Chapter 11

As I woke up I found myself in a very big room. I heard low singing in the other room. I slowly stood up and walked out into the hall. In the middle of the room there was a large fire. The dwarves and Bilbo were seated around it. I smiled small, glad they were all still safe. My eyes rested on Thorin. He did not sing with the others, in fact he sat away from them. I stayed in the shadows as I watched Balin walk over to him.

"You alright lad?"

Thorin did not answer him, nor did he look at him. His blue eyes were tired and I could see fear and worry in them.

"He healed her well. She will be out and about in no time. The lass is strong." Balin continued.

"What of Beorn was too late? She may never wake up. Those green eyes may never again look upon us." He said in a haunted sort of voice.

"You cannot think such things! Why do you not go to see her hm? Perhaps she is awake already." suggested the old dwarf.

He did not receive an answer, nor did Thorin move.

"I tell you what, I shall go."

I quickly stole back into the room I had been in. I sat down on the bed and leaned against the wall. Balin came into the room. He smiled and opened his mouth to speak but I held my finger to my lips. He closed the door and walked forward.

"How long have you been awake?" He asked.

"Long enough….I heard everything." I whispered.

Balin sighed and smiled a little.

"Aye….I should have known."

I covered my face with my hands.

"I feared this would happen."

"I see nothing to fear lass."

"Oh Balin! Can you not see it? His feelings for me would only bring him pain!" I said.

Balin walked over and sat down next to me.

"Do you mean to say you do not care for him?" He asked.

It was impossible to lie to Balin, for he always knew. He smiled.

"I thought not. You care for him and there is nothing to fear of that."

"Of course there is?! Azog killed my parents! He knew who I was because I mirror my mother. Do you recall what Lord Elrond called me? Ireth. That must have been my mother. They loved me and they were killed trying to protect me. It is because I care for him that I cannot risk putting his life in danger. Please Balin, speak of this to no one. Especially Thorin." I said.

I knew Balin did not like it, but he nodded. As he walked out he said one last thing,

"You decision is not wise, but I will respect it. Perhaps you might come and let them know you are alright."

I sighed knowing he was right. I stood and walked out with him.

"She lives!" Kili said.

Thorin's head snapped up in my direction. I had never seen a greater smile upon his face. My heart broke and I smiled back at him, though I fought tears. The dwarves and Bilbo crowded around me.

"You gave a good scare there Miss Tawariell." Bilbo said.

"Aye she did! But she is alive and well!" added Dwalin.

I smiled and bowed.

"I am deeply sorry for putting you through such an ordeal." I said.

"No need for apologies lassie! You are safe and that is all that matters." Gloin said.

I smiled. Thorin did not approach me directly. He smiled and nodded and I nodded back. I cared deeply for Thorin I knew that, but it was too dangerous and once the quest had been completed I would return to the Dúnedain. It would already be difficult, but I let myself care for Thorin anymore my heart would not be able to take it. I looked away from him and sat down with the other dwarves.

The dropped off to sleep one by one and this left me, Bilbo, Kili, and Bofur still awake. I knew Thorin was not truly asleep.

"It is a hard thing I should guess…..learning of your parents." Bilbo whispered.

I knew not how to answer him. My whole life I had never cared about trying to find out who they were, or why they left me.

"Beorn said he was the one who took you to Mirkwood."

My head snapped up and I looked at Kili.

"What did you say?"

Thorin walked forward.

"He told Gandalf and….and Mr. Baggins that you mother had begged him to take you to the elves. She knew he would protect you." He explained.

I could not believe what I heard.

"Tawariell?"

They asked me of I was alright and if I needed air or food. I could not answer them. I slowly stood up and walked back to the room I had woken up in. I leaned against the wall and slowly slid to the ground. The realization of my parents' death finally sank in. Now knowing they had only left me to save me, that they would have kept me if they could…all of the things I had learned proved to much. I was not one to cry, but I began to cry then. It started as silent tears, this grew to crying pain, which turned to sobbing. I was crying so hard that I did not hear someone come inside. Well actually three. Kili, Bofur and Bilbo had come to me.

"Tawariell….."

I could not answer them. They sat down beside me, not saying anything, they just sat there. When I finally managed to calm down I said only one thing.

"I will kill Azog."