If I Had You

Chapter VII

Tauriel POV       

 The next portion of our journey home goes considerably smoother. That is, up until we arrive at our destination.    

We set out a daybreak. We hurry around the camp in a frenzy like manner. We made sure the horses were fed, the camp packed up, that the hobbits were fed, before finally embarking on the last phase of our trek.     The wind had died down, thankfully. Not only did this give my eyes serenity, but it stopped the elleth from continuing her campaign of complaining. Out of all of Legolas's newly acquired friends, I think I detested her the most. She wasn't well suited for these types of journeys.     However, the hobbits and dwarf were starting to grow on me. Unlike Arwen, the hobbits complaints of a lack of meals was amusing. And that aside, Merry and Pippin were good company. You could be held captive by the oddities within their conversations. I often found myself listening to them talk about some far fetched tale about the Shire, or an old memory recalled from the days of the Fellowship. But above all, they stuck together as friends. They didn't tear each other down, and they almost always seemed to be by each others sides. I find myself almost jealous of their relationship with each other. Friendship had never come easy for me.     The dwarf, too, I was also growing fond of. He at least, had a sense of humor.  But, alas, I couldn't adjust to the likings of people like Arwen. They just, annoyed me. Perhaps "annoyance" was an understatement. I wasn't sure why, but they did.We continue on with our journey, our horses  running at top speeds yet not showing many signs of weariness. We're making good time, and I know it won't be long before we arrive at Mirkwood. Butterflies stir in my stomach when I think of confronting Mirkwood. What if we were wrong? It was very possible that the mutiny and Mirkwood were independent of each other. It would be terrifying to wrongly accuse Thranduil of anything, but especially betraying his own kingdom.    

That's when an even more terrifying idea pops into my head; What if we were right? And Thranduil did in fact betray his kingdom, along with the rest of us? What did we honestly hope to accomplish? Barging into a heavily armed throne room with a half a plan usually didn't accomplish anything worthwhile.    

I contemplate as we continue on our way. Within the hour we can see the walls of Mirkwood. My stomach continues to form knots, and I stop, the rest of the company halting.     I can feel Legolas behind me, also taking in the walls surrounded by thick forest. I wonder how we felt about this whole thing. After all, this was his father who's loyalty was in question. Shakily, I dismount my stead. I ready my bag and weapon, my motions slow. While usually the captain of the guard was supposed to lead and make the first move, I wait until the rest of them start walking towards Mirkwood.    

"So, think of a plan yet?" I mutter to Legolas. He tilts his head slightly in my direction, and I can tell by his face the shadow of this place weighs heavily on him.   

"Confront my father." He mutters back. We're in front of the rest, a considerable distance of a few feet between us and our nearest companion (the dwarf).    

"I mean specifics, Greenleaf." I say. He shrugs nervously.   

"Not sure I have any." He says back.    

Great. Because its always an absolutely amazing idea to confront a king with treason when you had no evidence to back it up, and no idea of how to accomplish such a feat.

We approach the door in silence. I spot two unfamiliar guards at the door, us to far away to make out their genders, or anything more. Nothing unexpected. There were always guards at the gates. I let Legolas pass me a bit, knowing the Prince of Mirkwood will enter more easily than a solider.    We move forward, and I expect us to pass easily. After that, we passed through some corridors and streets, made our way up two stairwells, and we'd arrive at Thranduil's throne room. Shouldn't take us more than a 10 minutes.