The Eyes of Emerald

Chapter 35

Dawn opened her eyes and saw only white. Blinking she took in her new surroundings. The ground was ice and the sky was white. The air was sharp and her breath curled in front of her. Dawn, though she had never been to the location, recognized where she was. Dawn dreadfully realized she was once again

But suddenly, she saw someone appear. Though mighty in stature, he seemed weak, strength slowly leaving. As he slowly came closer, Dawn was overjoyed to see that it was Thorin. As tears began to form, Dawn ran to her king and embraced him. Not an inch of her fear was left from their past encounter.

"Thorin!" Dawn cried into his shoulder.

"Dawn," Thorin said with a choking voice. When they separated, Thorin cupped her face, and his eyes swelled with tears, relief, and regret. "I want you to know...I meant nothing I said to you at the mountain. You are a dear friend, one who even saved my life. How I could not see, I do not know. Forgive me, please."

But then, Thorin gave a sudden grunt of pain. As Dawns eyes trailed to his chest, she saw to her horror a bloody opening at his chest. Dawn knelt down and began to dab the wound with the ends of her dress, but to no avail. The cloth wouldn't even collect a drop of blood.

"Dawn, Azog is dead, and I will be as well," Thorin said calmly. "I don't have much time."

"No, no, no, no! No, don't say that. I can save you! I've saved you before I can do it again!"

"No, you can't!" Thorin said firmly as he took hold of her hands, directing them away from his wound. Dawn looked up to him an confusion. "Why not?" she asked.

"You already shed your tears for me once. It cannot be repeated," he stated. He then looked upon her braids that Fili had made. Fili, on dear god Fili. She didn't know, and he didn't have the heart to tell her. And yet, there was still hope. "...but, you must find Fili," he said.

Dawn gave a questioning look. "Fili? Why must I find him? What happened?"

But suddenly, Thorin slowly began to fade. "What's happening!" Dawn cried.

"I must leave you. Please, find Fili," Thorin said as calmly as he could perform. "Dawn...thank you."