Sitting around the large table in the king's throne room, Gandalf, Aragorn and Thranduil spoke in heated voices. Legolas listened intently, not wanting to interrupt and trying, without success, to keep the thoughts of his evening in Linnah's bed from his mind.
"So as you can see, Thranduil, I can tarry here no longer. I must hastily sojourn to the Hobbit village," said the gray robed wizard.
"What?" asked the king irritated. "You've only just arrived."
"Gollum knows that Bilbo has the Ring. It is unlikely that he knew enough to give away the location of Bag End, but I feel the shire is in grave danger. Bilbo's nephew, Frodo, must be told of the evil he keeps in his company. The village must be protected and the Ring removed from its care," said Gandalf to the king gravely.
"I should depart with you then," said Aragorn rising.
"No, Aragon," said Gandalf raising his hand to the ranger. "I wish you to stay a few days more to make sure the dungeon guards are fully instructed on their dealings with Gollum." Aragorn sat back down and started to speak but was interrupted by the king.
"What are you saying Mithrandir? That an outsider should instruct my guards for me? Are you implying we are not wise enough to take care of our own prisoner?" asked Thranduil, standing up angrily.
"Easy my friend," said Gandalf kindly, motioning the king to sit. "It is only a precaution." Then he added with a knowing grin, "I am sure you can appreciate my concern given that a few far less evil creatures were clever enough to outwit your guards not so long ago, eh?'
Thranduil pointed a finger at the wizard. "I can assure you wizard, the weakness you speak of has long been remedied. If you think any less, I invite you to find a more suitable place to hold this creature! You can not deny the shadow you have brought to my kingdom with your arrival. I am already extending to you more than enough of my generosity, albeit against my better judgment. Insulting me is not in your best interest!"
"Father, I am sure Mithrandir means no insult. I will have Aragorn instruct me and I in turn will be in charge of Gollum's imprisonment," said Legolas softly, trying to calm the situation.
Thranduil stopped glaring at Gandalf long enough to turn his face toward his beloved son. His voice softened and he said thoughtfully, "It would be better if any direction to the guards came from one of our own. You would do this, Legolas?"
"Yes Father. Let me deal with this burden. Under my hand, there will be no chance of Gollum being any trouble, let alone escaping."
Thranduil nodded his head slowly and said, "Alright. I wish to be rid of this subject. I will entrust his detainment to you. See to it that this is so."
Gandalf rose from his chair and turned to Aragorn. "Meet me at The Inn of the Prancing Pony in Bree in three month's time. I hope to have more information by then." Then turning towards the king he said, "I apologize for the slight, Thranduil. You are correct. I know of no better place for Gollum then in your dungeons and you bear a heavy burden keeping him here. I will send word at the first hint of any enemy knowledge of Gollum's existence here. I thank you for this audience." Gandalf then bowed his head to the king and bid goodbye to Aragorn and Legolas as they also stood at his move to depart.
The three watched him leave silently. After the throne room doors closed behind Gandalf, they seated themselves once again.
"That wizard vexes me," said Thranduil without humor.
"Yes Father, but his wisdom is great and your friendship long in the making," reminded Legolas.
The king made a "humph" sound and said, "Now, there is also the matter of Dol Guldur. Our scouts have reported increased activity in that fortress and it seems to be growing every day. I find no cause at this time to attack, but I am interested in any information you can provide us, Aragorn."
The ranger cleared his throat and said, "There is no doubt that Sauron is behind this new trend. It is known that even though the Nazgul have returned to Mordor, the orcs remain seemingly leaderless. I too, in my vast wanderings, have felt the growth of evil in many places throughout the lands. But there is no evidence of any aggression planned specifically against the kingdom of Mirkwood. I would agree with your assessment to lay patient for now, your Highness."
"Very good," said the king, rising to indicate the end of their meeting. Aragorn and Legolas rose from their seats as well. They bowed their heads to Thranduil and walked from the throne room together.
When they were safely out of ear shot of the king, Legolas turned his attention to Aragorn. "You are not being totally honest, Aragorn. I can sense you are holding something back."
"If I was holding something back, surely the king would have pressed me," replied Aragorn evenly. The two walked across the polished floor that sloped upwards as it led away from the guarded Throne Room doors.
As Legolas pondered Aragorn's answer, they continued into the narrow hallway that led to the Great hall. A torch lit the way every few feet, causing the mineral rich walls to sparkle. The hallway dipped and curved sharply to the right before it opened into the Great Hall. At its entrance, Legolas motioned for Aragorn to move with him to one side. "Aragorn, I believe my father does not want to think matters worse then they are. He is content with the idea that Mirkwood is locked away from the rest of the world and that we are untouchable."
Aragorn sighed and said, "Without changing my opinion, I would tell you this...the king was right in his concern over Gollum being brought here. If there was any chance at all that Gandalf and I were tracked, Mirkwood would definitely be the target of aggression."
Concern crept into Legolas's mind. He thought a moment and said, "Thank you for your candor, Aragorn. Let us meet again at the mid-day meal. I wish to know all there is about this creature Gollum."
"Aye, my Lord," said Aragorn respectfully.
The prince smiled at him and placed a hand on the ranger's arm. "Please Aragorn, just call me Legolas."
"Aye then, Legolas," said Aragorn smiling. He could appreciate the elf prince's request, as he wasn't too keen of formal titles himself.