Sir Galahad and the Elf Maid Lady Elaina Elenwen Thranduiliel

by silmarlfan1

the sad and long tale of the peerless Knight Sir Galahad is well known, but not many know this side of his tale. his sad and lonely youth upon the streets after his mother's death, his life in the Monastery beside a kind Father who taught him the Word and saved his life. none know of the tale that bound him in marriage to an Elf-maid; the only daughter of Thranduil. Mpreg alert

2. Lady Elaina Elenwen

Sir Galahad: the Peerless Knight and the Elf maid Elaina Elenwen

By Silmarlfan1

Warning mentions of Mpreg

Part 2

The Lady Elaina Elenwen

The Lady Elaina Elenwen was Thranduil's daughter; in fact she was his only daughter. She was the very image of her mother's beauty and grace. For years Thranduil and his beloved wife, Miriel, had only their beloved Legolas; their little Greenleaf, but Miriel desired a girl child to call her own. A daughter she could teach her magic and how to sew and bake. Thranduil was reluctant to do so, for Legolas' birth was difficult and had taken its toll on his beloved wife; he dreaded to think what a second child would do to her. But Miriel was stubborn and she usually was able to get her way. Thranduil would sidestep his reasons for not wanting another child stating that it was too soon to have another, or that they should wait until Legolas was old enough to understand. But stubborn Miriel found out his reasons and to say that she was furious was an understatement. The moment Thranduil said that she was too frail to have another child; she went pale as death before her face reddened in fury. Thranduil tried to backtrack and apologize but was cut short when the throne room filled with the sound of a loud crack as she struck him hard across the face. Before Thranduil knew what had happened he had a large red mark on his cheek and his wife had stormed away from his sight. Legolas, who was well past his majority and already a seasoned warrior, spotted his mother's approach and went to inquire as to what was wrong. Knowing that his mother had a temper to match a Feanarion he called out first.

"Naneth?" he asked as she stormed by, "Is something wrong?" at his words she halted and turned to her only child with a bland smile on her normally bright face.

"No, my son," she said, "your father and I just had a… disagreement. That is all." Legolas gulped hard, knowing that she meant more than a "disagreement" and watched her turn. But then she paused before turning back. "In fact, would you inform his royal highness that he will be sleeping in his study tonight? I have some sewing that needs done, and I don't want him to bother me." Legolas nodded absently as he watched his mother turn and walk towards the royal quarters to more than likely remove some bedding for Thranduil's night on the couch. Legolas turned to find his father only to find him coming towards him. Thranduil spotted his son and paused to speak with him.

"Has your mother been by?" he asked.

"Yes, and she looked … upset. Care to tell me what is wrong, adar?" Legolas asked in turn.

"Your mother and I had a … disagreement on a subject of sensitive nature, and I am afraid that it caused her to become …displeased with me." Legolas rolled his eyes, ever the diplomat, even around him.

"Mother wanted me to inform you that you will be spending tonight in your study," Legolas said as Thranduil began towards his quarters. His shoulders tensed for a moment before they sagged and he let out a sigh. "She looked more than displeased, ada," Legolas said as he came to stand beside his sire. "Whatever it is she wants it might be best to give it to her, lest you spend the rest of your nights in your study." Thranduil looked up sharply to reprimand his son but the young elf was already walking away.

"Perhaps I should," he said to himself with a sigh. "It will be less headaches for all involved, but perhaps more heartache." Legolas raised an eyebrow in confusion but Thranduil was already walking away. The young elf prince shook his golden head before heading towards his own quarters to retrieve his bow and daggers before he headed for the training grounds. He wanted to be far away from his father and mother if there was going to be another argument, preferably somewhere he could practice his skills.

Needless to say Thranduil spent the night in the proverbial dog house; that night and for several nights after that. Finally Thranduil's lack of proper sleep got him to go to his wife and concede that perhaps they could have another child. His wife's overwhelming joy was well worth the blow his pride had taken in admitting defeat. It did not take very long before the servants began to gossip and waggle their tongues that the king and queen were trying to have a second child. Word spread like a wild fire through the household before reaching the ears of the soldiers and guards. Eventually word came to Legolas' ears of the rumor that his parents were trying to have a child. For a while Legolas dismissed this rumor as nothing but gossip, until after a long training session he went to his chambers to change for dinner with his family. His chamber maid was in an abnormally cheery mood, when she entered and gave him his robe. Legolas was confused by her behavior and raised an eyebrow as she took his dirty clothes humming a cheerful tune all the time. When she had left Legolas shook his head and headed for the private dining hall where he would have a peaceful supper with his mother and father for the first time in weeks.

Upon entering the dining hall he found his mother practically glowing as she sat to the left of her husband, her hand in his as she pressed closely to his side. Again Legolas raised his eyebrow before taking his seat at Thranduil's right side. Dinner was a quiet but warm affair, but the silence was deafening; and soon Legolas could no longer take it.

"Is there something that I should know?" he asked causing his parents took look at each other before Miriel looked back at her son with a warm smile.

"What on earth makes you say that, my little leaf?" she says bringing a blush from the prince; her smile still warm, as she looks to her husband asking. Thranduil seems to understand her silent question, and he gives her a subtle nod. Miriel beams back at her son, who is giving both of his parents a look that seems to say 'have you both gone nuts' by the looks and gestures he was observing. "Actually, Legolas, your adar and I have something we would like to tell you." Her gaze turns to Thranduil and her eyebrows rise and Thranduil gets the hint and smiles; taking his wife's hand in his own.

"It's not something bad I hope." Legolas asks, and his mother shakes her head giving a silent no. "Alright, then what is it?" he asks. Thranduil clears his throat before giving his son a very happy smile.

"Your mother and I are going to have a new member added to our family," he said while giving his wife a smile. Legolas seemed confused and Miriel rolled her eyes.

"Oh, for heaven sakes, Thranduil, be blunt," she said in exasperation giving her husband a light smack to his arm before turning her smile on her confused son. "What your father means to say is… we're going to have a baby!" To say that Legolas was shocked was an understatement' his jaw had dropped and he had dropped the fork that was held in his grip. It clattered on his plate as his grip slackened in his shock. At first he did not know what to think before his mind overcame the shock to realize he was going to become a brother. A slow smile spread across his face, his hidden dimples coming out in full force. His blue eyes sparkled as he stood and went to his mother's side. He knelt beside her between his father and mother, and looked up at his mother with bright happy eyes and smile.

"Truly?" he asked and Miriel nodded. Legolas began to laugh and quickly wrapped his arms around his mother's middle. Thranduil released a relieved sigh and smiled himself, standing to wrap his own arms around his son and wife.

Soon the news had spread throughout the whole of the woodland realm. Congratulations were sent from the nobles to the king and his family. Soon thereafter came congratulations from Elrond of Rivendell, and Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel of Lothlorien, and although Thranduil despised his Noldorian kin, he acquiesced to his wife's wish that Elrond help with the delivery. Legolas, who was normally a quiet and reserved elf, became quite cheery and was seen smiling almost all the time. He spent what little free time he had with his mother helping her with her sewing and needle work.

Many months passed and with them the Queen of Mirkwood became rounder and heavier with child. Miriel could no longer walk the grand halls with her husband as was her want in days passed, at least not without her ankles and legs swelling and her feet aching. But she was contented with sitting in her new babe's nursery sewing and embroidering a new blanket and gown. The gown was for the presentation ceremony to be given a week after the babe's birth, in front of the entire royal court. She spent hours embroidering the gown and hours even more in knitting the lace she stitched on the hem and sleeves. Thranduil was sure that the child was to be a boy but Miriel thought otherwise, but it mattered not; Thranduil was happy to be having another child. Soon the time was near for the child's birth and the whole royal household was awaiting the event with excitement and nervousness. Elrond was to arrive within hours and Thranduil had taken to sitting in his room with his wife in his favorite chair by the hearth. His leg bounced up and down, his hands gripped the arms of the chair in a vice-like state. Though he tried to look calm his wife could see that he was anything but, and was chuckling to herself from her own chair with the last bits of the blanket being finished in her lap. Legolas was sitting on the floor beside his mother fletching some new arrows. He was given leave from his duties for the next few days in light of the fact that his mother was to give birth soon.

A knock came to the door just as Miriel let out a long groan. Legolas leapt to his feet to assist his mother while Thranduil went to the door. It was Elrond, and for once Thranduil was glad to see the dark haired Elda. Legolas helped his mother to the bed and the fetched his new arrows before kissing his mother's cheek and leaving the room. Thranduil went to his wife's side just as a powerful contraction racked her frame. Elrond placed his bag on the table next to the bed, and went to work.

It was hours later in the wee small hours of the morning when Legolas was approached by Elrond and Thranduil; the latter of which had a beaming smile on his face. Legolas had taken his arrows to the archery range to practice and get his mind off his mother's state. This was where they found him, turning target dummies into pincushions. Elrond smiled in a calm and reassuring way before speaking.

"Congratulations, young Greenleaf," he said, "you have a little sister."

The Happy Years

Legolas could not be more elated. He doted and loved his little sister, who grew each day into a more beautiful lady than any in the Woodland Realm. She had the same flaxen gold hair as her brother and father, but she had her mother's dark violet eyes instead of the azure blue of her father. Her hair was soft like silk and after it was cleaned and dried after her birth it was a bundle of golden curls. As she grew older her hair darkened into a richer honey color but it still retained the flaxen highlights giving it a look as though her hair was made from spun gold thread and undyed spider silk. It retained its curls and if cut short would bounce in ringlets around her face, but it was difficult to tame when it was so short; her curls would knot and tangle and fray the ends, so Thranduil decided that they would let it grow long and braid it at night to prevent the pain of brushing it in the mornings. And long did it grow! As she approached her coming of age party her hair was down to the back of her knees, and Miriel made the decision to have her hair done up in loose braids and intricate patterns. They named her Elaina Elenwen, and Thranduil called her his little Mire, his little jewel.

Thranduil loved his daughter above all else and would do anything for her happiness. For each begetting day party he would commission a fine gown for her to wear; and this year he wanted something extra special. Thranduil had a great wealth in uncut stones, gems, and gold that he had mined out of the tunnels of his home, and although he had good smiths and craftsmen they had not the skill to cut and shape the stones into fine gems. He went to the dwarves of the Lonely Mountain for this task, and they did their task well; for the dwarves of Erebor could shape the roughest of stones into the finest of gems. With each year and new gift for his daughter the dwarves grew curious as to what the Elven king needed all the gems and fine crafted jewelry for. Well I must say they soon got their answer. Elaina desperately wanted to see the world outside the forest and she begged her father to let her come to Erebor the next time he left. Thranduil could deny her nothing and crumbled under her pleading gaze. Upon hearing his beloved sister was going to the dwarf kingdom Legolas immediately volunteered to go as a guard. Thranduil was reluctant to let both of his children go but his wife insisted that they could use a change of scenery and opted to stay behind.

The young Princess was in awe of everything she saw on the journey to the mountain, and upon arrival in the city of Dale begged her father to let her explore for a while before they headed for the mountain. Thranduil consented and sent Legolas to guard his little sister while she explored the markets. Elaina dragged her brother form stall to stall gazing in awe at the fine wealth of objects to be seen: fine silks, and beautiful dresses, along with rare sweets and sugary treats. Legolas knew of his sister's love of candied sweets especially fruit candies, and bought her a small bag of candies with the coins he had with him. Elaina may have bruised his ribs with the force of her hug but the smile on her face and her moans of pleasure made the dull ache lessen.

Upon leaving the Markets of Dale, the Elves headed for the mountain. The path was long but only took a few hours by way of horses, and soon they were being welcomed at the gates of Erebor. Never in her short life had Elaina seen such towering statues, and she stared up at them as they passed her mouth agape in wonderment. A single look from her brother and father made her mouth snap shut but her eyes were still wide and her mouth smiling as they passed through the front gate. The green marble stone was smooth and polished beneath her shoes and she found herself wondering what it would be like to take them off and go sliding in her stockings. She giggled and smiled at the thought of her father and brother's looks of horror at her very undignified and royal manner. She could not help but study the stone around her spotting the thin gold veins that wound through the rock like little streams in forests of green. The high ceilings were familiar but the shape of the columns was so very different from the twisting and natural looking ones from her kingdom, but they were no less mesmerizing in their height and carving.

While she was musing and gazing in wonder at the beauty all around, she followed her father and brother right to the throne of King Thror and his family; his son seated to his left and his grandson to his right. Thranduil gave a slight bow to his head to acknowledge the dwarf king and she immediately found herself being gazed upon by the aging king. Thranduil saw this and quickly introduced his young daughter.

"My lord, King Thror," he said, and motioned Elaina forward. "This is Elaina, my youngest child," he said and smiled brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear, "and my only daughter." Elaina smiled in the only way she knew how and gave a deep curtsy to the King and his family. This seemed to please the king for he sat a little prouder in his throne a smug smile on his face.

"I am pleased to make you acquaintance, my lord," She said and a few of the dwarves around the king murmured at the sweet and lyrical sound of her voice. She turned to the youngest of the dwarves, sending him a flirty smile as he smiled back.

"I am Prince Thorin, and it is an honor to meet such a fine and poised young lady," Thorin said as he stood and kissed Elaina's hand, and earned a muffled snort form Legolas as he smothered a smile and bark of laughter. Thorin looked curiously back at the elf prince who seemed to be struggling to school his face before he received a glare as cold as the Grinding Ice from his sister. Elaina made a mental note to make him pay for that snort later before they left. She smiled in the sickly sweet way that only a sister out for revenge could and introduced her brother.

"Have you met Legolas, my brother," she asked, "as heirs to the throne I would think you both would have a thing or two in common like learning when and when not to insult your sister." Legolas gulped as a blush crept across his cheeks, and a smug grin came on her lips.

Thorin simply laughed and shook his head.

"Aye, indeed I do, for I too have a little sister," he said earning a curious look from Legolas. "And I know it is very unwise to make her feel slighted." Legolas turned his gaze to Thranduil pleadingly and got only a raised eyebrow and a bland look saying 'you earned it, now live with it.' Elaina simply laughed before turning to her father for permission to go exploring. Thranduil sighed and gave her a nod of consent. Elaina squealed with joy and launched herself at her father pulling him into a bruising hug. Caught off guard he stumbled for a moment before placing a gentle kiss to her temple.

"Be safe," he whispered in her ear, before she let him go and bolted out of the hall, her dress flowing behind her along with her hair in a river of honey gold, and rich blue silks. Thranduil shook his head before locking his eyes with Legolas and nodding his head in the direction his sister had flown off to. Legolas smiled and took off in a brisk walk following after his sister's laughter.

Legolas found her in a crafting hall gazing in wonder as she observed a dwarf sorting jewels to be set into the facets of a finely crafted mithril necklace. She was so absorbed in what the dwarf woman was telling her about her craft that she didn't hear Legolas come up behind her. Legolas smiled with his hands on his hips before he deemed it safe to announce his presence with a very sharp whistle. Elaina squeaked and the Dwarf woman started but didn't drop the gem in her grasp. Elaina looked back at her brother with a sour look, to which Legolas gave an innocent smile. Rolling her eyes Elaina went back to watching the Jeweler work.

It was nearly supper time when Legolas finally dragged his sister away from the Jeweler and towards the dining hall; all the while, Elaina chatted his ear off about how she wished she could craft something so beautiful. Dinner was quiet but mixed with small talk about trade and politics which Legolas never liked. When Thranduil asked Elaina what she had done while exploring, it was as if a dam had burst and a flood of words and descriptions flowed out of her mouth just like water. She told him of the crafting hall and the jeweler and about the several younger dwarves that tried to flirt with her only for them to be politely let down. Finally she let it be known that she had a desire to craft and do something other than weave cloth and embroider fabric, and Thranduil finally consented to let her mother teach her magic when she returned to Mirkwood. The rest of their stay was brief as Thranduil got the gift for his daughter's begetting day and a few new things for his wife.

Magic

The magic's of Miriel were great and powerful, some even said they were on par with the magic of Melian the Maia wife of Elu Thingol. She could craft powerful illusions and impart her will upon nature to grow in her gardens as she pleased, she even enchanted the great river, by which the elven road had to crossover before turning towards the kingdom's great gates, to put all those that drank of its water or even touched it to fall into a deep enchanted sleep. It was only natural for Miriel's daughter to have inherited her gift for magic. Even Thranduil, who had only the power to create glamour's to hide his battle scars, had magic within him. Elaina was even more gifted than her father and mother combined, and her rapid ability to perform more complex spells spoke that very clearly. Legolas had only the minor abilities of his father but to a greater degree, but even he was astounded by her skill.

However it soon became apparent that her skill with magic was not the only thing she was gifted with. Visions began to plague the young princess, first as vivid dreams or nightmares, then as full-on- headache-inducing waking visions that would cripple the poor girl whenever they came upon her. Sometimes they were absolutely frightful, about the horrendous things lurking in the night that gave her night-terrors for days, and other days the visions were sweet and tender, leaving her with sweet smiles or joyful tears. Legolas had his own visions but none to the vividness of his sister. Only Elrond could say that he had visions greater than her, and as such when the visions became so bad that they were giving her nosebleeds and migraines for hours, Thranduil again swallowed his pride and asked Elrond for help.

The Lord of Imladris came to the woodland realm and for a brief time tutored the young princess to control her Foresight and control the visions so they no longer plagued her every moment. His schooling gave her the confidence to look into the future instead of the future grabbing her for a ride. The visions she saw left her mind whirling and her heart aching sometimes and others they filled her with terror.

The time came at last for Elrond to leave but as he was mounting his horse, Elaina went to him for counsel for her latest vision.

"Tell me what you have seen, child?" he asked from a top his horse. Elaina worried her lip before she looked up at him.

"I saw a Man," she said, "his hair was like gold and honey, his brow was noble and his face kind. He had lavender-gray eyes that were filled with a kindness born from suffering and sorrow. He wore armor like a Gondoran and carried a shield of white with a symbol of a red cross upon it. He carried a great lance upon his horse, and he travels with two others. He searches for something, Lord Elrond. Something Hallowed, and old; a chalice, I think. A small cup, simple, and unadorned but, it is important, Elrond, and he quests for it, to guard it from evil." Elrond nodded as he took in the knowledge, his brows furrowed in thought. Elaina seemed pensive for a moment before revelation came over her. "It is here, on Arda. Someone brought it here but it is no longer in the hands of good. Elrond, it is a powerful relic." Elrond raised his eyebrows and nodded.

"If they come, I think they will arrive in Imladris first," he answered. "I will give them counsel and send them towards their goal." Elaina sighed in relief before bidding him farewell.

Birthday parties and destined meetings

Finally the time had come for the big Begetting day party. Thranduil was frantic in his attempt to keep the gift a secret. He hid it in his private study as a last resort, as Elaina had found almost all of his previous hiding places. The gift was a finely jeweled necklace and circlet with matching bracelets and rings of mithril and white diamonds and pale sapphires; each one crafted so finely that they shined like stars in their mithril settings. Thranduil loved the work so much he sent the rest of the gems he had to be fashioned in a similar way for a gift for his wife. It would be done in time for their anniversary, but Thranduil knew Thror all too well and had a second gift made with already shaped stones by his own craftsmen.

Invitations were sent out to all kingdoms, and had begun to receive guests the day before. Thror had sent his grandson, Thorin, and his chief counselor, Balin as representatives of Erebor with fine gifts of their own for the princess. A representative from Lothlorien was to arrive before the party, and Elrond and his Sons were there to gift and celebrate with the woodland realm. A Man from Gondor had come and left after giving his gift on behalf of the stewards and the chieftain of the Dúnedain came himself to honor the princess. Thranduil felt a twinge of sadness that there were no other elven kingdoms to honor his daughter. Legolas had no such worries, as he was in wonder at all the people coming to his home, the Men of the North in particular fascinated him but he kept himself calm and relaxed. The party was as grand as any celebration in the woodland realm, the great feasting halls decked in splendor with bright colored banners, even Feanarion lamps were set up all around the main hall, just Thranduil's way of showing his wealth and history. The food was abundant and full or rare delicacies and of course Elaina's favorite foods. Sweet fruits from all over Middle Earth found their way onto the tables, and some more exotic cuisines like rare spices mixed with venison and Oliphant meat; candied fruits and sweets were among the most numerous in the desserts and baked vegetables of all kinds littered the food tables, many of them smothered in cream sauces.

Thror's representatives were enjoying the meats and sweets, and even the vegetables were readily consumed by the dwarves. The Dúnedain chief ate politely but no one bothered him if it seemed his plate was overly full. Elrond and his sons were entertaining his daughter with jokes and tales of the north while indulging in some exotic foods. By the time the party from Lorien arrived the celebration was in full swing, and Thranduil was imbibing in his Dorwinion wine enough that he was quite happy. Lady Galadriel was among the group and came up to the king and paid her respects before greeting the Princess.

"Suilad, Hiril Elaina, you grow more radiant with each passing moon," the White Lady said, causing Elaina to blush heavily. Elaina smiled as Arwen came forward and kissed her cheeks in greeting, before going to see her father and brothers. Galadriel went to settle in and speak with her relations as a captain placed the gift on the table with the others. Dozens of gifts littered the table ranging in size from large to small, long to flat; and Elaina was just itching to open each and every one.

Hours passed swiftly for the partygoers and food was consumed greatly; drinking was imbibed and many of the guests were happily buzzed. Finally the King motioned to his son to bring in the big cake. Legolas went with an easy smile, walking into the kitchen to fetch the baker and the big cake. The cake was a multi-layered tower of pale pink and gold fondant frosting and buttercream flowers and leaves, and the very top was a replica of the famed lost city of Gondolin. Legolas smiled as the baker enlisted his help in bringing the cake out to the guests. As soon as the cake was in the hall a wondrous cry and awe filled gasps went up in clusters around the room. Elaina smiled wide and leapt up and squeezed her father in a tight hug.

"Thank you, Ada," she said, "it is wonderful." Thranduil smiled and kissed her hair.

"Only the best for you, my dear." He answered with a smile.

Elaina blew out the candles on the cake top and was handed the small top layer for herself as the baker cut up the beautiful cake for the rest of the guests to eat. Just as Elaina was about to take a bite, a gate guard interrupted their meal.

"My lord, forgive me," he said kneeling before the family. "There is a Man at the gate with three companions asking passage within for rest and supplies." The guard looked up and found Thranduil stone faced, and his daughter ashen.

"Ada," she said to him, "let them enter," Thranduil looked at his daughter, and found a fey light in her eyes; a glimpse of foresight in her gaze that he knew too well.

"Very well," he said and the guard rose to his feet. "Bring him and his companions here. It is my daughters begetting day and I am feeling lenient to travelers; besides I won't have them think that I am not a good host." The guard nodded, stood in salute and left the hall. Legolas moved to follow but was stopped by Thranduil's hand on his arm. Moments later the guard re-entered the hall with the Men following. Elaina felt her breath stolen from her as she saw the young man's face. This was the Man from her visions, and now that she got a better look at him she found him not a Man at all but one of the Half-elven of Numenorian descent. His hair seemed brighter in the Feanarion lamps and his eyes filled with Eldar light. A holy light surrounded his face and he held himself like a prince, despite his travel worn appearance. His companions were similar but only one could be said to have Numenorian blood, and by the looks of his features he was the younger man's father.

The young man came forward and knelt before the woodland king before speaking.

"God's blessings be upon you, Great Elven King, and to you family," he said. His voice filled the room with a soft warm blessing. His voice was soft but firm and richly toned with a slight accent that the other guests could not name. "On behalf of my fellow traveler, I thank you for your hospitality." Thranduil smiled at the proper manners and kind words.

"It was only fitting to let you in," he said and motioned the men to rise. "I have guests this eve for my daughter's begetting day and it would show great ill upon me if I were to turn you away." The young man stood and smiled, showing off a set of perfectly straight, white teeth and dimpled cheeks. Thranduil was shocked to see the high elven features so strong in his form as well as his Numenorian frame; tall, lean in the waist, broad in the shoulders and chest muscular arms and legs, all pointing to a nobleman's heritage but the haggard appearance and the lean almost gaunt face spoke to him being a holy man. But underneath all the armor and leather it was hard to tell. "Please, show these men to some rooms so that they may change into more appropriate garb," Thranduil addressed his butler; who nodded and lead them off to redress.

"Well, that was interesting," Miriel said as Thranduil sat down again. The elf king smiled ruefully and looked to his daughter and found a look on her face he did not like: affection.

It did not take them very long to change and reenter the hall, and in that time Thranduil ordered four new plates to be filled with the leftover food from the dinner feast. The four looked much changed without their heavy armor, especially the young one. He was thinner than Thranduil thought but still well built and strong, his hair was neatly brushed away from his washed face and his clothes, although simple, were very fine quality. He stood tall as he walked into the hall before bowing deeply to the king and his family and taking his seat. The four men took a beaded neckless around their necks in their clasped hands and bowed their heads in reverence. The youngest spoke softly but clearly (at least to elven hearing) invoking some blessing over the food.

"Almighty Lord, who has favored us, we beseech thee in our prayer. Bless this meal to our bodies to give us the strength to do thy good work. We thank you for the hospitality of our hosts and we ask that thy blessings be bestowed upon them and their guests, bring them health prosperity and good fortune in the days to come. We ask these things in the name of Thy Son, The Christ and Savior or Mankind, Amen." And with that the men began to eat. They ate slowly but with great enjoyment, savoring the meal. The youngest looked up to the king after tasting a particularly fine morsel. "What is this, my lord? It is very good." Thranduil smiled and looked at the food gestured to.

"That would be roasted Oliphant meat with spices and a caramel glaze, with carrots and potatoes," Thranduil answered. "I have made it a rule to know the names of my guests, so that I may properly address them. I would like to know your names, if you will?" At this question the man looked embarrassed before bowing his head.

"These are my companions, Sir Perceval," he gestured to his left, "Sir Bors," to his right, "and my father, Sir Lancelot DuLake. I am Sir Galahad DuLake, your highness." Thranduil smiled at the names and gestured to his wife.

"This is my wife, Miriel," then to his son, "my eldest and only son, Legolas Greenleaf, and this," he said with pride as he placed a hand on his daughter's shoulder, "is my daughter Elaina Elenwen. It is her begetting day today, and we are celebrating quite merrily and hope that you will join in the festivities." Galahad nodded, before he looked pensive and thoughtful before he pulled a well-loved hand bound book from his pocket above his left breast.

"Then as a gift to the lady, I give you the only think I have of value," he said as he handed the book to the princess. Elaina smiled sweetly as she took it and opened it. Although she could not read it the calligraphy was stunning and the illumination was incredibly skillful. The figures were not stylized but accurate and beautifully drawn.

"I cannot keep this. You made it!" she said, "and I cannot read it." Elaina moved to hand it back. Galahad smiled.

"I can make you one that you can, if you wish, dear lady," he asked as he stayed her hand with his own taking her hand and wrapping it around the small book. Elaina looked at her hands and then his face with a warm and kind smile. Thranduil knew that look well, for his wife gave him the same one when they met: Elaina was in love.

Do not fear this joining, Thranduil, came a voice to his mind. This meeting was destined to happen as is their love, embrace it or lose her forever. Thranduil's temper cooled with Galadriel's wisdom but his heart filled with sorrow. Destined or not, Thranduil's daughter had fallen for a Man and there was naught he could do to stop it. All he could do was give them his blessing and hope that the choice of the Eldar was not made for the man and he might keep his daughter and not lose her.

Galahad on the other hand, felt only love and affection for the fair princess. Her beauty enchanting him into her spell, and although he swore to chastity until his Quest was done, he hoped that God would forgive him his love, and bless their union.

AN: I considered a cliffhanger but hadn't the heart to do it. don't know what to do next. I have a general idea for later but the now, not so much. Reviews are my muse, give us a drop.