell alive! "We must make haste. He has a bit longer, but I cannot promise for how long that will be before my healing power begins to wear off! He needs Elrond."

"Glorfindel, did King Thranduil make it?" Elrohir asked.

"Aye. He did. His warriors arrived with him two days ago. He is being tended to as you know. I passed the officers with the fugitives. They are nearly to Rivendell and the prisoners will be led to the dungeons. I am glad we hardly ever need use for those, but they are still there for a reason. I was more than a little satisfied to see they didn't walk away from the rescue unscathed!"

"Ai. Fili will ride with me." Elrohir said. Glorfindel noticed the blonde dwarf sitting behind his friend, as small and as worried looking as a child.

"Don't despair, Prince Fili. We will get your brother the help he needs. Don't lose hope." Glorfindel said kindly. Fili couldn't answer, he merely nodded. Glorfindel mounted Asfaloth with Kili safely in his arms. Urging their steeds, the two elves of Rivendell galloped away with the two dwarf brothers, praying it would not be too late for Kili!


"I'm worried about her, Gandalf. She won't eat at all." Legolas voiced his fears to the wizard as they finished breakfast and breaking up camp again.

"She's been through a rough time. Food is probably the last thing on her mind." Gandalf said. "It's not unheard of regarding the circumstances."

"I just don't like seeing her this way." Legolas bit his lip. "I can understand how Fili feels right now!"

"Ai." Gandalf nodded. Alasse was asleep again. Gandalf gently ran his hand under her outfit and felt around her body. "Well, her ribs and bruises are beginning to heal. Slowly, yes, but she should at least be better than now by the time we return." Gandalf smiled to Legolas.

"I hope so! Thank you, Gandalf." Legolas smiled back.

"Here, Your Highness. For the lassie." Oin said, offering some herbs to help with the pain during their trek that day.

"Hannon le." Legolas nodded gratefully. "Alasse? Alasse. Come on. I need you to wake up to take this medicine." He gently shook her. Alasse groaned and shook her head. "Come, darling. It will help you not hurt while we travel." Alasse opened her eyes, frowning.

"They taste awful." She mumbled.

"I know. But it will help. Come on now. I promise, once you chew these, you can go back to sleep." Legolas encouraged her. Fluffy nudged his head under her hand, trying to convince her to take it.

"Alright." She muttered, biting the herbs. She gagged and made a sour face as she digested them, making the men laugh.

"What is your favorite animal, lass?" Balin asked. Alasse cocked her head, thinking about it.

"I like wolves, and horses, and bunnies." Alasse answered.

"I thought as much. You seem to have a loyal companion right there." Balin pointed at Fluffy.

"Fluffy's my friend. He is my best friend, after Leggi." Alasse actually smiled.

"Well, our friend Bofur made a present for you."

"A present? For me?" Alasse's eyes widened.

"Well, of course if it's alright with your brother, that is."

"Certainly." Legolas said. Bofur stepped forward and knelt down in front of them, holding out a wooden figure. It resembled a little Elvish girl riding a large wolf. They looked as if they were happily flying through the sky.

"Look, Leggi! It's me and Fluffy!" Alasse cried in delight.

"It certainly is." Legolas agreed, impressed with the small work of art.

"Can I keep it, Leggi? Please?" Alasse begged.

"Of course, love."

Bofur handed it to Alasse and she turned it over and around in her hands. "It looks just like us! Thank you, Master...Master...which one are you again?" Alasse asked in confusion. There were so many dwarves and they all had beards that she couldn't remember all their names properly, except Fili and Kili.

"Bofur, lass. I am glad it pleases you." Bofur smiled warmly.

"So that's what you've been piddling all this time." Dori said to Bofur.

"Thank you, Master Bofur. I love it!" Alasse smiled.

"Well, that is the first real smile I have seen on your face in days, my dear." Gandalf commented.

"We really do need to move out soon." Thorin spoke up. The dwarves agreed and shifted away. "I see that Bofur has wrapped your sister around his finger." Thorin said to Legolas.

"Indeed." Legolas replied. "That was very gracious of him. Must have taken him hours to get the details just right."

"Dwarves are known for their craftsmanship. It's a role we don't take lightly." Thorin stated.

"No, you do not." Legolas sighed. He stood up with Alasse in his arms, heading for the horse he'd been using.

"Leggi?" Alasse squeaked.

"Yes?"

"You don't think Ada will get mad, do you? Because a dwarf gave me this toy? He'll let me keep it, right?" Alasse asked worriedly.

"I believe he will, little one." Legolas assured her. "And if he has any qualms about it, I'll set him straight!" He put on his best stern, Thranduil face. Alasse giggled. "What are you laughing at?" Legolas narrowed his eyes playfully at her.

"You look funny." Alasse snickered. Legolas tickled her pointy ear, making her shriek. It felt so good to see her smile and hear her laugh again!


Sadly, their high spirits were to be short-lived. Early evening turning into dusk, they were in a forest trekking up a steep hill when the Mirkwood scouting party returned. "Hir nin Legolas!" Voronwe called.

"Voronwe, what is it?" Legolas asked.

"Orcs! Not far from here! Just around the bend from the next ridge!" Voronwe exclaimed. Legolas, and Thorin all looked to Gandalf.

"The trees! Head for the trees!" Gandalf told them. They released the ponies that fled in the opposite direction. Legolas had Alasse climb onto his back as he climbed up the tree. Bilbo scrambled up after Ori and Dwalin, Thorin at the hobbit's heels. Gandalf did not get into the trees until he was certain every dwarf, elf, and hobbit was safely nestled up high. Fluffy was down on the ground. But he stood erect. His ears pulled back, his lips curled and his eyes gleamed red. The dwarves and Bilbo shuddered. They'd thought he was scary before, but they had never seen him look this menacing!

"Leggi..." Alasse shuddered, clinging to his neck.

"Shh!" Legolas shushed her, preparing his bow. Sure enough, the Orcs rushed into the glenn stopping right under the trees.

"Elf...I smell elf...and dwarf!" One of them licked his lips.

"They are close. Very close..." Another added. Their eyes fell on the wolf. Fluffy stood his ground, eyes red with hate, and his fangs glistening in the sun. But he did not move.

"Well, well, well, what have we here? A free dinner!" An Orc chided. The Orcs moved in on the wolf. Alasse began to cry out, but Legolas quickly covered her mouth. Just as the Orcs were about to behead her beloved pet, without warning, Fluffy lunged forward and bit one of the Orcs right in his pelvis. Being an Elvish wolf, his bite was five times more painful than a normal one. Black blood poured out from the Orc's legs and he yelped in horrific pain. With Elven blood, Fluffy was faster than normal wolves too. He raced under the Orcs, slashing at their limbs and posteriors. The biggest one came at Fluffy from behind, swinging his mace.

Legolas notched an arrow and shot the Orc through the brain. His warriors began shooting too, making short work of the surprised Orcs. Fortunately, it was a small band. Unfortunately, the elves were so preoccupied with the Orcs on the ground, that they didn't see one of them climbing up the tree behind Legolas and Alasse! Legolas was focused on the ones in front of him, so he didn't see the one behind them until it grabbed hold of Alasse's ankle and yanked her down to the ground. She screamed and Legolas whirled back in horror. "NO!" He yelled.

Alasse dropped to the forest floor with the Orc and she tried to scramble away, but he snatched her up. "NO!" The dwarves shouted. They lept down from the trees and charged at the large Orc as the elves shot at him and also charged him. The few remaining Orcs knocked the dwarves away.

"I'm going to enjoy making you scream!" The Orc holding Alasse spat. And with that, he savagely punched her right in the middle. Alasse flinched and gagged. Then he dropped her body as if she was no more than a hunk of meat. But his head went flying off the next second, with a very livid Thorin Oakenshield huffing behind him, Orcrist's blade gleaming with black blood.

Legolas drew his white knives and slashed up the last two Orcs, slicing them up. He was furious. He gaped at Thorin, then he dropped to his knees at his sister's side. "Alasse! Alasse? Darling?" He cried, tilting her head back and forth. Her little nose was bleeding and she was pale as a ghost. "Alasse, answer me! Please!" Legolas pleaded, taking her face in his hands. "No, no, no...we've come this far. Don't give up on me, Alasse!" He felt her neck and found a faint pulse, but she didn't respond to him. The dwarves, Bilbo, and the elves all stood around, watching in alarm.

Gandalf knelt next to Legolas. "Help her, Gandalf!" Legolas begged.

"Alasse?" Gandalf spoke quietly, and gingerly ran his hands over her small body. He winced and sighed solemnly.

"Gandalf?" Thorin spoke up. Gandalf breathed heavily and looked at Legolas.

"She needs Elrond's help, Legolas." He said sorrowfully. "Her ribs are shattered. It's best that she is unconscious for now." Legolas couldn't hold back his tears and he started weeping, cradling his baby sister.

"Can you not help her?" Thorin asked the wizard seriously.

"I will do all I can. The rest is up to her." Gandalf shook his head.

Lying on the bloodied dirt, under the elves' boots, was a crushed wooden toy.