Chapter Name- The Garden of Mirkwood
Chapter Rating- T
...
I can feel the dread overwhelming me, threatening to suck me up and never let go. My handmaiden, Kiana, repeated the message thinking that I hadn't been listening.
"Lady Tauriel, Lord Thranduil wishes me to summon you to the gardens." I nod, revealing that I had, indeed, been listening to the news.
"Thank you Kiana, you may go." The tall, elderly woman bows her head as I dismiss her. She leaves my chambers through the tall wooden door to our left, leaving my grey and green dress on the bed at my feet. I throw the blankets off of me as she leaves, stepping out of bed. I pull on the dress over my white lace undergarments.
...
I untie my hair from the braid bun I hold it up in while sleeping. I feel my hair splash over my shoulders like a waterfall of fire. I tie the laces to the dress's decorative corset and tie my hair into a few long braids, pinning it behind my head with an elven medallion clip. I leave through the same door that Kiana had, a few moments before. I find myself wandering the halls of Mirkwood. This place- the place that I had been taken into when my parents had died.
I remember the day as if it was yesterday.
My mother had been cooking a soup- Bushneit soup- if I remember correctly.
I walk down the curling steps of the chamber mansion, a while to go before I reach the land far below.
My father was out in the garden, collecting various home-grown crops he had planted the year
before. I had been twenty-one years old, (Seven in mortal years.) and hunting in the woods at the
time when a vile, disgusting band of orcs had raided our home, in search of weapons.
I nod to passers by and smile whenever an opportunity opens.
When I got home, I had gasped and hidden in nearby bushes when I saw the ugly creatures
laughing, exiting my home. As soon as the creatures were gone, I stepped out of the bushes only
to rush back behind them when I heard the sound of approaching footsteps. Out of the nearby forest, I saw a tall man astride a large elk enter the glade that my father had been working in. I saw him gracefully dismount the elk, bending to inspect something on the ground, a look of horror etching the smooth lines of his face.
I reach the gate to the lower class chambers, leading into the servant's quarters and the large kitchen. I walk slowly through, as not to gain any unwanted attention.
The man had suddenly raised his hand, stopping his troops from advancing towards my house. I see a blonde boy walk up to the man whom I guessed to be his father, or at least his bloodline. The man gently asks the boy to stay back, while he walks cautiously towards the bush where I had taken refuge. The man walked until he was only a few feet away, and silently mouths an exclamation. I could tell he had seen me, for he was looking straight into my green eyes with his hazel ones.
I finally approach the back door leading out into the main garden of mirkwood, a maze of which only elven senses can navigate.
He kneeled down and reached both arms towards me, not actually touching the bush yet. "Be not afraid, little one. I would not hurt you for a thousand worlds." To this day, I never did understand why I felt the wave of comfort that I felt at his words, or why I ran out of the bushes into his embrace. He held me tightly against him, my head on his shoulder. I no longer felt as if the attack had been a dream, but a harsh reality. I began to cry into his shoulder as he rose from the ground and carried my small form back to the other elves.
I push the double-doors open, feeling the warm air blow my hair back slightly, sending a chill down my back. I hurry out onto the cobblestone path leading into the middle of the garden, where a majestic fountain stands. I bend over multiple times, looking through the walls of vines to see if I can see Thranduil anywhere in the garden. I reach the fountain without finding him, so I approach the fountain, running with white-shining water.
The water is not just water, as I know very well. It has pure starlight flowing through it, giving the water healing properties. That is why I was able to save Kili at all in the bowman's house. Athelas, otherwise known as Kingsfoil, originates in these gardens no matter where it grows. The roots know that these gardens are home, and have a great bond with elves and elven kingdoms.
...
I'm so lost in thought of how I almost lost Kili, that I don't hear him behind me until he clears his throat loudly. I spin around, finding myself face-to-face with the Prince of Mirkwood. Legolas is dressed in his hunting gear, an ornately designed dagger that I gave him long ago strung to his belt. He stands taller than me by a few inches, standing so close I can feel his breath on my forehead. I attempt to take a step back, but the edge of the fountain bumps against the back of my knee, restricting my retreat.
Legolas's face shows hurt and sorrow, so I quickly reach up and push back a lone piece of hair from his face. We had never disapproved of making physical contact with each other, as many others would while in his presence. Since he and his father had rescued me, we had been almost brother and sister.
We have gone hunting together, we had sharpened each other's blades and waxed each others bows. Even if he or I wanted to be something more intimate than siblings, Thranduil would never approve. I could feel an involuntary shiver go through his body as I run my fingers gently down his cheek. I feel his hands move to my waist, and realize that he's bending down to kiss me. I move my face to the side, so his lips make contact with my cheek instead of my lips. He looks disappointed, but as if he knew it was going to happen. He steps away from me, turning his back to me and walking out of the garden. I call his name before he reaches the door and he stops, turning only his face to look at me. I cannot think of what I'm to tell him, to ask him to come back, or to let him leave. He gives me a knowing stare and turns back towards the door, leaving me standing alone in the garden.
...
"He looks at you, Elleth." I hear Lord Thranduil's voice behind me. I turn to find him standing opposite from me across the fountain. He smiles at me, undoubtedly noticing me jump. I look down, remembering my place. He walks around the fountain and puts his finger under my chin, gently lifting my face to look into his. "Do not give him hope when there is none." He says almost harshly. I look away, pulling away from his touch. "Little one, do not run from me. I mean you no pain or discomfort." He says in a fatherly tone, bending down to look into my face.
"I have left something in your chambers, Tauriel. I wish you to wear it at tonight's feast of starlight." The lord in front of me says, turning away from me, dipping his hand in the water of the fountain. I nod my head in agreement when he looks back towards me. He places a light kiss on my forehead before leaving me to my thoughts in the garden.
...
When I return to my chambers, I find a brown package with golden ribbon holding it closed. I carefully untie the ribbons bow and peel away the packaging to find my fingers running along the smoothest surface I had ever felt. I uncover the carefully folded dress, finding that it's the most gorgeous gown that I had ever seen. I had never been much for dresses, but this one is too elegant to pass up. I sigh in gratitude as I see another golden ribbon circling the waist of the black dress with tiny glowing white gems inside. I stumble back to sit on the bed as I realize that the gems are full of starlight