A/N: Mondo hugs for Mel for being such a great beta!

Brazgirl: Thank you so much! It's wonderful knowing that some people appreciate Thranduil. :-D

dreamingfifi: Thank you for the generous offer, however I created the name Gwendolas for it is actually Sindarin for Maiden of the Leaves. ;-)

Two years had passed since our first kiss in Imladris. Gwendolas and I had spent every day together, our love blooming just as the flowers in the gardens. We no longer found a need to be parted when we rested, which created a slight panic in the lady that waited upon Gwendolas in Greenwood. After our first night together, her lady awoke me early in the morning to inform me that her lady had gone missing. Her panic quickly turned to embarrassment when I informed her of Gwendolas's location.

Then came the day when Gwendolas approached me in my study, looking apprehensive. I took her cheek in my hand, drawing her face to mine and kissing her fully. "My love, what ails thee so?" Her eyes were downcast, her lower lip trembling. I tilted my head down to try to meet her gaze. "Gwendolas?"

She drew her head up, a mix of both joy and fear shinning in her bright blue eyes. It pained my heart to see her beautiful eyes have such fear, furrowing my brows as I stroked her cheek. She opened her mouth to answer, finding no words. I leaned forward and kissed her brow, meeting her gaze once more as I drew back. "My love, please. What is it?" I felt panic take me as her silence continued, thoughts of ill news or perhaps even illness flooding my mind.

Gwendolas dropped her head once more. "I am with child, my lord." For a moment, I thought my heart had ceased to beat in my chest. With child? I was to become a father? I suddenly laughed, causing Gwendolas to raise her eyes to me. "My lord?"

"Are you certain?" I exclaimed, grinning broadly.

"Yes," Gwendolas said warily. "I spoke with several of the ladies, and they have confirmed it."

I laughed merrily once more, pulling her face towards mine and kissing her deeply. When I released her, confusion had swept her face. "You are not angry, my lord?"

"Angry?" I exclaimed with a laugh, grabbing her by the waist and twirling her with me as I spun around in joy. "My lady, I thought no joy could surpass your love. I am now proven wrong!" She blinked only once, then a smile of relief spread over her face as well. She kissed me fiercely, myself trying to outdo her as I returned the kiss. When we parted, I laughed once more, then drew her forehead against my own.

"I am to be a father?" I whispered in a awed voice.

"Yes, my Thranduil. You are to be a father."

I felt my smile grow broader, leaning in and kissing her quickly once more. "Come!" I declared once we parted, grabbing her hand. "We must to my father at once and inform him of the wondrous news!"

She giggled as I led her out of my study and into the lit corridor. We hurried towards the Grand Hall, breaking into a run at times, myself and Gwendolas giggling absentmindedly. Servants stared at us as we passed, yet we cared not. I did not inquire to see who my father was seeing at the moment, merely throwing open the large oak doors and striding in. The members of court present bowed as we walked past swiftly to the tall throne.

My father sat proudly upon his throne, his golden circlet of leaves upon his fair head. He looked past the elf that stood before him, who also turned to us. "My lord, may I present my son Thranduil and his wife, Gwendolas. Thranduil, this is Glorfindel of Imladris, a herald of Elrond's." Oropher's keen eyes peered at me. "Thranduil, might I inquire as to the nature of this?" my father asked in his commanding tone.

The blonde elf before me bowed low. "Your highness, my lady," he said politely.

"A herald of Elrond? Indeed, that is good to hear! Send word to your Lord that in a years time, he and his family shall feast here with us!"

My father leveled his gaze upon me. "Thranduil? My son, do explain yourself."

"Smile, Father, and celebrate! You are to be a grandfather!" I proclaimed, hearing a murmur break through the members of the court. I glanced happily at Gwendolas, who held a blush on her pale cheeks.

Oropher eyed us both, then turned his full gaze to Gwendolas. "My daughter, does he speak the truth?"

"Indeed he does, my lord," she answered, the redness increasing.

Glorfindel of Imladris bowed his head in respect. "My lady Celebrían shall be happy to hear such news, my lady. She has spoken of you often."

"How fares the Lady Celebrían? And the child Arwen?" I asked eagerly.

"They fare well, my lord," Glorfindel answered. He glanced a look at my father and then continued. "But, if you will forgive me, my lord and lady, there is still much to discuss with his majesty."

I bowed to the Elf and Gwendolas followed suit. "Then I shall not hinder you any longer. Good day, my lord."

Glorfindel bowed as well. Smiling, I took Gwendolas's hand and led her out of the throne room. We ran down the corridors, servants staring as we went giggling by. We came to the entrance of the city, breaking out into the warm sunlight. I led her over to a secluded spot in our garden, turning and pulling her close to me. She giggled once more as I kissed her, resting my forehead against hers as we parted. "My darling, I have not been this happy in years."

"Years, my lord?" she laughed in a fake-shocked tone. "Pray, tell me, my Thranduil, what has happened in the past few years that could equate to this?"

I smiled as I took her head into my hands, placing a kiss on her brow. "Stealing your heart, my love."

She giggled softly once more, sliding into my embrace. I wrapped my arms tightly around her as she rested her cheek on my chest. "My parents shall be thrilled to hear of it. I must write to them at once."

I tilted my head down to try to meet her eyes. "'Write them?' My lady, this sort of news is not something you write about! We must visit them and deliver the news to them personally!"

Gwendolas turned to stare up at me, joy in her eyes. "Do you mean that, Thranduil?"

"That I do, my love," I answered, placing another kiss on her brow. "We shall set out next week for Lórien." I looked down at her, apprehension in my voice as I asked, "Do you think you shall be able to ride that far, now that you are with child?"

She laughed lightly, which brought a flutter to my heart. "My lord, I will not expect this child for quite some time. A trip to Lórien would not endanger or hinder me."

"But it is at least a two weeks' journey," I reminded her.

"Then we must leave at once," she countered, smiling once more.

I felt a similar smile cross my lips and I kissed her once more. "Yes," I confirmed, "we shall leave at once."

That night, I went to my father's study to inform him of our journey. Upon entering, I found Glorfindel of Imladris standing with my father, both them pouring over a large map of Eä. Glorfindel was pointing at several dots to the south, most of them near the newer kingdom of Gondor. Glorfindel took notice of me first, raising his head and halting his sentence. My father raised his head as well, looking at me gravely.

"Thranduil, good... Come my son, you shall need to hear this as well."

"Hear what, Father?" I questioned as I took my place at his side.

"The servant of Morgoth has raised an army of unthinkable size," Glorfindel addressed me curtly. "He is using the foul yrch as his soldiers. They have already begun to plague the lands." He turned to the map, my eyes following. He laid a finger to the south. "His army waits in Mordor. Elendil and the men of Gondor are holding them at bay, but they will not last long."

His fingers drifted northward towards the Bay of Balar. "Gil-Galad of Sirion has made an alliance with Elendil. He has promised to march an army that will come to Gondor's aid. Lord Elrond has already agreed to aid Gil-Galad. He sent me to ask for your help as well."

"To march an army? To Mordor?" I exclaimed. "You ask the impossible."

"It is impossible for the men of Gondor to hold back Sauron," Glorfindel countered. "If we join with them, we could put an end to Sauron's reign and bring peace back to Eä." He eyed me imperiously, then turned back to the map. "Elendil has promised us at least six thousand men. We are hoping to match him. It is our hope that with your help and that of Celeborn of Lórien's that we can achieve such a number."

"Six thousand? There are not enough Firstborn in all of Eä left to achieve such a goal!" I countered. "There are too few of us left. On whom else can we rely?"

Glorfindel looked at me doubtfully. "We have the promise of Durin that his people shall fight as well."

"Dwarves?!" I exclaimed. "You will trust the Dwarves to come to our aid?"

"Even with twelve thousand," my father interjected, "we cannot break Sauron. His power is too great..." My father eyed Glorfindel warily. "Even with the Rings of power."

"But we must at least try," Glorfindel countered. "If we do not, Gondor shall be overrun. Who then do you think he will come after next? Do you think he will be content with devouring only Gondor? Do you not know that he will turn his hand upon us? With his left hand he will sweep Gondor aside, and with his right he will crush us." He turned his eyes to my father and me.

I looked to my father. Uncertainty was evident in his eyes, yet there also lingered a resounding acknowledgement of the truth. I turned my gaze back to Glorfindel, who saw also what was held in my father's eyes. "If Sauron is not stopped, he shall not stop until he rules all of Eä," he said slowly.

I foresaw the borders of my own lands crawling with yrch, their foul arrows piercing the flesh of my people. The turns burned as yrch cackled, watching their Master as he killed my family off with his own hands. I clenched my jaw, anger sweeping me of the thought of Sauron killing Gwendolas. Glorfindel saw that his words had struck a chord, his eyes continuing to pierce into my own. "What of your unborn child? Would have him raised in a world of darkness?"

I turned my head away from Glorfindel, despair falling over me. I knew what I had to do. Not just for Gwendolas, but for our child as well.

"You shall have my sword," I heard my father say, "And the swords of my men."

"And mine as well," I answered, meeting Glorfindel's gaze once more. He look approvingly at me, then bowed his head. "I thank you, my lords." He eyed my father as he continued speaking. "I leave for Lórien tomorrow, my lord. We can only hope that Celeborn shall join us."

"When must the armies meet and where?" I questioned.

Glorfindel turned to the map once more. "The armies under Gil-Galad will meet at Gladden Fields," he announced. "We shall then travel down the Andúin until we get to the Field of Celebrant. There, hopefully, will Celeborn's men join us. From there, we shall cross the Brown Lands and meet with Elendil at Dagorlad." He eyed my father and myself. "We ask to meet the army from Greenwood the Great here," he said, pointing to where our Forest Road crossed the Andúin, "in three month's time."

"Three months?" I questioned. I eyed my father, then turned to Glorfindel. "Then with your consent, Lord Glorfindel, my wife and I shall accompany you to Lórien." Upon his questioning glance, I continued, "My wife's kin are there. She wishes to tell her parents of our good fortune in person." At my father's questioning glance, I added, "The sooner we leave, the sooner we can return."

"Forgive me, sire, but I had hoped to ride swiftly to Lórien," Glorfindel said warily. "It would not be healthy for the child."

I remained silent for a moment, then let out a small sigh. "Very well. We shall leave tomorrow, nonetheless, and hopefully meet you in Lórien."

Glorfindel bowed his head. He eyed my father as he spoke once more. "I have but one more message to deliver from my Lord Elrond, Highness."

"Oh? Pray, tell me what it may be."

"His Lord Elrond wished me to ask of you, if you were to join us, a small favor."

"Continue."

"My lord, as you know, Imladris may be hidden, but it is by no means safe if an attack should come. Lord Elrond wishes for the lady Celebrían to come to Greenwood and remain safe in your city."

I eyed my father, acknowledging, "She would be here to help Gwendolas with the child."

My father sadly turned to me, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Thranduil, you do understand that if you fight with us, you shall leave far before Gwendolas gives birth?"

I lowered my head and nodded sadly. "I am aware of it, Father. But if my fighting shall keep her safe, then I shall do it." I met my father's eye, who nodded approvingly. I gave a small bow. "I must inform her of our departure. I take my leave of you, Father." I gave Glorfindel a small bow as well, then turned to leave my father's study. At the doorway, I stopped and eyed my father once more. "Please, do not let this news reach Gwendolas. I shall tell her in my own time."

My father nodded gravely, sadness upon his face. Letting out a small sigh, I turned and headed down the corridor to my chambers.

"Tomorrow?" Gwendolas eyed me questioningly, her blue eyes piercing into my flesh. "My lord, why tomorrow?"

I held her hands tightly and tried to muster a small smile. "The sooner we leave, my darling, the sooner we shall be in Lórien." I kissed her cheek gently. "Do not worry, my love. It shall be all right."

"You are hiding something, I know it," she laughed, placing a hand upon my cheek and staring into my eyes. "Now if only I could find it."

I smiled and kissed her hand. "Who could refuse such eyes?"

She laughed, and pulled me closer to her, kissing me fully. "If you wish to leave tomorrow, my lord, then so be it."

I smiled at her words then kissed her once more. "We shall not have moments like this to ourselves much longer," I commented, placing a hand on her still flat abdomen. "What shall we name the child?"

"If it is a girl, then Calenmîr, after your mother. May she have your smile and your keen wit."

I grinned broadly, kissing her quickly once more. "And if it be a son, then let us pray he has the eyes of his mother, as well as her kindness."

Gwendolas smiled softly, playing with a lock of my hair. "My love, you did not pick a name."

"All right, let me think," I answered, placing my forehead against hers once more. "He shall bear your eyes, and your name as well."

Gwendolas laughed loudly. "You shall name your son Gwendolas?"

"Of course not," I countered, smiling softly. "He shall be named Legolas, for he is both part of you and part of Greenwood."

Gwendolas smiled once more. She came into my embrace once more, resting her head on my chest. She let out a content sigh as I held her close. "Legolas... Greenleaf" she mused. "I like it."