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Chapter 5
The Promise of a King
Narelle followed Nellie through an array of halls and corridors until they finally reached the chamber that she would be occupying. It was large, and open, with a huge terrace that left the room open to the weather. The bed lay in the middle of the room; it had huge pillars on every corner that held up a thin sheet of blue. The sheet covered up all sides of the bed, creating a soft warm box. The rest of the room was rather bare, with the exception of a small table and a mirror in a far corner.
Narelle quickly stepped to the side as Nellie brushed past her and disappeared around the corner. Soon the sound of water falling into a bath could be heard. Narelle closed her eyes and let herself be taken by the sent that escaped the bathroom. The smell of flowers and the forest filled the air making the room soft and comforting.
Narelle's eyes snapped open as Nellie rounded the corner and approached her. The young maiden stopped directly in front of Narelle.
"My Lady, your bath is ready. If you will remove your clothes and place then upon the bed I shall return soon with a new dress for you to wear and some warm food." Narelle nodded absentmindedly as she watched the maiden leave through the door quietly.
Sighing, Narelle looked down at her clothes and tried to decide were to begin. Groaning she pulled off her boots revealing delicate toes. Next came the dirty trousers, and last the ripped tunic. Placing them all upon the bed, she walked around the corner and approached the bath. The water was so hot; steam drifted off of it and filled the room. Petals of pink and purple floated around upon the top of the water giving it a slightly pink glow.
Narelle slid one long leg into the hot pool, testing it, before allowing the other to follow. She hissed as the hot water hit her scratched and soar back. The beast's club and done more damage then she had expected. Soon her entire body was submerged in the hot bath that Narelle would have explained as ecstasy.
Narelle laid there for what seemed like hours before Nellie entered into the chamber carrying a new dress and some food.
"My Lady, I have returned, it would be best if you ate something and then rested."
"I shall be out in a moment," Narelle replied. She reluctantly slid out of the bath and wrapped a long robe around herself that had been left beside the bath.
Nellie looked up to find Narelle walking towards her with a small smile upon her face. "I thank you for all that you have done for me, the bath calmed my nerves." Narelle sat upon the bed and began to eat the sweat berries and warm bread that Nellie had placed before her.
"If you will not be needing anything else my Lady, I will be going."
"Oh, of course Nellie, you are free to go as you wish," Narelle said back after swallowing a mouth full of food
The maiden bowed before turning on her heal and leaving the room. Narelle quickly finished her meal and pushed the plate aside. She gracefully got up from the bed and walked out to the terrace. Closing her eyes, she let the cool night air hit her face and dry what was still wet of her hair. Smiling, she reopened her eyes and glanced up into the wonder of the full moon. Small specs of light lit up the sky and made patterns upon its dark vastness.
Narelle gave the magical sky one last glace before turning around and reentering her chamber. She pulled off the wet robe and slid the gown that Nellie had left her over her shoulders. Narelle then walked around the room and blew out what candles were lit before crawling into the bed and drowning in it's softness. A sigh of contentment escaped her lips before she fell into a dreamless sleep.
*********
"Legolas! Your highness I know that you are near for your tracks end here!" An elf by the name of Veryo shouted.
"Lego-," Veryo's ranting was cut short by the appearance of an elf in front of him. Veryo glared at the elf before he began again. Your father has ordered that all scouts sent to find the maiden are to return to the palace. Of course, I was the one sent to find you, which, may I mention, is the hardest task of all. And may I say Milord that tonight was the one night I am able to spend with my wife. And who knows how lon-" Legolas' hand quickly shut him up. " I do not believe that it is my fault that you are a bad scout Veryo," Legolas said as he began to walk home. Veryo glared at him once more before falling into place beside him.
"How long had you been following me for?"
"Practically since you began," Legolas said with a smug smile. "Why is my father calling us back? Has word been sent that the maiden was seen elsewhere?" Legolas stated before Veryo could reply to his earlier confession.
"Nay, she has been found," came Veryo's reply.
"Found? By whom?"
"Norno found her on the western borders of the kingdom. He immediately brought her to your father and now she rests within the kingdom walls."
" So she is here then?" Legolas stopped and looked at Veryo with question written upon his face.
"Yes Milord, she is here." The two began to walk again. "Have you seen her?" Legolas asked suddenly. "Nay, Lord Thranduil had sent her to her chamber before I was called into the Great Hall by Vorindo, but Norno has most obviously seen her. Come, if we hurry we may catch him before he sleeps!" Legolas smiled and ran after Veryo's retreating form.
***********
Narelle was awaken deep into the night by the sound of soft voices. Frowning, she followed the sound out onto her terrace and peered into the darkness. Her sharp eyes caught sight of three figures walking towards the palace in the dark. Soon her ears could just barely make out what they were saying.
"Tell me Norno, is it true about the elves that dwell in Rivendell? Is her hair as dark as the night sky?" Legolas chuckled as Veryo hammered Norno with questions concerning the maiden.
"Yes Veryo, her hair is as dark as the night shy if not darker, and her eyes, as said, are nearly as dark," replied Norno.
"An elf with eyes so dark. I never believed it to be true," exclaimed Veryo.
"It is rare, but not impossible, for eyes to be so dark Veryo," added Legolas. He listened intently on his companion's conversation for moments longer before his gaze landed on something standing upon a far terrace watching them in the dark. He looked harder into the dark hoping to catch the eyes of the thing watching them. Suddenly, he caught the faint glow of eyes peering back at him. The figure held his gaze and even began to leave the shadow of the darkness. Legolas felt a strange warmth and power wash over him. He was caught, he couldn't move, nor did he want to. The eyes seemed to be controlling him in the strangest way.
Legolas tore his gaze away from the terrace as a load crack echoed through the forest. "Merely a tree falling", he thought in his head. Sighing, he cast one last glance toward the terrace before turning back to his friends, whom were now discussing the best ways to kill cave trolls without receiving any harm. Shaking his head, he quickly caught up to the two elves and joined in on their conversation.
**********
Narelle stood motionless on her terrace staring out into the dark, her eyes holding a look of terror and amazement. The sound of voices had woken her up only moments earlier and she had followed them out onto her terrace. She watched the three figures talk and laugh in the dark before one of them noticed her watching. She had backed away into the shadows hoping to hide herself from the other's eyes, but he soon found her. She stood, motionless, waiting for him to do something, but her never did. He simply stared deep into her eyes, as if he was peering into her soul. Narelle felt a wave of power flow through her, as if she could control him. But, the power became too much and she struggled to tare her gaze away from his. Silently, in her head, she prayed for a tree, or something, to fall and startle the elf. Not a moment later the sound of a tree falling echoed through the forest.
Narelle had watched as the elf looked out into the forest then back at her before running after his friends. She didn't know what to think. Questions rushed through her head as she tried to sort everything out. Had she caused the tree to fall? And what of the power that she felt when she had looked into the other elf's eyes?
Narelle shook her head and blinked her eyes before rushing back into her room and falling upon her bed. It was hours before she finally found peace.
***************
Narelle awoke hours later to the soft sound of birds chirping and the warm sunlight on her face. Smiling she stretched and peered outside. Elves could already be seen everywhere; some were practicing while others were laughing and picking flowers. Narelle was about to rise when the door to her chamber flew open revealing a smiling Nellie.
"Come my Lady, you must rise and greet the day along with the rest of us." As Nellie approached, Narelle noticed that she held a beautiful light blue gown in her hands. Sighing she rose out of the bed and began to undress. Nellie helped her slide on the gown and began to button it up.
"It fits you well my Lady," said Nellie in a soft voice.
"Do not call me that, simply Narelle will do." "As you wish." Silence followed as Nellie finished buttoning the gown and lead Narelle over to a small table with a mirror perched on top of it. She then took out a brush and began to brush Narelle's long hair. It was here when Narelle finally studied Nellie. She had long blond hair that nearly reached her hips and piercing blue eyes. She was beautiful, even more so then the average elf.
"My eyes have never looked upon hair this color." Narelle looked up and caught Nellie's gaze for a moment in the mirror. "Most of my kin have hair this color, my mother and her kin are the only one whom have hair light in color," Narelle answered.
"I have also never seen eyes that dark before, not even on a human. You know most think you to be nothing but a legend, a myth. I once believed you to be." Nellie stopped brushing Narelle's hair and looked at her through the mirror.
"I'm sorry if my looks unnerve you," Narelle stated softly. Nellie held her gaze for moments longer before she returned her attention to Narelle's hair.
"There," said Nellie, as she put the last finishing touches upon Narelle's hair. It was halfway pulled back in an array of twists and braids.
"I'm sorry if my words offended you earlier, I never meant any harm. You must understand that most elves here have never seen another elf with dark hair and eyes." Narelle smiled slightly at her words. "Do not worry for I take no offence, many share your curiosity, but I do assure you that in Rivendell, dark hair is not uncommon."
"Then, one day I must travel with you to Rivendell, for I would very much enjoy to be surrounded by your people. On the subject of Rivendell Narelle, why did you leave your home?" Narelle's head shot up at this. "What makes you believe that I left? I could have been taken," Narelle shot back.
"I'm not blind, nor am I stupid. You left, not taken. I am not the only one whom sees this."
"Such things are not your concern," said Narelle. Nellie was evidently taken back, for she stared wide-eyed into the mirror. Narelle immediately felt horrible for snapping at the maiden. Sighing she decided to tell her only part of the truth, she would leave out the fact that something was calling her there. "I felt caged in Rivendell, my father rarely allows me to do anything outside of his borders. I could not go to Lothlorien for my grandmother resides there. The only place left was Greenwood the Great, so to Greenwood the Great I came."
Nellie said nothing; she merely nodded and stepped back from Narelle showing that she was finished. Narelle turned in her chair and faced the maiden.
"I wish to stay here, if only for a time. My heart is all ready lighter and happier. I-," Narelle quickly shut her mouth and shook her head. "I'm sorry, you do not need to here this, please forgive me for pouring out my heart and sole upon your feet."
"Oh no my Lady.Narelle, I do not mind in the least. If Lord Thranduil allows you to stay inside his realm then I promise you now that we will make the best of friends. I to understand your need for escape, together we can learn to cope. But, now you must speak to the Lord, many questions I fear he has for you."
Narelle barely controlled herself from groaning as Nellie led her out of the chamber and down the hall.
*********
Nellie led Narelle over many rope bridges and down many hallways before they came to a small room high in the trees. Narelle turned to ask Nellie where they were when she realized she was gone. With a shrug of her shoulders Narelle began to examine the small room she occupied. Books of various sizes lined the room while a lone desk full of papers sat in the far corner. She started to look over the books when a voice startled her.
"I have sent messengers to Rivendell to inform your father that you are safe in Greenwood the Great." Narelle spun around only to be greeted by Lord Thranduil.
" I thank you my Lord, for everything. I feel as if I have only been a burden to you," Narelle said in a soft voice.
"You have not been a burden at all Lady Narelle. It is my duty as King to protect whom ever needs it inside my realm."
" Then I thank you for the kindness that you show your people and the lost elves whom enter your realm."
" Is that all you are Narelle? A lost elf? I feel as though there is more to your story then you wish to tell." Lord Thranduil walked over to his chair and sat down in it before he began again.
" I wish to know why you were found in my realm, alone. Lord Elrond believed you were taken, yet you were alone, and unharmed, which leads me to believe that he was not correct in his assumption. Am I correct? "
" You are my Lord," Narelle answered quietly letting her eyes focus on her feet.
" In the race of men you may be old Narelle, but among your people you are young and need protection. Why would you be foolish enough to leave the safety of your home? " Lord Thranduil asked in a stern voice.
" My reasons are my own my Lord." Narelle lifted her head in defiance.
" So you had a reason? "
"Aye my Lord, I had a reason for leaving Rivendell and coming to Greenwood the Great."
" So you meant to come to Greenwood the Great?" Narelle mentally slapped herself. Why had she let that slip?
" Aye my Lord, I meant to come to your realm."
" May I ask why? "
" You may ask, but you may not receive an answer." Narelle was getting worked up. Lord Thranduil could tell that he was not going to get anything out of her by force; he would have to coax it out of her.
" Narelle, I only ask these questions so I can help. Yes your reasons for coming to my Kingdom are your own, but as King I feel that I must know why you wished to come here. If you were foolish enough to venture forth into the unknown alone then your reasoning must be great."
Narelle one again focused her eyes on her feet and silently debated what she should do. She had three choices, she could bow her head in mock defeat and show the cowardly maiden in her, she could defend herself and anger him once again or she could gather her strength and tell him the truth, well part of it anyway. Deciding the latter of the three was the smartest and easiest choice she lifted her eyes back up to meet his gaze.
"Foolish it was, I know this now. But I find it unfair to accuse me of stupidity when you have not heard my reasoning." Seeing that he was not going to respond Narelle continued.
" I left Rivendell to come here because it was a prison, not a home. My father wished me to be something I am not and treated me as if I was some beast that needed a cage to live. He gives me no freedom to go where I please or do what I enjoy. You might say it is just protection but he allows my sister to do so much more." Gathering the last of her strength Narelle finished her speech.
"I came here to escape that. I wish to learn how to fight, to protect myself, and mainly to be free to do what I wish, something my father forbids me to do."
" Your father has reason to forbid such things, for you are a maiden and should act like one. Fighting is a man's job." Narelle's eyes turned black as she felt a strange anger within herself.
"Then you are as foolish as he! A woman in only as weak as a man makes her out to be! Why is it so hard for an elf to believe that adventure is a longing that also burns in a maiden's heart?"
" Silence!" Lord Thranduil leaped out of the chair he was sitting in to stand in front of her. Both of there eyes were dark with anger.
" Foolish I know I was, but I only wish to learn to track and hunt and fight, a warrior I do not wish to become. I only wish to be capable of taking care of myself, so I do not have to depend on any elf or man."
After a long silence Lord Thranduil finally parted his eyes, which had softened, from hers. He turned his back to Narelle and looked out one of the windows that lined the small room. He stood there for what felt like hours contemplating what he should do. After thinking long and hard he came to a decision.
"I know that you are not telling me the entire truth, you came here for another reason, a reason that I do not think even you know of. But, I shall push it no further and.by your father's leave you may reside in my kingdom, for as long as you wish." He released a long breath before continuing.
" And if he does not bid you to return to Rivendell then we will talk of training, of sorts." He turned to face the now speechless maiden, a smile playing on his lips.
" Of course I will not go against your father's wishes, but some things he need not know of." Lord Thranduil's face broke out into a smile as he looked upon Narelle, who by all means was shocked.
"You are allowing me to stay," Narelle stammered out.
"Only if you wish to."
"Wish to? There is nothing in the world that I wish for more!"
"When shall my father arrive? For I must speak with him immediately! Oh, he must let me stay!" Lord Thranduil smiled.
" As I said before, I sent word out to him the moment you arrived. If all goes well he should be here within two week's time. And when he does arrive Greenwood the Great will welcome you both properly, until then I wish for you rest and enjoy your stay."
" Then your wish in my command Milord," Narelle answered, her face still beaming.
" And I now bid you leave Lady Narelle. Tonight you shall eat at my table along with my family and we shall learn more about you."
" Until then Milord." Narelle bowed slightly then exited the room, a smile still playing upon her lips.
Chapter 5
The Promise of a King
Narelle followed Nellie through an array of halls and corridors until they finally reached the chamber that she would be occupying. It was large, and open, with a huge terrace that left the room open to the weather. The bed lay in the middle of the room; it had huge pillars on every corner that held up a thin sheet of blue. The sheet covered up all sides of the bed, creating a soft warm box. The rest of the room was rather bare, with the exception of a small table and a mirror in a far corner.
Narelle quickly stepped to the side as Nellie brushed past her and disappeared around the corner. Soon the sound of water falling into a bath could be heard. Narelle closed her eyes and let herself be taken by the sent that escaped the bathroom. The smell of flowers and the forest filled the air making the room soft and comforting.
Narelle's eyes snapped open as Nellie rounded the corner and approached her. The young maiden stopped directly in front of Narelle.
"My Lady, your bath is ready. If you will remove your clothes and place then upon the bed I shall return soon with a new dress for you to wear and some warm food." Narelle nodded absentmindedly as she watched the maiden leave through the door quietly.
Sighing, Narelle looked down at her clothes and tried to decide were to begin. Groaning she pulled off her boots revealing delicate toes. Next came the dirty trousers, and last the ripped tunic. Placing them all upon the bed, she walked around the corner and approached the bath. The water was so hot; steam drifted off of it and filled the room. Petals of pink and purple floated around upon the top of the water giving it a slightly pink glow.
Narelle slid one long leg into the hot pool, testing it, before allowing the other to follow. She hissed as the hot water hit her scratched and soar back. The beast's club and done more damage then she had expected. Soon her entire body was submerged in the hot bath that Narelle would have explained as ecstasy.
Narelle laid there for what seemed like hours before Nellie entered into the chamber carrying a new dress and some food.
"My Lady, I have returned, it would be best if you ate something and then rested."
"I shall be out in a moment," Narelle replied. She reluctantly slid out of the bath and wrapped a long robe around herself that had been left beside the bath.
Nellie looked up to find Narelle walking towards her with a small smile upon her face. "I thank you for all that you have done for me, the bath calmed my nerves." Narelle sat upon the bed and began to eat the sweat berries and warm bread that Nellie had placed before her.
"If you will not be needing anything else my Lady, I will be going."
"Oh, of course Nellie, you are free to go as you wish," Narelle said back after swallowing a mouth full of food
The maiden bowed before turning on her heal and leaving the room. Narelle quickly finished her meal and pushed the plate aside. She gracefully got up from the bed and walked out to the terrace. Closing her eyes, she let the cool night air hit her face and dry what was still wet of her hair. Smiling, she reopened her eyes and glanced up into the wonder of the full moon. Small specs of light lit up the sky and made patterns upon its dark vastness.
Narelle gave the magical sky one last glace before turning around and reentering her chamber. She pulled off the wet robe and slid the gown that Nellie had left her over her shoulders. Narelle then walked around the room and blew out what candles were lit before crawling into the bed and drowning in it's softness. A sigh of contentment escaped her lips before she fell into a dreamless sleep.
*********
"Legolas! Your highness I know that you are near for your tracks end here!" An elf by the name of Veryo shouted.
"Lego-," Veryo's ranting was cut short by the appearance of an elf in front of him. Veryo glared at the elf before he began again. Your father has ordered that all scouts sent to find the maiden are to return to the palace. Of course, I was the one sent to find you, which, may I mention, is the hardest task of all. And may I say Milord that tonight was the one night I am able to spend with my wife. And who knows how lon-" Legolas' hand quickly shut him up. " I do not believe that it is my fault that you are a bad scout Veryo," Legolas said as he began to walk home. Veryo glared at him once more before falling into place beside him.
"How long had you been following me for?"
"Practically since you began," Legolas said with a smug smile. "Why is my father calling us back? Has word been sent that the maiden was seen elsewhere?" Legolas stated before Veryo could reply to his earlier confession.
"Nay, she has been found," came Veryo's reply.
"Found? By whom?"
"Norno found her on the western borders of the kingdom. He immediately brought her to your father and now she rests within the kingdom walls."
" So she is here then?" Legolas stopped and looked at Veryo with question written upon his face.
"Yes Milord, she is here." The two began to walk again. "Have you seen her?" Legolas asked suddenly. "Nay, Lord Thranduil had sent her to her chamber before I was called into the Great Hall by Vorindo, but Norno has most obviously seen her. Come, if we hurry we may catch him before he sleeps!" Legolas smiled and ran after Veryo's retreating form.
***********
Narelle was awaken deep into the night by the sound of soft voices. Frowning, she followed the sound out onto her terrace and peered into the darkness. Her sharp eyes caught sight of three figures walking towards the palace in the dark. Soon her ears could just barely make out what they were saying.
"Tell me Norno, is it true about the elves that dwell in Rivendell? Is her hair as dark as the night sky?" Legolas chuckled as Veryo hammered Norno with questions concerning the maiden.
"Yes Veryo, her hair is as dark as the night shy if not darker, and her eyes, as said, are nearly as dark," replied Norno.
"An elf with eyes so dark. I never believed it to be true," exclaimed Veryo.
"It is rare, but not impossible, for eyes to be so dark Veryo," added Legolas. He listened intently on his companion's conversation for moments longer before his gaze landed on something standing upon a far terrace watching them in the dark. He looked harder into the dark hoping to catch the eyes of the thing watching them. Suddenly, he caught the faint glow of eyes peering back at him. The figure held his gaze and even began to leave the shadow of the darkness. Legolas felt a strange warmth and power wash over him. He was caught, he couldn't move, nor did he want to. The eyes seemed to be controlling him in the strangest way.
Legolas tore his gaze away from the terrace as a load crack echoed through the forest. "Merely a tree falling", he thought in his head. Sighing, he cast one last glance toward the terrace before turning back to his friends, whom were now discussing the best ways to kill cave trolls without receiving any harm. Shaking his head, he quickly caught up to the two elves and joined in on their conversation.
**********
Narelle stood motionless on her terrace staring out into the dark, her eyes holding a look of terror and amazement. The sound of voices had woken her up only moments earlier and she had followed them out onto her terrace. She watched the three figures talk and laugh in the dark before one of them noticed her watching. She had backed away into the shadows hoping to hide herself from the other's eyes, but he soon found her. She stood, motionless, waiting for him to do something, but her never did. He simply stared deep into her eyes, as if he was peering into her soul. Narelle felt a wave of power flow through her, as if she could control him. But, the power became too much and she struggled to tare her gaze away from his. Silently, in her head, she prayed for a tree, or something, to fall and startle the elf. Not a moment later the sound of a tree falling echoed through the forest.
Narelle had watched as the elf looked out into the forest then back at her before running after his friends. She didn't know what to think. Questions rushed through her head as she tried to sort everything out. Had she caused the tree to fall? And what of the power that she felt when she had looked into the other elf's eyes?
Narelle shook her head and blinked her eyes before rushing back into her room and falling upon her bed. It was hours before she finally found peace.
***************
Narelle awoke hours later to the soft sound of birds chirping and the warm sunlight on her face. Smiling she stretched and peered outside. Elves could already be seen everywhere; some were practicing while others were laughing and picking flowers. Narelle was about to rise when the door to her chamber flew open revealing a smiling Nellie.
"Come my Lady, you must rise and greet the day along with the rest of us." As Nellie approached, Narelle noticed that she held a beautiful light blue gown in her hands. Sighing she rose out of the bed and began to undress. Nellie helped her slide on the gown and began to button it up.
"It fits you well my Lady," said Nellie in a soft voice.
"Do not call me that, simply Narelle will do." "As you wish." Silence followed as Nellie finished buttoning the gown and lead Narelle over to a small table with a mirror perched on top of it. She then took out a brush and began to brush Narelle's long hair. It was here when Narelle finally studied Nellie. She had long blond hair that nearly reached her hips and piercing blue eyes. She was beautiful, even more so then the average elf.
"My eyes have never looked upon hair this color." Narelle looked up and caught Nellie's gaze for a moment in the mirror. "Most of my kin have hair this color, my mother and her kin are the only one whom have hair light in color," Narelle answered.
"I have also never seen eyes that dark before, not even on a human. You know most think you to be nothing but a legend, a myth. I once believed you to be." Nellie stopped brushing Narelle's hair and looked at her through the mirror.
"I'm sorry if my looks unnerve you," Narelle stated softly. Nellie held her gaze for moments longer before she returned her attention to Narelle's hair.
"There," said Nellie, as she put the last finishing touches upon Narelle's hair. It was halfway pulled back in an array of twists and braids.
"I'm sorry if my words offended you earlier, I never meant any harm. You must understand that most elves here have never seen another elf with dark hair and eyes." Narelle smiled slightly at her words. "Do not worry for I take no offence, many share your curiosity, but I do assure you that in Rivendell, dark hair is not uncommon."
"Then, one day I must travel with you to Rivendell, for I would very much enjoy to be surrounded by your people. On the subject of Rivendell Narelle, why did you leave your home?" Narelle's head shot up at this. "What makes you believe that I left? I could have been taken," Narelle shot back.
"I'm not blind, nor am I stupid. You left, not taken. I am not the only one whom sees this."
"Such things are not your concern," said Narelle. Nellie was evidently taken back, for she stared wide-eyed into the mirror. Narelle immediately felt horrible for snapping at the maiden. Sighing she decided to tell her only part of the truth, she would leave out the fact that something was calling her there. "I felt caged in Rivendell, my father rarely allows me to do anything outside of his borders. I could not go to Lothlorien for my grandmother resides there. The only place left was Greenwood the Great, so to Greenwood the Great I came."
Nellie said nothing; she merely nodded and stepped back from Narelle showing that she was finished. Narelle turned in her chair and faced the maiden.
"I wish to stay here, if only for a time. My heart is all ready lighter and happier. I-," Narelle quickly shut her mouth and shook her head. "I'm sorry, you do not need to here this, please forgive me for pouring out my heart and sole upon your feet."
"Oh no my Lady.Narelle, I do not mind in the least. If Lord Thranduil allows you to stay inside his realm then I promise you now that we will make the best of friends. I to understand your need for escape, together we can learn to cope. But, now you must speak to the Lord, many questions I fear he has for you."
Narelle barely controlled herself from groaning as Nellie led her out of the chamber and down the hall.
*********
Nellie led Narelle over many rope bridges and down many hallways before they came to a small room high in the trees. Narelle turned to ask Nellie where they were when she realized she was gone. With a shrug of her shoulders Narelle began to examine the small room she occupied. Books of various sizes lined the room while a lone desk full of papers sat in the far corner. She started to look over the books when a voice startled her.
"I have sent messengers to Rivendell to inform your father that you are safe in Greenwood the Great." Narelle spun around only to be greeted by Lord Thranduil.
" I thank you my Lord, for everything. I feel as if I have only been a burden to you," Narelle said in a soft voice.
"You have not been a burden at all Lady Narelle. It is my duty as King to protect whom ever needs it inside my realm."
" Then I thank you for the kindness that you show your people and the lost elves whom enter your realm."
" Is that all you are Narelle? A lost elf? I feel as though there is more to your story then you wish to tell." Lord Thranduil walked over to his chair and sat down in it before he began again.
" I wish to know why you were found in my realm, alone. Lord Elrond believed you were taken, yet you were alone, and unharmed, which leads me to believe that he was not correct in his assumption. Am I correct? "
" You are my Lord," Narelle answered quietly letting her eyes focus on her feet.
" In the race of men you may be old Narelle, but among your people you are young and need protection. Why would you be foolish enough to leave the safety of your home? " Lord Thranduil asked in a stern voice.
" My reasons are my own my Lord." Narelle lifted her head in defiance.
" So you had a reason? "
"Aye my Lord, I had a reason for leaving Rivendell and coming to Greenwood the Great."
" So you meant to come to Greenwood the Great?" Narelle mentally slapped herself. Why had she let that slip?
" Aye my Lord, I meant to come to your realm."
" May I ask why? "
" You may ask, but you may not receive an answer." Narelle was getting worked up. Lord Thranduil could tell that he was not going to get anything out of her by force; he would have to coax it out of her.
" Narelle, I only ask these questions so I can help. Yes your reasons for coming to my Kingdom are your own, but as King I feel that I must know why you wished to come here. If you were foolish enough to venture forth into the unknown alone then your reasoning must be great."
Narelle one again focused her eyes on her feet and silently debated what she should do. She had three choices, she could bow her head in mock defeat and show the cowardly maiden in her, she could defend herself and anger him once again or she could gather her strength and tell him the truth, well part of it anyway. Deciding the latter of the three was the smartest and easiest choice she lifted her eyes back up to meet his gaze.
"Foolish it was, I know this now. But I find it unfair to accuse me of stupidity when you have not heard my reasoning." Seeing that he was not going to respond Narelle continued.
" I left Rivendell to come here because it was a prison, not a home. My father wished me to be something I am not and treated me as if I was some beast that needed a cage to live. He gives me no freedom to go where I please or do what I enjoy. You might say it is just protection but he allows my sister to do so much more." Gathering the last of her strength Narelle finished her speech.
"I came here to escape that. I wish to learn how to fight, to protect myself, and mainly to be free to do what I wish, something my father forbids me to do."
" Your father has reason to forbid such things, for you are a maiden and should act like one. Fighting is a man's job." Narelle's eyes turned black as she felt a strange anger within herself.
"Then you are as foolish as he! A woman in only as weak as a man makes her out to be! Why is it so hard for an elf to believe that adventure is a longing that also burns in a maiden's heart?"
" Silence!" Lord Thranduil leaped out of the chair he was sitting in to stand in front of her. Both of there eyes were dark with anger.
" Foolish I know I was, but I only wish to learn to track and hunt and fight, a warrior I do not wish to become. I only wish to be capable of taking care of myself, so I do not have to depend on any elf or man."
After a long silence Lord Thranduil finally parted his eyes, which had softened, from hers. He turned his back to Narelle and looked out one of the windows that lined the small room. He stood there for what felt like hours contemplating what he should do. After thinking long and hard he came to a decision.
"I know that you are not telling me the entire truth, you came here for another reason, a reason that I do not think even you know of. But, I shall push it no further and.by your father's leave you may reside in my kingdom, for as long as you wish." He released a long breath before continuing.
" And if he does not bid you to return to Rivendell then we will talk of training, of sorts." He turned to face the now speechless maiden, a smile playing on his lips.
" Of course I will not go against your father's wishes, but some things he need not know of." Lord Thranduil's face broke out into a smile as he looked upon Narelle, who by all means was shocked.
"You are allowing me to stay," Narelle stammered out.
"Only if you wish to."
"Wish to? There is nothing in the world that I wish for more!"
"When shall my father arrive? For I must speak with him immediately! Oh, he must let me stay!" Lord Thranduil smiled.
" As I said before, I sent word out to him the moment you arrived. If all goes well he should be here within two week's time. And when he does arrive Greenwood the Great will welcome you both properly, until then I wish for you rest and enjoy your stay."
" Then your wish in my command Milord," Narelle answered, her face still beaming.
" And I now bid you leave Lady Narelle. Tonight you shall eat at my table along with my family and we shall learn more about you."
" Until then Milord." Narelle bowed slightly then exited the room, a smile still playing upon her lips.