UPDATE! AAAARRGGGHHH Because I am going away for two days and I shan't have access to my laptop to type but I will have wifi to see your lovely responses…or your angry responses…erm…I might just hide now…I am so sorry….

Thannnnkkkk yooooou….

Rainbor123, My Name is Alice, LittleRin26, Teddy bear 007, Rousdower, Siriania, beachchick3, Avespa Strife, fairys have tails, amaris12345, Queen of Doriath, meshalok, PureAngelEyes, TheMarquise, Natasya Ivashkov, moonlightkiss1515, Lady Silverfrost, Dragongirl180, ssooo, SimplySupreme, KrystylSky, Serethiel1999, Hiding dormant in the shadows, Deception is Decepticon, watergoddesskasey, BabyShinji….

And….

Jess: Thank you…you are probably gonna kill me for this update but here you goo…eeeepppp

Guest: *waves hands too* and you will just not for the next few chapter…again sorry

Lala: Not at all vent away that is what I am here for…I like to help in any way I can! Thank you for the amazing review as always…hold onto the fluff hold onto that tight because it is about to get bumpy!

Fan: yay thank you. No I loooove answering questions…okay well Thranduil does not know where Bregeth has went too, and likes to keep it that. Though we can assume that if her family still speak of her she must be somewhere, besides she doesn't strike me as sailing kind of girl. Whether she will come back into the story I don't know, but if she does it will not be until Legolas is an adult. Hope that helps!

Guest: Oooooo *blushes* thank you…I hope I did not make your imagination explode…sometimes I do that too myself it can be messy lol!

FunnyRabbitTail: YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE ART FOR THIS….FOR THIS SHIP…FOR REAL? DON'T TOY WITH ME…SERIOUSLY? CAN I VIRTUALLY HUG YOU? Please oh please oh please lemme see it if you do? So I can cry with tears of happiness! I can't believe I have created a ship? Just thank you….ooooo just yea….you are awesome!

Apologies in advance...I know my editing skills are not always the best...but this might be a little patchy because it is rushed. I just wanted to get this out there before I trotted off for abit.

DEDICATION

Well this little number right here is dedicated to my one and only, my buddy, my katana wielding, tribble loving, awesome friend Rousdower! AND also to the lovely Amaris12345 who shares my love of this new character…..Everyone I give you Glorfindel….and he will be sticking around….because we love him and because he is Glorfindel…meeeeepppp!

Chapter 20

Ten long days have passed and as much as I have thoroughly enjoyed the company of these fine elves – give or take a few unsavoury characters – I am so ready to go home. I have noticed that the sparkly newness of Imladris has worn off, and I miss the woods, I crave the wild everything is far too structured here. Thranduil is restless too, he acts very much like a caged animal, restricted and cut off from his natural world. The constant barrage of talks and council meetings are wearing him down, and I don't think he'll be able to hold his patience for much longer.

There is most definitely a massive cultural divide between the Noldor elves and the Sindar, but there is an even bigger gap between Oropher's kind and the rest of the elven races. This is never more apparent than in his son, were Oropher has the ability to mix if he wishes, Thranduil either does not want too or does not know how too. Thranduil is odd but unfortunately so am I so I really can't help him in that arena. This morning Oropher was crashing about the corridors looking for his suddenly AWOL son and growing ever more agitated by his absence. Although I figured it out quite quickly, because when everything just gets a little too heavy for Thranduil he disappears and it doesn't take a genius to figure out where he goes.

I followed my instincts or rather I went against them. I found the highest and most awkward positioned set of rocks that where obscured by a rather turbulent trio of waterfalls, and I scaled them. At the top on the most perilous ledge I found him, apparently meditating, which was ridiculous considering the thunderous noise the falls made. I eventually coaxed him down with the promise I would help him ditch the first set of morning talks. Instead we took a stroll in the gardens sans Legolas, who Aradan had graciously agreed to watch, because I felt Thranduil needed a moment. He confessed to feeling crowded and felt other elven captains wanted him to take a more militarily minded stance to the content of the council.

From what I gather the enemy is contained but Gil galad does not believe that will be a long standing arrangement. Eventually the elves will need to consider war, or more they will need to consider joining with men in battle. Now I know the tales Tolkien told but for the purposes of not appearing like a psychic I acted dumb to what I was being told. However one name sent chills up my spine, Sauron, the very thought made my blood run cold. So Sauron will mostly likely attack the realms of men first and Gil galad is not prepared to leave them defenceless. Oropher however is quite happy to remain neutral, and Thranduil really can't wrap his head around another set of vicious wars. I personally feel conflicted, as much as I believe Greenwood should take a stance against evil and honour the elven alliances with men; things are a little personal now. These elves have become my family; I have helped bring little elflings into the world and nursed wounded soldiers back to health. I can't bring myself to consider putting unnecessary lives at risk or causing heartache. But to even think of Thranduil going to war sends me into a panic. My head is telling me that it is inevitable I have read the stories, but my heart is not prepared to believe it.

However these meetings among rulers and generals, are literally only to establish a contingency plan. A sort of worst case scenario action plan, there is no actually threat at the moment but elves are always forward planners. Over a week of arguing has done nothing but further divide opinions, and as of yet Oropher has not relented in his position to remain neutral. This has caused Celeborn a great deal of grief, apparently these two go way back and despite appearances they are actually quite friendly, but alas their bickering has intensified. Celeborn in turn has appealed to Thranduil's military mind in order to talk some sense into his father, but Thranduil is not willing to enter into negotiations. During our walk he tells me he just wants to be at peace for a while, if there is no threat of immediate war then he wants to take advantage of this period of quietness. He wants to go home, build up the defences of the realm and work on his own recovery for he knows he isn't ready for the intensity of battle just yet. I have to say I am very much relieved at his decision and I actively encourage him to stick with his instincts.

Thranduil left me around noon to begrudgingly join the council and apologise to his father. So I am left at a rather loose end when I discover Aradan has taken Legolas to watch the archers train. With a free afternoon on my hands I decide to pay the art galleries and the libraries a visit, after all I did promise Ollie I would bring her home some sketches. So armed with my book and pencils in hand I get thoroughly lost in the vast and beautiful rooms of Imladris. I wander aimlessly around these spectacular pieces of art and sculptures that both capture and inspire me, and absently begin to wonder at their histories. Maybe there is something in these fantastical displays that could answer my most burning questions about myself? Maybe there is something in these ancient scrolls and texts that speaks of my bizarre reincarnation? So I drift from sketching to doing some serious digging around hoping to find at least the slightest of clues.

It is in my rooting around that I stumble across a beautiful statue of a divine being, something like the angels I used to see in the chapels in Ireland. She is so captivating that I stop and stare at her for the longest time before slowly stretching out my hand to trace the cool marble of her long flowing hair. Her arms are outstretched in welcome and she looks kind but terribly powerful, and I know she is not entirely an elf.

"Her name is Melian."

I leap several feet in the air and spin in sheer panic to meet the intruder who has just successfully given me heart failure. I don't initially spy them and only hear their musical laughter, but I assume whoever it is, is male.

"Did I frighten youPoikaer?" The stranger asks me and suddenly appears on one of the little balconies that look down into the library.

When my eyes finally meet his I literally gasp out loud and stumble back a few feet. I have been surrounded by elven beauty and perfection for so long that it is not often I find someone so striking. This creature is definitely more angelic than elf, with his almost shimmering aura, wise but almost playful eyes and golden hair. If I did not know any better I would have said his hair was spun gold because I have certainly never seen such a shade in any living elf. He is broad and tall with a warrior's stance, but his features are pleasant almost youthful. He graces me with a wide and deliberate smile and I get the feeling he is very charismatic. I feel quite giddy in his presence and I know I am blushing furiously, because although I am trying very hard not to, I am most certainly swooning. What is wrong with me? If Thranduil could see me now he would be extremely pissed off but I can't help it this guy is incredible, he surely isn't real.

"Um W-w-wh-what di-did you call me?" I stammer out quite breathlessly and try to look everywhere but at him.

"Poikaer? You do not know this word mellon nin?" He asks cheerfully and leans over the railings of the balcony to further regard me with a jovial expression.

"N-n-no," I mutter and groan at my complete idiocy.

"Yes that is right you have no memories poikaer, or at least that is the convincing tale you have told." He replies but his glittering smile would suggest I should not fear him. "Poikaer it means pure one, it suits you I believe."

I continue to watch him warily for a few moments until he obviously gets bored of waiting, and suddenly leaps over the railings to land elegantly a few feet from my side. He straightens up and continues to grace me with his impish smile.

"Do you not think life is too short to be bothered with social norms?" He queries and I just blink robotically at him. "Like taking the stairs, why would you take the stairs when you can simply jump? Is it not more thrilling?"

"I guess," I murmur and slink away from his close proximity, he clearly lacks boundaries or simply doesn't care. "But I suppose it is safer to take the stairs."

"Safer? But we are elf kind surely a little jump from a minor height will not trouble us?" He chuckles and begins to circle me. "Though you were not always elf kind, am I right Clara?"

"What?" I squeak and grow very cold. How does he know? Who the hell is he? That's it I have been discovered I am completely done for.

"No, no, hush my dear quiet I mean you no harm." The handsome golden haired elf suddenly stops mid stride. His eyes are wide and apologetic as they take in my pure terror and I think he knows I am about two seconds away from bolting out the door. "You are different poikaer, you have faced death and been gifted life."

"H-h-how?" I ask anxiety saturating my tone as I grip onto the table behind me for support. My head feels light and I am pretty sure my heart is hammering in my chest so loudly that every elf in Imladris can hear it. I lift my hand to my forehead and try and force myself to form a coherent sentence; "Who are you?"

"Glorfindel," is his innocent reply as he outstretches his hands in a calming gesture; "I am a friend, I am not here to out you. I thought maybe I could bring you some assurance."

"A friend?" I query a little more harshly than I intended. "I don't know you I have never seen you before, how could you possibly know who I was or what I am?"

"Call it a hunch, or maybe one familiar spirit to another." Glorfindel answers and I slowly begin to regain control of my erratic thoughts long enough to process who I am talking to.

"Glorfindel?" I query and shake my head in disbelief. "How do you even know I exist?"

"I have been curious about you since Elrond dropped your name, and your obscure arrival to Greenwood, into passing conversation." The elf replies truthfully.

"Passing conversation?" I arch an eyebrow at the statement; I hardly believe I was just an afterthought. Not after Celebrian's obvious knowledge of me long before I ever set foot in Imladris.

"Well maybe it was more of an interesting discussion," Glorfindel adds with a teasing smile and I manage a timid one in return. "I have been observing you from a considerable distance since your arrival, you may consider that a tad inappropriate but I had to know for myself if my theories were correct?"

"You haven't told anyone have you?" I gasp and suddenly feel quite ill again. The thought of Thranduil finding out by accident from anyone other than me is just too much for me to cope with. I still haven't the slightest idea how he will react.

"Of course not!" He laughs loudly in response which confuses me. "Trust me when I say others do not cope well with such supernatural tidings."

"You died!" I yelp suddenly in realisation, oh I could kick myself. "You died and were reborn in Valinor I know this story."

"Well I was wondering how long it would take you to catch up! What? Did you just think I was just supremely intelligent?" He continues to chortle and I smirk at his sarcasm.

"Listen friend I barely understand what has happened to me, let alone how you could possibly know what I am." I reply dryly and cross my arms about my chest. "Although if you do have any theories I would be more than willing to listen." I add softly and peek up at him with anxious eyes.

"Well your behaviour and mannerisms would suggest you were not originally an elf or at least not from any race I have met." Glorfindel replies and goes to perch on the edge of a low table; curiosity filling is truly handsome features. "Maybe if you shared your memories I could offer some insight?"

"Well that is not going to be easy," I mutter and turn around to lean my whole weight through the table behind me. I stay silent for a little while regarding the statue before me with the same awe as before. Glorfindel remains patient and equally as quiet, and I don't feel like he is at all pushing me to talk. "It is a very strange tale," I eventually say and turn slowly to regard the other elf. "I can assure you I will have heard stranger," he laughs softly and gestures for me to continue.

"I was just a girl," I start and bite my lip dropping my gaze to the ground; "A mortal girl from the race of men. I don't even come from here, this is not my world."

"Your world?" Glorfindel asks inquisitively and sits up straighter.

"Where I am from is not within the realms of this world, in fact I'm not sure how to even explain it in a way that makes sense!" I sigh loudly and wave my arms above my head in exasperation. "To the people in the world I was born this place – Arda – it is not real it is fictional."

"Well that is fascinating," he adds and nods his head in consideration of my statement, which just baffles me.

"No it isn't fascinating it is insane, do you not hear what I am saying?" I cry and clutch my hand to my forehead again. I am starting to feel that dull throb set in. "I am from another world entirely, oh good grief I am an alien!" I shriek which sort of unnerves Glorfindel for a moment, but I can't stop now the words are just tumbling out of my mouth in one frantic spew. "I was just a silly little girl, who had nothing and no-one. I made a stupid mistake; I drove off that cliff and wound up dead. Only I didn't die I woke up here, well not here but Greenwood. And not only was I alive I was also an elf! I didn't even know an elf could exist, for the first few months of this life I didn't know what I was. I hadn't a clue how this body worked and why everything was so different? I didn't know what I was, it was confusing and lonely and everything hurt. The only thing I had was that little boy, he was the only reason I got out of bed in the mornings. You have no idea how many nights I just cried myself to sleep, wondering if it would have been better if I had just stayed dead. Then I found Thranduil and he was equally as messed up as I was, and I guess we sort of fixed each other. But I couldn't bring myself to tell him, I mean what would I say? What would you say?"

At this point I realise I am sobbing my heart out and giving Glorfindel a very frantic almost pleading look. I register I am shaking and I am suddenly extremely embarrassed by my ridiculous outburst. I immediately turn away from him and place my hand over my mouth to try and stifle the bizarre tears;

"Oh I am so sorry," I eventually croak out and drop my head into both my hands. "You did not need to hear all of that." There is a brief pause before I feel comforting hands clasp my shivering shoulders;

"I believe you," Is all he says and I twist around so I can look him in the eyes. His perfect and painfully handsome face is filled with such empathy and understanding that I can't do anything else but burst into tears again. "Hush now poikaer you do not need to be frightened there is no judgement here." He calmly soothes and gently pats my back until I regain some composure.

"Thank you," I eventually murmur and he smiles fondly at me, helpfully finding me a seat so I can rest for a moment. I suddenly feel very light after offloading those long hidden secrets, my spirit doesn't feel so cumbered and my fear is slowly ebbing away. Someone believes me and I suddenly don't feel so alone or crazy anymore. Glorfindel crouches down beside me and takes my hand in his, squeezing it comfortingly.

"I cannot advise you how to best word your tale to Thranduil, but I would encourage you to tell him for if he truly loves you he will believe you." The elf says softly and I feel the cold stab of panic set in.

"And what if he doesn't?" I wonder aloud and feel a strangled sob start in my throat.

"Clara I am not the wisest of elves nor would I proclaim to know much about matters of the heart, but I do understand my kin." Glorfinel answers me with a somber look. "I have spent uncountable years on this good earth and I learned to recognise when a pair our fated. Thranduil will believe you, I am not saying he will initially understand because only the Valar know how difficult he can be. But I do not doubt that he loves you, and with love comes acceptance."

"I know you're right," I smile at the kind elf and he beams back at me.

"Of course I am right, I have lived much too long to be anything but correct about these things." He laughs gently and clasps my hand firmly in his. "But what I am most curious about is why the great Illuvator brought you here? It is a fine mystery but I have my theories."

"You think some powerful and mystical being brought me here?" I snort in disbelief and shake my head; "I don't think some ancient power would be remotely interested in someone as unimportant as me."

"Who are you to question the decisions of the creator?" Glorfindel raises an elegant eyebrow at me and gives me an unimpressed look. "You are right mellon nin you are unimportant and nothing of any great value, but neither am I."

"Oh please you took out a Balrog, you saved your kin how many times from destruction, and you are like this legendary warrior. I was an art student; I don't think I was brought here to repaint the history of Arda with my magic paintbrush!" I sarcastically say as I wave my hand in the air and pull a face.

"Oh you make me blush," Glorfindel replies and flashes me a cheeky grin before his faces settles into an almost anguished look. "I may have done those things, but I am not the only elf that was graced with ability to wage war. There were many great elves that have fallen over the centuries that were much greater than I, and they were never blessed with a second chance." He sighs heavily and it looks like he is reliving some horrible nightmares, but as quickly as his features darken they light up again and he levels me with that ever joyful look that is really quite infectious. "My point is there is something obviously required off you. You have been strategically placed in a point in time that will ultimately play a part in the histories of our world. It does not matter how insignificant it is, the important part is that you are alive and obviously needed; this should be a humbling thought. And who knows maybe you shall inherit a magical paintbrush; all things are quite possible if the great illuvator wishes them to be."

"Okay magic paintbrushes aside," I sigh and glance down at my hands, "what could my purpose be? I am not that useful."

"Well that is what you must continually strive to uncover," Glorfindel advises in a resolute tone. "If you earnestly seek something the Valar will eventually reveal it to you. Not always in the most logical or straightforward way but you will gradually put the pieces of the puzzle together. It is also worth remembering that you may never have all the answers, or even understand the answers you have but faith my friend is never easy. I would not count yourself as useless Clara, look at what you have achieved thus far and maybe that will give you some clues to your purpose."

"Huh? I don't understand what do you mean? What have I achieved?" I mutter and Glorfindel shakes his head in disbelief at me and smiles fondly. He stretches his hand up to my face and takes my chin between his thumb and forefinger coaxing me to look at him;

"You are such a pure little soul, so naive and young, I pray you never lose that innocence it is a rare gift."

"Well that is a charming compliment but it really doesn't help me any," I grumble and he laughs brightly at my attitude.

"You say you come from another world yes? And in this world you knew of Arda as a fictional place, therefore you have knowledge of its possible destinies?" He questions his eyes lighting with intense curiosity.

"Um I guess so but reality is a little different from the pages of story books," I reply hesitantly, I really don't want my purpose to be a clairvoyant.

"Yes it is," Glorfindel adds and nods knowingly. "You know it does not surprise me that there are other realms outside ours in that infinite stretch of universe. I have seen glimpses of things when I was suspended in that nothingness between death and life, there are many ways our future could unravel. At least you may be somewhat prepared to deal with them, only the Valar know how much Thranduil or even Legolas will rely on you for strength."

"That is what I am concerned about," I whisper softly my heart completely unwilling to think about what could happen. "I don't want to know their future."

"And you may not know, the future is subject to change by the actions of our present. You being bound to Thranduil, for example, may change the course of things ever so slightly. The Valar have seen fit to allow this union, you do not know what is planned but I reckon you are not here by chance." Glorfindel gives me a glittering smile and pulls me to my feet. "Melian was a stranger here too and she turned out to be a mighty gift to our kind, do not doubt yourself Clara, you are special."

"Now it is my turn to blush, although I don't think I should be placed in the same category as a maiar but I appreciate the thought." I grin back at him. "Thank you Glorfindel, you have no idea what you done for me."

"Ah it was nothing, besides it is not often I meet a fellow survivor like myself. I do not feel so alone now." He laughs brightly and offers me his arm which I gladly accept.

"Yes I agree we should start our own little support group," I giggle but clear my throat when he gives me a baffled expression, clearly he has never heard of support groups. "Erm other life reference, sorry my jokes don't make sense here." To my utter surprise he starts to snigger which in turn makes me giggle.

"I am so glad we met Clara, I feel I will enjoy our friendship," Glorfindel replies with a happy smile as we casually meander around the galleries. "Come let me take you on a tour, I do love art!"

xXx

I am surprised to find Thranduil waiting for me on one of the quieter verandas. I thought maybe he would be required to be chained to his Father's side in repentance for his earlier sins, but there he is causally leaning on the railings watching me intently as I wander towards him arm in arm with my new best friend. I have found Glorfindel to have such a playful sense of humour, for someone who has lived twice and accumulated a lot of years he is almost boyish, a sort of roguish character. His carefree and charismatic nature has completely lifted my mood and eased my worries. So much so we have been giggling and laughing like idiots since we left the galleries, I can't help it he is hilarious. It is not until I turn to my head to give my beloved an excitable grin that I register Thranduil is actually a little disgruntled looking.

"I have missed you!" I shriek and skip across the short distance to throw my arms around him. He pulls me in for a tight embrace and I am assaulted with a rather passionate kiss that leaves me a little giddy.

"Not nearly as much as I have missed you," he replies as he snakes her arm around my waist and practically clamps me to his side. His gaze leaves mine and drifts over Glorfindel's, it is at this point his eyes narrow slightly.

"Good evening Thranduil, it is good to see you again." Glorfindel chirps brightly in his lovely melodic voice and his eyes flit from him to me, "Your Clara is wonderful, do you know that? Absolutely charming!"

"Yes my Clara is," Thranduil replies in a sweet voice that is a little too forced. I roll my eyes in exasperation; he is jealous I can see he is trying to hide it but I hear the possessiveness in his voice. Glorfindel remains unruffled and just continues to smile fondly at the both of us.

"Glorfindel has been showing me around the galleries and helping me with my history," I say causally and this seems to settle Thranduil a little. "I have nearly completely filled my sketchbook, which is quite depressing actually I don't know how I shall entertain myself now?"

"Well that is excellent timing," Thranduil grins at me with a very excitable glint in his eye and I give him a baffled look in response. "We are leaving for home in the morning."

"Really?" I cry in happiness and throw my arms around his neck. He staggers back from the force of the embrace and smiles at my delighted expression. "Don't you toy with me mister this better not be some kind of practical joke?"

"No I swear we are going home," He barely has the words out of his mouth but I am strangling him with a bone crunching hug. "Clara, love, I cannot breathe you are choking me."

"I don't care! I am so ready to go home you have no idea," I say and press my lips to his cheek and begin to list my reasons for my enthuasim. "I can't wait to see my woods, and my gardens and oh my bed, well your bed actually it is much more comfortable."

"Okay then, well this is moving into uncomfortable territory, I think I shall take my leave." I hear Glorfindel chuckle as he begins to back off.

"Yes I think you should," Thranduil answers him before I can and I am pretty sure there was a rather seductive undertone to his voice. I realise what way my words could have been construed and in my embarrassment I bury my face in his chest.

"Oh Glorfindel I am so sorry, that is not what I meant," I mutter out my apology and peek around to see my new friend's obvious enjoyment at my embarrassment.

"No it is quite alright," He replies with a rather strangled voice as he tries to hide his apparent glee at my suffering. "I can see my presence is intrusive I shall see you at supper."

"Yes it was intrusive," Thranduil answers but only when Glorfindel is out of earshot and he continues to grin at me his eyes betraying his thoughts, which I am positively sure are not one bit pure.

"Thranduil," I warn in a rather shrill voice as he corners me against the railing he had been leaning on before. I realise I have nowhere to go when he plants his hands either side of me and presses himself up against me. Oh my heart how it flies, I don't even remember what I was going to reprimand him for. His eyes are far too penetrating and lustful that I am pretty sure I have forgotten how to breathe.

"So you miss my bed?" he asks in a very husky voice that sends shivers up my spine.

"You knew what I meant," I whimper in reply as his lips begin to graze the vulnerable spot of skin where my neck meets my collarbone.

"Did I?" He teasingly questions and ever so painfully slowly drags kisses up my neck and across my jaw until he finally claims my lips. By which stage I am practically gagging for it and infuriated at my inability to resist him. He pulls away for a moment and smirks triumphantly before suggestively adding; "Don't worry my love I reckon we shall be plenty acquainted with it on our return."

And that's it I'm done! I think I just combusted into burning ball of flames and have lost all capacity to think, move or do anything other than contemplate every meaning of that sentence! Oh how I so wish to be home.

xXx

Supper is quiet and easy going with very little talk of politics or anything remotely related to business. Legolas is getting all sorts of attention with elder elves fussing over him, passing him treats or entertaining him with fascinating stories. They all know it will probably be the last time they see the little prince for a long time. Oropher is not renowned for frequenting other kingdoms and Thranduil only leaves his home if duty really demands it of him. Truly we are just very relieved to be going home although I have a feeling Legolas will dearly miss the lovely Celebrian. She practically carts him around everywhere with her, introducing him to everyone she meets, in fact I would say in my expert opinion he is making her quite broody.

"You will need to be careful Elrond," Oropher chuckles as we all congregate around a brightly lit balcony and drain our wine glasses. Elrond raises an eyebrow and follows Oropher's gaze where it rests on his beautiful wife, as she helpfully rests Legolas on a railing so he may stretch out to catch the prettiest blossoms from the hanging baskets.

"She is terribly fond of your Grandson," Elrond nods in agreement and smiles fondly, just like the rest of us, at the adorable scene.

"I have seen that look before," Oropher sniggers and playfully nudges the other elf who blinks spastically at him. "I doubt it will not be too long until we hear you have extended your family old friend, hmm?" Elrond suddenly pales quite significantly and we all titter in response to the insinuation.

"Oh it is not that bad," Thranduil chuckles playfully as he stands close by my side, one hand draped lazily around my waist. "I think fatherhood would suit you."

"Can we not encourage this discussion," Elrond mutters and again we all chuckle in unison at his extreme uncomfortableness. He is quite the shy type; I have gathered he likes to keep things quiet and private. His home is sort of an extension of that belief, peaceful, uncorrupted and quiet. Certainly the perfect place to bring up little elflings and though he doesn't easily show it, there is a tug of a smile on his lips.

"Well speaking of little ones I know one little rascal that needs to be in his bed!" I scold playfully and go to retrieve Legolas from Celebrian.

"No it is quite alright Clara I can do that," Oropher interjects and raises his hand to dismiss my protests. "Besides I am getting too old for this partying nonsense, you youngsters carry on." And with that said he collects his rather disgruntled Grandson and off the two of them go, leaving the rest of us to our merrymaking.

Celebrian joins us again and I find myself indulging in quite an excitable conversation between her and Glorfindel. We are having so much fun just chattering about nothing consequential that I don't realise that an unsavoury character has entered our midst, and it is only when he opens his mouth that I realise my peace is shattered.

"Well now don't you three look cosy," Echanar says loudly enough so that our small gathering all turn to regard him, and I realise he is tipping his glass towards me, Celebrian and Glorfindel. "Or rather the two unmarried individuals seem very friendly, wouldn't you agree Thranduil?"

Thranduil stops mid-sentence with Elrond and Celeborn to glower angrily at the intruder, and I feel my very heckles rise at the insinuation. Glorfindel straightens up immediately and frowns at the young and rather presumptuous elf in our midst.

"Do you have a death wish boy?" Thranduil snarls and lunges towards Echanar with an extremely aggressive presence. So much so that he leans away from the force of it.

"How dare you speak to nobility in such a way," I hear Celeborn pipe up too as he flanks Thranduil. They may not see eye to eye but they are kin, and with that comes a sense of duty to defend.

"I just thought it was interesting parallel that another one of your elleth undoubtedly prefers the company of another over you." Echanar sneers and this brings Thranduil up short as he turns to look at me with very confused expression. "Oh I am sorry did you not know? I do not blame her really; Lord Glorfindel is a much more honorable ellon than you. Certainly more deserving of such a rare beauty especially with her being a reincarnation of a mortal woman. Fascinating tale really pulled at my heartstrings."

There is a heartbeat of silence that is so weighted I almost buckle under it, how could he know? This isn't happening. Thranduil just stares at me his features unreadable and I feel every pair of eyes bore into me. I can't breathe, I can't find my voice, my heart is pounding and I just glare straight back at the smug little idiot that has just ruined everything.

"Oh I take it you did not know that?" Echanar grins deviously, "Well that is a shame."

"Clara what is he talking about?" Thranduil asks his voice faltering on the last word, his eyes sliding around the crowded balcony as everyone just continues to watch him, waiting on his reaction. I can make out hushed whispers and tiny gasps, oh god this isn't happening.

"Thranduil I think this is not something Clara can discuss right this moment," Glorfindel answers softly and steps towards him in an apologetic stance.

"But she found the right moment to tell you?" Thranduil bites back and literally retreats from Glorfindel's advance, glaring threateningly at him. His breathing becomes shallow with temper and he meets my despairing gaze with such a betrayed look that it just breaks me. "I asked you a question, now have the decency to answer me Clara! What is it that everyone else seems to know but me?"

"Thranduil stop this," Glorfindel attempts again and turns to regard Echanar, "Somebody remove this ill-informed child from the lady's presence, she is not answerable to him."

"No but she is answerable to me!" Thranduil growls and I flinch at the statement his words are so harsh. "Answer me Clara!"

I recoil from the ferocity in his voice and attempt to find my own; "I'm sorry," I just about manage to whimper out, "I didn't mean for you to find out like this."

For three long minutes Thranduil just stares at me, eyes wide and filled with confusion. He looks like he is trying to make it fit in his mind, I am sure he is seeing where it all makes sense and how it explains my oddities. But everyone else is staring at us, staring at him and I never meant to put him in that situation. Echanar has been quickly removed but it doesn't matter now he achieved what it was he set out to do. He must have been in the galleries he must have overheard my revelations to Glorfindel. Obviously sore from his run in with Oropher earlier in the week, he was clearly determined to pay us back in kind. Hot tears gather in my eyes and I try to meet Thranduil's eyes with my own, trying vainly to communicate how deeply sorry I am, he has to know I did not mean to hurt him.

"Why don't we go somewhere to talk about this?" Glorfindel offers warily watching me, because in honesty I know I must look terrible. I feel awful and cold and very ill.

"You stay out of this!" Thranduil snarls as he swivels to face the other elf. "You have done enough, she is nothing to you!" There is a sharp intake of breath from everyone because I assume no-one speaks to Glorfindel in that way. Yet Thranduil does not care and he storms across the distance towards me, I skitter backwards from the force of his anger but it is useless. He grabs my forearm in a vice like grip and drags me out of the crowded verandas, along familiar corridors until he has me in the quietness of my room.

"Thranduil you're hurting me," I stifle a cry as he slams the door shut behind us, his grip on my arm becoming increasingly painful. "Thranduil please I am sorry."

"What did he mean Clara?" Thranduil hisses and gets right into my face, his stance is infuriated but his eyes are filled with hurt and confusion. I put that there this is my fault; I should have told him why did I not tell him?

"You hurting me," I sob fear and pain creeping into my voice. Truly I am very shaken for I have seen him angry but it was never directed at me, not like this. He glances down at his iron grip on my arm and his eyes widen in shock before he lets go. Leaving imprints of fingers on my skin which I know will bruise. He blinks robotically at his hand before he clenches into a hard fist and clamps it to his side, inhaling sharply.

"Clara?" His voice cracks as he levels me with a distressed look. "Don't toy with me, tell me this is a joke? Tell me this is just a stupid game?"

"No it is not a game," I murmur as I rub my arm and clutch to my chest. "I was going to tell you, I just didn't know how?"

"Tell me what?" He cries and throws his hands to his temples to rub them furiously. "What this is bizarre and rather sudden friendship with Glorfindel is? Or the fact that you forgot to mention that you are mortal or were a mortal? Which is it?"

"I was a human," I reply frantically not even trying to hide the tears that are flowing freely down my cheeks. "Glorfindel sensed it he was only trying to help me, I swear no one else knows! I don't even understand it. It is just too insane to understand, I didn't tell you because…because…how could you understand it?"

"Don't Clara!" Thranduil shrieks back and I cower away from his temper. "Do not talk to me like that, like I am stupid, like I could not possibly understand. You chose not to tell me, for some reason you did not think I would understand, and do not lie!"

"I…I…couldn't," I whimper and drop my head into my hands.

"You could not bring yourself to tell me?" He asks and his voice is barely above a shattered whisper. I peek up at him to find he to is freely crying, and the pain in his eyes just kills me. I can't even bare to look at him. "After everything I told you, after everything I let you see? All the times I tried to prove to you I was not this unreasonable ill-tempered brute. All the times I tried to prove to you I was worthy of your trust, that I cared? Clara I gave you my family, I let you into my son's life, I do not do that!" He pauses for a moment and runs shaking hands through his hair before turning his attention back to me again. "Did I do something wrong? Did I give you reason to believe I could not accept this?"

"No!" I cry and practically stagger towards him. He lets me take hold of his shoulders and I gently shake them. "No Thranduil I am at fault, this is my entire fault. Oh god I am so sorry I should have told you! But I was frightened I thought if you knew you would throw me out?"

"Why would you think that of me?" He gasps and looks utterly betrayed at the very idea that I would even consider such a thought.

"Because I was a human," I confess softly, "I don't know why, is it really that important? I mean I am here now and I am elf, does matter to you what I was in the past?" I move forward to be closer to him but he steps away from me, which hurts worse than being stabbed through the heart.

"No Clara of course it does not matter to me what you were in the past. You should have known this," he answers me brokenly and lets out a painful sigh. "This is what hurts me; not the fact that you hid yourself from me because I would be a hypocrite if I held that against you, but it is the fact you did not believe me when I told you I loved you. You did not trust me enough to share this with me, yet you could share it with a stranger in a strange realm, but not with me."

"I know I'm sorry I didn't mean to tell him," I sniffle and press my hand to my mouth, realizing how hurt Thranduil must be. After everything he has trusted me with, all the insecurities he has laid bare for me and I couldn't do the same for him.

"I know," Thranduil practically whines out in exasperation as he goes to lean on the edge of a desk. "I know you are sorry, I know you did not mean to Clara but you cannot undo it now."

"What are you saying?" I choke and sink onto my knees. Oh god I have seen that look before, that is the look of betrayed trust, I have hurt him and I can't make this better.

"I do not know what I am saying," he mutters darkly and glares angrily at the table before him. "I love you Clara, I love you to the point where it is painful to be separated from you. That is never going to change but I cannot do this right now. I need you to tell me what I need to know and then I need time to understand it."

So I tell him everything he needs to know; that I was a human girl from another world. That I died in an accident, that I left nothing behind but bad memories. I told him about my life before all the gory details about my upbringing. I told him before I was Clara I was Josie, and that Josie died the moment I woke up in this strange world. I kept the details sketchy about Tolkien, I feel like everyone has the right to make their own destiny, what I know is my own burden to bear not his. Besides Glorfindel is right I may not actually know this future, I just might be more prepared to understand it. I did tell him that where I was from elves were a fairy-tale, but I had always loved them in my eyes they were real. I tried to reinforce at every hands turn that I was always me, that although I kept this part hidden, I was always true to myself I was his Clara. When I am finished we just stay in complete silence until eventually Thranduil breathes out a sigh and glances at me with tear filled eyes;

"You were a mortal girl?" He murmurs and I nod though I am not sure if this was directed to me or he was just speaking out loud. He closes his eyes tightly and pinches the bridge of his nose. "I need to ask Clara and just be honest, how old are you?"

"Um…twenty six I guess, verging on twenty seven?" I cringe because there are elflings much older than me.

"Oh you are just a little girl," he muffles a cry into his palms but slowly lets out a strained chuckle. "This would explain much about your behaviour."

I give a soft laugh but I know I am not out of the woods yet, still I try to make light of it; "I am not a little girl, I just have not lived as long as you."

"But now you will," he answers and turns to fully look at me for the first time since I started my tale. "And this fills me with joy that you will live for I cannot fathom a world without you." I smile hopefully but Thranduil does not return that same smile and I despair.

"Can you forgive me?" I dare to ask and he drops his gaze.

"In time yes," He answers truthfully but it is not what I want to hear. "I need a little time, only a little can you give me that?"

"Yes," I reply but I want to scream and shout and tell him I will not accept that. Yet I know I have to because I did this, so I need to accept the consequences of my actions. "But what is a little amount of time?"

"Let's just get through tomorrow and the journey home," he replies evenly and I nod glumly.

"And Legolas?" I dare to ask, "How will we proceed for his sake?"

"As normal," Thranduil shrugs and gives me a sad smile. "You are and always will be a mother figure to him. I will not make him suffer because of my inability to come to terms with this."

"But you will come to terms with it?" I blurt out as a cold stab of anxiety sweeps through me.

"I want to Clara but right now I cannot answer that."

With that said he leaves me, alone and heartbroken. I sleep on the ground that night, because I am too devastated to do anything else. I cry until there are no tears left to shed and I am left numb with the exhaustion of all that has passed. In the hours before dawn I resolve that there is no use worrying about the future, what will happen will happen. Thranduil is right, first we just have to make it through today and the journey home. I reckon Oropher will have a thing or two to say, no doubt he will be a little smug, I assume he had his theories. Legolas will grasp something is not quite right but I vow to do my best to disguise it. I will get through the coming days if it kills me, but I can't think about the possibility of Thranduil not being in my life. For when I even consider the notion my heart feels like it is being ripped from my chest, and I know I won't survive that kind of heartbreak. I know he loves me, I know he will come to terms with this, and I will not give up on us that easy. This is only a little bump in the road we'll get through this, we have to get through this.

Yes I know Thranduil is being a jerk...a stubborn, selfish jerk...but he is a tad bit overwhelmed...so don't hate too much...I think what I mean to say is...don't hate me too much?

So sneaky little Echanar was prowling in the galleries...yup some folks really have it out for our lovely (future) ElvenKing and his family. And do we like Glorfindel? Would we be happy to see more of him? :D

Anyhoo R&R and don't hurt me! *gulps* There will be some action in the following chapters that you may not be expecting...so keep tuned :) I promise it will get bumpy!