Yay! We finally get to Bard! Sorry this took so long.


Even though he and King Bard were on good terms, Thranduil hadn't really originally planned to be paying a visit to Dale, or anywhere else for that matter once he'd returned to the Wood. But after the nightmare he went through at Minas Tirith, he wasn't about to let Alasse out of his sight! After writing to King Bain, Bard's son, requesting permission to visit to which the man had replied happily, Thranduil had made arrangements for how the kingdom would be run while he was absent. But after the wolf attack, he brought along fourscore warriors instead of twenty. Should they run into any trouble along the way, he wanted to insure that everyone was well covered. He wasn't taking any chances!

Thranduil told Bellethiel that she was to remain at the palace, so she wouldn't be troubled on the trip by the still too fresh memories of Lindethiel's death. "If you are certain I can be of more use here, Your Majesty. Then I will do so." Bellethiel answered Thranduil.

"Yes, I believe that is best." Thranduil said gruffly. Bellethiel bowed her head, but he noticed her throwing a worried look in Alasse's direction as she watched the princess oversee packages being loaded onto the horses. Thranduil sighed. "For the record, I am grateful, Bellethiel, for the help you've been giving my daughter." Bellethiel looked up at him in surprise. "Mind you, I do not want her to be encouraged in any way to be a hunter like her brother! But for teaching her to protect herself better, I am most appreciative."

"It's my honor, Your Majesty!" Bellethiel smiled sadly. "She's been a good friend to me, especially since...you know. We were all heartbroken when we heard about the battle of the White City, and what had befallen our princess. When you returned with her at your side, it was like sunlight parting the clouds. I've already lost my sister. I don't want to lose our beloved lady either...again."

"Neither do I." Thranduil stiffened. "And I am going to insure that it does not happen again!"


The party of elves were about to pull out. Thranduil noticed that Alasse was acting agitated. "Iel nin, what troubles you? You look vexed." Thranduil asked curiously.

"Ada, have you seen my stave? I seem to have misplaced it!" Alasse told him anxiously.

"Is it missing?" Thranduil asked.

"It can't be! But I'm afraid it is. I thought I'd left it in my wardrobe. But it was not there! I cannot seem to find it!" Alasse exclaimed.

"You have your daggers and your bow, daughter." Thranduil told her calmly. "Surely that will suffice."

"But, Ada, my staff! I need it." Alasse shook her head frantically.

"Well, my dear, I am afraid there is no time to search for it. I wouldn't fret about it." Thranduil smiled. "Besides, we have more than enough warriors to protect you. And myself. So, let's be off, shall we?"

"But, Father..." Alasse started to protest.

"This entire venture was your idea, Alasse." Thranduil reminded her as he mounted his stallion. "We should head out."

"I'll be right back. I promise!" Alasse told him quickly and dashed back into the palace.

"Alasse! Get back here! This is no time to...ugh!" Thranduil shook his head. Though Alasse had usually been the more compliant one, there were times she could be just as stubborn as Legolas! "Feren, you've had a sufficient load of wine supplied for the road ahead, right?" Thranduil groaned.

"Ai, Your Majesty." Feren nodded.

"Good. I already know I'm going to need one!" Thranduil sighed.

Alasse came back, very disappointed and worried. That staff was her constant companion and had served her well for ages, just as Gandalf had told her it would. She felt so unequipped and actually lonesome without it. Where could it be? As they rode out, she looked back longingly at the palace, wondering where her staff was. It was to her what Legolas's bow was to him. To Thranduil, she looked like a child who was saddened because this was their first trip from home without their puppy. He couldn't help feeling slightly amused, but also guilty at the same time.


By afternoon, the party of elves had reached Laketown. It was such a lively, thriving place now compared to the poor, disheartening shambles it had been when Thorin Oakenshield and his company had sought refuge in it. Sturdy, well supplied houses and businesses now resided there. As the elves passed through, they were stared at, and greeted cheerily though some warily. Though Thranduil had chosen to make more personal appearances more than he used to, it was still a rarity for him, and this day had definitely been unexpected. Tatsu was intrigued by it all, watching the humans and their ways of living. And the humans were of all different heights, builds, colors, and castes unlike her Elven people.

The new master's officers informed their leader about the arrival of King Thranduil. The master was baffled and worried at first, thinking that the Elven king had come because of grave international news. Thranduil quickly assured him that that was not the case. But he put the blame for this unexpected appearance on Alasse. "She said she needed 'more excitement' or something of that mind." He told him. "So she packed us all up like barrels on the river, and is dragging us all the way to Dale." Thranduil teased.

"Ada!" Alasse glared playfully at him. He smirked.

"I see." The master sighed with relief. "Will you not stay for a glass of cherry?"

"I would, but we have a long trip ahead of us and would prefer to use what daylight we can." Thranduil nodded graciously.

"Understood. Well, be safe." The master bowed.

One their way out of the town into the mountains, Tatsu could not help but be fascinated by the beautiful countryside, and this lovely piece of nature that she'd only heard existed. "The land is so free and peaceful out here!" She breathed.

"Unfortunately, it is not always so." Thranduil sighed.

"Ai, my lord. But what a picturesque canvas!"

"Aren't you pleased now, that you agreed to come?" Alasse asked with a teasing grin.

"Ai! Ai!" Tatsu beamed. "I'm so glad you persuaded me to accompany you!"


That night, Alasse left Tatsu's side and entered the tent where her father was. He was sitting, as usual, and drinking his wine. And as was typical for him, he looked as if he was brooding. "Well, it appears that the road ahead is all clear, so far as we can tell at the moment." Alasse informed him.

"That is good to know." Thranduil said quietly. He rose an eyebrow and Alasse nodded. Thranduil poured her some wine and handed it to her.

"Thank you." Alasse said and sipped it before sitting down. "Ahh." She sighed. "It feels so refreshing to be on the road again."

"Mmm?" Thranduil grunted dryly.

"I've been spending so much time at the palace that I didn't realize how much I have actually missed traveling." Alasse explained.

"Mph." Thranduil grunted again. Alasse picked up on the disinterest in his tone and frowned at him.

"Adar, are you alright?" She asked cautiously.

"I'm fine." Thranduil muttered.

"Oh. That is good to know. I dread to imagine how crestfallen your appearance would be if you were miserable!" Alasse jested, trying to lighten the mood. She grinned, but Thranduil looked annoyed.

"If you have something to say, say it." He said coldly. Alasse started at the sharpness of his tone.

"I...it's just...you seem so preoccupied, and..."

"I'm the one who's preoccupied?" Thranduil sputtered sternly.

"I beg your pardon?" Alasse bit her lip.

"What with taking on the task of a new calling and whatnot, I would think your mind would be too full to let your heart long for other places." Thranduil grumbled.

"I don't know what you mean, Ada." Alasse said defensively. "What is the matter? Have I done something wrong?"

Thranduil had to force himself to smile. "Of course you haven't, iel nin." He said, gritting his teeth to speak in a gentler tone. "But I am not pleased with you making yourself shoulder so many responsibilities at once."

"Uh, I am a princess." Alasse reminded him with a timid grin. "Such is the life of a royal." She sighed dramatically, quoting him. Thranduil narrowed his eyes. But even he couldn't help starting snicker at that.

"I feel you are biting off more than you can chew, and you wish you would just stop it." Thranduil said. "Alasse, my child, you are doing too much. I think it would be wise for you to eliminate at least one of your newly chosen activities, namely...training?"

"Training?!" Alasse gaped. "Ada, that is vital! I can't give that up! It's a matter of survival."

Thranduil sighed, massaging his temples. "I would feel much better if you would at least cut down on the amount of time you spend doing it. Shorten the sessions…something!"

"Ada, I know you're worried about me." Alasse said calmly. "But I'm quite recovered from my ordeal at Gondor. Well, mostly."

"Exactly. Mostly!" Thranduil glowered.

"Oh." Alasse nodded, as she felt she began to understand why he was so upset. "I know. It's unsettling, and baffling." Her hand unconsciously went to her stomach. "But it hasn't happened again, Ada."

"But it could, at any given time." Thranduil said anxiously. "We do not know much about this...this phenomena. Alasse, my dear daughter, you cannot possibly understand how it kills me inside when you have an episode like that. You do not have children of your own. You just don't know!"

Alasse nodded. "Alright, Ada. Alright." She said quietly. "If it will put your mind at ease, I will at least make efforts to not wear myself out to the point of exhaustion. I know that it must be frightening for you, wondering if it's going to happen again. I have felt tense about it myself, more often than you think. But as long as it does not, I'd rather be grateful and make some use of my life.

'I must not give up the fighting. But, I can tell Bellethiel that we should abridge the time span. Will that suit you?'"

"Ai." Thranduil nodded. That was so not the answer he'd wanted to hear, but it was a start. At least he was getting closer to convincing her to pursue the healing arts with more intrigue than the self defense. "I would appreciate that." He said lowly.

"I hope my letter reaches Minas Tirith before we return home! I am looking forward to receiving another letter." Alasse said, her eyes dancing. Thranduil frowned darkly as he could not deny the sparkle in her countenance, and his heart sank as he felt he knew who she was thinking about.

Alasse pretended to ignore his moodiness, but she didn't have to look at him to know he was troubled. She could feel it! Perhaps now would be a good time to...but, oh. How do I even start? She thought.

"Ada?" She spoke up slowly.

"Yes?" He turned his head and faced her curiously.

"What do you...I mean, do you believe it's possible to...to..." Alasse gulped.

"To what, child?"

Alasse's heart was racing. What she wanted to tell him was not everyday news, not even for elves! "Do you believe that it's possible to...to encounter the spirits of those who have passed, even though they aren't reincarnated, or we are still in Middle Earth?" She asked. Thranduil furrowed his brows. That was not what he'd been expecting to hear!

"I believe that their spirits watch over us, and that they communicate with us through their shining lights." Thranduil answered.

"So, you don't think it's possible to meet them in their new bodies, even if it wasn't in the Halls of Mandos?"

"I do not know, Alasse. I have never experienced it, and I do not know the answer as to whether it happens or not. Why do you ask? Why did you ask about this?"

"I...I am still trying to grasp the conception of what I was experiencing when...when Aragorn was trying to revive me." Alasse answered.

Aragorn! It was because of him that you ended up like that in the first place! Thranduil wanted to shout. "It's over now, Alasse. Please, let us put it behind us and look toward the future!" He begged.

"Mmm." Alasse nodded. "Excuse me, Father. I wish to look at the stars again. Would you care to join me?"

"Certainly." Thranduil agreed and rose from his seat, his great robes swishing about as the two of them walked out of the tent and stared up into the sky. Even Thranduil was captivated by how vibrant the view was out here in the open. Alasse leaned against his arm with her head.

"I remember when I was little, the three of us would go outside and lay on the grass near the fountain, looking up at the stars." She murmured sadly.

"Ai." Thranduil nodded. "Life was simpler then. But war changes things." Alasse looked up forlornly at him.

"Yes, it does." She whispered. Oh, Nana! I need to tell him. I want to tell him, about you! But right now in his state of mind, I do not think he will believe me!


It took three days to reach Dale. The city was alive with music, people speaking and children laughing. The city walls were solid and well kept. Children were ambushing the carousel. The tradesmen in the plaza shouted out for deals to any passersby. The blacksmiths were hard at work, clanging down their tools on glowing orange steels they were trying to forge. Thranduil scrutinized the place with approval. Bard and his kin had certainly done themselves proud. Alasse smiled warmly to the humans who stared at them in awe and wonder. Tatsu was overwhelmed by it all, but from fascination.

Thranduil announced to the king's general that they wished to pay King Bard and his son King Bain a visit. Soon, they were escorted to the palace. It was much smaller than their own home in the Wood, and the decor though regal was fairly simplistic. It seemed fitting for the bargeman king's household. They were people of great character, yet humble folk.

Thranduil and Alasse were escorted to the throne room. There they saw a tall middle-aged man. He had dark hair, and a neatly combed beard. He was clad in dark teal with gold bands. He tilted his head curiously as his lords stood up to greet their guests. His lieutenant bowed before him and addressed him. "My lord good King Bain, may I introduce Lord Thranduil, King of the Woodland Realm. And his daughter Princess Alasse Thranduiliel, future queen of the Woodland Realm. They have come to pay homage to my lord."

Bain stood up and nodded, smiling, then waved his hand to dismiss his lieutenant. "My lord Thranduil, we've been expecting you." The man said kindly.

"Ai." Thranduil said. "We have come to pay homage to yours and your noble father. It has been some time since our last meeting. My daughter felt it was time for a belated visit."

"I agree." Bain said. "Da will be happy to see you. You are most welcome. I hope you will find our accommodations to your liking. We have chambers all ready for you."

"Thank you."

"Da does not know about your visit. I felt it it would be a pleasant surprise, so I've kept him in the dark."

"Where is your father, if I may ask?" Alasse asked eagerly.

"Most likely he is in the stables right now, showing off our steeds to his grandchildren." Bain smiled.

"Grandchildren?" Thranduil arched his eyebrows.

"Ai." Bain grinned. "Ahh! If I'm not mistaken, I believe that is them now." He beamed as he heard well known voices carrying through the halls. He sent his lords off to various tasks and walked down from his throne to meet his guests. "Alasse, it's good to see you again!" He kissed her hand. "You look as enchanting as ever."

"Oh." Alasse grinned sheepishly. "Don't let your wife catch you saying that!"

"Oh, she doesn't mind. Now, if I am to call any other woman 'beautiful', then I am not in her good graces!" Bain snickered.

"Where is your lovely queen?" Thranduil asked.

"She is resting. She took a nasty fall a few weeks ago and broke her leg. It was a compound fracture, very painful. The doctors have had her on strict bed rest. As a matter of fact, I really should be with her right now."

"Go to her. Don't mind us." Alasse said.

"I am sure my father will be more than happy to see that you are looked after." Bain bowed. "Thank you, my lord. We will speak later, I'm sure. Excuse me." And he hurried out of the throne room.

Pattering little feet and excited voices rang out through the large hall and a brood of happy, small children of various ages ran into the great room. A little boy of about 7-years-old was racing a smaller girl who looked to be about 5 to the throne. The boy pounced on it and flopped back lazily. "I won!" He declared triumphantly. "You lost! Ha ha!"

"You always win, Henry." The girl pouted. "It's no fun running with you anymore."

"As the oldest, I'm going to be king someday." Henry crossed his arms pompously.

"Well, you aren't yet, so I won't be taking orders from you!" The girl huffed and stomped off. It was just then, that they noticed their visitors. They stared in awe at the royal elves. Then a small shrieked echoed through the room. Thranduil and Alasse turned toward the noise. Five more children were standing there gaping, and a 4-year-old girl who was the exact image of Tilda when she was young was clutching the cloak of a tall man who soothingly patted her small shoulder.

The man smiled warmly at the elves. His weathered face had a handful of more wrinkles than they remembered, and his shoulder length dark hair was mostly gray now, but peppered with faint streaks of dark still. And his normally astute posture was slightly hunched over now, plus he moved slower. But his soft, dark eyes were twinkling and his smile was exactly the same. "My lord Thranduil. My lady." Bard greeted. "It has been some time."

"Indeed it has." Thranduil agreed, bowing his head. "Forgive our intrusion. It was not my idea."

"Seems we've been down this road before." Bard teased. "It is a pleasure to see you both. You look well." The little girl tugged anxiously on his coat. Bard smiled and slowly stooping down, he grunted as he gingerly lifted her up in his arms.

"What are they, Grandpapa?" She asked worriedly.

"No need to fret, Lily." Bard pinched her cheek. "These are our neighbors from the Woodland kingdom. We've told you about them, remember?" Lily hid her face in her grandpa's neck, clinging to him. "She's rather shy, especially around people she doesn't know." Bard explained. Alasse nodded, smiling.

"Real elves?" A boy of about 9 sputtered.

"Ai, William." Bard nodded.

"It's alright. We don't bite, I promise." Alasse said cheerfully. "Well, at least I don't." She pointed to her father. Thranduil pursed his lips, embarrassed, and gave her a pointed look which she ignored.

"Oh, thank you." He muttered. "A fine way to impress our hosts, daughter. Letting them on to believe I am some kind of monster."

"Are you a king?" One of the older girls asked, fascinated.

"I am, little one." Thranduil smiled, relieved to have redeemed himself.

"I'm not little. I'm almost ten!" She protested. Alasse snickered.

"My apologies." Thranduil grunted, rolling his eyes. Bard was snorting at him. Thranduil narrowed his eyes at Alasse. I see how it is. He thought to himself. Someone has itchy feet, so she drags me all the way from the comforts of my own palace, to watch me be made a spectacle of. Subtle, iel nin. But hardly worth it.

"My lord, my lady. This is Syrena." Bard introduced the girl. "She is my eldest grandchild who still lives here. And this is her brother William. Then there is Katrina, and Edmund. And...this is Lily." Bard said proudly.

"Hello, children." Alasse smiled. "I brought some presents for you."

"Presents?" All of the children perked up, even Lily.

"Ai. If your grandfather doesn't mind, would you like to see them?"

"Yes! Please! Can we, Grandpapa? Can we? Can we?" The children begged.

"Alright." Bard chuckled. "Syrena will take you. But be polite and wait your turn. And, Henry! Get off that throne. Your mother will have my skin if she finds out you sat on it with dirty clothes! And that is Henry, and his sister, Lucy. They are actually my great-grandchildren."

"Grandpapa, why does he have long hair?" Henry asked Bard, frowning. "And why does he wear a dress? He looks like a girl!" Thranduil looked away, feeling extremely awkward, and offended.

"I'll explain later." Bard shooed him out. "Shall we have a seat?" He offered as he led them to the sitting room. "I'm not getting any younger, and keeping up after seven children winds me more easily than I'd like to admit."

"You remain surprisingly spy for your age, and your kind." Thranduil stated as Bard poured some wine. They all sat down.

"Well, I try." Bard shrugged.

"But you've been blessed with long life, my friend. Much longer than most of your people" Alasse pointed out.

"Ai, that I have, my lady. But it takes a toll and I have been feeling it for a long time."

"Are they your children's only offspring?" Thranduil asked.

"Dear me, no!" Bard chuckled. "I have seven more, but they are much older and traveling abroad, studying, fighting, and exploring. In fact, one of my grandsons, Skandar, is training to be a soldier in Gondor's army."

"Really?" Alasse's face lit up. "We are close to King Ellassar. I could write to him and inquire how your grandson is faring."

"Ah. Thank you. Skandar has always dreamed of being a captain of the guard in the White City. So, what brings you here, my friends? No bad news I hope!"

"Have no fear, mellon." Thranduil shook his head. "I assure you, we have not come regarding international disaster. But only to wish you well."

"That is a relief!" Bard sighed heavily. "How is your son, my lord Thranduil?"

"Legolas is very well. Still wandering around Middle Earth like an ant."

"Grandpapa! Grandpapa! Look at what the elves gave us!" The children's excited voices interrupted the quiet as the kids rushed in with their new treasures.

Bard informed Thranduil and Alasse about his family. Sigrid had married one of the doctors of Dale, and they were currently traveling to Gondor to visit their son Skandar. Little Tilda had grown into a beautiful princess. She'd married one of the dwarves from Dain's people and lived inside Erebor. But she and her brood of children were able to visit Dale as often as they liked because it was so close. She was much older now, middle-aged, but still a curious, and cheerful female.


The next day, while Thranduil had chosen to keep to himself for the day, Alasse wanted to walk out in the countryside. She strolled through the roads of Dale, remembering when it was a heap of ruins from Smaug's dragon-fire, and remembering the bitter battle of elves, men, a hobbit, and dwarves against the Orcs. While she was glad they had been able to move past the former grievances for the most part, the memories still stung. She ventured out into the open fields, recalling the battle. Of course, her bodyguards accopmanied her, which was the only reason Thranduil had even let her go out without him!

"You've done well, my friend." Bard told Thranduil as he slowly shuffled to the window where the Elven king watched his daughter like a hawk.

"It wasn't me. They had to leave the nest and forge their own paths." Thranduil muttered sadly.

"But you had to raise them motherless. And I have seen the results from your time and care poured into them. Just because they have become their own persons with different outlooks on life, doesn't mean you are no longer needed." Bard pointed out.

"Perhaps." Thranduil sighed.

"Is everything alright, between you and your children?" Bard asked.

"Ai. It could not be better." Thranduil said quickly.

"Then why are you so sullen?" Bard pressed.

"The one true aspect of raising children you will never have lack of: second guessing yourself." Thranduil said.

"Ai." Bard chuckled. "You need some grandchildren. They make life all that much more precious."

"Indeed.' Thranduil grunted skeptically. Oh, how he would love to have a band of little elfling grandchildren! But achieving it was the issue. "My daughter recently died."

Bard's eyes bulged. "You mean, she was dead?"

"Yes. But...she was revived. Now, instead of staying safe, she wants to be as reckless as her brother, and does too much. I can't rest until she's safely in bed at night. That's why I brought her back to the Wood."

"I am so sorry." Bard said sympathetically. "I did not know. I cannot imagine how difficult that was for you. I do not know what I would do if that happened to any of my children or grandchildren!"

"It is as if she is bent on making me fret. I intend to set that straight once and for all." Thranduil said firmly.

"Well, you can't lock her up and throw away the key." Bard said.

"Why not?" Thranduil asked sassily.

"Trust me, that will never accomplish anything, if you wish things to get better!"


The third day, Alasse visited Erebor. At first, the dwarves were skeptical of her, but she presented them with gifts of treasure from the Woodland Halls. Tilda recognized her easily and welcomed her with open arms. The dwarves then more than gladly showed her around their kingdom. It was dark and underground much like her own home, yet so different. But as she walked the halls, she could feel an aura of legend and history breathing in the air. Tilda showed her the area than been Smaug's lair, and Alasse shuddered as she imagined the enormous dragon lying in wait down there.

"Did you have a lovely time?" Thranduil asked when she returned to her room.

"Ai, Ada. It was delightful, and educational. But also bittersweet." Alasse said.

"It was your idea to come here, not mine."

"I know. Bard and his tribe have done amazing work rebuilding this city. Do you not think?"

"Yes. I fear Tatsu is growing attached to it." Thranduil huffed.

"Oh. Well, then I have a surprise for her." Alasse smiled.

I don't dare ask. Thranduil thought.

"Father, are you alright?" Alasse asked. "I know you didn't want to come here."

"I'd do anything to make you happy, iel nin."

"If it was going to make you so miserable, why did you come?"

"To keep you safe." Thranduil said glumly.

"I can't help but feel it's more than that, Father. You have not been at peace, not even a little, ever since we came home. What is the matter?"

"You'll understand someday." Thranduil said dismissively. Alasse sighed.

He hasn't said that to me since I was an elfling!


Alasse had been telling the children about the Elvish lifestyle and now she was exploring Bain's castle. She found a large hall filled with large paintings. Her eyes found one that caught her attention and she stepped closer to see it in detail. It was of Bard, slaying Smaug. Alasse had not been in Laketown when Smaug had struck, but Tauriel had. The canvas revealed a cold, starry night. The town was up in flames, buildings crashing, people running in panic to escape the raging inferno. In the midst of it, a small bargeman was standing in the bell tower, preparing to fire a black arrow into the descending, humongous, malicious looking beast. Alasse was captivated. She nearly feel the heat of the flames, smell the smoke, hear the terrified screams of the people as their homes were destroyed, and she shuddered as she looked deeply into the evil glint in the dragon's yellow eyes. In the picture, Bard looked so tiny compared to Smaug! But he hadn't let that stop him.

"He truly was a hero." She murmured.

An hour later, Alasse was standing out on one of the balconies, taking in the view. "Quite a change from when we first took it back, no?" Bard suggested as he ventured next to her.

"Very." Alasse agreed.

"So, what have you been up to, dear princess?" Bard asked.

"I have spent the past decades being a hunter with my brother. But recently I have temporarily returned home to pursue some new goals such as healing. Once I get back in the field, I hope to be able to help more."

"Ahh. That is good. Have you made many new friends?"

"Ai! Bilbo Baggins' nephew Frodo and some other dear little hobbits, Sam, Pippin, and Merry."

"Bilbo! How is he?"

"He has aged like you. But he is still a pleasant fellow, full of dreams. He is residing in Rivendell, in the House of Elrond. Lord Elrond invited him."

"Sounds like he is doing very well for himself. Such a brave little soul. I shall not ever forget the master burglar!"

"No, indeed. Gloin the dwarf, his son Gimli has become one of our closest, and dearest companions." Alasse smiled fondly.

"Has he now? I have seen him now and then but not for a couple years. Is he ever the same old reprobate?"

"Do you need to ask?" Alasse grinned. "But we've grown to love him. He's a wonderful fighter and a good friend."

"Who is he?" Bard asked.

"I beg pardon?"

"Who is he, the lucky fellow who's captured your heart, my lady?" Bard grinned with a twinkle in his eyes.

"How did you know?" Alasse giggled.

"You're in love. I know that look!" Bard smiled warmly.

"If you can believe it or not, it is King Ellassar of Gondor, but we call him Aragorn." Alasse said wistfully.

"Indeed?" Bard's eyes widened. "You love him?"

"Only with all that I am. He is the kindest, most humble person. And brave, and inspiring, and so thoughtful. Oh, yes. He is handsome too. That doesn't hurt."

"Would your father approve such an attachment, with you being an immortal and him a man?"

"I do not know for sure." Alasse sighed. "It seems unlikely. But I was told it is blessed of the Valar. And Aragorn is the reason I have become what I am."

"Well, I hope you will be blessed with all happiness possible." Bard said softly.

"Hannon le, mellon nin." Alasse smiled at the old man.

Thranduil had heard their conversation through an open window below the balcony. He wolfed down some wine as he stood in his room, absolutely miserable.


I am seriously considering taking my parts of the Hobbit chapters from my fic I Will Always Watch Over You, and turning them into my own version of the story in the Hobbit Fanfiction Archive. I would be changing up a some things I wrote already and leaving some things as they were. Or maybe a whole new version with Thranduil and Thorin not hating each other through the whole story? Would you guys like me to?

Ooo. If Thranduil is so anxious about her well being, why does he appear to care less about her special weapon? Does he think she won't actually need it once he convinces her to stay with him?