Erebor's Guardian

Chapter 33

I opened my eyes slowly. I looked around to see the emerald walls of Erebor. There were lanterns with almost no light. The room looked to be a medical room. I looked down to see a furred blanket over me. As I slowly sat up I saw bandages wrapped around my arms and chest. I grunted in pain as I tried to move. I unfolded my wings gently to see that they were no longer gold but black. I reached out to them, they seemed to be fine, it seemed the colour and size were the only changes. I heard the sound of the door to the chambers open, I looked up to see Bilbo and Ori holding a bowl and rags. I smiled lightly as they ran to the side of the bed.

"Paephan, thank goodness your awake."

Bilbo jumped at me giving me a huge hug, dropping the bowl of water to the ground.

"Bilbo. How...How long have I been asleep."

"An entire week, Thranduil himself healed you and he was able to heal your wings but he told us that you were not the same."

As Bilbo explained what had happened I looked up to the sound of footsteps running down the hall to see two dwarfs stop in their tracks and lightly hit the door.

I looked at the door to see Kili and Fili at the door. They had bandages around their chests as well and were wearing light coats around themselves.

"Paephan!" they both yelled out rushing over to me and they jumped at the foot of the bed and rushed to hug me.

"Kili, Fili!"

I wrapped my arms around them and laughed with them. The sound of footsteps running through the hall caused me to look up. I saw Thorin standing there, he was breathing deeply. He looked like he hadn't slept for days. He had some bandages around him as well but he wore a long thin cloak with a light layer of fur. He looked straight at me.

"Paephan."

I smiled as he walked toward me, Kili and Fili hopped off the bed and Bilbo ran to the door yelling for the others to come. Thorin stood next to me and held his hand out for me. I smiled as I took his hand and pulled him toward me, giving him a gentle hug. I smiled as his hair brushed against my face. I felt Thorin wrap his arms around me as he spoke.

"Don't ever scare me like that again."

I chuckled a little.

"Not if I can save you."

The others came in and started to cheer and smile upon seeing me. I saw Thorin become slightly annoyed from the interruption. Just as he was about to turn his head to them and speak. I laid a hand on his cheek and turned him back to me, giving him a light kiss. The others smiled and chuckled at the sight. Thorin sighed as he held me close once more.

"Ah, I am pleased to see that you are healed."

I looked up to see Thranduil and Legolas at the door. Slowly Thranduil walked down to the side of the bed as Legolas followed behind him. Thorin moved out of the way as Thranduil gently held one of the wings in his hands.

"They are not the same are not the same. What happened?"

I looked up at Thranduil and then to Thorin and let out a sigh.

"I saw Durin."

All of the dwarves looked to me in surprise and awe.

"Durin? You. You saw him?" Balin asked

"Yes, he told me how I survived. It seems I gave up my immortality to save Thorin."

"Paephan..."

I turned to Thorin who showed a worried expression. I looked at the wound over Thorin's chest. I held a hand to it and sighed once more.

"Thorin, I couldn't... I couldn't save your father. but I could save you."

Thranduil bowed his head before turning away.

"I see. I would wish to have a word with you once you heal."

Before Thranduil could even take a step away, I moved a wing in front of him.

"I know what you wish."

Thranduil turned his head to Thorin as he placed a hand on mine.

"Can you swear that they will be returned to me."

Thorin looked up at him and nodded his head.

"Then the debt is paid."

Thranduil started to walk away, when he reached the door he smirked and turned his head to me.

"Don't strain your wounds, I wouldn't want to intrude on you and your king."

Thorin blushed at his words as I giggled at the statement. The others were holding their laughter as Thranduil and Legolas left. After a few moments, they all started to laugh.

"Uncle, your face! Hahahaha."

Bilbo and I were smiling as Dwalin and Balin congratulated Thorin.