Hello all...UPDATE TIME...sorry for the longer breaks in updating nowadays but I am writing my own stuff too at the moment and the creative process for that is very demanding BUT I am still motoring away with this story and enjoying every minute of it. There are no signs of slowing down just yet...

So HI AND WELCOME to the new followers and favourites, and some new faces on the reviews list. Oh my goodness it fills me with so much joy to get talking to you guys. The reviews have been so wonderful and for all the PM's and chit chats, thank you guys, you truly are the kindest bunch of people. So as always

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Serena: *blushes* Oh gossshh thank you, that was sooo kind! I am so glad you are enjoying Clara's adventures.

ambrosialily: Yes I agree with you and Clara probably does too, but the problem lies with Thranduil, I think deep down he feels he has let his son down in some way. It is a terrible shame he carries, but in the next chapter or so that will play out.

fan: thank yooou :)

Jess: I am so pleased you really were moved by the elven healing because it was something I was really hoping to get across in the right way. You are absolutely right miracles can happen!

Honest: ;P You better believe it! Well I am a red head!

Diannak: Legolas' "mother" may or may not make an appearance soonish. Mayyybe maybe we'll see some half elves soon. Thank you :D You are are sooo thoughtful! Ah I would hug you if you were here...my imagination is running riot at the moment.

Guest: No Problem whatsoever my friend, It is the least I can do to thank you's all for taking the time to review this story.

leafygreen16: Really? haha glad it was worth the wait, so so so happy with your reponse!

Emily: Thanks Emily and I'm so pleased you liked the chapter. :)

Thank you guys...you are all pretty amazing in my eyes!

Oh and slight suggestive/Mature content about half way through this chapter...avert you eyes if offended.

Chapter 37

Luxurious, silver, silk blankets, curled around deep woolen green ones, and a pelt of opulent sheep skin, just for extra warmth, shields our sleeping daughter against the cold clear morning. The bright winter sun bathes the royal gardens in a spectacular regal light, making the crowd of gathered elves almost gleam when it hits them, like they all have halos. A broad smile stretches across my face, and I can't help the gleeful laughter when I hear those standing closest to us as we pass, gasp or whisper in awe. Her people have already fallen in love with her and she doesn't even have to acknowledge them, she is enchanting, or maybe I am just so enthralled by her, that I cannot see her any in any other light.

Celairiel is nestled securely in her Father's strong and more than capable arms, because this is proper. For today, being no more than one month old, she is being introduced to court to be given the King's blessing and his acknowledgment of her birth right as Princess. It's just a ceremony for show, there is of course no question over her legitimacy because she is Thranduil's daughter and she is from me - his wife. I know others outside of the realm of these people may see our marriage as unequal, not just because he was married before, but because my existence is questionable. I am a nobody who claims to be from another world, and was once mortal, it's scandalous really and not to mention entirely unbelievable. So, as much as I am unconcerned about what the world may think of me, they will not ever think those things of her, nor will they question my daughter's honour as a Sinda Princess, not so long as her Father and her Grandfather live.

We reach his Majesty as he awaits us at the great pavilion, a sort of temporary throne arrangement has been set up, quite similar to the day I celebrated the pregnancy here among the great gardens. It's hard to believe we would be standing here only a short month later, welcoming our little one to her world and her people. I still give thanks each and every day for her miraculous recovery and growth, because truly she has flourished, for she is strong and full of vitality, a blessing. Just in time to be received by her Grandfather, her bright eyes flutter open, then wince against the brightness, but she doesn't cry or fuss, she just yawns and wriggles to a more comfortable position within the mass of blankets.

"Ah, my beautiful Celairiel, come let me show you off," Oropher croons softly as Thranduil gives her over to his father; a little reluctantly, I hasten to add. She protests to this, and lets out a few whimpers of disapproval, making the whole court erupt into murmurs of 'awes,' and soft chuckling. Thranduil steps back and I slide my arm through his, he locks his gaze with mine and I am almost certain you couldn't find a happier couple than us right at this moment.

Oropher playfully tsk's at his fussing Granddaughter, and to further melt the hearts of everyone in attendance, he leans in and kisses her brow and half sings half whispers endearments to her. In a few short sentences, he proudly introduces her to the court and the people of the Greenwood as their Princess. This is followed by similar prayers and songs of blessing as were uttered at my coronation and I am not ashamed to say, that I cried tears of happiness at the love in the voices of our people. I don't doubt for a minute she will be revered and protected, she is a lucky girl and I will raise her to remember this.

As a final gesture, Oropher is to 'crown' the new little Princess, and so beckons for her 'crown' to be brought forward. To this I smile fondly and tilt my head over my shoulder to nod to Legolas, who stands glued to my side, holding the sleeve of my cream gown. He smiles proudly and nods once in return, I squeeze his hand and he quickly skips up the steps to his Grandfather's side, brandishing a very small garland of berries. Oropher kneels down so that Legolas is able to place the crown upon his sister's head, and just before he pulls away, he thinks better of it and returns to press a quick peck to her cheek. To this the crowds erupt into cheering and happy song, whilst Thranduil and I inconspicuously give our son a praising look, as he lops happily back to my side. Unfortunately, the commotion frightens my little light and she begins to cry is alarm. Oropher quickly hands her back to Thranduil, who instinctively returns her to me.

I scurry to the safety of a sheltered awning where my rapidly expanding army of hand maidens reside. I don't know how I feel about all these extra faces. Personally, I feel it is a little excessive. I was quite happy with Ferel helping me, and Gilron was always there if I needed her and it is kind of Ollie's job to be in charge of all the royal family's domestic needs. Still, Oropher has commanded that I now have at least three hand maidens to assist me in fulfilling my duties now, Ferel is to be chief among them. When I rebuked the idea, Raffyn was the one to take me aside and explain the King's logic. I am being groomed to be a Queen, and a Queen has her ladies and her inner circle. I've had my time to roam carefree and rely on Thranduil for instruction, but now that I have learned all the basics, I must take the next steps. Raffyn tells me that I should be honoured that his Majesty favours me and is taking such an active role in my learning. I guess he is right, but presently I just want to spend time with my daughter.

"My Lady." A slender and almost feline featured elleth curtsies deeply for me. Her light brown curls dutifully swept into a loose braid that tumbles over her shoulder. Her name is Conien, but I simply call her Connie, because that is just my way. She beams up at me and takes my arm to guide me to a velvet lounge chair.

"Come, you must be wearied ma'am," Elbes- or Ellie as I have affectionately called her- murmurs in concern and stuffs more pillows behind me. She is a little smaller and stouter than Connie, much plainer in face, with smooth strawberry coloured locks.

"Ladies, I am fine," I chuckle and wave my hand dismissively, "But the Lady Celairiel is not, she is hungry and most displeased at being awoken from her nap."

"The bassinet is here your highness," Ellie suddenly squeaks and leaps across the small space to retrieve the well cushioned bassinet for me, whilst Connie feeds more logs to the elegant wrought iron fire pit in the centre of the awning. Meanwhile, I try to satisfy the rather impatient and thirsty little baby.

I outwardly sigh, because the truth is; I am tired, my perfect daughter whom I adore with all my being has one tiny flaw- She hates to sleep. The only time she will sleep is in my or her Ada's arms, and generally we have to be walking around to soothe her, and strangely she prefers the cool air of outside. Which would be fine if I liked that too, only I generally need to be inside, tucked up in a warm bed face first in a pillow, to even consider sleep. It is just a damn good thing I don't need that much to function. Still, a little would be nice.

"Lady Clara, look at you!" I hear the familiar soft, pleasant voice of my favorite red head, and I slowly open one eye and smirk at Ferel's presence as her silhouette frames the entrance. She tsk's and shakes her head; "It is only mid-morning and you are already exhausted, we need to improve your stamina."

"Yes, you do," I grin and sit myself up straighter as she comes to sit by me.

"Hmm, maybe I should spend a night and-"

"No!" I cut her off with a stony look and raised hand. "No Ferel, I want to take care of her, no one else. I am her mother."

"Yes, of course," Ferel bows her head and the two of us sit silently for a moment, before she rearranges her features and outstretches her arms; "Still my lady, you are expected to be present at today's celebrations, let me care of the little Princess for the time being, I will call you if she needs you."

I frown for a moment, but nod once in understanding as I pass her to the older elleth's more than capable hands. I don't like being separated, but this is the price of royalty, Thranduil did warn me.

"She probably won't settle without me. If she gets restless, walk with her, she likes the fresh air," I mutter as I stand to my feet and smooth out the skirts of my cream gown. Predictably, Celairiel whines a little, but before I have a chance to change my mind, the curtain of the awning is pulled back and Raffyn pokes his head in.

"You highness, the King has queried on your absence, he wonders is the babe well?" the chief adviser asks me with a knowing look, which grinds me a little.

"No, no, everything is fine. I was just instructing my ladies on how best to care for her," I say curtly and brush past him into the open air. "Where is his majesty?"

"Right this way, my lady," Raffyn replies and briskly leads me back into the crowds. I try hard not to show my anxiety at being separated from my daughter; I understand this is the way of things. It is only for a few hours and it's not like I am expected to do these things every day, but it's still difficult and I don't like the feeling at all. Although I don't really have time to think about it, as I am thrown back into courtly life with gusto. Everyone sort of behaves like I never really was away, except they are all buzzing to ask of my labour and the birth. Word has spread that it was a miraculous event, and that I am the talented healer of the hour. I play down the speculations and try to focus on other people, getting up to speed on all I have missed. Truthfully, I don't want to relive the events of that night. Yes, I know something within in me saved her, but that sort of frightens me too.

Eventually though, I am saved from artful dodging of awkward questions by a giddy Aradan and Ollie, all hyped up on pre-wedding jitters, they've obviously been torturing Thranduil with their infectious happiness, because he trails rather glumly behind them. But on seeing me he perks up instantly and practically insists that we should all take a couples walk through the garden. So, that is what we do. Well, we walk; Aradan and Ollie practically carry each other along as they stare dreamily into each other's eyes, unwilling to release each other for a second. It's actually quite cute, and Thranduil and I share the odd fond look or roll of the eyes over the pair's shenanigans.

It is in this little huddle of friendly faces, that another familiar and most welcome face appears. I'm the first to spy the golden head as it approaches, and I wave warmly at Glorfindel's approach. I had not expected him to delay his return trip, but he had insisted. Apparently he would not have forgiven himself if he had off and left and some ill would have befallen me or the baby. So, he stayed and prayed continually through the darkness, bringing me words of encouragement when things seemed too difficult to overcome.

"Your highness' I have come to say my farewell, I am sure you are both relieved to hear that," he chuckles brightly as he bows for us. I go to cheerily deny that statement, because I will of course miss him, but Thranduil shocks me by growing instantly cold.

"Yes indeed my lord Glorfindel, that is a relief to my ears," he practically spits and I scowl disapprovingly at him, but Thranduil being Thranduil chooses to ignore me and just continues. "It would seem that every time you are in my wife's company, some unhappy fate befalls her. I am beginning to think you carry some sort of ill will with you!"

"Oh Thranduil, you are as charming as ever," Aradan replies with a hearty laugh, and shakes his fair head, obviously trying to brush over the venom in his words. "I swear, our Prince often forgets to engage his common sense before he loosens his tongue. Isn't that right my lord?" To this statement Thranduil merely shrugs nonchalantly and raises his chin in defiance.

"It is quite alright young lord, I am well used to Thranduil's fondness for being bluntly honest," Glorfindel replies, his smile never wavering. I'm sure my tactless husband's words must have stung, but it doesn't even show.

"Nevertheless…" I begin and eye Thranduil with a warning look." My husband's statement was misplaced, and I am sure he regrets it."

"Does he?" Thranduil cocks an eyebrow and tilts his head in mock thoughtfulness.

"Yes, he does!" I hiss and throw Glorfindel an apologetic look. "Forgive us, we are tired, and the baby- she is up at night quite a lot."

"Ah, of course, well in any case, there is nothing to forgive," Glorfindel chuckles and bobs his head again in respect. "Well, goodbye my friends, I am so full of joy to see this family renewed and I am sure the news will be echoed in Imladris."

"But not in Lindon?" Thranduil pipes up again and everyone grows silent as the uncomfortable tension settles on us again. "I am still well aware of the ill feelings held toward me by our Noldorian neighbours, do not think their silence on the matter of my daughter's birth has gone unnoticed, my lord. Their King would do well to remember that if he wishes to make allies for his war, then he had best start showing some respect."

"With all due respect, Prince, his Majesty King Gil-galad as no quarrel with you or your decision to remarry, he was supportive was he not?" Glorfindel rebukes almost instantly and I feel Thranduil bristle at his tone.

"So he claims, but I am suspicious of his subjects, you do remember the incident in Imladris, with Lord Echanar? Ah, that is right, you were involved in that too," Thranduil practically snarls and I elbow him in warning.

"A King cannot be held accountable for the opinions of all his subjects, be assured that he holds your Father in great esteem and that stretches also to you and your family," Glorfindel answers diplomatically, but let's his gaze slide to mine. "If you do not trust his word, then trust mine, because I can earnestly testify to the purity and truthfulness behind the Lady Clara's histories. She is a fine Princess and honourable elleth, a gift to us all."

"That she is," Thranduil replies a little more respectfully, his temper settling a little, and he quickly turns the charm on, but it still does not sound very genuine to me. "I shall remember you words, Lord Glorfindel, I pray you will have a safe journey home and we thank you for your support over the past weeks."

"It was thanks enough to see Clara and her child restored to health, and I will always be of assistance to you and your family, all you need do is ask." With that said Glorfindel bows deeply one last time before taking his leave from us. I watch him for a moment before I untangle my arm from Thranduil's and give him a most disgruntled look. He at least has the decency to drop his gaze from my irate glower, but I don't wait on the apology as I scramble after my friend.

"Glorfindel wait!" I cry as I jog to reach him, he stops and turns to give me an amused smirk.

"A Princess should never run," he chuckles and I narrow my eyes at him as I stomp rather ungracefully up to him and throw my arms around him one last time since I don't know when I'll see him again.

"I will miss your company," I tell him truthfully as we end the embrace.

"A pity you husband does not share those sentiments?" Glorfindel chuckles and I grin teasingly. "I am sure he will rejoice at my departure."

"Yes," I sigh and rub my temple in frustration. "As he so eloquently put it, he feels that every time you show up something bad happens. I have reminded him numerous times, that every time you show up the worst is usually avoided."

"Ah, 'tis all a matter of perception," he sniggers, but nods in understanding all the same. "I do consider these things too; maybe bad luck just follows the both of us."

"I don't believe in luck my lord, I believe that all things happen for a reason," I remind him with a stern look. He just smiles and nods in reply.

"Wise words, fair lady. Tell me, where has my stuttering Clara gone? Where is the young lady so full of uncertainty?" he asks me with twinkling eyes.

"She is growing up," I reply and his smile broadens.

"Good," he answers, then bows his head respectfully. "Then my work here is done." To this I just laugh quietly and shake my head. He stands to leave, but I hold out my hand to pause him;

"Glorfindel you will write to me?" I ask and he pulls a questioning frown.

"I will always write to you mellon nin?"

"No, I mean will you write to me honestly?" I say with a serious tone as I lower my gaze. "Glorfindel, I can't leave and I can't put myself in danger, not while the children are young. Write to me of the world, tell me what you hear and see, and I'll do my best to help from here and guide and warn my people accordingly. Can you do this?"

"Yes, I can do this," he replies solemnly, bowing his head.

"Thank you," I mouth quietly, and turn my head away eastward, my brow crinkling in a frown; "It will come to war mellon nin, but the war will bring none of us any peace, it will shatter nations."

xXx

The fire crackles comfortingly, giving off a soothing, warm, and welcoming light against the howling wind that echoes eerily through the cavernous halls. The late winter storms are brutally rampaging all around us, but as for me and my family, we are safely tucked up in the confines of our snug home. Today's celebrations leaving us all quite weary, but I'm hopeful that we can return to the peacefulness of our daily routines now. Also, I'm quite relieved that said storms stayed away until late this afternoon. Someone even wisely predicted there could be snow! This was largely laughed off because it is too late in the winter for snow; sure, spring is nearly upon us… clearly none of these folk where raised in Ireland.

So with my hand maids dismissed for the evening, I curl further into the warm furs and blankets and croon softly to my sleepy daughter, who watches me through drooping eyelids. Her cheeks flushed a rosy red hue from the heat that engulfs us, making her blonde locks shimmer even more in the soft yellow light. She clutches a length of my hair as it tickles her porcelain face, her lips forming an adorable 'O' shape as she yawns and wriggles determinedly in my arms.

"Oh, you are so stubborn," I sigh tiredly and trace the tiny frown on her perfect brow as I begin to croon again; "Go to sleep little Celairiel, lay down your head and I'll sing you a lullaby. Back to the years of loo-li-lai-lay, and I'll sing you to sleep and I'll sing you tomorrow. Bless you with love for the road that you go…" She yawns again in response and I smile knowingly as I quietly continue; "May you bring love and may you bring happiness, be loved in return to the end of your days. Now fall off to sleep, I'm not meaning to keep you. I'll just sit for a while and sing loo-li-lai-lay."

Like a charm, my headstrong little daughter goes slack in my arms, her tiny hand freeing my hair as she slips into happy dreams. I grin triumphantly and give a tired yawn myself, she is not the easiest baby to coax to sleep. Not that I need much sleep, but I could do with a little to recharge and not feel so drowsy all of the time. My head bobs to the side so that my gaze lands on Legolas, who is already out cold and snoring softly, as he lies cuddled into my side. I outstretch my hand and run my fingers through his fair hair, sighing contently as I do.

"I know you're there?" I chuckle and roll my head back to see the figure loitering in the doorway. "You can come in, as long as you keep your voice low."

"I did not want to disturb such a beautiful song," Thranduil adds quietly as he tiptoes up to my place settled by the fire and smiles adoringly at the scene before him. "I assume not one from this world?"

"No," I reply with a nostalgic smile, "A song from a very long time ago."

"Do you miss it now?" he queries in a soft voice, his head tilting to the side. "With the little one here, do you wish your kin could have known her?"

I nod truthfully as I glance down at my miraculous little bundle of light and love; "Not my kin, because they would not have appreciated her, but I just wish that she could have seen the world I came from; the green lush hills of home, the cliffs and crags, the myths and legends of my very superstitious folk."

"Keep it alive for her," he reminds me with a sympathetic nod; "And for you, it is good not to forget."

"So they say," I reply, but shake my head quickly to dislodge the brooding thoughts. "It's late, did the meeting with the merchants trail on a little?"

"Oh, as always," Thranduil grumbles and leans in to ask for a kiss, but when I hesitate he frowns. "You are still unhappy with me?"

"No, I'm not unhappy," I sigh and scrub my face with my hand. "I just feel you could have been a little more respectful to Glorfindel, he has been more than gracious to us."

"Clara," he whines almost petulantly and I can't help a snigger at the childishness in his tone. "I said I was sorry, but it is true you cannot deny it, every time he appears something follows."

"It is coincidence that is all," I reply flatly as I try to hide the smile from my lips. Oh curse him and his ability to manipulate me in to forgiving him every single time. I hold out my index finger and tap him playfully on the nose; "Be nice my love, I dislike haughty Princes."

"Then I shall be the most humble of all elven royalty," he tells me with a mischievous glint as he leans in to me, our lips touching briefly… and it feels wonderful.

"Aha, pigs might fly," I say innocently as I tease out the inevitable kiss. Thranduil smirks before he presses his lips to mine one more time. But we don't get the chance to deepen the kiss when Legolas grumbles incoherently. Grumpily he whines and sits upright, rubbing the sleep from his bleary eyes, watching us with mild disdain.

"You didn't come home Ada," he grunts and tries to crawl out from under the vast furs. "I was waiting for you."

"I know, I am sorry," Thranduil murmurs and quickly catches the elfling before he staggers into a pillar or wall. He gives me an apologetic wince, but I just shrug in response, what can we do? We are parents we get no peace anymore. With expert swiftness, he hauls the youngster into his arms, and starts to walk towards Legolas' bed chambers.

"Ai! Legolas you are getting to heavy for me to be hauling you around like this!" Thranduil warns weightlessly, as I follow behind them happily nursing a still slumbering Celairiel.

"No," Legolas cries grumpily and thumps his Ada on the shoulder; "I'm not sleepy, I want to stay up with you and Nana. I'm not going to bed!"

"Oh, yes you are," Thranduil chuckles ignoring his son's most vehement disagreements on the matter. I stifle a giggle as the two argue quietly, and leave them to come to an understanding as I scuttle off to our own chambers to settle Celairiel in her cradle.

It's cold without the mass of furs, but thankfully our bedroom still has a small fire stoked. I hum soothingly as I lean over the beautifully carved cradle, which Thranduil and Aradan were able to quickly finish in time for our return home. Carefully, I nestle my daughter in the warmth of the blankets and stretch towards her to press a kiss on her brow. I am absolutely besotted with her; I can barely take my eyes from her for a moment and I vow I have never seen a prettier baby in all my life... but then again I could be incredibly biased.

I shiver involuntarily when I back away from the cradle, so I dart quickly to the depths of our shared closet to quickly dress for bed. These days everything I wear, be it just night clothes, is long and heavy. So as to disguise my not so streamlined figure, because there are lumps and bumps were I am not accustomed to having such shapes. I haven't quite come to terms with my post baby body, and it appears my already fuller figure is a lot more fuller. In fairness I was always curvy and more feminine than most of the ellith here, but that was just my shape. Now I feel even frumpier in comparison, and that does not help my ego in the slightest. So until everything returns to more or less where is should be – and I'm not expecting miracles – I will be covered from head to toe, and nobody will be seeing this!

I scurry to the invitingly warm bed and snuggle into the extra heavy furs and blanket. Oh, this is a chilly winter! I blow out the candles and practically cocoon myself, so that just the tip of my head can be seen through the mounds of blankets. In fact, if I could just completely disappear into the fabric, I would, but sadly I need to breathe. It isn't long until I hear Thranduil enter our chambers, cursing and grumbling at the cold, his complaints making me giggle, giving away my position in the darkening gloom.

"Oh, shut up. It is freezing," he grouches and I bite my lip to muffle more titters. "You did not have to kneel on a stone floor for several moments answering endless questions."

"Then you should have come home earlier," I snigger, as I peep up over the rim of the blankets and smirk. My smirk turning into a ridiculous grin when I spy Thranduil undress at a comical rate, as he speedily pulls on a loose shirt and discards his outer garments. Part of me is a tad jealous. Why does he always have to look so good? You think he could give me a break, I already feel fat and frumpy as it is, it isn't helped by the fact that he is just flaunting his perfect everything.

"Don't you start, I have already been made to feel like a terrible Ada by my terribly hard done by son," he snorts and in one quick motion rips the blanket back, making me gasp as the frigid air hits me. I glower angrily at him but he just grins wickedly, and before I can protest he darts in beside me and pulls me into a very cold but tight embrace.

"Argh! Thranduil!" I squeak in alarm, trying vainly not to shout and disturb our slumbering daughter. "You are freezing!"

"And you are so warm," he sighs in delight and burrows his face into my neck, whilst simultaneously tightening his grip on me. The two of us start to chuckle, and I twist around in his arms to return the embrace, in the vain hope he'll warm up quicker.

"Ssshh you'll wake her up," I plead, but still can't help my giddy grin, his laughter is always so infectious; his joyful moods contagious.

"I'm sorry… for a lot of things" he murmurs as he runs his fingers through the lengths of my hair. He does this a few times and suddenly I sense a slight shift in our playful exchange.

His fingers pause on the neckline of my nightdress, where it crosses my exposed collarbone, and I inhale quickly when they trail downwards over the skin of my chest before his hand rests lightly on my breast. I feel my breath hitch ever so slightly as Thranduil leans into me, barely grazing my lips with the lightest touch of his. The sweet warmth of his breath over my skin makes it tingle, and I shudder involuntarily. He pulls back ever so slightly and gazes at me with a longing and lust filled look.

"Thranduil I-" I stammer out as I press my hand to his chest, my stomach all full of knots and butterflies.

"Sssh," he repeats back to me in an almost seductive sigh, and I'm silenced when he kisses me again, only this time deeply and passionately. One of his hands holds me close, the other firmly guides me onto my back, so he can hover above me and lavish me with tender kisses paired with gloriously sensual caresses.

"I have missed you meleth nin," Thranduil moans quietly in my ear as I try to gain control of my rapid heartbeat. His hand finds the exposed skin of my leg, where my nightdress has ridden up, and slowly his fingers creep up the sensitive skin of inner thigh. He applies a little pressure there, trying to get me to comply with his request, so he may use his extremely talented fingers to pleasure me further. But I just can't do it.

"Stop!" I yelp and grip his wrist, trying gently to push him away. "I'm sorry... I just can't."

"Of course," Thranduil mutters, his brows furrowing in confusion as he leans away from me. The sting of rejection written all over his face makes me feel incredibly guilty. "Did I do something wrong?" he asks me in a quiet and uncertain voice.

"No, no it isn't you... it's me," I reply and blow out a heavy sigh and wriggle closer to him, because I really don't want him to feel like he is in the wrong, or in any way rejected. Although my explanation doesn't really help the dejected look he gives me, so I sigh again and attempt to articulate;

"It's just I'm really tired, and Celairiel she is restless, and she is in the same room Thranduil. Yes, I know she can't comprehend anything but it doesn't sit well with me, alright? Besides I still feel…not myself…and my body doesn't look right and-"

"You're stunning," he interrupts my rambling and plants a kiss on lips to silence me. "Your body is perfect, and you are well and healthy. Do not fret over such trivial things my beautiful wife."

"Well, I know and thank you, but I still don't feel like me yet," I reply truthfully. "Maybe in a few weeks I'll feel more normal and able to attend to more wifely duties, if that is okay?"

"Clara of course," he cries with an almost hurt expression. "I love you, I would never put any expectation on you to perform such things! I am actually a little astounded that you would think that of me."

"No I-" I scramble to try and restate my meaning as Thranduil goes to turn away from me. I grab his arm in my panic and yank him back to look at me. "I'm sorry that came out wrong," I sigh and shake my head at myself. Why am I always so useless at basic communication? There is a long pause of awkward silence, but eventually Thranduil caves and pulls me flush against his chest.

"I understand," he murmurs and kisses the top of my shoulder. "And I confess my ego was a little wounded, but can you blame me for trying my luck?" He chuckles quietly and I pull back to eye him skeptically, only making him grin more indulgently as he explains; "I just yearn to be close to you meleth nin, I am so captivated by you that sometimes it is hard to practice any sort of restraint when I am with you."

"Hmm, the feeling is often mutual," I giggle as we curl up together in our tight cocoon made of furs. "I just need a little while to get back to feeling like me."

"I know," Thranduil nods solemnly in agreement. "And you need to rest Clara, you do too much already." As if in agreement to that statement I yawn loudly and he stifles a laugh at the action.

"I love you," I mumble out as I feel my eyelids droop, "I hope you know that!" I feel Thranduil nod in agreement to the statement and I smile as he whispers his endearments to me. I feel myself drift off into dreams. Relieved there is no upset between us, because I really don't think I could cope with that right now. To be honest, this motherhood thing is really not as straightforward as I had thought. Oh, Legolas has me spoiled, he is just so good and pliable. I highly doubt my daughter will be as compliant, certainly not with a double dose of stubbornness from both her parents. As if to answer my internal thoughts she lets out a deafening shriek.

"Oh for the love of Elbereth, does she ever sleep!?" Thranduil groans as he props himself up on his elbow and narrows his eyes in the direction of the pitiful wailing. "She can't possibly be hungry?"

"I don't know," I sob quietly into my pillow, because I am losing the will to survive this. I don't know if sleep deprivation can kill, but I'm pretty sure it can lead to extreme madness. "Maybe she isn't getting enough milk from me? Maybe I'm doing something wrong, maybe she is too cold? I just don't know anymore!" I cry bitterly and detangle myself from the sheets in a rather ungraceful manner, as I stumble towards the cradle.

I quickly test her temperature, but she feels fine, and appears snug and cosy. I sometimes worry that I swaddle her up to much, but I'm paranoid that she'll get sick; she would be too weak to fend off a cold. Hauling her into my arms, I start to hum as soothingly as my patience will allow. She burrows her head into my neck and continues to cry so despairingly that it breaks my heart to listen to it.

"I don't know what to do?" I mumble pitifully back at her, "Help me out darlin' I can't figure this out on my own?" In answer I just get another distressed cry, so with a sigh I try and rock her and begin my incessant pacing in circles.

"You are making me dizzy, I can only imagine how she feels?" Thranduil grumbles as he rubs his temples from his seated position at the end of the bed. Obviously we are keeping him from his beauty sleep. How rude of us?

"Well do you think you could do better?" I snap and shift Celairiel in my arms, trying a new tactic of soothingly rubbing her back, but she screeches and I decide that wasn't a wise move.

"That is it!" he answers me in a voice that stuns me a little; even Celairiel quietens her sobbing for a brief moment. I can't say it was an angry or aggressive tone, but it was firm enough to make me consider not answering back. "Give her to me!" he commands calmly and I hand her over begrudgingly.

"She is not going to settle if you are unsettled," Thranduil tells me, as he tries to shush and hum to a still despairing Celairiel.

"It is nothing to do with being settled, something is upsetting her!" I hiss and storm across the room to haul a fur cover from the bed. I grumpily toss it over Thranduil and our daughter, because as much as I am disgruntled, I still don't like the thought of them being cold. "She has been like this since we came home, it's like she doesn't like being in this environment," I say as I scowl at the small flickers of flames as they dance about the fireplace.

"Either way, you are exhausted Clara, you have not been sleeping," Thranduil reprimands me and points towards the bed. "Go rest and I shall stay up with her."

"But Thranduil, you have duties to attend to, you need more rest than I-" I begin my logical argument, but instantly stop when he gives me a stern look.

"Just do as your told and stop arguing with me," he commands unhappily. "I raised my son by myself; I am well used to sleepless nights."

"Alright, I'll go back to bed," I relent, my eyebrows shooting up my head and raise my two hands in submission. I was not expecting that. He simply nods gruffly, but I do as I'm bid and clamber back under the blankets.

I hear them depart from our chambers, and listen as Celairiel's whines become more and more distant. I reckon they have left the confines of the King's private rooms, and that unsettles me. Still, if I go after Thranduil he'll only accuse me of not trusting me, but if I stay here I'm only going to worry. With an exasperated whine of my own, I lift a pillow and crush it over my head, whilst I outwardly plead with my mind to shut off so I can at least nap for a bit. No-one ever told me it was this hard! Maybe if I lie very still I will go to sleep…maybe?

xXx

It's the silence that rouses me…complete silence. No howling wind or a crying baby? I sit bolt upright and scrub my face trying vainly to wake up. I can't quite tell how long I've been sleeping; it feels like the quiet hours before dawn? Where is Thranduil? Celairiel will be hungry soon, if not already and they should be back here! In a dazed panic I throw myself out of bed and shrug on the nearest robe, then race through our home trying to quietly call for my missing husband.

I find our home empty besides Legolas who is still happily dreaming in his bed, but the King is not here either? I make my way towards the servants' quarters, wondering if Thranduil went to Ollie for assistance, but find the space eerily quiet. An icy grey light casts shadows on the walls around me, as I nervously tug on the ties of my robe and chew my bottom lip. Where on earth have they went and why? Oh no! What if she wasn't well, what if Thranduil took her to the healers and why didn't he tell me? I feel my heart begin to race as I automatically jump to all sorts of wild conclusions, when suddenly a flicker of movement makes me jump and I swivel to find Oropher eyeing me with a certain amount of amusement. I go to speak but he raises his hand to silence me, and then gestures for me to follow him. So I do, and I am quite confused as to why he leads me out into the quiet confines of our own private gardens, by the majestic fountain that I adore. He catches my arm before I can go any further and presses a slender finger to his lips, then flicks his gaze over something. Curiously I follow it and feel my mouth sort of pop open in wonderment.

At first all I see is the speckles of crisp white flakes of snow, as they drift from the various openings in the formations of the rocks above us. It is not heavy snow, and I highly doubt it will lie, but I haven't seen snow in such a long time that I am slightly captivated by the whimsical notion of it. It is only as I watch it dance and swirl in the breeze, do I realize a voice is on the air. A very low, and melodious voice, that I would recognize anywhere and almost instantly without question, because it belongs solely to Thranduil. I suddenly spy him by the roots of an assortment of tangled shrubs and small trees that grow within the caves, Celairiel still snugly tucked up in his arms and not uttering a sound.

This should be quite an ordinary scene, despite the oddness of it all, in any other circumstances I would be screeching for Thranduil to bring her in out of the cold, but not this time. For as he sings, or what I perceive as singing, the shrubs and the branches of the trees that are bare from the winter, suddenly appear to shift and move, waking up and stretching out their tired limbs towards him. He gently eases Celairiel onto his shoulder, and I almost gasp as she curiously watches the scene with wide eyes, far too intelligent for her young age. On the tip of the thin branch of the young sapling closest to them there are a few unopened buds. With a few mere words from Thranduil, the little tree's branch suddenly begins to bloom bright young leaves. When satisfied with the sapling's yield he plucks one leaf from the stem and places it into the outstretched palm of our infant daughter. Celairiel instantly clutches it and snuggles contentedly into her Ada's shoulder; obligingly, Thranduil throws the furs over her head and returns to singing quietly to her.

"You know, that was the only way Lassiel could settle Thranduil as a baby," Oropher suddenly murmurs quietly and I blink spastically at him. He chuckles quietly at my confused expression and tilts his head back towards the scene; "Their spirits are so bound up in nature that they crave it at all times, it causes them grief to be separated from it. In fact, I am quite surprised it has taken him this long to figure out the reason behind his daughter's restlessness."

"But she is only a newborn, she couldn't possibly know?" I gasp and turn my gaze back to watch the very peaceful pair together; well, they do seem utterly relaxed and content among the tangled brambles of our sparse gardens.

"If she takes after her Grandmother and her Father then it will be very much part of who she is," Oropher tells me in a solemn, almost reverential tone. "Your daughter is elven kind Clara; our children are different than those of your mortal kin. They develop much more quickly, and if they are gifted, well, then those traits are practically evident from birth often manifesting in the womb."

"The woods," I mouth quietly and blink a few times as I connect the dots rather slowly in my mind. "The spirit of the infected wood affected me so violently because of her, because my daughter was inside me, her little spirit was sensing it."

"Yes, I would agree with that," Oropher nods thoughtfully. "It is probably why your own fae worked harder to protect hers, to shield her from the pain it caused. It is just a guess, mind you, there could be many explanations."

"Yes, but look at her," I proclaim almost in awe, and gesture to her sleeping form. "Oropher, she is gifted, I knew she was from the beginning, why else would her life be threatened so much?"

"As I said, there are many explanations, and it is often not wise to go looking for answers," he informs me with a knowing look that quietens me. "She will be what the Valar intend her to be, but do not watch her for signs. Let her be a child, let her grow and play like any other elfling. I spent too much time trying to dampen down my son's abilities; I was terrified that he would feel the same pressures that his Mother did, and that his life would be in danger."

"In danger?" I squeak and hug myself from a twinging pain, that tugs at my insides at the very thought of my daughter being in danger.

"In a war the enemy tends to strike first those that pose a threat, Clara, you did not live through what I did in Doriath, and I will not speak of the horror again. But it is fear that controls us, and in my fear I kept Thranduil and his mother too close, often suffocating them. Learn from my mistakes child, don't repeat them."

Oropher finishes his statement by staring mournfully after his son, so many regrets written over his youthful face. It almost appears to me like he ages as I watch; like I see the ancient years fall on him like a darkened cloak. It is not right that he should feel that way, because he is a good elf, and a wonderful father. So timidly, I outstretch my hand and take his, squeezing it sympathetically. He starts a little at the touch, and slowly slides his gaze suspiciously over our interlocked fingers. I manage a twitch of a hopeful smile, and let out a tiny breath of relief when he returns the gesture and pats my hand in understanding of our unspoken solidarity. I will heed his advice, and not just in relation to raising my family, but in relation to the unknown, because it is so easy for me to fear it. I need to be ready to face not just my fears, but all of our fears, for they will come for us in the end, and I may be the only one that can help those around me face those fearful shadows. That in itself frightens me, but maybe that is my own burden to bear.

Oropher and I stand in the silence for a few moments before I slip away from him, and cross the distance to Thranduil. He smiles serenely at me as I approach, and I can't help but return that happiness. I slide up behind him and wrap my arms tightly around his waist, resting my cheek on his shoulder as I gaze happily at our contented daughter. Her light form within almost evident, as it glimmers from the depths of her glazed, dream filled eyes.

"I didn't know you could do that?" I whisper quietly to Thranduil in the stillness, because I am sure he was aware of my presence, or how else would Oropher have known to come find me.

"Ah, I am full of surprises," he chuckles quietly and twists his head around so that he can place a comforting kiss to my brow. "Does it alarm you?" he suddenly asks, in a low voice that is filled with anxiety.

"No," I sigh happily; "I think it makes me love you more, and I think your daughter certainly approves of it."

"Yes," he agrees and runs a finger over her tiny hand which still clutches the leaf. "I think I may have found the solution to her restlessness."

"Oh, for sure she is your daughter," I snigger and burrow my head into his shoulder to stifle a giggle.

"Yes, well, she has your headstrong nature," he retorts and I snort out more laughter, until at last Thranduil join in with me.

"Come on, let's go back to bed, you need to rest," I encourage and gently tug Thranduil back in the direction of our home. He doesn't protest and thankfully neither does Celairiel, and for the very first time since her birth, she sleeps soundlessly. At last a remedy. A bizarre one, to say the least, but then again... We are not a normal family.

Some little insights into Thranduil's gifts...to be developed...

GUYS...GUYS...guuuuyyys...Hobbit posters...*dances* Thrandy is...menacing...oh I love it! And the gandalf/galadriel one...oooo the feels. Do prepare for me to go into meltdown as the release date approaches, I may not survive this!

Reviews, thoughts, general musings all welcome...I think a wedding is on its way...maybe some partying soonish? Baby fun? Keep tuned...love ya'll!

Oh and I apologize for my lack of ANing before, I got into a fight with a book shelf...the shelf won...regrettably! So I had a charming black eye...and what resembled a horn on the top of my head...I couldn't see out one eye properly and it hurt to stare at the PC screen for too long. However all has returned near enough to normal! YAY!

Do you guys know my buddy RaiderK...they are sort of incredibly brilliant...well if you like Thranduil stories go check out her fic "Kingsfoil" Thrandy demands attention #VoteforThrandy Honestly you guys won't be disappointed, it is wonderful!