Light and Shadows (Thranduil's story post BOTFA)

A much anticipated return

Thranduil did not recall seeing Tauriel any happier in centuries. It seemed as if she was floating on some kind of cloud, the worry was gone from her features, she smiled more often, she laughed more and her entire being seemed serene and etheric. The pain, the anger, the frustration, all seemed gone from her. Thranduil was also feeling much lighter in his body and mind and though much had healed from his being from the traumas he had suffered and the memories of the past were no longer tormenting him as before, he still felt at times a rigidity within himself as if he could not allow himself to fully be exalted with joy for he was still King and had responsibilities to his people and his kingdom.

Though Sauron was gone, he now had to make sure to preserve the beauty of the newly healed forest, to make his realm flourish after the battles which nearly destroyed their lands and to expand his territory North, killing any remaining orcs that were lurking there and building new routes and elven paths for trading and communication with the nearby lands. His elven delegation had returned from King Elessar's coronation without Legolas and with only a letter from him. Thranduil had read it a hundred times, looking at the familiar writing of his son and grateful that Legolas was finally telling him of his plans. It seemed as though he was travelling for a while in Middle-Earth with one of his companions. He did not say when he would come back to the Woodland Realm but he did say near the end the words 'I miss you.' These words were everything Thranduil needed to be sure that Legolas would return to him and for now, he was at least grateful that his son was safe and was happy to explore the world with whatever 'companion' he had. 

Thranduil rejoiced seeing Tauriel and his people finally so carefree and happy though he knew that the main thing that was now standing in the way of him feeling truly happy was Legolas' absence. With King Elessar's Coronation, the Fourth Age of Middle Earth had begun. At times, Thranduil could hardly believe that both Morgoth and Sauron had been defeated and were now forever gone. With this great victory and new peace came also great changes to the Earth, however. Many of his kin were now leaving. He was glad though that Celeborn was still ruling and was settled now in South Greenwood as it would have been truly lonely for him to be the last Elven ruler left. The many joyous festivities of his people kept his darker thoughts away most of the time and made his heart lighter even with Legolas still being absent and the uncertainty regarding the future of his kingdom. 

For now, things were working and his realm was alive and well and that was something he tried to focus on: the present. A bright full moon was shining upon the dark velvet sky and the breeze around the fortress was so peaceful, the air was filled with the sweet smell of flowers and the laughter of his people was loud and carefree... If only his realm would last for thousands of years that way, he thought. He could see himself living forever in that sweet bliss, on the land that both he and his father loved, in the kingdom that they both raised and with the people who were loyal to him and cherished him. What awaited him in Valinor? Only the distant rule of the Valar in a foreign land. 

Thranduil suddenly remembered King Thingol's palace, his face, and his long, platinum hair that was quite similar to his. He had heard Thingol talk about Valinor when he was only an elfling. The King's words were always fascinating to him. He admired him and wished he could have learned more from him before everything fell into ruin. With a sigh, Thranduil realised that Thingol's kingdom would have lasted for thousands of years with him and his Queen Melian guarding it. But it seemed that nothing could truly last forever, at least not in Middle-Earth. 

Over 6000 years ago, during the First Age, in Menegroth (capital of Doriath):

A young elfling was wandering the halls of King Thingol with curious eyes. He was dressed in fine dark blue silk and had the front of his soft, pale blond hair clipped at the back of his head with a silver accessory. Little Thranduil would often wander around the palace when his father and other court members were busy, exploring the place. The grandiose underground fortress seemed even more breathtaking for the eyes of a child.