Many of you may have been expecting to read the archery scene and i tried for days to write it, but nothing was working out, so here is a nice long chapter instead to keep the storyline moving along.

It's already been Christmas down under, but Merry Christmas to everyone else around the world who are still celebrating!

Enjoy and please read and review.

Chapter 34

Evie POV

The archery competition was a raging success. The first round began with 20 archers, each taking 5 shots each, round two was reduced to 10 archers and the final round had just the top 5 archers to battle it out.

For the majority of the time, Evie had sat on Thranduil's left on a raised platform that had been erected for the occasion, his hand holding hers with his thumb rubbing gentle circles on the back absently, while his bright blue eyes missed nothing that went on.

During the break between rounds, she strolled amongst the competing archers arm in arm with Haleth, congratulating them on their technique and choice of bow, making sure to notice unusual carvings.

Galion, Feren & another male elf with dark brown hair and dressed in dark brown and grey that Evie didn't know were chosen as judges and luckily only had to disqualify one young male elf that thought he could get away with bribing to win, to everyone's amusement.

Legolas was not the youngest elf to participate, in actual fact that title went to a little red head elleth that Haleth had called Tauriel, a lover of the wood with dreams of being part of the forest guard some day. Evie had giggled behind her hand when she overheard the teasing the Prince had received from the elleth when no one was looking, his lips pressed in a tight line, just like his father, being the only indication of his irritation.

In the end, The Prince had done remarkably well being part of the top 5, but did not win. The winning cup was given to a warrior of the wood who had over 3,500 winters to his name. Legolas had been far from upset by this outcome though, racing to congratulate the winning elf and demanded he teach him everything he knew so he could wield a bow so well.

Thranduil had stood majestically in front of his people, presenting the cup to the winner and thanking all participants for taking part and then gently dismissed them until the feast that eve, which would take place in the great hall where the feast of starlight had been previously.

The crowds melted away quickly and seeing Thranduil caught up in a discussion with the judges, Evie dragged Haleth with her to find their little elf that had performed so well in the day's activities. Her green eyes search the training ground rapidly, excitement building up in her chest, and a wide smile made its way on her face when she spied the brown and green clad elf.

"Legolas!"

She let crouched down and opened her arms wide when she saw the platinum haired elf turn suddenly, giving her a bright smile before sprinting towards her. She caught his body and wrapped her arms around him in a big cuddle, spinning him round, delighting in his childish laughter. Stopping, she kissed him on the cheek and lowered him to the ground, noticing the small audience they had attracted.

"I am so proud of you, Honey."

"Thank you Naneth, I think I did well."

"You certainly did. Won't be long and you'll be standing up there with the winner's cup!"

To see him smile then made Evie's heart feel full enough to burst.

"You really think so? Did you see I spoke to…"

She listened with undivided attention as Legolas spoke in detail about his discussion with the winning archer, until she saw the unknown elf judge watching her intently, a look of disapproval clear on his fair face. She was brought back to the elf speaking to her and Haleth when she felt a small hand tug on her skirt, her green eyes meeting his bright blue.

"Are you alright Naneth?"

"hhhhhmmm. Yes. Perfect. Shall we go and get ready for the feast?"

"I just let me grab my bow."

"Ok, I'll be right here."

She watched the little elf run off and then shifted her gaze once more to the male elves in a cluster near the platform.

"Haleth?"

"Yes, Evie?"

"Who is that elf next to Feren?"

"That's Lord Neldor. He sits on the council with the King, but his main role is stable master."

"Is he an old elf?"

"Old elf?" She smiled lightly at Haleth's laughter but did not shift her gaze. "Yes, I think he would fit that description. He's been around since King Orpher's time and very strict about rules of the court. I think the term you would use is old fashioned or traditional."

"hmmmm."

She did not see Haleth's eyes follow her line of sight, but was startled when a hand was laid on her upper arm.

"Do not worry about him, a tough exterior he may show, but inside he cares deeply for those around him."

She gave Haleth a quick smile to reassure her, but inside she wasn't so sure about the look she received from the elf in question. She was distracted by the reappearance of Legolas, bow slung over his back, taking the hand she held out for him.

Feeling a presence behind her, she relaxed when she inhaled a scent of earthy pine, and turned, reciprocating the smile directed at her from her elf husband.

"Are you ready to depart?"

Evie shot a quick glance at Legolas and then back up.

"Yes, I believe we are."

She took the arm offered to her by Thranduil and together the three of them walked back to the palace.

Later that evening and dressed in their finery, elves of all ages and stations convened on the great hall for the Prince's begetting day feast. Evie entered on the arm of her beloved, Legolas trailing behind them. They sat, the King welcomed everyone like he had done earlier in the day and they feasted.

"Amos has outdone himself." She said to Thranduil seated to her right and just lowering a glass of red wine to his lips.

"I concur, my love. We shall have to make our appreciation known."

After the food was eaten and the drinks had been flowing freely, it was time for dancing. The stood from his ornate chair and offered his hand to Evie.

"Would you do me the honour of a dance, My Queen?"

Excitement bubbled up in Evie chest at this invitation, remembering the last time they had danced together.

"I couldn't say no to the King." She teased him with an attempt at a straight face. She reveled in the delight she saw in his bright eyes as they twirled around the floor together seamlessly, the rest of the world falling away.

All too soon, Galion had requested a dance and then Legolas. And so she was passed around, so many elves curious about their breathtaking Queen and keen to spin her around. Eventually, Amos found her and they spun round and round to a jolly tune. At the conclusion, she thanked the head chef and begged for respite. The elf gallantly agreed and escorted her off the dancefloor, giving her knuckles a soft kiss in thanks for the dance.

Evie was standing to the side of the dancing group of elves, catching her breath after the dance she had shared with Amos and thanked the passing elf that offered her a glass of bubbles. She had just taken a sip when she felt the presence of someone next to her.

A tall male elf, though not as tall as Thranduil, with very dark hair and dark brown eyes that missed nothing, dressed in deep green robes with a leaf like pattern. It was the other elf that had judged the archery competition – Neldor.

Having not been formally introduced, she wasn't quite sure what she should say, but was luckily spared her uncertainty when she heard his deep, but smooth voice as he addressed her.

"A beautiful evening, is it not, My Lady?"

She let the slight of him not addressing her as Queen slide, despite the fact he was a councillor to Thranduil and would know exactly who she was.

"Indeed My Lord, a celebration worthy of a Prince."

"Quite so."

They lapsed into an awkward silence, which stretched on, and Evie cleared her throat when she noticed he had no intention of saying anything else.

"Can I help you with something?"

"No, no. I just wanted to comment on the evening. I'm pleased to see Feren among the company, it would have been dreadfully dull in his absence. Nasty that business he's been dealing with. Well must be off, Good Evening My Lady."

Too shocked to respond, she didn't have a chance to say anything before he departed and the sure enough, here came the Captain of the guard, smiling like a fool, and feeling quite jolly after so much wine. He swept forward in an exaggerated bow, quite intoxicated, and left a kiss on her hand.

All of a sudden, white hot fury cursed through the red headed woman and despite looking like an angel in her sparkling party dress, the look on her face was like a promise to inflict bodily harm.

Feren, who wasn't often intimidated, took an involuntary step back, but didn't get far, because her feminine hands grabbed his arm and began to steer him to the door. Only because she was his Queen did he let her and the tone she used was one not to be questioned.

"Come with me."

It was a very tense silence between them as they walked at a very quick pace towards the King's private study. The red head did not let go of the dark haired elf, now fully alert and on edge, until the door was firmly shut behind them. She stood in front of him expectantly, with her arms folded firmly across her chest.

"Explain. Right now."

She could see that the Captain didn't know where to begin and had assumed that she knew what had been occurring these past months, but she was unrelenting in her gaze.

"You may recall when you first arrived, that Lady Haleth had also just returned."

"Yes, I remember."

"And she brought news of an evil…growth in the forest."

She waved him on to continue when he hesitated just a moment, looking very uncomfortable.

"Immediately the King asked me to dispatch a scouting party to look into it."

"Just one?"

"No. Every month since."

She sucked in a shocked breath. This had been going on for months and he still hadn't said a word to her about it. She reigned in her increased anger to try and be kind to the elf in front of her that had done nothing but follow orders. slowly, she reached up a hand to remove the circlet glittering on her hair when she moved, playing with it absently in hands as she and the Captain spoke.

"And what did they discover?"

"It's very slowly spreading. The flora inflected is dying and we can't work out why. They've tried all sorts of things, but it appears to be immune to elven magic."

"I've been here over a year."

"Yes."

She saw uncertainly flash across his face for a moment.

"What is it?"

"It's just, well, I had a thought, and I shared it with the King, but he did not…welcome the suggestion."

"Which was?"

"What if a different type of magic was required. One not of this world?"

"Oh."

"Yes, you see the issue."

"I do."

She was thoughtful for a moment, casting aside her intense desire to throw something, and put her mind to use.

"What if…?"

"Yes, My Queen?"

She lifted her eyes to connect with his warm brown ones.

"What if I came with you on the next scouting trip?"

She could see him ticking it over in his brain and when he didn't immediately dismiss it, she knew he'd thought of it before.

"I think that would be a good idea. Nothing else has prevailed, but you understand that your safety is paramount."

"Of course. What if I just observe this time to see it, come up with a plan?"

"Yes. And I would personally accompany you, not that you can't defend yourself."

She saw the teasing twinkle in his eyes and she laughed.

"Yes, I think that would be wise. Better to be careful. When do we leave?"

"The morning after next."

"I'll be ready."

She saw his hesitation, because there was one very large hurdle to overcome. She moved to pat his arm reassuringly.

"Do not worry, I'll take care of him."

He shot her a grateful smile.

"It's not that I think your expendable Evie, it's just that I need to consider everything to protect the people of this realm."

"I absolutely agree with you. Even if it's wasn't my duty to do the same, I would have gladly done it to protect Legolas."

He was about to speak when they both heard the door open and whipped their heads to view the tall figure standing in the doorway. His presence immediately brought forth the anger she had restrained and glared at him as he calmly walked into the room. Feeling the tension in the room rising, and wanting to spare the Captain from the unpleasantness that was coming, she turned to him.

"Thank you Feren, you are dismissed."

She allowed him to set forward and leave a gentle kiss on her knuckles and then saw him bow to Thranduil.

"Goodnight My Queen, My King."

The silence was stony as the two left behind waited for the Captain to leave the room, shutting the door behind him with a soft snap. She was about speak, but the blue eyed elf, still dressed in his dark blue robes, got there first.

"I saw you leave the feast early, what has happened?"

She couldn't believe it, she snorted a dark laugh and then whirled on him, fury set on her face, flinging the object in her hands with as much force as possible toward him. She was disappointed that he dodged the missile with ease, but was triumphant when he flinched at the noise when it hit the wall behind him. When she addressed him, she wouldn't have been surprised if elves at the feast heard her.

"It's been happening. For months. And you said nothing."

She was pleased to see the understanding dawn on him. Good, he wasn't stupid.

"I see."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Would you believe me if I said I was trying to protect you?"

"That's the most cliched thing I've ever heard Thranduil, you're going to have to do much better than that."

"It's my duty as King to protect this realm, and my dear, that now includes you."

"Yes, but I'm your wife. You don't just keep something like evil growing in our forest a secret. We're supposed to be a team here."

"Long have I had to make tough decisions on my own…"

"That is not an excuse. Legolas I understand, but me? No. You should not shut me out from important things like that."

"What do you want me to say? I will not apologise for doing what I think is right."

"How exactly do you expect this to work if you don't share your burdens with me?"

"You need to trust me."

"Well ordinarily I would, but in this I will not."

She saw how dark his eyes had grown as their conversation went on and was pleased to see them flash at her defiance. The anger she felt down the bond from him, surged her own ire.

"This is exactly why I said nothing. Is it too much to ask for you to leave it alone, I'm handling it."

She snorted at that too.

"Handling it? It's getting worse, every fucking day."

"Well what do you propose I do?"

"There's a scouting party headed out again."

"Absolutely not."

She moved very slowly and deliberately to stand in front of him. Her voice went deathly quiet.

"You misunderstand me. I was not asking your permission."

Out came the terrible temper of the Elvenking, fabled among many for generations. He growled loudly at her I response and did not care who heard as he addressed her next.

"You are my wife, Evangeline. I will not put you at risk."

Her voice rose to match his.

"It is not your choice to make."

"No? then who's choice is it?"

"Mine. And if you forbid me, I will still go. For you. For Legolas. And for this entire kingdom. I have a duty to them too and you need to let me go."

"By the Valar woman! Do you understand what you're asking me to do?"

"Yes, I understand it will be difficult. But you have to, because if you don't, and the evil keeps spreading, then you will lose me permanently."

She could see her words had struck a nerve and he seem pained at the prospect of losing her.

"I am not happy about this."

"You will get over it. The time apart will be good for you to think about how you could have handled the situation better."

She made to move around him, but was stopped when his hand grasped her upper arm gently. She looked back into his blue orbs.

"You will not engage with it. You will observe and come straight back. Do you understand?"

Her spine stiffened at the order and she pulled herself free before heading to the door without a backwards glance, the door left wide open.

"As you wish, My King."

Since Evie was not elfkind, she did not have their superior hearing abilities, and so missed the softly spoken words by the King in her wake.

"You are more precious than any jewel. Come back to me."

Evie did not sleep In their chamber that night instead she removed all her finery, dumping them on the floor without a care, and instead packed a bag for travel and changed into more comfortable attire before heading off to join her favourite little elf in his bed, cuddling him to her through the night.

The next day, she avoided the King purposefully, by organising her things for their scouting trip; clothing, food and her sword among other necessities. It was only a 2 day trek she was told, but stealth was necessary so they would be on foot and it would take longer. Along with Feren, there would be only two other elves coming with her, Edrahil & Conell, both senior members of the guard. She grimaced when she thought about the summoning she knew they'd all received from the King that morning. When she'd passed Galion, he had commented on how worried they'd looked, which meant that Thranduil had threatened them.

She knew the distance she was keeping hurt him, it hurt her too. But she needed to do this and he needed to learn not to shut her out. Her resolve was firm and so she ate in the kitchen with Amos that night, not inclined to see her other half. Explaining to Legolas had been more tricky.

They were tucked up in bed together and she had just finished singing to him.

"Where are you going Naneth?"

"How did you know?"

"No one has been very discreet. Ada in particular has been in a foul mood since the feast and we both know that it's either to do with you or dwarves. I haven't heard of any dwarves recently, so it must be you. And I see your travelling pack by the door. Are you leaving early?"

"You're mighty observant, you know honey. Yes, I'm leaving very early. It won't be gone long, hopefully back this time next week."

"Next week!"

She kissed his cheek reassuringly.

"I will be fine. Besides, absence makes the heart grow fonder."

"What about Ada?"

"You need to look after him for me. Can you do that?"

"Yes. But I don't understand why you have to go."

"I won't be for long. Sleep now honey. I love you."

"Goodnight Naneth"

Leaving this little elf was the hardest part and it made her heart squeeze, but it would all be ok. Her sleep that night had been restless and soon it was dawn. Time to go. She brushed the hair off the Prince's face and kissed his brow, before slipping out of bed to leave a folded parchment next to the bed. She put on her travel clothes and boots, placed her pack on her back and made for the door, lingering only a moment to look back at the sleeping figure she loved so much.

Stopping by the kitchen briefly to pick up the breakfast items left out for her, she continued on to the entrance to the forest, where Feren and the other elves were waiting for her. They all bowed in unison.

"Good Morning, My Queen."

She waved a hand at that.

"Let's get something straight before we go, you will address me as Evie and none of the bowing etc. Understood?"

"Yes…Evie"

She smiled gratefully at the Captain. And then glanced back at the halls they were leaving behind, momentarily wondering if not saying goodbye had been such a good idea afterall. She was brought out of her thoughts when Feren tapped her on the shoulder.

"Ready?"

"Yes. Lead on Captain."

And the four of them set off into the forest, their mission clear.

Thranduil POV

From the hidden alcove in the gatehouse, Thranduil watched his beautiful red headed wife, wild curls braided back from her face, dressed in the dark brown and green of his people, as she looked back. He willed her to see him, to come back to him to say goodbye. He was the indecision in her green eyes. He huffed when he saw Feren grab her attention once more and then they were leaving. He watched them until their forms were swallowed up by the trees.

He was thoughtful as she removed himself from the tight space and strolled back to their private suite.

He loved her more than anything. And he had to concede, though her would never voice it, that she had been right. They were a partnership and he had let her down. He had to learn to let her in, let her help him. He didn't need to do it all by himself anymore.

Not seeing her had been tortuous and he knew that having her away from the safely of the palace for a week or more would not help his temper, Valar help anyone who set him off. The fact was that he would be in a constant state of worry for her. He knew Feren and the others would protect her with their lives, he had surely seen to that yesterday, but he couldn't help it. What was worse was the terms she had left on. He vowed that he'd make it right the second she got back.

With renewed purpose, he set off to find his son, hoping that he would help console him, for he too would be missing the woman as terribly as he.

It was going to be a very long, awful week.