Bit of a filler chapter, not much happens here. Hope you still like it though.
"I should get back to my children." Bard said.
Thranduil frowned but nodded. "Have a safe journey."
They shared a quick kiss before Bard left the forest.
"It has been a long time since I have seen you smile in such a way."
Thranduil turned to see Celeborn walking up.
"I have not felt this way in a long time." Thranduil replied.
"It is rare for Elves to find love again. Will you be prepared to lose it again?"
Thranduil bristled, "It will be hard, but I will have his children and I will have Legolas. I have learned that family can help heal many wounds."
Celeborn nodded.
The group decided to return to the palace so that everyone could welcome their King back. Thranduil was surprised at his warm welcome. He expected glares for bringing the Black Snow, but he only received warm welcomes and expressions of gratitude.
"You are back Ada, they do not care about your powers." Legolas smiled.
Thranduil was still speechless as he was led to his chambers. Legolas sat his father down at a table while the others settled themselves around him.
"Thranduil, we would like to know more about your powers." Galadriel said.
"Oh? May I ask why?"
"No one knew about your powers. It would seem you have had them since you were a child seeing as you produced the Crystal Snow. Why did you stop using them?"
"I accidently hurt my mother. My father forbade me to use them. I grew to fear my powers, which is why they were so volatile. I lose control of my powers when I lose control of my emotions."
Celeborn nodded, "Did anyone else know?"
Thranduil shook his head, "Only my parents. They made sure no one found out."
"Can you do anything other than control ice and snow?" Legolas asked.
"It depends on the season. I can create food and trees in the summer, make flowers bloom in the spring. Other than this Solstice, my powers would change when the moon is at its highest point on the night of The Changing of the Seasons."
"What was different about this Solstice?" Elrond asked.
"I do not know. I produced ice when I shouldn't have been able to."
"Perhaps they were acting out because they haven't been used. Your power was trying to break free." Celeborn suggested.
"Indeed." Galadriel nodded.
"Do you think that the Greenwood will heal now that you will use your powers?" Legolas asked.
Thranduil smiled, "Most assuredly. I will make it my top priority to exterminate all of the spiders and return our home to its former glory."
Legolas nodded.
Thranduil turned to the others, "I will make one thing clear. I will not be called upon to help you win battles. If you have need of my army, you can send for aid. I will not allow to you use me as some kind of weapon for you to use at your leisure. Am I clear?"
The three leaders nodded.
"Good. Now, I believe you all have kingdoms to return to."
"Even when your heart has been warmed, you are still so cold." Celeborn deadpanned.
"I have a reputation to uphold." Thranduil smirked.
He stood and the two royals escorted the others to the entrance. Their parties were already waiting for them, set up and ready. "We shall see you next Change of Season." Elrond said.
Thranduil nodded.
"Safe travels home" Legolas said.
The three leaders nodded and left.
Instead of returning inside, Thranduil looped his arm with Legolas' and began walking through the forest.
"What are we doing Ada?" Legolas asked.
"We are walking. It has been quite some time since I have just walked." Thranduil said.
They walked in silence for a while. Legolas noticed that the forest was healing, the oppressive atmosphere evaporating with every crystal snowflake.
"You are happier" Legolas observed.
"I am" Thranduil replied.
"It is because of that man isn't it."
Thranduil stopped and turned to his son. "If it is?"
Legolas smiled, "I am happy for you Ada. He seems to be a good man, an honorable one."
Thranduil nodded, "He is. He asked to court me, do you approve?"
Legolas was quiet. "He is human Ada, I hope you know that you will lose him eventually."
Thranduil frowned, "I know of his mortality. It only means that I have to cherish every moment I am allowed with him."
"What of when he dies, will you fall into darkness again?"
Thranduil smiled, "No, I will not let my fear and grief overcome me again."
Legolas nodded, "I approve of your choice Ada. I shall welcome him into our family."
Thranduil chuckled, "You haven't even met him yet Legolas."
"As long as he makes you happy."
Thranduil smiled, "What about you Legolas?"
Legolas gave his father a curious look, "What about me?"
"The Ranger. You two seem quite close."
Legolas blushed, "We are only friends Ada."
"Of course" Thranduil smirked. "But if there is something there, let him know that he needs my permission before he has any thoughts of courting you."
Legolas smiled and leaned on his father. They continued their walk until Tauriel came to retrieve them.
(Spring)(Summer)(Fall)(Winter)
Bard returned to Lake-town later that afternoon. When he got home he was accosted by his children, all asking questions at a rapid speed.
"Okay, hold on." Bard laughed. "Let me at least settle before you interrogate me." He pushed through his children and sat down at the table. His children immediately took seats around him.
"Where is Thran?" Tilda asked.
"He is back home." Bard replied.
"Home? Is he alright?" Sigrid asked.
"Indeed. Apparently, Thran was born with a powerful magic. It got out of control which is why he ran away. A pack of Orcs came and captured him, they took him back home so that they could kill him. I went to save him."
"Why would Orcs want to kill him?" Bain asked.
Bard smiled, "It turns out his full name is Thranduil. He's the King of Mirkwood."
The children were shocked, "King?" Bain gasped.
Bard nodded.
"But we had him doing chores!" Sigrid exclaimed.
"Is he okay?" Tilda asked.
"He is fine. He has returned to his Kingdom."
"That's good. Did you ask him? I know he's a king, but he seemed to like you." Sigrid said.
Bard chuckled, "I asked him and he accepted. I do have to get through his son, but I don't think I will have a lot of obstacles. Are you okay with this?"
His children smiled, "Of course Da." Bain said.
"Will we have to call him Your Highness?" Tilda asked.
"When we are in public." Bard said.
"When are you going to return? You are courting now, you can't just leave it for a while." Sigrid said.
"I will return in a few days. I don't know what this will be like. It will be new for everyone." Bard said.
"Does this mean that I will be a princess?" Tilda asked.
Bard smiled, "In a way, I guess it does."
"Yay! Can we go visit him with you? I miss Thran."
"I think it will just be me for a little while dearest, just for now." Bard smiled.
Tilda pouted.