Idril's eyes plainly showed her exhaustion. It had been a week since her journey began. She had stumbled around the wood, unknowing of where she was going, slowly running out of her meager trees around her became ominous as the sun sank below the tree tops. Idril shuddered as the cool night air began to creep up, cooling the earth after a long sweltering day.
"I should have thought this through a little better." She muttered to her self. Slinging off her quiver and bow, she sat leaning against a tree, dagger in hand. Gurgles from her stomach reached her ears. Eating would have been a pleasure, had she much food left. Allowing only one small meal a day was beginning to take it's toll as well. Without even setting up her mat, Idril fell asleep where she sat within minutes. Only to be awakened a few hours later.
"Oh what a fine snack you will make." A troll, wandering through this part of the woods had grabbed Idril's foot, dangling her in front of its hideous face. Idril screamed, lashing out with the dagger she oh so thankfully had not dropped. Her dagger made contact with the trolls overly large nose, cutting a long gash from top to end. He yelped letting go, causing her to fall to the ground in a crumpled heap. Pulling her wits together faster than her attacker, she ran for her bow as a loud crack emitted from the trolls feet. Terror shook Idril to the core, animalistic instincts kicking in.
Run.
Run.
Run!
She fled, branches tearing at her clothes, stumbling over roots, blindly she ran until she was stopped short, by an opening in the ground forcing her to fall. The ground shook, and she painfully tried to stand before realizing her ankle was sprained. She crawled. It was all she could do. A tree, feet away, was ripped from the ground, and low chuckle rumbled from behind.
"I've got you now."
"Fili...fiiiiiliiiii...hey doofus!" Kili so desperately tried to get his older brothers attention. Braking his gaze from the Forrest around them Fili finally looked up, "ohh...hmm?"
"What's your deal? You typically love dong things uncle tells us not to." Kili said, flashing a wide grin in his brothers direction.
"I don't know Kili...something doesn't feel right..." Both boys heads snapped up as a scream echoed through the forest. Snapping the reins of his horse, Fili was already racing towards the source, Kili a few seconds behind.
"WHOO-"
"Quiet! This could be serious!"
"Fun sucker!" Making his point by sticking out his tounge Kili became silent. Fili suddenly jerked his reins, stopping the horse and looking around a small clearing. A bow helplessly snapped in two, a pack of sorts, and large foot prints.
"It was a troll. Someone seems to be in danger, quickly this way". Kili nodded, following suit, pulling his own bow out. They raced through the wake of destruction the troll had left. Not long after, a figure appeared at the end. They slowed, as not to announce their presence just yet. Slung over its shoulder, the troll, held a tree like a club.
"I've got you now." The brothers heard a small whimper from the girl they heard scream. Fili charged, pulling his sword from its sheath. The troll turned in confusion, as Fili jumped from his horse, slicing across the creatures leg. It growled raising the tree to strike. Fili prepared himself to jump to safety but froze. Idril met his gaze as he lowered his sword. She screamed for him to move, but the tree connected with the dwarf prince as he sailed across the Forrest floor, stopping with the thunk of slamming into another. Kili let an arrow loes, straight through the trolls eye, bringing it to it knees. He shot once more through the other eye, silencing it. Noticing his brother he froze in terror.
"Fili...Fili?" He dismounted his horse, staring at his unmoving brother in horror. "You can't be dead..." Idril pulled herself from the ground and hobbled to the dwarf's side. She gently took his hand and check for a pulse as Kili finally remembered how to walk.
"He is alive. Only unconscious...he should wake within a day or two..." She stopped and looked at Kili.."thank you both... You shouldn't of risked your lives for me."
"And why do you say that?" Kili asked quiet appalled "what kind of dwarfs would we be letting someone in danger just die? It's practically muder." Smiling and offering a hand Kili helped Idril up.
"Now what's a girl like you wandering around in the woods alone without protection doing?" As Idril assisted Kili with lifting his elder brother to a horse, she decided to tell some of the truth.
"I was traveling in search of my father...I never met him. And I did have a bow, till the troll snapped it in two."
"So you shoot. As do I." He said smiling yet again. "You ever ridden a horse?"
"Once. My f-uncle Lego-...Leo took me hunting with him once." Mounting the horse with his brother, Kili motioned for the other to be Idril's. Using her good foot she hoisted herself up with little difficulty and quietly trotted behind Kili to their camp. No fire burned, but the moon cast enough light for tents and a single, tall, dwarf to be seen.
A groan escaped Kili's lips.
"Uncle is up...I'm in for it".
"Where have you been? I wake to-...what happened to Fili!?" Walking quickly forward, concern pouring from his voice, the dwarf froze.
"Who is this." He asked very quietly.
"This is..." Pausing he looked back with a sheepish smile. "I never actually got your name..."
"I-it is Idril." Her voice wavered, as unease with this new dwarf setting in.
"We saved her from a troll uncle, she was alone with no weapons or companions-"
"Thorin Oakenshield, king under the mountain. You seem to have run into some trouble in the woods. I see one of my Nephews has sustained injuries, what about your well being?" His manor had changed completely. No concern laced his deep voice anymore, just absolute poise and dignity.
"I-I...my ankle is..s-slightly sprained..y-your majesty." Idril sputtered trying to discern what was acceptable when speaking to a dwarven king.
"Uncle you scared the poor-"
"Kili none of your funny business, take our guest to Balin. I will get your brother." Kili sighed and dismounted his horse.
Idril barely heard Thorin mutter under his breath."I hope he has not sustained a concision...his mother will kill me."
"I-if I may..." Thorin looked up, as Idril looked away before continuing speaking. "He just took a bump to the head sir... He..he should wake within a few hours with nothing more than a headache..maybe nausea."
"...Are you a healer?..." Kili asked as he helped her down from the horse.
"I...I learned a few things from my village healer." She lied quickly. Thorin cast a thoughtful stare at the retreating figure of the girl, knowing there was something different about her just not what yet.
Idril had been seen by an old dwarf with bright white hair and long white beard. He reminded her of a soft spoken wizard... Just much smaller. Idril watched with rapt attention as Fili was brought in and cared for by Balin. Dwarfish healing was just as simple as the healing of men. She wished she could assist with what little elf healing she had learned, but knowing that would cause unrest, what with the dwarf and elf rivalry, she refrained, sitting quietly on the other cot. After making sure that Fili was okay after all, Thorin left dragging Kili by the ear to chew him out about his disobedience.
"May I ask what you were doing alone in the woods?" Balin asked with all the politeness you would expect from an advisor of the king.
Deciding sticking with the same half lie was the best idea, Idril told Balin just what she told Kili. "I was traveling to find my father. He left at my birth, for reasons I'd rather not share." Awkwardly looking away, she heard Balin stand.
"I am not one to pry" he smiled, "and would you mind keeping watch on this stubborn dwarf while I'm gone? Thorin said you were somewhat of a healer."
"I-I'm not a healer...I j-just know a little..I"
"You're more than qualified my dear." Balin laughed while leaving the small tent. Silence suddenly filled the small space, the only sound that of Fili breathing, slowly numbing her mind. Idril sighed laying looking at the ceiling. At some point she must have dozed off because she was woken by the sounds of a tray being placed on the table next to her.
"Hey! Uncle said to bring you something to eat, so I brought all my favorites," Kili said smiling from ear to ear "He said he'd be by later to talk."
Idril shook her head to clear her vision as she sat up. She looked at the tray full of sweets and a small pot of tea.
"Uh...Kili that's really sweet an all...but can I have some real food like bread and cheese?"
"Aww, ruin all the fun why don't you? Just like Fili." He pouted as he walked away. Deciding tea would be very delightful, Idril began to pour herself a cup when Thorin entered.
"Oh..um I only have one cup..But Kili."
"I did not come for tea" he said with a small chuckle. Feeling uncomfortable, Idril sipped at her tea unsure if she was suppose to speak or not.
"I know really nothing about you, and I feel as if I should know more if you are to be staying with my hunting party for a few days." Thorin spoke stiffly, as If he too were unsure of how to proceed.
"...I'm sorry your...majesty...but I don't know what exactly you would like to know." Idril looked away in embarrassment. She didn't know how to address a king, especially one not of Elvish decent.
"Well I-.." They both froze as a groan emitted from the cot to the left.
Thorin stood and took the few steps necessary to stand over his nephew.
"How do you feel?" Fili's eyes opened as he struggled to focus.
"...Uncle? Hey... Hey Uncle Thorin ...did jou see da angel?" His voice slurred as a small smile lifted the corners of his mouth. Thorin chucked.
"Angel?" He asked a but confused.
"Yeah...it...she was..." Kili walked in carrying a tray of actual food, and met Fili's glazed look.
"Bro you're up!"
"Tell uncle...bout the angel" he said smiling wider. Kili looked a bit confused before realization slammed into place.
"Ohhhh. Yeah uncle we totally saved an angel," he said winking at Idril, who's ears were bright red in embarrassment.
"I hope...I see her again." Fili muttered as his eyes closed again and he drifted back to sleep. Trying to contain his laughter Thorin took his seat beside Idril's cot again.
"He seems to have taken a liking to you Idril." He stated as calmly as possible.
"I...I ... He.."
"Aww come on... Angel, drunken words are sober thoughts... This is kinda the same thing right?" Kili gently nudged an elbow at the blundering girl.
"...I...I guess," she averted her gaze once again " but it's funny... And slightly ironic."
"How so?" Thorin and Kili asked in unison.
"Well...my name...it means Angel..." Kili burst into fits of giggles, as Idril blushed even deeper red. Thorin chuckled deeply for a few seconds then composed him self.
"Kili I would like to speak to Idril for a few minutes. I would appreciate if you would go speak with Balin, see if there is any news from the mountain." Idril, realizing how hungry she was timidly reached for a roll to nibble while having to speak to Thorin.
"I'm sorry for the interruptions. What I mean is id like to know some of your background, where you are from, and why you would choose to leave your family alone." Idril sighed inwardly.
"I am from a small village on the river. We tend to just farm for ourselves, but when we can, we trade cheeses and extra crops. At birth, my mother died. So I was raised by my uncle Leo. He did his best, and became like a father. But I did not feel a sense of belonging in my village, no matter how hard I tried. My father, left at my birth. For one, unable to stay where my mother once lived. There are other reasons, but I prefer to keep them to myself. I do not know where he lives, or if he is still alive. Even though I had my uncle, I felt like I was too much of a burden, so I left. Thinking I could start over, take my life and make it what I wanted." She finished in a huff. And anxiously sipped her now cold tea. Thorin had remained silent, listening with a face void of emotion.
"One last question. Your name. It is Elvish correct?" He looked up catching her gaze. Idril knew she couldn't lie...about the origin at least.
"Yes. My mother loved the tales of Elves according to uncle, and choose her favorite name for her first and only child." Thorin seemed satisfied with this answer, his shoulders relaxing ever so slightly. He stood stepping for the entrance. He turned to look over his shoulder.
"We are packing up our camp tomorrow, your are welcomed to accompany us to my throne." And he left. Leaving the tent in silence, again. Idril finished her meal and sat wondering what she was to do now.
'Going with the dwarfs seems like a good idea...but not for long. I don't want to over stay my welcome.'
It had been quite some time, as Idril had napped and had dinner with Kili laughing and telling all kind of stories. He had left not long ago, and Idril, remembering Legolas, stood and hobbled to the opening of her tent. Peering out, she saw many dwarfs out and about, some talking off to the side, others gathered around a fire singing or eating. Unsure of who to approach, she was very glad for the appearance of Balin.
"My dear, do you require something?"
"Um if.. If it is not a problem, would it be acceptable for me to have some parchment to write and send a lette?"
"Why it is no problem at all. Come with me." He said motioning to reenforce his words. She quietly followed a few tents away. And timidly followed Balin into the small tent. Inside was a small, fold up table with witch sat parchment and quill ready for use.
"Help your self, I have business to attend to, I will be back shortly and would happily take it to a raven for you."
"T-thank you." Idril sat, wondering where to begin with her letter.
Legolas
I am ok. I want you to know that, before you know that I was attacked by a troll. I was journeying in an unknown direction, and had fallen asleep. I was woken suddenly as the troll lifted me in the air. Thankfully I had my dagger, and was able to lash out. It dropped me and in the process of wailing about it's cut, it stepped on my bow. I ran, tripping over who knows what and sprained my an kle. Two dwarfs came to my rescue, however. Both princes. I have been staying with them, and I plan on staying for just a while...to get my bearings. Maybe make a few friends. I will send another letter soon. I hope you're doing well. How is this 'war'? Is everyone in your troop alright?
P.S.
I'm haven't told them I am half elf for fear of yet again being hated.
P.P.S
What has your father told you of my departure?
Gently folding the letter in half, Idril stood to find Balin re entering the tent.
"Have you finished your letter?" He asked kindly.
"Y-yes. I need to seal it and send it on it's way." Balin have directions to her, and she left with a genuine smile and thank you.
Fili sat up with a groan.
"Mahal my head..." He threw his legs to the side of his cot, gently rubbing his temples. The flap of the tent opened as a girl, long blonde hair pulled away from her face framing her dark brown eyes entered. Fili's mouth was slightly opened in shock as he tried to speak.
"I...uh... What... Wh... Am I dead?" Idril blushed bright red and stuttered her own reply.
"Y-you're awake... Let me get Balin..or maybe your uncle." She turned but her wrist was loosely caught in a rough hand.
"Who are you?" Pulling her hand away she mumbled a reply "Idril" and left to get another dwarf. Fili looked down in confusion, wondering what this fluttering feeling in his chest was. Thorin found him staring downwards in confusion.
"Are you with us this time?" Thorin asked smiling. Idril stayed at the tents entrance, unsure of what to do. Fili looked up at Thorin in confusion.
"Yes I'm with you...but what do you mean by 'this time'?" He looked at Idril, who blushed and looked away.
"You'll have to ask your brother, can you walk?"
"Pretty sure" Fili shakily stood and stretched. Thorin nodded.
"Let's get you some food, come on." Thorin left the tent, and Fili slowly followed pausing as he passed Idril.
"You can come too...I'm pretty sure. It can't be very interesting in here." He smiled, and she nodded slightly before quietly slowing her pace to match Fili's shaky one.
AN
So yes, it is an OC/Fili... I couldn't help myself XD I'm doing my best to keep it at a nice pace. As well as trying to not write like I'm a goblin ;P. R&R anyone? (Criticism is acceptable, just don't be a douche about it :D)