Fräynn's POV

As the dawn painted the sky purple, and gave a noble, golden color to the river, I got up, and made my morning routine. Soon, I stood at the gates, wearing my armor and weapons, and gazed the dark, awakening forest. It always reminded me of my carefree, playful times from the past.

Most of the time, I was glad to be the captain of the guard. I was proud of getting to know King Oropher in his last years, and was proud of my close relationship with the royal family – probably, nobody knew about it. For this, I felt responsebility for serving King Thranduil without making any mistake. When I reached that age, I was asked, what would l do with my life, what was a great privilege. Feeling, that I didn't have the chance to repay all what I'd got, the answer was easy. Since then, I was allowed to grant personally his majesty's and the crown prince's safety. What is more, I could command the guards, and keep the realm free from Sauron's killing machines.

I could not imagine a better profession, than saving those, who used to take care of me, when I was little and orphan.

- Flashback –

'LEGOLAS, DON'T RUN SO FAST!' I shouted and turned around, trying to find the prince, but I could barely see anything, it was raining so intensivly. Just an hour earlier, we came out here to the gardens to play some war, or collect pebbles, as we have done almost every time. Then, he told me, he had to find some fire lilies for the crown, he created to his ada. Today was the king's birthday. At night, he would celebrate it on a rich feast, with the adults, so Legolas planned to give his present earlier, in the afternoon.

It was absolutely fine, until he suddenly ran away, facing the woods, what was highly forbidden to us, since we were still just little children. And then, the grey sky darkened, and I couldn't see him anywhere.

Stubborn Legolas! I'm sure I'll be the guilty one, just because I am a little bit older!

'COME BACK! YOU WILL BE IN TROUBLE, IF YOUR ADA FINDS OUT, YOU ARE THERE!

'I NEED THOSE RED ONES!' I heard his voice from somewhere, between the dark trees. I swallowed. A very very VERY bad direction. The sound of the rain hid every other noises near and far. It was always dangerous being there. Now, it was MORE dangerous. I shivered, as the icy drops found their ways to my skin, across my wet clothes. If we got a cold, the king would never again allow us to come here in this life!

'LEGOLAS, I'M BEGGING YOU TO COME BACK! THE RED DOESN'T EVEN SUIT HIM WELL!' I yelled, and hugged myself, trying to keep me as warm, as possible.

'HEY, FRäYNN, THEY GROW HERE SOMEW-' his voice died in mid sentence. I was waiting for him to continue, when a sharp scream cut the air through. I started to run forward immediately, barely watching where to step. My little feet were uncomfortably sliding in the watery boots, and my breathing went heavy from fear. My nanny often told stories about beasts, orcs, and evil men, who were living in the deep forests, and now, I remembered all of them! I panicked, and nearly felt, they were right behind me, when a big hand grabbed my shoulder, making me get a shock. I closed my eyes tightly.

'WAAH, FOR THE VALAR, I SWEAR, I WILL GO BACK FROM HERE, JUST DON'T EAT ME! I SWEAR! I DIDN'T WANT TO COME HERE! I DIDN'T EVEN WANT TO COME IN THE NEAR! PLEASE! DON'T-' I cried with one breath, when the hand landed on my mouth, muting me, and another one turned me back. I found myself opposite the familiar golden trousers, shiny boots and a long, silver sword. The king stared down at me, panting, his hair was a wet mess, but what really frightened me, was the storm in his eyes.

'Where is my son, Fräynn?' he knelt down to me, and held me a little tighter, trying to stop my trembling. His deep voice froze the blood in everybody's veins, but somehow, when he spoke to us, it felt like a warm blanket. I - still being unable to breath or speak - finally let my tears flow, and hid my little face into his cloak. I liked it, it always smelled like lavender. I suddenly felt arms around me, and the soil disappeared under my feet. He continued his run with me, hanging under his arm.

'LEGOLAS GREENLEAF!' he yelled. Alright, that was far from a warm... anything. Every elfling knew, hearing our full name was always a bad omen. Hearing it from our ada's mouth was a good reason to run. And hearing it from King Thranduil's mouth... it was a good reason to never come back!

The little blonde suddenly stepped out from behind a bush, with his gaze landing on the fallen leaves, shamefully. I found myself on my feet again, as the king grabbed Legolas, and fastly studied his small body from head to toe. When it was sure, the little one had no injuries, his eyes darkened, and the color of his face started to remind me of the flowers, we were searching for.

'May. I. Ask.' he started quietly, but I heard his voice tremble from anger. 'What... exactly... have... YOU DONE HERE WITHOUT TELLING A WORD TO ANYBODY?! AND WHY DO I HAVE TO GET A HEART ATTACK, WHEN HEAR THE SCREAM OF MY SON COMING FROM THIS CURSED PLACE?' Legolas's eyes went tearfully, and took shaky breaths.

'SO?!' yelled the ellon now with dark red face, his eyebrows were knitting a line. It was sooo hard not to run away! Legolas looked up at his ada with big eyes. Even when he was kneeling, Thranduil was much taller. The little elfling stepped back to the bush, and coming back, handed a little crown to him, made of branches and some little red flowers.

'Happy birthday to you, ada...' he sobbed.

I heard as the king's jaw landed on the grass. They were staring at each other for some seconds, when Thranduil took his presence and hugged his son, almost breaking him. A huge thunder made me and Legolas jump at least three feet high, and we took our way back to the palace. After my friend stepped out of his shoes, because they were stuck in the mud, the king brought us under his right and left arms - whispering some probably not so nice words in Sindarin.

'Legolas' I whispered, thinking, that his ada doesn't hear it.

'What.'

'Actually, it suits him... but only when he is angry.' we laughed finally.

At the entrance of the throne room, he let go of us, and commanded an elleth to make some hot soup. The lady almost screamed, when took a look at the king, whose once beautiful hair clung to his wet neck, his boots and trousers were totally muddy and there were raindrops even on his eyelashes. But she was cleverer, than saying anything.

'Can I accompany you, ada?'

'It's a war council, ion nîn, I am sorry. It's very important to make a good impression.' said Thranduil, and entered the room, with the red, branchy crown-like patchwork lying on top of his head.

- End of flashback –

I laughed at the memory. Actually, Legolas just noticed a spider on a leave of the bush, and frightened. That was all. But Thranduil could think, orcs were trying to tear him apart, at that moment. After that day, the king ordered all of his guards, if they would see a little blonde and black point moving in the gardens, they had to immediately inform him. Whatever... these moments filled my childhood with light. They made me feel something for others, and make plans for the future, what I thought, I would not even have. Now, there was nothing to do with this, however. Good work brought success, mistake brought punishment. When I was a toddler, it would have been a missed play in the gardens. Now, it could be easily an execution. It didn't depend on, if Thranduil was a good or a bad ruler. He was a good ruler, if he stayed consistent.

'Allow me an early report, captain.' my guard's words tore me out of my thoughts.

'Of course, what would that be?'

°°

I didn't want to believe it, when heard about Noira's action. How could she open that cage and find out where she should have gone to get out of these walls?

The thought, running into the king himself in the dark garden, made me shiver. It could sound creepy, but I was surprised – everybody was surprised – she survived it. If anybody else would have tried to leave his prison, he would have cut the neck without hesitation or worse. That made me curious, anyway. Why was she different?

It was told me, she'd been awoken, even the king had visited her, so I took my way to the dungeons, and hoped, I don't meet his royal highness.

What has this elleth thought?! I'v warned her!

All in all, she was strange and violent, but still innocent, and I truly wished a peaceful life for her here, in the Woodland Realm. Unfortunately, after her last act, she surely lost her chance for this. 

Oh, and I was worried for myself, of course, since I had some business with the mentioned escape. It was called personal responsibility. Furthermore, nobody in our history, nobody had escaped from these dungeons ever!

I could feel Thranduil's invisible blade on my neck.

I was walking – actually running – to the dark cell at the end of the corridor, just to see it was empty. I missed a breath.

He... he killed her!

'Captain, allow me to make my report about the movements of the night.' I heard a familiar voice from behind.

'Ah... Aleros! You may speak.' I turned toward the red haired ellon, my youngest guard. He was still a beginner, but with his ambitious nature, he became my right hand quickly. He told me how they destroyed new nets and spiders last night, how they were checking if there were new orc hordes in the near and finally, he spoke about the king's last visit.

'Excuse me... where?' I asked back in disbelief.

'In the healing room. That was his majesty's command.' he looked at me strangely, then I realised, my mouth stayed open.

'Thank you... You're dismissed.' As he walked away, I took my way to the king's study.

Fräynn, my friend, you won't get away with it.

In five minutes, I was standing in front of his door, but before knocking, took some deep breaths. I had to find my voice.

Thranduil's POV

'Not this time.' I stated patiently and left my son behind as I continued my walk to my study. I didn't have the mood to talk about the irritating movements of the last days, I didn't have the mood to even think about them. When I came back from my thoughts again, he was right in front of me. I almost crashed to him.

'Get out of my way, Legolas.' I said, this time coldly, and after a pause, he stepped aside. Just after I arrived to my desk and turned to sit down, realised his presence in the room.

'Hhh... I thought, I made it clear. I do not owe an explanation for anyone, my son, and if you'll excuse me' I sat down finally 'I have duties-'

'Duties, like meetings, you've missed in the last few days?' he said, also being surprised from his own sudden words. His face went immediately red, as he saw my questioning look.

'When exactly have I allowed you using a style like this in my presence?' I didn't want to believe his disrespect. He swallowed.

'Adar...' Legolas started on an apologizing voice 'please, let me know, what happened between you and that elleth. I need to know.' he stepped closer to me. 'There's something wrong with her, isn't there? Since she is here, you are not yourself.'

'You should be thankful.' I hissed, reminded him of the training room moment with Tauriel, and he finally closed his mouth. My temporary calmness disappeared as I replayed my son's betrayal. Let's do something with it later...

'Now, leave.' I looked down to my paperwork and chose to ignore his presence. I had to preserve my prestige and avoid the further conniptions, if it was just possible.

'Still... I need to know, adar' I gasped in surprise as felt his hand on mine 'because you shouted naneth's name.' he said, his voice was nearly a whisper.

My eyes widened.

HOW? HAVE I YELLED IT OUT LOUD?!

He was standing in front of me, like he used to do as a little elfling. Innocently, unguarded, waiting for even a word about his beloved mother. I felt sorry for him, but was sure, I wouldn't discuss now this kind of topic. My nerves needed rest. A LOT. And not this hurtful pressure in my throat. I quickly closed my eyes, as it suddenly started to fill with tears.

'Leave' I whispered. He was standing there a little more, waiting for me changing my mind, but I didn't. He turned then, and left the study. Just when I heard the door closing, let out a sigh, I was holding. I picked the first thing in my hand's way up, what was an ornate vase, and threw it toward the entrance. It was in the air, halfway, when I heard a silent knock.

*BOOM*

'Hhh...' excellent timing 'You may come in' I said, and saw entering a quite frightened Fräynn. He bowed deeply, took a look at the broken vase and opened his mouth to... probably to make me go insane.

'Captain, your responsibility will be discussed on the council, tomorrow morning. Until then, you are dismissed.' I looked up at him with my murdering look, and he quickly understood, what would happen, if he stayed.

Very clever!

'My King, what fate may you destine to-'

'Even my smallest problem is bigger than that traitor' I lied, as poured a glass of wine for myself, and turned my back to him 'Until tomorrow.' I ended our meeting.

A moment later – alone - I could calm down with so serious problems, that what would I wear on the next great feast, or how many bottle of wine would be necessary for my guests.

Paradise... - as men used to say.

Fräynn's POV

I was thinking of the morning meeting and my probable future, when heard a weak voice from behind. 'Excuse me, could you repeat it?' I asked as turned back, and realised, the voice owed to a beautiful, blonde elleth.

'I am sorry for disturbing you, Sir. Well... King Thranduil has sent for me, but I am afraid, I need to wait for another time to speak with him, because his guards just turned me back. I am not familiar here, could you help me where to go now? I... I know, it's surely out of your competence, but I didn't find anybody else, who could-'

'It's alright' I smiled at her 'Tell me what business you have' I offered my arm and she accepted. '...maybe, beginning with your name.'

°°

When I entered the healing room, Noira was already awaken, and was smelling a piece of athelas with a comically distrustful face. For the sound of the closing doors, she quickly took it back onto the little table, what standed next to her bed, and greeted me with a nervous smirk.

I stopped at her feet, thinking of what to say, and an awkward silence followed. I could ask her to tell me, what she had done at the previous night, but I'd already known everything about it. I could ask her about the reasons, but the reasons of 'escaping a dungeon' were more than clear. And I could tell her about the consequences, but I didn't have any idea. The king's behavior went totally unpredictable, since she took her feet into this palace for the very first time. I wasn't sure, how his majesty would react for my proposal too, by the way.

She opened her mouth firstly.

'What will happen with me now?' said, looking away.

'I was thinking about it a lot' I confessed, and started to walk in the room, while continued 'His royal highness is not interested in discussing your future at the moment, but according to our laws, you cannot stay here, after you are fully healed. Until he will have time to deal with your case... I have a deal for you.' our gaze met and she furrowed her brows. 'You will be allowed to work in the palace. I can not set you free, but it grants you to leave the dungeons in daytime, and breathe some fresh air. You have to do as we say, and keep in mind, if you'll attempt to escape once more, your punishment will be immediate execution. So...' I finally stopped 'A deal?'

'... Thank you!' Noira nodded a minute later, still being unable to hide her astonishment, and made a smile from ear to ear. She didn't hope to survive the day. Well, I still didn't know if she would...

I smiled back and ordered a maiden to make a hot bath to her. 'You can use the bathchamber, and you will find there some dresses, you should wear since now. Tomorrow, you'll meet your leader, she would say then everything, you need to know.' I turned to leave, when felt her hand on mine.

'Fräynn... Don't get yourself into trouble for me, okay?' she took a glad look at me.

Third Person's POV

On the next morning, a guard woke Noira up, and led her to the gardens. It was raining, the sky wasn't even visible from the dark clouds, and the wind was so strong, it tore the green leaves hardly and totally cooled the hot summer air down. She inhaled deeply, it impressed her. The ellon left her when a figure appeared in the far. An elleth run toward her, keeping her hands above her head, and Noira could realise her face only when she almost arrived.

'Zella? It is nice to see you again. What brings you here?' Noira waved to the blonde elleth.

She made a shy smile and swept a strand of wet hair away from her face. 'My lady, it's a pleasure. I'm afraid, I'm your leader from now on, as long as you will work here in the palace. It is my first workday too, so... we are both beginners.' she smiled and turned around. 'I'm supposed to fill these gardens with life again, and in this way, you need to work outside too. I hope it's not a problem to you.'

'Oh, it's more, than perfect, actually.' she smiled brightly and was glad for the stormy weather. Even the memory of the hot day, when she arrived to Mirkwood, made her feel sick. 'What's the matter?' the warrior asked, when realised, Zella was staring at her worriedly.

'You're still wearing your armor. I'm sorry, but it's not allowed anymore. Please, from tomorrow, choose one of your new clothes. You... just cannot be walking in these clothes here, in front of the eyes of the nobility.'

At least, the armor won't be a dirty mess before noon... - Noira thought, but changed her answer. 

'Alright, I've got it... I don't want to cause you trouble. But now, tell me, how did you end up here?'

The two elleths started their work, measured the condition of the several little gardens, and made plans to refresh them. While they were taking the flower boxes to their places, Zella told Noira, how she arrived to the palace on the previous day, how she couldn't even speak a word with his majesty, but she finally met the captain and he helped her to find her place and job here, and also informed her about her presence in the healing room. He was the person, who let them work together, after all, they knew each other – a little. Noira nodded in agreement, when the elleth said, Fräynn had a golden heart, and she finally introduced herself, avoiding that Zella would call her 'my lady' till the end of time.

They enjoyed the hard work on the fresh air, inhaling the smell of the wet ground, laughed loudly and didn't even surmised, somebody was watching them from the far.

Third Person's POV

Walking on those long-forgotten paths, reminded him, how cruelly time was giving life, and taking it back from every creature in a shorter or longer blink of an eye. It was the right way, he knew, but still, it was like he would have been walking in an unknown part of the world. Everything had changed. Not even a single tree, a bush, a familiar bend of the river welcomed him from the old times. He took a deep breath, when finally reached the ancient ruins, and was leaning on his ornate stick for a minute. Despite the magic, he could use even now, every part of his old body was screaming from the several week long journey on foot.

The old man stepped to the edge of the rocky balcony, from where he could take a good look at the whole realm. In front of his feet, a huge forest was lying, as long as the eye could see, and the million leaves got warm red color at the dim light of the dawn. The sun was just waking up from its light slumber in the east, muting the night-birds, that accompanied him along his last miles. Its first rays brought the hope of the immortality of the great light. Looking to the west, he saw dark clouds hiding the sky, changing the beautiful forest to the servant of death. His heart ached with every beat.

Fortunately, he could enjoy a hint of ignorance, because the frightening when and where, even the who and how many was unpredictable. However, he wasn't that lucky to not know, Evil would come. Soon. He let out a heavy sigh, and his gaze landed on that part of the forest, where the well-hidden palace was found.

'The time, we see each other again is coming, my friend Thranduil, son of Oropher. Until then, you have to survive.' a small smile appeared on Gandalf's tired face. 'Now, I have to find a hobbit.' he added, turned back and continued his way, whistling old songs, there was not a living person, who could remember of.

Noira's POV

It was like a pointless, waking dream. I looked down and saw, I was flying above colorful lands and huge seas. Two white doves showed me the way, until grey patches appeared just before us. Suddenly, the little birds started to burn, and disappeared as I had been always all alone. A pleasant, relaxing voice called my name from behind, again and again, but I could not turn, just fly into the nearing black mass. Dark thoughts were filling my mind, when I felt a sharp pain pulsing in my head. I automatically tried to touch it, but couldn't move my arms. Nor my legs. It didn't have any sense. I found my eyes closed, so opened them, but closed again at the next wave of pain.

'How you sleep, even a dwarf would be envious' a bored voice said, pronouncing the word dwarf with a great disgust.

I tried to move again. I was probably bound, my feet didn't even meet the ground. I finally looked toward the voice only to find Thranduil already staring at me with emotionless face.

'And you hit like a toddler' I hissed back, but on the inside, I could scream. How could this happen?! I remembered, I run into the king himself, while was trying to escape and now, I was bound in a cell, what was even darker, than the previous one. A typical 'nobody would hear you scream' place. And what if somebody would hear me? What if?!

Nothing.

'I am patient. I don't mind, I had to wait nearly a week long, but now, it's time to speak, traitor.' the king's rigid voice literally froze my blood.

I was out a week long? If I count correctly, a human would have died for now of starvation. Actually, a blunt pain really pulsed in my belly, so I looked down.

What the...

My bare skin was painted to dark red by the dried blood. I just didn't have the slightest idea where and when I earned these several new injuries.

'If you fight against me, you win or die.' I heard the answer, and looked at the ellon in disbelief. He just lifted an eyebrow. He did this to me? 'You should be thankful.' his deep voice cut the cold air of the cell as a sharp blade. My jaw fell to the ground. Seemingly, my reaction amused Thranduil enough to show a barely noticeable smirk. At that point, I allowed myself a little daydreaming and imagined, what I would have done to him at home.

Meanwhile in Mirkwood, Thranduil was studying my face, and looked confused after hearing my involuntary chuckling. I stayed in my head, where I could find more comfort, and was thinking about my actual situation. I hoped better circumstances before my arrival, yes, I had big plans with my life. People of this era had goals, like becoming a hero on the battleground, or finding a connection with the royalty and becoming rich ( I could not understand this one), but for now, finding a place to live, a work to do and a man to love would have been more, than enough for me, after I felt sick from just hearing about wars or rulers. When I arrived here, I had a little strength to earn this. As long as you have hope, you'll always have that little strength.

But for now, I just felt weakness. My once powerful body and mind broke from the several days of hurt, loneliness and starvation. The idea of death didn't sound so bad anymore. I'd lost so many things in my life... everything and everybody I loved, was gone. Why exactly did I insisted on life this much?

Usually, I was crying at this point, but I just had no remaining tears.

Accepting the End calmed me down, as I was just sitting at the beach, drinking my honeybeer. I smiled at Thranduil, before I could stop myself, even if he thought me a completly idiot for that. His face immediately softened somehow. Maybe it's only in my head...

'I...' I started, pierced my gaze into his, and he tensed as drank my every word ' I fell down here from another land.'

*silence*

'From another time. Another life. I was running from the Evil itself, when I ended up on your beautiful land, your highness...' then my smile died '...but I've never thought evil would be found here, between these wonderful walls too.' I turned away from his confused gaze. 'So, my king, just be kind and let me die finally. I tried to make my world a better place so hard...' I shivered from the remembrance 'now I need a rest.'

The king was standing there for a while, without a word, forgetting even getting angry for I called him evil. 'I can see in your eyes, you're telling the truth' he said quietly 'I... Just tell me who you are.'

I looked at him in surprise. 'Oh, how rude I am. My name is Noira, just as a matter a fact. I've got it after a black rose, my beautiful mother got from my father, on their first date.' too much information, I know.

The king's lips parted.

I was waiting for some reaction, but got none. Nevermind. 'Before you, King of the Ice, go back to hating, perhaps torturing me, I wanted to tell you, I am grateful for your hospitality.' I smiled 'I've always wanted to die on the battleground, but this way is much better, than being eaten by dirty orcs.'

I felt a new wave of pain and started to breath hardly. The ellon's face was still, he was like a living statue.

What the hell happened with him?

'Did you go mute?!' I lifted my eyebrows and he suddenly came back to me.

As a child, I was always lost in my thoughts, and after a sort time, got the name daydreamer. My parents said, it was a cute nickname, but I felt a shame for it. But now, as I was watching his majesty's empty look, I had to admit, he was really cute as hell!

'You know' I breathed 'you're frozen'

His cold blue eyes were searching for something in my dark ones. It seemed like he didn't even hear me. I leaned forward, our faces were inches from each other now.

'You. Are. Frozen.' I repeated on a low voice, my face was stone cold. His eyes widened, he immediately stepped back, and just stared at me. Stared at me, as he would've forgotten how to move or speak.

My sight went blurry, I had to blink to clear it a little. The well-known iron taste of blood appeared in my mouth, and I knew, my injuries were more dangerous, than I thought. I started to pass out, and he was just standing there, with his jaw on the ground.

'Are... you dead?' I breathed, and his still face went pale. I mean, snow white!

Thranduil's POV

- Flashback –

I heared the awful sounds of war from somewhere far. Roars echoed between the northern mountains, and heavy axes cried as they met the strong elven shields. It informed me, that my soldiers were killing the last orcs, ending this bloody war finally. The dark sky slowly filled with silver stars, as I forced myself not to look down to my lap. Maybe deep breaths would help. I mustn't cry. How could the night sky stay so calm, when below, a living horror taking everything precious away from us, who left behind?

'I love you, Thranduil. Please, keep it in your memory.' started my dying wife, I was holding in my arms. I closed my eyes tightly as exhaled a long-held breath.

When I opened it again, I looked directly in her deep, blue eyes and did my best to make a smile, even if that was fake. 'How could I forget? You'll be on my side.'

'Thranduil...' she looked at me disapprovingly 'Slowly... time forgets me' she pushed her pretty face into my chest 'If I'd been only a dream.'

'Silivren! Don't speak, lirimaer!' I tightened my hug. 'I will heal you... Am... amin mela lle...'

'We both know, it is not possible'

'It is! You'll be the greatest Queen in Middle Earth, until the very last ellon leaves this world' I said as I was stroking her head. Her soft, golden hair was dark from the fresh blood, and I felt I couldn't breath anymore.

Facing the sky again, I roared mutely, so she could not notice it.

She smiled, even with her beautiful, half closed eyes too, as always, and put her shaking hand in her packet, pulling a little silver thing out of it.

'Tell Legolas, I love him and... I tried to... keep my promise.' she said to my chest between breaths. That was the moment, I realised what was that. She placed the little picture into my palm, and melted into my hug, if she was just taking a rest.

I was shocked.

My mind turned off. I was just kneeling there, holding her light body, and my brain just gave it up.

Legolas...

'Will you?' I heard her quite voice, but couldn't answer. 'You are frozen. Why?' she asked me sadly. I suddenly took a deep breath, I didn't even know, I forgot to breath. With that movement, my silent tears started to run down on my face unstoppably. I couldn't hold them.

'Th... Thranduil... Are you... dead?!' were her last words, before her body went limp, and she slowly passed away.

And left me behind.

'SILIVREEEEN!' I cried, until I had air in my lungs, and I just held her tightly, while she was becoming colder and colder.

- End of flashback –

'Forgive me' I whispered into the nothing with glassy eyes. 'Forgive me! Forgive me! Forgive me! Forgive me! Forgive me ...' I repeated, until slowly returned into the reality, felt the cold, coming from the stone walls of the cell, and hazily saw Noira's limp body, hanging in front of me.

How long was I out?

I found myself sweating and breathing loudly, every single inhalation cruelly burnt my lungs. I was in shock, my body didn't want to move. After a minute of standing there weakly, I somehow leaned forward, tried to control my shaking hands, and cupped her face to see if she was alive. Seeing her closed eyes, as I'd seen my wife's eyes closing just a moment earlier, froze the blood in my veins. My hand rested on her neck, checking her pulse. Feeling the weak but steady beating, made my eyes tearful.

She was alive.

I swallowed, and quickly went out of the dungeons, leaning to the wall, because I was still light-headed. Surely looked like, I was drunk.

'My King' a guard greeted me, when we met at the entrance, but bowed his head down, trying not to show me, he noticed my state.

'Take her to the healers' I said hoarsely, and continued my way to anywhere, just far from there. I felt sick. 

Thranduil's POV

On the next day, for the first time in a millennia, I missed waking up in the early hours. Last night, I stormed into the healing rooms and asked some herbs to calm myself down at least a bit, but somehow, after eating those plants, I passed out, like a dead. I didn't even remember reaching my chambers. Maybe, I should have eaten one bite, as the elleth said, and not a bowl of them.

It was now nearly noon, I was still staring at the ceiling and getting angry for the second time, in two days. This didn't happen in the last few centuries. And what have that female done to me? How could she break into my past like that?! If that damn trespasser and her sin wasn't enough, yesterday everybody cleared out of my way as I was just Sauron itself!

I sat up and called for my servants to make me ready for the day, but quickly! Half an hour and a short lunch later, I was on my way to my private library, wearing my fine grey robes. I had some ancient books with ancient knowledge, I didn't want to share with anybody else in the palace. Next to this, I had a collection of royal books, I inherited from my father, grandfather, and they... the Valar knows from who.

I walked across the huge elven library, till reached a noble door at the end. The old golden key was turning hardly in the lock, but after a minute of begging, gave it up, and let me enter. I lit some candles, stood them on the desk and at their dim light, I took a look at the little room. The dusty shelves and books welcomed me, as long seen, old friends. I hadn't been to this place since centuries. Since my beloved queen's death, perhaps. After that day, everything lost its sense for me.

'Well, now I am here again.' I sighed as sat down into an old armchair.

Science of ten thousand years must have been enough to get my answers. I spent long hours with reading from wizards – they were always speaking in cloudy phrases, so you surely could not understand clearly anything -, witches – they literally enjoyed confusing your mind as hell -, even demons – what was highly forbidden, actually - but found nothing. I sighed, stood up tiredly and threw the last book away.

Starting the day with a headache, reading all day long in vain and missing the dinner didn't help me find my inner peace. I ended up on the thought, fighting always calmed my nerves, but till not even a single orc was hanging around here – fortunately -, I took my way to the training rooms. It was late in the evening, I could cruelly destroy stupid wooden dolls without anybody to watch me. I pushed the doors without taking care, what made a terrible noise as slammed back.

I found myself staring at my son as he was hugging Tauriel in the middle of the room and blinking at me with clear shock in his eyes. Tauriel was a simple guard. A simple woodelf. I had never allowed Legolas – THE CROWN PRINCE - to fall for her, so I started to accept the idea, I'll have a stroke before this day ends.

Preventing this – and killing my own son -, I took a deep deep DEEP breath as stepped back, and slowly, closed the door again.

This. Just. Didn't. Happen.

I stepped without a sound and walked outside from the palace, holding my breath. I was comic. Things were just happening with me and not by me, and this was new. I was so close to go insane, so close! Bring here just one single dwarf, and I'll be off!

The only living creature who could calm me down was found next to the great oak trees. I often visited my four-footed friend on the edge of madness. The fresh night air slowly filled my lungs and cleaned my aching head, as I went across the dark gardens.

Noira's POV

'Where's the king?' I heard a male voice from far 'He skipped an important meeting in the morning'

'Oh, I don't mind he is not here, after yesterday, he almost cut me in two pieces...' answered another voice.

And I also don't mind it.

God, I had to get out of here quickly. Fortunately, in the previous morning, right when I was sure, he cut my neck, he just stormed out of my cell, without a word. But I knew, his majesty didn't forgive me, I saw him in an embarrassing state, like that. I was thinking... was his son living here in the palace? And the queen? Maybe she had a warmer heart, than her husband had. It would have been better meeting her instead.

I had to confess, I was upset. This was not what I expected. What would I do after running from my own race? Were there elves somewhere else too? On the North, as Fräynn told me? I hoped so. A familiar figure appeared in the dungeons. 'Captain!' I greeted him with a smile. We were not friends and on our first and only meeting, I even attacked him, but still, his presence brought a little color into my grey mood.

'Ah, warrior!' he turned to me 'Call me Fräynn, drop the formalities here' he smiled back.

'Well, then I don't mind... call me Noira! But actually, I didn't mind the warrior.'

'Noira' he tasted the word 'Beautiful name. Noira, I've heard what happened yesterday.'

'Oh, great! Have you heard gossips? I thought, elves wouldn't do such a thing.'

'No. I've heard it. You know, it was... quite loud.'

'Oh' I guess I blushed.

'I'd like to just warn you. Be more respectful with Thranduil! He is quick-tempered and doesn't tolerate this kind of behavior.'

'Yeah, I suspected' I answered, but he couldn't hear it, after a guard whispered something to him and they hurried out.

I was lying on the ground, and tried to create a useful plan for my improbable escaping. Let me see... once, I knew the way between the dungeons and the throne room. I also knew the way between the throne room and the gates. Oh, and as a jolly joker, I've already known the way between the throne room and the king's bedchamber.

I laughed. Who the hell would care? Probably assassins.

The previous thread sounded great, but it wasn't true. I so much not knew those roads just because my feet once touched them. Ahh... I noticed a shadow on the wall. 'Fräynn, why did you come back?' I turned my head, only to see a red haired ellon, standing in front of my cell.

'My name is Aleros. I brought some food.' he said shortly, as pulled the new plate in and turned away. I haven't even eaten the other one from yesterday...

'I DON'T NEED ANYTHING FROM YOU, SILLY ELVES!' – I shouted after him.

'Believe me, you need this.' he said, not even looking back. Nonsense. I kicked the food away, but then, saw a little glimmering thing between the vegetables. I knelt down and grabbed it quickly, hiding it into my palm.

A key!

I was sitting on the ground in the next few hours, and couldn't figure out how and why did this happen. My useless thoughts were interrupted finally, when the red haired came back to me.

Oh, what was his name? Ale... Alenos?

'Is your hunger satisfied?' there was a strange glisten in his green eyes, as he looked at me. I can't tell you, I liked it, but I reminded myself, every single elf was looking at me strangely for my appearance, after all. I didn't know what to say.

'Great' he stepped closer, and looked to the direction of two ellons, sitting at a little table. 'Soon, that two guards are going to go to the other floors for a checking. You'll have some minutes to go to the upper floors by using those stairs on the right side.' his voice was barely more, than a whisper. I stepped closer to him.

'Now, I tell you everything you need to know for leaving this cursed place.' with this, he started to whisper in my ear and after a minute, I could draw a Mirkwood-map with closed eyes.

'...after you are outside, turn right and you will find the stables. Take a horse, because you need to be fast in the woods, otherwise, the guards will immediately catch you.'

'And then?' after that, he whispered something about a little house, I would find on a glade.

Clear. But. Wait, what?!

'Why would you help me?' I asked, but he was already gone.

°°

All in all... I did, as he'd said. When the ellons disappeared on the left, I unlocked my cell and run to the right. And I was just running, and running and running on my little elven toes, so I didn't make any sound. The way, Aleros suggested me, went across several storages and cellars, but the essence: there was not a single soul there. I reached another floor above, and found myself standing between huge runlets and shelves, full of wine bottles. Those thousand bottles would have been enough for a pretty populous realm, I thought. My nose filled with the sweet smell of the wine, and I guessed, I could get drunk from only staying on this air a little more. Finding the exit, I slipped into another chamber, what looked like a kitchen. I suddenly felt the desire to eat the next thing I find, but firstly, I had to hurry, and secondly, the only thing I find and could eat was a table, so I just left the place quickly. Now, just some steps left, and I could reach the final wall. I could already see the painting, what hid the vent, if Aleros was right. I got going with long steps, lifting my arms forward, and almost touched the colorful material, when a sound hit my ears.

'But it was just a misunderstanding!'

'...was it?'

'OF COURSE IT WAS!'

The two elves took their way to my direction, and I quickly crouched down, leaning to the wall, trying to shrinking as much as it was possible, and even held my breath. I didn't dare to look at them directly. It is a big truth, that everybody notices if he is watched, but I saw a blonde and red patch from the corner of my eyes. My heart was beating so loudly, I barely heard, what they said.

'The king maybe forgives you, but not me, since I am not anybody to him!' said the female voice angrily, from too close. My hands pressed each other so tightly, it was hurtful, as I stared at the dirty ground. There was no response. They stopped for some seconds, then turned, and left me there, thinking of what the hell I was doing, anyway. Long minutes passed, but I finally collected enough courage for standing up again, and pushed the painting away. I climbed out of the small vent, and found myself in a lovely garden.

I closed my eyes and inhaled the refreshing air deeply. A light wind lifted my dark locks gently, and listening to the songs of the little nightlings, I had the mood to lie down onto the soft grass and watch the stars moving on the night sky. It sounded great, till a thought made my heart stop beating. The guards had already noticed my absence, that was sure.

Let's turn right!

Soon, I could smell the fragrance of the straw, and I knew, the stables were in the near.

After a short minute, I arrived, but the first thing I saw was beautiful and noble and huge and brown and... anything but a horse. Me and the gigantic animal were standing face to face, blinking, when I felt an unpleasant hurt in my belly. I pushed it with both of my hands but still... my stomach made an unexpected loud voice.

At that moment, I've heard a familiar deep voice from behind.

'You should've eaten something before your journey'

Oh my...

Thranduil's POV

In the next dawn, my first way went down to the dungeons. I liked getting up before the sun. Nature was the most beautiful in this time. It was just waking up, the vapor still covered the soft grass, the early sky seemed light purple and the air was chill and fresh, the best to clear the careworn mind.

I wasn't impressed, seeing my guards sleeping. I took a deep breath and continued my way down. I didn't have the mood to cut their useless heads off.

At least, you won't hark.

When I reached the farest cell, I saw the elleth was still asleep. She was lying in a scoop, like a little cat. Her dinner plate was next to her, still untouched.

She will become ill...

I unlocked the bolt of her cell but stayed outside. Now, I had a little time to take a better look at my prisoner.

I studied, once again, that dark hair, long pointy ears – not the same as we had -, snow white skin, pretty face, noble nose, sharp jaw and parted cherry lips... strong shoulders and arms, barely covered chest and belly and...

Fine, my tailor have to create some clothes today, what will hide her whole body.

I hadn't seen a lady in so strange garment in my three thousand year long life. Not to mention her swords, you could easily kill even a mountain gorilla with...

The more I was thinking, the more I was sure, this elleth could be dangerous. I had to know about her intentions.

I cleared my throat, and her eyes immediately opened.

Noira's POV

I quickly sat up. He was standing there for a minute, as a statue, then started to speak on a totally emotionless tone. This beautiful ellon... such a waste, he acted like an arrogant rat.

'Entering the borders of my kingdom without permission.' he started, staring at the wall behind me. His voice was cold as an ice shard. 'Refusing admit your intentions. Fighting against my soldiers. Refusing give the needed respect to your king. For each of your movement I could rightly execute you in this very moment.' he finished and pierced his gaze into mine.

Well, I'm sure, you could execute me rightly without any reason too. And you're not my king, anyway...

'Hmm... sorry?!' I asked with a fake smile. He didn't look like he had any sense of humor. It was okay, honestly I didn't even want to apologise.

(I didn't know, that at that moment, Thranduil thought my voice was silk as honey...)

'I have a curious nature, however, and hardly bear when my questions stay unanswered.'

I was sure. But I swore I don't say anything to this rascal.

I stood up. 'What are you interes -' I was interrupted.

'Your name. Home. Abilities. Reasons. Intentions. Movements since you set your feet into my realm.'

'You've already said what I've exactly done-'

'Don't play games with me!' he shouted suddenly and opened the grid. I stepped back and leaned to the wall behind me. Wasn't it locked?!

'How have you murdered a hundred orcs? Cuz you've done that, right? Have you had mates?' he hissed with disgusted face.

Oh man, if I was not so weak, you would get a black eye soon!

'What are you?' he whispered now, probably to himself, and I hardly bear his intensive gaze anymore. I felt I was naked.

He soon noticed I won't answer and a shadow appeared in his eyes. I didn't like it.

He suddenly grabbed my neck and tossed me roughly up to the wall.

'THEN DIE IF YOU WANT TO!'

'I WON'T ANSWER TO SUCH A CRUEL ICEBERG, WHATEVER YOU DO!' I said and didn't know what to choose. Panicking or getting angry. I chose both of them, so I was panicking angrily.

The king was blinking for a minute and let go of me.

'You're spending your second day in my realm, still have a very definite opinion of me.'

'I've heard enough.' I hissed, remembering what Zella told me earlier, and my anger just grew. 'What kind of king you are, sir, if you can't even hear the voice of your kin?!'

He looked confused, but hid it a moment later.

'How could I know?! Do you even remember of the elleth you were speaking with in the last evening? Of her story? Her problem? Her name was Zella! His brother will die, and her heart will break just because of your ego! Do you even know what heart means, huh? Have you ever-' I swallowed my words down as I saw his face becoming distorted from wrath and my gaze followed his hands.

When I saw him grabbing his sword, I automatically grasped his wrist. At the very moment I touched his skin, I felt a strange electric shock.

- Vision -

When I opened my eyes, the king, the sword, even the cold cell disappeared, and I was standing on a long dark corridor somewhere in this palace.

I didn't know what just happened. Two ellons were coming from behind, and I opened my mouth to ask what was going on, as they walked through of my body. My eyes widened. Was I dead? They acted like I was an invisible ghost. As they turned for a moment, I noticed a familiar face. One of them was Fräynn, but... he seemed much younger somehow...

Is this the past?

Suddenly, a little blond elfling was running through the place I was standing on, in his night suit. I unconsciously followed him, my legs were moving by themselves. He stopped at the great doors of the throne room and pushed them. The guards didn't stop him, but looked frightened.

Who is this little boy?

His small hands could not open the heavy doors and he looked up at the guard next to him with tearful eyes.

The man pushed the door, and the elfling disappeared in the dark room. He stopped for a moment and stared at the throne from the entrance. It was empty.

The little one froze.

'I... I had a nightmare...' he whispered. The guard came to him from the outside, knelt down and started to say something to him, but the child stormed out of the room. I was running with him some minutes long, we passed several corridors and high stairs, until we arrived to the highest floor. He turned to the most ornate golden door, and pushed it with all his strength.

A moment after his entering I heard him scream.

Oh no!

I stormed in, and saw a tall, silver haired ellon lying on the floor, next to a huge bed.

'ADA!' the elfling cried. He knelt next to him, and cupped the ellon's face. I stepped closer to see that face.

Oh my...

Some seconds later, in the door appeared a wheezy guard – the same we saw at the throne room – quickly lifted the king and laid him to the bed. He turned to the crying boy and took him up into his lap.

'IS ADA DEAD?' he cried, not turning his glare away from the king. The guard took a sad look at the several empty wine bottles on the floor, and turned away. Despite the elfling was kicking and scratching, he took him out of the chamber. The sharp childish voice echoed in the air of the huge hall.

'ADA'S DEAD! HE'S DEAD!'

'Calm down, little prince, your ada will be alright, you can see him in the morning.'

'I had a... nightmare.' he sobbed.

'Speak about it, my prince. That couldn't be sooo bad...'

- End of vision –

Suddenly, I found myself in my dark cell again, and the king's red face was just inches away from mine. I could feel his anger in my bones.

Whoops.

I was in trouble. Just a minute earlier, I'v seen something I should NOT have. And he knew that.

Noira's POV

I turned my mind off and took step after step monotonically, with closed eyes. I was listening to the beautiful songs of birds above us, inhaling the smell of the thousands of flowers and trees, and just opened my eyes, when I felt something cold covering my feet. 'Look where you step!' said a guard angrily, and I stepped out of the small river, what was flowing across our way. Its mirror sparkled as a silver path, blinding us for a moment. I lifted my look at the sky and enjoyed our travel, ignoring the ellons, who were clearly annoyed from my presence. There was something in this woods, what plant a peaceful feeling in the souls. My previous worry slowly went to curiosity, as we neared to the palace, Fräynn was speaking about earlier.

'Based on the color of your hair, you are from the North,' he tore me out from my thoughts 'As I am.'

I looked at him, and was thinking, how long could he be staring at me. 'I doubt if our Norths were the same' I answered shortly.

'How many Norths would be on Middle Earth?' he asked jokingly.

'In the middle of what?' I responded before I could stop myself, and now he was looking down at me as I would have been completely idiot. So probably my question sounded like why was the grass green. Fräynn faced the sky, with eyes closed, and whispered something that sounded like a pray for feeble-mindeds. After that, we chose staying silent for the rest of the journey.

I found myself smiling from ear to ear. This part of the forest seemed much lovelier, than the other one, where the orcs attacked me. It was full of life. The sun was going down and the little nightlings started to appear. They had little white light and sent so soft relaxing music to all the visitors hearts, they'd never like to leave the forest anymore. Such a miracle.

What kind of ruler he or she can be? – I thought of the future finally. In front of my eyes appeared an old, short, quite plump man with a hint of kindness in his eyes. Like my father was. Or... The picture blurred and transformed to a high, proud form of an elleth, with long blond hair and white skin. No, too mainstream. It has no sense – was my conclusion, and I cleared my mind and focused on where I stepped, as it was told to me earlier, anyway.

Could it be possible, that maybe it was better being a prisoner in this world, then being free in mine? My glance landed on my tightly bounded hands.

I can understand them.

We soon reached the gates, what was hidden so perfectly, I could not notice it earlier. It opened as we neared, but there was not a single guard there, as I saw. The ellons guided me across a long bridge and we entered a huge, ornate door. At the next moment, I nearly fell in my feet.

'Oh for God's sake...' – I couldn't find my breath. In my entire life, I've never seen any place like this before. The sight just filled my eyes and made it blank. The palace was so monumental, I couldn't understand, how could I not see it from the far? I could describe it as a great forest inside of a bole, but I know, it had no much sense.

I-I can not even see where it ends... oh my – I thought and saw Fräynn smiling. I surely said it out loud, despite, my jaw was still on the ground.

Everything I've seen was made from wood. We were walking in a giant opened area with a million little roads, hundreds of tall stairs, more little silver lampions than stars on the night sky. The sight was incredible. My mouth stayed open from the admiration, while we were crossing the several corridors and stairs and was walking higher and higher. I didn't know if I had a slight fear of heights, or not, so I chose not looking down.

Finally, the guards stopped, and I came back to the 'here and now'. In front of me, there was a great oak door. Fräynn said something to the ellon, who was standing at the doorway, and that now entered the room, leaving us waiting outside. Well, I had a theory, who was found on the other side of the door. His plump-and-old majesty, for sure...

My daydreaming was interrupted, when a crying elleth came out and took a deep breath next to me. She had long, golden hair, blue eyes and poor clothes. This lady was the first female, I'd seen since my arrival. She was beautiful, but a little too skinny and her face seemed very tired. She realised my staring and suddenly turned toward me with a questioning look. I saw, the guards were speaking and not interested in her presence.

'Excuse me... Can I help you?' that surely sounded funny in my situation, I knew. How could I? 'What's your name?'

'Zella, my lady' she said with surprise in her voice.

'Oh, I am not a lady.' if you knew, how much not... 'What happened to you? What's there, inside?' I nodded to the door. She looked confused.

'So you have never been to the palace before, my lady?' Alright, then I'll be a lady - I thought. 'Never' was my short answer.

'Well, this great hall is the throne room of his highness, King Thranduil of Mirkwood.'

So, I will soon meet nobody else, but the king, personally. Inhale, exhale, Noira...

'Mirkwood...? Such a funny family name.'

'Oh no, that is not that, it is because his majesty is from Mirkwood.' I gave her an uncomprehending look. 'Because, you know, you are in Mirkwood now. This whole land, you could see belongs to Mirkwood.' said Zella very slowly and I was sure, she thought me absolutely brainless at the moment. 'Well, our king's real name is Thranduil Oropherion. After his father.'

'So, the last king was King Oropherion. I see now...' I tried my best to understand.

'No, his highness was King Oropher.' I opened my mouth to ask why the hell uses then the plump-and-old king the name Oropherion, but stayed silent.

Stony elven logic.

After an uncomfortable pause, I negleted the topic. 'Have the king said something bad to you?'

The blond elleth made a sad smile. She looked at the guards, they were still speaking, didn't care about us. 'My brother was attacked about a moon ago. He was lucky, he survived it, my lady. I was worrying so much... He recognized the ellon, who tried to hurt him and told me the name.' she took a shaky breath before continued 'King Thranduil is the only person, who can punish and close him to the dungeons, so I was here to ask his majesty, however... His ears couldn't hear my ask. – she paused, then turned her angry face away from me  'That bastard is free and he can kill my brother if he desires, because he is still so weak...' her eyes went tearful again.

The image of the hint of kindness in his majesty's eyes started to fall apart.

'How is it possible, that the king doesn't care about it?' I said in disbelief, a little louder than I expected. The guards turned their heads toward us and Zella quickly bowed, and disappeared on a dark corridor. I was just staring at her now empty place. Well, maybe, kings are cruel. Wherever you are.

I had only a tiny little chance to win the king's help, that was sure.

I jumped when the door suddenly opened again, and found myself on the other side.

Third Person's POV

The throne room was as amazingly huge and enchanting, as all the other parts of the elven palace. Wood stairs and little white lights, as far as you can see. What made it so unbelievably royal, was the fact, it also didn't have walls. And maybe the presence of the king at the end of a last high stair, too.

The great elvenking was sitting on his oak throne proudly, with crossed legs, in fine silver robes and with an elegant flowery crown lying on his head. He leaned against one side of his seat, touching his forehead with one hand, holding papers with the other one. It seemed, he was lost in his work, when they arrived from the entrance. Noira could hardly see his face from that far, but looking up at him, she admitted, the plump-and-old king had a quite perfect posture, similar age, than hers and the most amazing long silver-blond hair, she had ever seen. The moon was shining through the room and his form was like a thousand little white gems. He was like an expensive jewel, what you can see, but cannot touch.

Not problem, she thought, she didn't even wanna touch him, after all. Mainly because the guards were holding her arms so tightly, they went blue for now.

'Your majesty!' Fräynn bowed deeply. Noira felt his elbow in her side, so she did the same, after a little hesitation of why should she do that. They were waiting for the king's response. After it didn't come, Fräynn took a deep breath, and stepped one forward.

'Your majesty, we destroyed some new nets, and a small group of spiders, that came to the near of the walls.' he paused, Thranduil was still reading, not even looking up. At least, it seemed so.

To be honest, the elvenking was deadly exhausted and wanted to end his duties for that day. He honestly hoped, if he didn't look at the group, maybe they just disappear somehow. He was also mad at that woman, who was there just before them. Why exactly couldn't she find a better time?! He didn't even understand what she wanted, while forcing himself not to fall asleep. Anyway... he asked his captain not to tell him those things, he could also write as a report. But now, he was here, telling him some things, he had already known about. He couldn't choose between getting angry or amused.

Suddenly, the light smell of a rose touched his nose.

Fine, I didn't have enough problem, now I go insane – he thought.

After a long minute of silence, he spoke on his silky, deep voice, as nice as he could 'Very well, captain, you are dismissed, if you don't have anything else to report' said with a tone, what meant: You better don't have.

'Your majesty...' Fräynn could touch the anger in the air, but didn't know what to do with this woman, for the Valar! She could not sleep in his bed. 'We... we've found a quite big group of orcs on our way back.'

'Then go back, maybe.' responded the king, before understood what he just heard.

'They were dead. Their bodies were still fresh.' Thranduil finally stopped reading, and was staring at something in the far. He knew very well, he hadn't sent a single soul there this morning. Nor yesterday.

Fräynn could read his thoughts, so continued- '...but we didn't find anybody in that area from our kin. Only her.' said the last word a little more emphatically, telling the king, that he meant what he thought he meant.

At that point, the king turned his head and looked at the small group in front of him. And in the middle, there was her.

Thranduil froze.

A light icy wave ran along his spine, and his hands lost their grab on the papers, what now landed on the floor loudly. Before noticing, he unconsciously rose from his throne and was staring at her for some seconds. A strange feeling filled his soul, but he didn't have the slightest idea, what was that. As fast as it came, the enchantment ended, and his mind became crystal clear again. Being frightened from what just happened, he tore his gaze from her and inhaled deeply.

The elleth in front of him had a tall, very slim form, snow-white skin, nordic hair, long legs, but for the Valar, what kind of clothes was she wearing?

He slowly took his way down with light, noble steps, and clear authority in his every move, not taking his eyes off of them for even a moment.

Meanwhile at the other end of the stair, Noira made her best to find her breath again, and mentally told her knees a hundred times, everything will be alright. As he neared, she could feel the chill sensation running up and down in her whole body, and she could swear, even the air froze around the not-plump and not-old ellon.

When Thranduil stepped to them, the guards were bowed, not looking at him. She didn't. She was literally staring at him. Her eyes were almost black, cowered with a pretty white face... an elegant nose, a sharp cherry mouth, then a slim neck - the slimmest the king has ever seen. Her dark hair was lying on her shoulders and back. He wrinkled his forehead for a moment, but his face quickly went back to emotionless. Watching her raised a million questions in him.

Finally, he found himself standing there like an idiot.

After that minute of embarrassing silence, he turned his face away, and looked at his captain while speaking. 'What is her name? Where has she come from?' asked absolute coldly, what killed Noira's mood of speaking. Fräynn straightened. 'Unfortunately, she didn't answer our questions, my lord.' Thranduil looked back at her again. She was still and silent. There wasn't any fear in her eyes, what made the king a little frustrated.

'Such a pity.' with these words, he got his way back to the throne. 'Maybe she needs some nights in my dungeons to remember clearly.'

For this, Noira finally opened her mouth to say 'Your mother needs some nights there!', but there was no sound coming out. She didn't hope a comfortable double bed for tonight, but so much hoped, they set her free, at least. She just wanted to speak with somebody, ask somebody to help her... but this King of the Ice surely won't... She remembered Zella's sad story and felt the rage growing in her veins. Her problems were enough. Enough without this selfish, ice-cold king too.

'What shall we do with the lady's weapons, my lord?' asked a guard, showing him two blades, what were bigger than his arms. The king stucked his breath.

He raised a brow as looked at the lady. 'I will study them tomorrow. Now leave.'

Noira started to move against the guards, but they were like rocks, the only thing she caused was, they tightened their grab. Thranduil sat down and smiled. 'If she'll make any trouble, feel free to kill her.'

Feel free to... what?! - she thought, as was taken out of the room roughly.

°°

Even in a beautiful palace like this, the dungeons were dark, cold and unfriendly. Fräynn pushed her into a cell, but promised, he would give some food and water to her soon. With a last thin smile, he was gone. Noira was sitting on the ground with heavy heart, leaning her back to the cold stonewall, and slowly closed her tired eyes. A lot of thing happened that day, she didn't know where to start to think them through. Crying was an easy way, lightening the hurt soul, but her eyes stayed dry.

Maybe it has a daily limit - she thought jokingly.

She had to admit, the King of the Ice was anything but forgettable. When he rose from the throne, and went down on the stairs, she could notice how tall, how muscular he actually was. But somehow there was still something elegant in the way he moved. Probably, this is what called royal.

When he finally arrived to her, she could take a look at his face. His eyes were deadly. Yes, Noira admitted the fact too, she was lost in those sharp blue eyes for a moment. She almost smiled, while was thinking of those high cheekbones, cute nose and soft lips. Noira didn't understand, why was he staring at her without a word that long, but she was glad, when he finally went away and broke their gaze, because then she also could.

Beautiful body, ugly soul.

Going back to the 'sweet' reality, she felt again the cold of the dungeon, where she was waiting – God knows how long -, without other living things, her weapons and a warm bed.

'Nevermind' she thought 'I will fall asleep before Fräynn could come back.' And she did so.

Five floors above her, a nice, flowery crown was taken down to a nightstand, silver robes were landing on the floor and a tall figure collapsed to a huge sized, warm bed. He wanted to think some things through. The last hour was so bizarre, it made his originally sleepy mind even more cloudy. His eyelids closed and he evoked that strange floral smell, that was lingering in the air, before that inexplicable moment. He sighed.

I should have ordered Fräynn to reinforce the guards at the dungeons and close the gates, until I bring the light whats going on. I should do it before I sleep. – thought Thranduil just before drifted off. 

Noira's POV

Not again! – I laughed mentally.

I turned back slowly with a strange calmness in my heart. I've always loved irony.

Really.

For now, I didn't have enough energy, magic, power, whatever to save myself from another horde, but if I had to die here and now, I would play with my precious blades a little before, just for fun.

Strange. The thing in front of me didn't have an orcish body composition, but pointed ears and a quite handsome face. And a new arrow, what now met the tip of my nose.

'State your business, trespasser!' came his serious voice, while I was still just studying him. Whoa, he was at least two meter tall, with long black hair and so light blue eyes... they seemed almost white!

'Where I'm from, we just say good afternoon instead of arrows...' I answered finally. Of course, it wasn't true.

The ellon just stared at me like I was something extraterrestrial. Well, actually I was.

'State. Your. Business.'

He looked into my eyes deeply, but I didn't know what he was searching for there. Should I say something about my business to him? I had to speak with somebody here, but it was not a good idea looking like a dangerous madman, when the other was holding a bow like this one. But unfortunately, I was sure, he wouldn't understand a single word from my story. Staying silent will do now...

My gaze didn't leave him. He was an ellon, that was clear, so finally, I found somebody from my own race. It was fast. Oh, and that turned out, my race existed in this world too!

But something was strange on him. Something... Oh God.

I lifted my hand and touched his ear with a frightened face. 'Have you been punished? They've just cut your ears?' as I said, he suddenly pushed my hand away with his elbow.

But... his ears were half of mine!

'DO YOU WISH TO DIE, ELLETH?! – he roared. That sentence took me back to reality. I was alone with another elf in a lonely forest. Against him and not an army... of course, I didn't want to die.

I grabbed my swords and with a sudden movement cut his bow in two pieces. He started to move for his knife, but my other blade touched his neck for then. I was sure, this ellon was a great warrior, as I was, and I knew, if we fought, that would be until death. My other option was trying to use my mind freezing – as I called it -, as I'd done on the orcs earlier. That would have slowed him down and I could hide. My eyes blocked his and I gently touched his cheek. I knew, by using this little spell, my power would be over.

Well, Dorothy, you are not in Kansas anymore...

A little freezing sensation left my fingertips and after a second, his gaze softened. He was standing there, but his mind was resting for some minutes.

Let's go!

Before I could take my first step, I noticed moving leaves around us. The green patches in the near were changing their places slowly and then, I realised, we weren't alone. Four other ellons appeared from their hidden places. I opened my mouth to say I came in peace when they attacked me.

Well, the last thing I wanted to do was killing my kin. Why the hell couldn't we just speak as other normal... creatures?

I started to run to the left and right and did REALLY DAMN COMPLICATED – and comic - acrobatic movements to keep myself off from the elven arrows. Until they run out. When they stormed to me with knives, I knew I had to end this fight quickly.

And peacefully.

°°

Some minutes later, the four peacefully knocked out ellons were lying on the soft grass.

I needed a meeting with somebody, who probably didn't try to kill me, and could turn me to the right direction. A lady, a landlord, or somebody with a little more knowledge, than soldiers or orcs... I was here, I had to socialize once somehow, find a new home, somebody to talk to.

I turned to the black haired guy, who were still standing on the same place. I looked up at his blank eyes and stroked his shoulders. He blinked and shook his head, clearing his mind.

Seemed like, ellons were more sensitive for my spells, than those brainless orc bastards.

'Hey handsome! I need to speak with your lord, so take me to him... please' I smiled '...if the others are ready.'

His face went from totally confused to dark red in a second, as noticed the ellons, trying to sat up and find their weapons.

'Captain...' started one of them shamefully.

'Captain?' I blinked ' What kind of captain are you?'

After a deep sigh he answered '... of the guard. My name is Fräynn.' and made a little frustrated smile. I could admit, he was even more beautiful while smiling.

'And your name, trespasser? Why are you here at our borders? Where have you come from exactly?' bombed me with questions, but I didn't even open my mouth to response. His smile finally died.

'Introduce me to your lord, please. I promise, I'll behave.' and I reached my fists forward.

Fräynn's POV

'Captain!' one of my guards run to me panting as we made our daily checking in the forest. 'We discovered a new camp, a big one! More than... a hundred orcs were there!'

I shivered. So close to the gates? It sounded like the war was nearer than we thought. We needed prepare for that. 'Thank you, Ryndes. The others?' I asked as stormed back to the direction of the palace. I had to warn the king immediately.

'They stayed to burn the dead.'

My foot stopped in the air 'The what?'

'All of their bodies were lifeless, captain' reported to me and when I nodded, he started his way back to his group.

I was thinking. They didn't die suddenly from exhaustion, yes, but I couldn't imagine, the spiders alone killed a bigger horde. It was just not possible. I wrinkled my forhead, as usual, when I was nervous. There was something else in the woods.

I was so lost in my thoughts, I nearly missed noticing a moving figure not so far from me. I grabbed my bow and followed him without a sound. Just when I was right behind him realised...

An elleth?

I almost addressed her when I looked at the two huge swords in her hands. Usually, our elleths didn't wear armor – I can admit, the lady didn't wear so much clothes - and use so... deadly weapons. She could be violent. Instead of my first idea, I sent her a welcoming arrow. Of course, just next to her.

She immediately stopped, but didn't turn back toward me. Then I stepped to her and raised the bow to the head. I heard something.

Is she laughing?

With a turn, her nose met my arrow and I could study that face finally. Not familiar... well, nor usual.

'State your business, trespasser' I said, hiding my astonishment from her appearance.

'Where I'm from, we just say good afternoon instead of arrows...' sounded the unexpected answer. Are you insane?

I was just staring at her 'State. Your. Business.' I repeated, still holding my weapon at her face. Actually, she was still holding her blades too...

She didn't say a word, so this discussion was more difficult, than I thought. Her pretty face suddenly frightened and she touched my ear. She said something, but I couldn't hear from the adrenalin, as pushed her hand away from me. Please, she was flailing near my head with a damn butcher knife!

'DO YOU WISH TO DIE, ELLETH?! – I yelled, and something gleamed in her dark eyes. The next thing I saw was my bow in two pieces. I nearly grabbed my knife when felt a cold blade on the bare skin of my neck. Not so lucky situation, when my mates were far from us.

Who the hell is this female? Not a tailor, I'm sure.

I felt her fingers on my cheek, and that moment felt something cold entering my skin. I couldn't hear a sound anymore, my sight was blurry. At the end I noticed, I dropped my knife and the time stopped passing, it was like watching the very same picture again and again.

Later, what seemed only a moment, I felt a pressure on my shoulders, and I saw something was different. My soldiers were on the ground. I just blinked, and thought, if this elleth wished to kill me, I had little chance to win. I also remembered the dead orcs, but was afraid to ask her about them. And what had she just done to me? I just didn't want to hear the answers.

Instead, I asked her about herself, but she refused to answer me.

But she didn't kill us.

I finally exhaled, when she asked me to... so... capture her. The Valar doesn't have a lack of irony.

(In the past)

'Go on, Ada' said the little elfling, shaking his father's arm to wake him up, and the tale was continued.

'...and sorcerers say, an angel comes to Middle Earth, her skin is lighter than the freshest snow and her eyes are just like deep black moons. She means journey and destination. You cannot capture or own her with strength, but can have her on your side forever, if you set her free. The angel brings peace and war. Her spirit is destroying like the cruelest fire, and healing like the water of the most chilling sea. And it is told, this angel is able to build a kingdom in one day, or perish it in a blink of an eye. Her dark tresses are like the proud trees, standing in the night forest, and her slender, porcelain form is like the sun's first ray on the morning sky. Sorcerers say, one day, when darkness blurs our mind again, this beautiful black rose falls to Middle Earth. From above the stars. '

The king closed the old book and kissed the top of his son's little head.

'Sleep now, my little leaf!'

(In the present)

Noira's POV

I exhaled slowly. My heart felt heavy but my muscles rested as I would have just floated on the waves of eternity. I have never felt so much peace. The material what surrounded me was like millions of little stars and distant worlds. I lifted my hands, but could not touch them or even realise them as they were, it was like a dream. Little lights and colorful spots blurred my vision, making me blank, so I closed my eyes slowly, and was just watching the light purple, blue, white patches, as they were changing in a beautiful dance.

I concentrated and started to feel my body's weight again. Suddenly I felt some soft wind too, what lifted my dark locks.

I was falling.

My eyes opened wildly from the realization, but closed again after a minute. There was nothing to do with it, after all. I couldn't do anything, but wait for death or life.

When I opened my eyes next time, the shiny spots disappeared and I felt chilling snow under my whole body. I hitched my breath from the shock. Did I fail it?

I sat up gingerly, and touched the bare skin of my abdomen. No, there wasn't snow anywhere. The freezing cold came from my own pores. I shivered and looked at my several injures. They were almost fully healed for now. Elven race is the luckiest one – I thought.

I stood up slowly and turned around. It had to be late night, because I didn't see anything in the dark. I looked up at the sky. It was like a great black ocean, filled with a million little lights and a noble planet in the middle.

Oh, how beautiful you are, silver goddess... - I stared at the full moon.

The forest around me seemed like a living, loud creature. I knew I wans't alone, but I didn't know what kind of races were looking at me from the shadow. Was there anything in the near anyway? A village, a town, a camp?

The growing panic constricted my stomach. I lived my life as a warrior. Alone and without anybody to help. I went for a hunt if I got hungry and was searching for a river if I didn't have enough water to drink. I could protect myself perfectly, so for me, being afraid was a strange and rare condition.

But I didn't know this world. I didn't even know where to take my first step.

Once you have to move, Noira!

I started my way cautiously and realised, the laws of physics – for example gravitation -worked in this area too. Maybe this place wasn't so different from mine. I was walking in the dark forest for an hour long and was honestly glad, I had my weapons. My legs hurt a little, and I was sure, they were broken from hitting the ground, but my self-healing ability was still working, so I didn't worry, it hurt less and less with every step.

The air in this late summer night was pleasant to everybody, but not me. Where I came from, the eternal winter ruled, I didn't meet this warm weather and now I had to clean my face from the sweat. I breathed heavily and had to take a pause.

Climbing up to a tall tree, I hoped it was cooler on higher. It wasn't, but as I arrived to the top, a little light appeared in the woods, not so far from my position.

A camp! Oh thanks, I need water! Now.

Birds flew away as I jumped down loudly and started to run to the unknown. When I was in the near, hid in a bush to look at the hosts. I was surprised as discovered, this race also lived in my previous world.

'Orcs' I said it out loud, and now they turned their faces to my direction. There were only men, not a single woman or child, it was strange. They were sitting around the great camp fire and eating some deer or horse, it wasn't visible from this far. I straightened and stepped to them.

'I came in peace. I need water and some food to continue my journey.' there was no answer, but they stood up and stared at me. 'I would also be glad, if you could give some information to me about my whereabouts.' I finished and bowed. And waited. They looked at me and each other with big eyes.

There were almost a hundred guys and nobody answered. I started to get really angry. It was clear, orcs were quite dull ones, but still, it pissed me up.

I made eye contact with one of them and commanded him firmly. 'Show me where your chieftain is!' then I got my answer, it was an arrow, flying next to my ear.

I grasped my swords immediately and was ready for the upcoming fight. It was suspicious, they were not from the friendly part of that race. Such a pity, when I was so thirsty...

A cold feeling on my neck interrupted me, and I focused on the present once again. I quickly turned back and in the same time slayed the attacking orc behind me. Then his three or four mates came, but I immediately cut them down. It was easy.

That was the point, when the others started to inquire. The horde moved as one, and I started my dance. Turning right, turning left, my blades slayed everything in their way.

My armor hid only small parts of my form on my hips and chest and for now, my white skin was black from the orc blood.

I felt a sharp pain in my stomack, and touched it. I was bleeding. How could this happen, when I was fighting against only brainless bastards? I was a high-qualified warrior! A living legend! Suddenly I panicked again. Not so clever activity while you are fighting for your life...

What if my power doesn't work in this world, as before? What's with the warm? I feel weakness in my legs. This never happened before! But... I can't kill this enemy only with my swords. If I can not use my spells, I'll die!

I was tired and they were over-numbered. I needed to save myself.

After a deep breath, I felt the well-known tingling in my hands. I threw my weapons away and focused my power to the fingertips. The orc blades were only an inch from me when I put my hands up and felt the icy energy leaving me. Its blue light found its way to the enemy and after a second, they stopped moving. All of them.

Then, I exhaled and closed my eyes. It worked. My powers worked. Now I had a minute to really save myself or die.

I concentrated and tried to collect all of my remaining strength. The energy slowly left my hands, arms, and gathered in my chest. Clearly, I was weaker here, but still tried to use my magic harder and harder.

Maybe I'll die soon, but for God's sake, I will surely not be dinner of anybody! Especially not theirs.

The pressure in my chest grew and an ice shield appeared around my form. The air was frozen and the cool blowing wind was forming an orb around me. The orcs started to find their consciousness and attacked with their axes in that very moment. Their eyes widened, as the weapons stopped in the strong ice wall, what covered me.

I had one chance. My spell will destroy the shield. If it won't kill the beasts too, it's over.

I closed my eyes again and murmured my phrases, as I placed my hands on my chest. The cold storm was tearing my dark tresses and cleaned the black blood away from my skin. I was nearly lighting in the dark.

The great power filled my whole body, and I roared as the destroying winter storm left me, forming a solid growing orb, broke my shield into million little ice shard and killed everything in its way.

°°

I opened my eyes and saw the light blue sky and the great gold sun. It was peaceful and refreshing but... Wait.

When did I get to the ground?

I pushed myself up to a sitting position and saw the butchery I'd done. After all, I could be proud of myself. The air started to get too warm again to me, and my several new injuries made me even weaker than I was before. My stomach was still bleeding and I had some cut on my back and arms too. I knew I'm healed soon, but now I had to move to somewhere from this damned place.

I started to walk again, not in a straight line, but nearly forward. After a time, I felt as a part of my power entering my body again. It was enough to keep walking, at least. The forest seemed so different now. In the sunlight it was almost lovely. Birds were singing their beautiful songs and the great foliages made little shadows on the grass. Not enough.

Damn warm!

I was thinking. Maybe in this world, orcs are not so friendly with my elven race. How should I have known about that?! Where I came from, there were good guys and rogues in every race. Or at least, they were not evil, just enemies because of the actual political situation. But sending an arrow without a single word?

At that very moment an arrow flown next to my ear.

I started to laugh from frustration.

Not again... please.