For the love of a Dragon (Thranduil fanfic)

Chapter 3

I paced quickly and quietly through the dark forest, slipping through the trees like a shadow. My pride kept trying to push me back, but I kept on moving forward. I had an idea of the evils that lurked in here, but I didn't want to think about it. My heart beat like a drum and my eyes shot around my surroundings like arrows. I didn't want to end up as an evening meal.

I heard a rustle. I immediately shot an arrow at the spot. Nothing happened. Then the most hideous thing I had ever seen jumped out and hissed at me. I came face to face with the spawn of Ungoliant; 

A giant spider.

I got out my sword and started hacking away at the thing, avoiding it's eyes. I stabbed it's face and it fell to the ground with a thump. I ran faster, being careful to stick to the path. Where there was one spider, there's surely to be more. The blood from my sword splattered onto my boots.

Finally the palace came into view. The gate was wide open. I cocked my head. That's odd. Thranduil was so protective of his 'kingdom' that it was always heavily guarded and locked. Pushing that aside, I went to walk in, keeping in mind that I could be walking into a trap. 

But before I could make it to the bridge between the kingdom and the forest I heard a loud hiss from behind me and a grunt. I turned to see an especially large spider on top of an Elf. I distinguish his features. Not any Elf.

Thranduil.

I let out a grunt of frustration as I fought the spider. "How many times do I have to save you, your majesty?" I said sarcastically between stabs. 

I finally plunged my sword into it's eyes, avoiding it's brutal stare and it crumpled to the ground. I tossed the beast off the King and leaned over him. 

His eyes were closed. He seemed to be fine....wait. 

I pulled apart the torn fabric on his stomach and saw that the spider had jabbed him with its stinger. "Ed i'ear ar' elenea!" I cursed. There was only one thing I could do. I left him there quickly and ran into the castle. 

The Elf that had captured me who I presumed to be Thranduil's son came into view. I ran up to him. He turned towards me and a look of utter disgust formed on his face.

"How did you escape, nadorhuan," he sneered. I was slightly taken aback by his insult but didn't show it. 

"Would you rather know how I escaped or help your dying father?" I snapped. 

His eyes widened and looked towards the gate. "Ada," he whispered, before running outside. 

I lead him to Thranduil and he fell to his knees, shaking his father's shoulder again and again. I watched him as he attempted to awaken the King. It almost softened my heart. A father and son. Unconditional love. 

"We have to get him help immediately," I said, daring to put a hand on the prince's shoulder. His hand came up and held mine for a second as he watched his father, then we hauled him up, the Prince holding his legs and my arms holding up his shoulders. His head leaned on my stomach as we ran up to the healing room. 

"It's the King!" he told the healing Elf. We laid him down on a bed. The healing Elf rushed into the cupboard for herbs. "I must go for I have guarding duties. My name is Legolas," he said. I nodded at him as he ran out of the door. 

I felt a pang in my heart. I know what he must feel like. Having to leave his father when he was in a critical condition; not knowing if he would make it. I faced the same sorrow when I got taken away from my father when he was dying. Taken by the Silvan Elves into exile.

Now here I am, helping the King. I shook my head to rid the thoughts that were clogging it. "I can't find the herbs!" the healing lady fussed. 

I grunted in frustration. "I'll do it!" I grumbled, getting my emergency herbs out of my boot. "Look Princey, I'm using up my emergency supply for you. Appreciate it," I said. I pressed the herbs to his wound and chanted a spell.

After chanting the spell I removed the herbs and grabbed a bandage. I wrapped it tightly around him. I turned to the healing lady. "He'll wake in a few days. For three days after he wakes give him these," I rummaged through the cupboard and gave her a jar of green spinach-like herbs. "Thank you," she said. I walked out the door but not before hearing her speak again.

 "There's only one kind who knows that spell..." she muttered. 

My eyes widened as I realised what I had done. I had chanted a Laiquendi spell. And Oropher (Thranduil's father and previous king) had banned us and our heritage. I ran towards the exit.

"Wait!" I turned to see Legolas run towards me.

 "What do you want?" I asked wearily. 

"You saved my father. On his behalf, I cannot let his saviour into the forest," he said. 

"It'll be fine," I said turning away. 

"Please," he said grabbing my arm. "For my father. I know he would like to meet his healer." 

I thought about it. Finally I gave in. "Fine," I said. 

He led me up twisty staircases up to a little room. "Stay here until he wakes," he said. 

"Thanks," I replied as he left.

I put all my weapons on the floor and slumped on to the bed. I sighed. I hadn't slept in a bed for so long I forgot what it was like. I shut my eyes. Something about the King softened my heart. Not sure what....

Guess I'll just have to wait til Princey wakes.

I updated!! :D Just saying, if you're confuzzled, the whole thing with the Silvan Elves and the Green Elves (Laiquendi) isn't by Tolkien. Just saying. I made it up :)

residenthobbit49 <3 :)

Elvish Translations!

Ed i'ear ar' elenea!=By the sea and stars!

Nadorhuan=Cowardly dog

Ada=Father