Chapter 21

Into The Woods It Is

Estelwen's POV

I woke up and Fili was not there. I frowned for it was the first time since we had been together that I woke up alone. I got up and fixed my hair. It was still very early so I wondered what Fili was doing up so early. When I walked outside everyone was gone!

"What the bloody hell?!"

I saw a note on the table from Fili.

Estelwen,

You may hurt me for this later, but we all thought, and this includes Gandalf, that it would be safer for you to meet us in Lake-Town. Gandalf would not give us his reasons but he said it would be safer. Please my jewel do as he said. I love you.

Fili

He had to be out of his mind! There was no way I was going to let any of them, especially Fili go without me. I packed up my things and I found a note on my bag.

Estelwen,

I have left for you a map so you may find your way through Mirkwood. I cast a sleeping enchantment upon you and shall last for 5 days. And remember, I know who your father is and so do you. Even if at the moment you do not, you know in your heart. That is why I had to dwarves go ahead of you. To protect them and your heart. May fortune favor you my dear.

Gandalf the Grey

I knew in my heart? For so long I had denied it. Refused to believe it. I took the book Arwen had given me and flipped the pages. My eyes rested on one page and I sighed.

"I am coming back." I whispered.

I put the book away and the walked out the door without hesitation. Beorn stood there.

Shit.

"I saved a horse for you."

Well that was not what I expected.

"He is the fastest and shall get you to the forest before nightfall. And you must not stray from the path."

I smiled and the horse came up to me. I mounted him and looked at Beorn.

"Thank you lord Beorn."

He smiled and winked. The horse galloped away. He was indeed fast. I held on tight as he flew through the trees. I could see Mirkwood, but I saw farther then most. When the horse stopped I jumped off and ran into the woods. All I could think about was finding Fili. I followed their trail until it came to a river. I did not hesitate as I jumped in. I surfaced and swam across. I had always been fast, and I able to run without growing tired for a long time. I continued to follow their trail. It looked as though they were dragging something at one point. Their tracks suddenly halted.

"Damn it…."

Their tracks left the path. I remembered Beorn's words.

"Do NOT leave the path!"

What choice did I have? My husband, brother, Thorin and my friends were out there. I set my face and ran through the trees. There was something familiar about this place. I found the remains of a campfire. It was not made by the dwarves. When I found a second one there were light footprints leading away. I followed those and came to a bridge.

"The Elvenking's gates. They have them!"

It is usually considered a bad idea to simply walk through the front door, but my anger was strong. I walked across the bridge. The guards stared at me and shock but they did nothing. I pushed open the gates and walked straight towards two large double doors.

*"EDRO!"

They flew open for me and I walked inside my eyes narrowed. Thorin was there and he looked terrible.

*"Ai' atar!"

I ran forward to him.

"Naneth?"

I slowly looked up at the king and his son. The second Thranduil looked into my eyes he gasped. He slowly walked forward but I glared at him.

"~Do you know who I am?~" He asked gently.

My eyes narrowed.

"I know exactly who you are. You are a traitor, a heart-breaker…" I looked down and sighed. "And you are my father."

*OPEN!

*Little father.