His heart had sank upon waking, but now it soars. Thingol knows that voice - though it has deepened with age - and he watches, in wonder, as Thranduil challenges the demon without pause; without fear. This child of Doriath has grown magnificently!

"Thranduil!" he cannot help smiling as he swiftly joins him in battle, cutting at the place where the artery should run in the beast's leg, "I do not think my eyes deceive me? I shall make certain once we are victorious!"

For they will be. He no longer feels vulnerable now that he is amongst one of his people; one of his family, in truth, for those in Doriath are always held dearly in his heart.