Finding my way Home

Battles and Discovery

Melora was pacing when Bard returned. The children were asleep. "There will be war tomorrow" Bard told her tiredly, "If I am to believe the wizard Orcs are also on their way."

Melora stopped pacing and looked at Bard with wide eyes. She had just faced those creatures before the dragon, and her heart plummeted. "Orcs, War," she whispered. How are we going to protect the children?" She forgot all about trying to figure out why the elf with Tilda looked so familiar.

"The Elven king does not believe that the Orcs are coming," Bard assured Melora.

"And you?" She asks him.

"I am not so sure," Bard answered honestly.
Melora looked at Bard. "I am not equipped for battle," she told him seriously, "But I hope you know that I will protect your children as best as I can."

Bard gave her a small smile. "I know, and I thank you," he said.

"You will need rest; tomorrow sounds like it will be a long day," Melora told him. That night, Melora herself could not sleep. She kept thinking about the elf that was familiar to her. She had spent much of the day before trying to avoid all the elves, and she had succeeded until him. She was angry, angry at the dwarves and these elves that wanted to fight for something, as talking to Bard sounded like the equivalent of a pissing match between them to see who the pettiest king could be. Who fights over rocks and necklaces, she thought to herself. Bard said he hoped Thorin would yield with the Arkenstone in his possession. Before she went to sleep, the last thought was that it sounded very much like Dwarves and Elves were utterly ridiculous.
When she awoke Bard was already on his feet. "Stay with the children," He told her, his face grim. He was going to go to try to treat with Thorin again.

She had agreed to watch them, and she and the children were exploring the old market when she heard battle. "That is too close," She whispered as she walked with Sigrid and Tilda. That is when she saw them Trolls. "Where did Bain go?" She panicked. She could hear him call for them but did not see him. Sigrid and Tilda were screaming. "Girls, we have to move," Melora implored. She was pushing them in front of her. She started pushing them faster as she noticed orcs running to catch up with them. She did not have anything to defend them with as she was unsure of how to wield weapons.
As they descended the hill, Bain emerged and engaged the orc. Melora stood in front of the girls as they huddled together, trying not to have a panic attack. That is when they saw their father and called for him. Melora knew he saw them, but her hearing picked up heavy footsteps. "Girls, please," she urged them to be quiet when they came face to face with a troll. This isn't good, she thought to herself. "Behind me," she told the children, backing them up.

She heard Bard yelling for them to get down as he barreled down the hill in a cart, attacking the troll. Once the troll was disposed of, Bard hugged his children and you. He said he needed you to get the women and children into the armory and lock the doors.
Tilda cries that she wants to stay with him. Alfrid interrupts and goes to drag the child to the haven. It took everything in you not to punch Alfrid as he tried pulling Tilda behind him. "Let her go," you told him vehemently. Alfrid's eyes got comically wide.

"I am just trying to protect you and the children's love, While Bard defends the town," he said

"Make sure that you do, Alfrid. When you secure the women and children, I need you back to help protect them. Every man," Bard exclaimed.

"Yes, Sir," Alfrid assured. Tilda ripped her arm from him and came back to your side.

You gave Bard a stern look, "Please be careful," you urged him, and you urged the children to go before you. You all gathered women and children on your way. You fought the urge to trip Alfrid when you shoved the sword Bard gave to Bain and took off up the hill and out of sight. "Slimy worm," you muttered.