January 17th, 2022
Original Authors Note: So SO sorry this took a few extra days to get out. I did not realize how LONG this chapter was but rather than breaking it up….I decided to let it be as an apology. But hey, I am almost finished with this act. Just got to add the last bit to the final chapter and I am DONE. :) Go ahead, read on.
Chapter Ten
It was unsurprising that even after a few days, Finli still refused to be parted from at least one of his parents. When Tauriel left to work with Oin in his office, researching what they knew of the plague they were dealing with and trying to put enough concoctions together to placate the growing number of sick dwarves, Kili had to be with their son.
The smallest Durin was even refusing to go to his beloved grandfather, Thorin, when he stopped by and tried to take the babe so Kili could go help Fili organize schedules. There were still several jobs in the mountain necessary to work such as distributing food, handling the animals both for Erebor and the Ukdam, and tending the massive indoor garden, which all now needed to be done in shifts. Thorin internally grumbled knowing their numbers were small as it was, but at least he knew his people well and they would trust that he would do all he could to protect them. Even if it meant they had to work on schedules and remain secluded for a small amount of time.
Of course, none of this mattered to a near two-year-old. No, Finli was not having any of it and began to scream in earnest the moment he noticed Kili was heading towards the door and away from him. Nobody faulted him though. The babe was just three months shy of his second birthday; he did not understand why he was taken from his parents. All he knew was he woke up in the arms of strangers and could not sense either of his parents nearby. Thorin sighed, signaled for Kili to return, and Finli finally calmed when Kili took him in his arms once again.
"Alright, I am here my little star. Hush now, I am not going anywhere." He began to sing softly to Finli, swaying the crying child back and forth. Eventually, the babe calmed and was content enough to be set down on the floor and given one of his toys to play with. With Finli now happily playing on his own, Thorin and Kili were able to do what they could to put schedules together from Kili's chambers and without Fili. Although, when Dis and Viltarra walked in a few hours later, Thorin passed the younger dam their notes and sent her to find Fili. She would take Kili's place in helping until Tauriel returned.
"Is he still not settling?" Dis asked from the floor where she was trying to coax the little one into eating some soft bread smothered in jam and butter. Kili chuckled watching as most of the meal ended up everywhere but Finli's mouth. Judging by the jam all over his mouth and hands, he would be needing a bath…soon.
"No. He spends his nights with us and cried for a few minutes this morning when Tauriel left. I was able to calm him, but he threw a fit when uncle came to watch him so I can help Fi." Kili eyed his son who was yawning, then stopped and made a face, which scrunched up as if in pain, before he began to cry in place.
Dis sighed and scooped him up. "Poor dear, come to nan. Are your teeth still hurting?" Of course Fin did not answer, just kept on crying and held his arms out for Kili just a few steps away. "Sorry darling, I tried." Dis smiled apologetically as she passed Finli to Kili.
"It's fine mam. I am going to get him cleaned up, he will likely cry himself to sleep here soon." Kili left the room, disappearing into his bed chamber.
With Kili obviously focusing on his son, Dis and Thorin went to fulfill their own responsibilities leaving the two princes alone. True to schedule, Finli had his bath and fell right to sleep. Kili settling them both in bed then proceeded to read aloud to the sleeping prince.
It was an hour past the afternoon bell when his elf came back to their chambers, showered, then relinquished Kili of his charge. "How did he do?"
Kili drew her in for a kiss as he rose from the bed. "Same as yesterday." Kili looked at his sleeping son. "He just needs time." He gave Tauriel a comforting smile, hoping to ease the worry off her face, and it did help. "I am going to go see if Fi and Viltarra need a hand. I promised uncle I would when you came back. Do you need anything?"
Tauriel shook her head but stopped him before he turned to leave. She placed a hand on his forehead but smiled and let if gently slide down to graze his cheek before cupping his jaw. "Be careful." Was all she said and Kili nodded and left the chamber.
Fili and Viltarra scoured the system they put together with Kili and Thorin's notes. "It will work." Viltarra muttered, seeing the needed gaps.
"We don't have a choice." Fili responded as they walked down the hall, knocking on a chamber door which opened almost immediately.
"Aye? Oh, there yeh are. Do yeh got it laddie?"
Bofur stood aside allowing for Fili and Viltarra space to step into the room. Bifur grunted in acknowledgment of their presence and Bombur smiled, sitting and enjoying a small break having just completed the mountains lunch runs. The large dwarf signaled to the seat beside him, offering the two royals a place to rest themselves but Viltarra shook her head. "Thank you Bombur, but we cannot stay."
Viltarra passed the paper to Bofur who checked it over, scratched his head then hummed in approval. "Looks perfect lad. Yeh both did good. Where are yeh off to next?"
"We have to meet Thorin who is getting an update from Sudri." Fili thoughtfully answered. He had to admit, he was beginning to feel the effects of the constant back and forth of all the extra responsibilities they were taking up these last few days.
"Have yeh eaten?" Bombur asked.
Fili thought back to the last time he remembered having a meal, and honestly, he thinks it was breakfast, yesterday. He did not count the apple he snagged on his way to catch up with Thorin this morning or the cheese bun Tauriel forced in his hand some time yesterday in the late afternoon. Seeing neither answer, Bombur shook his head and rolled his eyes. "Yeh are flesh and blood, not gods. Here…" He passed the pair a small bag, which was one of three sitting on the table beside him. "I can grab another when I start the dinner run in two hours." When Viltarra began to protest, Bombur chuckled. "Lass, I thin' I can go withou' food fer a few hours without wastin' away. You go on an' take it."
Viltarra took the small sack gratefully. "Thank you."
Fili gave Bomber a smile and took Viltarra's hand. "We really have to get to Thorin. Is that all you needed Bofur? Bombur?"
The hatted dwarf passed the paper to his larger brother and gave them a grin. "I thin' it will be jus' fine. Yeh go on now. We will see ya at the meetin' at evenin' bell."
The couple were soon walking down the corridor, munching on some bread and cheese on their way to find Thorin. They did run into Kili who joined them as they entered Thorin's surprisingly empty office. "I thought he said to meet him here?"
"I did." Came the deep voice of Thorin who walked in behind them. "Did you get that schedule to Bombur, Bofur, and Bifur?"
"We did." Viltarra supplied as Kili and Fili plunked down into the two large chairs in front of Thorin's stone desk. She rolled her eyes and sat in the smaller chair between the two brothers. Thorin looked worse for ware as he leaned against the front of his desk facing them. "I just came down from Oin's office. I am afraid numbers are getting worse on both sides."
"How many?" Kili stared. He kicked himself for leaving his chamber so fast he did not get any updated information from Tauriel who had also been with Oin. Instead, he raced out to help Fili and Viltarra who apparently, had everything handled.
"Two thirds of the Ukdam are ill in varying severities, and our numbers are beginning to show more and more signs, though at the moment they are blessingly mild." Thorin looked across the room then back at the three before him. "Oin estimates by the end of the week, our own numbers will have doubled if not more. There is more." He stopped Fili from interrupting as he was about to do. "They lost three yesterday, and five today."
"Lost as in, they passed? Already?" Kili stood, his eyes wide with surprise.
"Aye. The healer Oin was working with said a further seven will not make the weeks end by the looks of it."
"Mahal. How could they not have known? They paraded here as if nothing was wrong less than a week ago!" Fili ran his hands through his golden mane.
Thorin hummed and narrowed his eyes. "Oin believes they have been suffering from it longer than they implied and being secluded into our heated mountain acted as a type of…incubator…for the disease making it spread harsher and faster as well as making it harder to miss or ignore."
They let that settle in and the truth of it was evident by the end of the week. Oin was now swimming with so many cases, he had to enlist Naurfaer as a makeshift healer. The elf happily taking on any tasks he could as he watched one by one, the company begin to show signs themselves of being sick.
Bifur and Bofur were first to be put in their chambers by Tauriel who sternly gave them a talking to after they argued Bombur needed them. "We all need you which is why you are to go and rest before you kill yourselves. We will find others to help Bombur and he found space in the back of the kitchens to set up a cot. Enough worrying and go."
Ori, to Leotti's horror came next and Tauriel had to spend an hour placating her closest friend assuring her he will be well cared for by Oin in the healers' quarters and it was best she stay away. However, a hand on her dear friend's forehead showed the elf, Leotti too was now sick. So, she wrapped her arms around her friend and guided her back to her chamber, setting her in bed to rest. She made sure to come back each day with some tea.
Tauriel found herself constantly among the sick. Wanting to help in any way she can, the eleth forged her way into the halls to help the ailing dwarves of Erebor in Oin's office and flittered throughout the chambers checking on the milder cases and giving updates on progressing symptoms as best she could. Most who came to Oin's hall were sent back to their rooms if they were only experiencing mild signs of the plague, while the more severe or the ones unable to tend to their selves such as the elderly, remained in the quickly filling office.
It was not long before Tauriel even found herself in the Ukdam's gathering hall. What was the difference between being exposed by a dwarf of Erebor or a dwarf of the Ukdam? It was the same illness, and she easily argued that with Kili who was unhappy to find out where she spent her day away. However, he was unable to argue much and was honestly too tired to even try. She was as stubborn and unmovable as he was, and he was just not in the mood for a battle. So, he gave up and begged her to just, be careful. It was too late now anyway to try and keep her away from harm. With every day that went by, more and more were getting ill both Ereborian and Ukdam dwarves.
At least now Sudri was being more cooperative, not that Thorin gave him a choice that is. The leader of the Ukdam took charge and separated his people, keeping the sick apart from the seemingly healthy. However, with each passing day, it was becoming apparent the illness was just getting started.
"I don't understand." Sudri wrung his hands in frustration. "Why is it now just spreading as it is? It did not get this bad until we entered your mountain. It's your elves! They used their magic on us! Never trust elves! They would kill us all if given the chance! You mark my words."
Tauriel was rolling her eyes as she helped an elderly dwarf in the Ukdam tent lift his head to drink the tea. "This elf is trying to help your people! Why would I put my own family and myself in danger only to do all I can to help you recover! What's more, my husband is a dwarf and my child, half. Your ramblings suggest I would kill off my own blood and my mate." She glared at him then turned back to her charge muttering "Foolish musings. Besides, we have no such magic." Without listening to his response, Tauriel continued her work until a sniffling had her lifting her eyes to a small dwarfling with green eyes watching her carefully. His looked torn between wanting to say something and wanting to run. The eleth gave him a smile but he ducked behind a cot, so she turned back to her patient.
When she was finished, she washed her hands and turned to leave until a pair of small, blue and green boots peaking out from underneath a cot had her turning and squatting to the ground. "Are you alright? You need not fear little one. Come on…out out. We must let the ill sleep and I fear you will wake her if you keep bumping about underneath there."
"She won' wake." Tauriel lifted her eyes to another dwarfling whose hat was falling in his eyes. "She has not woken since we go' here." He paused then gestured to the other dwarfling. "An 'e won' come out for ya. He's afraid you'll eat his heart."
"Regar! Don't be botherin' her little bird. Sorry, I hope they aren' causin' trouble. I am Gronti by the way. Is your wee one alright? I apologize again fer the trouble. Toki really is a good boy." Gronti stepped into the tent and looked down sternly at his youngest who peaked out from under the cot then slipped back out of sight.
Tauriel was confused for a moment as she looked at the dwarf before her, trying to remember where she has seen him before…then it clicked. He was the one in the tent who had her son. At first her anger came flooding back until she remembered the situation and she forced it away with a sense of calm. A small flash of concern that was not her own flitted through her mind and she realized Kili must have felt her rage, so she filled her mind and their connection with another round of calm and turned to the small family. "I was told what had happened. Is this your wife?" She indicated to the dam who lay on the bed the dwarfling was hiding under.
"Aye. Tooka." Tauriel nodded and rose, going over to the side Gronti and Regar were not on and checking her over. She had one of the highest fevers she has come across, and Tauriel lifted her arms and the sleeves of her cotton top to see blisters up her arms. "She has been ill for some time, has she not?"
"At least just over a fortnight, they tell me." Gronti answered, his hat now in his hands. Tauriel lifted her eyes and observed his pale cheeks over the sandy blond beard and the perspiration dripping down his forehead. She placed the dam's hands down carefully and moved to Gronti, checking his head and giving him a sad smile. "Have you been checked before?"
Gronti shook his head. "Da…da are you sick too?" Regar asked lifting his grey eyes in fear for his father.
"Da?" Toki peaked out once again, eyes wide in concern.
"I am fine boys. Just under the weather." Tauriel pushed him down in the free cot on the other side of the sleeping Tooka.
"Why don't you rest." She placed a cup of water in his hands.
"I really am sorry. About your little one." Gronti tried again.
"Finli." She smiled, placing a compress on his head and pulling the covers over him. "His name is Finli. There is no need to apologize any more, he is home, scared, but home. You, however, must rest." The dwarf nodded and sat back.
Tauriel stood and looked back down at Regar and gave him a smile. "It would be best to just let them rest for now." She then got to her hands and knees and lifted the blanket hanging over the side of the cot, peaking underneath. Her hair cascaded to the ground as she looked at the dwarfling now pushing himself as far away from her as the small cot would allow. "There is no need to fear me little one. What was it your brother said I would do? Eat your heart?" She giggled, her eyes brightening. "Tell me, is your heart made from butter cake or cheese buns?"
Toki stared for a moment then shook his head. "Is it cherry tarts or what are those pies Bombur makes…the meat ones…" She placed a finger on her chin in thought, "Lamb and rice pie? Or warm butter rolls? Pudding?" He shook his head again. "Huh." Tauriel lamented, then brightened. "Then it must be made of beans and bacon? Ram stew? Warm roast and potatoes? Or maybe scones with jam?"
"Are you mad?" Toki scrunched his nose and looked at her as if she was one step into the fairy pool which was their way of saying, she was stark raving.
Tauriel only laughed. "Well, if your heart is not made of any of those, I am afraid I have no desire to eat it. You may keep it." She gave him another smile and lifted her hand out to him. "Come on, I assure you I mean no harm. It is Toki, is it not?"
Toki nodded and after a moment of hesitation, he placed his very small hand into hers and allowed her to help him from under the cot. His hat fell to the ground, so Tauriel recovered it as she sat up and placed it on his head and gave it a tug. Even on her knees, she was a head taller than him. He was so small. "I'm sorry." Now her heart did melt. He was looking at his feet, refusing to meet her eyes.
Tauriel sat down on her haunches, leveling their height difference just a bit. "I am not saying what you did was right, but, everything turned out just fine. We must learn from our errors, which I think you did. It takes a lot of courage to apologize and understand what you did was wrong." She wiped a tear that fell from his cheek away. "How about, when everyone is feeling better, I bring you up and introduce you to Finli. He is still very young, but, I think he would enjoy someone to play with. What do you say?"
Toki brightened and looked up to Regar than his father who was watching proudly from his cot. Gronti gave an approving nod and Toki gave her an emphatic yes. "Good. It is settled." She opened her arms and at first, Toki looked at her confused, then realization hit and he allowed himself to be pulled into a hug. "All will be well." Tauriel soothed, and she did all she could to believe her own words. She remained with the two dwarflings long after Gronti fell asleep. Telling them stories and promising to bring them some coloring sticks and parchment the next time she came to visit.
It took a further two days for Kaw to return once again, but it was not Ivethin's note he carried. Marawen, who works alongside Ivethin in Mirkwood's healing halls was the one to respond to Tauriel's original message. Ivethin had gone to Rivendell for a short visit with Elrond's healers. A fact seconded by Thranduil in his raven back to Thorin the same day. They would not be able to send healers for a fortnight. They were on their own until then, though not without some remedies sent by both Marawen and Ivethin that could help with individual symptoms until they arrive. Tauriel too had some remedies she remembered, such as an ointment for the blistering which was one of the biggest discomforts the dwarves complained about apart from the sore throat.
In the meantime, the illness was spreading through Erebor's halls like dragon fire and it quickly became apparent that the family was far from immune. Finli, to his parent's horror, was the first to show signs which was unsurprising given his direct contact with the infected dam. Tauriel nearly went into a panic and had to be calmed by Kili when she could no longer blame his fever on teething.
"He is burning up!" Tauriel placed yet another cool compress to her sweet baby's head. His hands and arms now covered in red, painful blisters, and he coughed out a cry when she placed her salves over them to help soothe the burn. Tauriel turned pleading eyes to Kili, who was containing his frustration at his inability to protect his child once again. What he could do, was pull Tauriel and Finli close as he tried to sooth them the best way he knew how.
It was no wonder Kili succumbed just a few days later, as he spent every night after Fin fell ill cradling his son close to his chest as Tauriel would scour books and tomes looking for anything to help cure this blight well into the night. Kili would urge her to rest and remind her to eat when all her focus was on her studies. "You need to take care of yourself amralime, or you too will become ill."
Tauriel would sigh and move from her books to eat whatever Kili had brought her, but then go right back to her research. She still spent her days in the healing halls and down with the Ukdam people who were suffering most. Now the children were becoming ill, and she had to sooth a frantic Regar when Toki came down with a fever. The dwarfling was afraid he would lose his entire family, and he had a right to be. Not that she said that to him, but Tauriel was beginning to lose hope.
When Kili fell ill, Tauriel was forced to turn her attention from the Ukdam who were getting no better with her herbs, her chanting, nor with any Ivethin had sent. With no other able to care for them, all her time and efforts were now focused on her ailing husband and child.
Then, Fili too began to show signs of the illness. He tried to fight it, but was ordered to bed by his mam when he went into a coughing fit at the breakfast table one morning, and she placed a hand on his forehead. "I will send in some tea and have Tauriel come by soon." When Fili opened her mouth to argue, Dis immediately shut him down. "It is not worth KILLING yourself, Fili. I will not have it. Go to bed." Fili grumbled and pushed himself up, then stalked out of the kitchen and to his rooms, his wife hot on his heals. Viltarra, as a result of sharing a bed with Fili, was next not a day later.
They were losing the battle. Dale could not help, Thorin made certain Bard understood and was clear neither he nor his people were to come close to the mountain, however, they underestimated the kind heart Bard had. The Lord of the human city sent a constant stream of food delivered to just before the doorstep of the mountain and left before anyone came out. Thorin was humbled yet again at their thoughtfulness, though he knew his grandfather is likely spitting on him from the makers halls for having to ask for aid once again. Thorin shook the thought as he bypassed the kitchen where Dis was cooking. The food was making his stomach churn, but he had no desire for Dis to fuss or hover over him. He had meetings to get to and a mountain to save.
His sister along with Tauriel, Vin and Tarrah were on constant runs between Fili and Kili's chambers. Bringing teas, soups, and anything they could keep down. Each was having difficulty holding in any food or water. Viltarra and Finli being the worst in this area. Tarrah and Tauriel had worked together to come up with a tea concoction to help with the nausea but getting the picky and fussy Finli to take it proved to be a challenge.
Tauriel had to practically poor several heaping spoonful's of sugar in addition to the honey she had already added to get the babe to drink it, which, to her relief, he finally did. "That's my Fin." She would praise as she sadly took in his blistering arms which were obviously painful to the touch. She used her free hand to check on Kili who was asleep beside her. He was so warm, but his arms were still clear for the time being. Tauriel sighed and settled comfortably until Kili woke and she could go check on Viltarra.
Viltarra was constantly in the washroom, more than any of them. Fili having to help her to get there on more than one occasion while he still had the strength and energy to do so. She happily accepted the tea Tarrah placed in her hands. "Drink up gem, it will help. Have you been able to hold down anything?"
Fili shook his head. "Whatever she eats, comes right back up." He replied with worry clear in his gravelly voice. He had been sick as well, but not near as much as Viltarra. He was at least able to hold down a few small meals.
"I will make some broth." Dis stated. "For both of you." She passed Vin the bowl of cool water with two cloths and left the room.
Vin looked at Tarrah then at Fili who was helping Viltarra back into bed before holding out his hand for a compress from Vin. The older dwarf passed him a compress and Fili placed it on his wife's head after kissing her brow. "Ya ought to be in bed too lad." Fili nodded and climbed in, Tarrah passing him some tea as they waited for Dis to return.
In another part of the mountain, a meeting with the four members of the company not showing signs of illness was taking place. Thorin tried to rub the pounding in his head away by sheer will and dutifully ignored his stomach. He just needed to eat something, he told himself before turning to the healer across from him. "What are the numbers Oin?"
Despite having been in the closest proximity to the ill than any dwarrow in the mountain, Oin was still as healthy as a ram in its prime. "Don' look good Thorin. I would estimate more than half the mountain is showin' signs an tha' is no' includin' those getting' worse. How long till we can expect the elves?"
"By the end of the week." Naurfaer added in. He was leaning forward, his chin on his palm and staring at the far wall. One would think he was bored, but having spent so much time with him, Thorin could see the signs of fatigue and wariness in his features.
Naurfaer could stay awake for weeks without sleep, but they have all been weighed down with what was going on. Add having Finli growing worse every day, Kili not far behind, and both Fili and Viltarra now in bed? It has been nothing but draining on the entire family, elf and dwarrow. Tauriel looks worse than Naurfaer, Thorin thought as an image of his niece flitted across his pounding mind. Though Thorin assumes her pregnancy is making it harder on her, the fatigue that is. They all are thanking the maker above she has so far been healthy despite holding her son close and refusing to leave Kili's side except for the occasional visit to check on Fili and Viltarra in the next room and the one or two visits she made to the Ukdam, specifically the two young dwarflings she is attached to. Which should have surprised the king under the mountain, knowing one of them was responsible for taking Finli, then again, this was Tauriel, and her heart was one of the kindest he has ever come across.
Thorin hummed, ignoring the irritation doing so caused his throat. He was not sick! He just needed to stop yelling, or maybe he was snoring something awful last night. Autumn was approaching, the air was dry. That was it. "Make sure Aeodhen informs the gates to let them in and whomever they bring."
"Of course. He has already made it known." Naurfaer lifted his chin from his hand and eyed the king. He looked to Oin then to Nori and Dwalin, both giving Thorin worried glances as the king cleared his throat for what felt like the tenth time. His pale pallor and the subtle scratching of his wrists gave them all the same answer. Their king, was sick.
After a few minutes, Thorin dismissed them, Naurfaer lingering behind. "It will do you and your people no good if you let yourself fall ill. You need to rest."
Thorin, however, batted him away as he stood. "I'm fine. How are the Ukdam?" Naurfaer stared at Thorin, but time with the stubborn dwarf had taught him he could yell, threaten, even beg but Thorin will do as he pleased until he was good and ready to do otherwise.
"They lost another seven last evening. Though that dam, Tooka, and her family are still hanging on. All of them are ill though, the father and the mother being the worst, but their youngest, Toki, is not far behind. I'm afraid without help soon, none of them will make it through the week." Naurfaer lowered his head sadly.
Elves have always had a difficult time with mortality. There was a reason they kept themselves secluded from the mortal races of Arda like they did. Nobody liked watching the ones you love and care for, succumb to a fate out of their control. Illness was extremely rare among the eldar. There were only a few blights they can contract and even fewer that are fatal. Whereas other races it was just a part of life. Dwarrows however, do tend to be the hardier and more resilient of the mortal races and don't typically come down with severe illnesses outside common colds. It would be his family that came across a very rare plague targeted towards dwarves alone. Naurfaer has a feeling the only reason they survive at all, is all thanks to the maker.
"And Fin?" Thorin asked, quietly.
Naurfaer stood silently. Their little treasure of a grandson. "Getting worse." He muttered. "Tauriel has tried everything, chanting, herbs, tinctures…but this plague is resistant to all. His only hope now is the elven healers."
Thorin sat back on his chair. His elven daughter has gone through enough and the thought of losing little Finli was unbearable to even consider. He would give the elves to the end of the week to reach the mountain as Thranduil promised in their last missive, but if they were delayed even a day, he will personally be riding his grandson to Mirkwood possibly along with the rest of his family for more immediate help. He will not lose a single one of them to this if he could help it.
Viltarra was hot. Unbearably so. What made matters worse, was Fili felt the desperate need to smother her in his sleep. She used the little strength she had to attempt to push her sweltering husband away from her. "FILI! Stop it!" He would give a groan and roll over and both would go back to sleep until Viltarra would wake again what felt like minutes later to Fili once again wrapping his inferno around her. "FILI!" He would shift again, but it would all be for naught as Fili would go right back to her when she fell back to sleep.
"Hmmm." Would be his only response. He was such an infant when he was sick. Viltarra had to keep from snapping at him as he would burrow under the covers and give the most pityingly desperate whines. She lifted the blanket and looked down at him from her place sitting against the head of the bed. He shied away from the light but eventually opened one blue eye and looked up at her, giving her a raspy "Wha'?" when she narrowed her eyes.
"You don't even have that high of a fever, Fili. Kili is much worse and I just heard him out in the hall. You, however, have not left the bed since Dis sent you to it."
"Thas no' true!" He groaned, trying to pull the quilt back down over his head. "I was in the bathroom three hours ago and you may not remember, but two days ago I was up and down helping you to the toilet to get sick multiple times."
Viltarra rolled her eyes and picked her book back up as she took a sip of her tea and willed the liquid to both sooth her burning throat and help tamper the nausea. The tea was a lifesaver and after a few days of drinking it non-stop, she had been able to get her need to get sick after every meal, under control. She shook her head in annoyance regretting the action immediately as Viltarra was forced to close her eyes at the momentary dizziness that overtook her system. A tinkling of a tray had her peaking an eye open just as Dis walked in with some stew. Her stomach gave a lurch, she was not sure she was ready to fill it just yet.
"How are you both feeling?" Dis placed the tray down and turned herself to face the couple in bed. She gave Viltarra a smile, walking over to check her head and brush some of her unruly, tangled, hair behind her ears. The elder dam then sighed at the lump which could only be her son, buried under the covers. Fili never did well, being ill, and Dis hardly helped the situation as the moment he turned his blue eyes on her, she became mush and may have the propensity to coddle him.
This very fact was apparent as Viltarra slid out of bed, adjusted the drawstring on Fili's cotton sleep pants she wore (they were much more comfortable than her own, especially when her stomach was upset) and grumbled her way into the washroom. Dis watched with worried eyes as she stumbled, catching herself on the table before correcting and giving Dis the 'I'm fine' look and shutting the washroom door tightly.
"Mam?" Turning her attention onto her eldest baby, Dis moved to his side of the bed, grabbing a mug of Tauriel's herbal tea as she went.
She pulled the quilt back and brushed her hands across Fili's forehead. He was quite warm, but nowhere near how warm Kili felt. Still, he had a fever, that was apparent. "I am here my darling."
Fili turned towards her, giving Dis the ability to run her hands through his tangled golden hair. Another sign he was not feeling well. Fili always managed his hair and his braids impeccably. Kili, not so much. Dis always knew if Fili was really ill by just looking at his hair. "I am dying mam." His voice croaked and he gave a rasping cough, then turned his big blue eyes to his mam.
At this, Dis tutted. Such dramatics. "What is this I hear? A son of Durin giving up? Maybe it is best you walk the way of Mandos my child. Only those with no hope give in and it is hardly befitting a future leader of our people."
Fili's eyes widened and his nose scrunched up in horror. "I am not giving up!" He was trying for strength but instead his voice came out sounding more like a petulant child then a strong headed, crowned prince.
"Oh?" Dis lifted a brow. "But did not you say you were dying? I was just about to begin arrangements on your tomb. Shall I stall a bit?"
It was Fili's turn to roll his eyes and turn away from her, moaning both in discomfort and indignance at his mams lack of babying he was accustomed to when he fell ill.
Dis leaned down and kissed the side of his face and Fili squinted an eye open. "Mam?"
Humming, Dis sat on the bed. "Can you pass me that water, just there?"
Now this Dis was happy to do as she helped Fili sit up. Instead of giving him the water, she passed him the mug of tea she held, Fili instantly backing away at the bitter water inside. "Now, you are trying to kill me." He huffed.
"Just drink it you big oaf." Viltarra snapped which came out less severe with her cracking voice and coughing fit that followed, taking a moment to lean into the wardrobe until she got her coughing under control.
Hiril jumped down from the bed and sidled up beside her, giving Viltarra some support to help her not hit the ground. The young dam then slowly made her way back to the bed, the sweat dripping down her brow as she used sheer determination to make the distance without collapsing. Dis stood and Fili gave her a worried glance, but Viltarra wiped her brow and crawled into bed, snatching the mug from Dis and finishing it in one swig.
"That was mine!" Fili whined. Then groaned when Hiril jumped on the bed, jostling him a bit and causing his stomach to rebel. He closed his eyes for a moment, then turned them back to Viltarra in annoyance from both the warg and her drinking his tea.
"You complained and I did not want it to go to waste." Viltarra snipped. "Besides, it helps my throat. Maybe if you weren't such a dwarfling about it, you wouldn't be so miserable." Dis sighed at the couples bickering and poured another cup and brought it to Fili, lifting it for him to take, which he finally did as he began to drink it down.
"Is there anything else?" Dis asked as she stood to leave, placing the tray of stew beside Fili on the bedside table so they could reach for it when they were ready.
"Can you make those lollies? The ones with lemon and honey?" Leaning down, Dis kissed his head. "Of course dear, they will take awhile though, to freeze." Fili nodded and settled back into the pillows, Viltarra watching and shaking her head at her husband. She sniffed as Dis walked from the room. "What? I can't help it if my mam loves me."
"My ma was in here too, two hours ago…" She glared at Fili. "Who did she go straight to? You, because you were making that…that sound."
"What sound?" Fili huffed.
"The one that makes you sound like a crying kitten lost in the rain at night." She sneered as she sat back. Fili shut his mouth and gaped at her. Did she have to be so…waspish.
He gave her a hurt look and turned his back to her, causing Viltarra to stare at him. What was the matter with her? She was never this…snappy…not to Fili. ESPECIALLY not to her Fili. Yes, he was being a child, but he was sick! This illness was no small cold or laughing matter, dwarves were dying and here she was, making little of Fili's suffering. She sighed and pushed the quilt back, crawling towards Fili who stiffened when she lay directly behind him.
"I'm sorry Fili. I don't know what has come over me. I know you don't feel well." She buried her face in his back and wrapped her arms around his waist. Now that she thought about it, she was freezing and his warmth was comforting. It warmed up her feverish body and she sighed in relief.
For his part, Fili gently turned back towards her, feeling her arms loosening as he did to allow for the shift in position. "It's okay nunguame." He pushed his fingers through her hair as she rested her pounding head on his chest. "I know you are sick as well. I should be the one to take care of you." He kissed the matted hair on her head.
He startled when he began to hear sniffling not associated with a runny nose. Fili looked down to see tears coming out from Viltarra's eyes. She never cried! "Nunguame?"
The dam wiped the tears away with not a little frustration, but more came out without her bidding. "How could you be so nice to me when I have been a horrid orc all morning?!"
Fili kissed her head again, Viltarra smiling at the scratch of his beard against her burning skin as she attempted to get a reign on her erratic emotions. Viltarra HATED being sick, and did tend to get…irritable on the very rare occasion she was. The young dam had to admit though, as she sighed contently against Fili, this was rather a nice way to be sick…if the fear of possibly dying was not hanging over their heads. "It's alright. I was raised by the great Thorin Oakenshield, king under the mountain and thorn in mams side. Just be glad you did not marry him." Viltarra lifted a brow and looked up at him. Fili was about to explain when another coughing fit wracked his body. Viltarra reached over him and grabbed the goblet of fresh water and lifted it to his dry lips.
"Here, drink Fili. It will help." Fili drank several gulps and sat back, pulling Viltarra to him after she set the cup back on the table beside the bed where their meal sat ignored. "You were saying?"
Her prince only laughed quietly. "I can guarantee you, if Thorin were to get ill, it would be far worse than dealing with me. Uncle never does well, being under the weather. In fact, he will likely hide it until he kills himself…or mam ties him to his bed and threatens to shave every inch of hair off him with his own blades. I remember once she had to stick a chair under the handle of his bedroom door to get him to stay in his chamber when he came down with severe food poisoning once. He kept insisting Ered Luin would fall without him, and mam snapped back that he should stop trying to kill himself then and rest until he is well enough to get up." Fili smiled at the memory. His uncle was livid, but eventually conceded and went to bed. He was freed the next day having had slept for nearly 18 hours straight.
Thinking it over, Viltarra actually had to agree that Fili was a fair trade better than his stubborn as stone uncle. At least Fili was here, in bed, with her. He may be an insufferable baby when he is ill, but it's far better than having to chase him down and force him to sit. Besides, he was HER insufferable baby. That made her smile as she turned her face into the open gap in his long tunic, kissing his bared chest that peaked out. She then closed her eyes to rest.
"Kili, please sit meleth nin. You are going to make yourself worse." Tauriel rocked Finli in her arms as Kili shuffled around their chamber, grabbing a cold compress to place on Fin's head. Tauriel can read the fear in his eyes every time he looked at their son who was only getting sicker. She watched as his eyes would also fall to her abdomen, giving it a look of apprehension.
With a sigh. Tauriel stood from the rocking chair she pulled into their bedchamber once again and stood before her dwarf. She placed her cool palm on his forehead, furrowing her brow in worry. She could feel the heat coming off him greater than she had ever felt before.
Kili leaned into her touch, temporarily finding relief in his wife's cool hand but he remained silent. She ran her hand down the side of his face, then down his shoulders to his hands and laced her fingers with his, holding Finli close with her free arm. Tauriel then tugged him towards the bed, pushing him down. "Pleas Kili?" She begged, knowing he will at least pretend to appease her if not for a small time when she asked like this.
Of course, he did, laying back as Tauriel gasped at the red, raw, skin that was now peaking under his long sleeves. "Oh, Kili."
Tauriel placed Finli beside his father and rushed out of the room, grabbing salves and coming back in. She then sat beside Kili who had settled himself in a position he could brush sweaty lochs of hair off Fin's forehead. Embracing him in his mind and trying to sooth his pain as best he could.
Feeling a cool hand lift the sleeve on his tunic, Kili turned his brown eyes to his wife and winced as she tried to softly place the cooling, yellowish, jelly over the red welts forming over his forearms and wrists. Kili gasped as she hit a sensitive one, Tauriel forcing the shared pain out of her mind as she tried to calm her husband when he attempted to pull his hand away on instinct.
When Kili began to get ill, Tauriel woke with the shared discomfort coming across their bond. She had begun to fear she was coming down with the plague herself, but after a few moments, she realized where the discomfort and pain was coming from. The place in her mind Kili resided. It was impossible to completely block out shared pain, but knowing it was not her own, it was easier to try and ignore it. Besides, it was nowhere near the pain she felt when he was being tortured. "I am sorry my love, it is most uncomfortable I know, but it will help relieve some of the burning."
"Got any of that for my throat?" Kili tried to say, but it was barely understandable. Kili's throat was on fire, and he had to painfully force air into words.
Tauriel got the gist though and shook her head. "I will get you more tea." Kili winced. He hated that bitter stuff. He had been embarrassed to say he may have whined a bit when she had given it to him, complaining that she put sugar and honey in Finli's but not his. She came back saying it made it less potent, but was the only way to get their son to take it without spitting it back out.
Kili recalled the first time he had to drink it. It was the same bitter tea Ivethin had given him when he fell ill before Fin was born and it tasted something awful. If that was to be the remedy, he will take death over being forced to drink cup after cup of it.
One look at his wife as she brought it to him though, and Kili changed his mind. No, he will drink nothing but that to keep himself by her side and with his son. Kili drank from the bitter cup and lay back down, not fighting the darkness that fell over him.
"How is he?" Dis asked in a whisper as she walked in behind Tauriel.
The eleth dropped her head towards the floor. "He has the marks on his wrists. Oin estimates those who are marked are nearing the worsening stage. It is not far from when they fall into a sleep and do not wake." Tauriel felt two arms wrap around her narrow waist and she lay her head atop Dis's, trying to hold back the tears threatening to spill.
"They are strong, the both of them." The elder dam looked towards the bed where her own baby and grandson slept. "Do not lose hope my daughter. We must cling to it even in the darkest of times. It is our guiding light to finding the right path."
"But we are no closer to finding out a cure Dis!" Tauriel cried. "Oin and I have spent days and nights working, but nothing helps! No teas, no herbs, no salves, no balms, not even the only magic I have helps! Our people are dying and I am USELESS! I…I cannot lose them Dis. I can't."
Dis could not respond. She did not want to think about how losing Kili would lose her Tauriel as well, even if she appeared in perfect health. She did not want to think about losing her precious grandbaby, or grandbaby's she amended considering her unborn grandson. No. She had to hope for a miracle.
Giving Tauriel a squeeze, Dis pulled away. "I need to go see to Thorin. He was sweating beads this morning but stalking around like he was a young chick fresh in the coup. That dwarf's going to be the death of me." She turned to leave. "I expect to see you at dinner, you need to eat Tauriel." She waited for the eleth to nod and turned to leave the room.
Of course, Thorin was nowhere in sight. Why would her stubborn brother be anywhere nearby? With an equally stubborn set of her jaw, she marched into the main sitting room…which was empty. Opening the door, Dis stepped up to Yilko, one of the younger guards still healthy, thank Mahal. "Have you seen Thorin, Yilko?"
"No, my Lady. He lef' this mornin' and has no' returned."
Dis gave him a nod and descended the stairs. She was one of the few allowed to traverse the mountain, her and a select amount of dwarves…and elves if you counted Naurfaer and Tauriel…still healthy for the time being. As she trekked past the golden throne room, Dis could not help but allow the melancholy to fill her. It was one thing to remain strong before her family and her people, but with no one in sight, the matron of the family could allow for the despair to fill her. Even if it was just momentarily.
She was of the house of Durin, she was built strong. All of her people were built strong. The dwarven race were a sturdy bunch with little that could bring them down. In her lifetime alone she has watched her people survive a cursed gem, several wars and battles, and even a dragon. Yet, where a Gundabad orc and a fire drake failed, one small plague could be what ends them.
Glancing around the halls, Dis listened to the patterned echo of her boots hitting the stone steps she traversed down in her pursuit for her wayward brother. The halls should be filled with the sounds of dwarrow laughing and chatting, their heavy boots thundering through the halls on their way to mine, forge, or work their trades. This silence? It felt wrong, it felt too much like a tomb already. She wondered if this is what it was for her brother to first re-enter these much too quiet halls. Even the music of the Ukdam has ceased. "Mahal, let us get through this."
"DIS! Thank the Valar. Please come and tell that stubborn, troll-headed, dwarf king he needs to go up and rest! He's going to be the maker of his own end, Valar mark my words."
Dis stopped and staired up at Naurfaer who seemed much taller in the short doorway he was exiting. "Oh? And you think he will listen to me?" She lifted a brow and smirked.
"If he listens to anyone, it is you Dis." Naurfaer folded his arms in challenge and moved away from the door. "May the stars bring you luck. You will need it." He moved to walk around her but Dis called out to stop him. Before she could even ask, however, Naurfaer yelled back, "He is in the conference room with Aeodhen."
Dis stood watching Naurfaer leave the way she came, probably to go check on Kili and Finli. She sighed after a moment, and set out to her own destination, her beloved elder brother. She walked through a few empty halls and crossed a small bridge over the deep mountain cavern before going up the carpet lined staircase that led to Thorin's office and the council room.
The hall itself had been renovated and depicted sculptures and paintings of kings of old. There was even one rather large one of her family that Dis could not help but stop and admire. It was before she was born and showed a fading image of her grandparents, her father standing proud beside Thorin who was no more than five or six, and her mother holding an infant, Frerin, her other elder brother. Dis would not be born for just shy of ten years after this painting was commissioned. It was likely this had been set in some old storage once the updated one which included herself was completed after her birth.
Dis moved along, stopping at an image of her grandfather in his prime, the mighty Thror, king under the mountain. He was a figure to behold. Before the Arkenstone, he was still an imposing dwarf. He could silence a room with just a look and had the ability to find prosperity wherever he went. Her father, Thrain, was a gentler soul. He was more apt to put his family first, doting on her and her brothers. More than once, Thror had to step in and tell him to stop coddling the three royal dwarflings, but Thrain would continue as he pleased, ignoring his father completely.
That was not to say he was not strict or lacking in princely honor. Far from it, Thrain just had a gentler manner about him and his actions. Not unlike Fili who took after Thrain and Vili's softer more docile temperaments…but maybe not quite like Kili. Kili was…well, Kili was Kili. She felt her baby was a perfect molding of herself and Thorin. Mischievous, passionate, and serious at the same time. Looking back up at Thror, Dis was sad to realize he would have never allowed Kili to make the choice he did in a partner.
Kili was always an odd one, never really taking interest beyond friendship in the young dams around him. Call her an idealist or a romantic, but Dis wholeheartedly believed in having a one, a soulmate sent just for them. She knew Tauriel was always meant for Kili, whatever the path may have been. She also knew if Erebor had survived the dragon attack and continued to be prosperous, and Kili lay eyes on Tauriel who would have come with her king for diplomatic missions at one point or another, she did not doubt he would instantly seek her out for his mate.
Dis also wholeheartedly believed Thror would have refused the match to the point of Kili having to choose between his family and title, and his heart. She knew what he would have chosen too, he would have left Erebor, following his heart, and Fili would have followed his brother. Thinking about this, wayward timeline, Dis knows without a doubt she would have gone with her sons. The pair of brothers would never part, neither could she have parted from them. Besides, knowing Tauriel, she is positive in any lifetime, she would fall in love with the elf as well. She could never fault love as deep as theirs was.
Shaking her head, Dis moved on, happy that never ended up as an option. No point on dwelling on something that never came to be. She kept walking, stopping at a few sculptures and relics before squaring her shoulders and pushing the door to the counsel room open only to be shushed instantly. Lowering her brow at Aeodhen and Dwalin, both being as silent as possible she stepped in, shutting the door silently behind her. Nori inclined his head to the larger chair across him where…"Oh." Dis chuckled to herself. There sat her brother, leaning against the palm of his hand, fast asleep.
Dis quietly made her way to him and as softly as she could, placed a hand on his head. "Mahal, he is on fire." She folded her arms. "How long has he been like this?"
Aeodhen shrugged and Nori scratched his head, thinking. "Well, 'e started the meetin', got yelled at by Naurfaer, yelled back at Naurfaer, then wen' on as nothin' was wrong. As soon as Balin started speakin', out 'e was. Has been asleep since."
Dis eyed the other dwarves in the room, stopping at a quite familiar face she has not seen in what felt like ages. His red beard stood out as it grew in length, the lad was turning into a fine dwarf, Gimli was. Just like his father. "How are your parents Gimli? Do they need anything?" Gloin an Mizim had taken ill a few days ago, she received word of such.
The young dwarf sat straight up, surprised at being spoken too only for a moment. Gimli was nearing his 68th year. He still had 7 years before he came of age which was common among their people to be at 75 years old. Kili had been 77 when he left for Erebor. He had barely been allowed to go but was an adult in their customs and a married one at that, so Dis had to allow him to make his own decisions. Did she like it? No. But she knew she had to let him go to give him the chance to flourish on his own. Was there any stopping any of them anyway?
Gimli, however, was right upset he was not allowed on the journey and was rather vocal about it on more than one occasion. His father would laugh it off, however, saying his time for an adventure will come and he believes it will be an epic journey, for Gimli was an epic lad. Dis marveled at how he was growing though. She rarely got to see him in her time in Erebor, with everything they have been doing and going through these last years. She was happy to be able to take him in now.
"They are well as they could be expected Dis. Mum's gettin' a bit worse, but da is lookin' over 'er and Tauri 'as been over a few times with 'erbs. Both are restin' as best they could." He gave her a smile, then sat forward excitement lighting his eyes. "Naurfaer said elves are commin' ta Erebor again? It's true isn't it Dis?"
With his excitement, however, his voice rose and Thorin stirred from his seat beside her. The room fell silent as they all watched with bated breath as the once sleeping king grunted and opened his eyes, pausing at the scene around him. "Thank you Balin, Aeodhen? Any update on the elves?"
Dis watched, unseen by her brother, as Nori did all he could to reign in his laughter he smothered behind a cough. Thorin had not even noticed the elder scholar and adviser was no longer in the room. For his part, Aeodhen just lifted a brow but answered anyway, despite already answering this question when the king had fallen asleep and Balin had taken over before leaving. "Go' another raven this mornin' straigh' from Ivethin. She said she is gatherin' some supplies and will be here no la'er than tomorrow with a team o' healers. She think's she knows wha' this is after doin' some research, and can clear it up right quick. She said she would hav' just sen' the remedy, bu' it requires somthin' we don' have but she does."
"Good, good." Thorin sighed, rubbing his temples to try and ease the unceasing pounding of a hammer on the anvil in his head. Maybe they can get through this and turn things around sooner rather than later.
"Yes, definitely good. Now you can stop being foolish and rest." Thorin started and whipped his head around to his sister who stood beside him with her hands on her hips. However, Thorin winced then instantly groaned as his head spun with the speed with which he had turned it. "Mhm." Dis gave him her best stern look.
"I am fine Dis." He rushed out, closing his eyes as he was hit with a wave of nausea.
"You certainly are many things, Thorin Oakenshield…" Dis growled. "…but fine is not one of them at this moment. You are going to kill yourself."
Thorin stood and began to grab the parchment in front of him, shuffling it about in an attempt to ignore his sister. He should have known it was a fruitless effort as she snatched the papers from his hand and pointed to the door. "Up to the chamber with you! There is little we can do until Ivethin gets here and I am sure Aeodhen has that under control."
Indignantly, Thorin began to argue but his entire being wracked with coughs and he huffed at her knowing look. "Fine. But I will be down in the morning to greet them. I will not yield on this." Without another word or even looking at her, Thorin stormed from the room.
Nori whistled, clearly impressed by the feat not many would have been able to accomplish. "Yeh are mighty, Lady Dis. No' even Mahal himself could o' done tha'."
Dis laughed. "No, I suspect not. I guarantee you, however, I did not win as you think I did. If he gets waylaid, which I believe he will, he will likely not be up to the chamber for several hours unless he collapses and must be carried there." She sighed at the truthfulness of her own words. "I better go make sure he makes it up. Please send for me directly if you need anything boys and stay strong. I feel the end is in sight."
Stepping from the room, Dis made her way back towards the family chamber, but paused for a moment. Ori was carrying a tray of tea towards her coming from the family chamber. "Ori? Is everything alright dear? You are ill, you should be in bed."
The younger dwarf startled a bit but nodded. He had not had a lot of interaction with Dis but knew her to be a fine, but formidable dam. "Yes, yes of course. I was jus' bringin' some tea ta Leo. I wanted to check on her. I needed ta make sure she is alright."
Ah, yes. She had forgotten Ori was courting Leotti. "Is she alright?" Ori shuffled and shook his head.
"She has been ill for a few days. Her hands are clear though." Ori smiled. He shifted in place.
"You really should not be around Ori." Ori opened and closed his mouth as to argue and Dis went forward and placed her hand on his head, clucking her tongue at his heated brow and folded her arms when she saw the skin around his wrists looking a bit too red and irritated than they should be. He really should not be out, but she also cannot fault him on checking on the one he cares for, especially if it was Leotti. Dis had a special place in her heart for the young dam who had no family in this mountain, although liked to think of her as an extension to her own. "Go give that to Leotti then I want you to go right to bed. Understood? Do not make me come and check on you as well?" Dis gave him a stern look and the young dwarf stuttered out a yes, of course, and all but ran in the other direction. Mahal, Dis could not wait for this to be over. She watched him leave for a moment, then continued her mission to track Thorin down and drag him, if she had to, up to his chamber and tie him to the bed. Stupid idiot of a brother.
The following morning Tauriel brushed the hair off of Kili's damp forehead. She had just been down to the Ukdam helping Oin and Naurfaer while Kili and Finli slept. Tarrah had been kind enough to sit with them while Vin sat with Fili and Viltarra.
Ivethin was due to arrive today, and she could not come fast enough.
"Amralime?"
"Hush. Don't speak. I can see that it is uncomfortable." She watched as he opened his eyes and looked up at her. Ducking down, Tauriel placed a lingering kiss on his fevered brow, feeling the heat with her lips. "Can you sit up my heart? You must drink. It is important to keep you hydrated."
Kili nodded and pushed himself up into sitting position, Finli beside him whimpering as he began to wake. Tauriel handed Kili a mug of cool water and scooped her baby up. He instantly lay his own damp head on Tauriel's shoulder. "Mama." It broke Tauriel's heart and filled it at the same moment to hear him speak to her. She knew he was in pain but was happy to see he was still waking.
Tauriel held Finli close, watching Kili finish off his water. She should have still been down with Oin, but he had sent her up saying she had done enough for now and to go tend to her family. Tauriel forced the tears to stay away, she would be strong. This morning had been...much greater than difficult. She had lost several more of the Ukdam. Lives she felt she should have been able to save. Was she not gifted in healing?
In desperation, Tauriel had turned to her gift, crying hard to will her gift to heal the inflicted, but all she got from her energy was death, death, and more death. One after another, her gift failed as ten of the Ukdam passed into the halls of Mandos. Six were elderly, but two of them have been dwarflings. One had only been a year older than her Finli, the other, had been 16, Hillanna's age. Seeing her distress mounting and fearing she would push herself over the edge, Oin had all but demanded she get some rest before she collapsed right there in the tent.
Which she had fully intended to do, until a little whimper stopped her in her tracks and she turned to Regar who was in a chair beside his father's cot. The whimpering, however, was coming from the shivering Toki in the chair beside his brother. Tauriel looked back at Oin who was distracted, and knelt down to the two boys. She placed the back of her hand on Toki's cheeks and was alarmed at the furnace burning across his face. She stopped a tear making its way down. "Are you hurting dear one?" Toki nodded but said nothing which caused Tauriel to assume his throat was probably too raw to communicate. "Where darling? Is it your throat?"
"Show her Toki." Regar softly ordered before his brother could say more and Toki lifted his hands to show Tauriel the blistering marks on his wrists as more tears cascaded down his flush cheeks.
"Oh, Toki." She carefully took his small hand and pushed his sleeve as far up as it could go. Looking at the bed beside Regar, Tauriel could see Gronti sleeping soundly, so she could not ask permission, so she decided to just go ahead and help in any way she could. "I have something that can help, would you allow me to put it on? It may sting a little bit when I apply it, but I promise it will take most of the pain away for a time. Is that okay Toki?"
The small dwarfling nodded and Tauriel took her tube of the yellowish gel she had made and as delicately as she could, smeared it over all the marks on his arm. Toki bravely sat still with his eyes shut tight until she finished. "Now, I think it best you get some sleep. Come." Tauriel moved some of the pillows and blankets piled on the empty bed beside Regar. It had belonged to one of the elder Ukdam dwarves who lost the battle just the night before.
Tauriel placed a clean blanket down and got a new pillow and pulled the covers back for Toki to slide in then turned to leave. "Wait." It was so soft, Tauriel almost didn't hear it, but she paused and came back to the bed. "Will you tell us a story? I cannot sleep without one."
"Toki, I can tell you a story." Regar sighed, not wanting to bother Tauriel any more.
"No. Her." He rasped then began to cough and cry out when his already raw throat burned with the action.
"It is fine Regar, and of course." Tauriel sat down beside Toki, and ran her hands through his dirty blond hair. She thought through the stories she knew, and decided on one of her favorites about an elf who was able to touch the moon, and the human he fell in love with who begged him to steal it for her as a token of his affections. It was in her own tongue, and took some thinking on certain parts on how to translate it to common, but neither dwarfling seemed to notice when she stumbled over a word. Instead Regar sat entranced by her tale, and Toki lay his head down on the pillow, and closed his eyes.
As she finished, she pulled the blanket up over Toki. "I will be back soon." She began as she turned to give Regar a smile but he too was fast asleep. She was afraid she was going to lose them both. She placed a hand on Regar's brow. He was getting warmer everyday, but the elder brother refused to lay down and decided to sit up and watch over his family. She placed a blanket in his lap and turned towards the door. Tauriel had then, finally, went up to her own family. Exhausted, solemn, and sorrowful.
Tauriel lowered her eyes at the memory of the events that led her to where she sat beside Kili, cradling her son to her chest. Reading her like a book, Kili scooted over slowly. "Come, Amralime. Come sit with me my love."
Most would barely be able to make out what he had said, his voice mostly gone, but Tauriel's sensitive hearing picked up every syllable and she was powerless to stop herself as she slid in beside him, his arms embracing both his wife and their son. Kili kissed her head as she lay it on his shoulder. "Tell me." He croaked.
Tauriel remained silent at first, but soon the tears began to fall and she told him everything as she clutched Finli as if desperate to keep him near. "All will be fine Tauriel."
"But Kili..."
"No, Tauriel. Stop." Kili rasped, his lips grazing her hair as he spoke. "You have done all you can my star. We will be alright, there are those worse than us, we are not lost causes yet. Besides, Ivethin is coming. So be of good cheer, we shall win this battle yet."
Tauriel nodded against his shoulder but did not move. There was little she could do for anyone anymore, she had extended into areas beyond her knowledge and capabilities. What's more is in doing so, she has wasted all her energy. She truly had nothing left to give, and yet, she could not find sleep, not until she knew Kili and Finli were fine. Not until Fili and Viltarra are up again. Not until her people were safe. She watched as Kili gave in and fell back to sleep, his arm still wrapped around her and his head resting against hers.
Tauriel was drained, but she refused to give into her exhausted state, rather she held her baby close as he wheezed in and out, struggling to breathe through the pain he undoubtedly was in. Forcing her mind to stay awake, Tauriel thought she would just rest her eyes for a moment, just a moment.
"Tauriel..."
Something was pushing into her mind but she was warm and tired, so she ignored it and sought after the darkness once again. "Tauriel, wake up starlight. Ivethin is here."
Tauriel's eyes burst open and she looked up at Naurfaer who was smiling down at her. "She is in with Oin as we speak. Do you wish to go?"
Sitting up, Tauriel glanced at Kili then down at Finli who was still in her arms. Both of her boys were asleep but both had foreheads beading with sweat. "I will stay with them starlight. She needs your help, the dwarves of Erebor trust you and I believe you would get further with the Ukdam then she."
"Yes, of course. Thank you." Tauriel passed Finli to his great-grandfather as she rose. She leaned down an placed a kiss on his head and did the same to Kili before leaving the room.
Though Tauriel did opt to stop to check on Viltarra and Fili on her way out and had to smile at the arguing coming from the open door. How they could still bicker with burning throats and diminished voices impressed her and amused her simultaneously. She rolled her eyes as she made her way to the bedroom door.
"I have NOT seen you leave this bed and I was up multiple times last evening Fili! You need to drink something. It is not good for you to become dehydrated!"
"Is she right Fili? You have to try my dear."
Tauriel stepped in as Viltarra attempted to tug the quilt covering Fili's head. "Lemme sleep nunguame. I drink well enough." Came the rasping argument from the lump under the quilt. For a split moment, Tauriel was glad her Kili was more...pleasant and much less argumentative when ill. Fili on the other hand...
"Is everything alright?"
Tauriel stepped into view and stood next to Dis who was watching Fili warily. "Viltarra all but ran in to get me when she realized Fili had not moved from the bed since yesterday morning, not once." Dis had to admit, she was at first worried for her son, fearing he had succumbed quicker and harder to the illness. However, she should have known Fili was just being sick Fili. Her poor darling.
Tauriel made it over to the side of the bed Fili was closest too and pulled the cover back to see the matted blonde hair crowning her brother's head. Fili groaned and attempted to grab at the blanket, but Tauriel was faster and kept it out of reach. "Not so fast dear brother, I must check your temperature first, then I want you to drink something. Do that and I will allow you to sleep all you want this afternoon." Fili grumbled but turned onto his side to look up at her, allowing silent permission to do as she wished.
The eleth checked his head, it was certainly hot, but she had expected it to be. As she pulled away, Fili grunted as he sat up and took the goblet in both hands, drinking it down and passing it back with a quirk of his brow. "Anything else little sister?" Tauriel tried not to be amused at his crackling voice and he glared at the small chuckle that flew from her lips. Fili, will always be Fili.
"Is he alright?" Viltarra was looking over, worry and fear in her normally calm expression.
"I am fine, Nunguame." Fili argued.
"He is as well as he can be expected." Tauriel answered, agreeing only slightly with Fili. Viltarra nodded and visibly relaxed. The eleth went to move away but stopped when she almost hit a pot on the floor. Cocking her head, Tauriel looked down then rolled her eyes. "You said you have not seen him leave the bed?"
"No. I would notice to; I always hear the door the bathroom close and wake to make sure he is alright. I...I am worried about him and I want to be able to see that he doesn't collapse in the bathroom and have nobody to help him."
Fili glanced sheepishly at Viltarra, giving her his best smile. He took her hand, hating the look of fear that filled her warm, brown eyes. "You shouldn't worry. I am pretty sure if I fell, you could hear the fall all the way to Mirkwood." He chuckled, but doing so caused his raw throat to burn so he took another sip of the mug that found its way back into his hand. Fili sighed at the feel of cool liquid falling down his burning throat. He hated being ill, but what he hated even more was Viltarra's worry over him.
"Perhaps, there is an alternative explanation of Fili not leaving the bed?" Tauriel hedged, eyeing the pot on the floor once more.
Peering around the bed, Dis saw what Tauriel was looking at with a mix of disgust and amusement. "Oh no. Not that pot again! Fili. For Mahal's sake I thought that thing was disposed of years ago."
Viltarra looked at Tauriel then at Dis before attempting to climb over Fili to see for herself as her husband attempted to hold her back the best he could. "Nothing to see here, nunguame!"
"Nothing you want to see." Tauriel muttered, trying to contain her laughter.
However, the blonde dam was not to be deterred and was able to fight her way, illness and all, between Fili's legs to look over the side of the bed. She blanched at the large ceramic pot on the stone floor grabbing distance from the bed. "FILI!" It amazed the blonde prince how his wife could be practically whispering due to lack of voice, but still yelling at the same time. A marvel she was.
Placing on his best pitiful look, Fili turned the full power of his blue eyes at Viltarra who froze in place half in his lap, stunned as her heartbeat quickened. The spell broke when a crooked smile spread across his much too pale face. Damn him.
Viltarra narrowed her eyes and jabbed his chest. "Is THAT..." she pointed her finger at the pot, "what I think it is?"
Fili shrugged. "Maybe..." He neither confirmed nor denied, so she turned to Dis.
"Is it?"
"If you think it is a chamber pot, you are correct." Tauriel answered before Dis could.
"FILI! We have PLUMBING!" Viltarra smacked him on the chest then broke out into hacking coughs, Fili rubbing her back as Tauriel went to her side of the bed for her cup, refilled it with cool water, and passed it to Fili to help the poor dam drink. Tauriel spied some red marks on Viltarra's wrists and sighed. She was glad Ivethin was here now.
Tauriel gently grasped her wrist when she was able to get the spasming coughs under control. "When did you notice this?"
"Yesterday." Viltarra answered. She was spent and lent into Fili's embrace. Too tired to care about some stupid chamber pot at the moment. She will get mad at Fili later...and maybe throw the pot off the side of the mountain after FILI thoroughly cleans it. Himself.
Searching through her pockets, Tauriel found some of the ointment she kept on hand and sat beside her brother and sister. "Do you have these Fili?"
Fili lifted his sleeves to show the angry red blisters running up his arm and Tauriel hissed. "Why did you not tell me!"
Fili shrugged. "Been sleeping." Was his only reply as he watched Tauriel carefully put some ointment on Viltarra's wrists then tried not to squirm when his elven sister did the same on his own. It burned something awful, but relief came fast and Fili sighed when a cooling sensation covered the burning.
"I am sorry Tauri." Stunned, the eleth smiled down at her brother who was giving her an earnest look.
Moving to stand, Tauriel kissed his forehead. "All is forgiven, big brother." Fili smiled and sat back, pulling Viltarra against him.
"How is Ki and Fin?" Fili finally asked.
Tauriel shuffled a bit and looked down. "They will be alright, I hope. With Ivethin here, I find myself filled with what I am afraid is premature relief."
"You trust that she can solve this. There is nothing wrong with that little sister." He gave her a grin. "Besides, Ki is as stubborn as uncle. He will likely will himself to live if only to get well enough to see that one born." He looked pointedly at her flat stomach. " In fact, Kili will do all he can to force himself to survive long enough to fill the halls with little miniatures of himself. You mark my words."
Tauriel did laugh joyously at that. "I am quite pleased to aid in the process." She rubbed her still flat abdomen. "My life shall never have too many of my Kili's in it." Fili nodded and yawned as he double downed in the pillows behind him while still supporting Viltarra who was already halfway into dreamland. "You two should sleep. I am sure Ivethin or myself will be up here soon." She placed the ointment back in her pocket, turned from her family, and left the room, passing Dis by with a small smile.
Remaining behind, Dis folded her arms across her chest and glared at Fili. "That goes." She pointedly looked at the pot and Fili gave her a wide grin.
"It will be disposed of, believe me." Came Viltarra's mumbled voice. "And he is doing it himself. I am NOT touching that. Why are you using it anyway and where did it even come from?"
"The washroom is too far away from here, and I have had it for years." Fili whined.
Dis rolled her eyes. "For far too long Fili, even I do not know the origins of that pot. Besides, your 85, unless you cannot remove yourself physically from this bed, you can use the plumbing. We are not orcs or goblins, we are civilized beings."
"But mam! I' don't feel well."
"Either does your brother and HE doesn't have one of those." She shot back.
Fili grumbled and lay back, but smiled when Viltarra's amused eyes met his own. She began to laugh silently, hiding her face in his chest as her body wracked with effort to hold back her laughter. Fili lifted a brow when she was finally able to control herself enough to explain.
"Here I thought I was marrying this...perfect, impeccable, dwarven prince. You know the one who you read about in fairy stories with the armor and the steed. They come riding in on a white battle ram with axe in hand ready to defeat the foes." Dis snorted and Fili groaned in frustration. "Instead, I got you. A far from perfect prince who cannot even make it to the washroom when he is ill."
She peered up at him from under her lashes and smiled, lifting a hand to his face. Fili could smell the pungent ointment Tauriel had rubbed over the red rash as she ran her fingers through his beard. "I must say I am relieved. I do not think I could stand perfection, nor would I ever consider myself worthy of such a being. I love you Fili, imperfections and all. You may not be one of those fairy stories warrior princes, but, you are my warrior prince."
Dis melted at Viltarra's words. Fili was certainly a good and responsible dwarf albeit being very young, who will make a wonderful king one day. But, Viltarra is right, he is not perfect. She is happy Viltarra sees this and loves him still. No being, dwarf, human, or elf would ever be happy trying to live up to expectations they would or could never meet, and perfection is something many aspire too...but will forever be out of reach for all but the makers above. She is sure even they have had their fair share of mistakes in their existence.
"You're still cleaning that pot though...and using the washroom." Viltarra added.
Fili chuckled dryly and kissed her head. He looked over at his mam who was smiling at him. "Can I get you anything my darlings, before I go?"
"We are fine. Thank you mam. I think we will just, rest."
Nodding, Dis turned to leave. "Get some sleep my loves, someone will be back in a bit." She gave them one last look and left the room to go greet the elven healers. Time to get their people back to health.
Original Authors Note: Tee he he. Had to add in a bit of chamber pot fun. OH and worry not, help is almost here. I will either get the next chapter out tonight, or tomorrow if it is a long one. I can't remember. See you in a bit. :D. Love you guys. XOXOXO