Got another chapter ready for you guys!

This one is a little shorter than normal, but hopefully we'll get back to about normal length or longer next time.

There is a song sung at the beginning, but it's only the beginning portion of it. The rest of it will actually come later on in the story, kind of like a reprise, almost ;) Feel free to listen along here: watch?v=MUjayqeu8SA (type in youtube's website beforehand)

Also, there is a bit of Elvish in this chapter. I assume a lot of it is accurate; I got it off of a website that had quite a few translations. A couple of them are rather loose translations, so I apologize if some aren't completely correct.

Enjoy!

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Two and half weeks passed since the day Erebor was attacked and Lancaeriel was locked in her tower by the Elvenking. For the first few days, Lana tried breaking out when a guard would come to bring her meals, but she was always stopped before she could leave or her escape was cut short if she did manage to get out of her room. After the first few attempts, Thranduil ordered that two guards were to go to her tower when meals or other things were delivered: one to bring the items into the room and the other to guard the door in case Lana tried to escape again. Finally, she no longer saw a point in trying to get out and accepted her fate.

She was trapped.

Lana sat by the window of her tower, continuing to work on her embroidered tapestry of Erebor. However, the progress was coming slowly because looking at it only brought more pain to her heart and her tears continued to distort her vision and they fell onto the fabric. Inside, she felt hollow and defeated. It hurt to even think of Erebor and everything else that came with those memories.

Seeing that no work was going to get done, she tossed the tapestry aside in frustration and buried her face in her hands. When she looked up, the evening sun was nearly gone and the stars were beginning to show in the darkening sky of night. She stared up at the stars for a moment, wishing she could fly to the sky, away from her prison.

In her moment of solemn contemplation, she opened her mouth and a brief, melodic string of words sounded from her lips:

The stars are very beautiful above the palace walls.

They shine with equal splendor still above far humbler halls.

I watch them from my window, but their bright, entrancing glow

Reminds me of the freedom I gave up so long ago.

The royal circlet of bright gold rests lightly on my brow.

I once thought only of the rights this circlet would endow,

But once I took the crown, to which I had been schooled and bred,

I found it heavy on the heart, though light upon the head…

How Lancaeriel wished she wasn't a Princess. Were she not a Princess and the niece of the Elvenking of Mirkwood, then perhaps her life would be easier and she would not be in this mess. When she was first brought to her uncle as a child, she thought being a Princess would be a grand thing and she would live a rich life, but it had proven to be nothing but heartbreak and betrayal.

There was the soft sound of the lock on her door clicking. She turned her head to the door, wondering who was unlocking it and why they were coming in at that time. When the lock clicked open and the door swung out, Lancaeriel was met with the friendly face of Tauriel, whom she hadn't seen since she had been brought back to Mirkwood.

"Tauriel!" Lana exclaimed.

"I swiped a key from Draugolë after he left from bringing your evening meal," Tauriel explained, holding up a brass key in her hand and showing how she was able to get in.

"For being the Captain of the Guard, you certainly break the rules often," Lana commented.

"Only for you, mellon nin," ("my friend") Tauriel said back, pocketing the key as she came over and knelt in front of her. "Lancaeriel, why did you tell Lord Thranduil the truth of your escape? I told you I would gladly take the fall for it. Why did you do it?"

Lana replied, "I just couldn't let you do it. If you took the fall, Thranduil possibly could've banished you and I would never see you again. Thranduil can't banish me because that would put me exactly where I want to be and where he doesn't want me. I knew he would punish me in a way that would keep me here and I would still be where you are. I can take this...but I couldn't bear it if he sent you away."

Tauriel reached up and placed a gentle hand over one of hers. "You are brave and truly loyal friend," she said. Then she asked, "Did you ever find Thorin?"

Hearing his name caused an ache in Lana's heart and she hung her head as she answered, "Yes...I did."

Seeing her reaction, Tauriel was a little puzzled. "What happened?"

"He...he believes I betrayed him and was in league with Thranduil's doings," Lana told her shakily. "He told me he no longer loves me...and never wishes to see me again."

"No…," Tauriel groaned sympathetically. "Surely, he can't believe that."

"He does...and I firmly want to believe that the things he said were a result of his grief and anger clouding his judgement, but...the more I think about it...the less I believe that."

"You cannot give up, Lana. One day, he will realize that what you share is something true and he cast it away. He still loves you; I am sure of it."

"I don't know anymore, Tauriel. My heart hurts too much."

Tauriel took Lana's face in her hands and made her look at her. Though, when she did, she noticed, by the light of the candles in the room, that Lana had dark circles under sunken, reddened eyes. Not only that, her skin was ashy and pale, which concerned Tauriel greatly.

"Lana, you look dreadful!" she declared. "When did you last get a proper rest?"

"The night before Erebor was attacked," Lana answered solemnly.

"You have not slept in over two weeks?" Tauriel questioned in disbelief.

Lancaeriel shook her head.

It was then Tauriel also noticed that the plate of food that was over on a nearby table from earlier that evening had hardly been touched. She stood up and walked over to the plate to get a better look at it.

"You did not eat, either?" she asked.

"I have had no appetite for days," Lana replied.

"Lancaeriel, this is not good for you! You must eat! You must sleep!" Tauriel urged her.

In annoyance, Lana said back, standing up from the chair she sat in, "I'm fine, Tauriel." She took a step forward and her body swayed, losing its balance. Her eyes suddenly had a glossed over look in them. "I am...just…."

All of a sudden, Lana started to collapse.

"Lana!" Tauriel cried out, catching her before she could hit the floor and slowly easing her down to the ground. She shook the Princess to wake her. "Lana? Lana! Wake up! Lana, wake up!"

She was unresponsive.

"Lana!"

After four more weeks, Lana's health still had not improved. She almost seemed to grow paler by the day, her eyelids and the area around her eyes turned dark, she would be feverish one day and then cold to the touch the next; she slowly continued to grow weaker. All of Mirkwood's healers tried various methods to help heal her and bring her back to health, but nothing seemed to work. She was not getting any better and the healers could not determine what the cause of her ailment was.

The only thing that they could determine...was that Lancaeriel was dying.

After visiting Lana and seeing that she was not doing better, both Legolas and Tauriel went to Thranduil right away to plead on her behalf.

As they entered into Thranduil's chambers, they found him standing by the open window of his room, almost looking like he was brooding.

He saw them come in and bow out of the corner of his eye and stated, "State your business here."

"Father, it is Lancaeriel. Her condition is stagnating; she is not getting better," Legolas explained.

"Our healers are working as best they can," Thranduil responded.

"Yes, but everything they've tried has not worked. They are wearing thin on resources. Nothing is helping Lana get back to health," Legolas said back.

"We simply need to be patient," said Thranduil.

Right then, Tauriel burst out, slamming her hand on a nearby table, "We have no time to be patient, my lord! Your niece is dying!"

Thranduil's head snapped to the side and he gave her a stern look, astonished at her audacity to speak to him in such a way.

Slightly embarrassed at her behavior, Tauriel quickly composed herself and went on in a calmer manner, "The Princess is fading fast, my lord, and I fear that she is beyond the help of our healers now."

"What do you suggest we do, then?" Thranduil asked her in a seemingly challenging way.

However, Tauriel already had a solution: "Reach out to Lord Elrond of Rivendell or Lady Galadriel of Lothlorien. They are both exceptionally skilled in the ways of healing. Perhaps one of them could help her."

Thranduil's lips pursed at the suggestion, as if he thought it was a horrible idea, but then he looked pensively down to the ground.

"I agree with Tauriel," spoke Legolas when his father remained silent. "They are the most powerful Elves in Middle-Earth. If our own healers cannot help Lana, then surely, they can. Galadriel is closer to us in distance. We can go to her first. I see no other way."

The Elvenking lifted his head. "Very well, then. Alert my guards and prepare Lancaeriel. We make for Lothlorien."

Within the hour, the guards prepared their horses as well as Tauriel and Legolas's and Thranduil's stag. Lana was brought from the healing ward and was wrapped in a thick blanket to keep her warm. Legolas took it upon himself to take Lana with him on his horse and watch over her during the trek to Lorien. Tauriel rode closely beside him to ensure Lana would be all right and to keep an eye on both of them. Thranduil rode at the front with two guards on his left and two guards to his right with Tauriel and Legolas behind him.

They passed through Mirkwood and travelled south-west towards Lorien. After travelling for some time and then crossing the Anduin River, they knew they would be there shortly.

Soon, they came into the green and golden wood of Lorien and slowed their speed down as they passed through the trees. The sunlight peeked through the treetops at them and the light wind caressed their hair and faces.

Suddenly, there was the sound of slight movement and then a small band of Elves appeared around them, their bows drawn and arrows aimed at the new arrivals.

Thranduil raised a hand and declared, "I am Thranduil, Elvenking of Mirkwood. We come to your wood in peace."

Another Elf; tall with long, blonde hair and wearing a cream-colored cloak stepped forward and said to the Elvenking in their native language, "Mae govannen,Thranduil." ("Well met, Thranduil.")

To which, Thranduil responded in kind, "Suil, Haldir." ("Greetings, Haldir.")

"Amman odúlel hi?" ("Why are you here?")

"AnÍrof mened na heryn Galadriel." ("We need to see Lady Galadriel.") Thanduil then motioned with his hand behind him to Legolas and Lana, inferring the reason as to their visit.

Haldir tilted his head to see where Thranduil was gesturing and once he saw Lana and how sickly she looked, he understood right away. He looked back to the other Elves and gestured to them to lower their weapons and they obeyed without question.

Then he turned back to Thranduil and said, "Tolo a nin." ("Come with me.") Haldir turned back the other way and motioned for his fellow Elves to do the same.

Thranduil, Legolas and Tauriel followed after them through the remainder of the wood. Legolas held Lancaeriel close, ensuring she was still breathing, which she was. She still felt chilly to the touch, which continued to worry him.

Soon, they came upon the silver-lighted Elven sanctuary of Caras Galadhon, otherwise known as Lothlorien. Multiple towers and gazebos were scattered throughout lit by silver lights. Many Elves in white or grey garb wandered through the forest realm, looking the way of the Mirkwood Elves as they passed by.

Haldir told them to leave their horses and stag before they proceeded up a long, spiral staircase with the other Elves that accompanied him while he went off elsewhere. The walk up the stairs felt like an eternity, given the urgent circumstances. Thranduil, Legolas and Tauriel sincerely hoped that Galadriel would be there and would be able to help Lancaeriel.

They were led to a platform in front of another larger set of stairs and were asked to wait. A few minutes later, a male Elf in grey robes accompanied by a lady radiating pure, white light wearing a silver dress and long, golden hair appeared at the top of the stairs. Gradually, they descended the stairs towards their guests. As they approached, the lady's light dimmed and they could clearly see her face, fair and beautiful unlike any Elf in Middle-Earth.

She then spoke in a voice that was low, melodic and full of wisdom, "Thranduil...Legolas...Tauriel...welcome to Lothlorien."

The three Mirkwood Elves all bowed their heads in response.

"It is our honor to stand in your presence, Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel," said Tauriel.

The White Lady flashed a friendly smile at her.

"Haldir has informed us that you are in need of healing from the Lady of Lorien," Celeborn stated.

"Indeed, my lord. It is for my niece, Lancaeriel," answered Thranduil.

"What has befallen her?" Celeborn then asked.

Legolas stepped forward with Lana still in his arms. He explained, "She fell ill some time ago and has yet to recover. Our own healers cannot cure her of whatever ailment has taken her. The only other way we could think of that could help her was to come to Lothlorien and plead for your aid."

Galadriel's eyes wandered down to Lana's pale, ashen face. She raised a hand and bade the Elf Prince, "Tolo hÍ, Legolas." ("Come here, Legolas.")

He came forward to Galadriel and propped up his arm behind Lana's head so Galadriel could see her. "She has been like this for weeks, my lady," he told her.

Galadriel lifted her hand and laid it on Lana's forehead, briefly closing her eyes as she did so.

After a few short moments, her eyes opened again and Legolas said to her, firmly meeting her gaze, "Lana fîr. Nesto den...dhen iallon." ("Lana is dying. Heal her...I beg of you.")

Then Tauriel came up beside him and asked in addition, "De nathathol?" ("Will you please help her?")

A small yet comforting smile came upon Galadriel's lips as she responded lightly, "Nidhin nestad." ("I will heal her.")

Legolas sighed and Tauriel cried out, both in relief at Galadriel's answer.

"Hannon le, heryn Galadriel!" ("Thank you, Lady Galadriel!") Tauriel exclaimed.

"However…," Galadriel interjected as Celeborn stepped forward and took Lana from Legolas into his own arms, "...she will need to remain here and it will have to be for quite some time."

"Why is that, pray tell?" asked Thranduil.

Galadriel looked him straight in the eye and stated, "Lancaeriel is dying from a broken heart."

Thranduil, Legolas and Tauriel all exchanged knowing glances. Upon hearing this revelation, it was now clear to them why Lana was dying.

It had been because of her falling out with Thorin...Elves only ever loved once and he was the one she had chosen to love. Since he had shunned her, her heart had been broken and now, she was suffering for it. When they thought back to when Lana started showing signs of waning health, they remembered it had been shortly after she had been brought back from finding the Dwarves. It all made sense now.

"That blasted Dwarf!" Thranduil thought angrily to himself. "This is all his fault. Lancaeriel should have never fallen in love with him yet she did and now, he has forsaken her. In so doing, he has stripped my niece of her life. Should I ever lay eyes on Prince Thorin again, he shall know the wrath of the Elvenking."

Then he said flatly in response to Galadriel, "It was Thorin, the Dwarf Prince of Erebor."

"I know," Galadriel immediately replied.

He looked at her curiously, wondering how she knew, but she simply raised her eyebrows at him, signalling that he should know better. Then he remembered that she was the eldest and wisest of all the Elves and essentially was all-knowing. She had methods and magic that helped her know all things and watch over Middle-Earth. Of course, she would know who Lana's previous suitor had been.

She went on, "I will do what I can to help her, but a broken heart is not easy to mend. Likewise, her soul is torn apart and will need healing, as well. Afterwards, she will need physical healing, as her waning health has taken a toll on her mortal form. That, too, will take some time."

"How long?" asked Legolas.

"That is difficult to say," answered Galadriel. "I fear that much affliction has taken her, so I know not how long it will take to properly restore her to full spirits. With how quickly she has deteriorated, it may take even a few years."

"Years?" Tauriel repeated in disbelief.

Legolas reassured her, "Remember, Tauriel: time is different for us. A few years will seem only but a short wait."

"Take whatever time is necessary," said Thranduil to Galadriel. "No matter how long it takes, I wish to see my niece brought back to us."

She bowed her head and replied, "I shall see to it that she is returned to you in full health in due time. You have my word, Thranduil, Oropherion." ("Thranduil, son of Oropher.")

He simply gave a bow of his head in return.

Legolas approached Celeborn and looked down at his sickly cousin, whose breathing was now more shallow than before. He laid a gentle hand on the top of her head. "Until we meet again, my cousin," he said. "Law firo i laiss e-guill lîn." ("May the leaves of your life never die.")

Now with tears in her eyes, Tauriel, too, went up to Celeborn and laid her eyes on her dear friend. She spoke in a shaky voice, "Nínion ned i vened wîn, mellon nin." ("I cry upon our leaving, my friend.") Then she bent over and lightly kissed Lana's forehead. When she came back, she said lastly in farewell, "Fer-nesto im, Lancaeriel." ("Get well soon, Lancaeriel.")

While Legolas and Tauriel said their goodbyes, Thranduil approached Galadriel, leaned in close to her and whispered, "As you know, Lancaeriel gave her heart to a Dwarf and, in so doing, she has forgotten our ways; something I will no longer tolerate upon her return. When she is of good health once more, bring her back on the right path and teach her the ways of the Elves again."

"Are you making demands of me?" Galadriel questioned, eyeing him suspiciously. When Thranduil suddenly had an awkward expression on his face in response, she went on, still in a low voice, calm yet stern, "Remember your place, Elvenking. You are in my dominion...and while Lancaeriel is under my protection, I shall decide what is best and what is to be done with her."

Averting his gaze, Thranduil replied in shame, "My apologies, my lady. I meant no disrespect."

"Rest assured: your niece shall return to the Woodland Realm exactly the way she is meant to be," said Galadriel.

Satisfied with that reassurance from the White Lady, Thranduil bowed to her and then summoned Legolas and Tauriel to begin their departure. The other two gave their last respects to the Lord and Lady of Lorien and then followed after their King.

Celeborn turned to Galadriel and asked her, "What did the Elvenking say to you, my love?"

The corners of her lips perked ever so slightly upward in amusement. "He believes that his niece has forsaken the ways of our people and requested I convince her to return to those ways."

"A peculiar request, indeed," replied Celeborn.

Galadriel turned towards him, looking down at Lancaeriel in his arms. Hovering her hand over the girl's face, she revealed, "Unbeknownst to Thranduil, I know this young one's future...and she is not to lead the life of a normal Elf. She has chosen a path that has intertwined with that of the Dwarves of Erebor and the line of Durin. Our ways are not her ways...nor shall they ever be."

She began walking up the stairs behind them. "She will be with us for a long while...and in that time, I will teach her what is necessary for her to learn in order to fulfill her destiny."

"What is that?" Celeborn inquired of her as he followed.

She stopped, turned around, looked to her husband and answered, "To save Thorin, son of Thrain...and the line of Durin itself."

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This is where the story really starts to get interesting. Lana's going to be in Lothlorien for a while. What is Galadriel's plan for her? There's going to be a few unique twists coming up to progress Lana's story as well as Thorin's.

Thanks for reading! Leave a review or PM me with your thoughts or questions!