Esteleth tugged at her dress and eyed herself critically in the mirror. Her mother had not liked the dress last night and the seamstresses had made some last minute changes. The dress did not look the same as Esteleth had imagined, but it was acceptable. It was probably better that way, she thought. Esteleth looked over her shoulder and a smile appeared on her lips when she saw Tinnueth. She lay on a settee with her eyes closed. Tinnueth still looked weak. She was pale and very thin. But now her cheeks were slightly rosy. Esteleth suspected that Tinnueth was a little excited.

It was already afternoon and Tinnueth did nothing more than to lie on the settee. She didn't notice Esteleth's presence because she was too absorbed in her thoughts. Tinnueth reflected about her life. The trip to Mirkwood had taken a different course than she had imagined. It resulted in drastic changes in her life. She would marry the king. Tinnueth's heart beat faster as she thought of Thranduil. The way how Thranduil had taken care of her, had not gone unnoticed. At first she did not understand his motive. She thought that he felt guilty. But the longer he had sat at her bedside, the clearer it became that it was something else that kept him at her side.

Tinnueth flinched suddenly when she felt a sharp pain. She raised her hand and looked at it, frowning. The missing finger brought back memories, which she wanted to forget. She rubbed her hand and closed her eyes again. Tinnueth thought of Thranduil and wondered when it had begun. When had the connection between them come into existence? Had it been the sword fighting? Or was it the discussion which they had had? Or perhaps the moments when he had rescued her. A smile played on her lips as she remembered how the king had saved her. Yes, perhaps it had happened in this very moment. She remembered the feeling when he had held her protectively in his arms after Legolas had found her. Despite her pain and all the suffering which she had felt at that moment, he had given her something very precious.

Her fëa had been desperately seeking protection, and she had found it in Thranduil. Something had changed significantly, which she could not really understand at the time. A part of her life was over at that moment, and a new part had begun. What it was, she did not know at that time. In the days which followed, Tinnueth had felt the presence of Thranduil's fëa, as he had desperately searched for her in the darkness which had surrounded her. She did not understand it then, but Tinnueth knew now what had happened. Their fëar had united. Despite her unconsciousness they had found each other and Thranduil had given her strength through this delicate and subtle bond.

A tear rolled down her cheek and Tinnueth felt a gentle touch that brought the tear to a standstill. She opened her eyes and was surprised when she noticed that it was Thranduil who stood beside her. His usually pale face was a little darker than usual and his clothing was slightly blackish. He had returned from the forge. Thranduil sat beside her on the settee and looked at Tinnueth questioningly. His voice was low and deep.

"Why are you crying," he asked slightly worried.

Tinnueth smiled at him, "I'm just happy."

Thranduil wiped away another tear and nodded before he took her hand in his.

"Let me take you to your parents. You're tired. It would be better if you rest before the ceremony."

Thranduil helped her up and put his arm around her slender waist. Together they left the sewing room.

Legolas paced in his chamber while Esteleth stood near his door.

"I just observed your father and Tinnueth," she said.

The prince looked at her surprised.

"What happened," he asked curiously.

Esteleth smiled.

"It was the way he looked at Tinneuth which touched me. I was in the sewing room for the last fitting when your father came in. He seemed to be greatly surprised when he saw Tinnueth. He probably thought that she had already returned to her chamber. Your father watched her for some time and she did not notice his presence until he wiped a tear from her face."

Legolas had approached Esteleth and looked at her anxiously.

"Why did she cry?"

"Your father has asked her the same question. Tinnueth simply said that she was happy. And your father looked so peaceful in this moment."

Legolas looked relieved.

"It was about time. In this kingdom we have been through a lot, thanks to the foul mood of my father. His grief was always noticeable for us. But he has always denied it. I hope that all will be better."

Esteleth nodded enthusiastically.

"Yes, and once he returns to his position as king, we visit my home to the north."

The prince nodded in agreement.

"But we will still need my father's consent."

Esteleth frowned playfully.

"Why do we need his approval? You are the prince and we just do what we want."

Legolas arched a brow at her and grinned.

"We do what we want?"

Esteleth nodded firmly, "What can your father do? Be honest, can he stop us?"

"And what if I do not want to go against my father's will?"

Esteleth smiled.

"We do what I want. You have nothing to say," she said, as she tried to remain serious.

Legolas expression was amused.

"What did you just say?"

Esteleth grinned at him.

"Yes, my prince regent?"

Legolas grabbed her by the arms and pushed her against the wall.

"A bit more respect would be appropriate, don't you think," he said with a hoarse voice.

Esteleth smiled cheeky and Legolas claimed her lips in a passionate kiss. His mouth began to ravage hers and Esteleth could not help but return his kiss with equal passion. His large hands roamed over her body before he picked her up. Esteleth wrapped her legs around his waist and Legolas grabbed her butt and pulled her close. He sucked her lower lip into his mouth and nibbled on it before his tongue danced with hers. Esteleth pressed her body against his and her fingers ran through his silver blond hair. Legolas moaned quietly and squeezed her butt, sinking slowly down to his knees.

Her breath trembled when his lips brushed over the subtle skin of her neck. His heated breath on her skin gave her shivers. Legolas nibbled on her neck before he turned them around with a swift move. He laid Esteleth on the floor. She didn't feel the cold floor underneath her body. The heat which rushed through her body was fiery hot and her body began to betray her. Her trembling legs wrapped around his waist and she pulled him down onto her. Legolas began to grind his loins into hers and claimed her lips in another passionate kiss.

The prince growled out when he heard a knock on his door. This was utterly untimely. Or wasn't it? Esteleth grabbed hold of his arms and tried to keep him in place but the prince slowly lifted his body off of hers. He gave her a peck on her lips.

"I am sorry," he said.

Esteleth growled out in frustration but quickly stood up and tugged on her dress when Legolas approached the door. She recognized Galion's voice.

After a few minutes of discussion Legolas closed the door and gave Esteleth an apologetic look.

"I am deeply sorry. But believe me, it was better that way."

Esteleth approached him and ran her hands over his chest. She felt his heart pounding fiercely under her fingers. Legolas took her hands in his and lifted them up, placing kisses on her knuckles.

"I know what it is that you desire. Please trust me when I say that I am yearning for you with equal desire. But we must wait."

Esteleth pouted and Legolas smiled gently at her.

"Can you imagine our parents expressions if they would see us after this? I am certain that we would not receive their blessings for our betrothal. My father would chastise me in front of everyone."

Esteleth blushed. She kissed his cheek before she walked towards his door. She was about to open it when Legolas spoke once again.

"Esteleth, please do take a shower. You know what my father said about this. It's visible."

She blushed heavily and left his chamber. Legolas sat down in a chair and began to reflect about the changes in his life. He was glad that he would share this celebration with his father and hoped that it would strengthen their bond. His father had become sociable and Legolas hoped that the time which Thranduil would spend away from his royal duties and with Tinnueth would soften his heart even more.

There had been a time when Legolas had dreaded the thought of his own marriage. Only because of the cold demeanor of his father. He had feared for the poor elleth, which would have to live under his father's rule. More than that had he feared for a small elfling with which he might be blessed. The thought of having an elfling grow up near his father had made the prince inactive. He had ignored all ellith's, until the day when he met Esteleth. Even when he understood that his heart had been captured by her, he had been worried. Especially because of his father's impossible behavior. By the Valar's grace, his father's heart and fëa had opened up to Tinnueth and Legolas' worries were dwindling.

Legolas rose from the chair and walked to his dresser. His fingers glided over the silver tunic which he would wear tonight and he smiled. This day would mark a new beginning in his life and in that of his father. His hands reached to unbutton his tunic and he looked down in surprise. Most of the buttons had already been opened. Esteleth! Legolas shook his head in amusement and grinned. He had not even noticed that she had done it. He slid the tunic over his shoulders and walked into his bathroom. Legolas growled softly as he thought about the fact that Galion had seen him like this.

When he returned to his chamber he found that Galion was awaiting him. He smiled broadly and handed the prince his new clothes. Legolas got dressed and eyed himself in the mirror.

"My prince," Galion gazed at him approvingly, "You look almost as stunning as your father."

Legolas turned to Galion.

"Almost as stunning as my father," he smiled happily, "Then let me convince myself. Let's go to him."

They walked out of his chamber and headed for his father's private rooms.

After Thranduil had brought Tinnueth back to her parents, he had sent word to Galion to arrange maids for her, who would help to dress her for the ceremony. Thranduil had retreated to his chamber and stood on his balcony until Galion paid him a visit, reminding him, that it was about time to dress for the ceremony. Thranduil stood in front of his mirror. He seemed content.

"With your permission, my king, I'll fetch the prince," said Galion.

Thranduil nodded and Galion returned shortly afterwards with Legolas. The prince smiled proudly when he eyed his father from head to toe, but said nothing. He did not want to rise his father's temper. But Galion's words had been true. He looked indeed stunning.

"Ada, are you ready?"

Thranduil nodded and turned to his son.

"Yes. And are you ready?"

The king's gaze traveled over his son's body and he smirked at him.

"As I see you have been busy."

Legolas shifted his gaze to Galion who pretended not to listen to the conversation.

"Ada, how do you know? I don't understand," Legolas frowned.

Thranduil chuckled.

"My son, with increasing age elves do notice subtle changes more and more. But do not worry, your secret is safe with me. And with Galion, Elrond, Galadriel and Celeborn. And Esteleth's parents - I assume... and with my council members and half of my subjects."

Legolas stared at his father in disbelief, who smiled at him sarcastically.

"My son, shall we?" Thranduil arched a brow and awaited Legolas' reply.

The prince nodded reluctantly and followed his father to the large hall.

A/N:

I'm very sorry that I have not written anything new for this story for so long. I had little time because I had to work a lot and was then ill for a long time. Because of that it was not possible for me to write two stories simultaneously. Thank you for your understanding.