Chapter 7 ~ Minas Tirith
Her brother arrived in the morning two days after Legolas had left, which was a day or two earlier than she had expected. He said he had been informed by a messenger of Lord Legolas that the King had immediate need of him to take some documents and messages to Minas Tirith. Fuineth was relieved and thankful at what was a clear invention on Legolas's part to help her to leave Osgiliath all the quicker, though she did not doubt that the King had been party to it also.
On their way back to Minas Tirith the same day that he had arrived her brother turned to her and asked, "Did something happen while I was away?"
She tried to keep her composure. "No. Why do you ask?"
He shook his head. "I had the feeling that there was no urgent business for me here. King Elessar has given me a task he easily could have given to another – even one of Lord Faramir's men. Were you not happy at Osgiliath, sister?"
She looked at him, "What makes you say that?"
"You do not seem yourself, or at least you did not when I met you this morning. Yet now we are leaving you seem brighter somehow. Did I stay too long away? I know it is difficult since you do not know people here. It may be the King and Queen sensed it too and that is why I was sent for: to take you to Minas Tirith."
She nodded, "Perhaps."
"But no matter," he continued. "I am happy to be going back to the city for a little while and to see Elsbeth. And the King and Queen will be joining us soon I believe." He looked at his sister riding by his side, "You have made quite an impression on the Queen, so King Elessar tells me."
"Really?" she seemed surprised, though pleased. "It is true we have talked much, and she indeed asked me to be less formal in my speech with her, which touched me greatly. In truth she has shown me nothing by kindness, and I feel I love her dearly even in the short time I have known her."
"She is loved by all who meet her, and the King also. They have insisted that we stay here with them in the South at least until the spring. Would that be agreeable with you, Fuineth? I had thought of staying that length of time anyway, unless something called me away. I needs must travel to Rohan soon though, and it would be better if you could stay here while I am gone rather than have to leave early for me take you North first."
She nodded, and they fell into silence so that only the sound of the horses' hooves thudding quietly on the ground could be heard as dusk fell.
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After some few more days the King and Queen returned. No sooner had they arrived in Minas Tirith but Fuineth was summoned to the Queen's chambers.
"Fuineth," the Queen smiled and greeted her with a kiss on the cheek before Fuineth had time to curtsey.
"Oh! Your highness!" She was flustered.
Arwen laughed, "Oh forgive me, Fuineth, I have put you ill at ease and it was not my intention to do so. I am just so pleased to see you because I have news for you. Please, sit," and she indicated the space on the couch beside her. "I and the King have spoken, though in reality it is entirely my decision to choose as I see fit, but I wished to know his opinion and he thinks it an excellent idea." She paused, smiling broadly and her eyes bright with excitement. "You must of course not feel beholden in any way, my dear, and I wish you to be absolutely honest to me if you think you would not like it, but... I would like you to become one of my ladies-in- waiting. I have need of one more since it would seem Lotheliel is to be married soon."
She waited expectantly to see what Fuineth's reaction would be.
Fuineth had gasped as the Queen had spoken, since it was entirely unexpected, and such a magnanimous and sincere offer it nearly brought tears to her eyes. "Oh.. Thankyou, your highness, nothing could give me greater pleasure than to join your court. You do me a great honour, far more than I merit, in asking me to do so."
Arwen seemed delighted, "Then that is settled. Good, I am glad. I was worried you might have wished to return North, and I would have entirely understood if you had, but we travel North fairly frequently, as you know, to visit my father as well as Arnor. You will be able to travel with us, and at other times if needs be with your brother, of course." She paused, seeing that Fuineth was still a little bewildered, if smiling in delight. Arwen embraced her. "Truly I am glad. You will not be able to be so formal with me now," she grinned, "And for that alone it will be worth it. I will get your things moved to a room nearer to mine first thing tomorrow."
So it was settled: Fuineth was now a permanent fixture of the High Court of Minas Tirith. Her brother was nearly as delighted as she, particularly since his heart was now tied to the South. This meant they would not be parted so often or for so long, especially once he married.
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Nearly three weeks after her return to Minas Tirith there was great excitement in the Citadel. Ambassadors were coming from the South and from Lorien to meet the King on various matters. There was to be a banquet and a dance for the guests to which many had been invited including elves from Ithilien as well as the Lord Faramir with some of his lieutenants, though he and the Lady Eowyn excused themselves saying they regretfully could not attend (it was still too soon for them to contemplate such a thing especially since both Fuineth and Legolas would be there). Lord Legolas's coming was near guaranteed given that Haldir and his brothers were coming also, but Fuineth still wondered if he might just send his excuses and some representatives especially if he hadn't heard that Lord Faramir would not be coming.
Guests began to arrive a day or two before the day of the banquet. Two days before it the afternoon was spent in the Throne Room with the King and Queen as they received each party that had arrived so far. The two chief ambassadors of Prince Imrahil had arrived in the morning and were received first. Then came a few Gondorian nobles and lastly came the party from Ithilien. Two were the elves Fuineth had seen at Osgiliath, with their wives or betrothed, and there was also Ithilien's Captain of the Guard and two or three other elven nobles. And of course, much to her delight, there was Lord Legolas himself, still dressed in his green and brown travelling gear.
Aragorn stood to receive him, the first for whom he had done so, and even came down the steps from his throne to embrace him warmly. "Mae govannen, mellon nin." Still with Aragorn's arm on his shoulder Legolas turned to the Queen, murmured a greeting and, bowing, kissed her hand.
There was a general melee now in the throne room of guests, courtiers and servants. Old friends greeted each other and began gossiping or discussing matters of state till there was a general hubbub of chatter.
Fuineth found herself in conversation with two of the elves from Ithilien whom she had met when she had visited there with her brother. Another, who she didn't know, had joined their group and she was now listening to hurried chatter in Sindarin. Most of it she could catch if she concentrated hard enough, but with the noise around her she was having difficulty keeping up.
She had thought of looking around to find her brother when she heard a quiet voice in her right ear, "You must excuse my elven-brethren. They forget themselves sometimes and assume all the world can speak fluent Sindarin if not Quenya."
She laughed, turning towards the figure now stood beside her. "Welcome, Lord Legolas," she smiled.
"My Lady Fuineth," as he bent to kiss her hand.
Their eyes met once more, his sparkling still at their shared laughter at his comrades' expense who were still chattering, oblivious.
"I trust you had a pleasant journey here, my lord?"
"Well enough. I hear that you are to be congratulated. You are now a member of the Court of Minas Tirith I am told."
She blushed slightly, "I am still getting used to it, but yes. It is a great honour."
"It is indeed, but I am not surprised. I know Queen Arwen holds a strong affection for you," and his eyes met hers and held her gaze as he added softly, "And she was ever an excellent judge of character."
She smiled, "You flatter me too much, my lord."
"No indeed. But forgive me if I have over stepped my mark."
She shook her head, "Not at all, my lord. I only fear I do not deserve such praise." She smiled warmly and continued, "Are you to stay for the banquet and the dance?"
"But of course! That is the only reason I have come!" She laughed once more. "My lady, you know the elves and their ways well enough, do you think I would come all this way for aught else?" and he grinned as he spoke.
A messenger appeared at his elbow. "Forgive me, my Lord, but the King requests you meet him in his chambers as soon as you are able."
"Very well, I will be there presently." He turned back to her, "Forgive me, my lady, but the King calls."
"Of course."
"We will talk again soon enough I am sure. Till then, my lady." He bowed and turned to follow the messenger.
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As it happened they had little opportunity to meet that day. Even when they were in the same room it was in large company and he was always kept busy, as was she indeed, for there were many people she needed to meet and she was constantly being introduced to various guests, whether by the Queen, her brother or the other ladies-in-waiting, till trying to remember their names and their principalities or titles began to make her head spin.
As soon as she found herself alone for no more than a minute the following morning she took herself to the gardens that looked out over the city and the Pelennor and away East towards Mordor.
There was a wind, and her hair was blowing around her, but she was glad of it: the freshness and its bite. It helped her to clear her head a little and she breathed deep.
She heard a step behind her and she turned. For her to have heard his approach meant he must have deliberately wanted her to know of his presence.
"I do not wish to intrude, my Lady, but may I join you?"
"But of course, my lord. I would be glad of your company."
He smiled coming to stand next to her and look out over the city. "I stood here after the Battle of Pelennor Fields with your brother," he said after a little while, "before we rode to the Black Gate."
She could not be certain but she thought she could see his jaw tighten slightly as he spoke of it. "It must have been a terrible time," she said quietly, "There are some things my brother simply will not speak of, nor do I blame him."
Legolas nodded but did not reply at first. Then he looked at her, "You saw something of it at Helm's Deep, Lady Fuineth. Here it was worse. Much worse."
She could well believe it.
So they talked for some time of the War and those who had fallen and the heroic deeds done, his own no less than many others. After a little while they began to walk also, her head bowed slightly as she listened, looking at him now and then to catch the expression in his eye as he spoke or else to follow his direction as he pointed out this place or that in the landscape below them.
He in turn found her quiet interest companionable and it pleased him that he had found her here. He had wanted to talk with her some more the previous day, but everything had worked against it. They were moving on to lighter subjects now. She was telling him of the North and what she had thought of Rivendell and his brethren there. He delighted in hearing her talk of the elves in whose company she clearly took great pleasure. He found her well instructed and learned in their lore which surprised him a little.
"You know much, if you would forgive me saying so, Lady Fuineth, of elves and elvish lore. I know you are of the Dúnedain, but how came you by so much information in Rohan? The Rohirrim are a great and noble race, but insular and have had little contact with elves, as I heard and saw in their reaction to me when I came there."
She smiled, "My brother taught me much of what I knew. He is much older than I. I can barely remember my father, being but eight years old when he was killed and my mother took us South to her country. My brother was fourteen, and already learning much both from him and the other Dúnedain, indeed from the elves of Rivendell also. As soon as he was old enough he was travelling to the North, and would stay for months and months at a time. He went less after my mother died, but still would sometimes go leaving me with my uncle and his family..."
She trailed off, staring out over the city once more, suddenly reminded of how many had fallen and how much had been lost.
Legolas did not disturb her silence since he could guess where her mind was. Then at last he murmured quietly, "Much was sacrificed, but it was necessary, my lady. Without it..." he stopped. "But let us not think on it. What is done is done, and we are here and we have every reason to be happy and thank the Valar. Above all else we have a celebration to enjoy tomorrow do we not?"
He had made her laugh a little with that and he was glad. It moved him to see her so sad and thoughtful at times.
He turned his head to look at her, so pale and still, yet with a fire in her grey eyes that matched his own. She was tall, even for a Dúnedain, as was her brother, and her dark hair was flowing out behind her as she stood in the wind on the top of Minas Tirith, her mind elsewhere thinking of the stories she had heard told and the men and elves that had fallen here in times past. And it struck Legolas, perhaps not for the first time, that she was beautiful; but, a voice inside him said, a mortal.
He sighed, concerned by the feelings he suspected were growing within him. She turned to him on hearing it, and was about to speak, when they heard the sound of horses' hooves in the courtyard behind them.
"More guests, I do not doubt. I have to go, my lord, forgive me, but they will have need of me inside, especially if more ladies have arrived as I suspect they may have."
He smiled, "Of course. Let me walk with you back to the White Tower."
They walked quietly turning away from the relative peace of the scene below and heading to join the bustle and excitement in the Citadel once more.
As they entered the Place of the Fountain Legolas gave a cry. "Haldir!"
By the side of the white tree a tall, elegant elf had just got off his horse and he turned at Legolas's cry with a broad grin spreading over his face. The two elves who had arrived with him had turned also and all three began to stride towards Legolas. They greeted each other heartily, laughing and smiling to see each other again.
Fuineth watched for a moment then turned to enter the Tower when she heard her name called.
"Lady Fuineth?" Legolas was walking towards her now, the three elves following. "Lady Fuineth, allow me to introduce you to Haldir, Marchwarden of the Galadhrim of Lorien, and his brothers Orophin and Rúmil."
They bowed and she greeted them in Sindarin thus: "Well met, my lords. I am honoured to meet those of whom I have heard much, and whose deeds in the defence of Lorien are well known. You are most welcome to Minas Tirith."
They murmured their thanks and smiled, clearly surprised to hear her use elvish.
She could see Legolas grinning at her also and she tried to ignore him. "If you will excuse me, my lords, I suspect the Queen may have need of me and I needs must go. No doubt we shall meet once more, if not today then at the banquet tomorrow." They bowed once more.
As she left she felt him there behind her and turned back to see the Galadhrim were unburdening their horses while he was smiling at her. "I will see you later, I hope, my lady?"
She nodded, "Of that I am sure, my lord." He bowed and withdrew to join his friends.
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That afternoon there was again the formal reception of the guests so far. The Throne Room was filled with the arrivals from yesterday as the new arrivals were brought forward in their groups to greet the King and Queen. More Gondorian knights, including the Captains from Osgiliath, had arrived in the morning as well as three more lords from Dol Amroth. The Galadhrim were next: Haldir and his brothers were accompanied by four other elves, all representatives of Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel. Then came the Queen's brothers who, not having seen her for a little time, had taken the opportunity to visit. Rohan was represented by the Marshalls of the East and West Mark, Elfhelm and Erkenbrand, since the King himself was unable to attend. And last came three dwarves to represent their nearby dwarfhold in the Glittering Caves and Gimli of Gloin who was also otherwise engaged.
When Legolas had entered the hall and greeted the King and Queen he had moved to one side to stand with Fuineth and her brother. Túveren was delighted to see the twins whom he knew well. Fuineth herself had never met them properly before, despite their being at Helm's Deep and her few visits to Rivendell, and her brother and Legolas quickly introduced them. She then excused herself to greet the Rohirrim who were now stepping to one side from the thrones. They were pleased to see both her and her brother, and the four quickly formed a group talking excitedly as they brought the latest news from Rohan and Edoras.
Thus another few hours of chatter and introductions passed away. She could see Legolas as he moved from group to group, though spending most of his time now with the King and Queen, the twins and the Galadhrim as well as the elves from Ithilien. Often her brother would join them, and she realised that it was at events like this that she began to truly appreciate her brother's station among them all since he knew them all and was treated warmly by them. Being a Dúnedain, and one who had ridden with and fought beside Aragorn in the War, had done much for him and she was glad for his sake.
As the company began to drift away, excusing themselves for dinner engagements and prior meetings they must attend, Fuineth noticed Legolas approaching her. The Galadhrim and the twins had exited with the King and Queen and she imagined Legolas would join them. She smiled as he drew near, as did he.
"Lady Fuineth. Are you busy? Do I disturb you?"
"Not at all, my lord. Indeed I think the company are leaving, if slowly. The King and Queen have already left, so I am free to my own devises for some little while I believe."
He nodded. "I am surprised you had not met the Queen's brothers before now. Did you not meet them at Helm's Deep?"
"No, there was not enough time for me to be formally introduced then and they were always away the few times I visited Rivendell, though I had heard of them, of course, and they know my brother. They did so even before the War."
"So I hear. The Galadhrim were most impressed by your use of Sindarin, you know." He grinned, though she flushed a little.
"Well, I was trying to be courteous, I am sure my pronunciation is not what it should be, and I am by no means fluent."
He shook his head, "No, Lady Fuineth, you speak as one taught by the elves themselves, though I am sure it was all your brother's work, was it not?"
"Mostly, though father had already taught me quite a bit. The few songs I know my father taught me."
"Ah, yes. So you told me long ago: the Quenyan song of the elf-maid and her mortal love."
He was looking at her now with a gentle gaze straight into her eyes. There was no awkwardness as he spoke of it, and she did not feel any as she returned his look, stirred by the memory, "Yes my lord. That song is possibly all the Quenya I know, I must confess."
He nodded, never taking his eyes off her, and she realised he was closer now, speaking more softly so that no-one passing by would have heard whatever they may have been saying. "You must teach me it some day, if you are willing. That would please me greatly."
She looked at him, clearly surprised, "And me too, my lord, though I hesitate to teach such a one as you an elvish song..." She laughed softly.
"Why do you laugh, my lady? It is a beautiful song and I do not know it. How else will I learn it, if not from you?"
She nodded, "Of course, my lord. Forgive me. It's simply... the idea of a mortal teaching an elf Quenya songs..." and she broke off into a gentle peal of laughter once more.
He could not help but laugh too at the image of it. "Very well, my lady. We shall have to do it secretly, or else my reputation would be ruined," he said in mock seriousness and there was soft laughter from her once more.
They were both smiling, their eyes locked, but anyone looking closely might have seen something else within that gaze: something that even they themselves were probably not aware of. A light, or spark, or connection between them that only seemed to grow the more they smiled and the more they caught one another's glances.
There was a soft, brief silence before he said, still holding her gaze, "It gladdens my heart to hear your laugh, Lady Fuineth. You should laugh more often, it suits you."
She gave him a quizzical look, though still smiling, "Indeed, my lord? I had thought you to be one who liked seriousness above all else."
He looked surprised by this, "Have I really given you that impression? Then you must forgive me, my lady. I am an elf after all and nothing delights me more than music and song and beauty."
'And I see all of those in you,' he thought and he shocked himself by thinking it.
Something was in his eyes though as the thought came upon him, and she read it there even if she did not, in truth, realise what it was she saw. She felt herself flushing for no good reason, and yet she did not break her gaze from his, "Then, my lord, you must teach me of those things you admire, that I may best admire them also."
He nodded, "Of course, my lady. I would be honoured."
Again a moment of silence.
"Forgive me, Lady Fuineth. I am expected to join the King. I did not wish to do so without talking to you first. Perhaps we shall see each other again this evening?"
"I am invited to the house of my brother's betrothed this evening I fear, my lord."
"Ah," he seemed disappointed, "Fate has other plans, it would seem. Well then, I shall look forward to seeing you tomorrow."
She smiled, "Indeed, my lord. If I manage to take a walk in the gardens, perhaps I shall look for you there once more?"
He nodded, pleased by this idea. "Indeed, my lady, I shall endeavour to join you, though I cannot guarantee it. There will be many meetings and discussions tomorrow, I fear."
She nodded in her turn, "I understand, my lord. You had best go and join the King before they send someone to look for you."
He smiled. "Navaer, hiril nín," he said as he bowed.
"Navaer, hîr nín," she replied. He took her hand gently, kissed it and left to join the King.
mae govannen = well met; mellon nin = my friend; navaer = farewell; hiril nin = my lady; hir nin = my lord.
Her brother arrived in the morning two days after Legolas had left, which was a day or two earlier than she had expected. He said he had been informed by a messenger of Lord Legolas that the King had immediate need of him to take some documents and messages to Minas Tirith. Fuineth was relieved and thankful at what was a clear invention on Legolas's part to help her to leave Osgiliath all the quicker, though she did not doubt that the King had been party to it also.
On their way back to Minas Tirith the same day that he had arrived her brother turned to her and asked, "Did something happen while I was away?"
She tried to keep her composure. "No. Why do you ask?"
He shook his head. "I had the feeling that there was no urgent business for me here. King Elessar has given me a task he easily could have given to another – even one of Lord Faramir's men. Were you not happy at Osgiliath, sister?"
She looked at him, "What makes you say that?"
"You do not seem yourself, or at least you did not when I met you this morning. Yet now we are leaving you seem brighter somehow. Did I stay too long away? I know it is difficult since you do not know people here. It may be the King and Queen sensed it too and that is why I was sent for: to take you to Minas Tirith."
She nodded, "Perhaps."
"But no matter," he continued. "I am happy to be going back to the city for a little while and to see Elsbeth. And the King and Queen will be joining us soon I believe." He looked at his sister riding by his side, "You have made quite an impression on the Queen, so King Elessar tells me."
"Really?" she seemed surprised, though pleased. "It is true we have talked much, and she indeed asked me to be less formal in my speech with her, which touched me greatly. In truth she has shown me nothing by kindness, and I feel I love her dearly even in the short time I have known her."
"She is loved by all who meet her, and the King also. They have insisted that we stay here with them in the South at least until the spring. Would that be agreeable with you, Fuineth? I had thought of staying that length of time anyway, unless something called me away. I needs must travel to Rohan soon though, and it would be better if you could stay here while I am gone rather than have to leave early for me take you North first."
She nodded, and they fell into silence so that only the sound of the horses' hooves thudding quietly on the ground could be heard as dusk fell.
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After some few more days the King and Queen returned. No sooner had they arrived in Minas Tirith but Fuineth was summoned to the Queen's chambers.
"Fuineth," the Queen smiled and greeted her with a kiss on the cheek before Fuineth had time to curtsey.
"Oh! Your highness!" She was flustered.
Arwen laughed, "Oh forgive me, Fuineth, I have put you ill at ease and it was not my intention to do so. I am just so pleased to see you because I have news for you. Please, sit," and she indicated the space on the couch beside her. "I and the King have spoken, though in reality it is entirely my decision to choose as I see fit, but I wished to know his opinion and he thinks it an excellent idea." She paused, smiling broadly and her eyes bright with excitement. "You must of course not feel beholden in any way, my dear, and I wish you to be absolutely honest to me if you think you would not like it, but... I would like you to become one of my ladies-in- waiting. I have need of one more since it would seem Lotheliel is to be married soon."
She waited expectantly to see what Fuineth's reaction would be.
Fuineth had gasped as the Queen had spoken, since it was entirely unexpected, and such a magnanimous and sincere offer it nearly brought tears to her eyes. "Oh.. Thankyou, your highness, nothing could give me greater pleasure than to join your court. You do me a great honour, far more than I merit, in asking me to do so."
Arwen seemed delighted, "Then that is settled. Good, I am glad. I was worried you might have wished to return North, and I would have entirely understood if you had, but we travel North fairly frequently, as you know, to visit my father as well as Arnor. You will be able to travel with us, and at other times if needs be with your brother, of course." She paused, seeing that Fuineth was still a little bewildered, if smiling in delight. Arwen embraced her. "Truly I am glad. You will not be able to be so formal with me now," she grinned, "And for that alone it will be worth it. I will get your things moved to a room nearer to mine first thing tomorrow."
So it was settled: Fuineth was now a permanent fixture of the High Court of Minas Tirith. Her brother was nearly as delighted as she, particularly since his heart was now tied to the South. This meant they would not be parted so often or for so long, especially once he married.
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Nearly three weeks after her return to Minas Tirith there was great excitement in the Citadel. Ambassadors were coming from the South and from Lorien to meet the King on various matters. There was to be a banquet and a dance for the guests to which many had been invited including elves from Ithilien as well as the Lord Faramir with some of his lieutenants, though he and the Lady Eowyn excused themselves saying they regretfully could not attend (it was still too soon for them to contemplate such a thing especially since both Fuineth and Legolas would be there). Lord Legolas's coming was near guaranteed given that Haldir and his brothers were coming also, but Fuineth still wondered if he might just send his excuses and some representatives especially if he hadn't heard that Lord Faramir would not be coming.
Guests began to arrive a day or two before the day of the banquet. Two days before it the afternoon was spent in the Throne Room with the King and Queen as they received each party that had arrived so far. The two chief ambassadors of Prince Imrahil had arrived in the morning and were received first. Then came a few Gondorian nobles and lastly came the party from Ithilien. Two were the elves Fuineth had seen at Osgiliath, with their wives or betrothed, and there was also Ithilien's Captain of the Guard and two or three other elven nobles. And of course, much to her delight, there was Lord Legolas himself, still dressed in his green and brown travelling gear.
Aragorn stood to receive him, the first for whom he had done so, and even came down the steps from his throne to embrace him warmly. "Mae govannen, mellon nin." Still with Aragorn's arm on his shoulder Legolas turned to the Queen, murmured a greeting and, bowing, kissed her hand.
There was a general melee now in the throne room of guests, courtiers and servants. Old friends greeted each other and began gossiping or discussing matters of state till there was a general hubbub of chatter.
Fuineth found herself in conversation with two of the elves from Ithilien whom she had met when she had visited there with her brother. Another, who she didn't know, had joined their group and she was now listening to hurried chatter in Sindarin. Most of it she could catch if she concentrated hard enough, but with the noise around her she was having difficulty keeping up.
She had thought of looking around to find her brother when she heard a quiet voice in her right ear, "You must excuse my elven-brethren. They forget themselves sometimes and assume all the world can speak fluent Sindarin if not Quenya."
She laughed, turning towards the figure now stood beside her. "Welcome, Lord Legolas," she smiled.
"My Lady Fuineth," as he bent to kiss her hand.
Their eyes met once more, his sparkling still at their shared laughter at his comrades' expense who were still chattering, oblivious.
"I trust you had a pleasant journey here, my lord?"
"Well enough. I hear that you are to be congratulated. You are now a member of the Court of Minas Tirith I am told."
She blushed slightly, "I am still getting used to it, but yes. It is a great honour."
"It is indeed, but I am not surprised. I know Queen Arwen holds a strong affection for you," and his eyes met hers and held her gaze as he added softly, "And she was ever an excellent judge of character."
She smiled, "You flatter me too much, my lord."
"No indeed. But forgive me if I have over stepped my mark."
She shook her head, "Not at all, my lord. I only fear I do not deserve such praise." She smiled warmly and continued, "Are you to stay for the banquet and the dance?"
"But of course! That is the only reason I have come!" She laughed once more. "My lady, you know the elves and their ways well enough, do you think I would come all this way for aught else?" and he grinned as he spoke.
A messenger appeared at his elbow. "Forgive me, my Lord, but the King requests you meet him in his chambers as soon as you are able."
"Very well, I will be there presently." He turned back to her, "Forgive me, my lady, but the King calls."
"Of course."
"We will talk again soon enough I am sure. Till then, my lady." He bowed and turned to follow the messenger.
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As it happened they had little opportunity to meet that day. Even when they were in the same room it was in large company and he was always kept busy, as was she indeed, for there were many people she needed to meet and she was constantly being introduced to various guests, whether by the Queen, her brother or the other ladies-in-waiting, till trying to remember their names and their principalities or titles began to make her head spin.
As soon as she found herself alone for no more than a minute the following morning she took herself to the gardens that looked out over the city and the Pelennor and away East towards Mordor.
There was a wind, and her hair was blowing around her, but she was glad of it: the freshness and its bite. It helped her to clear her head a little and she breathed deep.
She heard a step behind her and she turned. For her to have heard his approach meant he must have deliberately wanted her to know of his presence.
"I do not wish to intrude, my Lady, but may I join you?"
"But of course, my lord. I would be glad of your company."
He smiled coming to stand next to her and look out over the city. "I stood here after the Battle of Pelennor Fields with your brother," he said after a little while, "before we rode to the Black Gate."
She could not be certain but she thought she could see his jaw tighten slightly as he spoke of it. "It must have been a terrible time," she said quietly, "There are some things my brother simply will not speak of, nor do I blame him."
Legolas nodded but did not reply at first. Then he looked at her, "You saw something of it at Helm's Deep, Lady Fuineth. Here it was worse. Much worse."
She could well believe it.
So they talked for some time of the War and those who had fallen and the heroic deeds done, his own no less than many others. After a little while they began to walk also, her head bowed slightly as she listened, looking at him now and then to catch the expression in his eye as he spoke or else to follow his direction as he pointed out this place or that in the landscape below them.
He in turn found her quiet interest companionable and it pleased him that he had found her here. He had wanted to talk with her some more the previous day, but everything had worked against it. They were moving on to lighter subjects now. She was telling him of the North and what she had thought of Rivendell and his brethren there. He delighted in hearing her talk of the elves in whose company she clearly took great pleasure. He found her well instructed and learned in their lore which surprised him a little.
"You know much, if you would forgive me saying so, Lady Fuineth, of elves and elvish lore. I know you are of the Dúnedain, but how came you by so much information in Rohan? The Rohirrim are a great and noble race, but insular and have had little contact with elves, as I heard and saw in their reaction to me when I came there."
She smiled, "My brother taught me much of what I knew. He is much older than I. I can barely remember my father, being but eight years old when he was killed and my mother took us South to her country. My brother was fourteen, and already learning much both from him and the other Dúnedain, indeed from the elves of Rivendell also. As soon as he was old enough he was travelling to the North, and would stay for months and months at a time. He went less after my mother died, but still would sometimes go leaving me with my uncle and his family..."
She trailed off, staring out over the city once more, suddenly reminded of how many had fallen and how much had been lost.
Legolas did not disturb her silence since he could guess where her mind was. Then at last he murmured quietly, "Much was sacrificed, but it was necessary, my lady. Without it..." he stopped. "But let us not think on it. What is done is done, and we are here and we have every reason to be happy and thank the Valar. Above all else we have a celebration to enjoy tomorrow do we not?"
He had made her laugh a little with that and he was glad. It moved him to see her so sad and thoughtful at times.
He turned his head to look at her, so pale and still, yet with a fire in her grey eyes that matched his own. She was tall, even for a Dúnedain, as was her brother, and her dark hair was flowing out behind her as she stood in the wind on the top of Minas Tirith, her mind elsewhere thinking of the stories she had heard told and the men and elves that had fallen here in times past. And it struck Legolas, perhaps not for the first time, that she was beautiful; but, a voice inside him said, a mortal.
He sighed, concerned by the feelings he suspected were growing within him. She turned to him on hearing it, and was about to speak, when they heard the sound of horses' hooves in the courtyard behind them.
"More guests, I do not doubt. I have to go, my lord, forgive me, but they will have need of me inside, especially if more ladies have arrived as I suspect they may have."
He smiled, "Of course. Let me walk with you back to the White Tower."
They walked quietly turning away from the relative peace of the scene below and heading to join the bustle and excitement in the Citadel once more.
As they entered the Place of the Fountain Legolas gave a cry. "Haldir!"
By the side of the white tree a tall, elegant elf had just got off his horse and he turned at Legolas's cry with a broad grin spreading over his face. The two elves who had arrived with him had turned also and all three began to stride towards Legolas. They greeted each other heartily, laughing and smiling to see each other again.
Fuineth watched for a moment then turned to enter the Tower when she heard her name called.
"Lady Fuineth?" Legolas was walking towards her now, the three elves following. "Lady Fuineth, allow me to introduce you to Haldir, Marchwarden of the Galadhrim of Lorien, and his brothers Orophin and Rúmil."
They bowed and she greeted them in Sindarin thus: "Well met, my lords. I am honoured to meet those of whom I have heard much, and whose deeds in the defence of Lorien are well known. You are most welcome to Minas Tirith."
They murmured their thanks and smiled, clearly surprised to hear her use elvish.
She could see Legolas grinning at her also and she tried to ignore him. "If you will excuse me, my lords, I suspect the Queen may have need of me and I needs must go. No doubt we shall meet once more, if not today then at the banquet tomorrow." They bowed once more.
As she left she felt him there behind her and turned back to see the Galadhrim were unburdening their horses while he was smiling at her. "I will see you later, I hope, my lady?"
She nodded, "Of that I am sure, my lord." He bowed and withdrew to join his friends.
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That afternoon there was again the formal reception of the guests so far. The Throne Room was filled with the arrivals from yesterday as the new arrivals were brought forward in their groups to greet the King and Queen. More Gondorian knights, including the Captains from Osgiliath, had arrived in the morning as well as three more lords from Dol Amroth. The Galadhrim were next: Haldir and his brothers were accompanied by four other elves, all representatives of Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel. Then came the Queen's brothers who, not having seen her for a little time, had taken the opportunity to visit. Rohan was represented by the Marshalls of the East and West Mark, Elfhelm and Erkenbrand, since the King himself was unable to attend. And last came three dwarves to represent their nearby dwarfhold in the Glittering Caves and Gimli of Gloin who was also otherwise engaged.
When Legolas had entered the hall and greeted the King and Queen he had moved to one side to stand with Fuineth and her brother. Túveren was delighted to see the twins whom he knew well. Fuineth herself had never met them properly before, despite their being at Helm's Deep and her few visits to Rivendell, and her brother and Legolas quickly introduced them. She then excused herself to greet the Rohirrim who were now stepping to one side from the thrones. They were pleased to see both her and her brother, and the four quickly formed a group talking excitedly as they brought the latest news from Rohan and Edoras.
Thus another few hours of chatter and introductions passed away. She could see Legolas as he moved from group to group, though spending most of his time now with the King and Queen, the twins and the Galadhrim as well as the elves from Ithilien. Often her brother would join them, and she realised that it was at events like this that she began to truly appreciate her brother's station among them all since he knew them all and was treated warmly by them. Being a Dúnedain, and one who had ridden with and fought beside Aragorn in the War, had done much for him and she was glad for his sake.
As the company began to drift away, excusing themselves for dinner engagements and prior meetings they must attend, Fuineth noticed Legolas approaching her. The Galadhrim and the twins had exited with the King and Queen and she imagined Legolas would join them. She smiled as he drew near, as did he.
"Lady Fuineth. Are you busy? Do I disturb you?"
"Not at all, my lord. Indeed I think the company are leaving, if slowly. The King and Queen have already left, so I am free to my own devises for some little while I believe."
He nodded. "I am surprised you had not met the Queen's brothers before now. Did you not meet them at Helm's Deep?"
"No, there was not enough time for me to be formally introduced then and they were always away the few times I visited Rivendell, though I had heard of them, of course, and they know my brother. They did so even before the War."
"So I hear. The Galadhrim were most impressed by your use of Sindarin, you know." He grinned, though she flushed a little.
"Well, I was trying to be courteous, I am sure my pronunciation is not what it should be, and I am by no means fluent."
He shook his head, "No, Lady Fuineth, you speak as one taught by the elves themselves, though I am sure it was all your brother's work, was it not?"
"Mostly, though father had already taught me quite a bit. The few songs I know my father taught me."
"Ah, yes. So you told me long ago: the Quenyan song of the elf-maid and her mortal love."
He was looking at her now with a gentle gaze straight into her eyes. There was no awkwardness as he spoke of it, and she did not feel any as she returned his look, stirred by the memory, "Yes my lord. That song is possibly all the Quenya I know, I must confess."
He nodded, never taking his eyes off her, and she realised he was closer now, speaking more softly so that no-one passing by would have heard whatever they may have been saying. "You must teach me it some day, if you are willing. That would please me greatly."
She looked at him, clearly surprised, "And me too, my lord, though I hesitate to teach such a one as you an elvish song..." She laughed softly.
"Why do you laugh, my lady? It is a beautiful song and I do not know it. How else will I learn it, if not from you?"
She nodded, "Of course, my lord. Forgive me. It's simply... the idea of a mortal teaching an elf Quenya songs..." and she broke off into a gentle peal of laughter once more.
He could not help but laugh too at the image of it. "Very well, my lady. We shall have to do it secretly, or else my reputation would be ruined," he said in mock seriousness and there was soft laughter from her once more.
They were both smiling, their eyes locked, but anyone looking closely might have seen something else within that gaze: something that even they themselves were probably not aware of. A light, or spark, or connection between them that only seemed to grow the more they smiled and the more they caught one another's glances.
There was a soft, brief silence before he said, still holding her gaze, "It gladdens my heart to hear your laugh, Lady Fuineth. You should laugh more often, it suits you."
She gave him a quizzical look, though still smiling, "Indeed, my lord? I had thought you to be one who liked seriousness above all else."
He looked surprised by this, "Have I really given you that impression? Then you must forgive me, my lady. I am an elf after all and nothing delights me more than music and song and beauty."
'And I see all of those in you,' he thought and he shocked himself by thinking it.
Something was in his eyes though as the thought came upon him, and she read it there even if she did not, in truth, realise what it was she saw. She felt herself flushing for no good reason, and yet she did not break her gaze from his, "Then, my lord, you must teach me of those things you admire, that I may best admire them also."
He nodded, "Of course, my lady. I would be honoured."
Again a moment of silence.
"Forgive me, Lady Fuineth. I am expected to join the King. I did not wish to do so without talking to you first. Perhaps we shall see each other again this evening?"
"I am invited to the house of my brother's betrothed this evening I fear, my lord."
"Ah," he seemed disappointed, "Fate has other plans, it would seem. Well then, I shall look forward to seeing you tomorrow."
She smiled, "Indeed, my lord. If I manage to take a walk in the gardens, perhaps I shall look for you there once more?"
He nodded, pleased by this idea. "Indeed, my lady, I shall endeavour to join you, though I cannot guarantee it. There will be many meetings and discussions tomorrow, I fear."
She nodded in her turn, "I understand, my lord. You had best go and join the King before they send someone to look for you."
He smiled. "Navaer, hiril nín," he said as he bowed.
"Navaer, hîr nín," she replied. He took her hand gently, kissed it and left to join the King.
mae govannen = well met; mellon nin = my friend; navaer = farewell; hiril nin = my lady; hir nin = my lord.
