Thanks for all the lovely reviews and well wishes everyone! So i'm on a roll and kept writing. Like seriously, so into the writing...and I'm already working on the next chapter. We have 19 inches of snow here...so we're snowed in. Writing time, I say! So anyone else like having trouble knowing Thranduil isn't real? I still can't get over it. He's such an amazing character to write - and i'm sure to play. Lee Pace (and others who play in him in any way) probably had a blast! I know I would. I always appreciate complex characters, they're such a challenge to grasp and to understand. I love getting behind the complexity of characters like Thranduil - because they're the most real and down to earth. We're all a bit of each character we admire or end up really excited about. i think I love Marian because she's so innocent and gullible. And we all love Thranduil because he's so attentive on focusing on his kingdom, and nothing else. I think we appreciate that ambition and determination in a person.

Disclaimer: I own no characters but my own

The sound of conversation awoke Marian from her slumber. Echoes of voices and footsteps in the hallway filled her chambers. She sighed as she rubbed her eyes. How long have I been asleep? She peered at the balcony. It's still morning?! The sunlight was bright. Marian quickly sat up in her bed. She had slept through the afternoon and the night. What the hell, she thought.

Marian rushed out of bed and unlocked her chamber door. She peered around her. Guards stood all along the walls, based a couple of feet away from each other. Stepping out, she closed the door behind her and walked towards the nearest guard, he stood next to a column.

"Guard, what is happening? Why are you stationed here?" she asked the fully armored elf.

"Order of the King, Lady Marian" he answered.

"Yes, but why? What has happened?" she asked impatiently.

"I cannot say anymore, my lady" the elf replied.

Marian sighed. She started swiftly walking towards the throne room to see what was happening. Guards stood all along the walls in every hall and corridor. It appeared that the whole of the elven army had gathered in the underground palace. Marian rushed to the Throne room to find Legolas and Thranduil talking in muted tones.

"Send several scouts, track them" she heard Thranduil say before he noticed she was standing there.

"What is happening?" Marian approached the two with a very anxious look. Thranduil started walking away, making his way back to the throne.

"I thought I ordered you to stay in your chambers until I bid you leave" Thranduil sternly retorted to her. He waved his arm to Legolas who bowed and left the hall.

"Go back to your chambers" Thranduil spoke again, this time majestically sitting in his throne. Marian realized he was wearing armor.

"Are we under attack?" Marian quickly walked towards him, pausing when she reached the steps leading up to the throne.

Thranduil creased his eyebrows as he looked down at her.

"Did I not order you to go back to your chambers?" he sneered.

Marian was taken aback by his changed attitude. She watched him slide further back into his seat. He turned his head, looking away from her, like he wanted her to disappear. She looked down in sadness, confused by what was happening.

Marian sat down on one of the steps, turning up to look at him. He still did not look at her.

"Why are you doing this?" she asked. "Why will no one tell me what is happening?"

Thranduil turned his icy gaze to her, his eyes wide and uneasy.

"We are not under attack. But we must be prepared for anything" was all he responded with.

Marian looked at him, pressing for me than just that answer.

Thranduil gave into her stare.

"Orcs. Spotted on our borders yesterday."

Marian grew wide-eyed. "Is that what the horses sensed?" she asked him.

Thranduil nodded his head. All was silence for a few moments.

"Leave to your chambers" he ordered again, this time he was rubbing his temple with his hand, as if alleviating a headache.

Marian slowly got up from the step and walked up towards him.

"Are you well?" she asked, concerned about his aching head.

She watched him close his eyes and continue rubbing his temples. A feeling of sadness overcame her. Thranduil looked so distressed, so agitated. She wanted to wave her hand over him and make it all go away. Marian desperately wanted to tell him she knew Orcs would not attack – not yet anyways. Here before her was seated a King with too much to think about it. She thought he was extremely harsh on himself and too preoccupied with preparing for attacks. He needed to relax.

Marian now stood next to him, She reached out her hand and gently place it on his the side of his other temple, slowly rubbing it. Thranduil jolted when he opened his eyes and realized what she was doing. Seeing some of his guard observe what was happening, he grabbed her hand furiously. He did not want them assuming things.

"Did I not just order you to leave?" he asked angrily.

"I was only trying to help!" Marian exclaimed, shocked at his behavior.

Thranduil pushed her arm away from him. "Get out of my sight. Guards!" he said out loud.

A guard that stood next to the throne stepped forward and bowed.

"Take Lady Marian back to her chambers. Make sure she does not leave them" Thranduil ordered to the elf.

Marian's jaw dropped at his sudden change. What is going on? What is wrong with him?! She hesitantly gave in to the guard who held her arm and was pulling her away. Marian kept looking at the King as the guard took her slowly down the steps.

"This is what I get for being nice to you. For trying to be of some use! I take back everything I said….you don't have a heart. And if you do, it must be the coldest place in this kingdom" Marian said to him as she was being dragged away.

Thranduil looked up and watched her leave with a solemn look. Her words pierced him like a blade. Thranduil's lip twitched in anger as he thought about what he had just done.

Marian was too persistent in her questions, something he found annoying yet amusing. He liked it when she was inquisitive while in private. But when it came to public appearances, Thranduil had to be firm, especially in front of his guards. If the realm had the impression he was doting on her or trusted her too much then his reputation, as a King would be ruined. He could not have his people think it was acceptable to have mortal or men meddle in their affairs. To them, Marian had to be guest and nothing more.

However in his heart, Thranduil thought differently. She was growing on him. He wanted her to be safe. Orcs were easily defeated, but Legolas had reported a few dozen heading north. It seemed like they were tracking something – for what reason Thranduil did not care for, as long as they stayed far away from his lands and people. Nevertheless, he had to take all precautions, including preparing for an attack. Marian had to be kept away from this and uninformed. Thranduil brought his head back against the throne as he thought of her again.

What did I do? he thought to himself. She will loathe me now. If only I could explain to her without brining too much attention to the situation in front of my guards….

He quickly got up from his throne with an idea. Wasting no time, Thranduil headed down the steps to his writing room. He reached the small cavernous chamber and sat down with ink, parchment, and quill.

Marian sat on her bed in anger, shocked at the elven King's change of behavior. Will this always be the case? Hot and cold? What is going on?

A sense of agony crept in. She had always believed that she would never meet someone this cruel. It could not be possible for anyone, mortal or not, to be this horrible. Or was it? Marian rolled her eyes. What an idiot I am….he doesn't care for you Marian. You're just a pain in the ass.

She was startled from her thoughts when she heard footsteps approaching her chamber door. After standing up from her bed Marian quietly walked towards the door. Only the bright light of torches could be seen from under the door until a shadow appeared. Something whizzed past her into the room on the ground. Marian looked down and saw a folded letter. The footsteps were now disappearing down the hallway.

The folded parchment called to her, waiting to be picked up. Marian knelt on the floor and swiftly unfolded it. It was a letter addressed to her, in the same handwriting as before. It must be the King, she thought. Marian read what it said.

"My Lady Marian,

Although I have sent you back to your chambers I wish you to know it was done for your protection alone. I offer my condolences and wish you no ill. Allow me to visit your chambers for dinner.

Gwennor guards your room, tell him your reply"

Marian folded the note back and scoffed at it.

"Allow me to visit you! I don't think so!"

Marian rushed to the door, ready to make her reply. She opened it up and turned to see Gwennor guarding it to the left. He gave her a big smile.

"My Lady" he said as he turned to her and gave a slight bow.

She smiled back a very fake and plastered smile. Marian was clearly angry.

"You can go and tell the King I will eat dinner alone" she said angrily to Gwennor. She then took the note and ripped it up – finally crumbling it all together into a ball.

"Give this to him too." Marian handed Gwennor the ball that once was a perfectly composed and un-ripped letter. Gwennor jumped back upon hearing the door slam in- front of him. Marian had gone back into her chambers locked the door.

Gwennor chuckled to himself as he walked back to the King's chambers. He delighted in knowing Marian felt anger towards the King. It was about time someone in the realm stood up to him. Gwennor always appreciated Marian's stubbornness, but now it was exhilarating. Everyone in the palace could sense the tension between the elf and the mortal. Only Gwennor was intimate with the knowledge that Thranduil showered her with those riding gifts and was leaving her little notes. Although Thranduil despised the friendship Marian and Gwennor had developed, he knew he could trust the elf to perform a duty.

He reached the King's chambers and knocked on the big wooden doors that stood in front of him.

"Enter" he heard the King's voice nonchalantly commanded.

Gwennor opened the door and entered the King's personal chambers. He found the King sitting in a chair overlooking his private balcony, his back facing Gwennor as he drew in closer.

"My King, the Lady Marian gives her reply" Gwennor said approaching the King and emerging next to his side.

Gwennor opened his palm to the King to reveal the crumpled note rolled up into a ball. Thranduil's eyes became wide.

"She says she will dine alone" Gwennor continued.

"She said what?" he scoffed.

"The Lady Marian did not wish to see your majesty. She will dine alone" Gwennor said. He observed as the King became infuriated, his face fixing into an agitated and sad expression.

Thranduil stayed seated but raised his hand dismissing Gwennor. The elf bowed and left the King's chambers smiling to himself.

Days passed since he last saw Marian in the throne room. She refused to dine with him or leave her chambers. Thranduil continued his daily duties with agitation. He seemed angrier than usual to his guard and to his son. All approached him with caution for he seemed to cultivate a quicker temper the past few days.

Thranduil had tried to write her more letters, all of which Marian seemed to ignore. No one had seen her leave her chamber. And he even gave her the chance to leave, removing Gwennor from his duty of guarding her. It is if as she had disappeared from the kingdom. The amber lights of his halls seemed dull and dark. Thranduil walked around in puzzlement. He loathed her stubbornness, alarmed at what kind of woman would refuse his apology. Marian was too strong-headed. Yet she was so fragile, so delicate and graceful in his eyes. The thought of her still troubled him but his desire to be with her, to reach out and embrace her. He felt young once more – desiring someone so much younger and beautiful, mortal or not. His conscious was heavy with doubt and confusion but the rest of him was jolting with eagerness and pleasure.

"My lord, my lord! Marian has run away!" a voice filled the hallway before him.

Thranduil's heart sank to his stomach, his body now writhing in pain. The air grew heavy around him as he processed what he had just heard.

"What?" he turned around to see Gwennor rushing up to him.

Gwennor replied to the King while out of breath. "Marian was seen taking a horse and heading into the forest a few hours before. I just heard news of it. She left a note." Gwennor handed a piece of paper to the king. Thranduil quickly took it from Gwennor and unfolded the note. His eyes glanced over each and every word.

"King Thranduil.

Since it pleases you to be so cruel to me, I shall rid you of my presence. I am nothing but a burden to you it seems. Thus I leave you.

Do not send anyone to look for me."

Thranduil paced away in anger.

"I want all our guards looking for her. No one comes back without her. Find her!" he ordered, his strong voice echoing off the walls.

Gwennor smiled to himself as he rushed off to send a few guards away. After he was done, he climbed the stairs leading up to the library. He opened the door to find Marian reading.

"Did he fall for it?" she asked him.

"Yes, my lady. He sent for guards" Gwennor replied.

Marian smiled and closed the book shut.

"Good. My plan is in place. Gwennor, you have served me well. Thank you" she said as she got up from her seat.

"My lady….may I be honest with you?" Gwennor asked. Marian nodded. He quietly shut the door behind him.

"I know the King has feelings for you, my Lady" he said. Marian's eyes grew wider and her cheeks flushed. Gwennor continued.

"But that does not mean he will show mercy if he finds out what you are doing. To challenge the King is to challenge the Kingdom. If anyone finds out…."

Marian walked over to Gwennor and patted his hand.

"Don't you worry my dear Gwennor, no one will know. It is our little secret. Now, do you have what I requested?" Marian asked him.

Gwennor nodded and produced a sack he was carrying. Marian reached inside and pulled out a set of bow and arrows. She tossed the bundle over her shoulder and strapped it against her.

Marian stepped back and put up a green hood. She wore a cloak and her riding clothes. Marian looked up and addressed the elf.

"One last thing Gwennor…..keep the guards busy until nightfall. I will make my way out then. Can you do that for me?" she asked.

Gwennor gave a deep bow.

"Anything for you, my lady" He stepped forward and kissed her hand before leaving out the door.

Marian smiled as she closed the library door behind him, locking it silently.

"And now…. we wait" she said to herself.

Marian had time to think during the past couple of days. She speedily went back into her believe that the King did truly care for her. She recognized he just did not want to show it in front of anyone. The King was ashamed to like her. Although he pretended not to care, deep down Marian knew he did. It was a gut instinct in her that spoke. It spoke to her that Thranduil was good; he just needed time and attention. If her plan worked, Thranduil would prove to himself and to everyone else that he was King with a heart.

She waited in the library until nightfall when she heard the guards coming back. She could even hear Thranduil yell at them from his throne room. Marian gulped after hearing his chilly voice walk past a hallway she was over. She walked over to a nearby mirror and quickly undid her braid –disheveling her hair. Marian grabbed a bow and quickly tore up her leggings, making it look like she had been outside. And lastly Marian broke the bow Gwennor gave her.

All done! Alright, Marian. Do you still remember how to act? I sure hope these acting classes I took in college pay off.

She took a deep breath before exiting the library.

You will succeed….and the King will show you….he'll show everyone.

Thranduil sat in his throne with misery. His head ached with pain in knowing Marian had run away because of him – because of how he treated her. The guards had come back at nightfall without any luck. She could be in Laketown by now….or worse…killed by the orcs that were passing through several days ago. Thranduil shuddered at the thought of Marian dead. This happened all too quickly. The book of prophecy was right – all would soon be lost. Marian was the first to go. The noise of guards talking drove him mad. His head already ached from thinking too much.

"Leave. All of you!" he ordered to the elf's that stood in his throne room.

"But, my Lord…." Gwennor said out loud, remembering Marian wanted everyone there.

"Do as I say!" he ordered once more.

The guard slowly bustled out. Gwennor was the most hesitant to leave, but he could not risk being there along with the rest of them. He hoped Marian would not face the same wrath.

A few minutes passed before Thranduil heard footsteps approaching him.

"I thought I ordered all of you to….." He looked up to find Marian standing before him, disheveled and in her riding suite.

Thranduil opened his mouth in shock and rose from his throne. His body shook at seeing her alive and unharmed.

"Marian!" he exclaimed. "You came back….." Thranduil slowly walked down the stairs to her.

"Yes" she responded.

He approached her, gazing into her eyes. He grinned at seeing her.

"You are alive…" he raised his hand to her cheek and slowly brushed it. Feeling her warm skin under his touch sent quivers down his spine. She was really there – in front of him. She came back on her own will.

"Yes…I'm alive…. and I came back…." she said. Marian stared into his eyes and gave him a little smile. "For you…"

Thranduil's eyes grew wide and bright, his cheeks flushed with color for the first time. In an instant he put both arms around her and hugged her tightly. He raised his hand to pet her head as he pulled her even closer.

"Oh, Marian" he said as he lifted her chin up with his finger to face him. He leaned into her and zealously kissed her. He held her firm as they continued to embrace.

"You could have been killed" he told her, cupping both of her cheeks and drawing her yet into another kiss.

Marian blushed as he kissed and embraced her in his throne room. The high and mighty elven king now showed her he truly cared.

"Marian…. please…do not endeavor to run away again. You left me worried and frightened for your life." he whispered to her as he drew away from the hug and caressed her face. His eyes were soft and glossy.

"You mean a great deal to me…." he said.

Marian beamed as she tippy-toed her way into another kiss. Their lips eagerly and sweetly met once more.

"And you my sweet lord, you mean a great deal to me."

Oh my gosh! What was she thinking?! Marian is a little mean, isn't she? Am I right or am I right?

Anyways - the soundtrack of what I listen to while i work on this story is amazing. It's like my work out soundtrack for my hands and fingers. If y'all want to know just message me and I'll shoot out some inspirational pieces to you. In fact, I'm really loving classical music while I read and write this story.

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