Heya everyone! Here is the next chapter! I hope that you enjoy it and
pleassseee leave feedback. I would like to know if you like where this is
going or if you want to see anything happen. So, please, leave a review!
*Pouts* Anyways! On with the story!
Disclaimer- you know the drill!
Chapter 8
The Choices of a Father
"Narelle! Come wake! The day is starting and the fate of your future is only moments away!" Narelle awoke to the sound of Nellie's urgent voice.
"Come! Into the bath you go. You have much to do before you can confront your father." Narelle quickly got out of bed and made her way to the bath chamber. She slid out of her sleeping gown and into the warm water. She smiled as her thoughts drifted into the night before.
"Nellie, last night was wonderful was it not? The singing, the dancing, the balcony." Narelle's words drifted off at the memory of the balcony.
"The balcony?" Narelle heard Nellie say from the other room. "What happened upon the balcony?" Narelle chose not to look at Nellie's questioning face as it appeared around the corner.
"I'm not sure, it was strange. Something in the dark entranced me Nellie. then the feeing. something filled my soul. something evil. Then his eyes where so warm and kind so kind."
Narelle's words could barely be heard as she continued to stare at absolutely nothing. Nellie looked at Narelle strangely before shaking her head and walking up to the bathtub and crouching down to be eye level with Narelle.
"Who entranced you Narelle," she asked quietly.
"Hmmmm." Narelle turned her head to look into Nellie's eyes.
"Who was on the balcony with you?" Nellie repeated her question.
"Oh! No one. It is not of importance." Nellie stared at Narelle for moments longer before leaving Narelle alone to bathe.
*^*^*^*^*^
Nearly an hour later, Narelle was dressed and ready to confront her father. She paced back and forth in her room mumbling under her breath waiting for Lord Thranduil to call upon her. Nellie sat upon Narelle's bed watching her pace in anticipation. A knock on the door made both maidens stop what they were doing and stare at the large piece of wood as if it was going to kill them. Nellie broke from her trance first and, rising off the bed, walked over to the door. Collecting herself she gave Narelle one last glance and opened the door.
"Milady." The elf on the other side of the door bowed while Nellie simply nodded her head.
"Lord Thranduil is ready to speak with Lady Narelle," said the elf.
"Send word to our Lord that we will arrive shortly." The elf bowed once more and disappeared around the corner. Nellie turned to Narelle, a worried look upon her brow.
"Come, let us hope the news is good." Narelle nodded and strode out of the door, trying her best to look confident.
*^*^*^*^*^
Narelle followed Nellie down many halls before they came to the door leading to Lord Thranduil's study. Nellie squeezed Narelle's hand before leaving her to stand before the door by herself. Narelle straightened her back and lifted her chin before carefully opening the door and entering the room.
"Narelle, child, please come sit here." Lord Thranduil gestured to a chair that sat across from Lord Elrond. Narelle nodded and walked over to the chair. She carefully sat down and looked expectedly at her father. Lord Elrond turned to his daughter and looked sadly into her eyes.
"You wish to reside in Greenwood." It was more of a statement then a question. Narelle glanced down at her hands before meeting her father's gaze. "Yes father," she said quietly.
"You came here for a reason, you intended it the entire time," said Lord Elrond. "Yes father," Narelle said with more confidence then before.
"How long do you wish to stay?"
"I do not know, it is not something I have put much thought into," replied Narelle. Lord Elrond nodded before rising from his chair and going to stand in the corner of the room, his back facing both Narelle and Lord Thranduil. Narelle cast a worried glance towards Lord Thranduil and then back to her father.
"Wanting to leave Imladris for a time I understand, but why not go to Lothlorien? Why here?" Lord Elrond questioned without turning around.
Narelle glanced and Lord Thranduil once again as if hoping he would answer. Sighing she began to answer her father. "I cannot answer that, for even I do not understand it. Father, something told me I must come here. It was a calling in my heart." Lord Elrond's eyes closed at her words. It was as if the most terrifying thing had happened to him. He opened his eyes slowly and brought his hand to his chin. Moments passed before he responded.
"I fear that it is not safe for you to stay here Narelle. Especially after what you have just told me. Yet, I do not believe that bringing you back to Imladris will keep you from venturing forth again." Lord Elrond then turned to look at his daughter. "I give you leave to stay here, in Greenwood the Great, but only for a time. Your mother is returning home by the next spring from Lothlorien, accompanying her will be Lady Galadriel. I must speak with both before we can determine any long stay here in Greenwood. But, until I have council with them you may reside here under the watch of Lord Thranduil."
Narelle stared back at her father in disbelief. She fought the smile that was threatening to spill upon her face and the wanting to jump up and hug her father. Instead she merely nodded her head and whispered, "Thank you." Lord Elrond nodded his head at her, knowing the thanks that she truly felt.
Lord Thranduil turned to Narelle and smiled softly. "Your father and I have business to attend to, you may leave." Narelle nodded and began for the door. Just before she reached it she turned to her father and smiled softly. He smiled back at her and motioned for her to exit the room. Narelle turned and left the chamber the moment her smile exploded upon her face.
************
Narelle walked quickly to her chambers hoping that she would find Nellie there awaiting her arrival. Instead, she found Nellie standing on a balcony not far from her chambers speaking with another elf. Narelle regained her composure before approaching them. Nellie glanced over to find Narelle walking towards her with a completely blank face. She quickly closed the space that separated her from Narelle before letting her question fall from her lips.
"Are you staying?" The question was asked with urgency. Narelle let a small smile creep onto her lips. Nellie's face immediately brightened. "Your father is allowing you to stay here, in Greenwood?" Nellie said quickly, her face exploding with happiness. Narelle laughed softly before replying, "Yes! I am to stay in Greenwood, but only until spring. My mother returns from Lothlorien then, accompanied by the Lady of the Wood. At this time my father shall decide if I am to stay longer or to return home."
"Even if it only be for a small time, the simple fact that you are to stay is splendid news," said Nellie.
"Yes, it is splendid news Nellie." Both maidens' heads shot over at the sound of another's voice.
"I hope to spend much time with you while you are to stay in my homeland." The figured continued as he walked towards then.
"My Lord," Narelle curtsied slightly as he placed a soft kiss upon the top of her hand, both never breaking eye contact. Legolas softly dropped Narelle's hand and smiled softly at her before turning to Nellie.
"We shall continue our conversation another time my friend." Nellie nodded at Legolas' words as he turned to walk off the balcony.
"Legolas, come to my chamber tonight after the palace has calmed, we shall talk then." Legolas threw his hand up in acknowledgment to Nellie's words before disappearing down the hall.
Nellie turned her gaze back to Narelle expecting to see two eyes looking at her. She was amazed to only find the side of Narelle's head. Frowning she followed Narelle's gaze, a smiled showed upon her face once she realized that the maiden's eyes were still locked upon the retreating form of the prince.
"I see I have discovered the thing that entranced you upon the balcony last night." Narelle's eyes shot to Nellie's.
"I do not know of what you speak," Narelle said simply. Nellie raised an eyebrow, a smirk spilling onto her face as she followed Narelle onto the hallway.
***********************
Narelle sighed as Nellie helped her into another gown. Tonight would be the last night that she would eat dinner with her father for nearly a year. Tonight she decided that she would not dress too formally; she was tired of gowns anyways. She longed for comfortable trousers and a nice tunic. Nellie left Narelle's hair completely down with only a small crown upon her head.
Narelle was awoken from her thoughts by a soft nock on her door. Nellie rushed over and swung it open. She quickly bowed once she realized it was Lord Elrond. Narelle frowned; it was far to early for her father to escort her to dinner.
"I wish to take a walk with you prior to dinner." Narelle nodded her head has her father answered her unspoken question. She walked gracefully to the door and looped her arm in her father's as he lead her out.
They walked silently for many moments before Narelle broke the silence.
"Thank you." The two words could barely be heard but they meant so much to the Lord. The words rung through Lord Elrond's ears for many minutes before they died down and he was able to answer.
"I only wish you happiness Narelle, if here is where you are happy then here you shall stay." His words were said softly; though he tried to hide it his sadness was easily shown.
"Why father are you so worried about me staying here?" Narelle asked suddenly. It had been a question that had plagued her mind since she last talked to her father. Lord Elrond's shoulders visibly fell at this question. He led Narelle over to a far balcony before turning to look at her.
"I cannot tell you Narelle, for it is what Lady Galadriel wished. You shall discover the entire truth when you are old enough to bare such a weight." Narelle went to speak but was silenced by Lord Elrond's hand. "I know this confuses you but you must trust the ones that love you and wait until the time is right." Narelle nodded at his words.
"I ask of you this one thing Narelle," Lord Elrond continued, " if anything strange is to happen send me a message immediately."
"Strange father?" Narelle asked with a confused look written across her face. "Narelle, I do not like your reasoning for coming here. Something was calling you? This worries me greatly. I feel that there is something evil hiding in this forest, the very thing that called you here."
"What do you mean father?" Narelle asked with a shaky voice. Lord Elrond took his daughter's hands in his own and looked deep into her eyes. " I simply mean be careful, use your head and stay out of trouble that you do not need to be in, and please, do not go deep into those woods." Narelle nodded at her father's words. She was confused beyond belief, but she knew her father was wiser then most and that she should heed his words.
"Come my daughter, dinner shall be served soon." Lord Elrond led Narelle towards the main hall, her hand in his.
**********************
The next morning Nellie awoke Narelle earlier then usual so she could see her father off. Dinner the night before was long and quiet. Legolas did not even attend. Lord Thranduil stated that he was scouting with a small party for the evening, but Legolas had wished Lord Elrond a safe journey home. The rest of the talk was small and unimportant; Narelle barely paid any attention.
Narelle easily awoke when Nellie came into her room. She quickly bathed and dressed before starting down towards the Greenwood gates to see her father off. Nellie went with her to keep her company and to say goodbye to the Lord as well. Narelle saw her father talking quietly with Lord Thranduil near the entrance to Greenwood. She gracefully walked over to the two Lords and curtsied while saying her good morning. Lord Thranduil said his last goodbye to Lord Elrond before turning and leaving the father and daughter alone.
"I thank you again father for casting your worries aside and allowing me to stay." Lord Elrond smiled softly at his daughter before placing his hand upon her cheek. Narelle did the same and whispered farewell. She let her hand drop when she heard him say the words as well. Lord Elrond then mounted his horse, his guards quickly following suit.
"Take care of my daughter Thranduil." And with these last words the Lord and his guards disappeared into the woods.
Chapter 8
The Choices of a Father
"Narelle! Come wake! The day is starting and the fate of your future is only moments away!" Narelle awoke to the sound of Nellie's urgent voice.
"Come! Into the bath you go. You have much to do before you can confront your father." Narelle quickly got out of bed and made her way to the bath chamber. She slid out of her sleeping gown and into the warm water. She smiled as her thoughts drifted into the night before.
"Nellie, last night was wonderful was it not? The singing, the dancing, the balcony." Narelle's words drifted off at the memory of the balcony.
"The balcony?" Narelle heard Nellie say from the other room. "What happened upon the balcony?" Narelle chose not to look at Nellie's questioning face as it appeared around the corner.
"I'm not sure, it was strange. Something in the dark entranced me Nellie. then the feeing. something filled my soul. something evil. Then his eyes where so warm and kind so kind."
Narelle's words could barely be heard as she continued to stare at absolutely nothing. Nellie looked at Narelle strangely before shaking her head and walking up to the bathtub and crouching down to be eye level with Narelle.
"Who entranced you Narelle," she asked quietly.
"Hmmmm." Narelle turned her head to look into Nellie's eyes.
"Who was on the balcony with you?" Nellie repeated her question.
"Oh! No one. It is not of importance." Nellie stared at Narelle for moments longer before leaving Narelle alone to bathe.
*^*^*^*^*^
Nearly an hour later, Narelle was dressed and ready to confront her father. She paced back and forth in her room mumbling under her breath waiting for Lord Thranduil to call upon her. Nellie sat upon Narelle's bed watching her pace in anticipation. A knock on the door made both maidens stop what they were doing and stare at the large piece of wood as if it was going to kill them. Nellie broke from her trance first and, rising off the bed, walked over to the door. Collecting herself she gave Narelle one last glance and opened the door.
"Milady." The elf on the other side of the door bowed while Nellie simply nodded her head.
"Lord Thranduil is ready to speak with Lady Narelle," said the elf.
"Send word to our Lord that we will arrive shortly." The elf bowed once more and disappeared around the corner. Nellie turned to Narelle, a worried look upon her brow.
"Come, let us hope the news is good." Narelle nodded and strode out of the door, trying her best to look confident.
*^*^*^*^*^
Narelle followed Nellie down many halls before they came to the door leading to Lord Thranduil's study. Nellie squeezed Narelle's hand before leaving her to stand before the door by herself. Narelle straightened her back and lifted her chin before carefully opening the door and entering the room.
"Narelle, child, please come sit here." Lord Thranduil gestured to a chair that sat across from Lord Elrond. Narelle nodded and walked over to the chair. She carefully sat down and looked expectedly at her father. Lord Elrond turned to his daughter and looked sadly into her eyes.
"You wish to reside in Greenwood." It was more of a statement then a question. Narelle glanced down at her hands before meeting her father's gaze. "Yes father," she said quietly.
"You came here for a reason, you intended it the entire time," said Lord Elrond. "Yes father," Narelle said with more confidence then before.
"How long do you wish to stay?"
"I do not know, it is not something I have put much thought into," replied Narelle. Lord Elrond nodded before rising from his chair and going to stand in the corner of the room, his back facing both Narelle and Lord Thranduil. Narelle cast a worried glance towards Lord Thranduil and then back to her father.
"Wanting to leave Imladris for a time I understand, but why not go to Lothlorien? Why here?" Lord Elrond questioned without turning around.
Narelle glanced and Lord Thranduil once again as if hoping he would answer. Sighing she began to answer her father. "I cannot answer that, for even I do not understand it. Father, something told me I must come here. It was a calling in my heart." Lord Elrond's eyes closed at her words. It was as if the most terrifying thing had happened to him. He opened his eyes slowly and brought his hand to his chin. Moments passed before he responded.
"I fear that it is not safe for you to stay here Narelle. Especially after what you have just told me. Yet, I do not believe that bringing you back to Imladris will keep you from venturing forth again." Lord Elrond then turned to look at his daughter. "I give you leave to stay here, in Greenwood the Great, but only for a time. Your mother is returning home by the next spring from Lothlorien, accompanying her will be Lady Galadriel. I must speak with both before we can determine any long stay here in Greenwood. But, until I have council with them you may reside here under the watch of Lord Thranduil."
Narelle stared back at her father in disbelief. She fought the smile that was threatening to spill upon her face and the wanting to jump up and hug her father. Instead she merely nodded her head and whispered, "Thank you." Lord Elrond nodded his head at her, knowing the thanks that she truly felt.
Lord Thranduil turned to Narelle and smiled softly. "Your father and I have business to attend to, you may leave." Narelle nodded and began for the door. Just before she reached it she turned to her father and smiled softly. He smiled back at her and motioned for her to exit the room. Narelle turned and left the chamber the moment her smile exploded upon her face.
************
Narelle walked quickly to her chambers hoping that she would find Nellie there awaiting her arrival. Instead, she found Nellie standing on a balcony not far from her chambers speaking with another elf. Narelle regained her composure before approaching them. Nellie glanced over to find Narelle walking towards her with a completely blank face. She quickly closed the space that separated her from Narelle before letting her question fall from her lips.
"Are you staying?" The question was asked with urgency. Narelle let a small smile creep onto her lips. Nellie's face immediately brightened. "Your father is allowing you to stay here, in Greenwood?" Nellie said quickly, her face exploding with happiness. Narelle laughed softly before replying, "Yes! I am to stay in Greenwood, but only until spring. My mother returns from Lothlorien then, accompanied by the Lady of the Wood. At this time my father shall decide if I am to stay longer or to return home."
"Even if it only be for a small time, the simple fact that you are to stay is splendid news," said Nellie.
"Yes, it is splendid news Nellie." Both maidens' heads shot over at the sound of another's voice.
"I hope to spend much time with you while you are to stay in my homeland." The figured continued as he walked towards then.
"My Lord," Narelle curtsied slightly as he placed a soft kiss upon the top of her hand, both never breaking eye contact. Legolas softly dropped Narelle's hand and smiled softly at her before turning to Nellie.
"We shall continue our conversation another time my friend." Nellie nodded at Legolas' words as he turned to walk off the balcony.
"Legolas, come to my chamber tonight after the palace has calmed, we shall talk then." Legolas threw his hand up in acknowledgment to Nellie's words before disappearing down the hall.
Nellie turned her gaze back to Narelle expecting to see two eyes looking at her. She was amazed to only find the side of Narelle's head. Frowning she followed Narelle's gaze, a smiled showed upon her face once she realized that the maiden's eyes were still locked upon the retreating form of the prince.
"I see I have discovered the thing that entranced you upon the balcony last night." Narelle's eyes shot to Nellie's.
"I do not know of what you speak," Narelle said simply. Nellie raised an eyebrow, a smirk spilling onto her face as she followed Narelle onto the hallway.
***********************
Narelle sighed as Nellie helped her into another gown. Tonight would be the last night that she would eat dinner with her father for nearly a year. Tonight she decided that she would not dress too formally; she was tired of gowns anyways. She longed for comfortable trousers and a nice tunic. Nellie left Narelle's hair completely down with only a small crown upon her head.
Narelle was awoken from her thoughts by a soft nock on her door. Nellie rushed over and swung it open. She quickly bowed once she realized it was Lord Elrond. Narelle frowned; it was far to early for her father to escort her to dinner.
"I wish to take a walk with you prior to dinner." Narelle nodded her head has her father answered her unspoken question. She walked gracefully to the door and looped her arm in her father's as he lead her out.
They walked silently for many moments before Narelle broke the silence.
"Thank you." The two words could barely be heard but they meant so much to the Lord. The words rung through Lord Elrond's ears for many minutes before they died down and he was able to answer.
"I only wish you happiness Narelle, if here is where you are happy then here you shall stay." His words were said softly; though he tried to hide it his sadness was easily shown.
"Why father are you so worried about me staying here?" Narelle asked suddenly. It had been a question that had plagued her mind since she last talked to her father. Lord Elrond's shoulders visibly fell at this question. He led Narelle over to a far balcony before turning to look at her.
"I cannot tell you Narelle, for it is what Lady Galadriel wished. You shall discover the entire truth when you are old enough to bare such a weight." Narelle went to speak but was silenced by Lord Elrond's hand. "I know this confuses you but you must trust the ones that love you and wait until the time is right." Narelle nodded at his words.
"I ask of you this one thing Narelle," Lord Elrond continued, " if anything strange is to happen send me a message immediately."
"Strange father?" Narelle asked with a confused look written across her face. "Narelle, I do not like your reasoning for coming here. Something was calling you? This worries me greatly. I feel that there is something evil hiding in this forest, the very thing that called you here."
"What do you mean father?" Narelle asked with a shaky voice. Lord Elrond took his daughter's hands in his own and looked deep into her eyes. " I simply mean be careful, use your head and stay out of trouble that you do not need to be in, and please, do not go deep into those woods." Narelle nodded at her father's words. She was confused beyond belief, but she knew her father was wiser then most and that she should heed his words.
"Come my daughter, dinner shall be served soon." Lord Elrond led Narelle towards the main hall, her hand in his.
**********************
The next morning Nellie awoke Narelle earlier then usual so she could see her father off. Dinner the night before was long and quiet. Legolas did not even attend. Lord Thranduil stated that he was scouting with a small party for the evening, but Legolas had wished Lord Elrond a safe journey home. The rest of the talk was small and unimportant; Narelle barely paid any attention.
Narelle easily awoke when Nellie came into her room. She quickly bathed and dressed before starting down towards the Greenwood gates to see her father off. Nellie went with her to keep her company and to say goodbye to the Lord as well. Narelle saw her father talking quietly with Lord Thranduil near the entrance to Greenwood. She gracefully walked over to the two Lords and curtsied while saying her good morning. Lord Thranduil said his last goodbye to Lord Elrond before turning and leaving the father and daughter alone.
"I thank you again father for casting your worries aside and allowing me to stay." Lord Elrond smiled softly at his daughter before placing his hand upon her cheek. Narelle did the same and whispered farewell. She let her hand drop when she heard him say the words as well. Lord Elrond then mounted his horse, his guards quickly following suit.
"Take care of my daughter Thranduil." And with these last words the Lord and his guards disappeared into the woods.