The Merging of Destinies (Legolas Romance) *New Version, Same Author*

15: Smaug, Erebor and many partings

Val was sat at the kitchen table, cradling a mug of tea and wondering how to get Bard out of jail.

Suppose I should just unlock the door using magic, she thought lightly.

Realising she had better do it sooner rather than later, Val stood up but just as she made her way to the door, a roar filled the air.

'That's not good.' Stated Val. 'That's definitely not good.'

Thorin what have you done?

There was a flurry of activity as Val and Tauriel began to ready the children to leave while the dwarves packed up their belongings.

'We have no time, we must leave.' Said Tauriel to Sigrid, who was packing food.

At the far end of the kitchen table, Fili was speaking to his brother who was awake but sitting on a chair, 'Come on, brother. Come on, come on, let's go.'

'I'm fine, I can walk.' Snapped Kili who shrugged off Fili's hand and stood up, giving Val an exasperated look.

The she elf only smiled at him, noting how tired Kili was, both mentally and physically.

Another roar sounded, though this time a lot closer. Val thought she could see the house slightly shake and was glad Legolas was far away.

'As fast as you can.' Urged Tauriel.

'We're not leaving, not without our father.' Said Bain defiantly.

Val made her way over to him, 'Bain, I know you're worried about your father. I am as well but do you think he'd want you to stay and forsake your sisters?'

Bain looked at her but eventually sighed and nodded, 'You're right.'

Just as they were leaving, bells started to ring.

A bit late for that, thought Val.

Bofur made his way over to the back stairs, 'Down here, now!'

One by one they went down and saw a boat that was docked.

'Give me your hand.' Said Oin to Tilda who helped her into the boat.

Val looked around and noticed the pandemonium. People were everywhere, trying to escape.

'Come on, we gotta go!' Shouted Bofur to Val. She concentrated again on getting in the boat which rocked considerably underneath her feet.

'Quickly now, hurry!' Instructed Tauriel to Bain and Sigrid.

Fili turned to his brother, 'Kili, come on!'

Val leaned forward and helped Kili onto the boat next to her.

Once everyone was safely seated in the boat they pushed off and Smaug flew over them, which caused them all to duck.

Val saw that most houses - and some people - were on fire.

It was a slow and tedious journey as the canals were filled with people trying to escape. Behind them, a jet of fire appeared along with screams of agony.

'Look out!' Screamed Bofur.

Their boat collided with another, larger one and Val saw that it was the Master's. Tauriel tried to push their boat away so they wouldn't be crushed.

Well, I hope he dies in the fire, thought Val.

'Da!' Screamed Bain and Tilda in unison.

Val looked up and saw Bard firing arrows at Smaug. Even though Val had only known bard for a day, she had grown to care for him.