A/N: A really big, big, BIG thank you needs to go out to TardisGhost for creating this adorable picture of Tallagor and Thranduil. I am absolutely in love with. Thank you so much, my friend. You can find her amazing artwork on DeviantArt - be sure to check it out :)

Tallagor's hooves plodding on the hard earth was the only sound that echoed through these parts of the woods. He kept up a consistent pace as he followed an unknown path with barely any noticeable guidance; either this was from instinct or from being keenly attuned to the Elvenking's wishes as they traversed through the forest. Charlotte was guessing the latter.

Thranduil's arm was firmly pinned around her middle as they rode through the forest, chasing the setting sun that had splashed a brilliant hue of red and orange across the sky like a painter's easel.

Charlotte leaned back into Thranduil's chest, delighting in the feel of him behind her as he held her close. Moments like these, she realized, were going to be few and far between now that they had returned to his kingdom and the demands that came along with it. They would have to savor every precious moment together from now on.

Thranduil pressed a kiss upon the crown of her head, his hand splaying across her belly as they enjoyed this sense of closeness. Charlotte angled her head to peer up at Thranduil, her breath catching in her throat as he stared back at her with starlit eyes, his beautifully carved features framed by his silvery-white hair. The looming trees formed a canopy of red and gold overhead, casting his image in a magical undertone.

"I never want this moment to end," she murmured.

His features softened as he took in her true meaning, and he lowered his head, brushing his lips against her own in a featherlight caress.

"Then it shall not. We'll make tonight last forever," he whispered, his warm breath ghosting over her lips before he captured them in a tender kiss that conveyed the conviction of his words.

Breaking from the kiss, he issued a low command to the moose. Tallagor instantly obeyed, his speed increasing.

"Where are we going?" Charlotte asked.

"A place I oft go when I need peace and respite," he replied.

"I take it you go there often."

"More than I care to admit."

Charlotte nodded, more to herself. It was understandable that Thranduil would need a place from time to time to escape the manacles of being a King.

Tallagor's long, spindly legs carried them with ease to their destination. His movements, after a while, gradually slowed down and then they were suddenly in a clearing.

The area was surrounded on all sides by the twisted trunks of the ash white trees that grew in the Woodland Realm, and in the center was pond, it's undisturbed surface reflective like an obsidian mirror. The yellowed grass that carpeted the ground shone like spun gold as the sun cast it's rays upon it before it dipped below the horizon.

Strangely, the air was slightly warmer here, as though the icy claws of winter were unable to penetrate the protective bubble encasing this area.

Thranduil dismounted with fluid grace and helped Charlotte from Tallagor's back. As he lowered her, his hands left their place on her waist and his arms slowly encircled her, drawing her close against him. Her heart started to increase in speed as anticipation coursed through her, and Charlotte rose on her tippy toes, snaking her arms around his neck as she sought his lips. They stood there, simply as two lovers utterly lost in in each other. Nothing else mattered.

The sudden sound of loud, noisy slurping cut through the tranquil silence, and both Thranduil and Charlotte glanced over to the pond where Tallagor was drinking quite sloppily, unawares that he had disturbed a tender moment.

"You, my friend, need to learn some manners," Thranduil commented dryly.

Tallagor turned his head in their direction, his dark eyes reflecting that he did not give a damn and, giving a shake of his head, resumed his drinking.

Charlotte chuckled and took Thranduil's hand in her own, leading him towards the pond. Lily pads floated on the mirror-like surface, and fireflies emerged to dance around them, their bellies softly glowing like tiny beacons. Charlotte breathed deeply, immersing herself into the magic that rippled through this world and all the beauty, great and small, that was to be found within.

"It's peaceful," she stated with awe, her gaze taking in everything. She could quite imagine Thranduil coming here, sitting back against that boulder next to the pond as his elk grazed contentedly in the background; simply letting the peaceful ambience wash away all the strain of the tiresome day he had endured.

"It was, until this one came along," he remarked, inclining his head in Tallagor's direction.

The moose, having had his full of water, ambled over to a spot in the clearing and promptly plonked down, his spindly legs folded underneath him. He let out a mighty yawn, the uncultivated and grating sound none too pleasant on the ears. To say the Tallagor was rough around the edges was an understatement.

Charlotte grinned and tugged on Thranduil's hand, leading him towards their faithful companion. She sat down, tugging on Thranduil's hand to urge him to settle next to her. After a contemplative pause, he relented and was soon by her side. Leaning back against the sleepy animal, Charlotte curled under Thranduil's arm and sighed in contentment as he drew her close.

Thranduil relaxed, all tension draining from his body as he stretched his legs out, crossing them elegantly at the ankles.

"Want to tell me about it?" she asked after a few moments of silence.

Thranduil cast his mind back to the meeting with his advisors...

There had been a detailed discussion about the recent battle at Dale and Erebor, and the subsequent aftermath. Thranduil, even in his grief-stricken state, had ensured that a contingent had remained behind to assist in the rebuilding of Dale, and had also sent for more food and supplies to be brought to the humans. It would be a while before they were back on their feet and they would need all the help they could get.

As the meeting had progressed, all seated at a large rectangular table, plans had been set in motion for provisions to be made for the families of the fallen guards. Thranduil's mood had turned somber at this. It was never easy to face the grief of the loved ones who had been slain, and he knew that no words he offered would ease their suffering. Guilt would always chase at his heels – such was the burden of being a King who had sent his subjects into battle. The following morning he would have to retain every ounce of composure as a an endless sea of mourning family members stood before him; his heart becoming heavy at this prospect.

Then, and not surprisingly, the topic had shifted to the arrival of the human woman now in their midst - something that had not gone amiss by their observations.

Hérion, the oldest and stuffiest of the bunch (in Thranduil's eyes) had been the first to voice his concerns.

"Who is this woman that she is allowed to remain within our halls?" he asked, his voice intoning censure. His deep chestnut hair hung over his shoulders, his stormy grey eyes penetrating as they peered at the Elvenking, awaiting an answer.

Hérion's features were unlined and handsome, though his stringent attitude certainly gave him an atmosphere of an old man. He had been part of his Ada's, King Oropher's council and had thus carried his services over to him when Thranduil had been crowned King. Normally Thranduil found his judgement to be sound, but today...not so much.

"Her name is Charlotte, and she remains because I will it," Thranduil replied evenly, his tone having a sharp edge to it as he leaned forward in his chair, his hands clutched tightly at the armrests.

Silence descended upon the room. Most knew their King well and knew that he was just as suspicious and guarded of outsiders as the rest of the kingdom. What had transpired to shift his viewpoint thus?

"She is human, my King," Hérion pressed.

"Yes, that she is," Thranduil replied condescendingly, suppressing the sarcastic remark he had so badly wanted to make.

Hérion stared back, unblinking as he studied his King.

"How long is she to remain here?"

"Indefinitely," Thranduil stated with finality.

There was a hushed murmur of surprise that rippled through the council members, though none dared voice their dissent...if they had any.

Hérion's grey eyes narrowed in disapproval, his shrewd gaze observing everything.

"Is she to be our new Queen?" he asked with sudden bluntness that it caught Thranduil off guard.

The room descended into a stunned silence; most having not considered this option. Thranduil stilled. This subject was not something he had been expecting to discuss with them anytime soon and had rather been hoping to ease Charlotte into the Woodland Realm before stating his intentions.

But now his hand was being forced.

"Yes, Charlotte is to be our Queen in due time." His steely gaze centered on Hérion, daring him to cross the line with him.

Hérion blinked once, shell-shocked at this admittance, and leaned back in his chair. Each member held their breath as they watched the scene play out between King and trusted advisor.

"Do you think that is wise? A human as our Queen is just plain heresy."

Thranduil slowly rose from his seat, leaning forward as he gripped the edge of the oak table, his eyes glimmering like shards of glass.

"Because she is human you think that she is not worthy to be our Queen?" His voice was softly spoken, but there was no denying the undercurrent of danger lurking below the surface.

"That's exactly what I'm saying. Humans are rash, belligerent and lack the wisdom of our kind. Making her Queen would be imprudent."

Each insult was a personal attack and he could not help but lash out. "You'd best hold your tongue, Hérion. You know naught about her."

"So, we are just supposed to accept this?!"

Thranduil took a deep breath through his nose, willing his temper down. Now was not the time to lose sight and give way to emotion. He had to be tactful, but his fury was blinding him. Charlotte had taught him many things, but curbing his temper, especially when she, herself, was being personally attacked, had not been one of those lessons.

"You had best do just that!" he growled. "Charlotte is here to stay and that is my final word!" His hard words echoed through the chambers, ringing painfully on each ear.

Hérion clenched his jaw in disapproval, but wisely held his tongue.

Thranduil breathed in deeply through his nose, willing himself to calm down. Straightening, he gave a single nod, indicating that this meeting was now adjourned.

He watched as each of the seven members filed out, the tension radiating from Hérion palpable. When the room had emptied out, Galion strode in, a glass of wine ready in his hand.

"Thank you, Galion," he said, taking the glass from his proffered hand and swallowed a large mouthful. He had been quite tempted to ask for the whole bottle.

"How is Charlotte faring?"

"Maerwen has been showing her around, and she seems to be settling in, though Maerwen has been careful to keep Lady Charlotte at an arm's distance from the rest of the kingdom, just as you instructed. I saw them heading towards the stables not too long ago."

Thranduil took another sip of his wine, satisfied with this report, and then reached into the folds of his robe, producing a letter that bore the royal seal.

"Locate a messenger and have this letter delivered to Legolas. He has headed North, heading towards the Dunedain," he ordered. He had written this letter just before his meeting with his council, knowing that Legolas should hear the news of Charlotte straight from him, and not from rumors that were sure to travel and reach the Prince's ears in what was only a matter of time.

Galion gave a bow of his head. "It shall be done, my King."

Thranduil nodded and drained his glass. Handing his now empty glass back to Galion, he strode towards the door.

"Have dinner waiting in our room, Galion. I think I shall take Charlotte for a ride in the forest."

He did not notice the slow smile that tugged on Galion's features at his retreating King. It might not have been noticeable to others, but he had sensed a subtle change that had overcome the Elvenking - a good change - and Galion knew that this had something do with Charlotte. If he had to put his finger on this, he would have to say that she had brought a light to the Elvenking; a light that had been missing for quite some time.

Galion went to do as he was bid, the smile still alighting his features.

"The meeting was not without adversities." Thranduil had not the heart to tell Charlotte that her presence had caused a certain amount of dissention within his council. She did not need to know about it. So, instead, he decided to concentrate on the other matter that was presently occupying his mind. "In the morn I will have to meet with the families of the slain guards."

Charlotte rested her hand over his heart, his guilt and grievance seeping through their bond. "Would you like for me to join you?"

"As much as I appreciate the offer, I don't think it would be wise," he said, placing a kiss on the top of her head. "It's best to integrate you with gradual ease into the lives of the Woodland elves, and your presence during a time a great mourning would cause dissention."

Charlotte hummed softly in agreement. His argument was reasonable, and she could understand where he was coming from.

"Do you think your people will ever accept me?"

Thranduil remained silent before finally answering, "They will need time to adjust to you, Charlotte."

"Well, it's a good thing that we have lots of time," she said, trying to sound optimistic, but he detected the slight waver in her voice that indicated her uncertainty.

His arm tightened around her. "Just be yourself, Charlotte. Once they get to know you, I am certain they will come to accept you, and eventually love you as I do."

"You sound so certain."

"I am. As with everything in life, though, it will take time, patience and understanding."

"How did you get so wise?" she murmured, nuzzling her cheek against his chest and letting his warmth envelope her.

"Years of experience has made me practically perfect in every way," he teased.

Charlotte glanced up at him, grinning like a loon that he had repeated her Mary Poppins reference right back at her.

A low rumble behind them startled her, and Charlotte glanced around wildly before realizing that Tallagor had fallen asleep and was now snoring.

She hadn't even known a moose could snore!

"You and Tallagor have a lot in common," Thranduil mused with amusement, catching her eye.

"I do not snore!" she protested, swatting him on the chest.

Thranduil grinned, pulling her once more against him. "Of course not. You drool."

Charlotte groaned at the memory of the first time they had shared a sleeping space and she had drooled on his shirt.

"You're never going to let me live that down, are you?"

"Never." His crystalline blue eyes danced with merriment at this light banter ensuing between them.

Contented silence reigned once more, Thranduil's hand stroking idly along her arm as he stared off into the distance.

"How did your day fare?" he asked, breaking the reverie.

"Can't say I ran into any complications, though Maerwen did try to bind my breasts."

Thranduil's grin broadened. "So that was that spike of consternation I felt from you."

Charlotte pulled a face. "I don't care if I have to go braless for all eternity and my boobs go saggy because of it. I am not binding my breasts!"

"I am quite fond of your breasts. For my benefit, please try not to let them go 'saggy'."

Charlotte glanced up at him and saw the teasing light dancing in his eyes, his mood now lighthearted and shining brightly through their bond.

"But if it eases your mind, I do have an alternative."

Charlotte quirked a brow. "Oh?"

Thranduil ducked his head, a mischievous light illuminating his features. "You'll have to wait until we return to our room to find out."

"Now you have me curious," she said, perking up. "Let's go!"

Charlotte made to get up, but suddenly found herself in Thranduil's lap.

"Where do you think you're going?"

"To see what the surprise is."

"You need to learn patience, little one," he murmured, intently nuzzling against her neck, his intentions clear. "Enjoy the moment."

"You forget that I'm human. We're not known for being a patient bunch."

Thranduil grinned against the soft flesh of her neck. "No truer words were spoken."

Charlotte relaxed under his ministrations as he delicately kissed along her neck and jawline, allowing herself to get lost in the moment. She angled her head to give him better access, shivering when his hands slithered under her cloak and gripped her hips, his fingers digging into her flesh.

Thranduil pulled back enough to look at her, his eyes darkened pools of desire. Charlotte cupped his face, her breath catching at his ethereal beauty that was intensified by the twilit sky. Before she could close the distance and kiss him, a loud noise like a deflating balloon sounded behind them.

Thranduil wrinkled his nose in distaste and nudged the moose in the side with his elbow.

"You are a mood killer, Tallagor!" he bemoaned.

The moose snorted in response and rose to his feet. Thranduil let out a long-suffering sigh and Charlotte scooted off his lap, sensing the moment was over.

"I swear that moose is conspiring against me," he muttered as he rose to his feet.

"Nah, it's all in your head."

Thranduil stared down his nose at her. "I did not imagine that."

Giggling, Charlotte replied. "We could always go back to our room...no distractions there..."

"Do not think that I will be fooled by your ploy, Charlotte," he said, ducking his head. "You're just eager to get back and see what surprise lies in store for you."

"Weeell, we could always stay here and put up with a gassy moose...or you could take me to bed and show me a few more surprises..."

His lips slowly curled into a predatory grin. "You may be sorry for suggesting such a thing, little one." This was said with heated promise, desire flaring through their bond with such force that it almost stole her breath away.

Charlotte swallowed hard. Maybe she should have thought that one through a bit more...it was now guaranteed that there would be little to no sleep this night.