Note: Alright here is chapter 8! It's definitely not the same as the first half of BOFTA, but I believe it works for the sake of this story. Either way I hope you guys enjoy the alterations. It was longer than I thought it to be, which I am glad for. There's not much left for our couple, and things will certainly go down one last time before it goes up, so hang in with me and enjoy this chapter! I will probably have the next one up soon, so look forward to it!


The night dragged on for Tauriel. She eventually had to go outside to breathe from being in such a small place with so many people. The night air was cooling her nerves from being around so many people unfamiliar to her. She briefly wondered where Legolas had gone to. Last she saw he was fighting orcs. But the orcs were gone, and the town was quiet.

And then she heard a dragon roar.

Her eyes went wide, and she ran back inside, and met with faces just as panicked as hers. "The dragon is coming." One of the dwarves said, with his face solemn.

After that everyone was in action again. They got whatever they had, and began preparing to leave. The only ones who seemed to be at a loss at what to do were the bargeman's children.

"We all have to leave. All of us." Tauriel told them.

"Not without our father." The boy named Bain stated. He had been absent for a while from the house, but he came back sometime after Kili had reawakened and was feeling better. The two girls; Sigrid and Tilda had informed him what happened.

Tauriel didn't know where their father was, but she did know that they had to leave. "If you stay here you and your sisters will die, is that what your father would want?" She gave them a furious look, and they didn't say another word. They just started packing.

After everyone was ready, they fled to a boat. The dragon rumbles were getting louder and closer. Still, Tauriel's determination ran high, and she did not want to let anyone in the boat down. She was in full protective mode at the moment. All other thoughts had been cast aside; they would not benefit her now.

The dragon set fire to one section of the town, and there was chaos all around them. People were falling, flying, and on fire. It was a terrible sight.

Tauriel wanted to save them all. She hated this sight of death. It was so close to home for her. Her home, many years ago, was brought down by fire. Her parents and the life she could have had were engulfed by flames. She did not want to see the same happen to Bard's children, or the dwarves.

She rode on though, the old memories fueling her with resolve to see them all safe. She knew it would be unmanageable to try and save everyone.

They went through the town with much difficulty, because every opportunity of getting out so far had been closed to them. The dragon was so close.

Then they all caught sight of Bard, who was fiercely trying to take the dragon down with his arrows. Each one hitting the beast, but they just went the other way, failing to do any damage to him. Until one of them finally seemed to make a difference in the way he moved. It was only a small stumble, but it was there.

Everyone clamored in excitement, but Tauriel was not seeing why. The arrows were doing nothing. She doubted it even felt like a tickle on the dragon's great scale.

"Nothing can pierce it." She said to them, her own optimism slightly failing.

Then Bain jumped off the boat, and everyone screamed his name to come back, wondering what had overcome him with the will to flee. Tauriel was worried for him, but she couldn't do anything. She didn't dare wait in fear of the dragon setting fire to all that were in her care. She kept going.

After a long while, the dragon finally fell, and Tauriel was relieved.


The night had been painfully long for Thranduil, and he didn't sleep at all. His only thoughts were on Legolas. There was no room for anyone else.

Then Galion entered his study in the morning, bowing formally. "Feren went out when I was on my way to the stables. He was already armed, and he had a company of elves with him. He told me the dragon had been slain, and the mountain is free."

Thranduil was relieved at this news, but then he saw another cause that Feren knew about. The mountain only had thirteen measly dwarves in it, so it would be easy for the taking. His eyes opened wide at the realization. He was so close to his wife's jewels he could practically feel them in his hands. But what he did not consider was other the others that would try for this land. His desire for the gems was a drunken ambition that he failed to consider it.

"Gather the two of our guard captains and prepare them all for war."

He spent the rest of the day getting ready; dressing in his shiny starlight armor, and picking up his sword. He swung it around a few times to make sure he still had his skills. They were old and rusty like he felt, but they were there inside, burned to stay forever.

As he kept swinging his sword, he had a renewed vigor. It was almost as if he was a young prince again, getting ready for his first war.

But soon that glorious memory turned into a bloody one, as images of his dead father and wife flashed through his mind. He fell to the ground, his sword clattering next to him. His breathing was ragged and slow. His mind was getting foggy with old memories. They were of war, blood, and death. But suddenly, in the black pit of his mind, there was a fire there that still sparked him.

That fire was Tauriel.

He was both afraid and angry at thinking of her again. It was most likely he would see her again, but would they be on the same side? He knew she felt for the dwarves in some way. She stated so the last time they talked alone. He suddenly could see nothing but himself bringing her death to her by his own blade. Would he be better off for it? There would be no reasoning or resolve, just the sound of arrows flying and swords or daggers clashing. He was not at all anticipative that whenever they crossed paths again, she would tell him anything.

Was there any affection left there for him?

He spent more time in isolation, calming his mind. There was still some faith that he wouldn't have to battle anyone, and for once negotiations didn't end bloodstained. He had a feeling that things would go either unexpectedly wrong, or right. He was hoping for the latter.

A sound jolted him out of his thoughts, and for a moment, he almost called out Tauriel's name. But the figure who approached was Maein, and she was ready for battle. "May I speak with you my lord?" She asked kindly, bowing her head.

Thranduil made no sound; he just gave her a solemn nod.

Maein stood straighter then, and took a deep breath. "What will you do if you happen upon Tauriel?" He knew it was something to do with her. Sighing, he looked at her with his cold face.

"Be more specific. There are a numbers of ways I might meet with her."

"What would you do if she were to stand against you?"

His thoughts of ending her life earlier came to mind, and his face did not change at them. "I will do what is right. That is all I can tell you."

She wasn't pleased with that answer, and he knew it.

"You are young and have yet to learn some things. Whatever love she has for me will be gone in the battlefield. I have seen it happen many ways. I cannot promise you anything. Even the likelihood of not killing her, should that ever come up." At that, Maein looked disturbed, and she covered her mouth.

"Why would you even think of doing such a thing?" She asked quietly, and with a minor whimper in her voice.

Thranduil nearly cracked a smile. "If it's right, then I shall do so. It depends on what exactly happens. But if it makes you feel any better, I would rather not have to kill her. If she were to stand contrary to me, I would take her prisoner. I almost want her to prove herself a traitor, so I can have closure on this confusion you are spewing out to me. How do you know it is true that she loves me?"

The elf leveled out once more. "I see it in the way she talked about you and in her emotional state when she told me. I even tried to get her to go with another man, but it didn't work out. I imagine that you consume her mind by the way she voices you. Tell me now, if that isn't definite enough."

Thranduil was growing weary of this, and he wanted to hear no more.

"Put it to rest, we are expected to leave soon, and I know you have somewhere to be. If you are not there by the time I am ready, then you shall not leave."

"Farewell my lord. Entertain my words should you come across her. That is all I wish." With that, she walked out.

He pondered on the conversation, and it was starting to seem like it was real. If she had come to him twice now about her accusation, then it must be true, and she would want the best for Tauriel. He wanted it too, but that was not his motivation at the moment.

If she were to defy him though, he would not hesitate to take her down, in whatever way was necessary. Though the last thing he wanted to do was kill her. Somehow, this became his greatest fear of the journey ahead.


Tauriel, the children, and the dwarves rode till morning to the shores near Dale.

There were many people wounded, dying, or trying to find their loved ones. Bard's daughters were also crying out 'da!' for all they were worth. She would see to it that they made it to their father and brother safe.

After a long while of searching, there was a commotion, and they all finally spotted Bard, being surrounded by the townspeople. The girls rushed over to him, and she followed.

Once the commotion died down, Bard hugged all of his children. He was near tears. Then he caught sight of Tauriel, and straightened up and to go over to her.

"You have saved the lives of my children twice now, and I do not have anything to repay you with. So I shall say this, you have the right to anything my family owns. You and your family for as long as we all shall live."

Tauriel smiled kindly at him, but shook her head. "I am just happy you are safely back together. I have no need to your rights. They are your own. I wish just you good luck. May your bloodline continue to live long."

They parted shortly after that, and Tauriel was looking around, and catching sight of Kili, who was motioning her to him. She walked over and grinned at seeing him renewed because of her. She no longer lamented parting her home for this mission. She had done many good deeds because of it.

"Will you come with us to see that your debt has been repaid? I am sure my uncle will give you what you need." He told her.

Before she opened her mouth, Legolas appeared beside her. His face was solemn. "Tauriel, I need you with me for something." He said to her in elvish. She looked at him with relief, and then back to Kili.

"I will be back."

She watched as they parted, and when they got far from sight, she turned to Legolas and hugged him. "I feared the worst for you when the dragon came, I am so glad you are alright." She told him, trying to hold back tears.

"Will you tell me now why you left Tauriel?" He looked serious, and she faltered, suddenly remembering the reason. She couldn't find herself to say anything, not around all these people who were suffering. Or around people at all.

She walked past him. "I am not ready. Let us help these people, and then I will tell you when we have a moment alone."

Hours were then spent helping injured people ease their pain with what little she knew of healing. Tauriel missed Maein, because she knew that she would save these people much better than herself.

After a while, she caught sight of Legolas talking to Bard. She listened in on their conversation, and Legolas was warning Bard of how he wasn't the only one trying to get to that mountain.

She caught up to him when he walked away. "You saw something last night while following those orcs, didn't you?"

He was still walking in the opposite direction of the mountain, which meant he was probably planning to go somewhere.

"I noticed their leader Bolg, he is known to be the spawn of Azog the defiler. I followed them to the end of Laketown, and there was a ride waiting for him. I noticed the direction they walked in, and their symbol. It was one I had not seen in a long time." Legolas took a deep breath, and Tauriel showed worry for what he was speaking about.

"It was the symbol of Gundabad." He said finally, and Tauriel was startled.

"Gundabad?"

Just then there was Feren, Thranduil's chief captain, on a horse riding toward them. "Legolas, your king wants you home."

Legolas nodded, and signaled for Tauriel to follow. "Come Tauriel." He said in his professional, yet commanding tone.

"Tauriel is banished." Feren said firmly.

This made Tauriel's heart drop. She knew this would have happened. But she knew she couldn't say anything for defense of going back. Not now. It didn't stop her from being upset with Thranduil though. Then again, she pushed her limits when Legolas couldn't get her to come back.

Legolas stopped in his footsteps, his jaw going from fallen, back to his mouth. "I will not go back without her. Tell my father that." He turned to her, but Tauriel was slightly panicking. She was causing this, and suddenly regret filled her again.

"Legolas, this is an order from your king." She tried to reason.

"He may be my king, and this may be his order, but I will not abandon you. Not until I know why." At that Feren raised his eyebrows in interest.

"So there is a reason you left?" He asked.

Tauriel's dread and regret for everything rose again. Her endeavors meant nothing at the moment. She remembered the sole reason she left. It was enough, and she hoped Thranduil would understand without clarification. But clearly he didn't.

"Tell my father that Tauriel is not a traitor. She has a reason for leaving, but she cannot voice it to you." Feren left, and Legolas turned to the anxious Tauriel.

"Ride with me to Gundabad." He said, grabbing her shoulders.

Tauriel nodded. "I will tell you soon. I just need to figure out how, in my mind." She said quietly. Tears streamed down her face suddenly, and she just needed some peace.

They rode out, and the only thing on Tauriel's mind, was Thranduil.


Thraduil was riding out amongst his army, when Feren met up with him at the shores of Esgaroth. He wasn't surprised that he returned alone.

"My lord, I bring you news of what I saw and heard while over there."

Thranduil nodded, still wondering why Legolas didn't come back to him. What was Tauriel doing to him that he chose to stay with her and defy him? He was still assuming the worst.

"The people of Lake Town are in great need of aid."

Thranduil looked behind him and showcased the supplies he had upon him. "I am providing it, a small offer for their help in fighting against the dwarves. I wanted to be prepared. Is that all?"

Feren shook his head. "Tauriel has a reason for leaving. She didn't tell me, but I think Legolas knows, and he stayed with her presumably for the reason. When I asked, she was near tears. I do not know why."

Thranduil exhaled shortly, and he tugged the reigns of his elk. "I will not believe a word until I hear something from her, or my son." He didn't really want to think of Tauriel right now and more so the thought of Tauriel crying. It was eating away at him, and he wanted this to end.

They reached Dale the next day, and Thranduil met with the man named Bard. He was grateful for his aid, but Thranduil contradicted Bard with his real purpose for coming.

Bard set out to reason the dwarves into paying their fair share of the mountain treasures that they were promised. Thranduil only chuckled as he watched him go and come back, still riding his elk.

When he came back with the news that Thorin would not listen, Thranduil was not surprised. He set up a tent and took down his armor for the night.

"I saw your son earlier. He was with your guard captain named Tauriel."

That got his attention, and he turned to him with curious eyes. "How do you know Tauriel?" He asked.

Bard smiled and shifted in his chair. "She saved my daughter's life last summer, and just two nights ago when the dragon attacked, she got my children to safety, and back to me. I owe her immensely."

At hearing Tauriel was in fact doing noble deeds, Thranduil's temperament lightened a little. At this point he just wanted to see her, and know if with any luck she was here, and she would find him. "Do you know if she is here?"

Bard shook his head, and it disappointed Thranduil. "They rode off. I do not know where."

At this Thranduil questioned why Tauriel was still absent from him. He admitted that he did yearn for her. He felt a bit heartbroken at the fact that everywhere he went that was her direction, she was elsewhere. What was she running from?

The moment of pondering only lasted a second though, as he remembered where he was, and why he was there.


Tauriel and Legolas reached Gundabad by midday. They observed that indeed there was activity going on, and they would wait till nightfall for cover.

"These are bad lands Tauriel…" Legolas said. He then proceeded to tell her about how this was where his mother died in another age. He stated how Thranduil doesn't speak of it and he does not remember anything about his mother.

By that time, Tauriel had finally found the right words to say to Legolas, but they would not be easy. She turned to him, her eyes serious. "I am ready to tell you why I left now." She started slowly.

He raised his eyebrows in interest.

"I am… in love with your father. It drove me mad, for months. Being in a position where I had to constantly see him, and sometimes fight with him didn't help either. When he announced to you that no one was to enter or leave the kingdom, I got so scared of losing my mind." She stopped, because her voice was breaking. She knew she couldn't make too much sound, for alarm of giving them away.

Legolas did not get mad, as she feared. He put his hand on her shoulder and gripped it tightly. "Tauriel… It's alright, I understand."

Tears streamed down her face. "Hearing that he banished me and called me a traitor didn't help either. I managed to keep it in until now. I've done so much. But what is it for Legolas? What is my purpose?"

"Your purpose is to help people. Your reason for leaving is not selfish or traitorous as my father would think, but Tauriel, from the day you signed on to be a captain you swore an oath. You swore you would protect the realm." Legolas was probably the only one who could be sensible while consoling.

"Isn't that what I am doing? Why should I be limited to just protecting one place, when I can protect more? Legolas, if I had stayed in the hall hiding from danger, and trying to come to my sense with my feelings, I would have lost myself."

"I understand. I assume my father doesn't know of your feelings does he?" He was taking this better than she thought. She shook her head.

"The only other one who knows about this is Maein, and the weirdest thing about that is she even tried to get me to be with another guy, and I tried way too hard to give my affection to him. But with your father, it's so different…" She stopped, because while he seemed to be okay with what was happening, she didn't want to go into any more detail about his father.

"Do you have any plans on going back then?" He was still seriously apprehensive, and trying to fathom what to do with this knowledge.

To his dismay though, Tauriel shook her head. "I am banished, what can I do? Tell him?"

"You could try."

"I don't think I have it in me to do that. I may be able to tell your father anything else, but that I don't know if I can do." She sighed and looked at the dark lands before her, suddenly remembering what they were doing.

"We shall talk more about this later." She said nothing more after that, because her heart just felt heavy from all the events that were happening.


It was evening at Dale for Thranduil, and the wizard known to him as Mithrandir; but others as Gandalf, had shown up to deliver the news of orcs coming their way. Thranduil talked him down, saying that orcs showing up were nonsense, as if saying that would make it less true. For the moment, he did not see orcs, and he desperately wanted it to stay that way.

The three males were quiet in the tent for a while, and then a hobbit showed up with the Arkenstone in order to prevent fighting and negotiate. Thranduil was entranced by the glowing white gem, and he wondered if this was the unexpectedly right event that would prevent fighting after all.

Night grew darker and Bard had retired to bed, but Thranduil stayed up, wandering outside for a while.

In solitude, Thranduil's mood did lighten with his hope that Tauriel would return to him. He believed that everything will work out one way or another. But something dark still existed about the premonition of the next day, and it kept Thranduil from being completely calm for the rest of the night.

The next morning, the exchange did not go well. In fact, everyone witnessed how mad Thorin Oakenshield looked above them. To make matters worse, Dain Ironfoot showed his face as well. He was definitely worse than Thorin.

They turned to each other, preparing to fight. But something rumbled near them. Thranduil's eyes grew wide.

His feeling of unexpectedly wrong showed its hand instead of right.

Were-worms emerged from the ground, making the presence of orcs known. This was not what Thranduil wanted at all. Everything left his mind in that moment, and he was prepared for war. When he was in this state, the only thing on his mind was survival; for he and his people.

But he knew that even if they fled now, he couldn't save everyone.

So his army jumped over the Ironfoot army and began fighting first. After a while the orcs were growing closer to him, and he started fighting as well. He was slaying orcs left and right from his elk with ferocity. It went on like this for a long time, and eventually he was growing tired.

Then more orcs appeared, and started heading toward the city.

As he rode toward the city and entered its grounds, his elk was slain, so now he was left to fight on foot. This only increased his determination to survive though. He would not let other thoughts distract him from taking down every orc in sight.

He feared that this would never end. But he would keep fighting until he drew his last breath. This he swore.


Night fell at Gundabad. During which time Tauriel managed to get some rest. Legolas knew she needed it.

When she woke up, she realized that a lot of time had passed. "We should start moving now." She said to him quietly.

Then finally, bats swarmed around them, and they hid.

"These bats are bred for only one purpose." Legolas said. Right after, they heard marching, and the cries of orcs. They looked down, and saw a good number of them marching out.

"We must warn the others."

"We may be too late."

They ran back to their horse, and made sure to ride back unseen. Tauriel's heart was racing, and she feared for everyone at Dale and Erebor. They would be seriously outnumbered and outmatched.

They rode through the night, and reached Dale by morning. When they got there they discovered there was already fighting. They come upon dead bodies of men, dwarves, orcs, and elves.

They both gasped. Tauriel's heart started beating higher and harder. Thranduil was here, and she knew why.

After a while of walking around, trying to find someone, Maein stumbled upon them. She was in battle armor and she looked like she had been a bit dirtied, but otherwise fine. Tauriel's heart dropped in relief, and she ran up to her friend.

"Oh Tauriel, so much has happened. I don't even know where to start."

"Where is my father?" Legolas asked.

Maein stiffened, and she gave them a worried look. "I last saw him fighting many orcs furiously in the town, but night fell, and everything was just quiet. But the battle is restarting, and we are down by a lot."

They did indeed hear the sounds of war starting to rise again, but Dale was still quiet for the most part.

"Tauriel, there is something that I have to tell you." Maein's face was still the same, and it didn't help Tauriel at all.

"I… told the king about your feelings."

"What?!"

Tauriel was really worried now. He knew of her feelings. "When did you tell him?" She was trying not to be angry, but it was hard to do. She knew though, that Maein meant well.

"I told him after you left. Please hear me to the end. He was very much in denial about it, but I talked to him again, and I think he might be coming around. Just don't do anything reckless please."

Tauriel's head was spinning.

Before anyone could say anything else, they heard the sound of an elvish horn. It was the signal to call the entire company. Legolas and Maein were concerned, but Tauriel knew exactly what she was going to do.

"He is not leaving. Not now. There are more orcs coming!"

She quickly sprinted off from the two, determined, yet afraid about what she was going to do next.

It could either go unexpectedly wrong, or unexpectedly right.