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Chapter Text

"He who tames an elemental dragon would be the most powerful of all. As well as the most envied, for the Valar did not design them specifically to be tamed."

- Chronicles of the First Age: Finished Edition, Author Unknown

Chapter I

The Beginning

It is said on the night of her birth, the stars of Varda glowed brighter than ever before, brightest among them being the star of her maternal great-grandfather Eärendil, as if he was expressing joy over the birth of his first great-grandchild. This happened in the year 2800 of the Third Age in Mirkwood. Eruanna Úlumiel, Eru’s gift, had a long, great heritage. Her mother was Lady Hiriel, daughter of Elrond of Imladris, and her father was Prince Legolas Thranduillion, the only child and son of King Thranduil of Mirkwood.

Lord Elrond of Imladris had two daughters and two sons. The eldest of his children was his daughter, Hiriel, and the youngest of them was his second daughter, Arwen Undomiel. In the middle were his twin sons, Elladan and Elrohir. The daughters of Elrond were very fair, neither more beautiful than the other. Arwen especially was said to be a spitting image of their ancestress Lúthien, the most beautiful maiden to ever live. 

Though they were equally gorgeous with their long, silky black hair and starlit grey eyes, Hiriel possessed a fiercer, more harsh beauty than Arwen, though she always seemed soft and kind. Hiriel had been closest with her mother, Celebrian, Lady of Lothlórien, daughter of Galadriel and Celeborn. However, in TA 2509, Celebrian was waylaid by orcs. Though she was reduced by her sons, Celebrian’s spirit never healed and the next year she sailed to the far West. 

Hiriel often hunted orcs with her brothers for they never forgot their mother’s torment at the hands of those foul creatures. She was more renowned for her skill in combat which would pass to her daughter. Whilst Arwen was always compared to Lúthien, the strong and willful Hiriel was compared to Aredhel, daughter of Fingolfin, sister to Elrond’s ancestor, Turgon, King of Gondolin. 

Eruanna was both a great beauty and a fearsome warrior. She was enamored of Lord Glorfindel, the Balrog Slayer, and he was the first to know of her dragons aside from her family. He looked to her as a niece and taught her the art of combat. When he was not teaching her or enthralling her with stories of Gondolin and of her ancestors, Turgon and Idril, he closely guarded her during the many years she spent in Imladris. Many began referring to him as the Golden Shadow, so closely did he guard his lady. 

Yet, a day would come that would change Eruanna’s life and the lives of her family members forever. A day would come where she would be given a gift more powerful beyond imagination which would make her one of the most powerful elves to ever exist. Elemental dragons. 

She discovered her dragons whilst out with her grandfathers in Mirkwood. The forest was darkening and whilst it pained Thranduil to do so, he wished to send his daughter-in-law and granddaughter to Imladris for safekeeping. It was then Lord Elrond stumbled upon something and looked down to see five dragon eggs. 

“What is this?" he knelt down. Eruanna and Thranduil joined him and the three of them saw dragon eggs with special markings. “Elemental dragon eggs," Elrond’s eyes widened. “They should have gone extinct by now." 

“None have been seen since the end of the First Age," Thranduil said, shocked. 

At the end of the First Age, the Host of Valinor came down. The Valar had heard the plea of the creatures of Middle Earth and worked to overthrow the Dark Lord Morgoth. But Manwë, King of the Valar, had heard of Morgoth’s newest creation from his loyal eagles, winged fire-breathing beasts - dragons. The King of the Winds confided in the Valar and his wife, Varda, Queen of Stars. 

The Valar brought forth their own creation - elemental dragons. These dragons were immortal, fitted with the glory of Valinor and purity of the Valar. These winged beasts were far more powerful than Morgoth’s dragons at their full size. They could spew flames of all different colors and cause devastating damage to not just the environment around them but to the enemies that lurked within. 

The elemental dragons came forth to the War of Wrath. For over 40 years, they battled alongside the Valar, Maiar, Elves, Men and Dwarves, helping to free Middle Earth. Manwë left them in Middle Earth to further aid the Free Peoples and the Great Eagles. The elemental dragons lived in the North. They breaded and populated their new home. The dragons of Morgoth for a long time would not dare go near them. Though the battle between them during the War of Wrath were close and both suffered casualties, the evil dragons would not dare touch the dragons of the Valar.

Sometimes before the wars between dwarves and dragons in T.A. 2570, the dragons of Morgoth, growing greedy, wished to sack the dwarven kingdoms. However, they knew that the dragons of the Valar would stop them. Thus, they struck. 

The Wars of the Dragons was devastating to both sides, especially the elemental dragons. As powerful as they were, they were outnumbered by Morgoth’s dragons. Eventually, they were overwhelmed. They fled into the east, into the lands of Rhûn. Sadly, they would never recover from it. Over the centuries that followed, they would slowly die out. 

The loss of the elemental dragons greatly impacted Middle Earth. Without them, the Great Eagles alone couldn’t keep Morgoth’s dragons at bay.

Eruanna reached down and touched the largest of them, a dark turquoise egg. She took it in her hands and set it on her lap. “I do not think it will hatch Eruanna," Elrond said. 

“I second that," Thranduil responded. “But it would be a miracle if it did." 

The moment those words were spoken, the egg cracked. The other four eggs, a white one, an orange one, a golden one and a black one, hatched as well. The elves looked on in shock as five dragons crawled out of the broken fragments and made their way to Eruanna. Dragons latched on to the first thing they saw and these dragons latched on to Eruanna. 

“H-How?" Elrond was at a loss for words.

“How did you do that, sunflower?" Thranduil asked Eruanna. 

“I just touched one," Eruanna said. She rubbed the dark turquoise dragon’s head gently and it purred. From then on, the dragons would be her loyal companions, following her as she journeyed throughout Middle Earth. Many saw this as a sign of hope. 

Eruanna named her five elemental dragons. The turquoise dragon was named Ceveniel, meaning daughter of the Earth, as she often seemed to blend in with plants surrounding her. She had purple horns, membranes and claws. Her blue-green flames were as destructive as they were poisonous to sinful creatures. Reckoned as the Forest Queen, She would grow to be the largest of the dragons. 

The white dragon was called Helegiel, meaning daughter of ice, as her wings seemed to glint like winter ice and she was notorious for blending in with the snow. She had pink horns, membranes and claws. When angered, she spewed flames of silver and pink. Helegiel would be known as the White Queen. 

The orange dragon was called Naurion, meaning son of fire. He and Ceveniel both had knife-like weapons attached to their tails. His horns and scales were orange whilst his claws and membranes were black. He would grow to be very reckless and absolutely ruthless in battle, becoming known as the fiery dread. 

The golden dragon was named Faroniel, meaning daughter of the hunter, referencing her fierce hunting skills. She had pure golden scales and was the fairest and most beautiful of the dragons. Like Heleigel, many found it easier to bond to her. 

The black dragon was named Sûlion, meaning son of the wind, as he was the fastest of the dragons. With jet black scales, he was ruthless and easy to anger yet fiercely protective and loyal. Sûlion was always the first into battle and the last one out. He was reckoned as the King of the Winds. He was the hardest to bond with and Eruanna often had to find ways to calm his temper. 

Eruanna knew she had acquired a rare power. But her family feared that her power was too great to be shown to the world. And so, she was kept hidden away like a sacred treasure, doted on by relatives and servants alike. It would be many years before she would make the dark forces in Middle-Earth tremble with fear.

Chapter Text

"In F.A. 503, King Elu Thingol met with the dwarves. They presented to him the Nauglamír, a necklace which held the Silmaril of Fëanor. No one knows what happened. The elves say that their beloved King Greymantle was butchered unjustly, yet the dwarves say that the King refused to pay them for their labors. And from this moment, the races of elves and dwarves would be unfriends forever."

- Chronicles of the First Age: Finished Edition, Author Unknown

Chapter II

A Proposition

When she was a child, Eruanna was sent with her mother, Hiriel, to live in Imladris which was better protected from the darkness. Her dragons grew overtime and by the time she passed her majority, she could ride them. 

Though Eruanna’s birth brought much joy to the elves of Imladris, Eryn Galen and Lothlórien, she would be the only heir to all three realms. Her father was to remain in Eryn Galen whilst Hiriel was to reside with her daughter and kin, only making trips back to Eryn Galen as often as possible. But with the growing darkness, these trips became less and less frequent. Husband, wife and daughter would soon be able to converse only through letters. 

Legolas and Hiriel’s separation would leave them unable to have more children. This grieved Hiriel, who had wished to give her daughter siblings, but Eruanna was far from alone growing up. Whilst many were intimidated by her elemental dragons (as none had been seen for hundreds of years), that didn’t stop many elflings from befriending the Princess. 

Of all the nobility, her lineage was arguably the greatest. It was for her lineage she was named, Eruanna, and called “the blessed child.” On her mother’s side, she was descended from all Houses of the Edain. She was also descended from Thingol and Melian the Maia, as well as the Houses of Finarfin and Fingolfin, who were both the sons of Finwë, as well as the Houses of Olwë and Ingwë. On her father’s side, she was descended from the House of Oropher which had ties to the House of Thingol through Thingol’s brother, Elmo. She was descended from all Elf-fathers and their wives. 

Eruanna was bold, bright and beautiful with sharp wit. She found joy in playing games with other elflings and enjoyed her lessons in the library. She loved reading and spent many hours learning about the heroes who came before her. From a young age, Eruanna took to dancing and singing like her great ancestress, Lúthien, whom she resembled. She loved the woods as much as her father’s people did and would often go there to fill the nearby forests with her song. 

As her majority neared and her teenage years set in, Eruanna was noted by the elders to have a personality similar to that of her great-grandmother, Galadriel, in her youth, something even the Lady of Lórien admitted. She was well-mannered and dutiful but also proud and willful. She had even inherited her temper from Thranduil, never forgetting a slight, but she rarely showed it as few would dare to earn her displeasure. 

Above all, Eruanna was beautiful. She had porcelain skin and long black hair that reached her hips and would later grow longer. Her eyes were as blue as the Sundering Sea and her shell pink lips were plump. Her limbs were long and graceful. She was tall, taller than most elven maids of her time. Her beauty rivaled that of Hiriel, Arwen and even Galadriel. Some attributed her divine beauty to her devout worship of Varda Elentári, the Star Queen, who was said to be beautiful beyond the descriptions of elves and men. Alongside Varda, Eruanna would also greatly worship Yavanna Kementári and Nienna. For her beauty, she was called Úlumiel, the Everstar, for she carried a certain light with her that never dimmed.

Eruanna Úlumiel loved her dragons and her people. She had a great fondness for many animals, especially horses. If she wasn’t riding her dragons, she was almost always on horseback. The Dragoness excelled at anything and everything. She was well-read and did well in her studies, paying attention to her lessons. Like her mother, father, uncles and many before her, she was an excellent warrior, training under Glorfindel, the Balrog-Slayer, mastering swords, daggers and archery. Eruanna was noted to have more of an inclination to rule, enjoying council meetings and politics. 

The Princess enjoyed the company of other young elleths or even the animals in the forest. She enjoyed arousing jealousy in the many young suitors who fawned over her. Minstrels swooned over Arwen twice as much as they did Hiriel, but only half as much as they swooned over Eruanna. Many of them would sing songs in honor of her beauty and determination. To all, she was the perfect heir. 

Her family was vocally proud of her, especially her grandfathers. Thranduil even declared her to be the fairest elven maiden alive. Eruanna even became very enamored with Glorfindel and he would voluntarily take up the position as her sworn shield, treating her as if she were a niece of his. When he wasn’t advising Elrond and Hiriel, he would be guarding Eruanna and enchanting her with tales of Gondolin where he served her ancestor, High King Turgon. 

Aside from Glorfindel, Eruanna’s closest friends were Caladhwen and Miluiel. Caladhwen was an elf of Imladris, her parents being Noldor. She had dark brown hair and grey eyes. Miluiel was an elf of Eryn Galen who had a Noldorin mother (a handmaiden of Lady Hiriel) and a Sindarin father. She had light blonde hair and blue eyes.  All three elleths would grow up in Imladris together, best of friends. Caladhwen and Miluiel would be devoted handmaidens of Eruanna. 

One day, in T.A. 2941, Caladwhen came into Eruanna’s chambers. She and Miluiel had been serving Eruanna as her faithful handmaidens, just as Glorfindel had been serving as Eruanna’s sworn shield. The Balrog-Slayer was in a council meeting with Lord Elrond. “Eruanna, Mithrandir has arrived. He is in the gardens requesting an audience with you.”

Eruanna looked up from her five dragons. Elemental dragons could change their size if needed, making them truly unique. The dragons had shrunk in size to fit inside her chambers but as their normal size, not even a giant building would fit all five of them. They could even understand all languages spoken by dwarves, men and elves, though unlike Morgoth’s beasts, they didn’t speak themselves. 

“What could he want with me?" Eruanna frowned. She wasn’t close with the wizard, preferring the company of elves. 

“He hasn’t said. He has told me that his words are only for your ears to hear.”

Eruanna was about to respond when she looked at Naurion and Sûlion who were fighting over a piece of meat. “Naurion. Sûlion. Behave," the Crown Princess gave them pointed looks. Faroniel looked at her brothers and rolled her eyes. With her sharp claws, she swiftly sliced the meat into two pieces, forcing them to share.

Eruanna chuckled. “Hannon le, Faroniel.” The golden dragon snuggled up with her sisters, Ceveniel and Helegiel.

"They get bigger every year," Miluiel smiled. 

Eruanna sighed and nodded. "They do. They've starting talking through ósanwë which has taken some getting used to. Sometimes, I even have to try and block them out. They almost interrupted my lessons with Erestor yesterday. But they are rather quiet this morning," She smiled down at Faroniel. 

"My brothers weren't being very quiet," the golden dragon's voice was like tingling bells in Eruanna's head. 

"Naurion was trying to steal my meat," Sûlion grumbled. 

"You were," Naurion growled, his voice older and more annoyed. Ceveniel yawned whilst Helegiel rolled her eyes at them. 

She looked at her friends. “I’ll go meet with him. Look after my dragons," she gave Miluiel and Caladwhen kind smiles before leaving, which they returned. 

Gandalf watched the Dragoness walk out into the gardens. He was truly stunned. It had been quite some time since he had seen her and the Princess had only just passed her majority. She had a slightly revealing violet blue dress covering her pale body and her long black hair tumbling down behind her. Her deep blue eyes captured a young elf who winked at her but she paid him no heed. 

They had always had a strange relationship. Gandalf got on well with her maternal great-grandmother, Galadriel, Lady of Lothlórien, and her maternal grandfather, Elrond, Lord of Imladris. But Eruanna Úlumiel wasn’t just Elrond’s granddaughter. She was Thranduil’s granddaughter as well and Thranduil never cared to listen to the old Wizard. 

Eruanna never outright ignored him, but she wasn’t close with him either. She preferred the company of other young elves or advisors and musicians like Lindir and Erestor. If Glorfindel was around, she would almost always be with him. But the Balrog-Slayer, the lady’s loyal Golden Knight, was not with her. “ He must be in a meeting with Lord Elrond. Or hiding somewhere, the sneaky elf he can be ," Gandalf thought amusedly. “My lady!”

Eruanna looked in his direction and smiled pleasantly, folding her hands. The Princess was known to be mindful of her manners and always maintained a calm disposition (unless someone had really crossed the line). “Mithrandir. I was told that you wished to speak with me?" Eruanna said. 

How was he going to make this proposition? She had Elrond’s nobility but Thranduil’s pride. It was a dangerous combination.

“I have come to ask something of you," Gandalf said. 

Eruanna pulled both her hands behind her back. “I'm curious. I am hardly a person of interest when you come to discuss matters of importance. Don't you usually speak to my Daeradar or to Lord Glorfindel? What could you possibly want from me?”

“The dwarves of Erebor. I’m sure you’ve heard the tale," Gandalf got straight to the point. 

“The fire-breather, Smaug, came and took the Kingdom by force, attracted to the gold King Thror kept. I have heard that story many times. What does this have to do with me and my people?" Eruanna questioned him, making the same face Thranduil would whenever someone said something that bored him. 

“Thror’s grandson, Thorin Oakenshield, is the rightful heir to the throne of Durin," Gandalf responded. “We have organized an expedition. A quest to take back Erebor. That dragon has sat there long enough. Simply put," the Wizard looked at Eruanna. “I want you to join.”

Eruanna snorted and shook her head, as if she had just heard the biggest joke ever. “You want me to join?" she cocked her head.

"Yes," the wizard nodded. 

"Why?" 

“You know more about dragons than any of us, my lady," Gandalf said. “Your knowledge will be necessary. Your dragons are our best bet against Smaug. Once they take him down, we can reclaim Erebor and our defenses in the East will be strengthened. And mayhaps we can repair the feud between your races.”

"Strengthen our defenses? My grandfather told me that we are in peaceful times," Eruanna was confused now. "And what do you mean by repairing the feud between dwarves and elves? I should remind you what his ancestors did to my own ancestor, King Thingol. They butchered him in his own halls. My great-grandfather, Lord Celeborn to refresh your memory, is a survivor of the sacking of Doriath. Not to mention that the dwarves dishonored my daeradar, Thranduil.”

“Thorin did no such thing. He is not his grandfather," Gandalf reasoned. “Eruanna, we cannot cling onto the past-”

“This isn’t about the past. This is about me ensuring that I do not get my head cut off because that naugrim and his folk will butcher me the moment he sees the shape of my ears and realizes who I descend from. And what will happen to my dragons then? I am the only dragon keeper they know. Nothing can happen to them. They are my companions.”

“Your little quest will not even begin to solve a blood feud that has happened for thousands of years," Eruanna countered. 

“Eruanna, listen to me," Gandalf said. “You have been sheltered for far too long. A darkness is growing," he saw fear grow in her eyes though she did well to hide it. “Should they take advantage of Smaug, they will rule the skies and everything below it.”

“Morgoth's dragons haven't ruled the skies in centuries," Eruanna said. 

“Not while Smaug lives," Gandalf insisted. “Should someone rule the skies of Middle Earth, I’d rather it be you and your dragons. A darkness is growing. Should Smaug side with them, terrible things will follow. You will not even be able to save your own people from such heinous fates.”

Eruanna diverted her eyes for a few minutes. She wanted control of the skies but not for ambition. She was the Princess of Eryn Galen, Lady of Imladris and Lothlórien. Her people were her duty and ruling the skies would protect them and sway whatever darkness this was away from them. If getting rid of Smaug was the key to this, then she knew her choice. 

“You cannot guarantee my safety," she said. 

“I cannot. But I will try to ensure it as much as I can," Gandalf promised. He didn’t want angry elven lords to come after him. 

“Very well," Eruanna responded. 

“Good," Gandalf said, satisfied. “Meet me in the Shire. Look for the symbol.”

Eruanna laughed again. “The Shire? Those hobbits will want nothing to do with your dwarven company. Your methods perplex me sometimes, Mithrandir. Exactly how much pipeweed have you been smoking?”

The wizard shook his disapprovingly. 

Eruanna turned to leave and called out, “I hope your quest works out, Mithrandir. It would be a shame if the dwarves and I decide to be rid of each other before the dragon gets to kill us.”

Chapter Text

"The elemental dragons are intelligent. They sense everything around them."

- Recovered correspondence from Eruanna Úlumiel to Elrond Peredhel

Chapter III

An Unpleasant Meeting

Eruanna Úlumiel had been sheltered her whole life, yet with the convincing words of Mithrandir, she was allowed to go and aid Thorin in his quest. She set out towards the Shire on dragonback, riding Ceveniel, whilst being flanked by Helegiel, Naurion, Faroniel and Sûlion. When they approached the Shire, Eruanna had them land and shrink their sizes. The dragons then hid inside her cloak so as to not alert any of the hobbits. 

As Eruanna passed, few hobbits were out and about as this meeting was to take place dead in the night. Alas, she came upon a small house with a symbol on it in the shape of an F. “F for fifteen. Smart move, wizard," Eruanna muttered to herself. 

She knocked on the door and sure enough, a hobbit came and opened it. He had peachy skin, messy brown hair and a robe on. He was very clearly irritated, she noted, amused. The Elven Princess was stunned at how much smaller he was than her. 

“Oh hello," the hobbit said, looking at her hooded face. “You are?” Eruanna was tall for an elf, let alone elleth, of her generation. She was much taller than him as hobbits were very short by nature. 

“Eruanna Úlumiel," she responded. “I am with the company." 

“Oh yes, come on in," he said. “Thank you," she replied. “Would you like to take off your cloak?" the hobbit asked, pointing to her dark blue cloak with golden details. She chuckled. “No," she said. “But thank you. You are?”

“Bilbo Baggins," he said. 

“Bilbo," she murmured. She looked around the house. She was late, she knew. Eruanna hadn’t bothered to come early, throwing her usual punctual decorum out the window. The dwarves had already shown up and they trashed the place. Food scraps lay all over the floor and their loud jests could be heard. 

“Are you a human, or an elf?" he asked. “That does not matter Bilbo," she responded. “It seems the dwarves have made a mess of your place." Bilbo nodded. “Indeed, it isn’t always like this." Just then, Gandalf came onto the scene. 

“Gandalf," she acknowledged him and the wizard came to her, taking her hand and kissing it. “Hannon le, hiril nin. Thank you for assisting us," he said. She smiled and nodded. “Of course," she said. “Who is that?" came a rough voice. “Eru help me," Eruanna muttered. 

“Thorin Oakenshield, this is Eruanna Úlumiel," Gandalf introduced them to each other. 

Eruanna quickly looked at her dragons. Ceveniel and Helegiel looked interested in the Dwarf Prince while Naurion and Sûlion’s eyes read mistrust. That was to be expected, since the brothers didn’t trust those who weren’t elves. Faroniel kept a stony face. They continued hiding under her cloak and the dwarves didn’t notice them. 

“Take off your hood," Thorin demanded darkly. Eruanna did as told and removed her hood. Her face left the dwarves in a trance as they were all awed by her sheer beauty and splendor. Her skin was smooth, fair and flawless. Her eyes were as deep as the ocean and her hair was long and black. She was much taller than them, being tall for an elleth of her generation. Even Thorin was mesmerized for a few seconds. 

“You are an elf," Thorin hissed, disdain flashing in his eyes. 

"The dwarf leader does not trust us. I can feel it," Helegiel said. 

"Tell him the feeling is mutual," Sûlion growled lowly. 

“If my presence doesn’t bring you pleasure, which I am confident it doesn’t, you can seek an explanation from Gandalf as to why I’m here," Eruanna responded, leaning against the wall. 

Thorin looked at Gandalf. 

“Eruanna is very knowledgeable and she is one of the best fighters amongst her kin," Gandalf explained. “You must trust me on this. She will be a valuable ally. It is time to put the past behind you." 

“The elves never helped us," Thorin spat. 

“I was not the one who told them not to aid you," Eruanna said, gaining the dwarves’ attention. All thirteen of them had their eyes on her. She looked Thorin dead in the eye. 

“You want your kingdom back? You want your home, your throne and your gold? You want to build your dynasty?" she asked him. “Then you will need to do things you may not like and sacrifice things dear to you. If we hold on to the past, we will get nowhere," she told him straight. 

“How do we know we can trust you?" another dwarf asked. 

“If you can trust Gandalf, you can trust me. Speak nothing ill of me and I shall speak nothing ill of you. I will help you reclaim Erebor and you will not hear from me again rest assured," Eruanna replied. 

“Fine, but if you betray us, I’ll cut your head clean off," Thorin said. The Dragoness smirked. 

"I wonder how he plans to cut your head off when he probably couldn't even reach your head," Ceveniel hissed. 

"I doubt his brain works if he has one at all," Naurion snorted. 

“You can try," she said, simply. She faintly heard Sûlion and Naurion growl in anger at the threat.

"Give us your word and we will be rid of him," Sûlion urged. 

“Well," Thorin said. “What is your weapon of choice?." 

“Swords, daggers, bow and arrows," she listed them out. She wasn’t going to mention her dragons, she didn’t need the dwarves to distrust her more. She wore a turquoise outfit with a silver bodice and light silver armor. Her twin daggers were in her belt. Her large sword and quiver of arrows were strapped to her back along with her bow. On her head, she wore a simple silver circlet and her outfit was fashioned for riding dragons and fighting. 

Like her father, she excelled in archery and daggers. However, when battle permitted, her favorite weapon was her sword, Angoruinë, which roughly translates to dragon fire in Quenyan, one of the many languages of the elves. It was a large silver sword which glowed blue when forces of evil were nearby. The pommel of the sword was a dragon head.

Among the elves, there is a story told. When Angoruinë was being forged, twin swords had to be melted down and remade into one large sword. Eruanna’s dragons blasted the sword with fire to complete its forging.

“At least she can fight," a dwarf said. She smirked. Oh, they had no idea . 

“Introduce them to me," she told Gandalf. 

“Oh, quite simple, this is Dori, Ori and Nori, Bifur Bofur and Bombur, Thorin’s nephews, Fili and Kili, Oin and Gloin and Balin and Dwalin," Gandalf pointed at each dwarf as he said their names. The dwarves voiced their greetings, though begrudgingly so, and she merely waved, continuing to learn against the wall. 

“It seems we have some things to discuss. Thorin, Eruanna, let us bring some food and have a little chat," Gandalf said.

Chapter Text

"The fire drake bore down on Erebor, his flames ravishing the stone castles of the dwarves. The gold, that was King Thror's pride and joy, ended up being his demise. His heirs would not soon forget what had befallen their kingdom and it hardened their hearts to all."

 - The Third Age: Unfinished Edition, Author Unknown

Chapter IV

The Flames of a Feud

Thorin sat down with everyone else whilst Eruanna stood behind him, leaning against the frame of the house. “What news from the meeting in Ered Luin? Did they all come?" Balin asked. 

“Aye, envoys from all seven Kingdoms," Thorin answered. The dwarves voiced their happiness. 

“What of the dwarves of the Iron Hills, is Dain with us?" Dwalin asked. 

“They will not come," Thorin said. The dwarves groaned in disappointment. “They say this quest is our’s and our’s alone," he continued. 

“You’re going on a quest," a curious Bilbo piped up. 

“Bilbo, my dear fellow, let us have a little more light," Gandalf said, leaning over and spreading out a map. “Far to the east, over ranges and rivers, beyond woodlands and wastelands, lies a single, solitary peak," he spoke. 

“The Lonely Mountain," Bilbo read the map and I smirked. 

“Aye, Oin has read the portents and the portents say, it is time," Gloin said. 

“Ravens have been seen flying back to the mountain as it was foretold, when the birds of yore return to Erebor the reign of the beast will end," Oin spoke. 

“Prophecies, prophecies, prophecies," Eruanna murmured. She never cared much for them. 

“Beast? What beast?" Bilbo asked.

“Well that would be a reference to Smaug the Terrible, chiefest and greatest calamity of our age. Airborne fire-breather, teeth like razors, claws like meat hooks and extremely fond of precious metals," Bofur rambled on. 

“Yes, I know what a dragon is," Bilbo said. 

Greatest calamity? My dragons are elemental dragons, the strongest and rarest of their type , Eruanna thought. Not even a Black Arrow could take them down.

“I’m not afraid! I’m up for it! I’ll give him a taste of Dwarvish iron right up his jacksies!" Ori exclaimed, shooting up in excitement. The dwarves cheered. “Sit down!" Dori said to him, laughing. 

"Idiots," Naurion muttered. 

“You are so naive," Eruanna said bluntly. Everyone looked at her. “You think you can kill a dragon? Your allies won’t provide you anything to help, and even if they did, it would be of little worth. Dragons are fiercer than even the mightiest of Dwarf lords. They will crush your bodies under their feet and burn you alive, watching with sadistic grins as you die in agony from the flames they let loose onto you. Be very afraid. The odds of you coming out in one piece and not in ashes are very slim. You will all be dead before you know it. The dragon shall end your lives and think nothing of it." 

“And the task would be difficult enough with an army behind us but we number just 13. Not 13 of the best. Nor brightest," Balin agreed with her. She laughed. 

“Who are you calling dim?" one dwarf shouted. 

“What did he say?" another demanded. 

“We may be few in number, but we’re fighters, all of us! To the last dwarf!" Fili exclaimed, forgetting about Eruanna. Not that she cared. “And did you forget? We have a wizard in our company, Gandalf would’ve killed hundreds of dragons in his time!" Kili added. Eruanna looked at Gandalf with a smirk, who desperately searched for words. “N-no I-I wouldn’t say," the Wizard stammered out. 

“How many then? How many dragons have you killed?" Dori asked. 

Gandalf stayed silent, smoking on his pipe. 

“Go on, give us a number," came the shout and the dwarves erupted, yelling over each other. 

Eruanna sighed, looking at her dragons. Naurion and Ceveniel looked pissed while Helegiel was thoroughly annoyed. Sûlion looked ready to kill the dwarves. The dwarves were fools, she thought. Loud, messy fools. 

“Enough!" Thorin shouted, standing up. The dwarves fell silent. “If we have read these signs do you think others will not have read them too? Word has spread, the dragon Smaug has not been seen for sixty years. Eyes now look to the mountain, assessing, wondering, weighing the risks. Perhaps the vast wealth of our people now lies unprotected. Do we sit back while others claim what is rightfully ours or do we seize this chance to retake Erebor!" Thorin and the dwarves cheered in excitement. 

“You forget the front gate is sealed. There is no way into the mountain," Balin interrupted. 

“That my dear Balin is not exactly true," Gandalf said, lifting up a key and twirling it in his fingers. Thorin watched in shock. “How did you come by this?" he asked. “It was given to me by your father, by Thrain," Gandalf said. 

“ To reclaim all your beloved gold ," Eruanna thought to herself. As long as they did not need to go to any of the elven realms (because she had kin there), they should be fine and she should be able to get out of this without revealing too much of her identity. 

Eruanna feared the moment Thorin traced out her lineage, he would strike her dead. 

“If there’s a key, there must be a door," Kili realized. 

“These runes speak of another passage into the lower halls," Gandalf pointed to a spot on the map and the Dragoness looked over. 

“There’s another way in," Fili said with excitement. 

“Well, if we can find it. Dwarf doors are invisible when closed. The answer lies hidden somewhere in this map and I do not have the skill to read it but there are others in Middle Earth who can," Gandalf spoke. Eruanna recognized the runes as her maternal grandfather had read runes very similar to them. She had long forgotten what type of runes they were and she wasn’t too skilled at reading them. But she speculated that these were moon runes. Not that she informed the company. 

“Has your daeradar taught you to read these?" Gandalf asked her. “He did, but the knowledge has long left my mind. I was only a young girl when he taught me," Eruanna said, leaning forward slightly. 

“The task I have in mind will require a great deal of stealth and no small amount of courage but if we are careful and clever, I believe it can be done," Gandalf said, abruptly changing the subject.

“Which is why we need a burglar," Oin spoke up. 

“A good one too. An expert I’d imagine," Bilbo said, causing everyone to look at him. 

“And are you?" Gloin asked. Bilbo looked nervous and flustered. “Am I what?" he asked.

“He says he’s an expert!" Oin laughed, misunderstanding completely. “Idiots," Eruanna muttered as the dwarves laughed in joy. 

“Me? No, no, no, I’m not a burglar. I’ve never stolen a thing in my life," Bilbo said. “I’m afraid I have to agree with Mr. Baggins. He’s hardly burglar material," Balin said. “Aye the wild is no place for gentle folk who can neither fight nor fend for themselves," Dwalin said.

"I like the hobbit," Helegiel said. 

"He bores me," Sûlion disagreed. "He reeks of fear and confusion. That is not a good thing. He will not survive in the wild. This foolish wizard will lead him to his death."

"Sûlion is right," Naurion quipped. 

Just then the dwarves got loud again, shouting and yelling. Eruanna’s temper flared.

“ENOUGH," she roared, startling the dwarves. “Valar, enough! Is your goal to reclaim a Kingdom or give me a migraine!? Let the wizard speak and defend his choice if he can.”

“If I say Mr. Baggins is a burglar then a burglar he is! Hobbits are remarkably light on their feet. In fact, they can go unseen by most if they choose. And while the dragon is accustomed to the smell of dwarf, the scent of a hobbit is all but unknown to him which gives us a distinct advantage," Gandalf said. He looked at Thorin, determined to make his point. “You asked me to find the fifteenth member of this company, and I have chosen Mr. Baggins. There is a lot more to him than appearances suggest, and he’s got a great deal more to offer than any of you know, including himself," Gandalf finished. 

Eruanna looked at Bilbo. The poor thing looked flabbergasted and exasperated. She gave him an apologetic smile. “Very well, we’ll do it your way. Give him the contract," Thorin motioned to Balin. Balin handed Bilbo a scroll. “It’s just the usual summary - out of pocket expenses, time required, remuneration, funeral arrangements and so forth." 

“Funeral arrangements?" Bilbo muttered. 

“Why am I here then?" Eruanna Úlumiel asked. Gandalf looked at her. “You are here, because you know more about dragons than any of us. We need you, your knowledge, your powers, your spirit and your connections," he whispered so that the dwarves wouldn’t hear. “You have more to offer than any of the dwarves here know." 

Balin looked at her. “You need one lass?" he asked, handing her a contract.

"We do not need a contract. We are not mercenaries for hire," Naurion growled. 

“It’s Eruanna. And no, I don’t need one, I already know the risks.” 

“Lacerations…evisceration… incineration!" Bilbo exclaimed as he read through the contract. 

“Aye, he’ll melt the flesh off your bones in the blink of an eye," Bofur said. Eruanna groaned. 

Bilbo went pale. 

“You alright laddie?" Balin asked. 

“Yes, I feel a bit faint," Bilbo admitted. 

“Think furnace with wings. Flash of light, searing pain, then POOF! You’re nothing more than a pile of ash!" Bofur said, absolutely not helping. 

“Nope," Bilbo said, fainting on the floor. 

Eruanna growled and slammed her hand on the table, startling Bofur. “Very helpful, you fool! If this quest fails, know that you can blame yourself and your stupidity for it!" she roared. 

Later that night, Eruanna hummed the Song of Beren and Lúthien as she walked down the corridors of Bilbo’s home, watching the young hobbit go to his bedroom. She was still amazed at how short and small everything (and everyone) was compared to her. The Dragon Princess looked around when she came upon Thorin and Balin. She leaned against the wall, listening to their conversation. 

“It appears we have lost our burglar," Balin said. Eruanna smirked. As if the hobbit was a burglar anyways. “Probably for the best," the old dwarf said. “After all, what are we? Merchants, miners, tinkers, toy-makers; hardly the stuff of legend.”

“There are a few warriors amongst us," Thorin said. 

“Old warriors," Balin countered. 

“I will take each and every one of these dwarves over an army from the Iron Hills. For when I called upon them, they came. Loyalty, honor, a willing heart; I can ask no more than that.” Eruanna couldn’t help but smile at Thorin’s words. Perhaps he was more than just gold, Kingdom and glory. 

“You don’t have to do this. You have a choice. You’ve done honorably by our people. You have built us a life of peace and plenty. A life that is worth more than all the gold in Erebor," Balin said. Eruanna’s smile faded and her face became melancholic. 

Thorin withdrew the dwarvish key Gandalf had given him. “From my grandfather to my father, this has come to me. They dreamt of the day when the dwarves of Erebor would reclaim their homeland. There is no choice, Balin. Not for me.”

“Then we are with you laddie. We’ll see it done," Balin said.

Thorin nodded and walked off glaring at Eruanna as he passed. 

“Don’t be too worried about him, lass," Balin said. 

Eruanna looked at him. Balin honestly didn’t know what to think of the Dragon Princess. Thorin believed she was not to be trusted. Most of the dwarves followed him unfailingly in that aspect, still bitter over the dwarves of Erebor being left to burn by the elves who simply didn’t have the strength to go up against the dragon. 

There was something different about Eruanna Úlumiel. She had a powerful presence. Anyone could quiver under her stone face. But her face was softer now and she had a less frightening demeanor. 

“You heard," Balin said. 

“Not too much if it bothers you," Eruanna responded. She cocked her head. “Tell me, Balin, what matters more to you? A mountain of gold in a forsaken palace crushed by a dragon? Or a peaceful home?”

Balin opened his mouth, considering her question. “Home," he finally said. “Home, peace and prosperity.”

“I pray for those things too," Eruanna nodded. Her dragons had latched themselves onto her to sleep, their small nails digging into her softly so they would not draw blood. She looked at the aging dwarf. “What does that gold mean to you?”

“It is the great treasure hoard of our people," Balin said. “The crown jewel among them is the Arkenstone. We were known for that treasure horde. It symbolized our prosperity. It is what drove the dragon to us, its lust for gold brought down Erebor and Dale, a city of men, down in one day. Yet, even without the dragon, gold has its own curse. King Thror, Thorin’s grandfather, loved gold above all. A sickness grew in his mind, a sickness which drove him mad.”

“What does that gold mean to me, lass? It is either the promise of a future or the doom of our past coming to haunt us again," Balin said. “All I hope is that Thorin does not succumb to the sickness.”

A sickness due to gems. To be obsessed over something as fickle as gems, gems which could easily be replaced, perplexed her. Eruanna could hardly comprehend what that would be like, even with all the old stories her great-grandparents had told her about how a Noldorin King, Fëanor, led his seven sons to their doom all over the Silmarils, sacking kingdoms and killing their own kin before most died horribly. It was said that her paternal grandfather had a weakness, it was for silver and white gems. Valar, she hoped he wasn’t afflicted with that sickness. 

That night, Eruanna went out to enjoy some fresh air. The dwarves had retired for the night and Eruanna went off on her own. She felt she was better off sleeping in the woods than with the dwarves. Her dragons had put up in the woods near the Shire which wasn’t too far off from where the dwarves were staying. Sûlion and Ceveniel lifted their heads, acknowledging her. 

Her other three dragons also noticed her. They had all taken on a larger form, making them the size of the trees in the woods. “ Sister. You should be sleeping ,” Helegiel said. “ Maybe the hobbit can host you? It is not fitting for you to sleep out here like an animal in the wild. ”

“I would rather sleep in the trees and under the stars than with those dwarves,” Eruanna responded in a soft voice. Naurion lowered his head and she rubbed his snout, causing him to let out a purr. Despite his harsh nature, he could be very affectionate. Sûlion was more awkward.

“I cannot blame you. Those dwarves are repulsive ,” Sûlion rumbled. “ But for a snack? Not too bad. Mayhaps it is their clothes that cause such a malodorous scent. ”

“We do not eat our allies ,” Ceveniel interjected. “ It is not our nature, as elemental dragons, to eat the children of Eru Ilúvatar .”

“The naugrim are the children of Aulë ,” Naurion corrected. 

“Eating them is forbidden ,” Ceveniel snapped. “ We hunted not two days ago and you are already famished? ”

“How long will we be with them, Mistress? ” Naurion asked Eruanna. “ I do not like them in the slightest. I much prefer the elves. ”

“However long it takes for us to find Smaug and kill him. Then the dwarves will have Erebor and believe me, I do not intend to stick around after that,” Eruanna said. “But you all need to rest. In fact, we all need to rest.” 

“I wish we could’ve brought the Balrog-Slayer ,” said Sûlion. “ Now that is someone I like .”

“He’s handsome too. And such a good warrior ,” Helegiel purred. 

“Looks do not matter when you are flat on your back at the mercy of your enemies ,” Naurion piped up. 

“He couldn’t come, remember? His presence would’ve alerted any dark forces we may encounter on the way. That’s how powerful he is,” Eruanna interjected. 

“I pity the hobbit. The poor little one did not seem to know what was going on. It seems that Mithrandir is going to try and make him an unwilling accomplice ,” Faroniel put in. 

“We’ll never understand Mithrandir and his ways,” Eruanna sighed, going to a tree and starting to climb it. 

“Sister, you can sleep on my back ,” Helegiel gently said. “ I would rather you did that than climb into a tree .”

“As would I ,” Naurion said. 

“I’ve slept in trees before,” Eruanna said.

“You might roll off the tree during the night and snap your neck ,” Sûlion quipped back bluntly.

Eruanna rolled her eyes whilst Ceveniel gave the black dragon an accusatory glance. Sûlion tilted his head up, showing no guilt. Eruanna climbed onto Helegiel’s back and drifted into slumber. One by one, the dragons too joined her and the group slept peacefully.

Chapter Text

"“It would seem that he or she who is successful in taming one of these beasts [elemental dragons] would have to be mad enough to try to get to know them."

 - Recovered Account, Author Unknown

Chapter V

The Journey Begins

The company started out early in the morning. Eruanna saw the ponies and she took Gandalf by the hand. “Can I use my dragons? I love horses but flying has ruined horseback riding for me," she whispered. “No. Now is not the time to reveal them. They should stay hidden," Gandalf said. “Tell me at least where we are going," Eruanna insisted. “As far as we can," Gandalf responded.

"I do not like concealing myself," Ceveniel sighed. "But it is the wizard's wishes."

"I will not listen to the whims and wishes of a wizard in Eruanna's life is at stake," Sûlion snarled. "So far, he has made a rather pitiful attempt to make the dwarves show respect."

Eruanna noticed the dwarves chattering and holding pouches of coins. One of the dwarves, Oin, noticed her. “Want to make a bet?" he asked. He didn’t care for the elves mostly but since she would be with them the whole trip… why not start with a bet? 

“No. I’m not fond of betting," the Dragon Princess responded, walking off to her horse. 

“WAIT," came a shout. Bilbo came running in with a signed contract. “I signed it," he said, handing it to Balin. Eruanna looked at him surprised. “It appears all is in order. Welcome Master Baggins to the company of Thorin Oakenshield," Balin said. “Give him a pony," Thorin said grumpily. 

“No, no, that won’t be necessary, I’m sure I can keep up on foot. I’ve done my fair share of walking holidays, you know. I even got as far as Frogmorton- AH!" Bilbo screeched as two dwarves pulled him up onto a pony. Eruanna rolled her eyes, urging her horse forward. Just then Thorin cut her off.

“I must warn you, elf," Thorin said. 

“It’s Eruanna," Eruanna responded, gripping the coarse reins of her horse and resisting the overwhelming urge to slap the dwarf. 

“It doesn’t matter who you are," Thorin growled. “Here, you are just a member of the company. A company under my command. Now listen, I cannot guarantee your safety. Nor will I be responsible for your fate.”

"We do not need his protection. He is smaller than the horse he rides," seethed Faroniel.

Eruanna scoffed. “Don’t act as if you're concerned with my safety or my fate. That is my problem. I’m just here to help you and I’m doing this for the wizard," she responded icily. 

“Good," Thorin said. “Gandalf tells me that you know a lot about dragons. What does an elf do with so much knowledge on those serpents?" suspicion laced his voice. 

“I was curious about dragons so I read about them. I couldn’t let so much lore go to waste," responded Eruanna. “You’d be surprised by how much the Elven historians know. Did you know that not all dragons are evil? The Valar made their own dragons - good dragons - who fought for our people at the end of the First Age. Dwarves, men and elves.”

“The elemental dragons, you mean," Thorin nodded, uninterested. “My apologies, Eruanna , but they died out over a century ago.”

Eruanna inwardly smirked, imagining Thorin’s face when he would finally see her elemental dragons. What a sight it would be to see a Dwarf Prince be forced to swallow his words. 

“Don’t act like you know everything, Oakenshield," Eruanna said. “Because you don’t. None of us do.” 

They put up in a cave shortly after leaving the Shire for night was upon them. The dwarves gathered around a fire and Eruanna stuck next to Gandalf. She looked off into the distance, thinking about her home. She missed her family, her uncles’ jokes and pranks, her father’s archery lessons, her mother’s kisses, everything. She missed her loyal golden knight; Glorfindel had offered to come on the mission to protect her but Gandalf wished for secrecy and Glorfindel was simply too powerful to go unnoticed by dark forces. She watched Bilbo offer an apple to one of the horses and smiled lightly for she recalled doing the same in the stables of Imladris. 

She saw that her dragons had practically clung to her. She could see the mistrust in their eyes, especially Naurion’s and Sûlion’s. Naurion and Sûlion weren't quick to trust anyone who wasn’t an elf. They had stayed hidden inside her cloak, yet she knew they were inching to fly around.

Eruanna walked a few feet away from the Company. “Where are you goin’ lass?" Bofur asked. She looked at the sky for a moment before responding. “I’ll just be alone for a bit. I’ll be back soon," Eruanna said. She then jumped into the trees and looked up to see the stars of Varda. 

“Ai Valar, what have I gotten myself into?" she groaned. “I should’ve stayed out of this when I had the chance," she placed her head in her hands. She thought back to when Gandalf had approached her for help. Should she have refused? 

“Broken ties," she spat. “The wizard is ridiculous. Dwarves and elves have been feuding with each other since the dawn of time. The dwarves already resent me. What reconciliation will come out of this?" she ranted to herself. 

The Dragoness sighed and sat back against the tree. “I don’t know what I should do," she admitted to herself. Rolling her eyes, she gracefully leapt down from the tree. 

She made her way back to the camp to find all 13 dwarves staring at her. “What?" she asked in a threatening tone. She noticed Thorin had something golden in his hands and her eyes widened. 

“Where did you get this?" she hissed, snatching it. It was a talisman that had belonged to her paternal grandmother and had been passed down to her. Eruanna wore it around her neck.

“Found it in your satchel," Thorin explained. She growled at him. This was too far. 

“Not too admirable of you to rummage through my things," she hissed. “This talisman is an heirloom of my father’s house. You would be better off not meddling in my business. Do you have any morals?”

“Watch your tone elf," Dwalin snapped. “You are beneath him." 

Eruanna’s temper ignited with a fiery rage. “How dare you say that? We, elves, are the beloved first born children of Eru himself. I will never be beneath you. If I am not treated as an equal, I swear by the Valar I will burn you all alive!”

“Why does your sword have a dragon head for a pommel? What dark forces do you serve?" Thorin hissed right back. 

“Oh you are quite observant," Eruanna said, sarcastically. “For your information, I don’t serve the dark forces! I serve the elves, my people! The pommel of my sword is a dragon head because I wanted it so. How Angoruinë was made is none of your concern.”

“Angoruinë," Dwalin murmured. 

“It means ‘dragon fire’ in Quenyan, one of the elvish languages," Gandalf spoke up. 

Thorin glared at Eruanna as she turned around. The previous insults came flooding back to her mind and her heart hardened. “You don’t need to know anything about me. I don’t care to know anything about any of you. Goodnight," with that, she went off to sleep in the trees. 

That night, Bilbo walked past the slumbering dwarves, the crunching of grass sounding beneath his feet. Since leaving his home in the Shire, he hadn't found much sleep nor much peace. They were always running from one place to the next, always moving, never stopping like the howling winds of the changing tides of the sea. 

He was tired. 

The young hobbit was exhausted but his body never seemed to heed his need for sleep. His eyes remained open, even as night crawled in and the moon displayed his utter brilliance to the world, accompanied by several faithful stars draped across the sky. Stopping for a moment, he let out a breath. 

Gandalf, he thought. The wizard had taken him from his home with promises of adventure and a glimpse of the world beyond his home. With thirteen dwarves, an elf, and a dim hope for survival, he traveled. He didn't feel like one of the company, no more like an awkward addition that no one, save for the wizard, was pleased to have. 

He missed his armchair and his books. He missed his garden. He missed waking up in his soft bed and carrying on with the day without a care in the world. The beautiful simplicity of it all had been lost on him. 

His ears perked as he heard voices, one feminine, stubborn, and young, another masculine, old, and exasperated. Bilbo peaked from behind a large rock to see Gandalf with the other member of the company. The only other member that seemed to be hated more than him. 

Eruanna Úlumiel. 

Eruanna had been a mystery to him and the dwarves. She had said nothing of her home or her family. The elf had been rather distant, not really associating herself with anyone except the wizard, yet she only seemed to seek him out when she was annoyed or angry. 

Bilbo could not for the life of him comprehend what she had done to garner such hatred from the dwarves. She'd always been nice to him, giving him reassuring smiles and offering him her handkerchief when he needed it. Under her hard face was a kind soul, but also a stubborn one.

The hobbit saw her face contorted with annoyance and anger as she debated with the wizard. "I understand your anger but you must be patient, Eruanna," Gandalf was saying. "Be understanding. The dwarves are trying to reclaim their homeland. They are determined to succeed. And you know what happened between your grandfather and Thror."

"My patience is wearing thin, Mithrandir," Eruanna said, using the name the elves had given the wizard. "Every night I've spent with this company, I've spent it hoping that I wake up alive. I sleep with both eyes open, never at ease. I sleep with the very kind my people sought to keep their distance from, who may slit my throat while I sleep."

"Thorin and his company would do not such thing. They will warm up to you in time," Gandalf insisted. Eruanna scoffed. 

"Death will be served to them before they show me any kindness. It's just a matter of who deals it to them."

She circled Gandalf, a fiery storm raging in her deep blue eyes. "Maybe their arrogance will kill them first. In which case, I'd only be inclined to save you and the hobbit," bilbo flinched at her cold admission. "Maybe we might reach the dragon of the mountain, only to have it scorch us all to death. Or maybe I'll do the deed." The hobbit's eyes widened. 

"You seem to have grown fond of Bilbo," Gandalf noted. Eruanna stopped pacing, eyes baring into the wizard's soul. "He's done nothing wrong," she said. "He came here because you convinced him as you did me. Now what will happen when both of my daeradars find out what you plan on doing?"

"Elrond will understand," Gandalf pushed. Bilbo furrowed his brows in confusion.

"Will he? You made it seem like I was helping you with some errands and not going on a potentially dangerous mission."

"Eruanna," Gandalf said, frustration finally penetrating his voice. "You agreed to go. You knew the risks and you still consented to joining us."

She narrowed her eyes at him, refusing to back down. "Before you belittle me about not getting along with the dwarves, I suggest you warn Thorin. Tell him that his pride will kill him before I ever do. Maybe you should also take a lesson on the history of dwarves and elves. I'm sure Erestor would be happy to teach you."

"Eruanna, I know what I am doing," Gandalf said, irritated. "I know you have your doubts but you know very well my reasons for the endeavor. I will not force reconciliation between your peoples. My aim is to rid the world of Morgoth's final dragon."

"Alright then," Eruanna crossed her arms. "What is your next move? You have thirteen stubborn and very unhappy dwarves, an elf who all said dwarves want to see dead, and a hobbit too far from his home. What will you do?"

Gandalf took a few moments to consider her answer. For Bilbo, it was like watching a nervous student and his displeased teacher. Finally the wizard spoke. "I plan to seek refuge in Imladris-"

"Absolutely not," Eruanna said sharply. "You will not bring them anywhere near my people."

"Eruanna," the wizard was starting to get frustrated. "We will need your people's assistance."

"They will try to stop you. Are you prepared for that?"

"Yes, because we have a map we cannot read and questions which must be answered. It will work out Eruanna. You just leave the talking to me."

"I hope it does," she said icily before stomping off. 

Bilbo cautiously approached the Dragoness. Eruanna Úlumiel was an otherworldly creature, an elf who was beyond beautiful but there was something different about her. A kind of energy surrounded her that he couldn’t explain. 

She was an enigma and Bilbo wanted to slowly unravel her. They’d been on the road for days but she barely talked to anyone, only exchanging hushed words with Gandalf. The last time she spoke, she had discovered that Thorin had looked through her things and was accused of working for some Dark Forces. She had unleashed her temper on them. 

Bilbo had warned Thorin to not go looking through her stuff. “We shouldn’t do that”, he had said. “We need to know if the elf is hiding anything”, Thorin had shot back, gruffly. Gandalf had tried to intervene but Eruanna had come back. Bilbo could tell the wizard was thoroughly annoyed with the dwarves. 

Eruanna sat on the ground, looking down. The rich forest was covered in mist. The light of Varda’s stars shone down on her, refusing to be blocked out by the clouds. Her long black hair was tied into a braid with few strands coming loose. Bilbo approached her cautiously. She immediately became alert and a hand went to the hilt of her dagger. She whipped her head to the side but relaxed when she saw it was Bilbo. 

“I, um… I tried to stop Thorin from going through your things”, he said, unsure how to start the conversation. 

“Well, then”, Eruanna said. “I thank you for your efforts”. She released her grip on the dagger and turned back around, looking at the vast expanse of the land. 

“Why can’t you tell us about your heritage?”, Bilbo asked. 

Eruanna turned her head to the side. “There have been many fallouts between Thorin’s family and mine over the ages. The blood feud between dwarves and elves began before the First Age. If I tell him who I’m related to, he’ll kill me. I’m the last of my blood, I have no wish to die, less so by Thorin’s hand. Which is why I must keep my lineage hidden”. 

“All we really know is your name. Many agree you’re still virtually a stranger to us”, Bilbo said. 

“That’s for the best”, Eruanna said, standing to her full height. She was tall, much taller than Bilbo but not as tall as Gandalf. She turned around and Bilbo was again mesmerized by her beauty as all the dwarves had been. Yet, he could see the sadness in her eyes. 

“Do you miss your home?”, he asked. 

Eruanna smiled softly. “I do. I miss my home and my family. You must be missing Bag End. Hobbits are fond of home after all”. 

“Yes, I do, very much”, Bilbo said.

“I feel so out of place here”, she murmured. “I’m the only elf. I’m the one everyone suspects”. 

“They’re afraid of what you can do”, Bilbo said. “You can be quite scary at times”. 

“I take that as a compliment, Bilbo Baggins”, she said with a smile. 

“We’re both outcasts”, Bilbo said. “One of us is under suspicion and the other is seen as having less worth than the others”, Bilbo knew what the dwarves thought of him. They believed he wasn’t fit to be on this journey. He was starting to feel the same. 

“The Elven Princess and the Halfling. Two outcasts”, Eruanna mused. 

“A sad thing to have in common”, Bilbo responded. 

“Indeed it is. But these are the cards we’ve been dealt. We must play them to the best of our abilities”, she said. “We must at least try to survive, finish the mission so we can return home to where we are actually appreciated”.

Days later, they came to an abandoned farmhouse. Eruanna allowed her dragons to fly for a bit as long as they steered clear from the dwarves’ sight and leaned against one of the broken walls. “We’ll camp here for the night," Thorin said. “Fili, Kili, look after the ponies. Make sure you stay with them." 

“A farmer and his family used to live here," Gandalf said. Eruanna stood silent as she heard Thorin giving orders. “Oin, Gloin, get a fire going," he commanded. 

“I think it would be wiser to move on. We could make for the Hidden Valley," Gandalf. Her eyes shot up and her blood ran cold. No .

“I have told you already, I will not go near that place," Thorin said, roughly. Eruanna narrowed her eyes. “Why not?" Gandalf protested. “The elves could help us! We could get food, rest, advice." “I do not need their advice," Thorin spat out. 

“We have a map we cannot read," Gandalf pointed out. “Lord Elrond could help us." 

“ No, no, no ," Eruanna thought frantically. “ It will reveal more of my identity ," she tried to make up an excuse but no words came out. Yet the thought of seeing her kin again allured her. She was thoroughly annoyed by the dwarves already. 

"Curse this wizard," Naurion growled. 

“Help? A dragon attacks Erebor, what help came from the elves? Orcs plunder Moria, desecrate our sacred halls, the elves looked on and did nothing. You ask me to seek out the very people who betrayed my grandfather, betrayed my father," Thorin said. Eruanna Úlumiel rolled her eyes. 

“They did not want to get burned by a dragon . Moria was not their concern," she muttered lowly. 

“Don’t you dare try to defend them," Thorin hissed. “It’s not my problem that your kin are weak."

“Honestly, it’s a miracle, a miracle , that I haven’t killed you yet," the Dragoness roared, making everyone look at them. “Do not slander my kin who were trying to defend themselves. They would have been powerless against the dragon!."

“They were weak," Thorin shouted. 

“I have warned you countless times, Thorin Oakenshield!" Eruanna snapped. “Do not dare slander the names of my kin or I’ll burn you alive along with your company!" with that she stormed off, seething with rage. 

“God, I could use my mother, father, grandfathers, great-grandparents or maybe my uncles!" Eruanna spat, once she was alone. She heard noises behind her and saw her dragons emerge and come to her. She sighed, seeing their concerned faces. 

“What did I get us into?" she asked them. “The elves were justified with their decisions, but just why?" Eruanna sat down on a rock with tears in her eyes. “Why do I have to take these blows? Why must that cursed dwarf leader slander my kin?" 

 The dragons had enlarged themselves a bit. Helegiel and Faroniel came and wrapped their wings around her mistress. They were the most compassionate out of the dragons. The dragons were truly like siblings to Eruanna as she never had blood siblings. She was an only child, the last descendant, thus her family did everything in their power to protect her up until her majority came when she wasn’t so sheltered. Eruanna dearly appreciated and loved them.
“What do we do? If Thorin finds out my identity, he will kill me," Eruanna muttered. Ceveniel nuzzled her and Naurion laid his head on her lap. Sûlion nestled himself in her arms. 

“ I’ve got to be more secretive ," Eruanna thought to herself. “ Nothing can happen to the dragons ." 

That night, Eruanna returned to the company to sleep. Just then, Fili woke her up. “Sorry lassie, but Bilbo’s been captured by trolls along with some horses." 

“What!?!" she gasped, shooting awake. “What the hell happened!?!" 

“Bad stuff," he said. Eruanna grabbed her weapons and they left. “God, can’t even protect a hobbit," she grumbled. She left behind her slumbering dragons.

When the company came to the troll’s area, Kili was already taking them on. They leapt into action and Bilbo went to free the horses whom the trolls had captured. Suddenly the trolls acted fast and they grabbed Bilbo. “Lay down your arms," one of them said. “Or we will rip his off," another threatened. 

Thorin threw down his sword with a grunt of frustration. The rest of them followed suit. Quick as a flash the trolls tied them all up. All of a sudden Bilbo jumped up. “You can’t eat them!" he cried out. “You are going wrong with the seasoning! Have you smelt them!?! It will take more than salt to do the trick!." The dwarfs loudly shouted their protests and Eruanna had to stop herself from giggling. 

“The secret is… to skin them first!" Bilbo managed to get out. The dwarves protested even louder. 

"I would love to see that," Naurion rumbled.

"We are on the way!" Sûlion shouted. 

"No! You still need to stay hidden. I can deal with this!" Eruanna said.

"I think the hobbit is already dealing with it," Helegiel responded. 

"We will wait then," Ceveniel said, reluctantly. 

“What a load of rubbish!" the troll cried. One of them lifted up the dwarf, Gloin. “Why don’t we eat this one first? Nice and crunchy," the troll said. “You can not eat him! He has parasites. In fact… they all do. I would not risk it, I really wouldn’t," Bilbo said. 

“WE DON’T HAVE PARASITES YOU HAVE PARASITES," Kili shouted. Eruanna looked at Thorin. The duo knew what Bilbo was doing. Thorin kicked all the dwarves and they finally started cooperating. 

Suddenly, they hear a shout. “The dawn will take you all!" Gandalf appeared. He broke a huge rock and revealed the sun which turned the dwarves to stone. 

The company went into the troll’s cave and saw several elven blades along with other things. Thorin took one of the blades. “Forged by the high elves," Gandalf said. “You will never find a finer blade." Eruanna had gotten her weapons back from the trolls. They were about to leave but the rustling of leaves stopped them. 

Out of the woods, a bunch of rabbits dash out pulling a carriage with a man on it. “Radagast the Brown," Gandalf said. “What on middle-earth are you doing here?” “Something is wrong, Gandalf, something is terribly wrong," said the other wizard. He led Gandalf away where they began to speak. Just then, Eruanna heard something. She looked up to see a warg. The dwarves noticed too and killed it. 

“We are being hunted by cursed orcs!" Eruanna hissed. She bore great resentment towards orcs, as they killed one of her grandmothers and tortured the other who sailed for Valinor before she was born. 

“I’ll distract them," Radagast said. He left the area and before the company knew it, he was being chased by orcs. She looked around at her surroundings and Gandalf looked at her. 

“ The hidden pass is nearby ," she realized. 

The group ran across and found orcs surrounding them. “Run you idiots!" she shouted. The howling of orcs and wargs filled the lands. She shot them down with her bow and arrow, as many as she could. 

As the orcs pursued them, Gandalf grabbed her arm. “We will meet at Rivendell, take your dragons and go," he said. Eruanna was going to protest but the look in his eyes told her she had to comply. So she didn’t protest and raced off. Eruanna went behind a small hill and ran into her five dragons who’d been looking for her.

Eruanna looked at their relieved and slightly annoyed faces with sympathy. They’d woken up in a panic when they hadn’t seen her and it showed. She mentally kicked herself for leaving them behind.  

“We ride for Imladris," she told them. 

Naurion and Sûlion seemed to want to get in on the action unfolding between the dwarves and orcs. Eruanna smiled. “No time for that now, boys."

"I want to hunt the orcs," Naurion rumbled. 

"No time for that," Eruanna responded.

"Is the wizard bringing the dwarves?" Sûlion asked. 

"Yes," when Eruanna saw the disapproval on the black dragon's face, she sighed. "We don't have a choice at this point." With that, Eruanna climbed onto Ceveniel’s back and they flew off. The 

Chapter Text

"In Year 1697 of the Second Age, Elrond, son of Elwing and Eärendil, a direct descendant of King Elu Thingol, founded Imladris. It was meant to be a refuge for Elves and thus became known as the last Homely House east of the Sea, welcoming many guests. Under the protection of Elrond's ring, Vilya, it flourished."

- Kings and Lords of the Second Age: Finished Edition, Author Unknown

Chapter VI

Imladris

The elves of Imladris looked up and saw a black shadow swooping overhead. This didn’t bother them as it would bother others. Sûlion soared over Imladris with a booming roar, announcing their arrival. Eruanna flew on Ceveniel with Faroniel, Naurion and Helegiel flanking her. 

They flew towards the Hidden Valley and tucked into it was Imladris, ruled over by Eruanna’s maternal family. The dragons landed and roared to announce their arrival. Just then, a party of elves came riding in, Lord Elrond, Eruanna’s uncles and Glorfindel at the lead. At the time, Lady Hiriel was visiting Eruanna’s great-grandparents and aunt in Lothlórien so she wasn’t present. 

Naurion roared again and Elrond looked at them. A huge smile spread across his face when he saw Eruanna. “Daeradar!" she called him. Her uncles, his twin sons, were Elladan and Elrohir, who cheered when they saw their niece. Glorfindel also looked at Eruanna with a blinding smile and the four of them dismounted their horses. The other elves saluted her. 

“Daeradar!" Eruanna Úlumiel squealed again and jumped into his arms. He laughed and swung her around. “Hello G siel," he said, brushing back strands of her black hair that she inherited from him and her mother, his eldest child. 

Naurion placed himself next to Elrond, having a particular fondness for the elf lord. He sniffed the lord's hands for snacks and Elrond chuckled, revealing that he had none. 

"Your grandfather didn't have any apples for me," Naurion grumbled. Elemental dragons - unlike others - ate everything under the sun. Naurion loved meat but apples were his favorite snack and he'd had a hankering for them lately. "He is fortunate that I still like him."

"Apples? I could use an antelope," Sûlion. "Or a bison. Mayhaps a bear."

“Eruanna!" her uncles raced over to her, nearly stumbling. Elladan swooped her into a bear hug and Elrohir peppered her face with kisses. “Dan! Put her down, I can't reach her!" Elrohir exclaimed. He finally put Eruanna down and Elrohir checked her for injuries. “Are you hurt?" he asked. “Not physically," Eruanna replied. He furrowed his brows but then someone pulled her away. 

“Stop hogging her attention," Glorfindel said, sounding annoyed. “Hey! I’m her favorite!" Elladan retorted. Elrohir smacked the back of Elladan’s head. “No I am," he snapped back. 

“So what’s with that secret mission Gandalf sent you on?" Glorfindel said with a handsome smile.

Eruanna sighed. “I do not know what I’ve gotten myself into," she said. 

“What happened?" her grandfather asked, concern lacing his voice. She explained to them about the mission and how some of the dwarves were treating her, particularly Thorin. 

“If Thorin touches you I’ll rip him apart!" Elrohir hissed, his gray eyes stormy. 

“Tell me about it! Talking to our beautiful niece this way? Shameful! What kind of King is he?" Elladan piped up. 

“You are not to be blamed for their fight," Glorfindel said, resting a hand on her shoulder. “None of it is your fault and they ought to know that." 

“He’s right you know," Elrond said. “You should not be treated this way." 

“I knew I should have told Mithrandir no. What did I expect? They need no more reason than the shape of my ears to curse me. It took everything to not burn them all down," Eruanna said glumly. The four of them gave her pitied looks. 

“It doesn’t matter now," she said, shaking her head. “Mithrandir is leading them here.”

“Leading the dwarves… here?" Elladan questioned. 

“Yes. Do be prepared for the smell," Eruanna smirked.

“Poor Lindir," laughed Glorfindel. “He’ll have to greet them.” 

“We just need to be careful. He sees us as the enemy," Eruanna said. “The grudge over Erebor runs deep. It fuels their hatred against the elves.”

“As far as I can see, he is the enemy," Elrohir responded. “Fear not, beloved niece, we shall defend your honor with our utmost ability," at that, he bowed dramatically. Eruanna laughed. “Do spare the hobbit. He’s been decent to me so far.”

“A hobbit?" Elrond questioned, confused. “What is a halfling doing so far from the Shire?”

“Mithrandir and his ways. We’ll never understand them," was Eruanna’s response. “I suggest you all get to your horses. They are due to arrive any minute.”

 Eruanna climbed on Ceveniel as Elrond, Elladan, Elrohir and Glorfindel mounted their horses, leading their company of warriors to the entry of Imladris. Sure enough, as Eruanna said, Thorin and his company had arrived in front of Lindir, the poor minstrel of Imladris tasked with greeting them. 

Thorin and his company, save for Bilbo, growled at the elves, as Elrond and his horsemen surrounded them. The feud between their races went back centuries. “Gandalf!" Elrond called to the wizard. “Lord Elrond!" Gandalf said, bowing gracefully. “Mellon nin! Where have you been?" he asked in elvish.

“We’ve been hunting a pack of orcs that came up from the South," Elrond said in elvish. “We slew a number near the Hidden Pass," he switched to the common tongue. “Strange, for orcs to come so close to our borders. Something or someone has drawn them near.”

“Ah, and that may have been us," Gandalf said. 

Thorin stepped forward. “Welcome Thorin, son of Thrain," Elrond greeted him. 

“I do not believe we have met," said the dwarf. 

“You have your grandfather’s bearing. I knew Thror when he ruled under the mountain," Elrond said. 

“Indeed, he made no mention of you," Thorin said, harshly. 

Just then, a booming roar was heard from above. The dwarves looked up and gasped as Helegiel and Faroniel soared over them. Naurion let out a roar of his own as he landed to the left of the group. The dwarves began shouting threats and curses, angering the dragons. 

Upon hearing the insults being thrown at his siblings, Sûlion let out a growl of rage. The black dragon swiftly landed to their right and took a few steps towards them, his mouth opening as he roared loudly. Bilbo looked at the black dragon’s sharp teeth and shuddered, mentally begging the dwarves to stop. 

“Have they not heard of elemental dragons?" Elrond muttered to himself. Just then, Ceveniel swooped in and roared, her roar being the loudest of them all. Thorin’s blue eyes darkened as he spotted Ceveniel, not realizing that Eruanna was on her back. 

“Infernos," Thorin hissed. He unsheathed his blade and pointed it at Ceveniel, making her angrier. His eyes bore into Ceveniel’s as he shouted. “Curse it! Curse the infernos! Curse these servants of the Dark Lord!." The dwarves took out their weapons screaming and angering the dragons. Bilbo looked absolutely terrified. Eruanna thought he was going to melt from the fear. Gandalf looked helpless.

“ENOUGH!" Eruanna’s uncles shouted, making the dwarves quite down. “If you speak of our niece’s dragons that way again, so help me, I’ll cut your heads clean off!" Elladan shouted. “You have no idea who you speak to!" Elrohir added. Thorin’s eyes widened as he saw Eruanna dismount Ceveniel.

“I believe I was talking to this deceitful, dishonorable, liar of an elf who mounts a stooge of the Dark Lord!" roared Thorin. The dragons all snarled at him for insulting their Mistress. 

Glorfindel stormed up to them, standing in between the twins, looking tall and mighty. He stared down at the dwarves. “You have the nerve to insult them! Watch your words before I kill you myself! You are speaking to someone of royal descent. She carries the blood of the greatest legends Middle-Earth has ever known! She is the granddaughter to Lord Elrond himself, Heiress to three elven realms, including Imladris! Have some basic respect and decency because I would gladly order our warriors to cut your tongue out!" Glorfindel snarled. 

“And those elemental dragons belong to Eruanna, not the Dark Lord. They belong to her . To our family. It is our blood they serve," Lord Elrond added in. Naurion lowered his large head and the elven lord placed his hand on Naurion’s snout.  

“You have the nerve to speak to me like that, elf ! She has deceived us!" Thorin shouted. 

“We have heard that you have hurled vile insults against her. You offended my lady and we just lectured you. It is unwise to show disrespect to someone of royal lineage especially when their kin is offering you hospitality," Glorfindel spoke diplomatically. “She is offering you help and you have taken it. But she is not yours to do with as you wish."

“Do you know who you speak to, elf?" Dwalin snapped back. “This is Thorin, son of Thrain, son of Thror! Rightful King Under the Mountain." 

“We are elves," Elladan hissed. “He is no King to us!” Sûlion growled, standing behind Elladan and Elrohir protectively, as if he agreed with their statement. 

Elrohir grabbed Thorin. “If my brother or I hear you insult our niece again or lay an ill hand upon her, we will flog you and imprison you ourselves." 

Glorfindel held up his hand to silence them. He gave Thorin a deathly stare that elves very rarely saw. “I am deeply ashamed and embarrassed on your behalf for how you treated our Lady and Princess. Hopefully now that her maternal grandfather offers you his hospitality and assistance, you will now lay a softer hand. If you do not, mark my words Thorin Oakenshield, you shall be punished." Thorin recoiled and Eruanna breathed a sigh of relief. However, she could still see the pride in his light blue eyes. 

“I am sure now that Thorin understands he has greatly offended her. But now is no time for threats of punishment.," Lord Elrond said. Eruanna came up to Glorfindel, squeezing his hand comfortingly as thanks for defending her honor. 

"Tis a pity the lord does not allow for punishment. These dwarves would be a great snack," Naurion hissed. 

“Light the fires, bring forth the wine. We must feed our guests," Elrond said in elvish. Eruanna greatly admired him. After all the pain he had been through he still kept a kind heart. That’s something she could never say about her paternal grandfather. 

“What did he say? Does he offer us insults!?!" Gloin roared. The dwarves began shouting and baring their weapons. Eruanna immediately stepped in front of her grandfather. “He is offering you food," she snapped. Naurion roared from above, silencing them. 

The dwarves began to talk amongst themselves. Elrond and Eruanna exchanged confused glances as she unconsciously gripped his hand.

“Oh, well in that case, lead on," Gloin said. 

At the feast, Eruanna had changed into a light blue dress decorated with dark blue butterflies. On her head was her silver circlet. She took her grandfather’s hand as he led her in, Gandalf following them. 

“Kind of you to invite us. I’m not really dressed for dinner," Gandalf said. “Well you never are," Elrond joked. They sat down and Eruanna watched as the dwarves ungratefully picked at their meal. 

The Dragoness then looked to her grandfather. “They do not seem pleased," Elrond said with a smirk. “Oh, who cares? Most of them are fools. Especially Thorin," Eruanna whispered. “Eruanna," Gandalf threw her a sharp look as Thorin came to sit with them. 

Gandalf then inquired about the swords the group had found in the troll’s cave. Thorin showed his sword to Lord Elrond. “This is Orcrist, the Goblin Cleaver, a famous blade. Forged by the High Elves of the West, our kin," the Elven Lord inspected the sword. “May it serve you well," he said as he handed the sword to Thorin. Thorin accepted it with a nod.

Gandalf handed him the sword he had found. “This is Glambring, the Foehammer, sword of the King of Gondolin," Elrond informed them. “Our ancestor," Eruanna whispered silently to herself. 

“How did you come by these?" her grandfather asked. “We found them on the Great East Road, shortly after we were ambushed by trolls," Gandalf explained. “And what were you doing on the Great East Road?" her grandfather inquired. 

“You know," Eruanna said, conversing with her grandfather through their minds. She had learned to do it from her maternal great-grandmother, Galadriel. Her grandfather looked at her. “I do not," he admitted. “But I have a feeling."

“Excuse me," Thorin said before getting up and leaving. 

“That is the most manners I have ever seen him use," Eruanna said to my grandfather in elvish. Her grandfather and Glorfindel almost burst out laughing and Gandalf gave her a disapproving look. Lindir, another elf present, let out a slight chuckle at her words.

Just then, Nori piped up rudely. “Change the tune, why don’t you?" he snapped at an elleth playing beautiful music on the harp. “I feel like I’m at a funeral!”

"I'll give you a funeral. It'll be your own, dwarf," Sûlion growled even though he knew the dwarf couldn't hear him or even understand him. Eruanna and his siblings had to hear his murderous thoughts about the dwarves. 

“Did somebody die?" Dori asked, jokingly. Eruanna rolled her eyes.

“Alright lads, there’s only one thing for it," Bofur said, standing up. He climbed on top of the table and was about to sing. However, Faroniel roared and startled the dwarves, causing him to fall off. 

"Valar help me, they cannot sing to save themselves," she snarled. "I'll get a headache."

"Lass, won't you do something!?!" Oin cried out, terrified of the way Faroniel was looking at him. 

"I think she wants to eat us!" Ori exclaimed. 

"No. She just wants you to shut up and eat," Eruanna snapped. "And quite frankly, so do I. Excuse me," she said, standing up. Elrond strode to his feet, silently excusing himself and following his granddaughter. Glorfindel too chose to follow them. 

“You do not have to go through with this," Elrond said to his granddaughter. As much as the elf lord hated to admit it, he did not like her being out and about in the world with a group of dwarves. He feared for her safety. Glorfindel was also of the same mind, though he voiced nothing. 

“I swore an oath to Mithrandir. I must do it," Eruanna said. “Honestly, the wizard should be grateful that I spared his pitiful company.”

“Princess Eruanna is right. An oath must be honored, hir nin. To denounce one is not wise," Glorfindel responded. 

Elrond then took her hand. “There is something else we must tell you," he said. Eruanna raised an eyebrow. “There is to be a meeting with the White Council. Your great-grandmother has asked for your presence," he informed her. Her eyes widened and she looked at Glorfindel who nodded with a smile. 

“You are among the strongest elves. Elemental dragons were thought to be extinct but by miracle, you have five of them," Glorfindel put in. “And you are a kinswoman to two of the members. Heiress to three elven realms. You are aiding Thorin’s company, it only makes sense.”

Chapter Text

"The White Council was formed during the Second Age. Here, the wisest beings in all of Middle-Earth would meet. Galadriel, the highly esteemed lady of the elves, would desire Gandalf the Grey to be the leader, but he refused. Thus, leadership was taken up by Saruman the White."

- The Trials of the Second Age: Finished Edition, Author Unknown

Chapter VII

The White Council

Night had cascaded down over Middle-Earth. Imladris was bathed in the cool, peaceful essence of night. The stars of Varda had come to greet the elves once more. Eruanna had changed into a white dress. The shoulder pads and price were designed to look like golden dragon scales. The mantle was as golden as the circlet on her head. On her neck was the golden talisman from her late paternal grandmother. Eruanna’s hair was loose and pulled to the side, cascading down her right shoulder. 

She heard a knock on the door and turned to see Gandalf and Lord Elrond. “It is time for the Council," Gandalf said. She nodded and linked arms with her grandfather as they went to the area where the Council would meet. Gandalf and Elrond were talking about the Quest for Erebor. 

“Of course I was going to tell you, I was waiting for this very chance," Gandalf said. “And really, I think you can trust that I know what I’m doing." “Do you?" Eruanna’s grandfather questioned. “That dragon has slept for 60 years. What will happen if your plan should fail? If you wake the beast?."

“This is no good dragon. It is an evil one. A corrupt one. Smaug is not like Ceveniel and her siblings. What if we fail, Gandalf? The dragon may turn its eyes to one of the Elven Realms. To Gondor or the Iron Hills," Eruanna voiced her concerns. Though she joined in, it didn’t mean she had no doubts they would succeed. 

“But if we succeed! If the dwarves take back the mountain our defenses in the East will be strengthened," Gandalf protested. “It is a dangerous move Gandalf," Elrond warned. “It is also dangerous to do nothing!" Gandalf said. “Oh come, the throne of Erebor is Thorin’s birthright, what is it you fear?." 

“Have you forgotten? A strain of madness runs deep in that family. His grandfather lost his mind, his father succumbed to the same sickness. Can you swear that Thorin Oakenshield will not also fall?" Elrond said. “Gandalf, these decisions do not rest with us alone. It is not up to you or me to rewrite the map of Middle-Earth." Eruanna’s grandfather cast a quick glance at her before turning back to Gandalf. 

“And what of Eruanna? Is she even safe around him?" he asked. She touched his arm and he gripped her hand. “She will be safe," Gandalf assured him. 

“I do not trust Thorin with the last of my blood, the only grandchild I have. Eruanna is the last of our line, if anything happens to her…”

“Nothing will happen to me daeradar," Eruanna reassured him. “I can hold my own." 

“With or without our help, these dwarves will march on the mountain. They are determined to reclaim their homeland. I do not believe Thorin Oakenshield feels that he is answerable to anyone. Nor for that matter am I," Gandalf continued as the trio walked up to a pavilion. “It is not me you must answer to," Eruanna’s grandfather responded, his eyes growing distant.

Gandalf and Eruanna looked to see a tall woman with silver-gold hair. Robed in blue with her traditional white gown underneath, in all her splendor and glory, Eruanna’s great-grandmother, Galadriel, Lady of Lothlórien. The last being remaining in Middle-Earth who had beheld the ancient Light of the Two Trees in Valinor. 

Out of everyone in her family, Eruanna respected and revered her great-grandmother the most. She taught the young Princess many things and even after all the hardships, she still greeted her with the kindest smile and happiness in her starlit grey eyes, painted with affection for her only great-grandchild.

Galadriel turned around slowly, her eyes fixing on us. “Lady Galadriel," Gandalf said with reverence. “Mithrandir," she called him by his elvish name. “Gwenwin în únodui (It has been a long time)." “Nae nin gwistant infanneth, mal ú-eichia i Chíril Lórien (Age may have changed me, but not so the Lady of Lórien)," Gandalf replied with a small bow. 

Galadriel smiled and her eyes fell to me. “Eruanna," she said, walking down from her platform. Eruanna slightly bowed her head and Galadriel chuckled. The Dragon Princess practically glided to the Lady of Light. “Tolo hên nin (Come, my child)," she said, enveloping Eruanna into her arms. Eruanna hugged her, tucking her face into great-grandmother’s neck. Her hugs were warm, a warm reminder that maybe, just maybe, everything would be alright. 

“I had no idea Lord Elrond had sent for you," Gandalf spoke up as the two elleths pulled apart. “He didn’t," came another voice. The group turned to see a wizard, robed in white. “Ah, Saruman," Gandalf said with a slight bow of his head, a smile upon his face. “You’ve been busy of late, my friend," Saruman said with a small smirk. 

Saruman then noticed Eruanna. “Princess Eruanna, the Dragoness," he gave her a slight bow with his head. “Saruman the White. Gandalf has told me of you," Eruanna acknowledged with a bow of her head. Arrogant as he tended to be, the White Wizard knew better than to disrespect one of the most powerful elves. 

Gandalf and Saruman were seated across from each other on a table. Lord Elrond stood in between them. Eruanna preferred to stand at the side while Galadriel circled around them. “Tell me Gandalf, did you think these plans and schemes of yours would go unnoticed?" Saruman asked. “Why no, I’m simply doing what I feel to be right," came the response. 

“The dragon of Morgoth has long troubled his mind," Eruanna pointed out to the Council. “Smaug owes allegiance to no one. But if he should side with the enemy, a dragon could be used to terrible effect," Gandalf said. “Enemy?" the Dragoness muttered to myself. 

“What enemy?" Saruman asked. “Gandalf, the enemy is defeated . Sauron is vanquished. He can never regain his full strength." 

“Gandalf, for four hundred years we have lived in peace, a hard won watchful peace," Elrond said. “Are we, are we at peace? Trolls have come down from the mountain. They are raiding villages, destroying farms. Orcs have attacked us on the road," Gandalf protested. 

“Hardly a prelude to war," Elrond continued. 

While this was going on, Lady Galadriel noticed Eruanna’s tense form and reached out to her through her mind. “ How is the quest?" she asked. “ How is your relationship with the dwarves? ." 

“ Most of them are fine. But it would seem Thorin Oakenshield wishes to take my head solely for the shape of my ears and the blood in my veins ," Eruanna informed her. Galadriel became alarmed. 

“Always you must meddle. Looking for trouble when none exists," Saruman said, thoroughly irritated. 

“Let him speak," Galadriel gracefully intervened. Her voice commanded such respect and authority. Eruanna wished she could learn how to make such an impact. 

“There is something at work here, beyond the evil of Smaug. Something far more powerful. We can remain blind to it but it will not be ignoring us, that I can promise you," Gandalf said. Eruanna looked at him.

“What is at work?" she asked him. 

“Something not even you can defeat," Gandalf told her. “A sickness lies over the Greenwood. The woodsmen who live there now call it Mirkwood, and they say…," Gandalf trailed off. Eruanna exchanged alarmed looks with her maternal grandfather. 

“What do they say?" Eruanna asked immediately. 

“They speak of a Necromancer living in Dol Guldur, a sorcerer who can summon the dead," Gandalf finished. “That’s absurd," Saruman countered. “No such power exists in this world. This Necromancer is nothing more than a mortal man. A conjurer dabbling in black magic."

“And so I thought too," Gandalf said. “But Radagast has seen-”

“Radagast? Do not speak to me of Radagast the Brown. He is a foolish fellow," Saruman interrupted. 

“He’s one of your own," Eruanna pointed out. At that point she tuned them out. The Dragoness watched as her great-grandmother reached out to Gandalf via her mind. Just then, Gandalf took something out, wrapped in cloth. 

“What is that?" Elrond asked. 

“A relic of Mordor," Eruanna’s great-grandmother said, alarmed. Elrond went to touch it. “Careful. The dark blade may be cursed," Eruanna warned him. He hesitated before flicking the cloth away.

The Dragoness  gasped softly and exchanged looks with her great-grandmother. She looked back at the blade. “A Morgul blade," she said, softly. “Made for the Witch King of Angmar," Galadriel added.

“How?" Eruanna asked softly. She had read the tale about the Fall of Angmar and there was no way in her mind that it could be his blade. “When Angmar fell, the men of the North took his body and all that he possessed and sealed it within the High Fells of Rhudaur. The dark tomb is doomed to never see light again."

“That is not possible," Elrond agreed. “A powerful spell lies upon those tombs, they cannot be opened." 

“But if this is indeed from the tombs it means someone found out how to open it. If that does come to pass and Angmar is looking to rise again, five elemental dragons cannot take it down. My dragons have become more powerful but they are still young," Eruanna put in. Her dragons were nothing short of a miracle and to lose them would devastate her. 

“What proof do we have that this weapon came from Angmar’s grave?" Saruman questioned.

“I have none," Gandalf said. 

“Because there is none!" Saruman chided. “Let us examine what we know: a small orc pack has dared to cross the Bruenin. A dagger from a bygone age has been found. And a sorcerer who calls himself the Necromancer is dabbling in black magic. It’s not so much I’m afraid." 

Just then, Lindir came onto the scene. “Lord Elrond, Lady Eruanna. The dwarves, they’ve gone," he informed them. 

“Eruanna, ride ahead. Catch up with them!" Gandalf commanded. Eruanna’s magic allowed her to change into my dragon riding clothes and she nodded. She turned to her grandfather and they embraced each other. “Be safe and be true," he whispered to her. Eruanna nodded and her great-grandmother came forth. 

“The path ahead is dangerous, but you are a dragon princess. Face it with no fear, Úlumiel," she said. Eruanna bowed her head and looked at them. “Don’t tell Great-Grandfather Celeborn," she murmured. Her grandfather chuckled. “Should he or your other grandfather hear of this, it shall not be from us." Eruanna smiled and nodded, running off to her dragons. 

They took flight and while we ascended, Eruanna saw Glorfindel and they waved farewell to each other. The dragons roared and Eruanna left to look for the company. She found them and they didn’t protest them coming. Thus, they continued their journey.

Chapter Text

"The greatest gift one can give is their friendship."

 - Recovered Correspondence from Galadriel to Eruanna

Chapter VIII

A Promise

Eruanna Úlumiel watched from the skies as the dwarves traversed the dangerous mountainous terrain. Her five dragons flew overhead and she sat on Ceveniel’s back. The Forest Queen was closest to her than the other dragons and even more attached to her. Eruanna had offered the dwarves a chance to ride her dragons but they refused. On top of that, Naurion and Sûlion had growled, vehemently refusing to carry any of the dwarves on their back. 

The rain pounded against the stony terrain. The dragons were annoyed by the rain. Usually, Eruanna loved rain, but that was when she was safely tucked away in Imladris with her maternal family. Eruanna swallowed a lump in her throat, remembering those stormy evenings in the Hall of Fire. She used to dance and sing for her family, compete in chess games or simply annoy her uncles. 

Just then, the mountains strangely began to move. Two enormous Stone Giants emerged and hurled boulders at one another. In this Thunder Battle, the Company was caught in the crossfire. “Look out!" shouted Dwalin as a boulder hurled towards them. Ceveniel opened her mouth and roared. A powerful lightning bolt emitted from her mouth and shattered the boulder. “This is no thunderstorm! It is a Thunder Battle!" shouted Balin. 

The giants continued to battle and Bofur remarked “Well, bless me, the legends are true! Giants! Stone giants!." 

“They’ll end up killing us all! Move!" Eruanna shouted. “You hear the lass, move!" Oin called out. The dwarves began moving, trying to get past the battle. Just then, a boulder crashed into the mountainside, awakening another stone giant. It cracked and split, separating the dwarves. The stone giant engaged in the battle but ended up falling backwards. The dwarves tumbled over and over. Sûlion and Naurion recklessly went forth and engaged the Stone Giants. 

“Sûlion! Naurion! No!" Eruanna shouted. 

Thorin, Oin, Gloin and Kili managed to jump to a safe side in time. The third giant rose up again and engaged the second one which fell back, seemingly crushing everyone else.

“No, no, no! Ugh, curse me!" Eruanna snapped. Thankfully all the dwarves turned out to be alright but just then, a shout came. “Where’s Bilbo?" Fili asked. The dwarves clamored and found Bilbo hanging off the ledge.

Eruanna raced Ceveniel forward towards the terrified hobbit. Bilbo lost his grasp and fell, screaming, but the Dragon Princess managed to catch him and fly him back to the Company. The dwarves cheered and for the first time, Eruanna felt appreciated. “I thought we lost our burglar," Oin joked. 

“He’s been lost ever since he left home, he has no place among us. He should have never come," Thorin snapped. 

“He didn’t have to come! He chose to come and help you. Can you be nice for once?!" Eruanna snapped. “Curse me!" she flew off on Ceveniel. 

The Company eventually found shelter in a cave. Eruanna didn’t make any eye contact with Thorin for she hated him enough already. Suddenly, Thorin shouted.

“Bofur! Elf! Take the first watch!” 

“My name is Eruanna not Elf!" Eruanna snapped back. “And If you dare to call me elf again, so help me Valar, I’ll burn everything down including Erebor!”

Everyone looked at her, stunned. “Bofur and I will take the first watch," Eruanna said. “No use worrying about my strained relationship with Thorin."

Later that night, Bofur and Eruanna saw Bilbo packing his things. Bofur sprang up. “Where do you think you’re going?" he asked. “Back to Rivendell," Bilbo responded. “No, you can’t turn back now, you’re part of the company. You’re one of us," Bofur said, worry in his voice. He had grown to care for Bilbo, Eruanna saw it in his eyes. 

“ Bofur seems to be one of the nice ones ,” Helegiel said. Eruanna nearly jumped. Having five nosy dragons reading all her thoughts was still something she had to get used to. 

“I’m not though am I?" Bilbo asked. “Thorin said I should have never come and he was right. I don’t know what I was thinking. I should have never run out the door." 

“ We should never have left either ,” Sûlion grumbled. “ I say we do what the hobbit is doing. Let us leave this company to their doomed quest. ”

“You’re homesick, I understand," Bofur said.

“No you don’t! You don’t understand, none of you do! You’re dwarves. You’re used to this life, to living on the road, never settling in one place, not belonging anywhere!" Bilbo snapped. Bofur’s face fell. 

“Bilbo,” Eruanna hissed at the hobbit once she saw this. 

“I am sorry, I didn’t-” The hobbit stammered out, seeing the saddened look in Bofur’s eyes. 

“No, you’re right,” Bofur looked at the company. “We don’t belong anywhere.”

“But you used to belong somewhere. You had a home. It was taken from you,” Eruanna said. Bofur’s eyes widened. She had always been harsh and tough but now there was a softness to her face he hadn’t yet seen. A gentler side. 

Bilbo too looked at her. “Thorin…hasn’t gotten along with you yet…you still stay. Why?” His sudden question made her look at him with mild shock. 

“Because I am doing it for Mithrandir. He is a close friend to my maternal family and I gave him my word. And the dragon needs to be stopped. I am the best bet for that. You think I wouldn’t leave now and go back to Rivendell? I would. But if the dragon of Morgoth lingers, he may turn to other realms to conquer, including the realms of the elves. I cannot let that happen,” Bilbo seemed to hesitate upon hearing her words. 

“Bilbo, listen to me," Eruanna told him. The hobbit looked at her. “If you want to leave, I will not stop you. I will even have one of my dragons fly you back to the Shire. But don't ever listen to what Thorin says. Forget him. If you are even hesitating, let the other dwarves be the reason you stay," Eruanna told him. He nodded slowly and she knew he understood.  

“ I do not like the idea of a hobbit on my back ,” Naurion grumbled. 

“ I’ll fly him back if he so desires ,” Helegiel said. 

“ He has not even decided if he will go back or not. Wait you two ,” Ceveniel responded. 

“If you do leave, I wish you all the luck in the world, I really do,” Bofur said, patting Bilbo’s shoulder with a small smile.  

Bilbo shook his head, still stunned by Eruanna’s words. “I don’t know what I will do…” He trailed off once he saw Eruanna had her eyes closed and head held down. “Are you alright Eruanna?” He asked, cautiously. 

“My dragons,” she said. “I’m trying to block them out. They’re bickering amongst themselves.”

“ I do not appreciate that ,” Sûlion hissed. 

“ Shut it already ,” an annoyed Faroniel snapped. 

“They can talk?” Bofur was intrigued. 

“Only to me. Only through our minds,” Eruanna said. She looked up and her eyes widened. “Bilbo, your sword,” she pointed at the weapon tied to Bilbo’s waist. The hobbit looked down and slowly lifted the blade from its hilt. 

It was glowing blue. 

“Orcs or goblins could be nearby,” Eruanna hissed upon seeing this.

Suddenly, the ground opened up from below. “WAKE UP," Thorin shouted but the dwarves were too slow and they were all sucked into the goblin tunnels.

They were taken to the Goblin King who sang this awful song as the Company was tossed throughout the tunnels. Eruanna believed sounded worse than Elladan when he sang off-key on purpose to annoy her.

"We are on the way!" Ceveniel said.

The goblins seized the dwarves’ weapons but Eruanna fought them back. One goblin took the Orcist, a sword, from Thorin. “I know that blade! It is the goblin cleaver! Kill them! Kill them all!" the goblin king shouted. Eruanna let out a shout and released her powers. The goblins screamed in fright as she blasted them. “A witch! An elvish witch!" the Goblin King shouted. Suddenly another blast came through. 

“Take up arms. FIGHT!" Gandalf shouted. The Company fought with everything they had. Eruanna couldn’t see Bilbo anywhere but it was too late to search. They followed Gandalf out, continuing to fight their way through. Eruanna shot arrows and swung her daggers. Her dragons burst into the lair and attacked the goblins and Naurion even ripped the eyes out of one. Sûlion ruthlessly ate the goblins whilst Faroniel burned them alive. It was chaos. Suddenly the Goblin King came up in front of them. 

“You thought you could escape me," he snapped, swinging his mace at Gandalf. “What will you do now wizard?" he taunted. Yet, the wizard was not daunted and Gandalf swung his stick and sword. He slit the Goblin King’s throat, killing him. 

They fell out of the Goblin tunnels. Naurion managed to catch Eruanna and flew her to the bottom. The Company looked up to see the goblin army come at them but Ceveniel, Helegiel, Faroniel, and Sûlion unleashed a huge storm, killing most of them. Those who remained fled. They ran towards daylight and Eruanna’s dragons followed her. “Where is Bilbo? Where is our hobbit?" Gandalf asked. 

They talked amongst themselves. “We will not see our hobbit again, he is long gone," Thorin said, finally.

“Nope, still here," Bilbo said, as he came out from behind a tree. 

“Bilbo, we thought we had given you up," Kili said with a smile. 

“How did you get past the goblins?" Fili asked. 

“Why did you come back?" Thorin asked. 

“Look, I know you doubt me, I know you always have and you’re right, I often think of Bag End. I miss my books, my armchair and my garden. See, that’s where I belong, that’s home. That’s why I came back. You don’t have one, it was taken from you but I will help you take it back if I can," Bilbo said.

He turned to Eruanna and Bofur.

“Thank you, both of you. Your kindness and understanding helped me," Bilbo said. Bofur and Eruanna looked at each other and then back at him. They both smiled. Suddenly, the group heard the howling of wargs and Eruanna's blood ran cold. 

“Riach," she cursed. 

“Out of the frying pan," Thorin murmured. 

“And into the fire. Run. RUN!" Gandalf commanded. He didn’t need to tell them twice. 

As the sun began to set and the darkness closed in, the group ran for their lives. The wargs caught up to them quickly. A warg raced towards Bilbo but he stabbed it in the face. He looked shocked and when the beast went down, he didn’t retrieve his sword. Eruanna snatched it up and gave it to him, breaking him out of his funk. “Let’s go. You’ll be killing more of them much later," she said.

“Thank you," he said, breathlessly. He followed her as they leapt into the trees. Eruanna saw a scarred Pale Orc ride up to them. Her eyes went wide. It was his pack who tortured her maternal grandmother, Celebrian. She was tortured so badly she sailed to Aman before Eruanna was even born. The Dragon Princess grabbed one of her swords in anger. 

“Do you smell it?" Azog asked in his foul language. “The scent of fear? I remember your father reeked of it, Thorin son of Thrain," he looked at Thorin. “That one is mine… kill the others!" Azog commanded. 

Eruanna’s dragons had long taken a smaller form and hidden themselves. Eruanna knew it was better for the enemy not to know about them. The wargs began biting and shaking the trees. As the trees began teetering over, Gandalf tossed burning pines down at the wargs. He gave some to the Company and they began attacking the wargs who fled in fear. 

Thorin and Azog exchanged intense glares. Before everyone knew what was happening, Thorin descended down, sword in one hand and an oak in the other. Thorin was knocked down by Azog’s warg. Azog’s warg knocked him onto a rock. As an orc advanced towards Thorin, Bilbo and Eruanna exchanged glances. Making up their minds, they jumped down and stopped him. 

“Kill them," Azog commanded his pack. But before they could, the dwarves rushed down and attacked alongside them. Adrenaline flowed through everyone’s veins and they fought. Most of the pack was obliterated by the elemental dragons. Just then, they heard screeching. The Great Eagles of Manwë came to aid them. They attacked the orcs and flew with them away from the scene. “Bless Manwë, King of Arda, Lord of the Winds," Eruanna breathed out. 

They landed on a peak and my dragons removed themselves from hiding. Gandalf rushed to Thorin’s side. The Dwarf Leader had passed out. “Thorin? Thorin?" he called. He whispered a chant and revived Thorin. Thorin woke up. “Bilbo? Where is Bilbo?" he demanded. 

“Right here," Bilbo called. Thorin got up and walked towards him. “Why did you do that? I told you that you have no place in this company!" his voice got louder and louder until he was up in front of Bilbo. “I’ve never been more wrong in my life," he said, his voice softer. Eruanna’s eyes widened in surprise. Thorin embraced Bilbo who embraced him back. 

“Thank you," he told Bilbo. “Forgive me for doubting you," they pulled away. “No, no it’s fine, I would have doubted me too," Bilbo said. “You are a part of this company now Master Baggins," Thorin said. Everyone let out cheers.

Thorin then turned to Eruanna. “Eruanna, I’m asking for your forgiveness as well. I shouldn’t have said anything bad about you and your family. I shouldn’t have been rude just because you are an elf," he said. 

“You have my forgiveness. I promise I will help you until we part ways," the Dragon Princess pledged to Thorin. “I swear on my life that no harm will come to you or your blood family shall come from me in return," Thorin said. They clasped forearms.  

“The ravens of Erebor, they are returning to the mountain," one of the dwarves said. 

“We will take it as a sign," Thorin said. 

“Yes, I do believe the worst is behind us," Bilbo said. Eruanna looked at the mountain. 

“The worst is yet to come. We still have the dragon. But as long as we stick together, we’ll be fine," Eruanna concluded. Deep down, however, she knew that she may not be able to hold Thorin’s favor for long. If he discovered more of her heritage… she didn’t know what he’d do.

Chapter Text

"Trust can take years to build but one wrong move can undo everything."

 - Recovered Correspondence from Galadriel to Elrond

Chapter IX

A White Stag

It had been a few days since Thorin had begun to place some trust in Bilbo and Eruanna Úlumiel. On this particular day, he sent them to keep an eye out for orcs. The duo peeked out from behind some rocks, seeing orcs and wargs searching for them. The then beheld a large bear-like creature staring out in the distance before letting loose a booming roar. 

The duo raced down. “How close is the pack?" Dwalin asked. “Close. A couple of leagues but no more," Eruanna responded. “We have another problem," Bilbo added. “The wargs picked up our scent?" Dwalin asked. “No, but they will soon enough," Bilbo said. “We have another problem," he repeated. 

“They saw you," Gandalf asked. “No, they didn’t see us," Bilbo said. “See? What did I tell you, quiet as a mouse, excellent burglar material," the wizard said and the dwarves voiced their agreements.

“Valar, what part of ‘We have another problem’ do you fail to understand!?!" Eruanna shouted and they went silent. “We are trying to tell you there is something else out there." 

“What form did it take? A bear?" Gandalf asked. The group looked at him, shocked. 

“Yes, but much bigger," Bilbo responded. 

“You knew about this beast?" Bofur asked. “I say we double back!”

“And be run down by a pack of orcs?" Thorin snapped.

The dwarves began to panic but Gandalf stopped them. “There is a house," Gandalf said. “Where we might take refuge." 

“Whose house? Are they friend or foe?" Thorin asked. “Neither, he will help us or he will kill us," Gandalf said. 

“Like we have any other choice," Eruanna said as they heard a roar. “Let’s go," she said quickly. The Company ran across a field and finally came to a small hut surrounded by a wall. Eruanna saw a bear charging after them. They burst open the door and locked it in the bear’s face. 

“What the hell was that!?!" Eruanna cried out. 

“That is our host," Gandalf said. The Dragon Princess looked at him as if he was insane. “His name is Beorn. He is a skin-changer. Sometimes he’s a huge black bear and other times he’s a great, strong man. The bear is unpredictable but the man can be reasoned with, however he’s not overly fond of dwarves." 

“You all may rest here tonight peacefully… I hope," he said. They all settled down.

"We'll keep watch from the shadows," Ceveniel said to Eruanna. "We are still wary of the beast."

"Stay safe," Eruanna responded. 

They rested peacefully for the night. When Eruanna woke up, the dwarves were gone. She turned to see Bilbo next to her and lightly smacked him in the arm like she did with Elrohir when he began snoring. They both got up to find the company having breakfast. 

Beorn was a tall man in shaggy clothing. His beard was long and wild, his body well-built and muscular. “So you are the one they call Oakenshield?" he asked Thorin. “Tell me, why is Azog the Defiler hunting you?" he asked. “You know of Azog?" questioned Thorin. “How?" Thorin asked.

“My people were the first to live in the mountains before the orcs came down from the North. The Defiler killed most of my family but some he enslaved, not for work, you understand, but for sport. Caging skinchangers and torturing them seemed to amuse him," Beorn spoke with a heavy voice and Eruanna looked at him somberly. Her five dragons were huddled together, listening. 

“There are others like you?" Bilbo asked. 

“Once there were many. Now there is only one," Beorn answered. He sat down. “You need to reach the mountain before the last days of autumn?." 

“Before Durin’s day falls, yes," Gandalf replied. 

“Then you are running out of time." 

“Which is why we must go through Mirkwood," Gandalf said. Eruanna almost choked on her food and glared at the wizard. She didn’t tell the dwarves of her paternal line even though most of them practically begged her to do so. 

“A darkness lies upon that forest," Beorn informed them. “Fell things creep beneath those trees. There is an alliance between the Orcs of Moria and the Necromancer in Dol Guldur," Beorn said. “Dol Guldur used to belong to my kin. It is in the southern part of Mirkwood but was long since abandoned," Eruanna informed the dwarves. 

‘We will take the Elven Road," Gandalf said. “It is safe." The Princess’s ears perked when she heard the word “elven." “Safe?" Beorn asked. “The wood elves of Mirkwood are not like their kin. They are less wise and more dangerous but it matters not." 

“What do you mean?" Thorin asked. 

“These lands are crawling with orcs, their numbers are growing and you are on foot. You will never reach the forest alive," Beorn warned us. “Unless," he looked at Eruanna. She stared back at him. 

“Unless what?" Thorin asked. Eruanna averted her eyes to look at her shaking hands. 

"Curse this wizard. He's asking to get you killed," hissed Naurion. 

“The elf you have with you. I know who she is. I am not entirely sure you do," Beorn said. Eruanna looked at the skinchanger. 

“She is the granddaughter of Lord Elrond of Imladris," Thorin answered. “And the-”

“Mistress of Dragons as well as the Princess of Mirkwood," Beorn finished. “She is Eruanna Úlumiel. They call her the Dragon Princess or the Dragoness."

The dwarves looked up at her, shocked. Eruanna stood up and sighed. “You would have found out anyways," she said, throwing up her hands in mock surrender. Thorin looked at her and she glanced uneasily at the company.

“My mother is the eldest child and heir of Lord Elrond, that I have told you. But my father is the only child and heir of Thranduil, the Elvenking of Mirkwood. My paternal grandfather." The company looked at Eruanna in shock. “Why didn’t you tell us?" Dwalin asked. “We trusted you," his tone pierced Eruanna’s soul. 

“I feared your wrath," Eruanna admitted. “But I swear," she looked at Thorin. “I am not my paternal grandfather." “Hmm," Thorin grunted and her heart sank. He merely turned away from her as if all her previous deeds meant nothing, solely due to the blood in her veins. 

“She can secure us a path through Mirkwood," Gandalf said, ignoring the new tensions brewing between Eruanna and Thorin. 

“I hardly know the elven path. I haven’t visited my paternal grandfather in a long time. And he is not like Elrond. He is more stubborn, more easy to anger. He is far more disdainful of dwarves. He may have paid homage to King Thror and respected him but we both know how that alliance ended," Eruanna warned them. 

Beorn got to his feet and slowly circled the Company. The air grew tense as he spoke. “I don’t like dwarves, they are greedy and blind, blind to the lives of those they deem lesser than their own," he paused. “But orcs I hate more. What do you need?”

He gave the Company his ponies and advised them to travel while they still had light. The Company thanked him and rode to Mirkwood. At the borders, Gandalf commanded, “Release the horses, let them return to their master. Not my horse, I need it." 

“You’re not leaving us," Bilbo said. “I wouldn’t if it was urgent Master Baggins," Gandalf said.  “Stay on the road. If you lose it you will never find it again," Gandalf warned them. “I will meet with everyone on the peak of Dale. Do not enter that mountain without me," he said before galloping away. 

The Company walked along the path but they suddenly stopped. “Nori? Why did we stop?" Thorin asked one of the dwarves. “The path… it's gone," Nori said. “Find the path!" Thorin commanded. Eruanna gently grabbed Thorin’s shoulder. “I will scout out a path. I will come back if I am not successful.” He nodded and allowed her to run off. 

Eruanna ran off into the woods and slowed to walk, slowly and silently scouting the area like she had done on patrols. She’d been young, just barely past her majority when she was allowed out on patrols, but she’d only been there for a few years before she was called back to Imladris. 

“Why do we have to leave for Imladris? Nana says she and I are moving there," Eruanna looked up at her father. The confused child had been left alone with Legolas whilst her mother, Hiriel, went to pack their things. 

“It is not safe for you here, my love," Legolas responded. “But do not worry. One day we’ll find each other under the same canopy again when the darkness subsides and the leaves grow green again.”

Eruanna smiled and Legolas stared into her deep blue eyes. “You have your grandmother’s eyes," he said with a sad smile. 

“Daernaneth Celebrian?" asked Eruanna. 

“Nay. Daernaneth Itarille. My mother," Legolas responded. Few ever spoke of the Queen of Mirkwood, who died long before her granddaughter was born. “She would have adored you. They say her spirit watches over this forest.”

Eruanna had seen Itarille’s statue at the entrance of the realm. She’d long felt a connection to it, as if her grandmother was still with her despite having passed on. 

Legolas crouched down and held his daughter’s hands. “I still believe she will always be watching over you. But, know this, if you ever get lost in the forest, look to the sky. ”

Eruanna snapped out of her trance when a majestic white stag came forth, its hooves crunching the grass. Eruanna’s eyes widened. The stag symbolized purity or a gate to the beyond, as some said. “Hello," Eruanna reached out to it. “Did my daernaneth send you?”

The stag did not flinch away from the Princess. It instead motioned its head upwards, nodding to the sky. If you ever get lost in the forest, look to the sky.

Eruanna looked up. “Of course," she murmured. 

She climbed to the top of the trees as the stag nodded to her before running away. Eruanna burst out from the red leaves and her dragons screeched in happiness. They had been following her faithfully, as always. She smiled up at them until she heard a familiar voice. 

“Eruanna!" Bilbo happily waved to her. He was only a few feet away and it did not take her long to reach him. Bilbo took a look at her dragons and chuckled. “I think I’m getting used to these guys!" overtime, the hobbit had become less fearful of the dragons. 

Eruanna joined him with a smile. He was the only thing that made the journey with the dwarves bearable. “It seems we have found the way," she said with a smile. 

“Yes!" Bilbo pointed, excited to have some direction. “Do you see the lake? And the river? And… the Lonely Mountain!" he cried joyfully. “We’re almost there!”

“Can you hear me? I know which way to go!" Bilbo called down to the dwarves. A chilling silence returned and Eruanna felt uneasy. “Bilbo… where are the dwarves?" she asked. 

The hobbit grew frustrated. “They were just here!" just then they heard twigs snapping in the distance. The trees rustled and Eruanna grimaced. “Oh Valar," she murmured. She looked at her dragons. Faroniel looked intrigued, she was always itching for a good hunt. Naurion and Sûlion as always looked like they wanted to pick a fight with whatever lurked in the woods. Ceveniel and Helegiel aired on the side of caution. 

Eruanna looked at her dragons. “Stay in the sky and keep watch," she ordered them. “Come Bilbo," the duo crept down the tree only to face a mass of cobwebs. “I feared this," Eruanna murmured.

“Feared what?" Bilbo asked. Fate answered his question when a giant spider crawled out and made itself known with a growl. Bilbo screamed and fell into a cobweb. Eruanna grabbed her dagger and stabbed the spider in the eye, causing it to stumble away from her. 

Eruanna leapt down and freed Bilbo. Looking around, they saw several sack-like objects. “The dwarves. The spiders got to them," Eruanna murmured. This was soon proved when the spiders surrounded them and began to try to eat them. The dwarves struggled against the webs. 

“Free the dwarves. I’ll distract the spiders," Eruanna said. Bilbo nodded and left, drawing his sword which he’d found in the troll cave. Eruanna put her daggers away and readied her bow. She shot down the spiders who all screeched in pain. The spiders soon surrounded her, now angered. 

Just then, arrows struck the spiders and one by one, they fell. Eruanna heard a very familiar grunt. Her father, Legolas, Crown Prince of Mirkwood, swung down and killed the spider in swift movements.

Legolas looked at Eruanna and his grey-blue eyes widened in shock. “What are you doing here?" he asked. “You weren’t due to vist.”

Eruanna licked her lips. “I was not. I-I can explain," by now the rest of Legolas’s patrol group had shown up and they bowed to the Princess. 

“We’re clear!" Thorin shouted. “Where is the elf? Where is Eruanna?”

The patrol group looked at the Princess of Mirkwood. “Follow the voice," Legolas commanded. The elves swooped down, descending on the dwarf group and attacking any spiders that remained. It was there where Legolas saw Thorin. 

“Do not think I won’t kill you, dwarf," Legolas spat. “It would be my pleasure." The Company glared at him but just then, they heard a shout. 

“Kili!" Fili cried out as Kili emerged, being attacked by a spider. A silvan elf by the name of Tauriel, swooped down and killed the spiders whilst injuring one of them who tried to attack her from behind. “Throw me a dagger!" Kili shouted. “Quick!”

“If you think I’m giving you a weapon, dwarf, you are mistaken!" Tauriel called back, throwing a dagger at the spider, killing it. Eruanna glared in her direction. The Princess thought Tauriel was rash and disobedient. Tauriel did not respect the Dragon Princess and deemed her to be nothing more than a spoilt child. 

“Search them," Legolas commanded. “No adar!" Eruanna called, getting in between Thorin and Legolas. The elves looked at her, stunned. “Iell nin," Legolas looked at her in shock. “What are you doing?”

“Ada, the dwarves are just trying to pass through," Eruanna informed him. “They mean us no harm.”

“Why defend them?" Legolas asked, now even more confused. “Mithrandir convinced me to help them on their quest," Eruanna answered. 

Legolas sighed and looked down before facing her. “I cannot go against protocol, nor can I disobey the orders of your grandsire, the King," he said. He motioned to the elves who began stripping the dwarves of their weapons. 

“ Of course ," Eruanna thought. The birds, beasts and trees all communicated with their King. Mirkwood elves had a special connection with the forest and no one entered or left the forest without the King knowing it. 

“Gyrth in yngyl bain? (Are the spiders dead?)," he asked Tauriel. “Ennorner gwanod in yngyl na nyryn (Yes but more will come)," she replied. He looked at her and she whispered. “Engain nar (They are growing bolder)." 

“What are you doing here?" Tauriel asked Eruanna. “That is not your concern," Eruanna shot back. 

“You aren’t supposed to be here. Why aren’t you in Imladris?" Tauriel pressed further, demanding she answer. But the Dragoness would not have it. Eruanna glared at Tauriel. “I don’t need to answer to you, Tauriel. I don’t care what position you have.”

“I happen to be Captain of the Guard," Tauriel shot back. 

“And I am a Princess. Don’t forget yourself," Eruanna hissed before storming off. 

An elf came forth and handed Eruanna’s father Thorin's blade. “Echannen i vegil hen vin Gondolin. Magannen nan Gelydh (This is an ancient Elvish blade. Forged by my kin)," my father said, looking at the sword in awe. 

“Where did you get this?" the Prince asked Thorin. “It was given to me," he replied. Legolas then pointed the sword at the dwarf’s neck. Eruanna tried to say something but no words came out. “You’re not just a thief but a liar as well. Enwenno hain (Take them)!" he shouted. 

“Thorin, where’s Bilbo?" Eruanna heard Bofur whisper. She looked around but didn’t see the halfling. When the dwarves entered the Woodland Realm, the elves followed behind. “Holo in ennyn (Close the gate)!" Eruanna’s father called. They stood at the doors but then her father looked behind. “Did you hear something?" he asked her. “No, come on, let’s get inside," she said, taking his arm and pulling him in as her dragons followed.

Chapter Text

"King Thranduil went to Erebor to collect the now complete necklace and give his payment. Yet, he did not receive the necklace, as King Thror’s arrogance had grown so large, he dared to disrespect the dead Elvenqueen. His sins were paid in due when the Kingdom of Erebor was sacked many years later by the fire drake, Smaug the Terrible, ending his reign and turning his descendants into homeless wanderers."

 -  Chronicles of the Third Age: Unfinished Edition, Author Unknown

Chapter X

Mirkwood

The dwarves were led to where Eruanna’s paternal grandfather, King Thranduil, sat on his throne. Dwalin took the chance to speak up. “So much for the benevolence of Thranduil, Lord of the Elves. Is this how you treat travelers to your lands?" Dwalin asked, holding up his bound hands. Thranduil looked at the group. “Only the ones that annoy me," he responded in his deep voice. 

“Is it a crime now? To be lost in the forest? To be hungry and thirsty?" Balin asked, his voice rising in anger. “It is a crime to wander in my realm without leave, if you forget, you are using the road my people made," Thranduil answered. 

He then noticed Eruanna and looked at Thorin. “I know not what you are doing with my granddaughter, a maiden you have no right to even glance upon, mortal . But rest assured, if I found out you have harmed her, you shall be punished.”

“Throw them in the dungeons, but leave Thorin Oakenshield with me," he ordered. 

“Daeradar," Eruanna spoke up. She was the only one who could defy the King and get away with it. “The dwarves are merely passing through these lands. They are on a mission that does not concern us.” “But it concerns you if you are standing up for them," her grandfather replied back. “I will deal with you later, child.”

“Daeradar-," Eruanna began.

“I will deal with you later!" Thranduil repeated. She bowed her head and the dwarves were led away. 

Eruanna and Legolas retreated to her chambers. “Alright now, out with it," her father said. Eruanna looked at him and raised an eyebrow. “What are you doing with dwarves?" Legolas asked. 

“I’m doing this for Mithrandir. He requested my help in this quest," Eruanna informed him. “Mithrandir? What does he want?" Legolas asked Eruanna. She hesitated. 

"There is no point in hiding this from your father. He will find out eventually," Sûlion said. 

"I highly doubt he'll not try to interfere," Naurion added. 

“He wants the dwarves to reclaim Erebor and kill the dragon in the mountain so that we might get dominion over the skies again," Eruanna informed her father. “I wasn’t too keen on it at first but the wizard is great at convincing.”

“Your grandfather doesn’t seem too pleased with you. You know how his friendship with Thror ended," Eruanna’s father said, giving her a pointed look.

“What will he do? Punish me? I am his heir," Eruanna pointed out. 

“You are his heir and you use that to test him, to play with him and you do it far too much," Legolas countered. Eruanna chuckled. 

“I would never dream of playing with him, the great Elvenking of Mirkwood!" Eruanna said with exasperation. Her father smiled and looked down. 

“You worry too much. I have seen his wrath, he would never bring that down upon me," Eruanna said. “He is not the same as Daeradar Elrond," her father pointed out. “But he is still my grandfather. Surely, knowing that, his scolding will not be too harsh. Besides, toying with him makes him more interesting."

“Interesting?" her father asked. 

“Well, yes. Even Glorfindel is older than daeradar and I can assure you that the balrog slayer is more entertaining," Eruanna chuckled. “I saw something in the woods," she changed the subject abruptly and Legolas perked up with interest. “A white stag. It may be wishful thinking but I think it may have been a sign from Daernana Itarille to help me when I was lost.”

Legolas smiled. “With the few memories I have of her, I would not put such a thing past her.”

Just then, another silvan elf named Feren came in. “Hir nin Legolas, hiril nin Eruanna," he bowed to them. “Captain Feren," Eruanna acknowledged him. “Your daeradar requests an audience with you, Princess. I do not believe he is too pleased," Feren responded. 

“When is he ever pleased?" Eruanna questioned. She stood up and walked towards the door. “I shall pray to the Valar for your soul," her father called. “I’ll be fine!" Eruanna responded. “But thanks!”

The Dragon Princess walked down to see Tauriel leaving Thranduil’s side. She stopped and they tensely locked eyes. “Princess," Tauriel said, not curtsying. “Where’s your Golden Knight?”

Eruanna knew she meant Glorfindel. “He’s not here," she responded. 

“Having problems with him?" Tauriel asked.

Eruanna smirked. “You wish.”

“The King is displeased with you, Princess," Tauriel stated matter-of-factly. “Leading a group of dwarves into his Kingdom is not very wise, especially when he is known to not have a fondness for dwarves. But you don’t care for others either. Seems a bit odd that you were with a group of dwarves, defending them.”

“Stay out of my business, Tauriel," Eruanna snapped, her blue eyes turning fiery. “I have my reasons for doing what I am doing. Do not meddle in the affairs of others. Especially not mine.”

“I wonder how you’ll talk your way out of this one," Tauriel said. 

“I will," Eruanna said, her voice low. “Now get out of my sight or you won’t be Captain much longer.”

Tauriel held her head high and left. “ I’ll teach her ," Eruanna thought to herself. 

“G siel," Thranduil’s voice called in his regal tone. He was dressed in his fancy grey robes and holding a glass of wine. His head was void of its marvelous crown of twigs and berries. 

“What a lovely mood you’re in, daeradar," Eruanna said in a teasing tone. “Missed me much?”

“You enjoy teasing me far too much," he smirked at her. Despite his coldness, Thranduil never hid his love for his only grandchild who reminded him so much of his late wife.  

“Well, I missed you too," Eruanna placed a kiss on his cheek.  “What are you doing with those dwarves?" her paternal grandfather asked. 

“I agreed to join the Quest for Erebor because of Mithrandir. If you are so pissed, why don’t you take it up with the Grey Wizard?" Eruanna asked. 

“I’ll kill them if I find out they’ve touched you. By what right dare they lay their filthy hands on you? Why do you need to help Mithrandir? You would not even help a human kingdom," Thranduil pointed out. 

“Neither would you," Eruanna grinned once again, enjoying this far too much. “But to answer your question, he is a trusted ally of mother’s house, so why not? Besides, should we not be a bit more respectful to an emissary of the Valar themselves?”

“This quest is folly," Thranduil said. “Even with you, the dwarves will not succeed.”

“Do you think I haven’t considered that possibility? I know what I’ve gotten myself into," Eruanna responded. “The dragon of Morgoth must be destroyed to ensure that no fell creature of Morgoth rules the skies.”

“They are dwarves," Thranduil responded. “All they care about is gold. They will use you for as long as they can, and then they will betray your trust and hurt you.”

“I’ll burn that bridge when I get to it," Eruanna responded. “And before you criticize my decision regarding this quest, perhaps you should look into the decision you made regarding your Captain of the Guard. I highly doubt that fool you instated could protect a horse.”

"What will killing the dragon do for us?" Thranduil asked, ignoring her last comment. Eruanna tilted her chin up. 

"When we kill the dragon, the dwarves will have Erebor back. From what I gathered, Mithrandir wants the East to be strengthened against the darkness. He foresees its return as does great-grandmother," Eruanna responded. Thranduil considered this for a moment, his mind wandering between his dismissal of Gandalf and the foresight of Lady Galadriel (who was wife to his kinsman, Celeborn). 

"If the dwarves-" He began. 

"Nothing," she whispered. "They will do nothing to me. I am more capable of protecting myself than you think."

A small smile tugged at his lips. "Of course you are."

Chapter Text

"None knew how the dwarves escaped Thranduil's elves that night. It wasn't until later that the Dragoness gave her account. The dwarves were freed, not by her rival, but by a certain ringbearer whose name she said with such sorrow: Bilbo Baggins."

 -  Chronicles of the Third Age: Unfinished Edition, Author Unknown

Chapter XI

A Daring Escape

That day, the feast of Mereth En Gilith was being held. The only thing woodland elves held more scared than Yavanna’s trees were the stars of Varda. They rejoiced in starlight. Eruanna was too exhausted to attend the festivities and spent hours thinking about what to do with the dwarves. She didn’t wish to anger her grandfather but nor did she wish to give the dwarves any reason to mistrust her. 

Eruanna laid on her bed, not knowing what to do. Fed up, she decided to take a walk throughout the Kingdom. She hadn’t bothered to take off her dragon riding outfit or her weapons. Just then, she heard footsteps in the dungeon and peeked inside to see Tauriel standing before Kili’s cell. “Not dressed for Mereth En Gilith?" Eruanna muttered to herself. 

“The stone in your hand, what is it?" Tauriel asked Kili. “It is a talisman. A powerful spell lies upon it. If any but a dwarf reads the runes on this stone, they will be forever cursed," he held up the stone to her and she stepped back slightly. She began to walk away but Kili spoke up again. 

“Or not," he said, laughing slightly. She looked back at him. “Depending on whether you believe that kind of thing. It’s just a token," he laughed. She smiled at him. 

“A runestone," the dwarf said. “My mother gave it to me so I’d remember my promise." Eruanna smiled softly, fingering the talisman in her hand. Tauriel seemed curious. “What promise?" she asked. “That I will come back to her. She worries," he said, throwing the stone in the air and catching it. He looked at Tauriel. “She thinks I’m reckless," he looked back at Tauriel. Eruanna smiled. She thought the same about her uncles. 

“Are you?" Tauriel asked, smiling. “Nah," he said. The stone ended up rolling out of the cell and Tauriel caught it with her foot. She picked it up and tried to read the runes. 

Elves were laughing in the distance. “Sounds like quite the party you’re having up there," Kili  remarked. “It is Mereth En Gilith, the Feast of Starlight. All light is sacred to the Eldar but wood elves love best the light of the stars," Tauriel said. “I always thought it was a cold light, remote and far away," the dwarf said. “It is memory, precious and pure," Tauriel said. “Like your promise," she handed back his stone. 

Eruanna quickly walked away, stunned. “Valar spare me," she muttered. 

Tauriel saw Eruanna putting on her armor. Word had gotten around that she was permitted by her grandfather to join after hours of talking him into it and assuring him that she would be well protected. Glorfindel was joining them to protect his Princess as Lord Elrond, Eruanna’s maternal grandfather, had urged him to do. She was the youngest patrol member in the group. 

Tauriel passed by her. “Careful, Princess. Patrol is no place for a young elleth who just passed her majority.”

Eruanna looked up at her and her deep blue eyes held a small fire in them. “I’m sorry?”

“It will be dangerous," Tauriel said. 

“I know what I’m getting myself into, Tauriel," Eruanna said, slightly annoyed. “My grandfather and father have warned me countless times. Besides, Glorfindel has been training me since I could hold a bow. I’ll be fine. But I thank you for your concern.”

Eruanna knew how Tauriel saw her and feared that others would see her the same way. She’d been eager to prove herself, not just on her grandfather’s council but in patrols as well. 

“Well, I suppose I shouldn’t be too worried, considering that you have your bodyguard with you," Tauriel said, teasing the younger elf slightly. 

Normally Eruanna wouldn’t mind but something about Tauriel irked her. “I’m not some petty Princess, Tauriel. And I’ll prove everyone wrong if that’s the last thing I’ll ever do.”

She walked around for another hour when Feren called to her. “What is it, Feren?" she asked him. 

“Forgive me for disturbing you but there is something you must see," he responded, leading her to the dungeons and Eruanna gasped. 

The cells were empty. 

“What in the name of Eru?" Eruanna shouted. “Where is the keeper of the keys? Where is that moronic fool?”

Tauriel came down looking stunned. “Did you happen to have anything to do with this? I saw you talking to one of the dwarves," Eruanna accused her. 

“Why would I? And are you not helping them? How do we know you didn’t have anything to do about it, Princess?" Tauriel retorted. Eruanna growled and slapped her across the face, stunning the other elves. 

“You miserable excuse for a Captain," Eruanna snarled. “Where is the cursed keeper?”

Eruanna was quite frightening when enraged. She had inherited Thranduil’s temper and it was without a doubt that she was his granddaughter.

“Hiril nin! The keeper is in the wine cellar!" a guard responded.

“Tolo hi!" Eruanna shouted as we raced down to the cellar. Sure enough, the dwarves had escaped and the keeper of the keys was drunk and passed out with a few other elves. Eruanna grabbed him and flung him onto the ground, kicking him hard in his side and making him groan in pain. 

“Echuio a úhaelath! Lyst is siam! (Wake up you fools! The cells are empty!)," she snarled. Secretly, she was glad they escaped but had they been orcs the situation would have been different and more dire. The elves had to be responsible and at the ready at all times. “Bado mîbo orch! (Go kiss an orc!" she cursed the drunken elves. 

Eruanna went outside to see the dwarves making their way in barrels. The elves rushed outside only to seee that orcs had broken into Mirkwood, hunting the dwarves down. “Holo i annyn! (Shut the gate!)," Legolas said to Feren, having come onto the scene. Tauriel rushed past them and began attacking the orcs. “Kill her! Kill the She-Elf!" said the orc leader as he led a group of orcs through the Woodland Realm. Eruanna then saw Kili who had been shot by one of the orcs. “Kili!" came Fili’s cry of fear. 

Tauriel got distracted and an orc tried to attack her but Eruanna stabbed it in the head. “Keep your focus," she snapped. 

Eruanna’s dragons burst onto the scene. “Kill the dragons!" The orcs cried out as they were butchered by Ceveniel, Helegiel, Naurion, Faroniel and Sûlion.

Eventually, the orcs were dealt with. Eruanna watched with her father as the dwarves floated away on a barrel. She’d even seen Bilbo with them. Had he somehow snuck in and freed them? 

Just then, they turned around to hear grunts and saw Tauriel had an orc in her hands with a knife pressed to its neck. 

“Tauriel! Dartho! Ú-no hono. Ho hebo cuin (Tauriel! Wait! This one we keep alive)," Legolas said. Eruanna continued to watch the dwarves float away and many of them looked at her. She looked at them somberly and shrugged. 

Tauriel, Legolas and Eruanna took the captured orc to Thranduil’s throne room. Tauriel and Eruanna stood next to each other. Legolas stood with his knife pressed to the orcs neck. Naurion and Helegiel were on the stairs of the throne. Cevniel was perched on Eruanna’s shoulder. 

“Such is the nature of evil. Out there in the vast ignorance of the world it festers and spreads. A shadow that grows in the dark. The sleepless malice as black as the oncoming wall of night. So it ever was; so it will always be. In time, all foul things come forth," Thranduil said walking behind the orc and his son, crossing his arms over his chest. 

“You were tracking a company of thirteen dwarves. Why?" Eruanna’s father, Legolas, asked. 

The orc struggled. “Not thirteen… not anymore. The young one, the black haired archer, stuck him with Morgul shaft, poison is in his blood, he’ll be choking on it soon," Eruanna looked at Tauriel and she looked worried. The Dragon Princess looked back at the orc.

“Answer the question filth," Eruanna snapped. 

“I do not answer to dogs She-Elf!" the orc snapped. Naurion and Sûlion roared in absolute fury, joined in by Helegiel, Faroniel and Ceveniel. 

“Shut them up!" the orc snarled. Eruanna whipped out her knife and her father spoke. “I would not antagonize her," he said. “My dragons are quite protective, and you’ve insulted their mistress," Eruanna said to the orc.

“You like killing things orc?" Tauriel asked, taking out her dagger. Eruanna glared at her. “You like death? Then let me give it to you!" she said, rushing forward. “Farn! (Enough!)," Thranduil shouted and Tauriel stopped. “Tauriel, ego! Gwao hi! (Tauriel, leave! Go now!)," Thranduil commanded. She stood up and the orc growled at her. She left the room. 

“I do not care about one dead dwarf, answer the question. You have nothing to fear, tell us what you know and I will set you free," Thranduil said. “You had orders to kill them, why? What is Thorin Oakenshield to you?" my father asked. “The dwarf runt will never be King," the orc snapped. “King? There is no King Under the Mountain nor will there ever be. None would dare enter Erebor whilst the dragon lives…," Eruanna’s father responded. 

“Dragon," Eruanna murmured quietly to herself. 

“You know nothing, your world will burn…," the orc threatened. “What are you talking about? Speak!" Legolas demanded. “Our time has come again. My master serves The One . Do you understand now elfling? Death is upon you… the flames of war are upon you," the orc laughed until Eruanna’s paternal grandfather drew his sword and cut off his head. 

“Why did you do that?" Legolas asked, dropping the severed head. “You promised to set him free." “And I did, I freed his wretched head from his miserable shoulders," Thranduil said, pressing his foot down on the orc’s shaking corpse. 

“There was more the orc could tell us," Legolas said. 

“There was no more he could tell me," Thranduil said. 

“My dragons can have him for a late night snack if they wish," Eruanna looked at her dragons. Naurion shook his head and Helegiel looked disgusted. Ceveniel also let out a sound of disapproval. “Or not," she said. 

"I'm insulted you would offer the orc up to us for snacking," Faroniel said. 

"I was trying to make a joke, thank you very much," Eruanna responded. 

The Princess looked at her grandfather as her father asked “What did he mean by ‘the flames of war’?”

“He means they intend to unleash a weapon so great it will destroy all before it," King Thrandil said.

“Or that an old enemy has returned. We must be vigilant," Eruanna put in. 

“I want the watch doubled at our borders, all roads, all rivers. Nothing moves but I hear of it. No one enters this Kingdom and no one leaves it," her grandfather commanded. 

He looked at her. “Will you follow the dwarves?”

“I must," Eruanna said as Legolas left to carry out the orders. When he left Thranduil strode to her. She embraced him. Eruanna felt his face soften as he embraced her back. The King had only one soft spot and it was for his family, especially his granddaughter. She pulled away. “I have to go," Eruanna said. 

“You need not continue helping them," her grandfather said. 

“I gave them my word. I don’t break promises. Not unless they fail to fulfill their end of the bargain. In that case, daeradar, I promise you, they shall be reminded that whilst they rule the mines, I rule the skies.”

Chapter Text

"No weapon made by elf, man, dwarf, or the fell creatures of Morgoth can kill these dragons. The Valar made one thing clear: only a dragon can kill an elemental dragon."

 - Unknown Historian

Chapter XII

Laketown

Eruanna was about to leave when a guard raced up to her and her grandfather. “Hir nin! Hiril nin! Tauriel left!" he informed her. 

“WHAT!?!" Eruanna shouted. 

“The Prince followed her too," the guard continued. 

“You mean to tell me that my father has gone off with her? And to do what exactly?" Eruanna demanded. 

“Something about hunting orcs and helping the dwarves. Tauriel said that you have failed to fulfill your promise about aiding the dwarves. She called you selfish," the guard said. Eruanna saw red. Tauriel had never been entirely loyal to them anyways. Even when they were younger, Tauriel seemed to have a habit of defying commanders and irritating elders on the council.  

“Why would he go with her?" Eruanna asked, sounding hurt. 

“We are both fond of her. He looks to her as a daughter or niece," Thranduil put in. 

“I have to go," Eruanna said, shaking her head. She ran off with her dragons following her. They flew through the sky, staying as discreet as possible. She watched the dwarves get onto a boat with a man and Ceveniel swooped down. The dwarves cheered as Eruanna jumped off of the dragon and landed on the deck of the ship. Ceveniel and her siblings took a smaller form. 

“Eruanna!" Gloin called. “You came back!”

“Aye, I thought we lost our dragon rider!" Oin put in. 

The man rowing the boat looked on in awe and Eruanna faced him. She smiled at him, a tall mortal with shoulder length black hair and a brown coat. “The Dragoness," he breathed. “I’ve heard much about you but I thought it to be only rumors."

“My name is Eruanna Úlumiel," Eruanna introduced herself. “And as you can see, I’m perfectly real. You must be from Laketown?” 

“Aye. The name’s Bard," he said. Bard looked at the dragons. “They won’t hurt me, will they?”

“No. Don’t hurt us and they won’t hurt you," Eruanna said with a smirk. 

"I wouldn't waste my time. There are more appeasing things to eat," Naurion said. 

She went over to the dwarves and heard Dwalin grumbling about not liking Bard. “We simply have to pay him. Come on lads, turn out your pockets," Balin said. Eruanna watched them, cocking her head. The dwarves all contributed some coins. “How do we know he won’t betray us?" Dwalin asked. 

“We don’t," Thorin hissed. 

“I wouldn’t betray you. Not whilst King Thranduil’s only grandchild and heir is on my boat," Bard called out. The Laketown men traded with the Mirkwood elves and feared the wrath of King Thranduil more than anything. 

“There’s a wee problem. We’re ten coins short," Balin announced. The dwarves were quick to look at the one member who didn’t contribute any money. 

“Gloin. Come on, give us what you have," Thorin said. 

“Don’t look at me! I’ve been bled dry by this venture. And what have I seen for my investment? Eh? Nothing but misery and grief," the dwarf stubbornly proclaimed. 

The dwarves all glanced Northwest and Eruanna followed their gaze. There, just behind the mist was a tall peak of a mighty mountain looking down on them. The first light of dawn hit the mountain. The dwarves stared at their ancient home with awe and wonder. 

Gloin choked up and took out a coin filled pouch, giving it to Thorin. “Bless my beard! Take it. Take all of it!." 

Bard came to the group. “Give me the money now," he demanded. 

“We’ll pay you when we get our provisions and not before," Thorin snapped. 

“If you value your freedom, you’ll do as I say. There are guards ahead," Bard shot back. 

Out of the mist, a town loomed into existence. The buildings were large, brown and crooked with the golden glow of torchlights. As they moved closer, Bard hissed. “Hide in the barrels! Now!”

The dwarves all went in without hesitation. Eruanna was about to go in but Bard grabbed her hand. “Not you," he said. The group came to the dock and Bard went to converse with some people for a bit. Before Eruanna knew it, the barrels were being filled with fish while the dwarves were still in them. She sighed with relief that she didn’t have to be in the cramped barrels. 

They entered Laketown after a bit more sailing. It looked like a dreary place that was cluttered with houses. People were chattering. “Halt! Goods inspection!" a man called out. “Good morning Percy," Bard told the man politely. Bard gave the man his papers and the man stamped them. However, before Percy could hand them over another man grabbed it. “Not so fast!" the man said. 

The man looked at Eruanna and then at Bard. “You brought a pretty she-elf, and barrels that are… not so empty." The man got in Eruanna’s face. “What’s your name darling?" he asked.

“Won’t tell you," she told him. He growled at her and grabbed a fish. “Come now Alfrid, have a heart, people need to eat," Bard said. “Always Bard, speaking for the people," Alfrid snapped. “The fish are illegal," Alfrid said. “Empty them," he commanded the guards. 

Eruanna whipped out her dagger and held it at his throat. Her dragons had hidden themselves under her cloak. “Don’t bother." 

“Folk in this town are struggling. Times are hard, food is scarce," Bard began. 

“That’s not my problem," Alfrid snapped. 

“It will be when people start rioting," Eruanna shot back. 

Alfrid glared at her and raised his hand, commanding his men to stop. “Ever the people’s champion, eh, Bard? “Protector of the common folk." You may have their favor now, Bargeman, but it won’t last. The Master has his eye on you. You would do well to remember - we know where you live." 

“It’s a small town Alfrid. Everyone knows where everyone lives," Bard said. 

Alfrid leans into Eruanna. “I wonder what it would be like to strip you and toss you into my bed," he said with a sadistic grin. Her dragons hissed softly from under her cloak and she glared at him. “I wouldn’t wonder about that," she hissed, pressing her dagger to his heart.  

"Give the order and I'll burn him," Sûlion growled. 

"No. We'll attract too much attention," Eruanna responded. 

They left for Bard’s house and on their way there, a teenage boy ran up to them. “Da! Our house is being watched!" he said. “He’s your son?" Eruanna asked. “Aye, my son, Bain," Bard said. 

“All of you, into the lake and Eruanna with me," Bard said. Eruanna nodded to him and followed. People gave her strange looks while others looked at her with polite smiles and nodded their heads. “I have never seen an elf before," Bain said. “My sisters will be excited. I have two of them." “Thank you," Eruanna said to him as they entered Bard’s house. 

“Da! Where have you been?" a small girl came up to her father. 

“Father! There you are! I was worried," an older girl came up to them. Bard embraced the two of them and they helped him settle in.                   

“Get them in," Bard said to Bain, who left immediately. 

The two girls looked at Eruanna. “You’re so beautiful," the younger one said. “Thank you," the Dragoness responded. 

“These are my girls. My eldest one is Sigrid and the youngest is Tilda," Bard introduced them to her. “Girls, this is Princess Eruanna of Mirkwood." 

“There is no need for titles," Eruanna said calmly. 

Just then, Sigrid said something that shocked her. “Da - why are there dwarves climbing out of our toilet?”

One by one, the dwarves streamed in, soaking wet. “Will they bring us luck?" Tilda naively asked. 

The dwarves were given blankets. Thorin gazed out the window and Eruanna saw the silhouette of a large crossbow. “A Dwarvish Windlance," Thorin murmured. The Princess looked at the weapon.

“You look like you’ve seen a ghost," Bilbo murmured. 

“He has. The last time we saw such a weapon ... a city was on fire," Balin said. “Girion, the Lord of the City, rallied his bowman to fire upon the beast. But a dragon’s hide is tough - tougher than the strongest armor. Only a black arrow fired from a windlance could have pierced the dragon’s hide... and few of those arrows were ever made. Their store was running low when Girion made his last stand. Alas, to no avail."

“He’s lucky Smaug was no elemental dragon like my dragons are. Otherwise, upon making contact with his scales, the arrow would have shattered," Eruanna murmured. 

“You speak as if you were there," Bard said. 

“All Dwarves know the tale," Dwalin said.

“Then you would know that Girion hit the dragon - he loosened a scale under the left wing. One more shot and he would have killed the beast," Bain said. 

Dwalin smirked. “That’s a fairytale lad. Nothing more."

Chapter Text

"Prophecies are fickle things. Not many have come to pass during Middle-Earth's time. The most famous one is that of the Dagor Dagorath, the war that will end the world as we know it. Yet it has not come to pass and hopefully it never will. As far as many are concerned, the world needs no remaking."

 - Unknown Historian

Chapter XIII

The Prophecy

It wasn’t long before the dwarves asked for weapons and Bard went to get them. The dwarves discussed among themselves whilst Eruanna sat down. She thought of her family, most prominently her father. Where was he and what was he doing with Tauriel? 

Just then Bard came in and dropped a bag on the table. The dwarves looked through the contents and it wasn’t long before they showed their displeasure. 

“We paid you for weapons . Iron forged swords and axes!" Gloin said, angrily. “What iron forged weapons they have, it is kept in the armory," Bard said. “I say we take what we have. We’ve made do with less. I say we leave now," Balin said. 

“You are not going anywhere," Bard said. “What did you say!?!" Dwalin cried out. “There are spies watching this house. You must wait until nightfall," he said, before leaving.

Eruanna still had her weapons, thank the Valar. She felt drowsy and Sigrid noticed. “You must rest," Sigrid said. The Dragon Princess smiled. “Don’t worry, I’ll be alright," she responded. 

“You look exhausted Eruanna," Bofur put in. All the dwarves turned to look at her. 

Sigrid took Eruanna’s weapons and placed them next to the bed. She then laid her down. “Rest now," she coaxed Eruanna. Her eyes felt so heavy, she couldn’t help but fall asleep under Sigrid’s soothing voice. 

“Eruanna”

Eruanna stood up and found herself in a golden field, surrounded by trees. “ Lothlórien," she murmured. 

“You remember well," came another voice. She whipped around to see her great-grandmother, Galadriel, standing before her.

“Great-grandmother!" Eruanna flung herself into her arms and they embraced fiercely.

“Sweet Eruanna, how are you?" Galadriel asked. 

“I’m fine," Eruanna said softly. Galadriel frowned. “No you are not. Tell me, child, what bothers you?”

“It’s my father. He went with Tauriel to hunt orcs. But she’s never been trustworthy and I have my suspicions," Eruanna told her. “We don’t even have Gandalf with us." 

“Mithrandir’s mission has led him elsewhere," her great-grandmother said. “As for your father, no harm has come to him as of now." 

“Thank you," Eruanna said softly. 

“Stay strong, sweet Eruanna. Stay strong and come back to us. We miss you deeply," Galadriel said, kissing her forehead. 

“I miss all of you too," she breathed. 

Eruanna felt herself being shaken awake. She looked to see Sigrid above her.

“Eruanna, the dwarves…," she said softly. Just then, Bard stormed in. “Da! I tried to stop them!" Bain cried out. 

“Where are they?" Eruanna muttered, standing up. “I have to find them." 

“I’ll go with you," Bard insisted. She smiled at him. “I can handle myself," she responded, grabbing her weapons. 

“No, you can’t go alone," he said.

“Very well, then come on," Eruanna responded. With that, they both raced out the door and across Laketown. 

“I remember this town in the great days of old - fleets of boats lay at harbor - filled with silks and fine gems. This was no forgotten outpost, no forsaken town on a lake. This was the center of all trade in the North!" Thorin’s voice rang out. The cheers of the people of Dale were resounding. 

“I would see those days return - I would re-light the great forges of the Dwarves, and send riches and wealth flowing once more from the Halls of Erebor!" Thorin pointed in the direction of the mountain as the cheers rose higher. 

“DEATH!" Bard shouted. “That is what you will bring upon us. Dragon fire and ruin. If you waken that beast it will  destroy us all." 

“You may listen to this naysayer but I promise you this, if we succeed all will share in the wealth of the mountain. You will have enough gold to rebuild this place TEN TIMES OVER," Thorin’s voice got louder and louder. 

She looked at him and something felt off. “He won’t keep his promise," the Princess murmured so silently. Her great-grandmother’s voice rang inside her head. 

“ Dragon sickness may yet take him. You must be vigilant, Eruanna. Your feelings are correct. Thorin Oakenshield may not keep his promise ." 

“All of you, listen to me - you must listen!" Bard called out as everyone fell silent. “Have you forgotten what happened to Dale? Have you forgotten those who died in the firestorm ... and for what purpose? The blind ambition of a Mountain King so driven by greed he could not see beyond his own desire?”

Eruanna couldn’t speak. Couldn’t think. She closed her eyes. She could hear the people of Dale screaming as the dragon fire scorched them alive. Leaving ash, blood and bones. How many died because of that cursed dragon?

Eruanna opened her eyes and the people and dwarves talked over each other, screaming and yelling. 

“Now, now ... we must not, any of us, be too quick to lay blame ... Let us not forget it was Girion, Lord of Dale, your ancestor who failed to kill the beast!" the Master of Laketown pointed at Bard as the people quieted down. 

“It is true, Sire, we all know the story. Arrow after arrow he shot, each one missing its mark," taunted Alfrid. “I even heard that King Thranduil," he pointed at Eruanna. “Her grandfather watched them all die!”

“You have no right, no right to enter that Mountain," Bard said to Thorin. “I have the only right," Thorin said darkly. 

“I speak to the Master of the Men of the Lake. Will you see the Prophecy fulfilled? Will you share in the great wealth of our people? What say you?" Thorin asked the Master of Laketown. 

“ What prophecy?" Eruanna thought. She heard Galadriel’s ancient voice again. 

“ The Lord of silver fountains 

The King of carven stone 

The King beneath the Mountain, 

Shall come into his own.

And the bells shall ring in gladness 

At the Mountains King’s return 

But all shall fail in sadness 

And the lake shall shine and burn. ”

Chapter Text

"The Black Arrows were made in the forges beneath Erebor, passed down through the lines of the Lords of Dale. But all remember how Girion failed to slay Smaug that faithful day, even with an arsenal of the arrows at his disposal."

 - Unknown Historian

Chapter XIV

The Black Arrow

“I say unto you," the Master began. “Welcome! Welcome! Thrice welcome, King Under the Mountain!" the Master’s voice rang out and the people cheered as he spoke. But Eruanna Úlumiel was solely focused on the prophecy. 

“All shall fail in sadness and the lake will shine and burn…," she murmured softly. Her eyes widened but she did not dare share her thoughts. “No," she whispered. 

"Will the dwarves die?" Faroniel's voice rang. 

"If the prophecy comes to pass, they will. This has a ll been for nothing," Naurion snarled. 

The next day, Thorin and the dwarves gathered together to leave. Bofur had not come but Thorin declared they couldn’t wait. Bilbo and the dwarves boarded the boat with him. Kili tried to get on but Thorin stopped him. “Not you. We must travel at speed, you will slow us down." 

“What are you talking about!?! I’m coming with you!" Kili said incredulously. “I’m going to be there when that door is opened, when we first look upon the halls of our fathers! Thorin!”

“Kili… stay here, rest. Join us when you’re healed," Thorin ended all talk on the matter. 

“I’ll stay with the lad. My duty lies with the wounded," Oin said, getting off the boat. But Fili wasn’t pleased with leaving his brother. “Uncle, we grew up on tales of the Mountain, tales you told us. You cannot take that away from him. I will carry him if I must," he pleaded. 

“One day you will be King and you will understand ... I cannot risk the fate of this Quest for the sake of one Dwarf - not even my own kin," Thorin said. The words struck a core with Eruanna and she looked at him, shocked. 

"He knows nothing of family. He knows nothing of blood," Sûlion growled. "He made promises he could not keep."

"He is trying to protect his nephew," Ceveniel retorted. 

Fili disembarked. “My place is with my brother," he said as Thorin protested. Eruanna went to board the boat but Thorin stopped her. 

“Are you insane! You’ll be facing the dragon! You’ll need me! That’s why Gandalf put me on this quest!" she snapped. 

“No. You will stay here and look after the others. Stay here and make good use of yourself," Thorin responded. The dwarves look on in shock. 

“Thorin. Without her, we stand no chance," Dwalin began to protest. 

Thorin turned around and said in a low voice. “An elf cannot step on dwarvish lands." 

The eyes of Bilbo and all the dwarves went wide. Eruanna too heard the comment but she was too hurt to say anything. Eruanna watched as Thorin and the dwarves left. “If they make it, I am going to be shocked," she said. 

"If they die, I say we leave for Imladris," Sûlion said. 

"We cannot leave Bilbo," Eruanna responded. "I will not allow it."

"We can drop the hobbit off at the Shire. But he better not get sick on our scales," Naurion growled. 

Bofur finally rushed over. “Did you miss the boat as well?”

“More like got kicked off," Eruanna hissed. Just then, Kili began to sway from the wound dealt by the orcs back in Mirkwood. 

“Kili!" Fili cried out as Kili fell. Kili’s face was pale and sweat covered his forehead. “Durin save us!" Oin breathed as he looked at the bandage which had gone black with infection. 

“We need to get him to Bard," Eruanna said. They went to Bard’s house and knocked on his door. He opened it. “No, I have had enough of dwarves, go away," he said. 

“Please! No one else will help us!" Oin cried out. “He could die!" He motioned towards Kili. Bard looked at them and his eyes softened. 

The group was allowed inside. “We need Kingsfoil to bring down his fever," Eruanna said quickly. She remembered her grandfather, Elrond, teaching her about these things. However, she wasn’t sure how exactly to use it. 

“Aye. We just need that herb," Oin agreed. 

“It’s a weed. We feed it to the pigs," Bard put in. 

“Pigs? Weed? Right… don’t move," Bofur called as he sprinted out the door. 

A mere few minutes later, a small tremor shook the house. Dishes rattled and a low rumble echoed through the small house. 

“No," Eruanna breathed. “No, no, no, Eru save us ."

“Da?" Sigrid asked, fear lacing her voice. 

“Take your children and leave," Eruanna said to Bard, urgently. “It is coming." 

“We have nowhere to go," Bard said, looking at the Dragoness. She cursed under her breath. This was the worst possible thing that could happen. 

“Are we going to die da?" Tilda asked. “No darling," Bard reassured her. “The dragon… it’s going to kill us," she said. 

Bard went and grabbed something from the ceiling. “Not if I kill it first," he said. “The black arrow. The only thing that can kill a dragon," Eruanna said in awe. 

Chapter Text

"Many ballads were sung of the death of Smaug at the hands of Bard, King of Dale, and Eruanna, the Dragon Princess of the Elves. Many reckon it as a clear display of power to the enemy. They had no dragons. Eruanna had five."

 - Chronicles of the Third Age: Unfinished Edition, Author Unknown

Chapter XV

The Battle of Dragons

"Finally something useful," Sûlion growled.

"I'm going after the dragon," Bard announced. Eruanna grabbed his arm. 

"You have only one arrow. One chance. Go alone, and you'll get yourself killed," Eruanna responded. 

"I've got this," Bard responded. "

“I need you to protect my children," Bard said. “I promise I will guard them with my life," Eruanna told him without hesitation. He mouthed “Thank you," and ran out the door. 

"Will they die?" Sigrid asked, softly. Eruanna shook her head. "No," she said. "Not if I can help it."

A little while later, the Princess heard Sigrid scream. An orc came onto the scene with two of his companions. “What the hell!?!" Eruanna shouted as she fought them off. “Get down!" Sigrid yelled at Tilda.

Eruanna’s dragons burst out from under her cloak and enlarged themselves. The orc stopped dead in his tracks as they unleashed fire on him. Eruanna unsheathed her blade and sliced another orc that came in. An orc followed after and Eruanna went to kill it. The dwarves scrambled

Suddenly, Tauriel swooped in and stabbed the orc in the neck. “What the hell are you doing here?!?" Eruanna shouted. 

“An orc pack is here," she said. 

“What in the name of-," the Princess snapped back. “Where is my father?”

Just then, Eruanna’s father, Legolas, jumped in. “Eruanna!?! What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same thing!" she called. Together the elves killed off the orcs in quick, swift movements. Not a single orc escaped them. 

“You killed them all," Bain said in awe. 

“There are others. Tauriel, Eruanna," Legolas called to the elleths. 

Tauriel and Eruanna looked down at Kili. His breathing was ragged. The poison was certainly taking its toll. Bofur hadn’t even come back with the Kingsfoil yet. Eruanna couldn’t remember the incantation needed because there was so much going on in her mind. Oin check Kili’s wrist. 

“We’re losing him," he said, anxiously. 

“Tauriel. Eruanna," Eruanna’s father called again before turning to leave. 

Eruanna made her way to the door to look for Bofur but the dwarf turned up in front of her with the Kingsfoil. “I’ve got it!" he said, holding it up to her with a grin. 

Eruanna grabbed it and went inside to give it to Oin but Tauriel took it. “Athelas," she breathed. 

“What the hell are you doing!?! Give that to the dwarves!" Eruanna snapped.

“I’m going to save him!" Tauriel said. “I know how. Go and help your father!”

Eruanna usually didn’t trust her but she could see Tauriel was serious this time. The Dragoness merely nodded to the group and left to follow her father. Her dragons accompanied her as they always did. Eruanna ran to help her father who was facing off against the lead orc, Bolg son of Azog. Legolas drew Orcrist and they advanced on each other. Suddenly two orcs came out of nowhere. Eruanna quickly slit their throats. Legolas looked at her in shock.

“Eruanna!?!" he cried out. “I’m here!" she called to him. She killed the two orcs and they exchanged glances. 

“Eruanna, it’s dangerous!" he said.

“I’ve faced worse," Eruanna said and ducked as the lead orc swung his mace at her. They continued fighting him and he pushed Eruanna’s father onto the ground. 

“Ada, your nose," Eruanna said. His eyes widened and he wiped off the blood, looking at it in horror as if he had never bled before. 

“Come on, we must go," he said. She followed him but then suddenly stopped and turned around. “Adar!" Eruanna called. He stopped and looked in Eruanna’s direction. They saw a bright orange light. 

“Smaug," Legolas realized. “The dragon that took Erebor," Eruanna whispered. “He’s here." 

“Tauriel," her father said, worriedly. Suddenly, Smaug flew over them and Eruanna heard the terrified screams of people. Smaug then lit the town on fire. 

“We have to go!" Eruanna's father shouted. The Prince knew staying for long wasn’t worth it, even when Tauriel was gone. “Of course we do! Do you think it would be wise to stay here and burn!?!" Eruanna shot back. 

She watched the people of the town pile into boats and spotted Tauriel with the dwarves and children. “Tauriel!" Eruanna shouted. Her father looked and saw them. Eruanna then heard five roars and looked to see her dragons, waiting for her command. 

“Tauriel, bring the children and the dwarves here. We’re leaving," Eruanna called. Tauriel nodded. 

Eruanna knew she was asked to bring down the dragon. The best thing she could do was keep her promise to Bard and keep the children and the dwarves safe. They would use some of the dragons to flee and Eruanna would take her best fighters and deal with the dragon herself. 

“Where are you taking us?" Fili asked. “Away from here," Eruanna said. She looked at the children. “Where is your brother?" Eruanna asked, noticing Bain wasn’t there. “He went to help our father take down the dragon," Tilda answered, eyes gleaming with tears. “What!?!" Eruanna exclaimed. 

“We can’t wait for them," Tauriel said, quietly. “We’ll die if we do." 

“Climb on a Helegiel and Faroniel and hold on," Eruanna ordered, motioning to the two dragons. Ceveniel, Helegiel, Naurion, Faroniel and Sûlion enlarged themselves. “What if the dragons don’t let us?" Kili asked. “They will. It’s my order," Eruanna responded. “But Naurion and Sûlion will stay with me, as well as Ceveniel. Helegiel and Faroniel will bear you to safety.”

"What are you doing, Mistress?" Faroniel asked with concern. 

"What Gandalf wanted me to do," Eruanna responded. 

“You cannot-," Legolas began, but his daughter turned to him, a fire in her eyes. “I can. And I will," she responded. “I have to bring down the dragon. If I don’t do it, I highly doubt anyone else will. I was brought on this quest to help kill the dragon. I don’t break my promises unless I absolutely have to.”

“He’ll kill you," Legolas countered. 

Eruanna stood tall. “Never underestimate an elf father. Especially not one with dragons," she smirked. “There have been many Elven Lords, Elven Ladies, Elvenqueens and Elvenkings… but there is one Dragoness in this world and that title belongs to me. After this day, none shall forget that.” 

Legolas saw the fire in her eyes and grieved, he knew he could not persuade her otherwise. Faroniel and Helegiel allowed the group to mount them and they took off. Eruanna climbed on Ceveniel. Ceveniel, Naurion and Sûlion jumped into the air with roars that shook the forsaken town. 

Smaug turned around and the dragon's eyes widened in horror. “No… it cannot be… the Dragoness.”

“Yes," Eruanna said with a grin. “I am here to remind you who rules the skies.”

“You cannot! You think your dragons can beat me! They are smaller than me! They are younger and naive," the dragon’s voice grew menacing as he turned his attention away from the village. Bard and his son, Bain, were on a tower watching the whole thing unfold. Eruanna nodded to them before focusing on Smaug. 

“They are," Eruanna conceded. Her dragons were about as big as a mountain but not the size of Smaug. “But there are three of them and one of you.”

"I'm moving in," Naurion said, Sûlion close on his tail. 

Naurion and Sûlion struck hard and fast. They released a massive fire storm on Smaug. Usually, he would be resistant to fire but the fire of two elemental dragons combined was too much for Smaug to bear. The dragon of Morgoth roared in agony as his scales began to melt. Urging himself upwards, he roared right back at the dragons, releasing orange flames. However, Naurion and Sûlion avoided the flames and Smaug was met by the flames of Ceveniel. 

Smaug reached up and bit one of Ceveniel’s back legs, whilst choking on smoke. Ceveniel roared in agony. Eruanna grabbed her bow and an arrow and shot Smaug in the eye. Smaug roared and released Ceveniel, only to be met by the furious wrath of Sûlion who dug into Smaug’s chest with his claws, making the fire drake roar in pain. 

“Enough of this!" Smaug boomed. He turned his attention to Bard and his son, Bain, on a tower with a black arrow in hand. Bard had made a makeshift bow and used his son’s shoulder to steady the black arrow. The fire drake raced towards them. Just then, Bard shot the arrow which hit its mark. 

Smaug felt the arrow pierce his chest. Years ago, Girion, Lord of Dale, and ancestor of Bard, had struck him in the exact same spot, knocking off one of his scales. Bard’s arrow struck the same place. Roaring in agony, Smaug shot up in the air, gasping for breath. Then all life faded from his eyes and he fell down with a deafening crash. 

Bard and Bain fell from the tower as it was destroyed in Smaug’s wake. Eruanna and Ceveniel swooped in, catching them both. 

“Thank you," Bard gasped out. 

“That dragon fight was the best thing I’ve seen in my life," Bain added. 

Naurion and Sûlion followed Ceveniel out of the destruction and traced the scent of their siblings. 

“You helped us," Bard said to Eruanna. She smiled back at him. “The hero is you, Bard. For it was not me who shot that arrow.”

Bard was left speechless but with newfound respect for the Dragoness.

Chapter Text

"Dale had been demolished by Smaug's fire, but the death of the dragon would see her former habitants restore Dale to glory again."

 - Chronicles of the Third Age: Unfinished Edition, Author Unknown

Chapter XVI

The Aftermath

Eruanna Úlumiel and her three dragons came to an island. Faroniel and Helegiel let out sounds of joy as they saw their siblings. People looked up, and a place that smelled of death and despair reignited with joy and hope as they cheered. Ceveniel landed, allowing Bard and Bain to dismount and celebrate their reunion with Sigrid and Tilda.

Legolas ran up to his daughter and Eruanna slipped off of Ceveniel’s back, hugging him tightly. “I saw everything," Legolas said. They pulled apart and he smiled. “I’ve never been more proud. Nor more in awe of you.”

“I’ve always been in awe of you," Eruanna Úlumiel said. She then went to examine Ceveniel’s leg that had been bitten by Smaug. “What happened?" Legolas asked, following her. 

“Smaug bit Ceveniel. But her scales are very tough, so she hasn’t sustained much damage. If she and her brothers are allowed to rest awhile, I trust they’ll be fine," Eruanna said. 

“Eruanna," Bofur came to her. “You’ll be coming with us, will you not?” The other dwarves looked at her with hope in their eyes. Eruanna wanted to go with them but she remembered Thorin’s words. “An elf cannot step on dwarvish lands." 

“I have to tell you something," Eruanna decided to change the topic completely. The dwarves looked at her, confused. “There is a prophecy. The one Thorin said to the people of Laketown. It does not foretell something very good. I fear something will happen to Thorin. Keep an eye on him, stay together and be vigilant." 

“But you’ll come with us, right?" Oin asked. As much as he hated to admit, he wanted her to come with them. She had proven to be a valuable ally and had even helped kill the dragon. Eruanna went to respond but then her attention was directed elsewhere. To Kili and Tauriel. 

“Tauriel," Kili whispered. 

“Kili, we’re leaving," Fili called out, grabbing a spare boat. “They are your people, you must go," Tauriel said, her head hung low. 

“Come with me!" Kili said. “I know how I feel, I’m not afraid. You make me feel alive," he said. 

“I can’t," Tauriel said, looking away. 

“Tauriel, amrâlimê," Kili said. Tauriel looked at him. “I don’t know what that means," she said. “I think you do," Kili said, smiling at her. Eruanna looked at them with sorrow. She knew it wasn’t love. Just a mere fascination. Love did not happen in a matter of days. 

"Their love is a tragedy," murmured Naurion, his voice soft and wise for once. "If you can call it that."

"I don't buy it," Faroniel responded. 

"You don't understand it," Ceveniel corrected. "None of us do."

"It is absurd. Elves and dwarves have fueded since time began. The dwarf does not know what he feels," Sûlion growled.

“Hir nin Legolas (My lord, Legolas)," Tauriel said, addressing Eruanna’s father. 

“Maewado i Naug! Boe i nadh egeno (Take your leave of the Dwarf. You are needed elsewhere)," Legolas said. Eruanna frowned. She didn’t see the problem with letting Tauriel go. The elf had been nothing but trouble since they first met. 

Tauriel looked at Kili and slightly shook her head. He sighed in disappointment and turned away from her. Just then he went back to her and placed his runestone in her hand. 

“Keep it. As a promise," he said. She smiled at him and watched him leave. 

“Eruanna," Kili and Bofur looked at her pleadingly. Fili looked devastated as did Oin. They all knew her decision but they wanted her to change it. “Please come with us. You helped us. You deserve to see us win," Kili tried to persuade her. 

The Dragon Princess smiled at the Dwarvish Prince. “I have no further purpose in the Company," she said with a small smile. “But I wish you all the best of luck. Our alliance has come to an end and we must return to the grounds of neutrality." 

“What about fixing broken bonds between our races?" Fili asked. 

Eruanna smiled. “I do not know if that can happen. Should it come to pass, I will rejoice. But for now, that cannot happen. Go to the Mountain, Fili. And remember my warning. Stay safe. You four are among the few who were good to me." The dwarves knew there was no changing her mind. They bowed their heads in sadness and respect before rowing away on the boat. 

After they left, Eruanna found herself facing Legolas who looked confused. “You made a promise," he said. 

Eruanna smiled. “There is nothing more for me to do, father. The biggest obstacle between them was the dragon and he is gone. The mountain is theirs for the taking.” 

“What will you do now?" Legolas asked. 

“Go back to our people," Eruanna said. “Where I longed to be when the journey started." 

“It was Bard! He killed the dragon! Him and the Dragoness," Percy, announced all of a sudden. “I saw it with my own eyes! He brought the beast down! Shot it dead with a black arrow as the elf had her dragons beat the cursed beast!”

The people cheered, hailing both Bard and Eruanna. All of a sudden Alfrid came up to Bard and held his hand up. “ALL HAIL TO THE DRAGONSLAYER!! ALL HAIL KING BARD!!" Alfrid cried out. Bard freed himself from Alfrid. 

“I have said it many times," Alfrid continued. “This is a man of noble stock! A born leader!"

"Liar," Faroniel hissed. 

"He'd make a better snack than a statesman," Sûlion snarled.

“Do not call me that!" Bard said. “I’m not the master of this town. Where is he? Where’s the master?" Bard demanded. “Halfway down the Anduin, with all our coins I don’t doubt, you would know, you helped him empty the treasury!" the woman from earlier accused Alfrid. 

“No," Alfrid denied. “I tried to stop him," Alfrid said. The people didn’t buy it. “I begged, I pleaded, I said Master, NO!." The people screamed in anger and threatened to hang him. 

“Think of the children," he said. Eruanna stepped forward. “Will nobody think of the children!" Alfrid shouted, grabbing Tilda, but she kicked him and broke free. The Dragoness smiled. 

Eruanna watched several men grab Alfrid to hang him. Bard looked at her, pleading and she nodded. 

“ENOUGH!!" Eruanna shouted, unleashing a blast of energy. The people gasped and looked at her. “Have you all not had your fill of death already!?!" Bard shouted. “Winter is upon us; we must look to our own, to the sick and helpless. Those who can stand, tend to the wounded. And those who have strength left, follow me. We must salvage what we can," Bard said. 

“What do we do then?" the woman asked. 

“We find shelter," Bard said. 

He looked at Eruanna. “My daughters told me everything you did for them. Thank you for helping them. And thank you for helping me take down Smaug.”

“You killed the dragon. I just provided a distraction," Eruanna said with a smile. “I’m just glad I was able to ensure the safety of your innocent children.”

“Take only what you need, we have a long march ahead," Bard said to the people of Laketown. “Where will you go?" Legolas asked. “There is only one place," Bard said. They looked at the Lonely Mountain in the distance. “Dale. You wish to go to Dale, where your ancestor, Gyrion, once ruled," Eruanna said to Bard. He nodded.

“The mountain! You are a genius sire, we can take refuge inside the mountain! It might smell a bit of dragon, but the women can clean it up. It’ll be safe, warm and dry, and full of stores, bedding and clothing… the odd bit of gold," Alfrid said, smiling sickly. Eruanna stared at him with disgust.

“What gold is in that mountain is cursed. We will take only what Thorin Oakenshield promised to us, only what we need to rebuild our lives," Bard said, giving Alfrid some wood. 

“News of the death of Smaug will have spread through the lands," Eruanna’s father said.

“Aye," Bard agreed. 

The Elven Prince went up to Bard. “Others will now look to the mountain for its wealth for its position." “What is it you know?" Bard asked. “Nothing for certain, it's what I fear may come," Legolas responded. 

Eruanna looked at her father. Tauriel came up to them. “You saw something out there," Eruanna said to her father. 

“The orc, the leader. He is Bolg, spawn of Azog the Defiler. I saw a mark I had not seen for a long time. The mark of Gundabad."

“Gundabad?" the Dragoness asked. “An orc stronghold in the far north of the Misty Mountains," her father said. 

“Hir nin Legolas," came a voice. The three elves turned and saw Captain Feren come to them on horseback. “Celin ’winiath o adar lín. Cân i hi danwenidh na le (I bring word from your Father. You are to return to him immediately)," he said. “Tolo (Come)," Eruanna’s father said to both Eruanna and Tauriel. 

“Hir nin. Edlennen Tauriel (My Lord. Tauriel is banished)," Feren informed them.

“Daughter," Eruanna’s father, looked at her. “Go," she said. Legolas looked at her. “You must go back, it is the King’s command. I will help these people and then send word to you when I’m back in Imladris." “Naw aran nín, mal ú-gân innas nin (Yes, he is my King, but he does not command my heart)," Legolas said. Eruanna smiled at him. 

Legolas looked at Feren. “Watch over her," he commanded.

“I ride north, will you come with me?" he asked Tauriel. Eruanna glared at him. “To where?" Tauriel asked. 

“To Gundabad!" he said. Eruanna gave him a look. “Eruanna, I need you to be safe," he looked at her. Eruanna sighed and looked down. She understood him. Her paternal grandmother died in Gundabad, during a war between orcs and elves. She understood he wouldn’t want to lose her either. 

“Do what you must," Eruanna said. 

Eruanna watched them ride off. “My Lady! We must not delay!" Feren called to her. 

“Yes," she agreed. With that, they rode off to Dale.

Chapter Text

"Dale had once been the shining jewel of the Adan and a great place for trade. Yet Smaug would burn it all to ash. Children screamed. Men burned. Women were scorched. None could escape Smaug's terrible wrath."

 - Chronicles of the Third Age: Unfinished Edition, Author Unknown

Chapter XVII

Dale

Feren and Eruanna rode into Dale. Eruanna’s dragons had taken on a smaller form and were flying around. Eruanna liked Feren and looked to him as another sworn protector when Glorfindel wasn’t around. Feren saw the Princess as a dear companion, one he would give his life to protect. 

Dale was desolate. A once prosperous city reduced to ash by Smaug’s fire. Snow, dust and ash covered the floor. Metal was bent and twisted into ugly shapes. Buildings were in a poor state. Hardly a place worth living in. 

“SIRE! SIRE!" Alfrid called Bard. “Up here!." Bard went to follow him. 

Eruanna frowned as Feren led his lady inside a tower. “You must eat something," he said, offering her some Lembas. “Hannon le," she said, taking a bite. Galadriel taught her how to make Lembas and she shared it with the Woodland elves. The bread sent wonderful memories of her Eruanna’s way. 

“Eruanna!" Bard called to her. “The braziers of the mountain are lit. The Company survived," he said. Eruanna breathed a sigh of relief. The dwarves had survived.

“Thank you for telling me," she responded.

“I thought you would go with them," he said. 

 “They have no further need for me. More so now that the dragon is dead thanks to the bravery of you and your son," Eruanna told him. “I will stay and help out here as much as I can. Then I shall return to my kin. I miss home more than ever." 

Just then, Alfrid stormed in. 

“It’s her fault we’re in this situation! If she and those bastard dwarves never came into Laketown none of this would’ve ever happened!" Alfrid shouted, grabbing Eruanna’s arm and throwing her down. “You miserable little wench!" he shouted.

Eruanna’s dragons escaped from her cloak and screeched in anger. “And the witch even has five dragons," Alfrid shouted. 

Feren grabbed him and threw him across the room. Alfrid screamed in pain, falling onto the hard floor and holding his head. “You dare accuse the Princess in that disgraceful manner! Dishonor her again, and you shall have the wrath of King Thranduil!”

“What!?!" Alfrid snapped back.

“She is the heiress to three elven realms. She is Eruanna Úlumiel, Princess of Mirkwood and Lady of Imladris and Lothlórien. The one true Dragon Princess East of the Sea. You owe her your utmost respect and allegiance." 

“She is no Princess!! All she does is bring trouble," Alfrid boomed. 

She glared at him. “I am Princess Eruanna of the Woodland Realm, Lady of Imladris and Lothlórien. I am the Mistress of Dragons. The next time you lay a peasant hand on me, will be the last time you have hands!” Her cold expression shook Alfrid to the bone. 

“I should also add that my victory against Smaug was not won alone," Bard said sternly. “She helped me greatly.”

The people of Laketown who watched the commotion immediately bowed to her. “Please rise," Eruanna gently commanded. They did. “You have all lost much but I promise you, I will see to it your lives are restored and the dwarves as well as myself pay back the massive debt you are owed," Eruanna said. They all cheered and the dragons roared. 

Eruanna looked out from one of the towers. She saw the dwarves barricading the mountain with large stones. “What are they doing?" Eruanna wondered. Her dragons curled up to her as night settled in. She heard footsteps and she looked to see Feren approaching her. 

“My Lady, we must rest," Feren said. Eruanna stayed silent for a bit. 

“The dwarves are locking themselves away. Thorin has a promise to keep," Eruanna said. Feren looked at her, confused.

She looked back at him. “Thorin promised a share of the treasure to the people of Laketown in return for their aid. But I don’t think he will keep that promise." 

“Hence why he is fencing himself in," Feren realized. 

“If they don’t keep their promise," Eruanna turned around. “Bad things could follow." 

“What do you mean, my lady?" 

“I feel something stirring. I don’t think the mountain is entirely secure. Even if it is, I don’t want to leave these people here to starve and die. If Thorin doesn’t keep his promise that will happen. They die and we lose a valued trading partner," Eruanna explained to him. 

"What will we do if Thorin doesn't keep his promise?" Feren asked. 

"It will fall to us to help them," Eruanna responded.

Chapter Text

"Great was the love between Thranduil and his Queen Itarille. After the Queen's death and the dwarves's dishonor, the King became reclusive and angry according to some accounts. While he cared tremendously for his people, the Queen's death left a wound that would not heal. It was only healed in part by the birth of the King's only grandchild, Princess Eruanna, who had inherited the piercing blue eyes of the King's late beloved."

 - Chronicles of the Third Age: Unfinished Edition, Author Unknown

Chapter XVIII

The Aftermath

Bard walked past the survivors of Laketown. Children wept, men and women laid wounded and those who could stand were tending to the wounded. Despair hung heavy in the air. “These children are starving," shouted one. “We need food," another chimed in. “We won’t last three days. Bard, we don’t have enough!" Percy said to him. “Do what you can Percy," Bard responded. 

He walked into another area. “The children, the wounded and the women come first," he reminded everyone. He walked up to Alfrid Lickspittle. “Good morning Alfrid," he said. “What news from the night watch?”

“All quiet, Sire. Not much to report. Nothing gets past me," the man got up and followed Bard. 

Bard walked into a clearing. “Except an army of elves, it would seem.”

Tall elves in golden armor stood at the ready, as if they were waiting for commands. Bard turned around and left in a hurry. He searched for the elf, Feren, as was his name. Feren was a military Captain in service to King Thranduil. From what Bard knew, he had come to summon the King’s son, Prince Legolas. Yet, Legolas had gone off with that red haired elf and left Feren to guard his daughter instead. 

Eruanna Úlumiel, Princess of Mirkwood, Lady of Imladris and Lothlórien, King Thranduil’s granddaughter who had found herself on a journey with thirteen dwarves, who had joined to help Bard and his folk in any way she could after deducing that the dwarves had no more use for her. The elleth with five elemental dragons and three powerful elven realms at her back. She was an otherworldly figure, an enigma of profound beauty and power. She could possibly have an explanation. Or Feren himself. 

Bard found the elf pacing outside a nearby tower he had taken the Princess to. “Feren?" Bard came up to the elf who turned to face him. “Where is Eruanna?”

“My lady is sleeping. I do not wish to disturb her. Is it urgent?" Feren asked. “Yes, I’m afraid so," Bard said. “An army. An elven army has arrived.” Feren’s eyes went wide. “You did not know," Bard concluded. 

“An… elven army?" Feren asked. 

“Gold armor, red cloaks," Bard described them. Feren nodded. “It must be King Thranduil’s army. Go. I will get the Princess immediately.”

Eruanna had a restful night but was woken by Feren gently shaking her. “Goheno nin, Princess, but Bard is asking for you. Something has arisen. Your daeradar, King Thranduil, has led his army here," he informed Eruanna. 

“Did you know about this?" Eruanna asked, rising to her feet and gathering her weapons. “I have no knowledge of this, hiril nin," Feren answered honestly. “The royal army is meant to answer any threats to the realm.”

Feren was only a few minutes and Eruanna came out, her dragons loyally following her. Her dragons were nothing like Smaug. Calm and loyal, they guarded Eruanna and her folk. They had taken a smaller form so they could fit into small areas and not scare away anyone. Bard bowed his head in respect. 

“Yes, but you know as well as I that hundreds of fishermen are no threat to the Woodland Realm," Eruanna said, walking out to meet Bard. Her dragons followed her and Bard turned to see them approach, bowing his head in respect.

“No need for that," Eruanna waved away the gesture. “We just need to find out what my grandfather wants," she said. “You had no knowledge of this?" Bard questioned. She merely shook her head. Bard saw no reason for her to lie. 

They made their way to the clearing and the elven soldiers saluted the Dragon Princess. They made way for Eruanna, who motioned to Bard, her dragons and Feren to follow. King Thranduil, Eruanna’s paternal grandfather, came riding on a majestic elk, surrounded by his guards. 

“My Lord Thranduil, we did not expect to see you here," Bard said. “I heard you needed aid," Thranduil said. He spoke in such a deep, commanding voice, he could intimidate anyone. A wagon full of food and drink came in and the people cheered. They eagerly went to get their fair share. 

“You have saved our lives. I do not know how to thank you," Bard said in relief. Truth be told, he hadn’t expected a word from the Elvenking, knowing how the wood elves liked sealing themselves off. But they had been trading with Thranduil’s realm for quite a while. Eruanna’s grandfather dismounted his elk and nodded to Bard, proceeding to step towards me. “Man cerig, daeradar?" Eruanna asked. 

“Princess," Thranduil acknowledged her in his deep voice, taking her hand and kissing it, his eyes holding a certain fondness that he had for his only grandchild. There was a certain connection between them Bard could never understand. 

“Why lead your army here, daeradar? To deal with fishermen and seamstresses?" Eruanna jested. No ordinary man (or elf) would jest with the stern Elvenking but Bard could tell that the Princess played around with him without a care. It made sense, Bard thought. He couldn’t do anything to her as she was his heir. Eruanna knew it and took full advantage of it. “What are you hoping to gain? Fish and tapestries?" she questioned him further. 

“An act of courtesy, Úlumiel," Thranduil responded. Eruanna narrowed her eyes at him. “Tell me," Eruanna said. “Does it have to do with King Thror dishonoring you?”

Bard’s ears perked up at this new information and he listened in. Eruanna licked her lips and crossed her arms. “Tell me then. The whole story. Sum it up if you must. Tell it all and tell it true." 

Seeing the power in her deep blue eyes, Thranduil would be pressured to cough up his reasons. 

“Back when Erebor was at its height, before you and before Smaug, King Thror and I had an alliance of sorts. I commissioned the dwarves to make a necklace for your grandmother. When she died, I went to get her gems back but they refused me," Thranduil said. 

“So this is all to retrieve grandmother’s necklace and gems?" Eruanna asked. 

Thranduil placed his hands on her shoulders. “By all rights, those gems should have passed to you," he said, running his hand over her talisman on her chest. “The dwarves stole it. They stole from us." 

Eruanna was not convinced. “Still no reason to bring in an army. Thorin has promised me my share. If I could ask for it from him, he should give it to me. And hopefully some gold to help these poor people," she suggested an alternative. However, Bard could see that even she wasn’t sure if her plan would work. 

“You put too much confidence in that dwarf," Thranduil responded, shaking his head. 

“Maybe," she shrugged. 

“Feren," Thranduil turned to his Captain who bowed his head. “I thank you for watching over my granddaughter. But I see that Legolas is not here. Where is he?”

“He has left, my King," Feren stammered out.

“For Gundabad. Possibly to spy on the enemy forces. It is almost as if he felt something stirring there but knowing my father, his intuition is nearly as good as mother’s. The only thing that angers me is that he took that traitor with him," Eruanna said, a raging inferno blooming in her eyes.

“You mean the red haired elf I saw?" Bard said. He certainly didn’t know that part. 

“Yes, Tauriel. Curse that traitorous fool," Eruanna snarled. Bard didn’t know much about Tauriel but he could tell that she probably had some bad blood with the Princess prior to her coming to Laketown. Beefing with royalty wasn’t a wise move. 

“But Lord Thranduil," Bard looked to the King as a few troops marched past them. “You would go to war over a handful of gems!?!" Bard cried out. 

“The heirlooms of my people are not lightly forsaken," Thranduil responded. 

“We are allies in this. My people also have a claim to the gems in the mountain," Bard pleaded. “Let me speak with Thorin.”

The King looked at him as if he was mad. “You would try to reason with a dwarf?" King Thranduil asked. 

“To avoid war? Yes," Bard was firm. Eruanna tugged her grandfather’s hand. 

“We must at least try," the Dragoness said. 

“The Dwarf King will not concede," Thranduil argued back. 

“To us, he will," Eruanna said. She smiled. “And if he doesn’t, we’ll simply remind him who rules the skies. After all, you’ve surely heard of how Bard and I defeated Smaug," she gestured towards Bard. 

“Come with me," Bard said, looking at Eruanna. “Maybe you can help." “I will try to," she responded. Eruanna looked at her grandfather who nodded. “Both of you, meet me at the front of Dale after," her grandfather said. “Yes, Aran nin," Eruanna bowed her head to him. “Watch over us.”

Bard frowned. People only said that when they were in prayer. Just then, the dragons roared. Bard looked up to see that they had taken on a larger size. Helegiel landed and the white she-dragon roared. She stared down at the Elvenking who smiled up at her. 

Eruanna smiled at Bard. “Let’s go.”

Bard and Eruanna galloped to the entrance. Thorin and the dwarves looked down at them. “Eruanna!" Kili shouted with delight. “Are you joining us lassie?" Balin asked. “Unfortunately not Balin," Eruanna said with a slight smile. 

“I thought you were with your kin," Thorin said, coldly. “Fate has led me here," Eruanna responded. 

“Hail Thorin, son of Thrain. We are glad to find you alive beyond hope," Bard called out. “Why do you come to the gates of the King Under the Mountain armed for war?" Thorin demanded. “Why does the King Under the Mountain fence himself in like a robber in his hole?" Bard asked. 

 “Perhaps it is because I am expecting to be robbed!" Thorin said. “My lord we have not come to rob you but to seek fair settlement," Bard said. “Will you not speak with us?." Thorin nodded and Bard took Eruanna, walking up to the gate the dwarves made. The Dragoness saw a raven fly out but focused her eyes on the rocks shutting the dwarves away. They peeked through a hole in the gate. 

“I am listening," Thorin said. 

“On behalf of the people of Laketown, we ask that you honor your word. A share of the treasure so that they might rebuild their lives," Bard said. 

“I will not treat with any man while an armed host lies at my door," Thorin said. 

“That armed host is ready to attack," Eruanna snapped. “At any time!" 

“Your threats do not sway me," Thorin said. 

“You gave them your word, shouldn’t you pay them back after everything they’ve done for us. They trusted you Thorin, you can’t break this promise," Eruanna tried to make him see reason. 

“Why don’t you fulfill it!?!" Thorin snapped. 

“You made the promise NOT her! Fulfilling it is your responsibility!!" Bard snapped. 

“Why did the people of Laketown come to our aid but for the promise of rich reward!?!" Thorin shouted. 

“A bargain was struck!" Bard snapped. 

“A bargain!?! What choice do we have but to barter our birthright for blankets and food, to ransom our future in exchange for our freedom!?! You call that a fair trade? Tell me, Bard the Dragonslayer, why should I honor such terms?" Thorin asked. 

“Because you gave us your word?" Bard said. “Does that mean nothing?."

“You are not the Thorin I once knew. The Thorin I knew always kept his word," Eruanna said. Thorin moved away from our sight. “Begone! Ere our arrows fly!" Thorin shouted. 

“Curse you!" Eruanna shouted as Bard hit the walls of the gates. They went to their horses and galloped off. 

The duo went to the entrance of Dale where Eruanna’s grandfather was waiting for them on his elk. “He will give us nothing," Bard said. 

“Such a pity. Still you tried," Thranduil responded. 

“I do not understand, why would he risk war?" Bard asked. 

“Tis what I feared," Eruanna said. “He has the Dragon Sickness." Both men looked at Eruanna. 

“It is pointless to reason with them. They understand only one thing," King Thranduil said, drawing his sword. “We attack at dawn. Are you with us?" he asked Bard as he rode away on his elk. 

“What will we do?" Bard asked. 

“We may have no choice," Eruanna sighed. 

She would remind them who rules the skies.

Chapter Text

"To bargain with a dwarf is a fool's errand. Still, I have no doubt the Dragon Princess wished to avoid war. She never liked spilling blood over what she deemed to be trivial matters."

 - Uncovered Account

Chapter XIX

Stakes

“This is an ill time for war," Eruanna paced around her grandfather’s tent whilst he sat leisurely in a chair. “Ceveniel needs at least another day to recover.”

“What of Naurion and Sûlion?" asked Thranduil. 

“They're doing better. I just hope they're ready for battle if that must happen. But if I know anything about them, they’re always itching for a good fight," Eruanna said. “Even sometimes I find it hard to control them.”

“We stayed at Imladris for some time during this journey," Eruanna said. 

“Oh? So your daeradar Elrond knows about this… quest," Thranduil asked. “What are his thoughts?”

“He had his doubts. Probably still does. Why wouldn’t he? Thorin has succumbed to the Dragon Sickness as we feared. His pride will be his downfall," Eruanna responded, pacing in front of the King. Thranduil sat on his throne and considered her words. 

“We can’t get grandmother’s gems. Not now, unless you wish to massacre all those dwarves," Eruanna said. 

“You care for them," Thranduil said. 

“I care for my people," Eruanna said. “I won’t have them die over gold. Nor would you, I’d wager, after fighting in the Last Alliance of Elves and Men. And yes, some of the dwarves are still kind. I do not wish to admit it but I’d hate to see them die.”

“Why did Mithrandir want you on this quest?" Thranduil asked. 

“Mayhaps he hoped that by having an elf on this quest he could end the blood feud between our races. But some things just cannot be forgotten," Eruanna responded. Just then, she felt a presence nearby and noticed Bard. 

“I can see you there, Bard. If you have something to say, you can come in here and say it," she said. 

“There is a visitor seeking you both. A wizard…," Bard responded. 

“He is more than welcome to meet us here," Eruanna said. Bard moved aside as Gandalf stepped in. “You come now, when tensions are high?" Eruanna demanded, angry with the wise wizard. 

“Forgive me, my lady. I had something to attend to," Gandalf said. “It was an urgent matter. I fear we are on the brink of war against a common enemy." Eruanna’s blue eyes widened. 

“I must speak with your grandfather in private," Gandalf declared. “Whatever you have to say to him, you will say in my presence," Eruanna said. Being the descendant of powerful elves, Gandalf knew it was unwise to refuse her. 

Gandalf turned to Thranduil and Bard. “You must set aside your petty grievances with the dwarves. War is coming. The cesspits of Dol Guldur have been emptied. You’re all in mortal danger," he cautioned. “What are you talking about?" asked a deeply concerned Bard. 

“I can see you know nothing of wizards," Thranduil got up from his chair. “They are like winter thunder on a wild wind on a wild wind breaking hard in alarm. But sometimes a storm is just a storm," he took a glass of wine and handed it to Bard before going to pour one for himself when Eruanna stopped him. “Put the wine down. You drink enough of it as it is.” Thranduil grunted and put the wine away whilst Bard smirked. 

“Not this time," Gandalf urged. “Armies of orcs are on the move. These are fighters, they have been bred for war. Our enemy has summoned his full strength.”

“Why show his hand now?" Thranduil asked. 

“Because we forced him. We forced him when Thorin Oakenshield and his company set out to reclaim the Mountain," Gandalf said. 

“An endeavor you insisted they undertake. So, who exactly forced the enemy’s hand?" Eruanna questioned. 

“Which brings us to this," Thranduil faced Mithrandir. “How dare you drag my granddaughter in your schemes?”

“Listen to what I am telling you. The dwarves were never meant to reach Erebor, Azog the Defiler was sent to kill them. His Master seeks control of the Mountain. These are the gates to reclaiming Angmar in the North. If that fell Kingdom should rise again, Rivendell, Lórien, the Shire, even Gondor itself will fall.”

Pointing out that her people wouldn’t fall and that she had dragons seemed callose to Eruanna so she said nothing. The prospect of Angmar rising again terrified her and left her uncertain about what was to come. Sure, her people could take ship for Valinor, but to abandon Middle-Earth in its greatest hour of need seemed cruel to her, as she very much cherished the land she was born in.

“These orc armies you speak of, Mithrandir," Thranduil said. “Where are they?”

Chapter Text

"He's taken the city. Erebor is in ruin. Thror is devastated. None know where the Arkentsone is. It is lost."

 - Recovered Account from a survivor of the Sacking of Erebor

Chapter XX

A Bargain

Night fell, and Eruanna began to feel Gandalf’s frustration. Her paternal grandfather was a stubborn man and Eruanna knew it. “Since when has my council counted for so little, what do you think I’m trying to do?" Gandalf asked, frustrated.

“I think you're trying to save your dwarvish friends and I admire your loyalty to them but it does not dissuade me from my course," my grandfather said. “You started this Mithrandir, you will forgive me if I finish it."

Eruanna came inside the tent to see Thranduil giving orders to kill anything that moved on the mountain. “The dwarves are out of time," he said. Gandalf left with a huff, leaving grandfather and granddaughter alone.

“You don’t approve, Úlumiel?" Thranduil asked Eruanna. 

“I do not think it is wise to waste such a valuable army on grandmother’s gems," Eruanna said. “As much as I wish they were returned to us, as much as I know about the love you both shared, I also know my grandmother was a sensible person. She would not want blood to be spent on her jewels when we’ll be forced to spend on something else more dire." 

“More dire?" he questioned. Eruanna looked at him. 

“You are not so naive. Not when your realm is threatened by darkness. Who do you think brings upon that shadow that lies over Greenwood?" Eruanna asked. 

“Sauron," Thranduil said. “But Úlumiel, when the time comes, we will not be facing him alone," he said. 

“Do you want to see it?" Eruanna asked. “Bodies upon bodies of dead elves. Elves who could have gone on living forever? Elves who could have created a larger purpose for themselves?”

Thranduil looked at her. Suddenly, he felt hesitant. He had fought alongside Eruanna’s maternal grandfather, Elrond, in the war with Sauron that ended the Second Age. It was in the Battle of Dagorlad, his own father, King Oropher, had been lost. Thranduil remembered the rivers of blood, the endless corpses of men, elves and dwarves. Did he want to see it again? 

“No," he finally said. 

Just then, a voice cried out. “Eruanna!”

“Bilbo," Eruanna smiled at him. “You’re safe. What are you doing here?” Bard and Gandalf came inside the tent and Eruanna noticed a bundle of cloth in Bilbo’s hands. 

“If I’m not mistaken, this is the halfling who stole the keys to my dungeons from under the nose of my guards," Thranduil said, sitting on his throne. 

“Yes," Bilbo mumbled. “Sorry about that." 

“If you didn’t let them get drunk, they would have caught him," Eruanna said, throwing her grandfather a smirk. 

Bilbo turned to Eruanna’s grandfather and Bard. “I came to give you this," Bilbo said, placing a piece of cloth on the desk and revealing the Arkenstone. 

“The heart of the mountain. The King’s Jewel," King Thranduil said, stunned. “And worth a King’s ransom," Bard chimed in. “It’s the Arkenstone. Where did you find this? Does Thorin know?" Eruanna asked. “I found it in the halls of Erebor. He knows about none of this," Bilbo confirmed. 

“How is this yours to give?" Bard asked. “I took it as my 14th share," Bilbo said. “Why would you do this? You owe us no loyalty," Bard said. “I’m not doing it for you. I know the dwarves can be obstinate and pig-headed and difficult and suspicious and secretive with the worst manners you can ever possibly imagine," Bilbo said. 

Gandalf and Eruanna shared a smile.

“But they are also brave and kind, loyal to a fault. I’ve grown very fond of them and I will save them if I can. Thorin values this stone above all else. In exchange for its return I believe he will give you what you are owed. There will be no need for war," Bilbo finished.

“Well," Eruanna said after a while. “Worth a shot."

“I agree," Bard said. “Very well," Thranduil said.

Eruanna kneeled down and looked at Bilbo. “How is Thorin?”

“Bad. Very bad. I-I think he has the Dragon sickness," Bilbo stammered out. 

“Just as I suspected," Eruanna murmured. “What do we do?" Bilbo asked her. 

“Bilbo, I don’t know what to do. I wish I did but I don’t, just hang on. We’ll find a way to fix this," Eruanna said. She wasn’t so sure if she was trying to convince him or herself. “Yes, but we all need some rest. Come Bilbo," Gandalf said. Eruanna stood up and the wizard led Bilbo out. 

Eruanna and her grandfather exchanged looks. This was going to be a long one.

Bard walked out onto the field. Five massive elemental dragons stood in front of him but the man showed no fear. The dragons looked up at him. Three of them had fought with  Smaug, as they had been assisting their Mistress in helping Bard defeat the last dragon of Morgoth. Two of them were injured in the process. Those three growled at him. The other two flanked their injured siblings, standing by them protectively. 

“Don’t,” came the stern voice of their Mistress. Eruanna Úlumiel, their Mistress, came forth. “He is a friend. He and his son struck down Smaug. He is no enemy to us.”

Bard bowed his head in thanks. He looked at the dragons. The turquoise one, Ceveniel, was also the largest and she had scars on one of her legs thanks to Smaug. The black one, Sûlion, had dug into Smaug’s chest but had been nearly blinded by the fire Smaug had let loose onto him in defense. The orange one, Naurion, was the only one to get out of the fight largely unscathed. 

There was a golden dragon, Faroniel, and a white dragon, Helegiel, who’d been the ones to carry Bard’s daughters and the dwarves to safety, along with the other two elves, one being Eruanna’s father, Legolas, and the other being Eruanna’s rival, Tauriel. 

“Forgive them. They’re extra defensive when injured. They aren’t at their full potential yet so it will take time for their injuries to heal completely,” Eruanna said. 

“It’s alright,” Bard said. “I just wanted to let you know that we will ride out tomorrow. You should get some rest. The dragons should rest too.”

The beautiful elf Princess smiled and looked down briefly, then looked up at him with pained deep blue eyes. “I do not think sleep will come easy for us.”

“No. It won’t,” Bard admitted. He was worried about his children and the battle that was to come. “But if we do as Bilbo said and strike a deal with Thorin, war might be averted. Then no one will have to die. They can’t be that crazy to fight a battle where the odds aren’t in their favor.”

“With dragon sickness? Thorin will be crazy enough, trust me,” Eruanna said. “I know you want this to work, Bard. Valar knows I want it to work too. I want to have faith. But a large part of me thinks Bilbo’s plan won't work. Thorin is stubborn as an ox and dragon sickness won’t help matters. 

She looked into his eyes as if she was reading his mind and peeking into his soul. “You have the same train of thought.”

Bard sighed and shrugged in defeat. 

“Bard,” the sound of his name on her tongue made him look at her again. She was a strong woman with a will of iron and a heart of gold. She’d risked her life to protect her kids and helped him defeat Smaug. Yet she never looked as scared and as desperate as she did now. 

“If this is all for nothing, tell me now. I don’t want to see my people die over gold and gems. No amount of riches is worth their lives. Tell me the truth and I will lead my people away from here. Any aid you need, we’ll provide it, I’ll see to that. I have three elven realms at my back. I can help your people be ready for winter.”

“And Thorin? The dwarves? You swore an oath to them,” Bard reminded her. 

“I don’t need reminding. I’ve fulfilled my promise. I helped them reclaim the mountain. What happens to them now is not my concern.”

“You sound like Thranduil.”

“I am his granddaughter after all.”

Eruanna leaned into Bard. “I am not going to let my people die over gold and diamonds that are not even worth a fraction of their lives. I will not send them to be slaughtered because two Kings cannot control their greed. If this is all for nothing, tell me now so I can spare them this fate.”

“Your grandfather might see it as treason if you act against his will,” Bard said. 

Eruanna smirked. “He won’t. Because I’ll drag him back to his halls myself. By his ear.”

Bard saw the look in her eyes and knew this was true. Eruanna had inherited Thranduil’s stubbornness but unlike him, she cared nothing for the gems in the mountain. She looked at him with such intensity that he faltered before speaking again. 

“Eruanna, please. We need the aid of your people. Mayhaps when we arrive in numbers, Thorin will see to reason. We must at least try,” Bard urged her.

She looked at him - really looked at him - before sighing. 

“Very well. We shall remain here for the time,” Eruanna said. “But if the deal falls apart.”

She turned around and left abruptly, making Bard wonder what would happen if the deal didn’t go through.