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Warning: Character's Death (Sorry!) Please, Don't kill me. *hides under her bed*

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"...and when you're ten years old, I'll personally select your first pony and teach you to ride it..."

Legolas bit his lower lip, trying his best not to laugh as he sat on the couch and tried to continue reading his book while listening to his husband doting on their baby. The mighty King of Men was sitting on the floor with his legs crossed, resting Míreth on his lap and planning her whole life for her.
"... You'll see, you'll be the best swordswoman in all of Gondor before you even reach twenty. I will also teach you how to fight with a sword, and your Ada will teach you how to use a bow and arrows. When you reach adulthood, you will be the most beautiful Princess this land has ever seen, not to mention Middle-Earth's most fierce and strong warrior. Suitors will float around you like moths around a fire, eager to get a glance from your pretty eyes. Not that I will allow them to get close to you, my little Jewel."

Legolas rolled his eyes, happy that his husband wasn't all serious and gloomy for once. A month had passed since Míreth's birth, and the grimness that loomed over the castle was taking its toll on all of them. The Consort was happy that Aragorn was in a lighter mood, even if only for a moment.

"You'll never marry someone who doesn't deserve you, my little Princess. I'll chase them away from the Kingdom if I have to."

"Then she'll be alone her entire life," Legolas remarked playfully.

Aragorn looked up at his husband, blinking several times before his face broke into a brilliant smile.

"Oh, she'll find someone," he said. "Someone who truly deserves her. But I won't allow anyone to take my daughter away from me without a long and fierce fight."

Legolas laughed amusedly. However, his happy expression melted into a sad one when a realization suddenly befell him as he watched his husband playing with the baby. Despite being blessed with a long life, Aragorn might not live to see Míreth's adulthood!
Suddenly, the two heard several knocks on the door. Granting the knocker an entrance, the royal couple smiled as Lord Glorfindel and Lady Gwîneth entered.

"Good evening, my Lords," the Elven maiden greeted respectfully before heading to Aragorn and extending her arms to take little Míreth. "My little Princess!" She said as she picked up the Princess and kissed her forehead.

"Aragorn, I would like a word with you in private, please?" Glorfindel asked.

The King nodded and stood up while Legolas followed Gwîneth to her bedchamber, giving the two a questioning look as they headed to the private study.

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'What is it, Lord Glorfindel?' Aragorn asked as the study door was closed behind them.

'It's about our investigation, Elessar,' Glorfindel said seriously. 'I fear we haven't reached any conclusion even after a month of intense searching and questioning.'

'How could that be?' Aragorn asked.

'There is no trail for us to follow. The only trail was the servants, who vanished without any trace; their families still don't know anything about them. None of your Lords or Ladies know Elven herbs and healing arts. The only thing I managed to gather is that most of the Lords in your court resent that you've married an Elven male and conceived a child through magical means. But if you follow that path, you'll accuse most of your court of treason.'

'Then you're saying those who threaten my family's safety will go unpunished?'

'I didn't say that, but it's time for us to rethink our strategy. All this tight security around the castle is not helping at all.'

'Then what do you suggest we do?'

'Let's lift security a little. This may make the culprits feel safe and make a move that will reveal them to us.'

Aragorn thought for a few moments before shaking his head.

'I'm sorry, Glorfindel,' he said. 'I can't. I can't risk my family's safety like that. You'll have to think of something else.'

'Elessar, the situation cannot continue like this forever,' Glorfindel reasoned. 'Someone in your court may snap under all this pressure and make a move against you. Your Lords will not support you for long, not with how you're treating them, and I do not blame them. If they were to rebel, it would be easier for the traitors to hurt you or your family. It's just a matter of time now, my Lord.'

Aragorn stared at the blond Elf before he sighed.

'I will think about it!' he said.

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In Míreth's bedchamber, Legolas was nursing his daughter while Gwîneth kept him company. Though the blond Prince's gaze held a loving gleam as he looked down at his daughter, Gwîneth could distinctly see a shadow of sadness in his blue orbs.

'What's the matter, Legolas?' she asked as she joined her Prince on the couch. 'You seem sad, my Prince. I thought you would be happy that Míreth's health has finally improved.'

Legolas sighed, shaking his head. The sorrow that suddenly filled his heart was more powerful than any other emotion.

'Legolas?'

'Am I destined to lose everyone I fall in love with, Gwîneth?'

The Mirkwood Lady felt her heart clench painfully at the question and the sad tone that coloured it.

'Oh, Legolas!' she exclaimed, placing a comforting hand on the Elf's thigh.

'I keep forgetting that Aragorn is a mortal, and eventually, he'll die,' he said as crystal tears slid down his pale cheeks. 'Of course, Haldir, despite being immortal, has died as well.' A sob ripped itself from Legolas' rosy lips. 'I feel that I'm cursed, Gwîneth. I shouldn't have allowed myself to fall in love again. I shouldn't have.'

Gwîneth looked sympathetically at her Prince, feeling like she had been stabbed in her heart. King Thranduil and his sons denied themselves love for long due to their grief over Queen Aarien's death; Legolas alone was spared because he was only an infant then. He was the breath of life among the sorrow that engulfed Mirkwood Palace for many years. However, now it seemed he was falling into despair because of his love.

'Legolas,' she spoke gently. 'You're not cursed, and love is not a crime that you are punished for. Elves, being immortal, tend to think that nothing could separate them from their loved ones. But the bitter truth is that life is filled with darkness and dangers lurking around in the shadows, ready to snatch those we love the most from us. Humans, being mortals, acknowledge this. Because of that, they tend to treasure every moment they share with their family and friends. King Elessar may be mortal, and he will die one day, but would that not make the time you have with him even more valuable?'

Legolas looked up at his friend with wide eyes. A comforting silence reigned over the two as Gwîneth waited for her words to sink in.

'Wipe your tears, honeg nîn (my little brother),' Gwîneth said with a smile as she wiped Legolas' tears with her handkerchief. 'You have a beautiful daughter and a loving husband who would do anything for a smile from you. You shouldn't be weeping at all. You should be smiling.' She then looked down at the babe in Legolas' arms. 'See, you've splashed sad tears on your daughter as well. That's not a good omen, my little Leaf. You should make it up to her later.'

Slowly, the corners of Legolas' lips curled up until a beautiful smile formed on his face. At that moment, Aragorn opened the door without knocking.

"Am I interrupting anything?" he asked before raising an eyebrow while smiling amusedly as he noticed Legolas' exposed breast.

Noticing the direction his husband's eyes were staring, Legolas blushed fiercely before detaching his daughter and covering himself. Luckily, Míreth had almost finished her meal and was already halfway asleep.

Gwîneth couldn't help but chuckle at the silent exchange.

"I think it's time for you to retire to your bedchamber, my Lords," she said as she gently took Míreth from between Legolas' arms.

"I think that as well," Aragorn concurred as he watched a still-blushing Legolas stand up, head held high, and walk past him to their chamber.

As soon as the door was shut behind the couple, Gwîneth also proceeded to prepare the little Princess for bed. After changing Míreth into her nightgown, Gwîneth took a small vile containing Lord Elrond's special nutritional potion and gently pressed it between the Princess' small lips. Instinctually, the babe started to sip on the mouth of the bottle, drinking its contents. Satisfied that the Princess had swallowed all the liquid, Gwîneth kissed her lovingly before putting her down in her cradle.

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Legolas yelped in surprise when two strong hands pulled him suddenly as he emerged from the bathroom.

"What's this? An Elf caught off-guard?" Aragorn chuckled amusedly as he pulled his husband into his chest. He quickly buried his face into the crook of the Elf's neck, deeply inhaling his sweet honey scent.

Legolas groaned and struggled to free himself, but Aragorn held him tightly.

"Aragorn! Let go of me!"

"What? I'm not doing anything," said Aragorn, but his tone betrayed his mischievous intentions.

"Yes, you are!" Legolas pouted as Aragorn began kissing his neck. "Estel, stop it!"

"Stop what? I'm only cuddling my beautiful husband," said Aragorn, still nuzzling Legolas' neck.

"I'm serious, Elessar!" Legolas' eyes widened as he felt Aragorn's tongue on his neck. "I SAID STOP!"

He shoved Aragorn away and glared at the man, his cheeks flushed.

"What do you think you are doing?" he asked.

Aragorn chuckled. "What did I do wrong? I only wanted to give my husband a good kiss." He pulled the Elf back into his arms, but Legolas shoved him away.

"Estel! Don't you dare do that again!" he growled.

"Come on, Greenleaf, don't be so mean," said Aragorn. "You flashed your flesh to me just a few moments ago."

"You weren't supposed to see that!" Legolas cried. "You entered the room without knocking!"

"It's my daughter's bedroom; I can enter whenever I want," Aragorn defended himself.

Legolas only huffed and went to bed, followed by his husband.

"I'm sorry, my Prince," Aragorn said playfully as he wrapped an arm around his husband, who was lying on his side with his back turned to him. He stroked the Elf's arm soothingly. "Don't be angry with me. I was only teasing."

Legolas did not reply.

"Please, my love, I'm sorry."

Aragorn snuggled closer to Legolas and continued caressing his arm. His hand slowly travelled down until he reached the Elf's waist.

Legolas let out a soft laugh.

"What do you think you are doing?"

"Trying to seek forgiveness from my husband," Aragorn replied, his hand resting on the Elf's waist.

"Are you now?" Legolas rolled over to face his husband before he let out a sigh. "I can't stay mad at you, Estel, though you deserve to be punished for what you have done."

"Punish me however you like, my Prince, but please forgive me."

"Hmm..." Legolas pretended to think about it. "You promised to wait for me, Aragorn, but you broke your promise."

"I am deeply sorry, my love. I won't do it again," Aragorn promised.

Legolas raised an eyebrow. "Do you swear?"

"I swear."

Legolas leaned in and kissed his husband.

"Then I forgive you."

"You are so gracious, my dear husband," Aragorn teased, pulling Legolas to his chest.

The Elf rested his head on the man's shoulder, enjoying the warmth of his arms. "Aragorn, what did Lord Glorfindel want to talk about?" he asked suddenly.

"It's nothing important, Legolas. You shouldn't worry your head about such matters," the man replied sleepily, wrapping his arm protectively around the Elf's waist.

"But—"

"Good night, Legolas," Aragorn said in a stern tone, cutting off all possibilities for further discussion.

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Around midnight, Legolas suddenly jerked up from his sleep, gasping in terror and causing the man sleeping next to him to wake up.

"Legolas! What happened?" the King cried in alarm as the blond Elf hurtled out of the bed towards the door that connected them to Míreth's room. Throwing on a robe, the King hurriedly followed his Elven husband. Legolas opened the door violently and rushed to his daughter's cradle, not truly paying attention to his husband's calls or Gwîneth's startled cry. All he wanted at that moment was to be by his daughter's side.

Gwîneth yelled in alarm as the door suddenly sprung open, jolting her from her sleep. She watched in panic as Legolas rushed into the room, followed swiftly by the King. Quickly, she picked up her over-robe on a chair next to her bed, throwing it over her nightgown before rushing to Legolas' side.

'Legolas, what's wrong?' she asked.

The blond Prince, however, didn't reply. He merely picked up his seemingly sleeping daughter, looking at her with teary eyes. A soft sob escaped him as he gently ran one hand along the babe's smooth cheek. Míreth let out a soft hitch, and Legolas let out another sob.

"Legolas, what is it?" Aragorn asked, feeling his heart dropping into his stomach.

"I'll go summon Lord Elrond," Gwîneth said, unable to wait any longer. She rushed out of the bedchamber and crossed the living quarters in three strides to the main doors. Opening the door, she urgently asked one of the guards to immediately bring Lord Elrond from his chambers. The Elven Lady paced the living room, awaiting the Lord's arrival. It didn't take Lord Elrond long to arrive.

'Lady Gwîneth, what happened?' he asked as he entered the royal chambers.

'I don't know,' the Mirkwood Lady said as she took his hand and hurriedly pulled him towards Míreth's chamber. Upon entering the chamber, the two elves froze at the sight that met their eyes.

Aragorn was sitting on the floor, his arms wrapped protectively around his husband, his face buried into the golden mane. The blond Elf buried his face into the man's muscular chest, pressing himself deeper into the tight embrace. Little Míreth was nestled between the two, seemingly in a deep sleep. The only thing that broke the silence was the soft sobs coming from the couple.

Elrond took a deep breath as he observed the couple, not wishing to face the presumption that downed him at that moment before he forced his legs to walk towards his son.

"Estel," he called.

Aragorn lifted his head and looked up at his father, his handsome face drenched in tears. He shook his head slightly at the silent question his father's eyes asked before re-burying his face into his husband's golden tassels, crying soundly. His hands tightened around his husband's body.

Taking another sharp breath, Elrond closed his eyes to prevent his tears from falling. Opening his eyes, he moved closer again, refusing to give up hope.

Kneeling in front of the couple, the healer spoke again. "Legolas, I need to see your daughter." The Elven Prince's only response was to bury his face deeper into his husband's chest while his hands tightened their grip around his daughter's small form. 'Legolas, Saes.'

Legolas' grip loosened from around the babe's body, yet he refused to meet the healer's eyes, as his face remained hidden in Aragorn's torso. Gently, the healer touched the baby, looking for any sign of life left in her. Finding none, he felt his heart shattering into a million pieces. This time, Elrond couldn't resist his tears. They fell silently as he stared at the weeping couple. Standing up, he turned around only to see Gwîneth's beautiful face drenched with tears. Walking to the young Lady, he gently took her arm and led her out of the room, leaving Aragorn and Legolas to mourn peacefully.

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Gwîneth watched with teary eyes as Lord Elrond left the chambers without a word. The Mirkwood Lady let out a pained sob when the chamber door was closed, falling onto the ground. She still couldn't believe what had happened. Her mind could not comprehend what had occurred only a few moments ago. The little Princess couldn't die just like that. She had just regained her health a few days ago. She was starting to gain weight. She couldn't possibly die just like that...without a reason. Gwîneth's sobs gradually became sharp breath intakes as the Elven Lady started to feel difficulty breathing. Forcing herself to subside her growing grief, Gwîneth stood up and walked to a nearby couch. She tiredly threw herself into the soft sofa and closed her eyes, forcing herself into a troubled sleep.

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To Be Continued...