For hours Thorin's cries echoed through the quiet, dark dungeons deep in Mirkwood. There was no inch of his body that wasn't torn open. The dwarf king was lying on the ground, no longer able to move. Now and then he slipped into a deep darkness, balancing on the edge between life and death. Then he became conscious again, to bear a torture he didn't even wish to happen to his worst enemy. He couldn't think anymore. The only sound he brought forth, was a reflex of his body, a cry of death to beg the elf king for mercy.
A name. All he had to say, was a name.
Maybe Thorin would have given in if he had been able to think, but the pain was so heavy, so intense he could do nothing but cry and scream in despair. His pride was abolished: he was lying on the ground like a beaten dog in de corner of a musty underground hole. He only wished these horrible tortures would come to an end. He longed for rest.
Sometimes he believed to see a luminous figure, a beautiful woman who would take him to his parents. Most of the time his vision was poor, but sometimes her contours were more clear and he thought to recognize Alyssae. He wished to hear her hushing voice, telling him he'd done everything he could. That he'd defended himself bravery. However, these were words she would never say. She believed he belonged in this dungeon. It had been her choice to bring him here.
"You think she hears you?" a sneering voice sounded.
Thorin couldn't even open his eyes anymore. Without seeing anything he raised his head, not knowing where the elf was. He'd probably called her name while crying.
"You think she cares about you?"
Because of his swollen throat Thorin wasn't able to answer. He touched around, looking for something that could help him holding off a next attack, but lamentation left his lips when something heavy crushed his fingers.
A door opened cracking.
"Thorin."
Her voice took away his breath. "Alys..."
"Haven't I warned you?" her dejected voice sounded. "Haven't I told you that you would become a terrible king?"
Somehow he managed to open his eyes. She looked beautiful, as she'd always done. The look in her eyes was full of disappointment and the sight of it broke his heart.
"I tried to protect you from this," she whispered. "I told you to let go of your anger, and now see what has happened? You're a danger for everyone."
Tears glittered in the corners of her eyes. He wanted to apologize ten thousand times, but no words came over his lips.
"I am sorry, Thorin. You're not destined to be a king, just as you're not destined to be my lover. I hoped for it, but it was nothing but an illusion. You can't keep yourself in control and you would break more hearts than just mine. Farewell, Thorin." She took a deep breath and cried softly, while she knelt beside him and kissed his lips for the last time. "I'd hoped to soften your heart, but I have to accept I can't change you." She turned towards the elf king. "Set him free from his suffering. He doesn't deserve this."
Thorin's lips were sealed. Full of torment he looked at the elf. He wanted to hold her hand. He wanted to die in her arms.
There were so many things he wanted to say, but the only thing his lips could bring forth, was a helpless cry when the hooks hit his skin again and dismantled him little by little. The pain burnt in every part of his body and seemed to take over his brain as well. He sighed deeply, ready to leave this world.