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A Frozen Sun	By : Esequell Category: Lord of the Rings Movies > Hobbit, The Views: 2546 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I don't own Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit and I'm not making any money from this.

Chapter List
- 4
- 5
- 6
4 – The Toll of Lies
A blinding, crisp Autumn came to the Greenwood and turned the leaves to copper. Thranduil was just finishing his breakfast when Leesha wandered in half asleep to tug on his overcoat. He picked her up and sat her on his lap. She was warm and sleepy and she leaned on his chest adorably. Thranduil reached around her for his cup. He gave her a warm, sweet cuddle.
'What did you see in your sleep, Iellig?'
She thought about it for a moment. Then she began playing with his hair and said; 'I'm sleepy.'
'No dreams?' he asked, as he put a small, round sweet fruit between his teeth.
Again Leesha shook her head. She crawled a finger-spider up his belly.
'Ada. Monster again. Under my bed.'
Thranduil handed Leesha over to the master for her breakfast and lessons and went up to her bedroom to poke around until he was satisfied that she had only seen a bad dream. As he turned to leave his boot caught on something. Gwenthel. Thranduil noticed how tatty she had become. One of her button eyes was missing and her arm was nearly severed by how Leesha trailed her around. He saw nothing amiss here but he could not shake the sense that something was wrong. As he turned to leave a strange urge made him glance into the corner behind her bed. Hiding in the deep shadow was the telltale arch of a spiders leg. His skin flushed cold with dread. Creeping closer he saw the movements of its feeler arms as it cleaned its face. He wanted to be sick.
It was a baby Ungol, no bigger than a cat. A terrible chill raced up his spine to think that Leesha had slept in here with this monster.
Thranduil reached slowly for his dagger. As his fingers closed around the hilt a moment of inspiration struck him. Before he could make the last strike the spider would ever see, Thranduil changed course for the bed and gathered up Leesha's patchwork blanket instead.
Do not think on it to deeply, he told himself. Just try it. After all, if Anion will not take to the beast it is no trouble to drown it.
He threw the blanket. When the Ungol tried for a quick escape, he stamped down on either side of it and grabbed it in his hands. He gathered it up tightly and carried it downstairs. He found Tauriel on the lower levels with two recruits who looked terrified to see the King striding towards them.
'Tauriel!' His voice echoed. 'This young Ungol was in Leesha's chambers.'
'Her chambers!' Tauriel exclaimed. 'How? I...? My lord! If they are in the caverns we must-'
He turned to the recruits. 'Begone,' he commanded them. 'Send me Legolas.'
When they were alone, the King reached for Tauriel.
'My lord, I do not know how this has happened-' she stopped when he gathered her shirt into his hand and pulled her very close. She could smell his favourite oil and the scent of his skin. His hand was warm and he was not so rough as he might have been were she a man, but still Tauriel felt his strength. She sensed that she was no longer addressing the King, but a Father on the edge of fury for the safety of his children. The blanket wriggled and hissed. Tauriel knew what was in it without needing to look.
'I have trusted you with our lives. I have protected and nurtured you. If your Mother did not live, girl, I would have called you my own daughter! If you do not take care of this infestation I will send you back where you came from. Protect my children or you will have no place amongst us.'
Tauriel nodded. She was too shocked to speak and too ashamed of her own failure to find an excuse. She had been charged with keeping the caverns clear. It was a simple enough goal. The thought of losing her home, Legolas and everything she had come to hold dear rose like acid up her throat and made her want to be sick. She had no words for the King and none for her Mother should she be sent home in disgrace.
'If I bury even one elf to these monsters I will make sure everyone in Sindaroth knows why,' he released her slowly and set her back on her feet in a way that was almost gentlemanly. She bowed low and remained that way in apology until he took a step back to signal he was satisfied. When she looked up she found his freezing eyes lacked feeling. Tauriel shivered, suddenly cold.
'Yes, my lord,' she said.
'Get out.'
He did not turn until her footsteps had faded. Then he watched the spot where she had been standing, at war with himself.
Who can I trust if not you and Legolas? Thranduil gripped the Ungol with white hands. Must I put Leesha and Anion both in a cot in my chambers? If I have to stay up all night to watch you, I shall, but I fear I would not last more than a few nights, and Ungol are patient creatures.
His panic was like a wild beast racing around his head in terror. If he had not been holding the Ungol he might have smashed something just to hear it break. Just to release what he wanted to do to Tauriel for her failure.
If ever I place my trust in you again it will be hard won, Tauriel.
'My lord?' Legolas' voice disturbed him and bought a little balance back to his mind.
Legolas came down the stairs silently and gazed at the blanket Thranduil was holding. Legolas saw fear and anger at war in his eyes. 'Ada. What is wrong?'
Thranduil tapped the blanket and it screeched. Legolas frowned at him.
'Ungol? Where did you find it?'
'In Leesha's chambers.'
'In her chambers?' Legolas' voice rose. 'What is it doing in her chambers! This is why Tauriel is so upset-'
'Do not speak to me of her! I do not care if she jumps off the roof!' Thranduil's shout may have echoed far enough for Tauriel to hear. Legolas held up both hands in swift surrender. His Father calmed.
'Ada...not so loud. Please.'
Thranduil's eyes spat fire but he restrained himself from further comment. Then he commanded his aide go in search of a large, clear container. When Thandir returned it was with another man and they carried between them a huge, round bauble that had probably been used to hold a large quantity of wine. Thranduil dumped the creature, blanket and all, inside. It ran around and around, forelegs pedaling desperately for a way out. When it found none it settled sullenly in a corner. Already it had the fangs and sting of a grown spider.
Legolas bent low and whispered; 'Disgusting. Why are you keeping it alive?'
Thranduil shook his head.
'It was an idea, Legolas. For Anion.'
'Anion fears them.'
'He cannot afford to fear them. None of us can. I must teach him, somehow, to conquer it.'
The King licked his lips anxiously. Legolas could tell there was much on his mind.
'I will find them all,' Legolas promised, hoping to shake his Father from his terror. 'I will search every room in the caverns and find them all. I swear to you.'
'What if they find you first?' the King asked him suddenly. He searched Legolas' face. Legolas gripped his forearm, hoping that his touch might steady his Father.
'I will kill them,' Legolas promised him.
Legolas would have borne his Father's anger much more easily than this. Thranduil's eyes were suddenly full of tears and Legolas felt panicked.
He fears the loss of his children. Of me, he thought. If even one of those tears fall it will be the end of all my courage!
Then Thranduil grabbed him and tugged him into an embrace. Legolas gave a soft breath of surprise but he put his head on Thranduil's shoulder willingly. He could smell his Father's skin and hair and it reminded him so much of his childhood. He could remember coming down to breakfast and climbing into Thranduil's lap to eat. How warm and safe he had felt wrapped in his Father's dressing gown! Thranduil would have asked him about his dreams and if he had seen a nightmare, Thranduil would have taken out the box. Legolas found himself smiling to think of it. The little wooden box where Thranduil pretending to keep his sons bad dreams.
There was a hot, grim pain in his chest. A bit of fear that the young Legolas who still lived within him had been forsaken under duty and honour but it was becoming clear that Thranduil had not forgotten that boy. Legolas wondered; If I stop refusing his touch out of fear of embarrassment, will he comfort me more often when I need it? Would he embrace me again from time to time, and tell me more often that he is proud? Perhaps I will stop refusing him!
Legolas put his hands on his Thranduil's back. His Father was warm and solid in a way he could not appreciate without touch. Suddenly Legolas remembered the last dead man he had touched, in the forest after a skirmish. Legolas imagined his Father cold and limp in the same way and suddenly his heart was full of fear and a fierce instinct rose within him to protect his family at all costs.
'What if they take you,' Thranduil mumbled softly. He could not think what to say to give his Father back his strength but as Thranduil's seemed to fade Legolas found his own courage from somewhere. He was surprised by it, but grateful.
'Ada-' he tried. 'I will not let them. I will find every single one for you. I promise I will keep us all safe. Especially Leesha and Anion.'
'I know,' Thranduil found his composure and his strength and nodded. 'I know you will.'
Legolas drew away gratefully, with the sense that his heart was too full for words. Legolas leaned in and kissed his Father's cheek, feeling as if it was the only the only gesture that could adequately speak his love and respect.
'I swear,' he promised again as he pulled away to go in search of Ungol. His heart was warm and purpose flowed freely in his blood. He sensed Thranduil was gazing after him. He knew that before the day was out he would have to comfort and discipline Tauriel, and find a way to clear the caverns before the dark came again.
000
Anion and Leesha sat side by side on the bear skin rug in Thranduil's study. She was busy threading Autumn leaves together with silken sewing thread to make Gwenthel an elven dress, or so she said. Thranduil's gaze was focused on distant thoughts. A fight started.
'Stop that,' he separated them, one in each hand. 'Do not hit your brother, Leesha. And Anion. You know better than to hit her back!'
'He isn't my brother!' Leesha burst out.
Thranduil sighed and lowered himself to kneel before them.
'Of course he is,' he said evenly. 'Anion may not be your blood but you are both mine now, so who is to say who is brother to who? I say you are brother and sister and I say you will act like it, or what kind of family will we be?'
The girl stared back at him defiantly; 'My Daddy is dead!'
'As is mine,' Thranduil nodded. 'Does that mean we cannot be friends?'
'He means he's your Father now, you dunce!' Anion put in, a bit unkindly.
Leesha shook her head.
'No!' she actually stamped her foot and Thranduil was caught somewhere between laughter and tiredness. 'He isn't my Daddy and you aren't even my friend!'
'Leesha!' Thranduil called after her, but when she did not return he turned to Anion. 'Thank you, that has made it much harder.'
'I didn't mean to-' Anion said, his lip wobbling.
Thranduil sighed. He took Anion by the shoulders and embraced him. The boy did not even pretend he was too big for it. Thranduil found that worrying. It meant he was very upset.
'She is still so young, Anion. You need to be more gentle with her feelings or she will never accept us. Are you jealous of her?'
Anion shook his head quickly. Thranduil pulled away from him long enough to see his face. His eyes were pink.
'Do not lie to me. I can see it in your eyes!'
Then Anion managed a nod, which bought on tears and for once Thranduil felt like joining him. He bit them back and nodded. Thranduil made a guess that he knew would hit home.
'You think I love her more?'
Anion's breath hitched. He nodded.
'That is not so.'
'Why do you spend all your time with her then!' Anion was crying.
'Because she is only four and she has lost both her parents as you did. Do you remember what it was like when first you came here? You cursed me, you would not let me near you. Leesha will soon see she is an orphan and then she will be afraid that no one in the world now cares for her. We must replace her family before she realizes what she has lost.'
'I don't want to!' Anion said stubbornly. 'She's a baby.'
'Anion, do not be so cruel. She needs you.'
'I don't want her.'
'But I do,' said Thranduil softly. He rubbed Anions dark hair rhythmically. 'Do you understand how much I need to have you both near me? Anion, are you listening? Be a brother to her for me, have I not been a friend to you?'
Anion nodded.
'I do not want you to fight. I want you to love each other and love me.'
Anion waited a moment, then he nodded. When he pulled away he wiped his nose on his sleeve and said;
'OK.'
Thranduil nodded in relief, then he smiled.
'We will leave Leesha with Olerydes, yes? And go riding.'
Anion just nodded. When they were half way out of the door, Anion spoke up.
'Ada? Is it true that Olerydes is going to have a baby?'
Thranduil sighed.
'Who told you that?'
'Leesha.'
Thranduil looked at him in shock.
'And how did she find out?'
'I don't know,' Anion said.
'How gossip spreads around here. Yes, it is true.'
'How come?'
Thranduil smiled and shook his head
'I think that is a lesson for when you are older.'
'But...I want to know. Is it true that the man puts his privates in the girl and it makes a baby?'
Thranduil bit back a laugh.
'If I tell you, you do NOT tell Leesha. Under any circumstances, Anion.'
'Cross my heart.'
'Yes it is true. No, I will not tell you more.'
Much, much later, Anion was curled up with Leesha on his lap and she was brushing Gwenthel's hair.
'I know how babies are made,' he whispered.
000
Phe felt as if she was clawing her way out of the deepest, darkest cave. She felt she had been in an unnatural sleep. Opening her eyes was a great effort but when she managed it, she saw the Autumn sun beyond the window. What few leaves remained on the trees were dry and dessicated and there was the evidence of recent snow. When she turned her head to look around the room, a hot pain lanced up her spine and made her moan in pain.
How long has it been! Winter is upon us and I feel as if I have been asleep for an age of man!
'You are awake. Good,' said the woman beside her, whose very dark hair fell in soft waves to her hips. She was an ample maid and quite tall. Phe found her dark eyes gentle. She wore a simple gown of ruby red and a matching ruby on her right hand. The large stone was nested in gold threads. It made Phe think of a dragons eye.
She gave Phe water, and said; 'Drink. Your sleep was long.'
'I do not remember your name,' croaked Phe. Her voice was cracked and dry, like her lips.
'I am Olerydes. Daughter to King Thranduil. You are in the Greenwood still.'
'Olerydes,' Phe said softly. Slowly, memories began to trickle back. 'I have used that name before. I know I have. In the caves. Where we saw the lights!'
Olerydes smiled and nodded.
'Where is my Father?' Phe asked her.
'Your Mother and Father were forced to return home before the ice closed in on the lakes.'
Phe nodded, gently, because every movement hurt a great deal. Phe searched Olerydes' eyes.
'Why am I in so much pain?'
'You fell,' Olerydes settled for that. 'Your back is broken. You have slept for some time. It was best. At first the pain was too much for you.'
Olerydes reached for a fruit and began to peel it.
'In a week or two you should be able to move around. Keep still or you will undo the healing and set yourself back.'
Phe just nodded. Olerydes offered her the fruit and said; 'it may help with the pain.'
Phe raised a hand to take it and her back burned bright and hot. Olerydes reassured her with a pat on the hand.
'It will be alright. I cannot last forever,' she said.
Phe thought of the woods and her horse and her throat became ragged with unshed tears. How could she sit still for that long? What would she do?
'Am I to lie here until then?' she asked. 'I will go mad.'
'You must. Or you will open the bones again. It may cost you your legs, Pephennas. We cannot be sure if you will walk again yet.'
Phe gazed at her in horror. 'No, no, I could not bear that-'
Olerydes put her hand on Phe's shoulder.
'Keep still, then. And you will not need to bear it.'
Phe sighed softly.
'What can I do,' she said, with a small shrug that hurt. 'I have little choice.'
Then she remembered that this woman had been slaving over her broken body.
'Thank you,' she said, 'Olerydes.'
'In a few days when you have had food and water and natural sleep you will feel better.'
'How will I use the privy? I do not think I can rise.'
'I have an answer to that,' Olerydes nodded. By her foot, a pot waited and Olerydes was no keener to get to that point than Phe would be, when she found out that toileting with a broken back was quite embarrassing. 'But I doubt you will like it much. Try to keep still. I will fetch you a book, if you like?'
'I would gladly read,' Phe managed a smile, 'but I am certain I cannot hold it up.'
'I will read to you then.'
000
Olerydes stood before the throne.
'How fares our guest?' asked Thranduil.
'She is in pain Ada. She asks me for the deep sleep again. She tires of sitting still.'
'Give it to her, then.'
'It may be better for her to wake thinner than to endure this. Thoughts of your anger trouble her. She believes she has done you a great harm. I do not think she had much to do with her Father's plot. So far she seems entirely naive and good natured.'
'And how have you drawn that conclusion?' Thranduil was a bit amused.
'It is a feeling,' Olerydes said, unashamed. 'I find her innocent.'
Thranduil rose and joined his daughter on the same level.
'Will she walk again?' he asked.
'I am uncertain. But so far she had feeling in her toes. It could be many weeks before she can ride or lift. I would be surprised if she returns home before the Summer.'
'We cannot retract our offer of hospitality now. Care for the girl. She is your penance,' he said. 'For your...misbehaviour.'
Olerydes bowed her head to hide her smile. Just like her Father to find a penance she would enjoy. Olerydes was a gifted healer who enjoyed helping others. Nursing Phe would be little punishment. Besides being a very cooperative patient, Olerydes had taken well to the girl.
Olerydes said; 'Do you think she was pushed, Ada?'
Thranduil nodded. 'It would not surprise me. Does she remember? Has she spoken of it?'
Olerydes licked her lips. 'No. He meant to kill her, Ada, if he did push her over. She must have a guardian spirit on her side, or she would be dead.'
Thrandul just nodded.
'I am certain he pushed her, Iellig. She was too light and fair on her feet to fall so carelessly.'
Olerydes agreed.
'Yes, she was.'
'There is talk of an argument in their chambers that night but still I have found no witness,' he sighed.
'Ada? You look so tired. Is something the matter?'
Thranduil smiled softly at her beauty and her caring heart.
'Everything is the matter,' he breathed. His composure broke a little and he smiled at her. 'It may as well be Winter and I am getting cold and sore from this damned seat. I have not seen the frozen lake yet, nor looked upon the snowy hills. That is a tradition for me! It is like someone has glued my backside to the chair,' he complained.
Olerydes burst out laughing. She turned and made to leave in teasing, 'I will fetch some glue.'
Thranduil caught her hand and smiled. 'Do not tease me. I desire your company, Iellig. Can you still ride?'
'I think so,' she nodded. 'I no longer feel so ill in the mornings. I suppose I should be grateful for that.'
'Then come riding with me today.'
Thranduil passed a mirror and stopped. Gazing at himself his eyes fell on the crown. Then he turned to Olerydes.
'Fetch me your brother,' he said. 'It is time Legolas learned the weight of this crown.'
000
Thranduil smoothed his sons hair with one hand and then he placed the crown over his ears and stood back to admire.
'Well,' he smiled. 'A prettier sight I have never seen. Legolas, do not look so glum. You will get used to it.'
Legolas did look glum and nervous too. He did not fill the seat like Thranduil. He had not perfected the same grace or presence. He was less inspiring, though he did contain hidden strength that none of his family would deny. Legolas did not feel ready to wear the crown even for a few hours. Thranduil smiled softly. Already he felt lighter, his heart unburdened. He was content that someone responsible was taking care of him for a change.
'Do you remember your lessons?' Thranduil asked.
'Yes,' Legolas licked his lips.
Thranduil bent low to look into his eyes. He grasped his son's shoulder firmly.
'Use them. I will be back before the stars come out and I will relieve you of this most cumbersome burden. I know it is less than comfortable for you. It was for me, too, when Oropher first put his crown on my head for a day. It is better to get some practice, or one day your sorrow will be compounded by sudden responsibility. I will be laughing from the stars at your discomfort,' Thranduil teased. 'But it will not be so funny to you.'
'Do not say that,' Legolas said, softly. He felt like a boy again only this time he was not sitting in his Father's lap, but in his place. 'I do not want to think about it.'
Thranduil brushed his face with smooth, warm fingers. The boy relaxed a bit.
'I have no intention of leaving you yet. My treasure.'
For once Legolas did not argue with the endearment. He could remember Thranduil using it when he was still nursing. Before his Mother's death.
'I feel out of place,' Legolas admitted quietly.
'So did I, at first. I felt as if I had no right to sit there, not with my father so recently gone cold. But your Father is not cold yet and you are just borrowing my chair,' Thranduil smiled and stood up lighter.
Legolas was toying uncomfortably with the arm rest when Thranduil and Olerydes left together.
000
Every breath hurt and sleep was difficult. When it did come it was broken, fragmented and interspersed with torturous dreams. First her Ada chased her laughing to the edge and she relived the awful panic of her fall. Then in another King Thranduil laid his sword against her throat and she woke with a start which hurt her back. She pleaded with Olerydes to put her back into the deep sleep. There had been no dreams before and Phe wanted to return to that.
'I will, soon,' Olerydes finally relented, but she did not until Phe had endured the torturous and humiliating experience of a bowel movement. Once that unpleasantness was out of the way, Olerydes began bubbling a cup of herbs and Phe recognized the smell from the day she had woken. Just the scent of them was enough to comfort her. Before Olerydes could pour them into a cup there was a knock at the door. When Olerydes saw who it was she stood back. Phe felt a moment of dread and shame. She did not want to be seen in her sickbed but there was no time to argue.
Thranduil had to dip his head to avoid hitting his crown on the low door frame. Gracefully he did so. Phe's belly fluttered at the sight of him. Thranduil filled her room with a presence her Father entirely lacked. His eyes were the same colour as the winter sky and his crown was almost bare of dessicated leaves. Like their first meeting, his presence seemed to wrap around her heart and lighten her load. It made her want to cry too. It felt as if all her pain was waiting behind a gate to be released.
'My lord, I would rise-' she said quickly, but Olerydes stilled her.
'Under no circumstances,' Thranduil cut his daughter off before she had chance to speak. 'I will assume you have paid your respects and not look to you for any more today.'
Phe indicated she understood with her hand. It was a trick Olerydes had taught her to avoid moving her neck.
'Lady Pephennas,' Thranduil came a bit closer. 'I would not want you to think your presence here had been forgotten. We are pleased to be your hosts a while longer, though we wish it was under different circumstances.'
'My lord, I thought I had done you a great shame! I am sorry for my Father-'
Thranduil held up a hand.
'Do not speak to me of him,' he said.
Phe nodded. It still hurt in her heart, being so publicly rejected. She felt isolated and defenseless. The tears were thick in her throat.
Perhaps it is because I am a widow that he refused me? He is so beautiful, but so frightening too.
He went on; 'I have come to say that you are welcome in my house for as long as you have need.'
'My lord, I am grateful to you, you have saved me,' Phe stumbled, 'I do not wish to be a burden to you.'
'You will not be a burden,' he assured her.
'I have never been so far from home, my lord, I am afraid to be so alone. Could my Mother not have stayed?' Phe stopped talking and realized this was too unguarded for a Kings presence.
He moved with the silky breath of expensive cloth and laid his hand upon the back of her own. Phe sensed Olerydes was watching keenly. His touch sent curls of warm contentment into her heart and her tears receded a little. She flushed pink. Her heart began to creak open its gates and beckon him inside. His touch was comforting and arousing, and very welcome. She wished she could tell him so.
'Do not be afraid, my lady,' he said softly, his Winter eyes searching her face. 'Fear is the enemy of peace.'
Phe nodded, speechless.
'I would have you be peaceful.'
He stood. 'Give her sleep,' he commanded.
When he had left, Olerydes handed her the cup and helped Phe to drink. As it settled in her tummy and she began to get drowsy, Olerydes hid her knowing expression.
Does he favour the girl, or is he simply keeping Caduven's daughter close? She wondered, as Phe sank gratefully into numb unconsciousness. Phe did not dream.
000
For a week the weather warmed and the snow receded. Thranduil waited for it to return and return it did, to compact the ground into an icy trap. Within the caverns the temperature remained quite steady, though cool but outside his breath froze around his lips and ice crystals formed in his hair. He commanded the mages to double the warding at their borders, but even the power of the Elvenking could not stop the march of Winter. His crown was stripped of leaves and worn bare.
Legolas' lesson in being King had made him much more grateful for his simpler life and lesser troubles. He seemed to have discovered a new lease of immaturity which was bringing him a lot closer to Anion, who had become his partner in mischief. Thranduil was outwardly vexed but inwardly amused.
Leesha grew out of her first pair of shoes and much to Thranduil's delight, improved her feelings towards them all. He made a habit of putting her to bed himself. She seemed to sleep better that way. Once she was asleep it was easy enough to walk away. Leesha was not a restless child, indeed she had a tendency to oversleep if left to her own devices. She did not like the cold. He thought it sweet and he watched her closely in those quiet Winter days. Their bond strengthened. Fondness and caring turned into love. Soon he felt as attached to her as to his blood children. Leesha seemed to be settling in. Routine had certainly helped her and so did sweet berry jam.
000
The morning before Midwinters Day, Thranduil was laughing and catching Leesha's spider-hands as they crawled up his shirt. She made growling sounds as they nibbled at his collar and he pretended to be afraid. Leesha found that quite delightful. She had perched herself next to him on the throne for some three days now, for the hour each morning between her breakfast and her lessons with the master. She seemed to like to sit with him and watch the world go by and there was nothing to do in the mornings that was unsuitable for her ears. Thranduil let her sit there and play. That day, Olerydes came to see them.
'What news Iellig?' he said, still smiling at Leesha's antics. 'Does she wake?'
'Yes, she is awake, and she feels less pain. She has more movement and she is stronger. I think she may walk, Ada.'
Thranduil rose and bought Leesha with him on his hip.
'That is good news,' he said. Then he smiled at Leesha. 'Leesha has been hunting Ungol! She is not afraid, are you my little one?'
'Oh, but they are big spiders!' Olerydes teased her gently.
'It does not matter,' Thranduil smiled. 'She will squash them anyway. She is not afraid of my new pet. She is such a brave girl.'
Leesha nodded and smirked. Thranduil put her down gently.
'Go and find your brother, my sweetling.'
Off she ran with a brief glance behind. Olerydes watched her go. Thranduil spied the moment of broodiness that crossed her face. Now that the shock of her unexpected pregnancy was over and she had been publicly chastised for her bad behaviour, Thranduil was beginning to get a little bit excited. He was working hard not to show it yet, he did not want to reward the girl, but at the same time the idea of a new baby delighted him. He had wanted to be a Grandfather for so long that it was hard to stay upset with her.
'How are you feeling, Iellig?'
Olerydes hid her face and Thranduil read her correctly. She was ashamed to talk to him about her pregnancy.
'Tired, Ada.'
'Perhaps another healer should take over? I believe you have done your duty.'
'No, she trusts me and we have a routine,' Olerydes said. 'Ada, I-' She stalled before the words could come out.
'What is it?'
Olerydes caught his crystalline blue eyes and lost her courage. She did not want to remind him of what she had done, or see his loving expression turn into anger.
'Nothing, Ada,' she smiled reassuringly.
Thranduil brushed a curl of hair off her temple and said softly;
'You blink when you lie.'
Olerydes smiled.
'I will have to remember that,' she sighed. 'I am...just afraid.'
Thranduil put his arm around her. Olerydes sighed into his jacket and smiled softly when he rubbed her shoulder. He heard her breathing hitch and knew she was about to weep. He lowered his head and put his lips against her scalp. He closed his eyes. She smelled so familiar. She always favoured this same perfume and he thought it suited her very well.
'What is wrong?' he asked gently.
Olerydes shook her head.
'Please. Tell me.'
'I miss him,' she finally croaked. 'I should have said nothing. I was afraid of him, I-'
'I could not be gladder he is gone from your life.'
Olerydes sniffed and shook her head. Thranduil continued;
'Legolas has been to talk to me, Iellig. He says there may have been an injury which affected Ronir's behaviour. I would not want to guess if that were so. It is strange because I had always thought of him as quite a gentle man, like his Father.'
'He is,' Olerydes whispered. 'At least he was, until recently. Ada...I wish he could be here. I do not want to do this alone!'
Olerydes searched his face. She wanted to ask him if it was possible to bring Ronir back but the words would not come out. She knew he would be angry with her.
'I know what you seek and no, I will not,' he said.
Olerydes heart sank but she said nothing. Once her Father had made up his mind, dissuading him was very hard. She changed the subject and vowed to return to this one later when his anger had faded.
'I know it is impossible, Ada, but sometimes when I am alone, late at night, I swear I hear her talking to me. Not in words, in thoughts and feelings...I do not understand it.'
'Her?' he questioned.
'Yes,' Olerydes nodded. 'She is a girl.'
Thranduil's brows knitted together.
'You have heard voices before, if I recall.'
'Yes,' she nodded.
'Still?' he asked.
'Sometimes,' she nodded. 'Sometimes when I feel lost and need guidance, the Spirit still talks to me and tells me where to go and how to manage. It helps me too, when I heal. What do you think?' she asked softly.
'I think you should listen,' he said. 'If there is a voice speaking then there is something you need to hear.'
000
Upon her second proper waking Phe found her range of movement much improved. She could lift her own cup and move her neck a little bit, though all her muscles felt weak and useless. Olerydes helped her to wash and clean her teeth and then she bound up Phe's waist and back with bandages and a splint and helped her dress in something clean. Olerydes warned her not to bend or lift more than a glass of water. Olerydes would fill her cup for her and her food would be served on a high table so that less movement had to be endured. Phe was propped up on some pillows with a warm meal in her belly when the King paid her another visit. This time he wore a silver blue overcoat which was so long it trailed the ground. He held a slim book.
'Hir vuin!' Phe was surprised to see him again. 'What a pleasant surprise. I would rise but-'
'No, my lady. We can dispense with courtesies until you can rise without wincing.'
Olerydes supplied him with a chair. He lowered himself into it and bowed his head to her in warm greeting. She was glad that she had washed and changed her clothes.
'I am glad to see you a little more recovered, hiril vuin.'
'I feel less pain,' Phe said quickly, 'Olerydes has taken such good care of me. I owe her so much.'
'Iellig is a gifted healer,' he agreed. 'You do owe much to her skill.'
'I shall not forget,' Phe turned to smile at her doctor.
Then the King produced a book.
'This is for you, my lady. I am told you like to read. Perhaps it will stave off the quietness.'
Phe took it in surprisingly unsteady hands.
'Thank you, my lord.'
Thranduil gestured to the tome behind her head.
'A history of the Greenwood and her King, Oropher,' he read. 'A wonderful text full of lies and extrapolation, though the illustrations are lovely.'
'How so, my lord? I thought it was concise and respectful.'
Thranduil gestured for it. Olerydes handed it over and he turned it over in his graceful hands. For a moment his eyes shadowed with memory then he said;
'Oropher was a brilliant strategist and warrior. But these were not his greatest gifts. He had true mastery of people, of speech and unfortunately for some, of lies. He had also a great intelligence, which frightened even his family! The author paints a picture at odds with his truth. He was a family man, my lady, and a man of deep faith which is hardly mentioned here. This is only half of his story.'
Thranduil wet his bottom lip with his tongue and it shone. Phe gazed at it, intrigued. It had been years since she had kissed a man and only ever Rosdaer.
Do you ever kiss anyone, my lord? Your mistress perhaps? You must have one. Do you please only yourself with her, or do you give her pleasure too?
'I did not know he had a strong faith,' she murmured, to cover her own errant thinking. 'It does not mention it, nor much of his family except their names.'
'The book was commissioned to tell a certain truth to eyes and ears we knew were watching at the time, and it worked. Words have a great deal of power. My Father wished to send a message that would protect his house and Kingdom.'
Phe nodded.
'So...a King cannot afford truth...I mean to say that he cannot be himself like a common man?'
'No, he cannot,' Thranduil agreed. 'Oropher was gentle, perhaps a little too gentle at times. He would have called it his weakness. Indeed he called my gentleness exactly that.'
'Is it really a weakness, my lord? I think softness can be a strength, when used correctly!'
Thranduil sat back.
'And how does one use softness correctly?'
'Maybe it shows itself as mercy-' she breathed, nervously. 'Or pity. Or kindness.'
'Do you think me soft, hiril vuin?'
Phe chanced a glance and found his brows were knitted together.
'I find you strong,' she whispered. 'I do not know how you can be so strong. It is like you are invulnerable, sire. If you have softness in you it is the best sort.'
'You see much Lady Pephennas,' he said. 'But still you know only half the story of King Thranduil.'
Phe searched the pattern on the rug for answers. He spoke in riddles at times. It was hard to discern whether she had angered him or not. She did not want to anger him. She thought of the long road home. If he threw her from Sindaroth as he had done with her parents, the journey would see her lame. A nagging feeling in the back of her mind reminded her that her Father might not want her back at all.
'My lord, if I have offended you I am sorry-'
'No. You have not,' he made to rise and a feeling warred within Phe.
Many memories had already returned to her from the time before her fall. Phe made to touch his hand but she was not bold enough. She fell short by an inch or two. Thranduil turned his head to look at her. Being a King so well acquainted with reading faces, he returned slowly to his seat and gazed into her eyes. They may as well have told the truth for her.
'My lord. May I speak with you...alone?'
Thranduil commanded Olerydes to leave and when she was gone he gestured.
'We are alone, hiril vuin,' he offered her a smile that was more warming than any he gave around his daughter.
'About...my Father, my lord,' Phe saw nothing on his face that suggested she should stop immediately.
Perhaps he has calmed down a little.
'A great harm was done, was it not? It was unfair to propose the match in public so soon.'
Thranduil did not say anything, so Phe ploughed on.
'I did not come here to trick you, hir vuin,' she finally whispered. 'I did not know his intentions until after the feast...when you spoke to me on the balcony?'
Thranduil's face had become unreadable, his eyes heavy and full of some feeling he was not showing. He listened silently to her.
'My lord? I am afraid to tell you. I think you will punish me.'
'I will hear it before I decide.'
Phe sensed from his tone that he would not let her backtrack now.
'My father is a proud man, hir vuin. But beneath it he is...unsure...of his own worth. His greatest fears are obscurity and death. We are not fools, my lord. I am a widow and therefore unfit to wed a King. Ada must have known that. Though he did not confide in me, I feel certain that if he did begin the rumour, it was because he was afraid to ask you outright. He does not feel worthy of your favour.'
Thranduil's lips thinned.
'So this is a confession?' he asked softly.
'It is a testimony for his good character, my King, which is buried under his fear.'
Thranduil rose slowly from his chair. Phe felt as if he had seen something which frightened him a little, though she did not say that.
'Why would you tell me this?'
Phe looked at his boots.
'I...do not believe in telling lies. My Father has ruined us, out of his insecurity.'
His hair shifted with the disbelieving shake of his head. 'You are innocent as a maid,' he whispered.
'Perhaps,' Phe said softly. 'Ada always says I am naïve. I am at your mercy and you have shown me kindness, my lord.'
'What if I strike at your family,' he leaned over her suddenly, bringing his face to her level and his eyes, those awful, freezing eyes, so close that Phe wanted to back away. 'I might send my kin to burn his lands and topple your castle, so that I cannot be made a fool by my own hospitality again!'
Phe's hands began to shake. She struggled to find her voice.
'If- if there is something you want from me, my Lord? Perhaps I might give it freely in gratitude for all the kindness you have shown me?'
Thranduil's eyes burned and became hungry. Suddenly he was quite close to her lips. 'There is something I desire from you.'
Phe tried to ignore her pounding heart and trembling hands. She knew this line she walked was so fine she could topple from it at any moment. She could not make this sound like a deal, or Thranduil would surely refuse her just because he could.
'Then ask, my lord,' Phe tried to smile.
For a moment he swayed a little closer. She was so sure he was about to kiss her. His eyes fluttered closed, as though temptation had risen to torment him. Then he stood fluidly, leaving her lips cold and her desires unfulfilled.
'You seek to protect your Father,' he shook his head slowly. 'I am concerned that you think me such a fool!'
'Not a fool!' Phe said quickly. 'A King who can forgive!'
Something must have pinched in Thranduil's heart because he winced, but his face returned to normal too quickly to discern what that meant. His footfalls were quiet as he backed from the room.
'Forgive Me, my lord. If not my Father. I have told you what I know...so that you can see I do not lie!'
'So that I will trust you,' he nodded, unconvinced.
'My reputation is ruined. Any match my Father makes will know of your refusal. They will feel as if they are naught but a third choice. That is not a flattering thing to tell a husband on his wedding night,' Phe stared at her bare feet. 'I have nothing to gain by lying to you my lord, but the truth may win back my honour. Since my Father does not care enough to protect it.'
Thranduil stopped. She wishes a new name. I see it now. She would sooner I give her a place in these halls and invite her to stay, even as a lowly aide perhaps, than she would return home to another match she does not want. Thranduil understood. Meeting the King had become her ticket out of her sorrows.
'You are certainly brave,' he conceded. 'To speak to me so plainly.'
Phe gazed into his face and wondered if she had just made the biggest mistake of her life. Then he said;
'You would leave your family home for your honour and become my kin. Am I not correct? You wish an escape?'
'I do, my lord,' she whispered. 'I do not like the games he plays. I do not want them to decide my future. I do not have a choice if I stay with him. No daughter does.'
'You seek your freedom.'
'For which I would marry my lord. Or, work.'
'Both may be applicable, in the right circumstances,' he breathed.
Then he opened the door and swept through it. Phe stared at the back of her hands, heart torn and so frightened that she felt weak and faint.
Half way down the stairs Olerydes caught up with Thranduil and grabbed his forearm.
'Ada! What are you doing?!'
Thranduil's gaze was chilly and guarded.
'Leave me be, Olerydes.'
'She is mad! She is grieving for her injury. You cannot.'
'That is no business of yours,' Thranduil said, 'You should not be listening at doors.'
'Pephennas is delicate. More than her back was broken that day. You must not torture her. You would take her for a lover and leave her hand. She cannot refuse you! You are her King!'
'Are you my keeper, Daughter?' he glared at her.
'No,' Olerydes said softly. 'I care for her. She is like a sister to me now. She will not be enough.'
'Speak no more to me on this-'
Olerydes approached him and laid both hands on his arms.
'Ada...when you take the women from the Lake...you become angry and sad. You drink more wine and you go to your study and you will not see us. I know you feel ashamed!'
Thranduil opened his mouth to cut her down to size. He saw the love in her eyes and all the strength went out of his backbone.
'If I am, then let me be with my shame in peace!' he hissed, and Olerydes backed away from him slowly. Thranduil turned and descended.
Olerydes chewed her thumbnail and watched him go. Thranduil disappeared and Olerydes knew he would be going to his study to brood.
You know nothing of my mind, he thought, as he paced the bear skin rug behind closed doors. Nothing! If I wanted a concubine I would buy one, if I wanted a whore I would go to the lake or to the smalltowns and find a girl who has never been bedded by an elf, and watch her face while I take her. How they love my muscular body and my long hair. I would have no trouble in finding a willing girl! I do not want Pephennas for a lover.
Thranduil turned to gaze into the Ungol tank, unaccountably angry with Olerydes for interfering and confused as to what he really felt. He was accustomed to subverting feelings under duty so when he had a feeeling it was like greeting an old, untrustworthy acquaintance while wondering at the purpose of his visit.
I do not want her for a lover, he repeated to himself, unconvincingly. I want her to smile for me. To trust me.
Thranduil's heart began to ache, a dull and piercing pain beneath his breastbone. he desired company again. Innocent, loving company for fun and foolishness. For forgetfulness. He thought of the girl and tried to hope but she was a guarded thing, too fettered by propriety.
What must go unspoken for now is that I would care for you, my lady, if you would let me.
000
For the rest of the day, Thranduil avoided company and delegated the remaining tasks to his advisers. When sunset came he shed his boots and took his bow and quiver. He disappeared into the Greenwood, walking so fast that the guardsmen jumped out of his way on the gate. The forest asked no questions and told no lies, at least none to one now accustomed to the toxic atmosphere. Thranduil was all but immune to the hallucinogenic effect by weight of exposure over time.
The dark swallowed him whole and for some time he walked alone on the branches, wondering if it would happen again. The colours. He closed his eyes and his ears took over. Then suddenly the colours ignited. Dim at first but soon they began to flash and pulse. Before long they mapped the trees and the distant spiders and the birds roosting high above. He went deep into the forest, testing his feet and legs, feeling the soft moss between his toes and breathing deeply the smell of the forest. Then the colours showed him the glowing white aura of a doe.
When she smelled him coming she darted from beneath the thicket. Thranduil saw now fawn in tow and it was not the season for births. He pursued, along the thick branches from tree to tree.
Trust the lights, said a vivid thought, which seemed to have dropped into his head from nowhere.
I am, he answered, without thinking.
No, said the voice, which had more weight of command and power behind it than any he had mustered in all his time as King. This was the voice of some great spirit, he was sure of it. He had heard it only a few times and every time it came to teach him something.
Trust the lights!
And then he ran out of branches and empty space claimed him. Below there was nothing but darkness. He fell through it, his lungs seized and his body ready for the impact but then a green burst exploded behind his eyes and he smacked face first into something soft and pliable. He slid down it with little real discomfort and landed winded on his feet on the bracken. He gasped, sinking to one knee in shock. The spirit laughed loud and long at his misfortune, then faded. Then a burst of white broke through the underbrush and Thranduil twisted, the arrow nocked so fast that the doe had no time to divert. It hit home with a whump and she fell with a squeal.
He found her by the failing light she exuded. Her skin was warm and soft. She struggled, keening. In the dark his blade came free silently. Thranduil slit her throat before she could wake the forest and stood to wipe the blood off his face. When she had drained almost dry, he hauled her carcass onto his shoulders and tied her feet together. He set off through the dying lights to find the gates.
He was calmer and cleaner and his mind was full of the cool, misty night. He felt as if he had left his anger behind in the branches. As if the forest had drawn it out like poison. At the gate the colours shut down abruptly and left him. He strode over the long bridge.
A new recruit stared at him from his post, beside an older, more experienced guard. Thranduil was covered in moss and dirt and he strode through the doors without a word. He disappeared into one of the small, stone rooms they used to prepare meat.
There he lit a lamp and found a knife. He worked silently until all he had was a bucket of guts and a pile of bones and sinews, and a rack hanging with dripping strips of venison. When he was done he went to wash himself and found a maid bringing water to the fountains.
'Tell Salla to make a stew,' he ordered her. 'I will take it in my study when it is ready.'
The girl curtseyed, her eyes wide at his bloodied hands and stained hair. He smiled at her, coolly.
'What are you waiting for?'
'Yes my lord, sorry my lord,' she squeaked, and fled to carry out his orders.

A/N - Kudos if you can spot the Game of Thrones or the Avatar references. I just HAD to do it! Game of Thrones is very political and it's inspired a lot of the customs and dialogue, along with a few of those period dramas. Sense and Sensibility helped too!
Hope you enjoyed. This chapter was horrible to write actually because it's all peoples thoughts and choices and a verbal dance for something Phe wants so...I'm kind of glad it's over! Let me know what you think. Reviews always appreciated.
Translations
Forgive me/Sorry - Goheno nin
My Lady - Hiril Vuin
My lord - Hir vuin
My daughter = Iellig
- 4
- 5
- 6
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A Frozen Sun