Disclaimer: Still not mine, big surprise.
A/N: Sorry for the delay. Graduate school applications had me held hostage. Here's a long chapter as a thank you for your patience. I am posting this rather late for me as it's past my bedtime. I apologize for any errors. I will take care of little things like accents and whatnot later. But I wanted to get this out there, because I liked this chapter a lot. Hopefully you will too.
Chapter 38-Summer in the City
"We are going to be in the city. We are going to have beds! And baths! Greatest day ever!" I cried for possibly the thousandth time, skipping circles around our little party.
"Okay, I need you to walk more sedately. You are far too prone to injury to be carrying on so," Legolas stated as he grabbed hold of my shoulders when I passed him during one of my revolutions.
"Don't be silly," I replied, walking jauntily backwards. "I've made it this far, what's a few more steps? Whoa," I cried suddenly, arms wind milling as I tripped over a well-placed rock. Damn universe. Legolas just gave me a look as he kept me upright. "Fine, fine," I stated grudgingly turning to face forwards. "But beds," I added defiantly.
"Yes, yes, they are glorious, but one must live to enjoy them," Legolas returned pointedly.
"Hey, we just ended a super bad dude and won a massive war. It's time to coast. Oh my god, I am going to feast," I finished, visions of roasted meat and potatoes dancing in my head.
"Coast?" queried Elrohir bemusedly.
"Cruise, take it easy, maintain our current condition, continue moving without using power," Almira supplied. "Often referred to when using a car or a bike, two stellar ways to get around which I am not going to attempt to explain. Ask again later."
"Hey, we should re-invent the bike," I announced. "Put it on our to-do list."
"So noted," replied Almira. "So far we have ice cream, power bars, trail mix, barbecue and bikes. Obviously we were very hungry creating this list."
"Yeah, add hoodies to that list and Reese's," I stated as an afterthought. "And before you even asks, hoodies are articles of clothing that are like thick tunics with hoods." Pippin shut his mouth with a snap.
"Done and done."
We continued on our trek back to the city, making small talk. We fell silent outside the city walls. It was still in ruins, but the scenery contrasted starkly with the atmosphere which was jubilant and hopeful. The sun was rising, glinting off our Company's armor. We were quite the spectacle as we approached the barrier, if I do say so myself. I could see Faramir standing there, as well as Eowyn, and a bunch of other people I assumed were important. The rest of the rabble had taken up residence on either side of the Gate. The knights and soldiers of Gondor and Rohan arrayed themselves in front of the walls. A hush descended on everyone as the Dunedain stepped forward, preceded by Aragorn. He was dressed to the nines in black mail girt with silver and a pure white mantle bound with a luminous green jewel. There was a star upon his brow held together by a slender fillet of silver. To call him handsome was an understatement. I looked to my left to Legolas and was gifted with a 100 Watt smile and handsome took on a whole new meaning. Eomer went with him, as did Prince Imrahil and Gandalf robed in white, and the four hobbits.
A single trumpet rang out and quiet took on a whole new meaning too. Faramir came forward with Hurin of the Keys (the name had finally come to me) and four guards bearing a casket of black wood bound with silver. Faramir knelt before Aragorn and said: "The last Steward of Gondor begs leave to surrender his office." And he held out a white rod; but Aragorn took the rod and gave it back, saying: "That office is not ended, and it shall be thine and thy heirs' as long as my line shall last. Do now thy office!" (1)
Faramir rose and spoke in a clear voice: "Men of Gondor, hear now the Steward of this Realm! Behold! one has come to claim the kingship at last! Here is Aragorn son of Arathorn, chieftain of the Dunedain of Arnor, Captain of the Host of the West, bearer of the Star of the North, wielder of the Sword Reforged, victorious in battle, whose hand brings victory, the Elfstone, Elessar of the line of Valandil, Isildur's son, Elendil's son of Numenor. Shall he be king and enter into the city and dwell there?" (1)
Of course, everyone was in favor, shouting yea loudly. It's not like there was another more qualified king lurking about. Talk about an impressive resume. Faramir spoke again: "Men of Gondor, the loremasters tell that it was the custom of old that the king should receive the crown from his father ere he died; or if that might not be, that he should go alone and take it from the hands of his father in the tomb where he was laid. But since things must now be done otherwise, using the authority of the Steward, I have today brought hither from Rath Dinen the crown of Earnur the last king, whose days passed in the times of our longfathers of old." (1) The guards stepped forward and Faramir removed a crown from the casket. It was similar to the Helms of the Guards of the Citadel, except it was grander and all in white, with the wings made of lavish materials, like pearl and silver, in the shape of a seabird's wings. Nice and symbolic of the kings who had come from across the Sea. It also had some pretty nice stones set in it. Tiffany's would be jealous.
Aragorn took the Crown and held it aloft and said: "Out of the Great Sea to Middle-earth I am come. In this place will I abide, and my heirs, unto the ending of the world." (1) Then he handed it back to Faramir, who looked confused for just a moment before he masked it, and Aragorn continued: "By the labor and valor of many I have come into my inheritance. In token of this I would have the Ring-bearer bring the crown to me, and let Mithrandir set it upon my head, if he will; for he has been the mover of all that has been accomplished, and this is his victory." (1)
Frodo then went forward and taking the crown from Faramir presented it to Gandalf. Aragorn knelt and Gandalf placed the White Crown on his head and said: "Now come the Days of the King, and may they be blessed while the thrones of the Valar endure!" (1)
But when Aragorn arose the silence did not abate and even grew more still if that was possible. For Aragorn had been revealed for the magnificent man he was, haloed in light; tall, strong yet gentle, with wisdom in his gaze. Then Faramir broke the spell, crying: "Behold the King!" (1) The trumpets rang out matched by the voices of the people as Aragorn went forward into the City and processed through the streets into the Citadel to begin his reign. Tears welled in my eyes as we progressed through the streets and the people cheered for us. I was awed and humbled by their appreciation and joy. It had been so long since I seen and experienced real happiness and it really brought home the magnitude of what I had been part of. It took me back to when Sam and Frodo had been honored at the Field of Cormallen. I can honestly say I never saw two people more flabbergasted in my life. The singing of "Frodo of the Nine Fingers and the Ring of Doom" and the following celebrations had the same mood of wild elation that our entrance into the city did.
The days that followed kept Aragorn extremely busy as he received embassies from all over and pronounced his judgments. Most of my time was spent settling in and doing practical things like having clothes made. Aragorn had been thoughtful enough to see to it that Almira and I met with the local seamstresses so we would have more than a set of grimy travel gear to wear and actually be in fashion. Not too long after, about a week, it was time for Eomer and Eowyn to depart back to Rohan, and with them went the sons of Elrond. That morning was full of sad partings, though at least we knew it was not forever. But it was still weird to part with people we'd spent so much time with. I hugged Elladan then Elrohir fiercely. "Be careful," I commanded in a tremulous voice. "Which is probably ridiculous to say because you have thousands of years of experience and could hear a pin drop in the ocean miles away, but still, I worry."
They smiled at me affectionately. "We shall go forth with as much caution as we can muster," Elrohir stated, a twinkle in his eye.
"Which says very little," Legolas quipped with a roguish grin, causing the twins' smiles to widen.
"Now, take care of yourself. We would like to see you in good health when we return," Elladan murmured in a whisper. Arwen's coming was not common knowledge, although as elves close to both Aragorn and Arwen we knew what was up. I hugged them once more before they mounted their horses. "Thank you for healing me, travel safe," I said quietly and Legolas raised his hand one last time in farewell as with a nod of their heads they departed. Eowyn and Eomer had departed even earlier, which resulted in Merry and Faramir being a bit mopey.
I sighed and leaned into Legolas. "Are you well, love?" he asked, looking down at me.
"I am fine. But I just want to be called already so I can get my choice over with. I am tired of waiting. I want to be able to really celebrate not worry over it," I replied as Legolas took my hand and pulled me inside and back towards the house we were sharing with the rest of the Fellowship. Aragorn had not wanted us to depart yet, and aside from maybe Legolas who was a monarch, none of us really had any pressing concerns or anywhere to be. I took a seat at the kitchen table as directed by Legolas, who was gathering fruit and breads to break our fast with.
"I feel as you, as much as I am loathe to repeat the experience of Lothlorien, I wish for the finality. Should you decide to stay-" Legolas just gave me a withering look when I snorted and mumbled "when" before continuing, "should you decide to stay I look forward to beginning our lives and properly courting you."
"As lovely as that sounds, two things: one, did you not promise to travel with Gimli? and two, is courting really necessary?" At the surprise and quickly burgeoning hurt in his eyes, I added in a rush, "It's not that I do not want to be courted, I just figured that we made it through this alright, what else do we need to do? I just...I do not want to wait that long," I finished flushing. Legolas placed a plate in front of me with a wide smile then leaned in and met his lips with mine. He pulled away after only a moment and to my great embarrassment I moaned at the loss of contact. My blush deepened. Legolas laughed and I soon joined him. After our laughter subsided, he cupped my face in his hands and kissed me again, slowly and deeply. I edged closer to his warmth, my hands coming to cup his elbows. One hand had slid into my hair, the other rested at my nape. I bit his lip slightly and his mouth parted in surprise, which I used to my advantage.
"Skipped straight to dessert, I see," Almira drawled. "Taking a lesson from the French, eh?"
I blushed, but muttered defiantly, "Taking a lesson from the Canadians, eh?"
"Or the dwarf, terrible timing the both of you have," Legolas said with a wry, but pointed, smile.
Almira actually flushed this time. "So it would seem. But it is the breakfast hour and I wanted a croissant. I'd rather not walk in on you, you know." And she returned Legolas' pointed glance.
"Well, Lady Luck has never been our friend," I stated in a conciliatory gesture and Almira huffed in agreement. "And it is a rather popular spot. The kitchen is the center of a household," I ended matter-of-factly. And Almira opened her hands and shrugged in the universal "of course" gesture.
"Would you care to eat with us?" Legolas asked, pushing out a stool on the opposite side of the table with his foot.
"Sure," Almira replied, grabbing a croissant and plopping down on the stool. Our conversation turned to the work going on in Minas Tirith and plans for the city. Which brought us neatly around to our own plans again.
"You brought up my promise to travel with Gimli and I would like to do so," I nodded encouragingly and Legolas continued, "but what would you do in the meantime?"
"Almira and I were thinking of traveling as well," I stated nonchalantly, carefully avoiding his gaze and smiling at Almira.
Legolas gaze whipped from his plate to my face. "By yourselves?" he asked in a strangled voice.
I met his gaze and raised my eyebrows. "Yes."
"Wow, look at the time," Almira said, glancing at her wrist and her nonexistent watch. "I should get going. So much to do and so little time." And she dashed out the door.
"Are we going to fight about this?" I asked, sizing him up.
"Are you willing to be reasonable?" he returned, raising one eyebrow.
"Are you?" We had entered into an intense staring contest. Footsteps in the hall alerted us to an intruder, but neither of us was willing to break our gaze.
"Ah, right," I heard Gandalf say. "I am going to be on my way. I suddenly remembered I am not particularly hungry." His footsteps faded away.
Legolas sighed and turned his gaze to the window on our right and the garden beyond and I tried not to smile triumphantly. "I will not keep you from going, not that I could," he paused and rolled his eyes at my snort, "but I am not pleased at the thought of the two of you traveling alone. I would that you at least have a couple guards travel with you. You have an awful tendency towards injury. And you are not the greatest warrior," he glanced at me apologetically, though his tone bordered on patronizing.
"I was warrior enough to save your life," I said indignantly.
Legolas looked absolutely god smacked. His mouth opened and closed several times and I swear a vein began pulsing in his forehead. "Well," he said stiffly, "I did not expect to have that lorded over me."
Now it was my turn to be shocked into silence. I had not meant it quite like that. How could he think me so petty? I took a deep breath, but I was still angry and rather hurt. "And I did not expect such ingratitude." Legolas' eyes widened. There was a pause as I think we both recognized things had gotten a bit out of hand. Another fraught moment passed but then Legolas stood and silently walked from the room. I released a pent-up breath and stalked out into the adjoining herb garden. I needed to cool down. Feeling guilty about letting my anger get the better of me I blinked back tears and plopped down at the base of a shade tree. Thinking over the interaction, I realized maybe a proper courtship wasn't a bad idea. It was eternity we were talking about here. Dating during the Quest did put a highly unusual tone to the whole thing. It would be nice to spend time together under normal circumstances. Really I was most uneasy about all the formality. Honestly, I figured we had probably broken some rules, and I was sure there were even more I was going to want to break. Formality was not something I was particularly good at or even a fan of. Besides, I just loved Legolas. There was nothing I had ever been more certain about. I ran a hand over my hair and felt the braid Legolas had done. I sighed deeply and heaved myself to my feet. It was time to find him and compromise. Turning I saw Legolas at the door of the garden. I took a deep breath. "I want to apologize," I started.
"As do I," he said quietly. Legolas approached me and tucked a bit of loose hair behind my ear.
"Both of us have the habit of speaking before thinking. And I am sorry for it. The last thing I wanted was to hurt you." He sighed and nodded and I continued. "Look, I do not want to fight. I am sure we will, life is not all sunshine and rainbows, but not now. Now I want to enjoy what time I have with you before I am whisked away to Neverland. I know traveling could be dangerous, but you have to trust in me and Almira. I did manage to make it this far. However, I agree that I should not push my luck, so I was thinking Almira and I would just travel to visit the different Elven realms. That way we could visit friends and travel with messengers on some of the more dangerous routes between places. Neither of us want a lot of adventure, we've had that."
Legolas fiddled with the end of my braid. "Nor was it my intent to hurt you. I am grateful you took the arrow for me but you must know part of me also wished you had not. You are my life now and you are the only wife I want. So I cannot lose you. Just promise me you will use the utmost caution."
"I promise," I replied, pressing a kiss to his lips. "I have a lot to look forward to so I am not going to chance losing a future with you. Your worry is understandable and I feel the same way. We have been together for almost every hour of every day for months. Being apart is going to be weird."
"But at least when we reunite it will be for our wedding," Legolas supplied with a smile.
"Wait, what? Won't we need time to plan everything?" I asked, slightly panicked. "I mean I'll have to get a dress, we'll have to put together a guest list and select a menu, and a million other things."
"Is that how it happens in your world?" Legolas asked.
"Yes. The couple dates, then gets engaged, then they plan their wedding. Depending upon the size of the occasion and any time constraints the couple might face, the length of the process varies. People usually allow at least six months to a year."
"But the couple does all the planning?" Legolas clarified.
"Yes, and whomever they choose to have help them. Who does it here?" I asked.
"It would be arranged by our households mostly, especially since I am royalty. Really all one needs to plan is the feast," Legolas explained.
"What about a ceremony?"
"We simply stand before our guests, the names of Varda, Manwe and Eru are invoked to witness and bless our union and then we exchange rings. Then we feast," Legolas finished with a grin.
"That's it? We're married?" I said incredulously. It seemed much less involved than what I was used to.
Legolas grinned slightly, almost sheepishly and I raised my eyebrows. "Remember what we discussed in Lorien? We are not actually married until we consummate our union."
"Oh right. But the ceremony makes it legal?" Legolas shook his head. "So just the sex?" He nodded. "Well, alright then. Do we get a honeymoon?"
"A what?"
"The couple takes a vacation together to celebrate being married and just spend time together. Basically the idea is that the couple gets to have lots of uninterrupted, hot, steamy sex," I stated matter-of-factly with a wink.
"Well, I am more than amenable to incorporating some of your traditions. This is your wedding too," Legolas replied with a roguish grin and I laughed.
"How gracious you are," I stated. Legolas took my hand and led me back into the house and out the front door into the city street. "You know," I began as we walked, "we seem to have gone about this backwards. I mean courting should come first, right?"
"Indeed," Legolas said in an amused voice. "And our union should have been approved by our household, and there should have been a feast. But in times of duress, such ceremony is not necessary. We could even have bonded and it would have been acceptable. Although, I assumed our family and friends would prefer we wait." We shared a bemused glance at the understatement. Our family and friends would have flipped. "Of course, I mainly did not want to bind to you under such circumstances. I wanted it to be about joy, not desperation."
"I am glad for I feel the same. Although the proposal was fine by me," I quipped which earned me a laugh. We spent the rest of the day walking around and talking, getting the lay of the land still. It was a big city We had dinner with the rest of the Fellowship in the house as usual. Sometimes, like that night, Aragorn would show up. I think he liked the break from all the formality and court politics. Especially since he was a relative stranger here. Every time a member of the nobility debased themselves I could swear I saw him twitch. Plus, sooner rather than later the Fellowship would part and there would never be a time when we would all be together again. Unless everyone managed to get together for Legolas' and I's wedding, which was an odd thought that that could change stuff. Another thing to worry about, I thought, great.
Our days fell into a routine, and it was nice to have one again. Once upon a time my life had been entirely routine and comfortable, safe. But then I came here and went to war and everything was uncertain and I was on edge all the time. Now that had ended and the ordinary was a novelty that I marveled at every day. But rebuilding would only take so long. Sifting through the rubble, I often questioned what was next. I had eternity to fill up. And what the hell do princesses do? I had been a warrior here. Would a more sedate lifestyle satisfy me once the novelty wore off? I knew I would have to have this conversation with Legolas eventually, about the expectations of Elven royalty, but I was kind of afraid and I figured it could wait until I had made my choice. And so the weeks wore on. Almira and I spent a few hours a week trying to plan where we were going to go, how long we would stay and just the logistics of it all.
"Obviously we will be spending a fair bit of time in Lothlorien," I said one morning as we poured over maps. It was the day before Midsummer, when Arwen and her escort were set to arrive. And it was hot. Despite being elves, we were still uncomfortable as the halls themselves were incredibly stuffy.
"Really?" Almira asked in delight and seeming surprise as she fanned herself.
"Duh, did you really expect otherwise?" I queried bemusedly, twisting my hair on top of my head.
"I don't know. I just figured it might be kind of weird or hard for you and I would not want you to feel like a third wheel," she explained.
I snorted. "Please, you have put up with Legolas and I for long enough, I think I can return the favor."
"An excellent point," Almira teased. "How long would you be comfortable staying?"
"I was thinking four months in each place, starting in Lindon then moving to Imladris, then ending in Lothlorien."
"Then, of course, on to Mirkwood," Almira said with a small smile, which I did not share. She noticed and asked, "What's up? Are you not excited?"
I took a moment to gather my thoughts and she waited patiently. "I am, but I am nervous, too. I don't have just his family to impress, but a whole kingdom. Am I cut out to be royalty? What do princesses here do anyway?" I sighed deeply. "Basically I am freaking out. I know I need to talk to Legolas, but I am afraid to have this conversation. What if I will hate being a princess? Then what? And we still have not made our choice, so it seems a little premature to be talking about the future but it's coming up on us fast. So we are going to have to make these decisions soon. And frankly, I am just fed up with waiting; wincing at every strong breeze and raven's call. This is getting ridiculous," I finished with a frustrated noise.
"I hear that. This lingering has me second-guessing everything. I mean, I would not be comfortable traveling if we could be summoned. I don't want my body just lying around somewhere."
"For real. I am hoping we go after the you-know-what," I whispered then hummed the bridal march.
"Me too. I wonder how long we will be out this time," Almira mused.
"No idea. Let's go spar. I am tired of thinking," I said getting to my feet. We headed out of the royal library and back to the house, grabbing our weapons and heading to the royal training grounds. Knowing people in high places had its perks after all. Since we were tight with Aragorn we had access to his digs. We were housed on the topmost level, where the King's quarters were, as well as the barracks for the Guards of the Citadel, the Steward's quarter's, guest housing, the feast hall, and quarters for the servants. Right now it was busy, but it was about to get slammed when the elves got here. The topmost level was huge, so it blew my mind to think about how big some of the lower levels must be. It was a pain traveling to the other levels because each gate was in a different place on each level, and each one had a different password, which changed every month. So our motivation to explore was somewhat limited. Although our participation in the efforts to rebuild had helped us learn our way about the city to an extent.
We spent a couple hours sparring before heading back to the house to clean up and prepare for lunch. I had a nice little bedroom that overlooked the herb garden in the courtyard and the view of the plains beyond. The house was a square shape with a central courtyard and the rooms oriented around it. There were two levels and the bedrooms and baths were on the second level. Built out of stone, it stayed rather cool during the day thankfully. I took a few minutes to stare down into the courtyard as I brushed out my hair and braided it loosely. Frodo was sitting there, lost in thought. We had only spoken so much since he got back and it was easy to see that the horror of Mordor was still pretty fresh and understandably so. Everyone had a sort of silent, unspoken pact to give him his space. The fact that he could even still smile during our dinners and chat with everyone was impressive to me. I'd probably still be curled up in a ball somewhere if I had been in his place. I sighed, tied off my braid and stepped over to the closet. I dreaded getting dressed because there were so many layers and the fabrics were very heavy. All the corsets and underskirts were like deadweight. A knock on my door announced the arrival of my handmaiden. It was super weird having one, especially because I did not set a whole lot of store by formality and this poor thing was quite young and therefore terrified of doing anything wrong. So her keeping to whatever rules were laid out clashed with my easygoing manner concerning etiquette. After a couple months I still had not convinced her to just call me Kate. Although at least now she called me "Lady Kate" and not just "milady." But I had to have one because it was befitting to my station. Thanks to my engagement to Legolas I was technically royalty.
"Come in," I called.
"Good day, Lady Kate," Pála said timidly. She came to stand next to me. "Have you selected a dress to wear this afternoon?"
"Not really. It's so damn hot," I complained and hid a smile at her slight wince at my swear. "Something simple." Which was near impossible, I thought bitterly. The Elves favored looser, flowing gowns with the billowing sleeves that made me feel like I had time traveled back to the Middle Ages. They were light and natural, almost an extension of their environment. Lacing on those gowns was only for slight definition and decoration. It was not so much about the body as elves were more turned on by a great voice or fabulous hair; which made sense since they all had hot bods to begin with. The Gondorians tended to favor gowns that were a little more over the top in my opinion. The main difference was mostly material and puffier or tighter sleeves. The Gondorian nobility favored fabrics that were very expensive to showcase their wealth, which often tended to be heavier fabrics. Great for winter, not so great for summer. And then of course there were all the undergarments which elves really only used for special occasions. Otherwise they were pretty much hippies. I took off my robe as Pála approached with the corset that was to go over my chemise. I had already put on my hose, which I had never cared for. Thankfully elves did not believe in those either.
"Will this suit, milady?" Pála asked, holding up a green velvet dress. I managed to contain my grimace and gave her a quick nod. I stepped into the heavy gown and barely repressed a groan. I was going to boil. She laced the sides tightly before moving to attach the sleeves. But I stopped her.
"No sleeves today," I commanded and she looked scandalized. And I bit my tongue to keep from telling her it was absurd. It's not like my arms were bare, I had a chemise on after all. "It is far too warm," I explained. She made no protest and it seemed to me she could sympathize at least about the heat. Although, servants had lighter materials for clothes they still had to put up with the layers. She tweaked a few things before stepping back to admire her handiwork. "Milady is most fetching," Pála complimented quietly.
"Thanks," I said, running a hand over the hunter green velvet gown. I rather liked this dress despite its heat retention properties. It was fitted to about my hips before the skirts flowed out and had a squared neckline. "You work wonders." She flushed and dropped her gaze, lifting her skirts and preparing to leave.
"Oh, Pála," I called. She turned to face me. "I would really appreciate it if you could have my tunic and leggings cleaned." She curtsied without a word before grabbing the garments and exiting the room. I could tell she was uneasy with a lady who was a warrior, but at the same time I had observed her staring speculatively at my weapons and the garments I fought in, a look of puzzlement and curiosity on her face. I often wondered if she envied me slightly, or really my freedom. God knows I could not handle being confined to dresses all day, every day. And sewing was a lost cause. I left my room and bumped into Almira, who was clothed very similarly, save her dress had a rounded neckline and was in black. Both were decorated along the collar with brocade though different colors, and both of us had foregone sleeves.
"I am going to fry like an egg on a sidewalk," Almira grumbled.
"Tell me about it. It's not even midday yet and I am already warm," I complained.
"Which is fitting, as your beauty outshines the sun," Legolas said.
"Ugh, please do not be charming. I already dislike you enough because you do not have to wear anything this restrictive," I replied. "Your liking it just makes you a traitor."
"Whatever would I do without such disdain and indifference to my charms?" Legolas asked dramatically.
"Deflate your ego?" I supplied sarcastically.
"Perhaps I would find someone else who finds me entertaining," Legolas teased, but his arm encircling my waist to draw me closer denied his own words.
"As if you could," I retorted haughtily.
"You know, there is only one thing that should be done with a mouth such as yours," he murmured suggestively.
"Use it to eat breakfast?" Almira proposed dryly.
"That too," Legolas quipped, winking at her before pressing a quick kiss to my lips. We entered the kitchen laughing.
"Elves," Frodo muttered good-naturedly.
"Hobbits," I returned as I took a seat next to him and winced.
Legolas touched my elbow and I met his concerned gaze. I smiled reassuringly. "It's simply this damn corset. I swear they do not want me to breathe, let alone eat. That's how you can tell this ridiculous get-up was invented by men. We cannot run in these gowns thus we are forced to endure their company and cannot breathe enough to utter a word of protest," I groused and set the table's occupants laughing heartily.
"Men," Almira huffed in agreement.
Once we had settled a bit and tucked into our food, Merry looked at Almira, Legolas and I in turn. "I take it you know what has Strider in such a tizzy?" he posited slyly.
"We might," I said slowly, sharing an amused and excited glance with Legolas and Almira.
"I do not suppose you would care to enlighten the rest of us?" Gimli led sternly, yet with a gleam in his eye.
"I would love to...but I would hate to ruin Aragorn's surprise," Almira replied, smiling at their frustrated cries.
"But, if it is any consolation, you shall find out soon enough," I told them before taking a bite of apple slice with cheese.
Just then Pála appeared in the doorway winded, making it obvious she had run here. "Milady-" At my glare she corrected herself, "Lady Kate, I have done as you asked. They approach."
"Most excellent, thank you very much. Now, would you care to break your fast with us?" I asked, trying to contain a mischievous grin and divert everyone's attention from her announcement.
Her eyes went wide, like saucers, before her gaze dropped to the floor. "Oh no, I could never...it would not be proper."
I nudged Legolas and led his gaze over to Pála and winked. He smiled impishly. "Do not fret, my dear," he all but purred and Pála peeked up at him beneath her lashes. "We do not stand on ceremony here. And as you have done my lady a favor, it is only fair we repay it. Unless you have already eaten?" The heartache in his tone was perfect, she would have to have been made of stone to refuse. She shook her head mutely. "Oh good, please take a seat," he gestured to an open chair and she sat down stiffly, flushing but from embarrassment or excitement it was hard to say.
"Apple?" Frodo asked kindly and I swear she almost went into a dead faint. It's not every day the savior of the known world offers you a piece of fruit after all.
"Thank you," Pála whispered.
"So, do you like being Kate's handmaiden?" Pippin asked with one of his grins and I rolled my eyes, a smile once again snaking its way onto my face.
"It is a great honor," Pála said earnestly.
I gave a short, surprised laugh. I was rather touched at that. "You are a saint," I said affectionately. "Dealing with me is probably pure torture. I am always complaining about not getting to wear pants more often. I daresay you must wonder if you were assigned to a gentleman instead of a lady."
The others laughed, but Pála shook her head. "You are too beautiful," she blurted. "And very graceful."
Legolas laughed. "Well, Pála, I certainly agree with you about her beauty, but she is terribly clumsy. Obviously she has been extra careful around you. But on our way here..." and Legolas began recounting numerous stories of my klutz-tastic ways, which led to other stories of pranks and adventures and fond memories. And soon enough, Pála was smiling openly, eyes shining, hanging on every word, and asking questions, actually talking to us. She seemed so young, and thinking that set me back. I was so young. She was only a few years younger than myself, probably about fifteen. It was disconcerting to think the war had aged me. And it wasn't exactly like I hung out with the youngest people ever. Without realizing it I had begun to frown.
"Love?" Legolas queried and I realized everyone was looking at me.
"Huh? Oh, I'm fine. I just...miss the wind," I supplied. It was the first thing that came to mind and I managed not to wince. That sounded pretty lame, but it was oddly true. The room was kind of stuffy and the air still.
"You really are becoming an elf," Gimli groused while Legolas beamed.
"You are not one already?" Pála queried softly with wide eyes.
"Uh, not exactly," I stated, scratching my head.
"What say we continue this tale outside?" Legolas said, nodding towards the door.
"It looks as if it might rain," Frodo said. "The wind is picking up."
"Thank god," exclaimed Almira, standing quickly and striding towards the door. "I'm roasting."
"Right behind you," I called, twitching my skirts uncomfortably, the rest of them trailing after us.
"Does it storm often here?" Merry asked Pála.
"Indeed, at least twice a week in the summer," she responded. There was a bit of an awkward pause as I could tell Pála wanted to know more about Almira and I but was too polite to ask. I shared a glance with Almira.
"So what were we saying before?" she asked with an impish grin
"I think we were talking about how you and I are sort of our own species, a humano-elven hybrid if you will," I returned. I continued more seriously. "Pála, what we are about to confide in you is top secret. You cannot repeat our story."
She nodded earnestly and Almira and I recounted our peculiar history. We finished as the first fat drops of rain began falling from the sky. Our group hurried inside, poor Pála still a bit shell-shocked after hearing our story, which was unfortunate as we ran smack into the Head Maid Lady ( I really needed to get a grip on all these titles as Head Maid Lady was probably offensive) who did not look pleased.
"Pála!" she scolded. "Have you lost all sense Eru gave you? You know better than to dilly-dally when there is work to be done!"
Pála had flushed scarlet, her head bowed in shame. She started when I came forward and softly touched her arm in support and sympathy. I had been through my fair share of dressing downs. Us rebels had to stick together.
"It is my fault that Pála was detained, I am afraid. I had need of her this afternoon," I explained, extending my nose haughtily into the air as I had seen several Gondorian ladies do, trying to radiate cool authority without being a complete bitch.
"Of course," the matron responded in a tone that could have frozen water. "My apologies." She gave Pála a glare that brooked no argument and the girl rushed by her and out of the room before the matron turned on her heel and left.
"Jesus," I exhaled my breath with a whoosh. "No wonder Pála is running scared all the time. I would be too if I had to report to Dragon Lady there."
Almira gave an irreverent snort of agreement. "I don't think I'll sleep tonight. That's the stuff of nightmares right there."
I caught Legolas smiling bemusedly. "What?" I queried defensively.
He shook his head slightly. "You and I will have a very interesting household," Legolas stated.
"Huh?" I saw my confusion mirrored on Almira's face and the amused looks of the Hobbits and Gimli were making me suspicious.
"Judging by your expression I take it that you did not realize as my wife and as a princess you will be head of a household," he replied lightly.
Apparently it was my turn to be shell-shocked. "Yeah, not so much. Oh my god, I have to be Dragon Lady," I breathed in dismay.
"I hope you were taking notes," Frodo quipped and everyone burst into laughter as I flushed, before beginning to giggle too. The absurdity, not to mention impossibility, of me being so stern was obviously entertaining for everyone to imagine. I was going to be a complete push-over.
Our group settled at the table once again and ever-so-predictably the hobbits began eating again. "So can I still wear pants as a princess?" I posed after a few minutes, thoughtfully munching a pomegranate.
"Of course," Legolas snorted. "Upon marrying me you will not be locked in a tower and forced to knit and simper. We are not men," he finished, seemingly affronted.
"We are not that bad," Aragorn stated with a reproving glare as he stepped quickly into the kitchen before ducking into the pantry, the door open to us but the view from the door blocked.
Our confusion was cleared up a moment later as one of his particularly pompous advisors stopped in the doorway, rather out of breath. All of our heads conspicuously swiveled from the cowering king to the agitated advisor.
"Pray tell, have you seen his majesty?" The words rushed out on a wheeze and he gasped a huge breath of air, before continuing. "I have important matters to discuss with him."
Seeing Aragorn's frantic hand gestures out of the corner of my eye, I shook my head along with everyone else. Taking pity on Aragorn even further, most likely because he had suffered through similar painful encounters, Legolas said, "He passed by only a moment ago on his way to the Royal Council Chambers, I believe."
"Thank you, your highness," the advisor bowed deeply before determinedly setting off on the false trail.
Aragorn reappeared a few seconds later. "You have my thanks, old friend," he stated as he clapped Legolas on the shoulder while dropping into the seat next to him. Aragorn snagged a few grapes before saying, "What were you discussing?"
"The workings of a royal household," Gimli said, an impish grin in place.
Aragorn let out a strangled noise and nearly choked on a grape. "Sweet Eru! Can I not escape such inanity just once?" he cried.
As our laughter at his dismay died down I placed a consoling hand on his arm. "It is not so bad, I promise. Legolas was about to enlighten me on what to expect as a princess, with snarky comments from the peanut gallery no doubt." Aragorn seemed to get the gist of what I was saying as his face took on the expression of someone who has seen the light at the end of the tunnel.
"That could be amusing," he stated warily and hopefully.
"Yes, I had just informed Kate that she would be the head of a household," Legolas supplied. "Frodo suggested she learn from the stern matron you have running yours."
Aragorn blanched at the mention of her. "She is a bit of a terror. I dread the conflicts that will ensue between her and-" he cut himself off quickly, flushing a bit as Legolas, Almira and I smiled smugly at his near slip-up.
"Between her and who?" pressed Pippin.
"No one," we all said quickly, too quickly.
"Fine," huffed Pippin after several seconds of pouting had no effect. Frodo of course looked like he had figured it out, as did Merry, and Sam had a dreamy look on his face that told me he was miles away thinking about his own possible household.
"It probably won't be so bad, right? I mean, I'll only be a princess. Not the top of the food chain," I stated, though it was more of a question.
"Princess, hm?" Aragorn mused. "Not queen?"
"WHAT?" I shrieked.
"Thanks for that," Legolas said with a glare for Aragorn, gingerly rubbing his pointy ear.
"Kate could be queen?" Merry stated with wide eyes. "That's a lot to take in," he added matter-of-factly.
"Yurgh," I managed, trying for an indignant "Yeah!" and failing spectacularly as I desperately tried to draw air into my lungs. Almira was rubbing my back soothingly.
"Possibly," Legolas stated carefully in gentle tones, reaching a placating hand out to me which I batted away, before he shot another glare at an almost repentant Aragorn. "My parents might, and I say might, have mentioned desiring to travel to Valinor once the outcome of the war was determined."
"That's like now!" I cried.
"Since Sauron was defeated I do not believe they will be eager to leave," Legolas continued calmly.
"Operative word being believe. No certainty about that," I groused.
"It was primarily my mother and grandmother that desired to go. They grow weary of this world."
"Grandmother?" I asked, my head starting to hurt with the idea of confronting three generations of Legolas' female relatives.
"Talk about terrifying," Aragorn interjected with a shudder.
"I'm doomed," I groaned dropping my head onto the table as Legolas practically growled at Aragorn to shut up already. "I know absolutely nothing about being royalty and my soon-to-be grandmother-in-law can apparently give Dragon Lady a run for her money. Yep, I'm toast," I summed up, picking my head up only to drop it dejectedly onto my arms on the table.
"Now, now," Merry said mischievously, wagging a finger at. "Don't be hasty."
"The lad's right," Gimli said. "We will help you master the finer points of Middle-Earthen propriety." Earnest nods from around the table had me smiling, albeit only slightly.
"No offense, but when was the last time any of you were a princess?" I could not bring myself to say queen. I was sticking to Legolas' weak assurance it was a remote possibility, hopefully only a freak occurrence.
"Never, which is why you have him," and Gimli nodded at Legolas. "But we have all been up to our necks in nobility since this mad venture started and thus we have all picked up a thing or two. Additionally, we can educate you on all the foreign customs and distinguished persons you will have to know. I can assure you that you will never find a better expert on Dwarves."
"Or Hobbits," added Frodo with a gentle smile.
"And you have already met the majority of terrifying elves on this planet," Aragorn added dryly.
"See? It is not that daunting," Legolas stated hopefully and I gave him one of the LOOKs I had been trying to master. I must have done fairly well as he noticeably swallowed.
Shaking myself a bit, I asked, "So what does a princess do?
"Well," Legolas began tentatively, "It is rather up to you. Each elleth has her own interests and strengths."
"Is there a universal? Something everyone has to know?" I tried again.
"Diplomacy," Aragorn griped, a frown gracing his features. It was no secret that court politics had reached a fever pitch after he had been crowned, members jostling for more power under the new monarchy.
"Okay, where do I start?"
"With the Dwarves!" "With the Hobbits!" I laughed at the simultaneous cries and I felt Legolas relax. I placed my hand on his knee under the table and he enclosed it in his quickly as I leaned into the palm of my hand and tried to listen to the competing voices explaining their cultures and customs. The conversation was not so much a princess lesson as more of a way for everyone to reminisce and talk about the lives they had left behind which they had been too afraid to touch on during the grueling months of our journey.
As the night wore on, the discussion became more and more desultory and pretty soon my companions were heading for their beds. When it was down to Gimli, Almira, Legolas and I, Legolas tugged on my hand and led me out towards the street. We began strolling aimlessly, or at least I was. I realized Legolas knew where he was going when we ended up in one of the gardens I knew he favored. Taking a seat on a bench, he patted the seat next to him. I sat and leaned into his side, tipping my head back to rest on his shoulder and look at the stars.
"Do you regret agreeing to marry me?" His soft voice broke the silence and I started.
Looking into his eyes, I could see he was a bit nervous about my answer. "No; do you regret asking?"
"Of course not," he replied, running a hand over my hair before tucking me into his side again.
"What prompted that?" I prodded when no explanation was forthcoming.
"You simply seemed so dismayed at the idea of being royalty. I know we should have discussed this before now, but I was unsure how to broach the subject. I did not want to scare you off," Legolas finished with a rueful laugh.
"I won't lie to you. I am beyond terrified, but seeing as neither Elrond or Galadriel hate my guts I figure they can vouch for me and keep your parents from demanding my head on a platter when they find out you are going to marry a human," I joked and Legolas' smile widened just a bit further. "And yes, it all comes back to me feeling that I don't deserve you and being way out of my element, but I love you so I am prepared to deal."
"We could still leave it all behind if you wish it," Legolas offered quietly.
"We could...but you are a prince. I don't want you to have to change for me. Besides, I think I could get used to some of the perks, like not cooking if I don't want to. I'm not particularly good at it," I admitted with a sheepish grin that made Legolas chuckle.
"Fear not, it is customary for the ellon to do the cooking," Legolas explained.
"No way," I exclaimed, sitting up again.
"It is true," he reiterated earnestly and I could tell he was amused by my surprise as he once again tugged me closer.
"So a lot of red meat and barbecue sauce then?"
Legolas just rolled his eyes. "Humans," he intoned in mock disdain.
I laughed and, because I was so absurdly in love and happy, planted a lingering kiss under his ear before snuggling closer. I could feel his smile as he tipped his head back so I could fit mine more comfortably against his chest to stare at the stars. We stayed that way until the sky began to lighten.
Citations:
(1) LOTR: The Return of the King, Book VI: Chapter V- The Steward and the King