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Thranduil was still a young elfling when he met King Finrod Felagund and his sister Lady Galadriel visiting King Elu Thingol and Queen Melian in Menegroth. He was a mere squire in King Thingol’s court because of his father, Lord Oropher who was a financial advisor for the king.
The young elfling had only eyes for the beautiful blonde king. Oh, how he wished to be in his army someday. Or rather in his arms.
Thranduil’s face flushed when he stood before the King of Nargothrond holding a tray with refreshments. The king had the bluest of blue eyes the gwinig had ever seen.

“Thranduil, ego,” King Thingol demanded.

But the young elfling stood in awe and heard nothing until King Finrod touched his arm and smiled.
He came to his senses and looked startled. “My apologies, Your Majesty.”

Finrod smiled at him. “It’s not me you should apologise to.”

Thranduil turned on his heels and bowed before his king. “Apologies, my lord.”

“Yes, yes. You may go now,” King Thingol ordered him once again.

Thranduil straightened to his length. He didn’t dare glance back at the beautiful king. When he reached the door, he opened it and for a brief moment, he peaked at the blonde king before he closed the door behind him.

The elfling fell with his back against the wall closing his eyes as he expelled air from his lungs in a loud manner. He smiled while flipping the empty tray against his chest and clung to it as if holding his beloved blonde king.

“This is no time for daydreaming,” the king’s army captain berated him.

Thranduil furrowed his brows in anger. “I wasn’t daydreaming, Mablung.”

The captain snorted before he knocked on the door and entered when the king ordered him to.

The elfling stared at the door before he turned around and headed back to the kitchen to await another call from his king in the private living room.

“Don’t just sit there. Peel some tomatoes,” the head cook yelled.

The young blonde winced with a sigh. He hated peeling vegetables, especially tomatoes. They were too soggy for his liking, and why can’t they eat them with the skin on?
Nevertheless, Thranduil took the sharpest knife out of the drawer before he strolled over to the butcher’s block where the pile of tomatoes was.

“Take these Eru forsaken tomatoes and peel them somewhere else,” another cook bawled while a chunk of meat dangled over his shoulder.

“I didn’t put them here,” Thranduil backchatted.

The cook bent down to be at eye level with the elfling. “I don’t care if the king himself put it here,” he said in a low voice shaking his head. “Get it off this second. I need to cut the meat,” he hollered.

The elfling grimaced when he caught a whiff of the raw meat. He grabbed the nearest bucket and began to pack the tomatoes into it.

“Come on, I don’t have all day,” the cook with the meat on his shoulder bellowed again.

When Thranduil finally had all the tomatoes in the bucket, he stood aside to look for an empty place where he could sit and peel in peace. He noticed a small chair next to the kitchen door and smiled. Now he could peel and have a view.
He was more than halfway peeling the tomatoes when the king’s bell against the wall chimed. Thranduil sprang up leaving the tomato half peeled in the bucket. He ran over to the head cook and tapped him on the shoulder.

“What? Are you done already?”

“No, I’m not done but the king has rung.” The elfling handed the cook the knife and smirked when he noticed the disdain on the cook’s face. He ran off without looking back.

Thranduil contained himself before he knocked on the door. When the king answered, the elfling entered. He bowed before his king and awaited instructions. His whole being burnt to look back at the other king, King Finrod.

“Thranduil, I would like you to escort King Finrod to his chambers. I want you to tend to him for the remainder of his stay.”

“Yes, my lord.” The elfling gritted his teeth to keep him from smiling or having an outburst of joy. He bowed again before he turned to the blonde king. “My lord,” he said with a bow. “Will you follow me?” When he straightened up, he noticed that the lady Galadriel was not next to him anymore. Someone must’ve taken her to her chambers already.

King Finrod rose to his feet. He bowed to King Thingol before he followed Thranduil.

As they walked down a long corridor, the king asked, “How long have you been a squire to King Thingol?”

Thranduil smiled before he glanced around and replied, “Five years, my lord. I was King Thingol’s page before I became his squire.”

“That’s impressive, gwinig. And are you planning to become a soldier in the king’s army someday?”

The elfling’s eyes enlarged before he jumped around walking backwards. “Yes, my lord. I want to become an archer. I’m quite skilled in archery.” Thranduil smiled when he looked at the king. “And then I hope to become a king someday too.”

Finrod laughed.

The blonde king’s laughter sounded heavenly to Thranduil who was still walking backwards. He bumped into one of the ladies in waiting and before he could do anything, she dropped the tray she carried.

When the decanter and goblet fell to the floor the blonde elleth scowled at him before kneeling to pick up the decanter shards and dented goblet.

“Apologies, King Finrod,” Thranduil said when he flew around. He plucked a cloth from his pocket and jumped around again before he sat on his heels to dry the floor. “My apologies,” he whispered to the young elleth.

The lady in waiting smiled at him before she picked up the tray and placed the cloth with the goblet and pieces of the broken decanter on it.

Finrod looked at the blonde squire. He smiled after the elleth disappeared around a corner on her way back to the kitchen. “I think she likes you.”

Thranduil’s face flushed when he grimaced. “I don’t like…” He straightened his clothes before he said, “My lord, your chambers are this way.”

After they turned off at the next corridor, they almost bumped into the lady Galadriel.

“Brother,” she called out and held out her arms.

Thranduil dipped his head and smiled when brother and sister embraced each other.

“Where are you off to, Sister?”

“King Thingol told me how beautiful the gardens are this time of the year. I’m going to look for myself.” She glanced at the squire and smiled. “When you’re finished you are welcome to join me.”

“He’s just taking me to my chambers,” Finrod explained while his face flushed.

Galadriel’s smile grew wider. “Whatever you say, brother.” She bowed before Finrod before she walked off.

“The lady is quite right, my lord. Our gardens are exquisite this time of the year.”

Finrod smiled. “Then you must show me after I bathed and changed.”

“I will definitely show you, my lord.” Thranduil opened the door to King Finrod’s chambers. They walked through a small living room with a couch and two chairs before they reached the bedchambers. “The bath is through there, my lord.”
The elfling stood waiting until the king stepped into the bath chambers. “I will be of service if you need me to wash your back or…” He shrugged when the king returned and smiled at him.

“I’ll manage bathing myself, thank you. You may unpack my bag and get my bed ready. I wish to lie down after I have my bath. Oh, and…” Finrod looked at Thranduil. “Thank you.”

The elfling nodded with a smile. “You’re welcome, my lord. Any clothing you prefer to wear after your bath?”

“Pick something for me.”

“Yes, my lord.” Thranduil’s face flushed again before he turned away from the door.
After he packed away the king’s belongings, he picked out a beautiful sage-green robe with darker trimmings and light green leggings for the king to wear.

“My leggings will match your trousers,” Finrod remarked.

Thranduil swung around. Once again, his face flushed as he laid eyes on the king’s bare chest before his eyes moved slowly down to the towel wrapped around the king’s waist. “I didn’t do it on purpose, my lord.” The young blonde jumped around. “I will get you another pair of leggings, my lord,” he stuttered as he picked up the leggings and started folding them up.
He froze when the king came to a halt behind him and took the leggings out of his hand.

“I’ll put them on. I asked you to choose and you did.”

Thranduil only turned around after Finrod had put on the leggings. He glanced at the towel at the king’s feet and crouched down to pick it up.
The king smelled wonderful. Thranduil wanted to close his eyes so he could appreciate the aroma that filled the chambers. He picked up the towel and folded it into a bundle along with the king’s dirty clothes. “I’ll get this to the washhouse and then I’ll show you the gardens, my lord.”

“Let me sleep for an hour before you return to wake me.”

“I will do so, my lord.” Thranduil pulled the bundle of washing tighter against him.

Finrod smiled at him. “And bring me some wine when you return in an hour.”

The young blonde nodded with a smile. He bowed before he turned around and left the chambers.

***

Finrod knocked on his sister’s chamber door that night. She smiled broadly when she opened the door to let him in. They walked in silence to the small living room. They smiled at each other while Galadriel was shaking her head.

“What do you find so amusing, Sister?”

“Where is your squire?” Galadriel asked while she sat down on a chair before she beckoned her brother to sit down on the couch.

“I suppose the elfling is fast asleep by now, Galadriel.” Finrod shook his head slowly as he eyed his sister.

“I noticed how you looked at him and… how he stared at you, Brother.”

“He’s a child, Sister.”

Galadriel laughed when she crossed her legs at the knee. “But you like them young and feral. Is that not true?”

“Well, I don’t know yet if he’s feral.” Finrod’s face flushed. “He is very beautiful though and very young indeed.”

“Oh, he is very gorgeous.” She grinned while gazing at her brother. “You think Amarië will approve of this?”

Finrod’s face dulled before he slumped back in his seat. “Amarië does not have a say in this. She refused to follow me and preferred to stay in Valinor.”

Galadriel winced before her face dulled too. “Finrod, you know she was not permitted to follow us.”

The king stared at his sister. “I don’t believe that. Where did you hear such absurdity?

“It doesn’t matter now. You have moved on and perhaps Amarië has too.”

“I did not come here to talk about Amarië.”

Galadriel snickered. “You came here to talk about the elfling isn’t it?”

Finrod threw his hands in the air. “Why must he be so young still?” he called out.

“When is he coming of age?”

The king moved back in his seat. “How should I know?”

“You spent the whole afternoon in each other’s company. Why didn’t you ask him?”

Finrod sighed. “He spent the whole time telling me about the flowers and the trees. He certainly has a passion for nature.” He sighed again while smiling.

“Are you having naughty thoughts, Brother?”

The king chuckled. “If I had I wouldn’t tell you, little sister.” He glanced around. “Don’t you have any wine in your quarters?”

“Maybe you should ring your bell. I’m sure your squire will come running when you snap your fingers.”

“Poor elfling. I don’t want to disturb his slumber.”

“I’m sure you would much rather crawl in behind him and wake him like that.”

Finrod grinned. “You know me too well, Galadriel.”

“It looks like my brothers are all the same.” The lady laughed when she shook her head. “Creatures who prefer pleasures of the flesh.”

Finrod snorted when he moved to the edge of his seat. “Creatures?” he called out enlarging his eyes. “Am I not an elf anymore, little sister,” he said while snickering.

Galadriel burst out with laughter. “Come on. It’s not that bad. Not all creatures are direful.”

The king narrowed his eyes while nodding. “One day you’ll find someone and then I want to see if you’ll succumb to the pleasures of the flesh or not, little sister.”

“I’ll probably will, Finrod, but only to beget children.”

Finrod snorted again. He rose and made for the door. “Since you don’t have wine here, I think I’ll turn in.”

“Sleep well, Brother. Don’t think too much of the elfling.”

The king raised his arm and waved his hand to the back while he chuckled. “See you in the morrow,” he greeted as he left his sister’s chambers.

Finrod glanced down the corridor before he entered his chambers. If he knew where Thranduil’s house was he would’ve gone over there and climbed through the window.
The king sighed before he kicked off his boots and got into bed.
When he closed his eyes the beautiful blonde elfling popped up in his thoughts. He should’ve kissed him when he had the chance this afternoon when they were alone in one of Thingol’s secret small gardens.
He sighed again while shaking his head.
Then he smiled when the blue, ice-blue eyes of the elfling came to mind. He could gaze in those eyes till eternity. He could drown in them.
Finrod turned on his back. He was sleep-deprived but that was not all he was deprived of.
The king’s hand moved over his stomach, reaching down… But then he refrained from moving even further down. He jostled himself onto his stomach with his hands underneath his head. Perhaps he would fall asleep if he didn’t think of anything.

King Finrod stayed for four days before he left Menegroth to return to his kingdom in Nargothrond. Lady Galadriel chose to stay behind because she had her eye on a young prince living in Doriath.

Chapter Text

Thranduil left the position as King Thingol’s squire after he came of age three years later. The king made him a soldier in his army. An archer, just like he said he wanted to be years ago to King Finrod.
He never saw his blonde king again after the king left Doriath almost four years ago. He heard many stories about him during the night shift when they stood guard at the borders.
Thranduil loved to listen to the older soldiers telling stories about the blonde Noldo king. One of them was Mablung. He could sit around the campfire talking for ages and Thranduil as well as the others hanged on the dark-haired captain’s lips for hours.
One night, Thranduil was deployed to the Northern borders with Beleg Cúthalion the captain of the Marchwardens.
He knew Beleg. He trained under him to become the skilled archer he was.
It was that night that Thranduil became aware that King Finrod was gathering elves for a quest against the evil forces of Morgoth.
The next morning, after he came home, he ran it by his father.

“Why do you want to help the Noldo king?” Oropher asked while he was getting dressed for work.

“I’m eager to learn to fight in battle, Ada.”

“Thranduil, when you grow up you can fight battles.”

“But I am grown up, Ada. I came of age recently.”

“Coming of age doesn’t make you an adult, ion nín.”

“Ada, I’ve done everything you’ve asked of me.” Thranduil sat down on his father’s bed. “Now I’m asking you this one thing and you refuse me.”

Oropher sat down next to his son. He placed a hand on his son’s knee as he looked at him. “I will ask King Thingol permission for you to leave his army.”

Thranduil’s eyes enlarged. “You will, Ada?” he called out.

Oropher smiled at his son. “Yes, hên nín, I will.” He patted his son on the knee. “Now, get to bed. You need sleep to be able to stand guard again tonight.”

The young blonde jumped off the bed. “Thank you, Ada. I will go to bed right away.” He charged out of his father’s bedchambers and ran off to his. “Don’t work too hard today, Ada,” he called out before he undressed to get into bed.

“Sleep now. I’ll send someone to wake you at four.”

Thranduil smiled while he listened to his father’s reply. He shut his eyes and nestled into his pillow.
Two hours later he was still awake. Not only did his mind wander off to his blonde king but also to fighting alongside the king.
Then his thoughts drifted to Galadriel. If only she would get married to Prince Celeborn King Finrod would surely come to his sister’s wedding. He sighed. Galadriel and the prince weren’t even betrothed yet.
Thranduil yawned before he shut his eyes again. He must get some sleep.
His eyelids were getting heavier until he finally dozed off.

At four, his father had sent one of the servants to wake him up.
The young servant put the tray of food and juice on the side table before he nudged the archer’s shoulder. “Master Thranduil, your father sent me with food.”

The young blonde stretched out his arms before he flickered his eyes open. “I need an hour longer,” he muttered when he buried his face in his pillow.

“You must eat and bathe before work, Master Thranduil.”

“Thank you, Célar.” Thranduil swung his feet off the bed. He glanced at the ellon while furrowing his brows. “Why are you still in the kitchen, Célar? Do you like it there?”

The young elf lowered his eyes. “Not really, Master Thranduil.”

“Since when do you call me master?” The blonde scowled at the dark-haired elf. “We worked together when I was a squire.”

Célar snorted. “Your father used the title when he asked me to bring you food when I wake you.”

The blonde took a sip of the juice. “Why would my father do that?” He tore a slice of bread in half and put a piece of cheese and a slice of tomato on top. “Do you want some?”

“No thank you, mas… Thranduil.”

“I’ll talk to my father.”

“No, please don’t. He probably made a mistake calling you master.”

Thranduil shook his head. “No, not about that. I want him to get you out of the kitchen.”

The elf smiled broadly. “I can become your squire, Thranduil.”

The blonde laughed. “I don’t need a squire, Célar. I’m not a king, yet.”

The young elves laughed before the kitchen servant’s face turned serious. “I would appreciate it if your father could talk to the king.”

Thranduil nodded slowly while he put a piece of cheese in his mouth. After he swallowed, he asked, “Is there a place in the royal court you prefer to work?”

“I would love to work in the garden. The flowers are so pretty and the air is much fresher outside than inside this underground castle.”

“Then it’s done.” Thranduil wiped his hands on his long nightshirt. “I will tell my father tomorrow morning before he goes to work. I won’t tell him now because he will forget by the morrow.”

Célar chuckled. “Thank you, Thranduil. Is there anything you want before I go?”

“No thanks. Thanks for waking me up though.” He smiled at the dark-haired elf. “Oh, and the food.”

When Thranduil was ready to leave for work, his father wasn’t home yet. He left a note for his father on the kitchen table before he grabbed his bow and shoved the quiver with arrows over his shoulder.
He closed the door and marched down the cobblestone pathway until he reached the gates that left Menegroth. The blonde pulled the hood of his brown cloak over his head before he continued down the gravel road towards the borders on the northern side of Doriath.

***

The Marchwardens and their captain spread out over the northern border, stretching from Brethil over Dimbar to Nan Dungortheb.
Thranduil patrolled with Beleg between the Brethil and Dimbar border when the captain asked him why he wanted to leave King Thingol’s army to join a Noldor king’s army.

“I want to improve my skills as an archer,” Thranduil replied.

Beleg stood still and turned to the blonde. He furrowed his brows while shaking his head. “You wish for war to improve your skills?”

“No.” Thranduil sighed. He knew what his motive was to join King Finrod’s army but he wasn’t going to reveal the truth to anyone. “I don’t wish for war. There happens to be a battle coming and I feel like I must help whomever I can, Noldo, Sinda, or…” he shrugged. “Anyone except Morgoth’s forces.”

Beleg smiled at the younger blonde. “Are you sure there’s no ulterior motive?”

Thranduil’s face flushed. Luckily, it was nighttime. While lots of flickering stars dangling from the night sky, they weren’t enough to reveal his red face. “No, there’s not.”

Beleg nodded slowly a few times before he noticed a shadow lurking a few yards from them. He put his arm on Thranduil’s shoulder while he motioned for him to stand still and be quiet. Then he pointed ahead of them.
As if one they both sank to their heels placing one knee on the ground to keep them steady.

Beleg had his bow ready. He pulled the arrow in position and aimed at the shadow.

Another shadow appeared. Only when they established that it was orcs indeed, did Thranduil aim with his bow and arrow too.

The two Marchwardens released their arrows at the same time felling the two orcs.
Within seconds they nocked arrows in their bows while still crouching down looking for any further movement.

Nothing. It was quiet. Not even crickets chirped.

Beleg lowered his bow. “It’s too quiet,” he whispered.

“Do you think there’s more?” Thranduil whispered too.

The captain didn’t reply. His eyes glided over the area where the two orcs stood before they struck them down. “I’m going to investigate. Stay here,” he ordered in a whisper.

Thranduil nodded as he remained sitting on his heels.
He sighed with relief when Beleg returned half an hour later.

“It seems like it was just the two of them. Probably strayed from their group.” Beleg glanced at the blonde. “You still want to join Finrod’s army?”

Thranduil smiled. “Yes.”

The captain gasped. “You’re in love with Finrod, aren’t you?” he called out.

“No, I’m not.” The blonde grimaced. He just told another lie. “Very well. I may have a little crush on him.”

“Ha, I knew you had ulterior motives to join his army.” Beleg laughed. He contained his laughter quite quickly when he remembered that they had just killed two orcs and that it was in the middle of the night.

“I’m sure you just revealed our position to the rest of the orcs out there.”

“You said you wanted to improve your skills, did you not?” Beleg retorted.

The night went by much faster than Thranduil anticipated. Just before daybreak, the Marchwardens grouped at the assembly point waiting for the day wardens to arrive.

After the night captain exchanged the occurrence of the night to the day captain and his wardens, Thranduil greeted everyone and walked on his own back to Menegroth.

“Hey, wait up,” Beleg called out chasing after the blonde. “Why are you in such a hurry?”

“I’m not. This is my usual pace.”

“You did good out there last night.”

“Thank you, Captain.”

“I checked the entry point of your arrow. You nailed that orc in the heart. He died on impact.”

Thranduil beamed when he thanked Beleg again. “I try to do my best.”

“Finrod like modesty in his soldiers. You will impress him for sure.”

The younger blonde’s face flushed. “I’ll remember that.”

“You still have a week left before you have to sign up in Nargothrond.”

Thranduil gasped aloud. “My request has been approved?”

“Didn’t you hear what the day captain said?”

“No, I wasn’t in the circle when he spoke. I was gathering my things.”

“Well, next time you stay in the circle until both captains have finished briefing.”

“Of course, Captain.”

“Now the daydreaming can start, I suppose?”

“I have been daydreaming a lot, Captain.” Thranduil’s face was red when he glanced at Beleg. “Do you have someone special, Captain?”

The captain chuckled. “I’d like to think so.”

Thranduil ran ahead before he turned around walking backwards. “Who is it?”

“We’re not official, yet. So, I can’t reveal a name.”

“Come on, Captain. Don’t be so secretive. You already know my secret. So, tell me,” Thranduil insisted still walking backwards.

Beleg burst out with laughter while shaking his head. “Finrod don’t like inquisitive soldiers.”

“He already likes me so he won’t mind me showing curiosity.”

“How do you know that he likes you?”

“When he was here with his sister in Menegroth. I was his squire for the time he visited the king. I showed him the gardens. I’m sure he would’ve kissed me if we weren’t interrupted by one of the king’s guards.”

“I hope you’re not spreading this kind of stories, elf.”

Thranduil winced as he stopped in his tracks. “You’re the first one I’ve ever told.” The blonde turned around before he increased his pace down the gravel road on his way to Menegroth.

“Thranduil, I didn’t mean like that,” Beleg called out but didn’t increase his pace.

“See you tonight, Captain,” the blonde called out as he began to run.
Tears trickled down his face when he reached the main gates of the stronghold. He dried his face with the back of his hands before he stepped through the gates.
He couldn’t wait for the week to pass so he could leave.
He shook his head. Someday he and Finrod would become lovers. Then Beleg would have to swallow the words he uttered. He would never make up stories about a king wanting to kiss him. Thranduil threw his hands in the air. “Why would I,” he muttered as he pushed the door to his house open. “Ada, are you still here?”

“In my bedchambers,” his father called out.

When Thranduil entered his father’s chambers, Oropher was already dressed and had an envelope in his hand. “This is for you,” his father said holding out the green envelope.

“What is it?”

“Open it and see for yourself.”

Thranduil smiled when he took the envelope from his father and tore it open.

“Careful. You’ll damage the letter inside, ion nín.”

The young blonde grinned at his father when he took the letter, no, two letters out. He opened the first one.
Thranduil Oropherion,
I, King Elu Thingol, inform you that your request to join King Finrod’s army in Nargothrond is approved.
I have included King Finrod’s letter to me in which the king asked for you to join him.
Congratulations.
Your duties in my army are suspended until your return to Doriath.
Regards
King Thingol

Thranduil blinked a few times while staring at the letter. He looked at his father. “I’m going to Nargothrond, Ada.”

Oropher smiled broadly. “I know, hên nín. I’m so proud of you.” He wiped a tear from his eye. “I will miss you so much.”

The younger blonde walked closer to his father. “Thank you for asking the king.”

“Well, he approached me first.” Oropher glanced at the letters in his son’s hand. “The other one is from King Finrod. Did you read it?”

Thranduil shook his head. “Not yet, Ada.” His hands shivered when he opened the light blue folded paper.
“To mellon nín, King Thingol,
I hope this letter finds you well, mellon nín.
I have an important question to ask. Your squire, Thranduil, back when I visited you was such an inspiring archer. I would gladly like for him to assist me in a quest against Morgoth’s forces who set up camp near Nargothrond.

Thranduil gasped when he read the next line.
“I enjoyed his company so much as my squire for the few days I visited the wonderful Menegroth. I would love for him not only to join me on the quest but to keep me company as well while we prepare.”
The younger blonde’s face flushed as he read that sentence over and over.

“Is something wrong, ion nín?”

Thranduil chuckled when he shook his head. “It’s just something King Finrod wrote, Ada.”
“Kind regards
Mellon cîn
King Finrod Felagund”
Thranduil smiled when he folded the letter. “King Finrod asked for me to join him.”

Oropher nodded. “He took a liking to you, ion nín.”

The younger blonde’s smile grew wider. “Yes, he did, Ada.” The smile on his face fainted. “Are you… Do you approve of me leaving, Ada?”

“Ion, I can’t keep you under my wing forever. You must spread your wings and fly to wherever you find it best for you.” Oropher smiled when he placed his hand on his son’s shoulder. “You’re an adult, hên nín.”
Oropher removed his hand and pulled his shoulders back. “I better have breakfast. It’s getting late.”

Thranduil watched his father when he strolled out before he too left for his room. Then he remembered about Célar’s request. “Ada,” he called out when he chased after his father.
After the young blonde told his father about the young servant, Thranduil walked back.
He entered his bedchambers and put Finrod’s letter under his pillow while the other one went into the top drawer of his dresser.
The blonde got into his long nightshirt and hopped into bed. He crossed his arms under his head while staring at the ceiling thinking of his blonde king. He was going to see his king in a week.

Chapter Text

Mablung escorted Thranduil to Nargothrond. They camped for the night just before they left the girdle of Melian. Thereafter, they travelled through the plains of West Beleriand until they reached the Falls of Sirion where they made camp for the night. They reached Nargothrond on the third day.
When they trotted into the realm of King Finrod, Thranduil couldn’t still his heart. It was galloping in his throat as they neared the gates of the stronghold.
After they’ve been admitted into the castle, a guard accompanied Thranduil to the king while another guard showed Mablung where he could eat and rest for the night before his return journey to Doriath. The guard called a stable groom closer to tend to the two horses.

Tall iron doors opened to the king’s private living chambers.

“Please wait here. King Finrod will be with you shortly,” the guard announced. He dipped his head and left the blonde standing.

Thranduil jerked around when the doors closed with a loud bang.

“I didn’t see you as someone who’s jumpy.”

The younger blonde swung around as he swallowed a gasp. “Your Majesty,” he said before he bowed. “The door… it startled me.”

Finrod smiled as he eyed the younger blonde. “Sit down,” he finally said after studying the elf.

Thranduil did as he was told.

“I’m sure you’re thirsty after that long journey. Some wine, or rather some juice first?”

“I would like some water, please, my lord.”

Finrod smiled when he moved in behind the chairs and stopped at the chair the blonde was sitting on. He bent over. “Don’t look so frightened, gwinig,” he whispered.

“I’m, not a gwinig anymore, my lord. I came of age a while back.”

The king laughed when he took place on the arm of the chair Thranduil sat on. “You may have come of age but you’re still as cute as the day I met you.” He rose to his feet and rang a bell.

The king’s butler entered immediately. “My lord, rang?”

“Yes, bring me a decanter of wine and a goblet with cold water for my guest.”

The butler dipped his head before he left.

The king sat down again but this time opposite the young blonde. “Did you read the letter I sent your king?”

Thranduil smiled when he cast his eyes on the colourful carpet underneath his boots. “I did, my lord.”

“And?”

“I wasn’t surprised at the wording, Your Majesty.”

The king laughed again. He moved to the edge of his seat before he gazed into the young elf’s icy-blue eyes. “You have the most beautiful blue eyes, Thranduil.” Finrod raised a brow. “May I call you Thranduil?”

“That’s my name, Your Majesty.” Thranduil smiled when he looked up. “Thank you, my lord. Your eyes are exquisitely beautiful if I may say so. I have never seen such extremely blue eyes, my lord.”

Finrod’s face flushed. “Ah, now you flatter me.”

“I am not, my lord. I’ve noticed your eyes the day we met.”

“Was that all you’ve noticed?”

“Of course it wasn’t, my lord.”

“Come on, out with it. What else did you notice.”

“My lord…” Thranduil shut his eyes for a moment.

“Don’t be shy, Thranduil.”

“After you had a bath and you walked out with just a towel around your waist.”

The king raised a brow when he smiled. “What did you like, my bare chest or the towel around my waist?”

Thranduil cringed. “Now you’re teasing, my lord.”

“You’re right. I should stop.” The king stood up and rang the bell again. “What is keeping Hadhrë?”

The butler came in when the door opened. “My apologies for taking so long, Your Majesty.” He put the tray on the low table and poured a goblet of wine for his king. After he handed the goblet to his king, the butler brought the goblet of water to the king’s guest.

“Hadhrë, set two places in my private dining hall. My guest and I will eat in half an hour.”

“Yes, my lord.” The butler bowed again before he walked out of the living chambers.

“So, did you travel safely?”

Thranduil emptied his goblet before he replied. “We had no encounters, my lord.”

“How is Galadriel, my sister?”

“The Lady Galadriel is in so love with her blonde prince, Your Majesty.”

The king glanced at the blonde. “Hmm,” he hummed before he smiled. “Can I offer you a bit of wine now?”

“If it pleases you, my lord I will pour myself a half a goblet.”

“Don’t be absurd,” Finrod cried out as he rose. “You’re my guest until I hand you over to the captain of my army.” He filled the goblet halfway with wine and brought it over to the young elf.

Thranduil stood up before he took the goblet from the king.

Finrod smiled as he gazed into his eyes. “Eru, you’re beautiful.” He turned around and walked over to the couch to sit down again.

The younger elf sat down with a red face. “My lord, please stop with the flattering.”

“If you insist.” The king smiled as he dipped his head. “After we ate something, Hadhrë will take you to your quarters and it will remain yours until you choose to return to Doriath.”

Thranduil’s eyes enlarged. “But what will the other soldiers think if I -”

“I am their king and I will do as I please,” Finrod cut him off mid-sentence. “For now, I would like you to move into those quarters so I can have my eye on you while we get to know each other.”

The younger elf gaped at the king while his eyes fluttered. “Uh,” he breathed before he closed his gaping mouth and breathed.

Finrod furrowed his brows. “You said you understood the words in my letter. Why are you alarmed by what I just said?”

Thranduil shook his head. “I think you just caught me by surprized, my lord.” He swallowed a lump in his throat before he took a sip of wine.

The king glanced at the clock against the wall. “It’s time. Let’s have something to eat.”

Just as they rose to their feet, a knock on the door drew their attention followed by the king’s butler. “Your Majesty, dinner is served.”

“Thank you, Hadhrë. We’re on our way.”

***

For a week Thranduil kept the king company. They got to know each other while they roamed the gardens during the day and stargazed during the night. They stayed in each other’s company until the early hours of the morning. Sometimes, the younger blonde would fall asleep on the king’s shoulder and later on in the king’s arms.
By the end of that week, they shared a bed which left Thranduil on cloud nine.

Soon thereafter, King Finrod announced that it was time to get ready for the quest and hunt the orcs pestering them on the borders of Nargothrond.

“So soon after we…” Thranduil asked when they sat at the breakfast table in the king’s private dining hall.

Finrod took the younger blonde’s hand in his. “Unfortunately, it’s time, vanimelda.” He kissed the hand atop before he let it go to continue eating. “If I leave it longer the orc band will grow and then we’ll have a rough time getting rid of them.”

Thranduil pushed the food on his plate from left to right.

The king glanced at his beloved. “You must eat, vanima. You’ll need your strength.”

“I don’t want you to go into battle with the orcs, meleth nín, Aran nín.”

Finrod chuckled. “I shouldn’t have let you fall in love with me, vanimelda.”

Thranduil smiled before he let out a long sigh. “It was inevitable, my lord.”

The king leaned over and kissed his beloved on the cheek. “We must get ready for practice.” He grinned. “I would love to spar against you.”

“What will I get if I win?”

“Another night with your king,” Finrod replied. Not only did he look sultry, but his voice was sultry too.

“Promise,” Thranduil asked with a smile.

“That’s a promise, vanimelda.”

The king and his beloved kissed again before they left the dining hall to get ready for practice.

They met each other on the target field along with thirty other archers.

Finrod glanced at them. Where’s the others?”

One of the archers stepped forward. “My lord, the sword wielders are on another field with the captain.”

“I said we all need to spar. I don’t want us to do just target practice,” the king called out. “Go and get them,” he ordered while grimacing.

The elf let go of his bow and quiver before he ran over to the other field.

The king glanced at Thranduil and winked at him before he paced up and down waiting for the rest of the soldiers.

Thranduil eyed the rest of the king’s soldiers when they were running towards them.

“Apologies, my lord,” the captain said when he stopped in front of the king. “I misunderstood.” The captain bowed before his king.

“I want all of you to take a sword or a spear and spar against an opponent.” The king was on his way over to Thranduil when someone grabbed the young blonde by the arm to spar with him. “Leave him. I’ll spar against him,” Finrod called out.

“I’m not skilled with a sword, Your Majesty,” Thranduil said when the king shoved a sword in his hand.

“Show me what you got.”

The younger blonde drew a deep breath before he and the king took their stance. Thranduil took a step forward, the blade glinted in the sunlight as he prepared to strike. Steel blades collided with each other when the king warded off the blow. A series of rapid blows followed. Steel clashed against steel.

“Not bad,” the king remarked. “Again.”

Thranduil smiled before he lunged forward and thrust his sword towards Finrod but the king dodged the blow by turning sideways. When Thranduil thrust his sword forward again the king blocked him and their swords collided again.

“You are not bad at all, Thranduil.” The king smiled at his beloved. “You need to do a bit of work on your footing and your attack. You should surprise your opponent. If he thinks you’ll slash, you chop.” The king patted him on the shoulder. “You’ll get the hang of it.”

“Ready when you are, my lord,” Thranduil said when he stood in position to resume their fight.

Finrod chuckled. “Are you sure?”

The younger blonde nodded slowly before he beckoned the king to join him in the fight.

The king and his beloved smiled at each other before they took stance again.

Thranduil feinted to the left when he lunged forward and caught the king by surprise as he held the tip of his sword against the king’s throat.

Finrod burst out with laughter. “You’ve listened well,” he declared while still laughing.

Thranduil removed his sword and stood back. “I think I just won, Your Majesty.”

“Two out of three. That was just beginner's luck, Sinda.”

Thranduil raised a brow. “Sinda? Well, I have news for you, Noldo. I’m going to win all three rounds, my lord,” the blonde boasted while smirking.

This time the king hurled first and whacked Thranduil on the ass with the flat side of his sword.

The younger blonde yelled, “Ow, what was that for?” He scowled at the king while rubbing his rear end. He paced up while grimacing. “That hurt, you know,” he whined.

Finrod doubled over. “It’s your ego that hurts, vanima.”

“You don’t play fair, Your Majesty.”

Thranduil and the king eyed each other while pacing up and down past each other.
They both thrust forward but the younger blonde stabbed first. When the king blocked him, Thranduil warded him off with a kick to the stomach. The king stumbled but regained his balance.

“Who’s playing dirty now, Sinda?”

Thranduil grinned. “I’m winning Noldo.”

Finrod engaged the blonde again. He grabbed the elf and threw him to the ground. Before Thranduil could get to his feet the king was on top of him holding his sword against the blonde’s throat and grinned.

Thranduil rolled his eyes. “It seems like the Noldo has won this round.”

Finrod leaned down and whispered, “If we were alone, I would’ve kissed you now, vanima.”

The younger blonde’s face flushed as he gazed into his beloved’s eyes.

The king sighed before he rose to his feet. He held out his hand and when the blonde grabbed hold of it, the king pulled him up from the ground. “One round left.”

Thranduil wiped his hair out of his face before he wiped his sword clean on his thigh. “One round to go indeed, my lord.”

The two started to fight while the rest of the soldiers were spurring them on. Most of them were on their king’s side while only a few backed Thranduil up.

The spectators gasped as one when Thranduil nicked the king’s shoulder ripping his shirt.

The younger blonde gaped at the king when he removed his shirt. How was he supposed to win against that?

The king smirked as he chucked his shirt aside beckoning him closer.

Thranduil shook his head before he pushed forward again. He missed when the king sidestepped him. He lunged again and again and missed again and again.

“Are you getting tired, Sinda?”

“No,” Thranduil replied harshly. “My lord,” he added when he realized that the king could have his head for speaking so rudely to him.

Both fighters were dripping with sweat while they danced around each other or just pacing at times.

The crowd of soldiers were clapping as they cheered them on.

The two fighters didn’t smile at each other anymore. This was getting serious. A duel to establish the winner.

Thranduil landed a series of quick jabs but the king was able to deflect each one. The younger blonde darted forward and stabbed again. The king turned sideways but his foot got caught and he stumbled to the ground. The blonde trampled on the king. He couldn’t stop in time and with the momentum he lost his footing and ploughed further away into the grass head first.

Everyone scurried over to the king to help him except for the captain, who headed over to Thranduil asking if he was injured.

“My ego is injured,” the younger blonde whined when he sat up holding his head.

“Let me see,” the captain said when he pushed the blonde’s hands away. “There’s no blood. Only dirty hair.” He frowned when he rose to his feet. “You might have a concussion. Do you want me to take you to a healer?”

“No, it’s not necessary. But thanks.” When Thranduil rose to his feet he noticed that the king was still down. “Is the king injured,” he yelled when he ran over to him.

When everyone moved away, the king lay on the ground with a grin on his face. “I’m not injured. I was wondering how long it would take you to be concerned about your king.”

Thranduil winced as he sucked his teeth in annoyance. He bent down and picked up his sword. When he turned to the king, he pushed it against Finrod’s throat and sneered. “I won, my lord.” He shoved the sword aside before he picked up his bow and arrows. “Let’s play on my turf now, Your Majesty,” he challenged.

Chapter Text

After three weeks of target practice, formation practice and improving his skills with a sword, Thranduil and the rest of the team of soldiers were ready.
He spent every night in the arms of his blonde king until the last day when the king ordered him to stay in his quarters for the night.

“We need to be apart the night before the quest, vanimelda,” the king explained. “We must focus on what lies ahead and not be distracted with pleasures of the flesh.”

“I’m already distracted, meleth nín.”

Finrod chuckled. “My point exactly.” He pulled the blonde in for a heated kiss. When he broke apart, he patted Thranduil’s nose. “Go to bed. It’s late. See you in the morrow.”

“Yes, see you in the morrow.”
When Thranduil left the king’s quarters he almost bumped into Beren, the Adan he noticed a few times in Doriath. He smiled at the dark-haired man before he stopped and turned around. “Aren’t you from Doriath?”

Beren smiled back. “I am. I’m Lúthien’s betrothed.”

“Yes, King Thingol’s daughter. Is she here too?”

“No, I’m meeting up with her later. Goodnight,” Beren said before he continued walking.

The blonde nodded before he too turned around and headed over to his quarters.

Thranduil didn’t roll around too long before he fell asleep.

Early the next morning the king’s butler woke him. “His Majesty wants to see you before you armoured up.”

“What’s it about, Hadhrë?”

The butler bowed before he replied, “I do not ask the king his business.”

Thranduil’s eyes enlarged when he winced. Why would Hadhrë be so hostile towards him?
The blonde shrugged before he got out of bed. He took a long bath. After he got dressed, he walked over to his blonde king’s quarters.

The two guards knew the young blonde by now. So, they stood aside to let him in.

The blonde smiled when he knocked on the king’s bedchamber door. He waited for the invitation to enter before he did.

“There you are, vanimelda,” the king called out. He was sitting on the side of the bed halfway dressed. “I was afraid that you didn’t get my message.” He held out his hand. “Come, sit next to me.”

Thranduil smiled when he took the king’s hand. “I took a long bath before I came here.”

The king leaned over and whiffed the blonde’s neck. “You smell divine. If I weren't half-dressed, I would take you right now.”

The younger blonde chuckled while his face flushed. “I thought you didn’t want the distraction, my lord.”

Finrod sat upright. “You’re right, vanima.” He smiled at his beloved before he cupped his face. “I do need this distraction though,” the king said leaning over. He gazed for a long time into the ice-blue eyes before he seized his lover’s lips.

Thranduil turned slightly so he could cup his lover’s face. He mewled when the king deepened their kiss.

The king smiled when he let go of his beloved. “We must get breakfast before you get into armour,” Finrod heaved.

“I will eat with the soldiers while you’re getting ready, my lord.”

Finrod grabbed Thranduil by the arm keeping him from standing up. “No, eat with me.”

“You need to focus on strategy, my lord.”

The king sighed as he let go of the blonde’s arm. “You’re right, vanima. I will join you when I’m ready.”

Thranduil stood up but not before he kissed the king on the forehead. “That’s for good luck, Your Majesty.”

Finrod chuckled. “You think I need it?”

“We all need a bit of luck sometimes, my lord.”

They clung to each other’s hands while Thranduil paced backwards smiling, neither of them wanted to let go first.

Thranduil chuckled. “Let go of my hand, my lord.”
It felt so final when Finrod eventually let his hand go that he almost jumped back into his king’s arms. But instead, he turned away and walked to the door. “See you soon, meleth nín,” the younger blonde greeted when he opened the door to leave.

There were only ten soldiers in the dining hall when Thranduil entered. He didn’t think much of it at first but when the king arrived with Beren at his side, cold shivers ran down his spine.

“Are you ready?” the king asked.

The ten elves and Thranduil jumped to their feet and acknowledged that they were ready.

“We ride out in half an hour. Say your goodbyes and gather in the courtyard with your mounts,” the king called out. When he walked over to his beloved, Beren left the king’s side and followed the soldiers.
When Finrod reached the blonde, he asked, “Will you do me the honour to accompany me to my horse?”

“Of course, my lord.” Thranduil smiled when they began walking. “Is Beren going with us, my lord?”

“Yes, he is.” Finrod placed his hand on the blonde’s arm stopping him on their way to the courtyard. “Will you kiss me one last time before we go?”

Thranduil turned to his beloved. “You worry me, meleth nín.”

“Why, vanimelda?” The king cupped the blonde’s face. “Don’t. What can I do to reassure you that we’ll do great?”

“Don’t go to Angband.”

Finrod’s face dulled. “Who told you about Angband?”

Thranduil cast his eyes to the floor. “Apologies, my lord. I overheard when Edrahil and Beren spoke last night.”

The king nodded slowly. “I must go to Angband with them. I have no choice, vanima. I made a promise.” The king stared at the younger blonde. “The orcs are invading Nargothrond. We must kill them and the only way is to stop them where they come from.”

Thranduil furrowed his brows. “To whom did you make a promise?” When the king remained quiet, he shrugged before he gave his king a small smile. He leaned over and kissed the king on the mouth.

“Thank you.” Finrod smiled before he commenced walking to the courtyard.

The lovers walked in silence.

A shiver ran down Thranduil's spine when he recalled their conversation. Finrod wasn’t telling him the truth. Why did he not tell him about Angband? He keeps on mentioning that the orcs are invading the borders. That was not the true motive behind the quest.

When they arrived in the courtyard, the ten elves and Beren had already mounted their horses.

The king turned to Thranduil. “My horse is your mount while on this quest.”

The younger blonde shook his head. “No, my lord. I can’t accept your steed.”

“Are you denying a gift from your king?”

Thranduil smiled. “No, my lord,” he said as his face flushed. “Thank you. It will be an honour to ride your steed, Your Majesty.”

Finrod dipped his head when he glanced at the stable groom standing in the middle of two white horses and beckoned him closer.

The elfling brought the two horses forward. He handed the reigns to his king and bowed before he returned to the stables.

The king turned to his beloved. He handed him the reigns to his steed with a smile. “Fána will take care of you if you take care of him.”

Thranduil brushed a hand over the horse’s head. “Hello Fána. We will take good care of each other now, will we?” he muttered before he mounted him. He smiled when he looked at the king. “I love him already.”

Finrod mounted his horse. He dipped his head and smiled at his beloved before he trotted off to the front. “We are only a handful, but we will endure.” The king nodded when his followers agreed as one.

“Why did the others not join us?” Thranduil asked while glancing at the soldiers.

Finrod stared at the younger blonde but said nothing. He took a deep breath. “It doesn’t matter now. What matters is that we are here and together we will find what we’re looking for,” the king stated when he glanced at Beren.
He smiled when he looked back at his beloved. “For Nargothrond,” he hollered while raising his sword.

The elves and Beren, except Thranduil, glanced at each other not sure why the king said that. They shrugged before they raised their swords too and called out in unison, “For Nargothrond.”

The king’s horse reared before they took the path leading to Angband.

That night, Finrod and his company encountered a small band of orcs just outside of Nargothrond borders. After killing the orcs and hiding their bodies, they made camp further on next to the river.
After their third day on the road, they came across another band of orcs who made camp at the foot of Ered Wethrin. They killed all of them before taking their gear and weapons.

Finrod used his magic to change himself into an orc. “Will you follow me looking like this?” he asked when he turned to his company.

“King Finrod. You’re making a mistake,” Thranduil called out with disgust while the others agreed that they would follow their king.

The king changed the rest of his companions into orcs while Thranduil stood aside grimacing.
Finrod stepped closer to his beloved. “Give me a kiss,” he quipped when he leaned in.

Thranduil grimaced when he pulled away. “I will never kiss you looking like that.”

The king changed back looking like himself. “Will you kiss your king now, vanimelda?”

The younger blonde’s face flushed. He smiled before he leaned in and wrapped his arms around the king’s shoulders. “Of course, I’ll kiss you now.”

The two blondes shut their eyes when their lips met. Thranduil tightened his grip around his blonde king mewling as he did.

When Finrod pulled away he noticed tears in his beloved’s eyes. “Why so sad? I’ll be back, vanimelda.”

“Don’t go, Finrod,” Thranduil begged in a whisper.

“I must, Thranduil. I made a promise.” And with that, he changed back into the form of an orc.

The elf gasped aloud. “I beg of you, don’t leave,” he called out before he covered his mouth with his hand while tears streamed down his face.
His pleas fell on deaf ears.

Chapter Text

Thranduil turned around at the foot of Ered Wethrin, Mountains of Shadow. He didn’t return to Nargothrond. He kept the king’s horse and decided that if the king wanted Fána back, he could come and get him in Doriath.
It took him three days to return to Doriath. After his return, he learned that the king’s daughter, Lúthien was also on her way to Angband and would meet King Finrod and his companions there.

Thranduil resumed his position in the army of King Thingol as an archer and Marchwarden.

Two weeks later Lúthien and Beren returned to Menegroth with a Silmaril they stole from Morgoth.

When Beren walked past Thranduil, the blonde pulled him aside. “Is King Finrod back in his realm?”

The Adan’s face dulled as he cast his eyes to the ground. “Thranduil… your beloved gave his life to save mine.”

Thranduil’s eyes shot full of tears as he stared at Beren. “What?”

Beren took the elf by the arm and pulled him away from the crowd. “Sauron, Morgoth’s lieutenant, captured us near Taur-nu-Fuin. He imprisoned all of us in his fortress, Isle of Werewolves.” The Adan shut his eyes for a moment before he continued. “Sauron sent his werewolves to devour us until it was only me and Finrod that were left.

“I knew the disguises wouldn’t be enough,” Thranduil whined while tears were streaming down his face.

“Oh, but if only one of us spoke Orkish then it would’ve been a brilliant plan, Thranduil. But none of us did and Sauron saw through our disguises. He stripped us of it before he imprisoned us.” Beren stared at the elf. “I could tell you more if you’d like.”

“No.” Thranduil covered his face with his hands while shaking his head.

“My sincere apologies for your loss, Thranduil,” Beren placed a hand on the elf’s shoulder before he walked away.

After what felt like hours, Thranduil regained his posture before he strolled over to the stables. He cried again when he laid eyes on his blonde king’s horse. “Fána…” he whined when he reached out his hand. The blonde snivelled as he struggled to get a word out. “I suppose we belong to each other now.”

The horse whickered when he pulled his head up a few times before he nudged Thranduil against the shoulder.

The blonde saddled the white stallion and led him out of the stable. After he mounted Fána, the blonde wiped his tears with the back of his hand before he nudged the steed’s flanks to get him trotting.
After they left the surrounding buildings, Thranduil urged Fána into a canter. They dodged the trees in the forest and soon the open fields lay before them. Once again, the blonde prodded the horse’s flanks as he yelled, “Noro lim, Fána.”

The white stallion understood as he increased his speed into a gallop setting his own course through the tall grass. His white manes wavered in the wind just like his master’s ash-blonde hair did.

Thranduil clung onto the pommel while shutting his eyes as his body copied the up-and-down movement of his horse.
His ash-blonde hair danced in the wind at the back of his head. Only when he turned his head slightly, did a few strands of hair flutter over his face.
Tears ran freely down his cheeks when he recalled Beren’s words.

Fána slowed down when he noticed a river in front of them.

Thranduil opened his eyes to see why the horse was slowing his gait. “Are you thirsty, mellon nín?” The horse neighed when the blonde leaned over to rub his head. “We can stop for a while.”
He dismounted his horse before he led him to the riverbank.

The blonde watched the stallion drink before he crouched down to scoop a few handfuls of water for himself realizing he never brought a bladder of water along.

Thranduil led his horse to a nearby beech tree and fastened him so he could eat while in the shade. The blonde looked for a soft spot with lots of grass and lay down to take a nap.

The blonde only woke when the sun was low on the horizon. “Why didn’t you wake me, Fána?” the blonde asked when he rose. He stretched out before he loosened the horse’s reign. He walked beside Fána for a while before he mounted him again to return to Menegroth.

It was already dark when Thranduil got the horse back into the stables. After tending to the stallion, the blonde patted the horse's rear and wished him good night.

Thranduil sighed before he entered his house.
He flinched when his father scolded him.

Oropher charged forward shouting, “Where were you, Thranduil? I was worried sick.” He grabbed his son by the shoulders. “Where were you?” he asked as he lowered his voice.

“I took Fána for a ride, Ada.”

Oropher furrowed his brows. “Fána?”

Thranduil gave him a small smile. “Yes, Finrod’s horse.”

“About that,” Oropher said when he turned back to sit down at the kitchen table. With a stern face, he looked at his son. “Sit down, hên nín. I must tell you something.”

The younger blonde furrowed his brows before he sat down too. “What is it, Ada?”

“I don’t know how to tell you this, but…” He stared at his son. “King Finrod is…”

“He’s dead. I know, Ada.”

Oropher’s eyes enlarged when he placed his hand on his son’s shoulder. “How did you know?”

Thranduil’s lower lip shivered. “Beren told me this morning.” He sniffled when he cast his eyes to the floor.

“Oh.” Oropher took his hand off his son’s shoulder when he stood up. He poured a goblet of wine and placed it on the table before his son. “Drink up and get some rest.”

The younger blonde glanced at the goblet. He turned his head to watch his father leave the kitchen. He glanced back at the goblet before he reached out to it and raised it. “To Finrod,” he muttered before swigging it down. He shut his eyes for a moment before he rose to his feet. “We will meet again in Aman, meleth nín,” Thranduil whispered before he strolled to his bedchambers.

~~~The End~~~