From Other Worlds

The Mountain

Dawn spread across the lake when they made it to shore. The dwarves hurrying to find what they needed to continue to the mountain. Rayna walked with Tauriel to find Bard, keeping the girls safe. Once Sigrid and Tilda ran for their father they walked in silence back to the dwarves.

"Good luck on your journey." Tauriel wished them as Rayna walked for the boat.

"Tauriel wait!" Kili called to her. Rayna put all her focus into loading the boat as she felt like her throat was going to close.

"Come with us." Kili said to Tauriel.

"I can't."

"Cause we're dwarves?"

"I have to track the orcs and meet Legolas." Tauriel offered back, "Good luck with your star maiden from another world."

"Oh I know how I feel. I'm not afraid." Kili beamed.

Rayna could only clearly hear Kili and the blood in her ears as it rushed around like her emotions, reeling them in as she looked up.

"Legolas." Rayna walked over to him as he appeared behind Tauriel.

"You're all well. That's good."

"Yes. Thank you."

"Did they tell you how they made it out?"

"We both know they don't have to. Bilbo took them to the cellar, got them out in wine barrels. Quite smart actually. And then you didn't have to commit treason against your father." Rayna pointed out. Legolas gave her a small laugh, and saw Kilis glare.

"I think the tall dwarf is fond of you."

"I've been told."  Rayna sighed, "Where did you go?"

"Gundabad."

"Go back with Tauriel. We'll need you to scout and let us know what you find." Rayna nodded.

"You think the king under the mountain will let us near enough to tell you?" Legolas had raised his brows.

"You only need to make it back to Dale to inform Gandalf. Go, quickly." Rayna held a hand out to Legolas. He extended his hand and they gripped forearms in a shake, a silent understanding of a start of a friendship in the very least, "Tauriel, thank you." She said before turning to the boat where the dwarves waited.

"What was that all about?" Fili asked.

"Thanking him for releasing me, and helping me get back to you." Rayna answered sitting at the front of the boat. Ignoring all other conversation and watching the mountain get closer as they made their way to Erebor.

Rayna was surprised at how fast the dwarves were walking, Kili especially although he did favour his left leg over his right. It was when this thought of hers occurred that Kili stumbled. Being directly behind him Rayna rushed to catch him as he hissed in pain.

"I think it's time to take a rest." said Oin, stopping with the group.

"It's fine." Kili tried to stand up and Rayna gently pushed him back down.

"No. You need to rest for a minute. The mountain isn't going anywhere."

"I can walk fine." Kili protested.

"Kili, you are hurt. You just almost died. The dragon is dead and the mountain reclaimed. There is no need to rush, you have time." Rayna tried to reason with him.

"Yes and you would know." Kili snapped.

Rayna sighed, letting her head fall to her hand that came to pinch the bridge of her nose then she stood, "Save me from the stubborness of dwarves." she began walking towards the mountain.