Thranduil had slain many orcs, while commanding her towards Dale. They had also rescued many of his elves who had become cornered or were under attack by many at once.
At one point they had come face to face with a troll who had attempted to grab her, when Daer had gored the witless creature with its enormous antlers. Until then she had believed the elk was amongst the most beautiful things she had ever seen.
Soon they could see Dale.
Goblins were pouring into the town through a breach in one of the walls, and along the great bridge road.
Daer, halted as he looked across the road filled with goblins. It pawed the ground nervously and snorted.
Behind them was Thranduils Elven army.
"We need to clear the bridge," Thranduil commanded impatiently. "Come now. Drive forward. Daer will know what to do."
Heart racing, she looked ahead. Their arrival hadn't gone unnoticed, as the goblins on the bridge road turned to face them.
"Forward!" Thranduil urged with his legs, and the Elk suddenly snorted, lowering its head and beginning his charge.
She could see the goblins running at them, once again Thranduil's long swords slicing off limbs and heads such that she couldn't dare look.
And Daer had proved to be particularly vicious, goring and driving yet more goblins off the bridge.
But far ahead she could see archers and presumably, an ambush group laying in wait beyond the entrance!
There was little time.
"Archers! Ahead! Archers!" She shouted looking back at the elven king briefly.
"We must clear the way!" He shouted back firmly. "Lower your head but don't stop!"
Her heart raced at the thought that the great elk she rode on, so majestic, strong and brave would be felled.
Looking around her she spotted more goblins approaching. They were heavily armoured.
Her heart pounded, as she tried to think quickly.
Carefully she wrapped her right leg into the saddle straps, and the reins around her left wrist and arm.
This time when Daer gored several more goblins in his great antlers and lifted them clean off the ground continuing his gallop, she leant forward and grabbed two of their shields.
"What are you doing?!" Thranduil shouted at her.
"Protecting Daer!"
They were almost at the entrance. She could see the crossbows aimed, and the steep precipice either side of the bridge. If she fell she would be dead before long. But this was her only chance.
Balancing carefully, she first wrapped one of the shields around her own neck and then leant forward, wrapping the second shield around the elks neck.
Finally, hugging his neck, she leant her head onto the great Elk's head so that the shield around her own neck would cover his head.
The beast had the softest fur against her cheek, in stark contrast to what they would soon face.
Holding the shields in place and balancing precariously, they galloped on into Dale.
"Stop!" Thranduil commanded, jumping off the elk, and landing in front, as a group of goblins surrounded him.
But with a few effortless and graceful movements he had dispatched the entire group!
More elven warriors then flooded in past her on the elk as the two of them stood there panting and catching their breath.
Slowly, she sat back down letting go of the shields, which fell to the ground with a clatter.
"I did not know you were such a brilliant rider, my dear!" A familiar voice surprised her.
She jumped in her saddle as the tall grey wizard approached her carefully, with Bilbo following. The hobbit wore an expression of clear shock.
"I...had to learn fast during my journey here..." She blushed as she recalled the number of times she had nearly fallen off her horse.
"But you are a handsome and brave lord of the forest aren't you?" She gently brushed the elk's neck. The great beast appeared to understand what she wished for and knelt down carefully on its front legs, to allow her to dismount, before standing once more. She held the reins, brushing it's soft, silvery white coat with her hand. "How bad is it?"
"Well, the people of Dale are fighting the goblins off...but the dwarves and elves have suffered great losses at the foothills..." Gandalf glanced at her worried.
She wanted to fall to the ground on despair as she thought of her brother and his men amongst them.
"Is there nothing you can do, Gandalf?"
"I have asked for help...we shall have to wait and see whether they may arrive..." Gandalf looked worried, when the sound of a large horn appeared to shake the very city of Dale. "It will be of little help when Thorin sits in his mountain doing nothing..."
They all rushed over to a large breach on one of the walls nearby to see what was happening.
She was the last to join as she coaxed the elk along with her, half terrified of what more she would see.
Suddenly the large bell in Erebor sounded, and they could hear his cry all the way there within the city walls!
"It's Thorin!" Bilbo shouted triumphantly. "He's making a charge! And look at the others!"
"They are rallying to their King!" Gandalf smiled proudly peering out above him. "Your brother is among them, my dear! I see him well!"
"Where?!" Her heart leapt for joy and she suddenly fought past the wizard and hobbit for a better look.
The wizard was right!
She recognised her husbands frame well, even in his armour as he headed a charge on foot!
And there flanking the group, in his black armour, and still on his Akhal Stallion, that shimmered like metal was Arvind, a true Prince of Rhun. And beside him, still hanging on despite his age, and charging with the standard of his own house, now fallen, was none other than Shah Aman!
The group of warriors clashed with the on coming goblins, trolls and wolves like two angry waves.
And she could no longer watch.
Turning away she suddenly saw the bodies of the dead strewn across the ground - goblins, some men and even a few wolves!
"All these poor souls..." She looked at the wizard in despair. "Did we ever have a chance of sparing any of this bloodshed...?"
Gandalf sighed, choosing to stay silent.
"What if I had refused Thorins proposal?" She wondered. "Then he would have little choice but to abandon his plans to reclaim Erebor, without an army, would he not?"
"And perhaps worse eyes would have looked upon the mountain and the dragon..." Gandalf warned her.
"Sauron..?" She frowned. "What do you mean? Like Ancalogon..?"
Gandalf continued to watch the battle rage on in the foothills of the Lonely Mountain in silence. He did not wish to look at her, for she had an unearthly ability to coerce the unpleasant truth.
"Gandalf speak?! Please?! You have sacrificed many lives in this union you have made for us!" She pressed him. "I should like to know what it is that you see? This is more than merely helping the dwarves reclaim their home!"
Suddenly Bilbo frowned looking up at the wizard himself. It was like a torch had been lit behind his eyes, as some sort of realisation occurred. And then he felt stupid for not having considered such a scheme himself.
"Is this true Gandalf...?" Bilbo huffed angrily. "You...this marriage...has clearly caused the Princess some great distress...I mean Thorin has been vile of late! The Princess deserves better... And...even I have been roped into this...so we need not be spared the truth...!"
"You two meddle too much for your own good!" Gandalf muttered. "Of course it is important. Why do you think there is a price upon Thorins head? He is the true heir here! And yes - a shadow spreads from Mordor! It gathers force with every passing day..."
"But it has been years since the last battle..."
"No. There are more of those who would worship the dark lord! Who offer up tribute! Your father has been having trouble holding off many challenges to his Kingdom by Saurons followers!" Gandalf replied sternly to her. "Do not think that I have come to these conclusions so lightly!"
She frowned thinking.
"So if Erebor fell, then there would be little to hold back the armies of Gundabad and Mordor from joining to march upon most of these lands...?" She suggested.
"That and a fire drake as an ally would provide a great advantage for any form of army..." Gandalf finally admitted.
"Well, I hope you are happy with this trade off of our lives in order to vanquish the dragon!" She grumbled, recalling Smaug.
"You are a silly little girl to take pity upon such a beast. Do not think I have not heard of how to attempted to reason with it..." He chastised her. "Smaug is not some beast for you to tame like your jaguar! Even if you were led to believe otherwise when in his thrall!"
She fell silent at that, recalling the great dragons threats on how he would return to capture her, laying waste to the lands as he did!
"What are you doing?!" The angry words of the Elven King made her turn back to find he had returned looking for her. "And why are you standing there?! It is still not safe here for you!"
"She is quite safe in my presence, my friend..." Gandalf commented wryly.
"I think it is best for the Princess to return to my halls, where she may stay until it is safe..." Thranduil explained. "I have guards there...and you will be well looked after...perhaps the halfling might accompany you?"
Bilbo looked at Thranduil sceptically, given the treatment he had offered to the dwarves.
"There will be no dungeons this time, master Hobbit," Thranduil added for reassurance. "You have my word."
"In that case, I can agree to that." Bilbo nodded.
"No...not with everyone fighting -" she looked to Gandalf hoping he would agree, but the old wizard was not entirely agreeable to this either.
"Perhaps, King Thranduil is right. It would be safer..." Gandalf hesitated still deep in thought.
"There are too many losses, we will need to start retreating..." Thranduil explained to Gandalf.
"Gandalf look! Thorin is leaving the valley..." Bilbo suddenly interrupted them all from the vantage point.
The wizard peered out of the large breach in the wall again.
"Yes, and he is taking Fili, Kili, Balin and Dwalin with him..." Gandalf added. "To Ravenhill...They are going to take on Azog..."
"Ada!"
She spotted the tall, pale haired young elf Prince she had met in Laketown rushing towards them. And he was followed closely by the red haired elleth, Tauriel!
"Legolas?" Thranduil looked relieved for a moment as he assessed his son.
"There is a second army of goblins marching from Gundabad, and it will be upon the mountain soon!" Legolas revealed.
"They intend to flank the mountain, Sire. And can be cut off along the pass if we hurry now-" Tauriel added with a bow.
"We have suffered too many losses as it is. I will not spare any more of my people." Thranduil replied coldly to them both. "We do what we can to help Bard and then will fall back..."
"I will not leave! If they capture Erebor, Greenwood will soon follow!" Tauriel protested.
"Do not be foolish! You followed the dwarves from your own lands chasing some folly!" Thranduil snarled at her. "Legolas return to your halls. we must secure our borders once more."
He turned to leave before glancing at Shobha one last time.
"My advice to you stands. You will find a home in my halls. Unconditionally." He turned to join his warriors and added one last warning to her. "Unless you plan to travel to Greenwood, do not leave Dale without me, Princess. You are unarmed. It is not safe."
"Gandalf, please tell me you have some sort of plan to help?" She looked at the old wizard desperately.
"Why bring in a second army?" Bilbo frowned at her. "It seems unnecessary..."
"Because they plan to kill everyone here." She glanced at the battlefield speaking almost detached at the horror of the realisation. "Dain and Arvind are there and now Thorin has been drawn out to Ravenhill... It may be a..."
"Trap!" Bilbo finished for her looking worried as if he could now read her thoughts exactly. "It is too dangerous for you, my lady... I mean... What if... You are...with child..."
"I have to warn Thorin!" She looked around determined. The journey to Ravenhill was relatively clear, and away from where everyone fought on. Even if Thorin had been vile of late, she was certain her fate might be worse if he or his nephews were to die today.
"How will you travel there?" Gandalf questioned. "It is too dangerous. You have no armour or weapons..."
And then Daer slowly stepped towards her and nibbled her shoulder gently.
"My handsome King of the forest, I can't ask you to risk yourself..."she reached up and stroked his head.
But the giant elk then nudged her back with his head forcefully and taking another step, knelt down to allow her to climb on.
"Then I am going with you!" Bilbo added.
"Thank you, my dear Bilbo..." She said climbing on and beckoning o to the hobbit. "There you go Gandalf. I have my protector."
"Stay out of sight and return straight back once you have let him know." Gandalf warned them both. "Thranduil was right in his desire to keep you safe in Greenwood."
Like the wizard always did, he had clearly come to some sort of conclusion regarding her fate. And whether good or bad, he had no intention of telling her. She made a note to probe him later, but she was certain that he would likely remain evasive about the whole matter.
The elk was now standing up with the two on them in its saddle. And starting to trot back out of Dale and towards the keep at Ravenhill.
They were quick taking the rockier paths up, which were easy for the elk but too hard for goblins or wolves to travel. Bilbo clung on to her, shutting his eyes tight on several occasions and glad of her lead.
As they approached higher they could see the strange sails, being used to signal the army.
"Are those sails made of some form of hide...?" Bilbo asked squinting up.
She took one glance and looked away out of the horror of the realisation she had come to.
"That is not animal hide." She whispered back feeling sick to the stomach by it.
Bilbo drew in a sharp breath as he too realised what she meant, when his blade began to glow.
"In coming..." He whispered silently unsheathing it.
Several goblins jumped out at them, but Daer was quick to charge and gore them with his large antlers. Bilbo too struck several down with his sword.
But it didn't end, further goblins came streaming out from hiding places along the hillside.
And it looked as though they would have been overpowered when a terrifying growl pierced the air.
"What...what...is that..?" Bilbo whispered nervously as the goblins all stopped in their tracks looking around. "That is no Warg..."
In that brief moment, while the goblins were distracted, she charged Daer ahead, he swung his antlers back and forth throwing more that stood in their way off the mountainside.
"No, my dear Bilbo!" She beamed kicking several goblins they passed out of the way. "That is -"
Before she could finish, a large wild beast in a pale white spotted coat had jumped out, viciously attacking several goblins at once like they were nothing but ragdolls!
"Rajah!" She cried out in delight.
Having seen wargs up close now, it was clearly evident that her Rajah was much larger!
"Well...I have never been happier to see your beast, my lady," Bilbo sighed in relief. "But I shall certainly decline joining you when you visit to feed him next time!"
She chuckled, slowly lowering herself down from the elk as the jaguar padded over to her quite happily.
"Oh my Rajah! How on earth did you get out?!" She wagged her finger at it, as it slunk near to her and wrapped itself around her legs, like a very oddly large and ferocious looking cat! "It's dangerous out here...and look at you now Rajah! Your beautiful fur is covered in blood -"
"I think that is hardly his worry, my Lady." Bilbo remarked. "And I wouldn't say it was too dangerous for...a vicious thing like that..."
"Don't worry about grumpy old Uncle Bilbo...he found riding on Daer here too scary...so he's got his knickers in a twist..." She carried on stroking the jaguar, ignoring Bilbo as he sat nervously on the Elk.
"Princess!" A familiar voice called out, but Rajah immediately turned to face the new arrival of Dwalin with a ferocious growl.
"Stop that Rajah! It's just Dwalin!" She chastised the beast, who was still not quite ready to stand down yet as it crouched low in front of her ready to pounce.
But Thorin had followed Dwalin now and looked ragingly mad at her arrival.
"It's a trap! You need to leave here right now!" She cried out at them urgently without giving either dwarf a chance to speak. "There is another army of goblins marching from the north! Get Fili and Kili out of there!"
"What are you doing here?!" Thorin barked at her angrily, storming over. "Decided to betray your elf too did you, my little strumpet?"
He came to stand close in front of her, only regretting how tall she was. If she had been a dam he would be towering over now in a very imposing manner, but this girl was simply too tall for him.
"I came here to warn you!" She huffed back at him. "None of this would have happened if you had just paid the men of Laketown, and returned the necklace to Thranduil!"
"Is he your lover then?" He tried to keep his tone as disinterested as he could. "None of this would have happened if you had just LISTENED to ME and done as you were told!"
"I should slap you for how you have treated me..." She scoffed at his behaviour. But instead of shouting at her angrily, he leant in closer. Close enough to kiss her.
"And I should tie you to my bed, and have my way with you, exactly as I please..." He lowered his voice still and whispered in her ear. "And I shall keep you naked and tied up for the next month.."
His words, the tone of his voice and his proximity filled her stomach with butterflies, and made her heart race. She blushed at how mad she felt by it.
"But I recall you cannot tie me to the bed if you wish me to do what we did last time...which you claimed to rather like..." She whispered back, watching his eyes widen in surprise at her boldness.
He looked at her torn between the anger he felt at her decision to negotiate in secret with the elves, and his desire to have her. After all, it was the reason he had finally joined the fray - to reclaim his wife - and then give her delicious behind a thorough spanking before he had his way with her.
"I must go and help Fili and Kili." He finally stated.
She wanted to ask him to be careful, but he had already turned away to leave, when he turned back to face her.
"Where do you think you are going?" He growled at her, grabbing her wrist.
"I am safe with Bilbo and Rajah."
"I have no intention of letting you go running back to that elf!" He pulled her along. "Dwalin! I need cover -"
"Wait! I need to help Bilbo down-" she looked back over her shoulder.
"Hurry then!" Thorin barked letting her go.
She was quick, rushing back to the great elk.
"Well, my lovely Daer, let me lighten your load..." She stroked his nose and then its neck, as the beast nuzzled her gently, before slowly lowering to allow Bilbo off. "And you are free to return to the woodland, to be safe."
The elk remained there pawing the at the ground and refusing to leave.
"Come now, I am certain we will see each other again soon..." She stroked it again and wrapped her arms around its neck, pressing her cheek to it's soft fur. "I have to go before I land in more trouble. But be safe for me..."
The elk seemed to understand and nuzzled her head again before she turned to find Thorin pulling her along again.
"You and your animals..." Thorin muttered as he led the way, pulling her along by the wrist.
After a little while further, he paused, glancing back at Dwalin. It was as though they could read each others mind, because Dwalin nodded back silently and moved to flank her and Bilbo.
They moved quickly to hide behind a large rocky outcrop.
"This is the frozen river - the ice may break at any time. But the caves around Ravenhill are more dangerous - so you are safest here." Thorin warned her, whispering while watching her face to see how much she was taking in. "Dwalin and I need to find Fili and Kili, so we need you both to stay here..."
"Bofur and Balin are not far behind." Dwalin agreed. "Just donnae make a noise and no one will see ye."
"Wait Thorin!" She called as they set off. When he turned to frown at her angrily. "Be careful..."
There was every chance that at the end of this she may have lost both her brother and her husband.
"Aye woman." He whispered back before hurrying up into the ruins of the old keep built on Ravenhill.
"Dwarf scum!"
A shout came from somewhere above.
Bilbo and Shobha both looked up to spot a large orc with scars across his face dragging Fili out to the edge of a rocky ledge.
"Here is your filthy bloodline!" It held Fili up by his armour, and while it pointed with the stump of its other arm, which had a terrible blade emerging from it.
"That is Azog -" Bilbo whispered only to find that she was no longer beside him.
Suddenly out of the blue a large stone came hurtling towards the orc, knocking it squarely in its head.
The stone was in no way large enough to cause any injury, but appeared to take it by surprise. He suddenly let go of Fili who ran at the next orc, knocking him down and grabbing it's sword.
Another stone landed on the orc, this time in the face, making him growl angrily in some horrid language and look around carefully. But it was followed by several more which hit him again and again before he could truly find the culprit.
Suddenly he turned and swung his sword at Fili, the blade plunging into the young dwarfs side, and pushed him off the ledge with his leg.
"I shall deal with you soon! You easterling bitch! There is only one good use for women of your kind - and that is on your knees or your back!" The orc pointed with his bladed arm at where she stood by the stones down below. "I will kill your brother first, and then I will mount your pretty hide onto my sails once I am through with you!"
She scurried down the steps looking desperately for where Fili had fallen.
"Fili!" She whispered harshly hoping for a reply. "Fili?"
But no reply came. A sickness was building inside her stomach at the thought of what might have happened to the young dwarf.
A fine mist still hung in the air, while she could hear the eerie shouts, and the clatter of the fighting in the valley far below. It was a strange silence.
Stumbling and scurrying around, she finally found him. He lay there as if he were dead.
Quickly she touched his face.
"Please...Fili...open your eyes for me..." She begged.
"You were meant to stay hidden!" Bilbo hissed at her angrily as he joined her.
"And let him die?" She was struggling to unbutton his armour, while blood oozed from his side. Her hands were frozen for having touched those freezing stones, but she had never been more grateful for the hours of throwing stones she had spent with the orphans back home.
"Here. Let me..." Bilbo took over loosening the buckles and straps feeling sorry for her. "They know where we are, so we must hurry..."
"Bilbo, please, I need you to tear my petticoat." She blushed lifting her skirts to offer up the soft material beneath. "My hands are frozen stiff from the stones..."
"Here..." Bilbo tore off a piece, which she quickly pressed into the wound on his side.
The pain made Fili groan.
"Not again!" Bilbo sighed, watching his blade glow. He stood and turned to look around, when several orcs moved towards him. "Stay back or I shall cut you!"
Suddenly as one orc lunged forward the other fell and behind stood Bofur, his hat rather askew and covered in mud and blood.
"At your service, mi lady," he bowed and beamed. "Master Baggins!"
"More! Behind master Bofur!" She warned in time then she turned to look at Fili, who was slowly opening his eyes. "Oh gods! Fili! You are hurt... Can you hear me...?"
He looked at her dazed and she pressed the cloth further into his side making him groan again.
The sound of metal clashing filled her ears as Tauriel had joined in very efficiently dispatching several more orcs.
"Kili is up there!" Shobha cried out to the red haired elleth, who seemed to understand. She watched as the elf fought her way through.
Bilbo shouted again to alert them. But this time a menacing growl, followed by a horrid crunch made her turn to spot Rajah mauling an orc that had pinned down the hobbit! The jaguar viciously shook the creature like stick before tossing it aside. The pale fur on his face was now smeared with black blood.
Rajah was quick to come padding over looking rather pleased with himself.
"My lovely friend..." She stroked him as he came to stand beside her.
"Lassie!" Balin had joined them now. "What are you doing? You are open to attack here -"
His words were cut short when he saw her seated beside Fili.
"He is still alive, barely, but my brother's healer will be able to help!"
"We must get him back..." Balin looked at her worried. "Where is Thorin?"
"He went into the ruined keep to find Fili and Kili..." She grew quiet, her gaze fixing somewhere across the ice and her face displaying clear terror.
"Lassie..." Balin followed her gaze to spot Thorin facing the giant pale orc.
And to their horror he had fallen onto his back far off on the ice, as the orc aimed his blade down towards Thorins chest, with only Thorins sword between them.
Shobha grabbed Balins arm, watching on out of fear, when above enormous birds glided over.
It distracted them all, and the orc appeared to force his blade closer to Thorins chest. It lowered it's voice and appeared to say something to Thorin, who glaced over at her momentarily.
Then slowly he moved his blade out, and just as the orc pushed his blade into Thorin's chest, a loud growl distracted them both.
Apparently out of nowhere, Rajah had leapt out at the orc! There was little the large orc could do as the jaguar had clamped it's jaws around his throat. All that Azog could do now was to flail as he attempted to breath.
Thorin was quick on his feet. He approached the orc with caution, fearful of the jaguar himself. But Rajah was quick to tear away his throat. The large orc grasped at what could only be described as a whole in his neck. It was in vain, as dark blood gushed out while he gurgled. Rajah growled at Thorin, still focussed on the large orc.
"I am no threat to you, my friend..." Thorin offered, with his hands out. "I do not think you wish to eat him either. I cannot believe he tastes very good..."
Rajah growled at the orc, who attempted to lash out again, at the beast, who lunged back and bit his bladed arm.
"Rajah! Go to your mistress! She needs you to guard her!" Thorin commanded sternly.
And Rajah finally let go, backing away before turning back towards her.
Thorin stood there looking at the orc again for a moment before finally walking over and plunging his large blade firmly into its chest, and watching the last of his life ebb away from his eyes.
Finally Thorin turned towards where she knelt by his sister's son, making his way over careful not to reveal any pain.
He was hurt. Very badly so. But he did not wish for her to worry.
He stepped closer and paused to look down at the valley below. Each breath he took was painful, but he could see from the quiet up here, the eagles and the large bear-man had now joined the battle. There was little the army of orcs or even trolls could do against them all.
He, then turned back to her, watching as she pressed on the wound Fili had sustained in his side. She had torn more of her petticoat and was using it to bandage Fili's wound now.
"Thorin...? Are you hurt?" She asked looking up at him.
"I am not in pain." He lied. Sitting down. "You are unharmed and that much I am grateful for..."
"The eagles..." She looked up in wonder at the giant birds. "They are helping us...?"
"Aye," he watched her face, now realising what an affinity she had for animals. It was surprising he had not noticed it before. And the fear on her pretty face, he wondered briefly whether it could have been for his safety. A felt a little saddened that he would not get a chance to find out more about her - for with his wounds now, he was surely for the tombs soon. "Gandalf appears to call upon them..."
She had now turned to Thorin suspiciously.
"You are hurt..." She knelt in front of him now, opening his jacket to look for herself.
"And you are helping yourself to me, my lady. This is not our bedchamber." He quipped, a little regretful that he might not get to have her one last time. "And you have run out of your petticoat..."
A flash of horror ran across her face as she assessed his wounds. And for a moment he wondered whether it was because she could possibly care for him.
They were deep wounds to his chest, oozing with blood. She hurried to press on them, making him wince, as she tore more cloth from her dress.
"Balin!" She cried out.
"Hush!" Thorin silenced her. "Balin cannot help..."
A low growl sounded from beside them both, with Rajah slinking over by the dwarf.
"I guess he likes you after all.."
"He is here for his mistress." Thorin corrected her, reaching out to touch her cheek. "Are you with child?"
She pressed harder on his chest, making him groan.
"Thorin - I don't think this is the time for -"
But he grabbed her wrists, forcing her to look at him.
"You must tell them that you are. Do you understand?" He watched her carefully. "You will be crowned Queen in my stead. Keep Balin close. He will advise you. And Dwalin likes you, he will guard you well..."
She pressed harder on his wounds again making his grit his teeth.
"Must you torment me in my final hours woman?"
"That is for calling me a wanton whore," she said pressing again. "And this is for calling me a poisonous shrew..."
"Well, I hope you have trusted the Arkenstone to safe hands..." He whispered running his hands over her neck and chest, where Thranduils necklace still sat elegantly. "I wish I could have you once more..."
But their moment was interrupted by the arrival of Gandalf and Thranduil, along with a troop of elven warriors.
"Help!" She cried out at them, prompting both wizard and elven king to hurry over to her. "Fili is hurt over there, he has a terrible wound in his side, and has knocked his head from the fall. I have stopped his bleeding, but it is not good. And Thorin is hurt..."
Gandalf moved from Thorin to his nephew, while Thranduil assessed Thorin, much to his dismay.
"Do not touch me!" Thorin growled at the elf, who merely ignored him and held his hands above Thorins wounds chanting something quietly. "What is he saying -"
"Hush now. Just look at me," she whispered. "Think of the many ways you may have me once you are healed..."
Thorin held his hand out to protest again, but she slapped it away, and bent down to claim his lips in a long kiss.
"When you are quite finished, we will need to move him." Thranduil interrupted her. "I have only managed to stem the bleeding - although you had done much of that yourself. His wounds are grave, and we will need to hurry if we are to save him -"
"I do not need saving! I have reclaimed Erebor! And as rightful King, I offer my Throne to my consort until our child is grown."
Thranduil tilted his head, reluctantly accepting the dwarfs dying words for her sake.
"I don't care if you are King of Middle Earth! Please, heal him, if you have the power." She looked up at the elf, much to Thorins irritation.
Thranduil himself was unsure whether this was indeed within his power, but found it hard to refuse the pleas of this small woman. Her big, brown eyes, filled with tears, for a brute so unworthy, moved his usually rational heart.
"We need to find a way down..." Thranduil began but she was already up on her feet and waving her hands aloft to the skies.
"Help!" She cried out to the broad shadows of the eagles that flew among the clouds. "Please help!"
"I do not think they will..." Thranduil began to remark, but fell silent as two large eagles appeared to take an interest, circling lower overhead before swooping down to land carefully on the rock.
The eagle that landed, cocked its head to look at her curiously with its amber eyes.
"Wait for Gandalf! Do not get so close -" Thranduil attempted to warn her but she had already hurried over.
"I would be very grateful for your help, good Sirs of the skies," She stood close at its feet and bowed her head. "My husband, the King under the mountain, and his nephew are badly wounded and needs to be carried down to the valley. Please could you kindly help us?"
She glanced back at Thorin who sat there gasping. Both dwarf and elf looked worried at her interaction with the large birds of prey, who could have easily swallowed her whole is they so wished.
But the bird lowered its head a little more, so that it's face and rather vicious looking beak took an even closer look at her. It remained there for a few long moments, unphased even by the silent approach of the large, blood stained, and curious jaguar.
"Prince Fili, is also hurt," she pointed to where he lay. "I know it is a lot to ask, when you have all been so gracious in helping us already in battle..."
But it seemed to understand, initially screeching at her, before nudging her with its beak to move her behind its wing. Then carefully it lowered it's body and nudged her again.
"Oh I see..." She replied nodding and moving to climb onto its back carefully. "This is more than what I could ask for...I am really worried about Thorin and Fili... And I thank you for your kindness."
The eagle screeched in reply and took off into the sky, before circling once more and swooping down to pick up Fili in his talons. While another eagle flew nearby and she peered out to spot Thorin in its talons.
She rested her head in the creatures soft feathers, desperately worried.
Of course Thorin was arrogant and uncaring, but he had on occasion agreed to her requests. And she was not ready to become Queen in Thorins place. He was born for this - and there was much that needed to be done to Erebor before the dwarves could live there. She could only hope that his strange madness might have eased following all this.
She could see the battle field from so far above. The bodies that lay in the mud, dirt and blood. The goblins had been defeated. And all that remained now were those who had come to search for dead or injured friends and brothers in arms. The fighting had not reached as far as her brothers camp, and the elven camp also remained undamaged on the western border of the valley.
The great eagles carefully placed each body they were carrying one by one outside the elven camp. Then finally the eagle she was carried on landed and lowered itself to the ground.
Slowly, she too slithered off the great creature and once again ran her hands lovingly along its plumage before coming to stand in front of it.
"Thank you for your help," she bowed her head, as the bird watched her with its strange amber eyes.
To her surprise it did not simply fly away, but rather remained there for a moment. It then moved its head towards her, and she too reached out to stroke its head gently.
"I am not sure I know how to repay you for your kindness." She whispered, stroking the birds head. "Be safe."
The eagle screeched again as it straightened up, spreading its wings out in preparation for flight. So she moved away before it took to the skies again. Then with one last screech it circled above before finally disappearing into the clouds.
She rushed out to check on the two dwarves that had been delivered safely. Fili was still unconscious. While Thorin kept his hand on his chest, still clearly in significant pain.
"Do you recall all that I said before?" He rasped, suddenly clutching her hand. "You must rule in my stead. Erebor must not pass to the hands of the iron hills clans...do you hear me woman? You can find a suitable heir when you are ready."
She inspected his wounds again.
"It has stopped bleeding..." Then she began to search his body for other injuries. "Where else are you hurt...?"
"Why don't you use those lovely hands to check my cock..." He coughed weakly with a smug smile, as she carried on checking him.
Gandalf was next to arrive with Bilbo on another eagle, while Thranduil was not far behind on his great elk, followed by Rajah. And soon they were surrounded by several elves who helped to move the two wounded into a tent where they had several cots set up.
They had begun to strip down the two bodies with a cold efficiency, that she had come to find was synonymous with their kind.
But then Gandalf too turned to her at the entrance, guiding her away.
"I think it is best if you return to Thranduils tent," the tall wizard stopped her, as she peered out at them worried. "We shall take care of them, and call you soon..."
"I have helped in the healing rooms back home...I have a strong stomach and can be of help -"
"I have no doubt about it. However, I think you should rest a little," Gandalf instructed her more firmly, turning to Bilbo. "Bilbo will keep you company."
"But -"
"Princess Shobha! For once, do as you are told!" He towered over her, raising his voice. "We have no time for your arguments and defiance!"
She could swear that the air around the grey wizard darkened for a moment, and it made her take a step back.
Unable to find words to reply, she crossed her arms and frowned, clearly unhappy.
"Come on my lady," Bilbo held onto her arm and coaxed her out.
Thranduils tent was not far, and two guards stood nearby waiting for them, while others rushed about, some returning to another tent with other wounded elves.
"I cannot sit in there waiting around, Bilbo." She sighed. "And I have no idea where Arvind is either..."
She turned to leave the camp, but the two guards that stood near Thranduils tent now blocked her way.
"Gods - you all move fast don't you..." She stood waiting for them to let her pass.
"We have been instructed to guard you, Princess." One of the guards spoke.
"Fine. But I wish to find my brother," she spoke sternly. "Since I am NOT your prisoner, I insist that I go and find Prince Arvind. You can either come with us, or stay here."
She put her hands on her hips, hoping that it would give her a greater air of authority. She had no intention of sitting around and waiting for her husband to die or to be sent word of her brother's death either. At least this way, she could help the wounded on her search.
The two elven guards looked at one another, consulting each other quietly in Sindarin. Then they turned back to face her.
"Very well, my lady. But we accompany you and the halfling, and will join the healers who are combing the battlefield..." One of the guards spoke.
And without much further fuss, they had made their way out of the camp and into the valley.