Just know I see and read every review, and love you all. I barely have time to write, but if I get a chance I will sit down and respond to you all!

Note: During the first upload of this chapter, I posted an unfinished copy of the chapter. That has now been fixed.

(This chapter picks up right after the last one!)

While the others escorted Elrohir to the Healing Halls, Thranduil and Celegon quickly made their way down to the cells, set on investigating the escape of the would-be assassin.

Neither of them spoke, their minds equally occupied. Thranduil's thoughts were focused on Legolas- although his son had assured him that he was quite well, Thranduil was not convinced. The Prince had been quiet since their quick reunion and Thranduil felt slightly guilty for not taking his Son aside to speak with him privately. He made a mental note to spend the evening with his son- after stopping by the Healing Halls for more information on his health.

Stepping out of the stone stairway and into the cavernous prison, the first thing Thranduil noticed was the eerie quiet- The only sounds being the faint echo of rushing water and the soft crunch of gravel underfoot.

While Celegon left to find a guard, The King made his way down further and further until he reached the darkest of the cells. He found the door open, two flickering torches lighting the room within. After a few minutes of inspection he quickly exited the cell just as Celegon approached, a young guard beside him.

"My Lord Thranduil, this is Tecildo. He was on Duty when the prisoner escaped." He explained, as the young guard bowed low. Thranduil watched him for a second, waiting for him to straighten up.

"Tell me what happened." He ordered, as Tecildo shifted nervously.

"My Lord- we heard gasping from his cell. When I looked in to see if all is well the prisoner was lying on the ground in a fit. I…" The guard trailed off, unable to make eye contact. The King resisted the urge to sigh, instead allowing the younger elf to gather his courage.

"Forgive me My King, for I was easily fooled. I entered the cell to assist him, calling for a healer. In my haste I did not see he had escaped his chains- nor did I see his fist until far too late."

"We are all easily fooled at times. It is a shame that your good heart led you astray." The King replied, his voice a murmur. The young guard looked up, relief and surprise in his eyes at the King's gentle words.

"Words cannot describe how ashamed I am, for the grief I have caused."

"However, I do not believe you are suited to a position of a guard. Your heart is a gentle one, Tecildo. In the morning you will report to the Healers and begin your training under one of the Masters." The King ordered. "Until then, return home and rest."

Tecildo bowed low once more.

"Thank you, My King." He murmured, before turning and hurrying away.

Once he was out of sight, Thranduil let out a small yawn, rubbing his eyes.

"Celegon-"

"I will see to it that they are expecting him, My Lord." The Advisor assured him. With a quick bow, Celegon also hurried away.

Thranduil himself followed, far slower than the previous two. He took his time ascending the dark staircase, making his way slowly to his study.

As he rounded the corner, so deep in his own thoughts was he that he almost crashed into Beliel.

"My apologies, young one- I have much on my mind." He apologised.

The Healer curtsied gracefully, before falling into step beside beside Thranduil.

"It is I who should apologise- Celegon and Legolas are always scolding me for rushing around corners."

Thranduil laughed slightly.

"Tell me, Beliel, how is Legolas?" He asks quietly.

"Far better than he was two days ago. He is healing well, but will be quite tired for several days. I would like to keep him under observation, but he insisted on moving back to his rooms despite my protests." She sighed, shaking her head slightly. "I'm afraid the constant attention he's been receiving has tried his patience." She admitted.

Thranduil hummed in response- he knew his Son valued his independence, and it did not surprise the King to hear that Legolas' was becoming annoyed.

"And what of our guests from Imladris?" He inquired

Beliel sighed, rubbing her forehead in slight frustration.

"Lord Elrohir seems to simply be exhausted- I doubt he will wake before this time tomorrow. His arm will take a few weeks to fully heal, but with enough rest and rehabilitation, he will have full mobility once more." Beliel explained as she continued to keep pace with the Elven Lord.

"And Estel?"

"Estel will be quite ill over the next day or so, but he will be completely fine once the Spider's venom leaves his system."

"And what of Thandir? His injuries were severe, last I saw." Thranduil sighed, glancing down at the Healer.

Beliel sighed as well, meeting Thranduil's eyes.

"Thandir should not be alive, My Lord. The extent of his injuries, combined with the blood loss and poison… And yet he will make a full recovery. I do not understand it."

Thranduil gave a small smile, his thoughts trailing back to the previous night.

"It would seem that the youngest of Elrond's children has inherited his gift of healing." Thranduil explained. I believe Elrohir used much of his energy to heal Thandir while we were in the forest."

As they approached the door to the King's study, Beliel picked up her pace, intending on opening the door.

Thranduil reached out, his fingers gripping Beliel's wrist and pulling her back. His free hand went up, a finger pressed to his lips.

Beliel froze, eyes wide as she looked around for what could have caused the sudden reaction from the King. Her eyes fell upon the study door, which sat slightly open.

"I will fetch the guards." The Healer breathed, her eyes locking with those of the King. He nodded, releasing her arm. He watched as she silently vanished down the hall, before stepping into his study.

The gentle breeze rustled the papers on the desk, as the curtains drifted lightly over them. In the distance was the sound of the leaves rustling as the trees whispered amongst each other. Papers were stacked neatly on the desk, while a goblet of wine sat untouched.

None of these things, however, caught his eye. Instead Thranduil's eyes fell upon the figure behind his desk, leaning back in the large chair. The Elf's eyes were sharp, locking on the King's face the moment he stepped into the study.

"I had heard that the King had returned to his Kingdom. Tell me, Thranduil, did you enjoy your little hunting game in the forest?"

The voice was soft, sharp. While the dark haired Elf was making a clear attempt to seem relaxed, he did not fool Thranduil.

"I was honoured to meet your Son in your place, however. Tell me, how is the little prince?" His voice dripped with honeyed sarcasm, and Thranduil felt his anger rise.

"Tell me, how did you escape your chains?" The King demanded, ignoring the question as he stepped closer.

The Elf smirked, pulling a silver chain from his pocket. He held it up, so the Elven Lord could see the small Oliphaunt shaped pendant dangling from it.

"A trinket I found while visiting a mortal village in the far South of Gondor." He twirled it nonchalantly in his fingers as he reclined in the King's chair. "A simple necklace to most, but if you flick the trunk…." He demonstrated, and Thranduil's heart skipped a beat as a sharp, thin needle appeared. "It becomes the most useful little tool." He smirked, pocketing it quickly. "You should invest some of your jewels in better shackles- and potentially a new guard or two."

"No trinket will allow you to walk out of my Kingdom alive, Híthiner. You almost killed my Son." Thranduil's voice was cold, his anger thinly veiled. And yet the would-be assassin smiled at his words, his eyes lighting up with glee.

"You remember me then, My King? How honoured I am." The King sighed.

"How could I ever forget you, Híthiner? You were once my best friend."

Boom, gonna leave it there and vanish for another month or three. Maybe less. Hopefully less. We're getting closer to the end now!