A/N: Another chapter and a little earlier than usual! Thank you so much for the continued reviews/comments and kudos/likes! I'm thrilled to see that so many of you guys are enjoying it. Just a quick note before we dive into it, I know that in canon Elrond's wife hasn't died, but in this AU she did. Let me know what you think about the pacing? Would you rather romance happens quicker or should I keep it at the pace I'm keeping it?

Enjoy!

Chapter Eleven

Realisations

I was a fool.

Yes, that was the only thing that made sense. Whyever else would I have so easily agreed to accompany Millicent to Erebor. It was utterly reckless. Maggie's surprise was certainly warranted and Elrond's amusement was as predicted. Perhaps I would need to speak with him before our departure, just as a precaution of what to expect. I had visited Erebor many times of course, but never as a welcomed guest and with that came certain expectations of my behaviour.

It was indeed unfortunate that Millicent should have heard the argument between Maggie and I. I will admit that I was not proud of my initial reaction, but as Millicent has already found out, Queen Maggie and I have never been friends. Nor, I suspect, will ever be. I suppose I am partly to blame, I did lock her in my dungeon for a considerable amount of time when the company of Thorin Oakenshield was on their way to reclaim Erebor. Things were different back in those days but even I had to admit that Maggie had changed a lot since then and, just as I had, she had suffered through a great loss. Losing Thorin during the Five Armie had been hard on her and from what I had understood from Legolas and of Elrond, it also changed her.

Regardless of my personal issues with Maggie, even I could tell that she had grown since her first arrival in Middle-Earth and the dwarves of Erebor seemed to have taken to her as a queen. Although, I still did not understand her arrangement with Fili and Elrond. It wasn't unheard of for elves to become romantically entangled outside of our kin, Tauriel and Kili were a prime example of that. But a human being married to a dwarf and also having a partner in an elf was unheard of. Nevertheless, who was I to question affairs of the heart? Elrond was happy and what kind of friend would I be if I denied him his happiness?

Perhaps, I was also jealous? Elrond had been able to move past the grief of losing his wife and found love again. Was Maggie right, after all? Had my heart turned cold as stone and made me unable to love? For over a thousand years, I'd become used to being alone and I didn't seek companionship. Certainly not the romantic kind.

Yet, Millicent Thomas still played on my mind and it deeply bothered me. She was unquestionably attractive and I found that I especially enjoyed her smile, which made her cheekbones all the more prominent. Her blonde hair had a natural waviness to it, which fell to just below her ears and complimented her emerald eyes. I had noticed that Aerin and some of the other elf-maidens had custom made clothes for her and I had to admit that elven dresses suited her. Since Maggie and Elrond's arrival, I'd also heard Millicent laughing more often and she seemed to be coming into her own, as it were. Bringing Maggie and Elrond here, despite our initial troubles, was a wise choice.

I just hoped that our stay in Erebor was equally as wise.

Two days later, Elrond stood in my study, carrying a particularly smug grin on his face.

"It will be a great diplomatic opportunity between your kin and the dwarves of Erebor." Elrond said enthusiastically as he poured wine in a chalice and passed it to me.

Elrond's endless enthusiasm was a personality trait that could be infuriating. What was even more annoying was that Elrond was well aware of this and took it in his stride. Still, he had a point. Ever since the War of the Ring, building diplomatic relations to get our world back on track had been a priority and for the most part, things were going well. However, our relationship with the dwarves of Erebor has always been difficult, but now, in part thanks to Millicent, there may be a chance to change that.

Gently, I stirred the chalice and inhaled the scent of the sweet, fruit wine which Elrond had brought with him from Rivendell. I recalled the days of our youth, where we would drink ourselves rather merry on wine and have not a care in the world. Back in those days, the world wasn't covered in quite as much shadow.

"So everyone keeps telling me," I mumbled and took a sip of the wine, allowing the flavour to intensify in my mouth, before I swallowed. Elrond and his kin had always been exceptionally talented with winemaking. "Millicent heard the argument between Maggie and I."

"Yes, so I am aware." Elrond acknowledged "I would not worry, mellon-nin. Maggie will not turn Millicent against you, if that is what troubles you. In fact, I think perhaps this trip will be a chance for you and Maggie to work on your own friendship."

"Yes, so everyone keeps telling me."

Millicent and Maggie had made such an instant connection that it was clear to me that if I wanted to become close with her, then I also needed to mend the broken bridge between Maggie and I. Then again, why did I want to become close with Millicent? The thought of being enamoured with a young human girl that I'd known barely four months was absolutely absurd. But I also knew that the thought of Millicent spending winter alone in Erebor caused a strange pain inside that I had not felt for a long time.

Jealousy.

I did not care for it.

"I wonder, Elrond, how will King Fili take the news of my arrival?" I asked "He shares his wife's opinion of me and with good reason, given the fate of his uncle and the events leading up to the battle of the Five Armies."

"Fili is a king now," Elrond said plainly as he paced back and forth in my study "It is his duty to receive guests and not even he will push away the will of the Valar."

"You truly believe they have something to do with Millicent's presence in Middle-Earth?"

Elrond crossed his arms and as he furrowed his brows, I already knew what he was thinking. Truthfully, I was not certain what I believed. Like the rest of my kin, I was not one to question the will of the Valar, except in this case their will was absurdly unclear. As I studied Elrond, I knew that he had more knowledge in his possession than he was willing to part with. No doubt it had something to with this alleged vision regarding Millicent's purpose here and I also knew that there was no way he would share such intimate details with me. Besides, Millicent had only just forgiven me for the last time I had intruded on her private affairs and I did not wish to repeat the same mistake.

"I am surprised that you are reluctant to believe it." Elrond said "Thranduil, we have been friends for many seasons and I do believe I know you well enough to tell you care for this girl. I am no fool, I have seen how you look at her."

"Don't be ridiculous!" I snapped "I am not some lustful elfling who is unable to control his emotions! Yes, she is rather aesthetically pleasing, I will admit as much and my kin have taken quite the liking to her, but I am not you, Elrond!"

Damn.

I had done it again. Allowed my temper to get the better of me. Hallath said it was a bad habit which sometimes made the others afraid of approaching me. A bad habit that had gotten worse over the years, but when I was around Millicent, I felt a calm that I had not felt in many years. I inhaled and then exhaled a deep breath and as I did Elrond put his hand on my shoulder and looked at me with familiar kind eyes.

"You are afraid." Elrond stated matter-of-factly "It is understandable, after all it has been quite some time since you opened your heart to anyone. I am not saying you are in love with her, but any fool with two eyes can see where yours are always looking. Nobody is forcing you to do anything, but could it hurt to explore?"

He was right of course, the bastard.

"How do you do it, Elrond?" I asked, "How are you able to so easily share Maggie with Fili?"

I had always wondered, but I had also been too afraid to ask. Elrond was a private elf and did not like sharing his affairs of the heart, which was understandable. I had to admit that when I first found out about their arrangement, I did not think it would last for a second. After all, I had seen the jealousy between Legolas, Tauriel and Kili all those years ago. Yet, all these years later it seemed as though my initial prejudice had been misplaced.

"Compersion came naturally," Elrond explained "I love Maggie deeply and I wish for her happiness. Fili is a very dear friend and during the time Maggie was absent from this world, we raised Theo. Her marriage to Fili was a natural step for them, especially as I do not wish to be married again. We are happy and it matters little what others may think."

There it was again.

Jealousy.

Because deep down, I knew that Elrond was right.

We arrived at Erebor on a cold Tuesday morning in early december. I would never forget the look on Millicent's face as she stood in front of the great entrance to the Lonely Mountain. Occasionally, I forgot that her world was vastly different from ours, but I had never taken time to ask about what those differences were. Perhaps, during our stay in Erebor, I would get a chance to ask. Compared to the last time I had visited Erebor, the mountain wasn't cold or lonely at all. In fact, it was filled with light and life. It seemed as though dwarves from across Middle-Earth had taken residence within its great halls. Things had been very different the past few times I had visited the mountain and it certainly hadn't had the vibrant atmosphere as it did now.

"This is a kingdom?" Millicent asked as she carefully stepped over the threshold and her gaze darted around, trying to comprehend her new surroundings. "This is incredible."

"Oh, just you wait." Maggie replied with a smile as she hooked Millicent's arm and took the lead down the corridor. "It finally no longer smells of dragon."

"Dragon? There used to be a dragon here? Like an actual firebreathi-"

Millicent's words were cut off by a loud shriek that pierced my ears and it didn't take long before the sound of running footsteps reached my ears. Not far off in the distance, I saw the shape of a small child come running towards us. She was perhaps no older than five or so human years in appearance. She had blonde curly hair with several braids in them, and slightly pointed ears but her height was more human than dwarves.

"Mummy!" she cried out excitedly "I've missed you!"

"Hello darling! I've missed you too!" I watched as Maggie swooped up the small child into her arms. "Have you been good while we were away?"

The small child buried her face in her mother's shoulder and even I had to admit that she was a precious child. I could see Maggie's resemblance in her, as well as Fili's. She turned to me to with her eyes widened and then she tugged her mother's hair, grabbing her face as if to turned her around. She then wriggled her way out of Maggie's arms and hid behind her dress, as children often did.

"Mummy!" she whispered "Who is that?"

"Ah, introductions." Maggie replied "This is King Thranduil of Mirkwood. He is the father of Legolas and a very old friend of your ada."

"He looks scary."

"Eira." Fili warned, although I could tell he was holding back a chuckle. "That is no way to greet a guest, please apologise to Thranduil."

Eira still hid behind Maggie, but after a little while she came forward and kept her eyes on the ground.

"I'm sorry." she apologised "I didn't mean to be mean."

I bent down so that I was almost at her height and greeted her with a smile. Contrary to popular belief, I did like children as all elves did. They were the light of our lives and always precious. I must admit though, that I was amused when I saw the surprise in Maggie and Fili's eyes.

"That is quite alright, aier." I assured her "No harm done and I'm quite honored to meet you. I have heard a lot about you from Elrond?"

"Really?" Eira asked as her eyes lit up "Ada told you about me?"

"He did and he told me that you have a penchant for toys, is that right?"

Eira nodded excited and I reached inside my robe for a small box wrapped in paper, which I had brought with me.

"What is it?" Eira asked excitedly and then she turned to Fili "May I open it? Please adad?"

"Well it would be rude not to." Fili replied "I am also rather curious, I did not know Thranduil was so generous."

I noticed Maggie nudge Fili for his remark, but I paid him no nevermind. His scepticism of me was warranted, after all. I watched as Eira practically tore the wrapping open and then looked quizzically at the small wooden box, as she tried to figure out its meaning. She then saw the small metal cylinder and instantly worked out that if she turned it, something would happen. So, she turned the cylinder counter clockwise and when she had done so as far as it would go, she watched in awe as a soft melody began to play. Her blue eyes widened even more and she jumped around excitedly.

"It plays music!" She cried out "Mummy look!"

"Yes, I can see." Maggie chuckled "Perhaps now would be a good time to say thank you to Thranduil?"

Then, to mine and everyone else's surprise. Eira threw her arms around me and I found myself utterly baffled. She held onto me as if I was a family member she had known all her life, rather than the stranger who she had been frightened off five minutes earlier. When she finally let go of me, I stood back up on my feet, ignoring Elrond's amused eyes.

"I believe we were doing introductions?" Fili said

"Millie, this is my husband Fili and our daughter, Eira." Maggie introduced

"You are very welcome to Erebor, Millie." Fili said "Please know that we'd like you to see it as a home for you as long as you would like."

"Thank you, your majesty." Millie said

Fili waffed with his hand.

"Oh please, none of that." he assured her "Fili will do just fine."

"Mummy," Eira whispered although rather indiscretely as were the way of children "Is she a princess?"

"She rather looks like one, doesn't she?" Maggie agreed "Come, I'll show you to your rooms."

Perhaps, I thought, our stay here wouldn't be so bad after all.

Sometime later that evening, I had been taken to my room - a rather sizable room with a fireplace and oak bed at the center. Several bookcases along the wall and a study, not too dissimilar to my own room in Mirkwood. I had to admit that I was surprised by how different Erebor was and I thought that staying here for a weeks actually might do me some good. I knew dinner would be served within the hour or so, but seeing as I had some time to spare, I decided that I would go and make sure Millicent had settled in alright.

It was strange wandering these hallways as a guest, because in Thorin's days, things had been quite different. I very much doubted I would be a welcome guest if Thorin had survived and Maggie was married to him instead of of Fili.

My elven ears twitched as I caught the sound of voices coming from further down the corridor. Over the past few months, Millicent must have realised that elves had sharpened senses and sometimes, it still startled her but I could tell she was getting used to it. I carefully walked down the corridor to locate the specific room from which the conversation came and then stopped when the words of the conversation became clearer. There were three voices in the conversation; Maggie, Fili and Elrond.

"Would either of you care to explain exactly why King Thranduil is coming to stay in our mountain?" I heard Fili ask,

Despite previous appearances, as expected he was unhappy about my sudden presence in Erebor, even though he had been perfectly pleasant earlier.

"Technically, I didn't invite him, I invited Millie." Maggie replied "That poor girl is lost, scared and lonely. She's been living with the Mirkwood elves and needs to see that the rest of this world is friendly. She needs to see other people and we're from the same world. I mean...she's from a different time period but that's a different problem. I guess, maybe Thranduil just wants to make sure she is safe here."

I heard Elrond chuckle through the door. .

"Do you have something to say?" Fili snapped "By all means, do share, Elrond. "

"No need to be quite so sharp, mellon-nin." Elrond mused "Is it perhaps possible that young Millicent has lit a fire inside Thranduil, that has been out for quite some time?"

"You think that that elf is capable of love? For a human? Or anyone other than his own reflection?"

"I know Thranduil's heart has been hardened over the years, but he does have feelings. Once upon a time he was very deeply in love with his wife. Since her death, he has been afraid of opening himself up to love because he thinks it makes him weak. Maybe, by staying here, with Millicent's help, we can show him differently."

I could hear Fili's annoyance, but I was also baffled. Their suggestions were obviously ludicrous. Did the Valar simply have nothing better to do than to send a seemingly random girl here, for my sake? It was beyond ridiculous.

Even so, their sharps words about my lack of heart stung unexpectedly. Is that how Millicent also viewed me?

"You agree with this?" Fili asked

Maggie spoke "I do and it might also be a good opportunity to work on those diplomatic relations with the Mirkwood elves that we've been discussing at council meetings?"

"I do not know why I bother asking questions to which I already know the answer. I suppose I will see you both at dinner, with our guests. I'll ask Bombur to prepare a small feast."

With that, Fili stormed out. Thankfully and despite his dwarrow senses, he must have been too consumed by annoyance to notice I was there.

And just as before, I began to wonder if coming here was the right choice after all.

To be continued….

Things are starting to get a little interesting! Poor Thranduil conflicted and not knowing what to think. How was his interaction with Eira? I always felt that even though he is quite harsh, he still adores children. What do you think will happen in Erebor?

Adad - khuzdul for father

Ada - Elvish for father

Aier - Little One

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