Author's Note

Thank you so much for all your kind words and encouragement. I am glad that some people are enjoying this little story of mine. Some formal/mushy bits in the story are going to be taking place, might be a bit dull for a bit. As always, to the Professor! Another thing to include. I'll be using lyrics from the song 'Eavesdrop' by The Civil Wars in this chapter. It's an amazing song, by an incredible band. Give it a listen, and it may help you understand my scattered way of writing this!

Chapter Eleven: Just Hold Me

"No star can be as bright as the one I hold here, Glineth." Thranduil said, twisting a lock of her pale blonde hair around his finger.
Glineth feeling accomplished because of her role in the escape of Nelion, could not help but smile up at him.
'My poor ignorant King.' she thought. "Do you need to be anywhere this evening, Thranduil? I would hate to be keeping you from duty."
"My duty is here tonight, my Queen. I have much to atone for." Thranduil said as he held her hand and kneeling in front of her.
Glineth sighed heavily and looked down at this King, who was on his knees in front of her. One that has caused death and scandal to visit his kingdom. 'Either you are blind, or a fool.' she thought.
"I am no fool, and I am not blind. I love you, Glineth." Thranduil said, rising.
"I said that out loud?" Glineth asked as they both walked into her room.
"No, you did not. Your thoughts are written clearly on your face. " he said, staring into her eyes.
Again, Glineth knew she was beaten when he turned his eyes onto her. "Is there anything you wanted to be doing tonight? I could read to you, if you'd like."
Thranduil looked about her chamber, then looked at her, dressed in her crimson robe. He for a few moments looked at her, and wondered how someone filled with such hatred for him mere months ago, would soon be his wife and Queen. Such changing and quick pairings were not uncommon among their kind. The promises she and he made to the other the previous nights were not ones that were spoken of for sport, or in moments of blind passion.
When Glineth and Thranduil each looked at each other, they knew that the other was the one they were going to be spending the rest of their many days with, that they would be blessed with children.
"I was thinking, would you sing to me? I have never heard you." he asked, taking his place in front of her fireplace. Like the chamber servant would usually do, he placed some sweet smelling wood into the fireplace, and made her a fire.
Glineth thought about what to say to him, as she watched the flames dance on the face of her one day husband.
"I am no master, my King. I would rather not. " she said, shyly.
"Glineth. Please. There is nothing to be scared of. I am sure you have something on your mind that you would like to be put to a song. Please, try. For me."
Glineth took out her silver harp and sat on the couch farthest from Thranduil and began to play a slow, love filled tune. Then she said, "I was thinking of this the night we spent in the clearing. I...it's not anything perfect, but it is how I feel for you. In my own way."
Then she sang:

"I don't want to speak right now
I just want your arms wrapped around
Me in this moment
Before it runs out.
Let's let the stars watch
Let them stare
Let the wind eavesdrop
I don't care
For all that we've got, don't let go
Just hold me."

Thranduil took the hand of his beloved, and looking into her eyes, he sang:

"I can't pull you closer than this,
It's just you and the moonlight on my skin.
Oh who says it ever has to end?
Oh don't say that it's over
Oh no say it is not so."

Glineth had since forgotten her harp, and had moved to sit at Thranduils feet, resting her head in his lap. Together they sang in one clear, beautiful voice:
"Just hold me." And so they did, for many hours they lay in each others arms, staying silent, but saying much.

"Glineth? I must ask you something." he said, breaking their long held silence.
Stretching her stiffened muscles, Glineth said, "What is it?"
Thranduil then turned Glineth on her right side, so that she was facing him. "Glineth, Lady of the Wood. I Thranduil, the Elvenking of Mirkwood here ask you to become my wife."
Tears of unhindered joy came to Glineths eyes and she spoke clearly, "I, Glineth, Lady of the Wood, accept your hand Thranduil, King of Mirkwood."
Then they shared a kiss, that made the stars glow all the brighter for all the ages that followed. Thranduil took Glineth into his arms, and bowed before her.
"My wife." the words sent a wave of happiness through him, that Glineth could feel within herself. He took her hand in his, and took a ring from his left hand, one amde of gold, and slipped it onto her finger. Glineth, not having a ring to pass on to him, set in his hands a brooch made of silver, in the shape of a spider. He fastened it at his throat, and again, they shared another passionate, timeless kiss. They broke apart, still smiling at the other.
Thranduil,eyes shining with tears, studied the betrothal ring on her finger and said, "I do not want to wait an entire year to be joined to you, Glineth."
Glineth pressed her forehead to his and said softly, "I do not wish to wait either, my love."
They knew that what they spoke of, was not done among their people. But, so strong was their love right now, that they knew that they would not be able to wait the proper year before they married. Thranduil decided then that he would have to announce their betrothal, and plans for their hastened wedding in the next few days.

Three days later, Thranduil was waiting in a small chamber with his betrothed. All of Mirkwood had gathered in the throne room, waiting to see what announcement their King had for them. Thranduil took a deep breath, and walked out among his people, and to his throne.

"My people. This has been a season of change for us all. Since I have taken my place here among you, I have learned patience, tolerance, and above all, love. There is one among you, who has been with me as I have grown as a King. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, Glineth, my betrothed. Who will be your Queen in a months time." Thranduils eyes lit up as he saw his future bride ascend the stairs to his throne, and take her place beside him. They joined hands and shared a chaste kiss, to the cheers of all in attendance. They delighted in the happiness of their new King, and future Queen. Bowing, they cheered.

"All hail Thranduil and Glineth, King and Queen of Mirkwood!"

A/N:

Two chapters in one day! I hope you all enjoyed this one. As a non-romantic, I struggled a bit. As always, feel free to send me your Pm's with your suggestions or any questions you may have!