Riswynn pulled the little hobbit behind her and pulled out a dagger holding it in front of her as her golden eyes scanned the surrounding patch of trees, she knew they were still on the mountainside but being captured by the goblins she wasn't entirely sure of their location.
"Riswynn, we need to leave" Thorin shouted at her impatiently as more howls of Wargs echoed across the mountain, each louder than the last. '
She heaved a breath, her nerves on fire as all sets of eyes landed on her, she shook her head as the howls sounded again and again grating on her sensitive ears, she couldn't focus, digging her hands into her locks she pulled at them frustratedly. "Ris, you know where we are right" Kili tried chuckling to lighten the mood, but a fierce glare told him to shut his mouth.
Riswynn took a deep breath, allowing her senses to expand, she listened for the pounding of paws on the ground, the deep panting of breath, the excited cries of the orcs. She could taste the foulness of them on the air, smell the rotting breath, she snapped her eyes open and looked toward Gandalf "They have found us" she said chillingly calm, her eyes blazing like the sun.
Gandalf looked at her alarmed at the calmness that emanated from the dam, her eyes glowed so brightly in the dim light that she looked like she was lit from within, he swallowed thickly and nodded his head "Run, everyone RUN" he shouted turning on his heel he propelled forward with the speed unknown too the short stature Dwarrow.
Bilbo looked at the dwarrowdam and back at the retreating party, his sword clutched tightly in his small fist, he was confused why she was standing as still as stone. "We must go, come on Riswynn" he whisper yelled at her, but she did not move nor look away from the rocky hillside.
"Go now" she said crouching lower to the ground as a massive black colored Warg leapt at them, its long lithe body gliding through the air hitting the ground with a thud. The beast turned on them, its yellow eyes glowing in the coming darkness, it pulled back its lip revealing long canines. Bilbo shuddered in fear, taking a step back he held his sword straight out in front of him, any lesson given to him previous by Riswynn was erased from thought. The Warg leapt for him and Riswynn cried out in rage watching as its massive teeth snapped so close to his prone body, before falling limp on the ground a small elven dagger embedded deeply into its forehead; the sight made her want to laugh out loud, but it was no time for standing about. More Wargs surrounded them, and she grabbed Bilbo's forearm and drug him down the hill, slicing at anything that got to close, the end of her blade kissed with the blood of Wargs. They ran until the mountainside dropped off to a sheer cliff, she stumbled eyes scanning down below, at a drop from this height they would all surely die.
"Hurry now up into the trees" Gandalf called, grabbing a low-lying branch he pulled himself up into a sturdy looking pine, pulling himself higher and higher until he was nearly at the top.
Riswynn nodded at Bilbo and offered him her hands to step into, but he shook his head "No I can't you must go first" he urged wanting her out of harms way as much as himself.
She gave him a weak smile "Go Master Baggins, I can fight them off while you climb" she didn't wait for him to answer grabbing him around the hips she threw him upwards with all her strength toward the waiting hands of Dori. She made brief eye contact with the Dwarrow nodding her head in thanks as Bilbo was pulled up his large feet seeking proper purchase until he was seated beside Dori and Ori.
"Ris watch out" Kili called from behind her, she turned her head just as a large body crashed into her. The warmth of fur brushed against her cheek, the stench of old blood accompanying it. The Warg growled viciously at her, snapping its massive maw at her exposed face, she in her panic grabbed for her weapon, holding the dagger across its mouth pressing up with all her strength to stop the teeth from gouging her throat out. The long thick tongue of the beast lapped at her skin as the Warg pressed into her its weight cutting off her air, its long claws digging into her legs. She roared back at it in her rage, struggling to get free when a blade was shoved deeply into his neck, the gurgling and spray of blood on her made her shiver in disgust. The Warg instantly dropped on her, and she wheezed at its dead weight, before it was rolled off and a hand grabbed her and pulled her too her feet. She blinked taking a moment to realize it was Thorin his blue eyes holding hers for a moment before he nudged her towards a pine instructing her silently to climb. She did as he said leaping up her grabbed the nearest branch and pulled her weight upward, the bark digging into her skin, the fresh blood that coated her jerkin vest made climbing slippery. She sat with an exhausted breath and looked down watching as Thorin sheathed Orcrist and climbed up after her, just as the Wargs met the base of the trees. The collision of their bodies caused the trees to shake violently, and she dug her hands into the bark to keep steady.
The Wargs cowered down as the largest Warg she had ever seen emerged from the darkness, with a pelt so white it seemed to glow in the darkness. It was much larger than the others, with a mouth full of yellowed fangs and a face covered with scars, it looked a fearsome beast. She could hear Thorin gasp from beside her and she turned to watch the shock turn to rage on his face as he stared at the orc on the white Wargs back.
"Azog" he said releasing his branch to get a better look.
The pale orc, smirked at them, his mouth pulled into a viscous grin that showcased his jagged teeth as he ran his weaponized hand through the fur of his mount, uttering guttural black speech to his brethren. Riswynn shook her head and rubbed at her temple as the sound blasted in her mind, and she felt the fire in her blood burst to life and her eyes change to a flaming red. She pinched her eyes shut as her head began to pound, the more the orc spoke the worse it became.
Thorin let himself fall forward more, his grip barely on the tree as he narrowed his eyes in disbelief, he had killed Azog himself remembered the blood and the fatal wound "It cannot be" he whispered to himself.
Riswynn groaned in pain snapping her eyes open to watch as the orc pointed a crude weapon at Thorin, understanding coming to her as the black speech resonated within her mind; she knew what they spoke, just as easily as she could speak Khuzdul or the speech of Westron. She grabbed for Thorin's coat pulling him back with a strength unknown to her, he turned and looked at her with surprise and anger boiling in his crystalline eyes "He wants you Thorin, he speaks of your fear" she growled out in frustration as he pulled himself away from her with a grimace "I fear nothing" he ground out.
Riswynn pulled her mouth into a firm line growling under her breath as the pine she was hiding in groaned under the constant assault from the Wargs. One after another jumped smashing their full body weight into the trunks, claws slicing through bark, teeth snapping lower branches off like they were nothing but tiny splinters. The tree swayed back and forth, and she shut her eyes in fear as finally the roots gave way and the tree began to tilt, crashing into the pine next to it, she had no choice but to leap and cling for dear life at the branches of the new tree, hands grabbing her and pulling her up as each tree was uprooted until finally the entire company was settled in a lone pine at the base of the cliff.
"Gandalf what are we to do" Bilbo called out frantically as the Wargs began to rush the tree, leaping up they dug their long claws into the bark trying desperately to bite into the Dwarrow and drag them to their death.
Gandalf looked around, seeing everything from such a height gave him an advantage, he knew of the great eagles that nested along this mountain range and he lured a moth to his side whispering to it for aid. He looked at the little hobbit and gave him a weak smile pulling down a pinecone he lit it on fire with his staff he threw it down at the Wargs. The pinecone exploded in a fiery ball and the Wargs leapt back in fear as the fire singed their fur.
"Throw these" Gandalf called tossing each Dwarrow a burning pinecone, soon the fire was spread across the forest floor and the Wargs cried running away as pelts were set ablaze. The stench of burnt meant tickled Riswynn's nose and she gagged, covering her nose with her forearm. She watched as the Wargs cowered behind their pack leader, the massive white Warg snapping its teeth at them as they passed. The pale orc growled out in anger, gnashing his teeth, and swinging his weapon in what she assumed was frustration. The tree began to shudder and tilt with the added weight, its roots slowly snapping causing it to tilt ever backward off the cliff, she slipped clutching the branch with her forearm's feet dangling uselessly in thin air. She bit her cheek and groaned pulling herself upright, her muscles quivering in protest as she pulled herself tightly to the tree's trunk. She had but a moment to catch her breath when her eyes snapped to Thorin he was staring down Azog with a hatred unmatched, he stood from the fallen tree and pulled out his elven sword walking toward his death.
"Thorin No" Balin shouted in panic as he tried to hold on, fingers digging uselessly in the bark, he needed to get up and protect his friend.
The shouting fell on deaf ears, as Thorin continued to walk weapon at the ready, he would kill the filthy orc once and for all, the growling of the Wargs muted to him, he saw and heard nothing other than the pale orc. He shouted a feral battle cry holding up his Oakenshield and Orcrist rushing toward the rider of the white Warg. Riswynn watched as if in slow motion as Thorin left the safety of the company, as he charged into battle, a burning inferno surrounding him as the fire ate away at the forest. The feral growling of the Wargs and the malicious laughter of Azog burned in her mind. Thorin didn't stand a chance against a Warg and its rider, the massive beast leapt over the smaller Dwarrow with ease as Azog swung his weapon smashing it into Thorin, shattering his shield. Thorin was thrown to the ground, and she watched in horror as he stood up defying Azog refusing to give up. The wails of her companions rang in her ears, as her blood pumped viciously through her veins and lit from within, her dragon curse was strong on this night as her rage skyrocketed as she watched her companion whom she cared about deeply get destroyed in front of her. The scent of his blood wafted toward her as he was bitten by the Warg, the crunch of teeth into his flesh was the loudest sound she had ever heard, she found herself standing, eyes burning crimson, teeth pulled back in a feral snarl as Thorin was flung against a rock, his cry of pain echoing in her ears. She could see from the corner of her eye a small shadowy figure stand with her, and she turned to look at the hobbit with a brief nod and together they ran forward, she perceived the orc that was rushing toward Thorin as a threat and motioned toward him with her outstretched hand sending Bilbo a signal to attack. She prayed to Mahal her training paid off in this moment, as she zeroed in on Azog and his pale Warg.
Bilbo didn't have time to think his plan through, he only saw the dam rise to her feet a struggle on her face, as her eyes began to glow brighter than he had ever seen before, and her teeth elongate into sharp points as she growled like a feral beast. He knew she would follow Thorin and try to protect him it was simply in her nature, and he knew he couldn't let her do it alone, he was many things but he despite everyone's thinking was no coward. He stood unsure beside her getting her attention and she looked at him with a flash of pride in her blood red eyes, she nodded and ran forward toward the orc that threatened to cut off Thorin's head. She pointed toward him, with an outstretched hand and he nodded the fear in his belly like a ball of iron, drawing his sword he smashed into the orc, shoving his blade into its stomach to the hilt.
Riswynn watched with pride as her little hobbit tackled the much larger orc and burry his blade into its guts, its foul blood permeating the air. She had her blade in hand and lunged at the white Warg as it leapt toward Bilbo and Thorin, slashing it across its chest it reared back in pain swinging its massive head, it howled in outrage leveling her with a yellowed eye glare. She stared openly at Azog and his beast, standing guard for her companions, Bilbo next to Thorin who lied prone on the ground she opened her mouth and roared like the dragon that cursed her.
Azog simply stared at the small she dwarf with a smile on his face, she has vicious with glowing red eyes and pointed little teeth her hands held at the ready one with blade the other balled into a fist. He chuckled to his companions
"Thorin hauk diukcoverun ij maave avo proavecav naj-ri, avhiuk ni doeuk noav cowas shal drutimer" he said the guttural sound like a booming of thunder to her ears.
She smiled maliciously showcasing her teeth "najor iuk uorkormajal filavh"
Azog smelled the air, the scent of blood and the promise of death clung to the air as he looked at the she-dwarf "thrak alnej lav-li kok" he said to his subordinates, his pale eyes locked with her crimson.
She wasted no time lunging at him, slashing across the Warg, she dug her booted foot into its shoulder blade and tried slashing Azog's throat. He reacted faster than she would have liked grabbing her by the hair he held her up with a triumphant laugh as she spit in his face with rage. Her weapon clattering to the ground as he shook her violently "paavheavic ukhe vok" he cackled slashing across her middle with his weaponized hand, the blade slicing through the leather jerkin and into her flesh, she roared in pain, her eyes blazing like the sun, she slashed with her free hand across his face, her elongated nails biting into his flesh as the other slashed through the golden strands cutting her free she fell to the ground. Azog roared in pain as blood pooled in his eyes, his gaze settled on the she dwarf that stood before the dwarf and the halfling.
He gave the command to attack when the other Dwarrow rushed forward, attacking his brethren with vigor renewed, pushing them back, he growled in outrage.
Riswynn shuddered her muscles spasming as she tried to remain upright, her warm blood trickling down her abdomen, she chuckled weakly to herself finding it funny she had been injured more on this quest than her entire life. She picked up her lost dagger and leapt into the battle, stabbing a Warg in between the eyes raising her head to watch in wonder as the great eagles swopped down and began throwing Warg off the cliffside, beating their massive wings to spread the fire. One swopped low picking her up in its clawed foot she was suddenly airborne sailing through the cool night air, she yelped as she was dropped her limbs flailing in terror before she landed on the feathered back of another eagle. She turned to look over her shoulder as her companions were picked up and transported in a similar fashion, her glowing eyes sought her leader, looking at his unconscious form she called out for him, throat thick with emotion when he did not answer.
She overcome with exhaustion and anguish slipped into darkness, unaware the company was flying through golden peaceful skies all eyes on Thorin, who did not move even when they landed on the Carrock, the massive birds gently placing each Dwarrow down before taking flight. Riswynn only stirred when the cool stone touched her cheek, cracking open a golden eye she watched as Gandalf hovered above Thorin, chanting quietly under his breath, until Thorin gasped a breath of life.
"The halfling" she heard him slur out as he was stood on his feet by Fili and Kili.
Gandalf smiled at Thorin "He's here and quite safe" he said gesturing to Bilbo who stood alone a sigh escaping his lips.
"You what were you doing, you nearly got yourself killed, did I not say that you would be a burden, that you would not survive in the wild, that you had no place among us, I have never been so wrong in all my life" Thorin said pulling Bilbo into an embrace, surprising the poor hobbit.
Riswynn coughed a smile on her face, glad that Thorin had finally accepted Bilbo into the company. She stood on shaking legs, one hand holding her abdomen the other brushing through her once long locks, frowning as the length was taken.
Thorin let Bilbo go with and bowed his head in forgiveness "I am sorry I ever doubted you"
Bilbo sniffed twitching his nose before turning to look over his shoulder at the wounded dam "I wasn't alone, Riswynn charged after you and I followed, she saved us Thorin, and oh my god you are hurt" he said rushing to her side, pulling her hand away as she hissed in pain blood trickling from between her fingers.
"Damn that pale orc" she wheezed out with a small chuckle.
"Azog did this" Thorin growled moving to her side.
"Aye, his beast tried to kill you while Bilbo attacked the orc and I stopped her, unfortunately I couldn't stop him from slicing me" she said with a weak smile.
"Thorin you should have seen her, roaring in his face, protecting you both like some kind of deranged mother bear, was magnificent" Kili chuckled, wheezing out a breath as Fili punched him in the gut.
"I'm glad you enjoyed the show lad" Riswynn smirked, yelping as Thorin grabbed her and smashed her against his chest, holding her in a fierce embrace, she blushed into his dark hair as the others rose their brows and pretended to look away.
"Thank you" he whispered into her hair, letting her go he rested his forehead against hers looking into her shining golden eyes.
She smiled at him as he let her go and sighed opening her mouth to reply when she caught sight of the magnificence that sat just beyond the horizon, the lonely mountain its peak a beacon calling them home.
Bilbo stood at her side a look of wonder on his face as he gaze out "Is that what I think it is" he whispered quietly.
She placed a hand on his shoulder and gave it a small squeeze "Erebor lad, the last great dwarven kingdom of middle earth"