Disclaimer: I don't own anything except for any character you don't recognize… and, maybe one day, Legolas. Yeah… right.

A/N: First of all, woo hoo for reviews! You guys are awesome. Thanks for the support and kind words you all have so graciously given me. Second of all, I know this chapter is short but I had to establish some key things before I could continue with everything else. So, here it is. I hope you enjoy it!

Chapter 2

Tathlogar walked briskly toward his king's work chambers. He dreaded having to report such bleak news about the destroyed village but knew it had to be done. He steeled himself as he gave a brief nod to the two guards who stood at attention on either side of the door.

As he raised his hand to knock however, a gruff voice said behind him, "It is ill tidings that you bring to our king this morning." Tathlogar smiled slightly and turned to meet the stern green eyes of the king's bodyguard and trusted friend.

"Aye I do Githaen. The village my patrol and I were sent to was destroyed. We were too late. I came to tell the King the news."

Githean pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. "That is terrible news indeed. It does not bode well for the rest of our border villages."

The two warriors paused, each wondering what the King would do to repair the bleak situation.

"Is he any better this morning?" Tathlogar asked in a low voice.

"The King? He's … Well…" Githaen pursed his lips and said truthfully, "How well would you be doing if you knew that your only son and heir had gone on a quest that would probably claim his very life? Would you be able to sleep peacefully at night, knowing that there was a very good chance that you would never see your only child again? Would you be able to carry on normally each day if-" Githaen paused as the door opened abruptly behind them.

King Thranduil stepped out of his office and glanced at the two elves in front of him.

"Your Majesty." Githaen and Tathlogar said in unison, their heads bowed respectfully.

Tathlogar studied his King from under lowered lashes. To anyone who did not know Thranduil closely, they would have said that he looked just as imposing and regal as ever. To Tathlogar however, who'd grown up with Legolas as a childhood friend, the King looked… well, tired. His blue eyes that had once sparkled and were so full of life, were now dull and full of worry. He even had the faintest of dark circles under those noble eyes. His tunic collar was slightly rumpled and the golden circlet that adorned his fair head was faintly off center.

"If you are done with your examination of me, young Tathlogar, I'd like to hear your report." The King said in a slightly amused voice.

Tathlogar started, color adorning his cheeks at being caught in his assessment. 'At least he still has his keen sense of perception,' he thought silently to himself.

"Come." King Thranduil said, motioning toward his office. "Githaen, if you wish, you may listen also."

"Actually, your majesty, I was on my way to the kitchens for a late supper. If you'll excuse me." Githaen said while glancing apologetically at Tathlogar. "I shall take my leave of you."

King Thranduil nodded absently and ushered Tathlogar into his office. "I can tell by the look in your eyes that your report is not going to be pleasant. So tell me, what news have you of the village?" Thranduil asked briskly.

Tathlogar swallowed and began his tale from when he and his patrol had arrived at the village. He told his king of the utter destruction they'd found, of the horror of seeing so many elves dead. His eyes turned inward and focused on the memory of the complete ruin that the village had been in.

When he'd finished his grisly tale, Thranduil asked in a low voice, "Survivors?"

"One, your majesty. A small elfling. I found her next to her dead parents. I rode here as fast as my horse would carry me. The child was unconscious the entire time and still is. She is with the healers now."

Thranduil nodded. "Tell me when she awakes. I would very much like to speak with her."

"Yes, your majesty."

"I must think on what to do about the boarder villages." Thranduil said, more to himself than to Tathlogar. "If you will excuse me Tathlogar, I must speak to my advisors on this matter."

"Yes, your majesty." Tathlogar repeated as he stood and walked toward the door.

As his hand reached the doorknob, however, he hesitated. Hoping he was not over stepping his bounds, he turned back to his king and said in a low voice, "Do not worry overmuch about Legolas, your majesty. You trained him well. He will return to you and you will look upon him with pride for all that he will have accomplished. He loves you more than you know and will do everything in his power to come home to you one day."

Without waiting for an answer, Tathlogar opened the door and strode down the hallway, back towards the healers hall.

Unbeknownst to him, his words had pierced the heart of his king. A silent tear ran down Thranduil's cheek as he whispered. "I hope you are right, friend of my son. I hope you are right."

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A/N: Whoosh. Another chapter finished. I hope you all liked it! We will return to my OC in the next chapter, I think, so don't worry. I haven't forgotten about her! Don't forget to leave me a review! They make me feel special.