"You call your father imprisoning the Dwarves and laying siege to Erebor some unpleasantness?" -Thorwen

1st July/Cerveth, 3016, The Woodland Realm, Mirkwood

Beneath the twinkling sky, Thranduil and Calenamath raced each other through the trees. Their white blonde hair glistened in the moonlight as it flowed behind them. Thranduil came to a halt by a stream. He dismounted whilst his Elk drank and awaited his brother. Calenamath slowed his horse to a halt and dismounted. His thin smile veiled his annoyance. "You win again, Muindor."

"Of course, Lagorphen is the fastest of my rides." Thranduil put a flask to his lips and then offered it to Calenamath. "It is an excellent vintage."

"I do not doubt it." He took the flask, taking a good sip before passing it back to his brother. "It is a warm night. Reminds me of when we would camp with Ada in Neldoreth."

Thranduil laughed nervously. "Yes, and I always won then, too."

"Yes, you did. But I do recall one time I succeeded in beating you. You didn't speak to me for months. You always were a poor loser. I remember you and Celeborn...."

"Your report, Muindor!" snapped Thranduil.

Calenamath's relaxed demeanour died. He looked about him, ensuring no one else was hiding nearby. Then drew close to Thranduil, barely speaking above a whisper. "I have ill news. Some of those who claimed to have escaped the enclave have disappeared again before my inquisitors could question them. Those they have questioned, have spoken of the priests corrupting Silvan Elves to their cause. Some now speak traitorous words against us and return to corrupt our people. We must be vigilant."

"I want names. We must root out any corruption quickly."

"And what of the Dale excursion? I assume you no longer wish Thorwen to join us."

Thranduil shook his head. "If we change our plans now, our enemies will grow suspicious. Take more guards, just in case. I want nothing to go wrong." He glanced at his arm. "This is Legolas's chance to prove himself and get to know Thorwen more intimately."

"Of course," replied Calenamath.

Thranduil studied his brother's expression. There was little reaction."You approve of my plan, then?"

"Yes, it would seem prudent for us to make such an alliance."

"My thoughts exactly Muindor, I hope that with the right encouragement, they will grow a fondness for each other."

"How does Legolas feel about taking Thorwen to wife? I assume that is what you were talking about at the Midyear Feast."

"Legolas sees the wisdom of it."

Calenamath raised an eyebrow. "Really? I've never noticed any hint of his interest in her."

"There is time enough for their hearts to open. She is a fine young woman in the blossom of youth. How could he not fall for her charms?" Thranduil felt a warmth in his cheeks and feared he had said too much. But it did not appear Calenamath was aware of the truth behind his plan. He smiled and patted Calenamath on his shoulder. "And anyway, I could not ask you to form such an alliance. What if Melian's prophecy came to be, and you passed from Middle Earth in Thorwen's arms? You would not wish that upon her after all that she has suffered, would you, Muindor?"

Calenamath's composure dropped, his teeth clenched and his nostrils flared. "And what of your prophecy? I see no vast kingdom. We are diminished. Many of our people are leaving Middle Earth!"

"Would you deny Melian's words? Once we defeat the Dark Lord, I might gain control of the entire forest."

"And you would wish death upon me, Munindor?"

Thranduil grasped his brother's shoulders. "Never! I would sooner send you to the Havens than risk that. But you swore to me you would not take a wife or love on Middle Earth. We have lost enough of our kin. You are my only brother. I could not bear to lose you too! But if you desire to take a wife, I beg you, go to the Havens and take a ship into the West where Naneth and Muinthel await Ada. At least there the prophesy cannot touch you."

Calenamath nodded. "That time has not come yet. I shall remain your loyal brother and steward, for as long as you desire."

Thranduil breathed a sigh of relief. He must have been mistaken, Calenamath would never betray his trust. And he would need his skills to root out the traitors in his realm. He finally put his suspicions to rest. Satisfied he had achieved his objective, Thranduil suggested they made their way back to Elven Halls as the night was growing old.

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10th July/Cerveth, 3016, City Realm of Dale.

It was early evening when the barge arrived at the quayside. There was much interest from the locals as the Port master welcomed them. After the usual exchanging of pleasantries, the Port master informed them that King Brand had invited them to dine at the Keep the following evening. He then led a small company from the barge, leaving the Barge Elves to prepare the vessel for the return journey. They went up the Port road till they came to a small guesthouse. Downstairs was a common room, with a bar, kitchen and cellar, and upstairs were several comfortable bedrooms.

Legolas, Thorwen and Celephinniel retired to their rooms whilst Calenamath organised the guard watch, servants, and paid the Innkeep. He then retired to his room, his brother's words etched upon his mind. He was to stay out of the way and encourage Thorwen to spend as much time in Legolas's company as possible. Calenamath sat at the desk and wrote a message to Thranduil, informing him of their safe arrival. Before returning to the Royal Barge.

In the warm glow of the evening, he left his message with the captain before taking a slow walk back to the guesthouse. Upon his return, he could hear Legolas and Thorwen dining in the common room. He stood in the entrance hall, listening to their voices as they floated through the open doorway. Legolas was telling Thorwen about her mortal father, as he had known him well. Thorwen remembered very little of Beren as he had rarely been home, but spoke of her mother. "She was sweet and kind, but often sad. What about your mother?"

After a long pause, Legolas replied. "I remember she had long brown hair, blue eyes and a wonderful smile. But she could turn fierce and powerful in a second. Naneth was a great warrior. I was very young when she was slain."

"She is in the Halls of Mandos?"

"Err, yes, err, no, it is a little complicated."

"Apologies, I have upset you."

"No, never. If I ask questions about your family, the least I can do is answer questions about mine."

Calenamath could listen no more and returned to his room and stared out of the window and across the lake. Even with Thranduil's warning, he could not fight his feelings. Perhaps he should seek the Havens. There, he would find a ship to take him away from his pain. But something kept him from leaving. Ever since he had found young Thorwen in the forest, his heart told him he was part of some great doom. He knew he could not abandon her whatever the cost, even if it meant his death.

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11th July/Cerveth, 3016, City Realm of Dale.

'Arnis and Son Wine Merchants of Distinction' read the sign as it swung noisily above them. "Well Thorwen, this is the place. Keep your hood up at all times," said Legolas. But he did not even need to knock on the door before it was opened by a stout, balding man with a ruddy face and rosy cheeks. The stout man was dressed in fine red robes, with many gold rings on his fingers and a large gold chain around his neck. "Prince Legolas, it is such an honour to receive you into my humble establishment. I am Arnis, Master Wine Merchant. I look forward to a long and prosperous trading arrangement with you and your people."

Arnis showed them into a room with gold and red cushioned seats. It had dark oak wall panels, carved with grape and wine designs, dark red rugs & drapes. He showed them to a large red and gold couch with a low table in front of it. It smelt a little musty and the gold paint was flaking off, revealing dark brown wood underneath. Once they were seated, Arnis called through a doorway covered in red drapes. Shortly, a young man emerged with a tray containing several goblets of wine. He placed it on the table in front of the couch.

Arnis's smile was so wide they could see his gold tooth. "Perhaps the lady would like to try first," he said. Offering Thorwen a goblet. Thorwen looked up at him as she took it and he glimpsed her eyes from under her hood. Suddenly, the broad smile was gone, and he seemed nervous. He handed another goblet to Legolas, his eyes still fixed on Thorwen. They tried several wines, then Legolas negotiated a price for the ones chosen and arranged for the barrels to be transferred to the royal barge. Arnis then hurried them both out of the shop, saying he had urgent business to attend to and, upon closing the door, turned the sign in the window to 'Closed'.

After the Wine Merchants, Legolas gave Thorwen a tour of the city pointing out various places of interest. As they made their way through the city to the central market, Thorwen marvelled at the whitewashed walls of the buildings with their brightly tiled roofs of the restored city. The central market was a mass of colourful stalls with traders calling out to passers-by to look at their wares. While street entertainers performed their routines before their cheering patrons.

The stalls had a variety of goods from across Middle Earth, including pipeweed from the Shire, beer from Bree, and the finest Elven silks from Linden. Smaller markets nearby were more specialist and included a toy and jewellery market. Thorwen noticed a Jewellery stall run by a couple of richly dressed, lightly bearded female Dwarves. One of them grabbed hold of Thorwen's arm. "Take a look, my lady. We have some lovely pieces, all unique. My sister here is very skilled." Thorwen examined the brooches, necklaces, and bracelets on sale.

"I am sure you will find something to your liking, perhaps something to match those pretty eyes of yours," said the sister.

Legolas came up behind her. "Thorwen your hood!" he said, replacing it quickly. "I am sorry Legolas, it must have fallen."

"Be more careful next time. Come, we should go, now!"

"But I was going to............."

As Legolas ushered Thorwen away, the two female Dwarves looked at each other. "Elves!" They said snootily, rolled their eyes and continued their business.

Legolas frogmarched Thorwen into a tavern that was close to the guesthouse. It was a modest but clean establishment with tables in the centre and booths by the wall. He chose an empty booth, and the guards following them sat discreetly nearby. "We were being followed. I did not wish to alert you until we were somewhere safe. Your hood falling down did not help things. Stay here and make sure it doesn't fall again."

"Who was following us?"

"I do not know. The guards said they stayed in the shadows." He went to the bar and ordered food and drink before returning to Thorwen.

As they quietly ate their meal, Legolas kept his eyes firmly fixed on the door. When a couple of Dwarves entered the Tavern, Legolas shifted uncomfortably and lifted his hood.

"Dwarves from Erebor. That is all we need and one of them is Thorin Stonehelm, son of King Dain of Erebor," he whispered.

"What is wrong with Dwarves?"

"There was some unpleasantness when the Dwarves moved back into Erebor. We resolved it, but there has been an uneasy peace between our peoples ever since. We stay out of each other's way."

"You call your father imprisoning the Dwarves and laying siege to Erebor some unpleasantness?"

"Bilbo exaggerated events somewhat. But Dwarves are big-mouthed and small-minded, and Thorin has the biggest mouth going. We cannot risk him seeing us here. We need to keep a low profile."

They were about to leave when Thorin started speaking in a very loud voice at the bar. "I see my favourite watering hole is out of bounds again. Guess the Elves are in town."

"Aye, I spoke to the barmaid. They get paid well to steer clear of the place," said his companion.

Thorin replied to his companion in a whisper so loud the whole tavern could hear. "Landlord told me they had a new one with them this time, shorter, with strange eyes. Like pools of Silver, he says."

"They know we are here, Thorwen," whispered Legolas. "We need to get out."

"A short Elf, fancy that," said the Companion.

"Are you sure it's an Elf?" said the Barman. He lowered his voice, drawing the Dwarves close.

Thorin then threw his head back with laughter. "That Elf King is fond of his Silver and gems. Perhaps he keeps her just to look into her eyes."

"Either that or as a pet," suggested his companion.

"Elf Pet!" sounds about right, said Thorin. And they all made jokes about the Elf King and his silver-eyed pet.

Fury grew across Legolas's face. "If they don't stop, I am going over there!" The opening of the tavern door caught his attention. A hooded figure in dark clothes slipped in. Who did not approach the bar, but sat at a table near the door. "Don't look round, Thorwen, but the one the guards saw following us has just entered. The back door is behind us. If the guards cause a distraction, we can slip out unseen."

"Why don't you leave the distraction to me?" whispered Thorwen.

"As long as you do not draw attention to yourself."

Thorwen smirked. "No, but those dwarves need to learn some manners."

Thorin ordered more beer, and the barman served them two large glass tankards, but as he did so, they both exploded, covering the Barman and the Dwarves in beer and glass. Horror filled the Barman. "I am sorry sir, that has never happened before!" He began to mop down the two furious dwarves and pick pieces of glass out of their beards. Some of the other patrons laughed.

Thorin roared at them waving his axe wildly. "You think this is funny, do you?" Legolas and Thorwen did not wait around to find out what was going to happen next. They quickly slipped out of the backdoor. "You only needed to create a distraction, not a tavern brawl. We are supposed to be keeping a low profile!"

"Serves them right, no one calls me an Elf Pet and gets away with it!"

Legolas tried to stifle his amusement. "We should return to the guesthouse before whoever who was following us finds our trail again."