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"Hey, mate, are yuh gonna sleep in my hall?" a familiar voice called out to Reinhold.

Reinhold opened his eyes, startled, and turned towards the direction of the voice. He saw Thorin approaching him with a wide smile.

"Of course, my friend," the King replied cheerfully as they clasped hands and hugged each other warmly.

"I've missed you, my friend," the dwarf said, patting him on the back.

"And I've missed you too," Reinhold replied, returning the gesture with a firm squeeze. "You're not alone in this fight, Thorin. We are with you. Together, we'll drive these foul beasts away and rebuild your kingdom."

"Aye, but first we must get some rest," the dwarf chuckled softly as he pulled back from the embrace.

With a confident stride, he guided the King through a maze of twisting corridors until they reached a magnificent chamber. Inside, rows of plush beds were perfectly aligned along the walls, each one draped in cozy animal fur blankets. The room exuded a sense of warmth and comfort, offering respite from the cool air that lingered in the air.

"Here we are! I hope you don't mind sharing a room, mate. There's not enough space for everyone to have a room of their own," Thorin explained apologetically as he pointed to one of the empty beds.

"No need to apologize, my friend, I understand completely," Reinhold reassured him.

Thorin gave a small nod, satisfied that his guest understood. "Alright then! Get some sleep now. We'll talk in the morning, eh?"

As Reinhold settled into the bed, he couldn't help but marvel at how plush and cozy the fur coverings felt against his skin. The warmth they provided was like a gentle hug, easing any tension or worry from his body. The softness of the mattress beneath him seemed to mold to his shape, inviting him to relax and let go of the day's events.

It wasn't long before the combination of the luxurious bedding and the gentle sway of the ship rocked him into a deep, peaceful slumber. The rhythmic sound of the waves outside the cabin window acted as a lullaby, lulling Reinhold into a restful sleep where dreams of adventure and discovery awaited him.

As the night passed, Reinhold found himself dreaming of a distant past, a time filled with joy and simplicity. He, along with Thorin and Amelyna, were younger and life was uncomplicated as now.

The trio spent countless nights together, delving into the ruins scattered throughout the Whispering Forest. They would wander through the ancient ruins, imagining the stories that had once unfolded within those crumbling walls. Each night brought a new sense of wonder and excitement as they delved deeper into the unknown.

Oh, the forest. How it was such a beautiful place, filled with lush green trees that grew tall and majestic above the ground. Every tree seemed to have its own personality, each one standing proudly and offering its branches as a refuge for birds and other creatures. The rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze, the chirping of birds, and the occasional scampering of woodland creatures all added to the symphony of life that could be heard in the forest.

The forest seem much more alive and friendly back then. They were surrounded by the sounds of nature and the sweet fragrance of wildflowers as they wandered aimlessly through its vast expanse.

It truly was a place of wonder and beauty, where one could lose themselves in the tranquility of nature and forget about the troubles of the outside world.

As Reinhold reminisced about those times, he couldn't help but feel a sense of longing for the innocence and camaraderie they had shared. The memories of those nights spent exploring the Whispering Forest lingered in his mind, filling him with a bittersweet nostalgia for a time that seemed so distant now.

But now, everything had changed.

Trees, once towering symbols of life and growth, now stand as mere barriers in the path of the warring armies. The creatures that once roamed freely in this sacred land have fled, seeking refuge from the chaos that now reigns supreme.

Now, the forest was no longer a sanctuary of wonder and exploration, it has become a gruesome battlefield where the very essence of good fights vehemently against the encroaching darkness.

With a heavy heart and a sense of responsibility, Reinhold knew that he could no longer delay the inevitable. The time had come for him to awaken from his slumber and confront the brutal truth of the devastation that had befallen these once lush lands.

He slowly opened his eyes and gazed at the ceiling of the cabin, letting out a weary sigh.

"Good morning, Reinhold," Thorin greeted as soon as he noticed the king waking up.

"How are you feeling today, mate?"

"I feel pretty great," Reinhold replied as he stretched his muscles before getting up from the bed.

"Are you ready to get out of this hellhole, old friend?" Thorin asked with a chuckle, his azure blue eyes glinting mischievously.

"Of course. You know I can't leave without a worthy battle!"

"That's the spirit! Now, let's get some breakfast in ya. We have much to do today," the dwarf said excitedly as he led Reinhold out of the cabin.

The two walked together towards the mess hall, chatting amiably as they strolled along the corridor. As they entered the room, the dwarves inside immediately stopped what they were doing and bowed respectfully to the king.

Reinhold acknowledged the greeting with a wave of his hand and proceeded to take a seat at one of the tables.

"I hope you don't mind, but I already ordered breakfast for ya. I didn't want to wake you up too early, mate," Thorin explained as he sat down next to Reinhold. "You must be famished after such a restless night."

"Indeed, thank you very much!" Reinhold answered with a slight smile.

As they ate, the king couldn't help but notice something unusual among the dwarves present in the dining room. Some of them appeared to be quite young, barely in their twenties, while others were much older.

"Thorin, why are there so many children and elderly dwarves among your ranks?" the king asked curiously.

The dwarf sighed heavily, his eyes downcast. "We lost a large portion of our population during the attack on our city, Reinhold. Many of the experienced individuals perished, others were eaten by spiders or joined them like my father, leaving only a handful behind."

A solemn silence fell between the two as the reality of the situation sank in. With their numbers depleted and their morale shaken, the dwarves were at a distinct disadvantage against the seemingly endless hordes of spiders that had infested their homeland.

" By the way, what happen to the orcs?" Reinhold questioned with curiosity, remembering that the spider were not the only enemy in this battle.

"They left, probably because the spiders are the stronger force. They never liked each other anyway."

"I see... Well I'm glad they're gone. They are nasty bastards, those orcs," Reinhold stated with disgust evident in his voice as he recalled the brutality of the orcs he encountered during the battle.

"Aye, indeed. But enough about them; we have much work to do today. Let us finish our meal and prepare for battle, mate. I have high hopes for us today," Thorin said with a determined look in his eyes, causing the other dwarves present to nod enthusiastically.

After finishing their breakfast, Reinhold, Thorin, and their companions embarked on preparing for the day's mission. The first stop was to check on the state of supplies available and strategizing for the upcoming fight.

Upon entering the armory, they were met with a scene of utter chaos as dwarves ran about frantically gathering weapons from shelves and boxes, while others hurriedly sharpened and polished blades and armor. It was clear that the they were eager to get out there and show the spiders a thing or two.

Reinhold watched as a group of young dwarves gathered around a table full of maps and charts, pouring over every detail with intense concentration. One of them caught sight of the king and immediately rushed over to greet him.

He bowed low and extended a map towards Reinhold.

"Good morning, your Majesty," the dwarf greeted respectfully.

"Morning. What's all this?" Reinhold inquired as he took the proffered document and scanned its contents.

"These are detailed plans for our escape route, Your Highness. The scouts reported back last night and provided us with information regarding enemy positions and movements," the dwarf explained eagerly, pointing to various areas on the map.

Reinhold nodded as he followed the scout's explanation, taking mental notes of everything he was being told.

"Excellent work! I appreciate you and your men doing such excellent work," Reinhold commended, impressed by the thoroughness of their planning. "Now we must devise a plan on our formation, gentlemen. Any suggestions?"

"Yes, I have one," Thorin replied confidently. "I recommend utilizing a square formation as we advance. Each side of the square would be formed by knights wielding shields and spears, ready to defend against spider attacks. This strategic arrangement ensures that no matter where the spiders strike from, they will be met with a formidable wall of spear-wielding knights. Additionally, dwarves equipped with firepower can position themselves in the rear lines to showcase our toys."

The king and his companions listened intently as the young dwarf continued to explain his strategy. After discussing further details about how best to utilize their resources, they finally settled on an plan that would hopefully give them the edge in this journey.

Once everyone agreed on the strategy, they immediately began the process of training and preparing the soldiers for the formation.

After a few minutes of searching, Reinhold spotted Thorin and several other dwarves standing near a pile of crates containing various pieces of equipment.

They seemed to be discussing something quite important, judging by the animated gestures they made while conversing.

When Reinhold approached them, they all fell silent and stood at attention.

"Mornin!" Reinhold greeted with a friendly wave. "Please forgive me for interrupting but could you please explain what exactly you're working on here?"

"Certainly, sire." A dwarf stepped forward, his expression grim.

He pointed to a stack of crates labeled "explosive charges" and motioned towards another pile filled with coils of rope.

"These materials will be used to rig at the gate into the city. We plan on collapsing them once everyone escapes."

Reinhold was taken aback with surprise as his eyebrows shot up, turning his gaze back to the piles of supplies. He hadn't expected that kind of tactic from the dwarves but he supposed it made sense considering their situation. If they could destroy the entrance to the city, then the spiders would be trapped in here.

However, it also meant that anyone remaining behind wouldn't stand much chance at surviving. It seemed like they'd rather sacrifice their own peoples' lives than risk letting even a single one of the spider slip through the gate.

Reinhold sighed inwardly, shaking his head slightly. He admired their resolve but he still hoped that they wouldn't actually have to resort to such extreme measures.

The clang of metal on metal filled the air as the dwarves worked with precision and skill, their focus unwavering as they hammered, welded, and polished the intricate pieces of armor. Some were busy melting down old armor to be recast into new sets, while others were carefully engraving designs and runes onto shields and breastplates.

The scent of burning coal mixed with the earthy smell of leather as they worked, creating a uniquely comforting atmosphere despite the bustling activity.

An elderly dwarf with a long white beard sat in a corner, meticulously sharpening swords and axes with practiced ease, his years of experience evident in every stroke of the whetstone. Everywhere he looked, there was a sense of camaraderie and purpose among the dwarves.

They joked and laughed as they worked, their unity evident in the way they moved and collaborated with one another. It was clear that each piece of armor crafted in this armory was not just a job to be done, but a labor of love and dedication to their fellow companions. As he watched, a sense of admiration and respect filled him, knowing that these dwarves were the backbone of their army.

Some were busy sharpening swords and spears for his knights, ensuring that they'd remain effective in combat. Still others were packing bags full of rations for the journey ahead.

As he watched the dwarves go about their tasks, Reinhold couldn't shake the feeling of sadness and regret that washed over him as he realized that these brave souls were likely sacrificing not only their homes but themselves for the greater good.

The grim reality loomed large - not all would emerge unscathed from this perilous journey. Some would fall victim to the horrors that awaited them beyond this rooms' gate.

But despite the odds stacked against them, they remained steadfast and determined to fight back against an overwhelming force of evil. This courage alone was enough to inspire Reinhold to continue pushing forward.

The unwavering determination displayed by the dwarves served as a poignant reminder to Reinhold of his past battles alongside Thorin against the orcs. The dwarves' resilience in the face of adversity served as a constant reassurance to Reinhold that no matter what challenges lay ahead, he was not alone in this quest.

He had friends who would stand beside him through thick and thin.

As they prepared to head off on their mission, Reinhold glanced over to where Thorin had been previously standing. He spotted him leaning against a wall, staring absently into space.

Reinhold frowned slightly before striding towards the dwarf, placing one hand upon his shoulder as he sat down. Thorin turned towards him, startled by Reinhold sudden touch.

"You ok, Thorin? You seemed distracted," Reinhold asked with concern evident in his voice, studying Thorin closely for a sign of distress. "If this task is weighing too heavily...".

"No! No, it's fine," the dwarf assured him quickly, straightening up and giving Reinhold a small smile.

"I'm just...wondering how long it will take to reclaim this city," he added with a slight shrug. "And whether I can live long enough to witness the prosperity of this city once more." he murmured under this breath, almost too quiet for Reinhold to hear.

But, the king did pick up his words. He gave Thorin's shoulder another reassuring squeeze and smiled warmly at the dwarf.

"Don't worry about that, my friend. For as long as the kings draw breath, the very essence of the city will not perish!"

Thorin's azure gaze flickered with emotion as he stared at Reinhold in silence.

Reinhold could see tears glistening in his old friend's eyes and he felt his throat tighten at the sight. It was rare for Thorin to express any form of weakness and it pained Reinhold greatly to see the strong dwarf so distraught.

"I am no king, Rein. A king perishes with his realm." The dwarf spoke softly, dropping his head and closing his eyes briefly. When he looked up again, Reinhold saw that he'd composed himself somewhat and was once more composed.

His gaze hardened, becoming cold and distant as he regarded Reinhold.

"I may be the son of the king, but I have no authority here," Thorin continued, his voice low and steady now. "I do not deserve to hold power of this city anymore."

There was a brief pause as Thorin's words sank in for Reinhold.

Then, suddenly, Thorin began laughing bitterly. "Ha! Look at me, acting so high n mighty, when I should be ashamed of myself instead," He spat out angrily, clenching his fists tightly. "I'm nothing more than a coward!"

Reinhold frowned deeply at that statement and placed both hands firmly on either side of the dwarf's shoulders.

He leaned forward and looked directly into Thorin's eyes as he spoke sternly.

"You're wrong, my friend, I know that you're anything but a coward. Do not sell yourself short, Thorin. I've witnessed the bravery you possess time after time again throughout the course of our long friendship and it continues to astound me every single day," he stated confidently, holding Thorin's gaze firmly.

"You are far braver than you believe."

"How can you be certain?" Thorin demanded, glaring defiantly at Reinhold.

The king merely grinned broadly, releasing one of the dwarf's shoulders and patting him lightly on the back.

"No weak person ever claims them to be weak, my friend. They are just trying to get stronger," the king replied simply. "That alone proves that you are worthy of being considered brave in my eyes."

Thorin stared at Reinhold for several seconds, blinking rapidly as he absorbed those words. Then, slowly and hesitantly, he returned Reinhold's smile, albeit slightly weaker than usual.

After a moment, however, his lips twitched upwards into a genuine grin and he nodded once in agreement.

"Thanks...thank ya, Reinhold. Ya always seem to know what to say when I need it most," he admitted, his voice soft yet sincere.

Reinhold laughed heartily, patting on his shoulder.

"That's because I know you well enough, my dear dwarf," he replied cheerfully.

Thorin chuckled softly at that remark and shook his head.

"Yar too kind, my liege. I appreciate your support more than ya could possibly imagine. Without it, there'd be no hope left for me and our kingdom."

The dwarf paused then, his expression shifting from gratefulness to determination as he continued speaking with renewed confidence.

"But enough talk of such dark times... Let us prepare for battle, my king! We must not delay any further!"

Reinhold grinned broadly, nodding once in assent before standing up straight. He reached out his hand towards Thorin.

Thorin stared at Reinhold's hand for a long time before finally accepting it in his grasp. As their hands clasped together, Thorin felt a surge of warmth and connection that he hadn't experienced in years.

It was as if a long-lost part of himself had been rediscovered, buried beneath layers of hurt and pain. Reinhold's touch felt steady and reassuring, like a lifeline in a stormy sea.

And so, with a firm grip and a newfound sense of resolve, Thorin finally allowed himself to let go of the past and embrace the future that lay ahead.

"Let us go forth and get out of this hell, brother!" he shouted hoarsely, squeezing Reinhold's hand tightly.