Light and Shadows (Thranduil's story post BOTFA)

Battle for Dale and Erebor

An orange sunrise was tainting the sky of Dale and the clouds seemed to have vanished mostly, leaving way to patches of clear blue. Thranduil came out of his tent, breathing in the fresh morning air and scanning the horizons with his elven eyes. In the morning silence, there was no sign of battle, no sign of enemies, yet his senses were alert, waiting for the slightest hint that something dreadful was coming. The people of Dale were also waking up and the night watch was now being replaced by new guards. 

In those brief moments of solitude, Thranduil's thoughts went to Legolas and then to Tauriel who was soon about to join his son. The two beings he cared for the most were now away from him and he did not know if and when he would see them again. Was Legolas safe in that very moment or was he engaged in a fierce battle?  Was Tauriel going to fight at Helm's Deep? Will she ever come back to him? These thoughts were swirling into Thranduil's mind as he was facing once again alone another decisive battle for the sake of his realm and of his people. 

Dale was not the only place that was in danger of becoming strategic and useful for the enemy once occupied. That accursed mountain troubled Thranduil once again. If Erebor fell, Sauron's forces would have taken all the weapons, gold and resources, as well as settled a base far too close to Mirkwood. He could not allow such a move. As much as he hated that mountain, it could not fall into the hands of the enemy. He had destroyed Dol Guldur and was determined to prevent any other threat to his realm. 

'Feren', he ordered, as he was looking into the familiar brown-green eyes of his captain. 'Take 400 soldiers and lead them to Erebor to help defend that mountain in case something happens. Tell Dain that this is my help sent with goodwill as we are allies facing the threat of Mordor.'

Feren bowed his head, looking unshaken as if he had expected the order.

'Yes, my lord.'

Thranduil looked with a frozen expression towards the massive stone walls of the city where Feren was now heading.

'If he doesn't accept my help, then he is a fool.', he spoke to himself in a low voice. 

'He will.', a voice replied. 'He knows we're in this together.' 

Bard came towards him with a smile and Thranduil felt a strange warmth to have him at his side. 

'My archers and warriors are in position.', he told Bard, who was now also looking at the newly rebuilt walls of the city. 

'All my men are ready as well.', Bard continued. 'This time the city is fortified and its walls are stronger than before, thanks to you, my lord.'

He looked at Thranduil with a familiar smile and Thranduil couldn't help but give a faint smile back. 

'You should know that I am so grateful for the help you have given us with the reconstruction of Dale.'

'It was nothing.', Thranduil replied, turning his head again towards the city walls, his proud profile looking majestic in the first ray of sunlight. 'A small token of our alliance.'

Bard smiled from the corner of his lips as if he knew by now how often Thranduil tried to hide his good heart. 

At first, they could hear drums far from the East that were getting closer and closer. It was nearly noon and the sound of war was getting closer. The elves were the first to hear and to see the army of orcs and Easterlings approaching. Thranduil's archers stood up against the high walls, ready to defend the city. Bard commanded his troops to come into formation and be ready for battle. So it was true, Thranduil thought. The enemy was finally approaching and another battle was about to begin.