Breaking Chains

Kili woke to the sound of muffled whispers, cracking open one gold eye to see blurry figures moving about in a sea of sun worn grey. He tried to move but was stabbed in the side by a lance of pain shooting from one side of his abdomen to the other. Kili gritted his teeth as it grew into a hot, searing pain. He heard a small yelp of surprise as a white blur hovered over him, but all he felt was cold rushing across his skin as the wound was being exposed to the open air. Granted it soothed the heat across his skin, but it did not quell the growing pain that speed beneath his skin.

Kili fought to focus his mind on other things that he knew were in the room, like Fili or Thorin. His gaze swiveled to his unconscious brother, whom appeared as a gold, pale blur in his swimming vision. He felt like a failure, he had let his brother become injured… Was he a fool?

"Fili," He whispered. His fingers twitched as he whispered the name of his older brother. He wanted desperately to help him, but could not. The cool sensation crept beneath his skin as the pain had, and slowly he regained control of his muscles. He was tired of being confined to this bed for nearly a week by now. He wanted to move around, be free… However, he couldn't move without feeling pain in his side or shoulders, that or he was achy from his body overexerting itself.

His vision began to clear up as the pain went away, and it revealed Arwen hovering over him. The lady's grey eyes were curious and kind. A small smile came to Arwen's face as she saw him open his eyes fully.

"Lady Arwen," Kili said hoarsely. Arwen gave him a curt nod before placing her cool hand on his forehead. "How are Uncle and Fili?"

"They are still unconscious, Kili," Arwen told him as she dipped a cloth in a bowl of water to place on his forehead. The cold cloth on his forehead soothed the heat that had naturally come to him nowadays. "I am sure they will be up and around in no time."

Arwen said that a few days ago. He saw in the lady's eyes a great uncertainty… How could she not be unsure? Oín had predicted that at least Thorin would be awake by now, but things weren't looking like that. It was unnerving to be the only one awake, and all you could do was watch and wait. The few times he had seen Coruwen she was sitting by either his bedside or Thorin's, and the poor thing looked tired, more so than usual. She would often nod off to sleep while she would be talking to him.

"You said that a few times, Arwen," Kili muttered. His throat was raw from coughing and it was becoming a bother to deal with. Talking, even catching his breath, was a task in itself. "What have you not done?"

"That is a good question…" Arwen replied, looking over Fili. "I have tried practically everything in my power here. I am not in my home so my skills are limited." Arwen shook her head making her dark hair sway side to side. It was like watching rolling waves of dark brown and black hair creep upon pale shoulders of blue cloth. "It is in the hands of your brother and uncle now, little one."

Kili growled low, which burned his throat however he didn't care. He was done with this waiting game. He would admit he was a good sport and waited, but now this was getting silly. In all honesty, he felt like a kid again when he would watch his mother take naps. It felt like time was dragging on and on, slowly crawling onward.

"I know you're upset, but there is nothing more we can do," Arwen's gaze rested upon another person in the room. Kili followed her gaze to a sleeping Coruwen, who was sitting on the ground with her head and arms resting upon Thorin's bed with her gold hair fanned around her like a veil. "I have known her all my life, and this is the first time I have seen her unsettled by something. Coruwen is strong, very firm in her ways."

"What do you mean?"

Arwen returned her gaze to him. "My brother, Elladan, used to call her a tiger when we were young. She was that fierce and unshaken by anything by brothers pulled on her. And now that I see her like this, I see another side of her that is foreign to my eyes." The lady sighed heavily. "She loves him…"

Kili smiled knowingly. "Yes, she does, and the feeling is returned."

Arwen let out a hum in response. Kili knew of the hatred between their people, and in all honesty the relationship between Coruwen and Thorin was strange. It was simply not done, or even thought of for that matter.

Kili let the silence go on for another few minutes before speaking again. "Is she actually sleeping?"

"Yes, quite heavily too," Arwen replied quietly. Kili saw Oín pass by Fili, and on his way by he stopped to tap Fili's forehead and rest his hearing horn on the dwarf's chest to listen for a heartbeat. After a few more obscure experiments Oín moved to Thorin and tapped his temples once or twice, and from the king came a small groan. Arwen and Kili perked up at that sound. "Is he coming too?"

Oín's gaze flicked backward and a sly smile came to him as he continued to prod Thorin. Arwen bolted up and moved to Coruwen's side and began to shake her awake. Kili braced himself on his good side to watch his uncle awaken. Coruwen's angered groan came shortly after Kili was able to see over Fili, and he saw her sky blue eyes, lined with light red, flick up to Arwen, irritation growing in them.

"What do you want, Arwen?" Coruwen mumbled, bracing her chin on her folded hands. Arwen gestured to Thorin, who had cracked open one sapphire eye to look up at Oín, who was looking down at his king in relief. Coruwen's posture straightened as she watched Thorin from his side.

"Oín," Thorin managed through his scratchy and dry throat. Oín smiled and brought a cup of water to Thorin's lips to drink. Kili watched his uncle in eagerness, his heart about bursting in joy at the sight. Had he been ample enough to move he would've been at Thorin's side instantly. As Oín backed away, Thorin met his nephew's eyes and smiled faintly. "It's good to see you awake, Kili."

Kili smiled back. "It's good to see you too, Uncle."

Thorin attempted to move, but gritted his teeth when pain jabbed him in the shoulder. His gaze fell upon Coruwen and he reached up to touch her face, but was halted by his shoulder again. Her hand pressed itself to his face gently as if testing to see if he were truly alive before her. He leaned into her touch, and watched her carefully. She was flushed of all color, her blue eyes rimmed red, and her hair slightly frizzy. She had been stressing herself out.

"Coruwen," Thorin whispered as she retracted her hand to her side. He saw her gesture with her head over him to Kili, who had watched them from afar. However, in between them was Fili. Instantly, the king's heart cracked at the sight of his oldest nephew beaten into unconsciousness. It was made clear to him by Fili's ashen skin and still sleeping pattern. "How long was I unconscious?"

Oín stepped forward and was giving him an expression that was rare for someone like the elder. He was relieved, yet at the same time he was distraught. It was plain to see upon the healer's face. "You have been unconscious for a week," Oín stated. "And Kili has been awake for nearly four days."

Oín removed soiled bandages from Thorin's shoulder, and though he tried not to prod the wound every so often he would bump it and Thorin would wince ever so slightly. His body was doing it by reaction, not on purpose.

"A week?" Thorin muttered in disbelief.

"We've been worried sick," A voice mumbled. The king's eyes met Coruwen's own. His left hand gripped hers loosely, her fingers holding touching his palm lightly. Her voice was cracking from lack of rest. "Kili and I have been the most worried."

"I see…"

Coruwen gave him a faint smile. "It is good to see you awake, Thorin." In her blue eyes he saw grief lift away to an overjoyed sadness, and her eyes became glassy as she focused her gaze on the ground. "Celair Estel."

Coruwen stood and left his side to stand at Kili's side. She pulled him upright, and then with the help of another healer they helped Kili to his feet. The boy was shaky on his feet, but nonetheless came to sit beside his uncle and allow the two to talk. Silently, Coruwen slipped out of the tent to search for the remaining company that had been scattered throughout Bard's camp. The Elvenking had departed a few days ago, but left a few healers behind to tend to those whose wounds were in need of watching.

Coruwen passed a dark haired man, whose grim features were lightened by a smile, and he chuckled catching her off guard. Bard stood behind her with a smile on his face, and his dark eyes glinting happily. He wore garments of dark brown and black with a fur cloak wrapped around his shoulders, and his sword and bow upon his person.

"Where are you off to in such a hurry, my lady?" Bard inquired as he walked closer to her. Coruwen placed her hands behind her back and gave him a bow of her head. "I do not require such formalities, Lady Coruwen. After all, you are the lady of the King under the Mountain."

"Bard please, if you do not wish me to treat you like a king then do not use my title." Coruwen said firmly. Bard nodded to her before she spoke again. "I am in search of the remains of my company, I have news for them."

At the sentence Bard's curiosity got the better of him and a sly smirk came to his lips. "News? What news is there to give, Coruwen?"

Coruwen opened her mouth to reply, but caught his little game and then narrowed her eyes at him. Bard averted his eye from her gaze, and then proceeded to watch the clouds as if he had never heard anything. "Sly fox of a man."

"Oops." Bard flicked his gaze back to her and let out a laugh. "I almost had it… You have to give me some credit for almost getting information out of an elf."

Coruwen sighed. "I give you credit, Lord of Dale. Now, have you seen any of my company about lately?"

"Most of them are in the pavilion, and a few have gone up to Erebor."

Coruwen bowed her head to Bard. "Thank you, Bard."

"It is a pleasure to help you, my lady."

Coruwen mentally shook her head at the man's willingness to help her. She thought that should she have been any other elf he might've not paid her any mind, but, as he stated, she was the Lady belonging to The King of Erebor. She passed by the main pavilion to spy Bilbo sitting beside Bofur, Bifur, Bombur, and Gloín. She took note that Balin and Dwalin weren't present, and the rest remained down in the encampment.

Instantly, Ori's gaze fell on her and he stood along with Dori. The two roused the others up quickly as Coruwen stepped into the pavilion. A smile came to her when their attentions fell on her.

"Is something the matter, Coruwen?" Bilbo asked.

Coruwen shook her head. "Quite the opposite, little Bilbo," She replied. "Thorin has awakened."

Within mere moments, the company was smiling and simply overjoyed to hear that piece of news. She watched as Gloín walked up to her, his dark eyes dead serious in every regard.

"What of Fili then?" Gloín asked.

Coruwen shook her head slowly and Gloín let out a huff. "He is the only one who hasn't showed signs of waking. Arwen has done everything in her power as it is."

Gloín was about to reply when Dori came up to her, and gave her a big smile. "We should tell Balin and Dwalin, no?" Dori inquired. Coruwen have him an incline of her head, but in truth she was going to wait it out before fetching the sons of Fundin. She knew when Balin came Thorin would begin to start thinking of moving towards Erebor again. Typically, she would allow Thorin to go, but he was still injured and she knew his stubbornness all too well.

"All of you go on ahead, I have business to take care of," Coruwen said. The group agreed and made their way towards the healer tent. Coruwen, on the other hand, walked out of the pavilion and called for Faenaur to come to her. The horse came trotting up to her and gave her a toss of his head in greeting. Her slender hand pressed itself against his soft muzzle. "We need to go to Erebor, Faenaur. We have to get Freya to leave."

The stallion rapped one hoof on the ground in reply as she mounted his bare back. The heat rolled off of his cream coat in waves and as she clicked her tongue for him to move she felt his muscles ripple beneath his skin. Her hands clutched chunks of white mane that was coarse and wiry. The horse proceeded to pick up his feet into a swift canter that allowed the two to ride up to Erebor's gates. The cold of winter was strong and according to Ori, snow would be falling soon.

Coruwen's hearing picked up on the sound of a rumbling, gruff voice and a deep alto voice. The rumbling voice sounded upset, practically livid. After a while of silence a loud thump rattled the walls along with a shout that filled every empty space of Erebor.

"I am not moving!" The voice shouted. Coruwen shook her head with a nervous smile on her face. Freya was going to be the bane of Dain's existence. She entered Erebor and saw Freya's angular, ram horned head inside of the main hall. "I am fairly sure I made that clear a few days ago, Dain."

Coruwen was flicked across the cheek by Freya's tail; it was a hard flick as if being slapped. The dragoness' rosewood red scales appeared black with the tint of amber firelight, and it darkened her fire like eyes with colors of rich oranges and reds. The dragon removed her head as Dain came storming out, with his axe hilt slamming the stone floor hard sending ear shattering cracks into the air. As Dain's axe hilt smacked the ground she felt her ear drums rattle.

"I don't care, you over grown snake! I need to fix this mountain, and you aren't helping!" Dain barked over his shoulder. Freya let out a snort, and smoke puffed out of her nose as anger boiled in her. The dragoness had one side of her lips curled up in a vicious snarl revealing her jagged, pearly teeth. "Go ahead and threaten me. I'm going to win."

Freya's head snaked in front of him and their eyes met. Coruwen was sure that she saw electrical sparks fly as they gazes met. "Try me."

Coruwen felt tension pierce the air and become heavy. "Freya," She said meekly. The dragon removed her gaze from Dain's and it met Coruwen's. Freya's amber eyes became soft and endearing. "I have news for you."

"Speak, dear one," Freya replied, containing her dangerous tones.

"You may leave Erebor now. He has come to," Coruwen told her. Freya's gaze flicked back to Dain, and she snorted out black smoke again. "I hate to take you away from your torturing of Lord Dain."

"It is fine, dear one." Freya turned her attention to Dain. "I will be leaving you now, Lord Dain. As much as I would like to stay and pester you."

Dain scoffed but gave Freya a short nod of respect. Freya slinked out of Erebor and up into the sky with one good launch. Coruwen was buffeted by a blast of beaten air as the dragoness passed her on her way by. Dain then turned his attention to Coruwen.

"Lady Coruwen," Dain said walking up to her. He a burly dwarf, almost bear like. His shoulders were broad and his hair dark. His walking axe rested beneath his gloved hands, as he came to stand in front of her. "What brings you here?"

"I come bearing news, Lord Ironfoot. Thorin has awakened along with Kili. However, neither one of them are fit enough to move," She reported. Slowly, Dain's face became a hard mask, but his eyes were concerned. "Kili is a few day ahead of Thorin, and can move very little."

"What of Fili then?" Dain inquired.

Coruwen shook her head, feeling her heartstrings being plucked. "He has shown little improvement."

Dain let out a groan. "Damn it."

"I have come to fetch Dwalin and Balin, if you could spare them both. And if you would like to come also-,"

"I can do that, my lady. Come, I will find the brothers." Dain walked down a staircase and yelled down a corridor for Balin and Dwalin. The voice this man possessed was booming, and could strike fear into anyone if he deemed fit. Coruwen tightened her hands into the folds of her dress as Dain yelled again, her nerves spiking at each yell. Dwalin was the first to appear with a cross look upon his face. Dain had called him from something important apparently.

Balin appeared shortly after his brother and gave Coruwen an incline of his head, which she reciprocated.

"Why were you yelling, Dain?" Dwalin grumbled.

"Thorin's come to," Dain replied. Dwalin raised both eyebrows to the remark, and Balin smiled. "Lady Coruwen has come to fetch us."

The three turned their attention to her, and she bowed her head to them. And so they ventured down the mountain to the healer tent. Coruwen stepped inside first to find Kili still at his uncle's side and the others scattered about the tent. She entered and the other three followed behind her. The three greeted Thorin and Kili while Coruwen moved to sit beside Arwen, who was watching this go on with curiosity.

"This is a bit ridiculous…" Arwen whispered.

Coruwen smiled lightly, knowing that Arwen was beginning to become uncomfortable with this many people in the room. The lady's grey eyes were shut as she back in her chair. "They will be gone soon enough, my friend." Coruwen assured her.

Arwen tugged on one Coruwen's wavy strands of hair hard and she playfully swatted Arwen's arm. "You still have that weakness," Arwen chuckled.

"Shut up."

Coruwen wrapped her hair around to her right shoulder far from Arwen's reach and she ran her fingers through it, pulling on various strands to split them apart. Despite her outward appearance of forced happiness and alertness, Coruwen was about ready to collapse. Her fingers had tremors going through them as she forced herself awake, and her nerves were wearing thin. If she snapped at anyone she would not mean it.

"How are you feeling?" Arwen asked.

Coruwen's eyes fell on Arwen, who was watching her intently. She shook her head slightly, and Arwen's hand rested on her knee giving it a small squeeze. "Coruwen, get some rest. You haven't done so in days…"Arwen said urgently, but still managed to keep her voice low.

"Arwen, I have tried. I may be able to this night, but not until I know they will be fine," She replied.

Arwen sighed, defeated. "Where are my brothers when I need them?"

Coruwen smirked, "Home."

"Be quiet, you."

Arwen and Coruwen watched the company from afar, and when night fell onto the world Ori and Bilbo came to sit by the two elves. Coruwen saw the sketch of Arwen Ori had drawn a few days ago in the centerfold of his book with a title beneath it reading: "The Lady Undomiel." It was a picture of Arwen sitting in a chair with her hands knit together in a steeple as her gaze traveled elsewhere. Coruwen shut her eyes and listened to the sound of the others speaking amongst themselves, allowing herself to relax. Her body happily accepted the feeling, taking in every bit of rest she would allow currently.

A long while passed and the voices of the company diminished off into the sounds of the wind rustling the tents outside and the sound of Kili's ever so slight wheezing. She opened her eyes and recoiled at the lantern light. Ori and Bilbo were both curled up in a ball asleep with a blanket covering them, and Arwen was checking on Thorin and Kili. Carefully, Coruwen stood and crept past Bilbo to reach Arwen's side.

"Is there anything you need me to do?" Coruwen asked. Arwen turned one grey eye to her and she let out a small laugh.

"Keep the king still, he keeps fidgeting." Arwen replied softly as she moved to Fili.

Why did this not surprise her?

Coruwen moved to Thorin's side and kneeled down to his level. He looked at her curiously as she was kneeling down, and let out a small growl knowing why she was over here.

"Why aren't you behaving?" Coruwen said, a small smile coming to her face. She had heard his growl, and it was hitting nerves. However, she didn't care if was or not. He wasn't supposed to be moving right now because of his side and shoulder. Thorin was unfazed by her and moved to look at her closely.

"Says the one who hasn't slept in days," Thorin teased, moving aside some of her gold hair. She moved out his touch, giving him a dark glare. He smiled at the sight of her being flustered.

"Thorin…" Coruwen warned. "I will not have you reopening the stitches on your side and shoulder. It's bad enough you were unconscious for a week."

He sighed, knowing he wasn't going to gain ground with her like this. He found it enjoyable to tease her when she wasn't sleep deprived like she was currently. She leaned against the side of his bed, and he took the chance to play with the ends of her wavy hair.

"If I don't move, will you stay here?" He inquired. Coruwen blinked at the question, slightly questioning whether or not he truthfully meant it. He saw her confusion, and gave her a hair a slight tug. "I won't move if you won't."

"This isn't a game, Thorin…"

"Whenever did I say that?"

After a few moments of her eyes flicking up to his and then at the ground, she nodded. As he ran his fingers through her hair with his good hand, he saw her blue eyes darken with sleep. He dare not question how much sleep she had gotten, for it plain to see by her appearance. The way she leaned into his touch was enough for him to know that she nodding off to sleep.

"Stop," Coruwen mumbled, swatting the air with one hand.

What grace she typically possessed was gone as she drifted in and out of sleep. He saw she was fighting it, quite well too. His fingers ran across the side of her face and then into her hair one last time before she relaxed into his touch completely.

"Uncle," Kili's voice hissed. Thorin turned his attention to Kili, whose head could be seen from where Thorin was. His nephew's gold eyes were curious, and a smile was growing on his face. "Is she asleep?"

Thorin glanced down at Coruwen and saw her face peaceful, and her breathing evening out. His hand passed across her gold hair and pale face. She let out a quiet groan at the touch, but she did not move from her spot.

"Yes, she is," Thorin replied returning his gaze to Kili. The boy smiled big and then he disappeared out of sight. The king shook his head at the sight of Kili's lightheartedness. He was becoming more and more like his old self again, which was an improvement as Arwen had stated a few hours ago. His focus was away from Kili and from beside him came his younger nephew and startled him. "What are you doing?"

Kili crawled over to Coruwen, carefully approaching her to make sure she didn't wake up. He then pulled himself into the chair at Thorin's bedside and gave him a goofy grin. Thorin didn't understand what Kili was up to in all honesty. The lad's gold eyes were bright with curiosity and happiness.

"What are you up to, little one?" Thorin asked.

Kili opened his mouth in shock. "Why do you assume that I am up to something?" Kili inquired in disbelief. "I am not up to anything, just for your information." The dwarf crossed his arms over his chest, and met his uncle's eyes. Thorin was not agreeing with that logic, whatsoever. He raised an eyebrow to Kili, and the boy still remained adamant. "Not yet anyway."

Thorin shook his head, but a smile played on his lips as he did it. "Then what are you going to do, my nephew?"

Kili gestured to Coruwen with a fond look in his eyes. Thorin's gaze hardened as he let out a growl. His nephew gestured again with a bit more vigor. The king reached over to a table and grabbed a wad of gauze and threw it at Kili.

"Come on, just do it!" Kili snapped as he threw the gauze back.

"Kili, there is a word for such matters. It's called patience," Thorin replied. The gauze ball hit him on the forehead and he growled. "Something you sometimes lack."

"You shouldn't worry about it… She has remained with you this far." Kili watched his uncle hesitate for a second before throwing the gauze back at him. His uncle's blue eyes darkened as they fell on Coruwen. "You should know that better than anyone, Uncle. While you were unconscious she refused to move away from you, and you know she hasn't slept in days."

"Kili…"

"Listen for a second. Coruwen can be just as stubborn as you, and she refused to move. Arwen and Oín tried to move her, but even they couldn't' get her to move away from you. If you doubt yourself now, you're going to lose her."

Thorin shut his eyes, and they reopened to see Kili looking at him sternly. Why did he have to have the one trait of Dís' that was so unbearable? But as Thorin met his nephew's gaze he saw his younger sister staring back at him. Fili did it too; in fact they both had it. Thorin let out a breath and gave Kili a nod.

"I am taking my time, Little One," Thorin said quietly. Kili's eyes widened. "Just let me handle it. I know you want to force the matter, but I have to be sure."

"Yes, Uncle, I understand." He reached over and gave his uncle's shoulder a small pat, just gracing the chain around his neck. The chain moved slightly sending a cold feeling across Thorin's chest. A small oval object rested against his heart along with his father's key. As Kili returned to his bed, Thorin couldn't help but feel like his nephew was right.

Or was he right? He couldn't figure out who was correct. Against his side he felt something brush up against him. Coruwen's head was tilted to the side with her gold hair lying across the bed in rolling waves. Thorin gently ran his hand across her hair feeling certain waves pull on his fingers and try to stop him. When he reached the end of her hair, he pulled his hand away still feeling the softness of her hair against his roughened hand.

Under his breath, he whispered, "Whose path is correct?"

A/N: I'm terribly sorry for not updating yesterday.. I turned a year older as of yesterday, so I was busy. I saw alot of people Favorited/ followed and it makes my heart sing!

Also, for those of you who were looking Dragon Queen, it is not out yet due to some plot line issues and I am having a bit of a big question to answer with myself.

Hope you all enjoyed, and please review!