- Chapter 26 -

Dawn crested the horizon on her third day in Mirkwood; a bright yellow sun rising from behind the mountains casting the tree tops of the forest into a reddish brown hue: the colors of fall. The pinks and oranges of the sunrise slowly faded into a soft blue but from where Shyloh sat in her room, she didn't see any of it. She wondered, how exactly they were supposed to celebrate Mereth Nuin Giliath, if they couldn't see the stars in the sky. The vents and shafts in the ceilings allowed natural light to fill the caverns, but it would not be enough to see into the night sky. To her it seemed odd but she understood how much the elves loved the starlight, and she thought maybe, just maybe, she'd be able to see the night sky for a change.

Combing through her hair, it dried in its usual mess, and she sighed to herself as her fingertips picked up a curl and pulled it straight before letting it go. She watched it bounce back like a spring. Why couldn't her hair just cooperate for once? Was that really too much to ask?

The feast didn't start until tonight, so she spent the day alone with only her maids for company, but even they weren't much to get excited about. They came in, laid out her gown for tonight, brought her meals, and left without talking or looking at her. Their cheerful personalities really had Shyloh feeling down in the dumps.

The day dragged on until she decided it was probably time to start getting ready. Combing her hair, she determined its unruliness was a loss she'd have to accept eternally. Pulling herself away from the mirror, she stepped into the white lacy gown she'd been given to wear. White silk and lace pooled around her legs and draped from her shoulders in more layers than she knew what to do with. Without the help of a maid, it took her much longer to straighten the skirts and fabric but eventually she got there, and gave a triumphant laugh when she straightened and faced the mirror to double check her handiwork. She'd been given a circlet to wear so she settled it upon her head and adjusted her hair so it sat just right.

Going to the celebration was not something she was looking forward to. Heavy thoughts still weighed on her shoulders that she couldn't shake, and it did not help put her in a celebrating mood. The dwarves were still locked up. To her dismay, Thorin still hadn't changed his mind, and if he had, she would hope the King would at least let her know if they were free to go. Aside from Thranduil answering her question the day prior about the dwarves well being, no one said a thing to her about them. In fact, no one hardly spoke to her at all.

Adjusting the neckline so it sat evenly on her shoulders, she let go a troubled sigh. She was not looking forward to this at all. There wouldn't be a single person there she knew, and if the maids were so cold and distant from her she could only imagine what the rest of the Realm was going to be like. Even the counsel members she saw yesterday looked at her with dislike. Maybe it was because she was the elf traveling with dwarves, or maybe they didn't like the fact she was from Rivendell...

Shaking her head, she decided it didn't matter if they liked her. She wasn't planning on sticking around long enough to get on their good side. There was absolutely no hope of escaping, being guarded as she was, but maybe she could pry the well being of the dwarves out of one of the guards... Finding out how the rest of the company was faring might help ease the tension on her mind a little, even if Thorin dismissed her.

The thought of Thorin only soured her mood even more. What had he told the others when she didn't get tossed into a cell like the rest of them? Did they think she was a traitor also? They couldn't possibly think she was associated with Thranduil...could they?

As she sank down into the armchair, new worries filled her. If they heard she was going to the celebration, there was no doubt they would think she was in league with the King and they would really hate her then. At that thought, her heart sank. Was Thranduil trying to turn her and the dwarves against each other? Had this been his ploy all along? She knew how much the dwarves and Thranduil disliked each other, was she finally seeing the side of him the dwarves knew best?

Panic rose in her chest, there was no way she could go to this celebration now! Even if Thorin dismissed her, the last thing she wanted to do was add fuel to the fire.

A knock on the door startled her from her dark thoughts, and before she could even stand up the door was opening. To her surprise, the redheaded guard entered the room and closed the door behind her. She then turned towards Shyloh expectantly.

"My Lady," she said, nodding her head in a bow. "My name is Tauriel. I've been sent to escort you to the celebration. Are you ready?"

Shyloh let go a sigh. "Do I really have to?"

Tauriel's eyebrows rose and her lips parted as if she might speak, but then they formed a thin line and Shyloh had her answer.

Standing, she straightened her skirts before Tauriel held open the door for her.

Outside in the hall, she could already hear music floating through the air and the smell of food drifted to them. Tauriel walked by her side while the two guards stationed at her door followed behind. She felt like a prisoner being led to her final ruling. There was no turning back now, she decided, and she had absolutely no choice but to act the part of the Princess she would have been expected to be back in Rivendell.

Without a word, Shyloh followed Tauriel down the hall. Instead of heading straight to the feast, she followed the guard to a large antechamber off the hall where a few dozen important looking elves were congregated; talking amongst themselves.

Oh, how the dwarves would hate me right now, she thought.

"They are King Thranduil's council members, and Lords and Ladies of the Woodland Realm," Tauriel explained quietly as they walked along the outside of the room.

She was led straight past the council members and Tauriel nodded her head to a few that acknowledged her, but their eyes swept curiously over Shyloh as they went. She felt her hands start to tremble as her nerves officially kicked in, and she did her best to keep her eyes fixed on Tauriel's beautiful red hair instead of meeting the looks she could feel were directed at her.

When they stopped, the King stood before them and they waited quietly until he turned to them. Tauriel bowed as she stepped aside.

"My Lord," Shyloh said as she curtsied. The King bowed his head to her politely and then gave her a warm smile.

"Princess, I am pleased you could join us," he said and she had a hard time deciphering if he actually meant it or if he was just being courteous.

"I thank you for the invite."

"You look stunning if I may say so," he said.

"Thank you," she said, her face flushing. "Although I feel as if I am overdressed for the occasion."

"Hardly," was his reply before a council member snatched his attention and he turned to the side.

It hadn't escaped her attention she was the only one wearing white, or that she was undoubtedly the shortest one there. The rest of the hall, aside from the King's magnificent steel gray robes, seemed to be dressed in more earthy tones like greens, browns, golds and silvers; the more popular colors among the Woodland Realm. She on the other hand, stuck out like a sore thumb and it bothered her greatly. She could feel curious eyes on her while she stood there awkwardly with Tauriel by her side, and she linked her fingers together in front of her to keep from fidgeting.

A prickling sensation crept up her arms and when her eyes looked to her right, she saw him. He stood on the opposite side of the hall, engaged in a conversation with a brown haired elf that she recognized immediately as one of the guards that arrested her and the dwarves. As if he sensed her watching, the Prince's eyes flicked towards her suddenly and she turned her gaze away immediately, the heat rushing to her face. She could feel his eyes on her but she absolutely refused to look back at him, and instead took to looking around the room.

When the large doors opened to the great hall moments later, Legolas crossed the open space a little reluctantly and stepped up to her side. He nodded to Tauriel first, silently dismissing her and she gave a quick nod of her head in a salute before hurrying out of sight. Shyloh watched her go and then she understood.

"Changing out the guard are you?" she asked quietly with a bit of sarcasm as the hall slowly emptied. He gave her a long look out of the corner of his eye but she saw his mouth twitch slightly in the corner as if he might smile. Then he leaned down towards her.

"Something like that."

The sight of the hall took the words right out of her mouth and her breath escaped her. Instead of looking like the already elegant halls she'd seen so far with their carved pillars and smooth floors, it was like stepping into a dream. The pillars were covered with candle filled deep green moss and pearl white flowers. The topiaries on the white linen table tops were much the same, and the flowers literally draped off the curling vines, illuminated by the candles tucked inside them. More moss and flowers and vines draped from the ceiling, crossing this way and that as if they had walked into a jungle instead of a cave. Everywhere she looked was just as breathtaking as the next.

The tables were covered with heavenly looking dishes and sweet smelling wines, making her mouth water almost instantly. Music was playing and some elves had taken to dancing, eager to get the celebration going. Many held wine glasses and there was laughter and happy voices echoing throughout the hall.

She didn't even realize she was staring until a throat cleared very close to her right ear and she jumped a little. Legolas was holding out her chair for her and she felt the heat rush to her face when she realized most of the council members, Lords, and Ladies had already taken their seats. Much to her surprise, he took the seat next to her on her right. The ellon on her left was a stern looking, dark haired elf and he gave her a quizzical look before turning to the elleth on his left, and engaged himself in conversation with her.

The king gave a small speech and then the celebrations really began. Wine was poured as servers came around to the tables, and she eyed her glass tentatively. She slowly sipped it and was surprised to find how smoothly it went down. The feast itself moved slowly but once the plates were cleared away, the music grew louder and many elves took to dancing and mingling among themselves, clearly enjoying the wine and celebrations. The council members slowly left the high table, claiming dance partners as they went or dispersing to other areas of the halls to their families or friends.

She wished that she knew at least one person or had a friend; someone she could hang out with to help pass the time but unfortunately she was once again reminded just how alone she was. Heck, she'd even accept Thorin's company right now, even if he did hate her. Anything would be better than sitting alone. Legolas was engaged in a conversation with the King on his right and the elleth two seats down on her left was pouring herself another glass of wine while talking with another elleth, who giggled at something her neighbor said.

Just when she figured it would be a very long night alone, a hand tapped her shoulder. When she twisted in her seat, the brown haired guard she'd seen Legolas talking to in the chamber earlier smiled down at her.

"My Lady, would you care to dance?" he asked, holding out his hand to her and she blinked in surprise.

She didn't want to dance but she also didn't want to sit there any longer, so she did her best to smile politely. She didn't know if she was allowed to join in on the festivities or not, considering the fact she was a prisoner, but she jumped at the chance to escape from the head table while she could.

"I would love to," she said, and she took his hand. She couldn't deny she was also looking to concentrate on something other than how close Legolas was sitting next to her.

As he led her down to the dance floor, she felt eyes on her back as she walked away from the high table. Whose they were she could not say, so she took a deep breath and looked up at her dance partner.

"I am Sidhel, by the way," he said and she felt suddenly stupid for not being the one to ask him that.

"I'm Shyloh, it's nice to meet you," she said giving him another smile.

"And you," he said. "Shyloh...that is a strange name."

"I'm a strange person," she said with a shrug.

He raised his eyebrows curiously. "Are you enjoying the celebration so far?"

"Yes," she said hesitantly, but he frowned a little.

"You do not seem so sure."

"I don't exactly know anyone here," she admitted. "My friends are very far away."

"You mean the dwarves?"

She nodded her head to either side. "Yes, and no."

He seemed to understand, and didn't ask anymore about it.

"I have to ask though," she said as they walked. "Do you value your toes very much?"

He gave her a confused look and then understanding crossed his face, and he gave her a sly smile. "Are you trying to tell me you are a bad dancer?"

"I figured it would only be fair to give you advanced notice, incase you wanted to save yourself the trouble," she said, slightly hoping he wouldn't want to dance but there was no way she could get that lucky.

He laughed, a wide smile spreading over his fair face. "I will take my chances and promise not to let you near my toes."

"You're a brave ellon," she said seriously and he laughed again.

"Indeed I am."

Thranduil watched the White Princess dance with Sidhel; a small frown forming over his face as his gaze turned to his son, who sat quietly next to him. The two of them stared out over the festivities while council members on the King's right sat and debated issues without them, despite the fact this was a time for celebration, not meetings. Irritation grew steadily within him. The debates on recent trade agreements with neighboring lands was something they discussed multiple times behind closed doors, but they never seemed to come to an agreement. Work and duty followed him with every waking step.

"You did not wish to ask her to dance?" the King asked mildly in between sips of wine. Legolas cast him a long look out of the corner of his eye and shifted in his seat ever so slightly, but did not answer. Thranduil pressed his lips together in a line, his frown deepening. The look in his son's eye was answer enough for the aged King, who saw more than most.

"What is it about her that frustrates you?" the King asked. "Never have I seen you so distracted before."

Still, Legolas did not answer.

"You know." Thranduil's words were a statement, not a question, but Legolas knew what he meant regardless.

He nodded his head, his eyes never leaving the dance floor, the same taught expression on his face as he watched his friend dance with Shyloh.

"When did you figure it out?" Thranduil asked quietly, his eyes flitting over the heads of the merry elves before them.

"After you invited her to the feast."

Thranduil sighed and his finger tips twisted the stem of the wine glass he held around in a circle on the tabletop. "It took you that long?"

Legolas shifted unhappily in his seat again, kicking his legs out before him under the table. Discussions with his father were never really quite so simple, and small talk between the two of them was usually nonexistent.

"Or perhaps you were hoping to bond with another instead?"

Legolas' eyes shifted across the hall and landed on the familiar redheaded elleth, who was laughing at something with her fellow guards. Normally, he would be mingling and enjoying the celebration alongside his guards and friends, but this year he would have rather not shown up at all to the feast. The King's guesses were answered, when he followed his son's gaze.

Yes, the King would admit he liked Tauriel. She was a strong guard and he favored her for years while he watched her dedication towards her role in the Kingdom grow. She was a good leader, had a level head on her shoulders, and rose quickly through the ranks with talent and dignity. However, despite how much the King favored her, she was a Silvan elf, and not someone he would deem an acceptable mate for his son; regardless of how Legolas felt about her.

"Now you understand why I invited her," Thranduil said, as his eyes flicked back to the Princess. He wasn't overly thrilled with the fact the Princess of Rivendell and Prince of Mirkwood bonded, but there was nothing to be done about it. You only bonded once in your lifetime, as he himself had done so very long ago.

"It was cruel of you to do so," Legolas said eventually, understanding now his father's reasonings for the Princess' appearance. He was plenty aware of how his father felt about his feelings towards Tauriel, even if the Prince hadn't told him out loud about them.

"You're forgetting who she is," the King reminded him simply. "I can hardly leave her locked up for the remainder of her stay now, can I? What kind of host would I be?"

Legolas glanced at his father from out of the corner of his eye suspiciously. "Are you not concerned she will attempt to see the dwarves?"

Thranduil sipped his wine, savoring the flavor briefly before setting his glass back down.

"She is surrounded by guards, where do you think she will escape to?"

Legolas looked back at the festivities with a frown. Indeed, the Princess was dancing with another member of the King's guard. Of course his father would have taken every precaution necessary to ensure their guest did nothing foolish, or was ever alone.

"You knew from the very beginning," Legolas said, sipping his wine.

The king nodded once and his son grew quiet, but it wasn't hard for the King to figure out what his son was thinking about.

"You do not think she understands the bond."

"I do not think even I understand it," Legolas admitted with a sigh of frustration. He had grown very fond of Tauriel, and for a long time now believed she might be the one. But now, it all seemed so confusing.

"Only time will tell," the King mused before turning his attention back to his council members.

Legolas said nothing as he watched Shyloh get passed to another ellon, and his mouth formed a hard line. It was a strange feeling, what he was feeling now, and he rested his elbow on the armrest of his chair and ran his fingers over his jaw. He watched her as she danced and noted she wasn't as graceful as some of the other she-elves, but her clumsiness only sent her and her partner laughing. He couldn't help but feel irritated at the sight.

Why her? Out of all the she-elves he'd met during his life, why did he have to bond with her? She was short, and quiet, and for the love of the Valar she was traveling with dwarves! Despite being who she was, Legolas could not come to grasp why he would feel so drawn to someone so strange and odd.

She positively glows, as if the Valar themselves created her...

He watched as she tripped on her dress, which was much too long for her. Her face reddened but her new partner steadied her quickly and they laughed about it.

Do the guards have no one else to dance with?

He always thought he knew how the bond worked; that it was something that developed after a length of time when your feelings could grow and develop. Love at first sight wasn't something he believed in, and he definitely never expected to feel what he did back in the forest when their eyes met. How quickly he'd been caught off guard still startled him. He couldn't recall a single couple he knew that felt it so quickly.

Taking a swig of wine, he thought back to the first time he met Tauriel. It seemed like so many years ago now, and they quickly became close friends; but as the years passed they only grew closer and his feelings towards her started to develop. How could that suddenly mean nothing?

He glanced back out over the heads, searching for the familiar shade of red but she was nowhere to be seen. Irritated by his father's meddling, he took another drink of wine, not even savoring the smooth flavor as he swallowed it down.

Thranduil leaned back in his seat, not feeling an ounce of guilt over his son's displeasure. The council members to his right seemed to come to some sort of agreement, and finally drifted off to join in the celebrations, leaving the King and Prince to their own thoughts.

Check out the one shot for this chapter on my page called "Strange Gifts- one shots."

-S