September 13 TA 1636
Elladan did not go out with the patrol. Renil understood his reasoning and Thranduil didn't care. He simply wanted to be there when Earien returned. He owed his father that. Mirkwood genuinely was far more chaotic, far more dangerous than his peaceful Imladris. Mirkwood was on high alert. The entire southern patrol? The southern patrol was more than fifty elves, and every one of them had perished. There was no evidence of any orcs or spiders.
Who was this elf, and why did he have it out for Thranduil? What could he have possibly done to make him want to take away all the king cared for? It was madness. The guard increased, as well as Thranduil's personal guard. He now had two guards with him at all times, both now armored and carried a longsword as well, instead of just twin blades. Legolas received a guard as well, and was not permitted outside. Elladan was called to Thranduil's office, and he sought him immediately.
He approached the office, and the guards nodded and opened his office door. Thranduil looked exhausted. Elladan could only imagine what the past two days had been like for him, and he bowed. Thranduil was in an oversized armchair and Calis, Thranduil's young cousin, was curled in his arms.
"He will not wake, he has slept through several of my meetings now," Thranduil said solemnly.
"How is his mother?"
"She is dead. She faded and joined my cousin in the halls of Mandos not twelve hours ago."
"I am so sorry."
Thranduil sighed, and stared at the wall, "I wish for you to depart, for your own safety."
"My Lord-"
"Elladan," Thranduil sighed tiredly and adjusted the elfling that was far too large to be in his arms. "Do not argue with me, I am in a foul mood."
"Of course, my apologies," he said quickly. "May I stay until the Queen's return, however?"
Thranduil's ice blue eyes bore into his, until he was forced to looked away, "very well. I do not wish for you to go out on patrols."
"Yes, of course," Elladan said. "As someone who cares about you," he said, and Thranduil looked up at him, "I beg you to summon me if you need any assistance at all. It would be my pleasure to serve you now in this time of need."
Thranduil smiled sadly, "Thank you. Your kindness comforts me."
"How is Legolas?"
"He is not well. He is convinced his mother is dead and quite frankly it unnerves me. He makes me doubt my intuition."
"What is your intuition?"
"That she is alive, at the least."
"I believe your intuition as well. I too feel she is not dead."
Thranduil nodded, "Thank you."
Soon after Elladan left, Thranduil woke Calis. He hated to do so, but he needed to try and get some rest. The stress and panic of the past few days had drained him, and he had not even entered his own quarters in that time. He needed a few hours to relax, to clear his mind as much as possible before making any more decisions. How he had been holding himself together, he had no idea. The panic was there, waiting to strike him down, but it was as if he could hold his grief and worry at bay until a time he could mourn in peace. He was a king, and that was what kings did. Legolas mourned for his cousin's loss more than for his own, and worried about his mother. Thranduil did what he could to ease him, but similar to himself, the only thing that could ease Legolas' mind was to see his mother alive.
He had slept with Thranduil in his parents' bed since Earien left, and Thranduil was grateful no nightmares had plagued him. The last few nights he didn't sleep at all, so he was concerned he would surely be visited by some sort of terror the next time he slept. The last thing he wanted to do was scare the life out of his son with his terrible nightmares. He usually awoke violently, and then needed almost immediate comfort. Legolas did not even know his father had such nightmares, and he did not want him to find out.
Calis stirred, and Thranduil brushed his hand over his hair. His dark blue eyes opened gently and found Thranduil's. "How long have I been asleep?"
"Five or six hours, I am not sure." Calis stretched, and yawned, his heavily lidded eyes blinked heavily. Sleep was usually the way elves handled their grief. Thranduil had slept for days after the death of his own father. He stared at Thranduil, his eyes clouded again already with tears. "Come, you need a bath and some food."
Calis nodded reluctantly, and he walked with Thranduil back to the Royal wing. Legolas was already in there, and Pelior brought food in for them. They ate in mournful silence, and Calis collapsed on the couch once he finished picking at his dinner.
"You need a bath, Calis." He groaned, and rolled over to face Thranduil. Tears were in his eyes, and he shook his head. "Come on," Thranduil said, and pulled his young cousin up. He followed the king reluctantly, and when they got into the bathing room he got undressed and into the natural spring in the middle of the room. Warm water bubbled up from the ground, and the bubbles soothed him. He peered over the edge to Thranduil, who poured some shampoo on his head. He knelt down and scrubbed his head, "rinse." Calis complied, and washed up before looking sheepishly at Thranduil. "Alright come on out."
Calis climbed out and Thranduil wrapped him in a large fluffy towel. Thranduil rubbed the towel over his head in an attempt to dry his hair, and Calis stared at the ground, tears in his eyes. He felt Thranduil's eyes on him, and he met them grievously. "My Adar used to be the one to help me take a bath, when I was small."
Thranduil smiled sadly, and lead Calis back to the sitting room. He changed into some night clothes Thranduil had Pelior bring in for him, and Thranduil sat at his desk and put his head in his hands. He was currently responsible for three boys on his own. How had this come to be? He looked up, and both Legolas and Calis stared at him. He had never seen two elflings look so fearful. "Come here, both of you," he said quietly. They walked around the desk to him, and Thranduil placed a hand on each of their faces softly. "Listen to me. I know how bad things seem just now, and I too feel sorrow, grief, and worry as you do. There is much that still needs to be resolved. But we have one another, and I have nothing but great love in my heart for both of you. I am here for you both, and I love you very much. It may not seem like it now, but everything is going to be alright, and we will get through this."
Calis sobbed and collapsed into Thranduil's arms. He embraced him, and Legolas watched on tearfully. Thranduil opened his free arm, and Legolas walked into his embrace. He embraced both boys with all the love his possessed, and drew his own comfort from them. He had them to think of, and he could not fall apart, not now.
"Ada-"
"It's alright," Thranduil whispered, "everything will be alright."
September 14 TA 1636
It had been far too long since she had seen the towering gates of Mirkwood, and the sight brought tears to her eyes. She turned to Huldion, who was half conscious on the back of Amandil's horse.
"We're home, Huldion, we're home now and you are safe," she said tearfully. She just wanted to see her husband, her son. He pried his eyes open, and smiled weakly at the stronghold. Guards approached them and shouted to the gate. The gate opened, and more guards rushed out. Chaos ensued. Guards and civilians were yelling, and people were running toward them. A few guards helped Huldion down, and Earien and Luin after him. Luin embraced his sister and shook violently in her arms.
"We are home. I never thought I would see this place again," he whispered.
"Nor did I. But we are here and safe together now." She smiled through her tears.
She heard a shout, and turned. Thranduil stood in the distance, Faroth pointing towards her. She released Luin, and turned toward him. He was walking swiftly toward her, and she broke into a run. Tears were flowing down her face, and they shined in Thranduil's eyes as well. He caught her, and her arms wrapped tight around his neck. He was shuddering fiercely, his breath ragged and hitched.
"You're alive."
"Of course I am alive, I promised you I would return," she cried.
He held her firmly against him, his face in her neck. "Oh Earien," He breathed as he looked at her, tears fell down his cheeks. "Salias and Alonnen are dead."
"What?" she cried, and the weight of the past week came crashing down on Thranduil. He shook his head, and a sob escaped his throat.
"It is alright," she said quickly, "we can get through this together."
They walked back to the Royal wing, and entered the sitting room. Legolas stood and cried out at the sight of his mother safe and launched himself over the back of the sofa and into her arms. She held him against her, and he sobbed aloud, no shame in his relief. She kissed his forehead and his cheeks and met his teary eyes with her own.
"Nana, you're alive," he sobbed, and she nodded and laughed.
"Yes, I promised you, did I not?" She held him a moment longer, before she released him. She stroked his hair with her hand, "I have missed you so. I never wish to leave your side again."
"I will not let you," he laughed, and she wiped tears from his eyes.
"You and I and your Adar will always be together," she said quietly, and he nodded with a smile.
"Calis too?"
Her face changed, she had forgotten, "Of course. Calis too."
Legolas grinned, and she returned it, "I have to wash up, but once I am clean and fed, I will go see Calis. Why don't you go see your uncle? He is in the healing wing." Legolas smiled, and she caught his wrist, "leave Huldion alone. He is not well."
Legolas nodded sadly, and shut the door quietly as he left the room. Thranduil followed her into the bathing room, and she removed her dirty and torn clothes and descended the steps to the bath. Thranduil watched her beautiful form disappear beneath the water, and she surfaced. "Will you not join me?"
He smirked, and removed his boots, leggings, and his robes, and got into the water with her. She enveloped him in her arms and kissed his temple. "Who returned from the search and rescue?"
"Everyone except Dinoth. He was dead when we arrived. Huldion is very badly injured. They had far too much time to torture him, and I feel he will not recover quickly from it. Luin is ok, luckily. Just some cuts and bruises. Beinion got away, Thranduil."
He stared at her, "What?"
"He got away somehow."
Thranduil shook his head, "I cannot speak of this now, I will worry about him later. For now I simply wish to enjoy your return."
She smiled, and he sighed, "there is so much to do-"
"It is alright, we shall do it together."
He smiled, and tears sprang into his eyes, "Salias-"
"It's alright," she said quietly, and wiped water from his face gently.
"He's gone, Earien," he said and shook his head. She held him against her, and her gentle fingers stroked his hair. There were no words of comfort, but an understanding silence was held between them. He was no longer alone, his partner had returned to him, and now he could start to heal.
They got out of the bath, and got dressed together before Calis returned. He saw Earien and smiled, and jogged into her arms. Tears sprang into his eyes, and she embraced him.
"You're alright," Calis cried, relief in his voice.
She kissed the top of his head, and Legolas and Luin entered.
Thranduil took Luin's wrist, and his reddened eyes met his seriously. "I am truly and deeply sorry for the discomfort this mission has caused you, brother. If I had known your desire to remain in the stronghold I would not have sent you away. You did not deserve the torment you received. It saddens me to even consider what you went through in my name."
Luin's face portrayed his respect for the king, and he grasped his wrist in return. "There is no harm done, gwador. I am sorry for your loss, I cannot express my sorrow on your behalf." Thranduil nodded with silent appreciation, and Luin smiled sadly at him, "Huldion wishes to see you." They walked down to the healing wing together, and Luin stopped him before the door. "He- He has been through so much. He does not look good."
Thranduil nodded and swallowed the lump in his throat. He followed his brother in law into the healing wing toward Huldion's bed. He faced away from them, and his light brown hair was damp and sprawled behind him on the pillow. Luin left him, and Thranduil awkwardly walked around the bed and sat in the chair. Huldion looked at him as he sat, and Thranduil suppressed a gasp. His face was sunken and covered in bruises and cuts. A large gash at his forehead was held together by black stitches. The whites of his eyes were bright red, and his lips were bloodied shreds of what they were. His arms were bandaged and one of his hands was wrapped tight around the buds of his middle three fingers.
"My Lord," Huldion mumbled and rolled onto his back. "Thank you for coming."
"Huldion-"
"I know how horrible I look," he said quietly, a ghost of a cynical smile on his lips.
"What did you wish to speak to me about?" Thranduil asked quietly.
"I do not intend to make you feel guilty or to pity me. I am merely going to be entirely honest with you."
"Very well."
He hesitated a moment and shifted in pain. "I do not have luck on missions, as you can see. I murdered my best friend and nearly starved to death on one, and now I was blind and tortured for information on you and the queen. I revealed nothing at all, of course, but I have paid dearly for that silence. I do not think I can handle any more pain, Aran-nin."
"You endured this torment for me?" Thranduil asked quietly.
"I know you, my lord. Please do not dwell on it, it was my pleasure. I have always and will always put you and your family far above my own well-being. However I must resign."
"What will you do?"
Huldion shook his head and rubbed his face with his good hand. "I do not know, I will find something."
Thranduil nodded, and Huldion looked over at him, "are you disappointed?"
"Only in myself. Salias warned me this mission was amiss and I ignored him. So many have died due to my blindness."
"If I were king I would have done the same. No one blames you. Dinoth asked me to apologize to you for him."
Thranduil sat back in his chair and removed his circlet. He rubbed his temples, "sometimes I wish I could resign."
"Mirkwood would be in shambles. You are a magnificent King, and I will follow you to the end of arda. I simply cannot handle service any longer."
"I understand. I am not angry," Thranduil said gently.
"I am sorry," he said with a sharp cough.
"Do not be. I know you have put much on the line for me and for Mirkwood. So I have a proposition for you, and you are entirely free to refuse, I will not be insulted." Huldion nodded, "Once you are recovered and have decided what it is you would like to do, inform me of your decision, and I will ensure your employment, through Mirkwood, so you may still be Captain, if you wish. I would also like to extend to you an invitation to be one of my advisors. You would never see battle again, I will ensure it. But again, you are free to deny my invitation and my assistance."
Huldion stared at the King a moment, "Aran nin-"
"Think about it until you are well, to ensure your decision. I will also list you from battle, so if Mirkwood does see open battle you will not be obligated to fight."
Huldion stared at the ceiling, and Thranduil watched tears fall down his face, and he pulled his chair closer. He took his good hand. "I am sorry, it's just, the things I saw-"
"Do not apologize," he said quietly. His head and lip was bleeding, and Thranduil took the cloth from the basin and wiped his face gently. Huldion closed his sore eyes, and Thranduil swept his hair from his face. "I am here for you, as your king and your companion."
Faroth's daughter approached with a tray of food and drink, and Huldion would not meet her eyes.
"Aran nin, I was not expecting you," she said, bowing.
"It is alright, I will let you rest and enjoy your meal. You are in good company," he smiled, and Sidhiel smirked. Huldion watched Thranduil leave the healing wing, and Sidhiel replace him in the chair. She was close enough that he could smell her perfume. Her light brown hair wafted in front of his face as she pulled the chair up to him. She smiled at him, "the king is quite kind."
"He is," Huldion said quietly.
"Are you hungry?"
"No, not particularly," he said and fidgeted with the bandage on his hand.
"Unwe says today you must eat if he has to come and force you to."
"Unwe is not in any position to tell me what to do."
"He is simply concerned for you, you cannot heal without rest and food and you will not have either."
He shrugged, "just leave it, I will eat some of it."
"Captain," she said quietly, and he looked at her before shyly looking away. "I cannot pretend to know what you have gone through. I can only imagine your pain by the extent of your injuries. But it would be unwise to waste yourself for it. Those you have lost would not wish for you to throw away your life."
"If I told you how my fingers were removed, you too would never be hungry again. If you heard the screams of your friends in their last moments in life and could do nothing to save them or ease their suffering, food no longer seems important. The queens brother- he could see these things as they happened, and I can only imagine his suffering now." She sighed sadly, and Huldion sighed, "Food tastes like dust now."
"You have no family? No wife?"
"No," he said quietly.
"I know we have just met, but I am here if you ever wish to talk. I am sure that goes for the king and queen and Luin as well." Huldion sighed, and she took a spoonful of his soup. "I will eat your food, it is better than my own."
He smiled at her. Her beautiful face smiled back, and she took another spoonful of soup, and his stomach growled. It smelled good, and he hadn't eaten much since they had left and Earien gave him some lembas. She acknowledged his tea, and he could smell his favorite black tea. "You have convinced me to try some," he smirked. She gave him a spoonful, and the warmth of the first real meal he'd had in weeks made him smile. She managed to get most of the soup into him, and then lifted his tea, "I smell a sleeping draught in that," he said quietly.
"So?" she returned gently.
"I do not wish to dream the things I know I shall dream."
"You will not dream. This draught is merely for a healing sleep."
He took a few sips, and his lips burned. He did not even see the cup leave his lips before he was asleep.
"Come in," Elladan called.
Earien entered, and he smiled, "you're back."
"Indeed," she smiled in return, and embraced him. She noticed his bags and sighed, "you are leaving?"
"Yes, with your leave."
"I give it," she said with a small smile, "do you feel more at ease?"
"Yes. I know now that my life is not dependent on his. That spending the time we have together arguing about the future is fruitless. I owe my Adar an apology."
"I give my leave willingly, knowing you have come to this conclusion now," she said, and twirled his braid between her fingers subconsciously. "I will miss you. Give my love to your Adar and your Naneth, and of course Elrohir."
"I shall, after I give them my own," he said quietly. "Thank you, for allowing me to come here and find myself."
"I am always here if you need me for anything," she smiled, "I will visit soon."
"That is good. My Adar misses you."
"and I him," she smiled. She embraced him once more before he descended the stairs to the main gate, where a small group of the guard waited to escort him back. "Write me once you return so I will know you arrived safely."
"I shall," he said, and his horse whinnied before he disappeared through the gate.
It was not long before the same was done with Erron. Josi had come to claim him, and they spent a few days together before Erron made his final decision to return with him.
Thranduil had embraced him, and told him "I am here whenever you need me. Good luck."
"Thank you, aran-nin. You have been more than kind and I will not forget it. The elves of Mirkwood will always be in my heart."
Thranduil smiled, and Erron said his goodbyes to Legolas and Calis. They promised to write one another, and watched the young man ride off. Although Legolas received and replied to a dozen or so letters, Erron was never to be seen alive again by any of the elves of Mirkwood, as Thranduil discovered when he received a letter stating Erron succumbed to the plague not a year later. He never became Lord of Pell, his father's village.
Iellwen helped Earien and Luin settle Calis in the room adjoined to Legolas' so he would be closer to his remaining family and have a fresh start. He was very quiet but grateful during the transition, and the king and queen knew it was only a matter of time before he could no longer bottle his emotions. He was on Legolas like a leech, but Legolas was patient and kind regarding the situation, and took his younger cousin under his wing.
Huldion grew stronger each day, and soon the day arrived he could finally leave the healing wing and receive his honorable discharge. Sidhiel escorted him to the throne room, and there the king and queen sat in formal garb, crowns and silk robes. On the sides of the thrones stood Faroth, Amandil, Luin, Minador, and several of the royal guard including Adanion and Thangannas. Each guard held an ornamental box of silver, and wore the masks of the elite sentinel, a branch that was reserved only for the royal family's ceremonies. Huldion looked around, shock evident in his eyes. He and Sidhiel bowed to the King and Queen, and his gaze found Thranduil's. He was at a loss for words.
Thranduil and Earien descended their thrones, and he approached them and bowed again.
"Captain Huldion. The queen and I, with Lord Faroth as our witness, do hereby bestow upon you this award," Thranduil said, and Adanion opened one of the chests to reveal a large brooch of silver entwining thorns, "for your steadfast dedication to the royal family, Mirkwood, and its inhabitants. On several occasions you have proven your heroism sacrificing your own safety and well-being for the safety and well-being of others." Thranduil took the brooch from the chest gently, and approached Huldion. "I had this award fashioned similar to the one I now wear that was given to King Oropher by Elu Thingol for the same purpose. I feel you have more than proven yourself worthy, and you are the first of Mirkwood to receive such recognition. We are proud of your achievements, and they do not go unrecognized," He pinned it gently on Huldion's robes at the base of his throat, and tears appeared in his eyes.
Thranduil stepped back, and Luin stepped forward, and took his wrist, "I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you. I know thank you does not repair the damage that was done unto you, but without you I would surely be dead."
Huldion had no words, but accepted Luin's embrace. Minador approached them, "and I as well. Without your guidance and support through even the toughest of moments I would be dead, and my child without a father."
Both elves retreated, and the King and Queen returned to their thrones. "have you decided what your decision is regarding my offer?"
Huldion nodded and hastily wiped his tears, "I have decided to accept your offer, it would be an honor to serve you on the council and advise you."
Thranduil smiled, and a member of the elite royal guard handed him the second chest, which contained a circlet of light gold. "Lord Huldion, welcome to the council."
September 27 TA 1636
Elrond sat in a tree, a book in his hand. Elrohir was at the base of the tree carving a bow. They did not speak much of Elladan, and merely waited patiently for him to return home. They had heard of the hostage situation and Earien riding out to save Luin, and it took all of Elrond's self-control to not ride out and help.
He heard a distant whinny, and looked up. A group of horses rode toward them, and Elrond hopped down from the branch and stood next to his son. The horses rode up to them just before the bridge, and Elrond greeted the menacing faces of the Mirkwood guard. Elladan rode through the center of them, and his eyes fell on his father and brother. He looked different, more serious and far more dangerous than before. He wore the threatening sentinel uniform with a long tapered green cape and an elaborate braid at the back of his head. A silver branch was braided into his hair, and he leapt from the horse. For a moment his son's solemn demeanor made him think perhaps he had changed, but he ran up to Elrohir.
"My brother, I am so sorry for the things I have said. You have every right to make your own choice with your fate, and it was selfish of me to argue with you. Whatever you choose you are my brother, and I love and support you."
Elrohir threw his arms around his brother and ran his hands over his hair, and rested them on either side of his face, "the joy you have brought me with that statement," he cried.
"I have missed you so, from the moment I left I knew I had been wrong. I apologize."
"I as well, I did not think of how my mortality would affect the lives of others. I am sorry."
They embraced again, and Elrond watched, his heart wrenched. Elladan smiled at his father, and threw his arms around him, "I am sorry, Adar, I will not stray again."
Elrond embraced his son, a smile on his face. The guard bowed in unison to Elrond, and mounted their horses and left. "How was Mirkwood?"
"Interesting. The elves of the sentinel are kind, and they are all brave beyond imagining. But I have missed the colors and suns of Imladris."
Elrond smiled, and put his arms around his sons' shoulders. "I have missed my boys." They both smiled, and he turned to Elladan, "How is Earien?"
"She is well. She sends her love."
He smiled, "I must write her and thank her, look at those boots," Elrond said and tapped Elladan's foot with his own.
"Sentinel boots. My boots ruined my feet in that damn forest."
Elrond laughed, "let us go see your mother."
"Hir nin!" Elrond turned toward Glorfindel, "an elf with a wounded shoulder was spotted in Lorien entering Mirkwood. He had stolen much from the Galadhrim, armor, weapons."
Elrond's worried eyes glanced at Elladan. He returned his father's gaze nervously, "Beinion."
Epilogue
June 4 TA 1696
Thranduil leaned against Earien, his arm around her back. He hand lay on his and scratched nervous circles on his skin. Legolas approached them, and Thranduil couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the sight of his son in armor. He was leaving for a month with the southern patrol. Thranduil would not be sleeping, but his love for his son was too great to force him to stay. Huldion and Faroth's daughter, Sidhiel were married and expecting a child, and to the amusement of the royal family, so were Luin and Iellwen, another newly wedded couple.
"Gi Melin, Adar. Do not fret, I will return safely."
Thranduil smiled, and pulled his son into his arms, "Gi melin, ion nin. Be cautious."
"I shall," he said, and embraced his mother. "Love you nana."
"Love you too, return safe to me."
They watched their son disappear into the forest, and Thranduil and Earien turned and started back into the stronghold. "We have raised him the best we were able. Now he is on his own and we must wait and see if we taught him enough." Thranduil said tiredly.
"He will do well. I have faith in him."
"As do I," he said with a smile and pulled her against him. He looked upon her with a joy in his heart he only felt when she was in his sight. What could they not accomplish, such a team as they were. She gave him strength he did not know he had, and he felt in the future that strength and bond would be tested, but only time would tell, and for the present time, her comforting smile was enough to ease his looming dread of the shadow of the future.
The End.
Thank you for reading this sequel, please review! Your reviews inspire me to keep writing! Next week I'll start the third installment, titled 'At the End of Nothing More.' I can't lie, this next installment is the one I have been excited for. I have a lot of action, suspense, and surprises planned. It will be taking place just before and during the events of the hobbit, and will contain a lot more Legolas than in this story. So if you liked this story or 'struggles of a new king' Keep an eye out for 'At the End of Nothing More.' I'll be posting the first chapter on 4/7 if all goes as planned.