Disclaimer: I only own Eeva! (:
"So tell me, what is a Ranger doing with a group of Dwarves?"
"I'm merely helping them get to their destination," Eeva replied.
"For free?" Bard asked.
"They are paying me. Besides I have some business in the Iron Hills to take care of anyways. It was the perfect opportunity to come along."
"Aye," Bard responded as he maneuvered the boat.
Eeva watched as he sailed through the water with grace. Only the people of Lake-Town are that skilled with a boat. She admired them, except for the Lord of the town. Eeva was brought from her thoughts as her company circled around each other. She heard coins clinking together and knew what they were doing. Sighing, she stood up and dropped a bag of coins in the middle of them.
"Take it. It's my share of help," she said when she received looks. "You can repay me at a later date."
"Thank you, Eeva," Balin said opening the pouch and counting them all.
"The money, quick. Give it to me," Bard said walking over in a hurry.
"We'll pay you when we get our provisions but not before," Thorin answered.
"If you value your freedom, you'll do as I say. There are guards ahead," Bard explained.
Eeva went to climb into a barrel but was stopped by Bard. "They won't suspect you just stay by me and you'll be fine."
She furrowed her brow but didn't say anything. Eeva did as she was told and stood by Bard. They made a stop at a dock and Eeva stayed on the barge while Bard went to talk to someone. She notices the man looking in her direction but doesn't show any expression. Eeva watched as Bard shook hands with the man and headed back to the barge.
"Everything alright?" she inquired.
"Everything's fine. I informed them that I found you on the way back and that you are just passing through."
Eeva nodded and watched as the barrels were filled to the brim with fish. She covered her laugh with a cough and looked away. Bard glanced at her before taking off again. They shortly reached the tollgate and Eeva heard one of the dwarves grumbling. She watched as Bard kicked the barrel closest to him.
"We're approaching the tollgate," he said. "Just act normal. They won't say anything."
"Halt! Goods inspection!" Eeva heard a man say. She watched as the gatekeeper came out of his hut and up to the barge. "Papers, please! Oh, it's you, Bard."
"Morning, Percy."
"Who is this?"
"I found her on the way back. She was lost and needed a ride. She's merely passing through."
"Ah. Anything to declare?"
"Nothing, but that I am cold and tired, and ready for home," Bard said handing over the papers.
"You and me both," Percy answered.
Eeva watched as everything went in order and they were good to enter. Her eyes caught sight of a black figure hiding in the shadows
"Bard…" she whispered.
"Not so fast. Consignment of empty barrels from the Woodland Realm. Only, they're not empty, are they, Bard?"
Eeva already didn't like this weasel, but she kept an emotionless expression on her face when he looked at her. Internally, she gaged as she watch him size her up.
"If I recall correctly, you're licensed as a bargeman, not a fisherman."
"That's none of your business," Bard countered.
"Wrong. It's the Master's business, which makes it my business."
"Oh come on, Alfrid, have a heart. People need to eat!"
"These fish are illegal," Alfrid replied as he tossed the fish he was holding into the water. Eeva saw him motion for the soldiers. "Empty the barrels over the side."
Eeva was the one to react, "Wait! Folk in this town are struggling. Times are hard. Food is scarce."
"And who are you?"
"I came from Mirkwood on behalf of King Thranduil. If he were to find out you are dumping these fish into the water he will not be happy. I suggest you let us enter."
The look on Alfrid's face rapidly changed to one of fear. He eyed Eeva and then the fish and then looked back at Eeva.
"Where's you proof that you are here on behalf of King Thranduil?"
Eeva's eyes narrowed, "You dare say I am not? If you do not let us enter I will be sure King Thranduil comes after you first, Alfrid, was it?"
"Stop." Alfrid said lifting a hand. The soldiers stopped dumping the fish and looked over at Alfrid and Eeva. Alfrid and his goons walked away as Percy had the gate opened. Bard came to control the boat and looked at Eeva when Alfrid spoke.
"The Master has his eye on you; you'd do well to remember. We know where you live. Also it would suit you better if you stayed with the Master, Miss…"
"You do not need my name. I'm to stay with Bard as ordered by Thranduil," Eeva answered without looking at him.
~T~
When they docked, Eeva helped Bard push the barrels over. She went to one and before she could push it Thorin popped out. They shared a look that lasted longer than it should have, but neither noticed. They were brought back when they heard Dwalin grumbling. Once everyone was out of the barrels they followed Bard.
"Da! Our house, it's being watched."
Eeva took note and spotted people that turned away as soon as she looked at them. She silently cursed. What were they going to do now? They followed Bard who led them to a hidden dock. Bard told them to follow below the dock and they would be let into the house through the water. Eeva watched as everyone climbed into the water and ducked under. She quickly followed after Bard and Bain. As soon as they entered the house they were greeted by Bards two other children.
Eeva smiled at their interaction, but the smile slowly faded. She looked up when the youngest daughter stood in front of her.
"Who is this?"
"She's a visitor for the time being."
"I'm Eeva, it's nice to meet you," Eeva greeted with a smile.
"Bain, let them up," Bard said.
Eeva stayed upstairs and heard a knock followed by fumbling footsteps. She took a seat at the table and sighed. A cup of hot tea was placed in front of her. She looked up and saw it was Bard who had placed the cup. Eeva thanked him and lifted the cup to her lips and took a sip. She lowered the cup when she heard footsteps coming up the stairs. Dwalin was the first one she saw and he merely gave her a look. Eeva chuckled at his expression and went back to her tea as she watched the others make their appearance. Her eyes landed on Thorin as he was the last to appear. He made his way over to her and took a seat as everyone removed articles of clothing so they could dry by the fire. She handed the cup of tea to him which he took with a nod.
Bard entered the room with a hand full of towels and clothes. "It may not be the best fit, but it will keep you warm."
Thorin stood up after receiving a towel and walked over to the window. He tenses when he spots something a top a tower.
"A Dwarvish Wind-Lance," he said.
"You look like you've seen a ghost," Bilbo comments.
"He has. The last time we saw such a weapon, a city was on fire. It was the day the dragon came," Balin answered. "The day that Smaug destroyed Dale. Girion, the Lord of the city, rallied his bowman to fire upon the beast."
Balin paused, "But a dragon's hide is tough, tougher than the strongest armor. Only a black arrow, fired from a wind-lance, could have pierced the dragon's hide, and few of those arrows were ever made. His store was running low when Girion made his last stand."
"Had the aim of Men been true that day, much would have been different," Thorin finished.
"You speak as if you were there," Bard said approaching them.
Eeva looked up at Thorin from her position on the floor. The look on Bard's face told her everything. He suspected something. He always had since he picked them up.
"All dwarves know the tale," Thorin replied.
Bain was the one to speak next. "Then you would know Girion hit the dragon. He loosened a scale under the left wing. One more shot and he would have killed the beast."
"That's a fairy story, lad. Nothing more," Dwalin laughed. Eeva looked over at Bain. She knew what he said was true, for she too had heard stories of Girion's last shot.
"You took our money. Where are the weapons?" Thorin asked.
Bard looked at all the dwarf's and Eeva before disappearing downstairs. Eeva overheard Thorin, Balin, Fili and Kili talking but she remained seated. She knew the last day of autumn grew near and she too was afraid they would not make it in time. Upon Bard's return Eeva didn't move. She stayed in her spot and watched as the others went through the weapons Bard had promised. Eeva closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the wall waiting for the argument to start. The people of Lake-Town don't have access to weapons until they are soldiers; she knew that much. Her eyes snapped open when Bard spoke.
"You're not going anywhere."
"What did you say?!" Dwalin argued.
"There are spies watching this house and probably every dock and wharf in town. We must wait till nightfall," Eeva explained.
Everyone turned toward her since she had not spoken in a while. She merely looked at them with crossed arms. They started to settle down after listening to her words. Eeva focused her eyes on Kili as he slid down the pole and sat on the couch. Kili winced when he examined the bandage.
"You should let me look at it now, Kili," Eeva offered but didn't move.
"Don't worry about it. I'll be fine."
"The hell you will," Eeva muttered as she watched Bard go outside. "You guys better get a move on if you wish to get weapons. I do believe Bard is on to us."
~T~
Bard returned not long after the dwarves left. Eeva remained seated in her spot on the floor and waited for Bard to notice her.
"Da! I tried to stop them."
"How long have they been gone?!"
"They left shortly after you," Eeva piped up.
Bard spun around and stared at her. Eeva hoisted herself up and looked at Bard.
"You did not go with them?"
"I couldn't. Besides someone had to stay here in case anything were to happen. I'm aware you know who Thorin is now. I'm sorry we deceived you, but no one was supposed to know."
"Do you realize what will happen when they reach the mountain? What the dragon will do if it is awakened?!" Bard asked approaching her.
Eeva held her hands up in defense. She gave Bard a look that made him back off and pace.
"Bard, please. We need to get moving. I'm sure they've been spotted already…" Eeva muttered before heading out the door. She heard Bard follow after her as they went to the town square.
They ran through the docks of the town not having to avoid anyone until they reached the Master's mansion. Eeva stopped as Bard brushed by her and through the crowd to get to the front. She quietly followed him as she slithered through the crowd. She reached the front just as Dwalin finished telling them who Thorin is.
"We are the dwarves of Erebor," Thorin said as he turned around. His eyes met Eeva's as he continued speaking. "We have come to reclaim our homeland. I remember this town and the great days of old. Fleets of boats lay at harbor, filled with silks and fine gems. This was no forsaken town on a lake! This was the center of all trade in the North."
Eeva glanced around at the crowd of people as they nodded and agreed with Thorin. She looked back at Thorin meeting his eyes again with a smile. He had captured the crowd's attention.
"I would see those days return. I would relight the great forges of the dwarves and send wealth and riches flowing once more from the halls of Erebor!" Thorin finished. He held out his hand to Eeva and she stepped forward and grasped his hand. She stood beside him as the crowd stared at them.
"Death! That is what you will bring upon us. Dragon-fire and ruin. If you awaken the beast, it will destroy us all," Bard said approaching Thorin. Bard turned his attention to Eeva. She couldn't move or say anything. The look on Bard's face was one of help. She wanted to help Bard but her loyalty was to Thorin and his people.
"You can listen to this naysayer, but I promise you this; if we succeed, all will share in the wealth of the mountain. You will have enough gold to rebuild Esgaroth ten times over!"
"All of you! Listen to me! You must listen! Have you forgotten what happened to Dale? Have you forgotten those who died in the firestorm?!" Bard paused and turned to look at Eeva and the others. "And for what purpose? The blind ambition of a mountain-king so riven by greed, he could not see beyond his own desire!"
Eeva quickly moved between the two men and kept them separated. She placed a hand on both of their chests in hopes they would stop and see reason.
"Bard, you cannot blame Thorin. It was not his actions that caused this. It's been many years since anyone has set foot into Erebor. I think it's about time the dragon was slain, even if it kills us. One way or another the dragon will awaken," she said lowering her arms.
"Now, now we must not, any of us, be too quick to lay blame. Let us not forget that it was Girion, Lord of Dale, your ancestor, who failed to kill the beast!" the Master said.
His words caused Eeva to stare at Bard. Her eyes widened in recognition; the way he used the bow without hesitating and with fast reflexes. She should have known right then and there. She stepped to the side when Thorin gently pushed her out of the way of the approaching bowman.
"You have no right, no right to enter that mountain!"
"I have the only right," Thorin replied before turning away from Bard. "I speak to the Master of the men of the Lake. Will you see the prophecy fulfilled? Will you share in the great wealth of our people? What say you?"
The crowd went silent as they waited for their Master's answer. Eeva snapped out of her daze and stared at the ground.
"I say unto you…welcome! Welcome and thrice welcome, King under the Mountain!"
Eeva looked up and watched the crowd cheer. She looked all around. None of them care that the dragon would be awakened. It was the wealth they were looking forward to, nothing else. She almost pitied them. They didn't realize how close they were to deaths door, and all they could think about was gold. Eeva knew she would have another task, but she wasn't ready for it. Gandalf had warned her about the Arkenstone and what it and all the gold would do to Thorin; however, she couldn't imagine it, not now. She looked over to Thorin who stood on the steps waiting for her.
"Come," he said holding a hand out to her again.
She took his hand but not without giving Bard one last look. Eeva was pulled up the stairs by Thorin and entered the mansion. She knew she had her work cut out for her.
~T~
Wow I am on a roll today! I bet you're all glad! (: It is very good to be back. I'll go ahead and work on the next chapter and hopefully have it out soon!