Chapter 32

January 5,T.A 2940
Dusk

Legolas breathed in deeply as they passed through the tall stone gates that kept their realm sealed, he was thankful to be back despite his unquenchable love for adventure. Glancing down to his sister a smile crept onto his lips glad to see that she was still in a restful, and peaceful state in front of him. "Haldir," he called out to his friend who rode his horse in close by to his own.

Haldir glanced over as he heard his friend calling out to him, dismounting he paused to let the king and Lord Elrond pass before making his way to the prince.

"Help me get her down, careful of her shoulder. I fear an infection is settling in she will need to get the healing ward quickly," Legolas informed lifting Anariel gently passing her to Haldir, who cradled who carefully in his arm eyeing her bandaged shoulder and upper body.

"I'm fine, I can walk," Anariel insisted pushing away from Haldir who now carried her, her hand firm against his chest she pushed uselessly unable to beat his own strength grimacing in pain she twisted her body the wrong way hoping to free herself from his arms.

Legolas looked to his father briefly, "Take her to the healing ward, I must have a word with my father we will be there shortly, to check on how she fairs."

Haldir bowed his head, ignoring the princess's words and futile struggles he carried her down the hall, he steps precise and quick as he walked the long corridors.

"You know it is my shoulder, my legs are fine," Anariel insisted wriggling causing a shooting pain through her shoulder once more.

"Hmm, better not chance it," Haldir smirked as he noticed the flash of pain that crossed over her face, looking down at her with a wink he pulled her a little closer to his chest.

Anariel sent him a glare shaking her head at the Marchwarden, a hidden smile still tugged at her lips like it did to his own as they entered the healing ward, Haldir laid her upon the bed standing tall by the head. He was about to call out to a healer to help her, looking down at the pain that seemed clear in her eyes.

"You!" The shrill sound of an elleth's voice rang out through the empty healing ward, "You get her out of here, I will not heal her."

Anariel silently sucked in a breathed stunned speechless as the brunette strode across the healing coming to stop at the end of the princess's bed, she looked the elleth dead in the eye, breathing deeply trying to keep still as to not jostle her shoulder more than needed.

"What is the meaning of this?" Haldir demanded on Anariel's behalf, an eye still on her as she cupped her shoulder gently, "She is your princess and right now it is your duty to heal her wounds, you serve her."

"She is no princess of mine, I will do no such thing," she spat her brows knitted in a fury, lips pursed into a tight, thin, line. "I watched the horses ride in, I felt it in my heart, in my fae. I prayed with every ounce of my being that I was wrong, but I know now that I was not, he did not return with you. He is dead and it is all your fault!"

Tears welled into Anariel's eyes as she looked to this elleth at the end of her bed, this elleth who eyed her with such hatred, who clearly wished her ill and yet, they have never met. She knew not who this was.

"Your princess was injured risking her life to save his," Haldir sneered his own eyes narrowing towards the elleth who stood against their princess, stepping forwards in a warning ensuring to put himself in the middle of the two ellith.

"A lot of good that did, he never would have had to leave in the first place if not for her." She bit out, clenching her teething she sneered towards Anariel, "If you didn't go running off to your pathetic town of mortals he would still be alive! It is all because of you, you will never be my princess, your as pathetic and worthless as those mortals."

Haldir took another step forwards drawing his sword, "Speak to Anariel like that again and I will not be held responsible for what happens next," Haldir snapped with furrowed brows, the elleth turned on her heels leaving the healing ward, leaving the princess and the marchwarden alone.

"Anariel, ignore her. She's…" Haldir began re-sheathing his sword he turned looking down at her, eyes filling with tears.

"No," she bit her lip, shaking her head knowing that this elleth was right, this was all her fault. "She's right, all of this is my fault. All of those elves are dead because of me. Because I ran away, no one would have even needed to leave if not for me. They are dead for my actions, dead because I wasn't strong enough, wasn't fast enough, wasn't…" Anariel's words were cut off by a choking sob that left her breathless.

Haldir sat on the edge of the cot his arm awkwardly coming around her shoulders, "You cannot save everyone, no matter how skilled a fighter you are, trust me. Don't spend a lifetime learning just that, it will cause you much heart break."

Anariel dropped her head against his shoulder, "But, it is true."

Haldir shook his head, hooking a finger beneath her chin looking her in eye, "It isn't true. Don't you dare let anyone tell you it is, especially yourself. Let others think what they want about you, but never allow their thoughts to cloud your judgment on how brave, and strong of an elleth you truly are." Haldir leaned forward cocking his head to side, glancing to her full pink lips before locking his eyes with her own once more, his other hand coming up to cup her as his thumb brushed a stray tear away as she leaned forwards into him.

"Where are all the healers," the voice of Thranduil broke through the ward as he entered, Legolas and Elrond close behind.

Haldir cleared his throat inches from her lips he pushed Anariel away from him,releasing his hands from her completely, causing her to gasp out in pain from his sudden rough movements as he stood from the cot, scratching at the back of his neck he left the healing ward shaking his own head soundlessly never looking back.

"Haldir," Anariel called to him, though he had already gone. Wrinkling her face confused unsure what the sudden shift in mood was for. "Left refused to heal me, and who could blame her," Anariel choked back a breath looking up to her father, "She is right, this was all my fault, all of them would have been alive if not for me. If I could have just listened, respected your word then…"

Thranduil smiled, though it was a small sad smile, "No, muinlell, this is not all your fault. I should have listened to you, I feared for your safety and wanted to keep you safe perhaps we both have a part to blame for in this matter. Needless whats done is done, we cannot fix what has happened we can only learn from it and move forward. Take the losses for what they are and remember those who had to leave us."

Anariel could only nod in the silence of the halls, silence that was soon broken by the returning of a dozen guards. Pulling her lips into a thin line knowing why they were here, they were back in their realm and that meant her freedom ceased.

"Elrond, are you okay to heal her?" Thranduil spoke, though it was not truly a question as Elrond had already began his work.

"Yes, of course. It must be done quickly as an infection as begun to set, I like to see it taken care off before it gets any worse."

"I thank you. Legolas, you said earlier you needed to speak with me, how urgent?"

Legolas shifted from foot to foot, stealing a glance towards his sister, "Not dire, but it certainly must be before the ball for Anariel."

Thranduil turned to look back at his daughter, "When Lord Elrond is done, you are to return to your chambers and change for dinner. Stay with your guards, Anariel. Legolas, come we speak now."

Thranduil listened carefully and openly, he knew this day would come if Anariel was ever to return to him but it was not a matter of Legolas' decision it was a matter of how they or rather he, was going to break it to Anariel. "Legolas, are you sure about this?"

"Yes. You know that it's not what I've ever wanted. It is not where my heart is, I love these people and our realm but me as king, that is just not who I am. I do not care to lead."

"You are the warrior, the protector, it always has been true about you. I will speak to Anariel she must have some warning before the ball…ceremony, as she is introduced to all her kingdom we must to pass the title of whom is crowned heir to the throne."

"Thank you for your understanding, father."

Thranduil ceased all movements, turning to look his son in the eyes he bowed his head bringing his right hand to fall upon his chest above where his heart before extending his hand to him, Legolas followed suit a few tears lingered unfallen.

Thranduil knew it was almost time to leave to dinner no matter how much there was left to do within his study, there was still so much to go over. So many details to finalize. He had to speak with Anariel, she would be the crowned princess which meant a whole new line of training and duties.

"My lord Thranduil, all guests for this evening are in the dining hall as are Prince Legolas and Princess Anariel."

Thranduil looked from his work nodding his head, "Take this to Turwathiel she, if I am lucky shall accept the role of the princess's lead hand maiden and etiquette instructor."

"My lord," Relien, the kings closest advisor began narrowing his eyes in confusion. "But, Lady Eruanna and..."

"They have both stepped down. I fear my daughter has gained her fair share of people whom hold her quite accountable for everything that had occurred. I would not use the word enemy, but I have already heard whispers of those who wish her ill, blaming her for their lost loved ones," Thranduil feared that that sneer might yet increase when they learn it is she who will one day rule these lands.

"I see, my lord."

Thranduil waved him away, taking a split second to allow him a moments breath before he had no other option left but to head for the dining hall.

Thranduil entered bowing his head for all to start their meals, looking to his son and daughter as he sat down. "I need to speak with the pair of you after," he insisted sipping his wine.

Legolas bowed his head in acknowledgment he knew why his father wished to speak with them, or at least one of the reasons.

"I don't mean to argue, my lord, but can it not wait," Anariel tried to speak with kindness and respect to her father as the king with so many around.

"It cannot, there is much to do. You have many details to finalize for your ceremony in a days time, and we have much to discuss. A lot has changed and we need to revise your lessons," Thranduil insisted setting his now empty wine glass upon the table before beginning his meal.

"Ceremony? I thought you said this was just was coming of age ball, what ceremony do you speak of? And why must the lessons change, Ada?" Anariel persisted to no avail.

Thranduil realized his slip of the tongue he had not planned on telling her here, "Trust me, my dear, now is not the best of times we will speak afterwards."

Anariel breathed deeply nodding her head in agreement reaching for her own wine ignoring the idle chatter of those around her, noticed how some looked to her with glares and the whispers that followed, what could any of them have to say that was so important. Turning back to her father she mumbled hiding her face from the others, "We speak and then I am free to return to my chambers and be rid of them."

"Yes, but you cannot hide. You must stand behind all of your decisions no matter what happens and no matter how many or who thinks what about it." Thranduil warned, she would have to show them all now more then ever that she could rule, that she was the princess they all hoped her to be. He had faith in her, he believed with all his heart that she could do it, what he wasn't sure she could do, was keep her tongue in check and her anger at bay, for even he struggled with such but he had long earned his kingdoms loyalty. And she had just broke much of what little she had come to earn.

Looking through the mass of armoured bodies that surrounded her, she sighed inwardly trying to rid her view of them all but knew that it was hopeless this was the view that she must come and accept now. Constantly surrounded, completely encircled everywhere she went. As her guards reached the king's chambers one by one they stepped off to the side while still keeping her protected on the sides and back the kings guards outside his chambers pushed open the door allowing the princess to enter. Bowing her head in thanks she slipped inside glad to be rid of everyone of her personal guards.

Looking between Thranduil and Legolas she couldn't help but wonder what this was all about, the nervousness that they both held within their eyes was as clear as day.

"Anariel, come sit. We have much to speak about." Thranduil waved his hand gently towards the chaise, Legolas and he followed sitting with her.

"What is this about? Have I done something…"

"You have done nothing, Legolas has been known through this realm all his life as the Crowned Prince, expected to one day to rule over this kingdom," the king began slowly, cautiously, "However, with your return Legolas has such decided, as he has always felt he was never meant to rule or lead."

Legolas shifted in his spot, glancing to his sister knowing she already had so much of her own going on part of him felt guilty to throw this on her to, but it was now or never.

"He has stepped down as crowned prince, you must tomorrow night accept the title, and role of the crowned princess of this realm. In such, lessons must change there is much more you will learn, new duties for you to take up. And in terms of the ball you, as the new crowned princess will dance with every eligible suitor that is in attendance," Thranduil spoke firmly and seriously, though he was worried about his daughter reaction.

Anariel sat stunned her mind was spinning as she glanced between her father and brother. Part of her wanted to jump up and yell, scream incoherently and yet,she found that she didn't all the same. "They hate me though," she spoke up after a moment.

Thranduil looked to his daughter sadly, "I will not hide such from you, yes, it is true that many hold a grudge towards you for your recent actions, however, you must stand tall and continue to prove to them that you are their princess, and will be their queen don't ever forget it and don't ever let them forget it."

Anariel nibbled at the side of her lip, looking to the ground. "An entire realm?"

"I am sorry," Legolas reached to his sister taking her hand in his, "I know this is a lot for you, among everything else that you are already dealing with. But, this isn't me I will never be a that person, you though, you already are even if you don't see it yet."

"I suppose there is nothing else to really say," Anariel stood from the chaise, smiling to Legolas as she dropped his hand. "So, what does that mean then in terms of lessons and duties?"

"It means you will be learning of everything that I do now, every detail to the guard, you will stand with me when we hear the pleas of our people answer and assist them. Help make decisions when it is necessary."

Anariel paced back and forth along the length of the window as she listened to her fathers words, a knock sound from the door before creaking open. "My Lord Thranduil, Chief Marchwarden Feren, request a word. May he enter?"

Anariel turned around her mind suddenly whirling back to the letter he left her, and everything that had happened before tears welled threatening to spill over suddenly. She hadn't even heard the king's reply, she could only watch in near horror, hands shaking as she he step over the threshold it suddenly felt awkward after everything they have been through, and everything that he had told her within the letter she wasn't sure what to say or if she should say anything at all.

"My lords, my lady," Feren bowed as he entered, he looked her over tried to hide the pain on his face as she turned away from to look out the window, ignoring him completely. "I have come to request leave of training Princess Anariel, my guards and patrol will leave in the morning for duty and I will be there with them, if you will excuse me, my lord?"

Thranduil nodded, this was after Feren's duty to protect their lands he would not keep him from it, it was true at times he sent his patrols out without himself, but Thranduil could see the sense in his Marchwarden request. "Indeed, you may have leave for as long as it is needed."

"Thank you, my lord," Feren bowed deeply, ready to leave to prepare his troops for their travels pausing he looked to his princess her back still turned he sighed inwardly his own heart ached from the mere sight of her, but it seemed clear now by the way she ignored him he was nothing more to her then her Chief Marchwarden. "My Lords, Mm lady, excuse me." Feren bowed turning sharply leaving the room.

Anariel let out a breath, tears flowing down her cheeks as she turned back around to face her father and brother.

"Oh,Anariel," Legolas stood pulling his sister into his arms, "Hoda."

Thranduil to stood to comfort his daughter it was clear that there was such a weight upon her shoulders, and both he and his son had only gone and added more.

Anariel took a deep breath, squaring back her shoulder with a light shake of her head. "I am fine, I have to be, for me, for this," she paused taking a step away from Legolas stepping towards the door preparing to leave, "for my kingdom I have to be. I will see you in the morning, Ada." With bow she left, gone without another a sound, not a flicker of her silver gown left in sight.

Author's Note; Thank you to everyone for everything! It has been awhile but here is a new update, hope that you all enjoy! Let me know what you think!

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