Hello dear readers and welcome to a new chapter!
Borys68: Thanks for kicking the 'sweet and sappy' reviews off :D It's true, the last chapter was quite (very) sappy, I'll admit but well, there needs to be some romance in a romance story, as well :D
floydcotton: I'm glad you liked it! It took a while but they finally both got it out :D
DwarvenWarrior: Gnawww, thanks for the compliment, I'm glad you liked it! :D Kili's leg will cause some problems, starting right with this chapter… poor thing.
Dalonega Noquisi: Ahh, thanks so much! I really worked quite a long time on that last chapter, so I'm really glad you liked the confessions and the bonding :D 'Your favorite of any story you've read'. Oh god, I feel flattered, thank you! And you're right, it will probably make things easier that she is his One, though we will see how everything turns out in the end… :)
Kristen2324: Thank you very much! I worked quite hard on Tarya (and I love her to pieces) so I'm very glad that you think her a believable OC because I just really wanted her to fit into the story and have a background of her own that doesn't disturb the whole Tolkien-Universe too much :)
Akilah Swiftblade: Haha :D It took a while, but it finally happened, huh? :D I'm glad you liked it!
Rookie Cookie Baked Crispy: Thank you so much, I'm glad you like the story! And I find it very endearing to make exaggerated faced to a story, especially if it's my writing that causes it :D So kudos to you, my friend! :D
Thanks also to loreleisand94, TheShawndaLee, ZabuzasGirl, bntjammer, Ammaviel, madscientistproduction.01, Angel of the Night Watchers, jesskalynn4, candy pie 2000000, Guest, Hiding in the Shadow, 88XeqtionerAngel88, BlackBaccaraRose, FleurSuoh, FirstLovexx, We still are made of greed (I'll help with that: d'aaawww :D), kaia and Nox for your lovely and numerous reviews! I enjoyed each of them!
Also thanks to the people who followed and favorited!
And now, I'll leave you to the new chapter and hope that you'll leave me a few words after you've read it! I would love to read from you, people! :)
Kili awoke to a strange weight on his chest that was emitting pleasant warmth and he unconsciously wrapped his arms a bit tighter around the figure next to him before he opened his eyes, blinking tiredly. It took him a moment to remember what had happened last night and only when the strange weight moved lightly against him did he look down, catching sight of a peacefully sleeping Amarok in his arms. A small smile came to play around the dwarf's lips when he noticed that Tarya had snuggled closer to him in her sleep, her head comfortably lying on his chest while her hand had found its place next to her face, slightly gripping his tunic, as one of her legs was draped over his uninjured one. The young dwarf sighed contentedly as he gently brushed one hand through her hair, his fingers tangling slightly in her dark strands. He could get used to this, Kili thought, falling asleep and waking up with Tarya in his arms.
Faint light was falling in through the window, and Kili realized that it was just the break of dawn. An antsy feeling filled him as he thought about the company's leaving for Erebor that morning and he just lay there for a while, lost in thought and staring blankly at the ceiling. Eventually, he carefully unwrapped his arm from around Tarya's body to push himself up against the headboard without waking her.
The action, however, caused a sharp wave of pain to rush through his body as he moved and he couldn't help the pained groan slipping from his mouth. Kili clenched his teeth together and his eyes shut for a moment as he tried to breathe through the pain but it was to no avail. Oin had definitely been wrong with saying that he would be feeling better today. Kili felt worse, much worse. His whole body throbbed with pain.
"Kili?" a tired voice murmured next to him and the young dwarf quickly snapped his eyes open, only to see Tarya staring at him worriedly, a concerned frown fighting away the sleepiness on her face. "What's wrong?"
He managed to send her a small smile as he fought against the pain. "Nothing," he said, quickly struggling his way out of the blanket and standing beside the bed with his back turned to the Amarok so she couldn't see him wince as he stood. He shortly gritted his teeth as he glanced down at his leg with a deep frown that she couldn't see. "I'm fine, don't worry."
Kili heard the quiet rustling of the bed sheets as Tarya stood as well, stepping around the bed until she was standing next to him. The brunet dwarf sighed silently upon seeing her concerned and utterly scrutinizing gaze and he quickly reached out to wrap one arm around her shoulder, pulling her close to him before he pressed a small kiss to the side of her head. "I can manage, Tarya."
He heard her huff against his chest in annoyance before she raised her gaze and pulled back to look at him, her golden eyes boring into his. "Don't lie to me, Kili. I'm neither blind nor stupid, I can see that you are in pain."
"It'll pass," Kili just said with a slight shrug, knowing very well that she wouldn't believe him if he didn't even believe himself. But he couldn't care about his leg now and he didn't want Tarya to worry too much. There were more important things to think about, like finally reaching Erebor after months of travelling and a lifetime of hearing stories of the mountain of their forefathers.
Before Tarya could retort something – which she obviously wanted – Kili pulled her towards him again and sealed her lips with his. Her protest was muffled by his kiss and when she finally gave in to him with a small sigh after a few moments, her fingers slightly digging into his tunic, Kili shortly revelled in the knowledge that he was the only one that got to touch her like this. He hadn't dreamt it; she truly was his.
Tarya huffed quietly once he released her and Kili just sent her an amused smile as she cleared her throat, slightly breathless and scowling at him. "You can't… you can't just k-kiss me to avoid a topic."
Kili just smiled innocently in return, carefully tightening his hold on her as he leaned forward and pressed a small kiss on her nose that had her scrunch up her face comically. The brunet dwarf chuckled quietly and was about to answer her when a loud knock sounded from the door. He barely had time to loosen his hold on Tarya before Fili stuck his head in.
The blond dwarf was concentrating on the fully loaded plate he was carrying, having decided to bring some breakfast to his brother before Bombur ate it all. When he looked up, he shortly raised his eyebrows questioningly as he noticed his two companions' position. Kili's arms were wrapped loosely around the Amarok's waist while her hands were gripping the top of his tunic lightly. It didn't take much to guess what he had just interrupted and a cheeky smile tugged on Fili's lips, though it faltered once he noticed how pale his little brother was. He had definitely not been as pale the night before, Fili thought worriedly. But Kili just shot him a pointed look when he noticed his brother's concerned gaze and Fili huffed quietly, slightly frustrated with the brunet.
"You should get ready soon, we leave for the mountain in about an hour. The boat will be waiting for us down by the pier."
Fili watched as Tarya and Kili nodded quickly before the Amarok hurriedly freed herself from his little brother's grasp and rushed past him out of the room, albeit not without snatching some bread and a bit of ham from the plate in his hands. Fili watched amusedly as she disappeared down the corridor into her own chamber before he shot Kili a pointed look.
"Anything you want to tell me?"
Kili just smiled serenely before he shrugged slightly and Fili chuckled quietly in return before he nodded. It wasn't very hard to figure out what had changed between them during the night.
"You were right," Kili just said with a small smile and Fili nodded again, knowing very well what his little brother was referring to.
"Well, then, I hope you're not too exhausted from all the nightly snogging you two have probably done," Fili then grinned, which developed into an amused laugh as Kili's cheeks turned a faint shade of pink and he was met with a dark look. "Good thing I brought some food, eh? That'll get your energy right back on track."
Fili dodged a pillow that came flying his way and chuckled heartily before he placed the plate he was holding on a small table near the door. "I'll wait outside," he stated with a grin and his brother just rolled his eyes as he reached for his boots, not bothering for an answer.
It was about an hour later that the companions were all gathered outside the house, waiting to leave for the mountain that was looming in the distance, and Kili was marvelling at the amount of people who had come to witness their departure. The townsfolk were clapping and cheering around them and the Master himself was waiting in front of the house to lead them down to the prepared boat.
Kili's armour felt heavy on his shoulders. He was feeling slightly giddy, his body feeling even worse than when he'd woken up. Sighing quietly, the young dwarf turned his head when he felt someone step up beside him, catching sight of Tarya who was just adjusting the belt on her hips. Kili shortly looked her over, noticing that she was wearing new boots along with the dark breeches. A warm black coat now covered her dark green tunic and Kili could only just see the outline of a thin iron chest plate beneath the neckline of the fabric.
Tarya shot him a wry smile. "I don't know what's more uncomfortable. Elven dresses or this iron thing."
Kili snorted quietly as the company started moving, following the Master and Alfrid as they led them along the wooden trails. Tarya trailed along beside him and they walked in comfortable silence amongst the others.
"You do know we're one short?" Bilbo suddenly spoke up from a bit further ahead where he was walking behind Thorin as they rounded a corner, the large prepared boat appearing in their vision. The hobbit was wearing a deep red coat, an iron helmet sitting on his curly-haired head as he looked around. "Where's Bofur?"
"He's not here, we leave him behind," growled Thorin in reply and Kili shortly glanced up as he heard their conversation, frowning slightly at the thought of leaving one of the company behind. He felt Tarya shift uncomfortably beside him and he could sense that she was not very happy with Thorin's decision, either, though she didn't say anything.
They came to a halt at the edge of the pier then and one by one, the dwarves climbed into the boat. Kili watched as Bifur stepped in it before he gently put one hand on Tarya's back, pushing her forward past Thorin who was loading weapons into the boat. Bifur held out a hand to the Amarok as to help her climb in and Kili was about to follow when he suddenly felt a strong hand fly out onto his chest, holding him back.
"Not you," he heard the distinct baritone of his uncle's voice and he turned his head to look at Thorin in confusion, not understanding what he was doing. "We must travel at speed," Thorin said, continuing to hand weapons to his companions as Kili took a step back. "You will slow us down."
For a moment, the brunet dwarf was about to laugh at his uncle. He couldn't be serious, could he? "What are you talking about? I'm coming with you," Kili said, an incredulous smile tugging on his lips that faltered as he watched his uncle shake his head at him.
"No, Kili."
It was then that the young dwarf felt the first pang of hurt not coming from his wound but caused by his uncle's words and the dead serious expression on his face. And although Kili knew that Thorin was right, it still hurt. He was injured; he would undoubtedly slow them down, it was true. But it still hurt. Kili had tried so hard not to disappoint his uncle during this journey, to prove himself to Thorin. He had tried so hard not to be a burden even after he had gotten injured. And now he was just going to be left behind in Laketown? A deep frown worked its way onto the young dwarf's face as he slightly shook his head at his uncle in disbelief. This couldn't be true. Thorin couldn't be serious. He couldn't do this to him. Not after he had come so far. Not when they were so close to their goal.
"I'm going to be there when the door is opened," the young dwarf said determinedly, staring sternly at Thorin, trying to make him see how much this meant to him. "When we first look upon the halls of our fathers… Thorin…"
Kili trailed off when his uncle put a heavy hand on his shoulder, looking at him almost softly, though the stern trait around his mouth was still there. "Kili," the dwarf-king muttered, squeezing his shoulder slightly. "Stay here. Rest. Join us when you're healed."
Kili couldn't help the hurt look creeping on his face as his uncle shot him a short smile before he turned away from him, leaving the young dwarf to stumble two unsure steps away from the edge of the pier, staring at his uncle's back in disbelief. He barely registered the short commotion in the boat before him and it was only when a warm hand appeared on his upper arm that he looked up, seeing two golden eyes peer back at him.
Tarya squeezed Kili's arm lightly as he looked at her with a small frown, almost as if he was surprised that she was standing next to him. She shot him a determined look. If Thorin would not let him come the final bit of the journey, she would not go with them, either. There was no other place for her to be than by Kili's side and he ought to know that at least since last night, she thought. He was much more important to her than a mountain full of gold and there was no way Tarya would leave without him. And as if he had heard her thoughts, Kili inclined his head slightly, one hand reaching up to grip her forearm in silent thanks.
She looked up then to see Thorin scowling at them silently, his dark gaze resting on where his nephew's hand lay on her arm before it came up to meet Tarya's. She just stood tall beside Kili as she returned the king's gaze. She said nothing and Thorin's gaze darkened slightly before he abruptly turned away, shoving a sword rather roughly into Dwalin's arms. The bald warrior just watched the scene silently from where he was standing beside the boat.
"I'll stay with the lad," Oin rumbled as he scrambled out of the large boat with some difficulty, tearing Tarya's gaze away from the dwarf-king as the old healer came to stand beside them, immediately starting to inspect Kili. "My duty lies with the wounded."
"Uncle!" Tarya suddenly heard Fili call out and she turned her head to see him looking up at Thorin from where he was already standing in the boat. "We grew up on tales of the mountain. Tales you told us! You cannot take that away from him!"
"Fili," his brother called, shaking his head from beside her as Oin pushed him down to sit on a small pillar.
"I will carry him if I must!" the blond exclaimed, not listening to his brother but exasperatedly staring up at his uncle instead who just sighed quietly. Tarya felt something twinge within her as she heard Thorin's reply.
"One day you will be king and you will understand," the big dwarf muttered. "I cannot risk the fate of this quest for the sake of one dwarf. Not even my own kin."
Tarya slightly shook her head in disbelief before she suddenly saw Fili climbing out of the boat, a look of angry determination on his face as he stepped past his uncle. Thorin quickly reached out to him, holding his nephew back with a deep frown on his face.
"Fili! Don't be a fool!" Thorin muttered so quietly that Tarya wondered whether the others could hear it as well. "You belong with the company."
"I belong with my brother," Fili growled in reply not caring to keep his voice down, brusquely shrugging his uncle's hand off before he turned and marched up to their little group of three. He shot the Amarok a small look before he knelt beside his brother, worriedly looking up at Kili's pale face.
"You shouldn't have done that," Kili muttered, the noise of the trumpets nearly swallowing his words as the town cheered the dwarves' departure. Tarya didn't listen to the Master's words as he bid a mighty farewell to the company, her gaze meeting Kili's pained one as he looked up at her, his hand tiredly reaching for hers.
"Our place is with you, Kili," Fili replied as they watched the boat float down the river together, the companions waving and smiling at the townsfolk as they slowly but steadily left Laketown. Tarya shortly caught Bilbo's gaze as he looked back over his shoulder, an uncertain look on his face. The Amarok just shot him an encouraging, though slightly worried smile from where she stood before the boat vanished from her sight.
"Wait! Wait!" Someone suddenly called through the crowd and a moment later, Tarya could see Bofur stumbling forward, stopping himself before he tumbled off the edge of the pier as he shot a desperate look after the already distant boat. The dwarf brought one hand up, holding onto his hat in what looked like disbelief before his head turned towards them and his eyes widened, a relieved smile coming to play on his lips. None of them returned it. "Did you miss the boat as well?"
Tarya was about to give the hatted dwarf an answer when she suddenly heard Kili grunt in pain beside her, his hand slipping from hers as he fell over. She immediately jerked around, holding on to his shoulder as Fili caught him in time and pushed him back up. Kili's face was contorted in pain, his breathing shallow as he clenched his jaw together.
"Kili!" Tarya's voice mingled with Fili's but the brunet dwarf didn't react, just groaned painfully, his hand gripping Fili's shoulder tightly. Tarya turned to Oin who looked at the young prince in worry.
"He needs help," the Amarok urged and Oin's gaze settled on her as all around them the crowd slowly dispersed, none of the townspeople paying them any heed.
"I know, lass," the healer said grimly. "But I have no supplies, we need to speak to the Master and get some help."
Tarya just nodded, her thoughts racing and her gaze wandered frantically over the place as she heard Kili's pained grunts behind her. Finally, she spotted the Master and his advisor stepping from the bridge they had been standing on while seeing the dwarves off. Without hesitation, she made her way through the few people left, feeling Bofur and Oin following on her heels while Fili supported his brother as the two of them followed slowly.
"Wait!" Tarya called loudly, seeing the retreating backs of the two men as she hurried after them. "Wait, please!"
With relief, she saw the Master and Alfrid turn around upon her calls, allowing her to catch up to them. Their gazes rested on her curiously and it was only then that she remembered that they hadn't actually seen her in this form yet. "Kili… our friend is hurt, he's sick. We don't have any supplies to help him."
The Master's gaze shortly flicked to Kili, eyebrows rising slightly before they wandered back to her. "And who are you?" he asked and Tarya hesitated for a moment upon his scrutinizing gaze.
"I'm the wolf," she answered then and saw the men's brows lift at the same time. Alfrid shot her a wary look that she pointedly ignored.
"Aha," was all that the Master muttered in reply and Tarya's brows drew together in confusion and anger as he observed her intently instead of focusing on helping them. She was about to say something when Bofur stepped past her, looking up at the two men before them with a friendly smile.
"We are in need of help," the hatted dwarf said, eyes flicking between the Master and Alfrid, though only the advisor's gaze fell on him while the Master was still looking at her intently, making Tarya feel quite uncomfortable under his gaze. "Surely you have some healing supplies to spare for a sick young lad? It would be of much help if you could send them to the house, maybe with one of your healers so we can take care of our friend?"
"The house?" the Master suddenly answered and his gaze finally fell from Tarya as he exchanged a short glance with his advisor. "The house is no longer at your disposal, my dear friends, it was only agreed on for the night."
Tarya's eyes widened at his words, disbelief mingling with worry and anger within her. Bofur seemed a bit taken aback as well, giving the Amarok a chance to step forward again.
"What do you mean by that?" she asked slowly, staring up at the two men who just shot her a condescending smile in return. Tarya felt a low growl building in her throat.
"We had agreed on one night's accommodation, a boat and weapons in return for a part of the fortunes of Erebor. Nothing less and nothing more, my dear… wolf. I'm afraid I cannot help you. And besides, your friend doesn't look like he will make it through the night, anyway. No use in wasting precious supplies for him."
Tarya growled furiously in reply, one arm rising as if to punch him before Bofur quickly caught her by the raised arm. "You cannot be serious!" she called loudly as the two men shot their small group a few last glances before they made to walk away. "You cannot do this!"
Alfrid turned to look over his shoulder upon her words, an almost amused smile playing on his lips, as he had already walked a few metres down the pier. "He is the Master of the town, love! He can do anything he wants!"
For a moment, she could only stare after them incredulously before she felt rage boiling hot in her stomach. Bofur held her back again when she made to go after them and she struggled against his hold, her eyes gleaming with fury. She had known that these people were not trustworthy. But she would never have thought that they would deny them their help as cruelly as this.
"Tarya," a weak voice called behind her and the Amarok spun around to look at Kili who was leaning heavily against his brother and slightly shaking his head at her. All the dwarves around her shot her concerned looks upon noticing her glowing eyes, knowing quite well what it implied by now. Kili held her gaze for a moment before Fili spoke up beside him.
"Kili is right, Tarya," the blond dwarf said. "They're not worth it and you must not let them know what you are. If there ever was any reason to trust them there certainly isn't now. We'll just need to find someone else who will help us."
"No one will," Oin grumbled darkly beside her as Tarya shortly nodded at Fili's words and closed her eyes to calm down. "The Master holds a reign of terror over them, nobody will go against his will."
And as if to prove Oin's words right, the people of Laketown walked past them without sparing them a second glance, retrieving back into their houses, doors and windows slamming shut all around them.
"Then we need to go to someone who isn't afraid to go against the Master's orders," Bofur provided and Oin snorted quietly in reply.
"Good luck with that, lad," he grumbled, shaking his head. "They are all under his thumb."
While the others spoke, Tarya fixed her gaze on Kili, worryingly taking in his pale face and his weak stance. He didn't seem to concentrate on what was being said, his face contorting as he tried to stay upright. And it was when the young dwarf looked up at her, pain evident in his dark brown eyes that Tarya remembered the one person that she had seen stand up to the Master, to Thorin, to the whole town, really.
"Bard."
The dwarves looked at her questioningly upon her sudden interruption of their discussion, not understanding what she meant. Her gaze flicked from Kili to each of them. "Bard," she repeated quietly, more urgently this time.
"The fellow who argued with Thorin yesterday?" Bofur asked confused and Tarya nodded vigorously. The hatted dwarf just shot her a doubting look.
"He is the only person that has stood up to the Master openly," the Amarok said and Fili nodded slowly beside her before his face darkened even further than it already was.
"But why should he help us? He wasn't exactly pleased at our arrival in the first place," he muttered. "And even if he would, we have no idea where he even lives."
Tarya held Fili's gaze determinedly for a moment. "Do you have a better idea?" she asked and Fili just shook his head in reply. The Amarok nodded curtly before she continued. "I can find him, I think. I remember his scent."
The blond dwarf's eyes widened slightly and his brows drew together at her statement before his gaze flicked to his little brother leaning on his shoulder.
"His scent?" Bofur asked incredulously from beside her and Tarya answered curtly without taking her gaze from the two Durin brothers.
"My world is full of scents, Bofur," she muttered. "Every person has a distinct scent to them, one that lies beneath the layers of everyday life stench. They're much more prominent when one is a wolf, though I think I can find the right track in this form as well."
Fili nodded then, sending her a short look. "It's worth a try," he said and Tarya just nodded before she turned around, trying to find the right track as she closed her eyes. It was more difficult in this form than when she was a wolf, but not impossible.
"And… what… uh, what does this Bard smell like?"
"Like snow-capped wood…" she muttered in reply to Bofur's question without opening her eyes, hearing Oin grumble that everything in this town just smelled like fish to him.
She didn't listen to the dwarves as they discussed her strange statement that the man smelled of wood and snow. Every being had its own note beneath the layers of the scents that covered them and each one reminded Tarya of something. And such as Kili's scent had reminded her of autumn wind ever since their first meeting, Bard's had reminded her of snow-clad wood and she was concentrating hard to find this distinct scent in the amount of smells that lingered in these alleys.
The dwarves followed her as she slowly made her way along the pier, concentrating on every scent that her nose caught. Her brows were drawn together tightly and she was slowly starting to think that she would need to transform in order to really find the right track when suddenly, her eyes shot open as a hint of snow grazed her nose.
"Here," she muttered, taking a turn to the left and marching down the wooden trail.
Kili barely registered where they were going, his sight blurry and his body aching. It felt as if fire was eating away at his very insides, leaving him in more pain than he'd ever felt before. He half noticed Fili talking to him but couldn't form a coherent answer as his brother had to practically drag him along.
"Do you know where you're going?" Bofur asked doubtfully as they followed Tarya who led them along the narrow wooden trails over the water, through several dark alleys. She didn't answer, concentrating solely on what she was doing. It was strange to see her like this, like a wolf following the scent of its prey even though she was human. But right now, she was their only hope. Or rather, Kili's only hope. They couldn't go back to the house and they couldn't count on help from any of the townsfolk.
It was a few minutes later that Tarya rounded a corner, stopping abruptly in front of a wooden flight of stairs that led up to the entrance of a small house. The Amarok turned around, sending them a pointed look.
"This is it," she said and Fili glanced up, shortly holding Tarya's gaze as she looked at him. For a moment, Fili felt a bit strange as both Bofur and Oin were staring at him as if they expected him to give some sort of order. Fili cleared his throat quietly before he just nodded towards Bofur to go ahead. The hatted dwarf quickly made his way up the stairs first, followed by Oin while Tarya came to support Kili's other side as they helped him up the stairs.
"Are you sure?" Bofur whispered, shortly turning back to look at Tarya, his hand already raised to knock on the wooden door. Tarya just growled in reply.
"Of course, I'm sure, Bofur," she said and the hatted dwarf quickly turned back to the door, knocking loudly on the wood three times. It merely took a few seconds before the door was pulled open and they saw themselves face to face with the dark-haired man from the night before.
Bard's brows shortly climbed upwards in surprise before they drew together in a deprecatory manner. "I thought you had all left for the mountain," he growled, sending them each a sceptical glance.
"Most of us," Bofur quickly replied. "We, uh, we are very sorry to intrude but… we need your help."
Bard snorted almost amusedly, gripping the handle of the door a bit tighter. "I've had enough of dwarves as it is," he grumbled. "Go away and help yourselves."
He made to close the door but Bofur quickly darted forward, pushing his foot between the frame and the door. "Please!" he exclaimed desperately, looking up at the Lake-Man pleadingly. "Kili is sick. He's very sick and no one will help us!"
Bard reopened the door a bit as Bofur stepped aside, granting him a look at a very weak looking brunet dwarf. Bard remembered seeing him in the market place the night before. He had been the one standing next to the large wolf and he'd already looked quite sick then. It seemed like even just standing upright was causing the young dwarf a lot of pain. Bard hesitated for a moment, feeling pity rise within him for the brunet dwarf and his friends.
"Please," another voice suddenly said quietly, tearing Bard's eyes from the sick dwarf to the small female standing beside him, supporting the dwarf's weight on one side. Precatory golden eyes were staring up at him, though he could see a stern determination mirroring within them. Bard recognized those eyes as those of the black wolf without much difficulty, though he wondered why the woman was so small. From what he knew about skin-changers, they usually had a human form that fit their animal one quite distinctly.
A deep sigh left his throat as he slowly stepped aside. "Come in," he muttered and the small group quickly moved inside the house. Bard shot a short look down the street before he closed the door and turned to look at his guests who were in turn staring at his three children that were in turn again staring at them.
"Da?"
"Bain, help them lay him on the bed," Bard quickly told his son that was looking at him in confusion before he nodded and quickly came to the dwarves' help. "Sigrid, Tilda, prepare some cool water and a clean cloth, please."
His two daughters glanced at the small group of strangers in their house before they just exchanged a quick look and got to work. Bard slowly walked over to where the brunet dwarf was now lying on the bed, surrounded by his friends. Coming to stand next to his son, Bard glanced over their heads, seeing the injured dwarf groaning quietly, a slight trail of sweat on his brow as his face contorted in pain. The hatted dwarf noticed his presence first and quickly turned to face him.
"Thank you," he just said and Bard nodded at him. "My name's Bofur, by the way. At your service." And with that, he shortly tapped his hat as he took a small bow. Bard's eyebrows rose slightly but he nodded again before his gaze wandered over the four other small people. Bofur took the opportunity to introduce all of them at once.
"That is Oin, son of Gróin," he said, pointing at the old dwarf that was currently unbinding Kili's leg to get a better look at it. Oin gave a small grunt accompanied by a short bow as Bard's gaze fell on him at the same time that Sigrid and Tilda came over with the requested items. They stood there for a moment, listening as Bofur continued.
"And, well, you know Kili already," he said a bit awkwardly, his gaze wandering to the brunet dwarf that was just being helped into a sitting position by a blond one. "That is Fili beside him, his brother. And Tarya, his… our… uh – "
"The skin-changer," Bard finished for him, eyes narrowing slightly as Bofur nodded a bit too quickly.
"Right. Skin-changer. Yes."
"A skin-changer? Really?" Tilda called excitedly and Bard quickly reached out and put one hand on his youngest daughter's shoulder to keep her from running up to the black-haired woman whose eyes were scanning them intently as one of her hands gently rested on Kili's forearm. "You're the wolf they talked about! Shouldn't you be bigger then? And… hairier?"
"That is what they say about skin-changers," Bard agreed, staring at the golden-eyed woman sceptically. She didn't move a muscle and neither did she look surprised. "Their human form matches their animal one distinctly. Yet you are very small and not very wolf-like at all, are you?"
Tarya didn't respond, just stared at him darkly, and Bard shortly raised his eyebrows at her. "You are not a skin-changer, are you?"
Fili shot Tarya a pointed look when he heard the man's question and her gaze shortly flicked to him. He shook his head at her slightly, even though he knew that she would not lie if asked a direct question. Tarya had never been one to tell lies and Fili doubted that she would start now, especially to someone that was offering them his help when he didn't have to.
"No," she just said and Fili shortly closed his eyes in defeat as her gaze flicked back to the dark-haired man.
"Then what are you?" Tilda asked curiously and Bard saw the woman's gaze wander from him to his little daughter, her expression softening ever so slightly.
"Amarok," she just said, causing Bard's daughters to almost drop the things they were holding. Even Bard himself couldn't help but stare at the small woman in disbelief. Tarya just looked at each of them for a moment before she returned her gaze to the brunet dwarf on the bed as he felt for her hand. Bard watched as Kili's hand closed tightly around hers, almost as if he wanted to make sure that she stayed by his side. Bard shortly met the wounded dwarf's gaze as he shot him a scrutinizing look, waiting for his reaction upon Tarya's statement. Bard had no doubt that if Kili were uninjured he would have positioned himself between him and the Amarok protectively.
"But Amaroks can't change form. They are wolves," Bain suddenly spoke. "Great ones that roam the lands and –"
"- feed on innocent wanderers?" Tarya scoffed, interrupting the boy without even looking at him as she squeezed Kili's hand lightly. She shook her head. "There is much more to know about my kin than vicious tales spread by men."
Bard shot his son a short look, seeing his mouth hanging open slightly before a meek 'sorry' tumbled out. Tarya curtly glanced at him before her gaze wandered back to the brunet dwarf. Meanwhile Fili had taken cloth and water bowl from the Lake-Man's daughters.
"It's all right," the Amarok said and as Bard watched Kili pull Tarya's hand a bit closer to him, he realized that there really was much more to know about his guests than he'd first thought.