Chapter 33

"This should never have happened."

Thranduil paced around his chambers in frustration. Legolas stood and watched him with a sad look on his face.

"I know, father. You have every right to be angry. I am sorry… I should not have allowed the guards to take Gollum outside", the Prince spoke in a low voice.

"You should not. But you have a tender heart my son, and you took pity on that wretched creature. And it is not your fault that our people were attacked by orcs. It was an unfortunate event. So I do not put the blame on you, or anyone else for that matter", the King replied.

A warm breeze blew in through the open doors of the balcony, and the summer sun made the surface of the floor shine golden. The treetops rustled softly in the distance, dancing under the gentle wind. Thranduil gazed at the scenery and sighed. How was this creature to be found in the vast wilderness of his Kingdom?

"I have sent scouting parts out", Legolas said.

"Have we any news yet?"

"No, father."

"That creature is cunning and sneaky. He knows how to hide, cover his tracks and evade our hunt. He is slimy and elusive. It will be a hard task for our guards to find him", Thranduil grunted, his brow furrowed.

"Tauriel is leading them."

The Elvenking shot a sharp glance at his son. "Is that supposed to reassure me?"

Legolas imperceptibly flinched. He disliked his father's hostile attitude when it came to Tauriel. "She is the Captain of the Guard, and the most competent scout we have. If a party under her leadership fails, then there is little hope in all else", he said, trying to keep his voice steady under the Elvenking's scrutinizing gaze.

Thranduil huffed and turned his eyes again to the view beyond his balcony. "She will have to lift every stone and look under it if she is ever to find Gollum", he said bitterly.

"Do you not trust in her ability?"

"She is good in her job, I will not deny that. I did not make her Captain out of sympathy. But that wretch does not wish to be found and captured again, and by now he might be miles away. Even Aragorn had to go to great lengths and search for him for months until he finally captured him. I fear that someone else might find Gollum before we do, and that will have devastating repercussions, not solely for us, but for all of Middle-Earth", he explained, and poured himself a glass of wine.

Legolas came and stood closer to him. "Despite the unfortunate circumstance, it is good to see you caring for the fates of the world, adar", he spoke softly.

Thranduil looked at his child, and the hardness was gone from his eyes. "I should have never ceased. You have always been right about that, ion nín. It grieves me deeply that my detached attitude caused a rift between us, and led you to abandon me."

Legolas shook his head. "It was rash of me to abandon you. My place is by your side, as the Prince of this realm and your heir."

"I do not wish you to be by my side solely out of duty. Be here because you want to, as my son."

"I am here as your son, adar. I am here out of love for you and our people", Legolas replied.

"And perhaps out of love for the unruly Captain?" Thranduil asked with a glint of mischief in his eyes.

The Prince cast his eyes low, but the sudden blush in his cheeks betrayed him. "I will be eternally grateful to you for forgiving her… What she did was horrible, and I should not have supported her in that", he said in regret.

"Love often prompts us to do rash and reckless things", he said. "I forgave her and lifted her banishment for your sake, my child. Thankfully, she came back to her senses and showed true remorse for what she did. More than seventy years have passed since then, and yet it feels like yesterday. I can still recall the image of her clearly: blocking my way, bow drawn, defying me." He waved his hand dismissively. "She would never have released that arrow against me, I am certain of it. She was in pain and dismay over the doomed cause of the dwarves… But I am not cruel and loveless as she thought me to be. Everything I do, I do out of love", he said in a deep voice and walked outside. Legolas followed after him.

"Yes, father. I know that now. Long I pondered the words you said, and I realized that you never truly meant to harm her. I still remember your words. You asked her if she thought what she felt for Kili was love, and if she was ready to die for it. But you never meant to take her life. You were asking her if she was ready to die defending the one she professed to love", the Prince said solemnly.

His father looked at him with a small smile. "It gladdens my heart that you have understood my actions at last, Legolas."

"You have never been cruel in your life, as I have known you. Strict and demanding, perhaps, but not unjust or cruel. Tauriel was in the wrong in this, I see it now."

"But it all belongs to the past, ion nín. We need not rekindle old griefs anymore. The days of yore are gone, and still darker days are awaiting us", Thranduil said, turning his gaze to the south and lifting his hand to that direction. "Far beyond this forest lie the Brown Lands, a place where once the Entwives had their homes and gardens, but lies desolate for centuries now, due to the evil workings of Sauron. And further still lies Dagorlad, where Sauron was once defeated, and where Gil-Galad, Elendil and my own father were slain. Behind the black doors of Mordor darkness gathers again, and Sauron has regained much of his strength. If he but finds the One Ring…"

"Mordor seems to always be in your mind, adar", Legolas noted.

"It is. Once you see its horror, Legolas, you cannot forget it."

"But this time we have a powerful ally", he said and his father raised an eyebrow in question. "I mean Daenerys, and her dragons. Our people have accepted the presence of the winged beasts after the aid they have given us."

"Yes, that is true. It concerned me deeply how things would be now that the dragons are considerably grown. But it seems most of the Wood-elves are pacified, since the dragons dwell not in the Halls anymore, but on the crags of the hill above our abode. Which reminds me to ask you, has anything considering them occurred during our absence?"

"We saw the black one flying off after you left, but the two others are here. Nothing out of the ordinary happened", the Prince reported.

"Good."

"And what of their mother? Is she content with her life here?"

Thranduil took a sip from his wine. "For the most part. But ever she yearns to return to her homeland."

"Being an exile is hard. Though I left of my own volition, thoughts of home came often to my mind. No matter how far I traveled and how many people I met and spent time with, the Woodland Realm was always in my heart, and nostalgia accompanied me wherever I went. So I understand her yearning to return to her world. It must be hard for her to know that this may never happen", Legolas said thoughtfully.

"Indeed. I do what I can to fill her days with happiness, and perhaps one day she will get what she wants…"

"She is happy with you, I have seen that. She loves you, father. Are you truly to marry as you told me, come autumn?"

"Yes."

"We shall have a new Queen then. And perhaps a new Prince or Princess soon afterwards?" Legolas asked gleefully.

Thranduil placed his hand on the young elf's shoulder. "Such a tender heart you have, ionneg. I wish your mother and I had given you a brother or sister. Alas, that was not to be. But Daenerys…" his eyes filled with sorrow and a frown was etched upon his features. "She had once received a dark prophecy from a witch, that she will never be able to bear a child. But that woman was evil and hated Daenerys, although she had, in a way, helped her. So I have some doubts as to whether her words held any truth or not. But Daenerys seems convinced that the prophecy is true."

"I am sorry, adar. A child with her would make you happier still."

Thranduil turned to his son and embraced him, and Legolas lay his head on his father's shoulder. "But I do have a son, one I love dearly and am most proud of. One who reminds me so much of his mother, and the love I once had. In you live Gilwen and I forever, Legolas. And we have both loved you more than anything, more than life…"

"I know, I know… But you never speak of her, adar. I wish you did", Legolas said as he drew a little back from his father's arms.

Thranduil sighed. "The pain has always been too near for me. I dared not touch it. For Gilwen met such an unjust and evil fate that is tears me apart to think of it."

"You never told me what happened to her, save that she was captured by the orcs, when our people waged war against Gundabad."

The Elvenking stood silent for a few moments, and his eyes grew stormy. "It is a dark tale, Legolas."

"I would know of it nonetheless. I understand you wish to protect me from harsh truths, but I am not a child anymore, father."

"You haven't been a child for many long years, son, that is true. But I would always wish to spare you the pain", Thranduil said, his voice low and emotional.

"Please, adar. It is time I knew what happened to my mother", the Prince insisted.

Thranduil seemed to ponder this as his swirled the content of his glass, a frown drawn over his face. Finally with one swig he emptied his glass and spoke. "The orcs and evil men captured and tormented her for long. Deep in the ancient realm of Angmar, in the dark pits of the dungeons of Carn Dûm they held her, chained and shackled. What nameless horrors they visited upon her the orcs and the sorcerers of the Witch-King I dare not imagine. When I managed to find her, many long months after her capture, it was already too late. She had let go of who she was, and given unto evil. Such was the torture the enemies visited upon her… My poor, beautiful Gilwen, turned into a shadow of her former self. Her spirit was defiled, and the orcs taunted me with her horrid condition, thinking to enslave me as well. They cut her and beat her, and I fought them like mad until I killed them all, down to the last one. But her wounds were grievous, and black blood oozed from them. I held her as she died, crying bitter tears of despair. She clawed at me with all the strength that was left in her, not recognizing who I was. And when she breathed her last, her body disintegrated into ashes, slipping through my very fingers. And a cold spirit sprang forth, a wraith to haunt the ruins of the evil fortress forevermore. There was nothing left of her for me to hold and bury; and there was no fëa to find rest in the Halls of Mandos. She was lost to me forever, Legolas", Thranduil recounted in a broken tone, and fought hard not to let the tears escape his eyes.

Legolas stood petrified. He had never imagined that his mother's fate had been so horrible. "My mother… My gentle, loving mother turned into an accursed spirit, ever bound to this world to haunt the evil ruins of Angmar?" he at last managed to utter.

Thranduil turned his face away, for he could not rein in his emotions any more. "Do you see now, son, why I never spoke of her?" he rasped.

Legolas' own eyes brimmed now with tears as well. "Oh adar… had I known…"

"There is nothing you could have done. This has nothing to do with you, my child."

"Poor, beloved mother… I remember her smiling face and bright eyes so well. I cannot imagine her turning into a wraith, no… I refuse to accept that", the Prince said in agitation.

"Long I battled with the same emotions, the same treacherous thoughts. But it is the bitter truth. She is lost to us forever."

"The pain you have gone through and endured all these years! Oh, father, if only you had allowed me to share your burden!" the younger elf cried.

"I did not wish to darken your young and tender heart, my son. I bore my pain in silence. But I should not have grown cold towards you. Forgive me, please. The grief was too great, and I was not strong enough", the King spoke brokenly.

"You are the strongest elf I know. And now you are not alone in your pain and grief. I am here for you. As I know you have always been here for me."

And father and son embraced once more, taking comfort in each other's loving presence. And the bright summer sun took to its nether course, hiding behind the treetops, marking the end of another day in Middle-Earth.

Night had fallen hours ago, and Daenerys was in her bedchamber. She had spent the day with her dragons, for she had missed them a lot. She found them larger still, and always eager to fly and hunt. They had cried in joy when she approached them, and they allowed her to feed them slabs of meat, as she used to do when they were smaller.

Now she was dressed in a silken nightgown, after having enjoyed a long and relaxing bath, which chased the tension and fatigue of the day away. Thranduil she had not seen after they returned to the Halls, but she knew he would be much occupied with the event of Gollum's escape, and she did not want to distract him from his duties. But all was peaceful and quiet now, and the buzzing of the coming and going of the elves in the corridors had subsided. She longed to see the face of her beloved and to lie in his arms this fine summer night, so she left her rooms and made for his.

She found the door of his chambers unlocked, but darkness reined inside. "Thranduil?" she called for him as she walked in.

No answer came for a few seconds, but then she heard footsteps approaching from the balcony. "I was out, gazing at the stars. Join me, Daenerys", he invited her.

She went to him, and took in his form as he was illuminated by the starlight. He wore grey trousers of soft cotton and a robe was draped on his shoulders, hanging loose and open in the front, exposing his bare chest. His long hair idly caressed his shoulders, and on his face was a solemn look. Daenerys took his hand in hers. "I missed you", she whispered.

"So have I, my heart. I should have come to you, but many things were on my mind today. Forgive me", he responded, and touched her loose tresses. Her young face was glowing under the light of the sky, and her beauty made his heart ache. Gently he bent and kissed her lips, and she closed her eyes as he kissed her.

"There is nothing to forgive. You are a ruler, and you have duties. I understand", she told him after their kiss ended. "What news of Gollum? Has he left any traces?"

"Guards are searching for him night and day, but it will be difficult to find him. The creature has spent many years well-hidden from the world, and I fear he will seek to do the same now", he replied.

"I wish I could help. The dragons can fly over the forest, but Gollum is so small… They will never be able to spot him in the woods from above."

"Our hopes lie with the scouts." He softly caressed her cheek. "I am sorry our journey to Lórien came to such an abrupt end. My plan was for us to stay there much longer, and even enjoy the Midyear's Day celebrations with the Galadhrim."

"More journeys will be ahead of us, and more celebrations. I loved our trip to the Golden Wood for all it lasted, and I thank you deeply for it, my love", she told him soothingly.

He embraced her then, and she wound her arms about his waist, drawing him closer still. She planted a kiss at the base of his throat, causing him to shiver lightly. Lifting her luminous violet eyes up to him, she found him gazing at her intently.

"What is it, my King?"

"Your presence makes me forget my troubles, Daenerys. When I look into your eyes I travel with you to a different world, where there is no shadow, no pain, no deception, but only love, peace and joy."

"I wish this was more than just a fantasy", she breathed, and then pulled his face down to hers, kissing him again.

His hands glided down her sides, touching her curves through the silk of her gown, and she pressed her body against his, igniting desire in them both. Their kiss deepened and became more demanding, as their tongues now tasted each other, dancing in the rhythm of their love. Thranduil placed one hand at the small of her back, and with the other cupped her cheek as he kissed her, and Daenerys slid hers underneath his robe, pushing it from his shoulders, free now to enjoy the feel of his naked skin under her hands. It was cool and smooth, and shone like polished alabaster under the moonlight.

But when she looked into his eyes, she saw sorrow lingering there, and concern took her. She brought her palm to his cheek and asked, "Why are you sad, my love?"

He sighed, and kissed her fingers. "I spoke with my son earlier, and we reminisced upon his mother, and her death. Since then I cannot chase the memory from my mind. Ever I see her tormented by the orcs, abandoning all hope and falling to evil…"

"Falling to evil? What does that mean?" Daenerys worried.

And Thranduil proceeded to narrate the manner of Gilwen's death, and in the end Daenerys stood aghast, while tears had risen in her eyes.

"Oh Thranduil! I wish I had words of comfort to offer you, but what comfort can there be? And you suffered so much all these endless years with the knowledge of her irrevocable loss and doom…"

He nodded. "The pain is always in my heart, and always will be. But it is lesser now, thanks to you, and also thanks to the return of my son. I was all alone, wallowing in my gloom and self-imposed isolation, but this is changed now; I have two people who love me, and whom I love with all my heart."

"Thranduil", she breathed his name again, and held him tightly against her. "I lessen your pain, and you lessen mine. We have both lost the ones we loved, never to see them again. And their memory will always be there. But we have each other now, we have our love. And we have our purpose. We must defeat the rising evil and liberate the peoples of Middle-Earth from the Dark Lord's tyranny."

"The sense of purpose is so strong in you, my heart. I admire that." He kissed her forehead, and she smiled.

"Had I not a purpose to guide me, I would not have survived. Before I was sold to Khal Drogo I was but a meek girl, who wished for nothing but to return to her childhood home. I felt safe there, and I was afraid of changes and adventures. My brother Viserys was the rightful heir of the throne, as Rhaegar's line was extinguished. And I took up his cause, supporting him in his dream to return and conquer Westeros. But Viserys was cruel and stupid. He would never have made it across the sea. He was quick to anger, respected none, and believed the people owed him respect simply because he was the heir to the throne. He earned his title of the Beggar King rightfully. He abused me, mistreated me… And his actions and behavior led to his death", she narrated, sighing as she remembered the crown of gold that took Viserys' life. "His death is a painful memory, but it was only after his demise that I came to realize who I truly was. Viserys believed he was the last dragon. But he was no dragon at all. I am the last dragon, the last of my House. And I took up the purpose of returning to Westeros and reclaiming the throne of my ancestors. Even Drogo promised me he would lead the Dothraki across the sea to slaughter my enemies and bring town their houses, the Dothraki who abhor and fear salt water…" A tear ran down her cheek and she shook her head. "But he died too early, and I was left alone. Only the dragon eggs I had, and the inner feeling that I could give them life, once I climbed onto the funeral pyre. Purpose drove me to do what my people, even those closest to me, considered madness. Everyone thought I would burn in the flames."

"But you did not. You came out unscathed, and with three dragonlings in your arms."

"Yes. Because I believed in myself. And I had a purpose to guide me. Let it be thus now, Thranduil. Let purpose guide us, when grief seems so overwhelming, and the memories so strong and unshakable", she urged.

"Once again you speak words of wisdom, Daenerys. You would put even the great Istari to shame", the Elvenking told her with a fond smile.

She laughed softly. "You exaggerate."

He kissed her lips. "Do I?" he murmured, and kissed her again. Daenerys felt as if she was melting in his arms, and responded to his kiss with fervor. And he drowned in her, longing to be one with her. He held her hands then, and said, "Look at the sky, my love. The stars are shining brightly. It is such a lovely night. Lie here with me, and let us gaze at the stars, and be content in our love."

She nodded, and he led her to a comfortable recliner. Plush pillows and silken sheets welcomed them as they lay upon it, and Daenerys settled in Thranduil's arms, with the glorious night sky above them.

"Elbereth Gilthoniel kindled the stars, and we love her best of all the Valar", said the King.

"Your world is full of magic and wonder. There's a story for everything, from the simplest form of life to the stars in the sky", she mused.

He looked at her with glimmering eyes. "We elves are like your dragons, you know."

She gave him an incredulous glance. "How so?"

"We are creatures of magic, if magic you call the intricate workings of the world that are hidden from the minds of men. As with your dragons, magic in inherent to us. But our time on this earth is ending. One by one we depart for the Undying Lands, and magic is seeping away from Middle-Earth, slowly but steadily. When the last elf has sailed or faded, then magic will be no more. The future belongs to the race of Man, and once they rule this earth, there will be no more magic", he told her, and there was sorrow in his tone.

"This is so depressing."

"It is how it will be, as was preordained by Eru Ilúvatar", he stated. "Unless the Dark Lord prevails, and then his black magic will dominate everything, a nightmare for every living being. All beauty will be lost, and men will fall to slavery; they will become his evil thralls, and all memory of glory and high deeds will be forgotten. The world will be a dark place, if he prevails."

"He will not", Daenerys said stubbornly.

Thranduil stroked her silver curls. "It is also my persuasion that he will not. But we must strive hard to prevent that from happening."

"We will."

He turned and brought his body closer to hers. "You are such an inspiration, beloved. I can see you leading armies into battle, fearless and bold like the living fire." And he kissed her, his hand now falling to her hip. She bent her leg, inviting him to her. His knee slid between hers, and he was now half covering her body with his. Deft fingers drew the hem of the gown up, and her creamy skin was exposed under the starlight. With a trembling heart he touched her, and whispered to her, "Ever your beauty takes my breath away."

Daenerys smiled, and in her eyes all the stars were reflected. She brought her hand up to touch his noble face, and the knowledge that she had the privilege to touch such an ancient and magical being shook the foundations of her soul. "Please, remove the glamor… Let me see you", she asked of him softly.

He sat up, and there was a perplexed expression on his face. "Daenerys… why would you wish to see the ugliness, when the night is so lovely?"

"It is not ugliness to me."

Her gaze was steady, without a hint of pity or fear. Encouraged, he decided to comply with her wish, and the glamor faded. There appeared the scars now, extending all along the left side of his face and body. "Do not think you are any less beautiful and magical to me now. Or you are even more so, I should say, because these scars are part of you, and they are testament to your bravery and resilience", she told him.

Deeply touched Thranduil smiled a small smile. "Once my beauty meant a lot to me. I was too proud and vain, perhaps. But the scars changed not only my appearance but my soul as well. They were a lesson, albeit a very harsh one. I have learnt humility, and shame. The scars induce fear and revolt to most; or even worse, pity. And I hate that. I hate to be seen as weak. That is why I mask my ruined face."

"I would never see you as weak. Who else would have gone through everything you did, and survive? Nay, not only survive, but come out strong, and continue to fight, to rule, to love…" she murmured, tracing the lines of the old wounds on his arm, sliding to his ribs, and lower still, until she reached the waistband of his trousers. "Let me love you, Thranduil", she asked of him, tugging gently at the material.

He gazed at her intently; her eyes darkened with desire, her chest heaved with her breath, and the roundness of her breasts was visible through her flimsy gown. He reached and undid the lace that held the front of the bodice closed, and slowly exposed her soft skin.

Her eyes left his then and fell to where her fingers were hooked at his waistband. The cotton fabric of his pants did little to conceal his desire, its promise posing such a temptation to her. She looked back into his eyes, and she was met with his burning gaze, as he was following her every move and eagerly anticipated the next. With quivering fingers she untied the cord, freeing his most intimate parts from their confines. But she hesitated, and he sensed her qualms.

"What is it, my love? I am yours, you know that", he spoke in a husky voice, and kissed her lips fervently. He took her hand in his then and guided her to touch him. A shiver ran down his spine as she did, and he took a shaky breath, dropping his head back and closing his eyes, his hair now falling like a silver waterfall down his back.

"You are breathtaking…" she murmured, dazed now by her desire, as she touched him and excited him further. Leaning forth, she kissed his throat, and then his shoulder, his chest, trailing a path of searing kisses lower and lower still. Daringly, she planted a feathery kiss at the base of his shaft, and another at the glistening tip, causing him to suddenly jump to alertness, his eyes shooting open.

"Daenerys! What…"

"Hush. You will see", she said, bringing a finger on his lips to silence him. Then, placing a gentle hand on his chest, she prompted him to lie back down. And he did, his heart thundering in anticipation. He tried to speak again but a moan drowned his words, as she enveloped him with her mouth. He closed his eyes, his breath now erratic and his mind racing, as he was experiencing new sensations. "Daenerys…" he managed to breathe her name. "If you do not stop… I will…" he rasped, cupping her cheek and lifting her face from his nether regions.

She sat up and smiled naughtily. "Did you enjoy that, my lord?"

He grasped her then forcefully and pulled her in his lap, sealing her lips with his. She had no time to react as he nearly tore her gown off of her body, and she gasped as he cupped and fondled her breasts. "You work dark magic on me", he murmured between the kisses, his whole body now burning hard with desire. Reaching then down to the apex of her legs, he found her wet and ready, and she shuddered in his arms, as his fingers brought her pleasure.

"Oh Thranduil… I need you", she nearly begged him, writhing in his arms with abandon.

And he replaced his fingers with his manhood, entering her slowly, feeling her engulfing him bit by bit, until he was entirely sheathed inside her. She moaned and ground her pelvis against his, pushing against his shoulders for him to lie back once more. Allowing her to take the lead, he let her dance her tantalizing dance on top of him, and he watched her face, as it contorted with the greatest pleasure and the need for release. Her breasts bounced, and he touched them, eliciting moans and gasps from her. And when at last she met her climax, she collapsed on top of him, and he closed his arms about her, holding her as she slowly rode off the last waves of her pleasure.

But he was not done yet, and without once breaking their contact, he flipped their positions, so that now he lay above her. Pliant she was underneath him, and a sated smile graced her glowing face. Placing his hands under her knees, he lifted her legs and sank deeply in her, causing her to sigh once more. It took him but a few thrusts to meet his own release, going still for a few seconds against her and gasping her name, brow furrowed and eyes shut in tension, until at last he relaxed, and lay by her side, trying to calm his breath and his wildly beating heart.

"This was beautiful", she murmured a while later, lazily now playing with his silken hair.

"It was. And you managed to surprise me yet again, when you touched me with your lips", he said, momentarily glancing away.

"Was this way of lovemaking unknown to you?" she asked, remembering his reaction, and seeing now his reserved manner.

"Not in theory. But such ways are uncommon amongst the elves", he replied.

"Not anymore", she said with a mischievous smile.

He laughed softly, and kissed her languidly, feeling his heart overwhelmed with love for her. "Perhaps I should return the favor to you next time", he whispered in a conspiratorial manner, causing her to laugh in turn.

"You will, have no doubt."

And they kissed again under the starlight, and the starlight bathed their love in silver hues.

Translations

ion nín = my son (Sindarin)

adar = father (Sindarin)

ionneg = my little boy/son (Sindarin)