The Mirkwood army was prepared to move out. Thranduil had done his best to convince his son to stay behind but there was no stopping Legolas when he had set his mind to something. Galion tightened the last buckle to the king's armor making sure it was snug and tucked behind the maille before stepping back to admire his work.

"You look like a king." Galion beamed a bemused smile at his stoic friend.

Thranduil rolled his eyes, "Well you are the king now," he took off his crown of branches and placed it on Galion. "I expect my kingdom back in one piece when we return."

"I will keep the cellars full for your return." his hand touched his heart and he extended his arm. Thranduil returned the gesture with a smile.

The doors opened and Legolas entered in his new armor, he still hadn't fully recovered from his wound and his father made sure that his wound was well protected. Seeing Galion wearing his father's crown he let out a small laugh and bowed.

"Greeting father." he addressed to Galion.

Thranduil let out a burst of laughter causing Galion to chuckle which then cause Legolas to laugh. They sat there enjoying the merriment for a moment before finally settling down.

"Come Legolas, it is time." Thranduil lead them down to the gates of their peaceful haven. Surrounding the gates was the great army of Mirkwood, each elf had been hand picked and trained since they were only elflings. Thranduil and the prince mounted their steeds, the king on his great elk and his son on his favorite white horse.

The gate opened, Legolas pressed his lips against his horn and with the blast they marched to Laketown.

Melil stood with Galion watching the last of the army march out of the landing, her heart was in knots. Legolas had given her his word that he would return but they were marching to make war with possible dragon. Galion was reassuring that they would return unharmed but her mind raced with every other possibility. Tears started to fall from her eyes, she tried to wipe them away but it just seemed to make it worse. Galion wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

"Come," Galion led her down the halls, turning to the watch guard. "Open the gate for no one, on one leaves and no one come in until the King returns."

Apparently when dwarves entered Laketown they were considered saviors, when they arrived to the Master they reveled to all around them their plan to take back Erebor and give back enough gold to build ten Laketown. Bard cared little for the grandiose promises because Thorin refused to acknowledge the fact that the dragon could come down a doom the town. Gold is useless if everyone was dead. No matter what he said though the Master and Thorin wouldn't have anything to do with rational thinking. So he was going to take matters into his own hands, he gathered his children, and made them pack their things. He would take Bain, Sigrid, and Tilda to the elves in the woods and then he would return to here and watch the sky.

Dawn was breaking over the horizon as Bard lead his family down to the dock's where his barge was. They passed the procession sending off Thorin and his company, the cheers made his stomach twist in knots. As they neared the barge, three of the Master's guard came up to them.

"Halt, there Bard." The captain stated picking at his teeth.

"I must get to my boat Hallgrim."

"Yes, well no boats in or out. Master's orders." Hallgirm shrugged and turned to leave.

"What about the western dock?" Bard asked rushing up to him.

"Dock's closed, Master's orders."

Panic was starting to set in, "Why is the dock closed?" He was getting irritated now.

Hallgirm sighed "Look Bard, I don't make the rules. From what I heard there was an orc pack spotted near by and the Master has shut everything off. Just go home."

Bard motioned for the children to follow him back the way they came.

"What's wrong Da?" his youngest daughter, Tilda asked holding his hand.

He put on a smile, "We are going to go back home, but I want you all to stay near the bottom of the house by the fishing boat."

"Why?" Bain asked, his son was the second oldest of the three and constantly getting into trouble.

"Just do as I say Bain, there is little time to explain." he rushed them now.

"Seems like we have more then enough time." scolded Sigird, his oldest daughter, the spitting image of his dearly departed wife, she constantly was keeping their little family in check.

Bard sighed. "There is danger coming and we must be ready to leave." Tilda's hand tightened around his. "Nothing will happen to you my little flower." he swooped her up in his arms and planted a kiss on her cheek.