Chapter 12

It was afternoon when Thranduil decided to leave his chambers and take a lonely stroll around Caras Galadhon. Iaurvir had offered to accompany him, so that they would be able to discuss the outcome of the morning meeting, but the Elvenking had declined. He wished not for company, but for peace and solitude.

True enough, the meeting with Celeborn was not a trying one. In a few hours' time they had managed to agree on a military alliance against Dol Guldur, and they had also discussed the details of the campaign and the size of the force Lothlorien would send. Only the necessary paperwork now remained to be redacted, and this was estimated to be ready in a couple of days.

Consequently, no thoughts of the negotiations troubled Thranduil, for everything had gone as smoothly as he had expected. But his mind was preoccupied with memories of the previous night and his conversation with Tauriel, which had proved quite enlightening for him, albeit somewhat unsettling and disconcerting. The more he thought about her words, the more he feared the possibility of their relationship not having been established on deep and steady foundations. He worried that he did not love her the way she deserved, and that he would fail her yet again, although he had promised her to try harder. It pained him profoundly to know he had hurt her, even though inadvertently, and to have not realized it on his own. Tauriel had been patient and persevering, standing by his side, investing her whole self in his own troubles and guiding him through them, and all he managed to give her in return were some fleeting moments of carnal satisfaction, and words of love and adoration. But what did words mean? Nothing. What deeds had he actually to offer to bear testimony to his love and care? To his dismay, there was no positive answer to be given to this question. He had failed to comfort her when she had disagreed with Tinuven after the dinner in Erebor, and he had remembered to ask her about the incident only too late. And when he witnessed them speaking in the gardens in Mirkwood, it was only jealousy that came through in his manner, and he had failed to ask her about the content of their conversation, thus not eliminating the possibility of it having been troubling or unpleasant. He had only allowed lust and desire to cloud his mind and descend like mist on his thoughts, obscuring all reason and delivering his senses and his energy, both physical and spiritual, unto the throes of passion. All other thoughts had been forgotten afterwards, and he never asked her again whether Tinuven was behaving respectfully towards her or if he continued to cause her distress. And only now did he realize the wisdom of her choice not to indulge in physical contact, for the outcome afterwards would most likely be the same, with the gravity of the issue lessened and all thoughts and promises pushed in the dark corners of his mind. For lovemaking did possess this extraordinary quality of healing and alleviating spiritual pain, but in truth, it solved no problems, which remained hidden, just like festering wounds are concealed beneath fanciful dress.

Needless to say, these last weeks had been strenuous and very demanding for Thranduil, as they were laden with consecutive trials, and his mind was predominantly preoccupied with the negotiations, and not his personal affairs. But he hated to find excuses for his conduct, especially when it came to Tauriel. To blazes with the dwarves and their blasted pledge of allegiance, if it meant that his beloved was being neglected and treated unfairly by him. How many more times had he to sacrifice his own self, his own heart for the greater good? A bitter taste came on his tongue, as this insoluble query swirled in his mind, for he was King, and he was doomed to ignore his personal needs and demands in the face of the welfare of his kingdom, which should always be his first priority.

And he had managed to do so quite well over the millennia, ever since he inherited Oropher's heavy crown. He was known as a just ruler, who kept his realm in peace and under law and order, despite his lack of an elven ring, and the constant presence and threat of Dol Guldur in southern Mirkwood. It was ironic, truly, that he had been dealt the hardest position to rule and defend against the Shadow, and was provided with the poorest means to do so.

He knew the other elf lords – and ladies, for that matter – looked down on him, perhaps not openly or with true contempt and disdain, but the thought was certainly inside their heads that he (and his father before him) had been considered unworthy of Celebrimbor's rings, which had passed on to Galadriel and Gil-Galad, and after his death to Elrond and Cirdan, who in turn had gifted his ring to Mithrandir. Now to Thranduil's eyes these elves moved with an air of arrogance and superiority about them that stemmed from their possession of the rings or their Noldorin ancestry. He could boast neither, and although he would have much desired a ring like Vilya or Nenya to wield, he had never wished for Noldorin blood to flow in his veins. For he was there and had witnessed the carnage in Doriath, when the sons of Feanor came to fulfil their oath, and ever since he had hated the Noldor with a passion.

"You are mistaken in your persuasions, Thranduil…"

Startled, he stopped in his steps. Galadriel had spoken inside his head, but he did not remember having invited her to do so. His face grew grim and darker still, and his brow furrowed.

"I did not call for company, my Lady", he responded to her in thought, knowing that she would perceive it.

"Calm your anger, for it is needless; I wish not to harm you. But there is so much grief and hatred inside your heart, oh Elvenking, and it darkens and poisons your present…" Her voice was compassionate, lyrical and melodious, and Thranduil found his wrath slowly subsiding and seeping away.

"My hatred is just, for terrible things have been done unto me and my kin, and my grief shall not diminish with the passing of the years", he spoke back to her, but there was mainly sorrow in his thoughts now.

"Come and find me in my gardens… It is time we put the grievances of the past to rest, for the future calls, and we shall have to heed this call…"

Closing his eyes momentarily and taking a deep breath, Thranduil hesitated for a while, but then he decided to accept Galadriel's invitation, and he made for the gardens of Lothlorien.


While the gentle afternoon was waning and evening was preparing to succeed it, painting the darkening sky with the warm colors of dusk, Tauriel stood from the company of Meduithel and Iaurvir. She told them she would like to visit the training grounds of the Golden Wood, now that the practice of the day was ending, and she would have the chance to speak with the marchwardens, elves that were more like her in their way of life, for she was curious to discover the similarities and differences between the Mirkwood guards and their kin here.

Of course, the councilors had no reason to question or doubt her motives, for they were sincere, at least for the largest part. But in truth, Tauriel had begun feeling weary and bored with lord Iaurvir's talk, which focused mostly on the morning meeting and the negotiations. She needed to get on her feet, to walk and be active, and she also sought something to preoccupy her mind with, so as to deter her thoughts from constantly returning to Thranduil and their yesternight conversation upon the talan.

She was certain she had done the right thing. If Thranduil was unable to see on his own things for what they really were, she had to tell him herself. She had only hoped he truly understood her pain and complaint, for it was just and not without reason. But it was not easy to speak to him of it, knowing how difficult and challenging the past days had been for him, as he was burdened with the fulfillment of high expectations and the responsibility to see his plans through. The last thing she wished for was to burden him further, and she truly had not planned to speak to him of what troubled her, at least not before the negotiations were ended and they were back in Mirkwood. But the opportunity had arisen on its own, and she could not let it slip by. Still, it hurt her like a stabbing knife to see his face grow sorrowful and remorseful yet again, for she knew his stance was not intentional but habitual. And it was true that he had come a long way from the person he once was, but she had asked him to try harder still. He had to try harder for their relationship.

And while she held no doubt about choosing to talk to him, she did, however, had concerns about the specific time it had to happen. Had it been a mistake to fill his mind and heart with more worries and sorrows now, in the face of war? Should she have kept her thoughts to herself and waited for until later? Or would it only have been worse then, and the problem itself would have grown? Tauriel could not answer these questions with certainty. And there really was no point in seeking an answer, for what had happened, had indeed happened, and asking hypothetical questions was pointless. She should rather focus on the present, await Thranduil's reaction, and watch the fulfillment of the promise he had given her.

Still, it disturbed her deeply that she had had to deny him the comfort of her embrace. She hated the way they had had to part last night, with but the faintest touch, and gazing into the bottomless wells of sadness that his eyes had been. But she knew her choice had been right. Thranduil had to learn that her touch and presence was not a given in his life, and that he would constantly have to fight for her and their love. She only hoped he was ready to do this, and that she had not begun stretching things too far. For his frame of mind was fragile and darkened and easily disrupted; he was in some aspects unlike the other elves, whose fear were pure and unharmed. Thranduil was a broken ellon, and he had suffered immense grief, and above all he bore the eternal mark of Morgoth.

Sometimes, when reveling in the bliss of their private moments, she would forget that. She would look into his luminous eyes, and touch his glowing skin, and there she could find no trace of Morgoth's malice and taint. His past would then seem like a nightmare only, old and forgotten and unreal. The Serpents of the North would have only existed in a scary fairy tale for elflings, and that battle would have never truly taken place. But this was a deception, which she easily let fool her, and then her demands of him would grow, and she would treat him like an intact and unscathed being. Had she perhaps fallen victim to that same deception now, after seeing him so strong and effective during the negotiations in Dale and Erebor?

With a sigh, she allowed these troubling thoughts to linger and nestle in her heart, as she at last entered the training grounds of Lothlorien. The new surroundings served to distract her mind somewhat. Numerous elves were around, gathering now their swords and bows and daggers, and ridding themselves of the protective leather armor. Tauriel stood and gazed around, comparing mentally the sight she saw here with her familiar one from her home. There were training dummies and archery targets, quite similar to the ones she would train on. But the bows of the Galadhrim looked larger and sturdier than the Mirkwood ones, though rather heavier. She smiled inwardly, thinking that Legolas would have liked these beautiful and strong bows, which were bound to have a farther reach.

As she was about to make for the archery ground and speak with the elves there, a familiar voice called to her and attracted her attention.

"Lady Tauriel?"

She turned around to see Elhedril approaching her with a small smile and a quick stride, and holding a bow and a dagger in hand. Instantly, a smile curled Tauriel's lips as well.

"Hello, Elhedril. I see your training is at an end…" she greeted her.

"Indeed, we have just finished. What brings you here, may I ask?" the honey-eyed elleth inquired.

The Captain resumed a relaxed position, resting her weight on one leg. "Curiosity mostly, I would say. I wished to see your training grounds and your training habits. You see, I am quite like you. I am a guard in my home, and such things", she said and waved her hand vaguely around, "are my life, really, and interest me greatly".

"Oh, of course, I should have guessed that. King Thranduil did introduce you as a Captain in the Woodland Realm's Guard, when we met with you in the woods", Elhedril recalled, and she proceeded to sheath her dagger. "It must be nice to be a Captain…" she mused.

Tauriel laughed. "It is full of responsibilities. Not as much fun as you might think", she responded mirthfully, now glad for Elhedril's unexpected appearance.

The guard lifted an eyebrow. "You are probably right. I can tell that from seeing my cousin, and what he has to do every day…"

"Your cousin?"

"Haldir. He is a Captain, and also the chief of their rank. In fact, he was the one who prompted me to join the marchwardens, seeing that I had no taste for knitting or sewing or even scholarly activities", Elhedril said.

"I can understand that… I had no love for such things either", Tauriel agreed.

The other elleth nodded. "Well, I would invite you to a brief archery contest, but I fear I cannot do so, seeing that the light of the day is almost gone now. Would you like to take a walk instead? I can show you around our city", she kindly offered.

"I would love that, thank you… But are you not on duty tonight?" the Captain wondered.

"No, I am free to do as I please!" she chimed happily.

Tauriel smiled brightly. "Let us be off then!"

The two guards followed a western direction, walking on softly illuminated paths, while the fragrant breeze blew in their faces and revived their senses.

"Where are we headed?" Tauriel inquired.

"To the western pavilion. Musicians gather there every evening, and we sing and dance and drink. It is beautiful, you shall see", Elhedril replied with a smile.

Soon enough, the road ahead of them opened into a large flat area, in which a circular pavilion was built. It was spacious, and a small fountain was in the center of it. Thin ornate columns around its circumference supported the dome, and ivy curled about them, expanding over to the roof and decorating it. Quite a few Lorien elves were already there, and the minstrels had taken their places in one corner, and had begun playing their lutes and flutes and harps, and singing tunes of joy and nature's renewal. On the other side stood some tables, covered with white cloth and bearing various delicacies and drinks. The elves present had already begun indulging themselves in those tasty treats.

"Well, what do you think? Is it not wonderful?" Elhedril asked Tauriel as she passed her a glass of wine, which she had fetched from a nearby table.

"It is indeed. I would think there is a feast going on", she replied in a dreamy voice, as she let her gaze wander around leisurely, feeling peace at last settle inside her.

"Here in Lorien every day is a feast", the marchwarden responded, and sipped from her wine.

"I wish I could say the same for my home…" Tauriel sighed. "Alas, for us feasts are rare, for we live under the Shadow and the evil that pours forth from Dol Guldur… We are not safe, not even in our halls…"

"My heart weeps to know of this. Be steady and courageous, for the evil shall not last forever", Elhedril spoke to her, trying to sound encouraging.

Tauriel gave her a sad smile. "Our lot has been to live in these dark times, and fight for our freedom… and fight we shall", she said with determination, and then turned her eyes to the musicians. "But let us not darken our moods now. I much wish to enjoy this respite, and I would rather discuss pleasant subjects".

"Yes, you are right", the other elleth agreed. "Do you sing, perchance?"

"I would not call myself a singer, although my voice is not entirely terrible", Tauriel said and chuckled softly. "How about yourself?"

Elhedril smiled and her eyes shone. "I do. Maybe I will join the minstrels later, and you can listen".

The Captain nodded. "An interesting talent, for one who has devoted her life to guarding her land".

"Well, if I had not chosen this path, I would have probably become a musician", Elhedril responded.

Tauriel smiled warmly, and then remained silent for a little while, while both ellith turned their attention to the music and the elves that had started dancing under the flowing and melodious rhythms. Most of them danced in couples, lightly touching their hands and swiftly moving around each other, like the whispering wind, circling each other, and passing side by side, ever allowing the faintest of contact, but never lingering.

At that moment Elhedril turned to Tauriel and spoke in a low voice. "Most of these elves are couples, married, betrothed, or promised to each other. Many of these are my friends".

"I had suspected so…" Tauriel murmured, and then turned to Elhedril with sparkling eyes, suddenly remembering her promise to Tinuven. "How about yourself, my friend? Have you found an ellon to love, if it is not too bold to ask?"

Elhedril's lips parted slightly and she lowered her gaze, hesitating to answer. Tauriel saw her discomfort, and sought to apologize. "Forgive me… I did not mean to sound curious or intrusive".

"No, it is alright. It is just that…", the blond elleth began and took a deep breath. "It seems I am not so lucky in this field", she said despondently.

Tauriel's brow furrowed in concern. "What do you mean? You are a beautiful and spirited young elleth; it cannot be that you have not won the affections of not one, but quite a few ellyn…"

Elhedril turned to look at her, and lowered her voice as she replied. "I would be a liar to deny this, but none of them has managed to capture my heart… For there is someone else I like, but he is ever distant, and far away… and stationed so far above me. I would never presume to look upon him."

The Captain's interest was now very much picked, and she felt alert. Could it be that she was speaking of Tinuven, and those two had been for long secretly in love with each other, and they were simply such fools, refraining from revealing their hearts for fear of rejection?

"May I ask who that ellon is?" she asked carefully.

Elhedril looked into Tauriel's eyes, and hers were like burning embers. "You may very well know him already, for he is one of your assemblage".

Tauriel's impulsive reaction was to gasp, for the pieces of the puzzle were slowly but steadily fitting together. "Three ellyn are there, my King, lord Iaurvir, and Commander Tinuven. I would not assume you mean the King, and neither the councilor, for he is married… So, it is only reasonable you speak of the Commander!" she exclaimed, barely able to contain her excitement at this unexpectedly fortunate turn of events.

Elhedril nodded meekly. "Yes, Tauriel. It is him I speak of".

A wide smile rose on the Captain's lips. "Raise your glass, and drink with me now Elhedril, for what I am going to tell you shall please you immensely", she invited her with a mischievous glint in her emerald eyes.

The guard did as she was told, and her own eyes were now lit with a light of curiosity and anticipation. "Please speak quickly, for I am not one known for her patience!"

Tauriel laughed. "I will entrust you this secret to do with as you please. Well, I happen to know that the Commander is fond of you… quite fond of you indeed".

It was now Elhedril's turn to gasp. "Is that… is that true? I would never imagine, I would never assume…" she stuttered.

"And neither would he. Do you know that you are the main reason for his frequent visits to Lorien, and not his sister? But he is devastated that you would never look upon him, and he has given up hope that you might one day share his feelings", Tauriel told her.

"How do you know all this?"

"Lord Tinuven and I happen to have become friends lately, so what I tell you is the truth and not mere speculations", Tauriel answered.

"Oh, Tauriel, I am suddenly so overwhelmed with this news, that I know not how to respond, what to do…!"

"What you need to do is actually quite simple. Seek him out, and talk to him. The rest will fall into place on their own, for this is what happens when two hearts sing for each other in earnest", she replied in a gentle tone, and her thoughts drifted once more to the love of her own heart.

Elhedril proceeded to thank her whole-heartedly and call her a dear friend, but Tauriel's attention was not on the young marchwarden anymore. She turned her gaze to the dancers and pretended to be watching them, but in truth she ached to see Thranduil, to know that he was alright, and not surrendered to the depths of grief of his heart.

Still, she was not allowed to remain lost in her thoughts for long, for Haldir came to the pavilion; his keen eyes immediately spotted his cousin alongside Tauriel, and he made towards them.

"Greetings, my ladies", he began politely.

"Oh, Haldir! I knew not you were not on duty tonight!" Elhedril said happily.

"My lord Haldir", Tauriel acknowledged his presence with a soft smile.

"I seem to be free to enjoy this evening, just like yourselves", he responded, his eyes trained now on Tauriel. "Are you ladies having a good time?"

"Indeed. I find the feast fascinating. It is a welcome change for an elf of the Woodland Realm", said Tauriel, not failing to notice his piercing gaze upon her.

"I thought it would be nice to bring Tauriel here", said Elhedril. "And it is good fortune you showed up, for you can keep her company now, cousin, while I can go and join the minstrels".

"Ah, yes, I nearly forgot you love to sing! Go then, and I will make sure lady Tauriel is not unpleasantly distracted by your attempts to sing these high notes!" he told his cousin in good-natured jest and laughed.

Elhedril laughed as well. "You always make fun of me!"

"It is my duty, my lady", he said in mock seriousness, and bowed.

Both of them then laughed again heartily, and Tauriel watched them with a warm smile on her face. She already liked Elhedril, and now she found she liked Haldir as well, for he seemed clever and spirited.

The young marchwarden then left their company to do as she intended, and Haldir turned his attention to Tauriel again.

"My cousin is young, and has not seen much of the world; she has not known its grief and darkness. If only she forever stayed joyous and innocent in her ways…" he sighed.

"You care for her deeply", she observed.

"I do. I took her under my wing as soon as she joined the marchwardens, promising to her parents I will always watch over her".

"She told me it had been your idea…"

"Joining us? Yes. Can you imagine her sitting for hours in a chair with needlework in her hands?" he asked, and Tauriel shook her head in negation. "Well, neither could I!"

He then laughed, and Tauriel smiled fondly, for his laughter was sincere and lifted her spirits. But as his laughter faded, he locked his eyes with hers, and in them Tauriel saw something that was not there before. He fell silent, and kept gazing at her.

"My lord?" she spoke nervously.

"I would rather we forwent these titles… They are fit for royalty and pompous council members, but not for us warriors", he said in a deep tone.

"Captain, then".

"I would prefer simply Haldir", he told her warmly, fully now turned towards her, and took a small step closer to her.

Tauriel's heart began beating faster. Is he flirting with me? She wondered in bewilderment. "I have only just met you… I am not sure I can jump to this level of informality so easily", she countered his suggestion.

"Why not? I already feel at ease with you", he insisted. "Since the moment I saw you, you have caught my attention, Tauriel. I cannot deny what is truth", he told her frankly.

Her breath became shallow and quick as she was beset with unease, and she turned from him a bit. She did not show him her back, not wishing to seem rude to her host, but only her profile was now visible to him.

"I know not what you mean", she uttered.

"I think you do…" Haldir said and lightly touched her shoulder. His hand upon it was warm, and although she was not appalled by it, it was not a welcome feeling either. Her mind instantly flew to Thranduil, and the way his caress felt, and courage suddenly flooded her heart.

"I am afraid I cannot return your affections, my lord. My heart belongs to another", she declared, turning now to fully face him.

"Oh…"

Haldir's hand dropped to his side, as a wave of disappointment washed over him. But then he quickly recomposed himself and cleared his throat. "Of course. A beautiful elleth such as yourself is bound to have many admirers. A very fortunate ellon he must be, the one your heart has chosen. Forgive my forwardness, please", he said politely and bowed his head a little before her.

Tauriel smiled, relieved by how well he had received her words. "There is nothing to forgive, mellon nin".

He forced a smile, and nodded. Not wishing to press the matter further, he averted his gaze and directed it to the minstrels. "Perhaps you would do me the small favor of dancing with me, then?"

"Yes, I believe I can do that…" she replied, and her smile widened.

Returning her smile, he offered his hand to lead her to where the other elves danced, and she took it.


Thranduil was at this very moment entering the garden of Galadriel. The road he remembered well, for he had been there before. He walked through an arched gate, and was immediately greeted by the sound of running waters. Some stairs he descended, which were carved in the rock, and he followed the main path that led to the center of the garden.

There stood Galadriel, clad wholly in white, and she turned to face him as soon as he appeared. She lowered her hood and a graceful smile lit her features. Thranduil came before her with apprehension in his heart, and a grim expression was on his face.

"You are come, at last", she spoke gently.

"I came, as you asked me to", he responded gravely, glancing up at her.

The Lady took a few steps towards him. "I know the thoughts that trouble your mind and render you sleepless… I know the burdens of your heart and the causes of your sorrow. I also know that you wished to speak to me, but hesitated. Why?" she enquired, her bright blue eyes now peering deep into his.

He took a deep breath, and decided to face her and his doubts once and for all. "I hesitated because the last time we met was not a pleasant one, and I did not leave here on good terms".

Galadriel's face grew more solemn, but still remained sweet. "I remember well our last meeting. And it grieves me deeply, even to this day, that the answers you found were terrible. Were I able to change things, I would have done it", she spoke compassionately, and walked to him closer still.

Thranduil stood motionless like a statue, although a turmoil had begun inside him.

"But it also grieves me that you are angry with me, Thranduil", she went on, and her gaze was now piercing. He could not bear it, and averted his eyes.

"I know my fury is unjust…" he admitted with a small sigh, striving to maintain his composure. "And I came into your woods with the desire to ask for your forgiveness", he told her with a furrowed brow and a hoarse voice, still not daring to lift his eyes to hers.

Galadriel stood right in front of him, and she was almost as tall as he was. Softly she touched his chin, and prompted him to turn his face and look at her, which he reluctantly did.

"How could I ever be angry and spiteful towards a broken heart?" she whispered. "Do you think I know not how much you loved Lothrin, and how dearly her loss cost you?"

At that Thranduil felt a lump forming in his throat and threatening to choke him, as tears arose in his eyes. "Countless times I have wished I had died and she had lived… Countless times I have wished you had appeared a moment sooner, and saved her from the dragon's fire…" he muttered bitterly, pressing his eyes shut, as if he could thus prevent the tears, which were now defiantly running on his cheeks. "This is why I bore a grudge against you. I cared not that I had been saved, that I had lived. For what life was there for me, when Lothrin was gone from it forever? My heart was ripped from my chest and burned to ashes… And I hated you for condemning me to live my life alone and scarred, and without her", he confessed, and turned to the side, concealing his distress and pain from her sight.

"And yet there is life for you, and there is love in it", Galadriel said softly, and patiently waited for him to process the meaning of her words.

He turned and glanced at her from over his shoulder, and his lips slightly parted, allowing a small gasp to escape.

"You were not meant to die, Thranduil. There was still much for you to do, and there still is", she spoke again.

"But so was Lothrin", he countered in a broken voice.

Galadriel shook her golden head. "Many who have died did not deserve to, and many who perhaps deserved death, live. Do not seek justice in these matters, for you shall find none. But you must acknowledge the gifts you have been presented with, and cherish them for what they are. Do not look upon your second chance in life with scorn and contempt, for it is an insult to the Valar. Do not let your memories of the past, no matter how bitter and painful they might be, poison your present", she advised him.

Thranduil now turned to face her with rising ire. "Wise words easily spoken by a wise person, who lives in a golden kingdom, keeping at bay all evil with her ring of power", he scoffed, throwing his head back and narrowing his eyes.

But Galadriel's demeanor was not affected by his aggressiveness, for she had anticipated his reaction. "The rings of power are a heavy burden to bear, and their wielders must do so with great responsibility, and great humility", she told him in a sterner tone, and Thranduil huffed. "I know what you are thinking. You believe you were deemed unworthy, when Celebrimbor sent out the rings for safekeeping. You even believe they were meant only for the Noldor to wield, and your hatred for my kindred is an unquenchable flame. But not all Noldor took the vow of Feanor, and not all of them followed his sons when their wrath descended upon Doriath. Celebrimbor was one such Noldo. And you know already where my allegiance lies, for I have lived in Doriath for a time, as you remember, and it is where I met Celeborn. I had always held King Thingol in great esteem, even though our relationship suffered a strain for a time", she narrated.

Thranduil lifted his hand. "You need not recount the events of the past, my lady, for I was there and I remember".

"Then you know I do not look down on the Sindar, for I share your Telerin ancestry through my mother, and I have also chosen a Sinda as my husband". Before the Elvenking had a chance to speak a word, she went on. "I am telling you this, because I wish you to understand your father's House was not excluded for reasons of lineage and heritage. Simply enough, Celebrimbor sent the rings to where he believed they would be best kept hidden and safe, while he prepared for war. Lindon and Lorien happened to be the most suitable places at the time", she explained.

Thranduil's lips were drawn into a thin line, and he averted his gaze; however, his anger had dissipated and he was now pacified, and Galadriel perceived this.

"We have little cause for animosity and much for unity in these dark days, Thranduil. Do you not so proclaim yourself, when you seek the allegiance of your neighbors?" she asked him pointedly.

He nodded. "It is so".

Galadriel smiled. "It is time you set aside your old grudges, for you have achieved something great, something very important, which might determine the course of the coming war; you have united the whole North against the Shadow".

He raised his gaze and his face was lit with a light of hope at her words.

"The credit for this feat belongs to you", she continued. "Do not diminish its gleam and appeal by submitting yourself to petty thoughts and demeaning acts".

"You speak wisely as ever, Galadriel. But there is always the touch of Morgoth's malice in my fea, and I cannot escape from its hold. I must constantly fight back the dark tendencies, lest they be awakened and take over me", he responded thoughtfully.

"This is true. And you must know that you are deeply admired by those who know what has befallen you".

"I need neither admiration nor pity", he interrupted her. "Tell me, oh wise lady, can my fea ever be completely healed? Is there a way to be rid of the stain of evil?" he asked her anxiously.

Galadriel's smile faded, and she lowered her gaze, turning from him and taking a few steps away. "I know of no such way, and if there is one, then this secret has not been revealed to me", she spoke gravely.

Thranduil sighed and looked away, trying to steel himself, to stand upright and bear the news with stoic patience and unwavering endurance, as he had always done.

"You are not alone in your struggles anymore, Thranduil", Galadriel spoke soothingly. "You have Tauriel now… And I know what she means to you, and how much you love her. I have looked into your heart, and it is true and faithful".

Hearing of Tauriel's name and their love brought tears to him, and he kept staring ahead with glassy eyes, swallowing back a sob.

"Turn your gaze from the disheartening darkness inside you, and look at the bright light of hope by your side instead", she advised him. "You cannot change what happened; none of us can. But you can shape your future however you wish. It is yours to decide whether it shall be filled with darkness or with light".

At that she turned and made to leave, but Thranduil called to her. "Lady Galadriel".

She glanced at him from over her shoulder, and a playful light was in her eyes, and a bright smile upon her lips. "Your apology is accepted; you need not speak a word, for I know your thoughts, and I also know they are sincere. You have chosen wisely to resolve all your issues of the past, even if it has been difficult for you to face them. But the past must be laid to rest at last. Linger not upon it anymore".

These had been the Lady's last words before she walked away, leaving Thranduil to whisper his thanks in an inaudible voice. But Galadriel knew well of his remorse and his gratitude, and she needed not hear them being spoken aloud.

He lingered in the garden for a short time after her departure, contemplating her words. When at last he made to leave, his heart felt lighter, and his thoughts had cleared.