Legolaslover – Glad you liked my creepy Thranduil. But he won't always be like that. There's more of him in this chapter. Hope you enjoy!

Raider-K – Thanks so much for the compliments. I really appreciate it. Gotta love the villains too. :o)

Linilya Elf – Softball tryouts in 30 degree weather? You're nuts, kiddo! But then again, I have a horse I ride in the same weather. Haha. So I'm just as nutty! I wasn't sure what kind of relationship to create between Leg and Thran and as I was typing away, it just sort of came out as you will read in this chapter. So I hope you think it fits the story. And get cooking on your next chapter!

Romy – Big trouble is definitely ahead for Leggy and the gang.

Author's Note – I can't seem to stop typing! And my mind just keeps coming up with visuals on how the action will be played out. I think I need to start recording my thoughts because by the time I sit down at my laptop, half of the thoughts I had in my head throughout the day, are suddenly gone. Noooooo! But here's a nice long chapter for your enjoyment.

Chapter 18 – Judgments and Repercussions

Thranduil stood just outside the Great Gates of his caverns. A short while ago he had been informed by Dagnir that a large procession of elves approached. In single file they crossed the bridge over the Forest River. Leading them was his son, Legolas. Behind him rode Glorfindel from Rivendell and Celeborn from Lothlorien. Also amidst them was Aragorn, Legolas's Dúnedain friend. There were others he did not recognize, as well as elven warriors from both Rivendell and Lothlorien, judging by the clothing they wore. He narrowed his eyes in restrained anger. The arrival of these additional elves led Thranduil to believe that his son was well aware of the threat on Mirkwood…which meant that Legolas was indeed guilty of the things the Orc had spoke of.

The closer Legolas rode to the Great Gates, the more he sensed his father's displeasure. The smile on the king's face did not fool Legolas into believing Thranduil was happy to see him, or those riding behind him. But knowing his father, his wrath would be for him alone while the others would see a king joyful to see the return of his son. Upon reaching the Great Gates, Legolas dismounted and moved toward his father to greet him. "Suilad, adar." (greetings, father)

"Mae govannen bar, ion," said Thranduil, grasping Legolas's shoulder. (welcome home, son)

When Legolas turned to the others, he found they had dismounted and were moving forward. The first to approach was Celeborn.

Celeborn stepped up and placed his hand on his chest before giving a small bow. "Gil síla erin lû, Thranduil." (a star shines upon this hour)

"Mae govannen, Celeborn," replied Thranduil, returning the bow. (well met)

Celeborn motioned to Haldir beside him. "This is Haldir, march warden of Lothlorien."

Haldir bowed his head to Thranduil in respect. "My lord."

Glorfindel was next to greet Thranduil and then the others. Legolas felt sorrow over the fact that he could not introduce Aleera as his love. Aleera and her family were introduced as handmaidens and warriors.

"Come forth, my friends," announced Thranduil. "You must be weary from your travels."

The Rivendell and Lothlorien elf warriors tended to the horses while the others went through the Great Gates.

Servants showed everyone to chambers under Thranduil's direction. Thranduil watched Legolas briefly as he made for his own chambers, making note of the way his attention was drawn to the handmaiden introduced to him as Aleera. They exchanged meaningful glances and the glow on her face made Thranduil suspect something.

Legolas sensed his father's desire to speak to him. Even though he desperately wanted to put off the confrontation, it was inevitable and he headed for his chambers, knowing his father followed not far behind. When he entered his quarters, his personal servant, Randir came to retrieve his weapons.

"Welcome home, my prince."

"How were things while I was away, Randir?"

"As well as expected. No trouble in the kingdom at all." Randir placed the quiver on a stand. The bow and sheathed knives he hung on the wall beside similar weapons that hung there. Upon seeing Thranduil in the doorway, Randir bowed and quickly left the room, quietly closing the door behind him.

Legolas removed his green tunic and folded it over the back of a chair, knowing his father stood behind him. "Say what you have come to say, father. You know I have not the patience for idle chatter between us."

"Tell me what you have done, Legolas."

Legolas did not respond. He reached down to smooth the front of his silver shirt as if the king was not even in the room with him.

"Tell me what you have done to warrant an invasion from people I know nothing about."

"I have done nothing wrong," Legolas finally replied, still not turning to face his father.

"I am aware of your exploits in Kozar and am at a loss to the reason for your actions."

"Where did you hear of it?"

"An Orc told me the Kozari ruler wants your blood for stealing something of his and for breaking the queen's nose."

Legolas turned around with a frown. "An Orc willingly gave up that information to you?"

"Have you not lived with me long enough to know my means of persuasion?" The fact was, Thranduil had not needed to use much force at all. The Orc had been weak and gave up the information easily.

Legolas was well aware of his father's means and was repulsed by them at times. "What else did this Orc tell you?"

Thranduil walked around the chamber. "Other than the fact that the Kozari ruler, who goes by the name of Hurrnäd, wants to see you dead, his forces are currently amassing with Orcs at the foot of the Lonely Mountain."

"Then they will be marching against us soon."

"Aye."

"And this troubles you?"

"Of course it does! No king wants to see his people killed in battle!"

"Nay, but no king seeks the thrill of battle as you do."

Thranduil's eyes narrowed. "Am I to understand you did this to bring war upon Mirkwood?"

Legolas was stunned at his father's accusation. War upon Mirkwood had not been his intention at all. "Aye, aye…I did it for you father! I did it so you can quench the thirst you have for blood. The same thirst you passed on to me." Legolas did not deny his own desire to do battle and the thrill he received from killing his enemies, but for his father to think he had intentionally brought war upon Mirkwood was a blow to his chest. "I did what I had to do!"

"I did not teach you to strike a woman!"

"The queen is no woman!" Legolas spat out. "She is the spawn of a demon! I found her bringing lashes upon the back of an innocent elleth. The sight ran my blood cold and I fell blind to my own actions."

Thranduil had never seen his son so full of hatred for anyone. Perhaps both of them needed to ease their flaring tempers before they came to physical blows. "And why do you cast affection upon the eyes of a handmaiden?"

Legolas was surprised at the sudden change in topic. Had he been so obvious to Thranduil? All he had done was glance at Aleera before he left her presence. But the mention of her brought her fair face to his mind and now he could no longer hide his feelings from his father. He closed his eyes and felt the pain in his chest from being apart from her.

It was at that very moment Thranduil discovered what he had witnessed earlier between Legolas and Aleera. "My guess is that Aleera is no handmaiden. She is the elleth you found in the possession of Hurrnäd. The one you stole from him."

Legolas opened his eyes and stared daggers at Thranduil. "Very clever deduction, father. You must have gained intelligence in my absence."

"Enough of your insolence, Legolas."

Legolas had so much more he wanted to say, but he held back the curses and went to the real reason for his anger. "You accuse me from words passed on by an Orc before I am given the chance to explain! Has it come to this now? Do I no longer have your trust?"

Thranduil lowered his gaze from Legolas's angered eyes. "You are correct." He took a deep breath before looking back up at his son. "I am wrong to accuse you without knowing the reason behind your actions. But it is difficult for me to contain my anger when the sight that greeted me only moments ago was of my son leading elves of Rivendell and Lothlorien."

Legolas could feel his father's anger beginning to fade and he sighed inwardly, knowing that the angry wrath of Thranduil had come to an end. "I sensed you would be angered by the sight of them."

"Why did you bring them?"

Legolas's anger slowly began to fade as well. "They will help us defend Mirkwood."

"Emlin counted over three hundred Orcs in Withered Heath. He said the Kozari numbered just below one hundred."

"We have battled greater numbers before and have been victorious, even without outside aid."

"I am aware."

Legolas stepped closer to his father. "Father, please understand. I could not leave Aleera there to bear the horrors Hurrnäd and his wife had in store for her." He reached up subconsciously to place his hand over his aching chest, a motion he had nearly grown used to. "She would have perished," he grunted out in mild pain.

The motion did not escape Thranduil's eyes. "What is this? Are you injured?" he asked, looking Legolas over from head to toe and back.

Legolas frowned. "I do not wish to burden you any further."

"Burden me? I will not hear of it. Tell me what ails you? Were you hit with an arrow? Did you receive a blow from an axe? Were you poisoned?"

"Nay, it is nothing of that nature."

"Then what is it?"

Legolas took a deep breath and prepared for another round of Thranduil's wrath. He even cringed slightly before he spoke. "Aleera and I…well, somewhere along our travels from Kozar, we…we bonded," he finally uttered and cringed again.

Thranduil blinked several times and wondered if his ears were deceiving him, for he thought his son had just told him he had bonded with the elleth he had rescued. "Bonded?" A laugh suddenly escaped his throat.

This was not the reaction Legolas had expected from Thranduil upon news of his bonding. "Do you laugh because you find it funny?"

Thranduil reached out with a grin and placed his hands on Legolas's shoulders. "Nay, my son. I laugh because I am reluctant to believe it. For long have I wanted you to seek the company of an elleth."

"I know it and I shunned the attention."

Thranduil let his laughter die as he looked sincerely at his son. "This news brings me great joy, Legolas."

"I did not expect your happiness, father. I imagined you wanted me to select an elleth of your choosing. One of royal lineage."

"Royal lineage. It is all such a load of warg droppings," he said as he waved off the notion and gave Legolas's shoulders a squeeze. "Tell me something, and do be honest now. Has the bond been completed? Have you joined in body and in spirit?"

Legolas was not comfortable with the topic of conversation with his father, but he answered truthfully. "Aye, it is complete."

Thranduil moved beside Legolas and put an arm around his shoulders. "Then this calls for a great feast to announce the princess of Mirkwood."

"Nay, please, father. It is not necessary." He knew Aleera would not want a feast in her honor.

"Nonsense. Make me happy, Legolas. I desire to show off the mother of my future heirs."

Legolas groaned as his father led him toward the door. Aleera would be furious with him. As much as he liked her fiery spirit, he feared her wrath far more than he feared his father's. To keep his mind off the inevitable confrontation between his father and Aleera, he changed the topic quickly. "Let me guess at the method in which you persuaded an Orc to render information to you. Something about a meal to be served for dinner, and that he would be the main course, I venture to say."

Thranduil laughed. "Aye, and you should have seen the Orc humiliate himself before Dagnir, Emlin and I. The stench still lingers in the upper cells."

"I find it hard to believe that you would resort to cannibalism again, father, after all the discussions we had with the counselors," Legolas said in jest, knowing that Thranduil would never have eaten Orc flesh if it was all that were left to eat in the world and he were starving to death.

Aleera could not control the rapid beating of her heart as she glanced around the large hall full of elves. Mainly elves from Mirkwood and those she had traveled with from Rivendell and Lothlorien. They all sat around tables, enjoying food and drink, laughing outloud over things being said among them. Sitting around the table directly in front of her were her mother, father, sister and brother, Aragorn, Arwen, Elladan and Elrohir. With them also was Glorfindel, Haldir and two high-ranking Mirkwood warriors. At the king's table sat Lord Celeborn to Thranduil's left. Aleera sat to the king's right and on the other side of her was Legolas. There was no queen present. Legolas had told Aleera that his mother had perished when he was a child.

Legolas sensed Aleera's nervousness. He had sensed it the moment Thranduil announced to her and her family that he knew about the bond and was planning a feast for the evening. It was clear that she did not like being the center of attention. Legolas knew that he would have to do something in the immediate future to prepare her for the responsibilities ahead. With no queen in the throne, as the next in line, the princess of Mirkwood would be responsible for much of the political dealings among the citizens, which included renovations in the caverns, the expansion of the village and the happenings in Lake-Town. But most of all, she would need to be a strong force beside him and the king and if necessary, be able to command the Mirkwood armies into battle. If he and Thranduil were to fall, she would be required to rule Mirkwood alone.

"Legolas," she said as she leaned closer to him.

"Aye, meleth. What is it?" (love)

"There is a group of elleths sitting at the table in back. They stare at me as if they wish me to burn in flames."

Legolas glanced at the table Aleera referred to. He recognized some of the elleths. They were the ones that constantly vied for his attention, that spoke to him of love when he had no interest, that wanted his crown so badly they camped outside the Great Gates, waiting for him to make an appearance and notice them. "Ignore them, Aleera. They are those who desire my crown."

"I care not for this attention. I wish it were one of them up here instead of me."

Legolas reached for her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "I know you do not mean that."

Aleera turned to him. "But I will endeavor to get used to it. I know it means a great deal to your father." She leaned closer to him to whisper. "Does he trust me to rule beside you?"

"Thranduil does not easily trust in anyone. But do not despair."

She smiled at him. "I feel no despair when you are with me."

Legolas lifted her hand up and kissed her fingers affectionately. Then he purposely opened his ears to pick out the distinct sounds of several angered elleths. He heard their words of cruelty toward Aleera. If Aleera's family were not present, he would have pulled her into his arms and kissed her long and hard in front of everyone. But he made a mental note to himself that if those elleths persisted in their disrespect of their princess, they would be severely punished. In fact, he would see them bow before Aleera by the end of the night.

At the end of the meal, Aragorn approached Legolas and Thranduil while Aleera went to speak to her mother. The king glanced up and looked down his nose at him. Pompous ass, he could be at times. "I commend you, my lord, on the wonderful spread. How do you find the time to bake such wonderfully scented breads?"

Thranduil had known Aragorn for many years. His son persisted on befriending the Dúnedain, who often spent weeks in Mirkwood when he visited. "I bake bread as well as you wear skirts, Aragorn."

Legolas looked on in amusement as Aragorn chuckled and slapped Thranduil on the back, in a manner not quite befitting to a king. His father tolerated Aragorn because he knew the man was heir to the throne of Gondor and respected the skills taught to him by Elrond and his children. There were not many who Thranduil allowed to even touch him, much less slap him on the back. Which prompted an evil idea to form in Legolas's head. "Excuse me, father, Aragorn." He glanced around and found Elrohir speaking to an elleth. "Elrohir, there you are. The king wishes to speak to you."

"To me? The king wishes to speak to me?"

"Aye. He is with Aragorn at the moment. Go to him and be sure to greet him in the Mirkwood manner."

"What manner is that?" asked Elrohir curiously.

"A slap right on the back," Legolas said with a smile. "The king will be thrilled that you know the greeting."

Aleera watched the exchange between Legolas and Elrohir. After Elrohir excused himself and headed in the direction of the king, she walked up beside Legolas. "What foul deed have you done now, Legolas?"

"Tirith sen," replied Legolas, still grinning as he leaned over to kiss her forehead. He watched as Elrohir approached Thranduil and promptly slapped him on the back. The look on Thranduil's face was priceless. His face turned a bright red and Elrohir immediately knew he had been tricked. Even Aragorn looked shocked at Elrohir's behavior. Legolas laughed and pulled Aleera away by the hand. "It is time for our exit." (watch this)

"We are leaving the festivities?" she asked.

"Unless you prefer to stay."

Aleera frowned. "Nay. Let us be off."

Legolas purposely led Aleera through the middle of the hall, bowing his head to those that bowed and curtsied as they passed. When he saw the disrespectful elleths refuse to bow, Legolas paused with Aleera on his arm and turned to them. He was about to say something but Aleera beat him to it.

"What is this? I find it hard to believe that Mirkwood has discourteous citizens among them. Bow before your prince, you insolent miscreants!"

Legolas stared in disbelief as the five elleths at the table stumbled out of their seats and quickly curtsied before them. He sensed their sudden dread and fear upon hearing Aleera's angered words and the rage in her eyes.

"If you wish to gain my favor," she continued, "do not ever let me catch you offending the prince again."

"Aye, princess," they replied in unison.

Legolas led Aleera away toward the doors. Once they were out of the hall and moving down the corridor to his chamber, he let out a laugh that startled her. "Mae carnen, Aleera! You have placed the fear of Morgoth in their hearts. I do not believe they will ever think twice about disrespecting you." (well done)

"I care not if they disrespect me, but I will never see them disrespect you, the son of their king." She allowed him to lead her down the corridor and then wondered where they were going. "Where are you taking me, Legolas?"

"My chamber. You will share it with me from this day forward."

Aleera's stomach fluttered suddenly at his words. She had forgotten that this would now be her home and that she would be sharing everything with Legolas. There was no need to hide their love for one another from anyone. It was expected that she would be sharing his bed.

When Legolas brought her to his chamber, he watched as she nonchalantly walked around, making note of her gowns hung in the space where his own garments hung. Some of her personal effects sat on the dresser beside his items. The servants had brought her things to his chamber during the festivities. He sensed the warmth and comfort she felt from seeing her things among his and knew that she accepted everything. She turned and rushed over to kiss him. He was surprised at the aggression she displayed as he made love to her on his bed. She wanted him to take her fast and furious. He obliged her every whim and then caressed her gently as they lay in silence afterward.

"When will the attack come to Mirkwood?" she asked, breaking the silence.

"In three more days. But knowing the truthfulness of the source, or lack thereof, I estimate it to be much sooner. My father will hold discussions with Lord Celeborn in the morning."

"Are we invited to attend the discussions?"

"Of course we are. We must both be aware of what will transpire, especially you. If something happens to Thranduil, or if I should…"

Aleera quickly reached up to cover his lips with her fingers. "Nay, do not speak the words aloud. I cannot bear to hear them. Nothing will ever befall you, meleth nin. Never." (my love)

The area around the Lonely Mountain was barren as a desert. Hurrnäd was used to this kind of environment. The desert was what surrounded his oasis home of Kozar, right in the middle of the desolation. But the mountain here brought a breeze that cooled the burning of the morning sun on the sand. A servant brought a cool goblet of water which he drank at his leisure, watching the approach of Hurbag from a short distance.

Hurbag sauntered over in the direction of the Kozari king, unsure of how he was going to break the news to him about his missing second in command and the repercussions behind it.

"You look troubled, Hurbag, my Orc friend."

Hurbag decided to just come out and say it. There was no use in delaying it. "Ruk has gone missing."

"Ruk? Who in blazes is Ruk?"

"He is the second in command of my troops. The last I saw of him was just before we left Withered Heath. I sent others back to search for him, but there was no trace."

"So what is it you are trying to tell me, Hurbag? Was he kidnapped?"

"That is my guess," he hissed, dark spittle shooting from between his sharp gangly teeth.

Hurrnäd's eyes narrowed. There had been no sign of anyone tracking them. Who could have dragged the Orc away unnoticed? Elf spies. These were their lands. Surely they were hidden in the unlikeliest places, watching their assembly. And if they were witnessing this, then it was a sure thing that the king of Mirkwood knew what was coming. Hurbag obviously thought the same or he would not have bothered him with the news.

"What will we do to rectify this situation?" asked Hurbag, his sickly yellow eyes glittering in the sun.

"Prepare your people. We march upon Mirkwood in the morning."

Hurbag grinned menacingly and rushed away. It was only a matter of time now. For long had he wanted to take the caverns of Thranduil. And now he would have them and all the spoils of the Mirkwood elves, along with a few females he would make his own.

Hearing the sounds of clanging metal, Hurrnäd walked around a rock cropping. There he found Gwinn practicing with her sword against Kozar's mentor, Roxon. He watched her moves for awhile. She was skilled with the sword and had proved herself an asset in many battles. Roxon paused upon seeing him and Gwinn turned in his direction. The swelling and bruising on her face had almost faded. But there was nothing to be done about her ravaged nose. The most practiced healer in Kozar was not able to do anything more than stitch it together. He saw the fury in her eyes. She wanted to inflict the worst kind of pain on the elf that forever disfigured her face. He had faith in her ability with the sword, but he did not believe she could win in hand to hand combat with the elf. The elf would kill her easily. But Hurrnäd had allowed her to come. He would give her the chance she so wanted, even if she died trying.

When Gwinn dismissed Roxon, Hurrnäd held a hand up. The mentor waited while his king walked to the makeshift table containing weapons and armor. The king donned full battle armor, making Roxon groan in dismay. A foul mood the king seemed to be in and he would be feeling the brunt of it.

Hurrnäd picked up a sword and a lightweight axe and walked over to Roxon. It had been a long time since he had held these two weapons together, his preferred method of hand to hand combat, which had proved itself during the many battles against the men of the far north. He held up both weapons and prepared to give his mentor a fair beating, his mind conjuring up the image of the golden-haired elf he would soon confront. His heart raced with fear…a fear he did not comprehend and hated with a passion. He would inflict the worst kind of pain on Prince Legolas of Mirkwood and then his fear would be gone.

A/N – I would love to hear your thoughts!