Into the Valley of Hell Marched the 300

by Naasad

Reflecting on how Thranduil might have come to be how he is in the Hobbit movies. Contains bits of Last Alliance and Untold Tales. Two-shot.

1. Chapter 1

"I grow tired of waiting as the wise do nothing!"

Thranduil looked up from sharpening his sword. "Patience, Father. Gil-Galad and Elendil know what needs to be done."

Oropher sat beside him, tapping his feet on the dead soil. "Are you afraid?"

"Only a fool would not be." Thranduil glanced sidelong at his father. "You are no fool."

Oropher nodded.

"We were spared the brute of Sauron's forces. Our army is more suited to small skirmishes from the safety of the trees. The Numenorean and the Noldor kings have fought the Enemy on ground more akin to this."

"But we must do something!"

"And we will, but not yet."

Oropher's tapping slowly ceased. "Would you follow me in this war?"

"Unto death. You are my father and my king."

"Then march with me."

"What?"

"March with me. If we move quickly, we can catch the Enemy unawares – deal a heavy blow."

"Father-"

"We know they're congregated in the Valley of Udun."

"Father, no, this is suicide."

Oropher smiled. "Well? You said unto death."

Thranduil shook his head. "Not like this."

Oropher was silent for a moment. "You're right." He clapped his son on the shoulder. "You've given me your answer. I should leave it at that."