"What is an Elvin maiden of your beauty and charm doing in the company of dwarves?" Thranduil asks, striding down from his throne.
You stand your ground. "Merely participating in an adventure."
"Why?"
"Because I could."
"But how? Why would a company of dwarves place their trust in an elf?"
"Why do you continue to call them a company of dwarves? Not only dwarves are on this quest."
"You speak of whom?"
"Someone."
"Well then, when did you join them? Will you at least tell me that?"
"In Rivendell as the Company passed through."
"Why did you join them?"
"Why not?"
He shakes his head and turns toward his throne.
But before he can take a step, a breathless guard rushes into the room.
"The dwarves- they're gone!" He exclaims, gasping for breath.
"Well, find them then!" The king snaps.
"Lock her up." He says to another guard, who roughly chains your wrists and drags you toward your cell.
You'd told Thorin and the Company to leave you behind if they had a chance for escape, but it still hurt that they would leave you like this.
"Leave us." The sharp voice of Thranduil orders. You'd not heard him coming.
"But, Your Highness-"
"Leave."
"Yes, Your Majesty." The guard says, bowing.
Thranduil walks into the cell and sits opposite you.
"Why wouldn't you answer my questions?"
"You didn't need my answers."
He nods. "Why were you really on that quest?"
"I wanted to leave Rivendell."
"Why?"
"I was just- tired, I guess, of the predictability of the place. I wanted to explore, and others said I was mad for it. Perhaps I was. But when a group of dwarves came through, it was new, and interesting. Upon a little bit of spying I learnt of where they planned to go and I followed them.
"After a while I told them who I was and why I was there. They were dubious at first, but they soon warmed up to my presence.
"And then we arrived here. You know the rest from there."
"But I don't, do I? How did they escape?"
"Even if I did know I'd not tell you."
"They are your friends?"
"Yes."
"Then why did they leave you?"
"I asked them to."
"But you said you didn't know how they escaped?"
"I asked them to leave without me if the need arose, and it did."
"Say I were to let you go. Would I ever see you again?"
"Maybe. I don't know."
"Promise me you'll come back."
"I can't. You've seen what dragon fire can do."
"Then promise me you'll try."
"Why?"
"Because I love you." The abruptness of the statement shocks you.
You nod slowly. "Very well. I'll try."
"Good."
He turns to leave, but turns back. He stares at your face for a moment and then kisses you.
"Are you coming?" He asks, walking out of the cell.
You smile and follow.
