In the aftermath of the battle in the great hall and Tirithiáël's death, a solemn mood descends upon the great elven fortress. Bringing with it inklings from the past, creeping in amongst the older elves as the darkness in Dol Guldur is felt far beyond the Woodland Realm.
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"Saēs Díhen Nin!" Thranduil's heart cried out in anguish, feeling the warmth of Tirithiáël's life spill over the hilt of the Sâēx as his body slumped against his own. The eerie silence in the Great Hall weighed heavy on him as Aldalómë and Macilvoronhûr moved quickly to his side.
"It is over mellon nin," Aldalómë told him softly as they assisted the King to his feet.
Pulling on the stoic mask as he had done so many times in the past, Thranduil straightened his shoulders and strode purposefully toward the grand archway. "Splintered once more, the Teleri, once the largest and greatest of the Eldar were divided, no longer one, for pride and greed now festered in the hearts of some." Galadriel's words from long ago drifted through the fog in his mind as Glaurhalbër and Rínnänéth fell in step behind them, departing the Great Hall.
"Take her to my father's chambers," Legolas stated, nodding solemnly at Elvändéruil before turning quickly away from them. Making his way toward Lord Garävegión, he glanced quickly over his shoulder at the top of the pillars. Frowning slightly as the small group converged on the slumped form he recognized as Aûraë.
"Oh Eru!" Captain Lárasarnë groaned as he dropped to his knees, folding Aûraë's trembling body in his arms. "Sorrui mui me."
"I never want to do this again!!" She sobbed into his neck, heedless of her tears as she clung to him.
"Leave them." Ivósaar said quietly. Glancing down, he watched the King depart as he ushered the others quickly along the narrow walkway at the top of the pillars.
"I do not understand why my Father has allowed him to live," Legolas stated, his tone was cold as he turned his attention to the guards, watching as they led the Nördyqûi through the great oaken doors.
"Your Father's reason is twofold Legolas." Lord Garävegión commented quietly, falling in step with the young prince as they followed the rest of the King's elite guard through the grand archway. "Your father has paid a heavy price today. Still, by allowing Ortäuré and the Nördyqûi to live, he knows they will each in their own way make it known beyond our borders he will not be taken lightly in his defense of this realm."
"What of Oviëdó?" Legolas pressed him further, a deep frown creasing his brow. "Word has no doubt reached him."
"Arthedain has its own troubles." Lord Garävegión sighed heavily. "Angmar has driven most of the Dúnedain into Lhûn, leaving only mercenaries and bounty hunters. In time Oviëdó would do well to return to his homeland, but he will not find it as he left it."
"I do not understand..."
"There is nothing to understand Legolas." Lord Garävegión interrupted him, a soft smile curling his lips. "Your father has long been aware of the strife that has befallen most of the lands south of the Ettenmoors and west of Baranduin. News travels slow, mostly from nomadic rangers from the regions of Gondor and Haladin. He awaits word from Lord Elrond and Celeborn as to their findings regarding the goings on in Dol Guldur."
"And the Lady Galadriel?" Legolas ventured cautiously as they descended the steps into the large antechamber of the Kings' private areas within the heart of the fortress.
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The Moth & The Flame
FanfictionIn 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...
