As Kayla approached the King she looked at the field with new eyes as she
had not been back since they buried the last one. The torn and mutilated
field was a sea of gravestones, some elaborate, signifying the first that
were buried, down to the final ones which by then, little was left to
create a tombstone with.
King Thranduil bowed to Kayla, "Milady. It is a tragedy what has
happened here."
Kayla spoke softly, her voice hoarse with emotion, "Tragedy is not a
word that suits this evil. This is far worse than tragedy. What you see
before you, Your Highness, is a field of men women and even children who
were viciously slaughtered. What you see before you are the graves of my
father, Teldion; my brothers, Nika, Jase and Gage amongst those thousands."
Kayla's voice shook at the memory of her dear father and beloved brothers.
"What you see before you is not just a tragedy. It is the end of my
world."
King Thranduil took a step and gathered Kayla into a brief hug, as he
had known her since she was born. "My dear, I have nothing but deep
admiration of your strength and bravery through this. Your father once
called you a fighter, but you are truly a warrior." He stepped back and
looked over at the townspeople who were milling about in the orchard. "How
many survivors?"
"Thirty, including myself."
The Kings eyes widened, "Thirty? That is all? But the town must of
had at least-"
"Six hundred thirty-seven elves," Kayla finished, then pointed
towards to tiny gravestones side by side. "not including the twins that
were born the day of the attack." Kayla added softly.
"My dear, I would like to offer Mirkwood as a temporary home for your
people. I would also like to offer my assistance in rebuilding Teardin
into a town that will never see such destruction again."
Kayla bowed, "I thank you from the bottom of my heart Milord, my
people will be ecstatic."
King Thranduil clapped his hands together, "Excellent, if we leave
now we shall make it to Mirkwood by nightfall."