"How are you feeling, Ada?" Legolas asked, sitting on the bed.

"Much better, son." Thranduil nodded, refusing to let go of Alasse. He closely observed Legolas's appearance. The poor elf looked so bushed, with his dirty clothes, and languid eyes. "Legolas, why don't you go have a warm bath and get some rest? You look exhausted, son."

"I'm okay." Legolas shrugged.

"No. That's an order. Your sister is perfectly safe now, and I can tell this journey has been wearing on you."

"Well, I suppose I could." Legolas sighed. He stood up. "I will return soon." He reached down and stroked Alasse's hair then left. Thranduil felt his heart swell with pride as he watched his son walk away. Legolas was so brave, despite the losses he'd endured so young. "Hannon le, Eru. Thank you for giving me back my children, my daughter." Thranduil murmured.


Legolas made his way to the dwarves' section of the healing ward, where he could hear them laughing. "I hate to intrude." Legolas cleared his throat with his hands behind his back.

"Nonsense, laddie." Balin smiled warmly. Legolas stepped forward. Kili eyed him suspiciously.

"Prince Kili, it is good to see you looking much better. I am Prince Legolas. How are you feeling?" Legolas asked.

"More like myself, thank you." Kili said warily.

"It's alright, Kili. This is Alasse's older brother." Fili told him. Kili's eyes widened. He didn't really remember seeing Legolas. Oh, he remembered Thranduil! Who could forget such a majestic, haughty, stunning, but prideful being? But...when exactly had Legolas shown up?

"Sorry, I don't recall seeing you before." Kili frowned.

"That's because you were really out of it, being so ill." Thorin said.

"That makes sense." Kili nodded.

"It's alright." Legolas smiled. "You probably wouldn't have been very happy to see me the first time anyway."

"How is your little sister?" Ori asked.

"She's alright, thank you. She's with my father, resting. Lord Elrond said that she will recover." Legolas said solemnly.

"Thank Mahal." Fili smiled. "We were quite worried about her."

"I can see she's easily ensnared the hearts of an entire company." Legolas smirked. "With two large exceptions." He eyed Dwalin and Thorin.

"I suppose it would be too much to ask..." Kili said sheepishly.

"Yes?" Legolas cocked his head.

"Since you happen to be such good friends with Lord Elrond and his lot, suppose you could ask them to add some meat, chips, something of that like to our meals around here?" Kili asked dramatically. "We can't live on greens alone!"

"I don't think it would hurt you rotund midgets to lose a few pounds." Legolas teased.

"Hey! I resent that!" Kili protested. "You elves just don't know quality muscle when you see it."

"He can't help it, Kili. Eating disorder." Thorin played along. "Look at the beanpole. He's so skinny, he probably doesn't even know what true meat is."

"I'll have you know I am a hunter, Thorin Oakenshield." Legolas rolled his eyes. "And an excellent marksman if I do say so myself. Even for elves, notching arrows on green leaves and berries doesn't make a very substantial meal."

"Well, there is hope for them after all." Dori sneered.

"Ahem!" Legolas huffed. "I just came to see how Kili was doing, and, uh...to thank you, all of you, for your help. I want you to know that I am truly grateful for what you did. I hope someday I can repay you."

"You already have." Fili smiled warmly. Thorin, however, was not entirely satisfied.

"Well, one day I will make good on it." Legolas yawned. "Pardon me."

"We're grateful to you too, Your Highness. Go rest." Balin said. Legolas nodded and left them alone.

"He's not such a bad sort, eh, Uncle?" Kili grinned.

"Whatever." Thorin huffed.

"Well, I'm hungry!"

"Again?" The other dwarves laughed.


Legolas rested up, while Gandalf and the Mirkwood soldiers told Thranduil about the journey. Thranduil protectively held Alasse tighter. It saddened him seeing her eyes closed as she slept, a symptom of the trauma she'd been put through. Elrond showed up at that moment. "Elrond, have you interrogated the...the swine who did this?" Thranduil growled.

"Not yet, Thranduil." Elrond shook his head. "Let them squirm for now, fearing what their fate will be. Besides, I was not going to visit them in person without you, Legolas, Thorin, or Glorfindel. After all, they attacked my captain too."

"Well, just promise I will be the first in line to give them the third degree!" Thranduil snarled.

"Of course." Elrond nodded. "But that is going to be a long line."


Estel kept begging to see his friend. He hadn't seen Alasse since they'd brought her back. Finally, Elladan agreed to take him if he was quiet. They tip-toed to the room. Alasse was still sleeping, snuggled safely against Thranduil's side. He motioned them with a shushing index finger. "Is she okay?" Estel asked.

"Yes, Estel. I believe so." Thranduil nodded.

"How are you feeling?" Elladan asked.

"I'm fine. Though a good cup of wine would be appreciated!"

"I'll see what I can do." Elladan smiled. "Don't be too long, Estel."

"Something you want, Estel?"

"Is she really okay?" Estel asked thoughtfully.

"I hope so. She's had a terrible time of it. I really thought..." Thranduil stopped himself.

"Thought what?" Estel cocked his head.

"Nothing. Run along, Estel. She'll be alright."

"Okay. If I can do anything..."

"We'll be fine. Now go." Thranduil said. Estel frowned reluctantly, then slowly backed away.


Alasse hadn't even stirred from her slumber. This bothered Thranduil deeply. He was glad she was getting rest after the living nightmare she'd been through, but to see her so exhausted mentally, physically, and emotionally...it broke his heart and angered him. She was a child. Innocents should not know that kind of burden. He protectively gripped her tiny hand, marveling at how puny it was in his large one, and remembering the day she was born, when she'd grabbed hold of his long finger, and his heart. That day, he had sworn he would protect her from all harm. Well, he hadn't made good on that promise.

"Shouldn't you be sleeping?" Legolas interrupted his thoughts.

"Shouldn't you be in bed?" Thranduil retorted. Legolas chuckled.

"I am rested. Oh, here. This belongs to Alasse." Legolas said, handing his father the toy.

"It's been battered." Thranduil furrowed his brows, scrutinizing the object.

"Ai. But she adores it. I thought it might cheer her up when she wakes." Legolas shrugged, rubbing Fluffy's ears.

"Where did she get such a plaything?"

"It was a gift, Ada."

"I see." Thranduil sighed. "Legolas, how did you find us? How did you know where to look?" Legolas fidgeted.

"Well, that's a long story." Legolas gulped.

"I want to hear it. Every detail." Thranduil said sternly.

"You may not like it." Legolas warned.

"That doesn't matter. I don't care how you found us. What matters is that you did! So, how, Legolas? I do believe I am owed an explanation." Thranduil narrowed his eyes.

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you..."

Legolas went on and told Thranduil all about the ransom note, the demands, and the unexpected company of the dwarves and the hobbit, and Fluffy. Thranduil's face remained impassive the entire conversation. He asked many questions but mostly listened intently to his son's testimony. This gave him much to think about. Unbeknownst to them, a certain dwarf king had been listening in on their conversation. Thorin had not meant to eavesdrop. On the contrary, the affairs the elves had amongst themselves were no concern of his and he preferred minding his own business. But when he had heard Legolas mention his company's arrival in Rivendell, his curiosity had won out. To his relief, he'd scurried away before Legolas had caught sight of him when he'd finished his story.


Midnight had fallen, and the valley of Rivendell was peacefully lulled through the night by the many waterfalls and other nightly sounds of nature. Elrond had not had the heart to move Alasse to a bed of her own, after seeing the way Thranduil and she were positioned, so he'd left her with her father.

Thranduil had finally drifted to sleep, being worn out from a heavily informed mind. But his sharp Elvish ears caught sounds of distress, very close by. "No, no!" Alasse whimpered. Thranduil woke with a start, feeling a small bundle squirming against his sore side. He looked down at his daughter. She was shaking, and grasping at his hospital tunic. "No, please!' She cried. Her eyes were shut and she panted frantically.

"Alasse, wake up, darling." Thranduil told her, shaking her shoulders.

"Ada!" She wailed. Thranduil shifted painfully onto his side.

"Alasse, wake up!" Thranduil told her more firmly. "You are dreaming, little one. Wake up." Alasse's eyes blinked open, and at first, she was startled, not sure where she was.

"A-Ada?" She mewed, tears of fear and pain running down her small cheeks.

"Yes, my love. It's me. I am here." Thranduil said soothingly.

"W-w-where are we?" Alasse glanced around frightfully.

"Safe. We are safe. We're in Lord Elrond's healing ward, remember?"

"I was so scared, Ada! I thought we were captured again!" Alasse told him with large, terrified eyes.

"It was only a dream, my love." Thranduil crooned, wiping tears away with his big thumb.

"I thought they were trying to hurt you!"

"I'm here, Alasse." Thranduil said calmly, placing his large hand over her chest.

"I was so scared!" She shuddered, crying. Fluffy crawled over to her and licked her face.

"Come here. Come closer to me." He gingerly helped her snuggle up right next to him. "Shh. Don't cry, little one. You're safe." Alasse held tight to his sleeping gown, nuzzling her nose deeply into his side. Even though battered, his firm, muscled body was a great comfort to her trembling little form. He felt so sure and in control, so strong, and safe. "Shh. Go back to sleep, daughter. It's alright." He murmured, stroking her hair softly.

Alasse sniffled but did not close her eyes. They both remained quiet, but Alasse appeared to be in deep thought. She lay there, twisting and untwisting strands of Thranduil's long hair between her fingers. Fluffy lay on the bed, his long nose resting across her tummy and a large paw over her am. Thranduil brushed his hand over her head. "Ada?" She finally broke the silence.

"Yes?" Thranduil sighed.

"Ada...do...do..." Alasse gulped hard in a shaky voice. It was as if she was afraid to ask whatever was on her mind.

"What is it, darling? You can ask me anything." Thranduil assured her. Alasse wouldn't look at him.

"D-do...you love me?" Alasse blurted out. Thranduil's body went numb. What? Had she really just asked him that? No! She couldn't have!

"What?" Thranduil sputtered, sitting up straighter.

"Do you love me, Ada?" Alasse shivered.

"Alasse, my darling daughter, how can you ask such a thing?" Thranduil looked down at her hurtfully. No child should ever have to question their parents' love! "Yes, I love you. So much!"

"You do?"

"Yes! Alasse, I love you and your brother more than words can say! Why do you ask me such things?" Thranduil felt his heart physically clench.

"Do you...really, really love me?" Alasse asked again, with more quivering in her voice.

"Yes, Alasse! Yes! Why do you ask me this?" Thranduil started to weep. "I love, my princess...more than anything!"

"More than Nana's necklace?" Alasse asked warily.

"What? What do you mean?"

"Ada, if you lost us and you had to choose just one to get back, would you pick me or Nana's necklace?" Alasse asked seriously. Thranduil felt lightheaded. Daughters certainly could break their fathers' hearts! Thranduil felt his being ripped in half, hearing his little girl question his deep care for her, and with such persistence, as if she was truly unsure!

"Alasse..." He choked. Alasse waited for him to answer, more tears filling her face. He scrunched himself back down so that he could meet her at eye level. "Alasse Thranduiliel, now you listen to me!" He sobbed. She looked up at him with fear at his cold tone. "I'm sorry, dearest. But you must believe me, I love you, more than anything in this world!"

"Then you don't want Nana's necklace back?"

"Of course I do. But if getting it back means losing you, then it can just stay where it is. We can have another one made. But you...it would break me to lose you or your brother. Do you understand?" He spoke imploringly. Alasse nodded.

"I'm sorry, Ada. I made you cry!" She shrieked, shivering. Thranduil quickly gathered her in his arms, rubbing hers, and holding her over his beating heart. He kissed her face.

"I love you." He whispered.

"Those bad men, when they beat me up, they said...they said..." Alasse's lip quivered.

"Never you mind what they said." Thranduil huffed.

"They said you didn't care about me! That all you wanted was the necklace. They said they were taking me far away, and that you would leave me behind so you could get Nana's necklace, and you wouldn't come back for me!" Alasse sobbed.

"Liars. They are all liars." Thranduil snarled protectively. "I would never leave you behind, Alasse! Why, if those no good-fiends carried you away, I would raise all of Mirkwood's guard to scour all of Middle Earth to find you! You believe that, don't you?"

"Yes. You would come to save me, like Legolas." Alasse said.

"That is right. How could you believe such filth, daughter?"

"They were hurting me. It was dark. I was scared! I kept calling and you didn't come..."

"I would've, Alasse. Oh, I would've! If I hadn't been chained."

"I was...oh! Oh no!" Alasse panicked.

"What? What is it, darling? Are you in pain?" Thranduil asked frantically, hovering his hand over her middle. "Should I call for Elrond?"

"Where is it?" Alasse worriedly glanced back and forth, searching the covers for something.

"Where's what?"

"My toy! My new toy. I can't lose it!" Alasse gasped.

"You mean, this?" Thranduil reached over to the night table and held the toy in front of her face. Alasse's eyes widened.

"There it is!" She squealed in delight, taking it and cradling it to herself like an infant. Thranduil smiled in relief. Alasse glanced up at him and suddenly, she looked worried again.

"What's wrong, sweetling?" He asked. "Does your stomach hurt?"

"Please can I keep it, Ada? It's mine! It was given to me!"

"Why would I take it away from you?"

"Because...the...the dwarves made it. Please don't be mad, Ada! Master Bofur made it for me. See? It's me and Fluffy. It was a present! You won't make me get rid of it, will you, because the dwarves made it?" Alasse looked up at him pleadingly.

"Of course not, darling. I wouldn't dream of taking it from you." Thranduil shook his head, brushing some hair out of her face. "I'd like to see somebody just try and steal something so precious from my daughter! They would regret it dearly."

"Then, I can keep it?" She asked hopefully.

"It was a gift, of course you may." Thranduil smiled warmly. He lay back down on the pillows with Alasse curled up next to him, clutching her new toy, and Fluffy sprawled out on his side behind her. "Now, let's try to go back to sleep." Thranduil suggested, kissing her again.

"I love you, Ada." Alasse yawned.

"And I love you." Thranduil grinned proudly.

"Ada?"

"Yes?"

"The dwarves did something good, didn't they?" Alasse asked as she lay next to him.

"Yes...they did." Thranduil sighed.

"We should thank them." Alasse said, as if that settled the matter, then she instantly fell asleep as the exhaustion once again caught up with her. Thranduil mused to himself.

"Yes, you are right."