Chapter 6
When she heard the heavy footsteps of the red dragon, she positioned herself in a majestic pose on the throne, that her elves had manufactured for her.
A vast red flame announced the entrance of Smaug, the ally Alasse had so badly hoped for. But she knew, that it would be both: easy and difficult to convince him to become her ally.
'Her Majesty', Duron stumbled and bowed. 'Smaug, the Stupendous has arrived.' He was looking dirty and miserable, but at the same time overjoyed at his success.
But Alasse just waved him off with her hand, dismissing him, ordering him to leave. For a short moment his misery was written all over his face and she knew, what he had wanted from her: acknowledgement, praise. But she wasn't willing to give it to him. Not now, not ever. He wasn't worth it.
Alasse was left alone with Smaug standing right in front of her throne. She had ordered her elves to build it high enough for her to be able to look into Smaugs eyes during the upcoming conversation. If there was one thing she disliked, it was when others tried to tell her what to do or others feeling superior. She had always hated this about her sister. She had always hated this about the way she had been treated back home. That was the reason she now was able to look right into the golden eyes of the monstrous creature.
'Welcome to my small kingdom, Smaug, the Stupendous!' She felt the warmth of his breath on every inch of her skin, tingling. She could almost sense the intensity of his fire, the almighty force destroying everything except metal and stone. Unconsciously she closed her fingers around the golden ring, hanging on a golden chain around her neck. The One Ring, that gave her strength, the One Ring, that was loyal to her, soothing her, encouraging her. Enabling her to be, who she always wanted to be.
'I have not yet seen a kingdom', Smaug replied with a voice, that was a mixture of stone and honey. It echoed back from the walls, filling the room.
Alasse was upset and intimidated at the same time. Did she underestimate the intelligence of her soon-to-be ally? But how did he dare to criticize her?
'It seems, that your eyes betray you, my friend', she hissed back at him, glancing at him suspiciously, regaining the calm and cold expression on her face.
The harsh, deep sound of the dragons laughter filled the empty hall and every single room inside the castle. It seemed, that even earth itself moved by this sound.
'One rule', Smaugs face came nearer, his nose almost touching Alasses face. 'No deceit!'
Orianna was taken aback by the way the shimmery armour emphasized the beauty of the four elvish warriors. All four being the females, that welcomed her and her fellow dwarves to the elven realms. Leanor with her flowing dark brown hair and her nearly white skin. Astrilia with these remarkably blue eyes. Jessa with her sense of humour, that was worth of a dwarf. And Michal, the quietest among them.
Somehow having them with her in the future made her feel a sense of relief. She knew them by now and she liked every single one of them. Satisfied she looked around, catching the glances of her three fellow dwarves and their wizard. Neither of them looked nearly as satisfied as Orianna felt. Why not? Because these were women? Once again?
Maybe now was the time for them to help out. When their men wouldn't listen, what should they do? She had experienced the dwarfes refusing their help. And she had also seen Valandalf nearly begging for help. He was sure, that Middle-Earth was in danger. Who was she to question him? Who was everyone else to question him? One thing was sure: she wouldn't leave his side. No matter, what would come their way. No matter, what evil forces tried to drag her away.
She surely missed home, but she was determined to save Middle-Earth, so that she would be able to return home. And once again feel the warmth of her kitchen, smell the scent of freshly-baked bread. Once again hear her loved ones laugh and sing.
