His Fire

I'm Sorry

Lord Elrond, along with other Elves, runs to the Medical Room, Elrond feeling his daughter's heart beat as it beats slower and slower.

He lays her on the cot and starts to prepare to heal her. The Elves start bringing out all the plants and liquids he might need.

Just hold on, Thea. Hold on.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Three Hours Later

Lord Elrond walks out of the Medical Room, to see the entire Dwarf Company waiting in the hallway. They all look at him in suspense.

"She's still with us." Lord Elrond simply says, smiling.

At this, all the Dwarves cheer, overfilled with joy and happiness. Fili also cheers, then comes up to Lord Elrond.

"May I see her?" he asks.

"She is still asleep, young one."

"Even so, may I?"

Lord Elrond, then, nods and leads Fili back into the Room. And then, Fili sees a sight that relaxes his heart.

Thea...

Free from any sign of injury, there's not even a trace of her injuries. Her dark red is back in its silky straight locks, no longer matted with blood, and flows around her. Her skin had color once again, as do her cheeks and her lips. She's now dressed in a white long sleeved nightgown.

She looks so alive, like she's only sleeping. Fili thinks.

He goes, sits next to her bed, and takes her hand, taking in every detail of her. The perfect curve of her body, the way her bottom lip is a little more fuller than her top lip, and the way she seems to glow.

She's so beautiful. Fili thinks, not for the first time.

He knew she was beautiful the first time he saw her. Thea with her dark fire red hair, soft pale peach skin, and her bright brown eyes. Everyone in the Company thinks she's beautiful.

You would have to be blind not to be able to see that she's perfect. Fili thinks, slightly smiling, and then, his smile fades.

"I'm sorry." he says to Thea. "It's my fault that you're hurt. It should have been me on that bed, not you."

"Fili," Lord Elrond says from behind him. "She would have been hurt either way."

"What makes you say that?" Fili asks.

"I know my daughter." the Elf begins. "She is the most selfless person I have ever known. From the time when she was a little girl, she always protected people, no matter what it resulted for her.

"She would have taken an arrow for you any day to keep you from harms way. And she would keep protecting you until she dropped dead."

"She almost did."

"She knew that was a possibility. She still would have done it."

"Why?"

"Perhaps you should let her tell you why."

Fili let's that sink in and decides to ask Thea when she would wake up. After a moment of silence, Fili asks Lord Elrond a question.

"So, you were the one who found her in the woods and adopted her?"

"Yes," Lord Elrond answers. "And not a day goes by when I am grateful that I did. She has been a blessing to my life and the lives of our people."

"Has she made you proud?"

"Everyday of her life. Becoming a Ranger, saving countless villages and kingdoms. And joining this quest of yours."

Fili smiles after hearing the way Thea's father spoke about her. Full of love, care, and an edge of protection.

"Now," Lord Elrond says. "If you will pardon me, I must go prepare this evening's feast, and may I suggest that you freshen yourself before then. You never know what might happen."

Fili nods before Lord Elrond leaves him alone with Thea. It's the first time they're alone since Bilbo's house.

"I am truly sorry, Thea." he starts again. "I promised you that I would protect you. 'Always' is what I said. "Instead, you protected me, you're hurt instead of me.

"I broke my promise. And I am so so sorry."

He stands up to leave and leans down til his face is above hers.

And he kisses her cheek.

Then, he walks away to fix his appearance for the feast. Thankfully, taking Lord Elrond's word. Because as we all know,............

Anything can happen during a feast.