A.N. I've met another writer's block on "What Dreams May Come," and am really not sure what to do with it right now. As for this chapter, I'm sorry if it's a bit disjointed. I also hit some mental and physical health issues recently, so my brain is not up to par. Hopefully you all still enjoy!
Disclaimer: I own nothing but my original characters and plot points.
The next couple of days were filled with plans and preparations. Whenever he could, Thorin took Danica to her room, and tried to satisfy his seemingly constant hunger for her. He was overwhelmingly filled with her, never able to get her out of his mind. Her scent and voice haunted his every step, leading to near madness by the time he could get his hands on her again. Nevertheless, the moments he spent with her were the happiest of his life, despite their location. He had smiled with her more in the last few days than most of his life combined. Even the "gifts" from Thranduil gave the Company some peace. With all of their armor and weapons mended, there was renewed confidence in moving forward. Danica was completely enamored with her spear, and Thorin couldn't help but admire it as well. It had been fashioned to match well with Orcrist; another symbol of their union.
On one particular day, they all felt the peace drift away. There was an urgency in the air that spoke of something coming. No one knew what it was, but Danica and Balin suspected that Bard and Bilbo would return soon. Judging by the tension, it was unlikely to be good news. By that evening, everyone was on edge, and not at all surprised when Tauriel came toward them with some haste.
"There has been a reply from Laketown," she announced. "Bard is not the one who delivered it,"
The speed at which Danica stood had them all alarmed. Thorin, Dillinger, Balin, and Dwalin went with her, following Tauriel to the same war room they had spoken with Thranduil in. Both the king and his son were waiting, postures and faces rigid with concern. Beside them was a boy, likely in his teens, whose jaw was visibly clenched, and an equally tense Bilbo.
"The traitor has remained one step ahead of us," Thranduil began. "Bard has been arrested, and charged with sedition,"
It was a hard blow, but Thorin feared the worst was yet to come. "How did this happen?"
"He was caught searching for the orcs," stress was plain in Bilbo's voice, and haggard appearance. Purple circles around his eyes spoke of lack of sleep, and he had also lost a little weight. "We hadn't been able to make much headway at first, because the guards were always on high alert. Last night, I was able to help lead Bard to the armory, where the orcs are. Unfortunately, a guard saw him from a rooftop, and called for the others,"
"I was forced to come in his stead," the boy said. "My name is Bain, son of Bard. Both of my sisters are being held in the Master's mansion while my father is in a cell. The Master has always disliked us, afraid that my father would use the people's respect for him to overthrow the Master. My father has never held such ambitions, but the Master is petty and suspicious. He also fears for his safety, considering the orcs holding him hostage, and the threat of dragon attack if the dwarves reach the mountain,"
A shaky sigh left Danica's nose, and Thorin felt his own nerves in it. He crossed his arms, and looked at the parchment in Thranduil's hand.
"What is the reply?" he asked.
"I doubt the words are truly the Master's, though they are written in his hand," Thranduil sneered.
"I can guarantee they are not," Bilbo stepped forward, frown still on his face. "After Bard was arrested, I went to the mansion, and saw Rachel with a couple of orcs, forcing him to write what she told him. There were no threats against his people, only his own life. They killed his servant in front of him to show how serious they are,"
Bain scoffed. "All the Master has ever cared about is himself. He would let the whole town burn so long as he could escape unscathed,"
Such poor leadership in the world of Men did not surprise Thorin, but it still angered him. He couldn't stand a ruler of any kind who would let his people die.
"He has denied aid," Thranduil began, "but, as we expected, asked that Danica and John be released to the custody of the guards who brought Bain. They are waiting at the gates, as I would not allow them in my kingdom. Since you two are of the race of Men, it would only make sense for me to comply, so that should not raise any suspicion,"
Dillinger leaned a hip against the table. "That's something, at least,"
Thranduil passed a look, contradicting the optimism in the man's voice. "He also spoke of Rachel, her knowledge, and warned me about Bilbo helping the dwarves escape. If it were not for our alliance, I would have made sure that never happened,"
More and more complications and bad news. "What that does mean is that she will not expect us to make it to Laketown, but will also still be searching the barrels, just in case,"
"What about the cloaks that Galadriel gave us?" Danica's reminder had Thranduil and Thorin looking at each other.
To Thorin's disgust, it was apparent that he and the elf began thinking the same thing. They started to plan it out: The elves would distract the guards so Thorin and Dwalin could sneak onto the barge, wearing the cloaks. They would look like the bundles of blankets Bain had said were in a corner, and could then make their way into Laketown behind the guards. Knowing where the orcs were, the first thing they would do would be to take them out by any means possible, even if they had to destroy the building. With much reluctance, Danica and Dillinger showed them how to make fire accelerants, and even some that would make small explosions. Thorin shared an excited look with Dwalin, but, out of the corner of his eye, he could see the distress on Danica's face. Nevertheless, she stayed silent.
Bilbo would wear his ring, first going with Dwalin and Thorin to help lay the weapon traps, then rushing to Dillinger and Danica to make sure they remained safe. It was all risky, but was certainly the best plan they could come up with. Once the orcs were taken care of, Tauriel and some of her guard would help the rest of the Company make sure the town was safe, and Rachel was captured. Everything would have to move quickly, and there was no room for mistakes. If all went as planned, they would hand Rachel over to Thranduil, to rot in his dungeon until the mountain was taken back, and then they could bring dwarrow justice upon her. The Company would continue to the mountain, and the elves would help evacuate Laketown, in case the dragon attack still happened. The hope was that Bilbo could get the Arkenstone, and they could get the dwarves from the Iron Hills to join them in killing Smaug. No matter how much they hoped for it, Thorin could see in Danica's eyes that it was not even a remote possibility for her.
"We need to leave," Bain declared suddenly. "The guards will get more and more suspicious the longer we stay in here,"
Thorin and Danica looked at each other, wide-eyed. This was happening too fast. The time they'd had together now seemed impossibly, and tragically short. There truly was no other option, so everyone dispersed with haste to get everything they would need. Danica took Thorin's hand, and held onto it as they went to gather what they'd need. Danica and Dillinger would have to go without weapons, and in the simplest traveling clothes possible. Thorin would bring along Orcrist, and Dillinger's sword, both of which would be hidden beneath his cloak. Dwalin would bring his axe, hammer, and a smaller sword for Danica. Her spear was far too long for them to hide, so Fili would hold onto it until they reunited.
"I don't like this plan," Kili muttered. "Everyone is far too vulnerable,"
Thorin slung a pack over his shoulder, and then pinned the cloak below his neck. "Dwalin and I will be hidden enough, and Bilbo will be invisible, which will keep us safe. Whatever Rachel has planned, she will draw it out as long as possible, which will give us ample time to rejoin Dillinger and Danica. Even if she does begin to rush once the orcs are dead, Bilbo will have made it to them to help. This is really all we can do to ensure the safety of those in Laketown, as well as ourselves,"
He had said it to encourage Kili, but he, himself, was raw with nerves wound so tight he felt they could snap at any moment. Everyone was quiet and tense as they made their way back to Thranduil's throne room. He would invite the guards to come to the front gate, and Thorin and Dwalin would be taken to the barge by Legolas, going around the guards. With clear reluctance, Tauriel began tying Danica and Dillinger. Legolas was waiting for Dwalin and Thorin, but Thorin quickly went to Danica, resting his forehead against hers.
"Be safe," he murmured softly. "Stay close to Dillinger, and do whatever you can to stall Rachel until I get there,"
She nodded just a little, but he could feel her hands tremble. "I will. Just hurry,"
"Nothing could make me move faster than being away from you," he pulled back, meaning to say his farewell before he lost the will to part with her, but she leaned forward, pressing her lips to his in a brief, but desperate kiss.
"I love you," she whispered against his skin. "Be careful,"
Not wanting the elves to hear what was in his heart, he used the language of his people. "Maralmizi, Ibinê,"
Her smile told him that she understood. The ache he felt in walking away from her was nearly unbearable, but their time was over. Now was the time for them to return to the quest. This knowledge did nothing to stop the uneasiness that made his stomach queasy.
"I feel it too," Dwalin murmured. "Whatever we're about to walk into, at least no one will be alone,"
Thorin nodded. "That may be, but I still feel the shadow of death lurking ahead of us,"
Dwalin sighed. "Aye, but we'll just tell it to bugger off,"
Despite everything else, Thorin chuckled. Now, more than ever, he was grateful to have his closest friend beside him.
It wasn't difficult for Danica to look miserable as she and John were led out to the front gate. She had known that the peace she and Thorin had would be cut short, she just hadn't expected it to be this short. Now, she feared they would never get a moment of peace again. Unable to get rid of that thought, her jaw clenched, and her hands trembled with every step. John walked close to her, his arm in near constant contact with hers. No words were said, but she knew he was trying to comfort her. Tauriel's posture was stiff as a board, but Danica doubted that the Laketown guards were even notice. Bain was also tense, but that would be understandable no matter the situation. He remained unbound, walking behind Tauriel.
The guards were sitting outside, both with an air of frustration and impatience. They instantly jumped to their feet at the sound of people approaching.
"Here are the prisoners," Tauriel declared. "As you can see, they have been treated fairly in our dungeon. If your Master changes his mind about accepting aid, the offer from King Thranduil will remain,"
"Thank you," one of the guards replied tersely. Without another word, they took the ropes Danica and John were tied with, waited for Bain to join them, and walked away.
Danica glanced back at Tauriel, who gave a small, discreet nod before going back into the elven halls. It was a sign that she and the others wouldn't be that far behind. That didn't ease the nervous knot in Danica's stomach. What did ease her, was seeing the few bundles of blankets sitting in the corner of the barge. She and John walked straight to that corner. The guards ordered them to sit down, which they did without argument. Something behind Danica shifted, and a hand pressed against her back. Thorin. Her eyes closed, and she let herself recline against him. The contact helped to slow her speeding heart, and allowed her to catch her breath.
It was a long, silent ride to Laketown. The guards were tense and sullen, staring straight ahead at all times. Bain was equally distracted, tying and untying a length of rope that had been on the floor of the barge. Danica took what strength and comfort she could from the closeness of Thorin, John, and Dwalin. Bilbo was also aboard, somewhere, but she hadn't seen or heard anything that would reveal where he was hiding. Darkness crept like mist across the water, but the silhouette of Laketown finally appeared, the hazy lights of fire-lit homes burning through some of the gloom. The cold had stiffened Danica's joints, making them creak as she rose with John's help. As one of the guards took her rope, a soft avian cry directed her attention upwards. It looked like a falcon, and was making graceful swirls above them. A fawn color made up a lot of the belly, while warm gold and brown tones flecked the wings.
"Estellia," Danica breathed, her lips curving into a smile. The guards ignored her, but John instantly followed her gaze, and let out a quiet chuckle.
"Are you sure?" he questioned softly.
"Without a doubt," as if in confirmation, the falcon swooped down, and landed on a nearby rail. Danica smiled at her, feeling a fresh surge of courage.
Risking a look behind them, Danica saw that the barge was now empty, which meant that Thorin and Dwalin were making their way through the town. With the cover of night, it would be easier for them to move, though it didn't keep curious people from peeking through their windows at Danica and John as they were led to the Master's mansion. She kept her eyes forward, hoping, and praying that things would go somewhat according to plan. At least for a little while, they had to let Rachel believe that she still held all of the cards. She would be the easiest to trick while she was arrogant. All of this was harder to remember as the doors opened, and they walked through the quiet halls into a dimly lit chamber, where Rachel stood, flocked by three orcs, and the Master, who was practically quaking in his boots.
"Hello, Dani," Rachel sneered, wearing all the confidence of a racer with the finish line in sight, and everyone else far behind. "I see you recovered nicely after our last encounter,"
Danica clenched her jaw against any snarky remarks. The next few minutes were going to be a test of will, and battle of wits. Silently, she prayed for Thorin to hurry, and Estellia to stay close.