Disclaimer: I don't own lord of the rings....hehe...in THIS world! MWA HAHA!

Author's Note: Thx tooooooo.........

loveroflegolas: thx, lolz.

Ladyof Rivendell: hehe, yup.

Kaylin: wow, thx. blushes I really didn't think it was that great, but I'm glad you did!

Myri78: lol, yup, exactly

Saera: okay!

Preistess Of Shadows: uh, yeah, I know, I guess a little fast...well...let's just say that some people have compared this to a soap opera (and I've never even seen one!)!

Arwennicole: GREAT! I read it; it was sad...

Aliana Archer: hehe, isn't it great? Lol, j/k. thx for letting me use your name! (but it will be a few chapters (not including this one) before you see it.

lexi22: lol LOL um...just one question. I'm just a tiny bit confused...were adam and Andrew actually there?? Or...heh heh lol thx for reviewing

Marpessa: wow, I'm so hurt you think that! cries NOT! lol, if you think your flames are going to discourage me or make me think my story stinks...you are so abso-bloody-lutley MISTAKEN!

Countess Katook: don't worry, I've decided I'm going to update every weekend since I almost have written all of my story...

Insane Elven Rock Baby: hehe.

Lunawolf: ummmm I had only planned for just a couple more chapters, but it's going to be one or two more.

Gemini969: lolz. Okay.

CrazyCruzet212: hehe. Oh, when are you going to update on ?

Black Cherrie: hehe, thx! lolz.

Vampire Feuer: lol, I don't either, here. Laurelle...I once wanted this doll called Laurel the Wood-Fairy cuz I loved the name (and her, come to think of it) and I thought it was pronounced (lor-EL) instead of (LOR-el) but then I found the other spelling so it could be pronounced that way...lol. You probably didn't need to know all that but oh well. Aniador...lolz.

Piper xox Leo: lol, thx. hehe.

ilihyceniwast: sticks lower lip out in a hurt pout that was me caring for just ONE second what you think! Next!

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Responsibilities

Five and a half years later...

'Did not!'

'Did too!'

'Did not!'

'Did too! Mamaaaaaaaaaaa!'

'Valar,' Gwyn muttered under her breath, closing her book and pulling herself off her easy chair. 'That's the fifth time this morning!' She peeked her head out of the window that looked from her and Legolas' bedroom to part of the gardens, where Laurelle and Aniador were so harmoniously playing. 'What is it, Laurelle?' she asked wearily.

'Mama, Ani took my booooooooow!' Laurelle whined, stamping her little foot.

'Ani, give Laurelle her bow.'

'But, Mama, it's mine!' Aniador protested, hugging the bow to his chest.

Gwyn sighed. 'Give me the bow.' After a little persuading, Ani handed his mother the bow. She examined the top closely. 'No, Laurelle, this is Ani's. His name is engraved in the wood.' She handed it back to her triumphant son, who stuck his tongue out at his sister. But at a warning "look" from his mother, he retracted it hastily.

Laurelle sat down on the grass and pouted. Her long curly hair hung in her mischievous blue eyes. Gwyn sighed, and gracefully climbed out of the window. She cooped her daughter up in her arms. 'Darling, Daddy will get your bow out tomorrow for your archery lesson. Today you have your book lessons.'

'But Mama,' Laurelle whined, 'Ani gets to do our-tree! I wanna do our-tree, too!'

Legolas suddenly stepped into view. 'Daddy!' Aniador cried, and held his arms up. In response, Legolas smiled and picked his son up.

'Daddy,' Laurelle said suddenly, a mischievous gleam in her eyes, 'can I do our-tree today?'

'May I,' Legolas and Gwyn said simultaneously.

'May I do our-tree today?'

'It's archery, darling,' Legolas said. 'And no, you may not. You have your book lessons today.'

Tears began to spill from the little girl's eyes. She began to squirm in her mother's arms. 'But I wannaaaaaaa!' she cried. 'It's not faaaiiir!'

Gwyn glanced at Legolas very quickly. 'Couldn't she—' she began, but he threw her a warning look. She, in turn, gave him a hurt look; he simply rolled his eyes.

'You may,' he said, addressing his daughter, 'either stop crying and have your book lesson today and your archery lesson tomorrow, or you may continue throwing your tantrum and have your book lesson today...and another book lesson tomorrow. Which do you choose?'

Laurelle stopped crying immediately.

'Good,' said Legolas cheerfully. 'Now that that's settled...Laurelle, go inside and wait for your mother' –Gwyn set Laurelle down, and she climbed into the room through the window—'Ani, run along to the practice field and I will be there shortly.' He set Aniador down, who scampered off. As soon as he was out of sight, Legolas rounded on his wife. 'You can't give in to Laurelle like that, Gwyn,' he snapped. 'You know that she manipulates with her tears.'

'I know,' Gwyn sighed, 'but—'

'She needs to learn discipline, Gwyn, or else she'll turn spoiled.'

'Legolas, I did the same thing when I was little.'

Legolas raised his eyebrows. 'And I can easily tell how others responded it to.'

Gwyn stared at him. 'Are you suggesting that I'm spoiled?'

'No; just pampered.'

'I am not!'

'Whatever you say, m'lady.' Legolas turned towards the practice fields.

'Wait!' Gwyn cried, grabbing his arm. 'Do you really think that I am?'

Legolas sighed. 'No, Gwyn,' he said tiredly, 'I do not. I'm sorry for insinuating that; I'm just feeling rather stressed.'

'Why?' Gwyn inquired gently.

'Never mind,' Legolas snapped.

'Very well,' Gwyn said quietly. She turned and went back into her room through the wide window...and didn't look back. 'Laurelle!' she cried upon spotting her daughter hiding near the window, apparently listening to her parents' conversation. 'What have I told you about spying?'

Laurelle had the decency to look sheepish.

'If I catch you again, I swear, you will be sev—you will be punished! Do you understand me?'

'Yes, Mama.'

'Good. Now let's get to work.'

That night...

Gwyn did not speak to Legolas as she slid into bed with him. She expected him to speak up and apologize, but he, too, remained silent. Unable to bear the silence she leaned over him. 'Good night,' she said softly, kissing him gently.

He returned her kiss, but made no attempt to deepen it. Gwyn rolled her eyes beneath her closed lids and reached behind her. She pulled away, and barely a second later, smacked his with her pillow.

He looked shocked. 'What was that for?' he cried.

'That,' Gwyn responded, 'was for being such a grouch lately.'

'What do you mean?'

Gwyn rolled her eyes. 'Please, Legolas; you've been snapping at me, you haven't called me 'darling' like you usually do...and you haven't kissed me for an eternity.'

'What? I just kissed you tonight! I kiss you every night,' Legolas defended.

'Not like you used to,' Gwyn said softly, lowering her gaze.

Legolas sat up. 'What's that supposed to mean?'

Gwyn shrugged. 'Nothing,' she mumbled.

'No; tell me.'

'It's—it's just—you're never the one who initiates the kissing; I always do and it always seems like you don't really want to; that you're only putting up with me. You always used to kiss me 'good-night'. You kissed me whenever we were together. Now...I feel...unwanted...' A tear rolled down her cheek. 'I'm sorry,' she whispered. 'I shouldn't—'

But Legolas put two fingers to her lips. 'No, Gwyn, I'm the one who should be sorry. I've had so much on my mind and I neglected what is most important to me.' He drew her close. 'I love you, darling, I really do.'

'Don't talk, just kiss me,' Gwyn murmured. 'Kiss me like you used to and all will be forgiven.'

Legolas didn't need telling twice. He closed the gap between them and kissed her deeply, tasting her salty tears. After a few minutes, he drew away. 'Is that how I used to kiss you?' he smiled.

Gwyn smiled back. 'No, it's even better.' She frowned softly. Honey, what's been bothering you?'

'It's nothing of importance,' Legolas mumbled.

'No; tell me,' Gwyn persisted. 'It might help to talk about it.'

Legolas sighed. 'Very well,' he said. 'I was going to have to tell you sooner or later...' He hesitated. 'My parents are seriously considering sailing to Valanor.'

Gwyn gasped. 'But that would mean—'

'That I take the crown, yes,' Legolas finished. 'But with that comes a lot of new responsibilities.'

'I can see why you've been stressed,' Gwyn said quietly. 'I'm sorry, I—'

'Hush, darling; you did not know.'

'I know. But still...' Gwyn sighed and rested her head on her husband's chest. She bit her lip and looked up at him. 'Um, Legolas?...I need to know something.'

'Yes, love?' Legolas said, caressing her hair.

'Do you...really think that I'm spoiled?'

Legolas gave her a small grin. 'Well, if you are, it's my fault,' he teased, and she laughed.

'Be serious, Legolas,' Gwyn said, recovering, but she was still giggling a bit.

Legolas looked at her for a long while. 'No, Gwyn, I don't think that you are spoiled,' he said softly.

'Then why did you suggest that earlier?' Sweet, innocent blue eyes stared up at him, waiting for an answer.

But Legolas did not answer. He found himself lost in her eyes, and could not remember her question. 'Valar, Gwyn, I love you,' he breathed, and with a sudden passion, he kissed her.

'What was that for?' she asked, shocked, as he drew back.

He shrugged. 'I just felt like it.'

Gwyn gave him a "look". 'Do you promise that you weren't trying to avoid answering me?'

'I promise!' Legolas said, innocently and indignantly.

'Then answer me!'

'I told you; I was just stressed and wasn't thinking straight...honestly,' he added, when Gwyn gave him another "look". 'Oh, and perhaps you would like to elaborate on why you smacked me with the pillow earlier, hmm?'

'You were in a bad mood,' Gwyn said without hesitation.

'What? Why can't I smack you with one when you're in a bad mood?'

Gwyn grinned. 'Because,' she said, 'I'm a girl.'

'That's no excuse!'

'It is for me.'

'But—'

'Legolas, do I need to smack you with the pillow again?'

'No, m'lady.'

'Good,' Gwyn smiled. 'Then I can kiss you instead.' And she did just that. After they broke apart, there was a long silence between them, a silence only shattered by the sound of rain outside. Suddenly...FLASH! CRASH! Thunder boomed through the stillness. Gwyn jumped, and though she usually loved thunderstorms, clutched Legolas' arm. Someone screamed outside.

'That sounded like Laurelle!' Gwyn cried; she jumped up and ran to the window. Sure enough, her daughter was curled up beneath the window, her knees drawn up to her chest. She was drenched and shaking. 'Mama!' she cried, holding up her arms.

Gwyn gave her a "you-are-in-deep-trouble" look, and picked her up and sat her down on her feet in the room. Thunder crashed again; Laurelle screamed again, and attached herself to her mother's leg. 'Laurelle,' Legolas called, his voice stern.

Laurelle looked shyly at him. 'Yes, Daddy?' she said in her most innocent voice.

'Go to your room.'

'But—'

'Now.'

'But—'

'Gwyn.'

Gwyn sighed. She picked her daughter up and carried her to the door, down the hall and into her own room. Laurelle was in hysterical tears by the time she set her down on her bed. Gwyn blew out the candles and made to leave.

'MAMAAAAAAAAA!!' Laurelle screamed. 'DON'T GO, MAMA! I'M SCAAAARED!'

Gwyn swallowed hard and clenched her fists. 'Do not leave this room,' she commanded, her voice shaking. With a great effort, she ignored Laurelle's hoarse screams and left the room, closing the door behind her. As she turned from it, she ran into Legolas. 'Legolas, I can't do this!' she cried. 'I can't leave her in there. She alone and frightened!'

'Shh...' Legolas whispered, and drew her close. Only for a short time. Then you may bring her in with us. As for now—she needs to be disciplined.'

As he rocked her gently, she said softly, 'It seems so cruel. I feel as if we are torturing her.'

'To her, I expect it is torture.'

Five minutes passed, the storm and Laurelle's screams raging on, and Gwyn could wait no longer. Without waiting for Legolas' permission, she pushed the door open, ran inside and scooped up her baby, showering her with kisses as she held her close. Laurelle was sobbing on her mother's shoulders, occasionally whimpering, 'Mama, Mama.'

'Shh, baby,' Gwyn cooed. 'It's alright now. Mama's here.' She glanced at Legolas. He was leaning against the door frame, rubbing his temples. She bit her lip. 'Let's get you into some dry clothes,' she said to Laurelle, setting her down.

Laurelle sniffled, hiccupped, then nodded. She allowed Gwyn to change her nightgown and brush out her wet hair. 'Can I sleep with you, Mama?' she asked quietly.

'Of course you may,' Gwyn said, picking her daughter up again. She carried her to the door.

'Gwyn...' Legolas began.

'I know, I know. We'll talk to her in our bedroom, is that good enough?'

'It will do.'

So they walked back to their bedroom and slipped under the covers, wedging Laurelle between them. Thunder crashed outside; Laurelle pulled the covers over her head, only to have them pulled down again by her father. 'Laurelle,' he said, 'we need to talk.'

Sheepishly, Laurelle nodded.

Legolas glanced at Gwyn, and she gave him a short nod. He took a deep breath and said, 'Laurelle, they spying must stop. We've told you this before. It's wrong, and you know it is. Up until now, we've been gentle with your punishment, but if it happens again, we will have to take more severe measures. Do you understand?'

Again Laurelle nodded. 'I'm sorry, Daddy,' she said in a small voice. 'It's just so pretty when you kiss Mama.'

Gwyn smiled softly at her small daughter's words.

'Do you and Mama—do you hate me?' Laurelle asked hesitantly.

Gwyn's eyes widened in shock. 'Of course not, darling! What makes you think that we do?'

'I was screaming 'cause I was scared, and you didn't come.'

'Darling, that was all part of your punishment,' Legolas said. 'That was to make sure that you didn't spy again.' He smiled. 'As for me kissing your mother...that is something for you to see when you're older.'

Gwyn hugged her daughter. 'Don't you ever think that we hate you; not for one moment. Both of us love you more than anything else on this earth.'

Laurelle smiled. 'I love you, too.'

At that moment, three things happened in quick succession: lighting flashed, thunder crashed, then the door swung open. Aniador ran in and jumped on the bed, huddling beside his father and sister. In a small voice, he asked, 'May I sleep with you tonight?'

Gwyn kissed the side of his head. 'Of course you may, darling.'

Laurelle yawned, and Ani followed her lead. Both of them snuggled under the covers.

Legolas grinned and covered Ani's eyes with his hand. Gwyn did the same to Laurelle (despite her protests) and leaned in. With his other hand, Legolas reached out and cupped her cheek as their lips met. The kiss started out tender and deep, but after a moment, it grew a little more passionate then they would have liked in front of the twins. Both of them had unconsciously uncovered the children's eyes. They were only alerted of this when Laurelle let out a giggle, and Aniador squealed, 'Eeeeeeeeeeeew!'

Their parents each had entirely different reactions. Gwyn frowned, but Legolas grinned (a little sheepishly, though). The former cleared her throat. Alright, you two. Go to sleep. Legolas, may I talk to you outside for a moment?'

'Of course,' Legolas answered. They both got up. Gwyn walked to the door, but her husband went to the window. 'Legolas, where are you going?'

Legolas grinned. 'You said 'outside', didn't you?' The grin faded as she glared daggers at him. He winced, and quickly followed her and slipped out the door, leaving Aniador and Laurelle giggling inside the room.

'Legolas, what is wrong with you?' Gwyn hissed.

'What do you mean 'what's wrong with me'?'

'Kissing me like that in front of the twins!'

'I wasn't the only one doing the kissing, you know,' Legolas defended. Gwyn folded her arms. Legolas sighed. 'I'm sorry, darling, it's just that I haven't kissed you like that for, as you said, an eternity. I could not help myself.'

'You,' Gwyn muttered, 'pick the most inconvenient times to—'

Soft lips cut her off mid-rant. Legolas did not allow her a chance to continue. 'Let's just go to sleep, alright?' he said gently. He caressed her cheek as he spoke.

Gwyn smiled a little, and they went back into the room, holding hands, climbed into bed, and went to sleep holding the twins and ignoring the storm raging on outside.

Well, there you have it. Chap 27

Coming soon...Chapter 28: Father and...Daughter

Got to go!