The Hobbit and Her Memories

CHAPTER 6

THALIA'S POV

"Kili!" I called, cutting down orcs as I made my way up the old stairs. My legs were sore and cramped from running and climbing; my fingers were bloody and clammy. It hurt to swing my weapon.

But I didn't give up. I couldn't give up. "Kili!" I called again.

"Thalia!" I heard his voice echo through the ruins. I raced towards it while fighting. Then, I saw him.

He was fighting a giant pale orc, but it wasn't Azog. This orc had metal embedded in his skull and shoulders and had a glass eye. He was huge compared to Azog. The weapon he used gave me chills as I approached the monster from behind.

I jabbed my blade in his thigh and he bellowed. Then, he swung his weapon, which was long shaft with a stake at one end and an axe at the other, and nailed me in the torso. I flew backwards and slammed into the crumbled stone wall. My sword was thrown out of hand. My vision went blurry and my body was shot with pain.

"Thalia! No!" I heard Kili yell. I tried to focus as I watched Kili fought the monster. Suddenly, the orc thrust his hand and gripped Kili's throat. "Kili!" I cried and I struggled to my feet. But it was too late.

The monster used the stake end and jabbed Kili in the stomach. "NO!!!" I screamed. Tears fell from my face. "No..." The orc dropped Kili down and faced me. With what seemed to be a smirk, he stumbled his way towards me. I pressed myself against the wall.

No, it can't end this way. I don't want to die. Not yet. The orc raised the stake, and I squeezed my eyes shut, waiting for impact.

But then, nothing happened. I opened my eyes and found the Elf Prince, Legolas in front of me with his blade in the orc's gut. The orc choked on blood and collapsed dead.

I took deep breathes, as Legolas turned and glanced down at me. He must've noticed my horrified look, because he knelt down and swallowed me in his strong arms. He held me for a couple of seconds before releasing. I dragged myself towards Kili, who laid motionless.

"Kili..." I wept. I brushed his cheek with the back of my hand, and his eyes fluttered open. He sputtered and blood trickled down the corner of his mouth. "Thalia..." he coughed. Tears rolled down my cheeks.

"Don't move." I ordered. "Save your strength." Kili forced a smile, and placed a hand on my cheek. "Don't be sad...I don't want the last thing I see is a frown on your face." I laced my fingers in his and placed it against my lips, then on my heart.

Then, I smiled for him.

Kili breathed deeply. "I fell in love with you when I first saw that smile." He gazed into my eyes. He tighten his grip around my fingers. I saw tears fall from the corner of his eyes. "I love you, Thalia."

"I love you, too." I said. I leaned down and gently placed my lips on his. His eyes closed as I kissed him, and when I released it...he was gone.

I sobbed over his body. Legolas placed both hands on my shoulders, and I buried my face in his chest. Legolas held me and stroked my hair, saying soothing words. Then, he tried to get me to my feet and away from Kili's body.

"No..." I cried. "I want to stay!" Legolas knelt down to my level. "Thalia, it's dangerous here. I'm going to get you to safety." He tried again, but I stepped away. "No, I won't run! I've come too far to run!"

Legolas stared at me, but then nodded. "I understand." he bowed his head. Then, without another word, he stood up and left me.

I breathed in and out.

Thorin and Bilbo. They'll need my help.

And with those words and one last glance at Kili's body, I raced to save the ones I love.