Into the Fire

Disclaimer: See Previous Chapters

Note: This is essentially, two chapters, but it’s really one. Part A is in Lothlorien and Part B in Mirkwood.

A Journey Begins

Chapter Nine, Part B... In Mirkwood

When in doubt, tell the truth.

- Mark Twain

Mirkwood, TA 2941

Thranduil sat on the balcony of his room looking out over his realm. There had been an unsettling feeling in the pit of his stomach since Tirnion and Claurion had returned. Patrols had been sent out all over the wood, some going as far as the borders. Even Berenon had promised to keep a look out as they rode to Lothlorien. His fingers ran over the autumn crown in his lap. He never thought the day would come when he would honestly ponder moving every last elf out of Mirkwood. As more and more reports came in, Thranduil was left wondering what he should do.

“I need you.” Thranduil whispered to the wind, hoping the trees he so loved would carry the message to their cousins in Aman.

Thranduil stood up and donned his crown, smoothed down his clothing and prepared to go out to meet his councilors.

As soon as he opened the door to his chambers, the flurry begun. Various voice stated ‘my king this’ and ‘my king that’ before Tangwen called them all to scatter.

“Tirnion said the black squirrels told him of the new visitors.” Tangwen informed him as they walked down the hall.

“Squirrels?” Thranduil asked,

“Squirrels.” Tangwen answered. “Tirnion has an odd affinity for them and they trust him.”

Thranduil shrugged, “I speak with birds and my son has actually spoken to the dragon in the Lonely Mountain so I suppose squirrels are normal.”

“Of course squirrels are normal.” Tirnion said as Thranduil and Tangwen entered the study.

Thranduil went to his favorite chair, pressing a kiss to Legolas hair as he walked by.

His son shook his head but said nothing as he went back to carving a bow with Quenya script.

“What do the reports say?” Thranduil asked as he settled in the plush chair.

Tirnion looked down at the reports in his hands, “One creature I am assuming is a hobbit and dwarves. Thirteen dwarves.”

“Mithrandir also said thirteen. Imladris said twelve. ” Thranduil remarked.

“Apparently they miscounted.” Tangwen said as she studied her son’s notes, “ I cannot blame them; the do all look quite alike.”

“Morwen said they had more dealings with the hobbit and the wizard; the dwarves kept to themselves.” Tirnion answered as he held up one of the letters containing Morwen’s description. Thranduil bid him to come forward.

Thranduil glanced over the letter before asking, “Did every elf in Imladris forget how to count?”

“To be fair Thranduil, what sounds better ‘twelve dwarves’ or ‘thirteen dwarves’?” Tangwen asked.

“I’d rather it be ‘no dwarves’.” Thranduil said as he handed the letter back to Tirnion. “Please give me a moment to think.”

**********************

Tirnion sat beside his mother in the study as he went over the current patrol lists, debating over who could be moved where. It would not do the realm any good if the warriors became overworked.

Before Tirnion had heard that plop in the water the squirrels he was acquainted with had informed him of the new visitors. He had set patrols out to watch both on the ground and in the trees.

All reports made mention of a group containing many short, round, bearded and complaining creatures traveling with a short, round, and oddly footed creature, who looked the size of a human child. Having read Morwen’s description of the traveling company, Tirnion could only assume it was the group of dwarves, apparently thirteen and not twelve, though even the patrols were confused on that for some time, and a hobbit. Thranduil had confirmed his suspicious this morning with the late arrival of a letter from Mithrandir.

Thranduil finally spoke, “We will test our new visitors and their honor and endurance.” The King announced.

“My King,” Tangwen said, “I do not think it proper to tease our new guests so.”

“My dear councilor, I assure you, there is little reason not to merely toy with our new guests. They are trespassing after all.” Thranduil said.

“Mithrandir has sent you a letter of notice.” Tangwen reminded him.

Thranduil shrugged, “It arrived too late, I am afraid and with little description of who or what the guests might be.”

“Thranduil….” Tangwen trailed off. It was tone of voice Tirnion had come to fear, but the Woodland King merely laughed.

“Tangwen, I have so little cause for amusement these days. Please do not deny me this.” Thranduil almost looked like a pleading elfling.

Tangwen turned back to her papers, “I could hardly stop your actions if I tried.”

“I do often heed your advice.” Thranduil assured her.

“I suppose I should be thankful you actually listen to me.” Tangwen’s said with a long-suffering sigh.

“Indeed.” Thranduil answered. “Now, Legolas,” he called to his son, “Gather your archers and friends and have them join the campfire sentries Tirnion has already put in place.”

Legolas placed down his bow and nodded before quickly departing from the stone hall.

“Tangwen, have that son-in-law of yours and his fellows warriors who can attempt to sing join Legolas. We will have music and a feast.” Thranduil said.

“Thranduil, are you certain that this is wise?” Tangwen asked.

Thranduil nodded as he stood up from his seat, “The spiders have not wandered this far into the wood. It is still possible to have some merrymaking. However, to be cautious I would not risk the lives of my people who are unaccustomed to the new night in the woods; they will have a feast inside the hall.” Thranduil said as he turned his head to Tirnion

“I suppose you want me to handle that?” Tirnion asked as he resigned himself to temporarily taking on the tasks of a house keeper.

Thranduil nodded, “They will have questions for you and it would be more reassuring to the people if their captain was present.”

“What of Legolas?” Tirnion had to ask, wondering why the son of the King got out of the duty while the captain did not.

Thranduil’s smile was dangerous, “I believe the court describes him as a young fool who will befriend anything. I do not think you have much to worry about in that regard.”

Tirnion had to admit he had heard similar things. Still, he said, “Do not be too certain; I did befriend many Noldor.”

“All my children are part Noldor.” Thranduil reminded Tirnion.

“Tirnion, just go.” Tangwen said.

“Yes mother.” Tirnion answered before hurrying out the room. He knew better than to disobey his mother, no matter how old he may be, she was always older. Tirnion had no desire to deal with a formal feast, but even he knew it would be better to have the civilians distracted so the warriors and guards could perform their duties without incident.

**************************

Balanauth was unpacking his bags even as he marveled over the size of the rooms he had been gifted with by King Thranduil’s own orders. They were rooms fit for a captain; a bedroom, a study, a small adjacent empty chamber, a personal bathing chamber, all for too extravagant for a mere soldier from another realm.

“The rooms are quite small in comparison to my sons and Tirnion’s, though he tends to reside in his family home more often than not.” King Thranduil said.

Balanauth forced down his visible twitch at the surprise he felt at the sudden presence of the other elf.

“They are quite spacious, King Thranduil.” Balanauth said. “I thank you for your generosity.”

King Thranduil waved a hand in dismissal as he began to wander around the main room. “I fear once your soon to be wife joins you, you will find the rooms a touch too small.” A full smile briefly appeared on the woodland king’s face, “Or perhaps not. I always felt rooms could be far too big in the early years of my marriage.”

“I regret I did not see Lady Laeriel more often.” Balanauth said, “She was quite dear to Glorfindel however…”

“Glorfindel tended to visit here rather than Laeriel traveling outside of the realm.” Thranduil smiled, “I often found it quite peculiar how my wife desired to spend so little time among her fellow Noldor. She blamed me of course. Claimed I turned her into a wood elf.”

Balanauth ducked his head, “May I ask why you….”

“Do not sail?” Thranduil finished, “My task is not yet done and no ruler should ever leave his people in such darkness. Until I can be certain this kingdom will be safe for many ages to come, I will not leave.”

“Such a thing can never be certain.” Balanauth said.

“Not if I pick a good king to follow me. Legolas is far too free spirited and young to take up a throne. He could be a lord over a small settlement perhaps but never something as complicated as Mirkwood. The men in the surrounding villages also have little respect for him, knowing well he is the youngest son of a king. Legolas cares little for their regard but such things can cause dissent.”

“What of Berenon?” Balanauth felt compelled to ask.

A soft smile settled on Thranduil’s face. “At times he seems more poet than king and while I have never had doubt in his abilities or dedication I know it will not be him. One of his children, perhaps, will be better suited.”

“Berenon has no children.” Balanauth muttered, confused.

Thranduil grinned, “Not at the moment no, by this time next year….”

Balanauth’s eyes widened, “Does…he…how…”

“The older you become, Balanauth, the easier it will be for you to detect such things as a newly forming spirit. Though, being a healer helps greatly.” At Balanauth’s confused look Thranduil said, “My mother was a great healer. Her gifts, well, I had always hoped Tholinnas children will carry them on.”

“He…..” Balanauth stopped his words in disbelief.

Thranduil smiled again, “Sometimes the dreams Lorien grants us are very telling.” The King walked out of the room. “Please, join us tonight at the feast. I may even convince Tirnion to sing with his siblings.”

Balanauth smiled as he put a book on the massive shelves, “Thank you.”

“And bring Tollureth with you.” King Thranduil said as he closed the door.

Balanauth laughed and shook his head. He had apparently left one blond impish elf for another.

****************************************

Thranduil had to stop the amused smile that was waging quite a war to appear. Legolas had earlier excused himself due to his inability to not hold his laughter at bay. The young elf had struggled to make it through his telling of the dwarves attempts to join the bonfires that night without giving himself over to chuckles. Thranduil had to admit, it was quite a humorous situation to deal with; for so long the dwarves had waged wars of words with the elves, spreading false lies about them and Thranduil had merely sat back and watched what was to occur. He had never personally made a statement against the dwarves, despite his ever increasing anger towards the falling reputation of his realm and people, for if he had said something against the dwarves he would have to say something against all other races on Arda. It was difficult for outsiders to understand the complexities of society in Mirkwood. They were a mixture of Sindar, Silvan, and yes, a few Noldor. Assumptions were made about their people because they were largely closed off from the other elven realms. Thranduil knew his subjects were more comfortable with being isolated from the rest of Arda; there were many families who still bore the scars of their immense losses at the end of the Second Age. The Noldor had lost their High King; the Sindar and Silvan of his home had lost most of their warriors. The common subjects of Mirkwood were protected from the outside realms for that very reason; Thranduil had no desire to ever see so many of his people so desolate again.

If the only price he had to pay now was in jewels, ale, and a wanting reputation, Thranduil would gladly pay it as long as his people remained content.

Tirnion stood beside Thranduil, “I do not believe this is right.”

“You may go to the other room while we discuss this matter.” Thranduil said.

Tirnion’s lips visibly twitched, “No, I would rather be a very proper captain and stay here.”

Legolas, newly returned, merely snorted.

“I am certain you mean that sincerely.” Thranduil said as he bid Golvien to bring forth the most recent intruder.

The dwarf was dirty, clearly tired, and greatly annoyed. There was a look of defiance in his eyes even Thranduil good grudgingly respect. He tried not to wrinkle his nose at the smell of the dwarf, grateful the smell of the forest masked most of his scent.

“What is your name?”

The dwarf remained silent.

“Your name.” Thranduil repeated.

The dwarf remained quiet.

Thranduil sat slightly forward, his voice lowering to a mesmerizing whisper, “I will only ask you one more time. What is your name?”

The dwarf blinked slowly but answered, “Thorin Oakenshield.”

Thranduil sat back on his throne and quickly went through the names of dwarves he had dealt with in the past. Oakenshield had not been one of them, nor had there been a Thorin in recent memory.

Thranduil continued to question the dwarf receiving little information by way of his replies. The dwarf was clearly hiding something; if only the stupid fool knew Mithrandir had seen fit to inform Thranduil about their task.

Honestly, dwarves.

Tiring of the waste of time this questioning was turning out to be, Thranduil ordered the dwarf to the dungeons. The dwarf at least deserved a peaceful rest in a safe place. Tirnion made sure to inform Golvien that the dwarf would receive plenty of food and drink.

“Tirnion, go find the rest.” Thranduil said.

“Yes, my King.” Tirnion answered, Legolas following close behind.

Thranduil briefly pinched the bridge of his nose in annoyance; twelve more dwarves and one hobbit yet to be seen. Mithrandir would truly owe him a favor for this.

************************

“Here, dwarfy, dwarfy, dwarfy.” Claurion whispered from the tree tops.

Tirnion smacked him on the head.

“Ow! What was that for?” Claurion asked.

“Keep your voice down.” Tirnion ordered.

“I changed your diapers you know.” Claurion hissed.

“You did not.” Tirion said.

“I taught you how to ride though.” Claurion argued.

Tirnion took his eyes off the ground to stare at his brother-in-law, “Thranduil taught me how to…will you be quiet!”

“Now who is shouting?” Claurion asked.

Claurion quickly quieted at the caustic look he received in return.

Below them Legolas and Galuverior were laughing at their argument.

“Here they come.” Legolas whispered.

Tirnion nodded and motioned for the group to drop down from the branches. All around the clearing the elves silently and swiftly dropped to the forest floor and formed a circle around their oblivious prey.

Tirnion handed over command of the prisoners to Galuverior, worried that he only found the remaining dwarves and not the hobbit in the numbers. The wind whispered to him then and told him the hobbit was hiding in the shadows of one of the beeches. Tirnion could not see the hobbit, but he could sense the different life force. Confused, he nodded to Galuverior before taking off on a swift run back to the palace. There were many things to tell Thranduil.

*********************************************************

Thranduil put his mid-day meal to the side as he again took up the pile of correspondence in front of him. Another feast was scheduled merely because he was afraid what he would do to all those ungrateful dwarves if he was give time to let his mind idle. No one had seen fit to inform Tangwen yet, as she would be the one to handle any diplomatic blunder, where exactly their trespassing guests were being stored.

Thranduil was not surprised when she came storming into his study unannounced and uninvited.

“Why do we have a dwarf in a dungeon?” Tangwen asked.

“We have dwarves in dungeons.” Thranduil corrected her.

“Thranduil..” Tangwen’s tone was only slightly threatening.

“They were disturbing the peace.” Thranduil answered, truthfully, for they had been.

Tangwen sat down in front of him and pulled the letters away. “They were lost and hungry.”

“Now they are found and fed.” Thranduil answered as he pulled the letters back.

“You know this is only going to make relations worse.” Tangwen said, banging a fist on the table to enhance her point.

Thranduil brushed some invisible dust off his jewel-encrusted shirt collar, “With all the rumors they have spread about me and our people, I think I’d like to do something that deserves such a reputation.”

“We were a barrel short in their payment from the last mining expedition.” Tangwen saw fit to remind him. Again.

“Because it was a bad barrel.” Thranduil said again, as he had for years. “I sent another in replacement with the messengers they provided. It is hardly my fault their messengers decided to take it for their own. Then those dwarves attempted a raid on our coffers and was angered when we fought them back. Furthermore, the nerve of them to claim they build this palace. It was here long before they were and have you heard the things they say about us? That we do no labor of any kind. Clearly they never noticed all our cattle was eating by spiders and our grounds yield less and less as the darkness becomes stronger. Really, they can be such a horribly judgmental bunch.”

Tangwen sat back, arms crossed over her chest. “I never knew you were so bothered by it all.”

“I have had much time to build up the resentment.” Thranduil informed her.

“We do have a large amount of jewels and are forever in the quest of more.” Tangwen said.

“How else do you suggest we pay off our trading partners when we have little to trade?” Thranduil asked her, golden brow raised.

“Very true.” Tangwen conceded.

“They also accused me of keeping the spiders as pets.” Thranduil told her.

Tangwen was speechless for a moment; a hand covered her mouth. “You did not order the dwarves to be killed?”

“No use in killing a weary and sick dwarf.” Thranduil informed her.

“The hobbit?” Tangwen asked.

Thranduil pushed back his chair and stood up, “Your son said a tree told him a hobbit like creature was in the wood and while Tirnion could sense and smell a different being, he could not see him.”

“Mithrandir may have fashioned something for him.” Tangwen said.

“That is what I am personally led to believe.” Thranduil argued. “Now, if you will excuse me I must lead a hunting party so we have something to eat at the next feast.

“Another?” Tangwen asked.

“The woods are not safe now; I must entertain my people somehow.” Thranduil said as he began to leave the room.

Tangwen said nothing just packed up his letters and took hold of his dish. For a moment they were almost back in her cottage during the Second Age. It was a good memory and gave him a warm feeling which he would need to have a successful hunt.

**************************

Thranduil took off his hunting garb and graced the chamber maid with a thankful smile as she handed him a bowl of water and a towel to refresh himself. He missed the days when Laeriel would greet him so but he did not regret knowing her, and Tholinnas and Merileth were safe. The dwarves had been with them for nearly two weeks now and still they said nothing of their intent. Thranduil quickly changed and headed outside into the hall. Tirnion was waiting for him as they began to walk the halls.

“Is the hobbit still wandering around our halls?” Thranduil asked Tirnion.

“Indeed. Balanauth has tried to leave food out for him but he never quite seems to understand it is meant for his consumption.” Tirnion said.

“He is a hobbit, Tirnion, not a stray animal.” Thranduil said.

“That could be debated. I have seen his footprints in the dust of the dungeons.” Tirnion shuddered, “horribly scary.”

“Large shoes?” Thranduil asked.

“Large feet. He has no shoes.” Tirnion said.

Thranduil paused for a moment and also shuddered. “That is…I do not wish to ponder that.”

“None of us do.” Tirnion said as he held open the door to the feast hall. The room fell silent as the King walked in and took his seat.

“Continue.” Thranduil ordered to his people, smiling as the room filled with singing and laughter again.

“Where is Galion?” Thranduil asked Legolas.

Legolas shrugged, “He was to take in the recent arrival of wine but I have not yet seen him tonight.”

Concerned Thranduil asked one of dungeon guards to find him before Thranduil resumed his drinking.

*****************************

Tirnion took a deep breath before walking into Thranduil’s chambers. The news he had to deliver would not be a good way to start the day. Thranduil bid him to enter, though he was already in a morning conference with Tangwen and one of the many councilors. As the elf left, Thranduil bid Tirnion to speak.

Tirnion worried a loose stitch on his clothing,


“As you know, my lord, Galion had been found last night but the captain of the dungeon guards was found sleeping this morning.”

“Drunk?” Tangwen asked.

“Indeed.” Tirnion nodded.

Thranduil considered this for a moment before asking, “My personal wine?”

“Yes.” Tirnion answered.

Thranduil turned to Tangwen, “Would it be wrong if I placed him within the dungeon.”

Tirnion was surprised his mother honestly seemed to consider the option.

“I certainly would not disagree with you,” Tangwen said, “but as the council elected him, they may.”

Thranduil placed a hand to his brow. “Dwarves?” He asked.

“Gone.” Tirnion said.

“Hobbit?” Thranduil asked, his jaw clenched.

“Gone.” Tirnion answered again. The presence of the hobbit was no longer there.

“Theories?” Thranduil asked.

Tirnion studied the floor not wishing to see the fury that would surely appear in Thranduil’s face. “Some of the guards said the barrels Galion had them send out to Lake-town felt full.”

“Galion?” Thranduil asked.

“Hiding.” Tirnion said.

Thranduil turned back to Tangwen, “Really, may I please kill that dungeon guard?”

“I may do it for you.” Tangwen said. “As it is, I do believe someone so unfit for duty should be sent West.”

“And Galion?” Tangwen asked.

Tirnion swallowed at the look on his mother’s face. That was the same look she had when it was time to initiative Claurion into the family.

“I suggest you put the fright of the Woodland King into him. Perhaps he will learn not to partake of potent brew while on duty again.” Tangwen said.

“A very good plan.” Thranduil said. “Tirnion, I do not wish to scare you, so please leave the room. And I thank you for having the bravery to tell me.”

Tirnion nodded at both his king and his mother before quickly fleeing the room.

**********************************

Tirnion audibly whimpered as he studied the letter in front of him.

He looked at Galuverior, “I have to tell the King this?”

Galuverior clasped his shoulder, “You are the captain.”

Tirnion whispered a prayer before he left his office and marched to the King’s study.

Legolas caught his arm before he could enter. “You know where they are?” he asked.

Tirnion nodded, “You might want to cover your ears. I am certain your father will bellow.”

Tirnion opened the heavy doors of the study. All the councilors and assistants grew quiet as he entered.

Thranduil easily discerned the situation, “Where are they?”

“There in Lake-town. You are also the horrid ruler who ‘wrongfully waylaid’ and ‘imprisoned without just cause’ the poor dwarves. The hobbit is also with them.” Tirnion said quickly.

“Legolas.” Thranduil called to his son.

“Yes, father?” Legolas asked from beside Tirnion.

“Please leave the room as your mother will greatly harm me if you hear all the words I am about to speak.” Thranduil said.

“Of course, father.” Legolas said before hurrying out of the room.

It was actually quite difficult to make Thranduil truly angry; a rare but legendary occurrence to be sure. Tirnion and the other councilors also quickly left the study.

Tirnion and Legolas closed the door behind them and held it shut. There was the sound of books flying and a few bottles smashing. Tirnion was sure he heard a table upended amid the many curses.

Both Legolas and Tirnion nearly fell back as the door to study was wrenched open. Thranduil caught them both before putting them upright.

“Legolas, how would you like to lead a force of river bank spies?” Thranduil asked.

Tirnion smiled, “You know well where to stay having done a patrol there before.”

Legolas nodded, eager for the chance to lead his own team.

“You, Tirion, must lead a patrol near the Lonely Mountain.” Thranduil said.

Tirnion blanched, “Those dwarves cannot really……..”

“If I know dwarves they do plan on going after that dragon’s hoard.” Thranduil said. “After all these years, I must say..I know well their intentions. It clearly explains why they would not tell us of their plans.”

“I suppose you are going to follow us in the end?” Legolas asked.

“As soon as Mithrandir contacts me and your brother returns.” Thranduil nodded, “Yes. Someone must stay on the throne in my absence. Dwarves. Honestly? What’s next? An ent?”
Thranduil gestured to one of his assistants, “Please let out the word we are currently in need of a master craftsman, whether elf or man.”

The assistant nodded before running off.

Thranduil looked at both Legolas and Tirnion, “Well?” he asked.

Tirnion and Legolas both ran down the halls calling for guards and supplies.

**********************************************************************

A/N 1: I always felt The Hobbit was a little bias against Thranduil and Mirkwood so, you know, this is my sort of attempt to…er…rectify it. I mean, Bilbo told the story, really, and he was told of Thranduil by the dwarves, a truly bias source ;) Also the lines about Thranduil mistreating the dwarves and imprisoning them without just cause comes from the chapter “A Warm Welcome” in The Hobbit

A/N 2: Thanks

Renna, as always, thank you! The change of scenery was needed for me too! It helps the writer as much as the reader. There will be more of Morwen’s family history sprinkled throughout the series. Once I get the series of Second Age one-shots out, there will be a lot of the family, but for now the best place to know about Morwen’s family before even Morwen knows is in “Sleeping with Ghosts.”