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33: Returned to Family

33: Returned to Family

I felt something cold touch my face, and I jolted up.

"Amrâlimê, it's just me," Kili said softly and I relaxed.

I wiped my eyes, "What's wrong this time?"

"Nothing, we're leaving," Bofur said.

He, Fili, and Oin were already packing in a boat. I blinked rapidly and looked around.

"What? So soon? Where's Tauriel?" I stood up from the rocks.

Oin replied, "Well did you think we would stay?"

I scowled at him.

"I am here."

I turned around and Tauriel was helping a girl. The girl was pale, and her side was covered in blood.

My voice was laced with concern, "Tauriel, what's happening?"

"I don't know what to do, she's-" she sniffed and was holding the girl's head.

I crouched down and Kili did the same.

"Tauriel, she's fading," Kili said quietly.

Dying?

My sad eyes looked down at the girl. Her eyes were fluttering, and her breathing was ragged.

She shook her head, "No, there has to be something we can do."

Kili held her hand, "We cannot help her. We have to go now."

"But I can't- How can I-?" Tauriel tried to say.
Her eyes glistened with tears.

I closed my eyes and held the dying girl's hand, "You were loved, you are loved. You are an amazing person. You can die in peace," I smiled down at her.

She died with a smile etched on her face.

Tears leaked out of my closed eyes as her hand went limp in mine.

"No," Tauriel whispered and kept holding her hand.

"Tauriel," Kili whispered, "She's gone."

Where were her loved ones? Did they die too? Was she alone?

"But-" A tear dripped down her face.

"It's okay. You've never seen death before huh?" I asked softly and Tauriel shook her head.

I wiped my eyes as Kili closed the girl's.

She sniffed, "Have you?"

I brought her to me and held her.

"No, but my grandma died a few years ago. She was the only family member who loved me," I said and she nodded in my chest.

"Come on. Let's let her rest in," he said something, "now."

Tauriel nodded and we all stood up. I wiped her tears and she smiled.

"We're leaving!" Fili yelled and I huffed.

Kili and I turned back to Tauriel.

She said, "They are your people, you must go."

"Come with us," Kili blurted.

She sighed, "I can't."

She started to turn away, but Kili caught her hand.

"Tauriel," he paused then said, "amrâlimê."

Her eyes widened along with mine. I had to get used to all of us.

"I-I do not know what that means," she shook her head.