Ooohh, I wish I could share with you the big plans I have for this story! But I can't, because I really want your candid reactions as things unravel. But I can hardly wait! Okay, I will give you one hint. This is going to be more than just a sob romantic separation fic! Oh, yes. But you must keep reading to reach that point!

Don't worry. This story will have lots more of Legolas, Aragorn, and Gimli later on when the time is right, Lord willing.


"Certainly, my lord." Aragorn bowed respectfully to Thranduil. But he didn't walk away without first smiling adoringly at Alasse and stroking her face. Then he took his leave, Thranduil scowling at him from behind.

"I take it this conversation regards something of great importance." Alasse said.

"It does." Thranduil said cooly, stepping out onto the balcony, swishing his great, velvet robes.

"It's so beautiful up here." Alasse murmured, looking up at the stars and then at the city torches down below where they could hear the happy voices of Gondor's people.

"Yes. Beautiful." Thranduil agreed, nearly choking up as he stared at her. She looked exactly like her mother, and the moonbeams illuminating her appearance were so bewitching, it took his breath away. Made him feel half guilty for what he was about to do, but he saw no other way. "You know, the Wood is beautiful once again, restored to its former glory. Better, actually."

"Mmm-hmm. We've been back now and then since Sauron was defeated once and for all." Alasse reminded him. "It does look lovelier every time I see it again."

Thranduil breathed deeply for good measure before speaking again. "Perhaps you would like to see it again, sooner rather than later." He suggested. Alasse looked up at him.

"How do you mean?" She asked curiously.

"Alasse, when Mithrandir brought me here, I thought it was going to be to say my final goodbye to you! I actually did! You did die, before my eyes!"

Alasse hung her head. It was still painful to talk about, even for her. "I know, Ada. And I'm sorry!" She whimpered.

"You had absolutely no control over it." Thranduil said quickly. "But you are still recovering, and you must be more cautious." Alasse smiled. For the most part, she felt normal. But she understood that he was worried about her. "I think it would be wise to return back home, to the Wood, with our people. Take a respite from all this fighting and going off on Elessar's crusades! You have done more than others could ever expect. I think it would be wise to step away for some time."

"I have to admit, that idea did cross my mind." Alasse stated. Thranduil looked at her hopefully. Maybe this was fate. "But, I can't bear the thought of leaving Legolas, Gimli, or Estel just now."

"What about me?" Thranduil pouted playfully. Alasse giggled.

"I'll always love you, Ada." She assured him. "And the Wood will always be in my heart. But, if I choose to come, it will only be for a while! Legolas and I, with Estel and Gimli...we've done so much together. We're more than friends. We're family too! Brethren tied together. I would miss them terribly if I stayed away forever!"

"I understand." Thranduil nodded. "But I think the time has come for you to sit back and relax a little. Without being burdened by the troubles of a kingdom." He knew that only a short time ago, that was not the case with their own kingdom, but things were better there now. "And our people will be overjoyed to see you too! They were all heartbroken when Mithrandir came and told me that you were on death's door. They will be relieved to look on your fair face again."

"I do miss them!" Alasse agreed. But the thought of leaving Leg- Aragorn just now filled her with sadness. How could she leave? She wanted to be with him! But she couldn't deny her father's words. After all, giving her love to a mortal was a life-altering decision! Perhaps going back would be the wise thing to do, to find the best way to tell her father. "All right, Father. I will come home with you. But I cannot stay permanently! It will only be for a while. I'm finding my heart being called in another direction, far beyond the Wood. And this time, I cannot ignore it or bid it to go away! No matter what. So, I shall return." She reminded him.

Thranduil lightly nodded silently. "You will be safe, and free from the heavy cares of a warrior, iell-." He said quietly. Alasse shook her head. She'd learned that trouble could come from anywhere, no matter where one placed themselves.

"Will Legolas come too?" She asked. Thranduil froze. He hadn't thought of that.

"Of course. Well, I have not mentioned it to him yet, but I'm sure he would like to accompany us."

"You still need to ask him." Alasse pointed out.

"Ai."

"And even if it's just to home and back, he won't travel without Gimli!"

"The dwarf." Thranduil grunted.

"Ai. They have become blood brothers, just like Legolas and Aragorn. The three of them together make one dangerous army, let me tell you!"

"If that is his wish." Thranduil sighed.

"Ada, I have been thinking. I like doing what Legolas does, protecting the innocent and the helpless. But since my...my 'return', I have been considering also pursuing some training in healing while I'm at it. I can usually help with minor injuries. But ever since I learned from Lord Elrond that the wound on my waist is one scar that is not going to leave me, I have been wanting to help people more, to do what I can to hopefully make sure that the same doesn't happen to them. Of course, I will never be as gifted as Lord Elrond is! But I'd feel better if I could do more when someone is injured, rather than just stand there worrying. And that's why I must keep fighting too! I can't give that up!"

"I think your ambition in learning a new trade is a wise decision, darling." Thranduil said vaguely. Perhaps it will be her new calling.

"I'm going to find Legolas." Alasse said and dismissed herself, leaving her father alone and miserable with his guilty thoughts.

You didn't tell her the real reason. His conscience pricked him. I know that. But I didn't verbally object to what she told me either! I truly do feel bad, not telling her the entire truth. But I didn't lie to her! I have to do this! There is no other way! I can't lose her again. Not again! She will not come to another grievous end again, like her mother! My child will not forsake the life of her people and choose to live in the world of men as one of them, like Tauriel did. No! This is for the best. It hurts, but it must be done. I must protect my daughter, at all costs! Even as he thought it, he didn't really feel much better. But he gruffly brushed it aside.


As Thranduil reentered the castle, he met Aragorn in the corridor. Thranduil stepped closer to him and Aragorn put on his best warrior face, hoping it would soothe the jumpiness in his stomach when the great Elven king looked at him like that, like a guilty child caught. "I am truly grateful, Estel, for what you've done for me. Do not mistake that!" Thranduil told him. "Without you, I wouldn't have my little girl back. I can never repay you in full for the marvelous thing you did!"

"It wasn't me, my lord." Aragorn blushed. "She made the choice to return to us. And for that, I am more glad than I can possibly express!"

"Ai." Thranduil hummed. Then he frowned darkly again. "Just remember who you are." He whispered. "She is not of your kind. It would only lead to pain and heartache for all involved, were you to keep up such attachment. I hold great respect for you, Aragorn. You are the greatest of men. Do not think me cruel and unfair. But, she is my daughter and I'm sure you can understand that after losing her that I must do all in my power to see that it never happens again!"

"I understand perfectly, my lord," Aragorn said quietly, looking very sad.

"Good." Thranduil huffed. "You will give up this fancy before you both plunge in so deep that you don't believe you can possibly resurface. Trust my judgement, Estel. Were you to wed, it would result in ruin and the deepest pain imaginable, unable to ever recover from. I implore you! Do not put yourself or my daughter through that! Do I have your word?"

Aragorn hung his head sadly, trying to process the painful rejection without acting rashly. Being the noble boyfriend that he was, he weighed his words out carefully before answering. "I will respect you wishes, my lord king." He said bravely. "But I will not promise to grant you what you desire. My heart cannot be commanded like a soldier. It is mine to lead, however fallible."

"So be it." Thranduil said sternly. "You would do wise to heed my words, Estel. I have loved deeply and suffered great loss. You have not known what I have known!"

Actually, I already have. Aragorn thought, remembering the crushing pain in his heart when Alasse had passed, without him telling her his true feelings. He said nothing, but just stared at the king, with that infamously dejected countenance of his that made him still look like an innocent little boy.

"And trust me on this, you do not want to know that kind of grief." Thranduil spoke firmly. "You must let her go!" Aragorn sighed heavily.

"I will not beg her to stay, if that is not what she wishes." He said. "I would not hold her here against her will."

"And for that I thank you." Thranduil began to walk passed him but halted for one more piece of very unwanted advice. "Of course you are burdened by my words as of now. But as time passes, you will see that it is best. Let her go." And with that, he left the saddened ranger/king to wallow in his disappointment.


Ouch! Poor Aragorn. Alasse does not know yet that her father intends to keep her with him forever!

So, what do you think is going to happen? Please tell me!