********************
Hello! Here is chapter 6 (YAY) Sorry that it took me so long! I will try my
best to make the chapters come faster. And I promise that they will begin
to get interesting! Sorry about any mistakes, I need a beta reader very
badly (any readers out there that are willing to take the job please
help!!) Anywho, I hope that you enjoy it, and pleeeeease leave a review if
you are reading this! It seems that only 4 or 5 people are interested and
I would love of know if there are more of you! And CYSNE thank you again
for you wonderful reviews!!!
Also.I have looked over this as closely as I can but there still might be
this one little problem...if anyone sees the name LUNA...ignore it. Luna =
Nellie, I think that I have fixed all of the mistakes but if not then
please bring it to my attention..THANKS!
Chapter 6
The Arrival of Lord Elrond
Days had passed and still no word from Lord Elrond had arrived. Narelle spent most of her time wandering around the palace grounds with Nellie at her side. Nellie had quickly become a close friend, simply because Narelle was hardly ever around anyone else. The last time she had seen Lord Thranduil had been the night she had eaten dinner with him and Lady Mele. Dinner was simple and inviting. Both the Lord and Lady were incredibly kind and lighthearted all through dinner, which had made Narelle feel even more at ease. Though, the Lord had mumbled a few rather harsh words about their son not being present at dinner. Lady Mele had quickly quieted him though, and dinner had continued without a flaw.
Narelle awoke early that morning to the sound of birds and the song of the wind in the leaves. She quickly dressed and left her chamber in search for Nellie. After nearly an hour of searching she gave up and sat down upon a small bench, high in the trees that faced the practice fields.
"Narelle?" Narelle slowly turned, a smile across her face, at the sound of Lady Mele's soft voice. "Yes it is I, my Lady," said Narelle. Lady Mele smiled warmly and gracefully sat down beside Narelle. "Narelle I feel that it will be a terrible thing if Lord Elrond does not allow you to stay in Greenwood."
"Why is this, my Lady?" Narelle asked will a puzzled look across her face. Lady Mele let out a small chuckle and looped her arm with Narelle's. "Simply because I have become so accustom to having a young maiden around that I can treat as my daughter, that I don't think I would ever let you leave---with or with out his permission." Narelle laughed and followed Lady Mele's gaze out to the practice fields.
"Nellie is out in one of the southern fields with Legolas and Veryo today. Whenever Nellie can pull Legolas from practicing or scouting the three spend the day together out in the wood," said Lady Mele, still staring out into the open field.
"I fear my Lady, that you already know me better then anyone." "No my child, I simply heard you asking one of the guards if they had seen her," said Lady Mele, trying to hold in a smile. Narelle laughed at the older elf's confession.
"I fear the he works himself far to hard. His father pushes him so much that I am terrified that one day he will simply leave," Lady Mele stated almost to herself. "Whom," Narelle asked as she turned her face to look at her companion. Lady Mele let out a sigh before answering. "My son," she stated softly, her eyes staring unfocused into the field that lay before them.
Narelle sat silently taking in the look of sorrow that was spread across Lady Mele's face. "My Lady I---," Narelle was caught short by the sound of another's voice.
"Your Highness, my Lady, Lord Thranduil wanted me to inform you that Lord Elrond has sent a messenger to us today," Narelle's eyes grew large and a smile played on her lips.
"What was said in the message Milord?"
"Only that Lord Elrond is on his way to the Kingdom and should arrive by the next sun." The guards bowed again and retreated out of the room leaving the two ladies alone again.
" The sun shall not only bring the coming of tomorrow but the fate of my future," Narelle said under her breath. "Then let tomorrow be a bright day for us all," Mele smiled at Narelle before returning her gaze to her kingdom.
*************
Narelle woke up with the rising of the sun as she usually did. She frowned as she realized today her father would arrive and her fate would be decided. Narelle pulled herself out of the warm soft covers and walked out onto her terrace breathing in the smell of a new day. Her thoughts were interrupted as she heard Nellie open the door to her room and walk it.
"Narelle? Narelle, where are you?"
"I am here Nellie, on the terrace." Nellie walked out onto the terrace and stood by Narelle. "What's wrong? You seem lost in your thoughts this morn." Narelle took in a deep breath and turned to Nellie smiling.
"Nothing. Nothing is wrong. Its only that my father shall be arriving today and I am afraid of the news he might bring." Nellie eyes grew in size.
"Your father? Oh by the Valar! Lord Elrond is arriving today! Oh you should smile my Lady for tonight a banquet shall be held in your father's name! Do not fear. Tonight will be a night of fun and happiness!" Nellie's face was full of joy as she started to dance around the terrace.
"We shall dance and sing the night away! Tonight you shall meet all of Greenwood!"
Nellie spun around until she reached Narelle. Then grabbing her hands she made them spin together.
"Tonight might be the night when a handsome elf sweeps you off your feet and into the arms of love!" Narelle laughed as Nellie spun them faster and faster instantly lifting her spirits.
"Nellie if you do not cease your dreadful spinning you might kill the poor maiden whom everyone wants to meet." Narelle and Nellie stopped spinning and ran over to the railing of the terrace looking down onto two elves.
"Oh Legolas you will regret your words you filthy elf! Tonight I will stomp on your feet when we dance!" Nellie shot down at him.
"Nay Nellie, my feet will be saved, for my night will be dancing with the maiden that stands silently beside you." Legolas turned his gaze to land on Narelle. Narelle was shocked, to say the least, at his words. She stood frozen for a moment before shooting a smart remark back at him.
"Is this so your highness?"
"Yes my Lady. I do believe it to be true," Legolas smiled up at her.
"Well we will see how this will work for I will be dancing with the fine elf beside you as the night wears away. I do not think I could find time enough to share even one dance with you." Narelle stood silently with her chin held high waiting for Legolas' response. After a moment a smile appeared upon his face.
"I will have a dance with you my Lady, even if I must fight this elf for it." Legolas gestured towards Norno whom stood silently beside him staring up at the two maidens.
"Norno will you fight for my honor? Or will you let this elf steal me away from you?"
"I am sorry my Lady, but I would surly loose a match with the prince." Narelle opened her mouth in mock surprise.
"And why would this be my Lord? I thought that you were among the best!"
"In all due respect my Lady I am. Though the Lord and Lady might have my head if I hurt their son!" Narelle and Nellie laughed as Legolas glared at Norno.
Norno shrugged his shoulders at the ladies and ran off into the woods with Legolas on his tail. The two maidens stood there laughing before a loud voice made them abruptly stop.
"Nellie! Child! Your job is to prepare the young princess for her father's arrival as I asked you to do nearly an hour ago! Do not just stand there child! Begin warming water for her bath, her father shall arrive any moment!" One of Lady Mele's older handmaidens yelled. Nellie nodded her head and started off of the terrace. As abruptly as the older elf had arrived she left, leaving Narelle and Nellie alone in the now silent room. Both maidens shared one last laugh as they entered the bathing chamber and began to prepare..
*^*^*^*^*^
An hour later Narelle was dressed in a dark purple flowing gown and seated in front of a mirror were Nellie was working on weaving little white flowers into her intricate hair. Small braids could be seen throughout her hair while two strands of hair laid woven in different ways in front of her pointed ears. Half of her hair was pulled back in knots and braids to keep it from falling into her face.
"Perfect," Nellie smiled triumphantly into the mirror.
"Come, let us find Lord Thranduil and see what we are to do before the arrival of your father." Narelle nodded and rose to follow Nellie out her chamber door. She walked slowly dreading what was to come. She suddenly stopped and stared at the door. Nellie looked at her with a questioning gaze.
"What is wrong?" Nellie asked. Narelle sunk back into her chair and frowned. "What if my father is not far off Nellie? What if he takes me home without question? I do not want to leave," said Narelle quietly. Nellie smiled sadly and crouched down in front of Narelle.
"Do not worry your mind with such thing as of yet." Nellie then squeezed Narelle's hand offering more support. Narelle nodded and rose from her chair once again. "Shall we be off?" She asked in a lighter tone.
*^*^*^*^
Narelle and Nellie walked into the main hall where they assumed Lord Thranduil would be. Sure enough the Lord and his queen where seated awaiting the news of Lord Elrond's arrival. Narelle and Nellie walked gracefully to the foot of the thrones and bowed low. Nellie walked off to stand in the corner of the room along with the other handmaidens leaving Narelle standing still and tall before the King and Queen.
"My Lord, Lady, have you heard any news concerning my father's arrival?"
"Yes Lady Narelle, a messenger arrived not long ago carrying the message that your father is within two miles from my Kingdom. He shall arrive any moment. And tonight we will hold a feast in your family's name," Lord Thranduil answered Narelle in a calm voice.
"I thank you my Lord. When, might I ask, will you discuss my future with him?"
"Tomorrow morn your fate shall be decided," came his reply.
"Do not talk of fate in such away Thranduil. You sound as if the child might be sentenced to death!" Lady Mele smiled down on Narelle trying to comfort her.
"Returning to Rivendell might equal death for me my Lady," said Narelle softly.
"Nay, I do not believe so, but let us not dwell on such problems now, for I do believe your father has arrived." Narelle turned around to see her father being led in by a group of guards. The moment Lord Elrond saw Narelle his eyes widened and he started to jog towards her.
"Narelle! Oh my child!" Elrond hugged his daughter tightly before letting her go and stepping back.
"Were you harmed in any way? How do you feel? Oh thank the Valar you are alive!" Lord Elrond asked her before pulling Narelle into another suffocating hug.
"Father I'm fine. See I am all in one piece." Narelle pulled out from their hug and gestured to herself.
"I am not hurt in anyway. The Lord and Lady of Greenwood have been very kind to me during my stay." Lord Elrond looked over his daughter once more before he was satisfied. Smiling he grabbed her hands one last time before letting go and turning to Lord Thranduil and Lady Mele.
"I am in the greatest of dept to you. You could not imagine the relief I felt when I received your message of my daughter's whereabouts." Lord Thranduil smiled and stepped down from his throne.
"You forget, old friend, I have a child of my own. I understand completely your feelings." Lady Mele rose to stand beside her husband.
"Come Elrond; let us not speak of sad things now, for tonight a feast shall be held. Let tomorrow be the day of decisions."
"Decisions?" Lord Elrond looked to Thranduil for an explanation.
"Yes, but let us not think of them now. Come we have much to talk about for it has been some time since we have last looked upon each other!"
With that the two Lords walked out of the main hall and into Lord Thranduil's study. Narelle stood still staring at the retreating form of her father. Shaken from her thoughts by a comforting hand on her shoulder Narelle turned to gaze into the kind eyes of Lady Mele.
"Nellie! Come here child," Nellie ran up to Lady Mele and bowed.
"Come children! Tonight shall be a night of dancing and song! Let us prepare!" The three maidens walked out of the room with their arms around each other awaiting what the night shall bring.
Chapter 6
The Arrival of Lord Elrond
Days had passed and still no word from Lord Elrond had arrived. Narelle spent most of her time wandering around the palace grounds with Nellie at her side. Nellie had quickly become a close friend, simply because Narelle was hardly ever around anyone else. The last time she had seen Lord Thranduil had been the night she had eaten dinner with him and Lady Mele. Dinner was simple and inviting. Both the Lord and Lady were incredibly kind and lighthearted all through dinner, which had made Narelle feel even more at ease. Though, the Lord had mumbled a few rather harsh words about their son not being present at dinner. Lady Mele had quickly quieted him though, and dinner had continued without a flaw.
Narelle awoke early that morning to the sound of birds and the song of the wind in the leaves. She quickly dressed and left her chamber in search for Nellie. After nearly an hour of searching she gave up and sat down upon a small bench, high in the trees that faced the practice fields.
"Narelle?" Narelle slowly turned, a smile across her face, at the sound of Lady Mele's soft voice. "Yes it is I, my Lady," said Narelle. Lady Mele smiled warmly and gracefully sat down beside Narelle. "Narelle I feel that it will be a terrible thing if Lord Elrond does not allow you to stay in Greenwood."
"Why is this, my Lady?" Narelle asked will a puzzled look across her face. Lady Mele let out a small chuckle and looped her arm with Narelle's. "Simply because I have become so accustom to having a young maiden around that I can treat as my daughter, that I don't think I would ever let you leave---with or with out his permission." Narelle laughed and followed Lady Mele's gaze out to the practice fields.
"Nellie is out in one of the southern fields with Legolas and Veryo today. Whenever Nellie can pull Legolas from practicing or scouting the three spend the day together out in the wood," said Lady Mele, still staring out into the open field.
"I fear my Lady, that you already know me better then anyone." "No my child, I simply heard you asking one of the guards if they had seen her," said Lady Mele, trying to hold in a smile. Narelle laughed at the older elf's confession.
"I fear the he works himself far to hard. His father pushes him so much that I am terrified that one day he will simply leave," Lady Mele stated almost to herself. "Whom," Narelle asked as she turned her face to look at her companion. Lady Mele let out a sigh before answering. "My son," she stated softly, her eyes staring unfocused into the field that lay before them.
Narelle sat silently taking in the look of sorrow that was spread across Lady Mele's face. "My Lady I---," Narelle was caught short by the sound of another's voice.
"Your Highness, my Lady, Lord Thranduil wanted me to inform you that Lord Elrond has sent a messenger to us today," Narelle's eyes grew large and a smile played on her lips.
"What was said in the message Milord?"
"Only that Lord Elrond is on his way to the Kingdom and should arrive by the next sun." The guards bowed again and retreated out of the room leaving the two ladies alone again.
" The sun shall not only bring the coming of tomorrow but the fate of my future," Narelle said under her breath. "Then let tomorrow be a bright day for us all," Mele smiled at Narelle before returning her gaze to her kingdom.
*************
Narelle woke up with the rising of the sun as she usually did. She frowned as she realized today her father would arrive and her fate would be decided. Narelle pulled herself out of the warm soft covers and walked out onto her terrace breathing in the smell of a new day. Her thoughts were interrupted as she heard Nellie open the door to her room and walk it.
"Narelle? Narelle, where are you?"
"I am here Nellie, on the terrace." Nellie walked out onto the terrace and stood by Narelle. "What's wrong? You seem lost in your thoughts this morn." Narelle took in a deep breath and turned to Nellie smiling.
"Nothing. Nothing is wrong. Its only that my father shall be arriving today and I am afraid of the news he might bring." Nellie eyes grew in size.
"Your father? Oh by the Valar! Lord Elrond is arriving today! Oh you should smile my Lady for tonight a banquet shall be held in your father's name! Do not fear. Tonight will be a night of fun and happiness!" Nellie's face was full of joy as she started to dance around the terrace.
"We shall dance and sing the night away! Tonight you shall meet all of Greenwood!"
Nellie spun around until she reached Narelle. Then grabbing her hands she made them spin together.
"Tonight might be the night when a handsome elf sweeps you off your feet and into the arms of love!" Narelle laughed as Nellie spun them faster and faster instantly lifting her spirits.
"Nellie if you do not cease your dreadful spinning you might kill the poor maiden whom everyone wants to meet." Narelle and Nellie stopped spinning and ran over to the railing of the terrace looking down onto two elves.
"Oh Legolas you will regret your words you filthy elf! Tonight I will stomp on your feet when we dance!" Nellie shot down at him.
"Nay Nellie, my feet will be saved, for my night will be dancing with the maiden that stands silently beside you." Legolas turned his gaze to land on Narelle. Narelle was shocked, to say the least, at his words. She stood frozen for a moment before shooting a smart remark back at him.
"Is this so your highness?"
"Yes my Lady. I do believe it to be true," Legolas smiled up at her.
"Well we will see how this will work for I will be dancing with the fine elf beside you as the night wears away. I do not think I could find time enough to share even one dance with you." Narelle stood silently with her chin held high waiting for Legolas' response. After a moment a smile appeared upon his face.
"I will have a dance with you my Lady, even if I must fight this elf for it." Legolas gestured towards Norno whom stood silently beside him staring up at the two maidens.
"Norno will you fight for my honor? Or will you let this elf steal me away from you?"
"I am sorry my Lady, but I would surly loose a match with the prince." Narelle opened her mouth in mock surprise.
"And why would this be my Lord? I thought that you were among the best!"
"In all due respect my Lady I am. Though the Lord and Lady might have my head if I hurt their son!" Narelle and Nellie laughed as Legolas glared at Norno.
Norno shrugged his shoulders at the ladies and ran off into the woods with Legolas on his tail. The two maidens stood there laughing before a loud voice made them abruptly stop.
"Nellie! Child! Your job is to prepare the young princess for her father's arrival as I asked you to do nearly an hour ago! Do not just stand there child! Begin warming water for her bath, her father shall arrive any moment!" One of Lady Mele's older handmaidens yelled. Nellie nodded her head and started off of the terrace. As abruptly as the older elf had arrived she left, leaving Narelle and Nellie alone in the now silent room. Both maidens shared one last laugh as they entered the bathing chamber and began to prepare..
*^*^*^*^*^
An hour later Narelle was dressed in a dark purple flowing gown and seated in front of a mirror were Nellie was working on weaving little white flowers into her intricate hair. Small braids could be seen throughout her hair while two strands of hair laid woven in different ways in front of her pointed ears. Half of her hair was pulled back in knots and braids to keep it from falling into her face.
"Perfect," Nellie smiled triumphantly into the mirror.
"Come, let us find Lord Thranduil and see what we are to do before the arrival of your father." Narelle nodded and rose to follow Nellie out her chamber door. She walked slowly dreading what was to come. She suddenly stopped and stared at the door. Nellie looked at her with a questioning gaze.
"What is wrong?" Nellie asked. Narelle sunk back into her chair and frowned. "What if my father is not far off Nellie? What if he takes me home without question? I do not want to leave," said Narelle quietly. Nellie smiled sadly and crouched down in front of Narelle.
"Do not worry your mind with such thing as of yet." Nellie then squeezed Narelle's hand offering more support. Narelle nodded and rose from her chair once again. "Shall we be off?" She asked in a lighter tone.
*^*^*^*^
Narelle and Nellie walked into the main hall where they assumed Lord Thranduil would be. Sure enough the Lord and his queen where seated awaiting the news of Lord Elrond's arrival. Narelle and Nellie walked gracefully to the foot of the thrones and bowed low. Nellie walked off to stand in the corner of the room along with the other handmaidens leaving Narelle standing still and tall before the King and Queen.
"My Lord, Lady, have you heard any news concerning my father's arrival?"
"Yes Lady Narelle, a messenger arrived not long ago carrying the message that your father is within two miles from my Kingdom. He shall arrive any moment. And tonight we will hold a feast in your family's name," Lord Thranduil answered Narelle in a calm voice.
"I thank you my Lord. When, might I ask, will you discuss my future with him?"
"Tomorrow morn your fate shall be decided," came his reply.
"Do not talk of fate in such away Thranduil. You sound as if the child might be sentenced to death!" Lady Mele smiled down on Narelle trying to comfort her.
"Returning to Rivendell might equal death for me my Lady," said Narelle softly.
"Nay, I do not believe so, but let us not dwell on such problems now, for I do believe your father has arrived." Narelle turned around to see her father being led in by a group of guards. The moment Lord Elrond saw Narelle his eyes widened and he started to jog towards her.
"Narelle! Oh my child!" Elrond hugged his daughter tightly before letting her go and stepping back.
"Were you harmed in any way? How do you feel? Oh thank the Valar you are alive!" Lord Elrond asked her before pulling Narelle into another suffocating hug.
"Father I'm fine. See I am all in one piece." Narelle pulled out from their hug and gestured to herself.
"I am not hurt in anyway. The Lord and Lady of Greenwood have been very kind to me during my stay." Lord Elrond looked over his daughter once more before he was satisfied. Smiling he grabbed her hands one last time before letting go and turning to Lord Thranduil and Lady Mele.
"I am in the greatest of dept to you. You could not imagine the relief I felt when I received your message of my daughter's whereabouts." Lord Thranduil smiled and stepped down from his throne.
"You forget, old friend, I have a child of my own. I understand completely your feelings." Lady Mele rose to stand beside her husband.
"Come Elrond; let us not speak of sad things now, for tonight a feast shall be held. Let tomorrow be the day of decisions."
"Decisions?" Lord Elrond looked to Thranduil for an explanation.
"Yes, but let us not think of them now. Come we have much to talk about for it has been some time since we have last looked upon each other!"
With that the two Lords walked out of the main hall and into Lord Thranduil's study. Narelle stood still staring at the retreating form of her father. Shaken from her thoughts by a comforting hand on her shoulder Narelle turned to gaze into the kind eyes of Lady Mele.
"Nellie! Come here child," Nellie ran up to Lady Mele and bowed.
"Come children! Tonight shall be a night of dancing and song! Let us prepare!" The three maidens walked out of the room with their arms around each other awaiting what the night shall bring.
