An Arranged Marriage (The Hobbit)

Chapter 22

We rode back to Dale, I knew Thranduil was going to be curious if our plan actually worked. To mine and Bard's dismay it would not. I had a horrible feeling.

I wished Legolas was here, I know he wouldn't be able to talk the dwarves into anything, but just having his presence here might help me.

When we reached the front of Dale, Thranduil was waiting for us.

"He will give us nothing." Bard said.

"Such a pity. Still you tried." Thranduil said.

"I do not understand. Why? Why would he risk war?" Bard wondered aloud.

"It is fruitless to reason with them. They understand only one thing." Thranduil said and pulled out his sword.

My eyes opened wide, so we would be going to war. I do not know how to feel about this. I really do not want to.

"We attack at dawn. Are you with us?" Thranduil asked, before turning back into the city, riding away on his Elk. (Or Moose? Stick with me people, please:))

"How do you feel about this?" Bard turned his head and asked me.

"I guess we have to do what we have to do to make sure the deal is fulfilled." I whispered.

With that being said we rode back into Dale to get ready for a fight neither of us wanted.

—-

I watched as men went through the armory here in Dale. Taking as much as they would need and wiping off any dust or spider webs that were covering the weapons. They were all nice, they just needed a little cleaning.

"Lady Amara, Lord Thranduil wishes to see you." Feren said.

"I am coming." I said and walked in the direction of Thranduil's tent.

I entered and saw he was sitting at a desk writing something.

"Yes?" I asked and he quickly looked up at me.

"Ahh, Amara, please sit." He said and motioned to the chair across the table. I slowly walked over and sat down, I was literally on the edge of my seat. I wanted this talk to be done so I could leave and be alone with my thoughts.

"I heard I am banished from Mirkwood." I said, getting straight to the point.

"No, dear, I only told Feren to say that because Tauriel is. I didn't want her to think that only her actions are being reprimanded." He said.

"Tauriel couldnt have done anything worse than I."

"Oh, but she did and for that she is banished from my kingdom." Thranduil said.

"What did she do?" I asked.

"That is between Tauriel and I." He said.

I sighed.

"Do you love Legolas?" He asked and leaned on the arm side of the chair.

"Why do you ask?" 

"My guard lingered for a while before returning to Mirkwood. He said you and Legolas were looking a bit...lovey dovey, or however he described it." Thranduil said and a smirk appeared on his face.

My face began to turn a bright red. This couldnt be happening now, but then I remembered yesterday before he left. And I couldnt wait for him to return.

"And then I hear there is a dwarf. A certain dwarf you met while in Mirkwood. The dwarf you left Mirkwood for, is this true?" Thranduil asked and his face turned serious.

"There was." I whispered and looked down.

"Was?" He asked.

"You heard me right. And I do not wish to speak more of it, if that we well with you, Lord Thranduil." 

I thought of Kili and his harsh words from just a few hours before. My heart hurt when he said those words, especially those foul words about Legolas.

"Alright." He said and stood up, walking over to a trunk.

I looked over at him and he brought back a long wooden box.

"Your father sent this for you. He told me to give it to you when I thought you were ready, I realized the timing now couldnt be better." He said.

I opened the box to reveal a beautiful sword. The handle was dark green with silver leaves all around it. (Picture on the multimedia).

"It's beautiful." I whispered and clipped it around my waist, putting it back in the holster that was now around my waist.

"It was forged in Lothlorien, your grandfather, Celebourn, thought you should have something like this. He sent it to your father and after your father agreed for you to have it, they sent it here." Thranduil explained.

"It is amazing." 

"Yes it is, now I am going to make sure all the guards are lined up, you can lay down in here. Even though I know you do not need the rest, you should lay down." Thranduil said.

I nodded before laying down on the small bed and letting my thoughts drift away.

*Legolas POV*

Tauriel and I rode, getting closer and closer to Angmar.

When we finally reached the borders we hid the horse and climb a rock, looking out at the foul place.

"Gundabad." Tauriel whispered.

We looked at it for a few moments. I tried thinking of something we could do, but my thoughts went back to Amara. I hope she is okay. Bard gave me his word he would look after her and I know he would. I think Tauriel could sense what I was thinking about, but she didn't interrupt. Not the first few times.

"Legolas?" 

"Legolas?" Tauriel said and shook my arm.

I quickly looked at her giving her my full attention.

"What lies beyond?" She asked and I could hear the irritation and frustration in her voice.

"An old enemy." I remembered.

Tauriel looked at me, expecting more information.

"The ancient kingdom of Angmar. This fortress was once its strong hold. It is where they kept their greatest armories. Forged their weapons of war." I explained.

"A light. I saw movement." Tauriel said and looked at the walls.

I knew we had to go in there.

"We wait for the cover of night. It is a fell place, Tauriel. In another age our people waged war on those lands." I said.

Tauriel was my best friend and I know she knew my mother died, but she didn't know how or where or even why. I guess I could tell her, I had told Amara.

I looked back, it was a strong subject for me but I know I could speak of it with Tauriel. 

I felt Tauriel's eyes on me and I looked back up, her eyes showed concern. 

"My mother died there." I quickly said.

Her face softened before a frown appeared.

"My father does not speak of it. There is no grave. No memory. Nothing." I said.

Tauriel touched my face and leaned in. I wasnt sure what was happening, but as she got closer I back away and she stopped moving towards me. 

Her eyes showed signs of confusion and then hurt, but she looked back and kept watch on the fortress, just as I did.

I really needed to return to Amara.