Chapter 34

Thranduil raced to the last location he had seen in her memories. Sauron's evil had weakened the magic within the southern regions of the forest, he had not thought of the possibility of any intruders daring to use those parts as a route. Revelation through his bond with Leanna was greatly appreciated and in that he made note to speak to his captain about a patrol unit extending their borders once more.

In their haste they burst into a gory scene, with bodies littered on the floor. Feran jumped off his horse and turned over one of the bodies. It was a dunlanding, eyes lifeless as they stared into nothingness. Observing the scene quickly, he turned to a furious king and spoke up.

" All the men are dead with a few orcs but some tracks still lead away from this camp"

"Then we must move quickly" Thranduil said, his eyes shining fiercely in the dark of the night. Feran quickly jumped on his horse and gave the command to move as Thranduil sprinted off.

She was not dead, she was alive, he thought as he raced to find her. The distant clash of metal and loud growls told him they were not far off.

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Bard and his men had ridden all through the night. They had entered The Green Wood through an old trail that led south of the forest. They sped through the forest and wondered at the ease they experienced as they rode. They had heard the forest had a magic barrier around it. Bard could see the strange scene of trees shifting from their path.

However, he could care less as he knew he had to reach the base of the old mountains within the forest. He kicked the sides of his horse deeper, grinding his teeth even more as his horse galloped faster. He hoped to the heavens he would reach her in time.

The mountains came up in clear view but they would not stop there at its base. They followed the trail of dead orcs littering the worn out path, his heart beating louder with both fear and hope that he was not too late.

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She winced as she made a hard turn on her feet, parrying a blow aimed at her side. This orc was much larger than the rest she had dealt with and therefore made it even harder to kill. She prayed fervently that this was the only one left. The gash on her foot was flowing still and her body trembled even more from the pain.

She drew deep breaths forcing her mind to remain as focused as possible. The slightest mistake meant death. The orc charged at her once more, barely giving her a chance to recover and made arching slashes downwards. The force of the blows pushed her back and she gasped in audible pain as her bleeding foot was stamped hard on the ground. The orc seeing her reaction, landed a blow that broke though her ice sword.

In the heat of the moment, an arrow whizzed through the cold air hitting its mark. The orc groaned in pain but did not cease in attempting to swing his sword again. In a mix of panic and fatigue, Leanna shot her hand out as an ice shard pierced through the orc and stumbled back, watching the orc moan out the last bit of life in it before hitting the ground, dead.

She heard hooves pound on the ground and formed another shard. Drawing every breath in pain, Leanna waited to see what else was fast approaching her. She hoped in her heart that whoever shot that arrow was indeed a friend and not an enemy she no longer had the strength to fight off.

She drew a long gasp as she saw great antlers rise from the trail beyond her sight. Atop the great elk's back was a face she only believed she would see in a dream. Relief flooded body and she felt her feet give way under her, she was safe.

Tallahir stopped a few feet away from her as Thranduil wasted no time jumping down to meet her. He caught her as she fell, holding her in his arms as he knelt to the ground. He quickly looked over her to check for mortal injuries and noted the hem of her dress stained with blood.

Thranduil looked back at her and met her gaze, his heart twisted painfully as he saw the tears fall from her eyes. He sighed as she buried her face in his chest and quickly cast a slumbering spell on her. He rose with her and stilled as his warriors noched their arrows and aimed at the path in front of them.

Bard followed the trail and pulled his horse to a stop as he sighted the elves already at the scene littered with the bodies of dead orcs. He jumped down in a panic and rushed to the limp figure in Thranduil's arms.

"Leanna! Is she alright?!" Bard cried out, the fear shown through his eyes. Thranduil wanted to let him stew in misery as punishment but a part of him gave way to mercy and answered.

"She only sleeps, though she has endured much" Thranduil's tone was accusatory and Bard felt his anger rise in reaction. He remained silent and nodded, looking down at the pale woman as she took in another breath.

"She must be tended to immediately...come" Thranduil turned to Tallahir who knelt low on the ground. The Elf King rested a sleeping Leanna against his chest as he grasped hold of his elk's reigns and moved.

Bard climbed his horse and proceeded to follow, his men falling in behind him as they were lead through the forest to Thranduil's halls.

Leanna stirred in her sleep, taking a deep breath and fell back into a rhythm. The movement caught Thranduil's attention and he watched her in silence. His anger easing at the sight of her gentle expression while she slept. He watched her, shifting strands of her loosened hair away from her face. The yearning he felt had become much more bearable somehow, she was here with him and she was safe.

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Her eyes opened in jolt, rising swiftly as she looked around her room. Except...this was not here room. She looked down to find her clothes changed to sleep garments and frowned. These were elven styled garments...meaning she had returned to Mirkwood. She attempted to leave her bed, her body feeling fatigued in the simple action. She stepped her foot on the ground and winced.

"Perhaps it would be best not to rush things, your strength has not yet returned" a voice from the side said. She smiled to the elleth whom she thought she would never see again.

"Gwuineth..."

"Hello again my Lady, it seems your business with us remains unfinished"

"Yes, so it seems" Leanna mumbled out a response. She had felt disappointment rise within her and quickly smiled.

"You may want to get dressed, there is someone who wishes to greet you" Gwuineth said, gesturing to the maids to come in with several items in their arms.

Leanna stood and let the maids lead her to the bathroom and sat silently as they tended to her.

She was dressed in a light blue gown much like the ones she wore previously during her time here. However, the style was much more illustrious and Leanna wondered if this was a trend amongst the elves of Mirkwood for the time being. The guard led her to the entrance hall of the palace and stopped when she saw Bard talking with some of the men of Dale.

"My Lord?" Leanna called, moving towards them as Bard turned to her.

"Leanna!" Bard cried out and walked briskly to her, pulling her into a hug immediately. "You had us all worried for a moment" Bard said finally releasing her from his hold.

"Well, you know me...trouble is never far away" She jested lightly, smiling as she fell in step with the lord of Dale.

"I'm just glad you're alright" Bard said warmly. He sighed as they strolled along the pathways until they reached the gardens.

"Mirkwood is even more beautiful than I could've imagined. The old tales do no justice to it, not by a long shot" Bard said, sitting down on the wood crafted chair they stopped by.

"It is..." She looked around the garden and continued "...though it just doesn't feel like home" Leanna murmured. Now that she was on her way to recovery, she wondered when the journey home would be set. As much as she wished to stay here for the time being, she understood her place amongst the elves well enough. Infringing on their good graces would be an undignified action on her part.

"What if it could?" Bard spoke lowly. He swallowed quietly, his throat suddenly feeling raw as he broached the topic in his mind hesitantly.

"What?" Leanna narrowed her gaze in confusion, the statement being out of place for someone such as him. Bard looked at her quietly, with a sadness that pricked her heart.

"Bard??" Leanna called to him. Her tone was full of worry almost demanding he explain his words.

"You almost died this time...for good" Bard said hoarsely.

"Yes but I'm fine now. I'm alright"

"Even so, how long till more people come for you, you may not be so lucky next time, I! I may not be so lucky..." Bard stood up, his breath harsh from the hurt he was feeling, but he had to do this.

"Every day I grow worried, worried that someone or something bigger will come and I won't be able to protect you! That I'd wake up one day and know that I failed to protect you. I wouldn't be able to live with myself" Bard said.

She felt panic bloom in her heart, making it hard for her to breath easily but the most evident sign of the pain that came with that feeling, was the sting in her eyes.

"What are you saying? You're sending me away?" Her voice was small, her tone beckoning him to deny it.

"No, I could never do that, not to you" he took her hand gently as he sat back down. "It's just, were it not for King Thranduil, you wouldn't have made it...I just can't risk any more harm to you Leya"

"I see..." Leanna said soberly. Bard clutched her hand and continued.

"I'm not saying this would be forever, Dale will always be your home and we would always have a spare chair on the dining table" He smiled at her untrusting gaze.

"I suppose there is some merit to your words, I never imagined you'd be so comfortable with King Thranduil being so close by" Leanna said in contemplation. She was a voice of reason in such matters and yet, here she was being childish and cowardly. Her presence in Dale was putting everyone at risk and who knows what other adversaries they'd have to shoulder for her sake.

"Well if it's any consolation, you're safest with him than anywhere else I would reckon" Bard said, wondering if his dearest friend knew just how much control she had over The Elven King. No matter how stubborn they were, this was not something that even he could hide and he had a sneaky feeling she felt something for the elf in question too.

"I don't think he cares all that much for me anyways" Leanna murmured in response to which Bard snorted. He would've bet his last coin on Thranduil killing anything that moved too close to her that night.

"Then you're blinder than a bargeman in a fog"

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After spending a few more days in Mirkwood, Bard and his men returned to Dale. An expected outcome as Dale would be vulnerable without its lord at the helm. Leanna had been part of his send off as was Thranduil.

However, after they were confirmed to have left the palace Leanna made note of the Elf King's absence once again. An observation that settled in her mind for a part of her desired to see him again.

She made no fuss over it, only dwelling on the last discussion Bard had with her as she made her way to her chambers for the evening.

He sighed once more in irritation as Gwuineth went a in passive aggressive tirade on his character. Half his mind had ventured on an observation mission on the very subject of this seemingly unending rant, the other part he felt, was dying under the weight of his former nursemaids scolding. He knew how fond she was of Leanna but now understood the depth of her favour towards the young woman and he found it annoying.

"How long do you intend to hide from her, my Lord?" Not one to beat around the bush, Gwuineth outrightly asked.

"You mistake my attention to matters of utmost priority as a sign of cowardice" Thranduil said as he scribbled his words on a scroll that was no doubt a letter.

"What could be more important than the calling of your heart?" Gwuineth asked blandly, as though daring him to lie. "You stayed by her side all through her healing process, you follow her from the shadows and yet you have not spoken a word to her"

"Your point?" Thranduil raised an eyebrow at her stinging words, choosing to thicken the skin over his ears.

"If you do not wish to have anything more to do with her, send her back to her family that miss her and need her" Gwuineth raised her chin up in defiance as she saw his eyes flash a darker shade, a threat warning her not to cross the line but she continued nonetheless, upset at his nonchalant reaction to a woman who needed clarity from him.

"She was left here by her lord and family, with the promise of safety yet I have watched her alone, vulnerable and even more confused than the last time she was forced to be here. If you do not wish to give her covering, send her back or at the very least to another elven settlement, Imladris perhaps, I've heard Lord Elrond seemed to take to her beauty quickly". Gwuineth said bowing before turning around to leave.

Thranduil remained in the silence of his study, his hands trembling as he clenched his jaw. He slapped the jug of wine on his desk and watched it spill on the rug. The servants would have a filled day removing the stain off the carpets but he did not care. Gwuineth always knew how to slice under his skin, even after all these years. He stood from his desk and left to seek solace from his foul mood.

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It had been a long day for Leanna. Despite her injury which had yet to heal, she had insisted yet again to help with the work she was once accustomed to, moving from the kitchens to the store rooms. Elaran had gladly accepted her offer but had chosen to lighten her work load instead and while she did not complain, she instantly noted some formality had also been subtly reinstated.

She frowned at the events of the day and decided she was overthinking it. Donning on light sweeping robes, she entered the heated bath chambers Gwuineth had suggested for her to clean up. The only reason she agreed, being the hint of the waters healing properties that the elleth had spoken of.

In the silence, she shrugged off the robes from her shoulders and crouched at the edge of the pool, dipping her toes in the warm water. Satisfied with the temperature, she slid quietly into the water, moaning as the water swallowed her body. Sighing, she smiled as she moved to the edge of the pool until she caught sight of a pair of sharp blue eyes trained on her.

Screaming in surprise, Leanna dunked her body completely into the water and slammed against the opposite end of the pool. The action forced a hiss from her lips as she winced in pain.

"What are you doing here?!" She yelled in annoyance, the pain in her foot receding as she finally calmed down.

"I should ask you the same question, seeing as you walked so brazenly into my bath?" Thranduil emerged from the darker end of the pool, the fog of steam rising from his body as he came into view.

"What? This isn't your bath, Gwuineth said to come here if I wished to..." She trailed of as she realised what this was. She looked at Thranduil who still had his gaze fixed on her and swallowed, that crazy elleth had sent here on purpose.

"Oh...please excuse me, I'll leave immediately" Leanna turned to the edge of the pool but felt hands cage her, with a hard body at her back.

"You may stay, it is no point to leave now when your intentions here have not been satisfied" Thranduil responded coolly. Leanna shuddered under breath, her face red as she realised this ellon had not only seen her naked but was also naked as well. She turned around and look down at his hard chest, wet and reddish under the heat of the steam.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know you would be here..." Leanna whispered, she folded her arms over her breasts that were peaking above the water and looked away. This was the worst possible situation to be in with him and it was all because of Gwuineths sinister sense of humour.

"Of course, one would think I of all people did not need a bath" Thranduil said turning away from her as he moved towards the center of the pool.

"Well given that I have not seen you for over a week, it did not occur to me that your throne had been transferred to a bath. I'll keep that in mind the next time I wish to remain out of your sights" Leanna bit back in annoyance.

She was tired of him, his games and aloof words but most of all, she was tired of the heavy feeling she felt in her chest, the one that felt like it would burst in sweetness and then suddenly change to dulling ache refusing to heal. She did not understand how Bard thought this insufferable elf would be a safe place for her when he had done nothing but drag both her feet and heart from one corner of Middle earth to another.

Her necklace clinked as she stood in the pool and made to leave when she felt a arm wrap around her waist and drag her to the deep end of the pool. Shrieking at the sudden contact, she gasped when Thranduil turned them around with his back facing the entrance.

"Aran nin, a report from Dale has arrived" A male voice said at the entrance of the bath chambers.

"Very well, leave it in my chambers"

"As you wish sire" the voice said before the silence continued. Leanna remained still, her breathing tensed as she felt the rush of blood through her body. She sighed when she noted Thranduil's body had relaxed. His arm still wrapped around her waist.

"Thank you, you can let me go now..." She said when she was certain the voice had left.

"And If I refuse?" Thranduil responded lowly.

"Then I'll scream" at her threat, he smirked with a dangerous glint in his eyes.

"Go ahead" He dared, knowing she would be mortified at the thought of being found in such a compromising situation. He drew closer to her, his face inches away from hers.

"Why are you doing this? First you treat me like a inconvenience then you discard me as though I'm unsightly and now you mock me, what do you want from me?" She whispered in desperation, afraid of what would happen should she raise her voice. Thranduil frowned at the words she spoke and answered.

"I do not find you unsightly, I stay away because I must, for both our sakes" Thranduil said as his voice grew deeper.

"Why? What did I do that required you to decide this?" Leanna looked away, her hands still covering her chest as Thranduil loomed over her.

"This is the condition I have been forced to endure because of you" Thranduil said huskily and drew her waist closer to his loins. Leanna gasped out loud at the sudden contact and placed her hands on his chest to steady herself. She stood stock still at the hardness that stretched over her body, poking into her stomach. Her face flushed a deep red, spreading down to her breasts as they squished against his chest.

She immediately looked at his face and swallowed at the look she saw. The elf holding her captive had pinned her with a smoldering gaze and she wondered what had happened to the cool and collected arrogant Elf King. This was not the same as that night in the forest, no this was something else entirely.

His blood grew hot the minute she walked in, and Thranduil knew he would lose control eventually if they both remained in the pool for too long but he did not wish to leave, neither did he want her to go. She took off her robes and he felt his body grow hotter and harder.

"I thought perhaps if with time I ignored it, it would pass but nothing has changed, instead all I have been able think of, is making you squirm beneath me" Thranduil husky voice dripped with heavy tones of desire. Leanna felt her heart beat quicken at his words. She licked her lips which had gone dry all of a sudden.

"I..I-I haven't been able to stop thinking about you either" Leanna had barely managed to finish the words when Thranduil took her lips into a heated kiss.

Without hesitation, he grabbed her butt cheeks squeezing as he ravaged her lips. He pressed his body unto hers, trailing kisses from her neck until he reached the perk nipples of breasts. He took one breast into his mouth, not giving Leanna time to recover from the jolt of pleasure shooting to her toes. Oh this was nothing like the kiss they'd had before.

He grabbed one thigh, lifting it around his waist as he took her lips again. She felt her loins twist intensely when something hard slid against the heat of legs and Leanna was suddenly knocked back to her senses.

Sensing her hesitance, Thranduil broke the kiss and placed his forehead gentle against hers. They took deep breaths, the rush of pleasure ebbing away as the reality of what was about to happen sunk in. Thranduil waded away from her in silence. He got out of the pool and wore his robe, only stopping when he heard a hiss behind him.

He turned around and watched her limp as she wore her robes over her naked body, shielding her away from his piercing eyes. He moved to her and watched her face flush again, tempted to take her lips again he grabbed her waist but was stopped by her.

"What are you doing?" Leanna breathed out as she shifted away from him but Thranduil lifted her from under her legs and carried her out of the bath chambers.

"Gwuineth will have my head if I let you walk on an injured foot" Thranduil murmured as he held her. He entered one of his passage ways and emerged into the room Leanna had been kept in. She had not noticed it before but the chamber was on the higher levels and Leanna wondered what happened to her older room.

"You should rest" Thranduil said as he laid her gently on the bed. Not giving her any time to speak further, he kissed her lips and contemplated if he should stay longer after her face blushed a bright red. He turned to leave, only looking back at her once.

It was all a daze, all of it. Leanna did not expect her night would end like this. Her chest grew warm, spreading to her body and she looked down at her pendant. It was glowing brightly, she held it in her hands and a small smile lifted at the corner of her lips.

She laid back on the bed and sighed loudly, what would happen from here on out? She knew that from this night on, things would no longer be the same.