A.N. Hello all! This chapter isn't going to really have a lot of action, but it has some important details leading up to the action in the next couple of chapters. Also, and some of you may be disappointed, I am not going to have a romance between Tauriel and Kili. They do have a connection, and are friends, but that is it. Don't hate me!
UnaLouise: I just knew I couldn't keep those two out of this. Lol. As for the alerts, I haven't been getting anything either. I get some when I update my own stories, but none from anyone else, or from reviews. :/
Disclaimer: I own nothing except my original characters and plot lines.
The journey down the river was not an easy one. They had gone back to the Iron Hills to get proper supplies, and boats to take them down to the first waterfall. With the elves by their side, the reception had been cool, but was eased by their quick departure. Each of their three boats was large enough for two of them, and their cargo. Thankfully, the elves took a boat to themselves, so the dwarves never got stuck with them. However, the cold weather followed them for miles, with bitter winds biting any exposed skin. By the time they reached the dock, they were more than ready to leave the water behind. Some of the Dorwinion men had created a settlement near the dock, giving travelers and traders a place to rest, and sell some of their wares. The group was able to spend a night in a tavern; the first good night's rest they had gotten in weeks. In the morning, they were able to buy a couple of horses, which would be turned in to the horsemen's partners in Dorwinion.
Journeying on foot was harder than the river, but not due to the weather, which was, admittedly, miserable. The tension between the three dwarves and the elves was palpable. Thorin and Dwalin struggled to even speak with the elves, and Kili seemed to have a particularly bad rapport with Legolas. It was obvious that their disagreement centered around Tauriel. Thorin knew his nephew well enough to see the friendship between him and the female elf, and though Thranduil's son kept his emotions hidden, he was sure he recognized the looks passed between the prince and the captain. They loved each other, but something kept them from acting on it. Thorin had a strong suspicion that "something" was King Thranduil. Despite all this, he and Dwalin had a hard time watching Kili fraternize with Tauriel.
Much of the time, they all remained silent, focusing on the surrounding area for signs of trouble. Dorwinion was only two more days away when a falcon arrived with a message for Legolas.
"It is from your cousin," he said to Tauriel before breaking the seal. Everyone waited with bated breath as the elf's eyes scanned the small scroll.
"Well?" Thorin pressed impatiently.
"She is still alive," he began. "They are keeping her asleep as they move. It looks like the main caravan is going to hide in the forest before making their way to an island in the Sea of Rhûn. Some of them, including our spy, are going to Dorwinion to pick up supplies. We can meet up with him there for a brief period, and discuss our next move,"
"If they are going to an island, then our next move needs to be getting there first, and ambushing the bastards," Dwalin said.
"Not a bad idea, if we had more numbers," Gandalf pointed out. "An ambush on an island, with nowhere to run would likely result in death. They are already being hunted, which means they are going to be extra cautious. We need to find these hunters, and tell them where the sorcerers are headed,"
Thorin nearly joined Kili and Dwalin in their protestations, but then he caught Gandalf's eye. By the look on the elves' faces, they had the same idea as the wizard. The more he thought about it, the more Thorin realized it was the only idea that made sense, no matter how risky it would be. With a quick wave of his hand, he silenced the chaos of Kili and Dwalin's voices.
"The caravan will be most vulnerable on the water," he said. "They will be separated on boats, and if we can catch them the same time as their hunters- "
"They will be caught off-guard, and be less likely to put up a good fight," Kili nodded knowingly.
Dwalin pressed his lips together doubtfully. "How do we know these hunters won't just massacre them all before we can get to the lass?"
"We don't," Gandalf responded darkly.
When the made camp that night, Thorin could see Tauriel deeply troubled over something. She was serious most of the time anyway, but her brow had remained pulled in concentration ever since the falcon arrived. Eventually, the others noticed as well. Assuming it was about their impending attack, they all let it be. After they ate supper, she sighed, no longer able to keep her silence.
"I need to go find the hunters. Some of them are undoubtedly Avari who know of my uncle, and possibly my grandfather. If I tell them of our plan, they may be willing to work with us,"
Legolas shook his head, looking concerned. "They may also take you prisoner,"
"Then I will go with her," Kili declared, causing Dwalin to grumble, and Legolas to frown.
"If you go, then they will kill you, and most definitely take her prisoner," Legolas argued.
"He is right," Thorin said reluctantly, stopping Kili before he could continue the verbal battle. "Your place is with me,"
Tauriel began to gather her things. "I have traveled on my own plenty of times, and have met some my distant kin. Please, trust me," she directed her last statement at Thorin.
He looked at her, studying her eyes closely. She held his gaze, and all he saw was compassion and determination in her eyes. Finally, he nodded. Tauriel made her farewells, her eyes lingering on Legolas, before she stood. To all of their surprise, Gandalf stood as well.
"It is more likely that the hunters will go straight for the sorcerers. I need to be there if that is the case. My presence will also take all of their attention, allowing you to sneak by,"
It was a painful truth, but truth nonetheless.
"Are you sure this is the only way?" Thorin asked, fearing they may not be successful without the wizard by their side.
Gandalf gave him a reassuring smile. "Do not worry. I leave you in good hands,"
Kili and Dwalin looked less than pleased, but Legolas' face showed determination. He looked at Thorin, and Thorin only.
"I promise I will do everything in my power to reunite you two, and get you home safely,"
Suspicion clouded any hope Thorin may have felt. "Your father made a point of turning his back on my people. What makes you any different?"
Anger furrowed the prince's brow. "My father is a good king. Yes, he was only at your battle to claim what was ours, but he stayed. I did not have to be there, nor warn you of the second army, and yet, I did warn you, and fought beside your people,"
The anger he had shown was nothing compared to what vibrated through Thorin. "You were only at that battle because of her," he pointed to Tauriel. He did not know how the others were reacting, but could feel their hesitation.
"And you have abandoned your throne for a human woman," Legolas shot back. A moment of stunned silence followed before the elf sighed. "My father was wrong to turn his back after Smaug attacked. There is a lot that he and I disagree on. What is important right now, is that I am here, and will help you in any way I can,"
They stood just a couple feet apart, the others waiting to see if Thorin would accept Legolas' words. It was a difficult pill to swallow, but at least Legolas had admitted his father's wrong-doings. Some of them, anyway. Pushing down his pride, he offered his hand for the elf to shake.
"We are here on common purpose, and I thank you for that. Perhaps, with this, we can put the past behind us,"
"Perhaps," Legolas responded, and Thorin could have sworn he saw a glint of humor in the prince's eyes. At least this was a start.
P.S. On to some action! :D Reviews and comments would be appreciated.