In the aftermath of the Battle of the Five Armies, Thranduil finds the world within his Halls empty. He struggles to come to terms with the absence of his only child and the loss of the one he raised as if she were his own daughter. He begins to r...
Thranduil moves forward with his plans to replace the hereditary oath with his own declaration. While in Lake Town, Ráerû not only discovers the identity of the tall dark haired elf that had eluded his friend Elvändéruil, he learns of their plans. Thranduil and Gilaiwë accidentally come upon a heated argument between Tauriel and Legolas, forcing Thranduil to accept the destiny he has always denied.
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There was a subtle sense of unease in Thranduils' public study as preparations were being made for certain invited guests for a special meeting. The ever present guards in the antechamber just beyond the doors had been instructed that no others were permitted entry. Galion had already seen to the wine cupboard, ensuring it was properly stocked according to the preferences he was aware of as well as a pot of the more favored cinnamon spiced tea hung on the hook near the coals in the glowing hearth. He also brought a small tray with more teacups and hand pies just in case the meeting ran longer than anticipated.
"Lord Fládëithnôr asked me to apologize for him." Galion said quietly, pausing for a moment as he stepped closer to Thranduil's desk. "He is with Lady Laûrläéthëe but said he would be here shortly."
"Thank you Galion." Thranduil said, smiling softly as he studied the concerned expression on the face of his longtime friend and confidante. "I will be preoccupied with official matters most of the day. Perhaps you can use this as a chance to spend some time with Minûiáliën. I am sure she would appreciate seeing you."
"I just might do that." Galion chuckled, nodding his head respectfully as he returned the soft smile. He allowed his gaze to linger for only a brief moment on the face of the one who was his king yet he was also the son he with whom he had never been blessed.
Thranduil felt a pang of sadness grip his heart as he watched him turn and stride gracefully from the study. He owed so much of who he was and what he had become to the older Silvan elf who had always been there for him, reassuring him during the dark times of his childhood. He had even stood against his father on his behalf, risking everything to join him during his exile in Lórinand and faced down his father with him when they returned. Although he filled the role of a servant, he had always been and would always be so much more than that to him.
Blinking back the memories that threatened, he turned to meet the steady gaze of Gilaiwë. The slow smile and knowing look in her eyes was more than unsettling to him, but then like Galion, she had come to know him in ways no other could ever know.
"Do not be sad for him." She said quietly, her gaze softening as she studied him. "He is proud of you. You have become everything he always dreamed you would be and more. He is happy for you Eshë." (Note) She added softly.
"It is only..." Pausing as the door to the study opened, he quickly schooled his expression as he rose from his chair. "Laurefindë." He greeted her with a smile as he walked around his desk toward her. "Thank you for being here on such short notice." He said quietly as he embraced her briefly before gesturing toward one of the chairs before the hearth.
