What goes around, comes around (editing in progress)

Coined for the first time

Tinnueth sat shivering on the settee by the fireplace, while Thranduil put a blanket over her shoulders. They had just returned from one of their many walks. At first it had been difficult to encourage Tinnueth to remain longer in the forest. While Legolas and Esteleth stayed often for several hours in the woods, Thranduil returned with Tinnueth usually after a few minutes to the protection of the palace. She was afraid, what Thranduil could understand very well. Her beautiful blue eyes had been always filled with anxiety when they had crossed the bridge and had entered the forest. To keep her excitement in check, they had returned after a short time back to the palace.

They spent their time to sit by the fireplace and talk about themselves, their families and the world that surrounded them. Thranduil himself had developed a desire to visit Tinnueth's home. Not only because she missed it. No, her stories had awakened his interest in a natural way. He had avoided for a long time to leave his halls before he met Tinnueth. One reason for that, was the darkness which had been lying on the forest.

Thranduil sat next to Tinnueth on the settee and she leaned her head against his shoulder. His eyes fell on the fire in the fireplace and Thranduil wondered if he could ever extinguish the fire of fear that lingered in Tinnueth's fëa. It was a difficult task. But the time that they spent in the forest seemed to help her. From a few minutes in the forest, had now become two hours and Thranduil hoped, that Tinnueth's situation would improve by spring. His goal was that she would feel comfortable and be able to walk in the woods without fear. Whether that was at all possible, Thranduil did not know.

He wondered how Tinnueth would behave if she were at home with her parents. Would she be able to enjoy the freedom in the forest of her father, as she had done it before? Or had a certain darkness settled in her fëa, which would limit her, independent of place and circumstances? Of course, he hoped that it was her present environment, which caused the problems. Thranduil wanted to ask Galadriel about it. He knew that the Lady of light could answer his many questions.

"What are you thinking," asked Tinnueth.

Thranduil was brought out of his thoughts and smiled at her.

"I'm thinking about you," he replied.

Tinnueth looked at him thoughtfully, "Your thoughts were worried," she said, frowning.

He smiled and turned to her.

"I think about that, what once was, "said Thranduil, while he looked at her.

She turned her glance from him and began to stare silently into the fire.

"Every fight leaves shadows in our fëa," he said, putting his arm around her shoulders. "I myself carry for thousands of years many shadows in me. Their presence is felt, but I give them no space or opportunity to grow."

Tinnueth looked at him doubtfully.

"Do you think that I do," she asked softly.

Thranduil shook his head.

"No, you're doing exactly the right thing."

"When I see Esteleth in the forest, I'm almost jealous at how carefree she can live," said Tinnueth with slight bitterness.

"Tinnueth, you need to stop comparing yourself to others. You and Esteleth have grown up together, that's right. But you are two different ellith. And both of you have your own road in front of you, which you have to walk independently. Hardships come and go. Our life is eternal, and it consists of good times, as well as those, in which we must resist difficulties. That is normal. We are not in Valinor."