Torn In Two | Thorin Oakenshield |

7. How Can I Now?

A/N: More interactions between Arina and Thorin in this one! Had fun writing it.

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"... I know you stole some medicine. Use it on her now."
"But what if we-"
"I said now!"

The faint conversation in the distance fades in and out as my senses try to recover from the unspeakable pain. I can't even lift a finger without feeling some sort of cramp and my eyelids refuse to open. The sensation of being trapped within my own body is agony and I don't even know who's around me.

"She's in pretty bad shape..."
"... saved you from being captured instead."

Something wet and cool is placed on my burning forehead and I unknowingly hum in relief. Seconds later fingers begin to brush against my cheek but I hiss when they rub against a bruise. They immediately back away at my reaction and gently turn my head to the side, probably inspecting the wound.

"Those orcs are going to pay." A moment of thick silence lingers in the air and the amount of malice in their tone, makes me want to cower in fear. "Do whatever you can to save her."

A faint scent tickles my noise when they move and I smile internally upon recognizing it. Thorin. He actually found me.

An unfamiliar pull starts from within my chest at the thought of him and I blame my current condition, for not thinking straight. So what if he found you? That just means you'll live long enough to see them all suffer.

For some reason, that thought creates an empty feeling inside my core and I do my best to ignore it. This'll all be over soon Arina and you won't have to see them ever again.

A month ago, whenever I would say those words, I always felt relief and excitement knowing that this was going to end but now... all I seem to feel is loss and regret.

What are these dwarves doing to you Arina? Especially Oakenshield? I question myself and notice something is currently being wrapped around my wounds. Minutes later something lightly drips against my lips and I can faintly taste something sweet, but it doesn't make it down my throat.

With only one option left, I struggle to stretch out my jaw but it refuses to budge just like the rest of my body. How pitiful.

"She's not strong enough to open her mouth. I won't be able to give her the medicine." Oin, I assume, says in a saddened tone and the heavy footsteps approaching sounds like Thorin.

"How bad does she need it?" He asks and I force myself to stay conscious just a bit longer. Curious to see what will happen and if I'll be safe to rest.

There's a heavy sigh and a gentle grip is placed on my arm. "It'll help her greatly to recover. This is the Elves most powerful remedy and she's no doubt experiencing internal pain." Got that right. Azog's stupid blade did more damage when he twisted it and he gave me more cuts after.

"Without it I'm afraid she'll-"

"Give it to me." Thorin snaps and I start to wonder what he can do that the healer can't.

"Wait. Thorin-"

A soft, warm touch is gently placed against my lips and it helps part my mouth. The sweet taste from the liquid sends sparks throughout my body and I'm suddenly in desperate need for more. A wave of burning relief gradually washes over me and I can already feel how potent this medication truly is.

Leave it to the Elves to make something so strong and powerful. Though, my ability to move has yet to return but I'm thankful that all the pain has started to fade.

With a few more gulps, the heavenly substance vanishes but the weight against my lips is still present. What is that? Confused and slightly dazed from the fast acting drug, I don't give it a second thought and it's later removed anyway.