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Chapter Four: Dinner
It was suppertime, and the royal family and two guests were dining in a private room. At the head of the table sat King Thranduil, while at the other end sat his wife. To Thranduil's left sat Legolas, with Aragorn beside him. To his right sat his most trusted advisor and friend, Saelril. Seated right between the advisor and the Queen was Laerwen. And she was currently very happy. Yes, the young princess had won the argument.
Thranduil was currently glaring at the orcling in her lap as she ate dinner. Every other bite, she would give him some of her food from her plate… some of his food that he had provided for his family and kingdom. And she was feeding it to the foul beast.
She fed him a bit of everything on her plate: meats, breads, fruits, and greens. Naturally the young orc preferred the meat to the other foods, but nevertheless he ate everything presented to him. Laerwen was smiling as he ate, muttering things such as "That's my healthy young boy!" and "Good Arloth, eat all of your fruit."
Legolas mimicked his father's expression as he ate. He still could not believe that she was actually permitted to keep that thing. After he, Aragorn, and his mother had left the scene, they had stayed for about half an hour longer, arguing over the orc and completely uncaring as to what others thought of their argument. When they did come back inside, his father was stamping about in a most un-elflike manner, demanding an early dinner. Naturally the servants had immediately complied.
Aragorn was looking at his friend, unsure if whether to be amused or concerned. Both he and the king looked ready to kill anyone who made them angrier. But as for now, their object of loathing and hate was the princess. The young ranger was sure to be as inconspicuous as possible that night… and maybe many nights to come. Perhaps it would be best to just leave Mirkwood and let the royal family solve their problems…
The most trusted advisor of the king was quite unsure what to make of the current situation. His king and prince were obviously furious at the young princess, who, for some reason, found a young orc sweet enough to informally adopt. He looked to his queen to see her reaction, and was somewhat surprised to find amusement sparkling in her eyes as she quietly ate. But then, the queen of Mirkwood could be surprising at times.
"Legolas," said she soothingly. "Your food is getting cold. As is yours, husband."
The sudden interruption brought both Legolas and his father out of their mood, and each face (other than Laerwen and her charge) looked to the queen. She gave them a smile and started to eat again
Thranduil gave her a small nod, blinking a couple times. "Of course, Miriel," he muttered, turning his attention to his food. "Eat, Legolas," he said without looking up.
The table fell once more into an uncomfortable silence as they all resumed eating. About five minutes later, Laerwen stood up, Arloth giving a little squeal as she did. Both Legolas and Thranduil visibly flinched, but did not look up. Saelril, Aragorn, and Miriel, however, looked at her questionably, trying their best to ignore the orc.
"I have eaten, as has Arloth. If I may, father, mother, be excused?" she asked.
Thranduil gave a short nod, still not looking up. His wife smiled at their daughter. "Of course, Laerwen."
Laerwen smiled at her mother, bowed her head in acknowledgement to the others, and left the room, Arloth gurgling the whole way.
She closed the door, and the room was silent once more. Then Thranduil banged his fist against the table, and everyone visibly jumped. Slowly he brought up his eyes to face them. They could see fury and frustration burning in them, yet behind this anger there was another emotion: concern. Only those closest to the king would ever be able to see that concern, but it was there.
"That infuriating child!" he seethed. "I cannot make her get rid of it! Her youth and innocence blind her! Never before has she seen a grown orc; never before has she battled with them, and watched them slaughter your companions right before your eyes… and may Elbereth weep if that day ever comes! She does not know the true nature of an orc."
"My lord," started Saelril quietly and slowly. "Can you not force her to get rid of that horrid creature?"
"I tried! Trust me, I tried," the king said exasperatedly. "But I could not. She threatened to run away with it if I let her not keep it; I don't believe she would have ever gotten past any of the border guards if she did. But…" He let out a soft sigh, and then looked to his wife. "I am afraid that she is growing a connection with that orcling as a mother grows a bond with her child. Though she is young, she has the motherly instincts all women have, and Laerwen has put it on herself to care for that beast. If I forced it from her… I fear it would scar her."
Miriel looked at her husband with deep concern, all earlier amusement gone from her eyes. If her daughter kept that orc, serious problems could develop. She somehow had to convince her to abandon it… or something.
With this set in her mind, she stood up and looked at the four men at the table. "I shall talk to her and try to convince her to leave the orc. Hopefully, if I explain, she will… but you are correct; it cannot be forced from her. She must decide this on her own." Nodding to them in parting, she silently left the room.
Thranduil let out a small sigh. "I hope Miriel can convince her… but that child can be so stubborn."
"A family trait," muttered Aragorn under his breath. When he realized that the three elves had heard him, he had the decency to blush and mutter an apology.
Thranduil waved his hand. "It is forgotten," he said, and then gave a small smile. "Indeed, think not that I haven't heard the whispers of Laerwen being 'as stubborn as her father'." They all let out low chuckles.
"And as stubborn as her brother," said Aragorn, giving Legolas a pointed look. Legolas looked up at him, ready to retort to the comment. "And do not deny it, Legolas!" he added, a large grin on his face.
Legolas shook his head. "Do not be hypocritical. You are just as stubborn yourself, adan," he rejoined.
"But not nearly as stubborn as you," he shot back.
Saelril shook his head as they bantered playfully. He then stood up, and bowed. "Thank you for having me, my lords. I enjoyed the supper," he said.
Thranduil smiled. "You are welcome anytime, my old friend," he said. "But I imagine that tonight we weren't very pleasant company."
Saelril returned the smile. "Under the current circumstances, my lord, you can hardly be blamed." He bowed again. "I take my leave, my lords. Have a good night." With that, he left the room.
Legolas than stood up, Aragorn quickly mimicking his actions. "Well Father, Aragorn and I shall be outside in the private gardens if you need us. If there is any change in Laerwen's mind, I'd be most appreciative if you would send someone to fetch us." Thranduil nodded, and both his son and his friend left the room.
Thranduil sighed and looked blankly around the empty room. He dearly hoped his wife could knock some sense into their daughter before the night's closure.
