Chapter Three
Momentarily, she seemed at a loss for words. Finally, the duty of her station seemed to click in and she spoke, her voice as sweet as the sound of a silver bell, "I am Queen Echo Windstorme of Catalyncia...I wish to welcome you all to - "
"Child!" Gandalf laughed heartily. "Have you forgotten Gandalf the Gray so soon?"
Queen Echo's face broke into a dazzling smile. She jumped up from her throne and threw herself into Gandalf's outstretched arms, crying, "Gandalf, you old rascal! Where have you been? It's been so many long years...what is it that I can do for you?"
"All we ask is for safe camp tonight," Gandalf paused. "This young Hobbit carries a Burden..."
Though she was obviously quite surprised, the Queen took it all in stride. "Of course! Think nothing of it, my friend - I will personally see to it that you all are well fed and comfortable for as long as you wish to stay in Catalyncia!"
"I thank you, Echo," Gandalf gently hugged her again. "But, forgive my manners, allow me to introduce you to my friends! These four charming Hobbits here are Frodo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee, Meriadoc Brandybuck - we call him Merry - and Peregrin Took - we call him Pippin. This fine dwarf is Gimli. And finally, their tall comrades are Aragorn, Heir to the Throne of Gondor, and Legolas Greenleaf, Prince of Mirkwood."
Echo's eyes locked on Legolas's again and she very softly breathed, "Hello."
He gently took her small hand in his and drew it to his lips, softly brushing them against her knuckles. "It is an honor to meet you, milady."
"And an honor to meet you as well," Echo smiled sweetly at him, continuing to gaze into his crystal blue eyes.
The very touch of her soft hand sent electricity all through Legolas's body. There was just something about her...something that drew him in...consumed him...
* * * *
The room that Legolas and his appointed roommate, Pippin, were settled into was perhaps the most impressive bedroom that he had ever seen. The walls themselves were incredible - they were made of blue iridescent mother-of-pearl, causing them to ever so slightly shimmer whenever a ray of sunshine hit them. There were two large beds, both of which had shiny silver bed frames and spreads made of deep blue velvet, positioned against the eastern wall - the two were separated by a large, silver, writing desk and chair. The northern end of the room featured a large silver dining table and matching chairs...much to Pippin's delight, there was a basket of fruit on the table so large that it was nearly bigger than he. Two large, plush blue armchairs, matching stools, and immense bookcase filled up the western side of the room, but it was the southern end that captivated Legolas's attention the most. The entire southern wall was made of sparkling glass, with an ornate silver door in the middle (a large blue velvet curtain was pulled to each side of the window, for privacy). The door lead to a large balcony, overlooking a lush garden - of which included a fountain and several benches.
Legolas stood on the balcony, the wind gently tousling his long, blond hair, his mind deep in thought. Echo...there was something about her that was...intoxicating. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't get his mind off of her...
There was a sharp rap at the thick wooden door leading to the maze of hallways of the east wing of the palace. Legolas swiftly walked to the door, positioning himself between it and Pippin. "Yes?"
"Dinner will be served at 7 o'clock sharp. Her ladyship will be expecting you."
Pippin, who at that moment was speaking around a mouthful of apple and banana, looked up in delight. "Dinner? Already? This is turning out to be a great day!"
Legolas stared at the oak door in silence. Pippin was correct...but he had no idea how absolutely correct he was...
* * * *
The palace banquet hall was immensely reminiscent of the grand palace dining hall at Rivendell. The enormous silver table was covered with an ivory silk cloth and sparking table settings, which brightly reflected the light of the massive crystal chandelier above the table. The walls were the same blue iridescent as the walls in Legolas's room, with many huge windows overlooking the palace grounds interspersed on them. However, the most eye catching aspect of the room, however, was the massive, steaming feast laid out on the table...it was all they could do to hold Pippin back.
The only part of the room that Legolas wasn't entirely fond of was the Elvin guards at each door and several against the walls.
A very plump elf with receding brown hair directed them to their seats at the table, advising them not to be seated until Queen Echo was seated. Legolas found himself seated across from Aragorn. To his right was Gandalf and to his left...to his left was the head of the table. His heart began to pound...he knew that she would be seated at the head, especially judging by the large, throne-like seat next to his own.
Before he could devote much more thought to the matter, the tall elf from earlier that afternoon stepped into the banquet hall and said, "Her Royal Majesty, Queen Echo Windstorme."
Echo stepped into the hall, now dressed in a silky yellow gown with an attached silk cape at the shoulder and a very low scooped neck. Her dark hair was elegantly piled on top of her head, with two ringlets hanging down at her ears...she looked stunning.
Legolas was certain that pounding heart was going to explode.
After she had been seated and they were all settled, the food was finally served. It had been a long time since Legolas had tasted food of that magnitude...and the company he was in only made it better.
Echo cleared her throat quietly. "It is quite an honor to be graced by the presence of two Princes."
Though her statement was directed to both himself and Aragorn, Echo was looking directly at Legolas when she uttered it. Although he wished to say something - anything - to her, any words that he could have responded with ended up frozen in his throat.
Aragorn must have sensed this, as he smiled broadly at the Queen. "It is completely our honor, Your Highness, as we are greatly indebted to you for allowing us to stay in safety."
Echo smiled softly. "It was my pleasure...it's...it's been so long since we've had visitors from the outside -"
Abruptly, she stopped speaking and stared at her dinner plate in silence, almost in an embarrassed silence. Finally, she turned to Legolas and said, "Legolas...what is Mirkwood like? I have often read about it in our archives, but they are never as detailed as a first hand experience."
His thoughts turned to his home and momentarily his nervousness drifted away. "We have fallen into very troubled times, but I will always love my homeland," he flinched at that...he sounded like he was trying to convince someone to donate money to preserve a crumbling palace outhouse. Nervously, he gulped down some sparkling water and continued shakily. "It is very much like Catalyncia, though there is not nearly as much water in Mirkwood. It is a reasonably large kingdom, although, not as large as Rivendell."
Echo's eyes lit up. "You've been to Rivendell? What is it like there? Who is now king? Do...do they ever speak of us there?"
"Your Majesty," the tall elf stepped out of the shadows. "I do not believe that you should be discussing such things with this...Sindarin, nor the rest of this slightly questionable company."
Echo narrowed her eyes. "I do not believe that I asked for your opinion, Chelron. As for what we discuss, it is none of your business." She paused then glanced around the room. "For that matter...I believe that you are all dismissed."
"But, your highness," Chelron interjected, glancing sharply at her. "If your security leaves, there will be no one here to protect you."
Echo glared at Chelron for a moment, and then let her gaze tenderly meet Legolas's. "I believe that I am well protected."
Chelron looked absolutely baffled. "I must disagree, Your Highness - "
"Did you not hear me," Echo stared coldly at him. "Or do you simply choose to disobey me? Now, you are dismissed. Please leave my sight - all of you."
Wordlessly, the Elvin guards made their way out of the banquet hall. Chelron gave Echo such an evil look that a cold chill shot down Legolas's spine...there was something about him that Legolas didn't like. He'd have to keep an eye on him...
No sooner did the doors to the banquet hall shut, did Gandalf loudly speak up, "My little one...what is going on here?"
"Do not put that to worry, my dear Gandalf," Echo seemed to be forcing her smile. "Chelron is the head of my security and my most trusted advisor. He is only looking out for my best interests."
Legolas quickly decided he had better keep both eyes on him.
Momentarily, she seemed at a loss for words. Finally, the duty of her station seemed to click in and she spoke, her voice as sweet as the sound of a silver bell, "I am Queen Echo Windstorme of Catalyncia...I wish to welcome you all to - "
"Child!" Gandalf laughed heartily. "Have you forgotten Gandalf the Gray so soon?"
Queen Echo's face broke into a dazzling smile. She jumped up from her throne and threw herself into Gandalf's outstretched arms, crying, "Gandalf, you old rascal! Where have you been? It's been so many long years...what is it that I can do for you?"
"All we ask is for safe camp tonight," Gandalf paused. "This young Hobbit carries a Burden..."
Though she was obviously quite surprised, the Queen took it all in stride. "Of course! Think nothing of it, my friend - I will personally see to it that you all are well fed and comfortable for as long as you wish to stay in Catalyncia!"
"I thank you, Echo," Gandalf gently hugged her again. "But, forgive my manners, allow me to introduce you to my friends! These four charming Hobbits here are Frodo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee, Meriadoc Brandybuck - we call him Merry - and Peregrin Took - we call him Pippin. This fine dwarf is Gimli. And finally, their tall comrades are Aragorn, Heir to the Throne of Gondor, and Legolas Greenleaf, Prince of Mirkwood."
Echo's eyes locked on Legolas's again and she very softly breathed, "Hello."
He gently took her small hand in his and drew it to his lips, softly brushing them against her knuckles. "It is an honor to meet you, milady."
"And an honor to meet you as well," Echo smiled sweetly at him, continuing to gaze into his crystal blue eyes.
The very touch of her soft hand sent electricity all through Legolas's body. There was just something about her...something that drew him in...consumed him...
* * * *
The room that Legolas and his appointed roommate, Pippin, were settled into was perhaps the most impressive bedroom that he had ever seen. The walls themselves were incredible - they were made of blue iridescent mother-of-pearl, causing them to ever so slightly shimmer whenever a ray of sunshine hit them. There were two large beds, both of which had shiny silver bed frames and spreads made of deep blue velvet, positioned against the eastern wall - the two were separated by a large, silver, writing desk and chair. The northern end of the room featured a large silver dining table and matching chairs...much to Pippin's delight, there was a basket of fruit on the table so large that it was nearly bigger than he. Two large, plush blue armchairs, matching stools, and immense bookcase filled up the western side of the room, but it was the southern end that captivated Legolas's attention the most. The entire southern wall was made of sparkling glass, with an ornate silver door in the middle (a large blue velvet curtain was pulled to each side of the window, for privacy). The door lead to a large balcony, overlooking a lush garden - of which included a fountain and several benches.
Legolas stood on the balcony, the wind gently tousling his long, blond hair, his mind deep in thought. Echo...there was something about her that was...intoxicating. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't get his mind off of her...
There was a sharp rap at the thick wooden door leading to the maze of hallways of the east wing of the palace. Legolas swiftly walked to the door, positioning himself between it and Pippin. "Yes?"
"Dinner will be served at 7 o'clock sharp. Her ladyship will be expecting you."
Pippin, who at that moment was speaking around a mouthful of apple and banana, looked up in delight. "Dinner? Already? This is turning out to be a great day!"
Legolas stared at the oak door in silence. Pippin was correct...but he had no idea how absolutely correct he was...
* * * *
The palace banquet hall was immensely reminiscent of the grand palace dining hall at Rivendell. The enormous silver table was covered with an ivory silk cloth and sparking table settings, which brightly reflected the light of the massive crystal chandelier above the table. The walls were the same blue iridescent as the walls in Legolas's room, with many huge windows overlooking the palace grounds interspersed on them. However, the most eye catching aspect of the room, however, was the massive, steaming feast laid out on the table...it was all they could do to hold Pippin back.
The only part of the room that Legolas wasn't entirely fond of was the Elvin guards at each door and several against the walls.
A very plump elf with receding brown hair directed them to their seats at the table, advising them not to be seated until Queen Echo was seated. Legolas found himself seated across from Aragorn. To his right was Gandalf and to his left...to his left was the head of the table. His heart began to pound...he knew that she would be seated at the head, especially judging by the large, throne-like seat next to his own.
Before he could devote much more thought to the matter, the tall elf from earlier that afternoon stepped into the banquet hall and said, "Her Royal Majesty, Queen Echo Windstorme."
Echo stepped into the hall, now dressed in a silky yellow gown with an attached silk cape at the shoulder and a very low scooped neck. Her dark hair was elegantly piled on top of her head, with two ringlets hanging down at her ears...she looked stunning.
Legolas was certain that pounding heart was going to explode.
After she had been seated and they were all settled, the food was finally served. It had been a long time since Legolas had tasted food of that magnitude...and the company he was in only made it better.
Echo cleared her throat quietly. "It is quite an honor to be graced by the presence of two Princes."
Though her statement was directed to both himself and Aragorn, Echo was looking directly at Legolas when she uttered it. Although he wished to say something - anything - to her, any words that he could have responded with ended up frozen in his throat.
Aragorn must have sensed this, as he smiled broadly at the Queen. "It is completely our honor, Your Highness, as we are greatly indebted to you for allowing us to stay in safety."
Echo smiled softly. "It was my pleasure...it's...it's been so long since we've had visitors from the outside -"
Abruptly, she stopped speaking and stared at her dinner plate in silence, almost in an embarrassed silence. Finally, she turned to Legolas and said, "Legolas...what is Mirkwood like? I have often read about it in our archives, but they are never as detailed as a first hand experience."
His thoughts turned to his home and momentarily his nervousness drifted away. "We have fallen into very troubled times, but I will always love my homeland," he flinched at that...he sounded like he was trying to convince someone to donate money to preserve a crumbling palace outhouse. Nervously, he gulped down some sparkling water and continued shakily. "It is very much like Catalyncia, though there is not nearly as much water in Mirkwood. It is a reasonably large kingdom, although, not as large as Rivendell."
Echo's eyes lit up. "You've been to Rivendell? What is it like there? Who is now king? Do...do they ever speak of us there?"
"Your Majesty," the tall elf stepped out of the shadows. "I do not believe that you should be discussing such things with this...Sindarin, nor the rest of this slightly questionable company."
Echo narrowed her eyes. "I do not believe that I asked for your opinion, Chelron. As for what we discuss, it is none of your business." She paused then glanced around the room. "For that matter...I believe that you are all dismissed."
"But, your highness," Chelron interjected, glancing sharply at her. "If your security leaves, there will be no one here to protect you."
Echo glared at Chelron for a moment, and then let her gaze tenderly meet Legolas's. "I believe that I am well protected."
Chelron looked absolutely baffled. "I must disagree, Your Highness - "
"Did you not hear me," Echo stared coldly at him. "Or do you simply choose to disobey me? Now, you are dismissed. Please leave my sight - all of you."
Wordlessly, the Elvin guards made their way out of the banquet hall. Chelron gave Echo such an evil look that a cold chill shot down Legolas's spine...there was something about him that Legolas didn't like. He'd have to keep an eye on him...
No sooner did the doors to the banquet hall shut, did Gandalf loudly speak up, "My little one...what is going on here?"
"Do not put that to worry, my dear Gandalf," Echo seemed to be forcing her smile. "Chelron is the head of my security and my most trusted advisor. He is only looking out for my best interests."
Legolas quickly decided he had better keep both eyes on him.