To say Liruliniel continued to throw herself into battle was an understatement; her growing lack of mobility within her arm and shoulder, seemed to spurn her on to hasten and quicken the death of whomever she was facing against. Skirmishes, that's all that these fights were now, something else was going on, something which neither her nor the elves that were with her were aware of. The orcs would either stand and fight or retreat and try and fight those which could not defend themselves.

Liruliniel wasn't quite sure when the women of Esgaroth had come out of hiding, but low and behold they were truly trying to aid in the battle. In vain, sadly, she was never one for shooting anyone down, but it would've perhaps been the best for them if they stayed inside. She understood the need to protect, the feeling of being able to be up to par with those around her, most of her life had been that; to prove a point that she was as good as the next elf.

But it was different. Totally different; she had grown up to fight, these people had not. They were what? Fisherman's wives, grocers, weavers, their weaponry was not weaponry at all, and it pained her honestly to see faces of much too young women laying in the street, alongside elders but members of her own race too. There was naturally nothing felt for the enemy, other than this deep-rooted spiteful feeling which was dwelling in the pit of her stomach. No, there was no pity for them.

The innocents who tried to defend their home with bravery, however? She felt pride for their attempts and felt saddened by the unnamed and unknown who had fallen. It took courage, immense courage to do what they did. And they did it regardless of knowing they were likely to perish. She couldn't fault them on their tremendous bravery, that was something which could not be forgotten about this all.

It still did not take the bitter feeling away though, the street before her was barren, well, barren with life, however. All that laid amongst the ruinous buildings and vine covered paths were bodies. None were alive here, none that she could see or hear of, that is. She let out a low breath, flinching as a shooting pain went through her shoulder, she glanced to the side. Thranduil was always quite good at keeping his emotions in check, but the sight of the number of his own fallen had something appearing upon the otherwise expressionless face.

He looked shocked, saddened and distant, he had seen this all before, lived through this before, had to try and stagger back from the loses. It was a repeat of history which he did not wish to even be a part of, yet here he was. Liruliniel wanted to say something, comment on the bravery of their kin, the fact they wouldn't have gone down easily, but no words came from her. She simply couldn't speak, her voice lost as she looked upon the remnants of the army.

From history and memory recalls, they would be unlikely to be taken back home for burial. A mass one would be made, for all parties lost, somewhere where everyone could come and pay respects and mourn. It hurt even more to know that her kin would not see the woodland that was their home again, to be put to rest within the ground from which they owed everything to. Everything came from the earth, and to the earth everything would return.

There was something even more upsetting really, and that was to see Thranduil walk amongst the dead looking downwards at them as he passed her by. Liruliniel placed a hand to her shoulder and gritted her teeth, her wound hadn't stopped bleeding, and the effects of blood loss was starting to kick in. She could feel it, she was tired, exhausted even, her head felt light, and blackness was creeping into the corner of her eyes. She shut them briefly, only to shake her head to rid the spots from her vision. She looked back up at the sound of running footsteps.

"Recall your company," Thranduil didn't even look up to see the elf that had appeared through one of the many broken archways of Dale. Liruliniel did, she and him exchanged a look, her seemingly defeated and him resolute. The horn upon his belt was pulled loose and with ease, air which Liruliniel was jealous over due to her lungs struggling ever more, the elf blew into it, the horn sounded ominously in the air, hauntingly even.

She didn't know if it was due to the death around her, or the sudden silence, but it just seemed all the more solemn. Lowering her hand, she stepped quietly forwards, she glanced at the dead warily, she didn't wish to accidentally step on one. In a rush, she knew others would not be able to help it. But she felt sick to think about it, even the thought had her shuddering. Trying her best to look unaffected by her wounds and what was around her, she placed with awkwardness, her hand from her injured arm on his.

There was a struggle to get her fingers to tighten on the armour, but he felt it nonetheless and looked at her. Liruliniel was aware her expression was one of understanding, but also one of determination. "I am not ready to give up and go home." She whispered lowly, not that there was anyone around them, but she felt it an insult to just retreat and not fight for those that had lost their lives. Their deaths could not be in vain, and without the elven army, this whole battle was as good as over. "I am not willing to abandon Dale, or those still fighting." She continued on, Thranduil's eyes hardened despite his expression slackening from looking her over. She was aware she looked a state, she felt it, but his worried expression had her stomach tightening.

"Look around you, really look around you, Liruliniel. What do you see? For all I see is death, and a useless course. We have lost many, and while you may be prepared to continue, I am not; not for the sake of anything other than protecting our kin. I will not leave you here. Do not mistake my words, for if we leave, you leave too. You say you are not willing to abandon the city and those here? I feel exactly the same way for you. You are leaving with us." Thranduil said, his tone bitter sounding and hard as his eyes narrowed her way.

Liruliniel just sighed and shut her eyes, breathing deeply and ignoring the blackness in her peripheral vision again. His voice was bitter and heated, angry even but not at her. At her words and the implications perhaps, but not her. "I understand. Truly, I do, but-"

"There is no contradiction." Thranduil cut her off with ease, he turned away from her and looked about themselves. "If you stay, you are likely to fall. And if you are likely to fall, what am I to do? I have protected you thus far as we came through the city. But at times I look over, and you have gone off elsewhere. You are everywhere in this battlefield, and I cannot keep an eye always on you." Thranduil glanced back at her, he shook his head and Liruliniel lowered hers. His honesty cut her more painfully than the orcish sword from earlier. "We are going."

There was a ruckus from a pathway to the side of them, people fleeing, either to or from another fight she didn't know. However, Liruliniel may not have recognised anyone, she did recognise one who was pushing his way through with urgency. Gandalf. The wizard looked as if he had got into his fair share of fighting, sword in hand, staff in the other, there was a frantic look about him as his skin seemed splattered here and there with black blood.

Not that anyone had escaped that, Liruliniel was aware to the coverage of the enemy's blood on herself, and even Thranduil had some dashed across his face. She disliked it. The blackness, the evil tainted blood being upon him was just wrong.

"My Lord," Gandalf sounded out of breath as he came forwards, his staff tapped mutely against the snow-covered ground. "Dispatch a force to Ravenhill, the dwarves are about to be overrun, they must be warned." Gandalf soon stopped before Thranduil, his expression returning to the usual indifference as he stared the wizard down. Gandalf's tone was kind, pleading almost as he looked at the elf before him, who as yet had not reacted to what he had said.

Liruliniel however seemed to almost double over as she struggled to sit down on a broken piece of wall, a hand to her mouth as she rubbed it across her jaw. "By all means warn them. I have spilled enough elvish blood in defence of this cursed land. No more." Thranduil easily pushed passed Gandalf, the wizard for one looked utterly taken back by the low seriousness of his voice. The elves which had come forth too were following him, all expect Liruliniel who still sat on her piece of wall.

"I'll go," a firm voice from the side spoke out. Bilbo had been waiting in the background, just watching the altercation. It was clear the elves weren't going to do anything to save his friends, so he would. Gandalf double took before he realised Liruliniel was still in place. He was unaware whether Thranduil knew she was still here, or if she was silently following him.

"I don't mind going." Liruliniel shrugged painfully, Gandalf had looked at her with a small frown. Liruliniel smiled, "Someone's got to look out for Bilbo, right? And, well, Thorin needs to be alerted; you said it yourself. I know I am one elf...but I will try my hardest." She said while pulling herself to stand, she walked over to Bilbo with a small smile on her face. "We will get to them, my friend. We will." She placed a hand on his shoulder, even though he looked worriedly up at her.

She had been one of the first into battle, she had seen a lot of it, and Bilbo couldn't help but notice that she had paid the price for that in more ways than one. She was bloodied, some her own, some her enemies, one of her hands alone seemed to be stained red, along with the sleeve of her tunic.

"But you are hurt." Bilbo whispered with a shake of his head, if another wave of enemies were coming, he couldn't willingly ask or expect her to come with him. That would be putting her right in the front lines again.

"And you will be seen and killed." Gandalf sounded quite short with them both, he shook his head, looking at the retreating elves before making his way over to them. One was clearly close to fainting, and the other wasn't the best swordsman...putting it lightly. They were a truly unlikely pair to survive getting up to Thorin. Liruliniel frowned, Bilbo just sighed. They disagreed and Gandalf could tell that just by their expressions.

"No, they won't. They won't see me." Bilbo shook his head, resolute on the fact that he could successfully get to Ravenhill unseen. Liruliniel though, he cautiously looked at her, she was another thing, but she had speed and skill on her side. Even when injured Bilbo was sure she'd still give whomever a run for their money.

"It is out of the question." Gandalf looked pointedly at the hobbit, Bilbo frowned. He saw it as a little unfair how he was shot down, but Liruliniel and her current state was still an option. "I won't allow it," Gandalf and Bilbo stared at each for a few moments.

Bilbo being the one to break the eye contact with a shake of his head. "I'm not asking you to allow it, Gandalf." He said quietly, a small smile tugging at his lips as he looked up at his friend.

"I will look after him, with my life." Liruliniel said, getting an incredulous look from Gandalf. Liruliniel look down at herself and bitterly smiled. "What there is left of it, I mean." She said a little dramatically while pushing Bilbo gently away. "Come, let us go, and be swift, Bilbo." Liruliniel and him retreated, she felt him glancing up at her now and again.

"You do not have to come." He said quietly as they turned the corner away from Gandalf. Bilbo leaned against a wall, one of few that was surprisingly still standing.

Liruliniel knelt down before him, a smile on her face as she ran a hand quickly down it, pinching her nose, she looked at him. "I am not turning my back on those here. Thranduil does not wish for more of our kin to die, like good soldiers they may follow. I am a good soldier, but I am refusing to follow this order. I am not allowing Thorin to be ambushed, because no matter how our last meeting went, he is still my friend. My friend is still up that hill, unknowingly awaiting to be attacked. I can't allow it, and I won't. Now, come, I may look like I am on my last legs, but I really do have quite a bit of fight left in me. As such, I will run as fast as I can, and I am sorry, you will have to keep up best you can. Unless you wish me to carry you?" She joked with her head tilted as Bilbo's eyes went wide before, he shook his head.

Liruliniel stood, she looked downwards when Bilbo's hand dived into his pocket. Pulling out the ring, which was housed within, he merely turned it in his hands before looking at her. "I will keep up with you, just lead the way." Liruliniel bowed her head and watched him disappear. A piercing feeling went through her, just being that close to the jewellery which Bilbo owned hurt her.

With a shake of her head, she turned on her heels and started pacing away. "This way then, Master Baggins. I will scour the best route, and we will get there in no time." Liruliniel knew Bilbo heard her and from the tap on her arm, she got it and commenced running forwards.

She dodged and weaved out of the way of any fights which could've waylaid them. She was unaware whether Bilbo was still behind her, or beside. She honestly didn't know where he was, but she kept on running. They needed to get to Ravenhill, together, a small time apart, they just needed to get there. Liruliniel didn't know the specifics, but she could only assume that Bolg and the unit which was with him were coming.

Pulling out a knife, Liruliniel was forced to slash and stab a few times to get orcs out of her way. The thought of drawing a sword had her shoulder already pulsating before the action had been gone through with. Invisible scuffling feet past her and she pursued, she would run behind Bilbo if need be, just to make sure he got there.

Liruliniel felt her lungs burning as she continued to run, her head swam a little as she staggered to the side and almost lost her footing. Breathing out a heavy breath, she kicked off some broken wall and jumped over a small group of fighting men and orcs. She could see the path twisting upwards to the hill, "We are almost there, Bilbo." She breathed, sheathing her knife and pushing herself onwards.

Bilbo was the first to step foot in the small area where Thorin currently was standing, he was hugely out of breath and Liruliniel skidded to a stop beside him. Thorin turned, his expression confused yet surprised at the sight of them two. He quietly said their names, shock ringing throughout his voice as Bilbo shuffled forwards, heaving breaths as he went. Liruliniel leaned her hands against her knees, shutting her eyes and counting slowly with each breath she took.

"You have to leave here, now. Azog has another army attacking from the north. This watchtower will be completely surrounded; there will be no way out." Bilbo explained, his breaths still coming short and sharp as he pointed beyond the rampart walls.

"It is Bolg," Liruliniel pushed herself up to a stand. She moved forwards and stood amongst the three still near the wall, Dwalin looked instantly on the defensive, or rather still on the defensive and Thorin was thoughtful and thinking. "Gundabad, they have come from the fortress." She scratched a bloodied finger to her temple and frowned at the tacky feeling.

Thorin looked up at her, "You have seen this?"

Liruliniel looked at his face, dirtied by fighting but otherwise he seemed all in one piece. She was relieved, with a tight smile, she nodded. "Gandalf. I was privy to a meeting, and he said that forces were coming from there. But his words just affirmed what I already knew." She placed a hand on his shoulder, "I do not think us few, can defeat all of them." She admitted with a small chuckle, "But we can try, right?" She looked around at got a nod from Dwalin and an uncertain look from Bilbo. Feeling a hand clasp over the one on his shoulder, Liruliniel looked down curiously.

Thorin looked plainly up at her, his eyes flickering with different emotions before his hand gripped her hand one last time. "I apologise, Princess. My behaviour when we last met-"

"You were not yourself, true. But there is nothing to forgive, I cannot grudge you when you were not in the right mind, can I? You never judged me, for my moments of foresight in front of you, no matter the worry and concern; so why should I do the same, when you too were not yourself at the time?" Liruliniel questioned softly, Thorin just looked up at her with a nod. "Apology accepted though, sire." She grinned; he just frowned and shot her a look before shaking his head. She didn't sound too genuine then, but Thorin was letting it slide.

"What do we do then? We are so close, that orc scum is in there." Dwalin said, while pressing forwards and passing Bilbo as he marched up to stand before Thorin. They all knew Azog was likely to still be in the area, he could not disappear, he had nowhere else to really run, other than the battlefields below. Neither and none of them had seen him run, he was still here, somewhere.

Thorin placed a hand against Dwalin's chest, "No, no. That's what he wants us to do. He wants to draw us in," Thorin successfully stopped his friend from charging blindly forwards in search of Azog. But then, there was a point to his friend's words, they were all just sitting targets here. Thorin stared unblinkingly forwards, "This is a trap." That alone had everyone looking on edge, "Find Fíli and Kíli and bring them back."

"Thorin, are you sure about this?" Dwalin paused, uncertain and looking back.

"Do it. We'll live to fight another day." Thorin clasped a hand on his shoulder and nodded. Everything seemed to make sense now, the silence, the lack of the enemy. If another army were coming, and they were going to sweep through this watchtower, it made sense that they were just left waiting for the inevitable.

"There is something happening," Liruliniel's low voice had them looking towards the tower opposite. Her eyes narrowed as she stood back, the rest of her friends pushed past to properly see what was going on. Even from where she stood, she could plainly see Fíli in the clutches of Azog.

He seemed rather defenceless, hanging limply, it was clear he had already been hurt somehow before being pulled up here. Naturally, seeing Fíli in such a state had the two dwarves and lone hobbit charging forwards. Liruliniel was a little more pragmatic, she wouldn't get there in time, and all she would need is one good shot.

Reaching over herself, she tugged Azkâr free. The bow hadn't been used all too much in the battle, Liruliniel was a brilliant archer despite her feigning otherwise; but she preferred her swords, the deadly precise dancing motions and the weight. Her bloodied fingers trailed over the feathers of the fletching, her breathing which had been a struggle was calm now. Notching and lifting her arms up, she gritted her teeth at the pulling of her shoulder, she could feel the wound stressing more, tugging and ripping, the feeling of blood pooling out as she planted her feet firmly on the broken brickwork around her.

She could hear the steady dripping sounds of blood trailing from the material bent at her elbow as she focussed. Her breathing slowed, her eyes stared ahead, she could hear whatever filth that was coming from Azog, the silent still backs of her friends and Fíli, poor Fíli, she could see the pain in his face, the struggling attempts to get free.

The metal which was lodge in Azog's arm glistened in the dim light, Liruliniel frowned and rooted herself more, she was waiting. There was one thing for elves, they were quite patient and the moment he lifted his arm up to impale the dwarf, was her moment to strike. She couldn't help but let out a pained scream when she let the arrow fly, the tension pulled so much against her arm that she sunk to her knees, cradling her arm to her chest as she looked up.

With a satisfied grin, she was happy to see the arrow had lodged itself within Azog's shoulder. His armour was nothing, his skin was easy to get to, and she took advantage. He let go of Fíli with an agitated shout, Fíli didn't have much time to scamper away. Only his way out, was down. He threw his legs over the edge and awkwardly climbed downwards, Liruliniel stood and hoisted her bow back in hand. Moving slowly forwards she stared outwards and upwards at Azog. He ripped the arrow from his shoulder, breaking the shaft in between his hand as he narrowed his blue eyes at her.

Liruliniel spat to the side, she had bit her tongue again, the strain of using Azkâr had taken it out of her, the only way to focus was to bite on something, as idiotic as that was. Azog spat something out, hateful words which she did not understand. Liruliniel just stared blankly at him as he turned and stalked away, she looked to the side when a hand was placed against her arm.

Thorin looked both thankful and concerned, his eyes looking over her cradled arm, "You are hurt," he tentatively placed a hand against it, watching her wince.

"I was already hurt. Doesn't mean I wouldn't do that again." Liruliniel nodded to the side and looked forwards, she could see Kíli and Fíli both thankful to be before each other again before looking at them. The brothers looked thankfully at her, Liruliniel smiled and inclined her head. "No one should watch as a relative is cut down before them." Her eyes slid to Thorin, "What are we to do now?"

"We regroup with Fíli and Kíli, come on." Thorin looked worried still, Liruliniel nodded her head, her arm staying against her chest as she gestured her other hand at him.

"You're stuck with me now. I will follow your lead, my friend. So, lead." Liruliniel watched Thorin nod before running forwards. There was nothing wrong with her legs, and Liruliniel was more than able to keep pace with Thorin as he went charging off down the stairs.

The straight towards the other tower was through fog which hung about, it made the air chilly and the light grey and bleak. The sun did not wish to shine down here, it didn't penetrate the fog at all as they ran. Reaching behind herself as they commenced running up another set of stairs, Liruliniel had barely got her sword out of the sheath before she let out a scream. Thorin had been pushed ahead, merely by dodging and rolling out the way while Azog had appeared from a shadowed doorway, his boot planted against Liruliniel's chest and with ease, he kicked her away.

The brunt of the attack went against her arm, and the shockwave went through her chest as she shuttled away. Practically writhing on the ground she cried and quietly sobbed, leaning her forehead against the snowy ground, she squeezed her eyes shut and tilted her head. Through trailing locks of muddy hair, she could see Thorin parry an attack before jumping away and going to slash with his sword again.

The large mace in Azog's hand was gruesome, Liruliniel was pleased he hadn't swiped at her with that, but then again; orcs were ones for slow, torturous pain, hitting with his mace would be too easy of revenge. He took advantage, he crept from the darkness and lashed out just at the right time. He played her own game, and Liruliniel scrambled upwards quickly. She reached out, feeling her sword and hauled it and herself up, just in time to see Thorin take a boot to the chest himself.

Despite her calling out, Azog didn't pay mind to her as he went jumping after Thorin, the roll down the broken stairs and landing on the new battlefield looked painful, yet even as she rushed forwards, she could hear them still fighting. But there was something else, something new. Liruliniel looked upwards, the sky was flitting with black winged creatures. Bats, foul animals from the fortress which had come ploughing into the battle readying for the orcs to come after and clean up what was left.

She leaned against a wall and sighed, breathing deeply and keeping her arm to her chest, she moved on. With the bats came the screeching calls and growls of the orcs. Liruliniel twirled her sword in her hand and slashed upwards, handicapped or not, she could still fight as this orc very well found out. Taking a step back, she ran and took a jump, a high knee knocked one orc downwards, her sword finishing the job as it raked up their back and stabbing downwards in its neck. Turning on her heels, she double took as her vision swam but she pressed on.

Azog had slipped momentarily away, and he was letting the newcomers have their chance at Thorin. He seemed the least bit unfazed by those now coming at him, for each strike of the sword, he had a rebuttal which seemed to be more deadly. Thorin slashed, cut and stabbed whoever was trying to come at him. Seeing Liruliniel weave to the side before gracefully slashing upwards, he watched the arm fly from the body before she followed the attack up by aiming her sword backwards, it went through the orcs head with a gross squelch.

With a tilt of her head, she walked resolutely forwards. Whipping her sword in the air she fixed her eyes on the next target before taking care of them. No matter what, she kept in motion, always moving, always cutting, hitting, kicking, stabbing. She even jumped when something whizzed past her and impacted in an orc behind her, turning and looking at the arrow she looked up. Legolas. Liruliniel let out a breathless sound while sticking her leg out, an orc tripped, and she stabbed her sword downwards.

She didn't know why Legolas was here, she could only presume though that Tauriel wasn't far behind and that in truth, both had come for different reasons. Tauriel was here for Kíli, Legolas was here for Tauriel. But it was more than that, Legolas understood all too well that all of these orcs had to be dealt with, he wasn't turning his back either. He was adamant on shooting down whoever was trying to make their way across the icy battlefield that Thorin and Liruliniel found themselves on. He dealt blows from above, while between them they managed to deal damage on the ground.

Kicking one orc in the side and sending it spiralling into Thorin's sword, Liruliniel was already ducking and stabbing upwards into the gut of another orc before jumping to a stand and catching herself before she toppled. Her injuries were starting to pull more; she could feel it; that nagging exhaustion creeping into her limbs the more she moved. She refused, pushing the feeling aside as she let out a shout from the clash of a sword against her own.

She was not going to stop. She was not going to drop her guard, she felt herself being pushed back on the ice though before a sword pierced its chest. With a gurgle, the orc fell, and she looked at Thorin. Liruliniel exclaimed and tried to grasp out to him with her injured arm, which was ridiculous for her to do as it pained her to even straighten it. An orc had pounced on him, kicking him aside as he went sliding along the ice. With Thorin currently down it haphazardly took to slashing in the air, Liruliniel blocked and parried before having something else tackle her from the side.

The thing scrambled over her, she could feel grubby hands pawing at her, sharp little nails and scratches from a blade. Liruliniel squirmed and screamed, kicking the orc off of herself she pressed a hand to her cheek, she could feel blood seeping from a cut. She wished she could say that was the only one it inflicted on her, but it wasn't. She could feel the small nicks and cuts over her arm, chipped against her armour, her cheek and any piece of exposed flesh.

Jumping up with a scream she just ran full pelt at the orc, the orc's eyes widened and looked taken back before she turned her sword in her hand and stabbed it upwards. Being face to face, she glared at it and tugged her sword free. Watching as it went falling to the ground with a thud, she glanced up at Thorin. He was near the edge of the ravine, a sword in his hand which he looked utterly baffled over being reunited with.

It wasn't that he wasn't expecting to ever see Orcrist again, he just thought that the elves would've kept it...so yes, in truth, he didn't think he would ever see it again. He looked it over and looked up just to see Azog standing away from himself, in between them stood Liruliniel who looked almost doubled over. With a tilt of his head, he shook it slowly. This was not her fight.

Whereas he had caught glances of her friends plus his nephews dealing with Bolg in their own ways, Azog was his to kill. Liruliniel shut her eyes, side stepping when he got close, she put a hand on his shoulder, Thorin looked up at her questionably. Though his gaze did not linger for long, he didn't trust looking away from Azog.

"Forgive me, but I am not leaving you."

Thorin shook his head slowly, "This is not your fight." He said in a lone tone, the looks of them arguing had Azog smirking, he could see it even from this distance.

"It is my fight, Thorin. Each fight like this, is my fight. I have often dwelt on why I felt the need to get so involved, it is because I want peace, true, but it is more than that. With foresight came a responsibility which I did not want, because it scared me. I see things which happen within these lands, all and everything, why? What use is it if I cannot use it to change things?

It is my curse, but my ultimate weapon. I foresee whatever is granted to me, because I have the power and the skills to change the inevitable; I am a protecter. I am a protector and a guardian to these lands, Thorin. And I will not leave you here. I am your aid, sire. We shall fight side by side again, because I refuse to leave my friend, and I know we are both as tired as each other. He means to have me killed anyway; I have seen his face in my dreams. The orc that bought me my death has always alluded me, not now. Do you see? We must both deal with him, because he means us dead." Liruliniel said quietly, calmly despite of the moment while gripping onto her sword.

"I will not allow him to bring death upon you." Thorin stood by her side, Orcrist in hand as they stared onwards.

"And I feel exactly the same. I certainly am not made to run, or to turn my back on those that need it. I knew what I was getting into when I came here with Bilbo." She raised an eyebrow and sighed, "Thranduil is going to be really quite angry, but oh well. I'll deal with that another day." She smiled and looked at Thorin, "For peace, for you, King Thorin, and for all of your kin; let us go charging off into a fight, one more time." Liruliniel nodded slowly before looking forwards, Thorin inclined his head in turn and looked at Azog.

He was watching them with that smirk still on his face. Thorin supposed in a way, that though Azog was his to kill, having aid would not hurt. He had spied that it took enough to take Bolg down. With one more look they both stalked forwards, Thorin whipping Orcrist in the air again as Liruliniel readjusted her grip on Silmacil, Azog in return let out a roar and came running forwards. His arm hauling a large chain forward, the weight upon it crashed between them, with wide eyes they looked away from it to each other and then him.

Liruliniel leaned backwards away from a swipe as Thorin did the same, only he slashed upwards pushing the blade away from himself. It became a series of quick hits and dodges between them, Azog would control where they could roll and dodge to with the weight, while they couldn't get too close without getting either hit, squashed or stabbed at. Thorin managed to roll and dodge, he came back with a slash which had Azog shouting and charging at him, Liruliniel had slid behind and slashed from behind. Azog glared over his shoulder at her, Liruliniel raised an eyebrow and jumped away when he lashed out at her with chain and weight.

Liruliniel felt the ice chip, dip and move under her feet as she backed off, even Thorin had become aware to it, at one point he even fell, he managed to get up and avoid any real damage. But he was still caught in the fight, Liruliniel was now back on rather solid ice. Being behind Azog meant that she saw what he did, in the sky forms could be seen, large, wings beating down and tawny feathers glistening in the sun. Eagles.

Liruliniel placed a hand to her chest, she had never seen such beautiful creatures before, they screeched and swooped upon the battlefield. She turned and watched them, but she looked back just to see Thorin throw the weighted rock at Azog and step back. Azog sunk, he slipped and scrambled for purchase, but it was for nothing. His body slipped down the ice and into the equally icy waters waiting below him. Thorin looked Liruliniel's way, and she tilted her head slowly. Even from where she was, she could see the body slowly start to drift along the ice, the clearness of it made it easy to see his form.

She all but shouted and ran forwards though when a stab from below had Thorin exclaiming and sinking to his knees. She managed to reach his side just as Azog came crashing up and through the ice. With ease she was grasped onto within the chaos, and with even more ease she was thrown aside. Liruliniel screamed as she crumpled against the nearby mountainous walls, her sword falling and skidding along the ground as she went. Her world went temporarily dark; she lifted her head from the ice and snow only to struggle out a breath when she saw Thorin was practically pinned down by Azog.

A triumphant look on the orc's face as he saw Thorin's arms waver a little as he tried to push upwards. Liruliniel's body felt heavy, she was forcing herself to move, yet her arms and legs weren't listening to her. She had felt powerless a few times in her life, and she felt powerless as she watched as Thorin's expression turned to one of resolution; he glanced her way, and then that was it. He moved his sword, Azog's pierced through him with ease and the grunt of pain reached her ears, even as she struggled to push herself upwards.

Though she watched from the side as Thorin returned the favour, with strength from somewhere, Thorin used the surprise to flip them, shoving his sword firmly through Azog so he was now the one pinned to the ice. He leaned close, watching and listening to the last staggered breaths come from the orc.

Thorin fell to the side, he slowly pushed himself up and looked to the side when there were limped footsteps. Liruliniel looked at him and then at the body, lifting up her arm she placed her hand on his shoulder and nodded. A small smile on her face, despite of the pain which was lingering in her eyes. And there was so much pain, Thorin felt numb to his pain at the moment, yet he could feel it creeping in through his chest. The hole which was left from Azog was burning his flesh a little, he felt his blood seeping into his tunic, yet both looked up at the sky.

Pinkish and light blue, the white clouds drifted by it looked like it would be a nice day. The eagles screeched, swooped and dove about in the sky. In their beaks were twisted forms, orc, goblin, it didn't matter they were dealing with them. If the sharp beaks didn't, then the horrendously sharp talons would. Aiding each other, they stood at the ravine and looked at the main battlefield. From up here it was easy to see and to watch everything, Liruliniel felt her hand slipping from Thorin's shoulder and it wasn't until she looked at him that she realised why.

"No, no." She fell to her knees and turned him fully onto his back, his bloodied and dirtied face looked up at her. Despite of this, his eyes still seemed so clear, so blue as he gasped a breath and gripped a hand onto her forearm. "Thorin, I am not going to sit here and watch you die. We said, didn't we?"

Thorin smiled, blood trailing from his lips as he shook his head against the ground below him. He flinched a little with each breath he took. "You saved Fíli, that alone is enough. We all achieved what we intended to do, there is nothing more."

Liruliniel frowned at him, "Fool. You are a fool if you think I am going to sit here and watch you die." She managed to peel his tunic aside a little, she winced, the blade had left a nasty, gory wound. No wonder he was struggling to breathe. Shutting her eyes, she laid her hand against him. She heard him let out a pained noise, wincing from the pressure she was applying.

"What are you doing?" Thorin's voice was confused, low and quiet but confused as he watched her mouth silently move, she was whispering something, and he didn't understand what. But it wasn't just that, there was something else, a feeling, a warm tingling feeling which was ebbing throughout his body.

"Thorin Oakenshield, I am healing you." Liruliniel whispered in a strained voice, her expression was equally strained, Thorin tried to deter her. "Stay still, please. This is hard enough without herbs...this is something more..."

"Liru-"

"I don't want you to die, Thorin. I think the world will be a little darker without you in it. You have a kingdom to rule over, one you have just reclaimed; I will not let you die, not now." Her eyes opened slowly, and she looked down at him, she smiled kindly. "My spirit, my life force, I am using it to heal you."

"You will die!" He managed to exclaim, only to splutter and look to the side when there were scuffling footsteps. Bilbo soon appeared, kneeling beside Liruliniel and watching with an astounded face at what he was witnessing. He had never seen elves heal, he wasn't sure this was the proper way, but it was truly something.

Liruliniel shut her eyes and concentrated, she could feel her wounds pulling again, the seeping of blood, the struggling air entering and exiting her lungs. Lowering her head she concentrated, "I refuse to." Liruliniel's voice was distant, it seemed to be growing more and Thorin could feel himself warming more, the wound inflicted to him by Azog did not feel as prominent, he could even feel strength in his arms.

There was enough strength to push her away, although Thorin had to quickly reach out and grasp onto her as she fell to the side. Even Bilbo was there to help lay her down, even though Thorin ended up sitting with his legs outstretched and her head cradled in his arms. "I didn't ask you to do this."

Liruliniel opened her eyes and looked upwards at him. "I don't really care. I wanted to, because I didn't want you to die when I could've prevented it."

Thorin shook his head, "I would not have you die, so I could live; I will not be your death."

Liruliniel looked at the sky above her, she sighed and smiled. "For every battle won, a greater battle takes its place; and so, it goes, until we fall. And in the end, we all fall. Yet we still go on, why?" Liruliniel tilted her head and looked at Thorin, small smile still in place even though she could see his eyes were steadily clouding with tears. "I have faced horror in the eye, Thorin. So have you. We have both found our answers, our reasons for being...everything will be all right, I know it will be." She looked to the side, Bilbo looked tearily at her. Liruliniel shakily reached up and placed a hand over one of his. "I am so glad to see you are well, my friend."

Bilbo looked up, shaking his head and holding tightly onto her hand, he couldn't even formulate words as he watched her breathe steadily as the eagles above them screeched, and the other dwarves came walking forwards from their own battles. All they could spy was Thorin cradling Liruliniel, with Bilbo crying beside them over the still and silent elf-Princess with the content smile on her face.

——

(A/N: The whole 'For every battle won' part, I actually nabbed that from Druth from Hellblade because it just worked...I listened a lot to that soundtrack tbh while writing this, think Witcher and Heilung were in there too...I'm gonna stop rambling.)

——

Edited: 11/July/2025