Hey! So this was formerly Enraptured Hearts. But I felt like it was progressing too quickly so I went back and slowed it down. I also changed Elora's name, she is now Amara. Plot is still the same, I just wanted the progression between Amara and Thranduil's relationship to be a little more slow. Please read and let me know what you think, i would greatly appreciate it. Love ya'll lovely people!
Dislaimer: I do not own any of the Hobbit/LOTR characters. All rights belong to their proper owner.
"Please! Release me! I've done no wrong here!" I said exasperated as two Elven guards escorted me into the Mirkwood palace.
"You were trespassing on Mirkwood land and the King wants to see you." One said as they continued to drag me along.
I slumped in defeated and decided if I had any hope of getting out of here that I would just comply and see the King and try to go about this as peaceful as possible. Large oak doors opened and there sitting upon an elegant wooden throne was the King of Mirkwood: King Thranduil. He stood up upon our entry and held back his shoulders, the cool powerful aura of being a King rolled off of him in waves.
I quickly bowed, or rather was pushed down to my knees by the guards, "This is the trespasser we found in the woods your highness." One of the guards said.
Thranduil simply waved his hands in dismissal and they left, I remained on my knees though, highly intimidated and slightly scared as the King made his descent from the steps down to me.
"Rise." His cold voice spoke with authority and power.
I stood up but kept my eyes cast downward on the floor, though they didn't stay there long as Thranduil placed his hand under my chin and raised my face to meet his icy blue eyes.
"What brought you into my woods?" His voice sent chills down my spine and I took a deep breath before speaking.
"A gang of bandits attacked my camp and I fled into the forest to escape." I said trying to look away from his eyes, but they held me captive.
"Hm. Where are you from?" He asked as he released me and began to circle me like a predator looking for prey. I looked awful, covered in dirt and grime, my hair was matted with blood and dirt and probably a few leafs.
"That I do not know sire. My mother and I were always on the road as I was growing up, I know no actual home." I spoke unsure of myself, there was a glint of amusement and something else in his eyes that I could not detect.
"And what is your name?"
"My name is Amara sire."
"What a nice name. In the mean time you are not allowed to leave, please rest and relax here for a little while."
I bowed to him, deciding to keep my mouth shut so that I don't deny him or offend him.
"Thank you for your hospitality your highness."
He said nothing but it was as if magic when a maid appeared and began to escort me to my room. The halls of Mirkwood were exquisite and the most beautiful thing my eyes have ever laid upon, I was so in awe that I didn't even realize when we stopped in front of the doors to my bed chambers until the maid cleared her through with a chuckle.
"Oh! I'm sorry." I said as I snapped out of my daze.
"It's quite alright my dear." She said sweetly as she opened the doors for me, "There are dresses in the closet for you to wear while you are staying here, also there is a wash room for you to bathe. There is a festival tonight and I believe the King wants you to attend. Someone will come and get you when it is time." She said with a small bow before she left, the sound of the doors echoing throughout the room.
I slumped to the ground with a huff, finally able to breathe properly since there was no longer anyone around. The pain was so intense, I lost a lot of blood in trying to escape the bandits I felt faint and saw dark spots in my vision as I walked towards the wash room.
I quickly stripped of my torn and dirtied clothing before slipping into the warm and inviting elven bath, I heard they had wonderful healing properties and already I felt like my wounds were beginning to heal. I scrubbed myself clean of all the dirt and blood, part of me hoping to actually impress the King. Once I felt like I was squeaky clean I got out of the bath and wrapped myself in a fluffy towel before walking out to the closet where the maid had said there was clothes for me.
I put of a pair of undergarments and then looked in awe at all of the dresses that were before me, I had never seen such fine clothing before in my entire life. I didn't want to be long because the maid had said someone would be here soon to escort me to the festival. So, I settled on a dark crimson red gown, as I put it on it felt like it was meant for me, hugging the curves of my waist and hips before flowing down in a river of silk. It had a wide cut top exposing my shoulders and giving a sense of elegance, and the sleeves were tight until the elbows then they began to flow down freely. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever put on. I quickly slipped on a pair of black flats and walked over to the mirror to look at my hair. It was semi dry now and was beginning to curl, I felt as if I looked presentable so I just let it be.
Right then there was a knock at my door. I quickly went to my door and opened it expecting there to just be a maid to escort me to dinner, but instead it was King Thranduil himself in all his handsome glory.
"Uh-Hello My King." I said bowing to him, taken by surprise.
He gave a nod of acknowledgement, a ghost of a smile on his lips seeing as he has caught me by surprise. "Hello Amara. I'm here to escort you to the festival." He said offering me his arm.
I shyly looped my arm through his as we began walking through the halls.
"Thank you for your amazing hospitality and kindness." I suddenly blurted out, the silence not sitting well with me.
"You are most welcome. A maiden such as yourself deserves a nice stay, especially after something so traumatizing." His voice was so calm and deep, rich like velvet and smooth like honey.
He stopped in front of two large double doors and turned to face me, he was around 6'3 and I had to crane my neck to look at him.
"I want the healers to check you out and make sure you're wounds are okay." He said suddenly soft as his hand traced a cut that ran along my exposed shoulder. My cheeks flushed and I fought the urge to shiver at his touch. He smirked and looked over my body before leaning close to my ear.
"You look beautiful by the way." And with that we turned and walked into the dining hall.
There we so many people, and all their eyes turned to us as we walked through the door, everyone bowing to their King. I suddenly felt so self-aware, I had no clue I would be the King's escort. I paled in comparison to most everyone here. Elves were all so beautiful.
We finally took our seats, with me on one side of Thranduil and on the other was another elf that looked a lot like Thranduil but much younger. Everyone began to dance and eat again as we took our seats and I was finally able to breathe.
"No one told me I was going to be the King's escort." I mumbled, slightly angry at the fact.
"There was no need." Thranduil said taking a long sip of wine from his goblet.
"There are plenty of other more suitable escorts my King. I'm just a person passing through."
"But you're the most beautiful one I've seen." He said glancing over at me, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Ada? May I ask who she is?" I heard the elf on the other side of Thranduil ask with a curious voice.
"This is Amara. She will be staying with us for a little while. Be nice to her my little leaf." He said ruffling his head.
"You have a son?" I inquired, part of my heart sinking at the thought he must also have a wife.
"Yes. But, I do not speak of my wife. She does not deserve it." His voice suddenly turned hard and cold.
I nodded and quickly looked away, my brain running with thoughts. Suddenly Thranduil stood up and offered me his hand.
"May I have this dance?"
Hope ya'll enjoyed this first chapter. Second one should be up tomorrow. Please review if you liked it, or if you have any suggections. Thanks!