A/N

I am so sorry for the long wait. I have been really busy the passed few weeks. During that time my stepmother has been in the hospital with high fever, I had to work extra shifts because of new clients AND my daughter turned 3 last Sunday. And those are just a few of the things that had prevented me from writing.

Anyway, I'm back again!

Terror in the Skies

Várar washes and tears apart the kingsfoil, preparing the medicine as Tauriel does the same. The sooner the have prepared it, the soon the can start to heal Kíli. That is, if they still have enough time.

Next to her, one of the human girls cleans the table as Fíli, Oin and Bofur pick up a moaning Kíli. They lay him on the table and try to hold him down. But the dwarf-prince is tressing around in pain a lot. His moaning turning to yelling every now and then, his breathing sometimes turning into soundless gasps.

Várar has seen it before, with dieing animals. The breathing of a dieing creature. They are running out of time, she realises! A quick glance at the she-elf next to her, Várar knows the other female has noticed it too.

'Hold him down,' she tells the dwarves as she takes a cloth and start washing the wound.

The wound looks black and festered and Várar looks at Tauriel in worry. She is glad the she-elf has stayed. Even though Várar has learned the magic of elves, hers is much weaker than an elf's.

Tauriel approaches with the bowl of water and athelas. Without a second glance at the wound, Tauriel kneads the soaked athelas in her hand and Várar does the same. Normally one elf would be enough for healing wounds. But seeing as Kíli is on the brink of death, they have a better chance with the two of them.

As both of them begin to chant, they press the kingsfoil into the dwarf's wound. A painful hiss comes from the dark-haired dwarf as they do this, his ears not even hearing their synchronised chanting.

But Fíli does, as he stares at the two females in amazement. It is clear he is intrigued by the Sindarin speaking dwarrowdam. Even though it is known dwarves would much rather learn the elvish tongue than to learn outsiders their secret language, Fíli has never met a dwarf to actually speak elvish.

'Menno o nin na hon i eliad annen annin, hon leitho o ngurth (may the blessing that was given to me be sent from me to him, may he be releases from death),' Várar says as she watches Kíli screams and thrashes in pain.

She continues her chanting as the two human girls help hold down the strong dwarf as well. Slowly Kíli begins to calm down. His brow sweaty as he looks above him with glassy eyes. At first he stares at the ceiling, but slowly his eyes turn to Tauriel, staring at her with his glassy eyes.

It is a sign for Várar that the worst is over, he will live. Her eyes turn to meet the blue eyes of Fíli and their gaze hold for a moment. Fíli being too proud to look away while caught staring, continues to stare at the dwarrowdam, waiting for her to speak. But when she only nods, he understands her silent message. His brother will be all right.

With a weak smile, Fíli nods back. A silent thank you is all he can offer her right now, for he is still to amazed and frightened at the same time. If those two hadn't come in time, his brother would have died! They could have left Kíli there to die, but they didn't. They disobeyed their leader and helped their enemy. At least, that is what they are for eachother, aren't they?

Well, at least Várar and her elven companion aren't, and for that Fíli is grateful. His eyes travel to his younger sibling. Kíli has closed his eyes and probably sleeping, judging by the soft rising and falling of his chest. Though his face isn't as peaceful as it usually is, it is clear Kíli has little to no pain.

A movement catches his eyes and he spots Várar washing her hands and her face. It is only then, that Fíli notices the dried orc blood on her face and clothes. Next to her stands Oin. His trumpet lowered as he talks to her in amazement.

'I have heard tales of the wonders off elven medicine,' he says to her as he glances back to where Kíli lies. 'But I never imagined seeing it being used by a dwarrowdam. I must say, it was a privilege to have witnessed.'

Várar nods at this comment, still trying to remove the blood from her face.

'But I must ask,' the grey dwarf continues. 'How is it a dwarrowdam like you can even use elven magic?'

At this, Várar looks up at the dwarf. It appears dwarves know as little about elves as she knows about dwarves. She smiles softly as she looks at the confused dwarf, then turns her gaze towards Kíli. Her eyes cross the gaze of Fíli for a moment, before looking at Tauriel as she wraps Kíli's leg.

'Elven magic can be used by everyone,' she explains. 'Elves, men and dwarves alike. All that speak our language, can use it. Though it is stronger when used by elves.'

Oin looks at the youngest dwarf, as Kíli slowly opens his eyes. He whispers something as he sees Tauriel, causing the she-elf to look at him in confusion.

'Well, as a healer I could use someone as you as my apprentice,' Várar hears the elder dwarf say and she looks at him. 'Once we have reclaimed the mountain, I mean. Do cannot mean to stay with the elves your whole life, do you?'

Shocked by the boldness of Oin, Várar begins to stammer. She did not expect him to be so bold. Not that she knows him that well, but the elder are supposed to be the polite ones, acting as a role-model for the youngsters. That is how it is with the elves. And his bluntness makes her feel slightly uncomfortable,

'Oin, I think you might want to take a closer look at what the she-elf is doing,' Fíli says as he moves over towards the pair. 'You might learn something new.'

Oin looks at Fíli for a moment, but when the dwarf-prince stands tall against the smaller dwarf, with his brow quirked in a demanding way, Oin walks away, muttering about 'these lads now a days'. But he does walk over to Tauriel to see what she is doing. Next to her, Várar hears someone clear his throath.

'I'm sorry about that,' Fíli says as he takes a quick glance at Várar, before looking at his brother again. 'I had the feeling Oin was going out of line with his question.'

Everything is quiet, everything is dark. No sound is heard. Only the heavy breathing of the dwarves as they move as quietly as possible through the mountain. They have lost Smaug, for now, but that serpent is around somewhere. Thorin can hear him move around heavily through the halls, the sounds echoing through the air.

'Shh, shh,' Thorin says quietly to his company as he quiets the group.

Then he peers around the edge of the tunnel, looking for any sign of the fire drake. Behind him, his companions start to whisper when they see no sign of Smaug. Dori states they have lost him, while Dwalin disagrees. Smaug is too cunning, according to the bald warrior and Thorin had to agree with his friend.

'So, where to now?'

'The western guardroom,' Thorin answers, not looking at the hobbit. 'There may be a way out.'

'It's too high. There's no chance that way.'

But Thorin shakes his head, saying it is their only chance. It is because of Thorin, that they are in this mess. And now Thorin has to give his all to keep them all save. And right now, the westen guardroom is their best shot. They have to try.

So with Thorin leading the way, they tiptoe across the bridge. Everyone alert for any sign of the dragon. They are vulnerable right now for Smaug's flames, being here in the open. Thorin is fully aware of it. But the sooner they cross the bridge, the sooner they will find a way out.

Suddenly a coin falls to the floor, right behind Thorin and he spins around.

Behind him, Bilbo is frantically checking his jacket, but stops as soon as some more coins fall. Thorin looks up, seeing Smaug crawling just above them, looking for them. Coins fall from his chest, where several more coins and gems have embedded themselves after years of sleeping on them.

Thorin stays frozen on his spot for several seconds, expecting Smaug to notice them any minute now. Or at least smell them. But when that doesn't happen, he soundlessly motions the others to keep on going.

It won't be long now. Only a few more corridors, before they will reach the western wing. Lets just hope, Smaug doesn't find them, before they reach the guardroom.

But to his horror, the guardroom has become a tomb. Countless bodies are spread all over the room, mummified by the dry air of Smaug. And the exit Thorin had wished to use, closed and blocked.

'There is no way out!'

'No!'

'We're trapped!'

Thorin looks at Dwalin for help. But the look of defeat of the warrior is not what he was looking for. Is this it? Is this where they will die? Trapped inside this room, like rats? No! This is not how they will end! They will no die a slow dead! If they are to die tonight, then they will die fighting! If they will burn, well, then they will burn together!

'I have a plan...'

Várar places her hand on Kíli's forehead. The fever is going down. The dwarf has stopped shaking as well. The wound has stopped bleeding as well. Signs for a fast recovery! Though he should not be traveling any time soon.

Kíli blinks a few times, before opening his eyes to look at Várar in confusion. It takes a while for his eyes to adjust to the light, but he knows it is Várar standing next to him. Her fiery hair and dwarvenbuild betraying her, even before he can see her face clearly. The question is, why is she here?

'Shh,' Várar says, placing a finger on his lips. 'You have to save your strength. Your body has had a lot to endure and needs rest.'

'B-but why are you here? You stayed in Mirkwood.'

'We came to save you, of course.'

We, as in more than one. But who are the others? And why did they come to save him? Just then, he sees a tall figure appear next to Várar, saying something he doesn't understand. But Kíli does see who it is. Tauriel, the she-elf that had saved him from the spiders. The elf that had thrown him in his cell. The elf he has fallen in love with. And she has come to save him again!

'You gave us quite a scare, Kíli,' Fíli says as he walks over as well. 'Feeling better now?'

Kíli smiles sheepishly at his older brother, before nodding his head. Yes, he is feeling much better now. The last thing he remembers, is the departure of Thorin and the others, before the pain got too much and he collapsed. But now that pain is gone, as is his fever. All the young dwarf feels right now, is a slight stinging feeling in his leg. Annoying, not painful.

The dark-haired dwarf looks at his leg. Bandages are wrapped around it. Then he looks at the two females. Only a fool wouldn't realise those two have saved his life. But before he can open his mouth to thank them, the house shakes violently and the human girls start to scream.

'What is happening?' Tilda asks as she turns to her sister for comfort.

'I don't know.'

With two long strides, Tauriel reaches the window. Her keen eyes searching the Lonely Mountain as a bright glow surrounds it. But what she is looking for, is not in the mountain. No, it is up in the darkened sky. Barely noticeable for the eyes, her keen elven eyes spot a dark shadow, moving towards Esgaroth. A large shadow, larger then she has ever seen, and it can mean only one thing...

'The dragon is coming...,' she whispers almost inaudible. Then Tauriel turns around to face the others. 'Smaug is coming this way!'

Várar looks outside as well. Though she can not see the dragon yet, she can hear him. The movement of his wings making the sound of a hurricane. It is when he starts breathing fire, that he makes himself known to the small town.

People start to scream as they panic, knowing what is going on from the moment the fire touches the ground. Houses are being light up like torches as the firedrake lets his flames blaze the wooden homes.

'We have to leave, now.'

The house no longer being save. Nor are the streets. Nowhere is save, not while the dragon is flying around. His keen eyes spot everything below him. Every movement and he mocks the frightened humans.

'We have no time,' Tauriel agrees with her friend. 'We must leave!'

'Get him up.'

'Come on, brother,' Fíli says to Kíli as he helps him stand up.

'Come on, come on! Let's go.'

As Bofur tries rush Kíli, the younger dwarf tries to walk on his own. But his leg is still to weak to hold his weight. He stumbles for a moment, before Várar pulls his arm around his shoulder, helping him walk. Once she is sure he can manage with just the help of his brother, she joins Tauriel's side.

'As fast as you can,' Tauriel calls out over her shoulder. Especially to the three humans.

'We're nor leaving,' Bain says, standing his ground. 'Not without our father.'

'Stay here and you and your sisters will die,' Várar says, eyeing the skies, not the boy. 'I don't think that is what your father would wish for you.'

Bain hesitates for a moment, looking at his sisters. He knows the dwarrowdam is right. If they stay, Sigrid and Tilda will die. And he will too. And what if their father is still alive? He would be heartbroken, knowing his children have died. No, for now, their best chances are with this company.

Bells are ringing and people are frantically loading their possessions into boats, as the two female warriors lead the others through the town. Tauriel is leading the way mostly. Her eyes spot the fierce dragon much sooner than the others. Her ears can locate the creature and tell the others to hide in time.

'Give me your hand,' Fíli says to Várar as he jumps into a boat.

She takes it without hesitation, telling him help her into the boat as well. Then she turns around, helping the children in as well.

'Come on, we gotta go!'

After Kíli gets on the boat, Bofur and Fíli push the small boat from the anchorage. They need to get to the riverbank as soon as possible! As they are poling through the canal, Smaug swoops low over the town. Townspeople scream as he releases his blazing fire again. As the fire drake climbs higher again, he releases a terrifying roar, sending shivers down everyone's spine.

Várar watches the drake dive down again, feeling her heart pounding in her chest in fear. Never before has she faced danger like this. Not even with the orcs. She actually fears for her life right now! Even though Smaug unleashes his flames on the other side of town, she can still feel the heat of his blazing inferno.

People all around them scream in fear or in pain. Dead bodies float in the canal all around them, surrounded by cracks of ice. A horrifying sight to behold. A sight, Várar fears she will haunt her forever as she tries not to look at it.

'Look out!'

Right at that moment, their boat collides with a much bigger one, and Várar finds herself flying forwards. She quickly grabs something to hold onto, to prevent her from falling. As Tauriel pushes the boats apart as Smaug flies over them again.

'Da!' Bain suddenly cries out and everyone turns to look at where boy is looking at.

'Da!' his younger sister cries out as well, when she notices her father as well.

Várar watches as the man shoots an arrow at the firedrake, amazed at the bravery of the man. But she also knows his actions are in vain. No ordinary arrow can kill the beast. Only a black arrow. But next to her, Kíli is not aware of this fact, as he yells her has hit the dragon.

'No,' Várar tells him, remembering what her father used to tell her about the firedrake of Erebor. 'No weapon can kill him. Only a black arrow.'

While Kíli looks at the flying dragon above them, a look of disconsolate in his eyes as realisation dawns upon him. Next to him, Bain looks down in thought. Then he suddenly looks up with a look of determination. He looks around frantically, before leaping up and jumping out of the boat.

'Bain!'

'What are you doing?!'

'Come back! Bain come back!'

But the boy doesn't listen to them as he makes his way over to the dock. As Tilda cries out for her brother one more time, Tauriel looks at her in sadness. The boy is done for, staying here and they will are too, if the linger any longer.

So instead of comforting the young girl, Tauriel tells the dwarves to leave Bain. Saying they cannot go back to get him. Várar nods, glancing towards when Bain disappeared. Somehow she has a feeling he wouldn't come with them even if they were to get him.

As Bilbo watches the scene down at the lake, he feels remorse. It's because of them people are dieing right now. It's because of them, the town is burning, a contrast to the dark night sky.

The small hobbit flinches as he watches the dragon releases another breath of fire. How long will this continue? How many will die before the town is completely burned? How many have paid for their mistake? And how many will follow?

Suddenly a terrifying roar fills the air, turning his attention towards the sky. Even through the darkness, his keen eyes can spot the dragon, though not with ease. But what he sees, leaves the hobbit speechless.

Up in the sky Smaug is climbing higher and higher. His cry a cry of agony, as his voice becomes softer and eventually dies out. The last noise he makes, a chocking noise. Then he starts to dive towards the ground. Going faster and faster, until he crashes into Laketown.

The sound echoes throughout the land, shaking even the ground beneath Bilbo's feet. Around him, the dwarves all jump up in surprise. Looking around in shock as they try to figure out what has happened.

'What was that?' Oin asks as the dwarf looks at Laketown. 'What happened?'

'It fell,' Bilbo states in shock. 'I saw it, it's dead. Smaug is dead!'

His statement causes an uproar of cheering from the dwarves. Talking loudly and enthusiastically. Who would have guessed it? Someone has slain the dragon!

'By my beard! I think he's right!' Gloin cheers, pointing towards the morning sky. 'The ravens of Erebor are returning to the mountain.'

Bilbo looks up as well when he hears the cawing of several birds above him. And sure enough, a flock of ravens is flying to the Lonely Mountain. But once Bilbo's gaze is turned towards the mountain, his smile disappears as he notices Thorin leaving towards the mountain as well. Something is wrong, something is horribly wrong! Bilbo just knows it. Why else would Thorin leave just like that?

And this is where I leave you for now. I hope you liked it. With Smaug dead, what will happen now? Will Várar join the dwarves? Will she return to Thranduil? Or perhaps she joins Legolas and Tauriel? For now, only I know.

Anyway, I hope to see you next time! Don't forget to review. Remember, reviews equals motivation!

Oh and before I forget. I have an important announcement written on my profile, about my updates!