Chapter 14

The next morning Leanna saw herself thrown into a bathtub full of hot water. Gasping and coughing as the maids began to scrub her body and tear through her wet hair, Leanna had endured early hours of gut wrenching grooming to appease Bertha. The maid herself insisted on being present while she was cleaned up.

Leanna stood with Bard's entourage as they waited to welcome their guests who were due to arrive before noon. She looked around and spotted the elves dressed up in their ceremonial attire, waiting not too far away for their king.

This time Bard had insisted on it, she would be Dale's emissary in welcoming the Elven King and his escorts into the city. Apparently, the Lord of Dale had not forgiven her completely for the incident at the last visit.

The horns sounded at the city gates and all stood at attention as the ever majestic elf on his great elk trotted into the city, his escorts behind on their horses as they filed in two ranks behind him.

Thranduil moved to stop at the sight of Bard and his entourage who had formed an assembly line to welcome him. His cold icy eyes moved over to the woman standing next to him who returned his gaze coolly, her face donning a gentle, diplomatic smile.

Thranduil descended from Tallahir who knelt gracefully on the ground and walked over to Bard as some of his escorts led the elk and horses to the stables.

"My Lord Thranduil, you are once again welcome to Dale, I hope you find your stay much more accommodating this time" Bard bowed his head slightly and Thranduil reciprocated the greeting.

"It is my hope that my expectations will be met, I hear your men have managed to make an impression on my warriors" He looked pointedly at Leanna who bowed at the unexpected compliment.

Thranduil watched her silently. He could hardly know what she was thinking, not when she had barely revealed anything since they met. Of course, if he desired to know what went through her mind, he could find out easily enough. After all, he was not king for his skills in battle alone.

"It is my hope that your stay here be most pleasurable as well" Bard smiled slightly, he could sense some unsettled feelings from within and decided he would deal with his worries later but for now, he would see Thranduil to his quarters.

"Indeed, I as well look forward to my stay here" Thranduil responded, his eyes fleeting to Leanna who returned his gaze with a calm look. It was a clear message to her that she would lose the wager they made, and he would have full amusement at her loss.

Leanna escorted the elves to their quarters and instructed the cooks at the kitchens to prepare for a feast later on for the day. She pointedly ignored the stares she received as she ensured the elves where were properly settled in after their journey. Feran and his elves had stayed with their kin, mostly likely filling them in on the tales of living amongst the men of Dale.

She moved towards the grand white building that was the Lord's study. Knocking on his door, she received his permission to enter. Leanna stilled at the sight of Bard and Thranduil by the large desk, most likely concluding on trade agreements.

"Oh, forgive my intrusion my Lords. I shall return at a later time when you are…less occupied" Leanna said, bowing and closing the door on her way out.

Thranduil looked at the door and then to Bard waiting for his response to the terms he had set. He pointedly ignored the interruption as he sat down with his leg crossed over another. Bard on the other hand, frowned at the seeming indifference of the elf in his presence. He shook his mind out of his thoughts and continued on with his discussion.

Leanna went over to her chambers slamming the door as she entered. Pacing about her room, she huffed in annoyance. She had seen it, the smug glint in his eyes. The elf had no ounce of decorum in his body, something she wished she could slap into his arrogant snotty head.

She had not expected any better but she supposed she wanted to give him the benefit of doubt. Breathing out as she calmed down, Leanna stood by her window.

The air grew warmer with sun thawing at the frost dripping from her window pane and she wondered what the following days would bring. Closing her windows, she changed her clothes to a simpler dress and styled her hair in a single braid, sweeping it to the side.

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"Is this tournament truly necessary my Lord?" Bard asked Thranduil who was currently standing by the window watching the comings and goings of the people in the city, the study offered a vantage point that allowed for an easy oversight of most of the city.

"It is only natural to be concerned, given the disadvantage your men possess. However, the lady offered a challenge I found too insulting to be overlooked and as such the honor of my men must be reimbursed" That may have been a significant reason for participating in the tournament but Thranduil had another motive for posing the challenge to the lady herself. "Besides it would not do to be denied the chance to witness the results of unduly separating my warriors from their homeland to train your people"

"And I would not either but surely there are more simpler ways of handling this" Bard knew Thranduil was not one to easily reason with, if anything he was as strong willed and stubborn as a dwarf even though he was practically an elf.

Having a tournament between kingdoms was registered as a symbol of peace and good relations but this was Thranduil, an elf who neither cared for the outside world its dealings nor wanted no part in it if he could really help it.

"Ever the peacemaker, dragon slayer. My decision is set, if you had wished to avoid this scenario then perhaps you should have placed your aide on a tighter leash" Thranduil said and moved the door with his escorts waiting to see him to his quarters.

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The festival was the first they had in decades and thus, was celebrated with much vigor and merriment. Inhibitions were let loose as the people feasted and danced with each other, for there was much they were thankful for.

While some of the elves had decided to interact with the people, Thranduil had chosen to observe from a distance as activities went on.

The feast conducted that evening was grand. Bard and the guests from the Woodland realm were ushered to their respective seats at the nobles table as they watched the people partake in dancing.

This time Leanna had chosen, much to Bertha and the others surprise, to dress for the occasion. Wearing a light green dress that flourished with each movement, she was a sight to behold with her hair flowing down her back. She was a symbol of beauty to the people of Dale as their faces were filled with pride as she entered the soiree.

"May I have this dance milady?" Leanna turned to see Percy finely dressed bowing with a hand extended towards her. At this Leanna giggled and placed her hand into his and accepted his invitation. They moved to the floor where others were already dancing and joined in.

Thranduil as always watched her from the rim of his wine cup. He set his empty chalice down and observed the dance well aware the young lord was watching his every move under the guise of chatting with one his noblemen on the table.

"It surprises me" Thranduil faced Bard as he spoke, Bard who listened to him smiled, confused as he gave his response.

"What does?" Bard waited for the Elven King's response.

"Your disinterest in the festivities tonight, I would've thought you would join your people" Thranduil said as he drank from his refilled wine cup.

"I am not one for much dancing I'm afraid, and even so it would be hard to do so without a partner" Thranduil understood the implications of the Lord of Dale choosing a partner to dance with here. By morning the entire city will buzzing with rumors of an official Lady of Dale. He knew this much, but would not deny he was curious.

"Your options are hardly unappealing, if anything it would be easy for you to choose" Bard knew what or rather whom he was referring to but chose not to take the bait. He smiled, taking his cup and drinking from it.

"Maybe so but my heart will forever remain in the arms of another, besides my family is all that matters to me now" Bard had noticed his eyes glancing towards Leanna every now and then under the guise of drinking wine and hid his frown.

Perhaps he miscalculated the Elf King's interest in his aide. "However, if my Lord is concerned for the opinion of the people, you are welcome to join tonight's festivities on my behalf" The table grew silent as both elves stationed close by and men sitting on the table watched for the reaction of the Elven King. Bard knew very well he was testing deep waters where Thranduil was concerned, hell! With the tournament happening tomorrow he was probably in neck deep.

Leanna had decided pointedly to ignore the table upon which Bard and their guests were conversing. Thranduil in particular did not care much to hide that he had been watching her, for what purpose she did not know but with her goal completed, tomorrow would be the last day she would be privy to his unpleasant person.

Tonight she planned to enjoy herself fully as it was a chance she did not get much, if at all.

Thranduil smirked and dropped his cup on the table. Rising from his seat he lifted his hand to still any unwarranted actions from his men. "I think I will take you up on that offer" Thranduil left the table to the dance floor having zeroed in on his target.

Bard watched shocked that the lofty Thranduil would be willing to dance with a woman. Thranduil moved with intent ignoring the choking sounds in the background as he made his way for the unsuspecting victim of his interest.

The music had stopped and Leanna wondered what the commotion was, turning around to see people staring at the direction of the high table, Leanna looked as well to find Thranduil walking towards her, his sights clearly set on her. She looked in confusion to Bard who gave her an apologetic look before she turned back to the tall imposing elf standing before her.

"If it is not too much trouble, I would like to have a dance with the lady" Thranduil extended his hand to Leanna who looked around the hall. She accepted the large and slender hand with her own and let him lead her.

The music began anew and though the others were reluctant and surprised at the appearance of the Elf King dancing in their midst. Leanna did not look at him and chose to focus past his shoulder.

"I did not think you were the type for such things much less with one such as me"

"It is not a bad thing to indulge with in such festivities even if it is in the midst of mortals" she did not say it directly but Thranduil had caught on to her meaning.

"And what better opportunity than this to see the rumored white rose of Dale up close and personal" At this Leanna frowned to which Thranduil smirked. So she did not know what they called her, even beyond the city walls. Whispers of her name and abilities had reached even his kingdom and had he not known whom they referred to, Thranduil was certain she would've had his curiosity piqued.

"What are you talking about?" She twirled out and let him draw her back in.

"Nothing of consequence to concern yourself with" Thranduil said as he titled his head to side in aloofness.

"No matter, tomorrow will be a conclusion to our agreement after which you most likely will not have to set foot in Dale for a very long time" Leanna said as she bowed, the music finally coming to an end. Thranduil bowed slightly while keeping his gaze on her. "I would not be so sure about that"

Thranduil turned away from her and returned to his seat. He looked at Bard who watched him still and gave a cold smirk to the dragon slayer. No, tomorrow would most certainly not be the last time he would see her.

Bard did not expect Thranduil reaction to be this and it made him even more unsettled, he had indulged in every request asked of him. One thing was certain, Thranduil never did anything for free and he hoped that when he set his price, it would be something he could pay.

Leanna still stood on the dance floor wondering what he meant by those words, until a hand tapped on her shoulder. She twirled round to find Feran waiting for her.

"May I have this dance my lady?" Leanna snapped out of her surprise and nodded.

"Yes you may" said Leanna. As they danced to the gentle tune of the music playing, her mind wondered back to the conversation she had with Thranduil.

"My lady shines beautifully this evening, though I must imagine you are anxious about tomorrow's events" Feran said as they danced, Leanna who had forgotten herself looked up at the blonde elf. She was being rude to her partner and decided to deal with the matters that bothered her at a later hour.

"Ah, you as well do not look so bad yourself" She smiled as she returned the compliment.

"There must be a lot on your mind at this hour"

"You mean the tournament. While I have my concerns about the obvious gap in skill, it is better to place hope in the men, they've done the best they can in learning how to fight in such a short time" Feran could see why she was concerned but offered comfort regardless.

"Aye, it would be unfair to treat both parties on equal footing. King Thranduil will put this into account however, do not expect us to hold back out of sympathy" Feran offered with a small smile.

"I would be offended if you did" Leanna beamed and relaxed. Another thought came to her and she decided to ask.

"Lord Feran, earlier his majesty spoke of a name, the white rose of Dale. Do you know of it?" At the question, Feran was taken aback. He had known she was oblivious to her own appeal but he never imagined she would be this dense.

"Yes and it is not an 'it', rather it is a who"

"And who does he speaks of" She had had this conversation before with Haelros but she needed to be sure he was telling the truth. Rumors were doubled edged sword and Leanna wanted to avoid nasty tales as much as possible.

"That would be you my lady" Feran watched her clear blue eyes light up in shock. She looked to him and waited for him to explain. Feran sighed.

"After the battle ended, tales had spread of the heroic deeds of the Lord of Dale however they paled in comparison to the tales they told of you. They say a mortal of great beauty lives among the people of Dale, who possesses the power of magic and aided in defeating the dragon Smaug"

"An exaggeration don't you think? Such a title is hardly befitting for myself, nor do I see the need for it." She decided to play coy, her answer had not changed and it still didn't change how she felt about it.

"It matters not what you feel about it, what matters is you have given your people hope in a time when it is most needed"

The dance ended and Leanna watched as Feran bowed then walked off. She quickly left before anyone else asked her to dance and went to find solace so she could rest. Seeing no point to remaining in the feast any further, Leanna decided it was best to retire to her chambers. The following day would see the beginning of a day long tournament. She would need all the energy and rest if she was to have a fighting chance against Thranduil and his warriors.