Dreams. So the prince had also had dreams. It made some sort of sense. Luin froze, breath stopping, he really should have expected it. The dreams came suddenly and without reason and although he had never seen Legolas' face in them, he knew that the princeling was the figure in them. "I have no idea what you are referring to", he replied quickly in the language of men. How had the prince been having those dreams? What had he seen? Where they like Luin's, ever out of reach, or did they reveal more?

"Don't play coy", Legolas barked back, suddenly frustrated. He crossed the room to stand in front of Luin. Luin fought the urge to look up at him. Legolas breathed hard. He was panicking just as much a Luin. Except that Luin was still safely hidden under the protective shield of his cloak. Legolas' emotions were visible and loud. For a minute, Luin was relieved that the prince was not as cold as his father. He still felt things. "I know it's been you I've been seeing. Now, what did you do?"

"I swear on my life Lord Legolas", Luin stated as calmly and clearly as he could manage. "I have not done any spell or enchantment between us. I have no control over what you may dream". Legolas gazed down at the fabric of his hood for a minute before stepping back. Luin was not lying.

Silence descended again for a moment, both males unsure what to say. Luin licked his lips anxiously. "Um," he said quietly. "What were you dreams?"

"So you did dream too", Legolas said softly, switching back to elvish. He perched on the arm of the armchair opposite Luin. His face now much calmer as he watched the wizard. "I dreamt of churning water and a blue robed figure, you, disappearing into the depths. What do they mean?"

Luin shivered at the imagery. The scene seemingly too similar to that of the ship wreck all those many years ago. The ship wreck on the chaotic seas that claimed his family's life and almost killed him. Legolas' dream sounded like a bad omen and it weight like a daunting shadow. Luin took a deep breath and clutched his hands together under the folds of his robes. "They are a bad omen", he stated.

Legolas opened his mouth to say more but a knock on the door interrupted him. "My lord. The king wishes to speak to the wizard now", a voice of a guard called through the wood. Legolas sighed and stood up. He gestured towards the door as Luin rose. "After you".

Luin was led back through the maze like corridors to the throne room. As they arrived, Luin caught a glimpse of Thorin being escorted out by guards. The dwarf's face was thunderous and Luin hoped that he hadn't said anything too disastrous. Those hopes were quickly dashed at the echoing of Thranduil's parting words.

"Stay here if you will, and rot! A hundred years is merely a blink of the eye for a elf. I am patient, I can wait".

Legolas placed a hand on Luin's shoulder again, giving him a light push through the doors to the throne room. They banged shut loudly behind them. Instantly, Thranduil's gaze was upon Luin. The king was now standing on the floor of the room, underneath the dais where his throne stood. His angry attitude changed to one of amusement and he chuckled at the sight of them, pacing a circle around Luin. Legolas stepped back to the doors and watched.

"Ah the blue wizard", Thranduil spoke in a smooth tone that seemed too interested for Luin's taste. "Which one are you? Will you finally introduce yourself?"

Luin bowed low, head dropping to his knees. "I am Luin the blue your majesty. Apprentice and adopted son of Gandalf the grey"-

"Also known as the wandering bard. A foreigner unlike anyone people have ever seen", Thranduil continued, voice forcing Luin to break off. His elegant fingers dipped into his hood as Luin straightened and pushed the material back. The fabric fell around his shoulders and the dwarf braid Kili and Fili had done, fell over his back. It was coming undone and the ink like hair spilled around his neck. Luin stared ahead as Thranduil looked upon his face. Behind him, he heard Legolas gasp.

"My, so the rumours were true", Thranduil chuckled. His fingers caught on Luin's chin, forcing his face to the side as to better see his features. Luin stayed still, letting no emotion become visible on his face. "You really are not from middle earth. What are you doing here? With a band of dwarves intent on a fruitless quest no less".

"I arrived here as a boy", Luin answered as Thranduil let go of his chin. The king stepped back and resumed his slow circling. Like a predator with its prey. "I was offered the opportunity of assist the dwarves reclaim their homeland and I chose to do so".

Thranduil didn't seem to be listening. He waved at his son and Legolas stepped over. "Legolas", he commanded. "Take a look at him. Isn't he just a marvellous looking being. Like nothing I've ever seen". Luin internally bristled at being viewed like a new discovery. He understood the fact that he was the only one of his kind but it didn't give them the right to be so rude. Reining in his temper, he stared at the father, son pair defiantly.

Legolas was looking at him curiously, like a child with the sky. There was something about his gaze that burnt. Maybe it was in the crinkle of his eyes, or the gap between his lips, but he seemed wondrous. Luin raised an eyebrow and turned his gaze back to Thranduil. He knew how he looked. Slanted eyes like a cat, big and black like the night sky. Lightly tanned skin, warm with a golden tone and delicate features similar to that of elves. His hair was as dark as a ravens wing and his face sculpted with forms unusual to middle earth. Separately, any one of his features could be seen on common people, but together, they painted a different story. His eyes though, they stood out and Luin knew it.

"What are you intentions with me and my companions?" He asked, hoping to take the attention away from how he looked.

Thranduil frowned angrily. "Your dwarf friends can rot for all I care. Nothing you can say can change my mind", he spoke firmly and with a hint of rage. Whatever Thorin had said must have really angered him. Luin inwardly cursed the Dwarf's stubborn hardheadedness. He was never going to arrange a peaceful leaving now. It seems like they would have to break out.

Thranduil looked back up at Luin's face contemplatively. "I've heard that you're a musician", he said. "Won't you play me something, grace the halls with music from your land". It was a command not a question so he didn't bother with a verbal reply. Swallowing, Luin held a hand out to Legolas for his case. The prince jolted as if surprised but unslung the box from his back and handed it over.

Luin dropped into a cross legged position on the floor and opened his case. Thranduil ascended the stairs back up to his throne and seated himself down. He crossed one leg over the other expectantly. Legolas chose to sit on the stairs below his father as Luin placed his guqin on his lap. Both elves watched as he ran his fingers over the strings.

The melody started deep and slow. A vibration of notes on the air that echoed around the room. Luin watched Thranduil's expression as the sound thrummed. The notes grew faster as the melody picked up speed. The highest notes, the softest and Luin plucked the strings with a certain delicacy as the song untwined around the room. It was bittersweet, but hopeful tune that spiralled around. The energy Luin poured into the music had a cleansing quality, designed to rid one of bad and dark emotions. He knew that the music would be echoing down into the cells below the palace. The dwarves would be able to hear it. And somewhere, out in the woods or amount the streets of city, hidden from sight, Bilbo would be able to hear it too. Luin just hoped that the hobbit listened to message he was sending.

As the last note ended, Thranduil held up a hand. Luin stopped as the king stood up. His face was as cold as before, but there was a gleam in his eyes that was not there before. "I have decided", he said loudly. Legolas rose form his position and crossed over to stand next to Luin, ready for orders. Luin gently placed the guqin back in the case and stood up.

"I have decided that Luin the blue shall play at our celebration tomorrow. We celebrate the light and it shall be a honour for you to play. After that, you will be free to leave".

"But what of the dwarves?" Luin cried in protest. "What will you do to them?"

"Silence!" Thranduil roared. "They will stay in the cells until Thorin Oakenshield changes his mind". He gripped the armrests of his throne with white knuckles as he stared down at Luin.

Luin saw a spark of wild pain filled madness in his gaze and fought the urge to step back. "What does he need to change his mind about?" He asked strongly, stepping forwards.

"I asked him for the jewels of starlight which rightfully belong to my people", Thranduil replied. He stood up with a swish of silver robes. "They are precious to me. But Thorin refused my offer. Tell me, Luin the blue, you are still young and inexperienced. Tell me why the dwarves should be let go".

"I"- Luin stammered, nerves suddenly rising up.

Thranduil sighed and waved a hand. "Take him to a guest room. He will be playing tomorrow. If he is caught trying to escape or help his friends then throw him in the cells". Legolas nodded and took a firm grip on Luin's arm.

Luin opened his mouth to protest but shut it again instantly. Anything he could have said would have only angered the king further and possible made the situation worse. He was lucky. Now he just had to find out a way to get the dwarves out. Collecting himself, Luin bowed again. "Thank you for your kindness Lord Thranduil. I am eager to play at your feast tomorrow". Once he straightened, Legolas tugged him out of the throne room.