bowmanofesgaroth:

“I…” He frowned deeply, stepping closer once again. Bard’s dark eyes stayed pleadingly on hers. “Please, Tauriel, m’lady, don’t do this. It doesn’t have to be this way. Stay…” 

Tauriel turned, weighing his words. “What other way can it be? You are a lord now, I am a guard– wait.” It dawned in her as she rushed him suddenly, grasping his hands in her own. “You are a lord! All of our dealings between Dale, I must do through you.”