This chap is about 3,400 words. Thank you all reviewers, those that fav and follows.

I hope you all can forgive me, after all, it's taken a while to post this. Hope this chapter makes up for the wait.

R&R! Enjoy!

Chapter 10:

Calithilel felt strange when she opened her eyes. And to add that she also felt like she had been hit by a truck – not that she knew how that felt like, but she could imagine – her fantasy was well enough for that at least. She blinked several times, wondering where she was. Had she died? Would she soon meet deceased friends and people or elves? Would she see Sparkles? Pain in her chest. No, she could not be dead. She would not feel this pain then. At least I've understood that. A good start I must admit, she thought to herself.

"You are safe." The shape of a woman in front of her, surrounded by light and an earthly smell.

"Yavanna?" she asked.

"You are still unconscious my dear." Laughter in her voice.

"Why you seem happy," she grumbled, and kept staring at the female figure.

"Why would I not be happy? You are alive!" Her tone shone with a bright smile and her light intensified.

"I don't feel so alive. Where am I?"

"In your head. But I must tell you a truth that we have kept from you." Her tone became serious and Calithilel felt herself squirm.

"I still feel pain," she mumbled and winced when trying to move.

"Lay still, I will ease your pain. But listen my child, for you will face a strangeness when you awake. For you are tied to Thranduil in a way you cannot imagine."

"What's that supposed to mean?" she asked worriedly.

"You know the tale of his, a tragic ending his former wife met? All to save her loving son. That elleth was you, Calithilel. You in another body, another life, but still the same soul."

It was too much. How could it even be possible? How could this have happened? If she had died here previously, was she not meant to be safe? And for sure not on earth as another previous life. "What happened?" she choked out.

"Your soul went astray and so you ended up on earth. However, when you died there, we were able to pull you back to Middle-Earth."

"What does that mean for me?" she whispered.

"You will never remember your previous life here, Calithilel. You will never be the same person. Your soul is the same, which will let you be with Thranduil and your son Legolas once more."

"I barely even know them! Do they know?"

"Yes."

"Do they expect the former me?"

"No. They understand that you are not the same. But all of you still have a chance of happiness together and new memories."

It was a lot to take in. Enough to make her dizzy. She could slowly feel her eyelids close and then she was once more in the darkness.

She blinked several times before she could see clearly. Her body felt heavy and she was now sure she was awake once more. Her mouth was dry, another sign that she had been asleep for too long. The pain though, it was muted and a relief, for she did not want to give it much thought in the moment. She had other concerns.

"Kíli and… Fíli?" she wondered upon seeing the two brothers by her bed.

"You're awake!" the two of them exclaimed happily at the same time.

She cracked a smile. "Of course." She tried to lick her lips, but frowned. Too dry.

"Here," Kíli said and offered her a cup against her lips.

She did not find the strength to glare and took a careful sip before saying, "Thorin?"

A shadow seemed to pass. "He fell," Fíli explained.

"And Gandalf destroyed the Arkenstone," Kíli continued. "Fíli is king now." He sniggered.

Calithilel smiled. "You will be a great king." She frowned. "I'm sorry I was not able to save your uncle."

"What are you saying?" Fíli gasped. "You risked your own life to save ours! We are forever in your debt."

She tried to wave a hand, but it felt a bit numb. "You are my friends, you will never be in my debt. I would like to keep our friendship."

Kíli looked sad and said, "The king Thranduil wants to take you away. Are you leaving us?"

"He is my mate," she said softly. "I cannot stay with you and not be with him. Nevertheless, I will try to visit."

Fíli held a hand on his brother's shoulder. "It is time for us to go."

"Be well," the brothers said in unison and went out of the tent.

She breathed out for herself. She had not failed. Two from Durin's line had survived. She breathed out again and the tent opened once more. She felt a bit faint; still she managed to turn her head towards the one who entered. "Legolas," she said softly. The feeling of warmth in her chest spreading all through her boy. Such love for an elf she did not even really know, not in this life. But at the same time she would like to bond with him. He was her son in soul and she could feel it. Clearly.

"It is strange how strong the bond feels, is it not?" Legolas asked and sat by her side, a faint smile touching his lips.

"I will admit, maybe stranger for me." She started to chuckle but it soon turned into a cough. Legolas looked at her with such worry that she tried to pull herself together. It was not easy, though soon the tent was filled with silence. "I'm sorry," she finally said and tears welled up in her eyes.

Legolas' panicked look was not what she expected. "Why are you sorry? You have nothing to be sorry about!" he protested.

"I'm sorry I cannot truly remember you." Her lower lip shook. "I feel the bond with you so strongly now and I understand who you are to me, but with missing memories it is so damned frustrating!"

Legolas leaned over and pulled her towards him. Through their bond, his hug of love filled her and she breathed in his scent. "I do not remember much of my mother, and since you share the same soul I would like to get to know you," he whispered.

"I have no clue how to be a mother," she laughed faintly and he chuckled.

"Let's start with friendship then," he suggested and pulled away. He stood looking at her with sparkling eyes.

"I'd like that a lot, Legolas."

He smiled and turned to leave, but paused by the tent's opening. "Father will visit you a bit later. He had something to discuss with king Fíli."

She did not answer, and she did not have to. Her `ok´ was so strong in her mind that he seemed to hear her. Silently he left and she turned her head away. She closed her eyes, but sleep would not find her. Not now. She had slept too long.

Too much drama, she thought. Why do I feel like such a child? Even Legolas, my son, is more mature than me… No, relax. Pull yourself together Calithilel. This is just a moment of weakness, nothing more. She breathed out. Slowly she tried to sit, and thanks to Yavanna, the pain was not too much. It was still a little painful to breathe sitting like she did. Not enough patience. She was already sick of this bed.

The tent was opened and a shocked "Calithilel!" and hurried footsteps, made her look up. "What are you doing?!" Bilbo asked, a little panicked. "You're supposed to rest."

"I've slept long enough, Bilbo," she said and shook her head a bit.

"Resting does not necessarily mean sleeping. Just laying down and relax. Being bored is part of it."

"I do not want to be bored as of right now," she grumbled.

"Here, let me give you some more pillows so you almost will be sitting up, but still comfortable." As Bilbo helped her she reached for the cup of water, but the hobbit stopped her. "No! No more of that now. I have brought you some tea." He handed her another cup.

"Thanks Bilbo," she said and took a small sip. She then wrinkled her nose and took another. "What is it in this tea?"

He looked a little guilty. "Gandalf made me give this to you so you would rest a bit easier."

She did not have the will to be mad at her friend. Instead she said, "Thank you for being a good friend and looking out for me." She then swallowed up the rest in the cup and handed it to him. She felt drowsy almost at once and she closed her eyes. Resting against the pillows she barely heard him leave. She knew he would feel a little guilty and would have to talk to him about it later. Yes, yes he was a friend that looked after her indeed. But for now, for now she would sleep.

Thranduil entered the tent and sat by Calithilel's side. The little hobbit had helped her with the pillows and she rested against them. He let his right hand rest on her left cheek, while now and then he stroked his thumb over. Even if she slept so peacefully, he could feel her uneasiness when the dreams were not good, and even sometimes, her fear. It was not as clear like when she was awake, but she had been good at blocking him. Nevertheless, after a true bonding, he knew it would be harder to shut each other off. If even possible at all.

He had talked with the dwarf. Now King of Erebor. They had come to an agreement, after he had agreed to give Bard the gold Thorin originally had promised, and even a bit more. So he too had also offered help where it came to rebuild Dale. A certain amount of elves would surely speed up the progress before winter truly came. He no longer had any fights with the dwarves, except for his dislike, and so they had agreed to a truce, and maybe even traders in the future, but it was essential that Calithilel stayed with him for the peace to last. She seemed to be their friend, and it would surely help their relationships. Even if not all dwarves were happy about this arrangement. Dain especially seemed a little sour that Fíli would not fight the elves, but rather keep peace with them.

Admitting that it was a bit impressive was not something he did, though he had felt gratitude, especially in such a dark time. Not that it truly was dark, but with his mate unconscious, it was almost hard to stay sane. Legolas had assured him that she had seemed fine, and she was healing fast. So why would she not wake up when he was there with her? Of course he had been angry when he had heard what the wizard had done. Making her drink tea so she would sleep, no, rest had been the word he had used, for she needed rest. Yet he had not had a chance to speak with her and it angered him. She needed rest, he was well aware of that, but there was many things he wanted to tell her. One, how foolish she had acted. Two, that he loved her more than anything. Three, he could not bear to lose her. The list did indeed go on, and after consideration, he understood that it might not be the best to say too much when she awoke.

For now, he just wanted to get her home. Home and safe. Moreover, he was aware of the danger in his forest, even if she had healed a large part of it. Eventually when their forces was up again, he would send a force to wipe out the spiders at their source. The thought of her risking herself to save his people was too vivid in his mind. He had to keep her and his son safe, their son. He could barely believe it, but he could not deny that one of the Vala had spoken to both him and Legolas. It was true and he was no longer sure how to truly feel about it all.

Her eyes fluttered open.

"Thranduil," she whispered. Her head still a bit groggy. How long had she been asleep this time? It felt like all the weight of the world was still resting on her shoulders, not gone, not at all. She had saved Fíli and Kíli, yet it seemed like her adventure barely had begun.

"Calithilel," he whispered softly. So softly it sent electricity of shock through her. Never could she imagine… Imagine this feeling she got when he said her name in such a way. But most of all, he truly knew her name now. It was no running away.

"How…" She swallowed. "How are you?"

She could see his expression change fast. He thought her to be unbelievable when she asked such a question. However, she still did and it seemed to bother him. "You wonder how I fare, but what of your own health and safety?" he said lowly, anguish so clear in his expression.

She chuckled. "It's in my nature." She shrugged, but the gesture itself seemed to bring her a bit of pain and she winced.

"You are not yet healed," he stated and seemed to raise a brow.

"You don't say," she murmured and tried to sit a bit straighter.

"I do not like what that wizard made the little hobbit do to you."

It was her turn to raise a brow. "Oh, really?" She hid a smile and he seemed to see right through her.

"I… My light was not enough to properly heal you, but your elven healing should have made that wound almost gone by now, only a scar should be left."

"The blade was poisoned. I think…" She coughed. "I think that would slow anyone's healing abilities, elf or not."

He frowned. "The other elves struck by such blades are back to normal by now, you are the only exception."

"Oh…" she breathed. She certainly had no answer to that.

"At the same time, your fate was hanging by a thin thread, you almost faded."

Concern.

She smiled softly at him. "Hey, I'm much better now, thanks to you… I know it might seem strange, but I can feel your light with mine, you keep me here – alive." She stretched out a hand towards him; he caught it and grasped it softly. "Thank you," she whispered.

He seemed to want to say something but stopped himself and swallowed, then he said, "I would do anything to keep you safe."

"I believe you."

Bilbo stopped by Calithilel in her tent on his way home, it was time for him to leave and go back to the Shire. She hugged him with some effort but wished him well. With promise of that she would one day visit him, she knew he was content on leaving.

She was placing her feet on the ground when the tent was opened again and Legolas too bid her farewell. Even if their discoveries, he had to go on a journey of his own before he could return and feel content in his realm, with both his father and her. Even how much it pained her to say goodbye, she knew it was necessary for him to go. It had to be this way. It would be up to her to keep Thranduil grounded, as much as she could.

Calithilel could only imagine the difficulties she eventually would face. First of all going to Greenwood with Thranduil, she had after all promised him. She would also be the main peacekeeper between the elves and the dwarves. It was so strange, she had barely even spent time in the Greenwood and it was a lot to do. Getting to know it properly, the people, and most of all, heal the forest. It was yet not safe and she had to help as much as she could until it was healthy enough again to stand on its own tree roots. Not to mention the true bonding part. She was not yet ready, far from it. Spending an eternity with Thranduil… Part of her was thrilled; another scared to death while another uncertain. For crying out loud! They barely knew each other! Yes she had promised to return with him, but she was not ready to jump in bed with him to strengthen their bond, she wanted to get to know him better first.

Did they not supposedly have all the time in the world? If she ignored the tiny future nagging on her mind that she would live to see to a certain extent. She hugged herself, halfway dressed and a tear of silver falling from her and landing on the floor. She knew her eyes sparkled with sadness when Thranduil came back to the tent to see if she was ready. He had after all mainly stayed with her, to watch over her and to keep her safe. He saw right through her and stepped closer to her with his arms open, still a little unsure of his next move; she did it for him and wrapped her arms around him. In turn his arms went around her while she felt herself break apart. Her tears would not stop and she kept sobbing, holding him tight.

"It will be alright," she heard him murmur while resting his chin on top of her head.

When she had finally calmed down she breathed in and out some few times before pulling away. She looked into his eyes and bit her lip. "Sorry about that," she whispered.

"You do not have to apologize," he said and tilted his head.

"I just… I guess I am a bit overwhelmed." She tried to smile but felt her lips tremble and she had to take some more calming breaths.

"You are strong, Calithilel. Tears are not bad, but half of yours are silver, I cannot imagine how that must feel."

He had a certain look in his eyes and she giggled. "Oh gosh, did you attempt to joke, Thranduil?" she asked, disbelievingly.

The small smile was tell enough and she laughed. When she had calmed enough, she shooed him out so she could finish getting dressed. Stepping out of the tent had never felt so wonderful. Feeling the air on her face and the bright sun made her smile brightly.

Her eyes wandered around the campsite just outside of the ruins of dale. Elves were busy taking down tents, while it seemed that some were still staying up, curious she tilted her head.

"We will let the humans keep some, there are still injured and sick in them." Thranduil knew to startle her and surprised she turned towards him. "There is no need to look so surprised. The city has barely begun its rebuilding."

"Ah, sorry," she said and shook her head. "It is just a bit unusual. You for example are being very nice. The dwarves seemed to have made their peace with you and the humans for now-"

"For now," he agreed.

"I just hope it can stay that way."

"What do you know?" he then asked, seeing her expression.

"I cannot remember much, but darkness is still out there, and one day we will certainly need alliances and peace between us to keep the fight against darkness, light."

He took her left hand, the closest to him and lifted it towards his heart. "I know to trust you on this, and I will listen to you, shall the time come."

I hope so, she thought and bit her lip while turning away from him, carefully her hand was freed. "Will you return to Greenwood now, and take me with you?" she then asked, overlooking Dale.

She felt him right behind her and she suppressed a smile.

"There is much to be done."

"You did not answer me."

"Yes, we shall return, but this time, I hope you will stay by your own choice."

"I guess we both have a lot to learn about each other, though for now I'm willing to follow you. However, do I see or experience something I do not like, do not expect me to be quiet about it."

"I was counting on that."

Startled she found herself being lifted into his arms, and much faster than she could truly register, she was suddenly sitting on top of Starlight.

"How…" she whispered.

"I was as puzzled as you; however, the wizard assured me she was granted a safe way to find you."

"Starlight!" she squealed and hugged the neck of her horse.

Thranduil chuckled, yes, their future would surely be interesting.

Yes indeed their future will be interesting, so what might happen now? Tell me what you think ;)

- Moonlight Starlove