Chapter 33

Evie POV

Evie was strolling at a casual pace down the halls she now knew so well. Her pale green day dress swished around her legs as she moved, the dark green stitching around the neck and sleeves contrasting well in the shape of swirling vines and leaves. The heart shaped crystal around her neck glimmering in the soft morning light as she wild red curls hung unadorned over her shoulders and down her back

With Legolas in lessons and Thranduil busy with court politics, she enjoyed the pleasant solitude, not being constantly asked her opinion on the flowers for the feast or if Haleth should wear ivory ribbons to match her dress. When Thranduil had announced to her his plan for Legolas' begetting day celebration, she had been excited to help plan and organise everything, but a lot of the decision making was tedious and time consuming and she was pleased the day was almost upon them.

She ascended a flight of hidden steps carefully, lifting her skirts so that she did not trip on them. She breathed out a sign of relief finding the special spot empty. It had taken a while for her to find a space that was as special as her meadow back home, but this had taken her breath away instantly. It was a platform balcony of sorts, carved out of the rock that housed the Elvenking's halls. Vines of various pants had grown up over the walls and thick rock that surrounded the edge, acting as a natural rail. In the middle sat a bench seat, intricately carved, and clearly been there for an age. How it had survived so long, she didn't know, but a delight nonetheless.

As lovely as it was, the real appeal was the fact that it sat at the top of the cave, allowing an undisturbed view of the Greenwood forest and the lonely mountain in the distance. As the entrance was in a part of the palace not commonly used, it allowed for privacy and space.

Evie sat on the bench, tucking her legs up underneath her body, closed her eyes and took a deep breath in and out, clearing her mind, just as her grandma had taught her so many years ago. Feeling a soft pressure on her left hand, she opened her eyes to find a butterfly had landed, it's wings a vibrant array of brows, red and orange. She smiled.

"Hello. Would you like to see some magic?"

Not waiting for the reply she knew wouldn't come, she felt a familiar warmth in her hands as her glittering golden magic appeared and rose in the air around them, swirling and twirling, growing brighter as it moved. It felt good for her to let go and let the power run free for it had grown in strength since their visit to Imaldris. It's not that she couldn't practice with it amongst the elves, it's just they weren't used to seeing such a thing and cement how very different she was.

The butterfly rose and fluttered in and around the golden light like it was dancing and brought her joy to see something so beautiful.

The moment was interrupted by a pair of light footsteps on the stairs behind her. Evie had a moment of pride as she heard the sharp intake of breath from the new arrival. The view that spoke was not one she was expecting, and her magic disappeared almost instantly. A memory of being under the desk in the King's study flashed through her mind.

"Sorry to disturb you, My Queen."

Reluctantly, Evie stood and turned to face the dark haired elf, his grey eyes warm, but sightly reserved.

"How did you know I was here Lord Galion?"

"The Prince may have let it slip that you like to come here from time to time."

"I see. And whatever it was couldn't have waited an hour or so?"

"I'm afraid not. There seems to be a disagreement over the rules for the competition."

"Surely the King or Feren would be a better fit to offer their opinion."

"His majesty is currently tied up with the council and Feren left after your sparring session."

"What do you mean? Where has he gone?"

"Ah nothing for you to worry about, he shall be back, but in the meantime, would you mind?"

Internally, Evie huffed, not happy that she had to leave her sanctuary early, but resigned to the duty she now held. She walked towards the top of the stairs as the elf moved to let her pass.

"Yes, of course. What seems to be the issue?"

It wasn't until later that Evie realised that Galion had not actually answered her question on Feren's whereabouts.

"Tough day?"

Instead of answering, Evie just took an unladylike bite of cookie that Amos had replicated perfectly as she sat on a stool in the kitchens. It wasn't until it was all gone that she spoke.

"You have no idea."

"try me."

"Do you know how many rules there are for an archery competition Amos?"

"lots?"

"157. And we went through every single one, in detail. And then they wanted to debate whether they should get rid of some of the rules. For three hours."

"That sounds like fun."

She snorted at this and reached or another cookie.

"Can I hide out here?"

She giggled at the exaggerated bow the head chef gave her with a twinkle in his eyes.

"I would be honoured to shelter my Queen for the day."

"Then it's settled, if anyone asks, I've gone to the library."

"Of course."

"Hand me that apron."

"When you've finished sampling the Prince's cookies, what would you like to help with?"

"Have you started on the strawberry tarts?"

The wide smile from the elf was answer enough and Evie immersed herself in the smell and taste of baking treats for the rest of the day.

The next week flew by with busy preparations and the night before Legolas' begetting day, Evie got into bed and was asleep within minutes.

Evie was on the back porch of her old white house dressed in a white cami, denim shorts and her favourite pair of boots. The wooden rail felt so real under her fingertips as she descended the stairs to the courtyard below, the barn exactly as she had left it. Walking along the path towards the gate and the woods beyond, the red head saw a pair of horses coming towards her, each with a rider. As they drew near, she identified the horses as Willow and Jazz and the riders had identical blonde hair and blue eyes. She walked out the gate and waited as Willow rode up to her and the male gave her the most brilliant smile as he held out his hand to help her on the horse behind him. She settled her arms around his middle and breathed in his earthy scent, his long hair tickling her cheek.

"Come on Ada, Naneth!"

She looked up as she felt Willow move faster to catch up with Jazz and his little rider. The trek become familiar to her and soon they stood before a canopy of vines that hid a treasure within. The male elf swung down the horse with ease and turned back, his hands on her waist to help her dismount. Pure joy radiated from his face as he held her against him and she held her breath in anticipation as he lowered his head…

"oooophhhhff."

Evie was abruptly woken from her dream but a solid mass landing on top of her body in the bed.

"Up Naneth! Ada!"

Groggily, she opened her eyes and spied a grinning elfling wedged between her and Thranduil on top of the covers. The light In the room was low, which indicated to Evie that it was very very early. She made contact with a pair of bright blue eyes.

"What is it Honey?"

"You know what day it is?"

"It's a Friday?"

"No silly! It's my begetting day! Ada up!"

She heard the deep chuckle of the large male elf lying next to her and moved her head to look at him.

"What are you going to do about your son?"

She felt annoyed when he didn't answer her, but spoke very softly in Legolas' ear. She knew what was said a minute later when she felt a pair of small hands tickle her sides. Laughing, she moved her hands to tickle the culprit in return. The little elf securely held in her arms, she pressed a kiss to his hair.

"Ok I'm up, is it time for breakfast?"

"Yes!"

She let Legolas go as he wriggled to try and get out of her hold, watching him hop down from the bed and move towards their sitting room. She pushed back the covers, stood and donned her lacy black robe, moving to follow the elfling, but was stopped when an arm snaked around her middle and pulled her into a hard chest. She smiled when she felt a hand move her bed hair to one side and then soft kisses were peppered on the bare skin.

"Good Morning."

"Yes, it is indeed a good morning, my love. Did you sleep well?"

"mmmmmm I was having the best dream…"

"oh?"

They both looked up when a little elf spoke with impatience.

"Ada! Breakfast."

Evie giggled softly, but extracted herself from the warm body behind her and walked into the sitting room to sit on the love seat next to the little Prince. She heard the door to their suite open and thanks Laurel when she set a tray down with various breakfast foods on the table in front of them. She poured out a cup of tea from the teapot and held it between her hands. She smirked at the expectant face looking back at her.

"What is it, honey?"

"Where's my gift? Did you hide it?"

She made eye contact with the taller male elf that had sat himself down in the armchair next to her and feigned confusion.

"Did we get Legolas a gift Thranduil?"

She tried not to laugh as the Elvenking, clad in his midnight blue robe, rested his chin on his hand looking thoughtful.

"I'm not sure, did we?"

"Naneth please!"

She moved her head to whisper in the little elf's ear.

"Try under your seat."

Evie heart felt full watching the joy on Legolas' face when he opened the wooden box to find his very own Greenwood guard uniform with matching boots. The anticipation grew when she saw him pick up the folded parchment laid on top , unfold it and begin to read. His bright eyes sparkled with delight.

"An archery competition!? Just for me?"

It was the deep voice of her beloved that answered for them.

"You have demonstrated great promise of skill with a bow, little leaf, and we thought this would be something you would enjoy."

"Oh yes! Thank you Ada! Naneth! It begins at 9.30am, we best get ready!"

She placed a hand on the little elf attempting to retreat to his chamber, excitement written all over him.

"Not so fast, honey. You need to eat some breakfast first."

"But Naneth…"

"No buts, you have to keep your strength up if you plan to win."

The pout on his face absolutely adorable, the red head thought, but was pleased that he agreed to her suggestion. Soon they were all full and Evie watched the little elf disappear through the door with his box of new prized possessions. Deciding that a bath was in order, she stood and made her way toward the bathing room, her hands moving to untie the robe as she went.

She was unprepared for the hand that grasped hers and spun her around, so she was facing her beloved. She could feel the love radiating down their bond from him and she couldn't help but smile at him. She moved her hands to connect around his neck.

"Where do you think you're going?"

"I was trying to bathe. I can't turn up to the competition dirty!"

"hmm of course not. I think you may need some assistance with that."

"Are you offering My King?"

She reached up to leave a lingering kiss on his cheek, the corner of his lips, his jaw, and she was just about to press her lips to the side of his neck when she let out a little squeal as she was lifted up, her legs instinctively wrapping around his waist.

"It would be my pleasure to assist My Queen."

"Come on then, we haven't much time."

"As you wish."

She lowered her head so she could connect her lips to his in a heated kiss as he expertly carried her into the bathing room.

Much later, Evie and Thranduil were fully dressed and ready for the day ahead, when their door burst open and Legolas bounded towards them in his new brown leggings and green tunic, a huge grin on his face.

"What do you think?"

"Oh honey, you look wonderful!"

"A mighty guard you will grow up to be Little Leaf. Now, come, we have something else for you."

"What is it Ada?"

Evie could see the bursting curiosity in his eyes and tried to keep silent while Thranduil lead his son back into the sitting room and towards another wooden box, flatter this time, where the breakfast tray had been laid earlier.

"Open it and find out."

She watched as the small elf reached out and unclasped the lip and pulled up in a graceful motion, his face lighting up instantly when he took sight of the hand carved bow nestled in the blue velvet. It was with awe that he gently picked it up, testing the weight in his hands and then studying the elvish markings.

An mín dilthen las, a maethor -o i greenwood, who na- dearlui loved*

The smile that Legolas gave them both was all that they needed to know they had chosen well, but as the little elf placed the bow back in its box and moved to hug his Ada, she couldn't help but tear up at the sight they made together, the two murmuring to each softly. It wasn't long before before she had to hastily dry her tears and hold out her arms for the little elf to cuddle into her side, placing a kiss on her cheek.

"Thank you Naneth, I love you."

"I love you too, honey. No matter what happens today, I will be so proud of you."

She looked up when Thranduil moved towards them with a tender look on his face.

"It's time to go. Ready Legolas?"

"Yes, Ada."

Evie let go of the elf Prince and watched him retrieve his precious bow and make for the door. She reached for the hand of her beloved as they walked behind the excited elf towards the training fields.

*For our little leaf, a warrior of the Greenwood, who is dearly loved.