The Company of Three

Chapter 2: These Dark Halls

If she had been any other guest or commoner in the house of King Thranduil, for her grievances alone she would have been bound in irons and brought to her knees before the King immediately. However, Eleniel still held whatever was left of her credibility and was allowed for the time being to be detained within her given rooms. But it was not long after her curious conversation with Tauriel that the doors to her outer chamber burst open. In walked princes Telegalad and Sidhion, along with what Eleniel thought to be, was half the royal guard. Amused, Eleniel quickly studied their faces as some of the guard she knew personally, all wearing concerned grimaces beneath their shining helms. Though it was not the parade of guards and princes that caught her eye, but their formal dress. Both princes were dressed in full formal armor, silver and gold-plated armor woven in intricate veins throughout all the pieces, while each prince wore their formal headdresses. Thick circlets of gold embedded with jewels that Thranduil was claimed to hoard in his vast cellars. It was this very dress, and the matching dress of the royal guard, that made Eleniel sweat slightly. Such formal appearances usually meant a public trial, and she was beginning to wonder what she had done to warrant such an audience. Eleniel slowly removed herself from her causal position in the chair she sat, never once breaking eye contact with the eldest, Prince Telegalad, the Crowned Prince of their realm.

"Galad?" Her voice was soft, unintentionally indicating her uneasiness about their abrupt entrance. Her guard was high, uncertain of the events about to transpire. It was clear that Eleniel was friendliest with Telegalad and Legolas, and their favor with her was well known amongst their men. Even as a respected soldier, men still gossiped and there was plenty of speculation over which prince she had intentions with. Eleniel had always thought the concept ridiculous. She had no time for herself, let alone to court a prince or any other elf in the realm. She was content with her station and her friendship, but to her, that was all it was. Or so she thought.

The eldest Prince shook his head solemnly. Like his brothers, Telegalad also had blue eyes yet his were like dark sapphires and as deep as oceans with their hidden messages. He did not answer Eleniel immediately, only stared at her as if he was pondering the right words to speak. A forlorn look, a glimpse of pleading crossed his face. "Lady Eleniel, daughter of Lord Thaurdaer," The words sounded as broken as his expression. There was no conviction, no vigor to the words he spoke aloud. Eleniel continued to stare directly at Telegalad though he now refused to meet her eyes. "You are to appear now before King Thranduil, in High Court for the crime of treason against Prince Legolas, and therefore King Thranduil. Your hearing will convene now, amongst all festival dignitaries who will be your council."

As he spoke, the guard fanned out around the room finally encompassing her and the princes. There was a loud gasp that only Eleniel could place as Tauriel's. In that moment, Eleniel stood at her full height, looking each soldier around the room in the face when her gaze finally landed back on both Prince Sidhion and Prince Telegalad. At full height, she was five feet seven inches, with her shoulders drawn back and her neck aligned, she appeared very much a member of Thranduil's esteemed high court and much less a warrior in his army. Eleniel stepped forward, never once breaking eye contact, challenging each prince. "Do you believe this? That I, could commit such a crime?"

"It is not for us to decide, Eleniel," Sidhion spoked in his hushed tones. "This comes at Father's request. You shall be judged by the whole of the realm for a crime as high as treason."

"We were wrestling, my lord. I am sure Prince Legolas informed the King of the circumstances that precede this trial."

Telegalad sighed, running a hand over his already tired face. "Aye, he did. As it was also reported to me. But-"

"But unfortunately it was a witnessed event." Sidhion commented lowly, stepping a little closer to Eleniel so that the entire guard may not hear every word said. "There are parties stating you assaulted Legolas, even threatening him so that he may speak on your behalf for the place of captain after the tournament."

At this, Tauriel pushed through the guards. "Enough of this! Sid, Telegalad, your father cannot reasonably believe Eleniel, a general's daughter, would commit high treason! Even for the position of captain! She has fought her way to this very spot. Bribes and threats would do her no justice now."

"We never said-"

"Yes, we know Taur-"

"Take me to him!"

The arguing amidst the circle of guards ceased immediately. Telegalad, Sidhion, and Tauriel slowly turned to look at a proud Eleniel, grey eyes lit like electrifying clouds before a storm, determining her competency as her voice was low and slow, yet sure and demanding. Eleniel stepped through her friends, facing the captain of the royal guard, Tinnedir, focusing each word she spoke directly at him. "Now." The command came in their native tongue and it was final for those that stood behind her. She was not going to argue the matter amongst them any longer, it made no difference here. Eleniel would speak her case to the one who demanded her attention, at least she knew she could get him to listen.

Tinnedir, the captain of the royal guard, looked quickly at Prince Telegalad for confirmation. Shaking his head at Eleniel in defeat, Telegalad gave the signal for Tinnedir to lead the guard away with Eleniel in their custody. He and Sidhion would follow behind as was custom in such matters of state.

As they made to leave the room, Tauriel grabbed Telegalad's arm, making sure her stride was matching her friend's whilst grabbing a cloak off the chaise Eleniel has been sitting on earlier. "Since when, my lords, is it practice to hold court over such a trivial matter as wrestling?" Tauriel growled, fastening her brooch of her cloak as she followed the princes through the palace. As customary in High Court tunics were not appropriate attire and Tauriel had been severely underdressed for the occasion.

"It's not. But the case was made to the council before Ada had even heard of it. And because it was done in such a matter, Ada must allow for it to be heard by all, and not just privately otherwise it would never have come to this." Sidhion growled back, focusing on the guard ahead.

"Ada adores Eleniel." Telegalad added. "Eleniel never even needed to worry about the tournament in the first place. Win or lose, he was going to name her captain."

"WHAT?"

"Shhh!" Was the collective hushing by both Princes as they raced behind the royal guard. They were almost to the chambers where High Court would be held on the other side of palace. Speaking aloud so close to the courts could only cause more trouble for their friend. The guard stopped abruptly in front of them, causing Tauriel who was busy still fastening her brooch, to literally run into the back of Sidhion. After apologizing, she looked to both of her Princes quizzically though neither had the answer for the sudden halt, nor did she hear them give the order too.

"Amman daur?" Telegalad called to Tinnedir in the front of the guard. There was no answer for a moment, causing the company in front of them to become restless and needlessly shift position.

"Tinnedir, amman daur?!" Telegalad shouted. As the Crowned Prince, Telegalad held the most rank, the most seniority and power within the group, which demanded an immediate answer when asked a question. The lack of answer from the captain made everyone else that could not see even more uneasy.

"Telegalad." The voice was soft, soothing and somewhat musical, yet powerful. It was an unforgettable voice, and one that demanded the attention of any audience once heard. The company before them dropped to one knee, except for the Princes, Tauriel, and Eleniel.

"My lord…" The collective greeting echoed through the corridors as the group of four still standing bowed slowly to King Thranduil. Though Eleniel, who stood closest to King Thranduil bowed but never broke her eye contact with King Thranduil, whom now stood directly in front of her. To some, this was a sign of disrespect. Challenging their leader, their King, was not condoned. However, there were few in his court, in his realm, that had boldness to challenge him in such a fashion. Not even his own sons dared to keep their eyes on their King whilst bowing. She was a rare spirit to have in his company.

"A most unusual morning am I right?" King Thranduil commented lightly, circling the guard, circling Eleniel as he walked. "I summoned one of you here, yet I see four. I suppose I should commend your comradery." His voice was bored, lazy, as he pointed out their clear bonds of friendship.

"Ada, please, we beg you to reconsider this unnecessary proc-"

Telegalad was silenced with a steady look from their father. Thranduil's pacing stopped as he turned to look directly at Eleniel, her blank expression making him the more curious. "Unnecessary, yes that I would I agree, ion-nin. Tinnedire, dismiss your men. They are no longer needed." Thranduil yet again gave his command in an aloof tone, never once taking his eyes off Eleniel. "As for you, maerthorell (warrior daughter), wait in the inner chamber with Legolas until I arrive. I am not done with either of you. As for the rest, make yourself scarce."

"But what about the court?" Sidhion cried out to their father. Mid step, Thranduil turned to smile at his sons before continuing into the chamber alone where the members of the High Court were waiting.

"Ego, El." Telegalad whispered to Eleniel was once they were all alone in the corridor. They royal guard has dispersed, following their King's command to the letter. The friend remained in the hollow corridor alone, hearts racing in apprehension together. "And tell little brother to watch his temper next time."

Though the message had been meant only for Eleniel, Tauriel had heard enough to raise an eyebrow at her friends. Eleniel hugged Telegalad quickly before running off in the direction of King Thranduil's private chambers, leaving more questions than answers in her wake.

"Some days I forget she is not a child anymore." Sidhion sighed tiredly, already feeling drained from the morning excitement. "Yet we continue to protect her like one."

"She never needed protection. She has been like this since she was a babe." Telegalad laughed. "You nor I could look at Ada the way she does, and yet she does it so defiantly!"

"Eleniel," Tauriel sighed happily. "She is promised for greater things."

"And how could she not be?" Telegalad smiled at her. "When you have taught her everything she knows?"

Perhaps not everything, she thought to herself. Tauriel gave a small smile to answer her Prince, though his words lingered on her mind. Though they all had an early start to the morning, the sun was only just now peaking to its high point, and so much had happened in such few hours. A strange morning indeed, she thought as she reflected Legolas' strange, aggressive actions and Eleniel's surprisingly submissive stance. The roles were usually reversed; Eleniel was known for her temper and Legolas was bred and molded to be level-headed and calm.

"Galad?" Tauriel called out as she walked behind the princes. "Why did you warn Eleniel about Laeg Las' temper? It is such a rare thing for him. Today being the exception of course, it's not like him. I find it doubtful Eleniel, of all others, should need to steel herself from him."

The princes, who had started to walk away, yet again came to a startling halt for the not the first time that morning. The brothers exchanged looks of confusion, and another look that Tauriel did not completely recognize. Only Telegalad turned to face their friend, however his look was one Tauriel would never forget. A ghost of a memory flashed across the eldest prince's face, leaving a haunted, painful expression in its wake. It was one that left chills running down her spine. And when he spoke, there was no doubt in Tauriel's mind the pain that Telegalad was attempting to mask. One question alone had undone centuries of emotional barriers.

"Have you no idea what day today is?" Telegalad answered quietly, low enough only their elf ears could hear his words. It would be hard to miss the clear pain in his voice as he spoke. "Have you no notion as to why the festival starts on every first day of summer?"

She hadn't. But she would find out.


Eleniel had taken off from the corridor at a light run in the direction of the King's chambers. She hadn't known what to expect and she did not know why anyone would accuse her of assaulting what she considered to be her closest friend, but she would find out eventually. Not much remained a mystery to the she-elf once she set out on a task. Even if it meant challenging the King for the answer, she thought, one way or another she would find her answer. Arriving at the chamber, she noted the empty corridor held a tight air, one that made it difficult to breath. But it was not the air alone that made her uncomfortable, but also the lingering figure leaning against a hard, wooden structure that seemed to disrupt the atmosphere. She could never, nor would she ever forget the figure in question, for she had admired it for far too long. Idolized him, adored him, followed each guidance given to her by him as if it were written with the purest of starlight.

She watched as the person in question sat in the shadows, neither ignoring her presence or all together lost in thought. And for the moment, she felt it nearly criminal to disturb someone is such a deep thought. So, she did what she had told herself she would never do, and she studied him from a distance. And the longer she stood there she become more curious than ever to know more about this elf that shrouded himself in melancholic mysteries. The tall, thin yet perfectly muscular figure then leaned heavily on the intricate oak doors of his father's chambers, seemed more beautiful and broken than she ever imagined he could be. It was if she was looking at him for the first time, despite their meeting centuries beforehand. Eleniel could see now, through the darkness of the dank corridor, the defeated look on his face. It was one she had never seen before, not even in battle. It was not like him to be defeated so easily. She had never known him to lose a fight, a battle, whether external or internal. Perhaps that is why she revered him so, because he was the strength that most days she lacked. She could face her enemies with the clearest of mindsets, all her long years of training behind her to guide her bow and swords. But it was the demons that others could not see that she lacked the strength to face outright. And on those days, he was always right beside her helping her fight through it.

"Laeg las."

Laeg las. A special name for the youngest prince. A name given to him by the Queen whilst she was still alive. A name only the closest of friends and family used for him, and one he also recognized as being a painful reminder. She had not meant for it to be painful, for he was always Laeg las to her. It was almost instinct in that moment to call him by his given nickname.

"That seems to be everyone's favorite name today." Sighed the blonde-haired prince. Legolas stepped out of the shadows encasing the door of the chambers. Having dismissed the guards before Eleniel arrived, they remained the only two souls in the corridor. "I am beginning to prefer Legolas."

Eleniel stepped forward gingerly. If there had been anyone she was less aggressive with, it was Legolas and Tauriel, her closest teachers and friends. "It's a fitting name." A silence came over them. "The council has been dismissed. King Thranduil sent me here, with you."

"I see," Legolas muttered into the darkness still not looking in her direction. "Is Tauriel safe?" He asked after a moment of unsettling silence.

Eleniel huffed, folding her arms across her chest. "You mean, is she hurt? No, no harm came to her. Though I should warn you. She has more questions than answers after this morning."

"I suppose she would," he answered with the heaviest of sighs, as if he was struggling to even hold a conversation with her. "I would be concerned if she didn't."

"This has gone on too long, Legolas!" Eleniel stepped forward into the shadow of the corridor, only to stop when she was a few feet away from him. If it were not for their elf eyes, she would have had much more difficulty carrying on this conversation with someone persistent on being just a shadow. "I understand the pain behind your words, but this cannot be! You've withdrawn further and further with each passing summer, and now a violent outburst? Soon Tauriel will not be the only one asking questions!"

"Your concern is unwarranted, El."

"Unwarranted?" Eleniel answered incredulously. "You hide your pain from those you should trust! And look where it has gotten you!"

"You know nothing of pain!" Came the low growl from his lips. The words from his lips stung, but like his earlier actions today, she had tried to ignore the comments of her prince. She was familiar with this type of pain, with these types of outburst despite what her prince thought. Mortals and dwarves were not the only species on Middle Earth that grieved so deeply.

But she could not hide the wounded look that crossed her face. She did understand his anger and pain. She understood the importance of keeping one's composure, especially in his position. But even so, she had hoped he would give her more credibility than that of a small child. "Is that so? Yet, I am the one standing before you, accused of treason even though I have continued to keep your secrets and hold you in esteem despite your actions." Eleniel answered with her own low growl, her temper on as much of a low boil as his. "And I do understand."

"I did not accuse you of treason, Eleniel." Legolas answered harshly, turning quickly to glare in her direction.

"Nor did I say you did," The calamity of her voice returned which began to engage his attention during such an emotional conversation. "I just said I understood. Today, is always a difficult day for you, and it is I that should apologize to you."

"I do not understand."

"Some memories are too painful to always keep locked away, and on anniversaries we tend to let those walls down." Eleniel answered quietly, her own voice reflecting something he could not entirely recognize. "On more than one occasion Legolas, my prince, I have shared with you my secrets and you have done the same. Whether by folly or true companionship, you have spoke of what haunts you in brief. I should have recognized this, instead of focusing on my own agenda. Perhaps the morning would have taken a different path."

"Today is just like any other day Eleniel." The sigh escaping his lips was the only tell he gave that told her she was right. "I did something truly regrettable to you and Tauriel. My apology alone cannot be enough, nor will it ever be."

Eleniel gave another loud, audible sigh. In that moment, as they stood together in the corridor awaiting their King, in the bleakness that surrounded them, a stray ray of sunlight shined through as small window high above them. The light shined right into Eleniel's face. It was then that Legolas could truly look at her after all the excitement the morning had brought. He then saw as the young she-elf stood in front of him suddenly seemed older, experienced, he would even say tired. She was much younger than himself. For when she was born, he could remember being introduced to the quietest yet most curious babe he had ever met. He was much younger then, still being taught by his father's scholars and weapons masters. But he would never forget those stormy grey eyes that always twinkled with a hint of mischief. But that was exactly who Eleniel is, always twinkling with some kind of mischief. She is fearless, excitable, in love with her life and her aspirations. Yet he knew what she had not dared to share with others. There were secrets amongst Thranduil's halls that Legolas was sure his father had either turned a blind eye too or truly had no idea that they were happening.

Eleniel came to lean on the same door as he did, smiling and patiently waiting. "I was quite young, but I do remember her." She whispered out into the emptiness of the corridor. The words finally reached his keen ears, causing him to gasp. Legolas backed away from the door and made to stand in front of his friend. Seeing that it might have been the wrong thing to say, Eleniel groaned inwardly and stood up from her slouched position.

"How could you? You were just a child then, how could you remember her." The dark hue in his eyes returned. She wasn't completely recovered from the first round with his quick temper this morning, she wasn't sure she'd survive a second round with it. "Do not speak of what you do not know, Eleniel."

"You assume much, son of Thranduil." Eleniel snapped back, finally growing tired of his stubbornness. "By your word, I'm quite naïve and a poor friend indeed. I also forget that you became a seer and can now read minds too."

"Your tongue is not appreciated."

"It's not given for your appreciation, my lord." Eleniel glared into the shadows of the corridor, utterly irked by his own antics. She had plenty of brothers to bicker with, she needn't another one.

He glared at her, pacing back and forth the length of the door in front of his father's locked chambers. "You couldn't remember her, you were too young. Tauriel would barely remember her."

The storm in his eyes seemed to pass, and then the defeated, exhausted look replaced the anger. She knew she should phrase her next words carefully, but who would she be if she did not challenge him as she did her older brothers. He was family to her, always there for her. She would not let him slip away into his own sadness. Her eyes never left his face as she stepped forward gingerly yet with purpose. She was in front of the youngster Prince of Greenwood within two short strides. He towered over her. His golden locks draping over his shoulder as his head hung. She had never wanted to be there for him more than in that moment. And she would never know just how much he truly needed her then. Eleniel reached one soft hand to his face, catching the young Prince by surprise.

Eleniel smiled a gentle smile at him. "How could I forget her? She was a warm person Laeg las, a beautiful soul. But she was also strong, the very best person to sit beside your father. I was young, too young to perhaps remember all of her, but I will never forget her voice. Her soft voice that sang such beautiful lullabies to me. At first, I thought I was remembering my own mother, but then I remembered she never sang, at least not while Adar was near." The smile Eleniel smiled was sad, lonely, and solemn. Legolas recognized the same smile, one his father often displayed whilst remembering his mother when he thought no one could see. "I remember that day."

"Please don't …" Legolas whispered, pulling away from Eleniel's warm hands. "I do not want to relive it."

Eleniel sighed, bowing her head. "As you wish, Laeg las. It is not my intention to cause you more pain."

"Dear Eleniel…"

Eleniel's head snapped into place. At first she looked up at her Prince, her heart leapt at such an open term of endearment from him. But when she glanced upward she saw her expression mirrored in his own. Reflexes and years of endless training took over both of their bodies like well-oiled machines, both Prince and soldier responded to the whisper of 'Dear Eleniel.' In the growing darkness of Greenwood new terrors and fears began to lurk. It was no secret to Thranduil's army and his people the growing threat that began to creep at their borders, making it difficult to travel freely between the realms, even to hold events such as the Summer Festival. Whispers in dark places were becoming a common event and sleeping with a knife under one's pillow was now habit. The whisper in the dank corridor came again, this time slightly louder. Eleniel reached for her sword, however because of the early morning events, she had been disarmed and disrobed of all her weapons. Her bow, her sword, knives, even the ones she had kept hidden were taken from her in her arrest. In a quick moment of thought Eleniel reached behind her to Legolas's left hip and groped for the long knife that he had secured to the belt of his ceremonial tunic. She had not heard a complaint or cry of indignation from the Prince as she took the knife, giving her more things to think about later.

"Do you feel as foolish as I do?" Eleniel whispered, her back pressed to Legolas' as her stormy eyes scanned the empty corridor.

"Foolish, maybe. I heard it too. Something is watching us." Legolas whispered in a low and dangerous voice. "Or rather, something is watching you."

"That's not helping Laeg Las." Eleniel growled at him, pushing her elbow into his side. "I see nothing."

"Nor I, nor do I hear anything."

Legolas relaxed, shaking his head. It had been a morning of excitement. Perhaps the morning's affairs were mentally taking their toll on them both, to the point of hearing voices. He shook his head again, shaking off the silly rational. Just as he had convinced himself they were being silly, a thunderous clap sounded from somewhere in the corridor, followed by a laugh that sent chills down both of their spines.

"Mana taw/what is that?" Eleniel cried out. "Man ennas/ who is there?"

The laugh grew louder, clearly amused by Legolas and Eleniel's frightened and reactive stances, returning to the protection of their weapons and each other. "You two are quite absorbed in each other as of late."

From the shadows stepped King Thranduil. His long robes of silver sweeping the stone floor behind him with his long arms folded neatly behind his back. He walked towards his son and soldier with a grace fit only for kings, while staring at them both with a look so mischievous and challenging, it sent Eleniel's blood running cold. Though it was not only the King's menacing look that had Eleniel's defenses peaking to its heights but who walked in his very shadow. While Legolas stared down his father who walked slow circles around the pair in the middle of the corridor, Eleniel eyed the elf who stepped one foot into the light, while the rest of him laid in wait within the darkness. The grip on the knife in her hand tightened, marking the inside of her palm. She was not sure which emotion terrified her more, the fear of Thranduil taunting them, or the fear of her father prowling the shadows waiting to pounce.

"You will lower your weapons in the presence of the King." The command came from the shadows, a hiss that reminded Eleniel strongly of venomous snakes.

There was a moment of hesitation between them, but slowly Legolas lowered his long knives and Eleniel reluctantly brought her own knife to wait at her waist.

"Ada." Eleniel directed into the shadows of the still circling elf.

"Eleniel."

Typical. Eleniel growled to herself, never breaking her eye contact with her father as he stepped slowly out of the shadows to stand behind King Thranduil.

"What trouble you have caused, child."

His voice was chilling, low, deceptive. His voice reminded her why children are fearful of the dark, people, elves, like such that lurk there. Her father, Lord Thraudaer, was made King Thandruil's right hand advisor before she was born. After her mother died, Eleniel had been pushed off to the care of her older brothers and the three sons of Thranduil. Shortly after her own mother died, Legolas' mother, Queen Santiel, had been kidnapped and killed. And the men that had been doting fathers, became skeptical and withdrawn. Matters of war and foreign threats took priority over family. And though King Thranduil remained close with his sons, her own father could not say the same. Thaurdaer withdrew from all familial connection after the death of his wife. And as Eleniel grew older and began to travel with her scouting parties, she heard whispers of a darkness that was beginning to grow within the palace walls, beneath Thranduil's very eyes. There were whispers of a dangerous man, an elf, who dealt in death and dark magic. A black magic. One known only to those that follow Gorthaur, or "The Dark Lord" as the men of Numenor call him. As time had gone on, she suspected her father. An elf who steered away from the light. He was known amongst his men, those he commanded, as being cruel and unforgiving. Ironic, as that is how he treated his children.

He circled them as a lion would prey. She felt like prey. But she never broke her eye contact, never once taking her eyes off him as he paced around them. Thranduil paid his general's action no mind. He was focused on his own child.

"I have done no such thing." Eleniel answered the darkness.

"Oh, I don't quite believe treason is nothing, Eleniel." Answered the shadows.

"And I have not committed treason, Ada." Eleniel growled. "Reveal yourself! I will not speak to the darkness!"

"As you wish." A low, seductive chuckle came from the older elf as he stepped out of the shadows to stand behind King Thranduil. "Is this to your liking, daughter?"

Eleniel did not answer knowing his taunting was only to provoke a more unchecked response from her. She could not afford such an action now, especially not in front of the King. Thranduil remained silent as the family banter continued. Though his own eyes never left his son's, and they looked more curious than angry or regal.

"Ion-nin," King Thranduil at last addressed his youngest son. "The trouble you two have caused is remarkable. And the first event of the festival has yet to even start. I would expect something of this magnitude from children, but you both are children no longer." He spoke in that same bored voice as before and began to circle both Legolas and Eleniel. She was really beginning to hate that particular shape today. "Lord Thraudaer will punish Eleniel accordingly. To assault a member of the royal family warrants immediate death, however, I assume this is not the case, ion-nin?"

Legolas shook his head. "No, that was not the case."

"What, pray tell, is?

"I attacked her." Legolas' words brought both of their fathers to a halt. The men of Lord Thraudaer's guard, clad in their silver armor, stiffened. Everyone was paying close attention now. "Eleniel had gone to the practice yard early, Tauriel and I had joined her. I thought I might teach her one final lesson, but I did not control myself or conduct myself in matter fitting of my station. I am sorry Ada, I let today control my actions."

In the moments that took place, Eleniel and Legolas never separated from each other. In fact, they remained back to back, shoulders touching. But in that moment, while Legolas professed to his father, her father, and Thraudaer's entire guard the reason for his actions, Eleniel could feel the vibrations of pain as he spoke as her back was pressed to his. Awaiting Thranduil's answer, Eleniel reached her left hand back to clasp his reassuringly. His hand was shaking but he took hers and held on tightly. A small smile crept to her lips. It was reaction she hadn't expected or wanted. But she was glad. At least they could resist their menacing fathers together.

"Eleniel," Thranduil turned to her at last. "Is what my son says true? Were you attacked?

Her face flushed as being spoken too in such an indirect manner by her King. She began to stammer as she spoke, ripping her hand out of Legolas' in a nervous fashion. "I-I wouldn't necess-". Legolas kicked her lightly, and she cleared her throat. "No, my liege. I was not attacked by Prince Legolas."

"Good gods!" Lord Thraudaer cried. "Will we never have the truth from you two? My lord, it appears my daughter might be trying to protect your son."

"Yes, and my son is protecting your daughter."

"What a sight! My daughter, in love with the Prince!" Lord Thraudaer shouted to the long, empty corridor they all stood in. "What shall we do with you two?"

Mortified by her father's claim, Eleniel stammered yet again to correct him. She imagined her face in that moment, and she began to feel even hotter than before. She was sure sweat was beading down her forehead for sure. Thank Mandos she was no longer holding Legolas' hand! She was instantly reminded of a conversation she had with Tauriel a little while before and groaned. The woman is a seer! Eleniel groaned inwardly.

"Let them go."

She hadn't paid much attention as she was lost in her own thoughts, but she was holding her breath, and at King Thranduil's word she gave a loud audible breath of relief. She blushed again, realizing she was still standing within hearing distance of the youngest Prince. She took a second of survey her surroundings. Those that surrounded them looked a mixture of relief and angered. Her own father was glaring at her from behind the King. This was far from over, she told herself.

"Enough, release them." Thranduil's voice again, this time directed at her father.

"My liege?"

"Such a trivial matter that has wasted much of my morning." King Thranduil frowned, rubbing the space between his eyes. "Legolas, I expect more from you. You are a prince of this realm. There are dignitaries from every elven realm visiting for this festival, I trust you to not act like a child."

"Ada, I am –"

Thranduil held a hand up to silence his son. He turned to Eleniel. "As for you. The esteem I held you in now falters. I entertain Tauriel and your presence within my army because my sons asked it of me. Luckily, you have both been more of an asset than a burden. Yet, it is clear to me just making you a captain without a trial would be foolish of me. I will not have those in command be so easily swayed by their emotions. Clearly, you are young yet and have not learned what it is to love and to have loss. Either of you. Perhaps this will teach you." King Thranduil began to walk away, reaching the outer ring of Lord Thraudaer's guard, he turned back around to address both his son and his warrior. "Eleniel will participate in all of the events. Should she lose one of these, she will be disqualified from the running for captain. If she should lose two events, she will not be allowed to compete further or in any future event hence forth. Consider this both of your punishments for the embarrassment you have caused me." Thranduil continued to walk through the ring of guards, calling for Legolas to follow in his wake.

Eleniel stood frozen as she watched her King make his exit. Then she felt cold. She felt the warmth of her friend leave her as she watched him slowly make his way after his father. There was something in the way he walked as she stood frozen in her own time. His steps lacked their usual purpose, and he continued to look over his shoulder to see her face. She was sure she looked silly, absurd. But the King's choice of punishment shocked her, to her very core. It could have been worse she supposed, but it was a punishment that she knew would ultimately decide her future in more than just one way.

She watched quietly as the King and Legolas disappeared into the distance, their voices softer than a whisper now. She watched as the ring of guards Thranduil had stepped through a few moments before, now closed and began to step carefully towards her. There was not one being within her father's guard that she trusted or admired. They were elves of greed and deception, just like him. They voluntarily chose to be his personal guard, consisting of elves her father had found along his travels that had been outcasted by their own societies. It always amazed her that the King would allow such a large number of outsiders into his secure kingdom.

She had escaped one danger today, only to enter another. There was a clap, a solidary clap that echoed in the lonely corridor. Lord Thraudaer, no longer shrouded by the shadows or hidden behind his King, stepped forward towards his daughter. The sunlight that shined into the corridor earlier that illuminated her face so well in front of the Prince, had long gone. They stood in almost complete darkness, except for one lit torch a few yards away.

"Six hundred years," Her father continued to clap as he approached her. "Six hundred years, and it would appear you have learned absolutely nothing!" He shouted at her. Thraudaer finally stood in front of her, towering over her at six feet two inches. He was lean, an older looking elf, as if the years of war physically wore away the elegance of their species. He long silver, blonde hair had frayed, as if it too was withering away with his long years. He was older than the King that she knew, with centuries of knowledge of warfare and scrutiny behind him. For not the first time that morning, and now well into the early afternoon, Eleniel stood at her full potential. She threw her shoulders back and gripped the knife even tighter in her hand. She could feel a cool liquid run down from her palm. Hearing the drip of fresh blood, Thraudaer smirked. In a swift motion he reached up and grabbed the tail of hair running down Eleniel's back, bending her head and neck back into an uncomfortable position as he loomed over her. But as he continued to tip her backwards, Eleniel brought the knife to his neck, wedging it into the space between their bodies.

Thraudaer gave a cruel, loud laugh. His guard stepped forward, tightening the circle around them. He pulled her hair even harder this time, and then kicked her legs out from underneath her. Eleniel fell to her knees, her head still tilt back as to stare directly into orbits of nothingness. The knife in her hand was wrenched out of her grasp and thrown far away to the side, she lost sight of it in the darkness. All that was left was her bloody palm which she planted firmly on the stone floor to brace herself. "A knife? You threaten me with a knife?" He laughed again. "Foolish child! Your only task was to become his captain, and you couldn't even do that! You must win all the events now to accomplish this, do you understand me? No ennui as ever done this, weak as you are, I doubt you'll be the first!"

His rage was seething. She could feel his anger from his hold on her neck and head. Oddly, she was not afraid of him. She was no longer afraid of his threats to her person. No, she did not cower from him. What frightened her was his reach. His knowledge in torture and in pain, his cruelty, his unforgiving nature is what she feared. And it was never directed at her. No, her father kept her brothers and herself in line by threatening those around them. And it was a very effective tactic.

"Your faith in me Ada is overwhelming, hannad le."

SLAP.

"Mind your tongue." His words were like ice shattering to her, as if to add insult to injury. And as she sat on her knees, Eleniel contemplated the vast disadvantage she was at for defending herself, never mind being surround by ten angry guards. "This is all just a game to you, selfish girl." Thraudaer growled, yanking on her hair once more. "You, who has never understood what is like to be abandoned and forgotten. You, who has always gotten all that you have ever wished for." He sneered, circling her just as the King had done previously. These circles were really starting to make her dizzy. "That will soon end. You have one purpose in life Eleniel, and it is to serve me. And me alone. Remember that, always."

Eleniel jumped to her feet, enraged by such a description of the rest of her long years. "I serve the King, and him alone!" She spat. A fire began to rise in her core, a newfound pride for her King and her realm.

His bone chilling laugh came again. "Do not fret, you'll still have a king to serve." He said, followed by a clearly amused chuckle. "Listen carefully, you will become a captain in the House of Thrandulion, even if it costs you your life! I have plans Eleniel, and this is only phase one. You must win this tournament, and if you need some more incentive, I am sure I can find some use for your friends. Especially Tauriel. Yes, particularly the elleth."

"Raug! You wouldn't dare touch them! Bold as you are, the sons of Thranduil would best you!" She screamed, the restraint she had left for the terror in her voice was now gone. Her friends were her life, she would let no harm come to them by the hands of her wretched father. Even at the cost of her own life.

"Oh? That is where you are wrong daughter. Absolutely, I would Eleniel." He laughed, sinking back into the shadows of the corridor. The hair on the back of her neck began to stand as she watched the circle of menacing soldiers begin to encompass her. Soft taps of metal touched the stone floor as they each stepped a little closer to her until she could not even see her father's face as it was blocked by his men and their armor.

"No! I refuse! I refuse to be your puppet any longer!" Eleniel screamed from the floor, looking straight up to the darkness above her. "I will leave Mirkwood and forfeit all titles! You will not touch any of them."

What she felt next was unimaginable. Her body lurched forward after receiving a hard kick to the center of her spine, and then another to her stomach. She involuntarily wretched, holding back the bile that the force of injuries had a caused. She was dizzy and mildly winded, but she was still alive, that was something. If rumors were true, most did not survive her father's torments. Lucky me, she thought. She could hear father's voice in the background amongst the clanging and clicking of the armor as they continued to assault her body. Her strength faded quickly, much quicker than she would have liked but defenseless, she held her own for far longer than she gave herself credit for. She could her hear his laugh when it was all over but she could not see him, nor did she see his men. The assault had finally ended after ten long minutes. Her body screamed in pain, her vision blurred, and her strength had been completely taken. She lay on the cold stone floor, the unforgiving hardness offering its coolness to sooth her injuries. She was sure she was bleeding somewhere, possibly multiple places, but she couldn't think about that now. If her father wanted too, he could kill her then. Silence her. She had no strength left to fight him. His laugh came again, the chill of it causing her body to spasm in pain.

"This is what happens to those that doubt me, dear child." He whispered, though she could not see him, and she felt his presence. His breath felt hot and anger as it whispered into her ear. But this was anything but gentle. "Remember this."

He was gone. The threatening aurora finally left her body, allowing it to relax and lower her chronically heightened defenses. The pain worsened when she did. But the darkness was coming, she could feel it. The sweet haven of her unconsciousness mind that for at least a few hours, she would be pain free. And in the dark corners of her mind, she wished she wouldn't wake from her induced slumber.

Translations:

amman daur: why did we stop?

Maerthorell : warrior daughter

Mana taw : What is that

Man ennas : who is there

Elleth: woman/girl

A/N: I am so sorry for the delayed chapter! I have actually been working on this chapter for months, because it is a crucial one! R&R!