THE GRIFFON'S TEARS
Chapter 6 ~ "The King of Culhallas Wood"
"I am impressed, Son," Thranduil said, glancing over at the young Elf as they headed back to the heart of the city. The sinking sun set the Culhalla trees ablaze with color and the King found himself feeling an odd touch of envy. His beloved beech trees in the Greenwood would blaze red in the autumn, but the Culhallas were always this color. Rising above the dark green oaks, they looked liked living towers of flame.
Everything that he had seen of Ithilien was beautiful. Thranduil had expected to see more evidence of Sauron's hand in this land. The earth recovered slowly, but he had seen only minor damage.
The more recent damage from the vortex was far more worrisome, but even that, Legolas had turned to his advantage as much as was possible.
"You show good foresight in your trade actions," Thranduil said, winning a surprised glance from Legolas. He had sensed his youngest son's nervousness all through their ride. He supposed he did push his children rather hard, but for a good purpose. Legolas obviously had learned what he should have during his days in Thranduil's court.
"You have a healthy diversity in your produce and offer some goods that no other kingdom can supply. I am proud of you and despite the economic setback of your vineyards, I see a prosperous time ahead for you. Well done!"
Legolas turned to him with a rather sheepish smile, one that Thranduil recognized from Legolas' childhood. The King's heart gave a painful lurch. His son had become distant in more than just leagues and Thranduil desperately missed the shy, cheerful boy that Legolas had been.
"It is a relief to hear you say that Father," Legolas said hesitantly, as if he did not wish to admit it. "I have followed my instincts, but I . . ." he paused and then gave Thranduil a rueful grin. "I am finding that I know both more and less about ruling a kingdom than I thought."
Thranduil chuckled, "You will face that all of your life, I fear."
"Indeed? Yet you make it appear so easy."
"A gift of the descendants of Oropher," Thranduil said with a wink.
Legolas laughed. "By which you mean that there is much bluffing involved."
"Exactly."
They dismounted near the great Hall and Legolas led Thranduil to the stairs of the guest chambers. As they mounted them, Legolas saw one of the she- Elves he had asked to serve as Alede's handmaiden.
"Nimhith? Would you see to Lady Alede? She asked to be woken and may need your assistance to prepare for the ceremony."
The woman stopped and stared at Legolas with an expression, which vaguely reminded him of his mother.
"My Lord," Nimhith replied, "is not the ceremony in an hour's time?"
"Yes."
The she-Elf shook her head in disgust. "An hour is not enough time for a lady to prepare for her betrothal ceremony. You should have sent for me much earlier." With those parting words, she ascended the steps to Alede's rooms quickly and disappeared from sight.
Thranduil chuckled and patted his son on the shoulder.
"I see that you are in for a rude awakening where women are concerned," the King observed.
"So it appears," Legolas replied with a rueful grin. "Never has one of my people set me down so sternly. But I think that Nimhith will be surprised. Alede is of a practical nature and does not fuss as most women do."
Thranduil raised his brows at this remark but wisely said nothing.
~ ~ ~
"An hour!?" Alede squeaked in alarm. "I cannot possibly be ready in an hour!"
"I know, my Lady. I informed our Lord as such, but we must do the best that we can." She led Alede into the dark bedchamber and lit a candle. "Undress and I will draw a bath for you."
"I was hoping I could wash my hair again," Alede said from the muffled folds of her dress as she yanked it off hastily. "I don't even know if my father has arrived yet. I hope he arrived safely. I need my trunks too. . . oh!" she stumbled over the wadded up kirtle on the floor.
"Your father and his party arrived this afternoon," the she-Elf said from the bathing chamber. "And I see that your trunks are here as well. There is no time to wash your hair, but I will set some curls in it. Your bath is ready."
Alede bolted into the bath chamber, a robe clutched about her shoulders.
"In the largest trunk is a dress made of gold silk," Alede said, tossing the robe on a chair and plunging into the bathtub. She was in too much of a panic to bother with modesty now. "It's the one I want to . . . ouch! This is hot! The gold dress is the one I want for tonight."
"Very well, my Lady."
"Wait," Alede cried as the she-Elf headed for the door. "I do not even know your name."
The she-Elf turned, giving Alede a smile. "I am called Nimhith."
"Thank you, Nimhith."
~ ~ ~
Alede emerged from her bedchamber an hour later, scrubbed and breathless. Nimhith had worked wonders with her hair, taming the unruly locks and coaxing them to curl slightly. Her gown glowed in the candlelight. It had been a gift from Elladan and Elrohir and was made with real gold thread. It rustled softly as she moved.
Outside, the wind stirred in the trees and the building swayed gently. Alede paused, feeling butterflies in her stomach that had nothing to do with the movement of her home.
Nimhith gave her a quick sympathetic smile. "Someone will come to escort you to the gathering," she said as she left.
Alede nodded but stayed still for a moment, trying to control her anxiety, nervously fingering her betrothal ring. She had absolutely no doubts about Legolas. Her love for him was so certain, it was almost as if it had been foreordained. But there still lingered the tiniest doubt that he married her only because he pitied her.
Her rational mind rejected the notion. An Elf would never compromise himself by marrying for such an artificial reason. Nevertheless the tiniest fear remained.
*Nonsense!* Alede told herself fiercely. *Legolas knows his own heart. This is only a betrothal ceremony. If we are not suited, then we will discover it over the next year and may correct any problems which lie between us.*
Reaching out with her song, she tried to touch his mind, but Legolas was distracted and she quietly withdrew. She knew that his people were probably demanding much of his time tonight and decided to leave him in peace. He need not be bothered by her silly insecurities.
Resolutely, she stepped out of her door and plunged into darkness.
~ ~ ~
Legolas paced behind the dense trees surrounding the gathering place, nervously twisting his betrothal ring around his finger. He had just come from the Great Hall where he and Radagast had exchanged gifts. He was well pleased with the beautiful pair of the Shrykes the old wizard had given him and Radagast in return had been well pleased with Legolas' gifts.
The preparations for the feast were all finished. Savory smells wafted through the trees and his people were gathered at the huge tables, which had been set under the trees. A few torches gave the area a soft glow. But Legolas would be extinguishing them soon, plunging the area into a dramatic darkness as the old customs required.
They only waited now the arrival of his betrothed.
Betrothed. The word had a new meaning now than it had when he had come home five years ago and announced to his people that he was betrothed. Then it had been a romantic idea, a dream of happiness, an excuse to build another home in the trees.
But now it was solid reality and the reality frightened Legolas.
He had absolutely no doubts about Alede. His love for her was so certain, it might as well have been written in the stars. Even if he looked at it from a logical perspective, he knew she was right for him. Alede complimented every part of him and her acceptance, nay, her love of Gimli made it even more certain.
*But what if I cannot make her happy? Alede knows nothing of the demands of rule. What if I cannot give her the time, the attention that she needs?*
He consoled himself that Alede had always been an independent woman, roaming the wilds alone for months at a time. Surely she would not pine if his days were occupied with his people.
But her independence worried him as well. Would she find his kingdom stifling? She had been accustomed to her freedom and as his wife, her time would be much required at court. Would it chafe her that she could not travel whenever the mood struck her?
Legolas would encourage her healing abilities. There were many small villages in Gondor that would benefit from her skill when she could be spared from home. He would insist upon a guard accompanying her though. Would she resent that loss of her freedom?
The crackling of leaves brought him out of his musings. He looked up to see Radagast approaching. The old wizard wore a sympathetic expression.
"My boy," he said, kindly patting Legolas' shoulder, "you have the look of one who has just realized that he will soon be taking a wife."
Legolas grinned ruefully. "Is it that apparent?" he asked, trying to make light of the subject..
Radagast nodded.
Legolas took a deep breath. "I only hope that I can make Alede happy."
Radagast chuckled. "And she has the same worries about you."
"She does?"
"Aye. But trust an old man, Legolas. You are compatible in personality and values, you are both honest to a fault and you are very much in love. You have gone through much for and with each other. You will be happy. I have no doubt about it."
Legolas sighed. "Your words are very reassuring. I thank you."
"Nay, it is I who thanks you," Radagast said, a twinkle in his eye. "I thought I would never get rid of my pesky daughter. She will be in her element with a husband, indeed an entire kingdom, to boss around, to organize . . ."
Legolas laughed, as Radagast had hoped that he would and together they walked to the gathering.
~ ~ ~
Alede hurried down the long stairs, feeling as if she were slowly being swallowed by darkness. Only a few torches were lit, one at the bottom of the stairs and another near the great Hall. The feast, she knew lay in the huge open area opposite the hall, but it lay in complete darkness. What was going on?
A figure all in white appeared at the bottom of the steps and for a moment she thought it was Legolas. But then her spirits fell and she realized that it was Thranduil instead.
"My lord," she said hesitantly.
"I instructed you never to call me that again, did I not?"
Alede sighed, an anxious sound. She needed reassurance, not instruction.
"I am sorry. I . . ."
"I see that you chose not to wear your nightclothes for this occasion," Thranduil remarked and Alede's head came up at the smug tones in his voice, as if he had expected her to gallop off in her nightdress all along.
"As I told you," she said haughtily, "I had gowns made in Rivendell."
"I am relieved," he said drolly. "Let us go."
Alede hesitated. "I do not understand why all is in darkness."
"You will see, Daughter. Come."
"But . . ." she hung back nervously.
"Legolas and his people await," Thranduil's voice was impatient.
"It is just," her voice was barely above a whisper, "I cannot see."
Thranduil heard the tremulous quality in her voice and recognized it for what it was. He was not without heart as she believed him to be. Much of Thranduil's antagonism was to see how sternly she was made. Alede had passed most of his tests, but perhaps this one was too much for her considering the circumstances. He could see that she was both tired and hungry and the enormity of what she was doing had only just sunk in.
He turned back to her. "Take my arm," he said softly. "I will not let you falter."
Alede slipped her trembling hand through the crook of his arm. He felt warm and solid and not nearly as imposing as one would think of such an intimidating Elf.
He led her easily through the forest to the gathering place, leaving the torchlight behind. As they walked, Alede caught a few glimmers of stars through the canopy and as her eyes adjusted to the darkness she could see Thranduil's soft glow as well.
She sensed the presence of others as they approached what she assumed was the gathering and soon could see their faint golden glow.
A huge drum suddenly boomed in the darkness. Alede jumped. Thranduil stopped and pulled his arm out of her grasp. For a terrible moment, she thought he was going to leave her. Instead he put an arm about her shoulders and gave her a quick, hard hug, kissing her on the forehead.
She turned to him in surprise, but Thranduil was already rearranging them again, placing her hand on the back of his in the formal way of Elves.
The drum boomed again and then a voice rang out, a voice she did not recognize. The words were in Quenya and she recognized the singsong quality of an elvish minstrel. Her knowledge of the ancient language was sketchy at best and it was a few moments before she began to pick out familiar words.
To Alede's astonishment, she realized that the voice was telling the story of when she found Legolas in Orthanc and his subsequent rescue. It went on for several moments, finally ending with another earth vibrating boom from the drum.
Torches came to life on the opposite end of the gathering, illuminating Legolas as he sat upon a huge carved throne. The yellow light spilled over his hair, gilding it to the color of the finest gold. It lay loose upon his shoulders, save for the sides which had been caught in the back. His clothing was pearl gray, with needlework of dark green tracing a pattern of leaves upon the tunic. A circlet of gold and emeralds sat upon his brow and he looked both stern and fair.
Alede's trepidation doubled. Legolas looked nothing like the Elf she had come to know. She had seen him injured, his eyes glazed with pain, burning up with fever. She had seen him deadly angry, frustrated, and weary with despair. And too, she had seen him smiling, brimming over with mischief.
But never like this.
She had never seen this side of him.
He looked like a king.
The drums began a steady beat then. Three Elves circled the massive drums, cut from a hollow trunk. Flutes began a slow hypnotic tune and Alede felt as if she had stepped into another world. These were not the urban Elves that she was accustomed to in Rivendell. These were Wood Elves, who even Elrohir considered wild and untamed. This was an alien world, something beyond her ken and Alede realized that she was not at all prepared for it. She had thought she was, but the royal vision ahead of her, proved that she was wrong.
Legolas sat his throne like one of the ancient pagan gods, both terrible and beautiful at once. She felt unworthy to even worship at his alter.
The journey, the lack of sleep and food all caught up with her. She would have swooned if not for Thranduil's warm hand beneath her's.
"Good people of Eryn Culhallas," the minstrel announced, in Sindarin, "Prepare to receive our sovereign's betrothed, the Lady Alede."
The desperately beautiful pagan god at the other end of the gathering rose fluidly from his throne and stood.
With a wave of his hand, torches sprang to life on either side of Alede and she gasped. She had not even known that he possessed this bit of Elvin magic. When had he acquired it or had it always been a part of him?
"Chin up," Thranduil whispered. "And for the love of Ilúvatar, breathe!"
Alede took a deep shuddering breath, realizing that she had been holding it and then Thranduil started forward. Alede concentrated on keeping her head up and not stepping on the hem of her gown. She had a death grip on the back of Thranduil's hand. She did not look to either side of her, though the torches continued to light as she and the King of the Greenwood slowly walked the impossible length of the gathering. She kept her eyes on Legolas instead and as she drew closer, she realized that he looked less and less like a god and more like the Elf that she so desperately loved. A smile touched the corners of his finely wrought mouth and his eyes were full of joy.
Then Gimli stepped up onto the dais beside Legolas and his comfortingly homely face reassured her so much that she broke into a smile. And because she did not look to either side, she did not know the effect that her smile had upon the people watching her. She did not know that the people of Eryn Culhallas had spent the last five years dreading the coming of their Prince's betrothed, for she was a foreigner to them and they trusted not the people outside their own race.
But the warmth of her smile reassured them and it told them too that she loved their prince with all her heart. So when Thranduil led her up to the dais and handed her to Legolas, the people let out a sigh of relief and when Legolas turned Alede to face them and bid them to welcome her, they did so with glad hearts and their shouts of joy rang out.
~ ~ ~
"I feared you might faint," Legolas said to Alede quietly as they sat at the table. "Are you alright?"
"I feared I might too," Alede whispered back. "But yes, I am well. Too much excitement and too little food. Thank the Valar for you father! He practically held me up!"
"If our betrothal feast does this to you, what will you be like on our wedding day?" he asked, his eyes brimming with joy and mischief.
"Giddy!" Alede grinned.
Legolas laughed contentedly. Now that he was with her, everything seemed well. In her nervousness, Alede had unthinkingly blocked her song from him, but now their notes wrapped around each other like lovers and his confidence soared. There was no obstacle the two of them could not surmount.
Beneath the table, Alede's hand brushed across his thigh, seeking his. Legolas forgot all else as her fingers intertwined with his. Bringing her hand to his lips, he kissed it softly. All who happened to be watching them, smiled at the love they saw shining in their brief shared look. *
~ ~ ~
The rest of the feast was much too long for Legolas, but he hoped that its grandness would satisfy his people's desire to celebrate their sovereign's betrothal. Personally, he wanted nothing more than to be alone with Alede, though he knew that would not happen for probably several more hours.
Despite Mändel's protests, Legolas had insisted that the gift giving be held privately, with only family members present. And after that was done, Legolas intended to gloat over her like a territorial dragon.
~ ~ ~
"You were wonderful, Alede," Legolas said as they walked through her door. "But I fear Mändel spoke far too long. I hope he did not weary you. He is very conscientious about performing his duties as steward."
Alede shook her head as she lit lamps in her visiting room. "Your people did me much honor. I was so worried about meeting them."
"They will come to love you, Alede," Legolas said quietly as he walked over to her. "They were impressed with your graciousness tonight and as they come to know you, they will love you as one of their own." Alede turned and stepped into his arms. He held her close and kissed the side of her face. "You are breathtakingly beautiful tonight," he said softly.
Alede flushed with pleasure. "And you are breathtakingly handsome," she said.
"Mmm . . . if not for the footsteps which I hear on the stairs outside, I would take you to your bedchamber and ravish you," Legolas said with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Perhaps . . ." Alede began shyly, "I could lock the door?"
Legolas threw back his head and laughed, just as that door swung open.
"You could have lent a hand!" Gimli growled as he stepped into the room, bearing a large trunk and sweating profusely.
"And insult your Dwarvin pride?" Thranduil asked smoothly in his most imperious tone. "Your people boast of your strength. Be grateful, Master Dwarf that I opened the door for you."
Gimli muttered something impolite under his breath and set the heavy trunk down. Radagast came in behind the King, looking amused, carrying a small trunk as well.
"This room is too small for the four of us," Thranduil observed.
"Five of us," both Legolas and Alede corrected at the same time.
Alede grinned, but Legolas was too busy giving his father a scathing look to notice.
"You are correct, Father," Alede told Thranduil. "But my father has not yet seen my chambers and I wished to show him Legolas' generosity."
Thranduil sat down in the large chair and gave Alede a knowing look. He knew she was trying to placate him.
Alede merely tossed the King a smile. She had not forgotten that he'd kissed her forehead before the ceremony. His impetuous tone no longer frightened her.
Legolas gave the two an amused glance and gestured to Gimli. "Come, we can fetch chairs from my rooms."
"This is beautiful!" Radagast declared, poking around in Alede's library. "Your betrothed is generous indeed! You should see the rooms he prepared for Cyrus and I . . . and the desk and parchment and quills . . . there is even a falconry for my birds . . ."
Alede smiled as her father babbled on happily. Legolas and Gimli came in a moment later bearing chairs and an oddly wrapped bundle. Once they were all seated, Alede cleared her throat.
"Well, it seems that everyone else has exchanged gifts, but me," she said, rising and walked over to the small trunk, which she handed to Legolas.
Legolas grinned up at her, like a child receiving a conception day gift and lifted the lid. ** He pulled out a heavy vial, cut of crystal, the mate of the vial she had given Thranduil.
"It is distillation of Unicorn's horn," Alede told him, explaining how it could be used to purify his kingdom.
"Alede!" He looked up at her, a solemn smile on his face. "I cannot begin to tell you how much this means to me. Thank you. I have heard how long this takes to brew. I am honored that you would go to so much trouble." The look he gave her more than made up for the long hours, indeed days, that she had spent on the precious liquid.
"And now . . ." He picked up the oblong bundle and handed it to her.
"There is more?" Alede asked in amazement, casting a glance at her opulent home. She untied the ribbon and carefully pulled the folds of cloth away to reveal an oak staff. "Oh!" she cried in delight. "Is it . . ?"
"Aye," Legolas answered, "It is a living staff, like the one my father gave to Radagast. I know that yours was lost in the Faerie Kingdom."
With a cry of delight and gratitude, Alede waved the staff and sent a shower of flower petals cascading over Legolas. He chuckled as they turned to little bits of light as they hit the floor and vanished.
"And for you," she said, handing a small, plain box to Gimli. "So that the Glittering Caves might be kept pure as well."
Gimli's mouth fell open as he accepted the distillation. "I . . . I thank you, my Lady. You need not have given me a gift though. This custom is for family members . . ."
"Of which Alede and I consider you a part of," Legolas said, ignoring the scowl on his father's face.
"Agreed," Alede said firmly.
"Well, in that case . . ." Gimli began. "I have something for you, Alede," Gimli said, looking a bit uncomfortable. "I was not certain if it was appropriate, but I made it anyway." He held out a small cloth pouch.
Alede took it from him, her eyes bright with pleasure and curiosity. Carefully she opened the pouch and shook out a small object. Alede held it up and then cried out with delight.
It was a delicate necklace of gold, with a small pendant shaped like the rising sun. In its center winked an amber diamond.
"Gimli, it is beautiful!"
"It is indeed," Legolas said, coming to stand beside her to get a better look.
"It is because you brought the sun back into Legolas' life," Gimli mumbled.
"Thank you," Alede whispered, kissing the blushing dwarf on the cheek.
"Is the gem from the Glittering Caves?" Thranduil asked, showing interest in the dwarf for the first time.
"Nay," Gimli said smugly. "It is a faerie gem, from our little adventure in Rivendell. It was on a pin in the Faerie Queen's hair. I stole it when I placed that iron collar around her neck."
Legolas slapped his friend's shoulder and laughed. Alede shook her head in bemusement.
"I am not certain how to thank you for a stolen gem," she laughed.
"Well," Gimli paused, looking shy again. "I thought that you should have something to remind you of your battle in the Faerie Kingdom. You put up a mighty fight with that Queen. It seemed only far that you should have some of the spoils."
Alede nodded, too overcome with emotion to say anything.
"The gold however," Gimli said in a lighter tone, "I mined and worked myself."
"Only half stolen then," Alede amended with a smile. "Thank you Gimli. I will treasure this."
Then she nodded toward the last remaining trunk. Together, she and Gimli placed it at Legolas' feet.
"Is this the thing that is shorter than my bow, but has a longer reach?" the young prince asked.
"Yes, it is," Alede said, stepping back.
Legolas glanced at both of them, his eyes bright as he lifted the lid.
"What . . ?" He carefully pulled out a cylinder of brass that was nestled in heavy cloth.
"It is Gimli's invention," Alede started to explain.
"Nay, it was Alede's idea," Gimli argued.
"But what is it?" Legolas asked.
Alede glanced at Gimli and he glanced at her.
"It is a star glass," Gimli said with a shrug. "At least that is what I have been calling it."
"A . . ?"
"To look at the stars," Alede interjected. "I had the idea when Cyrus kept talking about that bubble of glass that Gimli used to magnify the writing on the Faerie Goblet. Cylinders like this are used on sailing ships to sight land. And . . . there was that night we sat talking in that tree in Rivendell. You showed me the constellations and the stars. So I wrote to Gimli . . ."
"And she asked me if something could be made to look at the stars," Gimli finished for her.
Legolas was looking at both of them with amazement. Carefully setting the cylinder on his lap, he dug through the cloth in the trunk and lifted out a mount for the cylinder. Thranduil leaned toward him, his curiosity overriding his disdain of all things Dwarvish.
"Shall we try it out?" Legolas asked enthusiastically.
Gimli led the way out onto the balcony and helped Legolas to put the cylinder on the base. They aimed it at the moon, barely visible through the trees.
"Now, you look through here, you see?" the dwarf explained, "There are two sets of concave glass inside that magnify and . . . No wait . . . you move this part of the cylinder back and forth to make the view clear."
"Like so?" Legolas asked, experimenting. "Ah! I have it." There was a long silence while Legolas looked through the cylinder. When he backed away, his face was suffused with amazement. "It is exquisite! There are mountains and valleys! Tis like another world!"
Thranduil moved forward and Legolas stepped aside, walking over to Alede.
"I do not even know what to say. I am grateful and pleased beyond words."
"Then words are not needed," she answered, smiling up at him.
~ ~ ~
"Look at this one, Alede," Legolas said as he gazed through the star glass. *** It was late and the others had all retired to their beds. A single candle burned in Alede's chambers and she and Legolas had dragged a bench over to the star glass. Alede was wrapped in a blanket and leaned her back against the smooth wall of her home. She watched Legolas' silhouette in the darkness contentedly.
She moved over on the bench to take her turn at the star glass.
"Amazing!" she said after a moment. "There are purple clouds around that star!"
"Aye," Legolas said leaning back. "It is in the belt of the Hunter. Who would have known that such a thing could exist?"
"It is beautiful," Alede said, leaning back to sit beside him. Legolas put his arm about her shoulders, pulling her close.
Alede snuggled into him and stifled a yawn.
"Shall I carry you to your bed?" Legolas asked gently. "You have had a long journey and only a short nap this afternoon."
"I do not wish to sleep," she admitted. "I want to be with you. Oh, how I have missed you!" she said, hugging him tightly.
"And I you," he said, returning the embrace. After a moment he added. "I could stay with you, if you wish."
"Do you intend to ravish me?" Alede asked, her voice a mixture of nervousness and teasing.
Legolas stroked a finger softly over her cheek as he considered what to say. "What I said earlier was in jest. Not that I did not consider the idea," he added as she lifted her head from his shoulder to look at him. "But we are betrothed," he continued. "According to the customs of my people, this is supposed to be a time of spiritual contemplation, a joining of minds and hearts, not bodies. I have no objections to becoming lovers now, but . . ."
"But it will not allow us to form the solid basis for our marriage. A base built on trust, friendship and knowledge," Alede finished. She remembered that conversation that they had had long ago while sitting high up in a tree in the dark.
"Exactly," Legolas said.
"Then I would prefer that we wait," Alede said. "Our future is too important to squander on a momentary passion." She paused thoughtfully. "It will be hard though."
"It already is," Legolas deadpanned.
Alede nodded before she caught the glimmer of mischief in his eyes.
"Legolas! I meant putting our passions aside! I was not referring to your . . ." she stumbled to a halt, feeling the heat rise in her face.
Legolas laughed and pulled her close again. "I know what you meant. But my offer still stands. I will sleep with you if you wish it, just to hold you."
"I . . . yes, would you, please?" she asked.
Legolas nodded. Together they carried the star glass into the visiting room and then Legolas crossed over to his own home to get some nightclothes.
Alede quickly undressed and put on a nightdress, then slipped under the soft linens of her bed. She had just gotten comfortable, when Legolas returned. She had a brief glimpse of him as he leaned over the night table. His fair hair slid loose over his shoulders and the light from the candle briefly lit his incredibly handsome face. When he blew out the flame, the room fell into darkness.
The mattress dipped as Legolas got into bed beside her and then his arms enclosed her. Alede turned so that her face was pressed against the warmth of his throat. She inhaled his clean, rain-washed pine scent and felt that she could not be happier.
Legolas stroked Alede's back softly and listened to her even breathing. Her breath was warm against his skin. He kissed her hair and settled her closer, whispering soft words to her.
Alede whispered them back to him and he drifted off to sleep, knowing that this was one of the happiest moments of his life.
~ ~ ~
Green eyes the color of new leaves stared down at a bowl of griffon's tears with vivid fury.
Zarraweth watched the woman as she got into bed. There was nothing to distinguish her from any other human. She had the same dark gold hair and freckles that were common among many of the Rohirrim women. She was perhaps a bit taller than most humans, but that in itself was nothing extraordinary.
It was not until the Elf blew out the candle that Zarraweth got a really good look at her in the scrying bowl before the room went dark. What she saw nearly made her toss the bowl and its precious fluid to the floor.
Green eyes the color of new leaves stared back at her and Zarraweth knew that she looked upon one of her own people.
Getting up, she summoned one of the Orcs cowering in a corner. "Bring me one of those miserable Elves!" she screeched. "It is time to make the Griffon cry again!"
~ ~ ~
A/N: Oh dear. Now what is Zarraweth up to? The action begins in chapter 7, so for those of you gagging over too much romantic mush, here it comes! :)
Many thanks for your reviews and also for the lovely comments about Thranduil. I'm so glad that you like him - he's always been my second favorite Elf. I love his prickly exterior that covers such a warm heart.
Also, someone asked the question as to why Legolas had a kingdom in Ithilien. Well . . . I can only say that I'm basing this off of the appendixes in "Return of the King" in which Tolkien states that Legolas brings *his* people south from the Greenwood and they dwell in Ithilien for many years. We know that Legolas is a prince, so I can only assume that he would be the lord of this particular kingdom.
* Special thanks to Thecla for that lovely addition. :D
** In Tolkien's letters he refers to Elves celebrating their "conception day" instead of their birthday. Since Elves are able to "turn on and off" their ability to be fertile, I guess a conception day is a big thing for them. *shrugs*
*** Telescopes may seem like a very modern invention but in truth they date back to the 1500s. Elves and Dwarves certainly had all the technology needed to create one, I figured it just needed an inventive and inquisitive mind like Gimli's to come up with it.
The purple clouds that Legolas and Alede are looking at are the Orion Nebula. The Nebula is visible to the naked eye and certainly to an Elf as a haze around one of the stars in the belt. When seen through a telescope and even some high-powered binoculars, the haze transforms into a breathtaking swirl of purple clouds. Orion was sometimes known as the Hunter before the Greeks gave it its current name. :)
*** Original Character List ***
Alede the Green - Witch, healer and wizard. She is daughter of Radagast the Brown. After the death of her mother, she was raised in Rivendell for a while and learned healing skills from Elrond. She also developed a terrible crush on Elrohir, which he has gently teased her about for centuries. She also spent some time learning the wizarding craft at Orthanc under the tutelage of Saruman. Because she felt her healer's calling was more important, and because she considered herself a poor wizardess, Alede never completed her training at Orthanc.
Cyrus the Blue - The forth Maia to be sent to Middle Earth and friend to Radagast the Brown
Lomomir - Brother to King Thranduil of Mirkwood and a healer. He has spent the last many years in Rivendell studying with Alede and reading from Elrond's many books and journals.
Maladok the Red - The fifth Maia sent to Middle Earth. After a disastrous encounter with Saruman, Maladok has become a bit of a "black sheep" in the wizarding world.
Zarraweth - A young human witch with more plans and beauty than is good for her.
Malina - A healer and witch of the Angmar Mountains. She was married to Radagast the Brown and was Alede's mother. She was killed by a mob of religious fanatics who thought her witchcraft had brought plague to a village when instead she had been trying to cure it. Alede was only sixteen when Malina was killed.
Mändel - Legolas' steward. He originally served under Thranduil in Mirkwood in a lesser position.
Galomir - Ithilien's healer.
Girwyn - A general in Legolas' army. He is in charge of Ithilien's security.
Nimhith - A she-Elf of Eryn Culhallas, assigned by Legolas to be Alede's lady's maid.
Chapter 6 ~ "The King of Culhallas Wood"
"I am impressed, Son," Thranduil said, glancing over at the young Elf as they headed back to the heart of the city. The sinking sun set the Culhalla trees ablaze with color and the King found himself feeling an odd touch of envy. His beloved beech trees in the Greenwood would blaze red in the autumn, but the Culhallas were always this color. Rising above the dark green oaks, they looked liked living towers of flame.
Everything that he had seen of Ithilien was beautiful. Thranduil had expected to see more evidence of Sauron's hand in this land. The earth recovered slowly, but he had seen only minor damage.
The more recent damage from the vortex was far more worrisome, but even that, Legolas had turned to his advantage as much as was possible.
"You show good foresight in your trade actions," Thranduil said, winning a surprised glance from Legolas. He had sensed his youngest son's nervousness all through their ride. He supposed he did push his children rather hard, but for a good purpose. Legolas obviously had learned what he should have during his days in Thranduil's court.
"You have a healthy diversity in your produce and offer some goods that no other kingdom can supply. I am proud of you and despite the economic setback of your vineyards, I see a prosperous time ahead for you. Well done!"
Legolas turned to him with a rather sheepish smile, one that Thranduil recognized from Legolas' childhood. The King's heart gave a painful lurch. His son had become distant in more than just leagues and Thranduil desperately missed the shy, cheerful boy that Legolas had been.
"It is a relief to hear you say that Father," Legolas said hesitantly, as if he did not wish to admit it. "I have followed my instincts, but I . . ." he paused and then gave Thranduil a rueful grin. "I am finding that I know both more and less about ruling a kingdom than I thought."
Thranduil chuckled, "You will face that all of your life, I fear."
"Indeed? Yet you make it appear so easy."
"A gift of the descendants of Oropher," Thranduil said with a wink.
Legolas laughed. "By which you mean that there is much bluffing involved."
"Exactly."
They dismounted near the great Hall and Legolas led Thranduil to the stairs of the guest chambers. As they mounted them, Legolas saw one of the she- Elves he had asked to serve as Alede's handmaiden.
"Nimhith? Would you see to Lady Alede? She asked to be woken and may need your assistance to prepare for the ceremony."
The woman stopped and stared at Legolas with an expression, which vaguely reminded him of his mother.
"My Lord," Nimhith replied, "is not the ceremony in an hour's time?"
"Yes."
The she-Elf shook her head in disgust. "An hour is not enough time for a lady to prepare for her betrothal ceremony. You should have sent for me much earlier." With those parting words, she ascended the steps to Alede's rooms quickly and disappeared from sight.
Thranduil chuckled and patted his son on the shoulder.
"I see that you are in for a rude awakening where women are concerned," the King observed.
"So it appears," Legolas replied with a rueful grin. "Never has one of my people set me down so sternly. But I think that Nimhith will be surprised. Alede is of a practical nature and does not fuss as most women do."
Thranduil raised his brows at this remark but wisely said nothing.
~ ~ ~
"An hour!?" Alede squeaked in alarm. "I cannot possibly be ready in an hour!"
"I know, my Lady. I informed our Lord as such, but we must do the best that we can." She led Alede into the dark bedchamber and lit a candle. "Undress and I will draw a bath for you."
"I was hoping I could wash my hair again," Alede said from the muffled folds of her dress as she yanked it off hastily. "I don't even know if my father has arrived yet. I hope he arrived safely. I need my trunks too. . . oh!" she stumbled over the wadded up kirtle on the floor.
"Your father and his party arrived this afternoon," the she-Elf said from the bathing chamber. "And I see that your trunks are here as well. There is no time to wash your hair, but I will set some curls in it. Your bath is ready."
Alede bolted into the bath chamber, a robe clutched about her shoulders.
"In the largest trunk is a dress made of gold silk," Alede said, tossing the robe on a chair and plunging into the bathtub. She was in too much of a panic to bother with modesty now. "It's the one I want to . . . ouch! This is hot! The gold dress is the one I want for tonight."
"Very well, my Lady."
"Wait," Alede cried as the she-Elf headed for the door. "I do not even know your name."
The she-Elf turned, giving Alede a smile. "I am called Nimhith."
"Thank you, Nimhith."
~ ~ ~
Alede emerged from her bedchamber an hour later, scrubbed and breathless. Nimhith had worked wonders with her hair, taming the unruly locks and coaxing them to curl slightly. Her gown glowed in the candlelight. It had been a gift from Elladan and Elrohir and was made with real gold thread. It rustled softly as she moved.
Outside, the wind stirred in the trees and the building swayed gently. Alede paused, feeling butterflies in her stomach that had nothing to do with the movement of her home.
Nimhith gave her a quick sympathetic smile. "Someone will come to escort you to the gathering," she said as she left.
Alede nodded but stayed still for a moment, trying to control her anxiety, nervously fingering her betrothal ring. She had absolutely no doubts about Legolas. Her love for him was so certain, it was almost as if it had been foreordained. But there still lingered the tiniest doubt that he married her only because he pitied her.
Her rational mind rejected the notion. An Elf would never compromise himself by marrying for such an artificial reason. Nevertheless the tiniest fear remained.
*Nonsense!* Alede told herself fiercely. *Legolas knows his own heart. This is only a betrothal ceremony. If we are not suited, then we will discover it over the next year and may correct any problems which lie between us.*
Reaching out with her song, she tried to touch his mind, but Legolas was distracted and she quietly withdrew. She knew that his people were probably demanding much of his time tonight and decided to leave him in peace. He need not be bothered by her silly insecurities.
Resolutely, she stepped out of her door and plunged into darkness.
~ ~ ~
Legolas paced behind the dense trees surrounding the gathering place, nervously twisting his betrothal ring around his finger. He had just come from the Great Hall where he and Radagast had exchanged gifts. He was well pleased with the beautiful pair of the Shrykes the old wizard had given him and Radagast in return had been well pleased with Legolas' gifts.
The preparations for the feast were all finished. Savory smells wafted through the trees and his people were gathered at the huge tables, which had been set under the trees. A few torches gave the area a soft glow. But Legolas would be extinguishing them soon, plunging the area into a dramatic darkness as the old customs required.
They only waited now the arrival of his betrothed.
Betrothed. The word had a new meaning now than it had when he had come home five years ago and announced to his people that he was betrothed. Then it had been a romantic idea, a dream of happiness, an excuse to build another home in the trees.
But now it was solid reality and the reality frightened Legolas.
He had absolutely no doubts about Alede. His love for her was so certain, it might as well have been written in the stars. Even if he looked at it from a logical perspective, he knew she was right for him. Alede complimented every part of him and her acceptance, nay, her love of Gimli made it even more certain.
*But what if I cannot make her happy? Alede knows nothing of the demands of rule. What if I cannot give her the time, the attention that she needs?*
He consoled himself that Alede had always been an independent woman, roaming the wilds alone for months at a time. Surely she would not pine if his days were occupied with his people.
But her independence worried him as well. Would she find his kingdom stifling? She had been accustomed to her freedom and as his wife, her time would be much required at court. Would it chafe her that she could not travel whenever the mood struck her?
Legolas would encourage her healing abilities. There were many small villages in Gondor that would benefit from her skill when she could be spared from home. He would insist upon a guard accompanying her though. Would she resent that loss of her freedom?
The crackling of leaves brought him out of his musings. He looked up to see Radagast approaching. The old wizard wore a sympathetic expression.
"My boy," he said, kindly patting Legolas' shoulder, "you have the look of one who has just realized that he will soon be taking a wife."
Legolas grinned ruefully. "Is it that apparent?" he asked, trying to make light of the subject..
Radagast nodded.
Legolas took a deep breath. "I only hope that I can make Alede happy."
Radagast chuckled. "And she has the same worries about you."
"She does?"
"Aye. But trust an old man, Legolas. You are compatible in personality and values, you are both honest to a fault and you are very much in love. You have gone through much for and with each other. You will be happy. I have no doubt about it."
Legolas sighed. "Your words are very reassuring. I thank you."
"Nay, it is I who thanks you," Radagast said, a twinkle in his eye. "I thought I would never get rid of my pesky daughter. She will be in her element with a husband, indeed an entire kingdom, to boss around, to organize . . ."
Legolas laughed, as Radagast had hoped that he would and together they walked to the gathering.
~ ~ ~
Alede hurried down the long stairs, feeling as if she were slowly being swallowed by darkness. Only a few torches were lit, one at the bottom of the stairs and another near the great Hall. The feast, she knew lay in the huge open area opposite the hall, but it lay in complete darkness. What was going on?
A figure all in white appeared at the bottom of the steps and for a moment she thought it was Legolas. But then her spirits fell and she realized that it was Thranduil instead.
"My lord," she said hesitantly.
"I instructed you never to call me that again, did I not?"
Alede sighed, an anxious sound. She needed reassurance, not instruction.
"I am sorry. I . . ."
"I see that you chose not to wear your nightclothes for this occasion," Thranduil remarked and Alede's head came up at the smug tones in his voice, as if he had expected her to gallop off in her nightdress all along.
"As I told you," she said haughtily, "I had gowns made in Rivendell."
"I am relieved," he said drolly. "Let us go."
Alede hesitated. "I do not understand why all is in darkness."
"You will see, Daughter. Come."
"But . . ." she hung back nervously.
"Legolas and his people await," Thranduil's voice was impatient.
"It is just," her voice was barely above a whisper, "I cannot see."
Thranduil heard the tremulous quality in her voice and recognized it for what it was. He was not without heart as she believed him to be. Much of Thranduil's antagonism was to see how sternly she was made. Alede had passed most of his tests, but perhaps this one was too much for her considering the circumstances. He could see that she was both tired and hungry and the enormity of what she was doing had only just sunk in.
He turned back to her. "Take my arm," he said softly. "I will not let you falter."
Alede slipped her trembling hand through the crook of his arm. He felt warm and solid and not nearly as imposing as one would think of such an intimidating Elf.
He led her easily through the forest to the gathering place, leaving the torchlight behind. As they walked, Alede caught a few glimmers of stars through the canopy and as her eyes adjusted to the darkness she could see Thranduil's soft glow as well.
She sensed the presence of others as they approached what she assumed was the gathering and soon could see their faint golden glow.
A huge drum suddenly boomed in the darkness. Alede jumped. Thranduil stopped and pulled his arm out of her grasp. For a terrible moment, she thought he was going to leave her. Instead he put an arm about her shoulders and gave her a quick, hard hug, kissing her on the forehead.
She turned to him in surprise, but Thranduil was already rearranging them again, placing her hand on the back of his in the formal way of Elves.
The drum boomed again and then a voice rang out, a voice she did not recognize. The words were in Quenya and she recognized the singsong quality of an elvish minstrel. Her knowledge of the ancient language was sketchy at best and it was a few moments before she began to pick out familiar words.
To Alede's astonishment, she realized that the voice was telling the story of when she found Legolas in Orthanc and his subsequent rescue. It went on for several moments, finally ending with another earth vibrating boom from the drum.
Torches came to life on the opposite end of the gathering, illuminating Legolas as he sat upon a huge carved throne. The yellow light spilled over his hair, gilding it to the color of the finest gold. It lay loose upon his shoulders, save for the sides which had been caught in the back. His clothing was pearl gray, with needlework of dark green tracing a pattern of leaves upon the tunic. A circlet of gold and emeralds sat upon his brow and he looked both stern and fair.
Alede's trepidation doubled. Legolas looked nothing like the Elf she had come to know. She had seen him injured, his eyes glazed with pain, burning up with fever. She had seen him deadly angry, frustrated, and weary with despair. And too, she had seen him smiling, brimming over with mischief.
But never like this.
She had never seen this side of him.
He looked like a king.
The drums began a steady beat then. Three Elves circled the massive drums, cut from a hollow trunk. Flutes began a slow hypnotic tune and Alede felt as if she had stepped into another world. These were not the urban Elves that she was accustomed to in Rivendell. These were Wood Elves, who even Elrohir considered wild and untamed. This was an alien world, something beyond her ken and Alede realized that she was not at all prepared for it. She had thought she was, but the royal vision ahead of her, proved that she was wrong.
Legolas sat his throne like one of the ancient pagan gods, both terrible and beautiful at once. She felt unworthy to even worship at his alter.
The journey, the lack of sleep and food all caught up with her. She would have swooned if not for Thranduil's warm hand beneath her's.
"Good people of Eryn Culhallas," the minstrel announced, in Sindarin, "Prepare to receive our sovereign's betrothed, the Lady Alede."
The desperately beautiful pagan god at the other end of the gathering rose fluidly from his throne and stood.
With a wave of his hand, torches sprang to life on either side of Alede and she gasped. She had not even known that he possessed this bit of Elvin magic. When had he acquired it or had it always been a part of him?
"Chin up," Thranduil whispered. "And for the love of Ilúvatar, breathe!"
Alede took a deep shuddering breath, realizing that she had been holding it and then Thranduil started forward. Alede concentrated on keeping her head up and not stepping on the hem of her gown. She had a death grip on the back of Thranduil's hand. She did not look to either side of her, though the torches continued to light as she and the King of the Greenwood slowly walked the impossible length of the gathering. She kept her eyes on Legolas instead and as she drew closer, she realized that he looked less and less like a god and more like the Elf that she so desperately loved. A smile touched the corners of his finely wrought mouth and his eyes were full of joy.
Then Gimli stepped up onto the dais beside Legolas and his comfortingly homely face reassured her so much that she broke into a smile. And because she did not look to either side, she did not know the effect that her smile had upon the people watching her. She did not know that the people of Eryn Culhallas had spent the last five years dreading the coming of their Prince's betrothed, for she was a foreigner to them and they trusted not the people outside their own race.
But the warmth of her smile reassured them and it told them too that she loved their prince with all her heart. So when Thranduil led her up to the dais and handed her to Legolas, the people let out a sigh of relief and when Legolas turned Alede to face them and bid them to welcome her, they did so with glad hearts and their shouts of joy rang out.
~ ~ ~
"I feared you might faint," Legolas said to Alede quietly as they sat at the table. "Are you alright?"
"I feared I might too," Alede whispered back. "But yes, I am well. Too much excitement and too little food. Thank the Valar for you father! He practically held me up!"
"If our betrothal feast does this to you, what will you be like on our wedding day?" he asked, his eyes brimming with joy and mischief.
"Giddy!" Alede grinned.
Legolas laughed contentedly. Now that he was with her, everything seemed well. In her nervousness, Alede had unthinkingly blocked her song from him, but now their notes wrapped around each other like lovers and his confidence soared. There was no obstacle the two of them could not surmount.
Beneath the table, Alede's hand brushed across his thigh, seeking his. Legolas forgot all else as her fingers intertwined with his. Bringing her hand to his lips, he kissed it softly. All who happened to be watching them, smiled at the love they saw shining in their brief shared look. *
~ ~ ~
The rest of the feast was much too long for Legolas, but he hoped that its grandness would satisfy his people's desire to celebrate their sovereign's betrothal. Personally, he wanted nothing more than to be alone with Alede, though he knew that would not happen for probably several more hours.
Despite Mändel's protests, Legolas had insisted that the gift giving be held privately, with only family members present. And after that was done, Legolas intended to gloat over her like a territorial dragon.
~ ~ ~
"You were wonderful, Alede," Legolas said as they walked through her door. "But I fear Mändel spoke far too long. I hope he did not weary you. He is very conscientious about performing his duties as steward."
Alede shook her head as she lit lamps in her visiting room. "Your people did me much honor. I was so worried about meeting them."
"They will come to love you, Alede," Legolas said quietly as he walked over to her. "They were impressed with your graciousness tonight and as they come to know you, they will love you as one of their own." Alede turned and stepped into his arms. He held her close and kissed the side of her face. "You are breathtakingly beautiful tonight," he said softly.
Alede flushed with pleasure. "And you are breathtakingly handsome," she said.
"Mmm . . . if not for the footsteps which I hear on the stairs outside, I would take you to your bedchamber and ravish you," Legolas said with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Perhaps . . ." Alede began shyly, "I could lock the door?"
Legolas threw back his head and laughed, just as that door swung open.
"You could have lent a hand!" Gimli growled as he stepped into the room, bearing a large trunk and sweating profusely.
"And insult your Dwarvin pride?" Thranduil asked smoothly in his most imperious tone. "Your people boast of your strength. Be grateful, Master Dwarf that I opened the door for you."
Gimli muttered something impolite under his breath and set the heavy trunk down. Radagast came in behind the King, looking amused, carrying a small trunk as well.
"This room is too small for the four of us," Thranduil observed.
"Five of us," both Legolas and Alede corrected at the same time.
Alede grinned, but Legolas was too busy giving his father a scathing look to notice.
"You are correct, Father," Alede told Thranduil. "But my father has not yet seen my chambers and I wished to show him Legolas' generosity."
Thranduil sat down in the large chair and gave Alede a knowing look. He knew she was trying to placate him.
Alede merely tossed the King a smile. She had not forgotten that he'd kissed her forehead before the ceremony. His impetuous tone no longer frightened her.
Legolas gave the two an amused glance and gestured to Gimli. "Come, we can fetch chairs from my rooms."
"This is beautiful!" Radagast declared, poking around in Alede's library. "Your betrothed is generous indeed! You should see the rooms he prepared for Cyrus and I . . . and the desk and parchment and quills . . . there is even a falconry for my birds . . ."
Alede smiled as her father babbled on happily. Legolas and Gimli came in a moment later bearing chairs and an oddly wrapped bundle. Once they were all seated, Alede cleared her throat.
"Well, it seems that everyone else has exchanged gifts, but me," she said, rising and walked over to the small trunk, which she handed to Legolas.
Legolas grinned up at her, like a child receiving a conception day gift and lifted the lid. ** He pulled out a heavy vial, cut of crystal, the mate of the vial she had given Thranduil.
"It is distillation of Unicorn's horn," Alede told him, explaining how it could be used to purify his kingdom.
"Alede!" He looked up at her, a solemn smile on his face. "I cannot begin to tell you how much this means to me. Thank you. I have heard how long this takes to brew. I am honored that you would go to so much trouble." The look he gave her more than made up for the long hours, indeed days, that she had spent on the precious liquid.
"And now . . ." He picked up the oblong bundle and handed it to her.
"There is more?" Alede asked in amazement, casting a glance at her opulent home. She untied the ribbon and carefully pulled the folds of cloth away to reveal an oak staff. "Oh!" she cried in delight. "Is it . . ?"
"Aye," Legolas answered, "It is a living staff, like the one my father gave to Radagast. I know that yours was lost in the Faerie Kingdom."
With a cry of delight and gratitude, Alede waved the staff and sent a shower of flower petals cascading over Legolas. He chuckled as they turned to little bits of light as they hit the floor and vanished.
"And for you," she said, handing a small, plain box to Gimli. "So that the Glittering Caves might be kept pure as well."
Gimli's mouth fell open as he accepted the distillation. "I . . . I thank you, my Lady. You need not have given me a gift though. This custom is for family members . . ."
"Of which Alede and I consider you a part of," Legolas said, ignoring the scowl on his father's face.
"Agreed," Alede said firmly.
"Well, in that case . . ." Gimli began. "I have something for you, Alede," Gimli said, looking a bit uncomfortable. "I was not certain if it was appropriate, but I made it anyway." He held out a small cloth pouch.
Alede took it from him, her eyes bright with pleasure and curiosity. Carefully she opened the pouch and shook out a small object. Alede held it up and then cried out with delight.
It was a delicate necklace of gold, with a small pendant shaped like the rising sun. In its center winked an amber diamond.
"Gimli, it is beautiful!"
"It is indeed," Legolas said, coming to stand beside her to get a better look.
"It is because you brought the sun back into Legolas' life," Gimli mumbled.
"Thank you," Alede whispered, kissing the blushing dwarf on the cheek.
"Is the gem from the Glittering Caves?" Thranduil asked, showing interest in the dwarf for the first time.
"Nay," Gimli said smugly. "It is a faerie gem, from our little adventure in Rivendell. It was on a pin in the Faerie Queen's hair. I stole it when I placed that iron collar around her neck."
Legolas slapped his friend's shoulder and laughed. Alede shook her head in bemusement.
"I am not certain how to thank you for a stolen gem," she laughed.
"Well," Gimli paused, looking shy again. "I thought that you should have something to remind you of your battle in the Faerie Kingdom. You put up a mighty fight with that Queen. It seemed only far that you should have some of the spoils."
Alede nodded, too overcome with emotion to say anything.
"The gold however," Gimli said in a lighter tone, "I mined and worked myself."
"Only half stolen then," Alede amended with a smile. "Thank you Gimli. I will treasure this."
Then she nodded toward the last remaining trunk. Together, she and Gimli placed it at Legolas' feet.
"Is this the thing that is shorter than my bow, but has a longer reach?" the young prince asked.
"Yes, it is," Alede said, stepping back.
Legolas glanced at both of them, his eyes bright as he lifted the lid.
"What . . ?" He carefully pulled out a cylinder of brass that was nestled in heavy cloth.
"It is Gimli's invention," Alede started to explain.
"Nay, it was Alede's idea," Gimli argued.
"But what is it?" Legolas asked.
Alede glanced at Gimli and he glanced at her.
"It is a star glass," Gimli said with a shrug. "At least that is what I have been calling it."
"A . . ?"
"To look at the stars," Alede interjected. "I had the idea when Cyrus kept talking about that bubble of glass that Gimli used to magnify the writing on the Faerie Goblet. Cylinders like this are used on sailing ships to sight land. And . . . there was that night we sat talking in that tree in Rivendell. You showed me the constellations and the stars. So I wrote to Gimli . . ."
"And she asked me if something could be made to look at the stars," Gimli finished for her.
Legolas was looking at both of them with amazement. Carefully setting the cylinder on his lap, he dug through the cloth in the trunk and lifted out a mount for the cylinder. Thranduil leaned toward him, his curiosity overriding his disdain of all things Dwarvish.
"Shall we try it out?" Legolas asked enthusiastically.
Gimli led the way out onto the balcony and helped Legolas to put the cylinder on the base. They aimed it at the moon, barely visible through the trees.
"Now, you look through here, you see?" the dwarf explained, "There are two sets of concave glass inside that magnify and . . . No wait . . . you move this part of the cylinder back and forth to make the view clear."
"Like so?" Legolas asked, experimenting. "Ah! I have it." There was a long silence while Legolas looked through the cylinder. When he backed away, his face was suffused with amazement. "It is exquisite! There are mountains and valleys! Tis like another world!"
Thranduil moved forward and Legolas stepped aside, walking over to Alede.
"I do not even know what to say. I am grateful and pleased beyond words."
"Then words are not needed," she answered, smiling up at him.
~ ~ ~
"Look at this one, Alede," Legolas said as he gazed through the star glass. *** It was late and the others had all retired to their beds. A single candle burned in Alede's chambers and she and Legolas had dragged a bench over to the star glass. Alede was wrapped in a blanket and leaned her back against the smooth wall of her home. She watched Legolas' silhouette in the darkness contentedly.
She moved over on the bench to take her turn at the star glass.
"Amazing!" she said after a moment. "There are purple clouds around that star!"
"Aye," Legolas said leaning back. "It is in the belt of the Hunter. Who would have known that such a thing could exist?"
"It is beautiful," Alede said, leaning back to sit beside him. Legolas put his arm about her shoulders, pulling her close.
Alede snuggled into him and stifled a yawn.
"Shall I carry you to your bed?" Legolas asked gently. "You have had a long journey and only a short nap this afternoon."
"I do not wish to sleep," she admitted. "I want to be with you. Oh, how I have missed you!" she said, hugging him tightly.
"And I you," he said, returning the embrace. After a moment he added. "I could stay with you, if you wish."
"Do you intend to ravish me?" Alede asked, her voice a mixture of nervousness and teasing.
Legolas stroked a finger softly over her cheek as he considered what to say. "What I said earlier was in jest. Not that I did not consider the idea," he added as she lifted her head from his shoulder to look at him. "But we are betrothed," he continued. "According to the customs of my people, this is supposed to be a time of spiritual contemplation, a joining of minds and hearts, not bodies. I have no objections to becoming lovers now, but . . ."
"But it will not allow us to form the solid basis for our marriage. A base built on trust, friendship and knowledge," Alede finished. She remembered that conversation that they had had long ago while sitting high up in a tree in the dark.
"Exactly," Legolas said.
"Then I would prefer that we wait," Alede said. "Our future is too important to squander on a momentary passion." She paused thoughtfully. "It will be hard though."
"It already is," Legolas deadpanned.
Alede nodded before she caught the glimmer of mischief in his eyes.
"Legolas! I meant putting our passions aside! I was not referring to your . . ." she stumbled to a halt, feeling the heat rise in her face.
Legolas laughed and pulled her close again. "I know what you meant. But my offer still stands. I will sleep with you if you wish it, just to hold you."
"I . . . yes, would you, please?" she asked.
Legolas nodded. Together they carried the star glass into the visiting room and then Legolas crossed over to his own home to get some nightclothes.
Alede quickly undressed and put on a nightdress, then slipped under the soft linens of her bed. She had just gotten comfortable, when Legolas returned. She had a brief glimpse of him as he leaned over the night table. His fair hair slid loose over his shoulders and the light from the candle briefly lit his incredibly handsome face. When he blew out the flame, the room fell into darkness.
The mattress dipped as Legolas got into bed beside her and then his arms enclosed her. Alede turned so that her face was pressed against the warmth of his throat. She inhaled his clean, rain-washed pine scent and felt that she could not be happier.
Legolas stroked Alede's back softly and listened to her even breathing. Her breath was warm against his skin. He kissed her hair and settled her closer, whispering soft words to her.
Alede whispered them back to him and he drifted off to sleep, knowing that this was one of the happiest moments of his life.
~ ~ ~
Green eyes the color of new leaves stared down at a bowl of griffon's tears with vivid fury.
Zarraweth watched the woman as she got into bed. There was nothing to distinguish her from any other human. She had the same dark gold hair and freckles that were common among many of the Rohirrim women. She was perhaps a bit taller than most humans, but that in itself was nothing extraordinary.
It was not until the Elf blew out the candle that Zarraweth got a really good look at her in the scrying bowl before the room went dark. What she saw nearly made her toss the bowl and its precious fluid to the floor.
Green eyes the color of new leaves stared back at her and Zarraweth knew that she looked upon one of her own people.
Getting up, she summoned one of the Orcs cowering in a corner. "Bring me one of those miserable Elves!" she screeched. "It is time to make the Griffon cry again!"
~ ~ ~
A/N: Oh dear. Now what is Zarraweth up to? The action begins in chapter 7, so for those of you gagging over too much romantic mush, here it comes! :)
Many thanks for your reviews and also for the lovely comments about Thranduil. I'm so glad that you like him - he's always been my second favorite Elf. I love his prickly exterior that covers such a warm heart.
Also, someone asked the question as to why Legolas had a kingdom in Ithilien. Well . . . I can only say that I'm basing this off of the appendixes in "Return of the King" in which Tolkien states that Legolas brings *his* people south from the Greenwood and they dwell in Ithilien for many years. We know that Legolas is a prince, so I can only assume that he would be the lord of this particular kingdom.
* Special thanks to Thecla for that lovely addition. :D
** In Tolkien's letters he refers to Elves celebrating their "conception day" instead of their birthday. Since Elves are able to "turn on and off" their ability to be fertile, I guess a conception day is a big thing for them. *shrugs*
*** Telescopes may seem like a very modern invention but in truth they date back to the 1500s. Elves and Dwarves certainly had all the technology needed to create one, I figured it just needed an inventive and inquisitive mind like Gimli's to come up with it.
The purple clouds that Legolas and Alede are looking at are the Orion Nebula. The Nebula is visible to the naked eye and certainly to an Elf as a haze around one of the stars in the belt. When seen through a telescope and even some high-powered binoculars, the haze transforms into a breathtaking swirl of purple clouds. Orion was sometimes known as the Hunter before the Greeks gave it its current name. :)
*** Original Character List ***
Alede the Green - Witch, healer and wizard. She is daughter of Radagast the Brown. After the death of her mother, she was raised in Rivendell for a while and learned healing skills from Elrond. She also developed a terrible crush on Elrohir, which he has gently teased her about for centuries. She also spent some time learning the wizarding craft at Orthanc under the tutelage of Saruman. Because she felt her healer's calling was more important, and because she considered herself a poor wizardess, Alede never completed her training at Orthanc.
Cyrus the Blue - The forth Maia to be sent to Middle Earth and friend to Radagast the Brown
Lomomir - Brother to King Thranduil of Mirkwood and a healer. He has spent the last many years in Rivendell studying with Alede and reading from Elrond's many books and journals.
Maladok the Red - The fifth Maia sent to Middle Earth. After a disastrous encounter with Saruman, Maladok has become a bit of a "black sheep" in the wizarding world.
Zarraweth - A young human witch with more plans and beauty than is good for her.
Malina - A healer and witch of the Angmar Mountains. She was married to Radagast the Brown and was Alede's mother. She was killed by a mob of religious fanatics who thought her witchcraft had brought plague to a village when instead she had been trying to cure it. Alede was only sixteen when Malina was killed.
Mändel - Legolas' steward. He originally served under Thranduil in Mirkwood in a lesser position.
Galomir - Ithilien's healer.
Girwyn - A general in Legolas' army. He is in charge of Ithilien's security.
Nimhith - A she-Elf of Eryn Culhallas, assigned by Legolas to be Alede's lady's maid.
