Chapter 11 ended with:

But without any consideration about the positions of her interlocutors, Ninaelil would remain discreet. She had not gained her position by gossiping with the staff and guests. She knew things about the king and his family that no one else knew, not even her own mate. And she would remain silent about what she would see and hear around these fascinating elflings.

Chapter 12 - Daughter-in-law

There were voices around her. She could not identify the words being spoken, or who the voices belonged to. She felt extremely weak, just opening her eyes seemed like an impossible task, and she decided that the effort was not worth the gratification of knowing who was talking nearby. She drifted back to sleep, not without feeling a gentle hand caressing hers. There was a familiar connection that she ignored for now, attracted by the oblivion where she could rest some more...

When she emerged again, this time, a voice was much closer to her ear.

"Vanima, please..." it was saying. She moved her head in the direction of the voice. There was a commotion, and then she heard the person ask someone to immediately go get the king. Only one person was calling her Beautiful in Sindarin. Legolas. She still felt horribly exhausted and wanted to get back to sleep at once, but she could distinctly feel his anguish through their connection. She could read it better now that she was slightly more rested. He was worried that she was still sleepy. Why? How long had she been sleeping for Legolas to be so anxious? And where were they, now that she thought about it? Her mind slowly clearing, she suddenly remembered that they had crossed a portal that looked like a tiny veil floating in the middle of the trees in the backward of her house. The children and Allison had been lying on the grass when she had crossed the portal between the two worlds, and then... she could not remember what had happened after that. Where were her children? Were they safe and sound?

Opening her eyes with difficulty, she was glad to see that the room was dark, the only light coming from a candle burning on a nearby table. Legolas was sitting on her bed, tensely staring at her.

"Legolas," she mumbled, proving that she was conscious enough to recognize him.

"My love," he whispered back. He lifted her upper body to hug her almost violently. "Valerie! You gave me such a fright!"

The sudden movement made her dizzy, and she closed her eyes. She did not feel strong enough to return the embrace, but she moved her head against the crook of his neck, looking for his warmth and his unique scent. He kept murmuring endearments for a long time, and Valerie let him do so without interruption, feeling his enormous relief and irrepressible need to hold her. When he finally released her and gently put her back on the bed, he made sure to cover her body with the silky bed sheet and that she was comfortable on the pillow.

"Legolas? Where are... the children?" She could not see or hear them. It seemed to be nighttime - who was taking care of them while Legolas was with her?

"Since you crossed the portal, more than eight days have passed. You have been sleeping while you were going through a transformation to become half-elven. A very deep sleep from which we could not wake any of you. The children woke first, three days ago. They are now resting in our apartments."

"And Allison?"

"Allison woke a few hours before you did. She is right there, sleeping again," he said, pointing a nearby bed. Valerie turned her head and saw her sister sleeping deeply, slightly snoring.

"Is everyone okay?"

"Everyone is fine. The children are beautiful, and so are you!" He laughed when he saw her questioning look. "You changed a little. I hope you like my ears..."

"I always loved your ears. Why?"

"Because yours are now slightly pointy too!" he chuckled, pulling her left ear a little. Her ear actually felt strange, and his touch sent a wave of heat to her lower body. "Oh Valar!" Legolas said giddily, seeing her suddenly flushed cheeks, "your ears are now as sensitive as an elf's!"

"What?" Valerie's mind was still clouded by exhaustion and all his talking was information overload at this point. Were her ears now pointy like he was saying? She feebly lifted her right hand to touch her right ear, and... yes, the shape was now different! She stared at him, her eyes betraying great surprise.

"You have no idea how you will pay for each time you played with my ears while we were in public!" he said, his voice going down an octave and his eyes devouring her body. He had missed her so much, more than a week without hearing her laughter and her cynical remarks! One week without her touch, without her kisses and caresses! He slowly bent his head and gave her a chaste kiss on the lips, controlling his desire as she was obviously not in the right state for a passionate coupling. And with his father on the way... He started to caress her waist and swollen stomach and Valerie jerked, more awake than before.

"The babies?" she asked, panicked. How could she have forgotten about the twins she was carrying?

"The babies have been awake all this time, strangely," Legolas said, lightly kissing her lips and caressing her stomach. "I could feel their fëar while you were sleeping. They were basking in your new elven light, something they had never felt before. They are more connected to you and I than they have ever been. Valar, how I long to be alone with you!" Legolas gave her a long kiss, until they heard a throat clearing somewhere in the room.

OoOoO

The king woke suddenly. His room was very dark, as was every room in the caves after sundown. A servant had entered his bedchamber with a candle, followed by a healer.

"Your Grace?" the healer said. "Please pardon our intrusion at this late hour. Prince Legolas sent me to let you know that the princess is awake."

"The princess?" Thranduil asked, confused. He had been aware that his people were calling the young Phoebe princess, and wondered why Legolas had sent for him because his daughter was awake. She had been asleep and awake many times this week, due to her annoying sleep patterns. She seemed to be prone to frequent nightmares and would walk around the corridors, searching for Legolas and her mother for comfort many times a night. This bad habit would have to immediately cease, and Thranduil was planning to speak to his son about it as soon as he saw him in the morning.

"Prince Legolas' wife, my Lord," the healer specified respectfully, wondering what had not been clear in his first sentence. Wasn't the entire realm waiting for Prince Legolas' mate to finally wake from her deep sleep?

"She is no princess," the king mumbled, deciding that a talk with his son and his people was overdue. Firstly, these children were not of Legolas' blood and therefore, were not princes. Secondly, as far as he knew, he had never put a gold circlet on the red head of Legolas' mate to make her a crowned princess of Greenwood.

"I beg your pardon, your Majesty?"

"Do not mind me, I am half awake," the king replied. "Pray tell, why did Legolas send for me?" After all, it was the middle of the night and his bed was warm and comfortable. His son could wait for the morning to introduce him to his mate. It certainly was not urgent.

"The princess is awake," the servant repeated, oblivious to the king's cringe. "Lord Legolas would like you to meet them in the healing room as soon as possible."

Thranduil sighed, but came out of bed nevertheless. He got dressed instead of just putting on a night-robe. It would not be said that the first impression he gave to Valerie Thompson was that of an ellon in his night-robe, his hair disheveled by sleep! For good measure, he decided to also wear his crown. She would never forgot her first sight of the king of Greenwood!

He followed the healer to the healing rooms, and once they arrived in front of the door, the healer let the king go first in the room. Thranduil opened the door quietly and slowly entered, watching the bed where he knew Valerie had been sleeping. He barely could see her, for the simple reason that Legolas was half lying on top her her, talking to her softly in English and kissing her while caressing her stomach. The Elvenking almost pinched himself to ensure he was not dreaming, comfortably sleeping in his bed. He simply could not believe his eyes. Legolas? His cold Legolas, passionately kissing an elleth and speaking to her with both tenderness and desire? He could not understand his words as he was speaking in her language, but he could easily imagine what his son was saying. And this was highly unusual. Incredible to say the least.

Since his son was too absorbed by his wife to notice his arrival, Thranduil cleared his throat and to his intense satisfaction, Legolas immediately jerked away his body from hers, turning around to identify the intruder.

"Ada!" he said, welcoming Thranduil with a huge smile. He stood and took his father's hand, pulling him towards his wife's bed like he was doing as a child when he wanted to show him one of his most secret treasures. The king studied the infamous Valerie Thompson, his new daughter-in-law from a different world while Legolas sat beside her again, but this time keeping a proper distance between himself and the elleth.

She observed him also, through half-closed eyelids. She was more awake than they thought, and it gave her the opportunity to watch the king without being discourteous. Thranduil stood before her, tall and proud, cold and imposing, just what she had expected him to be. After all, Legolas had mentioned at least a thousand times before their departure that his father was as warm as the North wind in January, hoping to prepare her for a bitter and stern father-in-law. He had also brought up his father's lack of respect for mortals, although this seemed to be a rather widespread opinion in the elven population, since humans were so young and immature to the long-lived elves. Watching the impressive king standing in front of her, she knew that she was going to have as many clashes with him than she had had with the flawless John Thompson, unfortunate father of the disobedient and disappointing Valerie Thompson. She would not let him ruin her happiness with Legolas and her children. She would give Thranduil his money's worth, until he realized she would not let him walk all over her. She had come to Middle Earth to have a meaningful life with her husband and her children, and she would have it. She could easily understand his displeasure, as he realized that she was now the most important person for his son and that she would turn his own life upside down by the same token. But her empathy for his situation would be inversely proportional to his kindness to her and her children.

King Thranduil was absolutely striking, even if she thought Legolas was more attractive than his sire. In her eyes, no one was more gorgeous than her mate! They shared many common features, from their cold blue eyes and long golden hair, to their light skin and thin, sensual lips. It was strange to see that he looked as young as Legolas, like a brother, in fact. This, in itself, was something she realized would require some getting used to. When living amongst people that all looked to be the same age, how did you determine the family relationships?

Legolas, exuberant that his mate was finally awake and therefore oblivious to the tension in the room, made the first introductions. "Valerie, this is my father, Thranduil. Father, I am glad to finally introduce you to my fëa-mate. I know that both of you will get along wonderfully!"

Valerie wondered if Legolas had drunk too much wine while she was sleeping or if he was absolutely clueless about their current predicament, and a brief look in the king's direction confirmed that Thranduil was pondering the same idea. He was staring at his son with barely hidden disbelief, and Valerie could not stop a most unwelcome chuckle, hiding it quickly with a fake cough. Both ellyn turned to her, and under their scrutiny, she had no choice but to reveal that she was more alert than she had shown unless she wanted to be accused of impoliteness.

"I ... pleased... meet you. Legolas said... lots... about you," she said in her tentative Sindarin. Legolas was beaming above her, proud of her progress in his melodious language and of her absence of an accent.

"He told me much about you too," was all the king replied.

"Valar, I forgot our children! I had promised to wake them up the minute that you woke, even if it was in the middle of the night!" He quickly left the room, leaving the king and his daughter-in-law while Allison was sleeping further away in the room, oblivious to the latest events.

There was a chair near the bed in which the king could have sat, but he obviously liked to tower above her to intimidate her. "I must admit you are not what I had expected," he said coldly.

"What... expected?" she inquired, curious if he meant she was different physically, mentally or if he was talking about her family.

"I did not expect you to look... like this."

"Is compliment?"

"I can understand why... my son was enthralled by you. You look striking for a mortal that had three children already. Mortal women of your age certainly do not look young like you do – and you have an unusual beauty, very intriguing."

Valerie didn't answer, deciding to take his comment as a compliment. Thranduil was absolutely not trying to seduce her with this, he simply was speaking out loud while admiring her beauty like he would for a beautiful vase.

"Do you love my son?" Thranduil suddenly attacked.

"Not follow him... if no love."

"You could have followed him because he is a prince. He was a very popular bachelor before he left for your world. He could have married a Silvan elleth like I did, or a Noldor lady like Arwen Evenstar, or any other available elleth that lives in Middle Earth. None would have refused him."

"Legolas... searching... different woman. Not usual elleth. We... in love. Prince or not prince."

"I had hoped that my son would have taught you more of our language before you came here. Speaking with you will be very annoying until then. It is a good thing that Mithrandir improved your language skills. I expect you to take lessons with Bronadon until your speech is better. I hope you do not expect me to learn your language?"

"No," she replied, insulted. Her Sindarin was good enough to understand his barely hidden insults and to be understood when she replied. Yes, her children's Sindarin was much better than hers and Allison's. Like many children, they had caught it much quicker than them. She would work harder at it, if only to be able to use sarcasm when speaking to the king. And why would he think that she expected him to learn English? And since he had proclaimed he had no intentions to learn it, English would become her favorite language to bitch in front of a clueless Thranduil.

"My future grandchildren will also be expected to learn Sindarin as a first language. After all, they are reborn elven heroes and as such, should be raised in our elven culture. But... I will allow you to teach them your language also, if you wish," he replied, magnanimous.

"Very generous," she replied politely, boiling inside and wishing for Legolas to come back to put an end to this unpleasant conversation. She had a feeling that Thranduil was purposely clarifying all his expectations outside of Legolas' presence. He must have known Legolas would be disappointed should they not get along, and was, in a sense, showing her that any disagreement between them would have to remain private, for Legolas' sake.

"It will also be fitting that you learn the court customs as soon as possible. We have many guests right now, and I hope that you will act according to our rules and your new status."

"Have... education."

"Yes, I am sure that for a mortal, you are very educated. My son told me about your upbringing in a privileged social class, that in fact you have been raised as nobility if royalty existed in your country. But there is nothing in common between the best education in a human world and the elven customs and knowledge, especially when one is part of the only elven royal family left in Middle Earth."

Valerie almost told him that Legolas had mentioned that Silvan elves, like the vast majority of the Greenwood population was, were generally considered as savages by the Sindar and Noldorin elves of the other elven realms. Was being part of the royal family in these circumstances calling for such pride? She didn't think Thranduil would appreciate the comment, especially when Legolas was definitely half-Silvan while Thranduil was a pure Sindar. She didn't want the king to think she considered Legolas a lower elf. To her, an elf was an elf. Even if Legolas was the prince of the savages, she would show the world how savage she could get! Her heart singing at the thought of supporting her husband in such a way, she felt much better to face her father-in-law, who was continuing his speech.

"You are a child to me, Valerie Thompson, make no mistake about it. Until you know more about my people, about my realm and about my son, I expect you to obediently follow my instructions and make the least waves possible."

"I... not a child." Valerie was terribly annoyed not to have enough vocabulary to defend herself and send him to hell. "You... rule Greenwood. I... rule my life... my family." She looked at him right in the eyes, defying him to say otherwise. He could keep his stupid realm and play king with the elves. He certainly would not tell her how to live her life.

Thranduil looked at her, a spark appearing in his eyes. Valerie was not only delightful to look at, with her strange fiery hair and green eyes, but she had a spine, something very rare in a female. It had been a long time since someone had defied him. He would tremendously enjoy showing her who ruled in this fortress. Taming a wild beast had not been on the program, but it would give him a good distraction while Legolas was on guard duty in the forest!

"Is something wrong?" Legolas said, entering the room, surprised to find his father still standing at the end of Valerie's bed and his wife watching him, her expression no different than when she had decided to go to war when her brother had sold her magazine.

"Absolutely not," Thranduil replied, getting ready to leave the room. "We were just getting acquainted and establishing a few rules. I will leave you alone, I would not want to intrude in this family reunion."

Valerie nodded to confirm Thranduil's words and smiled to her mate. She tried to sit down to welcome her children who were running in her direction, feeling a strangely intense satisfaction now that she had had the last word with Thranduil. The king left the room, ignoring her, but discreetly watching her from the corner of his eye. Oh yes, they would get to know each other soon enough!

OoOoO

Everyone that was not currently on guard duty had been invited to a feast to celebrate the return of Prince Legolas and the arrival of his wife and children. The people of Greenwood and their guests from Imladris and Lothlorien had waited almost two weeks to meet them. Everyone knew about their long transformation to become half-elven, and if they were happy to hear that the prince's family was now immortal, they could barely hold their curiosity in check after such a lengthy time. Only Lord Bronadon, Lady Ninaelil, the healers and a few servants had had the chance of seeing them in person.

Of course, with their extremely developed hearing, they all had heard the laughter and screams of young children in the royal aisle of the fortress. These sounds had not been heard in the caves for more than two centuries, and if it had been surprising in the first few days, no one had been annoyed by it. They had also heard music, strange melodies played on unfamiliar instruments. Rumors had started to circulate in the fortress, saying that the elflings were part of the prophecy. If their ears were to be trusted, the minstrel was definitively in Greenwood. The scholar wouldn't be surprising. As for the warrior, some unbelievable hearsay said that the warrior was the young female child. Many had commented this news with disbelief with their close friends, but no one had dared disrespect the royal family by openly laughing at the rumor. Tonight, they would observe the children and verify the facts.

They were all sitting at their designated places, waiting for the royal family to enter the hall that had been converted to a dining room for the feast. The lord of Imladris and the rulers of Lothlorien would share a table with the royal family. The children of Lord Elrond, the captains of the three realms and Lord Bronadon and his wife Lady Ninaelil would share a table nearby. There was an empty seat at their table, and when Glorfindel had heard from Lady Ninaelil that the sister of the new princess would be sitting with them, he had ensured to sit right beside the chair reserved for her. He was now waiting impatiently, and if some people in the hall were noticing his impatience, only the Imladris people understood the reason behind it. Two weeks! Glorfindel had been waiting to see her for so long! Lord Elrond had told him that she was spending a lot of time with the healers, not as their patient now, but as a colleague. He could not wait to discover more about her! Did she know enough Sindarin to be able to speak to him?

Elladan had selected a seat that would give him a good view on the royal table. He had no hope of speaking to his little fëa-mate. They had not approached King Thranduil and Prince Legolas to discuss his strong belief that Phoebe was his mate – although his grandmother Galadriel had reinforced earlier that it must be done before their departure. The thought of leaving Greenwood and not seeing Phoebe for many years, probably until she reached adulthood at 50 years old, was giving him overwhelmingly desperate thoughts. If his claim could be accepted, he might have the permission to visit Greenwood on a regular basis and develop a friendly relationship with the little elleth until she was old enough to fall in love with him. Elrohir, feeling his twin brother's anguish, touched his shoulder to give him some strength. Through their link, he could feel his brother's feelings and could only realize how genuine they were. He only hoped that Elladan's current predicament would be temporary, with the help of Elrond's diplomacy and the gentle but firm negotiations her grandmother was planning to have with the Elvenking and his son.

OoOoO

Valerie and her family had spent the last few days in the royal aisle of the fortress, comprised of the personal apartments of the king with all the chambers dedicated to his functions, the apartment that used to be Legolas', along with a few empty royal suites. Valerie and Allison had needed these few days to rest and to properly move the family in the fortress. Liam and Sean were excited to have a four-rooms suite all to themselves, while Phoebe was living in her parents' suite. Legolas' former apartment had been expanded to accommodate the arrival of his wife, and somehow it had been determined that Valerie's presence necessitated the destruction of a wall to add five rooms to his already impressive suite. Allison had moved into a small suite of three rooms in the royal aisle. Neither Allison nor Legolas were aware of the negotiations that had been necessary between Thranduil and Valerie for him to allow Allison to live in the royal aisle despite the fact that she was not truly part of the royal family.

The king and his new daughter-in-law had tacitly agreed not to involve Legolas in their feuds the first time they had met and they were following that line of conduct religiously. Her newly acquired and improved language skills, a gift from Mithrandir, had also helped them in their epic discussions.

"Your sister is not of royal blood, and does not become part of the Greenwood royal family through your marriage with my son. My people would not understand this breach of the protocol. The Silvan elves of Greenwood have survived the growing darkness in the forest and the loss of many elven lives by the stability that royalty is bringing them. They fight for our people, they fight for our kingdom, they fight for their king and their prince. They want nothing of this social progress you are so fond of!"

"My sister is a doctor specialized in surgeries healing terrible wounds! She was extremely respected and known in our world, and she deserves the same kind of respect here."

"My healers are also very good and do not live in the royal aisle," Thranduil had said, his attention going back to a document he had been reading before Valerie had been introduced in his office. "Nothing you will say can make me change my mind, child, so please leave me to my work."

Summarily dismissed and spoken to like a youngster, Valerie had stared at Thranduil, not believing her ears. "You cannot be serious!"

"You will address me with more respect," the king had said with a haughtiness that had suddenly driven Valerie insane. She had grabbed a vase on his desk and thrown it against the wall. It had broken into sharp, tiny little pieces that had been difficult to clean on the rug. Thranduil had quietly looked at the mess on the floor and had finally turned to his daughter-in-law.

"This vase was given to me by my belated mate during our courtship. I shall sorely miss seeing it on the corner of my desk. Watching it gave me strength during the most stressful moments."

"I am so sorry... my Lord," Valerie had said, regret in her voice. "My behavior is inexcusable! The fact that you would not allow my sister to live near me, while I am pregnant and in need of constant medical attention, drove me to that point of distress. I have such mood swings! I know I cannot do anything to replace such a precious memory of your wife..."

"Please stop!" Thranduil had pleaded. Rarely had someone babbled for so long in front of him without reprimand. Definitely, Legolas' wife needed to understand elven culture, and the sooner the better. "You really need a healer near you during your pregnancy?" After all, it would not be said that he was the cause of any problem that might happen during her pregnancy.

"Yes, I do," Valerie had replied, still contrite.

"Fine," the king had replied tiredly. "Ask Lady Ninaelil to give your sister the three-rooms suite at the end of the aisle."

"Thank you!" Valerie had said, curtsying respectfully, but her expression still extremely desolate. She had started walking back to the door, her shoulders slumped.

"Valerie?" the king had called back. She had turned around, only to see his grinning face, his eyes sarcastic and teasing. "The vase... it was not a gift from my wife."

"I know," she had replied triumphantly, losing her contrite expression in a flash. "It was a gift from someone you despise. You used it as a garbage can despite how beautiful it was, and you probably had it on your desk because you were throwing a few papers. Thank you for the suite for my sister..."

"How did you...?"

She had started laughing, and had winked at a frozen Thranduil before walking in the direction of the door.

"Valerie?" he had called back again. "You are mistaken about the reason for the presence of my garbage can on my desk."

Valerie had turned back to face him again, wondering why the king was telling her this. Why did he think she would care?

"My son told me of your propensity for tempter tantrums and how you usually enjoy throwing things in frustration, like an undisciplined and spoilt child. I just... wanted to see it for myself. It has been...quite entertaining. Thank you!"

Valerie had lost her smile, her eyes narrowing. She had turned around, insulted, and had banged the door behind herself, having the most unsettling feeling that despite the fact that Allison would reside in the royal aisle, she had definitely lost a battle to Thranduil.

Since that conversation, Thranduil had regularly confronted Valerie just for the amusement of seeing her try to control her temper, which soon had become his favorite past time.

When the time had come to discuss the seating arrangements for the feast, Thranduil had been unmovable and had not let Valerie win that battle. And as they were following the king in the fortress to reach the hall where the feast had been organized, Valerie was walking with Legolas, feeling sorry for her sister who would be sitting with unknown guests coming from other realms. When they came out of the royal aisle, with its dark corridor only lighted by torches and light wells, they entered an immense, even darker area that looked like a cathedral in the middle of a mountain. The ceiling was so high that you could barely see it in the shadows, and there were many stone bridges that lead to various aisles of the fortress. Valerie realized that the fortress was a vast construction, designed and built by people that had knowledge unknown in her world. The mountain not crumbling above them was an amazing engineering achievement.

And looking at the stone bridges and stairs all over the dome, she understood why Legolas had said that the servants had had difficulty bringing the piano from the entrance of the fortress to their suite. She dropped Legolas' arm and grabbed the hands of Phoebe and Sean.

"Stay near me! Walk cautiously! You could fall off the bridges, there are no railings!"

Thranduil stopped walking and turned to her.

"No elfling ever fell off the bridges," he calmly informed her, as if it was an absolute impossibility.

"Liam, please take Legolas' hand," Valerie continued, ignoring her father-in-law.

Liam, scandalized, stared at his mother, obviously willing to do anything not to obey and look like a young elfling. "I do not need railings to walk on a bridge," he reinforced.

"Liam, sweetheart," Allison said with a smile, "please walk with me. You might not be scared, but I am a little. Come!" She put her arm around his waist and he did the same. Thranduil had to admit that Valerie's sister was a fine liar and a good diplomat.

Once the group arrived near the hall, Thranduil stopped in front of the servant in charge of introducing them in the room and turned around. This was it. The first appearance of this new family Legolas had brought back to Middle Earth. He hoped that they would behave properly despite their obvious discomfort that was all too understandable from strangers from a different world and of a different race. At least they looked good, he mused as the group reformed in front of him.

Legolas was extremely handsome, as always, in his formal royal dress, his circlet in place on his golden head. If his son was nervous, he was hiding it very well, even to his father. And when the king looked at his son's expression as he watched his wife, Thranduil realized that Legolas was extremely proud of his mate and was not even scared of the reactions she could potentially cause with her unruly temper, her informal behavior and her unusual but very pleasant physical appearance.

The seamstresses had had time to sow formal wear for the three children, but not for the ladies. It was a good thing that his new daughter-in-law had been foresighted enough to bring clothing from her world, including formal dresses made in rich fabrics in the official Greenwood color, a deep dark green. Although Allison was wearing a very appropriate dress for a formal dinner, Valerie's choice had been less proper... She was wearing a gown that did not have sleeves, with a bodice that was tight around her breasts and leaving her shoulders entirely naked. Her necklace of diamonds and emeralds was absolutely beautiful, in a refined style he had never seen before. The message was clear: Valerie Thompson had jewelry that few kings could afford in Middle Earth and could not be accused of having followed Legolas in Greenwood only because he was royalty. His eyes left her necklace to look at the rest of her dress. The skirt was not hiding her pregnancy, but at least, thank the Valar, it was long enough to hide her ankles. The strangely high heels of her shoes made her a few inches taller, and he wondered how she could walk so gracefully while wearing them. Her red hair was up in a complicated bun on her head, with a few locks falling on her shoulders. He recognized the talent of Ninaelil, who had once loved to do his beloved wife's hair in the same way.

Valerie looked at him with her piercing emerald eyes, the same color than the emeralds she was wearing, as if she could read his admiration behind his cold mask. He ignored her raised eyebrows and looked at her children, who all looked exquisite with their similar red hair and green eyes. The king had no doubt that the three elflings would be extremely popular, not only because of their age, but because they looked like little angels. He knew Liam was of the quiet, reasonable kind, but Sean and Phoebe could go from being best friends to worst enemies in less than a second. He silently prayed the Valar that they would behave properly during the meal. He had had a great inspiration when he had asked Ninaelil not to sit them side by side.

And finally, he looked at Valerie's sister. His first healer had told him that although she was blatantly ignorant of medicinal plants properties, she had brought potions and medical instruments that were beyond his comprehension. They both were eager to test her abilities in that field. In her green dress, Allison was less impressive than her sister. Her brown hair and eyes were somewhat dull when compared to her sister's colorful appearance. She was pleasant to the eye, but nothing more. He wondered if an elf would ever be attracted to her, when she looked like a human without any striking features to catch the eye like the rest of her family.

Legolas caught his attention by clearing his throat, and Thranduil realized he had been analyzing their group for too long. The servant was starting to wonder if he should open the door to introduce them or not. Thranduil made one last prayer to the Valar, hoping his reputation and pride would survive the evening, and asked the servant to open the door.

"His Grace Thranduil Oropherion, Elvenking of Greenwood, Prince Legolas Thranduilion, and the royal family of Greenwood!" the servant called out loud.

The quiet whispers and chattering immediately stopped and everyone stood, bowing and curtsying respectfully. The king entered the room, majestic as usual, and he evaluated the mood of the crowd, feeling their anticipation and impatience.

Everyone stared at the half-elven wife and children of the prince, and also at his sister-in-law, as they slowly walked to their designated places. They were all introduced to guests, and Thranduil was relieved to see that both Valerie and Allison had obviously been raised with strict principles of etiquette. Both of them had nice words to say to each guest, and Valerie even made sure that her children were being very polite with the lords and ladies. Once the presentations were over, everyone sat down and the feast started. Valerie was worried that her sister would feel lonely at her table, but Lady Ninaelil was sitting near her and engaging her into a passionate conversation with the captain of Imladris, an impressive warrior named Glorfindel. Valerie had quickly realized that the Silvan warriors were less muscular than their Noldorin and Sindarin counterparts. The Marchwarden of Lothlorien and Elrond's sons were also very powerfully built ellyn. She looked at Legolas, approving his more slender form that was characteristic of archers, when compared to swordsmen. He smiled, arching an eyebrow to silently inquire about her approving stare. She smiled back and turned her attention back to her sister.

Soon, Allison and Glorfindel seemed to be on the same wave length, and Valerie stopped worrying about her to concentrate on what was happening at her own table. The conversation was somewhat strained between Thranduil and Lord Elrond and Lady Galadriel. Legolas had informed her that there was a lot of history between these elves, and she also recalled that she was expected to be able to create bridges between them. She looked at Lord Elrond and asked him to tell her about his realm. It started a general conversation about the differences between the two worlds in which even Sean and Liam were participating.

Feeling an urgent need, Phoebe left her chair to walk around the table and stopped beside Thranduil. She pulled his sleeve to get his attention.

"Grandsire?" The king winced but looked at her with kindness nevertheless. The child was innocent and did not need to be involved in the adults' quarrels.

"Yes, child?"

"I need to go to the ladies room."

Thranduil looked at her in disbelief, and then at his daughter-in-law, clearly expecting her to take care of this matter. As Valerie was starting to stand, Phoebe pulled his sleeve again. "I want to go with you! Do you not know where it is located?"

Thranduil looked around and realized he would look heartless in front of his guests and his own people if he denied the child such a simple request. The little elleth was watching him with a stricken expression, as if she had not expected him to hesitate. At the nearby table, inexplicably, one of Elrond's twin sons stood, but the king disregarded that fact. Sighing, he stood, and everyone in the room stood in one movement until he gestured for them to sit down again. He started walking towards the door, expecting the child to follow him, but she surprised him when she took his hand. He thought that such a small, fragile hand would one day become the deadliest his realm had ever known. He led her to the nearest washroom reserved for him, and took a mental note to mention to the servants that Legolas' family was allowed to use any room usually reserved for himself and his son. On their way to the washroom, the child did not stop talking and asking him questions, and he could feel a headache coming his way. He could not wait to bring her back to her mother, who could clearly cope well with this constant babbling. Obviously, the daughter had inherited this from her mother.

When he brought her back to the table, he could see the amused light in his son's eyes. "How did it go, Grandsire?"

His wife giggled and they exchanged an amorous look. Legolas whispered something in her ear that Thranduil could not quite catch, and she giggled once again. Oh, she would pay dearly for that!

The dinner continued and Thranduil, who was letting Valerie and Legolas lead the conversation with Elrond, Galadriel and Celeborn, had time to look at the people attending the feast, to assess their reaction to the presence of the first children of the prophecy and their mother. Generally, it seemed that the elves were being respectful and carefully avoided gazing continuously at their table despite their raging curiosity. Once they had had an eyeful of the elflings and Valerie, their gazes turned to warmth and pride. Maybe their presence would not be detrimental to the realm after all...

At the closest table, Haldir was currently watching Valerie with a strange, unreadable expression. Hadron, Legolas' lieutenant and childhood friend, was speaking to one of the twins, Elrohir he assumed, while Bronadon and Ninaelil were conversing with Arwen. Glorfindel seemed engrossed in his conversation with Allison, the two of them ignoring the rest of the table. Would there be eventually something between those two? Did the ordinary woman from a different world catch the heart of one of the most popular bachelors of Middle Earth? Thranduil was now a master at foreseeing every possible events and alliances along with their consequences for his realm. Legolas thought it was mostly useless worrying while he called it being prepared for any threat or benefit impacting his people. An alliance between Valerie's sister and Glorfindel could definitely benefit Greenwood. The last guest, the older twin, Elladan, also had his eyes fixed on their table. Thranduil looked at the direction of his gaze and saw that he was watching Phoebe. The elleth was currently busy putting her vegetables in Sean's plate each time he was looking away, to the amusement of Lord Celeborn, who was the only one who had noticed her ploy. But while the ruler of Lothlorien was watching her with delight, the son of Elrond was watching with a strange twinkle in his eyes. Something that the overprotective Thranduil immediately disliked. He might not appreciate everything about Legolas' family, but they were now part of his realm, part of his people, and he owed them his protection.

Elladan noticed that the king's attention was on him. He sported for a moment a guilty expression that made Thranduil feel like his observation of the child was blamable, and after a respectful bow, he started participating in his brother's conversation with Hadron. Haldir on the other hand, had not ceased his examination of Valerie. Was the Marchwarden regretting his decision not to have gone to her world and be the ellon of the prophecy? This was a possibility. Thranduil could not think of any other reason for Haldir to disrespect such basic rules of diplomacy and politeness. Even Celeborn, quite the observer, was now frowning when looking at his captain. The ellon whispered something in Galadriel's ear, and after a few seconds, Haldir's gaze turned to her. Without a doubt, the Lady of Light had called her Marchwarden to order. And Legolas had been oblivious to both events. His son might be a great warrior, but was far less experienced than his father when it came to assess threats of a psychological or emotional nature. He would have to warn him that Elladan and Haldir were to be watched.

I am so sorry for the delay since I published the last chapter – I have been extremely busy at work and at home!

Many, many thanks for your patience and your reviews:

Paperlanterns86, you are right, Thranduil shouldn't have left them alone!

TheQueenof ErynLagasryn: sorry for the wait, I hope you enjoyed this last chapter.

carmynsorena: Phoebe will not threaten him with her bow after that scene – she will try to get his attention in different ways...

faye50free: You are right, Valerie will shock them more than Phoebe – for the first few years. Phoebe will become someone that will change all their views about ellith!

Manwathiel-Nanethiel: yes, it was sudden, that's why Thranduil got caught off guard!

Fi: everybody loved that scene between Phoebe and Thranduil – I hope you enjoyed the ones between Valerie and Thranduil!

KKK: I hope you liked Valerie in this chapter. In the next one, the elves of Greenwood will discover that Valerie and Phoebe are archers.

ShueYun: I believe will be in trouble more frequently than her children in the future...

KrystylSky: Elladan must make his claim before training Phoebe. You think this will go smoothly? :-)

Sarafinja: Hope you like this chapter too – although there was more tension than sweetness this time around!

Aureleis: I hope you liked the interactions between Thranduil and Valerie! Is this what you were expecting?

Dorothea Blackmoor: it will take less than two chapters for Phoebe to have Thranduil wrapped around her little finger!

Aralinn: thank you for your reviews as you were reading the previous chapters. I hope you will keep enjoying the next chapters. I really appreciated your feedback.

Legolas fan: you will see the Imladris twins more in the next few chapters. As for Valerie's twins, that will be coming in a bit more chapters...

Peridot Eyez: I thought that maybe Greenwood, being a relatively closed society with Silvan elves that were not much in contact with the Noldorin elves, would not have easily accepted female warriors. It makes Phoebe's future more interesting, don't you think?

Lively Rose: you will see more interactions between Thranduil and Phoebe in the next few chapters. I hope you will like it!

Guest: I wish I knew your name – but thank you anyways for your review!