A soft sigh escaped the young elleth's lips as she dipped her toes into the cool water. The girl besides her giggled as minnows nibbled at her feet. They leaned their heads back, straw-blonde hair spilling over their shoulders, absorbing the warm sunshine.

A bird whistled his sweet song, and there was a comfortable breeze tickling their faces. It was silent, but it was a pleasant kind of silent, a kind that makes you content to sit with a friend, saying nothing, but enjoying one another's company.

A mischievous smirk crept onto one of the girls' faces. She slowly stood up, testing her balance, before plunging into the water, sending waves over the side of the bank. A shriek was heard from the other girl as water trickled down her face.

"Morynn!" She cried.

"'Tis just a splash of water Rhova'," the girl named Morynn replied. "It'll dry,"

Rhovaneth scowled as her sister grinned up at her. Morynn laughed and Rhova opened her mouth to say something, but the voice was not her own. "Wake up! Morynn! Get up!"

Morynn blinked her eyes open, scowling up at the face peering over her. A small growl sounded in the back of her throat and she pushed herself to a sitting position, her limbs aching in protest.

Ruven gave her an apologetic smile as he stepped back, making room for her. Morynn ruffled her hair and stretched her arms. She closed her eyes and fell back onto her bed of straw.

Ruven made an impatient sound. "Miss, if you please, we must return to Mirkwood at once,-"

She glared at him, her eyes gleaming in annoyance. "I haven't the faintest idea where you get your delusions from, but I am not coming with you,"

Ruven's shoulders slumped, and he sighed in frustration. He racked his brain for another tactic, when a thought came to him. "Miss, I know you do not care for the King, but if our late Queen was to see him in such despair, she would succumb to the same grief,"

Morynn stiffened slightly, but when she looked at him, her typical stormy eyes had turned a soft shade of blue. "Very well, but do not expect me to be full of rejoice when I see your king,"

Ruven nodded in agreement, satisfied he had her promise.

--
Days passed as they made their way to Mirkwood. To Morynn's displeasure, the weather continued to be depressing, heavy rain and harsh winds, hardly traveling weather. Any attempt at kindling a fire was squashed so they were forced to eat their meals cold, and tighten their cloaks against the disheartening wind.

One bitter evening, while they were huddled beneath an outcropping of rock, Ruven tried to make conversation. It was mostly one-sided, save for the few grunts and irritated mumbles that escaped Morynn. Not one to be daunted by rejection, Ruven simply turned the conversation to himself, speaking of his childhood ramblings and adventures, until Morynn grew bored of his reminiscing and politely told him where he could put his stories.

After that particular incident Ruven decided not to press Morynn any further. Soon the rain gave way to sunshine and blue skies, lifting the spirits of the weary travelers. And at long last, they finally stood before the once mighty forest of Mirkwood.

While Morynn was relieved at the prospect of ditching her talkative travel companion, a pit of dread formed in her stomach. She was not looking forward to meeting the King, for he was the cause of her pain, and she did not know what she could do to relieve him of his own.

It took them another day's worth of travel to reach Thranduil's Halls, where they were greeted by Morynn's young nephew, Legolas. A rare smile lit up her face as she embraced him, which shocked Ruven.

Though her happiness was short-lived as the prince led them through the cavernous corridors to the throne room. As Morynn's eyes swept the room her heart stopped when she saw Thranduil. This certainly couldn't be the elf her sister had married all those years ago. He looked older, and tired, as if a weight pressed upon his shoulders.

Legolas glanced nervously at his mother's sister, apprehensive of her reaction. When he realized she was going to say nothing, he cleared his throat. "Adar, there is someone here to see you,"

Thranduil raised his head with a dejected expression, however, that look changed from shock, disbelief, and grief within the matter of seconds. Shakily, he pushed himself from his throne. "Rhovaneth?"

A cold look crept into Morynn's eyes, "I wish it were so,"

Realization hit Thranduil, the elleth standing in front of him was not his heart, sighing, he sank back into his throne. Shaking her head, Morynn turned from the pathetic king and strode from the hall.

A/N
Hey, guys, I really am sorry for taking so long to update this, a lot has been going on and I lost inspiration for this, but I hope to get things back on track. Thank you!