Daughter of Mirkwood [Lord of the Rings | Haldir]

Bonus Scene

During her visit to Mirkwood, Aeslin learns more of the events surrounding the Battle of the Five Armies from her brother...including the fate of Tauriel. Takes place during the break in the middle of Chapter 12.

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The Tap that Shatters the Mountain

"Barrels." Legolas nodded, his eyes twinkling at the incredulity in her voice. Aeslin wasn't sure whether to believe him or not. Off to the side Haldir stifled a smile of amusement. He was sitting on the other side of the room, allowing the siblings some time together. "They escaped Mirkwood in barrels."

"They had a hobbit with them, Baggins, I believe his name was, who evaded capture when we found them in the forest. He managed to sneak away the keys from the Guard on watch and broke the dwarves out." Aeslin couldn't help but laugh.

"I imagine Father was less than amused. He must have been livid." Legolas shrugged.

"At first, I suppose you could say he was; more bitter, really. Actually, I heard from Mithrandir later on that he ultimately found the whole episode rather amusing when he learned the particulars. Father even extended him welcome when the Halfling passed through Mirkwood with Gandalf on the journey west. Elf-friend, I think Father even named him. It sounds like the hobbit was of some help to Father before the Great Battle." Aeslin's mouth parted in bewilderment.

"I'm not sure I believe that, for I can barely imagine Father being amused, but very well. What happened to the dwarves after they escaped the cellars? I imagine they eventually washed ashore on the banks of the river." Legolas did not miss the faint cynicism in her voice, though for the moment he chose to ignore it.

"And from there to Laketown, though not before an orc pack set upon them on the river." Aeslin paled at her brother's words.

"An orc pack, here in Mirkwood? How is that possible?"

"It seems they were hunting Thorin and his company, to keep them from reaching the Lonely Mountain."

"It is hard to comprehend, I must admit. And Father—" He was shaking his head before she even finished her question.

"Tauriel, some of the other Rangers and I were following the dwarves. Had we not, we might not even have realized Bolg, spawn of Azog and his minions were within our borders. We captured one, who we—questioned," Aeslin couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at that. If she were to hazard a guess by her brother's tone alone, it had not gone well. But then her brow furrowed as what he said sunk in.

"You did not recapture the dwarves?" He shook his head.

"I was more concerned at that point about the orc pack running through our lands. Something was terribly wrong, Aeslin, and I was only then beginning to truly see it. The spiders were one thing, but orcs? We brought our prisoner back to Father. I could feel that there was something bigger stirring than a company of obstinate dwarves."

"What did you learn?" Legolas' eyes darkened at the question, his expression guarded and thoughtful.

"He spoke in riddles, of the flames of war and his master serving the One," Aeslin felt her blood run cold at her brother's words. Across the room Haldir straightened in his chair, his own expression thoughtful, though his eyes flashed in concern.

"What else?" There had to be more, though the healer wasn't sure she wanted to hear it. But Legolas sighed heavily, his brow furrowed with remembered frustration.

"We learned nothing else from the orc; Father killed him as the filth laughed." Aeslin's jaw dropped in disbelief.

"Why? Why would he do that, it makes no sense." Legolas raised his eyes to hers, his pale gaze troubled.