By the time, Aradan reached the palace gates, it was obvious that the ride had placed a strain on his shoulders. "I will be more careful with my movements, Thranduil," he muttered an apology to Thranduil's concerned frown as he accepted Thranduil's help in getting off the horse.
Erienne hurried up to them, "My lord, our guests are just two hours away. We had best get ready. Aradan, you should rest first."
Before Aradan could reply, Thranduil said, "You are right. Let us go to your room first. Erienne…"
His Queen shook her head, "I am sorry, Aradan, Thranduil. We have left poor Lairiel to handle everything by herself. We ought to help her. I have to be off." She had barely walked a few steps when she turned back, her palms reaching up to touch each of their cheeks. Both elves looked up at her, their palms pressing over hers, nodding to her as she silently turned to leave.
The other elves hung back turning to their own tasks, sensing that it was a moment for them alone. Legolas and Ceridwen went back to their own rooms whilst Galaden went in search of Lairiel. Thranduil sought to freshen up first before seeking his study. He needed to look at Aradan's plans and schedule. Though he had seen the wisdom of Erienne's words, he was still interested in seeking some way to ensure Aradan's protection, if it was possible. Men claimed that death could neither be predicted nor prevented. Thranduil bit his lips. It was true but all these years ruling alone with just Aradan at his side, he had sort of assumed that one day, he would just sail away with his friend. Friends gave without expecting anything but that did not mean that one could just keep taking without giving anything in return. All Aradan had left to give was his life, he could not take that from him.
He looked up sometime later by the sound of the door opening. "Shouldn't you be resting, Commander?" Thranduil asked as Aradan entered the room carrying a tea tray.
"I will rest here, Thranduil. Do not mind me," he answered setting the tray down. Thranduil went back to his scrolls as Aradan poured out the tea and set the food on the plate.
"Erienne told me you have barely eaten for the past two days," he said softly as he passed the plate to Thranduil.
Thranduil accepted the plate without looking up from his scrolls. "Just wasn't hungry, I guess," he muttered.
"Do not feel any guilt in any of your decisions or actions, Thranduil. Whatever shall come on the morrow, we shall live today to the fullest. And, we shall strive for the best for our elves."
Looking up, Thranduil looked at Aradan awhile. Then, he stood up and started walking around the room, looking at the portraits of the kings of the old, including the Silvan lords who had preceded his own lord, King Oropher. His voice was very soft when he spoke, "Our elves, Aradan? More rightfully, yours, ain't it? You have given up all for me, Aradan. This is your land, these are your elves." Thranduil gingerly fingered the crown that sat atop the table. "This crown ought to be yours, Aradan."
Aradan looked up frowning but Thranduil continued, "You bow to me, serve me when, in truth, it is you who were born to rule. I have taken all from you, Aradan. Your land…your people….your birth right…your love and now, will it be your life?"
Aradan had stood up to come and stand behind Thranduil. When the latter eventually turned around, the two elves faced each other, Thranduil pressing his lips thinly, Aradan having his own lips slightly parted as he took in his lord's words.
"How long have you been bearing this guilt, Thranduil? You never spoke a word to me. And here, I have been huffing my chest in pride that I knew all about my King."
"Did you not hear Erienne that day, Thranduil? Rulers may be born but the right to rule has to be earned. King Oropher was a better choice than my Ada and between you and I, you are definitely the King, my lord. You, who have ensured peace for your people and given all a share in the beauty and bounty of your land. Had I been in your place, I doubt I would have made as wise decisions as you have, no matter how much they hurt you. In truth, you have served the elves of Mirkwood with your wisdom and prudence and I am proud to have served along with you, my lord."
"Please Thranduil, never doubt if I mean my words. That would hurt. I meant what I said all those years before and that day at the camp. I will follow you to the last, my lord, wherever that may be."
"Narry a doubt have I about it, Aradan. And do not fear if I have been upset by Erienne's words to Legolas and Tauriel. You ought to know, after all these years, what my thoughts on this matter are. I told Erienne and I have told you too, your Queen does not love in half-measure, Aradan. You and I mean two entirely different relations to her. It is between us friends and no one else needs to have any other explanations."
"I heard you just now, Aradan. We stand on the brink of times unknown, Aradan. We will prepare for the future. But I would hope…Remember what you told the elves when we were returning from Dale. The day will come when the elven race would reach the sanctuary of Valinor," Thranduil turned to Aradan, his right arm placed over his chest, "It is my wish, Aradan, that I would reach there with you. To spend my days in the service of my friend."
"And I in yours, Thranduil," Aradan bowed back, mirroring Thranduil but saying no more for there was no need for words beyond what had been spoken.
"You forget me fast, my lord," both Thranduil and Aradan turned to see Erienne at the door.
"Awww, Erienne. Do not say that," Aradan came up to her to take the small tray she was holding.
"It's okay, Aradan. My lady knows I speak for her as well for she and I are one."
"Hmmph..Trying to wiggle out of it with sweet words, my lord. You are learning too much from Aradan," Erienne pretended to frown as she handed a slice of strawberry meringue cake to Thranduil, accepting the first spoonful of cake he fed to her.
"Mmm, delicious, my lord. We have to thank Lairiel," she said handing a slice of peach cobbler to Aradan.
"Enjoy the tea, my lord, Commader Aradan. I have to be ready. I know I am being vain but I can't help it. Lady Galadriel is beautiful and I heard the Lady Arwen is ethereal. It does ruffle my nerves," Erienne excused herself, touching her hair with trepidation.
"Erienne," Thranduil called out to her as she was about to open the door. As Erienne looked at him expectantly, he walked up to her and bowed.
Erienne jumped back in surprise, "My lord, what is this?"
"Just practising before Elrond arrives in case he brings his army along with him to demand justice for you."
Erienne pursed her lips in mock annoyance at Thranduil's words. "My lord, you have promised not to disturb Elrond."
Thranduil was softer when he reached for her hands, "I cannot thank you enough, my lady."
Erienne looked into Thranduil's eyes, at the uncertainty, fear and vulnerability that Thranduil betrayed only to two elves in all of Middle Earth. She shook her head and bowed, "It is as Aradan has said. We are yours to command, my lord."
"You're not really worried about how you look, are you? You are beautiful, Erienne."
"I am to you, my lord. And that is enough for me," Erienne reached up and gave him a quick kiss before she left.