Chapter 27

Legolas matched the glare of Luineroth the representative of the southern King who was contesting Lilluil's right to stay. If the negotiations failed they would still have time, it was autumn and southern elves wouldn't be able to stand the winter. However a thought nagged at his mind. Besides her status what was important enough for the Southern King to get involved? And while on that matter why was she headed for the ice elves?

"You are aware of our stand when it comes to this, arguing the authenticity of our beliefs has no weight here." He father stated.

Legolas stood to the right of the throne that his father sat on, Luineroth stood in the center of the room and Lilluil was sitting on a chair to his right, head bowed. They had to respect southern traditions as well, including the one where women didn't hold part in diplomatic discussions.

"Very well, that does still not alter the fact that she was betrothed to another southern elf at the time." He glanced at Lilluil, her head shook ever so slightly.

King Thranduil remained stoic. "Was she married yet?"

"No."

"Then as far as we are concerned she was single."

"But-"

"Then as far as we are concerned she was single."

"Yes Milord. But she is only a normal elf, she hardly has the training or the traits for such a marriage, it would be best if she simply returned to the south to marry one in her own class."

"Are you doubting the judgement of my son, the prince?"

"No, Milord. But-"

"Tell me if she is the insignificant maiden that you're describing why is it so vital that she return to the south?"

"…as I said she was betrothed Milord, to a nephew of the king. He had taken quite a fancy to her so naturally at her abduction he was quite upset."

Lilluil's hands were white as they sat clasped in her lap. "I see, and the king supports this because of that? I am sorry, but none of the reasons you've given me are substantial enough for me to uproot one of the longest traditions we've held to. She will be staying."

Luineroth fell to his knees. "Please let family at least say goodbye to her then? She was on her way to visit cousins in the mountains, at least let her have one last season amongst her family?"

Legolas glanced suspiciously at the man, it didn't seem plausible that he could go from demanding to pleading so easily. Even at the rate his father stripped down people's arguments this was unrealistically quick. "I shall allow her to visit her relatives in the north, but as for her southern family they are invited to visit her within my domain. You are also invited to attend the wedding when it takes place."

Luineroth rose slowly. "I suppose that shall have to do, thank you for your generosity your majesty." He bowed and was led out of the room. Legolas turned to Lilluil.

"How much of that was true?"

"I was not betrothed, to anyone to my knowledge."

"Why were you headed to your cousins?"

"They felt I needed a bit more teaching than they could provide down south."

"In what way exactly?" Probed Thranduil.

"I took a few liberties in the south they felt that my cousins could fix."

"What liberties."

"Smithing…?"

"Smithing?" Thranduil asked incredulously.

"Like my sword." She timidly pulled it out of the scabbard and handed it over for examination. Thranduil frowned at it for a moment feeling the weight and balance. Still frowning he flicked it in Legolas's direction. Legolas leaped backwards but two severed golden threads floated to the ground. "Ah." He beckoned her up and she quickly moved out of the way as he sliced at the chair. It passed through it without pause. He beckoned to a guard. "Draw your sword, and hold it." Idly he swung the blade downwards onto the other sword, there was faint friction but it passed through as well upon hitting the floor though it shattered. Lilluil winced. He shooed the guard.

"Very fine edge, very poor make. That was deliberate though wasn't it."

"Yes, it was."

He thought for a moment. "A while ago my spies in the south reported-"

"You have spies in the south?"

He glanced at her dully. "A while ago my spies in the south reported someone known as the 'master weaponsmith'. However the incident and details were quickly hushed but they managed to find out that it was in fact a she and could make blades like no other. She was called the weaponsmith because blades was all she could make, daggers, swords, axes but she was completely useless when it came to armor, shields and functioning tools, that wouldn't happen to be someone you know would it?"

"That's me, yes."

"Ah so that trip to your cousins where making weapons is looked upon as barbaric because of their cleansing power…was an effort to smite the skill."

"Yes."

He continued to stare at her. "And the whole reason that the southern king wants you back…"

"Yes?" She answered timidly.

He straightened in his chair and squared his shoulders. "That's all, you may go. Both of you." He made a shooing gesture.

"Thank you father."

"Thank you." Lilluil echoed.

He waved his hand. "Yes, yes. I couldn't very well have had him falling for a less beautiful girl now could I? Think of his children, with you he should be fine."