Disclaimer: As much as I wish I did, I own no Tolkien characters or places. Arabesque, Haurog, and Fairion are my OC's. This story was inspired by Alan Maki's "Written on Her Heart."
Deep indigo tail scales rubbed his leg where the slash in his robes and trousers exposed his bare skin. The creature turned around and raised on its hind legs, mouth open. Red-orange flames shot out before he had time to think, to move out of the way. He succeeded in rolling onto his right side, the left half of his body receiving the scorching fire. A feminine scream sounded across the field and his heart stopped beating as Haugor the fire-drake flapped his wings and swooped away. He tried to call out a warning, but the words stuck in his throat as he coughed and moaned in pain. The world swirled black before him and he fought its oppressive grip on his chest, trying to stop his eyes from rolling back in his head as the world faded away and he lost all consciousness.
Arabesque screamed as she beheld the giant dragon incinerate her husband, powerless to do anything. Then the beautiful indigo creature flew towards her, its scaly wings rippling gently in the light, cool breeze. She stood still, awed at the magnificent sight, her blue eyes beholding the powerful, magnificent beast. The drake kept flapping over her head, its huge black talons grabbing her as he went back towards his mountain home. A shriek flew from her mouth and the other elves let off a volley of arrows, which glanced harmlessly off the tough scales. Hot tears streamed down her face as the worm carried her up to its nasty hole, located on a large mountain point which could only be accessed by flying creatures.
Haugor plopped her down in the middle of his lair and faced her. "There, there, my pretty. Do not cry."
His voice surprised her, tinted with a hint of compassion, deep and rich as though it were an audible incarnation of a beautiful sapphire gem. Her tears fell harder and she curled up into a little ball, hugging her legs against her chest and rocking back and forth.
The dragon gently lifted a talon and trailed it down her back in an almost comforting motion. "Little Elvenqueen, look at me."
She did so, afraid to cross him. "What? My life is over! My husband is dead, and you are going to eat me!"
"No, I am not. I only want your jewels."
"Jewels? Which ones?"
"The infamous Gems of Eryn Lasgalen."
"What? No!" she shrieked, her hand grabbing to protect the jewwelss at her throat as she coiled back from his constant petting.
"Give them to me and I will release you and never bother your kingdom."
"But Thr...My husband gave them to me! They belonged to his Naneth!"
Haugor stiffened and sat straight, glaring at her. "You have two choices. Give me the jewels and live with your remaining people, or refuse to give them to me and die. Your stinking little hole shall be consumed with fire, your people burnt alive while I watch their pain. I will give you two days to think about it." He turned and lay down at the mouth of the cave, the only entrance.
Sighing, she crawled to a corner of the cave and curled up, afraid to sleep. However, her body forced her to enter that dormant state. Two days later, Haugor stood before her as she shook.
"Well? What is your decision?"
"You may...have the jewels," she sighed, utterly dejected. Slowly she unfastened the white gems encased in mithril from her neck and laid them on the floor, then took three giant steps backwards as she faced the fell beast.
"Thank you, my pretty." He picked them up and examined them, then turned back to her. "Now I will take you home. The rest of your kin have already fled there." He dropped the jewels into his small treasure stash and once more gripped her in his strong, black talons.
Closing her eyes, she remained limp as they flew over forest and fountain back to the palace in Mirkwood. Almost tenderly, Haurog set her down at the palace gates and whooshed away before the sentries could attack him.
"Elvenqueen Arabesque, are you alright?" they shouted, helping her into the safety of the palace.
"I am physically fine." She pushed them away, knowing she needed to eat to regain her strength, especially since the indigo dragon had only given her a little water. Her stomach roiled inside her, the very thought of food turning sour in her stomach, fervently hoping to find her husband in his throne room as she ran towards it. She had to find out if he...No, she could not face that thought yet.
Bursting into the room, she looked around and found it empty. She walked up the steps to the stone throne where her beloved normally seated himself, always regal, composed, and more beautiful that any other living being. Her hands caressed the soft curves of the seat and tears formed in her eyes. "Thranduil, Melethnîn!" she moaned.
Lord Fairion, the second-in-command, quietly walked up beside her. "Queen Arabesque, is there anything I can do?"
Turning, she sobbed into his chest. "Did you...recover the...remains?"
He held her close like he would his sister, giving her the strength and support she needed. "No. I am sorry. I do not think there was much left."
Her tears fell harder and she could not speak, so he simply held her a few minutes. Then he let go. "Your Majesty, we need to let the people know you are here and safe. That you will be ruling the kingdom."
"Yes, I suppose we do…" she stated, eyes glazed over as she stared at some invisible object between her and the entrance.
"But first we should have the healers look over you."
"Alright," she sighed, letting him lead her away.