Unexpected Surprises

"Where are we going?" asked Thorin, with a hint of anger in his voice.

"I have already told you," replied Legolas looking at Thorin "we are on our way to my home. You will all meet my father."

"Another elf!" spat Thorin, causing me to roll my eyes at him.

I watch them both with concern. I did not want any fighting here. I really had no idea why elves and dwarves could not get along in this day and age. There was already a lot of conflict in this world as it was.

Looking at Legolas as we followed him towards his realm, I was a little nervous. From time to time, I kept catching him glance back at me and that made me feel very uneasy. I knew he was really a kind elf but I have always hated being stared at.

Thankfully I had Fili by my side, as well as Aragorn. Come to think of it, Aragorn has always been by my side, ever since leaving Rivendell. Shaking my head with a smile, I have a sneaky feeling that The Doctor had something to do with that. My smile fades when my thoughts go on a certain hobbit. Just where was he?

I really hoped Bilbo was alright. Was he following us using that evil ring? I turn my head, looking for any clue that he was silently following us. Nothing. Sighing, I then turned around and looked at the trees.

There were a lot of spider webs, but so far no spiders themselves. Whether that was a good thing, I had no idea, but the thought that those spiders were here, caused me to shudder a little.

Looking at the tress themselves, one of them looked really out of place. The tree I was staring at had a carved face. There was even moss at the top, making it look like hair. The branches on the tree looked like arms with bony fingers at the end of it, ready to pick you up at any moment's notice. Was it possible the Ents were here?

"Excuse me."

I turned my attention to Legolas, I knew he was very knowledgeable about many things and I wanted his honest reply. Legolas turned his head and graced me with a smile.

"My lady."

"Do the Ents reside in this forest as well?"

"You know about the Ents?" asked Legolas, smiling at me.

"A little. Eru Ilúvatar created the Ents to help protect the forest from any hostility from others, you know, elves, dwarves and men that would take great delight in destroying trees. That is how the Ents came into this world," I gave him a sheepish smile "am I right?"

All Legolas did was continue smiling at me, so I hastily added,

"I do know that the Ents lost their wives in the Second Age. To this day, no one knows what became of the Entwives."

"Now I have heard everything," chuckled Kili, who was walking behind me "a tree that comes alive, then gets married, then these female trees decide to walk away from the male trees. I would have loved to have seen that."

Some of the company found what Kili had said to be very funny. Swallowing hard, I frowned, I have always hated being laughed at. It brought up painful memories. Why did Kili have to act like a child sometimes?

"Lexi."

I sighed and looked at the ground, not noticing the death glare Fili was giving to his brother and I was unaware of the concerned faces from Aragorn and even Legolas as they both watched me.

"Take no notice of others my lady," said Legolas, causing me to look back at him "it is not your fault there are ignorant people out here. Especially when what is right in front of them."

I turned my attention to the tree once more. Was this really a sleeping Ent?

"Unfortunately, Ents have not graced this forest for a very long time," carried on Legolas "I am sorry."

"That's a shame. I know Treebeard is somewhere out there. It would have been nice to have seen an Ent for myself."

A snort of laughter from behind me, caused me to roll my eyes.

"You name a tree, Treebeard?"

I don't say anything, wishing I had kept my mouth shut. I know Kili meant well, but his constant snickering was beginning to grat on me. A hand went over mine and stroked my fingers, though I don't look at Fili.

"For the record Kili," began The Doctor "Treebeard the Ent, will one day help out when it is needed. So stop acting like a naughty little school boy and shut up!...Lead the way Legolas, I believe your father is now expecting our arrival?"

Looking at The Doctor, I mouthed 'Thank you' to him. He winked at me with a grin, before returning his attention to the front.

"Lexi, are you alright?" asked Fili, sounding concerned.

I knew lying to him would not work on him, so I decided to be truthful with him.

"Maybe I should have said nothing."

"Hey, I was really interested in hearing about these ants."

I turned my head and watched Fili, before roaring with laughter, releasing my hand from Fili's as I try and control myself. I tried to visualise an ant carrying Merry and Pippin who from many years from now would help the Ents out. It was impossible to see how an ant could carry two hobbits, which only made me laugh even more.

"Oh god," I managed to say, holding onto my chest "too funny."

"What is she laughing at?" asked Bofur, smiling himself "Is it a dirty joke?"

"Well, she should laugh more often." I heard Dori say.

"Why have we stopped?" I heard Thorin say, as I wiped the tears from my eyes.

"Alexandria's having some sort of laughing fit." chuckled Kili.

Taking deep breaths, I somehow managed to control my laughter. I looked back at Fili who was watching me with his own lopsided smile. He took hold of my hand once more, holding it quite tightly.

"What set that off?"

"You said ants. When you should have said Ents."

I heard a snort of laughter coming from Aragorn, though my eyes stayed firmly on Fili.

"Thank you."

"For what?" He replied, again stroking my fingers with his own.

"For cheering me up."

While the others began walking again, Fili and I stayed rooted to the spot watching one another.

"I know you said ants deliberately Fee, knowing full well the I said Ents earlier."

"Is that so?" grinned Fili.

"Yes, you always seem to know when I'm down."

"That's because you are my one," Fili gently tucked a piece of my hair behind my ear "I can always sense when your upset, which I don't like seeing. So-,"

"Hurry up back there!" shouted Thorin "The elf here is getting annoyed... Actually, take your time."

I smile at Thorin's words. It was nice to hear that Thorin was showing others his sense of humour, even if it was at the expense of Legolas. Just as we were about to start walking again, a noise from above me caused me to look up.

Coming towards Fili and I was a massive spider. Without any warning, I pushed Fili out of the way as I grabbed onto anything that was currently in my pocket. I frowned when I realised I picked up the sonic screwdriver as apart from using it to decipher anagrams, I had no idea on what else this did.

With no choice, I pointed the screwdriver at the spider and pressed all the buttons at once. A shrill noise coming from the spider was then heard as the spider lost its balance and fell on top of me...dead.

"You have got to be kidding me!" I remarked, under this heavy spider.

"Lexi?" cried out Fili, running towards me.

I could vaguely hear other footsteps heading towards me, but all I wanted was this smelly spider to get off me. I tried pushing it off, but it was pointless. This spider was just to damn heavy.

"Help me get this off her." I heard someone say.

I was relieved when the weight of this spider was finally removed of me. I took in a deep breath, as fresh air returned to me. Arms then went around me, pulling me against his chest.

"Why do you keep placing yourself in danger?" asked Fili, as he held me tighter "If anything happened to you I'll-,"

"Your life is more precious then mine will ever be Fili," I interrupted him "I'm just a normal woman who came here accidentally."

Even though we both had an audience, Fili cupped my cheek, rubbing his thumb against my cheekbone.

"You are not a normal woman," He whispered "you are smart, beautiful and most of all completely cherished by me. This was never an accident. We were meant to find each other, never forget that."

No words would come out of my mouth, I was clearly touched by Fili's words. As we watched one another, I gently trace my fingers against his soft beard, grateful that I had indeed found a man or I should say dwarf, who loved me wholeheartedly.

"Not that I don't like a good romantic story, but perhaps it is time we left," said The Doctor "after all, it won't be long before more of these spiders come out to play."

Fili loosened his hold on me and got up, then pulled me up. Looking back at the dead spider, I shuddered. Never have I ever seen a big spider before. I was used to seeing the little critters at home, though they were smaller.

The Doctor was right, we had to move on. I found it very strange that they was only one spider around here. Something did not feel right here. I felt very uneasy. Looking around, I couldn't see any more spiders but I was now on high alert.

"Let's go." I heard Legolas say and I felt my hand being tugged, willing me to move.

Just as he had said that, swarms of spiders paid us a visit.

"Oh this can't be good." I muttered, placing the sonic screwdriver back in my pocket.

I knew using the screwdriver was just luck before. Before I really thought about it, I grabbed hold of the sword that Fili had given me back when I had first discovered those aragrams. I held onto the handle tightly, to prepare to what was about to happen.

Sure enough, the spiders came forward and without any warning, I stabbed any spider that were near me. Everyone did the same thing and I was actually surprised that I could kill a spider this way.

Back in London, I would willingly safe a spider that was near a plug hole and set it free elsewhere. Here, these spiders had one thing on their minds, to kill us. I was well aware this spiders had poison fangs and that propelled me to hit out when they came near me.

"Quickly move forward!" shouted Legolas, aiming his bow and arrow to an unsuspecting spider.

For a while all was heard was the noise the spiders made as their drew in their last breaths. A spider went near me and just as I was about to defend myself, a stray arrow pierced the skin of this critter.

Looking directly at Legolas, I was shocked when he was currently fighting of a spider of his own with two swords in his hands now. My eyes then darted to Kili, knowing he was excellent with the use of his bows and arrows, but he was busy firing his bow at any suspecting spiders with his back to me.

Plunging my sword inside another spider, another arrow went inside the spider that I was currently slaying. Turning my attention to where the arrow had fired, my eyes went wide.

Standing at the far side of the trees, the sun behind him was none other then Legolas's father, King Thranduil. He was wearing a sliver robe, dark trousers and had a sliver circlet on his blonde head.

I knew Thorin would soon notice our newest arrival and I didn't want any friction between the pair of them. Though the spiders kept coming, somehow we managed deal with any that dared get in anyone's way.

"Ada!" I heard Legolas say.

"You were taking your time, so I took it upon myself to see what the hold up was." came Thranduil's response.

My eyes instantly went on Thorin's and I groaned, seeing his eyes narrow at the elf he hated with a passion was nearby. By now most of the spiders had retreated back in the forest, which made me realise, these spider were quite intelligent.

"Ahh, Thranduil, always a pleasure seeing you." smiled The Doctor.

Thranduil did not say anything, he had a bored expression on his face, causing me to smirk. Nothing it seemed, fazed him. As I watched him place his weapons away, he caught me staring a him and I quickly look away, knowing it was rude to stare at people, yet alone a King.

"Well, shall we enter yor realm, Thranduil?" asked The Doctor, looking around the forest.

I took a chance and looked back at Thranduil, surprised he was still watching me. However something was different. He now had a small smile on his face as he continued looking at me.

"We are not going any further!" sneered Thorin, crossing his arms around his chest.

"Oh give me a break." I muttered under my breath, rolling my green eyes at Thorin.

Sighing, I walked up to Thorin, hoping that what I said, would hit home to him.

"Look, I've already had a spider fall on top of me, so if you think for one second that I will stay here waiting for the spiders to come back and finish us off, you are sadly mistaken."

"Alexandria!"

"Do not Alexandria me, Mister Big Shot!" I was actually getting angry now "Now, you can either walk with us towards King Thranduil's realm where it is safe or you can stay here by yourself with dozens of those poisonous spiders...it's completely your choice."

I copied him by crossing my arms around my chest watching him intently.

"If however, you do decide to stay here," I carried on, unaware that Thranduil's smile had broadened "not only will the spiders cause you problems, but so will the hallucinations that could appear when it is dark."

"Hallucinations?" Thorin asked, arching his right eyebrow at me.

"Hmmm, See in the original timeline, you all walk in this forest but stray from the path."

Thorin rolled his eyes at me, causing me to smirk at him, knowing his sense of direction was a lot to be desired.

"Meanwhile it is getting darker and darker where you can not see anything. The darkness fades for a while, but you and your company would walk aimlessly for gods know how long. That is where the hallucinations come to play."

I really did not like speaking to Thorin like this, after all, he has been like a father to me. Though he had to see reason that staying inside this forest was dangerous, especially when the light did fade for the day.

"What sort of hallucinations?" asked Balin, sounding a little nervous.

"Well, I think it is different for everyone." I replied, not knowing if that was true "I believe it has something to do with this very forest. Something evil is residing here. The spiders are only part of the problem."

This forest did have a life of its own and I knew it was connected to Sauron. I knew from the book that some of the company would see elves having some sort of festival deep in the forest but I didn't really want to mention that in front of King Thranduil and Legolas, so I lied.

"Think of what you are scared of and that is how your hallucination starts out."

"Is there a cure?" asked Kili.

I turned my head noticing Thranduil had a bemused look on his face, before I looked at Kili.

"Yeah there is a cure." I replied.

"What is it?"

"The cure is to travel with King Thranduil now, then this sorry mess will never be created." I remarked, giving Kili a sheepish smile.

I spotted Aragorn trying to hold his laughter in, even Fili had a smile on his lips. The others however, (except of course The Doctor, Legolas and Thranduil) were thinking to what I had just said.

"We need to speak, Doctor." I heard Thranduil say, now looking at the man himself.

"What now?" He replied.

Thranduil just gave The Doctor a cold stare, before turning around.

"Once we reach my realm, I would like to speak to the leader of this group, The Doctor and the fair companion here."

I didn't like the sound of that. Did that mean we would be placed in his cells? God I hope not. I hated being in confined spaces. I could actually felt the bile come up my throat and my heart started beating faster than it should, plus my breathing was laboured now.

"Lexi, are you alright?"

I knew that Thranduil did indeed place Thorin and his men in the prison cells but I'd hoped that would not be the case now.

"Lexi, take deep breaths." I heard Fili say, but I wasn't really listening.

I close my eyes remembering my own past, being forced inside a dark celler, while my mother entertained herself as she locked the door on me. I hated being in there. The smell of damp, no light, no nothing. Just a dark cold celler with nothing to do, but wait for freedom.

"Lexi, listen to me," I felt Fili take hold of my hand "take deep breaths."

I tried to take deep breaths but it only made me panic more. I really found it hard to breath at all.

"What is the matter with her?"

I just could not breath proberly. It felt like everything was closing in on me. All I could see, was the darkness swiming around me, remembering that celler.

"Lexi, it's going to be alright."

"It appears Alexandria is having a panic attack." replied The Doctor, sounding quite close now.

I felt another hand touch my forehead, gently rubbing my temple. My eyes snap open and met Thranduil's as he continued rubbing my head. It was like he knew what the matter was as he then stopped, before cupping my face with his slender hands.

The way he was watching me, baffled me. Thranduil graced me a smile, as he gently stroked my cheek. Strangly enough, he was calming me down, though why was he acting this way? It made no sense to me. Even Legolas was the same.

In the film, Legolas was rather rude to the company, especially to Gloin when he had remarked on his picture of Gimli. Now though, there wasn't any nasty little digs from either party, well aside from Thorin's little outburst earlier that is.

"I have no idea what is going through that head of yours little one," said Thranduil softly "but I will not harm you."

"Pfft. A likely story," spat out Thorin "do not trust him Alexandria he is a coward!"

"Show some respect to who you are speaking too, dwarf!" countered Legolas, causing me to close my eyes again.

While Fili was holding onto one of my hands, Thranduil was still caressing my cheek.

"Respect? I will never show respect to this-,"

"Shut up." I whispered, but both Thorin and Legolas were shouting at each other.

"I will never trust-,"

"Will you both please SHUT UP!" I shouted, noticing Thranduil look at me with a bemused look on his face.

Both parties stopped quarreling and looked at me, though I suddenly felt embarrassed, especially as Thranduil was this close to me. With my eyes looking at the ground now, my breathing slowly returning to normal I added,

"King Thranduil is not a coward. There are two sides to every story. Always remember that."

I took a chance and glanced at Thranduil. I was that certain he would have a frown on his face. However, I was shocked to discover that he had small smile on his face as his thumb tenderly stroked my cheek.

"You are too trusting, lass!" I heard Dwalin say, causing me to look back at the ground.

This was not what I wanted to hear.

"That's where you are wrong." I whispered, not seeing the frown on Thranduil's face.

"Lexi-," began Fili but Thranduil interrupted him.

"When we are in my kingdom, I would like to talk to you little one."

I arch my eyebrow as I looked back at him. Why was he calling me little one? Thranduil then let go of my face and stepped backwards, before turning around. He was not what I was expecting. As I was about to follow the Elven King, Fili stopped me, though he was looking at Thorin.

"We'll catch up with you in a moment, I just want a private word with Lexi."

"Do not take too long." replied Thorin, walking away from us.

Just as I was about to say something to him, he surprised me by pulling me towards him, then leaned forward and kissed me softly on the lips before pulling back watching me.

"What happened back there?"

"Well, it started when I pushed you out of the way-,"

"No butterfly, not that," butted in Fili "you were having some trouble breathing, what caused that?"

"It matters not." was my reply.

Truth was, I didn't want to remember any of that.

"Of course it matters amrâlimê . You are clamming up on me," Fili placed his forehead on mine and sighed "tell me what is troubling you."

Even though I did not want to go say anything, I could see that Fili was really concerned for my well being. Taking a deep breath, I slowly explained about the celler.

"That explains why you hate venturing inside caves," surmised Fili "but what did bring this on?"

"Prison cells," I admitted and sighed when I caught his confused expression "in the other timeline, you would have been caught by elves, then get placed in cells. Though seeing The Elven King in person...outside his kingdom is very strange indeed."

I felt Fili snake his left arm around me holding me protectively.

"I will never leave your side," He whispered "I really wish I could have met that vile mother of yours. Do everything she did to you."

"Then you would be just like her," I reasoned "you are a good man Fee, never change."

We watch one another, his nose nudged my own before I kissed him. Telling him in my own way on what he means to me.

"Come, we better catch up to the others," said Fili, taking hold of my hand "just remember something."

"What's that?"

"That you tell me anything that is bothering you. I really don't like seeing you clam up on me like this."

"I understand and I'm sorry for worrying you."

"Don't be sorry," replied Fili, leading me towards the rest of the company "you are my future. Whatever happens, we will help each other out, deal?"

Despite myself, I chuckled.

"Deal."

o0o

It felt weird being inside Thranduil's kingdom. Everything was made of wood. The stairs we were currently on were curved, making everything look like we were going in circles. The whole structure was amazing to look at.

I wished I had more time to look around, but I knew that was not possible at present. We were currently following Legolas to who knows where. I also wondered where Thranduil had disappeared off too. As we climbed up the last stair, Legolas opened a door on the left side.

"This is where you shall stay for a while," explained Legolas. looking at each of us "all except, the leader, The Doctor and of course this enchanting lady here. Ada would like to speak to you three."

Again I could feel my heart beating at an alarming rate. Why did King Thranduil want to speak to me? I was getting nervous again, thinking about those cells once more. Fili's fingers gently stroked my knuckles, while I swallowed hard, feeling sick again.

"Help yourself to the spread of food and drink," carried on Legolas, "I'm sure you must be hun-,"

"I'm not leaving Lexi's side!" interrupted Fili.

"But she will have The Doctor and-,"

"I said, I'm not leaving her side!" hissed Fili, narrowing his blue eyes at the elf in question.

Legolas turned and faced Fili and I, his blue eyes watched the both of us. He had a frown on his face, which went when he noticed how I was reacting.

"Very well, though the rest of you will stay here."

"Hey! What about me?" remarked Kili "He's my brother."

"No, you stay here." replied Legolas.

"But that's not-,"

"The subject is closed." scorned Legolas, glaring at Kili.

Legolas brushed past me and Fili gently tugged me to follow him, Thorin and The Doctor."

"Relax Alexandria," said The Doctor, softly "you really do have a vivid imagination."

"No," I whispered "no I don't. I have bad memories playing inside my head, which I'm trying to erase."

While we follow Legolas out, The Doctor made a sound which caused me to look at him.

"I'm sorry Alexandria, I should have realised that anything could trigger a bad memory. Nothing will happen Moonbeam, I'll make damn sure that stays that way too."

I graced him with a smile.

"And that goes for me too," I turned my head, noticing Thorin watch me with tender eyes "you mean a lot to all of us. Do not let this King, intimidate you. He is not to be trusted."

Somehow I knew that to be untrue. Thorin really hated him, I could plainly see that, but there was a reason why Thranduil never got involved when Smaug took Erebor for himself.

It had something to do with another dragon, though again, the timeline could have changed and I had no idea what was about to happen. I just nodded to Thorin, hoping to god that things would turn out alright.

We walked down a long hallway, though my eyes stayed firmly on the floor. I was still shocked by the way Thranduil had treated me. I really thought he was very standoffish, well in the film versions he acted like that.

Along with Fili, he had helped me and that was really bugging me. Was it because I wasn't a dwarf? Or had this something to do with The Doctor? All these questions raked my brain as I finally glanced up seeing two elves opening a double door.

I swallowed hard, not knowing what to expect next. I only hoped that Thorin will keep his temper at bay. I felt Fili's hand tighten around my hand as we were now lead through another long hallway which lead to stairs.

It was here that I realised, this was Thranduil's throne room. Slowly, I climbed up the stairs, suddenly feeling a little unsure of myself, especially when the Elven King spoke.

"Tell me something, did you really think I would not know on who you are. Thorin Oakenshield?"

Legolas stood besides his father while my eyes instantly went on Thorin, while Thranduil slowly approached us. I expected him to retaliate, but only his eyes gave it away, by narrowing as he watched the Elven King closely.

"I would also like to know why there is an extra guest in my throne room, when I just requested you, The Doctor and...this young lady. Why is he here?"

Thranduil pointed his finger at Fili, glaring down at him and I swallowed hard before whispering,

"He's here because of me."

Thranduil turned and looked at me. His face softened as he tilted his head, observing me. While Fili brushed his thumb against my hand, trying to calm my beating heart, which Thrandul noticed. He now had a faint smile on his face as if he just discovered one of lives little secrets.

"Some may imagine that a Noble quest is at hand. A Quest to reclaim a homeland and slay a dragon. I myself, suspect a more prosaic motive. Attempted burglary or something of that ilk." carried on Thranduil, though his blue eyes were still watching me.

I frowned, knowing part of his speech to Thorin was missing. Why didn't he mention about the gems? Something was clearly wrong here. Glancing at Thorin and then at Thranduil, I knew it would only be a matter of time before the nasty exchange between the two would start up.

"You have found a way in. You seek that which would bestow upon you the right to rule. A King's jewel. The Arkenstone. It is precious to you beyond measure, I understand that."

Placing my free hand on my forehead, feeling a headache coming on, I frowned. I really didn't want to hear this anymore, yet alone watch it.

"I am listening." I heard Thorin say, causing me to look at Thorin once again.

"I will let you go, if you but return what is mine." replied Thranduil.

"A favor for a favor."

"You have my word. One King to another."

Thranduil then surprised me by bowing his head at Thorin. This was confusing me. In the film, Thranduil wanted the stones that Thorin's grandfather had in the treasury back in Erebor.

I had never understood why Thranduil's jewels were in Erebor in the first place. Yet, Thranduil has never mentioned these jem stones and I wasn't sure if that was a good thing.

"I would not trust, Thranduil, the great King, to only his word. Till the end of all days be upon us!" sneered Thorin "You, lack all honor! I have seen how you treat your friends! We came to you once, starving, homeless, seeking your help, but you turned your back! You, turned away from the suffering of my people and the inferno that destroyed us!"

"Stop it!" I shouted.

Just as Thorin was about to say something nasty in his native tongue, I shouted.

"Don't even think about it!" I hissed at Thorin, who looked back at me with startled eyes

The Doctor snickered while I looked at Thorin then at Thranduil, I really hated seeing anyone fight.

"This dwarf has something that belongs to me!" said Thranduil.

"I'm well aware of that my leige," I replied to him, hearing Thorin tut "but this will not solve anything."

Thranduil surprised me by smiling back at me.

"Oh but it has already been solved."

"Thranduil not now!"

I turned my head now looking at The Doctor.

"Not like this!"

"What's going on here?" I asked, my eyes looking at the two of them.

"A very good question!" points out Thorin.

Thranduil surprised me by walking right up to me. He had his arms behind his back while he observed me. I didn't like being stared at like this, though I knew it was rude to break eye contact. I swallowed hard, feeling Fili gently stroke my knuckle, trying to reassure me that nothing would happen.

"How did you come here little one?" asked Thranduil, his eyes never left my own.

"Well," I finally broke the eye contact to glance back at The Doctor "he kidnapped me in a city called London."

"Alexandria, for the last time, I never kidnapped you!" remarked The Doctor, shaking his head.

"Let her finish!" snapped Thranduil, turning his attention to The Doctor in question.

I quickly explain how I ended up in Middle-earth. How I was still searching for Maddie, those strange anagrams that keep appearing. I was very vague about the quest though. I did not want to upset Thorin by betraying his trust.

I also left out the return of Morgoth, that was not my place to say anything about that. That was either The Doctor or Gandalf hinself, to inform Thranduil to this new threat. So far, Morgoth had not followed us and I was glad about that.

"When you showed me that," began the Elven King "what was it called again?"

"Photograph." answered The Doctor.

"Yes I remember you saying that."

Thranduil moved around gracefully while he continued speaking.

"It wasn't until when you had left, that I could vividly remember seeing her face once more. That photograph brought it all back."

I was really getting confused. What photograph?

"Doctor, what is he talking about? What photo?"

I watch The Doctor carefully, looking for any clue in the way he was acting.

"I came here before, asking Thranduil if he had seen your friend Madeline."

"And did you?" I asked Thranduil, looking back at him.

"I'm afraid not little one," He replied "though my guards are still searching."

"Thank you."

I graced him with a small smile, surprised he returned it. There was something going on here and I didn't like it one bit.

"The photograph is of you and Madeline and I had a feeling that Thranduil would somehow, connect the dots."

My eyes studied The Doctor, he was looking at the floor with a frown on his face. I actually hated seeing him like this. I was used to the smiling know it all Doctor. My stomach churned uncomfortably knowing that something was indeed wrong.

"It's about Maddie, isn't it?" I realised "Something has happened to her, hasn't it?"

"What? No!" The Doctor's head shot up and looked at me "Not to my acknowledgement."

"Then what the hell is going on here?"

"Lexi, try to relax." I heard Fili say, though how could I relax when something was going on here.

I really hated all this secrecy. It was bad enough that Gandalf was refusing to tell me on who my real father was. Now The Doctor seemed be following in the wizard's game.

"You haven't told her!" scorned Thranduil, glaring at The Doctor.

"Well, things have been happening and Gandalf-,"

"Mithrandir? What has he got to do with all of this?"

"He thought it best to explain everything later. When she was completely safe."

'When who was safe?' I thought to myself 'Was Maddie in danger?'

I was getting really confused here as Thranduil stepped closer to The Doctor and I really thought a fight was about to start.

"You didn't think to tell this young lady yourself?" asked Thranduil, glancing back at me.

"Tell me what?"

My eyes darted to Thranduil then at The Doctor. Both of them were strangely quiet now.

"Great, just like Gandalf," I sneered, turning my body away from them both "keep your stupid secrets, I'm out of here."

Just as soon as I turned pulling Fili with me, I heard Thranduil laugh. My eyes narrowed but I refused to be part of this now. I knew there was a chance I would now be thrown in the prison cells and though I hated that thought, it was better then staying here listening and watching another stupid mind game.

"You have such a temper," I heard Thranduil say "you really remind me of her."

This caught my attention and I slowly turned around once more, noticing Legolas had a smile on his face as he watched me.

"I remind you of who?" I asked, knowing I was very curious now.

The Elven King approached me, taking no notice of the way Fili was now holding onto me. He had let go of my hand and was now placing his arm around my waist while he watched the scene unfold.

"You are so like her," carried on Thranduil, his eyes bore into mine "your mother."

Thranduil shocked me even further by placing his left hand on my chin, gently holding it as he carried on speaking.

"My sister."