Chapter Twenty-Six

Help Comes In Many Forms

~~Elaina's POV~~

"Is everyone alright?" asked Gandalf, glancing at everyone of us "Only I think it will be wise if we were in a safer place."

I felt something go round my shoulders and turn my head as Thorin fastens his cloak around me.

"You are shaking like a leaf my angel," said Thorin, walking in front of me, straighting his cloak around me "Hopefully this will warm you up!"

"I'm fine Thorin." I reply, trying to reassure him I was alright.

I wish I could say I was however, I was beginning to feel very nauseous. The way Thorin was watching me made me realise something, he could see right through my little lie.

"Elaina, you are not 'fine.' your shaking for one thing, have many scratches on your face, along with that gash across your right cheekbone!"

"Pot kettle!" I retort.

Thorin gently pulls me aside from the others.

"Plus, I would like Oin to look at your waist," carried on Thorin watching me intently "Your trying hard not to show it, but I have noticed you flinch when you touch your middle and I'm rather worried about that!"

Thorin motions Oin to come forward and I was becoming very self conscious, especially when I felt many eyes on me. Thorin placed his hand on the small of my back as I watched Oin walk up to us.

"You wanted me Thorin!" said Oin.

"Aye, I did," replied Thorin "Could you have a look at Elaina, she is very pale-,"

"Thorin!" I interupt.

"And she keeps holding onto her stomach!"

That got Bilbo's and Hetti's attention and they hastily ran towards me.

"Elaina you should have said that you are in pain!" panted Bilbo.

"I'm fine, stop fussing over me. I'm just..Ouch, what are you doing?" I hissed out in pain as Oin started plodding my waist.

"I'll have to look at it your waist Elaina," began Oin still touching my stomach "It feels swollen."

Oin's hands touched the spot Azog hit and again I hiss out in pain.

"I really am so sorry!" apologised Oin as he gently lifts my shirt up.

I bite down on my lip as Oin had a thorough look at the damage on my stomach. While Oin was inspecting and 'hmming' I try and keep my mind away from the pain that is coursing through me. I felt Oin gently rise up my shirt even more, causing me to hold onto Thorin, a little tightly then I should have.

"I'm really sorry," said Oin, looking guilty "but this has to be done!"

I don't reply, I try and focus on something while Oin gets to work on my wound. I glance down over the mountain and noticed a river bed and a forest to the right and I wondered where that lead.

I winch again as I felt a cold substance being applied on my wound and I look back at the river, then at Bilbo and my eyes went straight back towards the river. I could have sworn I saw a person looking up watching us.

'I'm seeing things! There couldn't have been a person down there' I thought 'My eyes are just playing tricks on me!'

"I'll see to that!"

Thorin's voice broke me out of my thoughts. I turn my head and watch Thorin take bandages from Oin's hands. Thorin then ushered Bilbo, Hetti and Oin away.

"I have to do this tightly to hold the lint with salve, Oin just placed on your wound," said Thorin softly watching me "Are you ready?"

I took a deep breath and nodded my head. I watch him as he stepped closer and started wrapping the bandage around my middle and again, I bite down on my lip as Thorin does his work. I close my eyes willing the pain to go.

'Think of something!' I thought as another wave of pain coursed through me while Thorin carried on wrapping the bandage around me.

I tried thinking but nothing came up that is until her name popped in my head 'Alasse' and I suddenly felt a little down. I was really hoping I would meet my real mother in person. Now I will never get that change. I wished I hadn't hesitated when Azog gloated about my mother's death, I should have killed him and I vowed then, that I would, should our paths ever cross again!

"Elaina!"

I felt a hand gently caress my face and I opened my eyes and saw Thorin's worried face.

"Please don't shut me out!" whispered Thorin, kissing my forehead "I am sorry if I hurt you my angel, your wound looks really angry and with your permission, I would like to change your bandages when they need to be changed."

Licking my dry lips I reply,

"Instead of Oin?"

"Aye, instead of Oin."

"Your so possessive Thorin."

I heard him growl and I cup his cheek to stop him. He closed his eyes and gently placed his arms around me.

"No I'm not Elaina," whispered Thorin "You are the love of my life and seeing you like this, is tearing my heart apart. I just want to protect you. What's so wrong with that?"

"We are going to start climbing down the carrock in five minutes!" I heard Gandalf say.

Ignoring Gandalf I whispered back to Thorin,

"There is nothing wrong with protecting me," I swallow before continuing "and I would be happy for you to tend to my wounds."

Thorin opened his eyes and smiled at me.

"Only if I can tend to your wounds as well!"

"You don't have to do that, my love!"

"It is only fair," I mummer, looking at his own battle wounds across his face "unless you would like Oin to tend to your face and other places where you are hurt?"

"No I would rather it was you tending to my wounds Elaina. Oin is a very good healer only," Thorin glanced at Oin "he is not so gentle!"

"Well, I'll try my best not to hurt you Thorin." I whispered stroking his cheek as gently as I could.

Thorin caught his breath a little and I watch him curiously as I also noticed his piecing blue eyes slightly dilate a little.

"Is everyone ready?" asked Gandalf.

"Are you?" Thorin asked me.

I nod my head, though I still felt a little sick, I did not want to appear weak to him or his kin. Thorin held out his hand for me and I placed my hand in his. Glancing over the carrock (as Gandalf called it) I realised we had to descend down this mountain with caution.

'At least there isn't anyone watching us anymore,' I thought to myself 'It was probably my mind playing tricks on me!'

'That's the second time I heard you say that,' thought back Loki and I catch him looking back at me expectantly 'Who did you see?'

I had completely forgotten that Loki could read minds but I was amazed that he was asking me questions in thought mode.

'Um,' I thought back, 'I was just watching the scenery when Oin and Thorin were tending to me.'

I saw Loki nod his head urging me to continue, which caused Hetti to look at Loki oddly.

'I could have sworn I saw a person by the river,' I continue 'I had to look back and the person was gone. I probably imagined it!'

'No I don't think you did!' replied Loki, before turning around.

"Are you alright my angel?"

I return my attenion back to Thorin. He really did look worried.

"Don't you dare say your fine." he warned, squeezing my hand gently, cupping my cheek with his other hand.

"I can't fool you at all can I?"

He smiled lovingly at me.

"No you can't," his smile broadens "Are you ready?"

"Not really!" I admitted to him "But we can't stay on top of this strange rock now, can we?"

"No, we can not. Just stay close to me."

~~Hetti's POV~~

I was getting a little nervous, climbing up and down trees no problem, climbing down a mountain was another matter entirely. By the look on Bilbo's face, he felt the same as I did. I went up to him and gently placed my hand on his shoulder.

"Are you alright Bilbo?" I asked him.

Bilbo turned around and graced me with a smile.

"Getting there," sighed Bilbo "Just how are we going to get down?"

"With caution Bilbo," replied Gandalf "with caution!"

I watch Gandalf as he walks forward and see him look around the place. He then turns around and seemed to be waiting for the rest of the company. When he was certain we were ready, he turned around once more and started walking towards the end.

I discovered there was a slope leading us to our destination and we slowly walked downwards. There was chatter behind me but I take no notice. My own thoughts was to thank Loki for being there for me, from that fat goblin from before.

As we descend down the slope, I caught sight of Elaina, she really did look pale and I only hoped she was going to be alright. I could tell she was trying to put her no nonsense face on and act like everything was fine. I knew better and by the looks of it, so did Thorin.

He refused to leave her side and that's when it really hit me, he really did love my sister. With that in mind, I felt slightly better at this knowledge. The slope we were walking on was slowly expanding and I soon realised, I had someone besides me now.

"How are you feeling?"

I turn my head and saw Loki, though he was looking straight ahead.

"Well, considering we have all been through hell and back, I'm fine. How about yourself?"

"Ehehehe."

I raise my eyebrow and study him. He had a lopsided grin on his face and was now watching me back.

"Did I say something funny?"

"Always full of humour," mused Loki "even when faced with danger!"

"I have a habit of speaking when I should just shut up!" I admit to him.

"No lass," I turn my head and saw Dwalin behind me "I heard what you said to those trolls and your little outburst in that goblin town, was very amusing."

I smirked remembering the Goblin King thinking he was all that, when in actual fact, he was a sad pathetic idiot, who was really a bully to all those that opossed him. I did notice one of his own minions look at his boss with disgust however, which proved that Goblin King was vile, even to them.

I noticed Gandalf had stopped and I wondered what the problem was.

"We have to be careful now," said Gandalf, turning slightly "We have to climb down this next bit and it looks a little steep. I think it will be wise if we all help each other out here, especially as we do have a few injured members among us!"

Slowly, we approached the edge and I peer over. It was a quite a drop to the next stage of getting of this mountain. Gandalf, thrust his staff in Ori's hand before he went down. He bent down and slowly descended down the rocky edge. I watch him in awe as he nimbly climbed down with ease to safety.

When Gandalf was down, Ori threw his staff back at Gandalf, which he caught and looked up to each of us.

"Let's hurry, yes!"

I was besides Bilbo now and he looked aghast at what we were about to do. Again I place my arm around his shoulder, vowing to help and protect him, should he need it. Remembering Bilbo clinging on to dear life from that over mountain with those 'stone giants' sent chills down my spine.

I watch Balin repeat what Gandalf did and he slowly climbed down to where Gandalf was. Gandalf held his arms up and helped Balin down. Next it was Thorin and again I was very surprised to see him slide down the cliff quite gracefully.

Bilbo rushed to Elaina's aid as she slowly anchored herself down and helped her descend downward. I was relieved when she reached the bottom with Thorin besides her in seconds, though she really looked exhausted. I was getting worried, she did not look at all well at all.

Slowly but surely we all finally climb down, with the exception of Kili, who decided to jump the last part of the cliff wall, landing right in front Dwalin, who didn't look to impressed by his antics.

It took a while to reach the bottom of this strange looking cliff and by now, it was now night. I plonked myself on the ground completely washed out.

"Get a fire started!" ordered Thorin, holding Elaina protectivly.

I was relieved we wouldn't be carrying on especailly as Elaina was still pale. This was worrying me, surely that salve Oin applied should have helped her, I really hope she wasn't allergic to Oin's medicine.

'Something is not right, that's for sure!' I thought sadly to myself, quickly averting my eyes from Elaina, as I knew full well Loki probably heard that!

"Hetti, know any songs you could sing for us?" asked Kili, sitting opposite me.

"Er no!" I reply.

There was no way I was singing on this night.

"Oh go on!" Kili went on.

"No!"

"Please!"

I shook my head. I really was not in the mood to sing.

"Leave the lass alone Kili." Balin said and I nod my thanks at him.

To be honest, I don't think anyone, other than Kili that is, would be in the mood for any singing tonight. Not after what has recently transpired. Even I could tell, everyone was still on high alert. True we were all saved by those beautiful eagles but glancing around our new surroundings troubled me. Just where were we now?

~~Elaina's POV~~

I gingerly sat down against a boulder. I was really achy now but I suspected that was because of the climb down from that stange looking mountain. I glance upwards towards the mountain we just vacated and tilted my head. The mountain looked peculiar.

I sqint my eyes and tilt my head more. The outline of the mountain really looked like an animal's structure. I frowned, who would sculpture that, or has it always been that way?

"What are you doing?" asked Bilbo, walking up to me with concern etched on his face.

"Just looking up at that mountain we were all on," I glance at Bilbo and smile "What do you see?"

I watch Bilbo look up and he to frowned.

"It looks like a bear!" mumbled Bilbo.

"Yeah, I thought that too." I reply nodding my head.

I felt an arm go round my shoulders and knew it was Thorin. I sink back against him, feeling him tighten his hold on me. I was still looking at the bear face on the mountain.

"Did someone sculpture that or is it one of natures own mysteries?" I wondered out loud.

"What?" whispered Thorin.

I quickly explain what Bilbo and I have just discovered. Thorin loosens his hold of me and genty undid my braid that Thorin made. My eyes close as I felt his fingers untangle my hair. He then rebraids my hair.

"I must remember to return the favour." I mummer, stifling a yawn.

I heard Thorin chuckle before he kissed my temple.

"When you are well, my love," whispered Thorin nuzzling my neck "Get some sleep."

I didn't need to be told twice. Food could wait, sleep would win this round.

o0o

I woke up when I heard Gandalf arguing about something. I tried opening my eyes but found that very hard and I realised I was shivering and felt very sick once more. Maybe climbing down that cliff wasn't such a good idea after all.

~~Thorin's POV~~

"Are you hungry Elaina?" I heard Bilbo say.

There was no answer.

"Elaina you must eat!"

Still she doesn't say anything. Which made Gandalf, Bilbo, Loki and I look at her with concern. Oin stepped forward and bent down and touched my angels foreheard.

"She's burning up!" exclaimed Oin.

I quickly go to her as does Gandalf and Loki.

"We have missed something!" said Gandalf.

He gently touched Elaina's face, and gently pulled up her shirt. The bandage was covered in blood.

"Can you do something Gandalf?" I ask him.

He gently placed his hands on her stomach and said another spell. I watch fervently, hoping Gandalf would help her. I heard Gandalf sigh and saw him try another spell. Still nothing. By now, I was frantic with worry.

"Place Elaina by the water's edge!" A new voice said.

We all turn around and saw a strange looking man, watching Elaina intently.

"Do you want her to live?" He said again.

Without a second thought, I picked Elaina up and walked up to the river bed. I gently placed her down near the water, waiting for something to happen. The strange newcomer, also bent down and delicately took hold of Elaina's hand and slowly placed her hand in the water.

I watch in complete shock as the water around her rose up and I quickly held onto Elaina as the wave washed over us, soaking us. When the river water returned to normal, I glared at this weird newcomer, who only smiled back at me.

He returned his attention on Elaina and slowly let go of her. I heard her sigh and I glanced down, she was still unconscious, but at least she now had colour back in her cheeks. I assumed he had finished with whatever that was and I gently pick her up once more and returned her back to the camp.

I was even more surprised as I placed her back on a bedroll to find Elaina and I both dry once more. I frowned as I wrapped her up once more in my cloak. I looked up and saw that man was again watching Elaina.

"Who are you?" I demanded to know.

He remained quiet and that angered me. By now everyone was around Elaina and I, watching the scene unfold.

"If she gets even more sick I'll-," I started but was stoped by Loki who was also looking at our newcomer with a small smile on his face.

"She said she saw someone by the river, when we were up there!" Loki glanced back at the mountain "She thought she was imagining it, but here you are!"

I look at Loki dumbfounded. What was he talking about? I never heard her say these things.

"You know this person?" I ask Loki.

By now Bilbo was holding onto Elaina's left hand while I waited for a response from Loki.

"I've known him for a very long time Thorin," sniggered Loki, which I glare at "Are you going to tell them or shall I?"

The newcomer sighed and replied.

"I mean you no harm Thorin Oakenshield and company," began the stranger stepping closer, watching each of us "My name is Poseidon, uncle to Elaina Baggins and it is a pleasure to finally meet you all." he grinned at me and my company.

I knew it was going to be one of those days!