oOoOoOoOoOo
"It will be good to be home!"
The Queen of the great Wood smiled distractedly at her eager grandson, but her gaze remained fixed on the trees. Bewildering whispers rustled through the fading leaves.
When first the entourage had entered the wood, the air had hummed with excitement and the gleeful rumor: "Smaug is dead!" But drawing nearer to the palace, the Queen felt the mood subtly shift. At first she had not been sure of it. She was certain now. It was no longer excitement that thrummed in her ears.
"Daeradar will be pleased with the wine."
The Queen smiled as Belegorn's voice chattered in the background of her thought. The wine of Dorwinia was ever pleasing to the King's palate, but the vintage served at the feast celebrating the Lord of Dorwinia's new grandchild had been extraordinary. If the barrels given in gift to his departing guests were of the same stock, Thranduil would be very pleased, indeed!
Ai, Thranduil! The tumult of the leaves had increased at his mention, casting shadow of fear over her heart. The Queen closed her eyes, intent upon understanding the agitated whispers. Her breath quickened. "The king is gone," they said, "to the Mountain he has marched…to battle and to slaughter!"
A/N: The title and other bits are borrowed from The Hobbit, Chapter XIV - Fire and Water. Also, my thanks to LKK and Ruse for their helpful suggestions.
A/N #2: Belegorn is my creation.