Blue swords|| Legolas

25

The elves had set up a tent for Thranduil in a smaller square deeper within the ruins of Dale. It's material was the colour of rich yellow gold that gleamed in finery and high quality. It was a large structure. With a bed in one corner covered in thick furs. Tables laden with food and jugs littered the space. The elven king was seated on a wooden throne inside, one leg over the other just like Luin had first seen him. He was clothed in a silvery armour that complimented his gold hair. A long matching sword was resting against the arm of his throne. It's height was past Luin's waist, much to his chagrin. All of it beautiful in their skill and craftsmanship, as was befitting the elves.

Luin was seated in a much less ornate wooden chair on Thranduil's right. He watched as Bard and the king discussed the terms of their agreement, fingers idly combing and braiding his long black hair as he kicked a leg over the armrest. His posture lazy and rudely casual.

There was a flurry of commotion outside and the tent flap raised. A grey robed man pushed his way through. Luin dropped his half finished plait and ran to embrace the man in a hug. "Gandalf", he cried as the older wizard hugged him back. "Where have you been? Thorin's gone mad. I had to fight a dragon and deal with elves". The crushing feeling of safety and relief that Luin felt upon seeing Gandalf had him beaming. He could always rely and trust the older wizard.

"It's been a long story and we have other things to worry about first Luin", Gandalf said as they parted. He gave Luin a small relieved smile. "But I am glad you are safe dear one".

Gandalf then turned to address Bard and king Thranduil. His face soured and he looked at the two of them with disappointment. "What are you two doing? You must set aside your petty grievances with the dwarves. War is coming!" He stated loudly. Luin stepped back but turned to face the others. He was friends with Bard, and bared the king no ill will anymore, but he would always take Gandalf's side. "The cesspits of Dol Guldur have been emptied. You're all in mortal danger". Gandalf's words made Luin pale.

"What are you talking about?" Bard asked.

Thranduil rolled his eyes. The elf stood up and began pouring himself some wine into a goblet. "I see you know nothing of wizards", he remarked. "They're like winter thunder on a wild wind, rolling in from a distance, breaking hard in alarm. But sometimes a storm is just a storm". Luin bit his lip in annoyance. Ignore the lack of a grudge against Thranduil he had earlier. This king of elves was seriously ruining his patience. He couldn't understand how Legolas, who had shown Luin kindness and respect, could have such a arrogant father.

"Not this time", Gandalf growled back, insulted but not rising to the taunt. "Armies of orcs are on the move. These are fighters who have been bred for war. Our enemy has summoned his full strength".

"Bard", Luin spoke up, eyes meeting the man's. "What Gandalf is saying is true. Orcs attacked us in Laketown. Ask your daughters and son. More of them will be coming, I can promise you that. And they will not spare the survivors of Laketown". Bard's gaze dropped as he thought. Luin could tell that the man believed him.

"Why show his hand now?" Thranduil objected as he took a swig of his goblet.

"Because we've forced him", Gandalf answered. "We forced him when the company of Thorin Oakenshield set out to reclaim their homeland". Gandalf began striding out of the tent. Luin and Bard followed him, Thranduil still clutching his goblet. "The company was never meant to reach the mountain. Agog the defiler was sent to stop them. His master seeks control of the mountain, not just for the treasure within. But for where it lies. It's strategic position". Gandalf stopped on a balcony over looking the stone gates of Erebor. The very stone gates Luin had stood above when had left the company. "This is the gateway to reclaiming the lands of Angmar in the north. If that fell, kingdom shall rise again. Rivendale, Lorien, the shire, even Gondor itself shall fall".