The crash of metal on stone rang through their ears like lightning. The company stilled, uncertain where it originated in fear of Smaug descending upon them any second. The toll quickly moderated, leaving the lot paralyzed with confusion and relief.
The dwarves turned in the direction of the fading noise as Bofur was tugged back a bit from a light pull on his cloak. His footing stumbled two strides then regained lost balance. Thorin stood firmly in place, unsure as to why his legs refused to budge when his eyes settled on the source of panic. Élarinya laid motionless on the step except for a few strands of hair ruffling in the wind. A small glint of panic seeped through him when he couldn't understand why he wasn't moving. Was it his duty as a rightful heir to the throne getting in the way? Did he somehow consider her a lesser being? Or was it the simple fact that he was afraid after the incident in Beorn's halls?
Her fall sparked worry and Oin was quick to act – digging through various supplies for anything that would be of use to him. The others didn't dare touch her as the healer mumbled to himself about possible diagnoses. Nothing of interest popped out. Squatting next to her, he examined her head first for any sign of possible swelling.
When he saw that there was no mark or bruising, Oin carefully lifted her head in his hands. His brow furrowed in concentration, even more careful not to strain her neck in case of an underlying cause.
"She should be taken inside." Bofur suggested, kneeling down to help. He too, visually examined her more closely and was ready to assist.
"Good idea," Dori gazed up towards the mountain's peak for hopefully the last time that day, "before the dragon finds out we're here."
Everyone awoke from their reveries and grabbed belongings to be carried inside the rock-chamber.
"Wait."
Oin paused as Bofur took hold of Éla's lower extremities before lifting her off the ground. Balin joined them from behind, having felt the need to stay with the female at least for the moment. Thorin waited until they were inside before following.
"Do you think she'll be alright?" Dwalin asked quietly as they paused near the entrance. Thorin didn't answer as they watched the dwarves take Éla around a corner to the back portion of the room. He was grateful to have Oin in times of need, but they were still far from being safe.
"I'm more concerned in knowing where Smaug ran off to."
A few heads turned at the mention of the dragon. Others were already flinging bed rolls on the ground and passing around snacks for those slightly ravenous, particularly Bombur who chewed on a whole biscuit.
Muffled voices echoed quietly in the air. Éla's head buzzed as she lifted her body with weak arms, only to collapse under the weight of the armor. Her eyes were barely open and she knew she had been moved judging from the dusted floor. At least they were safe in the mountain for the time being.
"Don't overdo it, lass."
Bofur took hold of her arm but she swatted his hand away in a feeble attempt to do it herself.
"I can-" Éla shifted her weight on her forearms, closing her eyes in one deep breath. "Get it off."
The request puzzled Bofur. Éla tilted her head to the side, her temple resting on the back of her hand as a dark room came into focus. She eyed a pair of feet that were positioned sideways near her head. How silly.
"The armor."
The feet turned then disappeared. Her mind wondered where it had gone, leaving her alone in the darkness. A faint glow cascaded monstrous shadows on the opposing wall, but she couldn't make out what they were. Her body was tired and overworked. The shadows reminded her of her dreams. It was a place she did not want to go back to.
Someone grabbed her waist and pulled her into a sitting position. The warmth from the ground disappeared and she protested the action with a barely audible groan.
"Her body's not made to support such weight."
"It's not that heavy."
"Well she hasn't eaten much in a few days."
"That's one possibility."
Internally, Éla grew irritated that they would discuss her dilemma without her own inclusion despite being present. Her thoughts shifted to the scraping metal against her under-armor. The sound screeched within her ears, involuntarily sending a chill down her spine. A pair of hands repositioned her arms horizontally one at a time as the chest piece was removed. All pressure lifted from her shoulders and Éla felt better. Muscles relaxed from their nonexistent strains and she shuddered a breath of relief.
"How many fingers do I have?"
Éla looked up to see Oin crouched in front of her with one hand held between them. The healer really didn't waste any time at all.
"Eight." She responded with the faintest trace of exhaustion. Oin pursed his lips in a fine line, not impressed.
Another set of legs came into focus.
"Is this necessary?"
Balin. He was such a dear friend, a kind soul to anyone deserving of his gallantry. It lightened her heart knowing they cared for each other in their own way.
"Yes." Oin wasn't in the mood to tolerate a debate on his practice. Éla blinked to clear her vision. With the armor removed she was feeling more like herself, and not as lightheaded. Oin held up his hand again, this time her sight was more focused.
"Now, how many fingers do I have?"
Éla couldn't help but feel the corners of her mouth curl. "Eight. You have eight fingers, two thumbs, but yes, you're holding up two fingers."
"Very well." Oin dropped his hand from her clever response. "No further treatment is required. Make sure you eat."
He went to his bag and shoved some biscuits and water into her lap. She laughed lightly by his demands, as did Balin and Bofur who sat next to her, only for Oin to point down accusingly.
"Eat."
Éla unwrapped a piece and began chewing on the tough wafer before the dwarf decided to scold her any further.
The sky was just beginning to darken when Balin rounded the corner with Oin. The healer joined his brother and Balin made way towards Thorin and Dwalin on the other side of the room. Both gazed upon him, wordlessly asking for an update on their female accomplice. Balin gave a slight nod as he settled next to them.
"She's awake." He continued to answer their silent questions, knowing Thorin wouldn't outright ask himself. There was a lot to worry about and Balin hoped to bring ease to this cessation. "None of us have been eating enough as of late, and her body could no longer carry the extra weight. In another day she'll be back up to speed."
Thorin stared out the doorway, watching the stars pop out like bright diamonds found in the caverns below. It was only a matter of time until Smaug returned to check on his forgotten hoard of gold. It truly was a remarkable feat to have gone all day without incident or any sign of the dragon as they traveled to the watch tower.
Dwalin lit his pipe once Balin retired for the night and offered to light his friend's, to which Thorin accepted. The two sat in the company of the other quietly. The others either did the same, or were passed out on their bed rolls from the day's long journey.
At the first sign of sunlight Éla stirred from sleep, feeling somewhat refreshed for the first time in many nights. Without the body armor, she was able to move around at will. Sitting up, she stretched her arms over her head, momentarily enjoying the minor tension before releasing her tired muscles. She peeked her head around the corner, finally having a chance to take in the surrounding area for the first time.
Everyone remained asleep except Fili, who was presumably on watch, Dwalin and Bilbo, who stared at the ground between his feet. Like the others, the room was a new place she previously didn't have access to when Erebor had once prospered. The debris was minimal and the roof still remained intact.
Éla silently made way towards the door, deciding on some fresh air. Fili returned a small smile upon seeing the female as she walked past. Bilbo appeared distraught but his face lit up marginally, and he rose to his feet to follow her outside.
The golden rays of the Sun were just beginning to protrude over the mountain. The air remained chilled with the onset of winter approaching very soon. Éla breathed in the sweet, bitter scent as it filled her lungs.
"I take it Smaug never returned?"
Bilbo shook his head cautiously. "No. None of the others understand why. I don't even understand it."
"Perhaps he gave up searching for us," she said wittily, "or grew tired of lounging around after so many years."
Bilbo stared up at her wide-eyed, amused by her fabrication. "You're in a funny mood this morning."
She shrugged it off. "If this is to be our last day when the dragon returns, I'd rather die knowing I made at least one person smile."
"That's a noble goal." A faint smile plastered over the Hobbit's face.
"See?" Éla had succeeded.
The two friends gazed out across the valley, both noticing an abundance of birds gathering towards the mountain. Bilbo pointed out a little ways ahead. "There's that old thrush again!"
"Amazing." Éla whispered in awe. "It actually survived the attack."
"I have no doubt the snails didn't make it."
The thrush flew with great speed, as fast as its wings would allow. Flapping its wings wildly, it landed on a nearby stone and began chirping. Balin and Fili were first to come out from the sounds of the flocks circling the area.
"What seems to be the ruckus out here?" Balin stepped towards the thrush. The small bird waited, then chirped again in what would be deemed as excitement. "I believe he's trying to tell us something. If only he were a raven – they had a respectable friendship with the people of Thror, often bringing news and secrets."
Before Balin could finish, the thrush took off and Bilbo's head fell in disappointment. The other dwarves piled outside, observing the many birds flying about who should have migrated to the south some time ago. Sometime later, a peculiar occurrence unfolded as the company watched with eager eyes as the fluttering of wings returned.
This week was unusual, quite busy, and the upload purposefully withheld for several reasons. I would've updated sooner if it hadn't been for a couple private messages that threw me for a redundant loop, and recently catching a bug that's been going around. I needed time to gather thoughts. I miss reading all the reviews, but if you have nothing to say then there's nothing to say. No worries! (Like any author, I enjoy reading feedback and anything that'd help me improve with my writing.) :)
There's been a couple subtle hints the past few chapters – you'll catch on sooner than later if you haven't already.
I saw the new Hobbit trailer though… and wow. Next update should resume on scheduled weekends ;)