All her life she thought that after you die, you would be free of all your pain but apparently that wasn't the case. She was still feeling the pain very clearly. Someone was holding her hand. No, both her hands were being held. From a man and a woman as far as she could tell. But she couldn't even see something because her eyes were still closed and she was focused on her body and the touch. She was certain that her father and mother were with her. So finally, she opened her eyes, trying her best to smile.

"I kept my promise, father. Azog is dead. And mother, you were right, Fíli and I…" a painful memory stopped her from speaking further and she hoped that her husband was doing alright. Slowly she blinked and only now realised she didn't see much because it was dark. But still she noticed some weird things. First of all, that her father wasn't blond. What if this weren't her parents?

"Everything is alright. You are not dead. You're alive and are here with me" blinking a few more times she then turned her head to the direction of the voice. Fíli.

"What… how?" she muttered and realised she wasn't lying down but was leant against her husband. Well, maybe was half lying but her back didn't touch the floor or anything else what really relieved her. Her head lay on Fíli's chest and she was incredibly happy to be with him, a part of her not able to comprehend how she had survived. Fíli's eyes were full of tears and he carefully placed his hand on her cheek.

"I don't know. But I just am so grateful that you're alive"

"Shall I leave you two alone?" she heard a female voice next to her and she slightly turned. Dalía. Now it dawned on her that it wasn't her parents holding her hands but obviously Fíli and Dalía.

"I don't know" she muttered feeling how tired she was again

"No, it's alright. I will you two alone for a while. And I'll go find a healer to let them know you woke up" without waiting, her friend left. She put her free hand on Fíli's chest, holding onto the fabric of his tunic. She also noticed that she wasn't wearing her shirt anymore but instead a clean shift as it seemed.

"How long was I… gone?"

"I don't know exactly. After the fight was over and I heard what happened I instantly had a pony prepared with everything I would need and went after you. In the morning, the animal ran off and I continued on my own and found you towards the evening. Luckily, you had been at the edge of the camp and so I could kill the Orc who… who… could kill that bastard and left with you. You weren't conscious during the night, only in the early morning. And you passed out again a few hours later and we arrived here last evening and you slept the whole night and through the day, it's not the middle of the night again I assume."

"So I was unconscious more than a day?"

"Almost" he said

"The Orc you killed… I… did he…?" but he interrupted her, shaking his head

"No, he didn't. When I reached their camp I hid trying to find you and then the leader brought you almost directly to me. Once he had left, I came forward and could see how the Orc smashed your head to the ground, making you fall unconscious again. It was a satisfaction to see that scum die"

"So that was you?" when he lifted me up, I saw someone behind him. Guess that was you" she wasn't sure if he even heard her last words because she muttered them so quietly against his chest. She felt relief beyond measure that her husband had been with her quickly enough to save her. It was the second time he'd saved her from being raped and now she involuntarily thought of Kíli again and felt tears in her eyes "Oh Fíli… I'm so sorry"

"Don't be. Whatever it is, it's not your fault. All that counts is that you're back"

"It is my fault. If I hadn't decided to go to the roofs in Dale Kíli wouldn't be… I'm so sorry. It's the second time he got into trouble because of me and this time something worse happened"

"It's not your fault. You did everything you could to save him"

"I wasn't good enough. I should have known they would kill him anyways"

"I understand now what is bothering you but it isn't true. When I was looking for Dwalin to find he leader of the Easterlings he said that he instead would help you and according to him he came in the last moment, saving my brother. He decided to stay with him because he couldn't have defended myself and wasn't even sure he could find the Orcs that had taken you in a reasonable time. Although, Kíli tried to make him chance his mind. And believe me, Dwalin is reproaching himself for just abandoning you and I'm not sure if the fact that he saved Kíli is enough solace to him. You'd even see Kíli if it wasn't so dark. He's in the bed on our right. Or more like over us because we're on the ground"

"I cannot say how happy I am to hear that he is fine. Then it wasn't all for nothing what I did. What about the Easterlings? Are they gone as well?"

"Yes. Thorin, Bard and I have killed him. We almost lost my cousin but Bard saved him. Once we held up the severed head of their leader, the enemy pulled back and left. But I couldn't celebrate victory for too long because Dwalin came with Kíli in his arms telling me what had happened to you. And you know the rest already, how I left to find you"

"You have risked your life only to save mine despite me being doomed?"

"I know I risked it but I swore to you to always do anything I can to save you. And even if I only saved you temporarily, it is worth every second I have more with you now. Or saving you from more pain"

"Thank you" he pressed a kiss to her forehead.

"You do not have to thank me, I did the only logical thing"

"Not for everyone. So thank you for never leaving me and helping me whenever I need you. I don't know what I would do without you" she felt tired again despite having been unconscious and asleep so long and often these days. But she couldn't hold back a yawn.

"What? You're tired again? You just slept a whole day" her husband grinned and if she had had the strength, she would have hit him, so she only dug her fingers deeper into his skin with a smile "Everything will be fine, I promise"

-oOo-

In the morning, a healer came to check on her. So either Dalía hadn't found someone or it was only a pretence to give them a few moments alone. Of course the healer was relieved to know she was finally awake and then took a look to her back. She also finally got the report of her injuries. On her right side, two ribs were broken and more, also on the left side, were bruised. The abrasions were already healing well, as was the wound on her thigh. The only thing that worried them were her head injuries. According to him they weren't to be underestimated and she could be glad to still be alive. So she should make sure to not move her head too much these days. And she noticed that they thought it was dangerous she wasn't lying down and instead was held by her husband but obviously didn't dare to say something to his king. Then she started asking who was taking care of Erebor right now if both brothers were here. And after the healer had left, she asked Fíli.

"Thorin will take over the next few days, after that perhaps Kíli can if he's feeling well enough"

"And what if I don't want to?" she heard her brother-in-law's voice from above. Then he held down his arm, giving Fíli's hair a tug before his glance fell onto her "Hey, you're awake" he said happily, stretching a bit further so he could take her hand "Thank you. Thank you for what you did for me. There was no need for you to sacrifice yourself and I don't know what to say"

"It's alright. I bet you would have done the same if you had been in my place"

"It's not really alright because you almost died because of it. Because of me"

"And you almost died too. Because of me"

"And yet you have saved my life. If you hadn't agreed I would have died before Dwalin was around to save me. Technically, I should thank you both because within months you both saved my life and almost died yourself because of that"

"That's what you do for family and friends" Fíli said as he placed his hand over his brother's. "Two times I almost died and while I was recovering, you two have been there for me and now I can finally give that back. Not that I'm happy you're injured but this time, I can be here for you and be close to you. Although it is weird that you both have been there for me and now I'm here for both of you at the same time" for the next few hours they talked together but then her head started to hurt badly and at first she tried to hide them but then they got so bad that it wasn't possible anymore and Fíli noticed that something was wrong.

"My head hurts. So much" she admitted

"I understand. Wait" he let go of her a little, doing something next to him that sounded like he was handling water and then he placed a wet piece of cloth on her forehead. "Does that help?" it really did and she agreed, muttering a thank you. "What I wanted to say as well… you surely noticed you are wearing a nightgown. I was me who undressed you and cleaned your wounds for the first time. A wonder they instantly agreed, I suppose perks of being a king" she smiled slightly

"Ah now you suddenly pride yourself upon your position, brother?" laughing hurt so she instantly stopped but her temple was still pounding heavily. Due to the pain her teeth started chattering what made it all worse. Luckily, her husband noticed and instantly told Kíli to be quiet

"Stop making jokes, laughing hurts her"

"Oi, how is it my fault that I'm so funny" again she started laughing a little but then was crying soon because of the pain. Her teeth were still chattering what made it all worse "Do something and help her" Kíli protested who seemed to realise she wasn't doing good at all.

"What am I supposed to do? Stop her from chattering with her teeth?" he asked his brother angrily "Then again… maybe this works" he placed his lips on hers, giving her a kiss, probably hoping it would stop her jaw from moving. After a while it did and he carefully placed a hand on the wet towel on her forehead "May I?" she agreed and he moved it over the throbbing part on her temple.

-oOo-

Days passed and she started to realise how nice it was to have someone at her side all the time who was there for her and did everything so that she felt better. Even Fíli seemed to find what he did natural and never even thought about leaving despite having duties and just that fact touched her very much. Sadly, her condition wasn't getting better but somehow she doubted she would get healthy again because she would die anyways due to the prophecy and if she was honest, she would prefer dying now to getting hurt again and dying from that in a few years. Obviously, everyone told her that she would be getting better and she needed to have faith. After a week, Kíli was feeling well enough that he could leave the sickbay, and two days later he could take over ruling the mountain. She was happy that he at least was doing well and was healing so quickly, while she had stopped worrying about herself and almost had come to accept that she would die, should it be so.

Approximately twelve days after she had woken up in Erebor, Kíli entered, telling her that there was someone who wanted to speak to her and while wondering who it was, she agreed to let the person come. She was happy about getting a visitor but was surprised that he or she was announced because usually people just came here and went to see her. But then she understood why Kíli had done so, her brother stood in the door frame and walked over to them. With a happy smile she let him hug her tenderly

"I'm so happy to see you. What brings you here?"

"That's my fault" Fíli said "After I got you back to Erebor I had to let your brother know what had happened"

"When I got the letter, I immediately arranged things that I could come here and see you to assure myself that you are doing well. Also Arwen, Faramir and Éowyn are sending their regards and all wanted to come as well. Speaking of them, they have just celebrated their betrothal and will get married next year. Obviously, you both are invited. But in a few months I will get married too"

"Well… that is a lot going on. But thank you" she smiled and wasn't sure if she should tell him that maybe she wouldn't survive until then. Aragorn sat down next to them and wanted to know what exactly had happened and to her relief, Fíli told him himself. At the end her brother seemed sad but as they learned a moment later it wasn't even the story that shocked him most.

"I cannot thank you enough for saving my sister's life. Again"

"There is nothing you have to thank me for, it's the only logical to do and it's enough value that she is not going to be in more pain and is back with me" he pressed a loving kiss to her forehead.

"And how are you doing?" she asked her brother.

"Fine so far but as you can imagine I'm saddened to hear that you got hurt and aren't doing well. But ruling Gondor already works a lot better than I initially thought"

"But that sounds good"

"It is. And by the way, it may happen that Gandalf comes here in the next few days because I met him on the journey here and it seems he got closer to finding a solution" hope started to stir inside her but she wasn't sure if it was wise to cling to that only to be disappointed in the end. After all, her injuries were already there and if those were the ones bringing her death it probably was too late already. Suddenly, a children's scream brought her from her thoughts and not much later a bunch of kids ran into the room, Jari in front of them

"Hey there little one" Fíli greeted him "It sems you found some friends now, didn't you?"

"Could be. They want to play with me" he sat down next to Fíli as if it was the most normal thing in the world and carefully patted her hand that was on the floor "Are you alright, princess?" when she told him she was doing fine, considering the circumstances it was a bit of a lie "Can you tell us a story? Please? And who is that man?" he asked, pointing at her brother who seemed a little pale

"That's Aragorn, my brother. King of Gondor" her brother cleared his throat

"Please tell me you haven't kept the fact you have children secret"

"No, no of course not, we sadly have none" Fíli also explained how they got to meet the Dwarfling and Aragorn seemed to relax again. "Well, what kind of story did you want to hear? And do you even have time?"

"Of course!"

"Very well." Knowing that longer periods of talking were not good for her, her husband told the big part of the story, while she took over for small parts but then suddenly, she just kept sitting there, leaning against her husband and must have fallen asleep at some point.

-oOo-

The next morning – or whenever she woke up - the children were gone but Aragorn still was beside them. Suddenly she asked herself if it even was morning because her sense of time had almost completely disappeared. She noticed that her husband was still asleep, so she didn't move too much to not wake him. Instead, she checked if her brother was awake, hoping to talk to him in peace and let her husband sleep a bit longer which he probably needed a lot because he had refused to do so the past days. But sadly, Kíli arrived shortly after, waking is brother and telling him that he was needed, saying that there was someone who wanted to see him.

"Can't you do that for me as well?"

"I'm sorry, it was specifically requested that you should come" only very reluctantly did her husband go and after asking if she really was fine with that that she almost considered sending him away in the end. Carefully he got up, trying not to move her head and then Aragorn took his place, holding her instead.

"Have you been awake a long time and did you sleep well?"

"Yes but I don't know how long I've been awake. I'd say maximum thirty minutes; I just didn't want to wake Fíli"

"I understand. He only slept because I forced him to and told him I would take care of both of you"

"Thank you" she whispered, feeling weird that while Fíli had been hurt, his brother had been the one forcing her to sleep and get some proper rest, and he'd stay here to keep watch and now it was her brother doing the same. "Do you know what the time is?"

"I'm not too sure. But I suppose it's not much before noon"

"Ah alright" she muttered "Thank you, for coming by the way" she smiled and he said it was the least he could do. So, she took a deep breath and told him how maybe this was going to be her end and that she was sceptical about getting better "But please, don't tell Fíli. I-I know how depressing it can be to know that your one and only will die. And if it happens more or less surprising, he might accept it more"

"I understand and respect that. But can it be you're only doing so badly because of your mindset? Perhaps if you thought differently you would already be healing much better. Your husband was close to death but his will and belief that he will make it made him survive"

"I know but… it's also important to accept death. After all I will die anyways, so for me, if it is now or in a year doesn't make a difference. Gundabad will be destroyed, I bet they will come back and attack us again"

"And if they do it aren't those injuries that are your death. At least you should try to think more positively"

"It's not that I want to die or something" with a sigh she buried her face against his chest and closed her eyes. Because albeit she had just woken up she already felt tired again. Well, she felt tired all the time, basically.

"Are you tired? Do you want me to leave you alone so you can sleep?"

"A little maybe, then at least nothing is hurting"

"Alright, then sleep well" but just in that moment a healer had to come who wanted to change the wound dressing on her thigh. As she did so, Lhindril kept her eyes closed because she had once made the mistake to throw a glance at the wound. And she didn't want to imagine what her back or face must be looking like. Although she hoped her face was looking a lot better by now.

"My lady, the wound is healing very well. It won't be necessary to clean the wound again. Will you let me put some ointment on it and dress it again?" she made an agreeing sound, not liking the fact they always asked for her permission no matter what they wanted to do. Perhaps she could even refuse the whole treatment and no one would say a thing. As always, the ointment stung a little but either the wound really was doing better or she had gotten used to it. When she was wrapping a new bandage around her leg, she almost enjoyed the feeling but suddenly she heard steps coming closer and then got grabbed and shaken, hearing Fíli calling her name "Your majesty… what are you doing? I-I must ask you to stop, you are hurting your queen." At that he finally did let her go and when she opened her eyes, she saw how relieved he was

"Durin be thanked, you're alive" he hugged her, a little tight even but luckily noticed it immediately, loosening the grip a little. "I'm sorry… I just thought I'd lost you"

"How did you get that idea?" she asked, fully confused. Her husband seemed embarrassed, after all at least three pairs of eyes were set to him, wanting him to explain what was wrong. He took a deep breath, wanting to do so when she heard Kíli's voice from the corridor and saw him enter, directly followed by someone. It was Gandalf and when the healer saw him, she put a hand to her chest.

"Dear Mahal, Tharkûn. Welcome and it is a great honour to be seeing you at least once in my life" next to her, Fíli grumbled something and she could kind of guess what it was because he was out of sorts with the wizard lately. Quickly, the healer finished with her wound and then announced she would leave to give them some peace, grabbed the ointment and the old bandage and quickly left.

"About my behaviour earlier… Gandalf had been waiting for me and again mentioned superfluously that we'd been in a battle recently. And he also did mention the prophecy and that the Orcs wanted to get you to Gundabad. But then he explained me how Gundabad was now fully destroyed"

"What? How can that be? It can't be over yet because the last sentence says I'd die before both realms are destroyed. And I still am alive"

"That was what I thought too and made me worry about you. And when I saw you just lying there… something in me snapped, I just had to know you are doing alright" Aragorn turned to Gandalf.

"But how as Gundabad brought to ruin? And what will happen to my sister?"

"To answer your first question; once the Orcs returned without Lhindril, a fight ensued and the remaining Orcs and Uruk-hais killed each other, destroying themselves. Or they killed each other for another reason but we only know they destroyed themselves. Which means Gundabad is now destroyed. Not completely but I doubt the surviving ones would ever dare to attack someone again"

"Now I understand that one line about my help being needed that Mordor and Gundabad get destroyed. They were fighting over my disappearance and then destroyed themselves. You could even understand it that Fíli's help was also needed because he got me out of there. I always thought Orcs were cleverer and not that the line would be that accurate."

"I agree but I could not find how this explains you being still alive. Unless this really is not yet the end. But perhaps… if you tell me everything you remember. Every detail, we might something we overlooked. I am sorry if through that memories will stir that would better stay hidden for now" So Fíli started talking and then Kíli continued from the moment they split up to when she was dragged away. There she wanted to continued with what happened to her when Gandalf raised his hand "Your words have me thinking. And I am sorry to ask again but did you fall off that roof?"

"Well, thrown is more like it but yes, I…" then suddenly she had a flash of wit "Durin, such prophecies can be literal sometimes right?" she didn't even wait for an answer. "The prophecy is fulfilled. Before the end came, the end of Gundabad, I fell. Off the roof. How could I be so stupid and not notice that? The prophecy is fulfilled. I will live!" she cried out the last words in joy and then a strange trembling hit her body as if she was relieved. Ignoring all pain she shot up, throwing herself around Fíli's neck, crying happy tears.

"You'll stay with me" he breathed "I knew it. I knew it. I won't ever let you go again" with that she also hugged the rest of her family, Kíli and Aragorn and continued weeping, not caring who might hear it.