Heart of a Warrior ➝ The Hobbit ✓

Part Twenty-Three

PART TWENTY-THREE ~

Alissa awoke instantly. Something cold and wet was being pressed against her stomach, sending lances of pain wracking through her body like an icy dagger. She mumbled something inaudible and groaned, arching her back in agony.

"Hey, hey. Calm down," Soothed a voice. "It's okay. Just relax."

Alissa nodded and bit back another cry of protest. She brought her gaze down and winced as she saw the cause of her pain. A large gash ran the width of her stomach, coated crimson, though, surprisingly, it was not as deep as she thought. Blood gushed from the open wound, pooling on the grass beneath her. Her breathing came out in sharp, shallow rasps as she restrained herself from clutching at the wound. 

Her body suddenly writhed in pain as more pressure was applied to the wound, and the water pierced her skin.

Her vision was still somewhat clouded, and she was unable to recognise the figure in front of her.

"Kili?" She mumbled, her eyes flickering as the world swam around her. The figure nodded and she saw traces of a soothing smile appear on the face.

"Yes. It's me, Alissa."

The girl relaxed and let her head drop to the ground. Her gaze stayed glued to the wavering trees above her, their outstretched branches entwined into an intricate pattern, shielding her face from the evening sun. The leaves rustled in the wind, dropping delicately from the branches and floating softly to the ground, before skittering along the grassy floor.

Alissa's tried her best to embrace the pain, to numb it from her mind and focus on something else. Kili. How glad she was to be with him again. To have him in her sight, her touch.

Her mind eased and she felt at peace again, and slowly, her head tilted to one side and she fell into a relaxed sleep.

~

"Alissa?" A soft voice roused her from her sleep, echoing through her mind as it bounced off her walls of thoughts.

She murmured and whimpered softly, her lips quivering as her eyes jerked open. The cool morning breeze blew about her, waking her from sleep, and the glaring sun blinded her vision as she scanned her surroundings. 

Confused and somewhat disorientated, she pushed herself onto her elbows, her vision flickering from side to side. She suddenly caught sight of a face, and her eyes lit up in recognition. 

"Kili!" She cried, tears of happiness springing to her eyes. She leapt from the ground and into the arms of the dwarf, ignoring the dull throb and the restraint of the stiff bandage wrapped around her abdomen.

The dwarf wrapped his arms around her body and held her tight as she buried her face into his shoulder, letting the tears flow freely. 

"I'm so sorry I left you," Kili whispered, gently stroking her hair. She shook her head, unable to speak for the happiness she felt.

They stayed in each others arms for some time, until she pushed herself away and they broke apart. Kili gently wiped the tears from her cheek, making her heart leap in her chest. 

"Oh, how I've missed you," she whispered, cupping her hands round his face as she gazed into his deep eyes.

He smiled softly. "And I you."

A sudden cough erupted from behind Alissa, and she tore her gaze from Kili's. Fili's eyebrow was raised, and he looked about him somewhat awkwardly.

"How is your stomach?" The older dwarf asked. Alissa smiled warmly, nodding.

"It aches a little, but fine. Thank you, Fili. For your help. For everything."

Fili shrugged and waved it away, but did nothing to conceal the grin that broke out on his face. He turned away and busied himself building a fire, muttering something inaudible. 

Kili took Alissa's arm and pulled her some distance away, behind the trees.

Alissa looked at Kili expectantly, as they cool breeze washed about them, making goosebumps prickle Alissa's skin like thousands of tiny needles. He pulled her into his arms again, closing his eyes. The girl fell into his embrace, letting the warmth from his body seep into her own shivering bones.

"I love you, Kili," She whispered softly. The dwarf only just caught her words before they drifted with the wind.

"I love you too, Alissa." 

She pulled her head from his shoulder and stroked his cheek gently, before pressing her lips on his. Kili kissed her back gently, his heart beating furiously in his chest.

He pulled away, keeping his face close to hers. "We're going to get out of this forest, and go home. And everything will be okay. I'll make sure it is," he whispered. "I promise."

THE END!!!!