Third Age 2,490
More than anything, Thranduil loved being an uncle. He loved how his close relationship with Celebrían, and Elrond, allowed their children to come to him for anything. Throughout their years he has seen them grow and change into handsome and beautiful adults. When he attended Arwen's 100th begetting day with his wife, he saw how Elrond and Celebrían eyes shined with pride as they watched their daughter. From that time he often wondered what it felt like to be a parent.
That night changed everything since it was the last child of Elrond that entered in adulthood. Without any little ones to come and ask to play with him, Thranduil was a little saddened that in such a short time they grew up, and he admit he missed having a tiny elfling to entertain.
As much as he and his wife wanted a child, he was a little hesitant and took nearly two millennia to deem the right time…
He softly exhaled as his wondering mind brought him to the small bundle currently residing in his arms. He stared out the window as soft light filtered in to the room. He looked down and smiled as the little one blinked the bleariness from his eyes and stared up at his father. Thranduil smiled down at the infant and brought him closer as he leaned forward and touched his nose to his son's.
Thranduil pulled back and marveled at the tiny figure in his arms, which looked so much like him. He wiggled his finger into the infant's clutched hand, he felt the tiny digits close around his and his smile widen even more.
He looked back up to the window and decided enough time has passed and his guests waited long enough for him to retrieve his son.
His son was only a few days old, but weeks before he was born Thranduil and his wife were already looking for riders from Imladris. Thranduil knew if they could Elrond or Celebrían would arrive to bring gifts and well wishes.
He tore his gaze from the window and started walking to the door, clutching the baby surrounded by the softest green blanket closer to him.
"Can I see him?"
"Can I hold him?"
Thranduil was greeted by almost identical voices, as he walked into the private family room that was just outside the bedrooms. Two identical elves were sitting on the couch pricked up once they saw Thranduil walk in. They would have barreled there way up to him but their mother gently signaled for them to stay where they were and remain calm.
Thranduil gave the twins a soft smile he could see their excitement vibrating off their bodies. Celebrían stood a bright smile on her face as he handed the precious gift in her awaiting arms.
Celebrían held him close to her as she silently cooed at the baby. "He's beautiful," she whispered as she finally looked at Thranduil and then returned her gaze to the baby. Elladan and Elrohir were hovering around them, trying to stay still, but also trying to give their mother her space as she too marveled at the infant.
"What is his name?" Elladan spoke next to Thranduil.
"Legolas," Thranduil quietly replied as he kept his eyes on Celebrían and his son. He saw that Legolas shift and scrunch his face has he reached his little hand to a silver strand that lay close to him. Celebrían eyes shined and shoulders shook with suppress giggles as he clutched and unclutched a lock of her hair. She didn't want to startle the baby with her laughter, and looked up at Thranduil again. "He is absolutely adorable." She quietly squealed pressing the little bundle closer to her and placed a kiss on his forehead before placing the baby to her son next to her. Elladan moved from Thranduil's shoulder to his brothers as they smiled at each other and the baby.
"Have you ever seen anything so small?" Elladan spoke his voice quiet and dreamlike as his brother passed him to his arms.
" Our sister, remember?" Elrohir replied leaning his head on Elladans shoulder.
Elladan rolled his eyes, at his brother, " I know of our dear sister, but he is different." Elladan turned his gaze back to the baby and tilted his head as he looked at the baby closer. " He seems smaller, smaller than most…"
"Ahem," Celebrían polite cough cut Elladans next words. All three glanced at Thranduil to see his reaction, but there was none. "He is healthy, and he will grow." Thranduil voice was strong and confident. Seeing that there was no offense the brothers turned back to the child.
"He shall be as tall as his father," Celebrían said.
"So we should call him a princeling," Elrohir suggested.
"How about seedling?" Elladan said and looked to his right shoulder and saw Elrohir face frown in disagreement.
They stared at the baby for a few moments trying to determine the perfect nick name.
"Sapling?" They looked at each other and spoke.
"Little leaf," Elladan and Elrohir looked at Thranduil at the infants given nick name.
"It was my father who gave me that name, now I shall pass it on to my son."
"I like it," Elldan nodded and turned back to the baby leaning his face toward the infant and cooing at him. All the while Legolas laid contently in his arms kicking and moving merrily as he listened to Elladan and Elrohir. Thranduil eyes shined as he smiled kept his eyes on them, knowing that little Legolas already had everyone wrapped around his little finger.
Years Later: TA 2500
"Come out, come out, wherever you are little one," Elladan voice called out gently. It was a fine sunny day, with a slight cool breeze,everyone thought it best to spend the day outside in the realm of the Greenwood.
With Legolas getting older it was difficult to keep their eyes off of the young elfling. His energy was endless and his joy was full of abundance. Just about everyone would fall in love with him once they looked into his bright playful eyes. Elrond's children was no exception, Elladan and Elrohir were always around him ever since Legolas could crawl.
On a comfortable blanket being shaded by a perfect size tree Arwen lazily sat with a book in her lap. She wasn't really reading, but her eyes skimmed over the pages. She thought it would be impossible to read while little Legolas and her brothers were running about playing some game. She was waiting for the moment when Legolas would jump down from the tree and scare her. Her brothers were just as distracting as they prowled around the tree like wild animals trying to sniff out the little prince. All of them were well aware of the golden hair contrasting with the green shiny leaves, but no one wanted to spoil the princes fun so they all kept up the act.
Legolas peered through the thin protective branches of the tree, thinking that he wittedly outsmarted Elladan and Elrohir he thought he had the advantage. With a sly smile on his face he slowly crept his ways through the branches that hovered over Arwen.
He patiently waited as Elladan and Elrohir slinked out of sight, and with one grand leap, he jumped from the lower branches on the ground. Legolas landed mere inches from Arwen as he heard a satisfying squeal.
"You scared me," Arwen chuckled as she lightly poked Legolas in his belly. Legolas held his stomach where Arwen poked him and started to laugh.
"Did I really scare you?" Legolas hopeful voice said. Arwen happily nodded, not wanting to disappoint him.
Before Legolas could celebrate his victory, he forgot about Elladan and Elrohir. He felt hands encircle him; Legolas cried out in alarm and scrambled into Arwens lap for safety.
"We got you know little leaf," Elladan hissed as he dropped down on all fours and started crawling to him.
Arwen held him tight as she scrambled away, pretending to chant a spell to keep Elladan and Elrohir at bay.
When she finished chanting Elladan and Elrorhir struggled and fell on their backs, tongues sticking out. Legolas released Arwens grip has he jumped and cheered celebrating his victory. Arwen smiled brightly at the golden child, and when Legolas done he turned to her with his hand stretch out. "Dance with me?" Legolas face was slightly flushed and his big blue eyes pleading. Arwen could not refuse as she took his hand and moved away from the comfy blanket, as they danced around in a circle.
"Hey I want to dance," Elladan pouted.
"Then let us dance brother." Elrohir stood up and offered his hand to Elladan as they stood up and walked over to the swinging pair. Legolas happily welcomed them as they made their circle even bigger all the while spinning and laughing.
Meanwhile the parents were relaxing on another blanket a few feet from their children watching as they played and laughed along with them.
"Remember when we played liked that?" A sweet voice next to him said. He turned around and saw Celebríans bright blue eyes shining with playfulness of an elfling.
"You mean, when you played like that. I always got in trouble whenever it came to your idea of play." Thranduil replied as a smile tugged on his lips.
"Psh, nonsense," Celebrían threw her hands in the air.
"My adar, always wanted me to follow you, as if you were some fragile flower needing protection." Thranduil teased and lightly poked her side which earned him a yelp and a playful shove.
"I think our adars preferred us together, like they used to hangout when they were younger." Celebrían said, and Thranduil couldn't agree more.
"Since it is our last day, we should make the most of it," Celebrían declared as she stood and walked off the blanket. Everyone starred at her confused, she quickly grabbed Thranduil arm and hauled him up with strength he forgot she possessed.
She spun around as fast as she could her grip tightening on his, Thranduil had no choice but to match her speed. They seemed to be just a blur as they picked up their pace, Celebrían leaned her head back and laugh and Thranduil did the same never wanting this blissful moment to end.
As their surroundings blurred around them, Thranduil felt Celebrían grip loosen and released his hands. They each fell on their backs Celebrían's laughter echoing their peaceful area. When the dizziness passed, Celebrían rolled to her side as she spotted the other two on the blanket amusement lighting their eyes.
"Come and join us," She laughed. Elrond simply shook his head, "no thank you my lady, I seem to be dizzy just looking at you two."
Celebrina fell on her back again moving her hands in the lush grass, she rolled to her other side and noted the flowers around them. One that particular caught her attention was the soft baby blue petals. She stretched out and picked it, looking at Thranduil who was on the opposite side of her.
Thranduil meanwhile kept his eyes closed as the dizziness cleared listening to everything around him. It wasn't long until he felt someone at the front of his head lingering behind him as if hesitant. The presence was sweet and gentle almost like an elfling, and when he felt a soft tickling sensation followed by a sweet smell of a flower he decided to open his eyes.
Instead of his son, his eyes met with the most brilliant blue orbs that always enchanted him. Celebrían giggled as she continued to tickle his nose with the flower, then leaned down to kiss his forehead. "For you my lord," she let the flower fall down to his chest.
His fingers gently grasped the flower and smiled in remembrance, of the first time they met. He rolled on to his stomach, face to face with Celebrían as he reached his hand and quickly wiggled the flower under her nose. She laughed out loud again as Thranduil sat up. He looked at the flowers around him choosing them carefully, as he weaved them together.
It didn't take him long to make whatever it was he was making. When he finished he turned his body to face Celebríans as he passed it to her. There were many bright and beautiful colors fashioned in a crown, Thranduil tried to add as much blue to the crown as he could seeing how the blue flower was Celebrían favorite.
Celebrían gently smiled at him taking the crown and inspecting it, she finally looked up at him her blue eyes shining ever brighter.
"It's beautiful, more beautiful than, than…" She paused to think for a fitting word, but Thranduil stopped her as he placed the crown on her head. "You are beautiful."
Her smile grew wider as she launched herself at him. With the force Thranduil grabbed Celebrían and fell on his back as they erupted in giggles.
When they calmed down Celebrían rested her head on his shoulder, as they looked up at the sky as the sun was begging to set.
"I wish we could do this all the time," she said softly. "I wish we do not have to say goodbye."
"One day perhaps," Thranduil turned his head and smiled at her encouragingly. "For now let us enjoy our time while we have it." He gave a gently squeeze as a comfortable silence settled over them. Soon they would have to leave and walk back to the palace and all too soon Elrond and Celebrían along with their children will be leaving.
In the morning, everything was packed and ready to go everyone was outside saying their goodbyes. Legolas was being held by Elrohir his tears staining his cheeks. Legolas was trying to be brave as his lips quivered. When Elrohir told the elfling goodbye, the flood gates opened and flung himself to Elrohir. Elrohir held him protectively and lifted him up and bounced him on his hip to soothe his cries. Arwen and Elladan crooned over him to comfort him.
Thranduil looked on with a sad smile, as Legolas calmed down and laid his head on his Elrohirs shoulder, his tears now gone, but the occasional sniffle still lingered. Thranduil already said his goodbyes, and as usual Celebrían lingered at his side.
Thranduil turned his gaze away from his son, and looked down catching Celebrían's blue eyes. Since they met, Thranduil was always so enraptured with her eyes, they were bright, beautiful and bubbly. They were playful, and teasing, and as she grew, he saw as they slowly transformed to a somewhat mature elf. He recalled with a small smile. Even when turning 100 she did not lose her playfulness, but he did see a small difference a little wisdom behind her eyes. Then after the battle where he lost his father, and she had come to him, he saw the comfort and kindness she gave to him. Never judging but always by his side when he needed it, and as he slowly came out of his grief, he would sometimes sigh in annoyance as her bright eyes would beam brighter as she thought of ways to get him to smile and go out more.
Over the years, he seen them transform from wife, to mother, and even with her children grown they still had not changed. They were brighter and playful than ever, always filled with compassion and kindness for others.
"I have something for you," Thranduil spoke. Celebrían cocked her head to the side as Thranduil motioned for one of the elves to bring the gift. Galion pressed the small bundle into his hand. Thranduil held the bundle up to her and unwrapped it, when he was finished Celebrían met his eyes and smiled as she took the gift from him and cradled it in her hands.
"Do you like them?" Thranduil asked, even though he knew the answer.
"Yes, it is a lovely gift." Celebrain locked eyes with him a wide smile on his face, as she stroked the soft baby blue petal. Thranduil decided that this wild flower would be officially Celebrían's flower. It was also a reminder of when they first met and he thought that with her eyes looked especially beautiful with the flower.
"I want you to plant them, and take care of them, until I am able to come your way." She looked up again a hopeful smile on her face. "I want to see them in full bloom and full abundance." Thranduil gently smiled as she looked up once again, like the elfling he remembered all those years ago.
"Of course Thranduil, they will have a special place in the garden, and will be well tended." She secured her hold on the flowers that will be used make more and wrapped her arms around his waist. She gave him a nice squeeze has she felt the familiar sting in her eyes and closed them tightly to stop the tears. As she pulled back and looked upon Thranduil's face, and not knowing when they will see each other again, a single tear ran down her cheek and others followed.
She looked down trying to calm herself, but she felt strong hands caress each side her face and lifted it towards him.
"Why do you weep?"
Through her tears she gave him a watery smile, "because I will miss you." Her voice was full of emotion as she whispered.
Thranduil leaned down and pressed his lips to her forehead knowing exactly how she felt. "This is not goodbye, we will see each other again. Until then sweet Celebrían, won't you write to me?"
She nodded again as more tears spilled from her eyes, Thranduil pulled her against him and held her tightly until the tears stopped.
All too soon it seemed that their goodbyes were over and Elrond and his family were heading back to Imladris. Thranduil stood with his family as the last of their party could not be seen. Thranduil prayed that they would all meet again.
Authors Note: Sorry for taking so long to update, I have been busy with school and work. I have been writing and rewriting and making sure that the chapters I upload are the best. I do hope this chapter is really meets the right standards.
Not to worry I will definitely finish this story I think 3 or 4 more chapters and it will be done.
Thanks for reading.