//------------------------------// // Ruler Inner Thoughts // Story: The Greatest Treasure // by Evowizard25 //------------------------------// *King Thranduil* No matter what I did. No matter how long I slept, this insipid headache would not go away. It wasn’t the most agonizing pain I had ever felt. That went to the scars on my face or upon my heart. No, it was a nagging feeling. A pain at the back of my skull. Small but noticeable. I did my best so that no one could notice it but for some reason, it just made me more frustrated. That went especially for others. Even if I hide it, they should know. They should know when their king is in discomfort without having to be told. I sighed. My thoughts have become more and more aggressive. I believe so? Or was I always like this? It’s becoming troubling but again, I kept that to myself. Good citizens do not question their king. I will sort this whole matter out myself. It is possible that it’s just fatigue from everything that’s been going on. Yes, that was it. I didn’t have to worry about a thing. As I sat upon my throne, I could sit and ponder on more important things. For example, the status of Smaug and his horde. How he was coming out of his mountain. Sharing his space with the race of man. How he still hoarded the jewels that once belonged to my beloved wife. I wanted nothing more then to squeeze that beast into a pulp and take back what was mine. Be damned what happens to the men and women of the mountain. They had no right to cooperate with that beast and still not give me what is owed. No matter. With enough time, they would be mine again. I would once more hold the jewels my wife so lovingly wore once upon a time. Yes, they were mine. No one else's. The time of elves may be fading in some parts of the world, but not here. Not in my home. I will live here forever if that is what it takes to reclaim what was stolen from me. I will destroy all that which stand in my way. I will blacken the skies with smoke. No more will the disgusting sun shine on the beauty it does not deserve. I blinked in confusion. I found that an odd line of reasoning, but no matter. My throne room was a place of comfort so even the worst of my inner drivel bothered me not. Yes, my power was absolute here. Perhaps I could bring the dwarves and men here to take the knee before me. Ensuring their loyalty and my birthrights. That was of course for another time to consider. Twas not a second later that the doors opened up and in came my son. Ah he looks so much like his mother, especially his eyes. It always calmed me to see him. More so than even the throne. He was my heir. My bloodline was secure with him and so lived on his mother. She was not fully dead while he drew breath. I would do everything in my power to keep it that way. “Legolas,” I smiled. “It’s so good to see you. What brings you here?” “It is good to see you too, father.” He bowed, which was unnecessary but not unwelcome. He straightened himself up to stare me down even though he was some ways away. “You’ve doubled the guard around our kingdom.” “A necessary precaution,” I said. “The great spiders are growing in numbers. We can’t grow idle.” “And yet you send no aid to our neighbors,” Legolas said. “In fact, you are cutting trade with them.” “We can sustain ourselves,” I frowned. Why did he care about the non-elves? Did I not teach him about their lying ways? “We can’t trust them. They lie and cheat. No doubt they are just sizing us up in case of a possible invasion.” “Invasion?” Legolas seemed surprised. “Father, this is madness. No one wishes to invade us. Our land is not the type of land men and dwarves would wish for.” I nodded, “Yes, that is true. Let us not forget our elvish cousins however who hold themselves up. I wonder why…” “You cannot believe they would invade us,” Legolas took a step forward. “They are our brethren and yet you would question them?” “I will question anyone I wish,” I narrowed my eyes. I did not like this line of reasoning. That red haired wench had been filling his head with lies no doubt. “We must be prepared for anything.” “Is that why you are raising an army?” Legolas asked. “You would cause war for what? Possibilities?” “I have lived a long life,” I scowled. “Do you think our kind is above war and violence? Hardly. We will fight between each other as we have squabbled before. The races of men and dwarves are not the only ones who fight amongst each other. Besides, the elves of Elrond look down on us. I can tell. They squander their riches while we bleed ourselves dry.” “Father, we cannot fight amongst each other when evil lurks in the shadows.” “Orcs are brainless idiots,” I slammed my fist down onto the chair. “So are trolls, spiders, and every other creature that served Sauron. No wonder he lost. I will not waste my time with a bunch of thoughtless beasts when our lands and materials are hounded by the races of men, dwarf, and elf alike. We must be prepared to strike if need be. You are my son. You must understand and obey my words.” Legolas scowled but said nothing. Good. I did not want to argue with him. It was my least favorite thing to do with my time. “We have reports of some dwarves and two wizards approaching our forest. Tauriel is with them.” I seethed at hearing about the dwarves and that wench. I don’t know why I hated her so. She was… alright although she was lowborn. Not the best choice for him. No, she was going to take my son and fill his head with stupidity. “Ride and greet them. I do not trust them to wander our forest alone. You know how dwarves are. No doubt they will get lost.” Legolas bowed, “Of course, father.” With that, he left the room. I was seething. Why now? Was this some sort of plot? Maybe I am going mad. This line of reasoning… I gripped my head. Darkness took my vision as did pain. Yet as soon as it came, it left. I breathed a sigh of relief. I didn’t need to ponder this much more. I will have what is mine. Let darkness wash away any who stand before me. *Celestia* I couldn’t help but smile down at the little girl who braided my hair. Tilda was such a sweetheart. Even Smaug loved her although he’d never say it. That adorable fire breather was such a tsundere that way. I couldn’t wait for him to come more so out of that shell. Although I knew that might take centuries. Thankfully, I never aged. I was patient. I could wait. In the meantime, I could enjoy the attention of a little girl who I enjoyed. I don’t often get peasants to braid my hair. Not because I was against those of lowborn families. Gods no. I loved all of my subjects equally. No the reason is that most ponies seemed to be intimidated by me. Partially because of my status as their ruler and because I’m so tall. Not that I minded it. The tall part, not the ruler part. That was a pain honestly. No, being tall had its advantages. Still, it all meant I had to go to spas in order to relax and get my mane done. You would not believe how much work goes into it. It may be magical, but it was a pain to clean when it managed to get dirty. My spa ponies were a godsend. Well, more of a ‘me’ send since I employed them in the first place. Secretly of course. I like to keep up the illusion that I’m always pretty to the populace. “So,” the little girl got me out of my inner musings. “How are you and Smaug?” “We are doing well,” I chuckled. The outside sun shined down onto my sleek, white form. Ahhh, it felt good to be outside. Thankfully, I was able to talk Smaug into letting me out today. The big protective lug almost had a fit because of it but a few words and a kiss or two and he listened. Ohhhh, I just want to hug him~ “He seems to be growing more attentive lately. I thank you for asking.” “Well it’s only polite,” Tilda said. “That and I’m honestly curious. I’ve only heard stories of princesses marrying dragons. I didn’t think I’d get to see it.” “Oh?” I smiled and nuzzled her, causing her to giggle. “Are you sure you’re not jealous?” “Why would I be jealous?” She pouted, “Okay, maybe a bit. I mean, it’s pretty awe inspiring. A dragon, I mean. They are so big and can breath fire. I’d love to ride one.” “I’m sure I can get him to let you ride him one day,” I smiled. That wouldn’t happen any time soon though. Tilda wasn’t an idiot so I knew she knew that as well. “Your horn is growing back quite nicely,” Tilda commented which made my heart soar a bit. It was nice to hear someone talk about my horn positively. Well aside from Smaug of course although he usually focuses more of his attention on my flank. Oh like I wouldn’t notice it~ Oh that big hunk. “Why thank you,” I nodded. “It’ll grow back soon enough. Most likely before I give birth to my first child.” “I can’t wait to see them,” Tilda smiled excitedly. “I’m sure they’ll be really cute.” “Oh I know it,” I chuckled. Tilda was such a sweet girl. I only hope my own child will grow up like her. It also furthered my resolve to keep the people of this land safe. No one would harm them. I pledged my soul to them as I did my own ponies and those of the Crystal Empire. Hmm, perhaps when I return home, I could extend some influence here. I know it might seem much, but having a vassal state here wouldn’t be a bad thing. It’s already under Smaug’s control and neither I nor the people of Dale could do anything about that. However, I could extend Equestria’s influence here so things would improve. For one thing, their medicine. It was atrocious. That would change sure enough. A lot of things would change. Hopefully for the best. And hopefully before those damned orcs come back. I silently prayed that my sister would find me before too late. I may be strong and so may Smaug, but there was no telling what other dark forces lurked on this planet. Forces that neither of us could beat. One could only hope for the best.