A/N: Welcome new followers! Sorry if this chapter seems a bit awkwardly phrased - it did not go through a final revision. If you see any mistakes, please let me know. Also, off-topic: Did any of you think Galadriel would offer to let Thranduil look in her mirror? I always see that in other fan fictions and wonder, in "reality," how often she would actually do that. Now, on-topic: Do you think Thranduil has earned his forgiveness yet?

62 - Establishing the Household

With Thranduil's blessing, Galion and Elluin walked to the steward's office after the conclusion of the midday meal.

"My lady, how many staff members will we be taking on?"

"As you suggested, my lord: two body servants and two clerks."

"Very good."

"Galion…"

The steward looked over his shoulder at where Elluin had paused in her step. She reached a hand out to him, and automatically, he took it through his surprise.

"Galion, thank you for supporting us. And me. Ever since I first entered service."

He was going to brush it off as simply his duty, but the elleth's glittering blue eyes were so serious that he dared not take the comment lightly. He turned to face her fully, bringing his other hand to cover the one he held.

"In all my years in the household, I daresay I have gained some insight into what people are worth," he told her. "I have seen from the beginning how you have set your heart and mind to improve the lives of others, increasing peace and efficiency in the palace, and…" He glanced around quickly to ensure they were unobserved. "And Elluin, you have brought such joy to the king that I had never dared hope for him. He is so deserving of it. As are you."

She echoed his heartfelt smile. "Thank you, Galion."

"So, my lady," he said, squeezing her hand before releasing it, "you will always have my support." He gestured for them to continue walking. "And on that note, the candidates I have selected for your staff are all very eager for the opportunity to serve the Elvenqueen."

"You will select another clerk for yourself, will you not, my lord?" Elluin asked practically. "I am sure this time of transition has been difficult for you, since your housekeeper suddenly abandoned her duties. And now, while I will try to help with the final preparations for the Summer Festival, I know my attention will also be claimed by learning the other duties of a queen and making ready for the wedding…and the related changes afterwards. And I admit I have not yet regained my full strength, so my tasks as housekeeper will suffer. Too much of the responsibility falls to you, my lord. You should employ another clerk, at least."

"I had not thought of it," Galion answered honestly.

Elluin smirked. "The king and I agreed it would make for a happier steward to have some additional hands at your disposal."

Galion nodded, satisfied. "Then I shall."

~.~.~

Cembeleg was perfectly aware of the Elf that approached the flet that served as his office, climbing the rope ladder with the ease of a seasoned warrior. But he was still startled when the Elf appeared, as it was the king's white blond hair that rose above the platform, followed by the rest of him, clothed in training leathers.

The general rose quickly and saluted, noting with some relief that the king did not appear alarmed or anything to suggest an immediate threat to the kingdom's safety. "Sire," he greeted, trying to hide his surprise. "Good afternoon."

Thranduil returned the greeting and waved for him to return to his spot on the floor in front of a large map, laying out the distribution of patrols from the latest reports. There was an uncharacteristic amount of nervousness in the king's demeanor, such as Cembeleg had rarely seen in the younger ellon.

"Some wine, sire?" he ventured casually.

"Ah, yes, thank you," Thranduil answered.

Cembeleg was silent as he poured the drinks, waiting for his king to gather himself to speak. Whatever it was seemed important enough to wait for, but not pressing enough to try prying out of him.

They had both taken a mouthful of wine, comfortably lounging against the branches of the tree that supported the flet.

"I have a favor to ask you, Cembeleg."

"Ask."

Soldiers were used to waiting. He waited, enjoying the birdsong and the gentle warmth of the summer sun filtering through the leaves.

"Cembeleg, would you take the place of my father at my wedding ceremony?"

He was certainly not used to receiving such requests as that! The general's gaze snapped to the Elf he had been training since childhood. There was the same hopeful look in his pale blue eyes as when he first asked to be trained with the sword as an Elfling—the same somber awareness that Cembeleg's answer could impact the course of his life from that point forward. The old ellon wondered fleetingly if Thranduil would jump up and down and whoop for joy like he did last time, if he gave him a positive answer now. The thought brought a smile to his face, and a bit of moisture to his eyes that he did not bother to conceal.

"It would be my honor." His rough face softened into a smile that Thranduil soon echoed, relief coloring the younger ellon's features as they clasped forearms to seal the pledge.

After a moment more of appreciation expressed wordlessly, they returned to their wine. Once their goblets were nearly empty, Cembeleg dared to break the silence again.

"Sire, I wonder if you would allow my wife, Lairien, to give a blessing on behalf of the Silvan clan her father once ruled. I am sure the other clan leaders would be happy to do the same."

Thranduil's gaze shifted to the canopy as he considered. "We mean to wed this autumn, Cembeleg. We are very intentionally ignoring tradition honored across all of Elvendom. Would the Silvan leaders not disapprove?"

"They value their king and his happiness more than tradition. Elluin has gained the love of many. And, sire…" Cembeleg seemed to disapprove of being the one to share the information but thought it important enough to do so. "If the rumors are true, the affection between you and Elluin has been obvious to most of the Silvans for nearly a year already."

"We did declare our love to each other last autumn." Thranduil's gaze dropped to the floor. "She has been more constant than I during that time."

Cembeleg was still uncomfortable with the sentimental nature of the talk but, especially now that he was asked to take his father's place at the wedding ceremony, determined to see it through. "Your love has not wavered — merely how you decided to manifest it."

The king nodded in reluctant agreement. "Then she is more wise."

"At times, that has certainly been true," Cembeleg conceded unabashedly. "And that will remain the case for the rest of your lives, if my own experience in marriage has any merit."

That drew a weak smile from the younger ellon. "I shall remember it."

"See that you do," the general said, suddenly serious. "You know, had Elu Thingol heeded his wife's words more carefully, much sorrow would have been prevented."

Thranduil contemplated that statement for a while.

"Perhaps I should expand my council."

Cembeleg's brows furrowed, letting the abrupt change in subject settle.

"As you said, Cembeleg, Thingol did not accept advice. Perhaps more advisors would help Greenwood prevent a similar fate as the Sindar kingdom. Elluin is wise, but she is no Maia, and she is young."

Cembeleg bit back a retort blaming the Dwarves for Doriath's demise, recognizing reluctantly that there were other factors at play, as well. He turned to Thranduil to voice an agreement.

"What about Lairien," the king asked, "and the other leaders among the Silvan clans?"

"There were reasons why they turned over the rulership of the realm to your father."

"Joining the council would not interfere with those reasons. I would retain the kingship."

Cembeleg hesitated, taking his time to mull over the implications. "I feel it is an idea worth pursuing. But I also feel it is not my place to recommend it. I am a general, not a politician."

"To me, you are more than just a general, Cembeleg." Thranduil stood then, matters concluded, and clapped a fond hand on his companion's shoulder. "Thank you."

Cembeleg rose and bowed deeply. It was unusual for him not to salute the king, and he hoped to express with this gesture his appreciation for the recognition. They parted with the due pleasantries and Cembeleg was left staring at the empty space the younger ellon had vacated, his mind completely gone from the map that still awaited him on the floor.

He was to take Oropher's place in the wedding ceremony. This was no small thing. He had much to coordinate with his wife, the Silvan leaders, and Galion. But as he thought through everything else that would occur on that day, an uncomfortable thought entered his mind—another duty presenting itself.

He released a long-suffering sigh and looked up into the trees. "Valar, I never wished for children. Yet here I am." He rubbed his face tiredly and called for a messenger.

~.~.~

Elluin sank, exhausted, into an armchair in Thranduil's receiving room that evening. He walked over quickly to hand her a goblet of water.

"You have overtaxed yourself," he said with concern, casting a dark look at the door. "Galion should not have kept you so long."

"I am well enough," she said, though she drank gratefully and laid her head back against the chair. "We saw to many matters. In fact, the new staff would like to greet you."

Thranduil frowned. "More audiences? My heart—"

"I will not move," she countered. "I realize that you wish to keep some level of formality but, honestly, I would rather start off with them seeing me in a moment of weakness, so that we would all be more comfortable with it if it happens again."

The king crossed his arms.

"Thranduil, hasn't it been easier for you when you've let your staff see you vulnerable?" Elluin looked up at him with curiosity.

"But it is not only your vulnerability they will witness now," he admitted, pursing his lips. "It was my failure that brought you to this state."

"A day full of unfamiliar business of state would tire anyone, would it not?" As if to prove the point, she stifled a yawn.

Thranduil studied her for a moment. "You clearly wish to have this matter concluded today, it seems."

"In truth, I do," she told him seriously. "It is my first act in preparation for life as queen. I wish it to be done well."

Understanding hit Thranduil like a wave of cold water. "You do not wish to delay it, in case I should change my mind…"

"No, that's not—"

He raised a hand to stop her. If he had to sacrifice some of his reputation for the sake of Elluin's trust, he would do so readily. "My lady, you will remain in that chair," he commanded, conceding. "In fact, I would prefer if you sleep in this chamber tonight. It would give your new maidservants a chance to familiarize themselves with the space, in any case. I will go to the barracks."

Elluin's jaw dropped. "I will not oust the king from his room," she said indignantly. Then she added more quietly, "It would not feel right to sleep here without you."

He looked down at her, his gaze softening. "Very well. We will have this final audience, then we will eat, and then I will carry you back to your room in Lady Raegdis' apartments. Would that be satisfactory?"

She smiled at him. "I am sure I will be perfectly capable of walking unassisted after I've rested a while."

"Do not deprive me of the chance to hold you," he warned weightlessly, bending to kiss her tenderly.

She was just raising her hand to his cheek to deepen the kiss when there was a knock on the door. Thranduil stood, poorly disguising a scowl of annoyance at the interruption. "Enter."

Galion scuttled in. Quickly guessing what he had interrupted, the tips of his ears gained a rosy hue as he bowed. "Good evening, sire. The lady Elluin and I have selected the Elves who will serve in the new positions. I request the honor of introducing them to your pleasure."

"Carry on," he said, glancing at Elluin to ensure she did not rise.

Galion bowed again, and beckoned toward the half-open door.

"Naudeth," Thranduil said in recognition as the elleth curtsied deeply to him and to Elluin with a polite greeting. "You joined the household when Galion did, did you not?"

"I did, sire," she answered, her age apparent in her friendly hazel eyes. "And I am privileged to serve the Greenwood's first Elvenqueen as body servant, if my king approves."

"Certainly," he said quickly. After all the observations Galion had made about Naudeth during their previous conversations, Thranduil felt confident that her kindness, experience, and calming presence could only be of help to Elluin. Furthermore, she was married to one of Greenwood's tradesmen — a fisherman and an honorable ellon, if he remembered correctly. It would benefit Elluin to have someone on her staff familiar with the needs of a married elleth. At Thranduil's nod, Naudeth retreated gracefully to stand against the wall.

Galion gestured again and a much younger elleth appeared. She was immaculate, with an open and joyful face. She dipped briskly into her curtsy, though she stayed there for a polite span of time.

"This is Edlenel, sire," Galion said.

"I do not recognize you as a palace servant," Thranduil noted.

"No, my king," Edlenel answered, the words bursting forth in a musical rush. "I have been selling my clan's wares since I was young. Mostly clothes, which will be of particular use to the Elvenqueen, as I have helped many an elleth into both fine and simple gowns. And I am very good with hair, as my lady will appreciate." She stopped then, bowing her head quickly but respectfully toward Elluin before turning back to the king with an eager expression.

Thranduil mostly succeeded in keeping his face from wrinkling in amusement. This elleth was certainly one to chat. He knew from his own experience with Sulros that such a mirthful and talkative body servant could be of use, both to provide information and gossip quickly, and to distract from dismal thoughts.

"Welcome to the household," he told her, and she beamed before curtsying again and stepping aside.

"My lady has also selected two clerks," Galion continued, exchanging a nod with Elluin before gesturing again toward the door. "Orthoril has been with the household for several years now."

A petite scrap of an elleth entered, wearing the tunic and breeches of a palace runner, and bowed.

"So young?" Thranduil asked.

"She has proven her intelligence and resourcefulness," Elluin broke in from her reclined position.

Thranduil cast his betrothed an appraising look before turning back to the elleth, who was trying her best not to seem nervous. "Well, Orthoril, I cannot argue with such praise." He gave her an encouraging nod, and Orthoril smiled gratefully before bowing again.

"And this is Bronadis," Galion continued.

"Dinen's under-cook?" Thranduil asked in surprise as the elleth appeared, her apron crisp and clean where it covered her palace uniform. Bronadis curtsied somewhat awkwardly, obviously not used to audiences with the nobles she served. "Will you not miss the kitchens, Bronadis?"

"My king, I am very grateful for my time in the kitchens," she answered steadily. "I now have a deep understanding of its running. But I feel my skills are more suited to administration than roasting meats and baking bread."

"Very well," Thranduil concluded. He turned to Galion. "When will they begin?"

"As soon as the royal chambers are expanded, sire." He waved them off, and they all bowed or curtsied as they left.

"I also took the liberty of employing two additional clerks for myself, as Lady Elluin mentioned," Galion said.

"Good," said Thranduil, moving to seat himself in a chair close to Elluin's. "And you will tell me if you need additional assistance."

"I shall, sire."

Both ellyn decided to ignore the obvious untruth of that statement. Some things did not change.

"Anything else?" Thranduil asked diplomatically.

"No, sire. I shall have supper sent up forthwith."

"No need, Lord Galion," Maethon's voice broke in from the doorway. "Here it is."

~.~.~

Soronume rose to open the door hearing its quiet knock. He was surprised to find Thranduil carrying his unconscious daughter in his arms. The carpenter was about to exclaim in concern but Thranduil mouthed the words, "She fell asleep," to reassure him. So he resolved to lead the king to his daughter's borrowed chamber.

Though he tried not to, Soronume noticed how carefully Thranduil held her, taking each step to ensure he would not disturb Elluin's sleep. And when they reached the bed, he could not help but see how reluctant Thranduil was to set her down. The king ran a gentle hand briefly over her hair with such a tender look that the ice Soronume still felt against the Elvenking began to melt. Silently, they left her room, with Soronume closing the door behind them.

When they returned to the receiving room, Thranduil spoke. "Elluin was very determined to complete the task of selecting her staff today," he said, a hint of remorse in his voice. "And that, after a meeting with the council. I will endeavor to ensure that she does not overexert herself this way again."

"Good," was Soronume's simple response. He was certainly not inclined to provide the king with excuses for his poor behavior. "I would not wish to delay her return to health," he said, emphasizing the point.

Thranduil bowed his head in acknowledgment.

"I should mention," the king said after a pause, as if uncertain whether to say anything, "at the council meeting today, there were some concerns regarding the abbreviated betrothal period."

"And?" He prepared himself for disappointment.

"They were dealt with. We now have the full support of the council, and I have been assured that the Silvans will find no fault with the arrangements."

Soronume was unable to stop his eyebrows from rising. "That is good news."

Thranduil gave him a genuine smile. "Yes, it is. Good night, Soronume."

"Good night, sire."

Soronume shut the door behind the king and realized that he should perhaps start to show his soon-to-be royal son-in-law some more friendly behavior.

Then again, he enjoyed the feeling of making Thranduil squirm even the tiniest bit.

Undecided, but satisfied for now, Soronume left to join his wife in slumber.