Bombur was awakened by his screaming stomach, as happened almost every morning. The sweet memories of his dreams still made his mouth water, which had taken him to a world where everything had been better than here.
He came upright and wandered along the path, hoping to see something edible that he could prepare for the group, but just like the days before he saw nothing but dead leaves and shrubs. Now and then eyes lit up in the darkness, but they were so terrifying he didn't even think about getting closer.
A little staggered he turned back to the others. Gloin had opened the ration, which meant they only had food for just a few more days. Of course there were less mouth to feed now Bifur…
The tears appeared in his eyes when he thought about his cousin and he was ashamed of his reasoning. He would yield his food for a whole week if it would bring his cousin back to life – or if it would awaken Dwalin and Alyssae.
With a sigh he took a tough cake from Gloin, in which he set his teeth. While his molars grinded the cake to crumbs, he wondered how long their sleeping companions would last without food and drink. They needed to find the elves as soon as possible.
When they had all eaten, Bombur walked to Alyssae, It was his turn to carry the slim elf girl. He was filled by grief to see her lying so quietly and deathlike on the ground. Although he'd resolved to stop crying earlier today, a tear already itched in the corner of his eye. He sighed, but straightened his shoulders and lifted her up. Although she was quite taller than he, she weighted less than he, and Bombur could carry her a while without help from the others.
While he followed the others, he rocked her in his arms.
'It is gonna be okay,' he whispered to the girl. Usually he didn't like to talk much, but he had always enjoyed conversations with Alyssae. When he had looked into her eyes, he always got the feeling she was truly interested in him and she was not afraid of his dimensions, as most women he met had done – which were not much. The dwarf race was gifted with much more men than women, probably the reason only Gloin had found a life companion.
'I believe it will not take long before we find the elves. They will heal Dwalin and you.'
Softly speaking to her he moved along. He was surprised his brother made no wry remarks about the fact he was whispering words to somebody who could not hear him. Or could she be hearing him? Believing there was a little chance he continued his monologue until his arms could no longer carry her and Kili and Ori took her over.
A little crestfallen Bombur strolled after the others, his thoughts were weary now he no longer could talk to Alyssae. His attention for the surroundings slipped away.
'Be alert.'
Thorin poked him and Bombur nodded obediently, although he knew for sure others would signal alarming signs before he did.
That thought was confirmed when somebody suddenly started to cry for help. Thorin and Bombur turned their heads at the same time. Kili and Ori had put Alyssae at the ground.
'She is bleeding!'
Bombur walked at a trot to the unconscious elf, but Thorin reached her much sooner.
'What happened?'
'I don't know,' Ori answered concerned, 'but my arm is soaked.'
Bombur's stomach turned over by hearing his words. Thorin and Oin bowed over Alyssae, looking for a wound that had reopened.
A bit nervous he stood besides Kili, who stared with bewildered eyes to the girl. It was clear he was afraid something was terribly wrong.
'Is Dwalin all right?' Bombur asked softly, after which two others started to examine Dwalin's body. Maybe it was caused by the water!
'As far as I can feel, there seems to be no problem,' Balin answered, who had touched the body of his brother quickly.
Bombur looked hesitating at Alyssae. From top to toe she was covered by clotted blood, by which it was hard to discover the bleeding source.
'Somewhere here.' Oin glided with his hands over her knees, but the rest was taken from sight by Alyssae's dress. It was clear the dwarf didn't dare to go further above.