Ned I Themais Thranduil - In the Halls of Thranduil
The next day, Calina was up with the dawn, determined to do whatever work should have been done the day before as well as that day's work. It did not work out that way. She opened up the workshop and sat down at the bench to work. Gradually as the sun rose higher in the sky her workers arrived and they too began their work. They watched Calina closely when they arrived, wondering if she would tell them any news of how she knew Legolas, but that did not happen. Lathrin arrived and danced up to Calina saying,
"So Calina, who is coming to tea today? The Valar? A host of dwarves? Or perhaps it is a legion of wizards?"
"So funny Lathrin. Unfortunately I have had to cut back on my latest social whirl and no one is coming to tea today."
"You disappoint me," said Lathrin and walked off.
About noon, just before she was going to have something to eat, a horse rode up to the workshop and a messenger alighted. Calina recognised the livery and knew he was from the palace. He walked inside and said,
"Who is the lady Calina Birch from whom I have a letter?"
"I am," said Calina and she was presented with a couple of pieces of parchment, "Will you wait for the reply?" she asked,
"Those are my instructions, my lady."
"Please have a seat, I shall try not to be too long." Calina broke the seal she knew to be Legolas' and read,
'Calina,
We all had such a wonderful time yesterday, I am writing to thank you. For the four of us it was good to talk as we used to during your stay with us, and Aragorn enjoyed himself particularly well. I think it made a change from being shut up with my father talking about "matters of grave importance".
Another reason I write is entirely selfish. I want to see you again Calina, for longer than an afternoon. I beg you to consider a stay at the Halls. I need only be for a few days. You lighten the place, breathe some fresh air into it and I sorely miss that. Please consider it. I think you should also know that Garin will not be staying at the Halls for the next month as he is to go visiting relatives.
Legolas.'
Calina thought for a while, she had enjoyed herself too, except the part with Garin, but if he was not to be there then how could she refuse? She thought long and hard before there was a gentle tap on the door,
"Calina, is everything alright?" Lathrin said softly through the keyhole, "The messenger is getting impatient."
"Tell him I will be there as soon as I can be. I'll start my reply now."
'Legolas,
Thank you for your offer. I would appreciate a few days away and staying in the palace. It would be a welcome change. However, this is on the condition that Garin will not be there. If he returns early then I shall be leaving as soon as possible. I am sorry to be so blunt, but at least then there will be no misunderstandings or a repeat of what happened last time I stayed in the Halls. Thank you again for the invitation,
Calina.'
The messenger was dispatched and Calina returned to her office. Lathrin followed her in silently and watched as Calina massaged her temples and sighed,
"Do you want to talk about it?" Lathrin asked,
"It would take so long to explain," she said in an almost desperate voice. Lathrin put her arms around Calina to try and bring her some comfort,
"Try Calina. It will make you feel better to share your burdens." Lathrin settled herself down and listened as Calina told the entire story of her time in Thranduil's palace and then what she had learnt over the past two days from her day in the Halls and from the visit the day before. Lathrin was shocked by the behaviour of all involved, including at Calina for deciding to leave. When Calina had finished Lathrin said,
"But now there is no one else to get in the way now, why do you and Legolas not act on your feelings?" Calina blinked at her friend,
"What?"
"Oh, I seem to have misread the situation. I apologise."
"What did you mean Lathrin?" Calina eyed Lathrin,
"Well, it just seems like you are in love with him, and he certainly is with you. That is just the impression I got. You have never let anything bother you this much in the time I have known you. Maybe I have just got the whole thing wrong."
"Yes, Lathrin, I think you have let yourself get a bit carried away. Pray, have you been listening to the village gossip as well?" Lathrin looked sheepish,
"It is just that my neighbour's cousin works in the Halls, and she has been telling everyone who is willing to hear that Legolas stayed by your side day and night when you were with the Healers and after then he watched you like a hawk and did everything he could to make you at ease so far as he carried you around and had you presented to his father..."
"That is enough Lathrin!" Calina laughed, "I think that is a bit of an exaggeration." But really she knew that it was too close to the truth for comfort. Had she missed something in Legolas' behaviour, "I dread to think what you will say when I tell you I have agreed to say at the Halls for a few days. Garin is not there so I will not have to face him again, and I intend to spend a lot of time with Mineta too, so it is not just Legolas I am going to see, before you get any ideas!"
Lathrin was silent, but her mind was working overdrive and there was a knowing smile on her lips. Lathrin left Calina on her own. In the late afternoon, another messenger arrived with a letter for Calina, again from Legolas,
'Garin leaves tomorrow at dawn. I will send a wagon to carry your things, but you may ride on. I shall expect you at noon and father has asked you to lunch with him. I look forward to seeing you.'
It was not signed, something Lathrin noted with amusement when Calina showed it to her,
"He does not sign his letter. It was as if he knew you would be able to tell his hand. How many other letters have you had from him?"
"Lathrin, I have seen his handwriting only five times now. Do not get carried away! I see I am going to have to keep an eye on you, see you do not go spreading your opinions all over the place! Now can I leave you in charge while I am gone? You need to see this order is done to the specifications given." Calina handed Lathrin Gimli's order,
"But these are all so miniature. What would a child want with all of these things?"
"They are not for a child, but for Gimli, son of Gloín, Lord of the Glittering Caves. You need not bother with this last item. I will do it when I return, and make sure it is all sturdy and hard wearing. It needs to be transported from here all the way to Rohan."
"What does a dwarf know of your craft?"
"Gimli is the dwarf who travelled with Legolas. He is currently in Erebor and I want all this done for when he returns to the Caves." Calina paused for a moment thinking of any other tasks she needed to delegate, "You can deal with all the orders, can you not? If you are unsure about anything, or something goes wrong, you know where I shall be. Do not hesitate to contact me there. I mean that Lathrin." She nodded to show she had understood, "Right, well I shall start on that special item for Gimli. I just wish I knew what to do. It will take me forever to design."
Calina spent the rest of the afternoon and into the early evening designing, but as darkness came and everyone else had left, Calina decided to go home and pack. She found herself taking her finest robes and many day ones, then she corrected herself remembering she would only be there a few day, but then she changed her mind again,
"Oh what is the harm in being prepared, I do not know what I will be doing while I am there. I shall just take them anyway."
Calina woke late the next morning and washed and dressed. If she was paying more attention to her clothes and general appearance, then no one could fault her for wanting to look her best to see the king could they? Calina heard the wagon come to a halt under her flet and a voice called up to her,
"Lady Calina? Are you there?"
"Yes I am. How do you want me to get my things down?"
"You could throw them if you wish, but I suggest you do not drop anything valuable or breakable." Calina threw down her clothes and then followed them down the ladder with everything else. She thanked the servant for taking her things and then called her horse from a nearby meadow. The wagon left and Calina jumped on her horse and rode to the Halls. She did not know what to expect when she got there, but hopefully someone would be there to meet her at least.
Calina trotted into the main gate and smiled as she saw Mineta and Nithin there waiting to meet her. She jumped off her horse and they came to greet her. The horse was taken from her by Nithin and he went to stable it while Mineta took Calina inside and showed her to her room,
"It is a different one from last time. It is much bigger and closer to all the important parts of the Halls." Calina looked inside a beautiful room, the bedroom was the size of her entire flet. She walked through the different doors into a bathroom, a sitting room, her bedroom and a small room that served as a study,
"This is wonderful. You could fit my entire flet in here at least twice!" Calina said going from room to room,
"Lunch is soon. You need to bathe and get changed. I trust you brought a dress with you."
"Yes it's in this bag, though I do not know what state it will be in." The dress luckily had not crumpled and Calina jumped into a hot bath. She washed and dried herself quickly and put on her dress. It was not her finest dress, but it was not one of the robes she wore in the workshop. It was nowhere near as fine as the robes the other ladies of the court, but it did not disgrace her either.
Calina and Mineta had just sat down to wait for the bell for lunch when there was a knock at the door. Legolas and Nithin were there to escort them. Legolas smiled at Calina,
"I am sorry I could not meet you Calina, I had some business t take care of."
"I am not angry Legolas. It gave Mini and I a chance to chat."
"Good and now it is time for us to go to lunch." They left Calina's rooms and wandered down the Hall. They passed Legolas' rooms on the way. They were close to Calina's room she noted, almost too close. The five of them rounded the corner and came across a small, but lavishly decorated side room. A small table was laid out for eight. The five of them, Thranduil but Calina did not know whom the other two places were for. They left a place for Thranduil at the top of the table, Legolas sat on his right and Calina next to him. The two seats opposite were left empty. Nithin sat opposite Verlat and Mineta sat in between them at the other end of the table. Calina sat nervously, fiddling with the edge of the cloth on the table.
Thranduil swept in with Aragorn and Arwen. That explained the other places. Aragorn sat opposite Legolas and Arwen opposite Calina. Arwen smiled at the nervous young elf in front of her, and it put Calina slightly at ease. As Aragorn sat down he looked at Calina and said,
"It seems Legolas has managed to persuade you to come here after all. He is a silver-tongued fox is that Prince." Thranduil burst out laughing and clapped Aragorn on the back. Legolas folded his arm in protest and Aragorn looked at him now, "Do you deny it Legolas?"
"I will neither deny it or claim it to be true because either way my character flawed," Legolas said smoothly in reply,
"Come now my boy," said Thranduil grandly, "Aragorn means it as a compliment I am sure."
"No father, he means to tease me, but I am used to it. It is a burden to bear, but bear it I must. After all, I have one fault and he has many." Legolas stared at his opponent in this war of words, but at the same time they burst out laughing. The food was then brought to the table and they all began to tuck in. Between mouthfuls Arwen spoke to Calina,
"Calina, how is your workshop faring? Aragorn tells me that Gimli has sent you a string of items he wishes made."
"Yes, it is true he has, although I do not understand why a dwarf is asking for elvish craftsmen."
"Perhaps it is because he has heard much of your good reputation," Aragorn said under his breath, looking at Legolas, but Calina heard it. She caught sight of Legolas blushing out of the corner of her eye but chose to say nothing on the subject,
"I have left Lathrin in charge of things for a few days. She will make sure it gets going, but I shall need to return in a few days."
"You are not staying long then," said Aragorn,
"No," she said, "I cannot." Thranduil watched his son to see how he bore the news. Legolas was looking at his plate, pushing some food around. Very discretely the king cleared his throat. Legolas looked up at his father and saw the look in his eyes. Legolas knew he had to accept the time he was given, because it was better than none. He just ached to see her, to hear her laugh and watch the light in her eyes. Thranduil took measures to draw his son out of himself,
"Legolas what do you have planned for Calina's stay?"
"I am not sure father. We have a few years to catch up on and I am sure Calina and Mineta will want to discuss the wedding. I do not understand why females are so obsessed with weddings, but that talk will probably take the best part of a day knowing Mineta. I wanted to take Calina riding early tomorrow morning, but I fear that will have to be put off because I have a meeting with."
"Legolas do not worry about your meeting. It will wait." Thranduil pronounced. Legolas smiled gratefully at his father and silently thanked him,
"Calina, is that alright with you? To go riding early tomorrow?"
"Sounds like a good idea." Calina smiled at Legolas. She allowed his eyes to connect with hers and saw the warmth that exuded from them. Calina blushed and turned away. The rest of the meal continued with much small talk and polite enquiries about Calina's stay there then, finally, it was over. Calina was pleased to leave Thranduil, he had the way of probing your entire life with seemingly random questions. She felt as though she'd been interrogated.
That afternoon, Legolas took her on an extensive tour of the Halls and the surrounding forest. They stopped for a bit of food and drink in the kitchens with the amiable staff there. Legolas knew them all by name and asked after their families and mentioned things of reference he remembered from before he went away. Calina noticed how well liked he was. Legolas was not treated as the Prince, but simply as a friend, although he was always called Highness and got whatever he wanted to eat. He recounted to them where he had been over the years, most of the elves working in the kitchens had never left the forest, let alone travelled to far off countries and met with other elves, dwarfs and men. Legolas relaxed and let down his guard among those he had known all his life as he turned from a scampering boy to a disciplined and well-mannered prince. Eventually, it came time for them to get to work and prepare the dinner so Legolas took Calina's hand and pulled her off the table she had been perched on and led her outside,
"I want you to see this, it is wonderful, but we will have to hurry. We need to get there before the Sun goes down." Calina held her long robe up with one hand and Legolas pulled her along with the other. They left the halls and ran through the trees. There was no path but Legolas' memory was enough for him. They stopped by a small stream and Legolas motioned to Calina to sit on one of the smooth rocks by its edge. There was a small gap in the trees and as the Sun sank down behind them it sent a shaft of light onto the water. The small glade in which they were sitting was filled with a warm red light which skimmed off the water, illuminating all the ripples and waves in the stream. Insects danced in the light and the birds sung because they were soon to go to roost. Calina whispered to Legolas, not wanting to break the magic they had found,
"When did you find this place?"
"A few years before the War of the Ring. I was looking for somewhere quiet to think and I found this." As quickly as the light had illuminated the glade, it was gone as the Sun sank round again. They both sat there in silence, neither of them stirred, except Calina gave a small shiver and Legolas shifted her to between his arms, his chest warming her back. He placed his hands over hers that were clasped in her lap and rested his head on her shoulder. They were then still for many minutes until Calina unclasped her hands and whispered,
"We should go. It will be dinner soon." Legolas moved from behind her and then offered his hand to help Calina up. She let go as soon as she could, Legolas had held onto her hand after she was standing up. He led them both back to the Halls slowly and showed Calina to her door,
"I will leave you to get ready for dinner," he said before disappearing off round the next corner. Calina found a hot bath already run for her and one of her dresses laid out. Her clothes had arrived and been unpacked as well as all her other things. Calina got into the bath and quickly washed herself. She dried herself and then realised there was someone else in the apartment. Calina crept around to where the noise was coming from. Someone was tidying the clothes she had been wearing,
"Telina!" Calina cried in recognition, "Telina, you gave me a start. I thought someone was creeping through my things."
"Oh my lady, I am so sorry. I did not mean to, please excuse me."
"It is quite alright. It is good to see you again. Thank you for unpacking my things."
"If I my say so, my lady, it is wonderful to see you so well and restored to full health."
"Thank you Telina. Will you be helping me while I am here?"
"Yes my lady, providing that is what you wish."
"Of course, you were very good to me while I was here before. It is good to see another friendly face around here."
"Begging your pardon, my lady, but you should hurry, it is not long till dinner, you were outside long."
"Oh goodness, I had completely forgotten," Telina flew about getting her ready and Calina was finally ready just as the gong sounded and there was a knock at the door. Telina opened it and curtseyed to the person behind it. Legolas stepped in,
"Are you ready?" he asked staring at her slightly, her appearance was changed so much by a different hairstyle and the dress. He had not seen her looking like this, so comfortable in her own skin, and yet so alluring. He remembered the dress she had worn to be presented to Thranduil, it had suited her, but she was not comfortable in it and her uneasiness showed. The elf before him was a different to the one he had known seventeen years ago, but she had not changed for the worse. Legolas' eyes had been opened to her other side. He was used to her as a friend, but not as an object of desire. The dress was tailored to show off her thin waist and the colour reflected the blue in her eyes. It was cut just off her shoulders so it showed all her neck and chest till the neckline came to a point just keeping everything from view,
"What is wrong?" She asked, drawing him back to the present from the future,
"Nothing. You look wonderful."
"Are you sure? I could change."
"No Calina, you are perfect. Fit to grace the table of fifty kings, not just two." Calina smiled,
"Do not say things like that, you just make me more nervous."
"What is to be nervous about? You have met everyone at that table before including my father and Aragorn and Arwen."
"I know, but it is difficult, you grew up with all this, I am just not used to it." Legolas sighed and walked over to Calina. He placed his hands on Calina's almost-bare shoulders. He bent slightly so their eyes were level,
"Calina Birch, you know for a fact you have done worse than eat dinner in the main Hall and done a bit of dancing after."
"Dancing?" Calina's eyes opened slightly, "No one mentioned dancing!"
"Because this is precisely what I knew would happen. You are going to have to accept that this carpenter's daughter is welcome at the high table whenever she likes. She has favour with the King and his son and if she is not there often enough to please their incredibly demanding personalities then they will just engineer it so she has no choice." He tried to quash the doubt in her eyes, "You are equal to all the people sitting there." Legolas' arms left her shoulders and went down her arms and took hold of her wrist. He stepped back, "Come on Calina, I am hungry."
"Oh well then, we had best go, the Prince of Mirkwood is hungry." She smiled at him, "Sorry Legolas, sometimes the country girl inside gets the better of me."
"That is quite alright, just do not let it be too often or we will have no fun." She took his arm and they left for dinner.
It was summer so the Hall ceiling and floor were a mass of green leaves and grass. Musicians played in one corner and the place was buzzing as people talked to each other, waiting for Thranduil to arrive. Legolas showed Calina to her seat and she found herself sitting opposite him, next to Aragorn and one of Thranduil's advisors. The musicians stopped their mellow background music and trumpets announced Thranduil's arrival. Calina, along with the rest of the hall, rose. Her eyes caught Legolas' and he mouthed,
"Relax." She smiled weakly at him. Legolas' eyes shifted to Aragorn's who must have seen what he mouthed to Calina. Thranduil took his seat next to his son, opposite Aragorn, Arwen was on his other side. The Hall was filled with conversation again and Aragorn turned to Calina,
"Did you have a good afternoon Calina? We tried to find you and Legolas but you seemed to have slunk off somewhere on your own and we did not want to disturb you." Aragorn's eyes twinkled as he teased her. Calina blushed and looked at the plate set before her. Aragorn simply laughed and raised his eyebrows at Legolas, who felt obligated to explain the situation,
"I took Calina on a tour of the Halls and the forest. If you had looked hard enough you would probably have found us Aragorn. It seems your tracking skills have been dimmed by your time as a king. It must be all that fine food you get in Minas Tirith."
"Well matched my friend, but." Then Arwen addressed Calina interrupting her husband,
"I apologise Calina. Aragorn and Legolas insist on this war of words and there is nothing to be done to stop them, but they should not drag you into it as well."
"I am sorry lady Arwen," Legolas said smoothly, "but I fear that the blame lies solely on Aragorn. He will not learn that thousands of years makes for a large advantage in games such as these and so he continues this ridiculous charade, trying to beat me."
"Oh come Legolas. We know this stems from the fact that I am a king and you are only a mere prince, no offence Thranduil."
"None taken Aragorn."
"Father! That is not fair. Will you allow Aragorn to make mockery of the Prince of the Realm and heir to the throne?"
"Of course. I would not like to provoke a war with Gondor and besides, the prince is my son and as his father I will do anything to see him taken down a peg or two on regular occasions." Calina couldn't hold in her giggles anymore,
"Aha, the famous smile of Calina Birch has returned. Now I will eat my meal, knowing my mission accomplished." Aragorn said full of triumph,
"I had no idea my smile was famous Aragorn, please tell me where you heard of it first." Calina said looking at Aragorn, so she missed the look of horror that flashed across Legolas' face. Aragorn however did see it and did his friend a favour and simply said,
"That would be telling. Now eat your dinner." Calina laughed again and started eating. Legolas silently thanked his friend.
Legolas was thankful that the rest of the meal passed without incident. He rose as the Hall was cleared for the dancing and made his way to Calina's side,
"My lady, may I be so bold as to claim the first dance?"
"I am honoured, highness." Legolas took her hand and led her to the centre of the room. The surrounding elves bowed to their prince and Calina began to get very self-conscious again. She did not have much time to dwell on it though because the music started and Legolas began to sweep her around the room. Calina silently thanked her father's tuition as a young girl. She followed Legolas' lead without thinking. Her feet knew where they were going and it gave Calina a chance to look at her partner. Legolas' face was the picture of concentration, she could almost hear him counting the beats of the music. She laughed gently at him and his expression broke for a moment so he could shrug his shoulders. Unfortunately that meant he lost his train of thought and stumbled until Calina took the lead and pulled him round after her.
As the music stopped, Calina laughed again, and it was Legolas' turn to blush, "I think we have finally found a flaw in your seemingly perfect character Legolas."
"Please, do not tease me Calina. I have just never been able to dance since I was small. I have tried so many times and people have tried with me, but I just cannot seem to do it."
"You think about it too hard. Listen to the music and let your feet move themselves. Come on, let us try again." The music had started up again, a slower dance though. Legolas took Calina's hand again and tried hard not to think about it. She started talking to him to keep his focus off his feet, nothing too difficult, just short questions. He did much better, but did not want to dance a third dance so they went to sit down. A head bent down between their shoulders and said,
"Did you take dancing lessons in Gondor Legolas, or was it simply the change of partner that raised your dancing beyond abysmal?"
"You will have to credit Calina with my improved dancing, Nithin, but I fear she will never make me as good as yourself."
"A compliment, we are in a good mood tonight! Calina, I came to ask for a dance if you would not mind. I am sure Legolas can amuse himself without you."
"Thank you Nithin. I would like very much to dance with you." The music had started again and Nithin took her hand and led her to the dance floor. The dance was a fast one and Calina was not sure she remembered it all, but luckily, Nithin was an expert dancer and when she had forgotten what came next, he guided her skilfully. They talked if they could but a lot of the time it was twist and turn then another and then something else. Calina was exhausted by the end, and she and Nithin returned breathless to Legolas. He had been joined by Mineta and their conversation came to an abrupt end when they saw the two returning. Nithin spoke to Legolas,
"I must say Legolas, you have found a marvellous dance teacher. Where did you learn to dance like that Calina?"
"My father taught my brothers and I when I was young. He lived not far from here before he married my mother and they moved into the forest. We used to push all the furniture back and dance in the workshop on the days it was empty. I guess it is not something you forget. I have not danced for centuries!"
"Well you worked wonders with Legolas here. I was beginning to think he had tree trunks for legs!" Legolas decided to end the conversation as the other three began to laugh at him,
"Calina shall we get something to drink?" She stopped laughing but still smiled and said,
"Of course Legolas." But she caught Mineta's eye and they started laughing again. Legolas sulked and walked off. Calina followed and came up behind him saying, "Do not cry Legolas, we did not mean it. It is nice to know you are only an elf after all." He handed her a glass of wine, but was still silent, "Oh come on Legolas. Do not be upset. You cannot be the best at everything. Save something for everyone else to fight over." Eventually he smiled and Calina sighed with relief.
They spent the rest of the evening talking with Nithin and Mineta and Verlat came over to join them later on. Calina danced a bit more with Legolas and Nithin and was deeply honoured when Aragorn asked her to be his partner. It was long into the night when she made it back to her room. Her head was a little muddled from all the wine she had drunk and she climbed straight into bed, leaving her dress draped over the sofa, she hoped. Calina snuggled down and smiled to herself. She had survived her first night in the palace.
The next day, Calina was up with the dawn, determined to do whatever work should have been done the day before as well as that day's work. It did not work out that way. She opened up the workshop and sat down at the bench to work. Gradually as the sun rose higher in the sky her workers arrived and they too began their work. They watched Calina closely when they arrived, wondering if she would tell them any news of how she knew Legolas, but that did not happen. Lathrin arrived and danced up to Calina saying,
"So Calina, who is coming to tea today? The Valar? A host of dwarves? Or perhaps it is a legion of wizards?"
"So funny Lathrin. Unfortunately I have had to cut back on my latest social whirl and no one is coming to tea today."
"You disappoint me," said Lathrin and walked off.
About noon, just before she was going to have something to eat, a horse rode up to the workshop and a messenger alighted. Calina recognised the livery and knew he was from the palace. He walked inside and said,
"Who is the lady Calina Birch from whom I have a letter?"
"I am," said Calina and she was presented with a couple of pieces of parchment, "Will you wait for the reply?" she asked,
"Those are my instructions, my lady."
"Please have a seat, I shall try not to be too long." Calina broke the seal she knew to be Legolas' and read,
'Calina,
We all had such a wonderful time yesterday, I am writing to thank you. For the four of us it was good to talk as we used to during your stay with us, and Aragorn enjoyed himself particularly well. I think it made a change from being shut up with my father talking about "matters of grave importance".
Another reason I write is entirely selfish. I want to see you again Calina, for longer than an afternoon. I beg you to consider a stay at the Halls. I need only be for a few days. You lighten the place, breathe some fresh air into it and I sorely miss that. Please consider it. I think you should also know that Garin will not be staying at the Halls for the next month as he is to go visiting relatives.
Legolas.'
Calina thought for a while, she had enjoyed herself too, except the part with Garin, but if he was not to be there then how could she refuse? She thought long and hard before there was a gentle tap on the door,
"Calina, is everything alright?" Lathrin said softly through the keyhole, "The messenger is getting impatient."
"Tell him I will be there as soon as I can be. I'll start my reply now."
'Legolas,
Thank you for your offer. I would appreciate a few days away and staying in the palace. It would be a welcome change. However, this is on the condition that Garin will not be there. If he returns early then I shall be leaving as soon as possible. I am sorry to be so blunt, but at least then there will be no misunderstandings or a repeat of what happened last time I stayed in the Halls. Thank you again for the invitation,
Calina.'
The messenger was dispatched and Calina returned to her office. Lathrin followed her in silently and watched as Calina massaged her temples and sighed,
"Do you want to talk about it?" Lathrin asked,
"It would take so long to explain," she said in an almost desperate voice. Lathrin put her arms around Calina to try and bring her some comfort,
"Try Calina. It will make you feel better to share your burdens." Lathrin settled herself down and listened as Calina told the entire story of her time in Thranduil's palace and then what she had learnt over the past two days from her day in the Halls and from the visit the day before. Lathrin was shocked by the behaviour of all involved, including at Calina for deciding to leave. When Calina had finished Lathrin said,
"But now there is no one else to get in the way now, why do you and Legolas not act on your feelings?" Calina blinked at her friend,
"What?"
"Oh, I seem to have misread the situation. I apologise."
"What did you mean Lathrin?" Calina eyed Lathrin,
"Well, it just seems like you are in love with him, and he certainly is with you. That is just the impression I got. You have never let anything bother you this much in the time I have known you. Maybe I have just got the whole thing wrong."
"Yes, Lathrin, I think you have let yourself get a bit carried away. Pray, have you been listening to the village gossip as well?" Lathrin looked sheepish,
"It is just that my neighbour's cousin works in the Halls, and she has been telling everyone who is willing to hear that Legolas stayed by your side day and night when you were with the Healers and after then he watched you like a hawk and did everything he could to make you at ease so far as he carried you around and had you presented to his father..."
"That is enough Lathrin!" Calina laughed, "I think that is a bit of an exaggeration." But really she knew that it was too close to the truth for comfort. Had she missed something in Legolas' behaviour, "I dread to think what you will say when I tell you I have agreed to say at the Halls for a few days. Garin is not there so I will not have to face him again, and I intend to spend a lot of time with Mineta too, so it is not just Legolas I am going to see, before you get any ideas!"
Lathrin was silent, but her mind was working overdrive and there was a knowing smile on her lips. Lathrin left Calina on her own. In the late afternoon, another messenger arrived with a letter for Calina, again from Legolas,
'Garin leaves tomorrow at dawn. I will send a wagon to carry your things, but you may ride on. I shall expect you at noon and father has asked you to lunch with him. I look forward to seeing you.'
It was not signed, something Lathrin noted with amusement when Calina showed it to her,
"He does not sign his letter. It was as if he knew you would be able to tell his hand. How many other letters have you had from him?"
"Lathrin, I have seen his handwriting only five times now. Do not get carried away! I see I am going to have to keep an eye on you, see you do not go spreading your opinions all over the place! Now can I leave you in charge while I am gone? You need to see this order is done to the specifications given." Calina handed Lathrin Gimli's order,
"But these are all so miniature. What would a child want with all of these things?"
"They are not for a child, but for Gimli, son of Gloín, Lord of the Glittering Caves. You need not bother with this last item. I will do it when I return, and make sure it is all sturdy and hard wearing. It needs to be transported from here all the way to Rohan."
"What does a dwarf know of your craft?"
"Gimli is the dwarf who travelled with Legolas. He is currently in Erebor and I want all this done for when he returns to the Caves." Calina paused for a moment thinking of any other tasks she needed to delegate, "You can deal with all the orders, can you not? If you are unsure about anything, or something goes wrong, you know where I shall be. Do not hesitate to contact me there. I mean that Lathrin." She nodded to show she had understood, "Right, well I shall start on that special item for Gimli. I just wish I knew what to do. It will take me forever to design."
Calina spent the rest of the afternoon and into the early evening designing, but as darkness came and everyone else had left, Calina decided to go home and pack. She found herself taking her finest robes and many day ones, then she corrected herself remembering she would only be there a few day, but then she changed her mind again,
"Oh what is the harm in being prepared, I do not know what I will be doing while I am there. I shall just take them anyway."
Calina woke late the next morning and washed and dressed. If she was paying more attention to her clothes and general appearance, then no one could fault her for wanting to look her best to see the king could they? Calina heard the wagon come to a halt under her flet and a voice called up to her,
"Lady Calina? Are you there?"
"Yes I am. How do you want me to get my things down?"
"You could throw them if you wish, but I suggest you do not drop anything valuable or breakable." Calina threw down her clothes and then followed them down the ladder with everything else. She thanked the servant for taking her things and then called her horse from a nearby meadow. The wagon left and Calina jumped on her horse and rode to the Halls. She did not know what to expect when she got there, but hopefully someone would be there to meet her at least.
Calina trotted into the main gate and smiled as she saw Mineta and Nithin there waiting to meet her. She jumped off her horse and they came to greet her. The horse was taken from her by Nithin and he went to stable it while Mineta took Calina inside and showed her to her room,
"It is a different one from last time. It is much bigger and closer to all the important parts of the Halls." Calina looked inside a beautiful room, the bedroom was the size of her entire flet. She walked through the different doors into a bathroom, a sitting room, her bedroom and a small room that served as a study,
"This is wonderful. You could fit my entire flet in here at least twice!" Calina said going from room to room,
"Lunch is soon. You need to bathe and get changed. I trust you brought a dress with you."
"Yes it's in this bag, though I do not know what state it will be in." The dress luckily had not crumpled and Calina jumped into a hot bath. She washed and dried herself quickly and put on her dress. It was not her finest dress, but it was not one of the robes she wore in the workshop. It was nowhere near as fine as the robes the other ladies of the court, but it did not disgrace her either.
Calina and Mineta had just sat down to wait for the bell for lunch when there was a knock at the door. Legolas and Nithin were there to escort them. Legolas smiled at Calina,
"I am sorry I could not meet you Calina, I had some business t take care of."
"I am not angry Legolas. It gave Mini and I a chance to chat."
"Good and now it is time for us to go to lunch." They left Calina's rooms and wandered down the Hall. They passed Legolas' rooms on the way. They were close to Calina's room she noted, almost too close. The five of them rounded the corner and came across a small, but lavishly decorated side room. A small table was laid out for eight. The five of them, Thranduil but Calina did not know whom the other two places were for. They left a place for Thranduil at the top of the table, Legolas sat on his right and Calina next to him. The two seats opposite were left empty. Nithin sat opposite Verlat and Mineta sat in between them at the other end of the table. Calina sat nervously, fiddling with the edge of the cloth on the table.
Thranduil swept in with Aragorn and Arwen. That explained the other places. Aragorn sat opposite Legolas and Arwen opposite Calina. Arwen smiled at the nervous young elf in front of her, and it put Calina slightly at ease. As Aragorn sat down he looked at Calina and said,
"It seems Legolas has managed to persuade you to come here after all. He is a silver-tongued fox is that Prince." Thranduil burst out laughing and clapped Aragorn on the back. Legolas folded his arm in protest and Aragorn looked at him now, "Do you deny it Legolas?"
"I will neither deny it or claim it to be true because either way my character flawed," Legolas said smoothly in reply,
"Come now my boy," said Thranduil grandly, "Aragorn means it as a compliment I am sure."
"No father, he means to tease me, but I am used to it. It is a burden to bear, but bear it I must. After all, I have one fault and he has many." Legolas stared at his opponent in this war of words, but at the same time they burst out laughing. The food was then brought to the table and they all began to tuck in. Between mouthfuls Arwen spoke to Calina,
"Calina, how is your workshop faring? Aragorn tells me that Gimli has sent you a string of items he wishes made."
"Yes, it is true he has, although I do not understand why a dwarf is asking for elvish craftsmen."
"Perhaps it is because he has heard much of your good reputation," Aragorn said under his breath, looking at Legolas, but Calina heard it. She caught sight of Legolas blushing out of the corner of her eye but chose to say nothing on the subject,
"I have left Lathrin in charge of things for a few days. She will make sure it gets going, but I shall need to return in a few days."
"You are not staying long then," said Aragorn,
"No," she said, "I cannot." Thranduil watched his son to see how he bore the news. Legolas was looking at his plate, pushing some food around. Very discretely the king cleared his throat. Legolas looked up at his father and saw the look in his eyes. Legolas knew he had to accept the time he was given, because it was better than none. He just ached to see her, to hear her laugh and watch the light in her eyes. Thranduil took measures to draw his son out of himself,
"Legolas what do you have planned for Calina's stay?"
"I am not sure father. We have a few years to catch up on and I am sure Calina and Mineta will want to discuss the wedding. I do not understand why females are so obsessed with weddings, but that talk will probably take the best part of a day knowing Mineta. I wanted to take Calina riding early tomorrow morning, but I fear that will have to be put off because I have a meeting with."
"Legolas do not worry about your meeting. It will wait." Thranduil pronounced. Legolas smiled gratefully at his father and silently thanked him,
"Calina, is that alright with you? To go riding early tomorrow?"
"Sounds like a good idea." Calina smiled at Legolas. She allowed his eyes to connect with hers and saw the warmth that exuded from them. Calina blushed and turned away. The rest of the meal continued with much small talk and polite enquiries about Calina's stay there then, finally, it was over. Calina was pleased to leave Thranduil, he had the way of probing your entire life with seemingly random questions. She felt as though she'd been interrogated.
That afternoon, Legolas took her on an extensive tour of the Halls and the surrounding forest. They stopped for a bit of food and drink in the kitchens with the amiable staff there. Legolas knew them all by name and asked after their families and mentioned things of reference he remembered from before he went away. Calina noticed how well liked he was. Legolas was not treated as the Prince, but simply as a friend, although he was always called Highness and got whatever he wanted to eat. He recounted to them where he had been over the years, most of the elves working in the kitchens had never left the forest, let alone travelled to far off countries and met with other elves, dwarfs and men. Legolas relaxed and let down his guard among those he had known all his life as he turned from a scampering boy to a disciplined and well-mannered prince. Eventually, it came time for them to get to work and prepare the dinner so Legolas took Calina's hand and pulled her off the table she had been perched on and led her outside,
"I want you to see this, it is wonderful, but we will have to hurry. We need to get there before the Sun goes down." Calina held her long robe up with one hand and Legolas pulled her along with the other. They left the halls and ran through the trees. There was no path but Legolas' memory was enough for him. They stopped by a small stream and Legolas motioned to Calina to sit on one of the smooth rocks by its edge. There was a small gap in the trees and as the Sun sank down behind them it sent a shaft of light onto the water. The small glade in which they were sitting was filled with a warm red light which skimmed off the water, illuminating all the ripples and waves in the stream. Insects danced in the light and the birds sung because they were soon to go to roost. Calina whispered to Legolas, not wanting to break the magic they had found,
"When did you find this place?"
"A few years before the War of the Ring. I was looking for somewhere quiet to think and I found this." As quickly as the light had illuminated the glade, it was gone as the Sun sank round again. They both sat there in silence, neither of them stirred, except Calina gave a small shiver and Legolas shifted her to between his arms, his chest warming her back. He placed his hands over hers that were clasped in her lap and rested his head on her shoulder. They were then still for many minutes until Calina unclasped her hands and whispered,
"We should go. It will be dinner soon." Legolas moved from behind her and then offered his hand to help Calina up. She let go as soon as she could, Legolas had held onto her hand after she was standing up. He led them both back to the Halls slowly and showed Calina to her door,
"I will leave you to get ready for dinner," he said before disappearing off round the next corner. Calina found a hot bath already run for her and one of her dresses laid out. Her clothes had arrived and been unpacked as well as all her other things. Calina got into the bath and quickly washed herself. She dried herself and then realised there was someone else in the apartment. Calina crept around to where the noise was coming from. Someone was tidying the clothes she had been wearing,
"Telina!" Calina cried in recognition, "Telina, you gave me a start. I thought someone was creeping through my things."
"Oh my lady, I am so sorry. I did not mean to, please excuse me."
"It is quite alright. It is good to see you again. Thank you for unpacking my things."
"If I my say so, my lady, it is wonderful to see you so well and restored to full health."
"Thank you Telina. Will you be helping me while I am here?"
"Yes my lady, providing that is what you wish."
"Of course, you were very good to me while I was here before. It is good to see another friendly face around here."
"Begging your pardon, my lady, but you should hurry, it is not long till dinner, you were outside long."
"Oh goodness, I had completely forgotten," Telina flew about getting her ready and Calina was finally ready just as the gong sounded and there was a knock at the door. Telina opened it and curtseyed to the person behind it. Legolas stepped in,
"Are you ready?" he asked staring at her slightly, her appearance was changed so much by a different hairstyle and the dress. He had not seen her looking like this, so comfortable in her own skin, and yet so alluring. He remembered the dress she had worn to be presented to Thranduil, it had suited her, but she was not comfortable in it and her uneasiness showed. The elf before him was a different to the one he had known seventeen years ago, but she had not changed for the worse. Legolas' eyes had been opened to her other side. He was used to her as a friend, but not as an object of desire. The dress was tailored to show off her thin waist and the colour reflected the blue in her eyes. It was cut just off her shoulders so it showed all her neck and chest till the neckline came to a point just keeping everything from view,
"What is wrong?" She asked, drawing him back to the present from the future,
"Nothing. You look wonderful."
"Are you sure? I could change."
"No Calina, you are perfect. Fit to grace the table of fifty kings, not just two." Calina smiled,
"Do not say things like that, you just make me more nervous."
"What is to be nervous about? You have met everyone at that table before including my father and Aragorn and Arwen."
"I know, but it is difficult, you grew up with all this, I am just not used to it." Legolas sighed and walked over to Calina. He placed his hands on Calina's almost-bare shoulders. He bent slightly so their eyes were level,
"Calina Birch, you know for a fact you have done worse than eat dinner in the main Hall and done a bit of dancing after."
"Dancing?" Calina's eyes opened slightly, "No one mentioned dancing!"
"Because this is precisely what I knew would happen. You are going to have to accept that this carpenter's daughter is welcome at the high table whenever she likes. She has favour with the King and his son and if she is not there often enough to please their incredibly demanding personalities then they will just engineer it so she has no choice." He tried to quash the doubt in her eyes, "You are equal to all the people sitting there." Legolas' arms left her shoulders and went down her arms and took hold of her wrist. He stepped back, "Come on Calina, I am hungry."
"Oh well then, we had best go, the Prince of Mirkwood is hungry." She smiled at him, "Sorry Legolas, sometimes the country girl inside gets the better of me."
"That is quite alright, just do not let it be too often or we will have no fun." She took his arm and they left for dinner.
It was summer so the Hall ceiling and floor were a mass of green leaves and grass. Musicians played in one corner and the place was buzzing as people talked to each other, waiting for Thranduil to arrive. Legolas showed Calina to her seat and she found herself sitting opposite him, next to Aragorn and one of Thranduil's advisors. The musicians stopped their mellow background music and trumpets announced Thranduil's arrival. Calina, along with the rest of the hall, rose. Her eyes caught Legolas' and he mouthed,
"Relax." She smiled weakly at him. Legolas' eyes shifted to Aragorn's who must have seen what he mouthed to Calina. Thranduil took his seat next to his son, opposite Aragorn, Arwen was on his other side. The Hall was filled with conversation again and Aragorn turned to Calina,
"Did you have a good afternoon Calina? We tried to find you and Legolas but you seemed to have slunk off somewhere on your own and we did not want to disturb you." Aragorn's eyes twinkled as he teased her. Calina blushed and looked at the plate set before her. Aragorn simply laughed and raised his eyebrows at Legolas, who felt obligated to explain the situation,
"I took Calina on a tour of the Halls and the forest. If you had looked hard enough you would probably have found us Aragorn. It seems your tracking skills have been dimmed by your time as a king. It must be all that fine food you get in Minas Tirith."
"Well matched my friend, but." Then Arwen addressed Calina interrupting her husband,
"I apologise Calina. Aragorn and Legolas insist on this war of words and there is nothing to be done to stop them, but they should not drag you into it as well."
"I am sorry lady Arwen," Legolas said smoothly, "but I fear that the blame lies solely on Aragorn. He will not learn that thousands of years makes for a large advantage in games such as these and so he continues this ridiculous charade, trying to beat me."
"Oh come Legolas. We know this stems from the fact that I am a king and you are only a mere prince, no offence Thranduil."
"None taken Aragorn."
"Father! That is not fair. Will you allow Aragorn to make mockery of the Prince of the Realm and heir to the throne?"
"Of course. I would not like to provoke a war with Gondor and besides, the prince is my son and as his father I will do anything to see him taken down a peg or two on regular occasions." Calina couldn't hold in her giggles anymore,
"Aha, the famous smile of Calina Birch has returned. Now I will eat my meal, knowing my mission accomplished." Aragorn said full of triumph,
"I had no idea my smile was famous Aragorn, please tell me where you heard of it first." Calina said looking at Aragorn, so she missed the look of horror that flashed across Legolas' face. Aragorn however did see it and did his friend a favour and simply said,
"That would be telling. Now eat your dinner." Calina laughed again and started eating. Legolas silently thanked his friend.
Legolas was thankful that the rest of the meal passed without incident. He rose as the Hall was cleared for the dancing and made his way to Calina's side,
"My lady, may I be so bold as to claim the first dance?"
"I am honoured, highness." Legolas took her hand and led her to the centre of the room. The surrounding elves bowed to their prince and Calina began to get very self-conscious again. She did not have much time to dwell on it though because the music started and Legolas began to sweep her around the room. Calina silently thanked her father's tuition as a young girl. She followed Legolas' lead without thinking. Her feet knew where they were going and it gave Calina a chance to look at her partner. Legolas' face was the picture of concentration, she could almost hear him counting the beats of the music. She laughed gently at him and his expression broke for a moment so he could shrug his shoulders. Unfortunately that meant he lost his train of thought and stumbled until Calina took the lead and pulled him round after her.
As the music stopped, Calina laughed again, and it was Legolas' turn to blush, "I think we have finally found a flaw in your seemingly perfect character Legolas."
"Please, do not tease me Calina. I have just never been able to dance since I was small. I have tried so many times and people have tried with me, but I just cannot seem to do it."
"You think about it too hard. Listen to the music and let your feet move themselves. Come on, let us try again." The music had started up again, a slower dance though. Legolas took Calina's hand again and tried hard not to think about it. She started talking to him to keep his focus off his feet, nothing too difficult, just short questions. He did much better, but did not want to dance a third dance so they went to sit down. A head bent down between their shoulders and said,
"Did you take dancing lessons in Gondor Legolas, or was it simply the change of partner that raised your dancing beyond abysmal?"
"You will have to credit Calina with my improved dancing, Nithin, but I fear she will never make me as good as yourself."
"A compliment, we are in a good mood tonight! Calina, I came to ask for a dance if you would not mind. I am sure Legolas can amuse himself without you."
"Thank you Nithin. I would like very much to dance with you." The music had started again and Nithin took her hand and led her to the dance floor. The dance was a fast one and Calina was not sure she remembered it all, but luckily, Nithin was an expert dancer and when she had forgotten what came next, he guided her skilfully. They talked if they could but a lot of the time it was twist and turn then another and then something else. Calina was exhausted by the end, and she and Nithin returned breathless to Legolas. He had been joined by Mineta and their conversation came to an abrupt end when they saw the two returning. Nithin spoke to Legolas,
"I must say Legolas, you have found a marvellous dance teacher. Where did you learn to dance like that Calina?"
"My father taught my brothers and I when I was young. He lived not far from here before he married my mother and they moved into the forest. We used to push all the furniture back and dance in the workshop on the days it was empty. I guess it is not something you forget. I have not danced for centuries!"
"Well you worked wonders with Legolas here. I was beginning to think he had tree trunks for legs!" Legolas decided to end the conversation as the other three began to laugh at him,
"Calina shall we get something to drink?" She stopped laughing but still smiled and said,
"Of course Legolas." But she caught Mineta's eye and they started laughing again. Legolas sulked and walked off. Calina followed and came up behind him saying, "Do not cry Legolas, we did not mean it. It is nice to know you are only an elf after all." He handed her a glass of wine, but was still silent, "Oh come on Legolas. Do not be upset. You cannot be the best at everything. Save something for everyone else to fight over." Eventually he smiled and Calina sighed with relief.
They spent the rest of the evening talking with Nithin and Mineta and Verlat came over to join them later on. Calina danced a bit more with Legolas and Nithin and was deeply honoured when Aragorn asked her to be his partner. It was long into the night when she made it back to her room. Her head was a little muddled from all the wine she had drunk and she climbed straight into bed, leaving her dress draped over the sofa, she hoped. Calina snuggled down and smiled to herself. She had survived her first night in the palace.
