Take My Pain Away

Chapter 11

Abrâ had been lying on the ground where she fell for two days. Thorin had been sleeping on his furs and felt the cold of the ground in his bones. He was frantic with worry for his One to be laying right against the cold stone.

Over the next few days word spread that the dwarves had successfully taken back Erebor. Representatives from Laketown arrived not long after; luckily with them came Gandalf.

As soon as Thorin heard that the wizard had arrived he made to find him, however before he had risen from Abrâ's side Balin led him into the hall.

Gandalf took one look at the girl and rushed to her side. He crouched over her and whispered some words before sitting back on his heels. He turned to Oin and asked, "What have you done?"

"We daren't do anything. We have kept her covered with damp blankets to wick away the heat..." Oin looked at Gandalf, he had trouble holding back his emotions. "We can't touch her!"

"No, Oin," Gandalf placed a hand on his shoulder. "You have done the right thing." He turned to Thorin, "I need you to get a stretcher ready."

"Stay here Thorin," Kili said. "I'll get one."

Thorin grinned in thanks.

Gandalf lifted the corner of the blanket covering Abrâ and heaved a sigh. "Oh, my dear girl." The burns had lost some of their redness, however they were blistered and oozing. "Oin, I need honey, aloe if you have it, athelas, and the bark of an elm tree. Also, collect all of the dried cedar you can." He grabbed Fili's arm as he went by, "Fili, my lad, get a roaring fire started in a clean room; make sure the bedding is clean and dry. I'll need plenty of blankets and hang a pot of water over the fire." Fili nodded and set off on his way.

Kili returned with the stretcher. He, Bofur, Bifur and Dwalin were at each of the four corners, ready to carry it. Gandalf, whispering under his breath, raised Abrâ from the ground and placed her on the stretcher. Slowly and carefully the dwarves made their way to the room Fili had prepared. Gandalf performed the same procedure to get Abrâ into the bed and then cleared the room of all but Oin and Thorin.

Gandalf got the water to a rolling boil and poured in the honey, athelas and the bark. He instructed Thorin to stir it. In a bowl he put in a measure of cedar and set it alight.

He made his way to the bed and peeled back the blanket. He shook his head from side to side as he removed what remained of her clothing; he mumbled as he worked. "Oin," he called. "Have someone fetch some ice."

When Oin stuck his head out the door he found the whole company waiting anxiously. "Oy! Don't you all be hanging around here, we've lots of work to do." He waved his hand in their direction, "I need some of you to go deep into the mountain and fetch back some ice."

Dwalin pointed at Bifur, Kili and Fili and instructed them to follow him. Meanwhile, the members of the company continued their pacing.

Thorin removed the brew from the fire and set the pot into a big bowl in preparation for the ice to cool it down. He then made his way to the bedside. He felt no embarrassment seeing Abrâ naked as she was, he half-grinned remembering her bravado at the creek. He sat on a chair beside her head, his heart was breaking with how badly he wanted to caress her, soothe her. He whispered to her, "Abrâ, my One. I hope you can hear me. is here, he will help," he glanced up at Gandalf as he said this. Gandalf gave him a half-smile and nodded softly.

An hour later Gandalf had Abrâ coated in his medicine and wrapped in clean linens. Her temperature was closer to normal and she seemed to be resting comfortably.

***

It was many days before Abrâ started to come around. Thorin stayed by her side through it all; only leaving to eat and get a few hours of sleep. When he was away from her bedside he insisted that either Fili or Kili stay with her.

In that time the mountain was filling with people. A party, led by Dain's right hand, Arfindel, arrived with supplies for the company; along with people who were interested in being a part of getting Erebor back to its former splendor.

Thorin's insistence on being at Abrâ's side was resulting in some discontent from the party from the Iron HIlls. As king he should be making himself available. Some lowly dwarf from Ered Lithui should not have his attention.

Fili did his best to act in his uncle's stead; Balin was ever at his side to advise but it was not enough for Arfindel.

The last straw on Thorin's (the whole company's really) nerves was the appearance of Thranduil. The elven lord was insistent on getting recompense for the loss of the jewels of Lasgalen.

Bilbo and the company, meanwhile, had been busy sorting through the horde Smaug had guarded. In it was found the Raven Crown and the elven jewels. Thorin was loathe to return the white jewels to Thranduil; he deemed them payment for being locked in the cells of Mirkwood.

Arfindel met secretly with Thranduil and agreed to return the jewels.

Thorin was in his usual place beside Abrâ when Fili came in search of guidance; Balin could advise, but in this he needed to be guided by his king. Fili fretted trying to get his uncle to leave with him, but Thorin would have none of it.

"Fili, just tell me what has happened."

"Arfindel has arranged to give the Jewels of Lasgalen to Thranduil."

Before Fili got all the words out Thorin's wrath was heard throughout the mountain. And in the room.

A soft moan rose from the bed, catching the attention of everyone in the room. Thorin rushed back to the bed and had to force himself not to take hold of Abrâ's hands. He was on his knees beside the bed, whispering, "Abrâ. Abrâ, Gayadê*, take it slow. Don't overdo it."

She blinked slowly at him and smiled, only to cringe in pain. The left side of her face was covered in dark scars and peeling skin. "Thorin, please keep it down. For some reason my head hurts."

"Abrâ, do you remember what happened to you?"

She frowned and tried to remember, she recollected...her eyes growing wide. "Did I jump on the dragon?"

Thorin chuckled, "Yes, you are full of imhaznâg**. You should not have done it!"

"So, all this is my own pain?"

"Yes, amrâlimê. We have not touched you. Gandalf has been tending to you."

"Dear Incànus," she replied sleepily.

"Alright, you go back to sleep." He smiled at her, "I promise to make no more noise."

Abrâ nodded and slipped back into sleep.

Thorin rose from the floor, clapped a hand on Fili's shoulder and growled, "Stay here."

Fili's eyebrows rose into his hairline. While he wanted to see what the king would do to Arfindel, he was also glad to be far from it. He reckoned he would hear Thorin from here.

*my joy

**courage