The warg had lunged, a snarling growl ushering forth as it had bared its fanged teeth at the female. She had huddled to the ground in a frozen state, awaiting the attack that would come barreling down on her. It was one that never came.
Death had tricked her under such immense weight. Now she had one of few luxuries to feel something soft beneath her, even if it were only to last a short while.
"Why won't it stop?!"
She stirred, trying to wake up.
"Éla? Éla?!"
"She's losing consciousness again."
It felt like her insides were being ripped out, set on fire, torn apart by single strands of flesh. What were they doing to cause her so much pain? She wanted to scream at the top of her lungs yet she couldn't remember how. A heavy weight rested above her chest, making it difficult to breathe. Exasperated breaths had even become arduous to the point of failing.
Something was holding her back, but what?
The night was crisp and clear. Eager faces waited outside a curtained door, huddled in a close circle as elves and men bypassed the quiet corner to bring aide to wounded kin throughout the camp. Dain's heavy strides alerted the bowman, hobbit, and wizard, while the Elvenking's gaze remained at his feet in quiet solitude. He had just returned from a short visit with his incapacitated cousin, or lack thereof. Bilbo sunk into himself as the dwarf lord halted in his steps and frowned upon the wizard with beady, dark eyes. He did not care much for this dwarf in particular, and would much rather deal with the company of Thorin and his companions.
A slight turn to the right, and Dwalin was seen marching slowly towards them as if to keep his presence unknown to the other dwarf. Balin took notice and the two exchange a silent understanding that their lord was refused admittance to the King under the Mountain. Again.
"Where did you find her?" Dain demanded. Bilbo thought he resembled that of a kettle of boiling hot water with steam escaping through his nose and ears. The image fabricated within his mind tugged at the corners of his mouth and put him to ease.
Gandalf addressed Dain with as much respect as he was willing to receive. They had been guarding the entrance to the building for quite some time. It began with Balin, then another member of the company would join in the wait. Not too long ago, Bard and the Elvenking took interest in the particular room that occupied three dwarves.
They were situated within a guard's tower on the edge of Dale overlooking camp.
"Élarinya was found conscious and alert, although a bit delusional by the wood elves' standards." Gandalf pointed out.
"She's lucky she survived, if only for a while longer." Dain said distastefully. He didn't understand what all the fuss was over her. The more he thought about it, the more it numbed his head. Gazed looked upon him with keen eyes.
"Are her wounds that severe?" Bilbo asked, straightening from worry, his question innocent and sincere.
Balin spoke next, shattering his silence within itself, "no lad. The healers are still tending to her, but they believe a full recovery shall be our dear friend's fate."
"Pity such plaits would be wasted." The Elvenking stood and quietly took his leave. Balin caught the glimmer in his eye, satisfied that the dwarven race becomes so easily zealous over small things.
"What plaits?" Dain asked, threatening eyes hopping from one body to the next.
"Isn't she Thorin's..." Bilbo trailed off when Balin flashed a warning not to divulge unnecessary information. It was proving a touchy subject to bring forth.
"There has been much talk and concern over this female." The dwarf lord turned on Balin, then the hobbit. "She's what, exactly?"
"Élarinya was part of our company." Balin said cautiously. "It would be a relief for the younger ones if we refrain from raising our voices." He faced the fabric hanging from the door, concealing the heirs within. Hopefully none were awake.
"Was?" Dain repeated with a questioning raise of a brow, face taut from increased annoyance.
Apprehension overtook Balin as all eyes were on him. "Éla is…"
Éla fell into a deep rest once she was brought back, tousled strands of hair now flayed around her shoulders. While most were hidden beneath her head, Dain could indeed make out several pieces to a more complex braid forming a halo hidden from view.
His complexion soured as he quickly turned and stormed out of the room, leaving the company's healer and Balin to keep watch once more. Both were surprised when they heard shuffling come from the cot.
"Éla?"
"The pain…I…" Oin rushed back to her side as her breathing became heavy and ragged, watching her as she struggled to stay awake.
Oin grabbed a water skin and lifted her head with one arm, enough for her to take a drink. "Here, drink this."
Éla raised her head shakily, fire burning through her body. She was thankful for the healer's support as she brought her lips to the rim of the concoction and took a sip. "W-what is it?"
"A sleeping drought. It should help."
Balin observed Éla's body relax, saddened by her physical state as the liquid worked its magic and laid her to rest. He hoped she would awaken again soon, for there were matters that needed her attention with regards to their king. He only held so much power and word will quickly travel across the lands to the seven dwarf kingdoms.
Balin took a seat between the bed and entrance. He raked over her form covered with a thin blanket before settling on her face. Hours of silent prayers finally paid off. The line of Durin would prevail; not all will succumb to their wounds.
"Curse the makers of this earth."
Oin grumbled and rushed back to the female's side, nearly toppling Balin off his seat.
"What's the matter?" Oin needn't respond as they saw crimson red seep through the blanket covering the female. The healer cursed under his breath and flung the cover off, forming a pile at the end of the cot. Balin's face went grey at the amount of blood escaping their companion. "Send for the others!"
The old dwarf didn't have to, for two more dwarven healers hurried to Oin's aide. Balin moved to the other end of the room, sitting himself down once again as he watched at a distance. His bones ached and he grew tired, but his duty to protect remained priority. Closing his eyes for a moment, he whispered in reassurance that all would be well.
Fabric rustled in the wind as the wizard entered minutes later. Gandalf was relieved and disappointed that their patient remained unconscious. He positioned himself next to her immobile form, from what Balin could see, and hovered a steady hand over her body. He paused above her core.
Concentration pinpointed the root of the problem.
Grey eyes flung open in the dim candle light to eager dwarves awaiting an answer. Without a word, the wizard vacated the healing room as if in search for someone in particular. Balin went over to the doorway to see Gandalf speaking with Bard and the Elvenking. Dain had kept his distance from the leaders, staying as close to entering as he could with Dwalin's interference.
To the dwarf lord's distaste, Thranduil followed Gandalf back into the stone room to where Éla lay.
"I think it's best that everyone leave except for Oin and Balin." Gandalf mentioned sympathetically.
"Balin?"
A small voice crept through the distilled atmosphere as quiet murmurs replaced the ill tranquility. Fili had propped himself up on an elbow in bed. The young heir glanced across the room to the three individuals busy at work. Balin walked over to the prince's side as Gandalf and Thranduil busied themselves with an ailing Éla.
"What's going on?" His voice remained quiet, almost a whisper so as not to be heard.
Balin leaned back into a chair. "I'm afraid I don't know, laddie."
The two watched as the Elvenking performed a similar gesture as the wizard had moments ago, examining the female dwarf's energy with simple strokes of his hands. After a few seconds he pulled away, sorrow and empathy spreading across his ageless features. "It appears she-"
He paused, settling on a nonverbal, mutual consensus with the wizard.
"We can only let nature take its course." Thranduil advised before standing at full height. "No magic will heal these wounds."
Balin patted Fili on the shoulder, careful not to cause further harm to his wounds. "Rest laddie."
"What of Éla?" The old dwarf could see the concern which plagued him. "Will she be alright?"
"In due time." Balin allowed Fili to slink back under the covers before taking his leave and following after the wizard and Elvenking outside.
What a wait for this update, eh? Doctor's orders to take typing 'easy'. I think I went against that tonight, but at least you get a mid-week update! I'll try and get back into a regular schedule once the stiffness in my wrist goes down.
Thanks as always for reading/reviewing!