The branches of the trees slowly swayed back and forth in the winter’s breeze, however this breeze did not affect the lone rider. His objective was clear, he had to reach Mirkwood before sundown. The rider hurried his stallions pace to a gallop as midday came. The snow became entangled in his raven hair as he rode through Mirkwood. Hastily he got off his horse and ran through the Mirkwood Palace, after a lot of searching he found the resting chambers of the great Elvan King. Hesitantly he pushed open the large wooden doors, a sleeping Thranduil lay before him. The bowman approached the sleeping elf. A sky blue eye opened and lazily assessed the bowman, taking in all his handsome features. “You sent for me, your highness?” the bowman asked, his voice gruff. Thranduil sat up and brushed his golden hair out of his face “we’re alone so you don’t need to be formal,” He said with a slight smirk. “Ah don’t move too much” Bard said worriedly and helped the king sit up.
“It’s just a scratch, don’t worry yourself”
“It’s not ‘just a scratch’! This wound could be fatal!”
“Please Bard don’t worry” Thranduil placed a hand on the teary mortals cheek.
Bard sat next to Thranduil and hugged him gently. Slowly the white sheets turned red with blood “you shouldn’t have sat up, you’ve re-opened the wound” Bard scolded but with worry for the kings health. “I’ll go get help,” Bard got up only to be stopped by Thranduil holding onto him. “Please don’t go,” the elf said softly. The bowman didn’t protest and laid down next to the Elvan king. “I thought that I was going to have to suffer through another loved one dying but in fact, this time I will be the one who-“
Bard cut him off “don’t say things like that! You’re not going to die, I promise!”
“Bard, my dear. I am truly grateful to have met you and I’m sorry for having to leave you so soon.” Thranduil said softly, this brought the bowman (+ author) to tears. Soon the light faded from the elves eyes and his skin grew pale and cold. The bowman cried out in pain for his heart had broken. He laid there with the kings’ body for hours before he reluctantly got up and left the chambers “melindo Thranduil,” Bard whispered before leaving the palace.
