August 19 TA 1636

"You do not want to go?"

Luin shrugged and rolled onto the bed. Earien knew her brother better than anyone, and she finished braiding her hair and turned to face him.

"If you do not want to go you don't have to. You know that."

"I know, I just. I don't know. I have never left Mirkwood and I do not wish to. I cannot fight well you know that," he said quietly. He stared at her a moment, and she leaned back in her chair.

"If you do not want to go, you don't have to," she said forcefully. "Thranduil won't care."

"It is my job, Earien. I cannot just decide when to not do my job."

"If you go you will be gone quite a while."

He shook his head and buried his face in his hands, his wavy dark locks fell over his face, "Tell me what to do."

"You are not an elfling, I cannot tell you what to do anymore," she said quietly and thought a moment. "Go. I will speak to Huldion about your ability to return of you wish to. It is Gondor, you will be with troops, you will be safe."

He looked up at her, the anxiety leaving his eyes. "You think so?"

"I know so," she smiled, and he rolled his eyes,

"you just made my decision for me."

"What else do I do?" she laughed.

He smirked, and rolled off the bed. She stood. She knew what was coming. He leapt for her and she squealed. She ran through the doors into the next room, Luin pursued her, giggling. She ran around the couch and into the side room that led to the bathroom. He caught her in the doorway and threw her over his shoulder. Thranduil walked in, and Luin came through the door, giggling. He saw Thranduil and he stopped, Earien struggling in his arms.

"I believe this is yours," Luin said, and Thranduil quirked his eyebrows in amusement.

"That is not mine, put her back where you found her."

"No this is definitely yours," Luin laughed and dropped her onto the couch. She sat up and slapped him playfully on the arm. "I am going to pack, I'll come see you later."

Mirkwood was unlike what Elladan had remembered. The last time he was there it was pleasant and green, the most beautiful forest he had ever seen. Now it was dark, the danger of vicious spiders or orcs coming forth to attack them. They were met at the edge of the forest by two sentinel guards. Their uniforms were unlike those of Imladris. In Rivendell the patrol guards wore light armor and cloaks, and rode horses. Here the sentinel patrol was dressed in dark green and browns. They wore no armor, and had dark hoods that fell far in front of their faces, and wore coverings around there necks to hide all but their eyes. They had told Elladan nothing would touch him, they were just there as guides and for precautionary purposes. They moved through the trees from that point, and he couldn't pretend the forest didn't scare him. The air was toxic, and made his head swim. Erestor accompanied him and agreed. This forest was evil. How was he going to deal with this?

After several days Elladan rode up to the gate. The guards bowed reluctantly, their eyes suspicious. Elladan already wished to return home, suddenly letting his mind run away with fear. What if he was unwelcome? He was noldo- he shook the idea. He hadn't even seen Earien yet. The gate opened, and Elladan rode in followed by his guard and Erestor. Two grooms took their horses the moment they rode in, and Elladan thanked then timidly. He sighed nervously, Erestor squeezed his shoulder in support. This was different from a visit. He was here for service, and he was here to stay for quite a while.

"Lord Elladan," An elf said, approaching him. "Welcome. I am Faroth, King Thranduil's captain of defense and chief advisor."

"Thank you, it is nice to see you after such a long trip."

"I imagine you'd like to see the Queen?" He nodded, and followed the red haired elf down the beautiful winding halls toward the royal wing, where four guards stood. They walked past, and Faroth knocked on the last door; a large marble door with a tapestry on it.

"Enter." He pushed the door open, and Earien smiled and stood.

"Elladan."

"Earien." She embraced him, and Faroth stepped back outside and shut the door quietly.

"How was your trip?"

"Tiring."

She smiled, "you will be tired much," she embraced Erestor, "How have you been?"

"I am well, thank you, my lady."

"Come, I will show you your room," she opened the door, and nodded to an elf with black hair and bright grey eyes. "This is my guard, Adanion. He will show you to your room, Erestor."

Adanion nodded, "which room will that be, my queen?"

"Any room he chooses. However I would like for him to be in the Royal Wing." She smiled to Erestor, who smiled softly in return. He was never treated as a guest in most places he visited with Elrond or one of his children, simply a servant.

"Thank you, my lady."

Erestor followed Adanion down the hall, and Earien led Elladan in the opposite direction. The Royal Wing was quite large, but Earien put Elladan next to Salias and Alonnen's suite, across from Legolas'.

It was large, with its own restroom, bedchamber, and sitting room, and the only one besides the King's and Salias' with a small balcony, since it faced the north. Elladan set his bag down on the couch, and sat with a sigh. She helped him unpack, and Elladan was strangely quiet.

"Are you alright?" She asked when they were finished, and sat on the couch together.

"I am just nervous."

"Of?"

He paused, "I cannot explain."

"Do not be nervous. You will enjoy yourself and work hard, and I am here if you have any bumps in the road." She said quietly. "As is Thranduil, but he is quite busy so I will be around more than he."

"Thank you. When do I start?"

"Day after tomorrow your sentinel returns for a day's rest and goes out again. There you will meet your captain, and go out with them."

"He will not think I am imposing?"

"No, captain Rendil is happy to have you as is the rest of the sentinel. It is the northern patrol, it is loose and stress free. They will teach you about the spiders, you are otherwise prepared." She said. He nodded, and she could see the nervousness in his face still. "The sentinel members were unkind to you?"

"No, no they were helpful. They were just- intimidating." He admitted, "Erestor thought so too."

"They are from the southern patrol, they are heavily trained and only come back to the stronghold once every other month. The northern forest has not been affected by the darkness as of yet, and they will not be as intimidating," she smiled, "they are mostly quite young, and the northern patrol is used for training for the other patrols."

"Oh," Elladan said, relieved and disappointed. He was heavily trained, he did not wish to fight with beginners.

"You will find it more challenging than you think. You are well trained but this is a different type of fighting than you are used to. But they are kind and will help you."

He smiled, "I think this may be fun."

"I hope so," she smiled, "Thranduil wanted to greet you but he had to see his Captain of the Guard quickly before the group left for Pell, Master Lorn's Village."

Thranduil was speaking to Huldion when Lorn and Erron walked up, and he turned to face them. No emotion crossed his face, and he was entirely unreadable. Lorn motioned for Erron to walk ahead of him, and Erron approached the King nervously.

"Your majesty, I am very sorry for my actions the other day. I was very wrong in touching your belongings, and I brought worry and pain to you and your family. I am very very sorry," he said quietly.

Thranduil smiled weakly at Lorn, and he put his hand on Erron's shoulder. "I understand it was an accident, and your apology is accepted. I did not mean to scare you in the healing wing, I was worried and lost my head."

"Thank you," Erron smiled, and Thranduil's smile grew to match, "Is Legolas ok?"

"Legolas is fine. The cut was shallow," Thranduil said with a sigh. "He is unable to train for a few more days while the cut heals, I am sure he would enjoy your company."

Erron beamed, relieved the king was not angry with him. He just hoped Legolas wasn't angry. "Thank you," he said, and took off down the adjoining hall toward the Royal Wing.

"I am sorry, he gets very excited around historic artifacts and he probably could not resist your sword. Will you get rid of it?"

Thranduil raised an eyebrow, how did he know of that custom? "You know of that?"

"My son is obsessed with elves, of course I know your customs," he chuckled kindheartedly.

Elves fought with the same sword through war times, and it was bad luck to fight with a sword that had spilled elvish blood. Especially the blood of the owner's kin. "I do not know. Without question I would be rid of it, if it were not my father's, and his father's before him. I plan to discuss it with my wife and my advisor eventually, but for now it will remain in storage. My servant cleaned it and now it will sit, hopefully for many years."

Lorn groaned, "I am sorry my son has tainted such an important family heirloom of yours, your majesty."

"It was an accident," Thranduil said again, scratching the braid at the top of his head. Earien approached them, and Lorn bowed his head to her. "I will see you at dinner, Master Lorn. Feel free to do whatever you wish."

"Thank you."

Earien took Thranduil's arm, and they started slowly toward the garden. Adanion and Thangannas were behind them, chattering quietly. They were not supposed to talk to one another while on duty, but Thranduil didn't have the heart to scold them.

"I heard Elladan has arrived," he said.

"Yes, he and Erestor are in the garden. He is quite nervous about being here."

"He has always been rather shy. Has Legolas been to see him yet?"

"No, he and Calis have been calm all morning, and that is quite rare to witness," she laughed gracefully, "I will have him say hello soon, however."

"Fair enough," Thranduil smiled, happy to be with Earien for a few moments without having to wear the tiring face of a King. "Has Elladan told you-"

"No. I still do not know why they are fighting, but I am sure he will tell me eventually."

He looked over at her and brushed hair from her face, "you are magnificent."

"You, are overtired."

He laughed, and two guards opened the doors to the garden as they approached, and they spotted Elladan and Erestor at the tea table, breakfast laid out before them. They stood at the sight of the king and queen, and Thranduil put out his hand to greet Erestor.

"How is Lord Elrond and Lady Celebrian?"

"They are well, thank you your majesty."

Thranduil embraced Elladan, and they sat down with them. "I did not know you were coming, Erestor. It is good to see you again."

"Thank you, I will not be staying, however. Once Elladan is settled I am to return to Lord Elrond."

Elladan stared at him nervously. He thought he would be staying.

"Well you are welcome to stay as long as you would like. However, I would like to know what it is that drove you here, Elladan," Thranduil said curiously.

He glanced at Erestor, who looked as if he never wanted to hear anything about it again as long as he'd live. "It is quite complicated," he said quietly. "My father did not tell you?"

"No, no he did not," Thranduil said and his focused flashed to Earien.

Legolas walked in, Calis trailing behind him. Elladan smiled and stood, and Legolas rushed into his arms.

"I have not seen you in far too long! I nearly did not recognize you," Elladan smiled, Legolas laughed and squeezed him. "How old are you now?"

"Forty-two," Legolas shrugged happily.

Elladan released him and embraced Calis, "So you must be-"

"Thirty seven," Calis smiled crookedly.

"How long are you staying?" Legolas asked him, and he and Calis sat with them around the table, taking up the last two chairs.

"Indefinitely," Elladan sighed weakly. "I am not sure how long I will stay. I have joined the patrols."

"I am glad we get to see you for a while," Legolas said.

"Me too," Elladan smiled.

Faroth walked into the garden, his face flushed. "My lord, your group is leaving for Master Lorn's village."

Thranduil and Earien rose, as did Legolas. "If you will excuse us."

The others nodded in understanding, and the three followed Faroth down the hallway to the front gate.

"Nana?" Legolas said.

"Yes?" she asked, her arm looped with his.

"Will Uncle Luin be ok there? He's not really the type."

She glanced at Thranduil, who looked skeptically up at her, "Uncle Luin will be just fine. Do not worry, he is strong."

They approached the group, and Luin's distressed eyes found his sister's. She approached him, and pulled him into her arms. He relaxed, and sighed.

"I want to stay home," he whispered.

"I know, you will be home in no time. Write me every day, and if you want to come home just tell Huldion. You can trust him, I do."

He nodded, her hand ran over the back of his head gently. "I am going to miss you."

"And I you," he said shakily.

Thranduil watched his wife and his brother in law guiltily. He hadn't realized what sending him away would do to them both. When Earien left, it was for a week or two, and she was safe as was possible for them to achieve. Luin had never left the realm, and had just basic self-defense and survival skills. He wasn't as strong of a spirit as Earien, but Earien had grown in a far more dangerous time than he had. She had shielded him heavily, cushioned every hurt and blocked every danger. Now he was exposed. Thranduil was suddenly concerned.

Legolas approached them and they broke apart, a false smile found Luin's lips.

Luin embraced Legolas, "Be good, train hard and study harder. I'll be home soon and I'll help you with your studies again."

Legolas smiled and nodded, "Bring me back something."

Luin laughed, "I will."
Lorn shook Thranduil's hand, "I cannot thank you enough."

"It is the least we can do. I am sure they will find them in no time."

Lorn nodded, his hand on Erron's shoulder. They all mounted their horses, and Luin ran his hand over Earien's hair.

"You will do well, do not worry," she reassured.

He nodded and took a deep breath, and followed Huldion out into the forest. Earien watched his horse gallop into the forest until the guards closed the gate.

Earien was quiet at dinner, and turned in early. Thranduil decided to pay her some company and left his work early in search of her. Salias caught him in the corridor on the way to the royal wing.

"Have you seen Calis?"

"He has been with Legolas and Erron, they were in the library last I saw them," he said and adjusted the stack of paperwork in his arms.

Salias tugged them from his arm and handed them to Thangannas, and managed to keep up with his pace, which was something only Thangannas and Earien could usually do. "Thranduil, I have been meaning to tell you-" Thranduil stopped and glared at him expectantly. "Is something wrong?"

"No, you are about to tell me something that is going to upset me in some manner. Proceed," he said, annoyed.

"What is wrong with Earien that you are in such a rush?"

"Salias," he growled, "what do you want to tell me."

Salias met his gaze for a moment before he looked away, as everyone did. "I do not think you should send that group to Pell, It is folly-"

"They are gone already," dread surfaced in Thranduil's eyes, "why?"

"I think it is a trap, I think that they knew this was going to happen and they are going to be waiting."

Thranduil shook his head, "no. We examined this fully, Faroth and I, and we agreed that we will avoid the unneeded attention with the small number. That is why Huldion is going, he is an assassin, Salias. He can fulfill this mission in a matter of days," he said quietly, wanting his cousin to understand.

"I know, it made sense before, but Thranduil it cannot be secret. Do you think a village of sheltered men is going to be quiet about a sentinel of highly armed elves from the woodland realm? Word travels quickly, and this pair will have time to prepare, to hide. I do not think they are just two rogue exiles or somethng, I think they have a vengeance of some nature."

"They have been sloppy, leaving trails and clues everywhere. They have been seen and they have struck in broad daylight. I do not think they are trained in any manner. I think they are simply robbers of some kind from one of the outlying villages that got greedy or desperate."

A range of emotion ran through Salias' features. Confusion, consideration. "I do not know, but if you and Faroth think it is best."

He spat Faroth's name like a jealous child, and Thranduil's features hardened, "you are upset with me about Faroth?"

Salias' mouth opened in protest, but then turned to exasperation, "no, I am not upset with you about Faroth. I had what was coming. But its been centuries, Thranduil, I could do so much I feel I have proven my loyalty to you. I belong in that position, I am of your blood, as well. Does that mean nothing?"

"You could do well in that position, but Faroth has been in that position for many years and has made professional, incredibly accurate decisions. He is by far the best qualified for the job besides myself. You are not automatically qualified for high ranking positions because you are of royal blood. You are a magnificent leader hands on, the southern patrol has never run so clean. Faroth is good with strategy," he said gently, "perhaps in the future, but I do not wish to move the system around currently. I am sorry."

"But here you are. You became King due to your blood," Salias said, instantly regretting it.

"I earned my position as well! I fought in every battle within a hundred miles of my position as early as your son's age, and was a high ranking captain in Doriath before you were born. Do not tell me I am not an experienced and sufficient leader of my people because you are bitter you are not as good as a silvan elf at military strategy. You dare to speak to me of loyalty. I would not suggest questioning the will of your King. That would be treason, captain," Thranduil snarled. He ignored the looming apology hanging on his cousin's tongue, and began down the hall. He was already anxious about the group, he didn't need his negativity and disloyalty. He and his advisor had weighed the options and the chances involving the mission, and they decided it was the best option. What was he supposed to do? Leave them to their fate?

Maybe he should have. They were not his problem.

He shook his head. He could not leave them to suffer at the hands of his people.

He pushed the door open to his room, Earien on the couch with a book, "was it a mistake sending the group to Pell?" he asked quietly.

"No, I agreed with your decision, as did most of the people I've spoken to since Lorn's arrival. Why?"

He told her of his conversation with Salias, and she did not seem surprised, "he loves you, Thranduil. He does not mean to be disloyal. I believe he finds it difficult to be so close to you yet so far. You are the King. But he was out of line, he knows what you have been through, your successes."

He nodded, and collapsed next to her, "I am sorry about Luin."

"What about Luin?"

"That I sent him to Pell. I did not think of how he would feel about it."

"It is alright," she said quietly.

"I wish he had said something to me about it."

"He wanted to please you. He is alright, I can still feel his presence, so they have not gone far," she put her book down, "but I cannot help but worry about him. He is sensitive, gentle."

"He will do well. I think it will do him well to become a little more independent, as well."

She sighed, and smiled gently. "I am going to say goodnight to Legolas," she rose and walked silently from the room, leaving Thranduil to his thoughts.

Earien dabbed a healing solution on Legolas' chest. The wound was almost entirely healed, but she put medicine on it still to prevent infection and to help keep scars away. Legolas watched her tiredly, and she pulled the covers up over him.

"What bothers you?" he asked wit a yawn.

"I am just worried for your Uncle, and your Adar had a fight with Salias. So I am just tired," she sad with a small smile. She often confided in her son and never left him in the dark with things now that he was nearly of age. He trusted her, so she in turn trusted him, but she never gave him information that could endanger anyone. He was still too young.

"Uncle Luin will be alright, you said yourself he is strong. What was the fight about?"

"It is a long story, perhaps tomorrow. I hope it works itself out soon. Before Salias leaves again."

"I as well. Sweet dreams, Nana, do not worry about Uncle Luin."

"I'll try, sweet dreams, ion nin," she said and he kissed her goodnight.

Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed it. Please review! It helps me know where I should take things next. The next chapter will have some action and some excitement :)