Important Notice: If you guys haven't watched the extended scenes from DoS, I suggest you do so now. It's on youtube and after watching them, I went back into Chapter 13 and added a scene into it near the end. It's the scene between Bard and Braga when he was bringing the Dwarves into Laketown. It's hella amusing, so it's there if any of ya'll wanna go back and check it out XD
Authors Note: Oh my goodness. I was way too excited to wait to post this. I wrote this about an hour or so after I posted the last. The chapters are getting longer and longer! :D Now, prepare yourself guys. I have 1 or 2 chapters left, max before I have to stop and wait for the final movie. (Dont count me on that one, might be 3 now that I think about it. I also realize I've been saying that alot but for real this time. I may just bunch it into 2 chapters) So get yer fill! Only a month left till the movie!
And just a shoutout to all my lovely reviewers and followers! This wouldn't have been possible without all your support!
And a special shoutout to Dalonega Noquisi, for her very motivational review that put me in the mood to write another chapter XD I'll dedicate this chapter to you my love! Enjoy! *gives her a cookie*
The door to the house swung open as Bard rushed in, Sylwen close behind. Their gazes landed on the empty house, the dread rushing through him.
"Da!" Bain called to him, rushing forward. "I tried to stop them! Lucy followed them after they left!" He said, panic in his voice.
"How long have they been gone?" Bard asked urgently.
"Not long, twenty minutes or so." Bain said, shaking his head slightly as he looked up at his father.
Sylwen stood behind him, her throat dry as she watched as everything began to fall apart. Guilt washed over her as she felt responsible for this all. Bard was against giving them passage over the lake, but she had insisted. "Bard.."
"Not now." Bard stopped her, rubbing his temples as he looked around the house. Dammit he knew they weren't just simple merchants.
Sigrid glanced up from her spot in the kitchen, her eyes falling on Sylwen as she stood in the middle of the house, probably feeling just as out of place as she looked. Sylwen didn't belong here, no elf belonged so far from their home. Or that was what Sigrid had thought in the beginning.
She had felt uneasy with the new woman around the house at first. Being used to it just being the four of them, that when Sylwen came into the picture, she wasn't sure what to do or how to feel. All she could do was sit back and watch as her father began to change subtly, opening up to the woman.
But as she stood and looked at the whole picture, Sigrid realized just how out of place Sylwen must have felt the entire time. Trying to fit into a home and a life that wasn't her own with no memories of where she belonged.
"Da.." Sigrid spoke up finally, catching her fathers attention. She came to the realization that she hadn't been looking at the whole picture the entire time, instead just looking at a small piece. Perhaps change wasn't so bad. She knew no one could replace her mother, and she knew her father knew that as well. There wasn't any replacing going on this entire time, rather just a new addition to the family. She could see just how much more happy her father had become since Sylwen had been around, and though it would take some getting used to, Sigrid knew she could grow to accept it.
Bard looked at his eldest daughter, no words needing to be spoken as the strict look in her eyes was more than enough to make him realize what he did. It was a quirk that she had inherited from her mother. He slowly turned to look at Sylwen, his expression softening. "Syl.."
Sigrid smiled softly, walking from the kitchen as she ushered Bain and Tilda to their beds at the back of the house, giving the adults their privacy.
Sylwen nibbled on her lip lightly, staring at the floor as Bard turned around, avoiding his gaze. "Sorry." She mumbled, feeling like a scolded child.
"There's nothing to apologize for." He spoke softly, stepping up to her as he gently placed his hand under her chin, tilting her face upwards as he gazed down at her. "I didn't mean to snap at you. It's just really stressful right now." He slid his hands up as he cupped her face gently. "If my guess is correct, those Dwarves seek to return to their mountain. A dragon sleeps in that mountain right now, and if they awaken it.."
Sylwen felt her blood run cold at his words, a sense of fear trickling down her spine at his unspoken words. The dragon. Why did the mention of a dragon ignite some forgotten part of her. It felt too close for her comfort. The feeling that sparked inside her chest at the name.
Love?
Before Sylwen could even respond, the door flung open and Lucy skidded into the house.
"I hate to break up your moment," She panted, leaning on her knees as she tried to catch her breath. "The Dwarves. They were caught by the guard. They're going before the Master of the Lake."
Bard pressed his lips together, looking at her. "Stay here." He told Sylwen, stepping past her but was stopped by her hand as it wrapped around his wrist.
"I'm coming." Sylwen stated, looking up at him.
"There's no time! Bard just go with her, I'll stay here and make sure your kids are alright." Lucy told them, pushing them out the door.
The ice air stung at her lungs as she followed behind Bard, staying close behind him as they rushed through the town, nearing the center as she could already hear the voices of the townsfolk. By the looks of all the torches lit, it was like a mob had formed around the group of Dwarves.
"...relight the great forges of the Dwarves and send wealth and riches flowing once more from the Halls of Erabor!"
The voice echoed through the night, the crowd cheering in delight as Sylwen and Bard reached the group, slowing down as they pushed their way through the people.
"Death! That is what you will bring upon us." Bard yelled, stepping through as his eyes locked with Thorin, holding out his arm as he stopped Sylwen behind him.
All eyes were on the two as Bard faced the Dwarf, his dark gaze hardened. "Dragon fire, and ruin." He stopped, staring down at Thorin, the threat of the dragon looming in the back of his mind. Of the chaos it could cause. "If you awaken that beast, it will destroy us all." His voice softened, almost underlying pleading. Not only for the town, but for his family. His children, and Lucy. Sylwen..
Without missing a beat, Thorin continued. "You can listen to this naysayer, but I promise you this:" He paused, stepping forward as his gaze scanned the crowd. "If we succeed, all will share in the wealth of the mountain."
Sylwen could feel the gazes upon her, stepping closer to Bard as she slid her hand into his, feeling him give a reassuring squeeze.
Lies. Bard knew the greed of Dwarves, and everything that rolled off Thorin's tongue was a lie. But at the prospect of gold and riches, the townsfolk couldn't see the deceiving rat beneath it.
"You will have enough gold to rebuild Esgaroth ten times over!" Thorin roared, continuing to edge on the townsfolk. He didn't like that Bargeman from the beginning, and that dislike continued to grow.
Bard squeezed Sylwen's hand tightly, gritting his teeth before he turned around. "All of you!" He yelled over the joyful cheers. "Listen to me! You must listen!" He demanded.
Thorin almost rolled his eyes as Bard tried to make another ploy to the townsfolk, his gaze landing on the elf once again. In the light of the torches, he saw the speckles of gold among the green, stirring something in his mind.
She was there, sixty years ago when Smaug attacked. Thorin recalled seeing her among the people that were escaping. The lone elf that had stayed back and tried to help, while Thranduil's army turned their backs on them.
"Have you forgotten what happened to Dale?" Bard continued, watching as people began to exchange looks with each other, taking his point into consideration.
"Have you forgotten those who died in the firestorm?"
Sylwen caught the gaze of Thorin once again, pressing her lips together as she took quick to avoid his gaze. Too much was going on; She had given up hope on trying to remember her past and gave into making a new life here. Alas it wasn't that easy. The more she began to remember, the harder she wished she wouldn't. Whatever she remembered, the worse her fear became. She didn't want to remember. She wanted to just forget and live here with Bard.
The voices around her began to mull into one unrecognizable blob until it was but a dull thrum in her ears.
The firestorm..
The air quickly became humid on that particular day, the clouds swarming together in the sky as the wind began to pick up.
"You must leave." Girion spoke to the young elf, looking down at her.
Sylwen was confused at his sudden orders, glancing over at the man who had offered her shelter for the few days she had been in Dale.
Girion looked unto the horizon, his gaze growing dark. "A dragon is coming." He said, finding no use in hiding it. "I cannot say why, but the humidity in the air and the wind." He looked down at Sylwen once again. "Leave this city, and don't look back. Its far too dangerous for you to stay here."
Sylwen felt a tremor of fear run down her spine, leaving her skin with goosebumps. "I can't just leave!" She refused, shaking her head. "What about the people? And you!"
Girion shook his head. "I have the black arrows. They're the only thing that's strong enough to pierce a dragons hide. I can kill it." He told her, before letting out a sigh. "Gather as many people as you can and leave the city with them, there's no guarantee I can kill the beast, and if not then at least some people will be saved. But be careful." He told her.
Sylwen pressed her lips together before she nodded. "Alright." She nodded, gathering what little things she had brought with her before rushing out of the house, gathering the children and the elderly, anyone she could find.
The roar the came from the sky just about shook the ground itself. The fire came next. Sylwen barely had a moment to comprehend what was happening before the buildings began to collapse around her, fire spreading throughout the streets. The screams of people echoed in her ears and the roar of the beast resounded around her, creating a terrifying melody.
"You have no right." Bard seethed, standing before the Dwarf as he glared down at him, the anger building up within him. "No right to enter that mountain!"
It was as if the Dwarf had his own personal vendetta against the Bargeman, as he looked him straight in the eye and whispered, "I have the only right."
Thorin then turned around, completely disregarding him as he looked up to the master of the lake. "I speak to the master of the men of the lake." He began, stepping up a few steps. "Will you see the prophecy fulfilled? Will you share in the great wealth of the people?" He asked him.
Bard stepped forward, holding his breath as he waited for the answer he knew was to come but so dearly wished it wouldn't. The silence hung heavily over the people, Bard watching in barely contained horror as the greedy grin slowly spread across the chubby man's face.
"What say you?" Thorin pressed.
The master of the lake shook his finger. "I say unto you.." He began, pausing for effect before spreading his arms wide. "Welcome! Welcome and thrice! Welcome King Under The Mountain!"
Bard could feel any hope he once had being washed away as the people around him cheered, despair filling his emotions, feeling his shoulders drop in defeat. It wasn't a moment longer before there was a yell from behind him, catching his attention.
He turned around, not even realizing that he had let go of Sylwen's hand during the argument. She now laid on the cold wooden dock, hair sprawled around her and skin as pale as the snow.
"Sylwen!" He rushed to her side, shooing away the bystanders. He gently pushed the hair out of her face, letting out a sigh when he concluded that she had just fainted. Unaware of the gaze that was cast on them by the Dwarf, he picked her up into his arms. He needn't stay here any longer than he wanted to, and with that, he pressed through the crowd, returning to his home without glancing back once.
The fire spread around her, hearing the horrified screams of the people as some were burned to death or crushed by falling debris. All around her Sylwen was surrounded by death, the dragon soon setting its sights on the mountain once it was satisfied with the destruction it laid upon Dale.
Leaving everything and all she had behind, she ran towards the mountain in some crazy hope that she might be able to help. Though she had barely reached it when she came into contact with the hordes of Dwarves that came running from the mountain, fleeing from the dragon.
It was hard to miss the flames that lapped out of the entrance. Slowing herself, she came to a complete halt, staring in horror as everything came crumbling down around her.
"Get moving!" A voice suddenly caught her attention, a hand grasping her arm in a steel vice grip. Her eyes met with a pair of deep green ones. The pain was clear in his eyes. Everyone lost something on this day. "It's too late, the Dragon has taken what it wants." He tried to push her forth, but the elf slipped past his grip and ran for the mountain.
"You're mad!" He yelled after her, but she was lost among the Dwarves.
"The king! Where is the king! My child! There's still people in there!"
Sylwen could hear the panicked shouts among the Dwarves, stopping one. "The king. Is he still in the mountain?" She asked urgently.
"I-I think so!" The Dwarf rattled out, shaken up. "Many still remain in there."
"I'll find them." She told her, smiling softly. "It is only one dragon in a large mountain. I cannot win back your home, but I can do the least of helping the others out." She told her.
The Dwarven woman looked as if she wanted to cry. "Be careful!"
"I promise you." She said, before making a break for the mountain.
Once Sylwen had reached the entrance, all had quietened down, the silence of the death hanging around the air. She could feel the heat coming from inside the mountain, her heart pounding in her chest. She was sure this was what she was meant to do. Though she couldn't deny she wasn't scared out of her wits right now, she wanted to do something with her life. And if that meant sneaking around a fire breathing dragon to save a group of Dwarves, then so be it.
She wasn't quite sure how far she had gotten in, not hearing a single sound for a few minutes now, other than the own soft padding of her feet. She was starting to feel like she had underestimated just how big this mountain was.
A gust of warm air suddenly brushed against her back, the force of the wind almost pushing her forward. Stopping, she glanced around but saw nothing, still unable to shake the feeling as if she was being watched.
"Well, well.."
The deep baritone voice sent shivers down her spine, slowly tilting her head upwards, Sylwen was met with the sight of the dragon looming above her.
"It seems a lamb has wandered into the wolfs den." His voice was sharp, cutting through the silence of the halls.
Sylwen stumbled back as the dragon lowered himself down to ground level, standing tall above her.
"I didn't wander." She spoke up, unsure where this courage was coming from. "I was seeking out those who were left behind from the one who stole their home."
A deep chuckle rumbled off the stone walls, the dragon lowering his head to her level. "These canty dwarves couldn't stand up to me, and yet a young elf thinks she can?" He spoke, the amusement dancing in his voice.
Sylwen stared into the fiery gaze of the dragon, standing her ground as she swallowed hard, the heat that surrounded her making her sweat.
"I'd rather fight than accept my death with open arms."
Smaug watched the elven woman, his gaze examining her figure. It was when he zeroed in on her gaze, the speckles of gold in her green eyes catching his attention. Curious. He had never seen one with golden eyes before, then again, none lasted long enough for him to really care to take in their appearance.
Sylwen flinched as his claw came towards her suddenly, bracing herself. What she didn't expect though, is the scaly claws to wrap around her body, lifting her into the air. His breath washed over her, the scent of sulfur and what she guessed was charred skin, hitting her senses, almost making her gag.
"You're a curious creature." Smaug observed, the words flicking off his tongue as he watched her, the fear swarming in her jewel eyes. "You are to never leave these walls.."
And another HUGE thank you for everyone who's followed and favorited and reviewed this story. I realize it'll be wrapping up in the next few months and it makes me wanna cry. I never thought this story would come out as greatly as it is. I didn't give my abilities that much credit, but thanks to you all, it became possible. You guys gave me enough support to push myself to be better than I thought I could be, and I love you all!
;D Look forward to yet another chapter, hopefully within the next week. Possibly sooner XD