"You are wise enough on your own, dear cousin, it is time for you to give counsel, not just to receive it,"

As Alethris looked at the little fingers that coiled around one of hers, she smiled and stroked the small mop of dark hair. Nínimiel had a more subtle point to her ears than her father's, but looked just like any other baby. As she cradled her little daughter, Alethris's heart was full to the brim. "This joy must have been the same as Melian felt when she birthed Lúthien."

She looked back at Elrond, who was sitting in the chair beside her bed. He stroked the baby's head as he smiled back. "It seems like no time had passed since you were a babe in my arms. Now the circle is complete. Many babes of Elves and Men have I seen into the world and I remember every single one. But Nínimiel, my granddaughter, is my last. The time of my departure draws near. Soon I shall leave Imladris forever. It is time for me to make the journey to Mithlond and pass into the west."

Even though she knew it was his time to leave, his words were hard to hear. "Shall I not see you again?"

Elrond's eyes grew moist as he clasped Alethris's hand. "Niniel Almárie, I do not wish to cause you sadness, but I shall have departed long before your next visit to Imladris."

Galadriel and Gandalf then entered the birthing chamber. "We came to see you before the birthing feast. The King and Legolas are busy welcoming the other guests," said Gandalf.

Galadriel came over to the bed and kissed Alethris on the forehead. "A thousand blessings upon you granddaughter at this auspicious time. I am pleased not to have missed it." She then kissed Nínimiel.

"Would you like to hold her, grandmother?"

"I thought you would never ask?" Galadriel gently picked up Nínimiel, rocking her gently in her arms.

Alethris slid Galadriel's ring off her finger. "You told me to return it to you at our next meeting."

"Yes, it is time. Thank you for keeping it safe for me." Galadriel gazed at Nínimiel and she cooed back at her, then hummed a lullaby. Soon the baby was sleeping, and she laid her in the cradle. Returning to the bed, Galadriel sat on the side and received the ring back from Alethris. Galadriel smiled sadly. "It is time for this ring and I to pass back across the sea. I have said my goodbyes to Lothlórien and shall be returning to Imladris with your father. I shall remain there until we travel to Mithlond."

"As will I," replied Gandalf.

"You are leaving too?" replied Alethris.

"My mission is complete, Almárie, Sauron is defeated and Elessar is on the throne. It is time for me to return."

Alethris's heart was close to breaking. "What will I do without you all? What if I need counsel?"

"There is your wise husband, to begin with. Elladan, Elrohir and Glorfindel will remain in Imladris and Celeborn in the south of Eryn Lasgalen. They will all assist you when you travel to Arnor," said Elrond.

Gandalf winked at her. "You are wise enough on your own, dear cousin. Perhaps it is time for you to give counsel, not just to receive it."

"You do not need us anymore. You are both a mother and a queen who will soon play a part in the rebuilding of Arnor," replied Galadriel.

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Winter came and spring followed as Thranduil and Alethris delighted in little Nínimiel as she grew. But at a rate too fast for Thranduil's liking. On the first day of May, the entire realm celebrated as Legolas wed his beloved Óliel. At the festivities, Thranduil passed to his new daughter in Law the jewels that had once belonged to Legolas's mother.  Óliel accepted them with the grace and humility she was well renowned for. She and Legolas then left for their honey months in the summer palace and returned in time for Nínimiel's first birthday. With them came news that a little princeling was expected by the end of the following spring. Even though he was overjoyed at the thought of a grandson, Thranduil felt a change coming over the realm. Legolas had spoken of the sea longing before he had wed. A feeling Thranduil knew only too well. He had staunchly resisted its call for thousands of years. Yet since he had wed Thorwen, he had found it harder to ignore.

He also noticed a change in his people. Younger Elves, like Legolas, were getting wed and begetting children. Many were keen to take up tilling the earth and growing plants on the Western end of the Woodland realm. An area badly damaged during the battle under the trees. But the older Elves, especially those from Doriath, did not care for such endeavours. Some turned their eyes further West and spoke of travelling over the Misty mountains. But only a handful actually made the journey.

But it was a change in his Thorwen that concerned him most. Since Nínimiel's birth, only a few of her raven tresses remained. The rest was a vibrant silver that shone as if it had caught the very stars, and her skin had an unearthly sheen about it. He knew it was the result of her body being consumed by the fea it housed. Gandalf had explained it to him before he took his leave, and he knew that soon they would have to withdraw from the realm and travel westward. He only hoped they would not have to leave their children at a young age. What would become of them? But he kept his concerns from his wife so as not to cause her grief.

She had grieved bitterly when news had reached them of Elrond, Galadriel and Gandalf's departure from Middle Earth. They had taken a ship into the west along with Bilbo and his nephew Frodo. Nínimiel had been a comfort to her at least, and she often visited the stone circle alone. He suspected Thorwen's brother came to her there. But he never followed or went with her unless invited. It was her place, just as Galadriel's garden had been.

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As the snows receded from Eryn Lasgalen, Elladan arrived from Imadris with news from the north. Thranduil and Alethris warmly greeted him as they held court in the throne room. There was trouble in the north. "The Arnorians were attempting to reclaim the ruined city of Annúminas but were beaten back by The Hillmen and ruffians who had taken up with them after being cast out of the shire. They are asking for aid to help them defeat the enemy," said Elladan.

"Of course, but how many are needed? After the Battle under the Trees, my troops are far fewer in number and many of my people have no desire to take up arms again. Cannot Gondor send more troops?" asked Thranduil.

"Alas, King Elessar and King Eomer are fighting in the south and our sister Arwen serves as his regent in Gondor." Elladan turned to Alethris. "As Vice Regent of Arnor, sister, it is up to you to help the people in the north. And there is more I must tell you, there have been..... abductions and talk of people seen wearing red robes."

Thranduil snarled. "The temple of Morgoth! I had hoped we had wiped their kind of the face of Middle Earth!"

Alethris shuddered as she turned to Thranduil. "I wish this could have waited until Nínimiel was a little older. Now it seems we have no choice. But I have never commanded an army before, and how will we find enough troops?"

"May I make a suggestion?" said Legolas. "Might we call upon our allies for aid? Are they not allies of Gondor, too?"

Thranduil thought for a moment. "Celeborn will no doubt send archers, as will Dale. The Beornings are farmers, but no less fearsome warriors. Lord Vilbeorn may be willing to send aid. Then there are the Dwarves of Erebor. We are on better terms with them now, but whether they would help us?"

"Ada, might I go to Dale and Erebor as your Emissary?" Óliel's birthing time will soon be upon us and I will not be able to go north."

"You will be serving as my regent while we are away. But yes, you would make the perfect emissary. Go now and return to us swiftly." Legolas bowed and quickly took his leave.

Thranduil turned to address the court. "As for my people, I will not command them to come north. This is a time of peace, after all. But those who wish to volunteer with have their King's gratitude."

Corwen was the first to Volunteer followed by all the Huscarls. Shouts from other volunteers then echoed around the halls as the Wood Elves answered the call of their king.

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Alethris clung tightly to Nínimiel as she and Thranduil exited the Elven Halls, the infant happily nestling in her arms, little fingers clasping her mother's mithril shirt. Fortunately, she was too little to understand how bitter a parting this would be. For Alethris, the thought of being so far away from her daughter was agonising. Across the bridge, a large army mustered as they prepared for the long journey to Arnor. Westward across the Misty Mountains, resting in Imladris before journeying northward.

Neither Alethris nor Thranduil wore crowns but the chains of regency hung proudly across their armour. They had been fortunate in the turnout. More Wood Elves than expected had volunteered and Celeborn had sent his best Archers for the task. Vilbeorn, now styling himself as the Lord of Anduin had decided to join the expedition, bringing with him his best men including his kinsman who knew the secrets of skin changing. He and his people had grown rich on tolls and trade. And saw an opportunity to strengthen ties with the reunited realm.

Legolas had secured assurances of aid from both Dale and Erebor, now they awaited their arrival by barge. Bellow them, they could hear voices coming from the river as the Dwarves and Dalemen disembarked and made their way up a narrow flight of steps that led up to the bridge. The Huscarls mounted their horses and grooms then brought the royal couples rides. Thranduil looked at Alethris. "It is time Thorwen," he said gently.

"Could we wait a little longer? Just a few moments more."

Celephinniel stood alongside her. "We shall take good care of the Princess, My Lady Queen."

Alethris smiled painfully. "I know I am leaving her in good hands, but..." She cradled Nínimiel even tighter.

The little girl looked up at her with her father's soft blue eyes and giggled. "Nana!" she uttered.

Alethris brushed a tear away from her eye. "Now I know how much it pained my mother when she left me in Imladris. I only hope this business is done with before Summer's end, then we shall be home before her second birthday. Goodbye, my precious one." She breathed in the baby's scent as she kissed her head.

"A queen's duty is sometimes unpleasant, melleth nin," whispered Thranduil. The three of them held each other before Alethris reluctantly handed Nínimiel to him. He threw her into the air and caught her as she giggled. "Ada! Ada! again! again!" she cried

Thranduil chuckled as he held her tightly and kissed her. "Alas, Dilthenmír it shall be some time before we can play that game again. But our return shall be all the sweeter for seeing you." He then handed her to Celephinniel.

"And what about me Ada?"

Thranduil laughed heartily. "You are a little old to be tossed in the air now. By the next full moon, you will have a son of your own." They gave each other a hearty embrace. "I hope you delay the birthing feast until we return. I would hate to miss it."

"Of course, Ada, there cannot be a birthing feast before you meet your grandson," replied Legolas.

A large group of Dwarves and Dalemen arrived with Gimli and a young man. The two of them walked across the bridge and bowed low. "Gimli, I thank you and King Thorin for Erebor's assistance," said Thranduil.

"Anything for the Silver Lady, I mean, Queen Alethris." He then turned to her, blushing slightly as he kissed her hand. We sent word to the blue mountains, some of their people will meet us outside of Bree."

"We are most grateful to you and your kin for your assistance," replied Alethris.

Legolas and Gimli embraced while the young man stood awkwardly by. "It is good to see you again, my dearest friend."

"It is a shame you will not be joining us, but I'll be sure to take a few of the enemy down on your behalf."

Thranduil turned to the young man. "Prince Bain, Welcome to the Woodland realm, it is high time you made a visit. Alas, we cannot give you a proper tour this time, but we shall rectify that upon our return."

"Thank you, King Thranduil," the young man replied nervously.

"How old are you now, Prince Bain?" asked Alethris.

"Seventeen, Queen Alethris. My Brother, King Bard sends his regards."

"Yes, I thought he might. Is this your first expedition?" asked Thranduil.

"It is, King Thranduil."

"Excellent, there is nothing like leaving home for the first time to make a man of you, is there Legolas?" Legolas gave him a strange look. The final farewells made, Thranduil, Alethris, Gimli and Prince Bain made their way back across the bridge and mounted their rides. The whole of the host formed up behind them looking expectantly at Alethris. Thranduil leaned over and whispered. "Vice Regent, they are waiting for you to give the command."

Alethris was puzzled. She had expected Thranduil to lead the host, but he shook his head. "I am merely Co-regent, Melleth nin. My role in this expedition is to advise and support you. You have seen how I command my armies, now it is your turn." Alethris nodded and sat high upon Dúrgilroch before giving the command to commence. As the company marched along the Elven way, Alethris glanced behind her at Nínimiel waving in Celephinniel's arms. Her heart breaking, she took a deep breath and forced herself to turn away as she swallowed her tears. A queen's duty could indeed be unpleasant.