Here's chapter 5, it's a little shorter, but we are getting close to some answers! And yes, Galion will return…

Chapter 5

Thranduil caught up to Thanneth quickly after they left the council, taking her hand before she could turn a corner.

"Yes, father?" She spun around to face him, her eyes cold. Thranduil realized much like his own were at times, especially at times of insult. If it was possible, her tone was cooler than her gaze. Thranduil dropped her hand, clasping his own hands behind his back in one smooth motion. Motioning onward, they walked together in a tense silence, Thranduil mapping out his words in his mind, Thanneth seething over the seeming lack of faith her father had in her.

Once they were a good distance from the council room, he paused, offering his arm to Thanneth. "Will you walk with me in the gardens, Thanneth? I'm afraid we have much to discuss." She reluctantly took it with a sigh, and they resumed their pace.

"Of course, Ada." The chill lingered in her voice, but she fell into step quickly, allowing him to lead her through the stronghold. They soon reached one of the private royal gardens, but Thranduil did not speak for some time. Finally, he stopped and turned to face a statue of a beautiful elf-his wife, though few knew that.

"My wife perished to protect these lands. When we were wed, she became a princess, but she always was a warrior first." Thranduil's voice was steady, but low. "When we fought in the Last Alliance, and the king was killed, she fought fiercely. When we returned, I begged her to lay down her bow and knives. 'War is no place for a queen' I argued. She told me "A queen's place is where she can protect her people. If you go to war, I will go with you.'" A bitter laugh followed before he spoke again. "At the time, the world was at peace. And remained that way for a thousand years. There were few casualties, if any, on the patrols. Then we had two beautiful children, and when Legolas was old enough to train, she returned with him, saying that she must protect her family.

"But the southern Greenwood was no longer safe and peaceful, I'm sure you remember the reason we sent you to Imladris with Legolas. We did not know if we would survive. In the last years before we retreated northward, I again pleaded with her to retire from the patrols, again, she refused. She led her patrol out for the last time in the year 1055. They all returned, with only one casualty-their captain, their queen. I was told story upon story of how she had fought to the end, as a diversion to facilitate their escape. But all I could think about was the torture she must have gone through. I'll admit, I often asked Húrdir how if those elves returned with barely a scratch, why was my wife murdered. We left, shortly after her burial. Her grave we marked with a single white stone. It was the best we could do at the time."

A hot tear rolled down Thanneth's face. Swiping it away, she softly spoke. "You told me she had been sick! How could you lie to me, for all these years?"

"I could not bear the grief. I blamed myself." Thranduil looked down at his hands. "And I could not bear to have you choose the same fate. Though you did not choose to fight, Legolas did. And he is so much like her. This forest has claimed my wife. It seems it may claim my son. I must do what I can to protect my line."

Thanneth shook her head. "I am a part of your line too!" Throwing her hands towards the ground, she continued, "always you defer to Legolas. Always." Then she sighed, taking a breath. "What must we do to save him?"

Thranduil would not meet her eyes. "There is a sedative the healers can use. It will induce him into an even deeper sleep. It will slow the poison to give us time to call for Lord Elrond. Perhaps he has the power to heal Legolas. It is our only hope. Will you ride to Imladris?"

"You wish me to go? I am no messenger, no warrior!" Thanneth was confused.

"I wish you to go, because I trust you. I will send two with you. You must ride hard, and fast, and you must leave today. Can you do this for me? For your brother?"

Thanneth nodded slowly. "Who will accompany me?"

A small smile passed across the king's face. "I was thinking Galion, and then whoever Húrdir recommends."

"Galion? That fool.. Please, do not make me travel with him."

The king held up a hand, effectively silencing his daughter. "Galion is a strong warrior, and despite our disagreement, I do think he is fit for the journey. I like him, if not for his tenacity and fight. Though, his arrogance is less inspiring. Go. Prepare your things. The day is passing, and you must begin your journey." Thranduil waved a hand at Thanneth, signaling her dismissal. She did not move for a moment, looking as though she wished to say something more, but she did not. Finally, she nodded, turning and walking away, back towards her room.

Thranduil watched her leave. He did not move until he was sure he was alone, sinking onto a nearby bench. Letting his head fall into his hands and his thoughts wander, he sat in silence. He had just manipulated his daughter into going to Imladris under the pretense that Legolas was close to death. In all reality, Legolas was close to death, but not so close as to call Elrond. No, Thranduil needed council, and he needed it quickly.

His scouts had brought him troubling news, and a survivor from Legolas's patrol. They had found her some miles from their original search for the bodies. She was much closer to death than Legolas had been upon his return, having been longer without care. But she had been conscious for a short time, and she spoke grave words before quietly passing. Some quick planning with Húrdir had taken place just before the council meeting and led to the idea of Thanneth riding to Rivendell. Rising, the elvenking stood, straightening his robes before purposefully walking to his study. If the group was leaving soon to get Elrond, he would need to act quickly.

A/N: so basically, Legolas gets back around 11pm… Hurdir had scouts out shortly after he returned, and then they got back around 7am-ish with the other survivor.. I hope that kind of helps straighten out the timeline. It's a long day for everybody. Also, this story takes place about T.A. 1600, Thanneth is about 1100 years old, and Legolas is about 600. I know that may seem like Thanneth is pretty old, and she is, but since her mother's death (about T.A. 1055), Thranduil has really shielded her from the world (it's like in the back of his mind he knows she's his firstborn and could be the heir but he couldn't stand to lose her). Not that he doesn't care about Legolas, he really does, but he also believes that the prince's job is to protect the country while he is young, in addition to learning the ways of the kingdom. Hopefully that answers some questions! I'd love to hear from you!