RATING: PG-13

DISCLAIMER: The characters from Lord of the Rings and their wonderful world are borrowed from J.R.R. Tolkien. The plotline and all other characters are copyright 2002 Emily (emi_kins@yahoo.com)

38.

"Your Grandfather seeks only the best for you both." Galadriel's voice was soothing as Elenath and Merethiel soaked in a hot bath. "Elenath, you must know by now that diplomacy is much more effective than angry outbursts when it comes to Lord Elrond."

"Indeed, Grandmother. I do know this but I acted hastily. I was so angry that I felt I would burst when Haldir revealed Grandfather's plan to me."

The Queen's musical laughter filled the room. "Many a young Elf-maiden would have swooned at the suggestion of courtship with the Captain of my guard. If the stories I have heard are true, even you were quite taken with him at one time. Yet it appears your heart is now otherwise occupied, Child. Tell me of Legolas."

Elenath did, sighing as Galadriel's handmaiden combed and braided her hair. Then she exclaimed in delight as two of the most elegant of gowns the she- Elves had ever seen were brought forth from the Queen's wardrobe.

They were deep shades of royal blue and purple, embroidered with silver flowers and edged with deep green silk ribbon. The low-cut necklines were squared, and the shear sleeves fell to flowing points at the floor, covering their hands.

"Haldir shall be quite beside himself when he sees you." Galadriel admired Merethiel in the full-length mirror and smiled. "You are very special to have caught his eye. Many thousands of years it has been since I saw his heart drawn to another. And you, Elenath." The Princess stood looking at herself in the mirror as if she did not recognize herself. "Carry yourself as a Lady, and your grandfather may yet relent to a match with the Prince of Mirkwood." Galadriel laughed. "Legolas will not be able to tear his eyes from you."

"My Lady?" A servant appeared in the doorway. "Lord Elrond has returned."

***

"Why have I been cursed with such headstrong, impetuous granddaughters?" Elrond ranted as he paced back and forth in his chambers. "You two will be the death of me, I swear it! Especially you, Elenath! You should know better than to run away like you did!"

"I was angry," she murmured.

"So was I!" he bellowed, "Do you not think I was angry to be defied by my own granddaughter before the Elven world?"

"Not the whole world, Grandfather-" began Merethiel.

"Yes! The whole world! My whole kingdom along with representatives from both Mirkwood and Lothlorien!"

Elenath bowed her head in humility. "I am truly sorry, Grandfather. I should have spoken with you about these things in private instead of at the banquet."

The Eleven Lord sat down hard upon his throne and gazed at the two youngsters before him. After a moment, he took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I must admit that I am at a loss for what to do."

"I will apologize before Rivendell and our guests if you desire it," Elenath said softly.

"Elenath, I worry not so much for my reputation, but for your future. You say you love the Prince of Mirkwood and I can see in your eyes that it is true. What would you have me do?"

"Let me go with him," she whispered, "for I cannot live without him."

"And what about Haldir who you have held in such high esteem since your childhood?"

"I do not love him." She stood silently for a few long minutes and watched her grandfather's eyes as he contemplated the situation. Then it struck her that the Elf before her was king and really did hold her happiness in his very hand. She could not possibly defy him once his mind was made up. Panic consumed her and she sank slowly to her knees. "Please," she said as she fought back tears, "My Lord, I did not set out to defy you. I do not mean to be a vexation and an annoyance to you, but it seems no matter what I do, it is the opposite of what you want. Yet I cannot deny my heart." She gazed up at him. "Have mercy. Please. I shall die if you keep me from him."

"And you would cast aside the throne of Rivendell for the Prince of Mirkwood?"

She gazed at the floor. "It is a high price to pay, but I would."

"Yet I cannot let you go." Elrond sighed. "Not to Mirkwood. Not with Calmakil. You do not know what evil lurks there and I cannot see you consenting to being guarded any time you go out."

She sank to a seated position on the floor before him, her legs folded beneath her. "Grandfather, I do not need to be guarded. I can care for myself!"

"Nay," he said, kneeling beside her and stroking her cheek softly. "Then I cannot let you go, for your inability to depend on the protection of others would be your downfall."

"Please," she whispered, her eyes meeting his. "I would consent to anything – even a personal guard – if you would but let me go."

Elrond sighed and stood, asking his guards to summon Prince Legolas. The Prince came at once, rushing to Elenath's side when he saw her upon the floor.

"What is this?" he demanded of Lord Elrond, "Your own granddaughter prostrate before you on the floor like some sort of slave! What have you done to her?" Legolas took her by the hands and helped her to stand, taking her possessively into his arms and whispering to her, "Are you alright?"

Elenath said nothing, but turned her attention to her Grandfather.

"It is obvious that you care deeply for my granddaughter, Legolas. I was blind not to see this before."

The prince looked up at Elrond with surprise bright in his eyes. "I love her, my lord, more than my very life."

Lord Elrond nodded. "I will write a letter to your father, King Thranduil of Mirkwood. If he consents, I will allow you to take Elenath as your wife instead of Merethiel… on the condition that she is given a personal guard and… and that I might visit her as often as I wish."

Elenath dissolved into happy tears, but Legolas only nodded solemnly for he knew that his father would never consent.