Author's note: I feel like the story is finally starting to take shape and I'm starting to get a clearer picture of the key developments coming up. :) Coincidentally it has also caught up with the first event in the movie. Enjoy!

Chapter 4 – Father & Son

Tauriel sprinted, struggling to keep pace with Legolas. Having heard the sound of spiders ready to feed, the two elves knew they had to make haste to meet the dwarves alive.

"You are slow today," Legolas said, teasing her. "Is something on your mind?" He launched himself up a tree, suddenly, and began springing from branch to branch.

"Yes, actually!" Tauriel shouted from below, running on the ground as Legolas flew from tree to tree. "I had the most interesting conversation with your father last night!"

Legolas seemed to ignore her. She thought she had lost sight of him when he suddenly fell from the trees in front of her, stopping her completely. "I know," he said darkly. "He has taken a particular interest in you as of late, hasn't he?"

Tauriel furrowed her brow. "It has nothing to do with me," she said. "He is only worried for himself and his people. And you."

"I guess one must enjoy a private meal with him to fully understand that concept," Legolas mocked.

Tauriel looked confused. Legolas seemed to be expressing feelings of jealousy, and it made no sense to her. She was a lowly Silvan elf – she had said it so many times, it sounded truer every time she thought about it – and even if Legolas had wanted her, it could never be. Why be jealous of his own father when the facts of social class already set the rules?

"Some conversations are better had in private," she stated calmly, remembering that both she and Thranduil had been though the loss of a loved one. That was their common ground. Legolas was only weeks old when his mother died, and he couldn't understand that loss. She suddenly felt very distant from him. Had he no regard for her feelings?

The thought had barely entered her mind when a sudden scream and the sound of dwarves in trouble echoed through the wood. Tauriel jumped up without thinking, and Legolas followed. In a matter of moments they tumbled out of the brush and came to the aid of the 13 dwarves, who were closer than they'd imagined. Tauriel called upon the army of archers the King had granted her, waiting nearby. In no time, the elves had taken care of the spiders and encircled the dwarves easily.

It wasn't the first time Tauriel had seen dwarves – but this group was so mismatched she could hardly believe it. Young, old, blond, grey-haired, of different skin tones and dispositions – it was not a normal bunch. What was the occasion?

As the king's diplomatic representative, Legolas took control of the situation before Tauriel could ask any questions. After uncovering no useful information, Tauriel and Legolas shared a knowing glance and began marching the dwarves back to the palace.


Thranduil stood in front of the throne, turned slightly and looking upward. He thought about the events of past days and how recent events were beginning to try his patience; he was very averse to company, much less dwarves. He was no Elrond of Rivendell; the Elvenking despised guests - especially unwelcome ones. He began to pace, wondering how long it would be before Legolas came in with details about his new captives.

In time, Legolas arrived in the throne room with an eager demeanor. It was the first time he'd had a private audience with his father for many days. "Father, you will be pleased to hear that we drove the spiders off and captured the dwarves," Legolas said, beaming with pride.

"How many?" the King asked placidly.

"13, father."

"What is their purpose?"

"They did not specify."

"Did you ask?" the King jeered.

"Yes, sire. They refused to give any information about their business." Legolas frowned slightly, feeling hurt that his father opted to focus on what he was not able to do rather than the impressive speed at which they escorted the captives to him. He decided to change the subject to something he knew the King loved talking about. "Tauriel was very brave today, father."

"Was she?" the King asked, his interest piqued.

"She led the charge and killed many spiders. I also saw her save the life of one of our would-be captives. Without her, we would have lost one, maybe more. We may even have lost one of our own without her sound judgment and swift bow to protect us." He paused, preparing to speak carefully and deliberately. "Tauriel never fails to show her courage and protect those around her, father. I trust her completely."

"You wish to marry her."

Legolas was silent. Was he so obvious that his father could understand his every desire and aspiration? There was no hiding from the Elvenking, that much was true, but Legolas thought he had disguised his feelings well. He chose not to respond, and only waited as the King's expression softened.

"My son. My only son. Deeply have I looked into your future, and deeper still have I dwelled on the history and legacy of the House of Oropher," Thranduil began. "My instinct tells me that you are not destined to marry."

The words stuck Legolas like an arrow, but he poured all of his energy into maintaining an outwardly controlled appearance.

"But there is more beyond this future I foresee for you, Legolas," he continued, almost whispering, "because I refuse to see your feelings for a wife torment you as mine have. I refuse to grant you the privilege of marriage, knowing that it will also be a punishment you do not deserve."

"Father, I trust your word above all else," he said, if for no reason other than to invite the King to divulge more of his mind.

"Then heed my advice; take as many lovers as your heart desires. Fall in love as you will and relish in those moments. But take no wife and bear no offspring. This is your path." The King walked to his throne and sat down gracefully. He had stalled as long as possible in expressing this request to his son, but the words spilled so effortlessly when Tauriel came to mind. Yes, he wanted to protect Legolas from the grief a wife can cause, but in that moment, he realized his true intention was to protect Tauriel from a life not suited to her spirit or ability.

"You are dismissed, Legolas. I will see you at the feast this evening," the King spoke softly, bringing a hand to his forehead. Legolas turned to go. "Oh, one more thing."

"Yes, father?"

"Tell the guards to send Tauriel in."