Restoration II: The Story Continues ...

by Fianna

Hugs to all who follow me, thank you so much.

Fianna

Chapter Five

Sweeney coughed faintly to gain Thranduil's attention, a question of whether he was noted or not.

Of course the King knew he was there, but often for long moments would not acknowledge him. This time, however, Thranduil turned, fingers at his chin as he contemplated some inner thought. "I was just thinking of you, how pleasant to have you appear. Do you have the ability to hear thoughts, Sweeney?"

"Of course not." Sweeney bowed, fingers to his brow and the Mirkwood King turned fully to face him.

"I meant no ill intent, Captain. What can I do for you?"

Sweeney straightened. "I met an elleth today."

"Of which I have many. Did you get her name?"

"No, which I wish to remedy."

Thranduil looked at him for a long moment, amusement crinkling the corners of his eyes. "Perhaps the lack of her name was intended."

"I know it was, but I mean to know it at any rate." Sweeney paced the small area in front of him. "Have you any duties for me? I seem only to roam and annoy people. I am sure there is more your captain must do than haunt your stone halls, my lord."

"I thought only to give you time to . . . settle." Thranduil moved to his chair, sat with a flourish of long sleeves and robe, crossed his leg over one knee. "Have you not . . . settled?"

Sweeney shrugged. "As much as possible when most avoid me. But you are fully aware of how your elves feel."

"My elves." Thranduil sighed deeply. "You are now one of "my" elves, Captain."

Sweeney allowed a dry laugh. "I am not, nor never will be one of your elves, Thranduil. But I am yours to command, my lord."

Thranduil's gaze met his, the blue depths sharp and intent. "That makes me wonder to your loyalty, Sweeney, if you are not one of my elves."

Sweeney touched his brow. "My duty is to protect you at all costs, including my life. That I have agreed to. However, I will always be an outsider, always the "half-elven" creature most of your elves dislike."

Thranduil snorted quietly. "You have such a heavy burden on your shoulders, youngling. You are what you are. There are those with such history that do not find it such a tiresome weight. Take note of them and your bloodline. Both elven and human form, both have qualities that make you who you are. Be damned to those who think ill of it."

"As you once did."

"As I once, unfortunately, did, indeed. I have learned well my error, Sweeney. I have made you my captain."

"I am sure for more reason than to bring me back among the elves."

Thranduil sat up and then rose to his feet. He stood looking out over the caverns below, fingers gripped on the stone rail in front of him. "Perhaps I did."

"What do you intend for me to do? I grow tired of doing nothing."

"Your interest in this elleth?"

"Minor only. She is the first to show her dislike. I thought perhaps she meant to push me into the river."

Thranduil turned, a brow lifted. "She meant you harm?"

"Thought about it and knew better. I admire her courage to at least approach me."

"You are very intimidating," Thranduil responded, with a laugh, yet the sound died away replaced by a very serious expression. "And I mean that truly, Sweeney. You have an air about you that few have, a sense of . . . menace."

Sweeney laughed. "I doubt that."

"I could compare it very well to how Haldir appears."

Sweeney blinked, surprised. "Few can be compared to Haldir."

Thranduil waved a hand, returning to his view of the caverns. "It is an inherant quality, one Haldir would not recogize either. Woe to the person who underestimates either of you. However, you are right. I have a plan for you. Will you ask me what it is?"

"I do as you command, as I have agreed, my lord."

"Even if it sends you into danger?"

Sweeney laughed. "We are always in danger should we note it. What would you have me do, Thranduil?"

The Mirkwood King sat back down, crossed his legs and then leaned back, his fingers splayed on the arms of his chair, a ring glinting in the light. "I would have you go to Lake Town, become a man once more and find out what they intend toward us, toward me. If they know you come from Mirkwood they very well may kill you."

Sweeney rubbed his lips, thoughts tumbling through his mind, until one focused, settled enough to encourage a wicked smile. "May I ask a question?"

"Of course, you will take whatever you need. I care not how you do it."

"If I go alone, none will know if I die."

"Your absence would eventually be noted and your end assumed," Thranduil returned dryly.

Sweeney chuckled. "True, but if I had a companion."

Thranduil's brow lifted in amusement. "But that would simply negate any attempt to appear human, Sweeney. Another elf will give you away."

"Unless I captured her, intent on selling her. It would give me immediate access to the most ill-reputed men in Lake Town."

"So then you certainly would want someone that dislikes you intensely, a feeling that cannot be dismissed easily. She can come to no harm, Sweeney."

"Do you doubt the ability of your wardens?"

"No, not really, but I put her life in your hands."

"As you have yours, my lord."

Thranduil grinned and nodded in agreement. "All right, you may have her. You will have to decide on just how to find her and make her go with you."

Sweeney turned away and then stopped, looking back at Thranduil. "You will be the only one who knows you have sent me on this mission. The less anyone else knows, the better my disguise. If anyone talks to any from Mirkwood, I want them to believe my story."

"Which is?" Thranduil leaned forward curiously.

"That I left your employ after some altercation with you, taking an elleth with me as hostage."

Thranduil's lips twitched. "To gain what?"

"Whatever I can," Sweeney replied. He touched his brow. "With your approval of course."

Thranduil's laughter echoed off the stone cavern walls as Sweeney left the King.

OoO

Eria dumped the pack onto the ground, eyeing the slim boat waiting for her with some trepidation. She had never liked the river, did not spend much time there other that to wade occasionally with friends. A hand on her elbow made her flinch, eyes wide when she saw it was Haldir.

"I know another who dislikes the water as you do. She did well, as will you." Haldir led her to the boat, carrying her bag with little effort.

"Are you sure you want to allow Orophin to go? Rowen? Have you not need of them, Haldir?"

Haldir smiled down at her. "Rowen is my emissary, Orophin my March Warden. As I once did, they go in my stead, both to protect and escort you to Thranduil. Rowen will be a fine companion, as well as protector, and Orophin my comfort that you will make it there well and able to turn Thranduil into mush."

Eria laughed, the sound to her trembling and weak, cut off as she blushed. "I doubt the King will be so accomodating, Haldir. I am sure he will simply send me back."

"Which can be accomplished quite well with the escort returning, but you must not think of that in such a way. You must be what you were, confident and assertive, Eria."

"Perhaps it was all an act." She sighed and looked out over the river with a shudder.

"No, I know you well, you are simply overwhelmed by what you feel for Thranduil. You must put that aside. He will want you as you were."

Eria touched Haldir's arm, found the strength beneath the sleeve. "Rowen is a strong elleth."

Haldir smiled. "Indeed, but even she had moments of doubt. As did I. But you have taken another step in the right direction. You are welcome to return should things not go as you hope. But hold faith that it will go well."

"Thank you Haldir. I hope Rowen returns to you quickly." Eria heard the quiet sigh Haldir tried to control, smiled at the sheepish expression that quickly faded.

"As do I. She has my heart as you well know. But I trust Orophin, and her, and you. And the others that I send as well. Remember there is always danger once you leave my protection, Eria, listen well to what they say and do. May the Valar be with you."

She blushed when he kissed her cheek, holding her fingers against her skin as he walked toward Rowen who waited by the boat. Turning away she found Orophin behind her, Tauriel a step behind.

"Ah, there you are, Eria. Are you ready to go?"

"As I can be," Eria agreed. "Is Tauriel going as well?"

"Aye, an excellent guide should we need one through the dark boles of Mirkwood."

Tauriel smiled and patted Eria's shoulder when she shivered. "Not so dark anymore, I assure you. But a large forest all the same, with many twisting paths. The river shall guide us for most of the way. You will be glad of it being near after a few days of dust and dirt."

Eria sighed and climbed into the boat, gripping the sides as it shifted in the current. A short crossing only to the other side of the river and then a long walk ahead. She looked at the distant shore with lips pressed tight. She had decided and like Haldir suggested, knew she had to be assertive. She wanted a certain elf whether he knew it or not. Making him feel the same might be a challenge, but it was one she was willing to attempt.

Most willing.

OoO

Esteri flinched when the door flew open, her friends lurching into the room laughing, three elves well on the way to oblivion with wine. She shook her head and turned back to her book.

"Esteri, mellon, come join us, why are you so glum today?"

Esteri frowned, waving a hand. "I am not in the mood. Go enjoy your wine, but I do not wish to have any."

"Ah, you are so gloomy of late. It is that half-elf isn't it? Since he has come you have been annoyed, complaining of him often."

"He simply does not belong," Esteri replied stiffly and shut her book. She set it aside, scowling at the two elves leaning against the door. "I am not good company now, go away, and I mean that with no offense."

Her friend sighed and turned toward the two by the door. "Do you hear her? She is not good company! That creature has taken our fun once more." The elf took a drink from the bottle in her hand. "We will forget such a handsome creature within our midst."

"Aye, he is handsome, I will give him that," one of the other elleths laughed. "Come you must at least agree to that, Esteri!"

"I admit to nothing," Esteri growled. She tucked her book on a shelf and pushed past the three elves. "Stay then, I will go. I have things to do."

"Yes," her friends laughed. "Go find the half-elf. Show him how a real elf can be."

Esteri shut the door to her room, rolling her eyes. As if she wanted anything to do with the man, nee elf. She glared at the shut door, annoyed the elves had brought Sweeney to mind. She threw up her hands at the name, angry that it had come to her so easily.

She did not want to know him, wished he had never come to Mirkwood at all.

She'd go to the river. The sound of the water would drive the thoughts from her mind. The moon was full, it would be a good night to venture out. She hurried down the steps to the next level, nodded as she passed a couple on the stairs and then stopped abruptly when she heard Thranduil's voice.

She ducked into a doorway as he spoke, his voice tinted with anger and irritation.

"Have you any idea where he is?"

"No my lord, we have searched, but he cannot be found."

"Have you looked outside? I have heard he favors the falls, the river."

"We have looked there, my King, but he was not there. Has there been a problem?"

Esteri peeked around the corner, saw Thranduil scowl at the elf with him. "He has rejected my offers, rebuked the role I have given him. Mocked me! I am Thranduil! He dares much, that man. I was mistaken in taking him into my fold."

The elf bowed, eyes wide as he faced Thranduil. Esteri sniffed softly.

"I am sure you are mistaken, my lord. He fought well for you on the journey home, has done nothing to warrant such anger."

"Are you telling me I am wrong?" Thranduil thundered. "He has spoken ill of me, I have heard it from him myself. He mocked the very halls we inhabit. I mean to put him in chains. My generosity had been ill-used."

The two passed her, with the King striding angrily in front of the other elf. Esteri watched them pass into the next hall and then hurried the other way. She knew it, Sweeney should never have come.

She turned the next corner and then gasped as a hand shot out, covering her mouth as she was yanked into a shadowed corner. She twisted to gain a hold on her attacker but he was too fast, slamming her hard against the wall, trapping her hips with his, using his weight to hold her in place, one hand still over her mouth, the other locked on her wrist in an all too familiar hold.

Esteri dug her fingers into his hair, earned a grunt of pain as she pulled, but it was far shorter than she liked, her hold tentative as he shifted in a startlingly easy way to gain hold of both her wrists. She gasped as he jerked them over her head, slid a knee between her legs to lift her off the floor, holding her in place with an arm across her ribs.

"I will scream. You will be dead in moments," Esteri hissed.

"Go ahead, you'll be dead first."

"How dare you! What have you done to Thranduil? He is furious! I knew you did not belong here. Let me go and you can run, if only a short way before an elf kills you."

He had the gall to laugh and then cough, his breathing constricted. At least she had made him breathless. Esteri grimaced at the ease in which he'd taken her, held her now, her heart beating too fast, all sense of calm she normally felt in battle elusive as her freedom.

"I didn't think it would be this easy. But you are more than a handful as I expected."

"I am not easy, damn you. Let me go. Thranduil will have your head."

"Aye, most likely, but I'm not willing to let it go that quickly or cheaply. You, my pretty elf, will make things even better. With you, I have a key to my freedom, if not yours."

Esteri struggled in his grip, grunting as he countered each move she made, his grin a searing statement of his ability to fight her off with little effort. She twisted, he shifted, each attempt to get free blocked or countered until she was breathless, chest heaving with effort, eyes wide as she stared into his.

He had blue eyes, a deep blue laced with green and a hint of brown. Eyes that scanned the halls behind them and then rested on her with a sharp intent that made a chill run down her spine. Had she thought so little of him? He had just proved his strength with an ease that shocked her.

He splayed his fingers over her neck, forcing her head back against the wall. "Now listen, my pretty elf. I mean to leave Thranduil's halls tonight and you're going with me."

Esteri grunted sourly, narrowing her eyes in denial. "Nay..."

"Oh aye, you are. You will not cry out, nor scream if you value Thranduil's life. I can take it and you know it well should I wish to."

Esteri shuddered as he leaned closer. "You know it well," Sweeney growled

"He will kill you."

"He may try. But you and I have things to do before that."

"I will kill you."

"You will try," Sweeney agreed, "But note any attempt to harm me will be returned in kind."He stepped back and she found her feet on the ground, shocked by the weakness in her knees. He gripped her waist until she could stand, then caught her wrist again, his fingers bruising and tight to drag her down the hall.