Smiley and the Demigorgon's Warband

Chapter 5: A Ring and A Promise

The morning sun filtered through the trees as Smiley and her companions made their way further south, the air growing thicker with tension the closer they got to orc territory. The recent encounter with DG had been both heartwarming and unexpected, and the group had grown stronger—both in numbers and spirit. But the road ahead was filled with danger, and Smiley's resolve only deepened.

"We're getting close," Elendir said, his eyes scanning the landscape ahead. "Orc tracks. Fresh ones."

Smiley's fingers tightened around her enchanted elven sword, a gift from Elendir's father. "Let's keep our eyes open. They could be scouts."

As if summoned by her words, the rustling of branches and the sound of guttural voices filled the air. From the underbrush emerged a small scouting party of orcs, their eyes gleaming with malice and their weapons at the ready. Behind them, a band of goblins scuttled out, their crooked grins making them look even more vicious.

"There's no turning back now," Smiley said, her voice steady.

Wesley pulled out his traps and smoke bombs, readying himself for the coming battle. DG stood beside Smiley, her Gorgon powers simmering just beneath the surface, her confidence growing since their last confrontation.

With a war cry, the orcs charged, and Smiley's group met them head-on. Smiley moved with precision and grace, her elven sword cutting through the air as she deflected an orc's blade. Elendir, ever the skilled warrior, danced around his enemies, his strikes swift and lethal. Wesley used his traps to trip up the goblins, sending them tumbling into confusion, while DG unleashed her powers, the ground trembling as rocks surged up to block incoming attacks.

But the orcs were relentless, and soon it became clear that they weren't just a scouting party. More of them appeared from the shadows, and the fight turned into a chaotic whirlwind of clashing steel and magic. Just as it seemed like they might be overwhelmed, a voice called out from the treeline.

"For the Shire!"

Out of nowhere, two hobbits appeared, charging into the fray. One was tall for a hobbit, with dark hair and determined eyes, while the other was stockier, with sandy blonde hair and a fierce expression. They moved in perfect coordination, their small blades flashing as they struck down goblins and orcs alike.

Smiley's eyes widened. "Frodo Baggins? Samwise Gamgee?"

Frodo turned toward her, surprised. "You know of us?"

Before Smiley could respond, another wave of goblins rushed them. Frodo and Sam leaped into action, fighting side by side with Smiley's group. The battle was intense but short-lived, and soon, the orcs and goblins were either defeated or fleeing back into the wilds.

Breathing heavily, Smiley wiped the sweat from her brow and turned to Frodo and Sam. "I've heard of your quest," she said. "You're on your way to Mount Doom to destroy the One Ring."

Frodo nodded, his face solemn. "Yes. The fate of Middle-earth depends on it."

"We were hoping to pass through here unnoticed," Sam added, casting a wary glance at the orc bodies scattered around them. "But it seems that trouble finds us wherever we go."

Smiley smiled softly. "You're not alone in that."

Before the conversation could continue, a harsh voice interrupted them. From the shadows emerged a slaver, flanked by a group of grim-looking men. He sneered as he took in the sight of the hobbits, his eyes gleaming with greed. "Hobbits... rare and valuable. I could fetch a good price for you lot."

Smiley stepped forward, her grip tightening on her sword. "We're not for sale."

The slaver laughed, clearly unimpressed. "You've got some fight in you, but I've got numbers. Surrender now, and maybe I'll let you live."

Before he could give any further threats, DG's eyes glowed with a fierce light, and the ground beneath the slaver's feet shifted. Rocks surged upward, knocking him off balance and scattering his men. Frodo and Sam jumped into action, their blades flashing as they helped Smiley, Elendir, and Wesley take down the slaver's guards.

The slaver himself tried to flee, but Frodo, with a speed that surprised even Smiley, tackled him to the ground. Sam, ever the loyal protector, stood over the slaver, his face fierce. "You'll do no more harm to our people."

With the slaver captured and his men defeated, the group gathered their things and prepared to move on. Frodo and Sam, though weary from their own journey, offered their thanks and shared a few moments of camaraderie with Smiley and her companions.

"We've all got our own battles to fight," Frodo said quietly, as they sat around a small campfire later that evening. "But it helps to know that there are others out there, doing what they can to make the world a better place."

Smiley nodded, her eyes thoughtful. "We'll keep fighting. We'll stop the Orc King, just like you'll destroy the Ring."

Sam raised his mug of ale, which he'd retrieved from a small stash they carried. "Here's to the Shire, and to friends who fight the good fight."

They all raised their mugs, clinking them together in a quiet but heartfelt toast.

As the evening wore on, the tension of the day's battles began to fade. The group shared stories, laughter, and plenty of ale. Smiley found herself sitting next to DG, her heart fluttering in a way that felt both familiar and new. The warmth of the fire, combined with the buzz from the drinks, loosened her usual guard.

DG, who had been quiet for most of the evening, leaned closer to Smiley, her cheeks slightly flushed. "You were amazing today... again," DG whispered softly, her eyes meeting Smiley's.

Smiley's heart skipped a beat. "So were you. I'm glad you're with us."

The air between them seemed to hum with an unspoken tension, and before Smiley knew it, DG's hand brushed against hers. The touch was electric, sending a shiver down Smiley's spine. They were both tipsy, the alcohol making them bolder than usual.

And then, without thinking, Smiley leaned in. DG's eyes widened slightly, but she didn't pull away. Their lips met in a soft, tentative kiss, the world around them fading as the warmth between them grew.

It was a brief moment—sweet and filled with the promise of something more—but when they pulled away, both of them were left breathless.

Smiley blinked, her cheeks burning. "I... I didn't mean to—"

DG smiled shyly, her own face flushed. "I... liked it."

They shared a quiet laugh, the tension between them both awkward and endearing. Whatever had just happened between them was only the beginning, and though neither of them said it aloud, they both knew that something had changed.

Across the campfire, Wesley smirked and elbowed Elendir. "Told you it was getting warm."

Elendir chuckled softly, shaking his head. "It seems there's more than one kind of magic at play here."

As the night wore on and the fire crackled softly, Smiley glanced at DG, her heart full of both excitement and uncertainty. They still had a long journey ahead, but for the first time in a while, she felt like she had something—someone—to look forward to.

Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but tonight, for the first time, Smiley allowed herself to enjoy the company of her friends, the promise of their quest, and the quiet, growing spark between her and DG.