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TOTAL WAR ROME |
With the auxiliary and a cohort on the move to the old ruined city of Dales; their scout that went ahead returned, with news bringing about that Thorin Oakenshield and the rest of the Company had survived their adventure within Erebor until the moment the dragon was stirred from slumber.
Continuing on, the auxiliary and cohort eventually made it before nightfall, and immediately went to prepare, as well as gathering resources - like woods and berries - for their long temporary stay at the ruins of Dale.
As the remaining daylight gave way to black skies and twinkling starlight, the old ruins have been transformed; albeit it had seen better days, the stone walls that had gaps and holes in them were fixed by sturdy woods, and it was turned from a ruin to at least provide an improved look and decent defenses in a matter of hours.
Releasing a deep sigh of exhaustion and relief, the auxiliary and cohort that took to repairing and preparing the location to set camp took to their earned rest as the legion caught up to them, and trailing close behind were the people of Lake-Town.
"Did you meet any trouble, Cicero?"
Magnus inquired as he dismounted the horse and gave the reins to a legionnaire to care for it - he allowed a few pats on the horse - before he turned his full attention to what Cicero may have to report.
"Scouts returned confirming Thorin and his Company survived when they seemingly woke the serpent."
With a nod, Magnus would relay the report to the Tribunus, and to the Legatus if her status has improved. While the people of Lake-Town smile and let out a small cheer at the fire camp that was set beforehand, Magnus offered a smile towards Cicero - knowing the man wouldn't wish a cold night upon the children - before he set off.
TOTAL WAR ROME |
Meanwhile, much earlier before the auxiliary and cohort were sent to the ruins of Dale; when the dark night was still at its nigh - with black skies and several stars - Fili and the others rested around their campfire. Assuming, and making guesses, Kili spoke up as he stuffed a meat hungrily, "Do you think the others made it?"
"Of course, otherwise why would Smaug make an appearance when he hasn't for years?"
Fili responded to his brother's question, taking a swing from a bottled wine that had survived and landed on the shores before he added. "We could use the boats..."
Following what Fili was hinting at - obviously on what he had in mind - the others looked to the boats that were a bit damaged yet remains afloat. Furthermore, the dwarves figured that none would be eager to get onto the lake where the dragon rested. Whether it was dead or otherwise; no one would dare approach it, let alone go near it.
But Fili had his attention stolen when he heard frantic movement among the legionnaires.
TOTAL WAR ROME |
"Let me enjoy the cold night with a warm meal and ale, would you?"
Estelle offered a weak smile towards her officers, before they relented to her wishes, albeit it ease their worry as her colors were gradually returning and along with her strength.
"We could had deliver the meal and ale to you inside your tent, it would be terrible if your fever returned, and-"
Numerius began rambling yet again and it was starting to annoy Estelle before she offered him an ale - her ale - shutting him up while the others chuckled at the act as they soon joined in having their meal along with her. Then after several drinks and a few cheers with laughter - sharing stories and so on - Cicero caught sight of the dwarves approaching.
"So we meet again - strongest drinkers of Middle Earth - welcome!"
As if on cue the smile on Numerius' face faded before he even heard any of the dwarves speak. Having noticed an increased reaction - a reaction when forced to coerce with the dwarves - Estelle took note of it paying it no mind. Until among them invited the dwarves to sit and join them.
TOTAL WAR ROME |
Albeit the destruction that struck their settlement of Lake-Town, the support and aid the Legion provided let an uneasy relationship between them improve despite the opposition of the Tribunus.
With a warm meal and plenty of ale to drink, the night went on without a hitch, until it took a turn for a somber, and lasting tale told in a song with deep hypnotizing hums. The tone and theme are sorrowful and forced into pain.
"Far over, the Misty Mountain's cold. To dungeons deep, and caverns old. We must away, ere break of day. To find our long, forgotten gold. The pines were roaring, on the height. The winds were moaning, in the night. The fire was red, it flaming spread. The trees like torches blazed with light."
Taking in what the dwarves of Erebor went through - the gravity and the effects it had on them - a few soldiers and several people of Lake-Town shed a tear, with only the sound of the campfire crackling making it through the night. Before a sweet voice joined the melancholy that has settled among them;
A soft hum sang into the night - like sweet lullabies - until a voice came as it began.
"Beware, Beware, The Daughter of the Sea. Beware, I heard him cry;
His words carried upon the ocean breeze, as he sank beneath the tide."
The short silence allowed the dwarves to sink into the song while the others came closer to listen in.
"Those blood-soaked shores, of Kalimdor. Where sailors fought and died. The admiral fell, at Theramore. Because she left his side."
On cue the soldiers of the legion sang along in unison - despite being scattered - they knew well enough when a part was their cue. While others were late - it did not matter - as they all joined regardless.
"Why this? Why this?
Oh, Daughter of the Sea?
Why this?
Did you forget your seaside days?
Always the pride of our nation's eyes, how could she go astray?"
Pulling from the song, Estelle let the soldiers continue on her behalf as the song cries out to the silent night. Their face etched with bitter sadness.
"When she did flee, across the ocean deep. The Admiral followed west.
What else, but sail to save a daughter's life, and pray she still drew breath?
But there he found, upon the distant shores.
Enemies' on the rise!
But when he faced those savage foes; his daughter stood aside.
Buried deep beneath the waves.
Betrayed by family.
To his nation, with his last breath, cried;
Beware the Daughter of the Sea."
Then the loud voice of the soldiers went quiet and silence returned - the eerie feeling of betrayal fresh - when it was shattered by the voice that started it.
"I heard, I heard across the moonlit sea.
The old voice warning me,
Beware,
Beware,
The Daughter of the Sea.
Beware,
Beware...
...of me...
"
TOTAL WAR ROME |