Chapter 30

The Shadow Between Us

The time had come.

Three days after the harsh confrontation in the meadow, Thranduil had finally opened himself for the inevitable. Elrond would take his people home to Rivendell.

Everyone was prepared to travel; the once battle-ready soldiers were smiling at the thought of going home. Travelling gears were set upon the horses; some of Greenwood's finest wine was offered to Elrond. And the two elf lords thanked each other; though Thranduil was more troubled by the fact that Erynlith had not talked to him for three days. He knew she was evading him, and her usual work in his chambers was taken up by the handmaiden Amardís. From what he could guess, Erestor was delighted to know that his so-called sister would come back with him, and that Thranduil had nothing else to say against it.

The day was beautiful—a perfect time for travelling. Everyone was lined up in front, and all they waited were their lords. Círdan of the Havens walked out first; his beard was silver and his robes blue. He was followed shortly by Erestor and Erynlith; the latter clinging tightly on her brother's arm. It was the way he wanted, and he was too satisfied for words. But he also knew that Erynlith was disheartened of leaving. She had told him of Thranduil's words, of the very words that broke her heart.

"You are my brother, right, Erestor?" She asked him one time when they were alone. Her voice sounded like she doubted even herself. The flower bracelet that she had accidentally crumpled was tied around Erestor's slender wrist, and he did not mind wearing it.

He remembered smiling at her and patted her head. "Of course, I am. Now, who would even tell you otherwise?"

"Thranduil." Her answer was simple. Then, she proceeded to tell everything that had happened.

Tears fell from his eyes. Erestor reached out for her and embraced her tightly, as though afraid to let her go.

The horses were mustered out by Raithon and some of his guards. Arcastar was among them, Erynlith's black horse. For a moment, she smiled at Raithon. The Sindarin captain knew about her departure. He, too, did not want her to leave. Erynlith walked up to him and embraced him as a final farewell gift. The captain flinched, not expecting that kind of treatment, but soon melted in her arms and patted her back.

"If I could only make you stay, I would have done it already."

Despite what others could say, Raithon kissed her forehead as farewell. "Take care of yourself, Erfaron."

"The name is Erynlith, tra-la," she sang. "Everyone seems to forget now."

Raithon laughed warmly. "I cannot help it. Santien wants to send her regards. You know her: too introverted to even say goodbye. But she wishes you well. Everyone in the infirmary and outpost says you will be missed. Especially the guards, you know."

"You can visit me in Rivendell."

"Or maybe you can return here."

At that, she hesitated. Would she return? Was she even welcome to return? She did not want to know the answer. Instead, she smiled at her friend and returned beside Erestor.

By this time, Elrond and Thranduil emerged from the palace's grand entrance. Behind the elf prince was the dark beauty Celairis, ready to attend to the Sinda's needs. She spared a small smile to Erynlith, acknowledging her departure, before turning her attention back to the monarch. Elrond and Thranduil shared more words, some of wisdom, of reluctant friendship and alliance, and of assurance that Thranduil would see again in no time. Elrond handed him a pouch of athelas and was received by Celairis.

"Take care now," the Lord of Rivendell reprimanded cordially. "We shall send some messages to each other; keep our realms connected in one way or another."

"Perhaps," the Sindarin monarch answered.

"You are welcome to visit Rivendell anytime," Elrond continued.

This time, Thranduil shook his head. "I would not count on it, Lord Elrond. Greenwood would be busy for the next hundred years. There are many things to be done. But we shall see."

Elrond smiled. "You will take the crown of the King now?"

"I cannot say."

For one thing, he refused to discuss these matters with Elrond. After a few more idle talks, which Thranduil hoped that would end soon, Elrond finally made his final farewell and returned to his travelling companions. He mounted his horse, and so did Círdan and Erestor, but Erynlith remained on the ground. She made her way towards him, reluctant at first, but she knew she had to do it. The harsh words that Thranduil had spared before were still fresh and hurtful, and she downright refused to talk to him. And as she went closer, he could feel her presence, taking a whiff of her forest scent. The beautiful dark-haired counselor behind him excused herself, giving time for the two elves to say their farewells.

Erynlith stood before Thranduil, a head shorter than him. He carefully reached out for her, for the hands and shoulder. He could feel the satin dress she wore, and her hair braided and brushed to the side. His hands wandered above, his fingers brushing her neck and jaw line. Then, he felt for her lips, but she did not move. Were there any more words to say? His hand settled on her cheek, his thumb running across the supple surface. He felt her scoot closer to him, so that he felt her warm breath ghosting about his neck.

"Would you sing for me one last time?"

She complied, running her fingers ever so gently across his cheek, and began to sing in a hushed voice:

*"With a sigh, you turn away

With a deepening heart, no more words to say

You will find that the world has changed

Forever.

And the trees are now turning from green to gold

And the sun is now fading

I wish I could hold you

Closer."

After her song, she bit her lower lip and looked up to study his face. His lips began to stretch in a small smile, whilst his strong hands pulled her closer to him. She sighed in his arms, basking in his warmth and scent.

"Become a king, promise?" Erynlith whispered, and her voice was trembling at their closeness.

He nodded and rested his chin on the crown of her umber head.

"I am, indeed, a king, because I know how to rule myself."

Erynlith tiptoed. For a moment there, Thranduil thought she would do something reckless. His hopes were in vain when he felt her kiss his bandaged cheek instead.

With that, she pulled away from him and sped back to her friends. Arcastar was ready to be mounted, and when his rider did, he reared and neighed eagerly. Erestor handed her a grey cloak and a pair of familiar white daggers. He smiled at Erynlith knowingly, implying that the High Pass that they would take could be as dangerous as the first day. She smiled and received her weapons.

Someone from the caravan blew the elven-horn, and the first line of soldiers began to march. Between the companies, the mounted lords and lady rode off.

"Are you sad?" Erestor asked Erynlith. His face was contorted into a look of genuine concern.

She shook her head and smiled at him. "As long as we're together, I will never be."

I was never in love with someone else

I never had somebody waiting on me

'Cause you were all of my dreams come true

And I just wish you knew

Baby, I was so in love with you.

As the caravan moved on and faded into the horizon, Thranduil stood in the middle of the field, quiet and heedless. Now what? The question lingered in his mind. He felt lost. He was lost without her. If we would be an Elvenking, there was one queen in his mind. But now she was gone, and he might not see her again. There were many things he wanted to tell her, many things that he carefully thought of the night before. I want you to know how I feel, he thought bitterly. You have no idea how much I care about you—how much I love you.

"My lord?"

Someone shifted his thoughts away. And he recognized that fair voice—Celairis.

"Should we return to the palace now?"

He nodded reluctantly. He turned to follow her but he felt a hand slipping with his. For a moment, he flinched, thinking that the hand belonged to Erynlith, but the hand was softer than Erynlith's, and he realized that it was Celairis who held him. The counselor gently guided him back into the palace, and they were greeted by Raithon and his guards.

His thoughts wandered again: to Erynlith's last words from King Oropher's:

"I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my kingdom."

Thranduil promised to himself thereafter, that he would be the greatest Elvenking in Middle-earth, and no childish love would sway him from his goals.

*A Shadow Lies Between Us - Arwen's song from The Return of the King film

**Enchanted - Adam Young (I was listening to the song and thought it would be fitting the situation. It also gives more feels, of course!)

Next Chapter: When his accursed blindness dissipates, Thranduil settles his eyes on someone else. Meanwhile, the Elves of Rivendell reminisce about the fallen High King.

Author's Notes: *sighs* There it goes—the last feel I give. Seriously though, I feel quite sad on these turn of events; why did I even write it in the first place? This would probably the last chapter with Eryn and Thrandy together, since there will be a huge shadow between them. Feel here, feels there. Hoped you guys enjoyed this one!

*DeLacus - Yes, Thrandy has been a very bad elf lately. I already sent him to his room to think about what he has done. Celairis could be an important figure, but we'll see. And awww, Raithon and Santien is indeed a thing. MUAHAHAHA!

*Asmodeus Black - No worries, friend, Thrandy will have his vision next chapter; though I am afraid that Eryn will be out of his sight for a very looongg time! I am glad it has become your favourite!

*Treesaw - Thank you as well~!