More Than Gold - Thorin Oakenshield

A Thunder Battle

Galadriel smiled gently at the fairy. "What troubles you?" She asked.

"I am not sure myself," Tala replied. "I suppose I am sad, while at the same time... I feel lost. I don't know what to do, my lady."

"Follow your heart, little fairy." Galadriel replied.

"My heart?" Tala questioned. "My heart tells me to stay, to stick to my decision. However, it also tells me that I should go after them, that my role in this quest is not yet finished."

"You are right," Galadriel said. "You must go after them, your task is not yet over."

"They do not want me, my lady." Tala said miserably. "They have questioned my place amongst them since we set off."

"The entire company, or just one?" Galadriel asked. Tala glanced at her, startled by the knowing look in her eyes. "Thorin Oakenshield is a proud dwarf, you are a proud fairy. You balance one another well. Do not let one moment define your life, to define your next actions."

Tala considered the Lady's words. She could remain in Rivendell, dwelling on the what ifs, and perhaps blame herself of the journey comes to an unfortunate end. Or, she could show them the courage of her people. That despite how things got hard, Tala was going to be right there with them.

She glanced up, her eyes showing the elf her answer. Galadriel smiled, helping Tala to stand. "Go now, and follow them, they will need you in time to come."

"Thank you, my lady." Tala nodded, rushing off. Her green skirts floating behind her in a flurry. She made her way to the room she had changed her clothes. Quickly, she changed back into her armor, securing her swords in their sheaths.

Grabbing her pack, she quickly re braided her hair and ran towards Elrond's study. She burst in without an invitation, startling the elf Lord. "Tala, what is wrong?"

"I cannot stay, I must go after them." She said.

"Are you sure?" Elrond questioned. "This quest is dangerous, and in some cases, foolish."

"I cannot simply let them go alone. They need me, I need to make sure they are safe." Tala said, Elrond could see how determined the dairy was, so he did not say more to stop her.

"If that is your wish, then I will help you follow them. Perhaps you can find them in time." Tala smiled gratefully, following him as he found Elrohir and Elladan.

"Our little fairy is leaving us so soon?" Elrohir questioned.

"I have to go, Elrohir," Tala smiled softly. "Those dwarves need me."

"Need you," Elrohir scoffed lightly. "Tala, they don't deserve you."

"My friend," Tala said softly, reaching up to touch his face. "I must do this, I cannot just sit idly by, I signed a contract with them, and I intend to see it done."

"You are brave, little fairy." Elrohir teased. Tala smiled, her eyes pleading. The elf sighed before glancing at his brother. With a small nod to him, Elrohir turned back to the fairy. "Alright, Elladan and I will help you get to them fast, o doubt they will be hard to track."

"Thank you, Elrohir." Tala said gratefully. The brothers quickly got ready, and soon, the three were off. Elrond had given Tala his Blessing, deeply wishing for her safe return.

Elrond treated Tala like family, with her having spent many years, nearly an entire century, with them. She and the brothers started with horses, all of them easily picking up the company's trail. When they got closer to the Misty Mountains, they all stopped.

"This is where I leave you, my friends." Tala dismounted, the brothers following suit. "I will miss you both."

"We will see you again, Naur-Calad." Elladan said with a soft smile.