She didn't even care that an Orc was coming at her, probably having been lured here because of her scream. He charged at her but then collapsed a few feet in front of her and suddenly she recognized Bilbo who obviously had taken care of the Orc, then asking her if she was alright. Without waiting for an answer, however, he left her and hurried to Thorin who had just fallen down. They started talking and after a while Lhindril got up and looked down at the dead Orc, considering what she wanted to do now. Under these circumstances she didn't want to stay in Erebor and going back to the wild all on her own was out of question. Among other it had been to hunt the Orc as well. So there only was one place left really; Rivendell. On the other hand she wasn't sure if that was what she wanted. Then she would need to tell them everything and she wasn't sure if she was capable of that yet. Except for telling them that her father's murderer was dead. Then she realised that he wasn't just that in the first place. Currently, the death of her lover weighed heavier on her. And it also was the reason she wounded the Orc in two places, to make him pay for both murders. Trying to banish the thoughts she focused on where to go instead and suddenly remembered that in Rivendell she had learnt her younger brother often was travelling the wild lands and that she could join him and only be in Rivendell occasionally so she wouldn't get too bored. If she should find all the Dwarves and bid them goodbye? Well, at least she would tell those that she met underway. And she could tell them to also let the others know. However, one thing she wanted and needed to do was saying goodbye to Fíli. Just like she had bid her father goodbye before the burial. So she left the icy surface and only a short time later she was thrown to the ground face down. Instead of fighting back, which most likely would have been fruitless anyways, she played dead. Above her a foul smell spread and she concluded that it was an Orc who was holding her down with a foot on her back. Then it let out a shriek and jumped down on her that she couldn't breathe for a moment but now that he was closer she could fight him better and did everything so he would disappear. Then the weight suddenly disappeared and she was pulled up. Not really knowing what to do she looked up to her second attacker before getting ready to hit him and realised it was not an attacker. It was Fíli. After a moment of shock she felt sick again but this time from relief and happiness and with a little cry of joy she fell round his neck. Tears of joy rolled down her face which she buried against his chest and pressed him close while he did the same.

"Oh Fíli. Thank all Valar, you're alive! I know you couldn't be dead"

"Everything's fine, little one. I'm fine, don't worry" softly he stroked her brown hair and leant his head against hers.

"I can't tell you how happy and relieved I am" for a couple of minutes they remained in the embrace until she moved her arms to hold him around his back and he sucked in a sharp breath.

"You're hurting me" he pressed out. Only then she noticed that his back was wet and stickly. Slowly she sat up to see what it was and swallowed hard when she saw the blood

"Fíli, you're bleeding. Heavily"

"I know at least that proves I'm still alive" angry about his joke in that situation she hit his shoulder that he cried out in surprise and pain

"Sorry" she said hastily "But I can't stand jokes about this yet. Damn it, are you aware how close you were death? That you could be gone now?"

"Yes" he only said and apologised. "Where's Kíli, do you know?" that was fuel added to the fire and she started crying again.

"I'm sorry. I never wanted that" she only whispered

"What are you talking about? What happened?"

"Twenty years ago I thought to have killed Azog's companion but that wasn't the case. He's alive and attacked after you… after Azog… well Tauriel tried to help me but the Orc hurled her away. Then Kíli came but…" her voice failed and Fíli took her face

"No. Don't say this. He-he's not…" tears were shining in his eyes and she only lowered her head, apologising again. Also Fili lowered his head, burying it against her chest but she felt him crying. For the longest time they just stat there and she carefully stroked his head, careful not to touch the wound she had found there as well. Eventually, he sat back up and took a shaky breath "Do you know if the battle is over?"

"I don't know, no"

"Should we find Thorin, Dwalin and Bilbo?" she shrugged

"We can do that. I have no idea where Dwalin went and I lase saw Bilbo and Thorin on the ice nearby…" then suddenly stopped because she realized that maybe Thorin wasn't even alive anymore. But Fíli had already gotten up and struggled to get to the direction she pointed to "Wait, Fíli. He… Azog" she stammered and Fíli grabbed her shoulders

"Is Azog still there?"

"Yes, but he's dead. We killed him. Thorin and I"

"You attacked him? Do you realized he could have killed you?" she tried not to roll her eyes

"Manwë's sake, Fíli that's not the moment for this. He was already half dead but… I wanted to tell you that Azog hurt Thorin. I don't know if he's still alive" the Dwarf let his hands sink.

"You mean he's…?" Lhindril didn't say anything and it seemed like Fíli needed to find out himself what was going on and started walking towards the icefield again. Thorin was still laying where he had been when talking to Bilbo just that the Hobbit was now missing. If he had to gone find help? Fíli sped up, running towards his uncle while shouting his name but then he suddenly collapsed and she realized that his injuries might be worse than thought. "I can't do it" he choked out when she was with him and knelt down to him, placing a hand on his shoulder

"You will. Trust me. I'm gonna get help" he wanted to get back up but she gently pulled him down again. "Remain sitting or better yet, lie down" she took off her coat, pressing it against the wound on his back. "Lie down and make sure it stays over the wound. We don't have anything to dress it up yet so this needs to work" when she got up she asked if he was alright with staying here on his own or if he needed something right now "Just stay with me" she repeated, giving his shoulder a squeeze before she hurried back off the ice field and then almost bumped into Legolas. If he was alive, did that mean the Orc he fought was dead? "I'm sorry" she apologized "But pray tell, the Orc you fought… is he dead?"

"He is. Yes. He was Azog's child by the name of Bolg" oh well, she could have guessed that Azog knew the other Orc because she even felt that as a child.

"I don't know how I can thank you"

"Your gratitude is not necessary"

"Alright. But… there is something else. Fíli, he is hurt. He needs help, I was wondering if you could…"

"I have to leave" he interrupted her "I need to find the Dúnedain but I am sure you will find someone else who can help" then he just walked away. Disappointed and angry, she continued her way but stopped when she realised that she was headed to the place where Kíli died. Sure, maybe she would meet Tauriel there. Then again, what if she was mourning Kíli and didn't want to be disturbed? Suddenly she knew who she had to find; Óin, he was the company's healer after all. But it meant she would need to leave this hill and wasn't sure if she could leave Fíli alone that long. Surely they would come here themselves? Finally, she decided to come their way and if it wasn't Óin who came she could send someone else to get him. And luck was on her side and a couple of the Dwarves, among them the healer did indeed come to the hill. First, they asked what she was doing here and why she hadn't stayed in Erebor but then she interrupted them, saying that Fíli needed help quickly.

"Where is he?" she explained where she had left Fíli and mentioned that his uncle was there too and probably needed help too if it wasn't too late. "Lead the way" she nodded and started leading the Dwarves on in a quick pace the way she had come earlier. At every corner she turned to see if the others were still following her. Shortly before they reached the ice field and she again turned to her friends, she suddenly was grabbed and pushed against the wall with a blade resting against her neck. Reverently, her glance wandered from the blade to the yielder and recognised her attacker. From shock she almost fell over

"Durin's beard, I'd have almost killed you!" Kíli said as he lowered the sword and then pulled her into a hug with his other arm. Stammering, she tried to ask him why and how he still was alive but he didn't seem to understand, which probably was for the better. Only now Kíli seemed to notice the others and Óin was with him immediately, telling him to sit down and not move. Then proceeded to ask how what had happened and how he could walk in that condition "What are you talking about? I'm fine" the young prince seemed pretty confused and Lhindril realised that the healer must have misunderstood. So she leant down to him and shouted that it was Fíli who needed help and not Kíli. (Even though Kíli sure would need help to because of what happened to him and she didn't know how he could have survived and now walk around as if nothing bothered him)

"Ah well. There's no need to shout at me by the way, I just hear a little less and am not deaf" she almost rolled her eyes because she didn't know if it was a joke or if he was serious. Just when she wanted to lead them further, Kíli took hold of her arm, gently pulling her closer.

"Wait and listen. I-I don't think anyone can do anything for my brother anymore" in shock she stared at him and felt remorse. She shouldn't have left Fíli alone! Without thinking she continued running hoping that Kíli wasn't right. He tried to stop her but then just followed her and she didn't know if the rest of the Dwarves were still following them but she didn't really care for now. Once she reached the ice surface, she stopped dead in her tracks

"Fíli what in Manwë's name are you doing?" she shouted at the Dwarf who had gotten up and was trying to walk a few steps but was quite wobbly on his legs. Upon her words he spun around, better said tried to because he fell down. Lhindril continued running towards him and fell to her knees a few steps in front him, gliding the short rest of the way. With a breath of relief she cupped his face and didn't know what to say. On one hand she was beyond glad that he was fine but on the other hand was angry at him for not having listened to her. There were tears burning in her eyes and she didn't know if they came from happiness or sadness. Luckily, she didn't need to say anything because Kíli had reached them too and knelt down too. This time she couldn't stop Fíli from shooting up to hug his brother and didn't even try to.

"You're alive, I can't believe it!" they both said at the same time and then burst out laughing. But soon it got too much for Fíli and he winced in pain that she tried to calm him down by stroking his hair. Now the other Dwarves approached them too but most of them passed the brothers and went to Thorin. Only now Kíli seemed to notice him.

"He's… dead" Fíli whispered and when he saw tears in his brother's eyes he hugged him again. Lhindril looked away and hugged herself. Despite the fact how Thorin treated her the past days she felt so very sorry for him and his friends as well. They fell to their knees in front of their dead leader and also Fíli looked up, extending his hand to her and after she took it, he pulled her into the embrace. Óin interrupted them so he could take a look at Fíli's wounds and sent her and Kíli away for this.

"That was quite a lot for such a short time. Especially for you" he said

"What exactly do you mean?"

"Well, not too long ago you were in your inn at Bree when suddenly these three men came. Shortly after you're in the Company of thirteen Dwarves, a Hobbit and a wizard on a dangerous journey where one adventure following the other. Trolls, Orcs and Goblins, spiders, even more Orcs, skin changers, eagles, Orcs again and a dragon for a change and a grumpy mad Dwarven king. But also happy things. Friendship, love, solidarity. And everything today. The excitement, fear, sadness and the happy reunion"

"You're right, yes. But the good things can help us see over the bad ones" she said with a glance to Fíli who obviously seemed to have a different than opinion than Óin about something. Not much later the healer joined her and Kíli.

"It's fruitless, he won't listen to me"

"What's the matter? Is he alright?"

"Not really. But he will make it. If" he raised his forefinger "he rests and takes the time to heal. He's hurt badly and what the laddie needs is bedrest and shouldn't move too much. But oh well" he added with a warning glance to Fíli who was on his way towards them. Crawling instead of walking but still.

-oOo-

It was moving how one of the people from Lake-town played the great horn of Dale. Some of the Dwarves and Lhindril had gathered at Erebor's gate to listen to it and she felt tears in her eyes. Soon, Kíli put an arm around her shoulder, giving her a little squeeze and didn't say a word. Fíli couldn't be here, he was forced to stay in bed upon Óin's orders and she bet he was irked by it. Even before the last notes of the song had faded away, she was already on her way to the sickbay and Kíli followed her.

"What are you doing?" after she told him he grinned "You're already full of longing for him again?" with a gasp of faked anger, she hit him in the side and they continued their way laughing together. As soon as he saw them, Fíli sat up

"Oh no, you stay in bed" she said shaking her head and carefully tried to push him back before sitting down at the edge of the bed. The blond Dwarf took her hand and pecked her fingers "You'll never withstand all fourteen days in bed, will you?"

"I'm already fed up. And it hasn't even been three days. I can't even remember when I last was lying around that much."

"Well" she said leaning closer "if you dare to try and get up I will stay here and sit on you the whole time, do you hear me?"

"If you put it like this I really do consider getting up" he said with a grin and also Kíli let out a chuckle "You're not gonna give us a moment alone, are you?" then his smile disappeared and he became serious again "Lhindril, for that matter… I really need to talk to my brother as soon as possible. Alone. I'm sorry" with a nod, she got up, telling them she had nothing against it and left the room. In fact, she was even glad that they wanted to spend time together without her because she would have never wanted to come between the two brothers. Their talk didn't even take too long, rather to her surprise and Kíli got her back. She noticed that Fíli was no lying on his stomach, so she looked to and fro between them

"What happened?" she pointed at Fíli then turned to him "Did you get up?"

"No, of course not" both of them assured her hastily.

"I was hurting and Kíli helped me turn around" Fíli explained further but she wasn't sure if she should believe them. A part of her, however did feel a little bad that she had not even asked how Fíli was doing or if he needed anything.

"What about you Kíli, aren't you in pain?" he just shook his head

"No, my chest hurt a little the past days but it's almost gone now" frowning she reminded him that he had been pierced with a mace. In his chest. But then again, Óin too had declared the Dwarf healthy enough to walk around since yesterday.

"I mean… how is it possible you're still alive and not even in pain or wounded?"

"Durin's beard, I should have thought of that" Fíli cried

"Of what?" it seemed like the two of them realized something

"Oh right, you couldn't know. Before the battle, when you walked away with Thorin, Bilbo came to us and offered Kíli his mithril shirt, saying he'd have more use for it" she remembered the day they had been in the armoury where Bilbo had gotten said chain mail from Thorin.

"Oh" was all she said, feeling immensely glad that Bilbo had given it to Kíli "What about you? Did you have one too?" she asked Fíli, making him shake his head a little. Taking a deep breath she asked "But… what was it that saved you then? I mean Azog he tried to… he… did he even hurt you?"

"I suppose it was a handful of snow. That saved me"

"What?" gently he took her hands and when he started talking his voice was just as gentle

"After Azog dragged me onto this protrusion he seemed to be taunting and provoking you. Well just getting me there seemed provocation enough because in the towers he'd have had the chance and time to kill me. Anyways, he said something in Black Speech. I didn't understand much but I could guess what he meant. That he would kill me first and then the rest of my family. And then he mentioned you and while I had no idea what he was saying it was enough to make me panic and wanted all of you to leave. Azog was just about to stab me, I even felt the tip of the blade already against my back but then he hesitated for a moment because something hit him in the face. Snow, thrown by the woman I love. Luckily, I could use the chance to break free and make him drop me but I was already over the abyss and so I fell" Lhindril tried to digest all the information she had just gotten.

"Are you saying that I saved your life?"

"Yes, you did. And I wanted to thank you for it" he squeezed her hands and she felt tears in her eyes, considering what to say

"Then going into battle was worth it"

"Why did you come? Did someone attack the mountain?"

"No, we saw a second army of Orc, led by Bolg, approach from North, coming directly at you and so we knew we had to warn you." for a while Fíli remained silent

"I can't believe you didn't listen to me even though you promised to stay inside Erebor"

"I know but with that I helped you to keep your own promise. Well, almost. I'm really sorry about Thorin." Kíli wanted to say something but he was interrupted by Balin

"Bilbo is about to leave us and depart"