Surviving The Storm (Evergreen #3)

Vulnerability

You finally made your way to the dinning hall, Thranduil's saddened expression engraved in your mind and you wondered if you had been to harsh. 

You make your way to the dining hall, and notice that everyone is watching you. 

"Trouble in paradise?' a familiar voice says from behind you. 

You turned to meet your mother's icy gaze.

"Why would you say that?" You ask, though you didn't care to hear her answer.

"Well, it's all over the kingdom." She says, an 'I told you so' glint in her eyes.

"What is all over the kingdom?" You ask, eyeing her suspiciously.

"Your defiance of the king!" she exclaimed gleefully.

"What?" your stomach drops, and you rush out of the dining hall and head back to your chambers. Suddenly feeling very anxious. 

*********

You open your door and close it quickly, leaning back against the cool frame, when you notice Thranduil sitting on the courner of your bed. His eyes were filled with sorrow and confusion, and he looked completely vulnerable. 

"He wanted me to blindly send my men out to fight this unknown darkness. I told him that I would not risk the lives of my people, until I knew what we were fighting. Thorin did not like that, and so he left. I lied to you, because I did not want to worry you. I know how much this already burdens you and I wanted you to be happy for as long as possible. And I know that I have been a little distant, but I am scared of this darkness. The last time something like this happened, I lost my wife." A small tear slipped down Thranduil's cheek, and your heart felt like it was breaking in two. 

You walked over and knelt in front of him, your eyes searching his. 

"You remind me so much of her, and I cannot stand to lose you. It would destroy me." He added, as another tear fell, and he looked away from you. You placed your hand on his cheek wiping away a tear and forcing him to look at you.

"Nothing is going to happen to me", You say, looking deep into his beautiful eyes. "We are in this together, that means being honest with each other even when it is hard." You add.

"I am sorry." He says softly, and he leans down, his lips gently brushing your forehead. 

You stand and wrap your arms tightly around him, feeling his warmth. 

"I love you." He whispers softly into your hair. 

"I love you too." You whisper back, your grip tightening. 

********************

"We have to find someway to fix things with Thorin. We will never defeat this evil if we do not fight together." You say, looking at Thranduil. 

The two of you were lying side by side now, and your fingers were laced together. You had been laying there in silence for a long while, the sun had gone down and the light from the moon was dancing around in your room, illuminating his bright blue eyes. 

"I know. I did not want to anger him, but I could not do as he requested and he would hear no compromise." Thranduil sighed. 

"If he sends his men out there, they will be slaughtered." You say, looking at Thranduil expectantly.

"I don't know how to stop him." Thranduil answers.

"He and Legolas are close, maybe Legolas could talk to him." You suggest.

"Except, Legolas isn't talking to us..." Thranduil pointed out. 

"What about Fili? Or talking to Thror?" Thror is next in line for king, so even if he cannot convince Thorin, he can stop the army from going out." You try again.

"Maybe." Thranduil ponders the idea. "I will send word to Thror first thing in the morning, hopefully we can come to some agreement."

"I hope, even if Thror doesn't like you.." You bite your bottom lip.

"Who said Thror doesn't like me?" Thranduil gave you a quizzical look. 

"Seriously?" You laugh, "You don't actually think he does like you."

"We have been acquainted for many years." Thranduil says defensively. 

"Yes, and to everyone but me, you are a cold miserable bastard." You say pointedly. 

Thranduil considers what you said for a moment. "Okay, maybe you could talk to him then." he says. 

"Me?" You say like he is crazy for suggesting it.

"Yes. You have worked for me for many years. I have seen you win over even the most difficult people, myself included. I know that you might have a shot at getting through to him."  Thranduil explains, turning on his side, so that his body is now facing you.

"Great, the fate of the dwarfish army lies on my shoulders." You mumble. 

"No pressure." Thranduil jokes, brushing a stray hair from your face. 

"Thanks..." You say, turning to face him as well. 

"You look exhausted", he says quietly, kissing you gently. "you should sleep now." 

"You will be here when I wake up?" You ask, moving closer to him. 

"Of course, my love." He whispers, and wraps his arms around you. 

You lie there quietly as he strokes your hair and hums a soft melody, and for the moment you felt safe.