Heart of a Warrior ➝ The Hobbit ✓

Part Thirteen

Hey guys!
First of all, thank you so much for all the reads and votes, I really appreciate it!
Sorry I haven't updated in a while; I've been revising for my Science Exam.
I hope you're liking it so far! I'm a little stuck for ideas, 'cause I want to extend it a bit. If anyone has any suggestions and doesn't mind sharing them, please feel free to message me. I'd really appreciate it.
That's all...

Thanks!
~ _imagine_fantasy_

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PART THIRTEEN ~

Fili started humming a soft tune as he led the way through the maze of foliage. Long, gnarled branches reached out like fingers above them, creating a dense canopy and cutting off any shafts of sunlight that may have brought about a happier mood.

Alissa had already explained her and Kili's ordeal, obviously missing out the kiss, which was still making her heart pump furiously when she thought of it.

After a while of silence between the two, Alissa spoke. "How'd you escape?" She asked, for she was deeply curious as to how he defeated such a large number of orcs after being wounded and bound.

Fili glanced at her with a raised eyebrow, and stayed silent for some time, letting the breeze blow about him. Alissa's hair billowed out behind her and the keen wind bit at her face; the trees seemed to provide no shield against it.

"I killed them all and ran."

Alissa glared at him, rolling her eyes. She sighed, but didn't push him any further. They carried on walking in silence, occasionally stopping for a short rest or to quench their thirst. The wind rustled through the trees, sending leaves skirting through the undergrowth and swirling about Alissa's legs in a whirlwind of foliage.

After some time, Fili abruptly stopped in his tracks and started glancing about him gingerly. His gaze scanned through the pressing darkness of the towering trees.

Eventually, he nodded. "I know where we are. The camp is this way."

Alissa's heart erupted with hope. Once they reached the clearing in which the orcs had been slaughtered, Alissa knew the way to the cave and they'd reach Kili in no time. If he was still there, that was.

Fili started off walking in the direction he belived was correct. Then, after a while, he quickened his pace, and they started jogging through the forest as the dwarf picked up their somewhat muddled trail from earlier. Alissa's sheaths thumped against her legs as she followed close behind Fili.

They finally reached the clearing and Alissa's legs felt weary as fatigue dawned on her.

An eerie, unwelcoming silence seemed to settle around them as they glanced about the corpses; the constant chirping of tiny creatures instantly died down and the trees abruptly stopped rustling in the breeze.
The keen wind blew on silently, making goosebumps prickle Alissa's skin like thousands of tiny needles.

"Well. We're here," declared Fili, glancing about him warily. Alissa nodded, but stayed silent. She felt somewhat uncomfortable stood amid the dead orcs. She hastily leapt over to the other side of the clearing, which was devoid of any corpses.

"We should rest for the night," Fili said, springing over the bodies to join Alissa. "In the cave? Or outside?"

Alissa pondered on the question, glancing at Fili. His face was blank. "Outside," she decided. "But we should move the bodies first."

Fili nodded, saying nothing, and got to work dragging the bodies in the cave. Alissa bounded over to help him, although she couldn't help the queasy feeling that ran through her stomach.

"You okay?" Fili asked, raising an eyebrow as the girl's pale pallor. She nodded and gulped loudly, continuing with the job she had to do.

Fili shrugged and pulled the last body over the bloodied soil and into the dark cave.

Alissa glanced at the sky and saw that the sun was starting to sink low in the horizon, tinging the sky a darker shade, and the pale disk was quickly slipping out of sight. Complete darkness would be soon be upon them.

Fili came out of the cave, breathing heavily, his forehead gleaming with sweat.

"Would it be stupid to risk a fire?" Alissa asked, jumping slightly as Fili let his pack drop to the floor with a thump!

Fili pondered on the question and shrugged, glancing up at the sky. "Probably. We'll leave it for tonight."

Alissa nodded and flopped to the floor, a great weariness washing over her.

Fili did the same and starting rustling through the contents of his pack, pulling out a bundled blanket and frowning as he moved other objects about.

"Damn," he muttered, glancing up at Alissa. "We're out of food."