Within his halls it was quiet. He did not wish to be bothered by the noises of daily life. Truly what his warriors did when they were not on the battlefield was none of his concern. As long as they obey there was no much else he wanted from them. Within his halls it was quiet.

This body he had taken was quite beautiful. He admired it in the mirror. The sleekness of it. The way the muscles moved under the skin. Not a blemish upon it. He turned from the mirror and pulled the softness of his robe about around his frame. It was hot down here. The walls glow with the deep orange and red of the source of that heat. The small streams of lava that run along the edges of his walls.

Here he did not feel that cold sensation. The cold of the void. It was now part of him and he hated it. From the corner of his eye he noticed the glow from the back of his chambers. It was so seductive. Why not indulge in it's warmth. He moved slowly. Each step was long and flowing. The closer he got to the light the more he smiled.

Laying on a soft bed atop a stone pillar lay an elf. He appeared to only be sleeping. His long dark hair well cared for. Shimmering and soft flowed down over a satin pillow and dangled down in shimmering streams of inky black. He wore a tunic of blue velvet with lines of gold lace about the hem. His leggings of soft buckskin were a light brown and on his feet brown leather boots that gleamed in the light. His features were so fair. His skin pale and cold. He reached out his hand to caress the elfs cheek. It felt of the smoothest polished stone. Yet it was alive.

Clasped in his hands was the source of the light. The most beautiful light in all of Arda. Almost comparable to the Flame Imperishable. He could not touch that light. Nor would the soft long fingered hands of the elf who held it open. "Soon my love. Soon you will awaken and give me all that you possess. Then I will have the power you keep from me now and You will be mine." He leaned down to kiss the forehead of the elf. Then rose and walked away. There was much to do.

They traveled through the night. As the sun rose they had finally reached the edge of Thranduils Kingdom. Here at the border they could see the Lake and the newly build Lake Town. Which looked charming now. It's brightly colored houses shone in the first suns light. Tauriel had different memories of Lake Town. Seeing it after so long made her heart ache. Jeven did not know the whole story.

She wanted to be alone . Moving her horse to a flanking position away from everyone . Her mood change was worrying. Soon she was riding a head and he sighed. Gandalf rode up beside Jeven. "It had occurred to me that You do not know the story of the Dragon and Lake Town."

Jeven looked to the wizard and shrugged a bit. "I know that a Dragon burned it into much ash and charcoal. That is why the men of Lake Town went to the ruins of Dale."

The wizard nodded. " well. Tauriel was there. She and Legolas had followed a band of orc that were going to attack Lake Town. Tauriel found the Dwarves there. The one she was in love with was gravely injured and dying. She healed him than saved King Bards Children from the fire. As you know King Bard along with his son killed the Dragon. "

Gandalf sighed then. "It was later during the Battle of Five Armies that She did loose him. He was killed right in front of her Jeven. So be patient . This journey is never easy for her. "

Jeven nodded and went silent. He just wished she would open up to him about this. He wished to hear the story from her lips.

Hiroc rode in the back with Minogos. "Where did they get this horse for you uncle? Its huge." Minogos asked.

He pat the beasts neck and shrugged. "They call it a War horse. It can carry me a long distance but will not run very fast the elves said. "

"No worries Uncle if we get into trouble I will protect you and you slow horse." Minol just smiled and Hiroc grumbled.

Slowly she began to awaken. Around her the sounds of lovemaking . The bed rocked gently. She lay on her belly listening. Her lips curled into a smile before she rolled to her side lazily. Her eyes opened but little slits. Just enough to see her husband and her consort engaged in a passionate moment.

She didn't think they realized she was awake and that was fine. Truthfully, the few times she had actually seen them together without her involvement she felt it was a beautiful thing to behold. Thranduil over Elthian. His lips crushing against the Kings. Thranduil's body moving in waves and how Elthian moaned when the kisses stopped.

She had no idea how long they had been engaged in this. She had collapsed in the way back from watching her friends depart. The whole day had been miserable. Elthian had been affected by her. No doubt he could use a bit of attention. Thranduil was his lover too after all. She smiled to herself and watched them for several minutes. Thranduil lifting his head and arching back. His lips curled back in a deep groan. Elthians hands grasp at Thranduils biceps. His cries growing louder. Then Thranduil collapsed down upon him. Trembling and gasping for breath.

She was not expecting it. She let out a small cry of surprise when Thranduils hand thrust out suddenly and grabbed her wrist and he pulled her towards them. Her body slides with ease across the soft sheets. He lay her head against Elthians shoulder. Elthian still trembling from release wrapped his arm around her.

She lay in Elthians embrace as Thranduil left the bed and walked towards the bathroom . When he returned He slid into the bed behind her. His warm flesh pressing against her back. His arm slides around her protectively. He was kissing her shoulder when he spoke.

"How long were you watching us?" He asked softly.

She nuzzled against Elthians shoulder then squirmed against Thranduil.

"Not terribly long. I did not want to interrupt. It was beautiful." Her voice still held the timbre of sleep. Elthian smiled and looked to Thranduil before he pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

He whispered into her hair. "You seem to need more sleep." To which she nodded gently and let her eyes close. Soon the three of them slept with hope they would not be awakened too early.

Legolas lay in his bed. He had not really done much with this apartment. Seeing no real reason to. He for the most part was hardly ever there. Until recently. Tonight Ryu slept against his side. Her head on his shoulder. He allowed himself to think about a future with her. Even though it was no sure thing. This after all was an arrangement simply to help her with the Moon cycle.

Though it did make him smile to think of the apartment brightly decorated. Him coming home to find her waiting for him. He was not going to make the mistakes he had made in the past. Ryu would make her own mind up on this and he would not push. She was still mourning. If she choose to not pursue him then that would be fine. Though he did really want that future.

He had just begun to finally doze off. His eyes closing and the first wave of relaxation began to pass through him. Then he was keenly aware of a presence in the room . His eyes opened wide and he sat up a little . Ryu groans softly and Legolas looks on one of the shadows she bears. He wasn't sure if this one was Shadow or Shade. He scowls and lays back.

His voice was soft. He was trying to not wake her. "what is it?" He asked.

Shadow spoke in a whisper. "Forgive me My lord. I come with a report yet she sleeps."

Legolas nods. "You may give it to me. Lets allow her to sleep a bit longer."

Shadow was moved by the elf's concern for her. "There is a large army of elves from Imlaudris approaching from the west. They are marching through the night. They will be here before noon."

"Thank you." He said. "please continue to watch and if anything changes let me know."

"Yes My lord." Shadow lingered for a moment." My Lord. We are happy to see her being cared for by you and not..." Shadow cut themself off " I will go now."

"wait." Legolas said softly. "Who else would touch her?"

The shadow wraith began to back away.

"answer me." Legolas was trying to remain calm and Shadow could tell.

"My Lord please do not make a fuss. Minol has sought her out more than once. He is selfish. He takes. He is not good for her." Shadow said and lowered their head.

Legolas maintained his calm. "Thank you for telling me. You may go."

Shadow dissipated leaving Legolas with his thoughts. He looked on her sleeping face and sighed. He did not know what to do with this information. Perhaps he should try and speak with Juniper in the morning. He just held her closer and closed his eyes.

A cool Autumn morning dawns. The fortress was a buzz with activity. Word had arrived that the army from Imlaudris had arrived in Lasgalen and that Elronds sons were on their way to the Fortress. Thranduil had already left with Elrond to meet them.

Juniper was sitting in the lower chambers watching the move taking place. Orist was taking charge of everything. She sat in the large sitting room watching him. Melian in her lap .

Orist ran up to her. "Where clothes go Nana?"

She chuckled. "If they are yours and Melians they go to your room."

Orist bounced around and ran to the ellon carrying the large chest. He looked at the tag on the chest. He new what his name looked like in writing and that was his name. "Goes here." He said and ran off showing them where it went. The ellon looked to her and she was giggling.

"He is right." She called out.

Ninnel came to stand beside her . Her hand on the Queens shoulder. Juniper looked up to her and smiled. Her head leaning gently against Ninnels arm. "He is growing so fast Ninnel. When I return I wont even recognize him or Melian for that matter. "

Ninnel smiled and messaged at Juniper shoulder gently. "Sure you will. A mother does not forget the faces of her children. Their bodies will grow and even the sounds of their voices will change but their faces will be remembered. " Juniper sighed softly. As the time approached for them to leave. Her heart was growing heavy.

"Ninnel how am I supposed to leave them behind. I mean I know I must. I know where I am going is no place for them. Yet my heart aches when I think about leaving them. How I am supposed to do it?" Junipers voice cracked and she lifted Melian up and held her to her breast. The little girl grabbed a fist full of hair then and Ninnel gently unwound it from the babies hand.

"I can not say. I have never been faced with such a thing. However, I do know what it is like to have your children leave for war. You just weather it as best you can. There will be pain. There will be tears Juniper but you have to believe that what you are doing is right and good. You have to know that what you are doing will secure their future. Everyone future. " Ninnel smiled down on the Queen. Who nodded gently and sniffled a bit.

Orist was running back now and Juniper smiled for him. "Nana, you and Ada's clothes go to your room?"

She smiled at the little helper. "Indeed ion nin. You are being so much help. Thank you. "

Orist looked so proud then. "welcome Nana." He turned and darted off again . Directing the traffic where it needed to go.

"I will care for them like they are my own My Queen. " Ninnel said softly .

"I know Ninnel. I can not express how much that means to me. I can not express how grateful I am to have you in my life. You have been like a mother to me and to my children. You have always been there for me. Someday I hope I can repay you." Juniper's voice once more trembled and cracked.

"You are." Ninnel said softly. Juniper looked up to her. "You will save the world. My children will have a future. That is all I need. That is all any of us need. I will care for your family until I depart for Mandos and if that day never comes I will be right here with you until the Arda ends."

"Adar!" Their combined voices lifted Elladan and Elrohir both hurried to their father and embraced him. Thranduil and Legolas come from around a curve in the road and the twins place their hands over their hearts and bow . "It is good to see you King Thranduil." They said in unison. This was always something that unnerved him about twins. How they could sync up like this.

"It is good to see you both." Thranduil said.

Legolas dismounts and the twins run over and embrace him as well. "It is very good to see you Prince Legolas." Elrohir speaks from the corner of his mouth. "I brought some of Haldirs famous vintage for us later."

Legolas grinned. "you don't say." He said softly.

Elrond rolled his eyes. "I will not have you both running amuck and drunk off Haldirs wine. You will behave respectfully in this Kingdom." He warned and his sons both smiled. "Of course Ada."

Thranduil and Elrond both exchanged meaningful glances. Knowing their would be shenanigans tonight.

"Well lets get to the Fortress shall we." Thranduil spoke up. "There is much for us to discuss." He turned the elk and started back. Elladan and Elrohir looked to Legolas as Elrond pulled himself back into the saddle of his mount.

"Adar is concerned about Juniper. She is putting on a brave face but she is understandably worried. She will be leaving behind her children after all." He too pulled himself back into the saddle.

"That is understandable. " Elladan said. " How is she otherwise?" He and his brother mounting up and following. " She is doing well as far as I can tell as are my brother and sister."

"That is good news." Elladan said.

That night they dined in Thranduils personal dining room . Nearly every chair at the table filled. Thranduil sat with Juniper to one side and Legolas to the other. Then Elrond and his sons. Finnola sat at the table. It was when Minol entered that the mood seemed to shift. Most of the eyes on him were not so friendly.

He lifted his hands and smiled ." Now Now don't you all greet me at once."

Thranduil looked indifferent but it was Juniper who smiled and spoke. "Please sit down Minol." He lowered into a seat.

The meal was served in part by Galion who was struggling to keep himself from smiling and fawning over Minol. This did not go unnoticed by the twins. As they ate the conversation began to turn towards the tasks at hand.

"We managed to clear the shire and the lands around Bree. The Elves of Mithlond though they are now few helped and will help keep the lands clear. We have even started to clear the shire and the Hobbits are already rebuilding. They are such hearty little people. Stronger than they look. Some of them even joined in the fighting to cleanse the land of the filth that had besmirched it. Warrior hearts lurk inside those farmers and lovers of all things that grow." Elrohir spoke and his growing love of the hobbits was coming through in his tone and words.

Now it was Elladan's turn. "We left a combined force of Elves and Rohirrim to keep the land clear. Eomer should be arriving within a few weeks with his riders. I did want to ask something. I think it would be best to have Radagast go north to help in the Shire and Bree. If the Hobbits and the people of Bree are to survive they will need things to grow again. Radagast could help and he could also help with the defense. "

Elrond thought on this a moment. "I will send word to Radagast to go to the shire and do what he can there. I believe you are correct Elladan . He would be of the most use there. I fear where we are going he would be far from his element. "

"Thank You Ada. That takes a lot off my heart. I would be crushed if anything more should happen to the Hobbits." Elladan said and Elrohir echoes his sentiment. Elrond hid his smile behind a bite of food. His sons had taken a deep respect and liking to the Hobbits. He could not approve more.

Ryu slipped into the dining room and gingerly made her way to Juniper. Elladan rose when he saw her. His eyes wide and an awestruck look on his face. "Lady Ryu. It's very good to see you." Legolas scowled a bit watching Elladan.

Ryu stopped beside the Queen and smiled to him. "It's lovely to see you as well My Lord." she responded and leaned down to whisper to Juniper.

"Oh?" Juniper said softly. " I'm done eating anyway." She began to rise and everyone at the table rose except Elladan who still stood and stared at Ryu. Juniper began to blush. "Melian is awake and fussing. Please excuse me."

She and Ryu left the room and Elladan followed them with his eyes and once they had left he finally sat back down along with everyone else. He lifted his goblet and took a drink and that's when he realized everyone was staring at him. "What? I was only being polite."

Drannor sat on his throne. The room was empty for the moment. He alone with his thoughts. this new power he was given was curious. He was learning to control it. He opened and closed his hand. When his fingers would stretch out little sparks of electricity would jump from finger to finger. Yet he would not be burned by it. He continued to play like this for several minutes. Then she was brought to him.

He closed his hand and looked to her. She was dressed in a dancers garb. A flowing sheer skirt low on her wide hips. Her flat belly bare . Her breast covered in the same sheer cloth. "You will perform for us tonight." He said flatly and stared at her. "My guest may touch you. They may take certain liberties . I will stop them short of actual penetration so do take comfort in that."

Her eyes were wide as he laid before her what would be required of her. He just grinned at her. "Listen to them Byrnsarda. Listen to them and learn. I think some interesting things will be revealed to you." He pointed to the cushions beside his throne. Silently the buxom woman moved to kneel beside him . "You will hear things tonight you would not learn of under different circumstances. You must trust me pretty slave."

Then the large doors at the end of the hall opened. His guests were lead in and He rose from his seat. "I welcome you men of the Harad. " He said loudly and held his arms out. "Please sit and feast." The crowd of men took their places on cushions as food was brought out and lain on the covered ground before them.

"I am Joser." One of them spoke up. "I Thank you Lord Drannor for hosting us tonight." He bowed his head then lowered down in the spot closest to Drannor. His dark eyes falling on Bynsarda . A grin forming on his lips. "You have good tastes in slaves My Lord. "He motioned to the stunning red head on the floor beside the throne.

"Thank you. She was a gift from My Master. He too has wonderful tastes. He also assures me that you departure from the traitorous filth is smiled upon." Joser grinned and took the goblet that was offered to him from the finger tips of a rather comely slave girl .

"I was a fool to join my father. " He spat out. " That Queen is nothing more than an enchantress. She puts them under her spell and promises them Light and Freedom. My father is under her spell and I am afraid there is no saving him."

"yet you followed him and were even willing to fight for her cause until she wanted to take away your lively hood." Drannor said and watched the man as he took flat bread and broke a piece off.

"My father will be the ruin of my homeland. Who will tend the flocks and work the fields without slaves? Our coffers will dwindle if we must pay them. Besides.." He grinned to Bynsarda. "the most beautiful women belong either in chains at our feet or in the Harem as our wives. " He licked his lips slowly and she looked away from him.

Drannor sensed her unease and lay a hand on her head and began to stroke her soft hair as if she were a pet.

Joser began to laugh. "That one belongs in chains, you have done well."

Drannor smiled and clapped his hands together. "Lets have some entertainment." He called out as the musicians were ushered in followed by dancing girls dressed in far less than Bynsarda was.

"Tonight Prince Joser let us make merry and seal this deal we are making." The music began to play and the dancing began and once the dishes had been cleared and the men were well on their way to a drunken orgy Drannor commanded her to dance. Her lips began to tremble but she remembered his promise to her and rose. She stepped proudly into the centered of the room the men seated all around her. She danced. She spun around the crowd and rocked her hips making her sheer skirts bounce and sway.

Bynsarda was indeed a wonderful dancer. She was graceful of seductive. She knew her craft well . The men loved it . They watching her as they fondled and pawed at the girls in their laps. Joser was greatly intrigued by her and when her dance ended Drannor called her back to him . He pulled her into his lap and grinned.

"I see why she is your favorite Lord Drannor. The way she moves reminds me of this male dancer in their new city." Now she was listening. "He was the most beautiful male I have ever seen. Don't get me wrong I prefer females but this male was so pretty . He was one of the few males I would bed. He had the strangest eyes. They were purple in color and his flesh was grey tinted yet under ones fingers it was like silk."

Drannor could feel her muscles tensing and he too knew Joser was speaking of. "tell me more about this male." Drannor said and Joser was eager to speak. "I watched him dance many times and finally one night I just had to have him. He accepted my price and I was not disappointed. His lips were better than any females though .." he trailed off and looked to Bynsarda. " I imagine hers are exquisite."

Drannor pushed her from his lap and she landed before Joser and whimpered in pain. "Try them and tell me if they compare." Bynsarda looked to Drannor with wide eyes and he just smirked at her. Joser reached out and curled his fingers into her hair and pulled her towards him. She struggled yet he was very strong. "Oh yes I do enjoy it when they are feisty." His hissed and forced her onto his lap . His lips upon hers . Kissing her so roughly she began to taste blood from where we lips were cut against her own teeth.

There were moans now mixing with the music . Josers men taking full advantage of the slaves that had been provided and when Joser was done kissing her he too pushed her from his lap then commands her. "please me with that pretty mouth." She looked to Drannor . Fear in her eyes. Drannor responded by raising his hand and slapping her rather hard. "Obey him." he snarled. Her head snapped to the side and she slowly looked to Joser who now wore a smirk as he pulled his robes opened.

Bynsarda swallowed hard and steadied herself before she did what she had been commanded to do.

As they entered his chambers she was in tears. She pulled away her soiled garments. Using them to wipe semen from her face. She went to a table and lifted a bottle of spirits from it and took a drink and swished it around her mouth . Then spat it on his rug. He lay on his bed and watched her. She poured the liquid in her hand and used it to wash her face . "I do have water for that." he said amused.

"Fuck you." She hissed . "I would bathe in this liquor if I could just to disinfect myself from being touched by such a filthy savage. " She then turned the bottle up again and took several large drinks of the liquid inside.

Drannor gets up and shakes his head. "Easy easy my dear . Too much of this will kill you." He took the bottle from her and placed it down. Then he lifted her over his shoulder . She kicked and screamed and he slapped her naked backside hard.

This shocked her so much she went still as he carried her across the room and his kicked open a door. The air became hot and humid and she screamed as she was tossed then suddenly she was in heated water. She came to the surface gasping and sputtering. Her hands wiping over her face and pushing her hair back.

It took him little time to remove his clothing and then he was in the water with her. She moving away from him. "I told you I had water to bathe in. I also told you they would take liberties with you. I did keep my promise though. Besides you learned of Minogos and what he was doing did you not?"

She glared at him. "If you think I am shocked to hear this I am not. I am fully aware of Minogos and what he does."

He was moving closer to her now and she had backed herself up against the far wall of the bathing pool. Drannor just a few feet away. "You also heard of the Queen and how she has ended slavery in her lands. Her lands where his people have fled. Are you not curious?" he asked and smiled.

"Yes I am. " she admitted and he pulled her then closer to himself. "He speaks of the Queen of the Woodland realm. The Queen of the Elves who is not an Elf. The Queen of Promise. The one Minogos went to serve. These Haradrim have forsaken her. Now they come to me. " He kissed her shoulder. "They come to me so they may pledge themselves to my Master. They wish to fight for him." His lips moved to her neck now and his hands began to touch her under the water.

"You must remember everything you learn in your time with me. You must remember and pass it all on to Minogos." His lips claimed her then and she whimpered . His hand moving to the small of her back . Pulling her in closely. Her legs wrapped around him . Her arms embraced him. "You are betraying your Master." she whispered against his lips. He did not answer.