Chapter 14

The next morning you wake up sore, groaning as you remember last night's events. Turning your head, you smile and expect to see Thranduil's long locks, but instead you're alone. Sighing as you push the golden covers off you, it soon becomes apparent that the air around you is colder than you imagined, freezing in fact, that is until you realise your nudity.

"Good morning, my Lady..."

Startled you pull back the covers, unaware that anyone was in Thranduil's chambers.

"I am Liliana, the King's handmaid."

"Oh…I'm Ar-"

"No need to introduce yourself, I know who you are, my lady."

As Liliana steps forward from the adjoining room, she holds out a new dress but you immediately notice the absence of any underwear and assume that Thranduil is behind this. Slipping it over your head, she turns away as you stand up to wiggle your hips into the tight crimson fabric of the dress, smiling as you realise it's one-shouldered.

He definitely chose this.

"Speaking of whom, I hope the King didn't disturb you last night, he really wasn't pleased about going."

"Going?"

"Pardon me, my lady, but the King has gone into the forest in search of Legolas. He wasn't sure about leaving you at first, but when he learned his son could be in danger it was decided."

"What was decided?"

"That you would be put under the protection of a close friend of his and that Lord Elrond would oversee King Thranduil's realm whilst he is… away."

You plop back down onto the bed. If Legolas is in danger, Thranduil could be as well.

"But-…Why?"

"Hmm?"

You walk over next to the carved wooden table where Thranduil stood only last night, and pace round it faster and faster as your concern grows.

"Surely Legolas knows the risks of going into Mirkwood? Why would he go alone?!"

"They would not say, my lady. It's not a chambermaid's business..."

You look up at Liliana and detect a hint of something; sadness, perhaps.

"…anyway, we must get you ready my lady. He should be along any minute now."

Ignoring her words, you mutter to yourself trying to make sense of what is going on. She picks up a silver plated brush and guides you over to the dressing table, sitting you down slowly as she begins to detangle your hair. You stare into the small mirror in front of you and watch each of her gentle strokes as you take in all the new information.

"What exactly do I need protection for?"

Liliana's smile fades and her eyes fail to meet yours in the reflection.

"Is it to do with the Orcs? Has there been a- no, they can't get into the halls, can they? But why wo-"

"My lady…"

Liliana puts the down the brush and takes your hand in hers.

"As an associate of the King, you are, by default, in danger. And yes, you are right, no Orc could ever find its way into the King's halls…but there are others, allies to darker forces. You must understand, my lady, these are unsafe times…"

She lowers her voice to a whisper and leans forward so that she is next to your ear.

"Trust no-one, my lady."

Just as you are about to reply, two knocks sound from the door and you are suddenly aware that this must be your…'protection'.

"Ah, here he is."

As Liliana wanders over to open the door, she gives you some final words of advice.

"Remember all that I have told you, my lady… the King has left you in the capable hands of-"

"Haldir!"

"Elegant as ever, my Lady Ariella."

You rush over to the door to greet him as he bows low, laughing at your surprise.

"So you're my protection?"

"It would seem so, shall we?"

He offers out his arm and as you take it, you smile back to Liliana who tries her best to fake a smile.

"I imagine this has all come as a shock to you? What with the King being here one day and gone the next night."

"Yeah…do you think they'll be alright?"

Haldir directs you round another corner and you soon recognise where he's leading you to.

"My lady, I can assure you that I have never seen a finer elf in battle, and as for Legolas, I have heard he's as skilled with a bow as he is with the ladies."

You chuckle. Not quite as skilled as Nym.

"Do not worry, Ariella. Tauriel will be safely returned before you know it – I've heard that on occasion she's even beaten Legolas in training, I would not want to fight her by choice."

Releasing your arm from Haldir's, you stop, turning to face him your expression tells him this is news to you.

"What?"

"You…didn't know?"

You shake your head.

"…Where is she?"

Haldir looks away from you and tries to continue walking to the doors to the throne room up ahead.

"Haldir!?"

He sighs, putting his hand over yours but you push it away.

"I want the truth."

"Very well. Last night we received news that Orcs had taken her captive...Legolas went as soon as he heard…but that's exactly what they want. Once they've killed the King's son, they know Thranduil will come after them. That's why he had to follow Legolas and get to him before they can. If they kill off the royal line, the realm will be easier to take."

You feel weak. Why did no-one tell you this, why did Liliana not tell you this?

"Are you ok? Ariella?"

Your eyes grow tired and your head feels heavy and before you know it, you're in a heap on the floor. You can just about make out the outline of two maids rushing over to your aid as Haldir calls for someone, then you see her laughing, without a look of concern. For someone who's supposed to be infatuated with Legolas, she looks far too carefree for your liking, and as she appears to come closer, Liliana's words ring in your head:

"Trust no-one."

"Now, Legolas, this is exactly why we should have waited for your father! He could have helped us make some sort of plan, or given us an idea of Tauriel's whereabouts in this labyrinth of leaves…"

"You know, Nym, you didn't have to come."

"Who else would look after you, little Legolas?"

"You intoxicated fool, I've had to save you twice now from falling in the same river."

"Well, if I am still affected by the glorious liquid the King supplies for us, it is your fault, young prince. Like I said before, if you'd waited, we'd have more daylight on our side and I'd be better equipped to take on these foul Orcs and save your-"

Legolas signals for them to stop.

"Sssh, I hear something."

"Sorry…that was-"

"Nym! In all of Mirkwood I swear you are the most irritating of elves. Why I am friends with you I'll never know."

Wrinkling up his nose, Legolas looks away from Nym in disgust.

"…at least it'll help me blend in with the Orcs."

Nym giggles as Legolas elbows him.

"So how exactly do you plan on finding her?"

"By using my eyes."

"You're crafty Legolas, very crafty."

As Legolas guides Nym forward through the winding path of vines and trees, he realises finding Tauriel might not be as straightforward as he thought, especially being in the company of a drunken booby.

"Nym…please don't tell me that was-"

"Now I'm afraid that wasn't me."

"Get down."

Pushing Nym down onto the floor, Legolas readies his bow as the sound quickens, seeming to approach them from all sides. Legolas could easily take on an Orc pack, he's been outnumbered before and won, but this time he's burdened with Nym. Suddenly, his bow is thrown out of his hands. Resorting to his sword, he unsheathes his long blade, unsure where to strike as it appears his enemy is hidden.

"Who's there!?"

A second sword clashes against Legolas', but the owner is still not yet visible.

"Why do you not show yourself!? Are you too afraid of losing?"

"My son, if there's one thing you should know about me, it's that I never lose."

"You're very popular at the moment Ariella, do you know that? I know we've not been formally introduced, but I'm sure you've heard plenty about me…as I have you."

Looking around, you've woken up in an unfamiliar room, you realise you're lying on a purple chaise lounge with Talia standing over the other side of the room, watching you intently. The two of you are the only ones in the room.

"Where's Haldir?"

"I told him I'd take care of you for a while, it'll give us time to…bond."

You inwardly cringe, imagining that to be the last reason for Talia wanting you here. She begins to pace around the room, nearing you with every step.

"You're wanted by so many…obviously for different reasons, but nevertheless, the price some are willing to pay for you is surprising."

"What are you talking about? I'm supposed to stay with-"

As you stand up, steadying yourself as you head for the door, Talia stands in your way, grabbing your wrist, with a smirk.

"Do you really think Tauriel just happened to get taken by the Orcs?"

No.

Your mouth falls open in disbelief. Not that you shouldn't have expected something like this from her, but still, how could she? Why would she risk Legolas' life too?

"But...Legolas? Why would-"

She throws her head back and laughs an evil, horrible, forced laugh.

"My dear girl, I don't love that little worm more than I love this wretched realm. I only need him alive. Yes, it is rather infuriating that he went unexpectedly running after her like dog. Isn't that fitting? Considering she's a bitch. But I have no doubt he'll survive, although I can't say the same for her."

"You're unbelievable."

You try to wriggle out of her grip, but she digs her nails into your skin.

"I would keep quiet if I was you, the only reason I want you alive is so that you can help me secure my rightful place here, as Queen. As I said, there are those who want you for themselves, the way I see it, I'm doing you a big favour. Therefore, it's only right you return it."

"I'll never help you."

"Oh, I think you will. Once his whore is dead, there will be no more distractions. You will leave the King, if he makes it back that is, to ensure there are no surprise heirs to the throne and then Legolas will take me as his wife."

It's your turn to laugh.

"If you think this will actually work, you're insane."

"Do as I say, or die. It's a simple choice, Ariella…"

She releases her grip, leaving bright red nail marks around your wrist. Before leaving she turns back to you.

"Leave him. Tell him you don't love him anymore, or something, I don't care what, just finish it. Do this, and you'll live….oh, and if you're thinking about telling anyone, well… there's plenty of Orcs to go around."

And with that, she's gone. The door closes behind her and you sit back down, not quite believing her schemes. What if none of them make it back? More to the point, what will happen if they do? You can't leave the King… he simply wouldn't let you.

Maybe she's just making empty threats…

But the more you think about it, the more it seems possible. Panicking, you need to find Haldir or someone, anyone. You could tell him everything she's told you, but she'd probably find out. Power walking as best you can in the tight dress, you leave Talia's room and head down a flight of spiralling stairs to find your way back to the throne room.

Liliana said Lord Elrond is in charge, perhaps if I find him, he can help?

"What are you doing here?"

"I could very well ask you the same question, Legolas. You should have waited for me, don't you see what you could have done?"

Legolas rolls his eyes as Thranduil hands him back his bow. Nym, no longer cowering behind Legolas, picks himself up and pats off the dust from his tunic.

"I did tell him, your Highness. I said, Legolas, 'wait till your father can help us', but he said, 'Nym, you're drunk', and now we're here."

Thranduil shakes his head and pushes past both of them, leaving Legolas to silently scold Nym once again. Deep within the forest, there is little light whatever the time of day and the path ahead is still dark, even more so to Nym. Using his magic, the King lights up the path ahead, revealing a group of at least fifty armed elves. Legolas sighs.

"…I assume that you're coming too?"

Thranduil smirks at his son.

"What harm can a King do alongside a drunk and a half-wit?"

Legolas rubs his hand across his forehead as his father begins giving out instructions to the small army. Nym, swaying slightly, nudges Legolas, noticing his unease.

"Don't fear, princeling. You'll always be a full-wit to me."