Hey everyone, here is chapter 13, it kinda went in a fluffy direction...I hope it is not too much and you enjoy the family feels. Thanks to the reviewers as always they mean so much; so thanks Win Lockwood, celticank and the unsigned fan review, means lots :) Also thanks to the new followers :)

Without anymore nattering from me, here is chapter 13 and if you like please review, it makes so happy :)

13. Separation

Thranduil crouched on the stone floor of his own chambers; every square inch of space was covered in maps and sketches of papers. He stared pensively at the array of clippings and absently rubbed his thumb over the nearly empty bottle of wine in his hand, ignoring the several carelessly discarded empty ones strewn about the room. Since his surreal encounter with his dead wife the King had abandoned all notions of engaging with the outside world, locking himself up in his room. For the first several hours he had tormented himself by reliving the dream and then trying to prove it was just that a dream. Though the notable absence of the injury to his side assured him it was no mere dream, but an encounter, which had sent him into a downward spiral of drinking excessively in an attempt to block his emotional reactions. This was short lived and after allowing himself a few moments of tears, he was able to see more clearly and process the bizarre and unexplained event.

Now Thranduil had thrown himself into a whirlwind of planning and studying, if Lairiel's warnings were to be heeded, and he would be a fool if he did not listen to his wife, then he had best prepare for the worst! Compiling every last detail of evidence, right down to the most insignificant of orc sightings, the King had successfully arranged his bed chambers into strategic archive. Most of the room was dominated by a large map with several knives staked into the ground signifying the most regularly targets spots of attack, this was then organised into type of attack, common tatics used and whether or not his guard had been successful. From this he had gauged that the favoured form of attack was ambush which nearly always resulted in a victory for the enemy, these ambush style attacks happened sporadically and usually on the back of various raids and hunting patrols. They were usually more heavily armed and took place during or directly after smaller raids or diversions, that kept the bulk of guard occupied elsewhere, usually in some kind of rescue or aid mission.

Lairiel had been right, the elves did not have the upper hand and he was not powerful enough to see all the blind spots. The forest was sick and shrouded in darkness, Thranduil could not see through the fog and thus Mirkwood was a great hiding place for the enemy. His people were like sitting ducks, the more the evil encroached on them the less he could foresee and the less he could look to their natural fortress to protect them. They really did need a miracle or something that would give them back the natural magic of the forest, maybe then they would have a light in the darkness. Until then Thranduil would need to rely on his warrior's instincts and that would mean for the foreseeable future he would need to be on the frontline with his people.

Taking a final gulp of the strong wine, Thranduil sighed and straightened out of his crouch. He needed more documentation of attacks, he was starting to see patterns and there was only one other who was so detailed and methodically when it came to compiling strategic information. Unfortunately his son was engaged elsewhere and the likelihood of Legolas returning to help his old Adar out of this mess was slim. However a quick rummage through his son's chambers could produce the type of intelligence he was seeking; and with that thought Thranduil exited his room for the first time in hours.

Entering Legolas' rooms was like stepping back several months, to Thranduil it was like his son had never left, this was partly because he had not touched his eldest child's room since his departure and thus nothing was unchanged. Everything was as hap hazard and careless as usual, Legolas never had time to be bothered in making for himself a living space. Books and maps were piled on top of each other and scattered around without much order, and it appeared to the King that his son literally had the attention span of squirrel; he just seemed to drop things at his feet and carry on with another activity. Thranduil grumbled audibly as he rummaged through the mass of paperwork, it would take another several hours to put this in some kind of order that he could understand.

Spying a leather bonded folder with an array of parchment stuffed inside it perched neatly on the end of settle, Thranduil eagerly grabbed it, anctipating that he had uncovered his son's battle menoirs. In his rash movement the folder came apart and it contents spilled out upon the floor, with a loud sigh of aggravation and a few choice curses for his son's lack of organisational skills, the King began the tedious task of retrieving the fly away papers. As he moved through the room retrieving what he could, Thranduil absently started scanning the papers deciphering would he could use and what he could not. It quickly became apparent that the scribbles on these scraps of paper were not memoirs but personal notes and writings, letters from Ellenya when she lived in Lorien and his own internal thoughts.

Thranduil was aware that this was a major violation of his son's privacy and quickly cast the papers aside, though his curiosity was getting the better of him but he tried his best to withhold from reading everything he could get his hands on. Just as he was about to remove himself from the temptation, Thranduil noted some more scraps had floated below the bed and he quickly leaped to retrieve them. As he gently scooped the fragile material from the ground, Thranduil noted that this was not paper but cloth, it was faded and practically disintegrating in his hands. With deep care and attention he laid the scrap of ancient material back in the leather bound folder, before sinking into his son's bed to gaze at it.

Thranduil tentatively ran his thumb over the material and felt his lips twitch into a smile, his eye's glazing over at memories so old and so insignificant that they barely ever surfaced in his conscious mind. Memories of a time much more peaceful and happier than the present and he returned there with ease…

...

"I just think he is too young," Lairiel protested from her seat at her dressing table, as she worked a comb through her sun coloured curls, "He is barely a year old, I know he looks bigger but he is only a baby! He should stay here with us for a few more months and then he can move into his own room."

"Lairiel I am not having this argument again," Thranduil groaned as he cast off his boots and outer garments and mustered his best, 'I will not be swayed,' expression.

Lairiel scowled at him before turning her attention to the sleepy little bundle rolling on top of their bed; "Ada is a mean old troll," she accused and smirked when Thranduil shot her an incredulous look.

The bundle stopped it's rolling and fidgeting and slowly a blonde head and two curious blue orbs appeared over the blankets. The elfling's head shook violently from side to side and he quickly disentangled himself from the covers to make his way to his Adar. Crashing into Thranduil's leg and wrapping his little arms around his thigh the elfling protested; "No not a troll, my Ada."

Thranduil gazed down at his infant son, abruptly unsure of how to respond to the show of affection. He loved him fiercely and with a reverence that surpassed even his understanding, but there was no education on how to interact with an elfling and what was considered normal practice. Thranduil was never sure how hard or how soft he should be on his son, if he should withhold affection to make him tougher and more resilient? Lairiel on the other hand doted on Legolas, she was incredibly tender and sensitive with him, much to the King's disgruntlement. Many arguments centred on the proper raising of their son, Thranduil believing Legolas should be well disciplined and educated from a young age, after all this was the future heir to the throne and crowned Prince of their Realm. Lairiel thought these notions were absurd and her approach was to be fully present in her son's life, so as he could play and learn at his own pace, this retracted from ability to operate as a Queen and Thranduil admittedly felt pushed out as a husband.

Awkwardly the King removed his son from his leg and lifted him into his arms, Legolas grinning with delight at the attention he was receiving from his Ada. "That is right Ada is not a troll, and Nana is just being silly," Thranduil attempted in his best playful voice, which gained a giggle from Lairiel, "You want to be a big, strong, elf like your Ada don't you?" he questioned his wide eyed little one, who was hanging on his every word, Legolas nodded vigorously. "Good, then you will be sleeping in your own room with your own grown up bed?" This question was met with a more dubious nod of agreement, but the elfling wanted nothing more than his Adar's approval.

Satisfied that he had made his point, Thranduil plonked his son back on the bed and absently ruffled his soft locks. "I am going to bathe and when I return I want this little monster in his own bed fast asleep," the King ordered and tapped his son gently on the nose, Legolas beamed up at his Ada with unwaviering adoration. Lairiel, however, shook her head in disapproval and went to protest but was silenced by a pleading look from her husband;

"Lairiel I am tired, I have not slept in days because he is on top of us! He is too old to be sharing a bed with his parents besides he wants too," Thranduil tried to argue but was still met by the stony glare of his wife, "he will be fine, he will be just across the hall and we can leave the doors open if it makes you feel better."

"The doors will be left open and if he so much as whimpers you can deal with it!" Lairiel replied sourly and crossed her arms.

Thranduil walked up Lairiel and kissed her gently on the crown of her head; she sighed in response and gazed up at him with a forgiving expression. He smirked at his minor victory and thanked his lucky stars that his actions would not leave him out in the cold;

"He absolutely adores you Thranduil," Lairiel muttered and gestured to their son as he got himself tangled in the blankets and fought hard to free himself, "Be more affectionate with him, take some time to get to know him, he just wants your attention for a few hours."

"Lairiel, stop it, I am not arguing about this," Thranduil sighed in exasperation and stepped back from his wife, "I love my son dearly, but this is my Kingdom and without Adar I am scrambling in the dark, I do not have any more time to give!"

"Thranduil do not sarcrafice time with your son for your duties, you will regret it," Lairiel reasoned, "If Oropher were here he would not want you missing out, you know how much he teased you about giving him a Grandchild."

"Yes well he is not here is he?" Thranduil hissed and he felt the familiar strain of grief wash over him.

"Thranduil I am sorry, love I did not mean to put it across that way, I-" Lairiel attempted to salvage the situation, her intent had not been to cause her husband any pain. She only wished to remind him of the precious gift they had been blessed with, something she knew his Adar had wanted for them too. Long before she had conceived Legolas she had confided in Oropher her wish to give Thranduil a child but they had not been blessed and so she fretted. Oropher had consoled her and prayed with her for such a blessing as a Grandchild, believing it would bring his usually distant son more joy and love to his life.

Thranduil waved off his wife's attempts at addressing the topic, he did not wish to linger on the memory of his Adar's death, he wished to focus on the future and building a safe and happy home for his little one to grow up in; "Lairiel stop, it is fine, just put Legolas to bed and I will talk with you later about my failings as a parent, but right now I need to wash." With that Thranduil stalked off and left a very concerned Lairiel in his wake.

"Come on little leaf," Lairiel chirped, abruptly concerned that her baby had felt the change in the atmpsphere and she held out her arms to receiver her son. Legolas crawled across the bed and into her waiting arms, his little brows furrowed as he stared after his Adar. He tugged a strand of his Nana's hair and pointed to the doors where Thranduil had just exited, a questioning look on his face; "Ada is just sleepy my love, don't you worry your pretty little mind about him."

"I want Ada," the elfling sniffed and pouted in protest, the sight causing Lairiel's heart to break.

"I know, I know you do Legolas," Lairiel soothed and kissed his head, "Ada will come and see you soon, but why don't we have a story while we are waiting on him, eh?" The elfling nodded in agreement and snuggled into his Naneth as she whispered to him magical stories of far off places, unwittingly lulling him to sleep.

Thranduil had stood just outside the door listening in on the exchange between his wife and child, and he felt crushing guilt for his actions. However he did not know how to make time for his son and give him the love he deserved. The pressure of being King was overwhelming and demanding, Thranduil still felt unprepared the role. Barely two years before he was nothing more than a youth himself, wrapped up in his own world and believing him and his family invincible. Now he stood with the weight of the crown on his brow and his Adar's legacy to uphold, if this was not life changing enough, he had a son to worry over and Fatherhood did not come naturally to him. Resolving there was nothing he could do tonight, the King left to bathe and think of a way to make more time for his wife and son.

When at last he had returned to his chambers he found that Legolas was indeed tucked up in his own room, and Lairiel was pretending to sleep on her side of the bed. It was evident there would be no more talk tonight and Thranduil could not really fault his wife for turning away from him, he had been too harsh as usual. Lairiel was lonely too, she was single handily raising their son and he knew she felt frustration with him This did not stop him attempting to apologise though, as he crawled in beside her; "I am sorry, I will find more time I promise," he whispered and kissed her shoulder, but the action gained no response and the King sighed sadly before rolling onto his back praying for sleep to come quickly, mercifully it did.

xXx

A fit of impatient whimpering had Lairiel bolt upright in bed and she drowsily threw back the sheets, instinctively searching out her son to comfort him. However she felt Thranduil's hand clamp down on her arm and tug her back on the bed;

"Do not respond Lairiel, he just wants attention, give him a few minutes he will go back to sleep," he muttered into his pillow and pulled the sheets back around his bare shoulders. Lairiel glared angrily at her husband's unperturbed features and then back at the whining filtering through their door, sighing she fell back on her pillow and grumpily gripped a pile of covers and ripped them off Thranduil, hoisting them over her ears so she did not have to be tormented by the sound. This action gave her the slight satisfaction of husband's irritated spirit, though he worked hard to remain impassive to the whole situation.

Several minutes passed and Legolas' whimpers had turned into wracking sobs and he called incessantly for his Nana, this Lairiel could take no longer and she forcefully bounced out of the bed, sighing and muttering loudly. Thranduil, who was not oblivious to his child's wailing sat upright and glared at his wife.

"What are you doing?" he muttered, his tone irritated.

"Being a Naneth, Thranduil!" She hissed back and struggled with her robe, "He is too young to be left alone, we all cannot be strong and emotional mutes like you!"

"That is it!" Thranduil growled and ripped himself out of bed grabbing his robe roughly and storming towards the door. Lairiel quickly jumped In front of him;

"Do not dare go near him in that temper, it is not his fault!" She warned, her finger jabbing into his chest.

"I am not that uncontrolled," Thranduil hissed, "I am going to fix the problem I created, he is obviously upset, now let me be an Adar, how can I get to know him if you never let me fix things?"

This set Lairiel back on her heels and she nodded numbly, stepping aside for her husband; "I did not know you felt that way?" she whispered. Another tirade of high pitched wails ended the exchange and Thranduil pushed passed his slightly stunned wife.

"Legolas, this level of noise is unacceptable!" Thranduil spoke evenly as he entered his son's room, "You are going to wake the whole Kingdom up."

The elfling who was in the middle of his bed cuddling a pillow, lifted his tear stained face and frowned at his Ada, he had not been expecting this parent. The little one let out several sobs and his anguished eyes moved even Thranduil; "I-I-I w-want to g-g-o with y-you!" Legolas managed between tears and outstretched his little arms to his Adar, "I do not like this!" The elfling cried when his Adar did not initially respond.

"Now stop the tears, I cannot understand a word you are saying child," Thranduil soothed, in his own gruff way as he sat down on the bed beside his son. Legolas wasted no time in scrambling into his lap and burying his little face in his Adar's chest. "What is it, it is okay I will not shout?" Thranduil questioned softly, aware that his brash entrance may not have been the comforting approach the little one needed.

*It is dark," The elfling muttered and looked up at his Ada, trying to make him understand the fear he felt at his new situation.

Thranduil regarded the room for a moment and nodded in agreement; "Tis very dark, but I can fix that."

"How?" Legolas questioned, curiousity lighting his young eyes, it had not escaped the elfling that the fire was dying embers in the corner of the room and none of the candles were lit.

"Magic," Thranduil answered, a hint of excitement in his voice as he rose from the bed and let his son slid to the ground beside him. Legolas dutifully held to the hem of his Adar's robe and followed him to the hearth. Thranduil absently picked through a few of the cooling embers, until he found one that was still seemed to have a slight glow of life to it.

"Fetch Ada that candle," Thranduil asked and gestured to a candle sitting on a low table, Legolas eagerly oblighed and brought the candle back, pushing it into his Ada's hands and watching with rapt attention. Thranduil knelt down on the ground beside his son and held out the candle.

"I will need your help with this, are you brave enough?" he asked and smiled when Legolas' little head bouned so fast it nearly appeared to come off his shoulders. "Good, now hold this candle with him and I want you to concentrate very hard and believe that the wick will light."

The elfling gripped the candle at the base and focused all his attention on the wick of the candle, his brows knit together in concentration as he alternated between watching his Adar and the candle. Thranduil gently held the coal in his hand, it's warmth all but gone, as it slowly disintergrated in his palm. Legolas watched with wonderment as his Adar's eyes hazed over for a moment and he whispered strange words to the dust in his hand. Slowly Thranduil opened up his palm and too the elfling's wonderment little specks of dust began to glow. His Adar leant close to the candle and tipped his palm toward the wick so a few specks fell there. With a few more gentle words, Thranduil blew into the candle and, like magic, the wick caught and candle began to burn brightly. Legolas gasped in shock and stared in awe at his Adar, who smiled mysteriously and stood up turning his attention to the fire place. With a gentle breath he blew the last of the speckles on the fire and one by one the coals began to burn again, their light casting a warming glow over the room.

"See it is not so dark now," Thranduil gestured to the room then chuckled when his son crashed into him, without hesitation he picked him up and rested him againist his hip.

"Ada you are magic!" Legolas exclaimed his little eyes still wide and filled with enchantment, as Thranduil retrieved the candle and began lighting a few more, so as to further brighten the space.

"Only a little," Thranduil answered softly and carefully placed his child back on the bed and made to pull the coverings around him. Legolas quickly gripped the sleeves of his Adar's robe, his features filling with worry again.

"No, stay with me," the elfling protested, his little fists gripping tightly to the garment.

"Ai! Legolas!" Thranduil sighed and felt the penetrating stare of his son's emotive eye's manipulate him, in the same way his Naneth's did. "Only until you go to sleep, Ada needs his rest to you know."

Unconcerned with his Adar's plight the elfling grinned and shuffled across the narrow bed to allow is Ada space to lie beside him. Thranduil obliged and groaned aloud when he realised there was no way his tall frame would fit in this small bed, his feet already sticking out a decent length. The King wriggled about in an attempt to find a comfortable position, the comical squirming causing Legolas to roar with laughter. Thranduil huffed and rolled unto his side, resting head on his arm and eyeing his son with playful irritation;

"Oh so you think this is funny?" Thranduil chuckled at the infectious giggling of his elfling, Legolas nodded and rested his head in the crook of his Adar's elbow, still pawing the soft material of his Adar's olive coloured robe. The child pulled the material up over his head and pretended to hide from his Ada's accusing glare, to which Thranduil laughed softly and pulled the material back from his head; "I can still see you, laughing at me under there."

"Tell me a story," Legolas chirped, quickly changing the subject, as he nuzzled closer to the comforting warmth of his Adar.

"I do not know any stories," Thranduil panicked, he was utterly useless at this imagination skill and he quickly tried to recall the stories he had overheard Lairiel tell their son.

Legolas completely disbelieving of this fact, sat up and gave his Adar a disgruntled look, how could someone not know any stories? Thranduil rolled unto his back as the elfling decided to use his chest as his new pillow and glare at him with impatient eyes; "What about the stories of the stars?" Legolas interrogated.

Thranduil blinked and pursed his lips in thought, maybe a history lesson would put his son to sleep and the King attempted to begin the long, dull story of how the world came to be. After only a few minutes, Legolas had lost interest and began playing with his Ada's hair.

"You are not listening to me?" Thranduil asked in shock, for no-one had ever dared to not listen to him.

"Your story is boring," Legolas muttered.

"Well how would you tell it any better? Oh wise story teller," Thranduil added sarcastically and gave his son a daring look. To this Legolas just rolled his eyes and sat back on the bed musing over his best answer;

"It should be more fun," Legolas responded and rolled back into the crook of his Adar's arm, "Maybe with dragons?"

"Dragons, yes of course, silly me we need evil dragons." Thranduil muttered.

"No!" Legolas protested, "A good dragon, that wants to help everyone."

"But dragons are not good Legolas?" The King asked, concerned what stories Lairiel had been filling his head with, "And what has this got to do with what I was telling you."

"So? It is my story, and I want a story about a good dragon that helps people!" Legolas pouted.

"Right, well since I know nothing of good dragons, why don't you tell me this story because I do not believe in such things," Thranduil was at a loss now, there was no way he could match his son's imagination.

"Then you're silly Ada," the elfling commented and launched into a very entertaining and completely illogical history of dragons, as understood by Legolas.

Thranduil was fascinated by his son's mind and was completely captivated by these good dragons, amused at how they appeared to represent the people in his life. He even got carried away with the ridiculous plotline, asking questions and adding his own characters to the mix, delighting Legolas to no end. The discussion seemed to last hours and the King was just as keen to put off the inevitable ending as much as his son. He was learning so much about his son's personality, the child was not like him, he seen the positivity in everything and sought out the good in things, Thranduil silently prayed Legolas would not lose this innocent and compassionate view of the world. His son would be better than him, and that filled the King with intense pride and gratitude for his little blessing. Alas sleep could not be kept away and both Father and son finally succumbed to their weariness; Legolas blissfully wrapped in the long sleeves of his Adar's robes and Thranduil sprawled happily on the small bed frame.

It was early dawn when the King noted he and his son were not alone in the room, and regrettable he opened one eye to regard the intruder. Lairiel stood hands on hips regarding the most adorable and comical sights she had ever had the pleasure of witnessing. Her husband, much too large for their infant's bed, took up every last inch of space and it still was not enough, her little one now using his Adar's chest and torso as his new mattress, draped Thranduil's robes for warmth. Both looked so peaceful and content that she had not the heart to wake them, but she felt her husband stir and she laughed softly.

"Sshh," Thranduil scolded quietly as he observed his son's still sleeping form and gently but with much difficulty eased out of his robe, wrapping Legolas in it and laying him back on the bed. The elfling sighed softly and buried his face in the garment breathing in its scent. Thranduil crouched over the bed and cradled his son's face his hand, marvelling over the bond he shared with his boy and coming to the realisation that there was nothing in all of Arda more important than him, not even the responsibility of King could match the role of a Father.

"You were right Lairiel, there is nothing worth missing this," he whispered to his wife, as she came to his side and wrapped her arms around him.

"He has a way of capturing your heart hasn't he?" she grinned, "I am sorry if I ever made you feel insignificant as a parent Thranduil, sometimes I feel I just know best because I am with him more, but he needs you too." With this Lairiel placed a kiss on her husband's cheek.

"I just hope I can be everything he needs, he deserves so much more," Thranduil worried, he knew finding the time and the energy for Legolas was going to be hard.

"You are a good Adar, my love, stop fretting about him! All he needs is your attention and love, and he will be happy," Lairiel soothed and smiled encouragingly.

"He will always have that," Thranduil murmured and bent down to kiss his son's crown…

...

Thranduil felt tears sting his eyes and he quickly brushed them aside, smiling sadly at the cloth in his hand, this was the scrap of his robe. Legolas had not been able to sleep without it since that night and so the King had sacrificed it, having it turned into a comforter for his young son. It was incredibly touching that his son still kept such a rag, proving to the King how lucky he was to have his children return such love.

He missed his son dearly and the memory only served as a cruel reminder that he could not protect him anymore. Though he was beyond proud of Legolas, his compassionate soul still burned strong, and even though it was foreign to the King to care so deeply about other races, it was something that came easily to his son. Legolas had remained the better elf, showing his Adar up again and remaining reminiscent of the elven nobles of old.

Setting the leather folder aside, along with the cloth and materials, Thranduil dropped his head in his hands and mourned his son. Though his fate was not set in stone, the King knew what it was like to stand before the black gates and look upon certain death. Few could survive such an ordeal, it was nothing short of a miracle that he had done so, but to actually go into the heart of Mordor to destroy the weapon of the enemy, well that was a doomed mission from the beginning.

Unable to dwell on the thoughts any longer, Thranduil rose from his seat and went to get some air to clear his mind. He had to remain strong for Legolas, he had to believe his son could survive this, if not for himself then for Ellenya and his people.

xXx

"Come and get it pretty little Princess," Tauriel goaded, the elven captain stood with Ellenya's sword in her hand and cocked her head to the side, observing the Princess as she staggered back to her feet.

The two were engaged in a feisty training session, neither of them taking it easy on each other. It was overseen by Arystor, who was having a minor stroke every time the captain achieved victory, Thranduil would have her head if his daughter was maimed in anyway, but then again Ellenya was just as much to blame for this. Elladan was there also, attempting to distract the paranoid advisor with tactical discussions and maps. The young elf lord was in no way concerned for his wife, Ellenya deserved all she got for insisting she trained with the head of the Woodland guard. He also secretly hoped Ellenya would win; there was nothing that brought him more pride than his wife's incredible abilities.

Ellenya lowered into a low crouch and began circling Tauriel, who did the same never turning her back on the Princess. Tauriel noted how her opponent slinked like a mountain cat, stalking her prey and her aura so threatening yet alluring, it was hard not to be mesmerized by Ellenya's presence when she engaged in close range combat. However Tauriel had fought much larger and terrifying things than the Woodland princess and was not so easily unnerved.

"You will not win with your wild cat charms Ellenya, they do not work on me!" Tauriel warned, but Ellenya caught the uncertainty in her voice.

"Mmm, you are unsure?" Ellenya purred and tilted her head to the side assessing the captian's fae, "So you should be," she smirked, and with that she launched at Tauriel.

The captain just about parried the attack; Ellenya's speed was impressive as they engaged in several complex and acrobatic blows and tumbles. Tauriel believed she had succeeded, when she pinned the Princess below her with her knee on her chest and retrieved her sword again, the captain stood up and smirked towards Elladan and Arystor; "Call it, my point!"

However Ellenya was not quite defeated yet and kicked the captain's legs from beneath her, back arching off the ground as she came to her feet, nabbing her sword back and pining Tauriel below her, blade pointed at her chest;

"Meow," Ellenya mimicked, enjoying the earlier comparison to a wild cat, Tauriel eyes wide with shock at the fall, shoved hard against the Princess but to no avail.

"Ellenya!" Arystor's irritated voice broke the weighted tension and the Princess flickered her gaze to the advisor and laughed playfully, "Less of the drama, it is not proper."

"But do I get the point?" She asked whist Tauriel squirmed uselessly under her.

"Get off me!" Tauriel hissed.

"No!" Ellenya answered petulantly, "I do not trust you to take my sword again, you can stay there until the winner is determined."

"Stop playing Ellenya, take this seriously," Elladan sighed and returned his attention to the map in his hand. The irritation in his voice brought the Princess up short and she glared at her husband, she was not used to him telling her off. "Do not give me that look, orcs are not interested in playing mind games Ellenya, you would be dead by now if you fought like that!"

Ellenya pouted, unhappy with Elladan's assessment of her skills and was just about to open her mouth to protest, when Tauriel seized her chance and thrust the heel of palm into the Princess's chin. The elleth flew backwards, gripping her nose and mouth in her hands and spewing out a tirade of expletives. Elladan shook his head and cast the map aside, whilst Arystor glared daggers at the other elleth.

"Right, playtime is over! Tauriel I would suggest you go into hiding, the King will be less than impressed when he sees this mess," Arystor roared and Tauriel rolled her eyes, Ellenya had it coming, it was only a bit of roughness.

Elladan knelt over his wife and pulled her up to a sitting position, peeling her hand away from her mouth and nose, and sighed at the emergence of a split lip;

"Relax Arystor, it is only a minor cut, I have roughed Ellenya up worse than this," he snorted with laugher at the disgruntled look his wife gave him. The horrified and repulsed glances he received from the advisor made him roar even louder; "get your mind out of the gutter Arystor, I was simply referring to the time I mistook Ellenya as an intruder in my Grandfather's stables and punched her in the face!"

"He did," Ellenya answered, rather nasally, as she pinched the bridge of her nose, "I had a black eye for a fortnight, tis fine though, I got him back."

"Yes you did," Elladan replied knowingly and pressed his thumb against the bleeding lip, making her wince.

"Nevertheless this is over," Arystor huffed, feeling slightly uncomfortable, "before someone really gets injured."

Elladan nodded in agreement and turned his attention back to the injured lip, already beginning to swell, "Come on, let me fix that." He hoisted Ellenya to her feet and walked with her in the direction of the kitchens, rolling his eyes when she made threatening gestures to Tauriel, who simply laughed in response.

The walk to the kitchens was entertaining, as Elladan made remarks over enjoying the relative silence of his wife. Ellenya glared periodically at him, whilst she held her sleeve to her mouth, catching the blood. Internally debating whether to make him sleep on the settle tonight or not, she had not quite forgiven him for his irritation with her. Once within the kitchens he settled her against a table and disappeared, only to return with two jugs of water, one warm and one cold. He poured the icy water into glass and gestured for her to hold it against her lips, Ellenya obliged.

She watched as he poured the warmer water into a bowl and muttered; "I guess I am lucky to love a healer's son?"

Elladan smirked and grasped her chin in his hand to look more closely at the deep wound; "Well you are accident prone Ellenya, so yes I guess it is an advantage. Lucky for you I actually paid attention to my Adar's lessons."

"Do you like this?" Ellenya asked softly.

"What? healing?" Elladan asked as he dipped a clean cloth in the warm water and Ellenya nodded, "I would not call this healing, but yes I suppose I do."

"Why do you not become a healer instead?" she asked innocently and then groaned when the warm water stung on contact with her lip.

"Because there is a war to fight and right now my skills with a blade are more in demand," he replied and smiled sadly, "Does it hurt?"

"Not really," Ellenya muttered, "I have had worse."

Elladan chuckled and placed his hands on either side of Ellenya's face, his grey eyes commanding her complete attention. She felt his spirit embrace hers and search out her hurt, Ellenya knew some healing magic and knew what he was doing but it still felt incredible when there was an exchange of power in elven spirits. When he released her, she touched her lip and grinned, the wound was sealed and there was barely any evidence to suggest of its existence. "Now that is what I call healing," Elladan whispered and dropped his hands.

"Thank you," Ellenya murmured and slid off the table taking his hand in hers and pulling him towards the door, deciding he was forgiven entirely for his earlier behaviour. The two walked hand in hand along the corridors, chatting happily with each other;

"Has your Adar come out of his room yet?" Elladan dared to ask, since the King's return from his patrol he had been locked up in his chambers and Elrohir had been sketchy on the details of the night's events. Elladan reckoned whatever had happened had been significant and because he would be the first to crack and tell Ellenya everything, he was no longer privy to such information.

"Not that I am aware of, I would not concern yourself with him Elladan, that behaviour is typical of Ada. He will come out of hiding when he is ready, probably with a new plan of action," Ellenya replied with disinterest, as of yet she had no reason to question Thranduil's behaviour.

"Any word from Imladris yet?" Ellenya asked dubiously, it was not that she wanted an answer, but she was under no illusion that Elladan's time here was coming to a close and she could feel it.

"No not yet," Elladan replied happily, "We are safe for some time yet."

Ellenya nodded her features flooding with relief, still her heart ached at the thought, and it baffled her how Elladan refused to acknowledge the impending separation; "I will come with you, if you asked me to?" Ellenya quietly added.

"Ellenya we will cross that bridge when we come to it, until then let us just enjoy this time!" Elladan replied, his cheery voice, straining slightly. Ellenya nodded and smiled brightly, resolving to be happy for him.

"You know I can think of one way to enjoy ourselves," Ellenya smirked seductively and placed a teasing kiss on his lips. Elladan grinned in response and went to return the kiss, but Ellenya dodged out of the way and danced several steps in front of him, leaving him abit dazed;

"When you're ready my lord, come and get it?" Ellenya purred and with an alluring look skipped into darkness of the corridors, her teasing laughter filtering back to Elladan. The ellon had to admit he did enjoy the chase and he quickly followed after her in pursuit.

Ellenya raced out into the gardens, occasionally looking behind her to check if she was still being pursued. She laughed breathlessly and slowed to a stop when she noted the familiar figure of her Adar in the distance, his presence indefinitely putting an end to her little game with her husband. Not that she minded she had not seen her Ada in a day and she was happy to see him out engaging with the world.

"Ada," she called and waved her arms and began strolling towards him, as she approached she noted he was not alone and by his side Elrohir stood. She smiled brightly and hurried towards them, though it was not until she was on them did she register the anguished look on her Adar's face, and the saddened expression on Elrohir's.

"What is it?" Ellenya heard herself ask in a less than impressed voice, when her Adar did not respond immediately she glared at Elrohir; "Patience is not one of my virtue's, would someone care to elaborate?"

"I am sorry Ellenya," Elrohir began and lowered his gaze, "but Elladan and I, we need to-"

"You need to leave now; Lord Elrond has summoned your return?" She questioned aware her voice was growing colder.

"Someone call a family meeting without my consent?" Elladan laughed as he jogged into view and tried to hide his disappointment at the inevitable end to his chase.

"Elladan!" Elrohir shook his head and shoved a piece of parchment into his twin's hand. Elladan eyed it suspiciously and looked to Ellenya who looked as if her world was shattering, he did not have to read the note to know what it said. He handed the paper back to Elrohir and took Ellenya in his arms, she rested her head sullenly on his shoulder.

"When?" Elladan asked, his voice rough.

"As soon as we can, events have changed, Ada needs us to be ready for war," Elrohir replied and let a sorrowful gaze land on Ellenya. "We should leave at first light."

"At dawn, but it is nightfall already," Ellenya cried and shot Elladan a pleading look, she was not ready for this separation, not yet. "Elladan please, a few days, a few days will not change anything."

"Hush, stop it, you're making this worse," Elladan warned and crushed Ellenya against him, "We knew this would happen, that was part of the bargain."

Ellenya struggled away from him and threw her Adar a pleading glance; "Ada, tell them a few days will not make a difference, tell them you just cannot go running off into Mirkwood without proper preparation! Ada tell them?"

Thranduil reeled back from his daughter's emotional onslaught, he knew this would happen, he knew it from the moment Elladan had turned up in the Kingdom. "Ellenya it is his duty he has to go," he attempted to soothe.

"Then I will go too," Ellenya concluded.

"No, Ellenya! This is not a social visit to my home, this will end in war. You need to stay here with your Adar, with your people, you need to stay safe for me," Elladan argued and shot Thranduil a pleading look.

"It will end in war regardless; I am no more safer here!" Ellenya roared, "You promised to help me figure out my dreams, you vowed your Adar would aid me! Now I am asking you to let me go with you?"

"This is ridiculous," Elladan growled, he knew Ellenya, she would not be satisfied to stay in Imladris, she was determined to fight in whatever battle came first. Though she was right, she was no safer in her home, "Your Adar will not agree to this?"

"Yes I do," Thranduil answered softly, "Ellenya can go with you if she feels it a wise decision."

"Ada?" Ellenya questioned, uncertain she was really hearing correctly.

"You need to find the answers to your dreams; you will not find them here. Perhaps Lord Elrond can assist you?" Thranduil offered, but the sadness in his eyes was heart breaking and he did not try and hide his pain at the thought; "Elladan it is fine, she can go with you, just do not let her go for a minute or so help me the lines of Mordor will be the least of your concerns!"

Ellenya left her stunned husband's side and came to stand facing her Adar and vowed; "I promise I will get you the help you need, I will come back with aid I swear it!"

"Just come back," Thranduil answered softly, the tears rolling down his cheeks; he reverently hoped that Lairiel was right about this for his heart could not take much more abuse. With that said he embraced her warmly and after, much to everyone's shock, he embraced Elladan, "You too, child, come back to us."

The King also clasped Elrohir's shoulder and added knowingly, "Only the Valar know what is ahead of you both, but it is not a path I would wish to tread again. I will send out a scout party as far as is possible, to make sure the route out of the wood is clear, after that you are at the mercy of the wilderness." Thranduil quickly left under the pretense of making preparations for their farewell, but Ellenya knew it was to grieve and she hurt for him.

Elladan turned seriously to his wife; "Are you sure about this?"

"Yes, I am certain, I know I am meant to go with you," she soothed and then added seriously, "It is not just about you or us is it though? I need answers and my people need aid, I have to leave."

"And here I was thinking you could not bear to be parted from me, how disillusioned am I?" Elladan sighed and tucked a strand of her blonde hair behind her ears.

"Do not flatter yourself my love, you should know I always have another agenda," Ellenya laughed, but kissed him anyway, just so he knew he was partly the reason for her emotional outburst. If she could prolong the inevitable separation then she would not complain.

"Sorry to interrupt," Elrohir muttered, "but we have some work to do if we wish to leave at dawn."

The three elves nodded in agreement and quickly made for the stables to ready their animals. Ellenya pulled back for a moment and stared after the path her Adar had taken, she was amazed at his understanding of the matter and had been convinced he would be set against it from the start. The princess could not quite understand her Adar's reaction but whatever brought it on, she was eternally thankful for it.