When Bilbo unwrapped the Arkenstone, Thranduil could not stop himself from standing in shock. For a wild half-second he had thought it was—but it was not.
He knew the whispers well, those that spoke of his weakness for treasure, especially gems of silver and white. And he was honest enough to admit to himself that those rumors had basis in truth. But he was one who had seen a Silmaril, and the memory of that holy jewel still burned like fire in his mind. How could one not be affected by such a memory, that light which had sprung from the Two Tress, hallowed by Elbereth herself?
But the Arkenstone, despite his first thought, was not one of those gems. Its gleam was a little less bright, a little less holy—yet it had been possible, for Erebor had clearly been formed by the fires of Arda, and had not Maedhros thrown himself into them, while still carrying one?
Yet it was just an Earthstone, not one of Fëanor's coveted jewels. Still, it was the greatest stone not wrought by hands that Thranduil had ever seen, and he could see how the pull of this gem would rival that of the Silmarils themselves.
And so it was with amazement that Thranduil watched as Bilbo Baggins handed it over to Bard—not without a shudder and a longing glance, but hand it over he did—in search of a peaceful resolution to this conflict, giving up any right to a reward that he had. The Elvenking stared in awe at the Hobbit. No Dwarf, and if Thranduil was honest, no Man nor Elf would do such a thing.
Thranduil was not an Elf gifted with foresight, but he was still an Elf, and there were times when he knew more than mortal sense would ever understand. And with that knowing he suddenly realized that one day, Bilbo would need to give away something even more precious, something upon which would rest the fate of all.
And somehow, that thought brought Thranduil hope.
So this story is in reaction to the latest Hobbit movie. Well, more like all the Hobbit movies. I was...rather unhappy...with what had been done to Thranduil's character. It's about a 180 from what he is in the book. So, I'm extending a challenge. Write Canon!Thranduil fics! Even if you don't write Thranduil! This poor Elf needs some love!
To accept the challenge, write a fic based on Canon!Thranduil, at any time of his life. Make sure your summary for the story includes 'Canon!Thranduil'.
Write on, and let's retake the Hobbit archive! ;)