General POV]
-Aldril-
"Now it's up to me to hold the title of never having been defeated," he murmured, recovering from that dream that had exhausted him so much. Yes, unlike those that passed like a fresh spring breeze, this dream brought him many benefits, as well as extreme fatigue that made him shudder at any sudden movement.
He had to get up despite the pain. Today was the day they would leave for Erebor. Today would be the day he would meet that affable dragon whom the dwarves, and the elders who still remembered such a creature soaring through the vast sky hunting its prey, so greatly feared.
Erebor was half a day's journey away; they had to leave early. Thorin mentioned before going to sleep that he didn't want to waste much time in the city. At the dwarves' request, they had stayed that day in Lake-Town, enjoying the pleasures of a good banquet.
He stood up despite the pain in his body and the constant urging of his subconscious to stay in bed longer, savoring the delights of procrastination. But his unbreakable will allowed him to fight off that thought.
"Ugh."
With pain, he stretched his tired body, which was screaming for more rest. However, the elven stone firmly tied around his chest began to work. With a faint green glow, as if nature itself was manifesting in person, embracing him with its warmth, Aldril's body began to progressively recover with each passing second.
He estimated that by midday, he would be in optimal condition. It wasn't as if anything would happen during that time, the very fate would allow him to rest.
Tok Tok
The soft sound of someone knocking on his door pulled him out of his apparent daydream. Frowning slightly, his curiosity piqued. 'Who would visit him so early in the morning?' he thought. "Who is it?" he asked.
"Tauriel," he heard. He quickly recognized that sweet feminine voice. He wouldn't lie, he was intrigued as to why she would come for him so early in the morning. He didn't dwell on it much and moved simply toward the door, opening it, only to be surprised by Tauriel's state.
There, standing before him, was the red-haired elf who so often quickened his heart, but right now, her beauty was overshadowed by the frown and deep concern evident in her eyes.
This left him perplexed and a bit fearful that something had happened, but it would be impossible for anyone to harm her in this place. Tauriel was far too strong for human warriors, a testament to the great strength elves possessed. It wasn't like in his memories, where they were easily killed by a mere orc. No! He had witnessed how just two elves easily took down over 20 orcs in the attack that claimed the life of one of his dear friends.
He had learned from whispered stories that elves were terrifying in combat. "They needed to overwhelm us in numbers to kill one of ours," he heard Glorfindel say in one such conversation.
He quickly dismissed the notion that someone had hurt her. Those deep green eyes looked at him with both affection and concern. Not wanting to dwell on it further, he got straight to the point.
"Is something wrong, Tauriel?" he asked, genuinely worried, a gesture that earned him a small smile from the elf, who nodded at his question.
"We need to talk," she said. "I had a vision of what's to come," words that immediately garnered Aldril's full attention, prompting him to adopt a more serious demeanor.
"Come in," he said, stepping aside for Tauriel to enter. "What did you see in that vision?" he asked, getting straight to the point. It wasn't a time to drag things out. They were about to leave, and he needed to address this quickly.
"Fire, death, and you… alongside the dragon."
---
-Bard's House-
"They're complete idiots!" Bard roared in fury. He regretted ever bringing those dwarves. Who could have imagined that among them was the heir to the throne of Erebor? He knew better than anyone that that cursed dragon was still alive. He clung to the black arrow fervently, keeping it as a safeguard. Now, he would have to use it against the dragon's imminent attack.
Did they really believe the dwarves could kill the dragon, presumably the largest one alive today? He wasn't naïve. An army of those dwarves hadn't left a single scratch on it. 'Would 13 dwarves make any difference?' he thought, shaking his head in utter disappointment.
"The king has returned! At last, we'll have gold, and our lives will improve," the governor said, a complete foolishness. 'Death and fire is what they'll bring,' Bard thought, recalling those words.
However, it was understandable that the citizens had been tempted by such sweet promises. To them, Thorin was like an overflowing spring in the midst of their desert. Getting gold in exchange for helping the King Under the Mountain was hope for those in need, and Bard could understand that. He might have done the same if he were ignorant of the dragon's presence.
"They're just legends," the young ones said when he mentioned the dragon. "Do you want to stop these people from getting gold?" Alfrid asked, mocking Bard's refusal to help the dwarves.
"Citizens of Lake-Town, now you can see Bard's true face!" Alfrid shouted with fervor, smearing Bard's reputation. The people, lured by the promise of free gold, abandoned him. Curses and rejections echoed in that place. It didn't matter if Bard had been a good man, what a good man Bard was! But those ungrateful people had let themselves be blinded by the promise of wealth.
His fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white from the loss of blood circulation. The memory of that night haunted him. They were ungrateful, foolish, but they were people who would die if he didn't act. His duty told him he had to save them. He was a descendant of Girion, Lord of Dale. He had a debt to repay to those who descended from the once-prosperous valley.
"I trust you'll keep them safe," he said to the elegantly dressed elf. Legolas was a blessing in these moments. Bard needed to keep his children safe, and the only way to do that was by asking for the elven prince's help.
"I will, Mr Bard. Rest assured, they will be in no danger in my father's realm," Legolas replied.
"Father! I want to stay and defend the city with you!" his son shouted. They all knew from Bard what consequences would follow if the dragon was awakened. 'The son of that adventurer is with the dwarves,' Legolas had said, but Bard preferred to be cautious and ensure his children's safety.
"No! You have to stay with your sisters! You must protect them," Bard replied, silencing his son, who bowed his head in resignation.
Tok Tok
The sound of someone knocking at his door interrupted their heated discussion. "Get lost," Bard said in frustration, thinking it was those foolish youngsters teasing him about the supposed "dragon."
Tok Tok
However, the knocking persisted. Frowning, Bard approached the door, only to be greatly surprised by the sight of the red-haired elf accompanying the son of that adventurer. Without giving her a second glance, he noticed how she focused all her attention on Legolas.
"What's wrong, Tauriel?" Legolas asked urgently, quickly moving to the door. If she had come, it was for something very important.
"There's no time. We have to get these people out of here, or fire and death is all that awaits them."
***
Filthy orcs!
Here you have the chapter, I have already accelerated the plot in the future chapters.
15 advanced chapters in patreon "p@treon.com/Mrnevercry"