I'm sooooooooo sorry for the lengthy wait! I've been trying to pack and get ready to head back to college soon. Packing, ugh, hate it! Seriously the laundry is never ending!
Any who, here is the next chapter! I'm not entirely sure how long this will be in its entirety as a side note
So as always, disclaimer: I do not own anything.
From the top of the great wall, that acted as the first defense mechanism of Dale, Bella had a fine view of the battlefield below. The fighting continued on, dwarves and elves falling dead before her eyes. There were too many orcs and goblins. They'd soon be killed by the overwhelming numbers if some miracle did not take place at once. Sparing a glance down the length of the path, she spotted Gandalf speaking to an angry looking Thranduil. His blue eyes turned cold and harsh by the battle no doubt. She wondered what exactly they were discussing that had angered him so. Gandalf looked like he was pleading but the King wasn't biting. He snarled something to the old wizard then turned in grand flourish of white hair and flowing silver cape, then stomped off, slamming his sword back into its hilt. Gandalf rubbed his face with one hand and his eyes slid closed. The gravity of the argument was getting to him and he looked tired and a bit weary from it.
Not wishing to face the wizard's wrath by getting caught staring, she turned her attention back to the valley below. She placed each hand on the siding of the wall, ignoring the jagged stone below her fingers and watched with a heavy heart as more and more orcs came stalking towards the remaining defenses. 'Thorin….where are you? They need their King..'
She was suddenly shaken from her thoughts when a large weathered hand settled on hers. Her eyes shot upwards, her calming when she spotted Gandalf there. "This war will very well be the end of dwarf race. We underestimated the power of the orc goblin alliance."
Bella knew he was right. The orcs would overrun the final line of Iron Hills warriors and storm the mountain. There they would find the company and Thorin and kill them all, reaping the benefits of such a terrible horde. She honestly didn't think this was how she'd help make history. Watching a race fall into distinction was vastly opposite to the warm glow of winning back the great mountain and paying witness to the rebirth of the great kingdom.
Thorin stared hard at the floor as he and Dwalin walked back towards the Gate. Dwalin walked ahead, head raised, with a smirk on his lips while Thorin followed like an obedient dog. He felt like he was being led to the lion's den based on the nerves wringing his stomach into knots. Honestly, facing down his own company and owing up to his mistake was a daunting task indeed.
They'd just stepped into the cavernous hallway that end up at the front of the gate where the other members were still seated amongst the unused blocks of stone. Dwalin still walked ahead, but stopped when he reached the top of the stairs, peering down as the others began to register his presence. Gradually each and everyone one turned their eyes on him, Nori, Dori and Bofur having stood up. Bofur gave him a hopeful look that he replied to by lowering his jaw a bit. They watched him with a mixture of curiosity, hope, and confusion that turned into reserved anger the second Thorin stepped out in front of him with his eyes cast to the ground.
Thorin could hardly breathe. He could feel every single anger filled eye on him assessing his arrival with distaste. He deserved it of course but it did little to bring him much encouragement. Trying to steal his nerves and channel the power of a King, he began descending the steps. He came to a halt just beyond the gathered misfit group of warriors. They looked ready to skin him alive, especially little Ori. He hadn't expected such anger from them when the idea to take back what he'd done and set things right first popped into his head. He'd expected them to be untrusting, weary, a bit reserved and a bit angry but this was borderline hatred. He understood why of course. Not only had he banished his love but his own nephews for taking her side when he was clearly too stubborn to realize her intentions. It was ridiculous really, the fact that he half expected any of them to be even slightly welcoming upon his return.
He cleared his throat softly then spoke in what he hoped was an even tone, "I know now that I acted rashly and because of that we've lost not only our burglar but also two precious assets and family members," he paused, side eyeing Nori, who stood, sword in hand. "I have realized my grave mistake and I would take it back. Every word and action. I will spend the rest of my days winning back the trust and love of my dear nephews and my One, I promise you." He tried his best to sound as sincere as possible and convince them of his truth. They remained guarded and skeptical, so he continued.
"I do not expect any of you to forgive me, nor would I dare ask for such a pardon when I am undeserving of it. I do however, plan to venture forward and win back the trust of the three people I love most in this world. I was a stubborn fool that disregarded the warnings and simply let myself sink into the abyss of the dragon sickness. I did not even try to fight it off, even when Bella begged me to," he said softly, looking down in shame, "I have caused such pain and discontent."
He glanced up again, assessing each of his companion's faces. Nori looked livid still, along with Gloin and Bifur. Bofur, Bombur and Dori were still skeptical even after Thorin's admittance of fault and little Ori's clenched jaw and fists matched his equally steadfast glare. Oin seemed a bit confused and he glanced around at the other's expressions, only becoming more befuddled from the variety there. Balin wasn't even looking in the King's direction, listening quietly from his corner. Dwalin crossed his arms over his chest, steady gaze on the back of Thorin's head.
"Please, my friends. I beg your help in this quest. I know you are angry with me. I know most of you wish for nothing more than to chuck me from the ramparts, but please, I wish to make things right with those I've wronged. I need to find them and take back my words and actions. I need them to know I've come to my senses and my claims of betrayal and mutiny were absolute rubbish." He felt even more desperate by this point. No one had tried to stop his little speech, nor did any of them shoot forward to pummel him into the ground either. It was like a bomb was about to go off, but the fuse was much longer than anticipated, leaving him waiting with maddening anticipation.
However, as fate would have it, he didn't need to wait long apparently. Ori shot to his feet, stomping over to the King and glaring up at him, "Why?! Why should we stand at your side anymore?" he growled with a fury Thorin didn't think could possibly find a home in the young scribe, "All you care about is yourself. All you value is your own being and the gain you may receive by walking all over those who love you most. Fili and Kili idolized you! Bella loved you since the day you saved her from falling to her death along the cliffs, I know, she told me. Yet you take their respect, their trust, their love and stomp it into the ground. Why the hell should we follow you anymore?"
Thorin was stunned, as were most of the company by Ori's outburst. Dwalin raised his eyebrows, smirk playing on his lips as he watched Thorin squirm under the young dwarf's icy glare. The King didn't even know Ori could raise his voice this loud, let alone intimidate him to the point of submission. It was unheard of, yet it was he who found he could barely breathe under the presence of the glowering eyes. Ori looked at him expectantly, silently reiterating his question.
Swallowing thickly, Thorin tried again, "I cannot ever put into words the anger and hate I have for myself after what I did. I was foolish and the worse type of father or lover imaginable. But please, I beg you to believe me when I say that I love them all, every single one of them, with every part of my being and I will fight tooth and nail to win them back. I will spend every day from this day forth working my arse off to right this wrong. "
"But what about that damned stone?" Ori spat back, "The second it finds its way into your hands, is the moment you will lose your mind and heart to the sickness once more. How can anyone, especially those three, be guaranteed that you will not repeat your actions?"
Thorin was silent for a moment, considering his words. Ori was in fact, correct. Even now, even after he'd declared his love and family more important, the sickness lingered at the back of his mind, threatening to take over once more. Ori was still glaring at him, "You are right. Even now, I feel it lingering in my hindsight," he admitted quietly, noting the tension in the room increase more, "But I know of a solution that will rid me of the desire, hopefully, forever." Ori cocked an eyebrow in question, glare softening ever so slightly. "Dwalin?" Thorin called, without turning. Dwalin's eyes burrowed into the back of his head, waiting for his question, "When this is all over, I want you to take that stone and destroy it beyond recognition." Dwalin grunted in response, and the tense rose even more.
Thorin waited through the silence for anyone to say anything at all. They were more or less completely shocked at the news of the great stone's impending destruction. His eyes settled back on Ori, wishing more than anything that he'd yell or scream or laugh, anything but this blasted silence. The scribe eyed him carefully for a moment, then drew back his fist, quick as lightening and slammed it into Thorin's jaw. The impact send him stumbling backwards and nearly falling to the ground by the sudden force of it. Dwalin caught him under the arm, helping to steady and right the King. Everyone in the area froze in their current position, not daring to look away from the unfolding scene. Dori looked slightly disturbed but Nori was full out glowing with pride. The stunned silence filled the cavernous space, increasing the tension in the area tenfold.
Thorin's eyes settled back on the young dwarf, wide with disbelief. Ori simply narrowed his eyes at him daring the King to try and reciprocate the punch. When Thorin did nothing but raise a hand to wipe away the tiny trickle of blood sliding down his rebusted lip, Ori nodded with satisfaction, "Now we forgive you," his voice softening, then added , " and we will fight by your side."
The tension finally burst and Nori shot forward wrapping his arm around his younger brother's shoulders while he chortled with glee and cast a smug smirk towards Thorin. Dori stood next to his brothers now but refrained from scolding either of them and simply looked proud, if not a bit worried. This seemed to wake the others from their haze and there were battle cries and laughter again. Thorin watched his company celebrate silently not moving from his place until he felt a strong hand grip his shoulder. Dwalin stood beside him, a stern look in his eyes. He inclined his head towards the Gate, waiting until Thorin turned to look in that direction. What he found there tore his heart in two. Balin remained by the wall, standing now, but still staring towards the ground. He hadn't moved from his place, instead wringing his hands together with averted eyes. Thorin moved forward, slowly working his way around the other's and over to his old friend.
Balin breathed deeply, trying to wrap his brain around Thorin's recovery. Surely he couldn't bounce back so easily, surely this was a cruel trick of fate and he would be off with the gold just after he'd ushered them all into the battle and sealed himself inside once more. The worry in his heart flooded his entire body and he couldn't find it in him to offer any joy at Thorin's return. His old eyes shut tight for a moment, only opening when the sound of boots stopping in front of him shook him from his thoughts. He opened them, eyeing the boots. These were not Dwalin's like he'd expected. No these were…these were… His head shot up to take in the dwarf King standing in front of him. Thorin looked tired and broken. He resembled the small child Balin had met so long ago, red puffy eyes, busted lip and swollen eye. He let out a breath, letting the raspy air pass over his age worn lips.
"Balin, I..," Thorin couldn't help the break in his voice when he called the old dwarf's name. His eyes filled with fresh tears and he felt his shoulders begin to shake ever so slightly, "I…I'm so sorry…I…Balin…please don't hate me," he pleaded softly. Balin's mask melted away and he rushed forward, wrapping his arms around Thorin's waist and arms. Thorin's head fell to his shoulder and he let out a little sob. Balin rubbed his back, allowing the gathered tears to fall and hope to flood his heart once more.
The sound of the horn echoed throughout the valley, reverberating off the walls of buildings and rock faces and forcing the battle worn fighters to freeze in the fight. All attention moved to the front of Erebor from which the sound emitted. Bella, hearing the sound, grasped Gandalf's hand tightly, holding her breath in anticipation. Then there were stones shooting out from the Gate as the remainder of what appeared to be a gold statue swung outwards, destroying the barricade. The statue began swinging back into the cavernous opening just as a great battle cry erupted from below the enormous battering ram and several figures began running out of the mountain towards the battle field.
"Thorin," Bella breathed softly. She was entranced by the sight of the King running towards the battle field, sword raised high above his head. She could just barely hear the battle cries of the company as they disappeared into the fray of Orcs and Goblins, slashing hard at the front line. Mixed emotions swirled in her mind; she was glad that Thorin saw to aid his people, but anger and pain remained, overwhelming all happiness. She turned away from the sight, subconsciously dropping Gandalf's hand and walking towards the stairs. She stopped however when he spoke.
"What are they doing?..." Bella peered over her shoulder at the wizard who looked perplexed and a little worried. "No…Raven Hill…Thorin…and Dwalin! They're going for Azog at the tower!" Bella felt her heart rate speed up and dread fill her belly. Without another word she skipped down the steps, sprinting off while she frantically grabbed and slipped the magic ring onto her finger. She spotted a pony standing alone without a rider in sight. She sprinted over to it, leading it towards an overturned crate, which she stepped up onto, then hauled herself onto the pony. The power of the ring instantly making both her and the pony invisible. The kicked hard at the pony's sides, urging it to go as fast as possible. They pony shot forward down the cobble street, dodging various debris from the battle. Bella could feel her little braid wiggling along her neck in the wind and she was reminded of what she'd lost all over again.
The pony neared the wall that the Orcs had broken down and leapt over the stone rubble, landing with a thud of hooves, then they were off again. She glanced upwards to the tower that Azog had been standing, only to find it empty. Fear flooded her mind and she spurred the pony on faster, reaching the rocking pathway, they began to climb.
They reached the top only slipping a few times. Bella slid down to the ground, looking around frantically for any sign of the elves or any of the dwarves. The air was silent with an eerie fog swirling above her. Her ears perked at the sound of distant clangs. Without another thought she sprinted towards the sound, climbing up several sets of stairs only to dive to the ground to dodge the falling Orc that tumbled down the stairs where she'd just been standing. She pushed herself up onto her hands and knees, looking up to see who'd killed the Orc and found a frantic Fili with a trickle of blood flowing from his hair line and a gash in his shoulder, breathing heavily and staring at the dead Orc below. His hand gripped a strange shaped blade that dripped with black blood. Bella stood, brushing herself off, then removed the ring. Fili nearly fell over in fright from her sudden appearance. He stumbled sideways, catching himself on the stone wall, holding his sword towards her in defense. His eyes were wide, filled with fear but then confusion. His arm fell down by his side, sword clanging against the ground, then he pushed himself off the wall.
"Bella?" She smiled back at him, sliding the ring into her pocket again. "How?...Wha- what are you doing here? It's dangerous!"
"Thorin and Dwalin headed up this way to try and kill Azog. He's not in his tower anymore and I had to warn you all!" She told him, pulling the handkerchief she'd gotten from Lake Town when they'd passed through, from her pocket and dabbing at his head gently.
"Azog? He's going after Azog? Is he insane, he nearly killed him last time they fought!" Fili said angrily. Bella didn't answer, still dabbing at the blood. The sound of footsteps made them both turn towards the stairway above them. Kili ran across the platform and down the stairs closely followed by Tauriel then Legolas.
"Bella! I thought that was your voice I heard!" Kili exclaimed, running over to the pair and wrapping strong arms around her shoulders for a moment. Bella chuckled softly, wrapping her arms around his back. Kili pulled away, grinning down at her but frowned when he looked at his brother.
"Thorin and Dwalin are going after Azog," Fili explained, simply. Kili stood up straighter, gripping his bow in his hand tightly.
"What are we gonna do then? We…Fili, we can't just leave them….to die," he pleaded, but didn't sound very convincing to Bella.
Fili seemed to consider his words silently, turning away to look out at the land below them. Tauriel glanced over at Legolas who seemed to understand her silent plea and walked over to the dwarves, "We will fight by your side. I will go with you, Fili and Tauriel will fight with you, Kili," he suggested, "we must be quick though. I fear if we spend much more time considering, we will be too late."
Fili looked at his brother who nodded in agreement, glancing over at Tauriel for confirmation. She smiled softly at him then walked over to stand at his side. "Very well then, let's get going," Fili said firmly. The four turned to head down towards the frozen surface of the waterfall when a throat clearing stopped them. The turned back to see Bella with a foot tapping, arms crossed, pursed lips and a glare in her eyes. "What am I? A useless doll? I'm not going to stay here and hide while you all go risking your lives for the sake of this bloody war. I didn't run into the fray to come and warn you lot just to sneak back to safety the second I'd relayed the message. I will not be ignored like some soft little creature. I didn't trek across this damned land just to be deemed useless at the most crucial moment. I'm coming with you lot and there's nothing you can do to stop me," she finished with a pointed glare at Fili who was about to protest, no doubt. She turned her glare on Kili then and he closed his mouth and nodded with wide eyes. With that settled, she walked forward, the others parting for her to pass.
'Damn! Uncle if you hadn't turned into a total heartless bastard, Bella would make the best Dwarven Queen this land has ever seen,' Kili thought to himself, quickly following Bella's lead down the stair with the others beside him. 'I daresay, even Dain would bend to her every command.'
And there ya go! I promise I'm going to work hard on the next chapters. I'm officially all moved and I should have plenty of time to write hopefully. As always, Comment, Favorite, Follow. I love hearing from you and I really enjoy your reactions to the chapters! Thank you for reading :)
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