Title: TH Elvenking's Visitors

Chapter 18: Complicated

Spoiler Alert: The Hobbit, LOTR (books, maps and movies)

Warnings: Language, Sexual Situations, Violence, Humor, AU (means not all canon), Angst

Pairing: Thranduil/OC

Summary: Ship - Thranduil lost his wife years ago to war. After the death of the dragon, there is a group of humans who are causing problems. One sparks Thranduil's interest.

A/N: Thank you for leaving reviews and sending me messages about this story. After reading the reviews and messages, I decided to continue with one more chapter that leads into an Elrond story that will have glimpses of Thranduil/Alyssa and Legolas/Tauriel in it. Apparently, I am concerned that everyone end up happy and tormented by the end of this fix. Yes, I seem to have left Legolas out…bad me. Ok, lets fix that. heheheee

…..

….

…

Alyssa leaned back against Thranduil as he steered his moose around some boulders. She had her earbuds back in and was listening to the violinist Lindsey Stirling's version of We Found Love. She tapped the screen of her phone and brought up where she saved the music video. Drums sounded then the uplifting violin filled her ears. She didn't notice she giggled when the tribe started chanting and a woman's lovely voice sung about finding love, shining light, and feeling a heartbeat.

Alyssa thought about how she was bonded to Thranduil causing their hearts to beat as one. Her hand lifted to her chest feeling the steady beat knowing his echoed the same rhythm. She smiled peering out into the trees knowing that most of the horror that had happened to her over the last few days had been nothing more than misunderstandings. She closed her eyes feeling the sway of the animal under her and Thranduil's arm that wrapped around her waist knowing that it had all been worth it.

And now, they would never be together forever, and knowing that Elves lived thousands of years warmed her heart. She knew it would probably take that long for her to understand everything he said without misunderstanding him; they were from two different worlds after all. She knew it was going to take work because he was the most complicated man she had ever known. Yes, she decided all over again with renewed vigor…he was worth it.

She whispered knowing he could hear and feel the words. "I love you."

Thranduil bent over letting his lips trace over the point of her ear as he felt the truth in her words radiating from her heart. "And I you."

She opened her eyes and turned her head letting her lips brush against his knowing he would take the offering. His arm tightened around her as he took control of the kiss deepening it farther than her gentle touches.

Thranduil forced himself to pull back knowing he could not let things go to far because half his army that surrounded them would start watching. He had no intention of putting his love's passion on display for the masses. She was his and his alone. He focused on her seeing that mirth danced in her eyes.

"What are you listening to?" His Elven hearing allowed him to hear the song, but he wished to watch her speak about what was making her so happy.

Alyssa offered him an earbud. "Here. Watch the vid with me. They cut out all the sad parts, so it leaves you feeling like flying. There's something about this vid that makes me feel like all is right with the world and everything's going to be OK."

Thranduil smiled back knowing he would do anything required to keep the grin on her face. "And it shall."

"Look at the kids smiling. The tribe never heard a violin till she played for them. Aren't they adorable? It must be like magic to them." When the video ended, she played it again. Thranduil was grinned and tipped his shoulders to the beat of the music when the people in the video started dancing.

…

Legolas got Tauriel's attention. "Look at him."

Tauriel watched Thranduil smiling and Alyssa practically dancing to the music as she sat in his lap. There was nothing sexual to it, just infectious joy. "I have never seen him like that. He does not even look like himself. He is truly…happy. It is as if he is enchanted by magic. Well, I guess he is. When it comes to him, she is magic."

Legolas lowered his eyes. "I am seeing old memories come to life."

Tauriel moved her mount closer so she could speak quieter. "When your mother was alive?"

"Yes." Legolas urged his horse forward. Thranduil's happiness only prompted Legolas to feel the lack of it in his own life. It was what he hoped for himself and Tauriel, but her coldness of recent only reinforced the feeling that it would never be.

Tauriel caught the pain in his eyes and followed him. "Legolas?"

"Do not speak to me. I saw you talking with him. He looked upon you the way my father watches his new Elvenqueen."

Tauriel had to work at keeping up with him. They navigated around trees moving away from the group until they came to a high cliff.

Legolas pulled his horse up short. He heard her horse was in a dead run trying to catch up. "Stop!"

Tauriel's horse broke through the trees mere inches from the edge, but she managed to guide her horse to the side. Her eyes darted over the edge knowing she could have fallen to her death.

Legolas lunged off his horse and grabbed her reins. "Calm." He chanted Elven words of comfort till her mount stilled.

Tauriel stayed where she was and internally cursed herself for her folly. She was so intent on getting to him that she missed that the terrain changed. It was a novice mistake, and she knew that he was well aware of it.

They watched one another for a time.

Tauriel thought over Legolas's words from earlier. "Of whom were you speaking?"

Legolas broke eye contact and stroked her horse's mane. "You know. Do not make me speak his name."

Tauriel nodded.

"Why?"

Tauriel tipped her head.

Legolas explained. "Why did you go to him in the dungeon and then you healed him leaving me to fight alone?"

Tauriel remembered Kili dying. "He needed me more than you did. He was dying."

"Could I not have died at the hand of the Orcs that you wished me to kill? I was there only for you."

"No. You were there because it was the right thing to do." Tauriel climbed off and stood next to him.

"No. I was there for you. I defied my king to be with you then you left me for him."

Tauriel did not have any words for him. She had no desire to explain that she had already spoken to his father about them and that he had told her not to give him hope because there was none.

Legolas watched her closely knowing she was holding something back, but he miscalculated what it was. "What is it about him that is so much more important to you than me? Why have you turned away from me?"

Tauriel knew that Alyssa had helped Thranduil and Legolas move past the barrier that had been between them since the death of the last Elvenqueen. She had no intention of being the reason why another was put in place. Instead, she thought about how there was no way that Thranduil would allow her to be bonded to his son, so she made a decision and knew it would further break her own heart.

Tauriel turned from Legolas before speaking. "He watches me as if I am the stars in the heavens." She took a deep breath and thought about Kili. "When I went to him as he died, he believed me a dream." She turned back letting herself feel the way she did as Kili's hand lifted and interlaced with hers. She rubbed the ends of her fingers where his skin touched.

Legolas stepped back from her. "Tell my father I am traveling to Rivendell. I have not the strength to endure such happiness. I do not know when I will return or if I shall. The Undying Lands have started to call to me...farewell."

Tauriel watched his back as he walked away from her. She caught a glimpse of his beautiful face contorted. This was not what she expected. She thought he would return home with his father allowing them to further mend, and that he would find comfort in another more suited to be his match. Now she knew she was driving him away and this could be their last conversation. He was leaving alone and in torment.

"Stay." Tauriel whispered into the breeze hoping the word was loud enough for him to hear and fearing it at the same time.

Legolas froze. "Why?"

Tauriel shook her head not knowing how much to say. "I believe he is nothing more than a cure for the wound that leaving you has left in my heart. It would not be fair to him for me to return his affection as it is not fair to you for me to speak of my heart's desire for you."

Legolas turned seeing he was not the only one trapped in despair. "Why would it not be fair to speak of your feelings for me?"

Tauriel thought of the Elvenking's words. "I should not give you hope where there is none. You and I can never be. You will be king, and I am just a lowly guard. Were it not so, I would pledge myself to you this very moment."

Legolas moved to her, embracing her in the warmth of his arms. "I care not about your station."

Tauriel chose her words with care. "There are others that would."

Legolas took in a deep breath welcoming the scent of Crimson Clover that always floated off of her hair. "Since when have I chosen my father over you?"

A smile threatened to form, "I know not."

The breeze around them stilled as if the forest was waiting for them to speak of the bond that was forming between them. All sound ceased, but for the sound of their breaths and beating hearts that slowly matched in unison.

Legolas drank in the sight of her eyes. "I pledge my life in bond with you my love. A sun will not rise that I do not hold you safe in my heart with love."

Tauriel forgot about all consequences seeing that he was on the verge of tears and that he meant every word. "And I pledge myself to you. No other shall ever be to me as you are. Time itself will end before my love for you."

Tauriel finally allowed herself to fully embrace him as their lips met in a delicate kiss that evolved into an aggressive search for more.

…

Alyssa was thankful for the break because it gave her a chance to get some bread she kept in her saddle bags. She took a few bites then glanced over seeing that Thranduil was sipping on some wine. She walked her horse over to him. "Think it's safe for me to drink some?"

Thranduil sat on a log and tipped his head letting his hair spill over his shoulder in the way that he knew she liked. "Probably not."

"Fine, be like that." Alyssa leaned forward bringing their lips together only to steal his wine container. She straitened and stepped back. "More for me." She giggled at seeing his surprise then wicked smile.

"My Lady?"

Alyssa turned to see Denewen. It only took a moment for her to place him. He was the guard who carried her to a bed when the wine then potion had been too much for her. She flexed her arm and glanced at his neck remembering that Thranduil had cut her arm when he swung at his neck. "Yes, I'm sorry. I um don't remember your name. Dewayne?"

"Denewen my Lady."

"Yes. I remember now. How's it going?"

"Well my Lady. Tauriel asked me to find you. She wishes to have a word with you by the lake."

"OK, I'll be right back." Alyssa nodded to Thranduil and before she could turn around he was standing between her and Denewen. "What?"

Thranduil glared at Denewen. "Yes exactly. What right does Tauriel have to ask my Elvenqueen to come to her? She should come to us. Or is that what is going on? Maybe you are the one that wishes to speak with her."

"Hey. Leave him alone. We just talked about his." Alyssa moved around him knowing they had been talking about him needing to loosen the reins and not the ones on the moose. "Tauriel is my friend. No, stay out of the way."

"I will not have you traipsing off at her beckon and with…him. It was not that long ago he was carrying you off to bed, and you professed your love for him!"

Alyssa turned red knowing that every Elf in a mile must have heard that. "It wasn't like that. I was drunk, and they gave me that potion to stop my heart from exploding because you said you didn't want me. He was taking me to rest, and I thought he was you."

"Yes, and now you drank some more wine and now you are leaving with him. And you also thought Legolas was me when…"

Alyssa put her hand over his mouth. "Just shut up. That's enough. We're out here with thousands of Elves, I haven't had any decent sleep in forever, and you're acting like a jealous teenager. On top of all that, I'm hunger. Very hungry so just stop it. You said I need to keep a guard with me, so he's a guard. One that risked his life to make sure I was alright, so that seems like a person you should trust. Besides, he was a gentleman and didn't take liberties even when I was all drunk and giggly." She removed her hand from his mouth and put it on her hip.

Thranduil knew what she said made sense. He also remembered last time she felt starved that she commanded him around and told him that it makes her bossy.

Thranduil stood up, pointed, and barked some orders of his own. "You, go kill something. You, start a fire and cook it. You, find some potatoes and herbs. And you, find more wine." Thranduil peered down at Alyssa. "You really need to stop laughing at me all the time."

Alyssa threw her arms around him then grabbed his robe pulling him down for a kiss. "I love you, OK. I'll be right back."

…

Denewen stood guard near the edge of the trees as Alyssa walked down the beach to Tauriel. "What's up?"

Tauriel glanced at the sky.

"I mean. What's going on?"

"I have a problem, and Galadriel thought you might assist me." Tauriel glanced at her hands. "I do not know how he is going to react."

"Who and to what?"

Tauriel whispered. "I'm afraid Thranduil is going to kill Legolas and I."

"Oh, don't be silly. He would never kill his son. He didn't even when he was half crazy, and he looks at you like a daughter."

Tauriel shifted her stance. "He does not want me as a daughter. That is the problem. Legolas and I are bonded."

"What?" Alyssa stepped closer not believing what she heard. "Bonded like me and Thrandy are bonded?"

Tauriel nodded.

"Oh my gawd. Wait. You said that Galadriel said I would help. How?"

"In calming him down maybe." Tauriel tried to stand still instead of pacing.

"Half the time I piss him off. What does Legolas think?"

"That we should leave."

"Leave. Yes, he will be gone for a while anyway because of the Fellow…um maybe this is how it happened all along. Thrandy banishes Legolas so he is free to do things for ummm Elrond. It would make Legolas traipsing all over Middle Earth less conspicuous." Alyssa realized she was talking out loud. "I don't think I'm fully Elf yet. The wine is getting to me. It'll be ok. I'll talk to him, just stay away for a little."

…

Alyssa and Denewen returned to the camp to hear Thranduil yelling.

Alyssa moved around the large tree that was in the way. "Now what?" She stopped at seeing Elrond with his hands on his hips.

"There you are my Lady. Are you quite alright?" Elrond walked forward.

Thranduil moved between them.

Alyssa slapped him on the shoulder. "Stop doing that."

Both men's eyebrows shot up.

"Yes, I'm fine. Everything's OK now." She remembered Tauriel and thought that wasn't exactly true. She felt Thranduil's anxiety and knew he felt her last emotion. She tipped her head at Thranduil. "I said cut that out. No feeling my emotions in public."

Thranduil put his hands behind his back and stared down his nose and everyone.

Alyssa shook her head wondering how she was ever going to get use to the whole bond thing. "I'm alright."

Elrond stayed where he was. "I was just checking. You did not arrive with the others, and they said Thranduil came for you. I wanted to make sure with my own eyes that everything was well with you. Not that I would think that Thrandul would take you away against your will."

"Thank you, and don't worry. I think we've straightened everything out. You'll probably be coming to a wedding in a month or two." Alyssa's mind returned to Tauriel again and thought hopefully it will not be a funeral.

She knew her emotions of excitement then dread were relayed to Thranduil when he cleared this throat. She ignored him.

"I would be honored my Lady." Elrond glanced over his shoulder. "And your human companions are settling in just fine. They stroll around with these little boxes flashing lights at everything. When they flash them at each other they talk of food. It is most peculiar."

"Cheese. They say cheese?" Alyssa inquired.

Elrond smiled. "Yes."

"They're taking pictures. Alright, when they leave if Gandalf finds a way to get them home, take the boxes away from them before you wipe their memories. We don't want them to come across the photos later and who knows if they have been reported missing or kidnapped. If they were then the police could find a way of getting the pics even if we delete them. Yes, it's safer to just take the boxes."

Elrond lowered his head in a kind of bow for a moment. He did not understand half of what she said other than he needed to keep the boxes. "As you wish my Lady. Before Gandalf left for the great library he said he would not take any action without checking with you first."

"Perfect. And, I don't mean to be rude, but I need to talk to Thranduil about something that's kind of important."

"Very well, I will take my leave and find something to eat." Elrond lowered his head and walked away.

Alyssa turned back to Thranduil noticing for the first time that he stood there without saying a word. "There really is something I need to talk to you about."

Thranduil peered down seeing her hands folded over her stomach. "Are you?" He placed a hand over hers.

"What?"

Thranduil glanced to their hands then back up. "With child?"

"Hu?"

"Do you carry our child inside you?"

Alyssa rubbed her hands back and forth. "I don't know. Why would you ask that?"

"Be still." Thranduil closed his eyes and concentrated. "No it appears not."

"OK, well there's plenty of time for that."

"Then what did you wish to speak to me concerning."

Alyssa tried to think up the words to use, and she came up short.

An Elf on horseback topped the hill and descended to them. He dismounted and kneeled before Thranduil. "My King. There is an envoy that wishes to speak with you."

Thranduil's words seeped with disgust. "Are they Dwarves?"

"No my King. They say they are Ainur."

Thranduil shook his head. "That is not possible." He stopped speaking and turned to look at the woman at his side. She came from another realm then transformed from a human to an elf bringing the Elvenking to his knees for the first time in his life as he begged for her hand in marriage. "How many are there?"

"Two. They are riding horses that have wings. They were flying on them then landed before us in a field about three miles to the northeast. They speak of peace, but wear armament."

"Strange tidings. Locate Elrond and have him meet us. Find Legolas and Tauriel." He turned to Alyssa. "You need armor and weapons."

"I don't know how to use a sword. A bow, but only a little. I don't know how to fight." Alyssa's heart sped up.

Thranduil put an arm around her. "I know that my gem, but you can still wear it for appearances."

"Right. How about a dagger instead of a sword?"

"Very well. I will have a female guard give you her armor, but first you must eat." Thranduil waved at Denewen who then brought over a plate of venison and potatoes.

Alyssa put her hand over her face. "That's gross. What is that?" It smelled the way she would think the carcass of a dead dog smelled like after a few days.

"Deer my Lady. I am told it is seasoned and cooked in the fashion that humans eat it. Medium rare." Denewen held it closer for her to inspect.

"I'll pass. That's as gross as the piss waterfall." She thought of the conversation she had with Tauriel when her heightened hearing make her think the horse peeing was a waterfall nearby.

Thranduil blinked and stared at her.

She reached for the plate. "I'll just eat the potatoes." She ate quickly and handed it back. "They killed a deer for me, and it's going to waste. A pretty deer died for nothing."

Thranduil could not stand the sorrow on her face, and he thought of his first Elvenqueen who was upset over the young deer caught in briars. "It will not." He nodded at Denewen. "Find a few to take it to the human caravans that travel south of here."

"Yes my King." Denewen bowed and left.

"So what are the Ainur? Gnomes?" Alyssa questioned.

"They are the Holy Ones that existed before the creation of the world."

Alyssa listened to the story about a group of them used music to create existence. He spoke of how Orome found Elves and showed them Valinore. After several minutes, Elrond joined the history lesson adding in details about his ancestor Finwe.

Alyssa waited for the end of the story to speak. "So do we really believe these envoys on Pegasus are gods?"

Elrond raised an eyebrow then grinned.

Thranduil shook his head.

Alyssa took a deep breath feeling constrained by the armor Thranduil helped her put on during his recitation. "It's going to take me a while to get use to this."

"After our return, we will have armor made to fit you. This is only temporary."

"No not this. I mean this." She waved her hand out and to the side. "It's like every day something's happening or someone is about to die. There's just a lot going on."

Thranduil clasped his hands. "Things were quite peaceful for hundreds of years before you came along."

Alyssa rolled her eyes. "Ok other than the giant spiders, necromancer, Dwarves, Orc army, and oh yes the dragon. What was his name Smog…Smaug? I can never say it right."

Elrond smiled even wider expectant of what would happen next. Thranduil was known for fits of violence whenever dragons were mentioned. He knew Thranduil would not harm Alyssa, so he continued to grin and glanced back and forth between them.

Thranduil continued to stare at her. He knew he should feel angry at the mention of his greatest foe, but he did not. Strangely, he found himself amused with her. "I love you."

Alyssa stepped closer to him taking his hand pressing it to her heart. "Love ya too." Her voice lowered. "Lets go meet the gods then go home and get naked."

Elrond had just barely heard her last words and turned to his horse. He was happy for them and for the fact that Mirkwood was no longer in threat of being shaken apart by Thranduil's bond sickness. By the time he reached his horse, the simile that had covered his entire face was gone.

He mounted and followed along at a distance. He watched Legolas and Tauriel join the group. Elrond knew without having to concentrate too hard that they were bonded. In times like these he felt like everyone had someone else to hold onto but him.

Elrond reminded himself that with relationships came drama and that he preferred peace. He watched the two enamored couples casting looks of love at each other. His brows came together knowing that he would trade some of that peace for someone who would glance at him in such a manner. He knew they would leave together and he would leave…alone.

Elrond shook his head and tried to focus on feeling happy for them. He peered around at Thranduil's army seeing that for the first time in ages they appeared content.

Elrond sat up straighter when he heard Alyssa speak his name. "I apologize. What my Lady?"

"I was asking if you think it's strange that a human turned Elf is the new queen."

"Not at all. I am a Lord and only half Elf." Elrond urged his horse closer to hers. "I have a brother who decided to follow the human path." He made sure he did not mention his brother had passed away a long time ago.

"Thanks. I guess I'm just worried about how people are going to talk. I'm sure some of them aren't going to be happy about it."

Elrond was back to smiling again. "My Lady, I am sure there is nothing to worry about. In fact, I am positive Thranduil will rid the land of them."

Alyssa gripped her reins tighter. "And by rid the land you mean…?"

Elrond glanced down at his sword then back.

Alyssa turned to Thranduil. "Would you behead people for talking bad about me?"

Thranduil glanced daggers with his eyes at Elrond. "Thank you Lord Elrond."

"Just trying to ease her fears."

Alyssa nodded a thank you at Elrond. She had no idea that Thranduil would do something like that. It made her wonder what else she had to learn about him. "I think we should talk about this."

"Lets do." Thranduil glanced again toward Elrond letting him know he was not pleased.

Elrond smiled and listened to Alyssa try to explain why he couldn't kill people for disliking her, and Thranduil kept announcing he was king and could kill who he liked. Elrond followed the remainder of the conversation believing that Alyssa was a god send. He decided she could not be more perfect for him even if the gods had picked her out.

Elrond stopped his horse. "What if they really are Ainur?"

Thranduil shook his head. "They are not."

Alyssa offered. "Yes, what if they are?"

"Both of you sound like Celeborn." Thranduil watched them seeing their determination. "If they are, then we shall know in a few minutes if we continue. At this rate, the sun will set before we get there. Do you want to meet them in the dark?"

Elrond started forward again. "Very well."

Alyssa motioned her horse to continue. "I don't think I like this."

Thranduil tipped his head. "You could always ride with me."

"I'm not meeting with possible gods riding up on your lap." Alyssa paused. "OK, that didn't sound right."

Thranduil chuckled. "Everything is alright."

Alyssa relaxed as best she could. "Yes it is."

With that, she rode close to him knowing whatever would come they would be together wrapped in a bond of love…forever.

A/N: Alright, now this is the end of this story. I plan to pick up with a new story that has hints of Thrandy/Alyssa but focus more on poor Elrond. He always seems to be the glue that keeps things together, but who is there to take care of him?