Chapter 23
Gilgan burst into camp once again with a flurry of his new deep green cloak, courtesy of their new elven prisoner, Jaseric.
"My lord!" Gilgan bowed deeply to Ausocitin and tried to catch his breath. "They are on their way! The King and the Prince are with them."
A sinister smile unfitting to the fairness of Ausocitin's elven face brushed his lips.
Gindorelle looked confused. "My lord? How will we respond to this? It is quite unexpected. I know as a fact that he is not coming to surrender, for that is not his way. Either this is a joke or Thranduil is more of a fool than I had initially thought."
Ausocitin's smile widened. "Unexpected? My dear General, I've been counting on it. Did you get the documents, boy?"
Gilgan nodded, keeping his eyes down with his head lowered submissively, he presented a small folder of parchment to the advisor.
An excited light seeped into the elf's eyes as he relieved the boy of the documents and flipped through them with increasing delight. "It's all here. You do good work, uh Gilian. Go on and rest up. We may have need of you yet."
The messenger hesitated as if wanting to correct his name but after a moment's indecision, he quickly bowed his head and ducked into one of the tents.
"My lord?" Gindorelle asked uncertainly. His inquisitive gaze was studying the documents as if trying to read them, but he quickly averted his eyes when Ausocitin turned to him.
"You wish to know what these documents contain?"
Gindorelle nodded. "Yessir." The ellon's eyes were bright and curious. Ausocitin scoffed inwardly. He is so naive... But I do not mind.
The advisor's eyes continued to shine and he leaned in closer to the General as if passing on an important secret, which he was. "Now General, I am only telling you this because I trust you. And should you betray that trust, I should have to dispose of you, for you and me alone would know of this," his voice was low and words alluring. "I do hope you understand."
Gindorelle's eyes widened slightly but then he checked himself, mentally chiding that he should not offer such outward displays of eagerness. "You have naught to fear with me, Sire."
Ah, so it is Sire now, hmm? I rather like this ellon.
"Good. Now, you know of the basic layout of our plan, am I correct?"
"Yes my lord; we besiege the stronghold and either starve them out or wait for their last stand, in which they will inevitably be bested. You will use your illusion of Thranduil to turn his own people against him...and eventually dispose of him," Gindorelle was unsure of this, but he was merely making guesses at this point, "and rise to the throne in the people's dire need of a leader, I assume? You use the wealth from the treasury and plunder from the other elven towns that we have attacked and use them to pay the Edain to satisfy their needs after Smaug's destruction as Thranduil failed to do, and you rise to the throne over a broken and leaderless people. Everyone is happy."
Ausocitin's mouth curved in amusement. He should've known this ellon would cut to the gist of things. "Correct, General. Though I will not be hasty to kill Thranduil. Perhaps he will be content to serve me, perhaps as a servant when he has nothing left to fight for."
He paused for a moment as if contemplating something and then nodded to himself and stole a glance at the ellon. Gindorelle bit his lip and chocked back a plea for him to continue.
"There is something you should know. The treasury is nearly empty. There is no possible way that meager amount will satisfy the needs of our hired help."
Gindorelle's brow twisted in bewilderment and dismay, but he held his breath and hoped there was more to what Ausocitin had just told him. There was. "These documents," he held them up for emphasis, "contain records of the dealings concerning sufficient amounts of precious metals and other wealth in various settlements scattered around Greenwood's borders. You see, Oropher set them up in case something like this ever happened, and I alone knew of it; for a while.
"Now the Thranduil I know would not have it to stand by and do nothing while an enemy waits on his doorstep. His temper and stubbornness will eventually get the better of him and no one will be able to stop him then. He will storm out here like the fool he is with all the 'for the people' nonsense and demand to know what is going on. Then, of course, with some well-placed threats and a bit of help from a handy little trinket I found up north, he will go to each of these cities and collect the claims to have the wealth ready for pickup, which can only be done by the King himself; a certain precaution placed by Oropher."
A sadistic glee crept into his eyes. He let the smile linger for a moment more before turning serious once again. Gindorelle automatically straightened. "You have pleased me, General. If you let this continue, I will be sure to keep you in a high position in my future court."
The ellon looked about ready to burst with excitement, but once again chided himself inwardly and checked himself, trying to keep his face a mask of respect. "If that would please you, my lord," he said solemnly.
The advisor smiled. "Very well. Now, we prepare for the fun to begin. Go get Denisale and Evlani ready. I will deal with, erm, Captain Tauriel."
Gindorelle bowed and disappeared into a tent. Ausocitin strode over to his prisoner. And a half.
oOo
Tauriel started when Jaseric jerked in her arms and let out a low moan. Her attention snapped from the superior's disturbing conversation and channeled to her brother whom she had missed for so long. She was relieved to see him awake; they had many words to share.
"Muindor. Awaken now."
oOo
Farewell sweet earth and Northern sky,
oOo
He shifted once again as an audible sigh passed his lips. He pried his eyes open with difficulty. He was greeted with the sight of his sister's troubled green eyes staring back at him.
oOo
Forever blest, since here did lie,
And here with lissom limbs did run,
Beneath the moon, beneath the sun,
oOo
He smiled and brushed his fingers against her face, as if assuring himself that he wasn't dreaming. Tauriel gently smiled back. He felt a warm flutter of comfort in his fea. She's real. It's not a dream— not a dream. I thought I'd lost you.
oOo
Luthien Tinuviel,
More fair than mortal tongue can tell,
oOo
She opened the gates of certain guarded emotions and they washed over her expression and doused the love shining in her eyes. He felt a small prick of disappointment. He didn't like it when she looked like that. He didn't quite know what the expression meant, but it sure didn't look happy, and if anything, his little sister deserved to be happy. Don't be sad, Tauri.
oOo
Though all to ruin fell the world,
Dissolved and backward hurled,
Unmade into the old abyss,
oOo
"Muindor. I am sorry to concern you with this so after you have just awoken, but it is urgent. You said something has been happening around here; they are planning something. What do you know?"
He looked rather confused for a second but then it all came rushing an ok to him. "Ah, Ausocitin. He kept talking about some sort of illusion that will make him look like the King. This human kept telling him about how he was not eager to try it until he was sure it would not harm—someone, I'm not quite sure who. But I had gotten very bad premonitions about it and—"
His next words died in his throat as Ausocitin loomed over them. Tauriel rearranged Jaseric so that he was leaning comfortably—rather, as comfortable as he could be in their situation— against the tree, and slowly rose to her feet to face him.
oOo
Though were it's making good for this
oOo
"Captain."
"Filthy traitor."
Ausocitin didn't miss a beat.
"Gindorelle has informed me of the misfortune of our sentries. One is dead, but the other is unaccounted for. I am ordering you to retrieve him."
Tauriel didn't flinch. "Who are you to order me around like the rest of your underlings?"
oOo
—the dusk, the dawn, the earth, the sea—
oOo
A blade appeared in the rogue elf's hand in an instant, once again pressed to Jaseric's throat. "The one who holds his life."
Green fire blazed. A flash of red disappeared into the trees.
oOo
That Luthien for a time should be.
oOo
A tear tracked down Jaseric's face. Forgive me, Tauri. We will get out of this. I will get you out of this. No matter what...
No matter what...
oOo
Thranduil once again glanced over his shoulder and then back into the darkness that had firmly settled itself over the forest. He felt as if he were looking for something, and it urged him to keep on high alert and was the cause of him constantly swiveling around. But the same sight greeted his eyes each time. The flickering torches he knew were placed right inside the wall sent off a dwindling warm glow, the dancing lights seemed to beckon him home. His eyes skipped to ones nearly identical to his. Legolas reminded him of a little fawn as he plodded along faithfully behind his father, never failing to offer a faint quirk of his lips that could be defined as a reassuring smile. There was so much trust and blind love in those cerulean eyes that Thranduil found it hard not to simply throw his arms around him and never let go. He wondered if Legolas knew how much he himself held Legolas dear; if Legolas knew there was nothing in the world he wouldn't do for him.
He pushed the silly thought away. Of course he knew. Didn't he...?
They pushed on through the brush. They were silent except for the occasional rustle of a snagged cloak or faint rattle as a blade was loosened in it's scabbard.
But the thought pushed at the back of his mind, insistent. It had always been there but nearly never as strong as it was now. Looking back, Thranduil would've recognized that nagging. It was apprehension. Almost in a paternal sort of way that told the parent they were one of the most important things in their child's life, and wanted them to keep going in case—. Keep going strong. No matter what.
The feeling waxed. It had overcome him now. He turned aside to face those soft eyes.
oOo
To say Legolas was puzzled when his father turned to face him and beckoned him away some distance in front of the rest of the group would be an understatement. There was an unreadable expression on the Sinda's face that gave the young ellon a faint feel of anxiety. He couldn't imagine what the problem might be. Perhaps his wounds had begun to really bother him? Legolas quickly discarded that thought. The Thranduil he knew was far to proud to let something like that known. Perhaps he had changed his mind and would tell Legolas to return to the stronghold? That was more likely. He couldn't ward away the sour knot in the pit of his stomach that told him he had done something wrong. He cast back in time, searching for anything at all that could cause his father to be disappointed in him. He gulped. There were several things. This whole thing was his fault anyhow... No, no he couldn't carry on like that.
He steeled himself despite his growing apprehension and crouched in a huddle as Thranduil indicated.
Legolas leaned forward slightly and studied his father's expression with practiced, calculating eyes. Thranduil looked very uncharacteristically... nervous. There was no other way to put it. He fidgeted and absently bit his lip, something Legolas had never seen before. Apprehension grew once again. He knew not if the look boded well or ill for him.
"Legolas I—" Thranduil broke off and bit his lip, then steeled his eyes and met Legolas' gaze. "I just wanted you to know, no matter what happens," his voice had the tiniest hint of a wobble, "that I love you with all my being."
Legolas was so entirely stunned he did not even notice his father's arms around him until after several seconds. His world flipped inside out and he couldn't quite describe the emotions coursing through him at the moment. The words hadn't yet fully registered but he felt a flurry of the loveliest warmth course through his very fea. He didn't know if he imagined it, but he could've sworn he smelled the subtle floral scent of his mother float across the air.
As suddenly as it happened, the moment was over and Thranduil's arms slid away and he began to turn back to the road.
Then quietly, but not too quiet to where it was inaudible, Legolas responded. "Me too, Ada," he whispered. The slight hesitation in his father's step told Legolas that he heard it.
He smiled to himself, blinking away the wall of moisture forming in his eyes.
oOo
Had you on my mind, I had a little time, I know we kinda overdue
Turning back the pages, to our younger days, I can still imagine you
Booming like the thunder, chasing life with wonder, with fire that could light a room,
Bottom kinda fell out, waited for the rebound, but you never made a move.
When life cuts so deep, try and remember you, you're not alone, we've all been there
Scars come with living.
-TobyMac
oOo
They approached the camp. The warriors were spread out in the trees, waiting for his signal. Thranduil took a deep breath and readied himself, the events of the plan playing out in his mind. His attention strayed away from the sequence back to his unexpected encounter. Saying the words out loud had given him a sense of solace. Legolas knew. Knew for sure now. And somehow that solace provided him with a confidence he had previously been lacking. He could do this. Legolas needed him to do this. His people needed him to do this.
His eyes darted to the tree where he knew Feren was perched. His lithe form was an undescernable shape in the shadows, seen only because of his prior knowledge and superior sight. A bitterness crept into the pit of his stomach as their eyes briefly met. The Captain administered a small nod, and Thranduil repeated the gesture. He ached to share words with his friend, but it was too late now.
With one last glance behind him, Thranduil stepped out into the fire circle, still concealed behind the gnarled trunk of a shadowed tree.
His eyes swept across the camp, eyeing the situation. They stopped abruptly on a richly clothed slender back and stared at it so hard as if willing the being to spontaneously combust.
Thranduil slipped behind another tree, then another, and finally he was in a position that served the purpose he had in mind.
He gripped the hilt of a broad dagger a little bit tighter.
In a flash, Thranduil had the edge of the knife pressed against Ausocitin's pale throat so that a small trickle of blood seeped out of the red line the blade created. His smoldering blue eyes pierced surprised and— to the Elvenking's pleasure— a hint of fear in the brown depths.
"Care to tell me what's going on, Advisor?" Thranduil all but snarled.
A feral light crept into Ausocitin's eyes that slithered its way across his face and approached his mouth with a sinister curve of his lips.
Then, he laughed.
oOoOoOo
Ooo, the feels were uncalled for, I know. This chapter was a bit slow but it will definitely pick up soon. Considerably :) I'm sorry I feel like I'm avoiding the big encounter xD. Well it's coming up next chapter.
What?! 100 reviews?! No way! XD thank you guys so much! Your kind comments never fail to brighten my day and keep me going ;) (Special shout-out to guests who I was unable to thank personally on all of my stories)
Disclaimer: the poem expressed in this chapter does not belong to me but to Tolkien. It's called the "Song of Parting" :)
Much blessings and thanks to Scribbles-on-Parchment for her everlasting help and support!