Chapter Twenty One -Dirty Dwarrow Kâmnul
Narâ could do nothing but watch as the landscape below began to change, from rocky mountain stone reaching ever upwards like jagger knives to soft plush green forests. The eagles flew them high above the misty mountains over ranges and peaks she knew, their great wings soaring through the fresh mountain air with graceful ease. The sky lit and warmed with vivid shades of pink and orange and the sounds of bird calls echoed through the air. She inhaled the deep forest scent of pine, tainted with an undertone of metallic blood, the irony substance coated her face and most of her Warg. Khimâ had grown still and stiff behind her, his chest falling rhythmically with each labored breath. She groaned with pain trying to adjust her position, the leathery clawed foot of the eagle held her firmly, her sore muscles spasming as she tried to turn her head to look at the others. She could hear their voices on the wind as they called back and forth to one another, called to Thorin who never replied. Against the dark brown feathers of the eagle that carried him it was nearly impossible to tell if he was bleeding out or merely just unconscious. Over the snowcapped peaks they flew the sunlight glittering off the snow like diamonds it would have been breathtakingly beautiful a thrill she would have enjoyed more if not for the dread that mounted in her gut. All too soon their flight ended with the massive birds circling a giant stone that stood high above the rest of the wooded forest, a nesting ground for the eagles it was the Carrock. She knew it instantly and sent a silent prayer to Mahal for their luck, from here she could resume the task of guide and get them the rest of the journey through the mountains.
Her eagle landed with a great upheave of its wings slowing them down to gently place her and Khimâ down. As soon as her feet met solid stone, she spun offering her gratitude she placed her hand on her heart and bowed her head, the beast looking at her with inquisitive eyes it lowered its head yellow golden eyes holding hers for a moment before it took off, the flap of its wing blowing back her plaits.
Khimâ whined low in his throat, opening his red eyes to watch her, tail giving a slow wag, he attempted to lift his head, tongue poking out to lick her wrist as she kneeled beside him. Narâ swallowed hard letting her hand run over the tangled bloodied fur on his forehead, his left ear once long and pointed was split in two, a sizeable piece chewed away. Over his flank several deep bite wounds still wept, a slow steady trickle of bright crimson blood against his white coat. She felt the tears wet her eyes and wiped her hand across her face furiously to hide her shame as the others were dropped off. She sniffed trying to pull herself together as Bilbo called out, his feet slapping against the stone as he ran. She stood and turned watching as everyone moved to huddle around Thorin. The guilt so profound nearly knocked her back on her end as it clawed its way up her throat and burned her eyes with moisture. It was her job to lead them through safely and she failed the company. She stood behind the others as Gandalf moved to kneel beside Thorin, muttering softly his staff glowed to life for a brief flash of light before fading again, the stone dull and lifeless encased in spiraling aged wood. She held her breath trying to see over the taller Dwarrow, Thorin coughed and sucked in a greedy breath of air and the others exhaled in relief. She sagged and let out a tiny groan, her voice cracking as she turned away from the others. Tears slid freely down her cheeks as she looked at her pet. Khimâ watched her weep and struggled to his feet, his long claws clacking against the stone as he limped, even in his dying state he worried for his master, he yipped and licked at her face, letting his tongue wash away her salty tears, ears turning to the sound of footsteps he raised his head to find the warm blue eyes of the wizard. He let out a deep blast of air that sounded much like a grunt of acknowledgement and wagged his tail as the wizard held up a palm. Narâ stepped back confused as Gandalf spoke in soft welcoming tones to her Warg, not in the common tongue but that of the elves. Words of healing she understood, his palm gently stroked the side of Khimâ as his staff held firm in his other hand glowed that strange warm yellow light. Life flowed back into her companion, as his most severe wounds closed, the blood that trickled from deep lacerations congealed and matted in his fur, the ear that was shredded closed and scabbed as if weeks healed not hours. Gandalf let out a breath of exhaustion and stumbled back letting his hand fall as the little dam grabbed for him to steady him on his feet. Her eyes were so wide with wonderment that he felt the corner of his mouth curl into a smile "It will keep him alive, but he needs to rest" he said turning toward Thorin who was being pulled to his feet by Balin and Dwalin "I think we all do".
Thorin felt crushing pain with each breath, his chest felt like it was caved in beneath the mountain itself unable to pull in enough air. He coughed letting Dwalin grab him under the arm to pull him upright, he didn't want to seem weak before the others but getting his legs to cooperate on his own accord was not something he could do. He pushed away more reaching hands as he finally steadied himself, chewing his tongue to stop the scream of pain as his body burned from within. His eyes settled on his company and offered them a weak smile, looking for their burglar.
"Where is Bilbo" he grunted taking a half step forward as the hobbit appeared with Narâ beside him, Gandalf a step behind them. Bilbo swallowed and gave him a nervous look a small half smile fleeting across his face as the dam gave him an encouraging pat. Thorin grimaced as he forced himself to walk, he remembered the fight with Azog, shame colored his cheeks at his failure to kill the orc once and for all. He was outwitted to easily his blind anger getting the better of him, and he would be dead if not for the hobbit. While he lay as defenseless as a lamb for slaughter, he saw the blur of the dirty burgundy coat and the small elvish sword plunge into the orc that tried to take his head. The bravery of the hobbit surprised him, against terrible odds, and despite being treated terribly by most of his company he had come to his aid while the others lay screaming in the pines. His eyes moved to the dam, a memory of her screams echoed in his head, he winced as the breath left his lungs in a gasp, black hair dark as night stood out against the outline of white in his mind's eye. She stood beside the hobbit wielding a goblin sword, she risked her life for his as well. He took a shaking breath and held her eyes, red and watery the greens of her eyes stood out like emeralds pain flashed in their jade depths as she looked away. He stumbled forward and gave the hobbit a firm glare "What were you doing, you nearly got yourself killed" he growled his voice gravely and deep even to his own ears, but not in anger in pain. Bilbo looked shocked and embarrassed his pointed ears red as blood as he stood stalk still as he placed his hand heavily on his shoulder "Did I not say you would be a burden, that you had no place amongst us" he grunted, giving the hobbit a warm smile as Bilbo stuttered "Never have I been more wrong" he finished pulling him into a quick embrace.
Narâ smiled as Bilbo pat Thorin on the back awkwardly and stepped back, he was positively red at all the attention, and she chuckled as he rolled his eyes at her. She gave him a playful shove, glad that the tension was finally broken.
"Narâ" Thorin said clearing his throat as the dam turned to him with wide eyes, she was bruised and bloodied but still something about her spoke of her strength and radiance the sun glowing softly behind her head she was glowing. He blinked banishing the thought that she looked more a goddess than a dwarrowdam "Ingit-come closer" he muttered softly.
Narâ beamed at him, her smile brighter than the sun as she rushed over to him and threw her arms around his neck not waiting for the invitation. She was terrified that he would die, and it would be her fault, terrified that he no longer needed her, something about the thought turned her stomach. The way his eyes held hers with no anger made her want to weep all over again. She squeezed hard her face buried in the dark hair at his shoulder not carrying the others were probably shocked at the display of affection, her heart would not allow her to deny this moment as tears pricked her eyes in gladness. Thorin grunted at the impact of the dam, her arms flung around his neck she pulled him down taunt against her and squeezed, surprising strength in her arms. Her head in his neck he felt her warm breath tickle his skin and he inhaled, taking in her scent as he nestled his nose at the top of her head. He groaned as she squeezed harder as her shoulders began to tremble and shake before letting him go, her eyes downcast he rested his forehead against hers "Naimhili nê birailti-Do not cry" he whispered softly.
Narâ swallowed choking back her tears and whispered "Astû mabagardâna- you scared me". She inhaled and let out a weak chuckle stepping back from the warmth he seemed to radiate. She turned toward the others who wore sly smiles and kind eyes and gave them a cheeky grin as she swiped tears from her face, no doubt smearing dried blood everywhere "Lads you look like shit". Laughter sounded out and her heart swelled with happiness as the deep timber of it, everyone was alive, and nothing could make her more content.
"Speak fer yerself lass" Dwalin boomed out coming up to wrap her in strong bear arms crushing the air from her lungs, surprise colouring her cheeks. She squeaked as she was let go, her cheeks flaming red and blinked at the Dwarrow who normally was very reserved. Dwalin winked at her and turned his eyes toward a brooding Thorin who looked like he was about to be sick. The burly dwarf gave the other a hearty smack on the back causing Thorin to let out a bark of laughter. Narâ felt the smile grow on her face as she was tackled and embraced by both Fili and Kili who squeezed her sore muscles to the point that she felt her bones creak at the assault. "Alright lads I need air" she gasped as she was released.
"Thorin you should have seen Narâ and Khimâ fight off Azog and his beast to keep you alive" Kili said enthusiastically a wide smile on his face, his chocolate eyes alight with wonder as he looked from his uncle to the dam who blushed scarlet. Bilbo snorted moving to stand beside Narâ who looked away from the group to whistle to her Warg. "Master Baggins of course helped too" Kili back peddled punching Bilbo good naturedly on the shoulder. Bilbo rolled his eyes rubbing the shoulder, dwarves were stronger than they realized, and his bones were not so thick as there's.
Thorin smiled and tried crossing his arms over his chest a sharp intake of breath and a wince he let them hang at his sides his eyes moving to Narâ who was busy looking over her Warg. "Indeed" he replied listening to his sister son fill him in on the small battle that took place while he was unconscious and the flight to their location on the back of the eagles. "It was the most magnificent thing I've ever seen" Kili said enthusiastically throwing his arms up to gesture to the surrounding rocky landscape. Thorin rolled his eyes and nodded "I'm sorry I missed it" he said dryly.
Kili blushed and scratched his patchy cheeks "I'm sorry uncle, I don't mean t" he muttered stopping as Narâ approached throwing her arm over the young Dwarrow shoulders "Don't fret laddie" she turned and gave Thorin a mischievous smile "I wouldn't know either Thorin, I was squished between Khimâ and an eagles foot the entire time".
"How is the Warg" Thorin asked looking over the dam's shoulder to see the white beast stand and shake out its fur, a slight limp to his steps he stopped behind her his red eyes locking with his own. Narâ smiled warmly and shrugged a shoulder "Seems Master Gandalf has healed most of his injuries, I should think with a few nights rest he will make a full recovery" she said giving the wizard an appreciative smile.
"I should think we all need to rest for the night" Gandalf announced looking around from the height of the Carrock everything looked like a sea of green. Narâ licked her lips and nodded letting go of Kili she turned and looked out into the distance her breath hitching at the sight of the mountain far away a might spec on the horizon.
"Is that" Bilbo muttered standing beside the dam who smiled happily pointing at the little mountain speak "The lonely mountain" she said in a singsong voice. She spun on her heel and clapped her hands together "Alright lads lets go" she called walking toward what looked to be the edge of the high rock.
"Where are you going?" Bilbo called stumbling after a determined looking dwarrowdam. Narâ inhaled the fresh pine scent and let it invigorate her "This is the Carrock Master Baggins, I know where we are, a few more days until the river Anduin."
"River Anduin?" Bilbo asked confused twitching his nose.
She smiled at him and nodded "The River meets the Old Forest Road Master Baggins, from there we can easily make it to the mountain in time".
"Yer sure you can walk laddie" Oin yelled at Thorin unaware of the volume he was using since his trumpet had been flattened in the goblin caves.
Thorin frowned and shook his head running a hand through his tangled hair he felt the muscles spasm and ache deep in his bones but nodded his head anyway, they needed to make haste in order to reach the mountain and he lest of all was going to let them slow down now. He looked to Narâ and nodded his head, letting out a breath of relief as the old healer shrugged and trotted after his younger brother, the others following single file after the dam. They moved slowly down the rocky slopes of the Carrock, the steps carved into the ancient rock, the incline made it harder to breath than he liked, and he could feel sweat and blood cling to his skin but still he pushed on, after several hours he was at the back of the company with a concerned Balin. The older dwarf only narrowed his eyes at him but kept his mouth shut as Narâ forced a steady pace on them.
Narâ was no fool, she knew most in the company were injured in some way and none more than Thorin and Khimâ, while her Warg was naturally more resistant to injury than her Dwarrow he was not without pain as well. She scanned the tree line as they reached flat ground, eyes taking in all the different vegetation that grew wild across the countryside. Years and years spent on these mountains and in the wilds had taught her what was safe to use as medicine and what was not. "Bilbo" she called waiting for the hobbit to make his way through the bodies to stop beside her "You have a garden lad, so im to assume yer familiar with plants" she said giving him a pointed look.
Bilbo twitched his nose and nodded confused "What kind of plants" he said looking around them.
She sighed and put her hands on her hips "I need herbs lad, Kingsfoil, chamomilla, shepherds' purse, echinacea, that sort of thing" she said giving him an exasperated looked.
He frowned "Yes I know what flowers are" he cocked his head to the side "Why" he said curiously.
She let out a tired breath "Because lad, I need them for healing."
"Healing but Oin is the healer" he asked confused looking over his shoulder at the old Dwarrow.
She snorted and crossed her arms over her chest "Lad, he's old and deaf and probably blind to boot, and I'm sure he doesn't have what I need the herbs for now can you help me find them tonight before camp or not".
Bilbo opened and closed his mouth and nodded once watching curiously as the dam continued walking, ducking into a bush or to the root of a tree every few moments to gather things and throw them into a bag at her side.
When the sun had finally started to sink beneath the peaks of the mountain Narâ called the company to a halt. They were nestled between two valleys, with good pine coverage all around she was certain this would be a safe enough place to camp for the night. She knew the orc pack was still likely chasing them down but with the head start the eagles provided it would be days before they were able to make it down from the mountains. She could afford tonight to let everyone rest completely and try to regain some strength. She threw a watchful eye over her shoulder frowning as Thorin stumbled into camp with a barely visible limp, his mouth pulled tight into a thin line she could tell he was in pain but trying to hide it from everyone else for what reason she could not say.
"Gloin, Oin get a fire started, Kili Fili go scout the area, Bombur get something started to eat, the rest of you go gather some fire woo" she called her voice laced with unusual authority ringing out clear and true. The others looked at her confused and then to Thorin who lowered himself to the ground with a grunt "Do as she says" he commanded smirking as everyone scurried away to do their chores.
Narâ left Khimâ to lay beside Thorin who only snorted as the giant Warg whimpered and lick at his hand for attention "Make sure he doesn't move" she instructed over her shoulder snorting as both Thorin and Khimâ grunted at the same time. She ventured further from the camp looking at the base of trees of mushrooms looking for one in particular that would help her companion. It was abundant along the moisture rich forest floor and loved the acidic soil that pine trees provided. A bundle of dull brown caught her eye and she picked all she could stuffing her satchel full of the wonder's nature could provide. When wandering back to camp she found the delicate long-stemmed flower, that looked like lace and she was almost sure a certain hobbit would think it was beautiful. She picked a bushel and moved back to camp stopping when Bilbo came up to her with a triumphant smile on his face holding out what looked like a bouquet of flowers she laughed and took them from him happily.
Thorin narrowed his eyes across camp and watched the hobbit try to give Narâ what appeared to be a pitiful bundle of flowers, he who knew nothing about flowers could even tell that what the hobbit had found was pathetic. Surely the dam would laugh and give them back, that was a poor attempt at courting and the dam would surely not accept his advances lest of all in front of the entire company. He found himself scowling further when she laughed happily and accepted them even giving the blushing fool a small hug of gratitude. The thought of flowers placed in her beautiful hair instead of beads made his stomach turn.
"What's the matter laddie?" Balin inquired sitting down with a groan of delight as his bones cracked and joints popped after a long day of walking. He gave Thorin a once over, he seemed to be in a most foul mood, surely hurting more than he let on but something about the way his eyes seemed to burn with anger made him pause and follow his line of sight to the lovely dam and the hobbit.
"What have you got there Narâ" he called pleasantly ignoring the grunt beside him smiling as the dam turned and waved stepping up beside him. He gestured to the bouquet of flowers, odd looking things hardly flowers worthy of a female's attentions.
She smiled and thrust them out proudly before plopping herself down in front of her Warg leaning her weight back, she began pulling off the petals "These are from Bilbo" she said pulling out a small wooden bowl from her pack placing several different coloured petals inside.
Thorin frowned watching as she pulled apart her gift, she meticulously and gently pulled the plants apart separating the leaves and petals from the root and stem. She hummed to herself placing a bundle of unpicked plants beside her before reaching into a small satchel pulling out a brown lumpy mushroom. Carefully she cut it into small pieces before adding it to the bowl.
"Thorin if you are going to keep watching me perhaps you could be useful and get me some boiling water" she said in a playful voice not even bothering to look at him. He felt his ears burn at being caught watching her, he looked to Balin who only shrugged whistling for Bofur to grab them a mug of boiling water.
"My lady" Bofur chuckled handing the dam a steaming hot mug of water. She flashed him a beautiful smile and batted her long lashes "Why thank you M'Lord".
Thorin snorted leaning back only to hiss in pain as his sides burned and his chest constricted painfully. He watched as she poured a small amount of water into the bowl and began crushing everything into a thick, muddy paste with the pommel of her sword "What are you making" he asked curiosity getting the better of him.
She looked at him and smiled "The Dirty Dwarrow" laughing loudly at the complete look of confusion on his face.