There and Back Again: A Girl's Tale

Chapter 27 We Have Tonight

Chapter 27 We Have Tonight

When the master of Lake-town called for a feast, Elwen's first thought was that she wasn't sure she trusted anything that greasy looking bastard would serve.

The company was given lodging at an inn, and soon they were all seated at a long table in the great room. She was sat between Fili and Balin, staring down at a plate full of food she absolutely didn't want to eat. Kili had chosen to sit on the other side of the table, away from her, and Thorin was at the head of the table with the master and his creepy ass sidekick. Elwen felt lost, ashamed, and simply wanted to go to sleep and pretend the whole business was already over and done.

Guilt settled in her stomach like a stone, making her feel sick and unsettled. She'd known when she stepped forward and spoke for Thorin that she just might be burning a bridge between her and Bard. But it had been instinct, to believe in the person she loved, to defend him when his character came into question. She didn't regret it, yet she couldn't help but feel sorry for herself. This was the second time she'd chosen the dwarves over her own kin, and it wasn't fair. She shouldn't have to choose.

She couldn't help but wonder if Bard might be right. Was going to the mountain a mistake? These were her mother's people, her flesh and blood. Bard and his children had accepted her into their home with open arms, so different from the reception she'd gotten in the Woodland Realm. Would she repay them with fire and death?

Thorin had been so quick to promise wealth beyond measure. He'd played to the master's greed without so much as a second thought, not even pausing to consider the risk they were causing to the people of Lake-town. He seemed to have a singular thought; getting to the mountain and retrieving the Arkenstone.

Words echoed in her mind, words she'd heard what felt like an age ago. Have you forgotten a strain of madness runs deep in that family? His grandfather lost his mind. Can you swear Thorin Oakenshield will not also fall?

No, she could not.

Elwen meant what she'd said to Thorin that night. He didn't have to succumb to the madness as his grandfather had before him. She still believed that, but there was no denying that the closer they drew to that mountain, the more she worried. His mind was becoming totally consumed, and she didn't know what she would do if she lost him to madness. All of his promises were well and good, but what use would they be if they all died and Lake-town was ash and dust?

You have no right to enter that mountain. Bard wasn't wrong, not with the risks so high.

I have the only right. Thorin wasn't wrong either.

This was his only chance to reclaim his home. Who was she to tell him he shouldn't? If it wasn't for him, Elwen would never have discovered who she was or where she came from. She'd given her word that she would help the dwarves reclaim their kingdom. A kingdom I will someday help him rule, if we survive.

But she didn't need it. The only thing she needed was Thorin. As long as she had him, she would be content to live a quiet, normal life.

A booming laugh came from the end of the table. Bombur was entertaining by catching various bits of food in his mouth. She looked at her friends and was glad to see them enjoying their time together. Everyone was smiling and laughing, even Kili, though he avoided her gaze. It was as if they thought this might be their last chance to be merry with one another. Perhaps it was.

Elwen's visions had never shown the others. Aside from herself, she had only ever seen Fili, Kili, Thorin, and Bilbo. Would the others make it through whatever was to come? She still did not yet know how she was to save the sons of Durin, let alone anyone else.