They slipped out of the elven camp before the sun had even risen. Thranduil would not allow her to rise Buttercup on the return trip. Buttercup instead patrolled the forest around the caravan. Juniper rode with Thranduil. Memna taking each step with care. Juniper lay against the massive neck of the beast and slept. Ryu rode with Legolas. She sat facing him her arms and legs wrapped around him. Even as she slept she was tense and clinging to him. As if she were to let go would mean her life was forfeit. He wrapped her in his cloak and held her as well. He found it curious that when he held her she did not have bad dreams.

They rode through the night. The human children placed in dreamless sleep . Protected in a well fortified wagon. Having them sleep was the easiest and best for them. They would not be stressed by the long ride. It barely even registered with either fae when they reached home. Both so exhausted and painful. They were quickly whisked away inside. It was the middle of the night when Ryu finally woke. Her stirring woke Legolas Who had fallen asleep in the chair beside the bed. He leaned forward and smiled. "Well it seems you have returned. I imagine you are hungry if not you need to eat regardless." she looked around feeling a bit confused at first. "We are home?" He chuckled softly. "Indeed, this is my room in Ada's Chambers. We thought perhaps you would be more comfortable here close to the Queen." She pushed the covers back and started to get up though she was sore and winced. "I need the privy." she muttered and Legolas helped her up. Though her legs were not working well. He simply picked her up and carried her towards it. Her dark eyes widen. "I will get you there. The rest will be up to you." He assured her.

he stood outside the privy and waited for her . His eyes lifted when he heard her sobbing within. he called through the door that he was coming in . She was leaning against the vanity. Then began to slide to the floor . He reached out and caught her then sank to the floor with her. She rested in his lap and he held her close and just let her cry as much as she needed. He looked up to see both shadow and shade there. Their concern was palatable. They cared for her. They forced to be bound to her by their shared lives. Cared for her not just for that but because they loved her too.

Legolas spoke to them. Their goal was mutual. "She must eat or she will just get weaker. She needs special care that we need to give her." The wraiths looked to each other. He spoke to them as if they were equal to Him and this was something quite new. "We?" Shade asked. "Yes . Me and you. The King and Queen . All of us. Are you not part of this too?" He said softly. They nodded in agreement. If they had hearts they would have fluttered then. They were counted among these beings. "We will help. What can we do. Just tell us." Shadow answered this time.

"You can make sure she eats and drinks. If I am not around you will need to look after her. For now though can you go make sure there is food for her in the study. I think that would be the most comfortable place for her to eat. " They eagerly nodded and disappeared. His hands found her cheeks and he lifted her head . His thumbs passed tenderly over her wet cheeks. "I can not imagine the pain you are in Ryu. I can not even understand how you feel but I can take care of you. You may not like me all the time but I will make sure you are well. Understand. " He lost in those dark depths of her eyes. His own visage reflected back to him. "Thank you." her voice whispered with a bit of gravel to it.

Carefully getting to his feet and lifting her into his arms. "You need some honey tea for that throat. I would love to hear your voice. You sound like a frog." She blinked at him and he pursed his lips together to stifle the laugh. "This made her smile and look down. He was poking fun at her and it was funny . It also meant she truly was part of it all.

Light spilled from the study as he carried her . He heard voices within . His Adar's baritone rolling from the opened door. Then the gentle sing song voice of Juniper. "oh shut up and hand me the syrup. " She laughed "Your only doing this to lift my spirits." He pulled the bottle back from her hand. "Is it working?" he quip. They entered the study to see Juniper glaring at Thranduil and saying firmly. "I am hungry Melamin and I would like Syrup." her lips were twitching as they stared at each other . They were both struggling to not laugh and he slides to syrup to her. "truce" he said then looked over .

"there is tea and pancakes. Apparently Juniper is starving and has a sweet tooth. " Thranduil said Juniper shrugged. "I do not see the problem. Tell him Ryu. Pancakes are the best. " Legolas was placing Ryu in the chair beside the Queen. Her body leaned against Juniper. "they are the best in the morning. " then a plate of pancakes covered in butter were placed before her and she felt her belly rumble. The smell alone sent her salivating . She sat up and grabbed the syrup and poured the golden thick goodness all over the pancakes.

With the first bite in her mouth a steaming cup of tea was placed down before her. Legolas turning to finally sit down as well. It was breakfast. Just like they often did together. Only it was really early this time. They did not shy away from conversation for her sake either. They spoke of what happened to the prisoners. the fae just learning of this. "how awful" Juniper said and held Ryu's hand. "None of the children bore the mark. As soon as both of you are healed a bit. You really should go see them. We are always speaking of you to them. Dorian and Dehlila will be attending classes with them. The hope is they will learn to speak sindaran and westron. learn math and how to read and write. "

Juniper smiled at that. So did Ryu. "We will find families for them. There are families with no children. They would love the chance to raise one. It will just take a bit of time." The fae returned to eating. He was sure they were conversing. It was Ryu who spoke next. "when is Lorithirs ceremony? " it was an interesting choice of words Thranduil thought. "tomorrow. You and Aleshae will stand with Juniper and I. " She was drinking the tea and nodded. Legolas was watching her closely.

Ryu spent most of her time asleep. Juniper would allow her rest for now. Soon she would need to resume her life if she was going to be able to move forward. Legolas stayed near. Especially when Juniper had to tend her other duties. That day was becoming one of those days.

Thranduil had elected to not question Minogos or Minol. Though he had them both under lock and key so to speak . Neither was in a cell. Juniper had rested and healed a bit. Though she still looked rather beaten. She sat in his lap behind the desk. She could stand and walk but she would become very tired from it quickly. Besides Thranduil wanted her close to him during these next moments. Elthian lead them past the door. Minol following him. Jeven and He still tethered together. Minogos followed unchained.

They were directed to sit. "My Lady . must I be ..."Minol was lifting his arm to show her the Manacle and Thranduil snapped very loudly at him . "You will not question the manner in which I allow you to be in our presence Minol. Especially not after this very dangerous game you played. " He was totally serious and there was the threat of death in his tone. "Fair enough." Minol said and sat down without another word. This made Minogos look away and smirk.

There was great concern in his voice when he spoke again. "How is Ryu?" Thranduil had about had enough of Minol speaking out of turn. It was Juniper who settled him with the tightening of her hand against his. "Ryu is heart broken Minol. Completely. " Juniper answered with a look in her Lavender eyes that told him to be quiet.

Thranduil sat in silence for a few moments. His eyes drifting from one of them to the other. Minogos was beautiful. So was his father if he was completely honest but Minogos had something different about him. He was like Juniper beautiful and deadly should he choose to be. However, Thranduil got the sense that Minogos would rather just be beautiful. Minol on the other hand seemed to be both at the same time and was happy to do it.

"Very well Minol I want what you can tell me in the plainest terms and no frills. I am of the mind to cast you from my home and make sure you never return. So what you say from this point on will only sway me one way of the other. I am leaning towards your removal. " Minol sighs and inhales deeply. "I knew of the plot against the Queen. I knew she would be taken. I knew she would be recovered. I knew this would end that threat in the end." It was the no frills version the king requested.

"did you know Lorithir would perish?" Juniper asked her voice cold. "I did not. His life and death were not in my prevue. Just like it was not in my prevue to see who your abductor would be. " Thranduil snarled a bit and Minol became quiet. "I hear your name is Minogos and that it means son of Minol. " His attention on Minogos who simply nodded in answer. "What did you know?" He shifted how he sat now and turned so he was looking at the King and the Queen. "I was told long ago where I needed to be. I was not told why. All I knew is that to complete the quest I have been training for all of my life meant I had to be in Lasgalen by a certain date. Father told me why when I was already on my way." He paused a moment and the King allowed him to continue. "He told me there was a plot against the Queen and I was to end it. How I choose to end it was probably not what Father had in mind but I wanted to kill 2 birds . Ending the plot and making it safer for the people. " Minogos now went silent.

Jeven just sat there. He struggled to not just punch Minol. "What is your Quest Minogos?" Thranduil asked. "My Quest is to take the Queen to where she needs to be when she needs to be there. I am to protect her with my life and if I survive then I am to do as she commands until my life ends." Thranduil just stared at Minogos. He seemed a bit weighted as he spoke of his purpose. Realizing that Minol had raised him to be what he was . A killer with a beautiful face. One that was nearly invincible. One that was on their side. Again Minol delivers on to them a powerful tool.

"You will be happy to hear that the Killer was slain on the plains . His body was burned with the others." Minogos looked to the King with wide eyes. Minol leaned back and grinned. "This does not mean I trust you Minogos. trust is earned. Unlike with Juniper who just trusts in her instincts I do not have ones so fine Tuned and while she is the Queen it is My word that is law. You will always have a guard . Everywhere you go while You are in my kingdom. You must agree to this otherwise you can sit in a cell and rot . I care not ."

Minogos bowed his head ."Yes My King." Thranduil had his attention back on Minol. "I will remove the manacles and you will stay away from Juniper unless Myself or Elthian is there. You will have a guard as well and if you loose them you will find yourself on the outside looking in. " Minol exhaled and nodded "Yes My king."

"Now tell me who is he? Who is the one that was at the center of an attack on my people and my Queen. Tell me who killed my warriors and tried to take what is Mine away?" Minogos looked to Minol and shrugged his shoulders . Minol grumbled at his son . "Coward" he hisses to him then looks to Juniper who obviously had not spoken of it to Thranduil. "That was no attack by random men. You know it . They know it ."He motioned his hand to indicate the kingdom. "Nor was it an attack arranged by the evil doers of Tent Town. That was sheer calculation and preparation. " Minol took another deep breath and exhaled slowly. "That was Drannor. Son of ... Sauron. " He finished and saw the color drain from Thranduil's face. Juniper just stared Minol in the eye. "There is power in names . Do not say it again." Minogos smiled a bit as she now scolded Minol.

"you do not mean distant descendant. You mean direct son don't you." Thranduil now spoke and Minol nodded. "Indeed. To look on him one would think they were looking on the fair form of Mairon. Born of an evil act. Raised in depravity and bonded to Him ." Elthian gasps. Jeven just turned his head and looked right at Minol with shock in his eyes. Juniper and Thranduil wore the same expression of shock. "He gave his child to his Master?" Thranduil managed to choke out his question. Minol nodded and now Looked with an emotionless gaze. "Yes. He proudly presented his son to his Master and His Master was most pleased "

Thranduil had heard enough. He needed some air. He placed Juniper down and rose from his seat . He left the room feeling sick and enraged. Juniper crawled back into the large chair and sat there . Looking rather small in such a seat. "You know because you were there. Weren't you Minol." Minol answered the question in the same emotionless way. "Yes I was there. I also taught him most of what he knows on certain things. That is why I did not know. He knew how to obfuscate everything . Nothing pointed towards him. besides I thought he perished long ago. I guess he was sleazing around in the far east."

"Was he forced?" She asked him and Minol nodded. "How awful. To be bound to something you despise. " Minol then asked her the question. " How do you know Drannor despises him?" Now it was her turn to be shocked. "Drannor is dangerous . He is part Maia. No doubt his powers have been augmented by him. " she lifted her eyes again to Minol. " Like yours were?" Minol grinned she was becoming quite intelligent in her observations. "Yes just like mine. I can not say any more on that."

Elthian began to step forward. Now he was understanding the gravity of this. "He is smart enough and has to capability to attack with little to no warning. He can hide that well. How do we combat that?" Thranduil returned to the room . "We combat that with the tools we have been given to do so. " He leans against his desk now . "We have shadow and shade who can see everything just like Jeven can. Jeven I am so sorry but I am going to need you on patrols. We need your eyes. " Jeven nodded . "Tauriel comes with me." Thranduil agreed . She knew her home well and how to defend it.

Thranduil looked to Juniper now . " Do you trust them still?" he motioned with his head towards Minol and his son. "I do. I see no lie within them. " the King nods. "You 2 will guard her. But not within my chambers. Elthian will do that. We are moving to the inner rooms in a few days . things are already being moved. She will be better guarded there. We keep The Queen and Ryu safe. The whole time. We will guard them when we leave for battle . They will be the keys to our success. "

Juniper stayed close to Ryu as much as she could. The two of them seemed to keep the other going. During the memorial ceremony Ryu broke down. Unable to hold so much in. She weeps against the Queens shoulder. The Queen embracing her completely. A warm glow emanated from them as Thranduil spoke. The pain of Lorithirs loss Was keenly felt. The pain of the family and friends of the other 19 lost hovered over her like a dark cloud. Both of the fae effected by grief and pain.

Towards the end Thranduil had a hard time . His voice quivered and he looked down to fight away the tears. This was an unprovoked attack on his people. His kingdom and he would answer this slight with vengeance.

Afterwards, Ryu sat with Juniper in the garden. The warm sun raining down on them and replenishing them. Elthian came down the corridor with Orist and Melian who was eager to show off her crawling skills. Bouncing in Elthians arm . Orist ran full throttle towards His naneth and his Roo. The Children always made Ryu smile. She did not disappoint when Orist finally ran to her and hugged her hard. She would fall over with him secured in her arms.

"Naneth watch Mejon" Orist was ready to brag on his sister. "Mejon?" Juniper began to giggle "My sweet son. You do try. Elthian carefully placed Melian on the soft pallet and watched as she pushed to her hands and knees then took off towards Juniper. "Look at you. My baby is getting so fast." Ryu was laughing as Orist bragged all about how he taught her how to crawl. It was his enthusiasm that had Ryu pulled into his story. "Roo then she ... she Roo she goes fast and I ... Roo .. I catch her. " He nudging her and calling her name several times to make sure she got the whole thing.

Elthian lowered down now as Melian pushed up on Junipers thigh and the baby found herself scooped into her Naneths arms. "He has such a way with words." Elthian commented to Ryu . She agreed. " You will be the best teller of stories ." He poked his belly and the little elon laughed . Ryu was thankful for these reminders. The world would continue on. She was a part of that world and she had the ones she loved around her. She would miss him and yes she was devastated but she would endure. It was these little reminders all around her.

It was so calming in the garden. Orist had played himself out and he slept by Ryu. Juniper was feeding Melian as Elthian lay his head on her thigh. "I want my future to be bright. " Ryu said suddenly and Juniper looked to her. A smile forming on her lips. "You do? So do I . I want all of us to be happy together. I want us to be able to live without fear. To be safe and able to enjoy our kingdom. " Ryu nods. "That is my desire too. Bright. " Elthian sighed. "can I just be lazy in the future? You know lay here all day with beautiful females fawning over me and feeding me sweet fruits and honey."

Juniper started to laugh. Her eyes on Ryu before she pushed Elthian off her with one hand . "Get off me you goof. You say silly things." They laughed and felt lighter. Juniper knew she would be leaving soon. leaving her children behind . She knew she had a long hard journey ahead. She wanted to spend as much time as she could with her family. because she did not know if they would all return and if her family would be whole.

That night as the moon began to rise. She began to feel that familiar pull deep within her. It was coming into the week of the moon. it was relentless. She bound to the moon as she was. It was not always like that. She had memories now. Memories that were not all hers. She had memories of a time when the Fae were the only light in the world. They made the ground fertile and brought the light that grew the trees and the flowering plants.

Then came the trees and the arda lit up even more and showed the fae the other beings that were now in their world. She saw the darkening when the trees were destroyed and she saw the first sun rise. She experienced the first pull of the moon. Sometimes she did not know what to do with all these memories that were not hers.

Legolas was with Ryu. She was sleeping and he stayed near. Elthian had been sent to his apartment. He needed rest finally as well. Thranduil moved up behind her . His arms draped over her shoulders. His hands over her heart. "What were you thinking about?" She smiled and lifted her hands to his . her small fingers curled around his wrist. "Nothing really. Just how the moon is coming into full." He lowered down and turned her so he could look at her. "I know its coming at a bad time. " she shook her head. "I want it. I want to be with you. I want it right now to be honest. I wanted it the morning You got me back and held me in your arms . I just wanted to be with you. " She was nearly in tears. "I feel horrible because of it. I should be sad and I am sad . I am angry too. I want to go kill them all Thranduil. I want to roll in their guts. I want to be bathed in their blood. "

It was all coming out now. How she really felt. The meek and kind pixie he loved was turning into the warrior he admired and even to a point feared. "Its coming. My time is coming . I feel it in me. I do not know if I am ready but I want it none the less. " He cupped her cheeks in his hands . His thumbs wiping tears from her eyes. "Listen to me. " He began and kissed her softly before speaking again . "You tell me when its time and we will go. We will do whatever we must. In the end we will all come together. We will heal from whatever hurts we come back with and we will carry on as a family. That is my promise. I will love you forever. "

She needed that. She needed to hear him say it even after knowing what was inside her. he kissed her again . His arms around her slight frame lifting her only to press her into the softness of her cushions . The moon light replacing the sun . She silver and glorious. he pulling the dress from her with ease. he tossed his tunic to the side and devoured her. Her body covered by his . All encompassing. Powerful . Thranduil kissed her. He demanded of her in a time when she wanted dominance and he denied it.

She got her way with most things. In this she would not. She struggled against him and he would not move. She pushed at him with her hands and he simply pulled them away and pinned them down by her head. She snarled and growled at him . Refusing his kisses. He took her lips anyway. Eternally she struggled with herself. Rowena's influence grew stronger and Thranduil reeled it in . He did not give her even an inch to toy with . Finally Rowena backed off and unable to fight him on things like this. Juniper was the stronger one with love.

His patience was reward . She became more docile and eager. He reminded her that night and she was his. She was his wife. His queen . HIS . When he looked her deeply in the eye . Not allowing her to look away he was looking right at Rowena as well . He wanted that message to hit home with her. "No matter who else we share our bed with." He growled . "You are mine and I am yours." Her hands released she reached out and held herself against him. Their bodies one . Their fea mingled and she was lost to him. utterly lost.

He was not rough or violent . She was not harmed but she had no doubts about where she belonged and she loved him for it. Her rage her lust and that need for blood was sated for now. He would have to keep her in check from now on. They lay together naked under the stars and the moon. Her body laying against his and he holding her . "I will weep for Elthian should he get you when you are in that mood. You will rip him apart." Thranduil muttered. "Oh shush . " She laughed . "Tell me you would not have tried if I had left you an opening." He said with a bit of a grin. "perhaps." she laughed . "of course I would have . It is not me and you know that. "

"its more you than you know Melamin. "

Drannor sat in his castle. Surrounded by all the sin he could ever want. Women, Men, Wine and drugs. All the things he loved to indulge in and now . Now that he had been so close to her, all of this seemed like nothing. He was for the first time in a very long time unhappy to his core. He lay surrounded by a feast of flesh and yet he did not partake of any of the delights.

It was when that heavy presence became known that he moved. The orgy around him never ending. He left the bed and wrapped a silken robe around his body . His steps carrying him deeper into his lair. To where he would come . His presence lingered waiting for Drannor and the moment he was within the sanctuary he was surrounded by him. "You had her. You touched her. You smelled her scent . Tell me why you are not covered in it now?" Drannor shift a bit in his stance and moved to a lounge to lay upon it . Looking rather woeful. He sipped at more wine. "It was my old teacher zo voskor goth (my lustful lord). He was there. Being the pest he has always been." The darkness surrounding him began to laugh. "Baj zo Zotan-lufutatar.(make me Warlord)" Drannor said lowly . His voice becoming seductive. "t'yin lat Conog zo Rramab zo. Frushkul zo .(Then violate me rape me Lash me.)" He was begging for it begging for the power he desired and was more than willing to trade for it.

"you are that hungry for it? This power you crave. You will give me what is mine already to take? So much a bargain." Drannor sighed. "You do what you wish Master. I only want to crush Minol and bring you your prize. For that I need power. I only wanted to make it fun." He grinned wickedly. "I grow bored of the pleasures of men." Morgoth drew himself into solid form and stood over Drannor. Glowering over him. His eyes piercing his fea looking into his heart. A cruel grin formed on his soft lips.

"I shall have mine and You shall have yours. The hate in your heart and determination to see your goal completed has moved me Zo Kordh (My Sword)" He reached out and grabbed his chin in a powerful hand. "Now come to me. So we may make our deal ." slowly he faded and Drannor collapsed back against his lounge. After a few moments of letting it all soak in He took a deep breath and laughed lowly. "We are not so different are we teacher?"

Ryu was awake and Legolas was there beside her. His presence there was comforting. She sat up and so did he. "I do not want more sleep. I want to go outside. " Legolas grinned. "Well we can not go to the garden. Adar is there with Juniper. It is the week of the moon. However, I know a place." He rose and reached out his hand. Ryu took it and he pulled her up into his arms and set her down on the floor. "Get your cloak and shoes. " He said and caressed her cheek before turning away to quietly leave the room. She pushed her feet into her house slippers and wrapped her warm cloak about her shoulders. He returned with his bow and quiver.

The left the room and turned right instead of left. She certainly would not begrudge The Queens time with the King. The headed to the secret passage. "Unfortunately, We must go through the mountain to get to the open." He took her hand into his and together they moved into the passage. It was very dark inside. She became frightened and double stepped so she could press against Legolas. He could feel it. her fear. It was a curious sensation. Knowing what you feel isn't yours but it was there . His arm went around her and he held her closely. "There is nothing to fear here . well maybe that getting lost thing but I know where I am going."

The air became lighter and she figured they were moving up towards the surface again. He took a turn to the left . This passage was smaller than the other but the air was fresh. She could see the dimly lit exit ahead. He still held her even after the fear had passed. Now she became excited and he smiled widely feeling her shift in moods. She emerged into a high walled garden. "This was my Mothers private garden. It is on the south western face of the mountain. It remains night here a little longer. I found this place as a child and played here never knowing whos garden it was. No one came here. No one cared for it. Until recently, when I returned and started to fix it up myself. "

He moved deeper into it . His hand once again in hers. Walking her along the stone path. It smelled of roses. She loved roses. "recently I have been thinking. Someone should be able to enjoy this garden once more. " He stopped and looked at her . "Maybe this could be Ryu's garden. I think my Mother would approve." Ryu released his hand and turned to look at the lovely garden. She could see it. clearly in the moon light. "Why would you give this to me?" she asked softly.

She began to walk on her own. Looking at everything she came across. "You are family now. A very important member if it. You need a place of your own. Juniper has well everything that is Ada's." he laughed as he followed her. " This place is mine to give. Now I hope you will allow me the use of your garden. I am fond of it. " She stopped and turned to look at him. "Are you flirting with me?" He just grinned as he walked past her and on into the Garden. "That would be unseemly Ryu. Do you want me to flirt with you?"

Ryu became frustrated and growled at his back . "Do you know I am affected by the moon too." Legolas just stopped. "I am so sorry." He said softly. He had not known that. Had Juniper known? Of course she had. That's why she put him in charge. She was turning into Gandalf . She might even be in league with him and his penchant for thinking himself a match maker. "What if I wanted you to." She moved to stand beside him. The moon soaked roses before them. A wall of different colored ones.

"Legolas. The fact is I am affected by the moon. Its not as deep as Juniper but I still feel it. It wouldn't matter if he were here or not . I would still be affected. If it was to be anyone . I would want it to be you. " The look in his eyes changed to one of understanding. His arms wrapped around her and he pulled her close . Just holding her. "Thank you for the Garden. Of course you may visit it Whenever you like." Now it was his turned to grin and look to her. "Are you flirting with me?" He asked and she shrugged. "So what if I am."

"How bad is it tonight?" He held her back and looked into her eyes. "I am fine tonight but that doesn't mean I will be tomorrow or the next night and on the full moon I wont be ok at all." He nodded . "Very well then. We will just come here. What will be will be ."