Tauriel Past POV

Back at Mirkwood, I stood aside while Legolas had the remaining orc pinned.

"What were you doing in Mirkwood?" Thranduil asked.

"None of your business." The filth replied.

"Answer him." Legolas pushed on the grip of his dagger against its throat.

"Why? You're going to kill me anyways." The orc replied.

"You have nothing to fear." I say smoothly. "Tell us what you know. And we promise to set you free."

Usually this phrase indicated something a bit different than it sounded. I put in extra effort to make the place sound safe.

"Why were you in Mirkwood?" Legolas commanded.

"I have eaten many. Other orcs, dwarves, men, and even a few elves. Word has spread fast that none taste as pure and sweet as that of a she-elf." The orc hisses.

I minor chill runs down my back. I remember the filthy black teeth that tore away my body almost to nothing. I took out my dagger and twirled it dangerously. Thranduil raised his hand and I hesitated attacking the monster.

"You came in search for me? Don't lie you filth." I growl. "What is the dark lord planning?"

"I do not respond to dogs she-elf!" The Orc yelled

Thranduil sits on his throne, "Legolas." He cues

Legolas brutally pushed his sword into the orcs neck, forcing it to speak. "Answer the question, or you'll never see light again you goblin mutant."

"You have no authority here, and none would dare go after elleths in our kingdom whilst I live." Thranduil says.

"Evil is rising. You all will suffer. My lord has great plans. And when the time arrives we will all feast on you. We will torture, whip, and sink our teeth into your tender flesh just like we did with you. Don't think I don't know. The rumors of your flesh tasting so pure and tender are raging through the orcs." The Orc disproves and looks greedily at me.

Legolas glanced at me. I held his gaze for a second before looking away.

The Orc began to cackle wildly, and I had had enough. I stayed poised, fighting the urge to slice this beast into many pieces. I walked out calmly, avoiding eye contact with the filth.

It lunged at me, and I raised my dagger to kill it, but Legolas had had enough also. He sliced the orcs head clean off and the body slouched before toppling over with a thud.

I felt sick. Not only had I created a bad reputation amongst my kin, but also created an even worse identity to orcs. I sped up my pace and focused my gaze on the door

"Tauriel! Wait." Thranduil says afterward.

I stop and turn angrily. Whether it was towards the king or the orc. Still anger. I wanted to get out of this room

"You served me well," Thranduil says. "I wish you will remain loyal to me this time and in return Mirkwood will protect you."

Legolas tramples the orc with his boot to cease the moving.

"Thank you my lord, may I take my leave?" I ask curtly.

"Yes." Thranduil said bitterly. I could sense he still found anger everytime we chatted. Situations hadn't really been completely resolved. And nonetheless, I felt fury in myself as well. I was permanently scarred

I went to see Helena. To chat about the scenario

"You can't expect Thranduil to forgive you for defying his orders a second time. Not that soon." She says. "He is treating you well on behalf of Legolas. I know it sounds bad, but you need to accept the truth."

"I know." I sigh. "It's just. He hurt me too. I am trying to overlook my suffering though. The fate and succession of Mirkwood is more important."

"Good, that is a sign of your maturity. But nonetheless, you are still recovering Tauriel. Love can push you to do rash things. Perhaps Thranduil didn't make the wrong choice. He didn't necessarily make the best choice, but he thought he chose best for Mirkwood and its future. Allowing you to return has clearly been a gamble. You just have to accept the consequences. And slowly earn your honor back." She suggested

I sigh. Everything takes time to mend. That is the one thing I learned from being whipped brutally by orcs.

Tauriel present POV

Helena and I cooked in the kitchen. She prepared the spices and I cut the vegetables with my dagger. I had disinfected it well of orc blood. And it wasn't even my dagger since Legolas had mine still.

Antonielo came in dragging a large pig and a couple chickens. "This should help."

Blood poured out of their necks, where he had shot them. I stared at the creatures in sympathy. I personally did not like meat. "Could you help deskin them and prepare then?"

He nods, and draws out his dagger, waving it wickedly. Helena motions me to go help him, she looks uncomfortable at his dagger waving.

Antonielo smiles and tosses me a dagger as I walk towards him. I easily catch it and unsheathe it.

"You have a very quick reaction, have you been in battle before?" Antonielo asks.

"I was captain of the guard back in Mirkwood." I reply.

"Impressive." He says. "Oh right I forgot."

Of course he did. I was beginning to really dislike him now. But not because of what people may think.

Flashback

About a week ago, during one of the banquet nights, someone close to me must've decided to betray word leaked out of my past love for Kili. I was proud of our relationship, but nervous of how the elves would think of me. Especially those above my low rank could antagonize me and berate me for my foolishness. I already invested so much effort to try and redeem myself. Only to be spread again. Not that I thought of it foolish. But certainly, one couldn't expect me happy.

It wasn't difficult to keep my composure and temper down, although I was upset at whoever leaked out the information.

Rumors say it was one of the Mirkwood guards. Maybe Thranduil at a banquet?

I tried avoiding everyone and only attending mandatory dinners or feasts.

It was common receiving disapproving glares from the noblility. But as I was exiting back to my chambers I ran into Antonielo. He too had discovered my secret. I was fine with that, but what he said next destroyed all hope I had to become friends with him.

"Hello Tauriel." He said cooly.

"Greetings." I say.

"So it's true? You love a dead dwarf?" He says.

The words stung me like dagger pricks.

"Loved." I say bitterly. "I am-"

"But why? Dwarves are foul goblin mutants. They show no love nor do they possess the slightest bit." He says rudely. "None would fall for elves. Especially such former captain as you."

He had crossed the line. I fought back my tears and my anger.

"What do you know of love?" I say back. "Nothing."

I sidestep to walk away but he catches me and pushes me one step back against the pillar.

"Don't thing I'm a fool. Now I understand why you fail to show feelings for anyone." He says sarcastically. "How long has it been since he died?"

"You know nothing." I say sharply. "If you love someone, would you be willing to die for her? Perhaps you are too blind to see it. See that I am still healthy. Because there is no love in you."

I hinted that Kili died for me and pushed aside his arm before swiftly walking into my room. I close the door tightly and lock it.

That fool. That idiot.

I need not comfort. I need not love. I need not protection. I am Tauriel. Tauriel doesn't care what others think of her.

End flashback

We cut the meat for a couple minutes in awkward silence. He suddenly twitches his arm and slashes his bloodstained dagger at me. I quickly block his attack in her daggers clash over the meat. Blood spurts everywhere and drips on the floor.

A jolt of anger surges through me and I'm tempted to continue the spar. I could easily take him. Training individually in my own chambers everyday certainly improved my skills and reaction. I just hadn't done so with an adversary in a while.

"Can you two please not spar in the kitchen." Helena turns nervously and crosses her arms. "There will be a feast and perhaps sparring if proposed tonight. You may spar outside. Anywhere. Anytime. Just not now. We need to cook now."

I glance at Antonielo, he is smirking in admiration at me. I hide my glare of abomination.

4 more hours.

Happy New Year everyone. I hope you enjoy the update. I just recently finished my other fanfiction I was working on, so I will update more often! To everyone who has seen the Battle of the Five Armies, how did you like it? My goal was to have this story kind of flow through and connect with the movie. Anyways enough of my blabbering.

Please review! I appreciate all comments and constructive criticism