Chapter Eighteen
The next morning, everyone prepared for the battle. By Thorin's request, Thorin had sent Bernadette to the camp of the elves and men(he was hesitant at first for the decision), for her safety, while they went to Battle. Bernadette remained behind, hoping she would have someone to talk to, since she realized that Bilbo will also be fighting in the battle. Bernadette sat there, feeling very bored, without any one to talk to, or strike a conversation with. Suddenly, she seen a couple people she recognized. She saw Sigrid, Bain, and Tilda, Bard's children. "Hey! Its Miss Baggins! Bilbo's sister!" called out Bain.
The three of them sat with Bernadette. "Bain, Sigrid, Tilda! What brings you three here?" asked Bernadette brightly. "We're helping father out with the injured people. Sigrid and Tilda also volunteered their help." said Bain. "That is kind of you." said Bernadette, smiling. "Is it true that you are engaged with Thorin Oakenshield?" asked Sigrid. Bernadette smiled brightly. "It is indeed true. We are getting married, or so I hope, if he survives the battle." said Bernadette, a worried look appeared on her features. It seemed like forever as Bernadette sat and waited for whoever returned.
But she felt glad that Bard's children stayed keeping her company. Suddenly, she noticed ahead of her, she recognized as Beorn, now in human form, and he was carrying a figure. She quickly stood up as she recognized the figure Beorn was carrying. "No!" gasped Bernadette. The skin changer carried the figure into a tent. Following behind Beorn, was Gandalf, Elrond, Thranduil, Legolas, Tauriel, Fili, and Kili, but Fili was limping as he carried his brother, now unconscious in his arms. Bernadette, felt her heart pounding. "Tauriel!" cried out Bernadette, running to them. Tauriel took Bernadette's hands.
"Bernadette, I will try everything to help your king and future nephew!" said Tauriel, her voice filled with emotion. "Can I go see Thorin?" asked Bernadette. "He wants to speak with you and Bilbo first." said Gandalf. "Bilbo? He's here and safe?!" exclaimed Bernadette. Bernadette turned, and Bilbo stood behind her. "Bernadette!" exclaimed Bilbo. "Bilbo!" cried out Bernadette, and the two hobbits hugged. "I was so worried about you! I thought I would never see you again!" said Bernadette. "I'm fine and in one piece. Thanks to the mithril shirt he given me!" said Bilbo. "Come, Thorin wishes to speak to both of you!" said Gandalf, gravely.
The two entered the tent, and they see Thorin laying in the cot, bandaged up from his wounds.
Bernadette quickly ran to the bed, placing her hand on Thorin's cheek. "Don't you dare leave me, Thorin! You promise we'll marry!" said Bernadette, tears streaming down her face. "I'm afraid we cannot, Bernadette. My body is giving out, I will leaving to the Halls of Waiting to join my ancestors." said Thorin weakly. "No, I cannot let you leave me! Someone is going to help you! Tauriel is going to help you!" said Bernadette. Thorin turned to Bilbo, and he spoken kind words to him As they spoke, Tauriel entered, followed by Legolas who was carrying Kili, and Thranduil following behind them.
Thranduil approached Thorin's bedside. "Captain Tauriel isn't the only one who is going to help heal the Durin folk! I will help as well!" said Thranduil. Bernadette couldn't believe she is hearing this. This coming from an Elf who walked away from the dwarves so many years ago, now wanting to help them. She never felt so moved by this gesture. Thranduil stepped forward, looking at Thorin. "Master Thorin, I know we haven't been on very good terms for years, I came not only to apologize to you for my past wrongs, but to offer my assistance to you, and to heal you to full health." said Thranduil softly.
Thorin looked at the elf in shock and amazement.
Not only he was getting an apology from his old enemy, but the Elf King promised to help heal him in full strength. Bernadette could see tears forming in Thorin's eyes. "I don't know what to say-I don't…" began Thorin weakly. "Just say, thanks to your hobbit friends here, they saved you from the sickness. If it wasn't for them, your quest would have failed. You, Thorin Oakenshield, are a fierce warrior, and you will make a great King Under The Mountain." smiled the Elf King. Bernadette felt like her heart was going to explode with joy hearing this. She wiped away her own tears, even Bilbo felt moved of the Elf King's gesture.
Thranduil turned to those who are already in the room. "I may ask you to leave while we work on Kili and Thorin. I will let you know how things will go!" said the Elf King. Bilbo and Bernadette nodded, as they stepped out and joined the others in the camp. Fili ran to them. "Well?" asked Fili. Bernadette smiled at them. "Thranduil is going to help Thorin and Kili! The Elf King, the same elf whom Thorin despised is going to help him!" cried out Bernadette with joy. Fili stood there, frozen hearing this. Shocked hearing that the Elf King, whom had imprisoned them in the past wanting to help them.
Dwalin stood up.
"We will make peace with the elves. This is the most beautiful thing anyone has ever, ever done for this." said the dwarf. "See? This is what I've been trying to tell all of you, all long!" smiled Gandalf. "Tauriel? Is she helping too?" asked Fili. "Yes, in fact, she's working on Kili as we speak." said Bernadette. "Those two do make a cute couple!" laughed Balin. "He's always talked about her." said Nori, smoking his pipe. "I have to admit, she is a very lovely elf! It was Captain Tauriel, whom saved Kili in Lake Town!" said Bofur.
"Hopefully, if Kili survives this, Kili and I should write a song about her!" grinned Fili. Bernadette couldn't help but chuckle at Fili's remark. "What about me? Can I be in any song or tale?" asked Bilbo. Everyone laughed. "I'll write one about you lad, don't worry!" piped in Bofur, grinning. Bernadette laughed. It had been hours since Bernadette had waited for results from Thranduil and Tauriel of the recovery of Kili and Thorin. Two hours later, Tauriel came out smiling at Bernadette. "Thorin wishes to see you." said Tauriel. "How is he?" asked Bernadette. "He's doing better. As for Kili-I don't know, my king and I been trying everything to help him. Right now I need my rest, gather my strength, and continue healing him." said Tauriel.
"Supper is ready, if you want to eat, Tauriel!" smiled Bilbo. "That's what I need to do is eat." said Tauriel. "Thank you Tauriel!" called out Bernadette. "You're welcome Bernadette." Tauriel replied. Bernadette raced into the tent, and to her surprise, she found Thorin now sitting up in his bed. Thorin smiled brightly at her. "Thorin!" gasped Bernadette. "Come and sit with me, my love!" whispered Thorin. Bernadette quickly sat down next to her future husband on the bed, Thorin pulling her close to him. "I missed you." whispered Thorin. "I missed you too, Thorin." said Bernadette softly, placing her hand on Thorin's cheek.
"You know what's amazing, Bernadette? The one who turned away from me years ago, came to my aid and saved me! But this wasn't his first time. He helped me out on the battlefield too!" said Thorin, smiling. "He did?! Really?!" exclaimed Bernadette. "Yes, him and his son Legolas came to my aid during my battle against Bolg and Azog. I killed off Azog, but when it came to Bolg, I struggled. Two orcs came and attacked me the same time Bolg did. Thranduil and Legolas killed the two orcs, and Beorn, bless his soul, he killed Bolg. Beorn also saved me. I have yet to thank him too." said Thorin.
"See, Thorin? Elves cannot be all that bad all the time. And Lord Thranduil proved that today!" said Bernadette. "I know. In fact, once I recover and the kingdom rebuilt, I have a present for him. He's going to be very happy to see it. It is an item he has been wanting for some time, and I'm planning to give to him, the day of my coronation." said Thorin. "Oh, Thorin!" whispered Bernadette, resting her head on Thorin's chest. "I love you!" whispered Bernadette. "I love you too, Bernadette!" said Thorin. No sooner as they were about to kiss, a familiar young voice spoke up.
"Okay you two! Not in front of a young dwarf!" said the voice. Thorin and Bernadette looked up. To their delight, the voice came from Kili! And he was sitting up, smiling brightly at his Uncle and Bernadette. "Kili!" exclaimed Thorin and Bernadette together. "You're okay!" beamed Bernadette. "Yes, I am fine! Where's Fee?" asked Kili. "He's outside in the camp! I'll go get him!" said Bernadette. Thorin smiled and nodded at Bernadette. Bernadette ran out of the tent with excitement, as she went to find Fili. "FILI! Fili, Fili!" cried out Bernadette with excitement. "What is it, Bernadette?" asked Fili.
"Its Kili! He's fine! He's looking for you! Thorin wishes to see you too! Both of them are fine!" said Bernadette. "Kili's awake?!" exclaimed Tauriel standing up. "Yes. You and Thranduil, thank you for saving them!" said Bernadette. Tauriel followed Fili into the tent, Bernadette also too went into the tent to spend more time with Thorin. Thorin and Bernadette already started to discuss wedding and coronation plans. They both agreed they would have the coronation and wedding ceremony together. While those two talked, Fili and Kili laughed merrily together, alongside with Tauriel.
"You shouldn't be joking around brother. Is it me, or do you have a crush on Bard's oldest daughter?" grinned Kili. "I do not have a crush on her. I like her." said Fili. "Same thing, brother!" said Kili. Tauriel rolled her eyes. "Does she like you back?" asked Tauriel. "Of course she does. I was talking to her quite a bit earlier today." said Fili. Bernadette chuckled. "I have a feeling I'm going to lose two of my nephews to a human woman and a elf woman!" said Thorin playfully. "Hey! We heard that! And you and your little fur ball hobbit!" shot back Kili.
"Oh is that so?! Don't make me have to tickle you, Kili!" grinned Bernadette. "No, don't bring out the tickle claw! Our Uncle is known to do that!" said Kili.