Under Attack!

Chapter 17:

The next morning Fili sensed his brother right next to him after waking up. However, there was another presence at his other side. That must be Thorin. I'll better have a closer look at him. Hopefully, he is alright. Fili stood up and made sure his uncle was well. As soon as Fili's body warmth was gone Kili curled tighter into Thorin's protective arms and a smile appeared on the face of the ever stoic Thorin Oakenshield. The nephew watched his family with joy in his heart.

Then he sensed another being behind him.

"He looks peaceful when he sleeps", said Bilbo from behind. "Not as dark and brooding like usual."

"He always had times where he'd get that distant look and would not laugh anymore but back home in Ered Luin he also enjoyed playing and trainings with us. Mum says he wasn't always like this, that he was a fun big brother before the dragon and especially Azanulbizar", Fili answered.

"Well I'm sure experiences such like these leave their marks on everyone."

"But not just bad but also good experiences", Fili added. "I can still remember Thorin being overjoyed when he realized he had made the perfect presents for our birthdays."

"He made presents by himself?" Bilbo asked surprised.

"Yes, he did. There were no servants for Thorin. He didn't want anyone to work for him although he would have had the right. He made sure that everyone was fed and content with his life in Ered Luin. And he himself worked in a forge to provide money for our family. In winter I wasn't sure whether he himself did not go hungry just so that Mum, Dad, Kili and me weren't starving. He did everything for his kin and I will follow his example if he thinks me worthy."

"I am sure he does. You know he always reserves a smile for the both of you and throughout the day he always looks after you. Why would he do that if he thought you unworthy?" Bilbo tried to convince Fili.

"I know. He loves us dearly. I'm just so concerned about him. He has taken far too many injuries in the last days and uncle hasn't even properly rested yet. I just wish that he'll be alright."

"I'm sure he'll be. We will all do our best to help him. He is the king and leader after all and my friend if I might say so. I owe him my life at least twice now and I will not leave until the debt is paid." Bilbo looked Fili determined in the eye and the heir believed every single word to be true.

"Master Baggins, you do not owe me anything! It is my duty to protect the ones under my command." At these words Bilbo flinched slightly.

"But I will always protect those I care about and since all members of this company are considered family to me I will do everything to keep them safe!" Bilbo startled and looked surprised into Thorin's steely eyes and recognized the passion and fire burning in their depths and he believed every word.

Fili was looking back and forth between the two of them but did not utter a word until his arm was squeezed and he became aware of his brother at his side.

"We should wake the rest and make some breakfast. I am starving!" Kili exclaimed.

"Well then if you two would be kind enough to help your old uncle up?" Thorin said from the forest floor.

"Of course uncle and you're not old!"Kili answered and both nephews managed to hoist Thorin onto his feet. He shaky and in pain but he would not let anyone argue with him. Stubborn these dwarves, very stubborn, Bilbo thought to himself.

As the trio limped to the middle of their small campsite Bilbo roused the other dwarves with his own special methods. He learned quickly never to wake a sleeping dwarf. They would kick and punch and shout abuse at the poor creature stealing their precious hours of sleep.

Bilbo threw small rocks and branches at the dwarves from afar. Some of them though did not want to wake so the Halfling used another technique. Since it was a nice warm morning which was actually quite uncommon for autumn he decided to pour some water over his companions. A bucket of water made it into the faces of Bombur, Bofur, Nori and surprisingly Dwalin. Usually he was one of the earliest up and about but after the past few stressful days he had needed the rest.

Soon all of the company were sitting around the campfire, eating a delicious breakfast and enjoying the last rays of the summer sun.

Fili was content.

He knew they still had a long way to go until they would reach the mountain. He also knew that it would not be easy for Thorin with his injuries but he believed in his uncle and friends. He knew they would make it no matter the cost, they would see their homeland reclaimed. In the end after all the perils they had faced and were about to face in the future they would all sit in the halls of their forefathers in Erebor and celebrate the return of the king under the mountain with a spectacular feast. But the company they would keep was most important.

After all family was the only good to be treasured beyond measure.

THE END

So this is it. I am terribly sorry, that it took so long for me to finish it. I just couldn't think of an end that would satisfy me and I suppose I forgot about this story too. Then I watched the last Hobbit movie last week and I remembered that there was a story to finish so here it is. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

I hope it's a worthy end to this story. Thank you to all the readers who kept waiting and were patient with me.

Again humble apologies.

Efnie