Chapter Fifty: Final Night in Lake Town
Bilbo laughed as the dwarves traded jokes and stories with any who would listen. The evening was going quite well, and Thorin, Balin, and Dwalin had finally left the Master and Alfrid to join the rest of the Company.
Kili hopped up, catching Tauriel's hands. "Let's dance!" the young dwarf cried.
The elf laughed, gamely allowing herself to be pulled up. "I don't know the steps."
"I don't either," Kili said, laughing. "That's half the fun." He quickly led them to where many of the townsfolk were dancing. If it wasn't for Tauriel's autumn red hair, they would have been fully lost to Bilbo's sight.
Then, Bilbo found his focus drawn to a song the townsfolk were singing.
"The King beneath the mountains,
The King of carven stone,
The Lord of Silver Fountains
Shall come into his own!"
Bilbo momentarily considered. They must have been referring to Thror. "Ori?"
"Already jotting it down," the young scribe said, happily writing in his book.
"His crown shall be upholden,
His harp shall be restrung,
His halls shall echo golden
To songs of yore re-sung.
"The woods shall wave on mountains
And grass beneath the sun;
His wealth shall flow in fountains
And the rivers golden run."
Bilbo's heart rose with the townspeople. Surely this song meant nothing but good fortune for them. Everything would end alright.
"The streams shall run in gladness,
The lakes shall shine and burn,
All sorrow fail and sadness
At the Mountain King's return!
"The Lord of Silver Fountains,
The King of carven stone,
The King beneath the mountain
Shall come into his own.
"And the bells shall ring in gladness
At the Mountain King's return,
But all shall fail in sadness,
And the lake will shine and burn."
Bilbo's stomach dropped as he turned to Ori. The young dwarf looked up at him, his face a shade paler. That final stanza didn't promise anything good. Why should they sing that with the same hope and joy? Yet, didn't most nursery rhymes and lullabies also have a darker turn?
"We've already made plans to prevent that, right?" Ori whispered for only the two of them. "Even if the lake shines and burns as the song suggests, everyone should be fine. Right?"
"Of course," Bilbo said, grasping his shoulder. "Of course." Despite Ori technically being the elder, he looked so young, like a hobbit barely into his majority. "Between the evacuation and the plans in place to destroy Smaug, everything will be right as rain."
Kili's infectious laughter alongside Tauriel's ringing chimes pulled Bilbo's mind back to the celebration with a final, reassuring smile to Ori.
The unlikely couple were returning from their dancing. Both seemed to be having trouble getting a proper breath from laughter. Kili's leg collapsed beneath him, twisting his face into a grimace.
"Kili!" Tauriel cried.
Thorin leaped over the table, barely beating Fili.
Bilbo scrambled under, vaguely noting that Bella had done the same as they rushed to their friend's side.
"I'm fine, I'm fine," Kili said, even as he heaved for breath.
Tauriel scowled at him. "I know that's a lie," she accused.
Kili winced at that. "Crazy One connections," he muttered.
"What happened?" Thorin demanded, kneeling beside him.
"I must have stepped wrong," Kili answered. "Pain jolted through and made my knee buckle."
"I'm getting Oin," Fili said.
"Fili!" Kili cried, trying to catch his brother's sleeve. "Fili! It's not needed!" But Fili was already out of reach. He flopped back against Tauriel's supportive arm. "Why do they never listen?"
"Maybe the same reason your mother gave you that stone," Tauriel offered, a slow smile crossing her face.
Kili groaned. "The worst thing is you're probably right."
"You're just fortunate that it happened here and not in the mountain," Bella said, squeezing his hand.
"Whose side are you on?" Kili asked in playful offense.
"Obviously the side that will ensure you stay alive," Bilbo answered as Oin arrived.
Thorin looked away, brow furrowing as Oin examined Kili's leg.
"No further damage has been done," Oin said after a couple minutes. "But no more dancing. Your leg is still mending. It can't take the extra strain."
"Which is why he'll be staying behind tomorrow," Thorin said.
"What?" Fili and Kili cried together.
"I'm coming with you," Kili protested. "I'm going to be there when that door is opened, when we first look upon the halls of our fathers."
"My decision is final," Thorin said firmly.
"Uncle," Fili pleaded, "we grew up on tales of the mountain. Tales you told us. You can't take that away from him!"
"That is why I forbid his coming," Thorin said. "Your One made a good point as you fetched Oin. It's fortunate his leg gave out here, and not in the mountain.
"We are all still hoping that Smaug is long dead, but what if he isn't? What if we must run for our lives? What if . . . he comes only to never see what I would truly wish you to see?"
Bella caught Fili's hand as the blond dwarf shuddered.
Kili trembled as Tauriel held him tighter.
"This way," Thorin said, "we may all survive to see Erebor restored."
"I understand, Uncle," Kili said quietly. "A part of my heart and mind still protest, but I understand why you'll forbid me for a time."
Thorin grasped his shoulder. "Once you are fully healed, or once our victory over Smaug is complete, then you can join us at the mountain."
"I should stay," Fili said.
"No," Thorin said. "You were right to keep the Company together when we were in Mirkwood. Now, we must remain together as much as we safely can." He sighed. "If it were possible, I would indeed urge both you and Bella to remain behind as the future of our line. But, there is the matter of the contract, and if possible, even the vaguest of communications could prove useful."
"Fee," Kili said. "I'll be alright. I'll stay with Bard and his children, if they'll have me. Once it's safe, you can recreate that first entrance for me. But to do that, you'll have to see it."
Fili took a deep breath before releasing it. "Alright," he surrendered. "I just wish we weren't having to leave you behind."
"I will make sure nothing more happens to him," Tauriel promised.
"You forgot to include me," Legolas said, stepping up. He half-smiled as he momentarily knelt. "Honestly, Master Kili, I would have forbidden you doing more than walking if you had been one of my injured men."
Kili scowled. "I was doing just fine," he protested.
"And now to ensure no further strain is put upon it tonight," Legolas continued as though unhearing. The prince scooped the dwarf up much to Kili's protests.
"Legolas Thranduilion! I am a grown dwarf and I don't need to be carried round as a babe!"
"And you aren't. To do so would require you being swaddled."
"Tauriel!"
Tauriel lightly laughed as she joined Legolas walking back to the table. "Humor him, a moment, melethen," she said. "Allow him this moment of sympathy for dwarves."
Bilbo finally chuckled as Kili pouted. "Well, that's at least one youngster out of harm's way," he commented.
"Indeed," Thorin said. "Thank Mahal we learned of the weakness before we left and not in the mountain's shadow."
Fili scowled before marching off, Bella hurrying to catch up with him.
"I'll speak with the elves, see if I should stay back with the lad," Oin said.
Bilbo noted in passing that it seemed as though the entire scene had gone unnoticed by the townspeople. "We can also thank the Valar that everyone has a night to adjust to the idea, and that it didn't happen upon the dock," he said.
"True," Thorin said with a sigh. "Do you have any misgivings, Bilbo?"
Bilbo huffed. "I would rather that my sister and I were safely in Bag End, or at least somewhere we had planned to visit, Lothlorien, Rivendell, perhaps Gondor or Rohan. If one of us had to be here, I would rather it be me and Bella far, far away." He sighed through his nose. "But, as mad as it seems, I believe that we are happiest here. We are surrounded by the most friends we could ever claim, and arguably the best that we've ever had. Bella has found someone who loves her for who she is, caring not a whit that she is adventurous and seen as improper by our relations. And, I have finally broken free from my Baggins restrictions. Something I had promised to do, but never actively did. I just wish Gandalf was already with us."
"That rascal of a wizard has a fortnight to meet us at the mountain," Thorin said. A smile twitched his lips as he looked over the Company. "Help Bifur and Bombur keep Bofur from drinking himself under the table."
Bilbo rolled his eyes with a chuckle. "I doubt I'll be much help, but I'll do what I can," he said. He pushed himself up and headed to the table. Gardenias and asters passed through his mind as he approached the dwarf who was trying to climb atop the table. He chuckled as he caught the miner's shoulder. "Bofur, how about we get you something other than wine?" he suggested.
"Bilbo!" Bofur cried gleefully, flopping over him in a flailing hug. "Where have you been?"
Bilbo winced at Bofur's too loud voice in his ear. "I was just checking up on Kili. It seems that we'll be short a member when we leave tomorrow."
"Oh? What has the lad done now?" Bofur asked.
"Irritated his leg injury, but Bella considers it fortunate we discovered that weakness now and not in the mountain. I'm admittedly grateful that at least the youngest of the lot will be safe."
"Mmm," Bofur shook a finger at him. "Your One will be a lucky woman to have someone as caring as you."
Bilbo lightly shook his head. He wasn't about to explain to a drunken dwarf that he was fairly certain that he didn't have a One. He was certainly getting too old for any hobbit to look at him. "And you have been too deep into the bottle. Shall I find out where our rooms are or the boat we will be departing in?"
Bofur giggled, giggled. "Why would you be doing that?"
"Because you need to sleep off the drink," Bilbo answered.
"Don't wanna," Bofur protested, even as he allowed Bilbo to guide him along. "Hurts too much."
"What does?" Bilbo asked, hoping he wouldn't regret asking.
"My One was stolen from me," Bofur lamented. "I don't know how. Not entirely sure when, but I've got an idea."
"I'm sorry for your loss," Bilbo said. Bofur mumbled something as Bilbo asked Balin about the night's sleeping arrangements. The hobbit then led the stumbling dwarf into the warm kitchen of the Master's house.
"Do you know how often dwarves find their Ones, Bilbo?" Bofur asked from the kitchen table.
"Can't say I was ever able to study it," Bilbo answered, searching the tea cupboard. Ah, relaxing herbs and some that should start fighting back the hangover Bofur was doomed to have come morning.
"Too few," Bofur said. "Dori could give you the ratios. Too depressing. So many men, too few women. And the women can choose not to marry, bringing the number even further down."
Bilbo allowed Bofur to ramble as he went about fixing tea and putting herbs into little sachets. Yes, he was preparing himself a mug as well, though with different herbs. He wanted to make sure Bofur drank the tea and was drifting to sleep before returning to the party. He subtly watched the apparently grieving dwarf as Bofur sagged against the table. Hopefully he could help, at least tonight. While he wasn't quite as close to Bofur as he was Fili, Kili, and even Thorin, Bofur did tend to be the one to look out for Bilbo and make sure the hobbit was alright.
Setting the tea before Bofur, Bilbo knew that this was the least he could do.
Legolas found himself surprisingly at ease sitting with Kili and Tauriel. The humans tended to give him his space, actually looking at Tilda in surprise whenever the girl casually held his hand or hugged his waist. At the moment the young girl was with her elder siblings. Kili leaned against Tauriel as they played with each other's fingers.
Despite the great disappointment of being barred from immediately traveling to the mountain, Kili appeared to have accepted it. Apparently having Tauriel with him gave him something else to look forward to.
"Care to share what's on your mind?" Tauriel asked the subdued dwarf.
"I'm still trying to understand what happened when you and Legolas healed me," Kili said. "Aside from my leg, I feel perfectly fine. More than that even. Like . . . a weight that I'd never noticed before was lifted."
Tauriel blushed, thoughts swirling through her eyes but not settling.
"Were you aware your souls touched?" Legolas asked.
Kili met his eyes. "It wasn't just my imagination?" he asked. "I saw myself trapped in whirling blackness but then, Tauriel, bathed in light came and her light burned the darkness away." He blinked. "After we caught each other's hands."
Legolas smiled. "Congratulations, if a week late. According to ancient tradition, you are wed."
Kili gaped at Legolas and Tauriel. "What?"
"The more traditional way involves the marriage bed," Legolas said, fighting a laugh as Kili's cheeks turned red. "But since the act more or less binds one soul to another, you managed to do so a little untraditionally."
Tauriel smacked him. "Stop mortifying my Heart," she scolded.
Legolas chuckled. "Apologies. But honestly, as far as elves are concerned, you are one of our own," he said. "I'm sure there is still the dwarves to worry about, but you have managed to silence a lot of naysayers before they even had a chance."
"And the change?" Kili asked.
"Legends say that soulmates of different races will adopt the lifespan of the longer lived," Tauriel answered. "It happens so rarely that it's unclear what happens when one half dies. Each dying within minutes of each other, or the survivor having a choice to live beyond their soulmate's death."
"Well, I would rather not find out, Kurdel," Kili said.
"I do not know what you called me," Tauriel said, smile shy.
"Heart of all hearts," Kili whispered. "I wished for a fitting name to call you, much like my brother does for his One. I feel that Kurdel is perfect for you."
"Hm, I may need to have some thought for you," Tauriel said.
Kili shrugged. "It would seem that we have all the time in the world." He hesitated before catching the tips of her hair in his fingers. His eyes never left Tauriel's as though he was crossing some line.
"What has you worried?" Tauriel asked.
Kili blushed but didn't break from her eyes. "Hair's an intimate thing for us dwarves," he explained. "A possible equivalent would be . . . me stealing a kiss."
Tauriel's eyes sparkled. "A very bold move," she noted, even she casually, yet deliberately swept Kili's bangs to the side.
Kili grinned giddily, his fingertips slowly twirling Tauriel's hair ends. "I guess we will be learning and teaching about our cultures in future."
"I'll be a willing student and teacher," Tauriel answered.
"What are they doing?"
Legolas turned to see Tilda at his side. He smiled. "Apparently the dwarven way of stealing kisses," he answered her.
The child's face scrunched in confusion. "I don't get it," she said.
"There will be time enough to learn," Bard said, joining them. "Kili will be staying with us until his leg is fully healed. Oin just explained everything."
"The dwarves are fortunate for your hospitality," Legolas said.
"And it is about time for little ones to be heading for bed," Bard said, prompting a pout from Tilda. "Do you wish to join us, Legolas?"
Legolas turned back to Tauriel. Already they had returned to their finger play. The prince sighed silently. "It may be for the best. And there are plenty of chaperones to keep them out of trouble."
Bard chuckled. "An honorable dwarf and honorable elf? I'd dare say the worst they do would be chaste kisses or some equivalent."
"We can hear you," Kili said.
"Should I be setting a curfew for you then?" Bard asked lightly.
"I have one more night where my uncle is my guardian," Kili answered. "I'll let him set curfew and once they leave tomorrow I'm under your guardianship."
"He'll be joining you and your children in an hour," Thorin said.
Kili groaned and Tauriel chuckled. "Why did I say anything?" he asked.
"Healing takes energy," Legolas said. "And, you'll want to be fresh when it's time to send everyone off."
The dwarf huffed. "True. In that case, I'll be joining you in either an hour or as soon as I know Fili is alright. Whichever should happen first."
Bard nodded as he scooped Tilda up. "Tauriel can guide you to my home."
Legolas stood as Kili and Tauriel made sounds of acknowledgement. Bain and Sigrid met them at the edge of the celebrations. As they traversed the walkways, Legolas caught sight of people quietly moving bundles from houses to the path out of the town. "It would appear that things are moving smoothly," Legolas said.
"And may it continue to do so," Bard said. "There is something that I wish to show you, just in case something happens before we are certain of the dragon's demise."
"What is it, Da?" Sigrid asked.
"Not until we're home," Bard insisted.
Thus, within the next half-hour, Legolas learned the fate of the final black arrow of Dale. He and Bain were also tasked with its care and use should anything prevent Bard from using it against the dragon himself.
Fili stalked back to the celebration, Bella holding his arm, offering a steady comfort that hadn't yet penetrated his frustration towards his uncle.
Of course Bella had been his voice of reason, encouraging him to look at the situation from his uncle's viewpoint, even from the viewpoint of a king. The most frustrating part was that Fili could imagine the reasoning, even understood it. But Kili was still his brother, practically Fili's shadow since the rascal learned how to crawl. To not have his brother beside him as they entered Erebor for the first time . . . he hated the thought.
"Fili."
He turned to Bella's gentle call.
She lightly smiled. "Don't allow your last evening together to be tainted," she said.
He drew a deep breath. "Alright," he surrendered. Quite honestly, either of them could have limited days. Azog was still hunting them down. Smaug could very well be alive and awaiting them. No regrets.
Bard and his family along with Legolas were leaving when Fili and Bella returned. Kili and Tauriel were relaxing on a bench at the table, their fingers at the tips of the other's hair.
"Growing bold, brother?" Fili asked, settling on the other end of the bench.
Bella cuddled in close to him, even as the newer lovebirds tinted pink around shy smiles.
"Well, according to Legolas, we are free to do more if we so wished," Kili said, puffing with playful bravado.
Fili felt himself smirk. "The two of you bonded when she healed you," he said.
Kili half-shot up in surprise as Tauriel's eyes widened. "You knew?" Kili gasped.
"And I am lost," Bella said, twisting round to see his face.
"I suspected," Fili clarified.
"And you didn't say anything?" Kili asked, incredulous.
Fili shrugged. "What could I have said? I couldn't know for certain, and how could I have said anything without potentially sending Uncle into a sulk?"
"Fine," Kili said, flopping back to Tauriel's lap. "You could have at least said something," he muttered.
"That's enough pouting, bonded man," Bella said, dislodging one of his feet from the bench. Kili yelped in protest as Bella turned back to Fili. "Now, explain this 'bonded' to me. Something tells me it can have a deeper meaning than usual."
Fili smiled, aware of his brother and his unofficial sister-in-law making themselves more comfortable as they listened. "It tends to be used only for wedded Ones," Fili explained. "As soon as we acknowledged we were each other's Ones, our souls have started reaching towards each other."
"Thus how we can detect pain and strong emotions," Bella said.
Fili nodded. "Once we are wed and consummate the marriage, our souls will be bound together. I am not entirely sure what that entails because I've never been told, but apparently it is something so unique to Ones, that the term bonded is only ever used for them."
Kili's eyes saddened, his eyes darting away.
"Kili?" Fili coaxed.
"I have an elven lifespan," he said.
Bella's eyes widened as a hand lightly covered her mouth.
Fili blinked as he slowly made the connection. As he and the rest of their family lived on, greyed, and passed, Kili, at least in theory, would remain as youthful as he was now for generations. Possibly even well into the fourth and fifth ages, should they ever come. Pain pierced Fili's heart as he realized this would simply be the first parting of ways for them. The first of possibly many.
Determination bubbled in Bella. "Well, then, we shall just have to face the future ahead as boldly as we dare each day, week, month, and year at a time. I'll ask Bilbo, possibly even Elrond if it is possible for anyone not related to elves to travel the sea. Even if not, we will make sure that every moment is not wasted."
"The sea?" Fili said. "You mean, from the Grey Havens to Valinor." He laughed. "That's impossible."
She gave him a wry, ironic face. "Says the dwarf who was revolted by the idea of a dwarf and an elf being Ones."
Fili felt heat blush across his face as Kili barked a laugh.
"When was this, nadad?" Kili asked.
"After the trolls," Fili said, hiding his face with one hand while Bella happily draped his other over her shoulder. "After Bella freed me from the sack, Gandalf requested his hat back. Before returning it Bella asked if an elf and a dwarf had ever fallen in love."
"Fili's face was absolutely priceless," Bella chortled. "The horror chased away the lingering anger I had. It was perfect."
"And for the record," Fili said, meeting Tauriel's eyes, "this was still when I was horribly biased against elves. My time in Rivendell, coupled with Bella's common sense, has made me much more receptive to elves. Though Thranduil may be the official exception."
Tauriel's face lightened with a smile. "I had wondered if you had always been this welcoming of elves, now I have the confirmation that I have Bella to thank."
"And we may want to ask Gandalf if he had some foresight," Bella said. "He practically said this would happen."
"I believe he said, 'there's a first time for everything,'" Fili returned. "Something to that meaning at least."
"But that would be interesting to find out, wouldn't it?" Kili asked, chuckling a little.
"I would say if he did, it must be spotty if he sent you lot on this quest," Tauriel said. "From all the troubles you've stumbled through."
"Sadly, the lot of the line of Durin," Bella said. "I've been traveling with these rascals for months, and I am sure I have only heard of a fraction of the trouble they've gotten into."
"Ach! I'm wounded, Mistress Boggins!" Kili cried. "You have such little faith in us!"
"Oh, I have plenty of faith, Kee," Bella returned. "Faith that trouble follows you lot everywhere."
"Mortal wounds, Amralime," Fili said, wrapping his arms around her tightly.
Bella laughed. "Simply think back on what we've experience on this quest alone, Fangon-nen," she said. "If that is not evidence as to your 'luck' I don't know what is."
Fili rolled his eyes. "I suppose that is just another reason to be grateful we aren't tempting fate then."
They all sobered a bit at his words. "Fee," Kili said, "are you alright about this?"
Fili sighed, resting his forehead on Bella's shoulder. "I'll feel like a part of me is missing as we go and until you join us." He looked up, meeting Kili's eyes. "But, Mahal willing, this will prove temporary, and not forever. Uncle is exercising wisdom in not risking you further. I can now understand why Bella fainted after Bofur's careless words in Bag End."
"What words?" Tauriel asked.
"After Smaug is dead, Kurdel," Kili said. "They are words that are too accurate to be taken lightly, especially within the shadow of the mountain."
"And it is best that we start off for the mountain with stout hearts," Bella said. "Not hearts shadowed by fear and worry."
"Agreed," Fili said.
"And now to Bard's," Tauriel said.
"Tauriel," Kili said in weak protest.
"We have lingered and spoke to your brother," Tauriel said. "You promised."
"Very well," Kili said as Tauriel stood and he straightened.
"What now?" Fili asked.
"I was given a curfew of an hour after Bard and his family departed the celebrations," Kili answered. "Since I begrudgingly saw the sense of rest for my healing injury and needed strength to bid you all farewell come morning, I agreed I would depart then or once I assured myself of your feelings concerning my staying behind."
"Hm, I wouldn't mind an early night," Bella commented.
"Certainly are some benefits," Fili agreed.
"What are you lot plotting now?" Bilbo asked tiredly, appearing.
"Just some quiet time within our quartet before being separated tomorrow," Bella answered. "Though to include Tauriel it would have to be a quintet."
"Would you care to join us?" Kili asked. "Like old times?"
Bilbo gave them a slow smile. "I think I would like that."
"Well, come along then," Tauriel said, scooping Kili into her arms.
"I can still walk, you know," he groused, even as his arm went round her shoulder.
"And I'd rather not feel that sharp twinge again in my own leg this night," she answered.
Kili relented, resting his head against her. "I suppose I can find some bright things about you carrying me."
"Oh?" Tauriel asked leading the way.
But Fili turned his attention to Bilbo as they walked. The elder hobbit twin appeared distracted. His gaze lingered on the Master's house, his brow furrowed.
"What troubles you, Bilbo?" Fili asked. "Do you suspect some trickery from the Master?"
"Oh, no, it's not the Master that's on my mind," Bilbo said quickly. "Though I would not trust the man with so much as a copper. No, it is Bofur. He drank himself into quite the state before I took him into the Master's kitchen for a cup of tea. It led to a rather interesting conversation. He said that his One was stolen from him."
"Bofur?" Fili said. "Bofur has a One?"
"You didn't know?" Bilbo asked.
Fili shook his head. "And to have his One stolen from him, surely there would have been rumors."
"Maybe under normal circumstances," Bella commented.
Fili turned to his One. She knew something. "What do you know about it?"
"I am not a liberty to say," Bella answered. "Bofur swore me to secrecy after confiding with me at Beorn's. Even if I was itching to help. But, Bofur insists that it is his issue and wishes that I leave it at that."
Fili sighed. "He probably only spoke now because drink loosened his tongue. I pray that he will speak to the lass and sort things out. A stolen One is no light matter."
"Is there anything we can do?" Bilbo asked.
Fili shook his head. "Until Bofur speaks to us or allows Bella to break her vow of secrecy, we can do nothing."
"Aside from being there until that time," Bella said. "Is he resting?"
"I would have felt like half a friend if I had left him otherwise," Bilbo answered.
"Well, then, let us catch up with Tauriel and enjoy a final night together," Bella said.
"Agreed," Fili said, setting the concern for Bofur aside for the time being.
They caught up with Tauriel and spent the remainder of the night in each other's company. Passing stories quietly and huddling together like they had so many times over the course of the quest. Fili held Bella close as they gradually drifted to sleep. The final part of their journey would start tomorrow.
Author's Note: And here is where a little detail connected to some now planned extended scenes caused my brain to go through some gymnastics. Yeah, like most of my stories, I had a plot bunny pop in, but since I was already publishing this story, I couldn't just go through and change it with so many having already read it. (Facepalming, so hard.) Another reason to be sure that a story is fully written and completed before sharing. My own fault. All this just to say, if anything felt a little jerky, that was because Bella and I now know a secret and we can't share because of reasons. Will be revealed when I create a collection of extended scenes, simply because it serves as an indirect catalyst when these characters start playing with the Lord of the Rings plot. Yes, if I haven't mentioned already, I do have tentative plans for dealing with a certain ring. I just need all the details of how things play out during Battle of Five Armies film frame and the aftermath of that.
Anyway. Hope this was a nice balance of serious and light-hearted. Since Kili is no longer battling the poison like in the film, I needed another trigger to hold him back. And, arrow wounds take a while to heal. We don't really know exactly what other damage was caused by the arrow outside of morgul poisoning. Depending on the exact location, the force of the arrow could have cracked bone, nicked important blood vessels, sliced tendons and/or muscles. Any and all leading to an unstable support if put under too much stress. So, instead of running and sliding through the monster treasury or racing through the dark dwarven city and his knee giving out, Kili just danced and fooled around a little too hard.
Just a little bit more of my fun headcanon of Middle Earth Soulmates. And maybe the slightest foreshadowing into the most distant future. Aka, once all relevant Lord of the Rings plot points have been covered.
So, any thoughts or theories about the coming chapters? Specifically about the departure from Lake Town and remaining trek to the Mountain? Would some of you even like to take a guess as to the secret Bella and I are sharing? I can only confirm or deny in private messaging, so any guests who might like a go, may only get vague answers in author notes. Not that they are a real common occurrence, but just in case this mystery brings you out of the woodwork. I would love to hear from you all. And in case it was missed . . .
HAPPY EASTER! HE IS RISEN!