Chapter 18
Elandra's P.O.V
It is full night now, and I have changed into the gown I will wear to the Banquet. Arwen and I decided weeks ago to wear identical dresses on this night, to help show the similarities between us. Lilac and silver are the chosen colours. My hair I left loose like an elf woman, and I wear a silver band on my fore head, an old heirloom of Gondor.
I am nervous now, I know Aragorn will send someone to escort me to the Banquet, but I don't know who it will be. I pace my chambers, restless; this is first time I have been 'officially' presented to people of Gondor as their Princess. I wish Mother was here, she could help, she was an expert at these official proceedings, always knowing what to do, and what to say and to whom.
The fact that Prince Therron will be here tonight and will expect an answer to his proposal, and a reason for my refusal does not help my nerves, my agitation level in rising every second.
I check my appearance in my mirror, outwardly I look every inch the Princess, inside is a wild Ranger. I know Aragorn feels the same sometimes, and I know that he disappears alone for day here and there when he can. Arwen of course covers for him; some of her excuses as to where the King is have been quite inventive. Naturally, she always knows where he can be reached quickly in an emergency.
There is a knock on my door. My escort is here, and I scowl wondering which one of the palace guards has been given the 'honour'. Most of those men who are single and even some of the married ones have tried to bed me over the last year, and at least two have ended up in the healer's hands for their trouble.
'Come in', I call, disinclined to open my door. Silently the one outside glides across the floor, and my frown disappears as I see who it is. Father or Arwen is behind this I realise. For the person walking towards me is Haldir, dressed now in robes of midnight blue and silver. He is taking this seriously, for he greets me by formally kissing my hand, and calling me Princess. I respond in kind, greeting the Captain of the Guards….. Of course silly me! For the next months, Haldir is a Palace guard, but only temporarily. It is Aragorn who has sent him, who better to keep an eye on me this evening.
He offers me his arm, and we walk together to the great fire lit Banquet hall. This is a place I have never been in before, and I look around as we enter, announced by one of the King's heralds. As the word 'High Princess Elandra of Gondor'ring out, the many people gathered there look up, astonished. Few have known of the existence of a Princess before tonight, although many present know me sight as someone close to the King. If not for Haldir's presence by my side, I may have run from the room in panic, overwhelmed by hundreds of people staring at me. He whispers a soft reassurance in my ear as he seats me at the head table, next to Father, who sits beside Aragon, to show those of the people who are unsure that Elrond is family.
The food is delicious, but I have no appetite, and only because Father and Haldir annoy me into it do I eat. Aragorn is eating heartily, he has a liking for good food, he says because of too many years eating what he could find in his duties as a Ranger. As the second course was served I am relaxed enough to look around. The twins are seated next to Arwen, and are busily trying to trick her into eating something she doesn't like to watch what will happen, but she a wake up to them, and I honestly wonder why they bother, and decide that it is habit. On the far side of the twins sit Lady Galadriel, and Lord Celeborn, who only arrived hours ago. The Lady of course is watching the twin's efforts to play a prank on their sister, and as I watch I realise that she has a private bet with her husband as to who will win. Poor Celeborn is going to loose this one, and I wonder what the bet is.
Formal announcements will be left until late in the evening, mostly so as people who might object to some things will have had enough wine to make them relaxed and likely to agree to what the King says. It is not as though anything will bad for Gondor, but maybe distasteful to those used to a different rule.
The meal is finished now, and musicians are playing and singing. I look down the hall to where members of Father's household sit, and see from the look on Glorfindel's face he might be convinced to sing later. Almost certainly if Arwen asks him.
Some people are up on their feet, and making use of the dance floor. To my horror I notice two of the representatives of Rohan nearing. King Eomer, and his cousin Prince Therron. Both of these two have known who and what I am since Aragorn was crowned. Eomer will offer his hand to Arwen for turn on the floor, not simply because she is Queen, but he admires her tremendously. And not because he considers her to the most beautiful lady he has seen, but because a great friendship has sprung up between her and Rohan's King.
Prince Therron is obviously hoping to spend time with me, and I know I have to go along with this for the sake of political alliances between Gondor and Rohan. It is not that the Prince is old or horrible, in fact many women would consider themselves lucky to courted by such a good looking man. Like most of the people of Rohan he is golden haired, and attractive.
I catch Aragorn's eye, and pull a face. His expression hardens, clearly I am going to have to humour the Prince, my brother does want any scenes tonight, he must have decided to tell the Prince of my refusal tomorrow. As I stand and greet Therron, I notice Father make a signal to the twins, and wonder what the three of them are up to. It could be anything.
The dance floor is full; many people are dancing, elves from Lorien and Rivendell mingling with the mortal guests. Even a few Dwarves are present, and some of Mirkwood's people under the leadership of their Prince, Legolas one of the famous Fellowship of the Ring. He is busy stoping a fight between his Dwarf friend Gimli and one the horsemen of Rohan, silently I wish him luck.
As Therron and I move around the floor, I notice many people looking at us. Clearly some an announcement about our betrothal later that evening. I don't fear that as Aragorn said he wouldn't do that to me, and I believe him. My fears are this man, like many of his race he will take rejection badly. Not because he loves me, he loves the thought of an alliance with Gondor, and as he said to my sister a wife whose looks would not disgrace his royal household.
I have danced several dances with Therron, when he suggests taking some air. Nervous about being alone with him, but pleased to leave the stifling hall I agree. There is a walkway along the Castle Ramparts from one of the door like windows, and Therron and I walk down and into a small alcove. No sooner than we were alone than did her declare himself
'Princess, I have your brother, King Elessar's permission to ask you to be my wife. How do you answer, he says, clearly expecting me to swoon with delight.
'I cannot wed you, Therron of Rohan,' I answer.
'Why not? I am equal in rank to you, and you will have every consideration in my home', he says puzzled
'My lord, you do not love me. I cannot marry where there is no love in the match', I reply to him, cross now because I realise he will not give up easily.
'My mistresses will not bother you. You will be truly a Lady with your own household, instead of living by your brother's leave', he says, getting angry now himself.
'That is exactly what I mean. If you cared for me in the least there would be not mistresses', I answer, shocked by this man.
'You have lived too long with the Elves, Lady. A wife is to bear children, a mistress is for love', he sneers.
'That is exactly why I will not wed you', I snap, jerking my arm from his grasp.
'Then I will just have to make sure that your only honourable course is to wed me. I am set on having you to wife lady, and will not take nay for an answer.' He says grabbing me, and forcing me to the ground.
Panic-stricken, I realise his intention. I am unarmed, and in the formal gown I wear unable to move as I would wish to defend myself. Suddenly Therron is lifted off me, and thrown against the wall behind us. Elladan and Elrohir have him, and to my astonishment Legolas of Mirkwood is there too, offering me his hand so I can rise to my feet.
Father appears out of the shadows, and looks inquiring at Therron, who was doing his best to get free of my brothers.
'What is happening here', Father all but drawls. That he has seen everything I don't doubt, and he is very angry.
It is Legolas who answers. 'I believe that the Prince of Rohan was forcing unwelcome attentions on Lady Elandra.' he says softly.
'Really', says Father. He looks Therron in the eye, 'I could order my sons to arrange for you to have an 'accident', he says, watching the panic in Therron's face.
'Elrond', says Elrohir, going along with Father's lead, 'indeed we could do that, but perhaps tis better if the King deals with the man who assaulted his sister'.
'True' says Father thoughtfully, 'Come, then, we will see the King'.
My father and brothers leave, taking Therron with them. Although I have been frightened badly, I can find some humour in Father's threats to Therron. Of course no one had really been going to hurt Therron, but he has been badly frightened now too.
Legolas is still standing beside me, and offers to escort me inside. I accept, and we go in to find out what Therron's fate will be.
Elandra's P.O.V
It is full night now, and I have changed into the gown I will wear to the Banquet. Arwen and I decided weeks ago to wear identical dresses on this night, to help show the similarities between us. Lilac and silver are the chosen colours. My hair I left loose like an elf woman, and I wear a silver band on my fore head, an old heirloom of Gondor.
I am nervous now, I know Aragorn will send someone to escort me to the Banquet, but I don't know who it will be. I pace my chambers, restless; this is first time I have been 'officially' presented to people of Gondor as their Princess. I wish Mother was here, she could help, she was an expert at these official proceedings, always knowing what to do, and what to say and to whom.
The fact that Prince Therron will be here tonight and will expect an answer to his proposal, and a reason for my refusal does not help my nerves, my agitation level in rising every second.
I check my appearance in my mirror, outwardly I look every inch the Princess, inside is a wild Ranger. I know Aragorn feels the same sometimes, and I know that he disappears alone for day here and there when he can. Arwen of course covers for him; some of her excuses as to where the King is have been quite inventive. Naturally, she always knows where he can be reached quickly in an emergency.
There is a knock on my door. My escort is here, and I scowl wondering which one of the palace guards has been given the 'honour'. Most of those men who are single and even some of the married ones have tried to bed me over the last year, and at least two have ended up in the healer's hands for their trouble.
'Come in', I call, disinclined to open my door. Silently the one outside glides across the floor, and my frown disappears as I see who it is. Father or Arwen is behind this I realise. For the person walking towards me is Haldir, dressed now in robes of midnight blue and silver. He is taking this seriously, for he greets me by formally kissing my hand, and calling me Princess. I respond in kind, greeting the Captain of the Guards….. Of course silly me! For the next months, Haldir is a Palace guard, but only temporarily. It is Aragorn who has sent him, who better to keep an eye on me this evening.
He offers me his arm, and we walk together to the great fire lit Banquet hall. This is a place I have never been in before, and I look around as we enter, announced by one of the King's heralds. As the word 'High Princess Elandra of Gondor'ring out, the many people gathered there look up, astonished. Few have known of the existence of a Princess before tonight, although many present know me sight as someone close to the King. If not for Haldir's presence by my side, I may have run from the room in panic, overwhelmed by hundreds of people staring at me. He whispers a soft reassurance in my ear as he seats me at the head table, next to Father, who sits beside Aragon, to show those of the people who are unsure that Elrond is family.
The food is delicious, but I have no appetite, and only because Father and Haldir annoy me into it do I eat. Aragorn is eating heartily, he has a liking for good food, he says because of too many years eating what he could find in his duties as a Ranger. As the second course was served I am relaxed enough to look around. The twins are seated next to Arwen, and are busily trying to trick her into eating something she doesn't like to watch what will happen, but she a wake up to them, and I honestly wonder why they bother, and decide that it is habit. On the far side of the twins sit Lady Galadriel, and Lord Celeborn, who only arrived hours ago. The Lady of course is watching the twin's efforts to play a prank on their sister, and as I watch I realise that she has a private bet with her husband as to who will win. Poor Celeborn is going to loose this one, and I wonder what the bet is.
Formal announcements will be left until late in the evening, mostly so as people who might object to some things will have had enough wine to make them relaxed and likely to agree to what the King says. It is not as though anything will bad for Gondor, but maybe distasteful to those used to a different rule.
The meal is finished now, and musicians are playing and singing. I look down the hall to where members of Father's household sit, and see from the look on Glorfindel's face he might be convinced to sing later. Almost certainly if Arwen asks him.
Some people are up on their feet, and making use of the dance floor. To my horror I notice two of the representatives of Rohan nearing. King Eomer, and his cousin Prince Therron. Both of these two have known who and what I am since Aragorn was crowned. Eomer will offer his hand to Arwen for turn on the floor, not simply because she is Queen, but he admires her tremendously. And not because he considers her to the most beautiful lady he has seen, but because a great friendship has sprung up between her and Rohan's King.
Prince Therron is obviously hoping to spend time with me, and I know I have to go along with this for the sake of political alliances between Gondor and Rohan. It is not that the Prince is old or horrible, in fact many women would consider themselves lucky to courted by such a good looking man. Like most of the people of Rohan he is golden haired, and attractive.
I catch Aragorn's eye, and pull a face. His expression hardens, clearly I am going to have to humour the Prince, my brother does want any scenes tonight, he must have decided to tell the Prince of my refusal tomorrow. As I stand and greet Therron, I notice Father make a signal to the twins, and wonder what the three of them are up to. It could be anything.
The dance floor is full; many people are dancing, elves from Lorien and Rivendell mingling with the mortal guests. Even a few Dwarves are present, and some of Mirkwood's people under the leadership of their Prince, Legolas one of the famous Fellowship of the Ring. He is busy stoping a fight between his Dwarf friend Gimli and one the horsemen of Rohan, silently I wish him luck.
As Therron and I move around the floor, I notice many people looking at us. Clearly some an announcement about our betrothal later that evening. I don't fear that as Aragorn said he wouldn't do that to me, and I believe him. My fears are this man, like many of his race he will take rejection badly. Not because he loves me, he loves the thought of an alliance with Gondor, and as he said to my sister a wife whose looks would not disgrace his royal household.
I have danced several dances with Therron, when he suggests taking some air. Nervous about being alone with him, but pleased to leave the stifling hall I agree. There is a walkway along the Castle Ramparts from one of the door like windows, and Therron and I walk down and into a small alcove. No sooner than we were alone than did her declare himself
'Princess, I have your brother, King Elessar's permission to ask you to be my wife. How do you answer, he says, clearly expecting me to swoon with delight.
'I cannot wed you, Therron of Rohan,' I answer.
'Why not? I am equal in rank to you, and you will have every consideration in my home', he says puzzled
'My lord, you do not love me. I cannot marry where there is no love in the match', I reply to him, cross now because I realise he will not give up easily.
'My mistresses will not bother you. You will be truly a Lady with your own household, instead of living by your brother's leave', he says, getting angry now himself.
'That is exactly what I mean. If you cared for me in the least there would be not mistresses', I answer, shocked by this man.
'You have lived too long with the Elves, Lady. A wife is to bear children, a mistress is for love', he sneers.
'That is exactly why I will not wed you', I snap, jerking my arm from his grasp.
'Then I will just have to make sure that your only honourable course is to wed me. I am set on having you to wife lady, and will not take nay for an answer.' He says grabbing me, and forcing me to the ground.
Panic-stricken, I realise his intention. I am unarmed, and in the formal gown I wear unable to move as I would wish to defend myself. Suddenly Therron is lifted off me, and thrown against the wall behind us. Elladan and Elrohir have him, and to my astonishment Legolas of Mirkwood is there too, offering me his hand so I can rise to my feet.
Father appears out of the shadows, and looks inquiring at Therron, who was doing his best to get free of my brothers.
'What is happening here', Father all but drawls. That he has seen everything I don't doubt, and he is very angry.
It is Legolas who answers. 'I believe that the Prince of Rohan was forcing unwelcome attentions on Lady Elandra.' he says softly.
'Really', says Father. He looks Therron in the eye, 'I could order my sons to arrange for you to have an 'accident', he says, watching the panic in Therron's face.
'Elrond', says Elrohir, going along with Father's lead, 'indeed we could do that, but perhaps tis better if the King deals with the man who assaulted his sister'.
'True' says Father thoughtfully, 'Come, then, we will see the King'.
My father and brothers leave, taking Therron with them. Although I have been frightened badly, I can find some humour in Father's threats to Therron. Of course no one had really been going to hurt Therron, but he has been badly frightened now too.
Legolas is still standing beside me, and offers to escort me inside. I accept, and we go in to find out what Therron's fate will be.