How the Shelbys like to smoke their weed and how they would smoke with you
I wrote a Peaky Blinders AU where everybody smokes weed instead of tobacco and then I thought about this.
Thomas Shelby
Thomas definitely prefers to smoke smaller joints throughout the day so he doesn't get too distracted from work.
But when he does manage to get some free time he packs the bowl of his biggest pipe with Gorilla Glue.
He likes to spend time with his horse when he's high. Feeling the wind on his skin while riding relaxes him and for a short moment he forgets all this responsibilities.
When Thomas is smoking with you he wants you to be higher than him so it's easier to seduce you.
He will most definitely get horny.
Having sex with him while both of you are high is the peak of his lust.
He will penetrate you very deeply and slowly and passionately fuck you. He covers your whole body with kisses, especially your tits.
Usually he doesn't like to cuddle that much, but after you have had high sex he will wrap his strong arms around you no matter how sweaty you two are.
John Shelby
John smokes A L O T.
Everyday wake and bake.
He stopped smoking cigarets and replaced them with joints.
He always gets the munchies. That's why Polly started preparing some healthy snacks for him and the other employees.
John was also the first to find out that the combination of alcohol and cannabis is not for beginners. But soon he expanded his limits and had no problem with mixed consumption.
He has two favorite strains. At work he prefers Moby Dick because it doesn't knock him out. In his free time he loves to smoke Critical Plus.
He also dabs and occasionally does knife hits.
As mentioned before he always gets the munchies so when he invites you over he cooks delicious food for you and him. After the death of his wife he had to learn how to cook and having the munchies is definitely a good motivation to learn some new recipes.
He will also out smoke you on a regular base.
Arthur Shelby
Arthur likes to smoke thick blunts because they remind him of cigars.
He doesn't care about the strain. His motto is everything hits you if you pack enough of it.
He usually only smokes in the evening because if he wants to get high, he wants to get blazed into outer space.
But also after a fight he will smoke weed. It helps him with the pain but more importantly he calms down. He also realized that he doesn't get that aggressive when he's high which makes him think about smoking more doobies at day time.
Smoking with you relaxes him even more. You would lay in bed with him and sometimes sit on a bench outside and he would put his arm around you. Arthur and you would watch the stars and talk about your deepest thoughts.
Finn Shelby
Finn is not an experienced smoker. He's a bit clumsy at times and doesn't quite know how to roll a joint even though John has tried to teach him several times. After Thomas and Arthur laughed at him, he secretly met with John to practice.
He often forgets to ash before passing and Arthur reminds him of the etiquette.
After a while he feels comfortable with his smoking abilities and wants you to get high with him.
The first time Finn and you smoke together was a very pleasant experience. You two couldn't stop giggling.
Finn is a responsible smoker. He would never get high at work and only smoke weed in the evening with his brothers and friends or on the weekend with you.
He doesn't know much about strains but one time he smoked Afghani Kush with John and he was higher than ever and now he wants to try more types of kush.
Broken Hearts And Broken Bones [John Shelby x reader]
Warnings: angst, injuries, abuse, language, but also fluff
Pairing: John Shelby x fem!reader
Summary: (y/n)´s brother, Eric, hated the Shelbys but (y/n) loved them, especially John. To ensure that the Shelby boy keeps his distance from (y/n) Eric beats him up.
There is a happy end. And also some fluff.
The sun set a long time ago and the streets were empty. It rained heavily.
Every Monday night (y/n)’s brother was in a pub on the other end of Birmingham, which is why John Shelby went to (y/n) every Monday night. Her brother, Eric, hated him, which is why they had to meet secretly. Eric hated all the Shelbys. He thought they were lying, manipulative idiots who would sooner or later regret not having obeyed the law. He didn't want his little sister to have contact with such drifters.
John had to hurry because Tommy had stopped him at the Garrison. He actually wanted to go home first to get an umbrella, but now there was no time left. He was cold and his clothes were almost completely soaked, but he was looking forward to (y/n)´s warmth and pictured them taking a hot bath together. The thought made him smile, but that smile quickly faded.
A dark figure stood at the end of the street. A tall man, John guessed. Carefully he went on and prepared himself for the worst. As he got closer, he realized it was Eric. He stopped and clenched his fists. John wasn't afraid of Eric, but he was afraid of losing (y/n). He loved her from the bottom of his heart and really only wanted the best for her, but unfortunately Eric saw it differently.
"Where are you going?", asked Eric. If John were to go down the street and turn left at the end, he would be in front of Eric's house, where (y/n) lived as well. Eric also knew that there was nothing else here that a Shelby could be interested in. No rich families, everyone went to church on Sundays and everyone was absolutely average. Humble citizens who did not want to be involved in any wrongdoing.
John didn't answer. He couldn't lie, but he couldn't tell the truth either.
"Where are you going?" Eric asked again, only this time louder and full of anger.
"I want to visit (y/n).", John said and he tried not to appear intimidated. Eric was tall, but by no means experienced. But the fear of losing (y/n), of never being able to see them again was just too hurtful.
"Say that again!" He yelled and John was amazed at Eric's dark side, which probably no one has seen before.
"C'mon, I want to visit your sister.", John said with a little more self-confidence.
"I'll break your dirty skull, you gypsy scum!"
He ran towards him with his fist raised. John stood motionless. He didn't want to hurt Eric, he wanted to talk to him and maybe even have a drink at the Garrison. He wanted them to become friends and celebrate Christmas together after he and (y/n) got married.
Pain ran through his jaw and he stumbled backwards.
"(y/n) deserves better than you! She's a good girl. She's smart and something can be made of her!", he shouted, punching him in the liver with his fist.
John stumbled backwards again.
"Come on! Defend yourself, you dumb twat."
"Shit! Eric, let's talk about it.", John replied, clutching his stomach with his arms.
"Talking? You fuck my sister! I'll knock your fucking teeth out!"
Eric slapped him in the face again, but John hadn't even fucked her because, like Eric, he wanted her to lead a decent life. For a moment his vision war blurred, but Eric's loveless and cold voice brought him back.
"You don't seriously think I'll ever forgive you?", said Eric and grabbed him. He punched him several times in the stomach. John groaned in pain.
"You'll never talk to her again, understand? You won't look at her either! You won't think about her! You'll just forget that she exists, okay? Otherwise you'll wish I never heard of the Shelby name."
Then Eric pushed him to the ground and kicked him in the face.
He lay still and said nothing more. Eric spat on him and disappeared back into the darkness from which he had come.
All the pain John felt was nothing compared to the pain in his heart. He didn't know how to live without her. He had even told his children about (y/n) and now they will never get to know her.
He wanted to stay on the street, but a car honked at him. The bright headlights blinded him. He got up and went to the sidewalk.
"Do you need help, boy?", asked the worried driver.
"Leave me the fuck alone!", said John and walked away.
(y/n) wondered where John was. It wasn't his way to be late and she was worried that something might have happened to him.
"I'm at home, (y/n).", Eric called. He was drunk. "What were you doing tonight?" He asked while walking up the stairs. Eric slammed (y/n)´s door open.
"Huh?" He asked and stared at her.
(y/n) got up from her bed. She knew what was going to happen now. Every time Eric had had a drink, he would hit her. Only this time he really had a reason to.
"I forbade you to meet these fucking gypsies!", he said in a calm voice. "But you just can't listen to me."
He raised his hand, but (y/n) escaped it. In the heat of the moment she reached for the bottle of wine she had kept for herself and John. (y/n) hit her brother over the head with the bottle. He went down and a red liquid flowed over the wooden floor.
(y/n) put her hands over her mouth in shock. But her brother was still moving, so she jumped over him and ran down the stairs. She quickly packed the essentials and ran to her bike, which was parked next to Eric's car.
(y/n) drove to the Garrison. She knew she could find at least one of the Shelby brothers. She hoped to find John there. How did Eric know what I was up to tonight, she wondered, and then the thought struck her that Eric might have met John, if that was the case, then he surely beat him up. (y/n) drove faster.
When she got there, she threw the bike next to the door. She stormed in. Thomas stood by the bar and looked in amazement at the completely wet (y/n).
"What are you doing here?", he asked, walking quickly towards her.
"Where's John?", asked (y/n), trembling with fear.
Thomas noticed how her make-up had run from the rain and worried about his brother's love.
"I don't know. I thought he wanted to see you? Arthur, we're going, come on!"
Arthur finished his whisky and joined us. He looked worried.
"We'll talk more in the car.", said Thomas and led the way.
Arthur got in the back and (y/n) sat in front next to Thomas.
"What happened?", he asked.
"I don't know. John wanted to come to me today, but he didn't come and then my brother came home. He was drunk and wanted to hit me. I think he knows that John wanted to see me."
"And what happened then?", asked Arthur.
"I knocked Eric down with a bottle."
"Well, we'll take care of your brother later, first we have to find John. Do you think Eric did something to him?", asked Thomas and started the car.
"Probably. He gets very aggressive after he's been drinking."
"Does he hit you more often?", asked Arthur, putting his hand on my shoulder.
I turned to him and just nodded with tears in my eyes.
"That wanker! Don't worry, (y/n), John loves you, so you are part of our family and we protect our family."
"Thank you, Arthur."
When they got to John's house, Thomas opened the door with the spare key he had been carrying since John's children locked him out in January. (y/n) ran inside.
"John.", she said and ran to the sofa in front of which she fell on her knees. (y/n) took his cold hand and pressed it to her heart.
His coat, shirt and bow tie were on the floor. John's torso was green and blue, his lip was split open, and dry blood was under his nose and down to his throat.
He opened his eyes and was blinded by the light that Thomas had switched on.
"(y/n), you are here.", he said and tried to sit up.
"Oi, come on, let me help you, Johnny Boy.", said Arthur, helping him to sit up.
"(y/n), go to the bathroom and get some wet towels for John," said Thomas.
(y/n) got up and did what Tommy asked.
"John, we have to kill him. He's not only a danger to you, but also to (y/n). He beats her when he drinks and at some point he may endanger our business."
"That bloody arsehole!", John growled and tried to get up. His face was twisted with pain.
"Keep calm, John, take a rest for now. (y/n) will take care of you."
At that moment (y/n) came back into the living room.
"We'll leave you two alone then," said Thomas and disappeared with Arthur.
(y/n) sat down next to John and carefully dabbed the blood away with the towel.
"I was so scared of losing you, (y/n).", he said and only now did she notice that tears were almost running from his eyes.
"Eric will never part us.", she said and kissed him gently.
Peaky Blinders AU where everybody smokes weed instead of tobacco
The Shelbys first discovered weed through an ex-soldier of the colonial army (East India Company).
Thomas was sceptical at first because he knew what opium could do to your body. He was scared that his brothers would get addicted to that new drug he knew little about.
John on the other side was not afraid at all. Behind Tommys back he smoked a bowl of the good Kush and immediately fell in love with Mary Jane.
He began to meet more often with the ex-soldier who was already an experienced pothead and grew his own weed in his backyard.
He also began to smoke on his own and soon discovered the medical benefits as well. After a fight the first thing he would do was not to bandage his wounds but to light up a bowl of his favourite strain.
One day Thomas and Arthur drove to Johns house to suprise him.
When he opened the door the smoke that was trapped in the room escaped in a cloud like manner. His eyes were barely open and looked very irritated.
"What happened to you?", Arthur asked perplexed.
"Oh, I know that bloody smell. John, tell me you are not smoking that fucking flower!", Thomas growled.
"Calm down, Thomas. It helps me with the pain from all the fighting."
"Really?", Arthur asked, "Do you think it could help me with my back?"
"Sure, come in."
John prepered a great bowl full of White Widow. He started laughing as Arthur coughed his soul out of his body. Arthur fell into Johns armchair. He closed his eyes and had a big smile on his face. John was happy about his positiv reaction of sudden relaxation and prepared another bowl for himself.
"John, are you fucking kidding me?", Thomas said with an agressiv voice.
"You should try it, Tommy.", Arthur replied and started coughing again.
"C´mon you´re smoking your bloody opium every second night and now your judging me for smoking some pot."
"Drugs are bloody dangerous, John!", he shouted.
"Damn, Thomas, keep it quiet.", Arthur complained.
"It´s not dangerous. Well, it´s not worse than a cigarette. Weed has a lot of medical benefits. It can help you with pain, stress and even anxiety and depression among other things. It makes all the bad thoughts go away. Try it at least before you judge me."
"Alright, prepare me a bowl."
Thomas first experience was amazing. The weed got his creative juices flowing throughout his body. He started planning to grow his own weed to be financially independent and when an idea hit him like a train. Money. He could sell weed amongst all his friends and enemies to make them dependent on him.
"Guys, we´re starting a new business."
Thomas managed to get some seeds from connection to Amsterdam. At first they only grew weed in there backyards but they expanded quickly into green house complexes specially built for their farming efforts.
Polly was facinated by the new plant. It helped her forgetting about all the bad things that had happened to her in the past. After growing her own marijuana plants she realized how much she loved gardening and began to get deeper into the art of botany especially in regards to crossing different breeds. Her weed became to known as the strongest in all of Birmingham.
Isaiah, Finn and the other boys stopped snorting snow, which Thomas saw as a big improvement of the family.
Ada and the communists natrually loved it, too. They worked together on giant publicly owned fields to support their commune.
Johns oldest boy sometimes snuck out to steel some weed from Esmes purse even though John was always ambitioned to keep children away from drugs.
"I told you a thousand times that pot is only for cannabis patients and adults!" (What up YouTube YouTube what up Jolli Olli comin atcha for CustomGrow420... go check him out)
Alfie Solomon was a bit sceptical at first but he didn´t regret trying it. After blazing he had some beautiful intimate moments with his god.
Everyone was happy and soon the weed wave spread all across the isles and beyond to all corners of the British Empire.
But one day John talked to a guy who gave him shrooms.
Warnings: angst, injuries, mentions of abuse, fire, language
Pairing: John Shelby x fem!reader
Summary: (y/n) has been kidnapped, but by chance, John Shelby finds her while trying to forget his grief in a brothel.
Friday, 11:30 a.m.
It was five years, to the day, that my wife died. As every year, I spent some time alone in the cemetery. Thomas had promised me to take care of my children while I was away.
When I opened the door of the Garrison, Polly turned to me.
"John, something terrible happened.", she said, handing me a glass of whisky.
"Drink."
I slowly reached for the glass and took a sip.
“I know what day it is, but I still want you to stay calm. Your children were at home alone and there was a fire. ”
“Where?”, I asked in a monotonous voice.
"In the kitchen."
I smacked the glass on the floor, making Polly winced. Then I stormed out.
My mind raced as I ran to my apartment. The paintings my wife had made, hung in the kitchen; one of the few things I have left of her. It would be even worse if something had happened to my children. I was afraid. I pushed pedestrians aside and almost got run over, but I didn't care.
Eventually I arrived, desperately looking for the key. My hands were shaking so much that it almost fell off me. But before I could unlock Thomas opened the door.
"You filthy arsehole.", I shouted in his face, pushed him aside and ran up the stairs to my apartment. My children were all standing in the hallway. I knelt in front of them on the floor and hugged them.
"You are unharmed."
"We are sorry, Daddy. We were hungry and wanted to make ourselves some food.", said my eldest son.
"It's okay, it's not your fault."
Then I got up. Ada stood in the door of the apartment and looked at me pityingly.
"John.", she said quietly.
I didn't answer and walked past her. My heart was beating so loudly with fear because of the paintings that I barely heard Thomas' words as he called.
When I got to the kitchen, the first thing I did was look at the paintings. I was relieved after I saw that they were all intact. Then I turned and saw the damage. The stove, counter, and cabinets on the side of the room were all engulfed in the fire. The floor was wet and the cabinets that had been spared from the fire were swollen from the water.
If Thomas hadn't come in the door at that moment, I would have started crying miserably. I turned to him.
"I won't forgive you that!", I said with clenched fists and tears in my eyes.
"John, I ... I can-" he said, but I interrupted him.
"Shut up you bloody knobhead!"
"John! Your children!", Ada said admonishingly, but I wasn't interested in them.
“You had one fucking job! One single task on the bloody day of my wife's death!”
I grabbed the chair next to him and threw it across the kitchen.
“Daddy!”, shouted my youngest daughter.
"Fuck!", I yelled and stormed out of the apartment so my kids wouldn't have to see me like that.
Friday, 8:45 p.m.
I spent the whole day in the bar. Slightly drunk, I walked through the rain to Thomas' house. I knew where the spare key was and wanted to steal some of his opium. If the alcohol doesn't help me, this definitely will, I thought to myself.
I looked through the window. Nobody seemed to be there. Then I snuck into the house and then up the stairs to the bedroom. I closed the door and lit a candle. I sat down on his bed and rummaged around in the bedside table. I finally found the pipe and the little tin box in which he kept the opium. I tried to remember how Thomas had prepared it, but I was too inept. I didn't manage to light the pipe and when I thought I did it, Thomas threw the door open.
"Johnny Boy, what are you doing?", he asked and he seemed relieved that I wasn't a burglar.
"Today is the anniversary of my wife's death, my brother betrayed me and my kitchen burned down. At least let me have this."
He sat down next to me and took his pipe from me.
"It only helps you for a short moment and after that you feel even worse.", he explained to me while looking at the wooden thing.
"Listen, I'm sorry. I didn't want to leave your children alone, but Richard came over, Billy Kimber had called, so I had to go to the bookmaker´s immediately. I'll send a couple of men tomorrow afternoon to take care of the damage. I hope you can forgive me."
"Sure.", I said smiling.
"Your children are with Polly. Do you want to go to the bar with Arthur and me?"
"Don't hold it against me, but I think I'd rather take a pretty girl."
We both laughed as if nothing had ever happened.
Friday, 9:50 p.m.
It was still raining as I wandered the dark streets. I thought about going home, but then I would be alone with my thoughts. Even my children were with Polly. I kinda wanted to see Lizzy, but she knew me too well and I was too ashamed of my uncontrollable feelings. So I turned around and went to The Black Cat, which was about 1000 yards away.
It was warm inside and McKater received me warmly, although he hardly knew me.
"The youngest Shelby, what can I do for you?", he asked, leading me to the counter.
"A whisky for the gentleman.", he said to the bar boy. "It´s on the house."
"I just want to have a little fun.", I lied and I didn't like the fact that I could tell from his face that he knew why I was here. I just wanted to leave behind this terrible pain that tore me apart, but not even here I was safe from the confrontation. My glass was handed to me and I became impatient.
"How's business going?"
"Excuse me please, McKater, but I´d rather lay with a woman"
“Of course, of course. One moment please."
McKater disappeared and the boy behind the counter leaned over to me.
“Don't trust him, Sir. He's doing some bad stuff."
"Yea? Me, too."
The boy seemed a bit disaffected, which at least made me smile.
"Mr. Shelby, this way please. A true virgin is waiting for you.", said Charles, pointing up the stairs.
"At the end of the hall, on the left."
I chugged my whisky, put the glass down and went upstairs. In front of the last door on the left, I stopped and took another deep breath.
I opened the door and went inside. On the bed sat a young woman with (y/h/c) hair and hiding behind a red silk coat. She got up and walked slowly towards me. Then she gently stroked my wet jacket and took it off. She was so beautiful that I lost myself in her deep (y/e/c) eyes.
"What's your name, beautiful woman?", I asked and couldn't stop grinning.
"(y/n)." she said softly.
"(y/n).", I repeated and every syllable of this divine name made me forget my pain further. It was she who would make me happy tonight. She carefully grabbed my hand and led me to the bed. Her fingers were cold as ice and trembling. I tried to get rid of the thought, but I couldn't help but think about the woman's wellbeing, wondering if she was having financial problems and was selling her virginity as a result, so I intended to be gentle with her.
She pushed me onto the bed and sat on my lap. Then she undid the buttons of my shirt and slowly stroked my upper body. I couldn't hold back any longer and pulled her into a passionate kiss. I wanted to tear the red material from her body, but she backed away.
"I'll do it."
"As you wish, darling."
Slowly she pulled the silk over her shoulders until it finally fell down on her, revealing her injuries. I looked at her body in disbelief. She had been mistreated and it didn't seem too long ago. She must have noticed my stare because she immediately grabbed the fabric and hid behind it.
"I'm sorry, that you dislike the way I look, Sir, please let me make it up to you.", (y/n) said, getting off my lap to open my pants. Before she was done with the button, I reached for her hand and straightened me up.
"Who did this to you?", I asked, and my blood boiled.
"Sir, if I don't please you then ... then ...", she said and tears ran down her cheek.
"Hey, don't cry. I'll take care of you. I promise.", I said and took her in my arms. She clung to me like I was the only thing she had left.
"It was McKater." she said, sobbing. "I was kidnapped and he told me if I don't do what he says he'll torture me and kill me if he gets bored."
"That bloody wanker!", I burst out. My fists clenched and I jumped up.
"You wait here. I'll end him."
"What?", she said but I was already out the door.
"I'm gonna make some great deals with the Shelbys.", McKater said to the boy.
"You won't!", I said as I went down the stairs.
"Was something not to your satisfaction, Sir?", he asked, his eyes wide open.
I walked over to him, grabbed his greasy hair and slammed his head on the counter.
"You are giving me a kidnapped girl?", I yelled at him in the face.
"I'm sorry-"
Before he could finish I slammed his head on the counter again.
"You'll never touch her again! Do you understand?"
"Yes, Sir.", he gasped.
I took my hat off and cut across the left side of his face with the razor blade. Dark red blood immediately began to run from the wound and dripped onto the wooden floor.
"Here, so that you don't forget."
The bar boy looked at me, frightened. He was trembling.
"Well, I told you I´m doing bad stuff."
Then I ran up the stairs to (y/n), who was now wearing a dress and shoes. I picked up my coat from the floor and gave it to her.
"Come on, I'll take you out of here.", I said with a smile and gave her my hand. She took it and followed me outside. She was so scared that she couldn't let go of my hand. I didn't know why, but I felt a strong urge to protect her.
"If you want, you can sleep at my place tonight and I'll take you home tomorrow morning."
"Sure.", she said softly and barely audibly. Her voice was trembling, but a smile formed on her lips.
"By the way, I'm John."
"Nice to meet you.", she replied, and maybe I had only imagined it, but it seemed to me that her smile had become even happier.
I told her about the fire, about my children being with Auntie Polly and about my wife. I didn't want her to think I was some idiot hanging out in cathouses.
After half an hour we arrived at my apartment. I led her upstairs and then to my bedroom.
"You can sleep here. I'll sleep on the couch, but I have something to do first. The bathroom is down the hall on the left.", I said and was about to leave.
"Wait, John.", she said, reaching for my hand. I turned around.
"Thanks. For everything."
"It´s alright, (y/n)."
Then I made my way to the Garrison. Tommy and Arthur were definitely still there and I needed their help.
Friday, 10:30 p.m.
They sat in the booth. I stepped in quickly and closed the door behind me.
"You have to help me.", I said resting my hands on the table.
"Why? What have you done?", Arthur asked, smoking his cigar.
"I was with McKater and he gave me a woman he had abused. I hit his head on the counter and slit his face. Now we have to burn his brothel down.”
"Very well.”, said Thomas with a sigh. "We have no other choice."
Arthur appeared a bit more enthusiastic. He tossed me the car key and poked me in the side with a beaming smile.
We loaded the car with petrol cans and drove off.
"Who is the girl anyway?", asked Thomas.
"Her name is (y/n)."
"Go on."
"Don't know, but is that so important?"
"Well, John, you're letting a stranger linger all alone in your apartment."
"She's sleeping."
"Sure."
"And besides, I'll be right back home."
"Hm"
When we arrived I kicked the door open and Thomas and Arthur took care of the fuel canisters. We spilled the petrol. Then I lit a cigar outside and threw the match in the doorway.
"By order of the Peaky fucking Blinders.", I mumbled.
Immediately the fire spread and I watched it for a brief moment. It warmed my heart to know that I could take revenge for (y/n).
"Come on, I'll drive you home.", said Thomas and put his arm on my shoulder.
"You will take her to the Garrison in the morning, understand?"
"Yes."
With relish I smoked my cigar while looking through the dark streets of Birmingham. Thomas stopped in front of my apartment.
"Thanks for your help.", I said and tossed the rest of the cigar on the wet sidewalk.
"My pleasure.", Tommy replied friendly and drove on.
I ran to the bedroom and looked at (y/n). I watched her through a crack in the door. She lay there peacefully, tucked into my blanket. The light from the hallway fell on her (y/h/c) hair and I wondered what she might be dreaming. Then I lay down on the couch and thought about her for a while until I finally fell asleep satisfied.
Summary: Many years ago Annûnien was married to Thranduil. She never hoped to replace his first wife, but the way he treated her was unbearable, which is why she wanted to take her fate into her own hands.
"[...] May the autumn greet us with a rich harvest!"
The people cheered after I finished my speech. They were looking forward to the summer solstice night, and so was I.
I turned to my husband, but he looked bored, almost as if he couldn't wait for me to finally keep silent. It hurt, but not as much as in the beginning when I first met Thranduil. I sat down next to him and the choir started singing.
"What did you dislike about my speech, my King?" I asked, leaning over to him.
"Nothing," he said indifferently without even looking at me.
"It must be really torture to speak to me."
He didn't answer.
It hurt a lot that he was so loveless and mean to me today, of all days, on my favorite holiday. He knew that I had worked on this speech for weeks and had been involved in the planning for just as long.
I jumped up and walked away with tears in my eyes.
"Annûnien, wait," he said quietly, but I didn't want to see him anymore.
I ran into my chambers. We hadn't shared a bed since our wedding night and even that night he didn't touch me. I had never hoped to replace his first wife, but it seemed fair to ask for at least some respect after leaving my perfect life in Rivendell to marry Thranduil.
For a long time I thought about disappearing and going into hiding, but I never found the courage. But today, on the brightest day of the whole year, I was ready to take my fate into my own hands.
I quickly exchanged my dress for my adventure armor. I took out a sword from under my bed, which I had been hiding there for several months.
I opened the door slowly and carefully. Nobody was in the corridors. The people are certainly all still busy with the celebrations. The perfect time to escape. I quickly ran down a few floors and then towards the back exit.
"I can't believe that we are missing the meal of all people." I heard a voice a few meters from me.
I quickly disappeared around a corner.
"Yeah, that's really unfair," said another voice.
I held my breath as they walked straight past me. I was lucky they didn't see me in the shade. When I was sure the guards were far enough away, I ran on to the exit. After I threw the door open and the rays of the sun hit my face, I felt happy for the first time in years.
I walked quietly around the palace until I found the river. I knew that if I followed it, I would get to Lake Town.
I was concerned about Thranduil. I doubted he was too worried, but it was still very selfish to leave without a word. He would certainly send guards to find me, so I had to hurry.
"Kill her!", shouted a monstrous creature behind me.
I turned around. An orc struck me with its blade. Since I couldn't think of anything better at the moment, I tried to fend it off with my bare hand. A terrible pain went from my index finger, down my forearm, and up to the crook of my arm. Blood streamed from the wound. A scream slipped from my lips as another orc stabbed me in the side with his sword. In the distance I heard an elk. Then he stuck his dagger in my thigh and I fell to the ground.
They left me to die by the riverside and walked away. The pain was unbearable and I lost too much blood. I got cold. My view became more and more unclear.
I saw the elk. Then I saw white hair. Thranduil. He pulled me into his arms. I no longer had the strength to move or even to make a sound.
"Melnā."
His broken voice echoed in my head as I closed my eyes.
________________________________
I opened my eyes hesitantly. The light blinded me. I wanted to straighten up, but pain flooded my body.
"Annûnien, you have finally woken up," said Thranduil and took my hand.
I followed his movement, whereupon he let go of it again. I look around. I was in the hospital wing and the warm morning sun was shining through the window. Then I looked at my injuries. They were bandaged. I tried to remember what had happened and immediately I saw in front of my inner eye how Thranduil had pulled me into his arms. Melnā. He had never called me that before.
My husband looked at the floor.
"Thanks," I said softly.
He raised his eyes and almost managed to smile.
"As soon as you have recovered, I will order my men to escort you safely to Lord Elrond," he said and stood up.
I grabbed his fingers. They were freezing.
"Please don't go."
“Annûnien, I know that you are unhappy and I know that I cannot give you what you deserve. I wish so much I could, but I just can't. "
"I don't understand what you mean," I said quietly.
"I love you, Annûnien, more than anything else in the world. All the light of the stars faded when I saw your beauty for the first time and the kindness with which you warmed my heart, ignited a new fire in me. But the fear of experiencing such a terrible loss again engulfed my heart. I didn't want it to be true, which is why I hid my feelings from you and I completely disregarded how you are feeling about it.", he said. "My selfishness almost killed you. Will you forgive me?", he asked, looking me in the eye.
