I awoke to Legolas getting up. Groaning, I threw an arm over my eyes. "Where you going?" I mumbled.

His movement paused. "I need to speak with Adar, and I thought I'd send your maid with some fresh clothes. Your dress last night was lovely, but it looked burdensome."

"All right." I pulled the blankets up to my chin and burrowed into the pillows again. If he was in a hurry to leave such a comfortable bed, I'd keep it company in his absence.

Legolas chuckled and leaned over to kiss my cheek. "By the way, good morning, my lovely wife."

Despite my grogginess, I couldn't hide a smile. "Good morning, Legolas."

He rose, and I heard him getting dressed. "I'll be back in a little while, love." His footsteps traveled to the door, which creaked as it opened, then clicked shut.

Legolas

After sending Larika to my room to tend Eda, I walked toward Adar's study. An overwhelming new affection for my wife swirled around in my mind, as well as a much deeper concern for the immediate future, and her safety. I needed council, and I had a new respect for Adar's life experience.

The study door was cracked—which meant he was working, but he wanted to talk. "Adar?" I knocked and pushed it open a couple more inches.

He sat on one of the sofas, staring into the fire. Looking at me, he swiftly rose and opened the door. "Legolas..."

I stared at the floor. I felt like a different person than I was this time yesterday.

Adar pulled me into a tight hug. "It's nothing to be ashamed of, ion. I am very proud of you." Pulling back, he studied me. "All is well?"

Nodding, I stepped in and closed the door behind me. "Yes, except—I've felt nothing in the way of a spiritual bond. Nothing's wrong," I hurried to clarify, "it's just...I thought it would be more noticeable."

A frown marred Adar's smooth brow. "It is noticeable—or it should be."

We were silent for a moment, and I considered the implications of this. Perhaps Eru didn't bless our marriage? "What do you think I should do?"

He sighed and met my gaze. "It may be because of her mortal blood. But frankly Legolas, I wouldn't worry about it. She's your wife now, and I've seen how you love each other. An Elven bond is ideal, but...perhaps not possible, in this scenario."

I nodded and decided not to worry...about that. "There is also the matter of Gondor."

"I haven't forgotten," Adar murmured. He beckoned me to the sofas and sat, propping his boots up on the low table. "You place a great deal of faith in the ranger."

I sat also, resting my elbows on my knees. "He deserves it."

A long silence ensued. Finally, Adar murmured, "Is there anything I can say to convince you to remain with your wife in Mirkwood?"

I was tempted—oh so tempted. But I shook my head. "No, Adar. I cannot hide from the fate of Middle Earth."

He caught and held my gaze. "And Eda?"

I ran a hand through my hair, catching a few tangles. "I'll ask her to remain here, or in Erebor. And she'll refuse."

A smile played on his mouth, and he nodded. "I'm not surprised." With a sigh, he stretched his long limbs and said, "Well Legolas, I've decided I'll accompany you. Whether or not you're correct in thinking we need to unify against the dark lord, I can't have my warriors thinking Eda a better ruler than me." He smirked.

I barked a laugh. Of course, he needed an excuse to show his support. And for once, I didn't mind. "Good idea Ada...we were talking about having an open border and simple citizenship laws last night."

"Oh, that's what you two were so busy about?" Snickering, he stood and ruffled my hair. "I don't believe a word, Legolas."

I laughed and swatted his hand away. "So when are we leaving?"

Adar went over to his desk. "That depends on you. How soon can you and your wife behave yourselves in public?" He raised an eyebrow teasingly.

My cheeks heated, but I ignored my embarrassment and stood to face him. "We should leave as soon as possible. I don't know what state the Fellowship is in, only how I left it. And Gondor...it's on the verge of a civil war."

He gave a wry smile. "Then let's sway the outcome, shall we?"

I reached out and clasped his forearm. "Yes. Let's."

* * *

Eda

When Legolas returned, Larika had gotten me into a loose, comfortable dress, and she was in the process of combing my hair. Without any imminent events to get ready for in a hurry, she turned it into a leisurely time in front of the mirror, chatting about the weather and what we liked to do at different times of the year.

But when Legolas walked in, she tensed up. "Um...should I leave?"

Legolas waved dismissively. "No, continue. Eda looks like she's enjoying herself." He gave me a warm smile and headed for his dresser.

Larika returned to combing my hair, but since our conversation had hardly been interesting before, neither of us attempted to resurrect it. Instead, Larika pretended not to be uncomfortable, and I pretended not to notice Legolas was packing for something.

Finally, Legolas said, "Larika, if you please, I need to speak with my wife."

She nodded rapidly and practically fled.

I muffled a laugh and studied my hair in the mirror. It was a bit frizzy—probably from last night. "I think she's forgotten how to talk to me, now that I'm a married woman."

Legolas's reflection appeared behind mine, and his lithe fingers lifted my mane off my neck. "I spoke with my Adar." He effortlessly divided it into three strands and began to braid. "He's agreed to support Aragorn in Gondor, and whatever is necessary at Mordor's gates."

"Oh, good." I closed my eyes, enjoying his touch.

"Yes." Legolas gave a heavy sigh. "But I fear to wait. As much as I would love to hide away with you and start a family, this war must be won first."

My heart sank, but I knew he was right. I met his gaze in the mirror. "When do we leave?"

A small smile pulled at his lips, and he focused on my braid. "This afternoon. Eda—"

"Don't even ask. I'm coming." I arched an eyebrow, daring him to fight me.

Legolas gave a resigned sigh and said, "I know, love. I just thought I'd ask."

I smirked. "If I don't come, who's going to call Erebor to battle?"

He kissed the back of my head. "No one." He handed me the end of the braid and said, "Think carefully before bringing Larika to Gondor. I don't know if she can handle darkness that putrid."

* * *

Legolas, Thranduil, Dwalin, Larika, myself, and five hundred silven warriors left the castle on horseback not long after noon. Besides frequent appreciative glances exchanged with Legolas, the ride to Erebor was uneventful—boring, even. The only other thing that warrants any mention is how uncomfortable riding astride was in my present state of grace.

We reached the border at sunset, and per my request, only myself, Dwalin, Larika, and Legolas went into Laketown. We went directly into the mountain, and I made a beeline for my room. On the way, I started delegating.

"Dwalin, I want you to call a gathering for all of Erebor and all of Laketown. I'm going to address them. I want every Council member present and showing me their support."

He nodded and split off in a different direction.

"Larika, I want the most elegant dress we have already made. I will wear the Arkenstone crown and the key necklace. But everything needs to be easy to get off, and everything unnecessary stays here when I return to the border." We reached my room, and I began swiftly undressing.

She watched me with a timid expression. "What about me, Your Majesty? You'll be taking me to Gondor...right?"

I glanced at Legolas. He remained passive, but his expression said, take a breath and talk her through. I drew in a long breath and let it out, then went to Larika and placed my hands on her shoulders. "No, Larika," I said quietly.

Tears welled up in her eyes. "Why? Because I'm unnecessary?"

I shook my head. "That's not it, you've been incredibly helpful, especially on the trip to Mirkwood. But this time I'm walking into a war. I would be spending more time protecting you than fighting."

Larika looked down, and a tear slipped down her cheek. "I want to help," she whispered.

Pulling her into my arms, I hugged her tight. "I know you do," I responded. "But trust me, you'll help me the most by staying right here. Keep my room clean, and prepare the infirmary—we probably will have wounded men.

She sniffled and pulled back. "Yes, My Lady." Wiping her tears away, she added, "I'm sorry...I'll get your dress."

I let her go, and as soon as she stepped into my closet, I sighed heavily and rubbed my eyes. "Legolas...I don't know if I can do this."

He walked over to me and placed a hand on my shoulder. "Do what, Eda?"

"Be Queen." My voice wavered. I swallowed hard and rested my head on Legolas's chest. "Call these people to war. Ask them to give their lives."

His arms slid around me, tightening supportively. "You aren't asking them to die, Eda. The dark lord is demanding it—you're showing them a way to make their sacrifice count. Showing them a chance to save their children, and the generations that follow."

Another heavy sigh. "True...thank you. I think I'll use that."

"Hey." He gently tugged my hair to tip my head back, and he kissed me. "You're going to do fine."

I smiled and kissed him in return. "Thank you, Legolas. I feel a lot stronger with you beside me."

"And I, with you." One of his eyebrows lifted, and he said, "Eda...you seem to have a very large bed."

I tapped his chest and gave him a disapproving frown. "Legolas Thranduilion, we are on a very tight schedule, and my maid is in my closet right now. I don't fancy making her hide in there."

Legolas gave me an innocent expression and backed away, hands raised. "Ai, Eda, such a dirty mind! I only meant to suggest we could take a nap while Larika searches for your dress."

Rolling my eyes, I said, "Liar. You can take a nap, but I need to prepare my speech."

He shrugged and headed toward the bed, unbuttoning and shrugging off his tunic. "Your loss, darling."

I snorted, but I wished I could join him. Still, I headed over to my desk and sat. Pulling out a fresh sheet of paper, I began writing out the first draft of my speech.