Inspiring Drabbles
Assorted Drabbles: 26. The Lord of Silver Fountains
For the tolkien_weekly "Water: Lake" challenge.
The Lord of Dale stands atop the newest wall of his restored town, arms folded, contemplating with satisfaction the bustling streets below.
Grim they once called me, grudging that I see clearly and speak straight; but I shot straight too, when the moment came.
Turning southwards, Bard gazes down Celduin towards the Long Lake: there, beyond even his keen sight, jut Laketown's ruined timbers; there in the dark depths Smaug's carcass rots, jewels slowly dropping from his hide to sink into the mud.
One day soon we'll dive for them; and then the Worm's plunder shall make Dale fairer yet.
~~~
(The title is a line from the Lakemen's song in Chapter 10 of The Hobbit, where it actually refers to Thorin; but since Gloin tells Frodo in LoTR "You should see the waterways of Dale, Frodo, and the fountains, and the pools!" it seemed perfectly appropriate for Bard too.)
