Erienne was looking out of the window when Thranduil entered their chambers. She had been crying. Thranduil could see that from her hunched shoulders. It was a painful sight to see her struggle with her emotions. She had just returned and he wanted her to be happy, have peace. She was worried about Legolas' life now, he could see that.
"My lord," she must have sensed his presence as always for she turned and made to curtsy to him. Thranduil stopped her taking her in his arms instead. From the nearby table, Erienne took the wet cloth she had prepared and washed his hand. Removing a small jar from her pocket, she took Thranduil's arm. Aradan's bite had left quite a deep wound. She rubbed the salve on it. "It should recover soon, my lord."
Thranduil did not reply as he led her to his chair, sitting her on his lap. They remained like that awhile, taking comfort in each other. As Erienne leaned against him, Thranduil slipped his arms around her and closed his eyes. She was too thin. He told himself that he needed to see to her diet. She was working hard too.
"I am sorry, my lord. I have overstepped myself." Erienne's words came out as a whisper after a long while.
Thranduil opened his eyes, looking quizzically at her. What need was there for an apology?
"I ought not to have said that to Legolas and Tauriel. Telling them that I love another. 'Twas shameless of me."
"Don't ever say that again, Erienne. Else I will be displeased. You would never be shameless. Besides you spoke the truth."
Erienne looked chagrined. "But, my lord, do you not believe that I love you with all my heart?"
Thranduil gave a slight grin, "I may be an only child, Erienne but I know how to share."
"My lord!" this time Erienne frowned disapprovingly.
"Do you not care for him, Erienne? 'Tis not possible to forget a relationship so deeply formed, just like that."
"An elf loves only one, my lord."
"Aye, Erienne. One mate. Love is not just for mates. Besides, he is not just a friend. Neither a friend nor a mate. He is that rare gift, Erienne that allows us to stop to rest knowing that they have someone looking out for them. "
Erienne did not reply awhile, for her eyes were brimming with tears. Thranduil had phrased it so aptly. She had believed herself to be so correct and so wronged when their union had been decided. Despite her Ada trying to explaining to her or even Thranduil himself, she had been very upset with them. Eventually, Thranduil had just let her be, allowing her to take the time she needed. It had been the very elf she had loved who had shown her the folly of her thoughts.
"Do you believe that you would give yourself in half-measure, Erienne? The very fact that you took your vows as his mate..does it not tell you something? Open your heart, Erienne. All will be clear, my lady, for you are no fool. I know that you will always hold me dear and for that I am blessed. But your heart is with him and you will realise that soon."
"He will be alright, my lord?"
"Aye, he will. Don't worry, Erienne. I checked with Galaden. His shoulder is set. He just needs time to recover. But…. he will be in pain, love. He will need to rest. You will see to him, won't you? Then, I can look to other matters in peace. Now, that Legolas is here. I hope he can help me."
"He will, Thranduil. Just give him some time. He will be alright. Won't he, my lord? He will get over all this and eventually find happiness of his own."
"Do you say so, Erienne? I am just glad that he is back safe, love. I was scared."
Erienne cuddled deeper into Thranduil. "Your elfling is so fair and comely, Thranduil. And knows his act too. I misjudged him. Why, he helped me with Aradan and he knows you well, my lord. It was he who told me that you would be sure to come. For it was the Commander who lay injured. Just see, my lord, soon he will see to his duties as the Prince without fault."
It was Thranduil's turn to listen proudly as Erienne described her experience with Legolas. They talked deep into the day and when Legolas came to his Ada's chambers, because he needed to talk to his Ada but more out of habit too, he found his parents asleep on his Ada's chair. Legolas was embarrassed to intrude on them in such as intimate position but he went away feeling slightly proud and a lot happy.