Here's the next chapter! This story is AU so I have changed details in the backstory to fit my needs.

I wanted to let you know that this story is about Ava and Thranduil as they fall in love, face major adversity and *hopefully* come through it (or not). It will take quite a few chapters to get to the major plot twist so be patient. This story will feature a child as a major character in later chapters...yes spoiler.

please let me know what you think,

Edith

The morning after the welcome feast, Thranduil joined the Peredhel's family for breakfast. The family's private dining room was bathed in the morning sunlight, feeling warm and inviting. The dining table was laden with fruit, cheeses, breads. Elrond, sitting at the head of the table, was reviewing paperwork. The twins and Arwen were chatting; every once in a while, something in their conversation would cause Elrond to glance up or raise an eyebrow. They were the picture of a loving family, Thranduil set aside the twinge of envy he felt pulling within him and sat down at the table.
"Where is your sister? Is she awake yet?" Elrond asked his children.

"I doubt it" snorted Elladan. His father raised his eyebrows.

"I believe there was an afterparty" Elrohir smirked. "I heard it was quite a ruckus."

"Ro, you shouldn't have told Ada" Arwen said through gritted teeth. Arwen, being the big sister, had always been protective of Ava. She had indulged and covered for her little sister, out of a sense of duty to her mother and family.

Elrohir shrugged nonchalantly. The brothers had always felt Ava was allowed too much leeway and it was high time she began to mature and take on some royal duties.

Just then, the subject of the conversation slouched into the room. Ava was dressed informally in leggings and a tunic. Her hair was messily put up in a bun and the circles under her eyes confirmed she had had a late night indeed.

"Morning" the youngest princess said lazily, as she sat down and crossed her legs in her chair. Immediately, she began to reach for breakfast.

"It seems you have had an exciting night" the lord of Imladris noted dryly, with eyebrows raised expectantly at his youngest child.
Ava rolled her eyes and then fixed her glare squarely upon her brothers. "Just met up with some friends after the banquet Ada, nothing too exciting" she said lightly. That was putting it lightly, there had been a party, a rather wild one at that.

Elrond sighed. "Sweetheart…your brothers were leading orc hunting parties, your sister had taken over most of Nana's royal duties by your age-"

Ava impatiently cut her father off. "Ada, all my friends were there!"

Patiently, Elrond attempted to explain "your friends are not royal, there are certain expectations placed upon you."

Ava looked down at her plate silently. She had disappointed her father and was incredibly guilty about it. "I'm sorry Ada" she grudgingly eeked out.

Elrond looked sympathetically at his daughter. His wife had had similar struggles when she came of age, a pang of sadness hit him as he thought with great regret that Celebrian was not here to guide their daughter through it.

"Why don't you help me today in the library? I am reviewing some papers about our trade agreements" Elrond suggested.

Ava groaned internally, it was purgatory. Glancing around the table for better options, her eyes settled on the King of Mirkwood.

"How about I take his highness on a ride? I'm sure King Thranduil would enjoy a refreshing day out." Ava responded, pleading silently with Thranduil to save her from a day in the library.

"Er – that is very kind of you to offer Lady Ava. If your father can spare you…" Thranduil said nonchalantly, his exterior betraying none of the excitement in felt.

Before Elrond could respond, Ava stood up. "Wonderful, I will get ready and meet you at the stables my Lord."

Elrond helplessly watched his daughter pop a last piece of fruit into her mouth before excusing herself from the dining room. He was disappointed Ava did not want to spend the day with him. The lord of Imladris saw none of his bookish-ness in his daughter. Ava did not share many of her father's interests, she was the child he had always had the most difficulty bonding with.

Knowing her father's despair, Arwen laid a comforting hand on her father's arm. "Perhaps next time you could ask her to go on a ride with you" she suggested.

Elrond smiled sadly. "Thranduil, maybe you can talk some sense of duty into my daughter. Valar knows I have tried."

Ava was already waiting for the King of Mirkwood when he arrived at the stables. Unbeknownst to her, the King had changed riding tunics several times before deciding on the one he was currently wearing (to the silent amusement of his butler). He was excited to spend time with the Princess, she had brought a refreshing new facet into his life, which was otherwise mired in paperwork and army duties.

The Princess had pleated her hair back again. In her riding attire, she was attractive. Her lean, athletic body showed through seductively. Thranduil felt his breath catch as he first caught sight of her.

Luckily, Ava misread his sudden deep breath. "I love the smell of the stables too" she smiled, referring to the musty mixture of hay and leather that hung in the air. "What would you like to see my lord?"

Thranduil swallowed, how much just the mere sight of the Princess was affecting him. "I will follow to whatever you'd like to show me Lady Ava" he replied calmly.

Ava's smiled widened, "then let's go" she said enthusiastically. Effortlessly, she mounted her horse.

Soon, the pair were galloping in the valley surrounding Rivendell. With the wind hissing as it rushed past her ears and the cool bite of the morning air on her cheek, she was truly relaxed. She glanced over at the King, who was keeping up with her nicely. Thranduil seemed to be enjoying himself immensely.

By mid day, they had arrived at one of the majestic waterfalls outside of the city. Ava motioned to the King as she slowed her horse, and subsequently dismounted. Both riders took a silent moment to catch their breath.

"You have mud on your cheek" Thranduil murmured. Before he could stop himself, he reached over and gently rubbed it off with his thumb. When he realized what he was doing, he awkwardly withdrew his hand. Ava smiled and looked at him with her large, blue eyes. Those innocent eyes just about melted Thranduil. "Thanks" she said.

"They are magnificent" Thranduil remarked, as he looked at the falls.

"Yes they are" Ava agreed. "Hungry? I think Arwen arranged a food basket." Sure enough, as Ava looked in the satchel affixed to her saddle, she produced a picnic basket.

"Your sister packs your lunch?" Thranduil asked teasingly.

"She knows I forget to bring food on my rides" Ava grudgingly admitted. "Arwen thinks she's my mother" Ava added, with a roll of her eyes.

They settled in for a simple yet delicious picnic lunch. It was a sunny day and the noon heat was quickly upon them. The cheese and bread prepared by the kitchens were delicious, or perhaps the food tasted so good because Thranduil was enjoying it with the Princess. Every so often, he would steal a glance at her. Eventually, he had come to the realization he was smitten by the Princess. Of all people to be smitten by, he had to fall for Elrond's daughter.

"So, what lecture did my father ask you to give me?" Ava asked directly, eliciting a raised eyebrow from the King. "Oh come on, I know Ada asked you to talk some sense into me, as he likes to put it."

"I'm sure you don't need me to tell you that your father is concerned about you." Thranduil said tactfully.

"My father is overly concerned. He thinks that just because naneth is not here, that somehow I'm fragile. But I can't miss something that I didn't know" was Ava's answer.

"You have no recollection of her?" Thranduil asked.

"I have a vague sense of her, but I do not recall what she even looked like. I only know from the paintings of her. I was still in diapers when she died. Ada never speaks of her. My brothers and sister do not speak of her either. It is like she is forgotten" Ava said softly.

"They do not speak of her because it is too painful to think of what they have lost, not because they wish to forget her. Trust me, when I lost my father, I could not speak of him for centuries after. Your naneth was definitely not forgettable. You are very much like her, you know" Thranduil said affectionately.

Ava smiled and grasped his hand. Hers was soft and warm, next to his callused and battle tested palms. "Thank you, Thranduil." She suddenly gasped, realizing her mistake. "I mean, your highness."

The king laughed. "You may call me Thranduil." He had not allowed any to call him by his given name since he ascended to the throne. That would raise many an eyebrow back in Mirkwood.

"Then you must call me Ava" the Princess responded. She then turned her head towards the pool of water the falls emptied into. Quickly, she removed her riding boots and waded into the water.

"Thranduil, you must try it!" she demanded.

Thranduil laughed again, but made no move – spontaneous, he was not. "Thranduil!" Growing inpatient, Ava came out of the water towards him. She stopped short of coming out of the water completely, instead she kicked up some water and sprayed him.

"That, is treason" the King sputtered through the water now covering his face.

"Only if you catch me" Ava responded defiantly doing it again.

So rarely was Thranduil challenged that he momentarily was at a loss of what to do. Then, he kicked off his boots and headed into the water, straight for Ava. She squealed as she attempted to escape. He soon caught up to her and wrapped his arms around her waist, lifting her out of the water. She squealed louder before bursting into laughter. Her joy was infectious and Thranduil soon found himself laughing as well.

By the end of it, they were both thoroughly wet. As clouds covered the sun and the winds moved in, Ava began to shiver. Automatically, Thranduil threw his cloak over her. She nodded her thanks and the two began their journey back to Rivendell.

Several evening later, Thranduil found he could not concentrate on any of the state papers in front of him. Lord Wyrran muttered a comment about his restlessness, earning a glare from the King earlier in the evening. The advisor had stayed quiet since, though it did not help the King's concentration. He had not been able to stop thinking about her, the softness of her hands, the joy in her laughter. He was falling for her, hard.

"The Princess is certainly suitable by birth" Lord Wyrran ventured.

"Suitable for what?" Thranduil asked absent mindedly.

"To be courted" Lord Wyrran said boldly.

Thranduil snapped to attention. "I don't know if she would want that." I don't know if she would want me. Ava had given no indication she was interested in him romantically. They had grown close during his stay in Rivendell. Riding and walking together had become a near daily activity for them, it was clear they enjoyed each other's company. The pureness of the joy for life she had had brought out long dormant feelings of affection in the King. He felt lighter, happier when he was with her. But she was much younger than him, and so very different. Thranduil had been groomed to be King from the moment he was born. Leader, soldier, diplomat were his identity. His father felt that above all, his son needed to be tough to be able to wear the crown. Whereas Ava had grown up in the protective cocoon of her doting father and older siblings, without a care in the world. She had never seen a battlefield, never known the darkness that had scourged Middle Earth. Thranduil felt an overwhelming need to make sure she never would.

The next day, fate smiled upon the King of Mirkwood. The family was just starting breakfast when Ava flew into the room, clutching a letter in her hand.

"Ada, I have the best news. Leyla is getting married and she has asked me to be her bridesmaid!" the Princess shouted. "You are invited too of course" she added as an afterthought.

Elrond looked up from the papers he had been reviewing with his sons. "That is wonderful news. We will of course be attending. When is the wedding?"

"3 months" Ava answered quickly.

"Then there is plenty of time" Elrond smiled.

"But, Ada. I am to be her bridesmaid. I must be there as soon as possible. She needs me to help her with the dress, decorations, everything. I am her best friend after all. Please Ada, may I leave within the next week? It will take days to get there. We have so much work to do." Ava asked, using her most persuasive tone and look.

"Ava, the road can be dangerous. I am not going to send you to Mirkwood alone. Besides, who will watch over you there?" Elrond reasoned.

"I won't be alone Ada, I'll go with Thranduil. He's leaving next week anyway. Who better than the King of Mirkwood to make sure I am well cared for once I'm there?" Ava replied charmingly.

"Ava, King Thranduil does not want to be burdened with chaperoning you. He has a realm to rule." Elrond said paternalistically.

Ava shot the King in question a look, imploring him to speak up for her. Thranduil found he could not deny her.

"Elrond, I do not mind. It is the least I can do after the hospitality you have shown me these last weeks" Thranduil spoke up.

"It's settled then!" Ava declared. She rushed to hug her father. "Thank you Ada! Now if you'll excuse me, I have to start packing and write Leyla a reply." As the Princess left the dining room, she silently mouthed her gratitude to Thranduil. He could not help but smile.

As the rest of the family finished breakfast and made to leave the table, Elrond lingered behind.

"Thranduil, a word"

The King was not surprised at all by the request. Once they were alone, Elrond began.

"Thranduil, do not feel obliged to do this. Ava is by no means your responsibility."

"It would be no trouble Elrond" the King assured.

"I see you have become close" Elrond said, it was a statement rather than a question. "I have not seen you so unguarded with any other elleth."

"Ava has a way of dispensing with formality" Thranduil observed.

"She does not address you by your title, as she should" Elrond stated again.
"Elrond, I am the one who asked Ava to call me by my given name. Do not blame her." Thranduil explained

"And clearly, she has reciprocated the gesture" Elrond pointed out. The conversation was beginning to feel like an inquisition. Thranduil knew Elrond would see his feelings for Ava at some point, though he had not anticipated it so soon.

"Elrond, I would never dishonor your daughter-" Thranduil began.

"You care for her." Elrond interrupted.

"Aye, I have grown to care for her a great deal." Thranduil admitted.

"Do you love her?" Elrond asked pointedly.

"Yes" Thranduil was being honest with his old friend and himself.

"I see" Elrond said, his expression unreadable.

"Elrond, if she does not feel the same way, I would never act on my feelings. I only want her happiness" Thranduil stated his case.

"She is of age, but she is still young. I don't think she even knows what she wants. I don't want to see her get hurt." Elrond stated his position.

"I would not –" Thranduil said immediately.

"I know you would not Thranduil. We have fought through Mordor together. I know you are honorable. Celebrian and I would never have met if it were not for you. You have my blessing to court her if she wishes it. I am simply asking you, as a father, to watch over her and protect her as I have always tried." Elrond said.

"By my crown, you have my word" was Thranduil's emotional reply.