For all who have given this story a review. Many thanks and as always comments are greatly accepted. . Now things are going to get good .Thorin has fallen to the gold sickness and he is not an easy dwarf to deal with. Philicia has sworn to save their lives and well... let's see how things go .

Disclaimer If you reconise it it's not mine, if you don't it is. All Hobbit characters belong to the Tolkein and the awesome PJ. Thanks for everything.

Chapter 41- Gold Sickness

For the past two days Thorin has had everyone down in the treasure room turning over piles of gold but the stone still remained lost. "Have you found anything"? He called from the landing overlooking the treasure hall his deep voice echoing in the large room. "No, nothing", Someone shouted up to him. "Is everything ok? I could hear you shouting half way to Laketown" Philicia reprimended as she joined Thorin at the balcony. She went to the edge and looked down . Below was the company with their bare hands and shovels digging for the stone. "Why are you not helping "? Thorin said to her his voice the same but somehow changed. "I would love to help I just was not sure you wanted me down there." Philicia turned around as her eyes sought his. " Do as you will". He said waving his hand toward the stairs. "It will turn up Thorin. Just believe in your company and in us. "With that she joined the others her hands scooping up handfuls of gold and letting it drop back down again. She went to search where there was a pile of undisturbed gold when something caught her eye. It was a crown made of diamond and Amythest Jewels so beautifully crafted it took her breath. She just stood there captivated by the sparkling jems as they reflected the light from the braizers lit along the walls of the great hall. "Wow, this is stunning". Philicia turned the crown over in her hand . She went to set it aside when Thorins soft voice came up beside her. "It would be stunning on you, my love. The color of the jems match your eye's perfectly." "Really." She said as Thorin reached over and placed the crown upon her head. "I would have you keep this for every queen needs a crown." He reached behind her head and pulled her close as their lips came together. "I don't know what to say, T-thank you, It's so beautiful I will keep it always." Philicia threw her arms around Thorin's neck holding him close. They stayed that way for a few minutes till he resumed his place at the balcony his tender mood all but gone. "Nothing, KEEP SEARCHING!" , his booming voice shouted again as everyone stopped digging. "Who gave you permission to cease searching." Thorin bellowed at his fellow dwarves . "Thorin", Philicia gently laid her hand on his arm. "Let them have a break we all are hungry and tired . " Philicia suggested. " NO ,we must keep searching it has to be here somewhere." Philicia just wanted to walk away but she knew that this was going to be when Thorin would need her the most. "I will not abandon him." She mumbled as she walked away."Where are you going?" he turned and scowled at her. "To the restroom i'll be right back." When Philicia returned a few minutes later she saw Thorin standing at the throne his hands grasping the armrests on both sides. His back was turned to the dwarves at the bottom of the steps that led up to the Deis. Bilbo was standing on his right side figeting with his fingers . "We have searched and searched." Dwalin said gesturing to the treasure. "Not well enough." Thorin snapped at him his face contorting in anger. "Thorin, we all would see the stone returned." Dwalin pleaded . "And yet it is still not found!" Thorin yelled at Dwalin. Philicia fearing Thorins anger backed up till she hit the wall. She stayed quiet a Thorin ranted. "Do you doubt, the loyalty of anyone here?" Balin asked as Thorin turned around slowly coming to face his lifelong friend and mentor. "The Arkenstone is the birthright of our people." Balin pressed on. "It is The King's Jewel." Thorin growled."AM I NOT THE KING!" Thorin roared. "Know this, if anyone should find it... and withhold it from me. I will be avenged." Philicia stood in the darkness of the corner shaking as tears spilled down her face. Watching Thorin suffer through this in the movie was one thing but seeing it happen for real tore her apart. Balin walked away not saying a word his head hung in sorrow. "Balin "I called softly but the kindly dwarf remained silent. "Oh god this is bad." she breathed following Bilbo. "I need to talk to Balin." Philicia said stepping in place next to the Hobbit. "Follow me I will take you to him." Philicia was quiet as she followed Bilbo down a long corridor. Bilbo led her into a small room that contained several dust covered shelves piled with rolls and rolls of parchment. In the far back was Balin sobbing quietly. He turned to Philicia and Bilbo just as they came up next to him."Dragon sickness. I've seen it before. That look. The terrible need. It's a fierce and jealous love. It drove his grandfather mad." Balin said wiping his eyes with a cloth. "I don't understand any of this Balin it's only gold and trinket's. Why is he being like this? I know the movie portrayed this scene but it wasn't this bad. How can I help him?" Philicia placed her hand gently on the old dwarfs arm. " Balin, if Thorin...had the Arkenstone or if it was found... would it help?" Philicia wanted to tell Balin that Bilbo had the stone but stayed quiet. "That stone crowns all. It is the summit of this great wealth, bestowing power upon he who bears it. Would it stay his madness? No, laddie. I fear it would make it worse. Perhaps it is best it remains lost." Balin dabbed at his eye's again. "Balin fear not I can tell you for sure he will beat this." Philicia looked the dwarf in the eyes a she spoke. 'Are ye going to give up on him lassie?" Balin asked Philicia. "NO, never, I love him Balin and I will not abandon him especially when he needs me the most. Even if he doesn't know it right now. I am going to be his anchor keeping his head above the water. I swear it." She buried her face in Balins shoulder and let the sobs come. Bilbo left them to give Philicia the privacy she needed and he founda secluded spot and sat down on a stone bench. He took the stone out and debated giving it to Thorin but remembering Balin's warning he returned it to his pocket. As his hand came away he felt something small and he rolled the pebble into his palm. Without warning Thorin came around the corner. "Your hand, Show it it to me?" He roared. Bilbo looked up at the Dwarf King and opened his palm. " Thorin looked down at Bilbos hand and saw a small seed . His eyes softend as he stared at the Hobbit's hand. "I picked it up in Beorns garden. So I will always have somthing to look back on and remember, all my adventures." Bilbo chanced a look at Thorin. "A poor price to take back to The Shire." A small smile spread across Thorins face and Blbo hoped for a minute that he was coming to his sences.'Should he dare to hope, should he dare to believe.

Philicia was seated around the table with everyone else in the common room when Thorin entered. The deep lines on his face and dark circles under his eye's told everyone he was not sleeping. "I will stand by him,I can do this." She wispered getting up and going over to the pot scooping some stew in a bowl. "Here, you look hungry." Philicia said offering him the bowl. Thorin's eye's flicked to the piping hot stew then up to Philicia . "I am not hungry. "He said his hand pushing it away. Fili started to say to something but Philicia shushed him with her hand gesturing for him to sit. They all watched as Philicia encouraged Thorin to eat. "Please , for me. " She wispered. "Thorin remember what we talked about a few night's ago?" "I remember." he said. "I told you I would help you through this.." " I am fine." He said his hand shaking as he raised the spoon to his mouth. "I know you are and I also know I love you and I willl be here for you no matter what. " She clasped his free hand in hers giving it a gentle squeeze. "I am going to go take a bath and find a good book to read. I will see you later. " She said rising and planting a soft kiss on Thorins cheek but she knew he would not join her that night.

Thorin was just headed back to the treasure room when Dwalin came racing up to him. "Thorin , The are fires lit in Dale .The refugees from Laketown are pouring into the city." Thorin had ordered the company to block off the front gate . They spent a better part of the night carrying the heavy stones with the help of ropes and pullys barricading the front entrance." I want this fortress made safe by sun up." Thorin roared as he came to the front gate. This mountain was hard won, I will not see it taken again. Kili had been loading stone into a cart turned and faced his Uncle. Droping the cart in aggitation he said. "The people of Laketown have came to us in need. They have lost,everything." Kili stepped closer to Thorin trying to make him see reason. "Do not tell me what they lost" Thorin sneered his hand clenched into a tight fist. "I know well enough their hardship" he shot back turning to step onto the stone ledge his eyes looking toward the lights in the city of men. "Those who have lived through dragonfire should rejoice." A smile broke out on The Dwarf Kings face as he scanned the city of Dale with his eye's. "More stone!" Thorin barked at the company as they heaved and pulled the heavy boulders into place and the hole slowly began to close up. Bilbo just stood there shoked that Thorin could talk to his own nephew as he did."Bring more stone to the gate!" Came the King Under the Mountains harsh command. By early morning everyone had succomed to exaustion and slept where they fell. Philicia went down around sunrise to check on Thorin and sure enough he was on the balcony staring at the ocean of gold . "Good morning Thorin." She said planting a soft kiss upon his cheek. Thorin was just about to reach for her when Dwalin hollered out that Bard was approaching the gate. The company had started stacking stone and had stacked them and made a staircase to reach the top came racing in " Come on " He motioned to everyone as they followed him to the gate. They all stood on the top and were met with an army of elves their golden armor shining as it reflected the morning sun.

Late the previous evening the refugees from Laketown began pouring into the city of Dale. Suddenly One of the Elven Kings guard's came charging into the tent." My Lord Thranuil Elrond of Rivendell is here to speak with you. He has Lady Galedriel with him also." Thranuil stood up from his throne. "By all means show them in." The guard stepped out and the curtain was pulled aside. "My King Thranuil," Elrond bow before the pale haired elf. Lady Galadriel did the same as Thranuil spoke. "What bring's you to here?" he asked pouring them drinks. "I have come at the request of The lady Philicia Anderson. When the company of Thorin Oakenshield passed through Rivendell I... "He stopped before going further."They also managed to entreat upon my land without permission and spent some time within my halls." Thranuil stopped and stood before Galaderiel. "And what is your purpose here my Lady?" The king asked her. "I come on behalf of the line of Durin ,my Lord." Thranuil was silent this was one elf he did not want to anger. Interesting"He said his fingers cupping and rubbing his chin. "It appears that the Lady Philicia is not of this world. While she was visiting my kingdom I had a very interesting talk with the human girl. It is apparant she is deeply in love with the Dwarven King. She told me of the things to come if the dwarves fail to reclaim the mountain. I have only come to assist the people of Dale and reclaim what is mine." Thranduil's hands squeezed into a fist as he fought for control. "My Lord King I know of what you speak of however I am sure she had also informed you of what is to come." Elrond pressed. "Yes , I do believe she has." Suddenly Thranuiel heard Galaderial's voice in his head. I know you wish the jewels returned however if the line of Durin should fall I am afraid what fate awaits Middle Earth. Thranduil whirled around and looked Galaderiel in the face. "While they were there Lady Philicia with our assistance was sent to her world for three day's. However when she went Thorin Oakenshield latched on to her and was taken with her. When she returned she had managed to accuire the necessary supplies of ,things even my best healers cannot explain. These things will save the lives of Thorin Oakenshield and his two nephews in the coming battle. My Lord King I must get these things to the mountain. Much time is required to have advanced preperations made." Without warning the tent flap was pulled back ."My king Gandalf the Grey awaits an audience with you."The guard informed him eyeing Lord Elrond and Lady Galaderiel. "Send him in I an to assume this concerns him also. "My Lord Elrond ,My Lady" King Thranduil" Gandalf bowed to the three elves. "Mithrandier,is there a way to get these supplies to the mountain and in Lady Philicias keeping?" Gandalf thought for a moment. "There is a secret side entrance however I do not believe at this point that Thorin Oakenshield would want anything to do with us. Gandalf stressed. "He has succomed to the gold sickness as his grandfather did." Thranduil gasped. "Yes , however we must put our trust in that girl to reason with him over this." Gandalf urged. "Very well do what you must. " Thranduil waved them away as he returned to his throne his thoughts heavy. So with the heavy wagon laden with supplies they set off for the mountain hoping against hope.

Bofur was on watch as Lord Elrond and Gandalf approached the front gate. "Who goes there?" he shouted from the ledge. "It is I Gandalf,I have Lord Elrond with me. I must speak with Lady Philicia." Bofur turnbed and hollered down to Dwalin "Go and find Thorin and Philicia Gandlf is at the gate." "What does he want?" Dwalin asked gruffley. "I don't know but he looks serious." Bofar hollered down to him.

Philicia was relaxing after her bath when Thorin burst into the room. "Gandalf Is here . He had brought that Elf from Rivendell with him." He said not in the best of moods. Philicia laid down the book she was reading . "Thorin we need to talk it's important" He came and sat down next to her his eyes clear apparently free from the gold sickness for awhile." Remember when we went to my world." Philicia reached for his hand's. "I remember." he said bringing her hands to his lips kissing them gently. "Thorin, Lord Elrond is here with the stuff we brought back with us." Suddenly Thorin stood up a scoul on his face. "Before you say anything he has brought the medical supplies I need for after..." She broke down then. "T-to s-save Y-your li-lives." Philicia threw herself into Thorins arms sobbing into his chest."I won't let you die I can't lose you please , Thorin." He wiped her tears away with his thumbs. "Come then let us see what can be done." They both walked the front gate together. Philicia was the first to appear at the barricade. "Lord Elrond, Gandalf." She called down to him. "Hail Thorin, King Under the Mountain." Lord Elrond shouted back up to them. "Lady Philicia I have brought the supplies you had left in my care."Suddenly the rest of the company came to the gate also. "What's going on and what does he want?' Dwalin asked. "Let him speak brother."Balin corrected. "Thorin we need to get these supplies inside immediatly." Gandalf pushed. "Thorin the gate is blocked what do we do now?" Thorin turned around and looked at his company . "Everyone get ropes and containers ,use what we have here, hoist them up. "Lord Elrond ,the item's that needed to be kept preseved . Are they still cold?" Philicia asked throwing them down the rope and sacks. "They are as you instructed, my Lady." "Oh thank God"She sighed. "Philicia , what is all this stuff?" Bofur asked as the IV poles were pulled over the ledge. "Bofur don't ask not now please I will explain later ok." So for the next few hours they hauled up boxes of medical equiptment. IV poles and pumps boxes of pain killers several boxes of needles and gauze along with thread for sutering and bottles of bedadine for was also a box of sterile scrubs ,masks and boxes of glves, and two field trauma room tent's ,sterile until opend. "Oin I need you to start sorting these things out . Can you do that?" "Right you are lass I will get on it immediatly." Along with the medical supplies and equipment necessary to save Thorin and Kili's life Lord Elrond had brought enough food to withstand a seige of a month. There was sacks of flour, fresh vegetables fruit's and dried meat's. "Bombur ,you take charge of these." Thorin said as the containers were lifted up and over. Bilbo and Gloin also helped. Everyone was busy sorting and preparing as the day drew on . Thorin soon disappeared and was back down in the gold the sickness tormenting him once again. After Philicia explained to the company that the medical equipment was to save the lives of their king and Prince no more questions were asked.

Philicia had found Thorin a little later a stunning necklace clutched between his hand's. "Hey, there you are, what's that?" She asked . "I know a certain elf lord who would pay a pretty penny for these." Thorin tossed the exquisete jems on to a tray of jewels. "Oh my gawd, are those diamonds?" Philicia gasped. "Indeed they are, come Philicia. " She walked up to Thorin as he reached for the necklace. "Do you like it?" He asked her clasping the jems around her neck. "They are incredible." She said letting the jems rest in her upturned hand's. "Then you may keep them. After all they were made to be worn by a queen." Thorin softly kissed her then."You are beautiful" he said taking her lips in his again. "Thank you but I can't keep these." She said removing the heavy chain ."I know who they were made for and .." She trailed off as a look of anger and hurt crept across Thorin's face. "Fine if you would prefer I give them to Thranduil." Philicia choose her next words carefully. "Thorin,you have to do what you think is right I know that and yes the necklace is very pretty however I really love Amythest more." She looked at him a smile shown on his face. "I will have one made for you then." He kissed her once more before leading her out of the small room ajasent to the treasure room. They were headed to the west common room when Gloin hollered from the newly erected barricade. "Thorin, there are elves in Dale, a whole blasted army in fact." "Let them come they will not get past the gate."

The next morning Bard approached Erebor. His white horse galloping across the bridge. " The dwarves were staring down at Bard wondering what he bowman addressed Thorin. "Hail Thorin son of Thrain. We are glad to see you alive beyond hope." Bard said formally. "Why do you come to the gate of The King Under the Mountain armed for war?" Thorin asked him his voice impassive. "Why does The King Under the Mountain fence himself in like a robber in his hold?" Bard retorted his paitents already spread thin. "Perhaps is because I am expecting to be robbed." Thorin shouted back. Philicia who had stayed down at the bottom stood with her back to the wall shaking her head in disbelief." This is just as the movie played out . Word for word."She wispered shaking her head slowly. "My lord, we have not come to rob you but to seek fare settelment. Will you not speak with me?" Thorin gave a regal nod of his head and went to talk with Bard. There was a small opening within the rocks and Thorin stood there as Bard got of his horse and came up to the gate. Thorin looked behind him as Philicia stood there her back pressed against the stone." What are you doing here?" he asked her his tone almost angry." I wanted to be here for you." She said her eye's cast downward. ", I do not need your tears right now." Thorin growled pushing her away. Philicia quietly walked away but close enough to hear still." Just then a Raven flew away from the mountain its destination southeastward. "I am listening." He said a Bard's face came into view. " On behalf of the people of Laketown I ask that you honor your pledge. A share of the treasure that they might rebuild their lives." Thorin stood at the diamond shape tunnell and slowly shook his head no." I will not treat with anyone while an armed host lies before my door." He breathed out as a stunned expression appeared on Bards face. "That armed host will attack this mountain if we do not come to terms." Bard warned Thorin."Your threats do not sway me." Thorin softly replied not looking the dragonslayer in the face. Philicia came back and stood next to Thorin and reached for his hand squeezing it tightly. "What of your coincence?" Bard pressed. "Listen to him,Thorin, please." She softly said placing her hand upon his shoulder rubbing it in slow circles . "Does it not tell you our cause is just. My people offered you help and you brought upon them only ruin and death." Bard spoke his anger showing itself. "Why then, did the men of Laketown come to our aid but the promise of rich reward." Thorin shot back his temper showing itself also." A bargain was struck!" Bard said slamming his hand on the stone. "A bargain!" Thorin cut him off." What choice do we have but to bargain our birthright for blankets and food." Thorin said bitterly."To ransom our future in exchange for our freedom. You call that a fare trade? Tell me, Bard the dragon slayer, why I should honor such terms." Thorin said his tone angry and hateful his hand was clenched into a fist as he tried to keep his temper in check. "Because you gave us your word!" Bard almost shouted at the clearly mad king. "What I wonder is, what does The lady Philicia think about you breaking your oath." Bard played his final card. "Suddenly Thorin backed away and stood with his back to the wall. "Does that mean nothing to you?" Thorin turned to the company all watching him with sorrowful faces and sad eyes waiting their kings next words. "Does she mean nothing to you also?" Thorin looked at the woman he loved more than anything. Just for a moment she thought he was going to agree but then his face steeled up again. " Be gone, ERE OUR ARROWS FLY!" Thorin shouted . Bard with a angry fist slammd hard against the stone turned and rode away. Thorin went back up the steps and everyone followed. Bilbo finally turned to Thorin his anger showing."Thorin ,you can not go to war. " Bilbo snapped at him."This does not concern you." Thorin barked back. "Excuse me...but in case you havn't noticed there is an army of elves out there." He stretched his hand out toward Dale. "And several hundred angry fisherman. We are, in fact, outnumbered." Bilbo finished his rant. "Not for very much longer." Thorin said to Bilbo a smile playing on his face. "What does that mean?" "It means Master Baggins, you should never underestimate dwarves." Thorin then turned to Philicia as she stood in front of him. "Why Thorin,Why?" She asked tears streaming down her face. "Why are you acting this way? You promised me you would fight this fight for us ,for our love!" She reached for him and his hands came up instead." Your pathetic, worthless human girl. I should have left you where I found you ." He said shoving Philicia so hard she slammed into the wall her head striking the stone a trickle of blood running down her back. "We have reclaimed it,now we defend it." Thorin's words were hard as stone as he walked away. Philicia sat there and buried her face in her hands crying openly. Suddenly two strong arms were lifting her and a cool cloth was pressed to the back of her head over the open wound. "What in Mahals name is wrong with you?" She could hear Dwalin telling Thorin. "You did not have to do that . She is small you could have hurt her badly." Thorin said not a word and she could hear the sound of his heavy boots fading away.