Author's note:

So last chapter was a way to develop the Tauriel/Legolas relationship. I also felt like injecting some humor into it, so I hope you enjoyed it. Things should go back to normal now.

Chapter 21:

"With Tauriel, adar," Legolas responded. The topic of his relationship with Tauriel had not been touched since before the war, but he longer cared how his father reacted. The king sighed, knowing he needed to have a conversation with his son. Unfortunately, Legolas was neither awake enough to be truly cognizant and Thranduil had scheduled an early meeting.

"Be careful," he said finally, continuing his way downstairs, "others may see and judge."

"The opinions of others are not my concern," Legolas said haughtily. "If they are bothered by it they have only succeeded in inconveniencing themselves."

"It may seem that way to you now, but you will rule this kingdom one day. What your subjects think of you will become a reflection of what those outside believe this kingdom to be." Thranduil called over his shoulder.

"Since when do you care about what occurs outside our borders? If not for some gems or personal gain," Legolas retorted snidely.

"That is not the correct way to address your Lord and father," Thranduil said, the hint of a smirk playing at his lips. Legolas made a face and disappeared into his quarters.

Thranduil recalled the days when Legolas was a petulant little elfling who would speak out of turn and he would send him to his room as punishment. His A'mael (Beloved) would then chastise him for being too harsh on their son and Thranduil would relent for the sake of pleasing her. With a sudden wave of both pride and sadness, he was reminded that Legolas was no longer that forlorn elfling. He had grown, become an accomplished warrior, and now he had fallen in love with Tauriel.

He was sure beyond a doubt that they shared the true love of united souls blessed by the Valar. Perhaps at one time it had been merely infatuation or lustful physical attraction, but now there could be no question. With this acknowledgment he knew he could never separate them: if he forbid their union they would simply leave, and if they were to be physically separated they would both wither away and die. So great was the love shared between the Eldar that they could die from heartbreak.

Memories of his dearly beloved wife flooded his mind. His heart ached and he remembered how immediately after her death there had been whispers that he was fading. He realized he probably would have, if not for Legolas—her living memory and his only remaining earthly attachment. He knew that if she was here she would be so happy for them. He could picture her smile, her laughter, her soft kisses…he leaned on a pillar and closed his eyes. Time could not heal that wound, he would miss her forever. He composed himself and opened his eyes, suppressing his true emotions and continuing on.

The halls of the kingdom were mostly empty in the early morning hours. Thranduil had called this meeting for that very reason; he did not want prying eyes or unwanted listeners. The members of the council rose to greet him, one spot noticeably empty.

"My Lord you requested we gather," Aenor addressed the king.

"Yes," he responded and got straight to the point. "Though we have recently won a great battle, that does not mean other enemies have disappeared. But one week ago I asked you to select a new Captain to lead our warriors in protecting these lands, have you accomplished this task?"

"We have taken several adept warriors into consideration," Tarvelis said solemnly, "and agreed that Ecthelon would be a suitable leader. He has many years of service and is well liked amongst the Guard. He was notified within two days of your orders, and has accepted the position."

"I would speak with him," Thranduil said, nodding. Immediately a dispatch was sent to inform the elf that he would meet with the king later. "As for the empty seat amongst yourselves, I know the grief is still fresh, but the affairs of the kingdom do not halt. The vacancy must be quickly filled." They nodded solemnly.

"Though it pains me, I have thought of one worthy of such a position," Edwenor said. "Faervel was a dear friend and we often spent time together. Often he was accompanied by his cousin, Calarel. We would often discuss important matters of the kingdom; she learned his duties and was in touch with our people. I believe she would be suitable for the position, as well as honor the memory of our fallen friend." A few others nodded in agreement and they moved on to other affairs.

The fact that the dwarves had reclaimed their old home and settled so nearby again unsettled the king considerably. He had spent time with Bard, agreeing there should be trade once again between their peoples. Finally, and most troubling, was the discussion of the strength in numbers the minions of Morgoth had shown. They stayed re-evaluating their battle strategies and formations until the sun was well into the sky.

Tauriel awoke to find herself alone; however, there was a sizable impression beside her indicating she had not been alone the entire time. The memories of the night before came rushing back to her and she smiled drowsily. She wasn't too surprised that Legolas had left, he was a prince after all. She stretched and finally sat up to prepare for the day. Without thinking she slipped on her uniform and began to arrange her hair. As she cast the enchantment on her hair she felt a slight stiffness. She looked in her mirror and found a single braid there, Legolas, she thought. It was not like the braids she usually fashioned for herself, but a single strand fishtailed behind her ear. It looked a bit strange but she kept it anyway, trying to get used to it as she stared at herself and brushed the rest of her hair. She was not vain, but appreciated how her green patrol tunic made her red locks stand out even more. It was then that she remembered she had been removed from her position in the guard after her banishment—she could no longer wear her tunic.

Her closet consisted of practical gowns that she hardly ever used. She changed into a simple dark brown dress with a black belt. She tried to think of what to do but came up blank. Normally she would patrol, guard, practice, or ride, but since they were in three days of sorrow and she was no longer Captain she felt lost. The heavy books on her table caught her eye and she decided perhaps the library could entertain her.

"Tauriel!" A musical voice called out. "I have not seen you since the festival. It seems like such a long time ago, doesn't it? How are you? I had heard you had been injured."

"Seron," Tauriel bowed, "it does seem like a long time. I am well now. It is true I suffered some injuries from the battle, but after a few nights at the House of Healing I am well again. I am fortunate, others suffered far worse." Seron approached her and looped her arm through hers.

"Are you truly well? I heard about…" she didn't want to mention his name but both knew to whom she referred. "As you know, my Lord Elrond is one of the most gifted healers. He often told me that oftentimes the most debilitating wounds are not physical. He even taught me some of what he know. I gladly offer you any assistance I can provide."

"Thank you," Tauriel said gratefully. "I appreciate your concern, but I promise I am fully healed. I do not deny at first that I was greatly affected, but our skilled healers have made me well again."

"Skilled healers or perhaps the company of a certain edhel (male elf)?" she questioned teasing, her eyes alight.

"Both," Tauriel replied, knowing Seron already knew about her and Legolas, "perhaps the latter a bit more."

"That is good," she smiled happily for her friend, "I cannot wait for you to be wed. Then you can come visit Rivendell together! There is a spot, just above the falls, which is said to be special for the begetting of children."

"Seron!" Tauriel tried to hush her, "Someone will hear you!"

"Like it matters," she laughed, "anyone with eyes can see it."

"That's just the problem!" Tauriel said in frustration, immediately wishing she hadn't.

"What do you mean?" Seron asked, becoming serious.

Tauriel hesitated. It was not often she unburdened her feelings to others, especially someone she had so recently met. It was a strange friendship; most of Tauriel's female friends were other members of the guard, and though they were good company it was never forgotten that she commanded them. Power made having close friendships difficult. Tauriel had come to understand that notion, especially with Thranduil. In fact, she had come to understand the king himself more after the battle, but she had not completely sorted out how she felt about him just yet. But for now, she could appreciate the ease with which she could talk to Seron.

"The king does not approve of our feelings. We are not of the same rank; he is a prince and I was but a Captain. Now, not even that."

"Those sound like the words of an overprotective father rather than a king," she said. Tauriel looked up, not expecting to hear those words; she had been made to understand it was all about rank. Seron continued, "Think about it. He has lived over two-thousand years with sadness in his heart after the loss of the Queen. Your position as Captain would put you in constant danger, he does not want to see Legolas suffer the same fate as he. I know I have not been here long, but I would venture to say he quite favors you." Seron went on to tell Tauriel things she had been blind and biased towards.

Tauriel knew she would eventually have to face the king, and hoped to be as reasonable in the future as she was at the moment.

Legolas stirred, blinking into the bright light filling his room. He felt soreness and stiffness from sleeping in an uncomfortable position. It probably didn't help that he had slept late into the afternoon; something he rarely ever did. He didn't bother calling for his attendant and quickly readied himself. He saw a slip of parchment beneath his door, in his father's hand. It was a summons to his private chambers whenever he was presentable. He remembered the encounter with his father this morning and became nervous. He would probably be angry, Legolas thought, and let out an exasperated sigh. There was no point in avoiding the situation, and so he set off up the stairs.

"Come in, Legolas," Thranduil said, discerning the approaching footsteps as those of his son.

"Adar, you wished to see me."

"I did." He poured a cup of wine for the two of them. "We have important matters to speak of." Legolas accepted the chalice and sat in one of the many ornate chairs in the room, across from where his father also took a seat.

"Please forgive my behavior this morning," Legolas apologized, "I was not thinking clearly."

"As I said, simply be careful," his tone was dismissive, "but we already have discussed that. You told me of your intention to ask for Tauriel's hand in marriage, with or without my consent. I have decided to grant it, and bless your union."

Legolas waited for his father to continue, with some sort of qualifier, but he remained silent.

"Why?" he asked unsure. "I of course thank you, but I do not understand. Just a fortnight ago you condemned any sort of attachment to her."

"Because you have made your decision," the king said, "I can see it in your eyes. I tried to prevent it and it occurred anyway. I have no other option. The day of celebration draws near, our people could use something to lift their spirits. I think it would be a wise idea to announce your engagement that night."

Legolas sipped his wine, wondering if perhaps his father had been captured and someone had stolen his body.

"I think that would do very well," the younger elf said, still tentative.

"Good, I will have the proper arrangements made after I finish important business later today. I will invite Tauriel to dine with us for supper so that we may discuss further."

"I will personally tell her," Legolas said, remembering how to speak. Thranduil had emptied his up and stood. Legolas thought he went to refill his goblet but instead walked passed to a small chest.

"You will need this," Thranduil murmured, opening the chest and pausing. He returned back to Legolas and placed a silver and starlight ring in his palm. "This was your mothers. I gifted it to her on the night of our engagement; now I give to you. Use it wisely—it is heavier than it looks."

"Amin mor il beth ai'ra anna laita (I do not have the words to express my gratitude)" Legolas said, holding the ring tightly.

"Go to her," Thranduil said, rising, "I still have work to take care of. I shall see both of you at supper."

Legolas was dismissed and he all but ran to find Tauriel and share the good news with her.

End note:

I hope this wasn't too boring, but things need to be ready for when the big moment comes!

I looked into a bunch of Elvish marriage/sex customs from the Tolkien universe. There is a ceremony typically done with respect to maternal lineage. The other part of marriage is sex, which equals marriage. There is no pre-marital sex, infidelity, or anything of that sort. I read somewhere that elves can tell whether another elf is married or not by looking at their eyes. Elves celebrate 'birthdays' not on the day they were born, but on the day they were conceived—aka whatever day their parents had sex. Pregnancy doesn't come easily, but when it happens it is typically a year long.

I don't want to give away too much, but just enough so that some of the conversations they have don't seem as awkward/random.

I know it's a bit short, but please review and let me know what you think. Much thanks!