It was a bright day. A warm day. The perfect day to get outside and enjoy yourself. Today was fight day. The word had gotten out about the spar to take place. It was moved outside to the training arena. The risers were lifted and secured into place and many elves now sat on them. This was turning out to be a spectacle. There were merchants selling all sorts of things. From clothing to food. Soon there were no seats left in the risers and those arriving later had to find various perches to get a good view. Soon even the trees were beginning to fill.
This was a very public event and she had to be attired properly. Her small form draped in the lightest of silk. Shisha of course kept the Queen looking impeccable. This silk was silver and green The bear embroidered upon it. She wore her diadem and her pearls. Ryu followed the Queen. She dressed in a pale yellow dress. The lace on the sleeves and neck line was white. There were bright colored flowers decorating the skirt . each stitched with care. She wore a small circlet around her head. Elegant silver with a small star in the front. The gem was one of Thranduils Diamonds. He had it made for Ryu for formal events and she looked the part of royalty.
The Queen and her Sister ascended the steps up to the Royal box. Shaded and comfortable . The settled down on plush cushions to watch. Thranduil arrived a few minutes later to see his Wife smiling and waving to him. He wore his formal crown. Silver robes with bright red linings. He looked every bit the king he was. He soon joined his queen and her sister . Ryu seemed distracted . Craning her neck to try and see more of the crowd and each time her eyes fell on an Elf with hair as golden as Legolas it was not him.
"he will be here." Juniper whispered to Ryu. Ryu nodded but it did not stop her from seeking him out. Juniper knew that he was no replacement for Lorithir. No one could replace him. Yet this closeness with Legolas seemed to help her heal.
Now Tauriel and Jeven joined them. Jeven proudly wore his traditional clothing. His black skirts and sandals. These did not look feminine at all. He was every bit the warrior he always had been. His chest and arms bare. Now Juniper see's his white tattoos . HIs white hair spilling down over his broad shoulders. She had never seen Jeven in this light before and now she began to understand the attraction. He stood out then didn't in most cases. He easily blended into background which was one of those tricks that made him dangerous in his own right. On his head a circlet of silver . In the center a red ruby.
Tauriel wore a dress. This shocked Juniper. She hardly ever seen her like this. She too had a circlet of silver about her head and in the center was an emerald. Thranduil was proudly showing his family off. As different and exotic as it was . He was happy. Finnola stayed down near the arena floor but waved to Juniper and smiled widely. Finally Legolas appeared and settled down beside his Adar. He was wearing his crown . It too was adorned with emeralds but it had beautiful designs of vines inlaid with smaller stones.
Elrond and Gandalf sat with Feren in the judges booth right below the Royal box. Dorian sat with his sister in front of him. Of course they came to see Glorfindel fight. "Glorfindel will win this easy." Elthian said as He lowered down and lounged beside the Queen. Being King consort had many privilege's . One he did not have to be on duty. Two he could dress comfortably and just spend time with the Queen without having to look Kingly and do Kingly things.
Juniper turned to Thranduil and lay her hands on his knees. "Do you think the same? You believe Glorfindel will win easily." Thranduil looked at her wide eyed smiling face and leaned in closer to her. "I want him to win but something tells me this is not a sure thing." He smiled and pulled her closer to him. Lifting her to sit on his lap as he tenderly kissed her for the whole arena to see. Today was a good day to be King.
She laughed and bounced off his lap. "That was a good non answer Melamin." Tauriel spoke up cheerfully." What about you My Queen. Who do you think will win." Juniper looked to her and smiled . " Minogos." Everyone gasped around her. "What? If you think I would choose my winner just because he is an elf you are mistaken." She chuckled. "I am being smart about this. Minogos has skills unlike any most have seen. I do not think Glorfindel will be prepared." she felt all their eyes on her but Thranduil just smiled proudly. She was looking at this from a different perspective and He believed she was right.
When Junipers gaze met Jeven's she saw it within his eyes. He agreed with her. His fanged smile widens Before he looked to the Arena. Juniper turned around and saw a rather tall ellon walking to the center of the Arena. Soon Glorfindel appeared. The crowd in the stands went wild. Juniper clapped and cheered right along with them. He stopped a few feet from the tall elon. Then Minogos stepped out into the arena and walked towards them. Juniper clapped and cheered and so do a few others which surprised her. Hiroc gave it his all. As did Lia and her sister. Even some of the guards that had been there the night The Queen was rescued clapped and cheered.
While his crowd was much smaller he had those that cheered for him as well. This made him smile a bit. He stopped a few feet away from the tall elon as well. Minogos eyed Glorfindel. He saw he only carried one sword. "Well you are confident." Mingos spoke to Glorfindel. "I do wish you luck Glorfindel." Minogos saluted him in the elven way. His hand over his heart. Glorfindel arched a brow and grinned. "Well aren't you so formal." He returned the salute and the tall elon backed away.
Minogos had his usual weapons. His scimitars. He was minus all his knives though. "I must say Glorfindel. I am a bit rusty." This made Glorfindel smirk. In the stands they watched them square off. Their first few attacks were just to judge the others skill. She kept looking to her husband. watching his reactions to the strikes. Then as if a a lamp was lit in a dark cavern she began to understand each attack and counter attack. Every defense began to make sense to her . It was like seeing it all from different eyes.
It was apparent to her within the first 10 minutes that this was not going to be a quick fight. "Hervenn." She said and moved closer to him. Her body pressed against his leg. "how do you know who wins if no one goes down and stays down?" She was still watching them battle and he leans down and speaks softly to her. His voice held a heat to it that she found interesting. "They will have an hour for one of them to fall and not rise. If they are both standing at the end of the hour the judges will decide. Elrond, Gandalf and Feren are in the judges box below."
"hannad Hervenn(Thank you husband)" Her attention was full on the arena. Glorfindel in his bright armor. The more he fought the more he seemed to glow with that power he had been given. He truly was magnificent. He moved like the warrior he was. No a single step was wasted. Not a single swing of his arm was a mistake. He could fight like this for days. She had been told these things by those that had been there to witness his skill and his death. Glorfindel was reborn and she was watching one of the greatest and oldest Elves do what he was there to do. To say her breath was not taken would be a lie.
Her attention turned to Minogos. He looked so strange among these elves. As did his father. Yet there was a quality about him that just made you want him around. It was far more than the pretty face. Pretty he was. He too was in part Avanati. His tone was more akin to Jevens. Yet lighter and more grey. His ears came to points. which held back some of his rather long dark hair. The mass of which was pulled back behind his head and swayed like a horses tail when he moved. Clad in his leather suit. He moved like a dancer . Swaying around the swings of Glorfindels sword. Strinking blows against Glofindels Mythril Armor. Each one giving off a loud clanking sound.
He knew he had to get in close to this powerful being he challenged. He used distance to his advantage and Glorfidnel intended to take that away. Now Glorfindel spun with a dancers grace and managed to get inside. He swung with a fist and connected with Minogos' face. He followed that with a hit from the hilt of his sword . Hitting Minogos in the nose . Making blood begin to pour from his nose. As He began his defense He managed to hit Glorfindel in the ribs. His elbow landing perfectly in the small gap between the breast and back plates. The using the momentum of the hit to push himself away. The pain in Glorfindels ribs enough to distract him and Minogos got his distance back.
Minogos stopped and spit blood from his lips. Glorfindel now favored his right side. Glorfindel was making a mistake. She leaned forward watching. Glorfindel was fighting to get on the inside. To engage him up close. She leaned back against her husbands legs again. "Est raeg. Sen dýgar innas bauch-e(He is wrong These mistaken acts will cost him.)" Thranduil blinking a bit as she spoke to him in his own language. "who?" He asked her softly. "Glorfindel." her voice seemed far away in that moment as he sought her mind and grinned a bit to himself.
For the better part of the hour they went back and forth. It was an exciting fight. Gorfindel hit the dirt hard but got right back up and went in close to Minogos and he hit the ground next as Glorfindel managed to sweep his legs from under him. He too rose quickly. Both of them had the ability to fight for days if needed. They both wanted to win this with a take down. So it was hard and brutal. Blood was spilled. From Glofindels arm and from Minogos' side. Then Glorfindel made his move. Minogos left himself open for a split second and Glorfindel moved in . However, Minogos did something unexpected. He dropped his swords. Then in one of the most elegant ways she had ever seen Minogos swayed around Glorfindel and swept himself onto his back.
Long powerful legs wrapped around Glorfindel. His arm wrapped around his neck. It meant to choke him out. Juniper rose then. This could be dangerous. Glorfindel struggled. He ran his back into the barricades around the arena. Hitting Minogos with great force. He did not loosen his grip. Again and Again he was slammed against the barricade. Glorfindel grabbing at Minogos' arm trying to pull it away.
"it is over my friend. Please just go down . Stay down. To continue this would only end up in one of us being hurt so badly we do not get up. Please." Minogos whispered to Glorfindel who was now on his knee's. He fought harder and Minogos took a deep breath. A bell rang right before he was about to make sure Glorfindel went down. He looked up to the stands and the crowd who were on their feet and silent.
He released Glorfindel . As he stepped back Glorfindel fell forward onto one hand and coughed and gasped. Finnola ran across the arena to Glorfindel . Minogos stepped back several paces. He was visibly shaking. He watched the Giantess. She was stunning to behold up so close. Yet it was obvious she was there for Glorfindel. They were bonded. Glorfindel Got to his feet and leaned on Finnola. He turned and began to laugh as he looked at Minogos. "well fought" He said lowly then reached out and clasp Minogos' forearm . Minogos smiled and clasp Glorfindels back. That was when he saw Glorfindel wink at him. He had been listening He just wanted to make his defeat look good.
The arena erupted in cheers. Mingos the winner and Glorfindel the graceful looser. Thranduil was on his feet as well clapping . He saw more than just the fight happening and so did she. He wrapped his arms around His Queen and lifted her to him. "Now lets go feast. Who knows when we will get to next." She kissed him softly. "Alright but no dancing for me." Thranduil looked hurt as he began to walk from the stands. "But I wanted to dance with you all night Melamin." She smirked "that is not called dancing." She scoffed and sent The King into laughter as he put her down.
The moon still affected her. Though tonight it was not so bad that she could not enjoy herself for at least a few hours. She sat on the steps leading to the dais they had eaten upon. Thranduil was mingling with his officers. Everyone else she knew was dancing. except for Ryu and Legolas. They disappeared a bit earlier. Legolas still seemed to have issue being around Finnola and Glorfindel. Minol had been absent from the fight and the feast. She could actually understand why.
There would be those that would say He had influenced it if Minogos won. So he stayed away and very publicly sat in the dining hall with some of the kitchen staff. Charming them with his charisma and wit. She watched Galion slip out and smiled to herself. She was so happy for Minol and Galion. She hoped they could have a future together as well. Though that was all in question for everyone gathered.
Minogos was entertaining a certain Elleth who stood with Hiroc and Lia. He was certainly enjoying the perks of being the winner. randomly elves would come up to him and give him a goblet of their home vintage and something to eat. He was being fawned over and he seemed to eat it up.
So the queen sat alone on the steps. Watching her people. Finnola was the one to wander over first. She sitting on lower steps and turning so she could speak with the Queen. "I never really much liked these types of things. I am expected to wear a gown. No one makes gowns my size." She laughed and Juniper chuckled. "well I promise one day I will get you in a gown." They both laughed then. "Aye I imagine if anyone could it would be you. My Queen." Juniper winkled her nose a bit then scratched it. "Where is Glorfindel?" she asked. Finnola rolled her eyes then motioned towards a grouping of ellon. Glofindel at the center of them being quite animated in his conversation. "He is rubbing elbows with anyone that will listen and its always the younger ones." Finnola snorted.
"but I do love him Juniper. I do not regret my choice." Her green eyes drifted out towards him and stayed. "Where is Thranduil?" Juniper rolled her eyes and motioned out towards another group of ellon this one had the King at the center. "His is rubbing elbows with his officers. They speak of old glories on the..."she trailed off and sighed " and there is Elthian right along with him." she snorted now. Finnola adjusted how she sat. Sitting up a bit more properly as the King began to walk towards them. "Well, perhaps he has run out of hot air?" Finnola asked from the corner of her mouth and Juniper snorted and began to laugh hard.
She slapped her thigh and doubled over. Giggling uncontrollably now. Thranduil asking with a smile. "What is so funny Melamin?" Juniper just pointed at Finnola who rose. "I may had said something inappropriate." She shrugged. Thranduil just waved his hand . "Go rescue your husband . I think he is running out of stories." Finnola took a big drink from her tankard. "Oh dear I can't have that happen . Good Evening My Lord and My Lady." she winked at Juniper and strode towards her Husband.
"Melamin." Juniper said softly. "I think I am done for the night. If you wish to stay feel free. I might require Elthian in that case." Thranduil looked at her aghast. His silver eyes widen and his jaw drops just slightly. "absolutely not. I have every intention of going with you." He bent at the waist a bit of offered her his hand. "My Queen shall we retire?" Her small delicate hand slid into his and he pulled her up and against him. Lifting her small for him into his arms. Her lovely grown spilled down in a wave of silver and green silk.
The party continued and nearly none paid heed to their departure. He carried her along the quiet corridor. Dimly lit and seemingly empty. yet she knew elves lurked in the shadows. She lay her head against his chest and listened to that comforting beat of his heart. She closed her eyes and just relaxed dozing a bit, she was awakened by his voice . Her eyes opened and blinked . She was looking up at the moon and stars.
Yet she was inside and she looked around . This was the atrium at night. "Since it is not safe for us to visit the spring right now. I thought, why not bring the spring to her." Gently He placed her down on her feet beside a large tub, like the ones they had taken with them to Lasgalen. The water inside was steamy and smelled of sweet garden flowers. "this is perfect." Her voice was hushed and a small hand grasped at his tunic and tugged downward.
He lowered down and pulled her close . His lips against hers. Her small fingers worked the hooks loose to his rather formal attire. His formal robe slid from from his arms into a pool of silk on the floor. Music could be heard echoing along the corridor. She swayed along with it. He settled back against his heels and watched her. Now she wanted to dance. She was really lovely when she did so. "You know how much I love to dance, but only for you." His brows lifted then and he rose to his feet. "That so melamin?" His fingers grabbed at her thin light gown and slid it up and over her form . He tossed it to the side carelessly and it drifted down lightly over a bush.
She just smiled so very widely and stepped back until the warmth of the tub was against her. "Help me in." He was more than happy to oblige. Lifting her with ease and carefully placing her into the liquid warmth within the tub. As it consumed her she settled back . "This time Melamin," she peeked over the high rim of the tub. "don't come in fully clothed." He began to chuckle . He walked to a bench to sit and pull his boots away.
"You do know that was the only proper way for something like that to happen. You needed me to do what I did. You were not my wife. Though I loved you deeply by that time. That would have been far more unseemly if I had taken the time to disrobe." She peered at him once more . She clicked her tongue against her cheek. "Urrrrgggg. You have a point." she settled back.
She was watching the steam drift up and the light of the stars. This really was almost like being outside. He came into view over her. He glowed softly in the moon light. finally he pulled away his tunic and gracefully slipped into the warmth and looked to her of the opposite side. She had on many occasion studied his body. He seemed to encourage her exploration and even a few years into their relationship she still found new things about him often.
He grabbed her foot then held it up above the water. Drops of water fell from her small toes and he begins to message her foot in a way that made her gasp then just melt down further into the water. He chuckled at her reaction. "I take it you find this enjoyable." She nodded smiled as her lips dipped below the water. "Don't drown." Her brows creased and she ended up splashing him a with water. "If it seems as if I will I am sure you will rescue me." her gaze drifted off to the side of the tub and he just kept up the message. His attention turning to the other foot.
"Of course I would." He tugged her closer by her foot. she slides down the back of the tub ad has to lift on her elbows to get her head above water. "OH , well you still do not need rescue." She glared at him now. Then a smile curled on her kissable lips and she just lay back. Her face disappearing under the warm water. With a grin He leaned forward and pulled her from under the water. She rising from it and back into the moonlight . Her body following her movements. He laying back once again and now she rests against His bare chest. She was encircled in his arms and he was chuckling.
His hand gently smoothed soaking silver tresses back from her face and just smiled down on her as he spoke. each word a deep rumble from within him. The smoothness of the words just caresses over her . "If you wished to be held Melamin all you need to do is say so. " He paused and felt her become a bit heavier as she fully relaxed. her arms lay loosely down over his sides. "There are but a few occasions where I can think it would be a bad idea. other wise, My arms are yours anytime."
"hmmm, what would those occasions be?" She asked the words rolled lazily from her lips. He sighed and lay his head back looking up. Thinking about that. "Well in the middle of courtly duties. I do not think while in the middle of important negotiations would be a good time to embrace my wife. I would probably welcome it. Yet it might impede whatever thing I was trying to fix." He felt her cheek slide against his chest just slightly and looked . Indeed she was agreeing. "Though it would be interesting to see some of your counselors faces if I did rush into the council room and demand you hold me. I imagine some of them would actually be offended by my needs and your gestures of affection."
He combed his fingers through the thick wet rivers of silver hair that flowed down her back. The tips meeting her soft flesh and glided over it like silk. "Indeed, though I do believe Feren would be the most offended. When it comes to important things like those types of meetings He prefers it if we stick to the business at hand. You like Feren so why put him through that?" She giggled softly and sighed. "Feh ... fine. You're right I wont put Feren under any undue stress. Ok when is another time it would not be appropriate?"
"in the middle of battle. I do not think while I am killing foul beasts to protect you and my people that it would be a good time for a hug." He smirked and she rolled her eyes and lifted her head. "Seriously Thranduil?" Sitting up so her legs straddled his thighs. "That one does not even need discussing." He reached out and cupped her cheeks in his hands tenderly and her gaze met his. "why are we having this discussion?" Her eyes brightened up. The moon light reflects off the purple in a way that seems to make them sparkle in the dim light. "truth. Well I have been giving a lot of thought on what it means to be proper. There are times I really need to be proper and .." she just sighs. " I sit there and torture myself a lot and just ask these questions all the time. What do I say if asked a question? How to I greet them? Am I just to sit here? and Look at him over there . I really just want to go hug him and drag him away. That comes to mind a lot as well. " She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "I do not want to be an embarrassment to you."
Now he was at the heart of the matter. "Guren nidh-ech u-fophren en-ech (my heart i will never be embarrassed of you.)" Leaning closer and also drawing her lips to his. His hands finally lower from her cheeks to slide over her shoulders and pull her in closely. The kiss only lingered for a few moments before He settled back against the tub and just looked at her. "Just do what you have been. Just be you. If they do not like it then I see it as they have the problem. As long as you are not being out right disrespectful that is."
That made her smile. She would never intentionally insult someone out right. "is there anything else?" He eyed her curiously she just smiled and shook her head. "would you like to see what else I had in mind from tonight besides bathing in the moonlight?" He asked with a mischievous grin. "Oh there is more? Then yes show me."
Next thing she knew he was pulling her from the water and carrying her off into the garden. "We do have the whole atrium to ourselves Melamin. " He kissed her and disappeared into the trees.
Minogos finally pulled himself away from the party. He was a bit drunk and ready to just find a place to pass out. In the corridor he staggered down he was accosted by Gandalf and His Father. "Fancy seeing you both here at the same time. Let me guess we need to talk about leaving don't we?" He just smiled. Gandalf sighed. "The corridor is no place to discuss this Minogos. Now come along and lets get you something to drink that isn't alcoholic." Minol reached out and tugged his son along. "Geeez Olorin You really are not much fun at all." He slurred out and smiled. "Ada here can be far more fun. Right Ada. I still remember my 100th birthday bash at that brothel." Minol just shook his head and coughed a bit. "This is not the time to reminisce My child." Now Gandalf was listening. "You can tell me another time Minogos." Minol glared at the wizard." Olorin, are you not more refined than this?" He spat out and pulled his son along roughly. Mingos was chuckling.
Finally they spilled into Elrond chambers. "Mingos had enough to drink for all us it seems. " Gandalf looked to Elrond and shrugged as he spoke. Elrond suddenly felt like he was dealing with his own sons. "Just a moment . " He said lowly and looked to Minogos. "Look at me." He said to Mingos and in the second he lifted his purple gaze Elrond was there. His hands on Mingos face. Elrond whispering something very lowly . His hands glow and suddenly Minogos was feeling quite sober. When Elrond stepped back and shook his head. "This is like dealing with Elladan and or Elrohir right before a battle." He then turned to get himself and Minogos a cup of tea.
"what just happened?" Minogos looked around the room . Gandalf smirked. "He made you sober. Though in a few hours you will be hung over." He then watched Elrond hand Minogos the cup of tea. Minol stayed in the back near the door and remained silent. He was less and less a joker and more serious in the past few weeks. Elrond looked to him and then to Minogos. "We will be leaving tomorrow night. You need to be prepared for a long journey back to your home. Then we will need to go to Cuivienen." He just looked to Elrond. His eyes going a bit cold. "You mean to go all the way then." Minogos said lowly. "I will be ready. Who is in this party?" He asked and looked to Gandalf. "Elrond, Myself, you, Jeven, Hiroc, Hannibal and Glorfindel. " Minogos grinned and laughed. His head back his thick dark hair spilling down over his shoulders. He inhaled deeply and sighed. His head lifting and his eyes fell on Elrond. "I see." he shugged "Why not. Well I am going to need some sleep. wow its been a great party, really. " He turned towards the door and Minol stepped aside. "I am keeping my promise. Even if it pains me to do so." Minogos said to Minol with a smile and left.
Minol cleared his throat and looked to them. "He will do as he must. He was born and trained for this purpose after all. He knows what his purpose is. I just hope he knows how great it is and how much I do love him." It was a moment of vulnerability. Just a moment. A chink in his armor. Yet here with them he was safe to do this. He knew that. Neither of them would use it against him. They understood all of this better than any of the rest. Elrond turned and walked to a table with many bottles on it. "You know Minol. There is no shame in a Father loving his Son. That may actually be a strength." He poured a goblet of wine and turned slowly. Looking a Minol. Who stood there with a bit of a shocked look in his eyes. "There is also no shame in loving who you love. "He offered Minol the goblet He took it and drank deeply. Now Elrond spoke of Galion. "That being said I would hate to see Him hurt. Though Galion is stronger than he may appear. " Now Elrond just said it. Dispensing with formalities.
"It has been strange taking your counsel." Minol began. "I have never truly been able to take any ones counsel before. There was always far too much to do and far too many factors that needed to be accounted for. It was best to work alone. Now as it is all coming to an end I am finding myself free. I think I would have rather enjoyed a free life. " Gandalf nodded. "I will depart and Galion will have hope but I can give no promises. I hope that he can move on and hold those memories as cherished. " Minol finished with a large gulp of wine. "and the Queen?" Elrond spoke up. "The Queen?" Minol smiled warmly as he spoke of her." I will be with the Queen till the very bloody end of this." He lifted his goblet to that then finished his wine. He offered the empty goblet to Elrond then bowed gently. "Goodnight My Compatriots." He gave another smile and left as well. Leaving Gandalf and Elrond a bit speechless.
