25. The Warmth of Family

"Legolas, look at me," Thranduil points a warning finger at the petulant looking elfling, who is watching us with a bored expression. "What did I just say?"

"I have to be good and polite and quiet, because there is a baby," he sighs and rolls his eyes, like he is sick of hearing the same old rant. Thranduil nods and grips his hand before he can start running at full pelt along the winding pathway that leads to Gilron's home.

"And you stay where I can see you," he warns again and Legolas blows out a very exasperated sigh, but seems content to amble along at our leisurely pace.

"Well, this is a novelty," I say, grinning happily up at the handsome visage of my husband. Truly, I can't get used to applying that title to him. Maybe when it is all official, it will feel easier. At the present time, it still causes me butterflies.

"It is," Thranduil replies, with an almost apologetic voice. We haven't enjoyed such freedom in such a long time, that it feels bizarre to be casually visiting friends. Thranduil sighs and lets his shoulders sag, before giving me a pleading look; "I intend to thoroughly enjoy this evening. You will not hold it against me if I have to crawl home?"

"No, you have worked hard," I laugh and shake my head, because it is true, he deserves a night off. Also, by the sounds of the happy raised voices coming from Gilron's home, it would appear the inhabitants feel the same way. We don't even get to the doorway when the front door is crashed open and Aradan's overly confident presence greets us.

"At last! We thought you three were never going to get here," he laughs and kneels down to playfully spar with Legolas. I frown slightly, because I really wish they wouldn't encourage him, he is already far to obsessed with battles and weapons than he should be for his age.

"Good evening, Aradan. I see you have relocated," Thranduil smirks at Aradan, who simply rolls his eyes at the comment. I stifle a giggle and raise my eyebrow at my ever inappropriate friend, who appears to be well on his way to completely intoxicated.

"Yes, he practically lives here," says a softer voice, as Tinuben peers around the door and offers us a shy bow, "Good evening your highness, we are honored to have your family here with us."

"Please, Tinuben, there is no need for titles, we used to climb trees together," Thranduil chortles and pushes his way into the house, with Legolas and I in tow. He casually hands off his robe to the quiet ellon standing by the door, he looks a little hassled, but offers to take mine from me anyway. I oblige, but feel a little bad for him since he isn't a servant.

"If I recall, you used to tie him to the highest trees and leave him there," Aradan sniggers and Tinuben colours slightly around the neck. Oh, this is delightful, they used to bully this poor creature. Note to self- be extra nice to Tinuben.

"Did I? No, I would never be so wicked," Thranduil laughs and plants a heavy hand on the smaller, thinner elf, who visibly flinches and chuckles nervously. "If my memory serves me correctly, it was you, Aradan."

"Please, I am not as old as you lot," Araden snorts as Tinuben shuffles us into the light and airy living space, which opens out into Gilron's pretty gardens.

The smell of delicious food has me salivating on the spot. Gilron is such a fantastic cook, that I know I will put on several pounds just by smelling her divine cuisine. I can't help the small chuckle that escapes my lips as I take in my surroundings. It would seem Ollie and her mother have pulled out all the stops to ensure the house is fit for its royal visitors. Flowers are stuffed in every available space, all the fine china is on display, and the best wine and malt is decanted for our convenience.

"Clara! Thranduil!" Ollie cheers as she scuttles into view, carrying two overly filled wine glasses, which she holds out for us to take. "And Legolas, look at you! Guess what Gilron has for you?" she teases brightly and Legolas' eyes pop out of his head.

"What?" he asks, excitedly.

"Your favorite honey cakes," she answers and Legolas cheers with approval. He doesn't even wait for our permission before he scampers towards the general vicinity of the kitchen.

"Legolas! Wait! Watc-" Thranduil starts, but soon realizes his pleas have fallen on deaf ears. "Nevermind," he sighs in exasperation and I chuckle as I lean into him shaking my head. I have already gotten to the point, where I have decided that if Legolas wants to run everywhere, he can. I am not going to argue. If he falls, he falls. At least it will teach him to slow down. Thranduil, on the other hand, still fusses immensely and I do think it is quite adorable.

"You need to calm down; he is not a baby anymore, Thranduil!" Oliel scolds her old friend as she gestures for us to follow her to the dining table and helpfully points out our seats.

"I keep telling him this," I jest playfully and ignore the scowl I receive.

"We will see how sanguine you are when this little niece of yours finds her feet," Thranduil adds in a rather haughty voice. Oliel just throws her nose in the air and ignores him as she takes her seat by Aradan. I can't help but grin at how they are practically touching, how Aradan watches her every movement and she unconsciously fusses over him. They fit quite perfectly and I feel like I should be stepping in and dropping heavy hints to Aradan to go find a ring. I know Thranduil has made many a pointed remark on the subject, but the two of them just ignore us.

"Speaking of which, when can I meet her?" I pipe up and bounce forward in my seat, eyeing Oliel with an excited look. After all, this is the supposed main reason for our visit.

"They will be here soon," Ollie smiles, but is distracted by Aradan's stifled chuckle.

"Tell the truth," he sniggers and Ollie rolls her eyes. Thranduil and I share bemused looks whilst we wait on an elaboration.

"Torphen is having trouble coaxing Ferel out of their home," Ollie sighs and continues to ignore Aradan's amused expression. "Well you know how it is, it is her first elfling, she is concerned and wary."

"Ferel states she feels too common to mix with royalty," Aradan tags quite forcefully on to the end of his beloved's sentence. "She worries she will shame herself in front of the Prince and his elegant...er...wife. Which by the way, congratulations Thranduil! I did not think you had it in you!"

"Tasteful, Aradan," I answer with an unimpressed scowl, whilst Thranduil downs the full glass of wine and chooses to ignore the comment.

"I hope you put her mind at ease, Oliel?" Thranduil queries, whilst simultaneously tossing his empty cup at Aradan. "Make yourself useful, captain, and refill my drink." Aradan looks as if he is about to chuck the glass at his friend's head, but one look from Ollie and he does as he is bid.

"Of course I did," Ollie beams. "I told her not to be so silly, that there is nothing intimidating or unreasonable about our royal guests and that they are practically family."

"Nothing intimidating or unreasonable? Ha!" Aradan scoffs in the distance and I can't help my gleeful grin. There is nothing better than observing a slanging match between a Prince and his captain.

"I do not recall asking you to speak, Aradan!" Thranduil calls lazily over his shoulder. There is about a heartbeat of silence before our ears make out the distant sound of Aradan, poorly mimicking Thranduil's voice, to which he scowls petulantly in the general direction of the bold elf captain.

"Boys!" Gilron's voice rings out clear and everyone in the dining room sits up straighter, even Thranduil. "Best behaviour please," she warns breezily and saunters into the room, carrying a heavily laden tray of smoked salmon, and just on cue my stomach gurgles in anticipation. Legolas trots behind, helpfully carrying a bowl of salad, that is as wide as his little arms can stretch. Tinuben follows with more trays and another elf who I know as Gilron's husband, 'Olben,' who is the much doted upon father of this colorful brood. We all stand in respect of our hosts.

"Thranduil, it has been years!" Olben laughs merrily, as the two embrace warmly in that very masculine way. "And Clara my dear your voice has been sorely missed around here," he says as he turns to me and pulls me in for a hug.

"Oh Clara," Gilron cries as she hands the tray off to Oliel to serve. In a few short steps she is at my side and pulling me out of her husband's arms to cuddle me close to her. "Child I worried so, you had my heart broken!"

"I know I'm sorry," I whisper to her but she shakes her head violently in protest.

"You are here with us now and that is all that matters," Gilron tells me as she places a soft kiss to my forehead and clasps my face in her hands. "Such bravery young one, the Valar have truly blessed our kin." I blush at her comment, but she doesn't seem to care as she holds my gaze in a look of awe. It is a little too much to handle, so I quickly divert my gaze and mumble an almost incoherent 'thank you'. Sensing I am uneasy, she chuckles softly and then turns her maternal eyes on Thranduil.

"Oh, you scoundrel," she accuses and playfully waves her fist at him. To my surprise, Thranduil's usually unruffled presence wavers and he turns almost bashful as the older elleth throws her arms around him. "You are just like your Nana, do you know that? Causing scandal and gossip at every opportunity!" Gilron laughs and clutches him closer to her, "I have missed you, you do not visit your old nursemaid anymore?"

"Ai! Gilron, must you always make me feel so guilty?" Thranduil sighs, but there is a loving look in his eyes that tells me it is all weightless complaining. In fact, I would imagine he does feel quite guilty, Gilron and her children are the closest thing he has to extended family and the last personal link to his Mother.

"Alright everyone, settle down, the food is getting cold," Olben chortles and eases down into his seat at the head of the table.

At his command, we all settle down to enjoy the delicious meal in front of us. Of course, Legolas gripes about the salmon, he is not very fond of fish, but one warning look from his Ada and he moans no more. The conversation is easy and there is no talk of kingdom related concerns, no arguments about duties and responsibilities, and best of all no tension. The dark memories seem to drift away from me as I laugh freely and soak up the fun, almost celebratory, atmosphere of the evening. Among friends, I can forget the upset and it truly is the best healing for all of us. By the meal's end we are all very much loosened up and eagerly anticipating the arrival of the guest of honor.

"Oh, I hear the door," Ollie grins and jumps from her chair to greet the new arrivals. Gilron follows, but gestures for us to relax and continue enjoying the meal.

We do just that, but it does seem like an awfully exaggerated amount of time before Ollie and Gilron return with the missing members of their family. I recognize Ferel's famed hair first, although she remains huddled behind Ollie, carrying something very carefully in her arms. I cannot help but chuckle at Torphen's calming presence, he is usually a ball of energy, but right now he seems besotted with whatever it is Ferel protectively cradles. I can guess by how Ollie flutters and coos expressively at the extremely tiny bundle, that this must be Tauriel. Seriously, that is a tiny baby?

I am admittedly not that confident around babies. Children, yes, I adore youngsters. Little, fragile babies on the other hand, are a whole different thing. I was never naturally maternal, it was only Legolas that brought that out of me, but at the sight of this incredibly small little one, I am utterly terrified. I actually start to panic about having to hold her, what if I drop her? Yet I try to remind myself, Ferel is nervous about this meeting and it is not about me, it is about her. It is a good thing I have Thranduil, because he just so naturally charismatic and in an instant he eases the tension in the room with a warm smile for the new family.

"Torphen, you appear like a changed ellon," Thranduil remarks, as we all stand to welcome them. Torphen smiles and offers us a nod in respect before urging Ferel forward.

"I do not believe I have had the pleasure of introducing you to my wife, Ferel," he says, with a voice filled with reverence. I can almost feel the pride radiating from him and I smile because it is lovely to behold.

"Ferel," Thranduil nods kindly and the elleth blushes brightly and attempts an awkward curtsy. "Oh, please do not bow. I am not my father, there is absolutely no need for formalities here. I assume you have met Clara," he grins and gestures to me. So it is my turn to awkwardly smile and nod my hellos.

"Yes, we all know who everyone is. Now, can I please hold my niece?" Ollie chirps and hovers around Ferel like an excitable elfling. Ferel grins and gently eases the tiny swaddle of blankets into Ollie's waiting arms. "You are lucky, she has just woken up and is in bright form this evening," Ferel murmurs, whilst continuing to watch over her baby with a love struck expression. "Well, she might be a little groggy still."

"Isn't she gorgeous?" Ollie croons and much to a horrified Ferel, skips up to Thranduil and I to offer us a look. I peer around Thranduil, whom Ollie stands closest to, and I blink at the tiny little creature. She is a beauty with a shock of red hair; her bright bluish green eyes lazily blink at us and her lips from an adorable 'O' shape as she yawns.

"She's inherited her Naneth's beauty, thankfully," Thranduil teases, but Torphen simply shrugs and grins like an idiot. Ferel continues to blush and makes mewing noises about Ollie bothering us, she is sure a prince is not remotely interested in cooing at a baby. In true Ollie form, she just ignores her sister.

"Here, Clara," Ollie smiles and holds out the baby to me, and I instantly take a step back.

"No, it's okay, I don't want to hurt her," I laugh nervously.

"You won't hurt her, it's easy, look, cradle your arms," Ollie nods to my arms, but I glance frantically at Thranduil, who is clearly failing at hiding his amusement. "Oh, fine! Well, Thranduil, you hold her." Before he can agree or disagree, Tauriel is plonked in his arms. Ferel lets out a little gasp and works hard to keep her composure; after all, we are throwing around her precious daughter.

"It is alright, I have her, I am well practiced," Thranduil answers the very nervous elleth with a reassuring smile. Ferel colors slightly and looks to Torphen for guidance and I assume that this is the first time she has been in royal company. I have met her briefly a few times in the healing halls and I recall that she has always given me more respect than I deserve. She seems to act like we are above her and I guess Thranduil is, but I don't feel that way. Oh, I feel awkward and completely undeserving of this, I must say something to make this easier.

"You shouldn't be giving him ideas!" I warn Ferel with a nervous giggle and she blinks at me in shock. I gesture to Tauriel just in case she doesn't follow and feel very relieved when she lets out a relaxed chuckle in reply.

"He seems too comfortable," she points out, with a shy voice, and everyone chuckles in unison. I grin at my victorious attempt at making a connection and then turn to actually observe Thranduil again. I sort of expected him to be very aloof and disinterested in another's child. I could not have been more wrong. He gives Tauriel his undivided attention and even whispers elvish blessings over her, something that is a Sindar tradition at the birth of an elfling. At least, that is what I have discovered through Calanon; Silvan and Sindar have slightly different customs over celebrating the birth of their elflings, but one thing they share, is their delight in the joy of new life.

"At least let us make it through the wedding," Thranduil chuckles softly without taking his eyes off the baby, but there is something strange in his voice, like it is almost predictive. Hmm, I think I need to nail down the specifics of starting an elven family, it would seem one of us is already starry eyed over the idea. Yeesh. And I thought it was the woman's job to be the broody one. He turns towards me and offers me a closer inspection of the little one, "Are you feeling brave enough yet?" he teases and presses the elfling into my arms.

"Oh alright then," I sigh and give a nervous laugh, "But if she cries I will be scarred for life!"

"Have you never held a baby?" Ferel asks, with a slight twinge of panic in her voice.

"Well once or twice, but I have to admit, I don't know many babies," I cringe at how immature I must sound to these much older ellith. It is true though, I can't even recall the last time I held a human baby, let alone an elvish one, but I assume the technique hasn't changed much.

"Here, sit down," Ferel commands softly and pushes a seat below me so I can sit, whilst Thranduil gently eases the teeny, tiny bundle into my awkwardly cradled arms.

Oh, she is very warm and much sturdier than I was expecting. Hmm, I don't feel unsafe with her. Tauriel wriggles in my arms and blinks a couple of time, pulling my face into focus. The most adorable perplexed look crosses her features and I stifle a giggle. I would have the same expression if I was handed from one strange elf to the other, in fact eighteen months ago I could have probably related to this cutie. I notice how much more aware she seems to be for her young age, she quite purposefully studies me with intensely focused, almost adult-like eyes. I can see it happening, how she soaks everything up and learns from it almost instantly. Tauriel seems satisfied that I am not a threat and in a curious gesture outstretches her extra small hand to grip a strand of my loose hair. She playfully tugs and examines it, unclasping and clasping her hand around it, marveling at her own ability to do just that. I realize I am smiling like a fool, but she is just so precious and not at all frightening.

"Hello sweetie," I murmur and her bright eyes startle at the sound of my voice. Then out of the blue, she gives me a heart meltingly adorable gummy grin. Oh, my chest! It hurts! She is so sweet and perfect; I want to keep her all to myself. I continue to croon and mumble ridiculous sounding baby talk to her until I register the presence of a rather curious elfling.

"But I want to see," Legolas huffs and wriggles past his Adar to get a better look. "I promise I will be quiet!" He timidly makes his way to my side, though Thranduil keeps a firm hand on his shoulder. He observes the tiny being in my arms with a mixture of awe and jealousy. "She doesn't do much," he proclaims, when I don't initially acknowledge him.

"She is very tiny Legolas," I correct him and he frowns in response. "Right now she needs to rest because she is growing so quickly."

"Well, that is no fun," he grumbles. "Why are you looking at her like that?" I give a little sigh when I realize my son never misses the slightest change in my countenance.

"Because I think she is beautiful, do you not?" I ask playfully and hope that my little moment of broodiness has gone unnoticed by everyone else. Legolas peers in closer and thoroughly examines Tauriel before shrugging dismissively.

"I guess so, but when will she be able to play?" he asks with a serious look and I grin at the all too important question for an elfling.

"Not for a little while yet, son," Thranduil answers as he comes to kneel beside us. "I think we should let little Tauriel return to her Naneth." Legolas nods and curiously pets the infant's tiny hand with his finger.

"I like her," he confirms with a nod, "We shall be good friends."

"Oh, I hope so," I encourage as I begrudgingly hand Tauriel back to a grateful Ferel. Legolas quickly and possessively takes her place on my lap. I giggle when I realize he is just trying to prove a point; that I am his Nana. So I throw my arms around him and snuggle him close, he grins and buries his head in my shoulder.

"Nana? Ada?" he queries and pokes his head upwards to regard both his father and I. "Will you get a baby now, because you will be married like Torphen and Ferel?"

He misses nothing, absolutely nothing! My eyes slide to Thranduil's and he meets my gaze with a slightly exasperated expression. I cringe as I try to think up a quick answer to that, and I am very aware of everyone's expectant look. Ollie in particular is leaning in quite close to us, clearly delighted with the question that my imperious little elfling has dropped on us. I frown as Thranduil clearly has word finding difficulties, but Legolas is not put off by our lack of answers instead he drops the next overly inappropriate question;

"And where do you get babies from anyway?"

"Right. Time for more drinks and a change of topic," I mutter and stand a rather disgruntled Legolas up to march him towards his father. "He is all yours," I say and turn to Ollie, "Now, have you got any wedding ideas for me?" I manage to keep the look of amusement off my face as I hear Legolas pester his father for the same answer. To which Thranduil smoothly answers with the age old, 'I'll tell you when you're older,' phrase.

"Yes! Yes we do," Ollie pipes up and gestures for her mother and Ferel to join us. "You ellyn can disappear for a while," she commands with a flick of her wrist, "Us ladies have plans to attend to." With that said, I watch fondly as my boys are herded out of the dining room and out into the garden to enjoy yet more drinks. Legolas insists on going with his Ada, of course, but I give him ten minutes and he will be back complaining of utter boredom.

We retire to the lounge and spend the majority of the evening cooing over Tauriel. I have to admit, I am extremely taken by her and in the name of getting over my fears, I insist on holding her several more times. Ferel relaxes immensely in my company, particularly when she realizes I am just as unsure and awkward as she is. However, she does still insist on calling me 'Lady Clara' and being overly polite towards me at all times. This is nice in a way, but it is also making me very aware of how other elves are starting to view me.

With the announcement of the wedding made just mere days ago, I am starting to get a distinct impression that my status has been elevated. Others are suddenly aware who I am, when I walk into a room or meander around the gardens, elves stop and bow instantly, like it is an offense if they don't. It seems they all know who I am, but I don't know them, which isn't fair. They should know their princess and I need to start thinking of ways of making myself known in a more familiar way, because I don't think I could cope with formalities all of the time. I wasn't born here, so I need to make an effort; with this in mind I want my wedding to pay homage to the Silvan people and their home.

I put this to Gilron when she quizzes me on what I would like for a gown. She nods and agrees with my logic, so she insists that she will concoct garments that will be pleasing to all. Ollie makes mental notes on my requests, but worries that the visiting dignitaries will be confused by my choices. The woodland elves are rustic and wild in nature; weddings are times when communities celebrate quite heartily in their customs. There is generally less ceremony and more emphasis put on the happiness of joining families. We both agree that with Thranduil's help we will find a happy medium. This celebration will encompass something for everyone, if it has to be big then it may as well be done right!

"The coronation itself is the most important part," Gilron tells me as I accept Tauriel from Ferel again. "The only reason the other elven nobles are visiting, is to pay homage to the newly crowned Princess. It is a necessity, it is what royalty and governing lords do. If they did not, their absence would be an offense to the King."

"You make this sound like a career," I mutter as I take comfort in the peaceful presence of a sleeping baby. At least for now she has no concerns.

"Clara, it is!" Gilron warns as she comes to stand by me. "You will represent a nation with this title. You have bound yourself to a Prince, from this point forward you are as responsible as he is for the wellbeing of this realm."

"I know," I reply with a sigh. Because I do know. I have spent many a night wondering what on earth I was getting myself into. "Which is why I want to win the support of the people, their acceptance is vitally important. I don't care if the other nobles reject me; their kingdoms and their opinions are not my concern. My concern is contributing to building a happier place for ones such as this." I gesture to the sleeping baby in my arms and lift my resolute gaze to Gilron.

"And you will Clara," she murmurs, in almost reverent tone. "That sort of testament is exactly what our people require; a leader who defends them, who respects and protects their ways."

"It is all well and good talking about these things, it is a different story having to live it!" I grumble as I helpfully hand over Tauriel to her doting Grandmother. "I just need to prove to all of you that I can be trusted to do that."

"We are not expecting an overnight transformation," Ollie giggles from her place curled up on a settee by Feral. "The people like you, Clara. You have a healing spirit and they trust your allegiance after your incident with the orcs."

"Still, I don't mix with them, do I?" I groan and rub my forehead. "I mean, I am an apprentice healer and alchemist, so yes I mix with them, but that is my role. I mean, how many parties do I actually attend?"

"Give yourself time, Clara. You have walked among us for only a very short time," Gilron adds in her best maternal voice. "Most of which you have dedicated to salvaging what was left of our royal family. You do more than you think child!"

"Well, if you want to mix and use the wedding as an excuse, I could think of opportunities to do that?" Ferel pipes up quietly from the settle and then blushes deep damson when we all turn to look at her.

"Actually that is not a bad idea!" Ollie grins and both ellith share a knowing look. I am not that keen on that look, I am obviously being left out of the loop.

"Would his highness be agreeable to indulging in Silvan traditions?" Ferel timidly questions and Ollie grins wickedly in response.

"He does not have to be agreeable, just caught off his guard or drunk enough!" She titters in response and I am really getting nervous about the direction of this conversation. "Besides you know our Prince, present him with an opportunity to have a good time and he will seize it."

"Ah, not entirely true," I interject and glower at both of them. "I have no memory of this party-loving prince."

"Well, he has not really been on party form since his injury," Ollie muses and raises her eyebrow at me. "However I think all that is changing," she giggles and inclines her head in the direction of the overly obnoxious sound of merry and intoxicated elves.

"What are you planning?" I accuse and scowl in the general vicinity of the noisy ellyn. I sigh out loud when I hear Thranduil's voice booming quite excitedly above the rest of them. Great. It would appear that he is most certainly in the party mood now.

"Just some pre-wedding traditions, Silvan customs really, nothing to worry about," she grins and nudges Ferel who stifles a giggle.

"I may not originally hail from these lands, but I know that pre-wedding customs are always something to be worried about. What are you going to do to me?" I shout and am instantly shushed when Tauriel whimpers slightly at my panicked voice.

"It is nothing, just a small party with more of your people. It will be a chance to have some fun and socialize with us," Ferel replies quietly, with a soft look as she retrieves Tauriel and croons quietly to her.

"Yes and you will enjoy it," Ollie teases and runs to throw her arms around me teasingly. I watch warily as Gilron avoids eye contact with me and glides off to tidy the dining room, clearly stifling a chuckle or two. Oh great, I have just signed myself up for the elvish equivalent of a bachelorette party. Only, I don't think Silvan elves consider dressing up like fools and drinking copious amounts of alcohol as the same sort of thing. Why did I have to open my big mouth!

xXx

"I'm not sleepy," Legolas whines through a yawn as I settle him into his bed for the night. He has grouched and moaned the whole way home because he had to leave his Ada behind. Thranduil is staying later with Torphen and the other ellyn 'celebrating' the birth, which basically translates to getting absolutely hammered. Oh well, he has a meeting first thing in the morning with his Adar and Raffyn, and I am not making excuses for him.

Legolas and I returned home with Feral and Tauriel. Of course, we were joined by Oliel and Gilron, so the journey was filled with girly chatter and excitement about the upcoming celebrations. However, I am still not privy to what the fun pre-wedding feast parties will be and when exactly they will be happening. Apparently, that is all part of the tradition and the fun. I guess I just have to suck this up and go with it. I am the one that wants to know the people more and Ollie has assured me this will really improve relations. She'd better be right!

"Yes, you are," I chuckle playfully as I pepper his face with kisses. He grumbles at my affection and yawns some more, burrowing his face in his pillows and seeking out his favorite blanket to snuggle. "Goodnight my little rescuer, sleep tight," I murmur and push his messy hair out of his face. Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad thing to have another little one running around in the future. I feel a slight fluttery sensation at the thought, almost like a little yearning beginning within my fae; yes, I think I want that. I think I want a bigger family.

I leave my little leaf to his dreams and meander about our home feeling a little at a loose end. I am not tired and if I was I wouldn't choose to sleep alone. I am still partial to nightmares and they are much easier to deal with when Thranduil is by my side. So, with no other plans, I take a moment to enjoy the quiet. I drift into the suite I now share with my beloved and find myself in the private library, perched on one of the settees with a few loose sheets of parchments and a charcoal pencil. I get lost in the ever-changing night sky above me and attempt to copy it on to the paper. Every time I see these stars, my heart returns me to the sky I saw when I was on the brink of death and I am filled with no small amount of thankfulness. To see them is to believe that something is watching over me and that is a comforting and very humbling thought. Life is good and peaceful for the moment. Yes, it is very happy and long may it continue.

I easily get lost in my memories and my hopeful dreams of the future, so much so that I don't even notice the hours tick by. It is only when there is an impatient knock on the library door, do I startle at the interruption and scurry to answer it.

"My lady," A very exasperated looking Raffyn is standing in the hallway giving me an apologetic look. "I hope I did not disturb you?"

"No Raffyn, I was just resting, is something wrong?" I eye the King's chief advisor with a certain amount of trepidation. It is very unlike him to pay me a social visit. Something must be amiss?

"Nothing is wrong but-"

Just then, there is the sound of what I would consider riotous and drunken elves. Raffyn rolls his eyes and I snort back my sniggering, it looks like the Prince has returned and brought the party home with him.

"It is okay Raffyn, I will sort this out," I giggle at the ruffled look on the stern elf's face.

"Thank you my lady, but he is asking for you," Raffyn grumbles and leads the way.

"I am sure he is," I mutter more to myself than anyone else.

It is quite easy to locate Thranduil and evidently Aradan, they have barely made it to the door and boy, do they look messy. I literally have to shove my fist in my mouth to stop myself from erupting into a fit of uncontrollable laughter. It also seems the racket has roused the King, and Oropher is now leaning casually against a pillar, shaking his head and wearing an amused smirk. 

Aradan hangs around Thranduil's neck and has much more trouble executing simple tasks such as walking, talking and blinking. Thranduil is a little more coherent, but not by much, at least he can still recognize his surroundings.

"Clara!" Thranduil shrieks a little too loudly and let's go of Aradan to stagger towards me.  Aradan, now having no support, crashes very ungracefully to the ground. "Oops!" is all Thranduil manages to chuckle as he turns back to regard his friend.  All Aradan manages is a shocked grumble of protest but remains very much face first on the floor.

"Ssshh," I gesture with a chuckle and place a finger to my lips, "You two will wake Legolas."

"Oh, yes of course," he answers in a loud, over exaggerated whisper and tries to steady himself using my shoulders.  Aradan groans again and pushes himself into an almost seated position, whilst staring in confusion at the floor. "Sssshhh, Aradan, you will wake everyone!"  Thranduil orders in a mock serious tone before erupting into a fit of ridiculous sniggering.

"Yes, well it is a little late for that," Oropher adds sarcastically and Thranduil narrows his eyes in the general vicinity of his father before gasping, quite loudly.

"Ada! I did not see you there," Thranduil waves his arms about apologetically and in doing so staggers forward.  I do my best to hold him upright, but he is heavy. "He is extremely intoxicated I could not leave him to find his own way home," Thranduil automatically defends his actions as he points to the stray elf that he has brought home.

"Indeed," Oropher answers wearily, as he regards the sorry sight that is his most revered captain of his woodland guard. "And you, my son, are of course in your right frame of mind?"

"I may be a little drunk," Thranduil admits with a glassy stare as he stumbles forward again. I am trying very hard not to drop him as he wraps an arm around my neck and half strangles me with his drunken attempt at a cuddle.

"Only a little?" Oropher queries, clearly trying his best to hide his amusement, whilst Thranduil makes a tiny gesture with his thumb and index finger. "Right, in that case, Raffyn go find a spare bed to offload our guest. And, Thranduil? Try not to be late for our meeting in the morning," the King adds with a roll of his eyes and turns to saunter off.

"Yes sir!" Thranduil playfully salutes his father and this earns him a disapproving look, but the issue is dropped. Raffyn, begrudgingly trails a very baffled and sickly looking Aradan from the ground to hoist off to bed. That leaves me with a very hyper prince, who is clearly not done having his fun just yet.

"You are sooooo beautiful," Thranduil tells me with a goofy grin as he tightens his grip on me. Oh, he is so drunk; I bet I could get him to agree to anything right now. I should remember this for future reference!

"Oh, alright handsome, let's get you to bed," I giggle as I try to dodge drunken kisses. Honestly, how much wine did he consume? How much did Aradan consume, for that matter? There must be no wine left in the kingdom for the two of them to get into this state.

"But it is early and I am not tired," he whines and I roll my eyes at the comparisons I can draw between him and his son. "Besides, I can think of much more amusing things to do in a bed than sleep." I barely let out a hint of a laugh when Thranduil crushes his lips against mine in a rough and sloppy kiss. Not one of his best I have to say and the stale wine fumes are overpowering, but it is still enough to sway my decision on taking advantage of an intoxicated elf.

"It is not early, and it is morally wrong for me to take advantage of you," I try to be commanding, but I just cannot help my laughing as we crash into the bedroom. I cannot keep a grip on him any longer and the two of us topple onto the bed.

"Take advantage!" he pleads and kisses me some more in this rough and entirely uncoordinated way. I have to admit it is really a lot of fun and if he wasn't so hilariously drunk, I would have absolutely no problem giving into his requests.

I try to wriggle away from him, but he catches my wrists and pulls me back to him, obviously trying to seduce me with a hilarious, droopy eyed look. He is all mussed up and looking more like something dragged through a bush backwards than the obvious stallion that his drunken haze is making him believe he is.

"Oh, I have never wanted you more!" I snigger as I easily maneuver my way out of his grasp. It is times like these that I miss cameras. One picture like this and I would have my hands on some serious blackmail material for the rest of our lives.

"Come back to bed," he murmurs and lazily reaches for me. I shake my head and stifle yet more laughter at the clearly dejected look on his face.

"In a minute," I reassure him, "Just let me change."

"I can help with that." He replies brightly and I roll my eyes. Yeah, I doubt he could undress himself right now, let alone me.

"Easy there, Casanova," I giggle as I slip into the closet space to pull on my comfy old night gown.

By the time I have wriggled on my dress and tiptoed back into the bedroom, I find Thranduil passed out face first on the bed with one arm dangling down to the floor. With a happy sigh, I go to undress him as best I can and pull the blankets around him, making him slightly more comfortable. I nestle into the bed beside my disgraceful Prince and curl into his side. It is good to see his playful side coming through again and I live for these fun little memories. I am not stupid, I know someday he will shoulder greater responsibility, but right now he is almost carefree and I will do my best to keep it that way for him. With one last kiss goodnight to his shoulder, I drift off into happy dreams full of laughter and merriment.

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A/N WHOA! So many comments and love from everyone! Thank you so so much, I never expected it so I cannot tell you all enough how much it means...thank you to all the voters, and those adding the story to their reading lists. Thank you to everyone who commented Tammyt70 dreamer0 ButlerAElf_and_an_agentRaider-k GG-Dreamerrose5607 MissSweetApple Lotr_elves_tolkien MavisMcQueen Spaghetti87 Iove_live_read_books TiedinRed princeleggy

Hmmm...I wonder what these traditions will be? Stay tuned XD - Double update again