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Chapter Text

“Amathim, did you hear that?” Sadreth whispered to her brother as they moved deeper in to the forest. He came to a halt and turning to his sister he quietly said, “Do you mean that rustling sound?” She nodded yes. There was no wind and everything around them was still so no cause could be found for the noise. “I knew we should not have come here. There is a reason no one goes into Fangorn.” “I was curious and from the outside it seems so beautiful” she said with an uneasy voice. “Let us go home now and hope no trouble finds us on our way” Amathim said as they turned to retrace their steps. They did not get far when they felt a malevolent presence behind them and suddenly they were lifted off their feet as branches coiled around them. The pair screamed for help and they were sure their cries would go unanswered until they heard a woman’s voice shouting back to them in words they didn’t understand. “Lend tien n-ar let tien linne-! Tye indome yamme tuc- harm ana tai man care- yamme mera ana harm tye!” (Leave them be and let them go! You will not bring harm to those who do not wish to harm you!). Upon hearing her words, the elves were set back down on their feet and released. They turned to see a nearly pitch-black tree with long, gnarled branches slinking away into the forest soon disappearing amongst the rest of the trees that were thankfully rooted firmly in the ground. “How are you? Are either of you hurt?” the stranger asked. “I am fine” Amathim said but as he looked to his sister, he noticed she had a long scratch on her forearm as the branch had cut through her thin sleeve. “Come with me my dear; I can tend that wound” the elleth said kindly.

“Thank you” Sadreth said relieved that they were now safe and in better company. “What was that?” she asked their host as they walked through the thickly grouped trees making the forest a bit dark and hard to see through, even with their keen elven eyesight. “It was a huorn. They are wild and are often harmless unless provoked but some of them have darkness in their hearts and they will hurt you if they can.” “Are they like ents?” Amathim asked as he had heard of the ents but not of huorns. “Not exactly. They are trees and the ents look after them as they do the rest of the forests. I am sorry that you had the misfortune to meet one.” “We should have known better. We are from Lothlórien and we have always been told to avoid this forest as it has many hidden dangers. My curiosity finally got the better of me and I talked my brother into coming with me to do a bit of exploring. My name is Sadreth and he is Amathim.” “I am Ranyare. I sensed it when you entered the woods and I am glad I got to you when I did.” “So are we” Amathim said with gratitude.

They soon reached a clearing where a bit of light pierced the thick canopy and shown down upon a small hut. The elves now noticed their guide was quite tall, at least six feet, and she had waist length silver hair with skin as fair as pearls or ivory. Her eyes were grey with a hint of violet and she moved as elegantly as a snowflake gently falling to the ground in winter. Her dress was simple and made of a green fabric that looked a bit worn around the hem. She opened the door that was little more than loose sticks and thin branches bundled together, and they all stepped inside. There was only one place to sit, a small three-legged stool, and Ranyare bid the wounded elleth to sit down. “I have some salve that will clean and heal that scratch.” “Thank you. I hope we have not put you to too much trouble. I am sure it will be fine; it seems quite superficial.” “You can never be too careful where huorns are concerned. It is not deep so this should be all you need” she said as she carefully spread a layer of the yellow salve onto the scratch. She then retrieved a piece of cloth from a basket and wrapped it around Sadreth’s arm and secured it with a pin. “I do not believe that creature will return but to be safe, I will escort you out of the woods” Ranyare said with a warm smile.

“I hope you will not think I am being too intrusive but I am very curious how you came to live here. We did not think anyone lived in Fangorn?” Amathim asked. His sister gave him a smirk as she knew he also had an inquisitive nature just as she did. “I have lived here for many centuries now. I like it. It reminds me of the forests of my youth. Dark they were and quiet. I shall never see them again and this is the closest place I have found to them yet.” “Are you from Beleriand?” Sadreth asked with a bit of excitement in her voice. She assumed this mysterious elleth must be referring to the land that was destroyed and lost to the sea at the end of the First Age after the War of Wrath. “No. This is as far West as I have ever travelled.” The trio walked for a bit in silence as Amathim and his sister tried to work out where this elf could possibly be from. Finally breaking the silence Ranyare said, “I was referring to the forests around Lake Cuiviénen far to the East, a land that was changed long ago and is now barren and mostly uninhabited.” This revelation caused the siblings to stop immediately and look at their guide with new reverence and wonder. “You cannot possibly be one of the first born of our kind, can you? Outside of Círdan in the Grey Havens, we did not think any others like you still lived in Middle Earth” Sadreth said still not believing what she had heard. “I do not know anyone named Círdan but names do change over the ages. I have had many names in many lands since I first awoke near the lake.”

They soon reached the edge of the wood and saw their horses were still waiting for them. “Please, you must come back with us. I know everyone would be so happy to meet you and you would be treated as an honored guest by our king” Sadreth said. “Why should I be honored? Simply because I am very old?” Ranyare asked with humility and not contempt. The pair hung their heads seemingly in defeat at this response and she spoke up again saying, “I am happy here and quite set in my ways. From time to time I do wish for the company of others but now is not that time.” “Would it be alright if we tell others about you? I am sure there are many who would like to speak with you and learn about the old days from someone who actually lived through them. It is important to not forget the past and that was so long ago now.” Amathim’s words moved her heart and also caused her to fear that others would try and make the journey through Fangorn possibly putting them in danger. “It would not be good for your people to come to the forest therefore I will go with you and stay a short while.”

Sadreth rode on her brother’s horse with him leaving her horse for Ranyare. “I have never been in your realm. What is it like?” she asked as they neared the Golden Wood. “It is beautiful. We live in homes built high up in the Mallorn trees. We are Silvan but there are many Sindar elves like you including our king, Amroth.” “How did you know I was related to the Sindar?” “Your silver hair, I assumed you must be Sindar” Sadreth explained. “You are correct although I would call myself Nelyar for that is what we were in the beginning.”

They reached Amathim and Sadreth’s home well after darkness had fallen but the crystal lamps hanging in the trees easily lit their way. The pair were of age but neither was married yet and they still shared a home with their parents. After introducing their guest and explaining their adventure, everyone shared a meal and then retired for the evening. Ranyare was presented to King Amroth the next day and he was as surprised as the rest of his people to meet one of the original eldar. “So, you awoke near the lake and were not born to another pair of elves there?” the king asked curiously. “Yes, your majesty” she said confirming that she indeed was one of the original first-born and not from a succeeding generation. “I am truly humbled and honored to meet you Lady Ranyare” he said as he gave her a courteous bow. The elleth held her tongue and tried to graciously accept his praise although she felt she had done nothing to deserve it and she did not like the title ‘lady’. “We shall have a great feast in your honor” Amroth announced and plans were soon underway for the party.

Ranyare didn’t like crowds and certainly didn’t like such a fuss being made of her but she understood the curiosity of the elves and did her best to answer their questions and put on a happy face. If this would satisfy them and keep them out of her forest, then it was worth it. After two weeks she was ready to go home and was prepared to tell Amroth this when they dined together one evening. “There is someone else I feel would benefit from meeting you if you would not mind” he said kindly. “Have I not already met every one in your kingdom?” she asked trying to hide her exasperation with this whole ordeal. “He does not reside in Lothlórien. His name is Thranduil and he is the king of the Woodland Realm in Greenwood. His father was killed in battle at the end of the Second Age and his mother recently left to sail West in hopes of reuniting with her husband. He is my friend and it has been hard for him stepping into his father’s place and I think speaking with you, with someone who has endured so long, would help him.” She could see how much Amroth was concerned for his friend and even though she wanted nothing more than to return home, she agreed to his request.

Amroth and Thranduil exchanged letters and Thranduil was indeed excited to meet this elleth but she had her own stipulations. She did not want any more fanfare and would not meet him in his realm surrounded by more elves. Thranduil suggested they meet in the old fortress of Amon Lanc in the South of the forest. It had been the main city and stronghold of the kingdom when it was initially founded in the Second Age but over time the elves migrated further North and now only a small garrison remained stationed at the fort. She agreed and Amroth gave her a horse as she insisted on travelling there alone.

Thranduil paced back and forth in the courtyard just inside the main entrance of the fort anxiously awaiting her arrival. It was mid-afternoon when the gates opened and she rode in past the soldiers standing guard. They each bowed their heads when she passed and she felt a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach and hoped this visit would end quickly. She felt a little more at ease as she approached the king and saw his bright, kind smile. He offered his hand to help her dismount and although she needed no assistance, she didn’t want to refuse his gallant gesture. “Lady Ranyare, I am Thranduil, son of Oropher, and I am so pleased to meet you.” “I am pleased to meet you as well your majesty. You may simply call me Ranyare.” “Then you must also call me Thranduil” he said with a pleasant grin. “I have a room prepared for you if you would like to freshen up and rest from your journey” he said as he waived to one of the guards to take her bag. “Thank you. I can carry my things myself” she said giving the guard a smile and following the king inside. “I do not believe I have ever heard a name like yours before. It is lovely. What does it mean?” he asked. “It is an early version of Quenyan. It means one who strays or a wanderer” she explained. “I never learned much Quenyan.” “It is a version no longer spoken. It is a good thing then that I know Sindarin” she replied with a grin. After showing her to her room, Thranduil went to the dining area to make sure everything was ready for their dinner. Ranyare changed from her riding clothes to a dark blue dress, one of the new outfits she received as a gift from the people of Lothlórien.

“You are staring” she said with a hint of disdain as he had not taken his eyes off of her through their meal. “I am sorry my lady. That was very rude. Please accept my sincerest apology.” “Accepted” she said in a kinder tone. “I have never seen anyone with eyes like yours. They are a very unique color” he said trying to explain himself. “Others had eyes similar to mine but did not have children to pass them on to.” It was early Autumn and by the time they finished dinner, the sun was beginning to set. “Would you like to take a walk?” the king asked. Ranyare agreed and they left the fort to walk through the forest. “I have always loved this time of year” he said as they walked through the trees whose leaves were just beginning to change colors. “It is beautiful” she said and did not elaborate further. They walked for a while in silence and Thranduil began to feel that his guest wanted to be anywhere but there. “We can go back if you would like” he said breaking the awkward silence. She sighed and said, “For the last few weeks I have felt a bit like a show pony on display. I am sorry.” “There is no need to apologize. I am honored that you agreed to come here.” “There is that word again! Why is it an honor to meet me?! I am nothing special; I have done nothing special!” she shouted in frustration. Thranduil was stunned at this reaction and his temper flared a bit as he was not used to being yelled at and did not believe he had done anything to warrant it.

“Perhaps we are excited to meet one of the first of our kind and give you the reverence deserved for living through so many years” he sarcastically spat back. “You do not know what I have lived through, the pain I have carried for millenia” she responded now in a quiet, sorrowful voice. A tree had fallen just a few steps from them and Thranduil walked over to it and sat down. “You may tell me if you desire. Unburden yourself.” She sat down a couple of feet away from him and said, “I do not know you well enough to tell you my deepest and darkest secrets and fears.” “I will not pretend to know your pain but I do have pain of my own and maybe I understand a bit of what you feel.” His voice was now softer and his pale blue eyes were filled with warmth. He spoke so gently that it made her feel guilty for lashing out at him. “Amroth told me you lost your parents” she said trying now to be more congenial. “My father has been gone for a few hundred years but my mother only left a little under a year ago. She missed him so much. I did not want her to go but I did not tell her that. I told her to follow her heart and that I would be fine. She was all the family I had left.” He hung his head and his silvery blonde locks fell over one shoulder as he looked at his hands in his lap. “I do not know what it is like to lose a parent but I do understand how hard it is losing those you loved. It feels like an empty hole inside you and sometimes it feels as if that emptiness might consume you.” “What do you do on those days?” he asked turning to look at her. “You do the best you can. You get up and at least go through the motions. You try to live a life that would make them proud even if you feel like you fall short every day.” “You may not see it, but you are special. I feel better now for having just been able to talk with you. You have a very kind, calming presence. Please do not get angry, but I would be honored to count you as a friend” Thranduil said as the moon began to rise over the treetops. She grinned and said, “It has been a long time since I had a friend.”

“I find that hard to believe” he said sincerely. “I generally prefer to be on my own and have lived in Fangorn away from others for centuries now. I only occasionally make trips to some nearby human villages for things I need that I cannot find or make in the forest.” “If you do not mind my asking, what is like in Fangorn?” he said curious about the strange wood. “It reminds me of the forest I first knew when the world was lit only by silver starlight.” “You are not afraid of the strange creatures said to live there?” “The huorns have never bothered me and the ents are kind and well-meaning.” His eyes lit up at the mention of ents. “You have met an ent?!” “Only one. His name is Bregalad. I believe he is one of the younger ents and he was quite friendly. I have seen him a few times over the years” she happily explained. Thranduil was glad to see her mood had lightened as he felt bad about having upset her even if it had been unintentional. “Have you always lived here in Greenwood?” she asked now finding herself enjoying their conversation under the stars as she much more preferred a one-on-one interaction to the larger groups she had been surrounded by in Lothlórien. “Yes. I was born here in the year 998 of the Second Age.” She quickly did the math in her head and as they were 457 years into the Third Age, she reckoned he was 2,900. “So young you are” she said not meaning any insult but Thranduil spoke up saying, “Older than most. We cannot all be older than the moon itself” he said looking skyward to the the glowing orb made from the last fruit of the tree Telperion. Much like Ranyare had done, Thranduil had calculated her age and arrived at the figure of 8,988 years taking into account that time, as it was counted in the Years of the Trees, passed more slowly and one current year would have been nine years then. Galadriel, who was 5,730, was the oldest elf he had ever met and this elleth he now sat beside was more than three thousand years older!

“Cherish your youth and any innocence you may have left” she said with a serious expression and so much sadness in her eyes that he tried to change the subject by offering her a compliment. “If I may say my lady, your appearance does not bely your age. You have the beauty of the Sindar which is second to none. Although I may be a bit biased being Sindar myself and being proud of my kin.” She giggled and turned away causing him to apologize if he had spoken too boldly. “I appreciate your kind words. I find it humorous how everyone assumes I am Sindar because of my silver hair. I am indeed Sindar but my hair was as black as the deepest cavern up until a couple of hundred years ago. No age may show in my face or figure, but my hair gives it away!” They both laughed and then walked to the fort to retire for the evening.

As Thranduil lay on his bed looking up at the ceiling, he thought about what she had said regarding holding on to his innocence. He had an idyllic childhood and adolescence but that began to change near the end of the age. The shadow of Mordor spread across Middle Earth and he could not forget the horrors he experienced in battle as the age came to a close. He felt he had left all his innocence behind on that battlefield and now his only concern was for the well-being of what was left of his people who had suffered grievous losses.

Chapter Text

At breakfast, Thranduil asked how long his guest would remain in their company and Ranyare explained that she was anxious to return home. She could tell that was not the answer her host wanted to hear from the subtle change in his body language. “I imagine you have a lovely home and I suppose I can understand your desire to return to it.” “It is barely more than a hovel with a pile of straw and an old blanket for a bed but it is mine and it is isolated. I am happy there.” He was practically appalled at this revelation as he said, “Please, let me send you home with supplies and things to make it more comfortable.” “That is not necessary. King Amroth and the people of Lothlórien gave me some new clothes and little odds and ends so I am fine. Thank you” she said in kind protest. The thought of this elleth, special as she was, living in such rough conditions with nothing more than some new dresses was more than Thranduil could bare. “I really must insist. I would not in good conscience be able to let you leave without knowing you are taken care of.” “With all due respect, you are not my king and I am not your responsibility. I will leave whenever and in whatever manner I choose.” Her voice became a bit forceful and he knew he had overstepped his bounds but he could not stop his naturally protective side from showing through. “You are correct. I am not your king or your keeper, but I hope I am your friend. I do not know why you want to live alone and in such meager accommodations but I want to make sure you have all you need and do not struggle to get through each day.” Quite often she felt as if getting through each day was a struggle but not because she lived very simply. She had long since lost faith and hope and was simply surviving.

“I told you it had been a long time since I had a friend and I suppose I forgot how to be a friend myself. I will take your gifts and enjoy them in the kind spirit with which they were offered. I wish I had something to give to you but I do not think you would fit into any of my dresses” she told him. Thranduil smiled and laughed heartily at this and said, “The only thing I would want in return is for you to stay here in Greenwood. I feel there is much I could learn from you that may benefit my people and my rule. You may choose any place in the wood and I will do my best to ensure you are left in peace. “That is a very kind offer and what I have seen of your forest is beautiful but…” “Please take some time and think about it. That is all I ask” he said interrupting her. She politely nodded her head to show she would think about his offer.

Ranyare agreed to stay for at least a few days and she taught Thranduil many things such as how to make different types of healing salves, how to weave a soft cloth out of nettles, and how to whittle intricate designs into wood scavenged from fallen branches. She had a beautiful folding knife with a pearlescent handle and a blade of such pure silver as to be found nowhere in Middle Earth. She never went anywhere without it. He had asked about it the first time she used it and he was stunned when she explained it had a been a gift from Oromë, the Vala who first found the elves after they had awoken when he was hunting through the great forests near the lake. “You met Oromë? Please tell me everything about your meetings” he said excitedly with a sense of childlike wonder. “We were frightened at first. We had never seen anyone other than ourselves and we hid from him. He saw us and called out that he was a friend. Some of the braver members of our group went out to speak with him and they deemed he was indeed a friendly being. I am sure you know the story of a few of our people travelling back with him to Aman and then returning to tell us what it was like there and when they returned, Oromë brought gifts and that is when I received this knife. It never needs sharpening and will never tarnish.” “If it is not too personal, may I ask why you did not make the journey West? I know that Morgoth was a danger and that Oromë warned the elves about him.” Thranduil asked as she continued to carve a spoon with leaves on the handle. “I simply did not want to leave. Many of us did not as we were happy there. In fact, those days were the happiest of my life. We would sing and dance under the stars and swim in the cool water of the lake. I would trade all the long years of my life for one more day there again.” “I would have loved to have seen it” Thranduil said as he imagined how the land far to the East that was now a harsh wasteland must have been in those days. “I have never felt the longing to cross the sea either and may only do so in the future to reunite with my family” he explained. “I do not have any family in the traditional sense, but I miss my friends every day.” “Maybe you will see them again” he said with kindness. She did not acknowledge his statement but instead focused all her attention on the spoon she had nearly finished as she believed that dream to be impossible.

“I hope you do not mind all my questions. The only other elf who is even close to your age is Círdan and I have never met him. Besides, he was not one of the first to awaken but was born to other elves near the lake so you most certainly have seen even more than him.” “I heard of him in Lothlórien but the name is not known to me.” “I could arrange for you to travel to the Grey Havens if you would like to meet him” Thranduil generously offered. “No!” she replied and then felt embarrassed for having had such a strong reaction to the suggestion. “I…uh…I am afraid to travel any farther West and do not wish to cross the mountains. I know that may sound childish but I do not think I would feel comfortable being even farther away from my original home.” “I have never been any further than Imladris which is just over the mountains to the North. I believe this side is more beautiful and certainly has the most pleasant company” Thranduil said sincerely.

Before they knew it, three weeks had passed and Ranyare was pleasantly surprised to find that she enjoyed having a friend. Thranduil was also happy to have become friends with someone for whom he had so much respect and admiration. He was overjoyed when she told him that she had decided to stay in Greenwood. The majority of his people lived around the middle portion of the large wood just South of the mountains and she decided to settle near the old fortress as there was a fresh water spring nearby. Thranduil’s father Oropher, had overseen the construction of the city but abandoned it part way through the Second Age to move North and further away from the growing dwarven colonies in the Misty Mountains. He had been in Doriath, an elven kingdom in Beleriand, when a group of dwarves killed their king leading to the eventual downfall of the realm. It wasn’t the same family of dwarves but he couldn’t let his old grudge go and decided to leave the fortress. Thranduil visited it from time to time and kept a small company of soldiers there to keep an eye on the Southern border of the forest. He explained to Ranyare that she could live there but she absolutely refused and wanted to be on her own.

Thranduil wanted to arrange for a group of elves to help her build a grand new home but she was used to providing for herself and agreed to only allow the king to aid her in this task. They travelled to her chosen spot with a wagon loaded down with lumber that had been cut at the fort and roofing supplies along with plans for a much smaller lodging. “Surely this will be the best home I have had in a very long while” she said as they slotted the boards together. Thranduil laughed to himself as it was little more than a wooden square with a roof. “I hope you will enjoy it and spend many happy years here in the Woodland Realm.” The home came together quickly and when it was done, they unloaded the amenities Thranduil insisted she take including a feather mattress and small wood frame bed, a chair with comfy cushions, and other little things like plates, cooking pots, and the wooden utensils she had carved while in Amon Lanc. She left the horse Amroth gave her with the elves at the fort as she had no desire to travel far enough to need it. “The next time you come to visit, you will find this place quite changed” Ranyare said as they sat in the shade under a tree admiring their handiwork. “What do you have in mind?” he remarked giving her a grin. “I shall have the herb garden planted and I will have made a table with two stools so we may dine together. I may also make some shelves to store food for the winter and hold my salves and such.” “I do not believe I have ever known anyone so independent and self-sufficient in all my days as you.” Ranyare smiled and said, “We had no choice but to take care of ourselves and learn to survive.” “But to do all this on your own, that is what I find so impressive” he said. “It must certainly be easier to take care of only yourself as opposed to being a king with so many others under your charge.” “I never thought I would ever actually be king but I am glad that my people are happy and I try my best every day to be a good leader.”

They brought some dried ingredients for a soup and Thranduil walked the short distance to the spring to fetch the water needed to cook their supper. While the contents of the pot simmered over the fire outside the cabin, he noticed a light in her eyes that he had not seen before. It was happiness and contentment and he was glad if he had played any part in putting it there. “I cannot help but feel we were meant to meet, as if the Valar or perhaps even Eru himself put events in motion for it to happen” Thranduil said as he stirred the soup. Ranyare scoffed at the very thought and said, “I think it was no more than a couple of curious elves who wandered somewhere they should not have gone.” “You do not believe in fate or that higher powers are sometimes at work in our lives?” “I do not think the affairs of elves, men, or dwarves get much attention from the Ainur. I am more than happy to be in charge of my destiny and to chart my own path in this world.” Thranduil was very surprised to hear an elf speaking so flippantly and dismissively about the beings who created them and undoubtedly, at least in his world, still watched over them. She could see this had upset him. “I hope I have not offended you. Please forgive my lack of faith. It was earned over many travails where no intervention came.” “Does your doubt have anything to do with the marks on your wrist?” he asked. She always wore long sleeves and kept them tied around her wrists but as they worked, her left sleeve loosened and he noticed faded scars that resembled rope burns. “You have no right to ask about that” she said angrily. “Then I guess I should not mention I noticed the same thing around your ankle” he said looking down at her feet. “No, you should not” she said plainly. Thranduil realized he had touched a nerve and said no more about it but he couldn’t stop wondering about what had caused them.

They ate their dinner in silence but no real enmity existed between them. They may have only known each other a short while, but their bond of friendship was stronger than any occasional harsh words. “I know your people will be curious about me just as the elves of Lothlórien were and I will agree to speak with them under a certain set of conditions” Ranyare said after they were done eating. “Name them” he said waiting to hear what she had to say. “Groups no larger than five may come and spend the day here, but only one day, on the first of each month. Is that agreeable?” As king he was used to making the decisions and setting policy but he had no quarrel with her demands. “I agree” he said giving her a nod of his head. She smiled and said, “Thank you. It may seem strange and I am not trying to be difficult but I do not like to be around crowds. I am much happier being on my own.” Her expression and voice had softened as she tried to offer a reason for her behavior. “I will make it clear that you are not to be disturbed.” “I hope they will not think of me as some kind of troll who will frighten people away. I certainly will not cause anyone harm if they come here out of schedule but…” “I understand mellon nin and I will do my best to convey those sentiments to my people” he said needing no further explanation from her. “It is getting late and I must return to the fort” Thranduil said as he stood and she got up as well. “I truly do appreciate all your help and you are welcome to visit any time you would like” she said with a kind smile. “You are most welcome and I will certainly take advantage of that offer.”
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“You have found me once again” Ranyare said with delight as she was outside working on her table when a small red bird came to rest on the corner of her roof. She extended her hand and the bird flew down and alighted upon her palm. She gave the creature a kiss on the top of its head and then it jumped from her hand down on to the table. The bird spoke to her and asked when and why she had left Fangorn. She explained all that had happened and the bird listened intently to every word. “The strangest thing has happened. I have made a real friend. Maybe I am becoming sentimental in my old age but I think I shall truly enjoy this new friendship.” The bird hopped up and down as if it was happy too.

Notes:
- Mellon nin = my friend

Chapter Text

Once the king had returned to his home and told the story of the first generation eldar now living in their forest, everyone was excited and wanted to learn everything he had to tell about her. Thranduil also shared what she had taught him to the healers and they made up batches of her special salves and shared them around. Elves didn’t often have severe injuries during peace time but occasional scrapes were common being that the wood elves were very active and loved to run free in the forest and climb trees. Her concoctions were even better and helped heal wounds faster than what they normally used. She also had a recipe for a salve that could be rubbed on the gums to ease the pain of teething elflings and many new parents were especially happy to have that one. He also explained the conditions under which elves could visit their new resident and the people had a lottery to determine who would go first. A couple with two young elflings won the drawing and Thranduil himself escorted them to her home when the time came.

Ranyare sat outside on a small stool she had made along with her newly finished spinning wheel as she worked to turn the nettles into soft yarn. She heard the group approaching and waved at them through the trees. The elves were nervous to meet her but when she smiled and waved, they felt more at ease. Thranduil made the introductions and Ranyare offered them tea using the teapot and cups Thranduil had gifted her. They had a pleasant day and Ranyare couldn’t help but laugh when the young girl asked if she was the oldest elf left in Middle Earth. “I suppose I am my dear” she answered. “Do you feel old?” the girl asked still trying to understand what it meant to have lived so long. “Some days I feel the years and other days I do not feel them as much. It is a strange thing to have lived as long as I have.” “Do you think you will stay in Middle Earth always?” their son asked. “I see no reason why I should want to leave.” “You are not curious about Valinor?” their mother asked knowing that sooner or later, the elves would most likely all leave for the blessed shores of Aman. “I am not. We were made and placed here by Eru himself, why should we not stay?” “We are certainly happy here in Greenwood. Would you please tell us about the lake and the forests where our kind first lived?” their father asked with as much curiosity as his children.

“Some of us awoke near the lake but I was part of the group who awoke under the towering trees of a great forest. Fangorn reminds me of that place as the trees grew close to one another and the wood was quite dense and dark. It was very peaceful with only the sounds of birds and other animals skittering about. We were singing a song with no words as we had not thought to develop language as yet when the others from the lake found us. I will never forget the joy we had as we all joined together in song, the notes lifting above the treetops and on up to the stars.” “We love singing as well! May I teach you my favorite song?” the son asked joyfully. “I would love to learn it” Ranyare said as she picked up the elfling and placed him in her lap. The rest of the visit was spent happily singing beneath the trees of the great Greenwood forest.

This pattern continued for the next few years until all who wished to meet this special elf had done so. The king liked to personally visit the soldiers at the fort from time to time as it had been his childhood home and he would always stop by to see his friend as well. One day in the late morning he found she was not at home and he decided to wait a while and then he saw her coming back through the trees carrying a full water bucket in each hand. “Let me help you with that” he said as he took the buckets from her. “Thank you. It is nice to see you again mellon nin. I hope you have brought some more of that wonderful honey” she said as Thranduil usually brought her a jar or two from the bees they kept at the fort. “Of course I did” he said and he set the buckets down and retrieved the sweet treat from his pack. “I have just made a fresh loaf of bread. Let us have some” she said happily and they sat at her table enjoying nature’s bounty. They spent the rest of the day outside talking and enjoying the fair Spring weather. “I nearly forgot to tell you, Idhres and Cemmon had their baby – a girl.” “How wonderful! Give them my congratulations” she said as she had met the couple around a year ago. “I will.” Thranduil was quiet for a bit and then he spoke again saying, “Have you ever wanted to have children?” “I have never thought too much about it. I think I may be too independent for that kind of responsibility. What about you?” “I would consider it the greatest blessing of my life to have a child” he said as his expression softened and his voice became very tender. “Now all you need to do is find a queen and have some princes and princesses” she said grinning. “That is easier said than done” he replied as he blushed a bit. The sun was getting low in the sky and Thranduil bid goodbye to his friend. As was her custom, she would sing as he made his way back to the fort and she always sang the same song. It was the song she had spoken of earlier, the same one she and her fellow newly awakened elves sang under the stars. He smiled as he rode through the woods listening to the hauntingly beautiful melody as it carried on the breeze.
---
Ranyare awoke and sat straight up in bed trying to catch her breath from the panic the nightmare had induced. She would often go years, even decades sometimes in between them and she hadn’t had one since she had arrived in Greenwood but now, they were back with a vengeance. It was Winter and she walked outside to clear her head in the cool night air. She took in a few deep breaths as she looked up at the stars. She focused on their sparkling beauty as the ugly images ran through her mind. Elves bound at the wrists and ankles, marched in a single file line across the plain by the most awful creatures. Creatures that seemed familiar but horribly changed. “No!” she screamed over and over as she fell to her knees and cried alone in the dark.

Thranduil was making another routine trip to inspect the Southern border of the forest and he stopped by to see his friend on his way home. When he rode up, he saw that the quilt one of the elves had made for her had been used as a makeshift sack and appeared to be stuffed full and tied up sitting outside. The wooden frame of her bed, its accompanying mattress, and her favorite chair were also sitting beside the bundle. He knocked on the door and when Ranyare opened it he saw she was wearing a dress she made from her nettle yarn instead of one of the dresses the other elves had gifted her. “You look troubled mellon nin. Is there anything wrong?” he asked as she had a very sad, pained expression. “I am fine. In fact, I am feeling quite like my old self again.” Her words did not match the look in her eyes making Thranduil very confused as he walked into her home. Looking around he could see that she had removed practically everything she had been given and anything that would provide a bit of comfort. The table only had one stool and a pile of straw covered in a small blanket also made from the nettle yarn lay in a corner appearing to be her bed.

“What is this all about? Why are your things outside?” he asked in a very concerned tone. “I no longer have need of them. I would appreciate it if you would return them for me.” she replied without feeling. “I will not. If you want to give back what was given in friendship and with goodwill, you must do it yourself and explain why you are suddenly being so ungracious.” “Then they will sit outside and rot for I do not want to see anyone again” Ranyare said with a bit of anger in her voice. “Please tell me what has brought on this change. It is obvious that something is troubling you” he said in a kind voice and he reached out to take her hand. She quickly pulled it back and said, “Talking will not ease this pain.” There was a weariness in her voice and Thranduil could practically feel the agony radiating from her. “I have unspoken pain as well mellon nin.” “Shall we spill our secrets to one another and then go on about our lives as if the tragedies had never happened?” she said sarcastically and then she began to laugh almost maniacally. She laughed so hard she was nearly out of breath and then the tears came flowing out like an unstoppable river. Thranduil stepped towards her and put his arms around her but she wiggled free. She took a few steps towards the fireplace and put a piece of kindling in, watched the end catch fire, and then went outside and dropped it onto the bundle. “What are you doing?!” he shouted as she set the quilt alight which soon spread to the wooden furniture as well. “I am destroying it just like he destroyed me and my world. He took everything from me and left me in misery! He may be in the Void but he haunts my dreams and I will never be free of him!” She screamed aloud and then fell to her knees and sobbed. Thranduil stood watching her stunned by what she had said. The only being exiled to the Void was Morgoth, one of the Valar who had turned to evil when the world was young. He kidnapped elves and mutated them into the monsters known as orcs. It all began to make sense now, the marks on her wrists and ankles, she had been taken by him or his minions and must have somehow escaped. He knelt down beside her and embraced her. This time she did not pull away as all she could do was cry.

“He can never hurt you again. You are safe now” Thranduil said as he gently rocked her back and forth and held her tight. She said nothing and Thranduil now felt such a strong desire to confess his innermost feelings that the words began to flow freely. “I loved my father so much but I also have such feelings of hatred towards him. His pride and the ill will he bore the Noldor led to not only his death but the death of so many of our soldiers. More may have been spared if he had only followed King Gil-galad’s battle plan. And now because of his death I have also lost my mother, the only family I had left. I am afraid my anger is so great, that I may never be able to forgive him.” Thranduil wanted to cry as well hoping the tears would wash him clean but as he always did, he put on a brave face and pushed them back down deep inside. Her tears finally slowed to a trickle and Ranyare stood up and walked over to a nearby evergreen tree to stand in its shade from the midday sun.

“If you do love him, you should forgive your father. You are a good ellon. Do not live with hate in your heart. It can only poison you” she said as she wiped the final tears away. “I could say the same about you.” “How am I not supposed to hate him for all the evil he wrought?” she asked perplexed. “Not him. You must not hate yourself.” She had no reply for this and looked down at the ground as Thranduil walked towards her. “You feel guilty because you survived when others did not and I can understand that. You will not allow yourself comfort because others were denied it. Maybe you were spared because you have a greater purpose in this world.” His encouraging words fell on a hardened heart. “There is no greater purpose! How long did the Valar wait until they finally confronted him and then when he was captured, they let him go and he came back to torture us again! They may have cared for us once but they have forgotten and care no longer.” “That is not true” he replied softly. “It is true for me and my feelings will not change.” Ranyare stood up straight and steeled herself for what she was about to say. “I thank you for your friendship but I no longer have need of it either. Please go and do not visit me again.” Her voice was so cold and Thranduil was stunned at this turn of events. He took a few steps towards his horse before he turned back to her. “You once told me the best way to honor our lost loved ones was to live a life that would make them proud. Is that what you are doing? Pushing people away and punishing yourself?” “I will live how I best see fit and this is the only way I may have a bit of peace. Now please go!” He did as she requested and he mounted his horse before offering some parting words. “Know that you will always have my friendship” Thranduil said and he slowly rode out of sight.

The bird who often visited her had watched all that had just happened from a nearby tree and once the king departed, he dropped down to the ground at her feet. “Did you hear?” she asked. The bird answered ‘yes’. “I hope that you will not judge me too harshly.” He flew up and landed on her shoulder and hopped closer towards her so he could nuzzle against her cheek. When Thranduil arrived back in the stables, he opened his pack and saw the jar of honey he had meant to give his friend. He absent-mindedly handed it to one of the elves who worked in the stables before going into the palace. He made it clear to his people that they were to leave Ranyare to herself but would elaborate no further.
---
The enigmatic elleth lived many more decades in the solitude of the forest until a particularly bitter early frost came. Her garden was frozen over and she was unsure if she would have enough food to make it through the Winter without that final harvest. Only as a last resort, she travelled to Amon Lanc to barter with the elves there for food. “I would gladly give you all I could spare my lady but I am afraid we do not have enough food stores ourselves and the king has called us back to spend the Winter in our homes” the captain of the guard explained. “Thank you. I will trouble you no more as I am sure you are busy preparing to travel.” Ranyare turned to leave but the elf stopped her. “My lady, we were going to ask you to come with us as well as it appears this will be a particularly hard Winter.” “I have faced hardships many times before. I shall be fine Captain” she said giving him a half-hearted grin. “I am afraid this was an order from King Thranduil. I am not to return home without you” he said a bit uneasily knowing she had long ago cut off contact with the elves including their king. “Surely he will understand if I do not wish to go.” “He will not. We have been under strict orders to keep watch over you and ensure no harm befalls you. Thranduil is a good and kind king but I fear his wrath if this order is disobeyed.” Not wanting to be the cause of any punishment doled out on her account, she relented and agreed to go with them.

Within minutes of her entering their main realm, news spread to the king and he eagerly went to meet the elleth he still considered to be a friend. He found her in the stables and he felt as if no time had passed at all since their last meeting. “Greetings mellon nin. I am so pleased you have come.” Ranyare was surprised at this warm welcome and for a moment she was speechless. “I was told the invitation was not a request but a command and I am here only to spare the soldiers any retribution. I will stay through the Winter and then be gone.” Thranduil could see nothing had changed and his heart sank a bit. “Then I have another order which must be strictly followed. You will stay in my home and dine with me each meal. Now follow me.” His voice was stern but there was a gleam in his eyes that showed her this was meant as a friendly “order” and once his back was turned, she let a smirk cross her lips as she followed him. He escorted her to a guest room and showed her inside. “Thranduil, this is entirely too grand and more than I could ever need” she said in a kind tone as it was the most beautiful room she’d ever seen. She laid the small pack she had on the end of the bed covered in a sea green quilt and featuring ornately carved posts meant to look like the trees in the forest. “Knowing your penchant to travel light I must say I am curious what you have brought with you.” She opened the bag to reveal some beautifully made wooden utensils and a few balls of the soft yarn she spun. “I was intending to trade these for food at the fort.” “I shall take them as payment for my hospitality although I do not believe this will make up for an entire season of room and board” he said trying to hold back a smile. She understood what he was doing and she played along. “They are yours” she said bundling them back up and handing him the pack. “I will do what I can to be productive and earn my keep whilst I am here.” “I can ask no more than that” he said finally letting a grin slip loose.

She ate heartily when they shared their evening meal and Thranduil was concerned that maybe she had not been eating enough recently thus accounting for the voracious appetite. “I have a job for you” he said as they waited for the dessert course. “And what would this job be?” she asked curiously. “I would like you to carve a new staff for me. Do you still possess that wonderful knife?” She reached into her pocket and pulled it out to show him. “I told you it is always with me.” “Good. I have drawn up the design and will show you when we have finished here.” “Carving a staff for a king is quite a different task than making a spoon” Ranyare said doubting her abilities were up to the king’s standards. “Nonsense. You have a wonderful talent and I am sure you will do beautiful work.”

After dinner, they retired to Thranduil’s study and he showed her his sketches. “This will indeed be a beautiful piece” she said admiring the fine detail including vines with flowers and leaves twisting their way up the staff culminating at the top with an open blossom. “What will this be?” she asked pointing to what looked like a gem sitting inside the flower on top. “A ruby that belonged to my mother” was his answer. “When would you like me to begin?” “Tomorrow will be fine.” “I should get to sleep then so I can start in the morning.” “Surely you can stay with me a bit longer. It has been so long since we have talked and I have always greatly enjoyed our conversations” he said with a bit of sadness in his voice as he had missed his friend. “Most elves may be fine on little sleep but when you are as old as I am, you tire much more easily and it has been a long day.” “Please forgive my selfishness. By all means, go and rest.”

After breakfast, the king showed her the pieces of wood he had set aside and Ranyare chose the one she thought would work best. The sitting room had a large set of windows and she decided to work there as the lighting was very good. Days passed with a comfortable routine of meals together and hard work on the staff. Despite Thranduil’s attempts to get her to socialize with the elves of his realm, Ranyare preferred to keep to herself. One evening when the pair was retired in his study, Thranduil pulled a leatherbound book out of a desk drawer and sat across from his guest in front of the fire. “I took your advice to heart when you said I should forgive my father.” “I am glad to hear that” she said sincerely looking up briefly from her knitting. “I thought one way to do that would be to write down the pleasant memories I have of him. Each time I feel any anger towards him, I write something in this book. May I read some of them to you?” “If you wish.” Thranduil relaxed in his chair and flipped part way through the book and began to read. “The first time I saw the mountains was with my father. He and I had taken a trip just the two of us deep into the forest. We reached them just before sunrise and I shall never forget that sight. As the sky grew lighter, we could see them rising high above the land. They were covered in green and he explained how these mountains were not as tall as some others therefore they did not have snow covered peaks but instead the forest continued all along them. I was only 20 and it was seeing those mountains that made me realize how difficult the journey East that my father and the others made when they came to Greenwood must have been. I asked him to tell me the story again and this time I understood a bit better that sometimes to keep the people you love safe, you must make great sacrifices and endure hardships. I learned a great lesson in leadership that day.”

When he’d finished reading that portion, Thranduil looked up to see Ranyare with tears welling up in her eyes. “Whatever is wrong? Have I said something that upset you?” “Your memories have brought up memories of my own that I have long attempted to forget. However, it seems that I cannot.” Thranduil put the book on the table beside his chair and then he leaned forward saying, “Please tell me. I have found that keeping things inside only makes them hurt more.” His voice was so kind and empathetic but still she was reticent to explain. “I am so ashamed” she confessed hanging her head so he could not see her face. “Would it help if I turned my back to you?” he suggested. “That will make no difference. Are you sure you want to hear?” He nodded and she began the sad tale.

“Morgoth had taken some of our people, of course we did not know that at the time. We only knew that they had gone missing. About a dozen of us were in the forest when they found us. Horrible creatures the likes of which we had never seen before. We were so surprised that we had no time to react and they quickly had us captured and bound. They were taking us to him and told us that we would get the same treatment they received. We realized they were our missing friends…” Her voice trailed off as reliving this event was as traumatic as the day it happened. Thranduil listened intently as he had always had a morbid curiosity about how the elves, such beautiful and kind beings, became twisted and turned into abominations. “We travelled a very long way and one time…we felt his presence.” “Morgoth?” he asked surprised that she actually may have been near him. “Yes. He was in spirit form but you could feel the power and the pure evil. It was oppressive, as if you could hardly breathe. I will never forget that feeling if I live another 9,000 years.” She paused and took a drink of the wine sitting on the table beside her. “I have not forgotten the presence of Sauron and the evils of Mordor. Once experienced, that is not something one is likely to forget” he said referencing the battles he fought during the War of the Last Alliance. She looked up and gave him a weak smile acknowledging that he did indeed understand. “The orcs tired more easily than we did and once when they were sleeping, we took our chance and I cut myself free and then released as many as I could. About six of us had broken our bonds before one of them awoke and saw what was happening. I froze for a moment and then I commanded them to run…and we ran away” She buried her face in her hands as she could not face him.

Thranduil knelt down in front of her and gently placed his hands on her shoulders in an attempt to comfort her. “You had no other choice. How could you be expected to fight orcs in greater numbers than you with only one knife?” “They were surely taken to Morgoth and tortured. My cowardice haunts me to this day and I shall never be free of it” she said still hiding her face. “You were very brave. You all were. There was nothing more you could do.” He pulled her hands down and held them tenderly as he looked in her eyes hoping to make her believe him. “I fear I will never see them again so I can tell them how sorry I am.” Her voice was weak and her eyes were full of tears but she managed to hold them inside. “You do not think they are in the Halls of Mandos with other elven spirits?” he asked. “I do not know but how could they be? Surely orcs do not go to Mandos.” “Our spirits may leave our bodies in certain extreme circumstances and surely being corrupted into an orc would meet that standard. I believe they are either in Mandos or have been rebodied and are living peacefully in Valinor.” “I wish I could believe that but they haunt my dreams. I hear their cries and see their torture. I was too ashamed to face the loved ones of the elves we left behind when we returned home and I soon left and have been running ever since.” “I hope you will stop and stay here with us, with me.” With those words spoken, he let his feelings be known and he moved forward and tenderly kissed her forehead. His lips felt soft against her skin and he was about to kiss her lips when she pulled away and whispered, “No. You deserve better.” She stood and walked out without another word. Thranduil sat back down in his chair and watched the fire, unhappy with her response but willing to give her the space she needed. Ranyare lay on her bed wishing she could turn back the last few minutes and not have told Thranduil what had happened millennia ago. She did not feel better for having told someone. Now he knew her shame and that’s all she would see when she looked in his lovely blue eyes.

Thranduil did not see her the next day as she did not leave her room. He stood before her door once and almost knocked but he couldn’t bring himself to disturb her. However, when he didn’t see her the next morning for breakfast, he took a tray of food to her himself. She opened the door and invited him in and he set the tray down on a small table by the window. “I missed you yesterday” he said sweetly. “Thank you for the food” was all she had to say and she couldn’t look at him as she said it. “Please do not shut me out and lock yourself away. There are people here who care about you.” “That is why I must leave as soon as the weather permits. I can only be truly happy and free on my own. You must understand and accept that.” “Perhaps I must. But I do not have to like it.” His voice was harsh and cold now and he quickly spun around and left the room slamming the door behind him. The rest of Winter passed with Ranyare spending practically all of her days in her room and the king brooding around the realm in a foul mood.
--
“The staff is finished” she said and the sound of her voice startled Thranduil as it had been so long since he had heard it last. He rose from his chair in front of the fire and turned to see her standing in the doorway. He put out his hand and she stepped forward to give the staff to him. He silently looked it over from top to bottom and then he looked at her with nothing but kindness in his eyes and said, “It is more beautiful than I imagined it would be. Thank you.” “You are very welcome. I am planning to leave in the coming week.” This news hit Thranduil like a punch to the stomach and it took a minute before he could speak. “Where will you go?” he asked trying to hide his disappointment. “Fangorn. I will hopefully be untroubled there.” “You cannot keep running from your troubles” Thranduil said. “The first name I took was Nórime meaning swift runner. I have been running so long that I know no other way to live.” These were the last words they spoke to each other.

Thranduil arranged for an escort to see her safely to Fangorn forest and provided supplies for her to begin her life anew. This time Ranyare went even deeper into the woods and settled in a spot she felt confident would not be disturbed. As she looked through one of the packs she had been given, she found a metal tube and opened it to reveal a rolled-up parchment. She opened it and saw that it was a sketch of her and Thranduil standing side by side in a beautiful garden. They were holding hands and smiling. She moved to tear it into pieces but then hesitated. Instead, she rolled it up and carefully put it back in the tube. Every now and then she would take it out and look at it and smile despite herself.

Note:
• Idhres: Thoughtful woman
• Cemmon: Earthen one (male)

Chapter Text

Many centuries passed and the first millennium of the Third Age came to a close. The elves of Thranduil’s realm prospered and had made great strides in replenishing their numbers after losing so many at the end of the previous age. They were happy and their joy made Thranduil happy too but he did not feel whole. He missed someone, someone he feared he would never see again. Ranyare had indeed lived unbothered in Fangorn but recently she had begun experiencing a strange series of dreams. She saw a black cloud moving over the trees until they became dark and twisted. It felt so real and dreadful but she tried to put it out of her mind. One afternoon she was walking to the spring to fetch water when a small yellow bird began circling her head and chirping cheerily. Many birds had been her friends throughout her life and this was the most recent one to befriend her. “Good morning little bird.” The bird noted that she looked tired and she explained the distressing dreams she had been having. “I do not believe this is a vision of Fangorn. I think it might be Greenwood. I do not know what to do.” “Yes you do. Follow your heart.” These words came from the bird but were not spoken as usual. Ranyare heard them in her mind and the voice was that of a man, warm and comforting. Before she could question this, she heard the voice again. “Follow me!” and the bird flew back in the direction of her camp. As she was running to keep up with the bird, she knew she must go to Greenwood. “I will send you help” the bird said as they reached her camp, now speaking as it normally did, and then flew off through the trees. Ranyare quickly packed a few things and just as she finished, a large deer came out from the trees and knelt down indicating she was to get on its back. She rode the animal to the edge of the forest and was then on her own from there. She walked day and night only stopping for short periods to rest until the edge of the wood was in sight.

As soon as she walked in amongst the trees, she could feel a change in the atmosphere. It was a lovely Summer day but the air suddenly felt colder and almost claustrophobic the closer she got to Amon Lanc. When she was close enough to see the fort off in the distance she stopped and was frozen in place. Orcs walked along the parapets and she could see none of the elven soldiers. She quietly snuck around to the back of the guardhouse, the entrance to the old city, and saw the bodies of the slain elves. One elf however remained alive as she saw his chest moving up and down in very shallow breaths. She could see no orcs from her position so she quickly ran to him and knelt down beside him. “If I help you, do you think you can walk?” she asked looking into his eyes. “No” he said in a raspy voice as each breath became more labored. “I must get you out of here somehow.” “No. Tell the…king we…were ambushed. They…mean to…take…the fort.” “I will not leave you. Not again” she said as she grabbed his hand and held it tightly to her chest against her heart. He did not understand what she meant by ‘not again’ as he delivered his final words. “You…must…warn…them. Please…go.” She watched as the last bit of life left his body and his head fell limply to the side and away from her gaze.

Realizing she could do no more for him, she let him go and began to run. The tears flew from her face as she dashed through the forest. She was not alone however as an orc thought he heard something and he was also running her way. Ranyare heard his footsteps as he began to close the distance between them. She stopped and quickly climbed up a tree hoping he would soon give up and retreat back to the fort. She held tight to the tree trunk as she sat crouched on the branch watching the creature stalk around below her. “I smell you elf!” he shouted with disdain. He soon sniffed out her location and began to climb the tree with a sickening smile on his ugly face. Ranyare reached into her pocket to retrieve her knife, unfolded the blade, and then hid it behind her back. “A she-elf! You’ll regret crossing my path girlie” he said with a sickening smile as he got close enough to see her. His voice nearly made her blood run cold but she took a deep breath and once the orc was within reach, she sliced his throat with one quick movement. He made a horrible gurgling sound as his black blood spurted out onto her and then he fell, landing with a thud and the sounds of bones cracking. Ranyare couldn’t see any others who may have followed him so she climbed down and ran.
She only stopped when she reached a point where she could barely breath and would stay still for no than a few minutes until she started running again. Her long legs carried her quickly across the great distance to the Woodland Realm and when she at last reached the entry gate she banged on the door and screamed for them to let her inside. “I must…see the king” she said practically panting as she desperately tried to catch her breath. The guards recognized her and one of them ran to fetch Thranduil. She was in a terrible state as she still clutched the knife in one hand and was splattered with orc blood. Her silver hair was practically wet through and through with sweat and stuck to her face and neck. The king came out to find her sitting on the ground still trying to recover from her great endeavor. Without saying a word, Thranduil picked her up and carried her inside to the room she had once used. Each time she tried to speak he would shush her and tell her to rest. He could feel how quickly her pulse was still racing and her breaths were short and shallow. He laid her gently on the bed and managed to pry the knife from her hand and place it on the bedside table. He then called out for his butler Galion. “Bring us some Miruvor and water immediately!” He sat on the edge of the bed beside her and held her hand. “Are you hurt?” She shook her head ‘no’. “Try to breathe slowly and deeply” he said doing it himself as an example for her to follow. Ranyare did the same and after a bit, she felt better. Galion brought the drinks and Thranduil poured her a small glass of the Miruvor used by the elves as a type of healing cordial. After she drank it, he offered her a glass of water which she also quickly drank and then asked for another.

“Tell me what happened to put you in such a state” he asked as he pulled her hair away from her face. “Orcs have taken Amon Lanc. They killed everyone there. One soldier was still clinging to life and he told me they wanted the fort. I tried to save him but…he was too far gone and he…he died in my arms.” Thranduil’s heart nearly stopped at this surprising and dreadful news. He pulled her up towards him and held her tight. “He told me to run and I did. I had to warn you” she said and she squeezed him tightly as well. “You have orc blood on you. What…” “One chased after me and I killed him. No others followed” she explained not letting him finish his question. “How did this happen? Why were you there?” He pulled away just far enough so he could look in her beautiful grey-violet eyes that he had seen so many times in his dreams. “I have been dreaming of a darkness covering the forest. I believed it was Greenwood and I knew I needed to warn you.” “I have felt something strange myself of late but could not understand it” Thranduil said and then he kissed the top of her head and gave her one more embrace before he let her go and stood up. “How many orcs did you see?” His voice was now strong and determined. “Fewer than a dozen but I do not know how many were there that I did not see.” “I must go at once. Please stay here until I return. Promise me you will.” “I promise. But you must also promise me that you will come back unharmed” she said as she lay down on the pillow still quite exhausted. He smiled and said, “I will do my best.”

A company of his most capable soldiers were quickly assembled and they rode in haste to Amon Lanc. The orcs were no match for these fierce elves and they dispatched them all but one. The prisoner was brought before the king whose silver armor shone brightly in the sun causing the orc to wince and squirm in a futile attempt to get away from the light. “How did you come to ambush my soldiers?” Thranduil said coldly looking down at the wretched creature who was kneeling before him. “You’ll never know…elf.” He said the last word with much disgust and then spit upon the king’s boots. The soldier holding the ropes tied around the orc’s hands behind his back yanked it a little tighter but the king gave him a look as if to say not to be too rough. “Your kind is not clever enough to have done something like this on your own. If you tell me what I want to know, I will allow you to leave here alive and return with a message to whoever sent you that our forest will never fall to your kind.” The orc laughed and said, “You are no match for the one who sent me. He means to have this forest and you can’t stop him. They didn’t see us coming because we were hidden from sight. Oh yes, he is that powerful. But I will give him your message all the same.” “Release him” Thranduil said and the soldier jerked him up onto his feet and cut his bonds. “You will not win this fight elf.” Those were the last words that orc ever spoke as the king’s sword moved swiftly and silently separating his head from his body in one stroke.
--
Thranduil entered the room where Ranyare slept. It was mid-afternoon the day following her arrival, but she was still recovering her strength as she had pushed herself to the very limit of elven endurance to reach them as quickly as she did. He picked up the chair in front of the vanity table and placed it beside the bed so he could sit near her. Her pack was sitting on the bedside table and he noticed something sticking out of it that looked familiar. He pulled it free and realized it was the tube containing the drawing he had given her and when he opened it and found the paper still inside, it warmed his heart and he smiled.

“I knew that was you, even before I opened my eyes” Ranyare said as she awoke and turned to face her visitor. “And how exactly did you know that?” he asked with a smirk. “You always smell of Vetiver. I like it. It is warm and comforting, like being in the heart of the forest. A very kind elleth gave me some lovely rose scented soap for my bath. I have always made my own soap but it is fairly crude and did not have such nice scents. Oh, I know I am babbling; I suppose I do not want to hear any bad news you may have brought. I am however very glad to see you returned safely.” “We all returned safely and we brought back our fallen brethren so they may be properly laid to rest.” “That is very good news indeed” she said sitting up. Thranduil didn’t yet have the heart to tell her the rest of the troubling tale and decided he would save that for another time. “I should go and let you rest. I only wanted to check and make sure you were doing well.” He rose and moved towards the door. “I am feeling much better. Could we dine together later?” “That would be wonderful” he said as left her and then immediately went to the kitchen to plan the perfect meal.

Later that day, he knocked on her door and announced that dinner was ready. “You look lovely” Thranduil said as she was wearing a simple light blue dress and had put her hair in a long braid. “Thank you” she replied as she blushed a bit at the compliment. “Is that the staff I made for you?” she asked as he held it in his hand. “Yes. I was planning to leave it as you made it but after you left I had it plated in silver. If it was the only thing I had to remember you by, I wanted it to last.” Ranyare smiled and took his arm as they walked to the dining room. “I kept your drawing as well” she confessed. He already knew this but he said nothing about it, simply smiling instead. “I hope you still like venison and roasted potatoes with honey cakes for dessert.” “You remembered” she said a bit surprised that he had indeed remembered that had been her favorite meal when she spent the Winter with him so many centuries ago. He looked her in the eye and said in a very serious tone, “I have forgotten nothing about the time we have spent together.”

They enjoyed their meal and then went outside to spend the Summer evening in his private garden. She had not seen it when she was there earlier as the plants went dormant for the cold Winter. He knew the name of every flower and bush and seemed to beam with pride as he showed her around. “Do you tend the garden yourself?” Ranyare asked. “I do. It was my mother’s and I helped her with it from time to time. Before she sailed West, I promised her I would always look after it.” “You have done a fine job. Everything is so beautiful. I do not think I have ever seen roses this color” she said as she stopped to admire the blooms that were a shade of pale purple. “A result of my mother’s very green thumb. My father used to tease her that she spent more time in her garden some days than with him.” His face practically lit up when he spoke of his parents. Ranyare had long wondered what it was like to have parents or a family. She was fine on her own but there was always a tiny bit of her that couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to be part of a family. “Speaking of your father, how are you doing in regards to dealing with your anger towards him?” Before answering, Thranduil sat down on the stone bench in the center of the garden and she sat beside him. “I have forgiven him. None of us are perfect and while he did have his flaws, pride and stubborness in particular, he was a good ellon and a wonderful father.” “I am glad to hear that” she said truly happy for him. “How have you been?” he asked. Ranyare sighed and then answered him truthfully. “I am tired. So very tired of carrying this pain for so long.” “I would do anything to lessen your grief and burden.” She looked up at him and smiled. “Part of the reason I returned was to warn you of what I saw in my dreams but I also wanted to see you again. Your friendship was very special to me. I often felt at peace when you would visit and I have missed that…missed you.” “I felt a true kinship with you and it hurt me quite deeply when you left.” “I am sorry. Is there any possibility that I could have your forgiveness as well?” “I would forgive you in an instant mellon nin, but I do not wish to repeat this cycle. Will you stay for a while and then run away once again?” Ranyare hung her head and was quiet for a bit. “I am tired of running. I am tired of solitude.” He gently lifted her chin with his fingers and said, “Then stay here, with me.” She nodded and he put his arm around her and she leaned her head against his neck and closed her eyes. For a moment, they both felt a sense of overwhelming peace and they stayed in that same spot for many hours until the sun rose.

Thranduil left her to have breakfast alone as he had business to attend to although he would have much preferred to stay with Ranyare. She did not see him for much of the day and when she caught sight of Galion in the late afternoon, she asked about him. “He will join you for supper my lady.” The king’s long-time friend and faithful butler had been sworn to secrecy by Thranduil as to the nature of his business as he wanted to tell her himself. “If you do not mind my saying, we are glad to have you back amongst us and your presence has greatly lifted Thranduil’s spirits. He has not quite been the same since you left long ago.” She smiled and thanked him for the kind words. Her heart beat a little faster too knowing how much he had missed her, just as much as she had missed him.

“What does this mean?” asked one of the realm’s elder members as he along with several other elves were gathered in Thranduil’s throne room including key figures of their defense forces. “I am not sure but I can tell you that something nefarious has taken up residence at the old fort and I do not believe it is a force we can fight with swords and arrows” the king replied. “Please my lord, tell us exactly how it looked and what you felt” one of the marchwardens asked. “We easily dispatched the orcs and as we were leaving, I saw it from the corner of my eye. I turned and could see a dark cloud low in the sky moving towards the fort. It settled over the structure and all around it everything became very dark. I order the soldiers to retreat back to the tree line as I moved closer to it. My horse was reticent to go so I made my way on foot. With each step I could feel the presence of something evil bearing down upon me until I could physically go no further.” This stunned the elves as they knew their king to be one of their strongest members, both in body and in will. “I fell back with the others and we watched for quite some time with no change in situation.” “I am loathe to utter this name, but it is possible Sauron has returned?” one of the younger elves, who was born after the Dark Lord’s defeat, asked. Thranduil couldn’t help but shutter at that name but this was also something he had wondered. “I suppose it is possible. It is also a possibility that it may be one of his minions, perhaps one of the Nazgul.” “Surely we will not simply accept this abomination!” one elf practically shouted as this was quite an upsetting situation. “Of course we will not” Thranduil said calmly. “I have sent a company to monitor the situation and I have also sent letters to King Amroth and Lord Elrond asking if they have had any similar troubles.”

The meeting ended and the king went to join his guest in the dining room. She could tell something was upsetting him and as they waited for the meal to be served, he explained to her what he had seen. Neither spoke while they ate and as their appetites were both diminished, they merely picked at their food and ate little. “Come with me” Thranduil said tenderly as he rose and extended his hand to her. She took his hand without speaking and together they walked to the garden. “Are we to be left alone once again to fight this enduring evil?” Ranyare asked as they walked along the little path. Her voice was weary and filled with anxiety. “Eru made this world and the Ainur helped shape it, and it is for us, all the children of Ilúvatar and we must defend and protect it. They have not abandoned us but instead they give us the strength and wisdom to do what must be done.” She was quiet for a while and then she began to think of all the times birds had come to talk with her. They gave her news of the world and were often quite helpful such as the one who brought her the deer who enabled her to quickly reach the edge of Fangorn on her way to warn Thranduil. Suddenly she halted as the realization dawned on her that maybe her dream was a warning from them and that those were not mere birds after all. “Thranduil, I think you may be right. Perhaps they have been helping us in ways we did not even realize.” He was surprised at her words but delighted in hearing them. “Often have the Valar come to our aid. Ulmo gave Turgon the inspiration to build the hidden realm of Gondolin and then also sent Tuor to warn him of its impending destruction. The Númenóreans were given multiple warnings in the forms of clouds shaped like Manwë’s great eagles to turn away from Sauron’s evil ministrations. We have free will and do not have to follow their signs or advice, but they do still often try to help.” She smiled up at him and said, “I have been so blind and so consumed by my own failings that I did not see. It was easier to blame them for not helping us sooner than to face my own weakness.”

Just at that moment, a small yellow bird flew by them and landed on a nearby rose bush. A bright glow began to emanate from around the bird and in a flash it had changed into the shape of a tall man. He stood before them clothed in a long green robe with his dark hair falling loosely over both shoulders. His bright eyes looked upon them both with love and his smile quickly put them at ease. “I am Taurënur, a Maia in the service of Oromë. Long have I waited for this day when your faith would be restored and you would know peace.” Ranyare recognized his voice as the one she had heard in her mind when last she saw the little yellow bird. “It was you. All those times, all the different birds, it was you” she said stepping towards him. “Yes my child. I was sent from Oromë to watch over you. It has laid heavy on his heart that he was not able to save all the firstborn of Ilúvatar from suffering at Morgoth’s hands. You and Nowë are the only elves left in Middle Earth from those earliest generations and it has been my honor to watch over the both of you.” “Nowë is still here? I thought I must be the only one” she said as tears filled her eyes and one broke free running down her cheek. He gently wiped it away with his thumb and then reached down to take her hand in his. “He is the lord of the Grey Havens and he builds the ships sturdy enough to make the journey to the blessed Undying Lands.” “That is Círdan. The elf whose name you did not recognize” Thranduil said stepping forward to join them. “Why did you not tell me who you were?” she asked confused why he kept his identity a secret. “Faith is strongest when you find it for yourself and you will need your faith to be strong for the dark days that may be coming. I know what you saw Thranduil, but do not let fear into your heart. You are strong and you are a great king. Help will soon come from Valinor in the form of counselors to guide the free peoples of Middle Earth through whatever tribulation may lie ahead.” “Thank you. We are always grateful for any help that may come from Eru or his blessed Ainur” Thranduil said with reverence as he put a hand to his heart and bowed his head.

“Please, can you tell me what happened to my friends. The ones who were taken, and the ones I left behind?” Ranyare asked with such desperation that Taurënur did not hesitate to answer. “They are safe and protected in Aman.” So relieved was she to hear this that she fell to her knees, while still holding his hand, and she laughed with great joy as if a weight as massive as the Misty Mountains themselves had been lifted from her heart. “So many times I wanted to tell you, but that would have given myself away and I was not permitted to do so until you found your faith again.” “Thank you” she said almost in a whisper as she was still so overcome by the glad tidings. Taurënur helped her to her feet and then extended his other hand to Thranduil and the king stepped forward and took his hand. “Your parents are also together again.” Thranduil was too overwhelmed to say anything but he graciously nodded to the Maia. “I must return home now, but I feel confident that I am leaving you in loving hands.” With another burst of bright light, he turned back into a bird and flew away to the West.

Notes:
• Taurënur – Forest friend

Chapter Text

Letters were soon returned from Amroth and Elrond explaining they had not had any similar encounters and could not say with any certainty what might be happening in the south of Greenwood. Reports from the soldiers Thranduil sent to monitor activity at the old fort were not encouraging. The king was always open and honest with his people and he called a gathering in the main courtyard outside his residence so he could address them. Ranyare stood beside Galion near the front of the crowd and listened to Thranduil speak.

“My dear elves, I know you are all aware of the strange goings on at Amon Lanc and I am sorry to report the situation has not improved. In fact, it has worsened.” Audible sighs reverberated through the crowd as the king continued. “Even when the sun is high overhead, the fort remains cloaked in darkness and this darkness is now spreading into the trees. It may only be a matter of months before this sickness, this evil reaches our realm. King Amroth of Lothlórien and Lord Elrond of Imladris have extended an invitation to any who would like to relocate to either one of their realms.” Thranduil had barely finished that sentence when shouts erupted from the crowd. “We do not want to leave!” “This is our home!” “We love Greenwood!” “Please, everyone, please settle down” Thranduil said as he gestured for them to be calm. “I do not want to leave either. I was born here as were many of you and this will always be my home. I have no intention of leaving. I am proposing however, that we move north of the river and establish a new settlement. Ulmo has long loved the children of Ilúvatar and the music of the Ainur may still be heard in his waters. I believe the river will offer us protection and I will do all I can to keep us safe.” This put the gathered elves a bit more at ease and they clapped and cheered at his suggestion.

Ranyare gestured to get Thranduil’s attention and then asked if she could say a few words. She stepped up onto the raised platform where he was speaking and addressed the crowd. “Good afternoon everyone. My name is Ranyare and I have had the pleasure to meet many of you when I lived in the forest centuries ago now.” Whispers went around the elves as she spoke quickly explaining who she was to those who had not yet met her. “You are truly a wonderful people and I have decided to make my home here with you. I will offer any help that I may to protect us and ensure our forest does not fall to this evil threat. I have been in the presence of such evil before, long ago, and for far too long I let it haunt me and isolate me from the world. I will not let any force or foe steal my joy again. I have complete faith in Thranduil to guide us in any new ventures and I know you all do as well.” He turned to her and smiled as the crowd continued to cheer.

Thranduil walked back to the palace with Ranyare and Galion following close behind. They entered his study and Thranduil began to explain his plans. “Tomorrow I and a few others will be traveling north to scout the location for our move. There is a cave system with an entrance not far from the other side of the river. It may make a good safehold in case we have need of a more defensible shelter than our homes can offer.” “Something akin to Menegroth?” Galion asked referring to the underground city in the ancient elven kingdom of Doriath where Thranduil’s father had once lived. “Yes, although it will likely be nowhere near as grand but if it is safe, that is all that matters.” “Would we live in the caves?” Ranyare asked not exactly sure of his intentions. “Not necessarily. I find it hard to imagine wood elves being happy surrounded by rock walls away from the earth and sky” he said with a grin. “Galion, I would like you to begin working on the logistics for such a large-scale relocation.” “I will begin immediately aran nin” Galion said as he stood, gave a polite bow, and then left. Thranduil moved from where he sat at his desk to sit on the sofa beside Ranyare. “I am sorry I have not had much time for you lately” he said taking her hand in his. “I understand. You have your kingly duties and I would not expect you to shirk them, especially in such a dire time. I must admit though, I have missed you.” “I would like you to come with me to see the caves” he said happily. “I would love to.”

The elves who lived in a small colony by the river were surprised to see their king arrive as they were as yet unaware of his directive to relocate across the water. They were in charge of sending and receiving goods from the nearby human and dwarven settlements using the river as transportation. Over a meal, Thranduil explained his plan to them and then he and his small company took one of the boats to the other side to begin their exploration.

“There is the entrance” Thranduil said pointing ahead of him. It was somewhat hidden by the shade of the large trees that grew on either side of the opening. The king went first and the others followed single file as they carefully made their way inside unaware of what may be living in the dark caverns. Thanks to their keen eyesight, the elves were able to clearly see their unfamiliar surroundings as they walked through the winding main tunnel. “It appears we are coming upon an opening. I will go ahead first. Wait here” the king said to the rest of the party. He soon returned with a very happy expression as he bid the group to follow him. Taking Ranyare’s hand they walked together into a large chamber. The ceiling rose high above their heads and the floor was surprisingly even and smooth to walk upon. Narrow streaks of light illuminated the cave and provided ventilation. “The air smells clean and it is cool” one of the elves remarked. “It is beautiful” Thranduil said completely enchanted by this place. “What do you think?” he asked Ranyare. “It seems fine” she replied even though she felt a bit claustrophobic and would have been happier to be outside. “I believe it is completely empty. I can hear no signs of life. It is as if it was waiting for us, knowing that one day we would need its protection” the king said wistfully. The company did a bit more exploration of some side tunnels and then traversed the river and made their way back home.

“I could not help but notice you did not seem to be as enamored with the cave as I was” Thranduil said as he and Ranyare sat together in his study after their evening meal. “I am sure it will be fine for an armory and other defenses. I know many elven realms have been underground in the past but I do not think I could live in one.” Thranduil’s body language could not hide his disappointment at her words as his shoulders slumped, his chin fell, and the light in his eyes seemed to dim. “You mean to live there” she said realizing now that must be his intent. “I am sure you will make it lovely and very homely indeed. I am sorry.” “You have no need to apologize.” “I feel I do. Clearly you are unhappy that I do not share your excitement for a new home there.” His cheeks flushed as he explained why he was upset. “I mean it to be a home…for us. One where you would always be protected and safe.” Now her whole face flushed as well and she smiled but turned away a bit so he could not see. “I am sorry if I am being too presumptuous.” “You are not,” she said turning back to face him, “but we have not even yet kissed.” “That is not for lack of wanting to. I was hoping to make our first kiss special but I have not had time to plan and make sure that everything is just right” he confessed. “Any kiss from you, regardless of the circumstances, would be special.” She reached up to caress his cheek and gave him a loving smile. “Shall I kiss you now?” he asked returning her smile. “If you do not, I may never forgive you.” They moved closer until their lips finally met in a warm, soft kiss. He put his arms around her and pulled her even closer and she ran her fingers through his silky hair until their lips parted only for need of air.

“I love you so dearly” Thranduil said as they continued to embrace. “I also love you” Ranyare said in a whisper as she was quite overcome with emotion. “Being with you is the happiest I have been in thousands of years” she continued as her head rested on his shoulder. “At the risk of being too presumptuous again, when we are settled and the people are safe, will you be my bride?” Ranyare needed no time to think over his proposal. She pulled back so she could see his lovely face and eyes filled with kindness and warmth and she laughed with delight. “Does that mean you will?” Thranduil asked laughing as well. “Yes! I will happily live anywhere with you all the rest of the days of my life.” “That is wonderful meleth!” he said as he again held her tightly. “If you feel you cannot be happy in the caves, we can build a home in the forest. I could not be happy knowing you were uncomfortable” he said sincerely. “Your idea to live there and be safe is so caring and thoughtful. I do not believe now that I could be happy or feel at home anywhere else.”

News of their engagement spread throughout the realm and the people were as happy about it as Thranduil and Ranyare. But there was no time to think about a wedding when they had an entire kingdom to move. One of Galion’s greatest skills was his ability to organize and keep track of tasks to be completed. He set up multiple groups who were in charge of tearing homes down and transporting them across the river to their new locations. Silvan elves made up the majority of the realm and while they preferred spending their days in leisure and enjoying the beauty and bounty of the natural world, some had been trained in the arts of metal craft and stone work. These elves began working to build a bridge over the river with the king and his fiancé supervising the project. Iron gates were also planned for the entrance to the cave as well as a small exit that opened further out in the forest.

During a break when they were back at Thranduil’s home, Ranyare spoke about Lake Cuiviénen as he never tired of her stories from those long-ago days. “I wish so much that I could have seen it. Wait! Perhaps there is a way that I can.” “How?” she asked. He walked to his desk and retrieved his drawing paper and pencils. “You will describe it in as much detail as possible and I will sketch it” he said sitting down beside her on the sofa. After a couple of hours, the sketch was done. “That is beautiful. It is just as I remember.” Her voice was soft and warm and filled with love for her first home. “I would love to share this and I think I will make two copies and send them to the elves of Lothlórien and Imladris.” “That is a lovely gesture” Ranyare said as she snuggled up close to him and they enjoyed the rest of their evening together in quiet repose.

The Summer was nearly gone and the first hints of Autumn could be felt in the air when Thranduil decided now was the best time to move his mother’s garden to its new location just outside the cave exit. He and Ranyare along with a few of the realm’s most skilled gardeners began the delicate work. Great care was taken in digging up each plant, wrapping the roots in soft cloth, and packing them in the wagons to be carried across the bridge to their new home. The sleeves of Ranyare’s blouse kept getting hung up on the leaves and little branches of the shrubs she was working to pull from the ground so she pushed them up above her elbows and went back to her task. Thranduil noticed this from the other part of the garden where he was working. He stood and looked at her and smiled. She noticed him from the corner of her eye and gave him a grin in return. He looked down to her wrists and then back to her face and smiled again. She smiled too, a big bright smile as if to say, ‘I do not want to hide anymore. This is who I am.’ It warmed his heart to see that she finally felt free to show who she was and was no longer consumed with shame or regret. He felt so much freer now as well and practically all of his thoughts were concentrated on how happy they would be when they were finally married. He was so lost in his daydreaming that Ranyare had to shake his shoulder to get his attention when it was time for a meal break.

“I am sorry meleth. I was a thousand miles away.” “Where were you?” she asked playfully as she poured the tea. They sat very unceremoniously on the ground beside a bunch of rose bushes and ate their sandwiches and berry tarts. “I was imagining what it would be like when we are husband and wife.” “I hope it was pleasant.” “It was more than pleasant. It was perfection. Sharing my life with one I love so completely is all that I could want in this world.” She giggled at his sweet words and said, “No arguments or disagreements?” “Of course not. Who would argue or disagree with me?” he said feigning shock at her reply. “I could for one. What if you wish to spend all your time hunting or riding through the forest and I get lonely? Or you may want venison for supper and I would like a vegetable stew? What shall we do then?” “Firstly, I shall spend every moment of every day with you. You may tire of me as I shall give you no time to yourself at all. Secondly, I love vegetable stew.” They looked at each other with serious expressions for as long as they could but then both broke out into fits of laughter at their silliness and joy of their new love.

Notes:
- Aran nin: My king
- Meleth: Love

Chapter Text

Work on their new homes continued into Autumn and before the first snow of Winter fell, all the elves of the Woodland Realm had moved across the river. Scout troops continued to monitor the progression of the darkness into their forest and by the time the move was completed, it had engulfed nearly the entirety of the Greenwood. As Thranduil had hoped, the malevolent force did not cross the water and while the size of his realm had greatly shrunk, he did not mind as his people were safe. Extensive work had been done on the caverns to make them into livable quarters and the king beamed with a great sense of pride as so many of his kind had lived in similar abodes throughout their long history.

“I know these halls are not as grand as Nargothrond or Menegroth, but they are still a beautiful wonder” Thranduil said as he and Ranyare toured their new home. “It is amazing how much this space has been transformed. My room is so lovely and instead of the stone feeling cold and lifeless, it actually seems warm and inviting” she explained as they walked along one of the corridors that led to a small waterfall. “I hope you will not get too attached to it. Come Spring, we will move into our shared chamber” he said as they were both living in what were meant to be guest rooms as work continued on their expansive suite. “I am counting the days till then dear one” she said wistfully as they paused and stood hand in hand watching the clear water that fell from a small shaft down into a pool and then out again down a stream flowing through one of the tunnels. Sunlight glittered on the water making it appear as if diamonds instead of water were falling down before them. Thranduil smiled at the magnificent sight and mused, “This is my favorite place in all these caverns. It makes me think of you, and the change you have brought about in my life. Knowing you, loving you, has been like the sun rising and wiping all the darkness and shadows away.” He raised her hand to his lips and tenderly kissed her knuckles. Her eyes teared up as she echoed his beautiful sentiment. “My life for such a long time has been lived in the shadows, hiding away and running from the pain of the past. You helped me face it and overcome it. I will never be able to thank you enough for that and for your love. I love you so deeply nin galad (my light).” They embraced and Thranduil replied, “And I love you, Nendil.” “Nendil?” She was a bit confused by this until he explained. “I thought it was time for you to have a new name for you are no long a wanderer. It means lover of the lake and that seemed fitting for you. You do not have to use it if you do not like it.” She looked up at him with a big, beaming smile and said, “I love it and so Nendil I shall be from now until the end of days.”

Invitations were soon sent to Imladris and Lothlórien regarding the upcoming royal nuptials. Nendil attached the invitation along with a letter she wrote to the carrier bird that would travel the long distance to the Grey Havens. She let it go and watched as the bird rose higher into the sky and further away until it could no longer be seen. “Do you think she will make it?” she asked Thranduil who stood beside her on the hill. “Let us hope she will. I know how much you would like to see him again.” “It is such a long way. I will understand if he is not able to come.” Nendil tried to put on a brave face but Thranduil knew how disappointed she would be if Círdan was unable to attend their wedding. “Come now, let us go on our picnic and enjoy this beautiful day” he said as he picked up their basket and took her hand. Though still in the grip of Winter’s icy fingers, a few sunny days had melted much of the snow and Thranduil meant to take full advantage of this.

“You spoil me too much nin galad” Nendil said as he spread out a blanket and then filled their glasses with wine. He also laid out the food including her favorite cheeses, crackers, and honey cakes. “I do not believe I have yet spoiled you enough nin anor mír (my sunshine).” He reached into the basket and pulled out a small black velvet drawstring bag and handed it to her. “Thranduil, another gift?!” she said with delight and surprise. Ever since she accepted his proposal, he had bestowed many gifts upon her including new dresses, perfumes, vanity items, and jewelry. “It is not much, but I thought you might like it.” She opened the bag and pulled out a roughly oval shaped stone. Her mouth opened in awe as she held it in her palm and admired its beautiful blue-green color. “I remembered your description of Cuiviénen and the color of the water. I found it near the edge of the pool under the waterfall and thought it might be a good match.” “It is perfect” she said unable to take her eyes away from the thoughtful gift. “I shall keep it with me always.” She put the stone in the specially made pocket of her gown where she also kept her knife. Thranduil chuckled and noted that the tailor may need to make her clothes with larger pockets in the future. “Only if a certain ellon continues to give me such wonderful and heartfelt gifts” she jokingly retorted.
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“Trust me, nin anor mír, you have no cause to be uneasy. Everyone who meets you cannot help but be taken with you.” Thranduil’s words did help to calm Nendil’s nerves about meeting their wedding guests who would soon arrive but a part of her still felt hesistant. “I may be about to marry a king but I do not quite feel like a queen. What if they do not think I belong with you, or with them? They are descendants of high kings and Maia and you are not only a king but a brave warrior of the highest skill. I am a simple Nelyar elf who is special do only to my advanced age.” Thranduil tenderly brushed her cheek with the back of his fingers and then moved his hand down to caress her shoulder. “Your age alone is not what makes you special. You have a gentle, calming presence and a quiet inner strength that shines out through your lovely eyes. Eyes that have seen both good and evil and that look out into the world with renewed hope instead of despair. No one would dare to question your worth or place as a queen.” “How do you always know the perfect words to say?” she said as she put her arms around his waist and pulled him close in a warm embrace. “Because I love you.”

Nendil’s fears were completely unnecessary as their guests found her as enchanting as her soon-to-be husband did. Elrond, his wife Celebrían, their daughter Arwen, and Glorfindel made up the delegation from Imladris. Their sons were left behind in Lord Elrond’s place, to guard over their realm. Galadriel and her husband Celeborn, Celebrían’s parents, came from Lothlórien where they had recently become the Lord and Lady of the Golden Wood after the disappearance of King Amroth who had gone in search of the elleth he loved. Their first dinner together was held out in the courtyard built for just such a gathering. The early Spring weather was cool and the scent of the first blossoms of the season sweetened the air.

Throughout dinner, Nendil noticed that Glorfindel took a few glances at her wrists. She no longer hid her scars and although they were quite faded, they were visible as her gown had elbow length sleeves. She was beginning to feel a bit self-conscious about them but once, when she caught him eyeing them, he gave her a smile and she felt as if he understood. After dinner, Nendil seeing they were low on wine, said she would go and fetch more bottles. Glorfindel offered to go with her. “I hope you are not intending to steal my fiancé away” Thranduil joked as the golden-haired elf was quite handsome and very charismatic. “I can clearly see she only has eyes for you, although I cannot imagine why” his old friend said with a laugh and twinkle in his grey eyes.
“Thranduil, you have found someone quite wonderful and I am very happy for you” Elrond said sincerely. “Thank you mellon nin. I hope we will have as happy and loving a marriage as you and Celebrían and as long and successful as you two” he said directing his last comments to Celeborn and Galadriel whose marriage had already spanned thousands of years. “When you have the right partner, they give you strength making it easier to navigate the ebbs and flows of life” Celeborn said looking lovingly at his wife. “We will all need strength going forward as I fear the stability and safety we have enjoyed for centuries is waning. I am loath to dampen our happy mood but as you are all aware, something evil has overcome our forest and it may not stay contained with the borders of the Greenwood.” “I was very sorry to hear about this change as I have always enjoyed our visits here. The mountains are, or rather were, so beautiful” Arwen explained as she and her brothers had traveled many times between the two neighboring elven realms of Lothlórien and Greenwood. “Future travel may have to be limited as our focus will need to be on the protection of each of our realms.” Galadriel’s words were true, and they cast a sad pall on the gathering of old and beloved friends. “Sadly, I agree. I would not feel comfortable leaving my realm for an extended period of time and I understand that each of you feel the same” Thranduil explained. “Then I am glad indeed that what may be our last gathering for some time is for such a joyous occasion” Celebrían said as she raised her glass in a toast.

“I beg your pardon for my staring earlier” Glorfindel said as he and Nendil walked together to the king’s personal wine cellar. “No apology is needed, but thank you.” “You and I have something unfortunate in common. We have both been in close proximity to the ultimate evil and have lived to tell the tale.” She looked up at him and saw real understanding in his eyes and expression. “It is a terrible burden, one that time had only slightly lessened, until I met Thranduil.” Glorfindel smiled and said, “I may tease my friend but he is a good ellon and will surely be a good husband. It is quite obvious how much he loves you.” “I was nervous to meet you all but you have been so kind and I am very happy that you are all here to celebrate with us.” “I am as well. I love a good party and feast” he said as she retrieved a couple of bottles and handed them to him. “I hope you do not mind me asking and if you do not wish to speak of it, please do not feel that you must, but I am very curious what it was like to defeat a balrog.” Her words were a bit timid as she realized that was a traumatic event that led to his death and he was only there now as he had been rebodied and sent back to Middle Earth. “I do not mind speaking of it,” he said reassuringly before he continued. “If I could not defeat Morgoth himself, I am glad to have killed that foul creature who was bent to his will. I would willingly give up my life again to stop anymore of his minions who remain.” “I do wish I could have done more. I did kill an orc after I saw Amon Lanc had been taken by them.” “We each do what we can. I believe the best way to defeat the dark is to not let it overcome your light.”

“I simply cannot wait until the wedding day. Naneth and I made this for you both.” Arwen said after Nendil had returned. She had retrieved the gift while waiting for the pair to return with the wine. Thranduil took the large box tied with a green silk ribbon and opened it. He pulled out what appeared to be a tapestry and when he unrolled it, he and Nendil were both in awe of it. Celebrían and Arwen had used their impressive needlework skills to recreate the sketch Thranduil had sent them of Lake Cuiviénen. “It is beautiful. Thank you both” Thranduil said as he continued to marvel at his sketch in this different medium. Diamonds made up the stars that sparkled above the trees and fine threads of Mithril woven through the blue-green water gave it a truly ethereal quality. “I do not believe I have ever seen such beautiful work. This shall hang in our chambers so we will be sure to see it every day. Thank you so much” Nendil said. Mother and daughter were happy that their gift had been so well received and the group spent the rest of the evening enjoying the wine and jovial conversation.

Thranduil walked Nendil to her room and as had become their custom, they kissed goodnight. Thranduil was in such a good mood however, he was not quite ready for the day to end just yet. She opened her door and he asked, “May I come in?” “I am sorry. Only my husband is allowed in my room” she said with a sly smile and teasing tone. “I shall be your husband in a few short days.” He caressed her cheek with his hand as he pulled her towards him and kissed her again. “But you are not my husband yet.” Nendil moved her head to the side to give him greater access as his kisses moved down her neck. “That is but a mere technicality” he said breathily between kisses. She smiled and took his hand as she pulled him into her room and closed the door. “Now what shall we do my soon-to-be but not quite yet husband?” He did not answer but instead gave her a smirk and picked her up and took a few steps toward her bed. “Oh! Thranduil, put me down!” she protested while laughing. He set her feet back on the ground but not until they were next to her bedside table. “I suppose I can wait a bit longer” he said taking her hands in his. He noticed a ball of nettle yarn sitting on the table by the oil lamp and he let go of one of her hands so he could pick it up. “Are you going to knit something?” he asked as he was curious why she had that as she now wore clothes made of fine silk and velvets. She took the yarn ball from him and looked at it, and then back to his eyes that glowed with so much love and admiration for her. “I keep it so I will not forget what my life used to be. It is not just our joys but also our pain that makes us who we are. They are both a part of life. I never want to take my new happiness for granted; I never want to take you for granted.” “Every day I wake up and thank Eru that you will be my wife. It is good to have friends and while they may bring much comfort, you have made me feel whole again after so much loss. Goodnight nin anor mír” Thranduil said sweetly as he kissed her forehead. “Goodnight nin galad” she said softly as they reluctantly parted.

It was now the day before their wedding and Nendil was sitting in the garden of Thranduil’s mother’s plants that flourished in the Spring sunshine as she and Galadriel, Celebrían, and Arwen worked on the flower and ribbon garlands that would decorate the courtyard. Thranduil and Celeborn joined them and after a bit of small talk the king said to his fiancé, “I have a surprise for you.” He then gestured for someone to join them and an ellon with long silver hair and a short white beard stepped out from behind the tall hedge that encircled the garden. “Nowë!” she said with a gasp as she used the name she had known him by so long ago. “Dear Nórime” he said walking towards her and she rushed to him as well and as they embraced, neither one could stop the tears from flowing at such a long-awaited reunion. He leaned down to whisper to her, “We never blamed you for what happened. You did the best you could.” She squeezed him even more tightly and the tears she shed then would be the last that old pain would ever cause her.

For a moment, it was as if they were back at the shores of the lake without a care in the world. The others were anxious to speak to him as it had been a long time since they had been in each other’s company. They were happy to let the pair have as long as they needed and once they finally parted, they walked hand in hand to join their friends. Galion brought them some tea and cakes and then work continued on the garlands as they spoke of many things. “I distinctly remember your hair being as black as a raven’s wing” Círdan said. “I do not recall you having a beard mellon nin.” “I suppose time changes all things, including ourselves” he chuckled in response. Galadriel looked at her husband and teasing him said, “I wonder how you shall look with a beard meleth nin?” They all laughed as Celeborn retorted, “I have many years to go before we may find out.” “Celeborn is going to speak for Thranduil and I want to ask if you would you speak for me tomorrow and give your blessing over our union?” Nendil asked her dear friend as it was custom for the couple’s parents or close friends to do so during weddings. “I would be honored. The only thing that would give me more joy would be to one day see the blessed shores of Aman” he said with a warm smile.
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The time for the ceremony had come and Thranduil waited for his bride in the sitting room. “I am ready” she said causing him to turn and stare at her with wonder. The sleeveless light pink gown accentuated her figure and looked beautiful with her silver hair and violet eyes. Darker pink flowers and greenery had been embroidered along the bodice, down past the waist, and along the hem. “I have never seen anyone more beautiful” he said stepping towards her and taking her hands in his. “You look wonderfully handsome” she replied as his silver tunic with charcoal grey leggings and knee-high black boots made him quite a sight indeed. “You are missing something” he said with a grin as he reached for a box and opened it revealing a silver circlet that matched his own. Nendil bowed slightly and he placed the symbol of her queenship on her head.

When they walked out into the courtyard hand in hand, a great cheer erupted from the gathered elves. The couple smiled and waived as they made their way to a small dais at the front of the crowd where Celeborn and Círdan were already standing. Celeborn began the ceremony as the sun shone bright overhead. “We are gathered here today to celebrate a most joyous occasion, the joining of Thranduil and Nendil in marriage. I have known Thranduil his entire life and am proud to call him my friend. As a child, he would often play in the forest until the late hours and his parents would have to send soldiers out to find him.” The crowd chuckled and then he continued. “I remember a time when Oropher confided in me that he was concerned his son seemed to show no interest in leadership or learning about diplomacy and other skills necessary to be a good prince and maybe someday a king. Of course, Thranduil was only 16 years old.” This got an even bigger laugh. “Those worries were completely unfounded however as you all can attest to his strengths as your king. I am confident his parents would be proud of the leader he has become and of the wonderful elleth he has chosen to be his queen. May the blessings of the Valar and Eru himself make your marriage a strong and happy one” he said concluding his speech as everyone clapped. When the applause died down, Círdan began his blessing. “I cannot express to everyone here how much joy I feel at the happiness my dear friend has found. I can think of no one who deserves it more that she. She has at last found a home and will wander no longer. Thranduil, you are not simply getting a wife or even a queen, but a loyal force of nature who will selflessly fight for you and your people. Cherish each other and let your love be a source of strength for whatever may lie ahead. I second my friend Celeborn’s sentiment in wishing the Valar’s blessings on you both.”

The crowd cheered again as the bride and groom now prepared to share their vows and exchange rings. They were both a bit overcome with emotion but they gathered themselves and began. “Nendil, I Thranduil pledge to you my love, respect, protection, and fidelity all the days of my life.” Celeborn handed him the ring, a gold band with leaves carved into it, and he placed it on her finger. “Thranduil, I Nendil pledge to you my love, loyalty, devotion, and counsel all the days of my life.” Círdan handed her a matching ring and she slid it onto Thranduil’s finger. “To the king and queen!” Celeborn exclaimed as the coupled kissed and the elves boisterously cheered.

The celebration included a wonderful dinner, plenty of Thranduil’s favorite wine, and dancing. Nendil felt as if she was floating as she and Thranduil danced under the setting sun. He whispered something to her causing her to blush and smile from ear to ear. She nodded ‘yes’ and then they snuck away from the crowd and back to their shared chambers. “I hope our guests will not be upset that we left early” she said as Thranduil poured them one last celebratory glass of wine. “I would guess they are surprised we stayed as long as we did” he said matter of factly as he handed her the glass. She giggled as they toasted each other and then drank the sweet, fragrant wine. “I have never had anything like this” Nendil said as she savored the taste. “It is a very special wine that is only produced in small batches. I have saved it for only myself but now, everything I have, everything I am, is yours.” “Nin galad, I love you so very much” she said stepping towards him and wrapping her arms around his neck and he wrapped his around her waist. “Would you care to show me exactly how much you love me?” he whispered into her ear, his breath warm and soft against her skin. “It would be my pleasure aran nin.”

The End

Notes: Naneth = Mother