The Navigator

Departure...?

Vistial stood with the Company. After what happened last night, Bard had stormed off. Vistial had attempted to go after him, but Thorin had prevented her from following. A night and a party later, the Company stood at the docks, about to set off for the Mountain.

"You do know we're one short." Vistial says, scanning the Company. "Where's Bofur?"

"If he's not here, we leave him behind. We'll have to." Thorin says. Vistial was taken back by his reply. "If we're to find the door before nightfall, we can risk no more delays." Vistial follows Dwalin into the boat. Turning around, she sees Thorin stop Kili.

"Not you. We must travel at speed. You will slow us down." Kili's look of distraught hit Vistial like a rock.

"What are you talking about? I'm coming with you."

"Not now." Thorin says.

"I'm going to be there when that door is opened. When we first look upon the Halls of our Fathers, Thorin."

"Kili, stay here. Rest. Join us when you're healed." Vistial couldn't watch anymore. She could feel it in her heart. She needed to stay with Kili.

"What are you doing, lass?" Dwalin grabs Vistial's arm as she starts to exit the boat.

"He needs me, Dwalin. I can't leave him like this." She replies. "Please, let me go." Dwalin nods, releasing his grip.

"Be careful, lassie." Vistial smiles, hugging Dwalin.

"Thank you, Dwalin." The dwarf smiles and helps her exit the boat. Thorin looks at Vistial as she leaves, and she returns the gaze.

"I'm sorry, Thorin, but I can no longer accompany you. Kili needs me more." Thorin takes a breath, then nods.

"No! No!" Bofur suddenly appears, stopping at the edge of the dock as he watches the boat sail away. He turns and sees Vistial, Oin, Kili, and Fili behind him. "So you missed the boat as well?" Vistial doesn't have time to roll her eyes as Kili suddenly keels over.

"Kili? Kili!" Oin immediately drops next to him.

"It's not good. We need to get some medicine." Oin says. Vistial turns and spots the Lake-town Master.

"Lake Master! Wait!" She runs after him. The Master turns at his title and sees the girl.

"Oh my. My dear, did you miss the boat?" He asks.

"No, no I chose to stay with some others." She pants. "But we need help. One of our own is sick. We need medicine." The Master looks behind her and sees a pale Kili.

"Oh dear, he doesn't look good at all." The Master mutters.

"Do you have a doctor, or anyone who knows medicine?" She asks. The Master just looks at her in a stupor. "Do you have anyone?!"

"Leave the Master alone, child." Alfrid interferes, putting himself between Vistial and the Master. Vistial feels her blood boil and punches the man in the face. Alfrid screeches and clutches his bleeding nose.

"That was for Bard." Vistial growls. She runs back to the others. "We need to find Bard. He can help us." Fili nods and, with the help of Bofur, lifts Kili up. The dwarf groans painfully as they start to walk. Finally reaching Bard's home, Vistial rapidly knocks on the door. Bard appears, face immediately falling as he sees who it is.

"No. I'm done with dwarves. Go away." Bard says, going to shut the door. Vistial stops it with her foot.

"No, Bard, please! No one will help us." Vistial pleads. "Kili's sick. He's very sick." Bard glances between Vistial and the dwarf before nodding.

"Bring him inside." Vistial sighs in relief.

"Thank you." She moves inside and quickly sets up a bed for Kili. Bofur and Fili gently lay Kili down, who was groaning.

"Can you not do something?" Bard asks as Oin examines Kili.

"I need herbs. Something to bring down his fever." Oin states.

"I have nightshade. I have feverfew." Bard comments.

"They're no use to me." Oin waves his statement off. "Do you have any kingsfoil?"

"No, it's a weed. We feed it to the pigs." Bard states.

"Pigs? Weed. Right." Bofur lights up, running out the door. He turns around and points at Kili. "Don't move." Vistial rolls her eyes at him. Like Kili was going anywhere anytime soon.

"Come on, Kili. Hang in there." Vistial encourages, unfallen tears burning her eyes. Fili pats her back soothingly.

"He's going to be okay. He's strong." Fili says, partly reassuring himself. Vistial nods. She grabs Kili's hand, holding it in her own.

"Stay with me, love. Help is on the way."