There as an ache in her body unlike any she had ever experienced. Her muscles threaten to cramp with each passing moment and she lay there curled up and sobbing. The movement of the wagon stopped. She simply lay there. She could not move. The door to the wagon was opening. She heard the key slide into the lock and saw the bit of light that spilled in from the moon light sky outside. She wasn't sure what time it was but the sun had not yet risen. The wagon shifted as someone climbed inside .

"I can imagine that you are rather ... uncomfortable at this moment little Fae." She heard the foot steps on the floor beside her head. She felt the gentle shift of the wagon as he crouched down. A hand was caressing her hair . She wanted to recoil but any movement but her in terrible pain. "it is a shame that such a beautiful thing should suffer. I can alleviate your pain. I have that power. You must understand though. If you disobey me. I can and will make you suffer. Keeping me happy will make this rather long journey we are about to take, much more to your liking. " this male voice was deep and seductive. It lulled her unto a strange sense of relaxation. She was rather docile at the moment .

He uncorked a vial and lowered it to her lips. It was just a few drops of bitter liquid on her tongue which she was to swallow. He just continued to gently stoke her head. His fingers running through her silver hair." You are all bruised. This does not please me much at all. My Master would be cross with me if I was to present you to him like this. " Slowly she began to be able to move a little . "that's is now your beginning to feel better aren't you." She was able to turn her head . Her eyes shifting to look up at him. What she beholds gives her a shock.

It was the mane of long golden red hair she saw first. It spilled down over his shoulders and chest. It reminded her of flames. His face was lovely. Beautiful even. It was a thin face . With high cheek bones and a slightly prominent brow. His brows were as golden as his eyes. Golden eyes. Like Dorians . "That look in you wear tells me you have seen eyes like mine before. I am Drannor . You are my captive but the way this relationship has begun does not mean it must remain on poor terms pet. "

Someone spoke in a language she didn't understand from outside the wagon. "Hold tight pet this is about to get bumpy." He said then left the wagon . She heard the lock slide into place then suddenly the wagon began to move very quickly. The terrain they were crossing became even more rough and she was bounced around. her body leaving the floor of the wagon several times. She still not strong enough to do much.

The wagon took a sharp turn. Going up on two wheels . She thrown against the wall . Then the wagon rights itself back to 4 wheels and she hits the floor rather hard. Then it takes another sharp turn the opposite direction and she hits the other wall. next thing she knew she was being thrown all over the wagon as it began to roll. Her head bounced off the wall one too many times and it all went dark.

Cool wind rushed over her body. The bindings were gone from her wrists to her elbows but the manacles remained around her wrists. She woke with a start and was fully able to move though now she was feeling the pain of being tossed about like a rag doll. This was a different voice . It held an accent like Jevens. "Just take it easy. Do not jump up." When he touched her she jerked up and jumped back from him and immediately regretted her choice . She went dizzy and fell on her face in the dirt. "I told you not to do that." She was being lifted now and sat on her knees. Her hands going to her face to wipe the dirt away.

"show me your face." she demanded. "If you want my trust show me your face." She looked right up to the man dressed in all black but for the crimson scarf around his head. His hand reached up and he pulled the scarf away freeing the long dark hair he had only time to twist up and pin. It fell loosely and blew in the wind. He pulled away the face covering and looked down at her. She blinked . The face looking down on her was Minols but yet it was different just enough so that he was not a perfect twin. His eyes were purple the same shade as her own. His flesh like the mans she had just seen . It held a greyish tint. He was absolutely beautiful. "who are you?" she asked softly.

He smiled "I am the killer you are looking for. My name is Minogos." Her lips trembled. There was no lie in his words and she repeated his name. " Minogos? Son of Minol as the fae would say." The sound of large wings was heard over head and she looked up to see Minol. "He got away." He growled to Minogos. Juniper got to her feet and ran to him. "MINOL!" she cried and hit him hard with her body and his arms went right around him. "Lets get these off of you." He said softly and took her manacled wrists into his hands . He pulled them away and tossed them aside. He lowered down more on her level and looked her over. " Oh Dear you are rather roughed up. Thranduil will probably punish me for all this. "

She began to sob and threw her arms around his neck and held on . Minol looked to his son who just stared at her. He finally seeing the one his life has been lived for in one way or another since his birth and she was everything he had hoped she would be. Minogos mounted his horse and Minol handed her to him. "Trust my son Juniper. He lives for you. He always has. I am going to fly ahead and arrange a place to meet with the elves. " he then looked to Minogos. "I will keep her safe Father do not worry." He urged the horse to move but he took a rather slow pace. Minol took flight and disappeared.

"You are the killer. Tell me why did you do what you did? In the way you did it . I can understand the child slaver but the others? I do not understand such barbarism." he was silent for a few moments. His arm tightens protectively around her. "They got what they deserved for their plots and deeds. I was raised in a cruel world My Queen. I saw and understood things very quickly and I did not like what I saw. If I can stop it even for a moment then that is what I will do. Those men were evil. they were all tainted by him."

She knew whom he referred to . She would not say his name. "I had to send a message that was 2 fold to them. One, They would not be allowed to go through with their plot against you. Two, they would not own others in your kingdom. They got the message." she sighed. "Thranduil will make you stand trial. " He chuckled. " I will go through whatever I must for you." He was Minols son. There was no doubt.

Minol flew over Jeven and Jeven began to slow. he landed a short distance away. "Tell Thranduil to meet in this spot . Juniper is safe. She will be here when you return." Jeven eyed Minol who looked troubled for the first time since Jeven had laid eyes on him. "are you sure she is safe?" Minol sighed and shook his head. "bothersome Avanati yes. " He snapped "This uncomfortable state I find myself in has nothing to do with her being safe. She is as good as she can be. The rest I will tell Thranduil only now go and tell them where to come. " Minol drew a symbol on the ground with the heel of his boot and it began to glow. "Its a sigil It will guide you here. " With that Minol took flight once again.

"Do you see that gentle glow in the distance?" He asked her gently and she lifted her eyes . She was feeling weak. In fact she didn't understand why she was still awake. " I see it." The small Pixie said as she snuggled deeper into his protective embrace. She felt safe and secure next to him. She suspected this was Minols influence. "That is where we will meet your elves. " Now she was beginning to give in to sleep. "this is good..." she trailed off and was sleeping. His hand rested on her head. It began to glow gently and she sighed. "It is safe for you to sleep now. "

Jeven rode fast back towards Camp . The Elves gathering on the edge waiting for him . Elthian rode out to meet him . "Come . She is safe. Minol showed me where to go. He says she will be there by the time we arrive. He insists she is alright." Thranduil was galloping towards them. "il baur an aphad palan anu (we need to follow him)" Elthian called out to Thranduil who nodded to him and the others began to ride out after.

They reached the sigil. She sleeping soundly He was gentle about dismounting and carrying her with him . He placed her gently down and got a few things from his pack. He knew how to survive in any weather and terrain . He looked up at the sound of wings and saw Minol patrolling the skies. he's keeping constant look out for Drannor. If he showed his face again Minol swore to rip it from his skull. Soon he had a wind break built. His horse well trained was happily standing there being the poles for the canvas he strung up. Under it snuggled in his bed roll was the pixie.

There was a small hot fire and he was boiling some jerky to make a broth for her to drink . She needed something in her stomach for some energy. He had a small cup of it made within an hour. He sitting with her . he gently lifted her up and leaned her against his chest. "Juniper wake up . You need to drink this. " His nudged her until she groaned and opened her eyes. " I made a broth. You need this . I put some medicine in it as well. " She looked to the cup and reached for it . Her hands shaking. "Let me help you ." He pushed her hands down with care and held the cup to her lips . She begins to sip the broth.

"there you go. We don't want Thranduil adding something else to the list of reasons to hate me. At least I will return you with the best care I could provide. " He spoke gently to her and she managed a giggle. "You are a smart one." She whispered and sipped at the broth a bit more. She was being a rather docile patient and for that he was glad. "Father is in the sky. he is making sure we stay safe. " she nodded. "he doesn't seem as confident this time." she whispered to Minogos. "That is because he is shaken." she winced a bit as she adjusted herself and settled against his chest again. "by what? Doesn't he know everything ?"

Minogos laughs making her bounce . She whimpers and He stops and sighs. "I am sorry " He quickly said. "yes and no . He knew you would be taken and that you would be recovered I am sure. I do not think he knew who was be your abductor. That is what has him shaken." She sipped more broth and was already beginning to feel better. " The man with the Golden eyes. He looked like fire ." Minogos held her closer then . Feeling the urge to wrap himself around her . It was a deep seated desire to keep her as safe as he could. "His name is Drannor. He looks like his father too." he explained. "You mean he looks like Sauron." She felt his fingers press to her lips. "There is power in names Pixie you know this." he gently scolded her.

he managed to get her to finish the broth. "I have always wondered just what manner of girl you would be. Father raised me with stories where you were the hero." she laughed a bit then groaned because it hurt. "I am no hero and anything said about me now . Well that was most likely not even me." she confessed to him. "Though I do like being called the Warrior Queen." she confessed more to him. Why was she so open with this stranger? It was because he was not her enemy. She began to realize . It was as if she had known him her whole life. Just like she felt about Minol.

"but you are Juniper. You are a hero you just do not know it yet." He said firmly. His hand pressing to the ground . Even Juniper could feel the song of the earth change. " They are coming . Your husband will be here very soon and I will go into chains." She tried to sit up on her own now . He had to help her but she managed. "Not if I have anything to say about it . Now You might have to carry me to him but You should be the one to do it." He nodded gently and crawled from under the shelter . "As you command My Queen."

Minol circled lower and lower as the thunder of Hooves became louder. Minogos wrapped her in his blanket and lifted her up into his arms. Minol lands behind them. Watching as The elves arrive. Thranduil riding right up to where Minogos stood with the Queen. Sliding from his mount to walk right up to them. He taking her from the mans arms and holding her to him. he was crying against her shoulder . His hand on her small head holding her tightly. After several moments he lifted his wet eyes and looked on Minogos. His silvery gaze was wide . Taking in everything he could by simply looking on Him. His eyes then shifting to Minol. "Your secrets are beginning to annoy me Minol not to mention they are becoming very dangerous ."

Minol grinned and steepled his fingers. "You forget My King. It is my secrets that will save her when its all over with. " His cold gaze now on Minogos. "Take him into custody but take him directly to The Fortress. Do not speak to him. Do not speak around him. " His guard nodded . "In chains My Lord?" Thranduil was asked. He had begun to turn. "and blind folded." Minogos groaned and held out his wrist. "Just treat my horse well." He said and looked to the elves arresting him. "Minol you will stay with us. You have much to explain."

Thranduil stopped so Elthian could see her and speak with her. Her small hand reaching out to caress his cheek. He captured it in his own hand and brought her fingers to his lips. Soon they were riding off towards the city. Minol packed up his sons things . " I will take your horse ." He told Minogos Who smiled and nodded. " Thank you Father." The elves looked between each other but said nothing as they were commanded. Minol rode off after the King.

The ride back was quiet. She sleeping most of the way. Cuddled inside his cloak and against his chest. the sun was beginning to rise behind them. By the time they reached their route around tent town to the elven camp . The sun was rising higher. Thranduil woke her now . He had to tell her about what happened to Lorithir. She needed to be prepared for Ryu. "I must tell you about something Melamin. " The way he now held her was telling her something was very wrong . He stopped his horse and turned her around . She facing him now. His hands on her shoulders. "When you were first taken Lorithir did his duty. He fought for you and then chased after you. Ryu , Feren ... all the guards went after you. Even Shadow and Shade did battle." she was looking deeply into Thranduils eyes. she began to have a deep sense of dread. " Lorithir was killed Juniper. He died in Ryu's arms."

Juniper suddenly felt like her heart had been ripped from her chest. She fell forward and gasped. Her mind immediately reaching out seeking Ryu but not feeling her. "She asked to be put in a dreamless sleep Melamin. If you are looking for her you will not find her. I will waken her when we get back. " She wrapped her arms around him . Her face buried against his chest. She was sobbing hard. The horse began to move again but at a gentle pace.

The more light began to shine the more clear her injuries became. She looked like she had been tossed from a wagon at high speed. She was scraped and cut all over. Angry bruises dotted her body . Not to mention the injures Feren had given her the day before. He was sure to look at her whole body would make him furious. As they rode into the camp all the elves went silent. They stopped and watched them . They knew the Queen was with the King even if all they could see was a bit of golden hair peeking from his cloak.

Juniper did not know that 20 elves lost their lives that night. When the corrupted men attacked. Lorithir counted among them. There was much reason for the silence. Once at the tent He pulled her from the horse along with himself . In silence he carried his wife inside. She looked to sleeping Ryu and fought not to cry again. Thranduil lay Juniper down beside her sister then whispered into one of Ryu's small ears. She began to stir and when she opened her eyes she saw the battered face of her beloved sister. Her arms went around her and very gently at first Ryu hugged her .

"I am so grateful you are alive." she sobbed and hugged a bit tighter. "If I had lost you too. I would have no reason to stay." Juniper began to cry now. "I am so sorry. It my fault . Its all my fault. I'm so sorry . Please forgive me." she was sobbing against Ryu. Ryu sobbing with her. "There is nothing to forgive." She kissed Junipers forehead. juniper nodded. She would always hold regret for that night. Thranduil and Elthian watched the fae comforting each other. Both were a bit battered and exhausted. They just wanted to hold each other and sleep. He began to pull off his armor. Elthian walked over to help him .

Thranduils eyes locked on the fae. "Even beaten as they are they still look beautiful together. I sometimes gasp right there among the pillars when I see them together in the garden. They are very affectionate. They are that way with you too." He said as Elthian unbuckled the breast plate. "They are. Though I try to keep it at a minimum for Ryu. She not being mine. " He choked. Elthian was struggling as well. "he placed the breast plate down and looked to Thranduil. " Melamin we need to talk about all this. " he looked to the Fae. " they are both in danger . You know they are. Now they know Ryu is here. She is valuable to them. She is not a thing, she is family. "

The shoulder plates coming off next. then the forearm guards. " She is family and so are you. So was Lorithir. " Thranduil said and when Elthian turned around to pull more armor away Thranduil took him into his arms and held him. Elthian returned the embrace. "I almost lost her. She would be gone and I would be sundered . I would wish to sail . I would desperately want you to come with me. I thought about it . very briefly when we found the decoys." Elthian nodded and smiled softly . "I would have gone. You would have been sundered twice Melamin. I would drag you there myself. I would have begun to fade . Even without the bond . My grief would have been far too great. "

Thranduil nodded. His feelings for Elthian had grown. While one sided between them before. Thranduil had started to love him . He was an important part of his family. Juniper no doubt was in love with Elthian. She wanted him to bond to her and to Himself. She truly wanted them to be family. Elthians reasons were well understood by Thranduil. He thought of the conversation he had with Elthian one night. 'If I do go to mandos. Do not follow. You both must heal together and if its possible I will return like Glorfindel as soon as the gates open for me.' He thought of the weight of that promise and had replied 'I will hold you to that.'

"pull the screens across. I want to bathe. You stay with the fae. If they begin to have bad dreams wake them and ask if they want the dreamless sleep." He then grabbed Elthian and kissed him . "Together we will all heal." He said to Elthian firmly. Thranduil relaxed in the tub that had been drawn in the moments they entered the camp. Another would be made for the fae when they woke. He felt Legolas coming into the tent and heard Elthian hush him . "Adar" He whispered at the screen. "what news do you have?" Thranduil said and Legolas came around the screen. He had seen his Adar in the bath before . He was not phased.

Minutes before Legolas had been standing with Jeven and Minol before the confinement tent . Within it were cages large enough for several prisoners. Tauriel was telling them with a shocked looked on her face and a quivering voice that all the prisoners who bore a mark suddenly died. Minol began to laugh. Legolas narrowed his eyes . "Adar they were all killed just like he had killed Nilastiel. he said 'who do you think taught him that trick.' who is he speaking of? it can not be ... "his lips twitched. "he who should not be named?"

"keep a very close eye on him. Jeven is to be on him like glue . In fact. " Thranduil points to a small red chest. "inside you will find some manacles. You are to put one on Minol and one on Jeven. They will be bound together until we get home. " Legolas did as he was told and even grinned about it . "While I do not envy Jeven . I do find it funny that Minol will be unhappy." Thranduil could not help but chuckle. "how is the Queen...How is Ryu?" Legolas asked. "Juniper is banged up but she will heal. Ryu is heart broken Ion Nin. I do not know if Fae sunder but I feel she is perhaps blessed they never bonded. "

Legolas nodded. " I will see them later . If I find out anything else I will return sooner." He walked around the screen with the mancles dangling from one finger. Elthian saw them and watched Legolas mouth 'for minol' Elthian found a reason to grin then.

Preparations were covertly under way for the King and Queen to return to the fortress. In case they were being watched. The attack by well prepared assassins had come as a surprise. Such things were easternlings underhanded tricks. things they often did not have to worry about. The Elves were now on high alert.

When Legolas manacled Minol to Jeven. Jeven cursed about it and sighed in acceptance. Minol on the other hand was a lot more vocal about his dislike. "This is foul Legolas . You do understand how foul this is? Having a Fae bound like this. Especially to one like him." His thrust a thumb in Jevens direction. "Oh you think you are such a delight for me? I can not sleep with my own woman because of you and I am the only one you can not trick." They argued among themselves . Legolas stood there. Arms over his chest listening to them go back and forth. Finally he began to laugh. " You sound like an old married couple." They both shut up then and just glared at him.

"Just expect to be summoned to the King later. " He said and chuckled as he left their tent . Calling over his shoulder. "get some rest."

Later in the afternoon Ryu awoke from a bad dream and asked for the dreamless sleep. Which Thranduil granted her. He had to step outside with Elthian to discuss some news about the round up . There were those without the mark that survived. Legolas came in to sit with the fae. Juniper was the next to wake up but not from a bad dream. She held out her arms for Legolas. "please come lay with me. " she asked softly and he could not refuse. He crawled onto the bed with her and pressed against her back . His arm around her holding her close. She was looking at Ryu . Her finger tip caress over her forehead to brush hair from it.

"Legolas I can not watch her all day every day. I need you to be in my service a bit more. I will speak to Thranduil about it. I need you to keep an eye on Ryu. I need you to guard her. To listen to her and maybe care for her if she gets to where she can not care for herself. I love her and I need her to stay whole. She is my family. She is your family. " Legolas lay his cheek against hers and looked at Ryu from her perspective as much as he could. "I will do as you ask . She is my family too. "

He had wanted to get closer to her but not like this. He was fine with just keeping it friendly. She did not need a love struck elf hovering over her right now. She did need a close friend and he could be that. "We will be heading back at first light tomorrow. I do not think you will be coming back here for some time . " She sighs. "I understand. The children will be coming too?" He nodded then lifted his cheek from hers. "Yes . You will get to meet them then. Feren is taking Dorian and Dehlila to his home . He and his wife will raise them. He said he does not care about who they are related to. They are his children now."

That made Juniper smile. "Now we need to find homes for the others. I do not think I can trust them to be cared for by their own kind. Not yet. perhaps when this is all over with I will handle things different but this time. I just want them safe and loved. I do not want to hate the humans but some of them make it hard to love." Legolas sighed again "These are men of the east Juniper. They have long been touched by evil. Though not all of them sway so easily. Not where you are concerned. There are thousands of them out there that love you and obey you. They are good people . Then we have the men of the west. While there are a few bad apples. They are mostly good, kind and generous. Look at Eomer. You terrify him and he is a King or Ellesar. He loves you like a child. King Brand of Dale respects and loves you. He see's you as a true Queen. Even the dwarves adore you. There is good in the arda as well as evil. If anyone can change hearts it is you."

She laughed softly. Minogos was just telling her she was a hero that did not know it. "You all put so much hope in me . I am terrified to fail at anything. " Legolas shook his head. "We would also forgive you . Just know that. "

Thranduil returned and smiled seeing them snuggled and talking . Like a mother would a son or A brother would a sister. There was genuine affection building between them and he could not be more happy. It seemed when bad things happened they just all grew closer. This Crazy hodgepodge of a Family. "Lets wake Ryu and get them both cleaned up." He said to Legolas and began to wake Ryu as he scooped Juniper up into his arms. "Bring Ryu . A fresh bath has just been drawn and the tub is big enough for them both. " Ryu looks to Legolas and smiles. " I am happy to see you. " her voice was small and hoarse from her screaming.

"come on tithen gwend (little maiden) lets get you cleaned up and feeling a bit better yes." She let herself be lifted and she wrapped her arms around him. Juniper was already in the tub . Legolas unhooked all the little hooks down the back of her dress. Ryu dressed a bit more formally than Juniper. She thanked him and just slipped from the dress and with a bit of help from Thranduil she was able to lower into the tub . Legolas walked from behind the screen followed by Thranduil. "I am going to find my own rest Adar. Besides its appears that you have the tough job of watching two fae bathe together. " He cracked the slightly lewd joke which lifted Thranduils spirits. " Indeed Ion Nin. It is hard being King sometimes." he hugged his son and Elthian ends up passing Legolas on his way in.

"Ryu and Juniper are in the Bath." he spoke and collapsed on this throne. "its early dinner and bed for us all Melamin." He sank into a chair himself. "All is ready for tomorrow. I will be so happy to be home. I do not want to see this place for some time. " Thranduil could not agree more.