Light and Shadows (Thranduil's story post BOTFA)

Heading to battle

I don't own the video or the song. 

Some time went by fast, with life in the Woodland Realm fairly stable as it had been for the past century and with the elves being constantly vigilant against any possible attacks, constantly patrolling the forest and on the guard. Then, one morning, Thranduil summoned his captains to the throne hall to talk about the upcoming battle against Dol Guldur that was approaching. Aldon, Maldir, Feren and Tauriel were all there to take orders from the King.

'Aldon, Maldir', Thranduil ordered in a cool voice, 'you will come with me to Dol Guldur. In the meantime, Feren and Tauriel will stay here to defend our fortress in case of an attack on this land. It is imperative that you are ready in case any attack happens. Your role is crucial in defending the realm in my absence.'

Tauriel and Feren looked at each other. Feren seemed slightly surprised by the King's command but not displeased. Tauriel on the other hand kept a neutral mask. She turned her head again towards Thranduil and this time her expression was clearly hiding discontent. 

As soon as the meeting was over, Tauriel got rid of some pressing duties and then went straight to Thranduil's quarters to talk to him. He looked calm, in his luxurious long robes, putting some wine in a goblet. His image was unearthly beautiful from the distance. Tauriel stood in silence for a few moments in front of the entrance, still carrying a frown on her face, until Thranduil turned his head towards her.

'Why are you taking Aldon with you and leaving me behind?' she snapped right away. 'I am a much better and more experienced warrior than he is...'

Thranduil turned his full body towards her, his head held high, giving her an intimidating and commanding gaze. 

'Because I need you and Feren here to defend the land. I have been informed that an attack from the Easterlings is to be expected at any time.', he answered with a powerful voice. 'The power of Sauron has corrupted many. Dol Guldur is not our only threat.'

She walked closer to him, visibly angry. 

'I want to go with you. Put Maldir in my place.', she ordered.

'Maldir is my oldest, most experienced captain and knows Dol Guldur. In fact, as you probably are aware, Dol Guldur is the former home of my father and I. Maldir has lived there with us, he knows all its passages, all its secrets. I cannot spare him. You, on the other hand, know this area very well and know how to protect this forest.'  

'Then leave Aldon here, he knows as little of Dol Guldur as me and is capable of defending this fortress much better than fighting over there.'

'No.', Thranduil said in a commanding tone.

Tauriel looked at him displeased and disappointed, almost not knowing what more to say. 

'If you are not pleased with my orders, then you are free to run away and do what you wish. Just know that next time I will not be lifting your banishment again.'

His harsh words came out of his mouth like swords. He did not know why he suddenly felt so angry and why he was saying them. He felt his heart wanting to close off once again, after months of newfound warmth towards Tauriel.

'Run away?', she said calmly but visibly hurt. 'When have I ever run away from a battle?'

'You care too little for this land, Tauriel. You are ready to fight other battles, even in distant places of Middle-Earth, but not interested in protecting and honouring your own kin.'

Thranduil felt that his words were half-directed at Legolas and understood where his anger was coming from. Tauriel looked hurt and insulted and Thranduil could see it all over her face and in her frown.