The Way Back

by Peladon

Legolas returns home to Mirkwood but all actions have consequences and can anything ever be as it was? Can he find his way back to himself and rediscover peace.

59. Chapter 59

The long shadow of madness

AN: The description of the arrival of Smaug at Erbor is taken directly from the Hobbit, page 22-24 in my current copy, though there it is told by Thorin not Balin. The comments as to why the dragon wasnt noticed also come from Tolkein. I've changed some words as a result of the change of speaker and context, but for the most part it is as Tolkien wrote it and I don't think I have changed the sense of anything by my amendments; therefore it reflects the 'reality' of Smaug's arrival and the events around it.

To the guest who commented on By another Road that it seemed to be written by a different person, I couldnt respond to you but thank ypur for the comment I'm intruiged as to why. Both are written by me I promise.

To any other posting a review, and that I cant reply to, thank you for your response it is much appreciated.

Thranduil inclined his head as the Ranger from the North, Haifren if he recalled the name correctly, bowed.
"If you will excuse me My Liege, I would speak with the new King of Dale before I take my leave and I would be away from the festivities soon, wondrous thought they are to one who lives in the Wilds. I leave before daybreak for I have many leagues to travel and I would travel as swiftly as possible and by day where I the dangers are less than before Smaugs death."
A look of sadness crossed his face and he lowered his eyes.
"The great battle before the Mountain cost you much I know but it has bought us a little time in which to prepare. Believe me when I say that the men of the North well know the debt they owe to those who fought that day, particularly to those who passed from the world, and we will be ready to do our part in defending the peace that battle purchased when the time comes."
Thranduil nodded his head with a slight smile but remained silent, after all what was there to say, the costs had been high, and he didn't doubt that the Men of the North would honour their vow. Perhaps when next they met, if they ever did, it would be on the same battlefield and the boy raised in Imladris would be this Ranger's chieftain, but that was not his story to share.

The Ranger turned and bowed to Legolas.
"My Lord, it has been good to meet with you again and I hope that one day the return of true and unthreatened peace will allow you the opportunity to visit us once more."
Legolas smiled as he also inclined his head.
"As do I, for I well remember the kindness of your people Haifren, and the wonderful taste of your winter stew."
The man smiled.
"When you next visit you must come in the warmer months and try my mother's summer berry porridge, for it is indeed fit for a great lord."
"Then I shall indeed seek to try it. If Eru wills I will bring you some of our forests wild strawberries as a side dish."
Haifren's smile widened.
"I have heard that none are sweeter and shall look forward to it."
With another low bow he turned and slipped away.

Legolas watched him go with a look that was hard to read upon his face.
"I had wondered how I would feel on meeting one of the men from the north again," he said softly.
Thranduil looked at him with sympathy in his eyes.
"I too had wondered how such a meeting would sit with you. Are you disturbed by it?"
Legolas thought for a moment then smiled.
"No, I well recall my turmoil of that time but the pain of the memory retreats it seems. I felt great disappointment at not finding the son of Arathorn but the hospitality of the northern rangers was great and I do not regret my time amongst them."
Thranduil was silent for a moment then indicated that they should take seats in a nearby alcove, only replying when they were settled.
"You have forgiven me for setting you such a pointless task then?"

There was a hint of uncertainty in the Elvenkings tone and Legolas looked at him with surprise.
"There was nothing in your conduct to forgive, be assured of that. It is my regret that I caused you the need to set it and I will be eternally thankful that your love for me was such that you did so. Without it... but we have spoken on this before and I would not burden you with it again."
Thranduil shook his head.
"No burden, I will speak of it as often as you feel the need to, until the breaking of the world if you wish it."
Legolas smiled, and there was no shadow in his eyes as once there would have been when they spoke of that day.
"If there are no more grief's than that before the breaking of the world then we will be fortunate indeed. For this evening I am more than content to let the matter rest. "
Thranduil looked at him in silence for a long moment then raised his wine cup in salute.
"Let us drink to a future that brings us no greater sorrows."
Legolas returned the salute, his smile widening.
"Willingly, though I doubt Sauron has forsaken his desires, but certainly to one that brings us no trespassing dwarfs and childish guards."

For a moment there was companionable silence between them, each sipping their wine and looking around them at the shifting throng of people, many who were beginning to show signs of having supped deeply. Then Legolas leaned towards his father and lowered his voice almost to a whisper, though they were removed from the crowd.
"Dain looks much put about." He said softly. "I know that he is a dwarf of little patience but what can have caused him such discomfort this day? I doubt any have done anything that offended him on such an occasion, and that aside he is surrounded by his own people."
Thranduil was silent for a moment, debating with himself on what to say, yet he had to admit that it would be wise that Legolas knew something of those events if he was to have any further contact with Tauriel. He nodded and replied slowly.
"His own memory bothers him I think, and though he well knows he had no one to blame for his discomfort but himself that makes it no easier to bear. Harder I surmise."
"His memory?" Legolas shot his father a penetrating glance. "Does that memory have something to do with you for I heard Bard mention something about him not forgiving you?"

Thranduil stared down into his wine cup for a moment before answering and Legolas felt a sinking in his stomach suddenly sure that whatever bothered Dain so much had happened that day, or a time close to it. Was it something else related to Tauriel, for his father had made it clear that Dain bore her a considerable grudge.
"Was it to do with the battle?" He asked hesitantly, not sure if he truly wanted an answer. "Or does it have to do with Tauriel's continued presence?"
The Elvenking sighed and took a swallow of wine coming to decision.
"This is not the best place to speak of it," he said softly. "I will tell you of it when we return to our chambers if you wish. For the moment I will say only that Thorin Oakenshield made some accusations that Dain believed and then came to regret believing. That is the memory that disturbs him and sours his mood, as it does every time he is in my company."

Legolas looked at his father for a long moment then he inclined his head.
"So be it, I will wait until we are returned to our own house; but I would hear the story, or as much of it as your feel able to tell. For I would be well prepared for his temper if I must have dealings with him."
He rose.
"If you will excuse me for a little while, I see someone I have been wishing to speak to since we arrived in Dale, for there is a little business I would do with them."
Thranduil smiled but seeing a guarded look upon his son's face he pushed the question that sprang to his lips from his mind with a wave of his hand.
"Go then I'll not ask what. If I have retired by the time you return to our house then I will meet with you to break our fast and tell you what you wish to know."

He watched Legolas make his way through the increasingly boisterous throng for a few moments, heading as far as could be judged for a throng of Lakemen settled in a far corner. The press of people shut the sight of his son and the guard that followed at his shoulder from him and he turned his eyes back to the dwarf king; yes it was clear he was far from easy, but then he had good reason to be. Thranduil cast a glance around him, his own guard were engaged in debate about some game they had seen played in the streets earlier in the day, his equerry and chief advisor were settled in deep discussion with Bard's son and no one seemed of a mind to approach him for the moment. Satisfied that his time was his own he took a sweetmeat from the tray a passing maid offered him and settled back into his chair mind allowing his mind to slip back into the past and that fateful meeting in his tent the evening before Thorin Oakenshield was laid to rest beneath the mountain.

Dain had been so sure of himself when he stormed through the elvish camp and into the tent but that certainty had soon slipped away; what Thranduil had said had been enough to puncture his certainty but it had been one of his own that had dealt the final blow to it, one he could not doubt. A dwarf who had been of Oakenshields Company, the one who sat beside the dwarf lord now if he recalled it right, what had his name been? Balin, that was it. Not a young dwarf by any means, but sober and civil and clearly honest, and so completely unaware of the importance of what he was being asked and of the blow he was delivering to his soon to be king. Yes, it had been the one who now sat beside him so it appeared that Dain had not held that night against him, which told in the dwarf lord's favour, but by now both must know the consequences of the story that had been told. Thranduil could hear Balin's voice and see the look in his eyes as he related it. He took another sip of wine, closed his mind to the sound of throng around him, and remembered.

Balin had looked around at those in the tent uncertainly, clearly wondering what was behind such a gathering, and it was equally clear that he thought it could be nothing good. That was easily explained for Dain looked angry, though that seemed to be his habitual expression regardless of his true feelings, but he also looked uncertain which Thranduil would have wagered was far less common. There was an edge of something close to fear in his eyes too, something he doubted this dwarf would expect to see there. The Wizard looked weary and concerned and Bard had seemed to be wary and confused. Given Dain's appearance it seemed likely it was him which caused Balin to suppress a sigh, to Thranduil his thoughts were easily read, Balin suspected that the King under the Mountain to be was being told some uncomfortable truths and could not fathom why they needed him for the matter. Thranduil would have laughed had he not been so angry that the situation had arisen.

Dain had barely let Balin enter before he had pounced, pointing a finger at the newcomer in a manner that could be seen as accusing.
"You had known Thorin Oakenshield for some time had you not?"
Balin started in surprise but held his ground, bowing respectfully but with no sign of fluster.
"Aye my Lord, I had known him since he was but a lad, though sometimes our paths diverged and its true I hadn't seen him for some while before the wizard summoned us."
"Did you know him in the time that the Dragon came to the mountain?"
"That I did, I was there with him the day that Smaug descended upon us."

That didn't seem to please Dain for his expression became stormier and he drew a deep but ragged breath.
"Where were you?" His voice had the snap of dry twigs under a man's foot.
Balin's confusion seemed to increase.
"Outside, smoking a pipe with some of the guards who had finished their watches."
"And where was Thorin?"
"He was outside too, twas early in the day and his duties were not begun. He was off chasing something in the forest around the foot of the mountain as I recall it."
Dain looked at him with narrowed eyes.
"You are sure of this?"
"Aye my Lord, for he and another lad ran past us at some speed and we shouted at them to take care and mind their step for there had been much rain and the ground was wet." He smiled slightly, "but they took no notice, they never did."

Dain fixed him with a frowning glare.
"No doubt, as I recall my cousin he was much given to ignoring the words of others. But tell me then, what happened that day the dragon came. How did the worm arrive and how did his assault progress? Did none seek to defend the mountain? How many escaped and why did so many perish?"
Balin looked at him in some surprise.
"Did Thror not tell you my Lord? For he escaped and I confess I thought he would have spread the tale before he set off for Moria as a warning to all of the power of the evil thing. For powerful and evil he was."
Dain shook his head impatiently.
"Nay, he said only that the mountain had fallen to a fire drake and with it all the treasure of the mountain. No doubt he thought that all we needed to know, Thorin's message to me when he called for aid said a little more but I would know the sum of it before I oversee his burial rites."

Balin had seemed confused by the demand but Dain was soon to be his king and he was clearly very aware of the company around him so he had bowed his head and began the tale.
"It was like this."

Thranduil recalled how he had watched the dwarfs face as he spoke, alert for any hint that he planned to lie, but there had been none and as Balin recalled that time it was clear that the memories had flooded back and overtaken him. It seemed that he had forgotten the tent and its occupants.

"As you will know the Dragon came in the later years of the rule of Thorin's grandfather Thror and until that day the living had been good for those within the mountain. The years of his reign had treated the dwarfs of Erebor well and we had grown immensely rich, more than that we were treated with much reverence by the mortal men from the south who were spreading up to live in the lands around the mountain and to the east. They provided much for us, food and ale and such, allowing us leisure to follow our inclinations and make many wonderful things. It was they who built Dale and they would send their sons to be our apprentices and their lords would use our smiths and other craftsmen."
Balin had smiled to himself at the memory.
"Aye all told it was a good time for us for the mortal men paid us well and even the least skilled of us were well provided for in food and money with leisure to create beautiful things for our pleasure. Life was good then and Thror's Halls were full of riches of all kinds, gold and jewels and armour. We made toys too and the toy market at Dale was the wonder of the North it was said."

His smile died and he shook his head slowly.
"It can't be certain but I have little doubt that it was that wealth that brought the dragon. There were a lot of dragons in the North in those days, and perhaps less gold than once there was, and gold is a dragon passion, if it could be described that way. The dwarfs were fleeing the north too and taking their wealth with them, for the dragons had brought about much destruction. Perhaps that is why Smaug decided to come south, but come he did and without warning."

His mouth tightened as he recalled that day.
"You ask how he arrived and the answer must be suddenly. The first we knew of it was the noise, like a hurricane blowing in from the north it was. There were a few of us outside that day as I have said, youngsters like Thorin adventuring, guards just released from duty seeking a quiet pipe, and a few, like myself, about to take the road to Dale and who had stopped to exchange pleasentries or smoke a pipe too. We were all a good way off though and most of the people were inside the Halls when we saw him settle on the mountain blowing out a spurt of flame."
He sighed again, memory darkening his expression.
"Then he came down the mountain and when he reached the trees he sent them up in flame. Whether the men of Dale saw him land or saw the flame I cannot say but by the time he reached the foot of the mountain the bells of the City were all ringing and the Men at Arms were riding out the gates. The dwarf warriors from inside the mountain rushed out too."
He closed his eyes against the horror of the memory.
"But the worm was waiting for them and none who came to the gate escaped. Then the river was clothed in steam and a fog fell over Dale and in it Smaug came upon the warriors leaving the City and killed them."
He shook his head sadly.
"It was not an uncommon tale after all, the usual unhappy story where dragons are concerned I suppose."

Dain had been turned away from him but now he spun around and stared at Balin.
"Why was Smaug not seen before, why was his arrival so unexpected?"
The other dwarf shook his head with a sigh.
"I cannot say. Looking back perhaps its true that life had become too easy for us, that Thror had become too sure of his own power and our people had followed in that, that we were not watchful enough. It's true that guards were always set but I'd not swear to how much guarding was done, the guard houses were comfortable, perhaps more comfortable than they should have been."
"But he was not seen until he arrived upon the mountain you say?"
"No he was not seen. Had better watch been set then perhaps we would have had more warning, more time to escape, though I doubt that we could have held off a fire drake who smelled gold. Not one as old and wily as Smaug."

Dains frown deepened aas he turned away again.
"And what of those who remained within the Mountain?"
His voice was harsh and Balin looked at him with regret clear in his eyes. His voice was thick with sorrow as he replied.
"The dragon returned to the mountain my lord,once he had burned the men from Dale, and crept in the front gate. As far as I can say he made his way through avenue, every house and mansion, each place a dwarf might be until none were left alive. Certainly those of us outside saw none escape but Thror and Thrain, and they were sooted and singed. We stayed in hiding and wept at what had happened and for all those who had been lost. I found Thorin, who was but a lad after all, and was with him when his father and grandfather appeared. They would not say how they had escaped, but they looked grim beyond describing and refused to speak on the matter. We saw no others leave the mountain."
"And then?"
Dain sounded almost subdued now, and Balin seemed surprised that this story should so move him now, when the events themselves were long in the past.
"Then we went away."

There was a pause then Dain drew a deep breath and spoke again.
"To where?" He demanded.
Balin sighed, pained by the memories he had resurrected.
"Dale at first."
"The City remained then?"
"Yes it remained. The dragon had contented himself with the burning the warriors and the City still stood. I believe it did for some time but in the end it was ruined by the dragon's raids and eventually all the people were either dead or gone."
"Did any others from the Mountain join you in Dale in the days afterwards? Children perhaps who might have escaped through smaller doors and passage ways?"
"No, none my Lord none escaped from within the mountain. Only those who were outside the mountain when the dragon arrived lived to tell of it, other than Thror and Thrain."
"You saw no others about the mountain? Or heard of any?"
"No, none."

There was another pause before Dain cleared his throat and spoke again.
"What of the forests?"
Balin looked at him in confusion.
"The forests my Lord? They burned, the fires ran down from the mountains and into the Elvenking's lands."
Dain had drawn another deep breath then but his voice was calm enough when he asked the question he desperately wanted answered.
"Did you see any elves that day?"
Balin semed surprised by the question but shook his head.
"No my Lord, but we would not have done so given that the dragon came so swiftly and without warning. It was too far from the Elvenking Halls to the Mountain for them to have arrived, before we left for Dale, for none of us was minded to stay close to the mountain for long fearing that Smaug would come looking for further prey. Those elves who lived in the woods closer to the mountain may have perished, some may have fled but even if they lived there was too much smoke and fire in the forests around the mountain for us to have seeen them. I heard that a host of elves came later to rescue their stranded kin and to try to halt the fires; at least that was what we heard when in Dale. They must have succeeded for if they had not done so then all of the great forest might have been aflame."
"But the dragon was already within the mountain then, when they came?"
Balin frowned wondering the purpose of the question but he answered readily.
"Yes, as far as I know it."
"And the dwarfs who remained within the mountain?"
"All dead my lord."
"No others fled the mountain, you are sure of that, not by other ways?"
Balin shrugged.
"No my lord, the only ones who escaped that day were those who were outside the mountain when the dragon came and Thror and Thrain who joined us as we made our escape.

Dain took a deep breath and steeled himself as if against a blow.
"Did Thror send for help at all, that day? Or in the days before?" His voice was low and harsh. "By bird perhaps. If so what became of them?"
Balin shook his head.
"No my lord there was no time, at least as I know of it. Sometimes he sent messages by raven as you would know, but the flocks of the air fled when the dragon came, even the ravens. None would have been able to receive a message had they stayed for Thror was in the mountain when Smaug arrived and any messenger on foot or wing would not have survived the fire he caused. As for asking for help before, why would he have done so? There was no need to seek help for none of us knew what was going to happen that day."

Dain swallowed hard and glared at the other dwarf.
"What of afterwards, did the dwarfs who escaped seek help and succour?"
Balin looked at him in confusion.
"Aye my lord in Dale. We found shelter there for a while as I said."
He drew a deep breath.
"I confess that I was ill at ease at how Thorin treated the men of the Lake when the dragon sickness came upon him, for they had dealt with us fairly both then and when we returned and only seemed to be asking for what was their due given what the dragon had done to them."

Dain's mouth twisted and Thranduil did not doubt that he was heaping curses upon Oakenshields head in the privacy of his thoughts for it was clear that he knew nothing of this. Judging by Oakenshields words when they took him the story Dain had received would have been very different.
"What of the elves what did they ask for?" Dain demanded.
Balin shook his head.
"Nothing that I know of my lord, though it's true that some of the treasure within the mountain was most like stolen from them. No, from all I saw the Elvenking seemed concerned only to support then men of the lake."
"Did they aid you at that time? When the dragon came? The elves?" Dain snapped.
"The elves my lord? Well in a manner I suppose, for they sent food and help to the people of Dale and we shared in it. What other help could they have offerred? We had no desire to return to tne mountain or the Forest and so we left to make out way in other lands."
"But you did not see them the day the Dragon came?"
Balin's expression became wary, as if he suddenly realised there was a graver purpose to Dain's questions than he had first thought, but he answered readily enough.
"No my Lord, how would we have, for as I have said it is too far from the forest to the mountain for them to have taken any part in the matter?"

He paused a moment then casting a quick look towards the wizard before he looked towards Dain once more and there was hesitancy in his voice as if he didn't truly wish to continue but felt obliged to do so.
"Did Thorin say different in his message to you my Lord? If he did then I would suggest that you set his words on the matter aside."
Dains frown deepened.
"Why, what do you know of his message to me?"
Balin sighed and made a weary gesture with his hand.
"I know nothing of his message my lord but I know much of his state of mind. I had much care for Thorin, had known since he was but a lad as I have said and I respected his line and claims on kingship. But..."
He stalled for a moment then he shook his head and resumed.
"Much though it grieves me to say it he was fully in the thrall of gold and dragon sickness and beyond all reason by the time he sent word to you."
Balin had cast another quick look aroubnd him before turning back to Dain.
"I think I knew what was coming even then, but the sickness grew greater with every day that passed and by the time we gained the mountain he was far from being the dwarf I had known or even the one who set off from Bilbo Baggins home."
He sighed again and looked towards Dain with regret written in his face.
"Even those who travelled with him were starting to fear his mood, and he seemed to have forgotten all ties of friendship and gratitude, as no doubt Mr Baggins would tell you. Gandalf there saw it for himself, for he threatened our Hobbit friend in a most dangerous manner. The words he sent to you must be seen with that in mind"

Thranduil recalled that Balin had cast a quick look towards him then and there had been a faint apology in the look, though it was not clear why.
"As for the Elvenking and his people," he had continued slowly, "Thorin bore him a powerful grudge it is true, for he was much angered by being confined in the Kings Halls, feeling that it was unfair given that there had been no bad feeling between dwarf and elf in the days of his grandfather. That his grandfather's greed had brought the dragon and harm to many, including elves, he gave no thought to. That we had left the road when told not to, and disturbed the kings feasting, counted for nothing in his eyes, no more did our refusal to explain our deeds. To say so would mean disclosing his intention for the mountain and the gold and he would not risk Elvenking had offered us help in our quest, even as he held us captive, for I think he had guessed at some of our intentions, but Thorin would have none of it, I know that from Thorin's own bitter words. That they treated us well enough counted for little with him for I think that he felt his dignity had been in some way disregarded. I fear that he was already falling under the spell of his anticipated gold."

A heavy scowl had settled on Dains face as Balin spoke and Thrnaduil had little troiuble in guessing his thoughts. But it was clear enough that he did not doubt Balin's description of events, nor did he seek to deny Thranduils own words of earlier, Thorin had lied to Dain to cover his own shame at his father and grandfathers actions and in pursuit of his help in securing the treasure, and he had believed him. Now, as king under the mountain he must live with that legacy and it pained him. That one of his own had so led him astray and caused him to display his gullibility so clearly to one he despised would infuriate a dwarf of his cut, and watching him it had been clear that the wound to his pride, both his own and his line's was severe, and that it would fester for a long time. Thranduil was not surprised nor concerned, he had known that Thorin Oakenshields madness would cast a long shadow over Dain and his relationship with his elvish neighbours.

Thranduil recalled how he had looked towards the wizard and seen a plea written in his eyes, a plea that he would say no more, both of them remembering that this was not the first time that dwarf had lied to dwarf about their dealings with elves with terrible consequences for both. Clearly the wizard feared that he would raise the matter now and feared too what Dain's reaction would be. But Thranduil had long worn a crown and the responsibility it brought was well known to him, he would see no more blood shed here and certainly not for such a cause. His anger at being caused to speak so still burned but it was leavened with pity for Dain now knew that Oakenshield had played him for a fool and used him, and that the dwarf had not had a cool enough head to see through the lie. Dain would never forgive those present the knowledge of what he had allowed to be done.

Thranduil thoughts came back to the present and he looked across at the dwarf, now clearly merry from ale, and remembered how pale Dain had become then, almost grey, with only the flush of the ale he had consumed before his visit granting him any more colour than a withered leaf. There had been no merriness in him then just a cold and bitter anger. It had been clear that he was finding the situation near intolerable for he had come expecting to rant and taunt as he had before the mountain, to insult and humiliate, and instead found himself feeling foolish and belittled. Thranduil had expected the shadow of those feeling to perist as indeed they had done. Though they had proved useful in one matter, that of Tauriel. Though Dain had never apologised for his accusations about Thranduil's part in her chasing of the dwarf Kili he had made one passing reference to her after the funeral. He had stepped close as they progressed towards the mountain gate and spoke in a low, harsh voice.
"That she-elf, may she be damned for the dishonour she brought to my house, keep away. But I hear that she sinned against you in a most unpardonable manner, more even than her sin against Kili's kin, and so she is yours to hold to account. If you grant her mercy that is for you to decide but ensure that she stays well away from me and my kin I say. The crown I will now wear demands restraint of me and I will honour that, but others may not if they hear of it, Thorin's sister is held in high regard by many and they may wish to seek vengence on her behalf."

Thranduil had kept his face carefully devoid of expression as he had replied.
"I see no dishonour Lord Dain, for however it occurred, and I have no more certainty on that than you, his death was brave. There could be many reasons why he was not found beside his uncle, for nor was his brother and we both know that battle can be unpredictable."
Dain had grunted as if surprise at the statement had taken the wind from him. After a moment he drew a deep breath and replied.
"That will be your testament if asked will it? To any?"
"It will, for I have no other knowledge on the matter and see no reason to think or say differently."
Dain had seemed to give that some thought and had not spoken again until they stood once more before the entrance to the Mountain.
"I see. Well if that is so then it is spoken fairly enough. But heed my warning and keep her from our sight if you suffer her to live, for I doubt you can return her to your forest."

He had not replied and the matter had never been raised between them again.

Thranduil watched as the dwarf king staggered to his feet now clearly the worse for ale. For himself the shadow of Oakenshileds madness caused no concern, he would deal with a truclent dwarf as he had dealt with many hostile beings in the past, ignoring them where it was politic, with infuriating patience when they least expected it and with chilly distance when their heat required it. He had known many like Dain one more was no great burden. Most importantly he didn't doubt that Dain would stand a staunch ally against the Dark Lord if it was required, he would not have been so sure of Oakenshiled had he lived.

On that thought he decided he had spent as much time at these festivities as protocol required, and more than his own inclination, and he felt a growing yearning for his house and a book. He rose and scanned the room for Bard before finishing his wine and making his way through the crowd, who parted to make way as he did, feeling rather than seeing his guard fall in beside him. Bard also looked to be well into his cups and Thranduil supressed a smile at his dazed look and the ragged and stumbling gesture of welcome; but why should he not when this night was the culmination of much work and patience on his part. As well as no little bravery.

Tomorrow his head would remind him that most joys had a price of course, and the reality of a wearing a crown would suddenly fall upon him. Thranduil, who had known both truths for many centuries, did not envy him either.