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Mending the Broken Pieces	By : LadyLaran Category: Lord of the Rings Movies > Het - Male/Female Views: 13613 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own "the Hobbit" nor do I make money from this story. Tolkien and Jackson are the ones who own the characters and world.

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Author’s Note – I will be the first to admit that battle scenes are not my favorite to write so I decided to approach the Battle of Five Armies in a different way then I did with “A Hobbit’s Rescue.” I just hope everyone enjoys it; I know my mother, who beta read this chapter for me before she passed away, was very pleased with it.

Disclaimer – I do not own “the Hobbit” nor do I make money from this story. The only thing I own are the original characters created to help the story move forward.

Chapter Forty-six – The Battle

As Hawthorn stood on a small battlement near the gate, she shivered as an air of quiet settled over the lands in front of the mountain. It was almost eerie just how still it was; considering the amount of troops waiting for their adversary, one would think there would be a tremendous amount of noise to fill the air.

“Are you all right, Miss Hawthorn,” Ori asked, standing near the future queen.

“It’s so quiet,” she murmured, staring at the assembled mixture of men, elves, and dwarrow. “It’s unnerving to see so many people and not hear a thing.”

“It gives the soldiers time to steady themselves, pray to their makers, as well as make any last minute changes to armor or weapons,” Helka answered. “It will get noisy soon when Dain and Thorin give the signal for the war chants to start to help boost the focus of the dwarrow soldiers as well as gain our Maker’s protection and blessing.”

A deep voice was soon heard, and it was one Hawthorn easily recognized. Thorin was chanting loudly in Khuzdul, and Ori translated for her.

“We are on the field of destiny,
home is behind and evil ahead.
The time is now to defend our home!”

“Mahal strengthens our arms and shields,” the dwarrow shouted in unison.

“The enemy approaches,
our arms will not falter,
our axes will not break!”

“Mahal strengthens our arms and shields,” the others shouted back, energy building in the air as their voices filled with determination.

“Our shields remain sturdy,
our courage will hold, and
the enemy will fail against our might!”

“Mahal strengthens our arms and shields,” they responded again.

“We are the children of Mahal;
we are stone, and we do not fear
our destiny or fate.”

“Mahal strengthens our arms and shields,” the response was heard once more.

“The fires will burn in
forge and hearth; feasts
will be had in home or
Maker’s Halls!”

“Mahal strengthens our arms and shields,” they all roared one last time.

“Mahal strengthens our arms and shields,” Thorin roared back.

Hawthorn shivered at the sound, eyes wide as she heard the chant’s response from the troops on the ground and those archers who were dwarrow that were stationed on the battlements of Erebor.

“If I were going to fight against dwarrow and heard that, I think I’d run far away,” the hobbit said, making the two with her laugh. “That was incredible; do other armies do something similar?”

“I’m not sure if they do or not,” Helka answered. “Dwarrow have used chants like this since our fathers woke. I’ve heard chants for miners and smiths as well as soldiers, songs too.”

“We’re taught the general ones when we’re small and learn the ones applicable to our craft when we go into our apprenticeship,” Ori shared.

“Even scribes?”

“We have songs,” he answered. “I’ll teach you those when we have time because you’ll need to know them being a master in the Scrivener’s Guild.”

“I’m anxious to learn them,” she replied, shivering hard when the army of orcs and other fell creatures appeared. “Blessed Yavanna, protect them from such evil.”

She could hear Helka and Ori murmur something in Khuzdul, realizing it was probably a plea for protection as well. Hawthorn added her own plea to Mahal, hoping He would listen to the words of a hobbit.

The still silence was broken when the armies shouted, and a signal had been given where the archers unleashed their deadly volley against the invading group. Screams of pain could be heard when the arrows struck true, and wave after wave of arrows were sent to bring down the numbers.

“Not enough,” Helka murmured as the ground troops rushed to engage each other.

“What is,” she asked the other female, eyes fixed on the battle in front of them.

“Not enough have been taken down by the archers before the ground troops moved in,” the other answered. “There are more orcs and goblins than expected; how in Mahal’s name are they so quick to multiply?”

“I don’t think I want to know,” Ori said, keeping an eye out for ravens as well as any injured that the healers would have to go out for.

“I don’t think I do either,” Hawthorn agreed, shivering as the screams of those dying or injured began drifting up to where they stood.

The next few hours were excruciating for her as she received ravens and sent the messages on to the proper people, checked in with the healers to ensure they had everything they needed, and ensured that the humans taking shelter in the mountain were calm. Ori had hired several of the older boys who had been too young to fight in the battle to run messages inside the mountain for Hawthorn whenever the ravens were too busy.

A few of the messages were from Thorin with orders to other units where the ravens hadn’t been quite sure where to go or were exhausted. Those messages relieved her somewhat, though she knew he wasn’t badly hurt due to their bond.

Not knowing exactly how he or any of her family was doing had her stomach in knots, and it took every ounce of control she had to keep from crying or screaming as she dearly wanted to do. Ori and Helka were there to provide strength as she sent healers out again and again, fearing that one of those trips would mean seeing her loved ones being borne on a stretcher or in the arms of a healer.

“They’ll be fine, Miss Hawthorn,” Ori reassured her, understanding her worry because his brothers were out on the field as well. “We have to have faith in Mahal and their skills. Thorin is very well trained in the art of war, same as Fili and Kili. The others are keen fighters too. Just remember that, okay?”

She rested her hand on her friend’s shoulder, giving him a tired smile.

“I’ll try to, Ori,” she said, then frowned when she noticed something. “Do we have any watchers near the ravens’ nesting area?”

“I’m not sure,” he answered.

She looked at Runa, concern filling her voice.

“Fly over to the roosting area and see if there’s any goblins near there,” she instructed. “I caught what looks like movement over there. If there’s signs of the enemy and none of our soldiers, let Thorin know so he can make sure there’s no way that area can be used to surprise our forces.”

The raven took off, and she chewed her lower lip as she held onto her staff and leaned on it for a moment. Her leg was bothering her, but the hobbit chose to ignore it for now as she continued to send messages out.

Hawthorn could tell when that message was delivered because she could feel Thorin’s tension rising even higher than it had been moments before. She sent what calmness she could without distracting him, hoping it would help. It must have because the hobbit sensed a wave of gratitude from him before his determination rose even higher.

“I’ve read so much about how battles are horrible, which they are, but it’s the waiting that’s the worst,” she muttered, clinging tightly to her staff in hopes of grounding herself. “I know Thorin’s not hurt; I can sense him clearly. It’s just not knowing if the others are doing all right. I hate this not knowing.”

“That’s what makes war an ugly business for those left behind,” Helka agreed. “Those who are left behind are burdened with the horrible wait, fears, and the dread of the unknown. It’s one of the reasons ravens or other messenger birds accompany troops so that those left behind will not have to worry as much. The bonds between Ones help as well, but that is not something that can be used to determine the health and well being of siblings, parents, or friends.”

“I think it’s the only reason I’m not pulling my hair out with worry and stress,” Hawthorn admitted. “If I didn’t have the bond, I’d be worrying much more than I am about him and the others. It helps to know he’s doing all right at the moment, but I just wish this was over.”

“We all do,” Ori said, sounding grim.

The fighting went on until close to sunset when several things happened. She felt a surge of pain from Thorin, dimmed only by the wave of triumphant glee that swept over them both. When she sensed that, she heard shouts from the army, cheering for their victory.

“It’s over,” Helka said, then gave a loud cry of khuzdul for those in earshot to hear.

Several ravens perched near her, and Runa bowed.

“The battle is won,” the bird told her. “The king and the ancient elf ended the life of the leader of the army. The one named Glorfindel said to tell you that you are no longer to worry; your mate is injured but not terribly so. The fighting that still remains is only to destroy the ones fleeing so as to prevent more attacks later.”

“Send word to the healers that the battle is over; they’re just mopping up so the teams need to go out in full force and retrieve the wounded. Let Kili know that his archers can assist the healers in recovering the injured.”

At her orders, the birds flew off to deliver their messages. Once that was done, she slumped against the wall of the battlement, bracing herself for several long moments as relief washed over her. Ori and Helka gave her concerned looks but said nothing, smiling when she straightened herself back up.

“Let’s find out the status of our family and company,” Hawthorn said, leading the way off of the battlement.

Once off of the battlement, she stopped a messenger and sent word to the kitchens to have food and drink prepared for everyone, making sure the injured had dishes they could eat without trouble. She knew now that word was given, the staff would ensure there was food and drink available at all hours and the rotation between workers so that no one overworked themselves had begun. The only thing they had been worried about so far is ensuring the healers had a constant supply of hot water so the risk of infection would be lowered as well as those taking care of washing the material for the bandages.

Hawthorn took reports from various areas, comforting those who had lost comrades or family members, and she would not turn away from her tasks when Ori and Helka realized she had been on her feet for too long. She was determined to work to keep her mind off of the lack of news regarding her family and friends.

The hobbit stopped only when she heard her name called by a voice that she had recently become familiar with, and she turned to spy Dain heading towards her. The dwarf was covered in black orc blood but looked to be unhurt.

“Lord Dain,” she called, heading towards him. “Are you all right?”

“I’m a bit bruised and will be sore later once my body has time to rest, but I’ve no serious injuries. Since we’re to be cousins, I would take it as a kindness if you called me Dain.”

“As you wish,” Hawthorn replied. “Did you need me for something?”

“Aye, the company is in the King’s Halls and being attended to by the healers. Thorin asked me to find you,” he told her, escorting her to the halls since she started on that way as soon as she heard where the company was.

“How badly were they hurt?”

“Not too badly,” he admitted. “Bifur lost his ax, doing surprisingly well now that it’s gone. Bofur took some scrapes and broke two fingers. Bombur is only bruised in places. Nori cracked a few ribs, and Dori has a concussion. Gloin has broken ribs and has to have stitches in his side where a goblin got too close. Fili had his arm pulled out of socket, but it’s been tended to. He’ll be in a sling for a while until it heals. Thorin broke his ankle when he ducked out of that damned white orc’s way.”

Hawthorn sighed, relieved to hear that the wounds weren’t too serious, and she would have to make sure that her family took it easy until they were cleared by Oin to be doing more than delegating orders or signing paperwork.

“Thank Yavanna and Mahal,” she said softly. “I haven’t seen this Bolg but if he was as big as his sire, then he was fairly huge for anyone of our sensible sizes.”

“Indeed,” Dain answered. “Your message to check out Raven Hill helped considerably as that led us to stopping another large group from outflanking us. Bolg was in that group, and Thorin disarmed him before having to duck. That blond elf, Glorfindel, was the one to cut his head off. Damned blighters went running when their leader fell.”

Silently, she thanked Glorfindel for staying close to her betrothed.

The doors to the King’s Halls were opened for them, and she was led to the rooms where Thorin and his sister-sons were staying for the moment until the king’s chambers were readied for Thorin to move into. Dain opened the door for her, and she went into the sitting room.

Hawthorn heard Thorin’s voice and went to the master bedroom, tapping on the open door.

“Come in, khajmel,” he said, holding a hand out to her.

She hurried inside, sitting on the edge of the bed and taking his hand. Her eyes skimmed over him, seeing only bruises before they fell on his left foot. The ankle had been splinted well and was propped onto a pillow to help with the swelling.

“It’s all right,” the king soothed, stroking the back of her hand before placing a kiss there. “If you had not noticed the movement, it would have been worse for all of us. Thank you for being so observant and letting me know what was going on. Also, as much as I hate to say it, thank you for asking your other heart-kin to watch over us. The additional help was needed.”

“I was afraid you’d be furious about it,” Hawthorn admitted.

“I wasn’t happy when I realized it, but when one of Elrond’s sons saved Fili from being stabbed in the back, I found myself grateful for what you did. I also gave my thanks to them for their aid and protection,” he told her, kissing her hand again.

“Is it truly over,” the hobbit asked, looking hopeful and frightened at the same time.

“It is over, khajmel,” Thorin said soothingly. “All we have to focus on now is restoring the mountain, helping rebuild Dale, and getting married.”

Hawthorn laughed a bit at that, hands shaking as the tension finally released. She squeezed his hand, taking comfort when he squeezed back.

“Thank Yavanna,” she said softly. “I’m not sure I can handle any more battles or terrifying events for a while.”

“All you have to worry about now is managing my idiot cousin,” Dain snickered from his place near the door as he and Helka were chaperoning the pair for the moment.

“That’s a task I will take on gladly,” Hawthorn replied with a smile.

“Dain, when you have a moment, ask Ori for some paper and writing utensils. I should write Dis to let her know what happened so she doesn’t hear the rumors and worry,” he asked his cousin.

“I’ll let the lad know,” the red haired dwarf promised.

“Helka, could you please find someone to take a message to Mithrandir for me?”

“Mithrandir,” the dwarrowdam asked the hobbit, sounding confused.

“You call him Gandalf,” Hawthorn answered. “Mithrandir has been my name for him since I was a fauntling. Just have the messenger remind him that he needs to see me about a certain item I found before he leaves to go wherever he’s needed next.”

Helka smiled and bowed, heading to find a messenger to take care of the errand for the future queen.

Thorin smiled, squeezing her hand once more. He’d nearly forgotten about that ring, and he hoped it would be something that would easily be taken care of.

“So, how much has Balin told you about the steps that are needed to be followed before the wedding can take place?”

“He explained some of it, but I don’t remember a lot of it,” she admitted. “So much has happened since that conversation took place.”

He began explaining the process to her, using examples from his sister’s marriage as well as what he had been told about his parents’ wedding as well. It was a lot to share, and she was attentive as he explained everything to her.

Gandalf sent a message back, which Helka relayed after dismissing the messenger. He would be staying for a while and would come to see her when things calmed down in the infirmary. The wizard was helping where he could, along with Elrond, his sons, and other elves with him who were talented in the art.

Hawthorn breathed a sigh of relief, knowing she was getting close to finally being rid of the trinket she had picked up. She turned her gaze back to her betrothed, questioning him on a few details in regards to where she could help with the restoration of the mountain, and gladly focused on what was important.

At the moment, it was time to celebrate their victory and enjoy their new home with the knowledge that the orcs would not bother them for a long time.

Thorin smiled at her, gladly chatting with her about the mountain, and he forced back the small feeling of dread that had risen when she’d sent the message to Gandalf about the ring she’d found. He sent a silent prayer to his Maker, hoping that this would not be a serious issue once the item was examined.

Author’s End Note – Khajmel means gift of all gifts, and I found it on poplitealqueen’s tumbler and it has been an amazing writing tool since I found it! I hope everyone enjoyed the chapter. Let me know what you think. I’ll see everyone next chapter! ~ Laran
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Mending the Broken Pieces