A/N: NOTE! This is a long chapter. This is the chapter where the main
conflicts start coming in, so you'll have to pay attention. EYES FORWARD,
SIT UP STRAIGHT, PAY ATTENTION!!!! There will be a quiz!!!
Disclaimer: Erm..... um... Well, Tolkien's works don't pay for poor children in Somalia, but if they did, they wouldn't be too poor any longer. Pay for children! Eat your food and care for the little children. They won't attack you if you do. (doesn't know what she said, but it doesn't matter, really)
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Chapter 8
"Are you sure we won't be detected?" asked Alcweth, walking with Lhunoriel up the steps to Lhunoriel's house.
"We'll be fine." Lhunoriel said, quietly opening the gate.
A/N: CONFLICT!
As Lhunoriel opened the gate, her mother stepped out from the shadows of the house.
"So you haven't been sewing in your room." Alkore said, scaring her daughter and servant out of their wits.
Lhunoriel, catching herself, replied, "Mother, let me explain."
"No explaining" Alkore said, walking into the house with Lhunoriel following her. Alcweth closed the door. "About an hour after you supposedly locked yourself up in your room, I received a message from his majesty, Thranduil."
"Yes?" Lhunoriel said, entering the parlor after her mother. She sat down.
"He was very excited for Legolas had told him that he was going to meet with someone at the festival tonight. Can you imagine who?" Alkore folded her arms.
"Me?" Lhunoriel said hesitantly.
"Yes." Alkore said. "Now why would he say that?" Lhunoriel was about to reply but her mother continued. Alkore picked up a piece of paper from behind her and gave it to Lhunoriel.
Lhunoriel read it silently to herself. It only stated that Thranduil was excited and Legolas was "going to meet with Lhunoriel at the festival."
"Elbereth." Lhunoriel said. "He used me as an excuse?" She sat back in the chair, staring at the letter.
Alkore threw her hands up in the air and sat down. "What am I going to do with you?" She said. Alkore sighed. "Go to your quarters until I call for you." Lhunoriel stood up and started walking out. "And change into some good clothes." Alkore said.
"Yes, my lady." Lhunoriel said, curtsying to her mother and leaving the room.
Alkore sighed and covered her face with her hand.
"My lady." Alcweth said, appearing in the doorway.
"Yes, Alcweth?" Alkore said, not bothering to look up.
"King Thranduil is here."
Alkore stood up and smoothed her dress. "Send him in."
Alcweth stood back and let the king pass. Alkore curtsied to the king. Thranduil nodded his head.
"I am dearly sorry to call you over so late." Alkore said.
"I know." Said Thranduil. "It seems our children have been causing trouble."
"Please sit." Alkore and Thranduil sat opposite each other. "Now we need to find a solution." Both sat in silence for a moment and Alcweth looked on.
"Your Excellencies, if I may suggest a solution?" Alcweth said, stepping into the light.
"Feel free." Thranduil said, shifting towards Alcweth. She cleared her throat.
"Well, I was thinking," Alcweth said. She started twisting her hands together. "What if we married them?"
Both the nobles jumped at the suggestion.
"But they didn't know it." And again, the nobles were confused.
"I am afraid I do not know how your plan would work." Alkore said to Alcweth.
"Well, I have not yet explained, my Countess." Alcweth said, stepping forward a bit. "I know that neither of them like to show it very much, but they do care about each other, even though they have only known each other for a small time. It follows thus.
"Lhunoriel and Legolas will be told that they will be married. Lhunoriel will be married a year from today and Legolas the week after that. They will conduct a 'love affair' and try to hide it, only telling the servants, Saurmereth and I. Then, I will be able to tell both of you when they have been alone and their relationship would progress. Two days before Lhunoriel's wedding day, you," she motioned to Thranduil, "will tell Legolas that, due to some arrangements, the marriage day for him has been moved up to Lhunoriel's wedding day, making it a double wedding.
"On the day of the wedding, you each will tell them that they are going first, not allowing them to have any contact with each other to tell them what's going on. Then, at the altar, when Legolas lifts Lhunoriel's veil, all will be revealed."
Alkore and Thranduil thought about it. Thranduil's face lit up.
"Ingenious!" Thranduil said, standing up.
"But how does this punish Lhunoriel?" Alkore said.
"It will torture her." Alcweth said, smiling wryly. "For you will not tell each of them exactly who they are marrying. All they will know is that they are getting married and not to each other."
"What will we tell them?" asked Thranduil.
"Tell them that they are not to know who they are marrying for their disobedience."
"I like it." Alkore said, smiling and letting it sink in. "It's elaborate and cruel, but I like it."
"I never meant for it to be cruel." Alcweth said, looking to the floor. "But I feel as strongly as both of you do on Lhunoriel and Legolas being married."
"Of course not, Alcweth." Thranduil said, putting his hand on Alcweth's shoulder. "Why don't you go send for Legolas and your brother. I will go to Lhunoriel."
"And I about my daughter to yours." Said Alkore.
*
And so, Alcweth left her house and walked back to the fair. She found Legolas, Saurmereth and Gimli drinking. Saurmereth and Gimli were quite drunk while Legolas was merely staring into his drink.
"Alcweth!" said Saurmereth, welcoming his sister and putting an arm around her neck. "Have a drink!" He put the tankard to her lips, but she drank none of it. "Okay, what did I do now?"
Alcweth pushed her brother away and faced the trio.
"I come with business from the King." Alcweth stood up importantly. Legolas shot up.
"What does he say?" Legolas said, eager for something to take him away.
"Your plan has been found out. As it turns out, both you and my mistress have not spoken the truth tonight. His majesty, King Thranduil, wishes for your presence immediately in the home of the Countess Alkore."
Legolas looked to the ground and then looked back at Alcweth.
"Very well." Legolas said, realizing that there was no way to get out of it. "Saurmereth, come."
"But there's still-." Said Saurmereth, falling to a table.
"That's an order, Saurmereth." Legolas turned to Gimli. "I am not forcing you to come, but do so if you think it is necessary." Legolas then turned back to Alcweth, leaving Gimli confused. "Take me to her manor."
*
Within a few minutes time, the party was at the gates of Lhunoriel's manor, waiting to be let in.
*
In the meantime, Thranduil went to Lhunoriel's room. Lhunoriel, prior to the king's arrival, had been pacing back and forth in a white dress in her room. She braided her hair, placed her coronet around her head and was waiting for someone to get her.
"Oh..." Lhunoriel said in agony, pacing further still and moaning in grief. "What's with all the waiting? Why can't I just have her come to me, punish me and we can get on with our never-ending lives?" At that point, she fell down on the bed with a harsh sigh. It was then that Thranduil knocked on the door. Lhunoriel sat up. "Who is it?"
"His majesty. I ask for permission to come in." Thranduil said.
"Why of course!" Lhunoriel jumped up and flew to the door, opening it. "Your majesty. I was not expecting you." Lhunoriel curtsied and let him in.
"And who would you be expecting?"
"Alcweth... mother...." Lhunoriel said, trailing off as strange thoughts wandered through her head of a certain elf. She shook the thoughts away and looked up to the king. "Anyway, is there something you wish to speak of to me?"
"Why yes, there is." Thranduil said. "Your mother wishes to see you."
"You came up here for that?"
"Well, I guess it's silly, hmm?" Thranduil said, walking down the stairs with Lhunoriel.
"Well, you aren't of course, but she could have sent Alcweth for a job as such."
"Alcweth, your servant, right?"
"Why yes, my lady in waiting."
"And she is the sister of my son's servant, right?"
"Correct again, your majesty. Her brother is Saurmereth, I believe his highness's man at arms."
"Small world, as I see it."
"And it's only getting smaller."
*
Alcweth opened the gate for Legolas, Saurmereth and Gimli to walk through. The cool air and silence sobered the later two up.
Alcweth walked into the parlor, telling the group to wait.
"Your Excellency?" Alcweth said to the Countess, who was sitting in the chair.
"Yes, Alcweth?" Alkore said
"His highness is here."
"Send him in." Alkore stood up as the prince entered the room. "Your highness."
"Your Excellency." Legolas bowed, Alkore curtsied.
"We have been expecting you."
"I certainly hope so."
"Please have a seat." Both sat down and waited patiently for Thranduil and Lhunoriel.
When they came in, Legolas and Alkore stood up.
"Legolas. Did you have fun?" Thranduil said, piercingly. Legolas frowned. Then he turned to Lhunoriel. He noted the severe difference in appearance once her hair was braided, her clothes were changed and the single trinket that showed she was noble was placed on her head.
"Lhunoriel." Legolas bowed, forgetting the formality of the situation.
"Your highness." Lhunoriel said, reminding Legolas of that formality and curtsying.
"Lhunoriel, I have your punishment." Alkore said, awaking her daughter.
"And Legolas, I believe you deserve a punishment too for deceiving me." Thranduil said.
"Yes, mother." Lhunoriel said, curtsying to her mother.
"Yes, father." Legolas said, bowing to Thranduil.
"You're getting married." Alkore and Thranduil said simultaneously.
Wide eyed, Lhunoriel and Legolas looked at each other.
"What?" Lhunoriel said.
"To each other?" asked Legolas.
"No." Thranduil said. "To different people."
"But why?" Lhunoriel asked, stepping to her mother.
"You have shown disobedience, we both want you to get married, but as punishment, not to each other."
"How do you know that's punishment?" Lhunoriel said, folding her arms, walking past her mother and looking out the window.
"I don't. But I know the agony would be unbearable. For you will not meet him."
"The same for you, my son." Thranduil said.
"What?" Legolas said, turning in disbelief to his father. "You can't do this to me!"
"I am the king, Legolas. You do as I ask."
"But I agree with Legolas!" Lhunoriel said, turning to her mother. "You can't do this to me."
"I have given my blessing, Lhunoriel." Thranduil said. "My blessing is my command." He looked her hard in the eyes.
Lhunoriel and Legolas looked to each other with a mingled expression of sorrow, anger, love and sympathy and then turned to their respective parents.
"Yes, your Excellency." Lhunoriel said, casting his eyes to the floor. "I yield."
"Yes, your majesty." Legolas said, doing the same.
"Good." Said Thranduil. "Now we must be going back to the castle. A rather eventful night, won't you say?" He bowed to Alkore. "Thank you for letting us use your home."
"It was not a problem, Thranduil." Alkore said, curtsying. She turned to Legolas. "I wish you happiness."
"Thank you." Legolas said, bowing.
"Lhunoriel, say farewell to Legolas and Thranduil." Said Alkore, turning to her daughter and giving her the "do it or you won't leave your room for another millennia" look.
Lhunoriel rolled her eyes and turned to Thranduil. "Thank you for settling this dispute, your majesty." She curtsied. He bowed.
"Legolas?" Thranduil said, turning to his son. "You may have been gone for a year, but you can still use your manners to the young lady."
Legolas sighed and walked to Lhunoriel. He took her hand and kissed it. For Legolas, it was common courtesy and Lhunoriel knew that. In fact, both of them did. But in that slight moment, both of them forgot and their hearts jumped a bit.
Legolas immediately released her hand and they looked to each other for a bit.
"Thank you for the dance." Legolas finally said.
"Same to you..." Lhunoriel paused, stepping backwards a bit. "Your highness." Lhunoriel curtsied and turned to her mother. "May I be excused to my room?"
"Yes, dear." Alkore said, waving her hand.
"Thank you for coming here." Lhunoriel said, rushing out of the room and up the stairs, Alcweth following her.
*
"Come on, Legolas." Thranduil said, walking out the door. Legolas followed wearily and burdened with the evening's news and Gimli and Saurmereth followed.
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A/N: Ah, dramatic irony. Such a lovely tool! I flit, I float, I flit, I flee, I fly. Good BYE!!!! *does a pirouette and falls on her face* Ow.
Test time!
What was or hero and heroine's punishment? What was the "trinket that showed her nobility" that Lhunoriel wore? Were Saurmereth and Gimli drunk and for how long? Opinion: Should Legolas and Lhunoriel have an "affair or should they leave the matter be?
Disclaimer: Erm..... um... Well, Tolkien's works don't pay for poor children in Somalia, but if they did, they wouldn't be too poor any longer. Pay for children! Eat your food and care for the little children. They won't attack you if you do. (doesn't know what she said, but it doesn't matter, really)
^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~ ^
Chapter 8
"Are you sure we won't be detected?" asked Alcweth, walking with Lhunoriel up the steps to Lhunoriel's house.
"We'll be fine." Lhunoriel said, quietly opening the gate.
A/N: CONFLICT!
As Lhunoriel opened the gate, her mother stepped out from the shadows of the house.
"So you haven't been sewing in your room." Alkore said, scaring her daughter and servant out of their wits.
Lhunoriel, catching herself, replied, "Mother, let me explain."
"No explaining" Alkore said, walking into the house with Lhunoriel following her. Alcweth closed the door. "About an hour after you supposedly locked yourself up in your room, I received a message from his majesty, Thranduil."
"Yes?" Lhunoriel said, entering the parlor after her mother. She sat down.
"He was very excited for Legolas had told him that he was going to meet with someone at the festival tonight. Can you imagine who?" Alkore folded her arms.
"Me?" Lhunoriel said hesitantly.
"Yes." Alkore said. "Now why would he say that?" Lhunoriel was about to reply but her mother continued. Alkore picked up a piece of paper from behind her and gave it to Lhunoriel.
Lhunoriel read it silently to herself. It only stated that Thranduil was excited and Legolas was "going to meet with Lhunoriel at the festival."
"Elbereth." Lhunoriel said. "He used me as an excuse?" She sat back in the chair, staring at the letter.
Alkore threw her hands up in the air and sat down. "What am I going to do with you?" She said. Alkore sighed. "Go to your quarters until I call for you." Lhunoriel stood up and started walking out. "And change into some good clothes." Alkore said.
"Yes, my lady." Lhunoriel said, curtsying to her mother and leaving the room.
Alkore sighed and covered her face with her hand.
"My lady." Alcweth said, appearing in the doorway.
"Yes, Alcweth?" Alkore said, not bothering to look up.
"King Thranduil is here."
Alkore stood up and smoothed her dress. "Send him in."
Alcweth stood back and let the king pass. Alkore curtsied to the king. Thranduil nodded his head.
"I am dearly sorry to call you over so late." Alkore said.
"I know." Said Thranduil. "It seems our children have been causing trouble."
"Please sit." Alkore and Thranduil sat opposite each other. "Now we need to find a solution." Both sat in silence for a moment and Alcweth looked on.
"Your Excellencies, if I may suggest a solution?" Alcweth said, stepping into the light.
"Feel free." Thranduil said, shifting towards Alcweth. She cleared her throat.
"Well, I was thinking," Alcweth said. She started twisting her hands together. "What if we married them?"
Both the nobles jumped at the suggestion.
"But they didn't know it." And again, the nobles were confused.
"I am afraid I do not know how your plan would work." Alkore said to Alcweth.
"Well, I have not yet explained, my Countess." Alcweth said, stepping forward a bit. "I know that neither of them like to show it very much, but they do care about each other, even though they have only known each other for a small time. It follows thus.
"Lhunoriel and Legolas will be told that they will be married. Lhunoriel will be married a year from today and Legolas the week after that. They will conduct a 'love affair' and try to hide it, only telling the servants, Saurmereth and I. Then, I will be able to tell both of you when they have been alone and their relationship would progress. Two days before Lhunoriel's wedding day, you," she motioned to Thranduil, "will tell Legolas that, due to some arrangements, the marriage day for him has been moved up to Lhunoriel's wedding day, making it a double wedding.
"On the day of the wedding, you each will tell them that they are going first, not allowing them to have any contact with each other to tell them what's going on. Then, at the altar, when Legolas lifts Lhunoriel's veil, all will be revealed."
Alkore and Thranduil thought about it. Thranduil's face lit up.
"Ingenious!" Thranduil said, standing up.
"But how does this punish Lhunoriel?" Alkore said.
"It will torture her." Alcweth said, smiling wryly. "For you will not tell each of them exactly who they are marrying. All they will know is that they are getting married and not to each other."
"What will we tell them?" asked Thranduil.
"Tell them that they are not to know who they are marrying for their disobedience."
"I like it." Alkore said, smiling and letting it sink in. "It's elaborate and cruel, but I like it."
"I never meant for it to be cruel." Alcweth said, looking to the floor. "But I feel as strongly as both of you do on Lhunoriel and Legolas being married."
"Of course not, Alcweth." Thranduil said, putting his hand on Alcweth's shoulder. "Why don't you go send for Legolas and your brother. I will go to Lhunoriel."
"And I about my daughter to yours." Said Alkore.
*
And so, Alcweth left her house and walked back to the fair. She found Legolas, Saurmereth and Gimli drinking. Saurmereth and Gimli were quite drunk while Legolas was merely staring into his drink.
"Alcweth!" said Saurmereth, welcoming his sister and putting an arm around her neck. "Have a drink!" He put the tankard to her lips, but she drank none of it. "Okay, what did I do now?"
Alcweth pushed her brother away and faced the trio.
"I come with business from the King." Alcweth stood up importantly. Legolas shot up.
"What does he say?" Legolas said, eager for something to take him away.
"Your plan has been found out. As it turns out, both you and my mistress have not spoken the truth tonight. His majesty, King Thranduil, wishes for your presence immediately in the home of the Countess Alkore."
Legolas looked to the ground and then looked back at Alcweth.
"Very well." Legolas said, realizing that there was no way to get out of it. "Saurmereth, come."
"But there's still-." Said Saurmereth, falling to a table.
"That's an order, Saurmereth." Legolas turned to Gimli. "I am not forcing you to come, but do so if you think it is necessary." Legolas then turned back to Alcweth, leaving Gimli confused. "Take me to her manor."
*
Within a few minutes time, the party was at the gates of Lhunoriel's manor, waiting to be let in.
*
In the meantime, Thranduil went to Lhunoriel's room. Lhunoriel, prior to the king's arrival, had been pacing back and forth in a white dress in her room. She braided her hair, placed her coronet around her head and was waiting for someone to get her.
"Oh..." Lhunoriel said in agony, pacing further still and moaning in grief. "What's with all the waiting? Why can't I just have her come to me, punish me and we can get on with our never-ending lives?" At that point, she fell down on the bed with a harsh sigh. It was then that Thranduil knocked on the door. Lhunoriel sat up. "Who is it?"
"His majesty. I ask for permission to come in." Thranduil said.
"Why of course!" Lhunoriel jumped up and flew to the door, opening it. "Your majesty. I was not expecting you." Lhunoriel curtsied and let him in.
"And who would you be expecting?"
"Alcweth... mother...." Lhunoriel said, trailing off as strange thoughts wandered through her head of a certain elf. She shook the thoughts away and looked up to the king. "Anyway, is there something you wish to speak of to me?"
"Why yes, there is." Thranduil said. "Your mother wishes to see you."
"You came up here for that?"
"Well, I guess it's silly, hmm?" Thranduil said, walking down the stairs with Lhunoriel.
"Well, you aren't of course, but she could have sent Alcweth for a job as such."
"Alcweth, your servant, right?"
"Why yes, my lady in waiting."
"And she is the sister of my son's servant, right?"
"Correct again, your majesty. Her brother is Saurmereth, I believe his highness's man at arms."
"Small world, as I see it."
"And it's only getting smaller."
*
Alcweth opened the gate for Legolas, Saurmereth and Gimli to walk through. The cool air and silence sobered the later two up.
Alcweth walked into the parlor, telling the group to wait.
"Your Excellency?" Alcweth said to the Countess, who was sitting in the chair.
"Yes, Alcweth?" Alkore said
"His highness is here."
"Send him in." Alkore stood up as the prince entered the room. "Your highness."
"Your Excellency." Legolas bowed, Alkore curtsied.
"We have been expecting you."
"I certainly hope so."
"Please have a seat." Both sat down and waited patiently for Thranduil and Lhunoriel.
When they came in, Legolas and Alkore stood up.
"Legolas. Did you have fun?" Thranduil said, piercingly. Legolas frowned. Then he turned to Lhunoriel. He noted the severe difference in appearance once her hair was braided, her clothes were changed and the single trinket that showed she was noble was placed on her head.
"Lhunoriel." Legolas bowed, forgetting the formality of the situation.
"Your highness." Lhunoriel said, reminding Legolas of that formality and curtsying.
"Lhunoriel, I have your punishment." Alkore said, awaking her daughter.
"And Legolas, I believe you deserve a punishment too for deceiving me." Thranduil said.
"Yes, mother." Lhunoriel said, curtsying to her mother.
"Yes, father." Legolas said, bowing to Thranduil.
"You're getting married." Alkore and Thranduil said simultaneously.
Wide eyed, Lhunoriel and Legolas looked at each other.
"What?" Lhunoriel said.
"To each other?" asked Legolas.
"No." Thranduil said. "To different people."
"But why?" Lhunoriel asked, stepping to her mother.
"You have shown disobedience, we both want you to get married, but as punishment, not to each other."
"How do you know that's punishment?" Lhunoriel said, folding her arms, walking past her mother and looking out the window.
"I don't. But I know the agony would be unbearable. For you will not meet him."
"The same for you, my son." Thranduil said.
"What?" Legolas said, turning in disbelief to his father. "You can't do this to me!"
"I am the king, Legolas. You do as I ask."
"But I agree with Legolas!" Lhunoriel said, turning to her mother. "You can't do this to me."
"I have given my blessing, Lhunoriel." Thranduil said. "My blessing is my command." He looked her hard in the eyes.
Lhunoriel and Legolas looked to each other with a mingled expression of sorrow, anger, love and sympathy and then turned to their respective parents.
"Yes, your Excellency." Lhunoriel said, casting his eyes to the floor. "I yield."
"Yes, your majesty." Legolas said, doing the same.
"Good." Said Thranduil. "Now we must be going back to the castle. A rather eventful night, won't you say?" He bowed to Alkore. "Thank you for letting us use your home."
"It was not a problem, Thranduil." Alkore said, curtsying. She turned to Legolas. "I wish you happiness."
"Thank you." Legolas said, bowing.
"Lhunoriel, say farewell to Legolas and Thranduil." Said Alkore, turning to her daughter and giving her the "do it or you won't leave your room for another millennia" look.
Lhunoriel rolled her eyes and turned to Thranduil. "Thank you for settling this dispute, your majesty." She curtsied. He bowed.
"Legolas?" Thranduil said, turning to his son. "You may have been gone for a year, but you can still use your manners to the young lady."
Legolas sighed and walked to Lhunoriel. He took her hand and kissed it. For Legolas, it was common courtesy and Lhunoriel knew that. In fact, both of them did. But in that slight moment, both of them forgot and their hearts jumped a bit.
Legolas immediately released her hand and they looked to each other for a bit.
"Thank you for the dance." Legolas finally said.
"Same to you..." Lhunoriel paused, stepping backwards a bit. "Your highness." Lhunoriel curtsied and turned to her mother. "May I be excused to my room?"
"Yes, dear." Alkore said, waving her hand.
"Thank you for coming here." Lhunoriel said, rushing out of the room and up the stairs, Alcweth following her.
*
"Come on, Legolas." Thranduil said, walking out the door. Legolas followed wearily and burdened with the evening's news and Gimli and Saurmereth followed.
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A/N: Ah, dramatic irony. Such a lovely tool! I flit, I float, I flit, I flee, I fly. Good BYE!!!! *does a pirouette and falls on her face* Ow.
Test time!
What was or hero and heroine's punishment? What was the "trinket that showed her nobility" that Lhunoriel wore? Were Saurmereth and Gimli drunk and for how long? Opinion: Should Legolas and Lhunoriel have an "affair or should they leave the matter be?