Chapter 29

Our joy proved short lived. For from deep within the Mountain there came a roar of rage. The Mountain shook beneath us. I could see flames burning the rock near us.

"Everyone into the tunnel! It is no good here!" cried Bilbo.

I lunged into the tunnel with Fili and Kili and Balin.

"Wait! My cousins Bofur and Bombur! They are still down in the valley!" Bifur cried.

"It is too late!" they moaned.

"No it is not!" said Thorin reclaiming his dignity. "You two, Fili and Kili stay in the tunnel! And you as well Tawariell. The dragon shall not have us all! You others get some rope!"

I smiled. Thorin rushed around with the others and they managed to haul up Bombur. However the dragon now knew where we were. The others scrambled into the tunnel but Thorin tripped over the rope.

"NO!"

I tried to run forward but Fili and Bilbo stopped me. I pushed them off and ran out. That was when I saw him. A vast golden-red dragon! His under-body encrusted with jewels! Save for a small bare patch below the hollow of his left breast. I did not have time to examine the dragon. I rushed forward and cut the ropes. I took Thorin's hand and we ran. He kicked away the rock that held the doors. It closed with a snap and darkness surrounded us. We dared not light any fires and we dared not speak any louder then the softest whisper. Thorin stayed with his arm around me. While the others slept we kept watch.

"What were you doing?" he asked.

I did not answer.

"You nearly got yourself and our child killed….."

"Thorin I…."

"I am glad you did." He finished.

I stopped speaking. I felt my way to his face and lightly touched his lips. I moved a lock of hair from his face and leaned forward. I kissed his lips and then pulled back slightly.

"I would do anything for you." I murmured.

He took a deep breath and placed his hand on my face. I felt the smile upon his lips and I smiled as well. I leaned forward for his kiss and our lips met. It was ended, for I started to feel short of breath. I pulled back and took deep breaths.

"Tawariell?"

I heard the fear and concern in his voice.

"It is….difficult to breath." I choked out.

He brought my mouth to his and breathed air into my lungs. He pulled back and touched my face.

"Better?"

"Yes….much. I love you Thorin."

"I love you too."

I gave him a quick kiss and then cuddled into his chest. He kept his arms around me and I felt his lips against my hair. I took his hand and closed my eyes.

When I opened my eyes I was met by the same darkness. Thorin still had his arms around me. I feared for my baby. If it was difficult for me to breath…

"Thorin…..the baby."

"Is something wrong?" He asked alarmed.

"It is hard to breath and I fear for the baby." I whispered.

He placed his hand over my womb and I hoped there may be a kick. I felt nothing and tears came to my eyes.

"Oh Thorin….."

"Shhh-hhh! Everything will be alright!"

I heard the light footsteps of the hobbit come forward.

"I am going down the tunnel once more!" He stated.

"I go with you! The life of my wife and child are at risk! And I feel as though I shall die if I do not feel the wind upon my face." Thorin said.

"Thorin no…..what if Smaug….."

"It is a risk I shall take. I cannot lose you or Silanna."

I did not have the strength to argue with him. His hand left mine and this left Fili and Bombur with me. Fili put his hand upon my shoulder and stroked it in a soothing gesture. I covered his hand with mine.

"He will come back lass." Bombur said.

"What if…."

"None of that! He will return. Becoming upset is bad for your baby." Fili added.

I sighed and nodded. It felt as though it were hours, hours of waiting and worrying. The finally Bilbo returned. He was wearing a new mail shirt.

"The dragon has gone! Come!" Bilbo said.

I smiled and Fili, Bombur and I followed him. I hardly noticed the gold, silver and jewels. All I cared about was finding Thorin. I rushed through the treasure and found the Front Gate. There Thorin stood. I smiled and felt as though my breath had been taken from me. As Thorin turned and looked upon me he looked more a king then any. Bilbo gave me a little push. I did not need it. I rushed forward and kissed him. I cared not if everyone saw. When we finally separated I smiled at him.

"You have done it. You have done everything you set out to do….you have everything you wanted…"

He placed his fingers on my lips and smiled. His hand moved to my womb and then looked back up at me.

"Not yet I do not." he whispered.

I smiled and laughed.