Chapter 44: Reunion and Recuperation

Sara jerked awake, her arm throbbing. She groaned fighting back the dull ache all over her body and blinked rapidly, trying to bring her surroundings into focus.

"I see you are awake," said Legolas's voice as the bed creaked under his weight near her legs. The fuzz in her vision began to clear and she turned her head toward the sound. "I told you we would arrive in time." Legolas came into focus. She raised a hand to rub her eyes and felt all her muscles protest as though she had run a marathon and forgotten to stretch. Her body was stiff and heavy but the pain in her arm was more localized and it was a relief to have her vision clear once again.

"Where are we?" she asked, groaning as she struggled to prop herself on her arms. Legolas reached to stop her.

"The halls of my father. Lie still, you're still very weak. Move around too much and you will make yourself ill." She fell back on the pillows and felt her stomach turn violently.

"Urgh… Too late," she moaned, trying to suppress the convulsions building in her abdomen. "I think it's too late." Quickly but carefully, Legolas assisted her into a sitting position, propping pillows behind her, before putting a large pitcher in her lap. Not a moment too soon as she retched into the container. There had been little but liquids in her stomach but even when it was empty of its contents she could not quell the spasmodic convulsions. Legolas went to the door of her small room and after whispering something to someone outside returned to sit in the high back wing chair beside her.

"I did warn you that there might be some unpleasant side effects," he said, watching her piteously as he laid a hand towel in her lap. "Hopefully this will not persist any longer than a day. I have sent for some tea that may help settle your stomach for a time."She looked up at him after a few moments, her stomach still for a moment.

"It's okay," she said after wiping her mouth. "This is still better than the full body cramps from yesterday. That was horrible." She bent over the pitcher again as the feeling in the back of her throat grew. Quickly she asked, "What time is it? Where are the others?"

"They have not yet arrived," he said, rising and going to the window before drawing aside the heavy curtains. Sunlight spilled onto the heavy woven rug covering the stone floor, across the bed, and reached her hands, warming them. "It is nearly noon and they should be here soon if all went well." There was a small frown on his lips as he looked outside. Sara's eyes roved over the room. It was small, modestly furnished, and mostly unremarkable. Not until her gaze was drawn upward did she let out a small gasp. Above her the ceiling was a dark blue speckled with tiny white stones. It reminded her of the night sky.

"You have discovered the ceiling," said Legolas, not looking away from whatever drew his attention outside.

"Where are we exactly?"

"In a corridor near the medical wing. After you received the anti venom you were no longer in danger and did not require further monitoring. So I brought you here. Your arm will heal within a few days under our care. I picked this room especially for you."

"Because of the ceiling?" she asked, studying its beauty.

"Partially, but more importantly it is one of the few empty rooms with an outside window. I believed that after weeks spent in the forest you would appreciate the sun's warmth. I relish it after returning from the woods, especially recently. There was a time when the forest was more healthy, less… dark." He trailed off, a frown creasing his face.

"Thank you," she said after a moment. "You are right. I really really really missed the sun on my skin. At this point I would almost welcome a sunburn."

"One ailment at a time," he said, finally looking back when a knock came at the door. He went to the door and took a tray from the elf there along with a new pitcher for Sara. After handing out the half full container, being careful to hold it away from his face, he returned to the chair by her bed and poured a cup of the tea.

"Here," he said, holding out the fragrant liquid to her. "Drink. It should help with the nausea." Carefully she took it and gave it a small inquisitive sip. A sweet and spicy flavor spread through her mouth and down her throat.

"Ginger," she hummed, taking another larger sip.

"You like ginger?" he asked, watching her with interest.

"Mmmhmm." She took a longer drink, finishing the small cup before setting it down on the tray.

"Another?" he asked, raising the teapot.

"Yes please. I haven't had this tea in quite a while."

"You surprise me," said Legolas handing her the now full cup. "Not many people drink this by choice. It is usually only used for medicinal purposes, even among us elves. How did you come to acquire such a taste?" Her mind floundered for an appropriate answer. The truth was that it had been a favorite of her grandmothers and they had drunk it together frequently, but that could lead to dangerous conversation.

"I have been traveling with Bilbo and Dori, both of whom like tea very much. They introduced it to me near the beginning of our journey but the supplies soon ran out, so it's been a while." She took another sip, watching him from over the rim of the tea cup. His eyebrows rose in apparent dissbelief.

"Then they too have a unique taste. I will have to be sure to have some ginger tea prepared for them when they arrive," he said, watching her for a reaction.

"I'm sure they would appreciate that," she said, feigning nonchalance.

"Indeed," he said, his index finger tapping sharply on the arm of the chair. "And what of this?" he asked, reaching for an object on her bedside table. "Where did you acquire this trinket?" He held the strung tooth from Beorn she had been using to tie back her hair.

"Beorn gave it to me," she said, reaching behind her head to find a green ribbon holding her hair.

"I thought he was against harming animals?" he asked, rubbing a thumb over the tooth's enamel.

"That's not from an animal."

"It's a bear tooth," said Legolas, eyeing her.

"Yes, but it's not from a real bear. It's from someone close to him, another skin-changer. She gifted it to me through him, and before you ask, I really have no idea." Her hands searched the back of her neck, relieved to find the chain still there.

"You do attract the most peculiar people's attention, don't you." He set it back on her side table.

"Including you," she said, smirking as she set down her empty tea cup. He withdrew her puzzle box from inside his tunic.

"Tell me, what is contained in here?"

"Just some personal items to remind me of home," she said, holding her breath as he once again tried the pull pin which would not budge.

"And where is home," he grunted discontentedly, setting it aside.

"I wish I knew," she said, relieved to find her stomach calm. She moved the pitcher to the floor and slid further under the covers, resting her head on the padded headboard behind her. "The honest truth is that I don't know if I have any family left. I'm trying to find them."

"They are lost," he questioned.

"No," she said, feeling a bit of melancholy creep in as she shifted, uncomfortable. "I'm the one who's lost. I may have family in Lake town, but I'm not sure." Legolas remained quiet waiting. "I don't really want to talk about it right now."

"Perhaps another time," he suggested.

"Maybe," she sighed, pulling the covers higher. He nodded and they sat in silence for a few minutes.

"Thank you for making sure they left my gloves on," she said, picking up the dirty worn fabric on her hands. He nodded, once again watching out the window from the chair. "Where are my pack and my clothes?" she asked, noting that she was in a long silver nightdress. He rose and went to the window, watching.

"Your clothes are being cleaned and mended and will be returned soon. Your pack will also be returned, once it's been inspected that is."

"It's not like there is a bomb in it," she groused.

"A bomb?" he asked curiously. She beat herself mentaly for her slip.

"Nothing," she said, trying to brush away her mistake, hoping he would let it slide. "The point is that there's nothing dangerous inside my pack."

"I should hope not," he said, shouldering off the wall and coming to bend over her, arms crossed, his brows drawn together in contemplation. "The more time I spend near you, the more questions I have about you. You are quite intriguing."

"What about my puzzle box?" she asked, trying to break the odd tension. He straitened looking mildly disappointed.

"Unless you are willing to divulge its contents, I will continue to hold onto it."

"And if I never open it for you?" she asked.

"Then I will be disappointed and left without an answer, but I will return it to you should you be allowed to depart with the others."

"I suppose that's fair. You're not going to break it open or anything are you?"

"I would not break it," he said, sighing.

"Thank you. Please be careful with it. The contents are fragile and the box was a gift from Bifur and Bofur.

"I promise not to harm your box. Now get some rest," he said, pushing her back down on her pillow, a finger pressed to her forehead. "You must be greatly fatigued and you may soon have visitors."

"Visitors?"

"Thorin Oakenshild and most of his company have just arrived."

"Most?"

"They seem to have recovered Mr. Baggins, though he seems to be injured, but I did not see the dwarf princes or Tauriel among their ranks."

"I want to see them," she said, trying to sit up. His finger returned to rest between her brows, stopping her.

"In due time you will, but for now lay still and rest. You can not help in any way. Besides with two cups of tea in your system I doubt you would make it very far."

"Why," she asked, scowling as she stifled a yawn.

"I told you," he said, smirking. "Ginger was not it's only ingredient. Now lie still. I must go and see my father. You will see your companions before long." Unhappy, she slid further under the blankets, and taking the tray with him, Legolas slipped silently out the door and disappeared.

Sara tried to relax into the soft mattress, but her thoughts were spinning. Her fingers fiddles idly with the bandage wound around her upper arm. She wanted to see the company. Were they all okay? Where were Fili and Kili? Most importantly, what about Thorin and his meeting with King Thranduil? Would Thorin be able to pull off a civil productive conversation or would the company wind up locked in the dungeons after all? The image of the dwarves behind bars, and Thorin bound in chains flashed into her mind. She bit her lip, unconsciously drawing a bead of blood. She hadn't thought about the visions in Lady Galadriel's mirror for quite some time, but as she remembered, she realized that more and more of the images had come and gone, almost exactly the same as she had seen them. Sara kicked herself mentally. They were not going to wind up as prisoners. Thorin had given his word to do everything he could to renew the alliance with the elves. She just wished she could be there to see them meet and hear what was discussed. She would just have to ask Thorin when she saw him, or perhaps Balin. Though her mind was abuzz with thoughts, she found her eyes growing heavy and her breath slowing. She glared at the door. She's going to have to tell Legolas to quit drugging her to sleep, no matter how much she needed the rest. He was going to mess up her sleep rhythm. A small frown puckered her lips as she drifted off.

Some time later she woke to familiar voices but lay still, listening, not quite wanting to return from the restful sleep she had been enjoying.

"Is she okay?" asked Ori's voice from the left.

"She appears to be," said Oin to the right. "Better off than Dwalin at any rate."

"I can't believe they would not let you tend to him nor Bilbo," said Dori's grumpy tone.

"I only hope those elves know what they're doing." She could almost hear the scowl on the old healers face.

"Hush now, before you wake her," chided Dori near the front of her bed.

"Don't bother," said Sara, rubbing a hand over her face before sitting up to peer at the faces surrounding her. Dori, Nori, Ori, Bofur, and Oin all saired back. "Where are Fili and Kili?"

"Told you she would ask about them first," said Nori, looking smug as he nudged Bofur with an elbow. Scowling, Bofur dug into his pocket and slapped something into Nori's waiting palm. "Fili stayed behind with the elf scouts to try and find Kili." Nori flipped the little coin into the air and caught it before slipping it into his pocket.

"What about Bilbo? Legolas said he was injured." Growning, Bofur slapped another coin into Nori's waiting hand.

"Lass yer going to ruin me," complained Bofur. "Bilbo is having his arm set, and before you ask Dwalin is being tended to by the elves who have more knowledge of the spiders."

"What happened to Bilbo?"

"Broken arm," said Oin. "What about you? How are you feeling? Did the elves treat you well?" Sara studied his face, a bit surprised to see genuine concern. Something must have shifted, for Oin had been almost as angry with her as Dwalin.

"You're going to talk to me again?" she asked, watching him. Oin looked away but nodded. She would take it. "I'm okay, sore and a bit nauseous, but I think the worst is over. My arm still hurts but nothing like last night." She held up her arm so they could see. "Where is Thorin?"

"Ahhh," groaned Bofur, pulling at the flaps of his hat. "Now she asks."

"He is the only one they would allow to be with Dwalin and Bilbo for the time being," said Dori, smoothing the covers over her feet. "The others are eating in the large room down the hall. Would you like me to bring you something?"

"No, I dont think I'm quite up to that just yet. But you should all definitely go get something to eat. You must be starving."

"We wanted to make sure you were alright," said Ori, biting at the end of an ink stained finger.

"Well I am doing fine. Truly you should go eat."

"Are you quite certain?" asked Oin, studying her face.

"Yes I'll be fine. Go eat, I'm not going anywhere." Their hunger must have been gnawing at them for Dori, Ori, Oin, and Bofur made to leave, Nori dawdling near the window. Suddenly she remembered something she had wanted to ask Bofur and called him back.

"What is it Lass? What do you need?"

"I just had a question for you."

"Yes?"

"Why can't Legolas open the puzzle box you gave me?" A smile split his face and he laughed, before sinking into the chair.

"There's a spell on it lass."

"I guessed there might be, but what spell exactly." She watched Nori surreptitiously out of the corner of her eye. He seemed quite fascinated by the ceiling.

"It's very simple, only someone who believes themself to be you will be able to open it?"

"Believes themself to me be?" she asked, confused. "But you opened it before."

"Aye that I did, but not only did I cast that spell and have a hand in making the box, but when I opened it I was concentrating on thinking that I was you."

"It's rather a crude yet simple spell," said Nori, coming to stand behind the chair. "One that I have run across before on occasion."

"Im sure," said Sara dryly, not having to imagine the circumstances.

"Does that Leggy elf still have your box?" asked Bofur.

"Yes," said Sara absently, ignoring the nickname whilst chewing at her bottom lip. "You don't think he will be able to open the box, I mean he is very old. Could he possibly know about such a spell?"

"No," said Nori. "He would not know."

"Why?" asked Sara.

"Because it's a dwarvish spell," said Nori, flicking the top of Bofur's hat. "In all honesty Bofur should not have used it. We do not generally give or sell the enchanted items we make to any but a dwarf, only when specifically commissioned. So while the spell may be known by dwarves who are makers or in … other various professions. It's very unlikely that he will know about that particular spell."

"Well that's a relief anyway," she said leaning back against the headboard. "I can't even begin to imagine how I would explain my phone to him."

"Yes, I…" began Bofur, but he was cut off by a knock on the door.

"Come in," called Sara. The door creaked open and there stood Thorin looking utterly exhausted. He stepped into the room and jerked his head for the other to leave.

"Aye," said Bofur, grinning, as he passed into the corridor. "We'll leave ya two alone, but don't do anything I wouldn't" It was a testament to how tired Thorin was that he didn't react to the toymakers words. Instead he stopped Nori as he passed.

"Keep your eyes open, I'm not certain where we stand with the elves at this point." Nori nodded and made to push past him but Thorin stopped him again, looking quite put out. He tapped Nori's closed fist expectantly. With a sigh Nori dropped something into his waiting hand. "None of this while we are here. I won't have you undoing my work so you can fill your pockets." With that Nori was gone and Thorin came to sink into the empty chair beside her bed, and she shifted gingerly so she was sitting closer to him, and in reach of the jug beside her bed. Though not churning, her stomach was still uneasy. Thorin set four white stones on her nightstand, before running a hand over his face and through his hair. Sara shook her head looking at the pebbles, she would have to keep a closer eye on Nori.

"You look bone-tired," she said.

"I feel it," he admitted, leaning forward, elbows on knees. "But I am pleased to see you look so well."

"I feel better," she said smiling. "Legolas made sure I was well taken care of. How's Dwalin?" Thorin drew in a deep breath and blew it out sitting up straighter.

"The elves assure me he's no longer at risk of death, but they say it's too soon to know if we arrived in time to save the use of his arm. The dead flesh has spread quite extensively and the venom and its effects are long lasting, especially in his case where he went so long without proper attention."

"What about Bilbo?"

"They have set and partially meanded his arm, but he was still unconscious when I left the infirmary. They say he should be able to move about soon with a sling and after a week or so should be whole again."

"That's good. The others told me that Fili stayed behind to help look for Kili."

"Yes. It's something I was not happy about, but my nephew is akin to myself. When he sets his mind to something it can be most difficult to dissuade him; not altogether a bad quality, but it can be quite trying at times."

"How did it go, your meeting with Thranduil?"

"I'm not sure," admitted Thorin. "He did not dismiss my warnings about the Orcs out right, but neither did he believe we spoke the truth. He requires proof and without exposing you or your knowledge of this world, which I am unwilling to do, we had none to provide."

"So what happens now?"

"He will be contacting Lord Elrond who will hopefully corroborate our tale. In the meantime we are to be held here as both prisoners and guests; whatever that means." Sara nodded, thinking. It was Fair of Thranduil to want proof, Thorin would have if the roles were reversed. It was silent for a moment, both lost in thoughts of their own.

"In a way I am grateful that we are here," said Thorin after a time, pulling his pipe from his pouch and turning it over and over in his calloused hands. "Even though we are not here by our own valiton, it is a good thing. Had we never been forced to come, Dwalin would have continued to diminish and eventually it would have killed him."

"I know it's not easy to be here and to do what you're doing," said Sara reaching for his hand. "So thank you."

"You say it's for our own good," he said looking up at her. "And you are right, I should do all I can to make the best outcome possible, even if it is uncomfortable."

"Are you sure you are Thorin?" He looked at her, clearly confused. She chuckled. "It's just that you don't always seem to be the same person you were back in Bag End." He scowled, straightening but still held her gloved hand.

"I have always held that sentiment." She looked at him, raising her eyebrows in disbelief. "I have," he defended. "I just may not have always known how best to act upon it. It's no simple thing being responsible for so many, and my education and training were truncated. It will be a relief to someday leave the future to Fili. I do grow weary of it." She squeezed his hand.

"You should get some sleep, you look exhausted."

"No. Not till Fili and Kili arrive" He sighed, sinking back further into the wingback chair, closing his eyes. "Even then I don't know if I will be able to rest. My mind is too full and there is so much that could go wrong."

"Maybe that's so, but none of it can be hurried or fixed right now. You might as well rest while you can so you can return to everything fresh. Besides, aren't you hungry? Don't you want a bath?"

"Are you insinuating that I am unclean?" he asked, a sliver of blue eye peeking at her.

"Just a bit," she teased. "As a matter of fact, I would not turn down a bath myself. I'm just not sure I'm allowed yet with my arm and all." There was a knock at the door and Thorin sat up.

"Come in," called Sara. The door cracked open and Myrin poked his head in before entering.

"King Thorin, Ms. Sara, I have come to show you to your quarters and inform you of King Thranduil's expectations for you in the next few days."

"Do I need to move rooms?" asked Sara, letting go of Thorin's hand to grip her covers.

"No. No, Ms. Sara, there is no need for you to be moved, in fact to you and the entire company will be staying here in this corridor, all save Dwalin who is still being attended to by our physicians. He's still in need of continual care. Mr. Baggins has been moved to the room adjacent to yours." Myrin shifted in place, looking uncomfortable.

"What are you not telling us?" asked Thorin.

"By order of the King Thranduil you are not permitted to leave these quarters until such a time as he deems you to be… truthful."

"I see," said Thorin, his lips pulled down in a frown.

"What about Dwalin? Can't we see him at all?" asked Sara.

"You may," said Myrin. "But only under direct supervision and only on a solitary basis."

"What you mean is only under guard," grunted Thorin, standing.

"Yes unfortunately that is correct. You will have sufficient rooms for your numbers and we have instructed someone to attend to all your medical needs. Meals will be brought to you. The King has instructed us to make your stay as comfortable as possible." Myrin paused, looking apologetic. "While also ensuring you do not leave your prescribed area. To this end, guards will be posted at the end of the corridor. Should you desire to visit your companion, hear news of him, or require anything else, inform them and they will accommodate you to the best of their ability."

"What of our personal belongings?" asked Thorin, tucking his pipe away, keeping his hand on his pouch protectively.

"We have been instructed to search your bags for any weapons and then return them to you. Your weapons however, will remain in our custody until we are otherwise notified."

"So we are indeed to be your prisoners," growled Thorin, his arms folding heavily over his chest.

"If you wish to see it that way, who am I to contradict you," said Myrin. "Still, know that you will be treated well, and should news come to corroborate your claims, all restrictions set upon you are to be lifted. Until that time, I suggest that you rest and recover yourselves. You have no doubt had a difficult ordeal up to this point." Thorin looked like he might be ready to argue so Sara stepped in.

"Thank you," she said, pushing herself to sit up straighter. "I know it was not your decision and you are just following your King's command." Thorin's shoulders relaxed, some of the fight going out of him.

"I think you for your understanding Ms. Sara," said Myrin, nodding. "Tell me if there is anything you require."

"Actually," said Sara, halting the elf in his retreat. "I was just wondering how I go about getting a bath."

Sometime later, after being reunited with her pack, a long soak in blessedly hot water, greeting those of the company who were not gone bathing, and checking in on Bilbo who was still asleep, Sara returned to her room feeling fatigued. To her stomach's relief there was a fresh pot of tea waiting for her. She still felt ill and had not eaten with the others, but the tea was a welcome smell. After contentedly sipping three cups she settled down intending to sleep. The bed was a bit too soft after so long sleeping on the hard ground, but after some tossing and turning her exhaustion finally caught up with her and her eyes closed.

She was not sure what time it was when she woke, but the dim blue light from the window told her it was well past sundown. She lay still for a moment staring up at the white stones that seemed to glow. Her body was still heavy but much better than she had been earlier that day. Her fingers brushed over the fresh bandage around her arm. The elf who had come to change it said that she would likely feel weak for a few days and that the bandage on her arm would need to be changed every day and the bitter smelling paste reapplied. Fortunately her activity was not restricted by anything other than by her own depleted energy and the lingering after effects of Legolas's medicine.

A soft snore alerted her to the fact that she was not alone in the room. Carefully she sat up and lit the candle on her bedside table, lifting the light higher. A smile spread over her lips. So much for 'too worried to sleep'. There in the wing back chair beside her bed, slumped into the corner, his arms tucked into his armpits, slept Thorin. Feeling a bit queasy she was glad to see half full teapot still stood on her side table. Cold tea in hand, she sat cross legged facing him, watching the rise and fall of his chest. The light from the window mixed with the muted light of the candle casting highlights and shadows across his slack face. It was unusual to see him so unguarded as he was often the first to rise and the last to sleep other than those on watch. It was reassuring to know that his face could look so relaxed and calm.

Setting down her empty cup she reached to brush a strand of silver hair from his cheek. She smoothed a finger over a dark eyebrow experimentally. He remained still. She rubbed softly at the beard at the corner of his jaw. Still nothing. Quietly she got out of bed and knelt on the floor, resting her arms on the arm of the chair. Just how asleep was he? Standing, she bent over him and pressed her lips to his cheek. No response. The corner of his mouth. Nothing. She was a bit surprised, he was a warrior after all. She had wondered if perhaps he would snap awake and attack her in a half sleep state. Thorin shifted in his sleep, turning his face away from the corner of the chair and more towards her. One last test couldn't hurt, could it? Not daring to breath, she lent forward and let her lips brush across his, his breath warming her face. She pressed her lips to his, pulling at his bottom lip, but still nothing. Chuckling silently she drew back. He was dead to the world. When was the last time he had slept so soundly. She guessed it was not for a long time.

After placing a quick kiss to Thorin's forehead, she returned to the bed, watching him as she fiddled with Fili's bead. Her thoughts turned the brothers. Where could they be? Surely there had to be some word of them? Finding herself awake and restless, she slipped on a pair of pants under the thigh length nightdress and tiptoed to the door. The corridor was silent. Across the hall Bilbo's door was ajar. Peeking in she could see the hobbit asleep in bed, a stack of empty dishes on his bedside table. He had been awake, that was good, and he had eaten, even better. He had been growing offly thin. Making her way down the hall she passed the slumped form of Ori who she assumed was supposed to be on guard. He was asleep, sketchbook in hand. She smiled softly. Everyone was tired whether they wanted to admit it or not. She approached the two figures at the end of the hallway, and Airidan turned to face her.

"Ms. Sara, what are you doing out of bed at this hour?" he asked.

"What hour is it?" she asked.

"Almost four in the morning. Why are you awake?" The elf beside him turned to look at her, but her face was unfamiliar.

"I was just wondering if there's been any word about Fili, Kili, or Tauriel. It's been nearly twenty-four hours and I'm getting really worried about them."

"I'm sorry to tell you there has not yet been any sign of their return." Sara bit her lip trying to push aside the cloying worry that wrapped itself tightly around her gut. Airidan must have seen this. "Don't worry so Ms. Sara. I'm sure they are fine. I can't speak for your dwarf companions, but Captain Tauriel's skills are surpassed by only a few. They will return."

Sara pressed the palms of her hands into her eye sockets, willing away the threatening tears. Until now she had been too sick, tired, and overwhelmed by everything that had happened that she had not properly processed it all. Fili and Kili were missing, in a forest that was packed with gigantic spiders, and no one had heard from them in over a day. What if one of them were injured or…

"Ms. Miller," asked the female elf stepping closer. "Are you well, can we do anything for you?" Drawing in a deep breath, Sara let it out in a huff before letting her hands drop to her side.

"I'll be ok," she said, trying to fake a smile. "I'm just worried is all. Can you tell me anything about Dwalin? How is he doing?"

"Your companion being treated for spider venom?" asked Airidan. She nodded. "I'm afraid I'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to physiology, but I can however take you to see him if you wish."

"Oh no, that's okay. I do not want to wake him up."

"You won't," said the she elf. "They now doubt have him medicated to sleep through a battle horn."

Ten minutes later Sara stood in the small dark room, looking down at the sleeping form of Dwalin, the faint light from the hall spilling across his slack face. It was disconcerting to see him without his furs, armor, or even his knuckle dusters. Instead he was dressed simply in a loose tan tunic, under which she could see fresh white bandaging. This was not how she had ever imagined seeing him; unconscious, sick, and weak. For all the Thorin was definitely a match for the warrior and impressive in his own way, Dwalin had always been the one that seemed to emanate more raw physical power than any of the company. She hated to see him this way. She missed his company, not that they had been on speaking terms since before the forest anyway.

She was not sure how or if she could resolve the rift she had caused between them. She wished she were not so reluctant to approach him but he was not like Kili or Thorin. While he had proved himself to be very caring and attentive in his own way at times, there were also moments when a melancholy would pass over his face, and he would brood. At those times when Sara had approached him in such a mood, she had been able to dispel his gloom for a time, though she had no idea why or how. But since their argument he had been an almost continual cloud of gloom. She missed him. She missed his quiet support. He was not one for idle chit chat, his words well chosen and few. He'd always looked out for her even when few others, including Thorin would acknowledge her. He had been the first of the company she had met and from the beginning he had cared for her, even though Gandalf said it was out of character for him. But then she had kept secrets and messed it all up. In truth she could understand some of his ire but he seemed disportinaly angry with her and she didn't know why. She had no idea where to even start. The silence of the night was broken by approaching footsteps and voices speaking in quiet but urgent tones.

"Ms. Sara," called Airidan, wrapping his knuckles gently on the door frame. She looked up. "You may want to come and see this."

"What is it?" she asked, getting to her feet, panic stabbing her chest. Airidan motioned her forward and pointed down the hall to wear a light shone from the open doorway of the imfermily they had passed on their way here.

"They are back," he said simply. She didn't have to ask who. She flew down the dark hall, her bare feet slapping the cold stone floor till she stood blinking in the lit doorway. Why were they here? Was someone else hurt? Before her eyes could adjust to the bright light flooding the room she felt all the breath crushed from her as familiar arms seized her in a tight embrace.

"Sara!"

"Fili," she gasped her voice muffled by his shoulder. He gave one last squeeze before holding her at arm's length.

"Thank Mahal you are well! I worried so."

"I'm okay. Tired and a bit sore, but I'm fine. What about you and Kili? Why are you here in the medical wing?" She could see dried blood on his temple and in his blonde hair, turning it a rusty brown.

"Don't worry about me," he said, brushing aside the dirty hair. "This is old and not serious."

"Then why are you here?" she insisted.

"Because my father ordered it," came Legolas's voice from the corridor behind them. "He wants no liability should something happen to any of your company. You were told we would see to your needs and so we shall."

"I must insist you come back and let me tend to you," said a red headed male elf, appearing by their side. Together the three of them were led inside, the healer guiding Fili to sit on a table. The room was large with a high ceiling and towing black stone pillars. Three of the dozen beds were now occupied, one each by Fili, Kili, and Tauriel. Kili sat, his shirt removed as a golden haired female elf dabbed at a gash on his arm. Sara came to stand in front of him.

"Hey Sara," he said, holding out his free hand for hers.

"What happened?" she asked, trying not to look at the bloody cloth piled beside him. He looked down at his arm.

"This is nothing. Don't worry, I'll be alright."

"I should go get Thorin," she said, trying to quell the queezyness in her gut. "He's been so restless waiting for you. He'd want to know."

"No need," said Legolas walking past. "I've already sent word ahead." He went to lean on a dark pillar near Tauriel who was laid out, face down on one of the beds, her left leg bared to the thigh. On her calf a deep jagged cut.

"What happened to Tauriel?" whispered Sara, leaning closer to Kili. His face fell and he looked away, his cheeks flushing slightly. It was Tauriel herself who answered.

"As you no doubt noticed, the spider's legs have two sharp claws at the end of each appendage. Unfortunately I was not quite fast enough to avoid them." Kili cleared his throat, looking a bit guilty. "I'm afraid it was a large part of the reason we were so late in returning."

"How so?" asked Legolas, folding his arms and watching the healers move to and fro.

"There were many more of the creatures than I had anticipated," said Tauriel, propping herself up on her elbows to be better heard. Despite our best efforts, we were forced to attempt to outrun them so we could take them on a few at a time rather than be swarmed. Unfortunately we traveled quite a distance from the path and after I was injured, it made our return very slow."

"Oakenshield and myself found ourselves in an extensive nest, one of the biggest yet, though it was largely empty. I suspect it was these inhabitants that you encountered," said Legolas, reaching a hand to touch the toothed hilt of Orcrist. Sara hoped he was not going to wear it on his hip for the remainder of their stay. Thorin would not appreciate it and there was no doubt that he would spot it.

"I thought it was your job to get rid of the spider's, especially the ones close to your home? How did so many go so go unnoticed?" asked Sara, trying not to look as the healer stitched up Kili's arm. She was feeling a bit queasy, and she wasn't sure if it was still some lingering effects of the drug or the needle pushing through Kili's skin. Her stomach gurgled noisily. Perhaps she was hungry, or maybe it was all three.

"It is our jobs," said Tauriel, looking pointedly at Legolas, gritting her teeth as the orderlies worked on her leg. "It doesn't take long for them to overcome an area, especially in the numbers we encountered. I have suggested to your father many times that we should track them to their source and destroy them once and for all, but he has refused me every single time. We should have acted sooner. Now with the shift of power in the forest, I fear it may be too late."

"Father has his reasons," said Legolas, looking away. "It is not our fight."

"It is our fight," argued Tauriel. "They invaded our lands, kill the forest and its inhabitants, and now are even attacking us on our own path. Under any other circumstances, with any other race or creature that would be more than enough to constitute a war, but yet we are forbidden from eradicating them properly. How is it not our fight?"

"These are not normal circumstances," said Legolas. "You are still young and your memory is not as long as mine, nor the Kings. I may not always agree with my father, but I can understand. In time you will as well." The room fell uncomfortably silent. Sara chewed at her lip. Apparently she had accidentally opened an old can of worms with her question. She floundered for something to say to break the tension but was spared by the arrival of Thorin.

"Uncle," called Fili and Kili from their perspective places. The red head tending to Fili huffed in irritation, as Fili stood brushing him a way to greet Thorin. Giving it up as a bad job, the elf began to clean up as Thorin came to stand before Kili and Sara. She stood, making room for him.

"Well met Kili," said Thorin, bending to press his forehead Kili's. "I'm much relieved to see your return, though I would prefer to see you in better health."

"He will heal quickly," said the elf, pulling the final stitch closed. "These sutures are mostly a formality."

"Thanks," muttered Kili, as the elf began to wrap his arm. The healer nodded and Thorin began to question Fili and Kili. Sara moved off to the side, giving them a chance to catch up, and found herself near Tauriel and Legolas.

"I should go inform father," said Legolas, shouldering off the pillar, leaving them in a slightly awkward silence.

"I didn't mean to start an argument. I'm sorry," said Sara, after a miniet, sitting down in the chair next to Tauriel.

"You didn't," said Tauriel, letting herself sink to rest her head on her arms. "It's an old argument between us."

"How's your leg? Are you going to be alright?"

"I'm fine," Scoffed Tauriel, "I have recovered from much worse than this."

"I'm glad," said Sara, starting as a hand fell on her shoulder. She looked up at Thorin.

"Come Sara, we are being escorted back." He gave an unpleasant emphasis to the word 'escorted.'

"Alright," she said, rising. They made their way to where Fili, Kili, and Airidan stood waiting in the doorway.

"In future you should not wander off. We are not in Rivendell."

"It's not like I got lost this time. Airidan brought me to visit Dwalin and Fili and Kili turned up," she defended.

"Still, I would sleep easier if you told one of us before you left, regardless of who accompanies you."

"I don't know," said Sara as they turned into the hallway. Fili and Kili were ahead, whispering quietly in dwarvish. "You seemed to be sleeping quite soundly when I left. I bet I could have drawn all over your face and you would never have known."

"You wouldn't do that."

"Maybe not, but I could have. You were dead to the world."

"And how would you know how unresponsive I was?" he asked shrewdly.

"Lets just say I ran a number of tests," she said. He frowned.

"Perhaps I was more tired than I realized."

"To be honest, I think we all are. A few days of forced rest might do us all some good." Her stomach growled unhappily. When was the last time she ate? Not recently enough, came her gut's answer. Fili and Kili, slowed, falling in on either side of them, as they neared their hallway.

"First things first," said Fili. "Before anything else, I want to eat. I'm so hungry I could eat a whole stag on my own."

"Agreed," nodded Kili. "I'm starving."

"Well I've got you both beat," said Sara watching Thorin out of the corner of her eye. "I'm so hungry I would like to eat a whole rhino." Thorin's eyes flicked to her and a smirk creased his lips.

Kili frowned and asked, "What on Middle Earth is a rhino anyway?"