Chapter 1 - Found

Thranduil the great Elvenking solomely strode among the debris of the southern village. A fire of hate and rage was burning inside him. He had earlier received news that the village was being attacked by orcs. He had quickly put together some of his large army and led them to aid of the affected citzens. Unfortunately, they had been too late. Upon their arrival, they were greeted with the most unpleasant sight; a charred heap of burnt down houses. Sprawled all about the wreck were the cold, lifeless bodies of his people.

He was currently searching hopefully for any survivors. He hated to see the death of elves even of those who were not of his kingdom. Elves were meant to be eternal beings. It was dreadful to see the long life of elves cut short by the pure ruthlessness of another.

He was passing under a tall tree when his keen elven ears caught the sound of a small sob. He pinpointed where the sound had originated from. Thranduil looked up into the tree. Curled up on a rather thick branch was a small elf shaking from her weeping as well as fear. Her head was buried in her knees and her fiery red hair seemingly flowed about her as she cried.

The great Elvenking's eyes filled with compassion. "They are gone now." He gently assured her.

She looked up. Her eyes met his. Her gaze broke his heart for the green eyes which he had guessed were once filled with a bright light and great enthusiasm were now dull and filled with so great a sadness that can only be mustered from deep within when all hope is lost. She said nothing, but only whimpered and cried harder.

"Come now. Do not cry you are safe." He again attempted to console her. It did not appear to work. The only thing she could hear were the blood curdling shrieks of her parents as their life was forever lost.

"Safety does not bring Naneth and Ada back to me." She replied mournfully between sobs, "And now I have no place to go." She cried harder.

After a while the weeping ceased. "Come down child. I will bring you to stay in my city. We shall keep you from further harm." He coaxed realizing she was scared still.

The elfling looked at him questionly. Longing to no longer be alone wallowing in her despair, she reluctantly descended from the tree. She followed him to the healers tent. A kindly, young servant named Celebsilme took her hand and led her in. She was barely phisically effected by the attack but her small scratches and bruises were tended to. She was also given food and drink though she could barely swallow from the lump in her throut.

"What is your name child?" The silky voice of the servant asked.

The elfling hesitated then spoke, "My name is Tauriel. Though I do not wish to be her for all she knows now is greif."

She walked over to the remains of her house. She collected any remaining items and put them in a bag.

It was soon anounced that they were to depart from the scene. Tauriel was hoisted onto a horse and joined by Celebsilme. She now quite liked the young servant. They rode slowly through the lush green forest of Mirkwood towards the palace though she did not know so.

Tauriel glanced about for any other survivors, but found none. She remembered the many dead and her dear parents among them. The memory caused her to cry a little.

"There, there." Celebsilme stroked the elflings hair. Suddenly, Tauriel turned around and hugged the healer tightly. She wept into her shoulder. Celebsilme held her with care. "I know, I know." She said gently as she consoled the red-haired elfling.

So they stayed that way. Tauriel soon fell asleep in the embrace of the elder elf who reminded her much of her mother. In her mind, the elfling even admitted that Celebsilme even looked like her mother with her brown hair and green, caring eyes.

As they approached the palace Tauriel was woken by a loud trumpet anouncing the king's return. "Welcome to the palace," Celebsilme whispered kindly, "It shall be your new home."

Translations:

• Naneth = Mother

• Ada = Father