I glad everyone is still enjoying this. I never thought this would end up so long!!! I guess I got my directions mixed to the dwarves so please forgive my inaccuracies and I never thought of Lake Town, definitely something to ponder. Thanks for the suggestion, Liana--see, I do read my reviews! A quick thank you to everyone who has my stories or me on their favorites list. I'm honored!!

Chapter 59--Dwarven Dwelling

Orolin stood at the entrance of the mine, leaning on his axe as he watched the only path leading up the mountain. Nothing had happened for fifty years and he doubted anything would happen now. Still he took his duty as a sentry very seriously. The Glittering Cave was in a very defensive place and few tried to breach it. The Dwarves were isolated in their halls and that was just as they liked it. Their only trade was with their cousins in the Iron Hills who sometimes traded with Lake Town.

A flash of gold in the sky caught Orolin's attention and he peered up, but couldn't make it out. Finally it got close and the Dwarf realized it was an unusual hawk with gold feathers. It landed on a rock not ten feet away from him. The Dwarf started towards the creature, expecting it to fly away before he took three steps. It didn't move even when he was right next to it. It was then he saw the tube fastened to its leg. He took it off and examined it. The king would need to see it so he headed into the mine. Much to his surprise the hawk took to the air and landed on his shoulder as he entered the mine.

King Kilin looked up as Orolin entered and bowed. "What is that creature?" he asked, eying the hawk.

"It has brought a message, my King," Orolin said, offering the tube.

Kilin took it and opened the tube. He read the message and frowned. "So the Elves seek our help to stop a Human army who is attacking Mirkwood. Why would they think a Dwarf would care about an Elven forest?" he snorted. "Let them drive the invaders off themselves and if they can not then good riddance. It is no concern of ours."

"Is it not?" a voice said.

"Is that you Gimli? Come before me if you would speak," Kilin ordered.

Gimli moved to stand before his King. "It may be more important then we think. Lake Town depends on Mirkwood for food and drink. If Mirkwood is taken Lake Town loses a lot of it's income, which means our cousins and we will lose trade as well," he said.

Kilin drummed his fingers on the arm of his throne thoughtfully. "Your argument has merit. I cannot deny that, so do you feel we should aid them?" he asked.

"It would show them the might of Dwarves, my King," Gimli said.

Kilin laughed. "You are a clever debater. You are right. We must protect our interest and that means joining the fight. Send the word out! The Dwarves of Glittering Caves march to war at dawn!!" he ordered.

*Meanwhile*

Legolas finished healing an Elf's broken leg then sat back on his heels to rest. It had been quiet for hours and the Elves were taking full advantage of the lull. "Rest for awhile. You will be fine now," he told the Elf. Legolas rejoined the twins who'd busied themselves making new arrows and fixing those that could be salvaged. Qui followed and sat down beside him.

"How are you holding up?" Elladan asked.

"I am fine. My burden is no worse then anyone else's here," Legolas said. He looked over at Syri who stood not far away, scanning the forest.

"Her husband- to- be put on quite a show when he found out her condition," Elrohir remarked.

"Sometimes I envy them to be able to express their emotions so openly and so exuberantly," Legolas said. "Syri worries about Boromir getting killed in this battle."

"She is a warrior though and knows the risks," Elladan said.

"Aye and because she is she accepts them just as Boromir does. She regrets she cannot fight at his side though," Legolas said. His eyes were distant and thoughtful. :"All this death is hard to deal with. It is not something Elves have to face often. It pains me."

"They are proud to die for their home and King, Legolas," Elrohir said.

"I know, but is it really such a good thing?" Legolas murmured. He stood up. "I think I will go find my father and brother," he said. He walked off with Qui faithfully following him…..

So here comes the Dwarves, I felt sort of mellow today…..R/R all!!! Thank You for feeding the plot bunnies!