Big thanks to AkatsukiLeader and Jovie Black for following/favouriting.
TigerLily2214 – I have a feeling I would have smacked Nordri by now if I ever met him.
Marina Oakenshield – As cute as their protectiveness is I wouldn't stay behind.
Tessastarchild – You'll have to wait and see I'm afraid.
Ox King – That's going to get explained in this chapter so don't worry. I just struggled to picture them in Dale so moved it back to Laketown.
Eruwaedhiel95 – It'll certainly be entertaining to say the least.
The One with Battle Plans
Tauriel and I didn't say a word through the whole journey. My stomach was instead doing somersaults as I tried to work out the best way to calm Fili down when he found out we'd come along. Although I knew why he wanted me to stay he had to understand I wasn't going to miss out on something like this. Tauriel seemed angrier than I was. I couldn't blame her. Kili knew how well she could fight and defend herself. The fact he believed this was too dangerous for her was ever so slightly patronising. Of course his heart was in the right place but that didn't completely excuse him.
As the lights from Laketown got brighter as we neared Tauriel slowed her horse to a walk. We'd been able to keep up with the others on their ponies with ease. However, we'd soon have to leave the horse and cross the lake by boat. As we'd travelled my head had stared at the ruined city of Dale. I knew from the book that it was supposed to be rebuilt after the battle of five armies. Yet three years on the ruins still stood there silently. Shaking my head I turned away and focused on making sure I didn't fall off the horse. Tauriel didn't say a word as she drew to a halt and slid off the horses back. In the bright light I could make out several ponies had been tied to one of the view trees that we had passed on our journey. Tauriel placed her hands around my waist and pulled me from the animal.
"What now?"
She shrugged before tying her horse with the ponies. "We find a boat and sail across the lake."
"And if we can't find one?"
She raised an eyebrow, "Can you swim?"
Although I was a good swimmer I secretly prayed she was joking. Looking across the lake I could make out the town as clear as day. At first glance it didn't appear to look any better than it did before Smaug destroyed it. The houses were still made of wood and even from here I got the stench of fish in the air. Wrinkling my nose I turned to see Tauriel pushing a small rowing boat away from the shore. After taking another look at Laketown I ran to help her. Water lapped against my boots and I knew that my small size meant I was hardly making any difference.
"Have you thought about how we're going to show ourselves yet?"
Tauriel nodded as she held the boat so I could climb in. When she followed suit I took one oar and handed her the other. She pushed several loose strands of hair from her face.
"I think we should just show ourselves. I won't hide like a common criminal and it's not like they can send us home just like that." She snapped her fingers and I nodded.
"Guess you're right. Wonder how pissed off Fili and Kili will be?"
Tauriel laughed at my comment but she knew as well as I did that the two brothers wouldn't exactly be pleased when they saw us. I wanted to say something else but it turned out that rowing was a lot harder than it had looked on TV. Especially when you were a dwarf trying to row a boat built for humans. Although I was able to keep up with Tauriel it was taking me a lot more effort than it was for her. Without a word she took my oar from me.
"Let me. You'll tire yourself out before we've reached halfway across the lake."
Nodding I moved to sit opposite her. The only sound that could be heard came from the oars as they smacked the water. Tauriel rowed with swift precision and as I looked at the gathering clouds in the sky I wondered how long we would have to wait for Laketown's next attack.
As soon as the boat hit the wooden dock my feet found themselves on dry land. Or at least drier land. The wooden pathways that ran throughout the town were damp from having wet boots tramping on them all the time. Tauriel placed a hand on my shoulder.
"This way."
As she hurried off I opened my mouth to ask how she knew the way. Until I remembered the orcs attack on the town three years ago. Gripping the hilt of my sword tightly I scanned the houses as we passed them. Up close the town certainly seemed a lot more prosperous. The people we passed still wore thick woollen tunics. But now they were no longer threadbare and many had nice belts and boots. Most of the women were even sporting gold necklaces and bracelets.
"No wonder this place is a target." I muttered to Tauriel who inclined her head towards me.
"Some of this stuff must cost a fortune!"
She nodded grimly and I looked down at my hand. Fili's ring shone back at me. Biting my lip I took it from my finger and slipped it into a small pocket on the inside of my coat. It was the perfect size for the ring and had a small button so I didn't have to worry about the ring falling out and getting lost.
"You there!"
At the shout behind us both Tauriel and I froze. My hand hovered over my knife but Tauriel gave a small shake of her head and I took my hand away. Turning round I saw two huge men heading straight for us. They wore guard uniforms and both carried huge looking spears. In between them stood another man with shoulder length grey hair. He too wore a guard uniform but carried a sword instead of a spear. As he neared us I could feel his eyes land on me.
"What have we here? A dwarf and an elf trying to sneak their way in?"
"No." Was all Tauriel said. The man with the grey hair smirked at us.
"I suppose you were sent ahead were you? Asked to see which houses had the most gold?"
I rolled my eyes at his accusation we were pirates ourselves.
"Are you blind?" I held up a hand to show him my braid. However he tensed at my movement.
"Seize them!"
As the guards moved for us Tauriel spun round and flew down a side alley. I hurried after her but finally my short height meant I had no chance. A thick hand clamped down on my shoulder and as the guard drew me back I couldn't help but kick out.
"Get off!"
The grey haired man looked down the alleyway where Tauriel had gone. He cursed before turning back to me. Grabbing my head he peered at my eyes closely.
"We'll take her to Bard. See if he can get her to talk."
At the mention of Bard I ceased my struggling. If this was the way I was going to find Fili then so be it. However I quickly began fighting again when I saw the guard who wasn't holding me bring out some rope. As my hands were bound behind me I was aware of a spear tip being prodded into my back.
"Move!" The guard grunted. Forcing my long list of curses down my throat I did as I was told. I walked between the two guards whilst the other man led the way. The rope was rough and rubbed against my skin. As we walked I was aware of people pointing and whispering at me. I wanted nothing more than to tell them they had it wrong. I wasn't a pirate. I was from the mountain. But every time I opened my mouth the guard behind me would clout me round the head.
Laketown was a lot bigger than I first thought. The narrow paths weren't helping and I knew that I was being led via the scenic route deliberately in the hope I would soon get disorientated. However they couldn't delay taking me to see Bard for much longer and as we neared the largest house of all I realised Bard now lived in the Master's old house. A small crowd had gathered in the courtyard outside. The grey haired man nodded at the other two who both stopped walking and kept me between them. With a grim smile he grabbed my face.
"Piracy's a hanging offence. Shame a pretty girl like you has to swing for it. But the law is the law."
I couldn't help but tremble at these words. With a satisfied smile he let me go before hurrying up the steps and knocking on the door. As he waited the whispering crowd got louder and louder and I had to look down to avoid smirking. No doubt they would get the shock of their lives when they realised their mistake. As the door opened I looked up to see Bard standing there. Next to him stood another man who was a couple of inches shorter than him with dark curly hair. My mind tried to place him but I was more bothered about seeing Fili and getting this whole mess sorted. The ropes bit into my skin and I could feel bruises forming. The two guards half shielded me so that when Bard looked in my direction he didn't notice me.
"What is it Braga? I'm busy."
Braga nodded and as Bard spoke I saw several more people come outside and join him. When Thorin came into view along with Fili, Kili and the others my legs shook. Already I was looking in the crowd for Tauriel. I thought I'd caught a glimpse of red hair before rough hands grabbed me. As I was pushed into view and all but thrown to my knees I saw Bard's face pale. Giving him a weak smile I looked over to see Kili holding his brother back. Fili's face was thunderous and I wasn't sure if the anger was directed at me or Braga. I tried to get up when I was pushed back onto my knees. Biting my lip as my skin hit the cobblestones I could feel someone grab the back of my hair.
"Caught her and an elf sneaking into the town sir. Given the recent…situation I didn't want to take a chance."
At the news that Tauriel was also here I saw Kili gulp slightly. Shaking my head I watched as Thorin glared at Braga; his own expression one of pure rage.
"This girl is innocent Braga. Release her." Bard sighed. I watched as the dwarves tensed when Braga merely tightened his grip on me. Soon I couldn't hold back my wince as his fingers pulled on my scalp. Fili wrenched his throwing axe from his belt and stormed down the steps.
"HE SAID RELEASE HER!"
As he wielded the axe I noticed Braga started to look nervous. He let go off my hair but still stood over me.
"Forgive me sir but…may I ask why?"
Bard opened his mouth when Fili cut him off.
"She is a dwarf of Erebor. Carrier of the Dragonstone. The future Queen under the mountain and my fiancée! If you don't let her go in five seconds I will stick this axe in your gut faster than you can blink!"
As Braga pulled me to my feet and sliced through the ropes I gave Fili a shaky smile. The second I was free I hurried towards him and let him hug me close.
"Are you alright? Did they hurt you?"
"A few bumps and bruises. Nothing serious."
He nodded before taking my face in his hands and kissing my forehead.
"What in Durin's name are you doing here?" He whispered. I shook my head.
"Later." I allowed him to lead me back when I heard my name being called. At the sound of Tauriels voice I turned in time to see her fighting her way through the crowd. Her smile was enough to cover her whole face and before Fili or I could say anything a dark blur shot past us and hugged the elf hard. At Kili's actions both Fili and I shared a look. As we neared the others I saw Thorin roll his eyes whilst Bard gave me a sly smile.
"She's a stubborn as you are Thorin."
I grinned whilst Dwalin nodded.
"Ye not wrong there lad. Not wrong at all!"
After the crowd had finally dispersed Bard led me, Tauriel and the others back into his house. I didn't have any time to have a proper look because Fili all but propelled me up a steep flight of stairs. I hadn't said anything to him but I could tell he was far from pleased that I was here. Kili wore a similar expression on his face but Tauriel simply raised her eyebrow at me. Bard opened the door and led us in.
"Get the ladies some tea Bain."
The other man nodded and as I heard his name my brain finally clicked into place. Whilst Bard's son was busy making tea and – I suspected – some food I watched as the dwarves all stood round a huge table. A map was spread over it and Bard leant on the table before eying me and Tauriel with a soft smile.
"Now that everyone's here…"
Thorin scowled at me but it was Fili and Kili who were busy shaking their heads.
"You two shouldn't have come." Kili began. I opened my mouth before I noticed the others also looked slightly worried about our presence. Tauriel placed a calming hand on my shoulder.
"If you think we we're going to stay behind then you were wrong? Compared to what Juliet and I have been through this sounds like child's play."
"Ye don't understand." Gloin sighed. "It's too dangerous for lasses such as ye'self."
"You've got to be kidding me?" I gaped at them. Tauriels face couldn't have been colder.
"Just because you're men it doesn't mean it's not dangerous for you."
Fili sighed and grabbed my hand. "We don't mean it like that! Bloody hell Juliet you should know us better by now!"
"The attackers haven't just killed people," Thorin said coldly, "Several women have been…assaulted."
"Oh." I turned to Tauriel who slowly softened her face. Stroking Fili's hand I leant forward and kissed the tip of his nose.
"If I had known…" I smiled ruefully. "But we're here now!"
"Aye." Bard nodded, "And at least we have to more fighters on our side." He turned back to the map when I remembered something I'd noticed on my journey here.
"Why is Dale still a ruin? I thought you were going to rebuild it?"
As everyone stared at me I inwardly cursed my big mouth. None of the dwarves had told me the men were going to build the destroyed city. Fortunately no one seemed bothered about that. Bard nodded sadly.
"That was the plan. But we need to find a way of making a living. Fishing is all most people here know. Besides, Laketown was our home. One day Dale will be restored to its former glory. Just not today."
I nodded before standing by Fili to get a look at the map. I noticed the table had been lowered so the dwarves could all get a good look. Bard pointed to a section of the map.
"That's where they always seem to attack from. We've given up rebuilding the dock. The houses nearest have been evacuated for people's safety. The ones that are still standing anyway."
"Is there anywhere to hide?" Kili asked. "If we could take them by surprise it would give us the upper hand."
I watched Thorin give is nephew a proud smile. For as long as I had been in Erebor I noticed how Thorin often took a back seat in matters like this and allowed Fili and Kili to take charge and put forward their own ideas. Fili nodded.
"We could send a small party to try and destroy the ships. Or at least sabotage them. That way they have no way of leaving."
"Good idea." Bard said. As Fili swelled with pride I took his hand. When the time came I knew he'd make a great king. Today and the coming days would no doubt make him see that himself.
"Fili I want you to lead the ambush party." Thorin said, "Juliet, Kili and Nordri will go with you along with ten or so Laketown soldiers. Dwalin, Gloin and I will lead the main party should any pirates get past you. Oin and Dorni will stay here to treat any wounded."
"Yes Thorin." Fili's face took on a grave expression. Bard then glanced at Tauriel,
"I want you, Braga and several of his men to try and destroy the ships when they come."
Kili paled at this. Bard must have noticed because he gave the dwarf a warm look.
"We need people who are nimble and can easily go unseen."
Kili nodded, but I noticed him reach and take Tauriels hand underneath the table. Bard took another look at us before nodding.
"That's settled. I will inform Braga and his men of our plans."
With that he strode from the room. As the door shut I saw Bain out of the corner of my eye. He passed me a huge mug that was no doubt the smallest he could find.
"Here's your tea miss."
Thanking him I turned to see Fili staring out the window. In the corner Kili and Tauriel were having a rather, private moment. Ignoring them I stood beside Fili and placed my hand on his shoulder.
"You look like we're about to go into battle against an entire legion."
He snorted before putting an arm round me and pulling me close. Kissing my hair he sighed.
"Be careful. Please. There's a reason I didn't want you here and the thought of you being wounded or…" he swallowed before facing me.
"Just don't take any risks."
I nodded before giving him a mock salute. He raised an eyebrow before laughing.
"I love you." He kissed my hand before moving to my lips. As our mouths touched I felt our bond swell again. It pushed at my body and I could feel Fili's bond doing the same to him.
"I love you to." I forced the words out in between kisses. With a gasp we broke apart and it was my turn to look out of the window.
"I wonder how long we'll have to wait."
I know I said this chapter would be more action packed but it got so long I had to split it into two I'm afraid. Still they've arrived in Laketown now and are being forced to play the waiting game. Bless Fili and Kili. To be fair they did have a good reason for not wanting the girls to come I suppose. As always tell me what you think.