The Hobbit: Odd Love in Strange Times
Chapter 4 of my Hobbit story, enjoy :)
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Caserna: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it; yeah well, in this he's not afflicted by Gold Sickness, so he's thinking rationally.
Now onto the story.
Disclaimer: The Hobbit belongs to JRR Tolkien, Peter Jackson and all associated companies.
Chapter 4
Bard had returned to Dale, along with Thorin, Balin, Fili, Kili, Dwalin and Bifur. Bilbo had come along too; yet his mind was elsewhere; wondering about Thorin's plan for the Elves. Bard had quickly relayed the news of the orc army and already, hearing his plans, there was much work being done in Dale. People attempting to find weapons; working on repairing Dale and other matters. Balin looked around sadly at Dale and shook his head.
"This won't be easy." He remarked mournfully. "The people have strong spirits, but we don't have time to make proper repairs. Right the walls are just too unstable."
Thorin nodded; replying. "I agree, but there's little time to do more. These repairs will take months to complete, Azog will be here before that."
It was at that moment Fili returned from the Dale armoury. "There's no shortage of weapons, or of people willing to help fight. Not all of them have much skill though."
"True, but they're all they have to defend them." Kili remarked as he too joined the small group near Dale's entrance. He wasn't alone either, Tauriel was with him, sharing his worried expression.
Thorin nodded slowly. "The soon er Dain and his men arrive, the better."
The other Dwarves did not fail to notice, Thorin seemed to be doing his utmost not to react to Tauriel's presence. Or her obvious closeness to Kili.
Wishing to distract his uncle from that; Fili spoke up.
"You're certain Dain's forces will be enough?"
Thorn nodded; Balin seemed less reassured however. "They'll have to be, unless…Are you sure about this Thorin?"
Thorin smiled lightly. "I'm certain this gamble will pay off, we'll have the Elves help."
That confused the others and Dwalin then asked. "How exactly do you plan to do that?"
"My grandfather refuses certain gems to Thranduil. I plan to 'correct' that." Thorin explained. "Even he won't be able to resist when he sees what I offer, the main issue is getting him to come here."
Tauriel then spoke up. "I believe I can help with that."
The Dwarves all turned to look at her and she continued. "We must send him a message; a message that informs him that he is expected at Erebor. He is already on his way, no doubt, having heard of the dragon's fall. Send the message that you also hold me as a hostage; he will be here quicker than an arrow."
"Tauriel, you…" Kili began but she smirked, shaking her head.
"Of course it's all words; but he'll believe it, especially if he doesn't see me with you when he arrives."
The other Dwarves grinned and Thorin nodded. "It has its merits, very well."
So they decided to put that plan into motion. Meanwhile they set about, seeing if there was anything else they could do for Dale.
As they worked, trying to help out, Fili stopped briefly. He smiled widely as he spotted Sigrid. Sadly there were quite a few children left orphaned by Smaug's attack. Yet now they were gathered around Sigrid, she had given out some food to them and they were eating. All except for one girl who had an injury to her arm. Sigrid was busy bandaging it up, taking great care with the child. It was at that moment she looked up and met his gaze. She blushed and returned his smile.
'There it is again, that feeling.' He noted. 'It's…I wonder…'
"Fili." His uncle's voice broke him out of his thoughts.
He turned and, seeing his uncle's expression quickly got back to work. "Sorry."
Thorin shook his head; he had seen what Fili had been doing. Needless to say, it disturbed him slightly.
'Kili and that She-Elf…Now it seems Fili is becoming enamoured by that girl.' He thought to himself. 'My nephews certainly have strange tastes.'
He turned and joined Balin as they continued to review their chances and any other options they could take. As they did so, they noted Bain as he helped a group of Lake-Town men repair one of the damaged buildings. Spotting them he detached himself from the group and hurried over.
"How fare the repairs?" Balin asked.
Bain shook his head sadly. "Many of these buildings are starting to become decent shelters. But none of them are currently any good, defensibly."
The Dwarves nodded; it was as they feared.
Later, the Dwarves and Bard had gathered in the town square. They all had in thing in agreement, that Dale was too weak to properly be defended at the moment.
"But what can we do?" Bard remarked. "We cannot just abandon the people."
Thorin sighed heavily. "This is war, people will die…But we must ensure that loss is as small as possible. We cannot have those who cannot fight be slaughtered like animals."
The others lapsed into deep though; it was then Fili came up with an idea.
"Thorin, perhaps we could hide the people of Lake-Town in Erebor. It's certainly big enough."
Thorin pondered that for a moment. "There are halls within halls within the mountain…Yes, it may be our best option. We'll never be able to make Dale defensible enough at this rate."
Balin was worried however. "There is still great risk in such a move."
"True." Thorin agreed. "But the mountain is the best defence we have to offer, it will provide shelter too. It is our best chance."
He turned to Bard. "What do you say?"
Bard nodded. "I have to agree; it is our best option."
"Then we better get started quickly."
So preparations were soon underway to transport the people of Lake-Town to Erebor. However it was then a problem emerged as Bain looked around and noticed something.
"Da." He called out worriedly. "Where's Tilda?"
Bard looked around, panic seized him as, sure enough, his youngest was missing.
End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.