The Hobbit: Odd Love in Strange Times

Chapter 15 of my Hobbit story, enjoy.

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Boris Yeltsin: Thanks :)
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Misztique: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it; yeah, they've admitted their feelings now.
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Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: The Hobbit belongs to JRR Tolkien, Peter Jackson and all associated companies.

Chapter 15

They could hardly deliver proper treatment to Bain and Tilda's wounds. However they did what they could; also, knowing how hungry they'd be, Legolas gave both recently recued victims some Lembas which they ate gratefully.

"Da, Sigrid…" Tilda began, worried.

Bard however reassured her. "Sigrid is safe; we found her and Fili got her out of the caves."

As there wasn't much that could be done by them for Tilda's ankle, Bard lifted her up and carried her. Bain could still walk; but staggered due to his injuries. As such Tauriel and Legolas both supported him as they began to leave the caves, Kili in the lead.

As she was still recovering from the fear and still coming to terms with the fact they had been rescued, Tilda was still frightened. As a result, any sudden unusual noises startled her. Bard had noticed this and did his best to soothe his youngest.

"It's alright Tilda; you're safe now. It's over." He said softly.

She nodded, but then looked over his shoulder miserably at Bain. "Da, what they did to Bain, it…"

Bard nodded. "I know, but don't worry he'll be fine. We're going to get you all back to Erebor, then we can get your injuries properly treated."

Tilda nodded; finally calming down. They continued onwards, finally arriving at the mouth of the caves. Bain and Tilda took some time to get used to the light, but the warmth of the sun instantly made them feel better.

Sigrid remained seated on the rock outside; Fili sitting next to her. They were both overjoyed, having finally confessed their feelings to each other, and shared their first kiss together.

'His lips were so warm…I, I hope he liked it.' She thought quietly. 'It; it was my first time after all.'

She blushed at that; knowing that at least Fili had offered no complaint, so that was hopefully good. She was no longer hungry either; Fili had given her a piece of strange bread which he called Lembas. He explained it had been made by the Elves and that the small piece he gave her was sufficient for a full day. She ate it and was surprised at the feeling that overcame her; it turned out he was right.

She was still worried, but being here with Fili, she felt relaxed and content. It was then Fili gasped and she turned. Her eyes widened and finally her fears and nervousness vanished. Her father had emerged with the others and Bain and Tilda were with them, despite their injuries, very much alive. She got to her feet, Fili's cloak wrapped around her enough to cover her, yet keep her hands and arms free.

"Da!" She cried out.

Bard smiled at her and nodded; Tilda turned her head towards her sister, grinning happily. Bain also smiled as the Elves helped him over to join them. Finally, reunited and safe, they began their return to Erebor.

Back at Erebor; Elisa sat the room that she and her family were staying in. She rubbed her arms again, tugging at her sleeves, trying to keep them covered. She sighed, recalling her reasons for trying to keep her arms covered, her back was the same, but she was distracted from her thoughts.

"Elisa." Her father said; startling her.

She looked up, surprised; she hadn't heard her parents coming in. Finn had seen his daughter's discomfort and her far away expression.

"Are you alright?" He asked. "You don't look very well."

She swallowed and nodded. "Sorry father; I…I'm just worried about Bain. I mean, he was taken by orcs, so were his sisters. They, they…"

Melynda stepped over to her and embraced her daughter. "I know it's hard Elisa; but you have to be strong."

She nodded.

"I…Thank you mother. I…I have to ask, what changed your minds?" She said at last.

Her parents shared an awkward look; finally Finn spoke. "This is hard to admit Elisa, but we were wrong. After what happened to you, seeing as Bard was singled out as an enemy by the Master. We just wanted you to be safe from danger."

Melynda nodded and then added. "But, we see now, you're strong, you can handle yourself. Bain will always face danger, but we know you're both strong enough now."

She smiled and they all embraced; Elisa was relieved that her parents now offered no objection to her and Bain's relationship. As they broke apart, they heard the sounds of Bilbo rushing through Erebor. Elisa smiled as she heard what he said; Bard and the others had returned, with Bain and his sisters; they were all safe. Her parents smiled at her and she nodded before rushing out of the room, desperate to see Bain again.

The healers were soon working, Sigrid's injuries were the easiest to treat and before long she was fully healed. She stood nearby, clad in a fresh new dress watching as the healers worked on her siblings. The brand marks were permanent sadly, as were the whip scars both Bain and Tilda would bear, Bain's burns would eventually clear up however, which was some relief.

While the healers worked on Bain, nearly finished treating Tilda; the door opened. Sigrid turned and smiled when she saw it was Elisa. However her smile dropped and she gasped. Due to her rush to come and see Bain, the sleeves of Elisa's dress had slipped up, revealing several scars covering her arms.

"Elisa, what…?"

Elisa looked at her, then at her exposed arms and sighed. "My back is the same…It was one of the Master's spies. He thought I was spying on the Master and; 'interrogated' me."

Sigrid gasped horrified; but Elisa shook her head.

"Please, I just want to see Bain." She paused and added. "He…He already knows about my scars; he's the one who helped me…That's how we met."

Sigrid smiled and nodded and turned back to her siblings. Elisa hurried past her towards Bain; she froze, horrified at her beloved's injuries.

"Oh my…Bain." She whispered; tears in her eyes.

He looked up at her as he lay; face down as the healers worked on his injuries. "I'm alright."

She choked back a sob as she saw his condition, yet heard his words.

She shook her head. 'How can he say that; look at him…'

Finally, Bain was the only one still needing healing.

The healers finished with Tilda, but wanted her to rest, especially due to give her ankle time to properly repair all damage. As such she lay on the makeshift bed, clad in a simple sleeping shift, her ruined dress finally dealt with, like Sigrid's.

Elisa sighed and; knowing she couldn't embrace Bain, despite wanting to, due to his injuries. So instead she knelt by his bed and took his hand, her tears finally falling as she smiled at him. Bard smiled as he watched this before turning and leaving, preparing himself.

His children had been rescued, but all was not well yet. Azog and his orc army was approaching; he knew what they had agreed beforehand. He just hoped it would work, especially due to the risk it would pose. But it was time now for them to make final preparations; battle was about to begin.

End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.

Well, the kids are safe again, but the battle approaches; next chapter it begins. Also, Elisa's little secret is revealed, her arms and back are covered in scars due to the actions of one of the Master's spies torturing her for information she didn't even have.