A/N: Be ready my faithful readers for a good n long chapter as things take
a more serious turn. There won't be much of Dil and Leg in this chapter but
you'll know why when you read it. And I just want everyone to know that I
have the story mapped out quite well so don't worry, I know what I'm
doing.or at least I think I do:) PLEASE REVIEW.your opinions are what give
me the drive to continue. Here we go.and just a little hint; I think
Aragorn lovers will like this chapter;) ..
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(Wednesday Morning)
*Whaaa-?* was all Dileriyen could get herself to think at the moment. Surely Legolas had aimed for her forehead or something and missed. But this was just too crazy and there really was no time to think about it now- Thranduil wasn't the type of elf you kept waiting. So Dileriyen got up- and found balancing on two feet to be quite a challenge in her current state- and dressed. She then trotted down the hall, curiosity growing with every step. She knocked lightly on the door and entered.
"Aaa, good morning my child!" greeted Thranduil very cheerfully. "Well don't you look lovely today- anything special planned?" he smiled.
"Oh thank you. No not really," she lied, "but Legolas is waiting for me down by the pond- I did not think that whatever you had to tell me would take long, will it?"
"Oh no, it won't. Just a few matters I wanted to discuss with you and I would appreciate you not mentioning any of this to Legolas once I tell you what I have in mind-understood?"
Dileriyen nodded, staring at Thranduil with a puzzled expression plastered on her face. One thing was for sure, though: he was getting more interesting as he got older!
"Good and now that I have your full attention, here goes. We are having a ball on Friday evening and it is going to be grand and absolutely spectacular- the whole kingdom shall be there."
"Why Thranduil that's a brilliant idea! Valar knows we've had our fair share of lack of fun. A little entertainment would really spice things up around here!"
"Well my dear I'm glad you think so! But that is not all and this is the matter which must stay between you, me and the books for it concerns Legolas on a more personal level."
"Yes? What about him Thranduil, what's going on in your mind?" she questioned, now even more curious and somewhat annoyed by the look in his eyes. He was beating around the bush on purpose and Dileriyen's patience was really beginning to wear away.
"Listen closely my child- you have known Legolas all his life, have you not?" he asked rhetorically and she nodded slowly. "And I see that you two have become practically inseparable. You are both young adults now and I think the time has come for Legolas to.. marry."
Dileriyen felt her eyes widen to the size of two rather large orbs in disbelief. *He wants Legolas to marry??! What the- * she began to think but had not the opportunity when Thranduil continued.
"Or get engaged at least. I may be immortal but I certainly do not wish to be King forever and someone needs to take control of things when I retire so to speak. Of course this 'someone' whom we speak of happens to be my not- so-ready son. He must have a queen for when he is king- it is tradition. Now, he would be very upset with me if I brought the issue up and would most likely feel that I am putting pressure on him. But, I have observed that he, for some unknown reason, is unable to be upset with you and that, my child, is where I will be needing your assistance."
*Do surprise me!* thought Dileriyen, still not over the shock, but merely said: "Go on."
"Seeing as how close you two are, I thought that you might talk some sense into him and see if you can't get him to choose a maiden for himself..." he trailed off.
"And this is the true purpose of the ball, is it not?" she asked now understanding more clearly and not really needing an answer. She really wasn't feeling well now and wondered if it could get any worse. (Author: damn right it could!:)
"My dear child. I can't hide anything from you can I. Yes, that is the reason. Every maiden in the kingdom has been invited and not one will miss it. On the other hand though...er...aa..."
"What?" she squeaked, thinking *oh no, there's more?* to herself.
"Well.er..every gentleman in the list has also been invited and aa.."
With that Dileriyen started to steam and was about to start her protest when he cut in again.
"Calm down child! Relax! Your are not as pressed for time as he is, and are more mature. That is why I am being honest with my designs. I am not suggesting that you get married that night.. I am merely advising you to keep your eyes open.who knows what you may find.what you may *both* find," added Thranduil with a mischievous smile.
But Dileriyen couldn't see anything amusing with the situation. In fact, she felt completely heart-broken and, for the first time, absolutely furious with Thranduil. How could he ask this of her?! He not only wanted her to talk Legolas into marrying and help him to actually *find* the girl in question but he also wanted *her* to find a husband! That last bit really stuck in her head, making her sick to her stomach, sick with anger and pain. She simply had to leave the room before she started screaming in front of Thranduil- something which she would rather save for when absolutely necessary.
"Dileriyen, my daughter, what is wrong? You look frightfully pale child- come, sit down! What has come over you? Have something to drink, perhaps you will feel better?"
"No.no, I, -..I really must get downstairs, I have kept Legolas waiting as it is. He'll wonder what has kept me. I am fine, really." She added with a fake smile.
"Alright then, run along but do not forget our secret and promise me that you will at least *try* to talk to him."
"I shall try." she said half-heartedly and left.
************************
Thranduil was very pleased with himself at the moment. Sure, he had done some last minute improvising when talking to her but the outcome had surpassed even his expectations. He had really hit the bullseye this time. *That ought to get things stirring a bit* he thought to himself. *And I shall turn into the Dark Lord himself if I don't have those two spouting out love songs to each other in a week! Haha.I shall have them married yet.* He smiled and felt very proud of himself. After all, everyone needs a little push every now and then.
************************
Meanwhile, as soon as Dileriyen left the room she felt a new fire blazing in her heart and her eyes began to sting. She could sense her hair almost standing on its ends. She felt like a balrog and hell, she looked like one at the moment. What pissed her off even more was the fact that she somehow had a feeling that that sorry excuse for a Prince knew of the ball and had neglected telling her. (Little did she know that he was under strict orders not to do so). She was one *very* pissed elf and Legolas was going to be a very *dead* one when she got downstairs.
Not paying attention to anything or anyone in her path, she ran straight into a man guided by a few servants, certainly heading to see Thranduil.
"Umph!" they both let out as they slammed into one another, practically crashing to the ground.
"Oh! I am terribly sorry." She said to the man- for a man he was, not to mention tall, dark and remarkably handsome. He had dark hair just above his shoulders, a roughly shaven beard and beautiful blue eyes that reflected something very familiar that she could not name.
"No need to apologize milady." He said with an equally handsome smile, amused at the fact that Dileriyen had not recognized him yet. "It is not everyday one has the pleasure of running into beautiful maidens."
"By the Valar! Estel! Is that you?!" She hugged him tightly, extremely happy to see him. "Oh forgive me for I barely recognized you my friend!" Indeed it had been almost 20 years since they had last seen each other and he had changed much, as was the nature of mortal men. His eyes reflected much that his appearance did not and it was clear to Dileriyen that he carried the weight of the world on his back.
"What on Middle-Earth are you doing here?!" she asked excitedly.
"Well my dear friend I am here to discuss some matters with Thranduil. I am sorry I haven't the time to chat- I have missed you very much so. How have you been and where is the prince for I have missed him not less? But you looked very angry a moment ago and walked into me quite forcefully so I think it more appropriate to ask: what has Legolas done this time?" he asked playfully and smiled despite his attempts to stay somewhat serious.
"I am very well in general my dear Estel but I can't say the same for Legolas.at least he won't be well when I'm through with his elven hide, that's for sure! But that's another story, please tell me, how long will you be staying? We have so much to talk about!"
"Hahaha.well don't be too hard on him- that boy can handle anything on Middle-Earth, except for you! I regret that I can not stay long, just long enough to talk to the King for there are pressing matters that require urgency. I must go now milady but take care and I shall see you both very soon and you can talk as much as your heart desires!"
"Well, alright then. I am sure you have your reasons, as always. You take care of yourself as well and we shall meet again soon! Goodbye my friend!"
And with that they hugged and parted ways as one headed to see Thranduil and one to let off some steam on a very unsuspecting prince.
*******************
Aragorn tapped lightly on the door and entered to find a very surprised Elven king staring at him.
"Estel? Estel! Well this is an unexpected surprise!" he beamed as he and Aragorn embraced. They were both very happy to see each other again.
"My Lord Thranduil! It has been a long time, has it not? Indeed I have dearly missed the beauty of your lands and you and your family. Dileriyen and I literally ran into each other just a moment ago. She has not changed much but seems to grow more beautiful with age. Ah yes, but I am afraid she seemed very upset or rather, angry with something. I'm sure it must have something to do with your son!" he smiled, thoroughly enjoying himself and feeling terrible for the burden he would soon have to lay upon his friends.
"Actually she is more upset with *me* at the moment- hahaha. But I am sure Legolas will end up paying for it!" he laughed even more, almost as amused as Aragorn seemed to be. But when things calmed down, the air seemed to get more serious and Thranduil had a suspicion. "I sense, my friend that you are not here for personal amusement, though. Correct me if I am wrong."
"Ah..I fear that you are right my friend. As it turns out I am not here for personal amusement but am on an errand of the utmost importance and must request your aid in this dark hour."
"Pray tell me what is the matter Estel? Now that I look upon you closely I realize that you are tired as if carrying a heavy burden. Tell me your problem and together we shall find it's solution."
"Unfortunately I doubt you will be able to keep your optimism when you learn of my news." He paused for a moment, the tension getting thick, until he finally said it.
"The Ring of Power. It has been found."
Thranduil sat in shock for a moment. He had a hard time believing his ears but gathered his wits quickly.
"Oh my. This is ill news indeed. None so graver could you have brought me at this time but I sense that you have more to tell me. Please, go on, and omit no detail."
And so Aragorn told his account of the Ring in full from beginning to end and informed Thranduil that at one point or another, Lord Elrond of Rivendell would be summoning all the races of Middle-Earth to a council in which the fate of the Ring would be discussed and decided. To all this Thranduil listened intently and patiently and when Aragorn seemed to be finished he began.
"And what of this creature Gollum that you have mentioned? If he is, as you say, still of importance to this whole ordeal then he must not fall into the hands of the enemy again! He seems to me to be a menace and the one that could hold the balance in this affair. You claim to have captured him but where is he? It will prove ill for us all if he has escaped again."
"I am glad you have asked this my friend for this brings us to the reason for my intrusion. I have come to ask a favor vital to this mission- the creature Gollum is being held by your men downstairs, will you not keep him here until this matter is settled? I feel that he will be kept under the best supervision in your lands and will cease to be a menace to everyone or have any chance of escape. I realize you need time to think but time is also our enemy now and action must be taken quickly. And so I must beg a decision of you. What have you to say to my request?"
Thranduil sat and thought through all that he had heard. Aragorn had made a very good point. Time was not a matter to be taken lightly.
"You ask a big favor my friend- but one that I can not refuse. This burden must be weighted equally amongst all those who oppose Sauron. Mirkwood is ready to do her duty!"
"I thank you from the bottom of my heart my friend. And you need not worry about anything else for now. We can not be sure of anything until matters are discussed with the other races and that will only take place if and when Lord Elrond summons a council. All I ask is that you be prepared- we have fallen into dark times."
And that was the end of that topic. The rest of the conversation took on a much lighter tone with the two discussing the things that had happened when Aragorn was last in Mirkwood and this and that.
"But what's this I hear about a ball on Friday evening?" asked Aragorn, smiling.
"Well it was meant to put my subjects into a lighter mood but with the tidings you have brought it is now more likely to be a farewell to happier days- at least for quite some time. But, my friend, the ball shall nonetheless be wonderful and entertaining and I would be honored if you would join us!"
"Alas for I can not stay. I must hurry back to Rivendell and see what has become of Mr. Baggins. He has not made it to Rivendell yet and I fear the worst for Gandalf is missing as well. As you can see, I have my work cut out for me." He concluded with a smile. "I must now take my leave my friend."
"I understand. I would not worry too much about Mithrandir, though. He is probably holed up in some library in Minas Tirith, doing research as always! Go not with a weary heart my friend, for we shall see happier days yet again!"
"Aye, let us all hold onto our faith while we still have it!"
"Legolas will be disappointed at having missed you."
"And for that I am truly sorry but I must depart immediately. Please extend my apologies to Legolas. I deeply regret not having time to spend with you all but there will hopefully be more chances for that in the future. Farewell my friend and I hope the ball is everything that you hope it to be!"
"Farewell my dear Estel! Journey safe! Nai tiruvantel ar varyuntel i valar tielyanna nu vilya!
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A/N: "Nai tiruvantel ar varyuntel i valar tielyanna nu vilya": May the Valar protect you on your path under the sky. I found that on a website so no, it's not my quote but I just thought it was the perfect way for Thranduil and Aragorn to end their conversation. So what did you think? I'm sure most of you have figured out where I'm going with the story;) Please review, your opinions matter!!!!
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(Wednesday Morning)
*Whaaa-?* was all Dileriyen could get herself to think at the moment. Surely Legolas had aimed for her forehead or something and missed. But this was just too crazy and there really was no time to think about it now- Thranduil wasn't the type of elf you kept waiting. So Dileriyen got up- and found balancing on two feet to be quite a challenge in her current state- and dressed. She then trotted down the hall, curiosity growing with every step. She knocked lightly on the door and entered.
"Aaa, good morning my child!" greeted Thranduil very cheerfully. "Well don't you look lovely today- anything special planned?" he smiled.
"Oh thank you. No not really," she lied, "but Legolas is waiting for me down by the pond- I did not think that whatever you had to tell me would take long, will it?"
"Oh no, it won't. Just a few matters I wanted to discuss with you and I would appreciate you not mentioning any of this to Legolas once I tell you what I have in mind-understood?"
Dileriyen nodded, staring at Thranduil with a puzzled expression plastered on her face. One thing was for sure, though: he was getting more interesting as he got older!
"Good and now that I have your full attention, here goes. We are having a ball on Friday evening and it is going to be grand and absolutely spectacular- the whole kingdom shall be there."
"Why Thranduil that's a brilliant idea! Valar knows we've had our fair share of lack of fun. A little entertainment would really spice things up around here!"
"Well my dear I'm glad you think so! But that is not all and this is the matter which must stay between you, me and the books for it concerns Legolas on a more personal level."
"Yes? What about him Thranduil, what's going on in your mind?" she questioned, now even more curious and somewhat annoyed by the look in his eyes. He was beating around the bush on purpose and Dileriyen's patience was really beginning to wear away.
"Listen closely my child- you have known Legolas all his life, have you not?" he asked rhetorically and she nodded slowly. "And I see that you two have become practically inseparable. You are both young adults now and I think the time has come for Legolas to.. marry."
Dileriyen felt her eyes widen to the size of two rather large orbs in disbelief. *He wants Legolas to marry??! What the- * she began to think but had not the opportunity when Thranduil continued.
"Or get engaged at least. I may be immortal but I certainly do not wish to be King forever and someone needs to take control of things when I retire so to speak. Of course this 'someone' whom we speak of happens to be my not- so-ready son. He must have a queen for when he is king- it is tradition. Now, he would be very upset with me if I brought the issue up and would most likely feel that I am putting pressure on him. But, I have observed that he, for some unknown reason, is unable to be upset with you and that, my child, is where I will be needing your assistance."
*Do surprise me!* thought Dileriyen, still not over the shock, but merely said: "Go on."
"Seeing as how close you two are, I thought that you might talk some sense into him and see if you can't get him to choose a maiden for himself..." he trailed off.
"And this is the true purpose of the ball, is it not?" she asked now understanding more clearly and not really needing an answer. She really wasn't feeling well now and wondered if it could get any worse. (Author: damn right it could!:)
"My dear child. I can't hide anything from you can I. Yes, that is the reason. Every maiden in the kingdom has been invited and not one will miss it. On the other hand though...er...aa..."
"What?" she squeaked, thinking *oh no, there's more?* to herself.
"Well.er..every gentleman in the list has also been invited and aa.."
With that Dileriyen started to steam and was about to start her protest when he cut in again.
"Calm down child! Relax! Your are not as pressed for time as he is, and are more mature. That is why I am being honest with my designs. I am not suggesting that you get married that night.. I am merely advising you to keep your eyes open.who knows what you may find.what you may *both* find," added Thranduil with a mischievous smile.
But Dileriyen couldn't see anything amusing with the situation. In fact, she felt completely heart-broken and, for the first time, absolutely furious with Thranduil. How could he ask this of her?! He not only wanted her to talk Legolas into marrying and help him to actually *find* the girl in question but he also wanted *her* to find a husband! That last bit really stuck in her head, making her sick to her stomach, sick with anger and pain. She simply had to leave the room before she started screaming in front of Thranduil- something which she would rather save for when absolutely necessary.
"Dileriyen, my daughter, what is wrong? You look frightfully pale child- come, sit down! What has come over you? Have something to drink, perhaps you will feel better?"
"No.no, I, -..I really must get downstairs, I have kept Legolas waiting as it is. He'll wonder what has kept me. I am fine, really." She added with a fake smile.
"Alright then, run along but do not forget our secret and promise me that you will at least *try* to talk to him."
"I shall try." she said half-heartedly and left.
************************
Thranduil was very pleased with himself at the moment. Sure, he had done some last minute improvising when talking to her but the outcome had surpassed even his expectations. He had really hit the bullseye this time. *That ought to get things stirring a bit* he thought to himself. *And I shall turn into the Dark Lord himself if I don't have those two spouting out love songs to each other in a week! Haha.I shall have them married yet.* He smiled and felt very proud of himself. After all, everyone needs a little push every now and then.
************************
Meanwhile, as soon as Dileriyen left the room she felt a new fire blazing in her heart and her eyes began to sting. She could sense her hair almost standing on its ends. She felt like a balrog and hell, she looked like one at the moment. What pissed her off even more was the fact that she somehow had a feeling that that sorry excuse for a Prince knew of the ball and had neglected telling her. (Little did she know that he was under strict orders not to do so). She was one *very* pissed elf and Legolas was going to be a very *dead* one when she got downstairs.
Not paying attention to anything or anyone in her path, she ran straight into a man guided by a few servants, certainly heading to see Thranduil.
"Umph!" they both let out as they slammed into one another, practically crashing to the ground.
"Oh! I am terribly sorry." She said to the man- for a man he was, not to mention tall, dark and remarkably handsome. He had dark hair just above his shoulders, a roughly shaven beard and beautiful blue eyes that reflected something very familiar that she could not name.
"No need to apologize milady." He said with an equally handsome smile, amused at the fact that Dileriyen had not recognized him yet. "It is not everyday one has the pleasure of running into beautiful maidens."
"By the Valar! Estel! Is that you?!" She hugged him tightly, extremely happy to see him. "Oh forgive me for I barely recognized you my friend!" Indeed it had been almost 20 years since they had last seen each other and he had changed much, as was the nature of mortal men. His eyes reflected much that his appearance did not and it was clear to Dileriyen that he carried the weight of the world on his back.
"What on Middle-Earth are you doing here?!" she asked excitedly.
"Well my dear friend I am here to discuss some matters with Thranduil. I am sorry I haven't the time to chat- I have missed you very much so. How have you been and where is the prince for I have missed him not less? But you looked very angry a moment ago and walked into me quite forcefully so I think it more appropriate to ask: what has Legolas done this time?" he asked playfully and smiled despite his attempts to stay somewhat serious.
"I am very well in general my dear Estel but I can't say the same for Legolas.at least he won't be well when I'm through with his elven hide, that's for sure! But that's another story, please tell me, how long will you be staying? We have so much to talk about!"
"Hahaha.well don't be too hard on him- that boy can handle anything on Middle-Earth, except for you! I regret that I can not stay long, just long enough to talk to the King for there are pressing matters that require urgency. I must go now milady but take care and I shall see you both very soon and you can talk as much as your heart desires!"
"Well, alright then. I am sure you have your reasons, as always. You take care of yourself as well and we shall meet again soon! Goodbye my friend!"
And with that they hugged and parted ways as one headed to see Thranduil and one to let off some steam on a very unsuspecting prince.
*******************
Aragorn tapped lightly on the door and entered to find a very surprised Elven king staring at him.
"Estel? Estel! Well this is an unexpected surprise!" he beamed as he and Aragorn embraced. They were both very happy to see each other again.
"My Lord Thranduil! It has been a long time, has it not? Indeed I have dearly missed the beauty of your lands and you and your family. Dileriyen and I literally ran into each other just a moment ago. She has not changed much but seems to grow more beautiful with age. Ah yes, but I am afraid she seemed very upset or rather, angry with something. I'm sure it must have something to do with your son!" he smiled, thoroughly enjoying himself and feeling terrible for the burden he would soon have to lay upon his friends.
"Actually she is more upset with *me* at the moment- hahaha. But I am sure Legolas will end up paying for it!" he laughed even more, almost as amused as Aragorn seemed to be. But when things calmed down, the air seemed to get more serious and Thranduil had a suspicion. "I sense, my friend that you are not here for personal amusement, though. Correct me if I am wrong."
"Ah..I fear that you are right my friend. As it turns out I am not here for personal amusement but am on an errand of the utmost importance and must request your aid in this dark hour."
"Pray tell me what is the matter Estel? Now that I look upon you closely I realize that you are tired as if carrying a heavy burden. Tell me your problem and together we shall find it's solution."
"Unfortunately I doubt you will be able to keep your optimism when you learn of my news." He paused for a moment, the tension getting thick, until he finally said it.
"The Ring of Power. It has been found."
Thranduil sat in shock for a moment. He had a hard time believing his ears but gathered his wits quickly.
"Oh my. This is ill news indeed. None so graver could you have brought me at this time but I sense that you have more to tell me. Please, go on, and omit no detail."
And so Aragorn told his account of the Ring in full from beginning to end and informed Thranduil that at one point or another, Lord Elrond of Rivendell would be summoning all the races of Middle-Earth to a council in which the fate of the Ring would be discussed and decided. To all this Thranduil listened intently and patiently and when Aragorn seemed to be finished he began.
"And what of this creature Gollum that you have mentioned? If he is, as you say, still of importance to this whole ordeal then he must not fall into the hands of the enemy again! He seems to me to be a menace and the one that could hold the balance in this affair. You claim to have captured him but where is he? It will prove ill for us all if he has escaped again."
"I am glad you have asked this my friend for this brings us to the reason for my intrusion. I have come to ask a favor vital to this mission- the creature Gollum is being held by your men downstairs, will you not keep him here until this matter is settled? I feel that he will be kept under the best supervision in your lands and will cease to be a menace to everyone or have any chance of escape. I realize you need time to think but time is also our enemy now and action must be taken quickly. And so I must beg a decision of you. What have you to say to my request?"
Thranduil sat and thought through all that he had heard. Aragorn had made a very good point. Time was not a matter to be taken lightly.
"You ask a big favor my friend- but one that I can not refuse. This burden must be weighted equally amongst all those who oppose Sauron. Mirkwood is ready to do her duty!"
"I thank you from the bottom of my heart my friend. And you need not worry about anything else for now. We can not be sure of anything until matters are discussed with the other races and that will only take place if and when Lord Elrond summons a council. All I ask is that you be prepared- we have fallen into dark times."
And that was the end of that topic. The rest of the conversation took on a much lighter tone with the two discussing the things that had happened when Aragorn was last in Mirkwood and this and that.
"But what's this I hear about a ball on Friday evening?" asked Aragorn, smiling.
"Well it was meant to put my subjects into a lighter mood but with the tidings you have brought it is now more likely to be a farewell to happier days- at least for quite some time. But, my friend, the ball shall nonetheless be wonderful and entertaining and I would be honored if you would join us!"
"Alas for I can not stay. I must hurry back to Rivendell and see what has become of Mr. Baggins. He has not made it to Rivendell yet and I fear the worst for Gandalf is missing as well. As you can see, I have my work cut out for me." He concluded with a smile. "I must now take my leave my friend."
"I understand. I would not worry too much about Mithrandir, though. He is probably holed up in some library in Minas Tirith, doing research as always! Go not with a weary heart my friend, for we shall see happier days yet again!"
"Aye, let us all hold onto our faith while we still have it!"
"Legolas will be disappointed at having missed you."
"And for that I am truly sorry but I must depart immediately. Please extend my apologies to Legolas. I deeply regret not having time to spend with you all but there will hopefully be more chances for that in the future. Farewell my friend and I hope the ball is everything that you hope it to be!"
"Farewell my dear Estel! Journey safe! Nai tiruvantel ar varyuntel i valar tielyanna nu vilya!
******************
A/N: "Nai tiruvantel ar varyuntel i valar tielyanna nu vilya": May the Valar protect you on your path under the sky. I found that on a website so no, it's not my quote but I just thought it was the perfect way for Thranduil and Aragorn to end their conversation. So what did you think? I'm sure most of you have figured out where I'm going with the story;) Please review, your opinions matter!!!!
