S T A R L I G H T

C H A P T E R 3 5

"How riveting to see both the two who infiltrated my castle and stole from me," Thranduil mused sounding anything but pleased.

"I did not steal a thing," the elleth responded, leaning exhausted against the table.

Those bright eyes bore into hers coldly. "I assure you, you did."

"Perhaps the lady should sit after her confrontation with the dragon?" Gandalf wondered aloud, unsuccessfully trying to divert their attention away from one another. Theirs stares did not cease, but Simbelmynë took the chair gratefully.

"Thank you, Gandalf,"

Bilbo cleared his throat before speaking, "Simbelmynë and I, we came to give you... this," he said, pulling out the glittering jewel from inside his coat and placing it in front of the elven king.

Bard and Gandalf crowded around it, staring as it shone reflecting in their eyes. 

"The heart of the Mountain. The King's Jewel..." Thranduil uttered. 

"And worth a king's ransom," Bard added, turning back to the hobbit, "how is this yours to give?"

"I took it as my 14th share of the treasure."

"And you?" Bard quizzed the elleth behind him who rose her hands in mock defeat.

"I had no time to take," she professed.

They turned back to Bilbo. "Why would you do this? You owe us no loyalty."

"I'm not doing it for you. I know that dwarves can be obstinate... and pigheaded... and difficult. They're suspicious and secretive with the worst manners imaginable, but they are also brave and kind and loyal to a fault. I've grown very fond of them, and I would save them if I can," Bilbo spoke from the heart, solemnly, sadly, but hopefully. The elleth couldn't help the small smile that graced her face, thinking of her friends she had risked so much for. He continued, "now, Thorin values this stone above all else. In exchange for its return, I believe he will give you what you are owed. There will be no need for war."

Bard looked to Thranduil, both agreeing without words, probably somewhat peeved some harmless hobbit had come up with and carried out such a strategic plan.

"Seems we are all in agreement,"

"We must all rest for what will be tomorrow," Gandalf announced, smiling gently down at Simbelmynë, "sweet Lady, shall we seek aid for you injuries?"

"There are healers here, I will see to it," Thranduil interrupted quickly, eyeing her carefully, scanning her form for any injuries he could see. Truthfully he would have noticed by now- he knew every piece of her after all...

"Bel?" Bard wondered with his hand outstretched, silently asking her to go with him. The bargeman was no fool. Bel had acted strange since returning from Mirkwood and the king had come at such haste- his only interest was finding her. Refusing his hand then told him all he needed to know.

"I will be find here. Goodnight Bard," Mynë replied gently.

"I am glad to see you live another day," he professed, his arms enveloping her.

"Do not speak to soon, for what another day will bring," she stated, letting go of the hug and squeezing his hand comfortingly, "give the children my love." The elf watched him leave, a slight shred of panic filling her at the thought of being left alone with Thranduil.

"May I speak with you, King Thranduil?" the wizard asked by the exit of the tent, holding it open for the King. Thranduil looked to the wizard before turning quickly.

He looked up to the elleth sitting there awkwardly. "Excuse me, I shall return, you may wait in the quarters," he uttered, his eyes boring into hers as he turned away, gesturing to the walls of the tent, "I apologise there are no windows for you to jump out of here."