SO SORRY FOR THE LONG WAIT! I have had some serious writer's block with this story. Happy New Year chappie for you all! Thank you to those who still follow this story, despite my absence. Hope you enjoy! xoxo

Also, Smaug looks too much like a wyvern, and it bothers me, so I've decided to give him all four legs, not including his wings. If you wish to picture him as the wyvern style, that is fine as well! He will be doing a lot of running and battling in this story, and I feel it will look awkward with those long, winged arms, so I will be picturing him with four legs.

Chapter #11: Conflict

The soles of her feet scratched against the cobblestone streets of Dale as she passed through at a slow, deliberate pace. Everywhere the eyes wandered lay death, and there may have been the glimmer of hope from a battle ended if it had not been for the fact the end did not come with liberation. Because the dragon had once again claimed the mountain, the lakemen, Elves, and Dwarves were left empty-handed, but the greater sufferers were the men and women of Lake-town. Unlike the Elves, they had no home to return to. No food to hold them over for the winter. The Dwarves, for now, took shelter in the mountain, but she doubted even that would last with Smaug lurking its halls. If he so chose to, he could drive the Dwarves out without breaking a sweat. He would not tolerate their presence forever. It was a wonder to her why he had done so for so long already, but she was not foolish enough to question it.

She could not help but think of all the possible outcomes had she not spared Smaug's life. Who knows what direction the battle may have went-how many people would have perished-but either way it would have ended. Eventually, it would have ended, and someone would have claimed the mountain. The likely outcome would have been that the Elves claim their starlight gems, and the lakemen would have gained a share of the treasure to rebuild their lives. The Orcs would have lost. She was sure of it. Against the power of her kin, Dáin's army of Dwarves, the Great Eagles, Gandalf's power, and the lakemen, the darkness would have been overcome. It was her mercy towards Smaug that condemned the people of Lake-town. Her decision that denied her kin of their right to starlight gems, no matter how petty the greed of treasure may be.

The least she could do was tend to the wounded

Her eyes watched on solemnly as men and women packed what little belongings they had managed to salvage from the wreckage, their movements heavy with dismay at the reality all their efforts-all their loss-had been for nothing. It was a miracle to her none of them looked upon her with disgust or anger when their eyes met. It seemed all their emotions had been drained from their souls, leaving nothing but barren hopelessness. Amongst the dead lay her fallen kin, crimson staining the pavement and mixing with the blood of Orc, Dwarf, and lakemen. When forced into battle, all blood was equal in her eyes. Every death was sad and unnecessary. She knew-and she was sure the others knew as well-that as long Azog the Defiler lived, so would his army, and they would not rest for long. In time, they would be back, probably with more numbers, and there would be more carnage. More bloodshed.

A whimper seemed to stand out amongst the thick sorrow that lingered in the air, causing her head to turn to her left. There, not ten feet from her, sat a woman, cradling her young son in her arms. After a quick onceover, Evangeline discovered the source of the child's cries. A deep gash glistened red on his thigh, the dirt and ash powdering his cheeks mixing with the tears leaking from baby blue eyes. With softened eyes, she turned towards them and approached. The mother lifted her head at seeing her, her eyes widening-probably in recognition. Evangeline made sure to evoke nothing but gentleness as she came to a slow kneel before the woman and her son, green eyes warm and compassionate.

"It's alright. Let me take a look."

She seemed nothing short of hesitant at first, but she made no move to drive her away, and so Evangeline took that as permission to proceed. Turning her attention to the boy, no older than twelve, she smiled kindly.

"It's going to be alright now." Shrugging her satchel off her shoulder, she took out a vial of clear, reddish liquid that looked like red wine. Pulling out the glass dropper, she held it towards the boy's lips. "Stick out your tongue."

After glancing towards his mother for approval, to which she gave hesitantly, he looked back to the Elf and did as he was told, allowing Evangeline to tap a single drop onto his tongue. Before their eyes, the wound in his leg began to heal itself, slowly but surely. The woman looked up at her in shock, all the previous caution having disappeared from her eyes.

"What is in that bottle?"

"Ancient Elvish medicine." Evangeline smiled faintly. "Boiled juices from various herbs mixed with the tears of a phoenix. He will be fine now."

The woman breathed, "Thank you. Bless you."

She nodded once and came to a graceful stand, turning away just in time to see Bard the Bowman approaching her at a swift stride. His eyes were hard with grave suspicion.

"Who are you?"

She remained calm as she confronted him. "I know you already don't trust me, but I am not your enemy."

"Are you with the Elves? You did not arrive with them, clearly."

She allowed a faint but mirthless smirk. "My name is Evangeline. I used to be an Elf of Mirkwood, but I was banished long ago."

"For what?"

"It's a long story. Perhaps, when we have more time on our hands, I shall tell you." She took a moment to look around her, shaking her head in despair. "So much carnage... so much death... for what? Gold? Treasure? Power?"

"Wealth does things to a man." Shaking his own head, he gazed out at the wreckage himself. "I tried talking sense into Thorin, but the dragon sickness had already consumed his mind."

She looked at him. "Dragon sickness is but a myth created by those who wish to avoid the responsibility of their own actions."

He narrowed his eyes at her slightly.

"To my knowledge," she continued, "Thorin was the only one who contracted this 'sickness'. The others wished for peace, but their loyalty to their leader caused them to remain at his side and respect his wishes. Bilbo Baggins, from what I hear, gave you the Arkenstone in attempt to avoid conflict."

He nodded. "Aye, but it did little, as you can plainly see."

Her eyes fell, brief silence drifting between them. After a moment, his eyes returned to her.

"Tell me how you came to be with the dragon."

Her green orbs shifted back to his, and after a moment of debating with herself she decided to answer him. "He took refuge in a cave just a couple miles off my cottage. I discovered him as I was riding home, and I saw he was in critical condition with a black arrow sticking from his chest."

"He did not heal on his own."

She shook her head. "No. He did not."

"Why would you help that monster?" he growled.

A weary sigh left her lips. "I do not blame you for being angry. I also do not blame you for not trusting me. Just by looking out at the ruins of Lake-town, and the ruins of Dale, I know you have no reason to understand."

"No." His eyes were dark. "I do not understand."

Her eyes remained calm but were vibrant with sympathy. "A darkness is coming, bowman... one greater than any dragon or Orc army. Smaug may be enemy to you, but to me he is an ally. I spared his life, and in return he has spared mine. Do you think he would have carried those Dwarves to the mountain if I had not asked it of him?"

The look he was giving her was strange, analyzing as he scanned her from bottom to top-as if she were some sort of fascinating extraterrestrial. "Why would the beast answer to you?"

"That is another story for another time. All I can tell you is that I am the one thing standing between him and the rest of your people, and I intend on using that to my advantage."

"Meaning what?"

"Your people are not fit for long travels. You have nowhere to go. I have until sunrise to convince him into allowing you to remain in Dale."

His eyes widened a fraction. "He will not oblige."

"You do not know him like I do, bowman. He will listen to what I have to say."

To say he looked doubtful would have been an understatement, but before he was able to offer further argument, she turned away.

"Where are you going?" he called after her.

"To resume treating the wounded." She walked off, leaving him to stare after her back with narrowed, curious eyes.

Bard was not the only one looking for her, however.

"Evangeline!"

She whipped around in alarm, but then she saw the red-haired she-elf running towards her, she felt nothing but elation.

"Tauriel!"

"Evangeline!"

They embraced in full.

"I thought you dead!" Tauriel exclaimed

"Only in your dreams."

Tauriel smiled, when it suddenly faded as her eyes fixed on something behind her, and Evangeline frowned in question.

"Two betrayers reunited in an embrace. How fitting," a smooth voice crooned.

Eyes hardening in solemn recognition, Evangeline turned to face her former King Thranduil. "Lord Thranduil."

His glare had the potential to turn fire to stone. "You have brought nothing but more trouble to us. Was one dragon rescue not enough to satisfy your treason?"

Off to the side, neither Elf noticed Gandalf standing concealed in a crumbling archway, watching the exchange with calculating eyes. Evangeline's eyes darkened, as she turned to face the Elven King fully.

"It is your arrogance that brings your own troubles, Thranduil."

His eyes were of pure ice, and most others would have submitted to the promise of death lurking in those cold orbs, but she held her ground.

"I did not save the hatchling to defy you, nor did I spare Smaug to acquire revenge. Getting over oneself may benefit you in the near future."

His sword was unsheathed within a blink of an eye, emitting a sharp shing as it scraped against the cover. Tauriel instantly drew her own weapon, aiming her bow between his eyes with a fierce glare. Evangeline, having not drawn her sword, stood her ground fearlessly.

"You will do well not to test me," Thranduil warned coolly.

"I would do well to turn my back to you. As would the rest of our kin. I will never wish death upon you, Thranduil, but I will also never wish to be under your rule." With that, she turned away, dark locks swishing sharply with the motion and leaving the Elven King to stare after her in barefaced outrage.

He almost instantly made to stride after her, sword wielded. Tauriel tried to stop him, but she was knocked aside effortlessly. Evangeline made a sharp turn at her friend's cry, her eyes darting to where she lay on the ground before snapping her head to Thranduil in the first glimpses of anger she had shown since her arrival. Before either of them could make any further move, however, a sudden series of alarmed screams rang throughout the area, making them stop to look around in vague alarm.

One voice shouted, "DRAGON!"

They looked up as Smaug soared overhead, but Evangeline remained calm, knowing he would not attack if she was amongst the crowd. He landed in the clearing they were standing in, tail knocking over a pillar and causing the people nearby to scatter in fright to avoid both dragon and falling debris. Despite his shrunken size, he was inarguably a force to be reckoned with only if his opponent was suicidal. He was still large enough to bare ten men on his back, capable of crushing a barrel with a single snap of those jaws. His head took a sharp turn to Thranduil, golden orbs narrowing dangerously. Thranduil backed up a few steps, keeping his glare, but it was obvious he was intimidated. Only a fool wouldn't be.

There was a brief stillness, and then Smaug started towards the Elven King with a deadly sneer. Within seconds, they were surrounded by Elvish soldiers, swords and bows coming up in a single, synchronized motion. All it took was one glance at Smaug's eyes, and Evangeline quickly put herself between him and Thranduil. Smaug stopped, staring down at her with angered eyes, but she knew most of that rage was directed towards her former leader. Staring back up at him, she shook her head slowly, eyes beseeching and submissive.

"No, Smaug." She shook her head, voice quiet. "No."

A low rumble emitted from his throat, eyes shifting back towards the white-haired Elf. "Draw your weapon on her again, and you will watch your kin die one-by-one." His eyes moved back to Evangeline briefly before turning away. Knowing he expected her to follow, she turned to cast Thranduil a fleeting glance, only to see he was staring straight back at her with strange eyes. Green orbs grave, she turned to Tauriel and handed her the vial she had used to heal the boy's leg.

"One drop onto the tongue for each wounded. Use it sparingly and for the worst of injuries."

Tauriel took it from her hands slowly. "He is shrunken-"

"Not now. Tend to the wounded."

She looked like she wanted to inquire further but finally nodded. Evangeline turned away, following after Smaug as the crowd split quickly to let him pass. Her eyes met Bard's as she passed him.

"Keep hope. I will talk to him," she whispered so Smaug wouldn't hear.

All eyes were locked on her and Smaug as she mounted his back, and with a single swoop of those wings, they were climbing into the air. He carried her back to the mountain, the Dwarves roaming the front entrance of the kingdom quickly scattering as the dragon made his landing, galloping only a few steps before coming to a brusque walk as he managed to slow himself. Evangeline stared down into each of the Dwarves' eyes somberly as they gazed up at her in a mixture of wonder, fascination, and suspicion alike. To them, she probably looked like an intimidating phenomenon.

A heavy sigh dragged fro her lips as she sat atop one of the many stairs leading into the treasury, watching as Smaug dug around in the heaps of jewels and gold in search for something she was not aware of. She had tried talking with him about allowing the lakemen to take refuge in Dale, but, so far, he was not having any of it, seeming more interested in his search than the conversation at hand.

"All I am asking is that you permit them to take shelter in Dale for the winter. The air is frigid. They will freeze and starve of forced to move on."

"That is not my problem." He turned his head to face her, eyes narrowed. "If you care for them so much, perhaps you should go with them."

Her shoulders dropped. "Do not turn this on me."

"Why should I allow a bunch of sniveling lakemen to take refuge after they shot me in the heart?"

"We've been over this. Try putting yourself in their situation."

He snorted and turned back to digging through the treasure. This caused her to release a frustrated sigh.

"What are you looking for?" she finally snapped.

"Why do you insist on aiding a king that banished you from your home?"

"Don't change the subject."

He returned his attention to her once more in annoyance. "I do not owe those people anything."

"I didn't owe you anything," she countered.

Golden orbs narrowed to tiny slits. Her expression remained firm.

She continued, "Have you ever thought that maybe it would be better to be loved than feared? You are the one who choose to make everyone your enemy."

"No, I just choose not to let people walk all over me, like they do you."

She rolled her eyes. "I do not let people walk all over me. You of all should know that."

This time, it was his turn to roll his eyes.

"Consider it one last favor."

He looked back at her.

"Just until the spring, if anything." Her eyes were pleading. "Please, Smaug."

He suppressed the urge to growl at her. Damn this woman. Could she not see how ridiculous she sounded? Yet as much as he craved to turn his head from her beseeching stare, he knew deep down he would not. She was the only one capable of reaching him to any length, and it never ceased to irritate him. She spoke to him instead of down at him, and he didn't feel like she was speaking to him from below, either, like that cowering Barrel Rider had. The way she addressed him always felt level, like she was willing to hear his side but not willing to back down, either.

At long last, he released a low rumble from deep within his throat, and he suddenly turned and strode passed her. She turned with him, vague alarm painting her features.

"Where are you going?"

He didn't answer her, and she quickly followed him out of the treasury. He passed through the main hall, the Dwarves quickly stepping out of the way, staring after Evangeline in poorly concealed interest as she strode after the dragon. He reached the cliff and looked down at Dale, glancing behind him only for a moment.

"Relax. I am not going to slaughter your precious people." Before she could respond, he was spreading wing and diving off the rocks.

"Smaug!" Evangeline watched, alarmed, as he descended to the city, watching as people fled below.

It felt like hours before she saw him take back to the air, and she along with a handful of Dwarves, including Thorin and Bilbo, watched as he flew back towards the mountain. Once again, they cleared the way as he landed, striding passed them without a single glance until he came to Evangeline.

"Until the ice melts. That is all."

With that, he left her, stalking back into the mountain. She lagged behind, staring after him in poorly concealed disbelief. He was letting them stay... One of the Dwarves from Thorin's party, whom she remembered was named Dwalin, turned his head to her with narrowed but wondering eyes.

"Why does he show you lenience?"

She remained quiet for a lengthy moment. "I wouldn't get too used to it."

Eventually, she found her way back to the treasury, where she found Smaug still digging around.

"Do not thank me," he said instantly.

She was silent for a moment. "...What are you looking for?"

"Curious little lamb." He pawed through another pile of jewels as she walked over to him.

"Perhaps I can help."

"Actually, I believe the wizard wishes to speak with you. He asked me earlier where you were, which was what lead me to realizing you were absent, and I found you mingling with the lakemen and Elves." Briefly, he paused to send her a look from corner of his eye, but then went back to digging.

She sighed. Unfolding one of her arms, she gave his leg a light pat, and he looked at her, but she was already turning away. What could Gandalf the Grey possibly want with her?