Golden Thrones and Moonlight Veils (HOBBIT FANFICTION)

Reunions

The sun rose quietly over the burned remains of Esgaroth. Talessa and her friends were helping the townsfolk set up a temporary shelter along the lakeshore. Tauriel tended to the wounded, moving with calm efficiency. Earlier, she had argued with Legolas, though Talessa hadn't heard what it was about. Whatever the issue, the male elf left in a hurry, while Tauriel assured them she would stay until everyone was safe and cared for.

Boats were constantly being rowed in and out of the smoldering town, men salvaging whatever they could. Word spread quickly that the mayor had perished—Smaug had fallen directly onto his boat, sinking it along with his guards and the treasures he had tried to escape with. The townsfolk, emboldened by his cowardice and their newfound hope, proclaimed Bard their new leader. He had been popular among the poorer citizens before, but now he was a hero to everyone.

Talessa cast a wistful gaze toward the looming mountain. No word had come from the dwarves who had ventured there, and the uncertainty gnawed at everyone, especially Kíli and Fíli. Both were restless, eager to reunite with their uncle, but they reluctantly agreed to stay until the temporary settlement of tents and wooden shelters was complete.

Kíli, recovering quickly from his wound, now trailed after Tauriel during her rounds among the injured. They made a curious pair—a beautiful, stern-faced elf, towering more than a head above the rugged, cheerful dwarf who followed her with an adoring grin.

Meanwhile, Talessa and Eline sat on a rock, handing out food portions prepared by a group of older women. Despite the devastation, there was enough food to stave off starvation. Many livestock had been saved during the evacuation, with villagers carrying their pigs and chickens to safety, and the lake continued to provide plenty of fish. Still, the approaching winter would be harsh. Talessa hoped Thorin would send enough gold and resources to aid in rebuilding the town.

Eline had been quiet since the attack, staying close to Talessa but speaking little. Talessa could feel the weight of her friend's unspoken frustration.

"I'm sorry, Eline," she said softly. She guessed the source of her friend's silence: anger at not being warned about the vision and the prophecy. "I should have told you. I just... I still wasn't sure if what I saw was real or just my imagination."

Eline's voice was flat, tinged with exhaustion. "We all could have died. Ever since we joined the dwarves, we've never truly been safe. I'm just... worried about what comes next. What is the plan, anyway?"

Talessa hesitated. "I think... I think I'm meant to stay," she admitted cautiously. "My fate seems tied to Thorin and—"

"Is that what you want, though?" Eline interrupted sharply, her eyes piercing. "Because I'm not even sure where you stand with him right now. Though," she added with a faint smile, "I did hear you screaming his name last night. Most of us did."

Talessa's face turned scarlet beneath her veil, and for a moment, she laughed along with Eline, the tension between them easing.

"I do want to stay with him," she said, more serious now. "But what about you and Fíli? I thought you might want to stay as well." Her voice wavered with uncertainty. Her visions had never revealed whether Eline's path would align with hers or diverge. The thought of losing her dearest friend weighed heavily on her heart, but she could never force Eline to stay, no matter how much she wished it.

Eline didn't respond right away, her gaze drifting to the distance. Talessa followed her line of sight and saw Fíli, shirt sleeves rolled up, carrying a heavy plank of wood. His muscled torso was visible through the thin fabric, and a soft smile touched Eline's lips.

"Do you think my family—and Bertra—would be willing to move here if we decided to stay?" Eline asked quietly, resting her head on Talessa's shoulder, her eyes still on the blonde dwarf.