Calm The Fire

25

Having since changed from earlier on, Thranduil clasped his hands behind his back. His hands rested against the soft material of his long silver toned tunic. His eyes stared out and looked over the spacious woodland surroundings before him. Behind him however, stood a rather unamused looking Thorin. He stood still covered in webs, with a guard nearby watching him in case he moved out against the Elvenking. Thorin's comrades were elsewhere, tucked and locked away in small poky cells which they had no hope of breaking out of. Sure, if they were in any other prison they may stand a chance. But here escape wasn't possible, not without someone seeing.

"Some may imagine that a noble quest is at hand." He said indifferently yet rather amused at the same time. "A quest to reclaim a homeland and slay a dragon." He turned and started to walk towards Thorin, who as yet stood silent and unmoving. "I myself, suspect a more prosaic motive. Attempted burglary, or something of that ilk." He leaned down and looked at him with unblinking blue eyes. Tilting his head to the side slightly, Thranduil moved backwards silently. "You've found a way in. You seek that which would bestow upon you the right to rule." His words were more of a statement than anything else. "A King's Jewel. The Arkenstone. It is precious to you beyond measure, I understand that." The corner of Thranduil's mouth slowly turned up into a half smile as he looked down at Thorin, he in turn looked to the ground and then up at him. "There are gems in the Mountain that I too desire. White gems of pure starlight. I offer you my help." In a moment the smile disappeared and his tone returned to the usual flat stoic one which Thorin remembered all too well from many years ago.

Thorin couldn't help but look up at Thranduil with a light smirk. "I am listening."

Thranduil inclined his head gently. "I will let you go, if you but return what is mine."

"A favour for a favour." Thorin turned slowly and looked around the wood carved space behind him. The guard nearby watched as he moved, yet he himself didn't move to stop him. Stopping at the small stairs which led down to the bridge, which then led off into a corridor, Thorin sighed.

"You have my word." Came the hollow sounding response from behind him.

"I would not trust, Thranduil, the great King to only his words. Till the end of all days be upon us!" Thorin said his voice raising as he turned and looked at Thranduil. The Elvenking behind him stood with slightly wide eyes, not wholly expecting this response, though he wasn't too surprised. "You," Thorin pointed at him sharply. "Lack all honour! I have seen how you treat your friends! We came to you once starving, homeless; seeking your help. But you turned your back! You, turned away from the suffering of my people and the inferno that destroyed us!" Thorin said seriously yet passionately on the truths which he was speaking of.

With alarming speed Thranduil was leaning in front of Thorin in seconds. "Do not talk to me of dragon fire! I know it's wrath and ruin. I have faced the great serpents of the north." He whispered deadly serious while not moving his gaze an inch. Thorin watched as the side of Thranduil's face became distorted and marred from a burn. Stepping back, Thranduil looked darkly down at him. "I warned your grandfather of what his greed would summon, but he would not listen." He said darkly, his clear blue eyes even darkened as he spoke remembering the conversation he had had with Thrór on the matter. He turned slowly and started to walk up the stairs which led to his throne. "You are just like him," he said while looking down at Thorin. In a simple motion he waved his hands and the guards moved forwards and seized both of Thorin's arms and started to pull him back. "Stay here if you will and rot. A hundred years is a mere blink in a life of an elf. I'm patient, I can wait." Thranduil said honestly while watching as Thorin's form got pulled along and back towards the cell which was awaiting him.

—

Tauriel stood in disbelief, her dark eyes blinked several times before stepping back. "You are not guarded."