Chapter 2

No Love Lost

Thráin, King Under the Mountain, made sure everyone knew about the engagement between his son and the Prince of the Woodland Realm.

The news traveled as fast as the ravens of the mountain could take them around the kingdoms of Middle Earth. Or at least to those Thráin considered friend or foe. The King of the Dwarves wanted everyone to know of the first union between both: dwarves and elves. He wanted everyone to understand his Kingdom would only grow and become more powerful than it already was. Thráin had considered some of the youngest, or perhaps, those who didn't have wise scholars wouldn't understand why this was such a great event; but the Dwarf King also knew there were few wise and older members of the different Kingdoms who knew about the gift of the Eldar.

Yes, Thráin had done the impossible. He and only he made the first (and hopefully) last union between Dwarves and Elves a reality.

Thráin had been quite smart, of course. First, he made sure Oropher didn't have a choice and, this was only possible, thanks to the growing darkness in Dol-Guldur. Second, he made sure the Elven-Prince was perfect for the deal because Thráin would not give Thorin away without securing something precious: an heir. And yes, King Oropher had confirmed to him what Thráin's spies knew: Prince Thranduil was capable of producing an heir worthy of Thráin's plans.

Because this was the only thing in Thráin's mind: a worthy heir, someone of elf and dwarf blood he could control and mold into a King of his liking. He wouldn't tolerate his grandson to be a useless, wimp like Thorin. Oh, No…Thráin had great plans for his Kingdom and this unborn child.

A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts, Thráin lifted his eyes from the diamonds he had been studying pursing his lips into a sneer.

"Enter." Thráin returned his attention to the gems, his dark eyes glancing briefly at Thorin before continuing with his close examination.

"You sent for me?" Thorin closed the door behind him, bowing respectfully to his father before approaching him.

Thráin made a sound but, otherwise, didn't show much interest in his son. For more than forty-five minutes Thorin stood there while his father entertained himself with the newest collection of gems brought from the heart of the mountain. Thorin swallowed getting restless, looking around but never giving in his father's expectations, he would stand until the King decided to address him.

Finally, after more than an hour of standing up and being ignored, Thorin saw as his father straightened up throwing at him a diamond of the size of a key. Thorin caught the gem in the air, furrowing his brows while glancing at the precious object.

"Where is your fiancée?" Thráin asked dryly, his black eyes gleaming dangerously while he circled his desk to approach his son.

Thorin frowned in distaste looking away while playing with the diamond in his hand, "I don't know, frankly, I don't care."

Thorin never saw the hand of his father until it collided with force against his cheek. He was flabbergasted, his cheek stung at the cheer force of the slap. Thorin lifted his face to see the enrage expression of his father who was staring down on him ready to give him another slap.

"Do not talk to me like that, boy." Thráin whispered dangerously to his son. "Do you even understand what is going on here? Do you even understand how important is the marriage between you and Prince Thranduil?"

"If it's so important, father." Thorin replied with his voice trembling but with a determination born out of the many times he had been subjected to his father's humiliations. "Then, why don't you marry him?"

This time around, Thorin was ready for the second slap. The young Prince felt blood coming from the split lip but he faced his father stubbornly.

"You are an idiot. Why did father ever think you could make a fine King? I would never understand." Said Thráin shaking his head. "If your brother hadn't died and your sister wasn't already a Queen in Ered Luin I wouldn't even bother with you, boy."

Thorin clenched his fists lowering his gaze but refusing to let the tears forming in his eyes roll down his face. He waited for his father to continue sensing the eyes of the King on him.

"I've been hearing you were back to the Red District, back to that whore I bet…" Thráin growled while standing in front of his son. "Look at me when I speak to you."

Thorin lifted his eyes looking directly into his father's eyes, the King sneered at Thorin tilting his head while fixing his son's clothes. The gesture was anything but fatherly, it was a gesture of how much power Thráin had over Thorin and Thorin knew this. The Prince wished for everything to be different, for his mother to still be alive, for his grandfather to still be there…for someone who could stop the madness growing in Thráin.

"You are going to start showing yourself in public with prince Thranduil, you will fuck him or, if you seem incapable of this, at least pretend to be fucking him." Thráin spoke with warning in his tone, every word was accentuated by a pull of Thorin's clothes or some rough treatment. "I want everyone knowing you and him are the perfect couple."

"You will then marry him and finally you will produce an heir. A male heir." Thráin spoke glancing into his son's eyes.

Thorin frowned with confusion at the last part, he couldn't hide his perplexity at what his father was asking of him. For a moment, Thráin gauged his son's expression until realization finally hit him.

"Thorin, Thorin, Thorin…" Thráin recited shaking his head, his lips curling into a mocking smile. "You are so clueless…always the last one to know, always the last one to understand…the weak link in the Line of Durín."

"I'm not…" Thorin fell silence when his father placed a finger in his lips; the strange glint on the King's eyes was enough to tell Thorin he better shut up.

"I don't have the time to explain to you what you should already know." Thráin nodded at the diamond Thorin was still holding on his hand. "You will work on this gem and whatever else you need to make a fine engagement gift. A gift worthy of the Elven-Prince, it's that understood?"

Thorin gritted his teeth closing his hand around the diamond until he hurt his hand. He stared into his father's eyes, behind those dark orbs Thorin only saw coldness with a hint of madness. The Prince knew if he were to say something, if he were to go against the direct order Thráin just gave him the people Thorin loved, his friends, would pay the price of his rebelliousness.

"Yes, sir." He agreed looking away when his father smirked.

"Good, now, get out of here."

Thorin bowed turning around and leaving his father's office as fast as his feet would take him. Thráin shook his head wondering why he was cursed with such a stupid child.

It had been more than a week since Prince Thranduil was left behind to be the honorable guest in Erebor.

Thranduil leaned forward with his hands resting on top of the desk located in the small living room given to him. If there was something he was grateful for it was the fact his quarters were worthy off his title. The dwarf King and his son had given him the left wing of the Royal Palace; Thranduil's room was made of a circular chamber where his bed and some furniture occupied the space. There where three doors: one lead to the full bathroom, another to a personal living room and the other to the exit. However, the Elven-Prince had only two windows and those windows were facing a strange darkness, an abyss decorated with crystal on the walls. Thranduil would admit grudgingly the sight wasn't so bad, over all if the sun or the moon were standing at the highest point in the sky, the moment in which their lights would fall on all the crystals and these would light up the abyss. It was a beautiful sight.

But, this wasn't home and Thranduil was going crazy with all the dinner invitations and the company of certain dwarves.

It was a fact Thranduil didn't like King Thráin one bit, the dwarf was crude, arrogant and didn't have an ounce of common sense on him. The rest of the Royal council or those close to Thráin would be equally annoying and Thranduil soon discovered with anger and embarrassment those dwarves, those old, ugly dwarves, knew about him. They knew about Thranduil's status among his people as more than a Prince and this mortified Thranduil.

The Elven-Prince also avoided Prince Thorin as much as he avoided him, they didn't speak nor did they seek each other out. Of this, Thranduil was pretty grateful, he didn't dare to think of the day he would have the Prince touch him…Thranduil shivered closing his eyes tightly.

A knock at the door interrupted Thranduil's darkening thoughts; the elf lifted his face taking deep breaths to calm himself before letting his visitors in. Pleasantly surprise, Thranduil allowed himself the sight of a gently smile when Balin and Orí entered his room. Of all the dwarves in Erebor, only those two had earned Thranduil's respect. Balin was wise, he was charismatic and was never pushing Thranduil with uncomfortable questions, and the old dwarf was earning himself a place in Thranduil's limited circle of friends in the mountain. As for Orí, Thranduil was pleasantly surprised to discover not all dwarves were a bunch of ignorant brutes. Orí knew how to read in several languages, he had an extensive knowledge he acquired through the books he was responsible for. Orí had been the first one to approach him, and their first contact had been thanks to a book the younger dwarf recommended the elf. They were the only ones holding Thranduil together while he waited for his son to arrive.

Orí returned the smile shyly with his arms wrapped tightly around a big book; Balin followed him inside the room looking around until his eyes fell on a strange envelope resting on the floor.

"Good morning, Prince Thranduil."

"Orí, is a pleasure to see you in this fine...morning you say?" Thranduil replied inclining his head. "It is quite difficult to tell the time when I was given a cave instead of a room with access to fresh air."

Orí winced glancing at Balin then at Thranduil, "You could always ask Prince Thorin…"

"Never." Thranduil replied coldly, he softened his features when Orí lowered his eyes downhearted. "Please, don't take it personally. Now, tell me Master Orí, what do you have there?"

Orí's face lit up as he approached the Elven-Prince, "Prince Thranduil told me he already finished the stories of Durín, I thought, perhaps, this time around you will enjoy a lighter lecture. This is a children's book."

"Children's book?" Thranduil asked with curiosity, he grabbed the book Orí brought to him and the elf couldn't help but smile. "Thank you."

Orí shook his head smiling shyly, Thranduil then turned to Balin who was holding a familiar letter in his hands. Thranduil paled glancing with caution at Balin. The old dwarf for his part had seen enough about the envelope and the coat of arms in the letter to know who was it from.

"I didn't read it." Balin finally said Thranduil tensed placing the book on the desk while taking the letter from Balin.

"Thank you." Thranduil finally mumbled he swallowed uncomfortably. "He gave it to me before leaving Erebor."

"You don't have to explain anything to me, Prince Thranduil." Balin spoke gravely he stared at the Prince with worry written on his features. "However, a word of advice: don't leave this around. King Thráin may not be as forgiven if he were to find it."

Thranduil hesitated, he was tempted to tell Balin he didn't care if the King were to find out about his liaison with King Bard. But Thranduil remembered the heartbroken expression of the man, he remembered the words written on the letter and the final promise Bard did to him: if you find it in your heart to change your mind, just say the word and I will be here. The Elven-Prince had learnt the hard way his duties should always come before anything else; he could not risk Bard or thee Woodland Realm because he made a mistake. Besides, whereas Bard felt love, Thranduil only felt friendly affection.

"Thank you, Master Balin, I am in your debt."

Thranduil regretted his words as soon as he saw the glint in Balin's eyes. Orí glanced at the dwarf and elf with curiosity but decided to stay silent while he saw Balin smiling sweetly at Thranduil.

"Well, if you don't mind, I will like to collect the debt right now." Balin smiled without any shame, Thranduil sighed nodding graciously at the dwarf.

"Very well, what can I do for you, Master Balin?"

After almost a week of evading each other, Prince Thranduil and Prince Thorin faced each other with the idea of spending the day together.

This was not an easy situation for either of them.

Thranduil wanted to be everywhere but at the gates of Erebor facing the Dwarf-Prince who would become his future husband. Whether Thorin wanted it or not, he represented the cage in which Thranduil was being forced to live in. Thorin would never understand he was the symbol of Thranduil's missing freedom. Thus, the Elven-Prince glanced with mistrust and reluctance the dwarf who was glancing at him with a darkening expression. Thranduil then noticed the split lip on Thorin's face, he furrowed his brows and was tempted to ask the dwarf how he had come by this wound. However, asking about this would imply Thranduil cared and, he most certainly didn't.

Just as Thranduil was having these thoughts, Thorin found himself glancing at the elf with equally dark thoughts. He glanced at the elf hating what he represented. A cage. A jail to cut away all possibilities from Thorin to just try and run away.

"I'm glad you could finally join us, Prince Thranduil." Thorin spoke boringly. "For a moment there, I thought you decide to become a mole living of coldness and books. Perhaps, intend in becoming the Ice Prince of the brooding land."

Balin narrowed his eyes at Thorin. Bofur, Bifur and Gloin all tried to cover their laughter with pretenses of having a fit of cough. Thorin knew it was stupid, he didn't even know what kind of childish impulse stirred him to say such stupid things. But he wasn't about to be pleasant, not completely. He wasn't even obliged to do so when Thranduil was looking down on him as if Thorin was less than dirt on the elf's boot. Thranduil lifted his chin sneering down at Thorin while moving past him.

"No, I think I leave the savage behavior and the brutish ignorance to the likes of you, Prince Thorin." Thranduil shoot a mocking stare directly to the broke lip of Thorin. "I surely hope the lip is not a proof of your poor battle skills or now I understand why I am being engage to you. Someone should be able to hold his own in battle and be prepared to be a good King."

Thranduil gave his back to Thorin walking away to the main gate; Balin grabbed Thorin by his elbow stopping the Prince for going after Thranduil. The rest of the company shifted uncomfortably but were soon prompted to follow the elf by Dwalin while he, Balin and Thorin engaged in a whispered conversation.

"You promise me you will be civil." Balin stated sighing tiredly.

"I don't fucking care about being nice with the fucking prick!" Thorin replied in harsh whispers.

Balin glared at his friend shaking his head, "Thorin, you are to marry him. You just told us your father..."

"Over my dead body, Balin." Thorin lowered his eyes when he realized what he said.

"Thorin…"

"No, I will play along for a time. But, as soon as I can I will finish this stupid engagement." Thorin shook his head. "Father is going crazy, I just need some time before asking the council to force father to abdicate."

"Thorin, I know he has been acting a little strange lately but…" Dwalin trailed off, even if Thorin was the crowned Prince what he was talking about was high treason.

Thorin put his hands on Dwalin and Balin's shoulders, "Father is not well. Look yesterday…he pretends that I marry the damn elf because he wants a powerful heir. Never mind the both of us are males!"

Thorin shook his head, "Let's go."

Thorin was so preoccupied by these thoughts he turned before he could see the strange expression on his friends faces. Dwalin turned to Balin who massaged his temple.

"I can't believe he doesn't really know." Dwalin whispered to his brother, Balin shoot him a glare.

"I didn't either."

"No, but you asked about it. You were also wondering what benefits this union would bring." Dwalin remarked.

Balin shrugged, "True, but my duty is to make sure Thorin doesn't suffer or make any mistakes."

Dwalin palmed his brother on the back, "We will care for him."

"We will. Today, we have to tell him about Prince Thranduil today." Balin ordered his brother who nodded in agreement.

Thranduil closed his eyes when the fresh air of winter morning brush against his skin, he felt the sun on his face and the voices of the folk around him somehow soothe him. He allowed himself a smile; fluttering his eyes open he faced the reality once more.

Erebor had been growing into one of the most important Dwarven Kingdoms in Middle Earth. The Main Gate was always busy, buzzing with the excitement of the merchants and the folks coming from all around the Kingdom or the city of Dale and even Mirkwood. Thranduil observed dwarves and men, horses, mules and carriages all moving around and expecting the guard's inspections. Some were looking at him with curiosity, others with mistrust, a few with open resentment.

"Winter usually brings lots of opportunities for trade." A voice said to Thranduil's side, the elf turned around lowering his eyes to see a most curious creature shorter than a dwarf.

The small man smile at him, bowing with his right hand positioned on his chest to make the perfect reverence before the Prince.

"Bilbo Baggins, of The Shire, at your service."

Thranduil opened his eyes quite shocked at this; he glanced at the half-ling with renewed interest just as he, too, bowed down.

"Prince Thranduil of the Woodland Realm at yours." Thranduil then smiled curiously at the hobbit.

"I am to assume I am the first Hobbit you have seen so far, Prince Thranduil?" The Hobbit, while polite, was not one to keep silent. He measured his words but not his curiosity and this caught Thranduil's interest almost immediately.

"Yes, Master Baggins, you are. I've heard the stories about the Half-lings friends of Lord Elrond of Imladris and Lord Círdan Lord of the Grey Ports." Thranduil commented amiably. "But I have yet to have the pleasure to meet one."

"Hn, I see. Well, then I am very pleased to be the first one. There is nothing like having the attention of such an important personality on you at all times."

Thranduil couldn't help it; he laughed feeling lighter as he spoke with the Hobbit. Out of the corner of his eyes, Thranduil saw Thorin approaching him along with Dwalin and Balin. Bilbo turned and his face broke into a huge smile while Thorin seemed to return the gesture.

"Master Baggins, I thought you couldn't join us today," Thorin gave the Hobbit a tight hug Bilbo returned rolling his eyes.

"Oh, no. I talk to the boys, I wasn't about to miss the fun." Bilbo retorted with his clear eyes glinting amusedly, Thorin scowled glaring at Bofur and the others before turning his eyes to Thranduil.

"Believe me, there is nothing fun about this." Thorin eyed Thranduil shrugging. "Anyway, I believe we are here for a reason. Let's go."

Everyone followed the lead of Thorin who lead the way following a solitary path. Thranduil scowled tempted to just make Thorin ask him nicely to follow him; but a glance from Orí and another coming from Bilbo stopped him. He sighed looking up into the sky before following the dwarves. Orí smiled brightly at him walking beside the Elven-Prince to the right while Bilbo took the left. For a brief moment, Thranduil thought this was a way to keep him watched; however, this thought was soon forgotten as Bilbo and Orí engaged the Elven-Prince in light conversation about the Woodland Realm and the lives of the elves.

As they kept walking, Thranduil would admire the vast lands surrounding Erebor.

He realized while there was a small portion of the population living outside the walls of the mountain, there was a side of the mountain still pretty much deserted. For almost fifteen minutes they walked, hearing the birds around them, watching some dogs running around. Thranduil noticed as well, this place was filled with Royal guards which was strange; Dwarves only used the Royal Guard to keep protect the Royal line or some of the forbidden places for the rest of the common folk.

"Where are we going?" Thranduil finally asked to Orí whose smile was just as bright as it had been when they took the road.

"Oh, you'll see, your Majesty. This place is amazing, and we usually can come over when Thorin comes with us. This part o the land is forbidden for anyone but him."

Soon, the road changed and they entered into a path that was decorated with marble and well-worked stone; Thranduil glanced around and discovered with certain fascination the natural decorations around the road. Small bushes, flowers and lemon trees formed a perfect road leading to the left side of the mountain, far away from the Main Gate or the prying eyes of curious peasants. They finally arrived to an arched gate protected by two Royal Guards. The dwarves crossed their spears speaking in Khûzdul, what they said Thranduil could not understand but Thorin's answer was enough for the guards to move away and allow them entrance.

"These are the grazing lands of Erebor." Orí finally got to explain it to Thranduil. The elf quirked a brow quite amazed by this new knowledge. "We raised our own ponies and…"

"War-goats." Thranduil whispered reverently.

If his eyes didn't trick him, he was seeing at least a hundredth of them. All magnificent beast running around freely, this brought a content smile to the Elven-Prince's faces and soon he was thinking about Legolas and how much he would love them. Thranduil stepped forward ignoring, or not really noticing the glances coming from the dwarves or the strange stare Thorin was shooting his way.

Thranduil observed as a group dwarves worked with the animals and to Thranduil's surprised they seemed rather docile and well-trained.

"I didn't know Erebor still breed them." Thranduil whispered approaching the closest one.

The war-goat made a strange noise between a growl and a whine, Thranduil hesitated for a moment speaking softly in elvish. He stretched his hand looking directly into the animals eyes, for the briefest moment Thranduil was lost to the world and Thorin watched him closely.

This would be the first time in which Thorin would see the Elven-Prince he had met on his younger days. The smile Thranduil was wearing was soft, a real smile shinning in his eyes while he approached the war-goat. Thorin followed the movements of the elf, a part of him begging for the goat to scare the elf, another part worrying for the stupid elf's well-being.

The dwarf trainer raised his eyebrows impressed at the control the elf seemed to have of the situation. He heard the stories, of course, about the elves of the Woodland Realm and their magical abilities. Perhaps, those weren't stories after all.

"Elen sila lumenn omentilmo, Mellonamin." The elf whispered softly. The goat hit the ground with his left hooves, tilting his head confusedly at first.

Thranduil stopped. "Peditham hi sui vellyn?"

Thranduil bowed his head waiting. The war-goat lifted his head, the animal moved forward rather fast moving closer to Thranduil.

Balin and Dwalin ran towards the elf, but it was Thorin who arrived first. However their fears were unfounded, the war-goat had approached Thranduil with a playful huff and a lick to the elf's hand. Thranduil smiled brightly caressing the fine animal with care while chuckling lightly; he glanced at Thorin who was just a few inches away.

"Careful, Prince, someone may think you actually care for anyone but yourself." Thranduil comment mockingly.

Thorin felt his cheeks burn in embarrassment, he glared at Thranduil who seemed pretty much amused by the sudden leverage he had on the dwarf.

"I could never care for a creature such as you, Prince Thranduil." Thorin commented coldly. "My worry was direct to the war-goat, he may not be as used as me to the dealings of the likes of you."

Thranduil was about to answer but Thorin made a strange sound with his mouth. The war-goat pushed forward making Thranduil lose his balance and fall on his ass.

This time around the dwarves didn't try to hide their laughter. They laughed while Thorin smirked down at Thranduil who was now being licked by the war-goat. Both of them looked at each other in the eye, animosity was evident there. But Thorin felt a cold satisfaction when he also saw humiliation in the elf's eyes.

"See, Prince Thranduil? No need for you to think I would ever care about such an icy, hideous creature such as yourself. I'm glad my goats can also deal with you in the right manner."

Thorin then left with some of the dwarves following him close behind, all but Bilbo, Orí and Balin.

Thranduil felt his cheeks burn with shame, he clenched his fist in anger while standing up, he went to leave but Orí stopped him biting his lower lip hesitantly.

"P-Please, Prince Thranduil…d-don't go."

"I'm afraid, Master Orí, if I am to stay I would probably kill with my bare hands the bane that is Prince Thorin and, while this would bring me great pleasure, I won't spend a single minute in this forsaken kingdom."

Thranduil had been wounded, his pride and his dignity had been stump over by the stupid prince and now Thranduil could not unheard the words he had yelled at him or the trick to make him fall.

"Please, Prince Thranduil I know Thorin was…harsh." Balin said wincing at his words, he could see the anger emanating from Thranduil but he had to give it a try.

"Look, we all know he is an idiot from time to time, but he is a nice friend once you get past all those multiple layers of his." Bilbo interrupted, his words stopped Thranduil who wondered just who Bilbo was for him to speak about Thorin in such a way.

"The grazing lands are really beautiful and, see? The war-goat seems to like you." Bilbo pointed to the little fella who was trying to get Thranduil's attention again. "Ignore Thorin for the time being, Prince Thranduil."

Thranduil was still angered, he still felt embarrassed and indignant about the whole ordeal but Bilbo did have a point. The place was beautiful, and Thranduil would have never thought the dwarves had such a place like this with so many beautiful animals. The Elven-Prince hesitated for a moment, his ass was still hurting and his pride was completely destroyed but the war-goat nuzzled his hand and Thranduil decided he could give his companions a try.

"As long as I don't have to speak with him…"

Balin and Orí sighed in relief, Thranduil narrowed his eyes catching up with the fact there was something else going on in here. But, he decided, if it involved Thorin he didn't care at all. So he turned to Bilbo who seemed rather content to have made the elf stay. The Hobbit started talking guiding Thranduil to the place where the goat-trainers were preparing a group of the war-goats and soon Thranduil found himself forgetting about the whole incident.

The rest of the morning was spent watching the war-goat trainers at work. Thranduil would watch them with a wishful expression that wasn't missed by the dwarves or Bilbo. The Prince would smile and sometimes his smile would be sad, almost miserable. No one dare to interrupt him when he was like this; however, there were other times in which he would engage Bilbo and Orí in a soft conversation.

The would spend their time sitting or walking around, always evading the places where Thorin seemed to be working on something. Bilbo would catch Thorin shooting them glances from time to time and the Hobbit would wonder just how much animosity was there in reality. Bilbo had known Thorin since he was a teen, the dwarf had saved his life and since then they had become closest friends. Of all the company, it was Bilbo the one who dare to say he knew how Thorin's heart work...

Bilbo glanced at Thranduil who was, once again, caressing a war-goat. The Elven-Prince was so much different like this, he seemed relaxed. When Bilbo looked back at Thorin he realized the dwarf was watching over Thranduil again. Bilbo shook his head and decided there would be a right time to bring this particular behavior to Thorin later. For now, the Hobbit would watch his best friend closely.

"I think I'm hungry." Bilbo mumbled when his stomach growl for the fifth time, he blushed when Thranduil and Orí chuckled.

"Yes, I think we already figure this out, Bilbo." Orí replied.

"I believe its past midday; perhaps we can go back to the mountain and seek something to eat." Thranduil proposed looking at Orí then at Bilbo.

"Well, actually…"Bilbo hesitated for a moment before continuing. "Usually, when we come here, Thorin has something prepare in his cottage."

Thranduil pursed his lips shaking his head, "I do not think having me and him on the same room is such a good idea, Master Baggins."

Bilbo and Orí thought the same, but when they were about to propose something a guard approached them running, the dwarf bowed deeply to Thranduil who stood up furrowing his brows in question.

"Prince Thranduil, you are needed back in the mountain." The dwarf said. "Your guard from the Woodland Realm has arrived."

Legolas Greenleaf stood proudly at the center of the Throne Room in front of Thráin, King Under the Mountain.

The young Prince had been presented as the youngest brother of Prince Thranduil and the apprentice of Glorfindel, the Balrog-Slayer. Thráin glanced with growing curiosity at Legolas, there was something else behind those black eyes, but Legolas could not decipher the meaning of such a stare. He was more worried about Thranduil than anything else.

Glorfindel was at his side sending the greeting so the Elven-King to Thráin who nodded boringly at this. Legolas blue eyes shone with emotion but he held himself beside his teacher.

"It is a great honor, then, to have such personalities in my Kingdom." Thráin finally exclaimed. "I understand your exhaustion after such a long journey. You may rest for the day, Glorfindel Balrog-Slayer and Legolas, Prince of the Woodland Realm. Tomorrow, my people will greet you like family."

"Welcome then, Glorfindel of Mirkwood." Thráin said waving with his hand a couple of guards. "Your rooms have been ready for quite some time, you can now follow my dwarves and then Prince Thranduil will meet with you."

With those final words, the elves were approached by two dwarves while King Thráin directed his attention to other matters. Legolas frowned annoyed, but his expression soon changed when he felt the hand of Glorfindel on his shoulder. He looked up to see the other elf smiled gently at him.

Legolas huffed lifting his chin and following the dwarves who were guiding them to the left wing of the Royal Castle.

The elven delegation was made up of Glorfindel as the Captain and Legolas as the Prince and Glorfindel's apprentice. They had brought with them six more elves and some of the luggage Legolas and Oropher thought Thranduil might had missed.

Soon the elves found themselves before the arched gate of a magnificent room decorated with marble and oak, there were two different halls, one to the left and another to the right, all of them leading to bedroom, small libraries or small studies. The dwarves along with the other elves started working around placing the luggage in the right places while Glorfindel and Legolas spoke softly to one another.

They were standing in the middle of a room that was obviously deep into the mountain with not possibilities of fresh air, clear nights or sunny days. The welcoming room was big enough to hold a small gathering and it was decorate to please a Prince. However, Legolas thought it was not normal to be sleeping so deep under ground without having a chance to glance at the sky or feel the cold wind on his face.

Legolas lifted his face when he heard a pair of footsteps approaching the room, he furrowed his brows but his expression soon changed when Thranduil appeared at the door. If it hadn't been for Glorfindel who had a firm hand on the young elf's shoulder, Legolas would have jumped to hug his father. By the longing stare Thranduil was sending his way, Legolas understood his father felt the same.

"My Prince." Glorfindel greeted bowing respectfully at Thranduil.

"My Prince." Legolas replied doing the same, soon the rest of the elves joined and the Dwarves decided to just leave.

Thranduil waited until the door of the home given to him was closed and secure before walking towards Legolas. The elf was soon wrapped in the secure embrace of his father, and never before he thought how much he missed him until this very moment.

"Ada." Legolas whispered.

"Ionneg." Thranduil whispered softly wrapping his own arms around Legolas.

Glorfindel urged the rest of the elves to leave the room, some of them smiled happily at the reunion before leaving. Glorfindel stood there watching with a gently smile adorning his features. Legolas had been scared and enraged when he found out about his father didn't return from the land of the Dwarves; Oropher had offered a poor explanation but also the promise that Legolas would join his father. This was enough to distract the young elf, but not Glorfindel.

"I miss you so much, Ada! Grandfather…he said you were to stay here in this land of dwarves." Legolas spat out angered. "Why? Why do you have to stay?"

"Father didn't tell you?" Thranduil questioned, Legolas shook his head wiping away his tears.

"N-No, he said you…you would explain it to me but told me to not reveal…to not…" Legolas went silent lowering his eyes.

A part of Legolas, the more logical one, understood why the secrecy. He had been raised, after all, under the tutelage of the Royal family of the Woodland Realm. Legolas knew his father was special, but he also knew Legolas was born out of his father's recklessness. In another circumstances, in another time, the fact Thranduil had bear a child would be a blessing. But, not the way he did and certainly not with whom he did it. Thus, Legolas parentage was usually kept a secret and the young elf had lived most of his life hiding and lying about his real the well-being of Legolas, Thranduil and the Realm itself this should be kept a secret.

And Legolas hated it. He hated being a secret his grandfather seemed so ashamed of.

"I am to marry Prince Thorin." Thranduil tried hard to not show any animosity in his voice and, while Legolas didn't seem to notice it, Glorfindel quirked a brow at him in wonder.

"What? Why?! Why would you have to..." Legolas moved away from his father shaking his head. "You said no, right? You…You told grandfather this is craziness!"

Thranduil gave his son a half smile, "Sometimes, Legolas, we have to do things for the greater good."

Legolas swallowed still shaking his head, trying to process what his father told him but unable to understand. He glanced at Thranduil and realized, for now, the important thing was he was with him, that his grandfather wasn't about to separate them. Thus, Legolas went back to wrap his arms around his father and Thranduil rested assured in the warm comfort of his son.

Once Legolas had gone over his selected room, Thranduil turned to be engulfed in a warm hug by Glorfindel.

"How are you feeling?" Glorfindel asked while eyeing the Elven-Prince carefully.

"Tired, stressful, I want to strangle the stupid dwarf." Thranduil finally said letting go of everything he had been holding the whole week.

"Which one?"

"All of them, but specially Thorin."

Glorfindel pursed his lips looking at the hall where Legolas had disappeared moments ago, the elf then turned to Thranduil giving him a sympathetic stare.

"My heart beats in sympathy for you, my friend. But…"

"You agree to this union?" Thranduil asked with a hint of disbelief in his voice.

Glorfindel tilted his head scratching the back of his neck, "Something tells me, Thranduil, this won't be as bad as it seems right now."

"Then, why don't you marry the freaking dwarf?!" Thranduil whispered angrily.

"Oh, you know why. You know why you were chosen and you know why this union it is blessed whereas the one with you and Haldir…"

Thranduil recoiled with an expression of pure pain on his face, Glorfindel slumped his shoulders placing a soothing hand on his friend. Thranduil lifted a hand moving away with pain piercing through his heart. Of course he knew…he knew why his love for Haldir had been cursed whereas his prison with Thorin was being blessed.

"Did father tell you to convince me, Glorfindel?"

"Don't , don't do this, Thranduil. You know he didn't." Glorfindel shrugged. "I really believe something good will come out of this, if you give it the chance."

"I promise myself I would prefer dead before…" Thranduil trailed off shooting Glorfindel a stubborn stare.

"Careful, Thranduil or you will found the heavens hearing your clamor."

"I can't marry the dwarf." Thranduil said again, tiredly, resigned.

"I know." Glorfindel replied. Thranduil turned around and decided to spend the rest of the day with his son, everything else could be forgotten while he was there.

Night had fallen with cold winds and threatening sounds of a storm.

Thorin sat by the fire on hi cottage hearing his friends singing merrily while enjoying ale and beer. Bilbo sat beside him chuckling softly while Bofur and Gloin sang out of tune.

The Prince smiled as well, his mind thinking about the production of the day. He was quite happy as how everything had gone with the war-goats, although he was still worrying over two or three that seemed completely stubborn to be trained. Thorin lowered his gazed when his mind play some trick on him bringing the memory of Thranduil smiling at the war-goat. The Prince shifted uncomfortably shaking the memory away while raising his head, just then he noticed everyone was quite and their eyes were on him.

"What?"

"You know what, Thorin." Bilbo was the one to speak. "What happen to you? what did you father do this time?"

Thorin glanced at Bilbo then at the rest of his company. The friends his father despise, all but Dwalin and Balin, who seemed to be useful tools for a future King. Thorin knew his father would never understand why he was ready to give his life for each and every single dwarf in the room. And the Prince didn't care, these friends his father would and could not take away from him. They were here for Thorin, not his title.

"I have a disagreement with father." Thorin replied. "About my engagement to Prince Thranduil."

Bilbo pursed his lips, Orí furrowed his brows shifting nerviously for a moment before deciding to speak.

"I...I know it's not ideal, Prince Thorin." Orí said softly, Thorin gave the young dwarf a half-smile. "But, surely you understand how...how lucky you are to have such a blessing coming from the elves."

The room went suddenly silent with everyone looking over at Orí as if he had grown another head. Everyone but Dwalin and Balin, of course, who were shooting nervous tares at one another.

"I'm sorry, Orí. But, this isn't a blessing, is a cursed." Thorin replied. "This is just another of father's fits of madness!"

"What do you mean?" Bilbo asked worriedly.

"Well, he thinks Thranduil and I will give him a grandson." Thorin shook his head chuckling incredulously. "I mean, it's just plain stupid."

"Your father seems to have lost his marbles, I give you that." Bofur commented. "No offense, the elf is kinda good looking but I don't think he is that good."

Everyone seemed to be laughing but their laughter soon died of when they realized Orí, Balin and Dwalin weren't laughing at all.

Orí furrowed his brows looking around him then at Thorin, "I'm sorry, Master Thorin, but their ignorance I understand, but I always thought you knew."

"Hey!" Some of the dwarves protested at the indirect insult, but Thorin remembered something.

The dwarf Prince remembered what his father had said, he had mocked Thorin because of his ignorance.

"Orí, tell me what you know." Thorin spoke firmly glancing at Orí who suddenly felt nervous about everyone's attention on him.

"My Prince..." Orí hesitated for a moment. "If I tell you this and, apparently, if I tell this to all of you, you have to promise me something."

Thorin opened his eyes quiet surprised, the rest of the dwarves were just as shocked for they could see Orí was talking seriously. For a moment, Thorin looked half-amuse, half-annoyed. The Prince didn't know if simply ordering Orí to tell him everything or if just satisfy his curiosity about what made Thranduil so special for his father to want to marry Thorin to him.

"Very well, Orí, what do we have to promise you." Thorin finally said.

"You will not make fun or do anything inappropriate around Prince Thranduil."

Once again, Orí left everyone in the room shocked. Dwalin for his part looked impress, he crossed his arms watching the events with growing amusement just like Balin who was starting to see the potential in the young lad.

"You know? When you say something like this it makes it impossible to promise that?" Bofur commented. "I mean, this only means the information is really worth of a good laugh."

Orí glared at Bofur shaking his head, "You will have to promise me or I won't say anything."

The situation seemed suspicious, Thorin was starting to think this was more than having information about the elf and more about knowing what he was getting himself into. The Prince stopped Bofur would a glare, turning to Orí nodding.

"You have my word, as your Prince Orí, that i won't make fun of him." Orí nodded grateful at the Prince turning to the others who did the same.

Orí sighed biting his lower lip before speaking, "The reason he is being engage to you, Prince Thorin, is because he is what the elves called an omega."

The room went silent for a long time, many of the dwarves shoot each other confusing stares but it was Bilbo who was starting to understand. The Hobbit turned to Dwalin and Balin opening his eyes in realization.

"You two knew?" Bilbo asked before anyone else could speak.

Dwalin shifted uncomfortably nodding, "It's my duty. I'm the second in command in the spy network for a reason, Bilbo."

"Wait, he knew what? I still don't understand why the ruckus about this." Gloin intervened.

"I heard about this, but I thought it was a legend." Bilbo said incredulously. "If Prince Thranduil is an Omega then, that means he can bear children."

Bilbo's words unleashed exclamations of disbelief, laughter and so on. Everyone was so busy fighting or discussing and trying to teach Bilbo how babies came to the world, no one noticed the pale complexion of their Prince. No one really noticed the sheer panic in his dark eyes or the sudden realization of what was expected of him and Thranduil.

For the very first time, ever since he met with the elf and the engagement was announced Thorin felt sympathy for Thranduil and the situation the both of them were in.