I awake to the sound of rain, gently tapping on the huge window that takes up the entire wall on my right. The curtains are drawn back, and I can see the entire forest laying out in front of the fortress. The bed next to me is cold, telling me Legolas has been up for some time. I push myself up to a sitting position, and stretch my arms. I slowly slide out of the bed and quietly glide across the floor.
"Legolas?" I knock lightly on the door.
"Yes, dear?"
"May I come in?"
I hear him rustling around and then he murmurs, "Yes of course, come in."
I carefully twist the handle and walk into the roomy parlor. The cold stone floor freezing my feet to the bone. I see him leaning over the basin, watching my reflection behind him in the mirror. He is hunched over, his eyes look weary and tired. He has a long brown towel wrapped around his waist, and his hair is visibly damp. As he pushes himself up, his lean muscles contract and relax. He turns to face me, and then I feel him pull me against his strong body. His skin is warm and smooth, his arms powerful yet gentle.
"Are you okay?" I ask.
"Yes... Just very tired, and anxious to know what Aragorn's plans to fix this are."
"I know," I sigh heavily, "me too."
I tip my face up to his and kiss him softly. He smiles lightly and then releases me from his comforting embrace.
"I'll let you get ready, and I'll get dressed and wait for you in the room." He says.
"Alright." I smile.
He begins to dress, and I step behind the thick curtain, hot water is already waiting for me in the big porcelain tub. I slip out of the gown and slide into the water. I sigh in relief. I'll finally be able to clean myself up and maybe coax some of the soreness out of my muscles.
I sit there for a few moments, breathing in the warm steam, and close my eyes, relaxing in the warm water. I finally make myself move and I wash my hair, which is slightly difficult due to all the tangles and my sore arms. I step out and quickly wrap myself in a towel identical to the one Legolas had. I glance in the mirror and then quickly look away. There are still many scratches and bruises on my body. To say the very least, I've had better looking days.
Quickly I dry myself off and throw on my best attire. I smirk a little when I see my dress is clean, and folded neatly on the counter. In the dim flickering lantern light, I see that even my boots look brand new, and before I had stepped into this kingdom they were covered in so much mud you'd hardly recognize them now. I throw on my dress and suede pants, followed by my boots and the necklace Legolas had given me a few years ago.
I scrub my hair dry with another towel and then brush it out smooth. I braid it swiftly and with ease. I've been doing it the same way for so many years, it's almost an automatic process. I barely have to think about it anymore. I take a look in the mirror again, and I smooth down my dress, and brush a light brownish powder over my eyelids, and sweep a pale green powder over the top of that. These little trays of powder happen to be sitting on the edge of the basin. The people here do know what I need. I don't know how they knew exactly what colors of makeup I would ask for... Back home I make it myself and these shades are almost exact. I wonder who told them and how said person knew. I quickly dismiss the thought, it must just be something they notice about a lot of she-elves or something.
I step out of the parlor, and see that Legolas is standing by the window. The faint sunlight illuminates him and his hair looks like silver in the light. My bootheels click softly on the floor as I pace towards him. I lean on his shoulder and he wraps his arm over my back. I take in the sight outside. Gray clouds line the sky, and cold raindrops stick to the glass, slowly collecting with each other, and then rapidly slipping down the window.
"It's beautiful here."
"It is." He replies.
"Hopefully they'll get everyone to safety. I don't think it matters if it's in Mirkwood anymore. Just as long as they're safe and away from harm."
"I agree. I just hope that everyone is okay, especially my father," his voice fills with concern, "I can't imagine life without him... I don't think I could bear it if he didn't make it."
"Hey," I look into his eyes, "It's going to be alright. Av'-osto, you are strong. The strongest being I've ever met." I embrace him, and he relaxes, his arms slowly conforming to the familiar gesture.
A soft knock comes from the door. And Aragorn enters. Legolas starts as he sees that there is someone else in the room.
"Goheno nin, hîr vuin." Aragorn looks down.
"Do not apologize, Aragorn. Gi nathlam hí, after all this is your kingdom." Legolas replies.
"Ah, yes. Well thank you, my friend. I guess I should inform you of the details."
"Please, continue. Is my father alright?"
"Well, before I say anything, I think you both should sit down." He motions to the couch in the middle of the huge room.
I furrow my brow, I hope that his news is the good kind. I don't think I can take any more negativity anymore. And on top of it, Legolas needs something positive, he's been heartbroken and depressed ever since the incident in Mirkwood. He's very attached to his father now since he was away from him for so long during the war. He wants to rebuild his relationship with Thranduil, which I agree is a wise choice. A strong trust between the two of them is good for them. I slowly lower myself into the soft cushions of the couch, and Legolas sits beside me.
"Legolas, to answer your question, your father is alright. Actually everyone in your kingdom is alright. Only a few were lost in battle to the spiders. Then I defected my troops as soon as I heard the news and they helped your people evacuate and brang them back here."
I smile and sigh in relief, clasping my hands over my mouth, my eyes brimming with tears of relief and joy. Legolas just smiles and laughs, pure joy lights up his face.
"Le channon, hîr vuin, le channon." Legolas embraces Aragorn, and I can't help but throw my arms around the both of them and smile.
We break our embrace and Aragorn speaks,
"I believe there is someone I am sure you are both eager to see," he motions to the door, "he has been awaiting your arrival for quite some time now."
The door suddenly opens and the regal king of Mirkwood himself enters, his silver robes gracefully flowing as he walks in. He raises his head and smiles the biggest smile I've ever seen as he sees us.
"Na vedui! Gi melin, ionneg!!" Thranduil cries, throwing his arms around his son.
"Ada! Gi melin, Ada. I have missed you so much."
Thranduil looks at me, and smiles,
"Hiril vuin, guren glassui, le channon. Gi melin, iellig!" He pulls me into their embrace.
Thranduil just called me his daughter. That can only mean one thing, he accepts me for who I am and that I'm with his son, he deeply appreciates that I have helped Legolas along the way to get here. Finally, our tight embrace breaks, and we stand before each other.
"Hîr vuin, guren glassui."
"As am I, thank you so much for taking care of my son. And my son, thank you for watching after her. She is a very kind girl, and she is a strong warrior, I suggest you hold onto her for a long time." He winks at me and I feel my face reddening from the compliment. Thranduil turns to Aragorn,
"Hîr vuin, I thank you for being so kind to take us in. Your kingdom is beautiful and strong. Your troops very courteous and great protectors. And you, my lord, are a true king of courage and kindness. Not many could say the same as you."
"I thank you, my king." Aragorn nods.
"Please," Thranduil smiles, "You may call me your king, but know that you are the one who truly deserves the title for your bravery and generosity."
"Thank you, my lord."
I turn to Aragorn, feeling the need to express my gratitude, "Hîr vuin, you are very generous to let us stay here, and to let my people stay here. You are truly a remarkable king. I thank you for all you have done for me and my people. Without your aide, we probably would not have made it this far."
"Hiril vuin, it is my pleasure. I only wish to do what is best for this world."
Legolas takes a step towards Aragorn and places a hand on his shoulder,
"You truly are the greatest man I know, Aragorn. Thank you for everything, it truly means the world."
"Of course, my friend. If I could not help one of my closest friends, then I would be an abomination."
Legolas smiles and then turns back to me and his father.
"I hate to break this moment," I say, "but where are the others? Will we see them today? And is there a plan for rebuilding our kingdom?"
"Ah, yes, my lady," Thranduil speaks, "the others are all staying in rooms and homes of this very castle and in the homes of the people here. You will have a chance to see as many as you would like today. Aragorn?"
"Unfortunately, so much damage came upon your kingdom's realm that it is simply not fixable at this time. There was too much structural damage, and well, damage in general to save it. Or at least rebuild it in a short amount of time. It would be quicker to rebuild your entire fortress somewhere else than it would to fix your kingdom in Mirkwood." Aragorn replies, concern knitting his brow.
"Oh... Well what will we do then?"
"My dear, I believe what he means is that they will help us completely rebuild our kingdom in a different realm, all brand new." Legolas says.
"Legolas is right. I know your people would like to keep the feel that they had in the forest, so I found a perfect place in the woods not too far from Gondor. The forest is dense and green, a river runs through it, with a beautiful waterfall cascading over the stones. They call it Amon Amwar. I know it is a big difference from Mirkwood but I suspect that it will be a good place--and name--to get used to." Aragorn replies.
"In fact, I believe they have already begun building our kingdom there. They have been for a few weeks now, before we even got here. Actually they have been at such hard work with it, it is practically finished. We are defecting everyone there this afternoon." Thranduil chimes in.
"Really?" Legolas questions.
"Yes, your father is right, Legolas. As soon as we even got the word of the destruction going on in Mirkwood, we prepared for the worst, and began building a new fortress, a new kingdom in our forests for your people."
"I see." Legolas replies, his worry fading from his face.
"Well, I mustn't keep you. Please, go find your people and your friends, I know that is what you want most right now. I know you both," he motions to Legolas and I, "are probably very hungry. There is breakfast waiting in the dining chamber for you if you would like something to eat."
"Le channon." I reply with a small smile.
"Of course, hiril vuin."
Aragorn turns and steps towards the door on the other side of the room, exiting with a small nod and a smile.
"I best be leaving as well," Thranduil sighs, "I do wish to spend some time with you both later, but I know you are probably eager to see your friends. And Legolas, remember what I said about a week before the attacks happened?  I think sometime today would be a good time to take care of that." He smiles deviously at his son.
"Ah, yes, Ada. I believe you are correct."
I am utterly puzzled, I have no idea what they're talking about.
"Um, Legolas?"
"Yes dear?"
"What are you two talking about?"
"You will find out soon enough." He places a kiss on my head.
"Well, I will see you both later this evening. Enjoy this lovely day." Thranduil says, and then gracefully exits the room.
"Well, we have a long day ahead of us. We best be getting something to eat, like Aragorn suggested. Then we can do whatever your heart desires. And we can go find our friends, and enjoy this beautiful kingdom. Perhaps even go see the progress for the new kingdom."
"That sounds wonderful, my love. What a day we have ahead of us."