It's a Hard Knock Life for Us (Thorinduil AU)

III • : "I Shouldn't Have Listened..." : •

Credits to the artist! I am now in love with said photo. •u•

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Thranduil's POV

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The woods were placidly silent. The only sound that fluttered through the air was the gentle rustle of the leaves above us. Nana's conversing mood melted away as we headed further into nature. There was no reason to talk, really. It was best to just enjoy the fresh air and wildlife around without the bother of meaningless words.

Honestly, these are probably my favorites memories; taking a slow ride through the forest with Nana, Ada, or just myself. It was nice to get away from the chaos of the palace every now and again.

The air wasn't particularly hot nor cold. It's soft breath ran through our hair and sent the leaves above us dancing. I smiled and ran my hand over my horse's neck, patting when I got to the shoulder.

Everything was wonderful. My father had given me his very own old sword and had actually smiled at me. I can't remember the last time that happened. Maybe his salad wasn't settling right and it wasn't a smile but just indigestion or something. I know I'm feeling it. Despite my upset stomach, the weather was merciful and absolutely divine. I couldn't think of how this serene moment in time could be disrupted.

I never thought it would be.

How wrong I was...

Something had startled the horses. They, both, became enormously skittish and refused to walk any further. Nana's horse actually reared up, throwing her from her saddle.

"Nana! Are you alright?" I called, hopping off of my horse. The creature seized the opportunity and bolted off with the other equine close behind.

"Yes, yes dear, I'm fine." She stood up and brushed herself off, gazing in the direction the horses had scurried.

"What could have rounded them up so horribly that they fled?" I asked, confusion plainly written on my face.

"I'm not sure, but I know it is not anything we shouldn't be afraid of. We best be heading back on foot." My mother advised. I nodded in agreement and we both began trekking back to the palace on foot. We hadn't gone too far, maybe a few miles, but not to where it was unbearable to walk back.

Out of no where, an ominous shadow covered us above the trees. It moved over us swiftly and then circled back to cover us. There was only one thing, one thing that could make a shadow like that.

I turned back to see the culprit and my heart dropped into the pit of my stomach. My skin prickled with pure terror.

"N-N-Nana..."

Nana hadn't noticed the darkness that hovered over us. She stopped along with me and asked, "What's wrong?" I didn't respond. "Thranduil? What are you looking at?" She pivoted around only to be met with a mortifying picture.

"D-D...Dragon..." My voice faltered.

"Thranduil?" Her voice was its natural calm and sweet tone. She didn't break her gaze with the dragon that fluttered above us.

I visibly shook, my body washing with cold and hot flashes at the same time. It felt like I was a schorching coal shedding off layers of cool rock as I burned. "Y-Yes?"

"Go."

"What?" I snapped my head back to meet her gaze.

"Go. Run." She demanded.