That night was cool and crisp as Thranduil held Riania tightly in his grip. He would never, EVER leave her alone again, especially after what had just happened, and with her FRIEND!

But what if he had to?

Never, he reminded himself repeatedly. Always keep her by your side, through sickness and health, through pain and happiness, through everything.. Always and forever.

But something inside of the young King tore at his heart, hinted that he couldn't ALWAYS be with her. And yet again, they *would* always be together, even if it be in his heart for a short while, or a long time.

As Thranduil lay awake pondering over everything, both good and bad, he gazed upon the sun as it began to rise. Pink, gold, and silver splashed everything with a newness of the oncoming day, giving all refreshed hope of their lives. It was time to start over, although not everything is so easily forgiven and forgotten..

Earlier that night, Creiour had come to his aid, giving him a small glass of water to quench his thirst. But while he was there, he told Thranduil of following a strong perfumed scent, recognized as Lady Laurah's, for she had been missing. It led them to a large cave, where they found ashes with the same smell. She had been cremated, but no one knew if she had been alive whilst that had taken place.

So then the King's suspicions were confirmed, and he knew that Laurah had tried to murdur his wife and had run away. But the real puzzle at hand was, why DID she try to do such a horrinle deed?

And alas, yet another question plagued Thranduil's mind. Could he trust his good friend Creiour with his secrets? Oh, how he wished he could confide in someone, but Riania was ill and too stressed, and he had no other close friends. Except for one..from long ago.. Could he possibly? Yes, but should he?

* * * * * *

The Royal's things were packed away in a few days, along with a few warriors. Riania was still weak from her unseemly encounter with irtune, and her child (who still lived-thank the Valar!), but all Thranduil had to tell her was the word Rivendell, and she agreed.

They were to visit Miroros in Rivendell.

Riania's cousin was the only Elf Thranduil fully trusted, because he was related to his wife, and because they had been friends even before his incident. He was the only one he could speak with.

And so the small company consisting of few archers and swordsmen, the King and Queen of Mirkwood, and the unborn heir, traveled onward safely and calmly, arriving without any conflicts-for the time being..

* * * *

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