The Ravine, Part II

Fili was still standing in the sitting room when Kili went back.

"You should rest that ankle, Fili."

"You should, too," Fili said. "I'm so sorry. I should have been there with you, helping you."

Kili pressed his forehead against Fili's. "I'm glad you were here. Safe and sound. I don't know what I'd do if you had gotten hurt, too. Look, I've got to go." He closed his eyes and sighed. "I shot a nice big deer and brought it home, but I'll not get it cut and preserved before it goes bad."

Fili went to the front door and opened it. He saw the deer on the sled. It was huge. It had to weigh twice as much as Kili.

"You brought that? All by yourself?" Fili asked.

Kili nodded. "Such a waste now. It would have been a lot of food for the winter."

"Have you forgotten you have a brother who knows how to prepare a deer? Go rescue Adad and Uncle. I'll take care of the deer. It's the least I can do."

Kili smiled his thanks. It was nearly dark now. "I'll be back soon." He went to the side of the house and found an old pulley. He stuck it into his pocket and took off running to the village square. Dori and Ori were there. Ori was sitting in a wagon that was being packed by Balin and Dwalin. Florg, captain of the guard was there as well as Bofur, his cousin Bifur, Oin, their healer and Gloin. They were all sitting on ponies, ready to go.

Kili went to where Dwalin was putting supplies into the wagon. "Do we have stretchers?"

"Aye, lad," Dwalin answered.

"Ropes? We'll need lots of rope."

"Don't worry, Kili. We've got everything we'll need," Balin smiled kindly.

"Let's go, then. Kili, lead the way!" Dwalin called.

Kili hopped onto his pony and started out in the direction of the ravine. Along the way, he described what had happened, the health of the two when he left them and the layout of the land by the ravine to Dwalin, Balin and Oin. They all knew which bridge Kili spoke of and they rode as fast as they could with the wagon.

During his long, lonely run home, Kili had thought up a way they could get the two dwarrow out of the ravine with as little trauma to their bodies as possible. He explained his ideas to Dwalin and Balin, who said little in return about Kili's plan.

When they finally arrived, Balin started calling out orders. Kili and Dwalin went to the cliff's edge.

"Thorin!" Dwalin called out.

"Dwalin, thank Mahal you're here," came Thorin's very relieved voice from the blackness of the ravine.

"Just sit tight and we'll have you out soon."

Kili took an unlit torch, stuck it into his belt and made his way carefully down the ravine. When he reached the bottom, he pulled out his flints and lit the torch. Thorin looked terrible and his father was the same, except for a blanket under his head, soaking up some of the blood.

Kili held up the torch and slowly, Oin started down. Once he was on the ground, Kili started a fire so Oin could treat their wounds. Kili didn't have much time to watch Oin work as Dwalin called to him.

A large length of rope was thrown into the ravine. Kili picked it up, tied the end to his waist and he began to climb up the opposite side. He tied the rope to a tree on the other side from where the rest of the rescuers stood. When the rope was secure, he called to Dwalin, who slipped the pulley onto the rope before tying it to a tree on his side. Now one long rope spanned the entire ravine. Another rope was put through the pulley and they were able to lower supplies to Oin.

Kili went back down into the ravine to help Oin. His father's eyes were opened.

"Adad!"

Joli smiled. "Kili," he reached out his hand and Kili held it. "When I woke up, Thorin told me you had gone for help. I knew I was safe then."

"You're not safe yet, but you will be soon," Kili said.

"I am safe. You brought help. Don't worry about me, now. I can speak and as far as I'm aware, everything works. I can feel pain in my head and I'm sore all over from baying on this stone," Joli said.

"And I'm not suppose to worry when you're hurt like that?" Kili asked.

Joli's eyes closed. "That's right. It means I can still feel. After a fall like that, I'm not only lucky to be alive, I'm lucky to be able to feel anything at all. Yes. I'm lucky."

Oin confirmed Thorin's broken leg. "It's a good thing you got it into a splint as quickly as you did. Clean break, I think. Don't have to reset anything. You'll just have to stay off of it and let it heal."

Thorin grumbled something of a thanks to Oin.

Kili helped Oin and Bofur lift Thorin onto the first stretcher. It was tied to the ropes that hung from the pulley. Carefully, the stretcher was lifted off the ravine floor and up into the air. It was pulled up and over the edge of the cliff. Kili and Bofur stood by, with their hands up, ready to catch Thorin should the ropes fail. But there were no problems and soon Thorin was safely out of the ravine.

Oin turned his attentions to Joli. Kili gathered all their supplies and started hauling them up. He repacked his pony and saw Thorin laying in the back of the wagon. Ori was giving him a drink of something. He saw Florg, Bifur and Gloin holding the rope that would soon be used to pull his father up and out of danger. Dwalin stood at the ravine's ledge and kept an eye out on everything, making sure everyone was safe.

"Kili, lad!" Bofur called to him from down in the ravine. "We'll be needing your help again!"

Kili climbed back down and help to lift his father onto the stretcher.

"How is he?" Kili asked Oin.

"He's lucky, that's what. He's got a concussion and a fair sized gash that I'll need to sew up when we get back home, but for now, the bleeding's stopped. I'll have to keep an eye on him over the next week and make sure no problems show up after the swelling starts to go down. Lucky, lucky, lucky," Oin said, while shaking his head.

Kili sighed in relief. He had been so afraid for his father.

Once Joli was safely lifted over the edge, Kili went back and climbed the far side of the ravine again. He untied the rope and climbed back down. The ravine was clear of everyone and all their supplies. The only thing left to show what had happened, was a broken bridge and a pool of his father's blood, black in the night's light. A chill came over Kili. He was eager to get out of there, but he was so tired. How many times had he climbed in and out of that ravine today? A strong urge to just lay down and sleep came over him.

"Come on, Kili, we're waiting on you!" Dwalin's gruff voice called out. Kili sighed and climbed the cliff wall one last time. Thorin and Joli were in the back of the wagon and everyone else had mounted their ponies. They were waiting for him. Honestly, Kili was amazed they even remembered him. Perhaps his father had asked where he was. The wagon pulled out first and the rest followed.

"Nice idea," Thorin said to Dwalin, "setting up the ropes like that and using the pulley. It made lifting and transporting us and the supplies so much easier."

Kili's heart dropped. It had been his idea. He had told it to Dwalin on the ride over. Once again, his ideas had been dismissed and when someone else used the same idea, they got the credit. He sighed. Thorin and Adad were safe. That's all he should need to feel happy. Not the credit for their rescue.

"Actually," Balin said, "It was Kili's idea."

Kili's head snapped up at his name.

"Is that so?" Joli grinned. "Good job, son."

Thorin grunted. Kili wasn't sure if it was a grunt of thanks, a grunt of acknowledgement or a grunt of pain from his broken leg, but Kili would take what he could get in the way of a thanks.

They rode one. It was a long road. It was dark a dark road. The only sounds were the sound of the wagon wheels creaking, pony's footsteps on the path and quiet whispers between dwarves. Kili could hardly stay awake on his pony. Dori rode up alongside him.

"The wagon needs to keep moving," Dori spoke quietly to Kili, "but if you want to stop and get a few hours of sleep, I'd be happy to keep guard over you. Can't have you falling off your pony and getting injured because you were too tired."

Kili smiled. He was tempted. Very tempted. "That's kind of you to offer, but no thank you. I want to stay with the wagon and make sure they get home safely."

Dori smiled and nodded. "Well, if you change your mind, let me know."

Kili thought back. Had it only been this morning that he had woken up early, seen the deer near their camp and shot it? He looked up into the star-filled sky. It would be day break soon, judging by the position of the moon. Must have been yesterday morning, now.

He had shot the deer, they had packed camp, and were on their way home. The bridge had collapsed, he had climbed up and down that cursed ravine too many times, he had dragged a huge deer for ten miles, single handedly on a sled of his own making, ridden on a pony to the ravine and back again, which was another 20 miles, and aided in the rescue of his family. All in the last day. He wanted to sleep. He needed to sleep.

They sky was turning grey when they finally arrived in Ered Luin. They went right to Dis's house. She was at the door, waiting, when the wagon rolled up. Gently, Joli and Thorin were carried into the house.

Kili came in last. Fili was waiting for him. He took Kili by the shoulders and led him into Fili's room. Kili was half asleep. He wondered why they were in Fili's room, but he was too tired to ask. He allowed his brother to remove his coat and several layers of shirts and tunics until he was bare chested. His boots and stockings came off next. He was about to lay down, but Fili caught his arm.

"Not yet. Trousers, off too. You're filthy and I'm not letting you sleep in my bed until you've cleaned up a bit."

Kili was too exhausted to fight. He removed his trousers, took the warm rag Fili held out for him and he scrubbed his face, neck and arms. Fili pulled his night shirt over Kili's head and finally Kili was allowed to lay down.

"Sleep now, Kili. You brought them safely home," Fili whispered. He make sure Kili was covered and tucked in, then he gathered his brother's clothes and slipped out of the room, closing the door behind him.

Kili woke, disoriented and momentarily confused. It took a few moments to realize he was in Fili's room. The room was dark and warm and comfortable. He couldn't find his clothes and he was wearing Fili's nightshirt. He could barely even remember getting home and going to sleep. Outside the door, he could hear voices, so he went out to find who was awake.

"Well, well, the sleeping prince has finally awoken," Fili was grinning.

"What time is it?" Kili asked. The sunshine in the window seemed orange.

"Supper time. You've been sleeping since dawn," Dis said getting up. She came to Kili and hugged him. "Thank you for bringing them home."

"How's Adad?" Kili asked.

"He'll be fine. He's got a head like iron," Dis laughed. "It's a concussion and a scar, but it could have been so much worse. Nothing some weeks of rest won't cure. He's sleeping now, but when he's awake, I know he wants to see you."

Kili sighed in relief. "And Uncle Thorin?"

"Broken leg. He'll be down for a few weeks, but he will be just fine soon and thanks to you." Dis kissed his cheek. "I'm going to get supper ready, but Thorin asked for you to see him, once you were awake. He's in your room."

Kili nodded. He looked to his brother. Fili smiled and waved his hand to tell Kili to go on and see Uncle, so he did. At first, Kili thought Thorin was sleeping, but his eyes opened when Kili sat next to him.

"Are you alright, lad?" Thorin asked.

Kili nodded. "I was only tired, but I got some sleep."

"I should think you were more than tired, what with all you did. After you went to bed, Balin, Dwalin, Fili and your mother came in to talk with me. We pieced together all you did during that time. I can't believe you got that entire deer home by yourself. What were you thinking?"

Kili blushed. He felt stupid now. "I didn't want to leave the carcass too close to you and Adad. It would have attracted wild animals. Also, that's our food for the winter. If we didn't have it, we'd go hungry. I guess I should have left it. I could have hunted again before the winter. And don't worry, I will. I should be able to leave in two days. We won't go hungry, I promise."

"Hold on there now, Kili," Thorin shifted himself on the bed. He winced at the movement of his leg. "First of all, it's not your responsibility to see this family has food. Don't feel you alone must shoulder that burden. That's for your father and I to be concerned about. And, because you brought that deer home when you did, Fili took care of it. We'll have meat this winter."

Kili smiled. He would have to thank Fili.

"I want to thank you, for all you did. Balin and Dwalin told me the rescue strategy with the ropes and the pulley was your idea. I couldn't believe it, but then Fili started pointing out to me all the times we've passed over your ideas, only to do them later when they were made by someone else. I'm sorry for not taking you seriously, but from now on, I will listen to you."

Kili grinned. "Thank you, Uncle Thorin."

"And, to prove to you my confidence in you, I'm putting you in charge of the repair to the bridge at the ravine."

Kili's eyes were wide in shock. "Thank you. I'll get that fixed and it will be better and stronger than ever."

"I know it will," Thorin shifted uncomfortably again.

"Are you alright?" Kili asked in concern.

"Just a broken leg is all. It will heal soon enough." Thorin smiled.

Fili went to his wardrobe and pulled out a thick winter blanket. He folded it several times, and gently slipped it under Thorin's knee.

"That helped a lot," Thorin sighed in relief. "Thank you, Kili. For everything."

Dis came in, carrying a tray of food. "Kili, supper's on the table. Fili's waiting."

Kili got up and left. As he walked down the hall, he heard Thorin growl, "Dis I can feed myself. My leg is broken, not my arm."

Kili chuckled. He sat with Fili at the table and looked at the plate loaded with food. His stomach growled. He honestly couldn't remember how long it had been since he ate last.

"Everything alright?" Fili asked.

"Thanks for taking care of the deer," Kili said.

"Thanks for shooting it and bringing it home. We'll eat good this winter," Fili said.

Kili pushed at his food for a moment. "And thanks for talking to Uncle about, well, me. He says he'll listen to me and my ideas now," Kili smiled shyly.

"Better make sure all your ideas are good ones from now on," Fili grinned.

"What? All my ideas are great." Kili took a chunk of his bread and threw it at Fili. It bounced off his nose.

"If I didn't fear our mother's wrath, I'd toss my entire plate in your face for that," Fili said.

Kili grinned at his brother and stuffed a hardboiled egg into his mouth.