Hi!
Sorry it was late again this week, in working two jobs right now and working 16 hours days so it's been taking me a bit longer
Anyways!
Enjoy!
0o0o0o0o0o
He walked into the throne room behind his ever serious escort, he knew their names, somewhere in his brain. Probably. But had quite forgotten them, or perhaps merely misplaced.
It mattered very little, Gandalf knew, because Thranduil had yet to forgive him for his part to play with the dwarves and the dragon. And so the Silvan people would not either; for they followed the lead of their King unfailingly in every aspect. It seemed likely the only reason Thranduil had even granted the request was because it had come from Radagast.
Thranduil, shockingly, had always seemed to like Radagast. Which, logically, went against almost every single thing he knew about Thranduil.
Perhaps it was because of how well his elves like the wizard, especially his son.
A laugh rippled through the throne room although no words had been spoken. He knew that Radagast could hear the voices of the trees as well as well as any Silvan - he wondered if he could hear the souls voice of the Elvenking and his elves just as well.
To his immense disappointment Legolas was nowhere in sight. But that did not mean Thranduil did not have a cluster of warriors and friends.
As much a pack as any wolf or coyote in the forest was.
Just more dangerous. Far, far more dangerous.
Some hung or lazed in branches or roots that grew all around, some sat on the steps leading to the throne or on the actual platform. And unlike any king Gandalf had ever seen before, Thranduil allowed one to half sit and half lean against the arm of his throne while another lazed in Legolas' vacant chair with his long legs thrown over the side.
But then, Thranduil did not need a throne to be powerful; a throne is merely a chair if you care little for what it offers you. A bear is just as likely to kill you with one bite outside of its den as in it.
He wondered if the pack had come just to watch their king talk to him, or if this was a common occurrence. This, familiar lingering.
He wondered many things about the Woodland Realm, but mostly he wondered about what really happened and what they were really like when nobody else was around to witness it.
Did Thranduil even use his throne at all with his own people? Or was it more informal? Or perhaps the trees would bring their concerns to him before the elves even had a chance.
Somehow, Legolas always managed to say hardly a thing about his home, not really. Even when it sounded like he willingly answered all the questions.
"Radagast," Thranduil said by way of greeting, "I think you forgot to mention something, or rather, someone, in your message."
Gandalf, as instructed, kept his mouth shut.
"Did I? Oh dear me, it must have slipped my mind. I'm always doing that, forgetting things or mixing them up. I don't know why I'm explaining it to you, you know it as well as any. Better than many, I suppose."
Thranduil held up his hand for him to stop with an exasperated shake of his head.
An amused shake of his head.
Gandalf could hardly believe his eyes, even Saruman did not have patience for Radagast.
Ice blue eyes turned to him then - he wondered if those eyes ever looked warm, or if they always inflicted frostbite - and Thranduil scrutinized him closely, "You must have a good reason for coming here, Mithrandir."
"I come on behalf of Gondor, a human kingdom-"
"And what do we care about human kingdoms?" Thranduil interrupted, nearly growing taller without even moving. "When they care for us not at all? Unless they want something."
"It is but a small favor."
"It is always a 'small' favor."
Radagast took a few steps closer to the the throne, much bolder than Gandalf would have ever dared to be. "When the Necromancer was driven from Dul Guldur, he returned to his old home in Mordor."
"What does that have to do with us?"
"He has continued to use the spider venom as poison for his orcs to dip their blades and arrows."
The elves exchanged glances in silence.
The Elleth leaning against the arm looked as if she might say something, but thought better of it after a glance from Thranduil. "And what do you need of us, then, Mithrandir."
"I know long ago you developed an anti-venom that can save the lives of both elves and men alike. I have heard of you saving the humans of Laketown and Ravenhill."
Thranduil merely stared unblinkingly, so he continued, "I'm asking for you to give the recipe to me so that I might share the knowledge to help ease their suffering. I'm asking you to have pity for those who know the same suffering as your people."
"We can give you the recipe, but it will do you no good without the plant from which it comes."
"Then you can tell me where-"
"It grows deep in the mountains, and in other equally dark and cursed places. None are easy to get to. Most would be impossible for you without a guide. Many would probably be the end of you."
Gandalf was about to talk again, but Radagast put a hand on his arm to still him, "I'm sensing more to your words, King Thranduil."
His expression softened just a tad, and he gave an almost imperceptible nod of agreement. "It just so happens that we live deep within a mountain, and thanks to the startling dedication and care of our gardeners, we have managed to grow a small garden of them."
Radagast looked both delighted and shocked.
Casually, without a thought Thranduil lifted a hand and placed it on the Elleths back who leaned against the throne, "Ava go and fetch two healthy plants, and several seeds."
Judging by her alarmed expression, these plants were precious, "My King?"
"Go."
Without another word she slipped off the throne and scuttled swiftly down the steps and leapt nimbly from the railless walkway and into the arms of another tree. Thranduil's eyes trailed her for a few moments before he looked to the elf lounging I'm Legolas' chair, "And you Farlen can get the recipe from Rowan."
The elf vanished just as quickly, but with no complaints.
Then Thranduil turned to the wizards, "Preparing it is not easy, Mithrandir. I would imagine you will have to assist them, and even you might have to attempt it multiple times. Is that satisfactory for you?"
"Yes, thank you."
"And Mithrandir?"
"Yes?"
"An elf named Elruan died for these plants. His mother misses him greatly, and our halls are at a loss without his music and his voice. He was kind, strong, and helpful to a fault. Care for them as his sacrifice deserves."
0o0o0o0o
