- Chapter 39 -


Iamben looked confident the moment he entered Legolas' tent that evening, at least, until he saw the King seated across from the Prince. His expression fell a little but he quickly regained his composure and took the seat that was offered to him.

"My Lord Thranduil, what a pleasant surprise," Iamben said with a tight smile. "I was under the impression this meeting would be between myself and Lord Legolas."

"Indeed," mused Thranduil. "However, I just so happened to stop by and thought I would invite myself."

"Of course my Lord, you are more than welcome. Now, if I may-,"

"Good," interrupted the King.

Iamben snapped his mouth shut and the King gave him a careful look.

"Every time I think we've moved on from this discussion it seems to pop up once more, like an irksome weed that keeps getting pulled. I have yet to figure out why I cannot douse your worries as far as the Princess is concerned Iamben, and it troubles me greatly," said the King. "I have no cause to believe Lord Elrond is false, nor do I have any cause to believe the Princess is here under false circumstances."

"She has caused many issues in the short amount of time she has been with us. Lathanar's death for instance, could have easily been prevented had we been prepared for an attack. She had the knowledge the orcs were following them, yet she chose not to divulge that information up front so we could be prepared," Iamben said as calmly as possible. "Now, three of our once highly respected guards are banished from the halls for five years hence, not to mention the maids that are also suffering because of her blatant-,"

"The maids have been properly dealt with as have the guards that mistreated her," Thranduil said coolly. "The fact that such actions took place against her – or anyone for that matter – is an insult not only to myself, but to our entire kingdom as a whole."

"There are proper protocols to handling certain situations that were not followed. Nathanar disobeyed a direct order from me to return to the healing wards to tend to his fallen brother, and instead attacked her and caused harm. A five year banishment is hardly a slap on the wrist for an elf," said Legolas as he shifted in his seat.

"And in that five years, his daughter will have grown up without her father," interjected Iamben.

"His daughter will reach her maturity age this year, Iamben," said Legolas impatiently. "She is certainly old enough to understand the consequences of her father's actions and will accept them as has his wife. Had Nathanar had his family's best interest at heart, he would have never acted the way he had. As a soldier and member of the guard, we know the risks of injury or death better than anyone, or perhaps you have forgotten your time on the guard?"

"I have not forgotten, but we speak of punishments yet I hardly believe all punishments have been handed out accordingly," suggested Iamben and Thranduil tilted his head, impatience and suspicion written all over his face.

"How so Iamben?" asked the Prince, but he had a feeling he was not going to like what came next. He gripped the armrests of his chair and sat stone still while a small satisfied smile tugged at the corner of Iamben's mouth.

"Nathanar was sentenced to a five year banishment for dragging her down the hall. Tauriel failed to obey both her King and commanding officer's orders to return to the palace, and instead not only endangered herself but our Prince as well while she went after a bunch of dwarves. She was henceforth banished from the Realm and stripped of her ranking. While you have withdrawn the banishment upon her after one hundred years have passed, I think it's only fair that the withholding of our enemy's movements and purposely endangering our homelands - not to mention the unnecessary death of our guard - also receive a fair punishment. You will find that I am not the only council member to feel this way my Lords, but we believe permanent banishment a just and fair settlement."

"That is out of the question," snapped Legolas.

Iamben raised his eyebrows. "Is it? Why should a Princess of foreign lands – elf kind or not – be allowed to commit acts against us and not be punished for her actions?"

"She was unaware the orcs followed them into the woods. She could not have known they would have the nerve to attack the palace outright," Legolas said.

"She spoke of the orcs' movements to me Iamben; I was aware they had been pursued by orcs before entering the wood," the King said, but his voice sounded most uninterested. "You ask me to banish an elf for reasons outside of her control. The security of our borders had already been tightened and right now, you are suggesting that our commanding captain has slacked in his duties to protect our people."

Iamben recoiled at this suggestion. "I do not suggest that Ernil nin Legolas has failed to not only train our soldiers to the best of his ability, but to protect our borders."

"Then what is it you are suggesting Iamben?" The King rose from his seat gracefully and took to pacing the outer walls of the tent. Iamben squirmed a little in his seat and the confident smile he wore upon entering the tent had completely vanished.

"Banishment to the fullest extent is the punishment the other councilors and myself feel is fair and just," Iamben said, raising his chin and sitting straighter in his seat.

"She is not a member of our guard nor does she reside permanently inside our borders," argued Legolas.

"Irregardless, you forget she also disobeyed orders to stay by her assigned guards and knowingly put them in danger, not to mention herself," said Iamben quickly. "Her list of fouls are adding up. It is clear she is disregarding to those around her and -,"

"Banishing her would only cause diplomatic issues with Rivendell. We rely on their alliance with us and banishing their Princess would only strain the relationship we have long held with our Northern kin," Legolas said angrily.

Thranduil watched the scene before him carefully, not liking where it had ended up at all. The banishment of the Princess would ultimately mean the banishment of his son. The two would eventually become one and the Woodland Realm would risk losing the only heir to the throne.

"The banishment would not be for the whole of Rivendell, simply one elf," said Iamben impatiently. "If one elf could not come here, I hardly think that would make a difference in our alliance with them. She is not a diplomatic representative of Rivendell anyway, unless she has joined Lord Elrond's council."

"My son is right," Thranduil interjected. "Banishing their Princess would strain the relationship we have with Rivendell, and in turn could ultimately strain the relationship we have with Lothlorien. Is it your wish to cut us off from our most trusted allies and friends?"

"I hardly think we would be cut off."

"That's the issue right there Iamben," snipped Thranduil coolly. "You are not thinking. Lord Elrond is the son in law of the Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel; he holds sway with Lothlorien. Shyloh is his niece and has become a daughter to Elrond during her time there, as is only natural. Were your daughter to be banished from another realm, I don't doubt it would cause distress and conflict. Not that it is any concern of yours, but I have already dismissed her from my service as a healer in our ward; a sentence she has accepted humbly and has since been causing her distress. Nevertheless, she has accepted her punishment for her disobedience. I do not think banishment is necessary."

Legolas leaned back in his seat and let out an almost inaudible sigh of relief. He knew what the consequences would mean if she was banished permanently and the ultimate sacrifice he would end up having to make if the punishment came into play. He would not abandon his father or his people so easily.

Iamben leaned back in his seat and looked at the Prince carefully. "You defend her so quickly my Lord Legolas, pray tell, why? She is not our kin, and I daresay you hardly know her. She has caused unease and unrest for many of us. She disobeyed orders. She drew you into a battle where you could have been taken from us had you been unsuccessful in defeating your enemy, yet you defend her. Perhaps I was right in my assumptions that you two were intended?"

Legolas stilled in his seat and felt the hard look his father sent from across the tent without meeting his eyes. He was not ready to announce the fact he bonded with the Princess; he was already wary and untrusting of Iamben and it worried him that if it was announced right now it would only cause more issues they could prevent for the time being. The war had been devastating to the Realm, the clean up would take them many days, and the recovery many years; only straining the already thin defenses along their outer borders. Reports of spider movements were stacked high on his table in front of him as it were, and orcs had escaped into the Woods after the battle; possibly heading to the old stronghold in the South.

He was not ready for marriage, and yet he felt if he revealed their bond it would only pressure them into something he was sure she wasn't ready for either. If they were to get married, it would certainly strengthen their alliances immeasurably with Rivendell but he did not want her to be used as a pawn. If the councilors were already hounding him to take a wife, he could only imagine what they would do if they gathered this information. He couldn't tell if Iamben knew they bonded or not, but it was clear the counselor was already spinning his own thoughts together.

Iamben had called her the 'future Queen of the Woodland Realm' in front of Sidhel, and Legolas was sure Iamben was just trying to bait the guard into revealing something, but Sidhel hadn't known at the time of the current situation so he hadn't been able to say anything otherwise. It was even more imperative that their secret stay just that: a secret.

Thranduil's eyes bore into Legolas, silently telling him he'd been quiet for far too long, but the Prince had already made up his mind.

"There is no reason, other than she is the niece of one of our closest allies. Her protection is in our hands and I would not wish to risk causing strife between ourselves and Rivendell," answered Legolas. "Their alliance is imperative to us, especially with the news Mithrandir has brought of movement in the old stronghold to the South."

Iamben nodded very slowly but he never took his eyes off the Prince. "I can see that you are not to be swayed by your decision," he said slowly but Legolas did not trust the suspicious tone of voice he used. "In the meantime -,"

"In the meantime you will do well to remember your place Iamben," cut in Thranduil, his cool voice holding a dangerous edge to it Legolas and Iamben knew all too well. "The final decision is mine, and mine alone. You are but one councilor of many, and my decision holds more sway than yours. The Princess will remain under the protection of the Woodland Realm while she is here. Should anyone question my decision, they will find banishment to be a blessing. This conversation is over, as is my patience for it."

Iamben stiffened and scowled. He shot Legolas a hard look then nodded reluctantly. "Very well my Lords," he said slowly rising and bowing his head. "Good evening."

Iamben strolled out of the tent and into the night, and Legolas let out a heavy sigh. He ran a hand over his face in frustration and Thranduil came to stand beside him.

"Call your guards," he said quietly. "Make sure they understand the severity of the situation, and ensure they understand they are under an oath to secrecy. This will not stay quiet for long, but we can delay it if we are careful."

"He will use her as a pawn if he finds out."

"Yes."

"Galdiron and Mithrandir?"

"I will speak with them myself."

"And Arossel?"

"She has graciously accepted the temporary position of lady's maid once more. She has agreed to watch over her and notify me if anything is out of the ordinary. She does not know of your bond but I would trust no other."

Legolas' face softened and he smiled sadly. "She was Naneth's favorite maid and best friend."

"And I would trust no other."


"You do not look surprised by this information," Thranduil said as he leaned back casually in his seat, one knee crossed over the other.

Gandalf gave a heavy sigh. "No my old friend, I am not."

"Pray tell, what has Elrond seen?"

Gandalf sighed again and gave the King an apologetic look. "He saw their union, but it will not be for some time yet."

"He knew they would bond?"

"Not at first sight," Said Gandalf. "His vision only showed they would marry."

Thranduil was quiet for a time as he pondered this, and looked toward his son. Legolas stood in the corner, arms crossed over his chest. His eyes were focused on the wizard who sank down onto a chair heavily.

"Trust me when I say this; had he known you would bond at first sight he would have never allowed her to continue on."

Legolas' eye hardened. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"Only that she is still young and has only been in this world a short time. I hardly think four and a half years is a sufficient time to acclimate one's self to a new world."

Legolas' eyes widened. "Four and a half years?"

Thranduil stirred and straightened in his seat, suddenly baffled.

"Shyloh is twice reborn," explained Gandalf. "She died the very day she was born as did her parents. The Valar sent her Fea to another world for safe keeping so she could grow up safely until it was time for her to be called home. She was reborn once more in Arda four and a half years ago. She was found in the Trollshaws by Lord Glorfindel and Elrond's sons but had no knowledge of this world prior to her arrival. If Elrond would have known she would bond at first sight, he would have kept her away from you as long as possible. She is hardly ready to accept your bond, and still has a long way to go."

The tent was silent following Gandalf's words,and Legolas looked as if he turned into petrified stone.

"I fear your councilors will pull her into a position she is not yet ready to commit to if they find out. Yes," the wizard sighed. "She must go back to Rivendell. The Valar called her back home for a reason. A darkness is coming."


Shyloh watched anxiously as the first wagons of supplies entered Dale from Mirkwood the following morning. Only days ago they were battling for their lives but for Shyloh, it felt like yesterday. It didn't help she'd been asleep for two days after.

Gandalf stood next to her on the street while they watched the wagons come to a halt. He had a pinched look on his face as he watched the riders dismount from the front of the column which only added to her already gloomy mood.

"What's got your beard in a knot?" she asked dully. He raised his eyebrows when he caught her questioning glare.

"Oh, nothing that won't sort itself out in the end," he mused and she rolled her eyes.

"If you say so," she sighed. She was too tired to try to decipher the wizards cryptic thoughts.

"If you will excuse me, I have business to tend to. I will see you for supper," he said to her, then in a whirl of his grey robes he disappeared into the crowd and was gone.

Shyloh shook her head slowly as she watched him go but was almost glad he didn't stick around. Ever since his sudden meeting last night with the King, he'd been in a tempered mood. Whatever happened during his meeting had obviously not been pleasant but she wasn't going to press him to spill the beans. He'd then promptly escaped off to Erebor after his meeting and excused himself from dining with her.

Never get involved in wizard's business, she thought wryly as she recalled Thorin's words to her before entering Mirkwood.

So she didn't.

Arossel stepped up close to her left shoulder and leaned in. "She is the one in the pale blue cloak," she whispered quietly in Shyloh's ear.

At first, Shyloh's mind was blank and she didn't understand what the maid was talking about, but then it dawned on her.

"That's her?" Shyloh whispered back, and Arossel nodded.

With hair like rich milk chocolate, the elleth that sat upon the tall grey horse was positively gorgeous. Even from a distance Shyloh was immediately in awe. She had yet to meet an elf that wasn't beautiful or ridiculously handsome, but Lady Lastril easily put many of them to shame. She'd heard that her own cousin Arwen was basically the pinnacle of beauty when it came to elves, but Lastril's oval face and bright green eyes would be hard to beat.

A stab of jealously nudged Shyloh's insides, even more so when Legolas turned to greet her, grabbing the reins of her horse momentarily before saying something. The elleth smiled and laughed sweetly, and then he reached up and helped her down. The stab of jealously grew immensely and Shyloh tried to snap herself out of it. What did she have to be jealous about?

Lastril curtsied flawlessly, the stunning smile still gracing her face. She wore the pale blue cloak over a flowing silvery outfit that shimmered in the evening sun. Her hair was straight and long and the breeze lifted up the ends of it, making it dance around her face. Upon her forehead was a delicate looking circlet that sparkled when the sun caught it.

"She's pretty," Shyloh muttered quietly and Arossel gave the Princess a sympathetic look.

The other elleths and ellons that had been riding at the front also looked important but it wasn't hard to tell Lastril was claiming the Prince's attention as much as possible.

"Who are the others?" Shyloh asked, and while Arossel listed off the names of the other Lords and Ladies that had come to assist, Shyloh found she couldn't remember a single one and had a hard time pulling her eyes away from Legolas and Lastril, who were both now laughing and smiling together.

As the wagons were unloading, Arossel encouraged Shyloh to return to her tent to change out of her riding clothes. Begrudgingly she agreed, only because she would need the clothes to stay clean and well kept. They were the only garments she had to ride in after all.

The two dresses hanging up in Shyloh's tent didn't give her a lot of options to choose from but this was a war zone after all, so she was glad to at least have something in general to wear. But while Shyloh bathed, Arossel excused herself and came back in with a bundle.

"I asked for fresh clothes to be sent for you," she explained as she shook out the bundle.

"You didn't have to do that," Shyloh said as she wrung out her hair. "I'm sure there's more important things they should have worried about other than my clothes."

"Not to worry my Lady," Arossel said, dismissing Shyloh's worries. "A few wagons were sent with fresh clothes for many. I simply asked for some garments for you to be included. They were happy to oblige. They sent you a few outfits and more riding clothes."

"Oh. Well, that was awfully nice of them, and you of course."

Arossel smiled at her. "Besides, you can hardly see the Prince again in the same outfits."

Shyloh nearly tripped on the towel she was drying her feet on. "What?"

The maid's smile grew mischievously. Straightening, Shyloh frowned and wrapped the towel firmly around her torso.

"Just what are you up to?" she asked the maid but Arossel only shrugged innocently.

"Absolutely nothing my Lady," she said but Shyloh was not convinced.

"I hardly doubt I will be seeing him much," offered Shyloh. "I'm sure he will be busy with all the new supplies and such."

Arossel raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything and it only made Shyloh more suspicious.

"This is a war zone," she reminded the maid. "Not a fashion show. I'm not competing for anything...or anyone."

"I am not sure what a fashion show is."

"Like where you show off new clothes and designs to others," said Shyloh as she wrung out her hair once more.

"Interesting. Do they have those in Imladris?"

Shyloh shook her head. "No, but they did where I used to live."

Suddenly she stilled. Good lord, how long had it been since she last referenced 'where she used to live?' If she had to guess, it was at least three years ago. Her fingertips slid across her now naked collarbone and her shoulders sagged. Arossel turned at her sudden quietness.

"My Lady?" she said, suddenly concerned. "Is there something wrong?"

Blinking, Shyloh snapped out of her daze and removed her fingers from her neck.

"No," she said quickly. "No, nothing is wrong. Just lost my train of thought, that's all."

"I see," the maid said softly, then did her best to distract the Princess from whatever had suddenly troubled her. "I think this one will look lovely on you."

She held up a long, purple and silver flowing gown and smiled again, but Shyloh raised her eyebrows at it.

"I hardly doubt that is appropriate for a war zone."

Arossel only rolled her eyes and sighed gently. "It is a very simple gown, and since you are no longer in the healing wards, perhaps your bright and smiling face can cheer everyone up?"

Shyloh snorted in a very unladylike fashion. "My bright and smiling face?"

"Yes. Since the King has ordered you to rest, I was thinking perhaps you could spend your time wandering the city and," she waved a hand in the air as if searching for the right word.

"Bring goodwill and cheer to all?"

Arossel giggled. "Maybe not quite what I was thinking, but something along those lines."

"If you insist. I guess it'll give me something to do."

"That's the spirit!"

"You know," Shyloh said suddenly with a sly grin. "My friend Élane loves dressing me up like a doll too. Why do I feel like you're enjoying this a little bit?"

Laughing, Arossel shrugged. "I have not been a lady's maid in many years. I admit, I do miss dressing my Lady up." Her smile suddenly faltered and it was Shyloh's turn to sober up and look concerned.

"Can I ask who she was?" she asked softly.

Arossel was quiet for a moment, before a small sad smile lifted the edges of her mouth. "I served the Queen. She was my closest friend before her passing."

Shoulders sagging, Shyloh stepped forward and placed a hand on the maid's arm. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to make you upset."

Arossel's thin hand twisted around Shyloh's and she smiled gratefully. "You did not upset me my Lady. Even though it has been many years, I still miss her dearly. We grew up together you see, and were by each others' sides ever since."

Shyloh hesitated. She knew the question she wanted to ask, but didn't quite know how to approach the subject.

"She was killed many years ago," said Arossel suddenly as if she could read Shyloh's mind. "By Gundabad orcs. Much like the one you fought on the mountainside."

Her insides went numb, and memories of the orc she fought with in the tunnels wafted into her thoughts like heavy black smoke. Since that night, Shyloh still had a hard time closing her eyes and she could still feel the effects of his blows over her backside and limbs. She shivered. Never again did she want to encounter an orc like that again if she could help it.

"I did not mean to bring back bad memories my Lady," Arossel said suddenly and Shyloh shook her head.

"You didn't, I'm fine," she said but the maid didn't look convinced. "What have you been doing then, if you are no longer a maid?" Shyloh hoped the question wasn't too bold or personal.

"I actually decided to move to the kitchens, specifically baking, since I found it too difficult to stay in the royal wing without her, and serving another so quickly after her passing would have been so hard for me. The King was happy to let me do as I pleased."

Shyloh pondered what she just said with a heavy heart. "So, how did you come to be here, in Dale?"

"I came with the cooks, but once the battle was over he asked if I would be willing to assist you. I was more than happy to, by the way, so please do not look so worried." Arossel clutched Shyloh's hands and gave them a tight, reassuring squeeze. "It has been a pleasure to be here with you, and honestly a nice change of pace."

"Well, I have to admit, I'm honored that the Queen's friend and lady's maid is with me during this."

Arossel squeezed Shyloh's hands again. "I am happy that I finally got the chance to meet you and that the King thought to ask me to take you on. I have been through many a battle with the Queen, and hope that you can trust me when I say: wear the purple gown."

Shyloh laughed and then she caved in. "I will happily do as you bid my dear Arossel!"

"That's the spirit," the maid laughed. "Besides, I have a feeling someone won't be able to take his eyes off of you."

Raising her eyebrows, Shyloh placed a hand on her hip. "Why do I have a feeling you're up to something?"

Arossel smiled slyly. "I am up to nothing my Lady."


everything-is-black-and-white - Thank you! She needed a wholesome interaction don't you think?

ro781727 - I'm glad the maids got what they deserved too! About time!

ChrissyMDase - Thank you for your kind words! I'm looking forward to seeing it develop too!

LDiana - Yes, they'll be great allies. I think they're getting closer also, and no worries with Iamben. I selfishly want her to stay too and I'm the one writing this!

Thank you for the reviews and messages!! I love hearing from you, it is very encouraging.

-S