Thranduil sat behind the large desk in his private study, his eyes fixed upon the page in his hands and eagerly devouring every word. While he had been getting regular updates from Celeborn, Galadriel and their council member Cohnal, it was still Aerendyll's letters that he truly wished to read.

Yet, though she was thorough in describing her time in Lorien, the meetings she attended and studying the history of the land, he felt the letters lacked her usual exuberance. Though she did not mention it outright, he could sense her lingering displeasure for him between words and lines.

Of course she would not so easily lose her anger with him for sending her away even though she had been there months, but it was a price he was willing to pay to keep her safe. As it was, they were still not so sure exactly how great the danger was that lurked around their borders, only that it was getting closer. Not to mention, he had been getting word from Imladris that concerned him. He only hoped they were able to sort out these threats quickly so that she could return. The Halls felt rather empty and dark without her presence. Even Legolas chose to spend most of his time out with the guard or in training since she had left.

Sighing, Thranduil put the page down and reached for the latest dispatch from Cohnal, hoping it would shed more light on just how Aerendyll was spending her days. While he was proud of her progress in the Golden Wood, the king did hope that she took time to enjoy life there as she so rarely took time for herself while in Mirkwood. If it were possible, Thranduil was sure that he would give the world for her happiness, but as it was, all that he could offer was his kingdom, which he would gladly hand over to her and Legolas when the time came.

Even now, images of Aerendyll as a young elfling danced through his mind. Her bright smile and infectious laughter. Golden curls trailing behind her as she chased Legolas around one of the courtyards. A soft smile came across his face. She had seen far too much loss at far too young an age, yet always she kept a cheerfulness about her. Sometimes he would stand in the shadows for hours, watching as Legolas and Aerendyll played, and it was during those moments that the heavy pain that had settled on his heart since he lost his beloved wife would lessen.

It was because of this, Thranduil gave her everything he could think of, for she deserved so much more. When it became clear she did not wish for mountains of jewels or beautiful gowns, he had encouraged her to further her learning and take on the role her parents had played, sitting on his council. For he could see that even at a young age, Aerendyll longed for purpose and did not wish to spend her days idling with the other elleths of the court. And he could think of no greater purpose than being an advisor to these lands. Even if it was becoming clearer with each passing year that his final wish for her - that she would fall in love with Legolas and find happiness with him, become his queen - would never come to be.

As long as she found happiness, he supposed that things would turn out alright in the end.

"Father."

Immediately, the smile fell from Thranduil's face as he sat up, putting aside the letter and watched as Legolas walked into the study. His son stopped just before his desk and bowed, a solemn expression upon his face.

"You bring news?" the King asked.

"The latest dispatches have arrived from Imladris," Legolas said. Thranduil did not speak, only nodded his head for his son to continue. "It seems a company of dwarves has recently departed from there."

Thranduil's eyes widened slightly, but rather than react further, he stood and walked over to the large window that looked out over the forest, his hands folded behind his back.

"Did Lord Elrond speak in detail on this?" he asked.

"They are moving towards Erebor," Legolas said.

Thranduil pondered this news. It would seem the dwarves were likely attempting to make a move on the mountain and the dragon that lived within - a foolish move in his mind, but a move all the same. However, it was as of yet Mirkwood's problem. Though still something to watch. It would take time until the party drew nearer, but would not hurt to be on guard.

He then remembered just what lie within the mountain and his heart seized a moment. There was not much that remained of his wife's, but what was to be a gift for her - his last gift, as it was - was among the riches there. And now he found more than anything, he wished to have them back. Perhaps once the dwarves were close enough, he could negotiate a deal with their leader. Gain their return.

"Keep a keen eye on the forest roads. It is likely they will travel through our lands and I wish to speak with them myself should any of your guard come upon them," he said, settling into the decision.

For now that he had made it, he was even more determined to gain them back.

"Yes, Father."

"And the spiders?" Thranduil then asked.

"They are proving rather difficult but our guards are doing their best to clear out the nests closest to our Halls," Legolas recited.

Thranduil turned, not pleased with this news. They had been fighting to clear out the nests rather vigorously since Aerendyll's departure and he had hoped they would see progress. Yet there was none. As if sensing his displeasure, Legolas took a deep breath to continue quickly.

"We have doubled the guard and are doing all that we can-"

"Do more," Thranduil ordered.

"Perhaps if we considered Aerendyll's suggestion-"

"I will not reach out to Lord Elrond or Lorien," Thranduil stated, his voice clipped and dripping in power. "They will not send help nor do we need it, so why bother?"

"But Aerendyll has the ear of Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn, been training with their Marchwarden. Should we not use her presence in Lorien to aid in our cause?" Legolas pushed, his brow furrowed. "Is this not what you have spent all these years training her for? And I know you sent her away for her safety, but was not further building an alliance with Lorien also part of that reason?"

"I thought I made myself clear. I do not wish to involve her in this," Thranduil said, his voice soft, yet menacing as his eyes flashed in anger. "Do not push further, Legolas. I have already warned you."

"She has a right to know," Legolas shot back, clearly losing his patience. "You wish for her to aid in ruling these lands and yet you refuse to allow her to do just that. How can she be a capable leader if you do not share everything with her?"

Thranduil's nostrils flared, though he quickly turned back to the window, not wishing to expose his son to the conflict current flowing within him. Yes, he knew rationally that if Aerendyll were to someday rule at Legolas' side, whether as a queen, co-regent or advisor, she would need to know such things. But his desire to protect her - to keep her safe from harm and darkness - was just as strong. Perhaps he was misguided in pushing her studies, fostering her mind. But he could not take it back now. That damage was done.

However, she was safe in Lorien. Far from all this. And as long as she was there, she would remain safe, though he longed for her return. And as long as she was away from Mirkwood, he could keep such tidings from her. For they had yet to fully understand just what the enemy was planning. As long as they remained in the dark, Mirkwood would not be safe for Aerendyll.

"My edict stands. You will not involve her. Increase the guard if you must. Send out more patrols. Do whatever you can to keep the spiders at bay, but do not utter a word of this to Aerendyll," Thranduil ordered. "I will handle all dispatches from Imladris myself from here out and expect updates from the guard twice a day."

There was silence a few moments before Legolas finally responded with a glare that Thranduil could sense even though his back was turned.

"Yes, Father."

He waited until he heard Legolas' steps move across the room, then the opening and shutting of a door before he turned and glided back to his desk, once again reaching for the letter from Cohnal. While he had his own thoughts on why the Lorien elf was so eager to keep an eye on Aerendyll, Thranduil trusted him. And the fact that Aerendyll had yet to mention Cohnal in her own letters told him all that he needed to know - that she did not desire him. Or at least he hoped as such.

The last thing Thranduil wished was for Aerendyll to form an attachment to Lorien, though he did not worry in that regard. He knew that she loved her home and had devoted herself to Mirkwood - to himself and Legolas. There was not much chance that she would wish to linger if her reaction to being sent away was anything to go by. And she was rather logical and devoted to her duty. She seemed content remaining at Legolas' side even if there was nothing more than sibling affection there.

At least Aerendyll was proving to be the least of the King's worries at this moment.

Legolas stormed into his rooms, still fuming from his meeting with his father. While there were often not many kind words exchanged between the two, he had hoped that perhaps he would eventually convince his father that they needed to keep Aerendyll informed of the true goings on in Mirkwood. It was becoming more difficult for him to keep these things from her in his letters and he knew she was well aware there was something more he was not saying.

They had been best friends since they were elflings. Just as he knew her, Aerendyll also knew him as well.

After pacing around a bit, he looked over, seeing a pile of letters left on a table, the topmost one with familiar handwriting. Quickly, he walked over and snatched it up, nearly ripping it apart to get to the letter within.

Upon reading the first words, he found himself falling down into a chair as his eyes widened.

I do not know just what it is you wish to keep from me, but since you will not lay bare your thoughts and heart, then at least allow me to do so. Whatever is between us, it does not change that you are my dearest companion and I am in great need of your comfort.

I find myself feeling things that I have never experienced, yet I cannot allow myself to fully give into them. Legolas, I am afraid. I am afraid that my heart is reaching out to the Marchwarden, Haldir…

I do not yet understand what this means for my future, for I feel my heart torn in two - wrestling between my love for Mirkwood and family, and whatever could be growing here in Lorien…

Legolas read through the letter three times and then found himself sitting in silence, processing everything Aerendyll had written. It was like this that Tauriel found him perhaps an hour later.

"What has happened?" she asked, her voice firm, but the worry clear.

Legolas did not look at her, his eyes still fixed ahead of him upon some spot on the floor. He had not even registered her entrance.

"Ari has written," he stated.

"And? I hope this means you have finally found the strength to tell her the truth," Tauriel said, quickly moving to his side.

"I still question whether I should, though now my reasoning has changed," he said, looking back down at the letter in his hand, seeing the dried tears splattered throughout. "She has fallen in love… with the Marchwarden."

Tauriel's eyes widened as she glanced down at the letter and then back to the stunned expression on Legolas' face.

"I thought it was merely a friendly attraction," she said.

"As did I. She had not mentioned anything about growing feelings in her previous letters, and even in this one she does not say anything about love directly, but it is clear," Legolas said with a sigh as he placed the letter on the table.

Tauriel quickly reached for it, her eyes scanning through the contents.

"She is in pain," she murmured. She then looked at Legolas. "What will you say to her?"

Legolas remained quiet a few moments, but then a slight smile appeared as he looked up at her.

"I am going to encourage her to pursue it," he said simply. "As I said before, Ari deserves happiness and I can now see that happiness lies in Lorien. I cannot tell her of the tidings here. She is already fighting with herself. I do not wish to fuel that conflict more."

Tauriel frowned slightly as she walked around and sat across from him, her eyes going back to the letter.

"But what of your father? He does wish for her eventual return," she asked.

"With time, he will see that this is for the best," Legolas said, though there was a hint of melancholy in his voice. "Though it may mean that she does not return to Mirkwood, she has found her heart's mate. Who are we - though King and Prince we may be - to stand in the way of that?" Tauriel looked up at him. "More than that, we are her family. Is it not our duty to encourage her to step out on her own? To find her own way?"

"But… he is Silvan," Tauriel said softly, her thoughts likely going to her own issues in this regard.

"And a respected Marchwarden of Lorien. Even if he was a blacksmith, it is not our place to stop what the Valar have deemed so, despite whatever it is my father may believe," Legolas replied.

Tauriel contemplated this as she looked back down to the letter.

"You are right that she does not mention it directly, but it is clear," she said. "Her affections run deep."

Legolas nodded slowly, then finally looked up, meeting Tauriel's gaze, a sad smile gracing his face. While he knew it would not be easy, he did truly hope for Aerendyll to find peace and happiness. At some point, they would have to face Thranduil and Legolas knew the king would not so easily let her go, but at the very least he could help her end the struggle with herself.

For far too long, Aerendyll had not considered her own happiness. True, she was outspoken and confident, outwardly content with her life here. But he always sensed there was something just underneath her confident exterior. That she longed for something more, though she may not have even acknowledged it herself or known what it was until now. While he had dreaded their parting, the more he thought upon it, the more he felt it could be good for her to leave the borders of Mirkwood. To see what more could be out there for her. It only helped that he knew Lorien to be safer than Mirkwood at the moment.

Yes, this was ultimately a good development though it came with obstacles and heartache for himself and his father. Perhaps it was time they learned to let go. Thranduil had long struggled with control, often exerting it to an unbearable degree, because he was afraid to let go of those he loved most. Legolas had the utmost confidence that Aerendyll would come through this trial and be all the better for it.

"I must write back in all haste," he said, pushing up from the table and walking over to retrieve parchment and a quill. "She needs to hear from me that it is okay to open her heart."

Tauriel did not respond, only watched as he settled at the table and began writing. But he did not need any words from her. He knew he was doing the right thing by Aerendyll, and that was all that mattered.

Haldir stood tall and silent in the flet, his eyes scanning the horizon of the great plain before him bathed in moonlight. All was quiet and had been for days. But yet, he could not quiet the storm in his mind.

Each day that passed away from Aerendyll he found it harder to focus on anything other than her. He had hoped coming to the borders would allow him time to clear his mind so that when he returned they could perhaps continue their friendship. But it appeared his heart had other things in mind.

For rather than his feelings waning, they had only grown. In a sense, it was rather remarkable that they had grown so deep and so strong in just the few months she had been within Lorien. Yet there was no denying it. He was falling for her in such a way that being parted would likely ruin him. But yet again, he was not to be thinking such things.

He knew that he could not act on these feelings.

"All is quiet on the northern and southern borders."

Haldir glanced to his right, seeing that his second-in-command, Braern, had joined him. He was only here for a time, returning early so that he could help in the final preparations for his wedding ceremony. In fact, Haldir had insisted he did not need to join him, but the elf had insisted, reminding him that he would be taking leave afterwards for a time as he settled into married life.

"Good," Haldir said, his eyes still fixed on the horizon.

A few minutes passed, with the two saying nothing as they kept watch. Haldir then heard Braern shifting on his feet and sensed there was something on the ellon's mind. Likely his upcoming nuptials.

"You know you can speak freely with me," he said, glancing over at him with a slight smile.

While not as close as his brothers, Haldir felt comradeship with Braern and deeply respected him. He was a strong warrior and good leader. He was truly happy that he had found love in Daella, having watched their courtship and often hearing of the elleth from Braern.

"Yes, though… I worry I might be overstepping," Braern said, his expression rather serious, though it usually was.

"I assure you, you may speak openly," Haldir said, turning his attention back to the land.

"You seem distracted, Haldir," Braern said. "While I do not think the others have noticed, I have. It is most unlike you."

Haldir stiffened slightly, having been unaware that anyone would notice. He had been somewhat distracted, yes, but not to the point it had affected his work. Or so he had thought. Granted, Braern was rather gifted in observation.

"Does something lay heavy on your mind?" Braern continued.

For a moment, Haldir nearly told him that it was not of his concern. But then he stopped himself. While it was most difficult to discuss such things with his brothers, he felt Braern would have a more rational approach. Perhaps he would see the rationality in his actions and tell him that he was doing the right thing by attempting to let go of his feelings for Aerendyll.

"Yes, though with time, it shall pass," he said with a heavy sigh. "I must only bear it for several more months longer. Or so I hope."

As it was, no one quite knew just how long she was to be here. He had heard nothing from her, or had the Lord and Lady said anything though he knew they were in constant contact with King Thranduil. His heart was torn, for he did not know for which he wished for more. A quicker departure so as to attempt to heal himself or for her to linger so that he had more time.

"You speak of Lady Aerendyll," Braern stated, no surprise whatsoever in his voice. And yet again, though he could deny it, Haldir knew his second-in-command would easily catch his lie.

"Yes, but she will return to Mirkwood," he said. "There is no future there, so I must put such things aside."

"And just how is it you know there is no future?" Braern questioned.

"Because she is destined to rule Mirkwood one way or another. She will not give that up, that is clear, nor should I wish for her to give it up," Haldir said. "But she longs for King Thranduil's approval above all else."

"And you believe that the King will not approve of a union between you," Braern said rather than asked.

"She is well loved by the King and the Prince. Her destiny is already laid before her and regardless of… other matters… she has made it clear that she wishes to stay the course," Haldir said, though he could not help the pain that shot through his heart.

Oh, how he wished things were different. But he could not ask this of Aerendyll. It would be akin to her asking him to give up his position in Lorien, and that would be difficult. Though he would like to think that he would give it all up for her in an instant, he knew such a decision was not so easily. Even now, he could not help but be torn in two over it, though the proposition had not even been broached.

"If I have learned anything, it is that sometimes… love is not so complicated. Only that we make it so," Braern said, a thoughtful note in his voice. Haldir glanced at him, his eyebrows raised. "Perhaps it is because of my own happiness as my wedding draws nearer, but I feel rather optimistic for your circumstances."

Haldir snorted softly, finding his words a bit ridiculous. Braern did not fully understand the complications that lay before him and Aerendyll. And it seemed he would not be offering Haldir any comfort this night in his decision to step aside.

"Daella tells me that she speaks of you," Braern then said. Haldir turned to him at that. It was on the tip of his tongue to push him to divulge everything, but he managed to hold himself. Whatever had been said, it was obviously done in confidence. "I can sense you wish to ask, but will not. And I will not tell you details, but only say… keep hope."

Haldir blinked a few times and then turned back to staring at the horizon. He had come to the borders to try and squelch his hope, yet now he found it doing the opposite.

"I should not. It is folly," he said softly. "To build such hope… it will only hurt more when she leaves."

There was more silence and for a moment, Haldir began to think that Braern had finally seen sense. But then he spoke yet again.

"I find that things of this nature… they tend to sort themselves out once one gets out of one's own way," he said. "If you will excuse me, I shall take my leave. I must speak with the scout from the eastern border."

Without allowing Haldir time to respond, Braern then turned and made his way to the ladder and began to deftly climb down. Haldir frowned, gaping at the spot where he had stood for a bit before returning, once again, to looking around the forest.

It seemed the entire world was hellbent on convincing him to keep hope that this was meant to be. That he and Aerendyll could truly be together. And once again, despite his best efforts otherwise, he was now hoping with all his heart that it would be true as well.

As you can see, things are happening in Mirkwood. I'll admit, when I started, I had an idea of the timeframe in my head but didn't really stop to look into it until I got this far and realized there may be some bobbles there in terms of lining things up with "The Hobbit" book/movies. But… it's not the main part of the story, so hoping you guys will forgive me there.

And look at Braern giving Haldir good advice. We're getting closer guys. And since it's been taking me forever to finish chapters (sorry! I've just been so tired lately) I think I'm going to post one more chapter to tide you guys over until I can get Chapt. 17 and 18 finished. Or just Chapt. 17. Haven't decided… but as I've got only 22 chapters planned, we're getting closer to the end.

AB0918 – Yea, he's up to no good. And we'll to hear his side in an upcoming chapter. Right now, I'm just leaving his motives up for speculation… and what he plans to do from here. And yes, I really wanted to build up a good support network in Lorien for Aerendyll. You know, one that she finally opens up to fully once she realizes it's there and she doesn't have to feel alone.

Saddlesore – Yep! Don't fully trust Cohnal. And yea, sometimes it is super hard to admit that you're falling for someone. But she's getting there!

Oddity Empress – Haha, right? Just go for it Aerendyll!

Thanks for reading, following and commenting everyone!