Thyri, Daughter of Thrain, Dragonslayer (Book 2)

The Woodland Realm (part. 2)

Thyri groans as she touches her left ribs. Thorin heard her and looks at her "Are you alright ?" She sighs "Since that fat goblin fell on us, I still have a pain in my ribs. It hurts like hell. It's like I have my ribs crushed. I had difficulties to transform into my animal form to go from Beorn's home to there. And it doesn't help when there's burns on this spot." Thorin sits in front of her and lifts a bit her shirt. He sees a big bruise alongside burns on her left ribs "This looks really bad. You can manage for the rest of the quest ?" Thyri nods and lies down "Yeah. I just need to be careful." Thorin nods, starting to stroke her hair. Meanwhile, Bilbo, invisible, sneaks through the realm. Suddenly, Thranduil steps out from behind a corner and seemingly addresses him "I know you're there. Why do you linger in the shadows ?" Bilbo gives a little start, thinking that his invisibility doesn't work. He is petrified, thinking he has been found out, when suddenly Tauriel steps out of the shadows behind him. Realizing that the king was talking to her, Bilbo sighs in relief. Tauriel says "I was coming to report to you." Thranduil says "I thought I ordered that nest to be destroyed not two moons past." Tauriel replies "We cleared the forest as ordered, my lord, but more spiders keep coming up from the south. They are spawning in the ruins of Dol Guldur. If we could kill them at their source-" Thranduil interrupts Tauriel "That fortress lies beyond our borders. Keep our lands clear of those foul creatures, that is your task." Tauriel asks "And when we drive them off, what then ? Will they not spread to other lands ?"

Thranduil tells her "Other lands are not my concern. The fortunes of the world will rise and fall, but here in this kingdom, we will endure." Bilbo sneaks away. Thranduil, hearing a noise caused by Bilbo, looks his way. However, he looks back at Tauriel as she bows and walks away "Legolas said you fought well today." Tauriel smiles. Thranduil continues "He has grown very fond of you." Tauriel looks away, shocked and embarrassed "I assure you, my lord, Legolas thinks of me as no more than a captain of the guard." Thranduil walks past Tauriel to pour himself a cup of drink "Perhaps he did once. Now, I'm not so sure." Tauriel stays rooted in her spot, looking worried "I do not think you would allow your son to pledge himself to a lowly Silvan elf." Thranduil tells her "No, you are right. I would not. Still, he cares about you. Do not give him hope where there is none." Behind Thranduil's back, Tauriel looks worried and anguished.