The King's Hope

Chapter 24

Thranduil

Agreeing that Rhovanel is the better warrior is easier than admitting how much I want her to stay in Greenwood. This battle will be unlike anything any of us has ever seen.

Regardless of my wishes, we leave for Rivendell with the entirety of the Greenwood army and arrive on the third day as I promised Elrond. He and his advisors greet us at the gates.

"Are you ready? This battle will be unlike those of the past. It will not be one easily survived by any of us. The strength of this evil has amassed beyond my sight," Elrond reminds me.

"My friend, I am never truly prepared for battle. All I can ever do is my best to survive. That is all I have ever done and all I shall ever do."

"But now you have more than one life to fear for," he says, looking at Rhovanel. She has dismounted and embraced Elrond's sons and daughter. The small woven crown that matches my own glitters in the sunlight as she kneels to be level with the children. Fear swells in my heart as I imagine what life would be like without her.

No. I refuse to let that cloud my mind any longer. Emotions will not blind me, not after the pain my father experienced.

The room is dark with one solitary candle beside the oaken bed. Ada kneels beside it, crying. The bed is empty, it has been for decades. Nana sailed without Oropher, and it has plagued him since.

"Ada, it is nearly time," I say, dressed for a long journey.

"You are right, ion nin. We must go," he sniffles. After taking a moment to regain his composure, he squeezes my arm and steps out of the room. I linger for a moment longer.

"He misses you, nana. He has cared for you more in your absence than in your presence. I only hope he tells you that when you meet again." I smile faintly and extinguish the small candle.

My father was only ever a king in front of his people. He was never emotionally driven in his decisions, but he was miserable unless constantly occupied with my life. That is not a burden I would wish on anyone, the responsibility for another's happiness. The constant interrogation and control was second in misery only to the disappointment in my father's eyes when I made a mistake.

This battle will not take my life from my family, not by the death of my wife, not by the death of me. I shall do anything necessary to ensure that.

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Hello again. I cannot seem to get past this awful writers block I've been having with this book. Finals week will be over on Friday, then begins the madness of the holidays. I'll be working a bunch, but when I'm not working, I'm going to make an effort to write. I know this chapter is really short, but it should be more of a transition chapter. The excitement or otherwise of battle shall come in the next chapters. I am beyond sorry for my long absences and lack of updates. I truly appreciate those of you who continue to comment and vote on this book and its predecessor. Thank you again for staying with me through this slow time. You're all amazing.
*side note: 50,000 views?! Are you serious?! Hitting that high was the best feeling in the world, thank you so much.