Chapter 11 : An Offer Extended

T.A. 1141

We made it back in good time, and conflicted though I was about leaving Lórien, I was relieved to find myself back under the trees of Mirkwood. I didn't feel the same overwhelming feeling of homecoming as I had before, but the dark boughs of the forest had their own kind of embrace.

During our journey home, Legolas, as observant as he was, had noticed something was off kilter with his mother, and when asking her had failed, he had tried his luck weaseling it out of Cirvel and I. For my part, I didn't think it would hurt to tell the boy – after all, such news would affect him, too. But I kept quiet, knowing it was not my place to tell the prince.

For another matter, with the birth of another child, so would my duties expand in the royal household. "I understand if you must take time to consider, but I know I can think of no other whom I would want to care for my children," she said quietly by the fire one evening. I was flattered, honestly elated, and the fact remained that I loved this family and wanted to continue to be a part of it.

At the same time, she had also extended an offer to house Cirvel and I in our own apartments in the palace. I had deferred answering… It was, while a good, practical solution, a change I was unwilling to make. I loved living out in the village among the trees. And perhaps I wasn't as open to change as I liked to think.

Late into the night after we had arrived home, Cirvel and I were sipping wine and lounging on our balcony, discussing our trip and the fresh drama up at the palace. Since we had arrived late in the day as Anor was making its hasty descent, Cirvel and I had forgone a meal with Mirwen and Thranduil in favor of arriving home as soon as we could. I felt relaxed for the first time since we'd left Lórien the moment I laid eyes on the tree in which our talan was built.

"I am glad we went," Cirvel said, after a time of comfortable silence, "but I do not think it felt the same." He sighed a long breath of resignation, and then brought my hand to his lips, where he kissed my knuckles softly, one by one. "Love, I know now that this was the right decision for us. Mirkwood is right for us." His conviction was a huge relief to hear. Often, because it was because of me, I worried about our previous choices and thought that we might have been better off staying in Lórien. Although I couldn't imagine a better life, 'maybes' and 'what if's were hard to think about.

"Thank you, Lin," he said sweetly, kissing me softly. He tasted like the wine we were drinking.

"You are welcome," I replied softly.

-o-

T.A. 1192

"Come, Narulas! Loosen up a little, this is your celebration!" Legolas encouraged, clapping his younger brother on the back. Poor Narulas looked borderline miserable, not exactly accustomed to attention being on him; it fell chiefly on his older brother, who was always being lectured by Thranduil on one matter or another.

Today was Narulas' coming-of-age ceremony, his fiftieth birthday - and after the formal festivities had ended in the morning, the less formal (more drunken) ones had commenced. The entire forest had taken it in stride to throw one of the biggest parties I had ever attended, and nobody had been left out of the celebration.

Cirvel popped in and handed me a full goblet of wine, which I promptly passed to Narulas. He, with a face tinged a little bit green, looked like he might need the drink more than I did. Narulas gave me a weak, lopsided smile and took a deep gulp of the wine. He coughed and after Legolas thumped him on the back jovially, Narulas tried to give the goblet back to me.

"Oh no, no more for me," I chuckled. I had already had far too much to drink; for Thranduil's no-holds-barred approach to wine at festivals meant that the entire wood would spend much of today intoxicated and much of tomorrow regretting it.

Narulas shrugged, and with the raucus encouragement of his older brother, downed the rest of the goblet and slammed it down on the table. People cheered and Legolas clapped Narulas on the shoulder. "Who wants another round?" Legolas shouted to the crowd, who cheered again. Just as Legolas was collecting empty goblets to be refilled, Cirvel stopped him.

"Thranduil was looking for you," he said. Legolas stiffened. "Something about… well, I couldn't tell what he wanted. He is quite intoxicated." Cirvel shrugged. I frowned, wondering what it was today that had Thranduil and Legolas at odds. It changed so rapidly from day to day that there was really no sense keeping up with exact details any longer.

"The last thing I want to do is to speak with the King," Legolas scowled. He and his father had not been seeing eye-to-eye recently, and despite Mirwen's pleas and my encouragement, Legolas refused to speak with his father.

My lessons with Legolas had ended long ago, after his own coming-of-age ceremony, and yesterday had been my last lesson with Narulas, (who had turned out to be a much more devoted pupil than Legolas ever had.) I no longer had to shadow any of the royal children, but instead spent much of my time with Mirwen. I found it very unusual and a little upsetting to realize the fact that I was by rights no longer actually needed by the three royal children. I cared for them the same way I cared for my own child, despite there being no blood ties. But I hoped that my presence in their lives would take on a different role as whatever they needed.

A year or so after Narulas had been born, Mirwen had finally convinced me to move into the palace. I missed the quiet of the forest but I knew I had made the right decision. Legolas had certainly enjoyed it, which made me happier with our decision. On more than a few occasions, he had slipped into our quarters to hide or get away from his overbearing older sister or annoying younger brother, who idolized him and always wanted to do exactly what Legolas was doing. Cirvel and I had always welcomed him, but were firm about him having to return to his family eventually.

Legolas, now seventy-three years old, was a typical lad of his age – he drank too much, loved too easily, and disdained any direct order, especially one given from the lips of his father or mother. I think he listened to Cirvel and me because he still feared what I might do when he misbehaved – I didn't enjoy telling him off, but as he had grown older I had been forced to take more drastic disciplinary actions with him.

Interrupting my thoughts and memories, Cirvel suddenly grabbed my hand and swept me into his arms for a kiss which made my toes curl. Finally releasing me from his tight embrace, I breathed, "What was that for?"

"You appear far too melancholic for a celebration, Lin. Loosen up, have another drink, and come dance with me!" he encouraged. Together, we went in search of the wine, which, today, was never too far away.

-o-

The day following a festival was always the most quiet the Wood ever got. It was customary for everyone to stay in and nurse their aching heads and unsettled stomachs. I, myself, rolled out of bed late and dressed quietly so I could fetch breakfast for everyone, as I did every morning. I figured no one would notice or care about tardiness this day.

As I ran a brush through my hair, I padded back to the bed where my husband was still asleep. "Wake up, love," I murmured to Cirvel, kissing his cheek. He groaned and blinked, and I could see his immediate regrets. "I'm off to fetch breakfast. Get dressed so you can eat with us," I told him. Cirvel sometimes ate with the royal family, as I did every morning, but more than often he ate with his fellow trainers. Dinner was the meal we always shared, and I though I missed our old morning routine of cooking and eating at our table, I knew it wasn't possible in the palace, with only the one community kitchen available.

"Alright," he mumbled, closing his eyes and squeezing them tight. That Dorwinion wine was vicious. "Bring some of that wonderful tea, will you?"

"I will," I promised.

-o-

The palace was rousing slowly and I only passed other servants on my way down to the kitchens. I had an odd relationship with the maids and other servants these days; I got along well with them, but I still didn't think that they trusted me. I don't know if they ever trusted me to be one of their own. They gossiped amongst themselves, and rarely did anything to acknowledge my presence. It unnerved me and annoyed me that they could fear me like that. Perhaps it was because I had the ears of the royalty in a way they never would… but I didn't pretend to understand.

The kitchen staff, unlike the rest of the occupants of the palace, were in full form this morning. I had been baffled the first time I had found the kitchen staff functioning at this level after a festival, until Culiwen had pressed a concoction made from a variety of unmentionables into my hands. After a full cup, my headache vanished, my stomach had settled, and I had begged for the recipe. Cuilwen refused, and she had not budged since. Foul-tasting though it was, it was a miracle cure.

I forced down the tea and sat still and silent until I felt it take effect. Once my head had cleared, I busied myself with arranging breakfast for the seven of us upstairs. I included extra food for any extra elves any of the children felt like owning up to.

I enlisted the help of a chatty maid, Nelleth, whom I often gossiped with while in the kitchens, to help me carry trays of food and tea up the many staircases between the kitchens and the royal apartment.

"Narulas' ceremony was certainly fun yesterday," I said to her amicably.

"The best yet," she agreed. "What utter favoritism the king shows!" Nelleth giggled.

"Certainly! Well, they finally got it right with the third try," I joked. Narulas might be the most responsible and duty-wary of his siblings, but he had much to learn yet in the way of social skills and adult life. He might have come of age yesterday, but I still thought of him as the child that liked to totter in the wake of his older brother's disasters.

"I have heard the third time is a charm!" she laughed. We arrived shortly and she deposited the tea and food at the table and, with a genial wave, left me to head back to the kitchens. I straightened a few pillows that were out of place and marched over to Mirwen and Thranduil's bedroom. They were always the easiest to rouse. I threw open the curtains to let light fall onto their bed and I happily chirped, "Good morning!" The figures on the bed remained unmoving, but I heard Thranduil groan. I placed two cups Cuilwen's wicked tea in their hands, and they accepted gratefully, knowing that health would soon befall them. I left with the sound of Thranduil swearing colorfully and Mirwen quickly trying to drink the mixture without gagging. I grinned, as the sights and sounds of them being so undignified never failed to amuse me.

Next, I went to Caralas' room. Caralas was the lightest sleeper of the children, and I only had to open her door for her to blink her eyes into focus. I set the tea on her bedside table and pulled back the curtains, and when I turned back to her, I saw in her eyes that she had not rested much last night. She had partied with the best of them. I touched her head gently and said, "Drink up, Cara. There is food in the other room." She nodded, but said nothing.

And as I expected, Legolas was sprawled in bed with an elleth at his side, today a little slip of an elleth with golden hair I had seen him dancing with last night. Legolas knew he could not keep secrets from me and so he did not try to anymore. The elves who shared his bed ranged from the young and inexperienced to the well-traveled. I quietly pulled the curtains back, and Legolast started awake.

I had to stifle a chuckle when he glared, while beside him, his companion still slept. "Miss Lin, not yet. You know how bright my room gets in the morning," Legolas objected, glaring at me.

"There is breakfast," I informed, "I would advise you to get up and join the rest of us." Legolas buried his head in his pillows and groaned.

I didn't expect Narulas to have taken a lover, but he surprised me. He was a handsome elf, looking too similar to his father and brother not to be, was not quite as open and obvious about it all as his brother. When I opened the door, I spotted him wrapped around an elf who, from the back, looked like the elleth he'd been chasing after for a while, the daughter of some nobleman or other. Irevyn, I think her name was. He had been quite smitten with her for some time. I smiled, knowing that now that he'd gotten her, he'd not let her go.

After opening his curtains, too, I quietly stepped toward the bed and lightly touched his arm. He woke at my touch. "Breakfast is here," I told him.

"Thanks, Miss Lin," he whispered. "We will be up shortly." I nodded, slipping out of the chamber with a wide grin on my face. I doubted anyone but me knew more about the love lives of the royal household, and I kept their secrets well. Oh, I sometimes told their mother (and my husband), but I kept most of their secrets to myself.

When I left Narulas' room, I found Cirvel had arrived and was already sitting at a large table with Mirwen and Thranduil. They were all wearing matching faces of disgust. Ah, so they'd drunk their tea.

I poured myself a cup of tea – the good stuff this time – and sat beside my husband. We made small talk for a while, and I was just about to go to remind the children that the tea was getting cold when Thranduil cleared his throat.

"Lin, Mirwen and I have been so grateful for everything you and Cirvel do for us. You do Mirkwood a great service," he said. I exchanged a look with Cirvel. Where was this going? "And today is an important day for you – the first that you have to yourself, no longer necessarily in our employ as a caregiver to our children. To show our appreciation, we want to extend an offer of titles of nobility to you both and your family," he said formally. I was shocked.

"B-but, why?" I eventually stammered.

"You really have to ask?" Mirwen said with a chuckle. "You have done so much for our family and for our home that we could think of no greater reward."

Cirvel and I looked at each other. I could tell we were of the same mind: How do you refuse an offer such as this one? Could you refuse it?

Neither of us spoke immediately. I worried… what would it do us? I worried that I would be forced out of their home and would no longer spend my days with them. To be so close to the royal family delighted me, for they were my dear friends, part of my family in my heart. I voiced this concern to them.

Thranduil and Mirwen laughed, which I had expected, but was not exactly pleased to hear. Neither was Cirvel, judging from the way he squeezed my hand under the table. "We would not let either of you go, even if you tried to leave," Mirwen explained. "You should feel free to continue living as you have been or leave as you wish. Cirvel, along with this, we would of course offer a promotion to Captain within the guard," she added. Cirvel and I were further stunned.

Silently, we looked at one another, trying to communicate. This was an incredible opportunity for Cirvel – one which I couldn't with a good conscience let him refuse. None of the other captains were without titles. If it was something he wanted, who was I to stand in his way?

I was just about to speak these thoughts aloud when Cirvel spoke, saying words I did not have the courage to speak, myself: "We accept your offer; however I know my wife would feel better if she stayed in your employ, as a companion to the Queen." Thranduil and Mirwen nodded gracefully.

"That is very well spoken and wisely chosen," Thranduil agreed. Mirwen nodded eagerly.

"You are already a dear companion, Lin," Mirwen assured me, reaching across the table and grasping my hand.

Interrupting our response was Caralas, who stumbled out of her room, shortly followed by Narulas, who was tugging Irevryn by the hand towards the family. The poor elleth looked terrified. Introductions were made (and glances were exchanged among parents) and we all shared a satisfying meal. Legolas did not emerge from his bedchamber until I went back in and physically dragged him out, and when he and his lover emerged they sulked and said nothing to anyone.

After everyone finished eating, Cirvel and I cleared away the table so the family could speak alone. They had so few secrets anymore that I felt it only fair to let them have their own space momentarily.

Cirvel and I hastily discussed what Thranduil had offered us on the way down to the kitchens, but our conversation was cut short when we had to part ways there. "We'll talk more later, my love," he said, drawing me into his arms and kissing me. "I love you," he reminded me, brushing hair out of my face and pressing a kiss to my forehead. "This will be good for us," he assured.

"I love you too," I said softly. "Now off with you, get to those fields, Captain." He kissed me swiftly and left me there.

"That's some husband you have, Lin," piped up Nelleth. I agreed with a relieved smile, and headed back upstairs to see what was needed of me. When I entered, I wished I hadn't gone at all, or at least had lingered much longer downstairs.

Legolas and Thranduil were standing at opposite ends of the table, bellowing at each other. From what I could gather, Legolas was refusing to do something and Thranduil was obviously at the end of his rope about it. Legolas' lover was cowering next to Caralas, who was observing the scene with a weary expression: this happened all too often. Narulas and Irevyn were close, heads together and speaking quietly. Probably about how to leave.

Even after listening to a short amount of their shouted 'conversation' as I did, I gathered that they were going nowhere. It was more an argument for the sake of arguing than an argument over principles or any other important matter, and so I strode between them and shouted, "Enough!"

The whole family's gazes turned toward me, but Legolas and Thranduil continued to shout. I rolled my eyes. "Whatever you're fighting about can wait," I insisted, rounding on Legolas, "You, Leaf, have an elleth to walk home. Thranduil, youhave a kingdom to run. Go and do it!" I ordered. After another moment of stunned silence (on the part of most of the family) and animosity (on Legolas' part), everyone scattered.

Once everyone had moved, I slumped into a chair. On occasion, this force was required, and though I loathed using it, I had just realized I was one of the few who could wield such a force among the royal family. After sighing deeply, I rose again, and followed Legolas around the corner in order to to pull him aside.

I pointed my finger at him. "You need to shape up and listen to your father," I told him firmly. "He knows what is best for you."

Legolas' look was deadly, his eyes flashing. "Lin, you do not know what you are talking about. You couldn't understand." I opened my mouth to disagree when he erupted, screaming, "Leave me alone! You're not my mother and you're not family," and then he grabbed the wrist of his elleth, stormed to the door, and slammed it behind him.

A/N: This has been an incredibly bizarre story to post. In truth, I did finish writing it more than a year ago (almost two? Goodness...) but I keep going back and making these crazy edits as I go along. They always say a story is never finished, and certainly that is true for this one. And amongst my edits of this story I am deep into writing its sequel. I hope you all find that as good news!

Of course, many thanks go to my lovely Beta, Siobhan. I am unable to do much these days without her encouragement. (Har har.)

From here on in, we make some pretty far leaps in terms of timeline. Please be aware of this, as it might get a little confusing if you aren't keeping your eye out for those dates! I have tried to highlight important dates in Legolas' adulthood, and sometimes that means skipping five hundred years here or there!

I will leave you all here fondly. Please don't forget to review!

12/3/13