I hate Li so much, but I love him.
I spent all 22 tickets and over 400 SQ saved up and he just? didn't? show up? and then I caved and bought like 40 SQ because I'm An Adult And I Have Adult Money and he came home? and I? Li you can't just show up because of money that's not how this works?
To say that the Elvenking Thranduil had been surprised when word of the Patrol returning got to him and that they were returning with not only Dwarves, but Li Shuwen as well would have been a slight lie.
From his throne, he had heard the Man's murmur that he was bringing a company of Dwarves through the forest— and he had almost ordered a patrol to apprehend them then and there. But he did not, instead, he stayed where he was, listening to his court talk until the patrol arrived.
Galion alerted him of their arrival, crossing the bridge into the throne room before he nimbly climbed the stairs and leaned down to tell him— speaking in low tones that his son had returned with Dwarves that the patrol that had found. Moments later, his ears picked up on the doors to the throne room opening and he instantly picked up on Li Shuwen's aura of exasperation. For most, it would have been impossible to tell, but for him, who had become more attuned to things a normal Man would not be?
He could tell.
He could tell based off on the Servant's footfalls that he had assumed his younger form, and he could tell that among the Dwarves there was another that was not so— for their footfalls were far too light.
The Elvenking's court fell silent and Thranduil shifted his head slightly as he heard his son's footfalls stop before the throne.
"Legolas," he addressed his son without any hint of his thoughts on his face. "Explain, please."
And he heard his son pause as the rest of the Elven Patrol shifted a bit. He could hear the soft yelp that one of the Dwarves made when Eryneth jabbed her elbow into their side (for he was sure it was her, based solely on the huff that followed. If it was not her, then it was her brother Eliedir, but he was certain that the younger elf was not on patrol— why bother sending another Captain out that direction when Tauriel was there?).
"While we were on patrol," Legolas began finally, "We came upon a nest of Spiders who were rapidly moving through the forest. They did not turn to attack us when we found them, and they seemed as if they had a greater goal in mind so we followed them. We killed many on our way, but when we reached their destination, it seemed as if they had been somehow summoned by their kin— who were attacking this group of Dwarves on the forest path."
Li cleared his throat. "I was with them as well, and when all was done, we were asked what our purpose was. I relayed that we were passing through, as I have permission for my travels. We are unarmed— since I am aware you prefer us to be so."
Thranduil simply nodded once. When they arrived, he heard no clinking of weaponry from the Company— the only weaponry he could hear were the ones of his own Elves or on their bodies.
"I see," he said slowly. "I received your message, yes. The moment you stepped into the Woodland Realm, I knew of your presence. I did not plan to intervene, but it seems as if… fate had a different idea." He paused, tilting his head to gaze at the dark splotches that were Company. Had he been fully blind, he would have been able to feel where they were simply based upon Li Shuwen's presence alone.
Years ago he would have been irritated that the man had such a strong presence that even he could sense without his sight. Now, it appeared to be his saving grace.
"Thorin, son of Thráin, son of Thrór," He said evenly, "It has been a great many years since you were seen in these parts."
"It has been a great many years since I had a reason to," the Dwarf said, irritation hidden in his tone, but it was less than Thranduil had expected. He forced his illusion's gaze to shift towards Li.
"And the Servant of the Throne has arrived here yet again," he added, voice level as Li simply hummed.
"I hardly think that it's something to be surprised at," he said simply.
"Indeed? What business do you have in my realm, then?" he questioned, a brow raised just slightly. "Had it just been you, Li Shuwen, I would not have questioned it because you seem to only arrive to give— what did you call it?— 'surprise training' to my people."
Li snorted and there were some soft murmurings from the Dwarves.
"Personally, I wanted to speak with you, Elvenking," he said, "But the rest of the Company would have preferred to be unbothered to travel through the forest."
"Is that so?" Thranduil murmured, tilting his head again. "I am more intrigued with the fact that you have been traveling with Dwarves, Lhûg. You are normally a solitary creature when you travel."
Li, he knew, would not take offense to this. There were few things the redhead would take offense too— so long as the words did not target his skill and pride or his race. Instead, the Servant simply chuckled a bit. "Then you'd be surprised to hear that Mithrandir had been traveling with us up until we reached the Gate."
"Mithrandir!" Thranduil echoed, though he kept the curiosity from his voice. "Your tale grows ever curious, Li Shuwen."
"It's not mine alone, but you are right, it is quite the tale," the Lancer said plainly, a shift in his clothing indicated he had shrugged. "If you wish to hear more, I simply request that we talk between ourselves while the rest of the Company gets some rest for now. And preferably not where you would normally throw me when irate. I'm afraid that if I get tossed in there one more time, this time with the Company, Lord Elrond would never let me hear the end of it— Let alone the twins."
His lips twitched upwards involuntarily. It was no secret that his friend was far more likely to get on the Servant's case than any of the others of the… well, he couldn't even say the White Council— Elrond had sent word that Saruman had only recently learned of him, after all, and Thranduil himself wasn't considered an official part of the Council. Nonetheless, Elrond was the only one who seemed to have no problems with getting on Li Shuwen's case.
In all truth, though, Thranduil wanted no more than to toss the Dwarves into cells and leave them to rot. But he knew that the moment he did that, even secretly, they would be broken out the next day.
He raised his hand, signaling to the other Elves in the throne room. "Leave," He ordered and the court members took off, leaving himself, Galion, and the Patrol in the room.
"Galion," he called and the butler stepped forwards. "Accompany the Patrol and lead our guests to the Guest Wing. Ensure they are taken care of, I wish to speak to Li Shuwen, alone."
"Yes, your Majesty," was the response, and, with no lack of shuffling, sharp words, and irritation, the Company was taken from the Throne Room. As soon as he heard the doors close, he let out a long sigh.
Li Shuwen, the horrible man that he was, simply laughed.
"I would ask for what reason you have brought them to my Halls, but it will be answered in due time," he said as he stood slowly, walking down the stairs of his throne.
"It should, yes," he responded and he felt a hand on his arm. "But you look quite haggard at the idea of housing and feeding the Company. Perhaps this conversation is best suited elsewhere."
Thranduil just nodded. "It would be preferable."
"Then let us go elsewhere."
(x)
In the end, Li had only ended up telling Thranduil the barebones of the quest. He had told him their goal and what Gandalf's role in it had been— along with his and why he was traveling with them, but nothing more.
Both he and Thranduil had agreed that a majority of the tale was for Thorin to tell, though the Elvenking was reluctant to talk to him. He knew why, but he was also determined to actually get support from the Woodlands for this quest.
If Gandalf's worry was right, then something was stirring and it wasn't good.
So, when morning came and once the Company had been fed breakfast, Li had arrived, arms clasped behind his back in his Elder form— if only so that he had more patience for what was to come.
"Thorin," he greeted when the door closed behind him. "And Company. It's good to see none of you attempted an escape act last night! How are you all faring?"
"As best we can in the halls of Elves, Li Shuwen," Thorin all but growled and Li raised a brow.
"Your prejudice runs deep still," he told him dryly. "Try and reign it in. Thranduil wishes to speak with you, Balin, and myself."
The white-haired Dwarf stood at that and Li glanced over the group. "And… Mister Baggins, you as well."
"Me?" the Hobbit looked thoroughly startled as the two Dwarves and Li moved to leave. "Why me?'
Li simply glanced over his shoulder with an amused look as Bilbo caught up to them. "To stop me from throwing both Thorin and Thranduil out a window."
With that, he turned and led the three out of the Guest Wing, heading towards a room that the Elvenking often used for smaller Court Meetings.
He knocked twice on the door before he opened it. "Elvenking Thranduil," he greeted, seeing the blonde-haired man standing with his back to them as he faced a window.
Li, of course, adjusted his footsteps and loosened his hold on his presence.
He had known the first time that he had met the King of the Woodland Realm that his eyes were not what they appeared to be. He noticed the way that Thranduil would tilt his head, how the Elves in his presence would change their gait just slightly, and how Legolas or Galion would murmur something to him under the guise of personal question or opinion.
He noticed it in the way that Thranduil dressed and presented himself. Lavish, but plain— a style that wouldn't have suited one of his position of power, nor vanity. For someone like Thranduil, who was blind in one eye and could only see just enough to get by in the other, jewelry impaired his hearing.
Li glanced over the room, taking note of Orcist and Bilbo's sword were on the table, and of Legolas and Galion standing silently in the corners of the room.
Thranduil turned, simply inclining his head. "It pleases me greatly to see that you have decided to join us," the King started, gazing over them.
He motioned for them to sit, and Balin and Bilbo sat on either side of Thorin, who sat on the end opposite from Thranduil. Li stood silently behind him as Thranduil sat slowly and gracefully, leaning his head atop his hand as he propped his elbow on the table. Galion stood on his left, Legolas stood slightly to the right and behind his father.
"Li Shuwen and I have spoken," Thranduil started, "And it was wise of you to allow another to act as your negotiator." He paused, gazing evenly over them again as Li stayed silent. "Legolas claims that Lord Elrond gave you these blades."
He gestured to the two atop the table and Thorin nodded.
"These blades have not been seen in two Ages of men," the King said after a moment, as the Dwarf gave no verbal response. "Where did you find them?"
"It was amongst a troll hoard that we discovered on our way to Rivendell," Balin answered. Thranduil lifted his head, brows furrowed slightly.
"A troll hoard…" he said, tone signifying that he was taking it into consideration. "And of the trolls' fates?"
Li cleared his throat. "While I'm not sure what the corpses of trolls do when the sun hits them, they're dead now," he said flatly and the Assassin saw Legolas' lips twitch.
Thranduil's head returned to its original position. "So, you have visited Lord Elrond— be it by your will or by the will of the man behind you— and you have had both Mithrandir and a Servant of the Throne as your companions… You must have an interesting story to tell, Thorin Oakenshield."
"Which I am sure the Servant has told you about," the Dwarf ground out. Li clamped his hand on his shoulder in warning.
"We discussed a number of things," he said calmly as he removed his hand when Thorin's shoulders lowered. "But I did not go into detail of our travels. A majority was not mine to tell. I was not there when you faced down the Goblin King, after all."
Both Balin and Bilbo gave Li a slightly guilty look. There had been no illusions that he had been happy about them sneaking off— and leaving him in Rivendell to chase after them. He had been quite irritated at them when he brought it up at Beorn's.
Thorin shifted, glancing up at Li with a calculating look and the aged Assassin simply nodded slowly.
It was his tale to tell, and if they wanted to get out before Durin's Day ended, then they would have to tell it.
Thorin cleared his throat. "We traveled from Ered Luin," he started. "In groups, we all gathered at the Shire on Gandalf's order to collect Mister Baggins." He gestured to Bilbo, but Thranduil's eyes didn't shift from their position. "Then we continued onto Rivendell, though not of our own will. Gandalf led us there and when we were there, we… enlisted the help of Lord Elrond for his aid in reading a map that I had been given."
The last part had been ground out but with a jab from Balin and Li swiftly kicking his legs under the chair, Thorin forced himself to relax a bit. "During the journey there, however, we came across a group of Trolls who desired to have us for dinner. Li Shuwen dealt with him in a manner that was only his, and once they had been dealt with, Gandalf had found their hoard and retrieved the swords."
"You needed Lord Elrond's help to read a map?" Thranduil questioned, a brow raised. "Either it was something only he could do, or you could not decipher it yourself."
"The later," Li said as Thorin tensed up again. Li's hand was on his shoulder once more in an instant. "There were runes that only Lord Elrond could read."
The Elvenking nodded slowly as Li leaned down.
"Calm yourself," He uttered to Thorin, "Or we will get nowhere."
"I do not understand why we must get anywhere with these Elves," he growled back. "It would be better if we left."
"And returned to the forest without weapons and provisions?" he snapped quietly in return. "Need I remind you that whatever remnants of Azog's army are out there hunting you still. You would risk the lives of your Company for pride?"
That shut the Dwarven King up and Li stood back again. Thranduil, Galion, and Legolas were pretending that they could not hear them.
"The map," Thorin grit out, "Was one that my Father had passed to Gandalf, to give to me. There were Moon Runes written upon it with in formation about Erebor that I had not been privy to before."
"So that is your purpose then," Thranduil mused. "You wish to reclaim your homeland and slay a dragon."
"I'll be the one slaying the dragon, all things given," Li said calmly. Thranduil only nodded slowly.
"Let us hope that your stories stand true," the Elvenking said to him.
"You and me both," he responded dryly and Thranduil shifted his position, slowly leaning forwards.
"Nonetheless, that dragon has slept peacefully within Erebor for many years," he said, "Doing nothing to harm the people who live in the area. How strange that you have not come to slay it before now."
Li's grip on Thorin tightened as he tensed.
"All things have a reason, Thranduil," Li said calmly. "And the faster we are out of your woods the sooner that dragon will be killed."
Thranduil's gaze was unwavering but he let out a breath. "I will not lie," he said, "But I am greatly concerned to hear that you intend to try and enter the Lonely Mountain and kill the dragon."
"We are aware of how dangerous the dragon is," Balin started, "And have no illusions that we will be able to come out unscathed."
Li loosened his grip on Thorin slowly, feeling him calm down as Balin took control of the situation.
"But dragons do not sleep forever, majesty," the Dwarf continued, "Smaug has been silent for now, but that does not mean he will remain that way. He will need to eat, for gold has little in the way of nutrition."
"And Smaug is still alive," Li added, "I could feel that much when I was in the ruins of Dale two years ago."
All heads turned to him and Thorin frowned. "You were in Dale?"
Li nodded, frowning. "Two years ago," he confirmed. "But before I could do anything, I was told of a quest that would take place and stayed my hand."
He kept it vague enough that the Dwarves and Elves could think what they wanted— on who had told him. If they thought it to be the Greater Magic or their Valar (the gods knew that those deities didn't bother with having anything to do with him), then let them.
"So you sought out the Company?" Bilbo asked and Li shook his head. "Gandalf sought me out," he said before he cleared his throat again. "Still, We have a way in, and I am here to do my duty."
"Your plan is hardly a plan at all," Legolas said, frowning and Li simply shrugged.
"If you have one, prince, then let me hear it," he said calmly, "But you have seen me and Glorfindel fight and I have fought dragons in my past. If you fear Smaug escaping Erebor, then that is a valid fear. I cannot promise we can keep him in the mountain, but we— I— will try my damnedest to do so."
Thranduil still didn't seem convinced, lips pursed and brows furrowed. His fingers tapped the table quietly as he considered his next words.
"And what of the humans of Esgaroth?"
That's right, Esgaroth would be right in the way of the Dragon. It would be the first place Smaug would set alight if he escaped the mountain.
"I did not know you cared about them," Thorin said lowly before Li could respond. Thranduil's eyes narrowed and Legolas' glare was thunderous. Galion's wasn't much better and it was only because of Bilbo and Balin suddenly reaching over to grasp Li's sleeves that stopped him from grabbing Thorin by the collar and throwing him out the window.
"So you have not even thought of them, then!" the Elvenking said with a tone that definitely signaled he would have sneered if he had been anyone other than an Elf of high standing.
"You have no high ground to stand on, Thranduil!" Thorin snarled back. "You, who did nothing but turn your back on my people! You have no right to be worried suddenly! You did nothing!"
"I was not the one who brought the Dragon unto my people," Thranduil hissed. "Your Grandfather was warned about what greed would do and what it would bring."
"My grandfather trusted you for help and you gave none of it! None to my kin who had just lost everything!" The dwarf snarled back.
"And In return for his demand for help he gave us nothing!" Thranduil's voice dripped with venom. "When the winters became harsh and the forest withered with darkness, I sent for aide from your grandfather and he did nothing! Do not speak as if you have a righteous hand over me, Dwarf! I know dragon fire, I have faced beasts who put Smaug to shame! I would not—"
"Enough!" Li said sharply, and both Kings halted. "Thorin, pray to whatever Valar you want to, because I am very close to throwing you from the balcony. And King Thranduil…" he paused to gaze at the Elvenking. "Please."
Thranduil's jaw set and he took a breath, but squared his shoulders with a nod to Galion and Legolas. Li glazed down at Balin. "If you would…"
Balin nodded, standing slowly and grasping Thorin's shoulder. Thorin glared, but followed him out with Bilbo. The two Elves at Thranduil's side both walked after them, Galion grabbing the two swords and then bowing slightly as he closed the door. Li rubbed his eyes when the door closed. The Company would be given their weapons back, but nothing more.
"I had hoped in vain that he had thought on what I had told him before," he uttered, shaking his head. Thranduil closed his eyes, leaning back.
"It is not a fault of your own," he said finally and Li stepped over to him. "I admit, my own temper got the best of me. But I am afraid, I will admit."
"Dragon-Fire is nothing to take lightly," he agreed. "It burns and burns, even when the flames extinguish."
He gently placed a hand on Thranduil's. "You should rest. When you anger, your injuries burn more, and when they burn more, your ire is even closer to the surface than usual. Let Legolas, Galion, and Feren deal with everything."
"And let my Kingdom fall to ruin, no thank you," Thranduil scoffed and Li cuffed him lightly over the head.
"Go to sleep, Thranduil."
Thranduil lightly shoved him, but he stood slowly with a chuckle.
"How dare you," he said, shaking his head. "I should throw you into my dungeon."
"You wouldn't," he said back, "I am your unofficial carer, I care so you don't have to when I'm here!" He added with a chuckle, resting his hand on Thranduil's arm. "Just walk, I think I remember where your chambers are."
"Do not leave me in some random person's quarters," Thranduil warned and Li barked out a laugh as they left the room.
"They're your people, Thranduil, they're not strangers."
The problem with being in Hyperfixation mode is that I move quickly from one fixation to the next. And I'm currently stuck in the Star Wars renaissance.
Translations:
Lhûg: Dragon
Reviews:
Setsu: I actually tend to forget a lot of things lmaO.
Edit: I thought I had edited out all the placeholder words but I forgot to remove one of them. Yezi though is chinese for leaf. From what I remember.