Wayfarer's

Chapter 11.

Shay growled, the never ending rain continuing to patter on his head. Curses flew freely from his mouth. Absently listening to the sloshing of his feet, limbs sinking deeply into the thick, revolting mug, the man staggered. Quickly he righted himself and winced. Would this ever end?

The man lifted his leg, his entire calf wedged into the mug. And then he dislodged his other one.

Their life was already dismal and depressing, and their task at hand was hopeless. The weather just had to make it worse, didn't it? Shay thought bitterly, feeling liquid seep through his pants and boots, lowering his body temperature. Shay brought his leg up once more, and continued walking, ignoring the cold.

Breen walked along side the grieving Thranduil, pulling his cloak tightly around his small frame. However, the thin material did little to keep him warm, and only encouraged further soaking. The constant pouring rain seeped through his cloak, making his clothes and skin wet. Breen looked up at the elf King, letting a frown form on his features.

The once powerful looking elf walked clumsily, his body slumped forward. Hood thrown back, Thranduil's long, silver hair made a drenched curtain around his youthful face. But it didn't seem to bother the ellon.

The young boy felt himself going under too, and he understood the elf. He had lost a friend too. It wasn't fun. Surely the elf had the right to grieve. Breen withheld a yelp and he was pulled backwards by firm hands.

"What is wrong with him?" Shay asked, the lack of sympathy clear on his face. However, that didn't mean he wanted the Elleth to die. Now that it had happened, he just wanted to move on.

I didn't want Tauriel to die. Honestly I didn't think she was capable of it. Maybe that's why I hated her so much?

"Shay! He just lost a friend. Can't you just stop for once?" The younger of the two spoke softly, the plea in his tone obvious. Breen could feel the anger radiating off his brother, causing him shrink in on himself.

Shay scoffed at his brother, rolling his broad shoulders.

"So what? Are we gonna let him mope around and lead us straight into danger? I think not." Shoving his brother roughly away, he paraded up to the king.

Breen yelped, the force sending him right into a tree. He hissed in pain, rubbing his nose ruefully, eyes watering. The boy blinked furiously, brushing away the ache and turning towards his friends.

Shay grabbed the king by his shoulder, swinging the elf around to face him. Before Thranduil could react, the large mans fist collided with the elf's jaw, sending him staggering back.

"Get ahold of yourself! You aren't a child!" Shay roared, coming face to face with him once more.

Thranduil winced weakly, but held the man's gaze, his eyes seeming to lose their spark. They seemed... Understanding. He rolled his jaw painfully and nodded. Whatever fiery defiance that was once there was gone, for the moment.

Shay shoved the King backwards again. The man didn't care for himself; he would storm into Mordor and take on Sauron. But his baby brother was here, and he would do anything to protect him. And Shay wouldn't let this elf King endanger Breen's safety.

Thranduil leaned against a tree, favoring the left side of his jaw and breathing heavily.

Breen panicked, and ran to the kings side. But Thranduil gently brushed him away.

"He's right.... Now isn't the time to grieve." The King said hoarsely, his first words in almost two days. The elf rubbed his jaw, cringing. The human had a strong punch.