Within the next two days, Erienne had settled quite well in the castle. The older elves who had known her had accepted her with tears and joy whilst the younger ones were quite in awe of her skill and ability. Erienne herself was not totally sure, sometimes doubtful as whether any could see her scars or be repulsed by them. But, she knew that Thranduil wanted and needed her and she was determined to see to her duties as Queen.

Having been assured by Elda that she would see to all the necessary preparations for winter, Erienne decided to venture out into the further parts of the Woodlands. She had yet to see the granary and the barracks. Thranduil and Aradan had ridden out today to the forts. They had been enthusiastic about her suggestions and wanted to seek ways to implement them immediately. That left Erienne free to venture out on her own.

Riding on her mare, Erienne ensured that her dagger was safely stuck into place. Her bow and arrows slung over her shoulder as she rode out. She had told Thranduil that she wanted to be alone and he had nodded obediently. Erienne smiled to herself as she rode. If she questioned Thranduil about the two lieutenant-generals who had been silently following her at a distance, he would merely blink and assure her that he would ask Aradan about the matter. Aradan saw to the soldiers. He rarely interfered. That would have been Thranduil's defence. Aradan would not have bothered to answer her.

Erienne increased her speed as she galloped towards the barracks. When she got off her horse, the soldiers got into position, ready to receive her. She greeted them politely, returning their bows. As she looked around, she was impressed. There were always soldiers on duty. Guards were rotated strictly and punctually. Soldiers were practicing their war exercises.

Erienne watched in silence as a young soldier struggled to correct his aim, despite many tries. After awhile, Erienne took out her veil. She still wore it if she rode out into the night or planned to ride out of the Woodlands. She knew Orcs still roamed and she did not want to be too visible. Though she did not tell Thranduil, she still feared them. Even at the battlefield in Dale, she had been so scared to see Azog. Tying it, she beckoned to the Captain, whispering to him. Nodding, the Captain made way for her.

Erienne approached the soldier, standing directly behind him. Remaining silent, she straightened his shoulders and asked him to lift his chin. "Do not worry. I am just your new Captain. What is your name?"

The soldier's voice was nervous, "Flavian, Captain. I just joined the army. I will become better."

"Aye, you will, Flavian. Do you have a mate?"

The young soldier shook his head. "My brother was wounded at Dale. He needs someone to care for him. We have only each other."

Erienne nodded, her heart sagging. It was yet another horror of war. "If someone were to attack your brother, how would you defend him, Flavian? Your enemy is looking at you and only you stand between him and your brother. You have only got this one arrow to defend him. Let it fly."

Erienne watched as the arrow found the board. It was not exactly at target but it was quite close. Nodding in satisfaction, Erienne advised, "Your eyes should only see your target. A brilliant marksman only focuses on his target. Every arrow in his quiver is precious and none is let loose without stealth or aim. The arrow should always find its target, else you place your loved ones in danger. Remember that and your aim will never falter."

"Thank you, Captain," Flavian nodded, turning eagerly. Erienne was quick to turn and leave him to the Captain. Flavian was young, eager and nervous. Knowing that the Queen had seen him performing poorly would only get his spirits down.

She nodded to the Captain through her veil and continued on her way. She rode into villages where she met the elves and talked with them. It was as Aradan had said, the elves were happy. They believed that their King would protect them. It made Erienne proud and happy. As she was travelling out of Mirkwood, she kept her veil on as she rode through the forests. She stopped at various places, the armory, the barracks, the forts. She viewed them all, listening intently as Lt-General Airion briefed her on the soldiers' preparations and the defence strategies.

It was already evening by the time she reached the granary. As she rode, Airion halted them, "My lady, spiders are creeping around," turning to a soldier, he added, "inform the villagers. All elflings should be inside. Inform the Captain at the granary." Erienne looked around. The spiders were creeping around. Their bite could be fatal to elflings. Erienne drew her dagger and moved back as Airion had said. She did not want to disturb the soldiers. As the soldiers killed the spiders, she realised that it took time and effort. The spiders were sturdy and did not die easily. Their bites on the soldiers were painful too.

Erienne looked at her dagger and reached into her cloak. She withdrew a substance from her punch and lined it on her dagger and her arrows. Climbing onto her horse, she retreated and then let her arrows fly. As one hit a spider near Airion, it turned over, twitched and then died. Airion was surprised. How did it die so quickly? Erienne had no time to explain, she let her arrows fly until all the spiders had died.

As the danger receded, Erienne told Airion to bring the soldiers and check the surroundings. The soldiers at the granary had come down. They informed Airion that Tauriel, their Captain, was not in. She had taken her day off after the tournament and left Mirkwood. She would only return the next day.

She would check the villagers. Airion nodded and left and Erienne went to the villagers. Luckily, none of them were injured but a soldier had been attacked. She saw him writing on the ground. More than one spider must have got to him. He, too, was young like Flavian. Erienne realised that he must have been a guard at the granary. That was where the younger soldiers started. She looked at his wound. It was on his heart and was deep. The poison had gone in. Erienne took out her dagger. She coukd not use it as it was lined with poison. She searched for the soldier's dagger and used it pierce his wound, ignoring his painful cries. As she was about to remove her veil to suck out the poison, she felt an arrow find her right arm.

Shocked and in pain, Erienne stood up and reached for her own dagger and bow. She stood up and was surprised to find Tauriel looking at her. Had Tauriel returned? Who had shot the arrow? As Erienne went to warn Tauriel, she saw the latter aiming her bow at her. "Oh Eru!" Erienne groaned. She told herself that Tauriel could not be blamed. She did not know yet who she was as she had been away since the tournament and had just returned to Mirkwood.

"Tauriel.."

"Do not attempt to explain. We will see what the Commander has to say when he hears that you tried to plunge a dagger through his soldier's heart."

She looked at the soldier. He needed help immediately or would die. Tauriel was in no mood to be reasoned with. She turned back to the soldier and reached for his sword. Before Tauriel could say the next word, she broke her bow. Going over to her, she gave no explanation as Tauriel looked in shock. Erienne reached over and took her dagger and other weapons as well.

"You seem to have a habit of getting your bow broken, Captain. I will talk with you later. But I would warn you not to raise your weapon to me." With that, Erienne returned her attention to the soldier. Her own right arm was screaming in pain and her sleeves were soaked in blood. She summoned a butterfly to keep her informed in case Tauriel tried anything stupid.

"You are going to be alright. Please just bear with the pain awhile," she whispered to the soldier. With that, she bent down and used her mouth to suck out the poisoned blood. Once she was satisfied that the poison was out, she asked a villager to get her water and salt. Washing the wound, she rubbed the salt on it, telling the soldier to bear with her as the salt would curdle the blood outflow. The soldier would be alright. The poison was out of his body. Galaden would see to the curing of his wound. Then, she washed her own mouth to ensure that she did not swallow any of the poison.

"My lady, what happened? Oh, Eru! I have failed my lord," Airion was shocked when he returned to see Erienne in blood.

"I will be okay, Airion. 'Tis but a small wound. Pray do not worry. See to the wounded," she whispered.

Airion nodded but turned to Tauriel angrily, "Why did you not look out for her?" Then, seeing her broken bow, Airion looked puzzled, "What happened? Are there other attackers?" he asked drawing his sword and looking around cautiously.

"Nay, Airion. I believe the danger is over. I will speak with Captain Tauriel."

As Tauriel looked up in shock, understanding dawned on Airion, "Tauriel, you…you…the Commander will kill you, Tauriel," he said in exasperation.

"The Commander will not hear of this, Airion, nor will your King," Erienne turned to him, seeking his understanding.

"Please, at least, not until I have spoken to them. Should they ask, say that you are under the word of the Queen."

Airion bowed and nodded unhappily as Tauriel looked up in shock.

Erienne removed her veil completely and turned to Tauriel. "I believe we have met before, Captain. But you might not have been introduced to me. Allow me to introduce myself. Erienne of the House of Doriath. Grandaughter of His Majesty, Elu Thingol, High King of the Sindar and the Lord of Beleriand. In these regions, I am known as Erienne, mate of Thranduil, King of the Woodland Realm. When Doriath fell, I was aided to the safety of the Woodlands by your King and your Commander. The Woodlands has been my home since."

Airion swallowed. Why did Tauriel have to do this?

Erienne continued, "My arm is injured, Captain and I would need to seek help soon but allow me to give you some advice. The power of a weapon lies in the wisdom of its wielder. Do not use it foolishly lest it return to you."

As she turned to leave, she paused once again, "One more thing, Captain, I would expect all soldiers of Mirkwood to exercise prudence in their actions, striving for the safety of the elves whom they have pledged to protect. Emotions should always be overruled by intelligence and stealth in war. Till you learn the wisdom of that, you shall serve me directly. I will expect to see you at the castle at sunrise two days hence."

As she finished, she saw Galaden hurrying towards her. Airion must have sent word. But she needn't say anything to Galaden. He would know her thoughts. The same could not be said of Aradan and Thranduil. Though, she had been confident in telling Airion that she would handle them, she could not be sure of their reaction. Erienne sighed. She would think about it later, much later.