We rode deeper to the forest to reach The Elvenking Halls. The deeper we go, the forest became more darker and exotic. There's many plants that you don't see in the outside borders. The rivers somehow became darker too and the water show a glass reflection of the tall trees above it. This forest is more than I know it before. It is still mystical and dark, we still don't know what is there, in depth of woods.
The King let you see his people producing painting, wood sculpture outside the gates. Now the forest is safe he move some of the activities outside. The elves work, chat while enjoying nature. They also have a big garden with some exotic food plants, grow so healthy as if with magic. Abundant and happy time.
Yet the King's heart is still full of sorrow from old times. Old scars.
After that it's dinner time. We dine in the feast hall, only two of us. The guards is outside. You feel so nervous once you know the King will dine only with you. What will you talk about? And u still dress in the simplest sunday dress you have while him look magnificent and glowing with his silver robes.
"I feel blessed to have company to dine tonight, Elisa. Usually it's just me."
He is smiling towards you, kind and warm.
"The pleasure is mine, my Lord."
"My name is Thranduil, you can call me by name. As I will call u by name too, Elisa." Sounds more like a command than a suggestion.
You nearly choked on the honey bread over The King's saying. You're coughing.
Thranduil chuckle, "Are you okay, lady?"
You are far from okay. You feel intoxicated. Being so near with the King make all your senses standby as if you're going to a war. In the end of the day you feel very tired. Then now he want you to call him by his name. All this thing make you hope that King have some feelings for you. But you know he is just being friendly.
U quickly gulp the wine. After that u drink more of the wine to relax yourself. The King's eye widened, he looks amused.
"I-I'm okay. I mean I'm okay, King Thranduil." You are flustered.
He chuckle once again. And then as graceful as ever, pouring you more wine.
"My people make the best wine around here. The wild dark grapes harvested in their prime time, you only can find it here. It's spices we grow ourselves. It's smooth and silky, people from far are crazy about it."
"I can see why," You're taking another gulp, now savoring the taste of rich dark grapes and hint of chocolate and spices. Your eyes gazing to the King's eyes. Thranduil smile, he is not drinking, his chalice still full of wine. He just smiling towards you, taking one of the honey bread and eating it while he hold his intoxicating gaze towards you.
You're staring at Thranduil, feel your self control weakened.
"King, I should give you something. Its.. not polite.. to not give.. something. Considering.. u have been so nice to me.. today." Your brain slowing.
U pick a pearl ring from your finger and give it to him. He startled, but he extend his stand to receive it, curious. After that you pour your nearly empty chalice with wine. It's crazy how tasty it is, now all you want is pouring more and became more light. As light as a feather.
Thranduil observe carefully what you have given him, it's a tiny forged gold ring with a tiny pearl on top of it.
"It's my mother's," You said while holding your chalice wobbly, head light like feathers.
"This is an important heirloom, are you sure this is for me?" He approach you, now only a inches from your face. You're grow bolder and calm because of the alcohol. So you don't protest when he put his hand in your back.
"Yes. I give everything that I have for you, really. But I don't think it would mean anything for a King like you." You're gazing into a pair of grey lakes in his eyes, your hand extend to touch his silky hair.
"Never in my life, I touch something as soft as this." Your hand touch strands of his hair and trace it through the end, when a big fair slender hand fall in top of your fingers.
"You're drunk, elleth. Did you know that?"
You're speechless, letting go the Thranduil's hand and try to reach your chalice, to drink and ease your now growing nervousness.
"Enough of this, Lady. Now I will escort you to your chamber, you're staying for tonight. You're clearly not in condition to go home. And I don't want your father to see you like this when I'm sending you home. What will he think of me? I will sending my guard to let your family know." He part you with your chalice.
"Just one more glass, please?" You smile cheekily to the King. Thranduil frowned and laughed, then shaking his head.
"Okay, we bring this chalice to your chamber. There u can sip your last wine before you sleep, deal?"
"I'm not sleepy, and I'm not that drunk! I'm just a little drunk,"
"Oh Valar, you're more amusing when you are drunk, Lady. There you go." He pass you your chalice in great amusement.
After that you can't be helped. Your self control, to the cloud it went. You flung ur both hands to the King. He is startled. You start kissing him randomly, to his face, cheeks and hair. Most surprisingly, he is laughing under your kisses. He let you do that. Man in his size got no problem to stop you if he want. But he is clearly don't mind with what you're doing right now.
Then, he suddenly decide that it's time to stop you. So he put in hand under your knee and carry you between his hands. So sudden you're being so tall from the floor, he is a big man. He move so swiftly outside the halls to the guest chamber, your place to sleep. The guards just stay in their place, not dare to question their King why he have a red-faced young woman in his hand.
You hold tight to his neck, inhaling the woody and wild berries scent from his neck. U darted a playful kiss to his neck. Not in seductive way, but a naughty and annoying way.
"Stop it, you little squirrel! Why you," He's also lose his control and giggle all the way to your chamber.
He put you in a bed but you wouldn't let his neck go.
"You put a spell... on me, Thranduil. I know it... exactly... I..."
"No, Elisa. I didn't do anything. U just drunk. I didn't know u can't drink," He frown and tilting his head a bit. Like what you just have said is something ridiculous.
"Just, please.. please... stay," You grabbing the king robes, desperately want him to stay with you.
He calmly grab your both hands and putting it in your lap, silence you. His eyes soften.
"Young human, I envy your young soul, sometimes impulsiveness can be refreshing to one's heart."
And then he just shifting from you, petting your head like you are a little puppy and then leaving you alone in the room. Then closed the door without any hesitation.
