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The morning dawned clear and cold. Thranduil found a kindled fire on the hearth as he entered his private study. Idhrenir had been busy, there was wood to spare as well as a kettle above the flickering flames which whistled as he crossed the threshold, filling the room with a clean crisp sound.

Soon Legolas stood at the door, waiting to be invited in - as per custom. Thranduil ignored him until he grew bored and entered of his own free will - as per custom. though today Thranduil had a bit of incentive on his side, for the morning meal had been delivered already and Legolas behind.

"I must say that this looks rather good this morning, it isn't often we find cakes and honey for our tea. Especially this time of year. And with fresh berries no less."

At this Thranduil turned his face toward the door, already having begun on his meal.

"Quite a treat, is it not?"

Legolas entered, his stomach winning out over his stubborn humor. But as he sat he found only one helping and looked up with dismay. His father seemed unhurried and continued to dine at his leisure.

"Ada? Have you forgotten there are to be two places in the morning?"

"No." The king mused, helping himself to yet another of the berries in front of him.

"But then, where is my first meal?"

Thranduil gave only a small smile as he continued to eat. "Well, supposing I was particularly hungry this morning and my son running late; what would you say may have come to pass?"

Legolas scowled. But was saved for as he began to speak Idhrenir appeared behind.

"So my timing was correct then, I had a feeling you would be delayed this morning." And with a flourish sat a tray like to the kings in front of the prince who smiled up at his still stern appearing father.

"And I thought you were telling me you had eaten my share."

Thranduil's eyes opened in mock scandal. "Did I say that? I merely suggested a potential explanation."

Legolas laughed, then noticed a notice on the table. "This is the letter from last night, you haven't opened it." He stated, handing it to the king who lamented the interruption of his meal. He had been finished in any case. Tearing the seal open he rose and read the message. Then his arm drooped with a heavy sigh.

"Such tidings so early in the morning. I should have let YOU read this first. My worst fear has come to pass..."

And concerned, Legolas rose and took the letter. It was written in a rough, but familiar hand and he read it aloud.

To the Prince of the Great Greenwood,

My apologies for being so late in my response, for the preparations have been most consuming to all in the hall. I'm very pleased to invite you - though keep it hush, the official invitation will be around in three weeks - to a great feast in Erebor thrown by King Thorin III. Your father and yourself, as well as any elves who care to appear are welcome to a winter event in our newly restored halls! Furthermore; though you did not hear this at all, especially not from me - invitations are going out to Dale as well! We hope to see the three kindreds of Dwarves, Elves and Men gathered together in merriment now that the world is rid of that great evil ( curse him ) - and I hope to show you what I have wrought of my gift from the fellowship for I have put all my skill into it! Again my dear friend you didn't hear this from me, keep it in your heart as close as treasure! To my personal friend, and dwarf-friend, Legolas Greenleaf of the Great Greenwood.

Gimli, son of Gloin.

Legolas looked up at his father. "But this is joyful news!"

"That my son is a 'dwarf-friend'? I think not!" Though his words were harsh his face showed no anger or great distress but instead a subtle mirth. "Because now I will be duty bound to accompany him to the halls of Erebor so that he may meet in celebration." He scowled. "And I will be thoroughly without kinship - as no doubt you will run along with your new friends!"

And at this the prince laughed, eyes shining. "Perhaps you'll enjoy the feast if you try!"

"I don't suppose you've seen Dwarves feast. Speak with Elrond, I'm sure he can enlighten you."

"I will when we get there." Legolas replied.

For on that very day the large part of their host was to begin the journey south to Lothlorien, the first journey in many such ages. They were to stay in the halls of Galadriel and Celeborn, lord and lady of the golden wood and there the House of Elrond would meet them - and hopefully in attendance would be his sons Elledan and Elrohir whom were now good friends to Legolas and his daughter Queen of Gondor the lady Arwen and also King Aragorn Elessar who of course would be joining his wife and reconnecting with his kin - for he was still kin to the house of Elrond and the Lord and Lady of Lothlorien by both marriage and blood and they would see them one last time ere they left for Valinor.

Many arrangements had been made and the trip was merry, for though not all evil had been removed from the world a great part of it had been scattered and destroyed so that they travelled in peace. They passed south on hidden paths with the King of the Greenwood, King Thranduil at their head upon his great stag, and at his side the crowned prince in fine raiment upon Arod who was clad in Grey of all hues to match his coat and as befitted such a noble horse. And the procession continued under both sun and moon, their banners drifted in gentle breezes and song lifted around them as they went. So they came and were welcomed into Lothlorien.

Much merriment did Thranduils people find there, and much knowledge as well - for few of them had strayed beyond their own borders and had little contact with elves outside their own kin. Yet in Lothlorien that week were gathered elves from many noble houses and Sindar, Silvan, Teleri, Vanyar, and Noldor were all represented within the golden wood for that short but glorious time. And men joined them as Aragorn welcomed his family. Many glad tidings were uttered, yet sadness still there was. For it had been decided by the bearers of the rings that they must sail soon, and by the end of that month they would be forever across the sea, never to be seen in Middle Earth again.

Arwen and Aragorn said their farewells to Elrond. And he in turn said his farewells to the child of his adoption and the three of his blood, for Elledan and Elrohir chose to remain. Galadriel spoke for long nights to her granddaughter about her lore and what she knew, that it might serve her well after the eldest had gone across the sea. And Celeborn and Thranduil spoke under the lights of Lothlorien and gazed at the stars, forgetting old rivalries - for they alone would stay a while longer. There Thranduil admitted his fears for his son, and his own hesitating heart.

"You must do what you deem best." Was all the council Celeborn could give. For he could not see what lie ahead. Yet Galadriel at length drew Thranduil aside and he followed her down the many steps and drew near to her mirror beneath the silent stars.

The sounds of mirth faded away into the sounds of the night. Galadriel floated before him as a white specter in the moonlight, her brow shining with silver and her hair glimmering like pale gold.

And at the well she grasped her pitcher and waited a while before she spoke.

"I have come to the end of my time in Middle Earth, as well you know. And the ban of the Valar has been lifted for me a second time; and this time I choose to return to Valinor. I will no longer be able to shape the history of this world - nor will I longer enjoy the privilege of my own realm. For though I am Galadriel, lady of Lothlorien in this realm; in the land of Valinor I am the last of Finarfins children in Middle Earth, for my brothers are all slain and now reside in the halls of Mandos, save Finrod who passed to my father.

But." And now she gave a soft smile. "Perhaps I can be of service, one last time. As you well know this is my mirror, which shows many things. And the mirror often shows what it will. Yet, it is my mirror. Tonight, I will show you what I myself have seen, so that the knowledge may not pass from this world with me."

Here she paused and grew stern. "Yet, it will cause you pain before the end comes to be. and may cost you great loss if all goes ill. Will you choose to look into the mirror, or step away?"

Thranduil approached the mirror. "I will choose to know, for there is no hope for the blind among danger."

And Galadriel approached, her robes shining with the light of the stars and the moon. High above the brightest star shone down and Eärendil gifted them with it's light. Galadriel lightly rested her hands on the side of the silver basin.

"Look. And behold what I have seen."

And Thranduil looked. Darkness and stars were above, but they gave way to gray mists. Then the mists cleared and he saw a vision from the depths that was faint, but grew ever clearer and brighter.

He saw the edges of the pool wreathed in white flame and behind a bowman in the darkness. And before him flared a light more pure and bright than any other in the world - for it was a light that had long passed away. And a wall of scales rose up, shining like mithril and moved toward that light. An arrow black as night sped from a bow of silver.

Then, the bowman and the light vanished into darkness.

Thranduil knew the shape of the elf he saw, though his face was hidden. At length he spoke, the words failing him now and then.

"And so he is...alive? Or shall come back to life? It cannot be, for Mandos gives none leave to exit his halls save by Iluvaters will!"

"Thranduil."

The calmness of her voice soothed him and he forsook his panic to hearken to her council. Lightly she took his hands, her deep blue eyes pierced the depths of his spirit.

"The past is a dark maze, take care where it leads you. Do not become so consumed by the thought of what you seek, that you overlook it when it appears and do not recognize it for what it is."

He did not understand, but held the words of Galadriel in his heart, the last council she ever gave him. But it was not the last council he received that night, for Elrond sought him out. Though the festival was bright it had not lifted the Lords face and it was as stern as it ever had been. But his eyes were troubled as he spoke alone with Thranduil. And in a hushed voice he said -

"Now I have a matter of utmost importance. But also of utmost secrecy, for if rumor of this should be heard then grief may befall those who remain in Middle Earth."

Here he paused and looked about him, as if fearful of prying ears and it was long before he spoke again. "Thranduil it is said that you were there in the battle of Five Armies, this much is true."

"It is, but it is many years past."

"Is it also true that a great stone was found and laid to rest with the fallen King of Erebor?" Elrond whispered, and the night seemed hushed and without sound, so that every noise echoed in their ears. And after looking about him, gray eyes trying to pierce the darkness Thranduil replied; "It is. And where have you heard this?"

"One of Bilbo's tales, one of many. One known now by many." Elrond looked around again. "Thranduil, you know of where the stone is placed? Have you seen it with your eyes?"

And Thranduil nodded, the memory of the Arkenstone seared into his mind - he had seen it's likeness before. And then cold fear came upon him and his eyes grew large and Elrond moved him to the side, fearful that he may fall. Thranduil whispered. "Yes. I know the stone of which you speak...I know it better than I had realized."

Elrond held his breath a moment, and then spoke. "Have you given thought to your fate? Of whether to fade or go across to Valinor? For time draws near and the boats now are few. And..." He added the last in a whisper. "You may not have time to fade, if these suspicious of mine be true. Or what I have seen."

"And what have you seen?" Thranduil asked, regaining his composure so that none may tell his concern from a distance. "What has your foresight revealed to you?"

"One I thought dead or lost. One who is well known to me and chief of my woe. And one...who would not take tales of a shining stone lightly."

"And this is your vision alone? Perhaps you are mistaken."

Elrond nodded solemnly and moved away. but he halted a moment longer and said. "So too did I think, yet I saw familiar face upon the road - though he did not see me." And Elrond looked upon Thranduil with concern. "In the time to come, be careful. Do not strive against that which you cannot hope to contend. For only death lies there. Some things in this world cannot be swayed, nor renounced, nor destroyed."

And speaking this he and Thranduil parted ways and Thranduil was much tormented by the secret knowledge and this torment only grew with time.