FD: Thanks for the review, sorry for the cliffhanger but hey, here's the next chapter so you should be happy, right?

{Bard}

Sitting down at the table in King Thranduil's tent was almost overwhelming. The meal was nothing splendorous, some meats and cheese with bread and wine, and the elf king was a thoughtful host, but Bard was not at ease. He had seen how much Thranduil cared for his children and if the parting of his son could effect so obviously then how would he react when Bard made his intentions towards Tauriel known.

"King Thranduil—" Bard began, but the elf king raised an eyebrow in inquiry.

"So formal between friends, Lord Bard?"

"I must be."

Thranduil nodded his head in acquiesce, "Very well."

Bard continued, worried that if he stopped he might lose courage. "What I have to speak about concerns your daughter Captain Tauriel."
Both of Thranduil's eyebrows went up this time, before his gaze sharpened on Bard, "Indeed?"

"Yes. When I first met your daughter I was struck by her beauty and intrigued at seeing a she-elf among your captains. Still, I did not speak with her much and it was actually my daughters who told me more about her. Learning of how she escorted them out of Lake-town and tended to them while Bain and I recovered from our wounds, I wanted to see her again but only to thank her for her kindness. It was not until I saw her continued care towards my children that I began to think about her more. You see, since my wife's passing there have been several women who have shown kindness and attention to my children to draw me to them, but since I had to work long hours to provide for all four of us there was not much time for courting and soon I could only find elderly or already married women to look after my children while I left. Tauriel spent time with my children without looking once in my direction and I had to acknowledge that she did so because she truly enjoyed their company. I do not say such things to insult her," Bard rushed forward to explain, the look on Thranduil's face making this necessary, "I only wish to for you to understand what drew me towards your daughter. I know it has only been a few days, but I feel in my heart and mind that Tauriel would be the light needed in my house, for my children as well as me. What I feel for her is different from how I felt for my wife. I looked upon Mariah in youthful love, swept up in the height of a summer breeze and we had several happy years together." Bard did not know that his feelings were reflected upon his face, and that Thranduil was looking at him in pained sympathy, remembering as well the memories of his own wife. "I am older now, and find myself thinking in more practical terms than in fancy, and I see in your daughter what my children are missing. I deluded myself into thinking I could be bother mother and father to them, but Sigrid will soon be a woman grown and even Bain needs a gentler touch than mine. And Tilda, she has no memories of her mother as the elder two do and she does not know what she is missing but I know and that makes it all the harder.

Bard fiddled with his wine glass but did not drink, "Did you know my children have been having nightmares? Not every night, and all of three every time, but Tilda has been suffering the worst. It is only when Tauriel sings her to sleep that my youngest gets any peaceful rest at all. I want to do what is best for my children, but for my own happiness as well. I know we are entering winter, and the snows will make it difficult, but I ask your permission to court your daughter."

Bard dared to look at the elf king, and was surprised he was not yet being shouted at for wanting to not only court an elf, but also the daughter of the king. Thranduil looked at him, and the Lord of Dale met those icy blue eyes that, for once, were not so cold or standoffish.

"You have my permission, Lord Bard."

Time had ticked by before the King of Mirkwood had spoken, and when he did Bard needed a few moments to comprehend what Thranduil had said.

"I—"
"Of course the snows will make it hard for you to visit Mirkwood, but I see no reason for Tauriel not to accompany the messengers and supplies I will send throughout the winter. Know that I have found you a very honorable Man, uncorrupted by greed or power, and so I know I can trust my daughter's honor in your hands." A smirk graced the elf's face when Bard's face reddened, "Now, let us not let this meal go to waste."
Bard found he could eat after that, and the wine helped settle his stomach. Despite his words to Thranduil earlier about thinking more practically, Bard found himself feeling a little giddy and eager to tell Tauriel about her father's blessing.

{Thranduil}

You are going soft. The elf king admonished himself, watching Lord Bard lead his daughter away while the children clamored around him. He had followed the Man back to his house and had seen Tauriel's enquiring look when they entered. His plans to make Bard sweat before giving his permission had been abandoned when the Lord of Dale had mentioned the nightmares his children suffered from.

Thranduil remembered all too well about the terrible dreams that had haunted Legolas and Tauriel when they were small. Being a father, he could not jest or make light of a child's suffering. So, upon gathering the three children around the table, Thranduil sat down on a wobbly chair and set about doing what he could to ease the minds of Bard's offspring.

He had them gather soft pieces of wool, cloth, ribbons and small sticks. Together, he showed them how to make a talisman out of the cloth, wool and sticks. He then took the small object in his hands and breathed upon it, making it glow before tying a ribbon to it and securing it around their necks.

He smiled at them, their awe and wonder as they each held their talisman clearly written on their faces. Little Tilda's mouth was hanging open as she ran her fingers over the charm, the dark shadows under her eyes already seeming to fade.

"Hold these close at night," he instructed, after making sure they were all looking at him, "and they will keep most bad dreams away." He tapped Tilda's nose, smiling at her, "And if a nightmare should try to slip in, you tell it that the King of Mirkwood is your friend and he will destroy anything that tries to frighten you."

Tilda hugged him then, her little arms holding a surprising amount of strength as they wrapped around his neck. Sigrid and Bain whispered their thanks, their age making them more self-conscious of the situation but Thranduil was not offended. He knew both Legolas and Tauriel still wore their talisman, carefully kept hidden under their clothes of course. He knew this because he had put his magic in the charms, and so knew, just like he would know with Bard's children, when bad dreams assailed their minds. Just like he did with his own children, Thranduil would now be able to soothe Sigrid, Bain and Tilda when the talisman alerted him, and they would be able to sleep peacefully.

That night the elf king's tent rang with laughter, and was quite full as Bard and his children joined Thranduil and Tauriel for the evening meal. Thranduil had not expected to be laughing at all on the day Legolas had left, but he found himself smiling at the antics of the three youngest members, as well as the looks his daughter and the Lord of Dale traded back and forth. Bard might not think he loved Tauriel just yet, but their attachment was forming.

Tilda was trying very hard to do a spoon trick one of the dwarves had showed her, and while Bard admonished her for not behaving at the king's table still everyone smiled as she became adorably frustrated with each fail. She tried to solicit King Thranduil's help much to his horror, but a laughing Tauriel rescued her father. Bain, whose hands had healed with very little scarring, was looking forward to learning how to shoot a bow in the spring, Bard having been unable to teach him while the Master was watching. Sigrid expressed a desire to learn how to sew like the elves did, and Thranduil promised to find an elf-maid willing to teach her upon his return to Mirkwood. All three children had been beyond excited when Bard informed them he would be courting Tauriel

Sleepy eyed, the children bade goodnight and Bard walked them home. Tauriel sang a little over each of them as she kissed them goodnight, and Thranduil reminded them to hold their talisman close while they slept. The tent became quiet, and the elf king held his daughter for a brief moment before wishing her a peaceful rest.

Thranduil stayed up for a few hours, just to make sure, but he concluded the full day and joyous activities and no doubt wearied the children too greatly for bad dreads to disturb them.

The next day the elves packed up their things for departure. A few healers would stay, to mind the wounded and teach those willing to learn about the healing craft. Thranduil also left behind a contingent of warriors and one of his captains, for until it became too cold the men could train outside and learn their weapons skill greater.

Bard's children bade them goodbye at the gate, little Tilda the only one not able to hide her tears and Thranduil brushed then gently away. "I will miss you, grandpapa."

Thranduil heard Bard cough and the elves behind him muffle their laughter, but his own heart was warmed by the title. Winking at the girl, the elf king touched the talisman, "I am not far away, Tilda, and when you hold this think of me and I will be with you."

Mounting their horses, Thranduil was not surprised to see Bard riding beside Tauriel, and he motioned them to ride in front. Looking at him apprehensively they obeyed, and the elf king bade the minstrel beside him to start playing.

"Whistle my love, and I will come to thee, I'll always find you, No matter where you may be.

Whistle my love, I'll hear you calling me, High on a hilltop, or under a greenwood tree."

With smiles upon their faces, the elves rode out of Dale towards the road that would lead them to Mirkwood. Bard and Tauriel rode in front; their red faces a source of amusement to Thranduil and his warriors. They smiled at one another, as if to say, "What can we do? He's a king". Bard was tempted to send a glare in Thranduil's direction, but the elf's high status made him think better of that action.

The minstrel continued to pluck away at his instrument,

"Whistle the song I sang to you when our love was gay, and every woodland breeze that blows will bring it my way."

The procession reached the summit out of the valley and Bard pulled aside, Tauriel did as well so the Lord of Dale could take her hand and kiss it. Thranduil and the minstrel paused as well, the king indicating to one of his captains to continue on. The King of Mirkwood watched the player's nimble fingers on the strings, trying to give some semblance of privacy to Tauriel as she and Bard spoke. When they finished, the Man gave Thranduil a respectful nod that the elf king returned before turning his horse to rejoin his people.

"Whistle my love, and I will come to thee, I'll always find you, no matter where you may be."

Whistle my love, I'll hear you calling me, High on a hilltop, or under a greenwood tree. "

Bard watched the elves disappear into the forest, his heart already beginning to ache at the miles that separated him and Tauriel. Clicking his tongue at the horse he rode, admonishing himself as well, the Lord of Dale turned to ride back to the city. He could see his children were still standing by the gate, waiting for his return and he smiled with a light heart. The days of winter usually passed so slowly, but this time Bard would have much to occupy himself in order to prepare for spring, and so the cold season might not be as dark this year around as in years before.

"I'll always find you, no matter where you may be, I'll always find you, no matter where you may be."*

AN: THE END! Please review. Sorry I couldn't get another Kili POV in there, but it wouldn't fit.

*Song by Elton Hayes "Whistle My Love"