Her parents had been sad to leave her, promising to "write" her and left her gifts. They left before anyone else did, and with more tears. In the days that followed, Faeilân did go on that private walk with Galadriel, and she was questioned about her entire life. Which, she answered according to what the Valar had commanded. Galadriel had left less than satisfied. The last to leave was Elrond, who she'd wished had left first. His obvious affections were so embarrassing, but she wasn't sure who it was more so for, herself, her betrothed, or Elrond himself. Probably equally for all parties. When he left, taking the last of the guests with him, it seemed that everyone had given a collective sigh of relief. Ainur had teased her endlessly about it.
Also, in the days that followed the betrothal feast, it seemed that Iythrinel had grown even more cold towards Fae, only holding up what was needed to be professional and courteous. It hadn't gotten worse, nor better by the end of the third week. Of course now she knew the reason why, and even expected it, but it still stung. It was made even worse by Mithrandir's departure, saying he had "business" to take care of. Now it was only herself and Ainur. Faeilân had asked for this no more than Thranduil had. So it was on this second day of the third week, Fae brought up something over breakfast.
"Iythrinel. I'd like to go to the gardens in a little while, if you would be so kind as to escort me?" she asked, trying for a cross between an innocent hopeful sounding question for Nel and a command, as not to raise Thranduil's suspicions. Ainur bumped the table under her feet, and she looked down at him didn't so much as look up from his food.
Iythrinel dipped her head, "Of course, if that is what the Lady wishes of me." Iythrinel then turned to Thranduil, "The master of Laketown has sent another shipment of his wine, shall we soon send the empty barrels back?"
Thranduil leaned back and crossed his fingers, "Yes, though that mortal disgusts me he has rather good taste in wine."
She then turned to Legolas, "Later go out with my captain Tauriel and her group to help deal with those nasty spiders." Legolas nodded as he drank the rest of his tea and stood. "I shall go now." He dipped his head at his father and briefly at Faeilân. "Be careful Legolas." Iythrinel said with a small smile as he left.
Fae took this time to chime in, leaning forward and looking between Thranduil and Iythrinel, holding a finger in the air, "Ahem...spiders? No one told me anything about spiders."
The two looked at her with blank faces. She gave a nervous smile, cleared her throat, then tried again, "You see, me and spiders, we don't….Ah, I'm assuming you mean big spiders," She gestured with her hands, "I don't even enjoy little ones." She looked between them again, hoping for a cruel joke. "You're not kidding, are you?" Her voice was faint and her face was blank, and she worked overtime not to hyperventilate. "If I'd known this I'd have taken my chances with my people trying to kill me off."
Nel and Thran shared a glance, one followed by a smirk from Thranduil causing Iythrinel to squint at him "I must admit I myself do not like being in the presence of spiders, though mostly because I am sorry to say these spiders are bigger than larger stags." A slightly sympathetic look flickered in Iythrinel's eyes, but they once again hardened, "But you need not worry about them, Our squadrons are sent out to kill any that come near."
Fae nodded and sat back in her seat, suddenly fanning herself. Spiders. Great. And she had a feeling that now Thranduil would use that weakness against her, were his smirk anything to go by. She supposed she'd have to kil- slap him. Of course, she meant slap. "I believe I am ready for that walk now, if you'd like?"
Iythrinel looked to Thran who nodded his head, "Go on, I have my own work to attend to." and with that Iythrinel stood and walked to Faeilân, "By your leave, my Lady."
Faeilân stood slowly, bowing her head to Thranduil before smiling at Iythrinel, though she didn't expect much of one back. Ainur struggled his way out from under the table, earning him a glare from Thranduil, but managed to work his way out and fall into step beside the two females.
The start of the walk was silent, as Fae had no idea where to begin. She must admit, her motives for wanting Iythrinel to escort her were not pure. She wanted to know why she blamed her for something she had no control over. The night before had been a near disaster, and her king was so angry at her by now he probably spit every time her name was spoken. She'd given Manwë and Irno hell for pairing her with an elf who was already loved and even returned said love, even if he did not know so himself. Since when did they disrupt destiny? She was sure the elves would have been fine. Iythrinel looked like a sturdy, childbearing elf. She frowned at her wording.
"Iythrinel...I have noticed as of late that you are not very fond of me…" she started, a little smile crossing her features. "I want you to know that I know you love Thranduil. And I am glad he has someone like you in his life. It was never my intention to "steal" him away. Nor do I want to. Neither he nor I wanted this. This was not the fate in our card. But we must play with the cards we were handed." She hesitated, then met the smaller woman's eyes, "Tell me...Why have you not tried being with him?" She stopped and turned, facing the guard completely now, and not just from the side, awaiting her answer. Ainur sat down on his haunches by her side and looked up between the two of them as if he expected sparks to fly. Fae resisted the urge to punt him back to Aman.
Nel's eyes were sad, "I am, sorry that I have treated the Lady so. I know my love for the king is not the most secretive. I allowed the feeling in my heart to overrule the logic in my mind. However, He is not, nor will he ever, be mine to have, I am a silvan elf, his guard, and friend, but only that. Though I may love him, he does not return those feelings. I know you did not make this choice for yourself, you are just as much a victim as I see my King in this," At this the guard went to a knee in a bow, "Please accept my apologies for my selfishness."
"You have all the right in all of Arda to be angry, Iythrinel. A strange woman has come into your home and taken your king as her own. I understand, and it is I who should apologize to you." Fae tilted her head, lifting her hands to lightly place them on the other woman's shoulders, so if she wished to move, she could, "I do not want an enemy of you. I had hoped we could be friends. I had my family bring something for you. If you would accept it?" It was a hesitant offer, she thought that maybe she was being too pushy, but regardless, she did want this gift for Iythrinel.
Standing Iythrinel smiled, "I would enjoy being friends, it does amuse me to see how you react to Thrans more childish tendencies. I just ask that you not break his heart if ever you eventually hold it. As for a gift, I can not accept something so grand from you my Lady."
Relief almost had Fae sinking down to her knees right next to the guard, and she gave her a wide smile, reaching forward to take her hands in her own, giving a conspiratorial wink, "I believe you hold more of his heart than either of you realize, but on my life, if ever it should happen, I will hold his heart with care." Iythrinel could only squint at her in confusion.
Ainur, please get her for me. Fae asked him softly, looking down at him with a little grin.
Ainur bounded off suddenly, all but throwing himself into the trees. There was much rustling, and Fae frowned after him. Soon after, though, he stepped forward again, looking between Fae and Nel with a strangely mischievous look in his eye, for being a cat. Another rustle behind him made Fae lift her eyes, and she smiled as the second large cat stepped from the foliage.
She was grand, and just as beautiful as Faeilân had hoped. She turned back to Iythrinel, gaging her reaction.
"Her name is Mistamor. May she serve you well. I hope you will accept her."
Iythrinel was breathless, this creature, no Mistamor was beautiful. "I know I just said I could not accept a gift but, Mistamor is beautiful!" Iythrinel walked to the large black feline with eyes that near matched her own. "Hello Mistamor, I am Iythrinel." and she held out a hand waiting for a reaction from the feline. The panther softly placed its head into her hand, purring. Iythrinel turned to Faeilân with a large grin and bright eyes, "I thank you for this companion you have given me Faeilân. It would seem that Thran has no choice but to get used to large felines now."
Faeilân wore a smile as she watched them, curling her fingers excitedly in Ainur's fur.
My lady, may I speak to her? The voice of the panther seemed to struggle to enter Fae's mind, as they were not bonded. Fae's eyes grew sad.
No, darling. She can never know. It was sad, that she had to be here in their life, and was able to literally give any of them anything they wanted just about, yet could not tell them, or give too much in case questions arose. Life had become even more unfair than usual.
"You have no idea the joy it brings me to see that you enjoy her, Iythrinel. I trust you with her completely." At the comment about Thranduil having to get used to large cats, Fae threw her head back and laughed, and even to her own ears it sounded a bit evil. When she looked at Nel again, her eyes glinted, "This is going to be fun. shall we go show him now?"
Nel smirked, "Oh yes, we shall, but please, call me Nel."
"So long as you call me Fae, you shall be Nel to me." The grin Fae wore was absolutely diabolical. She looked down at Ainur and smiled, "Come along, love, let us go show the king Nel's new friend."
The look on Thranduil's face alone was absolutely worth everything Fae had gone through to date. He was staring the two cats down with horror written across his face. "Another one? Did I not say the one would be quite enough?"
"Well, I never heard you say such, your Highness. I must have been out on my walk and the others, well, it must have slipped their minds to tell me. Who could have known I had planned to give Mistamor to Nel?" she gave him the sweetest, most innocent smile she'd ever given anyone.
And she could probably say, the face he wore now was even better than the first one. He looked between the two women, and grimaced when Mistamor slithered up to him and sniffed at him. He looked at Nel again, shock crossing his face as he noticed her wide smile and bright eyes. She was deliriously happy. He gave a sigh, and sat back in his seat, giving a side glance to both the cats, who were now roaming around his chair, and crawling under the table. Thranduil looked down between his feet to see the large face of Ainur, and lifted a brow as the feline peeled his lips back in a silent snarl before slipping back out of sight. Thranduil rolled his eyes in exasperation.
"What a joyous occasion." he said dryly, looking at Fae. She smiled at him again.
Nel's happy voice chimed in, "Oh but isn't it, Thran? Mistamor is beautiful and I am sure she will be a fine companion, and warrior. I must thank you again Fae!" She shot him a close eyed smile as she once again ran her hands through Mistamor's fur as the panther passed her by again.
Legolas, with a raised brow, finally spoke up to his father. "It has been ages since I've seen Nel so happy, father. It is good that the two now seem to be friends, if the names are anything to go by." Excitedly, Nel waved Legolas over to meet Mistamor, and he did so after giving his father a smirk.
"Did you really have to?" Thranduil's voice was soft as Fae seated herself next to him. Another smile turned up the corners of her lips as she watched Nel and Legolas.
"Of course I did. Look at her. Aren't you glad to see her smiling again? She has been down for weeks." She stopped, and turned her head to look at him. He was looking at her curiously, and turned his gaze to Nel with the same expression. Fae gave an exasperated sigh, "Do you notice anything?" He looked at her sharply, but she stared right back into his gaze with a raised brow. Ainur bumped the table as he tried to get out from under it again and join Nel and the others. Thranduil jumped, then closed his eyes as if praying for patience, giving a sigh.
"And what was it she was down about?"
"Perhaps you should ask her. After all, you didn't notice, so the least you could do is ask her yourself." A moment of silence passed between then, and a sly smile took over her lips, "How long have you known Nel?"
"Our entire lives almost." A little smile grew there on his face as old memories danced behind his eyes. Fae watched in utter fascination; he was completely in love with Iythrinel and apparently had no idea.
"Idiot." Fae slumped forward, letting her cheek hit the wooden table in front of her. Thranduil snapped out of his reverie and spared her a glance.
"What was that?"
"Nothing, your highness."
Bard huffed as he rolled another barrel onto the boat with a heavy heart. Weeks. It had been weeks since the creature known as Faeilân, with her wild hair and wild eyes and her wild giant cat, had graced his presence. He was sure she didn't remember him, had completely forgotten, but ever since that evening, her image had plagued his dreams. The next time he'd gone out, he'd never been so eager to see another person. Other than his children...and….
Pain clenched his heart as he realized, he'd never been more happy in another woman's company since his Valaina, his wife. It alarmed him that he could feel so close to someone when all he really knew about her was her name. And then, all his thoughts flew out the proverbial window as a sound came from behind him, and without even looking he knew it was her. He was sure she made noise on purpose this time, as not to alarm him.
He turned, and again he was struck with how ethereal she was. Her hair floated around her body in a dark cloud, and her smile dazzled him. He released a breath that felt like he'd been holding it since the first time he'd seen her.
"Faeilân?" his voice came on a breath, and her smile grew even wider.
"Bard. I was not sure if you would still be here. I only now had time." She didn't mention that she hadn't been around because she was busy with betrothals and spending time with said betrothed all through to mid evening.
"I was certain you'd forgotten me." he spoke without realizing, and they both frowned at the same time.
"Of course not…" she trailed off, then smiled at him again, "I made a friend. She's so sweet, and she's in love but he is a blind idiot and does not see her love for what it is. And everyone sees it!" she was exasperated, and he found himself laughing at the expression she wore on her face.
"Oh? Come, tell me all about it. I've looked forward to you being here since last it happened."
She gave a shy smile, and stepped forward out of the trees, and this time when Ainur followed her, he was much more mild mannered, curling up silently at their feet as they sat on another barrel.
Sometime during their talk, they ended up curled in the grass, their fingers trailing over a very happy Ainur, who, despite his attitude, loved attention. He even started purring, which after he realized it he glared at Fae.
We will never speak of this.
Fae had to stifle a laugh, her grin at Bard growing wider. She felt like her face was going to crack as much as she was smiling, he told her wonderful stories about his children and the neighboring town. It was lovely, their time together, until he started asking questions about her.
"So. You are an elf, and you live in King Thranduil's palace, I assume?" he tilted his head, searching her eyes as if she were a great mystery.
Faeilân stilled, and both she and the giant cat looked at him. He lifted a brow.
"Yes."
"That's awfully vague of you." he teased, but now it was starting to bother him. Was she married? He checked her fingers, and slowly, a brow lifted, as he discovered a silver ring resting there on her right index finger. "Oh."
She frowned, then looked down, only to notice what he had. She gave an internal groan and looked up at him with a sad smile and apologetic eyes, "Oh."
"So you are to be married? These barrels are from a great feast, then. I knew when I started collecting them that it must have been some kind of grand event." He smiled, but inside his heart was crushed and pulverized to dust. Come on, come to your senses. You barely know her. His conscious was on his side.
Her head dipped, and he frowned as something akin to sadness passed her eyes, "I am." Her and her one to two word answers.
"Do you not love him? Does he not love you?" he was curious now, and honestly, appalled at the idea that anyone could not return a love she freely offered.
"It was an arrangement. We do not yet know each other." her voice was so sad he was tempted to hug her, and the large cat placed his head in her lap.
"I cannot imagine that would be easy, and I pray that you and he learn patience and love."
"You are not angry?"
"How could I be? I value your friendship no less than before."
She smiled, and she leaned her head on his shoulder, though she still seemed sad. He too, was feeling sad. A future he hadn't even known he'd thought up crumbled before his eyes before he could even grasp it. This is the second time you've even laid eyes on her. Get over yourself. Now his conscious was being a little rude.
"The amount of barrels also tells me that your betrothed is a little higher up the food chain. Do I know his name?"
There was a small silence before she answered, and she didn't lift her head to look at him, only burrowed closer, "King Thranduil."
Shock rocked his form, and he looked down at her with wide eyes. He had expected someone of importance, but not so much that. She tensed, and he bit his lip a moment before he chuckled.
"Perhaps I should rethink that thing about friendship." He was teasing her, but it successfully had her looking up at him with fierce eyes. When she realized he was joking, she slapped his chest, which got him laughing. After a moment, he again spoke without thinking, something he and Fae seemed to have in common, "You should visit me in Laketown sometime. My children would love to meet you, I'm sure." He cringed, then released a breath, "If your King allows it."
She looked up at him with a lifted brow, but a soft smile turned up her lips. She didn't add that the only king she had was in a land far away. "It would be my pleasure. I would love to meet them."
