Chapter 6 – Facing the King of the Elves of Mirkwood
Legolas didn't sleep too well last night. He had thought of getting at least one answer about this stranger but he had made himself sleepless instead. An elf did not hear things wrongly, and even if he did, how could everyone else? But why did Narla spoke not the truth that she did call his name? Could she be a spy sent from far away lands? With all these doubts popping up in his mind, it's little wonder that Legolas was the first to arrive in his father's meeting hall. He was eager to know the truth, and surely the girl would not lie in front of his father.
Thranduil and Mirgom entered the hall not long after and were not surprised that Legolas had arrived before them. Thranduil sat in his seat in the middle of the hall and beside him another chair was brought in for the Prince. A few moments later they saw Faryndiel enter the hall with a fair maiden behind her.
"My Lord, here cometh Lady Narla," announced Faryndiel.
Narla did what she thought was appropriate in front of a king, she stepped forward and bowed before she looked into the eyes similar to the ones she had met last night.
It was obvious that the three Elves who had seen Narla the earlier day had expected a ragged girl in bizarre attire. Instead, standing before them was a lady who looked almost elfish! The word 'almost' must be used as she was wearing her belt bag, which was certainly not part of the elfish attire. Mirgom's jaw practically rolled down the steps while one of Thranduil's eyebrow shot up. Legolas sat quietly in his seat, his features emotionless.
The king stood and smiled at their guest, "I am Thranduil Greenleaf, King of the Elves of Eryn Lasgalen, this is my son, Legolas, and to my right is our trusted friend, Mirgom."
At this Mirgom bowed to Narla with a proud smile.
"I see that you have adjusted yourself in our ways of attire, fair guest. I would have spoken fair words of welcome, if I have known who you are."
Narla was glad of the presence of so little people, but somehow she felt that elves' ears could hear further than she thought. She hoped everything would go well...
"I am Narla Mayson, King Thranduil. I am grateful that you have shown kindness to my stay in your abode, but I need no words of welcome, for I was brought here against my wish."
And so her tale started with her falling through a black vortex and landing here from another world, a parallel universe some might say. She mentioned the storm and the darkness, and all this time, she could feel all eyes boring on her with ridicule. Her world consisted of only humans and animals and she purposely left out the part about the book. When Narla finished her tale the king gave a sudden hearty laugh and said,
"That is the most preposterous tale I have yet heard!" Then his eyes shone solemnly into hers, "yet, you do not look like you are deceiving me. I believe that you have much hidden in your eyes, but I would probe no more than you would willingly tell."
Legolas, shocked at his father's leniency, started with a bit of a frown, "But Father! You can't possibly-"
"Peace, my son. I know what I am thinking," cut in Thranduil, looking back at his son sternly.
"Now, Narla child, I know not of a way to return you to your home, but I do have a small request. I would like to know what that glowing blue stone on you is."
All eyes fell on Narla's sapphire pendant. They had thought it was just an accessory, until they noticed that it indeed was glowing. Narla covered the stone with her hand and answered,
"This is a family heirloom, King Thranduil. It was handed to me on my twenty-first birthday, which was yesterday. I know not of a glowing stone, this is a blue sapphire gem."
"May I ask who had handed it to you and whither did they attain it?" asked the King as the story of his friend's plight came back to him.
It appeared that Legolas was thinking of exactly the same thing, for he turned his head towards his father in a quizzical manner.
"My aunt gave it to me as my parents have passed away since I was young," replied Narla, clutching her pendant tighter, "where they have gotten this gem I will never know."
"Pardon an old man's impudence, Narla. For that gem puzzles me so. I may be hoping for the impossible, but...send in the messengers from Searia!"
Confused, Narla turned around to see two big people striding into the hall.
Both messengers bowed and Narla noticed they were of same height; both were as tall as the Elves. However, one was a middle-aged woman, though her features had been worn away by years exposed to dry air and sand. Her short brown hair flowed over her hazel eyes and she looked fierce. The other was a man of early 50's, with a dark gray beard and long hair slicked back. Both were muscular and sturdy, though dressed in elfish robes. However, the man seemed to build a cold air around him. The woman spoke in an odd accent Narla could not describe,
"King Thranduil, Irthal and Vortayn have come. Have you any tidings from Searia, My Lord?"
Standing up, Thranduil replied, "Unfortunately, I have brought you here with no tidings, Irthal of Sethorn. But I would like to ask you to examine the stone that this fair lady is holding, and tell me if it is not similar to the two magical gems which Lord Forques had acquired."
The woman called Irthal headed towards Narla. Narla backed away as the big woman approached, now holding her pendant with two hands. She had just received a gift from her parents after so long and she wasn't about to give it to them, no matter who they were. Irthal looked at Thranduil questioningly, and Thranduil told Narla,
"Fear not, for Irthal would only be examining your stone. It would be returned to you once she has observed it."
With no choice, Narla removed the chain over her head and handed Irthal her necklace. Irthal took it from her, giving her an assuring smile that it would be returned. Narla noticed that the woman didn't seem so fierce when she smiled. As Irthal brought the gem towards her partner for inspection, Narla felt insecure for her neck now felt empty, without the warmth of the stone.
Suddenly both messengers cried out with surprised joy, with Irthal holding the pendant high in her hand,
"My Lord, this stone is indeed one of the last two magical gems that we have longed sought! How did it come to the hands of this lass?"
Apparently, being called lass wasn't Narla idea of respect, so she leapt up and grabbed her chain back, pendant and all. In a moment of shock everyone stood silent as Narla fastened her necklace back around her neck.
Then Irthal's face wrinkled into one of confusion and anger, "What's this, lass? That gem is of great importance to us all and it is not a child's plaything! Hand it over!"
"No! This is mine and I am not handing this to anyone again!" cried Narla, extremely frustrated yet scared of the towering angry woman before her.
"Stop this nonsense! I would tolerate naught to destroy the peace in the House of Thranduil!"
With that, everyone turned at him. Legolas was now standing beside his father with a stern look on his face, while Mirgom was already at the bottom of the steps for he thought he might need to stop any violence if it occurred. Elves were known for their light hearts, but even they have their limits, especially if there was to be any disturbance to the peace or beauty in their own domains.
Thranduil was deep in thought and he broke the silence, "So it is true. Narla, would you please come with me to my study chamber with my son? I have a matter to discuss with you. As for Irthal and Vortayn, you would like to do some preparations for you would soon be departing for home. Mirgom, please escort the wise messengers to their rooms. Come."
Scowling for no more protest would be compromised, the messengers kept quiet, all the while staring at the gem. Narla didn't know which was worse, her soon-to-be discussion with the king or the sulking faces of the messengers as they were sent to prepare for departure. Whichever the case, Narla felt that she was more involved in this than she could have imagined.