Alasse had been moved to her own hospital bed in one of the healing wings, but she needed someone with her at all times in case she needed help. Kili, though still weak, had joined Fili in the guest room he'd been given. Most of the dwarves slept in there with them, save Balin, Dwalin, and Thorin.


Alasse was sobbing in her sleep. Legolas was sprawled out across the foot of the bed, but he sat up and crawled over to her. "Alasse? Wake up, darling." He said sadly, lightly shaking her shoulder. "Hey, wake up." Alasse opened her eyes.

"Legolas?" She whimpered.

"Yes. It was just a bad dream." Legolas kissed her head, and tried to brush away her tears.

"Where's Ada?"

"He's in bed."

"Please take me to him! I want Ada!"

"Alasse, it's the middle of..."

"Please!" Alasse begged. Legolas nodded and carefully scooped her up in his arms. She was shaking and clinging to his nightshirt. Fluffy followed them out of their section of the healing ward. They ran into Erestor on the way out.

"Is she alright, Legolas?" He asked.

"I think so. Just a nightmare." Legolas nodded. He carried her to Thranduil's cubicle. Thranduil was already awake, having heard his baby's cries, and painfully sitting up, trying to get out of the bed. "Sorry to wake you, Ada-"

"It's alright, Legolas." Thranduil told him.

"Ada?" Alasse looked at him tearfully. "Ada!" She anxiously reached out for him. Legolas handed her over to Thranduil who carefully set her in his lap, being extra careful of her injuries.

"What's wrong, my princess?" He asked in a deep voice. Alasse didn't answer, she just clung to him and cried. "Are you in pain, my love?"

"She had a bad dream." Legolas said.

"Ahh. I see." Thranduil sighed. "Shh. Now don't cry anymore, sweetling. Ada is right here. It's alright." He crooned to her and gently rocked her back and forth. She soon drifted back off. "I'll keep her with me, thank you, Legolas. Get some sleep, son." Thranduil said. He cautiously settled Alasse comfortably in his big bed then snuggled beside her, with Fluffy laying at the foot of the bed. Thranduil draped his long arm across her small body. Thranduil kissed her little nose then went to sleep.


Legolas couldn't go back to sleep. He'd found his family underground, in the dark, beaten, starved, tauntedfor how many days? And his sister was paying for it. This never should've happened! He had half a mind to march right down to the dungeons now and put a little fear of Eru into those maggots!


Alasse wasn't the only one having nightmares that night. Fili was tossing and turning in the bed he shared with Kili. Fili was sweating and panting with fright. Kili glanced over at him and turned on his side, poking Fili's shoulder. "Fili? You alright, brother?" He asked sleepily. Fili's eyes flew open and he looked around the room in confusion. "I'm here, Fili. We're okay." Kili told him. Fili looked at his brother and he instantly relaxed, trying to catch his breath.

"Sorry, little brother. I thought-oh, never mind." Fili puffed, wiping his sweaty forehead.

"I'm still here, Fi. And we're out of that horrid rat's hole."

"Go back to sleep, little brother." Fili grinned and turned back on his side. Kili grabbed his pillow and hit Fili on the head. "Alright, that's enough. Goodnight." Fili chuckled, then they both went back to sleep.


Before dawn, Legolas snuck down to the dungeons. He had almost never been down to Lord Elrond's jail save once as he hardly ever used it. Legolas peered in through the torch and lantern light at the fugitives crammed in the cells. He scowled at them, feeling some evil satisfaction that they looked less than pleased with their accommodations. Plates of food with cups of water had been emptied. Legolas's veins burned. How dare they be well fed when they starved his father, his sister, and the dwarf princes!

Afraid he would burst into the cells and strangle them, he moved along till he found Bryceson's cell. He'd been kept away from the others. He was more timid than the rest, and Legolas hoped that he would be cooperative, that he could convince Bryceson to break down and confess everything. Legolas just wanted to be done with it all! If the younger elf tried to manipulate, a little reminder of the wolf that attacked him should do the trick!

Legolas peered inside closely. Bryceson was awake. "Bryceson?" Legolas spoke evenly. Bryceson flinched as he recognized the voice.

"Prince Legolas." He said quietly.

"I would prefer you to face me when I am speaking to you!" Legolas snarled. Bryceson slowly looked up at him and he shuddered at the dark anger he saw in the prince's fair eyes. "That's better." Legolas muttered. "What do you have to say for yourself?"

"Why aren't you interrogating Devlin and Malcolm? It was their brilliant idea."

"I am asking you." Legolas hissed. Bryceson chewed on his lip. "You were party to it. That makes you equally guilty. Now, what is your motive for all this villainy?"

"It's not easy being banished." Bryceson began.

"No, I would imagine not. But it is there for a reason." Legolas said firmly.

"Ai. Devlin and Malcolm were going to give us a new life. A real life."

"You could've entered another Elven realm." Legolas said.

"Well, I wasn't born when Devlin was banished. So, I grew up with Devlin. I didn't really know that many other people." Bryceson said. "I know we could've left the borders of the forest and ventured somewhere else. But Devlin insisted we stay. He wanted his revenge. He's been planning and waiting for this for a long time."

"And what did you think of his torturing my father, and my...my little sister?! She is innocent, a child! She is only a child! She didn't deserve that! And starving the dwarves when one of them was deathly sick?"

"Your family hates dwarves."

"That is my business, whether I am able to have a change of heart or not. Answer the question, you coward." Legolas growled.

"No, I was not in agreement with the torture. I especially was not in favor of selling your sister off as a slave! No child deserves that!"

"Why didn't you say something?"

"I was as you said, a coward. You don't know Devlin's temper, and...and Rajiv. He...he is a cruel elf. He grew up being picked on because he wasn't as slim and fair as the rest of us, but was much more muscular, like a human man. Now he enjoys inflicting pain on others. He didn't take much convincing."

Legolas remained quiet. This elf had been possibly threatened to help, but that still didn't excuse what he did. And him leading them into a trap when he knew what lay before them, what his family was enduring and Legolas might not have been able to save them if he'd been captured too...Legolas didn't want to forgive them, any of them! But, Bryceson had been the most compliant so far. Of course, he could be doing that so they'd go easy on him then he could cause more trouble. He may also be forlorn because their plan didn't work.

"You will face Thorin Oakenshield, in recompense for his nephews' suffering. And Lord Elrond for what you did to Captain Glorfindel. You may very well not be the one who threw that blade into Glorfindel's gut, but you still assisted those who did! And, you will face my father!" Legolas declared coldly. He smirked when he saw Bryceson pale a few degrees. "If you have spoken the truth, then you just might possibly find a shred of mercy. But, it is not up to me. And whatever they decided of your fate, I am sure it will be exactly what you have earned! But we shall see just how much of a conscience you truly have when my father interrogates you!" With that, Legolas whipped around and started to march out of the dungeons.

"Uhm...Prince Legolas?" Bryceson spoke up anxiously.

"What?" Legolas grumbled, halting.

"How is your sister, the princess?" Bryceson asked timidly. Legolas clenched his fists. Even if this guy was sincere, what he'd allowed himself to be part of was still wrong. He deserved to cower for a while!

"What's it to you?" Legolas replied curtly. "And another thing! You all will not receive your 'trial', until my father is well enough to do so, however long that may be." And with that, Legolas strode off. He was pretty sure he'd seen Bryceson trembling before he'd turned his back to him in the cell. Legolas smiled, feeling satisfied for now that he'd at least shaken up one of the hoodlums.


Estel was frantic when he'd visited the healing ward and not found Alasse there in her own bed. He raced to find Elrond. "Ada! Ada! Alasse is gone!" He exclaimed.

"Gone? How could she be gone?" Elrond asked. Alasse was nowhere near recovered enough to even walk around!

"She's not there, I tell you!"

"Calm yourself, Estel. She is probably with Legolas..."

"Oh, right."

"Why don't you go and see what the dwarves would like for breakfast?" Elrond suggested. Estel nodded eagerly and raced off to do his errand. Elrond made his way to Thranduil's bed, and there he found Alasse with her father.

"I know she should be in her own bed, but..." Thranduil sighed.

"No, no. It is perfectly alright." Elrond smiled warmly. "How is she? How are the both of you?"

"We're together. I don't need anything else." Thranduil murmured. Elrond wholeheartedly agreed.


For the next two days, life at the Homely House was bustling. The dwarves mostly kept to themselves, except for Fili, Balin, Nori, Ori, and Dori who wanted to get a good look around the beautiful city. Gandalf was checking in on everyone while giving Bilbo a real tour of the place. Bilbo was absolutely delighted. Oin was discussing treatments and medicine with the twins, especially for their upcoming quest, though he kept the true nature of that venture a secret. Kili was quickly back to his normal self, and anxious to get out of bed.

Legolas was discussing the upcoming interrogation. They still had not paid their respects to the unwanted prisoners, and they needed to do it soon. In the meantime, the council of jurors thought it only fair to let the prisoners squirm in their boots for a while, fearing what their fate would be. Bryceson had not seen Legolas since he'd visited the cell, and the inmate was going crazy wondering what was going to happen.

Alasse was also regaining her strength, but she was so clingy to Thranduil and had nightmares every time she slept, whether at bedtime or nap-time. Legolas tried to comfort her, but the only thing that would truly calm her down was to bring her to Thranduil and let her fall asleep with him. Elrond was trying some dreamless sleep remedies to help her.


"I believe you may get out of bed now, Thranduil." Elrond told his friend on the third morning.

"Thank Eru!" Thranduil bellowed, instantly straightening up. "I was beginning to lose my mind stuck in this bed!"

"What about me?" Alasse looked up at Elrond.

"Well, how are you feeling?" Elrond asked.

"I still hurt, but I am feeling better. Better than I did before." Alasse said sheepishly.

"Well then, let me have a look. Lie back for me, dear." Elrond instructed, sitting down on the bed next to her as Thranduil stood up and threw on his silk bathrobe. He turned and looked away as Elrond opened up Alasse's nightgown to examine her, as Thranduil knew she would be really embarrassed. Elrond gently ran his hands over her ribs and her middle. The bruises were still colorful, but quickly fading. Alasse yelped and braced herself at the soft touch when Elrond checked her belly. "I'm sorry, little one. Did I hurt you?" Elrond frowned with concern. She should be nearly healed there.

Alasse glared up at him, making an amusing imitation of Legolas when he was brooding. "No. You were tickling me!" She scolded the elf lord. Thranduil snorted, hearing her indignant tone of voice.

Shouldn't have said that, iel nin! He thought but didn't come to her rescue. Her father knew she was extremely ticklish!

"Oh, really?" Elrond arched his eyebrows. He smirked and lightly fluttered his fingers on her waist. She giggled and hugged herself.

"Don't! Hey, stop!" She laughed, smacking at his big hands.

"Well, you certainly seem to be on the mend." Elrond chuckled. "Are you hungry?"

"Yes! Yes, I am! Very hungry." Alasse nodded quickly.

"Alright. I am pleased to hear that." Elrond mused, checking a little more. Her stomach didn't hurt so much now with the medicine for pain she was getting. She still winced though when he prodded her ribs."Well, your are healing. The treatments are speeding up the recovery. But, I'm afraid your ribs still need some more down time, Alasse." Alasse frowned.

"But, Estel and I were going to play with Fluffy!" She protested. "And Legolas was going to take me outside, and I wanted to see Fili and Kili..."

"Now, now. Calm yourself, young one." Elrond said, chuckling. "Yes, you need to take it easy for a few more days. But, that doesn't mean you have to stay in bed the whole time. Your father and Legolas may take you for walks around here, as long as they carry you. I don't want you to try to chase Estel till those ribs heal. And as long as you rest as soon as you are finished."

"So, I can go outside, and see everyone?" Alasse perked up.

"Yes, you may. As long as you follow my orders!" He playfully shook his finger at her.

"Oh, I will!" She agreed. "Wait a minute." She furrowed her brows. "Ada, you got broken ribs too. How come you get to walk around and I have to be carried?"

"Because I got here first." Thranduil gloated. "And Elrond was able to take care of my ribs first."

"Oh." Alasse shrugged.

"Well, we'll see about getting some food in you." Elrond stood up. "Time to get you back on your feet." He squeezed her toes. Alasse laughed. "Remember what I said, Thranduil. Take it easy! That goes for you too.""

"Elrond, your lack of faith in me is most disparaging." Thranduil 'pouted'.

"Through no fault of mine." Elrond teased, leaving.

"Ada, can I see Fili and Kili? And Bofur, and Estel? Please, please, please?" Alasse begged.

Thranduil chuckled. "Listen to yourself. You don't want to get in trouble with Lord Elrond, do you?"

"But can't they come visit? Or can we visit them when we go for a walk? You will take me for a walk, won't you? Please, Ada! Can Legolas-" Alasse rambled. Thranduil leaned down and tickled her pointy ear. "Hey, stop it!" She swatted at him.

"One thing at a time, iel nin." Thranduil said. "First, I wish to have a nice, long bath. And I wish to get out of this ridiculous excuse they call a healing tunic! Makes me feel like an invalid. Yes, you may have visitors, but only if Legolas is with you. And I don't want you getting too excited. You're still recovering. Now, once I have freshened up, I promise we will go outside."

"Will you be long?" Alasse whined. Thranduil grinned but said nothing. Alasse scowled and crossed her arms.

"Why the long face?" Legolas teased as he appeared.

"Ada is going to take me outside! But he has to take a bath first." Alasse muttered.

"Well, how about I entertain you then? How about a story?"

"I guess." Alasse shrugged.

"Hey, now! That doesn't sound like you." Legolas cocked his head. He playfully pinched her nose and she giggled. "That's more like it. How about the time that Elrohir and Elladan exchanged glue in Erestor's shampoo container?"

"I've heard that one." Alasse said.

"Oh. Well-oh, yes! I almost forgot. There is somebody here to see you." Legolas grinned. Alasse looked toward the door. Estel came in with-

"Fili! Kili!" Alasse cried out in delight.

"Hey! What about me?" Estel pouted.

"Oh, you too, Estel. Kili, are you better now?"

"Mostly." Kili nodded. "At least I can get out of bed now!"

"I wish I could." Alasse huffed.

"Now, now. We don't want no long faces around. You're much too pretty to look that sour." Kili joked. "Otherwise, you will end up as grumpy and moody as Uncle!"

"So, grumpy and moody am I?" Thorin drawled behind them. Kili froze and threw on his best puppy dog look.

"Oh, Uncle! There you are! I wasn't doing anything!" Kili sputtered.

"That remains to be seen." Thorin said darkly. Bilbo gave an incredulous look.

"Are you Thorin Oakenshield?" Alasse's eyes widened.

"I am." Thorin said gruffly.

"Oh my. Legolas said you helped save us!" Alasse exclaimed.

"We all did our part." Thorin shrugged. "But you owe a lot to Master Baggins. He is the one whom you should really thank." Bilbo blushed.

"Are you Master Baggins?"

"Ai. It wasn't anything. Anyone else would've done the same. But...I am happy I could help." Bilbo smiled.

"You were the one who found her." Legolas said.

"You found her?" Estel gaped.

"You found me?" Alasse echoed him.

"Well, with a little help from your furry companion, I suppose I did." Bilbo shrugged.

"Thank you, Master Baggins! You're a hero." Alasse smiled. Legolas wasn't the only one beaming with pride and admiration at the hobbit. Thorin, Legolas, Estel, and Fili and Kili all stared at him in astonishment and pride.

"Thank you for saving my friends. Though I still wish I could've gone with you!" Estel pouted.

"You have shown us much kindness, young one." Thorin pointed out.

"Alasse, can I show Fili and Kili some of Fluffy's new tricks?" Estel begged.

"Sure!" Alasse agreed. Fluffy thumped his tail and licked Estel's face. Then he trotted toward Fili and Kili. They warily stared at him. Fluffy sternly sniffed him with as much suspicion as Thranduil! Then he licked them too, knocking them onto their backs. Estel and Alasse laughed, clapping in delight.

"Oh, now, cut it out!" Kili snorted, unable to control his laughter.

"He likes you." Alasse grinned.


True to his word, Thranduil and Legolas took Alasse for a walk outside after he'd cleaned up. Fili, Kili, and Estel joined them. Estel was excited to have more playmates. They played Tag, but Kili had to rest soon after as he was already worn out. Their silly antics made the Mirkwood family laugh. Then Fluffy joined the chase.

"Hey, do you two like to play tricks on exasperating people?" Estel asked in a conniving voice. Fili and Kili shared an evil look.

"Who do you need us to send screaming?" Kili licked his lips, ready for mischief.

"Come with me!" Estel tugged them along.

"What have I always told you? Dwarves are a load of trouble." Thranduil said smugly.

"Ada..." Alasse glowered in disapproval.

"I'm joking." Thranduil grumbled defensively. Legolas snorted.


It had been a full day of excitement for the 'kids' in Imladris. Fili, Kili, Estel, Fluffy, and Alasse were wiped out and sound asleep. Thranduil had brought Alasse to his room, and was standing on the balcony, staying nearby in case she started having another nightmare. He retreated back inside to pour himself some more wine. That is when he saw the dwarf king standing outside his door with his hands folded.

All this time, Thorin had not even spoken to the Elven king. They had not approached each other for any reason, until now. "Thorin Oakenshield." Thranduil said dryly. "What brings you to my personal guest suite at this hour?"

"We need to talk, if we are both to get justice from those bloody hooligans who created this mess." Thorin answered, just as flatly.

"Agreed." Thranduil narrowed his eyes, drinking his wine, not even laying eyes on the dwarf. That didn't bother Thorin though. He kept his eyes on the floor. "Just how do you intend to do that?"

"For me, the choice is easy." Thorin stated firmly.

"I do not deny that I share your sentiment, in that regard. Those murderers do not deserve a trial. Not after what they did to my daughter!" Thranduil scowled, clenching his glass.

"Or my sister's sons." Thorin gritted his teeth. Maybe as long as they focused on their young ones, the ones they were really doing this for, perhaps they could come to a reasonable settlement. "After all, they're criminals. Why not just skip the trial then, and give them the due of their actions?"

"Because," Thranduil huffed, "as much as I'd like to, we have laws we abide by. And my people are not so wild and uncivilized to just toss that away, contrary to what most assume."

"I have gotten to know Prince Legolas on this journey." Thorin said, feeling awkward. "He helped save Kili's life, making sure he got the treatment he needed. I am grateful for that." Thranduil cocked his head but kept up his stern, suspicious expression.

"Yes. Legolas will make a great leader to his people. They respect him, and I disdain anyone who does not." Thranduil squinted. Thorin remained as stone-faced as ever. The words escaped before Thranduil could stop them. "Legolas tells me the company acquired fakes of our most precious gems, and those foul creatures fell for it!"

"Ai."

"Just how did you come by those 'jewels'? And where in Arda's name did you find one that even nearly, perfectly resembled the real ones?"

"We had a little help." Thorin explained. "Lord Glorfindel sacrificed some of his own jewels, so some of us along with Gandalf's magic we were able to fashion them into if I may say so, very good, copies of the Arkenstone, and the..." Thorin stopped himself before mentioning the white necklace. Thranduil's countenance darkened at the thought and he looked away, turning his focus back on his wine.

"Well, they must have been quite a sight, for that son of an Orc to fall for them so easily." He said flatly.

"As our hobbit Bilbo reminded us, Devlin had never laid eyes on either of the treasures in person. The only part of the plan we were on thin ice about, was how quickly it took us to reach his lair. He knew we couldn't possibly have made it all the way to Erebor and back that fast! But he must not have considered it, because the moment he saw the treasures, he hoarded them and let down his guard, giving us the advantage over him."

Thranduil grunted, still remaining stoic. "I certainly look forward to making him feel like a mouse cornered by the predatory house cat." He curled his lips evilly.

"As do I. I didn't want my nephews to leave their home when we journeyed this way. I wanted them to stay safe. Their mother, even though she was afraid of losing them, was the one who told me that they are men now, and able to make their own decisions, no matter how much she wishes they would've changed their minds. They haven't ventured that far from her since they were children."

"They still are children."

"I told them they could not come. But, once we were a fourth of beginning our journey, they showed up. I told them to go home, but they said we'd have to drag them back. We didn't have that kind of time.

'I knew this would be dangerous on them, but I was not expecting them to be kidnapped, by elves no less." Thorin growled. Thranduil pursed his lips. "And men." Thorin added.

"I suppose you are expecting some massive reward in return for your...assistance in my-my daughter's rescue." Thranduil puffed. "What do you demand of me, Thorin Oakenshield? I truly would like to know." He loved the idea of Thorin coming to him for help on bended knee.

"Nothing. I expect nothing." Thorin said firmly. Thranduil blinked, flabbergasted.

"A dwarf expecting nothing in return. Something new for your kind?" He hissed. Thorin's grumpy countenance darkened five degrees. Thranduil personally had great respect for Thorin's nephew Fili. He was reasonable and fair, especially for one so young. But Thorin? Thorin was just as stubborn as he himself was, and wouldn't be easily intimidated or swayed. He also had seen much grief and been greatly hardened by the tribulations in the world. Thranduil would never admit it, but he had met his match with Thorin Oakenshield, so he wasn't about to be openly gracious yet!

"I would expect nothing, and I would ask nothing from you." Thorin glared at him. "Not after the way you left us to Smaug's fire."

"Do not talk to me of dragon fire!" Thranduil bellowed, leaning down right in the dwarf's face, till they were nose to nose. "I know it's wrath and ruin." Thranduil trembled and his voice quivered. Thorin gaped as the Elven king's face transformed into horrific singed, raw skin burned off his fair features. His left eye was a cloudy blue. Thorin had never seen Thranduil display any type of vulnerability, except once...when he was rescued and afraid for his daughter's life! All kingly decorum had been laid aside as he had worried about his little girl. "I...have faced...the great serpents...of the North!" Thranduil declared in a strangled voice. He drew back, panting.

Thorin could only stare up at him, dumbfounded. He'd had no idea. Thranduil was the kind of character who hid his pain so good, no one would ever believed he had suffered in his life.

"I warned your grandfather about what his greed would summon. But he would not listen." Thranduil sneered.

"He was out of his mind. He wouldn't listen to anyone." Thorin spoke up. "I had to pull him out, and get him to safety when the dragon came! Our people were fleeing for their lives. But King Thror, all he could worry about was leaving all of that bloody gold behind! We almost didn't make it out the door. I almost died trying to save him, and even after we found shelter, for days, all he would grieve for was the gold."

"I was not willing to risk the lives of my kin to something I already had suffered." Thranduil said.

"You could've at least tried to help the homeless people to safety. In case you forgot, my people weren't the only ones who were lost that day! The people of Dale also lost everything." Thorin said. "They blamed me and my kind and refused to lend a hand, even though we were in the same predicament as them."

"Thror was not reasonable. I was more than willing to leave him to his own fate."

Thorin bristled. "That's because all you..." A slight whimper from the bed interrupted them. Alasse was moaning and tossing with her eyes closed. Thorin and Thranduil both sighed heavily and hung their heads. Thranduil stepped over and shushed his baby girl, stroking her hair. He hoped she wasn't having another nightmare, especially not now! She succumbed to it and peacefully slept again. Thorin watched with a blank expression on his face. Thranduil glanced back at him. This discussion wasn't over!

"I almost lost my daughter. I thought she was dead! I never expected help to come, except my son." Thranduil said. "Why?" Thranduil asked, bewildered. "Why did you help me?"

Thorin threw him a pointed look. "I did not act on your behalf." He answered coldly. Thranduil glowered. "Not for yours alone." Thorin corrected himself. He'd wanted to see the other king's reaction to his first disregarding answer. Thranduil gazed at him suspiciously. Thorin grinned evilly, then sighed heavily, crossing his arms. "If you must know, I contributed not only because of Fili and Kili, but also because of your children."

"My children?" Thranduil straightened up.

"Your son, that pointy-eared elfling of a prince is more than capable of taking care of himself." Thorin chuckled. "Yet, when he received the bad news of your fate, he looked lost, helpless. I have seen that kind of look before, too many times, in Fili and Kili."

"Your nephews, and heirs to the throne of Erebor." Thranduil mentioned.

"Ai." Thorin nodded. "Fili only knew his father for such a little while, until he was slain in battle. His mother was carrying Kili at the time and had already lost the only home she'd ever known when we had to flee Erebor. She was alone. Young Fili was a brave little soul, as courageous as any warrior. He tried to help his mother. But I saw it, every day I saw it: the look. The fear and grief in his eyes, wondering where his father had gone even though we'd explained it to him. Wondering why fate had decided to take away his father. And Kili too when Fili or his mother have been ill or at the end of their rope. No child should have to go through that pain and forced to grow up before they are meant to."

"There is something we can both agree on." Thranduil said stiffly.

"And as for your daughter...she is but a child, and I daresay, a very lovely child. Her innocence, her loving spirit should be protected, not taken away." Thorin said thoughtfully. "Children should be free to live without the burdens of the grownup world, the burdens that war brings! I saw many children perish, during the attack of Smaug. Not only in Erebor, but in Dale as well. It was a bloody sight that will forever be etched in my memory. Little children running in terror for their lives, looking to their parents for protection, only to be swallowed up by an insidious flame!" Thorin wasn't even facing Thranduil as he spoke passionately now. His eyes took on a faraway, haunted, stricken look. His strong body trembled at the horrible memories. "And then there were others, orphaned, lost, all alone, and purely afraid, not knowing where to turn.

'No child should have to bear that kind of fear! And no child should suffer at the hands of those who were meant to protect them!'" Thorin growled. "That is why I chose to help your family, even if it was more for their sake than for yours." Thranduil remained silent. "I have seen the horrors of war and the scars it can leave behind, more times than I want to count. But the children bear it the worst! Because it should be carried for them and not be shoved on their shoulders.

'Your son and daughter were in dire need of help. Albeit, they are elves. But even children of elvish heritage do not deserve to be bereaved like that! The prince was grasping for something secure to hold to while worrying about you. We were presented the chance to give it to him. So...that's what we did. And dwarves we may be, but we would never leave an innocent child at the mercy of filthy b-s, not if we could prevent it! I wanted nothing more than to rescue those helpless little ones in the heat of battle, but I could not! This time, we could do something, and prevent the shedding of innocent blood for once.'"

Thranduil pursed his lips and began pacing with his hands behind his back. He didn't want to owe Thorin anything, but the dwarf had acted honorably for someone he didn't even like! Why would he do that with no expectation of reward, unless...there was a shred of honor in him?

"Your princess kept asking for you and fearing for you on the trek back here. Your son watched over her like a guardian angel." Thorin mentioned in a softer voice.

"Legolas said that you were the one to save her from the Orc." Thranduil said.

"I suppose I was." Thorin shrugged.

"Well, I suppose that we have carried our grudges for maybe a bit too long." Thranduil said.

"Maybe." Thorin chided.

"I do thank you, for what you have done for my children. They certainly deserve your help more than I do. I will not forget this, Thorin Oakenshield."

"I owe your son a debt of gratitude." Thorin slightly smiled.

"Perhaps we can come to some reasonable terms from all this."

"Perhaps. But we shall have to see, won't we?" Thorin grinned.

"Ai." Thranduil smiled back. Thorin took his leave, and Thranduil was left alone with his thoughts..and his daughter.


Don't worry, Bilbo shall get the recognition he deserves.