I was never one to hate.   It seemed such a vulgar thing to me, yet at one time in my life, I have hated my situation.  I kept my eyes focused on the ground ahead of me, hoping to ignore my surroundings.  I could feel the many eyes of my kinsman boring into my skull…  How I hated being the center of attention!  Worst of all, I wished Father would not look at me so.  It was his doing that had me there…

The Elf who stands before me had taken my hand, filling me with dread.  For once in my life, I was afraid.  Fear… the thought seemed oddly out of place to me.  Thranduil, Prince of Greenwood the Great, afraid.  The Elder took her hand as well, placing mine on top of hers.  How cold she felt!  I wish I could run away, hide from Father and from the ceremony that I have been forced into, yet my feet will move not.  It is tradition, Father has always said.

"Nai tiruvantel ar varyuvantel i Valar tielyanna nu vilya," the Elder said proudly, a broad smile on his face.  He held his arms out straight, presenting us to the crowd.  Us?  My very heart sinks to my feet at the thought.  We were an "us."  I was now wedded.  I dared not look the lady at my side in the eye; I had seen her only once before, and that was in passing.  However, I risk a glance at my bride.  Her eyes too remained downward.  Gwendolas, daughter of Lord Belocû.  My wife. 

The Elder motioned for us –"us"- to turn.  I resentfully began turning, Gwendolas's hand still enclosed in mine. The cheer that rose from the crowd sickened me; how one could find pleasure in such an event was beyond my imagination.  Yet, I knew tradition: I knew what I had to do.  I took in a breath then walked down the steps of the platform to the front of the crowd, my bride in tow.  I halted before Lord Belocû, bowing sharply.  On my right, I feel Gwendolas bow as well, my eyes turning to see my father Oropher smiling broadly. 

"May your union be blessed," my father said, grinning widely.  Belocû says naught, but crossed me and approached his daughter.  He kissed both her cheeks, then pulled away as my father did the same.  However, I was not able to escape her mother, for Lady Gweníril was soon before me, and she kissed me as well.  Bitter regret filled me as I knew Calenmîr, my own sweet mother, would not be there.  She had long ago left for Valinor, leaving my father and I alone in this world.

Our fathers led us towards the feast that has been prepared.  Much wine was drunk, but neither Gwendolas nor I had any.  I felt sick to my stomach as it was, and I am sure she felt likewise.  I took little food, and only then under my father's reprimanding eye.  I noticed not if she ate. 

I dreaded when I saw the last bottle of wine being opened, for I knew what was to follow.  Once the feast was over, it was our "duty" to act as husband and wife.  I kept my eyes on the embroidered tablecloth, ashamed to even look at my bride.  I could hear the loud chuckle of my father close by, chattering merrily with Lord Belocû about how many heirs my bride was sure to produce.  I felt my face grow red, which my father merely took as a sign that I had drunk too much wine. 

In what I knew was a planned act, my father drank the last goblet of wine.  A cheer went up in the crowd as my heart sank once more.  It is tradition, came Oropher's voice in my head.  I let out a sigh, then regretfully took Gwendolas's hand in mine once more.  I looked not at the crowd, but instead led my bride into the deep underground city.  The hallways were lit with red candles, giving it an eerie glow.  I thought it perfectly fit my mood.

We arrived at my room, where I hesitated.  My nerves did not wish to cooperate with my body, and I could not reach for the door.  I cast a look back at Gwendolas, feeling my breath catch in my throat.  I noticed for the first time how beautiful she looked, for the red light was bouncing off her golden hair.  Her eyes were downcast, however, filled with sadness. 

With a trembling hand, I pressed open the door to my chambers, leading Gwendolas inside.  As I closed the door behind me, I found myself unable to even meet her gaze.  I knew what was expected of me, yet I could not find the heart to carry out my task.  It was bad enough that such a lady would be forced to spend her life with me, but to be forced to share my bed as well?

Tradition! rang out once more in my mind, yet I shook my head.  I care not for tradition…  I found courage where I thought it impossible, raising my head to stare my bride in the face.  Her eyes remained downcast, a small shiver running through her body.  I cupped her chin in my hand, drawing it up gently.  For the first time, her eyes met mine, and I felt a strange flutter run through me.  Her eyes reminded me of wet sapphires shimmering in the starlight, vibrant and beautifully set upon her face. 

"My lady," I began, finding my throat quite parched.  I stopped to strengthen my voice, fear running wild through her untamed eyes.  "My lady," I repeated in a much softer tone, "there is a door to your left.  It is your room.  You shall find all your belongings have already been moved to there.  Your lady is waiting as well." 

Amazement filled her eyes, making them shine even brighter.  It gave me small comfort in knowing that if nothing else, I could grow to love her eyes.  Her delicate mouth moved to speak, yet she found no words.  I wished for no gratitude, merely solitude.  I released her and let her hand drop to her sides.  She continued to watch me with amazement as I crossed her path and opened the door for her. 

She hesitated for a moment, but soon gathered her skirts and began heading for the door.  She paused at the threshold, her shining eyes piercing into my gaze.  "Why?" she asked quietly.  It was the first time I heard her spoke.  It was sweeter than I had imagined it would be; much more angelic and light than the harsh monotone I had expected of a wife. 

I held her gaze for a moment, feeling slight redness crawl onto my cheeks.  "I thought it best, my lady," I answered.  She returned only a confused look, to which I continued, "It did not seem right."  This seemed to satisfy her, for she gave a slight nod of the head, then let her eyes wander from my gaze. 

I felt uncomfortable, so I quietly cleared my throat, then spoke.  "Good night, my lady." 

Her eyes flashed to mine once more, but then returned to her feet.  "Good night, my lord."  She hastily moved into her room, whereas I shut the door behind her.  I rested my back against the door and let out a sigh of relief.  It was going to be a hard life.

*********

Months passed in which Gwendolas and I saw very little of each other.  We spoke rarely, and were only seen together when we were called before my father.  He would frequently ask me, when we were alone together in his study, when I would expect an heir.  I tried to make him believe that we were having little success, yet my lies were running thin. 

However, hope came for me when I was sent to Imladris to meet with Elrond of Rivendell and his wife Celebrían.  One of the Lords, Othronn, was marrying a maid of our people, Ninniach.  Father wished not to go, so Gwendolas and myself went in his stead. 

Our month in Imladris went by slowly, and it did not miss the Lady of Imladris's keen eyes that my wife and I never rested at the same hour.  However, I spent my time much more productively with her two sons, Elladan and Elrohir.  While she wove with Gwendolas, the two brothers and I would often hunt or find other sport. 

Even with the joy that had been brought by the presence of her new friend, I noticed a change in Gwendolas.  A new babe had been brought into the world by one of Celebrían's ladies, a tiny female elfchild with brilliant green eyes.  Sadness would mark Gwendolas's face when she was near the babe.  I knew not its cause until I walked too close to the nursery one evening, hearing the gentle cries of the babe and the equally soft voices of Celebrían, Gwendolas, and an unfamiliar one.  I stopped in the doorway, observing Gwendolas holding the babe and rocking her gently in her arms.  Her back was towards me, and I could not help but notice how her long golden hair swayed and shimmered in the setting sunlight, reflecting like strands of woven gold. 

"Do you expect child of your own?" Celebrían asked in earnest.  The mother of the child remained silent beside her Lady. 

Gwendolas murmured softly to the child, then answered the Hostess.  "No."

A strange smile appeared on Celebrían's lips.  "Yet you wish for children, do you not?"  Gwendolas did not answer, and I soon saw the Lady of Imladris's eyes focusing slyly on myself.  I took that as a reason to continue on my walk, trying to forget what I had heard. 

The return voyage was nearly as tedious as the first; neither Gwendolas nor myself would speak.  The two guards that traveled with us remained as silent as we did, only the noise of the forest breaking our abyss of silence. 

However, as we neared our last day's journey, I heard the one noise I had been fearing: wolves.  They came during the tendrils of sunset, a large pack of them as far as my ears could discern.  We found no tree for the Lady to climb, nor any way to save the horses, and so we rode.  I had feared that Gwendolas would fall behind, constantly turning to find her right on my heels. 

Yet the wolves did not relent.  They cut us off in our path, sending one of the guards from his steed as the horse reared suddenly.  I had my bow in hand and let many arrows fly, yet I was unable to save our guard.  I heard a shriek, turning to find the other guard, who was to protect Gwendolas, also knocked from his steed.  I was unable to stop the wolf that seized his body, for my fitted arrow instead aimed at the wolf that was ready to pounce upon Gwendolas. 

"Ride!" I shouted to her, kicking my steed and trying to get him to run from the wolves.  Gwendolas began to ride, yet a beast caught the train of her dress, the fabric ripping off.  The claws of the beast hit the horse's flank, causing her steed to rear onto its hind legs and throw Gwendolas off.  She let out a shriek as she fell, my heart leaping into my throat as I let arrows fly.  I reached her, then leapt from my steed, pulling my long daggers from their sheathes.  I stood before Gwendolas and cut at the approaching beasts, giving her time to get to her feet and mount my steed.  Once she was on, I turned from the creatures and prepared to jump behind her, yet a lacing pain rushed through my leg.  I cried out, turning to see the jaws of one of the horrible creatures secure around my leg.  I slashed through its head with my dagger, feeling its grasp fall off.  I leapt onto the steed, which Gwendolas instantly had at a run.  I sheathed my daggers then took my bow once more, letting arrows fly at the adversary that followed on our heels. 

"Noro lim!" I heard Gwendolas scream, my eyes watching as the wolves grew further and further into the distance.  I suddenly felt a great exhaustion take me, sliding one of my arms around her waist to secure myself.  I grew dizzy, leaning forward and pressing my head against her back.  She flinched momentarily, yet continued to ride hard.  The pain in my leg grew, darkness beginning to take me as we rode on into the woods.

I felt her hand press against my own, raising my eyes.  She looked back at me, saying loudly, "Sleep not, my lord.  We are nearly there."  There was a streak of blood running down her cheek, dirt smudged over her pale complexion.  I felt weary once more, slowly closing my eyes.  She squeezed my hand, causing me to look up once more. 

She diverted her eyes to the road briefly then returned them to me.  Her blue eyes were brightened by the exercise, peering deeply into mine.  "We are nearly there," she said once more.  She turned back to the road, my own eyes following to the path ahead.  In the distance, I could see a troop of guards approaching on horseback.  I could feel Gwendolas urge the horse forward faster, her hand still pressed against my own as we drew nearer to the guards. 

She halted my horse as the guards formed a circle around us.  Two came up onto either side of us.  "You are safe now, my lady," I mumbled to her, closing my eyes once more as the world went black.       

********

I awoke in my chambers, finding my father and several Elders standing near the foot of my bed.  I shivered as a chill ran down my spine, drawing myself tighter under the thick blankets piled over me.  The pain in my leg had decreased marginally, yet I tried to move my leg and was rewarded only with pain.  I suddenly felt hot and clammy, as if I had been soaked in a tub of hot water for hours. 

I felt a cool cloth being pressed against my forehead, looking up to see Gwendolas meticulously blotting the cloth against my skin.  Her eyes betrayed her weariness, though she composed herself in such a manner that most would not see it. Yet I had studied her eyes often, and there was no mistaking her present state.  She paused as she realized that my eyes were upon her, drawing the cloth back and setting it in the basin beside her.  Her eyes met mine briefly, but our connection was broken as she lifted her head to look beyond me. 

I followed with my eyes, seeing my father now standing at my side.  There was a small smile across his face, and he placed a hand on my shoulder.  "Welcome back to us, Thranduil.  We feared for the worst." 

One of the Healers came to my father's shoulder, whispering into his ear.  My father nodded, then turned his eyes to me.  "Excuse me, son."  He turned and left the room, the Elders filing out behind him.  I felt weary, closing my eyes and letting my head sink into the soft pillows.  I suddenly felt sick, my skin burning and feeling as if it would burst.  I could feel drops of sweat rolling from brow. 

Once more, I felt to relieving sensation of a cool cloth being pressed upon my brow.  I cracked my eyes open and looked up at Gwendolas.  Her radiant eyes were filled with concern, sparkling softly in the lighted room. How I had to grown to love her eyes; they were so bright and beautiful, but they seemed to also delve deeper than the sky itself. 

She tentatively reached one of her small hands towards my face, brushing aside a stray lock of hair.  Her skin felt smooth and warm against my face, and she smelled of sweet flowers.  Without knowing why, I reached a hand up and took hers into my own.  She looked a little surprised, eyeing first her hand, then locking her eyes with my own. 

She opened her mouth to speak, yet no words came out.  I could sense that she wished to retract her hand, yet she made no move to do so.  I simply continued to gaze into her eyes, memorizing every fleck of light blue in her eyes.  Realization struck me as hard as an axe: for the first time in our marriage, I appreciated her.  She was remaining by my side in my time of need, not abandoning me as my father had just done. 

"Thank you," I murmured softly, still holding her hand tightly against my cheek.  She blinked a few times, and then, for the first time, I saw her smile.  I felt my heart flutter at her soft smile, for it was so pure and beautiful.  "There is no need for thanks, my lord," she replied. 

*******

In the months that followed, Gwendolas spent more time in my presence.  During my weeks of illness, she rarely left my side, giving me companionship, albeit a silent one.  However, once the Healer allowed me to leave my bed, she surprised me even further by remaining with me still.  My leg would not permit me to stand for long durations of time, and so she resolved to act as my support.  At first, it was merely around the room or down the corridors, but it soon was to the point where we would walk out under the trees together. 

The more we would walk, the more our conversation grew.  We progressed from merely a few words to a full sentence, then eventually two.  We spoke of the weather, and then that seemed to be enough to suffice.  My appreciation for Gwendolas grew stronger, just as my leg grew stronger.  It soon came to the point that I no longer needed her help to walk, but I still swayed in my step.  My balance had not yet returned, causing me to often find the steadiness of a tree or column. 

And thus it was the day that we were walking beneath the trees, Gwendolas at my side as I walked slowly on my own.  We spoke not, merely listening to the rustling of the wind through the leaves and the sound of water trickling in the nearby stream.  I felt small shots of pain run up my leg with each step I look, but I resolved not to let it show. 

The silence began pressing in on me, so I ventured to speak.  "My father wishes for us to accompany him to Imladris in several months' time.  Lord Elrond wishes to celebrate the coming of the new year." 

I glanced at Gwendolas, who was staring at me in a concerned manner.  "My lord, do you think that… wise?" she asked.  I detected fear in her voice, as well as uncertainty.  I gave her a small smile.  "Fear not.  We shall not travel alone.  After our encounter with the wolves, Father recommends that we take at least twelve men with us.  He shall go with us also." 

Gwendolas nodded then looked away.  I felt the stony wall of silence creep up between us once more, letting out a small sigh as I continued walking.  I knew I would have to return soon, for the pain in my leg was becoming too great.  I took one step further, feeling a greater pain run up my leg.  I felt my knee weaken, giving a small gasp as I began to lose my footing.  I feared that I would tumble over, yet I suddenly felt a warmth press against me, steadying my step.  One of Gwendolas's small, yet firm arms was wrapped around my lower back, and her other hand was pressed against my chest, helping me regain my balance. 

Once I was standing balanced, she turned herself so that she was standing opposite to me, one of her small hands now pressed upon my back and the other still on my chest.  "Are you all right, my lord?" she asked in all earnest, locking her eyes with mine once.

"I am now, my lady," I answered, feeling a small smile creep onto my face once more.

She did not return the smile, but nor did she move from her present stance.  She broke her eyes from mine, staring down at the ground.  "I never thanked you, my lord," she said quietly. 

I furrowed my brows at her statement, reaching my hand to cup her chin and lift it up, forcing her to meet my gaze once more.  "For what, my lady?"

"For saving me on our return from Imladris.  You would not have been in such a state as you are now if I had not been there to hinder you."  She forced her chin from my hand, turning her eyes downcast once more.  "For our marriage, you…  you didn't.."  She choked on her words, and I a strange sensation filled my being; I realized that I liked her.  Without fully realizing, I drew my arms around her and embraced her. 

She flinched only once, then let me hold her close.  "I would not harm you intentionally, my lady.  Nor would I let you come to harm.  We are united in the Valar's eyes, and therefore I am to protect you with my life." 

She pushed against me, drawing herself out of my embrace.  She shook her head lightly.  "But, my lord…"

"Please, my lady.  I would not have you addressing me as my servants do.  It is Thranduil."

She stared at me with her hypnotizing blue eyes, trying to decipher if I was speaking falsehoods or not.  Finally, as if a veil had been lifted from her eyes, her eyes twinkled as if they were gems from beneath the earth.  "Very well, Thranduil," she said quietly.  I gave a small smile, knowing that I had now just made a friend that would be with me for all eternity.  Then, for the second time in our marriage, I saw her smile. 

*******

We passed with much apprehension through Greenwood the Great, breathing sighs of relief as the river Anduin welcomed us.  By a fortnight we had reached the city walls.  My father and I rode ahead of our party, guards flanking us on both sides.  Gwendolas rode in the middle, her dark green hood pulled deep over her head.  We passed through the grand arch into the courtyard, where Elrond and Celebrían stood waiting, Elrohir and Elladan at their sides. 

Servants rushed forward to claim our reins as we halted our steeds.  My father and I simultaneously dismounted, Oropher proceeding to the Lord of Imladris and bowing low.  I, however, turned to the chestnut mare that had just ridden up, taking the reins then handing them to a servant who approached.  I moved past her neck to her back, waiting as Gwendolas swung her right leg and many skirts over the bare back of the horse.  I reached up and took her waist, helping her to the ground.  Once she was on her feet, she pushed back her hood and let her golden hair flow.  I unconsciously smiled, which she returned, causing my heart to flutter momentarily.  She cleared her throat quietly, causing me to blink.  I had forgotten that my hands were still at her waist. 

Taking her arm, we approached the Lord and Lady of Imladris, bowing low.  Elrond returned the bow, while Celebrían merely bowed her head.  "Welcome, Thranduil of Greenwood and Lady Gwendolas.  We are honored by your presence." 

"We thank you for having us, my lord," I returned.  Elrond swept his arm out, taking Celebrían's arm and leading us into the city.  My father followed closely behind, Gwendolas and I following at a distance with Elladan and Elrohir. 

The new year was brought in with a feast unlike any others, full of wine and food.  By the time the moon had risen high in the sky, we had all drunk our fills and were laughing loudly.  The sons of Elrond and I conversed merrily, speaking of sport and game.  Our fathers were discussing quietly between themselves, and Celebrían and Gwendolas had gone off to see the young babe.  However, Elladan began to speak of news they had received. 

"There has been word from the south," Elladan was speaking, placing his goblet onto the table.  "Morgoth's servant is gathering yrch in his black lands.  Father fears a war is brewing."

"Let the men of the South and West deal with him; he disturbs not our lands," Elrohir remarked, taking another swig of wine. 

"He may not disturb us, but he disturbs our trade," I countered.  "He has disrupted many trade lines from the Men of the West to the men of Dale, whom we trade with.  I fear, however, that he will not just center his focus on Men, but on all races."

Elladan shook his head.  "The race of Men will not be able to break such a force.  Elves shall have to fight as well if we wish to repel Sauron for good." 

Elrohir set his goblet down and sighed.  "Father does not wish to speak of war, but our mother's father hides it not.  Lord Celeborn once told me of the many battles he fought in when Doriath fell.  Father refuses to speak on it." 

I gave a small sigh.  "I wish not to fight, yet if it comes to it, I shall."  I downed the last of my goblet and set it on the table.  "I take my leave of you, my lords."  They both bowed their heads as I rose and left the hall, finding my way out into the cool air.  The wine had affected me not, yet I suddenly felt constrained as if the walls had been closing in on me. 

I took a deep breath, inhaling the sweet scents of Imladris.  The night was calm and beautiful, the sky reminding me of Gwendolas's eyes.  They too shone and twinkled like the stars and the heavens, the thought causing a small smile to formulate on my lips.  It occurred to me that I had not seen her for quite some time, resolving to inquire about her whereabouts. 

I began to walk down through the city, coming into the gardens.  A babbling brook ran through them, splashing loudly against the rocks.  The white flowers that dotted the many bushes gleamed in the moonlight, looking like mithril.  I continued walking through the sweet scented gardens, coming upon another stream.  Water-lilies floated freely in it, and a stone bridge linked both shores.  I paused in my step as I looked up at the bridge, my breath catching in my throat. 

Gwendolas was walking silently on the bridge, a book in her hands.  She was dressed in a gown of sparkling blue and white, small gems making it shimmer in the pale moonlight.  Her hair had been woven in with the tiny white flowers, acting as jewels in her hair.  I knew not what it was at the time, but I felt compelled to be with her.  My legs made their own decision, advancing me forward towards the bridge.  Her back was turned to me as I approached, and I cleared my throat to announce myself. 

She turned and eyed me, showing not a sign of displeasure at my appearance.  "I wondered where you had wandered off to," I explained, advancing slowly towards her.  She smiled softly and eyed the book in her hands.  "Lady Celebrían gave me free reign of the Lord Elrond's library, and I found a book that fascinated me," she explained turning again and continuing to read on.

"Is that so?" I asked, drawing closer and peering over her shoulder to view the book.  It was tales about the Valar, a subject which I myself found to be dull.  I squinted my eyes and pretended to study the book, suddenly lost in her rich scent.  The fragrant flowers in her hair made her smell as one of them. 

However, she soon turned towards the river, closing the book and holding it at her side.  "I wish there were gardens as beautiful as these in Greenwood the Great.  I do love it there," she countered quickly, eyeing me to see my reaction, "but I fear that it does not possess such a great beauty as this."

"No, it does not," I admitted, standing beside her.  "Lord Elrond's gardens are quite beautiful," I continued, "but with you here they are even lovlier."

I saw her blush slightly, eyeing me with a small smirk on her face.  "You do not need to flatter me, Thranduil.  We are already married."

I gave a small chuckle, watching her as she gave a small giggle.  "That we are, my lady."  I composed myself once more, slowly reaching my hand and taking hers.  Her eyes, which had drifted to the water, snapped back to me at once, eyeing her hand and then locking her eyes with my own.  "But I meant it nonetheless." 

The small smirk on her face quickly vanished amid sudden shock.  She took a step backwards, the smallest hint of fear upon her face.  She continued back up slowly, her hand still in my own.  She watched not her step, placing her foot behind her to find herself at the edge of the bridge.  She let out a small shriek as she began to tumble backwards, yet I held her hand firmly and pulled her back quickly, Gwendolas stumbling into my arms. 


I could feel her heart pounding against my chest, her breath coming out harshly.  She looked up and met my gaze once more, her shocked visage down replaced by disbelief.  "My lord," she gasped quietly, "why do you speak so?"

I held her hand tightly, beginning to massage her soft skin with my thumb.  "Because it is true.  I have never met anyone so beautiful in all my life, Gwendolas.  I could stay lost in your eyes forever, for they are like sapphires in the sky.  You cared for me when I was sick, and remained with me.  I care for you like I have no other person in my existence."

She shook her head lightly, swallowing a hard lump in her throat.  "Why?" she asked in an almost inaudible whisper. 

I looked deep into her eyes, pain filling me as I saw the formulation of moisture in the corners of her eyes.  I sucked in a hard breath as I finally realized what had been prodding at my mind.  "I love you, Gwendolas."  I raised her hand up to my mouth and kissed it gently. 

She seemed taken aback, yet she did not pull away.  She mouthed wordlessly, unable to create any sound.  Unable to remain in my gaze, she lowered her head, a crystal tear falling down her cheek.  I cupped her chin with my hand, raising her face to look at me.  My hand turned to her cheek, wiping the stray tear from it with my thumb.  "Why do you weep?" 

"I loved another, before I wedded you," she explained quietly.  "And I promised myself that I could not love you.  And yet, you have taken my heart." 

I smiled gently, wiping another tear that fell from her face.  "My love," I whispered, kissing her hand once more, "I shall always care for you and protect you."  She let out a small sob, averting her eyes once more.  I tilted my head down, trying to find her eyes.  With my hand still on her cheek, I gently lifted her face up once more, drawing closer to her.  She did not pull back when I drew my face closer to hers, glancing into her eyes before I let our lips meet. 

At first she did nothing, merely letting me kiss her.  I pulled back after a moment, seeing a look of yearning in her blue eyes.  With a small smile, I kissed her once more, and she soon began kissing me back.  I poured the love I held for her into our kiss, sliding my hand from her cheek to her hair, sliding my fingers through her golden locks.  I released her hand and drew her nearer.  Her arms wrapped around my neck, holding me tightly. 

And for the first time in many years, I was happy.