Calm The Fire

38

Both Bilbo and Náriel looked at each other, they could see the truth in Bard's words. And both of them dearly wished for Thorin to immediately understand and accept that which was spoken. But deep down they knew of the deep brooded longing which had settled over the treasure. It was something none of dwarves were going to give up willingly. Least of all Thorin, who has spent many hours walking the long halls looking over the vast wealth around him. Though yes he mainly looked for the Arkenstone, but his eyes had drifted and found many other wondrous things.

"You put Lake-town's downfall last, which shows the severity of this." Thorin replied slowly. "But, the treasure of my people; no man has a claim, because Smaug who stole it from us also robbed him of life and home. The treasure was never his that the deeds he did should be amended by sharing it out. The assistance that we received from Lake-town will be paid, in time. But nothing we will give, not under threat or force, while an armed force sits on our doorstep; we look to you as thieves and foes." Thorin paused to let his words sink in. Once they did, all he received was a serious grim look to be sent his way by Bard and for his surrounding friends to look at him blankly as if in utter agreement or disbelief of what he had spoken. "A question kept circulating my thoughts previously. How much of the treasure would you have given to my kin if you had found the horde unguarded and us slain?" Thorin uncrossed his arms and reached out to put his hands on the barricade in front of him.

"A fair question," Bard said quietly with a nod. "You are not dead." He stated rather obviously. "You are not dead and we are not thieves. The wealthy may take pity on those who are in desperate need, even more so if they have befriended the other and given them aid and helped when they needed it. And still my other claims go unanswered."

"I will not strike a truce with the Elvenking." Thorin said lowly and seriously, beside him Náriel pinched the bridge of her nose and let out a long sigh. She wasn't expecting him to ever contemplate doing that. But she didn't think he realised the might that her uncle could bring down on them if he so wished. "I will not strike a truce with an armed force on my doorstep. Even less so if they are in the company of the Elvenking, who I remember as anything but kind, concerned or helpful." Thorin continued on and frowned down at the group below. "In this debate they have no place. Be gone now, or else we'll have to start protecting ourselves." He said while looking quickly to the weapons which Bard's group had, he got the message and only frowned more. "If you so wish to speak to me again, dismiss the elvish host. Send them back to the forest where they belong. Once you have, you may freely speak; after you've laid down your arms."

"The Elvenking is my friend. He has succeeded in aiding Lake-town a great deal. The people find themselves in his debt. But fine," Bard turned slowly. "We shall leave. I hope wisdom comes to you while we're away. But we shall return, just remember that." With that he departed from the stony doorstep with his group of men and elves following suit.

It was safe to say that as soon as the group had vanished there was ruckus within the Mountain. "I know a truce was the only thing which we could bargain with back in Mirkwood, but to stop a fight, I think we need to pay heed to this." Balin said, being the voice of reason, he got looks shot his way, though Náriel and Bilbo nodded agreeing with him wholeheartedly. Thorin most of all looked to Balin with a blank look.

"He's right," Náriel said from Bilbo's side, he looked up at her and then at Thorin who turned sharply and looked to her. "I told you, I specifically remember telling you that sharing what you have is the right thing to do; it is a sign of good faith."

"A sign of good faith," Thorin replied while raising an eyebrow. "Were you perhaps listening to a different conversation earlier?"

"No, I heard you lording it out. I was present, and I listened, and I begrudgingly stood by and watched as you, more or less, bought a fight to us." Náriel crossed her arms. "Because they will fight. You know this right? They will fight. And they will win, because we don't have the numbers."