Author's note: Hi, sorry this took so long to update. Anyway, enjoy the new chapter.
...
Legolas ran to his father's council chambers, he needed to Thranduil what had happened with Laurena. He ran as fast as he could, trying his best not to bump into other Elves on his path; they only stared after him, wondering what was his urgency. All Legolas did know was when he told his adar about Laurena, he was not going to be happy... that he knew for certain.
Bolting down the hall fast as he could, then he came to a grinding holt once he reached his father's chambers. Legolas took a few calming breaths first, he decided he wouldn't knock, adar would just ignore it. It was best to barge in, his adar would only be angry for a moment until he knew the reason for Legolas' abrupt entrance.
Legolas burst through the doors and into the bare looking council chambers, that's only decoration was books and a table. By his actions, Legolas caught the attentions of the Elves of his father's council and the King himself.
Thranduil glared at him from where he stood around a table with his council ''Legolas, what is the meaning of this!'' He spoke, his tone low and dangerous. Thranduil had always told Legolas never to disturb him when meeting with his council.
Legolas bowed his head slightly out of respect ''Forgive my intrusion adar but there is an urgent matter concerning Laurena.'' Legolas said, slight worry in his voice at about Laurena, but also about how Thranduil may react towards his barging in.
Thranduil looked at his Elven council and gave a wave of his hand ''Leave us.'' He commanded.
The Elves quickly left the room, some of them glancing at Legolas with slight concern. Once the last Elf had left, the door was then shut and Legolas was left alone with Thranduil.
Thranduil strode over to Legolas, his face stern ''What's happened?'' He said coldly, his piercing gaze falling on Legolas.
''I-I don't know, one minute she was fine, a-and the next minute she wasn't.'' Legolas stuttered. He didn't think he would ever get used to his father's gaze when he was angry, it was by far the most intimidating thing he had ever seen in his life; he also knew that gaze was usual followed by his wrath.
''Think Legolas!'' Thranduil shouted. If something was wrong with Laurena then he needed to know and it wasn't helping the fact his son was not giving him the important information he needed.
Legolas jumped slightly at the sound of his father's booming voice ''Adar, I-I don't know, she just snapped.''
''Snapped how?'' He said coldly.
Legolas gave a sigh ''I asked her about the wedding and she started getting agitated, then when I asked her if she was okay, she shouted at me and then ran off.''
Thranduil raised an eyebrow ''The wedding? Our wedding?'' He questioned.
Legolas nodded ''She also said something about making a mistake, and then she was gone.''
Thranduil's face fell slightly, he needed to speak with her ''Where did she go?'' His tone more concerned than angry.
Thranduil gave a wave of dismissal before Legolas could answer ''It matters not, I will find her myself.'' He strode past Legolas, heading for the door.
Legolas stepped out of his father's way, from the look on Thranduil's face he didn't want anyone to stand in his way with finding Laurena; he doubted anyone would.
Thranduil exited his council chambers slamming the door behind him. Legolas cringed as the sound that echoed throughout the chambers. One thing Legolas knew for certain, he didn't want to be Laurena when adar found her.
...
Thranduil stormed through his halls, what did that Ellith think she was playing at? Thranduil then paused for a moment thinking over what Legolas had said. The talk of the wedding was what had upset her. Was she having second thoughts? Thranduil's breath caught slightly in his throat, and what was once anger, then turned into fear.
Thranduil rushed through his halls, still making sure to look as composed as possible. He should have known this was too good to be true, but no, he thought was his heart and rushed into this.
Rushed her into this.
Though they were a match, he had proposed marriage so quickly, and Laurena wouldn't have refused, as Thranduil was a King. Not a King to be refused either.
What had he done?
Unsure of where to go to look for Laurena, he only knew of two places she could possibly be; as there were limited places she would know. Those places being her chambers, or the garden he took her to last night. Thranduil decided he would go to the location which was closest first, that being the gardens.
On arriving at the arch to his personal gardens, Thranduil stepped through, his eyes carefully scanning for Laurena. He couldn't see her anywhere yet, so he began to look around amongst the greenery, that was, until he heard something.
Thranduil stopped all movements.
He then heard the noise again, he turned to the direction from whence it came. It was by the lake, surely it had to be Laurena.
Thranduil carefully manoeuvred himself over to the lake, the sound became more clearer and then he recognised what it was.
Crying.
As Thranduil moved closer, he instantly began to soften; he hadn't heard her cry, and he had to admit it was something he did not care for. He then saw her, she was sat curled up in a ball, crying into her knees as she hugged them close.
Being the agile warrior he was, Thranduil was able to sneak up on her without her noticing him. He gently began to lower himself to the ground, Laurena still cried, her body shaking from every sob. Thranduil didn't know what to do, he watched her for a while; his heart slightly breaking with every sob she gave. This was his fault, he shouldn't have rushed her into this.
Thranduil hesitantly put a hand on her shoulder, and she stopped crying for a second to look up at who was touching her.
As Laurena looked up, Thranduil's heart stopped slightly. The beautiful pale skin of her face was now all red and blotchy on her cheeks, and slightly damp from where her tears had fell. Around her eyes they had become puffy and there were tears resting in her eyes that had yet to be shed.
Thranduil looked down for a second, thinking what he could say to give her comfort. On lowering his head, he saw that where Laurena had rested her face on her silk dress had become slightly damp from her tears.
Thranduil gave a sigh, as he sat comfortably on the grass. He then lifted a hand to her face, wiping away her tears with the gentle caress of his thumb ''Do not cry, meleth nin.'' He said softly.
''I'm so s-sorry Thranduil.'' She sobbed.
Thranduil's face fell slightly ''What do you have to be sorry for?''
A few more tears fell down her face ''I love you Thranduil, but...'' Laurena trailed off as tears continued to fall ''You need a Queen, and I-I am not fit to be Queen, I am not to be trusted with such reasonability; adar never even trusted me to water plants.''
Thranduil shook his head ''I care not. There are very few that are born to be rulers, it is something one must learn and I will teach you.''
Lauren scoffed ''You will regret saying such things when I run your Kingdom into ruin.''
''I will be the one to teach you Laurena, do you not trust my methods?'' He asked.
Laurena nodded ''Of course I do.''
''Then my Kingdom will continue to stand.'' Thranduil replied.
Laurena nodded, but he could still see there was still much worry in her ''Tell me what troubles you, meleth nin? I can see that is not all that bothers you.''
Laurena wiped her eyes for a second ''I know you are my match Thranduil but...'' She paused ''It's ridiculous now that I'm about to say it, but we don't even like the same wine and what if we have nothing in common, and-''
Thranduil silenced her by pressing his lips to hers, when he pulled away, he cupped her face in the hand he had used to wipe away her tears ''We will never be completely on par Laurena, and that is what will make us last centuries.'' He smiled ''Yes, we may not like the same wine, or maybe even the same books or food, but that will never change my love for you.''
''I thought you would tire of me if we had nothing in common.'' She sniffed.
Thranduil smiled ''I could never tire of you, our differences will be what keeps us from wanting to kill each other over the years to come.''
Laurena smiled a little as she wiped her eyes again, Thranduil realising her from his hold ''I was just scared.'' She whispered.
''You have nothing to be afraid of.'' Thranduil assured her.
''I thought that maybe our connection didn't take our circumstances into it.'' Laurena began ''It only knows us by our souls, not by our status or who we are and that made me think that maybe those things would get in the way.''
Thranduil shook his head ''The Valar knows all, they know that you and I were meant to be. It will not always be easy Laurena, but I will be here by your side.''
Laurena smiled ''I realise that now Thranduil. I guess I just thought that everything was meant to be like the fairy tales I used to read, I thought that everything was supposed to go smoothly; now that I think about it, I think I just wanted it perfect because I never thought it would happen to me.''
Thranduil smiled ''There is nothing wrong in dreaming, meleth nin, and it did happen to you, you have me and you always shall.''
''Do you not have any doubts about all this?'' Laurena asked suddenly.
''Not really.'' Thranduil replied ''I was worried though that I rushed you into this, that knowing my reputation as a King, you were too scared to refuse me.''
Laurena shook her head ''I would have always said yes Thranduil. I didn't really think about you being a King when I gave my answer.'' Thranduil smiled slightly.
''Thranduil.'' Lauren began ''I know that the side of you I see now, will not always be the side of you I shall see, but I need to know, that no matter what mood you are in, that you will still love me.''
''Of course I will meleth nin.'' Thranduil then sighed ''I know I have a reputation across the lands, to be cold, heartless, cruel and filled with rage, but I assure you, if those moods strike; they all shall love you and they shall never hurt you.''
Laurena smiled, then kissed him ''Thank you Thranduil, you have eased my worries.''
''It's alright meleth nin, I understand why you would feel as such.'' He replied.
''It does make me feel better the fact you had worries too.'' Lauren said.
Thranduil smiled slightly ''Of course I do, this is just as much of a change for me as it is for you.''
''Is it a change you still want?'' Laurena asked.
''Of course it is.'' Thranduil chuckled.
''Is it something you still want?'' Thranduil began ''Do you still wish to become my wife and Queen?''
Lauren nodded and smiled ''Yes, I still do.''
Thranduil pulled her close and kissed her deeply, her kissing him back with just as much love ''So, is the wedding back on?'' Thranduil grinned.
Laurena looked slightly confused ''It was off?''
Thranduil chuckled ''Legolas told me you were having second thoughts, the poor boy came running to me in worry, probably thinking he had done something to upset you.''
Lauren went wide eyed ''Oh Legolas! I shouted at him and then ran off. I need to apologise to him.''
''It's alright Laurena, he will not be angry with you.'' Thranduil assured her.
''But still, I should apologise, he only meant well.'' Laurena argued.
Thranduil chuckled further ''If you want to apologise then do so, but I assure you he will not be angry at you either way.''
Laurena raised an eyebrow ''And why is that?
Thranduil smirked ''Because I shouted at him much worse.''
Laurena furrowed her brow ''Thranduil.''
Thranduil gave a sigh ''I lost my temper, I wasn't having a very good day and then my son barges in and tells me you are having second thoughts about the wedding; so yes, I got angry at him. At his news and the fact he barged into my council chamber, he knows he is not to disturb me when I am attending to matters.''
''I still want to apologise to him, Thranduil.'' Laurena persisted.
Thranduil gave a slight sigh ''My, you are stubborn, meleth nin.'' Thranduil then stood from the ground, offering his hand to Laurena to help her back to her feet.
''I will take you to him.'' Thranduil began ''He usually practices his bow when he's gotten himself in trouble.''
''Thranduil.'' Laurena began ''Please apologise to Legolas.''
Thranduil raised an eyebrow and scoffed ''I shall do no such thing.''
''Why not?'' Laurena questioned.
Thranduil gave a heavy breath through his nose ''The boy needs to learn.''
Laurena gave a slight sigh ''Thranduil please, just apologise to him for shouting at him because of me.''
Thranduil gave a sigh, Laurena looked at him with hopeful eyes. Thranduil didn't want to apologise, he had never apologised to anyone since he was a young Ellon (the exception being Laurena). He knew though that Laurena was unlikely to let the issue go, so it would be better to swallow his pride just this once.
Thranduil gave a slight nod of this head ''Alright.'' He replied with little emotion.
Laurena smiled a little, it was obvious Thranduil didn't want to apologise but he was doing so for her, and that made her feel special; the fact that a great King such as Thranduil, was willing to swallow his pride to make her happy.
Laurena kissed him on the cheek ''Thank you, meleth nin.''
And with that he lead her out of the gardens, to where they would find Legolas.
...
Legolas shot another arrow into the target, then another, then another. He always came to the practice fields when adar would get angry with him, he needed something to focus all his attention on, and archery practice was always his first choice.
The practice fields were almost bare today, mainly because the Elven guards that used the grounds had been and gone. Legolas had always wanted to join the guards when he was of age, he wanted to get to know his people on a more personal level, have them relate to him and he to them. Of course, Thranduil was completely against the idea. Thranduil refused to let Legolas join the guards because he didn't want him getting hurt; that would then lead to arguments.
Legolas rolled his eyes slightly at the memories of the many arguments that took place over the issue. In his opinion, it was ridiculous not to let him join the guards; he would be King one day and a King needs to know as much about battle as he can, and joining the guards would give him that opportunity. But no, Thranduil's word was final and Legolas couldn't be bothered to argue with him anymore.
As Legolas shook off the thoughts, to concentrate more on his archery, he could sense he was no longer alone. After Legolas had released his current arrow, he turned to his adar stood with Laurena at his side.
Legolas lowered his bow, placing it on the ground. Then giving a bow of his head.
''You are very talented with that bow, Legolas.'' Laurena said, with a gentle smile.
Legolas gave a nod ''Thank you, my Lady.''
Laurena gave a slight sigh ''Legolas, you needn't call my 'my Lady', Laurena is perfectly fine.''
Legolas shook his head a little ''I wish not to offend you further.''
Laurena stepped away from Thranduil, making her way towards Legoals ''Legolas.'' She began softly ''I have come to apologise, the way I acted towards you was unpleasant. I just got scared about all the changes that have happened recently and I shouldn't have taken it out on you, especially after you had been so kind to me. Can you forgive me?'' She finished with a slight smile.
Legolas smiled a little and nodded his head ''Of course I can... Laurena.''
Thranduil began to step forward, moving to Laurena's side. ''I wish to apologise to you too, Legolas.'' Thranduil began. Legolas' expression became one of slight confusion; Thranduil never apologised to him.
Thranduil gave a slight sigh ''I shouldn't have shouted at you about Laurena, I wasn't having a very good day and I took it out on you, and for that I am sorry.''
Legolas went wide eyed ''I-I accept your apology.''
Thranduil gave a nod of his head.
Legolas was still slightly taken aback by his father's apology, Laurena must have said something; he was sure of it.
''Though, I shall not apologise for shouting at you for barging into my council chambers, you know better than to do such.'' Thranduil said. Legolas, wasn't surprised by him saying such. He must have needed something to contradict his apology, adar wouldn't want to appear to becoming 'soft'.
Legolas nodded ''Yes adar, I'm sorry.''
Laurena gave a slight roll of her eyes ''We didn't come here to make Legolas apologise.''
''He needs to learn.'' Thranduil replied coldly.
Laurena gave a slight huff. She should have known better than to expect Thranduil to make amends with Legolas entirely, but still, at least he apologised.
Legolas didn't seem to take it personally though, he knew his father's nature better than anyone and he seemed more than pleased with a small apology.
''So, is the wedding still on?'' Legolas asked with a smile.
Laurena smiled slightly ''Was it ever off?'' She replied playfully.
...
Author's note: I hope you liked the chapter.
