Chapter 23

It had been a very long time since she had set foot here in the Greenwood. The last time she had seen the great kingdom was when she was fleeing for her life with her husband. So much time had passed since then and so much more had happened even unto this hour. Galadriel watched the people below from the balconies of the highest floor as they went about their duties. She smiled and turned.

"There was such a time I never imagined you would have the need to come here and now I find that I cannot get you to leave" Thranduil said as he stood before Galadriel.

"Your discontent is not caused by anyone else but yourself Thranduil" Galadriel said calmly. She had grown used to his manner of speech a long time ago.

"No? and yet I cannot help but wonder what you hope to achieve now that you've come here because as I recall, I only requested for Lord Elrond's skills not yours" Thranduil said. He placed his hands behind his back and watched Galadriel as she moved around the space about them

"You're afraid" Galadriel looked at Thranduil from the side of her eyes, a small smirk tugging the edge of her lips as she did so.

"You would dare insult me in my own ki-"

"-You're afraid of her" Galadriel came closer to him smiling as she did. She could virtually see into any mind if so she desired, except his. For all his crude and unsavoury traits, he managed to hold his mind away from her reach but now for some reason she was catching emotions, bits and pieces of emotions which she latched on to.

Galadriel frowned at this, how unusual to see the elven king's guard breaking and by the look of things she knew he didn't realize it. Even now at this moment she had caught a flash of pale golden hair and startling blue eyes. He was thinking of her.

"And you came to this conclusion how, might I ask?" Thranduil smirked. Here it comes, another one of the lady's prophecies, her ramblings which would meddle in the lives of anyone she deemed fit.

"You need not be so distrusting Thranduil Oropherion, my coming here is preordained" Thranduil listened as Galadriel looked at him.

"And it would seem it is so for Leanna as well"

"What is it you hide from me? What games do you play for your own amusements now?" Thranduil questioned. Galadriel was as mysterious and secretive ever and even now he knew he was at a disadvantage against her abilities.

"Nothing that won't already come to light soon, though given your stubbornness one would imagine how long we would have to wait" Thranduil said nothing, only lifting his head in pride as the ancient elleth before him continued to speak.

"There is more I could not say before the girl, even now it is uncertain if you could accept the path before you both"

"What business does the Green Wood have with this matter?" He already knew he would not like Galadriel's next words.

"It seems the Valar have tied your fates together, though the reason is unknown to me"

"Long centuries have passed and they once again seek to toy with me, perhaps my torment is not enough to amuse them"

"The Valar do not interfere with Arda's affairs without due cause Thranduil, you know this" Galadriel admonished softly. She knew from his standpoint, the grief he had suffered in the earlier years of his life and sympathetised with him.

"And yet they decide to be involved in my affairs now?"

"It was not them who demanded to bring a woman of Dale to your kingdom"

"Forgive me if that does not suffice as an excuse for their meddling"Thranduil turned away from her, this conversation was only aggravating his foul mood.

"No...but they do not act upon what is not there either..."

"And what is that supposed to mean?" Thranduil turned sharply to Galadriel, his eyes turning into slits as he registered the insinuation she had made.

"You know what I speak of, even if you choose to deny it" Galadriel smirked as she looked at him. Tendrils of her magic reaching for more of what lay in his mind.

"Then it is pointless to go through such a troublesome thing, for there is nothing to deny" Thranduil said as he moved to leave the balcony.

"In your heart you feel it as you've felt it the moment you met her, you are connected to each other. The question is what move will you make next Elven King?"

"That remains to be seen, excuse me my lady" Thranduil bowed his head slightly and left.

Galadriel watched him and said nothing more. Her perceptive gaze flitted over to the young woman making her way to the lower levels. She smiled at the sight, Thranduil did not realize it yet but while the Valar had orchestrated their meeting, his interest in the girl was fueled by his own desire.

She retreated to her chambers, a mysterious smile lingering on her lips as she wondered if Thranduil truly understood the meaning of her words.

!

!

Leanna had decided to stay clear of others in past few days. Her headaches had eased since Lord Elrond had been kind enough to brew more of that ugly tasting tonic, which in all fairness worked wonders for her.

She let her mind drift to the letters she had received this week. She was glad everyone was doing well back at home, she had left out the matter of her illness, not having the courage to tell them. She had to turn down the invitation offered in the end and decided it would be best if she dealt with this quietly, she didn't feel secure in the thought of the Lord of Dale journeying here and leaving Dale vulnerable in his absence.

Another thought that came to mind was Haelros, he had continuously tried to reach her but to no avail did she recant her words or her feelings. While she missed him, she couldn't let go of the idea that he had been planted as a spy on her. She wondered if she would ever forgive this.

"A penny for your thoughts? Leanna turned to find Elrond standing next to her. Her slight jerking indicating she had be startled.

"Lord Elrond" She bowed before resuming her initial stance. She wondered what brought him to this floor.

"I see you're doing well today Lady Leanna, a sight I am glad to see" Elrond said offering his hand to her.

Leanna wondered about his intentions and decided there was next to little harm he could do at this point. She took his arm and let him lead her on an earthy path, away from brick and stone.

The scenery transformed gradually, with Elrond leading Leanna to a large tree in the centre of what looked like a well tended garden.

"Thank you...for helping me" Leanna looked down at the ground, choosing not to acknowledge the smile Elrond gave her.

"You are most welcome dear one" Elrond released her and stood next to the tree, brushing its coarse back as he smiled.

"Forgive my boldness but why did you bring here?"

"I merely wished to see gardens famed to be nurtured beautifully in the halls and thought what better way to enjoy it that in the company of an equally lovely creature herself?" Elrond said as he smiled charmingly.

A blush spread across her cheeks and over the bridge of her nose as she smiled.

"It seems you have chosen wrong My Lord" Leanna smiled slightly.

"Oh? What makes you think so?"

"I'm afraid I'm poor company this evening" Leanna looked up at the tree and let her mind drift slowly. Elrond took note of the woman standing next to him and spoke again.

"Perhaps it is you who does not see the light of her own beauty"

" My beauty...in the face of another is of little consequence" She never thought any ill of her grandmother but very often she had been compared to her.

"While you are indeed a fair lady, it is not your physical attributes I speak of"

"My Lord?" she looked at him, confused over his words.

"There are few who dare to brave the terror you've faced, and fewer still, much willing to uphold the strength in their hearts to do so. You are born of a noble heart Lady Leanna of Dale, many would do well to learn from you"

Leanna was visibly shocked, her cheeks blooming into flushes of red. Were elves normally supposed to be this expressive with their words or was it just a trait Lord Elrond alone possessed.

"I must leave you here for now and should you ever desire it, you would be most welcome to visit my home in Imladris"

"Yes I will be sure to consider your offer" She bowed slightly, watching him leave and smiling in contentment of her evening walk well spent.

Leanna looked at the gardens for the last time before sighing, it was time to head back to her chambers. She stilled when she felt the sensation of being watched, she swept her gaze around her and saw nothing.

She thought nothing of it and decided to move on. Her mood was lighter now, her little chat with Elrond was more helpful to her than she initially thought. On getting to her room, Leanna retired to her bed and let sleep seep into her body.

Thranduil watched her go into the hallway from the shadows of the gardens. He was certain Elrond had sensed his presence but made no mention of it. Not that it was any concern to him if he did, these were his gardens after all.

He had meant to speak with her but with Elrond present as well he decided it was best to let things be for now. With Galadriel's words once again ringing in his head, he wished to make certain things clear.

If Galadriel thought he would concede to some ridiculous game by the Valar, he had no problem re-establishing the satisfaction of events in his personal life. He would help the girl where need be but no more.

As he left the gardens and into the hallway leading to his chambers, he stopped briefly in the hall where her room was.

"Lady Leanna has retired for the evening, her progress was much better today" Thranduil looked behind to find Gwuineth watching him quietly after speaking.

"It is no concern of mine what she does with her time Gwuineth"

"No? and yet my Lord manages to find himself traversing routes far from his chambers" said Gwuineth. Her face remained stoic but he could hear the glee escaping through her voice.

"And since when am I not allowed to walk wherever I please Gwuineth?" Thranduil looked at her, his brow arching up.

"Though she is mortal, I am rather fond of her. And I am certain she would be even more lovely if she were made to truly feel at peace here" Gwuineth responded as though he had not said a word. She looked at him expectantly.

"I would hope The King of the Greenwood granted me this small courtesy?" She smiled as she saw him clench his teeth in irritation. It was the first time since she'd known him that she got the gift of witnessing this side of him.

"I retire to my chambers for the evening" Thranduil said before swiftly walking away into another hallway.

Gwuineth allowed him the dignity of walking away with his pride before chuckling when she was certain he was no longer in range. Things in the Greenwood would be far more interesting than she had thought.