The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings Imagines

White Clover pt. 6 -Thranduil

(Warning: a little angst)

It became a habit for Thranduil to offer you his arm and for you to take it without even saying anything. So it was no surprise when the other elves living in Mirkwood saw you once more walking with Thranduil. He had invited you on a little walk around Mirkwood and even though you already know your way around, you still let him lead you.

The dim torches that had been set upon the walls cast shadows on the stone walls and floors and even on your faces. To you it made Thranduil's features sharper and more mysterious. But whenever he'd turn his face to listen to your ramblings, his face softens. The amused smiles he would give you whenever he thought how childish your stories were and the laughs that would escape his lips warmed your heart.

Was it really possible to fall in love with someone this quickly?

No, this isn't love. This is the beginnings of attraction. You don't know him yet. You've never known the side of him that was void of smiles and laughter. You've never seen him lose control. You've never seen his eyes seethe in anger.

He doesn't know much about you yet (although you do see his efforts to get to know you better because he makes time to walk with you in the afternoons). He doesn't know your views of the world, your opinions, your flaws, your insecurities.

This isn't love. Love is when you both know each other's perfections and flaws. Love is when the both of you work things out even though there are times it becomes too painful to stay.

But why does it feel as if all of this is right?

Why does it feel as if you being there beside him was meant to be?

In the midst of your deep thoughts, you found out that even though one cannot call this love yet, you were willing to know him better and willing to let him know you better.

"Would you like to see Legolas practice? He spends his afternoons shooting arrows at random targets," Thranduil suggested and you happily agreed. It wasn't a long walk to where Legolas usually practices so you were there in no time.

The moment Legolas saw the both of you, he shot his father a teasing grin before greeting you. Thranduil glared at him before sighing. The two of you then settled somewhere quite far from Legolas so as not to disturb him.

You both sat in silence for a while, watching his son hit the target every time. You could see a ghost of a smile on Thranduil's features and you could tell he was very proud of what his son has become. There was no question that Legolas was indeed his son, what with the same striking features that they have. But you couldn't help but notice the difference in their personalities. You knew children grow up to be quite different to their parents but you can't help but wonder if Legolas ever had something similar to his mother.

"Thranduil?" you said, looking at Legolas do a flip before suddenly taking out his twin blades.

Thranduil turned to look at you. "Yes?"

"If you don't mind me asking, and if you find it uncomfortable to answer then I understand," you said, "but where is your wife? Where is Legolas' mother?"

He was a bit taken aback by your question but he knew there would come a time when you'd be curious as well. Thranduil remained silent as his gaze went back to his son (who was completely showing off by then). You fiddled with your fingers, afraid that you had somehow upset him with your question.

Just as you were about to apologize, Thranduil spoke.

"I like to think that she is in the Undying Lands, waiting for us to cross the sea," he answered. You knew his mind was no longer with you in the present time by how distant the look in his eyes was. Thranduil was remembering the lovely times with his wife. "We were attacked by orcs. I had to leave to lead my people to war. But it cost me the protection of my family. She died protecting our son."

You looked at Legolas again. "What is she like?" you asked, genuinely curious about the late Queen of Mirkwood.

To this question, the corners of Thranduil's lips turned upwards and his whole body relaxed.

"She is like Legolas in so many ways," he answered. "She fights for what she deems is right. She is adventurous, in tune with nature, skilled with the bow and arrow although she preferred to heal others. She's very gentle but when the need arises, she speaks with such authority that even I have the urge to give my crown to her.

"She is the most beautiful elleth I have ever laid my eyes upon."

And suddenly you felt a pang in your heart. You felt conscious about yourself and you started to scold yourself for even thinking of being in love and being willing to open your heart to him.

Unconsciously, your fingers hovered over the spot where your tattoo was.

'Fifteen'

You smiled to mask the hurt you felt from the sudden revelation. "You still love her, don't you?" you whispered.

He met your eyes and said, "Elves only marry once. If there are exceptions to this rule, there are only a few of them. Elves love deeply and they are loyal and rarely would look for another." Thranduil's fingers lightly touched the golden ring that he was wearing and even though he didn't answer your question directly, you could already tell.

You could see clear as day that there is no space for you in his heart.