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Act III
Frame: Gandalf bursts in on a sleeping, slightly hungover Bilbo. He is furious with Bilbo for his blabbery. Gandalf trusted Bilbo to do the right thing with the information. Dain confronted the Elvenking, demanding payment. Thranduil has completely denied the whole thing and taken control of the city hall. He is holding Dain for the insults they exchanged. Bard is furious because there is likely to be blood in his streets. Just as Gandalf says this, they hear marching outside.They look out the window and see armored dwarves marching towards the center of the city. Bilbo asks Gandalf what he should do? Gandalf has no good answers for him but says that whatever he does it must be quick.
Angrod and Finrod join Galadriel in confinement. They tell her, what she already suspects is true, that Thingol knows. They wonder how that could have happened. Finrod suggests that he thinks it has to do with something that happened at the Mereth Aderthad. Angrod is devastated because the rescue of Edhellos is now completely out of reach. Galadriel feels completely alone because of her guilt, both over the kinslaying but over her “betrayal” of the Noldor, which certainly is the reason why this is happening. Finrod wonders how long they will be held there. Angrod says Thingol thinks we are killers. They could hold them there forever, or not very long at all. Either way, I think we shall not see our homes soon.
Luthien finds Melian in her grotto. Luthien is devastated by the betrayal, both by the Noldor collectively and Galadriel personally. She doesn’t know if Thingol is going to make the right choice, and she doesn’t know if she is going to make the right choice with Galadriel. Melian articulates what Galadriel must be feeling. Luthien may not be able to trust her, but if you don’t forgive her, you might both be lost.
Amras tells Curufin that Maedhros isn’t going to let Caranthir’s call stand. He wants to know what Curufin is going to do about this since he won’t let Amras act. Curufin lists the reasons why he can’t just work directly against Caranthir in this case. His keep. His soldiers. Curufin isn’t in charge. Amras insists that they have to do something. Curufin allows himself to be talked into intervening.
Act IV
Melian meets with Thingol, humbly standing before the throne despite her greater power. Thingol’s sword is sitting across his lap. Melian asks Thingol if he has decided what to do. Thingol asks what she would have him do. She would have him do what is best for his people. Thingol expresses frustration at her non-answer. She reminds him that his brother’s grandchildren are also his people and Galadriel has walked at my side for some time now, becoming one of your own subjects. Will you also be a slayer of kin?
Luthien is going to meet with Galadriel as her brothers are being led out to face Thingol’s judgement. Galadriel is alone. Luthien asks if Galadriel has eaten. Galadriel hasn’t even thought of food. Galadriel expresses her sorrow. Luthien asks if she is sorry for what was done or that it was found out. Galadriel says that she has never stopped being sorry for what was done. Galadriel says that she trusted Celeborn to do the right thing with this information and she supposes that he did. Luthien is confused. You mean Cirdan? They look at each other, realizing the misunderstanding that has happened. Celeborn rushes into the room, concerned for Galadriel’s well-being. Luthien turns to him and says flatly that he knew. Celeborn admits this and says that the Noldor suffer no less than “us”. Those who are guilty of murder must carry that guilt for as long as Arda persists. And, not all of them are. Olwe was Galadriel’s grandfather. Earwen her mother. Are you truly more bereaved than she.
At Caranthir’s keep, things have come to a head between Caranthir and the dwarves who say they will have to talk to their king about this (spoiler alert: they’re not). Curufin steps in and pulls Caranthir aside. He talks to Caranthir in the window overlooking the road. He talks about how maybe it would be better if the dwarves traded with both the Sindar and the Noldor if there was a way for Caranthir to get a piece of all of it. As he says this, Curufin is playing with the rings on his fingers, taking them off and placing them in a row on the stone sill. As he finishes, he picks one up, holding it out towards Caranthir. Who suddenly has a brilliant idea. He goes to the dwarves and says that he will allow them to pass. They must pay a toll, though. The dwarven leader seems incredulous, but Telchar takes out a sturdy-looking dagger. She offers it to Caranthir on account. When Caranthir doesn’t seem impressed, Telchar tells him that it will cut through other metals, and will not break unless you take more than is your due. Caranthir looks at her and laughs again, then turns to give it to Curufin. In “gratitude” for his helpful advice.
Thingol has Angrod and Finrod brought before him in a public audience. Melian and his full court are in attendance. Thingol delivers the ban as he judgement. He allows the sons of Finarfin to return at a future point when he’s cooled off. Finrod asks about their sister, concerned about her. Melian speaks up and says that Galadriel may remain in her care for as long as she wills.
Tag
Frame: Bilbo confronts Balin and the dwarves at City Hall. Bilbo trusted Balin to do what was right. Are we going to commemorate the battle of Five Armies with a battle of Three armies? Balin looks around and realizes what is about to happen. (Terrified humans closing their shutters). He loudly commands the dwarves to stand down. A few moments later, Gandalf emerges with Dain. Gandalf explains that once the dwarves fell back, Thranduil was more willing to listen to reason and released Dain into my custody. Gandalf tells Dain that perhaps he should wait outside the city until everyone’s head is much cooler.
Final montage: Caranthir happily collecting tolls - Melian, Luthien, and Galadriel walking together - Finrod and Angrod are looking back over their shoulders as they exit the Girdle - Edhellos in her cell.