The Tarnished in LOTR with Elden Ring

Bard's fingers unconsciously rubbed the edge of his sleeve as he repeated quietly: "Thorin Oakenshield?"

He had originally just found the name somewhat familiar, but when Tarnes also mentioned that he was heir to Durin's royal house, it made Bard suddenly remember.

Tarnes keenly caught the change in his expression: "You've heard of him?"

Bard hesitated for a moment, then still nodded: "Though I've never met him in reality, my ancestors once met Thorin several times. I learned of this from books passed down from my forebears."

Tarnes asked curiously: "From Legolas' words earlier, I gathered that the proud King Thranduil actually received you personally. Now you say your ancestors met Thorin. I'm afraid your true identity isn't just a guard of Lake-town, right?"

Bard smiled bitterly: "You're very observant, Mr. Tarnes. I'm actually a direct descendant of Girion, Lord of Dale, though that's past glory now. The former Dale has long turned to ash, and the last bloodline of Girion's family is just a guard fleeing with his son. Only beneath Lake-town's wooden planks are stone bricks brought from Dale still buried today."

Tarnes' palm briefly rested on Bard's shoulder, some warmth passing through the coarse cloth: "Come with me then, let Durin's descendant personally decide this fate."

Bernahl was bent over examining a wounded person's festering wound and, hearing this, looked up and made an understanding gesture.

Igon wiped the silver scraper covered in salve and nodded slightly to Bard: "Go without worry. Your kinsmen's wounds aren't serious."

Millicent quietly followed at the rear of the group, moonlight turning the dark patterns on her cloak into flowing streams.

Bilbo tiptoed around scattered bandages on the ground and whispered to Bard: "Don't worry. Thorin and the others may be loud, but they're all very kind Dwarves."

Bard had wanted to say he certainly didn't think Durin's royal Dwarves were kind, but seeing Bilbo's unconditional trust in Thorin's smile, he could only nod silently.

On the way, Tarnes asked Bard: "When Smaug ravaged Lake-town, did you fight back? I want to know if that dragon has any obvious weaknesses."

Bard fell into recollection: "When Smaug first flew to Lake-town, I personally led several soldiers I trusted in attacking him. But to my despair, Smaug's black scales were extremely hard. Ordinary weapons couldn't harm him. Even when I used a windlass to shoot, the bolts bounced off his scales. I'm sorry. I tried every method I could, but I don't know where Smaug's weakness lies."

After hearing Bard's words, Tarnes showed a surprised expression.

He hadn't expected this human to not only avoid losing courage when facing a dragon descending from the sky but to try every possible way to fight.

A worthy descendant of Dale's lord indeed.

Tarnes sighed inwardly.

But ordinary weapons can't harm Smaug? Weapons from the Lands Between should work though.

No, can't rush to conclusions yet. After all, that's still a dragon. No amount of caution is excessive.

Before the unavoidable close combat with the dragon, it's best to attack with sorcery first.

Just wondering whether Smaug's scales or ancient dragons' stone scales are harder.

They soon reached the building where Thorin and the others were staying, with Thorin and Balin standing outside.

Thorin's expression was somewhat dark, while Balin's was full of helplessness. It looked like they'd just had an unfriendly exchange.

Just unclear what they'd discussed.

The footsteps of Tarnes' group were noticed by Thorin and Balin, and both Dwarves looked over.

Tarnes proactively asked: "Thorin, why are you outside?"

Thorin noticed the human Tarnes had brought and gestured for him to come aside alone before speaking in a low voice: "We had disagreements about whether to continue to the Lonely Mountain."

Tarnes instinctively glanced at Balin, then also lowered his voice: "What exactly happened?"

At the same time, he secretly sighed that these Dwarves were really troublesome. They'd managed to cause more issues so soon after leaving.

Thorin jerked his chin toward Balin. This Dwarf, always known for his gentleness, said: "I suggested it. I believe that now that the dragon has awakened, we shouldn't continue to the Lonely Mountain."

Tarnes nodded, indicating he was listening seriously.

Balin continued: "Previously, the dragon slumbered within the Lonely Mountain, and our purpose was just to find the secret door and have the Hobbit steal the Arkenstone through it. With the Arkenstone, Thorin's legitimacy as Durin's royal heir would be guaranteed. But now that Smaug has actually awakened, the possibility of stealing the Arkenstone is nearly zero."

Thorin retorted quietly: "But there's still a chance to steal the Arkenstone, isn't there? We've all seen Bilbo's stealth talent these days. Maybe he really could steal the Arkenstone from right under the dragon's nose."

Balin smiled bitterly and persuaded: "But what if he fails? Not only would Bilbo die inside, but the dragon would surely know it was Dwarves of Durin's royal blood who sent him. Then the dragon would burst from the Lonely Mountain, discover us too, and we'd die under dragon flame. Thorin, you can't die there. Your life is very important. Our kinsmen in the Blue Mountains still need you."

Thorin replied without hesitation: "When hiring Master Bilbo, the contract clearly stated in black and white that he needed to accept the risk of being killed by the dragon. If stealing the gem could be done without any risk, why would I hire a Hobbit who can't even fight? Besides, my lifelong wish is to reclaim the Lonely Mountain. That's far more important than my life."

Balin looked helplessly at Tarnes: "That's why Thorin and I argued. Tarnes, do you also want to face an awakened dragon?"

This Dwarf saw that Thorin couldn't be persuaded by him, so wanted to try persuading Tarnes.

He knew Tarnes was very strong and knew many powerful magics.

But Balin believed that only when Smaug slumbered could Tarnes have a good chance of defeating the dragon.

After hearing Balin's words, Tarnes replied: "Rationally speaking, I think Balin's words are correct. The moment Smaug awakened, the Lonely Mountain expedition effectively became no different from disbanded."

Balin's face showed delighted surprise. He hadn't expected Tarnes to actually agree with his thinking.

Thorin showed an incredulous expression looking at Tarnes, mouth agape: "How can this be? Why are even you the same as Balin? Didn't you promise me you'd eliminate that dragon?"

Tarnes pressed heavily on Thorin's shoulder: "Don't rush, Thorin. I haven't finished speaking. If I hadn't just met Bard, I would most likely agree with Balin's suggestion. After you returned to the Blue Mountains, I would go with Bernahl, Millicent, and Igon to deal with the dragon."

Then he looked at Balin and shook his head slightly: "But I just learned very important news from Bard that concerns you all, especially Thorin."

"Is Bard that human you brought?" Thorin asked.

Tarnes nodded, then stood up and called to the long-waiting Bard: "Bard, that thing you showed me earlier, please show it to these two Dwarves again. This is Thorin, and the white-bearded Dwarf beside him is Balin."

Hearing this, Bard walked over and produced the hide fragment bearing Azog's mark, handing it to Thorin.

While approaching, he carefully studied Thorin and found he indeed looked very similar to the portrait he'd seen in books.

Thorin didn't notice Bard's scrutiny, or perhaps didn't care even if he had.

Because at this moment, Thorin's attention was entirely captured by the hide fragment in Bard's hand.

He grabbed Bard's hand, snatched the hide and spread it open, pupils contracting slightly: "This is Azog's mark. Even damaged like this, I can confirm it's his mark."

Then Thorin jerked his head up, staring fixedly at Bard and asking in an almost growling manner: "Where did you get this thing!"

Bard shrugged, not intimidated by Thorin's appearance, and casually pulled out several more hide clothing fragments with the same mark from his bosom: "Well, if you're interested in this sort of thing, I don't mind selling them to you."

Thorin's expression clearly showed bewilderment, then confusion.

Balin had the same expression, though he looked at Tarnes and asked: "Mr. Tarnes, could you help explain what exactly is happening now?"

Tarnes said: "Let's go inside and speak with the others together. Otherwise Fili and Kili will keep getting tired from eavesdropping at the door."

As soon as he finished speaking, noisy footsteps came from behind the door, accompanied by some Dwarfish cries of pain.

"You stepped on my foot!"

"Shut up! You just pulled out several of my beard hairs too!"

Thorin came expressionlessly to the door and pushed it open. The previously quiet atmosphere inside immediately became noisy.

The moment Thorin opened the door, the other Dwarves inside began pretending they hadn't just been eavesdropping at the door, instead bursting into laughter with their nearby companions as if they'd all been chatting about interesting topics.

Thorin's eye twitched several times. He remembered that when Balin had called him outside, these Dwarves were arguing red-faced over Smaug's awakening, practically spitting in each other's faces, their beards swaying with anger.

Nothing like this harmonious scene now.

Thorin's Adam's apple moved several times before what he wanted to say became a sigh: "Tarnes, come in and tell us all what's really happening."

Without taking too long, Tarnes related the news and speculation he'd just learned to the Dwarves. All the Dwarves, including Thorin, fell into silence.

Bilbo blinked. He noticed that even Bofur, who usually liked telling jokes, looked serious.

He didn't like this heavy atmosphere but didn't know what to say to lighten the mood.

If only Gandalf were here now.

He had the exact same thought as Tarnes.

Dwalin was first to break the silence: "Mr. Tarnes, you mean to say you suspect that dragon's awakening is related to Azog? Is this really possible? How could that arrogant dragon listen to Orc scum's commands?"

Tarnes replied: "You're right, Dwalin. Dragons wouldn't regard Azog seriously. But Gandalf has been telling me he fears a certain enemy's return. His reason for supporting Thorin's reclaiming of the Lonely Mountain is also because the Lonely Mountain is a very important strategic location. So I believe the one who awakened that dragon from slumber is the very enemy Gandalf has been worried about, while Azog carried his orders to send his subordinates toward the Lonely Mountain."

Gloin slapped his face, then stroked his fiery red beard: "Regardless of whether this is true, we must prepare. Prepare to face dragon attacks."

Kili first suddenly raised his hand, then asked confusedly: "Gloin, why must we prepare to face the dragon? Didn't Teacher Tarnes say that dragon won't listen to Azog at all?"

Fili pressed down his brother's hand and explained: "That dragon won't listen to Azog, but that doesn't mean Azog has no way to make the dragon attack us. For instance, when Azog relays his master's orders, he need only add 'kill all Dwarves of Durin's royal house.' Moreover, the Lonely Mountain was originally closely connected to us, and that dragon itself has blood feuds with us, so there's high probability it would really do this."

Balin said worriedly at this point: "Then shouldn't we leave the Woodland Realm and return to the Blue Mountains to gather forces to prepare for battle against Smaug?"

Thorin shook his head slightly: "No, we can't go back. Balin, have you forgotten how representatives of the seven Dwarf kingdoms refused me? The Lonely Mountain's painful experience is still vivid. If they truly knew Smaug would fly to the Blue Mountains, I can already imagine them hiding in the mountains, not daring to come out."

Balin pursed his lips and said nothing more.

Tarnes also spoke: "I also don't approve of going back now, but my reason differs from Thorin's: I need Thorin as bait to attract the dragon. I plan to kill it in the palace you Dwarves built, while that dragon still likes nesting on piles of gold in the Lonely Mountain."

Kili again said confusedly: "Teacher Tarnes, why is this?"

This time Fili didn't stop his brother's question and showed the same confused expression.

Tarnes said: "Whether you or Bard, all of you who've seen Smaug without exception mentioned that Smaug can fly, and fly very high. If outside the Lonely Mountain's palace, even I have no way to kill a dragon flying in the clouds. But if it's inside the Lonely Mountain's palace with height restrictions..."

"Then I might have many ways to kill it."