Hello all, once again I didn't have much time to write yet...but I plan to most of the early part of the day tomorrow as all 3 kids will be in school...and I'm off from work! (Can you say yay?! ;)) Busy week tho, what with the holiday and all~~ Thank you for the great reviews and FYI big, exciting stuff coming up! {{hugs}}
Chp 53
Meanwhile...Tauriel headed to the infirmary. When she arrived, it was bustling place. Many of the twenty or so dwarves that volunteered to be aides here were hurrying in and out from that first room on the right, the storeroom, and taking things to the patients' rooms. When they saw Tauriel they nodded politely and hurried on their way. Till was coming out of one of these rooms and saw Tauriel. He immediately went over to her and told her how much many of the plants they found are already helping most of the patients. He told her how he had given half of the plants they obtained to Bilbo, so he could grow them in the gardens area, and therefore have a continual supply of them. The rest I brought here immediately, he had said, and started to prepare them for the patients. Tauriel had kept the athelas in her pack, which she brought here, and withdrew it now.
She asked Till, "If I may?" as she pulled out the plants from her pack and set them on a nearby table. Till shrugged and gave her a "go ahead and try" kind of look, so she proceeded to roll up her sleeves. She asked for a bowl and steaming water and Till directed her to the surgery room where there was a fire going in the small fireplace there. She nodded and followed his directions while he hurried back to the storeroom. In the room, there were shelves full of different kinds of equipment and instrumentations. She spied a clean metal bowl and grabbed it, then she noticed a spigot coming out of the wall over a large basin, not far away against the wall. It was similar to the set up she had seen in Thror's room, and were also like the ones from her homeland. She needn't have worried, water immediately began to flow out as soon as she lifted the lever so she placed the bowl under and filled it mostly full. Then she took the bowl over to the fireplace and arranged it in there so it could heat up. While the water was warming she looked for some clean linens to grab the bowl with. She found some in a drawer of a large cabinet. Looking down at the water it had slow rolling boil and she knew it would be at the perfect temperature so she grabbed the bowl with the cloths and set it on the nearby table. As she shred some of the athelas into the water, she incanted some elvish and closed her eyes as she did. Half of the athelas she left on the table, some to give to Bilbo to grow and the rest to help with more patients here, if need be. Oin entered the room and came and bowed to Tauriel and thanked her over and over for the medicines and plants her party was able to find. He asked what she was preparing, and when he found out it was the same plant she had used on Kili, he got really excited and wanted to take her out to the most serious cases, with it.
She covered the bowl with one of the cloths and wrapped the other underneath it and proceeded down the hallway following Oin. They went to Thorin III's room first. In it, was a wizened old dwarf, even more ancient looking than Oin or Balin, she thought. "Lady Tauriel, this is Uwen, from the Blue Mountains, and my mentor," Oin said. Tauriel gave the familiar elven bow and Uwen returned it. His eyes perked up when he saw what she had. "My deeear, that wouldn't be kingsfoile, is it now?" he croaked. Tauriel replied, "Yes, I was lucky enough to find some on our forage yesterday. It should be enough for all the patients here, plus some leftover to grow." He shuffled over and shifted his glasses to get a close look at it, then looked down at the resting figure in the bed. He lifted the sheet up and said, "We have already administered the Hellstone and Ipecac, that you were good enough to get for us and you see, his bleeding has already stopped. The aroma of kingsfoile, will also aid his recovery...so whatch'ah waitin for deery?" as he scooted out of the way to let her sit on the chair next to the patient.
Tauriel moved over and proceeded to chant in elvish and hold the athelas under the patient's nose; the sweet scent of the steamed plant wafting through the room immediately. Thorin III's seemed more comfortable after they had applied the medicinals to his bleeding belly wound, but now, after the administration of the athelas they all observed him taking a few slow deep breaths in and seemed more at peace now. Uwen told Tauriel there were a few other patients that could be helped with the athelas. Oin told Till to stay and monitor Thorin III and Uwen led the way to the next room.
Over the next few hours, Tauriel visited rooms of dwarves that had various injuries from broken bones, to still bleeding wounds to infections and gangrene. Oin, Uwen and all of the infirmary aides had worked to prepare and administer all of the plants and herbs they had brought back; but, once she had steeped the athelas in their rooms, all had noticed how more comfortable and able to rest all of the patients were.
Oin suggested they take a break, so they headed back to the main room and all sat down. Till had fetched everyone some water. Uwen stretched and laid the cane he used help him get around, next to his chair. "Ahh," he replied languidly, "Tis good to be of some help, fer o'change, for there wasn't anything going on at home, barely anyone was hurt or sick!" Tauriel wanted to learn more, "Please tell me more about the Blue Mountains, where Kili is from." Oin put down his ear trumpet momentarily and winked at Uwen, Uwen coughed and began, "How old are you my'dear?" Caught a little off guard, Tauriel thought for a moment then replied, "Certainly at least six hundred years, if not a few seasons more." Uwen smiled, "Why...you're just a babe, in elvish reckoning, of course," he smiled. "The Blue Mountain chain is one of the oldest on Middle Earth, for tis existed even before the downfall of the Numenoreans and when that land at the end of the Second Age was swallowed up by the sea. At that time, it was a less populated area and in the far Southeastern corner. At the beginning of the Third Age, after the island had sunk, most had retreated further in this direction and the Blue Mountains were one of the first stopping points. So it saw its share of fair folk, men and of course uncounted numbers of creatures and Orc filth that came through. It certainly has always been pleasant quarters, but nothing as lavish as here in the Mountain, which came later, like the immense Halls of Khazad-dum. So, over the ages, our old home had played host to many different tribes of dwarves and now, tis a far more peaceful land, being tucked far in the Northwest corner. That's why Nili and Dis felt it a safe place to rear their offspring, the royal heirs of Durin."
Tauriel sat there, enchanted, by hearing some of the tales of Kili's homeland. She had known of the downfall of Numenor of course, as all Elves are taught about the great people and events of the past, but wanted to find out more about Kili in his youth, so she continued to press for more. Oin and Uwen chuckled between themselves after she asked. Oin said..."Mm, that lad...has always had a talent for...getting into trouble, that's for sure!" Both elder dwarves were definitely having a good laugh remembering something from the past as Tauriel just sat there clueless. Oin decided to fill her in, "Oi...there was one time when Fili and Kili were just wee lads, and Dwalin was trying to teach them to sword fight; Fili was a natural...but Kili kept wanting to pick up a bow and arrow. Dwalin scolded him and when his back was turned, Kili picked up the bow and arrow anyway. I don't know how he did it, but managed to get an arrow strung and when he let it loose it must have picked up some brush that was burning from a fire nearby...the arrow landed in tree, right above Dwalin's head! But the smouldering brush fell into his hair and burned the top part clean off...and it hasn't grown back to this day!" Both older dwarves were in a fit of laughter and slapping their knees and even Tauriel had to cover her giggles with her hand.
Just then Kili came walking in. He was in a happy state, having just taken his friends on a tour and shown them to their new assignments and wondered what everyone was laughing about. Tauriel finally stopped laughing and said, "Now I know why Dwalin always wears his hair in that fashion." Kili turned pretty red and said in protest, "Well...all I was asking was for him to show me how to use a bow! And I didn't think the arrow would go that far...let alone, through the fire and put some on his head!" Oin got up and patted the flustered prince on the arm, "It's okay laddie...I think Dwalin prefers wearing it like that, anyway," both dwarves still enjoying a good chuckle. It took Uwen a few moments to collect himself and get out of his chair. When he finally managed it, he gave Kili a bow, but when he straightened up he clasped Kili's arm and said, "Aww, you know we're all so proud of you laddie, though, especially your Mother...all she could talk about on the way here. You and your brother, were there for Thorin, even up 'til the end, I've heard, and the others too," he bowed at Oin. "And of course, let us not forget the contributions of our new friends, Lady Tauriel, who I have also found out, was instrumental in the success of this quest," he gave her the deepest of bows, to which Tauriel returned, and with a hand on her breast. "Young Prince," he continued, "Please know she has been of an immense help here too. Of course, we brought a supply of items with our large traveling party, but there were some things that Lady Tauriel and young Till here were able to find...that I haven't seen in many a year. These plants will be very helpful to the patients here, and I daresay, everyone should make a full recovery, thanks to her tireless ministrations."
Tauriel was deeply touched by Uwen's words and bowed, elven fashion, to him. Kili was of course beaming and said, "Thank you for making the long journey Uwen. Long have you been a comfort for my mother, and I am glad to see you here and looking well and we are humbled to receive your services here in the Mountain. Yes...there was something special about this one," as he nodded his head in Tauriel's direction, "From the very first moment I saw her...even though she happened to be saving my arse, at the time." Uwen again started laughing and said, "Whoo...you must tell me that story one day, my'lady!" and continued chuckling. "Well, I must check on young Till and make sure those proportions he's mixing are correct," Uwen said as he bowed to the pair and shuffled away with his walking stick. Oin too, excused himself to go check on patients. Kili said, "I was going to check and see how Bilbo was coming along, would you like to join me, my lady?" Instead of replying, Tauriel bent slightly down and gave him a sweet kiss. He smiled and they headed off.
While they were walking, Tauriel brought up something that was on her mind. "Kili?" He answered, "Yes, amralime?" She smiled at the reference from the shore, not that long ago, but continued, "Uwen...seems very friendly, and so do many that I spent time with recently...it just...seems so different from when we first arrived here." Kili somewhat bowed his head when he spoke, "Yes...you must forgive us stubborn dwarves. Most have adhered to the old ways, longheld beliefs and such of being secretive and not trusting other races. These newcomers from my home in the Blue Mountains have had much dealings with halflings, elves and even the race of men; as our home is in the midst of where these races live. The dwarves from the Iron Hills would be the furthest dwarvish settlement, so they would have been the most untrusting of others as not having had much dealings with those of other races. Although, I have been very impressed with Twain. I sense a very brave and loyal warrior, within him. But most of these Iron Hills dwarves have slightly shifted their beliefs, I think, about you and Bilbo at least, after they heard the entire tale here in the Great Hall that day," he said as he smiled at her.
They were entering the Great Hall just then too, and Kili continued, "Till and Coron are pretty young and wide eyed, and therefore have been exposed to newer ideas of this day and age. I'm glad...but a little surprised, they survived the battle, as they, ahem...are not really trained for warring. Uwen now, has lived in many places of Middle Earth in his long life. I believe he was originally from a tribe in The Misty Mountain, near Khazad-dum, or Moria in the common tongue. He has had many dealings with other races; and has always valued the wisdom and healing arts of the elves, so you will find no prejudice in him." Tauriel replied, "Yes, I could sense that in him, as well. He is assuredly wizened, for he is the most ancient dwarf I've ever met. Do you, do you know how many years he has come to be on Middle Earth?" Kili thought briefly as they continued walking, "Well my mother might know, but he helped deliver her even too...if I had to guess, I would say close to three hundred years." Tauriel marveled and inquired further, "That is considered old then, among dwarves?" Kili said, "Yes...but not unheard of. Down the Durin line, most have lived two hundred years or more, had not most of them died in battle." Kili looked a little downcast, and so did Tauriel, thinking about what that portended for their future.
They finally arrived at the small door that led to the gardens though, and opening it, they found the sunshine and smells of nature there helped to brighten their spirits immediately. It took them a little bit to locate Bilbo as he was down towards the end where the waters run down the mountainside. When Bilbo spotted them he clapped his hands and said, "My friends...come see what I have done!" He showed them the rows and rows he outlined for all the plants they had gotten: many rows to grow the wheat to make bread; another line of rows for garlic and onions, which can be used for medicinals or cooking; a small area for other herbs, like dill, chives, rosemary and basil, that he had showed to Coron when he visited earlier; and a special area for all the roots, taters and vegetables he planned on growing. Then he escorted Tauriel and Kili across the small bridge where the few trees nourished by the waterfall, grew. The few Ravens, whose homes were in those trees, happily chirped and tittered at the trio below. Kili looked up and smiled and waved at Liac who he spotted on a nearby branch. Bilbo showed them where he cleared a large area on this side for all the trees he intended to grow. "Here will be the fruit trees," Bilbo said as he waved his arms, showing them the area he wanted them to grow in. Then he turned around the opposite direction and said, "And on this side..." he said as he lifted his arms up to the sky, "Will be the beautiful nut trees of pecan, walnut and fig!" Then he took them to the water's edge, and a little niche where the overhanging rock went a few feet deep that made a nice dark and moist spot. He bent down and directed them to look here and said, "Lastly...here will be all my tasty mushrooms and fungi in this little area under the rock and next to the waterline, will be the berry bushes!" Bilbo folded his arms and sighed; looking around and smiling very pleased with all of his work so far.
Kili was beyond impressed with everything Bilbo had accomplished in such a short amount of time and congratulated him on it. "Very impressive Bilbo! We will have you to thank for many ages here in the mountain for all these wonderful plants!" Tauriel also expressed her gratitude, "Yes, Master Hobbit, fruit and seed will bear more in an ever-continuing cycle. Those in the Mountain will be the recipients and when we partake in this bounty, we will always think about our Halfling gardener to which we will owe a debt of gratitude for," as she bowed elven fashion, leaving Bilbo with a tear in his eye. He stammered, "Gee..., um, I'm glad you like it," he blushed, "I just don't know if I'll be here that long to see everything to its full fruition," he added sadly. "Although I should like to get my hands on more of that fertile dirt, for we are in need of much more."
Tauriel patted his shoulder and said, "I can try some incantations that I know which may help start the growth quickly. There are others, from my homeland, blessed with the gift of Yavanna who would be better suited," she sighed. Kili looked up and said a little hesitatingly, "Perhaps...they will be in the contingent that will be arriving soon." Tauriel and Bilbo just stared at Kili, so he felt he should continue explaining, "We had received word earlier that King Thranduil and a party from Mirkwood will be arriving here in a few days' time for the coronation."
Tauriel was a little taken aback at the news. One of the last exchanges she had had with her King had not been pleasant; she had accused him of abandoning the battle and even drew arms against him. After, at the top of Ravenhill, he had acknowledged her feelings for Kili, but had not spoken or sent word to her since that day. Kili sensed Tauriel's feelings, "My love, I know it will be a tense meeting when the party arrives from Mirkwood...if...if you'd like me to be there, I will be happy to be at your side," he told her. Tauriel stiffened but had a dark look as her gaze drifted to far off into the valley and towards her foresthome. "Yes, I must speak with the King. It ended ill, between us, and being his ward, I really should have asked permission to stay here for so long." Bilbo added gently, "Weren't you banished though, Tauriel? May you not have gone as you pleased?" Tauriel smiled sadly, "That is true, Master Hobbit, however, the King feels a deep sadness and regret over his actions that caused my parents death; and though the King is brash and headstrong, I feel my abandonment of my duties, and my choices of late," she said as she reached for Kili's hand and took it in her own, "Has offended him for all that he has done for me in my long life. I do not know how his mind will sway...it has always been difficult to predict his thoughts, we shall just have to see," she said as she tried to smile.
As it was getting dark, Bilbo suggested they all get something to eat to which Kili and Tauriel agreed. Bilbo brushed himself off and decided to head there now and give the pair some time alone. Kili reached up and held Tauriel in his arms to which she nuzzled her head into his neck and smelled the musky scent of his skin and hair that she enjoyed so much and they hugged each other for awhile. Feeling a little better, they held hands as they turned to head to the dining halls. Kili mentioned, "And, um...yeah, my mum would like to meet you tomorrow, if that's okay?" You know what Tauriel did next~~