At supper that evening, King Thranduíl excitedly informed Avalain of a surprise: he intended to throw a party for her return to Mirkwood in two nights' time. While this was not too much of a surprise in itself—the King did love his parties—Avalain couldn't help but think that the festivities would be a perfect time to liberate the Dwarves.

Once supper was concluded, Avalain made sure to sneak into the kitchens and stuff as much food into her knapsack as she could. While it certainly wouldn't be enough to fully feed thirteen hungry Dwarves, she hoped that sparse fruits and jams and bread would be better than nothing.

When Avalain arrived back at the dungeons, she heard a single voice humming. She couldn't help but stop for a moment—whoever it was, they had a beautiful voice…

Slowly creeping closer, the She-Elf took care not to disturb the sleeping Dwarves, or the one who was awake.

As it was, they spotted her as she came around the corner. It was Thorin Oakenshield's voice that asked, "Back again, Avalain?"

She chuckled once and held out the knapsack she held, declaring, "I brought you and your people as much food as I could take without either getting noticed or bursting this bag."

Thorin nodded curtly and said, "I can distribute it. Most of them are asleep."

Avalain walked towards his cell and slowly began taking the things out of her rucksack, attempting to get it all through the bars. Cocking her head sideways, she asked, "Are you going to be able to keep all this stuff unnoticed?"

With a smirk, the Dwarf murmured, "There's a hole in the wall here that I can hide some things in. Somehow managed to keep hold of one of my daggers hiding in my boot."

That made the She-Elf laugh, if only because she would never dare to hide a dagger in her boot. With her luck, she'd step on it the wrong way…

"I can snag you more tomorrow," she declared, tucking the bag underneath her arm. "And there's something important you should know."

The Dwarf leaned in conspiratorially, and Avalain began explaining to Thorin about the festival that was going to take place in two nights, and how if the Company was going to be able to break out at any point, it would be then.

Thorin listened to this calmly, and took a deep breath after she was finished. Then, his voice hoarse, he stated, "The biggest problem for us isn't going to be the exit, then. It will be getting out of these cells…"

Avalain nodded, wondering how in the world she was going to be able to free them…

"Will any sort of Elven magic work?"

She shook her head: "No, certainly Thranduíl will have protected against that, not to mention that I possess no magic save whatever healing the Valar bless me with." A sudden realization hit her then, and with a gasp, she whispered, "What about your burglar, Master Baggins? If he is a burglar, as you have said before, stealing the keys off of the Guard Captain should be a small chore…"

"Of course…" he replied softly; and when next he looked up, a familiar determination was present in his eyes. "Escape is so close now, thanks to you."

The She-Elf smiled in reply, and with an exchanged nod, she left the dungeons once again.

As she was walking back in the direction of her room, Avalain felt uplifted. She had not had a chance to free herself from worry the past four days, but now that there was a sound strategy in place, she felt more like herself. But just as she was about to turn the corner towards the guest rooms, Avalain heard voices in the hallway. One she recognized immediately: Legolas. The other she also unfortunately recognized as Tauriel.

"I don't trust it, Legolas—I don't trust her," hissed Tauriel. "I feel like she's been untruthful with us, spending so much time in the dungeons…"

"I fail to see why you're so concerned, Tauriel. I know for a fact that if there was a time she was in said dungeons, it would be today, seeing as Avalain and I have been nigh on inseparable the first few days of her visit."

Avalain couldn't help but need to stifle a laugh. Legolas's voice was simply so disinterested, it was amusing.

"Well—I don't understand. Are they friends? Has she had a change of heart and wishes to betray us for these… these Dwarves?"

"It is my understanding that the Dwarves passed through Rivendell, and Avalain befriended them during their stay. I was the one who told her that she should go and visit them, actually. It was clear she was worried about them."

Based on the sound of their voices, Avalain figured that Legolas and Tauriel were moving towards her. Knowing that she couldn't stay hidden around her corner for long, she simply emerged, pretending like she had only just arrived, and flashed a winning smile in her friend's and the Guard Captain's direction.

Legolas immediately returned her smile, but the look in Tauriel's eyes was icy. Fine with Avalain—she, at least, knew that she was being perfectly pleasant.

Not even bothering to say anything, the She-Elf moved past them and entered her room. Only after closing her door did she allow herself to laugh.

While Legolas had hinted that no matter what she would do, their friendship would remain intact, it was nice to have that reinforced when questioned by the Guard Captain herself.


True to Avalain's word, the next day and the morning after she brought the Dwarves as much food as she could. Luckily for her, Thranduíl's pantries were stocked for the upcoming feast. While the upcoming escape plan made Avalain a little nervous, she couldn't help but also feel thrilled for the upcoming celebration. King Thranduíl's parties were something to behold.

It also seemed that Thorin had updated all his people on the plan, and almost all of them seemed to share the sentiment that it was time to get out of Mirkwood. Fili, however, was still worried about the repercussions of Avalain's actions.

"You can come with us," he murmured. "I don't know if that will make things better or worse, but… it is an option."

Avalain smiled and put a hand against his face—he was still cold… but she knew that soon, he would be out of the prisons, and they would reach the Mountain, and all would be well. And as tempted as she was to go reach Erebor with him, she knew that leaving so suddenly would only inflame whatever anger Thranduíl may hold against her for what she felt she had to do…

And so she replied, "I wish I could, a'mael naug. But that is not in my path. Only you will enter the Mountain. I can feel it."

With that, Avalain kissed his hand and moved to return to the main palace.

The rest of the day passed easily with Avalain and Legolas spending time in her room, simply reading books next to each other on the bed. Avalain was entranced on a historical text detailing the fall of Ithilien, and how Minas Ithil came to be Minas Morgul—and as she finished the text and set it down, she looked over to see Legolas watching her, a specific gleam in his eye.

"What is it?" she asked, restraining a ridiculous laugh.

"Look what I found this morning."

He pulled out an old notebook—one that Avalain immediately recognized. She gasped audibly and shot him an ecstatic look.

"Our old adventure journal!" she cried, throwing a hand up to her forehead. "By the Valar, I had forgotten about that…"

Legolas did not respond, but he opened the first page. The first thing that Avalain noticed was how terrible her penmanship was—she cackled and pointed at the way she signed her name, which only made Legolas laugh in turn.

"Thank goodness I can actually read your letters now," he smirked, which only prompted Avalain to halfheartedly smack him across the arm. But then he flipped through a few more pages, and memories half-buried were brought back to the surface of Avalain's mind: there was a journal entry about how much Legolas hated thunder, and Avalain hated lightning, and how they had hidden underneath his bed one night during a particularly violent thunderstorm. There was also a dried lily pressed on one of the pages; underneath it was a description on how it was the first flower that they had located after a long winter. Further in the notebook were corny recollections of days that the two of them climbed trees or rescued animals in need. As they explored the contents of the journal, Avalain found herself filled with nostalgia—she leaned her head against Legolas's shoulder and murmured, "I wonder how many more adventures we would've had if I stayed in Mirkwood."

Legolas chortled and simply answered, "At least five more journals' worth, I'm sure."

Right as he said this, a knock was on Avalain's door—and in walked King Thranduíl himself, holding what looked to be a dress made of beautiful white fabric.

Seeing Avalain and his son together, a warm smile took over his normally regal face. He held the dress out so Avalain could see it: it was absolutely lovely, with short butterfly sleeves and a silver butterfly pin as a brooch.

"The moment Legolas told me you were returning to visit, I requested this for you," declared the King, his voice smooth. "I thought tonight may be an appropriate occasion for you to debut it."

Avalain's mouth dropped open, but she rose from her spot on the bed to receive the gift. It was exactly something she would love to wear to any party—despite their time apart, King Thranduíl still knew her tastes.

When she held it in her hands, she was shocked at how light it was. It weighed almost nothing at all: stunned by the generosity, she could only say, "Thank you, King Thranduíl, I… it's lovely."

He smiled, seemingly contented by that answer, and nodded before turning to leave once again.

When Avalain turned around, dress in hand, she saw that Legolas was grinning. He only spoke when she raised a suspicious eyebrow: "That dress will look beautiful on you."

She returned the smile and walked towards the looking-glass, holding it up so that she might gain an inkling of how it would look when it was actually donned. Legolas got up to follow her, a brightness to his eyes.

"My father really does have a good memory," he mused.

Avalain nodded, still aghast… but then she felt her throat tighten and her eyes burn.

Legolas immediately noticed this change, and placed a hand on her shoulder. He didn't ask what was wrong, but the look in his eyes told Avalain that he wanted her to talk to him.

"I… you know what I must do tonight," she whispered, her voice hoarse. "And I feel so guilty because you are my closest friend throughout Middle-Earth, and your father is my father in all but blood. But I… I can't let my friends remain trapped here, Legolas, I can't."

With this, the tears spilled over her cheeks, and unwarranted sobs escaped her throat. Her friend was silent—but he replied to her by wrapping an arm around her shoulder and allowing her head to rest along his. He was patient as she attempted, with minimal success, to pull herself together, holding her close the way he used to whenever she was upset.

"Why do you feel guilty?" he murmured once Avalain's breathing was returning to normal.

She took a deep breath, making sure that she was composed enough to answer. "I feel like your father… he has his reasons to keep them here, and after everything he has done for me, I—I feel as if any part I might play in helping my friends and my Fili is a betrayal."

Hearing this, Legolas was silent, although his expression was pensive. After a moment, he murmured, "My father wouldn't hold anything against you after a time, if—hypothetically of course—something were to happen tonight. He may not show it often, but he is truly a caring man."

Avalain sighed, wishing that she could believe Legolas's words. But she couldn't help but feel like she was stuck in between an orc pack and a goblin horde; there was no easy way out.

Noting that she didn't seem to be much comforted, her friend kissed the top of her head. Admittedly, his presence did make her feel better.

"I'll leave you to be dressed, Avalain. But think on what I said. I know my father—and I know you. Things are going to be okay."

With this thought to carry her through the afternoon, Legolas smiled at her one last time and left.


Two hours later, it was time for the dinner. Avalain adored the dress that Thranduíl had given her; it was simple but elegant and light, her favorite type of garment. The short sleeves were slightly different, but as it was still late summer, it did not make her chilly. Figuring that it could only do well to commit to the fancifulness of the gown, she brushed through her hair until it was completely smooth.

When Avalain entered the dining hall, her mouth dropped open. It had been completely decorated with silver and was alight with candles. Servants were already placing full platters along the banquet table, and there was the soft and familiar music of harps on a balcony above. While the dining hall was elegant normally, tonight was a new level of beauty.

Thranduíl and Legolas were of course waiting for her, as well as a number of good acquaintances that she had not yet seen. She immediately saw Cirthil, one of the guards, and gasped. The Elf laughed at her reaction and held out his arms, which of course she immediately rushed into.

"Cirthil!" she exclaimed, grinning madly. "I'm so glad to see you."

"And I you, believe me. The story of your perilous arrival has made the rounds, you know. I was worried about you for three days until Legolas bade me the courtesy of telling me you were well again!"

Cirthil shot Legolas a sarcastically evil glare, which only made Avalain laugh. Just to her left, she noted another familiar face—

"Eialeyn!"

The woman laughed and walked towards Avalain, her green eyes sparkling. Avalain was surprised to see her, but was ecstatic as well; never before had one of the palace maids been invited to something King Thranduíl called a party before.

But there was a first time for everything, for here was her personal handmaiden from childhood, after all this time.

After taking a couple minutes to say hello to the people she hadn't seen since the last time she'd visited Mirkwood over five-hundred years ago, King Thranduíl stepped forward and escorted her to a chair beside Legolas. As she sat down, he exclaimed, "We are so delighted to have you return to us, Avalain, even if it may be only for a little while. As I have said it before, I shall say it again: you were dearly missed."

Avalain flushed as everyone else began to applaud, and looked away. She was a little unused to being the center of attention, but she was flattered by King Thranduíl's words.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," she answered, figuring that it would be good to at least say something.

He chuckled and sat down as well; then the servants appeared to begin filling everyone's plate. As this was occurring, Avalain caught Legolas's eye—he shot her a small smile and murmured, "You look absolutely stunning."

The flush on Avalain's face grew as she retorted, "You tease me."

"I do not," he replied, raising an eyebrow. His face was indeed quite sincere. "Not in the slightest."

She returned the raised eyebrow, but decided to leave it at the compliment.

Once everyone's plates were filled, supper immediately began; and of course, everything was delicious. Somehow, King Thranduíl had even somehow managed to get sugared cranberries as a dessert—it had been one of Avalain's favorites.

Many stories were exchanged during this time: Eialeyn spoke of how she had been entrusted to organize other festivities of the King throughout the last three-hundred years. Cirhtil excitedly told Avalain about his engagement to another in the guard—and Legolas told her about their efforts in restoring the Mirkwood's health, and how they would be attacking one of the spiders' nests soon.

"I trust you've scouted the area and everything?" she queried, raising her glass of wine to her lips.

"And then some," he answered, raising his own glass in a toast.

Avalain smiled as she sipped her wine, feeling pleasantly warm.

Despite how glad she was to see everyone, however, the nagging thought still tore at the back of her mind… the thought that soon she would have to leave the party so she might get her new friends to safety.

And not even five minutes later, the perfect opportunity arose: a large crash and clang, and suddenly one of the statues toppled over almost of its own accord, barely missing Avalain by a few feet. She yelped and dashed away from the wreckage, knocking her wine glass over in the process. The remainder of the Elves leapt to their feet, astonishment on their faces, as they each clamored over one another on whether she was okay.

"Yes," she replied, although her gaze was a million miles away. "Yes, I'm fine…"

Out of the corner of her vision, she saw the smallest of shadows flit past the candlelight—she narrowed her eyes. Could it have been… no, not even hobbits were able to be invisible… but who else could it be?

"Do you need a moment to collect yourself? We will completely understand," remarked Legolas, who was still suspiciously inspecting the fallen statue. Without even catching his gaze, Avalain knew that this was supposed to be her opening to go do what she had to do.

"Yes," she repeated. "Just give me a little time…"

"Nonsense. Take as much time as you need, my dear," declared Thranduíl, a most troubled look upon his regal face. "This is an oddity not even I have an explanation for. Perhaps these statues need to be retired…"

Avalain wasted no time as she shot Legolas a thankful look and darted off down the hallway, well-wishes of her friends following her as she went.

As she walked, she kept looking over her shoulder, paranoid that someone might attempt to follow her. Yet each time, there was nothing—so, after taking a deep breath, Avalain deviated from the corridor leading towards her room and towards the corridor leading to the dungeons.

Fortunately, it was now late enough in the evening that most Elves were settled in their chambers, perfectly content to stay there for the night. This made sneaking to the dungeons rather easy—but as she approached, her heart fell.

What if Bilbo Baggins hadn't managed to steal the keys off Tauriel? What if he had been caught, and the shadow she had seen had simply been a mirage? What if—

She reached Fili's cell and froze.

He was gone. All of the Dwarves were gone.


Hi everyone, I hope you're having a good start to the new year so far. I just wanted to take this time to once again say thank you for reading! I appreciate every single view. If you'd like to leave comments below, feel free to do so! I'd love to hear from you.

Until next time. :)