Author's Note:
Thanks to the reviewers Certh, horseyyay, Raide-K, The Enchanted Stream, Talking Teapot, Just A Reviewer, Knights-of-Ni, Lilyssy, Mirkwood Warrior, Traveller of Many Worlds, Sky, Someone, ATP, Pip the Dark Lord of All, Jesus' girl 4ever, Silver Ink Pen, SmileyXs Ice-cream Sprinkles and numerous guest reviewers for their kind words.
Special thanks goes to:
-Raider-K for her beta-ing.
-Lauderdale and Certh for their characterisation.
-WoodElfJedi and Knights-of-Ni for their expertise in Star Wars.
Chapter 5
It was just before noon when Thranduil called on her.
She was reclining on the couch at the time, conversing with Haldir who gladly told her about his daughter when she asked. When her temporary aide appeared, Haldir excused himself and went to greet Thranduil. Galadriel remained on the couch, her fingers lazily tracing the embroidery on the corners of her cushion. She heard the door surge open, and then muffled greetings and laughter, followed by loud thumps like they were heartily slapping each other on the back. Galadriel rolled her eyes. Ellyn were so typical.
When the voices edged closer, Galadriel swung her long legs over the edge of the couch and rose to her full height. She turned and waited for the open door. Thranduil appeared first, with his customary green Jedi robes. Haldir trailed behind, dressed in his usual grey formal attire.
"Leave us," Galadriel commanded Haldir first. The Elf stopped midstride, nodded and smoothly turned on his heel. Her aide hurried after him and in a few seconds, Galadriel and Thranduil were alone.
Thranduil walked up to her, his arms opened wide to embrace her. Galadriel smiled at him. Then her smile froze, and she situated her hand right at Thranduil's face, palm outward. Thranduil stopped quickly before his face smacked right into Galadriel's hand.
"What is that?" Galadriel gestured with her free hand at Thranduil's numerous braids starting from his hairline and continued back into a ponytail. The way the braids swung reminded her about numerous head protrusions of various humanoids.
Thranduil still stood there, with his arms comically spread wide. He raised his dark brows at her.
"I would like a hug," Thranduil remarked mildly. Galadriel placed her hands over her hips and gave Thranduil a withering look.
"Unravel your hair at once," Galadriel ordered. Thranduil stared at her, baffled, before recovering. He chortled, shook his head and tried to embrace her. But Galadriel was not dissuaded. "Unravel you hair immediately, otherwise I will speak to your father about your bold, wild acts." Galadriel added innocently, "And I might exaggerate some parts."
It took Thranduil a minute to comprehend her threat. He scowled and folded his arms and gave her his own withering look, but Galadriel smiled sweetly. She meant her threat, and Thranduil knew it. Oropher, while indulgent to his son's antics, was a strict father and very disciplined. Thranduil may be an adult, but one word from his father could set Thranduil straight. No other possessed that kind of control over Thranduil. She quickly commanded him to sit, gesturing at the long dining table set beside a row of windows with a balcony in the middle. Thranduil complied after passing her a long-suffering look. Galadriel retrieved a hairbrush from her room and when she returned, she found Thranduil lounging on a chair, his long muscled legs propped up by his feet on the table. A full glass glittered in the sunlight in his right hand.
"I see you wasted no time in making yourself comfortable." Galadriel observed in dry tones. Thranduil looked at her innocently.
"It'd be a shame for such a fine collection to go untested." Galadriel laughed at Thranduil's words. She went behind Thranduil's seat and hit his shoulder with her brush.
"Sit up, ninny."
Her fingers quickly found Thranduil's braids and began to unravel his hair from their restraints. Thranduil's head fell back, resting on the edge of the back of his seat. Galadriel glanced at his face. His eyes were closed. Thranduil's features were relaxed and calm. Galadriel pulled the hairbrush through Thranduil's hair, making sure it didn't tangle. Soon, the braids were free and the brush ran smoothly through his locks. A soothing silence fell over them. Galadriel spoke softly, feeling afraid that anything louder would break the peace.
"Promise me you won't wear this hairstyle again."
Thranduil's lips curled upwards.
"I thought it looked good."
"It made you look harsh and stern," Galadriel said. She set her brush aside and with expert fingers, quickly placed braids on either side of Thranduil's head above the ears and tied the braids behind the back of his head before following it along the length of his hair. "There. You look better now."
Thranduil shifted in his seat until he sat with his back pressed against the back of his seat and ran his fingers over his braids. Feeling them secure, Thranduil looked at Galadriel, impressed.
"Your handiwork is excellent." Thranduil praised her. Galadriel only inclined her head and sat down on a neighbouring chair. Thranduil's smile faded. "How are things in the Senate?"
At the mention of her duties, Galadriel sighed. Thranduil looked at her questionably, and Galadriel narrated everything that happened in the Senate, along with the plans she made with Organa. At the end of it, Thranduil's brow was furrowed in thought. Sunlight played across his face, turning his hair into fiery gold.
"I don't know much of politics," Thranduil said at last. His eyes shifted to meet hers. "But if you think it best, then I trust your judgement." Galadriel couldn't believe her ears.
"You were a prince before a Jedi," Galadriel protested. Thranduil gave a hearty laugh.
"Yes, and with a heart to live in the wild and run with the soldiers rather than sit through meetings and listen to negotiations and petitions." Thranduil continued to chuckle. Galadriel laughed with him. It was true. Thranduil downed half his glass.
"You were always a handful for Oropher."
"Hm, father would insist I still am." Thranduil jerked his chin towards the main door. "How do you find the Jedi Sentinels?"
"Surprisingly, I found the setting perfect," Galadriel answered. She added another compliment, "They are very attentive and cautious. Tell me, how is my investigation going?"
Thranduil shook his head. "I don't know. I have to meet the Shadow within the hour."
"Hm," Galadriel hummed, not really listening. Thranduil cast her sharp look.
"What is it?"
"It's probably nothing," Galadriel said uncertainly but Thranduil shook his head and crossed his arms.
"I know you well enough, Galadriel. What is it?"
Galadriel did not answer immediately. Instead, she gathered her thoughts, and shelved them according to priority. She picked that one recurring thought that nibbled her mind and traced the flowering pattern spanning across the table with her right index finger. At last her thought formed a voice.
"I feel as if I may have come out too strong-headed in our previous conference," Galadriel said, keeping her eyes on the brown coloured pattern. "Chancellor Palpatine wasn't pleased. He seems like a dangerous man to displease."
"Chancellor Palpatine is a good man, or so Obi-Wan told me," Thranduil said. Galadriel looked up and found Thranduil's serious face watching her.
"You haven't met him personally," Galadriel said. "You didn't see what I saw when I refused meeting security committee."
"I am sure you worrying about nothing." Thranduil soothed her, but Galadriel was not appeased.
"In any case, I suppose I will find out soon enough in the conference today."
"You look well-dressed for it. I don't think he will annoy you very much," Thranduil said, obviously trying to make her smile again.
It worked. Galadriel smiled and looked down at her attire. She was dressed in shimmering, flowing white material with long wide sleeves and a pink sash tied about her waist. The neckline was wide, leaving her shoulders bare. Her silver-golden hair flowed freely with restraints across her back. This dress trapped her youthful beauty and femininity, as opposed to her previous dresses that made her look dark and powerful.
Thranduil reached over and trapped the hand that moved over the table surface with his own. His touch was a comforting one.
"I am sure you will be fine," Thranduil said, freeing it and patting the back of her hand before sitting back. He checked the time and sighed reluctantly.
"I must go." Thranduil announced. He rose from his seat. "I can't be late."
Galadriel smiled and stood up as well. Galadriel was taller than most men, and even among her kind, she competed with the heights of males. Thranduil and Galadriel were precisely eye-level.
"You can go then, but you should visit me when Celeborn is there as well. Maybe I could persuade you to visit us back in Arda," Galadriel said. She leaned forward and teasingly cooed, "You hardly visit us anymore." She reached forward and squeezed Thranduil's cheek between her thumb and two fingers. Thranduil gave an irritated sound and pulled away, clasping the offending hand by the wrist.
"I hate you when you are like that," Thranduil told her. Galadriel gave a simpering giggle, knowing precisely how much Thranduil despised air-headed girls. She tried to squeeze Thranduil's other cheek with other hand, but Thranduil grabbed that one too.
"Stop it," Thranduil commanded. Trapped, Galadriel laughed.
"Oh, come on," Galadriel crooned. "Don't be such a bore."
"Behave, you are a mother now. Act like it." Thranduil ordered her, his smile betraying him. "I will visit you. But I can't make any promises."
"Good. You owe me a drinking game, Thranduil."
"You will lose."
"I will win this time."
"I don't think Amroth will like having another vase thrown at him."
"I will win."
"No, you won't."
"You are getting late, Thranduil."
"Don't change the subject. And I will still win." Thranduil said, grinning.
"We shall see." Galadriel said. She knew she was obstinate. Then again, she always tried to win competitions… or at least, tried to reach the mark as best as she could. Before Thranduil formed a droll comment, she waved her hands at him airily. "Now go! I won't have it said the Senator from Arda kept a Jedi from his duties!"
When Thranduil finally left, Galadriel's lingering smile dwindled and she folded her arms and faced the windows, her thoughts worrying her about the coming meeting.
He arrived in time, but found Yoda and Mace waiting for him at one of the doors leading into the temple. Yoda stood upright, with his form bent over his crooked wooden cane. Mace leaned against one of the dual doors. He only pushed himself straight when he spotted Thranduil.
As Thranduil neared, he saw Mace open his mouth to speak.
"I am on time," Thranduil interrupted before Mace formed words. And then he added quickly, "And it isn't the first."
"I guess improvements can be made," Mace answered. Then the dark-skinned man flashed his white teeth at Thranduil, who only narrowed his eyes in return. Yoda, on the other hand, wasn't interested in entertaining their squabbles for the day.
"Hurry we must," Yoda said. He was already tapping away, the hem of his outer robe trailing on the floor behind him, "Must not keep the Shadow waiting." Thranduil and Mace looked at each other briefly before hurrying after the Grandmaster.
This time at noon was as busy as the temple got. Everywhere he looked, the Jedi milled about. Some lingered in the halls with vaulted ceilings and rich red carpet to speak to old friends. They passed many Jedi of varying ranks, ages and species through the corridors. All of them moved with flowing grace and serenity, immersed in their own tasks.
Yoda walked with a speed that did not match with his advanced age. He looked up just in time to find Glorfindel approach him from the opposite direction, a long train of young Initiates padding after him. Glorfindel's eyes met Thranduil's, and the broad-shouldered Elf passed him a smile. Thranduil returned it. Once Glorfindel passed, Thranduil remembered his secret. His smile faded as the knowledge of Glorfindel's marriage rested on his shoulders like a heavy load. Suddenly, the presence of Yoda and Mace seemed more imposing.
For a moment, Mace's pace faltered until he was shoulder to shoulder to Thranduil. Mace's hazel eyes met that of Thranduil's grey ones.
"Are you alright?" Mace asked, concerned. Thranduil realised his Force was not as stable as it usually was. It trembled slightly, like ripples of unease on a pond. Thranduil schooled his emotions and brought the Force within him carefully under control.
"I am fine," Thranduil said coolly. Mace recoiled briefly, and he felt a pang of guilt. It wasn't his fault. After all, Mace was being genuine. But the damage was done. Mace dipped his head in acceptance, and the pair followed Yoda in terse silence.
Yoda stopped in front of a door and offered for Thranduil to enter the room first. The door whizzed open, and he entered the room. It was smaller than most, with a small round table in the middle surrounded by comfortable chairs. There was sparse furniture otherwise. Then he realised he wasn't alone.
An Elf stood in blue coloured robes. Her hands were clasped behind her with a double ended lightsaber strapped across her back. She turned around completely. Mace strode past Thranduil and introduced the Elf to Thranduil.
"Thranduil, this is Jedi Shadow Celil Elhaeliel. She was called to advise us on this situation."
Thranduil did a quick appraisal of her. Celil was shorter than him, her head barely reaching his shoulder. She lacked an outer robe; her robes were in dark shades of blue with knee-length black boots. Shadows weren't known to wear conventional colours. She was slim, built more for speed rather than brute strength. Her black hair was pulled in a bun at the nape of her neck. Her cheekbones weren't defined and her chin was round. Then his eyes finally met hers, and he nearly jerked back in shock.
She was blind.
In place of coloured irises, her eyes were completely white orbs, with cloudy circles in place of pupils and irises. He stared at them, horrified and fascinated. No Elf was born with such a defect. In fact, Elves were among the few who suffered no such ailments from birth. So her blindness was inflicted upon her.
Thranduil forced himself to find his voice and speak before the silence stretched out uncomfortably.
"Master Celil, it is a pleasure to meet you."
"Master Celil, this is Jedi Guardian Thranduil Oropherion," Mace introduced Thranduil.
He felt Celil's scrutinize him the same way he did with her. Odd, since she could not see. He wondered how good she was in assessing him. Instinct told him her deductions would probably be accurate.
"I have heard of you," Celil said. Her voice was confident and feminine. Thranduil waited to hear more, but Celil did not elaborate. Her face gave nothing away, so he didn't know what she heard was good or bad. In fact, she seemed neutral.
"Can you tell us any progression in the investigation?" Thranduil heard Mace say. Celil nodded- an action that seemed alien when her eyes did not close or even move with the motion. She gestured at the golden-coloured box resting over the table that Thranduil did not notice before. It was shaped in a box, and seemed fortified to contain something dangerous. She lifted the lid. Yoda and Mace stood close to look in. Thranduil craned his neck behind them.
Nestled in the folds of blue velvet for safety was a gem made of pure transparent crystal. Celil's fingers nimbly raised the gem to their eye level. Thranduil's briefly wondered how she functioned without the use of her eyes.
"The gem is purely made, and one of the finest we have tested. As for the dark side within the crystal, it is crude. The dark artefact is poorly made."
"Its function, Master Celil?" Yoda questioned.
"It seems to have no purpose, Master Yoda," Celil said.
"May I?" Thranduil asked. Celil smoothly turned around and surrendered the gem into Thranduil's hands. Strange; for someone blind, she moved as if she saw everything.
He turned his attention to the gem in his hand. It was long as his hand, tapered at both end and bulk in the middle. It was cut in numerous angles to catch the light. Thranduil held it up in the light, and looking through, he saw the room clearly, if a bit distorted.
He was about to bring the gem closer to his face, but before he did, a long-fingered pale hand gripped his wrist out of nowhere. It was surprisingly strong and steady for something that seemed so fragile; he followed the hand to the arm until his eyes finally reached Celil's face.
"Be careful," she warned. Her sightless eyes easily met his. "Even a dark artefact unrefined as this can be unpredictable." Thranduil wondered if that was how she lost her sight. He nodded, and then felt foolish for his movement. Celil did not seem to notice. Feeling his silent acceptance, Celil stepped back.
"What are you thinking, Thranduil?" Mace asked.
"Whoever made this has access to some precious gems. This one is clearly synthesized. No natural gem is this pure. And the cuts are fine, made by an expert smith."
Mace raised a brow at Thranduil's statement.
"You seem to know a lot about gems," Mace noted. Thranduil gave him a small smile.
"I am partial to gems, particularly to white or clear ones," Thranduil explained. He waited for a witty remark, but curiously, Mace only nodded.
"A hologram was constructed through numerous security cameras to show the events prior to the blast," Celil said. Her hand dipped into the pouch hanging from her belt and she placed the hologram on the table and switched it on. A blue hologram flickered into view, casting blue light over their faces. Thranduil watched as the blue image of Galadriel's cruiser descended on the landing platform. Galadriel and Haldir were first to descend, her aide and guards following her in rows of two.
Thranduil's eyes fluttered up above the air. A slim, long carrier was flying straight at the cruiser. Thranduil recognized them as the carriers used to transport fuel. It hurtled straight at the cruiser, causing a large explosion. Thranduil's throat tightened as he watched Galadriel and Haldir fall back from the impact.
"The carrier was full of explosives," Celil said when the hologram flickered close. "The driver of the carrier did not survive."
"And who was the driver?" Mace queried.
Celil shifted the hologram and an image of rodian flickered into view. Thranduil narrowed his eyes. Rodians were species with coloured skins, antenna in the shape of saucers, and dark wide eyes that seemed as if the starlit galaxies were trapped within them. They were known to make remarkable thugs and outlaws, most of them partial to violence. Thranduil was so deep in thought that he missed the outlaw's name.
"… He is nothing special. His records show petty thefts and occasional armed assaults in bars and clubs. There is no evidence he was coerced into this. He may have accepted willingly for money. In any case, his type are dime a dozen." Celil fell silent again and Thranduil noted how she spoke only when it was necessary. Her tone was measured and cautious.
"Why would anyone leave a dark artefact when there was no purpose to it?" Thranduil wondered. He looked down at the gem he was holding it in his hands. He faced such an item only once since Knighthood. It was not strong but it was enough to lull him with the rewards of the dark side, even if what it offered didn't appeal him. But this one had no such effect. The Force within the crystal was noticeable but very weak.
"I assume it was left there as a token," Celil said.
Dread pulled in the pit of Thranduil's stomach like molten lead. A warning. A proof. He found it difficult to bear the thought of Galadriel in danger: Galadriel, so full of life, and incredibly dear to him. Thranduil never had any siblings. He was an only child. When Celeborn wedded Galadriel, he warmed to the new bride immediately and her to him. He found a friend in her, someone who shared his sense of humour. Thranduil's teeth clenched. Whoever was behind this would pay dearly.
"And what other leads do we have?" Thranduil asked.
"He was last seen at a club before disappearing and using the carrier later. We can start with the club. It is in the slums," Celil said.
"Then go to the depths of Coruscant, you must. Go with you Master Thranduil shall." Yoda said. Thranduil's annoyed look at the use of titles with his name was lost on Yoda. That was one thing Yoda did not entertain of Thranduil. Then his mind went on the new mission he was newly given.
Some called the depths of Coruscant the slums. Thranduil fondly remembered them as the breeding pits for drug lords, drug addicts, lowlifes and good-for-nothing beings. At time he never understood why the Republic did nothing to remove the lawless from Coruscant. It was a haven for any assassins and their means to kill important persons. Then again, the lawless were often very clever in hiding their tracks and keeping their mischiefs at a low and tolerable profile. If they displeased the Senate too much, Thranduil did not doubt the Republican forces would descend upon the low levels and commit massive purging.
"As you wish," Celil said.
"As you wish," Thranduil echoed in a murmur. He glanced at Celil. At least he won't be alone.
He offered the gem to Celil and opened his mouth. But before he spoke, Celil raised her hand but didn't take the gem. It pulled away Thranduil's hand and hovered in the air, its cuts catching the light in many angles. It finally fell in Celil's palm. He watched the Shadow return it to its safe bed and closed the lid of the reinforced box. It needed no such precautions but the Shadows were always cautious.
As for Thranduil, he felt the person behind the assassination attempt was more dangerous than the crystal resting in its containment.
The air within the Convocation Chamber was cool against the exposed skin. Her lips parted and she could imagine invisible gust of wind from her mouth but her mind did not function otherwise. Haldir's presence inched closer to her, a pillar she could rely on. But at the moment, Galadriel was annoyed, frustrated, and angry for being treated as a wilting lady incapable of making her own choices.
The Chancellor looked at her expectantly. Galadriel met his eyes. Strange; so many considered the Chancellor an amiable friend and strong ally, but he only reminded her of a wolf in a sheep's cloth. His eyes were cold, searching for an easy prey- and he found one in Galadriel. It gnawed at Galadriel's resolution; it made her frustrated.
"I hope Senator Galadriel accepts this offer." Chancellor Palpatine spoke. The assertive tone in his voice was not lost on Galadriel. He wanted her to accept it, forced her to accept it. It was his way to re-establish control as a Chancellor. Her pod hovered about the Chancellor, her eyes once meeting that of Senator Organa's over the Chancellor's shoulder. Organa was completely still, his face giving nothing away. He gave no indication to help her decide, but then, there was no decision for her to make. She clenched her teeth and tightened her fists hidden beneath her long sleeves. Then she relaxed her jaw and resumed her pleasant expression a split second letter. Not for the first time during the meeting, she cursed the way her wardrobe and loose hair enveloped her with this beautiful, illustrious image.
"I cannot deny the kindness the Chancellor and the Senate bestowed on me," Galadriel said calmly. She tilted her head and relaxed her fists. Her palms hurt from her fingernails digging into the skin. "I will accept your offer of Jedi Protection… of Jedi Guardian Thranduil Oropherion."
Those who didn't know about politics would say that Chancellor favoured her. Thranduil Oropherion was a good choice. He was a Jedi, linked to royalty, her kin, a member of her race, guardian of her system among many others. But she knew he was more or less thrust on her.
Thranduil would hate this more than she did. For as long as she knew him, Thranduil never liked being joined or tied down. He preferred a free life. What was more, playing guard duty would make it difficult for him to serve Arda system and work on her investigation.
No, Thranduil would not like this at all.
Author's Note:
Sorry for the delay in the usual Thursday updates. RL commitments came in the way. :)
Enjoying so far?
Replies to Anon:
Thanks to the welcoming reviews left by unnamed guests. :) You guys made me really happy (squealing happy, in fact!).
Sky: Yes, they do. Sad, isn't it? I mean, come on! They need breaks too!
Someone: Why thank you! My first time writing an AU, so I was nervous! :D
Talking Teapot: It's been resolved. :) But thank you so much for caring. It's this sort of reviews that help push us back to writing. The user apologised later on.
Just A Reviewer: Oooooh, how did it go? Did you enjoy it? Either I am a modern sort of a kid, but I never really liked the last three episodes. :P I hope they refresh them sometime. The style of the movies jump drastically from the first three to the last three. Episode III broke my heart into pieces. tsk tsk! So impatient! Everything will be revealed in time. :D Oh! You know, the writing seemed so you, but since the review was unsigned, I didn't want to risk offending anybody. :P Thanks. Good to know. :D
