Moving Forward

I hope the wait wasn't too long for those of who are still following up on this story, I hope you enjoy this chapter.

feathered moon wings: Of course there will be more Thranduil and Celebrían. Enjoy the chapter and thanks again for your reviews.

Thranduil stared at his neatly brushed and styled hair. He was in his the finest robes of red silk that was fit for a king.

King, he was constantly reminding himself that he was the king now. The first time he was addressed by the title it added to his grief as a reminder that his father was no longer with him. As much as it pained him he did not show his anguish, his people needed someone strong, someone who would carry their grief. With his people losing so many loved ones he felt that he couldn't afford tears himself.

When he found out that his father was dead he refused to shed a tear, instead he turned to what needed to be done next. Takings care of battle plans, the wounded, and burying the dead.

The road back home was difficult, he returned with fewer soldiers than when they left. He wondered if he was going to be blamed for the many lives that were lost, or worse his father. He heard that his father was a stubborn and prideful king instead of the charismatic, wise, strong king that he was usually known for.

When he arrived home he made a speech that he hoped would uplift his people, then he locked himself away in his study. He buried himself in work, and worked on little to no sleep. He didn't have much of an appetite, and when he wasn't working he would stare and think. With the light of the flickering flames, he swirled his cup full of wine as his mind traveled back to the battle.

He tried to grasp his father's last thoughts, coming up with many questions of why his father charged into battle.

The more Thranduil pondered on his thoughts his anger started to slowly build inside him. He felt that whatever grudge his father had could have waited. He was angry that his father wasted his life just so he wouldn't follow under another king. One fateful night Thranduil finally came to a conclusion, his father was selfish and would rather have his army and himself perish then see them rule by Gil-galad.

Years passed, and even his people started to slowly move on with their grief, but Thranduil found that he could not. He refused any merrymaking held at night. He knew his people were worried, he saw it in the eyes of those who have known him since he was younger. Feren would gently place a hand on his shoulder urging him to go and be with his people. Thranduil brushed all attempts aside and settled for the sweet dorwinon that would momentarily drown his troubled mind.

It was late, and time seemed to drag on as Thranduil sat on his throne listening to his people. He was mentally and emotionally drained as each one approached him.

He felt some relief when Galion announced that he just finished the last one.

"Shall I retrieve a drink for you my lord?"

Thranduil nodded, it was time for him to lose himself in his wine.

Thranduil stood from his throne, "have it sent to my room."

Just as Galion was walking off, Feren briskly walked in, "my Lord, there is one more."

Thranduil's eyes narrowed "the time has already past, send them away," frustration leaked in his voice.

"I told them that they were too late, but they are persistent. They said it will only take a moment of your time."

Thranduil sighed, it was after all one more. "Fine, allow them in." Thranduil sat down crossed his legs, as he saw Feren's retreating back. He lifted his head a few inches when he saw a hooded figure walk in.

The face was completely covered by the navy cloak with golden linings except for a single silver strand. Thranduil wanted to get this over with, "who are you, and state your business." The cloaked figure didn't say anything only stared at him.

Thranduil eyes narrowed, "who are you, that you would come to my kingdom in the late hours, when I would not accept anyone else. Tell me, why you think I should give my time to you." Thranduil voice rose higher as he spoke, and waited for a response, but none came. Instead a fair arm reached out of the cloak and pulled back the hood.

Silver hair tumbled down, revealing a beautiful elven face, with familiar blue eyes that seemed to have aged more than when he last saw her. Her facial expression was neutral as she continued to look upon Thranduil.

Thranduil stood up in his chair in shock, "Celebrían," he whispered her name, but with the stunned silence the word echoed around them.

They had a private dinner in Thranduil's room with pleasant conversations passing between them. Just as Thranduil noted changes in Celebrían, Celebrían was making notes of her own. She saw the shadowy look in his eyes, the silent rage he kept behind the mask. She wanted to comfort him, to bring him back to the light.

In her stay in Imladris, she had comforted Elrond who told her all those who lost their lives as well as his beloved king. The only comfort she could provide was in those quiet nights or early mornings when he would talk about his grief. He told her that talking about it made it easier. She hoped it would be the same for Thranduil.

She breathed in, she knew it wasn't going to be easy, but she had to at least try before she lost him. She reached her hand over the small table and gently placed it on Thranduil's and squeezed. He looked down at their joined hands and met her gaze, "Adar, and lord Elrond, told me about lord Oropher." Thranduil's eyes grew wide at the mention of his fathers name.

Even though Elrond and Celeborn were dear to him, who knows what they said about his father after the charge. Elrond was a noldor, and Celeborn married one, they would not understand, they would surely call his father a fool. Thranduil could not stand the thought of his most trusted friend and his cousin speaking poorly of his father. Thranduil stood knocking the chair back and smashed his fist on the table.

Food and silverware clinked against each other and food spilled out of plates, wine spilled out of the cups, and one toppled over. Celebrían jumped back in surprise as Thranduil started pacing in a mad rage.

"Did they say he was a fool!" Celebrían stared in with wide eyes.

"Did they think him selfish? That he would place his own vendetta before his people. Do they think him a murderer that he willingly sent his people into battle when they were not supposed to?

"Did they say how prideful he was?

Hearing enough of Thranduil's rant Celebrían stood and calmly walked over to Thranduil, stepping in his path as he continued.

"Did they think him foolish," he shouted in her face, she could see that his eyes were a wild blaze. He opened his mouth to say more, but Celebrían brought up her hands on either side of his face. He was silent, but his eyes still burned with anger, as he looked at her calm blue eyes. "Adar, and lord Elrond said nothing ill about your father. They only spoke about the loss you suffered and that they were sorry."

There was complete silence, slowly the calm started to settle in the room, Celebrían could see Thranduils eyes change as unshed tears threated to spill. She felt the tension leave his body as his head dropped on her shoulder like dead weight.

After a while she felt her shoulder become wet, and she wrapped her arms around him as he shook with silent sobs. She stroked his head like her mother would do when she needed comfort.

They stayed in their embrace for a while, until Thranduil stepped back from her all traces of tears gone. "I apologize, as a king I should not have acted like that in front of a guest."

Celebrían placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, "Nonsense, right now you are my cousin, and I only wish to help you." Celebrían pulled him to a cushioned window sill and sat him down.

"Tell me your troubles." Thranduil looked at her almost stubbornly, he refused to tell his troubles to anyone.

Seeing the look in his eye Celebrían squeezed his hand, "let it out" she coaxed, Thranduil turned away from her. For so long he has been dealing with the stages of grief on his own, there was no one he could talk to.

He looked back at Celebrían and decided that it was time to tell someone his troubles. She could see the floods of the water gates start to open as he finally poured his heart out.

In his mad grief he half screamed and cried as he leaned on her shoulder for support telling her everything. He wept about his father's absence, how angry he was with his father for doing what he did. He moaned about his new responsibilities and inadequacy to lead his people. With every trouble he emptied out, he felt his body become lighter and drained as he feel from her shoulder, to her chest, and finally laid his head on her lap.

Celebrían held Thranduil and stoked his hair, as tears continued to fall, even when he was still and the noise ceased she could see tears falling out as he slumbered. She cradled his head as she looked out the window, a bright full moon shone through shining on her silvery hair. It was late, and they both and a tiring day.

Celebrían leaned down, her hair falling on all sides of her face as she gently kissed his tears away. She hoped that tonight he would find peace and get the sleep that he desperately needed.

Celebrían eyes fluttered, when she felt warm beautiful light hit her face. Her head was pressed against the cool glass, she had no idea that she drifted off. Looking at the sun, she judge that it has only been a few hours since sunrise. Thranduil was possibly late for whatever business he usually dealt with in the mornings. As she looked down, at his steady breaths, she had no desire to wake him.

It was a few moments after that a gentle knock was heard. Still looking at Thranduil's prone form she thought she answer for him.

Hearing the noise Thranduil shifted and blinked the bleariness out of his eyes. Seeing that Thranduil was starting to wake, she patted his head to help him to fall back to sleep. His head lolled to the side facing the window.

"Enter," her voice called out quiet, but strong enough to be heard.

The door opened and she took her eyes off of Thranduil to the opened door.

"My Lady," Galion bowed to her, and she nodded back. Then to her surprise the door opened further and revealed a tall elf with matching silver hair.

Her breath caught in her throat as her father stepped in the room, displeasure splayed over his face. "Thank you Galion," Celeborn spoke as Galion bowed and closed the door.

There was silence, as Celeborn stood tall with his hands behind his back, while Celebrían held Thranduil protectively.

"You should not have left, Celebrían." He scolded.

"I am sorry adar," she said, but her voice held no ounce of apology.

"What do you think you were doing, running off like that at night? Not to mention you were alone and didn't tell anyone where you would be. Something could have happened-

"I know how to defend myself," she spoke sternly, "Besides, he needed me." Her voice dropped the sternness and was replaced with worry.

Celeborn pinched the bridge of his nose, there would be a time to speak on the matter he decided.

"It is time for Thranduil to wake and began his duties,"

"Adar, he did not have time to properly mourn." She pleaded.

"He is a king, and has his responsibilities. His people come first."

Celebrían open her mouth to protest, but not before she felt a weight lift from her lap, Thranduil sat up in attention. Celebrían's attention turned from her father to Thranduil and she prepared to speak once more.

"Thank you Celebrían, but your father is right." Choosing not to say anything she frowned as Thranduil stood up and kissed her brow.

"I really appreciate your time," he whispered in her ear as he walked off to freshen himself up.

It took Thranduil little time to get himself ready, and when he was dressed he left the room and Celeborn followed.

Laughter as clear as bells rang through the halls of Thranduils palace, Celeborn stuck his head out the door knowing exactly who the voice belonged to. He knew his daughters laughter anywhere, and sure enough he saw Celebrían and Thranduil round the corner approaching him. A crown of matching flowers was placed on their heads, Celebrían looked as if she were skipping and talking as she normally would. Celeborn was pleased to see that Thranduil looked like he was enjoying himself. For the past couple of weeks Celeborn was noticing little changes in Thranduil, and he was glad that he was coming out of his grief.

There was something else that Celeborn felt like Thranduil was missing, and he hoped the idea he came up with would give Thranduil the boost he needed. Thranduil and Celebrían just returned from a picnic, when Celeborn pulled him aside and asked to speak to him

They walked into Thranduil's room and took a seat on a couch sitting across from each other.

"I wanted to talk to you about your father," Thranduil stiffened at his fathers name, but made no other reaction.

"Do you know why my father did what he did?" He asked with hope in his eyes as he looked for answers in Celeborn older and wiser ones.

"No," Thranduil sighed heavily and looked away. "I can see in your eyes how you resent your father." He waited for Thranduil to say anything but his silence only confirmed Celeborns thoughts.

"I do know that your father loved you, you were his world. He would have done anything for you."

"Then why did he charge early into battle?" Thranduil grounded out.

"I do have some suspicions." Celeborn looked down for a moment, and then waved his hand as if trying to erase some thoughts. "I did not pull you aside to talk about that. I wanted you to know aside from all that has happened, your father believed in you. I know having the responsibility of the crown is a heavy burden I see that you doubt yourself." Thranduil turned his sharp eyes on him, but Celeborn didn't falter.

"If your father saw you today, he would be proud of you, you are holding up the kingdom very well."

"Truly? My father would be proud of me?"

"Why shouldn't he? I can also see it on the faces of your people, they adore you." A small but noticeable smile crept on Thranduil's lips.

"They seemed to have moved on from their grief, but you appear to be stuck in it. You should do something, to show them that their king is well." Thranduil quirked is eyebrow.

"You should have a feast."

Thranduil shook his head, "no, I cannot do that."

"Why not? Your father loved to throw feast and parties, and he would always throw the biggest and most amazing feast all around. What better way to honor his memory, and leave your grief behind."

Silence passed between them, Celeborn leaned forward hoping his words reached Thranduil. "Do you think it would honor his memory?"

"If you want to, you could make a tribute for all that lost their lives.I know it would do your father good to know that you were making merry with your people, rather than sitting in your room doing nothing but work." Celeborn could see Thranduil digest his words, as he slowly nodded and stood walking over to the window. Celeborn leaned back on the couch as he continued to watch Thranduil, for what seemed like hours.

"A feast," Thranduil mumbled. After a few moments he spoke again.

"Yes, a feast would do nicely," Even though Thranduil was not facing him, he could tell from his words that he was smiling. He could slowly see the life come back to him, more so than when he was with Celebrían.

"Galion!" The door immediately opened and Galion bowed at the entrance.

"Yes, my Lord?"

Thranduil turned to look at him, "have the cooks prepare their finest dishes, send for the best singers and musicians, bring out the archery range and other games." Thranduil spoke with such vigor that Celeborn had not heard in a while, and his smile grew wider as Thranduil called out his commands.

"My Lord?" Galion was confused at the sudden change in Thranduil.

"We are having a feast tonight! The finest this kingdom has ever seen."

Galion beamed at Thranduil, it has been a long time since he saw his Lord in the best sprites.

"Of course my Lord, it will be done," Galion spoke with enthusiasm as he bowed and left the room.

That night the dining room was full of elves as they moved about in the room, music was pleasant, games were being won, and everyone was having the best time. Thranduil had a few dances, with Celebrían, and other ladies. He went out to compete in the archery contest all the while smiling, and laughing like he never done before.

The feast was still going into the late of the night, and after so many thrills, Thranduil got up from his chair and walked out of the room. He was pleased that his people were enjoying their time, but he felt that he needed a time for himself.

He walked into a room and headed to the balcony. He opened the doors, and a breeze of fresh air greeted him as he breathed deeply. He stepped outside and looked up at the velvet sky with brightly and unique pattern of stars. He breathed in the peace again as he leaned on the rail. His thoughts traveled to his father, his anger had been washed from him. He knew he couldn't be mad at his father for too long, but the pain of losing him was too great and he needed someone to blame.

He still missed his father, but the pain was lessened. He remembered a time seemed so long ago when he visited Imladris. Elrond told him how gathering friends and family will bring the light back during dark times. A smile graced his features, he didn't realize how true his words really were at the time.

Days passed by quickly as Thranduil spent his time with his cousins, it seemed as though it was yesterday when Celebrían entered the palace. Now it was time for them to say their farewells, Thranduil was walking with Celebrían as usual to their horses.

"I do hate to say goodbye," Celebrían sighed as she squeezed his arm. Thranduil reached with his other hand and clasped hers that was on his arm.

"Worry not, for we will see each other again." Celebrían leaned her head on his shoulder as they approached their destination.

Thranduil reached his arm out to grasp Celeborn's, "farewell Thranduil."

"Safe travels, and thank you." Celeborn smiled as he shook his hand again before letting go and mounting his horse.

"Celebrían," Celeborn looked down from his horse to see that Celebrían had not mounted yet.

Celebrían reached her arms around Thranduil, "goodbye Thrandy," she whispered in his ear.

"Goodbye Celebri," he silently chuckled at their nicknames. He pulled back from their embrace and saw Celebríans eyes start to glisten as a single tear rolled down her cheek. Thranduil wiped his thumb over her eye and kissed her forehead.

She mounted her horse, and the rest of the company started their journey back to Imladris. Thranduil stood in the same spot until he couldn't see the company of elves anymore. For the first time it seemed that the sun was brighter, and his heart wasn't as heavy. He looked forward to whatever new and happy beginnings that would meet him.

Thank you again for reading, please review, I would really appreciate it.

Also I am torn between the next chapter. I wasn't sure to add the wedding of Elrond and Celebrían or a cute fluffy Thranduil and elflings Elladan and Elrohir. So please review and let me know.