Adventure of a Lifetime: VOL 1

Part 3: Chapter 1

            Tauriel stands outside, watching the horizon. Willow joins her, the cold winter air biting their noses. "He is coming," Tauriel whispers. Willow's eyes widen as the great dragon Smaug flies towards them. "We must leave, now," Tauriel says urgently, pulling Willow into the house. "We're not leaving without our father," Bain protests. "If you stay here, your sisters will die. Is that what your father would want?" Tauriel counters. Fili and Bofur get Kili on his feet, Willow ushers Sigrid and Tilda downstairs. She helps them into the boat after Tauriel, the dwarves and Bain following. "Come on my love, into the boat," Fili says, holding his hand out. Willow smiles, stepping gracefully into the boat. The dwarves row, Tauriel navigating at the head of the boat. Willow wraps her arms around the terrified young girls as Smaug breathes fire on Laketown from above. The heat from the dragon fire is almost unbearable. "Look!" Sigrid shouts, pointing up at the belltower. "Da!" Tilda shouts. Sure enough, Bard is standing atop the tower, firing arrow after arrow at the dragon. "He hit it! He hit the dragon!" Kili shouts. "No," Tauriel breathes. "He did! I saw it!" Kili insists. "His arrows cannot pierce it. I fear nothing can," Tauriel shakes her head. Suddenly, Bain leaps from the boat, running back into the city. "Bain!" Tilda cries, Oin and Bofur trying to stop him. "Leave him! We cannot go back!" Tauriel says, her voice breaking. Willow holds the girls tighter, the screams and cries of the people of Laketown almost too much to bear. They finally reach the open lake, turning to look back at the city. The great dragon Smaug flies straight up into the air, roaring loudly, before the light fades from his chest. He falls from a great height, crashing down onto the city. "He's dead," Fili whispers. "By my beard, he is," Bofur says in wonder. "Bard did it. He killed it," Willow says, looking over to Tauriel. Tears are in everyone's eyes, but they are not tears of joy. Far too many lives have been claimed by the great dragon Smaug tonight.

Tauriel and Willow explore the shore with Sigrid and Tilda in the early morning, the girls desperately searching for their father and brother. The four dwarves are preparing a boat to leave for the mountain. Willow looks around her. There is so much pain, so much death, and for what? The people of Laketown now have no home, no livelihood. She stares over at the mountain. "Willow, we have to go," Fili calls to her. She shakes her head, tears in her eyes. "Fili, I dare not enter that mountain. Not after seeing this," Willow shakes her head. "Willow, you can't be serious. I cannot be parted from you again," Fili protests, grabbing her hands. "Fili, a sickness lies upon that gold. A sickness I fear is driving Thorin mad. He would never have let this happen before," Willow replies. "I must stay here. These people need my aid." Fili cups her cheek with his hand. "Willow, you are so selfless in all that you do," he murmurs. "I love you, Willow." Their foreheads touch, their noses brushing against each other. "I love you too, Fili," Willow whispers. Fili pulls her close, their lips touching in a passionate, yearning kiss. Fili lets go, slowly walking to the boat. "I will see you again. I promise," Willow calls, placing her hand on her heart. Tauriel comes to stand next to her, Kili joining them at the boat. "He gave you his promise stone, didn't he?" Willow asks. "Yes," Tauriel says with tears in her eyes. "Yes he did."

Legolas comes for Tauriel, the pair riding for Gundabad to chase after Bolg. Willow remains with the people of Laketown, finding Bard and his son alive and well. "Why have you stayed?" He asks. "You helped me and my people. It is my turn to repay that debt, for now your people are in need," Willow replies. "Thank you," Bard says wearily, placing his hand on her shoulder. Willow leads the column of survivors with Bard up and around the lake. They pour into the ruins of Dale, making camp where they could. Willow walks through the ruins, providing medical aid to everyone she can. Eventually, she joins Bard on the ramparts. "They're alive. Thorin, the others," Bard says. Sure enough, the pyres are lit. "They are barricading the gate. The greed is beginning to overtake Thorin, just as it did his grandfather," Willow says shakily. "I will ride there tomorrow, to receive what he promised us in exchange for our help. Will you come with me?" Bard asks. "Yes, of course," Willow answers. "But if he is overcome with dragon sickness, I would not expect much." Bard watches the mountain for a moment. "My children really like you, you know," Bard smiles, changing the subject. "I quite like them. You have raised wonderful, brave children, Bard of Laketown," Willow replies. They leave Alfrid, former servant of the Master, on watch, heading back down to where Bard's children are. Willow wraps the girls under her arms, keeping them warm by the light of the dying fire. She does not sleep, simply stares up at the stars. The night is calm, almost too calm. It may yet be the calm before the storm.

A/N: As always, I'm sorry for the short introductory chapter!