The Traveler

Disclaimer: All belongs to Tolkien except for my character Roslyn – she is my own creation and is not meant to resemble anyone else's OC in any way.

A/N: Sorry for the slow update, things have been really busy lately. But the day of the feast is finally here and it's a nice and long chapter.

Chapter 10: The Feast of Starlight

The morning of the feast had finally arrived. Roslyn sat in the dining hall, trying to force down some food. She didn't know why, but she felt nervous about tonight. It was like something was going to happen, but she didn't know what it might be.

At least Tauriel will be there.

Thranduil sat down in his usual spot beside Roslyn and began filling his plate.

"So, how is she?"

"Fine. The healers let her go last night, gave her the all clear."

He arched an eyebrow at her, a smug smile on his lips, "And you doubted my words?"

She rolled her eyes at him, not in the mood for whatever this was between them. Thranduil eyed her suspiciously, wondering why she wasn't in better spirits.

"My king, a message has arrived for you."

Thranduil took the scroll from the elf and unrolled it. He felt something twist in the pit of his stomach and he swallowed down the unease as he read the words.

"Well," he drawled, "It would seem that Lord Elrond will be arriving tomorrow morning. What a shame that he will miss the feast. But you must be excited. You are leaving with his company, are you not?"

Roslyn couldn't bear to look at him. He sounded so cold and detached. She thought that she had learned to read him after all of their time together, but he was so emotionless now.

Maybe he really doesn't care.

"Yes. They will be escorting me to Rivendell and then I will be headed back to the portal from there. Back… home."

If I can even call it home anymore.

She couldn't eat any longer. She felt like she was going to be sick. Pushing her plate away she chanced a glance at him. He sat there for a moment, just staring at the fruit on his plate. Then, as if waking from a daydream, he blinked a few times and went back to eating.

"Have you not been anxiously awaiting this moment? The chance to finally be rid of me?" he jested.

She couldn't tell if he was kidding or not, but she'd had it.

"Or perhaps you are the one who has been anxiously waiting to be rid of me?!"

She stood up so forcefully that her chair fell back with a crash. Thranduil was so startled he let his fork drop down to his plate with a clang. She stared at him briefly before stomping out of the room. His wide, surprised eyes followed her retreating back.

…

Thranduil took a moment to wander his favorite garden after breakfast. It held a beautiful waterfall and was fairly secluded. His preferred spot was a well-hidden bench where he could sit privately and think while looking out onto the falls. He sat there now, trying to make sense of what happened earlier.

What has got into her? She should be excited about everything – the feast tonight, Elrond's party arriving, going home.

He sighed as he thought about her going home soon. Elrond would be spending several days in the kingdom at the very least, but that wasn't enough time. He didn't want to admit it but he knew he was going to miss her.

Maybe it's for the best. I just need some time and distance to get over whatever this is. Pretty soon this will all just be a silly memory. Just an old distraction I can laugh at myself over.

But his gut twisted painfully at the thought. With a growl of frustration, Thranduil stood up. He had some last minute things to attend to before the feast.

…

Roslyn stood in the mirror, enchanted by her own reflection. She couldn't remember the last time she looked so breathtaking. Her hair fell down her shoulders in soft waves as intricate braids of various sizes weaved their way to the base of her head. She twisted this way and that, watching the gorgeous fabric of her dress move. It looked like the early night sky – an almost inky black and twinkling with a million stars.

"Here," said Mirien, "There's one more thing."

She opened a simple wooden box and handed it to Roslyn. Her breath caught in her throat. She lifted the white gold chain from which hung a simple round pendant – a striking black opal surrounded by a halo of diamonds. She whirled around to face Mirien.

"What is this?"

"A gift."

"A gift?"

"From King Thranduil."

Roslyn was momentarily stunned. She stared at Mirien with her mouth open.

"He would like for you to wear it tonight."

The handmaiden took the necklace from her and reached around, hanging it around her neck. Roslyn swallowed as she turned back to gaze at herself in the mirror again. For just a moment, she thought she was looking at one of the ethereal Woodland Elves.

…

Roslyn stood outside the doors that led to the open-air ballroom. Her mouth was dry and she fidgeted with her dress, too nervous to go in. She wanted to see Thranduil, but she was still upset about that morning.

Finally talking herself up, she pushed open the doors and stepped inside. The ballroom was beautiful. Candles were everywhere, setting the room alight in a soft glow. Three of the four walls were open to the enchanting gardens outside, affording the attendees a spectacular view of the billions of stars filling the clear night sky.

Musicians were playing something light and upbeat and wine was flowing freely. The merriment was well on its way. Roslyn stood there at the entrance, eyes skimming over the crowd. And then she found what she'd been searching for – steel gray eyes staring back at her.

She made her way over to the corner where Thranduil was waiting for her. He looked her up and down, finally settling on her face.

"Stunning," he breathed, "Absolutely stunning."

"T-thank you. You don't look so bad yourself," she tried to laugh it off but she was too mesmerized.

All of her frustrations and grievances were forgotten at that moment. None of it mattered anymore. She studied him closely. Thranduil looked every bit the king that he was. The black embroidered tunic, the pewter, silver and black robes, it all gave him a strong, powerful, and dominant aura. The delicate mithril crown of woven branches that sat on his head left no question about whom this kingdom belonged to.

"The necklace, it's so gorgeous. I really can't accept this," she told him as she fingered the gem.

He reached for it, his fingers brushing hers as he lifted the pendent off her chest.

"It suits you. I wanted you to have something to remember…"

But he drifted off, a far away look in his eyes.

"My lord?"

He snapped back to the present, straightening up to his full and domineering height and dropping the necklace in the process. The elf that disturbed them looked momentarily wary, as if afraid of a reprimand from his king. Thranduil arched an eyebrow at him, annoyed by the disruption.

"Some of the council members wanted to have a quick word with you before Lord Elrond's arrival."

"Even tonight I can't be left alone long enough to have some peace," he complained.

He turned back to Roslyn, "Enjoy the party. This shouldn't take too long."

Roslyn released a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. Her eyes ran over the crowd once more, looking for the other person she wanted to see. She finally spotted Tauriel talking with another elleth on the opposite side of the room. Her auburn hair was in lovely braids and the emerald green dress she wore complimented her nicely.

Their eyes locked and Tauriel smiled, waving her friend over. The other elleth left just as Roslyn approached. Wasting no time, Tauriel pressed a goblet full of wine into Roslyn's hand.

"Here, the wine is especially good tonight!" she laughed.

"Are you sure you should be drinking right now?"

Tauriel rolled her eyes at her friend's concern, "Yes, mother!"

The two laughed.

"No, I'm limiting myself to two goblets since I'm still not feeling one hundred percent. Besides, someone has to stay sober enough to keep an eye on you tonight."

"What? What do you mean?"

Tauriel laughed.

"I saw the way he looked at you. Like he wanted to devour you on the spot! And I must confess, you do look spectacular tonight. Where did you get that necklace?"

"Thranduil."

Tauriel's eyes shot up to meet Roslyn's.

"He gave you that?" she asked, stunned.

"Yes. Can you believe it? I feel like it's way too much. I can't keep something like this."

"Well you certainly can't give it back. He'd be insulted."

Roslyn fidgeted, "I've never been given anything like this before. But he's a king. I'm sure he has loads of pretty jewelry."

"Yes, of course. But you don't understand. King Thranduil doesn't exactly throw his jewels around carelessly."

Roslyn played with her necklace and took a big gulp of the wine.

This does taste really good tonight. Goes down nice and easy…maybe a bit too easy.

"Oh, I see one of my soldiers. I need to have a word with him."

With that Roslyn was left standing alone, but not for long. Just moments after Tauriel left, an elf came up to her. It was the same elf that she had spoken with at breakfast that one morning. He gave her a short bow with his hand over his heart.

"My lady, you look absolutely exquisite tonight."

"Oh, thank you," she blushed, unused to the compliments.

"Forgive me for not introducing myself when we spoke previously. I am Maethor."

"Roslyn."

He smiled wickedly, "Yes, I know. Would you care to dance with me?"

"I don't particularly know how…"

"That's alright, I do."

She grasped his hand and he led her out to the dance floor. It was a fast sort of waltz and Roslyn quickly found out that Maethor was an excellent dancer. He whirled them around the floor, spinning her this way and that way. She soon found herself laughing and having fun. Her laugh was infectious and Maethor quickly joined her, enjoying her company.

He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her close, spinning them both on the spot. Roslyn smiled up at him, trying not to trip over his feet. But then she felt it, a prickling sort of tingle working its way up her spine.

She looked out at the crowd as they continued to dance. Then she spotted him. Thranduil stood there, clutching a wine goblet, eyes boring into her. To anyone else he appeared to be passively watching the crowd. But she knew better. There was a storm brewing behind those eyes.

…

Thranduil returned to the ballroom, ready to continue with Roslyn where they had left off. But she seemed nowhere to be found. He filled a glass with wine and surveyed the crowd.

Ah, there she is. Hard to miss in that dress.

He watched as she talked happily with Tauriel. The elleth left and Roslyn now stood alone. He began to approach her but then stopped in his tracks. Maethor.

What does he think he's doing?!

He sneered as the elf took her by the hand and led her out to dance. It took every ounce of control that he had not to walk over there and tear the two apart. So instead, he leaned back against a table and watched them.

He grimaced as his delicate ears picked up the sound of her laughter. He downed his wine and refilled the glass. His jaw clenched and teeth ground together as he watched Maethor pull her close.

That little prick. I don't care how good of a warrior he is. I'm going to set him in his place when I pound him into the ground.

He was furious on the inside, burning with a jealousy he'd never really felt before. But on the outside, he knew he had to stay calm. After all, he had no claim on her. She could dance with whom ever she pleased.

And then Maethor whirled her around and their eyes locked.

…

Roslyn tore her gaze away from his, ignoring him.

He told me to enjoy the party and that's exactly what I'm doing. I'm going to have fun tonight and he's not going to ruin it. Moody elf.

The two danced together for the duration of another song before Roslyn finally pulled herself out of his arms.

"I'm afraid I need a break! All that twirling is making me a bit dizzy," she laughed.

"Very well. But I may come looking for another dance later," he smiled handsomely at her.

Roslyn smiled back, her ego slightly boosted by the attention. She made her way over to a table and sat down. She filled another glass of wine and grabbed some food, needing to fill her stomach before the alcohol got the best of her. Tauriel was suddenly seated beside her, staring at her in shock.

"What? What'd I do?"

"Do you know who you were dancing with?"

"Maethor?"

"Do you know who he is?!"

"Should I?"

"Roslyn, Maethor is Thranduil's other captain."

"Other captain?" Roslyn interrupted, "I thought you were the captain?"

"Yes, but there are two of us. I take care of the guard at our North and East boarders. He watches over the South and West."

"Ok, so what if he's a captain. What's the big deal?"

"He and Thranduil are practically like brothers. They're not really related, but they grew up together. They were always very close. Maethor looks up to Thranduil like a little brother would, and so Thranduil protectively watches over Maethor like an older brother would. They're very close and very competitive. I can't imagine Thranduil was too pleased watching that display."

"Oh, I'm sure he's fine. And what display? We were just dancing! Thranduil does not own me."

"I saw his face."

Roslyn silently looked back at Tauriel, picturing his eyes practically burning her with the intensity of his gaze.

"And I saw the way Maethor looked at you while you danced."

"But if Thranduil had real feelings for me, and they're really as close as you say, surely Maethor wouldn't flirt with me?"

"Or perhaps he's trying to light a fire in him to spur him on!" Tauriel laughed.

Roslyn laughed nervously before downing the rest of her wine. She pondered her friend's words for a moment as the two sat in comfortable silence.

(Miracula Eternitatis from Cirque du Soleil Dralion)

A haunting and beautiful piece started playing in the background. She closed her eyes slowly and let the music wash over her. When she opened her eyes, Thranduil was beside her. Wordlessly, he reached his hand out to her. She accepted it and he pulled her up effortlessly, guiding her out onto the floor.

He drew her close and held her firmly against him as he led her through the dance. Their eyes were locked on each other and it seemed as if the entire world fell away. It was just the two of them. The moment was so intimate. She could feel his chest rise and fall with every deep breath he took.

She gazed into his eyes and the overwhelming desire to know every little detail about him consumed her. She wanted to know his thoughts, his desires, his feelings. She wanted to know the mystery that was King Thranduil. She wanted to drown in his gray orbs.

And though she didn't realize it at the moment, he felt the same. In that one gaze, he could see an entire future play out. His heart beat painfully in his chest with the intensity of his desire. He wanted her more than physically, this he could finally admit to himself. He wanted every little part of her – mind, body, and soul. He wanted to drown in her.

They danced like this for several long moments. They seemed pulled to each other like magnets. Closer and closer they came.

And then the music stopped, the spell was broken.

They pulled apart sharply.

"Thank you for the dance," Roslyn whispered.

What was that?

"Of course," he whispered back.

She slowly made her way back to Tauriel who had been watching them from the table.

"I need more wine. A lot more wine."

Tauriel handed her a glass wordlessly.

"That," she started.

Roslyn held up a hand to stop her, "Don't say anything."

…

Thranduil turned and walked in the opposite direction.

What just happened?

He took a long drink from his goblet, relishing the haziness he was finally starting to feel from his large consumption of the wine. He wasn't exactly sure what had just transpired between them, but more and more he began to wonder if he'd be able to let her go when it was time. He felt a small prickle of fear creep through his veins as a new thought occurred to him.

What if she doesn't even want to stay?

He knew if he finally let down his guard and allowed himself to lose control, he would be consumed by her. He took another swig of the alcohol, trying to relax himself.

And if after everything, if she still wants to go home…what then? No, this is nothing. Just an impulse that I need to restrain. I will feel better once she's gone.

He shook his head slightly in an attempt to clear it, and turned back to the party.

A/N: Alright dear readers, please review! :)