Thranduil's pov

I rushed down the hall, heading towards the garden outside the castle. It was a private garden, only allowing the elvish royalty and the select few elves enter. It was a sacred place, which held many items of importance inside it.

I rush over to a bird bath. No birds were nearby, but that wasn't the purpose of this bird bath. I come over, putting my hands along the rims of the bowl. I peer over the water, catching my reflection.

"I call upon you, the portal of communication. Call upon Elrond of Rivendell." I chant as the water starts to glow. The water ripples until it forms a reflection of a different garden.

I wait a few seconds, hoping someone on the receiving end would notice the call. Luckily I didn't wait long before I see Galadriel peer through the water.

"Thranduil, I am assuming you are looking to speak with Elrond."

"I just need some information." I reply. "About the curse supposedly cast onto Legolas."

Galadriel nodded. "I understand. Cindor confirmed it then."

"Yes, Lady Galadriel." Cindor approaches from behind me.

"I have taken some time to investigate the curse in more depth. There is a cure, but it is a long and strenuous journey ahead."

"That doesn't matter to me." I reply.

"I know, but with the conditions of Mirkwood it wouldn't be wise for you to leave yet."

I pause. "And if Legolas dies from this curse?"

"While there is that possibility, I don't see any conflict with sending him. He had a strong will and determination you haven't seen from him for many years. I would advise you take a group of your soldiers to accompany him to Gundabad."

"He returns there for the cure?" Cindor asks.

"While it is the place the curse was given, it is also the place the cure is." Galadriel replies. "There is a shrine dedicated to the soldier that died. The legend states that to cure the curse, the Legolas will have to put his weapon used to kill the ghost onto the shrine, and he must put his hand on it and ask forgiveness of the ghost.

"However, the person must be conscious to complete the cure, the people who were brought there when unconscious weren't healed. It must be a plea of the person who upset the spirit."

"If Legolas is on the verge of death, then he won't be able to be cured?" Cindor asks.

"According to the legend, that is the only way for it to be cured."

I pause, realizing that if Legolas were to fight, he could very likely die with no possible cure.

"Once he recovers, I will send him with a group of men to travel to Gundabad."

Galadriel nods in approval. "Wise choice."

The bowl flickers, the picture of Galadriel fading. I look up at Cindor and Serion. Cindor's face was pale, and it made me feel bad for him.

"Going to Gundabad, that is a long journey for someone who can't kill anyone or anything." Serion says.

"But it is the only way." I state, turning around and walking out of the garden. The two elves following close behind. My mind was racing, trying to collect pieces together.

"Lord Thranduil, may I request to accompany Legolas to Gundabad?" Cindor asks.

I nod. "Legolas needs someone he trusts, and right now you are the person he trusts the most. Serion, you and Elinor will stay here with me."

"Yes." Serion agrees. "I am head of the army so it wouldn't be practical to have me leave."

"Exactly." I nod. We were heading to the room we had our meeting earlier, which still had no one inside. I go to the table, sitting down and looking at the map. I was a little worked up, which surprised me more than anything.

"Lord Thranduil." I hear an elf messenger run in. "I have bad news, a hoard of orcs attacked the wall that was attacked earlier. They broke through."

I sigh, thinking to myself that the day couldn't have gotten any worse.

I look to Serion. "Lead the army to attack the orc group."

He nods, rushing towards the door and down the hall. The messenger rushes with him.

I clench my fists, feeling the sharp stabbing pain spread around my neck. My anger and frustration only got worse and I feel the pain grow stronger the more upset I became.

"Lord Thranduil." I hear Cindor say in a calm voice. "I know this is overwhelming, but I will make sure no harm is done to Legolas."

I nod. "It isn't just that..."

"You also know Serion will do all he can to protect the city."

"It is still more than that."

Cindor pauses. "What is it then?"

I nod. "I honestly can't tell."

Cindor nods. "Is it the influence of the darkness?"

I turn to him sharply. "How..."

"Your face is almost completely covered."

I feel my face, realizing that my skin on my face was rough. I look down at the table. "I don't know how to rid myself of it, everything I have tried have failed."

"I have an idea about it. Before I left with Legolas, Elrond and Galadriel talked to me about your issue as well as Legolas's curse. They told me that the darkness plaguing you is all based on the love in your heart."

I look at him, seeing sincerity in his eyes. I look out the window, I see a little chaos outside, which I guessed was caused by the orcs breaking through the walls.

I hear running coming down the hall, the elf that was at Legolas's room.
"Yes?" I ask.

"Lord Thranduil, Legolas has awaken."