Chapter Two: Homecoming

The king rode his steed across acknowledging the servants with a nod of his head towards each, then when he reached her side and held a hand out to her, she took it in her own, kissing his knuckles in joy - nearly in tears. A stable boy came from the back of the party of servants and grabbed the horse's bridle then led it away after Thranduil dismounted. Thranduil grabbed her hand once more, placing his own kiss on her hand before, hand in hand, they set to walking towards their 4 sons.

Legolas and his younger sons bowed to him, trying to remain as their parents taught them to behave in public, but then practically knocked him over when Thranduil shook his head, and said, "This is a day to rejoice. You are not princes in this moment, but my sons."

After he was able to regain some composure, he turned to the servants who were standing their ground until dismissed. Some wanting to get back to work, some wanting to just leave, and then some of the maids looking back and forth between the crowd of troops still reveling across the bridge or the others who were passing by the royal family bowing as they disappeared back in the halls. One of them he knew would keep on looking, but her love would not be on the other side to meet her. This sobered his joy and he looked at each in turn before speaking, "I am grateful to all of you for your kindness in greeting me as such. Now please," he gestured to the other side of the bridge, "feel free to look for your loved ones, or return to your duties."

He didn't have to say it twice. They dispersed at a speedy pace. He held his arm out to his wife who entwined it about his, and his sons followed behind as he stepped through the large doors. All paused as two elves who had marched out with him carried in a treasure chest, and disappeared down the pathways that would lead to the treasury.

He looked down at the raven haired lady at his side and smirked, "I imagine our cooks are having a fit about now."

She gave him an innocent look, "I have no idea what you're talking about." Then smiled a knowing smile.

"I think you do. However, considering the circumstances, I do not think they will begrudge us of our feasting tonight." He patted her hand with a chuckle.

"I would not be so sure. The head chef threatened to skin her helper if she failed one more dessert." Legolas said behind them.

Thranduil turned around and laughed as he seen the smirk on his face. "Is her cooking that bad?"

Legolas shook his head trying to keep a straight face, "No. It's worse."

"Dear Valar spare us!" Thranduil exclaimed while they all chuckled at this, and he led them past the throne room and into the deeper portions of the palace where the family took their leisure. "I know you are all eager to gain my attention right now, but I wish to cleanse myself from the battle we have fought, and find rest until the feast tonight. So, please my sons, go to your rooms and make ready for the feast tonight."

"Yes, father," each elf-boy said in turn and separated from the couple to their different chambers. Thranduil and his wife continued forward down the hall silently until they reached the doors. The guards opened them for so they could enter, and suddenly it was as if all the burden and weariness that he had experienced flooded over him. His armor had never felt so heavy.

As if sensing it, his wife called for the maid to draw a warm bath for him, then set about undoing the ties and clasps to the armor herself before a servant came over and took over. She stood away and looked upon him silently. Her storm-grey eyes not needing to speak her mind at this moment. She was overjoyed to see him, but worried. She knew and felt the loss of their kin as he had. Those elves, even the ones whose names he would never know that had died in battle were his children. He had underestimated the situation. He meant well. He merely wished to help the people of Lake Town, and acquire more treasure to care for his own people. Plus, deep down he felt heavy. Somehow he knew the evil of Sauron would soon return. What would be the cost then?