Finduilas was the sister of Gil-galad, but she also was Galadriel's great-niece. Please note that I made some minor changes to chapter 37 to reflect that. Thanks to Tibblets who pointed it out.

Chapter 37 ended with:

"Despite all this, Valerie has bloomed under your care. Do you love her?"

"She is part of me, Mithrandir. Of course I do."

"Then I want to help you. She is still very dear to me. Like a daughter."

"I am certain we can find common ground to build on."

Chapter 38 – News from Greenwood

2 years later

"An eagle brought a letter for you, my Lady."

Galadriel lifted her eyes from the book she had been reading. Celeborn watched her as she took the roll from the servant, watching the green wax seal.

"Is it from Valerie?" he asked. "She had not answered your most recent missive."

"I was starting to wonder if she was upset about something I wrote, I must admit," Galadriel replied as she broke the seal of the royal family of Greenwood. "She is becoming almost as irritable as her charming mate."

"Dangerous mix, between her passion and her temper. Thranduil, at least, always thinks straight."

"I am certain he was not so withdrawn and cold before."

"Before what?"

Galadriel stared at her mate. She had almost revealed the king's secret. "I meant that he was probably not like this as a young ellon."

She started reading the letter, a smile quickly appearing on her face. Celeborn knew she was hiding information, but he knew by now that she would share it when she was ready. Or rather, when Thranduil was ready, since it seemed to have started when Galadriel had been in Greenwood with Mithrandir two years before, when Saruman had been banished out of the realm by the Elvenking. Whatever that secret was, it had changed the balance of power in Middle Earth. Somehow, Galadriel did not trust Saruman as much as before, even if she was trying to hide it. He was planning to discuss this with Elrond the next time they met. Since there was no immediate plan to visit Imladris, he would have to wait a little while. It would give him time to observe his mate some more, and maybe obtain a confession.

OoOoO

Dear Galadriel, first let me start by apologizing for having taken so long to answer your most recent letter. I am certain that you were thinking that you had somehow offended me, or that Thranduil had been reading my mail and not given me your letter out of spite. The reason for the delay is less dramatic, my friend. I am afraid that I simply have been too busy, which is probably the poorest excuse of all times. It is my reason nevertheless.

Arnor and Finduilas are running all over the fortress and we keep losing them. They especially like hiding in the dungeons, can you believe that, and their father warned them that he would lock them in a cell if he ever caught them there ever again. Where do you think they were hiding the next day? Fear not, Thranduil did not lock them in a cell. I found them first. I did not want to test if he was going to actually lock them. He is an ellon of principle!

I was saddened to hear that Lothlorien has recently lost a warrior during a skirmish with orcs. Each life is precious and I do hope that the ellon will be reborn in Valinor as soon as possible. Please give his widow my condolences on behalf of the kingdom of Greenwood. If there is anything we can do for her or for Lothlorien, please do not hesitate to let me know. We have not lost any life in Greenwood, but Legolas says the attacks from the spiders are increasing in frequency and severity. Another section of the forest has fallen to darkness, all its vegetation dying inexplicably. I visited the area with my mate and Radagast, who declared that he could not heal it. The darkness is too strong. I could feel the call of the dark in my fëa as I walked around the desolated area, and Thranduil could feel it even more strongly. Radagast had to pull us away from there with his magic. May the Valar bless his pure soul, I am not certain what would have happened if he had not been there. There is no more denying that Sauron is growing in power. It is only a question of time before he strikes. I am still uncertain about my role in all of this. The thought that I must fight this evil is frightening, although my mate says my role is limited to giving birth to the prophecy children, love them, and ensure that all elves in Middle Earth are behind them when the time comes. I hope you will help me, Galadriel. In this storm coming for us, I hope I can count on your help and guidance in order to accomplish my duty.

The ink was different for the rest of the letter.

I was interrupted when I was first writing to you, and as I reread what I had written, I see that the last part was very depressing. I apologize and will only give good news for the rest of the letter.

Arnor and Finduilas are growing well, are talking ceaselessly and have everyone in the realm wrapped around their fingers, myself included. I am with my children every morning but I am spending my afternoons working on the affairs of the realm with my mate. My dear Miniel has been taking care of my offspring for entire days at a time, with the help of Ninaelil when she can. What would I do without them?

I know I had promised to bring Finduilas to Imladris for the Noldorin lords to meet her, but I will not be traveling for some time, I am afraid. The Valar did not waste time in the accomplishment of the prophecy. I am with child again, six months into this new pregnancy, and by the size of my stomach, it is clear that the gods will once again give us twins. Probably a blood child and a prophecy child again. Will you look in your mirror and let me know their identity? I am both happy and afraid, and so is Miniel. We may have to find a second governess for my future babies.

Thranduil is more protective than ever, and mentioned it may be best if the Imladris people were visiting Greenwood. The safety of our children would not be at risk with long travels. Do you think that would be possible? I am hoping that we could organize festivities following the birth of our children. The people of Lothlorien would be more than welcome to join us too. If you do see Mithrandir, please let him know I would be expecting his presence.

Last but not least, I finally convinced my mate that Celeborn and Elrond should be informed of his situation. I understand that your mate is wondering why Saruman was kicked out of Greenwood. Will you please share with them what happened to Thranduil, and let me know if we still have their support?

I pray the Valar for the safety of Greenwood, Lothlorien, Imladris and all Middle Earth every day. Please give my regards to Celeborn and Arwen, who I believe may still be visiting her grandparents.

Your friend,

Valerie

Galadriel carefully folded the letter and put it on the table. "Celeborn? There is something that we need to discuss. It is about Thranduil..."

In the next chapter, Valerie gives birth once again…

W: I needed to find a new prophecy child for this story – and now, the time jump allows for the birth of more children…

Tibblets: I stand corrected, I had not realized this. I will correct it in the previous chapter – thanks for pointing it out!

Thrndlwood: a little time jump before the action starts again!

Lyryenn: you can probably imagine why she was born in the Greenwood family…

Riddicks-gurl1988: her background seemed strange and interesting – although quite messed up, yes! An elleth who falls in love twice and who dies dramatically without having been bound.

Princessnerra: The wizard can be a little overprotective, and that doesn't work well with Thranduil. Valerie doesn't need his protection anymore, just his affection…

AHealingRenaissance: they were able to become friends, although mostly pen pals due to the distance. How is the pregnancy going? You are getting closer to the big day!

Stubs1101: it was enough for Galadriel to watch Saruman a little closer, but not enough to consider him an enemy. Saruman will have to show his true face before the elven leaders fully realize how lost to darkness he truly his. Valerie is a protective mother, have no doubt about it!