Well everyone Thorin is being not so nice at the moment . How is Philicia going to cope with what is to come. We are on the eve of battle and Thorin is completly mad. Let's continue on to see how this all plays out .And if our heroin is strong enough to endure what is to come. A big thank you to all you sweetheart's out there who have been following along.
Disclaimer I I only own my origional characters everything else belongs to Tolkein.
Chapter 42- Decent into Madness
November 22nd.. T.A. 2941
"Dwalin helped Philicia down the steps as she continued to sob brokenly."Whats wrong with him to harm you like that? "Dwalin sighed as he held the pressure over the small cut on the back of her head. "Lassie you need to get out of here as soon as possible before Thorin forbids you to leave." Dwalin urged her. "He will only come to see you as a posession my dear. " Balin added. "No, I will not leave him he's going to beat this he will be alright. "Philicia in the end convinced them that she knew he would be ok and that so far everything was right where it should be according to the story. "Are ye positive about this?" Dwalin hounded her they sat her down on a soft chair. " "I am sure please trust me by tomorrow morning he will be himself again and then the battle. Please get as much sleep and food and fluid as you all can. " With that warning Philicia walked away to find Oin. She spotted him in the common room with Fili and Kili Bilbo and Bofur the rest of thr company was snoozing in the corner after another bout of searching for the Arkenstone. "How's your head lass?" Oin asked coming to check if the cut had stopped bleeding. "I'm fine it doesn't even hurt anymore at least not the cut that is." They all gave her knowing looks as they resumed what they were doing. "Oin is everything ready for tomorrow?" Aye lass it is we have got the equipment ready and all the other stuff next to the front gate whare you asked us to place it." " Good cause tomorrow afternoon I need all this ready , Everything, it must be prepped in advance so just as soon as you all charge out tomorrow we will start prepping here. Oin I need you to stay with me tomorow, Fili you must not go out either." Philicia told the young Durin Prince. Fili looked at her with a look of dread on his face. "Why, I need to be there for my brother." He argued. " Fili please, Philicia began. "If something goes wrong tomorrow and we lose them both you need to be safe to take the throne." Fili's and Kili's faces paled as she explained to them that something could definatly go wrong and not follow the story thus changing the whole course of the battle. Philicia secretly prayed that that did not happen. "After all how would I be able to predict events to happen." She after a lot of arguing convinced Fili to stay inside the mountain and Oin also.
Philicia had not seen Thorin all day till she turned a corner and he was just standing there his eye's cold and clowded over his face a mask. " Thorin, I know you don't like me that much right now but I also know that you are going to be alright." Thorin turned his head and he couldn't look her in the face. She went up to him and wrapped her arms around his waist laying her head against his chest."No matter what you do to me ,say to me or how many times you push me away I will be right here. I will not leave you. I can't,I love you too much I swear to god I will not let you die or Kili or Fili." Thorin looked down at her and placed his palm on her chin bringing their eyes to meet." Why, why do you stay? After what I did earlier I do not deserve your love, my heart." For a while at least her Thorin was back and she had to take advantage of every chance she got. "Let me be the judge of that." Reaching behind Thorin's neck she pulled him down and to her lip's. His kiss was explosive as he pressed his mouth to hers deepening the kiss and only breaking away for a breath. "I love you ,I need you so much." Thorin's sorroful words bore into her very soul as she kissed and caressed his back holding him close to her ."When's the last time you slept ?" She asked seeing the tirdness on his face. "I do not know the days and nights seem to be all blending as one." He told her. "Come on let's see if we can catch a few hours sleep. So Philicia led Thorin up to his chamber and together they snuggled under the soft pelts and sleep took them both immediatly.
By the time she woke afternoon had passed and evening was falling. "Finally, Kili said". "We thought you were going to sleep the day away." Fili finished. "Just tired ,that's all I havn't been sleeping well. I don't sleep good when Thorins not next to me. She hung her head as sadness and tears threatend to spill over. "If your looking for uncle he is still down in the treasure room . " Fili offered. "I know." was all she said. Everyone was on edge and tempers were short due to the coming battle. Thorin was as distant as ever only speaking when he was shouting orders at someone. Philicia spent most of the day trying to avoid Thorin . "Are ye afraid of him lass?" Balin finally asked seeing the lost look on her face. She had changed into her jeans with the crosses on the back pockets and the sequins surrounding them. She also has slipped into her Lime Green sweater and pulled her hair up into a ponytail off her face. "No ,I'm not afraid of him ,I'm afraid for him. I love him so much and it hurts to see what he has become. With that she broke as a tererrential downpour of tears came pouring out. Philicia slid down to the floor of stone and curled herself into a tight ball sobbing loudly .She was suddenly engulfed in warmpth as two strong arms lifted her and carried her down the hallway. Thorin who had been listening from behind the wall felt his heart break when he saw Philicia fall to the floor. He had walked up to Balin and slid his arms around her and carried her away. "She felt the fur of the coat and smelled sandlewood and pine and knew who's arms she was being carried in. "Gloin", Thorin called." Find Oin send him to my chambers immediatly Lady Philicia is not well." "On it right away Thorin." He went to their room and laid her on the large bed throwing a blanket over her still sobbing form. "Thorin". She said through her tears. "Please ,please I can't do this anymore .You are lost and I am lost without you . I can't do this anymore. You cant' see it but everyone else does." He sat on the edge of the bed and brushed her tears away with his hand ." Do not worry yourself so ,azunugial, I am fine." Thorin softly kissed her and as she looked into his eye's the Thorin that she loved was face was calm and he was himself, but for how long. Oin knocked and Thorin bid him to enter. He checked Philicia over thoroughly and declared her physically well however emotionally she was not. "Thorin, she is very fragile. The last few weeks have taken their toll on her .She has some stregnth in her tho. See that she drinks this tea twice daily." he handed Thorin a pack of crushed leaves and left. "Thorin set some water to boil and leaving her long enough to get a cup he returned ,crushed the leaves and put some in the bottom of the cup. After sweetening it with honey he brought the cup to Philicias mouth. "Be careful it's hot. "He said gently helping her sit up. "What's this?" She asked taking a small sip. "It will help to releive the tension in your body. Balin said you almost suffered a complete break down. "I am so very sorry my heart."Thorin turned his face to hers a broken look in his eye's. "I know, Thorin. The battle is coming tomorrow you must be clear headed and prepared. I was sent her to save the line of Durin and I will not fail. I can't I will not let you fall." She reached up and grabbed Thorins shirt pulling him till their mouths fused together. Thorin thrust his tongue into her mouth and she curled her around his. A deep moan escaped his throat as she wound her arms around his neck and pulled him down to lay upon her. "Oh my givashel." He panted peppering her neck with soft kisses. "Thorin"She breathed. "Will you stay with me.I don't want to be here without you." "I..." he froze then looking at her he gave up and climbed in the warm sheets and pulled her to his side. Toward sunrise everyone was in the common room enjoying a light breakfast, nerves were on edge and with the knowledge of the battle Philicia had informed them of the company was going over last minute battle plans. From out of nowhere Thorin came storming into the room bellowing orders. "Everyone to the Armory NOW. We must arm ourselves for war. DU BEKAR" The king shouted as the dwarves followed him . They went up a level and turned down a narrow passiage way that had two fully armored dwarven statues on both sided standing as if they were guards. only one that was not with them was Bofur who was watching the front gate. Philicia followed a ways behind them . Not knowing what kind of mood Thorin was in she didn't want to rouse his temper so she quietly watched from a darkend corner. Philicia watched as they reached into the shelves and pulled out breastplates ,axes swords ,helmet's and shields. Balin reached for a chestplate sadness evident on the old dwarfs face. "Fili", Thorin called his heir over to him. "Why are you not arming yourself ? Do you wish to go out there with no protection upon your person.?" "No, Philiia said I will not be fighting in the battle." Fili watched as Thorins face changed from one of seriousness to anger. "And who said she could make decisions as such." "No one uncle. " Kili said trying to keep him calm. Gloin had placed his hand on Balins shoulder in a comforting jesture. Not one of the company had agreed with Thorins decision to go to battle especially for a war that could have been advoided. Everyone was arming up when Philicia came out from the dark corner she had been hiding in. "Thorins gaze narrowed as his eyes blazed with unspoken anger. "Thorin before you blow up at me I am doing this for you. If you and Kili, if something goes wrong ,Fili needs to be safe to rule in your stead. It's best for the future for all of Middle Earth." "I will not concede to this " He roared in anger. "Fine I will deal with this later when your head is more clear." She shot back at Thorin and stormed off. "Thorin went after her but Dwalin pulled him back. Let her go Thorin." He released Thorin as soon as Philicia was out of sight. Thorin turned the other way as Bilbo came to see what was happening. " Master Baggins." Thorin called. "Come here. Philicia stood at a distance from the armory as she heard Thorin call Bilbo's name. The halfling immediatly obed Thorins comand and sauntered up to stand in front of him. Thorin stood in the middle of the armory the golden armor he had on shining in the light from the braizers upon the walls. He appeared so magestic and Philicia wanted to just run to him and throw her arms around him but stayed back instead. "I have a gift for you" Thorin said to Bilbo. Philicia watched a Thorin pulled out something from the shelving. He held up the shirt to Bilbo. "Put it on" he commanded. Bilbo began removing his waist coat and vest as Thorin held the shiney shirt before him. "This coat is made of silver steel, Mithril it was called by my forebears. Bilbo slipped the shirt over his other one an put the vest and waist coat back on . "No blade can pierce it." Thorin smiled at Bilbo his face showing the madness that plagued him. "I look ridicilous ," He said. "I'm not a warrior, I'm a hobbit." Bilbo said "It 's a gift." Thorin said to him. "A token of our friendship. True friends are hard to come by." Philicia held back tears as she fought not to go and talk to him ."He should be wearing that, not Bilbo . It would protect him from the, th-the st-stab wo-wound. Oh god Thor- Thorin." She fell to her knees as Thorin glanced back into the armory and pulled Bilbo by his collar away from earshot of everyone else. "I have been blind but now I began to see," He sneered. Thorin pulled Bilbo to where Philicia was hidden in the shadows .She dared not breath and give away her presence. "The Arkenstone..." Philicia bit her lip to conceal a gasp. "One of them has taken it. One of them is false." The sound of Thorin's voice was not his own yet it was as he continued to slip furthur and further away the decent into madness almost complete. He will beat this ,he will beat this. Philicia had to keep telling herself as she continued to listen. Bilbo ,from the look on his face was clearly not happy at Thorins accusiation toward the company. "Thorin,the quest is fulfilled, he slowly said to the mad king. "You've won the mountain. Is that not enough?" Thorin acted as if he had not heard anything that was said. "To be betrayed by my own kin... By the woman that confesses to love me . She knows where the stone is yet refuses to tell me ." "You gave a promise to the people of Laketown." Bilbo voiced more forcefully. "Is treasure truly worth more than your honor, more than that girl's love and devotion. Thorin I was also there ,I gave my word." Bilbo said trying to get through to him. "For that I am grateful." Thorin told him a grin showing on the striking dwarf's face. "It was nobly done. But the treasure in this mountain does not belong to the people of Laketown. This gold is ours." He sneered clenching and bearing his teeth as his head swung side to side he backed away from Bilbo. " I will not part with a single coin. Not one piece of it. Bilbo heard a gasp as he caught Philicia in the shadows her finger to her lip. shaking her head no. They both were astonished at how Thorin's voice echoed Smaugs so perfectly. Thorin suddenly spotted Philicia in the shadow's. " Philicia, come to me." he softly said to her. She slid out of the darkend corner and slowly went and stood before Thorin her head bowed . "Are you going to yell at me also,cause if you are i'm leaving." " You would leave me?" he asked sadness reflecting in his deep blue eye's. "Leave you, never Thorin. I love you too much I will not let you face this alone." She grabbed Thorin's hand's in her's and held them to her heart. "You are everything to me I made you a promise and I will not break it. You could throw me from this mountain and still I would come back to you." Thorin's eye's glistend with moisture as her word's penetrated his warped mind. "I am not angry with you my heart. Walk with me?" He asked and she let him lead her away. Philicia knew that Bilbo had already taken the Arkenstone to Thranduil and Bard the sad look on his face was all the evidence she needed.
Philicia followed the line of heavily armed Dwarves to the front gate and up to the top of the barricade. Her stomach felt sick as the day she had been dreading for the past eight month's, had finally arrived. Her breakfast had failed to stay down and now all she could do is wait for Thorin to come out of the goold sickness. Now as everyone set their sights on Dale The army Thranduil had brought with him stood before the broken stone walkway of Erebor. The day before Thorin had the dwarves break of the head of one of the statues and collapse the bridge thus cutting off any entrance into the mountain. The elves armor shown like diamonds in the morning sun it's rays reflecting off their golden armor. All the elves had bows in their hand's as they suddenly parted down the middle. Bard and Thranduil came riding up and stopped at the front line. Thorin suddenly pulled his own bow out and shot an arrow at the hoof of the elk the Elven King was perched on. Thranduil looked up with anger and surprise . Thorin pulled back another arrow ready to let it loose. "I will but the next one between your eye's." he spat at them. The dwarves on the wall shouted and cheered in support of their king. Philicia stole a slance at thorin and a king indeed he did look. Withhis magestic armor and the Raven Crown upon his head Philicia nearly collapsed knowing the climactic end was drawing closer . Sudden silence filled the morning as Thranduil raised his hand as the elves behind him raised their bow , arrows pulled back ready to fire in unison. He dropped his hand and the elves lowered their bow's and resumed their previous stance. Thranduil cast his eye's on Thorin. "We've come to tell you that payment of your debt had been offered, and accepted." Philicia looked at Thorin his eye's giving away the confusion that haunted him then they hardend once again. "What payment?" He demanded. "I have given you nothing. You have NOTHING." Thorin shouted pacing back and forth. Bard and Thranduil exchanged glances then Bard looked up at Thorin."We have this." Reaching into his coat he withdrew his hand . Philicia remained impassive knowing what Bard was holding. The stone captured the light a it shown every color imaginable. Philicia removed her eye's fromThorins shocked face and back to the stone. Suddenly Kili yelled out. "They have The Arkenstone " he gasped." Thieves ,how came you by the heirloom of our house? That stone belongs to the king!" Bard shrugged his shoulders his attitude ambivelent. "The king may have it." He said tossing the dtone in the air and catching it as the dwarves held their breath. "On our good will ." he said returning thecstone to his coat. "But first he must honor his word." Philicia witnessed Thorins face turn from despair to sadness then confusion and finally anger. "They are taking us for fool's. This is a ruse." he shouted down to Bard and the Elven King. "A FILTHY LIE!" The Arkenstone is in this mountain. It is a trick." "I- it's not a trick. Philicia froze at the sound of Bilbo's voice as he approached the top of the steps. The company turned to look at him also. Philicia saw the fer and guilt on Bilbos face knowing what he w3as going to say. "The stone is real. I gave it to them." he formly confessed. Suddenly Thorin approached him but held his distance a bit. "You". "I took it as my fourteenth share." Bilbo confirmed. "You would steal from me?" He said his voice deep and danderous. Philicia shook inside knowing what cme next. She reached for the nearest dwarf and ended up gripping Bifurs arm so tight she thought the mighty dwarf would bleed. "Steal from you?" Bilbo questioned. "No . No, I might be a burglar but i'd like to think i'm an honest one . "he caught Thorins gaze ashe remained calm."I'm willing to let it stand against my claim." "Against your claim?" Thorin chuckled. "Your claim. You have no claim on me, you miserable rat!" Bilbo did not show any fear against his anger only disapppointment. "I was going to give it to you. many times I wanted to, but-" " But what, thief?" Thorin sneered. Bilbo stole a look toward Philicia as she mouthed the word run. Bilbo held his ground tho. "You are changed ,Thorin. The dwarf I met back in Bag End would never have gone back on his word." "He's right Thorin ,please listen to at least one voice of reason ,please before it's too late." Philicia pleaded with him. 'Be silent woman." Thorin growled at her as she ducked behind Fili and Kili. Bilbo nodded to the rest of the company asthey looked on ."Never would have doubted the loyalty of his kin." "Do not speak to me of loyalty." Thorin spat. "Throw him from the rampart's!" None of the company moved to do their king's bidding they stood in defiance of his madness. "Did you not hear me." He shouted pulling on Fili as he shouted . Fili shoved him away angrily, Thorin glared at the company then he turned back and advanced on Bilbo. "I will do it myself!" He grabbed Bilbo roughly and wresteled him to the floor trying to get a firm grip in the squirming hobbit. Thorin grug him to the wall screaming dwarvish curses as he did so. "The company tried to pull Thorin off of Bilbo before he sent him plummeting to his doom. "Curse the wizard that forced you on this company!" Thorin yelled. Philicia just stood there her back against the wall and even tho she was warm the shaking would not stop. Thorin nearly had Bilbo over the wall when a loud booming voice cut the silence. "If you do not like my burglar-" Gandalf appeared from behind a row of elves. "Then please, don't damage him, return him to me!" Thorin narrowed his eyes when he saw Gandalf and let the hobbit drop from his grasp. Bofur grabbed Bilbo and tossed a rope over the side. "Go ,go now please." he said helping Bilbo over the side. Gandalf stared up at Thorin . "Your not making a very splendid figure as King Under the Mountain, are you, Thorin son of Thrain?" "Never again will I have dealings with wizards or Shire rat's!" Thorin screamed down at him. " Are we resolved? The return of The Arkenstone for what was promised?" All was still for a moment as Thorin struggled with his ultimatum. " Give us your answer!" Thranduil called. "Will you have peace ,or war?" Suddenly there was a squack and a Raven landed on the wall next to Thorin. The ground shook coming from the east and everyone turned their eyes to see what was coming. Thorn grinned. "I will have war."
