19. Skeletons

I am aware of pressure on my cheek and that is the sensation that pulls me from peaceful nothingness. Absently I stretch and register I am wound up in soft blankets and my head rests on plump overstuffed pillows. I squeeze my eyes shut against the glaring brightness, groaning in complaint as I bury my face into my upper arm.

Oh I am so comfortable I do not want to wake up, I want to sink back into the many layers of blissful sleep and stay that way for hours. My elven mind is having other ideas though, and as soon as I have registered that it is morning then there is no shutting off for my overactive brain. It takes only one thought - Legolas - and my eyes are wide open alert and orientated. Yet before I can register anything else there is another light pressure to my cheek, only this time I register it as fingertips as they move flyaway strands of my unruly hair from my face.

"Mara tuile Mell nin."/"Good morning my beloved."

I wide smile spreads across my face at the sound of his low voice, that is sweeter than any melody I have ever known. Sometimes I absently wonder how I got so damn lucky, how plain old me could attract someone so powerful and entrancing. I roll onto my back and peer up at the very serene and very relaxed face of my prince, all remnants of last night's agonizing revelations have completely disappeared from his expression and he is just my Thranduil.

"Nin lithiach,"/"You enchant me," I reply in a very husky morning voice, as I prop myself up on my elbows and lazily kiss him. For a solid five minutes I am completely distracted by his lips, and his hypnotic gaze, and how he can reduce me to a quivering gooey mess with his intoxicating presence. I mean, it is truly not fair at all, all he has to do is give me the tiniest hint of a smile and I am putty in his very experienced hands.

"What did I do to deserve such a greeting?" Thranduil laughs rather seductively, or maybe I am just construing every little sound and look as a flirtatious gesture.

I shrug and give him a playful grin as I sit myself up on the bed. Longingly I stroke the dark green velvet of his luxurious robes where they rest on his muscular chest. I keep my gaze focused on my hands as I trail them upwards to catch his collar, and I register his even breathing hitch a little;

"Where is Legolas?" I ask suddenly, my eyes drifting to his. I am aware that I am now in my apartment and he is not where I left him?

"With his Grandfather," Thranduil answers softly and an amused smile lights his eyes; "He grew impatient when you would not awaken."

I stifle a chuckle and return to playing with the collar of his robe. Thranduil is dressed very business-like and I assume this must be the start of the talks with the other elven rulers. It is not very often he wears anything to signify his position as nobility, but today he is wearing an understated circlet. I will admit I am swooning a little; he should dress up more often for me and he would get more morning welcomes like this.

"I came to wake you," he murmurs quietly and strokes my cheek with the back of his hand; "Adar and I must go to the council soon, though I can leave Legolas with Aradan for a while if you are still weary."

"No I am fine," I sigh contentedly and lazily stretch to prove my point; "You should have wakened me sooner, I never sleep in!"

"You looked so peaceful I could not bring myself to do it." Thranduil admits with a sheepish grin and leans into me, asking permission for another kiss but I stall him for a moment.

"How soon do you have to be at that meeting?" I purr and tug roughly on his collar bringing him closer to me. I stifle a laugh when Thranduil glances at the doorway his expression one of complete indecision, so I reword my question; "How long do you think it will take before they figure out you're missing?" And just for added effect I untangle my right leg and wrap it around him, in my vain attempt to keep him prisoner.

"They can start without me," he replies quite resolutely and suddenly his lips are against my throat. An excited giggle escapes my lips as I forcefully yank his robes off his shoulders, and work my hands under his silk tunic. Thranduil sighs in satisfaction of my explorative caresses and it is not long until I have gotten completely carried away with our morning make out session.

"This cannot go on," he groans in my ear in between lavish kisses that leave me breathless.

"I agree, but I can't stop," I titter playfully through the kiss, arching my back so I curl myself closer to him.

At this point Thranduil freezes and begins to untangle himself from me, though I protest and try to hold on. He firmly but gently ends my protests with a kiss to my forehead and I sigh in utter frustration. "I have a meeting to attend Clara," Thranduil chuckles breathlessly at my disgruntled expression and rolls his eyes; "Which I will no longer be able to give my full attention too!" I give him a mock scowl but lock my arms around his neck and I kiss his jawline playfully.

"But what am I going to do all day?" I groan as he hauls me out of my warm sanctuary.

"You could try making friends? You know...endear yourself to others." Thranduil grins and holds out my dress to me before graciously turning his back to allow me to change.

"I think you'll find," I mutter as I wrestle with the ties and buttons of my dress, "that you're the one that has trouble endearing yourself to people!"

"Oh really?" he sniggers and turns to regard me with a raised eyebrow, "Did you not verbally abuse our host last night?"

"In pursuit of defending you!" I shriek more in exasperation of not being able to tie up my dress - dammit Ollie why are you not here? Thranduil catches on to my predicament and with an amused expression assists me to button up the last of my dress. Though his fingers continue to draw patterns up my neck, and he finishes his assistance with a feather light kiss to my ear. I immediately disintegrate into a quivering mess and with a sigh lean into him, allowing his hands to snake around me and hold me close. "I thought you had a meeting to attend?" I barely murmur out as he presses a string of light kisses to my neck.

"I am so easily distracted," he groans into my ear with that gravelly voice that makes my stomach flip.

"You and me both," I laugh softly and twist around so I can look him in the eye; "But you need to go to these talks, and you need to keep your mouth shut and your ears open!"

"Is that an order?" Thranduil asks and tilts his head to the side.

"The less you say the more you hear," I mutter and press my finger to his lips; "Do not let them goad your temper. Keep quiet and take it all in, and then come straight back to me and tell me everything!"

Thranduil laughs and presses his lips to my forehead again pulling me tighter into his embrace; "Ai! You know me so well my love, do not fret there will be no secrets between us."

I twitch at his words but keep my head rested on his shoulder. Of course there should be no secrets between us but what if those secrets are too dangerous to reveal? I bite my lip and choose to ignore the niggling thought in the back of my mind. The thought that warns me that Thranduil should know who or what I am, but I still don't know how to explain it and I doubt I ever will.

xXx

"Legolas slow down!" I laugh breathlessly as I race through the immaculate fairy tale gardens of Imladris.

The two of us are engaged in quite a competitive game of tag but I am slowly losing the will to go on. I watch his little blonde head bob towards the river and I feel my chest constrict in agitation - why must he always gravitate towards danger?

"Legolas don't go too close to the river now it isn't safe...Legolas?" With a grunt of exasperation I yank up the hems of my dress and dart after my bold little mischief maker.

I scramble to the edge of the river and blow out a sigh of relief when I catch the outline of Legolas, as he gazes at the reflection of the glittering sunset in the crystal water. It has been a fun filled day of adventures and storytelling; I am hoping at last weariness has caught up with him. We have barely stopped all day, after breakfast Erestor took Legolas and I on a tour and I found I quite liked the shy and gentile nature of the dark haired ellon. Turns out he is not high up in the rankings of Elrond's court, yet, and currently is just a servant to one of Elrond's advisors, though he has high aspirations for his future.

Legolas found the tour extremely dull so I livened it up with a bit of comedy and exaggerated story telling. Making every object have a name and a purpose; for instance all the books in the library were actually enchanted and when elves were not looking they would come to life, and start telling out loud the stories that were hidden within them. Legolas truly believed this and had Erestor and I running backwards and forwards several times just to try and catch the magic books in the act. I thanked that lovely elf so much for all his patience and good humour; he simply told me he had never had such fun in a library in all his life. Erestor left us to our own devices for lunch and since then we have been making our own amusement in the gardens.

"Clara?" Legolas' little soprano voice chirps up and I smile adoringly back at him. "Who is the lady in the water?"

"Huh? What lady?" I question and suddenly panic as I start to scan the river, half expecting to see someone in trouble. I am just about ready to dash to the water's edge when I see exactly who he is talking about. There...a few feet into the sparkling river...is the silhouette of an elleth. She is bent over and scooping up water in an ivory jug, her silver hair is loose and falls in dramatic curls all the way to her hips. Her dress is made of billowing chiffon and the lightest shade of pink I have ever seen. She is painfully beautiful, but not just beautiful, there is a wonderful aura that emanates from her that speaks volumes of her kindness. Everything about her is warm, open, and caring, so when she straightens up to regard us with twinkling starlight eyes I cannot help my answering smile.

"Clara?" Her voice is like wind chimes and she says my name like we have long been friends. With a glittering smile to match those gorgeous eyes she gracefully glides through the water towards us. She sets her jug on the grassy bank and outstretches her arms as she greets me with a warm embrace and kiss to the cheek. "Elrond was not nearly honest enough when he spoke of your beauty, how did Thranduil ever catch the eye of someone so vibrant?" The elleth laughs brightly and shakes her head in amusement.

"I am sorry but have we met?" I reply shyly and her flawless smile falters for a moment.

"Forgive me my manners!" She squeaks and places a dainty hand to her rosebud lips; "It is just I have heard so much about you Lady Clara, that I feel as if we have already met! I am Celebrian, you have met my husband yes?"

"Of course you are," I mutter and shake my head in disbelief. Lady Celebrian daughter of the one and only Galadriel and wife of the noble Lord Elrond, yes of course it is she. I should of known by her ethereal beauty and enchanting spirit, she is flawless and I feel so plain in her shadow. "Well I am Clara, but I think everyone already seems to know that, oh but this," I grin and gesture proudly to Legolas; "Is Legolas Thranduillion."

"It cannot be!" Celebrian cries in disbelief and kneels by Legolas, who bashfully lowers his gaze and attempts a little bow for the beautiful elleth before him. "You are not Thranduil's son; no he is just a baby! You must be another?"

"No! I am he!" Legolas exclaims a little indignantly, "I am not a baby anymore."

"Well I can see that!" Celebrian laughs and taps him playfully on the nose which makes him giggle; "Look at you now, the very picture of your Adar, he must be so proud." Legolas puffs out his little chest in a proud stance and I stifle laughter at the adorable scene. Celebrian ruffles his soft hair and I watch as she succumbs completely to his elfling charms, as Legolas chatters to her about everything he has seen today with much animation and enthusiasm.

"Well it sounds like the two of you have been having all sorts of adventures," Celebrain smiles broadly and stands elegantly to her feet. "Please I must insist you come eat with us, I am sure talks have ceased for today and the ellyn will be gathering on the verandas to boast about their victories."

"No doubt," I reply brightly in return and she picks up her pitcher of water then gestures for us to follow. Legolas is the first to oblige and he trots happily by Celebrian's side asking her all sorts of inquisitive questions. It is a warming sight but it also makes me a tad envious, Celebrian is so warm and almost maternal in her mannerisms that I feel a little put out. Though I make a mental note to copy her serene and peaceful nature, and try and put it into practice.

She is the epitome of elven beauty and I would wager the perfect wife and ruling lady of these lands. If I am smart I'll observe her and hopefully get some helpful advice for my own growth. I sigh absently and worry that I will never be so gracious or as warm, this is what Oropher means when he talks about ellith knowing the roles expected of them. Celebrain has been raised to adhere to the customs and roles of her people, I on the other hand have not, and it suddenly feels very apparent.

We enter a beautifully decorated series of balconies and verandas, all dripping with garlands of exotic and colourful flowers. The air is heavy with scents of summer, mixed with the appetizing aromas of dinner and strong wine. Celebrian was right the council seems to have adjourned, and clusters of finely dressed noble ellyn litter the landscape. All engrossed in serious discussion pertaining to the events of the meeting. I keep close to Celebrian as she weaves through the crowd and nods or smiles at those who acknowledge her. Once free of the throng I catch her eyes light up and she darts towards a figure standing on an elevated platform.

"Ada!" She cries and throws herself into the waiting arms of a noble ellon with the same silver hair as she. "I did not realise you had arrived already, is Nana here?" The elf smiles adoringly at his daughter and strokes her beautiful curls from her face before answering; "No my darling your mother still resides in Lorien with Amdir for a time. I am only here at her request and to provide council to Amroth for the duration of these meetings, but she sends her love and bids you come visit her soon."

"That is a shame," Celebrian murmurs sadly, "Is she well?" A concerned look passes between father and daughter for a moment, but the elder elf just nods and adds pleasantly; "She is as she always is, the woes of this world lay heavy on her." Celebrian bobs her head in understanding then turns to Legolas and I with another glittering smile;

"Adar would you believe this to be Prince Thranduil's son," she chimes happily and gestures to Legolas who grins proudly.

"This cannot be young Legolas?" The elder elf questions and bends down to shake hands with him; "My where has the time gone, you make me feel so old little one."

"You are Lord Celeborn," Legolas asks and narrow his eyes suspiciously; "Grandpa says I am not to trust you."

My mouth pops open at the statement and I want the ground to swallow me up whole. I could cheerfully choke his grandfather for opening his opinionated gob and slandering other elves in front of his grandson, does he not know that Legolas will just repeat everything!

"Oh I don't think he quite meant it that way," I quickly interject as my cheeks begin to glow scarlet and I shoot Legolas a warning look.

"Oh I think he probably did," Celeborn mimics my tone and straightens up to give me a breezy smile, before glancing down to regard Legolas again. "Your Grandfather is wise to warn you who to trust little one, but I mean you no harm." The child simply stares questionably at the elder elf and resolves to grip my hand just to be on the safe side.

"My apologies, he just repeats everything he hears, generally out of context," I apologize with nervous laughter but Celeborn seems disinterested in the events that have just passed. Instead he observes me causally through half-lidded eyes.

"Ada this is Lady Clara, Thranduil's betrothed," Celebrian speaks first registering the awkwardness of the meeting.

"Lady Clara?" He questions and I blink spastically at him, "What a bizarre name for an elf, it is not Sindarin or even Quenyan? Tell me, are you from Nandor blood?"

"No...I um...I don't remember," I reply uneasily. Oh I knew this would get harder, I knew one of these days someone would sniff me out and expose me.

"You do not remember?" His voice holds an edge of sarcasm that I don't like and I feel my temper flare. How dare he judge me? Who does he think he is? For all he knows I could still be suffering amnesia - which is my cover story and I am sticking to it!

"No she has no memory."

The cool and collected voice of my King breaks through the weighted tension, and I swivel on my heel to find both Oropher and Thranduil regarding Celeborn with the same haughty indifference. Legolas' little face lights up and he leaps into his father's waiting arms, Thranduil nuzzles the top of his son's head and whispers quietly to him, clearly distracting him.

"Oropher!" Celeborn chortles in welcome but Oropher does not even break a smile; "I see you are as welcoming and charismatic as ever old friend."

"Quite," Is his stony reply but he turns to me and for once graces me with a tiny smile; "Clara my darling you are surely famished. On the three of you go and enjoy your supper, I have to catch up with an old friend."

Thranduil outstretches his hand to me and I take it without hesitation. Celebrian nods her goodbyes to her father and Oropher, and seamlessly glides over the whole exchange with grace and elegance. She joins us and talks pleasantly about trivial things as she leads us to our seats for the evening, which are helpfully situated at the same table as she and Elrond.

Elrond stands immediately on her arrival and the two embrace quite affectionately for a crowded room. He nods to our little unit and gestures for us to sit, whilst servers fill up our wine glasses and a host of delicious treats are wiggled under our noses to sample.

"So where is his majesty?" Elrond asks as he spears a tomato on his plate.

"King Oropher and my father our having a catch up," Celebrian replies but keeps her gaze focused on her plate, ignoring her husband's questioning look.

"I think what the lady means is that my father and lord Celeborn are bickering again," Thranduil snorts into his wine glass, and I note the hard line that Celebrian's lips make as she tries to stop a tell-tale smile coming through.

"Ai! I swear they will age me a millennium if they continue to go at each other's throats for the duration of this council!" Elrond groans into his supper and drops his head into his hands.

"You let them bother you too much my old friend," A regal looking dark haired ellon, seated to the opposite side of Elrond, replies in a quiet voice. The elf does not make any eye contact and just continues to elegantly cut his food, yet everyone at the table turns their attention to him. He sets down his cutlery and observes Thranduil for a moment; "Even the boy knows it is just their way Elrond, let them argue, they are both as stubborn as each other."

He just called Thranduil a 'boy,' and Thranduil didn't even flinch, who is this guy? Before I know it everyone at the table is chuckling at the strange elf's commentary, even Thranduil quietly laughs for a moment.

"Now tell me Thranduil, who is this beautiful creature that you keep so close to you?" The elf speaks again and points his fork at me with curious grey eyes that sparkle so vividly you would think they were made of stars.

"This is Lady Clara," Thranduil reclines back on his chair and appraises me with a proud look which makes me blush scarlet; "My betrothed."

A quiet rumble of acknowledgment spreads throughout the long table and I grow ever more self-conscious. After all these elves do not have to like me or even accept me, I am not their kin and they can be as judgmental and opinionated as they like.

"Well now isn't that a shame," the elf smiles kindly at me; "You are lucky Prince, if she was not yours I would have attempted to steal her from under your nose." Thranduil laughs but it is a hard laugh and he shifts uncomfortably in his seat, whilst I continue to burn a brilliant red.

"Oh stop it, you know you are too old for her," Elrond interjects and gives the elf an amused look; "Why on earth would she wish to be bound to a boring old toad like you?"

"Only you could get away with insulting a Noldorian King, Elrond," the elf replies haughtily into his wine goblet before raising his eyebrow and regarding his friend again; "Tell me, does our fair Lady Celebrian lament your ancient years?"

Everyone at the table kinks up into laughter and much playful slanging erupts between Elrond and this Noldorian King? Thranduil does not really get involved he just politely laughs at the rude jokes or makes a few tasteful ones of his own. I lean into him as I continue to stare at the dark haired elf that seems to keep everyone's attention, though he is not wanting of it. In fact if he had of never spoke I would have never thought he was a king.

"Who is that?" I ask quietly as Thranduil ducks down to listen to my whispering.

"That is the infamous Gil galad, last of the high Kings of the Noldor," he replies with a certain amount of respect in his voice, but he does not appear overly enamoured.

"Oh!" I squeak in alarm, "He appears so...so...um...quiet?"

"You were expecting someone more dramatic?" Thranduil asks and raises an elegant eyebrow.

"Well actually yes," I mutter and then roll my eyes; "I guess I was expecting someone more like you?"

"And what is that supposed to mean?" Thranduil asks and tilts his head to the side questioningly.

"You know? More charismatic and as you said...dramatic."

"I am not dramatic!"

"Oh yes you are."

"I demand to know precisely how I am dramatic?" Thranduil replies and pounds the table with his fist while glaring indignantly at me.

"You know what you're right, there is not a dramatic bone in your body my love," I giggle and give him a peck on the cheek. He deflates a little when he realises my point and gives a soft laugh at himself. "But you know that is why I love you," I confirm and he grins happily in response.

The night stretches on and Oropher soon re-joins us looking a little smug. Celeborn sends word that he is feeling a little weary and is retiring for the night, but we all know this is code for - Oropher won that round of arguments. We eat and drink until satisfied and then we are entertained by poetry and fine music. Nothing like the wild and sometimes raucous parties of home, these elegant gatherings of elves in Imladris are much more refined and cultural. It's nice and refreshing but I admit, I miss the fire pits and giddy fast paced music of the woodland people. Quite frankly Oropher's people know how to party!

The formal ambiance of the evening meal passes and elves begin to drift to other tables, mixing more easily with each other as the wine consumption increases. For the most part I stay with my family, for I sense that is the right thing to do, but Celebrian joins me for more female related chatter and I am very thankful for it;

"I think it is wonderful how you have practically adopted that little one as your own," Celebrian smiles broadly as we both watch Legolas play with a leather ball that someone has gifted him.

"Well I don't really see it that way," I chuckle and sup on my wine.

"Oh, how do you see it?" She asks and settles her chin into the palm of her hand, leaning into me with interested eyes.

"Well technically Legolas found me when I was unconscious in the woods," I continue with a sarcastic grin lighting my features; "So I think he adopted me, and then well we couldn't leave his father abandoned. So we both agreed Thranduil could join us."

Celebrain throws back her head and lets out a peal of infectious laughter; "Oh Clara you are so funny, but you do not expect me to believe that you are with the woodland prince out of pity?" I drop my gaze bashfully and she lets out more delighted giggling; "Is it not wonderful to be in love?"

"It is," I agree and blush crimson but tip my glass towards Elrond, "and I can see that you understand that, how long have you been married?"

"Oh only a few months," Celebrian answers and even blushes a little herself. "It was a whirlwind decision; I don't think I have ever been so illogical in my life."

"Really, do tell?" I grin and lean into her, it is my turn to get all misty eyed. I have to say I was never one to be interested in tales of love, but now that I have my own little fairy-tale I find all of it fascinating. Oh dear god I am what I used to loathe!

"Well I had only met Elrond a few times and frankly he was so desperately shy I did not think he even knew how to speak," she giggles and her eyes glaze over fondly in memory. "Then one day he did, and he became my closest friend. But I found the more he went off to battle or disappeared on long journeys, the more I worried and I became morose maybe even lost without him. It was then I decided that we had always been more than just good friends. Laugh if you will Clara but I do believe in fate, and I know Elrond was just as much meant for me as I was for him. Though he will say he loved me from the moment he set eyes on me and was just too cowardly to admit it, but I believe everything happens as it should and in the time that it is meant to."

"That is beautiful," I murmur and feel myself swoon at the tale. "I think I agree with you on your belief of fate. I mean how else would you explain me awakening in Greenwood at more or less the same time Thranduil returns almost from the grave?"

Celebrain nods solemnly at my words; "We all believed Thranduil would not make it, my husband was the only one that held on to the belief that his legendary stubbornness would see him through. Yet we did not factor in you, he needs you Clara and never let anyone tell you otherwise. A blind man could see how he responds to you."

I glance to the opposite end of the table. Thranduil is perched on the edge talking quite animatedly with Aradan, who has eventually joined us, but I note his posture leans ever so slightly towards me. Every so often his eyes flit from me then to Legolas, almost subconsciously and when they rest on me he almost appears to relax. It frightens me how much of a hold I have on him, never mind how much he has on me! I let my mind wander over last night's revelations and realise if I had not have accepted him then I could have destroyed him. But then I need him too, I need his strength and his spirituality. I need his love because no-one has ever loved me like that before, and with him I feel like I am living and not just existing. I am a better person because of him; he has given me so much to live for it almost makes me dizzy to think about it.

"You are blinded by love mellon nin," Celebrian laughs gently and reaches over to squeeze my hand. I smile at her and nod in agreement, and she shakes her head; "We are a fine pair, letting our hearts rule our heads! I remember a time I vowed never to let an ellon have such power over me."

"Aye, I vaguely remember saying something like that myself," I titter back and the two of us clink our glasses together. Then quickly burst into a tirade of lamentations over the things that irk us greatly about our other halves.

Halfway through our ranting I realise that I should really fetch Legolas and retire him for the evening. So I excuse myself and promise Celebrain we will meet tomorrow for high tea and continue our conversation. I snake through the crowd until I spy Legolas crawling under a table, probably in search of his ball. I hang back for a moment enjoying the adorable site of the youngster scrambling through the throngs, determination etched in his young features as he diligently searches for his toy. I stifle a laugh when he finds it only to lose it again in his thrashing, it rolls to a stop by another elf's boot, and Legolas scurries to retrieve it.

The elder elf stops and observes the child at his feet for a long moment, Legolas shrinks back a little unsure as to whether he has permission to be in this ellon's space. The elf who is tall and lithe, with light brown hair bends down to hand him back his toy. I gasp suddenly, because as much as Legolas looks like his father, there is something very familiar in this elf's features that can be seen in the child's.

"You should be more vigilant little one, your carelessness could make someone trip," he says quite gruffly to Legolas who shyly retrieves the ball. "Where is your father, is it not long past your bedtime?"

"His father is close by I can assure you," I say confidently as I stride up to retrieve Legolas from the ground. I am unhappy with the way this one looks at him, and I don't quite like his judgmental tone of voice.

"And who are you?" The elf asks me with an icy voice and eyes me with a critical stare; "Clearly not his mother."

"The next best thing," I reply quite indignantly but manage to keep my tone light. However the elf just sneers and shakes his head before hissing; "His father moves on quickly I see, I wonder how long it will be until he tires of you."

"Excuse me?" I balk and take Legolas' hand; "Come on sweetheart I think this one has forgotten his manners."

"Why would I need manners when I converse with kin?" He laughs bitterly and glances coldly at Legolas. "He looks like his father; let us hope he does not inherit his vile personality."

I narrow my eyes at the strange elf and choose to ignore him, but as I turn to walk away I find Thranduil striding towards us. His face is contorted in what I can only describe as rage and when he reaches us he yanks his son into his arms, and gently pushes his head against his shoulder, evidently obscuring him from view.

"Keep your poisonous words to yourself Echanar," Thranduil snaps back at the elf who merely smirks.

"What? Do you expect me to be pleasant to you after what you put my cousin through?" He barks out a harsh laugh and Thranduil tenses.

"What I put her through?" Thranduil hisses menacingly and takes a step forward.

"Walk away love, don't rile to him he isn't worth it," I murmur quietly and pat his arm soothingly. "Think of Legolas; come let's all just retire for the night."

"Oh yes let's," The one named Echanar grins darkly; "You like to walk way don't you prince?"

"You know nothing," Thranduil growls and I have to physically tug hard on his shoulders to keep him from lunging forward.

"Thranduil give me Legolas!" I warn and attempt to lift the child from his arms. Legolas is watching the whole exchange with wide fear filled eyes, and I can only assume this is about his mother.

"No, it is alright I am fine," He tells me and wraps a protective arm around my shoulders. "It is late and there is nothing else left to say here."

"Well I would not say that," the other elf adds with a sneer and even I feel my temper flare a little. However I catch a figure gliding resolutely toward us and I know by the expression on Oropher's face that this conversation is over.

"Young Master Echanar?" Oropher questions in a cool tone but comes to stand by his son, and places a comforting hand on his shoulder; "Do we have a problem here?" The brown haired elf does not answer but only drops his gaze in respect. "I would warn you young one that I have the tendency to become quite physical when my family are in the slightest bit threatened, and I would consider your tone quite abusive. Is there anything else you would like to say?"

"No sir," The younger elf replies and Oropher smirks then comes to stand toe to toe with him;

"You know I have very little patience for your kin Echanar," The King sighs in agitation and the younger elf shrinks away. "Now get out of my sight and do not even tread the same ground I walk on, you disrespectful little pup!"

The elf scrambles backwards and disappears into the crowd with a wounded expression, and Oropher calmly turns to regard us; "Thranduil, son, it was just bitter words. Do not concern yourself with misinformed simpletons."

Thranduil nods but I can see real hurt in his eyes, so I curl into him and help lead him away from the crowds and back to our apartments. He doesn't speak and I don't ask, Oropher leaves us to retire for the evening, and Thranduil insists on putting Legolas to bed himself. So I return to my room and dress for bed.

Lying alone in the great big four poster frame bed I can't help but wonder over Legolas' mother, and what on earth drove her away? It is not that I believe Echanar, because I know Thranduil would never intentional hurt me, it is just more that I am curious. I won't ask though, I will trust Thranduil to tell me when he is ready, he always does.

xXx

Strong arms encircle me during the night and I sigh happily, I wasn't sleeping so I am quite relieved to have the company. I twist myself around and smile when I make out Thranduil's face in the dim light of my bedroom.

"You know you shouldn't be here, right?" I say and steal a quick kiss, I can feel his smile through my lips and I am glad his mood seems to be fair.

"We need to talk," he murmurs and gently he pulls me into a seated position; "Or rather I need to explain myself." I frown and clamp my hands around his wrists, meeting his gaze with a curious look. "You need to know I never sent her away, I did not cruelly remove Legolas from her, nor did I abuse her or hurt her or whatever the twisted rumors tell you that I did!"

"I assume we are talking about your previous wife?" I question and wonder internally if I am really ready to hear this. "I assume Echanar is her cousin?"

"Yes he is," Thranduil replies, "but he is just a youth he would only know what lies have been fed to him."

"Yes well your father put him in his place, I doubt we will be seeing much of him again," I laugh softly and brush stray strands of his hair from his face. He still appears very hurt over the whole thing and I guess telling me is his only way of dealing with the problem. So I resolve to listen, even if it is hard to hear. "Before you start you do know it isn't going to change how I feel about you?"

"I know," Thranduil smiles and it reaches his eyes, which warms my heart, "but you should know the truth, and you should know I was not entirely innocent." I nod for him to continue but feel a little nervous at the prospect, with a sigh he starts;

"Bregeth was someone my father picked for me, he thought her fierce temper and in depth knowledge of war and politics would keep me on my toes." Thranduil shakes his head in amusement of the idea; "Oh may the Valar forgive me but I hated her, and her disdain for me was equally as strong. On our first meeting she felt I was weak and too dramatic for her tastes, she did not enjoy spontaneity, her life was organised, methodical, and well planned out in advance. That included her marriage to me because that would was the sensible and logical thing to do."

"So you both consented to a forced marriage even though you hated each other?" I ask in disbelief. It is a foreign concept to me that someone would marry another that they so obviously disliked.

"Ah no, not exactly," Thranduil drops his gaze from mine and starts tracing patterns in the palm of my hands. "You know how stubborn I can be?" He glances up at me and my mouth twitches up in an amused smile but I let him continue. "Well I may have refused to entertain the idea on numerous occasions, and I may have been quite petulant about the whole thing. I did not feel I should be bound to another simply to appease my father, particularly if that other elleth was utterly repulsive."

"Thranduil you did not say those things?" I balk and shake my head disapprovingly.

"Oh I might have, Clara I am not as pleasant as you seem to think I am," he pulls a face and I continue to shake my head in mock disapproval. "In my defense she was not the friendliest of ellith either, it is hard to maintain a friendship when the other refuses to talk."

"I am not here to judge," I reply quite neutrally and gesture for him to continue.

"Then stop giving me that look!" He accuses and I stifle a giggle. "Anyway it took a very frank and honest discussion with my father for me to see the error of my ways. I knew he wanted to follow my mother, and I knew it was my duty to provide stability for our people. A slightly unhinged Prince with no heir and a lust for battle was hardly what they needed. So I agreed to the marriage, if only to give my father peace of mind, and to do what was right by the people of our realm."

"That was a very selfless decision, I don't think I would have had the guts to go through with it," I reply softly and squeeze his hands with my own. "You cannot fault yourself for trying to do what you thought was right."

"I said I agreed I did not say I was happy about it," Thranduil replies huffily and scowls at the memory. "Bregeth and I had a very small ceremony but it was many long months before either of us could bring ourselves to be united. She only agreed because it secured her position as my wife and therefore she was deserved of all the entitlement which that brought with it. As petty as it sounds I felt used, because for the most part our union was cold and empty. In her defense I was equally as uncaring towards her, more because my pride was stung by her obvious disdain for me. I was accustomed to being fawned over, I was used to the attentions of ellith and I could not fathom how she did not want me? I was quite naive and very egotistical back then, though I hope I have mellowed over the years."

"Well you are certainly no longer naïve but the ego is still there," I jest softly and he frowns at me. "So when did it change? Things obviously improved if you had Legolas?"

"We eventually came to a standoff," Thranduil admits quietly and returns to playing with my hands; "The whole point of our union was to secure an heir, but Bregeth hated Greenwood, her heart was still in Lindon. Begetting me a child would mean she would have to stay in the forest with me, for she often traveled home for extensive vacations. However she was a methodical and strategically minded elleth, she understood the conditions of our arrangement and agreed that providing an heir was what the people of Greenwood needed. We did not expect it to happen so quickly, for I am sure you are more than aware a bonded couple must want an infant before it may be granted to them, I did not truly believe it was what she wanted. Yet with the news I had hoped that maybe I could learn to love Bregeth as the mother of my child, I secretly prayed that parenthood would soften us because in reality I was terrified. I did not feel prepared enough to be a father, I was certainly failing as a husband and I doubted my ability to love something more than I loved myself."

"And now look at you," I beam and he refuses to look at me; "Legolas must have changed you quite considerably."

"He did," Thranduil murmurs and then slowly lifts his gaze to meet mine with that reverential look of complete adoration that fills his eyes and it is something only a parent could understand. "Unfortunately the feeling was not mutual with Bregeth, the whole time she carried him she was miserable. I thought this was normal, I thought she was having a difficult time and I tried to console her but she shut me out and predictable blamed her condition on me. I had asked to be present at his birth but that was vehemently disallowed, I would not see her in a weakened and undignified state."

"You weren't there when your son was born?" I yelp in shock.

"Oh no I was there; only I was pacing the corridors for several long hours alone and completely demented. No-one would tell me anything, I did not know what to expect and I resisted the urge to ignore her demands and just barge in anyway." He shakes his head vigorously at the memory, and I realize my eyes are huge as I am caught up in the fascinating tale. Suddenly Thranduil's eyes soften and he makes a cradle motion with his arms. "He was so small, I did not expect him to be so tiny when the healers brought him to me sometime after dawn. I remember thinking I would kill for him; I had all sorts of wild and vivid emotions at that moment. The strongest of which was a very real and incredibly intense love, it was shocking how ferociously protective I felt over this vulnerable little thing that just clutched my finger in his whole hand. I refused to let him go, he was mine, I made him he belonged to me."

"Whoa, slow down there papa bear," I laugh but can't help the adoring grin I give him, because the look in his eyes would melt even the most icy of hearts. "It takes two to make a baby, I am sure his mother felt equally as protective."

"You would think," Thranduil suddenly snaps and I flinch a little at the emotion in his voice. "In Bregeth's mind she had done all that was asked of her. Three days after our son was born she called me to her and advised that there was no need for us to be intimate again. She understood that I may have needs and told me she would turn a blind eye if I wished to take a mistress. I was humiliated, hurt, and felt utterly useless as an ellon, but I promised her that so long as our son was young I would not dishonor her. I did not want him growing up in an environment where his parents lived separately; he deserved the best and would have the best. My hopes of us becoming closer were long gone. Bregeth continued to distance herself from me and I soon began to realize she struggled to bond with her baby. She would not name him, nor was she affectionate or maternal towards him. I tried to help but I was just as inexperienced, as much as I loved my son I had not the first clue about how to interact with him. Adar would guide me or Gilron if she visited Oliel. It was she that first voiced her concerns over Bregeth's lack of attachment to Legolas. I brought in healers, I begged her to talk to me, I would sit for hours just trying to get her to hold him but she wouldn't. She grew ever more morose and isolated herself, and for the longest time I worried for her. That was until she went missing one evening."

"Missing?" I croak, I too have started to feel quite sorry for this Bregeth character. I suppose in my world she might have been suffering post natal depression, and with no family to support her she must have been so lost and confused.

"It was a winters evening and dark quite early, I was engaged in a rather heated council meeting with some Lindon elves regarding trade when Oliel interrupted us asking for my presence. She was distressed and I thought for sure something had happened. She told me she had found Legolas crying in his cradle, in the dark, cold and undoubtedly hungry. Bregeth was nowhere to be found and it appeared she had not been there for some time. Ollie panicked and sent for her mother, for she could not settle the infant and did not want to disturb me. I nearly ripped her head off and I still wonder why she remained friends me after that night, for I was something akin to a wild bear. Adar sent out guards to search for Bregeth, while I attempted to console our son. I was terrified that she had run off into the woods in her vulnerable state of mind and I blamed myself for not taking better care of her. The harsh reality was that although I vowed not to entertain another elleth while Legolas was young, she was not so against the idea."

"What?" I shout and jump to my feet more in shock than in temper; "She was with another while her baby was alone and hungry? What kind of an excuse of a female is that?"

"Yes well that was my first reaction," Thranduil gives a hard laugh at my assessment before continuing. "I could not look at her when she returned, and I retreated with my son to my father's chambers for several days before I felt calm enough to face her. We spent an entire night and day discussing the events that had led to this, and the more we talked the more I understood her point of view. She had not lain with this Lindon merchant ellon, she was simply enjoying a few flirtatious evenings with him. She admitted that she was not one to believe in love and the monotony of marriage. She felt caged and unhappy in this life that she knew she had agreed to. It hurt her that she could not feel the same love for Legolas as I obviously could, but she believed that she could never be a mother and that I was right, her son deserved better than her. So I agreed to let her go, if that was what she truly wanted then I would not hold her back. Of course I wanted her to stay for Legolas but she quite blatantly did not want that. I did not want to be portrayed as the heartless prince who kept his wife in submission and misery for the rest of her existence."

"And she just left without another word?" I question and sit back down by Thranduil, entwining my fingers with his and watching as a sorrow filled look creeps into his beautiful face,

"No of course not," he smiles sadly and glances to me. "It had to be made official since she was essentially giving up her right to be Legolas' mother. I truly did not want that, but she seemed to think it was the best way and maybe it was. Before she left she told me she had grown very fond of me, and she regretted the years of pain she had caused. She vowed never to come back nor would she speak of our time together, it would be as if it never happened. She made me swear to keep her existence a secret from Legolas, and that I was to make up any story I wished about who his mother was. I promised her I would tell him his mother was a strong and fierce elleth who loved him, but could not be with him. This seemed to mend whatever ill feelings we had for one another and so we parted ways. She kept to her word - I have never seen her from that day and I wager I never will."

"How did Oropher take the news, did he agree with the separation?" I ask timidly realizing that his father was probably a major influence in the whole scenario.

"Adar was initially enraged with Bregeth's behavior; he felt she was openly humiliating us." Thranduil's answers me in a somber tone and sighs heavily. "He then went on to blame himself for the devastation caused in the wake of our separation. His guilt led him to postpone his plans to go west and in turn that made me feel responsible for his unhappiness. We argued a lot after that, I wanted him to leave and I insisted I could manage on my own. He felt I was too troubled by the events that had occurred and that I should not be expected to raise my son alone. It was a vicious circle, he felt I was grieving and I thought he was being condescending. However when the false rumors started spreading that I was the reason Bregeth left, I really did hit a low point, and it was my Adar's unwavering support and love that seen me through. He completely defended me and would severely punish anyone that was caught feeding such vile lies. I guess in a sense the whole ordeal made us closer, it is probably the one thing we actually agree on."

I don't speak for a long time, I just sit and soothingly stroke Thranduil's arm. He really has had his fair share of grief; in retrospect my little tale of heartbreak with Trent seems completely insignificant. How this man is capable of still showing love is beyond me, quite honestly he is a lot more gracious than he gets credit for. Yes I know he isn't completely innocent but he is more innocent than others would make out.

"Will you not speak to me meleth-nin?" Thranduil eventually asks his voice a little unsure, and that is what finally breaks my reverie.

"We need to leave this place," I say evenly and I watch as his eyebrows draw together in confusion. "This place is messing with our happiness, that is twice since we have arrived that we have been forced to have an emotional heart to heart."

"You are not angry?" he asks and I shake my head vigorously.

"Angry for you but not at you," I reply and rake my hands through his hair that has now fallen over his face, obscuring him from me. "How you're still able to love is beyond me?"

"Do not give me pity Clara I do not want it," he suddenly replies forcefully which sort of throws me a little. "I did not love Bregeth, in fact up until your arrival I did not understand that love. I understand the love I have for my son, it is an instinctual and entirely natural thing, but to love another is harder. If it was not for Bregeth I would never know to recognize love when I found it, because she taught me exactly what I did not want. Now that I have found what it is I want I do not intend on letting it go."

With a sly grin Thranduil wraps his arms around my waist and in a slight movement has me pinned beneath him. I laugh breathlessly and am all too happy to receive his slew of ticklish kisses which he seems intent on peppering my face and head with. After a few minutes he halts his surprise attack and smiles adoringly at me, with that familiar look which makes me burn. With a sigh he clambers off me and helps me back into bed, ignoring my quiet pleas for more affection.

"Clara you are a vixen," he accuses and slides down the bed frame so he sits on the floor by my head; "You are worse than a hormone driven youth!"

"If I am then it is your fault," I tease and do my best seductive look, which only makes him groan and shake his head in disapproval.

"You are right we do need to leave this place," he adds with a mischievous glint in his eye.

"Oh and why is that?" I snigger as he leans in to brush his nose against mine, alerting me to the fact a lingering kiss may be on the cards.

"Because it would be entirely improper to make you my wife in someone else's home."