That morning Celebelen felt like singing as soon as her eyes had opened. So she did, as she got ready for the day, a pleasant melody filled her heart. She was sure today was going to be a wonderful day.

That is, until she heard her name as a topic coming from the infirmary as she walked to her place of work. She crept closer to listen to the gossip running rampant within.

"See I knew it was her!"

"Oh hush, none of us knew."

"Do you think she knows yet?"

"Probably not."

"I wonder if she'll be surprised."

"I would. It wouldn't be very pleasant to know you were the reason the King and the Prince argued."

Her hand shot up to cover her mouth. They argued?

One of them hushed that one, "No one is supposed to know! Elani only knew because she passed by the throne room the previous night."

"It was unpleasant. I do not think I have ever heard the prince raise his voice before."

Celebelen could not take listening anymore. She quickly roamed the palace, listening close for any indication of where Thranduil might be. When she heard that he had left for the forest early this morning, she returned to her room to fetch her cloak. Hood drawn, she made her way out of the palace.

She crept along in the dense wood until she came upon a clearing. Inside it was the one who held her heart. His perfect face was contorted in concentration, holding his drawn bow and taking deep breaths. There were three arrows nocked and the glanced to where his aim was centered and saw three targets, most had a few arrows sticking out near the center.

When he let the arrows fly, she flinched, making a fallen twig break beneath her feet. With a motion too quick for a human eye to follow, he had another arrow nocked and let it fly. When it didn't make the telltale sound that his arrow had found it's mark, his mouth thinned. The only sound that greeted him was a disappointing clatter of wood to the ground.

"Who are you? And how did you avoid it? My arrows never miss their mark," he said frustratedly.

When she revealed herself and lowered her hood, she watched as his features immediately relaxed. He dropped his bow in half shock, half relief.

"You startled me," he said.

The corners of her mouth quirked up slightly in humor, "Consider it repayment."

He looked confused for a moment, then began to laugh, a deep melodious sound that made her heart flutter. She walked over to him gently smiling. When she stepped in front of him, he hugged her to him, laughter still moving his shoulders.

When finally his laughter calmed to short chuckles, he asked, "By all the stars, you astound me. Now, tell me, how did you avoid my arrow?"

"Your aim was not as true as you believed. Though, it was close," she replied.

He frowned for a moment, then shrugged, "Perhaps I am due for more training then."

She looked up at him, traces of a smile still gracing her features, "I have always loved the bow, though I cannot use it. It has always been the most beautiful of weapons to me."

"I could teach you," he offered.

Her smile faded slightly, "Perhaps another time."

He looked at her concernedly, releasing his hands from her.

She looked to her right, taking in the foliage around them, "I was told you and your father argued."

He grimaced, "I was not told that was a public conversation."

Her gaze met his again, "It wasn't, but a few of the other healers were passing by the throne room the previous night and heard raised voices. They heard my name."

"It does not matter," he replied, waving away any concern.

She gently grabbed his hand, "It matters to me. Thranduil, you are all your father has left. I could not become a rift between you two. Perhaps..."

Almost alarmed, he watched as her gaze flitted to the ground.

He used his free hand to touch her chin, bringing her gaze up to meet his again, "Perhaps what?"

"Perhaps it would be better to break our courtship to appease your father," she sighed.

His grip on her chin tightened slightly, and his gaze turned fierce, "I will not be separated from you so easily."

She sighed lightly.

"I cannot deny what is in my heart," he told her.

A flicker of hope shone in her eyes, "And what is in your heart?"

He stared at her for a few moments, then pulled their hands that were still intertwined and placed her palm over his heart. Quietly, he said, "A love that is fiercer than a summer's storm."

She inhaled sharply and breathed, "Oh, Thranduil."

He frowned for a moment, "And it is real, no matter what my father may have to say."

She hesitated, then asked, "Is it real?"

His gaze grew sharp, then softened as he stared into her eyes. He watched until a blush dusted her cheeks.

His hand moved from her chin to caress the apple of her cheek, tracing the flush, "Is this not real?" He dipped his head to press a light kiss on her lips, then pressed her hand deeper onto his chest, so she could feel the quickening of his heartbeat, "Is that not proof enough? Or would you have me tell you that you are ever in my thoughts? That I have never felt anything like the happiness I feel when I am with you?"

Breathing deeply, Celebelen took hold of her courage with both hands and breathed, "I love you."

A subtle relief flashed across his features and he returned his mouth to hers to kiss her thoroughly. Her hand slipped from where it lay on his chest to rest gently in his hair. Exhaling happily, he released her other hand to wrap his arm around her waist to pull her closer, weaving his free hand into her hair to hold the back of her neck to kiss her more deeply.

Much to his irritation, Thranduil heard an intruder happen upon their quiet clearing. Hoping they would pass them by, he continued kissing her. When it became apparent that they would not, he made a noise of frustration in the back of his throat and broke their kiss. Sliding his hand from her neck to her cheek once more, he smiled happily while taking in her sweetly kissed lips, and her slowly opening slumberous eyes.

Hearing their intruder clear their throat, Celebelen looked over his shoulder and gasped. In an instant, she squirmed out of his grasp and put a respectable amount of distance between them. Seeing her bow, he sighed, knowing his father was here. He turned and raised a questioning brow.

His father's face was carefully blank as he took them both in. Quietly he said, "I require your presence."

Thranduil stepped forward until Oropher held up his palm, halting him, "Not you, her."

Both males glanced at Celebelen, who had gone more pale by the second. She glanced at Thranduil as she stepped forward. His stomach seemed to twitch in unease as he watched his father hold his hand out for hers. When her hand was delicately perched in Oropher's palm, Thranduil's hands clenched into fists.

Turning to his son, Oropher told him, "You will report to the counsel room at sundown. We have much to discuss."

And Thranduil watched them leave.