A/N: Helllooo! I'm back with another chapter! Sorry it took so long to update, I've had a writer's block from hell and life has been hectic!

Side note: I know in reality the journey between Erebor and Rivendell is LONG, but for the sake of speeding things up, I won't specify exactly how long they're on the road for.

Anyway, I hope the wait will have been worth it and that you enjoy this chapter!

Chapter Twenty-Three

Rivendell

Thranduil's POV

A week passed and eventually, a sense of normality returned to the mountain. Eira seemed to regain her spirits after the no-doubt traumatising events of her kidnapping. Fili had taken somewhat of a break from his kingly duties to spend more time with his family, which appeared to be a perfect opportunity for Theo to practice ruling the mountain that was his birthright. I had to admit that while Theo bears a striking resemblance to his father, Thorin, I'd wrongfully accused him of the same brash behaviour and unjustly resented him. I was wrong to do so and I knew that Theo would become a great king and that when Fili and Maggie both retired, the kingdom would be in great hands. Thorin would be proud of his son and both Fili and Elrondhad done a grand job of raising him.

Speaking of Elrond, he too had been rather absent of late and spent most of his time with Eira, Maggie and Fili. Since our arrival in Erebor, Elrond and I had spent most evenings sharing a fine glass of wine in the great hall or Elrond's study, discussing matters of the past, present and future. Lately, my evening company usually consisted of either my son, Felix or Master Óin and while I missed the company of my oldest friend, I was glad for the company of my new ones. I had no doubt that spending time in Rivendell would be good for everyone, myself included and I looked forward to showing Millie yet another majestic kingdom of Middle-Earth.

Millicent occupied most of my mind, when I allowed my thoughts to wander. Since the events in the woods and at Beorn's house, I decided it might be best to give her a little bit of space. I did not wish for her to think that I was being too forward, although at the same time, I also did not want her to misunderstand my intentions. I was more than aware that all eyes were on us and that it created no small amount of pressure. I had never doubted the power or will of the Valar and I had faith in them, still it seemed strange to me that they would take Millicent out of her own world just for the sake of softening my heart. Was there perhaps another reason, beyond our initial guess, for Millicent's presence here? She certainly had managed to soften my heart, but what next? Would she simply be sent back to her world and leave me alone again? Maggie had once been pulled out of Middle-Earth, with no knowledge of when or if she would ever return.

Having Millicent here had enriched my life in more ways than I could explain in words. I knew there was a chance she might have to return home if presented with such a choice. What would I do then? I could lock her in my dungeon and force her to stay, but that would hardly be good for the bond we had undoubtedly created. Perhaps months ago, I would have chosen a more forceful way of dealing with my emotions, but I was no longer that elf. Nor did I ever want to be that elf again.

Yes. I had become enamored with Millicent Thomas and there was no longer a point in trying to deny it. She possessed all of my waking thoughts even when I did not realise it. I thought of the way her lips slightly tugged and created dimples in her smile. I thought about her lightly lavender scented hair and the way her eyes glimmered whenever something excited her. She was attractive, kind, intelligent and selfless. Millicent had a way with people that I envied and was able to see kindness in everyone and understand their emotions where I did not. Any man would be lucky to win her heart, but I also knew that it was not easily won.

Even though he was dead, Millicent still loved Charlie and I could tell that a part of her did not want to let go of those emotions. Whether it was because of guilt or fear of letting go, I did not know, but at a guess I assumed it might be a combination of the two. I understood that guilt all too well and empathised with Millicent. I still loved my wife and always would, but began to realise that she would want me to be happy instead of wallowing in misery for the rest of my immortal life. Even Legolas had given me his blessing to court Millicent and Maggie had graciously agreed to help me.

I need to be prepared for the possibility that Millicent might decline my pursuit and if she wasn't ready, I must also accept her choices. That said, if my gut instinct was right - and it often was - my feelings were not unrequited.

While I was grateful to have had the chance of staying in Erebor and rebuilding my relationships with Fili and his kin, it wasn't the place for courting. Rivendell was a romantic place at the best of times and there would be much more privacy.

Yes. Things would change in Rivendell and I looked forward to it.

We stayed in Erebor for a few more weeks, until the beginning of February. It was a peaceful few weeks, which were spent eating delicious food and enjoying the company of friends. I was able to spend some time alone with Millicent, for which I was grateful. Some evening we stayed in the hall of fire, simply sitting quietly in each other's company with a book or journal in one hand. Other times, we would walk along the now frozen orchard and enjoy gazing at the stars which we had done before. Each time we were alone, I wished for the courage to confess I would like to court her, but it was as though I could not find the words to speak my mind.

Ridiculous really; an elvenking afraid to do something so simple.

"You won't be coming with us to Rivendell, Master Óin?"

"Nay, someone should stay here to help ease Theo and Nat into their new roles."

It was a Wednesday morning, just after breakfast. We stood by the entrance of Erebor, while all our belongings had been packed and the horses ready to set off. The tone in Millicent's voice gave away her emotions and I could tell that leaving Erebor filled her with sadness. Neither of us knew when she would return and it had been a transforming visit for both of us.

The white-haired old dwarf grabbed Millicent's hands as a warm smile tugged at her lips. Master Óin had a fondness for Rivendell, but felt dutybound to stay in Erebor. Meanwhile, the rest of our company consisted of Fili, Maggie, young Eira, Felix, Legolas, Gimli and Elrond. A merry company by any means and our visit in Rivendell was bound to be enjoyable. Maggie once said that Eira had never visited Rivendell before and would no doubt find it magical.

"Don't you worry, lass." Óin said, "We will see each other again. Besides, you know by now that nothing delivers letters at such haste as the Erebor ravens. I will be writing to you."

Óin dried away the silent tears streaming down Millicent's eyes and embraced her in a heartfelt hug. I watched as goodbyes were said amongst friends and family.

"Try not to bring down the mountain in our absence, will you?" Maggie teased as she hugged her son.

"Honestly naneth," Theo chuckled, "Have you no faith in me? Everything will be fine, you make sure to enjoy Rivendell and actually relax. If that's at all possible?"

"Yes, alright. I will. I love you and I'm proud. Thorin would be too."

Maggie was right. Thorin would be proud of his son.

Some moments later, after all final goodbyes were said and horses mounted, we set off on the journey towards Rivendell.

The journey was smooth, though sometimes a bit arduous. I must admit, I was impressed by Eira's patience, although she was mostly preoccupied by asking questions about every single thing she saw on the road. For her, it was the first time she'd left the kingdom, other than visiting Dale, and everything was exciting. Millicent had the same look of awe on her face as Eira as we passed through the vast and varying landscapes of Middle-Earth.

At night, we camped where the ground was dry and the trees brought us shelter from the elements. Even though elves need sleep just like people, it was easier for us to manage without it. So, Elrond, Legolas and I took turns keeping watch in case anything unexpected were to happen. Thankfully, the journey was peaceful and eventually on one warm morning at the end of February, we arrived in Rivendell. Stepping over the familiar threshold of the Hidden Valley was like a breath of fresh air and in many ways like coming home. I used to spend many years of my youth in Rivendell with my family and Elrond's. Those were good and happy days before the war of Sauron. For a long time, I remained certain that I would never experience such happiness again, yet here I was perhaps with what one might call a new chosen family.

"Isn't this a sight for sore eyes." Felix said as we looked down on the valley below. During the quest to Mount Doom, Maggie, her brother Riley who died at Pelennor fields, Felix, Nat and their friend Laura stayed in Rivendell with the Fellowship. Unbreakable bonds had been forged in these halls and to them, it was also home.

"Yeah," Maggie sighed in relief, "It's like coming home."

In Elrond's absence, Rivendell had been looked after by Erestor and Glorfindel. They greeted us as we entered Elrond's House and were all allocated chambers. Millicent's room was in the corridor closest to the Hall of Fire and a few hours after we had settled, I found myself walking towards her room. I didn't exactly have a plan in my head and more than anything it was my instinct leading the way. I raised my hand and gently knocked on the oakwood door. It didn't take long before Millicent opened the door and when I noticed she was in her nightgown, with a hairbrush in one hand, red heat flushed my cheeks.

"I'm sorry," I apologised, "I can see I have come at a bad time."

"No not at all," Millicent assured me, "I was only brushing my hair, although it's a little tricky when these brushes aren't like the ones I'm used to."

"May I help you? Us elves do have some skill with hairkeeping."

I do not know what in Arda came over me, but the words slipped out much quicker than I intended. I expected Millicent to decline and brush it off, leaving yet another awkward rift between us. Instead, she nodded and passed me the brush. I gestured for her to sit down on the chair by the small desk and when she did I carefully began to brush her hair.

At first, Millicent seemed a little tense, but then she relaxed and with each stroke of the comb, she let out something that almost sounded like gentle purrs.

"You're very good at this," Millicent murmured

"Hairbrushing is one of the ways in which elves show affection." I chuckled, "I often used to brush my wife's hair in the evenings. It was one of our favourite intimate moments."

Strange, I thought. It was the first time I'd thought about those memories without being filled with pain or sorrow. Now, it was a happy memory and something I was more than glad to share with Millicent.

"Do you miss her?" Millicent asked, "You never really speak about her."

"Every day," I replied, "But her light lives on through my son. I see her in him every day and I know I was blessed to have spent so many years with her."

I placed the brush back on the desk and ran my hands through Millicent's hair and then rested them on her shoulders. Next, I gently massaged her neck with my thumbs in small circles, moving from one side of her neck to the other as she closed her eyes.

"What's brought this on?" Millicent asked

"Can an elf-lord not simply choose to indulge a lady after a long day?" I replied with a hint of mischief in my voice.

"An elf-lord certainly can, but this particular one rarely does anything without purpose." Millicent teased back, "Are you trying to seduce me, Lord Thranduil?"

Millicent had meant it as a joke, but suddenly the air of the room changed. My hands stopped massaging Millicent's shoulder and simply lingered on her collarbone.

"Would that be a terrible thing?" I asked, "Or would that make you-?"

I didn't have a chance to finish my sentence, because before I knew Millicent had pressed her lips to mine and nearly knocked all wind from my lungs..As she kissed me, the world fell away. It was slow and soft, comforting in ways that words would never be. I rested, my hand rested below her ear, my thumb caressing her cheek as our breaths mingled. She ran her fingers down my spine, pulling me closer until there was no space left between us and I could feel the beating of her heart against my chest.

Then suddenly, it stopped. As if reality found its way back into this sacred moment and Millicent pulled back from me, with a horrified look on her face.

"Oh my god!" she exclaimed, "I'm so sorry! I shouldn't have! I don't know what came over me!"

"Millicent, you have nothing to apologise, but -"

I took a step towards her, but as I did she backed away and I could see tears beginning to form in her eyes.

"I have to go," she said and before I was able to stop her she ran out of the room into the cold and dark night.

To be continued….

THEY KISSED!

They weren't meant to kiss now, but it sort of just happened. It wasn't a terribly exciting chapter, but I hope you liked it anyway. What will happen next? Let me know what you think!