Chapter 1

The noise and commotion in the council chamber produced by chairs being dragged lightly on the floor, robes whooshing around and voices chattering in low tones gradually faded, as the councilors took their seats and waited for the King to walk to his. Legolas was already there, but kept still and silent, his face maintaining a serious look, for he already knew the reason for this meeting.

The Elvenking entered with a quick stride and moved to the head of the council table. Now all sets of eyes were trained on him; everybody eagerly waited for him to speak.

Thranduil straightened his back and squared his shoulders, resuming his best and most imposing stance. "I called this meeting today between the council, the Commanders of the army and the Captains of the Guard, because I wish to address an important subject", he started in a loud and clear voice. "It concerns war".

A calculated glance around the elves present told him that most of them were not surprised by the notion. Were they not already at war, after all, with the enemy residing in their wood and attacking their borders?

Everybody kept looking at Thranduil, but their mouths remained shut, as they waited for their King to speak on. He took a deep breath and placed his hands on the hard wooden surface of the long table, propping himself on them and slightly leaning forward, as if he wanted to emphasize the gravity of the issue at hand. Thoughts of his plans had been swirling in his mind those past few days, but it was now time he made his intentions known to his people.

"I need not remind you of the current situation; you all know it very well and it would be a waste of time to repeat what is common knowledge. The enemy grows bolder and bolder. So far we have done our best to defend our land, but it seems to me now that defense alone is not sufficient. We must attack Dol Guldur".

He made a pause, allowing his words to sink in and settle in the minds of the elves before him. Soon concerned looks were exchanged and some murmurs were heard. At last Iaurvir, the head of the council, rose from his seat and spoke.

"My lord, if I may speak…" he started, and Thranduil allowed him to go on with a nod. "Although I am not a strategist, I believe that this endeavor might be perilous. Is our realm strong enough to undertake such a campaign? Great evil resides in the old ruins of Amon Lanc, and I do not consider it wise to challenge it. I fear that an attack on Dol Guldur might mark our own downfall", concluded the ever-reserved and skeptical Iaurvir.

But the Elvenking was not thwarted. "Iaurvir, my old friend", he addressed him with a small smile. "I had expected you would voice such concerns. And I agree with you; we alone are not strong enough to undertake such a venture. This is why I intend to rally our allies to our cause", he said and gave an unyielding and determined look to the councilor.

Iaurvir's expression changed at once. "If we could secure the aid of our allies, then yes, this endeavor might be feasible…" he spoke softly and then returned to his seat, showing that he wished to speak no more.

"Feren", the King turned to one of his Commanders. "What say you? The opinion of my officers interests me greatly".

The brown-haired ellon with the deceitfully youthful looks rose from his chair and bowed to his King. He glanced at the councilors and cleared his throat before speaking.

"Your army, my lord, is loyal and obedient to you. You know we shall follow your every command and order". His voice bore a dutiful, reverent tone, and his words were followed by a small bow of the head.

"I need neither such reminders nor flattery, Feren. I asked for your opinion", Thranduil responded in a stern tone.

The Commander looked at his King for a moment and then nodded. "I am confident to say that the army will unanimously agree with the plans of launching an assault on Dol Guldur. Not few are those who have voiced a desire to cleanse the old fortress from the filth festering there. Inaction and defensive stance have made the soldiers grow restless. A march southwards will give them purpose and fuel their hearts with hope. I myself support your intent fully, my lord".

"Thank you, Feren", said Thranduil with a soft smile.

"If I may, my lord?"

It was lady Meduithel who spoke this time, Iaurvir's wife and also a member of the council.

"Of course".

"I only wish to stress the importance of forging an alliance before we start making any plans of an attack. If we receive negative answers, then I am afraid we cannot think of starting a war on our own", she said in a meek but steady voice.

Tauriel, who had been till now sitting quietly and observing the conversation, turned to the lady that now had the floor. Her eyes were grey and her hair black as night. Her face was beautiful, but also soft and solemn, and there was deep wisdom in her gaze. About her was an air of confidence and knowledge. However, she maintained a low profile and was not keen on public feasts; Tauriel remembered to have only rarely seen her attend those. Apparently, Meduithel seemed to value undisrupted privacy more.

"I propose we send word to King Dain and King Bain; their lands lie very close to ours. And, of course, we should also ask for the assistance of Lothlorien. Celeborn's land borders upon Dol Guldur. He, at least, will not refuse to aid us, I believe", Meduithel said.

"My thoughts exactly, my lady", commented the King. "Let me also inform you, my good councilors, Commanders, and Captains, that lord Elrond has promised me the aid of Imladris, when the time to march comes. For we had the chance to discuss the matter during his stay here the past weeks, and we agreed on the necessity of a well-organized attack of our allied forces".

This news brought cheer to the gathered elves. Elrond was a keen tactician and Rivendell possessed a considerable military force. The promise of their aid made the possibility of the campaign reaching a positive outcome seem greater.

"This is excellent news, my lord", another councilor said, voicing the thoughts of everyone present in the room.

But then lord Iaurvir rose again. "What chance have we of persuading lord Dain and lord Bain to rally to our cause?" he asked in a thoughtful tone, directing his question to none in particular, but simply glancing around.

The cheerful mumble died down and everyone fell silent for a while. Even Thranduil sighed in frustration. He knew this would be the thorny leg of the negotiations. Convincing those two lords to aid Mirkwood would be challenging.

Tauriel then stood, deciding to voice her thoughts. "The King of Dale owes much to Mirkwood. It was with our help, as well as Erebor's, that they managed to rebuild their old city. They should not turn us away", she said with hope in her eyes and anxiously looked around for support. Some nodded, while others averted their gazes.

Thranduil watched her in silence, unmoving, with his hands tied behind his back and his lips drawn into a thin line. Although it did not show on his face, apprehension gripped his heart, for it was not only the issue at hand he was concerned about, but also the first formal reception of Tauriel as a Captain in the Guard, since her reinstatement the previous week. Her words and her behavior were of tremendous importance, for she had to win the hearts of the council and the court first; if they accepted her, then everyone would. He knew she was bound to be judged sternly for her every move, and he wished with all his heart that she would pass the test successfully.

"It may be so, young Captain. Dale does indeed owe us a lot, and they have pledged their allegiance to us. There is a good chance King Bain will assist us. But I am not so confident about the dwarven King", spoke another of the Commanders called Tinuven, and crossed his arms before his chest.

"Dale will commit to our cause", Legolas spoke up, rising from his seat. "For countless long years had Esgaroth depended on trade with our realm for survival. And as Captain Tauriel said, it was largely due to our support that Dale rose from its ashes. King Bain will not refuse his aid. But Dain of Erebor is another issue completely. But for our commerce and trading relations in the latter years, he still harbors a strong dislike for our kind. Furthermore, his people are under the constant threat of the Easterlings. It is highly unlikely he will accede to help us".

"We shall try and persuade him, nonetheless", intervened the Elvenking. "That is why I will not send word or even envoys to those realms, but I will visit them myself, accompanied by a select team of my choice. If they see the King of the Woodland Realm at their doorstep, they will be less inclined to close the door".

A while later and on her way out of the council chamber, Tauriel was intercepted by lady Meduithel.

"May I have a word, Captain?" she asked gently and touched her forearm, subtly leading her away from the main hall.

"Of course, my lady", Tauriel replied, but could not help the feeling of anxiety that crept in her heart. What would the councilor want with her? Was it perhaps to voice some displeasure towards her?

The lady smiled. "Follow me, please. I do not like crowded rooms much; I would rather share a cup of tea with you in my chambers".

An impulsive questioning look rose in Tauriel's eyes, but Meduithel answered it with just a brief cryptic smile, and walked on. Soon they were in the lady's private quarters and secure behind closed doors and away from prying eyes.

As soon as she was offered a seat, Tauriel could not suppress her curiosity any longer. "My lady?"

"You must be wondering why we are sharing tea all of a sudden…" she said with gleaming eyes.

"Indeed, my lady. I am not used to socializing with the noble elves of the council and court. I am but a soldier", she responded timidly.

"But perhaps you should begin to", Meduithel commented, with the glint never leaving her gaze.

Tauriel raised an elegant eyebrow in question.

"Since you are to become our Queen sooner or later, you will be expected to socialize with the court", she explained in a plain tone, as if what she had said was a matter of fact.

The young elleth gasped, feeling entirely unprepared for hearing the words she had just heard. With a nearly trembling hand she placed her cup on the table in front of her and looked at Meduithel, but was unable to utter a word.

The older lady smiled at Tauriel's reaction. "You need not feel uneasy in my presence, my dear. I have known Thranduil a very long time, and it is clear to me that he loves you, as you love him. He nearly lost himself in grief and agony while you were unconscious, and he would have forfeited his kingdom, had it not been for our Prince, Legolas".

Tauriel managed to recollect her senses and looked at the lady. "I will not deny the truth of our love, my lady. I did not know, however, that the council was aware. The King and I have spoken to none but Legolas so far…"

"The council is not aware. Not formally, as it is. There are rumors and suspicions of course, but nothing has been confirmed. But to me it is as clear as the light of day that you and Thranduil are in love; I need no official confirmation", the lady stated.

Before Tauriel had a chance to say a word, Meduithel spoke on, her face now resuming a more thoughtful expression. "In fact, I first thought our King might feel something deeper than just sympathy for the orphaned elleth he took in as his ward, when he decided to pardon your trespasses, lifted your banishment and offered to welcome you back to the realm. It was an act not of mercy, but of love", she spoke the last words in a warm voice. "But, of course, my assumptions remained simply so for years, and they were not confirmed until the recent events", she added.

Uneasiness crept again in the Captain's heart, as she was reminded of those unfortunate days. "I was too blind to see anything for what it truly was back then, my lady. My heart was broken, I was aching, and I could never consider returning to the Woodland Realm. All I knew was I had to go away, somewhere safe, where I would not be reminded of my grief, and leave what had happened behind", she said in a low and sorrowful tone.

"Yes, I understand. Your affection for Oakenshield's nephew quickly became known to most of us. You have a knack for unlikely romances, my dear, it would seem", Meduithel commented and offered another smile to Tauriel.

Instinctively, she smiled back. "I could never dream I would love the King. I knew he loved his late wife too dearly, too profoundly… But who can rule their hearts and decided whom to love and whom not to?" she wondered, and there was a hint of despair mixed with reckless abandon in her voice.

The lady wore a compassionate expression, but looked more collected than Tauriel. "We are all victims of our feelings, young Captain. And I am quite sure it had not been easy for Thranduil to come to terms with his own emotions. But the truth of his love is undeniable now. You see, he has the same look about him lately as he once did, when he first knew my sister", Meduithel concluded solemnly and kept her eyes trained on the red-haired elleth.

Tauriel inhaled sharply and held her breath, as realization struck her. "Your sister, my lady? Do you mean to say that the late Queen Lothrin was your sister?" she asked, wide-eyed and stunned.

"Indeed she was. Lothrin was my eldest sister", replied Meduithel with a sad smile, and finally lowered her gaze.

"I am so sorry for what happened to the Queen, my lady. Please take no offense in the nature of my feelings towards our King, for they are true and deep and pure", Tauriel hastened to speak and justify her standpoint, worried that the councilor might be opposed to her union with Thranduil.

But the gentle lady smiled and shook her head. "You need not worry, youngling. I hold no resentment towards your love. Lothrin would never have wished for her beloved husband to spend his eternal life in grief and mourning. Nearly two thousand years have passed since her death, and Thranduil has suffered profoundly. I would not begrudge him a second chance in happiness".

Thoughts of her visions came unbidden in Tauriel's mind. Lothrin had revealed her heart to her, and what she had told her was in agreement with Meduithel's words. The white lady would never wish for Thranduil to spend an eternity in grief and pain, but she would see him happy again.

"Thank you, my lady. Your words are like balm to my heart", whispered Tauriel in a broken voice, and struggled to hold back the tears that had formed in her eyes and threatened to spill. She felt deeply moved and lucky beyond expectation for having found such unexpected support and understanding in the face of Lothrin's sister. "But I knew not of your relation to the late Elvenqueen, although I can remember you being a member of the council ever since I was brought into the Elvenking's halls".

"You are young, Tauriel. Lothrin died long before you were born. The King was so shattered and broken afterwards that he asked of us never to speak of his late Queen, for even her name awoke the excruciating pain of eternal sundering in his heart. The pain for me was also too great, for I had loved my sister dearly, and her loss has been a very heavy burden to bear all these years. So, we never spoke of her again…" said Meduithel and sighed, while her now blurry gaze was for a moment lost in the greenish content of her cup.

But soon she lifted her face to look at Tauriel, and there was again a small smile upon her graceful features. "You are not the only one amongst our people who know not of my relation to Lothrin. In fact, only the eldest among us now know of it, or those who have close dealings with the council. Many young elves, like yourself, have no idea that she and I were sisters", the lady explained.

"I understand", said Tauriel. "Thank you, my lady, for sharing this with me. I must confess I now feel very much relieved to have your understanding and receive your kindness".

"What are we elves in this world if not soothers and advisers, bearers of memory and wisdom? Our purpose is to guide the young. In this light I offer you my help and counsel. Shall you ever need it, hesitate not to come to me", Meduithel spoke softly.

"My lady, I have done nothing to deserve such kindness!" Tauriel cried.

"Oh, but you have… You are healing our King, and with him our forest, our home. Do you think this for little?"

Tauriel fell silent, but a small smile rose to her lips and gave some color to her cheeks.

"Now, some may say you only wish to rule beside him, and that you sought for an opportunity to crawl up to the throne. Malicious intent may be found even amongst the Eldar, unfortunately. Rarely so, but still", the lady said, her face growing now more serious.

"I know I may not be accepted by all. After all, my past is not truly forgotten. I understand it will not be easy for everyone to believe that the treacherous elleth, who had once threatened her King's life, is now very much in love with that King, and he with her. But I am determined to fight for our love, and do my best to stand worthily by his side. Thranduil and I have come a very long way, battling our own feelings and reservations, and I am not about to give all this up now, simply because there may be some who will not like me", Tauriel spoke in determination and resolve. There she was now, defending her love and her queenly future, whereas some time ago she could not even imagine wearing the crown.

"It is as you say, and I admire your strong and unyielding nature. The generosity and gentleness of your heart is plain for me to see. And I know you will make a good and gracious Elvenqueen, Tauriel. I want you to know that I will be your ally in this, as long as you stay true to your purpose. And worry not, for at least the council will be on your side; I have the ear of every councilor. If Lothrin's sister supports you, then they all will, eventually", Meduithel spoke reassuring words to Tauriel.

"Thank you, my lady. I know not what else to say… I am bereft of words to express my gratitude towards you", whispered the young Captain in a sentimental voice.

"There is no call to say more. I am glad that an understanding has passed between us", she said and touched the other elleth's hand gently. "And now, how about finishing that tea before it gets too cold for my taste?"

In the early evening Tauriel was standing beside Thranduil on the balcony of his chambers. They had been watching the sundown, and warm, heavy cloaks were draped on their shoulders, for they were still in the heart of winter and the chill was biting, and it felt as if it penetrated their skin and reached to their bones.

The trees in the distance were naked of leaf and their branches snow-covered. Silence reigned at this hour, and it helped Tauriel achieve some peace of mind. She lazily leaned against her lover's shoulder, and her slight change in stance attracted his attention.

He turned his face towards her and dropped a light kiss on the top of her head. She lifted her eyes to look at him, and they both smiled at each other.

"I love this… All of this. This peace, this forest, this moment… you. You above all else", she whispered to him tenderly.

Thranduil smiled fondly at her words, and responded by bending his head lower and claiming her lips in a kiss, and snaking his arm around her slender waist, holding her closer still.

"As do I", he murmured, and breathed the scent of her deeply.

She rested her head on his shoulder again, and they stayed like this in silence for some time, before Tauriel chose to speak again.

"The lady Meduithel spoke to me today".

The Elvenking drew a little apart so as to look her in the eye. His gaze held unspoken question.

"She approached me after the council meeting and we had a cup of tea in her chambers".

"That sounds quite unexpected. Well, what did you talk about?" Thranduil asked in a rather impatient tone.

Tauriel turned to fully face him, and decided to avoid unnecessary prologues. "She told me she is Lothrin's sister".

The Elvenking sighed and nodded, lowering his gaze.

"How come you never told me of this?" Tauriel demanded.

"It never occurred to me. It has been so long since Lothrin's death, and my relations and exchanges with her sister have always been rather formal. I mostly maintained a contact with her husband, Iaurvir, since he is the head of the council. But none of us has ever spoken of Lothrin after she died. It seems now, after all, that her relation to my late wife is of little importance", Thranduil answered her question. "The necessity of mentioning it to you never occurred to me", he repeated, his gaze seemingly unfocused and lost in thought. But then he faced her again and his expression became intense. "What did she tell you?" he asked, and Tauriel felt his penetrating pale eyes examining her.

Her face resumed a soft smile, for there was truly no need for him to be alarmed. "Nothing worrisome. On the contrary, she told me that she knows we love each other, and that she is on our side. She offered me her support and promised me help and advice, should I need it. All in all, my impression of her was excellent, and I was most surprised to find such an unexpected ally in her. But you know her far longer than I do, mell nin. What is your opinion of her?"

The Elvenking's face relaxed, and he took a few steps towards the doors. Tauriel followed suit, and they both entered the warm chamber, leaving the winter cold behind them and out of the room.

"Meduithel is the wisest among the councilors. She is of gentle and quiet nature, and keeps herself out of the spotlight. She also harbors a profound dislike for gossip and falseness. She is trustworthy, I can say with certainty, but she is often cryptic and one cannot know the workings of her mind easily. It is best to be on her good side, I believe", Thranduil replied, and then moved to sit on the sofa in front of the lit fireplace. Tauriel sat beside him. "I never held a doubt that she would soon understand what is going on between us, and it is a good thing she supports our union. She has great influence over the rest of the councilors, and her allegiance in this matter can promise us we will not be met with opposition by them".

"This is what she told me as well", Tauriel commented.

"Good. Then there is no need to worry about that", he spoke softly and let his hand caress her cheek. She leaned closer to him and drew the cloaks tighter around them, attempting to warm herself and her lover until the winter cold dissipated from their bodies.

A long moment went by in silence, during which they simply relaxed in each other's embrace, each lost in their own thoughts. The only ambient sound was the crackling of the firewood as the flames consumed it.

"So, we are going to war?" murmured the elleth after some time.

"Perhaps… If we manage to ensure the help of our allies", replied the King.

"You are really determined to do this, are you not?"

He shifted in his seat and came to look at her. "I am".

Tauriel smiled. "I am proud of you".

A playful smirk rose on Thranduil's face. "Are you now?"

"Yes! You have no idea how changed you look, my love. How lively and energetic and engaged with the world… How alive!" she breathed and looked at him with glistening eyes.

His smirk turned into a faint, almost timid, smile. "I know. I feel the change myself. And it is all thanks to you, and your presence in my life", he whispered to her.

The young Captain brought her hand up to gently cup her King's cheek. "I have every intention of remaining in your life, Thranduil… as long as you want me in it", she spoke to him fervently.

Words eluded him for an appropriate answer, for he was overwhelmed with emotion at that moment, and all he could do was claim Tauriel's lips in a heated and needy kiss. The elleth responded eagerly, and they kissed to their hearts' content, until the passions were satisfied and the worries eased.

"This war… It is our only choice, if we are ever to truly know days of peace again", he murmured against her hair.

Tauriel sighed. "It would have to come to that, eventually".

"Yes. But I cannot sit idly and wait for the enemy to draw first blood. In fact, they have already done so, given their frequent attacks and the nigh uncontrollable infestation of our forest. My patience is waning; we must attack them now, if we are to have any chance of catching them unawares", he said in a steely voice.

"I doubt our cunning enemy will ever truly be unprepared for an assault. They have eyes and ears everywhere… And there is a long path to walk before we begin our march southwards. If only Dain and Bain aid us!" she wished.

"This is true. The success of our plans depends largely on their assistance. I will think about whom I should choose to accompany me in the negotiations in the following days, and I will send word to these lords, for them to be prepared to receive us and talk", Thranduil made his thoughts known to her.

"Have you any idea as to whom you will choose?" she inquired.

"One or two councilors… And maybe Feren or Tinuven, for I think a Commander of the army might be useful and insightful if we are to discuss tactics…"

"I understand. But how about Legolas? Will he not come with you?"

"Legolas must stay here. Someone has to govern this realm in my absence, and none I trust more than my son. It is his right as well as his place and duty to rule in my stead", Thranduil replied and Tauriel shook her head in agreement. "There is someone else I would have accompany me… and that is you, dearest", he added and raised one thick eyebrow as he uttered the last words.

"Me? Of what help could I ever be?" she wondered, surprised by his words.

"You are clever, and can often see pathways the rest of us are blind to. Your face is also a friendly and welcome one in the mountain King's halls. Perhaps your presence in the negotiations might better the predisposition of Dain towards us. Furthermore, it is time you began training for your future queenly duties", the Elvenking told her.

Tauriel thought on his words for a second and then nodded. "I see… I will do my best to be of help", she offered him in earnest, but then suddenly her expression changed into a mischievous one. "Or, at least, if the negotiations fail, I will be there to calm your anger and take you in my arms at night to soothe your aching pride", she teased him.

Her lover laughed heartily. "You…!" he exclaimed and lunged forward, pinning her down on the sofa with the weight of his body. Tauriel allowed herself to submit to his advances, and laughed softly. "You will be my undoing…" he murmured in a throaty voice and brought his face down to kiss her.

Tauriel's lips parted for him, and their tongues joined in a battle for dominance. A hand of his threaded through her soft locks and then glided lower, along the column of her neck and over the curves of her shoulder and breast, causing both their breaths to quicken.

"How about soothing another aching part of mine now?" he whispered seductively in her ear and pressed his lower body against her.

A soft gasp escaped her lips, and she nodded her willing compliance. All thoughts of war were soon forgotten, as they made ardent love well into the night.