Never had he thought that anything could be so beautiful. Yet the
miracle before him proved that anything was possible.

Was this what it had all been about? All the pain, suffering and
struggles of the previous years, for this? If it was so, then it was
worth it. He'd have fought a hundred more battles and weathered
dozens more cruel winters, if it would have helped bring him to this moment.

Gently, Oropher reached into the crib and lifted his son into his
arms. He smiled, seeing the child instinctively curl towards him,
reaching for his warmth and love. Already this tiny being had utterly stolen his heart.

"Thranduil," he whispered, stroking one tiny cheek. At this the child reached out one chubby hand, finding his finger and clutching it with surprising strength.

A tear came to his eye as his son held on to him, the strength
reassuring. In his heart, Oropher knew that he would one day be
parted from his child, but now he knew that whatever happened to him, Thranduil would survive.

The End