Alright, here is the next chapter lovelies. I'm sorry for the delay, I had the most stressful week at work and just didn't have a chance to finish it off.
Thanks:
Ganzademon: Your review inspired me to finish this and post it. Enjoy
01Katie: Glad you love it, I do too.
Cricket22: There's still some more reuniting to come and next chapter will be full of fluff.
lilly042004: Thank you!
Kelwtim2spar: glad you enjoy Disney stories too, but yes it was a bit of inspo for their meeting.
x3sunnydaa: Me too!
Chuffers244: Ohhh happy belated birthday! The 'growth' is destroyed by the spiders remain as they originate from Dol Guldor.
Silentmayhem: A discussion about the forest is coming up very soon.
Enjoy and read and review xx
Chapter 47
Thranduil POV
The Elvenking stood tall and proud as he strode back to the waiting company with his red headed wife safely in his arms.
Other than the bright smile on his face when he gazed down at Evie, there was no other outward sign of the feeling raging under the King's skin. Relief, worry, love all wrapped up together, mirroring the emotions he felt from her.
The reduced company of warriors and the grey wizard cheered when the pair emerged from the healthy and vibrant trees and Thranduil stopped and set his wife on her feet, though keeping a loose arm around her waist.
As one, the warriors placed their right arm across their chests and bowed in respect for their beloved Queen. Thranduil watched his wife smile at this warmly and then shift her attention to the wizard approaching with a wrapped package in his hands.
"My Dear it is a blessing to see you. You are well?"
"Yes, Mithrandir, I feel fine. Tired and a bit hungry, but otherwise fine."
"Good. There will be plenty of time to hear of your ordeal, but for now I image you are eager for home and to see a certain Prince?"
Evie turned to Thranduil then with alarm on her face.
"Legolas, he is well?"
"Do not fret, he is well looked after at the Palace."
He felt her relief right down the bond and it made him ever so thankful for a life mate that was so full of love for his son.
"Evie?"
"Yes, Mithdrandir?"
"Here is some lambas for the journey. Amos will no doubt spoil you when you get back, but for now, it should fill your belly."
"Thank you."
Feeling the woman next time start to sway slightly on her feet, Thranduil picked her up without a word and placed her gently on his stallion and settled himself behind her, both arms wrapped around her middle, one hand holding the reins and the other comfortably resting on her lower abdomen.
He felt happy then when Evie relaxed and rested her head against his chest as she nibbled on her meal, so he lowered his head to whisper in her ear.
"Ready to go home?"
"Let's go."
His bright eyes shifted around the company, please to see them all mounted and ready for his command, so he raised his voice high enough for them to hear before taking off into the woods.
"Back to the palace."
…
The light had faded considerably, but the King knew where they were, for he knew almost every inch of this forest and they were getting close to home.
He could not say he wasn't happy about this, for their mission was victorious and he had been more than ready to get back.
Travelling through the wood had not been unpleasant however, for he was made aware part way when the trees around them began to sing about a red head goddess that saved them. Evie had slept through it, but he saw the awe on the elves accompanying them that also heard it, for the longer they travelled, the louder the voices became.
Pride was all felt for his lovely wife, for he was sure she had used her incredible power and he was looking forward to hearing it from her when the time came.
The warmth coming from the body that was softly sleeping against his chest was reassuring and he had no intentions of parting with her ever again. He was glad that she felt safe enough to rest, their journey having been longer than anticipated.
He pressed a soft kiss to the red curls on her head, momentarily tightening his arms around her, his fae reaching out to share his feelings of love and happiness to hers. He was surprised when his fae encountered not only hers, but another fae, pulsing with life.
He sucked in a breath. Their child. Alive.
Oh my love, you have no idea how much happiness you have brought into my life. You are like the sun.
He planned to take Evie straight to Melui once they arrived to make sure everything was ok, but that reassuring spark of life was going to change their lives for the better and he vowed to protect both mother and child no matter the cost.
With renewed vigour, Thranduil urged his horse onwards at a faster pace, knowing the rest of the company would follow, his thoughts fully focused on their future.
Evie POV
The gentle rocking of the horse stopped and it woke Evie from the deep slumber she had finally given in to, her body just not able to stay awake any longer.
She had felt warm and safe wrapped up in her husband's arms, but she was glad they had returned for a soft bed would be welcome to her stiff and sore backside.
Blinking quickly to rid her green eyes of the blurriness of sleep, she saw they were at the stables, her favourite tall platinum haired elf already dismounted and waiting with his arms out to help her off the horse.
The view of the building she had been abducted from brought back some her memories right before she blacked out and she shivered, wishing to be far away from that place for a while.
She turned her attention back to Thranduil and shifted her leg over the horse, so he could grip her waist and ease her to the ground gently.
Evie was glad he took a firm hold of her hand then, issuing commands that her tired brain didn't process and led her quickly up the familiar path towards the healing halls.
It because apparent that scouts must have been sent on ahead to prepare for their arrival as the normally quiet halls were bustling with elves in all states of dress wishing to catch a glimpse of their Queen.
Evie knew her appearance was less than Queenly at that moment with the too big pants held up with rope and the oversized shirt covered in dirt stains and that wasn't to mention that she probably smelt disgusting. Unconsciously she pulled at the fabric, wishing nothing more than to disappear from sight, but with Thranduil's large stride it didn't take long for them to find an empty private chamber, the door closing softly behind them.
"Come, sit. Melui won't be long."
She was grateful for his help in lifting her onto the bed, for her body was still exhausted and she wanted to just close her eyes, just for a minute.
"Evie, look at me."
The command in his tone made her obey, her green eyes flicking over his tall form seated on the bed next to her and finally making contact with his bright blue eye, his thumbing brushing circles on the back of her hand.
"I'm so tired."
"I know you are, my love, but you can't go to sleep just yet."
She rested back against the pillows and felt her body start to relax when the door opened and the grey clad healer she adored entered the room with a wide smile, quickly coming up to stand next to the bed.
"I'm so glad you're back safe, My Queen. How are you feeling?"
"tired."
"of course. To be expected after the ordeal you've had. Let's have a look at you then?"
Evie nodded her consent to this and let the healer's hands gently probe her body from top to toe.
"Physically, you seem fine. Nothing's broken or fractured and yes, the baby is absolutely fine. I'll just go and get a sleeping draught."
Evie let out a relived breath at this as the healer walked out, not realising how important it had been to hear this from Melui. Her eyes then shifted to the King as she realised she hadn't said anything to him about it, but frowned when there was no shock on his fair face, frowning deeper when he chuckled at her.
"I wish I could say that I had a superpower, but alas I found out from our little leaf."
She laughed then too, remembering the conversation she had with Legolas the very day she disappeared.
"Are you…happy?"
Before he could answer, there was a loud banging on the door, and the King got up with lightening speed, his face like thunder as he slipped through the door. She could hear his loud tone giving someone a dressing down, but words were muffled.
Melui re-entered a few minutes later with another female healer in tow, who disappeared in the adjacent bathing room to draw a bath.
"We thought perhaps you would like to bathe before bed? I know it's so late already…"
"No, a bath is most welcome."
The healer then helped Evie from the bed and over to the bathing room, pulling the dirty shirt over her head and dropping the pants to the ground, along with the boots. Evie sighed in relief at the warm water easing her tired muscles and washing away the grime.
She closed her eyes and enjoyed the feeling as they washed her hair, gently massaging it.
All too soon it was time to hop out and they helped her redress in a clean lace nightgown and forest green robe.
Re-entering the room she saw that Thranduil had not returned and his voice could no longer be heard. Was he happy? If only they hadn't been interrupted!
"King duties are never finished."
She turned and offered a slight smile at Melui, though she was sad at the thought of being alone again, so she had an idea.
"Of course. Can you help me with something?"
"Yes, what do you need?"
And that is how she found herself at the door to a sleeping Prince's chamber. Not that she didn't know the way, but she did not feel fully steady on her feet and did not want to risk a fall.
"I trust you will be ok from here?"
"Yes, thank you Melui. And if the King asks…"
"I know where to send him. Take the draught, it will help you sleep dream free. Also I'll make sure Amos brings you a big plate for breakfast."
She took the glass offered to her and smiled in thanks, but shut the door gently so she did not wake the inhabitant. Turing to the bedchamber, she padded quietly to the doorframe, stopping for a moment to observe the little face relaxed in slumber.
She took the foul tasting liquid quickly and place the empty glass on the bed stand, her attention shifting once more to Legolas.
Feeling her love for him swell in her chest, she pulled back the covers of the large bed and settled her feminine frame next to the little elf, her eyes fluttering closed as the day came to a close on the horrible adventure she had no wish to repeat.
A/N: So there you are. Some more exciting things to come. I think we're due to see some Evie/Legolas and Evie/Thranduil fluff. Thranduil hasn't answered Evie whether he's happy about the baby or not. We know he is, but she doesn't yet. And what caused him to be pulled away from her? Who banged on the door? Answers to be discovered in the upcoming chapters…