The Lost Hope

Thranduil's Distress

Thranduil's pov

It has been thirty years since I have seen him. My memories start to question themselves as I try to recall the past. I had a feeling something has changed him by now to the point I wouldn't recognize him if I saw him.

If I would ever see my son again.

I continue to think as I sit down in my throne. My blond hair slips past my ears into my face. I glance at it, before pulling it back behind my ears.

I pull my hands away to feel a small stabbing pain come from the back of my hands. I look at my hands to see my skin starting to peel away from itself. Blackness start to cover them, holding it's horrible secret inside of it.

I glance at it for a little. I had rare occasions when the darkness showed, and in those times often meant something awful was going to come from it. Thinking about it gave me the chills.

I hear a door open and was shortly followed by a closing. I turn up to see one of my best advisers, Elinor walk in. I jolt my hand back into my pocket and give my attention to Elinor.

He stops in front of me. He bows, his dirty blond hair slipping into his face. He then stands straight up, confronting me with his brown eyes showing concern.

"Thranduil, I am afraid the guards are running into more orcs every day. I think it may be good if we increased the amount of guards. I am sure there will be a raid in the future."

I nod. I knew those pesky orcs in the forest would be causing trouble before long. They have been a problem for multiple weeks now, it was only time before more grouped and storms the city.

"Increase the staff. I want everyone in the guard to know what is going on so they will be aware. Also, double the trainees in the army." I say.

Elinor nods. "Yes." He waves at a guard that came to him and he nods, leaving out the closest door.

Elinor looks back at me, pulling out a piece of paper. "I also received a letter from Elrond." He hands it to me. It was in elegant paper and was held together with a seal at the back.

I carefully open the letter, finding elegant writing in elvish. I read it swiftly, almost gasping half way through it.

Dear Thranduil,
I have news about the war with Sauron. The Fellowship has succeeded to destroy the ring and now Middle Earth can have some peace.
However, as I was talking to Galadriel and Gandalf, we came to the conclusion that the war is not quite over. I have seen a couple raids of orcs attacking little towns and causing havoc in the area.
I am planning on sending some of my best troops and leaders to every town. However, I am going to send your son to Gundabad to retrieve something for us. We figured that this would give him a break after the war with Sauron.
I would advise you keep watch and continue to build your army. I have heard the Mirkwood forest can be treacherous and I have no fear that you will be able to manage yourself.
Sincerely,
Elrond

I fold up the paper and place it back in the envelope. I look up at Elinor, who was standing patiently. I stand up and keep my eyes on him. I try to show no change expression in my face and voice.

"Call together the available elves in the army and guards." I tell him. "Tell them to meet in the dining room." He shows shock, but nods in understanding before leaving the hall.

I look around as the door was closing. I realized that the hall was empty, though I felt like billions of people were watching my every move.

I walk over to a window which was placed at the edge of the hall. I peer out at the sea of elves were going about their business. I see Elinor go out and talk to some of the guards. They nod in understanding and they all walk towards the edge of the city.

I lean against the wall. I felt nothing but pain swarming inside of me. My heart was starting to beat harder at the second. My lungs start burning with the intensity of acid on a piece of cloth.

My vision starts to blur as the whole world goes dark.