The fresh night air served to calm Thranduil's own reflections and lamentations for the past.

Walking in the garden of his palace, the king, immersed in his thoughts under the close attention of the royal guards following him like a shadow, did not immediately hear the voice of his close knight from a distance.

"My King!" rang out very close, bringing him out of his reverie, "The kingdom has been attacked. Let me take you to a safe place."