The Moth & The Flame

Chapter 33 - A Forever Love

Chapter Summary: 

The seriousness of Thranduils injury has been kept a secret shared only between the healer and a few of his most trusted friends. Lingering for a time under heavy sedation, Thranduil realizes the one weakness for which he has no defense. Legolas is forced to step up to his responsibilities as the Prince of the Realm, yet he still battles with the past. A unique and strange friendship forms between Tauriel and the Lady Gilaiwë as she struggles to help her understand the lingering problems from the past yet she knows she can only reveal so much. Will Thranduil and Tauriels' unspoken love get them through this?

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In the days after the unprecedented event in the Great Hall, the elves of the Woodland Realm struggled with the enormity of not only what they witnessed, but finding out about the insidious plan that forced their king to make such a dreadful decision. While most had engaged in fierce fighting firsthand during the battle on the plains of Erabor, none had ever beheld such a conflict between elves. There were none but the older ones who could recall such ruthlessness since the Battle of Dagorlad where they lost King Oropher during the War of the Last Alliance.

Having heard the grievous accusations read aloud against the former lord and council member, many felt anxious and very much ill at ease that such treachery had festered unnoticed amongst them until it was nearly too late. It had been over three millennia since Thranduil had ascended to the throne, during which time Silvan and Sindar had dwelt in harmony throughout the realm. The very idea there were those who still considered elves of a certain birth to be somehow lesser than any other went beyond their understanding.

Gradually however, the somber mood throughout the palace began to shift as they resumed their normal routine. Still, there was concern for the kings' welfare in spite of favorable reports from Lord Garävegión, assuring them while the king suffered a serious injury he was recovering well under the care of Jôsidëáh, the Head Master of the palace healing rooms. Soon enough, in spite of the lingering subdued mood, they began to dwell on another underlying issue that had many quite pleased and whispering amongst themselves.

Skipping down the last set of stairs into the older abandoned living quarters of the royal family, Legolas nodded toward the two guards as he crossed the foyer. The old study had once been his grandfathers but now served as his father's private retreat during those times when he wished to be alone. A slight frown creased his brow as he stepped into the small alcove surrounding the entrance of the room. Reaching for the handle he paused at the sound of low voices just beyond the door.

"I can tell you only this" Jôsidëáh sighed heavily. "He is very fortunate the poison was poorly mixed, otherwise we would have been burying him as well."

"Have you found the source of it?" Aldalómë asked, his tone thick with obvious anger but there was another emotion Legolas could not define.

"Both Beriórwën and Húriön have been diligently searching the archives in the kings' library since it was revealed." Jôsidëáh stated quietly yet thoughtfully. "They've identified all but one of the plants used in the mixture. There is no reference to either Arendsii or Carmichaelii being found in these parts. The forests here and most of the woodland areas to the south are far too dark and damp for them to survive."

"Who would know of such a plant?" Aldalómë pressed him further, his tone growing deeper as he struggled with the gravity of the situation.

"Most certainly any one of the senior healers would at least know of it." Jôsidëáh stated in shock. "Surely you do not..."

"I do not know what to think right now." Aldalómë cut him off abruptly as he turned away from him to leave.

"Legolas!" He gasped opening the door, his face paled slightly as he met the piercing gaze of the young prince.