Chapter 2 - New Life
Tauriel awoke. The sunlight streamed warmly through the window just as it always does. But something wasn't right. It seemed as though her heart was weighed down by sorrow. Suddenly, she remembered the happenings of the previous day. She remembered they light going out of her father's eyes as an orc ruthlessly plunged a cursed blade into his chest. She remembered her Mother shriek and her dying words as Tauriel raced to her side; "By strong Tauriel, iel nin. Be brave and kind. Melinyel." The elfling had thenhid in tree until she was found by Thranduil the Elvenking.
Tauriel pushed aside the blankets which warmed her. She slipped out of the bed acknowledging how soft it was. She found that she was dressed in a white, silky night gown. She looked about. The room was much larger than her old one. The first thing she noticed were two wardrobes to the right of her bed with a vanity wedged in between them.
Curious, she made her way to them. She opened one of the wardrobes to see many different colored tunics. She next went through the drawers of the vanity. They held a few pants and her night clothes. The top drawer was the smallest, but held the best items. When she opened it she found a small box wielding the most beautiful necklace she had ever laid eyes upon. She gasped in awe and laid the box atop the vanity. In the next wardrobe were a couple simple but beautiful gowns the size of a child. Tauriel almost forgot her sorrow at their beauty.
She then dressed into a green tunic and leather pants. Around her waist was a small leather belt. She fastened the leather bag with her remaining possessions on the belt. Her hair flowed freely.
She ventured out of her chambers. She gasped again as she strolled about the royal halls. The elfling's emerald eyes took in its beauty as her bare feet slapped against the stone floors. There were a few lanterns here and there.
She passed a couple important - looking elves as they went about their business. They all tried not to stare at the small, simple, silvan elfling with fiery hair gaping at the sight of their home.
She then was stopped by a brown - haired elleth resembling her own mother. "Aya, Celebsilme." Tauriel greeted the elder elf.
Celebsilme smiled down at Tauriel and greeted her as well, "Aya, Tauriel. I have been looking for you. The king wishes to speak to you. Tolo, follow me."
Tauriel was led to a rather spacious room. In the center was a great throne of wood. The king regally gazed down at her. "How do you do?" He questioned.
Slightly nervous, Tauriel bowed her head and answered, "Well, Aran Vuin."
"How to you find the palace?" The royal elf asked another question.
Forgetting her manners for a moment the small elfling hastily replied, "Oh it is absolutely magnificent! Aran Vuin." She added remembering the elder elf's importance.
"Yes. It is indeed." He acknowledged, "Have you gotten a tour of it?"
Tauriel realized that she hadn't been informed as to what beautiful room was what. She hesitantly replied, "No, Aran Vuin."
"Ai," the king then called, "Legolas!" This was a name that Tauriel would soon hear and say often though she did not yet know. It was the name of one who would effect her life greatly. The small she - elf glanced up at the sound of small footsteps. She saw another small elfling that resembled the king much, with his flaxen hair and icy-blue eyes, enter and stop by the throne facing her. "This is my son, Legolas. He it not much older than you and will show you around." The king introduced the prince calmly.
For a moment, Tauriel made eye contact with her prince. His eyes seemed cold and hard. At first, Tauriel presumed that he had no feelings. Then, she noticed the sadness in the blonde elf's eyes. She then knew that deep inside him he was just a normal elfling who longed to have a normal childhood, but was not able to do as he wished so he could carry out the duties of a prince. Tauriel pitied him. She saw that he was lonely. What he needed most was a friend.
Translations:
• Iel nin = My daughter
• Melinyel = I love you
• Aya = Greetings/Hail
• Tolo = Come
• Aran Vuin = My King
• Ai = Ah
