| TOTAL WAR ROME |
As daylight breaks and the birds return to chirp at the absence of a fire-breathing dragon, the large corpse of a once mighty serpent has submerged into the lake. Meanwhile, the survivors of Lake-Town began to prepare in for the winter - gathering supplies and wood nearby - to hold out until spring would come after winter had long gone.
However, the cold weather and early sunset have devoid the lands of crops and animals, and it was troubling for a good reason. Without their supplies restocked - the legion - would be forced to further ration what remained as they hold out in Dale until the weather conditions eased before being able to move to the south. The next course of action that Estelle, Numerius, Cicero, Magnus, and other Praefectus Cohortis have decided.
By being in another entire world - a world apart from Rome - the challenges were already stacked against them. The elements shouldn't be added among them. With careful planning and precise logistics required to move the legion without delay or to counter any form that could strike them; the legatus and her praefectus were in good spirits.
They just needed to restock their supplies and get their promised rewards. Then a little detour would take place, as they returned to the injured men they had left at Beorn's place. Hopefully having successfully recovered.
| TOTAL WAR ROME |
While Estelle and her inner circle of praefectus further planned their step - within the comfort of a tent - a large rock shook the ground as it fell, the vibration was felt and Estelle and the men exited to see the situation on the outside.
"The dwarves are blocking the entrance!"
A Roman scout returned with a gash on the arm as he screamed on, "Legatus" he greeted as he dismounted the horse. "The dwarves are blocking the entrance by using the statues from the walls and rubbles of stones. When it seems likely that they are aware of us."
The Roman scout reported, only stating what he perceived and saw, except Estelle wanted to know how he had obtained a fresh injury on the arm. Her sharp eyes pressured the man to explain. "From the dwarves..."
Immediately, Numerius began to curse in Latin while the others doubted yet considered the man's words. But he continued on when he was asked. "Who?" asked Magnus, to which he replied. "Thorin Oakenshield."
| TOTAL WAR ROME |
It was midday when Estelle and the others had talks within the tent. It was argumentative and mixed with harsh words.
"I knew we couldn't trust those dwarves! They even looked like those barbarians at Gaul that Rome managed to subdue - by the Gods; I thank Mars - many years ago. I say that we extinguish them! Storm them and sever that King's head!"
Anger had Numerius under its influence and the others shared the same. Except Justinian and Estelle as both let their perception of the whole ordeal take root in theories.
"Hold it, Numerius. We don't know the full story here. It would be wise-"
Numerius instantly cut off Justinian when he faced the cavalry captain with piercing eyes. "We have everything! Our scout literally returned with a fresh bleeding gash - and what do you say?! - 'We don't know the full story?!' Have your senses become dull?!"
"Do not let your words bring you regrets, Numerius. I will let your insult slide but the next time I will show your men how I could humiliate you."
Those were threats and Justinian meant it. Surrounded by great men - then turned to rabid animals - Estelle let her voice be heard with disappointment laced with them. "I have heard enough!"
It wasn't often that she would raise her voice but when she was around howling wolves - bickering and chirping - she had to grab their attention for the subject to progress. She had to as their Legatus. "I want no more threat; against each other or humiliation. Has my father ever witnessed this sight and bickering before?"
The men within the tent looked away or down in shame, not a single person willing to answer, except for Cicero who said it weakly. "No."
"Then am I not respected enough, or have I not earned it? Am I unfit to lead the legion that I don't have a say on the matter? Would it be much better if I appoint someone else - and I leave the legion - to that person? Why has everyone gone silent - I have asked now and so speak - among you!"
Of course, just because Estelle wasn't displaying any sign of anger and wrath did not mean that she felt either of those - instead, she had it worse than everyone; she felt the betrayal - as she wondered how much of a fool he had made of her. Especially when it was her decision to follow and place her trust in the dwarves.
Thorin Oakenshield will pay and she swears it. The King under the mountain will.
Then another alarm set off as a Roman horn blared across, half of them expected the dwarves had come to their senses and clear the situation. But they were met with another horn - not Roman - as it sounded off just a good distance away from them.
"The Elves of Mirkwood!"
People from Lake-Town called out as aid and support were lent to them, while Thranduil led the way.
Between having come to get to the mountain and attain all the riches stored within it, and then a certain woman within this camp, Thranduil had no answer and just that he was simply allowing his body to move instinctively.
"My Lord, Thranduil - we thank you for your aid!"
Bard came to meet with the Elven King, but the elf barely met the man's eyes as he looked upon the crowd and it is most especially those that were donning Roman armor. He was searching for her.
"Do not mistake my interest, I am only here to restore what is mine in that mountain. But of course, I bring aid. I have ears everywhere and that it was you that had slain the dragon. If not for our relationship in trades. Then it is under the act of having slain that beast that I bring help to your people."
Then within a moment later, his eyes fell on hers as she arrived on the scene.
| TOTAL WAR ROME |