Introit
Mirkwood - Castle of King Thranduil.
Far up on the wall, two pairs of adolescent Elvin eyes peek over the wall's edge.
"Move over. I want to see too"
"Are those the ones from Lóthlorien?"
"That's Lady Gladriel and Lord Celeborn."
Gray eyes open wide in surprise. "The Lady of Light, here?"
Blue eyes blink in response. "I hear she can enchant anyone."
Appearing as if out of thin air, a Royal Sentinel taps the blue-eyed one on the shoulder. "There you are. King Thranduil is asking for you. Get to the great hall now!"
Gray eyes stared for just a moment longer. Fair haired one took her hand "Come on."
Moment's later, both run into the hall from one of the side doors. Consort takes the blue-eyed one to her side. "Legolas, you stand by me"
Dark blue eyes of the King scanned the room ((she has to be around here somewhere)) meeting the pair of small gray eyes.
Tightly controlling his anger, "You made Legolas almost be late."
"We were watching..." the gray eyed one started to explain.
"Nevermind" the King interrupted. "Find yourself a place and be quiet."
The owner of the gray eyes found an out of the way place in the crowd.
Thranduil calmed himself and taking his consort's hand, stepped down the few large stone stairs to meet his guests. "Our dear cousins arrive safe and sound." The King's voice carried through the hall and surrounding area.
"We thank you for your hospitality, Thranduil, and wish these proceedings between us go well."
"While you and your entourage are here, Lord Celeborn and Lady Gladriel, please make yourselves at home."
The King continued, "If I may, let me introduce my family. Consort Klasie. Eldest son and heir, Eohid. My Second son Jadriel. Finally my third son, Legolas. Each bowed to the Lord and Lady as they were introduced.
"Do you not have one more?" inquired Lord Celeborn.
"No. These are all. All mine." Thranduil beamed with great pride. His consorts have given him three strong, handsome sons.
Lady's soft voice caught the crowd's attention. "Thranduil, we understood you had a daughter."
"I have no daughter." Was the King's cold response.
Gladriel looked at the Mirkwood King. ((Liar!)) "Thranduil, if we are here to establish an understanding based on trust, how are we believe your words if you are not honest about how many children you have?"
A deep flash of embarrassment crossed the King's face. ((Oh, that one)) "Arelén, come here."
Slowly, a red headed child made her way out of the crowd. Moving just before the consort could touch her, she stood next to Legolas tightly holding his hand.
Legolas gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. Whispers "It's ok."
Doing her best to copy the King's manners, Arelén stuttered "W-welcome to Mirkwood, Lady Gladriel and Lord C-Celeborn."
Gladriel reached out her hand, gently pushing back a wayward strand of hair. "Arelén, do not be frightened." ((So you were the ones on the wall))
Bewilderment crossed Arelén's pale face as she lost herself in the star flecked blue eyes. ((You're very beautiful))
Gladriel smiled.
Turning her attention to the king, "Thranduil, one of our family - Haldir, is around the same age as your Legolas and Arelén. Is there a place for the three of you to play while our business is conducted?"
Arelén's face lit up as Haldir made his way to the front. ((He has the same gray eyes)) "Yes! Plenty of places. Thranduil, may we be excused?"
"Of course. Run along now." The King grabbed Arelén on way out "Don't get into any trouble." he growled into her ear.
"Thranduil, she is only a child, as we all once were."
"Lady, when I was her age I knew my place and my manners."
"As long as Mirkwood is our 'home', as you stated, do not harm her."
Thranduil sighed, "I will not harm her as long as you are here, Lady. Shall we start our business?"
((at least for now you will have some peace))
Far down the hall Arelén stops. ((Thank you Lady)) A quick smile crossed her face as she resumed her chase of the two fair-haired boys.
The next few weeks were filled with lots of laughter and fun as the two youngest of Mirkwood enjoy their time with their Lorien cousin.
*****
Upon the completion of the business at hand, Thranduil hosted a great banquet.
Arelén felt Thranduil's blue eyes closely watching her every move, as she carefully filled the goblets of those to be seated at the high table.
Not making eye contact with anyone, Arelén resumed her station against the wall with the other dark saffron gowned servants.
After all the celebrants where seated and dinner served, Lady Gladriel looked around the room.
"Thranduil, I do not see your youngest seated with us this evening."
Thranduil motioned towards the left side of the table. "Dear Lady, my youngest is seated next to your Haldir."
"We speak of your daughter, Thranduil."
Thranduil's voice carried a tone of displeasure. "She is not my daughter. She is my youngest son's companion. It will take a great act to separate them."
((She is your daughter)) "Arelén, come here." Lady's voice brought Arelén out of her thoughts.
Quickly walking to the Lady's side, Arelén bows. "More wine Lady?"
"I am well. Sit here." Gladriel motions to Celeborn's now empty chair.
"T-There?" Arelén's eyes quickly looked at the King's. Never before was she asked to sit at the table, especially the High Table.
Gladriel's soft voice continued, "Yes. Sit beside me." ((As your station demands))
Frightened gray eyes meet welcoming soft blue.
"I..." Arelén's eyes glassed over as her hands started to shake.
The flash of saffron followed the sound of shattering glass as Arelén ran from the hall.
*****
As the last member of the Lorien company left the boundaries of Mirkwood in the early morning light, Arelén was brought before Thranduil in his private chamber.
The King paced the room as the large wood doors closed behind her. "Arelén, come here."
Terrified, she took a few small steps forward.
Thranduil lost what little remained of his temper. Grabbing her two small hands in his, he dragged her to the center of the room. Throwing her down on her knees.
Standing in front of the frightened child, Thranduil's voice echoed coldly in this room. "Arelén, I am solely disappointed in you."
Arelén responded just above a whisper "I am sorry, Thranduil."
Slowly circling his frightened target, his voice grew louder. "No you aren't. You shame me at every opportunity. You made me look like a fool in front of our guests. You broke one of my family's greatest treasures."
Having had survived many of Thranduil's rants in the past, Arelén found a spot on the floor to focus her concentration.
Thranduil continued, "I allow you to live here in my house. Your only redeeming value is you keep my son company."
The King rubbed his forehead in frustration. "At least try to explain your actions from last night?"
"I - I heard something." Arelén choked back her tears.
"You're hearing things now!?"
Lowering her head, Arelén closed her eyes.
The King's circling came closer and closer. "First you see things, now you hear things?"
"Y - Y - Yes."
Stopping his circling, Thranduil pulled up Arelén's head by her braid. "This is further proof. You are a freak! No matter what that enchantress says, you are no child of mine. Do you understand?"
Arelén weakly responded, "Yes."
A stronger pull ripped out a few strands of her hair. "Yes what?!" Thranduil hissed between clenched teeth.
"Yes, My King." Those words left an acrid taste in her mouth. Hot tears started falling down her face.
From his position behind her, Thranduil leaned down to her ear level. "No more hearings. No more visions. No more shattering glasses. Nothing. Understand?"
"I understand, My King."
"You are to behave as a proper, obedient, loyal servant. Understand?"
"I understand, My King."
Thranduil loosened his grip on her braid releasing her head to hang forward again. Discarding the torn strands into the fire, he turned his back to her. "Go away. I have more important things to attend to than freaks."
Arelén slowly stood, bowed, and walked out from Thranduil's chamber. Colliding with a brown leather tunic in the hallway..
"Arelén, are you ..." asked the familiar voice.
Recovering from her reverence, her deep gray eyes meet his light blue. "The Prince of Mirkwood should not be seen with the manner of me."
Arelén walked a few more paces down the hallway, then picked up speed to a fast run. Leaving a very bewildered Legolas behind her in the hallway.
*****
As the moon hit its apex that evening, Legolas walked up a secret flight of stone stairs. Finding the hidden lock with his sensitive fingers, he opened it with a small key.
Even his Elvin eyes could not scan this solid darkness. He had to admit, when she wanted to hide, she knew the best places. If it wasn't for Thranduil's rages, she never would have found this place.
"Arelén? I know you're in here." His voice echoed slightly in this empty room.
A small sniffle gave her location away.
Making his way into the room, Legolas found his sister hiding in the darkest corner.
"Arelén, I brought you something. Healer said this would help."
Legolas felt the familiar hand reaching out touching his arm. He placed the vial into the shaking, bandaged hand.
Arelén suppressed a gag as she swallowed the mixture in one gulp. A weak "Thank you" still did not give her location away.
Legolas waited for a few moments for the potion to take effect. His eyes finally adapted to the darkness of the room, but he still was unsure of where exactly his sister was. Even her breathing was hidden.
"Arelén, You can come out now, Father has gone to bed."
He flinched in surprised as two tear stained gray eyes peeked out from their hiding place just next to his shoulder. Moonlight made her tears look like diamonds.
"I am staying here." Her voice felt flat in this room.
"You can not stay in the darkness forever." Extending his hand, he collected his sister into a warm hug. Her dark hair spilled over his shoulders.
As Arelén fought back a new set of tears, "I did not mean to break his glass. Why does he do this?"
"I don't know. As long as we have each other, it will be all right. Nothing will change my heart knowing you are my sister." His hand ran through her dark hair
"Do you love me Legolas?" Arelén asked weakly.
"Yes."
Gray eyes smiled "And I you, my brother."
Mirkwood - Castle of King Thranduil.
Far up on the wall, two pairs of adolescent Elvin eyes peek over the wall's edge.
"Move over. I want to see too"
"Are those the ones from Lóthlorien?"
"That's Lady Gladriel and Lord Celeborn."
Gray eyes open wide in surprise. "The Lady of Light, here?"
Blue eyes blink in response. "I hear she can enchant anyone."
Appearing as if out of thin air, a Royal Sentinel taps the blue-eyed one on the shoulder. "There you are. King Thranduil is asking for you. Get to the great hall now!"
Gray eyes stared for just a moment longer. Fair haired one took her hand "Come on."
Moment's later, both run into the hall from one of the side doors. Consort takes the blue-eyed one to her side. "Legolas, you stand by me"
Dark blue eyes of the King scanned the room ((she has to be around here somewhere)) meeting the pair of small gray eyes.
Tightly controlling his anger, "You made Legolas almost be late."
"We were watching..." the gray eyed one started to explain.
"Nevermind" the King interrupted. "Find yourself a place and be quiet."
The owner of the gray eyes found an out of the way place in the crowd.
Thranduil calmed himself and taking his consort's hand, stepped down the few large stone stairs to meet his guests. "Our dear cousins arrive safe and sound." The King's voice carried through the hall and surrounding area.
"We thank you for your hospitality, Thranduil, and wish these proceedings between us go well."
"While you and your entourage are here, Lord Celeborn and Lady Gladriel, please make yourselves at home."
The King continued, "If I may, let me introduce my family. Consort Klasie. Eldest son and heir, Eohid. My Second son Jadriel. Finally my third son, Legolas. Each bowed to the Lord and Lady as they were introduced.
"Do you not have one more?" inquired Lord Celeborn.
"No. These are all. All mine." Thranduil beamed with great pride. His consorts have given him three strong, handsome sons.
Lady's soft voice caught the crowd's attention. "Thranduil, we understood you had a daughter."
"I have no daughter." Was the King's cold response.
Gladriel looked at the Mirkwood King. ((Liar!)) "Thranduil, if we are here to establish an understanding based on trust, how are we believe your words if you are not honest about how many children you have?"
A deep flash of embarrassment crossed the King's face. ((Oh, that one)) "Arelén, come here."
Slowly, a red headed child made her way out of the crowd. Moving just before the consort could touch her, she stood next to Legolas tightly holding his hand.
Legolas gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. Whispers "It's ok."
Doing her best to copy the King's manners, Arelén stuttered "W-welcome to Mirkwood, Lady Gladriel and Lord C-Celeborn."
Gladriel reached out her hand, gently pushing back a wayward strand of hair. "Arelén, do not be frightened." ((So you were the ones on the wall))
Bewilderment crossed Arelén's pale face as she lost herself in the star flecked blue eyes. ((You're very beautiful))
Gladriel smiled.
Turning her attention to the king, "Thranduil, one of our family - Haldir, is around the same age as your Legolas and Arelén. Is there a place for the three of you to play while our business is conducted?"
Arelén's face lit up as Haldir made his way to the front. ((He has the same gray eyes)) "Yes! Plenty of places. Thranduil, may we be excused?"
"Of course. Run along now." The King grabbed Arelén on way out "Don't get into any trouble." he growled into her ear.
"Thranduil, she is only a child, as we all once were."
"Lady, when I was her age I knew my place and my manners."
"As long as Mirkwood is our 'home', as you stated, do not harm her."
Thranduil sighed, "I will not harm her as long as you are here, Lady. Shall we start our business?"
((at least for now you will have some peace))
Far down the hall Arelén stops. ((Thank you Lady)) A quick smile crossed her face as she resumed her chase of the two fair-haired boys.
The next few weeks were filled with lots of laughter and fun as the two youngest of Mirkwood enjoy their time with their Lorien cousin.
*****
Upon the completion of the business at hand, Thranduil hosted a great banquet.
Arelén felt Thranduil's blue eyes closely watching her every move, as she carefully filled the goblets of those to be seated at the high table.
Not making eye contact with anyone, Arelén resumed her station against the wall with the other dark saffron gowned servants.
After all the celebrants where seated and dinner served, Lady Gladriel looked around the room.
"Thranduil, I do not see your youngest seated with us this evening."
Thranduil motioned towards the left side of the table. "Dear Lady, my youngest is seated next to your Haldir."
"We speak of your daughter, Thranduil."
Thranduil's voice carried a tone of displeasure. "She is not my daughter. She is my youngest son's companion. It will take a great act to separate them."
((She is your daughter)) "Arelén, come here." Lady's voice brought Arelén out of her thoughts.
Quickly walking to the Lady's side, Arelén bows. "More wine Lady?"
"I am well. Sit here." Gladriel motions to Celeborn's now empty chair.
"T-There?" Arelén's eyes quickly looked at the King's. Never before was she asked to sit at the table, especially the High Table.
Gladriel's soft voice continued, "Yes. Sit beside me." ((As your station demands))
Frightened gray eyes meet welcoming soft blue.
"I..." Arelén's eyes glassed over as her hands started to shake.
The flash of saffron followed the sound of shattering glass as Arelén ran from the hall.
*****
As the last member of the Lorien company left the boundaries of Mirkwood in the early morning light, Arelén was brought before Thranduil in his private chamber.
The King paced the room as the large wood doors closed behind her. "Arelén, come here."
Terrified, she took a few small steps forward.
Thranduil lost what little remained of his temper. Grabbing her two small hands in his, he dragged her to the center of the room. Throwing her down on her knees.
Standing in front of the frightened child, Thranduil's voice echoed coldly in this room. "Arelén, I am solely disappointed in you."
Arelén responded just above a whisper "I am sorry, Thranduil."
Slowly circling his frightened target, his voice grew louder. "No you aren't. You shame me at every opportunity. You made me look like a fool in front of our guests. You broke one of my family's greatest treasures."
Having had survived many of Thranduil's rants in the past, Arelén found a spot on the floor to focus her concentration.
Thranduil continued, "I allow you to live here in my house. Your only redeeming value is you keep my son company."
The King rubbed his forehead in frustration. "At least try to explain your actions from last night?"
"I - I heard something." Arelén choked back her tears.
"You're hearing things now!?"
Lowering her head, Arelén closed her eyes.
The King's circling came closer and closer. "First you see things, now you hear things?"
"Y - Y - Yes."
Stopping his circling, Thranduil pulled up Arelén's head by her braid. "This is further proof. You are a freak! No matter what that enchantress says, you are no child of mine. Do you understand?"
Arelén weakly responded, "Yes."
A stronger pull ripped out a few strands of her hair. "Yes what?!" Thranduil hissed between clenched teeth.
"Yes, My King." Those words left an acrid taste in her mouth. Hot tears started falling down her face.
From his position behind her, Thranduil leaned down to her ear level. "No more hearings. No more visions. No more shattering glasses. Nothing. Understand?"
"I understand, My King."
"You are to behave as a proper, obedient, loyal servant. Understand?"
"I understand, My King."
Thranduil loosened his grip on her braid releasing her head to hang forward again. Discarding the torn strands into the fire, he turned his back to her. "Go away. I have more important things to attend to than freaks."
Arelén slowly stood, bowed, and walked out from Thranduil's chamber. Colliding with a brown leather tunic in the hallway..
"Arelén, are you ..." asked the familiar voice.
Recovering from her reverence, her deep gray eyes meet his light blue. "The Prince of Mirkwood should not be seen with the manner of me."
Arelén walked a few more paces down the hallway, then picked up speed to a fast run. Leaving a very bewildered Legolas behind her in the hallway.
*****
As the moon hit its apex that evening, Legolas walked up a secret flight of stone stairs. Finding the hidden lock with his sensitive fingers, he opened it with a small key.
Even his Elvin eyes could not scan this solid darkness. He had to admit, when she wanted to hide, she knew the best places. If it wasn't for Thranduil's rages, she never would have found this place.
"Arelén? I know you're in here." His voice echoed slightly in this empty room.
A small sniffle gave her location away.
Making his way into the room, Legolas found his sister hiding in the darkest corner.
"Arelén, I brought you something. Healer said this would help."
Legolas felt the familiar hand reaching out touching his arm. He placed the vial into the shaking, bandaged hand.
Arelén suppressed a gag as she swallowed the mixture in one gulp. A weak "Thank you" still did not give her location away.
Legolas waited for a few moments for the potion to take effect. His eyes finally adapted to the darkness of the room, but he still was unsure of where exactly his sister was. Even her breathing was hidden.
"Arelén, You can come out now, Father has gone to bed."
He flinched in surprised as two tear stained gray eyes peeked out from their hiding place just next to his shoulder. Moonlight made her tears look like diamonds.
"I am staying here." Her voice felt flat in this room.
"You can not stay in the darkness forever." Extending his hand, he collected his sister into a warm hug. Her dark hair spilled over his shoulders.
As Arelén fought back a new set of tears, "I did not mean to break his glass. Why does he do this?"
"I don't know. As long as we have each other, it will be all right. Nothing will change my heart knowing you are my sister." His hand ran through her dark hair
"Do you love me Legolas?" Arelén asked weakly.
"Yes."
Gray eyes smiled "And I you, my brother."