Ava was enjoying a quiet morning to herself, which she had discovered, was a precious thing when one had a young child. Legolas was occupied with lessons and she promptly took the opportunity to stroll the grounds of the palace. Staff bowed or curtsied when they passed her. She'd gotten used to it by now, responding with a dignified nod. She was grateful to Thranduil. He had been clear she could take as much time as she liked to adjust to palace life. She had not been required to take on any royal duties. But she had begun to feel guilty about it, as her husband was now doing both their public appearances. The King was barely sleeping, she knew, trying to keep up with state affairs.
The Queen knew she could not continue to shun her duties for much longer. It wasn't fair to the realm her husband ruled, the realm her son would one day rule. At some point, Ava had made peace with this life. It wasn't the worst, far from it. She lived in comfort. She had a wonderful son. Her husband was attentive and kind. What more could she ask for?
Love. She wanted to love the one she was married to. All elves married their soulmate. Yet, by a twist of fate, Ava was not. You loved him once, she reminded herself. Could she love him again?
The sudden appearance of sunlight caused Ava's eyes to squint. The dense forest had given way to a clearing. The sound of swords clanging reached Ava's ears. The peaceful quiet was replaced by shouts and cheers. Intrigued, Ava followed. It was the border guards' training grounds. Soldiers were milling around, all heading in the same direction. As Ava got closer, she realized a crowd had formed around the sword-fighting premises. Elves in their training tunics were cheering a sword fight.
"Come on!" "Get him!" along with some more creative insults were being hurled.
With eyebrows raised, Ava inched closer to the circuit. As soldiers noted her presence, they bowed respectfully at their Queen and let her through. By the time, she had a front row view, the battle had reached its climax.
Thranduil deftly tripped his opponent, giving him the opportunity to grab the sword that had just been knocked out of his hands. Tobion, the captain of the border guard, was not about to go down without a fight. He scrambled back onto his feet and charged. Both elves were shirtless, wearing only their training tights. The captain elbowed his King in the side, eliciting a grunt. Thranduil stayed steady in his attack, until Tobion finally made a mistake and left his left side undefended. Thus, Thranduil found himself standing over his Captain.
"I surrender" Tobion said clearly, following the rules of engagement.
With that, Thranduil broke out into an exhausted smile. He held is arm out and pulled Tobion up. The Captain of the guard bowed, acknowledging his opponent's victory.
"All hail the King!" the soldiers in the crowd yelled. Thranduil smiled and responded by raising his arms in gratitude.
Ava could not help but notice her husband's muscled body. His skin glistened with the sweat that was now dripping from him. Her heart skipped a beat when his gaze fell upon her. The crowd fell silent as the onlookers realized the Queen's presence.
"Your highness, will you give the King your favor?" Tobion asked. He was supported by a sudden cheer from the crowd.
Ava looked around her. These soldiers kept the realm safe, at great personal sacrifice to them and their families. The least she could do was to go along.
"And what might that be, Captain?" Ava asked.
"A kiss, of course!" Tobion responded good naturedly. Ava assumed the soldier did not know about the distance in the private lives of the royal couple. This was innocent jest, so often used by soldiers to distract from the weight of their duties.
Thranduil looked worriedly at her. She reassured him with her smile.
"Of course. My lord?" Ava said, inviting her husband for a kiss.
Thranduil strode towards her. Ava felt her heart beating faster and harder as he approached. Her husband was a gentleman. His soft lips grazed both her cheeks innocently, so light that she thought she had imagined them. With that, the crowd cheered. Soon, the crowd had dispersed and the couple were left in the training ring by themselves.
"I'm sorry if that put you on the spot Ava" the King said, as soon as they were out of earshot.
"It's alright Thranduil, I did not mind" she answered. "I did not know you fought so well."
"I started training when I was very young. I was barely walking when I was handed my first bow. After that, any free time was spent training with the border guards. My father believed I could not rule without being able to command the army" Thranduil explained.
"That seems rather sad, that you didn't really get a childhood" Ava noted softly.
"Aye, my father did not think much of being happy. He wanted me to be able to lead well" was the response.
"I hope you will not be pushing Legolas so hard? He's just an elfling. He's loving and sweet. One needs that to be a good King too" Ava said.
"I knew no other way until I met you" Thranduil admitted.
"oh?"
"You and Legolas have brought me such joy and love. I never knew I was capable of it" Thranduil said quietly, his eyes fixed to the ground.
Ava felt her heart melt. At the center of this strong, capable ruler was a kind, loving husband and father. Before she could respond, they were interrupted by Lord Wyrran.
"Your highness, you are going to be late for the visit to the new playground!"
"Playground?" Ava asked.
"He is due to attend a playground opening" Lord Wyrran corrected. "The horses are ready to take you to the engagement. And you are obviously not ready, better go change" Wyrran hustled, seeing Thranduil's sweaty state.
Ava knew this must have been one of her engagements originally. Thranduil was far too busy to attend a playground opening. She had to start pulling her weight.
"Perhaps Legolas and I could join you?" Ava asked.
"Are you sure? There is no pressure…" Thranduil said cautiously. Lord Wyrran nodded approvingly.
"A playground is for families. Your family should come with you" Ava said. Her husband's smile was endearing, she had the urge to caress his face.
"Of course, I would be very happy if you and Legolas came along. I'll join you once I'm changed" Thranduil managed to choke out. He could barely contain his happiness as he calmly walked away to change.
"NANA! Look at me!" Legolas shouted before jumping off the swing.
Ava laughed at her son's attempt to fly. The ceremony had gone smoothly. Thranduil made a short speech to the crowd of parents and children and cut the ribbon officially opening the new playground. Ava had stood, with Legolas, demurely behind her husband for the ceremony. Her nerves had evaporated shortly after the royal party had arrived. The assembled crowd made a particular effort to welcome her. She received many well wishes for her health and happiness. The elves were happy that their Queen seemed on the mend and starting to step into her duties again. They knew these past months had been difficult for the royal family.
Ava found Legolas in the sandbox, digging furiously. "Nana, come dig with me!"
She was soon plopped down in the sandbox herself, helping her son with what seemed to be the beginnings of a giant hole of unclear purpose.
"That is quite some creation" her husband's voice mused.
"I believe your son is trying to create a crater" she snapped playfully.
"Ah, I see. Though at this rate, I might be another millenia older by the time it's done" Thranduil said dryly.
Ava giggled and glanced at Legolas, who was so focused on the task at hand he had not seen his father's arrival. "You know he won't leave it unfinished. You might as well help."
"The King does not dig" Thranduil replied in a serious tone.
"Not even when his wife demands it?" Ava said with a raised eyebrow, knowing there was little Thranduil would deny her. His love was clear for all to see.
Thranduil groaned, glanced sideways to see how many witnesses there were, before lowering himself into the sand. Ava giggled as she handed him one of Legolas' tiny shovels. A short while later, their son (having become bored of the activity) declared his hole complete. Thranduil promptly dropped his shovel.
"That was not so bad was it, my King?" Ava teased. Thranduil gave her a sceptical look.
"Well, perhaps this will be a sufficient reward." She didn't know what came over her. Ava kissed her husband. Her lips cautious and uncertain at first. But when Thranduil;s hands moved to hold her, she became more sure. The kiss only lasted a moment, but it was the most sensual thing Ava was sure she had ever felt. The crowd around them melted away, forgotten. When they parted, Ava finally glimpsed the amazing love she shared with her husband.