The Moth & The Flame

Chapter 04 - A Change of Heart

While desires burn hotter within the fortress palace of Mirkwood and Thranduil begins to win Tauriels' heart, it may all be for naught as trouble threatens on the horizon.

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Lounging comfortably in his favorite chair before the hearth, Thranduil watched the flames as he allowed his mind to wander. Accustomed to having his thoughts divided, he listened to Galions' endless chatter as to the comings and goings within the palace. He nodded and commented at all the right moments so he would think he was actually paying attention to him. It was mostly just gossip but he had learned long ago that he could glean bits and pieces from it that could prove useful in dealing with certain people and situations.

Allowing the woodsmen temporary permission to thin out some of the trees in the more densely overgrown areas had proven effective in controlling the shelob, (spiders) it had stayed their encroachment toward the palace. Unfortunately it had cost him more in the way of using troops to protect them rather than their normal patrols of the outer edges of the forest. His feelings of restlessness only intensified as his thoughts turned to his latest argument Tauriel with her persistent requests that now become demands that she be allowed to return to the forest guard.

"What you are doing is wrong Thranduil and I think you know this." Galions' voice interrupted his thoughts, the disapproval resonating in his tone.

"What?" He frowned deeply as he turned to face him. "I am only trying to protect her. I don't want her fleeing back to Lórinand." Thranduil stated defensively, taking a long drink from his goblet as he eyed him suspiciously.

"You are hunting her as if she were little more than prey." He retorted angrily. "One you have cornered and yet you still toy with her. You have always treated her as if she were your own child, not to mention she was a loyal captain in the patrol and served you well for many years, she deserves better than this." He scolded him as if he were still the young elfling he knew centuries ago when his father and the other Sindar arrived in Greenwood the Great.

"You would not understand." Thranduil groaned angrily as he rose to his feet to stand closer to the hearth.

"My preferences may lie with ellyn (male elf) but I am far from ignorant in the ways of elleth. (Elf maiden) Why don't you try to explain it to me?" He said quietly, studying him now as he watched the strange play of expressions chase themselves across the kings' normally guarded face.

"There is a fire in her that stirs something deep within me." Thranduil said as he watched the flames in the hearth. "A passion I have not felt in many long years." He added, his tone dropping to almost a whisper.

"Yes, I have watched her closely for many years." He continued quietly, turning to briefly look at the servant who was also his friend before looking back to the flames. "Tauriel has always been special. She is not one that is impressed by power or titles yet the crown is all she sees when she looks at me." He sighed heavily as he looked down into the dark liquid in his goblet.

"And you would rather she see you and not the crown." Galion commented, a knowing smile curled his lips.

"Is that so wrong?" Thranduil asked, turning to look at him.

"Might I offer you a bit of advice?" Galion asked, arching a brow at him.

~*~

Reluctantly Tauriel pushed herself out of the bed and made her way to the bathing chamber. It had been nearly two weeks since the king had visited her. She knew she had pushed him too far when he sent word that she was no longer permitted the freedom of the palace after the evening meal which would be brought to her rooms. Sighing heavily as she thought of his empty seat on the dais for the morning and midday meals in the dining hall.