𝐄𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐄𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐘━︎━︎L. Greenleaf

❝CHAPTER FOURTEEN❞

▌𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧 ━︎━︎ 𝐀𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞 ▌

━︎━︎━︎━︎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐘 𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 what had been destroyed in the fight with Smaug. Bard and his people were camping in Dale, Ellaria had heard him announce it from far away. When she'd informed Thorin of this, he hadn't looked too please. Now, here she stood, easily maneuvering herself around the rubble, quickly lifting heavy boulders and placing them where they needed to be place. "I want this fortress made safe by sun-up." Thorin instructed. "This mountain was hard-won. I will not see it taken again."

     Ellaria frowned, pausing in her movements to look at Thorin. Before she had the chance to open her mouth, Kili beat her to it. "The people of Lake Town have nothing. They came to us in need. They have lost everything."

     Anger morphed onto Thorin's face. "Do not tell me what they have lost. I know well enough their hardship. Those who have lived through dragon fire should rejoice. They have much to be grateful for."

     Ellaria took a step forwards. "Thorin, they―︎"

     "More stone!" He cut the she-elf off. "Bring more stone to the gate!"

     As the Dwarves continued rebuilding, Ellaria stepped back, standing beside Bilbo. "Should I not inform Bard that he will receive no help? He helped us when we needed it, something he never had to do. And now. . . we turn our backs on them? How is that fair?"

     Bilbo shook his head. "It isn't."

     The task of rebuilding the gate by sunrise was accomplished. Even after the Dwarves had rested, Ellaria had made sure the stones would stay in place. She could leave. Her duties had been fulfilled. Yet, she couldn't find it in her to walk away, not while Thorin was like this. Ellaria stood atop the wall, her gaze focused solely in front of her as if to keep watch. Her shoulders grew tense when she saw who was approaching. She turned her head, calling down to the Dwarves below her. "Thorin!" He looked up. "You must see this."

     All of the Dwarves joined her, looking ahead and spotting the elf army along the walls of Dale. A familiar elf army. Thranduil's army. A galloping horse made her turn her head, watching as Bard rode up to the gate, pulling his horse to a stop. Bard looked up at them. "We are glad to find you alive beyond hope."

     Thorin stared him down. "Why do you come to the gates of the King under the Mountain armed for war?"

     "Why does the King under the Mountain fence himself in like a robber in a hold?" Bard called back.

     "Perhaps it is because I am expecting to be robbed." Thorin replied.

     "My Lord, we have not come to rob you, but to seek fair settlement. Will you not speak with me?"