"What's the matter?" she whispered after a while

"We have to get away from here" was his brisk answer as he turned "come on" before she could ask what was going on, an arrow whizzed past them and hit a tree next to them. That brought movement to her legs and she ran as fast as she could. Then she felt a piercing pain in her left arm, making her stumble and fall to the ground. Despite the danger – the Orcs – the two Dwarves returned to her and by now she could even see their enemies. And that wasn't all she saw and didn't like. When she saw a large arrow protruding from her upper arm, she felt like vomiting. Taking a deep breath she yanked it out and let out a little moan of pain. The Orcs closed in on them and she feared they wouldn't' make it. Well, maybe the two brothers could.

"Get away, save yourselves" she begged

"Not with out you. I'm not leaving you behind. Not this time" with this words, Fíli tried to pull her up but her legs were too wobbly due to the pain and he sat her back on the ground, pecking her forehead. Then he lunged at the Orcs, first of all beheading the archer.

"Run" Kíli told her before taking out his own bow and starting to shoot the Orcs. But he wasn't as effective as usual because Fíli was among the Orcs too and he probably feared to hurt him instead.

"Get her away from here" Fíli shouted and so Kíli put his bow away, instead lifting Lhindril up and carrying her away. Her arm burned like fire and it spread to the rest of her body too. When they reached a small stony construction, her brother-in-law sat her down, pressed her sword into her hand and told her to stay there while he'd go looking for help.

"Hang on" and then he was already gone from her field of view.

-oOo-

The time she spent there seemed to last an eternity and besides her pain and fear for her life she also was anxious about the lives of her loved ones. Was Fíli still fighting the Orc hoard on his own? What about Kíli and the others; had Frodo been found? Had more Orcs arrived by now? Or were it even Uruk-hais? As if on cue some Orcs ran past her but luckily they didn't seem to notice her and just ran past for which she was glad because she doubted she was in a condition to defend herself. The pain from her arm made her feel dizzy and she was really glad that she was lying. Closing her eyes, she only used her ears to determine if someone was around but trying to focus made her feel even sicker and made her head hurt. Then she had to sit up and vomit and after that she felt like there was no strength left in her.

At some point she thought to have heard someone call her name. She considered to call back but was scared she might also lure enemies to her with it. Then suddenly Merry and Pippin showed up next to her.

"What happened to you? Are you alright?" she let out a little moan and they assured her they would get help as quick as they could. And then they were gone again. She started to worry that the wound hurt so much and even made her feel sick. What if this was worse than she thought? Then someone was with her again. This time it was Legolas. She breathed out in relief even though it hurt. Without even asking her, the Elf quickly discovered what she had and helped her slip the arm out of Fíli's coat and then bandaged the wound, before helping her sit up and lean against a stone. But it seemed like this was only so he could lift her up and carry her away against which she faintly protested.

"No. Kíli brought me here. If it's not too dangerous here I'd like to stay. Not that they worry if I'm gone"

"I understand. Will you allow me to stay here with you?" to her surprise she didn't feel sick again when she nodded. She leant her head against his shoulder after he got more comfortable next to her. "If you need something or would like me to find someone just let me know"

"Do you know where the others are?"

"I do not. But I suppose they should be close. I have seen Aragorn and Gimli nearby not too long ago" that relieved her a little. For a while they talked a little but then she felt getting sick again and moved away from the Elf, after all she didn't want do vomit right over him. It was a good decision because shortly after she did indeed throw up and tears came to her eyes. She almost fell over into her vomit, but Legolas gently pulled her back pulling her against him probably because he thought she couldn't sit on her own. Maybe she couldn't, she didn't know.

"What is the meaning of this?" she suddenly heard Fíli. At least he decided to first help her and before she knew it she was in his arms, more tears flowing from her eyes. "Shh. It's over. Everything is alright and you're safe. I got you, little one" she managed a small smile. "How's the wound?"

"Hurts a lot" she huffed "Legolas helped me dress it" he lifted his head and probably looked at the Elf

"Thank you" he said "I'm also sorry for the fierceness of my words earlier" she too looked up and only now saw Fíli's face properly. There was a gash on his face, from the temple to his cheek and instantly she felt guilty for it because without her being hurt he might not have needed to fight the Orcs. "How are you doing?" she glanced at him hadn't he asked about the wound before?

"Don't know. I was sick and vomited. Twice. Fíli, I'm sorry" she whispered and leant her face against his chest.

"You're apologising for being sick? That is absolutely not your fault or anything you need to feel sorry for. All that matters is that you're alright so far and get better" he said incredulously. Apparently he didn't notice that her apology was for the wound and she explained it to him. A part of her wanted to examine it but she feared to hurt him and also didn't want to move right now.

"What about the Orcs? Did you kill them?" she asked

"No, not all of them" she glanced to the side and saw Kíli there, who was wiping the blood off his blade. When he noticed her looking at him he gave a nod at her. It also seemed like Legolas was gone now.

"We should return to the others" Fíli said "Can you walk or you want me to carry you?"

"Don't know" she muttered.

"Come" he wrapped an arm around her and helped her to her feet. She was astonished that she managed to keep somewhat steady on her feet. But after all both Dwarves were supporting her from either side and slowly led her back to their camp. It seemed to take an hour or longer but at least the others were there. Most of them. The Hobbits and Boromir were missing. Aragorn pushed one of the boats into the water and then let it drift off

"What are you doing? We need these boats!" Kíli protested and only now their arrival was noticed.

"This was for Boromir. He fell"

"Oh… I didn't know that. I'm sorry to hear this" she mumbled. Legolas got another boat ready and urged the others on, telling them that Frodo and Sam had reached the other shore. But no one really made a move. What about the other two Hobbits? Were they with Frodo and Sam too?

"Perhaps you want to stay behind to heal and rest?" Legolas then asked Lhindril before looking at the others again, telling them to hurry

"No" Fíli shook his head "I will stay with my wife" Aragorn looked at her too

"I want to stay with her too. And we must find Merry and Pippin. The enemy took them" Kíli instantly agreed that he wouldn't leave his family either and also Gimli moved closer to them

"If you want me to go with the pointy ear alone you're mistaken"

"You mean not to follow them?" Legolas now asked, having realised no one would come with him.

"Frodo's fate is no longer in our hands" Aragorn said. But somehow Lhindril too felt responsible that no one went after them. After all, why shouldn't they help him even with basic things like finding the way or fighting if necessary? Some could go with him while the others would help the other two Hobbits. Suddenly there was another wave of pain and she let out a little cry while her knees gave in. As a precaution the Dwarves gently sat her down on the ground.

"Hold on, you're gonna be fine" Fíli said, taking her hand. Oddly the pain was getting worse "What's wrong? The wound?" he seemed desperate and his free hand stroked her face. Kíli sat down on her other side

"What does the pain feel like?"

"The wound as if someone is thrusting a hot iron on not my skin and the rest of my body as if I was burning alive and thousands and thousands of pinpricks"

"And is there something else?"

"I'm feeling sick and hot. Like my head is gonna explode from the heat" he nodded then asked if he could have a look at the wound. Carefully he pushed her shirt aside and examined it, also Fíli threw a glance on it. Then the younger Dwarf's face got more serious

"What is it?" Fíli asked who must have noticed the change in his brother too. When Kíli didn't instantly answer he shouted at him to tell him what he knew.

"A Morgul arrow. That's almost exactly how I felt when I got shot by one. Do you think it's possible?"

"It can be and we shouldn't rule it out"

"Will she make it?" Gimli asked "Never heard of one who survived it"

"Frodo did" Aragorn said when he kneeled down next to her and examined the wound, unfortunately for her also needing to touch it.

"And Kíli did too. On the quest to Erebor" Lhindril added, making Gimli chuckle

"I'm starting to believe that Dwarf's invincible. Survived a Morgul arrow, some days later being stabbed in the chest. Wonder what could kill him"

"I hope nothing" Fíli muttered, glancing at the youngest Dwarf angrily.

"Well better so because I'd hate to lose more of us. Especially now"

"Could someone please make him shut up? We have more important problems. I'm that close to killing him right now" Fíli growled and then turned to Aragorn "What can you do for her?"

"I don't know. I could stop the poisoning. But I'm sure the Elves of Lórien could help. Legolas?" he turned to the Elf.

"Wasn't there some plant that helped?" Fíli wanted to know

"Athelas or Kingsfoil" she explained

"Where can you find it? Does it grow here?"

"It should. Somewhere. Let's find some" he jumped up and Lhindril suddenly remembered something

"I might have something with me"

"What and how? Where is it?"

"In my bag, somewhere" Fíli let go of her hand, taking her bag instead

"May I?" she just nodded and he began searching for the kingsfoil and seemed to find it a short while later "Is that it?" it had dried a little and she hoped that wouldn't be a problem.

"Yes. Where did you get it?" she explained how they had been looking for some when Frodo had his own injury and she had just pocketed it without thinking of it again afterwards.

"You're full of surprises, as always" Fíli chuckled, leaning his head against hers.

"Linnie, sorry to tell you this but this is gonna hurt. A lot" Kíli warned her and she rolled her eyes as good as she could because she had already surmised as much. Legolas took the herb

"And I can't promise it will help that much" Aragorn said making room for the Elf and stepped away a little. "But we're doing our best. Luck is on our side and the wound is still very fresh so the poison shouldn't have spread too far yet. So if it works you soon should be back on your feet" she only gave a slight nod. She didn't really care how long it took, as long as the immediate danger was gone. "How about we count to three and do it then?" Lhindril took a deep breath then nodded. Her brother turned to Legolas and spoke to him in Sindarin quickly before turning to Fíli and muttering something in Khuzdul that didn't seem to please him and he pulled her a little closer if that was even possible. She felt really excluded because this was about her after all. And a part of her was also a bit upset that no one had ever taught her anything about the Dwarvish language in all these years but her brother still spoke it. Maybe she could ask him to teach her? "Ready?" Aragorn asked no one in particular and then suggested that she could count herself.

"One" she said and took a deep breath and noticed she was shaking "Two" she continued barely above a whisper and wanted a short break and gather her strength before saying three but it didn't come to that because there was an intense burning from her wound that seemed to burn her whole body too. She let out a scream and her head grew even hotter and flashes of light appeared before her eyes, adding even more to the discomfort she was in. Well, more than discomfort actually. She wanted to get up and get away from the pain even though she knew it wasn't possible but her companions only held her tighter at that. Fíli, at least she thought it was him, put a hand on her forehead, whispering at her that everything would be alright. There was another wave of pain and to her surprise she didn't faint. When the pain finally got a bit less she blinked and waited until her breath had calmed down. Now or never, she thought. "Three"