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A Frozen Sun	By : Esequell Category: Lord of the Rings Movies > Hobbit, The Views: 2546 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I don't own Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit and I'm not making any money from this.

Chapter List
- 10
- 11
- 12
10. Of Children
Black banners were hung in the grand hall. This unusual gesture honoured the grief of Thranduil's future queen and marked the days of her mourning, which would be sixty by tradition. Phe did not enjoy being reminded of all she had lost. She welcomed Lady Faendis at the gate. Fae was pale and tired but she greeted her daughter in a tight embrace and whispered that they would always share their kinship without question.
Fae was brought before Thranduil, who inclined his head to her bow.
She has grown thin and pale and her radiance is gone. Her youthful glow is diminished. The Life is leaving her.
'My King. I was surprised but grateful to receive your invitation. You are kind to allow this.'
Thranduil said; 'I am not cruel, my lady. Proper burial is not unfitting. Our houses will soon be joined. Alphiel will benefit from your support.'
Faendis gave a nod.
'I would see her happy, my lord. The battle is over I am now beyond the dispute between our houses.'
Thranduil descended to look at her more closely. Fae sensed a deeper understanding than she had expected and she fought not to weep before him.
'I understand your loss, my lady. I have felt its stab most keenly. Though my grief is distant now, I remember it daily.'
'We both understand pain,' she whispered. 'May I see him?'
'Hiril vuin,' Thranduil gestured to Phe with one hand. She came to his side and when he released her toward her Mother, Phe enfolded her in an embrace. She breathed in the familiar scent of her hair and skin as though she were the balm for all that had ailed her.
'I will take you,' Phe whispered.
000
Faendis was not keen on fire, having seen a terrible blaze as a child. It was the only way to dispose of Lord Caduven in a way that would allow him to be taken home for a proper burial. When dark came, four elves carried his wrapped remains to the pyre and at Thranduil's gesture, Faendis was handed a flaming torch. Legolas had folded his arms over his bow as though it were his only comfort. Olerydes squeezed his shoulder.
'You will not be forsaken for this,' she whispered. He gazed into the dark and did not speak, though he felt strengthened by her words.
Faendis lit the taper that had been laid into the ground with oil. She watched the baby flame race toward the wood and hay. When it connected, the pyre burst into light. Faendis stepped back swiftly.
Thranduil caught Phe's hand.
I envy you. You have someone to hold you and chase away your fears. Fae gazed at the pyre which was growing a hot, blue core around the flammable oils that had been poured over the body. All that I had is in the center of the fire. He and you, my daughter, but now you have a life of your own. What is to become of me?
000
Phe had not been asleep long when she clattered out of bed and ran to the privy. Thranduil sat up blearily. When it was clear she had become unwell in the night, he followed her and found her kneeling and trembling with sickness.
'Meleth nin,' he caught her body and stroked damp hair off her face. 'You are ill.'
'It is just a sickness. Perhaps I ate something that does not agree with me.'
'Perhaps,' he breathed. He helped her back to bed.
I have felt a growing danger, meleth nin. I do not believe for one moment that this is the food you ate!
000
By morning she was a little recovered but when evening came, Phe became ill again. Thranduil lay beside her. He whispered warmly;
'There is something different about you, meleth nin.'
Phe grabbed his hands and laid it on her belly. She sighed softly into his neck.
'I missed my blood, Thranduil. It has been three weeks since.'
'Your blood?' he burst into a smile. It was the widest and most beautiful smile he had ever given her. Phe went warm at the sight of it and rolled to cuddle him happily. 'Oh meleth nin,' he sighed. 'That is the very best news you could have given me! The very best.'
'What will we do?' she smiled. 'We are not even married yet. Think of how they will talk!'
Thranduil cupped her face and said;
'I do not care what they say. He is mine and so are you!' he kissed her.
I have never seen you smile that way. You have never looked so genuine, so clean and clear in your joy as you do tonight!
'I always wanted children,' Phe whispered happily. 'Could we bring our wedding forward?'
Thranduil nodded.
'Who will argue.'
Then Thranduil stroked her hair.
'Meleth nin? Is something wrong?'
'My mother was angry. She says it is shameful.'
Thranduil's brow knitted together. 'Pay her no mind,' he said derisively. 'I certainly will not.'
000
Phe was troubled. Thranduil sensed her discontent and he went to sit beside her on the balcony. He brushed a warm hand up her thigh to remind her that with child or not, he would still want her in every sense.
'What is wrong? Why are you so pensive?'
'I am afraid,' she admitted.
'Of what, meleth nin?' he sank to gaze into her eyes.
'The pain,' she shrugged helplessly. 'What if it is too much? I have heard childbirth can kill you!'
Thranduil stroked her hand warmly.
'Yes, but you will not die. You will birth a healthy elfling and everything will be well for us. The pain can be lessened.'
'I do not want to be all alone. When my Mother birthed me my Father went hunting!'
Thranduil leaned in. He could smell her hair. It aroused him.
'Is that the way of your faith?' he said with a little smile. 'Would you have me beside you?
'Yes!' Phe nodded quickly.
Thranduil smiled. Then he said softly. 'At first Haliel thought it improper but there is not a guard or a healer here who would deny me access to my wife. I delivered Legolas with these hands.'
Phe smiled. 'I thought you might not want to be near it. Mother says that a man will respect you less when he has seen you give birth.'
'What nonsense your Mother talks,' he breathed.
'I once had a sister,' Phe said softly. 'But she died in the cradle. Ada came back the next day and thereafter he despised my Mother for her negligence.'
Thranduil cupped her face gently and said; 'I would not speak ill of the dead before his kin and I would not treat you so harshly.'
She gripped his hand and began to smile. Thranduil watched her appreciatively for some time.
000
After dinner Phe went outside to catch a little fresh air. She leaned on the balcony and smiled at the stars.
When mourning is finally over, perhaps I can get back to normal. It will be a relief to have all this done with and Mother settled again. It is so good to see her!
A vicious cramp rippled through her belly. She bent over in pain. A second followed it and then a third which stole her breath. Phe felt something wet between her legs. At first she thought she had fouled herself but then she saw the stain on her gown was red.
Legolas heard her sobs above the voices of the gathered guests. He left his drink and came to find Phe kneeling, doubled up on the balcony. When she turned to look at him, he ran to fetch his Father.
'Legolas! No!' she cried after him, but he did not hear her.
He returned with Thranduil who dashed through the darkened room to grab her where she knelt on the floor. He turned her face to search her eyes. He tried to bring her to her feet but she made an awful noise of pain and curled around her belly. Then he saw the stain on her gown. Phe heard his little gasp and she hid her face in her hands in shame.
'Go,' Thranduil commanded his son. 'Out!'
The door banged. Phe burst into tears.
'I am sorry,' she whispered, brokenly, into his collar. 'I am so sorry, meleth nin-'
His vision clouded with tears.
'Come,' he whispered. 'You need to lie down.'
He took her to their chambers. Thranduil could not take his eyes off the blood. With a defeated sigh he settled behind her and gently pushed her hair to one side. He began unbuttoning her gown. He slid it off her shoulders. Under any other circumstances the kiss her placed at her nape would have been more passionate. This one was sweet only and a small reminder that he enjoyed bearing her flesh no matter the situation. He rose to throw the soiled cloth into their laundry. When he returned to her she was hiding under the furs in shame.
He drew the them back and sought her eyes to show her how very sorry he was for their loss and her pain. Phe burst out in quavering, uncontrollable fear;
'What are you going to do!'
Thranduil released her sharply. He stared at her.
'Help you, meleth nin. That is all. What madness has gotten into your mind?'
Phe swallowed hard around a big lump in her throat. Thranduil's confusion faded into anger.
'You expect me to hit you, do you?' he said suddenly. 'Is that the way of your family?'
Phe did not speak.
Thranduil stood and snapped; 'You insult me! I am no barbarian!'
Her tears were so thick that it was too hard to make words.
'But it is my fault!' she finally choked.
Thranduil went pale. He put both hands on the bed and gazed into her face.
'I wished him dead!' she gasped. 'I was so afraid! I wished for time...it is too soon. I do not feel ready for an elfling!'
'You wished!' Thranduil's voice rose. 'Woman, a wish is just that! A wish! Hear me. I do not blame you for this! It is an accident.'
Then he took her in his arms and rubbed soft circles into her back. 'Your grief has sent you wild.'
She looked at his face and saw tears on his skin. She choked out a fresh sob and whispered; 'I am so sorry Thranduil-'
Thranduil tore the covers away and with it all her protection. He enfolded her in a fresh embrace until she relaxed and began to weep into his neck.
'Do not tell your Mother yet,' he breathed.
'Why?'
'For me,' he said softly. 'It is very important or I would not ask.'
'My Mother is not responsible-' Phe whispered.
'I pray she is not,' he agreed.
It cannot be so. Valar help me, I must be wrong!
000
Duven was a soft-framed man with a little extra fat. Phe had always thought it lent him a homely appearance which was very in keeping with his position. His healers skill was unparalleled but he did not need to touch Phe to discern what had happened.
'Your blood?' he questioned softly.
Phe avoided his eyes. Hers were sore and her throat, raw. Thranduil had gone to the window to hide the evidence of his grief in darkness. She felt alone in the sea of cushions but reassured by his familiar silhouette.
'She has been ill,' Thranduil said. 'She was sick every night for many days.'
'At night time?' Duven asked. 'That is strange but I suppose pregnancy takes each woman differently. There is nothing I can do but make you comfortable. I will fetch you something for the pain, my lady.'
After that Phe began to cry again but the recent funeral and the exhaustion of her Mother's grief had weighed heavy on her and she had few tears left to shed.
Thranduil caught Duven outside as he departed and he whispered to him;
'To the kitchens and check her glasses and cutlery and all food stores for the smell of nightshade. Find out immediately if any other is ill.'
'My lord,' Duven bowed. 'Do you suspect poisoning?'
'I do,' Thranduil whispered. 'Though I do not yet know who would do it.'
I hope I am wrong.
Thranduil returned to his bed. Gently he reached for Phe and he drew her in for a soft kiss.
'Thranduil-' she sobbed.
'I have no words to comfort you,' he said softly.
'Just hold me, then,' she whispered. 'And let me hold you!'
000
Thranduil held Phe with one arm and let the rising water wash away their blood and tears. Tomorrow he would have to order this pool drained and cleaned. Her skin was wet and warm. Her soft breasts were pushed up against his chest. After a while she stopped trying to keep the mess that flowed from her body inside by will alone and she relaxed.
The hot water drained her tension and her latest tears plumbed the depths of her grief for both Father and elfling. Eventually she began to fall asleep. It was only a short nap but it was rest she desperately needed. When she woke their bodies were pressed comfortably together. Phe sighed into his throat and whispered that she loved him dearly. Thranduil smiled softly against her cheek.
He helped her from the pool. Phe felt the loss of his warmth too keenly. When he handed her a towel she pulled him down quickly and wrapped it around them both. Then she climbed sweetly into his lap.
She whispered to him; 'My Mother suffered with miscarriages. For many years. My Father would...take his anger out on her sometimes. He so wanted a son. I did not think you would do the same to me. I suppose I was just frightened.'
'I would never hurt you,' he said softly.
'It is not that I fear a beating hir vuin. Many a wife has taken one of those. I fear a broken heart should you come to hate me!'
Thranduil cast her a look that spoke clearly his thoughts on that.
'Really hiril vuin,' he indulged a small smile. 'I thought we had come to know each other better than that.'
Phe opened her lips but he cut across her quickly.
'Speak to me no more of what you thought might be, or what you fear might come to pass. I will never hurt you. I will treasure you always.'
Then he said warmly; 'Must I avoid you, meleth nin? For fear of another loss?'
'You mean...you would not make love to me?'
A nod.
'No! I do not want that. I cannot do without your touch. I need to feel that you love me!'
Thranduil smiled and grabbed her waist. He hissed feircely; 'I do love you,' as he kneaded her bottom.
Despite her current condition Phe felt herself growing wet. Her lips parted in surprise and her eyes grew dark. Thranduil leaned in to capture her mouth. Phe moaned softly when he pushed his tongue inside and the soft, wet reassurance of his kiss chased away any persisting doubts of his love for her. She responded helplessly, her hands stroking and squeezing and finding the spots he liked to have rubbed and pinched and warmed.
Thranduil started towards her, his hands suddenly strong and his member grown hard between them.
'I want you now,' he said. 'Here on the floor. Does it hurt too much?'
Phe pulled him down.
'I do not want to deny you!'
Thranduil pushed her down on top of a towel hungrily and took her mouth as though he were starving for her warmth. Phe whimpered in delight when he cupped her breast in a warm, strong hand and bent to suck her nipple softly. Gently he slid into her body. He found her very hot and delightfully wet. If he ignored the presence of her blood it felt so good. He had rarely taken her at this time and now he made a note of how her body changed, how warm she felt and how her usual grip on him was a little slackened. He began to entertain visions of his fingers, one after the other, to see how many she could endure.
He began to thrust gently. As his pleasure built, his breaths became unsteady and he groaned her name, but before they could begin to truly enjoy her body, Phe gasped his name and cried; 'Stop, Thranduil!'
He pulled back quickly and searched her face. 'Did I hurt you?'
'The pains,' she whispered, 'They are not like normal. They are sharp and hot. It hurts.'
He gave her lips a soft kiss and whispered; 'Permit me, my lady,' he brushed a hand between her legs and his fingertips found her anus with the uncanny accuracy of one who had experimented before.
Phe blushed but she smiled and willingly rolled to offer him her bottom. Thranduil's expression grew hungry and he stiffened again. He gave her a finger to suck while he rubbed the lowest reaches of her back to ease her pains.
'Does that help?' he asked gently.
Phe nodded.
'Warmth always eases it,' she agreed.
'Do not fear,' he breathed. 'I am not going to hurt you. Have you tried this before?'
Phe shook her head. Thranduil ran a hand down her spine and pushed his hardened member against her bottom for the sensation of her flesh. He made an eager noise and began to tease her anus with his fingertip.
'Mmm-' she breathed happily as he rubbed her back and began to work the fingertip inside slowly. Every so often he stopped for a little more lubrication. Phe made a surprised noise when he managed the first finger.
'Thranduil...that burns. It feels quite nice!'
His desire flared like a dragon stretching its wings. He was not going to admit he had a liking for this. Stories of his experimentative youth could wait until a time as she was less likely to faint at the telling. He worked his finger in and out until Phe began to rock her hips against him.
'Thranduil! More!'
'Touch yourself,' he instructed her warmly. He pushed her hand between her legs. Phe flushed but willingly she did as he said and found that it felt much better that way. Then he eased a second finger inside and Phe bucked and arched her back eagerly.
'It hurts!' she moaned. 'How can it hurt and feel so good at the same time!'
Thranduil chuckled. Then Phe twisted to look at him. She had broken into the widest smile and her chocolate eyes filled with sudden mirth. Thranduil felt himself go stiff and tense. How desperately he wanted to lunge for her, cover her body with his and fill her until she screamed his name.
'It is as though I am a sort of virgin,' she said suddenly.
He chewed his lip as he watched her entertain that notion. She knows too well how to arouse me!
'Tell me about your first time,' he encouraged her.
'Rosdaer was afraid to fill me so he used his fingers first. At first it hurt too much but then he found this,' Phe gestured to the secret spot between her legs. 'And suddenly I went as wet as you make me.'
He gripped her hip and thrust the two fingers deeper. She arched willingly.
'This time you are my first.'
Thranduil lost his composure. With his fingers deep in the heat of her back passage, he pushed the tip of his erection back inside her and felt her stiffen in anticipation of pain. He rubbed her back gently and shushed away her fears.
'If it is shallow it may not hurt you so.'
Phe was tense until she realised that it did not hurt any more than his fingers, as long as he did not thrust too deeply. She began to wriggle as he performed some sort of strange configuration which seemed intent to stretch her.
'Meleth nin-' she breathed hotly.
Phe was not sure if she wanted to pull away or beg him for more. Both feelings warred within her until she found herself whimpering in pain but pushing against his hand in pleasure. Then he drew out his fingers and replaced them with his member. He pushed himself slowly inside her. Phe cried out.
I was only teasing his desire but I do feel as though some forgotten innocence has just been taken! I can feel him in the most strange and sensitive way!
He gave a gentle thrust. Phe grabbed the towels beneath her and squeaked in surprise and delight. Thranduil pushed her down until her chest touched the floor and her bottom was high in the air. Then he leaned over her back with a hand firmly gripping her hip and began to make love to her slowly. At first Phe thought she would have to stop him. It did hurt rather more than she had hoped but after a little while and the sudden presence of some unexpected lubrication, the pain began to blend into a peculiar pleasure than left her gasping and eager.
He gave her a little more, then more, until Phe was almost weeping with confusion. She had not imagined that it would feel so raw. It was as if he had gone deeper than anyone else had ever reached. Gasping, she told him so and found that he stroked her back and waist and moaned when he plunged into her again.
'Thranduil!' she finally gasped, her fingers finding his softly. 'More. Deeper! Please-'
He obliged her and Phe yelled in surprise and pleasure. He gave her another, then another of those deeper strokes and found that she angled her hips and spread her legs. Before he could indulge his own amusement that she obviously found a forbidden act so pleasurable, she began to tremble and climaxed with a cry, her face buried in the towels.
Thranduil hooked his fingers around her hips and ground against her. She was still trembling and whimpering when he released.
He drew carefully out and collapsed beside her. Phe came crawling into his arms, her eyes wide and apparently a little lost for words.
'Not a virgin any more,' he smirked, and let his eyes close softly.
Phe gave a soft laugh.
'You did not tell me yours,' she said.
For a long time he lay, naked and still a little messy with Phe in his arms. He played softly with her hair and ears, until their condition necessitated another bath. Then he told her very softly, in her ear;
'A beautiful woman who I had come to love dearly took me into the woods on her horse. She found a place under a great, white tree and there she kissed me. I was so shocked that I could not say anything. She told me to sit and then she climbed into my lap,' he smiled against her ear. 'She made love to me on the forest floor. When it grew dark she took me home and made love to me again!'
Thranduil pulled her close and gave her a soft kiss.
'She was something like wine, meleth nin. I could not get enough of her, like I cannot get enough of you.'
000
Phe did as Thranduil had bid her. Though she found it inordinately hard to avoid the subject, she did not say a word to Fae about the loss of their elfling. Dinner came and Phe claimed that she had been given business to attend to in the court to explain her distance that day. She sat beside Faendis and swallowed back all her tears.
Before she could break and tell her Mother all that had happened, Thranduil whisked her away to their chambers early. He sat in his chair with a book open on his lap. For want of grander entertainment, Phe had a bath run and undressed slowly. Thranduil watched her from behind the pages.
Now we shall see. She has been well all day. Will she now become ill again? The lady would kill me if she knew of my suspicion, but if Phe is well then Faendis need never hear of it and if she is not, then I have more quarrel with her than she does with me!
Thranduil listened to Phe bathe. For some time he thought that he had become suspicious and perhaps even a little paranoid. Then Phe jumped out of her bath and began to vomit. He left his book and went to hold her hair back. When she was done he helped her to dry herself and brought her to bed.
'Thranduil, I think I am sick-' she whispered.
He reassured her with a gentle rub. Not long after there was a soft knock at the door. Thranduil found Duven outside. He was carrying a cloth sack which he handed to the King. Thranduil drew the crystal goblet out and viewed the marks on the rim. These must be the marks from her lips. I recognise the colour of the paint she uses. He brought it to his nose.
'Nightshade,' he whispered.
000
Thranduil forbade anyone to speak of Phe's miscarriage to any of his court. That evening he made sure that Phe did not leave his side at dinner. If she rose for air he went with her. If she went to the privy, Olerydes was instructed to go too.
'You are pale, Phe,' Faendis said softly. 'Are you well?'
Phe nodded quickly. Earlier Thranduil had told her of the goblet. Now she gazed into her Mother's face searching for an answer to her pain.
You would not. You could not. He must be wrong. By the Valar he has to be wrong!
'I have been a little unwell,' she said. 'It is getting better now.'
'Perhaps more rest,' Faendis said.
Phe visibly shrank. She does not mean rest! She does not mean I am to sleep! She means that Thranduil and I should not make love. She does not understand that it is the only way I can show him how deeply I love him!
'I will try to take some,' she nodded quickly.
Then Faendis passed her a glass of wine and said; 'Try this. It is delicious and it will help you sleep.'
Phe took it but she hesitated before she drank. I cannot believe it. I must not or I would never trust again. She sipped it. Then Thranduil rose.
'Alphiel,' he commanded. 'I have drunk far too much and so have you. Give me that before you overstretch yourself.'
Phe rose, confused and flushed as she handed it to him willingly. Thranduil took it from her hand and drank it down.
So it is so. It is a faint odour, a minor dose but I know the smell.
When it was empty he placed it back on the table not far from Faendis' right hand. He offered Phe his hand.
'We will retire,' he said abruptly.
'Goodnight, my daughter,' Faendis gave her a gentle nod but did not look up from her plate.
'Goodnight, Mother,' Phe was blushing as Thranduil lead her away.
Within the privacy of their chambers Phe avoided Thranduil's eyes.
'It cannot be so.'
'We will see,' he murmured. Then he smiled darkly. 'I did not eat a bite, hiril vuin. I am ravenous.'
Phe burst into laughter.
'You make it sound as though you might like to eat me!'
'I might,' he teased.
He settled in his chair instead with a book. Phe occupied the one beside him. They waited. It was not long before he sat forward and put the book down. Then without a word he stood sharply and made for the privy. Phe stared after him in shock. She crept around the corner to look at him and found him suffering her ailment. She grabbed his hair quickly and touched his forehead to see if he had a fever.
'There is no fever,' he choked, amused. 'Just a glass of poison.'
'You could have killed yourself!' Phe hissed at him. 'You are a fool Thranduil!'
'If she had killed you she would die too by my blade and this she knows. She did not want your death. Just the death of our elfling!'
Phe felt tears rise from her burning heart and she choked them back.
'I will kill her.'
'You will do nothing!' he commanded her, as he sat back to breathe. 'I will deal with Faendis. Alphiel. Do you hear me?'
Phe gazed into his crystal eyes with defiance, but finally she said; 'Yes, my lord.'
000
Thranduil called for Faendis to be brought before him. Then Legolas came alone and bowed to him.
'Ada. Faendis has fled into the forest.'
Thranduil rose slowly.
'Legolas? What is it? What is wrong?'
'Ada,' Legolas licked his lips. He laid both hands on Thranduil's arms. 'Phe has confronted her. She was hurt-'
Thranduil pushed past his son and ran. He took the steps two at a time. He cast off his coat as he went. It slowed his stride. His sword bumped his thigh. Legolas pursued him along the walkways. Thranduil skidded to a stop outside Faendis' chamber and found the room in darkness.
'No!' he lunged toward her. He pushed Duven aside and grabbed Phe from where she lay, pale as a spectre on the chaise.
If she was breathing, Thranduil could not see it. Her hands were slack and pale on her belly. She was cool and heavy. He put his head on hers and closed his eyes.
'No. Meleth nin.'
'Posion,' Olerydes licked her lips. 'She lives but she is so weak. Her soul has fled. It is the grief of betrayal.'
Thranduil brushed soft fingertips over her hand and bared his teeth in the crook of her neck. He twisted to speak to Legolas.
'Go. Tell the guards they ride until their horses fail. Bring her to me, Ionneg. So that I may set her head at my feet for the life of my elfling.'
Legolas bowed and went without question.
'Bring her back,' Thranduil whispered to Olerydes.
He put his temple on hers and buried his hand in her hair.
'Bring her back,' he whispered.
000
Olerydes took Phe's head in both her hands. Her eyes fluttered closed. She sank into a world made of shapes and shadows. She searched through the shades which drifted like autumn leaves for the weakened soul that had fled Phe's body. Olerydes wandered the inner planes until she spied the shimmering, shaking veil that was the shade of her sister. Then she reached for the silver cord from which Phe had torn loose. Olerydes caught the ghost by her hand and plunged the cord into her belly. Then she closed her eyes in the Land of the Dead and waited.
He will either come to stop me, or he will let her pass.
For a minute she thought she might retrieve the shade without incident but then she felt the Lord of the Dead spread his dark presence over her back. Two ethereal hands, as thin as bones, spread over Olerydes shoulders. She shuddered as his tactile bridge flowered open and he joined with the edges of her mind, peering into the truth in her soul. In an instant he had taken her measure. Olerydes felt him search for her intention.
'I only want to take her home,' Olerydes whispered. 'Back to where she is needed.'
Olerydes felt him brush her baby briefly. Then the spectre released her shoulders and folded the darkness away. He eclipsed into a halo of light. Olerydes grabbed Phe's soul and pulled.
'Come back to the light,' Phe heard Olerydes first. 'Hear my voice. Come back to the light!'
Phe staggered through the aching dark towards the distant, hopeful pinprick. When she emerged from the tunnel she found pain in her heart, grief doubled for her Mothers betrayal. She almost turned to go back in, until a broken voice stopped her dead.
Thranduil! Thranduil is there and he is still alive!
'Come back to me,' he whispered hoarsely, into her ear. 'Meleth nin. I need you!'
000
Legolas climbed to the top of the rookery steps and spied the rare white bird. He climbed the supports and offered his hand. The bird stepped up and offered his leg. Legolas bound the message to his foot.
'Fly swiftly, my friend. We have a great need for the Lady of Light and you must bring her because none other can go fast enough.'
When the Raven had flown, Legolas watched it go toward the setting sun and whispered a blessing to the wind. Then he said to the sky;
'We must save Phe. It is enough that darkness comes again to the lands of men, but to have it bleed into the hearts of elves. We will all perish.'
000
Thranduil would not have listened to his wife in this, no matter if they had rushed their marriage forward, she would have had no say at all. When Faendis was brought to him he told her nothing of Phe's condition, not even when she pleaded with him to know if her daughter had survived. He took the lady under armed guard into the courtyard.
'Your last words, my lady.'
'They are beyond your understanding,' Faendis said softly.
Thranduil snapped; 'Do not flatter yourself with the hint of a great mystery unsolved! Your death will be unremarkable, your tale, swiftly forgotten. For my part I am sorry to have known you, but I am pleased indeed to return you to the fire.'
Thranduil's blade hissed free to follow his hands intention. In that instant, light blossomed from the centre point of the patio. It blinded him. His sword was torn from his hand. It clattered onto the stone. Out of the light a figure resolved like a burning star whose light died slowly. Faendis blinked at him in surprise as though she expected her head to come free from her neck at any moment. Thranduil cursed to see the Lady of Light standing before him.
Who has summoned her! She has come to meddle in the affairs of my Kingdom!
'You, my Lady?' he recovered his composure swiftly. 'To what do we owe the honour of a visit from the Lady Galadriel?'
The Lady honoured him further with a peaceful smile. She gave him a soft bow of her head, which he returned politely. Then on silent feet that never seemed to truly connect with the ground, she crossed the courtyard.
'Do not sully your hand, my King,' she said softly.
Her eyes are clearer than a mountain stream! Behind them I see the wisdom of the ages and the undiluted light of the Eldar!
Thranduil felt the butterfly caress of a mind outside his. It was like a binding, except he felt no control over the fusion bright inside the Lady. He sensed that she was deeply amused by him. Seamlessly her voice faded away and she spoke to his mind. Turn her loose on the road. Her destiny lies elsewhere.
He made to tell her of Faendis' crime.
I know what she has done, King Thranduil.
'Take me to your bride.'
Thranduil saw little choice but to obey, so he retrieved and sheathed his sword and took the Lady to Phe, who was sweating under thick blankets in their chambers.
Olerydes sprang from her chair when she saw who accompanied her Father. She bowed quickly.
Rest, Olerydes, for your hands are weary.
'My Lady,' Olerydes whispered. 'You honour us.'
She took a quick step away from Phe and let the Lady sit beside her. Galadriel laid a gentle hand over Phe's and leaned into whisper a soft blessing near her ear.
'Her fragile heart is wounded. She lives still, within this body. It is a great love that brought her back.'
And one mark off witchcraft! she added. Olerydes bowed her head in shame and would not look up. Galadriel smiled softly.
'By the morning she will rise. Have no fear. She will live.'
000
Phe blinked softly as she woke. A warm hand was rubbing her back in the way she liked.
'Thranduil,' she whispered.
She turned over swiftly and buried herself in his embrace. Thranduil held her and would not let go. Then Phe sensed that they were being watched and she turned to look.
'In my dreams I saw a lovely face,' she whispered. 'Now I see it belongs to someone who is real.'
'Your strength returns,' Galadriel smiled warmly. 'I am glad.'
'You are the White Lady,' Phe said softly. 'You are Galadriel!'
'I will leave you,' she smiled and rose gracefully. When she had gone, Phe turned to kiss Thranduil softly.
'Meleth nin. Do you remember what happened-'
Phe covered his lips quickly with hers.
'Do not speak of it,' she begged him. 'I cannot bear it! Just kiss me. Please, Thranduil. Please.'
He nodded and did as she asked.
It is better to forget than to dwell, he reasoned. If this is her wish I will honour it.
000
Phe came to Olerydes. Before she could ask after her wellbeing, Phe enfolded her in a hug. She began to weep into her shoulder and Olerydes chuckled softly and stroked her hair.
'Where would I be without you,' Phe wept. 'I have been twice to the gates of death and twice you have saved me! You must have some otherwordly power, my sister.'
Olerydes gripped her warmly.
'Phe, it is love for you and love for my Father. I wish to be your truest friend.'
Phe choked; 'You are! You are so precious to me, Olerydes.'
'You are my sister,' Olerydes pulled away to kiss her cheek. 'Now, you must not think of them. You must not give them any more of your time. Both are gone from your life and we will not let Faendis near you again.'
Phe crumpled;
'Where is she?' she whispered.
'Ada has not spoken to you about this?'
'She is dead,' Phe began to cry. 'He killed her, tell me I am wrong!'
'No, I will take you to Ada. He would be so angry with me if I spoke of it.'
000
Phe lay curled around a pillow. She would not speak and the only food or drink she would take was that which Olerydes or Thranduil brought for her. Thranduil came to hold her but little he did could stop her tears or the words that poured forth; a thousand confessions of how desperately she had disappointed her family. Though his heart bled for her he did not know what to say to ease that pain.
At first Phe was angry that he had allowed Faendis to leave without any punishment. She made to strike him but he caught her hand. She burst into tears and sank at his feet.
For many days she only wept. She would not take a bath with Olerydes, she would not leave her room and no amount of coaxing or encouragement would even set her on Lavachon for a ride through the spring flowers.
Galadriel had remained in Thranduil's kingdom. She passed her time walking the gardens and joined the musicians for their practise, where she found a certain peace sitting beside a young lady who had a particular gift for the harp. For the duration of her stay she made it her business to encourage this woman in particular, because she sensed a little destiny around her. It was also a distraction from her true purpose, which had so far gone unsaid.
Phe sank into a terrible depression, after which she became entirely, unnaturally quiet. That was when Galadriel insisted on taking a cup of tea with her.
Phe was visibly very uncomfortable to be with company. Galadriel put a gentle hand on the back of hers and broke the news.
'The poison has taken your womb. I did not come to break your heart. I came with aid.'
'What aid can you give me for a broken heart!' Phe cried.
'I will give you the aid you need,' she said.
000
Thranduil waited for the Lady beside his throne. When she arrived, clean and fresh and as ethereal as her first appearance, he bowed and asked her;
'Why did you come to us? You have made no secret of your dislike for the Greenwood kin.'
'What I like is dislike is hardly important,' Galadriel spoke plainly for once. 'I must not lie, Thranduil. In the past I have found you childish and oftentimes arrogant. Your manner is petulant and your consumption of wine is of great concern to both your friends and your enemies. But we are kin and so we must not quarrel.'
'I do not pretend a liking for your way either.'
Galadriel laughed.
'Middle Earth stands upon the brink of disaster and you trade with me these paltry insults,' she shook her head in mirth. 'Come, brother. Speak to me for once as a sister. There is but a blink of time now before Valinor calls us home. Your children and mine are more important than the differences of our past.'
'In that I cannot fault you,' he agreed.
'She will bear you no children without my help. She is barren. Her Mother's poison has tainted her blood and taken her womb.'
Thranduil's expression tightened.
'And you wish to trade?'
'I wish to help,' Galadriel said softly. 'I will restore her. You will rejoin our council.'
Thranduil twitched with fury.
'How dare you-'
'If you will not help us then we will not help you.'
Thranduil leaned in, angry.
'I will give you nothing!' he hissed.
Galadriel did not flinch. She sighed a gentle breath.
'And yet so much has been given to you,' she said softly.
000
Phe was smiling when Thranduil went to her, when the White Lady had departed in an eclipse of brilliance. She caught his hands.
Your smile is like sustenance. It is the best and brightest thing I have seen in so long that I would do anything to preserve it!
'She laid her hands on me like this!' Phe breathed and demonstrated on his belly. 'I do not know what she said, they were very old words, but I felt warmth. This afternoon my bleeding stopped at last!'
Phe crawled into his lap and held him warmly. He began to feel as though sacrificing his pride had brought a greater reward then he could have hoped. Phe was smiling. He kissed her softly and marveled at her beauty.
'Do you despise me, hir vuin?' she whispered softly. 'I know you do not want to go to the council.'
'I would never despise you,' he smiled softly. 'You are right, I do not want to go. I may send Legolas. Galadriel will be most displeased but she is not the sort of rescind an offer of healing once it is done.'
He smiled in quiet self satisfaction.
'You tricked her,' Phe smirked.
'As she tricked me,' he nodded. He brushed fingertips over her belly and smiled. Phe caught his gaze and leaned in. Thranduil cupped her skull in one hand and returned her embrace and her kiss.
So warm. So perfect. I cannot think how I went so long without you, meleth nin.
Phe let him push her gently onto her back. She gripped him eagerly when he began to touch her. She wrapped herself around him when he entered her and encouraged him with soft little cries of pleasure until they were both sweating under their clothes, both desperate, both so needy that their moans became uncontrolled pleas. Afterwards they lay together joined and sated. Thranduil took her mouth softly and finally slept curled around her body.
'Gi melin,' she whispered to his sleeping face. 'Meleth nin. Midsummer cannot come soon enough for me.'

Translations
My Lady - Hiril Vuin
My lord - Hir vuin
My son = Ionneg
My daughter = Iellig
My love - Meleth nin
I love you – Gi melin
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A Frozen Sun