Fluff warning
so…much…FLUFF!
Thranduil returned to Lake-town as promised. The election had already finished by the time he arrived. A woman named Hilda had been chosen to be the new mayor. The old Master and Alfrid were placed in jail cells after being thoroughly beaten. His Elves had started distributing the gold and the town was already starting to heal.
"I think it is time that we renew our trade agreements." Thranduil said.
"Of course My Lord" Hilda bowed. She led him to the Town Hall and Thranduil was impressed on how the building's interior had changed. The room was clean, the air was fresh, and everything the Master had was replaced by other decorations.
"I am impressed on how much you have changed in such little time." Thranduil said.
"Thank you My Lord, we worked hard to get rid of everything the Master had up. It was a lengthy process, but with enough hands, we got it all out."
They spent the next few hours creating a new trade agreement. Lake-town had its wealth back and so they could trade with other kingdoms as well. Soon, Lake-town would become the trading hub it was back when it was first founded.
"It was a pleasure working with you Lady Hilda" Thranduil nodded, "May our trading be as easy."
"An honor My Lord, give Bard and the children my greetings." Hilda replied.
Thranduil nodded and left with his guard.
(Spring)(Summer)(Fall)(Winter)
The Spring Festival was almost upon them. The Woodland Elves were bustling about, preparing not only for the Festival, but for the wedding of their King.
"Are you sure you want to get married on the Spring Festival?" Bard asked.
"Why not? The ceremony is a celebration as is the Spring Festival. Why not do everything at once?"
"Kill two birds with one stone" Bard chuckled.
Thranduil's lip curled, "Such a vulgar idiom."
Bard laughed at the Elvenking's look of disgust. "Come my dear, Galion said we had some choices to finalize."
The day of the Spring Festival was hectic. Bard and Thranduil were kept separated until the ceremony. Legolas greeted the Elves, Dwarves, and even Humans to the large meadow where the Festival would take place. Tauriel was in charge of getting Bard and his children ready, dressing them in their new clothes. "You look so dashing Da" Tilda admired. Bard stood in front of a floor length mirror wearing his new robes. They were dark blue with black embroidery. His pants were dark brown and new boots. He wore no crown yet, he would receive it after the wedding as would his children.
"I feel ridiculous" Bard chuckled.
"You certainly don't look it." Tauriel replied. "You look like a King"
"Thank you" Bard replied.
"We should get going" Sigrid said.
Bard nodded and with one last look in the mirror, followed his children outside.
The meadow was large and full of people. The trees were all green and ready to bloom. "I am glad to see the forest has healed." Galadriel told Thranduil.
"Yes, it is a sight I have missed very much." Thranduil replied. He wore silver robes with a crown of flower buds.
"Everything is in place my Lord." Galion said. "Everyone is here."
Thranduil nodded and took his place beneath a large tree. Gandalf the Grey stood in front, waiting for Thranduil. "I never thought I would see the day." Gandalf grinned.
Thranduil rolled his eyes, "Do not ruin my mood Mithrandir."
Gandalf nodded.
Legolas joined him as Tauriel led Bard and his children to the meadow. She left to stand next to Kili as the family moved forward. Bain led them as Tilda and Sigrid walked with their father. The children each bowed to Thranduil before taking their place on the other side of Gandalf.
Thranduil smiled and offered his hand to the man. Bard smiled and bowed before taking the outstretched hand. He stepped forward and turned to face Thranduil.
"Let us begin" Gandalf said.
The ceremony was short, the two said their vows and Gandalf announced their union. By the end, Thranduil was glowing in the bright sunlight. His smile as large as Bard's.
"You may kiss"
They shared a chaste, but perfect kiss. As soon as their lips touched, beautiful music filled Bard's ears. He opened his eyes to see that all of the trees had bloomed, including the delicate-looking pink flowers that made up Thranduil's crown.
Four elves came up holding a pillow with a crown on it. Thranduil stepped back to allow the elves through. Bard and his children knelt in front of Gandalf so that he could crown all of them.
"I present to you, King Consort Bard of the Greenwood and the new Prince and Princesses Bain, Sigrid, and Tilda" Gandalf said.
The crowd cheered, the humans more so than anyone.
"How does it feel?" Thranduil asked Bard once the Festival started.
"Amazing" Bard replied. He looked around the beautiful meadow. Elven music filled the air and people were dancing and laughing everywhere. "I feel so calm right now. Everything is perfect."
Thranduil smiled, "I'm glad. You have been very nervous lately. I am glad that you have relaxed."
Bard watched as his children danced around, happy to see them having fun. He spoke with Elrond and Bilbo before everyone settled down to eat.
"The trees are very beautiful Thranduil." Galadriel complimented.
"They are. I am glad to see them back to their original health." Thranduil replied. He waved his hand around a few times and a slight breeze started dancing around the meadow. The same music from before filled Bard's ears again. He smiled, closing his eyes and allowing the unique music to flow around him.
"Beautiful" Bard whispered.
"What's beautiful Da?" Tilda asked.
"The music."
"Music? What music?"
"The music that's playing Til, don't you hear it?" Bard looked down at his youngest.
She shook her head, "The musicians have stopped to eat. There is nothing but laughter in the air."
Bard looked around to find what Tilda said to be true. "Then, what do I hear?" He turned to Thranduil, "I think I might be going insane."
Thranduil lifted a brow, "And what pray tell, makes you think such a thing?"
"I hear music that no one else can hear. The musicians are eating and yet I can hear a song."
Thranduil's eyes widened, his mouth hung open in shock.
"Thran?" Bard asked.
"What do you hear Meleth nin?"
Bard hummed along with the song. With each note Thranduil's shock seemed to grow. When Bard stopped humming Thranduil's eyes were misty.
"Oh Bard, I do not know how it has happened but you are hearing the song of the trees. Is this the first time this has happened?"
Bard shook his head, "When we kissed was the first time. I head the most beautiful song when our lips met. When I opened my eyes, you were glowing and all of the flowers had bloomed."
Thranduil smiled, "You have been blessed Meleth nin. Somehow, with our union, my powers have spread to you."
"Do you mean that I can do what you do?" Bard asked.
"I do not think so." Thranduil looked thoughtful, "I only think your connection to my forest has increased. You can hear the trees as I can, you are connected to them as I am. I do not think you will be able to control them as I do, but they might listen to you."
Bard nodded, "I don't think I would like having your powers. No offense, but I'll stick with my bow."
Thranduil chuckled, "Tomorrow, we shall walk through the forest and see just how much you can hear."
Bard smiled, "Sounds like fun."
They are married! Yay!
Hope you liked it ^-^