Chapter 13

"Come and get me! Ha ha!" Radagast laughed as he shot out of the forest. Gandalf watched him as he disappeared into the distance, the Wargs behind him.

"Quickly, let's go!" Gandalf roared, rushing across a rocky plain, with the Company close behind him. Ember raced along with Bilbo, her head throbbing. "Stay together!" Gandalf called, as they hid behind more rocks, the Wargs coming back into view.

"Where are you leading us?" Thorin called to Gandalf. Just then, a Warg stopped, sniffing the air. His Orc scout led him towards the Company, who were hiding beneath a large rock overhang. Thorin looked to Kili and nodded. Ember watched with her heart pounding in her ears as Kili readied his arrow. He took a deep breath before stepping out and shooting the Warg. The arrow pierced the animal's lung as it fell near the dwarves. Dwalin swung his sword, slicing into the Orc rider's throat, but the damage had been done. The other Riders had heard the scream of the dying Orc, and turned towards the Company. As they dashed from their hiding place, Ember turned back, searching for Radagast. She saw his sled fading into the distance and she breathed a silent prayer of thanks, before grabbing Bilbo and racing after Gandalf. "Kili! Shoot them!" Thorin yelled. Kili knocked his bow, releasing arrow after arrow, his aim deadly accurate.

"Where is Gandalf?" Kili called.

"He has abandoned us!" called Dwalin angrily. The dwarves began to gather close together as more Wargs approached.

"Hold your ground!" shouted Thorin. Ember yanked her blade from her waist, noticing that Bilbo had done the same, with a small dagger she had never seen before. Suddenly, Gandalf popped up from a crack in a rock.

"This way, you fools!" he yelled. Ember realized where he had disappeared to.

"The Hidden Pass," she thought and wasted no time. "Come on!" she cried. The dwarves took off towards Gandalf, as Kili stayed shooting his arrows. Ember leaped up onto the rock, tossing Bilbo down into the hidden cave Gandalf had found. Thorin leapt onto the rock beside her, sending his Company down into the darkness.

"Kili! RUN!" Thorin's voice was strained as he watched his nephew race towards him. Ember froze, her eyes locking with Kili's.

"KILI!" she screamed as a Warg began to run him down. She could feel something struggling to break free inside of her, something hot, burning, but Gandalf's containment spell was still holding her power in its grip. Thorin reached for her as he realized her intent, grabbing at her arm, but she wrenched it away. Leaping from the rock, she raced towards Kili, his eyes frantic as he saw what she was doing.

"Ember! NO!" Kili cried, as she rushed past him, dropping into a slide, dragging her dagger down the belly of the trailing Warg, spilling its intestines along the grass. The animal screamed in agony, tossing its rider to the ground. Ember flipped out of her slide into a crouch. She rose to her feet quickly, as the Orc rider bounded to its feet. It's face was black and rotted, and it smiled wickedly, displaying razor sharp teeth. She met its fierce blow with one of her own, and the dance of battle began. Their blades clanged together, and she twisted away from the creature, shifting towards the carcass of the Warg. She blocked another vicious strike when she felt something swipe along her ribs, and knew it had to be the dying Warg's claws. She cried out in pain, falling to the ground. The Orc stood above her, grinning at his prize, when an arrow sliced through his skull, killing him instantly. She felt strong arms lift her, and was surprised to see Thorin's face. He dashed back towards the cave, Kili only steps behind. He leapt down into the cave as an Elvish horn sounded out. Thorin met her eyes briefly, then set her down gently, as Kili came towards her. The battle horn rang again as the Company listened to the sounds of conflict. They all jumped when an Orc, shot by an arrow, tumbled into the cave. Thorin plucked the arrow from the corpse, examining it.

"Elves," he grunted in disgust.

Kili couldn't decide whether he wanted to hold Ember or shake her. Unfortunately, he made the wrong choice. "Mahal, what were you thinking?" Kili yelled at her, grasping her shoulders and shaking her roughly. She winced in pain, but he was so angry he failed to notice. "Are you trying to get yourself killed? What is the matter with you?"

"Kili!" Fili yelled, quickly moving between them and pulling his brother back. "That's enough!" Ember stood frozen in silence, her eyes glistening. Bofur approached her, but she shook her head at him, before moving away from the others to a far side of the cave. Bilbo made to follow her, but Bofur stopped him.

"Give her a moment, lad," Bofur said quietly. Bilbo frowned, but nodded. Meanwhile, Dwalin had begun to examine what looked to be a path from the back of the cave. As the Company began to discuss the situation, Ember glanced down at her side. Her tunic was slashed and she winced as she felt the warm blood oozing down her side. She looked around quickly, noticed that the others were focused on the path, and tore a piece of her tunic off. She pressed it firmly to her side, hissing in pain. She managed to tie it around her, then she covered herself with her black cloak. Satisfied that no one would be able to tell she was injured, she turned back to the Company. She refused to cause them any further delays.

"I cannot see where the pathway leads. Do we follow it or no?" Dwalin called as Ember returned to the group. She glanced at Gandalf. She knew exactly where they were. He nodded at her, frowning. Why had she not released her power to save Kili?

"Follow it, Dwalin, it is the only way," she said. She refused to look at Kili as she grabbed Bilbo by hand. "Lead on." As the dwarves began to follow Dwalin, Fili grabbed Ember by the arm, pulling her back. She released Bilbo's hand, and nodded for him to go on. As the others headed down the path, she turned back to Fili. "I don't want to talk about it. Let me go, Fili," she said quietly.

"Ember...he didn't mean..." Fili began.

"Let. Me. Go." she said firmly, the hurt in her eyes betraying her. Fili saw the tears welling up, but she stubbornly held them back. He gently released her arm, and she stormed past him back to the Company. Fili sighed. He knew Kili had only been filled with worry, not anger. He shook his head and began to follow Ember when he looked down and saw his hand was sticky with blood. He was confused, he didn't think he was injured, and Ember seemed fine. He shook his head, wiped his hand on his cloak, and hurried to catch up with the others.

Following the pathway proved difficult. It was very narrow, as if an earthquake had split a crack between two tall cliffs. Long hours passed as the Company trudged slowly forward through the hot dry air. The blazing sun beat down upon them, and Ember felt herself feeling more and more lightheaded, the blood having soaked through her tunic. She kept her cloak wrapped around her and pressed forward. She would not slow the company down again. Kili now trailed behind her, but she steadfastly ignored him. His brief anger had faded and he was ashamed that he had treated her so rough. He hoped that wherever they were going, he would be able to speak with her. Right now, he had to settle for watching her stride before him, so close and yet so far away. Finally, as the afternoon sun began to wan, the pathway seemed to widen into an open area, and below them was a valley of rivers, waterfalls and lush greenery. They halted at the edge of the cliff. "The Valley of Imladris. In the Common Tongue, it's known by another name." Gandalf stated.

"Rivendell," said Bilbo in awe. He turned his face to Ember, noticing the relieved look on her face.

"Home," she whispered, swaying slightly. Kili frowned at her, moving closer. Something was wrong…but what? He gently grabbed her arm, and she pulled away, shooting him a hurt look.

"Are you alright?" he asked quietly, as Fili came up beside him. She stepped away, turning her back to him as she looked out over the valley. Fili grabbed Kili's hand. It too was now bloody.

"It's not mine," Kili protested to his brother, a confused look on his face.

"Here lies the last homely house east of the sea," Gandalf continued.

"This was your plan all along, to seek refuge with our enemy," Thorin growled, ignoring his nephews, who had locked eyes with each other. "You think the Elves will give our quest their blessing? They will try to stop us!"

"You have no enemies here, Thorin Oakenshield. The only ill-will here is that which you bring yourself. The Elves will try to stop us, but we have questions that need to be answered. If we are to be successful, this will need to be handled with tact, and respect and no small degree of charm. This is why you will leave the talking to me…and Ember." Fili and Kili looked at Ember in horror, coming to the same conclusion. The blood was hers. Gandalf turned to Ember, noticing the paleness of her skin and look on the two young dwarven faces behind her. She met his eyes, slowly holding a bloodied hand towards him.

"Istarnin…" she murmured as her eyes rolled back. Kili caught her as she slumped in a faint and Gandalf reached for her. Pulling back her cloak, he was appalled by the amount of blood soaking through her tunic.

"She is wounded! Oin! " Kili called frantically. The old dwarf rushed forward, seeing the claw marks in her tunic.

"Warg claws," he mumbled, searching through his bag. He grabbed bandages, pressing against her side. "We need to get her to Rivendell. The elves will be able to assist us in healing her." Kili scooped her lightly into his arms. They all moved quickly, heading down into the valley as fast as they could. Kili cursed himself under his breath; he knew that Ember had not wanted to show she was injured because of Thorin, and because of how he himself had treated her. He had yelled at her, instead of thanking her for taking out that Warg. If only he could have told her why…he held her limp body tightly to his own, pushing himself to run faster. They crossed a bridge and stood on a large platform, before a large stone staircase. The dwarves were all uneasy as a dark-haired Elf walked down the stairs towards them.

"Mithrandir," the elf greeted Gandalf, "Lastannem i athrannedh i Vruinen."

"Lindir, I must speak with Lord Elrond," Gandalf replied anxiously.

"My lord Elrond is not here." Lindir surveyed the dwarves, before his eyes settled on Kili…and the girl in his arms. "Yuula!" he cried, reaching for her. Dwalin raised his sword, pulling Kili behind him. Suddenly, an Elvish horn broke the silence of the valley. The dwarves turned to see a group of horsemen approaching along the bridge at a rapid rate.

"Ifrid bekar!" Thorin shouted. "Hold ranks!" The dwarves bunched up into a tight circle as the mounted elves began to circle the company. One elf dismounted, approaching Gandalf with a smile.

"Lord Elrond. Mellonnen! Mo evinedh?" Gandalf said with relief.

"Farannem 'lamhoth I udl o charad. Dagannem rim na lant Vedui," Elrond replied, embracing Gandalf. "Manke Ember?" he added. At the sound of her name, Kili pushed Dwalin aside.

"My Lord, she is greatly wounded. She needs your help," he said humbly. Thorin glared at his nephew as Elrond strode forward, lifting her cloak. He turned at once, calling for his healers. He moved to take her from Kili's arms, and Kili moved back, tightening his grip protectively. "I will stay with her, my lord." There was no room for argument.

"Very well, follow Lindir to the healing room, I will be there shortly." Kili shot his brother and uncle a worried look, then hurried past Lord Elrond up the steps. Thorin turned to Gandalf anxiously.

"I do not like my kin being left alone here, Gandalf," he said. "How do they know Ember?" he added suspiciously. Elrond turned to him, looking upon him with recognition.

"Welcome, Thorin, son of Thrain. You have your grandfather's bearing. I knew Thror when he was ruled under the Mountain."

"Indeed, he made no mention of you." Elrond raised an eyebrow, but turned to the company.

"Nartho i noer, toltho i viruvor. Boe i annam vann a nethail vin." The dwarves started muttering to each other.

"What is he saying? Does he offer us insult?" growled Gloin. Gandalf rolled his eyes.

"No, master Gloin, he's offering you food," the Wizard said with a smirk. The dwarves looked at each other.

"Ah, well, in that case, lead on." Gloin replied, bowing slightly.

After ensuring a servant would prepare rooms for his guests, Elrond raced to the healing room. Ember lay on one of the beds, pale white and still. Kili snarled protectively as a male healer attempted to remove her tunic, drawing a dagger from his belt. Elrond stepped forward.

"Prince Kili, we must tend to her wounds. Allow us to do so, or I will have you removed." Kili's eyes smoldered but he nodded in acceptance.

"Please...get a female to undress her," Kili muttered as he sheathed his dagger, his cheeks blushing a fiery red. Elrond called for a female healer, and Kili turned his back as she began to remove the bloodied clothing. Elrond noted this sign of respect and smiled, despite his worry. Kili's mind raced as he realized the elf knew his name, knew he was a prince. He forced himself to bury his questions, focusing on Ember. Once the healer had the wound exposed, with Ember's chest remaining covered by a soft leather corset, Elrond nodded to the young dwarf. Kili turned back to Ember, grasping her hand tightly. She moaned softly as Elrond began to probe the four long gashes to her rib cage. Blood seeped steadily from the wounds.

"Emz burush bi buzra," Kili muttered in Khuzdul. Elrond nodded in agreement, and Kili looked at him in surprise. He had understood Khuzdul?

"She has lost a lot of blood," the Elf Lord murmured, gesturing to his assistant nearby. Some metal instruments were brought forth and Kili's eyes widened in fear. Elrond continued to closely examine the deepest gash, before nodding grimly to himself. "Prince Kili, I will need you to hold her down." Kili nodded slowly at the elf, and the young dwarf placed his hands firmly on Ember's shoulders, pinning her to the bed. Elrond gestured to another healer, who took a strong hold of Ember's legs. Kili glanced down and she opened her blue eyes to look at him.

"Kili..."she whimpered. "It hurts..."

"Hang on, vol kaon," he whispered tenderly. Elrond glanced at him sharply, then back to Ember.

"Yuula," he said, and her eyes lit up in recognition.

"Herunin," she breathed, a soft smile on her lips. He returned it, brushing his hand across her forehead.

"Tumba suula, a'mael harma." Fear flashed in her eyes, but she did as he asked, gritting her teeth. He plunged a thin grasping tool into her deepest wound. Her body writhed in agony as an ear-piercing scream escaped her lips. Kili struggled to hold her down, his heart snapping with her pain. The other healer kept her legs firmly secured, though her hips bucked wildly against the forces holding her down. Elrond maneuvered the grasping tool deeper and she shrieked again. THe pain was so intense Kli was sure she would pass out, but she continued to scream in agony. Finally, after what seemed like forever to Kili, Elrond yanked a long black claw from her side with the tool, grimacing as she cried helplessly, tears pouring down her cheeks. "Goheno den, henig. Goheno den." He smoothed her hair back from her brow, murmuring gently to her. Her sobs slowly quieted as he whispered to her in Elvish. She whimpered softly as a healer placed a cup to her lips. Her eyes met Elrond's and he nodded. "Kaima, Yuula. Kaima." Kili gently cupped her head and she managed to swallow the elixir, before he carefully laid her back on the pillows. She weakly reached for Kili's cheek, and he pressed her soft hand to his lips. Her eyes fluttered closed as Kili stroked her blond hair, humming softly to her. Elrond began to prepare to stitch up her side, a bowl of healing herbs at his side. "Prince Kili, she needs to rest. I will have someone take you to your companions." Kili stared at him defiantly.

"I will not leave her." Elrond smiled at the familiar stubbornness in the hazel-green eyes. He had only seen one other person look at him like that, but her eyes remained closed.

"You may return once you have rested and eaten. The elixir has taken her pain, and she will sleep for several hours. She is very safe here, no one will harm her." Kili looked at him doubtfully and Elrond smiled. "Trust me, young prince. She is my a'mael harma. My beloved treasure." Kili looked into the lord's face, seeing the love he had for Ember. Though he did not fully understand their relationship, he knew she would be well cared for. He nodded reluctantly, placed a soft kiss on her brow, and allowed the healer to lead him from the room.

"One thing is for certain," he thought to himself, "Ember and Gandalf have got some explaining to do."

Lastannem i athrannedh i Vruinen - We heard you had crossed into the Valley

Ifrid bekar - Ready weapons

Mellonnen! Mo evinedh - My friend, where have you been?

Farannem 'lamhoth I udl o charad. Dagannem rim na lant Vedui - We've been hunting a pack of Orcs that came up from the South. We slew a number near the Hidden Pass

Manke Ember - Where is Ember

Nartho i noer, toltho i viruvor. Boe i annam vann a nethail vin - Light the fires, bring forth the wine. We must feed our guests.

Emz burush bi buzra - Her wound is deep

Tumba suula, a'mael harma - Deep breath, beloved treasure

Goheno den, henig.- Forgive me, my daughter.

Kaima, Yuula. Kaima - Sleep, Ember. Sleep.

vol kaon - blue eyes

Sorry for the long chapter! Reviews please!