Chapter 11

It took Thranduil and his company about a week's leisurely ride to reach Lothlorien. This time they were accompanied by a larger host of guards, since they had to cross all the way through the western expanse of Mirkwood, which was expected to be teeming with spiders and even random bands of orcs. Their crossing was not free of incidents, but, luckily, the experienced elves and their King were met with nothing they could not handle successfully.

Once they were out of the elven gate, their path was relatively safer, as they followed a southern course along the Anduin. The riders rode through the beautiful valley of the Great River, with the Misty Mountains framing its western border and the eaves of Mirkwood defining its eastern one. However, but for the beauty of the scenery, apprehension gripped the hearts of the elves the closer they got to their destination, for the dark shadow of Dol Guldur loomed in the distance, unfailing in reminding them of its evil presence.

Because it was spring, the weather was generally pleasant, though somewhat chilly during the night and early morning. It was afternoon when they neared the Golden Wood, and the day was graced with gentle and warm sunlight and a light breeze. Here Thranduil instructed his guards and servants to set up camp, so that he could enter Lothlorien with his counselors only; the rest were not required to accompany him now, for no danger lurked inside that forest.

As soon as his host had settled and everything had been taken care of, the Elvenking and his close companions were ready to depart. He mounted his steed with grace and looked ahead of him, breathing deeply the fragrant air. "Let us now enter the ancient woods of Lorien", he announced in a reverent tone, with his gaze turned towards the blooming trees, and signaled for the rest to follow him.

Before long the Mirkwood elves were surrounded by tree and leaf very different from those of their own forest, and they marveled at the breathtaking sight around them. This extraordinary wood was comprised of a unique species of tree, the mallorn, and it was named so for its golden foliage. The mellyrn were large and tall trees with silver-grey barks. Golden were their leaves during winter, and silver they turned in spring. Now they had begun shedding their golden leaves, for spring was come, and a golden carpet covered the ground. Young leaves were springing on the branches, and they glimmered green and silver, while the first golden blossoms had just sprouted.

There was an almost inaudible humming in the air, lyrical and melodious, and their surroundings gave out an imperceptible vibration, for these woods were filled with life and magic, and protected by the power of Nenya, and they sang with a voice of their own.

Birds chirped merrily upon the branches, squirrels played hide-and-seek, and at times a fawn might raise its curious head from behind a nearby bush, only to dart away immediately afterwards.

Memories awoke in Thranduil's mind, as he slowly guided his steed through the trees. He had not been in the Golden Wood for eons, but its sight he had not forgotten. This elven haven was strong and shielded from the influence of evil, untainted by it, but for the very close proximity of its source. No orc or other foul creature would ever dare step its filthy foot inside this forest, for the power of the elves was prominent here, and the wielder of this power was the most ancient and wise elf to still walk on Middle Earth: Galadriel.

Galadriel. Her name, even the soundless remembrance of it, brought a chill and a shiver to Thranduil. For he felt small and insignificant and powerless when in her presence, and his royal self was not used to such emotions of inferiority. He would be a liar not to admit he was terrified by her power, and by her ability to speak into his mind and read his thoughts. There was nothing he could keep hidden from the Lady, and for that he felt exposed and vulnerable, and he hated to feel so. Thranduil was used to always being in control of every situation, and to feeling superior towards anyone else; but here, he knew he was at her mercy.

He glanced around warily; he was certain her thoughts were everywhere at once, in the whispering of the leaves and in the purling of the streams. He knew she was watching him and his companions through her mind's eye, very aware of their presence.

Furthermore, there was this old burden in his heart that plagued him, this unjust grudge he bore against the Lady, and every step closer they were taking to her dwelling, the more difficult his personal mission seemed to him. True enough, he was afraid to face her.

With a sigh he lowered his gaze, letting it wander off on the golden path before them. And then he heard it; he heard her voice in his head.

"I know your purpose, Elvenking… You are coming to us with a determined mind but a troubled heart…"

It was naught but a passing whisper, but he instinctively jerked his head to the side, his senses instantly heightened and alert, although he had half expected her to enter his thoughts.

The other elves soon portrayed similar reactions. The most collected amongst them was Tinuven, while the most bewildered one Tauriel.

"Tauriel… Your path has only begun revealing itself…"

Galadriel's words echoed in the young elleth's head, and she was mystified by them.

"Is that… Is that the Lady speaking to us?" she stuttered fearfully, her emerald eyes scanning her surroundings for possible hidden threats.

"Yes, Captain… Do not alarm yourself. It the way of the Lady", Tinuven answered her calmly.

"Fear not, child", Meduithel whispered to her and gifted her with a small smile.

Tauriel nodded weakly, and then she tried to glance over to Thranduil and see what his reaction was, in hopes of understanding why he chose to remain silent. She could only see his profile from her position in the group, and it was partially obscured by shadows, his head clearly bent and his expression grim. But, unlike Galadriel, she knew nothing of his thoughts, and so his stance remained an unsolved riddle to her.

"We shall meet with the marchwarden Haldir soon, I presume", the Commander spoke again and looked into the distance. "He is usually the one to receive strangers, or guests for that matter".

Beside him Iaurvir sighed. "Nobody walks into the Golden Wood unattended to… or unguarded", he said in a low tone.

"Of course. No sovereign wants intruders and trespassers in their realm", Thranduil commented, at last lifting his head and glancing at the councilor from over his shoulder. "But we need not fear; I have sent word to Celeborn and they are expecting us".

Now, Lothlorien was not a kingdom in the absolute sense of the word, as Thranduil's realm was, for example. Celeborn and Galadriel did indeed rule over the elven population of these woods, but they had not assumed the titles of King and Queen. However, they were King and Queen in all things but title and title alone, and they were treated by everyone as such.

"But for the incomparable beauty of this place, I cannot but feel a measure of apprehension… It is just too-" Tauriel began, but was interrupted by Thranduil.

"Hush!" he ordered, and raised his hand, motioning for his companions to halt their mounts, while his eyes searched the trees and bushes around.

A rustling sound of moving branches and leaves was then heard, and a small host of elves suddenly emerged from all sides, encircling the riders. Although their weapons were not raised, it was evident that those guards were well-armed with bow and daggers, and would not hesitate to use them, should the need arise.

The one who seemed to be their leader walked forth towards Thranduil. He was a quite tall and well-built ellon, with sand-blonde hair and hazel eyes. His upward-slanted brows gave him an imperious look, and his eyes examined the Elvenking keenly.

"Mae govannen, Thranduil Oropherion, King of the Woodland Realm", he spoke in a clear and slightly nasal voice, as he brought his hand over the place of his heart and offered the Elvenking a bow.

"Haldir of Lorien", Thranduil acknowledged him and returned the gesture. "We are glad to meet with you".

The marchwarden nodded with a kind smile upon his face. "The Lord and Lady have been expecting your arrival. You are welcome here, Elvenking, as are your companions", he spoke, and then his curious eye fell on the others, assessing them one by one. "Lord Tinuven I recognize, as well as lord Iaurvir and lady Meduithel, for they have stepped foot in the Golden Wood before. But who is the other one that accompanies you?" he inquired and turned his gaze to Tauriel.

"She is Tauriel Elboroniel, a Captain in the Guard", Thranduil replied, introducing her.

Tauriel smiled and nodded, trying to contain her nervousness.

"Very well. Nobody is a stranger now. You are amongst friends here", Haldir said reassuringly, seeming pleased. "Dismount now, if you will, and follow me. The Lord and Lady await you".

With that he turned and signaled for his company to assist the Mirkwood elves as they dismounted.

Tauriel hopped off her horse and smiled to the elleth who had approached her, ready to offer her help with anything she might ask. She in turn nodded, but kept a serious face. The Captain took a moment to observe her. The guard was dressed in a silver-grey tunic and had a matching cloak draped upon her shoulders, just like all the other guards. Tauriel thought that these colors worked well here, for they blended effectively with the silver-grey of the tree barks, making the elves nearly invisible.

The elleth was of fair complexion, with long, flaxen hair and honey-brown eyes. Her face was sweet, though somewhat solemn. Tauriel caught her glimpsing with curiosity at her own reddish locks, and smiled.

"I take it red hair is not common amongst your people?" she gently asked her as they began walking side by side.

"Not really, it is not", the guard replied. "Most of the Eldar here have dark blond or light brown hair…"

"You are one with your Golden Wood, it seems", Tauriel commented cheerfully, and the other offered her a reserved smile.

Then, as if guided by some inexplicable instinct, she glanced over to Tinuven, and saw that he was watching them with great intensity in his gaze. But as soon as he took notice of Tauriel looking at his direction, he lowered his face and averted his eyes. And then Tauriel realized that the elleth, who was now walking next to her, was the one the Commander loved, and she inwardly smiled.

"What is your name? Mine is Tauriel, as you must have heard earlier", she resumed chatting with her.

"Daughter of the forest… It is a beautiful name", the guard mused. "Mine is Elhedril".

Elhedril she is, then. Poor Tinuven, Tauriel thought. All these years and he did not even manage to muster the courage to ask her name! Who would expect that from someone so brave on the battlefield?

"Your name is also beautiful. It is a pleasure knowing you, Elhedril", Tauriel told her in a friendly manner.

The other elf nodded and smiled briefly. "And you".

After that she fell silent, turning her attention to her surroundings and being alert to every single noise, as she had been trained to do. And the golden path ahead of them carried on and on…


The night had fallen and the stars were shining, when Haldir and those following him neared the end of their course. As soon as they came upon the precipice of a small cliff, he motioned for everyone to stop, and he pointed into the distance.

"Behold Caras Galadhon, fabled city of the Galadhrim", he spoke with shining eyes and a bright smile.

Before them and atop a green hill, enclosed in the triangle formed by the confluence of the rivers Celebrant and Anduin, stood a walled and surrounded by a fosse city. But it was a city unlike any other, for it consisted not of buildings, domes and spires, but of trees. Although it was dark, the trees glowed with an ethereal silver-blue light, and the foreigners wondered at the spectacular sight in front of their eyes.

Then Haldir resumed walking. Downhill they went and then across a white bridge, and soon they came to the gates of Caras Galadhon, which were located to the south-west. Guards in golden armor were standing before them, and they opened them as soon as the company approached, granting them passage into the city.

"Leave your horses here", Haldir instructed the Mirkwood elves, and they entrusted their mounts in the care of the stable workers. "We shall make for the Lord and Lady's dwelling on foot".

On white stone-paved paths they walked, and all around them they saw the tallest and largest trees that were in these woods. High upon their boughs flets had been constructed ages ago, and white ladders led up to them. They were the telain, where the Galadhrim lived. Additionally, canopied spiral staircases wound about the tree-barks of the largest trees, and they were illuminated by lamps that emanated that otherworldly silver-blue light, which made the whole city glow like a single star.

Unbeknownst to her, Tauriel was holding her breath, as she was looking around with the amazement and thrill of a child. Amongst her companions, she was the only one to have never visited Lothlorien before, and she was deeply impressed by the sight.

Uphill they walked, until they reached its top, which open into a wide plateau, and there stood the tallest and most majestic mallorn in all of Lothlorien. At the root of it was a small pool made of white marble and in the likeness of swans, and a path wound about it and led to the tree itself. From there began a staircase similar to the rest, but greater and more ornate.

"This is the home of lord Celeborn and lady Galadriel", Haldir informed the others.

And then they began ascending the stairs. Higher and higher they got, until they reached the top of the staircase and came upon a large talan. A home was built on this talan and around the trunk of the tree, and Galadhrim archers stood close to the edges of the flet – which, by the way, had no railing.

The gates of the house then opened, and Galadriel with Celeborn stepped outside. Dressed in white they both were, and fine silver circlets were upon their heads. Celeborn was a wise Sindarin lord, tall and handsome, with grey eyes and silver-blond hair, only a shade darker than Thranduil's. He was an imposing figure in his own right, but he paled in comparison to his wife. The Lady's face glowed with an inner peace and beauty, and in her sparkling blue eyes was deep wisdom of ages gone and knowledge of everything that was, and even some that had not yet come to pass. The color of her long tresses was an incredible mix of golden and silver, like the light of the Two Trees themselves. The Lord and Lady joined hands as they descended the few stairs, and upon Galadriel's finger shone Nenya like a dazzling white star. Graceful and soundless in their step they were, as they came to stand in front of their guests.

The Lady's intelligent eyes fell on the newcomers, assessing them one by one, while her husband spoke.

"Welcome, Thranduil, King of the Woodland elves. I had been awaiting your coming, and it is a joy to receive you in my house, as well as your companions", he said in a deep voice and slightly extended his hand in a gesture of welcome.

"We have much to talk about, Thranduil…" Galadriel's voice whispered in his head. "Welcome, Elvenking. You desire to speak with us, and speak we shall", she said aloud and offered him a cryptic smile.

Thranduil tilted his head to the side and closed his eyes momentarily. "Thank you, my lord and lady. I am honored to be welcomed in your realm", he responded, feeling terrible unease in the presence of the Lady, whose eyes were now bearing hard into his. Mustering all his self-control and millennia-long experience, he schooled his expression into a calm one, striving to hide his discomfort from the others, but there was no hiding it from Galadriel.

"There is a burden in your heart… Deep sorrow, but also love", she whispered again.

"We are akin, Thranduil Oropherion. And kin are always welcome in the house of Celeborn", the Lord responded gracefully, and Thranduil slightly bowed his head before him, while the Lady's words echoed in his thoughts.

Then Galadriel paced towards the other elves, greeting each of them in turn. Lastly, she came before Tauriel.

"It is the first time you visit our home, young Tauriel", she spoke gently.

"Yes, my lady", Tauriel affirmed breathily and lowered her gaze, feeling awed before her majesty.

"Your heart is strong and true and your spirit pure…" she heard the Lady's voice in her head. "Fear not, for you are not alone". Then she lightly touched the red-haired elleth's chin, prompting her to raise her face. "You are welcome here".

Galadriel then took a few steps backwards, and looked over their guests. "Rest now, and free your thoughts of trouble and sorrow. You may find peace here, for this place is safe and untouched by evil…"


Though of rest and peace Galadriel had spoken, Thranduil could find neither that night. Weary from his restlessness and sleeplessness, he rose from his bed with a sigh and walked out of the room and onto the talan. There was no point in tossing and turning in the sheets, since sleep would not come upon his eyes. Perhaps the chill and freshness of the night air would help him clear his thoughts.

He glanced around him. The talan he and his elves had been given was a large one, and designed to host guests. Numerous flets were built upon three neighboring trees on different levels, and they interconnected directly or with bridges and ladders. Around the tree-trunks chambers were constructed, and they contained all manner of comfort; beds and dressers, cabinets and tables and chairs, as well as a hearth and a bathing tub, all made after the elven fashion and neatly arranged, so that the sight was very pleasing to the eye.

But no solace could the Elvenking find inside his chamber. His mind was troubled, for the words of Galadriel kept returning in his thoughts, and he had grown agitated. But now the night breeze blew in his face, and he hoped it would help him relax a little. Pulling his robes tighter about him, for the cold had not yet abandoned the nights of spring, he took a few steps closer to the edge of the talan and peered into the distance. Other telain he could see around him, but silence reigned everywhere. Very few Galadhrim could be seen, and those were only guards, noiselessly going about their nightly shifts, free of true worry, for nothing could harm their city as long as the power of Galadriel protected it.

Ah, the power of Galadriel, Thranduil mused, and his thoughts subsequently darkened. How profoundly he had always desired a power similar to hers! How much he had wished for a ring like Nenya, to wield and protect his kingdom and his people! Then no evil would stain his woods, no foul orc would ever dare cross his borders. His people would enjoy peace and prosperity in a realm that would possibly be even grander and more majestic than Lothlorien. And he would be a mighty elf lord, the mightiest Elvenking that had ever been, nearing even Thingol's glory, whom he deeply admired and whose ways he had sought to follow.

But, alas, the elven Rings were only three, and none had been given to him.

With a sigh he averted his gaze and moved to sit on a bench, sulking in his thoughts. Not only was Galadriel far more powerful than him – far more powerful than any other elf on Middle Earth at this point of time, for that matter – but he also had to apologize to her for the unjust resentment he felt towards her. He knew that she would forgive him; in fact, she had probably never been angry with him in the first place. It was not a doubt about her behavior that disturbed him; it was that he actually had to apologize. And Thranduil was not used to apologizing to anyone, not even to his own self.

"Thranduil?"

Tauriel's soft and whispering voice caused him to glance over his shoulder with a startle, jumping into alertness all at once. But the sight of her slender form slowly approaching him chased away any worrisome thought, and his furrowed brow now relaxed.

"Tauriel… What are you doing out here?" he inquired, without ever tearing his eyes off of her.

"I heard footsteps, and I thought to look into it", she replied.

A small smile crept upon the Elvenking's face. "Ever the guard you are".

"Old habits die hard, they say", she responded with a smile of her own. "How about you? What led you to walk out here in the cold night?" she asked him, as she came and stood behind his seated form, and tenderly placed a hand upon his shoulder.

He brought his hand to twine with hers, and tilted his head towards her touch. "Insomnia", he murmured.

Tauriel brought her free hand to caress his silver strands, running her nimble fingers through the length of his hair and barely grazing his skull. Thranduil closed his eyes, shivering at her touch, and dropped his head back, enjoying her ministrations immensely. Observing his reaction, she smiled.

"I can tell you are tense", she commented. "Why? This is supposed to be a place of tranquility, peace and relaxation, away from the evils of the world".

"Yes… Lorien may be shielded from the outer forces of evil, but what about the evil we carry ourselves?" he asked pointedly and turned his eyes to look into hers.

Tauriel gave him a worried look and came to sit beside him. "What do you mean to say?"

"I have been plagued by troubling thoughts ever since we began our journey to Lorien. It is not only the military alliance I need to secure here. Were it only that, I would not be troubled at all, for Celeborn is bound to aid us. But I have a personal issue to resolve, and it is old and grievous…", he began explaining, and a sigh escaped his lips.

"What personal issue? Is there more you have not told me, Thranduil?" Tauriel demanded, and a hurt look was upon her face now.

He held her gaze for a mere second before casting his eyes low. "I am very old, Tauriel. and countless things took place before you were even a thought in your parents' minds. So please, do not accuse me of secrecy, for that is not the case", he responded wearily.

The Captain sighed and leaned back in the bench, lowering her eyes as well. Her hands fiddled with the fabric of her robes, as she contemplated his words. "I do not doubt what you say. But still, although you knew we would be visiting Lorien, you did not even think to tell me what this personal issue is? Perhaps I could have done something to ease your burden…"

There was hurt and slight anger in her tone, but the Elvenking remained silent, never raising his eyes. He had no answer or excuse to offer her that might please her.

His silence irritated her. "So, you do not trust me", she murmured bitterly.

He finally turned to face her. "Do not say that".

She stood from the bench. "I thought we had made some progress towards understanding each other, trusting each other, sharing everything… Apparently, I was wrong".

At that she turned and made to leave, but he caught her arm in time. She instantly went stiff.

"Tauriel", he called to her. "What is the meaning of this?" he demanded under a furrowed brow.

"I do not know. You tell me", she retorted defiantly, but there was pain in her eyes and tone.

"Is that your way of dealing with problems? Walking out on them? Is that your way of dealing with me?" His eyes and voice now mirrored hers, for despair had crept in his heart as soon as Tauriel had turned from him, and it now mingled with rising ire.

"Do not turn the tables here, Thranduil. For it is not me the one who has misbehaved, who has chosen to keep secrets and shown mistrust", she retorted with narrowed eyes and yanked her arm, but he held her in place.

"You accuse me of mistrust and misbehavior, and yet here you are, ready and eager to run away from me, instead of staying and allowing me the chance to explain", he told her in a tone that was now filled with hurt.

Feeling his disappointment and the desperate plea of his fea to reach hers, and realizing he was right in what he had just said, she allowed her body to relax in his grip, and motioned for him to let go of her, gently grasping his hand by the wrist. He immediately unclasped his fingers from about her arm this time, and drew back.

Tauriel stood opposite him and lifted her eyes to his. "No, this is not my way of dealing with problems. Not anymore. And certainly not with you", she murmured in a broken voice, her eyes now glistening with newly-formed tears. "Have I not proved that? I am not running away anymore. I am trying to be there for you, Thranduil, to understand the depths of your heart and mind, to heal your scars, to be your companion, you friend, your lover, your Queen even… But you are making it so hard for me. You still shut me out of your life at times, even though you may not realize it always. You do not share with me the secrets of your heart willingly; you do not seek me out to tell me what is bothering you. It is I who must come to you every time and try to unravel your pain and then take it away. But this hurts me, mell nin, and it exhausts me. I want you to know this".

Tauriel finished her short monologue and looked away, as a tear now ran down her cheek. Thranduil stood deeply troubled by her words, for he had not thought of their relationship in that way, and now the harsh realization dawned on him.

He took a step forward and stood behind her. He lifted his trembling hand to rest upon her shoulder, but he hesitated, and it hovered in mid-air before dropping back to his side.

"And I also neglect your own sorrows and troubles… I am too blind, selfishly focused only on my own problems, while you bear your own with an enduring and uncomplaining heart…" he completed her words mournfully. "Is it not so?"

Tauriel brought her arms about herself and bent her head. "Sometimes".

Tears now trembled in the corners of his eyes. "I failed you..." he whispered in a defeated tone. "You have done so much for me, and I so little. But I never knew I caused you this pain, Tauriel. Why have you not told me ever before?" he asked her in anguish.

"Because I had hoped you would realize it on your own", she replied, desperately trying to make her voice sound even, while she was still facing away from him.

Bereft of words to offer her, for her reply had stung bitterly in his heart, he made to touch her once more, this time allowing his fingertips to lightly caress her shoulder, but she drew away, denying him the physical connection.

Standing for a brief moment with his lips parted in puzzlement, he then recoiled. She had deemed that he did not deserve to touch her right now, and he would respect her decision.

The silence dragged and expanded between them, impregnating the air with stifling feelings, unshed tears and words yet unspoken, making each passing moment heavier and more unbearable than the previous one.

Until Thranduil could take it no more, and he spoke. "What shall it be now? Will we remain so, wordless and turned from each other?" he asked in a low voice, but Tauriel answered not. He waited for a long moment, still as a statue behind her, but she, too, was standing still and motionless. "Will you not even look at me?" he spoke again, wishing to sound detached, but he failed miserably, and only hurt and complaint came through.

With a sigh, she slowly turned her emerald gaze to him, and her eyes were filled with silent tears. Seeing her distress and sensing her inner turmoil, he made to take her in his arms, but once more she stopped him, against the wish of her heart. For she knew she should not yield now, if she wanted her message to be conveyed effectively, or otherwise it would all be lost and forgotten in their flurry of kisses.

"Not all problems are solved with an embrace and a kiss, Thranduil", she murmured bleakly.

He remained to gaze at her deeply. "I know, meleth nin. But it helps alleviate the pain, sometimes. I had forgotten that, until you came in my path and reminded me", he whispered lovingly. "Had it not been for your tender love, I would still be a cruel and heartless King, sulking in my halls and indifferent to the fates of the world", he admitted.

At that a tiny, sad smile curled Tauriel's lips. "You have never truly been heartless, as you say. You had just forgotten what love is, for you felt undeserving of a second chance in love. But that belongs to the past now, and you have come a long way from that. And for that I am proud, you must know", she made a pause here to look at him with compassion, and a small light was lit in the depths of his azure eyes. "But you must try harder, Thranduil. You must learn to trust me, and you must at last accept the fact that there is someone in your life who cares for you deeply. Your mind, of course, knows this, but your heart is still reluctant to perceive the concept of companionship completely. It craves it, but it fears it as well. And while you desperately reach for me, at the same time you pull away", she concluded in a grave tone.

Thranduil sighed, and a single tear ran from his eye. "What you are saying is true, Tauriel. But please, do not think my behavior stems from mistrust towards you, for that is most untrue. I trust you with my heart and my life", he breathed, and her gaze flickered at his words, and she instinctively took a step closer to him. "But I have lived so long in loneliness that it has become my second nature… It is not easy to abandon old habits completely. Ever when I am faced with a problem, my initial and instinctive thought is to keep it to myself. Because I for so long had none to share my problems with…" he sighed.

"But no more. Now you have me. You need not feel alone any longer. Do not be afraid to reach for me, I will not break", she told him fervently.

"Please, Tauriel, my love, bear with me. I can only promise to you that I will try harder, as you ask of me", he told her, and took a step forward, reluctantly extending his hand to touch her, although half expecting a third rebuttal.

She watched his move, and finally allowed him to touch her fingertips, for naught but a fleeting moment. "I shall hold you to your promise".

At that she turned and swiftly walked away, until the shadows swallowed her form.

A vast feeling of bereavement and desertion took over him as soon as he was left alone. How he had longed to hold her in his arms, to rest his head atop hers and let the grief wash away… But he was denied that pleasure, that comfort, and his heart was now cold, lonely and sorrowful.

But Tauriel had been right in what she had said. A kiss and a hug would not solve the problem. He had hurt her, although inadvertently, and she wished him to know it, and not push it into oblivion during a session of passionate lovemaking. He could very well see that now, and he admired her wisdom and strength of character.

What remained for him now was to keep the promise he had given her.