Brazgirl: Thanks for the kind words!! And yes, Thranduil... handsome... heck, Legolas had to get those looks somewhere!

A/N: SO SORRY! I just got this back from my beta, who claims it got lost in Missouri somehow. I apologize for the wait!

Haldir led me silently towards the broad talan in the heart of the trees. Questions filled my mind as to this Beldírin, not only of who he was, but why he created such a panic in my wife. "Beldírin," I said to Haldir, catching his eye. "Who is he?"

"He is of my kin," Haldir answered, dryness in his voice. I could tell that he wished to speak no more on the subject, yet I pressed anyway.

"How does he know Gwendolas?"

Haldir eyed me with a brow arched. "My lord, they have been friends since childhood. They did live in the same woods for many years," he reminded me.

We climbed the ladder once more to Celeborn's talan. However, instead of stopping at the stairway from which Celeborn had descended the first time, Halidr led me up the stairs. We came to a room that reminded me much of Lord Elrond's library; I assumed we were in Lord Celeborn's study.

Like my father only weeks before, I found Celeborn looking at a large map that was sprawled out over a table, candles weighing down each corner while lighting the surface of the tan canvas. Beside him was Lord Glorfindel, pointing along the ridges of Mordor.

I bowed before them. "My lords,"

"Lord Thranduil," Glorfindel said. He beckoned me to join him. I heeded his gesture, coming alongside him. I noticed also that Haldir left not, but went to his Lord's side.

"Oropher has promised soldiers from Greenwood, who shall meet us here," Glorfindel continued, pointing at the Andúin. "We shall continue down the river to Gladden Fields, where the mass of the forces under Gil-Galad shall gather. It is our wish that the warriors of Lórien shall meet us as we make our way to the Brown Lands."

Celeborn mused for a moment, his eyes wandering over the map. "How many men has Sauron?"

"The correct number is unknown, my lord," Glorfindel answered sullenly. "However, it is estimated to be twenty thousand at least."

"How man men does Elendil have that remain alive?" Haldir questioned.

"His force is strong, but dwindling. He has called for more men to come from their northern region of Calenardhon, and it is rumored that men of Eriador shall join with us also."

Celeborn stared at the map for a moment, then eyed me. "My lord, why will you ride? As my lady tells me, your wife is with child. You shall leave her when she needs you the most?"

I felt my jaw tighten at the thought, but kept a calm face as I replied, "My lord, I go to ensure that she and the child will remain safe."

"And if you die in the process?" he challenged.

"Then I shall die in peace, for I at least will know that I died protecting her." I eyed Celeborn. "You also have a child. Would you not also wish to protect not only the Lady Galadriel but the Lady Celebrían as well?"

Celeborn narrowed his eyes as he kept my gaze, yet he said nothing. He finally let out a small sigh and then turned back to the map. "You shall have your army," he said quietly. Glorfindel bowed low, murmuring a "thank you." Celeborn turned his eyes upon me once more. "If Lord Elrond and my grandsons are to go, how shall I be sure that my daughter is safe?"

"Lady Celebrían shall come to Greenwood and stay with Gwendolas," I answered. "She shall be safe in our halls."

Celeborn nodded slightly, looking over the map once more. "When?" he asked.

"We shall pass the woods of Lórien in three months time," Glorfindel answered.

"Then we shall meet in three months," Celeborn answered, eyeing Glorfindel and me. "I take my leave of you, my lords. Haldir," he called, eyeing the Elf. They spoke not, yet Haldir nodded in acknowledgement. "Yes, my lord," he answered.

Glorfindel and myself bowed, then turned and left the talan. We came to a crossing, Glorfindel bowing to me. "I return to Imladris tomorrow, my lord. Goodbye for now, until we meet again, though it may be in dire situation."

I bowed as well. "Convey my best wishes towards your lords and lady. I shall see you in several months' time."

We parted, Glorfindel turning and heading towards the talan I assumed he was occupying. I instead climbed down the long ladder towards the forest floor. I walked to a small grove, where our men were cheerfully resting and conversing. Upon finding that they were well situated, I went to the woods once more, looking for Gwendolas.

I found her not where we had parted, and so I headed for the gardens, for I knew she loved them the best. I saw her halfway hidden behind a tree in the far corner of the garden, smiling as I began to approach her. However as I rounded a tree, I saw that she was not alone.

Beldírin of Lórien was with her also, holding her hands in his own. I paused and stepped backward, hiding myself behind the tree, yet enabling myself to watch them. I wished not to interrupt two old friends, yet in my mind I noted that they were too close for my comfort.

I heard not what they were saying, for their voices were barely above a whisper. I saw Gwendolas turn her eyes to the ground, shaking her head as she said something. A flash of anger swept over me as I saw Beldírin take her cheek in his hand and lift her head up, an act that I had performed many times before. He said something to her, his eyes fixed intently upon her.

Gwendolas shook her head fiercely, tearing her face from his touch. She said something in return, Beldírin lowering his head.

"He loved her once," a voice said. I turned around, finding Haldir standing behind me. He came to my side, watching them as well. "He is my brother-son. He spent most of his life with Gwendolas." He eyed me intently. "He has never forgiven you for taking his jewel from him."

"He blames me for things I could not control," I mumbled, watching my wife once more. Beldírin held her hands near his chest, speaking to Gwendolas. She shook her head, Beldírin's brows furrowing in anger. He leaned forward and forcefully kissed her. I felt myself spring forward, yet Haldir's strong hand gripped my arm. "Just wait, my lord," he whispered.

I felt anger take me as swiftly as the Andúin took a small leaf, glaring at Beldírin. Gwendolas was my wife, not his. He did not deserve the joy of her kisses.

However, as I beheld Gwendolas, I saw her struggle against his kiss, tearing her hands from his and pushing him back. I felt my heart lighten as she spoke vehemently, turning and storming away from him. I felt Haldir's hand release from my arm. "Speak not of it," he suggested.

I casually walked out from behind the tree, eyeing the forest canopy above. I heard Gwendolas let out a sigh of relief, her voice calling out. "Thranduil!"

I feigned amazement as I met her gaze, smiling broadly. "There you are, my love."

She approached me quickly, slipping her arms around my waist and holding me tightly. I feigned shock as I held her close to me, inquiring, "My love, is everything all right?"

She smiled as she looked up at me, the anger cleared from her face. "It is now, my lord." She buried her face into my tunic, and I wrapped my arms tighter around her. I looked up, seeing Beldírin glaring at me from afar. He slowly turned, then walked off into the woods.

I heard Gwendolas sigh, murmuring, "I am tired, Thranduil."

"It has been a long day," I answered. "Come, let us rest." I lead her back to the heart of the city, finding my way to the talan of Belocû. Melithren was the only one who stirred, sitting near an open window and reading a book. She tried to hide a smile as we entered, passing through the lounge area towards Gwendolas's old room.

I tried to ignore Melithren's giggles that erupted from behind her book as I let the drape fall loose from its holding, the thick material covering the entrance of the room. I turned to find Gwendolas's room sparse, yet the beauty of a window made it light up brilliantly. I crossed the room and stood at the window, staring out at Caras Galadhon. The city shone like mithril, the soothing songs of many voices mixing together in the night air. I felt a small smile cross my lips as I became enthralled with the beauty of the city.

I felt Gwendolas come up beside me, resting her head against my shoulder. I looked down upon her, holding my smile. I saw she had changed from her gown into a lighter dress, one that exposed her pale shoulders. I leaned over and kissed her head. "You need your rest, my love."

"As do you," she replied with a laugh. I noticed in the moonlight that the elanor were still adorning her hair, smiling softly as I reached and pulled one out of her hair. I held it before her eye, twisting it slowly in my fingers. She eyed it, then smiled at me. I met her gaze, her piercing blue eyes shining brightly in the lights of Lórien. I leaned forward and brushed a kiss over her lips. Yet she seemed not satisfied with that, pulling me by my tunic closer to her and kissing me properly. I felt not as her hands swiftly unbuttoned my outer tunic, only realizing she had done so when I felt her push it off my shoulders.

I smiled as I pulled back from our kiss, peeling the rest of my tunic from my arms then tossing it onto a chair in the corner, my under tunic hanging loosely around my skin. I looked out the window space once more, then pulled the thin window drapes down from their tie, muffling some of the light.

I turned to Gwendolas and quickly scooped her off her feet into my arms. She began to let out a small shriek, but quickly covered her mouth, giggling as she did so. I held in a laugh as I adjusted her in my arms. I kissed her once more, slowly walking over to the bed on the opposite side of the room.

I set Gwendolas down and sat next to her, taking off my riding shoes and lying beside her. I put my arm around her, feeling her head nestling on my shoulder. She lay on her side towards me, draping one of her hands across my abdomen.

"Rest well, my love," I whispered to her. I felt her shift slightly beside me, drawing closer to me. At length, she spoke.

"I loved him once."

I furrowed my brows, then tried to eye her. "What?"

"Beldírin." She moved her hand from my stomach and propped herself up, leaning over me slightly. "Do you remember in Imladris when I spoke of one I loved before you?"

"I remember," I murmured, reaching a hand up and cradling her cheek in my palm.

"I was in love with Beldírin. Had I not been betrothed to you, I would have married him." She looked down for a moment, biting her lower lip. "He kissed me tonight."

I tried to feign anger, but failed miserably. I could not appear angry at so beautiful a vision. Instead, I calmly asked, "What did you do?"

"I... I pushed him away," she answered, meeting my gaze once more. "For so long during my first few months with you, I yearned for nothing more than for him to storm Greenwood and carry me away, home to Lórien. And yet, tonight, I wished for nothing more than you to come take me from him."

I felt a small lump forming in my throat. "Did he hurt you?" I asked quietly.

She shook her head. "Not physically. He..." Her voice faltered, and I could see tears forming in the crevices of her eyes. "He deemed our child a bastard child."

I felt my face grow hot with anger, yet upon meeting her gaze once more, it left as quickly as it had come, replaced by sympathy for my wife. I pulled her close to me, holding her tightly against my form and kissing her brow. "Think not of his words. No child of yours shall bear such a name." I drew her back, staring intently into her eyes. "You child is royalty of Greenwood the Great, and what is more, your child is my child." I smiled warmly. "Shed no tears over this, my love. Why mourn over what is false?"

She mustered a smile, leaning in and kissing me fully. I held her lips as long as I could, but at last she pulled back, settling down once more at my side. "I love you, Thranduil," I heard her murmur. I tightened my hold on her, turning my head to kiss her hair. "I love you, Gwendolas," I answered in return. "Rest well, my darling."

I heard no more from her, waiting for a long while until I was certain she was resting. I then turned my eyes towards the ceiling, letting a rest come over me as my attentive eyes remained open.