Unspoken ( A Legolas Love Story )

2.18: Regret

It was almost a year since Tauriel had visited the elvenking's palace. Whispers of winter were already upon the forest, some trees still held onto their dark green leaves, as they always did, but most had relinquished them to but a breeze. A carpet of amber and vermilion was laid thick beneath her feet as she walked. The she-elf took a moment and stood with her arms outstretched as she breathed in the scents of the forest and absorbed the many and varied conversations between the ancient trees.

The red-haired silvan was now well ensconced in her new life with men and dwarves, far away from The Greenwood. But always a part of her longed to be back in the forest and to mingle with old friends, even if it was only as the outsider that she had now become. Some of her initial apprehensions regarding her dealings with the King had been absolved in two previous visits. Her last visit and her negotiations with the King had gone smoothly and surprising well, all things considered. Tauriel had even, dare she say it, enjoyed sparring with the King when it came to matters of trade and commerce. Indeed, she found her herself expectantly looking forward to this visit and to updating King Thranduil on Erebor's and Dale's progress.

However, upon arrival, the guards at the gate had greeted her warily. She had only been able to exchange a few words with Rúion, one of the guards, as his anxiety was almost palpable. Suffice to say that when Rúion had warned her of the King's temper, Tauriel had laughed, before he then asserted that it was like nothing she had have ever seen before. Furthermore, the elvenking had received a letter today that had seemingly pushed him further over the brink into a state of unhinged rage. Tauriel groaned inwardly and wondered whether to turn back, as it was highly unlikely any negotiations could be productive, particularly when Thranduil was in this frame of mind.

She slowly made her way to the throne-room, the halls were deathly quiet and unusually devoid of staff. As Tauriel passed through various passages, she realized that the palace was by all appearance in a state of disrepair. A large tapestry had been rent in two and she noticed that pieces of a shattered mirror still hung on the wall. An ominous foreboding hovered in the air, as Tauriel lightly traced her fingers across deep gouge marks in the surface of a marble column; only tremendous force and elven steel could have made those. She subconsciously brought her hands to rest upon her daggers. As she crossed one of the many causeways, Tauriel could see the king is slumped in his throne, motionless. Clenching her teeth, she shook herself almost imperceptibly and returned her hands to her sides, as she advanced towards him cautiously.

Thranduil barely moved his head, once he became aware of her approach. But Tauriel observed that his cold blue eyes followed her every move, till she stood at the base of the stairs to his throne.

"How delightful. Your presence is just what I needed to improve this foul day." His voice dripped with sarcasm.

Tauriel took a breath. "My gracious King Thranduil, an honor as always." She bowed low.

"Save your empty platitudes. I have no need of them." Thranduil said with disdain. Then the King tossed a piece of parchment at her feet, he must have been holding it discretely in his hand prior to her arrival.

"Read it."

Tauriel knew that this was undoubtedly not a request.

Slowly she lent to pick up the parchment, and as she weighed up the king out of the corner of her eye, she began to read the contents of the letter.

The information contained within, was truly astounding and she had to read it several times, all the while she could sense Thranduil's growing impatience. To the point whereby the elvenking could no longer contain himself.

"Hurry up!" His voice was clipped. "Has your mind grown dull with dwarves and men...?"

"There is much to read and even more to absorb..." Tauriel found that Thranduil's insults and commanding presence no longer affected her, like they once might have.