592Hey everyone, here is Chapter 20 to Unexpected Allies.
As of April 30th, 2021, this story has 478 followers and is on 433 favourites.
Thank you all for loving this story.
I do have to say this chapter is shorter than the previous chapter.
Anyway, enjoy the chapter.
Chapter 20.
Many were surprised to see Bilbo spare Gollum despite having the opportunity to kill the creature. Though many in the dragon pit considered Bilbo foolish for sparing the creature, some admired Bilbo's act of sparing Gollum.
"I would have killed him," Tyrion muttered.
Ned disagreed, as much as he believed Gollum deserved to die. He saw what Bilbo saw. Bilbo pitied the creature. It was out of pity that made Bilbo choose to spare him.
"He pitied Gollum, Lord Tyrion," Ned told him.
Tyrion cocked a brow and turned to Lord Stark.
"I can see that Lord Stark, but any normal person would have killed him," Tyrion replied.
Ned shook his head.
"While many Houses of the South hide behind paid executioners to do the dirty work. The North never does, for we follow the Old Way," Ned told him.
Oberyn was curious at Ned Stark's comment.
"What is this 'Old Way,' you speak of Lord Stark?" Oberyn asked.
Ned let out a sigh before he starts, while many are curious to hear this.
"A tradition in the North that dates back to the First Men. When the one who passes the sentence for execution. Should be the one swinging the sword, Prince Oberyn," Ned answered.
Oberyn didn't look too pleased with the answer.
"But, why?" Oberyn asked again.
"If you would take one's life, you owe it to him to look into his eyes and hear his final words. And if you cannot bear to do that, then perhaps the man does not deserve to die," Ned explained.
After a moment of thought, Oberyn liked the answer.
"That is a wise answer," Oberyn admits.
"It is a belief that was passed down from my father and his father and so forth," Ned told him.
Mace is surprised by Ned's explanation.
"That is a wise explanation, Ned...I never thought of it that way," Mace tells him.
"Not many do," Ned replied.
The flames show Thorin & Company look relieved to escape the caves and into the fading daylight, but they don't stop running until they are far past the cave entrance.
While still invisible, Bilbo is not too far behind from Thorin & Company, trying his best to keep up.
"Why didn't they stop right after leaving the caves?" Bran asked.
"Because they wanted to get far away from the caves," Tyrion told him.
"The further they are from the caves. The more distance they have, in case the goblins try to chase them," Oberyn tells them.
"That makes sense," Bran admits.
"Doesn't help the sun is going down. So it makes sense for them to run as far they can from the caves," Ned told Bran.
"At least they don't have to worry about goblins chasing them," Tyrion said.
"For now," Varys told him.
Arya was happy to know her brothers made it out of the caves alive.
"I hope they don't get into any more danger," Arya said.
"With their luck, Arya, I sadly disagree," The Blackfish told her.
The renowned Knight was no fool to know this Quest for Erebor is a dangerous one, and he fears this is only the beginning. But he is relieved his great-nephew made it out of the caves intact.
The flames show the Company catching their breath.
Daenerys immediately sat on the ground, taking deep breaths.
"I can barely feel my legs," Daenerys admits.
Gendry dropped as soon as he felt a soft part of the ground.
"My arms are just as sore as my legs," Gendry told her.
Daenerys giggled at Gendry's tired voice.
"Killing the Great-Goblin must have been quite tiresome," Daenerys teased.
"I'm too tired to have this conversation," Gendry said.
Daenerys chuckled as he laid his head down on the ground.
Renly snickered at the tension between Gendry and Daenerys.
"I hear the bedding chant in the future," Renly said.
King Robert glared at his younger brother.
"Over my dead body, Renly. I'll be damned to allow my son to wed the filthy dragonspawn!" King Robert said viciously.
Stannis sighed at his brother's comment.
"Brother, you are aware we have Targaryen blood in our veins from our grandmother, Rhaelle Targaryen?" Stannis told him.
King Robert looked just livid at Stannis as he was with Renly.
"Therefore, you are calling us 'filthy dragonspawn.' as well," Stannis finished.
The King groaned, understanding what his brother meant.
"I bloody get it, Stannis," King Robert said.
"Whether you like it or not. They will most likely end up together, Robert. And their union will put an end to our House's feud, and the Targaryen name dies with her," Stannis adds.
Robert didn't say anything, but he knew Stannis was right.
Ser Barristan, however, turns to Ned Stark, who hid the last male Targaryen in plain sight.
"Not entirely," Ser Barristan muttered.
The flames show Ser Jorah sitting down, looking tired from the running and fighting out of the caves.
"You're getting old, Ser Bear," Ygritte teased Jorah.
Jorah let out a laugh at her teasing. While cleaning his sword.
"I'm not that old, Ygritte. I still got plenty of years left in me," Jorah retorts.
Tormund snickers at them as he sat down as well, letting out a massive sigh.
"Killing all of those ugly fuckers tired me out," Tormund said.
Jorah shook his head, trying to hold his laugh.
"I'm surprised we even made it out of there alive," Jorah told him.
Tormund nods at Jorah.
"Aye, we're lucky to have gotten out," Tormund responds.
Ygritte put her head down in shame.
"We're still missing Gilly," Ygritte said.
Jorah nods at her.
"Poor girl, she's probably dead by now," Jorah said sadly.
Lyra couldn't help but snicker at Jorah's response. Her cousin wasn't that old, but she notices he aged quite a lot since his exile.
"Mother did say stress can age people," Lyra muttered.
Her cousin did look tired, despite his acts of bringing shame onto their house. She did remember all the good he has done for them. It was a shame all of that good was destroyed by his Southern wife.
"I wonder how he became allies with the Wildlings?" Lyanna asked.
Lyra shrugged her shoulders. She had no clue how their cousin became allies with the Wildlings.
"I guess we will find out later, little sister," Lyra told her.
From what Lyra can tell, her cousin is shockingly good friends with the two Wildlings.
"Uncle Jeor would be shitting himself in disbelief at this," Lyra said.
"Most likely, from what I have heard from mother," Lyanna responds.
Margaery immediately sat down, catching her breath.
"I..can...barely...feel...my...legs," Margaery said while catching her breath.
Loras sat beside her, putting his shield down in the process.
"That...was...too...many...goblins...in...my...life," Loras said slowly.
Margaery chuckled at her brother's comment.
"You and me, both," Margaery told him.
The sibling's chuckle at their agreement. As Loras quickly wrapped his arms around her.
"I'm just glad we made it out of there," Loras told her.
"As do I," Margaery replied.
Garlan couldn't blame his younger siblings' tired state.
"I can't blame them. They must be drained from all the fighting, running, and climbing on Margaery's part," Garlan said.
"They must be, my son," Mace told him.
The Lord of Highgarden saw how drenched his youngest son looked.
"They're probably going to be sore after this," Mace adds.
Garlan nods at his father's comment.
"That they will be, father," Garlan replied.
Olenna is just grateful her two youngest grandchildren have escaped the caves.
"As long as they're alive and well," Olenna said.
Theon sat down on a nearby rock, letting out a sigh as he rests his legs.
"Bloody hell! That was the longest run I've ever done," Theon groaned.
Robb chuckled, feeling just as tired as Theon and sat down as well.
"I feel you, Theon. I can barely feel my legs," Robb retorts.
Jon sat down beside Robb, who smacks the back of his brother's head.
"Ow! What was that for?" Jon asked.
Robb has a 'are you serious.' look on his face.
"That stunt in Goblin-town, Jon! What were you thinking?" Robb asked.
"I wasn't really thinking. I just wanted to make sure the goblins didn't come across," Jon admits.
Robb shook his head at his brother's answer.
"Just be careful alright, I don't want to lose you again," Robb told him.
"I don't plan on going anywhere," Jon responds.
Theon snickers at the two brothers and starts cleaning his sword.
"Just like when we were boys," Theon said.
"Not entirely accurate, but not inaccurate," Robb retorts.
Making Theon playfully jab Robb.
Yara couldn't help but laugh at her brother's expression once he finally sat down, after being on the run from goblins for goodness how long.
"I don't blame him," Yara said.
She could tell Theon was close with Robb Stark given their fostering in Gondor, but she is happy he is no longer petty towards Robb and Jon's brotherly bond.
Ned chuckled at Robb smacking the back of Jon's head. He probably would have done the same if he were Robb and Benjen was Jon.
"What's so funny, Ned?" Catelyn asked.
"When Robb smacked Jon. I could just picture myself as our son and Benjen as Jon. Believe me. I would have done that to my little brother if he did a stunt like that," Ned explained.
Catelyn shook her head but paused briefly to picture it before giving a nod of agreement.
"I can't judge. I slapped Lysa earlier," Catelyn tells him.
Ned chuckles at her comment.
"As the older sibling, we have to smack some sense into our younger siblings," Ned joked.
Soon as he said this. Ned spotted Arya looking at Bran.
"I was only joking, Arya, and you too, Sansa," Ned quickly told her.
While teasing his eldest daughter, who just looked insulted.
"I wouldn't dare hit Arya...it's not lady-like," Sansa replied.
Arya then turns to Bran after they saw Robb lecture Jon.
"I'll smack you silly if you do a stunt like Jon," Arya tells Bran.
Lyanna and Lyra try not to laugh at Bran's nervous expression after Arya's warning.
Ser Barristan heard the Stark children and had a small laugh. The younger Stark girl gave him flashbacks of Lyanna Stark. He hopes the young girl doesn't suffer the same fate as her aunt.
Once everyone is slowing down, Gandalf is doing a headcount for everyone.
"Five, six, seven, eight," Gandalf said.
Before turning around to see Bofur and Bifur.
"Bifur, Bofur. That's ten," Gandalf said.
He spots Fili and Kili.
"Fili, Kili! That's twelve," Gandalf adds.
Bombur is the last to appear. Not to the wizard's surprise.
"And, Bombur. That makes thirteen," Gandalf comments.
The wizard then finally noticed Jorah, Tormund and Ygritte. Bringing a bit of confusion to the wizard.
"You are new faces," Gandalf admits.
"I'm Ser Jorah Mormont," Jorah introduced himself.
He points to Tormund and Ygritte.
"The man is Tormund Giantsbane, the girl is Ygritte," Jorah adds.
Gandalf nods at their introductions before realizing Bilbo isn't here.
"Where's Bilbo?" Gandalf muttered.
Where's our hobbit? Where is our hobbit?!" Gandalf demands.
Loras noticed someone else is missing besides Bilbo.
"Where's Sam?" Loras asked.
"At least Gandalf is doing a headcount," Tyrion said.
"That is good, can't be too careful," Oberyn told him.
"Bilbo isn't the only one they're missing," Varys reminds them.
Tyrion groaned as he saw Melessa Tarly looking heartbroken at no mention of her son.
"Fuck, forgot about the Tarly boy," Tyrion admits.
"I'm sure he escaped with the wildling girl. Gollum did point the safe passage out of the Mountain," Oberyn told him.
The children snickered at Bombur being the last dwarf to pop up.
"I'm surprised it didn't take Bombur longer to catch up with them," Bran admits.
"Maybe he's faster than we thought?" Arya joked.
"Maybe he smelled food?" Lyanna tells them.
Melessa Tarly was touched that Loras noticed her son isn't with them.
"At least your son noticed Sam's absence, Lord Tyrell," Melessa told Mace.
"Loras was always a smart lad," Mace said fondly.
"Curse the halfling! Now he's lost?" Dwalin yelled out.
"I thought he was with Dori!" Glóin said.
While this was happening, Bilbo. Who is still invisible can be seen not far from them and has stopped to hear the debate.
Just as Gandalf turns Dori, who looks defensive.
"Don't blame me!" Dori responds.
Gandalf looks at Dori with worry.
"Where did you last see him?" Gandalf asked.
While this was happening, Nori's eyes widen when he recalled Bilbo slipping away.
"I think I saw him slip away when they first collared us," Nori explains.
"Dwalin made it sound like Bilbo's a burden," Tommen said.
"In a way, the dwarves did Bilbo as one, Tommen," Tyrion told him.
"But, why?" Tommen asked.
"Well, he's smaller than them, not as strong as them, not as good with a weapon as them, and not cut out for their lifestyle," Tyrion explained.
Tommen understood what his uncle meant.
"I can see that...but he did come back...that's got to count for something...right, uncle?" Tommen nervously asked.
Tyrion smiles fondly at his comment.
"He did come back, and yes, it does count for something," Tyrion responds.
Sansa felt sorry for Bilbo for hearing them speak as if he was a burden.
"They treat Bilbo like he's a burden," Sansa said sadly.
"He kinda was to some of them," Edmure tells her.
Catelyn glares at her brother, who gulped after seeing her glare.
"But...like what Lord Tyrion said, he did come back to them...he's loyal, and you can always admire loyalty," Edmure adds.
The Blackfish shook his head while chuckling at the somewhat save his nephew made.
Sansa is smiling at her words.
"I guess that's true," Sansa said.
"Then what happened exactly? Tell me!" Gandalf asked Nori.
Loras can be seen in the background, standing on top of a rock. Noticing a campfire from a distance.
"I'm pretty sure that's a fire over there," Loras tells them.
Seeing no one heard him. Loras chose to follow the fire on his own.
"Where's he going?" Jon asked Robb.
Robb spots Loras walking away.
"Maybe he's going to take a piss?" Robb guessed.
"We should follow him, just in case," Jon told him.
Robb groaned as he just sat down but didn't want Jon to go off on his own.
"Can't even sit down for five minutes," Robb muttered.
As he gets up and follows Jon.
"At least Gandalf shows concern for Bilbo," Tyrion said.
"Well, he is the one who hired him for the quest. So he must feel like he has some responsibility for him," Varys told him.
Garlan smirked at his brother for noticing the fire nearby.
"Good chance, the campfire is where your son, Lady Tarly," Garlan said.
Melessa smiles at Garlan's comment.
"I hope so, Ser Garlan," Melessa responds.
Talia and Dickon hope the fire is Sam.
"I hope he got out of there," Talia said softly.
"Same," Dickon told her.
Olenna didn't like the fact Loras is going off on his own.
"Oh, that boy. He just had to go off on his own," Olenna said.
Mace turns to his mother after seeing his friend's sons follow him.
"Both of Ned's boys are with him. So don't worry, mother," Mace reassures her.
Olenna just sighed. Her oaf of a son had a point.
"Your sons have good hearts, Ned," Mace tells Ned.
"That they do," Ned said.
Catelyn snickered at Robb's groaning, which reminds her of Ned.
"He has the same look you do when you hear Arya and Sansa bicker," Catelyn told him.
"I noticed," Ned responds.
Thorin steps forward and starts talking.
"I'll tell you what happened. Master Baggins saw his chance, and he took it," Thorin told them.
Margaery looks baffled at Thorin's comment.
"He has thought of nothing but his soft bed and warm hearth since he first stepped out of his door," Thorin continued.
While Thorin was saying this, Bilbo is hiding behind a tree.
"We won't be seeing the hobbit again. He is long gone," Thorin said angrily.
The children started to develop a dislike of Thorin after hearing his rant about Bilbo leaving them.
"He doesn't even know, Bilbo," Sansa said.
"That's because he never gave any effort to try and know Bilbo," Tyrion told her.
"That is sadly true, Lord Tyrion," Varys said.
"Thorin's a jerk," Bran said.
"More like a prick," Lyra muttered.
Lyra may have seen Bilbo as a problem, but she did grow to admire the hobbit.
Garlan has a feeling his sister is going to give it to Thorin. He has seen that look before...from their grandmother.
"What is it, my son?" Mace asked.
"I have a feeling Margaery is going to give Thorin a piece of her mind," Garlan answered.
Mace saw the look on his daughter's face and snickered.
"She has your grandmother's scorn look. Believe me. She gives me that same look now and then," Mace whispered.
Garlan couldn't help but laugh at his father's comment.
Margaery looks infuriated by Thorin's bashing of Bilbo.
"Seriously, Thorin?!" Margaery yells out.
Catching everyone's attention.
"Are you really going to give up on him so easily?!" Margaery snapped.
Fili and Kili's eyes widened at Margaery's tone towards Thorin, comically taking a few steps back to avoid her wrath. Gandalf smiles at Margaery defending Bilbo.
Bilbo, who is still invisible, is touched to hear Margaery defend him.
"He misses his home, so what? Don't we all miss home? At least you are still able to reclaim yours! I don't know if I am even capable of returning to mine!" Margaery sadly adds.
Making most of the dwarves think of home while remembering the non-dwarves besides Gandalf and Bilbo. Don't hail from Middle-Earth, but from another world itself and were taken from their home and dropped here in Middle-Earth.
"Despite how little he meant to you. He was still loyal to the Company. For all we know, he could either be lost or dead in those tunnels!" Margaery finished.
As tears stream down her eyes.
As he hears this, Bilbo has a look of realization as he cocked his head back towards the Company.
"Tell him, Lady Margaery," Tyrion said.
Arya and Bran cheer at Margaery for speaking up against Thorin's comments about Bilbo.
"You tell him!" Bran yelled out.
"Kick that beard off of Thorin!" Arya yelled out.
Sansa looks humiliated at her younger siblings.
The Blackfish and Edmure chuckle at Bran and Arya's loud words.
"They don't get it from our side," Edmure tells his uncle.
The Blackfish nods at his nephew's comment.
"It's that Stark blood in them. Just be glad Cat didn't marry Lord Stark's brother. They would've been much louder," The Blackfish replied.
The Blackfish is glad deep down Lord Stark, who wed Catelyn instead of his late brother, Brandon. He knew what type of man the Wild Wolf was. The man would have dishonoured Catelyn more than Ned did.
Those kids would have been more of a handful for his niece.
"They're more wolf than trout," Edmure quipped.
"Especially the younger two," The Blackfish said.
Mace teared up at his daughter's rant at Thorin. He knew his little girl still missed them through her voice.
"She misses us," Mace said tearfully.
Garlan agreed with his father. Margaery clearly misses them, given her tone regarding home.
"I can't blame her, father. Being taken away at such a young age. Having to adapt to a new world...it must have taken a toll on her," Garlan admits.
Jon Arryn felt sympathy for the Tyrell girl. He couldn't blame the poor girl for relating to Bilbo, unlike the hobbit. Margaery and the other Westerosi are stuck in Middle-Earth for the time being and cannot return.
"Poor girl," Jon Arryn muttered.
Shireen felt sad for Margaery. She couldn't imagine being separated from her parents, mainly her father.
"I hope I can meet Gendry in person," Shireen said.
"You will, Shireen. He's a Baratheon. Baratheon's are never to be underestimated," Stannis told her.
Ned shed a tear at Margaery's words. He felt sympathy for the poor girl. Forgetting she was a little girl when she was ripped from Westeros and sent to Middle-Earth like the other Westerosi.
"May their gods watch over them," Ned said.
He did admire her bravery to stand up to Thorin.
"No, he isn't," Bilbo said.
Revealing himself to the group, many of the dwarves are relieved to see Bilbo alive. Gendry, Daenerys, and Theon shot up at Bilbo's voice. The former two are the most stunned to see the hobbit.
"Bilbo?" Gendry and Daenerys said in unison.
"Bloody hell, Bilbo. You're alive!" Theon said in shock than in joy.
"Bilbo! Oh my goodness, you're alive!" Margaery said with glee.
Gandalf chuckles as he is delighted to see the hobbit alive and well.
"Bilbo Baggins. I've never been so glad to see anyone in my life," Gandalf told him.
The wizard takes a few steps forward. Just as Bilbo passes Balin and Daenerys, patting the former's shoulder.
"Bilbo. We'd given you up," Kili said.
"How on earth did you past the goblins?" Fili asked.
"How, indeed," Dwalin said suspiciously.
Before Bilbo could respond, Loras returns with a delighted look on his face.
"Look who we found," Loras said.
As the group turns around to see Robb and Jon helping the still injured Sam with Gilly behind them, carrying Sam's bag for him.
Tyrion smiled at Bilbo, revealing himself to the group.
"I guess they still got their burglar," Tyrion said.
"From the looks of it. Indeed, Lord Tyrion," Vary retorts.
Oberyn was impressed Bilbo decided to return.
"Lady Margaery's words must have got through to him," Oberyn said.
"They must have," Ellaria told him.
Bran and Arya were delighted to see Bilbo return.
"Bilbo is back," Bran said.
"I wonder if he is going to tell them about his ring?" Arya asked.
"Gollum's ring, Arya. It was Gollum's ring," Tyrion tells her.
"Technically, Lord Tyrion. It is Bilbo's now," Varys chimes in.
Lady Tarly cried out in relief to see her son did escape the caves.
"Bless the seven," Melessa said joyfully.
Talia and Dickon smile with their mother, knowing their brother escaped.
"Thank you, Bilbo," Talia said.
"We owe the hobbit one," Dickon tells her.
Melessa turns to her liege Lord.
"Thank you, Lord Tyrell, for your son finding him," Melessa said.
Mace shrugs it off.
"It is no trouble, Lady Melessa. I'm just glad to see your son lives as my children and the others," Mace reassures her.
The wife of Randyll Tarly is touched by her liege Lord's words.
As everyone is busy with seeing Sam alive. No one saw Bilbo slip the ring into his pocket. Óin and Glóin were relieved to see Sam alive. The two dwarves start hugging Sam with joy on their faces.
"We thought we lost you," Óin said with worry.
"Bless, Durin," Glóin joyfully said.
Sam is just as happy to see them.
"Wouldn't have made it out of there if it wasn't for Bilbo," Sam admits.
Gandalf is deeply touched to hear Bilbo helped Sam.
"You are too modest, Sam," Bilbo told him.
"If you didn't stall that Gollum creature. I probably would have been his dinner," Sam retorts.
The name Gollum brought confusion to everyone, but before they can ask Sam.
Glóin turns to Bilbo with an admiral look.
"Thanks for saving him, Bilbo. I guess I was wrong about you," Glóin admits.
Bilbo brushed it off.
"Sam actually saved me from a goblin. Had he not save me, I would've perished in the caves," Bilbo told him.
Glóin would turn to Sam again.
"When did you get out?" Glóin asked.
Sam looks up to the sky than at his now put-out campfire.
"About four hours ago. I made the campfire a few hours ago," Sam answered.
Lady Tarly giggled at how protective the two dwarves are to Sam. Especially Glóin, who she can tell adores Sam like he was his own son.
"Glóin treated Sam like he were a child," Talia said before giggling.
Dickon couldn't help but laugh at Sam being treated like a child by Óin and Glóin.
"At least they care about him, Talia," Dickon told her.
"That is fair," Talia responds.
"At least Glóin has a different opinion about Bilbo," Melessa said.
"That he does, mother," Talia replied.
Dickon was proud of Sam defending Bilbo by bringing up his earlier deeds.
"Neither of them wouldn't have made it out of there without the other," Dickon said.
"I hope Sam's injury isn't too bad," Talia told him.
Tyrion hears this and turns towards them.
"Sam did say his leg is most likely sprained," Tyrion reminds her.
"Long as his leg isn't broken," Melessa told him.
Many were surprised to learn Sam has been out of the caves for over four hours.
"That's impressive," Dickon said.
"They probably didn't have any goblins to deal with," Randyll spat.
Oberyn turns to the Lord of Horn Hill.
"Just be grateful your son lives, Lord Tarly. Many Lords and Ladies would give anything to have a lost child of theirs back," Oberyn told him.
Randyll didn't say anything, but Melessa was happy Oberyn was defending her son.
"You are very thoughtful, Prince Oberyn," Melessa told him.
"I remember the stories from my brother, Doran, at how much grief our parents went through after the deaths of my older brothers, Mors and Olyvar," Oberyn replied.
Despite never meeting his brothers for they died in infancy and long before he was born. Oberyn knew their deaths greatly affected Doran as much as their parents.
Ygritte and Tormund greet Gilly, who is carrying Sam's bag.
"You're alive?" Tormund shockingly said.
Ygritte jabs Tormund before hugging Gilly.
"We thought we lost you," Ygritte told her.
Gilly nervously laughs.
"Sam and Bilbo rescued me from those goblins," Gilly nervously responds.
Tormund turned to Bilbo then back to Gilly.
"That wee little fella helped saved you?" Tormund asked in disbelief.
Gilly nods as Tormund looks back at Bilbo.
"Bet those goblins didn't see the wee fella coming," Tormund said before snickering.
Jon turns to Loras with a smile.
"Good job on noticing the fire, Loras," Jon said.
"Thanks, Jon," Loras responds.
Jon does put his hand on his shoulder.
"But, next time. Have someone with you. We don't know what's out here," Jon tells him.
Loras nods at his words, knowing he was reckless at going off on his own.
"I did tell you guys, but no one heard me," Loras replied.
"Fair enough. Now I know how Robb felt," Jon admits.
The two friends laugh before Loras goes to see Margaery.
The children giggled at Tormund's comment by Bilbo 'a wee little fella.'
"The wee little fella?" Bran said in Tormund's voice.
Making Arya and Lyanna laugh at Bran's impression of the wildling. Sansa rolls her eyes at her sibling's behaviour.
"Why can't they be normal children," Sansa muttered.
"That's because they are children of the North," Lyanna told her.
Mace smiles at the bonding of Loras and Jon.
"Looks like my son is befriending both of your boys, Ned," Mace said cheerfully.
"Yes, it does, Mace," Ned replied.
Like Jon, Ned did agree that Loras shouldn't have gone off on his own.
"Jon is right. Loras should have got one of them to go with him. Otherwise, things could've gone south if it wasn't Sam," Garlan bitterly admits.
"I hope he learns from it, Garlan," Mace said.
"So do I, father," Garlan responds.
As Óin picks up Sam's wounded leg, he starts preparing to look at it.
"It's just a sprain, Óin," Sam tells him.
Glóin points his finger at Sam like he was scorning a child.
"Listen to Óin, lad," Glóin sternly tells him.
Just as Óin finishes examining Sam's leg.
"What do you know? It is a sprain," Óin said.
As the dwarf properly wraps up the wound before looking at him.
"It isn't too bad, Sam. You should be good as new in a fortnight," Óin adds.
As Loras spots his tearful sister, he is shocked to see Bilbo.
"Bloody hell! Bilbo! You're alive!" Loras delightfully said.
"At least it's only a sprain and not broken," Talia said.
"I agree, my girl," Melessa told her.
"As long as they don't have to do any more running. Sam should be good," Dickon tells them.
"I hope so, Dickon," Melessa said.
Garlan chuckled at how long it took his brother to recognize Bilbo.
"Better late than never, I suppose," Garlan muttered.
Gandalf is just happy everyone is back, though he did notice Bilbo touch his pocket.
"Well, what does it matter? He's back," Gandalf said aloud.
Thorin faces Gandalf before facing Bilbo.
"It matters. I want to know. Why did you come back?" Thorin asked.
"You know, the more time they have spent talking. They could've been long gone by now," Tyrion said.
"That is true, Lord Tyrion. But they most likely want to spend some time recovering their strength," Varys responds.
Tyrion gives him a nod of agreement.
"Fair enough," Tyrion tells him.
"Sure, interrogate him now. Ignore the possibility of being chased by goblins and orcs," Olenna said with sarcasm.
"I'm sure they will be fine, grandmother," Garlan told her.
Olenna rolled her eyes at him.
"You just jinxed it, Garlan," Olenna replied.
Bilbo took a breath before facing Thorin.
"Look, I know you doubt. I know you always have," Bilbo begins explaining.
Briefly cuts back to Thorin, then back to Bilbo.
"And you're right. I often think of Bag End," Bilbo adds.
Shrugging before he continues.
"I miss my books. And my armchair. And my garden. See, that's where I belong. That's home," Bilbo continues.
Before cutting back to a shocked Thorin, then back to Bilbo.
"That's one of the reasons why I came back. 'Cause...you don't have one. A home. It was taken from you. And I will help you take it back if I can," Bilbo finished.
The dwarves are standing in silence, not knowing what to say, but they are touched by his words, especially Thorin, who is close to tears.
Gandalf is smiling with pride at the hobbit's words.
Many were touched by Bilbo's explanation of why he came back to the Company.
"At least he is honest about it," Tyrion said.
"Some people don't appreciate what they have until it is gone, Lord Tyrion," Varys told him.
Oberyn smiled fondly at the hobbit after hearing his reasoning, feeling Ellaria's hand grab his sleeve to wipe her tears.
"It is touching," Oberyn tells her.
Bran and Arya are stunned to hear Bilbo's reason for coming back. They admire him for it.
"He did sign a contract," Bran said.
"I do like his reason for coming back," Arya admits.
Ned is proud of Bilbo. He had a chance to go home, and he chose to stay with the Company.
"You are a good person, Bilbo Baggins," Ned muttered.
Ser Barristan smiles at Bilbo's speech.
"He has guts for sticking around, but he has a good heart," Ser Barristan said.
Jon Arryn was amazed at Bilbo staying with the Company.
"He is a good person, that Bilbo Baggins," Jon Arryn said fondly.
"What was the other reason?" Margaery asked.
Bilbo points towards her, Gendry, Daenerys, and Sam.
"You four. You four are the other reason why I came back," Bilbo told her.
They are stunned to hear this. But allow Bilbo to continue.
"You were ripped from your world and sent here. For reasons, we truly don't know?" Bilbo explains.
Pointing to Bofur, Bifur and Bombur.
"They took in Gendry," Bilbo said.
Before pointing to Balin.
"You took in Daenerys," Bilbo adds.
Pointing to Óin and Glóin.
"They took in Sam," Bilbo said.
Then pointing to Thorin, then Fili and Kili.
"Your sister. Their mother took in Margaery," Bilbo adds.
Gandalf knew what Bilbo was going to say, but he allowed him to speak.
"You know of this already, Bilbo. What is the point?" Thorin asked.
Bilbo smiles at his question before facing the dwarves again.
"My point is all of you gave them a home. Because all of you know what it's like to be taken away from your home. It's the big reason why I truly came back," Bilbo answered fondly.
Most of the dwarves smile tearfully at the hobbit's answer, with Thorin fighting the urge to tear up but smiles proudly at the hobbit.
Margaery, Gendry, Daenerys and Sam are smiling tearfully at Bilbo's answer.
Gandalf looks furthermore proud of Bilbo.
Soon as Bilbo explained his other reason for returning, many were in tears.
"They truly do," Mace said tearfully.
The Lord of Highgarden tearfully smiles at Bilbo's other reason for returning. The hobbit has truly earned his respect after this.
"Bilbo will always be welcomed to stay in Highgarden," Mace adds.
Garlan agreed with his father. Bilbo earned his right to be a welcomed guest in Highgarden.
"That he does, father," Garlan said.
Ladt Tarly wipes her tears after hearing Bilbo's speech.
"The hobbit surely knows a way with words," Melessa said sweetly.
"He surely does, mother," Talia told her.
Dickon smiles at Bilbo. The hobbit does have a way with words.
"Bilbo surely does," Dickon tells them.
Jon Arryn noticed King Robert quickly wipe away a tear.
"He sure knows a way with words, doesn't he?" Jon Arryn asked.
"I had something in my eye, Jon," King Robert said.
Jon Arryn nods, but he knew what he saw, and he will not push it any further.
Ned saw Catelyn wiping her tears with a handkerchief.
"You okay?" Ned asked.
Catelyn nods at her husband.
"I am fine, Ned. It was very heartwarming what Bilbo said," Catelyn told him.
Ned puts his hand around her with Sansa, leaning on Catelyn as well.
"Bilbo is so sweet," Sansa tearfully said.
"That he is, Sansa," Ned told her.
Their moment is short-lived once they hear the howling of wargs.
"You got to be shitting me," Theon groaned.
"Out of the frying pan," Thorin said.
"And into the fire," Gandalf finished.
"Run. Run!" Gandalf said to them.
The Company starts running down the slopes as a way to get some distance from the approaching wargs. Gendry and Robb are seen helping the injured Sam down the slopes.
Everyone but Cersei, Lysa, Balon, Randyll and Olenna groaned in disbelief.
"You got to be shitting me," Yara said.
"They cannot catch a break," Tyrion said.
"Afraid so," Varys told him.
Bran and Arya hold onto one another once they heard the wargs.
"Nothing better happen to Robb and Jon," Bran muttered.
"Same," Arya told him.
Mace sighed once he heard the wargs.
"They cannot even get a moment's rest," Mace said sadly.
"I know, father. It bloody sucks," Garlan told him.
Olenna looks at her grandson.
"I told you, Garlan. You just had to jinx it," Olenna said.
Garlan shook his head at her.
"How was I suppose to know that will happen?" Garlan retorts.
Melessa gasped when she heard the wargs, not wanting her son to be left behind, but was delighted to see Gendry and Robb help Sam.
"Those are fine young men," Melessa said.
"They are," Talia told her.
Dickon saw a bit of irony of a Baratheon and a Stark helping a Tarly, considering the latter opposed them in Robert's Rebellion.
"They truly are good people," Dickon told them.
The flames show the sun is nearly down just as the wargs start gaining on the Company.
"We can't outrun them forever!" Robb said.
Jon noticed ledges further ahead of them and turns Robb, Margaery, Jorah and Loras.
"Get behind those ledges and raise your swords when I give the call!" Jon told them.
They nod at him before going to each ledge. He points to Theon, who still has his bow and plenty of arrows.
"Get to high ground and fire arrows at them. Make each shot count!" Jon tells him.
Theon nods as he goes further ahead and spots a higher ledge, switching his sword to his bow.
"Make each shot count," Theon said to himself.
As he grabs an arrow, not stringing it in until the wargs are in closer range.
The dwarves see what Jon is planning, and Dwalin turns to Tormund and Gendry then to Sam.
"Get him out of here. He's in no fighting shape," Dwalin tells them.
Tormund and Gendry nod as they help Sam down the slopes while everyone else prepares to fight off the wargs to buy time for the others.
As most of the dwarves start hiding behind trees and drawing their weapons.
Everyone but Cersei, Lysa, Randyll, and Balon are on the edge of their seats when the wargs get closer.
"Gods be damned," Tyrion said.
"Sadly so," Varys told him.
Ellaria grabs onto Oberyn's hand, not liking the looks of the savage wargs.
"Those are hideous creatures," Ellaria said.
"They truly are, my love," Oberyn told her.
The Blackfish chuckled when he realized what Jon Snow/Stark was planning.
"Your son is clever, Lord Stark," The Blackfish admits.
Ned knew what the Blackfish meant and agreed with the renowned Knight.
"Indeed, he is," Ned told him.
Bran and Arya were confused at their father's conversation with their maternal great-uncle.
"What is Jon planning?" Arya asked.
"Your brother plans to hide behind those ledges and when the time is right. They will raise their swords and gut the wargs," Ned told her.
After hearing this, Bran and Arya are surprised.
"It better work," Arya said.
"Same," Bran told her.
Mace turns to Ned after hearing the explanation.
"At least this plan isn't as crazy as the last one your son made, right, Ned?" Mace asked.
Ned chuckles at Mace's comment.
"I hope so, Mace. I hope so," Ned responds.
Yara couldn't help but smile at Theon getting ready to fire arrows at the wargs.
"Kill at least a few of them, little brother," Yara said.
The wargs are catching up to them, just as Jon, Robb, Jorah, Margaery and Loras get behind a ledge. They can hear the wargs footsteps, Jon gives the nod.
"Now!" Jon calls out.
One by one, each of them draws their swords and raises them, just as the wargs leap over the ledge. Their blades cut open the bellies of the wargs, with one dead warg lands inches from Bilbo.
"Now?!" Theon asked.
"Now!" Jon told him.
Soon as he heard this, Theon starts firing arrows at wargs, killing one when its mouth was open and another by shooting it in its neck.
"That's two!" Theon declared proudly.
A warg passes through Jon, Margaery, Robb, Jorah and Loras. But is killed by Thorin and Dwalin, who were hiding behind a tree. Ori can be seen running away from a warg and swings Dwalin's Warhammer over his head, managing to kill it.
"Good one, Ori!" Dori said proudly.
Gandalf leads the others further ahead of the slopes, only to be cut off by being at the edge of the cliff.
The flames pan out to show how high the fall would be.
Bran, Arya and Lyanna cheered as they saw Jon's plan work.
"That's smart of Jon," Bran said.
"Right!" Lyanna told him.
"That's our brother," Arya said cheerfully.
Edmure was amazed to see Jon Snow/Stark's plan work.
"Your son's plan worked, Lord Stark. I am quite surprised," Edmure admits.
"It's not too surprising. It is a simple but yet affected tactic. I remember hearing stories about the Crannogmen who used this tactic," Ned told him.
Yara cheered as her brother killed two wargs without missing a shot.
"Nice one, Theon!" Yara said proudly.
Only to see her father sulking on his chair.
"Can't you show some appreciation towards your son?" Yara asked.
Balon scoffs at his daughter.
"Some son he is. He killed two beasts without missing. Any archer from the Iron Islands could've done it," Balon coldly spat.
Yara shook her head.
"He's a better man than you ever will be," Yara fired back.
Tyrion was shocked to see how high the slope/cliff was.
"Seven fucking hells," Tyrion said.
Varys turns to Tyrion and is just as shocked.
"That would be quite the fall. I wonder how they are going to get out of this one?" Varys asked.
"That is something I am curious about, Lord Varys," Tyrion replied.
Mace gasped at the sight of the cliff.
"By the seven! They better get out of this alive," Mace cried out.
Garlan was on the edge of his seat. He couldn't believe what they were seeing.
"Please get them out of this Gandalf," Garlan muttered.
Sansa cried out in horror at the size of the cliff.
"Please save them, Gandalf!" Sansa cried out.
Catelyn had to hold onto her daughter, who quickly put her head on her chest.
"It's okay, Sansa. I'm sure Gandalf will find a way to save them," Catelyn told her.
Realizing they have nowhere to turn. Gandalf looks up to the trees and back to the Company.
"Up into the trees!" Gandalf tells them.
As everyone heard this, Jon turns to Theon.
"Theon! Cover us!" Jon yelled out.
Theon gives him a nod as he quickly climbs up a tree, and once he has enough room, he prepares to draw his bow.
"Be quick!" Theon responds.
Once Jon, Jorah, Robb, Margaery and Loras are ready to follow the others. Theon begins firing at the incoming wargs.
"Hurry!" Jon called out.
While this was happening, Gandalf was telling everyone to start climbing.
"All of you! Come on, climb!" Gandalf told them.
Just as Bifur threw a rock at a warg, making it stumble and gave Theon a chance to shot an arrow at its eye, killing it.
"I definitely owe, Bifur a pint if we get out of this alive," Theon said to himself.
Once Theon saw the others started climbing trees. He took this chance to remain on the tree before cautiously jumping across tree-to-tree to catch up to them. Nearly falling off in the process, but gained his footing.
"I gotta be careful!" Theon told himself.
"Why climbing up the trees?" Bran asked.
"Most likely to give them an advantage as wargs most likely cannot climb them," Tyrion told him.
Yara smiled at her brother's bravery for stalling the wargs so the others can climb up the trees.
"If only mother could see you, little brother," Yara said softly.
She believed seeing Theon might help her mother with her illness, but she knew it was a fool's dream.
"So climbing the trees will give them the high ground?" Tommen asked.
Ser Barristan decided to answer the boy.
"For now, Prince Tommen," Ser Barristan told him.
Mace and Garlan are relieved to see Margaery and Loras climbed up the trees.
"Thank the seven," Mace said in relief.
"At least, they are safe," Garlan told him.
Gendry knew Sam and Bombur would struggle climbing the tree. Due to Sam's injury and Bombur's weight, getting an idea, Gendry hands Sam Raumofalma as he climbs up the tree.
"Hold this!" Gendry told them.
Daenerys and Bofur look at him with confusion.
"What are you doing, lad?" Bofur asked.
"Did you seriously just leave them?" Daenerys asked.
Once reaching them, Gendry looks at them.
"I know what I'm doing...I think?" Gendry responds.
Gendry's response and expression did not impress Daenerys or the others.
"You think?" Daenerys said loudly.
"You better have a good plan, lad," Glóin told him.
"What is that boy up to?" Stannis said.
The Master of Ships was curious about his nephew's plan.
"You don't think he is going to use Stormbreaker to help Sam and Bombur up onto the trees?" Renly humorously asked.
Stannis remained silent until his eyes widen at the sudden realization of what their nephew was planning.
"From the looks of things, Renly. It may appear so," Stannis told him.
Renly rose a brow but said nothing.
Melessa, Talia and Dickon knew Randyll pissed off the King earlier, but they hope the King's legitimized son doesn't get Sam more injured or killed.
"Please be safe, Sam," Melessa muttered.
Talia held onto her mother's hand for support.
"Please be safe, brother," Talia whispered.
Quickly looking down to see a nervous Sam holding Raumofalma. Gendry turns to the other dwarves around him.
"I'm gonna need help!" Gendry adds.
Bofur, Bifur and Dori nod as they are the closest to him and watch as Gendry looks down at Bombur and Sam.
"Hold on, Sam!" Gendry yells out.
As soon as he said this, Gendry raised his hand towards them to summon Raumofalma.
"I really hope this bloody works," Gendry muttered.
After a few moments, the axe-hammer returns to him. Sam lets out a scream as he is being dragged upwards to the tree.
"Grab him!" Gendry told Dori.
The dwarf and Ori quickly grab Sam, who barely clung to the tree.
"Bloody hell. I can't believe that actually worked," Gendry shockingly admits.
Making Sam hit him in response to hearing this.
"What is that boy thinking?" Tyrion said curiously.
"I am thinking the same," Varys told him.
Oberyn smirked before snickering.
"The boy is smarter than he believes," Oberyn said.
"How so?" Bran asked.
Oberyn chuckles at Bran's question.
"Gendry is going to be using Stormbreaker to lift Sam to the trees," Oberyn told him.
Bran's eyes widen in disbelief.
"Really?" Bran asked.
The Red Viper snickered at the child's reaction.
"From the looks of it. It might happen. Just hope Sam has a good grip," Oberyn replied.
King Robert bursts into laughter at his son's stunt as his face turns red.
"Seven fucking hells! That boy of mine!" King Robert roared with laughter.
Melessa, Talia and Dickon were relieved to see Sam made it onto the tree safe, but they did laugh at Sam hitting Gendry.
"Serves him right for using my son as a training dummy," Melessa muttered.
Making Talia and Dickon snicker at their mother's comment.
Renly was surprised to see he was right yet again.
"I'm on a bloody roll," Renly said cheerfully.
"Don't get overconfident, Renly," Stannis told him.
Bran was amazed to see what Gendry did.
"You were right, Prince Oberyn," Bran said.
The Red Viper chuckled at the boy's expression.
"It was just a hunch. I would have taken advantage of the weapon's magical abilities," Oberyn admits.
"Ow! What was that for Sam?" Gendry said furiously.
Sam looks angry at Gendry's stunt.
"I'm not some training dummy you can use," Sam told him.
Before Gendry can respond, Bifur jabs Gendry and points to Bombur.
"Be careful, Bombur!" Gendry said.
Dropping Raumofalma down near Bombur, who quickly picks it up and waits for Gendry to give him the call.
"All good, Gendry!" Bombur cheerfully said.
Gendry concentrates, and after a few moments, the axe-hammer flies upwards to the trees, just as a warg nearly bit Bombur.
"Bifur! Bofur!" Gendry yells out.
The two dwarves aid Gendry with Bombur.
"Thanks, Gendry," Bombur told him.
"No problem, Bombur," Gendry replied.
Renly bursts with laughter at Samwell Tarly hitting Gendry.
"Sam should at least be glad Gendry came up with the plan. Otherwise, how would he have climbed up?" Renly said.
Stannis tried not to facepalm at his brother's poor choice of words.
"I don't know who is worse, Robert or Renly," Stannis muttered.
"Lord Renly does have a point," Dickon admits.
Dickon does admit deep down Sam overreacted at Gendry's act. He couldn't really blame his brother. He would have been just as mad as his brother if the roles were reversed.
"My brother may have overreacted, but I cannot blame him. I would have been just as mad if a dear friend came up with such a half-ass plan," Dickon awkwardly explains.
Randyll facepalms at his son's explanation.
"Am I cursed with stupidity and cowardice in my bloodline?" Randyll quietly asked.
"Most likely," Oberyn retorts.
Fuming the Lord of Horn Hill, but chose not to respond.
King Robert was laughing harder at Gendry's plan working again for Bombur.
"Seven hells! That boy has some bloody balls for pulling that stunt not once but twice! Truly a boy of the Stormlands!" King Robert said proudly.
Shireen giggled at her uncle Robert's reaction to Gendry's stunts.
"At least uncle is entertained," Shireen said.
Jon Arry chuckled at the King's niece's comment.
"Indeed," Jon Arryn told her.
The Hand of the King couldn't imagine what Robert would have done if he had Stormbreaker in his youth. He believes the realm would have been in so much debt if Rober did have the weapon.
With everyone high on the trees just as the wargs reached the trees.
"Bloody hell!" Theon said.
The ironborn saw the many wargs coming after them.
"That's too many of them!" Theon said.
"Aye! There are too many of those fuckers!" Tormund told him.
The wargs keep trying to climb the trees to bite them, but the group predicted this and climbed higher than they can reach.
"They can't reach us!" Loras said.
"Doesn't mean they can try and knock us off the tree!" Balin told him.
"Hold on!" Robb yelled out.
Gandalf is seen scanning the area for a way out but finds a moth on a branch not far from him. The wizard reaches out with his staff and slowly picks up the moth, bringing it closer to him. Placing the moth in his hand, the wizard begins whispering to the moth before letting it go. The moth flies off into the dark.
The wargs stop their attack on the Company, while Thorin's eyes widen in horror at the arrival of a white warg and its rider.
"Azog," Thorin muttered.
Revealing Azog is indeed alive like what the Great-Goblin proclaimed back in Goblin-town. The Pale Orc, now wielding a metallic claw for a prosthetic hand, leans forward and smells the air.
""Do you smell it? The scent of fear?"" Azog asked his pack.
The End of Chapter 20.
I hope you all liked this chapter.
I was planning to end the chapter right after Bilbo's speech, but I felt this was a better way to end things, and I finally brought in Azog.
I plan to have two more chapters, and that will cover the Unexpected Journey film.
Thank you all for reading Chapter 20.
I wish you and your loved ones the best of health and luck.
Answering Questions/Reviews.
Puffgirl1952 the 2nd: Thanks for liking, and I hope you liked the Azog reveal at the end of this chapter. I'll fix that mistake later when I have time.
keybladelight: Thanks for liking the chapter. I always did like that Bofur scene from the film. We'll be getting to The Desolation of Smaug within 4 chapters. I might do a flashback chapter where it shows how each weapon is made and later leading to being in the troll cave. When Sauron does make his entrance, everyone is going to be terrified.
Last Primaris: That won't be for a while, but I am happy you are looking forward to it.
GodOfTheSea21: Thanks for liking the chapter. I love hearing people say they like/love my story. I am going to try and make sure there won't be massive gaps between chapters. I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Payton12: I am back, and I am going to try my best to finish this story.
Zetcoy: An early birthday present for you, and happy belated birthday.
Greer123: Thanks for liking the chapter. I hope you and your loved ones are doing well and staying safe.
Zachary Slick: It is good to be back, and I plan to post more with my drive back.
VFSNAKE: Thanks for liking it. It took me a while to write the fighting for that chapter. I did like that scene from the film, so I kept it in. The fun is over, and they do have to deal with one more enemy.
Like what they said, out of the frying and into the fire.
aXmeave: Thanks for liking the chapter. Jon Arryn and Stannis will tell Robert the truth, but not in the way you will think. I have plans for Cersei, and a few twists in the story will affect her and possibly twist her mind.
Perseus12: Thanks for liking the chapter, and it is good to be back. Azog finally made his actual appearance in the story minus the flashback, and the fight won't be until the next chapter.
RHatch89: Thanks for finding the update awesome.
Blackstriker94: Sam doesn't know of Bilbo having the ring as he was stuck at the time and didn't see Bilbo take it. Plus, no one noticed Bilbo put the ring in his pocket this chapter as Sam's reappearance made the group focus on him. That and I wanted to make sure no one but Gandalf has a suspicion about it.
InfinityMask: Sadly, some characters will die in The Battle of the Five Armies. To represent the casualties of war, and not everyone goes home. The time difference is pretty big, and by the time Robert learns of Jon's true lineage. I think he would take it a bit better than he would be given situations over the course of the story that will affect him.
Olenna will slowly change her opinion, but she will feel like a fool for not connecting the dots sooner.
edboy4926: Thanks for finding the chapter awesome.
Janny092: Thank you, Janny092. That means a lot when I get those types of comments. I appreciate you liking the escape of Goblin-town. I am looking forward to getting to The Battle of the Five Armies. I hope you are safe too. I try writing when I am in the right state of mind if I'm not. I don't feel like writing it.
Stay safe and healthy too.
shadow-wild1: Thank you for reading and liking the chapter. I had a good laugh when I added that part in the chapter. That would be funny to see that happening, but who knows?
sniperbro1998: Thank you for enjoying the chapter, and it is good to be back. Jon will be conflicted about returning to Westeros or staying in Middle-Earth.
Guest1: That wasn't my intention, honestly. But, Jaime will go through a character arc in the story that will slowly change his character.
SPEEDIE22: Thank you for living it, and I hope you like this chapter.
Asteroth1: Thank you for posting that little story. I have been told I am full of surprises. Thank you for liking the chapter, and I hope you liked this chapter as well.
Eriador12345: That is what I often do at times, and thanks for the comment. That is what I do, try to work at my own pace, and that I enjoy doing it. Thank you for liking this story and premise. I was just as surprised as you are that there are not many fics about Middle-Earth/GoT. I plan to keep up with this story, and I look forward to The Battle of the Five Armies when I get there.
kingmanaena: Thanks for liking it. I added Jon's plan into the chapter last minute as I thought it would be hilarious to put in for the reactions. Gendry showing his inner Bobby B was something I always wanted to show, and Gendry killing the Great-goblin was a last-minute change. As I nearly had Tormund be the one to kill him
New Senpai on the Block: Thank you for liking the chapter.
Guest2: Cersei won't know the ring did to Gollum yet, and I doubt she won't think it is worth it if it means losing her beauty for the Ring.
MansRider: It is alive, and thank you for liking the chapter.
12345678910: Thank you for liking it. Having Gendry kill the Great-Goblin was a last-minute change as I nearly had Tormund be the one to kill him, but I'm glad I made the change as people seem to like it. I have a twist regarding the Andals and Greyjoys that will be revealed later on in the story.
Jordan Uzumaki: Thank you for liking it. I plan to continue this story, and I have no plan to abandon it. I am glad you are happy I didn't.
TrinitySeven: No, they wouldn't have much trouble, lol.
Guest3: I did update, and I hope you like it.
Code Viper: I don't plan to abandon this story anytime soon. I am looking forward to writing those reactions when I get there.
Master of Nen: Thanks for binging it and liking it.
Jayhawks: Thanks for liking it. Jon's plan was added last minute when I was working on it, and I'm glad people like it. I nearly had Tormund kill the Great-Goblin but swapped him with Gendry at the last minute.
Who knows? Anything can happen.
Sauron's history with the World of Westeros will be explained later on in the story. Stay safe and have a good one as well.