The first time I met him was a few days before everything happened, one hundred seventy years ago.
I was making my way to the great kingdom of Erebor as I was in search of the stories about great kingdoms. This idea came to me after my mother died; she always told me of the world beyond our village—one of them being the mountains of treasure inside the Lonely Mountain.
However, she never got to finish them. It took me two years to prepare for the harsh world I have never been exposed to. My horse, my great companion, is called Hay. A simple name, I know, I was too young when I named him. Not to embarrass myself or attract unnecessary attention, I taught him to come when I whistled for him.
Orcs, for example, are beings I wish never to encounter as it will be certain death and torture. However, due to their loud nature, they are easily avoided if spotted soon enough.
Thankfully, on my way to the Mirkwood forest, I had no such encounters, making it a smooth journey with not much to worry about except food and water. However, I had to worry about my life as I approached the forest. I was told only elves could travel with ease in the woods as there is a path you must follow. If one were to stray from the path, they will lose the way and forever be trapped in the forest.
There is the option of going around, in which it would take days, even weeks to do so. And going through the forest would take a day or two. However, I did not intend to put Hay in harm's way.
I let him go back home as he didn't know the way around, and it would be safer for him. I took all the necessities for the walk, such as food, water, and clothing.
At the entrance of the forest – where the path begins – is a statue of a beautiful elleth, the former Queen of the Woodland Realm—built after her death to show incomers who is the owner of this forest. It was much darker than I imagined it would be. The treetops covered almost all light coming from the sun, selfishly only letting one or another make it to the dead leaves covered floor.
In respect for the forest and the kingdom, I am to trespass; I give the statue a small bow before making my way over the elven path. My facial expression is calm and guarded, but my inner self is scared of getting lost in this maze of a forest. These endless woods may be my demise if I am not too careful.
Many who venture in here must get lost quite often. I hope I'm not one of them.
After a couple of hours into my venture in the dark woods, I began to notice spider webs at the base of the trees all the way up to the highest branches – all this while not venturing off the path.
My steady pace suddenly came to a halt when I noticed something moving inside of a hole in a tree trunk just as I passed by. Steadily making my way, I crouch in front of the hole to inspect it closer. My finding is anything but surprising.
I am never one to judge others by the cover of their books. Even the most frightening, abhorrent creatures in the Middle Earth can have the warmest of hearts. The little critter I find is a baby of the giant spiders. Ordinary folk would've run away or killed the small thing, yet I coo in adoration.
"Everything is fine, little one, I'm not going to hurt you," I speak softly as not to scare it any further. As a natural instinct of self-defense, the spiderling raises its front paws as a warning not to get any closer. I couldn't help but notice one of its right legs was injured. It curled closer to the spider's body and made no movements. "It's fine; I'm only going to aid you."
I rose my hands to the side of my hand and stayed still, showing the defenseless creature I meant no harm. After a long while, it lowered its paws and took small steps forward. I gently grabbed it and placed it on my lap as I took a turn to sit down. Using one of my spare clothes, I ripped a small strip and carefully wrapped around the wound on the leg.
Once it was done, I took a piece of bread to give it to the hungry-looking spider. I knew it wasn't the ideal food, but it was food nonetheless. Cautiously I held the piece of bread in front of its jaws. The spiderling moved its head around as if smelling it, before taking it from my hands, happily munching on it.
"It's been a while since you've eaten, right?" I chuckled as the piece of bread was gone in a couple of seconds. For a spider the size of my head, it sure can eat. A small hissing noise left the spider, and I knew it was of gratitude. I grabbed the rest of the bread and placed it on the floor. The spider tentatively left my lap to go to the bread. "I'll be leaving you now, be safe little one."
Standing up, I patted down my butt and legs and grabbed my bag. I continued my journey deeper into this never-ending forest, unaware of the eyes that followed me and the outcome of my actions.
Even from under the thicks branches that shielded the sky, the sun setting on the horizon was noticeable. It wasn't safe to be in the forest to begin with, and now that the path would no longer be visible, I needed to find a place to sleep.
Making a fire would be ideal for keeping me warm during the night, but a forest belonging to the Woodland elves and giant spiders, fire is the last thing I need. Elves; considered the most graceful and beautiful creatures in Middle Earth. And here I am, a clumsy, too curious for my own good, weak, human girl.
My clothes would be enough to keep me warm, and my bag is perfect for a pillow. Soon enough, I laid down; I was falling into a deep sleep.
Sometimes, one doesn't need to ask for attention as it comes right up to them when they least need it. In my case, I woke up to tall, long dark-haired elves with their swords and arrows pointed at me.
"Whui ceri- cin think cin are na trespass i Elvenking's dór?" The elf that stood in the middle of the circle spoke rather calmly, but I could the distaste in his words even if I didn't understand him. (I got this from a Sindarin translator. If you know a better version, please tell me.)
"Pardon me, I do not speak elvish," Getting a hold of myself, I slowly sit up with my hands raised next to my head.
"Why do you trespass the lands of the Elvenking, human?" The disgust was clear as day when another ellon spoke. Since there was no reason or advantage in lying, I tell them the truth.
"I am merely a traveler whose intention is to go to Lake Town and get a view of Erebor. Never I intended to disrupt the Elvenking's rule," I explain as I stand up, proceeding to grab my things as I do. "I also carry no weapons, worry not."
"We will hold you in the castle prison until your fate is decided. We will decide whether you are a threat or who you claim to be, a mear traveler," The elves lowered their weapons in unison and closed the circle around me. With no resistance, I followed them to their castle.
My mother told me of the Elvenking's home. A majestic castle that goes deep into the hills of the Woodland Realm where the tree from above had their roots form the most beautiful carvings and pillars, something I am soon to witness.
It took a couple of hours for us to arrive at the entrance – two tall wonder doors gracing me with their beauty. Once they open, all the air escapes my lungs at the magnificent view I now had. It was as if the trees made straight paths that lead to anywhere and everywhere in the massive hole. They came from the ceiling down to the never-ending abyss.
The number of guards reduced until there was only four – two in front of me leading the way and two behind to make sure I don't run. As we turned, to my left was a lone path that went all the way to a large wooden structure in the middle of it all.
And right then was when I saw the fairest, the most breathtaking creature in all of Middle Earth sitting on the throne.
Even from far away, I could see his tall, lean figure lounging on his beautiful throne; his long, straight golden blonde had a crown of small wooden branches and dry leaves sitting atop of his head. His thick brown eyebrows that contrasted with his hair turned into a frown when his striking blue eyes glanced over his guards, escorting me.
"What do you bring from the forest?" His deep velvet voice called out, halting the elves' movements as well as my own. His voice was something I want nothing more to hear it all day.
"A human, my lord, has trespassed into Mirkwood. We will be taking her to the cells before we decide if she is a threat or not," The ellon in front of me to my right answered the King. My eyes couldn't let go of his electric blue ones that bore into my direction.
Life can be so cruel at times; firstly, my mother is taken from me, the only family I had left or even had memories of, and now, I fear even my heart will lose itself for an immortal being.
"Move along," He waved us off, his cold face showing his lack of care of the matter.
What a cruel life.
I continued to stare at him until he was no longer in sight. Even from far away, I could feel the power that came from him. Power of a King. In his slouched position, one without knowledge of who he was would think he is a lazy elf. However, looks deceive even the cleverest of minds. Living for as long as he has made him a killing machine, decapitating any beast that sets a threat against his kingdom and people.
I am locked in a cell, probably for a couple of days. Or so the elves think. In the cell, there is a stone bench and a small window at the very top of the wall, almost going unseen.
Mirkwood elven cells have no weaknesses. They are made to keep one prisoner until the King's word to set them free. Not for me, though. I may be a weak human, but I am not a foolish one.
One day after my stay, I was able to unlock the cell door and walk out of it without trouble. Call it magic or witchcraft, I call it talent. My escape was rather... easy. No guards or passerby's insight as I made my way down the river. It was either pure luck, or I was set free on purpose. Either way, I'm lucky to have my things still.
It was a rather calm yet long walk until I reached where the river flows into a lake. Lake Town's lake. Further down the lake, there was a dock and a boat. A man stood on the dock, carrying boxes into the boat.
I make my best "lost girl" face and walk over to the man with my head down.
"Excuse me, sir," I spoke once I was reasonably close.
"Oh, hello, my dear. Are you lost, perhaps?" He spoke with a gentle voice and a calm smile.
"I am. I have been wandering in the forest and can't seem to find my way back home. Could you take me there?" I spoke as I fiddled with the hem of my shirt.
"And where do you live, young child?" He asked.
"In Lake Town, sir."
"I'm on my way there right now. You can join me if you don't mind," I nodded gratefully and got inside his small boat, then taking a seat on the corner. After a couple of minutes, he was done carrying the remaining boxes and came into the boat. "Our ride will take a while, so make yourself comfortable, and if you're feeling cold, there are some blankets over there."
He points to a box next to me and turns to the lake to properly navigate the boat.
"Thank you so much for your help; I would've taken days to get back home. If I did ever find the way," I thank him as I grab a blanket and wrap around my body.
"I'm glad to help," He gave me a caring smile.
"The Lonely Mountain, Erebor, here I come," I whisper to myself with a faint smile. Even though it was a bit foggy at the lake, I could still catch a glimpse of the proud mountain that stood alone between small hills.
Our slow trip to Lake Town took what seemed like an hour, maybe even longer. At first, I was very sleepy as I was having a hard time keeping my eyes open. However, as we crossed the heavy mist, the Lonely Mountain made its presence known with the sun shining right behind it.
"One of the great pleasure I have in fishing is getting to see this magnificent sight of the Kingdom of Erebor," The man spoke, clearly noticing my amazement. "If you ever get the chance, go inside. It is just as breathtaking."
"I can see," I breath out.
I'll finish your story soon, mother.
The man left me at a dock in the middle of the city, telling it would be easier to find my home from there. I tried giving him coin, but he refused, saying that helping me to get here was a good enough reward.
Lake Town, also known as Esgaroth, was a big wooden trade city built on the North-western part of the Long Lake in Rhovanion. It was the center of all goods that reached Dale and Erebor by the Long Lake. With the houses and shops build one after the other with no sense of organization, it was a maze floating on a lake.
It took quite a good amount of people giving me direction to Dale, the final destination before Erebor. I planned on sleeping there before going to the Dwarf Kingdom to rest. The sun was close to setting, and by the time I reached Dale, it was night.
With a few coins I had, I got myself a rather decent place to sleep. Better than the forest floor and the elven cell. It was hard falling asleep at first with my mind full of thoughts.
Will Erebor be a grand as everybody say?
Do they let humans inside?
Will I ever see the Elvenking again?
"Nonsense," I scoffed at the thought. "He the King of the elves, and you are a mere human girl in an adventure. The only chance I have of seeing him is if I become immortal or have a death wish to go back to Mirkwood."
Minutes after getting into my mind that my luck would never go that far, sleep welcomed me like a warm blanket. My mind had nothing else but long golden locks of an elf.
I greeted the morning in a sour mood. Hunger was doing a significant part of it, as well as my dreams. Not because they were bad, because they were exactly what they were, dreams, not reality.
My breakfast as an apple and a piece of bread, enough to keep hunger at bay for a while. The owner of the inn offered me a pass that would help me get inside the Dwarven underground realm without much hassle.
I joined a group of men and dwarves on their way to the mountain, in which I got to listen to both entertaining and frightening adventure stories from the travelers. One of them said he was from the Iron Hills, wanting to visit his cousin that lived in the mountain. He was rather arrogant, but his sarcasm made it bearable with his funny accent.
"Say, lad," Dáin, the redhead dwarf from the Iron Hills, came next to me. "What is a young human girl doing all alone?" He asked in a voice I didn't know if he was curious or got bored talking to the men.
"The stories of this place intrigued me. You can say it was too much curiosity that I wanted to see it all to myself," I explain. "Who is this cousin you are coming to visit? Are you two close?"
"We are good friends, he and I. Though, I wish he would be less soft-headed, to easily fooled if you asked me," He let out a boisterous laugh as if remembering something funny.
My eyes moved up to look at our way, but Dáin's laughter soon blurred out as I was met with the tall gates of Erebor. Two giant statues of dwarves held massive serrated axes. It was truly breathtaking.
"Close your trap before a fly goes in," Dáin's voice snapped me out of my daze. He had an amused yet annoyed look on his face. "Come, I want you to know my cousin," He waved his hand for me to follow him inside.
We abandoned the group and sauntered to the entrance where several dwarf guards stood. At the two giant golden stood a black-haired, black-bearded dwarf. Compared to the rest, he was a bit taller and looked young.
"Thorin! Hey, cousin," Dáin shouted.
"Dáin! Good to see you!" The Thorin dwarf made his way to Dáin, and they both shared manly hugs. "It's a shame you are only staying here for a day. You barely get the chance to visit," Thorin complained solemnly.
"I know, I know. But I've made a friend with a female of mankind," Dáin spoke proudly as I stood a couple of steps behind him.
"You? Friends? With a female human? Don't make me laugh, cousin," Thorin mocked him with laughter.
"Girly, come here," Dáin turned around and waved for me to get closer. Since I still wasn't fully grown – at least I hope so – I was just a tad bit taller than Thorin, whose height was at my hairline. "Here she is," Dáin crossed his arms over his chest and puffed up.
"She looks more like you made her come here," Thorin said as he looked me over and focused on my face.
"Oh, no. I met him in a group of men and dwarves, and I guess I listened to him more than I talked. He seems one that doesn't like to hear much," I say in honesty. Thorin gave me another look to make sure I wasn't being forced to lie. Once satisfied, his frown turned into a welcoming smile.
"A friend of Dáin is a friend of mine. Please, come in. We are about to feast!" Thorin ushered me in.
"But it's barely noon," I comment, looking back at the sun that barely made up the sky.
"Don't underestimate the hunger of dwarves, dear human girl," Dáin came to my side to place his hand on my shoulder.
"Will it be rude if I just watch? I don't think I am hungry," I ask in concern. I am in the most powerful kingdom of the dwarves, and maybe to deny what is offered with a good heart is offensive.
"Of course not! Eat as much as you want or nothing at all. Only try and enjoy a true dwarven feast. I'm sure you will be welcome to dinner's feast, it is just as grand as the lunch," I nodded at Dáin and followed the two inside the underground castle.
Breathtaking indeed.
The massive green-hued pillars went all the way to what seemed the other side of the mountain with hundreds of corridors and flights of stairs everywhere. They lead to a bit above where we were to the great depths of the mountain where all the golden and precious gems are found.
"I told ya to close your trap," My jaw snapped shut as not to anger Dáin. Thorin laughed at my panicked face, which I later joined.
"I apologize. It is just too... beautiful. Just like the stories my mother told me," The memory of her telling about the greatness of this place and how real and magnificent it is brought a couple of tears to brim my eyes.
"Why are you crying? Is it about your mother?" Thorin asked as he lead us inside a massive hall where in the middle was an enormous dinner table littering with food of all kinds, especially meat.
"I apologize once more. She is dead, and the last thing she told me was about Erebor. I am very grateful for her for telling me of here, or I would've seen such an impressive kingdom."
"It's an honor to have you here. I am speaking both as Thorin and prince of Erebor," Thorin places his hand over his heart and does a small bow while I stare at him wide-eyed.
The prince?!
"I can say the same, as Dáin II Ironfoot and Lord of the Iron Hills," I'm pretty sure I look like a fish out of the water by now. "Do I have to sew your mouth shut?" Dáin spoke in annoyance. "I thought you knew who we were. Oh, well," He shrugs and goes to sit down at a chair close to the edge. I follow him and sit between him and Thorin.
Even with my previous refusal to eat, the food in front of me had a divine smell that had me fighting hard not to give in. All the other dwarves sitting on the table had their mouths full while they spoke to each other boisterously. It was only after a while that I gave in into the delicious smell and joined the conversation. More like sat there and listened.
For the rest of the day, I followed Thorin and Dáin around the massive underground castle. There were never-ending staircases and corridors, each leading to a different place. Even with Dáin's departure in the next day, Thorin promised he would show me the forges, even from afar since they were deep in the mountain.
I got to see King Thrór and his son, Thorin's father, Thráin, from afar. Even the Arkenstone I got the privilege to see it close proximity only once there was no one by the throne except for the guards. I wasn't allowed to climb the stairs to the throne, but I was close enough to enjoy and appreciate its star-like beauty.
At the end of the day, I said goodbye to Dáin and had Thorin show me a room I could stay for a couple of days. As much as I wished to stay longer, there were still a couple of places I want to visit, such as Rivendell, Lothlórien, Gondor, and many other places.
The next two days were spent with me looking around accompanied by Balin, Thorin's friend, and sometimes with Thorin himself. Balin told me how dark Erebor had become ever since the piles of gold increased. He had a feeling things weren't going to go so well soon.
He wasn't wrong about that.
On the third day, it was when everything happened, when my life changed forever.
It was a normal day in Erebor. I was standing with Balin at the front wall, where we could see both Dale and Esgaroth. It was out of nowhere when the wind picked up its force as it sounded like a hurricane, blowing down on the pine trees enough to break them in half and throw them far.
Everyone started positioning themselves as I stood and watched in confusion and fear of what was happening. Thorin came from behind the pillars and rushed over to Balin.
"Balin, sound the alarm," He said hurriedly. I stepped back against one of the pillars for cover against the strong wind when one of the flag's post snapped. "Call out the guard. Do it now!" He ordered.
"What is it?" I asked, getting even more afraid. Thorin gave me a look of sympathy.
"Dragon," My eyes widened in terror.
Dragon?! A dragon is coming?!
"Dragon!!" Thorin turned around and shouted to the inside of the cave, alerting everyone what was to come. He then turned to me and held me by my shoulders. "You stay safe," It was the last thing he spoke to me before a loud roar reached our ears. A tree on fire was thrown into the air, flipping around before hitting the ground.
"Watch out!" I screamed and took cover when fire rained down on us. Thorin managed to get a hold of Balin and shielded behind a pillar just like me. The fire burned anyone left on the barricade as it passed by the pillars.
The massive beast flew away from the mountain to lay waste on Dale. Burning everything on its path, even towers broke from the immense power of the fire. Even with its size, it moved swiftly in the air, and with its hard hide, it made no effort to dodge any arrow that flew its way.
Loud horns blew from Dale, pleading for help against the fire dragon. I managed to get inside and hide behind the throne, sure that what the dragon sought wasn't in these halls. All the other dwarves grabbed their weapons and marched to the front gate, ready to fight the dragon.
Guilt settled in my guts as I stayed behind like the coward I am and let those who welcomed me in to die in vain. However, I did not wish to die, and something inside me told me I would see my friends again, someday, and even the one my heart belongs to.
I could hear the sound of armor and marching moving to the front gate, followed by roaring and fire melting iron. Then footsteps approached the throne. I took a glance, making sure I was unseen, to watch Thrór run-up to his throne and retrieve the Arkenstone.
Such greed.
My ill thoughts of the King were broken when the sound of the door breaking apart caught my attention. Shouting and roaring told me that Erebor had been broken in and that the dragon was after the gold.
The stone walls broke, dwarves were thrown like ragdolls, fire melted their armor, roars reverberated through the halls. It was a massacre. One I pleaded I would survive, and so would my friends.
The ground shook as the dragon marched deep into the mountain where the gold was stored. The King ran off a direction, right where I knew the dragon would be, now relishing on the mountains of gold. I took off after him, hiding behind the walls as I followed him. I was not letting the King die because of his reckless thinking.
I walked behind him, ready to shout for him to stop when he turned to a doorway where the dragon swam in the river of gold. The sudden roaring and tremor knocked the King back, letting the Arkenstone fall into the never-ending gold.
"NO!" Thrór tried to go after the stone when Thorin appeared and got a hold of him. I hid behind a wall and watched as he dragged the King away. Everyone was running out of the lost kingdom, to safety, away from the fire dragon as it will guard its plunder as long as it lives.
I should've followed Thorin.
I should've joined them to a better place even if meant never finding a home for them or me.
I would've been able to see him again. Let him see where I went. To see him confused as to why a mere human escaped the Woodland elves with ease.
However, if I had done just that I wouldn't have saved what he held dear.
I wouldn't have been able to save the good from the evil that grew every passing day, as tempting as it was to follow and obey it.
I was I sat still as a statue, praying that the tremors and roars would end. In my wait, I fell asleep, somehow, or the fear knocked me out. It was what felt hours, even days that I was lost in my dreams when I woke up and the noise was over.
The fire still burned flesh and wood somewhere in the halls. My mouth felt dry and my muscles were sore. It took me a good while to rise and recall what transpired. A fire dragon took over Erebor, once the mightiest kingdom of dwarves and being in the Middle Earth. Just like that.
Dragon sickness, that's why the name.
The neverending piles of gold attracted the fire beast from afar, now its own. In my unconscious, I knew I was one of the only things living in the fallen kingdom. The ones that didn't make it when the place was taken were somewhere trying to find an exit. As for me, I was after the beast. Something inside of me told me to, like a pull.
It won't hurt you.
I chanted in my head over as I stepped closer to the doorway where the Arkenstone was lost. Instead of the rain of gold coins everywhere, everything was still, no dragon in sight.
What would've my mother thought if she saw me now? At first, she would be thrilled I was in one of her stories, in one of the great kingdoms. Then, she would be terrified, fearful of my life I was putting at risk. And at last, she would be ashamed that I was wasting my life for a feeling I had.
I promise you, mother. Everything will go well, you'll see.
I took small steps down the stairs left uncovered, stopping right where the gold coin river began. With great courage, I stepped on the gold with closed eyes. When I was sure I hadn't woken up the dragon I took one step after another down the golden hills.
I could feel my heart ramming against my ribcage and hear it right into my ears. My breathing was steady and my face was neutral, but my mind was everywhere.
Please let this feeling I have come true. I do not wish to die this soon.
"Who comes into my hoard uninvited?" A deep rumbling voice reverberates in the gold-filled halls. In an instant, I tripped over a shield and fell face-first on the coins. "Who tries to steal my gold?"
Coins falling and the ground shaking reached my ears as I desperately tried to get up and failing miserably. Turning over and looking down the piles of gold I saw a russet snake-like thing moving around the tall pillars in the halls.
Despair filled my mind and body as the giant lizard got closer. The massiveness of the beast didn't stop it from being agile, and even after my futile attempts of running away, it caught up to me in no time.
"What is a human doing with my gold? Have you come to steal it? I think not," The anger rose in its voice. Once it was right in front of me, I closed my eyes, ready for the flames to engulf my body and give me a painful yet quick death.
However, the fire never came, and the only thing hot that hit my body was breathing.
"Who are you, human?" In shock, I didn't uncurl my body or opened my eyes, in fear one wrong movement would be my doom. "I will not kill you, yet. Now, tell me, who are you," The dragon demanded.
As slowly as my body would, I uncurled and opened my eyes and ended up looking at the one responsible for the death of hundreds of dwarves and the taking of their kingdom right over me – at least it's head. It was massive with a long tail, strong wings, bulky yet slim body, slender neck, shining amber eyes, focused on me.
"I am nothing but a traveler," Somehow my voice came out smoother than I thought it would. "I have not come to steal your gold. I-I felt a-"
"Pull," He growled. "Yes, I feel it too," My eyes widen at what he spoke.
"Pardon me, but I do not know your name," Why am I more worried about not knowing the dragon's name than it eating me?
"Smaug," The dragon, Smaug, said curtly, drawing its head away from me, then lowering it so it was beside me. "Now tell me, human, why is it you are still alive after I laid waste to your dwarf friends?" Smaug closed his eyes as his chest rumbled after his question.
"I do not know," I move away from his head as I sat on the gold. "I do not know why I didn't escape, nor do I know why I still don't want to," I spoke with honesty. His eyes snapped open, closely assessing me. His long tail swished over the coins, drawing itself around us, trapping me.
"Interesting," He hummed. "I do not know what brought you here, nor do I know why I do not wish to kill you," His words troubled me as relief flooded my body. "What I do know is that you will come of use, one day. That your gratefulness will be my own somewhere in the future."
"So you won't kill me?" I asked to make sure my life would be spared.
"No, I will not. And in return, I'll ask for you to stay," His words brought confusion into my mind. "I see it in your eyes, human, you have no family, no place to go. I will take care of you," His voice softened along with his eyes that diminished their glow to a softer one.
It was an ancient myth, one only spoken but never witnessed, that one who stayed long enough with a dragon, that earned its trust, would live as long as one. So, for one hundred seventy years I stayed in the Lonely Mountain with Smaug, waiting.
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Lots of foreshadowing for future one-shots.
Elvish: Who do you think you are to trespass the Elvenking's land?